BOOKS AND MONOGRAPHS
Adams, M.A., M.A. Oommen, and A. Sridhar (eds.). 2018. Contested cultures: knowing, using and conserving the wild. Seminar Magazine, February 2018.
Oommen, M.A. 2017. Understanding conservation challenges: investigating conflict in a forest-agriculture fringe in southern India using multidisciplinary approaches. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Technology, Sydney.
Sridhar, A. and M.A. Oommen. 2014. Representing Knowledge: LEK and Natural Resource Governance in India. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Dakshin Foundation. 192 pages.
Bawa, K. S., R. Primack and M. A. Oommen. 2011. Conservation Biology: A Primer for South Asia (book). Universities Press.
JOURNAL ARTICLES AND BOOK CHAPTERS
Oommen, M.A. Forthcoming. The pig and the turtle: an ecological reading of ritual and taboo from ethnographic accounts of Andamanese hunter-gatherers.
Oommen, M.A. Forthcoming. Conflict, coexistence and conservation: cultural and material entanglements between people and pigs in India. In, Nature's Present, Mahesh Rangarajan et al. eds.
Oommen, M.A. and K. Shanker. 2021. Signals from the hunt: widening the spectrum on male pursuits of dangerous animals. Journal of Anthropological Research 7(7)3, Fall, 2021. doi.org/10.1086/715404
Oommen, M.A. 2021. Beasts in the garden: human-wildlife coexistence in India's past and present. Frontiers in Conservation Science. doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2021.703432
Shanker, K. and M.A. Oommen. 2021. The authoritarian biologist reloaded and deep ecology redux: conservation imperialism and the control of knowledge, money, and space. In, 'A Functioning Anarchy? Essays for Ramachandra Guha', eds. Srinath Raghavan and Nandini Sundar. Pp. 37-54, Penguin Random House.
Oommen, M.A. 2021. Colonial pig-sticking, imperial agendas and natural history in the Indian subcontinent. The Historical Journal 64(3): 626-649. doi.org/10.1017/S0018246X20000308
Assaga, F. et al. and M.A. Oommen. 2021. Operationalising the “One Health” approach in India: facilitators of and barriers to effective cross-sector convergence for zoonoses prevention and control. BMC Public Health doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11545-7
Assaga, F. et al. and M.A. Oommen. 2021. ‘None of my ancestors ever discussed this disease before!’ How disease information shapes adaptive capacity of marginalised rural populations in India. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009265
Shanker, K. and M.A. Oommen. 2020. India's strategies for conservation and sustainability. In, 'India's Marathon: Reshaping the Post-Pandemic World Order (Kotasthane, P., A. Kanisetti, N. Pai eds.) Takshashila Institution Press, 336 pages.
Purse, B. et al. and M.A. Oommen. 2020. Predicting disease risk areas through co-production of spatial models: the example of Kyasanur Forest Disease in India’s forest landscapes. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 17(4): e0008179.
Oommen, M.A., R. Cooney, M. Ramesh, M. Archer, D. Brockington, B. Buscher, R. Fletcher, D.J.D. Natusch, A.T. Vanak, G. Webb and K. Shanker. 2019. The fatal flaws of compassionate conservation. Conservation Biology 33(4): 784-787.
Oommen, M.A. 2019. The elephant in the room: histories of place, memory and conflict with wildlife along a southern Indian forest fringe. Environment and History 25: 269-300.
Oommen, M.A. and M. Ramesh. 2019. Tides of change in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Ecology, Economy and Society 2(1): 145-149.
Oommen, M.A. 2017. Famine and elephants: remembering place-making along a southern Indian forest fringe. In: 'Telling Environmental Histories: Intersections of Memory, Narrative and Environment' (K. Holmes and H. Goodall, eds.), Palgrave Studies in World Environmental History. Palgrave Macmillan.
Shanker, K., M.A. Oommen and N.D. Rai. 2017. Changing natures: a democratic and dynamic approach to biodiversity conservation. In: Alternative Futures: India Unshackled. (Eds. A. Kothari et al.).
Jaini, M., S. Advani, K. Shanker, M.A. Oommen, N. Namboothri. 2017. History, culture, infrastructure and export markets shape fisheries and reef accessibility in India's contrasting oceanic islands. Environmental Conservation 45(1): 41-48.
Oommen, M. A. 2012. Treeshrews of south Asia. In: Mammals of South Asia (Eds. A.J.T Johnsingh and N. Manjrekar). Universities Press & Orient Longman.
Oommen, M. A. and K. Shanker. 2010. Shrewd alliances: Context dependant foraging associations between treeshrews, greater racket-tailed drongos and sparrowhawks on Great Nicobar Island. Biology Letters 6(3):304-307.
Oommen, M. A. and K. Shanker. 2008. Ecology and behaviour of an endemic treeshrew (Tupaia nicobarica Zelebor, 1869) on Great Nicobar Island, India. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 105(1):55-63.
Oommen, M. A. and K. Shanker. 2005. Regional species richness patterns emerge from multiple local scale mechanisms in Himalayan plants. Ecology 86:3039–3047.
Oommen, M.A. 2018. Endangered enemies: culture, history and human-wildlife conflict. White Horse Press Blog, available at https://whitehorsepress.blog/2018/04/10/endangered-enemies-culture-history-and-human-wildlife-conflict/
Oommen, M.A. 2018. Book review. Jairam Ramesh. Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature. History and Sociology of South Asia 12(1): 1-4.
Oommen, M.A. 2018. Book review. Madhu Ramnath. Woodsmoke and Leaf cups: Autobiographical Footnotes on the Anthropology of the Durwa. Seminar, February 2018.
Oommen, M.A. 2017. Friction along the fringe. Seminar Special Issue: Nature's Present: Dilemmas, Conflicts, Opportunities (M. Rangarajan et al. Eds).
Oommen, M.A. and A. Sridhar. 2014. A place for knowledge: tracing natural resource governance from the late colonial to contemporary India. In, Representing Knowledge: LEK and Natural Resource Governance in India. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Dakshin Foundation. 192 pages.
Oommen, M.A. and M. Adams (eds.) 2013. Special Issue on Indigenous Knowledge, Current Conservation 7(1):32-35.
Advani, S. et al. and M. A. Oommen. 2013. Marine Fisheries in the Andaman Islands: An Account of their Emergence and Transformation. Dakshin Foundation, Bangalore and Andaman Nicobar Environment Team, Port Blair.
Advani, S. et al. and M. A. Oommen. 2012. Taking it from the top: Managing apex predator fisheries in India. Position paper for CBD-COP 11. Dakshin Foundation, Bengaluru and Foundation for Ecological Security, Anand.
Oommen, M. A. 1996. Biodiversity and sustainability of the Upper Beas Basin, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh – M.A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University.
'Before we blame the forest-dwellers...' - The Hindu, 2020 (with Kartik Shanker)
'Engaging communities in resource monitoring: The political ecology of science as the language of power' - Radicalecological democarcy.org, 2018
'Hunting for solutions: on trophy hunting' – The Hindu, 2017 (with Kartik Shanker)
'Human-wildlife conflict: the new wildlife action plan is an inclusive start to a long journey' – The Hindustan Times, 2017
'Islands in Peril: Develop and Perish? Great Nicobar Island' - The Hindu, 2012
'Shrewd Alliances' – Sanctuary Asia, 2010
'Mountain Men' – Current Conservation, 2009
'Mathe Budda' – Current Conservation, 2009
'Nicobars' - The edge of the world', Sanctuary Asia, 2003
Elephants and people: place memory and conflict along a southern Indian forest fringe. Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. 17 December 2019.
Circumventing the wild boar: human entanglements with an obligate opportunist AAS in Asia, New Delhi, 5-8 July 2018.
Tracing conflict: integrating interdisciplinary understandings to inform human-wildlife conflict. Opportunities and Challenges: Symposium on Environment, Flame University, Pune, 15 March 2018.
Fear and hunger on the forest fringe: the long reach of Travancore's famine. Workshop on Famine Stories and Survival Legends: Legacies to the following generations. Third CMPOT Workshop, Uppsala University, Sweden, 28th September - 1st October 2017.
Simplifying predictions of species-habitat relationships for diverse tropical hotspots: a case study from India. The Summer Institute on Bounded Rationality, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, 27 June - 5th July 2016.
The elephant in the room: settler memories of famine and wildlife conflict underlie resistance to conservation in a southern Indian forest fringe, 2016 Oral History Association Annual Meeting, October 12-16, Long Beach, California.
Exploring multidisciplinary possibilities in understanding human-wildlife conflict along a forest-agriculture fringe in the Western Ghats hotspot in southern India, 27th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Montpellier, 2-6 August 2015.
Linking historical contexts with conservation: stakeholder engagements with place in a forest fringe landscape in the Western Ghats mountains of southern India. International Congress of Historical Geographers, Royal Geographic Society, London, 5-10 July, 2015.
The persistence of memory: understanding stakeholder links to place, experience and conservation conflict along a southern Indian forest fringe. Invited talk, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi, 22nd May 2015.
Unequal burdens: Environmental justice in settler landscapes along southern Kerala's forest fringe. Invited talk at, 'Interrogating Environmental Justice' Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the World's Worst Industrial Disaster, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Centre for Cosmopolitan Civil Societies, UTS, Sydney, November 10 & 11, 2014.


Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Read from December 07, 2015 to January 31, 2016
I loved Walking Disaster as much as Beautiful Disaster. The passion Travis Maddox has for the people he loves had me swooning more than a few times and I’m sad the book is over. For a guy I started out hating, I’ve certainly made a complete turn around and can’t seem to get enough of him now.
My all time favourite point in this book happens just after the Thanksgiving dinner at the Maddox’s and Travis has brought Abby home. He returns to his father’s house, desolate and depressed to the core, and his brothers are there waiting for him. They surround him and place their hands on him in silent support. The moment was perfect and I wanted to cry! Seeing how much Travis has needed his brothers after the loss of his mother didn’t really hit me in the chest until this moment.
The epilogue was like the icing on the cake and I enjoyed this glimpse into the future. Overall, a fantastic read! Highly recommended. I need more Travis!!
Head on over to Goodreads and follow along as I start Built by Jay Crownover or, even better, read along with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts as you update your reading status. Can’t wait to start this one! Happy reading!


In an effort to keep my writing skills up to par and to keep up on blogging, my friend Nicki and I have decided to do a prompt fueled Wednesday every couple of weeks that we’re calling “Writing Wednesdays” (yay alliteration!!)
Here is how it works: This will be a semi-monthly feature here and at Nicki’s Blog. On the first and third Wednesday of every month we’ll post a prompt that we’ve either found or thought up ourselves along with our drabble for said prompt. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in, all we ask is that you link back to one of us on your own Writing Wednesday posts.
Also, be sure that you comment on this post with a link to your own post so that everyone can check out the other blogger’s stories.
PROMPT: There Was Too Much Dust
The first thing I heard was the creaking of the floorboards under someone’s weight. It was a slow groan that echoed through the rest of the house. I half expected the culprit to call it in and return to where he or she came from. Alas, I was not that lucky.
Soft whispers carried down the corridor of the long emptied house. Shushing and whispered yelling followed as the intruders began making their way into my house.
I had visitors often. It wasn’t my choice. It seemed that the local youth thought it would be funny to test their bravery by going into the deserted Isaac’s house. Not caring that someone actually lived here.
If you could call what I do living.
I let out a disgruntled sigh and stood from the chair I had been seated at in my room. Soundlessly I walked across the room toward my door watching as the beams from the intruder’s flashlight blinked across the doorways.
They wouldn’t see me. No one ever saw me.
“Lydia.” A female voice cracked, terror obvious in the sound.
“Shhhhh!” a second and more confident female voice quickly replied.
“Lydia. I don’t think we should be here. It’s giving me the heebie jeebies.” As she spoke the light in the hallway outside my room shook.
“Jen! Come on. Its just a house.”
But it wasn’t just a house. It’s never just a house.
I peeked around the door frame of my room toward the light at the end of the hallway. The outline of two figures shown behind the lights. One figure stood tall and seemed to be bouncing with excitement, while the other was hunched around her flashlight looking as if she were ready to drop it and run out at any moment.
“Jen, do you know the story of this house?” Lydia asked, pointing it at her friend causing her to jump and back up against a wall. Jen just shook her head her mouth opening and closing with no words coming out.
Lydia let out a giggle that sent chills down even my spine and held the flashlight against her chin in the classic scary story fashion.
“A long time ago,” Lydia started.
“Actually, it was just a few years ago, but whatever,” I corrected her, talking only to myself as I continued to spy on the intruders of my home.
“A young man, of about 20.”
“21.” I corrected again.
“Named Henry Isaacs lived in this house with his parents. One day, Henry and his parents were driving down a country road on their way to visit a relative in a distant city when Henry realized he forgot something very important back at home…” Lydia continued with the story.
“What did he forget?” Jen piped up, now pulled into Lydia’s web of storytelling.
“He forgot his grandfather’s pocket watch. You see, Henry never went anywhere without it, it was like a security blanket for him. So, it was very important for him to have it.”
I gulped down a boulder in my throat. This was unlike any version of the story I had heard from previous intruders.
Primarily because so far (with the exception of how long ago it was and my age), it was correct. I looked back at the chair I had risen from, on the table next to it was a pocket watch. One that was covered in a thick layer of dust.
“His parents turned around, knowing how important this pocket watch was to him. On their way back, they were pushed off the road and into a frozen lake. The only person who was able to be pulled out of the water was Henry.”
I could feel myself shaking as I listened to the story. The walls in the house creaked as I continued to listen to Lydia tell the story. Tell my story…
I heard the floorboards creak again as the lights got closer and closer to my room. Lydia continued with her story as she she approached.
“Henry was unconscious for three months.” She continued, now standing in the doorway of my room. I stood in front of the girls as they glanced around the room. The girl, Lydia, looked right at me, took a deep breath and stepped right through me.
“After three months, Henry passed away. But it’s said he still resides in this house, just trying to get his pocket watch.” Lydia touched a finger to the brass pocket watch on the table. Wiping the dust from it to reveal the inscription.
For times when you think time isn’t on your side. Just know, I always will be.
I screamed for her to stop touching it.
But they didn’t see me. No one ever saw me.
There was just too much dust.
The prompt for next time will be: First Line- “It was the only road out of town but in retrospect, taking it was a terrible decision.” on September 17th.
You can find Nicki’s post here.
Please leave comments, future ideas and links to your own posts below! We’d love to see what you come up with.


Haggling with the greengrocer, grocer, and butcher so that her ears burned, Della only collected a dollar and eighty-five cents.
With these pennies she had to buy Jim a Christmas present.
Jim and Della were renting a furnished apartment whose furnishings were not so much blatant poverty, but rather eloquent poverty. Jim's earnings had recently declined considerably, and the young couple had not had an easy time. The family had two treasures: Della's luxurious hair, before which the jewels of the Queen of Sheba herself would pale, and Jim's gold watch, which King Solomon himself would have envied.
After a few tears of disappointment, Della stared into the narrow truce, and a brilliant idea occurred to her. She dressed quickly, went outside, and soon stopped near a sign for "All Kinds of Hair Products." For twenty dollars she sold her luxurious braids and used the proceeds to buy Jim a platinum chain for his watch.
When she returned home, Della was suddenly afraid that her husband would dislike her with this short haircut, and she "set about repairing the damage done by generosity combined with love. She heated a pair of tongs, curled her hair into fine curls, and looked remarkably like a boy who had escaped from school.
When Jim came home, frozen without gloves, he looked at his wife with either surprise or horror or anger. Neither the new haircut nor any other reason could have made Jim dislike his wife, but he could not fathom the fact that Della no longer had cos. At last Jim pulled out a bundle containing a set of tortoiseshell combs with shiny stones - the object of Della's secret desires. In return, she presented her husband with the chain. But her gift, like Jim's, had to be hidden for now: Jim had pawned the watch to buy his wife the combs.
...Of all the givers, these two were the wisest. Of all those who give and receive gifts, only those like them are truly wise. Everywhere and everywhere. They are the wise men.
The retelling is based on a translation by E. Kalashnikova from The Works of O. Henry in Three Volumes (M.: Pravda, 1975).


Beta: goldvermilion87 (Awesome! All Hail!)
Fandom: AU (BBC Sherlock & Harry Potter Crossover)
Characters: John Watson (aged 11 years), Hogwarts students, Sherlock Holmes (Durmstrang exchange student).
Disclaimers: My Muse is giving me a tour of an Alternate Universe. Hogwarts and its settings belong to J.K.Rowling; BBC Sherlock characters belong to Moffat & Gatiss (with a nod and a wink to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle); if there is anything left, it might be mine.
Summary: Muggle-born John Watson is having a hard time adjusting to his new life at Hogwarts School. Sherlock thinks that 'retail therapy' in Diagon Alley might be fun.
Warnings: Alternate Universe and ART!FLAIL
Word Count: 2750 plus dubious ART
A Study in Slytherin is my crossover alternate universe where we meet the BBC Sherlock characters as children in the J.K. Rowling Hogwarts universe.
John Watson is in his first year at Hogwarts School and he is being bullied because he is in Slytherin (NO WAY, you say... but it makes sense if you read A Study in Slytherin: The Chat in the Hat.) Sherlock is the boy-genius exchange student from Durmstrang. Also in this series: A Study in Slytherin: How to Train Your Broomstick.
Now, this story is set after John and Sherlock have been introduced, but before they become good friends.
Feedback is always appreciated
There was not much to do at Hogwarts School on Saturday mornings so Sherlock welcomed this little puzzle. Five sets of running foot prints ended at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Four people had stopped, but not the fifth. The trainers of the one being chased had plunged down the path without pausing. Sherlock smiled. The bigger students had not managed to catch John this time.
Sherlock paused for a look around before trailing the footprints deeper into the woods. Their spacing and depth told him that John had slowed to a walk and was being careful with his steps. Sherlock slowed as well, exercising caution. Suddenly, in a cluster of trees, the footprints just stopped. He looked around the base of the trees, when... THOK! An acorn bounced off his head.
‘Very funny, John.’ Sherlock said as he looked up into the lower branches. If John had not smiled and waved, Sherlock was not sure he would have been able to spot him. John climbed higher.
‘Wingardium Leviosa is a simple charm, John. I would be happy to teach it to you,’ he called up.
‘That’s all right. I already know it. We learned it last month,’ John replied, reaching for a higher branch.
‘Its permutations are infinitely useful. You could levitate and you would not have to climb these stupid trees.’
‘I like climbing. And trees aren’t stupid. Some of them are...’
Tell that to the whomping willow! John snorted as he tested the next branch and pulled himself higher still. Now he could see the turrets of Hogwarts and the glimmer of the lake. Sherlock muttered the self-levitation charm and drifted up to John’s level.
‘I’m going to London. Do you want to come?’
‘There are no trains today.’
‘Don’t be an idiot. Trains take too long. I’m going to apparate.’
John nearly lost his grip on the branch in surprise.
‘Sherlock, you can’t apparate!’
‘Why not?’ he grinned.
‘For one: you’re underage, so it’s illegal. Two: it’s dangerous. And three: we’re still on Hogwarts property. Nobody can apparate or disapparate in or out of Hogwarts.’
‘Really, John? How predictable! The law prohibiting minors from apparating is centuries out of date. And it’s not dangerous if you know what you’re doing. Oh, and technically, since we are in the Forbidden Forest, we are no longer on Hogwarts’ property. Speaking of which, what part of forbidden don’t you understand? Were you not expressly forbidden from entering the Forbidden Forest on more than one occasion?’
‘That’s different. You know why I have to...’
Instead of replying, Sherlock reached over and grasped John’s arm.
‘Don’t fight it. Resisting will only make it worse.’
‘Make what worse? Sherlock, let me go! Don’t you dare…’
John suddenly felt as if he was being squeezed. He lost his grip and started to fall. Only instead of falling to the forest floor, John found himself on his hands and knees in a dirty alley, trying to catch his breath.
When he could breathe again, he looked around. Sherlock was standing there with a triumphant look on his face. Traffic passed on the street beyond... London traffic. Unmistakably London traffic. Home! John looked back at Sherlock.
‘That… that was… awesome!’ he exclaimed as he willed his legs to stop shaking.
‘Really? Er, I mean, hurry up. We should get to Diagon Alley before the shops get too busy. There are a few things I want to see and you really need an owl of your own.’
‘Erm, Sherlock? I haven’t got any wizard money on me, maybe five Muggle quid, and that isn’t enough to buy anything.’
‘Oh, don’t worry about that. The manager at the Owl Emporium owes me a favour.’
The two boys started down the street. London, this early Saturday morning, was not very busy. The streets contained only early shopppers, intrepid tourists, and street people. A block later, John spotted a phone booth and went inside to call home. Sherlock just rolled his eyes impatiently.
‘Hi, Harry, it’s me, John... Can I speak to Mum? What do you mean, no? She can’t be gone shopping already... Because she worked the late shift last night, that’s why... Please wake her... Why not? I’m not trying to upset her! I didn’t mean to... Don’t be such a … Oh, come on... Harry... Please! I need to talk to her! That’s none of your business... It’s not like that... Please, Harry... No, don’t hang up! Don’t...’
John slammed the receiver home with an explicative.
Sherlock could not help overhearing John’s conversation and was unsure what to say. John was fuming.
‘Older brothers can be such turds,’ Sherlock offered.
‘Your brother, Harry. He’s a controlling wank, just like my older brother.’
‘Harry is short for Harriet. She’s my sister. Other than that, you are right about the controlling wank.’
‘Would she make a nice frog? How about a face full of pimples? You’re a wizard now. Why not turn the tables on her?’
John smiled as he considered the possibilities. He and Harry never got along. ‘Forget about it. Diagon Alley is far more interesting than my sister could ever hope to be.’
No one seemed to notice as the two boys slipped into a disreputable tavern called the Leaky Cauldron. They were just passing though, so they did not stop to chat with the barkeeper. Their first point of business took them to the Owl Emporium. The bells above the door jingled, announcing their presence. Rows of owls in cages blinked their sleepy eyes in the direction of the two boys.
‘Sherlock, it’s good to see you!’ said a middle-aged woman, enveloping the squirming taller boy in a hug with the wings of her shawl. John liked how she smiled with her eyes, and not just with her mouth.
‘This boy,’ John grinned as the shopkeeper squeezed Sherlock in another smothering hug. ‘This boy saved my shop. I would have been out of business if not for him!’
‘Angela was being swindled by three of her suppliers. I just helped a little.’
‘If not for Sherlock,’ she told John, ‘I would have been up to my eyebrows in illegal species. Sherlock, anything you want is yours, free of charge.’
‘Angela, this is John. He’s first year at Hogwarts and he needs an owl.’
‘Welcome, John. Anything for a friend of Sherlock’s! You are welcome to choose any one from the stock on hand. I’m sorry there isn’t as much selection as at the beginning of the school term. This great horned owl is the best I can offer. He’s yours if you want him.’
John walked slowly down the aisle under the curious scrutiny of the shop’s inhabitants. Rows of owls hooted softly to get his attention. They ranged in size, were all in good condition, and seemed to find him of interest. Poor things, he thought. Not much of a life, living in a store, longing to be purchased and allowed to fly again. Regrettably, he would have to decline the offer of the great horned owl. He needed to get an owl that would not stand out too much. He feared that any bird he chose would also become a target just like him.
Impertinent hooting startled John from his thoughts. It was coming from the last cage on the right. John peered in at the large black raggedy bird. It hooted at him again using the call of yet another kind of owl.
John’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
‘You’re a raven!’ He unnecessarily exclaimed, ‘A Tower raven.’
The raven’s chuckle sounded surprisingly human. John smiled.
‘You must be a good flyer,’ The Raven seemed to glare at him. ‘OK, a very good flyer.’
The bird stretched out a tattered but serviceable wing.
‘Oh, you’ve seen a bit of trouble too… do you want to see some more?’
The raven snapped to attention.
‘Miss Angela, I think I have found my owl.’
‘As much as I would like to be clear of him, that one suffers from an excess of personality. I’d go with something more conventional and reliable if I were you, dear.’
‘No. He’s the one.’
‘If you insist... but I warn you: he makes lots of inappropriate sounds.’
Cool! John thought: a bird that was both smart and tough enough to handle himself in a crisis. Perfect! Sherlock sidled up next to John while Angela retrieved the raven’s cage and the associated paperwork.
‘Are you sure about this?’
‘Yes. Yes, I am. Why do you ask?’
‘I thought you didn’t want to attract further attention.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Oh, I don’t know! How about Evil Johnny Watson and his great black carrion bird? You might as well get a vulture... or perhaps a vampire bat! And you thought you didn’t belong in Slytherin!’
‘Ravens aren’t evil, Sherlock, and neither am I… ’
‘Oh, don’t worry. I approve! I just wanted to know if you’d thought this through. Actually, I think it’s brilliant!’
As they exited the store, John’s raven called out to the remaining birds inside with the sound of a child blowing a raspberry. Angela and the owls let out a collective sigh of relief as the door swung shut.
‘What do you want to go down there for?’
‘I need some ingredients for Potions.’ Sherlock replied.
‘Don’t lie to me. All of the ingredients for class can be purchased in Diagon Alley. Why do you really want to go down there?’
‘Knockturn Alley has some brilliant shops, and they have greater variety of specialty items and amazing books. I wouldn’t want to go there at night, but it’s perfectly fine in the daytime.’
‘Maybe so... but it feels odd. Like there is something wrong... ’
‘If you’re scared, you can stay here, where it is safe.’
‘I’m not scared!’ John protested even as the short hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
The raven shifted restlessly in his cage, and gave the boys an inquiring look. John moved to unlatch the door.
‘What are you doing? He might fly away.’
‘I’m not carrying this cage through that street, and I won’t leave him here. He’d be helpless.’
John released the latch and held the door open. The raven sidled along its perch and with a small hop landed on the cobble-stoned street. With another hop and a stretch of his wings, the raven took flight, disappearing beyond the rooftops with a great echoing cackle. The two boys watched; one in disappointment, the other with great amusement.
‘Well, that solves the problem of the raven. Well done, John!’
‘Shut it, Sherlock,’ he replied and followed Sherlock into the gloomy alleyway.
They had only passed a handful of stores when the smirk suddenly left Sherlock’s face. He stopped in his tracks. Three shadowy characters blocked the path ahead.
‘Well, well! If it isn’t that Holmes whelp!’
‘Grab his wand, Spider! He won’t get away this time!’
Sherlock spun and ran. So did John, but a jinx hit him square in the chest, knocking him off his feet. White pain shot through him, reaching all way to his fingers and toes. The skin on his face and hands was scraped raw as his momentum slammed him into the cobblestones. Magic crackled through the air above him.
Sherlock felled one and was still exchanging spells with the remaining two, trying to keep them away from John.
‘Get up, John! Get out of here!’
Try as he might, John could not regain his feet. His limbs refused to co-operate and he flopped about like a freshly landed trout. Sherlock yelped.
‘Got ‘em!’ cried one of their attackers.
Suddenly, John was being roughly shaken and someone was trying to snatch the wand from his hand.
‘Give it over, kid, or you’ll regret it!’
John refused to let go, and received a punch in the face in return. John knew he had to resist. He would be helpless, (more helpless) without his wand. The pain from the initial jinx was wearing off, but the abrasions from his fall were stinging like mad.
‘Conjunctiva!’ he gasped and his attacker fell away furiously rubbing his eyes.
John looked around to see the other attacker throttling Sherlock and lifting him bodily off the ground. Sherlock continued to struggle but the man outclassed him in both size and strength. John tried to rise but his attacker recovered too quickly. A second jinx was followed by a solid kick to his stomach. More blows fell as a fog threatened to overwhelm his consciousness. Retaining his wand was his only thought.
Suddenly the sounds of a siren could be heard approaching.
‘It’s the muggle police! Run for it!’
‘I ain’t stayin’ to find out!’
John heard the sounds of their footsteps as their assailants fled down the alley. All was quiet. Sherlock lay in a heap where he had been dropped. Where were the police? John stumbled over to his friend. Sherlock was unconscious and had a nasty burn mark on his right arm.
‘Sherlock? Sherlock, please wake up.’
Where were the police? John looked at his watch. He had only been dazed for a few minutes at most. The police should still be here. He nudged Sherlock again and still received no response. John could feel the eyes of Knockturn Alley watching them and he knew he could not fend off another attack alone.
‘Sherlock, please get up. We cannot stay here.’
Still no response. Shadows appeared to be spreading. John spotted his raven, perched on a nearby lamppost. Had it been there all this time? The raven urged John to follow with a low, impatient hoot.
‘Wingardium Leviosa,’ said John, taking Sherlock’s arm and hoisting his now near-weightless form into a standing position.
The raven led the way with John and Sherlock close behind. By the time they reached the gateway back to Diagon Alley, John was in a lot of pain. His stomach hurt and one of his eyes had swollen shut. Sherlock groaned as he started to regain consciousness.
Once safe again in the sunlit corridors, John sat himself and Sherlock down on the steps in front of the sweets shop. He needed to rest his head against the handrail just for a moment... just long enough for the dizziness to pass. Sherlock came to his senses and shook himself.
'Diagon Alley? How'd we get back here? John?'
The sight of his friend's bedraggled condition, the marks on the ground, and the residual magic surrounding them both told Sherlock more than John's words could have. They had been extremely lucky. The raven perched near John's ear and hooted softly. John grimaced and opened his good eye.
‘You all right, Sherlock?’
‘Yeah... I think so. Just a bump on the head. What happened?’
‘No I didn’t! I don’t faint!’
‘Sure, Sherlock. Whatever you say.’
‘You’re a mess. Are you hurt?’
‘I’ve had worse. Can we go back to Hogwarts now? I’ve had enough of London.’
With his finger, John lightly stroked the sleek feathers on the raven’s back. The saucy bird purred like a cat. Although it pained him to do so, John could not help but smile.
‘I bet you can do police sirens too, can’t you?’
The raven replied with the jingling of the Owl Emporium doorbells.
‘He needs a name, John. Something fierce.’
‘He has a name. It’s Murray.’
‘What kind of name is that?!’
‘Ha! What kind of name is Sherlock?
The Boggart, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
John Watson had not slept a wink that night. Studying through the night had two benefits: one, he was finally caught up in his transfiguration lessons, and two, nobody could sneak in and prank him if he remained awake. He entered the Great Hall for breakfast barely awake, but starving.
‘Hey Watson, I hear they’re going to rename the detention room after you!’
‘I heard it was the infirmary!’
John sighed. No original taunts this morning.
Alternate Universe Crossover


✘ Alias: Cora Mills
✘ Current Age: 47
✘ Occupation: Unemployed
✘ True Identity: The Queen of Hearts
✘ Memories: Full
✘ Availability: Taken
✘ Chosen Face Claim: Barbara Hershey
Once upon a time, there lived a woman named Cora, her husband, Henry, and her daughter, Regina. Coming from humble beginnings, Cora always hoped that Regina would get a more successful life than she had gotten herself, even if it meant taking it. One day, she found a way to secure Regina’s future. Cora met a young princess named Snow White, and when the princess’s mother fell ill, Cora tricked Snow White into killing her, and in turn, opening the “position” of queen in the land. A few months later, when Regina was at her riding lesson, Snow White and her father were also at the stables. Cora frightened the young princess’s horse, causing it to take off running, with the girl riding. Regina saved Snow White and Cora escorted the girl. Snow told her father about the woman who saved her. With great gratitude, the king promised to marry his daughter’s savior. There was just one problem: Cora’s daughter refused to marry anyone but Daniel, a stable boy Regina had fallen in love with. In order to assure that Daniel wouldn’t get in the way of her plan, Cora decided that he would have to die. She sent Regina to magic lessons with her old, dear friend, Rumplestiltskin. While Regina was learning the art of dark magic, Cora tricked Daniel into meeting her at the stables. Once he arrived, she tore out his heart and crushed it with her bare hands. When Regina returned from her lessons, she discovered her love on the floor of the stables. Her mother explained that it was the only way if her daughter ever wanted to have power, but because of this act, Regina was never the same again. When Cora, her daughter, and her husband arrived at the castle of Snow White’s father, Regina conspired with her teacher, the Dark One. He promised her that she could get rid of her mother forever. Regina used dark magic and an enchanted mirror to send Cora to another world. That world was called Wonderland, and Cora decided to turn her punishment into a reward. After a long battle, the land was in ruins. Cora used her magic to rebuild and take over the court. From then on, she was known only as the Queen of Hearts. She remained there for a very long time, but when word of a terrible curse in another land spread throughout court, Cora immediately knew it had to be Regina. Hoping that she could reunite with her daughter, Cora asked for the help of a portal jumper, who also happened to be her royal hatter. With the help of this man, Cora was able to travel back to the Enchanted Forest just before the curse was cast. The two of them hid in a corner of the land until they, along with many others, were transported to our world.
In Storybrooke, Cora has been hiding from everyone, living in a small cottage in the forest. The only person that has ever known of her whereabouts was Jefferson. Now that the curse is broken, Cora has been awaiting the perfect time to reveal herself to her daughter, Regina. For all of their time in Storybrooke, Cora has been watching Regina. She’s very proud of the decisions Regina made this far. She hopes that her daughter will trust her again so that she can help her get back to the Enchanted Forest and rule, just as Cora had always planned.


If you’re not already reading Tony Woodlief over at Sand in the Gears, you really should be. Today’s essay has a wonderful insight into parenting and how it echoes the relationship between us and God:
Last weekend I stood behind him as he climbed a step ladder to the top rung, and then tried to climb atop the curved bar at its pinnacle, and all the while I thought: he’ll fall and I’ll catch him but on the way down he’ll learn a little something about not risking life and limb so readily.
But of course he didn’t fall, instead he twisted around to see me standing there and hooted and wiggled in his triumph over Mt. Stepladder, until the hubris was too much and I had to extract him, to wails of protest, followed by the stubborn set of chin and deliberate stomping crawl back to the bottom rung. And I thought, this is what God has to put up with, every single day. This is the point of parenting, from his perspective, his way of saying See? Do you see what you people are like?”
Read the whole thing…


one year ago I thought I’d die. It had been almost two days since my water broke, two weeks before your due date, I had been in inducted labour for almost 24 hours, I had been moved from the oh so natural birth house to the oh so hated hospital – and still you didn’t seem to get out.
I was absolutely desperate at that very moment, starting to give up on myself, as my body appeared to be incapable to birth you. I have no idea how it eventually happened, with a lot of help of the doctors and midwives and two of the dearest people in my life, and a miraculous well of strength in absolutely despaired exhaustion.
But suddenly, you were there, like you had always been. You were perfect, you were healthy, and you were mine. For minutes, you looked at me like a wise, old man, as if you already knew it all, like you had already lived.
The past 365 days have been the most beautiful and the most exhausting of my life. I have learned to value time in a way I could never imagine before. I have grown quite a few grey hairs. I have never slept so little, I have never been so tired, ever before. Never in my life have joy and desperation been so close together. I have never been so proud of something I have accomplished as of you.
You are one year old today. You are the happiest baby I know. You are lively and social, you smile all day, you flirt with strangers on the street, you scream of joy and you have a very dirty laugh. You are shameless and demanding, you know exactly what you want and you are very skilled in getting there, no matter how. You steal hearts all the time. You give wet kisses to everyone you get a hold of. You have inspired friends and strangers to make babies. You tickle smiles out of miserable people. You can never sit still, wiggling and jiggling around. You have the most beautiful, (still!) toothless smile. You love dancing and you use everything as a phone. You are about to take your first shaky steps, to form your first proper words and truly start exploring the world around you. You drive me crazy. You make me proud. I love you so.
Happy Birthday, Mini-Me.
All photos: Carolin Weinkopf


She was so thankful as she gazed into his lovely eyes. He was so beautiful. He made her so complete. Not that she was incomplete but they simply just fit… All her weaknesses were his strengths and all his weaknesses were her strengths.. She smiled and said what she had been holding back for years ” I love you”.. He smiled and said ” That wasn’t so hard now was it? I love you, you crazy sweet being .. all of me, loves all of you always” She leaned in and gave a kiss that sealed their love forever….


Toon Fibbe & Laura Wiedijk – Cloning the Ghost
On 7 November Toon Fibbe (NL, 1987) and Laura Wiedijk (NL, 1985) present the research material that is at the base of the intervention Cloning the Ghost. Inspired by Darwin’s book Fertilisation of Orchids, orchids have been appropriated by popular science, fiction and science fiction writers since the late 19th century. The orchid changed the popular imagination of a beautiful, yet passive, flower to a cunning, seductive killer. During the lecture the hidden aspects of the orchid will be revealed, and the role of the orchid in literature will be examined. A curious mix of science and fiction.


New substances: risk assessment summary 12961
This document has been prepared to explain the regulatory decision taken under Part 6 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) regarding the manufacture or import of Trichoderma reesei P210A by Iogen Corporation in a contained facility located in Ottawa.
Trichoderma reesei P210A was notified pursuant to subsection 29.11(4) of the CEPA 1999 New Substances Notification Regulations (NSNR).
The New Substances Branch of Environment Canada and the New Substances Assessment and Control Bureau of Health Canada have assessed the information submitted by Iogen Corporation and other available scientific information in order to determine whether T. reesei P210A is toxicFootnote 1 or capable of becoming toxic as described in section 64 of CEPA 1999.
Based on the hazard and exposure considerations, the joint risk assessment conducted by Environment Canada and Health Canada concluded that Trichoderma reesei P210A is not considered to be toxic to the Canadian environment or human health as described in section 64 of the CEPA 1999.
Therefore, the manufacture in or import to a contained facility of T. reesei P210A for use in the contained facility or for export only, may proceed after February 13, 2004.
This evaluation does not include an assessment of human health risk in the occupational environment nor does it include an assessment of the potential exposure and risk to humans associated with the use of the organism in or as an item that falls under the purview of the Food and Drugs Act.
NSN schedule: XVI (manufacture in or import to a contained facility of a micro-organism that is not for introduction outside a contained facility or is for export only)Footnote 2
Organism identity: Trichoderma reesei P210A
Notifier: Iogen Corporation, 310 Hunt Club Rd. East Ottawa, Ontario K1V 1C1 Canada
Date of decision: February 12, 2004
Proposed use: Commercial production, in a contained facility, of a novel thermophilic and alkalophilic xylanase II (xln2) enzyme by genetically engineered Trichoderma reesei P210A.
Strain history/genetic modification
Trichodema reesei P210A was derived from an auxotrophic mutant of the parental strain M2C38 (ATCC 74252) by the introduction of a fragment of the transformation vector pc/xITX1-TV. The selection cassette used in the construction of the transformation vector contains a Neurospora crassa gene functioning as a selectable marker. The expression cassette consisted of the modified version T. reesei xylanase II structural gene (xln2) under the control of T. reesei regulatory sequences. Strain M2C38 is a derivative of the T. reesei strain RUTC30. RUTC30 (ATCC 56765) was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), and is a mutagenic derivative of the founder strain QM6a (ATCC 13631) which was isolated in the Solomon Islands from cotton canvas during World War II (Kuhls et al., 1996).
In addition to the information provided by the notifier, a review of in-house reference material and a comprehensive search of the scientific literature were conducted to gather information on potential harmful environmental and human health effects attributable to T. reesei.
Trichoderma species are common soil saprophytes and are metabolically versatile, aerobic, mesophilic, imperfect fungi (Nevalainen et al., 1994). The Trichoderma species are differentiated primarily by patterns of conidiophore branching and conidia morphology. They are widespread in nature, quick-growing, easy to culture and they can produce large amounts of conidia with long lifetime (Manczinger et al., 2002).
In general, large scale industrial manufacture of T. reesei enzyme preparations have a history of safe use in many industries including starch and animal feed processing, grain alcohol fermentation, malting and brewing, extraction of fruit and vegetable juices, in pulp and paper, and in textiles (Hjortkjaer et al., 1986). Based on the criteria outlined in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines entitled Recombinant DNA Safety Considerations (OECD, 1986) and the European Communities Council (ECC) Directive 90/219/EEC on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (ECC, 1990), Trichoderma species can be regarded as safe host organisms.
Trichoderma reesei has been shown to be non-pathogenic and non-toxic to healthy laboratory animals (Hjortkjaer et al., 1986). Trichoderma reesei is not reported to be a frank pathogen of plants or animals including humans. However, this species can act as an opportunistic pathogen to immunodepressed animals under extreme experimental conditions (Hjortkjaer et al., 1986). Some Trichoderma species have been cited as rare and newly emerging fungal pathogens (Fleming et al., 2002).
While certain species of the genus Trichoderma can be used as biocontrol agents in agriculture for their ability to produce antifungal compounds against several plant pathogenic fungi, T. reesei P210A is not one of them. Some species of Trichoderma may also produce toxins under certain conditions; however, experience with T. reesei indicates that it is not likely to be toxigenic (Hjortkjaer et al., 1986). Tests conducted on commercial enzyme preparations confirm that neither antibiotics nor inhibitory substances are produced during the growth of industrial T. reesei strains (Hjortkjaer et al., 1986). A carbohydrase enzyme product manufactured by the notifier using the parental strain M2C38 was tested for aflatoxin with negative results. The native xylanase as well as the novel thermophilic/alkalophilic xylanase II belong to a large family of structurally and biochemically related xylanases. Xylanases have been reported as allergens in industrial settings; however, studies on toxicity and mutagenic effects of native xylanases to humans did not reveal any positive results (Pico et al., 1999; Perderson and Broadmeadow, 2000; Dersjant-Li et al, 2001; Harbak and Thygesen, 2002).
Toxicity studies on native xylanases from Aspergillus and Thermomyces administered orally to rats and mice did not result in adverse effects (Pederson and Broadmeadow, 2000). Native xylanases were not found to be mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay, nor did they cause chromosomal aberrations in cultured human lymphocytes (Pederson and Broadmeadow, 2000).
Neurospora crassa, the fungal source of the selectable marker gene used in the construction of the transformation vector, is not reported to be a frank pathogen. The N. crassa gene product makes selection of T. reesei strain P210A, from a mixture of other microorganisms, easier and is unlikely to pose a risk to the environment since it has many functional equivalents in most living organisms.
Both T. reesei and N. crassa are listed as ‘Biosafety Level 1’ organisms by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). In addition, T. reesei has been designated as a ‘Risk Group 1’ organism by the Office of Laboratory Security of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The DNA fragments used in the construction of the transformation vector are well characterized and do not contain any large undefined fragments. It is unknown whether the ampicillin resistance gene present on the transformation vector was integrated onto the host genome. Nevertheless, the ampicillin resistance gene used in the construction of the transformation vector is under the control of a bacterial promoter that will not function in T. reesei. In addition, the vector DNA has been shown to be stably integrated into the chromosome without loss or rearrangement of the sequence even after several generations on non-selective media. Therefore, the potential for lateral gene transfer from this organism to humans, animals or other microbes in the environment is extremely low.
Genetic modifications performed to develop T. reesei P210A do not give rise to concerns of altered virulence or pathogenicity to humans, animals, plants or altered hazards to the environment. The phenotype resulting from the modification is well characterized and is not likely to influence the normal behavior of T. reesei.
Trichoderma species, including T. reesei are common soil saprophytic fungal species found in all climate zones and are particularly prevalent in the litter of humid, mixed hardwood forests (Nevalainen et al., 1994).
Trichoderma reesei P210A is manufactured solely as an intermediate in the production of a novel thermophilic/alkalophilic xylanase II enzyme in a contained facility. The notifier indicated that the manufacturing process meets the standards for the Good Large Scale Practice (GLSP) level as defined in Appendix K of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH, 2002). The notified strain is not intended for release outside the contained facility. Consequently, the potential exposure to the general population and the environment is expected to be low.
The notifier describes procedures which will limit potential worker exposure. These include the use of protective equipment, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respiratory masks with particulate filters, face shield, or safety goggles with side shields, rubber gloves, lab coats or overalls for workers who are chronically exposed to enzyme dusts or aerosols during such procedures as transfers of fermentation broths.
Precautions are in place and used by the notifier to ensure that exhaust and aerosols from the fermentor are decontaminated by UV irradiation to kill any organisms and volatiles and odours are removed by a cyclone and scrubber system. The fermentor is equipped with an alarm to indicate high pressure, foam-over and low-level and is diked in case of massive leakage. Trichoderma reesei P210A is not intrinsically hazardous, thus, inadvertent release from the manufacturing facility is not expected to pose significant risk to the environment and human health.
When enzyme production is complete, the spent cell mass is chemically inactivated using a quaternary ammonium compound with 99.999% effectiveness prior to disposal in a registered landfill or composting sites in accordance with provincial regulations. Given that T. reesei P210A lacks pathogenicity and toxicity potential, the likelihood of significant harm to the environment or human health resulting from the disposal route of exposure is expected to be minimal.
Dersjant-Li, Y., Schulze, H., Schrama, J.W., Verreth, J.A. and Verstegen, M.W. 2001. Feed intake, growth, digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen in young pigs as affected by dietary cation-anion difference and supplementation of xylanase. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (Berlin). 85(3-4): 101-109.
ECC. 1990. Council Directive 90/219/EEC on contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms. Official Journal L 117 , 08/05/1990 P. 0001 - 0014
Fleming, R. V., Walsh, T.J. and Anaissie, E.J. 2002. Emerging and less common fungal pathogens. Infectious Clinic Diseases of North America. 16(4): 915-933.
Harbak, L. and Thygesen, H.V. 2002. Safety evaluation of a xylanase expressed in Bacillus subtilis. Food Chemistry and Toxicology. 40(1): 1-8.
Hjortkjaer, R.K., Bille-Hansen, V., Hazelden, K.P., McConville, M., McGregor, D.B., Cuthbert, J.A., Greenough, R.J., Chapman, E., Gardner, J.R. and Ashby, R. 1986. Safety evaluation of Celluclast®, an acid cellulase derived from Trichoderma reesei. Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology. 24(1): 55-63.
Kuhls, K., Lieckfeld, E., Samuels, G.J., Kovacs, W., Petrini, O., Gams, W., Borner, T. and Kubicek, C.P. 1996. Molecular Evidence that the asexual industrial fungus Trichoderma reesei is a clonal derivative of the ascomycete Hypocrea jecorina. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA. 93: 7755-7760.
Manczinger, L., Antal, Z. and Kredics, L. 2002. Ecophysiology and breeding of mycoparasitic Trichoderma strains (a review). Acta Microbiologica et Immunologica Hungarica. 49(1): 1-14.
NIH. 2002. Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules -Appendix K, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health.
Nevalainen, H., Suominen, P. and Taimisto, K. 1994. Minireview on the safety of Trichoderma reesei. Journal of Biotechnology. 37: 193-200.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 1986. Recombinant DNA Safety Considerations: Safety Considerations for Industrial, Agricultural and Environmental Applications of Organisms Derived by Recombinant DNA Techniques. [PDF]
Pedersen, P.B. and Broadmeadow, A. 2000. Toxicological studies on Thermomyces lanuginosus xylanase expressed in Fusarium venenatum, intended for use in food. Food Additives and Contaminants. 17(9): 739-747.
Pico, Y., Fernandez, M., Rodriguez, R., Almudever, J., Manes, J., Font, G., Marin, R., Carda, C., Manzanares, P. and Ramon, D. 1999. Toxicological assessment of recombinant xylanase X22 in wine. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. 47:1597-1602.
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I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise given how many people in my family draw well. Nevertheless, I was astonished to discover recently that Rebecca de Mendes Kruttschnitt (1889-1974), my great grand aunt, was a professional illustrator.
Rebecca Kruttschnitt adeptly illustrated a drawing-room novel — that’s right, a roman de salon — published in 1910. The book, “In Town, and Other Conversations,” written by Janet Ayer Fairbank, includes more than a dozen of Rebecca’s delicate pencil drawings. You can read it by clicking here, though no one should be blamed for just looking at the pictures.
Rebecca de Mendes Kruttschnitt was the daughter of Julius Kruttschnitt, the former board chairman of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Rebecca married Henry de Clifford Woodhouse when she was 22, one year after the book was published. A Canadian, Woodhouse was a veteran of the Boer Wars in South Africa.
As we have previously blogged, Woodhouse was no good to Rebecca. He notoriously carried on during wedlock with the poet Elinor Wylie, who wrote love sonnets about him in her last book. Elinor and Rebecca were friends. Elinor frequently visited the Woodhouses after they had moved to England at their household at Henley-on-Thames. She visited too frequently, if I may say so.
It goes without saying that Rebecca’s illustrations are the most interesting part of the book, which began as a play that was serialized in the Sunday editions of Chicago Record-Herald under the name, “The Tea Table.” The same characters appear in each scene to talk about issues of the moment, according to one reviewer, who adds that the talk is handled “in an amusing and highly natural manner.”
I can’t vouch for this because I have no interest in reading the book. Someone else can read it and tell me if it’s any good. But I can tell you that I completely agree with the reviewer when he characterizes the drawings as being of “uncommon delicacy.” This is a book that you can definitely judge by its pictures, starting with the covers.
Sadly, the covers are the only illustrations in color. The front cover features a lone passenger in an early automobile, about to set off on a weekend adventure, no doubt. I guess I’m not sure why the driver is all covered up when leaves are still on the trees. Maybe that’s because I haven’t read the book.
Inside, there are lots of lovely pictures of beautifully dressed, thoughtful women doing exciting things — pouring tea, wearing furs, getting dressed by maids to go to the opera, stirring tea, that kind of thing. They are all really, really good.
Interestingly, men really aren’t a factor in the illustrations, except to hide behind newspapers, sit dully in an armchair, or wear old military outfits. That may be one reason why I have no interest in reading the book.


Salmonella, a name that often elicits fear in those who have encountered its unwelcome presence, is a well-known term. But what precisely is salmonella, and how does it manifest in various forms? This article is our hope to break down the plethora of salmonella types, the incidence across different states, common sources of infection, affected age groups, and the proactive measures undertaken by Sanikleen Group Australia (SGA) to mitigate salmonella infections.
Diverse Salmonella: Over 2500 Types & Counting
Salmonella, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is a bacterium notorious for causing foodborne illnesses. Its remarkable diversity is a notable characteristic, with over 2500 distinct serovars identified to date. These serovars can be broadly categorized into two groups: Typhoidal and non-typhoidal.
1. Typhoidal Salmonella: This category comprises serovars such as Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi, known for causing systemic infections like typhoid and paratyphoid fevers. These diseases are frequently linked to contaminated water and inadequate sanitation, making them more prevalent in regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
2. Non-Typhoidal Salmonella: The majority of salmonella infections fall under this category, featuring serovars like Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium. These bacteria typically result in gastrointestinal illnesses and are often transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly poultry and eggs.
However, a distinct difference exists between serovars. S. bongori primarily infects cold-blooded animals, while S. enterica can infect a variety of warm-blooded animals, including humans, making it a more common cause of human salmonella infections.
Regional Variations In Salmonella Incidence
Salmonella infections can occur anywhere, but their prevalence varies by region in Australia. Different states have unique median percentages of salmonella cases per population:
- Victoria (VIC): 4.7% of the population
- New South Wales (NSW): 5.8% of the population
- Queensland (QLD): 9.5% of the population
- Northern Territory (NT): 2.6% of the population
- Tasmania (TAS): 0.6% of the population
- South Australia (SA): 7.5% of the population
- Western Australia (WA): 7.5% of the population
These variations are influenced by factors such as population density, food handling practices, and the local food supply chain. Moreover, an article by Fearnley et al. (2018) and the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (2023) suggest that subtropical states are more susceptible to salmonella.
Common Causes & Sources Of Salmonella
Salmonella infections are most frequently associated with the consumption of certain foods, with chicken and nuts being among the primary culprits. However, it’s essential to note that the sources of salmonella are not limited to these items. Contaminated raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and under cooked meat are other common sources. Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, as well as improper food storage and handling, can also contribute to the spread of salmonella.
Age Groups At Risk
Salmonella infections can affect individuals of all ages, but certain age groups are more vulnerable. Infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic illnesses or undergoing chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms when infected with salmonella. However, healthy adults can also contract salmonella, experiencing mild to moderate symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
In the realm of food safety and hygiene, SGA stands out as a trusted partner with a rich history of safeguarding food processing facilities against the threat of Salmonella. Their blend of experience, industry expertise, customized solutions, and a strong focus on education and innovation, along with the incorporation of Phageguard, positions them as a leader in ensuring that food products meet the highest safety standards, safeguarding both the industry and the consumers it serves. With SGA’s advanced technology and comprehensive approach, food processing facilities can rest assured that they are taking the necessary steps to prevent and combat Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens.
1. Fearnley EJ, Lal A, Bates J, Stafford R, Kirk MD, Glass K (2018). Salmonella source attribution in a subtropical state of Australia: capturing environmental reservoirs of infection. Epidemiology and Infection 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1017/S095026881800222 2.
2. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, September 05, (2023) National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) public dataset – salmonella, https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-notifiable-diseases-surveillance-system-nndss-public-dataset-salmonella?language=en


Multiobjective optimal positioning of the cluster heads in the heterogeneous geosensor networks
A geosensor network embedded in a geographic space is a distributed ad-hoc wireless network of sensor-enabled miniature computing platforms that monitors environmental phenomena (Nittel et al., 2004, Worboys and Duckham, 2006). It can be employed in diverse application domains each with different application requirements. Optimization approaches, techniques and strategies at different design levels help meet these application requirements (Munir and Gordon-Ross, 2011).
Geosensor networks pose various optimization problems which consider investigation and search for new optimization techniques. The techniques can be at different design levels (e.g. architecture, network topology, node component level) depending of problem type and application requirements (e.g. dynamic or static). One of the resarch problems (covered by this work) is multiobjective optimal positioning of cluster heads or the high powered relay heads (HPRH) serving clusters of the sensor nodes in a heterogeneous geosensor network for data transfer to the base station. This problem is known to belong the NP-Hard class of optimization problems (de Smith et.al., 2010). To address this problem we can use the Pareto based multiobjective genetic algorithm (PBMOGA) as a search technique. The PBMOGA is suitable to provide good solutions for optimization problems assuming competitive and conflict objectives (e.g. quality of area detection and density of sensor network, in order to find the minimum tolerable density with maximum efficiency (Xiao, 2010), or sensors coverage, cardinality and survivability in surveillance applications (Yourdan and de Weck, 2004)).
Research Statement and Objectives:
This study concerns the development and testing of the multiobjective genetic algorithm applied to clustering of sensor nodes in a heterogeneous wireless ad-hoc geosensor network. The aproach will be tested on problems in which the various classes of sensor nodes are randomly distributed over a geographical area. The multiobjective GA based mechanism will be used to search for the pareto optimum positions of cluster heads represented as artificial chromosomes within a pre-specified number of node clusters which belong to two or more various sensor types.
Research objective is to examine potential and efficiency of PBMOGA as a searching tool for alternative sets of cluster head positions in heterogeneous geosensor networks. The research also considers some questions related to the optimization, geosensor network heterogenity and in-network data processing.
Performance optimization in wireless geosensor networks can be achieved through proper physical layers design for energy savings and increased throughput. It considers application of various configuration scenarios with objectives for surveillance applications, power allocation strategies for networks lifetime maximization, throughput and lifetime maximization in clustered networks, and integration of radio control technology for high energy efficiency (Medagliani and Ferrari,2011). Various perspectives, approaches and objects of in-network processing optimization have been considered e.g. development localization algorithms (Kealy and Duckham, 2009), dynamic query optimization (Galpin et al., 2008), distributed algorithms (Rabbat and Nowak, 2005), cross-layer (Cui and Goldsmith, 2006.) and multi-query algorithms (Trigoni et al., 2005.), environmental monitoring aproaches (Worboys and Duckham, 2006) and many others.
There are few examples with multiobjective algorithm application in real-world spatial optimiziation problems, including geosensor networks field, which are characterized with the complexity of the multiple conflict objectives and large searching space. Related to sensor networks and the optimization problems, the genetic algorithm applications have been considered for clustering dynamic geosensor networks to minimize the total communication distance and prolong the network life (K.Raman and P.Vaidya, 2006), for clustering of the nodes into groups and forming a backbone for data transfer (R. Sachdev and K. Nygard, 2009), in multiobjective optimization of wireless geosensor network layouts (D. Jourdan and O. de Weck, 2005), for multiobjective placement of water quality sensors in water distribution systems (Z. Yi Wu and T. Walski, 2006) and others. Generally, this area of multiobjective GA application is not broader covered and this represents a motivation reason for more research efforts.
To detect the conditions or events in a wide-area geographic space, a monitoring application requires a large-scale geosensor network including various kinds of sensors. As well, many large, autonomous sensor platforms will be integrated with the deployment of small-form sensor networks providing rapid rates of real-time sensor data of various type, scale and location. The application of domain knowledge is also necessary in order to interpret and understand an environmental condition, based on the collected data (Jung and Nittel, 2008).
The deployed geosensors fulfill sensing, communication andcomputation functions. The sensing can be of different types (chemical, seismic, optical, acoustic, temperature and humidity statistics,..), and the communication is performed wirelessly (within a shorter or longer range) (Jourdan and de Weck, 2004).
To transmit their data to the base station (central monitoring server), for a specific network arhitecture, all the sensors are required to be connected to one or more high powered relay heads (cluster heads). The sensors are assumed to have different computation and communication abilities, i.e. properties which can significantly vary depending on the type of sensing performed. The criterial properties (e.g. environmental affects to communication or sensing rang) can be formulated by fuzzy aproach as well, and involved in the modelling.
This framework can be used to test a Pareto based multi objective genetic algorithm (PBMOGA) for the cluster head placement, where the competing objectives considered are the objectives (e.g. minimized total power consumption) related to the clusters of different type sensor nodes sharing the same geographic area. The objectives should be conflicted, and their evaluation should meet the requirements of the iterative process of searching solutions.
The algorithm aims at minimizing or maximizing all the objectives of the heterogenous geo-network simulatously, yielding Pareto front (PF) from which the user can choose the prefered alternative solution. The number of cluster heads (hubs) can be investigated as a design variable, as well as different sensing objectives.
The research methodology is based on theoretical considerations, modeling, simulation of different variants of the problem by using test examples, implementation of the proposed mechanism and analysis of the results.
The steps of the research are as follows:
review and analysis of genetic algorithm applications in the field of geosensor networks;
define the clustering problem in heterogeneous geosensor networks and develop a detailed research methodology;
define the approach in the application of genetic algorithm for multiobjective optimization through the presentation of its building blocks (crossing, mutation, selection…) and consideration of its specific parameters;
modeling the test problem environment and defining the objective functions;
initial application PBMOGA and its parametric adaptation in order to improve its performance;
final PBMOGA implementation;
testing and evaluation of the results and
drawing conclusions and directions for further research.
Software tools and laboratory resources:
resources available at the Civil Engineering Faculty in Sarajevo and Mining, Geology and Civil Engineering Faculty in Tuzla (tools for spatial data analysis),
available lab resources at the Laboratory for Intelligent Management of Electrical Engineering in Sarajevo (MatLab, GA Tools, GAOP; tools for the creation, development and application of genetic algorithm)
Abraham, A., Jain, L., and Goldberg, R. (2005): Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization, Theoretical Advances and Applications, Springer-Verlag London Ltd.
Coello Coello, C., Veldhuizen, D., and Lamont, G. (2002): Evolutionary Algorithms for Solving Multi-Objective Problems, Kluwer Academic / Plenum Publishers, New York
Cui, S., and Goldsmith, A. (2006): Cross-layer Design in Energy-constrained Networks Using Cooperative MIMO Techniques, EURASIP Journal on Applied Signal Processing, Special Issue on Advances in Signal Processing-based Cross-layer Designs, Vol. 86, No. 8, pp. 1804-1814
de Smith, M., Goodchild, M., and Longley, P. (2010): Geospatial Analysis – Comprehensive Guide to Priciples, Techniques and Software Tools, Matador, UK
Galpin, I., Brenninkmeijer, C., Jabeen, F., Fernandes, A., and Paton, N. (2009): Comprehensive Optimization of Declarative Sensor Network Queries, Proceeding SSDBM
Gowri, A., Valli, R.,and Muthuramalingam, K. (2010): A Review: Optimal Path Selection in Ad hoc Networks using Fuzzy Logic, International journal on applications of graph theory in wireless ad hoc networks and sensor networks (GRAPH-HOC JOURNAL) Vol.2, No.4,
Jourdan, D. and de Weck, O. (2004): Layout Optimization for a Wireless Sensor Network Using a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Proceedings of the IEEE Semiannual Vehicular Technology Conference, Volume 5. 2466-2470
Jung, Y., Nittel, S. (2008): Geosensor Data Abstraction for Environmental Monitoring Application, GIScience 2008: pp 168-180
Kealy, A. and Duckham, M. (2009): Optimizing Localization Algorithms within Wireless Sensor Networks: An Australian Case Study in Environmental Monitoring,” in Proc. 22nd International Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation, pp. 1042-1049.
Meguerdichian, S., Koushanfar, F., Potkonjak, M., and Srivastava, M. (2001): Coverage Problems in Wireless Ad-hoc Sensor Networks, INFOCOM
Krzanowski, R., Raper, J. (2001): Spatial Evolutionary Modeling, Oxford University Press, Inc. NewYork
Medagliani, P., Ferrari, G. (2011): Performance Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks: Analysis and Simulation Perspectives, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
Munir, A., and Gordon-Ross, A. (2010): Optimization Approaches in Wireless Sensor Networks, Sustainable Wireless Sensor Networks, Edited by: W. Seah and Y. Tan, InTech
Ng, K., Wang, Z., Muntz, R., and S. Nittel (1999): Dynamic Query Re-Optimization, International Conference on Scientific and Statistical Databases (SSDBM99), Cleveland, Ohio
Nittel, S., Duckham, M., Kulik, L. (2004): Information Dissemination in Mobile Ad-Hoc Geosensor Networks, GIScience 2004: pp. 206-222
Nittel, S., Leung, K., Braverman, A. (2004): Scaling Clustering Algorithms for Massive Data Sets using Data Streams, ICDE 2004: pp. 830
Nittel, S., Leung, K. (2004): Parallelizing Clustering of Geoscientific Data Sets using Data Streams, SSDBM 2004: pp. 73-84
Rabbat, M.and Nowak, R. (2004): Distributed Optimization in Sensor Networks, IEEE/ACM Symp. on Information Processing in Sensor Networks
Raman, K. and Vaidya, P.(2006): Clustering Sensor Network using Genetic Algorithm, ECE695 Project
Sachdev, R., and Nygard, K. (2009): Genetic Algorithm for Clustering in Wireless Adhoc Sensor Networks, GSN ’09 Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on GeoSensor Networks , Springer-Verlag
Trigoni, N., Yao ,Y., Demers, A., Gehrke, J., and Rajaraman, R. (2005): Multi-query Optimization for Sensor Networks, In Proceedings of the IEEE/ACM International Conference on Distributed Computing in Sensor Systems (DCOSS)
Whittle, P. (2007): Networks: Optimisation and Evolution, Cambridge University Press, UK
Worboys, M.and Duckham, M. (2006): Monitoring qualitative spatiotemporal change for geosensor networks, International Journal of Geographic Information Science, vol. 20, iss. 10, pp. 1087-1108
Wu, Z. and Walski, T. (2006): Multi objective optimization of sensor placement in water distribution systems, 2006 Annual Symposium on Water Distribution Systems Analysis, Cincinnati, Ohio


Hip To The Literature
The British Journal of Sports Medicine recently released an excellent issue with some great insight on current concepts regarding femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). Of note, is the open access consensus statement regarding current best practice in regards to diagnostics and treatment and the promotion of individualized care for individuals with FAI syndrome.
Yes, the consensus’ addition of the word syndrome to FAI is important, as we have learned that there is more to this topic than just hip joint morphology. Symptoms of hip pain, clinical signs of decreased range of motion, painful hip flexion-adduction-internal rotation (FADIR/Impingement Test), hip strength and motor impairments combined with diagnostic injections and pathoanatomical findings via diagnostic imaging are required to make the correct diagnosis. This is the easy part.
The expert panel recommended that the patient should then be exposed to all treatment options and requires individualized care. The literature offers us no clear path on choosing that course of care. The debate of conservative or surgical care remains challenging. With physiotherapy-led rehabilitation, the goal is to regain hip strength, stability, and motor control while improving (and protecting) appropriate mobility and movement impairments. The surgical goal is eliminate a potential pain generator and restore impingement-free motion. Then the individual will undergo a course of rehabilitation, tackling the same goals previously mentioned. Ultimately, all paths eventually lead to physical therapy.
The FaSHioN randomized controlled trial (Wall) offers suggestions on current best practice of a conservative course of care. Of importance for success includes proper patient subgroup selection and intervention selection. Freke’s review of symptomatic FAI revealed consistent impairments of hip mobility, hip strength, motor control, and single leg deficits. It makes sense that that the FaSHioN group attempts to take on these functional limitations. However, what those terms mean to each physical therapist is different, and falls in line with a lack of consistency of care in the literature. (All Open Access! Go Read Now!)
When clinically reasoning through these cases, it makes sense to be careful about pushing mobility, considering morphological blocks and irritants. Without irritating the key lesion, assessing and treating lumbopelvic and soft tissue mobility, along with pragmatic inferior and posterior glides of the hip joint, may create increased pain-free mobility and movement. This serves as a gateway to the desired avenue of exercise. Loudon & Reiman (PT in Sport 2014) provide an excellent review on potential pathomechanics and provide clues on mechanisms that could be assessed and treated conservatively. After appropriate assessment, exercise intervention may benefit by paying attention to tiny details provided in the research of Selkowitz, (JOSPT September 2016, February 2013) and Khuu (IJSPT April 2016), in that subtle technique variations to bias motor recruitment and biomechanical function has the potential to feed or attack potential impairments. How we choose to gain mobility, stability, dose exercise and achieve motor recruitment and control matters.
So what did we really learn from this influx of new evidence? The consensus is that there is no consensus beyond diagnostics and complexity remains in treating this syndrome. The picture is less clear than ever, as we spin our wheels slowly moving forward and awaiting clinical trials to comparing conservative and surgical care. At the minimum, a patient-centered and individualized plan of care is a must. Regardless of the course of care, similar impairments will be present and targeting regional mobility, hip strength, single leg stability and motor control of the hip and pelvis are necessary. If you are still with me, check out a few of our current ways of addressing these through exercises on the video posted below!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and these opinions are independent of any entity. These thoughts were likely fueled by consumption of too much coffee and great music.
Griffin DR, Dickenson EJ, O'Donnell J, Awan T, Beck M, Clohisy JC, Dijkstra HP, Falvey E, Gimpel M, Hinman RS, Hölmich P. The Warwick Agreement on femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI syndrome): an international consensus statement. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016 Oct 1;50(19):1169-76.
Freke MD, Kemp J, Svege I, Risberg MA, Semciw A, Crossley KM. Physical impairments in symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement: a systematic review of the evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016 Oct 1;50(19):1180-.
Wall PD, Dickenson EJ, Robinson D, Hughes I, Realpe A, Hobson R, Griffin DR, Foster NE. Personalised Hip Therapy: development of a non-operative protocol to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in the FASHIoN randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016 Oct 1;50(19):1217-23.
Loudon JK, Reiman MP. Conservative management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in the long distance runner. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2014 May 31;15(2):82-90.
Selkowitz DM, Beneck GJ, Powers CM. Comparison of Electromyographic Activity of the Superior and Inferior Portions of the Gluteus Maximus Muscle During Common Therapeutic Exercises. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2016 Sep;46(9):794-9.
Selkowitz DM, Beneck GJ, Powers CM. Which exercises target the gluteal muscles while minimizing activation of the tensor fascia lata? Electromyographic assessment using fine-wire electrodes. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2013 Feb;43(2):54-64.
Khuu A, Foch E, Lewis CL. NOT ALL SINGLE LEG SQUATS ARE EQUAL: A BIOMECHANICAL COMPARISON OF THREE VARIATIONS. International journal of sports physical therapy. 2016 Apr;11(2):201.


It is clear that the social and cultural environment play an indispensable role in the development of children. Just as children are in need of responsible adults around them, to cover basic needs for growth and guide them in their behavior, the context is also determinant in parameters as important as beliefs or the transmission of values. There is no single successful formula for such transmission. The study “The culture and education of young children. Preparing staff to teach children from many cultural backgrounds”, conducted at the National Black Child Devolopment Institute in Washington, noted that the differences observed between cultures for cultural transmission to children do not mean that there is the right way versus the wrong way.
The term “art” is even more specific than that of “culture”. It refers to the expression of human activity through plastic, linguistic or sound resources, and also plays a fundamental role in the development of the child. It develops creativity in the face of problems and conflicts, helping to think. It invites children to reflect and ask themselves questions to overcome barriers such as prejudices. It helps them to use their senses, to approach different contents in an entertaining way. Improves the perception of what surrounds them. That is why it is so important that they are in contact with art and culture.
The benefits of telling them a story
Reading is a basic tool for children to gain new vocabulary and learn to express themselves, as well as to convey differences between what is right and what is wrong, in a way adapted to their level of understanding that they will be able to understand.
That from an early age they are instilled with the value of reading is essential so that, tomorrow, they will be avid readers. Children tend to imitate, they reproduce the behaviours they see in their immediate surroundings, from which the importance of being a good reference can be deduced. If a parent or guardian usually reads, it is more than likely that the child will read as well.
A good way to awaken their curiosity to learn is to read them a story, for example, before they fall asleep. Because this will also strengthen the relationship between parents and children, will strengthen a bond that, tomorrow, can contribute to closeness and trust.
The Internet has many resources, such as free children’s stories that parents should select carefully. Sleeping stories on mevoyadormir.com are accompanied by songs and lullabies for babies that can be very interesting.
From the nearest and best known
When it comes to children, any everyday situation is presented as an opportunity to learn. It is only necessary to have a little will and not to dispel all their questions with an invented explanation that, due to their capacity to reason, will seem credible.
To awaken their curiosity is to have a perception of themselves, of their ego. Invitations to reflection and learning can be constant, starting with their own name, by knowing more about the onomastics of Mary, John, Albert, Daniel, Sophie or Anne, or whatever their name. You can know the meaning of your name for free here, and it can be articulated as an invitation to search and read something that concerns them so directly.
Given their age and scope, the child will begin to be interested in what has to do with them, their family and their particular context. Exploiting all this knowledge will help his desire to learn to grow little by little, to expand beyond what affects him or concerns him directly.


One of my favorite books is Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. The book consists of various introspective chapters, each centering around a “shell” metaphor, a “gift” from the sea, where Anne spent time alone to refresh her mind and spirit from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Examining the configurations of the shells prompts Anne to think differently about life, relationships, marriage, and the aesthetic beauty of the human mind and heart.
A similarly touching book by Elisabeth Tova Bailey is titled The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating. In her book, Elisabeth describes what she observes around her during a long, debilitating illness. When she receives a plant complete with a woodland snail living within its soil, she becomes fascinated with the simplicity of its life. Soon, she develops a kind of relationship with the small creature, caring for it and feeding it leaves, its quiet munching a solace in her loneliness. While others might have found the tiny snail insignificant, Elisabeth realizes that each part of creation, whether human or creature, is part of an entire interwoven network of relationships that make our world fascinating and exquisitely beautiful. In understanding the mysterious life of the snail by her bedside, Elisabeth gains new insights into her own place within the world. In calling attention to the remarkable phenomena of the natural world around us, the book celebrates the resilience of human existence even in our darkest times.
As we leave the dark, cold barrenness of winter and enter into spring, we too notice the budding branches, the sound of returning birds, the green of unfolding, new leaves, the bursting forth of color. Warm winds blow white and pink petals across the roadways and paths. Rains pool and form muddy birdbaths. Bees begin pollinating flowers. Flower beds fill with tulips and daffodils. And with spring comes a feeling that life is in the air. Indeed it is.
Life is a theme that God has developed from micro to macro in every part of the world from the first day of creation. As we continue in May celebrating the resurrection life of Jesus, his post-resurrection appearances to his stunned disciples, and the birth of the early church, we can get an awe-filled sense of how wondrous Life as a disciple can be.
Being a disciple of Jesus is a commitment to paying attention to the little miracles around us, the way life always springs from death and darkness, the way no matter how many times we try to “nail” Jesus down or wipe Him away, He always reappears powerfully and mightily in the world in new and exciting ways with His healing hand and loving heart.
This month as you prepare to be touched by the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, remember that Life starts with a seed. You are that seed. And now is your time to burst forth with the love and beauty of the Gospel message so that all the world can experience the life-giving love of Jesus.
Never for a moment believe that your contribution is not enough. You just may be the next small miracle in someone else’s life.
If you have a need to talk about something happening in your life, whether in sadness or joy, the pastor’s door is always open and her ear always listening. Just give a call or email.
360 298 8327


Kayla Heisler is a New York–based writer, editor, and arts administrator. She is a graduate of Columbia University School of the Arts, where she earned a Writing MFA and of Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School, where she earned a Literary Studies BA. As a student, she held teaching fellowships at both institutions. She has over a decade of writing and editing experience and has worked with several outlets including Cleveland Review of Books, Columbia Journal, Eleven and a Half, Fairygodboss, and Witch Craft Magazine. As an administrator in higher education, she wrote and edited copy for website pages, staff and student guidebooks, bulletins, and other projects. Additionally, she independently managed all internal and external award processes and coordinated multiple student and academic events. Clients have hired Kayla to elevate their projects on the sentence, paragraph, and story level. She has been a featured reader at Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and she was interviewed by Susanne Mueller for the Take It from the Ironwoman podcast. In 2023, she was awarded residencies to Sundress Academy for the Arts and the Hambidge Center for Arts and Sciences. She is currently working on a cultural memoir-in-essays.


Edd Vick is the son of a pirate. He grew up in Texas, California, and England. MU Press, his publishing company, produced several hundred comics by creators like Donna Barr, Matt Howarth, and Cathy Hill between 1990 and 2005. His first professional fiction sale was “Defender” to a Magic: The Gathering anthology in 1995. His next sale, to Asimov’s, was concurrent with his attending Clarion in 2002. He has since sold about forty other stories to Analog, Asimov’s, and to many anthologies, often in conjunction with his writing partner Manny Frishberg. Edd’s story “Moon Does Run”, first published in Electric Velocipede, was chosen for inclusion in Year’s Best SF 12.
Edd lives in Seattle with SF author Amy Thomson, their daughter Katie, a dog, a cat, and three chickens.


Discover exactly how to lose weight and keep it off for good, and why you don't need to sacrifice the food you love or go hungry in order to be thin.
Learn how to use your favorite foods to lose weight and tap into your natural ability to stay thin. If you've tried other diets with limited success, given up on weight loss or just assume you can't lose weight because of your metabolism, this book is for you.
"Thought provoking and engaging, this book is a great resource to elucidate the confusing path toward weight loss. Pires makes the journey accessible by giving you tools and information to become successful. Adding humor and insight, she helps you to see that weight loss is not difficult with the right knowledge. Using data and references from the New England Journal of Medicine, BBC news, Mayo Clinic and American Journal of Preventative Medicine illustrate how well versed and well researched this book is. Overall an excellent and helpful book!"
"I have recommended this book to coaching clients and psychotherapy patients because it is scientific, psychologically minded, and promotes healthful eating and exercise. It is well written, easy to comprehend, and worth the time. Rachel Pires has made a contribution. Her book is a treasure!"
Dr. Judy Logue
"This book was such a breath of fresh air. Written in a positive, reassuring tone, Pires never lectures but lays out her message in a clear, concise manner. Taking a subject that elicits extreme emotional responses from tears of despair to elation, and teaches the reader that dieting should not be something to be feared, but is actually a battle that can be overcome. With no gimmicks, just boatloads of honesty and fun, simple, easy to understand techniques - Diet Enlightenment is a permanent fixture on my counter top and my new secret weapon in the battle against the bulge!"
"There must be thousands of diet books out there. In such a crowded landscape, it's hard to believe that a new book could come out with a new approach and with simple, effective ideas. But this is exactly what Ms. Pires has achieved. Rachel teaches how to determine the daily caloric intake that will enable anyone to slowly and efficiently lose weight down to their target level. She provides many great insights on how to accomplish this in both a healthy and effective fashion. As someone that has struggled with my weight since passing the age of 40, I am very excited to try Ms. Pires' approach. This method really appeals to my mathematical mind and my palate!"
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." Lao Tzu


I want free life and I want fresh air;
And I sigh for the canter after the cattle,
The crack of the whips like shots in a battle,
The medley of horns and hoofs and heads
That wars and wrangles and scatters and spreads;
The green beneath and the blue above,
And dash and danger, and life and love —
Lasca used to ride
On a mouse-gray mustang close by my side,
With blue serape and bright-belled spur;
I laughed with joy as I looked at her!
Little knew she of books or of creeds;
An Ave Maria sufficed her needs;
Little she cared, save to be by my side,
To ride with me, and ever to ride,
From San Saba’s shore to LaVaca’s tide.
She was as bold as the billows that beat,
She was as wild as the breezes that blow;
From her little head to her little feet
She was swayed in her suppleness to and fro
By each gust of passion; a sapling pine
That grows on the edge of a Kansas bluff
And wars with the wind when the weather is rough
Is like this Lasca, this love of mine.She would hunger that I might eat,
Would take the bitter and leave me the sweet;
But once, when I made her jealous for fun,
At something I’d whispered, or looked, or done,
One Sunday, in San Antonio,
To a glorious girl in the Alamo,
She drew from her garter a dear little dagger,
And — sting of a wasp! — it made me stagger!
An inch to the left, or an inch to the right,
And I shouldn’t be maundering here tonight;
But she sobbed, and, sobbing, so swiftly bound
Her torn reboso about the wound,
That I quite forgave her. Scratches don’t count
In Texas, down by the Rio Grande.Her eye was brown — a deep, deep brown;
Her hair was darker than her eye;
And something in her smile and frown,
Curled crimson lip and instep high,
Showed that there ran in each blue vein,
Mixed with the milder Aztec strain,
The vigorous vintage of Old Spain.
She was alive in every limb
With feeling to the finger tips;
And when the sun is like a fire,
And sky one shining, soft sapphire,
One does not drink in little sips.
The air was heavy, and the night was hot,
I sat by her side, and forgot – forgot;
Forgot the herd that were taking their rest,
Forgot that the air was close opprest,
That the Texas norther comes sudden and soon,
In the dead of night or the blaze of noon;
That, once let the herd at its breath take fright,
Nothing on earth can stop the flight;
And woe to the rider, and woe to the steed,
Who falls in front of their mad stampede!
Was that thunder? I grasped the cord
Of my swift mustang without a word.
I sprang to the saddle, and she clung behind.
Away! On a hot chase down the wind!
But never was fox hunt half so hard,
And never was steed so little spared,
For we rode for our lives, You shall hear how we fared
In Texas, down by the Rio Grande.
The mustang flew, and we urged him on;
There was one chance left, and you have but one;
Halt, jump to ground, and shoot your horse;
Crouch under his carcass and take your chance;
And, if the steers in their frantic course
Don’t batter you both to pieces at once,
You may thank your star; if not, goodby
To the quickening kiss and the long-drawn sigh,
And the open air and the open sky,
In Texas, down by the Rio Grande.
The cattle gained on us, and just as I felt
For my old six-shooter behind in my belt,
Down came the mustang, and down came we,
Clinging together — and, what was the rest?
A body that spread itself on my brest,
Two arms that shielded my dizzy head,
Two lips that hard on my lips were prest;
Then came thunder in my ears,
As over us surged the sea of steers,
Blows that beat blood into my eyes,
And when I could rise—
Lasca was dead!
I gouged out a grave a few feet deep,
And there in Earth’s arms I laid her to sleep;
And there she is lying, and no one knows;
And the summer shines and the winter snows;
For many a day the flowers have spread
A pall of petals over her head;
And the little gray hawk hangs aloft in the air,
And the sly coyote trots here and there,
And the black snake glides and glitters and slides
Into a rift in a cottonwood tree;
And the buzzard sails on,
And comes and is gone,
Stately and still like a ship at sea.
And I wonder why I do not care
For the things that are like the things that were.
Does half my heart lie buried there
In Texas, down by the Rio Grande?
Apache Wedding Vows
“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”
“Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives — remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.”


Managing risk, maximizing profits: Using visibility to mitigate supply chain risk
Every day companies face an increasing number of events that can cause supply chain disruptions. That is why managing risk across the global supply chain network has become a critical necessity.
While it would be nice to simply avoid risks by transferring them to our supply chain partners, it is just not realistic. Today most companies continue to experience supply chain inefficiencies as a direct result of increased risk. Manufacturing disruptions, bloated inventories, transportation delays, stockouts and obsolete inventories are just some of the negative results.
Many supply chain executives are using improved supply chain visibility to help overcome a variety of risks. This white paper reviews four key types of supply chain risk:
- Rising variable costs
- Supplier failures
- Logistics disruptions
- Natural disasters
The paper then discusses how improved visibility can help mitigate each of these risks and ultimately improve overall supply chain performance.


Story Time – Preschool
Story Time takes place every Monday at 11 a.m. Walk into the pages of a different book every two weeks with our interactive storytelling led by Museum professionals. Pre-school age stories on Mondays at 11 a.m. are chosen based on age appropriateness but all ages are welcome to attend.
Follow the charming story of a greedy caterpillar that transforms into a beautiful butterfly.August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27: Here In the Garden by Briony Stewart
Experience the change of seasons with a young boy who shares the magic of his garden with a special friend.September 10, September 17, September 24: Counting With Apollo by Caroline Gregoire
Learn how to count to ten with the very amusing, good looking, kind and clever, Apollo!