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Show Report For Autumn/Winter 2010 Marios Schwab went with his gut, stripping back to basics and intuitively creating an intelligent, considered collection. Picture it: Marios Schwab, age fifteen, the only boy at a Salzburg school that taught, in his own words, 'hardcore hausfrau sewing skills'. That kind of experience marks a fledgling fashion designer for life - indeed, you can see the traces of those 'hardcore' skills in every one of Schwab's painstakingly worked and worked-out collections - albeit sometimes masked by his complex intellectual explorations. This season felt as if Schwab had stopped thinking. Or at least, stopped over-thinking. For Autumn/Winter 2010 Marios Schwab went with his gut, stripping back to basics and intuitively creating an intelligent, considered collection women will instinctively want to wear. At a time when fashion designers the world over are reexamining exactly what their brands should represent, Schwab very wisely looked back to his roots, not only through the sewing technique of his formative schooling, but the lines of traditional Austrian costume. His collections have always explored the dichotomy between a cold, Northern European rigidity and a Mediterranean corporeality and sensuality - hence, when Marios Schwab does a dirndl, we're not talking Von Trapp. Schwab's rigorous modernism is undoubtedly aligned to the current taste for minimalism - clean, bold lines, cut with a surgical sharpness he is more than equipped to create. He sliced his collection out of loden cloth, sculpting the felted wool into sensuous, curvaceous silhouettes that slice into and around the body. His dirndls were chopped across the thigh, his organic décolleté scooped low to frame the breasts, sometimes rendered as lederhosen harnesses framing chest and back, while peacoats in melton wool were cropped away high, contorted into undulating shapes across the chest to echo the body beneath. Sounds tricksy and costumey? These were the most original and sensual proposals of the brace/trace taste for harnesses and bondage we've seen all season. Speaking of bondage, those hardcore hausfraus surfaced in sadomasochistic detailing - shiny metallic applications of utilitarian hooks, eyes and rings popped up around necklines and across both belts and waistlines of those firm dresses. Sometimes, those hooks were utilised as just that, forming anchors for braid to be wound through and lace down the waist with a corselet detailing. It sounds unwearable, but it was a mark of Schwab's innate taste and skill that, from their first exit, it was difficult to imagine a woman who wouldn't want to lace herself down into his taut frocks, so convincing was his vision. It also counteracted, to a degree, ideas of Marios Schwab as a go-to cocktail dress label, as there was many an intriguing option for day. Zippered biker jackets and coats were rendered in tufted wool, bound down with hardware-strung belts, those dirndl dresses suddenly placed in a different context when worn over a neat silken blouse, while a shirt-dress braced in geometric ruffles looked fresh and effortless. That too is telling - these were clothes to empower, not encumber. His body-consciousness has always been about a genuine consciousness of the body rather than just a second-skin dress, and despite the severity of Schwab's graphic silhouette nothing in this finely-wrought collection looked stiff, self-conscious or uncomfortable. At the end, when Schwab came out to take his bow, for some reason he kept walking and walking until it became a lap of victory. Maybe, once more, he was going with his gut: after this glorious, victorious collection, it was beyond well-deserved.

I was having this hideously godawful nightmare the other night that I was at a coaching retreat with a bunch of people I'd never met. There were ten of us in a fairly small room. It was time for the first activity of the day, and I was tensing up for the proverbial "icebreaker" activity that was certain to follow. Our retreat leaders flips a switch on her Bose and Abba's Dancing Queen blasts into the room. "Everyone up!" she cried. "Dance!" I was completely horrified! Now? With all these people I don't know? And then things got much, much worse. I realized I was AWAKE! It wasn't a nightmare at all. . . (pausing now while you all shriek) So I danced, because NOT dancing would only make me stand out more, and people would be looking, and some extravert would try to pull me up for a friendly twirl or two. I tried to look as if I often danced with small crowds of people in brightly lit rooms before lunch, and tried not to glare at our retreat leader, who I happen to adore. But this was S-O going on her post-retreat evaluation. Two other introverts started easing back into my corner and we flashed each other a WTH?? eyeball text message. Eleven hours later the song finally ended. Gleefully charged, the extraverts were chummying up together, and the introverts were sporting near migraines. Said retreat leader seemed very pleased that we were all "loosened up" and could get to work. Loosened up? Are you out of your mind, woman? Do you know how long it will take me to decompress from your opening torture routine? Which brings me right smack to book sales and promotion. (Sound of Robin sighing in relief that this truly isn't all completely ran-dom!) As I sat there doodling and decompressing for the first hour of the retreat, I thought about how my aversion to dancing-on-demand just about perfectly sums up my entire Marketing Avoidance Profile (MAP). I'm sending this right over to my publicity person at Random House. You might want to get to work on yours. M.A.P. FOR AUTHOR: MARY HERSHEY When scheduling promotional events and activities for the above-named author, please bear in mind the following: ::: No loud music or bright lights. Prefers a quiet Goodyear blimp with book title emblazed across. ::: Introvert to extravert ratio > 1:3 preferred. If possible, please screen all event attendees and staff. Anyone that talks more than three minutes without stopping needs a timeout. ::: Author unable to perform most bodily functions upon demand. Includes smiling, dancing, speaking up or loosening up. ::: Author unable do the any of the following while chatting with teachers, students, booksellers, or librarians: Eat corn on the cob, spinach, sushi, fondue, use chopsticks or the latrine. ::: Crowds in small places tolerated for 60 minutes max. Quickly prepare exits at 61 minutes and beyond. ::: No Abba. Ever. No kidding. Mary Hershey Executive Director Writers Against Introvert Abuse 9 comments: Oh my. Oh myohmyohmy. That calls for an hour of solitary confinement in a dim room lit only by scented candles. Go on now.... :) Oh. My. Gawd. You did not tell me you'd been tortured! That sounds beyond hideous... ::shuddering:: (Gasp which sucks all the air out of the room:) Are you KIDDING!? Oh, no! Sometimes I feel like a great idiot visiting a church where the minister decides we all need to have a ten or twenty minute chat with strangers during the "welcome the strangers" section. That kind of stuff is HARD. I have to admit the urge to kick someone and cry would have been tough to refuse. I really wish this had been just a bad dream. I'm roughing out the idea of a book launch, and this has sent me back to my corner with hives. Oh. My. Gosh. Yikes. This has me writhing in my seat in sympathy. You crack me up. I mean, I'm soooo with you--just glad it's you and not me. Though, on the other hand, I hope ? to have some publicity tours when I get published. Eek. Too funny. Got me thinking about my MAP. But gotta have a book first...so back to writing. I remember going to a college lecture once where, strangely enough, they did turn on music and demand everyone get up off the floor (where we were sitting) and dance. I'm stubborn. I stood up so as not to be trampled on, but then I crossed my arms and glared at anyone who so much as glanced my way. It wasn't very long before a number of people joined my mini-rebellion. The organizers profusely apologized afterward saying they had no idea the guy had this planned. Gosh, shades of EST training! (Did they even allow bathroom breaks?) I feel for you! I think I would pull one of those little mascarade eye masks out of my pocket and put it on my face. Your dream reminds me of church events where they would have everyone get up and massage the shoulders of the people next to them. Definitely awkward. I like "Dancing Queen" though. Nice post anyway! ~Reneé Le Vine

Distribution limited to introduced populations, including those at Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin Co. (Wehausen and Elliott 1982), the Ridgewood Ranch north of Ukiah in Mendocino Co. (Jurek 1980) the vicinity of Pomponio Creek in western San Mateo Co., along the Eel River near Kekawaka Creek in southern Trinity Co., and on the Hearst Ranch in San Luis Obispo Co. The total population in the state appears to be about 300. Fallow deer in California are yearlong residents of perennial and annual grasslands, coastal scrub, closed-cone pine-cypress, valley foothill hardwood, valley foothill hardwood-conifer, and valley foothill riparian habitats. Native to southern Europe, Asia Minor, and the Middle East (Chapman and Chapman 1975). Feeding: Fallow deer graze green parts of grasses and forbs, and occasionally browse. On Point Reyes Peninsula, grasses form the majority of the diet during the wet season; forbs predominate in the dry season (Elliott 1982). Cover: Use shrubs and trees for concealment, fawning, shade, and shelter from inclement weather. Reproduction: Rutting is concentrated in open grasslands. Fawning occurs in the cover of shrubs and forests (Wehausen 1973, Jurek 1977). Water: Rarely observed to drink at Point Reyes National Seashore. Water must be available within fallow deer range during summer and fall in Mendocino Co. (Jurek 1977). Pattern: Grasslands interspersed with shrublands or tree stands provide suitable habitats. Activity Patterns: Active yearlong. Crepuscular, nocturnal, and some diurnal activity. Seasonal Movements / Migration: Home ranges have seasonal shifts related to availability of forage, and cycles of sexual behavior (Wehausen 1973, Jurek 1977). No elevational migration observed. Home Range: On Point Reyes Peninsula in 1972-73, does and fawns moved throughout a 39 km? (15 mi?) area during winter and early spring, and concentrated in 2 areas of 8.3 km? (3.2 mi?) and 4.7 km? (1.8 mi?) during late summer. Bucks concentrated in part of a 7.8 km? (3 mi?) area after the rut in November until antlers were regrown in August. During the rut, bucks spread out, and some moved throughout a 39 km? (15 mi?) area (Wehausen 1973). In Mendocino Co., fallow deer concentrated in 4 central areas, of about 1 km? (0.4 mi?), during winter. They spread throughout a 73 km? (28 mi?) area during summer when forage was scarcest (Jurek 1977). Territory: Not territorial, except that dominant bucks will chase subordinate bucks from a rutting area where estrous females congregate (Espmark and Brunner 1974). Reproduction: Polygynous mating occurs in mid-October, with consequent fawning in June. Does have single fawns, and breed first at 16 mo (Chapman and Chapman 1975). On Point Reyes Peninsula, potential annual rate of increase of doe population was more than 11% (Wehausen and Elliott 1982). Niche: Mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes may prey on a few individuals. On Point Reyes Peninsula, more than 50% of the fallow deer sampled had evidence of liver flukes, and 7% had lungworms (Brunetti 1976). In California, often sympatric with cattle, sheep, axis deer, or mule deer, and may share many of the same food species. May compete with cattle when available food is scarce. Conversely, cattle may improve habitat for fallow deer by grazing tall plants. On Point Reyes Peninsula, the presence of fallow deer does not alter the habitat preferences of the other sympatric ungulates, nor do fallow deer displace them from their preferred habitats (Elliott 1982). Referred to as Dama dama by some authors (Feldhamer et al. 1988). California Department of Fish and Game, 1999.California's Wildlife, Sacramento, CA.Written by: H. W. Elliot III, reviewed by: M. White, edited by: G. Ahlborn Brunetti, O. A. 1976. Summary of the findings of the deer study on the Point Reyes National Seashore and recommendations for management. Mimeo on file at Pt. Reyes Natl. Seashore, CA. 9pp. Chapman, D., and N. Chapman. 1975. Fallow deer: their history, distribution, and biology. T. Dalton, Ltd., London. 271pp. Elliott, H. W. III. 1982. Ecological relationships of cattle, axis deer, fallow deer, and black- tailed deer on Point Reyes Peninsula. Ph.D. Diss., Univ. Calif., Davis. 197pp. Espmark, Y., and W. Brunner. 1974. Observations on rutting behavior in fallow deer, Dama dama (Linne, 1758). Saeugetierkd. Mitt. 22:135-142. Feldhamer, G. A., K. C. Farris-Renner, and C. M. Barker. 1988. Dama dama. Mammal. Species No. 317. 8pp. Jurek, R. M. 1977. Status, ecology and behavior of a wild population of fallow deer in Mendocino Co., California, 1968-1970. M.S. Thesis, Humboldt State Univ., Arcata. 114pp. Jurek, R. M. 1980. Mendocino County fallow deer aerial survey, February 28, 1980. Calif. Dept. Fish and Game, Sacramento. 2pp. Riemann, H. P., R. Ruppanner, P. Willeberg, C. E. Franti, H. W. Elliott III, R. A. Fisher, O. A. Brunnetti, J. A. Aho, Jr., J. A. Howarth, and D. E. Behymer. 1979. Serologic profile of exotic deer at Point Reyes National Seashore. J. Amer. Vet. Med. Assoc. 175:911-913. Wehausen, J. D. 1973. Some aspects of the natural history and ecology of fallow deer on Point Reyes Peninsula. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Calif., Davis. 67pp. Wehausen, J. D., and H. W. Elliott III. 1982. Range relationships and demography of fallow and axis deer on Point Reyes National Seashore. Calif. Fish and Game. 68:132-145.

I am an American. I was born and raised on American soil and have never called any other country home, although my family is certainly not native. It has been several generations since my ancestors immigrated, however, and I have no familial ties to any of those countries beyond my last name—which we have Americanized so that the ‘w’ is not pronounced the Slavic way, like a ‘v.’ Yet I have never seriously considered the notion of whether I am “proud” to be an American. I am grateful to live here, of course, but the word my family uses most often is “lucky.” Lucky that we don’t still live in the places my great-grandparents left and lucky that my generation has grown up with more comforts than my parent’s generation, who had more comforts than their parents. Pride connotes a “satisfied sense of attachment,” according to Wikipedia, and I feel more pride towards my home state than I really do for the country as a whole. I mention all of this because of the Olympic Games, that monolith of hubris and honor for man and country that takes place every four years. Due to yet more luck and a lot of fortuitous timing, I watched the Games in London stadiums instead of on my couch. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I enjoyed at a level beyond words. I tried to train my wide-eyed wonder into critical consideration, though, because I want to call myself a writer. A lot of my consideration wound up involving these questions of pride, as well as the questions I had about why the British eat so many prawns (also, what is a prawn). We cheered for America because we are American, sure, duh. But a lot of what we cheer for is nuanced by what wins. This was evident in NBC’s very particular coverage of the Games, focusing pretty exclusively on high-ranking American events or foreign athletes destined for gold (exp. Gymnastics, Usain Bolt). The BBC had several channels devoted solely to the Olympics, and showed everything. And evident by at least what I saw in the stadium of the Aquatics Center, the British cheer for the British because they are just really proud to be supporting Britain. Union Jack stockings. Team GB hats, ribbons flags. Walking into Olympic Park, you could spot a Team GB fan a mile away. Although our countries share national colors, you could tell a US fan from a British fan not only because we kept trying to walk on the right-hand side of the barriers, but because we were significantly less red-white-blue-bedazzled. When we did carry our Stars and Stripes flag with us, the Olympic volunteers found it very funny to shout at us, “Go Canada!” I spent most of my live-viewing hours in the cheap seats of the Aquatics Center, watching a sport I had loved, hated, and practiced daily from the age of seven to eighteen. There were a decent number of Americans who had crossed the pond for the event, as well as large pockets of flag-waving Chinese and Japanese fans and a number of enthusiastic French people. Mostly, though, the second level of the Aquatics Center was filled with average British citizens. They came because it was here, in this country they loved, and they wanted to support their country. The ones sitting around us also didn’t really understand swimming. And although they didn’t understand the importance of the lane a swimmer was placed in, or the order of the Individual Medley, what they did understand was pride. I came to support USA, sure, but I came for specific athlete’s specific races, wanting to see these outcomes first-hand. British fans cheered—loudly and enthusiastically—for every red-capped Team GB athlete who walked to his or her starting block. The crowd could barely have been half British; the way the stadium exploded the whole island could have been there. The kicker was this: they rarely—pretty much never—won. Not just didn’t win medals, but didn’t “win” heats fast enough to advance to Finals, or even Prelims. There were a few exceptions, mostly by female swimmers, but Great Britain didn’t get the third highest number of Olympic medals from swimming (65 for Team GB). British athletes excelled in equestrian and cycling and sailing, among other events. And here in the Aquatics Center were average, mild-mannered Brits, of middle age and toting small children, wearing more Union Jack-adorned items than I thought could ever be manufactured, screaming their heads off for athletes who would do fantastically well but never achieve the level of success that we as Americans assume is par the course. When a swimmer edged into the Preliminary round in 16th place, there was more noise than when any other country won gold. I imagined American viewers at home—frowning, fuming, vowing not to watch the determining race—if a favored athlete finished 16th Cheering for a winner and cheering for a team are two different things, even when they collide. Maybe it took watching the Olympics to understand this because I don’t follow/understand/care about football-basketball-baseball teams at home. You cheer for your team because you are damn proud of them, win or lose, and although you really hope its win, a loss won’t diminish your pride. British fans around us were so excited about being British that I almost wanted to be British, too, until I remembered the prawn thing. During one of the American “upset” races, South African Chad le Clos beat Michael Phelps for gold in the 200 meter butterfly. Phelps glided in and le Clos took the risky short stroke and touched him out. Wearing our hand-made USA T-shirts and waving dollar-store flags, we groaned and watched the replay of the finish with the veterans’ dismay of looking to the clock to realize you’ve been beat, but also with a slightly wounded pride: Phelps was our national hero; he was supposed to win, he needed to win. Then we all stood for the South African national anthem and watched a close-up shot of le Clos trying not to cry. None of us could watch him so filled with happiness and demonize him for winning or beating “us.” As the three winners walked around the stadium getting photographed, le Clos was clearly overwhelmed, and Phelps whispered something to him about where to stand and how to hold his medal to the best light. Social media would comment about how ‘cute’ a moment like that was, the prodigy taking the newcomer under his wing, but nothing made me more proud to be American: Phelps had lost graciously. How often does that happen in American sports, among teams as much as among fans (did I mention I’m from Eagles country)? In a few days Phelps would become the most decorated Olympian of all time, and Americans could go back to gloating without thinking about what it means to support these athletes just because they wear our colors in a particular pattern. Sometimes pride doesn’t come from fulfilling one group’s definition of success. We clapped our hands raw as le Clos, Phelps, and Takeshi Matsuda left the stadium, and sat down for the next race. Danielle Bukowski I loved this, Dani! I thought a lot about this during the games. Having pride win or lose… It’s kind of how I feel about cheering on the Padres in San Diego. They are, overall, a losing team, but that doesn’t stop me from screaming until I lose my voice and ‘keeping the faith’ until the very end of September. During the Olympics, I got caught up in the hype, not being satisfied unless USA won. I think this largely stemmed from the fact that I didn’t have any sort of personal ties to these Olympians; with a team like the Padres, I’ve been watching my whole life, and even as the players change, the team and the spirit remains the same. Once I started really paying attention to the Olympians’ stories and thinking about how far they have come/just what it takes to reach their level, I was proud no matter the outcome. I was even proud of the non-Americans who had beat the odds to win a medal. Toward the end of the games, I realized that, for me, it wasn’t about my country winning the most medals, but just generally being blown out of the water (HA, swimming) by what humans can do. This is too long. Anyways, you’re the best. Agreed! It makes more sense with a baseball metaphor but I hadn’t considered it that way until I was finalizing the piece. And a lot of the team mentality is based on where you’re from- so being ‘from’ someplace while being in a place where everyone else is from somewhere else was kind of an odd feeling, because there wasn’t that implicit fanhood of well we’re all American let’s all cheer for the Americans. My parents still watch Padres games even though they haven’t lived in San Diego for 17 years.

You black women just got bamboozeled!The white women are masters of keeping a man.They know how to shut their mouth when in public,help stick by him so he will be able to buy her that house and car.And we black men have great respect to find a white woman to stick with black in this race based world.Tell me black women describe the welfare case worker that told you to kick out the father because he is no good!Yes that's right the white woman.You see a black woman don't want to go with a man that gets his hands dirty for a living even though we make 40 to 100 grand a year with super benefits!White women have respect for a man that does labor work.Without labor work you would not have roads,cars,houses,food,hospitals,etc. etc..Now do you see how people look at as stupid for turning down this great supply of good men!The white women deserve black men because they know how to build a man up!We black men are not no damn movie stars we are just regular people,we don't want to be used for someone to try to live like they are some movie star!That's why black women are single and DESPERATE as hell on a crisses level .Clean up your act you stint wash and doush,learn to cook,keep your mouth shut in public,stop telling everybody all about your damn personal life,stop going out all the time like your a paid caberay singer,Until you learn what to do with a man stop begging for one.You did not even care about the black man until the white women picked us up,you had us to yourself for 400 years through slavery and racism.You talked about us and treated us any ole way because we had no where else to go.Now the black man starting get the reconition he deserves your caught without a man and holding onto a welfare check or working in a high rise overly dressed to hide that ain't got no man.And no the white man ain't gonna pick you up because he done had you for the last 400 years!Sparks fly between us black men and white women but black women white men battery been ran out!!! I do not think white women are master's at keeping men. My mother has kept a man for over 35 years, I have aunts who have managed to keep men, I myself have kept a man for over 9 years. We are all black women. I know countless many white women who are single and divorced. Just because one manages to get married, doesn't mean that they stay married. I am sorry, but I don't think all white women are stepford wives, and I do think it is odd you think women need to stick by their men so they can get a house and car. Black women never had the luxury of sticking by men, and we learned to obtain a car and house on our own, like many white women have. Black women statistically are expected to marry men who are less educated and with less income than them, not more, white collar or blue collar. So that what you stated is not true. I went to college with many a white girls whose major goal was getting a Mrs. degree. I know many gold diggers of ALL hues. As a black woman I can say I am not desperate. I am in a healthy, loving relationship. I know many black women like this. We are not all desperate. The marriage rates of black men and black women are not vastly different like you want to believe. 41% of black men and 43% of black women have never been married. Some black women do build up black men, but some black men don't like yourself don't want black women, and see what you want to see. Newsflash, black women wash and douche. Some of us know how to cook, and some of us know what to do with a man, but sometimes we waste that knowledge on men not deserving of us. Men like you. I will inform my husband he no longer loves me because he as a white man has had 400 years of me. I will also note that the biggest benefactor of welfare is WHITE women, not black women. I know lots of overly dressed people of all races working in high rises who are single. All in all, it seems your comment was the typical lashing out at the thing you claim you want nothing to do with. I realize white men are not saviors, and that good men come in every race, why have you not figured that out? White women are not the answer to every black man's prayers. Thank you, Siditty 53 comments: Siditty, That anon's comment didn't even deserve a response from you. Great post none the less. I hope nobody out there is listening to assholes like this as it pertains to anything, but especially not to personal hygiene. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. As long as you take regular baths, douching does more harm than good. And learn how to spell, motherfucker. Siditty, Congrats on the baby!! When did you find out? I'm amazed that people find enough words to say such crap. Just sad. I must say, this comment by anonymous isn't new to me...I've heard it all...while reading it, I had my violin playing in my head. With that being said, I have no need to entertain him, for ignorance isn't worthy. BTW, are you expecting Siditty? If so, CONGRATS!! (I'm piggybacking from the other comment) Roslyn, Your comment is hilarious! Ok, I see that I'm slow, for I should have read your new title "Knocked Up Since 2008." Once again, congrats and may you have a healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby :) When are men going to realize the issues is THEM. What a sad and pathetic troll. That angry little boy must have been burnt badly be the Black woman who he still so obviously wants. That post actually made me laugh. Yes, congrats to you and your husband. What a great way to start the new year off. Just like a disgruntled, self hating Black man.... SMH. He may think a white woman being a "silent partner" is the answer to a Black man's prayers, but what happens when that gets old? And it also goes to show you how ignorant this fool really is. He's gonna blurt out that Black women are good for receiving a welfare check. He REALLY needs to check out the real stats on the black to white ratio of welfare recipients. I'm sick of these super dumb and ignorant Black men who think that white women are their savior from being real men. Typical. Just another loser with his pointless mindless comments. Congratulations Siditty on the upcoming bambino. Zomg! A SiBaby!! Congrats. --- As for that anonymous comment someone was so "nice" to leave you, it sounds like the crap I'd get from black men who didn't want to look my way........until a white guy was watching or with me. "Sparks fly between us black men and white women but black women white men battery been ran out!!! " Here's hoping one of those sparks flies off and activates the spell check function for him next time. Clippy is there to help, not steal your soul. I think. First off , no more troll feeding PLEASE. Second, congrats to the bun in the oven! "The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. As long as you take regular baths, douching does more harm than good. And learn how to spell, motherfucker." LOL! Roselyn, Long time.Good to see you about. That is a Paper man. And if anyone deserves that its a non black woman. I wish all those would actually end up with White women. " So true. These men don't even stay with these white women they run to. Also next time you see a celeb BM/WW couple. Notice how uncomfortable the man is. The only person I have seen comfortable in his relationship is Seal. That seems like a genuine relationship. Most of them seem to have a trophism aura. And I think their real intentions catch up with them later on. That is why they split and are too embarrassed to go back to BW so they keep running through non BW. African men have like a 98% failure rate in these relationships. They better face their short comings as men in this society whether this is a result of racism or themselves. Blaming Black women will only carry on for another few years. Once the population of fatherless biracial kids grows, they will have to face the truth that they are Paper men. That comment made me laugh...what an idiot...anyways, I too have written a bit on this subject if you care to read: See, I actually started taking him seriously. I was getting wounded by his words, until I realized all the misspelled words, and then I though "Epic FAIL!". And did he just ask black women to DOUCHE! That is really...odd. Man it must suck to be his wife... I know you don't know me (reading your blog since early last year) but CONGRATS on the baby! Man, I'm going to feel like such a dork if you're not pregnant lol. Siditty, may I request that you never waste a second or a minute on these people ever again? You're expecting, for Goodness's sake. This can't be good for any mother. I am not ruffled by this comment, really. Then again, I'm neither a BW, BM, WW or WM. People like this run wild and free in the streets, and many times we may not be able to identify them. What they do is beyond my control, so I let nature run its course and I let them do as they please. With the good comes the bad, and eventually, we'll all have what we deserve. I don't feel a need to bash anyone here, I understand there are temptations and/or obligations that are hard for us to cope with. As you have a successful marriage Siditty, I feel you should not have to answer to such people. -- Jade It never ceases to amaze me how these "cowards" on the Internet are not man/woman enough to put there name behind their vicious venom. If you are going to have the audacity to spew ignorance, at least be bold with it. Congrats to you and your husband. Just remember, the nausea only lasts for a little while. You may get lucky and never get it. Not only is his comment extremely self-hating it's also incredibly sexist. Sad. Really? Damn... I've dated (done) many women from many races and ethnicities. But the one's I like best are the nice, funny, smart, hot, physically fit, religious, .... Race plays no factor in my choices. What's wrong with this quack? Mommy didn't hug him enough? P.S. Congrats on the baby!! And what is up with these guys and feminine hygiene anyway? Terence Howard and his damned baby wipes. Sorry, there's a reason why the damned things say BABY wipes. Goodness knows what his women are eaten up with, but it says more about his taste than it does the women. ". after the very first sentence, I stopped reading. it just wasn't worth MY time and energy. wow that email was crazy, especially the statement about white men having us for 400 years. I don't whether to think this man is mentally insane or an asshole that wrote this as a sick joke. enough about the complaints of black women being too hard to deal with, if this man is for real about what he thinks, then his arguing is proof that black women can't be ignored and he may be targeting some fucked internal issues towards his female counterparts to put himself on a pedestal. btw loved ur response siddity, very classy Ignorance is bliss, I suppose! Congratulations on the baby!! This fool is coming straight out of a comic book. If White women know how to keep a man, then why do the US Census Bureau statistics report that more white women have been divorced than non-White women? Total US female divorce statistics as of 2001: -White: 24.2% -White (non-Hispanic): 25.4% -Black: 20.1% -Hispanic (of any race): 15.9% -Asian: 10.4% *()* @Anon 8:10am- That doesn't disprove anything. If there are more white females on welfare than blacks females, then white females are benefiting from the program more.... Congratulations on the baby! Re: Douching. What this idiot wouldn't know. A 1995 survey quoted in the University of Rochester study found that 27 percent of U.S. women age 15 to 44 douched regularly, but that douching was more common among African-American women (over 50%) than among white women (21%). Thanks Mr. Noface :) --------- LOL Roslyn :) --------- As for that anonymous comment someone was so "nice" to leave you, it sounds like the crap I'd get from black men who didn't want to look my way........until a white guy was watching or with me. I used to hate that, why all the sudden am I so desirable after a white man starts looking at me. That tells me about the mindset of some of these men. Their self esteem and self hatred is so low, that the only way you can be deemed attractive by them, is if a white man deems you so. LOL @ Here's hoping one of those sparks flies off and activates the spell check function for him next time. Clippy is there to help, not steal your soul. ---------- Thank you Jade, you are correct :) ----------- Really? Damn... I've dated (done) many women from many races and ethnicities. But the one's I like best are the nice, funny, smart, hot, physically fit, religious, .... Race plays no factor in my choices. And that is how it should be :) ". Numbers wise, more white women are on welfare than black woman. How is that false? I think you really want to believe Good Times and BET is an accurate reflection of African Americans. P.S. I have never been on welfare, and I have known way more black women who have never been on welfare vs. those who are on welfare, but we must all be magical negros. ---------------- Grata, Stop using facts. Not to mention if that man hangs out with woman with stinky coochies, that is on him, not anyone else. ------------- On the Baby for Rhonda, Beautifully Conjured Up, Kristin, simone, digitalcoyote, Orchid, Funkystarkitty, Boom, (fŭng'kē) [blak] [chik], Austingirl: I found out about three weeks ago. I am nine weeks along, and thank you guys for all the congrats :)... Anon, This is my opinion, and my opinion only. Yes it is socially acceptable to date a dark skinned indian woman over a black woman in America. Even if the woman is darker than most african americans, she still isn't black. I have known countless whites mention they are ok with IR relationships with asians, hispanics, and other races, but they can't cross the line of black, no matter what, and it is due to negative stereotypes. Black on the totem pole is still the lowest of the low, even if it is lighter than those of other races. I remember once a girl at my school cried in middle school because a white guy joked she was darker than me. He thought it was funny that black people were called black, when most are brown, and decided to use her skin coloring as an example. He didn't say it as a negative, but the concept of being dark was such a hard thing for her to deal with. I do think most of the time when white guys think asian, they think east asian though. In the racial hierarchy, a east asian would be more acceptable than an indian girl. what i'm about to say, i've said on at least 5 other blogs in the last few weeks: i'm so glad i don't live in the states anymore!! there is nowhere in the world--in all of the rest of the world, trust me- where an indian/asian woman, any indian/asian woman just by virtue of being indian/asian, is 'higher up' on ANY hierarchy than a black american woman. in the rest of the world, other determiners rule, like nationality, language, education. of course, ideally, there'd be no pecking order at all, but if i have to choose . . . I would like to say a big congrats to Siditty on her pregnancy. I have been a fan of your blog for the past year and a bit, although I'm in London. I have post a few comments about the lack of WM/BW relationships in London and I'm hearing more BW in the UK making a point that WM are not interest in dating BW in London. I don't know about the rest of the UK, I have heard that WM in Manchester and other Northern cities are more open to dating BW but in London it very rare for a WM to approach a BW or to see many BW/WM couples.I don't know why this is?I wish someone would find out!! Another fact that comes in to play is how BW are not seen as 'hot' in the mainstream media and some BW are argue that this puts us at disadvantage in the dating arena. Siditty Congratulations on your pregnancy. One of the reasons, why I am so glad that I believe in God, because I find Anon's comments hiliarous and in due course Jesus will him out. Once again God bless on your pregnancy. This post was too funny! This guy is a jerk/loser. It is pointless, senseless...I wish that people like him wore ID tags in public so that the normal people are forewarned. LOL Congratulations on the pregnancy! I rarely ever use the N word but I will today: Nigga please... For REAL. I can't even waste my time on responding to this shit. This stupid bastard needs to drink hot bleach... How many times do I have to explain this to you?. The fact of the matter is the biggest benefactor of welfare in sheer numbers is WHITE WOMEN, that isn't false. You said it was false. It isn't false, and you seem upset that I don't think that most black women live on welfare. White people like to think black people commit crimes against whites in record numbers . They never want to take into consideration those who commit crimes have a better chance at getting a white victim versus a black victim based upon sheer numbers, they just like to believe blacks are criminals. Congrats Sid!!!! LOL! Seattle Slim, I love you....you are hilarious. Nigs like him are the reason I've never dated black. They seem to be the majority of black males. YUCK. Those white chicks whose virtues he extols can sooooo totally have his dumbass. Please delete future crazy posts like this joker. How nice about the bambino! Congrats! Badblackckitty, WORD! Wow this guy could not even s-p-e-l-l. It is a waste of space. He sounds like he didn't make it past 3rd grade but geez my vocabulary was way better than that! No wonder he's a laborer - if he even has a job. Congrats Siditty on the baby. That guy is really angry, wow! This is really sad that he would feel that way, but who cares. I believe in krama and eventually it will come back to bite him and others like him. Also next time you see a celeb BM/WW couple. Notice how uncomfortable the man is. --------------------------------- Also the next time you see a celebrity BM/WW couple, notice how long they stay together and notice what she brings to the relationship table and what she takes from the table when she leaves. Usually she brings nothing to the table because she is not a professional(although there are some exceptions).She usually stays with him for about 5 to 6 years (sometime it could be a bit longer) and when she leaves she takes half of his net worth or more. She can do one hell of an acting job to get what she wants (which is his money)but he is too stupid to realize it. All I have to say to her is get paid(you go girl, 5 to 6 years of misery just to be rich for a life time with money that you did not have to work for because you never attended college and you met a rich sucker who was dumb enough to marry you and not sign or read the prenuptual agreement). Great response hit all the key points and factors. I'm not shocked its very nice to meet another strong, intelligent, well rounded black woman. These guys are so damaged many will cling to white women even when called the N word by them. What they are really afraid of is black women becoming too comfortable doing without them and indifference is settling in. They imagine everyone is desperate for them in the hopes of getting attention. Isn't it funny how black women are taught to marry down, but black men should seek someone on their level...which doesn't include black women. They'll do and say anything to justify the fact that they tend to take their cues from white men. Many are now extolling Asian women when they want to cut down white women. It's best just not to focus on black men or what they think. Anon said: "Also the next time you see a celebrity BM/WW couple, notice how long they stay together and notice what she brings to the relationship table and what she takes from the table when she leaves." THINK Michael Strahan, Lou Rawls, Glen Rice, Amani Toomer...the list goes on and on. As the number of black men decline in sports...so goes the women. I'm afraid many of them will soon think black women are now suitable for them once they are down on their luck. Hope they live and remain with ww to be honest.

Normally choosing a meal with our family is a very problematic event where everyone wants something different. The only time that this doesn’t apply is on mother’s day, father’s day and birthdays where the other family members be quiet and let the special person choose their location. So being mother’s day it was up to my mum to decide where to go, pretty much straight away she chose the Subiaco Hotel a place that she has been to many times before. The Subiaco hotel is one of those places that has been there forever and is a Perth institution. Sarah has been multiple times and she has said every time that I would love it. So I had quite high expectations of this restaurant and I was wondering if they would be met. Walking in on a brisk Sunday night we were instantly warmed up once we felt the warm atmosphere inside the restaurant. Everyone is drinking and laughing and enjoying life, it’s a vast contrast to some restaurants where people just sit down indifferently to their food. The interior is another thing that I have to talk about, it looks fantastic with Perspex light features hanging from the roof, and then there is a little smoker’s room at the back with ivy that reaches all the way from the floor to the roof. It’s benevolent without feeling stuffy. Once we were handed the menu by the very attentive staff I knew that I was in for a good meal. The menu features a lot of menu options with only 4 or 5 ingredients but all those ingredients are great quality and combined in really interesting ways. There were so many things that sounded delicious! However browsing through the menu one thing caught my eye. So we ordered an entrée of garlic bread to share. Now I had garlic bread the previous night for dinner at Lancelin and the difference between the garlic bread there and here was night and day. This was a few pieces of delicious sourdough bread that had been sliced thinly then rubbed with fresh garlic and butter then grilled. Absolutely fantastic! $9 9/10 We also ordered a side to go with our meals, I insisted on having this as it had two of my favourite words in there ‘duck fat’. These were brussel sprouts that had been blanched and then they were sautéed in duck fat and they were absolutely fantastic, they had a nice Smokey flavour and then the leaves of the sprouts soaked up the fat. I could eat 100 of these. $8 9/10 Before I mentioned that one thing caught my eye and that made me order it, it was ‘poached egg’. I pretty much love anything with a poached egg on it!! This was angel hair pasta that had WA grown shrimp and it was another great meal! So many things were great, I loved the fact that they actually weren’t afraid to mix herbs through their pasta, I loved the how sweet and fresh tasting the shrimp were, I loved the richness of the egg (which judging by the colour of the yolk wasn’t your standard supermarket egg) coated all the pasta. It might overtake spaghi as having the best pasta dish in Perth! $29 10/10 Mummy had parpadelle pasta with slow cooked lamb shoulder and spinach. Her review of that was “The sauce was beautiful, the lamb was very tender and the pasta was cooked perfectly. A very satisfying dish“ 8/10 $34 According to Sarah they always have pork belly and scallops on the menu and just change what accompanies it. The pork belly and scallops with ho fun noodles. Her review of that was “The pork belly was crispy and melt in your mouth, the scallops were perfectly cooked, the noodle cake was delicious and a novel idea but a touch bland“ 7.5/10 $34.50 I really enjoyed my meal at the Subiaco hotel; it just has food that is really tasty in a friendly atmosphere. I can see why Sarah was trying to get me to go there for so long now. Another thing I wanted to mention was how good value for money it was, considering the quality of the food I thought that it was great value for money. I have paid more at soulless places like sizzler and had worse food!Subiaco Hotel 465 Hay St Perth, 6008 (08) 9381 3069 Sizzler’s Sizzler’s you think you had better than Sizzler’s!!!! I bet they at the Subiaco Hotel do not throw in a single salad, less still a whole bar of them in the cost of your meal for that matter do they. Hater, Hater, Hater, Shameful. Agreed, Sizzler is a hole.. why pay the amount that you do for old/frozen/no love food when you can walk through the city, northbridge, mt lawley, leederville, subi (my list could go forever) and find a bargain with great fresh food and a much better atmosphere! I agree! Well i think part of my little sizzler rant was also due to the fact that i don’t really like buffet places as a whole.

I am just bubbling over with excitement over here! I am so happy to announce the kick off of Simply…Gluten-free’s first Gluten Free Photo Contest sponsored by Scanpan! This is going to be a regular feature. is it going to work?. And now for the icing on the gluten-free cake! The wonderful folks at Scanpan are sponsoring the kick off of this photo contest. They will send a lucky winner (from a random drawing) a 10¼ inch sauté pan with lid from their new CTX line valued at $239.99 and YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ENTER THE PHOTO CONTEST TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR THE PAN!!! Scanpan makes the highest quality, state of the art, ceramic, titanium, non-stick cookware unlike other non-stick pans in that they can be used for searing, braising and deglazing, they can not be damaged with metal utensils, they can be used at high temperatures (up to 500 degrees!) and are without those funky chemicals that are bad for our bodies and the environment. The are also very eco-friendly in that they use 100% recycled aluminum and as if all that were not enough – THE PANS COME WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY! (And these are some pretty sexy looking pans if you ask me.) Just click below (at the end of this post) to enter the Scanpan giveaway before midnight EST September 30, 2010. So now about the contest. The theme for the September Kick Off is – NO THEME! Just send in pictures of GLUTEN FREE FOOD. It can be a completed recipe, ingredients or just a picture of an apple, as long as it is GLUTEN FREE. Rules for the Gluten Free Photo Contest: - The food or recipe in the picture must be gluten-free. You do not have to be a gluten free food blogger to enter, in fact you don’t even have to have a blog! But the food in the picture does have to be gluten-free. - Post your photo on your blog and link back to this post (if you have a blog) before midnight EST September 15, 2010. The round up of all photos and the winners will be posted here on October 3, 2010. If you don’t have a blog just send me the photo with the rest of the data. - Photos will appear on my blog with a width of 400 dpi (height does not matter) and be formatted for the web so keep that in mind. - Send me an email to cok@verizon.net with the photo attached and a link to your post before the deadline of September 15, 2010. Please include your NAME and THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG. - Entering the photo contest does NOT automatically enter you in the give away. You need to click below to enter the Scanpan giveaway. Only one entry per person please! - If your name is Carol Kicinski, you are the author of the gluten-free blog Simply…Gluten-free and you live in Florida, you are not eligible to enter the giveaway or photo contest! Ok, so that’s it. Have fun and hit me with your best shot! I can’t wait to see your pictures of all that beautiful gluten-free food out there. (As a note, if you are not sure what constitutes gluten-free food click here to see allowable foods on a gluten-free diet.) enter before midnight EST September 30, 2010 drawing will take place October 1, 2010 good luck! xo, carol

Not the Big Three, but the threes Posted by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on December 6, 2007 That’s what gave the f’n Celtics a 103-113 win at the Wachovia center, and made our record slide at 5-13 (.278). Sixers played a heck of a game for 40 minutes. Unfortunately games last more. Same old story. These guys always play hard, give 100% on the court, but their flaws in a 48 minutes games are exposed sooner or later. This time it was our porous perimeter defense again (10-22 from three point land for Boston) and some unexpected exploits by Celtics’ role players that we couldn’t guard. It sucks containing the Big Three to a “standard” night and getting burned by the Eddie Houses, the Tony Allens and the James Poseys of this league. Not to take anything from them, they are very good players, and they showed it. And I’ve always been a big fan of Posey (well, I was…). It’s just that you don’t think you can lose a game because of them when you have to face Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. But this is what happens with a team with three proven all stars. They just play their standard basketball on a daily basis, and they open up spots for the others: it’s reserves’ job, then, to take advantage of the chances they are given. They did it versus the Sixers. Whatever… The first game with Ed Stefanski as GM, after Billy King was fired, started with a wonderful surprise: Sixers wearing some damn cool retro uniforms (in the picture). Jeez, I love those. While we are “re-examinating everything, from the top to the bottom”, can we please sack also the current lame jerseys (especially the black ones), fire the modern logo (LOL) and go back to the old style unis, with our storied 76ers logo? Ed, please. Please. And bring back the red uniforms, full time. Red is the colour of this franchise. What has black to do with the Sixers? Nothing. It was a (dumb) marketing trick that came up during the beginning of the hip hop era, likely to please young fans and try to sell more stuff. Ok, since that era is over – and since nobody is buying Sixers unis anyway… - can we go back to red now? The retro uniforms gave us a spark in a pretty unbelievable first quarter, when Sixers shot 73% (14/19) and ended it with a 32-26 lead. Miller abused Rondo (6/7, 13 p), Iguodala was on fire too (5/5, 11 p). Celtics kept the game close thanks to 57% shooting (12/21). In the second the margin was extended to 11 points, 42-31, on a three point play by a very effective Dalembert. “Celtics’ defense is two steps behind its usual standard” said Boston broadcasters. True. Add that to a terrific start by every single Sixer and you have an idea of what happened. Miller continued embarassing Rajon Rondo in every possible way (and Rondo is known as a very good defender), and Sixers mantained a 11 point lead: it was 55-44 and 57-46, when Iggy beated the shot clock. Pierce and Garnett made some tough shots in the final minutes and at the half time the score was 57-52. At the break, Sixers stats were impressive: 60% FG (24/40), 7/11 FT, 19 rebounds (Celtics had 11), 12 assists (vs 11), “only” 6 turnovers. Miller had already 19 (8/11) + 5 rebounds + 6 assists (!!!), Iguodala 14 (6/7), Dalembert 9 (3/3), Lou Williams 7 (3/4). Wow ! Celtics weren’t bad either: 51% FG (21/41), 3/8 from three point land, 7/9 FT: Garnett had 12 on 5/8, Perkins 8 (4/5 … he even looked like a player), Pierce 6 (3/5), Ray Allen 7 but with 2/7. The problem was that, even with those stellar numbers (that meant also our season high for points in the first half), our lead was only 5 points, not exactly comfortable when you are playing such a good, experienced, deep team. So it was hardly a surprise when Celtics completed a 13-0 run, including the end of the second quarter, to take a 57-59 lead at the beginning of the third. Boston started playing some tough defense, putting some pressure on us and knocking down some really tough shots. But proud Sixers replied and the two teams made it a nice game to watch, with many lead changes and spectacular plays. Lou Williams showed all his talent again, scoring and feeding his team mates. A couple of threes by James Posey helped C’s take a 77-81 lead and the quarter ended 80-83 with Rondo going coast to coast to beat the buzzer. In the fourth Cheeks decided to go small, putting Korver in with Iguodala, Miller, Lou Williams and Sam as our only big man. The move paid off at the beginning (Sixers were up 86-83), but after it started raining… It was a rain of threes: Eddie House had two, Posey another one to put Boston ahead (88-92). Then Paul Pierce went to work, dishing out a lot of assists (he ended up with an amazing 12), the last two to Posey for this fourth, long three and to House for another jumper: 94-105 with 2.48 left, game over. Not a bad game for us, but count it as another loss. Miller’s best night of the season, Iguodala’s, Williams’, Dalembert’s solid contributions weren’t enough. The 8 men rotation that Cheeks went with didn’t help, in my opinion: guys were tired in the second half. Iguodala played 46 minutes, and he also had to guard Pierce, Miller 42. Jason Smith, our 8th man, only 11. As for Boston, seems that all is going in the Celtics way: the three all stars are playing great, it’s clear they love to play together, they don’t care about individual stats, and it’s also evident that it was easy for them to find chemistry. The key to me, barring injuries of course, is how their role players can keep the pace. Right now, they are doing great and even stepping up, and this – unfortunately for all of us, Celtics haters – helps building confidence. If scrubs (I confirm: scrubs) such as Rondo and Perkins can bring something to the table every night, then Celtics will be scaring until the end, and, contrary to my predictions, can have a shot to the Finals. Posey, Tony Allen and House are on another level to me, especially the former Heat who is a great, versatile player. They anyway were simply too much for the young, rebuilding, tired Sixers. Retro uniforms are cool but they don’t make miracles happen. At least so far. Boston throws its usual three point party « Sixers 4 guidos said [...] Here is the story of another early lead that turns into a loss (remember the Bulls game), and of another, merciless three point barrage (remember the three Raptors games, or also the first one vs Boston). [...]

Sunday, April 29 Mama, Happy Mother's Day! the photo were taken on the last weekend when me and my sister spending our time with our beloved mom. the location was at the nice indoor garden of the One Utama. it was a very lovely moment when i got the chance to bring her to our hang-out place and trying my fav, the cheesy meat rice! hehe.. so, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my only mama, Puan Zaitun Binti Kasim. she is looking like a middle of 40 something lady, right? well, to be exact she was already 55 years old on the last February! haaarr..so awet muda kan?! so, please know that i'm inheriting those quality from her! LOL haha.. so, here is my short and sweet speech for the responsible person who brought me to this world! mama, terima kasih memang la tak cukup untuk menghargai kesusahan mengandungkan adik and lebih2 lagi menahan sakit melahirkan adik. adik tau itu satu pengorbanan yang besar dan tak mampu untuk dibalas sampai bila2. adik minta maaf diatas semua kesalahan dan kedegilan yang adik lakukan walaupun adik tau kedegilan itu akan sentiasa berlaku! huhu...insyAllah, adik akan bawa mama jalan2 once i've enough money for it coz itu je yang mampu adik lakukan for both of us. please pray for it..amin. and please know that takde anak yang tak sayang mak die.. btw guys, isn't the photos are looking different to you? yup, i've just successfully edited it after being so envy with other blogger's 'bokeh' photo for a loooong time. so, i was trying so hard google-ing the photoshop tutorial of it. in the end, i found that IT IS SERIOUSLY A VERY SIMPLE METHOD. you just need to 'mix' your photo and any bokeh image together. then, do some adjusting on it, ta-da you've done! seriously, i felt so stupid because i thought that there is a very complicated one! XP till then.. p/s: " sorry guys, i've unintentionally 'deleted' your comments on this post. haiyooo..i'm sorry and thanks for the words! (">.<) " xoxo Posted by Sizzling Suzai Labels: family, my artsNdesign

However, there has been an increase in vacation housing rental scams, so you need to be careful. Skiers are arriving at the property they thought they had rented only to discover that it's not available for rent or may not even be real. The "property manager" may actually be a scammer who preys on unsuspecting vacationers. If it happens to you, it obviously puts a huge damper on your vacation. You've given a deposit or even the full rental amount, which is required in many resort areas. You probably won't be able to get back your money if you wired it, and you have nowhere to stay. If you're a victim of a condo or vacation home rental fraud scheme, you're in trouble. Unfortunately, the local police department in the ski town you're visiting probably won't be able to help you get a refund because the money is typically wired or transferred out-of-state. You'll need to report it to agencies at home or where the money was sent. However, the local chamber of commerce may be able to help you secure new lodging on short notice. Types of Vacation Rental Scams Scammers take advantage of vacationers in a variety of ways. The property you are renting may not even exist, or it could be a real vacation rental that has been hijacked by a scammer. The scammer copies photos and a description from a real listing and then relists it with his or her contact information. The most prevalent scams include: - Fake Condo or House: Rental Property does not exist (fake photos and address). - Real Condo or House / Fake Listing: The scammer copies a listing from a legitimate rental and posts it online using the photos and description from the real listing, but changes the price and the contact information. In both cases, the scammer will request payment of the security deposit and the rent (which can be required up to 30 days in advance during peak season) in advance. You will be asked to pay via a wire transfer, money order, Cashier's Check, or other money transfer service. With all these payment methods, it will be as though you paid cash, and it will most likely be impossible to recoup the money you have sent. Booking Safe Vacation Rentals How can you book a vacation rental where you don't have to worry about whether you are going to get scammed? Before you make a reservation, it's important to carefully check out the property you are planning to rent and whom you are renting it from. Avoiding a scam upfront will ensure that you are spending your time on the slopes, not trying to find accommodations on short notice. Scams are more prevalent on vacation rental by owner sites and Craigslist, when you are dealing with individuals rather than an organization. If you book your lodging through the ski resort central reservations, a reputable property management company, or the local chamber of commerce you can be assured that your booking is legitimate. For example, the Park City, Utah Chamber of Commerce has a directory of lodging providers and you can book directly through the chamber's website. Vail provides one-stop shopping for hotels, vacation rentals, and more local lodging options. Most major ski resorts offer similar services to skiers planning a vacation trip. How to Avoid Scams How can you avoid scams? It's important to careful research the lodging and the person you are renting it from. Here are some tips for avoiding vacation rental scams. Book Direct. Your best bet is to book through a property management company, the ski resort or lodging providers recommended by the resort, or the chamber of commerce. Check the Price. Is the rental price similar to equivalent listings? If the price is a real bargain, it may be too good to be true. For example, there were scams reported in Park City, Utah during the Sundance Film Festival when vacation housing prices are at a premium. The Park Record reported scams where the price was well below the going rate for housing. Check the Photos. Check out the photos included in the listing. If you're seeing a photo of a condo with the beach in the background, it's not a condo at a ski resort. Are you seeing the same photos in a variety of listings? That's another sign that the listing may not be legitimate. Check the Listing. Is the same property listed on many different websites at different prices? That's a sign it could be a scam. The easiest way to check is to take part of the description and search for it on Google. If you see the same property listed with different prices and different contact people, be careful. Before You Book. Before you submit payment to an individual owner or property manager, call the telephone number in the listing and have a conversation. Ask them for references and contact the references to be sure they were satisfied with their stay. Ask about the terms and be sure you can pay by credit card. Check Out Who's Renting the Property. If you do book through an individual call them and check them out online. Google them to see what information you can find, check them out on social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, and search for the name they have given plus the terms "scam" or "fraud" to see if you can find any reports of scams. Don't Send Money. The best way to pay is by credit card because you can dispute fraudulent charges. Don't pay by money transfer systems like Western Union or MoneyGram or wire money to someone's bank account. If you book through a vacation rental website, book through the site's reservation system. For example, payments made through HomeAway Reservation Manager system are guaranteed up to $10,000 against internet fraud. Read More: Tips for Renting a Ski Condo | Top 10 Signs of a Possible Travel Scam | Stay Alert for Travel Scams

The Power of WHO Today in the U.S. alone, more than 10 million people are desperately looking for work - 2 million more than last year. For those os uf who have jobs, our daily struggle in this economy is to stay relevant and needed. Bob Beaudine has answers. Sports Illustrated has called our friend Beaudine the "top front office match-maker in sports" and "the most influential man you have never heard of." He is one of the world's leading executive recruiters in sports, entertainment and business - placing everyone from the commissioner of the NFL to the coaches of many Division I football teams. In a great new book, The Power of WHO, he offers more than two decades of practical advice to those who need to find a ner career, want a better job, yearn to smash a series record or want a richer life. He shows readers how to creatively use their network. But he warns, it's not networking as you know it. Says he, "You need to throw out everything you have ever heard about networking to find a job. It's crap! It doesn't work!" Bob told us, "As an executive recruiter, I get thousands of resumes every week and it's disheartening to see a resume come in from people who feel they're going to get their next opportunity when they write, 'Dear Sir,' 'To Whom It May Concern' or 'Dear Recruiter' (which is an oxymoron, he notes). It always confused me that people use a non-relational approach to get something so important they're going to work eight to ten to twelve hours a day for." Nameless strangers won't help, but our WHO will. They are friends and allies willing to help when we reach out. Says Beaudine, "Your WHO is your community of friends that's been built up over many years with love and unconditional giving. These friends care about you, they want to help you, they share your core values. They'll come to your aid if you'd ask them. We've been taught inccorectly that friends and business are taboo. So whoa re we supposed to work with? People we don't know and don't trust?" There's a good chance you know someone right now who has lost their job or is in a vulnerable position at work. "They feel like they've been in a car wreck," relates Beaudine. "There's pain, fear, panic. But who do you call if you've been in a wreck? You don't pull out a business card from you last conference. You call a family member or a friend." He adds that people who've lost jobs or those in trouble financially tend to go to Monster. com, send out mass e-mails or start cold-calling businesses. Instead, Bob recommends three Rs: Remember. You're not alone in your situation. Get back to your WHO - those people you knew in your first jobs, in college, at church, in your kids' sports teams. We've got to talk to the people who matter most because friends help us, not acquaintances. Reach out. You've got to call them and say, "Where have you been? I've missed you?" These people would drop everything to help. But we think because we haven't talked to them in a while that they're going to think we're a user. That's just not true! Ask for their help. Don't be vague about what you're doing; tell them what you need and that you'll help them whenever you can. Reconnect with Key People. How many people do you really need this year to get that one big deal? Probably just one. But we don't usually have a list in front of us of the people that matter. We live the rest of our lives with lists. When it comes down to talking about people that matter to you, put them on a list. Then, when you're finally sitting across from someone who wants to hire you, promote you or give you new business, Beaudine says you should remember the four questions they're thinking about as they interview you: 1. Do I know you? They're wondering if they've heard about you or if someone has spoken to them on your behalf. Recommendations are the biggest reason someone gets a job or makes a sale. In fact, 87 percent of jobs are placed from one friendly reference! 2. Do I like you? How long is it before you form an opinion of someone? It's in the first few minutes. Can you create a positive personal relationship if you've never met a person and no one has given you a reference? Not in two minutes. 3. Do you understand my needs? Are you speaking just about yourself, or hav eyou reserached my company, my current situation and have unique solutions just for me? 4. Are you the best for my situation? Do you have the skills-set I need right now? As Beaudine reminds us, friendships are as vital to our dreams and goals as food and water are to our bodies. True friendships are based on loyalty and mutual regard. There are no strings attached. You help your WHO friends simply because you can. Chestor Elton, co-author of The Carrot Principle. Adrian Gostick, co-author of The Carrot Pricinciple.

Corrections & Amplifications Entrepreneurs and small-business owners often think that incorporating video into their marketing or communication plan -- let alone configuring a website for video -- is costly, complicated and beyond reach. With the launch this week of Vimeo PRO from Vimeo, nothing could be further from the truth. Online video is expected to account for half of all consumer Internet traffic by the end of next year, according to a recent Cisco report. Further, a Forbes Insights survey from last December showed that nearly 60 percent of those online will watch a video before reading the text on any given webpage -- and they’re more likely to make a purchase. These findings should prompt businesses of all sizes to see the urgency of matching the growing demand for video-related content with videos of their own. Enter, Vimeo. The second most popular online video portal behind YouTube, is finally giving small businesses and commercial enterprises overall their chance to get in on the video action. With Vimeo PRO, $199 a year gives businesses a simple and affordable professional video-hosting solution, complete with analytics for gauging return on investment. Each year, users receive 50 gigabytes of storage and 250,000 plays for video embedded on your own website in a player branded with your company’s logo. That’s enough to upload between 700 and 2,000 five-minute videos, depending on the video format you use. Think you'll need more? It’s $199 for each 50GB increment. You can also buy additional plays in increments of 100,000 for $199. And unlike Vimeo.com, which doesn’t permit commercial content, Vimeo PRO is tailor-made for businesses -- offering a platform built from the ground up to promote or sell a product or service. With Vimeo PRO, your business’ video content can be integrated into your website in an environment that enables you to add your logo to the video player itself. And, unlike YouTube and "regular" Vimeo, nobody else’s advertising appears on top of your videos, and you have access to an advanced dashboard featuring key performance indicators such as the number of times your videos have been loaded, played and finished, just to name a few. Putting small businesses on an equal footing with the big boys, Vimeo PRO offers exceptional video quality -- including features like high definition and HTML5 video. It also provides portfolio websites that you can customize, video review pages and integration with leading social-media utilities and platforms. And if video isn’t your strong suit, PRO account holders can access Vimeo's online education portal, Vimeo Video School. Vimeo PRO is a worthy choice for entrepreneurs and small-business owners looking to host video on their own sites in a branded environment devoid of the types of ads that get embedded into videos from YouTube. Corrections & Amplifications: An earlier version of this post misstated Vimeo PRO's search engine optimization capabilities. Vimeo PRO includes SEO features. Will Vimeo PRO help you take the leap into hosting your own videos? Leave a comment and let us know. This article originally posted on Entrepreneur.com

Droves of Tattoo aficionados on Long Island will soon descend on Nassau Coliseum for United Ink, the region's only tattoo convention. "Long Island has many great, talented artists and we need a place to all get together and unite, to tattoo in one place together," said Lou Rubino, owner of the Tattoo Lou's tattoo shop chain and event creator. "That’s why I planned this United Ink, to bring the art of tattooing to a whole new level on Long Island." The convention, which runs July 27 to July 29 will showcase artists from around the world, Rubino said. There will be roughly 250 booths, about 200 having multiple tattoo artists working. About 20 of the booths will be manned by artists from local shops. In addition to the tattooing, other booths will consist of piercers, tattoo supply companies, tattoo aftercare companies, clothing companies, companies that insure tattoo shops, tattoo attorneys and more. There won't be a shortage of notable artists at the convention as it will feature three artists from the tattoo reality show Ink Master – winner Shane O'Neill and show contestants Billi Vegas and Al Fliction, star of the reality show NY Ink Megan Massacre, reality show LA Ink star Amy Nicoletto, Bowery Stan, Philadelphia Eddie, Roman Abrego, Chris Torres and more. Many artists from the Tattoo Lou's shops will also be tattooing and piercing. Aside from tattooing, the convention will feature a signing by former New York Yankees great Jim Leyritz, the Coney Island Freak Show, a body suspension act, tattoo seminars, contests for best tattoo of the day and much more. Following each night of the convention, afterparties will go well into the night at surrounding bars and clubs, and Sunday night will feature an awards ceremony at Aura in East Meadow. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $15. "It’s awards given out to not only just famous artists but artists that have made an impact on the industry as a whole, that have changed the way society perceives tattooing," said Mark Perez, director or marketing at Tattoo Lou's. Rubino said he hopes to host roughly 10,000 people each day of the convention. Tickets are $18.50 for a day pass, $40 for a full weekend pass, and children 12-years-old and younger are free. The tickets could be purchased at the Nassau Coliseum box office and via TicketMaster. Rubino said this convention isn't about his chain of stores but rather a celebration of the tattoo culture. "The change over the past 10 years or so has been huge and more and more people are seeing this as an art form," he said. "It’s a great art form and there’s a lot of awesome, talented artists out there that need to be seen."

Zwerglipatch March 30, 2011 7:24 a.m. Mortality is on my mind. Morbid? Perhaps. Because I looked at the news? Perhaps. Because I saw the doctor yesterday? Perhaps. I should be working. Perhaps, then, I would be relieved of a heavy feeling. I have no reason to feel blue. In fact, if a color was needed to understand my day, it would be gold — or platinum. If a gem — a star sapphire. Yes! I shall get my star sapphire ring and put it on — now. Ah, the weight of a gem makes me feel better which is downright silly. (Am I watching too much British television? Tonight, we shall watch the final episodes of “Downton Abbey”. The drama — comedy — suspense. I just love it.) I do love looking at how the star of the sapphire can be manipulated in the light. Gracious. René gave it to me to wear. I can’t hide it in a box because I think (keyword: think) I may lose it. Thus, with this ring on my hand, I’ll get to work. What music shall I listen to? I will not decide. I will open the case in which I keep CDs at random and let that decide for me. Surprises are best to alleviate blue moods. Actually, I have gotten myself out of this blueness. I am buoyant. I have a star on my finger. I am happy. Zwerglipatch March 31, 2011 5:05 p.m. The dauncey feeling I have had for the past couple of days is approaching its apex. I have patched myself up, a bit, by taking cold tablets. I am now drowsy, but not achy — as much. It is odd how one can be blue over bad health. that is not what I meant to say. I shall start again. It is odd how one ignores ill health by attributing it to a weak mind. One’s mind is strong, however, as I well know, when one’s body is attacked by germs, for lack of a better word at the moment, one tends to forget necessary precautions. Today, with rain outside, I considered that to be the culprit for making me ache — all over. Those two words, “all over” — not just healed bones — should have been the instant key for me to open my mouth to swallow meds that can help. I did. They do work. Fascinating stuff when taking more medicine, drugs, if you will, can help the physical and mental stamina. I have just left the computer. Today was difficult. I had to triple check all I did. The orders kept coming. I think I was, hmm, successful. I do wish I were successful in writing something of interest. My only success is in the act of writing and not missing a day. As evening approaches, I think I have a bit of energy to stare at the TV and not much more.

At the cliff house, Liam's request took Steffy off-guard. Liam seemed impressed with himself for having done so. Steffy agreed to move in only if she could keep her loft. She didn't want to move too fast, and she thought it was practical to have a place in town in case they needed space or in case they were too tired to drive up to the cliffs one evening. "Let's stay spontaneous and flexible," Steffy decided. Liam and Steffy cuddled on the sofa, and Steffy said she thoroughly enjoyed living in the moment with no care to the past or future. Recalling that Steffy was into making memories, Liam led her to the bedroom, and they made out on the bed. In Bill's bedroom, Bill stood naked beside his towel. Brooke's eyes darted around the room as she avoided staring at him, and she explained that she'd been looking for Will's blanket. It was in her hands, so Bill guessed she'd found it. The two stared at each other, and Bill remarked that any other woman would have run from the room by then -- or at least covered her eyes. Brooke figured that in business, Bill was use to waiting until the other person blinked. "Put your towel on, Stallion," she ordered. He complied, and as she left the room, he said she was one in a million. "You, too," she replied, closing the door. At Katie's hideout, Taylor warned Katie that Brooke was getting close to Bill and Will, and Katie could lose her family forever. Katie said she could feel her body giving out a little more each day, and she refused to let her son become attached to her. Taylor replied that everyone was dying, but Katie contended that her situation was different. Katie felt that she had a year or less to live, and she said that if God had any compassion, he'd take her at that very moment. Taylor tried to calm Katie down, but Katie ordered Taylor to get out. Katie also threatened to bolt if she saw anyone resembling Brooke or Bill out on the nearby streets. Taylor reassured Katie that she had Taylor's confidence. Katie screamed at God that she was ready to have a heart attack and die. Taylor said it was the depression talking, but Katie begged God to take her. At Big Bear, Eric tucked a pillow behind Stephanie's head as she sat on the sofa. Rick called Eric's phone, and Eric answered it at Stephanie's urging. Rick claimed he hated to interrupt Eric and Stephanie; however, he said Thomas intended to put his plans to a vote. Rick feared that, if Thomas got his way, it could cost the company over ten million dollars. Eric grew grim. He didn't think Thomas' ideas were right for the business, either. Rick asked Eric to return for the vote, but Eric replied that he wasn't in town. Though Rick felt bad about the timing, he said the future of Forrester was at risk. Eric told Rick to try to stall things, and Eric would call back later. After the call, the frail Stephanie said Eric should be there. Eric, however, refused to leave her. Stephanie knew how much the business still meant to him, even if he'd let "the boys" have charge of it, so she suggested that he call Brooke. "She wants to see me, I know. She'll come," Stephanie decided. Eric called Brooke, who was still at Bill's house, and said he had to get to Forrester for a vote on Thomas' agenda. Eric explained that he didn't want to leave Stephanie alone, and she'd asked for Brooke. Eric swore Brooke to secrecy about their Big Bear location, and Brooke agreed to go there right away. When Eric returned to Stephanie in the main room, he found her sleeping with a photo album on her lap. The book was open to pictures of Ridge. Stephanie awakened and hoped that Eric wasn't upset that she'd asked Ridge not to be there. She felt that Ridge was a lot like Eric. Proud to have been Ridge's father, Eric stated that Ridge had been her greatest gift to him. She uttered that she loved Eric, and her words turned into a coughing spurt. "You're okay," the pained Eric sweetly uttered. Eric went to change into a suit, and Stephanie flashed back to being outside at the party with Brooke, who hadn't understood why Stephanie was going away to die. When Eric returned in his suit, Stephanie said he was the most handsome man in the room. Remarking that he was the only man in the room, Eric said that she was controlling and incorrigible, and he loved it. Stephanie told Eric not to get sentimental, but Eric persisted in saying what was on his heart. He was tortured that she'd leave him, but he was grateful for "all the pain in the ass" that she had been. He felt grateful to have called her his partner, his wife, and the bane of his existence. They expressed their love for each other and stared tenderly at one another. Brooke arrived, and on the doorstep, Eric thanked her for being there. He said that Stephanie wasn't good, and Brooke wondered if he really should be leaving at that time. Eric said that it was what Stephanie wanted. "She wants to be with you," he added and promised to return as quickly as he could. Before he left, Eric awakened Stephanie, who'd nodded off, and he asked her to keep her Irish eyes smiling for him. She kissed him and ordered him to straighten the boys out. Eric left, and wincing in pain, Stephanie said she was glad that Brooke was there. "Me, too," Brooke replied. In the CEO's office, Pam was surprised to hear that Eric would be there for the meeting. Rick replied that he'd had to take some kind of action to stop Thomas from steamrolling his agenda through. Pam thought it was good that Eric would be there, but she wondered about Stephanie. Rick explained that Brooke would tend to Stephanie. Pam began to cry. "So you know where she is?" Pam asked. Sympathetically, Rick responded that he didn't have any idea. At Katie's, Katie wanted Taylor to leave so that Katie could die alone. Taylor refused, and Taylor insisted that Katie was not dying. Katie disagreed. Katie reiterated that she was dying because she felt like her heart was going to explode. Taylor called the hospital and told Katie they were leaving for the hospital. Katie continued to argue. She said that she wanted to die alone. Taylor refused to listen and took Katie to the hospital. At the hospital, Katie said she wanted to leave, but Dr. Caspary, Dr. Meade, and Taylor got Katie into a hospital bed in a room for evaluation. The medical staff checked Katie's vital signs, and Taylor noted that some of Katie's symptoms were indicative of anxiety. Dr. Caspary and Dr. Meade agreed but said that blood work would quickly indicate if anything was wrong with Katie's heart. The doctors left Katie alone with Taylor. Katie started freaking out that she wanted to return home. Taylor reminded Katie that home was not the apartment that Katie had rented. Taylor said that home was where Bill and the baby were waiting for Katie. Taylor continually tried to calm Katie, but it didn't work. Katie clutched her chest and screamed that she had to leave. Dr. Caspary and Dr. Meade returned. Katie pulled off all the monitoring equipment, jumped out of the bed, and said she was leaving. The doctors tried to restrain Katie, but Katie fought and screamed at everyone to leave her alone and stop touching her. At Forrester, Thomas and Steffy met privately, and Thomas said that he needed Steffy's support to move the company forward. Thomas knew that he would get objections from most of the family. Steffy agreed to support him. Steffy and Thomas discussed that Steffy had returned to live with Liam. Thomas hoped that she was happy. Steffy said that she and Liam were moving slowly, and Steffy wanted her independence. Steffy wanted to retain her own condo in the city, and Liam would keep the beach house. Outside the office, Rick, Caroline, and Thorne discussed that Thomas was moving too fast. Rick regretted that he had begged Eric to return to Forrester for the meeting. Thorne and Caroline supported Rick and told him that they needed Eric to talk some sense into Thomas. Thorne entered the office for the meeting, and Caroline told Rick that he had done the right thing when he contacted Eric. They kissed, and Rick thanked her for her support. Eric showed up outside the office, and he talked to Pam. Eric said that Stephanie was not doing well. Pam tearfully begged Eric to let her go to Stephanie. Eric said that Stephanie had asked for Brooke to stay with her while Eric was gone. Eric said the company needed Pam to stay at the office. Pam tearfully acknowledged that she would not be much help to Stephanie. Pam said that she wanted to hold Stephanie's hand in her dying moments, but she understood Stephanie's wishes. Eric hugged her. Eric entered the office where Marcus, Thomas, Thorne, Caroline, and Rick argued about Thomas' plans for the future. Thomas said that the company needed a total overhaul, and Steffy and Marcus agreed that the company had been stuck in the 90s. Rick reminded Thomas that Thomas was the interim CEO, and it was not his decision to spend millions to go in another direction. Eric interrupted and said that he wanted to make the meeting quick so he could return to Stephanie. Eric added that Thomas had been appointed interim CEO and was to maintain the status quo until Ridge had determined the next move the company would make. Eric reminded Thomas that Eric had been CEO for many years. Eric said it was never a good idea to make impulsive decisions. Thomas agreed. He told the group that he had researched his ideas and had a business plan that required upfront costs but would pay off in a few years. Thomas noted that Caroline's designs could be the new ideas the company needed. Eric wondered if Thomas was suggesting some type of voting agenda immediately, and Thomas said that he was prepared to vote his dad's stock and Taylor's stock. Everyone was surprised that Thomas wanted to push his ideas through so quickly without Ridge present. At Big Bear, Stephanie was in pain. She coughed and used the oxygen. Brooke comforted Stephanie. Stephanie wanted Brooke to assure her that the family would take care of Eric and keep him involved in decision-making at Forrester. Brooke agreed. Stephanie said that Eric needed to put his energy into the company once Stephanie was gone. Brooke and Stephanie joked about old times. Brooke said the cabin held many memories. "Quite a journey we've taken," Brooke said. Stephanie asked if she looked as bad as she felt. Brooke told her she looked wonderful. Brooke rubbed some ointment on Stephanie's lips. Stephanie thanked her. Brooke brushed Stephanie's hair, and Stephanie asked if Brooke had brushed Hope's hair the same way. Stephanie asked if Hope had loved to have her hair combed. Brooke said that Hope had loved it. Brooke left for a moment and returned with a brooch for Stephanie. They both laughed, and Brooke pinned the jewelry on Stephanie's pajamas. Stephanie teased Brooke to be careful because she didn't want Brooke to nick a major artery. Stephanie had a scary coughing spell where she couldn't catch her breath. Brooke administered some additional medicine under Stephanie's tongue. Stephanie struggled to catch her breath, and Brooke and Stephanie noticed that Stephanie was coughing up blood. Stephanie looked frightened, and Brooke hugged her and told her not to worry. At the hospital, Katie had been restrained in a bed, and she claimed it was unnecessary. Katie said that her body was nothing but scars, and Bill wouldn't be able to stand looking at her. Katie called attention to her scar from heart surgery and the scar from her C-section. Taylor took the opportunity to remind Katie that Katie cared very much what Bill thought -- a far cry from what Katie had said. Taylor noted that Katie cared about Bill and Will, and Taylor forced Katie to remember her family. Katie said she had failed at everything she had done, including working with Taylor. Katie ordered that she no longer wanted Taylor involved in her care. Taylor stepped outside the hospital room and called Bill's home. Donna answered. Donna asked if there was anything she could do to help Katie. Taylor looked thoughtful and later returned to Katie's room. Taylor told Katie that she had once given up a baby and lost her mind. Taylor reminded Katie that Katie's body had suffered trauma, and in her mind, Katie was caught in a repetitive cycle. Katie cried and said that she had ruined her life. Taylor disagreed. Taylor noted that Katie's family was waiting for her. Katie looked up and saw Donna, who stood outside, carrying the baby. At Big Bear, Stephanie's health was clearly deteriorating. Brooke read to Stephanie, and Stephanie interrupted to ask where her mother was. As Brooke read a book about a son who had not returned to his home, the book became too real for Brooke, and Brooke became uncomfortable. Brooke said she wanted to choose another book, and Stephanie grabbed her hand. Brooke asked what Stephanie needed, and Stephanie said, "Forgiveness." Stephanie admitted that she had told Ridge not to return for the party, Stephanie said that she did not want Ridge to see her so sick. Stephanie added that she was the shallow and vain one after accusing Brooke of the same thing for many years. Stephanie said that she had sent the one person whom she had loved most in the world away, and she would never see him again. Brooke said that it might be for the best because if Ridge had been there, he would have been inconsolable. Instead, Brooke added that Brooke was there for both of them, and there was nothing to forgive on Stephanie's part. Brooke and Stephanie looked outside and watched a deer grazing on the nearby landscape. Stephanie said that it was time, and Brooke asked if it was time for more medicine, but Stephanie said it was time to go outside. Brooke argued, but Stephanie insisted that she wanted to feel the sun on her face one more time. Brooke said, "I'm afraid." "I'll take care of you," Stephanie said. They ventured outside and sat mesmerized by the beautiful scenery. At Forrester, Eric said he was losing his way of life and way of living along with his wife. "It's all slipping away," he said. Eric and Thorne argued that Thomas was moving too fast at changing the company. Eric said that Thomas should put his plan in place at the Rodeo Drive location as a test. If it worked there, they could roll it out elsewhere. The family agreed..

Authenication Fails when trying to login to client via Edge - Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:30 PMHello all, I'm having issues getting OCS working outside of our network. OCS works fine internally but not when a user tries to connect from home. We have an Edge and ISA server setup and all firewall ports that are needed are open. When a client tries to connect externally they get to the point to enter their password. At that point it will not let the password through. I know the password is correct but it just doesn't work. I traced the packets and the Egde and the client are "talking". Our user does have remote access enabled. When I try to validate the Edge server I get the below error. Maximum hops: 2 Failed to register user: User sip:testuser@testdomain @ Server internalpool.testdomain Failed to send SIP request: outgoing TLS negotiation failed; HRESULT=-2146893022. All Replies - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 12:47 PMSo when you say the client and edge are talking can you explain more? usually if all of that is working and the client is hitting the edge correctly they it is a problem with the next hop from the edge server to your internal environment. Are you setup with Dual NIC's on the edge? Take a look at the event logs on the edge server you may see where it is having cert issues with the internal server or Name resolution problems. Be sure you can telnet from the edge to the next hop server i.e. director or pool. on port 5061. let us know if that helps. mitch - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:31 PMMitch, Thanks for the reply! Sorry for not explaining myself a little better. I'm new to using packet sniffers. What I mean by "talking" is that the external client is sending and receiving packets from the edge server. It starts out with TCP and then changes to TLSv2. On the Edge server we have 2 NIC's. One NIC is for the internal traffic and the other is external. The external NIC has 3 public non-NAT IP Addresses. I'm able to successfully telnet 5061 from the Egde to the pool. No issues there. On the edge server I see the below 2 warings in the event log. 7/15/2009 2:11:50AM OCS Certificate Manager 1016 31007 The CRL could not be downloaded for certificate:. 7/14/2009 2:13:09AM OCS Certificate Manager 1016 31007. Could this be my problem? Thanks, Keith - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:46 PMNo that usually is not the cause of this type of problem. Do you have Gateways for both nics? if so remove the one for the internal nic and be sure you put a route in the route table so the edge can route to your internal IP's also check to make sure that the outside NIC is set to not register in DNS. Then check DNS to make sure it is not regestering in your internal DNS. Also check the logs on the ocs server. mitch - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:53 PMMitch, Only the External NIC as a default gateway. We make a static route to route the traffic to the internal network. I assume it works because we can ping the internal OCS server with no issues. I checked the to make sure that the external NIC is not registering. We do have the internal NIC set to register. Should I remove that check mark? Thanks for your help! Keith - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:02 PMModeratorReigstering the internal NIC is typically correct, depending on what DENS server you are using and what FQDN you've defined for DNS resolution for the Internal Edge. Is this a Standard Edition deployment or an Enterprise with an HLB? Jeff Schertz, PointBridge | MVP | MCITP: Enterprise Messaging | MCTS: OCS - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:03 PMNo you should leave it. So based on the error it says it failed to make a TLS connection this is usually a Certificate issue in most cases. I have seen in some it is a connection issue but often it is a cert issue. Which could be the cert in 3 places basically. First check you Edge cert for you public side. Does it have a subject name? if so does it match the FQDN that the client is looking for and or connecting to from the outside? Check the internal nic Certificate to be sure it has a subject name and is trusted by the internal pool front end server. Check the logs on the front end as well for errors. I usually setup the edge server to pass the FQDN of the server so it is not just passing the host name. you can do this by going into properties under my computer where you usually add it to the domain and select more then you can add the domain name as a primary DNS suffix even though it is not a memeber of the domain. This way it will pass the FQDN while trying to establish the tls connection with the pool frontend server. mitch - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:37 PMThis is what I have in our test domain. Internal OCS Server / SQL Server 2005 - Server 2008 X64 External Edge - Server 2008 X64 ISA Server - Server 2003 X32 We did a consolidated FE server using Enterprise edition. Internal OCS works fine at this point. I just checked the FE server and there are no errors or warnings. It almost seems like the edge is not passing traffic through to the FE pool. - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:38 PMMitch, All the certificates subjects match up with the FQDN's. I'm totally baffled on this one. Thanks for your help! Keith - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 11:58 PM Well I would walk it through the basics again. also pull a wireshark trace just to see the connections happening. At the same time start a debug session on the edge and the pool server. check the sip stack for tracing and see if it shows anything at all. Mitch Roberson, AOS |MCITP:Enterprise Server Admin, Messaging |MCTS:OCS with Voice Achievement |MCT - Thursday, July 16, 2009 2:08 PMMitch, Here is the error in the Debug SIP/2.0 401 unauthorizedTL_INFO(TF_PROTOCOL) [0]0104.0A80::07/16/2009-13:38:58.335.0000b287 (SIPStack,SIPAdminLog::TraceProtocolRecord:SIPAdminLog.cpp(122))$$begin_record Instance-Id: 0000009A Direction: incoming;source="internal edge";destination="external edge" Peer: pool.testdomain.com:5061 Message-Type: response Start-Line: SIP/2.0 401 Unauthorized From: <sip:user@testdomain>;tag=f694a0bcaf;epid=5d710b86a4 To: <sip:user@testdomain>;tag=9359F711C095E100AEBAD72262E6473C CSeq: 1 REGISTER Call-ID: 5829e692c7ab4aa3964b2c9e46913493 Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:38:24 GMT WWW-Authenticate: NTLM realm="SIP Communications Service", targetname="ocspool.testdomain", version=4 Via: SIP/2.0/TLS 10.120.XX.XX:49190;branch=z9hG4bK23BCB809.821C84EAA0C32922;branched=FALSE;ms-received-port=49190;ms-received-cid=7D00 Via: SIP/2.0/TLS 10.120.XX.XX:50016;ms-received-port=50016;ms-received-cid=1900 Content-Length: 0 Message-Body: – $$end_record This was in the event log on the internal FE server. - Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:32 PMOK this looks like you are having an issue with the password and the way the user name is passed. is the client a member of the domain? Mitchr |MCITP:Enterprise Server Admin, Messaging |MCTS:OCS with Voice Achievement |MCT - Thursday, July 16, 2009 7:04 PMMitch, The user is part of the domain and has remote access enabled. If I login to the client internally using this same user there is no problem with the password and everything work correctly. Thanks for the help! Keith - Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:30 PMCheck to make sure the authorized domains is correct in the edge server configuration, Also is the edge server behind a firewall? of so what type? Mitchr |MCITP:Enterprise Server Admin, Messaging |MCTS:OCS with Voice Achievement |MCT - Proposed As Answer by Gavin-ZhangModerator Friday, July 31, 2009 11:16 AM - - Thursday, July 16, 2009 10:53 PMAlso be aware that internal clients use Kerberos for authentication, while remote user clients use NTLM. From the trace log, it looks like the REGISTER request is reaching the home server but the credentials are being rejected. CW - Proposed As Answer by Gavin-ZhangModerator Friday, July 31, 2009 11:15 AM - - Friday, July 31, 2009 12:57 PMThanks for all the help everyone. I've tried all the above and nothing seemed to fix my issue. I can successfully do anonymous Live Meetings via the Edge but the MOC will just not authenticate. We are behind two firewalls but we don't have any control over them. We have to submit a rules request and another agency opens them up for us. We have had them pull logs and we can't find any thing being denied by either of them. I'm kind of stumped on this one. Again, thanks for your help.

MSDN Referral - Saturday, July 21, 2012 8:02 PM So I bought MS Office Professional 2010. On the back of the package is a small asterisk followed by "*Licensed for noncommercial use on up to 3 home PCs" Foolishly, I assumed that I could install it on three noncommercial PCs in my home! I did not do this all at once, but I first installed it on my desktop computer, which I use for banking, desktop publishing (flyers, etc., for home use). I had surgery in April and to entertain myself I purchased a new laptop computer and I installed it on that one. My desktop computer has been getting slower and slower, it was quite old, and I didn't know what else to do except replace it. It was time. So I bought a new comptuer two weeks ago and have slowly been moving in-as time allowed. This morning I decided it was time to use my third installation. This is when the fun started. I ran the installation program but in the end it said I did not have a proper license. I ran the wizard and it gave me the six-digit times nine section number. I ran it through the automated program and it told me my license was only good for two installations. In disagreement, I called the telephone number provided and i got a human autobot in, I believe, India. She ran the same steps that I had just done on the automated portion and stated the same thing. She was INSISTANT that since I bought a 'professional' product that I only get two installations because it's not for home use. I persisted in the conversation and she went and got a supervisor, but did not put them on the line. I could hear (but not understand) the conversation between them, and they both insisted that I only get two installations, although my packaging says I got three. I confused them further when I asked them to assist me in directing me where I needed to go to escalate my concern. This is where you come in. They told me to call MSDN at 1-800-754-5474. When I called I discovered your office is closed (it's Saturday). So I came to this forum to leave my comments and concernes. I am at a total loss where to go next, and I highly doubt I am even in the right place. All I know is I thought I was buying a three-installation product and I have used it twice. My package says three, Microsoft says I only get two. I didn't know that a private party could not purchase MS Office Professional without being considered a commercial user. If that is so, as Miss India told me, am further confused why the package for MS Office Professional 2010 would state that it was a three-computer installation - unless, of course, it could be installed three times in a business but only two times in a private home? See why I'm confused? I love MS Publisher. That's the reason I got the Professional version. Otherwise the regular Home version would have been adequate. Someone, please help me! Mrs9838 - Moved by Mike KinsmanMicrosoft Contingent Staff Wednesday, August 08, 2012 2:41 PM off topic (From:MSDN Subscriptions Feedback) - All Replies - Tuesday, July 24, 2012 8:15 AM Mrs9838, May i know from where you purchased MS Office Pro 2010. According to Microsoft Store and Office Store Office Pro 2010 allows only upto 2 PCs single user installation. Please check the below links for more information. Check this link to know more about Office 2010 Suites - Regards, prathaprabhu - Wednesday, August 08, 2012 2:41 PM i'm going to have to agree with Pratha's response here. Wherever you bought Office, you're going to have to go back to that source for issues. I dont see how MSDN is involved, or can assist, unless you've purchased an MSDN Subscription, which it doesn't sound like you have. Perhaps the person recommended that you purchase an MSDN Subscription to meet your needs? I dont know why they said what they did. But: You should try asking your office question over the Office section of. Questions about Office packaging and office capabilities are definitely off topic here. Since I dont see what this has to do with MSDN, and its a couple of weeks old, I'm going to move this post to off topic. Mrs9838, please feel free to repost here in the MSDN Subscriptions feedback forum with your specific questions about MSDN. Thanks, Mike MSDN and TechNet Subscriptions Support Read the Subscriptions Blog!

Increase the width of the "Total" Text field automatically in a SSRS/BIDS report? - Friday, August 31, 2012 9:27 PM Hi I am designing a sales report using Business Intelligence Development studio. I have a table that shows the sales quote line items - such as product ID, Unit price, Quantity and line total and at the bottom of this table, I display the totals. The totals are displayed in another table just below as shown before. Now, sometimes, I have larger values - and I want the width of the columns (especially the Totals) to increase automatically to the left (and reducing the adjacent column say "product description" column proportionately such that the total width of the table remains the same). For all columns in the table, I set the "Can Increase to Yes and Can Shrink to No". {should i set Yes to Can Shrink} I notice that the total column in the report doesn't increase it's width when the numbers are too large and the digits are displayed in the next row!! The Results display like below Any help is highly appreciated. Thank you All Replies - Sunday, September 02, 2012 8:10 AM Hi CRM, Reporting Service does not allow you to dynamically adjust the width of the textbox, only option you can control is "CanGrow" and "CanShrink" only affect the vertical size. In order to fix the data in the same cell, you can dynamically adjust the "Font Size" based on the expression passed.(Reduced the Font size if more number of digits present). Regards Harsh - Monday, September 03, 2012 12:49 PMThanks Harsh. I appreciate it. Could you point me some examples of how I can change the font size - is there a sample code i can refer to? or could I be able to configure in the text box property? - Monday, September 03, 2012 4:33 PM Hi, Yes it text box property and press F4 to open the properties window, Under Font you will find the FontSize, set it based on expression. For Example :FontSize =IIF(<<Value>> < 9999.99, 10, 8) etc Regards Harsh Regards Harsh - Tuesday, September 04, 2012 12:33 PM Hi Harsha, Thanks but I need clarification. the <<value>> refer to the font size or the width of the text box? Current Settings for the text box (table): 1 inch; Cambria font size 10; the size of the text box is 1 inch. I could hardcode something like this: =IIF(len(Fields!totalamountValue)>10,"8Pt","10pt"). But what if, after changing to 8pt, it still exceeds the width of the text box? Could you elaborate on this? Thank you - Thursday, September 06, 2012 3:31 AM Hi, <<Value>> refers to field value coming from dataset , Your example use the expression prefectly, Since the ssrs does not allow to write expression in width column (Therefore you can't set it dynamically), we can try the other hacks like settting the font size,changing the font or setting the font weight based on the value coming in the field. Otherwise you have to live with CanGrow and CanShrink options, but it only allow textbox to grow vertically. Regards Harsh Regards Harsh - Marked As Answer by Mike YinMicrosoft Contingent Staff, Moderator Sunday, September 09, 2012 4:00 PM -

Transact-SQL TSQL challenges? This is the place for advice and discussions Filtering and SortingUse these options to narrow down the question and discussion list. - 262937 Some guidlines for posting questions...Clifford Dibble - MSFTMicrosoft EmployeeFriday, October 28, 2005 4:58 PMLast Reply Kalman TothMicrosoft Community ContributorMonday, March 18, 2013 9:08 PM - 135236 POSTING TIPS - source code, screen images, details within...Phil BrammerMVPTuesday, December 01, 2009 10:19 PMLast Reply Kalman TothMicrosoft Community ContributorSaturday, February 02, 2013 3:57 PM - 053906 Solutions to Common T-SQL ProblemsArnie RowlandMVPSaturday, April 12, 2008 2:52 PM - 6119 Simplifying WHERE column1=value1 AND column1= value2 filterLast Reply RSingh() 38 minutes ago - 3105 Need help with the TSQL.Last Reply RSingh() 46 minutes ago - 028 Interger/Numeric value assigned to Datetime type variableSarat Babu (SS) 57 minutes ago - 4126 Make sure auto-update of statistics is turned on?Kalman TothMicrosoft Community ContributorThursday, May 16, 2013 10:03 PMLast Reply Kalman TothMicrosoft Community Contributor1 hour 47 minutes ago - 143069 How to get the table name in the trigger definition without hard coding.Last Reply Mohammed Rafeequ 3 hours 17 minutes ago - 481 Assign conditional allocation value within Select queryOldEnthusiast 4 hours 42 minutes agoLast Reply OldEnthusiast 3 hours 25 minutes ago - 7165 Upgrading to 2012 performance problemjameslester78 Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:21 AMLast Reply jameslester78 3 hours 33 minutes ago - 10199 SQL-Update using above rowsLast Reply Rihan8585 4 hours 10 minutes ago - 5156 Match *any* three columnsLast Reply --CELKO--Microsoft Community Contributor7 hours 37 minutes ago - 7180 Is there a better way to write this SQL? - I wish to use something other than NOT IN.Last Reply --CELKO--Microsoft Community Contributor7 hours 45 minutes ago - 392 information_schema.columns slownesssurendrakavali 21 hours 3 minutes agoLast Reply Latheesh NKMicrosoft Community Contributor9 hours 26 minutes ago - 5133 Delete duplicate rows in a table which are not the max SQL Server 2005Last Reply Naomi NMicrosoft Community Contributor9 hours 58 minutes ago - 192 dm_fts_parser questionLast Reply Russ Loski 11 hours 22 minutes ago - 4158 Is there a way to get a user's login name from the http header in a SQL query?Last Reply Jetboy2k 12 hours 19 minutes ago - 391 Join to Last Recordhector.m.sanchez 15 hours 50 minutes agoLast Reply hector.m.sanchez 12 hours 21 minutes ago - 10111 How can I speed up this date-range intersect query?Last Reply Gert-Jan Strik 12 hours 55 minutes ago - 494 Query to test high cpu and memory usageLast Reply Gert-Jan Strik 13 hours 28 minutes ago - 594 bcp export of empty nvarchar fields includes nul in outputtdd_retalix 18 hours 36 minutes agoLast Reply Tom Phillips 14 hours 34 minutes ago - 9118 PIVOT Table HelpLast Reply Naomi NMicrosoft Community Contributor14 hours 48 minutes ago - 5141 sub query on big table with no where will index help in this situation?Last Reply shiftbit 15 hours 2 minutes ago

Security & Utilities Showing page 8 of 10. LockIt This will be a project that allows the secure storage of authorization, such as passwords as user names for any computer program that requiers the task of memorizing the authorzation infomation Malware Manager Malware Manager is useful to manage your suspicious or malware file. This program is actually build for antivirus developer. This software is a part of Open Source Project to help antivirus developer to store their suspicious or malware file safely and e0 weekly downloads Malware Shield open source antimalware tools. still in a VERY early stage of development malware shield is still being designed by me and matt it's main aims are to introduce a free and open, multiplatform security solution0 weekly downloads MathCommand MathCommand is a command shell for windows that have built-in support for many math operations. Matrix operations, symbolic algebra, and calculus. The shell behaves like the BASH shell.0 weekly downloads MultiComm MultiComm is a communication software which connects two computers, using a phoneline and a modem, and allows you to use any software, between the two computers.(This does not require you to connect to the internet).0 weekly downloads NestorBackup Have you ever been looking for a backup program that is simple and intuitive to use, but offers all the functionality you need? NestorBackup is a simple open-source backup solution based on incremental file copying.0 Online Update Utility Software update delivery service. Versions for standard HTTP and for a specialized server protocol.0 weekly downloads Open Connect Network Management tool similar to the RM Connect system but tailored to industry, not education. Visual Basic, C++ and ASP (using the ADSI).0 weekly downloads Open Information Security Management Gui ISO 17799 - Code of practice for information security management. Creation of methodology and documentation for audit adapted to ISO. One is made up of an introduction on general aspects of the security of the information OpenWALE OpenWale is lightweight system which can be used to convert a 32-bit Windows executable file which is in PE format to the 32-bit Linux executable file which is in ELF format.0 weekly downloads PMVAdmin PMVAdmin is network managment software designed for use with Linux servers. Features include user/group managment, login scripts, authentication, printer managment and a directory service.0 weekly downloads Passwort Saver many persons cant remember their passwords, for them problem i code a programm. the Passwort Saver , you only must remember 1 master password0 weekly downloads Photo Protect Add Signature to your Photos and Protect them from being Copied or Stolen0 weekly downloads PingIT PingIT is a tool to scan IP addresses or network ranges to get information about the currently running computers.0 weekly downloads

Facing Potential Recession, Retail Brands Turn to Specific Media to Target Consumers Online and Grow Revenues Top four comScore-ranked advertising network helps retail brands reach target audiences with more relevant ads Irvine, Calif. -- June 10, 2008 -- As the nation's retailers reported the weakest sales for the month of March since 1995 and sales in April declined another 0.2 percent, many retail brands are turning to Specific Media, the largest independent online advertising network for brand advertisers, to reach and engage with their target online audiences. Connecting with more than 145 million U.S. consumers online across hundreds of name brand publishers in its Premium Network, Specific Media helps leading retailers target online audiences and build their brands in the long-term, while converting shoppers' online interests into actual purchasing decisions in the short-term. "As a pioneer in leveraging the online ad network space for retailers, NetPlus expects only the highest level of performance from its media partners in terms of ROI, targeting capabilities and customer service," said Denise Zimmerman, President, NetPlus Marketing. "Specific Media consistently delivers on all levels. As our clients face increasing economic pressure, we will continue to turn to Specific Media to help our clients meet their aggressive goals and expectations." In addition to offering retail brand advertisers demographic, behavioral, contextual and geographic targeting solutions, Specific Media provides other innovative high-impact advertising options, which enable advertisers to take over its Premium Network inventory or a demographic, behavioral, contextual or geographic segment for an allotted time. These solutions provide scalable inventory and extensive reach, which are particularly effective for seasonal or regional sales events or openings. Specific Media also enables retail brands to measure their advertising campaigns with offline impact reports which quantify consumers' offline purchase behavior to reveal the offline impact of online advertising campaigns. The reports include metrics such as purchases, revenue, dollars per buyer, share of purchases and share of dollars. Overall, these reports offer retail brands valuable best practices data for use in future media planning. Power of Retargeting In spite of the Internet's rising popularity, as many as 65 percent of online shoppers abandon their shopping carts before completing a purchase. Specific Media's site-level retargeting technology is regarded as the single most powerful method which can effectively find those consumers who have previously browsed an e-commerce site or abandoned their shopping carts and bring them back to complete their purchases. Studies reveal that returning customers - such as those brought back by Specific Media - spend the most time and money on e-commerce sites. Moreover, the company's clients utilize its impression-level retargeting to extend the frequency of category buys outside Specific Media's network. "Retail customers can be very hard for advertisers to reach. By combining demographic targeting with behavioral, contextual and geographic components, Specific Media is the only advertising network able to reach specific consumer segments online with scale and accuracy," said Tim Vanderhook, CEO and co-founder of Specific Media. "The success clients - such as Net Plus Marketing - have had using Specific Media proves that it remains the advertising network of choice for top retail brands." About Specific Media Specific Media, 220 million consumers globally each month. Since 1999, Specific Media has connected advertisers with target audiences across consumer branded publishers. Visit Rose Maciejewski / Julia Zamorska Ruder Finn West 310.882.4002 / 310.882.4007 maciejewskir@ruderfinn.com / zamorskaj@ruderfinn.com Christine Schoultz Specific Media 949.861.8898 cschoultz@specificmedia.com

The topic du jour among the conservative chattering classes is the question of who will emerge as best choice to be John McCain’s running mate. The question is best approached first by forgetting about all the names and instead focusing on the qualities for which McCain ought to be looking. As is often the case, some of the conventional wisdom about who he should pick seems terribly misguided. First, consider what McCain should not look for. Among those irrelevant considerations is a high profile. Nobody, absolutely nobody, is less in need of a running mate with a huge name or a big personality than John McCain is. McCain is so well known, and his “brand” so familiar, and his personality so seared into the public consciousness already that if he chooses a political rock star he will just overload the public’s senses. McCain should not move left with his choice. Some in the media see certain secretaries of state or Democratic senators or “moderate” GOP governors as ideal choices — but they are wrong. What McCain needs, in order to free himself up to thrust and parry with the Democratic nominee, is somebody who can spend all his (or her) campaign time tending to restless conservatives.. The senator should not show weakness with his choice. Choosing a running mate from an overwhelmingly “red” state — unless that running mate brings something else incredibly special to the ticket — would be interpreted as a sign that McCain isn’t even confident of his geographic base. The Deep South, then, is not the best place to find a Veep. Neither is Oklahoma or Wyoming or Idaho, unless the choice brings something else so impressive to the table as to amount to a strategic coup of the first order. Finally, McCain should not choose anybody who weakens his party’s tenuous hold on what power it still enjoys. He should not choose a senator whose home-state governor is a Democrat, nor should he choose a governor whose lieutenant governor is a Democrat, as both would likely result in a loss for the Republican Party. SO WHAT QUALITIES are important? The most essential quality is a patently obvious ability to handle the job of president. Not to be morbid, but McCain is a 71-year-old man who has survived torture and several bouts of cancer. Voters will want assurance that the Veep could step in at a moment’s notice. Related to this is the running mate’s relative youth. McCain shouldn’t choose anybody much over 60. Voters don’t like instability. The thought of one candidate over 70 might be acceptable, but the thought of two candidates past retirement age might just seem too risky. The candidate ought also to be well rounded. McCain, by his own admission, has always focused on defense and foreign policy. A veep ought to also be well versed in those areas, but he needs to show some real expertise on domestic issues as well, in order to shore up McCain’s weaknesses there. Moreover, the running mate ought to have a resume that doesn’t say he’s a fulltime conventional politician. At least one item on the resume should say that this somebody who isn’t just a political climber but a doer. It is preferable, but not entirely necessary, for the running mate to have some executive experience, whether inside government or out. This will be the first election ever that has featured one senator against another. Why? Because voters usually like executive leadership. McCain, despite his heroism, doesn’t have that. Being a squadron leader 40-some years ago doesn’t count. Plus, as McCain’s persona is that of maverick, he more than anybody needs to be balanced with somebody accustomed to hierarchy and management. The VP nominee needs to be more “cool” than “hot.” McCain seems to want to reach through the TV screen and shake sense into the viewer. He needs to be balanced by a calm voice of reason. McCain also needs somebody solid on all three legs of the conservative stool, somebody who the conservative media and intelligentsia will universally recognize as a legitimate conservative of solid principles and temperament — so those opinion leaders can reassure the voters that the choice is a wise one. (With few exceptions, the choices will be unfamiliar to most of the public, so the idea isn’t to get somebody whose name along brings votes but rather somebody who can quickly be made acceptable to the “base” — much as John Roberts and Sam Alito were quickly accepted even though probably 95 percent of the nation had never heard of them before their high court nominations.) The running mate also needs to be somebody who the establishment (liberal) media respect, that they won’t immediately write off as a bomb-thrower. And superb brains would be nice, since McCain’s image is all brawn. Being articulate and telegenic will be important, too, especially if Obama is the opponent. DESPITE THE “NEW” conventional wisdom that says the success of the veep choices of Al Gore and Dick Cheney have shown that geographic and other more traditional political considerations no longer matter, this is one example of the older conventional wisdom being @ 4:43.

RISC Maker As a computer architect, he rewrote the rulebook, and now, as president of a major U.S. university, he's ready to shake things up once again Photo: Robert Houser Computer. For someone about to enter the job market, this was not a bad position to be in. Hennessy's job search focused on academia. "I loved working on research and with students and never thought about doing anything else," he says. He started as an assistant professor at Stanford, teaching a microprocessor laboratory course to graduate students and a systems programming course to undergraduates. His research focused on compiler optimization. In 1980, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) began funding researchers as it developed what would become its very large-scale integration (VLSI) research program. Stanford's project for DARPA, led by Forest Baskett and Jim Clark, was to design an IC chip to do three-dimensional graphics transformations. This design evolved into the geometry engine, the chip that was to be the foundation for launching Silicon Graphics Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.), one of the first successful manufacturers of high-performance graphics workstations. To implement the complex 3-D transformations, which required using floating-point arithmetic, the design resorted to microcode, a series of stored instructions that are not program addressable. The microcode translated the high-level geometric operations into simple instructions that could be implemented with a small number of transistors. As part of the Stanford team, Hennessy developed the high-level programming language and the compiler used to generate that microcode. Hennessy was perfectly happy in academia. "I never envisioned trying to take my ideas out to industry," he said. But in 1981, Carver Mead, a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Pasadena) known to Hennessy through Mead's landmark work on VLSI, started a company to commercialize some Caltech research that demonstrated how to design VLSI chips from high-level descriptions. The company was called Silicon Compilers Inc. (now part of Mentor Graphics Inc.). Aware of the work Hennessy had done on the microcode generation language for the geometry engine, the charismatic Mead easily convinced him to spend one day a week working for his nascent company. Hennessy ended up helping to define the microarchitecture, which included a pipeline and the engine for implementing the instruction set, for what was to become the MicroVAX 1, a computer released by DEC in 1984. This was the first single-chip implementation of the VAX minicomputer architecture. It was also the first large-scale use of high-level synthesis tools, often called silicon compilers. This stint at Silicon Compilers was the beginning of what was to become a parallel life for Hennessy in industry. When Silicon Graphics was formed, Hennessy left his day-a-week job at Silicon Compilers for a day-a-week job there, where he worked on the system architecture for what was to become the company's first workstation. Back at The Farm Meanwhile, back at Stanford, often called The Farm, Hennessy had begun looking for a new area of computing to explore. To generate ideas, he organized a series of brainstorming sessions as a graduate seminar, asking this question of the group: given that VLSI will soon become the technology of choice, how should we change the way we design computers? The group read papers, brought in guest speakers, and candidly exchanged ideas. The concepts that came out of the seminar helped to form the basis of what came to be called RISC. At the core was the idea of eliminating microcode. Instead of needing microcode to translate the instruction set, the processor would encounter instructions so simple that it could execute them directly. It was Hennessy's experience with microcode in the MicroVAX 1 project that helped him see that it could be eliminated. Hennessy's group was not alone in coming to this conclusion. Researchers at IBM Corp. had for several years been working on the 801 project, an attempt to implement similar ideas. (The project was never brought to market, although the ideas influenced later IBM products, including the PowerPC architecture.) Somebody else who also concluded that microcode was unnecessary was David Patterson, a professor of computer science at the University of California at Berkeley. Some six months earlier, he had discovered that computers could run more efficiently without it. Patterson's research team coined the acronym RISC. But most of the rest of the computer world was skeptical that RISC would work. The fact that the original performance results were obtained from simulations only added to their doubts. So Hennessy, with a handful of graduate students and the occasional collaboration of other professors, spent about 18 months designing, building, and testing a VLSI chip, along with compilers and a simple test computer, to prove the technology. Looking back, he admits they made a fair number of design errors and the chip wasn't as efficient as it could have been. But, he said, "the opportunity for improvement was so big that the fact we made mistakes didn't matter. We built this little 25 000-transistor microprocessor, and it was twice as fast as a big minicomputer that cost US $250 000." risc02.jpg Hennessy wrote papers and began giving talks about this new computer architecture, thinking that existing computer companies would be quick to embrace such an obvious technical improvement. "To say I was naïve," Hennessy told Spectrum, "is an understatement. People just didn't believe it." Patterson, who was also promoting the new concept, did not see Hennessy as a rival. "We were a persecuted minority," Patterson told Spectrum. "It was better for us to be on the same team." To get around town, John Hennessy drives a GEM, an electric vehicle made by DaimlerChrysler. There were two issues to deal with, Patterson recalls, a technical one and a business one. "Technically, what we were doing was designing computers based on careful measurements at a time when computer designs were being driven by aesthetics. Computer architectures were supposed to be beautiful, not driven by efficiency," he said. On the business side, people questioned whether RISC made sense economically. Using the analogy of train tracks, Patterson added, "While perhaps changing the width of train tracks might make technical sense, given the investment of infrastructure, it will never happen." Software would have to be recompiled for these new machines. C. Gordon Bell, DEC's former vice president of R&D, thought otherwise, even though DEC's own RISC project had never come to fruition. He had just started Encore Computer Corp. (now Encore Real Time Computing Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) to create massively scalable computer systems, and he was aware of Hennessy's work on RISC. He told Hennessy that to get RISC ideas out into the world, he would have to start his own company, and that, if he did, Encore Computer would be his first customer and an investor. "It was clear to me that a chip with RISC architecture needed to be built," says Bell, currently a senior researcher at Microsoft Corp. "I thought it would give us at least a one-time performance gain of a factor of two or three." So Hennessy, along with John Moussouris, who had worked on the IBM RISC project, and Edward ("Skip") Stritter, who had worked on the Motorola 68000 microprocessor, decided that starting a company was just what they would do. Backing into business "We went to the venture capitalists with the most ridiculous business plan you'd ever want to see," Hennessy says. "We had a bunch of slides about why this was a great technology and a spreadsheet showing how we'd spend the money. We didn't have a realistic technical schedule; we didn't have any marketing plan." But they got funded in the summer of 1984 for $1 million from the Mayfield Fund, a venture capital company based in Menlo Park, Calif. That summer, MIPS Computer Systems Inc. set up its first office in subleased space in Mountain View. Unwilling to completely give up his academic career, Hennessy took an 80 percent leave from Stanford, working there one day a week. He planned to return full-time once the company was solidly established. Since the initial technical research at MIPS was done, Hennessy, as cofounder and chief scientist, ended up becoming chief evangelist, doing cold calls on computer companies in an effort to convince potential customers that this first RISC microprocessor was going to change the world of computing. About six months later, MIPS signed a letter of intent with its first customer, Prime Computer Ltd. (now defunct), committing to deliver chips by the end of 1985. In the final deadline crunch, Hennessy jumped in as needed, from working on the compiler team, to writing test code, to debugging the processor, and the MIPS R2000 came out on schedule. Then Hennessy turned his focus back to Stanford, though he still spends an occasional day at MIPS. MIPS chips are now used primarily in embedded applications, including products such as the Sony PlayStation, Hewlett-Packard color laser writers, Cisco Systems network switches, and digital set-top boxes. The company had its initial public offering in 1989, was acquired by Silicon Graphics in 1992, and later spun out as MIPS Technologies. Countless other RISC chips have been designed since, and RISC is now the dominant architecture for embedded applications. Hennessy's time in the corporate world fed positively into his university career. "In academia," he says, "we have a tendency not to make decisions until we get all the data in, know every single fact, and it's crystal clear what the right decision is. In industry, it doesn't work that way; time is considered a valuable commodity." Hennessy found that learning how to be decisive helped him in academia, particularly as he climbed up the administrative hierarchy. With MIPS demonstrating that RISC was an important breakthrough in computer architecture, Hennessy decided to try to teach this new design method to students. Patterson, still at Berkeley, was doing the same thing. Of course, there were no textbooks. So the two decided to write one. Taking sabbatical time, they moved into an office donated to them by DEC's Western Research Laboratory in Palo Alto. The fall of 1987 was spent figuring out the framework for the text: what it needed to teach and what its structure would be. They divided the chapters between them and edited each other's work. They then asked their colleagues in the industry to critique the book and, after reviewing suggestions, revised it. Finally, in the spring of 1990, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach was published by Morgan Kaufmann (San Mateo, Calif.). The publisher expected lifetime sales of the book to be about 15 000; it hit that number the first year. Hennessy and Patterson's book is still being widely used and has sold over 100 000 copies. Back at The Farm—again In 1988 Hennessy was running the Computer Systems Laboratory at Stanford, teaching introductory computer architecture to graduate students, and putting together a group of researchers to explore how the RISC approach might be employed in parallel computing. "The key questions we asked," he says, "were: what was the right balance of hardware and software mechanisms, and how should the mechanisms change with larger numbers of processors?" In small-scale multiprocessors, a technique called a snooping cache is used to maintain consistency among the individual cache memories associated with each processor. A snooping cache requires that each processor send notifications to all the other processors when it changes any shared data. So, if more than 20 or 30 processors are used, they end up spending most of their time on notification. One solution would be to use a single shared memory and not cache data that could be shared. But with large numbers of processors, that approach falls apart: the memory becomes a bottleneck and is much slower than the individual caches. "The conventional wisdom," Hennessy says, "became that because of the cache coherency problem, you could not build a large-scale multiprocessor with a shared memory." So in the 1980s, several groups around the country, including researchers at Caltech and Intel, were trying to optimize an approach called message passing, which avoids shared memory. Rather, it requires that data be explicitly communicated by messages between processors. Unfortunately, that setup uses a different programming model from that used for multiprocessors with a few tens of processors. Hennessy and his students at Stanford instead decided to reconsider cache coherency. Rather than physically building a central shared memory, they created one logically. That is, each of the multiple, physically distributed memories has a dedicated cache, and the computer maintains a directory with each memory, keeping track of which processor has which memories in its cache. When information is changed or needed, each processor simply refers to the directory and then just sends out a single message. The first paper describing this directory concept was published by Hennessy and his colleagues in 1988; the group built a working design in 1992. The machine was called DASH, for Directory Architecture for SHared memory. Silicon Graphics used the directory approach embodied in DASH in 1996 in its Origin workstation, a scalable high-performance computer, and several other companies have employed the technology since. Steps to the presidency While Hennessy went on being involved in research for some years, his administrative functions at Stanford were increasing, as he stepped up to department chairman, then dean of engineering, then provost, and, now, president. "John shot through the academic hierarchy faster than anyone I've seen," Patterson says. Even as president, Hennessy does some work outside the university, al-though it now takes less than 10 percent of his time. This past year, much of that has been spent with Patterson preparing the third edition of their textbook. He also supervises one or two Ph.D. students and advises 15 undergraduates. As president, Patterson observes, Hennessy runs the university with an engineering perspective, assuming he can analyze every problem and find the best solution. He has earned broad loyalty on campus because, Patterson believes, he is honest, doesn't play games, and speaks the truth, even if his positions aren't popular. Hennessy sees a university presidency as being something one does for about a decade. These years will be busy ones, for Hennessy has made himself a long to-do list. After his term is over, he says, he might take a real sabbatical, instead of starting a company or writing a book. Or not. "The great thing about being a university president is you can keep that most wonderful of titles—professor. So you are able to go back to teaching and working with students," he says. And, undoubtedly, doing a little something on the side. Vital Statistics Name: John Hennessy Current job: president, Stanford University (California), since 2000 Date of birth: 22 September 1952 Birthplace: New York City Family: wife, Andrea; sons, Thomas (19) & Christopher (17) Education: BSEE, Villanova University, 1973; M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1975 and 1977 First job: grocery store stocker and bagger Patents: one, for a method of extending computer word lengths from 32 bits to 64 bits, first used in the MIPS R4000 Most recent book read: Truman by David McCullough Favorite books: Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov, and Lincoln by David Herbert Donald Favorite periodical: New York Review of Books Favorite music: Michael Kamen's "Symphony for a New Millennium," any Puccini opera Computer: Macintosh G4 Cube with 21-inch Cinema display Favorite Web sites: Google and MyYahoo Favorite expression: "Charge!" Leisure activity: hiking, golf, bicycling Pet peeve: fuzzy thinking Management creed: "Everybody's opinion has value." Memberships: IEEE, Association for Computing Machinery, American Society for Engineering Education Favorite awards: IEEE John von Neumann Medal (jointly with David A. Patterson), IEEE Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award, election to National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences To Probe Further John Hennessy is the coauthor with David Patterson of two seminal texts on computer architecture, Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach (third edition due in 2003) and Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface (second edition, 1998). Both are published by Morgan Kaufmann (San Francisco); see. The text of Hennessy's inaugural address as president of Stanford University is available online at. A link to a video of that speech appears on that Web page. Hennessy's personal Web site is at. For more on MIPS Computer Systems, particularly its initial public offering, see Michael S. Malone's Going Public: MIPS Computer and the Entrepreneurial Dream (Edward Burlingame/HarperCollins, 1991).

. Every now and then, there’s a hit movie that so captures the collective imagination that I avoid it like the plague. My college film professor’s effort to quash enthusiasm for even the remotely popular (he repeatedly dumped on Run Lola Run or anything involving Tarantino) left its mark on me to the point that I, too, became a cinematic curmudgeon incapable of suspending disbelief long enough to enjoy a cultural event. But that’s not why I avoided Jerry Maguire. I never got around to seeing that particular Tom Cruise picture simply because, by the time I reached the legal age to rent a copy, I felt as though I’d already seen it. At that point, catchphrases like “Show me the money,” “You complete me” and “You had me at ‘hello’” were ingrained within our cultural lexicon to the point that I got the gist of the flick: a smarmy pro-football agent works his butt off to placate Cuba Gooding Jr. and woo Renée Zellweger. Big whoop. In fact, I’d so dismissed ever giving a damn that I came full circle on this movie; as the popularity of its memes waned, I wondered if maybe I’d missed something by never giving Jerry Maguire a shot. Perhaps, without knowing it, I was incomplete. So I entered my long overdue viewing of this Cameron Crowe-directed feature with relatively high hopes. After all, Tom Cruise used to be able to act (sort of), and the film revolves around pro football, one of my most longstanding pleasures. But as the movie opened with a shot of Earth and Cruise providing the obvious narration “So this is the world,” I gained my first inkling that I was in for two hours of Crowe painting with broad strokes. As the titular pro-sports agent (Cruise) collects high-fives and absorbs enough backslaps to herniate a disc, he’s supposed to be unlikable. But as Jerry incurs both a standing ovation and a pink slip for penning a self-righteous novella-length memo during a dark night of the soul, I remembered that plausibility is not Crowe’s strong suit. As the plot unwinds, pouty accountant Dorothy (Zellweger) impulsively follows the recently-axed Jerry out of the office, and the bombastic Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Gooding Jr.) sticks with him for some equally obscure reason. And away we go. I spent the majority of the film’s 139 minutes trying to puzzle out how anything in Jerry’s philosophical approach changes after he delivers that career-threatening memo. Despite brief moments atop a soapbox, Jerry rarely practices what he preaches and — instead of embracing integrity — continues to sniff around for money while feeling sorry for himself. He uses Dorothy’s loyalty to quell his own fear of loneliness, hastily marrying her rather than allowing her to move away. When Tidwell calls him out on assuming a father figure role to Dorothy’s young and unnecessarily cute son (Jonathan Lipnicki) as a means to get into her pants, Jerry admits that he “shoplifted the pootie.” That’s not to say that Jerry Maguire is all bad. There’s much to admire in the scope of the film (Crowe is nothing if not ambitious). The realistic on-field NFL scenes dazzle until Tidwell awakens from a head injury to indulge in a protracted and outrageous touchdown breakdance. Zellweger rose to prominence following her empathetic performance as Dorothy, and Gooding Jr. deserved his Best Supporting Actor nod for the engrossing portrayal of a flamboyant wide receiver. Furthermore, the film presciently highlights the destructive nature of concussions 15 years before that specific injury gained its current preventative focus within the NFL. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t relish the cameos by the likes of Drew Bledsoe, Troy Aikman, and Warren Moon. Even the old-school “Monday Night Football” trio of Frank, Al and Dan make an appearance. But while the film succeeds in the believability of its setting, Jerry’s transformation never fully manifests. The “you complete me” payoff (a ham-fisted line to begin with) doesn’t resonate with me because I don’t believe for a second that Jerry changes. The fact that this movie received Best Picture and Best Actor nominations (Cruise essentially does little more than tap into his own mania) may speak more to the period of its release than the quality of its content. There’s a dated feel to every frame, and era-specific cultural references lose their zing after a decade and a half. What may have been a heartwarming cinematic experience in the mid-‘90s now comes off as cheesy and stale. At least “shoplifted the pootie” never caught on.

FashionTuesday, December 22nd, 2009 Around this time during the past several years, I find myself thinking that my work is out of fashion, out moded. Usually, I don’t know what causes it – a slowing down of activity, seasonal depression (this is Seattle after all). What triggered it this time, however, was an invitation from Zoë Scofield and Juniper Shuey to attend their APAP showing at The American Realness Festival. The details are unimportant in many ways but what struck me about the invitation and set me off was how aware I was of a shift in aesthetic tastes as evidenced by the artists that are the “real Americans”, those included in the Festival, Miguel Gutierrez, Ann Liv Young, Luciana Achugar, Layard Thompson, Jack Ferver and Jeremy Wade. Some of it is generational of course and of course I am not only another generation but also fall into another set of aesthetic values category as well… Wow, I think to myself — this is what old feels like! The problem is that there is a tendency to think of these aesthetic shifts as absolutes; that generational shifts in perspectives are truths and not just a truth but permanent and absolute truths. Yes, these shifts are indeed real but just like dance they are ephemeral, transitory, and temporary. And like fashion or trends, well, even life itself, they will again shift, change and be different… Last week in the New York Times Roslyn Sulcas and to some degree an unaccredited author in the Financial Times while writing on the Judith Jamison 20th anniversary celebration as artistic director of the Ailey Company, repeatedly vomiting out and regurgitated the same half digested stale old rhetoric about the mediocrity of the works commissioned and revived by the company under Ms Jamison tenure. What they both failed to recognize is that those works in many ways represent the dance fashion of the time that they were created, pieces from the “ready to wear collections” of the choreographers, if you will. And like padded shoulders and thick eyebrows they were meant to be no more than what they were, popular and the look of the time. They help to sell the company; they brought audiences in to the theaters and put butts in the seats. And like the perennial Nutcrackers that populate our stages at this time of year, they delighted some and perhaps help to whet the appetites of a few for something more substantial. If these choreographies did not meet the “classic” test, well most things don’t, but they served their purpose – they made the Ailey Company the most well-known and successful modern dance company in the world! Ms Sulcas concludes,” But the depressing conclusion to be drawn here is that, in the main, the choreography challenges neither the dancers nor the audiences. It’s even more depressing that everyone seems to like it that way.” I say – Who said that fashion or entertainment was about challenges? What Ms Sulcas and other like-minded critics might value might be of no value to Ms Jamison and the supporters of the Ailey Company and the opinions of such critics might be like people deliberately and continuously farting and fouling the air during a birthday celebration of a beloved relative. Now back to my original thought. If my work or aesthetic values are outdated, do my past work and my current work have value? Do I need to dress-up what I do differently in order for its worth or content to be gotten or appreciated? Another set of questions might be: Is much of the American dance works currently in fashion today devoid of “content”? But rather the aesthetic packaging is the content? Its stylishness, its construction, its cleverness, how it’s accessorized (video, text, celebrity artists collaborator), its intellectual conceits, and its total visual appeal might be “the point”? Perhaps what is most valuable for me in all of this thinking and wondering is – none of this has anything to do with why I do the work I do or whether I will continue to do it. I get value from what I do and the dances I create and there appears to be others that get value as well. During my 33 years of making dances I have found myself many times, to paraphrase Heidi Klum the host of Project Runway, being out one minute and in the next minute. But it has never been auf Wiedersehen.

There is no doubt South Africa deserved to win, as they produced 20 minutes of the most amazing rugby we have seen since the 2007 World Cup. However, the 36-27 win over England in Johannesburg on Saturday produced everything that is good, bad and even ugly about Springbok rugby. Four tries to three, 22-3 after 20 minutes and the Boks looked like world champions. Move the clock on 40 minutes and the scoreline reads 31-27. Also, after leading 28 - 10 just after half-time, the home side managed to lose their structure and had to scramble for the win. Injuries may also have been a factor, as the high number of replacements impacted on the Boks' momentum. Jan de Koning rates the South Africa players! 15 Pat Lambie: His positional play was from the top drawer and not even a heavily strapped ankle (when he came down heavily from a high ball in the first half) seemed to bother him. 6/10 14 JP Pietersen: He found his verve and swerve, while his workrate was even more impressive. There was one great run in the second half - when the Boks were under pressure and he finished off a move he started way back in his own half - that said all about his game. His defence was also exemplary - such as the occasion when he shoved a charging Thomas Waldrom into touch. 8/10 13 Jean de Villiers (captain): Great chasing to set up scrum five metres from England line and his defence was dominant - resulted in a few turnovers. However, it was his sublime off-loading that really impressed. 7/10 12 Frans Steyn: Took the ball up strongly and then produced a sublime grubber that almost resulted in a try. However, his power with all in hand is what made him so valuable to this team. 7/10 11 Bryan Habana: He continues to regain his best form, even though it was by no means flawless. Made plenty of ground with ball in hand early in the match, and even starting to win turnovers at the breakdown. 6/10 10 Morné Steyn: He appears to be so intent on silencing those critics, who suggest he is one-dimensional and doesn't have a running game, that he is neglecting what makes him so great - his kicking. While his out of hand kicking mostly kept the English on the back foot, he did put one directly into touch that ultimately resulted in an England try. His goal-kicking remains an issue and some of his options can be questioned. 5/10 9 François Hougaard: His options were much better and only when he sniped it counted. He handled the ball 79 times, passing it 72 times. And he scored a great try. 6/10 8 Pierre Spies: The most impressive aspect of his game - apart from his powerful carries and weaving runs - was his work off the ball and a number of line-out steals. 7/10 7 Willem Alberts: He set the tone with that early pick-up from a scrum for the opening try and then continued with those bullocking runs to which England had no answer. He could do a bit more work on defence. 8/10 6 Marcell Coetzee: He ran into space and took the ball up at pace to ensure the Boks got on the front foot from the outset. He also produced the highest tackle count of the Boks and did not slip a single one. 7/10 5 Juandré Kruger: One of the unsung heroes of the pack - doing the hard yards in the close exchanges. He was missed when he left the field. 6/10 4 Eben Etzebeth: He is growing in stature with every match and at this rate will be a fixture in the Boks' second row for years to come. Another monster on defence. 7/10 3 Jannie du Plessis: His scrumming has improved incredibly and his cleaning out at the ruck was also impressive. Did not slip a single tackle. 6/10 2 Bismarck du Plessis: His workrate was immense in the early stages - cleaning out countless rucks and then charged at the English as much as any of the other Bok forwards. He produced his usual turnovers. 7/10 1 Tendai Mtawarira: Beeeaaaast! That cry went up numerous times and grew louder with every metre he gained in the first half. But he was the epitome of the Bok team after the break - some strong moments and then got dominated in the scrums. 6/10 Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss (on for B du Plessis, 60 min): Simply did not have the same impact as last week. 5/10 17 Werner Kruger (on for J du Plessis, 59th min): One very strong run, but then penalised at another scrum. Boks appeared to lose momentum with the changes. 5/10 18 Flip van der Merwe (on for J Kruger, 62nd min): He had his moments, but also disappeared at times. Struggled to get into the game. 5/10 19 Keegan Daniel (on for Alberts, 52nd min): He did nothing wrong, but was pretty much anonymous and the absence of Alberts was certainly felt by the Boks. 5/10 20 Ruan Pienaar (on for Habana, 57th min): Made one tackle, but was mostly a link. Another questionable replacements. 5/10 21 Wynand Olivier (on for Lambie, 44th min): Made his tackles, as he always does, but otherwise had no impact on the game. His move to centre also eliminated the effectiveness of Frans Steyn, who moved to fullback. 5/10 22 Bjorn Basson: Not used

SAN FRANCISCO -- If we're lucky, the Dominican Republic made history Tuesday night. No, it wasn't just that they won the World Baseball Classic with a 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico in a game they controlled from the first inning. It wasn't that they became the first team to go undefeated in the tournament, running the table from San Juan to Miami to here with eight wins in which they allowed just 14 runs. No, maybe they gave us something more lasting than titles and trivia. It's what the Dominicans did after a brief celebration that followed the last out: they walked across the infield and met the Puerto Ricans by the first-base line -- near the Puerto Rico dugout -- and gave them handshakes and hugs. What an even more beautiful baseball world it would be if every Major League Baseball postseason series, if not regular-season series, ended with such a show of respect and sportsmanship. What a legacy for the Dominicans and the Puerto Ricans if the postgame handshake becomes a baseball tradition, and generations could forever mark the 2013 WBC final as the moment when class took root in the game. "Yes, I would like to see that in the major leagues," said Dominican reliever Octavio Dotel. "It shows that we can play hard and compete against each other but in the end we are all family." The moment was a touching one for Caribbean baseball. The rivalry between the Dominicans and Puerto Ricans has spanned many years and intense winter baseball seasons, but always with respect and a sense of commonality. But Dotel agreed the postgame handshake could well hold bigger meaning than it does in the islands. "Hopefully this is a message for the rest of baseball," he said. Only two nights earlier, Japan provided its own version of civility and sportsmanship. Upon a disappointing semifinal defeat to Puerto Rico, the Japanese players lined up on the third-base line and bowed to the victors, and then bowed to the fans. It's a gaping hole in the American game when you think about it. Teams shake hands on every amateur level in baseball. Teams in virtually all other sports do it, even when the underlying purpose of the sport is to beat the other guy's brains out. Individual sports such as tennis and golf do it. But when you become a professional baseball player you literally turn your back on the team you just competed against and leave the field without so much as a "good game." Even fifth and sixth-graders know it should change. In 2005, students at the Merriam School in Acton, Mass., petitioned the Yankees and Red Sox to begin their season-opening game with a handshake, a nod to the school's peace-making effort on the school playgrounds. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said it was up to the players. "I'm not going to make them do it," he said. Come game time, the 40 or so students gathered in a classroom to watch the introduction of the players. The kids chanted, "Shake, shake, shake." But the players turned their backs on the other team and returned to their dugout. Nothing changed. Managers do shake hands when lineup cards are announced and batters often greet the catcher upon their first at-bat of a game. Great. A postgame or post-series handshake would work even better. The Dominicans were a treat to watch to the very end. They played with smiles and fervor. They showed that you can play hard and still have fun -- imagine that. One of the biggest lies of the tournament was that "some people," especially the Americans, were upset with the way the Dominican players celebrated strikeouts, hits and runs. It was a media-driven non-story, a grab at a quick headline. As USA manager Joe Torre said, they played with passion and never directed their exuberance into the face of their opponents. Torre had no problem with how they played. Every player on the record had no problem with it. It was one of the joys of the tournament. The Dominicans had every right to enjoy the Classic. They dominated while singing songs in the dugout and waving a rally plantain -- just the kind of silly stuff you might see on a youth baseball field, before everybody gets so caught up in "acting the right way" and tamping down enthusiasm becomes an American coaching requirement. The Dominican bullpen closed out the tournament with 25 2/3 scoreless innings. Jose Reyes played every inning as if his pants were on fire. Fernando Rodney, keeper of the plantain, was a treat to watch in the dugout and on the mound. The Dominicans played with an intense sense of purpose and pride, born partly from their embarrassing first-round knockout in 2009 with two losses to the Netherlands. Their players trained all winter to be game ready for early March. Meanwhile, back in the U.S. in January, Torre fought tooth and nail to get one more workout day for Team USA out of the 30 general managers. Torre was trying to forge a spirit of teamwork among his guys and get them ready for tournament baseball. The general managers would have none of it. They said no to even one measly additional workout day. If the USA is going to do anything in this tournament, it should have the American players report to a team training camp, not to their MLB camps. The USA team would be the 31st team in spring training and train and play games together against other MLB teams before the tournament. Not only does Japan do it this way, they also have tryouts for the team. Yes, they cut players in order to arrive at their WBC roster. In the Dominican, nobody complained about training harder or earlier to be ready for the WBC, as Americans have done. Nobody wrote it off as an exhibition, the way Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels did. The Dominican Republic was fully vested in the event. They are worthy champions who taught the rest of the baseball world lessons about pride and enthusiasm, but also, in the end, sportsmanship. Let this be just the beginning of something wonderful.

"Every kid you see on the street here with a football wants to play in an FA Cup final at Wembley," says Kasey Keller, the American goalkeeper for the south London club Millwall. "That is the pinnacle. The FA Cup final is the World Series, the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals combined. That's it. There is nothing more." Ten-year-olds playing two-a-sides in West London—their "goal" a closed gate at the Queens Park Rangers' ground—all claim to be Ranger striker Les Ferdinand, with a spot in the final on the line. "Goal!" shrieks a lad in the blue-and-white hoop stripes of QPR. "Ferdinand! Two-nil! Rangers are in the Cup final against...against...Man United!" "No," says the goalkeeper. "They're bad luck. Villa." "Against Aston Villa!" In real life, mighty Manchester United eliminated QPR on its way to this year's Cup final. When the Reds kicked off against Everton three weeks ago, they were watched in 70 countries, by 500 million people, many of whom had been backing Man United since the '58 Cup final. That year United reached Wembley only three months after the team's plane crashed on takeoff in Munich, killing eight players and 15 other passengers. United lost the Cup to Bolton but won the world's everlasting allegiance. "I've had conversations about Man United in the Bolivian Andes," says novelist and soccer writer Pete Davies, whose acclaimed account of the English team in the '90 World Cup, All Played Out, has been published in...Japanese. "There is a team in Namibia called Liverpool. There is a team in Lesotho called Arsenal. When Man United won their first league title in 26 years [in 1993], BBC Radio reported the celebration live from a supporters' club in Bondi Beach, Australia." In soccer England still has an empire free of sunsets. John Harkes, a U.S. midfielder and five-year English League veteran who played for Sheffield Wednesday in the '93 FA Cup final, reads the postmarks on four months of fan mail backlogged in his Derbyshire home. "Germany, Hungary, Thailand, Hong Kong..." he begins. "I try to respond immediately, but...." But it's impossible to keep up, even for one used to the VCR-on-scan pace of soccer as played in the British Isles. "All-out attacking...up-tempo...fast-break" is how Man United fan Hakeem Olajuwon has described the English League game. But this only begins to account for its planetary appeal, only begins to explain why.... Why, when Fidel Castro was touring French vineyards in March, he asked to attend Arsenal's match at nearby Auxerre in the quarterfinals of the European Cup-Winners Cup, a tournament among domestic cup champions from the previous season. (El comandante let slip that he has long been a Gooner, as Gunner fans are globally known.) Why, when Soviet dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn returned to Russia under tight security in 1994, after 20 years in political and football exile, his Alaska Air ticket bore the pseudonym MR. R. GIGGS.

. Why aren't people converting to Drip irrigation? by Scott76 (May 2nd 2013, 1:59pm) We are not seeing the change over to drip/micro irrigation that we were expecting after the drought last year. Considering the water restrictions in place last year and the money savings of drip I'm surprised. Reasons for the reluctance to change? TRC Commander Remote Repair by TRC Irrigation Remotes (Dec 10th 2012, 11:46am) Need help deciding if a remote control for your sprinkler system is worth the investment? Start pumps, valves and sprinklers without going back to the controller. Weather sensors (rain shutoff, freeze shutoff, and wind-Rain-Freeze sensors). Lets talk! Richdel irrigation controller model #446PR by mrfixit (Yesterday, 10:12. Febco 765-3/4 Installation by Wet_Boots (May 13th 2013, 6:28 mrfixit (May 15th 2013, 10:11am) Control valves divide your system into sections or zones and are controlled by the controller. Look here for help determining which ones you need? What size should you use? Which ones are recommended for dirty water? Do you need flow control or not? by Wet_Boots (Mar 25th 2013, 7:38pm) Fertigation is the process of delivering small amounts of fertilizer through the sprinkler system each time the system is operated. Installing and operating these kits are very easy. Look here to discuss ease of use and benefits. by DogT (Yesterday, 6:17? Winterizing a system and pump by Wet_Boots (May 16th 2013, 9:20pm) 5 Types of Pumps: Displacement Pumps, Centrifugal Pumps, Submersible Pumps, Floating Pumps, and Turbines & Jet Pumps This forum covers: Types of Pumps, Pressure vs. Flow, Selecting a Pump, Pump Hydraulics, Booster Pumps, Buying a Pump, Pump Curves, and Pump Controls Keeping track of your jobs & customers by Roll Tide (Yesterday, 10:26am) We answer questions and have discussions here about all the other stuff such as fittings, the best way to connect a sprinkler tothe pipe, wire selection, the best tools for the job, and anything else that falls into the misc category. Please, need help with an Imperial Sprinkler System. by Wet_Boots (Jan 19th 2013, 9:53 98 guests - Record: 1,763 users (Wednesday, April 24th 2013, 10:00pm)

The St. Anne's School Experience "When I was looking for a preschool for my daughter, I sought out all the schools in the area. I stopped by St. Anne’s School for an application and a young girl lead me to the office and said that she loved it at the school. I saw that she was happy, confident and at ease with adults. That’s what I wanted my little girl to be, and now she is also. I believe that St. Anne’s School of Annapolis provides my children with an exceptional learning experience in a safe and secure environment. They are learning beyond the basics of education, as well as how to be good citizens and productive members of society with an understanding of compassion and empathy. I couldn’t ask for much more than that. I like the sense of security and trust that the schools gives to me when my children are there; the knowledge that my children are getting an incredible education; and knowing that they are building wonderful memories on which they will reflect for the rest of their lives." --Elaine Pavlick "St. Anne's School has created a nurturing environment in which students and teachers have what they need to grow: respect, encouragement and high expectations." ---Sigrid Murphy "When I think of the type of persons I want my children to be as adults: honest, caring and generous individuals who strive to learn, I am so grateful to be at St. Anne's School where these same values are lived out in the classroom. And while the academic instruction is evident I hear it in my sons' dialogue at home our children are not so much being taught, as they are learning to learn. The teachers at St. Anne's School are professionals; professional instructors, professional nurturers, and professional learners. They set the example of community that is so essential to our children's well-being and growth. The foundation of this community comes from the leadership, the Head of School and parent leaders, who set the exceptionally high standard for the school. As parents, it is our responsibility to support and strengthen this foundation and the St. Anne's School community as well." ---Haley and Jamie DeMaria "My three daughters attended St. Anne's School preschool and I started teaching there as a long term sub and then stayed on the following year. I searched many preschools for my girls and I fell in love with St. Anne's School. What keeps me here: The talented, diverse staff is very exciting to me, not only are they my colleagues, but my close friends. I have been here for 15 years and I love the families. I have had the privilege of teaching many sibs and I have also been able to watch many of my students move on through high school and now beyond!" ---Anne Egan "We were initially attracted to St. Anne's School as a result of a clear connection we felt to its Mission Statement. Our initial meetings with some of the leadership team at the school reinforced our belief that they actually "lived the mission." We continue to be thankful that we made the choice to enroll our child at St. Anne¹s School as they have delivered on everything they promised: a focus on the "whole child" where they integrate academic, social, leadership, and community service skills into their learning methodology; a curriculum and stimulating learning environment that fosters critical thinking; a focus on professional development; teachers who apply the latest proven research on child development and learning; and a school community that is committed to excellence. We believe St. Anne's School is preparing our child to "live a life of consequence." We couldn't ask for more than that." ---Kurt Kroemer "I'd love to thank every single teacher for preparing me so well for high school! You have no idea how helpful the Capstone Project was for writing my papers. I have about one a week and I don't know how I would handle them if I didn't have that guidance through my first research paper." --- Class of '11 Alum "St. Anne's is committed to transforming lives and building community. In the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, St. Anne's School strives to BE the change we want to see in our world. St. Anne's sees itself as a laboratory for the development of an equitable and just community, where learning to live compassionately and respectfully with others is as important as academic achievement." ---The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of Maryland

I’ve often pondered what Las Vegas would be like if it were a soundless black-and-white scene. Without the sensory stimulant, I imagine that there would be less inclination to shell out money in the Spartan atmosphere. The same goes for financial institutions. Imagine a bank unadorned with gilded handrails and polished wood veneer to impress people with the air of professionalism. They’re really just a Vegas-like facade broadcasting, “Invest your money here; we know what we are doing.” But do they? Last week, Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty to charges against his notorious ponzi scheme, which will likely be chiseled into the history books as a central theme of the current economic crisis. His role as an insider taking advantage of investors’ confidence for his own benefit has been a recurring story that is stirring an angry public sentiment. In addition, last Thursday’s “Daily Show” on Comedy Central pitted host Jon Stewart against CNBC’s “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer in what was hyped up to be a funny feud between MBAs and the layman. But what aired was what The New York Times later described as a “cathartic ritual of indignation and castigation” of CNBC, and to a greater extent, Wall Street. Stewart’s bold and relentless attacks peaked when he flatly chastised, “I understand you want to make finance entertaining, but it’s not a f--king game.” And that is where he touched on my central point: It’s Americans who have been treating finance as a game, which many have now lost and are looking for reasons. Well, I have one reason: Americans substituted the principles of investing for those of gambling. Wall Street is not the Vegas Strip, so stop placing bets there. I’ve often heard people say that investing is a gamble — sometimes they win and sometimes they lose. The idea, however, is completely wrong, and I want to make it clear to everyone that the two are not the same. Here’s the distinction: A sport better assesses a team’s statistical odds, analyzes components and maybe goes with a gut instinct that finally comes together in the form of a bet on the outcome. An investor, on the other hand, assesses a team, analyzes its components and then makes a decision to sponsor its season, thus providing capital the team can use to perform better. Pensions, futures, 401k, stocks and bonds are all rooted in sound principles of trade, not gambling. As soon as one thinks they’re gambling their capital, they must in turn forfeit the proper right to complain when the value sinks. Though it’s sad that many people have been blindsided by dubious practices and have seen their savings and investments deteriorate, the rule remains that everyone must perform their due diligence in managing their investments. Stewart was right for asking when Americans are “going to realize … that our wealth is work?” Investing is not a crapshoot, a slot machine or a horse race; it’s a real-time market with active trading. Anyone who treats it like a casino with mindless bets or intuition will have house odds. And today, seeing the executives of failed banks run away with millions, I can’t help but think that the house won. Reach Andrew at andrew.rowen@asu.edu.

Alonso, Sounders hand Rapids 6th straight loss COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) Eddie Johnson and Osvaldo Alonso are displaying the talent that made them MLS All-Stars. Johnson scored in the opening minute on Saturday night and assisted on Alonso's goal in the 66th minute to lift the Seattle Sounders to a 2-1 victory over Colorado and send the Rapids to their sixth straight loss. "Eddie had a big header for a goal and made a key pass on out other goal," Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said. "Alonso's goal showed why he deserved to be an All-Star." Seattle (9-5-7) is 2-0-3 in its past five games. "That win meant more than winning the All-Star game, a game that's more for the fans," Johnson said. "This was all about winning for Seattle Sounders." Drew Moor scored his third goal of the season in the 3rd minute for Colorado (7-14-1). The Rapids have been outscored 11-3 during their skid. The Rapids held a lengthy closed-door meeting after the loss. "We are embarrassed," Colorado coach Oscar Pareja said. "Our fans deserve more than this." On the tiebreaking goal, Alonso got free of midfielder Wells Thompson, took Johnson's cross, and buried a shot past goalkeeper Matt Pickens for his first goal. "It all began with great patience by Alex Caskey and then good movement by Eddie," Schmid said. "We finished it off by getting the big goal by Alonso, a player who has done well with previous clubs." The Sounders have won the teams' first three meetings this year, while allowing just two goals, and have beaten the Rapids six straight times. "The key was we wanted ball possession and not having to chase them," Schmid said. "We got off to the good start thanks to Eddie's goal, but gave them one right back." Pickens was denied his 40th career win with the Rapids. He shares the franchise record of 39 wins. Moor came right back for the Rapids Brian Mullan worked himself free to the left of Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning. Mullan sent a cross to the opposite wing, and Moor beat Gspurning with a header. Gspurning stopped a scoring chance by Conor Casey with a sliding two-handed catch in the 15th. Johnson put a low drive on goal and denied a second goal by Pickens in the 24th. Casey had two chances to tie the game for Colorado. He missed the left post with a header in the 70th. Gspurning made a desperate save to stop an ankle high shot by Casey in the 77th. "He made a good shot," Gspurning said. "I stayed low to the ground and made a good save." Updated July 29, 2012

Suns-Trail Blazers Preview By MATT BEARDMORE (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns are both riding season-high four-game winning streaks. If Portland is going to extend its run - and post its seventh consecutive home win in this matchup - on Saturday night, it might have to do so without LaMarcus Aldridge. Since falling 98-80 to Sacramento on Dec. 8 to open a season-high six-game homestand, the Trail Blazers (12-12) have regrouped to climb back to the break-even point. Portland, though, might be without Aldridge, averaging a team-best 21.0 points with 8.0 rebounds, for a second straight game after he rolled his ankle late in Sunday's 95-94 victory over New Orleans. Nicolas Batum scored 22, Wesley Matthews added 20 and J.J. Hickson posted his sixth consecutive double-double with 18 and 18 rebounds in Thursday's 101-93 win over Denver, but the Blazers yielded 74 points in the paint without their big man. "That was tough, but hopefully I'll play tomorrow," Aldridge said on Friday after going through a light workout. If he doesn't, Hickson is confident that the Blazers can continue their winning ways. "We all took it upon ourselves individually to step up and not do anything out of the ordinary, but just do a little bit more and it would make up for him not playing," he said. With Hickson sidelined (left shoulder sprain), Aldridge did not fare well against center Marcin Gortat and the Suns' frontcourt in a 114-87 loss at Phoenix on Nov. 21. Aldridge finished with a season-low 12 points and seven rebounds in that contest, while Gortat had 22 points and seven boards in three quarters of work. The Suns, who shot a season-best 59.7 percent in that contest, made 51.2 percent of their shots in a 104-92 preseason victory over the Blazers on Oct. 12. "I don't know (why we've struggled against them)," said rookie guard Damian Lillard, who led Portland with 24 points in last month's game. "When we play them, they just make shots. We played them at their place both times and they're one of those teams that play really well at home." Phoenix (11-15), though, has lost its last five away from home and was routed 109-71 - the Suns' most lopsided defeat of 2011-12 - in its last game at Portland on Jan. 27. However, the Suns are hoping to build off a 4-1 homestand that ended with Wednesday's 121-104 victory over Charlotte. Phoenix set season highs for points, 3-pointers (17) and assists (31). "The ball was circling around, everybody got their touches and we were making shots," point guard Goran Dragic told the Suns' official website after scoring 21 points with a season-high 11 assists. "SB (Shannon Brown) was huge tonight (with five 3s and a season-best 26 points) and our defense was solid." The Suns, who last won five straight from Jan. 12-21, 2011, are holding teams to 89.5 points per game during their current surge. The Blazers are surrendering 87.8 per contest since their last defeat. The home team has won the last four matchups between these teams. Those games have been decided by 25, 38, 18 and 27 points. Updated December 21, 2012

Police Reports: Son Steals $1,000 Segway from Father Police reports are provided by St. Charles Police Department. An arrest does not indicate conviction. Transportation Stolen - A 56-year-old man reported his son stole a Segway valued at $1,000 from his father. The Segway was at Sun Lake Drive and was taken between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. June 6. - A 2006 scooter valued at $1,450 was reported stolen between 8 p.m. June 6 and 5 p.m. June 8 from Willow Drive. - An unsecured men's mountain bike valued at $80 was stolen from the side of a house on Sibley Street between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. June 7. - Two unlocked bikes were stolen from Kathryn Linnemann Library bike rack between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. June 9. The bikes were valued at $300. - A bike was stolen from the front porch of a home in the 2100 block of North 4th Street in St. Charles on June 9. Cell Phones Taken - A 26-year-old woman reported a cell phone was stolen while she was working at St. Joseph Health Center between 4:20 and 5:30 a.m. June 6. - An 18-year-old boy reported his cell phone was stolen June 7 while playing basketball at McNair Park. Laptops, power tools, plants taken - An unattended laptop was stolen from the hallway of the Hyland Performance Center at Lindenwood University between 10:20 and 11:20 June 8. - Power tools were stolen from sheds behind three homes on Pembrooke Drive between 1:30 and 7 a.m. June 9. - A $1,500 paint sprayer was taken from the rear of an unlocked truck overnight between 8 p.m. June 10 and 8 a.m. June 11. - Two potted plants were stolen from the front of Lawrence Florist on North Second Street between 2 p.m. June 9 and 1:30 p.m. June 10. - A 32-year-old man entered an unlocked vehicle and stole a GPS parked in front of a home on Cambrian Way between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. June 12. - Sunglasses and headphones were stolen out of an unlocked car parked in front of the 3100 block of Mockingbird Drive between midnight and 9 a.m. June 12.

. 141 Tasting Notes. Tastes like dried spinach – too vegetal for me. I added some cream and honey, which helped, but it still wasn’t very good. One of the few Twinings teas I don’t like. On the bright side, better than Lipton or Tetley.. After my experience with Numi’s Emperor Puerh, I was not predisposed to like this tea, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was distracted, and let this oversteep, but it did not ruin the tea. The puerh flavor was present, but the earthiness complemented the cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors. The dominant flavor was chocolate, but it was not just like having a hot cocoa. The earthiness of the puerh made it a different drink, and it also didn’t taste like watered down hot chocolate that some chocolate teas taste like. This. This tea has a pleasant earthy taste that is also somewhat malty. The earthiness reminds me of the puerh I tried, except that this is much more pleasant. Not my favorite, and I probably wouldn’t buy it again, but pleasant enough. Not bad, but not great. I don’ care for the combination: smoky Keemun together with the sweeter Ceylon. The two flavors compete rather than blend. This. As soon as I removed the plastic wrapper from the box, the orange scent wafted out of it, even though the bags were individually wrapped. The flavor tastes like mandarin oranges, sweet but with a slight bitter aftertaste, rather than regular oranges. I added a teaspoon of orange blossom honey to sweeten it. The longer I drink it, however, the less I care for it. It is too one-dimensional in its orange flavor. I would rather have the orange flavor paired with a rich black tea that would give it some depth. About half way through the cup I tired of the flavor, so I added some more hot water and a ceylon teabag and let it steep awhile longer. The orange flavor was muted but at the same time brought out the citrus in the ceylon. I will have to try this again using the two different bags from the beginning. Wonderful. I made a second steeping of the leaves, and the tea was weaker, though with the same ceylon flavor. I was a little disappointed at the weaker flavor and at not being able to get multiple steepings out of these leaves, but it is still a good cup. I! Strong.. This. I definitely do not care for this tea. Tastes like dirt to me. I suppose the term should be “earthy,” but dirt works for me. It tastes somewhat like a watered down version of Numi’s Emperor Puerh I tried the other day, though it doesn’t have the fishy flavor. The. The flavor was weak, even after six minutes of steeping. Adding honey helped bring out the peach flavor, though the ginger was still faint. After that the flavor was acceptable, but I wouldn’t rush out to buy this tea. I. My! Another sample from “Numi’s Collection.” The moment you open the bag, the vanilla aroma comes out strong. I steeped the bag for the full five minutes, and added half and half and sweetener, which brought out the flavor and enhanced the creamy texture. The vanilla tastes natural, as it should, since they used vanilla beans, not artificial flavoring. With the half and half, it tastes like melted haagen-dasz vanilla ice cream. From all the bad reviews and from trying other Numi teas this morning, I was thinking I would dislike this tea, but I am pleasantly surprised.

This story appeared in Indian Country Today in March 2012. Past and future national elections cast shadows over a Native-American voting-rights lawsuit argued in Rapid City, South Dakota, on March 8. At the end of the all-day hearing, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Karen Schreier noted that the state and county officials who were defendants in the suit had already voluntarily promised to do everything the Oglala Lakota plaintiffs had requested for this year’s national election. For the first time, the plaintiffs will be able to early-vote in their own county during a 46-day period leading up to the June primary and November general election, just like other South Dakotans. The plaintiffs originally had just 6 days, which their suit called “a denial of the right to vote” and “discriminatory.” But with their early voting access now assured for 2012, the request for a preliminary injunction ordering exactly that was moot, Judge Scheier declared. However, the judge noted, the defendants had merely made “representations and promises” to provide equal voting rights in 2012. If they do not carry out these plans, she announced to the court, “bring that to my attention, and I would grant the preliminary injunction.” The judge also found that the plaintiffs’ other request—for a permanent injunction against future inequalities—remains a “live claim.” In her March 14 opinion, she wrote that because of as-yet-unsolved financial issues, “There is a reasonable expectation that plaintiffs will be subject to the same conduct in the next election cycle, or that the conduct will recur.” Judge Schreier ended the hearing by saying that registering to vote and casting ballots—both during the early-voting period and on election day—were fundamental rights: “All of our citizens in South Dakota should have equal access.” She commended the counties for “taking steps” to ensure this for 2012, adding, “I wish they had be taken in earlier elections, but at least you’re taking those steps now.” Clarice Mesteth was one of several Oglala Lakota plaintiffs who attended the hearing. She was pleased at its outcome, she said: “The defendants are not off the hook. They’re accountable for their actions not just this year, but forever.” Nevertheless, Mesteth was disturbed at Oglalas’ continual, election-after-election struggle for equal enfranchisement, saying, “It seems like everyone wants to make us squirm before they let us vote.” “The judge has given all parties time to find a lasting, sustainable fix for the funding problems in Shannon County,” said Greg Lembrich, legal director of Four Directions, a voting-rights nonprofit, and senior associate at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. “There has to be some way the state can ensure that all South Dakota’s citizens are guaranteed their constitutional right to vote.” Shannon and Fall River counties’ attorney, Sara Frankenstein, said she is doing just that—working with her clients to find long-term funding for Shannon County elections. “The next thing I need is information from South Dakota’s secretary of state about the state’s Help America Vote Act funds—how much there are, how they’re transferred, how we satisfy the federal accounting rules governing them.” She added that Shannon County officials are also trying to discover whether it might be eligible for PILT funds (Payment in Lieu of Taxes, which the Department of the Interior disburses to local entities to make up for financial losses due to non-taxable federally-owned land, such as national parks, within their borders). Genesis of a lawsuit The Oglala Lakota lawsuit arose after Shannon County decided in January 2012 that leading up to this year’s primary and general elections, it could afford to give its residents only six days of in-county early voting for each—as opposed to requiring them to drive as many as 200 miles round trip to another county. (Shannon County is roughly contiguous with the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and responsible for national elections there; it is not a tribal entity, but rather a subdivision of the state of South Dakota.) According to Shannon County commissioner Lyla Hutchison, the county was “simply out of money.” South Dakota’s head election official, Secretary of State Jason Gant, refused to advance cash-poor Shannon County Help America Vote Act funds, saying reimbursement after the elections, backed up by receipts, was state policy. The reimbursement requirement is not federal policy, according to Bryan Whitener of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which administers the federal law, but rather something states may decide to do. A stalemate ensued: Shannon County couldn’t front the money for full elections, so its voters had to make do with less ballot-box access. Early voting has not been consistently available in Native American areas since South Dakota first began offering this convenient way to cast ballots in 2004. Typically, Shannon County residents have had a fraction of the days offered other South Dakotans, or none at all. When early voting has been provided within Native communities, as many as 46% of voters have used it, driving up election participation, according to O.J. Semans, Sicangu Lakota director of Four Directions. Just 15 days of early voting in 2004 doubled the election turnout over 2000, when it was not available, Semans said. When it became clear in early 2012 that Shannon County/Pine Ridge would yet again have less early voting than other parts of the state, 25 tribal members called on attorney Steven D. Sandven, of Sioux Falls, to sue Gant, along with officials of both Shannon County and adjacent Fall River County, which handles elections on a freelance basis for Shannon County’s barebones government. The lawsuit cited the protections of the U.S. and South Dakota constitutions, the Voting Rights Act and other measures. As a voting-rights case, the issue was stark, Sandven said: “Six days versus 46.” The suit joined the 20-plus that Native Americans and their advocates have brought in South Dakota since the 1980s, winning cases that charged gerrymandering, demands for forms of ID that are not required, failure to provide sufficient polling places, purging of qualified voters from the rolls and intimidation, according to American Civil Liberties Union reports. On the morning of the 2004 general election, for example, a judge stopped poll watchers from following American Indian voters out of voting precincts and taking down their license-plate numbers. For decades, South Dakota has flamboyantly asserted its position on enfranchisement. Native people didn’t vote there until the 1940s, even though the Indian Citizenship Act gave them that right in 1924. During the 1970s, a state attorney general called the Voting Rights Act an “absurdity” and advised the secretary of state at the time to ignore it. Prior to the 2002 election, the state sent agents to Indian reservations to question newly registered voters and root out alleged voter fraud; no one was ever charged. This history of discrimination makes two South Dakota counties—Shannon and nearby Todd, which is contiguous with the Rosebud Indian Reservation—subject to special Department of Justice oversight, including “preclearance” of any voting laws it passes. In 2005, a federal court found that the state had managed to avoid preclearance of more than 700 laws. Money, money, money! In an 11th-hour reversal just ahead of the March 8, 2012 hearing, state and county officials announced they’d found money to pay for early voting in Shannon County. Both Shannon and Fall River counties, as well as the state of South Dakota, have long stressed that early-voting inequities were all about money, not an attempt to constrain Native American voters, who are typically heavily Democratic in a Republican-controlled state. However, during the March 8 hearing, startling testimony from Semans revealed that during a Shannon County commissioners’ meeting prior to the 2010 election, his organization offered to donate $11,000 to pay for the upcoming early-voting period in Shannon County. Consideration of the offer was interrupted by a dramatic announcement by Fall River officials, as they returned to the meeting from a break and tendered 30-day notices of resignation from their Shannon County freelance gigs (though not their Fall River jobs). In the succeeding brouhaha, no one ever contacted Four Directions for the $11,000, Semans testified. The looming exit of the Fall River officials jeopardized Shannon County’s 2010 election, including registration and early voting, and other essential government services—possibilities the Rapid City Journal covered repeatedly and colorfully in succeeding weeks. Headlines included “Shannon County officials resigning in 30 days,” “Shannon County residents have a lot to lose,” “Limbo continues for Shannon County” and “Shannon County running amok.” On the stand before Judge Schreier in 2012, Fall River State’s Attorney Jim Sword testified that the 2010 resignations—including his and the election official’s notices—had nothing to do with early voting but were in fact the fault of the “malicious” Department of Justice, which had been scrutinizing Fall River’s conduct of Shannon County elections. Months before, Sword had written to the Justice Department threatening to resign if another voting-rights suit were filed, he testified. “[Giving notice] had nothing to do with early voting. Had everything to do with their malicious actions,” Sword responded to a question from Frankenstein. “It’s always been a response to threats to sue us.” What about 2012?, Frankenstein asked. “There’s nothing to indicate that this won’t be anything but a great election,” Sword replied. Secretary of State Gant offered some surprises—for example, testifying that for several months he’d sat on information about Shannon County’s struggle to put together a 2012 election. The next was when he confirmed under questioning from the judge that the state has millions in its HAVA-fund coffers. Meanwhile, an election in Shannon County appears to cost somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000. Yet another was when Gant testified that South Dakota law allows the state to step in and run elections when necessary. Back in 2010, Fall River officials created such turmoil when they headed for the door because then-Secretary of State Chris Nelson refused to involve the state, telling the Rapid City Journal, “the state will not step in and run the election” and “no one but a county auditor can manage an election.” At press time, neither Secretary Gant nor his lawyer had responded to requests for comments. Looking forward Tribal members in Shannon County deserve a permanent solution to the early-voting problem, said Laughlin McDonald, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Voting Rights Project and author of an amicus brief supporting the Oglala plaintiffs: “They should be treated like voters in other counties in South Dakota. The long and continuing history of disparate treatment of American Indian voters in South Dakota should come to an end.” McDonald described the hoped-for result of all this—increased American Indian political participation in the state—as “helping break down the barriers that continue to separate Indians and non-Indians” and conferring “undeniable benefits.” Lembrich has provided practical examples of the benefits of Native enfranchisement in South Dakota, despite its limitations so far: “Water projects have been expanded to bring running water to many rural Indian communities, and attempts to cut funding for tribal colleges were defeated.” He also noted that the simple fact of bringing the suit means “everyone now knows the threat of a federal lawsuit is real and not just a bluff.” What made Semans especially happy, he said, was the judge noting Native Americans’ long-term fight for equal voting rights in South Dakota. “That effort gave us a foothold that led to this success today,” Semans said. “We got kicked to the curb a few times along the way, and it took eight years, and it was worth it.” c. Stephanie Woodard; two photos courtesy Four Directions; satellite voting photo by Joseph Zummo. c. Stephanie Woodard; two photos courtesy Four Directions; satellite voting photo by Joseph Zummo.

I’m a hijacker. I was listening to a podcast by Tullian Tchividjian called “Jesus + Nothing = Everything.” In it, he described how even our spiritual growth efforts can become self-centered by taking the focus off who God IS and making it about what we do. The intent of spiritual growth is to build our relationship with God, but I’ll confess that sometimes I find myself hijacking it for my own glory. I’m not nearly as interested in spiritual “growth” as I am in gaining spiritual “knowledge” to add to my “spiritual” arsenal or to expand the “spiritual” facade I hold up for others to see. Wow! Did that make any sense? What I meant is this: Instead of being motivated to “grow” toward God, I am motivated by selfishness to make myself look like I’ve “grown” toward God. Sinful. That’s what it is. I’m sinful. I need Jesus to rescue my attempts at spiritual growth. I’m so sick that I need Jesus to keep me from tainting the very practices that guide me toward Him. True spiritual growth efforts are motivated by the greatness of God which moves us to seek Him. Often, my efforts are motivated out of a desire to know more than my friend’s know – out of a selfish “I’m more spiritual” attitude. I will also confess that I love the way I feel when I go to another “level” or “spiritual” high. Even a new tidbit of information or insight about the Bible is enough to make me feel like I have “grown.” My insatiable desire for more doesn’t allow me to fully rest in Jesus’ effort on the cross. This is sinful. I wrongfully believe my efforts and knowledge about Scripture is what matters. It’s NOT! What matters is God’s character. NOT the things I do, but the things He IS. What matters is the cross! Because of who He IS, He chose to go to the cross. And because of that, I am already close to Him. Even when I seek spiritual “growth” with selfish motivations, even in the midst of my sin, He died for me. He loves me fully! Right where I am He loves me. He . . . . . loves . . . . . me. God should be glorified. Completely glorified. ‘Cause He’s great and we are not. He is faithful. He is love. He is amazing! Loving each of us no matter how sick we are. He is so out of our league. We can never understand how great He is – how great His love is. His ways are so much higher than ours. (Is 55:8-9) I guess what I’m saying is that this hijacker wants to return this glory back to it’s rightful owner. To God be the Glory forever, and ever, AMEN!.

What a start by the Redbirds! 9-3…and it doesn’t even feel like we broke a sweat getting there. This team may be looking for several pieces of their identity to emerge, but it’s already clear that “relentless” and “determined” are words that will consistently be applied to the 2012 Cardinals. But we have a lot to talk about, so let’s get into it (if you haven’t listened to the UCB Radio Hour from last night yet, CLICK_HERE). About that start by Adam Wainwright on Opening Day… I really feel for the fans who worked themselves into a frenzy in anticipation of this Opening Day – with Waino starting and all – but we really should have seen this coming. His start against the Brewers was less than inspiring. He held his own, but he didn’t exactly have shutdown stuff. Most are attributing his lack of success so far to reduced velocity – a malady the experts claim will heal with time – but it’s also clear he just needs more starts to get comfortable again. And let’s not forget, Mr. Tommy John himself – Chris Carpenter – warned fans and media to temper expectations during Winter Warm-Up. “Cy Young Adam Wainwright,” as Carp called him, may take some time to establish himself. Again, according to Carp, he’s 100% healthy and ready to go – or else he wouldn’t be throwing – but it just takes time and multiple starts to get right. He’ll get there. What the heck was up with no Clydesdales?! I know, I know…the warning track was wet and stuff. So what. The next day, the Cardinals had the ring ceremony and then delayed the start of the game by nearly a couple hours. Why not do that on Opening Day to fix the track? Is it impossible to fix the track after horses walk on it before the game? I may sound unreasonable, but not having the Clydesdales on Opening Day in St. Louis is just…well…wrong! I feel like the Cardinals and AB need to make this right…maybe with a Clydesdales Day in Busch this season. They could partner with Build-A-Bear to give away mini plush horses…or something. And it really galls me that Luhnow had the Clydesdales at Opening Day in Houston this year…and we didn’t. Back off our traditions, Draft Boy!!! I absolutely loved the gold jerseys worn by the Cardinals. If you didn’t see it, the players wore special uniforms with gold lettering during the first two home games of the weekend against the Cubs. I wouldn’t want to see them the entire year, but it was fun to see for a few days. In fact…hehehe…I bought a David Freese gold-letter shirsey last week Boo-yah! And while we’re on the subject of Championship swag…how ‘bout them rings, eh?! Like the hosts last night, I am thoroughly impressed with the design of the World Series Championship rings given to the players this year. Including details such as a “Happy Flight” inscription and the rally squirrel will make them conversation and story pieces for decades. Tara came up with an excellent plan for delivering Albert Pujols and Colby Rasmus their rings last night! I believe she said, “Let’s ship ‘em to a random address in Iceland and then send Albert and Colby notes that say ‘Here’s where it is…go get it.’” Outstanding idea, Tara! And I understand your father deserves creative credit as well…so be it. So let it be written…so let it be done! Was Game 162 on September 28th a sign of things to come for the Cardinals? After doing everything but dominating their division and season for the 161 games prior, the Cardinals handily won their final game against the Astros 8-0. None of the other teams participating in that historic night of games can say anything even close to that. The Red Sox and Braves blew it…the Rays squeeked in…and it took the Phillies multiple tries to pull off an extra inning win. But Carp and the Cardinals cruised to a calm victory in Texas. Maybe we should have seen what happened in October as inevitable. Speaking of Game 162 and Paul Kocak’s book, A+E Home Entertainment and MLB Productions should produce and distribute a DVD collection of those games. I would love to see a five or six disc set that included each of the four games involved in that night in their entirety as well as one or two extra bonus discs for extras. One of the bonus discs could even contain a dramatic, specially produced showing of the games mixed together as they happened with or without commentary. The other disc could be devoted to turning Kocak’s book into a film documentary to show the fan’s perspective. Let’s call it, “3 Minutes in September” Paul brought up an excellent point about technology and Social Media serving to distract from the game. I love to get on Twitter during games, but even I find myself shutting it down for special moments like Opening Day or World Series games. I just don’t want to be distracted from appreciating what’s unfolding in front of me. Even instant replay and DVR technology as spoiled me a bit. Have you ever found yourself missing something in your life – maybe a funny moment between friends, or a cute smile by your children – and instinctively reaching for the DVR/Replay button? I know it sounds silly…but I have. Especially if I miss something on the radio! I’ve grown so accustomed to “never really missing anything” that I worry I take special moments for granted. A final note about the drama of that night…Game 162 on September 28th: The drama and Hollywood format that it set up for October was, in a word, unbelievable. For example, I have no doubt in my mind that the Phillies would have beaten any other NL foe except for the Cardinals – especially the Braves. It took a special kind of mojo for that STL team to prevail. And yet Game 162 found the Phillies fighting tooth and nail to set in motion their own demise! By beating the Braves and gifting the Cardinals a playoff spot, the Phillies signed their own death warrant. They made “11 in 11” possible. Unreal. Paul Kocak mentioned Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians on last night’s show. His question was a simple one. Since Doby integrated the American League shortly after Jackie Robinson did the National League, should the AL have a Larry Doby day while the NL has a Jackie Robinson day? My initial reaction was, “Eh…I don’t know.” I thought that one of the reasons Robinson was so special was not simply because he played, but because he played extremely well. Knowing nothing about Doby’s career, I instantly assumed it was less than stellar. I was wrong. Looking up Doby’s stats on Baseball-Reference.com, it became clear Doby is deserving of celebration. In a 13 year career (really, just over 12…he didn’t exactly play much in his first season), Doby hit .283/.386/.490 with 253 home runs and nearly 1,000 RBIs. He averaged 27 home runs and 103 RBIs a season and hit 32 homers twice – 1952 and 1954. Fifty-four, in fact, was possibly his best year with 32 homers, 126 RBIs, and a slash line of .272/.364/.484. Years later, the slugger was voted to the Hall of Fame by the Veteran’s Committee. Well-deserved, Larry. But to get back to Paul’s point, Jackie debuted for the Dodgers on April 15th, 1947. Doby debuted months later on July 5th, 1947…the same year. Should Doby be given his own day like Jackie? I would love to see it happen in the AL…but Jackie has become such a symbol throughout baseball, I don’t think it would be possible – nor should it – to replace Jackie’s day in the AL with Larry’s day. Baseball may need to get creative and offer something in addition to Jackie Robinson Day to honor Larry – and others – during an MLB season. Wrap-Up! That’ll do it for today! Thanks for reading, and don’t forget…today’s an early day game, and Waino faces the Reds. GO CARDS!!! Discussion

TORONTO — Ever since Lillian Gish and D.W. Griffith joined forces on dozens of silent classics, film history has been filled with notable actress-director teams who conjured magic multiple times. A real-life romance can kindle such cinematic couplings: Woody Allen with Diane Keaton and Mia Farrow. Ingmar Bergman with Liv Ullmann. Tim Burton with Helena Bonham Carter. Then there are platonic partnerships between artists who are sublimely simpatico: Josef von Sternberg and Marlene Dietrich. George Cukor and Katharine Hepburn. Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman. But few current duos have proven as durable as Joe Wright, a brash purveyor of visual panache, and Keira Knightley, the stunner who ranks among Hollywood's most bankable female talents. Opening Friday is their third and most daring collaboration, a sumptuously audacious adaptation of Anna Karenina that sets most of Tolstoy's chronicle of love and betrayal among Russia's 19th-century aristocracy inside a decaying theater. Considering that scenes include a heart-stopping horse race at full speed across a stage, it is little wonder that the adjective "bold" figures heavily in early reviews. The British twosome — a self-proclaimed show-off who got his start at a puppet theater owned by his parents and a child performer who came of age as a soccer player in 2002's Bend It Like Beckham — for some reason gravitate toward literary-based period pieces. Not that Wright would describe them that way. "I like to think of them as being fantasies," he says. "I'm not interested in historical re-enactment. They allow us to dream and think in more expressive ways." Wright declares his most frequent leading lady to be "my sister in celluloid," and the sibling-like connection that was forged in 2004 during the making of an emotionally unbound interpretation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice appears to have inspired some of their best work. "It feels like we've grown up together," says the filmmaker, 40, whose London home is just a few doors down from where 27-year-old Knightley resides. "We've seen each other through some good times and some bad times, and that's a lovely process. I like the idea of working with someone who has seen me at my weakest and also with success." Not that they always agree. Both have been upfront about their heated debates. That includes much discussion over which role Knightley would take in their second effort, the 2007 World War II drama Atonement, which earned seven Oscar nominations, including best picture. Wright's preference for glamorous Cecilia, whose posh mannerisms are in stark contrast to Knightley's girlish portrayal of free-spirited Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice, won out and allowed the stylish actress to make a lasting impression in a showstopper of an emerald-green gown. "He understands what I'm talking about," the actress says. "We do argue occasionally, and like siblings, you kind of know that you have to get over the argument because you're not going to stop being siblings. And so it's never the end of the world when you argue. There is a trust in the fact that underneath anything that is going on, you're still going to love each other." She stands by her Mr. Wright even if her characters are sometimes subjected to abuse and worse. "We have worked three times, and he has killed me twice," she observes. "We've done three commercials, and he had me beaten up in one of them." Adds Wright, "But you've made a lot of love, though." She nods. "A lot of love." But don't get Knightley started on the countless hours of rehearsal time she invested in learning Anna Karenina's intricate dance numbers, in which arms intertwine and flutter provocatively. "Keira still hates me for that," says Wright with a wicked laugh. "It was worth it," she concedes, "even though he cut another dance sequence that took ages." Parallels in their private lives abound. Both have struggled with dyslexia. Both became involved in long-term relationships and subsequently broke up with cast members from Pride & Prejudice: Knightley with Rupert Friend (TV's Homeland) and Wright with Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise, out Dec. 21). And they each have entered a settling-down phase. In 2010, Wright married Anoushka Shankar, a Grammy-nominated musician and daughter of celebrated sitarist and Beatles associate Ravi Shankar. Their son, Zubin, turns 2 in February. Knightley became engaged to her own musician, James Righton of the Klaxons, in May. Their influence on each other even extends into their off-hours, such as in wardrobe choices. Today, they are a vision in black (her Celine shift) and blue (his natty dark denim suit). "I'm wearing John Pearse," says Wright, dropping the name of the tailor who once co-owned the notorious '60s boutique Granny Takes a Trip. "Jacqueline Durran (the costumer for Pride & Prejudice and Atonement) made an exquisite denim dress for Keira and I was quite jealous of it. I felt I wanted a denim suit. I didn't think a dress would suit me." Says Knightley, with a saucy smile, "Oh, I don't know ..." They have come a long way since everyone from Austen cultists to Colin Firth fans (who consider the actor to be the definitive Mr. Darcy) questioned the wisdom of attempting to top the six-part 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice a decade later. Back then, Knightley was known for supporting roles in the first Pirates of the Caribbean adventure and the ensemble comedy Love Actually. However, Pride & Prejudice proved to be her entree into the big leagues after it earned her her first Oscar nomination. Wright's reward? A brand-new career path. His feature-directing debut allowed him to move on from the TV projects he had been doing in England to being sought after for theatrical movies. No small feat, Wright notes. "My producer, Paul Webster, on Pride & Prejudice did keep saying to me, 'One in 10 first-time directors get to make another film.' " Knightley laughs. "Nothing like working under pressure." He glances fondly at her. "I think I owe my career to Keira, really." Knightley gently scoffs: "Bull---- you do." Tim Bevan, whose production company, Working Title, has produced all of Wright's vehicles with Knightley, thinks it is a match made in costume-drama heaven for both parties. "Joe brings out the best in Keira," he says, while noting that the actress often gets bashed by hometown critics for being a little too one-note. "He can extract an emotional performance out of her that others are unable to do. He treats her with intellectual respect. Every actor has their tricks and looks, and he knocks that out of her. He insists on proper honesty on-set." Meanwhile, Wright benefits from Knightley's charismatic wattage. "The reason I got him to see her on Pride is that I pointed out that she is a movie star, an English movie star," Bevan says. "What that does for him is to get these movies made." While Wright likes to say that Knightley was the one who brought up the possibility of doing Anna Karenina together while making Atonement, she claims it wasn't so simple. "We were having a discussion of great female characters," she says. "This was one. He remembers me reading it during Atonement. I thought I had read it earlier. But Anna Karenina was at the forefront of my mind. We also discussed Hedda Gablerand Antigone." She says Wright called her two years later and asked, "Do you remember that talk? Do you fancy doing it?" Both feel she is the perfect age now to pull off a role as mature as an aristocratic woman who tosses away her marriage and her standing in society after falling for a dashing philanderer. "Keira was 18 when we made Pride, and when we made Atonement, she was 21," he says. "A lot has happened to her since, and that informs your understanding of the world, eventually. Keira is a proper grown-up now, and it really is a proper grown-up performance. She was incredibly powerful when she was 18 and 21, but it wasn't as focused or as direct. And that's changed. And I've changed, too." Suddenly, there is a knock on the door, and a tray is brought in stacked with plates of sushi and bowls of miso soup. Continuing his thought about change, Wright jokes, "I now eat sushi." Says Knightley, "You now get sushi brought to you." Wright does want to clarify a wrong impression that arose during the film's premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. "Everyone keeps asking me, 'Is she your muse?' She is not my muse. My wife is my muse." "That is a very good muse to have," Knightley concurs. Still, he can't help but act somewhat peeved when the actress discusses an upcoming project, a reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise (including The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games) in which Chris Pine takes over the role of author Tom Clancy's CIA agent, previously played by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck. Knightley is cast as Ryan's wife. Wright can hardly wait to inquire, "Who is directing?" "Kenneth Branagh," she answers, "who is also playing the baddie." Wright, who next tackles a stage revival of Trelawny of the "Wells" at London's Donmar Warehouse, can't help but be amused by his own overreaction to the news. "I get a little bit jealous when I hear that. You are supposed to wait for me in a field of lavender."

Research and Academic Skills Centre The St Michael’s College Research and Academic Skills Centre (RASC) is a free service available to all SMC undergraduates. The Centre’s aim is to provide our students with a supportive environment in which they learn the skills of critical thinking and reading in relation to academic research and writing. We teach students to develop practices of academic scholarship through creative and critical processes of reflection such that students avoid forming habits of late night cramming and last minute essay writing. Tutorial sessions and workshops provide instruction in research techniques and the writing of academic prose such that students actively learn to integrate the two into a disciplined mindset that enhances their undergraduate studies. We also offer appointments and workshops to address issues related to the demands of academic life such as anxiety and time management. RASC Coordinator: Jenna Sunkenberg RASC Location: Room 232, John M. Kelly Library 113 St Joseph Street Book an Academic Research Appointment - Research process - Starting your research - Finding primary and secondary scholarly materials - Evaluating sources - Citations and referencing Details: Book an individual 40 minute appointment with a Kelly Librarian on any aspect of Academic Research. Schedule: Monday to Friday | 10:00 am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00 pm Location: John M. Kelly Library, Room 113 on the ground floor of the library behind the Reference Desk. Note: Though same-day research appointments are not available, you can drop-in and speak to a librarian at the Reference and Information Desk about your essay anytime Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Key Contact: Reference and Instructional Librarian John M. Kelly Library Staff: Richard Carter David Hagelaar Noel McFerran Remi Pulwer Academic Research appointment system created by Gabriel Luong Book a Personal Librarian at Kelly Library Contact Your Personal Librarian by E-mail. 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Schedule: Essay Help Drop Ins: Thursday, 28 February 4pm-5pm Thursday, 7 March, 4pm-5:30pm Thursday, 14 March, 4pm- 6pm Thursday, 28 March, 4pm-6 pm Thesis Writing Workshop: Wednesday, 13th March, 3pm Plagiarism and Citation Workshop: Wednesday, 20th March, 3pm Location: Room 232, John M. Kelly Library. Book directly through UofT Key Contact: Coordinator, SMC Research and Academic Skills Centre Staff: Steve Hoselton Cristina Peter Jenna Sunkenberg See Also: UofT English Language Learning Program The English Language Learning Program provides intensive non-credit courses and free drop-in sessions designed to help multilingual Arts and Science students advance in critical reading, academic writing, oral presentations, and more. For further information, visit: Book an Academic Life Advising Appointment - Negotiating the academic environment - Tapping into UofT academic resources - Time management - Communicating with professors and T.A.s - Academic balance Details: Book an individual 30 minute appointment with the Academic and Campus Life Coordinator. Schedule: Fridays | 9:00am to 12:00pm Location: Academic and Campus Life Advising Office, Brennan Hall (south of the student lounge) Key Contact: Cristina Peter SMC Academic and Campus Life Coordinator Drop in Workshops: View Calendar for Group Drop-in Sessions - Mini essay workshops on various research topics - Academic writing workshops - Combined writing and research workshops Details: Regular 20 minute drop-in essay group workshops. Registration is not required. Schedule: Wednesdays | 12:10 pm to 12:30 pm Location: Research and Academic Skills Centre, Second Floor, John M. Kelly Library, 113 St Joseph Street Key Contact: Reference and Instructional Librarian John M. Kelly Library Staff: Richard Carter (Research) Jenna Sunkenberg (Writing) Kelly Library Online ResourcesView Kelly Library Online Resources Learn how to find library materials Kelly Library resources for academic programs: Special Collections and Archives View videos and screencasts. Topics include evaluating sources, catalogue searching, and citation. Browse more than 30 Research Guides Checking items out of the library. Loan periods, fines, lockers, etc. Kelly Article Service for graduate students only. For a small fee, we will send you the PDF of articles you request. - Strategies for finding library materials - Instructional videos and tutorias on evaluating sources, catalogue searching, and citation - Research guides Details: The primary mission of the Kelly Library is to help students use information resources. Key Contact: Reference and Instructional Librarian John M. Kelly Library Staff: Richard Carter David Hagelaar Steve Hoselton Noel McFerran Remi Pulwer Silvia Vong

| Search | Today's Post | Star Trek Online > Information and Discussion > Ten Forward Kinneas' Trekradio.COM Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Thread Tools Display Modes Archived Post Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 148 # 1 Kinneas' Trekradio.COM 04-13-2012, 10:39 PM Looking for Star Trek Online friendly radio!? Star Trek music, various music (50's-up), Simon and Schuster Star Trek Audio books, Sci-fi Audio Dramas, Star Trek news, Listener PvP, etc. Station Owner: Kinneas (World's first Interviews w/STO Developers. Guinness Book of Records event co-starter: The Most Dressed Trekkers in One Location. The Hailing Frequency Podcast. Fleet Radio. Argus Array. ST:O-Zone. Subspace-Radio. STO-Radio. StarTrekradio. Trekradio.net. Current DJ's: Kinneas, Huntress, ChrisX, DJ Doug, Woody Reloaded. Currently recruiting DJ's (SAM/Shoutcast/Auto DJ systems, experience pref.) Must of course, love Star Trek and preferably be an avid Star Trek Online and Star Trek news hound. Contact me directly: Kinneas@AOL.com Skype: Kinneas01 ------- More info: About "The Voice of Star Trek Online!" "Broadcasting to the UFP and Beyond!" Do those sound familiar? One is used by Subspace-radio.net and the other by Trekradio.net. What do they have in common? I created the copy for both. As well as co-creating both of those stations. I was also co-creator on: The Hailing Frequency Podcast, The Argus Array, STO-Zone Live, Subspace-radio.net, STO-Radio, StarTrekradio and Trekradio.net. Some may also remember me from my ST:Oned (Star Trek Online) cartoon series. I tried over the years to help create the above stations and programs with the hopes that they would become actual business entities, attract artists, that they could provide some Creative Commons rights with regard to unique content and simple merchandising (tee-shirts etc) etc. It was impossible to do any of the above with the other co-creators. In the end I was never able to secure my own rights ( let alone those of the other creators). I have had to walk away (or get pushed out!) from all of the things I have helped create and allow those who came after to take control of those. With no desire to go through the above again and with NO other partners or co-creators at this time, I have started Trekradio.com. This is a very tough time as there are now quite a few stations out there and starting over is always no fun. Please consider helping or tuning into Trekradio.com now and then! -------------- -Best! --Kinneas Archived Post Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 148 # 2 Legal Statement 04-30-2012, 03:41 PM Dear listeners, Cryptic/PWE, Star Trek celebrities, Star Trek content creators and fellow Dj's. I've noticed a lot of you have stopped listening in as frequently and many folks have become kind of phaser shy around me lately. Why? It has come to my attention that the folks over at Trekradio.net have formed into an L.L.C. (A limited liability company, have begun trademark registration, sought council and want to send me a cease and desist letter. Folks. Don't believe the hype and do not let this influence you to stop supporting Kinneas' Trekradio.com Why? When Trademark lawyers are brought into the picture, what will need to be determined is who has been operating in the field longer. Kinneas, has been providing Star Trek podcasting and broadcasting for almost ten years now and was the first Star Trek Online broadcaster. Through affiliations with folks like Zach Nicodemous and the Gaming Radio Network, Kinneas helped create Hailing Frequency, the world first podcast dedicated to Star Trek Gaming, Subspace-radio the first star Trek online radio station, STO-Radio, Star Trek Radio and Trek Radio.net itself. Kinneas helped deliver the worlds very first interviews with Star Trek Online, Executive Producers and developers and with regards to Internet broadcasting, Kinneas was one of the first to start drawing in the Star Trek celebrity interviews. Due to failed partnership agreements, multiple copyright infringements, and recently being forced out of Trekradio.net by secondary parties, Kinneas was given no choice but to sever association with all previous podcasts and Internet radio stations and and start all over with Kinneas' Trekradio.com. Folks. Don't believe the fake legal hype. Don't be intimidated by the people now in control of Trekradio.net or any other station if you have wanted to leave and DJ for TR.COM or have your content broadcast.. If discovery is called for, it will be clear who has been operating in this field a very long time. Thank you for your support all these years and thank you for continuing to support Kinneas' Trekradio.com Archived Post Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 148 # 3 05-03-2012, 06:48 PM Very Dramatic... I was wondering why there were two trek radio stations. Anyhow, I'd rather see a focused group effort. This would better utilize the fan base and keep us from jumping around stations. If we're not all in one place listening to one station, there won't be enough fans for any one station to actually make money. The talent is also spread too thin right now by having so many of these stations. This is exemplefied by the fact that every station is looking for DJ's. All adding another station does is further saturate the market. To be honest, I kinda got a bad taste in my mouth about online radio after risa radio went down. I know you didnt claim a connection to them, so I'm not accusing you or anything. They ran a contest for a trip to Vegas. To enter, you gave PayPal donations to the station. MANY people donated money to the station to enter the contest. Right before the winner was to be announced, the station stopped broadcasting and the URL began pointing to the Disney vacations site. So the guy running that station skipped out on the project. He didn't award a winner or return the entry money. That's fraud.. With fraud like that going on, it's hard to get behind a new station that has been in so many failed partnerships. Further, I'm put off by the fact that people are calling each other out in public forums over their business disagreements. If there is going to be a legal battle, everyone involved is gonna be wishing they'd have kept their mouths shut when they actually get to litigation. What we need is for all of you guys at all of your stations to get together and do the project right. Star Trek is about cooperation after all. /rant Archived Post Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 148 # 4 06-03-2012, 12:19 PM Thanks for the Memories.. For Roxy and Bear and all the others that left and tried to continue the fun. For Bara and Pets Starship Convoys in Sectore s after sectore. .and the things sto-radio did . No one wins for fewer options.. many podcast wil lgo unlistened too by people w/o IE .

Grapevine mom leaves kids outside school in freezing weather By BILL MILLER wmiller@star-telegram.com GRAPEVINE — Police are considering whether to pursue charges against a mother who left two children, ages 5 and 7, outside a closed Grapevine elementary school Thursday morning in freezing weather, a police spokesman said Friday. It was 24 degrees with a wind chill in the single digits when a nurse on her way to her job at a nearby hospital spotted the children alone in the parking lot of Cannon Elementary School, 1300 W. College St. The mother did not realize that Grapevine-Colleyville administrators had delayed the opening of school because of icy roads, said Lt. Todd Dearing, a police spokesman. The nurse called 911 at 7:14 a.m., and officers went to get the children, Dearing said. Meanwhile, the mother heard on her car radio that the school was closed and returned to get her children, he said. By the time she arrived, police were there, Dearing said. “She made a mistake, she knows she made a mistake, and now we’re investigating to see if we’ll be filing criminal charges,” Dearing said. The possible charge is abandoning or endangering a child, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Child Protective Services was notified, Dearing said. CPS spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales said the children were not in the agency’s custody and thus she could not say whether CPS was involved. This was an honest mistake, what is the phase that CPS uses to encourage people to adopt a child from foster care, “You don’t have to be perfect, to be a perfect parent.” “After all, kids don’t need perfection; they need you!” This mom made a mistake and as soon as she realized it, she immediately turned around and went to get her children. They obviously were not outside that long before she did, since she was still in the car when she heard about the delay on the radio!!!! Leave this mom alone and go focus on the Texas CPS workers who are failing to do their jobs. So many children have died in Texas after CPS involvement and now the police and CPS want to waste time investigating this mom. What is amazing to me is that the police are even considering charges against this mom for her one mistake, yet absolutely no charges have been pressed against the Texas CPS workers who “Investigation shows family history of abuse missed in half of cases” “Caseworkers for Texas Child Protective Services have regularly missed warning signs that Houston-area children were in danger, including failing to thoroughly investigate a family’s previous history of abuse or neglect, according to a report released on Monday.” Why don’t you go press charges against these people instead, they are the ones who acutally deserve to be prosecuted!

Only at Apple. Apple Store Exclusive. Michael Kors Wallet Clutch for iPhone 41 Questions + 57 Answers Features Apple Recommends For Carry your iPhone 4, credit cards and ID in one luxurious leather case.. Technical Specs General - Material: Leather Fit - Form Factor: Wallet Dimension - Weight: 3 oz./85.05 g - Height: 1.1 in./2.79 cm - Width: 3.1 in./7.87 cm - Length: 4.8 in./12.19 cm Compatibility iPhone 4S iPhone 4 What's in the Box? - Michael Kors Wallet Clutch Premium Leather016286 - Mfr. Part Number: 8157A1S Most Useful Reviews cheap quality - Written by Jodi J from Merritt Island - Was this useful? Michael Kors forgot the camera - Written by PEI Y from San Francisco - Was this useful? This clutch has been improved !! - Written by Omer C from Los angeles - Was this useful? Most Recent Reviews Luxury clutch! - Written by Bao Ngoc N from Ho Chi Minh - Was this useful? Take the phone OUT of the wallet to make/receive calls...... - Written by Catherine Z from Jamestown - Was this useful? falls apart - Written by Kimberly T from Fort Lauderdale - Was this useful? Questions & Answers Most Interesting Is the iPhone easily removable from the case when you need to use it? - Asked by Michelle L - Mar 11, 2011 Best Answer I didn't think it was that difficult to remove, but found myself just folding back the cover and talking with it still in the case. So far it has worn very well (used daily for a few months) except for the wristlet (handle) losing a rivet and couldn't fix. One thing I haven't seen noted is that you cannot take a photo while it is in the case. You have to remove it as the lens is covered while in the case. …More - Answered by Jerry S from Indianapolis - Mar 15, 2011 Is there space to put a key or two in there? - Asked by Sukhvir S from Chicago - Sep 15, 2011 Recently Answered Can a picture be taken or does the camera phone have to been taken out of the wallet?. - Asked by Shari S - May 18, 2011

Brenthaven Broadmore Large Briefcase for MacBook Pro Sophisticated style and protection. - Quilted and fully padded laptop compartment - Fits up to 15" MacBook Pro - Supple Napaleather accents and trim - Contoured magnetic handles - Custom shoulder strap attachment - Soft lined phone pocket - Opens to lie flat during airport security checks - Padded pocket for iPad Features Apple Recommends For Protection you can trust for your MacBook Pro. The Brenthaven Broadmore briefcase is a luxurious and highly protective shoulder bag designed to fit your MacBook Pro. The unique X-Ray Friendly feature makes airport security a breeze, while the leather trim and pinstriped liner offer plenty of style. Highlights - Quilted and fully padded CORE Protection laptop compartment - Supple Napa leather accents and trim - Contoured magnetic handles - Custom shoulder strap attachment - Soft lined phone pocket - X-Ray Friendly feature butterflies open to lie flat during airport security checks - Padded pocket for iPad - Back panel with slide-on pocket for trolley handle - Brenthaven tracer program offers lost bag protection Did You Notice? Brenthaven's X-Ray Friendly feature lets the bag open completely flat for quick trips through security checks. Technical Specs General - Material: Leather,Nylon Fit - Form Factor: Brief Case,Shoulder Bag Dimension - Weight: 3.2 lb./1.45 kg - Height: 12 in./30.48 cm - Laptop Compartment Length: 15 in./38.1 cm - Laptop Compartment Width: 2 in./5.08 cm - Laptop Compartment Height: 11 in./27.94 cm - Width: 6 in./15.24 cm - Length: 16 in./40.64 cm What's in the Box? - Brenthaven Broadmore Large Briefcase30791180215 - Mfr. Part Number: 1802101 Most Useful Reviews Great!, just one but. - Written by Fernando G from Culiacán - Was this useful? Awesome Bag!!! - Written by Paul M from Las Vegas - Was this useful? My all time favorite briefcase... Brenthaven's Broadmore - Written by Hope F from Norwalk - Was this useful? Questions & Answers Most Interesting Does this bag have the slit on the back to place over your roller-board suitcase handle (when the handle is extended), so you can roll both together? - Asked by Barry R G from Mcmurray - Feb 13, 2013 Answer Yes - Answered by John B from Newtown - Feb 14, 2013

Puzzle Master Puzzle by: Timur Kristof DescriptionA fun and addictive jigsaw puzzle game. Easy to play, and a lot of fun! Play with your own pictures as jigsaw puzzles. Adjust the difficulty of the puzzle. Assemble the selected picture by dragging the matching pieces to each other. Rotate pieces with multitouch. Matching pieces snap together when they are close enough. NOTE: Multitouch is not available on the Nokia N8 and other incapable devices. NOTE: The developer doesn't take responsibility for user-added content. - $ SudoCube Puzzle by: EvilHedgehog DescriptionEnjoy Sudoku in 3D! Play sudoku on 6 sides of a cube. You have limited time for each side so you have to be fast. Don't worry! The unaccomplished sides will return. - 3 difficulty level - Saving unfinished games automatically. On QWERTY devices please switch to numeric keyboard mode to use the game! - $ 0.99 Gems XXL Puzzle DescriptionSupersize your gaming experience with the XXL puzzle game! Slide and match the Gems to unlock the XXL Gems. Collect the XXL Gems to proceed to the next level. Now compete for the online highscore! Includes Facebook support. - $ 0.99 Jewels Puzzle DescriptionClassic gem swapping game. Match three jewels and score before the time runs out. Newest version features two game modes, normal and relax. The normal mode ends when the time runs out and the relax mode let's you take your time figuring out what to do and ends only when there are no more moves left. - $ 0.99 Flow XXL Puzzle DescriptionSimple yet addictive game now available for your Nokia. Flow XXL - Connect the colored dots with pipe and fill the complete the board with pipe to complete the level. Features a massive 360 total levels for you to solve! An excellent game to be played in the back of the car, subway, or simply at home behind the television. So no matter your life-style, surfers to bankers; join the addictive game-play today. Flow XXL has levels starting at 5x5 game grid up to very challenging larger grids. - $ 0.99 Bridge Bloxx Gold Puzzle by: HandyGames DescriptionStrain! - $ 0.99 Alchemy Classic Premium Puzzle Description! - $ 1.99 Candies VS Hypnodeer Puzzle by: Shake Well Games DescriptionDefinitely the sweetest game you'll have ever played. Match-3 game with a fresh twist on the genre. Optimised for 20 different screen resolutions Cross-platform competition enabled via online highscores (available on record breaking 9 platforms!) Quality artwork Engaging, sandbox gameplay 8 different types of buildings, 2 special items and 2 types of Hypnodeer. Make yourself a pleasure of getting hypnotized in 'Candies VS Hypnodeer' and beat your friends highscores on-line! - $ 0.99 Egg Solitaire Puzzle DescriptionPlay one of the most traditional classic Egg Solitaire game. It is fun to play and full entertainment spiced with challenging your logical skills. - $ 0.99 Angry Birds Puzzle by: RovioMobile Description Sudoku Puzzle DescriptionHave fun and exercise your mind everywhere and every time while playing this Sudoku game. Enjoy it!!! - $ 0.99

Special Equipment: 2 knives of excellent quality, a set of good lockpicks Appearance: She is of medium height, and has thick, wavy black hair. She has been called pretty in the past, although not by many. Her face is marred by a permanent cynical expression and a scar running from her left temple to her jawline, which she refuses to discuss. Background: Gypsy (not her real name) is the youngest daughter of a minor lord. Her parents were petty, greedy people, far too concerned with social position. All but one of her siblings, the second-to-youngest sister, were exactly the same as her parents. They were constantly in competiton with each other, often to the point of violence. Her brothers fought with one another about who would inherit what. The sisters (all except the youngest two) were continually fighting about who would get to marry who. Gypsy was the strange one. She refused to dress as her mother thought she should, she would help the servants with the domestic chores (gasp!), and she was in general “a disgrace to her family name.” Gypsy’s father saw his children merely as tools to improve his own position. He made political marriages for his children; in all but two cases they never even knew they were going to get married until about a week before. Gypsy, who was utterly sick of it all, talked her youngest sister into running away with the man she loved, a soldier whom their parents considered way beneath her. Her father was furious. Her mother wasn’t angry, she actually approved; she thought Gypsy had merely been getting rid of a rival (the second-to youngest sister was the prettiest). When her father calmed down, he told Gypsy that she would have to marry the man he had chosen for her sister (a lord that Gypsy absolutely detested.) She refused. Her father, who could never be called a kind man, flew into a violent rage, which left a permanent scar on Gypsy’s face. Gypsy walked out, and has never set foot in her parents’ house since. She went to the city of _________, changed her name, and has actually been quite happy. She’s a jack-of-all-trades; she’s worked in a tavern, as a messenger, on ships (passenger, cargo, merchant, and pirate), as a con-artist, as a thief, and even did a stint in a circus. She doesn’t stay put for very long (hence the name she chose), either because of wanderlust or outstanding warrants. Roleplaying Notes: Due to various circumstances, Gypsy’s become quite good at knife fighting; there are few who can beat her, and she will fight dirty if her opponent does. Her childhood has left her quite cynical, and she can be quite hard to get along with. She especially views the nobility with disgust and suspicion. She doesn’t handle compliments well, as in her family they were merely opening gambits to get at something else, and she distrusts them all on general principles now. Hooks: Perhaps she steals something of value from the PCs, or cons them in some way; her background is irrelevant here (for now). Maybe they’ve run into members of her family before, and when they meet her, they notice the family resemblance. Some idiot could have discovered parts of her past, and has kidnapped her for ransom; if someone’s hired the PCs, it will be a friend or her youngest sister, as her father doesn’t acknowledge Gypsy’s existance. And quite likely, the PCs may have to save the kidnappers; Gypsy can get quite violent. The youngest sister could hire the PCs to track Gypsy down and bring her “home.” The father could actually feel bad about what he did, and want to make amends, and hire the PCs to find Gypsy. Not only do they have to figure out who she is, they have to find her, AND convince her they’re on the level. The lord might die, and for some reason (probably because his other children have all killed each other) he’s named Gypsy in his will, and the PCs get the fun of letting her know this. Once they actually find her, they have to make her believe them, and get her to claim her inheritance, which she’s not at all interested in. Gypsy could come to the PCs, because something’s happened to her youngest sister, who is the only member of her family that Gypsy would actually do something for. If her sister is in danger, then Gypsy will probaby insist on joining the PCs. This would not be a bad thing. Gypsy’s father was murdered. Someone wants Gypsy found because either she’s a suspect, he wants protect her from the killer, or he is the killer and plans to murder all of the lord’s children. Or all three. Additional Ideas (0)Please register to add an idea. It only takes a moment. Suggested Submissions - Mistaken Blackmail Plots By: Ria Hawk October 22, 2002, 2:25 October 23, 2002, 13:14 January 12, 2003, 23:08 January 13, 2003, 15:17? March 18, 2005, 9:11 She generates literally dozens of plot hooks, possibly hundreds she might even be a whole campaign arc in her own right Credit where it's due 5/5 March 18, 2005, 10:03 July 25, 2005, 7:30 April 10, 2009, 12:20 Female Moses? April 10, 2009, 13:10 I think this character could really get interesting if you expanded on her life after leaving home. Instead you just list thing, pirate, tavern servant, circus performer. It was that period, and how she viewed her family through the lense of those experinces, that should really define her at the point in her life when you would have her introduced to the PCs. Some questions are The forces that drove her away are clear, but did she ever find what she was looking for? I take it she find did not find sincerity in the commoners world, and that is why she remains so cynical. Though what did that do to her moral code and sense of the world. She hated the rich but did she have belief that people could be better or that some people were better? What does she think now and how will that effect her decision making process? I am not sure what lines she is unwilling to cross though, and those are the big questions for any character. Is she happy away from her family? Is she still principled? Does she believe in romantic love? Does she have political views? (i.e. An idea for how things should be) Does she have lusts or desires like a normal person or is she some consumed by anger and distrust that she cant express them? If she has no political views, why give her this noble backstory unless you wanted to use it to critique the exsisting political structure? Is it because money really does make the RPG world go round and to be interesting she has to be tied to it? Would she be less interesting if she was a low born woman who didnt want to marry or live with her abusive family? Does she really believe she will die as a tavern wench or sailor or does she still somewhere in her mind believe that she will one day return to her old life, but in different and more powerful position? What does she enjoy? This character is so shallow it is almost offensive. If the piece had taken a different tone, or she had been seen through eyes of some observer that wouldn't have had a reason to have this limited knowledge of her, then perhaps we would have reason to expect the gaps. She is little more than a neo-sterotype. All that being said maybe a cliche neo-sterotype is exactly what one may want in his or her game. I don't want to bring you score down or upset the balance of things by voting low on old post which you have a high score for. So I will give you a 4.5 so I don't bring your score down. April 10, 2009, 13:22 April 10, 2009, 16:39 Okay. I want the answers for axlerowes questions, who has all my questions, and a few I had not thought of.

- Are you a retired athlete…or considering retiring? - Do you want to get the same rewards you got from sport and more? Learn how to apply your Champion Mind to succeed beyond sport It’s not easy for professional athletes that are retiring from their sport to leave a successful sporting career behind and move on to a new life. It can create confusion, a lack of direction, and a lack of purpose. If you are going through this, you are not alone. Statistics show that the majority of athletes (up to 80%) suffer some form of post-sporting blues and even depression. And the problem is, most athletes suffer in silence, thinking they should be able to cope, they are better than this. This approach tends to prolong and intensify the inner pain and conflict. Even highly successful athletes can struggle in the transition. No matter whether you achieved all your sporting goals or not, you may struggle. Common Questions that arise are: ……..”Who am I now?” . …….”What do I do now?” After having a career that brought so much reward the retired athlete can feel a loss of identity and may now feel unfulfilled—emotionally, and often financially. What now? As athletes, you do know how to set and achieve goals, you do know how to focus and you do know how to perform. What if you could apply these same resources to a new career? What if you lived your life with the same drive and passion you did as an athlete? Success beyond Sport offers a solution for effective athlete transition. In Success beyond Sport, 2000 Olympian, Annette Lynch (formerly Huygens-Tholen) shares how she overcame the struggles of transition and how 8 Winning Steps can help you succeed in a new role. Successful transition is more than choosing a new career and Success beyond Sport will help you transition successfully. Whether you chose to retire or the decision was forced upon you due to age, injury, or performance, the lessons in this book will teach and inspire you to new successes. GO FOR GOLD IN THE GAME OF LIFE The methods and exercises described in the book are the same exercises Annette uses with her clients. The thing they have in common is a desire to move forward, to change direction, GET RESULTS and create a successful life. If you want to make changes because you are not happy with your current results, if “fine” is not good enough, or you want to continue to grow, then “Success beyond Sport” can help you with that. Why settle for less, when you can be as great as you want to be. The 8 Winning Points and Success Training exercises can be done by anybody. Success beyond Sport will help you to: - Overcome the loss and confusion of life after sport - Motivate you to strive for and achieve new successes - Expand your identity – you are so much more than just a sportsperson - Build a supportive network and team - Regain the feeling of significance - Get direction and purpose - Overcome low self-esteem……..and more. PLUS the book includes a Gift download recording – helps you to create and access an empowering emotional state (Value = $19)

![ No… ]() No… Just finished work for the day… at 2:05 am… I haven’t been posting much here or anywhere and that’s because I’ve been working like a mule. I’ve been putting in 50 to 60 hours a week for a few months now but this last week has spiked up to 80 hours… reblogging the hustle Thanks! Although it feels more like struggle than hustle. Just finished work for the day… at 2:05 am…. “going Bulworth” (via nedhepburn) DO IT. DO IT. DO IT. (via apoplecticskeptic) Hmm, using Warren Beatty movies from the 90’s as inspiration seems like a bit of a shaky premise to me. Never mind that Bulworth was having an affair, right? Yeesh, doesn’t exactly conjure up images of Roosevelt’s fireside chats, but maybe if he just starts lighting up in public & makes a rap video, this whole “going Bulworth” strategy will have some legs. Then again, IT WAS A BEATTY MOVIE FROM THE 90’s!!! (via winstonwolfe) I can only imagine what Obama’s REALLY thinking… (via winstonwolfe) I’ve only seen the trailer but judging by that, the history that I already know and the movie poster, this is probably the most Anarcho-Capitalistic space documentary of all time. say what you want about anarchists at least we don’t make bad rap songs That depends what counts as “Anarchist” and what counts as a “bad rap song”, though That awkward moment when a mutualist acknowledges that value is subjective… Boom. Minimum Wage Business Realities Why do some employers favor a raise in the minimum wage? Profit per employee plays a major role. See Also Costco is doing what Amazon just did, trying to play an ignorant public to help make the market more hostile for their own competitors. Costco would love for the minimum wage to go up to a point that’s higher than the average starting pay of their competitors but below the starting pay at Costco. It has zero impact on Costco’s business model but will severely hurt the bottom line of others, like Walmart or Target. Costco plays this off as if they are trying to help the people, in reality, they are aiming to hurt or even shutdown their competition, and they want to do this not through better business models but through legislation that comes from misguided economical theory based solely on emotions. Amazon did the same thing when it lobbied for an internet sales tax. Many people thought that, “Oh, it must be a legitimate tax if the biggest online retailer is lobbying for it!”. What these people didn’t realize is that Amazon is building local warehouses and would now have to pay local and state sales tax and they wanted the government to levy an Internet Sales Tax so that they could ensure that their competition, who don’t have local warehouses, would have to pay taxes just like Amazon. No one is better at playing politics than the CEOs of giant corporations. Always remember that and take what they say with a cargo container of salt.

The latest exhibition at the Montréal Musée des Beaux-Arts is not only about the masculine pursuit of power and immortal legacy, but also about the way in which we construct meaning about this world and the afterlife. About our struggle against time and memory, and about the types of narratives we construct out of our lives for the future generations to uncover. The First Emperor of China of the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC) dreamed of a dynasty lasting 10,000 generations. In 246 BC, Ying Zheng, then only thirteen years old, acceded to the throne of the state of Qin. After having conquered the last independent state and put an end to 500 years of war and intergovernmental strife, Ying Zheng became king of the whole of China in 221 BC. Within 4 years of his death, rebellions destroyed the dynasty, burned his capital, looted his tomb, and were followed by civil war. Dreaming of an army to protect him through his afterlife, the First Emperor had a larger-than-life-size terracotta army built, which has survived the Emperor by thousands of years. The Emperor’s terracotta army consists of 8000 soldier figures (excavated between 1977-99 in Lintong, Shaanxi Province), thousands stone-plaqued suits of armour and helmets (excavated in 1998), 8 musician figures, a water garden (excavated in 2001-03), as well as animal and bird figures. The army faces eastward, possibly because the First Emperor anticipated revenge attacks from the deceased rulers of the states he had conquered in the east and southeast of Qin. But nobody really knows why. He not only built an army that was to protect him in his afterlife, he build a three-dimensional narrative of what he believed his after life to be. Over the years, the site has expanded, and new soldiers have been dug out of the thick layer of loess. A first campaign, from 1978 to 1984, unveiled 1087 terracotta figures. A second in 1985 lasted only a year, and in June 2009, a five‐year campaign for pit number one was authorized. So far, approximately two thousand soldiers have been reclaimed, while another six thousand still lie dormant. Almost six hundred archaeologists of the largest in‐situ museum in China are hard at work unearthing, cleaning, recomposing and preserving these marvellous witnesses to Qin Shihuangdi’s grandeur and megalomania. All warriors originally carried real weapons, bronze spears and swords, and although ten thousand have been found, this represents a fraction of the original number. Most were looted soon after the demise of Qin by the Han rebels, who set fire to the pits in 206 BC. One of the exhibition rooms features a projection of several scenes from the film Hero (2002). Set in ancient China, before the reign of the First Emperor, the film tells the story of warring factions throughout the Six Kingdoms, who plot to assassinate the most powerful ruler, Qin. When a minor official defeats Qin’s three principal enemies, he is summoned to the palace to tell Qin the story of his surprising victory. In one scene, thousands of arrows are shot at one warrior across the palace court yard; most arrows hit the wall, only one spot remains uncovered by the arrows – where the warrior stood (warrior as the ultimate shield). This imagery is recreated in the exhibition design in the arrow room. The exhibition can be seen at the Montréal Musée des Beaux-Arts from February 11 to June 26, 2011.

The. It is backed by an extensive reference database embedded in an effective analysis and report generation tool. SUMI is recommended to any organisation which wishes to measure the perceived quality of use of software, either as a developer, a consumer of software, or as a purchaser/consultant. SUMI is increasingly being used to set quality of use requirements by software procurers. SUMI also assists the manager in identifying the most appropriate software for their organisation. It has been well documented that if staff have quality tools to work with, this contributes to overall efficiency of staff and the quality of their work output. Our customers have used SUMI effectively to: SUMI has been used specifically within development environments to: SUMI is the de facto industry standard questionnaire for analysing users' responses to desktop software or software applications provided through the internet. SUMI is the only commercially available questionnaire for the assessment of the usability of software which has been developed, validated, and standardised on an international basis. There is a large range of languages in which SUMI is available. Each language version is carefully translated and validated by native speakers of the language. SUMI ennables measurement of some of the user-orientated requirements expressed in the European Directive on Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for Work with Display Screen Equipment (90/270/EEC). SUMI is mentioned in the ISO 9241 standard as a recognised method of testing user satisfaction. We now have a variety of methods in which we deliver the SUMI service. This is a service housed at University College Cork, the url of which is sumi.ucc.ie/en/ (for the English language version - other language versions are coming onstream with demand.) You can see the questionnaire on this link but you'll need a password to be able to send data (you may use '999' as a throw-away password but leave your name in one of the comments fields at the bottom.) This service provides a detailed report giving the SUMI output including content analysis of some additional questions. As above, this service is housed at University College Cork, the url of which is sumi.ucc.ie/en/ (for the English language version - other language versions are coming onstream with demand.) You can see this questionnaire on this link but you'll need a password to be able to send data (you may use '999' as a throw-away password but leave your name in one of the comments fields at the bottom.) This service provides a CSV file of the scored data and the additional questions, and an Item Analysis but little else. It is intended for studies of between 12 to 100 users and clients who prefer to do their own analyses. This service is primarily intended for labs who want to do a quick in-house test or clients who cannot access the UCC site. You will get a questionnaire in pdf form and a licence for the period of your data collection. You make as many copies of the questionnaire as you need. When you have gathered your data, you send a file of data to HFRG using a standard format. HFRG will then produce a standard SUMI output and send it back to you by e-mail. Dates for submitting and sending data back must be agreed upon beforehand. The usual turn-around time can be very short (half a working day) if you have arranged this with HFRG. If you are a student and want to apply for a free use of SUMI please see the academic licence page. For a large scale survey, or a survey with additional questions, you will have to contact Dr Jurek Kirakowski at jzk@ucc.ie to discuss your survey and get a quotation for the cost of it. SUMISCO is based on profiles of about two thousand responses to commercially available software. It will tell you how your product compares to this standardisation base: whether you are about average for the market, below, or above. Because of the background statistics in our database, you can find out very precisely how you compare to the market. SUMI consists of 50 statements to which the user has to reply that they either Agree, Don't Know, or Disagree. Here are some example statements: Item No. Item Wording 1. This software responds too slowly to inputs. 3. The instructions and prompts are helpful. 13. The way that system information is presented is clear and understandable. 22. I would not like to use this software every day.You may also take a look at a sample questionnaire (UK wording) in pdf format, It takes a user about 3 minutes to fill out the questionnaire, perhaps a few minutes longer on the internet version. One way of administering it is on paper: print out the SUMI form and get your user to make marks on the page. It takes an analyst about one minute to type each user's responses into a file for scoring by SUMISCO or to send to HFRG for scoring. On the other hand you may decide to go for the internet, online option. You can also do a hybrid: concoct your own HTML pages to be served on your intranet and either send the results to HFRG for analysis. Online SUMI might require sample sizes with a minimum of about 20 unless your respondents are well selected. However, we know that paper SUMI will give you reliable results with as few as 12 users. This is because you are able to control the quality of your user sample directly when administering SUMI on paper. You can use fewer users if you wish, but beware that your results may not be as representative of the true user population. In fact, SUMI has yielded useful information with user sample sizes of four or five. However, this question is always like 'how long is a piece of string.' You should try to get as many users as you can within your timeframe. It all depends on the kind of service you want. See the Pricing and Ordering Information page. We don't do educational discounts on SUMI. However, if you are a student pursuing a full-time course of study and wish to use SUMI for your project or term assessment, eMail Dr Jurek Kirakowski and discuss the use you would like to make of SUMI. This year's students are, after all, next year's professionals... Because of some bad experiences with students from a University which shall not be named, for a student licence we will need information from the permanent staff member supervising the project involving SUMI. Please see the academic licence page.

Is there a method or a tool that can detect if someone has separated my hard disk from my computer, copied data from it, and returned it back? I want to be sure that no one has done this without my knowledge, but I'm not sure how to this. Deep freeze The use of deep freeze is irrelevant in this situation. If they are semi competent, they will use a read only interface. The last access timestamp will only be changed if they are using a read and write interface. Turning off the write interface is trivial. This is what forensics does. They never put an original drive in a read/write interface. Always in a read only. Then they make a working copy. All without altering a single bit on the original drive. Your best bet is using a disk encryption like Bitlocker or TrueCrypt. edit: thanks alot, but could you clarify more what you mean by read and write interface please?? thanks alot, but could you clarify more what you mean by read and write interface please?? Devices like these . . . They physically block write access to a drive. Often used in forensics/HD recovery for legal and practical reason, like the Amanda Knox case. dd if=/dev/sdx of=out.img Everyone seems to be going for full disc encryption, which certainly has its merits for securing your data but doesn't address the question of telling if someone's been in your machine and monkeying with your hard drive. For that simple task, find a pack of the irritatingly sticky plain labels which, once stuck, tear instead of coming off cleanly, sign your name on it and stick it over one of the screws holding your hdd in place (don't forget to clean the dust off first for a good bond). Not quite on the same scale as the manufacturers tamper evident seals but should prove sufficient to prevent anyone removing the hard drive without your knowledge. This means they either have to break the label which alerts you to the fact, or pull the wires out of the hard drive then mount it on a laptop, forcing them to to spend more time with your case open looking very suspicious! Also its worth checking the back of your pc for a padlock attachment point, simple, fairly secure and effective. Neither makes it impossible to get at your data but both add a significant level of inconvenience and force the attacker to either act overtly (ripping labels and bolt cutters to the padlock) or spend a lot more time monkeying with your pc and at risk of detection. To discover tampering at a physical level, you could use something like Torque Seal on your drive's mounting hardware or the data cable connection. It is a lacquer that dries brittle so any tampering will crack and break the glob you installed on the hardware. It's used to make sure things like nuts and bolts on helicopters haven't moved and are still torqued to spec. S.M.A.R.T. attributes may help in determining if the disk has been tampered with between two intervals. These attributes, on Linux, can be queried with "smartctl -a /dev/sda". The simplest attribute for that is probably Power_Cycle_Count. When you power up the computer, this will be one more than the value when it was last shut down. So, by remembering this value before you shut down, and checking it when you power up next time, you can determine if the disk has been powered up in between. Just a thought..maybe S.M.A.R.T.(if available) contains some information that can be used. Unless you can remember exactly how things were placed within your computer prior to the suspected intrusion (a photographic memory, or a photograph, are two such tools that immediately come to mind), it will be very difficult to know if your hard drive was removed from your computer. Note: Chassis intrusion features can usually be circumvented, so this may not be the most reliable method either although it can be helpful. Chances are that an intruder who knows how to do this may also be smart enough not to modify your disk in any way, and either just copy only the files they want/need, or copy the disk in its entirety so they can "snoop around" at their leisure at some later time. The bottom line is that if you're truly concerned about someone accessing your hard drive, you have to be preventive. If physically removing your computer away from the danger is not a viable option, then encryption works very well; this is my favourite disk encryption tool: TrueCrypt (free and open source) What I particularly like about this tool is that there's no built-in backdoor, so even a court order won't get it decrypted if you've taken the right steps to protect the encryption key. How this tool is relevant to your situation: If your hard drive is encrypted, and the intruder removes it from your computer for the purpose of accessing your data, they will only find encrypted data (and, initially, the Operating System will most likely detect it as an "uninitialized disk") that simply looks like random information to just about everyone. The two ways the intruder may gain access to your data is: A "lucky guess" at your password (so pick a good one that's difficult to guess, even with a brute force attacking tool) or key (highly unlikely, although not completely impossible) You provided a copy of your password or key to the intruder (intentionally or unintentionally) With your average home computer (no special physical security), when the machine is shutdown, there is no trace left of activities done with the hardware. If the disk is removed and mounted read-only, it would be very difficult to identify this was done using any software. The only thing that comes to mind is, if the disk was writeable during such an activity, and the host OS ended up updating timestamps on the disk (files, directories) you might be able to detect that the disk was physically accessed outside your system. This comes with various other caveats like, the other system also had its time set correctly (a reasonable expectation if the user did not think of a read-only mount) and you know the time-window when your system was expected to be powered-down (hence, access times in that window are suspect). For such data to be usable, you must mount the disk without write access while your 'forensics' is not done. You might then be able to read the access times of individual files and directories to identify what was looked at (read or copied out). Now, if this is for a future possibility of data-theft, it would be tons easier to plan ahead -- just encrypt all your critical data. I'm pessimistic about prevention from reading the drive, and telling, if somebody did, so I would advice to use encryption too. You still don't know whether somebody did copy the encrypted data, but if he did, it is hard to break (hope so). Now is the attacker clever, informed, does he have time, equipment and money? A simple trick, which will not work, if the bad guy is reading here, would be to stick a hair, which is hard to see, and easy to break, to your drive and the chassis, best: across the data cable. Now if somebody removes the drive, he will break the hair without mentioning it. Except he read this advice, and acts very carefully. If he is very well equiped, but you are too, you can take a hair which you perform a DNA-test on. You don't say whoms hair it is. The intruder might replace the hair with a random one, but can't replace it with a hair of the right DNA. But maybe he knows how to glue a broken hair together? Or he knows how to dissolve the glue? :) Many new computers allow password-protecting the hard drive itself. It would be a BIOS setting. The protection is enforced through the drive's electronics, so access would be denied on another machine. Keep in mind that encryption, though a good idea if you need to do it, also would prevent you from being able to recover from many computer problems. And if the hard drive started to fail, you could never recover your files from an encrypted disk. So make sure that you have good backups. And a disk image of an encrypted disk is still encrypted and can be restored to a new drive if necessary. Windows built-in EFS (Encrypting File System) can be used for individual files and folders. And the free Windows BitLocker encryption tool can encrypt a whole drive. Are we not we simply skirting the real issue here? Like a new born child, we should NEVER leave our PC alone in an open accessible area! Where is your notebook now? Security starts with us and not after the fact. Personal data comes with a degree of paranoia. If you leave it on your system then you are afraid that it may be stolen. If your data is that critical, then, as soon as you create/acquire it, remove it to a secure storage device, aka an encrypted SD flash device. This device can then be with you at all times. Current computer technology will not detect the tampering of the data on a physical storage device. It is this lack of security that permits PC technicians like my self to salvage user data in the event of virus/malware damage. When in the future storage devices are embedded with a running security program, then the device itself will know when it has been tampered with. Simply take responsibly for your data! If you permit someone access, then you cannot complain if it is exploited! As a direct answer to the posted question; as of today, NO, it is not possible to determine if someone has removed and simply copied your files. Thank you all for listening. By posting your answer, you agree to the tagged asked 1 year ago viewed 5331 times active

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Mayo — College student Mary Thomas (Hart) of Mayo had the opportunity to study abroad for four months in Ireland recently and she eagerly shared some of her most exciting moments in a pictorial travelogue. Thomas is a junior at Berry College, a comprehensive liberal arts university with Christian values located in northwest Georgia near the city of Rome. Thomas said there are currently 2,000 students enrolled there and about 45 percent of those students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. “When she was looking for colleges, she knew she wanted to study abroad, so that was one question she was asking,” her mother Jana Hart explained. “Last semester I studied abroad in Ireland with a program called American Institute of Foreign Study and I was in a group of 26 students from all over the country,” said Hart. “People from Florida, Texas, California, all the way up to New York.” The first day of her adventure was when all these students met up in London, England and she made certain to get photos of herself in front of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Bridge while touring the city for two days. Next stop Ireland! “We were all on the plane and we were super giddy and excited,” she said. Out the windows of the plane she said they could see the green grass, the rolling hills and the stone walls, typical of the area. Once they landed it was off to the city of Limerick. Although tired and sleepy and suffering from jet lag, Thomas said, the scenery breathed new life into all of them. The University of Limerick, where she spent five days a week in class, was built in the 70s and Thomas said most of the architecture there is very modern. She was housed in a campus apartment with seven other students, two Americans, four Irish students and one student from China. “It was a lot of diversity,” she said. “I got to meet a lot of people.” Unlike here in the States, in Ireland, Thomas said parents pay for their children to go to elementary and high school and then college is free to attend, paid for by the government. Because of Thomas’ southern accent and the Irish accent of the students from Ireland, even though they all spoke English, Thomas said it was difficult at first for them to understand each other. Thomas said she was impressed with the farmer’s markets in town and the fact everything was so fresh, including the fish and dairy products. “Instead of going to grocery stores, most people do their shopping at a farmer’s market, if they don’t farm themselves,” she said. A lot of the trips to the different places in the country were included in the tuition. In her free time on the weekends is when she got to go out and explore other notable places. When she made it over to the western part of the country she said she was finally able to see the real Ireland with the castles, the cliffs overhanging the Atlantic Ocean, and all the typical stonework that is used in place of metal or wooden fences. One of the highlights of her tour through the country was when she got to kiss the blarney stone at the Blarney Castle in the town of Cork, which was built in 1446. The blarney stone, she said, is four stories up and it hangs out over the ground below. Thomas said kissing the blarney stone will bring you good luck, but legend has it that if you are able to kiss the blarney stone it will bring you the gift of gab or great eloquence or skill at flattery. In a country where colorful tales tend to grow as naturally as the green, green grass, kissing the blarney stone could mean any number of things. Thomas was able to take a weekend trip over to Edinburgh, Scotland and she said she saw more castles and visited a wildlife park where she was introduced to many different free roaming animals, including kangaroos, zebras, giraffes and Meerkats, her new, favorite animal. During exam week, Thomas made it over to Italy and was able to spend four days there being a tourist. She was thoroughly impressed with Rome, the “Eternal City”. “On Sundays and Wednesdays the Pope comes out and blesses the crowd at the Vatican,” she said. “It is so cool to say he blessed me.” The famous Colosseum was worthy of an all day visit, Thomas said, even though she hadn’t planned on spending all day there. “It was mind-blowing how huge it is and just the history,” she said. “I’ve never been so in awe.” Studying abroad, she said, was a fantastic experience. When asked if she had plans to continue studying abroad, Thomas said she would like to return to Italy, rent a car and just drive around and take in all the sights and the history. For now, it is back to Rome, Ga. to continue her education at Berry College.

Posts Tagged ‘bootcamps New York City LACEY’S 10 KEYS TO FITNESS SUCCESS – MAY BOOTYCAMP! Tags: bootcamps New York City, Weight-loss June BOOTCamp! is off to a HOT start! Tags: bootcamps New York City, fat loss, motivation, outdoor workouts, Weight-loss, Workouts GLORIOIUS Day 1 Guys! You’re energy was GREAT and your enthusiasm was through the roof. I looovveeeee it. Today was Test Day- The introduction to camp, the people, the field. I don’t want you to take this month for granted, take the time to focus on what you want out of June. Use your journal to stay on top of your food outside of your workouts and figure out what you’re going to do on the off BOOTY Days. Be it run or take a class, have a plan of attack this month so you can dominate your fitness. Lee and Annabel are veterans that are PERFECT examples of people who’ve busted their Asses to be at the Top of their fitness games. Both have gotten much faster, stronger, and have learned what it is to balance fitness with life. It takes discipline but once you start feeling the power, there’s no turning back! BRING IT BOOTYS! TOP SCORERS – Test Day June ’10 BOOTYCamp! TEST DAY was fierce congratulations to Meri, Mags, Steve, Katie, Erin, and Teresa these six bootys finished in the top 3 in more than one category. Push-Ups (2 mins) Mags – 76, Nola – 70, Meri – 63 Squat JUMPS (1min) Teresa – 69, Steve – 68, Katie – 64 Sit-ups (3 mins) Mags – 106, Erin – 102, Meri – 102 Dips (1 min) Marty – 68, Steve – 66, Teresa – 50 Lunge JUMPS (1 min) Katie – 140, Meri – 120, Pam – 105 SPRINT Taps (1.30min) Erin – 18, Bryan, Steve, Lee, Katie, Jessica – 17, Shana, Marty, Valerie – 16 TEAM MEETING The Team Meeting will be held on Saturday June 12th from 1030am-1130isham at Peak Performance New York City. The meeting will take about an hour annddd I highly recommend you come. We are going to go over everything fitness. Everything I think you need to know. Come with questions because we will be ready with answers. You will have 3 Top Fitness Gurus there spilling our vast knowledge and passions to you. Marissa Lippert my go to nutritionist will be there to go over any and all of your food questions. We will be raffling off a copy of Marissa’s recently published book - The Cheater’s Diet for all who attend. So Proud of her. For more info on Marissa check out Jessica Clark ( and JUNE BOOTY Teammate) – Life Coach Extraordinaire, We know what to eat and what do so why can’t we stay consistent with it. That’s what Jessica is all about helping you do understand the patterns of your life, how to shift them so you can achieve whatever you want with your body. She’s helped me a lot and has worked with several BOOTYCampers past and present. Lacey Stone – Your Leader, I’ll be there to talk about Weights/Cardio and everything sweat. Discussing my methods to achieving fitness Domination. Between the 3 of us no stone will go on turned. YOU don’t want to miss out. Please let me know if you’ll be there for sure, I’d like to have a head count for set-up! Thank YOU! Don’t be Tardy for the Party Hey Guys like I said Pre-Camp! Just shoot me a text and you are good to go. Here’s my number 347.525.1726, plug it into your phones now. And if I don’t have your number be sure to write your name at the end so I can plug it in too. THURSDAY and Beyond! Come ready to bring it from here on out. We have a CRAZY FUN Team this month mmaannnn, stick to the program and lets see AWESOME results in JUNE. Come Day 8, I want you to RIDICULOUS Test day scores. How do you do that? YOU work it out this month on a regular, you bust it when we bust it, and you rest when you have a rest day. You eat right and take care of you.. COME June 24th lets wow ourselves. HOMEWORKKKKKKKK Take a moment. What do you want out of this month? Write it down. Improved Speed, Strength, weight loss, boosted confidence, killer workouts. The first step to reaching a goal is knowing what you want. See you Thursday at 6.30am! Lacey PS Those of who missed Day 1, have no fear… We have 7 more workouts together! And come Thursday please come to me to sign your waiver and get your cool notebook and calendar, yahhoooo!!!!! Passion.Patience.Persistence=EXCELLENCE LACEY STONE Fitness Professional Founder of Lacey Stone Fitness, LLC

K Vegetables. Filipinos are known for their fatty and fried foods. But there's more to Filipino cuisine to just lechon and chicharon. We love to eat vegetables. We also love seafood since the Philippines is made up of more than seven thousand islands, we are surrounded by ocean. I chose to make Pinakbet. This dish is a popular vegetable dish and is usually made up of bitter melon, okra, eggplant and fermented fish sauce. I rarely have this but when I do, I love all the different vegetables that go in this dish. The bitter melon and okra (lady fingers) are vegetables I rarely eat unless it's in this dish. This is my mum's recipe and she makes it all the time. Needless to say, whenever I crave this, I just go over to her place to enjoy. 1/4 pumpkin (500g) cubed 1 bunch snake beans cut into 5cm batons 5 lady fingers, topped and tailed 1 bitter melon, halved then sliced into 3-4cm thickness. Soak in salted water for 10-15mins 1 onion, chopped 4-5 small eggplants, cut into quarter's lengthwise 1 tomato, large dice 1 knob of ginger, julienned 1/4 cup anchovy sauce (bagoong balayan) 100g pork, diced (optional) 100g raw prawns (optional) 1. In a large pot, saute the onion, garlic and ginger until transparent. 2. Add the tomato and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 3. If adding pork, add and simmer until cooked a little 4. Add the snake beans. Stir. 5. Add the anchovy sauce that has been mixed with 1/4 cup of water 6. Add the rest of the vegetables 7. Add enough water just to cover (about 1 cup) 8. Add the prawns 9. Simmer until vegetables are cooked through. 10. Serve with steamed rice and a piece of fried fish. You can check out what the other members of the Kulinarya Cooking Club cooked up for this month's theme here Bon Appetite, Cherrie 15 comments: Loving your food styling as of late! I should really do more posts on my heritage too! Mum is going to bring me back some cookbooks from Malaysia :) and I have some IN French... must translate them! x I love Pinakbet with lots of bagoong especially with either crispy-fried tilapia or GG. You got the right combo there Cherrie! Thanks for sharing. @Shellie, thanks Babe! Please post Malaysian dishes. One of my fav cuisines! @Ray, thanks. I love it with lots of Bagoong too. yum! Glad you featured pinakbet, a Filipino vegetable dish... I have to cook that for my family (shh.. we are not veggie peeps haha!) Thanks for sharing Cherrie... glad you still made KCC for March. @Malou, thanks. I admit, I need to eat my vegies too. Nothing beats fried fish with pinakbet=) Super tlagang match made in heaven! Yum, yum, yum! I love this dish because of the ampalaya and okra! NOOOOMMMMM!! This looks sooooo good!!! It reminds me of the Indonesian lodeh!! But looks sooo good.. oh wait I said that already :P This looks so delicious. I love bitter melon and okra but we rarely eat it as it is not always available and is a bit pricey. Love the crisp fried fish that goes with it. Yum! that looks really good cherrie! i love pinakbet. actually it's one of those veggie dishes i eat (you know how hard it is for Filipinos to eat veggies :D). and i also like that you had fish with it. bagoong for the win! :) I love pinakbet with bagoong isda! Great job! Pinakbet is my favorite Filipino dish. Period. It goes great with bagoong. I will admit that pinakbet is not a favorite of mine, but I do enjoy looking at your pretty pictures. Looks good enough to eat, even for us non-bitter melon fans. Ohh My dad used to make it all the time. I remember one time when my Filipino friends invited me to this Filipino restaurant and they wanted to me try this dish together with what they call shrimp paste. It was one of the weirdest yet fulfilling time of the life. It stated really great. This one's a knockout!

This week I’ve begun working in my yard; it may be good exercise but it is NOT fun. My front yard, back yard and side yards are jam-packed with leaves that fell last fall. I should have raked them in October, gathered them up and deposited them into see-through garbage bags for the sanitation department to pick up and haul away, but I rarely ever do what I should. Leaf-raking is no exception. So now I’m staring at huge mounds of leaves, covering not only the moss that grows on my property (instead of lovely green grass that most lawns boast), but my flower beds, too. And since Spring has arrived early in Atlantic Canada this year, I know that underneath the carpet of soggy, moldy leaves there are plants trying their best to reach for the sun. Plants deserve better than that, so I decided it was time to gather up the leaves and let the flowers and bushes pop their little heads out of the soil, shake off any remaining remnants of winter’s chilling frost, and grow into the mature plants they were meant to be. If only it was as easy as I make it sound. Gather up the leaves, deposit them neatly into garbage/leaf bags and drag them to the curb to await pick-up. Nothing is as easy as it sounds. For one thing, ‘gather up the leaves’ really means ‘don my gardening gloves, bend my back and lock my knees, and rake, rake, rake until I have huge piles of leaves scattered around my yard, then bend my back even more and scoop the leaves up with my hands and/or rake and stuff them into a bag’. The leaves, mind you, don’t want to go quietly into the dark night; they stiffen up like a child who doesn’t want to be carried to bed, and they puff out their dried up veins until they are too big to squish into the now seemingly minuscule plastic bag. But I persevere. I push and I push and I push, jamming those d*&$ leaves into the clear plastic bags until they succumb to their fate. It is not a happy time for any of us. Now,several days later, I’ve still not managed to deposit all the leaves into their new containers. I’ve walked around my yard, I’ve picked up dead branches that blew off the trees in a February storm, I’ve made a trip to the local hardware store to buy a metal bag-holder so that I won’t have to contort my torso into gymnastic-like poses in order to pick up the leaves and deposit them into the garbage bags, and I’ve contemplated a future without millions of leaves in my yard. But I haven’t disposed of the leaves. I will; I promise. One day soon, before this coming fall covers my lawn with an entire new crop of nature’s colorful dandruff. Today when I came home from my second trip to the golf driving range (see previous post Bruised and Battered) I meandered around my front yard, scouring the landscape for new signs of life after winter. And guess what I found? Tiny crocuses, stretching their necks to the sun, happy and content to have shed their winter blanket of leaves and snow. I took their picture, a reminder for me that life can spring forth from seemingly barren earth, that perhaps it is worth my while to finish raking the leaves in my yard. I can only hope to finish my leaf-raking before the dreaded mosquitoes also figure out that Spring has arrived early this year! Because once they realize that, they will once again take over my yard and I will have to disappear into my home to hide until fall arrives…and then, of course, I’ll have even MORE leaves to rake…ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Pingback: How Many Bags of Leaves Can Come From One Front Lawn? | Ramblings of a Writer Make that “thought” I’d drop by….lousy typist that I am! Hi! Enjoying your blog! I often see you on Ginger’s comments so I thiught I’d drop by! Oh, Sylvia, I so wish we lived closer so we could “do lunch!” A house I used to live in had huge maple trees. I so loved the shade of those trees until fall when the “shade” was brown on the ground. It would take 40 of those huge leaf bags to clear my lawn. I hated that job even when I was young enough to force myself to do it ~ then I realized other people had money hungry adolescents living under their roofs for a reason! Your description of those “who would not go quietly into that good night” was nothing short of literary-ily brilliant. Look at it this way, if there is moisture in those leaves (we’re dealing with fire danger right now) those piles will breed the dreaded M pest you mentioned. The M’s are already in Maine, as are ticks. Good luck!

Yahoo Axis – A search browser alternative to Google Yahoo used to be the coolest tech company around, now they are losing the search engine wars badly against Google and Bing, can they get back into the game with their latest product, Yahoo Axis? Yahoo Axis is available for desktops (PC and MAC), the Ipad and the Iphone, a search made on the desktop computer can be continued on an Iphone. All bookmarks and read later lists are also synced between the different devices. Yahoo Axis is lacking apps for Android and Windows Phone, which hopefully will be brought to the table shortly. On the desktop Yahoo Axis is downloaded as an extension to an already existing browser, such as Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9. When Axis was released there a security issue with the Chrome extension, this has since then been fixed by Yahoo. Some blogs reported that Internet Explorer 9 and other browsers were slowed down when surfing the web, it was noticeable in IE 9 but not any of the other browsers, even-though the extension itself sometimes took a while to load it didn't affect the performance of the browser. The general behavior of the extension in Google Chrome was also a bit awkward, sometimes it opened, sometimes it didn't. The Ipad/Iphone apps is really where this product comes to real usage, the interface in Yahoo Axis is perfect for cell phones and tablets. For example Axis shows more relevant info about a website before loading it, making it much easier to use on the Iphone than Safari, which relies on Google who basically have the same layout as on the desktop. The sync between devices works well, for example it is simple to research something on the desktop and then continue on a mobile device on the go. Yahoo Axis has support for Google and Facebook-accounts, so a Yahoo account is not needed just to use this product. Yahoo Axis has a home-screen with a list of bookmarks and read-it later items. Adding bookmarks was no problem but adding sites to the read-later list was sometimes a struggle, for example we I added an article in Wired to read-it later, but it didn't show up. When searching long tail keywords Yahoo Axis is not that powerful as Google, it simply doesn't find the in-depth stuff that Google do, and even if it does it's still hard to tell from the results which hits are good and which aren't. Searches in other languages than English returns mixed results, it's not uncommon for Yahoo Axis to mix different languages in its results (for example Norwegian and Spanish). The search engine used as with all Yahoo products is Microsoft Bing. Axis handles the standard searches such as text and images just fine, but it lacks news and video search making it difficult to use as a sole search engine, Yahoo says that they will add additional options over time. Yahoo Axis is a good concept, and has the perfect timing, it is however too bad that the browser extensions for browsers need some polishing. As Google is getting more comfortable in their total ownage of the search market, and seem to be focusing on Android and driver-less cars, the field is open again for innovation products, such as Yahoo Axis. - Yahoo Axis home screen. No trackbacks yet.

March 21, 2011 The English countryside’s “hideously white” nature is awkward but undeniable, with ethnic minorities estimated at around 1.4% of the rural population. As The Independent’s Matthew Norman noted regretfully: “etween town and country, there is a colossal disconnection. As anyone who flits between them cannot fail to appreciate, there are two Englands, unbridged by suburbia and divided by a common language.” This worries the kind of people who feel worried for a living and get paid to make other people worry. In 1992, the Commission for Racial Equality published a report called Keep Them in Birmingham which unsurprisingly painted “a disturbing picture.” Equally disturbing artworks have since been produced by the likes of the Observer, New Statesman, and Leicester University. The last remarked that: “[T]he rural was also often referred to as being the embodiment of ‘Englishness’.” …which evokes the often chortled-at 1924 romanticizing of Stanley Baldwin… “To me, England is the country, and the country is England.” True-May committed heresy by saying he likes rural England exactly as it is. ‘Race rows’ are usually followed by ritualized abasements, agreed to by the transgressor in the hope that he may one day retake his place in the hypersensitive host. True-May’s sins are venial as well as venal, down to his “borderline comb-over” hairstyle which—damningly—“bespeaks a buffer.” But even Matthew Norman acknowledges kindly that True-May seems “dim rather than malevolent.” So there may be a comeback, although that will depend on whether he backtracks, what control he retains over the highly lucrative franchise, and whether (or when) a token thespian of color can be shoehorned into a plot. Yet even bringing in a black character would need to be done with great sensitivity. The Independent’s Tom Peck is mightily afeared: “Jason Hughes, who plays DS Ben Jones, didn’t help matters yesterday with his response to True-May’s comments, which themselves seemed to stereotype the role a minority actor would play. ‘I don’t think we would all suddenly go: “A black gardener in Midsomer? You can’t have that!” I think we’d all go: “Great, fantastic!”’” True-May’s career is poised on a plough edge, but so far Matthew Norman doesn’t think he should be sacked, nor do other great thinkers such as the Guardian’s Hugh Muir, however much he detests this “phonetically refined Alf Garnett.” The Daily Mirror cites a survey which shows that Midsomer is “strikingly unpopular” among minorities—which, to the neurotically inclined, means that the show (and by implication all rural England) is increasingly irrelevant. As Runnymede Trust rent-a-quote Bob Berkeley said almost angrily: “[T]o claim that the English village is purely white is no longer true and not a reflection of our society….” What he and all the other Afro-Saxon activists can’t stomach is that that is exactly why so many people love Midsomer. It seems the English should enjoy their killings while they can. SUBSCRIBE For Email Updates Copyright 2013 TakiMag.com and the author. This copy is for your personal, noncommercial use only. You can order reprints for distribution by contacting us at editors@takimag.com.

Back in the early 80’s, if I was out sick from school, I would often watch PBS during the morning. They had educational programs that were better than some of the reruns that were on. There was never any schedule of what was shown. You would just tune in and have to wait to see what was next. When there was one intro, I was always very happy. THINK ABOUT. That still stands as one of my favorite theme songs. Just writing this I’ve had to play it back five or six times. The show that followed was normally about someone involved in some moral dilemma. At the end, he would have to figure out what to do. It was meant to show in classrooms and then the students would discuss what happened. It aired from the late 70’s to early 80’s. THINK ABOUT was produced by the Educational Film Center, the Northern Virginia Educational Telecommunications Association and The Agency for Instructional Television. Exxon funded it as well. So, it was all propaganda. But it worked. In fact, I’m sure if it was around today, the next generation would be better off. It is certainly better than HANNAH MONTANA or THE WIGGLES. What do kids learn from them? (I’m starting to sound old). Here is the closing theme. I would love this, and other PBS shows so much, that I would often prolong my illness so I could stay home and watch the next day. There were two other similar shows, INSIDE OUT and TRADE OFFS. Both are worthy of their own entry in this series, but there are no clips on YouTube. EDIT (5-15-10): I just found this video for INSIDE OUT. NOTE: This post contains YouTube clips. If unable to view and reading from an outside site, click through to view. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 FORGOTTEN TV: THINK ABOUT (1970's - 1980's) Back in the early 80’s, if I was out sick from school, I would often watch PBS during the morning. They had educational programs that were better than some of the reruns that were on. Posted by TALKING MOVIEzzz at 7:00 AM Labels: FORGOTTEN TV 5 comments: I don't know, the music is pretty creepy to me. Seems like something David Cronenberg would use in one of his films. Jim, I'm not sure if we are the same age, but do you remember a show called Alphabet Soup? That was such a strange show when I was a kid. Haven't been able to dig it up. Maybe just a figment of my feverish imagination as I was no doubt home sick watching it as well. I don't think I watched it but I found this about ALPHABET SOUP. Man the things you said about thinkabout, inside/out, and trade-offs they bring back a lot of memories and when I was sick I use to wait to see if they would come on too. I agree with what you said 100%. I wish the would put them out on DVD. I miss those day with heartfelt feelings. Wow, does that open a low flood gate of memories. Yes, I too can remember sitting up in bed with a thermometer sticking out of my mouth watching these shows in the middle of the day. It was kind of a guilty pleasure. But maybe we were just being "tricked" into getting our education, even outside the classroom. For some reason the even more memorable theme song for TRADE OFFS pops into my head every once in a while. No citation of that on YouTube, unfortunately. Almost as if it were just a figment of our collective imaginations... My 6th grade "economics" class teacher would sometimes wheel out one of those prehistoric carts with a mounted TV/VHS (or was it Beta) and actually show us episodes of TRADE OFFS. Come to think of it, the vice principal used that strategy for after school detentions, too. This is sooo cool. I am 39 and I remember Think About. We watched it in 5th grade I believe it was. The music rocked and it was so cool to watch it when home sick from school. Age sucks! :-)

% 21 comments: I think there is a customer base that actively like smooth ales, so I'm not at all sure they sit entirely at the commodity undiscerning end of the market. Though CAMRA may like to think so. People that choose it over other beers. Mainly older gentleman, I suspect. Though a sector in decline it is only recently that cask ale has overtook it. John Smiths is a volume brand compared to any cask ale you can mention. Never figured out why. Regular canned bitter is okay, the foamy widget stuff is quite nasty. A mixture of Dettol and shaving foam might be an adequate substitute for those upset by the move. I've seen people walk up to the bar in pubs and ask if they had any smooth, so some must actively prefer it over cask. As Cookie said, mostly middle-aged and elderly blokes. "The cask version - if you are unlucky enough to come across it ..." Hey now, I've come across it and drunk it, and consider myself lucky for having done so. Palate training! (Cookie, your writing's slipping.) is that simulation game advertised about John Smith Smoothflow simulating a beer. I guess when cask was in decline smooth beers like John Smiths and Tetley's, being keg, were the only consistently reliable alternatives. I certainly remember buying both regularly as a student when dragged into pubs that either had no cask or where I knew the quality would be questionable. Many people will have switched to these smooth beers at the time and are clearly happy enough to continue drinking them despite the recovery of cask, not to mention the recent influx of (dare I say it?) craft keg beers available. Smooth beers were originally developed in the mid-90s at least partially as a way of making keg look and feel more like cask, with a thick creamy head and no obvious fizziness. Curmudgeon - "Smooth beers were originally developed in the mid-90s at least partially as a way of making keg look and feel more like cask, with a thick creamy head and no obvious fizziness." ...... and no obvious taste?? ps. Who said cask needs a "thick creamy head"? It certainly doesn't where I come from! There will always be a market for the lower end of the market, but a flavoursome decent beer at low-to-mid strength will always be preferred over "smooth".. Completely agree about thew lager sector -the next big game hunting ground. It's sad really, policy is making a product change , what would happen if policy made the taste of Marmite or Coca Cola change. I used to like a pint of Old Speckled Hen and then that got ruined, why can't people come up with more inventive ways of changing things? I don't doubt that there are some adherents of nitro beer, but the beers themselves tend to be sold at low end establishments. And Neville. Stop watering our beer then please. We will have to see whether cooking lager brands take a dip. Over the years Carlsberg has been lower than its current 3.8 but at one point it was 4.2 Carling was 4.2 a few years back then dipped to 4. The wifebeaters have already dipped to 4.8, I guess we will wait and see. It's all about brand management and currently big brewers care about there volume lager brands and are extending them into 2%, 2.8%, 4.7% versions of Carling so why alter the main product? Heineken have spent to long rebuilding their core brand to make it anything other than the authentic import. They consider John Smiths smooth as a declining brand to cash cow. Wouldn't be surprised if Fosters was in that category too. I thought the £6.6m figure seemed high for such a small reduction in ABV, so I checked the sums. The rate of beer duty is currently £19.51 per point of ABV per hectolitre. Duty per hectolitre at 3.8%: £74.138 Duty per hectolitre at 3.6%: £70.236 So the saving pro hectolitre is £3.90 (around tuppence a pint). Therefore to save £6,600,000 they would have to be producing 1,691,440 hl (1,033,513 barrels or 297,651,878 pints) of the beer. Which, staggeringly enough, seems to fit with the output figures Wikipedia and other sources give for John Smith's. 300 million pints! Which is not far off half the total amount of cask beer sold in the country - suggesting that JS has a very high share of the keg market. That's the last time you get a ride on my yacht, TM. Nice work Rob! You seem to have more spam, TM, than Dewhursts. I am inundated at the moment. You ought to see what doesn't get through. Thinking about it. ulfhc [url=]beats by dre outlet[/url] tcnvd jngty [url=]dr dre beats[/url] fvzng yhiaz [url=]cheap beats by dre[/url] zbggt yzwti [url=]beats by dre[/url] lnitc tlxlt [url=]cheap beats by dre[/url] spmox xtasp [url=]beats outlet[/url] krobj fucy I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…

Kathleen - John, did you teach in the U.S. before joining the Peace Corps? John - Yes, for one year as a high school English teacher. Kathleen - One year caused you to decide to go overseas with the Peace Corps? What inpsired you? John - Oh, JFK. I was in college when he was elected president. We all wanted to do something for our country. I joined the Peace Corps in 1962. I went to Ethiopia as a secondary school teacher. It was a great adventure. Kathleen - How true-to-life are the situations and relationships portrayed in the fiction of Living on the Edge? Does reading the book give one a true picture of attitudes on both sides (Peace Corps volunteers and "locals"')? Is it "the toughest job you'll ever love" as the official slogan claims? John - Yes, it is STILL the toughest job you'll ever love. I attempted in the book to show lots of experiences. The Peace Corps is almost 40 years old. There have been over 160,000 Volunteers. Each one of them has his or her own story, and all of our stories are true. I just squeezed a few into my book. Kathleen - A bit of history from the Peace Corps site at : After a day of campaigning for the presidency, John F. Kennedy arrived at the University of Michigan over the last 37 years, more than 150,000 Americans have responded to this enduring challenge. Rich - How many stories were submitted for your book? You had more stories from Africa; were most of the best writers from there? John - I received over 100 short stories. John - A lot of the Volunteers are teachers in Africa and they tend to be the literary type. John - Most of the writers from the Peace Corps, however, come from Micronesia. Kathleen - Is (classroom) education the main focus of the Peace Corps effort? Do educators outnumber other professions in the Peace Corps? John - About 40% of all Volunteers teach, either in the classroom or out of the normal setting. We teach all grades, right into college and university. Rich - Was there any particular theme that you chose in selecting these stories? John - I wanted the stories to have an international setting. I wanted a cross cultural experience. Kathleen - FAQ: Do I need to speak another language to get into the Peace Corps?. Kathleen - 17 authors contributed as many stories to Living on the Edge Joe - John, do you think that a lot of Volunteers are also writers because there's a curiosity that makes them want to discover other countries AND also discover themselves through writing? John - I think you are right, Joe. A lot of Volunteers go overseas dreaming of writing the great Peace Corps novel. And we have had several great books. You can get a list of them by going onto Kathleen - FAQ: What sort of educational background do I need to be a Volunteer? Most Volunteer assignments require a four-year college degree. Applicants without a college degree may qualify by having three to five years of work experience in an area such as managing a business or working in a skilled trade. Kathleen - John, do Peace Corps volunteers generally feel they have made a difference by serving, or do they come away feeling they've just maintained a status quo? John - I think most of them know that they have made a contribution. However, most of them feel that they were the ones who were really blessed by the experience. benny - Our daughter is in Zimbabwe. We are concerned for the health of PC volunteers in a country with such a high incidence of AIDS. It is appauling how Africans are kept uninformed of HIV and AIDS transmission. John - Peace Corps Volunteers do AID education in Africa. It is one of our most important programs. John - Volunteers in Training, benny, are taught how to deal with the issues of AIDS in country. Joe - When you say volunteers feel blessed, then would you say Volunteer teachers also feel like students because they're learning about a new culture? John - Joe, one of the three goals of the Peace Corps is to educate Americans about the world. Volunteers then come home and tell Americans what they have learned. Kathleen - FAQ: Does the Peace Corps accept senior citizens? You're never too old to serve in the Peace Corps. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, but there is no upper age limit. The oldest Peace Corps Volunteer ever was 86 when he completed his service. The Peace Corps and the countries where Volunteers serve often welcome and value the wealth of experience that older Americans bring to their overseas assignments. Kathleen - Contact information: Kathleen - John, has the Peace Corps mission changed in substantial ways since it was created? John - No it hasn't, Kathleen. The work we do today is just the same. We are, however, in lots of new countries, all the Eastern European countries, for example. That new. penguin - John--who teaches the teachers? are they former Peace Corps volunteers, by and large? John - Yes, RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers) and Host Country Nationals. Kathleen - How much tension or difficulty relating across cultures is there between Peace Corps volunteers and the people they serve? In your story, "Snow Man" Marc's cultural misunderstanding results in tragedy. In general, is that sort of misunderstanding common among youthful Peace Corps volunteers? Kathleen - In your introduction to the short fiction (Snow Man) you contributed to Living on the Edge you write, "There is always plenty of opportunity for tragic comedy and plenty of cross-cultural misunderstandings whenever young Americans try to do good." John - Well, there is always a lot of misunderstanding. That's one of the benefits of two years. We learn to get along. The character in my story, however, couldn't handle the isolation that was involved with living outside of his culture. Kathleen - John, did you go through periods when you didn't know whether you could finish your assignment in Ethiopia? John - No, I didn't, but many people do have a hard time. Usually it is after the third month of service. At the end of the tour, most of us felt as we didn't have enough time, that we were only now just learning what to do, and what would work. About one-third Kathleen - FAQ: Can married couples join the Peace Corps? Can I serve with my boyfriend or girlfriend? Peace Corps service can be a rewarding, enriching experience for married couples. Today, about 10% before departing for their overseas assignment. Tom - John, what is a weakness in Peace Corps novels that might not be as prevalent in other novels? John - Peace Corps novels tend to focus on small issues in terms of the world at large. They find it hard to get an audience. However, we have had some great ones. Kathleen - I recommend Living on the Edge, published by Curbstone Press. Visit Curbstone Press at . Curbstone Press is a 501(c)(3). Curbstone builds bridges between writers directly engaged in social struggle and the public, ranging from colleges to community centers, children to adults, a public increasingly eager to be educated about the cultures these writers represent. Curbstone seeks out the highest aesthetic expression of the dedication to human rights: poetry, stories, novels, testimonials, photography. Curbstone Press combines editorial integrity with painstaking craft in the creation of books, books of passion and purpose. Kathleen - Is Living on the Edge being used in classrooms for the study of world cultures? John - Yes, and as an example of good writing. Richard Wiley, at UNLV uses it in his creative writing classes. Kathleen - Curbstone's Alexander "Sandy" Taylor was my high school English (American Studies) teacher. He would have used Living on the Edge in some of his classes. :-) And we would have enjoyed the experience. John - I think so. Every month another RPCV publishes a good book, nonfiction or fiction base, at least in part, on the overseas experience. Kathleen - John, Paul Theroux's "White Lies" (one of the selections in Living on the Edge) convinced me that I'm not Peace Corps material. Without spoiling the story for others, I'll just say that the afflication he experienced would have been enough to send me home and into therapy! John - Oh, Theroux handled most situations than that. It is not the physical problems in the Peace Corps that are difficult. It is living outside one's culture and depending on oneself for everything. That's tough. But the toughest task is coming home again. Kathleen - John, tell us how you maintain your association with the Peace Corps. John - Kathleen, I am currently a recruiter in the New York Recruitment Office. I'm finding the next generation of Volunteers. And I am encouraging them to write home about it, tell Americans about the world. Kathleen - On December 23, 1999, President Clinton named Mark L. Schneider as Director of the Peace Corps. Schneider is the agency's 15th Director and the second returned Peace Corps volunteer (El Salvador 1966-68) to head the Peace Corps. Kathleen - John, tell us more about the difficulty of coming home again. John - There's a great story of a returned Volunteer going into a store and trying to buy soap. She broke down into tears because there were so many bars of soap. She couldn't handle making such a decision. Life overseas makes all of us see America in a new way. Rich - Kathleen, not a question - just a comment: The "inflictions" PCV's have seem incidental to the work that you are doing. Illnesses are just another thing that you have to overcome. I agree with John's last comment about the toughest things are living outside one's culture and depending on oneself. It does help to have a good support system, though. Kathleen - This web site contains links to all kinds of information about the Peace Corps, and would be especially interesting to former members of the Peace Corps and those considering joining the Peace Corps: Kathleen - John, we hosted (befriended) a man from Malawi. That changed many of our perceptions about our country and culture. John - That's right, Kathleen. The genius of the Peace Corps was that the Volunteers live at the level of the people they are helping, therefore, they get to know them; they become friends. I am still friends with Ethiopians I met 35 years ago. Kathleen - John, do you speak on college campuses to recruit? John - Kathleen, we do recruit across the country at college campuses and in the community. Anyone can reach a local Peace Corps Office by calling 800.424.8580, Option 1. Or checking out our website: Kathleen - A neat site is Peace Corps Kids World, which introduces kids to the Peace Corps and exposes them to geography and cultural information, as well as folk tales from countries around the world: Kids World, brought to you by the Peace Corps. Join our pal, Traveler, as she explores the globe and learns about making a difference. Come on in to the home of adventure and service -- Peace Corps Kids World!Explore a few of Peace Corps' 80 countries around the globe! Kathleen - John, have you hosted them here? John - I see or speak to my Ethiopians all the time, though that live now in the U.S. Rich - John, what was the best thing you liked being head of a country's PC contingent. What was the worst? Rich - I had thought that you returned to Ethiopia as a PC administrator. John - Rich, I did returned to Ethiopia for two years on the staff in the mid-60s Kathleen - I recommend Living on the Edge-Fiction by Peace Corps Writers, editor John Coyne, who also contributed a story.(Pub. Curbstone Press, 1999) . Kathleen - Also by John Coyne: THE PIERCING , THE SEARING, HOBGOBLIN, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THE HUNTING SEASON, FURY, CHILD OF SHADOWS, THE LEGACY, THE SHROUD Kathleen - John, what is the greatest misconception about the Peace Corps among Americans? John - Oh, I think, Kathleen, that most people think that the Peace Corps ended when JFK was killed. Today we have almost 7,000 Volunteers in 76 countries.We are still going strong. Kathleen - John, I'm very happy to hear that legacy of JFK endures. Kathleen - John, any plans to return again? John - Kathleen, I would love to go back to Africa. Once it gets in your blood, you never get over the experience. penguin - John, do other countries have a volunteering tradition that's analogous--and do Peace Corps volunteers work alongside them? (I'm thinking of groups like Doctors without Borders. . . John - penquin, yes, there are many other volunteers organizations. The British service actually started a few months before the Peace Corps began. penguin - and have those groups generated a body of literature comparable to the Peace Corps writers' output? John - penquin, not that I know. John - penguin, you might look for a book entitled, Louisa, by Simone Zelitch. It is coming this fall from Putnam Kathleen - Any other closing comments, questions? Just post them and we'll see what John can cover in a couple more minutes. John - Thank you, Kathleen. Kathleen - The hour is over already! John, thank you for participating in this interesting and informative chat session. Please consider returning someday with another topic of interest to educators. You're easy to chat with. :-) I urge readers to pick up a copy of Living on the Edge-Fiction by Peace Corps Writers. (Curbstone Press, 1999) .

Amazon profits take big hitOctober 25, 2012: 4:41 PM ET The retailer reported a 27% sales increase from the same period last year and an operating loss of $28 million. Amazon's 7-inch Kindle Fire HD, released last month, is now the company's #1 bestselling product worldwide. FORTUNE -- Amazon's short-term sacrifices appear to be continuing. Amazon (AMZN) reported a 27% sales increase to $13.81 billion, up from $10.88 billion the same time last year, and an operating loss of $28 million. That was off from Wall Street's estimates, which had predicted an operating loss of nearly $75 million, but higher revenues of $13.9 billion. Meanwhile, profits dropped to a loss of $274 million, or $0.60 cents per share, compared to a net income of $63 million a year ago. For the fourth quarter, the company expects revenues of between $20.25 billion and $22.75 billion. Amazon shares were down nearly 8% in after hours trading following the announcement. The loss this quarter was due in part to the company's $175 million investment in LivingSocial, which it lost $169 million on. The remaining loss was due to Amazon's ongoing strategy of sacrificing short-term profitability for long-term revenues and market gains. Over the last year, the company has invested heavily in expansion, which includes building more fulfillment centers. During a media earnings call, CFO Tom Szkutak said 19 new fulfillment centers would be up and running for the holiday season, with an additional one or two warehouses potentially ready during the fourth quarter or early next year. Amazon has also invested heavily in its vast Amazon Web Services business and the launch of products in its Kindle line. Earlier this month, CEO Jeff Bezos revealed the latest Kindles -- updated Kindle Fire units and the self-lit Kindle Paperwhite -- do not profit Amazon and are sold at cost. Just for comparison, CNET recently reported that Apple (AAPL) hovers around a 40% margin on its WiFi-based iPad. "Our approach is to work hard to charge less. Sell devices near breakeven and you can pack a lot of sophisticated hardware into a very low price point," said Bezos in a statement, pointing to the 7-inch $199 Kindle Fire the company released last month. That version has since gone on to become Amazon's #1 bestselling product around the world. The recently released Kindle Paperwhite and $69 Kindle are the number two and three bestselling products, respectively. "While investors remain understandably focused on Amazon's sub-scale retail margins and significant investments in technology, distribution capacity, and content, we believe that other segments should provide more comfort in potential operating margin expansion," wrote Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian earlier this week. Indeed, the majority of analysts remain bullish on the company. Looking further out, Lazard Capital Markets analyst Atul Bagga predicts Amazon is currently in the midst of a transition from pure e-commerce player to powerful digital media platform. "We believe Amazon has three competitive advantages that will allow it to compete in, and potentially dominate, digital media platforms: 1) trust; 2) technology; and 3) payment infrastructure," Bagga wrote in a report earlier this week. "While we believe investment today is justified by its existing businesses at the current stock valuation, we also think that the next iteration of the Amazon platform will represent the dominant platform for digital and virtual goods as well." In other words: good things may yet come to those shareholders who wait.

Did Amazon Induce Vista's Premature Birth? 296 theodp writes ). Who says you have to shell out $999.95 for MS-Project to come up with accurate planned completion dates?" May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:5, Insightful) Re: (Score:3, Insightful) Re: (Score:3, Insightful) I didn't RTFA either. So anyone care to shine some light on this? Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:5, Insightful) Think of it this way: What does it say when a coach of a sports team decides to jump ship to another team mid-season? Re: (Score:3, Funny) Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:5, Funny) I think you meant inherent. You know, as in "Correcting errors of slashdot posters is an inherent behavior of a grammar nazi." Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:4, Funny) class Investor: public Sheep {....... sort of thing? Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:4, Funny) Investors implement the ISheep interface, but they clearly extend the doucheBag class. Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:4, Funny) Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:5, Funny) This incident has everything: (Score:5, Funny) This incident has everything: 1) Overpaying executives and underpaying the people who do the work. He got stock options worth $30 million just for coming to work the first day? 2) Corporate lies and sneakiness and manipulation. 3) Absolutely no caring for customers. 4) Behavior that will eventually sink the company. Remember, at one time IBM had 100% of the PC business. Remember, IBM lost $1 billion on OS2, and then lost another $1 billion. Even the biggest company cannot treat customers badly forever. The whole Vista experience oozes sleaziness. It's the true modern horror story. In comparison, the movie "Aliens" is for schoolchildren. What's a monster compared to Bill Gates in the role as software's "Dr. Death", degrading the quality of life of millions of people by hassling them and costing them more? One of the biggest and most respected IT magazines is rejecting Windows Vista: Save Windows XP [infoworld.com]. Quote: "More than 75,000 people have signed InfoWorld's "Save XP" petition in the three weeks since it was launched - many with passionate, often emotional pleas to not be forced to make a change." Re: (Score:2) Sorta like Rosemary's Baby? [youtube.com] [filmsite.org] Push the tush, then ram the pram... Or, sorta like the Medusa Touch? [youtube.com] Born, then hurt, then brain-dead... Coming to a church of the poisoned mind near you.. Re: (Score:2) I guess some metaphors should just be left alone. The same goes for some operating systems, no? May be the best decision he NEVER made. (Score:5, Insightful) Re:May be the best decision he NEVER made. (Score:5, Funny) You sure about that? Re:May be the best decision he NEVER made. (Score:5, Informative) Re: (Score:2) Re:May be the best decision he NEVER made. (Score:5, Interesting) No, this doesn't shift blame from Microsoft at all. That's why they didn't want this to be known. Release Candidates are supposed to be versions you *think* are worthy to ship, but need to undergo thorough testing to make sure. Any changes that need to be made should be minor. If he upgraded the project to RC1 status, and the testing showed that it wasn't anywhere near ready for release, then Microsoft could have downgraded it in a jiffy and said more work needed to be done. Or kept it at "RC1" for a long time before making "RC2" which would be the first real Release Candidate. Instead they ended up pushing it out the door in short order (maybe not RC1 specifically, but only a minor change from it), so as to make it look like the project was indeed almost ready for release and that's why the project leader left. As opposed to this version of events, which looks more like the project wasn't going good and the project leader got a better offer so he jumped ship and left the project to hang. It doesn't make MS look good at all. prep for the new job (Score:3, Interesting) Re:May be the best decision he NEVER made. (Score:5, Informative) Re:May be the best decision he ever made. (Score:4, Funny) Sweet. Maybe the best decision he made... maybe... (Score:5, Insightful) Re: (Score:2, Interesting) (anonymous because I work for one of mentioned companies) Re:Maybe the best decision he made... maybe... (Score:5, Funny) Re:Maybe the best decision he made... maybe... (Score:5, Interesting) Well, you can fault people for what they do to make money. But just making money? Who said Vista was rushed? (Score:3, Informative) Vista was in development for five years or so and it's still broken a year later. No one can be faulted for a month or two in that time frame. The problem was more in the process itself and all sorts of other executive characters have left the Soft over it. Non free software development, especially Microsoft style development, is broken. Re:Who said Vista was rushed? (Score:5, Interesting) Re: (Score:2) Re: (Score:3, Interesting) Re: (Score:2) New improved "Lies, damn lies, and..." (Score:5, Funny) There are lies, damn lies, and material misstatements to the investment community. Re: (Score:2) Grudging MS defender (Score:2) Lots of people make future employment agreements without telling their current employers. Indeed, in my experience both as employee and employer, the majority do not tell. So... (Score:5, Funny) Re: So... (Score:3, Funny) Re: (Score:2) Re: (Score:2) You mean this: [wikipedia.org] Re:So... (Score:4, Funny) What is so uniquely brilliant about this guy... (Score:5, Interesting) Re:What is so uniquely brilliant about this guy... (Score:5, Insightful) Re: (Score:2) Re: (Score:2) Re:What is so uniquely brilliant about this guy... (Score:5, Informative) Re:What is so uniquely brilliant about this guy... (Score:5, Interesting) He also has a very engaging style of management. Instead of leading from afar he would hold weekly team meetings where he would give everybody the projects status, address concerns, and then kick off the festivities with clips from the weekly world news. The comedy skits he and Ian MacDonald would do were pretty funny most of the time. He projects the work hard play hard mentality. He always kept the team meetings stocked with several kegs of beer and always told the employees that if they drank too much take a cab home and expense it. I would say he was my favorite higher level manager at Microsoft. ----- Rom Beer .... (Score:4, Funny) That explains VISTA! Re:What is so uniquely brilliant about this guy... (Score:5, Interesting) He also runs one of the flattest orgs I've ever been in -- the depth of the tree from intern to Brian is quite shallow. Bringing a problem to his attention is subsequently easy, but you'd better be prepared to defend why it's a problem, why it's solvable, and why you think it's that important. My friends over at MS say that he really got the shaft over Vista. Sounds about right for the culture -- my read is that failure is penalized heavily there these days. The strategy for succeeding in an environment like that? Office Space. Easy answer (Score:2, Insightful) It's what he convinced someone to pay him. What you were expecting someone to give you something objective so you could rant about no one being worth that much? Sorry, but my metric is the one that matters, and it says he's worth what he got. Re: (Score:2) Re: (Score:2) Given that he has released bi Re: (Score:2) Stop it! (Score:5, Funny) Amazon made the big mistake here... (Score:5, Insightful) Re: (Score:2) It's a matter of spin (Score:2) If he's left behind a mess then all he has to do to spin it his way is this: "Gee it looks like those guys at MS are really struggling since I left. That just shows how good I am." Re: (Score:2) Re:Amazon made the big mistake here... (Score:5, Interesting) Re: (Score:2) Re: (Score:3, Insightful) OK why do reviews say RC1 sucks? (Score:2) Re: (Score:2) Yes I made a typo, sorry about that (Score:2) Typo above, RC1 should be SP1 (Score:2) Project link... (Score:3, Interesting) To help optimize how your Web pages are displayed, we are checking to see if a 2007 Microsoft Office program is installed. If this page does not automatically redirect, you have scripts disabled. See more information on scripts. Follow this link if the page is not redirected. Wait just a minute ... (Score:5, Interesting) I'll crank out a dodgy RC1 for tomorrow if you've got a couple of million for me too. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal. However, somehow I'm finding myself not actually surprised to know that Vista got prematurely elevated by someone who no longer gave a shit. That has the ring of truthiness about it. Cheers WinFS (Score:3, Interesting) Re:WinFS (Score:4, Informative) Re:WinFS (Score:4, Insightful) In fact, I doubt it will ever be a real product. It's vaporware that's resurrected every once and then (ever since the early NT vs. IBM's OS/2 times), designed to make Microsoft look like it has some flashy technology pointy-haired-bosses will not be able to tell it's a Really Bad Idea. And they won't because it will never, ever ship. WinFS is not real. Re: (Score:2, Interesting) what does Oracle use for storage? that depends. when running RAC (Real Application Clusters), we cheaped it out and used OCFS (Oracle Clustered File System), which was pretty close to just using raw devices and writing to them. typically a database doesn't need much more than a wrapper around storage, everything is stored in a proprietary/binary way anyways. a file system is just overhead or the middleman at that point. CrockFS (Score:2) Bad title (Score:5, Insightful) Re: (Score:2) Not the only factor (Score:5, Interesting) This is one of the factors that prompted the early release of the "business" version of Vista in late 2006 instead of it being released along with the home version in early 2007. Not that any businesses really wanted to touch that, but it let Microsoft say they'd lived up to their part of the agreement (in their own inimitable (innovative?) Microsoft way, of course). Re: (Score:3, Informative) Re: (Score:2) Re:Not the only factor (Score:5, Informative) Sleeps with the fishes! (Score:3, Funny) Granted, that wouldn't help them out in the short term, but they'd lose less executives if a savage beating was part of the severance package. Hell, they probably could advertise right here on slashdot for people willing to kick a Microsoft executive in the groin for free! Cheaper at Amazon! (Score:5, Funny) Hey, it's only $854.99 at Amazon! Not So Premature (Score:4, Funny) Vista wasn't really a "premature birth". It's more like putting every other ingredient into a recipe, then trying to fix it by baking it for too long. 150K is not that much (Score:2) Of course we don't get millions in stock and sign on bonuses either. I think the biggest bonus I ever got was 10% of my salary/year and $20K in unvested stock options. Re:150K is not that much (Score:5, Insightful) Re: (Score:2, Redundant) For top notch positions, the yearly salary is just cosmetic. Its not uncommon for high ranked managers and architects to make some silly salary like minimum wadge, but get hundreds over hundreds of thousands in bonus every year. Its a whole different ballbark from the average salaried developer monkey. No, I think like CEOs with far too high compensation packages, it is corporate executive management taking a page from the CEO. Screw the company, just pay me lots of cash. If M$ has this kind of problems wi Re: (Score:3, Funny) More if the programmers qualified under Amazon's "Get 4 for the price of 3" promotion. Re: (Score:2) The base salary is almost a joke after the other stuff. It was an accident (Score:4, Funny) How quickly we forget (Score:5, Insightful) There was tremendous pressure from all sides to release Vista. Don't think you can really place the blame on Valentine or Amazon for this one. Re: (Score:2) I guess delaying for another year and releasing it in better shape would have been a smarter move. Re: (Score:3, Interesting) Having worked in the software industry, I know sometimes you have to bite the bullet, ship the product and deal with the fallout. Would it have been better to wait? Maybe. Would the product have been better after another year of development? Maybe not, it's been over a year and they can't get the 1st service pack out. It's probably a testament to the tenacity of Microsoft that Vista was ever released a Nobody can ship Windows twice, Valentine was done. (Score:5, Interesting) Moshe Dunie pushed out two major versions of NT and floundered with NT5 (Windows 2000) and couldn't integrate 9x. Valentine came in, got the organization in order, and Windows 2000 was a success. He kept it up to merge the organization and features from Win9x, and miraculously got XP out in less than two years with nearly all the good planned features. Then, Longhorn became his NT5. Everybody in the organization had massive planned super-features that weren't fully baked in the ideas phase. The org got sidetracked by Springboard and Trainyard rollouts for XP. They had a massive brain drain getting rid of FTEs below level 88 and told long term contractors to take a hike. The employees that were left had their institutional knowledge too diluted and strung out trying to teach new H1B and college hires while managing Chinese and Indian outsource firms doing half the work. So what do you get? Vista. Valentine is no dummie. He pushed aside other execs that were wallowing in development hell projects. Now he was the one in development hell. He arranged his own exit on his terms. Good for him. Sinofsky will get a Vista replacement out by 2009 and it'll be a clean-up release that makes a lot of people happy. Lots of stuff cut from Vista will get back in, done right. He'll get a big feature release out by 2011. After that you won't see another major Windows release until 2015. This is someone's lie (Score:3, Interesting) Tell you what - HIS boss, whoever that is, as well as all the direct reports to that now gone suit should be fired w/o hesitation. Whether you like MS or hate them, this is textbook how not to develop and release a product so either someone's lying or, if this is really how MS functions then it speaks volumes for what's profoundly wrong with MS and why all their major releases are screwed up a little bit. Re:This is someone's lie (Score:5, Interesting) And that's about what happened. They got something out the door. IMO they got it out the door a little too soon, but there weren't going to be any more features added, it had been in beta a long time, and the holiday season was coming up. The calendar told them they had to release in time for that. After all that, it was a bit of a flop anyway. Sales were (and are) quite non-stellar. This goes back to (mostly) the lack of compelling features (these were the ones shed just to be able to ship something), combined with the confusing license soup. The lowest-end versions of Vista, in particular, offer nothing compelling over XP. In fact, a user of XP Pro - or probably even XP Home - would find things that were missing from Vista Home Basic and have to go out and spend to get that functionality again. And now we see Microsoft making something of a public embarrassment of itself on the world stage, fighting its battle with Yahoo in the press. If you're considering a proxy fight to initiate a hostile takeover, you don't talk about it in the newspapers. You communicate that privately to the Yahoo board, and if they again tell you where to shove it, you just taking action. You don't slug it out in the newspapers like a Brittany Spears saga. If there was any serious doubt that Microsoft has jumped the shark, I think Vista dispelled it handily. That doesn't mean Microsoft is not still a formidable player. They've got tons of money, some profitable product lines, and plenty of smart people working there. MSFT isn't going to disappear, and it's not going to go down without a fight. However, don't be surprised if it goes through some pretty radical re-orgs in the 3-7 year time frame. Particularly if MSFT gets what it's wishing for and buys Yahoo, there will be incredible challenges on The Road Ahead. Re: (Score:3, Interesting) The only real competition Vista has is XP. Re: (Score:2) Re: (Score:3, Interesting) Sorry but I'm quite satisfied with XP. It's solid as a rock and I haven't seen a crash in years. Re: (Score:3, Insightful) If XP crashes, something is wrong and it's not the OS. Re: (Score:3, Informative) (Maybe that's a reason it took as long as it did to ship as well.) Besides, like you imply, there indeed was pressure to "release it already" since it had been in development so long. Possibly enough pressure that even a killer offer from Amazon didn't really speed things along much more, if at all. You miss the point (Score:5, Insightful) I've seen this effect before. A manager in a company I worked for was angling for a position in a different business unit in the company. He wanted to show focus, leadership etc so he whitewashed the problems in the project he was directing and pushed for a premature release. He forced design choices that looked OK in the short term (from outside) and ignored the longterm consequences. He got the new job and a big write-up about how he had managed this project so well. Of course the project was flawed, but he did not have to clean up the mess anfd the product got canned a few months later. Release decisions etc should not be made by exiting managers. They shopuld be made by the new management team that has to keep things going. Re:You miss the point (Score:4, Interesting) If I knew a manager under me was looking to leave the company, I'd make sure his replacement was being trained and put in place long before the departure. How the hell can you expect any continuity in the process with people popping in and out? You can't run a fast food joint like that, let alone a major multi-billion dollar corporation. I also would like to know what this guy does that's worth that kind of money. You'd almost thing it would have to be sexual. Gross mis-management (Score:4, Interesting) Even if the manager does not jump ship, he might get killed in a plane crash etc. The cool thing for a ship-jumping manager is that he gets away clean. Even if he leaves a mess behind he can always twist it: "Now that I've left, everything has fallen apart. Look at how good I am! Hand me another million share options". Re:Who Cares?!! (Score:5, Funny) Well ... duh! (Score:5, Funny) How else would it get to our computers?

Turns out it wasn’t just Twitter that someone tried to bring down via Distributed Denial of Service today. Cnet’s Elinor Mills is reporting that a Facebook executive says that a pro-Georgian activist with accounts on multiple social media sites was targeted, and that Facebook, Blogger, YouTube, and other sites were also under attack. Everybody else who used the sites was apparently just caught in the crossfire. Hence today’s T-Poll: 4 Comments Read more: August 6th, 2009 at 5:32 pm Today’s distributed denial of service attack on Twitter shows how important it is to have alternate mediums of communication. It also was a real time lesson to show the lag time between when this event began this morning, and the time the major media outlets began to report it. It took the Drudge Report at least a half hour from the time I provided the news tip – not saying I was the first – only that I figured out something serious was wrong with Twitter shortly after 9 this morning and began searching for answers and calling it to Matt’s attention. August 6th, 2009 at 7:55 pm DDoS attacks are certainly a form of cyber-terrorism, but there’s nothing really frightening about them. We know where they come from and why, but since they rarely target anything that’s truly critical to everyday life, the world moves on. However, it does show that if we’re going to depend increasingly on the internet for mission-critical stuff, there will probably have to be some fundamental changes to the way that information travels around the web. I’m not counting on that happening any time soon, because it would also likely mean the death of anonymity on the internet, something that a lot of people seem to enjoy. August 7th, 2009 at 10:29 am It’s proof that there are too many morons in the world with too much time on their hands. As for cyber-terrorism, there are FAR more worrisome things happening than denial of service attacks. On the positive side, every weakness revealed is an opportunity to learn what needs to be done to strengthen the system. August 8th, 2009 at 8:45 am Having a DDOS attack waged against you could be considered a badge of honor among websites — you don’t know if you’ve really “made it” until you get one. By then, you hopefully have the resources to deal with it properly. But it still sucks very, very badly. Ultimately, I think DDOS attacks show the weakness of the world’s operating systems — and user practices — that so many PCs can become zombified and turned into unwitting tools of disruption.

media organizations and more about the reporters, writers and personalities who make up CNN and the New York Times of the world. I am just a blogger. I have been writing for over six years and I’ve swung from the “new media will kill old media” mode to “new media and traditional (I don’t call it old anymore) media” have a place together. Still, many bloggers (and social media people as a whole) get locked in an us and them struggle with their traditional peers. We see it in the music industry, in access to sports, in public relations and marketing, etc. Everyone loves the us vs. them argument. Here’s the dirty little secret though: Without ‘them’, there is no ‘us’ and without ‘us’ there is no ‘them’. We are married together for the future of the industry forever. And that goes for all industries where these conversations happen. What really is happening is a separation of the power brokers from the base of power. In other words, in public relations, professionals at the agencies go about their mindless drone job of push, push, push without ever really talking, tracking, monitoring or engaging the demographic they are trying to reach. In the NFL, for years the clubs engaged in tactics with bloggers that delegitimized the coverage they were receiving and, in fact, the public was consuming… only because bloggers typically didn’t write for large media organizations. In fact, Jay Rosen, a Professor at the New York University School of Journalism (And one of the smartest, most insightful journalism critics I know of), characterized this problem on Twitter by observing how the White House Press Corps engages. Indeed. Though one could ask why the White House Press Corps would communicate directly with the public instead of with the White House, where their job is. Nonetheless, the greater point that is being made is that Traditional media that communicates with the base of power (the citizens and customers) is generally able to perform their art in a more meaningful way. New Media exists to bridge a gap. We will never replace traditional journalism. On the other hand, traditional journalism will never eliminate new media. The bigger question is… why would either side want to do those things at all? All I wanted to say is: The answer to your last question comes from a mentality that can best be described by a famous Western line – “This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.” My mom (who works for a magazine) and I often talk about the traditional vs. new media dichotomy, mostly saying “How much news can one person take in?” I think a lot of people were worried blogs would become the new source of how Americans get their news, but I don’t think anyone is ever going to want to get their news solely from me or you. At the same time, there’s only so much of AP style one person can consume, particularly when there are shiny objects like Perez Hilton (or, heck, Stephen Colbert) to distract you. The two can exist and will exist together. Now, whether either of those groups will ever make much money doing it — whether large groups of people will want to pay the New York Times or Citizen Blogger X to get their news every day when there are so many competing groups that provide (or aggregate) the same information for free — that’s another question for another day. Aaron – I REALLY like your post and the balanced approach you’ve taken in pointing out that, “Without ‘them’ [traditional media], there is no ‘us’ and without ‘us’ [new media] there is no ‘them.’” I’ve actually done a lot of thinking about this and wrote a post several weeks ago where I talked about the need for both traditional AND new media to complement one another versus compete with one another. Both have their place and both fill a need. The sooner we can figure out how to work better together, the more value the end users (the readers) will derive. Thanks for such a thoughtful post. Best, Aaron | @aaronstrout Most of the traditional media press corps (including those using new media), are in bed with the @Whitehouse, not voters. Jay is sharp, but too close to it to see it. Thoughtful, reasoned post, Aaron. Great post. I’ve never understood why it has to be “us vs. them.” I’m glad more people are seeing that. I see a lot of resistance from “traditional” journalists to embrace new media as a legitimate news source. Journalists who are anti-bloggers like to paint all bloggers with the same brush in order to discredit them. I think it’s partially job security. Journalists who work for traditional media are seeing their readership decline while people get their news from other sources, and some don’t know how to deal with that.

Just interviewed Mike Riley of the Oracle Development Tools User Group (ODTUG). He’s in town for the IOUC conference . He didn’t say this on tape, but in the car back to his hotel he said being a member of ODTUG makes him much better at his work and helps him enjoy his job. He’s been a developer and project manager at the same insurance company for twenty years. TWENTY years. He says that ODTUG membership makes him part of a community that is “always trying something new, and always willing to help you,” he said. He also likes that his fellow members, based all over the world, look to him for his knowledge and leadership. My Up Close video interviews for Oracle Magazine are convincing me that being part of a self-formed group pursuing excellence in any endeavor is a key to maintaining happiness and meaning in your work. I’ve been toiling on my own for too long. Another goal for 2009: join a group of writers and work with them to pursue excellence -- it is, I am learning from my tech friends, a route to happiness. 5 comments: You picked a good candidate in Mike. I have known him via the ODTUG group for a few years now and always enjoy our encounters. I find Mike to be a sincere and upbeat person who is always willing to extend a hand, but also keeps things realistic when tough decisions have to be made. I look forward to your interview being published! Dan, Mike is a good guy and very dedicated to his users group. He flew in for the IOUC meeting on his daughters birthday, which I could tell was a struggle for him. I notice you work with the RAC SIG. Let's stay in touch, as I just spoke with Murali Vallath about doing a column in the coming months about you guys . Hi Jeff, Sure, that sounds great. I'm planning to be at RMOUG, Hotsos, Collaborate, and ODTUG conferences between now and June, so maybe I'll meet up with you at one of those? Let me know if that's possible--I'd love to meet up and talk about the RAC SIG and more. Jeff, Thanks for the kind thoughts. It was great to talk with you about something I am very passionate about. As you noted, Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits is a GREAT place to work. They are very supportive of my desire to volunteer for ODTUG and the good of the Oracle development community. Thanks again! Mike Riley President - Oracle Development Tools User Group (ODTUG) Project Manager / DBA - Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits Mike, I know you made that point in our conversation; about your employer having the vision to support your users group work. I will make sure to hit it in the magazine piece.

The.). WARNING — YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK! PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES OF UPDATING TO 06.15. READ MORE! You will need : Download iOS 4.2.1 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad Download Redsn0w 0.9.6b5 for Windows Download Redsn0w 0.9.6b5 for Mac Download iTunes 10.1 for Windows or Mac Here’s the step by step guide : STEP 1: Download redsn0w 0.9.6b5, iOS 4.2.1 for your device(download links at the end). STEP 2: Update to 4.2.1 firmware using the IPSW file you just downloaded via iTunes 10.1. STEP 3: Launch Redsn0w 0.9.6b5, and browse for iOS 4.2.1 firmware final version. STEP 4: Now you have to select “Install Cydia” and “Install iPad baseband”, and then click “Next” (in this step redsn0w will update your baseband to 06.15.00 which works with ultrasn0w 1.2) STEP 5: Now make sure your device is both OFF and PLUGGED IN to the computer before you click “Next”. and the unlockable baseband 06.15.00 STEP 8: This step is only for these devices iPhone 4, 3GS (New Bootrom), iPod touch 4G, 3G, 2G, iPad. While this is tethered jailbreak and whenever you want to do anything related to jailbreak like SSH your device, or running Cydia, you must first run your device in the so called “jailbroken state” on every reboot by using “Just boot tethered right now” option. How to unlock iPhone 3GS / 3G on iOS 4.2.1 / 4.1 using ultrasn0w 1.2 : This is the final step to get your device unlocked on iOS 4.2.1 / 4.1 with the newly release ultrasn0w 1.2, follow our full step by step guide Posted Here. [...] Unlock iPhone 3GS / 3G Baseband 06.15.00 with Redsn0w 0.9.6b5 on … [...]

Shas runs a racist ad against Russians A Shas TV campaign commercial which casts aspersions on the state conversion system has been labelled as “racist” by several politicians.It's bad enough that early leftists in Israel had a negative attitude towards Jews from Arabic lands. Now Shas is making things worse by launching one-dimensional attacks on Russians, making themselves look as bad as those early leftist politicians in the country. Why, back in 1999, they made offensive claims against Natan Sharaksky that he wanted the interior ministry so he could bring prostitutes into the country! Which was simply unacceptable language, and only makes them look like loose cannons. Coupled with their spoiled-child attitude, it's a very poor way to run a political campaign. In the ad, a tall blonde woman named Marina, who is speaking Hebrew with a thick Russian accent, punctuated with phrases in Russian, dials “star conversion” on a fax machine while standing under a wedding canopy with her fiancé. “Wait, you’re not Jewish?” her Sephardi-looking husband-to-be asks in surprise, as the reply fax rolls in. “Now I am,” Marina responds happily. [...] Seth Farber, an Orthodox rabbi and director of the religious rights lobbying group ITIM, also slammed the commercial and accused the party of hypocrisy. [...] “This ad campaign is a slap in the face for immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Farber added, noting that “the Torah mentions 36 times the prohibition of denigrating converts” and calling on Yosef to ban the campaign. [...] Renegade Shas MK and Am Shalem party leader Haim Amsalem also weighed in: “Shas's broadcast against converts is racist and is a direct continuation of their ugly and divisive sectarian campaign.” Update: while we're on the subject of Shas, The Jerusalem Post got a letter on Jan. 6 about Aryeh Deri's dhimmitude: Sir, – Shas leader Arye Deri states that there should be an interim agreement with the (socalled) Palestinians, and immediately afterwards urges an Israeli withdrawal from parts of Judea and Samaria (“In ‘Post’ interview, Deri calls for long-term deal with Palestinians,” January 4). Perhaps he was incarcerated too long to realize that an interim agreement with your enemy ultimately becomes a permanent agreement.When Deri says they're not nationalist, it can also be construed as saying they're not Zionist, which is synonymous with patriotism. That's another very sad thing about Deri and Shas. On the one hand Deri says, “We aren’t nationalist,” and then states that God gave us this land. First, why isn’t he a nationalist? That’s what he and all of us should be. Second, if God gave us this land, who gave Deri the right to give it to others? His comment, “Our rabbis will decide what is best to do,” is particularly objectionable, as rabbis are supposed to decide halachic questions, not political or national questions, especially when it comes to relinquishing our holy land. Update: Israel Hayom has a video available with their article of what Shas' advertisement is like and I find it very disgusting. It resorts to vulgar stereotypes, and has no place in our society. Update 2: Shas has agreed to quit using the ad. Labels: dhimmitude, islam, Israel, Judaism, Knesset, political corruption, racism, Russia

06 Mar 2012 The new Iris Public Relations tool is designed to show users exactly how ATM communications via satellite will work. It shows how the air traffic controllers (ATCO) would be able to compose and send data messages, and then how aircraft pilots could receive and be able to reply to these messages, as well as displays what’s happening in between. “When talking to our aviation partners about satellite communications, we realised there was some concern that satcoms would complicate the tasks of controllers and pilots because it is not integrated in aviation safety systems today,” explains Nathalie Ricard, ESA Iris programme manager. “But they will be in the future. With Iris, pilots and controllers won’t even notice their data exchange travels via satellite. The system will actually allow data exchanges with much better quality and over wider geographical regions than what is available today. We thought we should develop a system mock-up that would show these advantages, and simulate, in an interactive manner, how the technology works.” The display is composed of a two-metre long table, a computer and four screens. The right screen will represent the air traffic controller working position, the left the aircraft and the pilot’s datalink interface, and the top screen shows the air traffic in the area covered by the satellite. The centre screen is the description display showing the interaction between the various system elements, and is used for graphical depictions of how the technology works. Taking place in the Amsterdam RAI from March 6 to 8, the ATC global conference is the largest air traffic management exhibition in the world. The University of Salzburg, a regular participant in ATC Global, will host the Iris communications tool at their booth located in Hall 9. “The University of Salzburg has developed a competence centre for aviation, and is well known and respected in Europe when it comes to new ATM technology,” says Ricard. “It has been involved with Iris from the start.” ESA initiated the Iris programme in 2007 to support the adoption of satellite-based communications in the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme. It demonstrated the interest and feasibility of a satellite-based communication system to meet aviation’s requirements. Thanks to Iris, the value of satellite communications was recognised and included in the ATM master plan. By 2020 Iris will contribute to the modernisation of air traffic management by providing digital datalinks to cockpit crews in continental and oceanic airspace. Iris’s design phase is currently underway with the support of the EC, the SESAR Joint Undertaking, Eurocontrol, the European space industry, air navigation service providers and aviation stakeholders. For more information, see the links in the column to the right.

In partnership with CBSSports.com Online Now 320 This is worth a read IMO.... Started by: BobbyBurton Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 Horns247 » Horns247 Board Which positional units will be the backbone of the 2013 Texas Lon... 18 days ago - So a poor translation but 18 days ago - That makes sense, the fir Sounds like there was some behind the scenes stuff going on. Started by: maninblack1 Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 19 days ago - He came out after his pla 19 days ago - So to jump back into this Jason Collins- NBA Center has decided to come out as being gay. Reportedly his twin brother was only told within the last year ago. Very int... Started by: CzechMate319 Pages: 1 | 2 19 days ago - 19 days ago - Yes it is definitely happ Found on another board: One of the biggest reasons I was a HUGE proponent of expansion was because the states in the SEC footprint ar... Started by: Bill Stickers Started by: Hookem Staff Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 Things have been quiet out of the Texas... Started by: Blake Munroe Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 Sounds like a long shot, but the fact that the B1G appears to be exploring possibilities for further expansion despite all these new TV de... Started by: txhookem78 Started by: Jeff Howe Come hear Mike Tolleson speak at the spring Longhorn Happy Hour. The event starts at 5:30 and will be held at Dogwood Houston 2403 Bagby... Started by: ut755 Horns247 » 6th Street Teams of linemen compete. Bluiett starts the course 10 secs after the other lineman. 6'-4" 348lbs 83 1/2 wing span 10 3/4" hand thumb t... Started by: Blu Horn Started by: Longhorn in OK I truly felt for Tiger when his pitch hit the pin on 15 and went into the water. The shot was too perfect. The next day I was baffled at h... Started by: mchief Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 There were theses really tall guys playing basketball at one of the gyms on campus today. Nobody knew them or why they were playing and jum... Started by: Jordan91 Started by: Jeff Howe Pages: 1 | 2 Also who has won the master's and played for UT? Started by: JFrankWebb Pages: 1 | 2 So I had no idea what this was, but it is UT related. So long and thanks for all the fish. *drops mic* Started by: Black Shipley Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Started by: BobbyBurton Pages: 1 | 2 After watching Friday's open prac... Started by: textex 3 months ago - None of what you posted s 3 months ago - If Santos loses the battl Brewer came in with much more fanfare than either Ash or McCoy so where is he in the mix? Does anyone have good info? Started by: cohorn Started by: Bruce7 Pages: 1 | 2 I used to be a strong supporter, but now I hate to say I'm done with Barnes. The patterns emerging of the past 3 years have left me thinkin... Started by: horn1chris Pages: 1 | 2 He looks like he's got a chance to be an answer at TE. Started by: HookemHorns01 Has jumped the shark. It was witty. Until it wasn't. Seeing that phrase used in virtually every thread might mean it's time to move on to... Started by: Bobby_Batronic Pages: 1 | 2 3 months ago - Strawman Started by: Dave Behr Pages: 1 | 2 Started by: textex Pages: 1 | 2 3 months ago - It could be true. The iss 3 months ago - I know for an absolute fa 3 months ago - Maybe, another thing that Let me say up front I have heard this information completely second hand; well really third hand I suppose. And I will type this quickly an... Started by: Troon74 Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 I think mine has got to be "The Outlaw Josey Wales". So many great lines..."Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle dixie"? Has got to ... Started by: demon340 Pages: 1 | 2 I realize that a litany of reasons and examples can be cited by everyone as to why they feel that Mack Brown is basically stealing money... Started by: close to jumping Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 3 months ago - Is Ivery in line for an o 3 months ago - Is Ivery (RB) getting loo What is the future of UT football? Last year we saw the SEC and the Big 10 continue to expand their conferences. The Sec looked west and add... Texas is limping to the finish of th... Started by: BobbyBurton Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | ... | 6 3 months ago - The smart on the field fi 3 months ago - I can't see a path that d Started by: Jeff Howe Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 Started by: BobbyBurton Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | ... | 11 State Rep. Eddie Lucio III filed HB 887 on Jan. 31, which would limit high school and middle school football programs to one full contact pr... Started by: maninblack1 Started by: BobbyBurton Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 I saw this on another board and wanted to get some opinions from the home crowd. Will you let your son/daughter play football? If so at wh... Started by: papa horn Pages: 1 | 2 247Sports In partnership with CBS Sports

To read the papers, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free software available for dowonloading from here. For flat sheets, the usual ways of making fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) are random short fibre placements, which have the disadvantage of discontinuities at fibre ends, and multi-layer laminates of filament prepregs or 2D textile fabrics. For 3D shell structures, filament winding, press-forming and fabric draping are used. Integral 3D fabrics are an attractive alternative. They can be made in a variety of ways, but those most relevant to FRP bridges are woven fabrics consisting of (1) thick multilayers linked by threads in the Z-direction either flat or (2) made in more complicated 3D shapes, (3) hollow multilayer fabrics containing voids. Braids may also be used. The advantages of 3D woven fabrics for composites are: The paper will describe the structures that are available, design procedures and manufacturing methods. The results of a case study for a small footbridge composed of three parts, the travel surface made from floor beams, stringers and the deck, and two side-structures serving as girders. The loading capacity of the bridge comes from the strengths of the floor beams, stringers and the girders. Download Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation File The last 65 years have seen a development of modelling of the structural mechanics of textiles at the same time as computation moved from primitive calculations to powerful software and hardware. The development of means of access to computing is described. Early work could only deal with numerical solutions at the end of analyses of simple, general models. Now it is possible to follow individual fibre elements in space and time. The paper reviews topics covered by myself and my associates in the University of Manchester and elsewhere after my retirement: fibre fine structure; yarn mechanics; fabric mechanics; product mechanics; and rope modeling. The final part of the paper discusses modeling for the 21st century, including the problem of the “virtual catwalk” and the development of software for 3D fabrics used in composites. In contrast to aesthetic design where computer aided design (CAD) has become the common mode, the industry has not taken to modeling for technical textiles. This means that there is a lack of creative interchange between academia and industry. CAD is bound to come, but it is not possible to say when and how. 3D textile structures provide many unique structural features that are of interest to the creation of advanced textile composite, these including the structural integrity, material continuity, versatility in fibre arrangement, dimensional control of the preforms and economy in manufacturing. Because of these features, 3D textiles as preforms for textile composites have caused much attention and 3D textile structures have been made based on various principles. This paper concentrates on 3D woven preforms, which are capable of being produced using the weaving technology widely available in the textiles sector. Design and manufacturing of 3D woven preforms with solid, hollow, shell and nodal geometries and their derivatives will be explained and their featured properties be examined. Case studies will be given to highlight the application of such 3D woven preforms.. TexEng Software Ltd enables you to design 3D woven fabrics and program their weaving machines for their production. For more details, please send email to: info@texeng.co.uk..

Discussion in 'Conference Realignment Board' started by nelsonmuntz, May 23, 2012. If we are to accept the OP's premise, then this is the answer plus USF, Navy, ND. Just to nitpick here, but nobody killed themselves to throw money at Houston, SMU and UCF when they were playing UAB, UTEP, Marshall and others. I'm assuming the big reason they joined this franken-conference in the first place is that they believed they would get more when playing UConn, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Louisville, etc. Same with Boise State. In a similar vein, nobody was throwing money at TCU in the Mountain West but it sure seems like a lot of people are throwing money at them now as a part of the B12. Obviously it isn't quite the same differential with us as it is with them but the same premise applies. And it has the added benefit of sticking the BB onlies with this odd conglomeration of schools. Kinda a crappy thing to do the incoming schools though. (Not that I wouldn't jump at the chance to be in a stable, sensible conference.) I don't disagree with your statement but I'll add a second part to it. If I learned 2 things the second would be that live sports are the future of television advertising and people are willing to throw incredible amounts of money at them. Oops. I saw the title to the thread and thought someone was looking ahead to another BCS bowl game or NCAA hoops tournament. The current ACC deal is for $155MM per year, or $13MM per team per year. Try "the google". ESPN recently announced that the contract was adjusted to $17MM per school per year, but I would be shocked if that deal was signed given the ACC's problems. I think every one of your conclusions is almost 100% wrong. Texas A&M and Missouri are not in the SEC for football history and tradition. John Calipari will have more Final Fours vacated in the next 3 years than Texas A&M and Missouri have in combined BCS and Final Four appearances in their history. With the exception of a few years under McPherson and early in Pasqualoni's tenure, Syracuse has been a pillar in mediocrity for 5 decades, occasionally lapsing into bad football during that time. Colorado has sucked since McCartney stopped recruiting gang members from Watts. Utah had a couple of recent BCS appearances and a Final Four, but more importantly, it was located in one of the fastest growing states in the country. Anyone having MD leaving for anywhere other than the SEC or Big 10 is silly. They'd owe the ACC $20 million, and they haven't got $20. All that may be left of the ACC in the end is BCU, Duke, Wake and Syracuse. Virginia, Maryland, UNC and... ND to the Big10. NC St and VT to the SEC. Clemson, Miami, G Tech, FSU, Pitt and BYU to the B12. BE would have to reconsider what the hell to do in such a scenario. Stay with the coast to coast league. Split from the basketball schools? Kick out the new additions and invite the 3 ACC remainders? Absolutely right; schools that were not a big media draw before will not suddenly become a viewership magnet because they are in a conference with other mostly similar schools. OK, NBC needs sports programming but they need it less than they need losses. NBC and other networks may occasionally overpay but for the most part they will see what programming can generate as far as advertising and they bid accordingly. The problem that more college FB programming faces is that there are already many options in the prime viewing times, say noon to 9/10PM on Saturday so NBC having a BE FB game on in that time period means that game will have to draw viewers away from the other more established conferences. Tieing a BE game to their ND game may help but people do channel surf and soon many of the ND viewers will be elsewhere either before or after the ND game. ConnHuskBask, I am not going to quote your whole post, but two thoughts: 1) The ACC contract that was SIGNED is for an average of $155/year for 10 years, or $13MM/school/year. ESPN announced that they had upped it to $17MM/school/year with the addition of Syracuse and Pitt, after the ACC agreed to throw a lot of new content into the deal. ESPN is under no obligation to renegotiate anything. There is an ASSUMPTION by some, that ESPN has factored in membership changes into the ACC deal, which is why it came in so light relative to the schools involved. 2) The championships you speak of with Pitt and Syracuse were decades ago. TCU and Utah have some recent success, as does WVU. The Texas A&M national title in football was during the war buildup prior to World War II. I had to look it up because I didn't realize they had ever won anything. You are right, that title is why the SEC took them. Missouri has been historically terrible at football, and they have the most NCAA Tournament appearances without a Final Four. Good work. A little off-topic but just heard Ed Cunningham over at College Football Live calling for "cooler heads" to prevail to stop the ACC defections and saying that ND and Texas will always be more valuable commodities than the others so if your making less money you should "get over it". Don't know what that has to do with anything but boy did he sound desperate. "The idea that the ACC is dead is ridiculous to me." After more thought, if the scenario does play out, I'm now inclined to let BCU rot in hades and pay for their crimes and bring UMass into the conference. Initially, I was hung up on old Big East stuff BCU had done for the conference < 2003 as well as a new Prez and AD to work with . However, thoses days are long gone and BCU is damaged goods and the only positive in taking them back at this juncture would be that we took them back from the acc, which may not be saying a lot it's blown to smithereens as I hope it is. If this conference is going to succeed it must focus on moving forward than going backwards. And bringing BCU back is going backwards. Let them stew in what they did. The BIG EAST conference without proper representation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a conference with a lost identity. UMass, because it's New England and because it's foaming at the mouth to be included on the college athletic map is a better addition than memphis, ucf, smu, houston sdsu and bringing back BCU will ever be. All it needs is the same venue with new leadership that UConn, RU, Cuse and alike have had to elevated their profiles; named the Big East Conference Bringing the Flagship university of Massachusetts into the conference will undoubtedly elevate high school football in the state and is a better match up for the conference and UConn. High school players will aspire to play in the Big East. Currently, UConn is the only regional Big East option. Now with UMass as an option, it raises the competition bar for talent and forces UConn to step its game up. In the south where college football has replaced cotton as king, high school championships are played in pro stadiums. Playing games in pro stadiums is big time and a big difference in the minds of kids. For UMass to play its 6-7 home games on the same field as the Patriotss is a big deal. Perception wise UMass may not have the cache of other programs. But given a Big East invite, the outcomes may be as strong. Huge upside. It's a mathetmatical sleight of hand. The word backloaded was used over and over (like the PAc-12 it's a 6% yearly escalator contract) . By my calcs that extra $4 million a year broke down half and half like so. $30 million of that $60 million is in the back end years that pay approx $22 mil, $23 mil and $24 mil each year. That's $30 million higher than a simple $13 mil average in those 3 years. The rest, $2 mil a year, is new money based on rights concessions. Separate names with a comma.

A round of plain stockinette should not take a full week, but this one did. Hey, I've been busy. I had company, I got a new job, "South Park" was on, the sun was in my eyes, Dolores and Victorine are sewing costumes in the living room and Harry choked on a bugle bead, there are nine hundred unread e-mails in my box...you know, the usual. As I prepare to begin the edging, it seems appropriate to pause and commit to electronic immortality the lessons I have learned while working the center square and borders. - Knitting swatches is vital to the success of a lace project. - Knitting swatches is a waste of time, because swatches fucking lie. - Do not knit from the center of a center-pull ball of laceweight. It will snarl beyond rescue, and you will attempt to kill the next person you see. - You can never use too many stitch markers. - Keep your work-in-progress away from colored liquids, Velcro, curious toddlers, grabby old women, chocolate, spring rain, airport security, zippers, smokers, and the rear deltoid machine at the gym. - Ted was right. Don't count rows, count pattern repeats. If you count rows, you will stop knitting entirely and stare out the window at all the people walking by who are not knitting lace, and try to imagine a time when you, too, will not be knitting lace, and decide this time will never come, and consider stabbing yourself with both ends of your Addi Turbo. - The road to Hell is paved with nupps. - At some point, you will be tempted to just bind off and call it a doily. - If you set about counting a round of 840 stitches without first clearing the room of friends and family, go ahead and call the ambulance first. It will save time later on. - A large lace project will teach you that you are much more of an idiot, and far more clever, than you ever suspected. 78 comments: Lace knitting ending and a new job? Lace knitting ending and a new job! Type on this entry should be in red! :) laceweight + center pull ball = ax murder... (Details on the new job would be lovely, too.) Congratulations on completing the center of the shawl, starting a new job, and everything else that's good in your life. And thanks for the tips. I've yet to undertake lace knitting, but I sure feel more prepared for it now! Saddly, I've already learned number three the hard way. I fear that project may never be finished. And do you really think you can casually drop a reference to a new job and not get pestered for all the details? I don't remember reading about a four-poster bed, let alone a new job ... WTF, a new job? I knew you were a tease, my boy, but that is just cruel. Tell, tell tell!!! (Congratulations on the lace. Now I'm scared to start some, but that's probably just as well). Yay for you 'Frank' ( i see your visitor called you that..in my mind you are Franklin still :P ) You must feel like you've climbed a lace mountain! You like opera? have you seen this utube? It's incredible As always, i love how your writing is true. I am sooo glad the lace shawl I'm knitting is really a rectangular stole. There may be more rows, but at least none of them is 900 stitches long! I, too, am dying to hear about the new job!! I can't think of anyone more deserving of a new job, with the possible exception of Dubya. Congrats. (Oh, wait, it's all of us who deserve a new job for Dubya.) "Woo hoo--congratulations!" says she who has never managed to finish a lace project that wasn't a dishcloth. I swear, I shall never, ever, ever knit lace around curious toddlers or grabby old women. Which latter may be difficult, as I'm well on my way to becoming a grabby old woman. Congrats on ending the center! Is this anything like contemplating a mandala??? And yowsa, poor David; but it sounds like you took good care of him once you got hold of him. [g] You got a new job?!?? GIVE! *kof* Please? ;) I assume Dolores broke the old bed (accounting for the new one) and admire your tact in not putting forth the details. A new job? Tease!!! You know we need to know a at least a little about that. I seriously didn't know about center pull ball and laceweight, although I doubt that's the problem I have knitting with a cobweb. Congrats on all the accomplishments and on foiling murder by Addi. Were the grabby old woman hanging around the rear-deltoid machine at the gym? If so, I'd like to introduce them to some gawking old geezers who hang out at my gym. I swear I'm going to put googly eys on my workout shirts. Woohoo! New job! Congrats. Well, I have remembered the cryptic remark about the meeting with the bosses and how you never followed up on it. It has been nagging at me since and I knew at some point you'd make a reference that would clarify the situation. You have. I want to hear all about it. I have learned some of your points from my daughter, Jen, because I'm too wussy to start a lace project. Congratulations on your new situation and the new "company" and your entire life. I look forward to meeting you at SM (that's Stitches Midwest, thanks) Margaret from Tex What new job? New job? Thought you'd just sneak that one past us, huh? Like we wouldn't notice? Congrats on the lace and on the job! I just ordered yarn for two Glencora-like projects today. What's that? Don't pull from the center of a pull ball? Gee, wish I had said that. Hey, wait, I did! How wonderful that you knitted one shawl. It will be a great family heirloom when passed to the next niece or nephew. NEW JOB?! Where are the details? We'd love to see the completed shawl--I'm sure it's going to be breathtakingly gorgeous. Congratulations on completing a bunch of life stages! --Judy Oh nice. New job, visitor, near-death-experience-with-a-bugle-bead and you leave us hanging? Thanks. I'm in the midst of my first real lace experience and would only add that if you're knitting with cobweb-weight yarn, put on glasses whether you wear them or not. You'll need them by the time the project is over (if not by the end of the 3rd row). Congrats on the lace! Yonkele! Congrats on the new job! I hope it brings you closer to nirvana. I'm afraid to ask -- is it in Chicago? I shall cry. even with out the pictures, i am SO proud of you...plus i know the pictures are comming soon to a blog near you marie in florida OOOO -- so anxious I am to see your gorgeeous lace (before you send it off and with then with baby!) A new job! How exciting!!! Congratulations! Both on the shawl and the new job! And best of luck with the borders and the new employment. New job? Congrats! #3 is painfully true. Not so long ago I threw a skein and project still on needles across the room and swore like a sailor to my husband ("Throw the damn stuff out, it's not worth it!!") Bless him, he sat for the rest of the evening picking out the knots and rewound the ball and told me I wasn't to touch it until my demeanor was a little nicer (the yarn is still in its baggie untouched). I agree with you on the nupps too. Shoot, I agree with you on all the points. A new job? Is it promising? And that bit about no such thing as too many markers also saves you from the one involving counting 840 stitches. Do not knit from the center of a center-pull ball of laceweight. It will snarl beyond rescue, and you will attempt to kill the next person you see. This was the very first lesson I learned about lace knitting. :-( Well, right after learning that I couldn't be relied on to count to five consistently.... Sherri So I can forgive you for not wishing me a happy birthday then, if you done went out and got a new job that isn't soul-sucking and horrible. I'm thrilled for you. Clever idiots are the best kind. Idiotic clever people, however... :-) You did NOT count the rows. Please tell me you did not count the rows. Ouch. So, when are you starting your next lace project?! Thanks for the tip about not pulling from the center of the ball with lace-weight yarn...I'm about to start my first lace item (a simple tunic), and I would have done that automatically... Holla that to the nupps comment. Gee wiz, I mean, they look fantastic, but man are they tiresome. I bet there's some kind of lace-related koan. India Knitting swatches don't lie. They just don't behave the way you think they should. But that's why you work them. I'm sure there's some huge spiritual lesson in that, somewhere. New job? Spill it, dude. I've never understood the whole center pull concept. I knit from the outside so it doesn't collapse on itself halfway-through. I mean, really, what's supposed to support a half-knitted ball of yarn if you've pulled the yarn from the center? You're just asking for a snarl. Knit from the outside, and the ball just gets smaller but doesn't collapse. (I knit for years before I even realized that other people knit from the center.) LOL!!! Loved the list. Only you could make the pain feel so good! ;-) Sneak. The new job thing totally slipped past me. What? The lace is complete and there's no pictures...what's up?? Thanks for the link to nupps, btw, they look like something suitable to focus my OCD on... Okay, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who picked up on the new job thing. I kept looking at recent posts thinking, "Did I miss something?" Evidentally, I wasn't the only one! Spill, baby! And while you are at it, I'm job searching too (first big one after the SAHM years), so send some good job vibes this way! :-) You certainly made me laugh! Every single one of them is true as can be! ask me how I know! Wow congrats on new job, can't wait to hear more. And this whole list made me laugh. Fair warning for my inevitable eventual descent into lace. RE: counting stitches -- I read the section from the Yarn Harlot's book on not being interrupted when counting stitches and now my husband always says "The dryer's on fire!" when he hears me counting. Also good to know not to pull lace yarn from the center. For the person who asked why you would ever pull from the center -- for non-lace, where you want the yarn to be fully relaxed, pulling the yarn from the center helps the yarn to further relax as it squooshes into the center. Also it doesn't roll around when you pull more out. Works great for sock yarn. Tea - keep your lace away from your tea, particularly if you take sugar in it! My lace has survived sugared tea (only just), velcro, university, camping, grass seeds from camping, my cat and grabby toddlers, teenages and old people, and a centrepull ball. It's still only halfway there Um, yeah, new job. Details, please. Congrats on the new job - and what it is about NYC to Chicago or Chicago to NYC that seems to lure all the air travel gremlins out to play hell with our plans? I mean, in theory it's a painless 2 hr. flight, but it almost never seems to go that way... For your next lace project, try the new Addi Lace needles -- much pointier, sharper, and more dangerous. Well done Franklin, I knew you had it in you:) And what new job? Enquiring minds need to know Congratulations and bravo on the advice. Please say the new job has something to do with a book. NEW JOB!! NEW JOB??!! I hope this brings as much mental relief as I suspect it will. And I hope it is a rewarding persuit! And what a milestone — finishing a lace shawl. Bravo! Amen to #3! I have often questioned the wisdom of always working from a center pull. Can't stand the resulting yarn barf and expletives. I love #2 and #10 too. :) The muggles just don't understand our sense of pride and accomplishment in *finishing* a challenging project. New job! Details, Franklin, details! Please say it's in Chicago. I'll be terribly disappointed to find out that I'm moving to Chicago but I won't get to meet you. Linda Dude! You got a new job? I hope it's a zillion times better. Now dish! (See, the news pulled me out of lurkdom.) #7... so true! After the swallowtail shawl, I'm looking to trade my lily-of-the-valley pattern for ANYTHING!!! Great list and HURRAY on the job!!! I disagree completely with #4, but the rest of the list had me in stitches (no pun intended). Congratulations on the shawl milestone! P.S. Looking forward to reading the scoop on your new job. As I begin my 1st lace project I appreciate your honest lessons learned! Although I think I already knew the truth about swatches, the bastards. Can't wait to see a pic of your shawl. OK - regarding the new job, think the 5 Ws: who what where when why? ALL o' us inkwiring minds need to know. You realize too, do you not, we're perched white-knuckled at our keyboards waiting to see pictures of the lace? It'll inspire some of us to try knitting lace - and the rest to return to the comfort of our warshrags... Franklin, you're a really smart man and so I think I'll take your expertise to heart and save risking myself to the lace grief. The rear deltoid machine at the gym? I shudder... New job: all the gory details, please. Great list! You are a very wise person -- like one of those yogis sitting on a mountaintop, but with lace. :) Ahem. A new job? Have I mentioned how much I love reading your blog? I may have, but in the event I have not, let me just say, I love reading your blog. I love it when you leave your posts up for a day or two. I love to come back and re-read them. "Just bind off and call it a doily" was the total crack-up line for me this time. But it was all the fun leading up to it, and following, that I also truly enjoy. Thanks, thanks, thanks for another wonderful read. MaryB I thought I was the only one with the nupp issue! I have one to add to your list: keep you knitting away from large breed puppies. At 13 weeks they are tall enough to reach your lap without leaving the floor. Which would be why I have gotten exactly 4 rows of the mohair lace done in the last month. Sigh. Thanks for the list of lessons learned - really helpful as I'm in the middle of my first shawl project. So does the new job have anything to do with Stitches Midwest? Not that we're curious or anything. But it would be wonderful if it was fiber related. I'm glad you're free of the JFH. Yep. Pattern repeats, not rows. Especially when you're working on 500 plus stitches. Whoa, whoa! Back up the horse! New JOB? Spill. Oh, Franklin. Raising my needles to you in solidarity...got some lace going on over here, chock full o'nupps. (And hey, where did you sneak the nupps in, anyway? I don't remember them being part of your original plan...) Knit on, brother. Yessir - I totally lost it on "The road to hell is paved with nupps" I want that put on my headstone. Nupps are only on every third entrelac rectangle of the(otherwise quite lovely) Forest Path Stole. I'd cringe as I started each and every one of those rectangles. I guess I finally learned enough to LOOSELY add those stitches on the prior row, but I still did an ecstatic jig when the final nupp was done. Good luck on the edging. I have not yet tried a large lace knitting project, but reading your entries is both petrifying and educational. Today I learned about nupps! (thank you for providing the click through - these tiny things mean so much to me!) congrats on the new job!!! you have too many comments for me to see if someone has already suggested the addi lace turbos for your lace knitting. It makes the nupp-ing SO MUCH MORE pleasant. I hated the nupps. i was cursing Nancy Bush for making such beautiful Estonian lace patterns that I wanted to re-create but was getting hand cramps from dealing with all those effing nupps. Seriously. They make nupps almost enjoyable. Your lace knitting rules are exactly correct, though I am sure the list itself is a work in progress. Thanks very much for your blog; it is a pleasure to read. I think I would have gone crazy knitting all that lace. Absolutely true--but so well said. That comment alone should get you not just a job, but an advance for your next (first?) book. Congratulations- it must feel soooo good to be done! And it will feel even better to see it used :) You are a wise man. Nupps are a tool of satan. I laughed so hard at your list. Thanks for the warning, because I am about to unleash the monster under the bed...that is, the laceweight stash. Mother help us. "Bind off and call it a doily" just cracked me up! I always have to stock up on stichmarkers when I knit lace, different colors and I need a chart just to remember what they are there to remind me of. Pretty effective piece of writing, thanks for the post.

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Allie's not big into leisurely jaunts. All too often, when I take her for a walk, she gets a funny (evil?) glint in her eye and proceeds to grab her leash with her mouth. Occasionally, she simply holds it as we walk along together. More often, though, she pulls in the direction opposite the way we're traveling in an effort to start a game of sidewalk tug-of-war. Because I consider a tranquil walk with one's dog to be one of life's greatest joys, Allie's efforts to pump up the volume during our walks used to really bug me. I'd get impatient, I'd get angry, I'd try to get her to let go of the leash by giving her the "drop it" cue (which she would ignore) -- all of which seemed to spur her into holding onto the leash, shaking it and otherwise working harder to get me to play with her. The funny thing is, for the longest time I didn't realize her desire to play was what was prompting her leash-grabbing. She wasn't trying to be obnoxious. She wasn't trying to be difficult. She simply wanted me to play her favorite game with her, and was suggesting that we do so in the only way she knew how. Unfortunately, I was too busy being annoyed with her to listen, much less respond appropriately. How often do our dogs try to tell us something, only to find that we don't understand what they're trying to communicate--or worse, that we don't even try to understand? How often, conversely, do we shove own agendas down their throats without even realizing that we're doing so? How often do we miss opportunities to really connect with our dogs because we're too busy doing something else? How often do we really pay attention? How often are our relationships with our dogs more like one-way streets in which we set the agenda? How often do we give them a chance to do so? These days, when Allie plays the leash-grabbing game, I respond very differently from the way I used to. If I'm not in the mood to play, I just keep the leash slack, and refrain from looking at her. When I do that, she understands pretty quickly that tug is not going to happen right now, drops the leash, and we continue on our way. Other times, though, I'll use my special Allie voice (sort of like baby-talk, but not really) and ask her, "Allie, are you feeling evil? Are you The Evil One?" and let her pull the leash a little bit. Sometimes we both stand still while she tugs; other times we continue walking while we play. In any case, there's no more negativity or impatience from me when Allie asks to play sidewalk tug. That said, I'm glad we've got a durable leather leash. Video Update on Lilly’s Brain Inflammation 13 hours ago 8 comments: Love this post. I have to be careful about such requests turning into non-stop attention seeking behaviors, but I do try to say "Yes" to many of Lilly's requests because she so often says "Yes" to mine. P.S. Remember clueless man who tried to train his dogs at my dogs' expense? Saw him again today. Managed to get the dogs inside w/o too much fuss, but then I watched him White Knuckle it, one dog in each hand, on their walk. And, I thought ... that doesn't look like fun for either of them. Yuck. Poop puppies! It must be frustrating for dogs to try to communicate with humans and have their messages ignored. I resolve to do better. Me, too, Jan. I sometimes think that if our dogs could speak English, they'd give us quite a lecture about our lack of communications skills. And Roxanne, I meant to say "poor" puppies, not "poop" puppies :) Bailey used to grab the leash also. I wonder if it's a Golden thing? I don't think she was trying to initiate play, though. My daughter pointed out once she always did it halfway during our circular walk. She did this when we lived in Albuquerque, and then repeated it here. I assumed it was her way of saying, "I know the way from here, let me show you." Sometimes I'd just let go and lay the leash on her back, and off she'd prance. It gave passersby a laugh. Maybe it is a Golden thing, Kathy. I'm glad you could let Bailey run on ahead; in our NoVA suburban neighborhood, I wouldn't dare. When we go to a nearby park, though, I let her run ahead on the path -- and we practice our recalls :) My Labs also do this, usually towards the end of our walks. The oldest will take hold of the leash of the next oldest, and so on. Now that we're down to two dogs, there's not a train of Labs heading to the door. Gracie also grabs her leash when we go to the vet, as if to say, "Yes, I know the way in, and I know the way out." Well, maybe it's just a very short train of Labs, Linda ;-)

Hubris and Humility: Christian Perplexity at the Pluralism of Faith by S Parvez Manzoor Dead are theories of racial superiority; dying are notions of cultural exclusivism, but alive and well are claims of religious uniqueness. What is superstition to biology and taboo to anthropology is not anathema to the church. The scientist possesses no value-judgment, the academic shuns it but the man of faith lives for his values. To his opponents, he is a norm unto himself, an incarnation of his own supreme value, hubris. Self-worship not self-denial, they charge, is the hallmark of religious faith. Submission to the call of a higher authority, however, is the essence of faith. No religious consciousness is worthy of its name if it does not humble itself before the Other. In the realm of faith, the Other commands and the self obeys; Other is the Lord and self is the servant. Humility, then, lies at the heart of religion and gives sustenance to the life of faith. Hence, if faith is its own mistress, it also rides an unruly and recalcitrant conscience. Perhaps no other religious tradition is as plagued by the paradox of humility and hubris as the church of Rome which is (was) both imperial and catholic. And no other contemporary thinker testifies to the resources and constraints of the Catholic intellect and conscience as the Swiss theologian and clergymen, Hans Küng. For, despite his banishment (In 1979, over a row on the question of infallibility, Rome withdrew its license (missio canonica) and denied Küng the right to teach as a Catholic theologian), Hans Küng has pursued without interruption his academic career at the university of Thbingen. He has also continued to behave as ‘a priest of the Ecclesia catholica’ and ‘teach the Christian truth in Catholic breadth and depth’. Nor does Küng have, even after a lapse of 15 years, any compunctions about describing his life’s mission as ‘the teaching of the Catholic doctrine as a Catholic priest.’ A man of immense erudition, energy and humanity, Hans Küng, more than any other German-speaking theologian, has been instrumental in shaping the English-speaking world’s perceptions of the Catholic faith. In fact, Küng’s theological and moral reflections extend far beyond his ecclesiastical concerns. Despite his estrangement from the Church, he has taken upon himself the role of the intellectual spokesman of Catholic Christianity and conducted on this basis a series of very intense and earnest dialogues with all the major challengers to the Catholic doctrine, viz. philosophy, science, ethics, Judaism and other non-Christian faiths. His creativity, vigour and endurance have been truly amazing. He is as prolific as he is profound and original. The volume, Hans Küng: New Horizon for Faith and Thought, was dedicated to Küng in 1993 when he celebrated his sixty-fifth birthday. It is not a Festschrift in the customary manner, nor does it provide to the uninitiated reader an introduction to his life and thought. On the contrary, it is a very erudite and demanding book which presupposes familiarity not only with Küng’s own works but also with the debate that surrounds them. As a ‘workbook’, it probes, with rigour and profundity, the wider theological, philosophical, ethical and anthropological implications of Küng’s faith and teachings and thus provides the serious student a convenient entry point to the contemporary debate in Christianity. Despite its omission of certain articles and the abbreviation of the complete bibliography that appeared in the original German edition, the present volume does supply the English reader with a more than adequate and relevant list of Hans Küng’s writings. The structure of the book follows Küng’s own intellectual itinerary and contains the following signposts: ‘Church; Catholicity; The Ecumenical World [the common Christian umma]; Christology and the Doctrine of God [Trinity, Incarnation etc.]; Dialogues with Judaism; World Religions; and Effects [Cross-cultural dialogue].’ The editors liken the plan of the book to ‘seven concentric circles’ where one progressively moves outward from the centre (the church) to Catholicity, to Christian unity, to dialogues with Judaism and other religions, till one reaches the outermost edge, the non-religious world. Notwithstanding the high intellectual calibre of the individual pieces, it goes without saying that much of what the volume contains is not of interest to the Muslim reader. Indeed, some of it is incomprehensible as well! By contrast, the only Muslim contribution, by Abdoljavad Falaturi, is relatively slim and meagre in form (9 pages) but incommensurably richer in substance and meaning. Besides being a critical survey of the contemporary religious and theological debate in which Hans Küng’s thought serves as the pivot, the book has another, more practical, aim: ‘the rehabilitation of Hans Küng as a Catholic theologian’! It is in this regard that such human sentiments, nay passions, are unabashedly made public as: “Küng’s theology has drawn and still draws on the seed-bed of his own church, in which - much to the sorrow of some of his opponents - he has put down viable roots.” Otherwise, there are petitions to the supreme authority of the Church: “Holy Father!... We appeal to your responsibility and your conscience: make good a wrong that has been done! Do not leave the rehabilitation of Küng to history! Make your personal action a blessing for the church!”. Even to the outsider, however, the following rhetorical question, posed by Heinrich Fries, is not without significance: “Is the Catholic church so narrow that it cannot tolerate a man like Küng, or is it so rich that it can dispense with him?” Not all the topics treated in this immensely rich and rewarding work, it has been suggested earlier, merit the Muslim reader’s close attention. Quite exceptional, then, is the solitary but sterling contribution by Abdoljavad Falaturi which reflects on the problem of ‘Christian Theology and the Western Understanding of Islam’. To start with, Falaturi’s immediate response to Hans Küng’s recent work, Christianity and World Religions (English edition: Collins, London, 1987; paperback re-issue by SCM Press, London, 1993) which claims to be a ‘dialogue with Islam’ is that ‘it is not a dialogue with Islam but with Islamic scholars’ (Exclusively Western but most notably Josef van Ess). Hans Küng, in other words, has yet to carry out his dialogue with Islam. His forthcoming book on Islam, one feels, should give an indication of whether Küng intends to encounter ‘Islam’ through the mediation of a living Muslim scholar or whether he will continue to rely on his Orientalist mentors. Falaturi, on his part, does not deliver a critique of Küng’s book, or dwell on its individual faults. Instead, he concentrates on its ambition to act ‘as a model example of both an apt Western understanding of Islam and a well-disposed Christian theological position on it.’ Unfortunately, the basic moral prerequisites of a ‘dialogue of religions and cultures’, namely ‘the attempt to understand conversation partners as they understand themselves’ and, on a religious level, the inner preparedness ‘to concede that the love and mercy of God is also to be found among those of other faiths and is not present only among those who share one’s own beliefs’, are not always present in Western/Christian responses to Islam. Far more pervasive are cultural and emotional factors, the negative attitudes towards each other from the starting point, which render every Christian-Muslim dialogue a truly daunting experience. Even more problematic and frustrating is the situation on the academic, particularly theological, level. For, Falaturi makes it perfectly clear that ‘in their present form and status the phenomenology of religion and comparative religion are a specifically Western achievement, and the scientific vocabulary developed to this end is not value-neutral. The necessary concepts, propositions and arguments have been derived predominantly from Christian theology and Western spiritual life or have been oriented on new forms of it.’ (His italics. One may further underscore this point by noting that one of the ‘classics’ of phenomenology of religion, Rudolf Otto’s paradigmatic The Idea of the Holy (First published in 1917; English translation published by Oxford University Press, 1923, Re-issue, Pelikan Books, 1959) appears, to the unconditioned Muslim reader at least, as an undisguised apology of the Christian doctrine. Indeed, even later phenomenolgists are not free from the Christian bias. See our review of W.C. Smith’s What is Scripture? in MWBR, XIV:4 (Summer 1994), pp 3-8.) The main problem of the dialogue, and the logical starting-point of any phenomenological discussion, Falaturi believes, should be the realization that religious phenomena and religious experiences do not belong to easily transferable mental categories. Hence, due recognition must be given to the fact that Christianity and Islam present two different models of faith, each of which has its own significant claim. Falaturi then delineates his own phenomenological portrait of Islam as ‘the firm conviction that the revealed guidance corresponds as a light to that “orientation on God” which God has given on their way to human beings, as the only vehicles of the divine Spirit, by their justly created nature (fitra), is of decisive significance for the Islamic system of faith; here is a consistent correspondence between creation and revelation. So guidance is not something forced on human beings from outside. Rather, within the framework of divine mercy it is a necessity without which human being will not be in a position to attain the highest goal, the presence of God.’ The point, quite simply is that Guidance as God’s mercy is to Islam what divine love and salvation are to Christianity. ‘Neither of them’, he asserts further, ‘can be transferred to the other.’ According to Falaturi, these fundamental phenomenological difference entail that apart from the completely irreconcilable christologies of Islam and Christianity, even other central concepts such as scripture, faith, religion, prophecy etc. take on different meanings. Thus, while scripture in Christian theology largely looses its significance under the shadow of Jesus, in Islam, as a manifestation of God’s mercy and guidance ‘it represents the possibility of being addressed directly by God and thus of experiencing God consciously anew.’ Another point of capital importance in any Christian-Muslim dialogue is the fundamental rejection of the biblical accounts of prophecy on the part of the Qur’an which, in Falaturi’s opinion, ‘should give a historian freed from the pressures of apologetics occasion to revise the ill-considered thesis that the Qur’an is written off by the Bible.’ Consistent with the phenomenological and dialogical sensitivity is Falaturi’s observation that Islamic theology has developed no vocabulary for a scientific assessment of other religions. Regrettably, he notes further, Muslim theologians are not fully cognizant of the otherness of Christian theology, ‘which to the present has spread its wings into all the humanities.’ Nor do they have any inkling of its spiritual power, its scope and its massive involvement with the dynamics and problems of the secular world. Hence, not only with a view to a fruitful dialogue but also in its own interest, even if purely academic, Islamic theology need to enter a new scientific phase and familiarize itself with Christian theology. Few thinking Muslims will, of course, dispute this conclusion. Even if Hans Küng’s pioneering work Christianity and the World Religions, concludes Falaturi, is not a dialogue in that there is no conversation in it with the living representatives of Islam, it does have an attraction of its own: Islam - seen from outside - is presented in the categories of Western thought and there are reflections on it from the perspective of Christian theology. Thus, ‘despite all the resentment that Muslims may nurse at such an attempt, the achievement and significance of the work remains undisputed.’ The disturbing aspects of the study emanate not so much from the perception of Hans Küng the Catholic theologian as from that of Hans Küng the representative of Western Machtmensch who declares without the least compunction: ‘But let us admit that Islam continues for us primarily alien, politically and economically more threatening than Hinduism or Buddhism, and at any rate a phenomenon which we find it difficult to understand.’ To this Falaturi gives the following, thoughtful yet unambiguous, retort: ‘How can a Hindu, a Buddhist, or in particular a Muslim dialogue partner carry on a serious dialogue when they know from the beginning that in the eyes of the Christian participant they are seen as “threatening” or even very threatening? For what reason is the dialogue now being carried out? To diminish the threat? Is that an aim of the dialogue? And who is threatened and for what reasons? In this way, will not any basis for a dialogue on equal footing be ruled out right from the start?’ It is obvious that in Küng’s dialogue with Islam much more than mere theological sensibility is at stake. The problem of the rapacious ethic of industrial society, and its viability in a truly universal system, also looms large in his vision. He is further distressed by the possibility that Muslim opposition to Western science and technology may create a permanent rift between North and South. That the Islamic commitment also entails active struggle against all forms of oppression and injustice causes him merely parochial worries. Thus, Falaturi is obliged to point out most emphatically that Islam as a religious system does not represent any anti-Western propensity. Rather, the thrust of its revival is directed against the pseudo-values of the permissive modern culture which Küng himself describes as ‘inappropriate both for Islam and Christianity.’ Despite everything, however, both Küng and Falaturi appear to be in agreement that the common challenge for Christian and Islamic theology lies in creating, within the matrix of ‘a new ecumenical paradigm of secularity viewed against a religious background’, a third way between ‘either’ and ‘or’. There can be no doubt that Abdoljavad Falaturi’s intense reflection on the intellectual and spiritual context of Muslim-Christian dialogue is both sensitive and bold. He has responded to Hans Küng’s initiative at the Christian-Muslim dialogue with energy, creativity and humanity. From now on, every future effort to extend the scope of this dialogue is under obligation to take into account the full import of Falaturi’s vision. One of the most vigorous challenges to Hans Küng’s theology, unnegotiably committed to upholding the ‘uniqueness’ of Jesus, comes from the members of ‘the pluralistic theology of religions’ group. In their opinion, Küng’s view presents an insurmountable obstacle for the Christian dialogue with other religions. The most audible, and cogent, voice in this critical chorus is that of John Hick, even if such esteemed thinkers as Wilfred Cantwell Smith also belong to the pluralist school. The challenge of the pluralistic theology is best expressed by the metaphor ‘crossing the theological Rubicon’. It should be understood, according to Paul Kittner, as: ‘To cross it means to recognize clearly, unambiguously, the possibility that other religions exercise a role in salvational history that is not only valuable and salvific but perhaps equal to that of Christianity; it is to affirm that there may be other saviours and revealers besides Jesus Christ. It is to admit that if other religions must be fulfilled in Christianity, Christianity must, just as well, find fulfilment in them.’ The Anglican John Hick is even more outspoken in his advocacy of a God-centered rather than a Christ-centered faith: ‘The Idea of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ are in fact incomprehensible to most people. In comparison, a non-traditional Christian faith can be genuinely simple and yet profound. Consider the belief that there is an ultimate Reality which is the source and ground of everything; that this Reality is benign in relation to human life; that the universal presence of this Reality is reflected (‘incarnated’) in human terms in the lives of the world’s great spiritual leaders; and that among these we have found Jesus to be our principal revelation of the Real and our principal guide for living.’ (The Metaphor of God Incarnate, p 163) The pluralist objection is motivated by ethical considerations and emanates from a utopian vision of a world community of faith(s). From this perspective, the idea that Christianity, or even biblical faiths, have a monopoly on religious truth, proclaims the feminist theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether, ‘is an outrageous and absurd religious chauvinism.’ Other objectors, such as Gregory Baum, have argued that Küng’s stress on the centrality and uniqueness of Jesus, his ideological ‘rhetoric of exclusion’, favours a division of the world into ‘Christians’ and ‘non-Christians’ and that this language affects the way the church thinks and treats ‘outsiders.’ Indeed, it makes the church ‘vulnerable to evil’. Baum also refers to the persecution of the Jews as a classic example of this ‘rhetoric of exclusion.’ Küng has been criticized even on historical grounds in that his assertion about the uniqueness of Jesus cannot be substantiated by the exercise of the historical method. Kenneth Brewer has summed up the whole pluralist debate in ‘The Uniqueness of Christ and the Challenge of the Pluralist Theology of Religions’ (Kuschel and Häring: pp 198-215). Indeed, he has recapitulated Küng’s basic argument and even tried to defend his exclusivist position. Neither the Küng’s argument, nor Brewer’s defence, however, are sufficiently alert to the philosophical antinomy of ‘history’ and ‘norm’, the clash between historical reflection and the determination of standards of truth and value, which was introduced in the Christian debate by Ernst Troeltsch and which since then has continued to plague Christian reason. Indeed, the Church’s main argument against Küng’s Christology, articulated by Cardinal Höffner, has been precisely this, namely that Küng’s method ‘from below’ and his emphasis upon functional categories reduced Christ’s uniqueness to that of any religious reformer! Further, Küng’s reasons for postulating the uniqueness of Jesus and his comparisons with other founders of religion are so schematic and slanted that these can only be accepted as statements of faith. By no means do they count as ‘facts of history.’ (Needless to say, Küng is outrageously perverse in the case of Islam and envisions the mission of the Prophet as ‘world conquest’ and the establishment of an ‘expansionist state’!) The unconventional Festschrift dedicated to Hans Küng is thus a conventional example of Christian hubris, just as John Hick’s The Metaphor of God Incarnate is that of its humility. Earlier, Hick had acquired instant notoriety by presenting a collective work, The Myth of God Incarnate (SCM Press, London, 1977), which asserted that the conception of Jesus as God incarnate, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity living a human life, is mythological, and hence, cannot be accepted as literal truth. Though the book did not say anything that the biblical scholars had not already discussed in learned journals, its popular format and combative posture did help generate a lot of controversy. The present volume sums up the earlier debate and presents its argument against literalism with scholarly calm and ecumenical pathos. The impartial Muslim reviewer may sum the main insight of ‘de-incarnationist’ theology as the, belated, realization that the Jewish expression ‘son of God’ is metaphoric, that it denotes no ontological relationship, no participation by the person so named in the divine nature. Rather, it connotes a moral state. The doctrine of incarnation, then, represents a transformation of the Jewish (monotheistic) moral metaphor into a Greek (polytheistic) metaphysical theory. Moreover, none of what the Church proclaimed of Jesus, according to Hick, would have been acceptable, indeed even comprehensible, to him. In short, Hick wants to give up some of the historical, and historicising, ‘truths’ of the Christian tradition for the recovery of the Transcendent. Lest some Muslims misconstrue Hick’s revisionist theology as a rehabilitation of the Qur’anic criticism of incarnationist Christianity, it is merely proper to point out that his excessive emphasis on religious pluralism, and his Ibn-‘Arabian language of Transcendent Reality, smacks more of existential pantheism than of the Qur’anic transcendentalism. For the Muslim reader, however, Hick’s book is particularly informative, and instructive, of the historical and ideational matrix within which primitive Christianity’s radical departure from Hebrew monotheism took place. For the Muslim, far more challenging than Christian hubris and far more encouraging than Christian humility is the prospect of a radical ethical discourse on our common humanity. Hans Küng’s pioneering effort at the formulation of a global ethic, no matter how tentative and how problematic, deserves to be lauded and supported by the Muslim. The declaration, presented in Küng’s and Kuschel’s edited volume, A Global Ethic, was formally adopted by ‘the Parliament of World’s Religions’ in September 1993. Of course, to the votaries of political realism it appears as hopelessly utopian and naive document. And yet, though one may squabble about its legality, one may question the legitimacy of the adopting body, one may raise a thousand objections against its individual provisions, one cannot disclaim its need. The goal of a universal Gemeinschaft may be far, and it may even turn out to be a mirage, but the path leading to it has to be trodden. The discourse of Global Ethic may be taken as a humble step on that path and a conscientious movement in that direction. The motivation for a universal ethic is quite simple. Everyone recognizes that we are already living within the world wide web of a global society (Weltgesellschaft), though as yet there are no signs of a universal community (Weltgemeinschaft). Our reality, which is increasingly shaped by world politics, world technology, world economy and world civilization cannot therefore do without a world ethic. In utopian discourse, the terminology itself causes problems: Global Ethic (not ‘ethics’ as it refers to the system or the ‘science’ of morals) represents the English counterpart to the German ‘Weltethos’ and the French ‘éthique planétaire’) and conveys the idea of universal norms of conduct in a global society. However, according to its proponents, a global ethic means neither a global ideology, nor a single global religion that transcends all existing religions, nor a syncratic amalgam of all religious traditions. Nor does a global ethic, assures Hans Küng, seek to replace the high ethics of the individual religions with an ethical minimalism. Prior to the presentation of his draft, Küng also realized that the declaration of a global ethic must neither be a duplicate of the United Nations’ ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’, nor a casuistic moral sermon, nor a philosophical treatise, nor a religious proclamation, nor indeed a political manifesto. In substance, the Declaration makes ‘a fundamental demand that every human being must be treated humanely’ and affirms ‘commitment to a culture of non-violence’, ‘commitment to a culture of solidarity and a just economic order’, ‘commitment to a culture of toleration and a life of truthfulness’, and ‘commitment to a culture of equal rights and partnership between men and women.’ It avoids programmes of social and political action but accepts the fundamentally political category of citizenship when it remonstrates that ‘no person should ever be considered or treated as a second-class citizen’! It certainly lives up to its promise of being concise, intelligible and inspiring. Significantly, no dissent was ever expressed concerning its desirability and need, just as its opening statement that ‘Every human being must be treated humanely’ met with universal approval. For all its shortcomings, it represents a significant declaration of the ethical intent of our age. A sober Muslim critique of its contents may come later, an active Muslim involvement has to be immediate. Hans Küng also situates this quest for a global ethic within the social and cultural context of ‘potmodernity’ and its key themes: ‘polycentrism, war and peace, critique of civilization, the women’s movement, the ecumenical movement’ etc. His own kulturkritik thus highlights the following issues: - Science, but not wisdom to prevent the misuse of scientific research. - Technology, but no spiritual energy to bring the unforeseeable risks of a highly-efficient macrotechnology under control. - Industry, but no ecology which might fight against the constantly expanding economy. - Democracy, but no morality which could work against the massive interests of various individuals and groups in power. To an outsider, however, much of this criticism appears gratuitous, especially so when one realizes that Hans Küng has no policies to recommend but that he is content with the annunciation of a nondescript ethic as a ‘solution’ to the above mentioned malaise! What evidence is there to suggest, however, that the world becomes a better place when men of cloak, or turban, take the helm? It is in this spirit that the Muslim sensitivity may finally be given vent. The Muslim is not opposed to utopian schemes, nor is he averse to the formulation of any global ethic. He may endorse all these and yet be discontent. It is because his moral conscience demands more than a world ethic; it longs for world-order. For, to have an ethic is also to get involved - willy-nilly - with politics and with the questions of power and responsibility. Who has power over technology and hence bears the responsibility of letting it play havoc with our lives? Who owns the industry that destroys our habitat? Who preaches democracy but practices no morality? These are the questions which the Muslim would like to interject into the discourse of world ethic. There is no doubt that in working for a common humanity, in dreaming about a universal Gemeinschaft, in dealing with both the hubris and humility of Christianity, the Muslim will find Hans Küng a formidable and charitable partner. Works Discussed in this Essay: ———————————————————————————————————————— HANS KÜNG: New Horizons for Faith and Thought. Ed. by Karl-Josef Kuschel & Herman Häring. SCM Press Ltd, 26-30 Totenham Road, London N1 4BZ, 1993. Pp 402. £25.00 (HB). ISBN 0-334-02546-X. A GLOBAL ETHIC: The Declaration of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Ed. by Hans Küng & Karl-Josef Kuschel. SCM Press Ltd, 26-30 Totenham Road, London N1 4BZ, 1993. Pp 124. £5.95. ISBN 0-334-02561-3. THE METAPHOR OF GOD INCARNATE. By John Hick. SCM Press Ltd, 26-30 Totenham Road, London N1 4BZ, 1993. Pp 180. £9.95. ISBN 0-334-02541-9. Please visit Prof. Manzoor’s site at

6th July 2012 I read a piece in Grazia a few weeks ago which quoted April Glassborow, head of womenswear buying at Harvey Nicks that says the perfect wardrobe can be achieved in just 33 pieces. This is split into 10 Tops, 10 Bottoms, 3 Dresses, 2 Bags and 3 Jackets and apparently this number of items can produce a staggering 3090 outfit options! I thought I’d give it a go and put together a summer wardrobe…and here it is….(yep- some of the items prices def sway to the ‘in my dreams’ category) Top Row L-R Cotton shirt, Carven £182, Beaded blouse, Rohit Ghandi & Rahul Khanna $144, Breton shirt, Maxmara £158. Bottom Row L-R Broderie Peplum top, H&M £29.99, Paisley T-shirt, Jill Sander £200, Feather print vest, ALC £248 Top Row L-R Pleated T-shirt, Amit Agrawal $81, T-shirt, Reiss £39, Bottom Row L-R Yellow jumper, Acne £340 , Pink cardigan, Oasis £35 Floral jacket, Christopher Kane £2200, Pale pink jacquard blazer, Shelaa by Shela Khan $247, Dove grey leather jacket, Reiss £325, Top Row L-R Powder blue trousers, Reiss £95,, White wide leg linen trousers, Nicole Fahri, £135, Metallic jacquard trousers, Topshop £45, Printed floral jeans, River Island £40, Skinny Indigo jeans, MIH £160,, Skinny yellow jeans, Mother £210 Top Row L-R Peachy-pink pleated maxi, Tibi £295, Tailored shorts, French Connection, , Black shorts, Carven £205 , Panelled black leggings, French Connection £65 Bottom Row L-R Cotton broderie dress, Milly £335 Floral dress, Erdem £1010 Ombre maxi dress, Day Birger et Mikkelsen £219 Brown boat shoe, Aldo £65 , Blue suede slippers, Aldo £60 , Multi-Coloured espadrilles, Paloma Barcelo £175, Gold flat sandals, Dune £55, Nude courts, Givenchy £655 Snakeskin tote, Mulberry , Metallic clutch, Anya Hindmarch £350 To be honest getting my real life wardrobe down to 33 pieces is just not going to happen but I’ve definitely started to think more about my choices and when I’m now out shopping I’m looking out for pieces that can multi-task!

Related Posts Share This out for weddings, funerals and court appearances. We know that most of you would rather wear a Yankees jersey than be forced into a sport coat on the weekend, but hear us out on this one. Done right, a jacket can be paired with a wide array of casual clothing, and the rest of your outfit can determine how ‘dressed-up’ or ‘dressed-down’ you are overall. It should also be comfortable. If it’s not, you’re in the wrong jacket. Blazers are highly functional. It’s not summer yet. Instead of grabbing an outdoor jacket and then being stuck wearing it in the bar all night or being forced to carry it around and hang it on odd objects (because no one seems to have coat racks anymore) why not don a sport coat instead? It’ll keep the spring chill off your back and take you from a walk in Patterson Park to a table at Annabelle Lee in style. Plus you get half a dozen extra pockets. Who doesn’t want that?. A jacket will open doors for you. Remember the last time you were walking up Charles Street and you really really had to pee and all you heard was “Sorry. The restroom is for customers only.” Well, a blazer might have gotten you in there. It can also result in a round on the house, airline or hotel upgrades, and certain persons keeping mum when liberties are taken. If you want to be money, you’ve got to look money. Wearing a jacket will keep you out of trouble. Know how you’re prone to yell at people in traffic, commit random larcenies and tell Red Sox fans to go screw? Well, you remember yourself a little better in a blazer. Dressing like a man tends to encourage acting like a man. Funny how that works. It’s a rule. Of course, we’ll all be a bit rakish from time to time, no matter how finely cut the clothes. As the outstanding blog 1001 Rules For My Unborn Son recently quoted “Dissolute behavior in a coat and tie is always more amply forgiven.” Next time you (un)knowingly make a pass at her while her husband is across the bar, make sure you’re wearing a hell of a nice jacket. To clarify: we know the terms ‘sport coat’ and ‘blazer’ are not interchangeable, although for the purposes of this post they are. If you need further guidance Esquire’s fashion editor Nick Sullivan will sort out the issue for you. There are also a wide range of opinions online about what jackets work where and for whom. We’re not even getting into that. Good luck. i must say, i do like a man in a blazer absolutely standard issue for seasoned and aspiring rakes alike……..

So one of the many many cool things of being a part of the Covenant Health Biggest Winner Team is that one of our coaches is Joe Mitchell, a former NBC Biggest Loser contestant. It was really neat talking with him last night about life on the ranch, and how they really go about losing all that weight so fast. I don't think he told us anything he wouldn't mind sharing. I got two big takeaways from Joe last night. The first biggest takeaway I got was the insight that during there time on the ranch, the contestants are moving, basically, all day. Literally from the time he got up in the morning, to sometimes as late as midnight, they were either walking, running, hiking, or in the gym (when they weren't eating or in the bathroom of course). So they burn something crazy like 8000 calories per day! With a caloric intake of roughly 1500 calories for him, so you can see why they lose big amounts of weight each week. Those types of numbers really isn't realistic for most normal people with jobs and lives and such. But what it does show me is what we as humans and what are bodies are really capable of, given the right circumstances. I really wanted to join Joe this morning at Fort Sanders for a 6:00 am spin class. Not because I like spin classes, in fact, I have only taken one and I basically hated it. It made my rear end hurt in a way that I hope to never experience again. But I know if I can do that spin class on those 3 days per week, thats 1000 extra calories that I burned. Can I get up at 5:30 am? Yes. Did I want to? No. So it goes back to the mental battle. And I will leave this post with the other big takeaway. The Biggest Loser is on it's 14th season starting Sunday, so at this point there is a bit of an Alumni of past contestants. Most everybody loses weight while they are on the show, whether they stay on the ranch or get sent home, and see results. What I think is interesting is what happens after. 1 year later, 2 years later, 5 years later. It is a mixed bag. Some people do well and keep it off, others struggle. Joe shared the reason that most people struggle is that they view weight loss as a Starting point, and and Ending point. "Once I get to where I am going, I can relax and start living like I used to again." For those of you who have known me for some time, you know I fit into that catagory, but that is info for a whole other post altogether. This is a journey, but a unique one in that there really isn't a destination. There are always goals, new challenges, new ways to push yourself and surprise yourself and do things that you have previously said you would not or could not ever do. I hope my struggles and successes help inspire others to find their own new and exciting challenges. Joe Mitchell, Biggest loser contestant and Knoxville Marathon Team Biggest Winner Coach Great post, Ken! Joe is an inspiration to all of us - and you are, too! Great post! The mental challenge is most often the hardest! Keep up the good work and surround yourself w/ people who will help hold you accountable! Like the name... The Bane Train and keep it up you are making lifelong changes And your sweet wife seems really behind you and proud of your progress

Actually Aveo won. The Avalanche driver was taken by Mercy Flight (Usually indicating life-threatening injury) and the driver and passenger of Aveo taken by Mercy EMS with non-threatening injuries. Three people injured, two needing helicopter transport, in accident on West Main Street, Batavia Submitted by Howard Owens on November 11, 2012 - 5:37pm Two people were taken to regional hospitals by Mercy Flight after an accident at 2:40 p.m. on West Main Street at the turn-in for Valu Plaza. Both people, the driver of one car and his passenger, had non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken ECMC and the passenger to Strong Memorial Hospital. A third person, the driver of a red Chevy Avalanche involved in the crash, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS. Reportedly, the driver of a blue Chevy Aveo was making a left-hand turn from the westbound lane into Valu Plaza. He allegedly pulled in front of the red Avalanche. City and Town of Batavia fire departments responded and Sheriff's deputies are investigating the accident. Information and photos provided by Alecia Kaus. - Howard Owens's blog - Login or register to post comments John, I think you need new glasses. The blue Aveo is FUBAR and the Avalanche might also be FUBAR, but it sure looks a whole lot better than the Aveo. OMG, this was an accident that resulted in some serious injuries and all you two morons can do is argue over which vehicle won? Seriously? Ray, it's an observation. Whether it's verbalized or not, I'm pretty sure everyone evaluates many aspects of an accident when they see it. I'm pretty sure I said that I hope everyone pulls through okay. My observation was actually for my own benefit, but I said what I was thinking so everyone could see it. I'll never drive an Aveo, that's for sure. Was I wrong for saying that or should I only comment on what's important to you? Just wondering... We could talk about the collation between prius and aveo to liberal drivers. Maybe? Howard, not sure where any info came from, but to set the record straight, the driver and passenger in the Aveo were both airlifted to ECMC. I was informed the driver of the Avalanche was taken to Strong via ground ambulance. The driver and passenger in the Aveo, are in fairly good shape considering how bad the crash was. Some broken bones, some surgury, and some rehab, and both should be allright in a couple of months. The passenger in the Aveo was suppossed to be taken to Strong, but somehow ended up going to ECMC, despite the fact the medics were told to go to strong, as the patient has ties to that hospital, and recieves out-patient treatment at Strong. Aveo meets Avalanche...Avalanche wins. I'm sticking with my Silverado 2500HD. Hopefully everyone pulls through okay.

I know it's 'in vogue' to call for the head of the hitting coach when things are going badly. I'm hardly the first and if things keep going like this for the Twins (6 runs in 4 games) more and more people will jump on that bandwagon. The fact of the matter is that in each of the past two season, the Twins offense has gotten off to a very slow start and sometimes a change a scenery is needed, even if the old scenery isn't necessarily the problem. Last year, the circumstances were different, but the outcome was the same. In their first 29 games of 2011, the Twins managed only one game in which the offense scored more than 5 runs. Injuries were to blame more than anything else for the slow start in 2011, but this year the Twins entered and emerged from Spring Training with a fully capable lineup that had been playing well leading up to the beginning of the season. Their struggles so far this year are no mystery when you look at the data. As a team they seem unable to hit a ball that doesn't hit the ground before it hits a glove. In fact, of all the balls the Twins have put in play so far this season, 67.7% of them have been groundballs which, far and away, leads the Majors. Their GB/FB ratio is 3.35/1 -- almost DOUBLE that of any other team (the next closest is the Giants at 1.87/1 GB/FB ratio). The propensity to hit groundballs has led to an understandably low BABIP (.184) which pretty much explains why the Twins have been unable to score runs. To put it a different way - the Twins have scored 6 runs in 4 games and 3 of those runs have come as a result of HRs hit by Josh Willingham. If not for that, the Twins would have been shutout twice in the first 4 games. [all stats courtesy of fangraphs.com] Joe Vavra's had a good run. He was hired following the 2005 season and in 2006, the Twins scored over 800 runs and won 96 games. After a down year in 2007, the Twins again reached the 800+ runs mark in both 2008 and 2009 and almost reached that mark in 2010 scoring 781 runs. Last year, well, we all know what happened last year - the team only scored 619 runs on it's way to one of the worst years in franchise history. I'm only half-heartedly calling for a change. I know it's only 4 games and I also know that there are 158 games left this season. The Twins offense could (and probably will) turn it around at any point. I'm saying that if this offensive futility continues, then there needs to be some changes made -- and in this case I think it should start with the hitting coach.

Before I met Eric, I wasn’t much of a gin fan. Like most booze-related stories, this was due to a night of excessive consumption back in my college days. There was plenty of mixing, I’m sure… but the big drink from that night was gin. And it didn’t end well. For a while, I couldn’t even stand the smell of it. The scent of juniper berry gave me an instant hangover. When Eric and I got together, I quickly learned that I needed to get over my aversion to it. In the summer, his family drinks gin and tonics nightly as they watch the sunset over the lake at the Cape house. So, I caved. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love all over again. I have had the opportunity to sample quite a few different gins over these last few years, both locally produced and from all over the world. There are a number that I am fond of, but the gin that I am head over heels for is Watershed Gin in Columbus Ohio. As stated in the description on their website, juniper notes are layered with hints of citrus and this creates one of the most delicate gins I have ever tasted. If you are at all a gin fan, make friends with someone in Ohio and have them ship you a bottle. Now that I’ve hyped up this fabulous spirit, let me tell you about this cocktail here, which was created by the folks at The Inn At Honey Run (located in Holmes County), which is where I stayed with a few other food bloggers when we toured Ohio’s Amish Country earlier this year. While the inn originally prepared The Tarragon with Watershed Vodka, I requested Watershed Gin and, I have to say, I think I liked it better this way. These are irresistibly delicious and after your first one, I can promise you’ll be refilling your cocktail shaker. The tarragon simple syrup adds an additional component that brings the flavors in the gin together. If you can’t get a bottle of Watershed Gin or Vodka, the simple syrup would be great with any other vodka or gin (heck, it even goes well with tequila). Happy weekend everyone! Cheers! The Tarragon Cocktail created at The Inn at Honey Run Ingredients 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup (infused with fresh tarragon… see directions below for the simple syrup) 2 oz. Watershed Vodka or Gin 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice Directions Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with thin lime slice. For an added touch, also garnish with candied tarragon leaves. Tarragon Simple Syrup Ingredients 1 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons tarragon leaves, chopped Directions Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small sauce pan. Add the tarragon leaves. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Take off heat and let the mixture sit for an additional 10 minutes before straining. Strain the tarragon leaves out of the simple syrup. Let the syrup cool completely before using. Can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a month. Brian Samuels is Managing Editor at The Boys Club and blogger at A Thought for Food. Pingback: weekend Pingback: tasty treats: gin & tarragon cocktail | lark&linen Pingback: Gin Tarragon Cocktail | freutcake

Top. Thanks for all of the efforts Thanks for all of the efforts on this website. My mother really likes going through investigation and it's really simple to grasp why. Most of us hear all about the dynamic method you make sensible solutions via your website and in addition boost contribution from the others on this subject matter plus our favorite child is actually learning a lot of things. Take pleasure in the rest of the new year. Your performing a wonderful job. "Your"? Your performing a wonderful job. Most entertaining! But, sadly, you're illiterate. And your ignorance are only to be succeeded and exceded by the ignorance of your " favorite child " . Please keep it up! But for you and yours, to paraphrase Twain, the rest of us could not succeed! ! God bless you. Why send these guys home? They are only going to get back on the battlefield and plan more attacks against the west. This is insane. At least before you send them back, debug them with some flea medication so they do not spread diseases to the people of Qatar. Sending these terrorists back is a huge mistake. They will return to the battle field and they will do battle again. It just does not make any sense. We need to take all their belongings and sell them in storage auctions to pay back all the room and board we gave them during their luxurious stay at camp gitmo. I am sure they all weigh about 50lbs more than when they arrived there. Sending them home is plain idiotic. Why send these guys home? Answer: They are either relatted to President Obama or have the same goals in common of destroying the United States. or maybe the Obama administration are all on drugs. what the dictator is thinking... I would inject them with some fatal disease thius assuring their participation in future killing of US soldiers null... The whole idea of negotiating with Taliban and releasing dangerous criminals that took so much effort, money and human sucrifice to capture isn;t just insane I consider it treasonous.... OMG Barak Hussein Bin Laden is doing the same thing his namesake (Hussein)did. That is-in his last days, knowing his regime was crumbling, he released all the criminals and looney bins from their prisons. Stay tuned for more, especially with this justice dept. Why are they sending these guys home. Maybe he's just trying to make room for him and all his friends and family when they are tried, convicted and imprisoned for High T reason. Dems running from the "Good War". After telling us that we needed to be concentrating on the "good war" in afghanistan- instead of Iraq-. Iooks like the administration can't wait to capitulate to the Taliban These terrorists won't spend the night in Qatar. They'll be off to Pakistan on the next doonda boat. We're having Rogan Josh for dinner! America's Neville Chamberlain Obama is America's Neville Chamberlain and the military's bed wetter-in-chief. Could not have said better. He is a muslin mole, set to destroy the USA. The people gave him a chance, let's not give him four more years to complete his mission. I live and work for the last 15 years outside of the US because I see the end coming. It hurts. there is more suprises coming... Looks like Obama may well be finally revealing Who he really is.....the release of those killers in just a beginning... Weakening our country, muslimatization of our country, disappering personal freedoms, making the decisions without congression approval or in spite of it - all are very dangerous signs....especially since the media is doing all in it's power to cover up , to lie , to attack the critics and opponents ...race blame game had been taken to unbelievable proportions.... This just shows how naive This just shows how naive this administration is. The Taliban is not to be trusted. War is a dirty game, yet Obama believes we can 'talk' them into living in peace and respect of other views. The Taliban will lie through their rotted teeth to get free from GITMO. We cuddled them and gave into their every demand. We have sacrificed our best and bravest, then called them criminals for pissing on dead enemy bodys. Wake up America!!!! We are not living in a fantasy world, we live in the real world with bad people who will kill us or behead us at their earliest opportunity, then piss on our bodies. Levin, McCain and Obama: Master Bridge Salesmen " But he said the possible transfer was not a significant concession to the Taliban, provided the prisoners remain in custody. "If that's what [the Taliban] are getting, it's not much of a gain [for them], going from one prison to another." MORONS. I have a better idea - ship half of Congress and most of the WH back to "Pockeestan", as Ø calls it. I am sure Ø can get them superb accommodations from when he visited as a student and started planing his career with the ISI and Rashid Khalidi. Maybe Panetta can get McCain and Levin seats at the execution of the Pakistani MD who will soon be killed by the "Taleebahn" / ISI for helping us get OBL, now that his name was released BY THE ØBAMA ADMINISTRATION. Obama and the Dems (surface Obama and the Dems (surface at least) are the idiots. McCain and Chambliss were the ones saying this was stupid and we shouldn't release them. McCain said he doesn't think Qatar will hold them in prison and neither do the Taliban, otherwise why would they be negotiating for this exchange? Unfortunately, he also said there's nothing much Congress can do to stop the Administration from making the transfer. What is sad, is that Americans do not grasp that there are only two conditions in the world according to the Koran. Islam and non-Islam. If you are not Muslim, you are at war with Islam. Plain and simple. There is no compromise with Islam. To capitulate constantly is indeed a show of weakness that the Muslims will use to their advantage. Iran has already said they will destroy Israel and the United States. This just shows how naive our country truly is...it is indeed a sad state of affairs. There is the operative phrase. Rope A Dope. I keep saying that you just can't make this stuff up! But there they go again. This just sickens me. These This just sickens me. These guy's should have been put to death for their crimes against America, now the Obamanation is going to let them go! Let's see, commit an act of terrorism, kill several people, spend less than 10 years in prison, go home a hero to your people. Thank's Obama I have no words to express the way I feel about you and your policies. Terrorists first Americans Terrorists first Americans seconds. Love that pos democrat in office. Date turned into random number Yeast infections are also known as Candidiasis, which is caused by group of microscopic Candida Albicans fungus. How to treat a yeast infection."? AMEN Obama is the result of ...the dumbing down of America? The sooner we increase charter schools, the better. Got a link for that article? What is the village idiot, Jimmy obama, doing about getting our people back? The taliban has atleast one prisoner that it has held for the last 2 years. Obama to release 5 Taliban prisoners Stupid is as stupid does. Do not vote for 4 more years of stupid. 2012 Vote for Americans, The Constitution & Personal Freedoms...and prosecuting fraudster politicians and bankers. '..Taliban reconciliation '..Taliban reconciliation efforts' - What the..? Michigan residents, are you aware your 'representation' wants to make nice with a peoples who have a 'religious police' which publicly beats, kills women and children, is partnered with Al Qaeda, employs suicide bombers, destroys other than Islam places of worship, at most times with people in said place of worship, knowingly and with pride keep their people/ country living as dolts in stone-age like conditions, has thee most strict Sharia Laws thought possible? Ad infinitum.. And Levin wants to offer an olive branch to these POS? Heck Levin's an American, supposedly and is wanting to recognize a terrorist organization as an equal? The dude sounds like an enemy of the state.. ...we also make Qatar take Reid, Feinstein, Levin, and Kerry into custody too? Put all twelve of them in one dark, dank cell together. Maybe even toss Pelosi in for good measure. Let's see what they think about the Taliban THEN! From being there in Afghanistan, I have seen known Taliban released immediatly (within 1 day) after attackingAfghan civilians and soldiers and ISAF soldiers by local Afghan officials. If you think President Obama's orders releasing GITMO prisioners is horrific, the quagmire/corruption of the Afghan government and restrictions placed on ISAF under ROEs is the true horror. The members being released from GITMO have been out of the fight so long their usefulness on the battlefield is marginal. usefulness on the battlefield If a person can strap a bomb on their body, at least once, I wouldn't call that marginal. I don't have a problem releasing them as long as we hang them first, video the process, let the corpses get smelly for a few days, pin a flash drive with video of the hanging to their eyeballs, and drop them into the "presidential" compound of Pockistan. We're going to have to kill these dirtbags in a most wholesale way sooner or later. The sooner the better for everyone. Mark my words. Good idea...better yet.... Why not arm them as they leave so we can track their activities once freed...better yet...let's free them in different American cities with plenty of ammunition to show them just how much we trust them....Better yet... we can put them in witness protection programs throughout the country give them new identies, Jewish names would be a nice touch and if by chance they do kill again we can have Haley Barbour commute their sentences so they know we're a forgiving christian society... A statement is what Obama is after?! Hitler made a statement, even signed it, that he wouldn't attack Britain. The Taliban are, at the very least, as bad as Hitler, as untrustworthy, and as ruthless. They will be thrilled at the ignorance and naivity of the American president - IF - that is what is making this decision, but I don't believe so. He is just helping his muslim brothers (bortherhood) and the expense of lives everywhere else. Anyone who thinks these murders won't be in the field shorthly after exchanged hasn't been following radical islam. While Retarded McCain is briefed on continuing unAmerican activities by the Obama Muslim regime, Americans continue to sleep, watching this illegal muslim destroys America. I wonder how long it will be for the American Stream to march on Washington to get this illegal dictator out of office...As this muslim continues to destroy America, I thought only blacks were the dumbest group of people on this earth...That is a fact, and there may be a few exceptions, but not many...The world sits back as this SOB, and rightfully stated, his mother was a Bitch, going from black man to black man, continues to destroy this great country...I do understand affirmative action, as mentally blacks cant (in most instances) compete on the same level, and must be given an opportunity to achieve some success in this world, However, this total useless idiot who was taught to read an idiot board, who makes his own laws which are unconstitutional, while the news media, along with the corrupt congress sits back and watches, needs to be tried for treason...It is really important, while and not for long...Free Speech should be screamed from every corner of the US, until this muslim Obama is defeated, and imprisoned for his criminal background... Please re-read the article. Please re-read the article. McCain does not agree with this transfer. If only the ultra-conservatives would have just voted for McCain instead of sitting it out we wouldn't have Obama in office. Now they are going to do the same thing with Mitt Romney because people like Rush Limbaugh say he's not conservative enough. Whether he's conservative enough or not, he's a thousand times better than Obama, so please, I beg you, vote for him if he gets the Republican nomination! Well, Edwin, I just actually Well, Edwin, I just actually read your entire post and now I don't want you to vote at all. You're a racist idiot! Remember the Lockerbie bomber? The same thing will happen here. I suggest that as these idiots impose on every doctor in Amerika, they present "Outcome based data" on this plan before being allowed to release anyone. OR personal responsibility: any of the released violate conditions of transfer or parole, the senators put their money where their mouths are and serve the rest of the time OR pay from their vast personal fortunes made off their meager government salaries for the recovery effort, OR if the released kills another human the Senator be held for contributing to the murder. get real you bozos There once was a terrorist thug, Locked up in Gitmo safe and snug, Instead of the noose, Barack turned him loose, Our soldiers again he will plug. Why wouldn't He release them? Why would obama not release his muslim brethren? You can tell what kind of person he is by the church and preacher he went to for 20 years, all his Anti-American policies, and antics, his Anti-White stance, his race baiting, his condemnation of Israel and pro stance for hamas and hezbolah...this is to be expected from the muslim-in-chief. Obama is Public Enemy #1 - He is a Marxist And we have had how many GIs die so this fool can do this to look good in the eyes of the Left, the world's Socialists and the Enemies of America? Obama must be Impeached now so that we can limit the damage he is doing to America and her (44) HIDE COMMENTS LOGIN OR REGISTER REPORT ABUSE

Interview: Mike Allred Pt. 1 Categories: Interviews still had any doubts on the matter. The book also helped to galvanize Allred, who began work the character’s latest staring role, Madman Atomic Comics, now on its seventh issue, which finds the artist rejuvenated and daring as ever. We sat down with Allred to talk about how the new anthology helped the artist rediscover his old friend. What was it like finally getting to hold the Gargantua in your hands, looking over the history of this character? Definitely a milestone. First of all, it’s kind of an eye-opener to realize that I’ve done that amount of work [laughs], that we’ve amassed this collection that’s large enough to be used as a lethal weapon. It was also a great benefit in launching me forward and progressing my development, because I was almost forced to objectively revisit my progress, and I was able to look at moments where I was happy with the direction I was going in, and others where I was maybe treading water or regressing. So I saw my work with fresh eyes, and by doing so, I was able to really reassess what I wanted to do, and for that reason it kind of gave me a whole new lungful of air. I was really gratified and excited that this could come to exist, but also it reignited my enthusiasm for what I had in front of me, and where I wanted to go. That second wind that the book gave you—was it really a personal thing, or was it specific to the Madman character? That’s a good question. I always blur that line, so I’m not really sure. I put a lot of myself into all of the characters, and also people I know—friends, family members, character traits, quirks, experiences all kind of go through this filter that is my own mutant brain and kind of filters out on paper. Sometimes I’ll have a hard time looking at things objectively, at a distance—collecting Gargantua helped with that. Also, since I hadn’t done Madman for quite a while, as far as on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, when I’m in and doing it, it’s hard to maintain any kind of objectivity. I have certain disciplines with my plots and notes and outlines that get lasered into a script and a series of scripts in a story arch and then attacking it with the best style I can—with what I want it to look like. I think, overall, I have a pretty consistent style, but I also try to do something a little different with each project, so X-Force looks a little different—even X-Statix, I tried to give it its own flavor. Even now with Madman Atomic Comics, there’s probably been one major artistic experiment with each issue. I’m also very conscious of trying to keep it settled, so it retains a certain consistency, so all of these things are consciously or subconsciously floating around inside of me, so then to differentiate from what’s personal and what’s character-driven—I don’t really think about it that much. I don’t even know how to answer that question [laughs]. You say that there’s a lot of you in these characters—I assume that goes double for Frank Einstein [Madman]—when you go back and read all of these arcs, do you ever find parts of you that you didn’t realize were there, when you were writing them? Oh, absolutely. And that’s one of the things I’m most excited about, as far as where I am now. There are little elements that were just kind of laid out or seeded in passing, and looking back, I get excited. “Wow, I never took that to its full potential. I can do that now.” With the first story arc in Madman Atomic Comics, I realized that there was this main subplot that I had just left dangling, and that was this idea of Frank Einstein being one of The Four, with his great cosmic destiny. So this first story arc was completing that, tying that up. So, what I learned was that I didn’t really want to leave things dangling for so long. What I wanted to do more of, which I had done with previous Madman arcs was to do a self-contained story and then move on to another one, which was really my original intent after the first series. Madman Adventures was going to be a series of self-contained adventures. That was a thing I realized I wanted to reconnect with. I want to do very genre-specific story ideas, as well. The first arc with the new series had this central theme that tied in with the whole cosmic space adventure idea. So now I’ve got film noir ideas and westerns. Very genre-specific. Yeah. But they are an initial inspiration, but that comes through what is a Madman adventure story. I’m not really forcing it, or making a point of it, but the inspiration is there, and if you’re aware that these things are what I’m excited about, you may recognize that. Otherwise, I’m hoping that it will be a little more subtle than that. But I really want that feel for everything that happens in here. And being that this is the one place where I can do anything I want, I want to take advantage of that, and looking back at what I’ve done over the past fifteen years with this character, I can see where I loved doing certain things and where I wished I’d pushed things a little further and where I forced things. I’m trying to be my own most severe critic, but at the same time, after I’ve written it on the script, that’s where I just let go, and the joy of it comes through. Each part of the process becomes more enjoyable for me. With writing, I get excited to lock down an idea, but once they’re locked down, more enthusiasm comes in, because I’ve got that foundation there, and I can really relax more or let loose more with the artwork, and then it’s another series of locking things down, whether it’s the layout or the penciling or the inking or the tones at the end, and then I just sit back and Laura [Allred, Madman colorist and Mike’s wife] just punches those colors in, and “wow!” And then the book comes out and it’s really thrilling. One thing that’s happened is, each time a book comes out, there’d be this tense anxiety, because something would always go wrong. The plates would be off or the colors wouldn’t be working as well. Especially when we first started working with computers. When we first started, Laura would watercolor these graylines, that would then get printed on this horrible paper with the registration off. We’d be excited—it’s our first color book—an then we get it back and it’s just crushing. And then we working with Bernie Mireault, where he’d do these animation-style cell colors and they came back looking beautiful, and how do we work toward that? And he, of course, being the colorist, had a different reaction, but we hadn’t seen the colors. We weren’t able to go online and see proofs, so now here we are, closer and closer to where what we see on the monitor is almost exactly what we see in print. So that’s one of the most exciting things in this progression. Once we let go of it, it’s almost exactly what we were hoping it would be, when it sees print. Where there any moments in retrospect that didn’t seem like Madman stories? Where perhaps you had to force the character in there? Not really. But sometimes I was focusing maybe more on a plot or a gimmick than his potential as a character, like his relationship with Dr. Flem had become strained. Frank Einstein—I see him as a child developing, and now he’s kind of like a high school graduate. And Flem being the last father figure in his life—I think at every point, a son has to stand up to his father, whether it’s as a sign of respect or rebellion, depending on what the relationship is. Frank is now emotionally realizing that Flem has never really seen him as person, but more as a guinea pig—someone that he can take advantage of, and utilize in his experiments. So Frank is trying to come to this place where he can stand up to Flem and demand this respect or stand up to him like a father, and say, “hey, dad, I’m a man now. You need to treat me like one.” Before, where it would be plot-driven, now I’m able to integrate more of the characters into the plot. So that’s one thing I recognize from the past, but fortunately, I lot of people already assumed that that kind of deep characterization was already on the page. Hopefully it was there, but I’m seeing that it wasn’t there as much as I would have liked it to have been. One story that I’m pleased about is when people reacted when they thought that his girlfriend, Joe, was killed. I wanted it to have impact, because I know what I want to do with this, and I know where this is going, and it’s ultimately going to lead to something really fun and joyful and a big payoff, but initially, there were some real angry people out there. I thought that I had laid enough of a path where they would know that this wasn’t just some blatant… Way to sell books… Exactly. It wasn’t like the death of Superman, a very cynical way to sell comic books. No one with half a brain their head that was aware of comic books really thought that Superman was dead. Or that he’d stay dead. Yeah, so it was just laughable when you saw mainstream media just go insane with this story. All of these people got taken advantage of, thinking that they were buying historical documents. But that wasn’t my approach. “This is going to be a collector’s item, the death of Joe.” No one really reacted that way, but what I didn’t expect was that people would really feel something. What’s really gratifying are the the people that reacted on the forums or wrote letters. That kind of involvement is really where I want to be with what I’m doing, where you really enjoy what’s on the page in front of you. Where you get excited about where you’re going, and where you’ve been. [Continued in Part Two.] –Brian Heater

The Oneonta Charter Review Commission appreciated the opportunity to present the first full draft of the proposed Oneonta City Charter to the mayor and Common Council on June 7, and to a League of Women Voters forum on June 21. This first draft is the next step in a process stretching back more than a year, during which the commission has: "¢ interviewed former mayors, council members and department heads;"¢ compared the present charter with how city government actually works;"¢ held several public hearings;"¢ studied charters of over a dozen other cities similar to Oneonta in New York state;"¢ invited mayors, city managers and council members to Oneonta to learn from them; and "¢ spent several months arriving at this draft. As the process continues, as the commission will hold numerous briefings and public meetings with citizens and officials to gain further input and suggestions and to make modifications. The final draft will not be completed until September, and then will be put before voters in November. We welcome comments and questions from both city officials and residents. As expected, most interest has centered on our proposal to provide a city manager for Oneonta. The commission feels strongly that, under the present charter, the Common Council is seriously overburdened having both to set policy for city government and to supervise its administration, and effective administration of an $18 million government is too much for a part-time mayor. The best solution is a city manager, a full-time top administrator who will head up a new leadership team of city departmental directors, and who will be hired by the Common Council and report to the council. Having a city manager will strengthen the Common Council by freeing it from the micromanagement of running the city on a day-to-day basis, enabling council members to focus on making policy. The council will have more time to think about how to solve our biggest problems and about what we want Oneonta to look like in the future. Most former mayors and many present and former council members agree with this recommendation. The proposed charter retains a strong part-time mayor who presides over the Common Council. The mayor will remain the one elected official in the city who represents all the citizens of Oneonta. Everyone from cities with a city manager stressed two points: one, clear and continuous communication by the city manager with the mayor and Common Council is vital; and two, if the council finds the city manager not complying with its wishes, it may fire the manager. Checks and balances are built into the draft charter, with the council ultimately in charge. Other questions that have been raised include: "¢ How would the city budget be prepared? The mayor and council will set budget parameters, but the actual preparation will start with the departments under the direction of the director of finance (the present chamberlain), a process supervised by the city manager. The final budget will be decided, as now, by the mayor and council. "¢ How would city employees be hired and fired? The city manager will have these powers, which are not clearly stated in the present charter. The present and former mayors and many council members agree the city manager should have those responsibilities. Our recommendation is based on the need to simplify and clarify city employees' complex supervisory lines. City employees' legal job protections will not change. "¢ Would the city manager be too strong, diminishing the role of department heads? Oneonta is fortunate to be served by dedicated, capable department heads and employees. However, the challenge every city faces is to have all departments operating in smooth coordination with one another within the framework of city-wide policy and priorities set by the mayor and Common Council. The addition of a city manager will enhance the role of department heads by providing them expert and professional leadership, support and supervision — important functions that cannot be expected from a part-time mayor and Common Council. The Charter Commission looks forward eagerly to more meetings with city officials, employees and citizens to gain further input and improve the present draft. Several public meetings on the draft charter will be held in coming weeks, focusing on the city's wards. That schedule will be announced soon. The public is invited to any or all of these meetings. The next Charter Commission meeting, open to the public, will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, in the Council Chamber of City Hall at 258 Main St. Copies of the draft charter are available from the City Clerk's office in City Hall and at Huntington Memorial Library. The draft may be viewed and downloaded online at. Questions and comments may be telephoned to 431-1351. This commentary was submitted by Paul Scheele on behalf of the Oneonta Charter Review Commission. The commission is chaired by Dave Rissberger. Other members are Scheele, John Dudek, Martha Forgiano, Karen Geasey, Tom Kelly, Steve Londner, Larry Malone, Sarah Patterson, Kathryn Stuligross and Laurie Zimniewicz. Kathy Wolverton, city personnel director, serves as non-voting liaison to the commission. Guest Column Changes to city charter will be good for Oneonta The Oneonta Charter Review Commission appreciated the opportunity to present the first full draft of the proposed Oneonta City Charter to the mayor and Common Council on June 7, and to a League of Women Voters forum on June 21. - Guest Column - The evangelical view of same-sex marriage The issue of same-sex marriage seems to appear on a daily basis in the media these days. -. - A closer look at our economy - Part II We have talked about the public sector component of our economy. Now let's take a brief look at the manufacturing and retail/services sectors. - Use fracking to fill budget gaps -. - Saturday, March 23, 2013 - The true meaning of the story of Easter The weather for Easter 2013 promises to cooperate in helping us to ponder the real mystery of Easter more deeply.
Easter is not about fuzzy bunnies, bonnets, colored eggs or budding azalea bushes. Easter is not a way to mark the return of warmth and light after a long winter. Easter is the foundation rock of all that is Christian â€" the Gospel, the Church, the Sacraments, the Scriptures. - Saturday, March 16, 2013 - A flesh-and-blood expert won't hoodwink you - Saturday, March 9, 2013 - Let the markets determine our energy sources. - Saturday, March 2, 2013 - Taking a closer look at our regional economy - Saturday, February 9, 2013 - Investment in DEC isinvestment in state's future What? - We need to work toward living in love’s not that the rules and religion are useless, but that the challenge to do better never goes away. Consciousness is constantly on the move to overcome its own challenges. - Saturday, February 2, 2013 - All downtown Oneonta lacks is you - Saturday, January 26, 2013 - America at a crossroads in 2013 Our country is at a crossroads. After four straight years of trillion-dollar deficits, our national debt now stands at over $16 trillion. If we don’t change course, based on the policies contained in President Barack Obama’s most recent budget proposal, we’ll continue to have trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see. - Saturday, January 12, 2013 - Obamacare won't cure what ails our system - Saturday, December 29, 2012 - Oneonta's First Night is too good to miss - Sunday, December 23, 2012 - The right to live free from gun violence - Saturday, December 8, 2012 - The reality of renewable energy sources

Was Chicago Doctor Serial Killer London’s Jack The Ripper? Descendant Of American Murderer Investigates Links Between The Notorious Criminals – Daily Mail One descendant of H.H. Holmes, the notorious Chicago man known as America’s first serial killer, now suggests his ancestor could actually have also been the London serial killer Jack the Ripper. Jeff Mudgett, the great-great-great-grandson of the killer, has submitted handwriting samples from both Holmes and Jack the Ripper for review and handwriting experts have confirmed the likelihood they could stem from the same hand. Now Mudgett is on a quest to see if the American, believed to have killed 200 victims before he was caught in 1894, had made any documented visits to London around the same time with the killing wave swept through London. ……………… Serial killer: H.H. Holmes confessed to killing 27 people before he was caught in 1894, but many believe he was responsible for the deaths of 200 Scene of crime: The Murder Castle, circa 1893, was designed by Holmes to have secret passage ways and body chutes to transport bodies Herman Webster Mudgett, known as H.H. Holmes, was a wealthy and well-educated doctor in Chicago, where he moved in 1884 from his native New Hampshire. He eventually became owner of a drugstore and opened a hotel in Englewood, a suburb of the Windy City. But the 60-room boarding house was a murder trap – having been constructed to allow the proprietor easy access to his victims. Dubbed ‘the murder castle’ he designed the structure with windowless rooms equipped with gas lines and body chutes so he could transport his sedated or already dead victims to the basement of the hotel. Hidden: A diagram that appeared in the Chicago Tribune showed the secret passage ways inside of the ‘Murder Castle’ where Holmes could easily move his victims to the basement Striking: Jeff Mudgett enlisted handwriting experts to compare the handwriting of H.H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper. The experts say they likely came from the same hand Some victims were locked in their bedrooms, that were soundproof and fixed with gas lines, so they would be asphyxiated. Others were kept in a soundproof bank vault, where they would be kept and ultimately would suffocate. Once the victims died, hidden body chutes would allow Holmes to drop their sedated or dead bodies to the basement of the hotel, where he would dissect the corpses – selling the skeletons to medical schools. ……………… Deadly: Jack the Ripper (portrayed in the 2001 film From Hell) is believed to have killed five prostitutes in London in 1888 Holmes was finally caught and admitted to killing 27 people, though some suspect he was to blame for 200 deaths. He was hanged in May 1896. He had been married to three different women and had an unknown number of children. Jeff Mudgett learned of his terrifying heritage when his grandmother decided to investigate their lineage as part of a growing tend among families wishing to find out more about their family tree. ‘It left him questioning everything he thought he knew about himself and his family. The new information forever changed him, propelling him down a new path in search of the truth,’ according to an interview he gave to Ancestry.com. He began looking into the heinous crimes of his ancestor and the inquiry took a turn, when he began to notice similarities in Mudgett’s modus operandi and that of Jack the Ripper. ……………… Jeff Mudgett learned of his family history at the age of 40 ‘Jeff per cent match.’ Jack the Ripper was the title given to the unidentified killer who preyed upon the poor and immigrant communities of London in 1888, killing five. It’s believed that this killer targeted female prostitutes, whose throats were slashed before the perpetrator mutilated their internal organs. The abdominal mutilation caused many to believe the killer was surgically trained. The identity of the murderer has remained unknown but he has arguably become the world’s most famous killers, even a century after his deadly spree.

THE DOLCE DIET: 3 WEEK SUMMER SHAPE-UP CONTEST Summer’s coming! There’s nothing we can do to stop it so we might as well get in shape! We thought what better way to help motivate you than to run a friendly little contest?! So here it is… During the next three weeks we want you to chart your progress with simple photos from the front, sides and rear as well as a brief update on your weight and how amazing you’re feeling. This will be done through our easy-to-use UPDATE FORM. Those of you who currently own THE DOLCE DIET: 3 WEEKS TO SHREDDED or THE DOLCE DIET: LIVING LEAN have a leg up on the competition already because you’ve already lost weight, gained muscle and changed your wardrobe! But you can certainly do better! How? Team up with a family member, friend or a co-worker for the contest! Although you might not have 10 more lbs. to lose you will be judged on the work you do together. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? EVERYONE! RULES Obviously, we believe our methods are the best! That said, you must own a copy of either THE DOLCE DIET: 3 WEEKS TO SHREDDED or THE DOLCE DIET: LIVING LEAN. Your own personal process should be inspired by the lessons in these books. If you already own and have read LIVING LEAN and/or 3 WEEKS TO SHREDDED, you’ll understand exactly what I mean by INSPIRED! PRIZE What do you get besides the amazing gift of health, wellness and a fabulous, feel-good physique? How about an amazing Jack LaLanne Juicer? We love ours and want you to have one, too! Winners in each category with the biggest overall improvement from their entry statistics will get one! TIMELINE First, commit to greatness by registering for the contest immediately! You can do it! Next, you will document any three consecutive weeks between now and May 28 in which you committed to following The Dolce Diet™ lifestyle! Then, once a week on the same day, you’ll use our super simple weekly Update Form to help keep you on track! The contest ends May 28. Winners will be notified by June 1. LET’S GET STARTED! To begin, take 4 body photos: front, back and a right side view and a left side view. Try to wear the same or similar clothing in each of the first set of photos and the weekly update photos. This will help show off the changes to your body. SUPPORT Join MYDolceDiet.com and meet other members also doing the 3 WEEK SUMMER SHAPE-UP! Compare notes, motivate each other and ask questions! Buddy up! This will help keep you motivated! Also, Mike Dolce & his team are always available on Twitter @thedolcediet or @livingleanbook so feel free to ask any questions or just let us know how awesome you’re doing! KEEP US IN THE LOOP! Enter your weekly updates and photos using our handy UPDATE FORM! It’s quick and easy and, oh yeah, it’s required. The weekly update will help track your incredible progress and allow us to monitor your journey! CATEGORIES - Male - Female - Group (2 or more members) 1 prize per group Let’s get to work! Fill out the sign-up form below and LET’S DO THIS!

To continue my proclamation of amor for my favorite food group, let’s play a little game of name that tune. I love carbs, carbs, carbs, carbs Carbs, I do adore Sound familiar? No? Okay, maybe it’s not a real song. Maybe I just replaced the word carbs for girls in Jay-Z’s “Girls, Girls Girls.” But it’s catchy, no? Perhaps it’s time for a food-themed remix, jigga. So you’re probably wondering: ¿por que are we still talking about carbs? I don’t doubt that I effectively communicated the fact that I love my carbs on Friday. However, while most of you embraced my carby adoration, I did receive one anonymous carb-condemning comment. It went as follows: Wow you really eat alot of carbs. Ever heard of “everything in moderation”? I find it interesting that your studying nutrition yet promoting such a reckless dietary approach. Your clients are gonna be obese. Lovely, no? I usually let negative anonymous comments fall by the wayside—and I won’t bother addressing the grammatical mishaps (oh, wait…)—but I do feel obliged to come to the defense of my beloved carbs. Dear Anonymous Carb/Me-Hater, Yes, I eat a lot of carbs. (Some may even go so far as to call me carbzilla.) And, yes, I’ve heard that whole “everything in moderation” spiel. (In fact, it’s sort of the backbone of my food philosophy.) But who says high-carb equates to a “reckless dietary approach?” Sure, there are a lot of nutritional experts who preach low-carb, high-protein diets. But, for every R.D. telling you to put down that piece of bread, there’s another telling you to open up wide, chew that carby goodness and get skinny. My point is that there is no one right dietary approach. We’re all different. And we all have different dietary needs. My body happens to feel its healthiest when I give it lots of carbs. Yours may not (in which case, I send my condolences). Carbingly yours, Sarah a.k.a. Carbzilla Don’t believe me on the high-carb thing? Let’s take a gander at what I studied en escuela this weekend. Well, what do you know? I’m not alone on this whole “carbs can do the body good” thing. Can you imagine how excited I was to open my handout folder and find this at the top of the pile? Yes, the first order of business at escuela was studying the history, progression and validity of high carb diets. (This made me wonder if IIN has ESP/reads my blog?) Needless to say, I was fascinated and jotted down every word mi profesor said regarding the benefits of getting our carb on. I also used this carbspiration as an excuse to wander down to Whole Foods during my lunch break and pick up some new carb goodies. (Yea, I shop at Whole Foods with a Trader Joe’s bag. Blasphemy.) I can’t wait to experiment with these—especially the millet! Among other topics like protein, calorie requirements and the macrobiotic diet, we also learned about the principles behind The South Beach Diet. (This further fed my suspicion that my school has ESP/reads my blog, as I just mentioned The South Beach Diet on Friday.) Our guest lecturer was Dr. Arthur Agatston, the author of The South Beach Diet. Despite having a not-so-fun personal foray into South Beach dieting, it was fascinating to learn about how and why he developed the diet. For the record, even Dr. Agatston addressed the benefits of carbs. Just saying… Since all this carb talk is only further perpetuating my carbzilla reputation, I will now switch gears to another (newly) beloved c-food: cottage cheese. Since we last spoke, I’ve been through three containers of cottage cheese. In defense of cottage cheese/me, I really wanted to try out so many of your cottage cheese recommendations. All in the name of experimentation, mis amigas. Let’s get to the cottage cheese creations. En el bol: 1/2 cup oats cooked in 1 cup almond milk with 1/3 cup pumpkin, 1/3 cup TJ’s high fiber cereal (random) and 1/3 cup cottage cheese stirred in at the end. Dressed in maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and whipped crema. I’m not sure what inspired this crazy concoction—I was mostly just craving a ridiculously creamy bowl of oats—but I’m glad I went with it. I usually just cook my oats in water, but the almond milk, plus the cottage cheese addition at the end, created the perfect creamy consistency. One more point for cottage cheese being the greatest thing ever. More pumpkiny cottage cheese oats were had. This time, eggs were added. And, OHMYGOD, make this now. The mezcla: 1/2 cup oats, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 cup egg whites. 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 cup pumpkin stirred in at the end. Okay, the abundantly eggy (almost custard-like) oats mixed with creamy cottage cheese and pumpkin gloriousness? I’m pretty sure my taste buds discovered new heights of ecstasy. Onto some cottage cheese snack recommendations. Almost all of you mentioned the cottage cheese + preserves combo, so I knew I needed to go there. Increible. In this concoction, I used put the raspberry preserves atop 2% whipped cottage cheese, per another recommendation. I liked the whipped version—but I have to say, I really missed the little chunks/curds/whatever other gross term can be used to describe the consistency of cottage cheese. Worry not, I got my curd fix in my next snack experiment. 1/2 cup applesauce + 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Definitely one of the most brilliant cottage cheese suggestions thrown my way. I’ve eaten this combo at least once a day since trying it—mostly because it sort of reminds me of cheesecake. I also did a bit of savory cottage cheese investigation. Another suCCess. Lastly, we have the least photogenic—but possibly the most delicious—of my experiments in cottage cheesedom. Cottage Cheese and Hummus Stuffed Portobello 1 Portobello cap brushed with EVOO + sea salt on both sides. Baked at 400° for 5 minutes. Removed from oven and smeared with 2 tbsp. roasted red pepper hummus. Topped with 1/2 cup cottage cheese mix with 1 diced roasted red pepper. Returned to the oven to broil for 3 minutes. Broiled brilliance. I was pretty skeptical of how cottage cheese would taste post-broilage, but the crispy cottage cheese layer that formed was amazing. The only fail was the fact that—due to aforementioned skepticism—I only made one. Muy triste. Preguntas: I didn’t go into too much detail about escuela because I wasn’t sure how much you want to know. Do you want to hear more on what I’m learning? Or more about the experience as a whole? Oh, and, since you gave my such amazing cottage cheese recommendations last time, do you have any more that I must try? I’d be happy to oblige . Hope you’re having a bueno you-kn0w-what día, mis foodies! Amor, Sarah What brand do you find the whipped cottage cheese in? I hate the curds/chunks but would love the whipped! oh snap girl! LOVE yo CREATIONS!! isnt eggs and CC the BEST things since PB to put into oats?! soo freaking DELISH!! love it!! i am dying to try whipped! i cant find it! ahh sorry about the carb HATAAAA. nobody ever died from eating a lot of healthy carbs! love youuu! i JUST rolled my eyes and yelled, “GET OVER THE CARB THING” at one of my co-workers who looked at my plain sweet potato and sighed, “oh i wish i could have a sweet potato. too many carbs…” I want to hear all about school You NEEEEEEEED to try my cottage cheese/raisin/Thousand Island/red onion combo. I know it sounds hideous, but it is so.freaking.amazing. I just wrote cottage cheese on my hand so I remember to buy some. Granola + CC + banana = next week’s breakfasts. We don’t get whipped cottage cheese here Though we do get some crazy flavours- tomato basil, shrimp, chilli, etc. Love this post! Carbs are not the enemy, just like fat isn’t the enemy. Some veggies have the same carb value as a bagel. It’s all portion size! Good for you for standing up to that rude anon comment!! Have you tried red quinoa, it is awesome!! Seriously, some people are just carb-phobic (thank you Atkins). Apples, bananas, all carbs, no? Jeez. Carbs are my friend, all day every day. Sadly cottage cheese is forboden in my diet but yeah it goes with everything if you can eat it. One of my top 3 comfort foods growing up was bowtie pasta with cottage cheese. Holy amazing. That anonymous commenter may suck it. Glad you liked the Cottage Cheesecake way to put the anonymous carb-hater in his/her place and yes! i’d love to hear more about escuala! and i think i need to go restock pumpkin so i can make those amazing pumpkin cottage cheese oats–yummm! It sounds like you are loving learning about all of that great info! I am happy to see someone who is absorbing everything they are paying to learn! That is rare… ha, great post – I love carsbs as well! Omg what a silly thing to say…carbs=my life…having fought an ED i feel that comments like that are why so many girls in society are too scared to pick up a piece of bread and eat the darn thing. Thank you for addressing this and showing ppl that its not about fitting into what society thinks is right but doing whats right for your body! Great post! Keep it going sarah! -Lena I swear you can mix cottage cheese with anything and its awesome. IIN sounds sooooo interesting, I would love to hear more about what you’re learning. It seems like the type of place I would enjoy learning at. I am so happy you commented on my blog. It lead me to yours, and it is absolutely terrific! I love your background…i love writing…i have university science degrees though and stuck in a career that i hate …but so much debt i am seriously “stuck” there…i love writing…i just actually need to do it more…currently spend more time reading what a great blog ! omg so glad you stood up for ourself- its not like carbs are ALL you eat- wtf… idont know why he/she would make such a rude comment?? i love your eats! so delicious xoxo shelley I was cheering and fist pumping throughout this whole post. From your defense of carbs to you cottage cheese concoctions…I just love you. Carbs and I are best friends. I’m pretty close with fats and protein, too, but carbs and I just have a connection. Ignore the haters and keep on chowing! Hey! I’m happy to have found your blog too I’m also a carb-lovin’ nutrition student. When will people learn that no macronutrient is “bad??” A life without bread, oatmeal, sweet potatoes? Craziness! I’ve tried Millet once before and it was good! But those little grains get EVERYwhere um so seriously anon has some unresolved issues with carbs. I want to shove that millet in their boca. on that note, i’m going to go eat peanut butter and *gasp* TOAST. oh yes I di-idddd. Psssh, dude I say eat whatever you want. I love carbs, and completely agree that different foods work for people in different ways, and we all process food in different ways. Enjoy your carby-goodness! Go ahead and get your carb on, girl! Good carbs = energy moron anon! I have one can of pumpkin left in my pantry, and thanks to that first bowl of oatmeal I’m pretty sure I will be breaking it out for breakfast tomorrow. My cottage cheese fix today was had with half a banana, Stevia, and cinnamon. Perfecto! Hmmm, maybe I should rethink my dislike of cottage cheese?! i would like to continue to hear about cottage cheese and carbs. because they are amaze. seriously if you whip cottage cheese and pumpkin in a blender it makes amazingness. a-may-zing-aling-ness. by the way your shroom caps are genius. just sayin Ohh anonymous commenters are so annoying sometimes. I really think that diets are personal..some people do better with a higher carb intake. Obviously anonymous is nutrition ignorant. Thanks for visiting my blog and for the sweet comment! Oh my goodness I’m loving all the cottage cheese creations! I can’t get enough of that stuff, I’m definitely trying these combos! And I would love to hear more about what you’re learning in school/how you feel about it! defend carbs. I love oats, bread, more bread, cereal…carbs are friends. they provide fuel to workout! haha and Im so nt creeped out u caught that Auntie flow comment in my post lol… i jst hope she doesnt ruin my weekend day drinking adventures…. ahhhh come to chicago ASAP and por favor. xooxox lolomon You’re giving me so many good snack ideas here, I LOVE cottage cheese! Love this post. Carbs in general are not bad, but there are certain carbs that are healthier than others – you obviously eat an abundance of whole grain, healthy carbs so I’m not sure what the anon reader was thinking. i have a whole carton of cottage cheese looking for inspiration! i’m gonna try your broiling method… food looks amazing and the anons. girl. I get some doosies. WAY worse than that. Trust me. Between the vegan raw thing (ie. vegan police) and the fact that im in a sports bra doing yoga poses, you can imagine some of the choice words i get. Shrug em off, i know easier said than done, but you’re fabulous and we know it. xoxo You’ve got to love how the catty commenters are always annoymous! If you want to discuss something at least have the guts to admit who you are. I am totally in defence of carbs, mostly because the average Westerner eats waaaaay too much protein anyway and also carbs are the yummy! Good on you for defending carbs! But… and I hope you don’t take this the wrong way… I sometimes find that I really don’t understand as much as 20% of your posts because of all the Spanish in them. I’m assuming you are from Spanish-speaking descent, so please don’t think I’m being racist or anything! I have nothing against that I’m just saying – some words are very easy to assume a meaning from like escuela obviously = school. And most people know ones like para mi, mi casa, etc. But other times I just have no idea what you’re talking about, lol! It frustrates me to not understand what you’re saying because I’m interested in your posts – obviously haha. Please PLEASE don’t take this as a hater comment. It’s just… an opinion? Constructive criticism, maybe? Ugh, sorry. I sound like a b!tchface! I’ll stop now. I get really frustrated when I hear people trash-talking carbs, too. I try to stick up for them, lol. And cottage cheese is the only food that I’v been seeing all over that still grosses me out, but I want to like…and I think your successes with it may have me convinced to try it! I for one want to hear ALL about your school and what you are learning! That way I can live vicariously through your experience, because it sounds amazing and you’ll be learning so much! So yes, share, share, share! Mmm your hummus veggie baked creations always look so good. I would like to point out that the anonymous carb hater used the incorrect form of “your”. It should be “you’re”. Maybe if the person had some more carbs (which are the brains primary fuel) then she or he wouldn’t have made such a grievous error! Whoa, that sounded a little harsh. Apologies! Yay for carbs (and fats!)! OMG. Whoever left that comment…..ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?!??!?!??!?!!?!? Wow, I’m agro(vated). Fa sho. You are probably one of my favorite bloggers because you ACTUALLY eat! You have such a healthy outlook on livin’, eatin’ and doin’ yo thang–and because of that you’re one of the most gorg, fit and fierce gals out there! You know what works for you….and damn, you don’t even eat THAT much carb. Que ridiculoso! Onto the food… So I’m trying that CC + apple sauce combo asap!! Cheesecake you say? I’m in. And that baked creation–pure genius right thurr. YOU BETTER TRY THE CC MESS SOON!!!! Looove you! Xoxo, lil’ J yum i love cottage cheese to i am definitely trying that omelette…what i have learned about carbs( as a girl who ate meat for an entire year and nothing but meat) is that those who view carbs as “bad” arent going to change and those who view them as “good” arent going to change. different info from different sources…when the reality is genes and heredity have the biggest impact on how your body handles carbs. there is not fight in the fact that “dietary carbs are not needed by the body” good lookin foods you got i think i need to read the previous carb post though! People are so rude. I can’t imagine having so much free time that I could go around reading blogs and leaving nasty comments…ANY WHO Lots of deliciousness on here! Quinoa is such a yummy grain- you can do tons with it- I need to do more experimenting. Your oats bowl with cottage cheese looks SO good…I just wish I liked cottage cheese. I would love to hear more about what you’re learning in school!! That cottage cheese omelet looks incredible! Cottage cheese and pineapple is fantastic, but my fave is cottage cheese and FF French dressing. I eat it pretty much every day. (I buy 4 large tubs of CC every week BTW, as long as it’s low fat I feel totally okay about eating it.) Ooh and girl, I am with you on the carbs. My work girlfriends call me ‘carb whore’. holy moly cottage cheese…and i’m not talking about the kind on my ass. these concoctions are unique, brilliant and FABULOUS! i don’t believe for one minute you are uninspired okay, so i have professed this before, but i am mucho scared of sweet cottage cheese. please convince me it will be okay. i need it.

CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports: THE BIG ISLAND (A.K.A. UNTITLED PETER ELKOFF PROJECT) (FOX) - Peter Elkoff's ("Mr. Beautiful") drama project at FOX has been given the go ahead to produce a pilot. The drama, which tracks a group of twentysomething employees who work at a luxury hotel on Hawaii's Big Island, has been in development since February of last year (read the story) at which time music video director Dave Myers was attached to helm the pilot. It's not clear if Myers is still attached to the 20th Century Fox Television project, however Kevin Falls ("The West Wing") has come on board to executive produce along with Elkoff. BOSTON PUBLIC (FOX) - In a follow-up to our earlier story about the series being placed on hiatus (read the story), sources close to the show have indicated production will halt after the 15th episode wraps shooting this week. Despite being widely believed to have a full season order of 22 episodes for its fourth season, "Boston" apparently was only picked up for 13 episodes this season and extended for an additional two last month. FOX was reportedly considering ordering even more episodes however plans to bring on a new female lead to revamp the series never came through. Networks reps nevertheless are insisting the show hasn't been canceled and remains in contention for FOX's fall 2004 schedule. Should it be axed however, FOX is said to be open to ordering a 16th episode to wrap-up the series. THE CATCH (A.K.A. UNTITLED J.J. ABRAMS PROJECT) (ABC) - J.J. Abrams' bounty hunter drama has been given the green light to produce a pilot. The project, which stars Greg Grunberg ("Alias"), is expected to be considered for midseason 2005 as the prolific producer will focus on "Lost" (see the story below) first before moving on to "The Catch." THE D.A. (ABC) - Felicity Huffman ("Sports Night") has signed on to appear in a multi-episode arc on the midseason drama. No additional details were available. EDEN (NBC, New!) - Mark Burnett ("The Apprentice," "Survivor") is once again trying to get into the scripted game as the producer has landed a script commitment from NBC for a new series about young people on a summer study cruise who end up shipwrecked on a remote island. Burnett has teamed with writer Douglas Day Stewart ("An Officer and a Gentleman") on the project, which will be co-produced by Brunett's production company and NBC Studios should it go forward. NBC has committed to a pilot script, a backup script and a series bible for the series as well as a substantial penalty should it not go to pilot. While the original scope of the series is for a limited run of 13 episodes, the project could evolve into an ongoing weekly soap. Burnett, Stewart and Conrad Riggs will executive produce. THE GOODBYE GIRL (TNT) - A somewhat lackluster 3.5 million viewers (1.6 million among viewers 18-49) tuned into the cable channel's premiere of its "Goodbye Girl" remake on Friday. The telefilm however delivered 6.2 million total viewers overall (5.5 million viewers in 18-49) over the course of its three-day play on the network (Friday, Saturday and Sunday this past weekend). HARRY GREEN AND EUGENE (A.K.A. JOE GREEN AND EUGENE) (ABC) - The Alphabet's dramedy from the team behind FOX's short-lived "Keen Eddie" - actor Mark Valley, writer Joel Wyman, director Simon West, executive producer Warren Littlefield and Paramount Network Television - has been given the go ahead to produce a pilot. Valley stars in the dramedy as Harry Green, a Los Angeles private investigator whose life is complicated when his inept brother Eugene comes to town. As previously reported West will direct the pilot from a script by Wyman with the duo executive producing along with Warren Littlefield and Jib Polhemus. The Littlefield Co. and Frequency Films are also behind the Paramount-produced project. I WANT TO MARRY RYAN BANKS (ABC Family) - Just 1.8 million viewers tuned into the telefilm's premiere on Sunday, off 36% from the network's last original - December's "Picking Up and Dropping Off," which scored 2.8 million viewers. KAT PLUS ONE (UNTITLED MAGGIE FRIEDMAN PROJECT) (ABC) - The Alphabet has given a production green light to produce a pilot for the drama, which comes from writer Maggie Friedman ("Dawson's Creek") and "Everwood" executive producers Greg Berlanti and Mickey Liddell. The project revolves around a New York publicist who must suddenly raise a 6-year-old boy when her sister and brother-in-law die. Berlanti and Liddell's Warner Bros. Television-based Berlanti-Liddell Productions is behind the pilot. THE L WORD (Showtime) - 936,000 total viewers watched the two-episode opener to the much-hyped lesbian drama, which averaged a 0.5 national rating among adults 18-49. While far from spectacular, both scores are on par with "Queer as Folk's" third-season opener (1.1 million) and the premiere of the controversial telefilm "The Reagans" (1.2 million). LIFE OF LUXURY (ABC) - ABC has committed to four additional installments of the Robin Leach-hosted special, which premiered to a strong 9.3 million viewers this past December. Two of the new "Luxury" specials are expected to roll out this spring with the other two coming in the fall. Andy Friendly Productions is behind the project, which will add a contemporary co-host to serve alongside Leach for the new installments. LOST (ABC, New!) - J.J. Abrams ("Alias") and Damon Lindelof ("Crossing Jordan") are set to team for a new drama at the Alphabet which follows a group of people stuck on a Pacific island and are forced to build a new society after surviving a plane crash. The project is actually a revamped take on "Nowhere," a drama from executive producer Aaron Spelling and writer Jeff Lieber, which ultimately did not go forward. ABC has ordered a pilot and six additional scripts for the new project, which comes from Touchstone Television, with Abrams and Lindelof executive producing. The producers plan to shoot the pilot, as well as the series should it go forward, on location. LUCKY US (FOX, New!) - 20th Century Fox Television and Original Television are behind a new comedy at FOX about a mismatched couple who wind up permanently linked after their blind date results in an unexpected pregnancy. Holly Hester ("Sabrina, the Teenage Witch") will write and executive produce the project, which has been given a pilot commitment, along with Original's Marty Adelstein, Neal Moritz and Dawn Parouse. MY BEST FRIEND IS A BIG FAT SLUT (Oxygen, New!) - The cable channel has pacted with Carsey-Werner-Mandabach ("That '70s Show," "Whoopi," "The Tracy Morgan Show") for the network's first original scripted series, a half-hour comedy about a pair of Minnesota twentysomethings who move to L.A. in search of the Hollywood life. Writer Claudia Lonow ("Less Than Perfect") created the series, which is being targeted for an April premiere date. Bree Turner ("Bring It On Again"), Joy Gohring ("Not Another Teen Movie"), Kevin Christy ("Love Don't Cost a Thing"), Brent King ("Without a Trace") and Nicole Hiltz ("Cold Case") have all been cast in the comedy, CWM's first original series for cable. RELATED BY FAMILY (FOX) - Amy Yasbeck ("Wings") has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, which comes from writer/producer Victor Fresco ("Andy Richter Controls the Universe") and Paramount Network Television. Yasbeck will play the mother in the comedy, which focuses on two very different teenagers forced to live under the same roof when their parents remarry. UNTITLED EILEEN HEISLER/DEANN HELINE PROJECT (NBC, New!) - The Peacock has ordered a pilot from writer/producers DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler ("Three Sisters") for a new comedy about a romance between an unlikely couple. No additional details were released about the project, which will be produced by NBC Studios. UNTITLED SHELDON TURNER PROJECT (FOX, New!) - Feature writer Sheldon Turner ("The Longest Yard") has landed a blind script commitment from 20th Century Fox Television to develop a new drama series for the network and studio. Turner spent the past development season on an untitled drama set in the world of gunrunning at 20th from feature director John Woo's Lion Rock Productions. UNTITLED VICTORIA GOTTI PROJECT (A&E, New!) - Star magazine gossip columnist, and daughter of the late mob boss John Gotti, Victoria Gotti is set to be the focus of a new reality series about her personal life and career as a tabloid journalist. Production is already underway on the untitled pilot, which could air as soon as this summer should it be picked up to series. The project is expected to track her transition to editor-in-chief of Red Carpet, a new magazine from Star publisher American Media. Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters

Butternut Squash & Apple “Cobbler” Bake, crockpot style Filed under: desserts, healthy stuff, low fat, product review I really really wish autumn would get here and stay here already. Here in middle Tennessee, we're experiencing cold-ish nights and 80-something degree days. Ick. Because I recently started school again, I decided it was time to invest in the grand daddy of all crockpots--the programmable kind with automatic warm setting when your dish is finished. This baby even has a meat probe that will turn the appliance to warm once the meat's internal temp reaches the desired heat. AND I caught a sale at Kohl's, so it wasn't nearly as expensive as I was thinking it was going to... Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms: Pizza Style Filed under: easy dinners, fancy made easy, healthy stuff, vegetarian dinner Have you ever gone to the grocery store, and they have these portobello mushrooms all wrapped up and prettily stuffed with mozzarella and spinach? I see them all the time, and I always think to myself, "I could do that." But I never do. This past week, though, I did. I could not think of anything for dinner. I didn't really have any instant cravings for anything, so I grabbed my own portobellos, and I brought them home because I had the cheese and baby spinach at home. As usual, something else struck me as I was making these, and I... Ashley’s Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Filed under: desserts, you have got to try this! ... Recipe Review: Paula Deen’s Gorilla Bread Filed under: breakfast ideas, desserts, fancy made easy, recipe reviews My husband saw this recipe this past weekend, and he insisted on making it. His mom usually makes monkey bread for Christmas morning, and it is a serious favorite. Gorilla bread is apparently monkey bread on steroids...meaning the sweet biscuit bites are filled with cream cheese and cinnamon sugar. I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that it is a 5 out of 5, a 10 out of 10, and 100%! I was going to take off points for the high calorie content, but these little nuggets of deliciousness are just too good. And I just can't make myself care because...,... Dropped off the face of the earth. Filed under: healthy stuff, life and the like, vegetarian dinner So school started back at the beginning of August. But I was there at the tale end of July for teacher meetings and stuff. And I have been trying to get a chance to post the entire time! Things have gotten crazy around here. I haven't even had time to read my friends' blogs and the other usual daily blogs I read. So I guess I should recap what's been going on and tell you what some future posts are going to be about. 'Cause I've had a reawakening in the kitchen. What's been happenin': had a great 4th of July... Honey Lime Shrimp Kabobs Filed under: easy dinners, fancy made easy, healthy stuff, you have got to try this! You know when you have a big project and you tell yourself you will not do anything else until it is finished? That is what I feel like these days. A 264 page publication is set to come out in August, and I need to get it done. But I do have to cook. And last night I had a creative moment in the form of this marinade. We bought some great shrimp at Publix, and the evening had cooled off enough to use the grill. Unfortunately, our propane tank lost its juice. But that's okay because these kabobs can... Pam’s Broccoli Salad Filed under: salad, you have got to try this! Recently, my mom visited our old home town (the one they moved away from after Katrina because it would never be the same anymore). She stayed with my cousin Pam. I always did enjoy going to her house for Thanksgivings and Christmases because I am an only child, but I love LOVE big family gatherings. Pam has two great kids who I used to babysit when I was in high school. I can't believe one has graduated high school, and the other is a senior this year! While visiting, Pam made this broccoli salad. When m0m told me about it, I... Mama’s Summer Peach Pie Filed under: desserts, fancy made easy, Truly Southern Recipes, you have got to try this! Sometimes I could just hit myself. I made a peach pie yesterday, ate a slice before it set in the refrigerator, and only THEN realized that my blogger friends might like this! I am smack dab in the middle of finishing the yearbook, and I think I am delirious. If you've ever worked on a yearbook, you understand the nightmares involved in publishing 268 pages of (mostly) student work. I say "mostly" because I simply have to do some of it because folks disappear in the summer. But it's cool. I don't mind it...too much. Which is why this pie is... Mojito Love Filed under: beverage recipes, recipe reviews I have loved mojitos for as long as I can remember. I have always tried to make them by some recipe I found online or in a cocktail book, but it just was not good. We have SOOO much mint that grew back this year, so I really felt the pressure more than ever to make a good mojito. It didn't help my cravings when we were at the beach one day, and my sister-in-law mentioned how a cabana boy would make our little (almost) private beach perfect. Because it so nearly is perfect already. No high rise condos, no...

I haven't posted in a while because, frankly, there has been nothing to post! Since we returned from vacation, we have done just about nothing everyday. I must admit it has been very nice though. The guys have finished the downstairs bathroom remodel, and they will finish the upstairs this week. It is looking great! I can't wait to post pics. We were without our shower for a whole week though, so things were getting a little smelly around here! We took sponge baths and washed our hair in the kitchen sink. This weekend my sister and the kids are coming!!! I am soooooooo excited! I am putting her to work; she is going to help me pick out a shower curtain and rugs to match our "searching blue" Sherwin Williams paint. I think I like this one the best - from Kohls. Thursday we take Cleo to a new dog care place called Dogtopia. It is really awesome ... and clean! Seriously, there was no dog smell at all! We just walked in unannounced and got a tour and loved it. They don't have kennel runs. It is indoor (w/ac) group play with other dogs the same size. The dogs are always supervised - and played with - by the workers. They have toys, slides, beds, and all kinds of stuff for them to play with/on. Also, they have a "dogcam" where we can view Cleo's playroom for any computer! I like that alot. We never like going anywhere over night unless we can take Cleo because we don't like the kennels around here, and neither does Cleo. But this place is great! They evaluate her on Thursday to get to know her (just that alone says something about the quality!), and then we are going to bring her in for a half day a few times to see how she likes it. We will probably do that at least once or twice a month, so when we do need to leave her, she will be used to it. So that's what's going on in our lives... so interesting! LOL Did I tell you my parents gave us a Wii for an early Xmas gift?!!!!!!! It has been a lot of fun. Roy has been playing his beloved Zelda on it while he can - summer school starts for him on the 13th. He knows he won't have time for fun then. Actually, he won't have time for fun until next May! I am praying this semester will be easier than the last. Only seeing your husband at his desk every night with books and a computer takes its toll. This summer has been great to just hang out with each other and be together. Okay, so you know I am off the pill with hopes of getting pregnant in Aug/Sept, right? Well, I guess I have been really moody w/o those extra hormones - at least that's what Roy tells me. The other day he said I needed to start taking them again!!!! It was quite funny (though I didn't think so in the moment; I was frustrated w/him for about the third time in two days). I started thinking about it, and I am indeed moody. So I have been trying to work on that. I remember almost 12 years ago when I got on the pill that I was really moody for about 2mths. I thought it was becaue I was in college and planning my wedding at the same time, but I think the change in hormones affected it too. I guess now the reverse has the same affect! Poor Roy! Maybe it's good preparation for when I do get pregnant! I start teaching summer school next week. I am excited to see my students; I really miss them. I spent five hours Monday night making one week's worth of lesson plans, schedules, and assignments, and it really got me excited (you have to be a teacher to understand that one, I guess.) Yesterday I was going to go to school, but we realized we had a flat tire! Roy put on the spare, and we got the tire changed. Thankfully I had purchased the warranty when we bought all the tires, so it cost us nothing, but I made up for that by spending $20 at Target while they were fixing the tire! Jewelry making is going well still. I have posted several new pieces on the "sets" page, and I now have a "Shades of wood" section on the "earrings" page.. When my sister comes, we are going to have a jewelry making frenzy when the kids go to bed! I can't wait! So that's what's going on in our lives... so interesting! LOL 3 comments: Wow! SO impressed with the dogtopia place. So cool! Also, I really like the second necklace. Gorgeous. You are so creative! :) Glad you're looking forward to school! Oh, and the moodiness...yeah...it's worse with the pregnancy hormones. They are insane and change suddenly and drastically. Some days are fine and others are like WHAMMO! Seriously! This time has been the worst for me by far, and maybe it's because I'm feeling overwhelmed or whatever, but I really cried ALL DAY on Sunday because I'm stressing about being a good enough mom for 3 so yound. Cary was really sweet about it and surprised me with ice cream. It's been rough though... but then I'll have weeks and weeks that are awesome, so I guess hormones can swing you both ways. I just prefer the up side. ;) Thanks so much, Deb! It really does mean the world to me!! Hey there! So excited for you guys!!!(You being off the pill and everything.) I remember how excited I was just doing that part. Can't wait to see the blog that says we're pregnant!! Hormones, they are a funny thing. So impressed with your jewelry making! I'll have to keep you in mind when I need something unique!! Glad we found your blog! Alicia

By The Mason City Globe Gazette —- It’s a nice perk if you can get it. And Gov. Terry Branstad doesn’t think Iowa legislators should get it much longer. We’re talking full coverage of state health insurance premiums, which lawmakers now receive. But the governor would like them to pay 20 percent of their premiums, just as he and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds started doing voluntarily last summer, and we think that would be a nice gesture to taxpayers. Having state workers chip in on their health insurance premiums has become a point of contention with Branstad. He reiterated it again recently. “We think it makes sense for the Legislature and others to do the same thing,” Branstad said of those paying part of their premiums. “I think it’s time they lead instead of follow.” Cynics among us might argue there’s been darn little leadership out of lawmakers. But we won’t go that far. Plenty of work gets done under the golden dome; it just seems like major issues such as property tax relief, the gas tax increase and a few others always seem to stall and thus get the headlines. We actually think we get a decent bang for our tax buck out of Des Moines. Now, we’d like to see some of those lawmakers’ bucks going to something many private-sector Iowans must contend with — health insurance premiums that grow every year. Some may see a drawback in taking away this benefit. Maybe some highly qualified candidates wouldn’t want to run, for example. We can’t imagine that stopping legislators we’re familiar with. They aren’t doing it to get rich (they are paid $25,000 annually with leadership posts paying more) but rather are sincerely interested in serving their constituents. Some would even call it being driven to serve. Yet, reaction to Branstad’s call is mixed. House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, said he would support legislative branch officials and employees paying 20 percent of their health insurance premiums, saying “contributing to our health care is the right thing to do.” He noted House Republicans have supported the concept in the past and said the matter may be taken up by the Legislative Council between sessions of the Legislature. On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said he doubted the Senate would consider the idea. “We have always treated ourselves consistently with how we treated other state employees,” he said. That’s regrettable, and we almost might think there’s some partisanship at work. But whatever. We think it’s time for lawmakers to take a giant step forward into reality where, according to Branstad, Iowa is one of just six states not requiring all state workers to pay a share of their health insurance premiums. Federal employees, he noted, pay 25 percent and, of course, most private-sector workers share the costs with their employers. The governor doesn’t believe Iowa will long be able to hold on to the “1970s-style plan where the employer pays everything.” And we have to believe that he’s right in saying the public sides with him on this issue. No offense to legislators. We just believe it’s fair for them to help cover the cost of their insurance, just like most other Iowans are doing. The next session would be a good time to start.

The appearance of this anthology assessing the significance of Martyn Lloyd-Jones (hereafter MLJ) is to be warmly welcomed, not because the outlines of the life of this venerable preacher (1899-1981) have previously gone unexplored (indeed the impressive introduction evaluates four previous attempts), but because this is the first attempt to assess the man's career in a way properly characterized as multi-perspectival. Eleven contributors, many of them distinguished researchers in their own right, met at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, in December 2010 to assess the career and influence of MLJ, longtime minister of Westminster Chapel, London. At the distance of thirty years from the eminent preacher's death, there is both advantage and disadvantage in making fresh assessment. As for the former, there has been much settling of the dust of the controversies in which MLJ found himself embroiled after 1960; the passage of time can have made the needed work of reassessment only easier. But as to the latter, the passage of thirty years means that a whole fresh generation of evangelicals has reached mid-life with little or no knowledge of MLJ. This means that the contributors to the anthology have their work cut out for them in reestablishing the significance of this evangelical leader. Among the weighty questions taken up in the 2010 conference were those of MLJ's place in the twentieth-century resurgence of Calvinism (ch. 1). D.W. Bebbington concludes that MLJ was propelled by a Reformed resurgence already underway in the 1930s. We are helped by David Ceri Jones to see that MLJ's being Welsh by birth and earlier pastoral experience, yet positioned in the heart of London from 1939 onward, cast him as something of an 'outsider' standing near the center of English Christianity (ch. 2). The skillful writing of Ian Randall (ch. 3) depicts MLJ-who had been enamored with the eighteenth-century evangelical revival-consumed with preaching and praying for national revival in the somber 1950s, a time of national retrenchment. MLJ was not the only evangelical leader sounding the trumpet this way; yet he with others did not live to see his aspirations fulfilled. The fourth chapter, by William Kay, is particularly striking. It addresses both the question of MLJ's relations with various expressions of Pentecostalism, with which he shared a belief in a second work of grace in the believer (while disagreeing over what that work entailed), and the corollary of how the conservative Reformed constituency that had looked to MLJ for leadership fractured over their leader's ambivalence on such questions. This chapter, taken in combination with that of Bebbington (above) requires that readers reassess the conventional wisdom that MLJ was nothing if not the great Calvinist standard-bearer of his time. MLJ's affinity with Pentecostalism was, to a considerable degree, an expression of his dismay with what he took to be conservative Calvinist rigidity. Two persons closely associated with one expression of the MLJ legacy, the London Theological Seminary (founded in 1977), explore the preacher's ideas about theological education and about twentieth-century theology in general. Though MLJ had trained and worked as a medical doctor of considerable distinction, his own ideas about theological education were highly ambivalent. Theologically self-trained, he seemed to harbor an aversion to the formal academic study of theology (at least on the university model) out of fear that the secularization underway in public universities was undermining theological education conducted in conjunction with them. He initially supported and eventually withdrew his support from the London Bible College (founded in1946), now London School of Theology, and from 1977 threw his weight behind the new, less-pretentious school. Philip Eveson, long-time principal of London Theological Seminary, explores MLJ's sometimes-conflicted views on this subject. One finds that MLJ would have been willing to be nominated to be the principal of a Welsh theological college in 1938! Robert Strivens, current principal of London Theological Seminary, on the other hand, demonstrates MLJ's quite extensive personal reading of the works of Karl Barth. There is complexity here that resists easy categorization. Coeditor Andrew Atherstone offers the single best account known to this reviewer of the public confrontation of 1966 involving MLJ with the equally prominent John Stott (ch. 10). The context was that of a surging ecumenical movement, with evangelical congregations and ministers within doctrinally comprehensive denominations feeling quite unprovided for as union talks proceeded apace. MLJ, having accepted the invitation of the umbrella-like Evangelical Alliance to address that current bewildering situation, took the opportunity to advocate the coming together of Britain's evangelicals who were now scattered across and within various denominations. Atherstone, while allowing that the MLJ appeal was lacking in clarity, considerably advances our understanding of this key episode by his explaining that Anglican evangelicals were seceding from their denomination in considerable numbers at this time, quite apart from the sentiments of MLJ. The intervention of John Stott, immediately on the heels of the MLJ address (an intervention for which Stott later apologized) was, on this explanation, his attempt to staunch an exodus already underway (as well as what might yet be encouraged by MLJ's exhortation). Of similar sterling quality is the eleventh chapter, provided by Puritan scholar John Coffey, regarding MLJ's love of church history and especially Puritan history. This is not the esoteric inquiry one might imagine. MLJ was, after all, as responsible as any evangelical in the period since 1950 for the marshaling of the opinions of the sixteenth-century Reformers and the Puritans of the subsequent century on contemporary theological and ecclesiastical questions. Coffey's concern is to observe that MLJ's use of history was not characterized by any particular rigor. While MLJ left evidence of having digested some twentieth-century analyses of his favorite epochs of church history, the overwhelming impression gained is that MLJ's appeals to history were too harnessed to his polemical concerns. Coffey also observes that the Puritan publishing program, so energetically advanced by the Banner of Truth (of which MLJ was a principal backer) was, in effect, a program that put into circulation the "canon" of Puritans favored by MLJ. Taken all in all, this excellent volume is a demonstration of how much the study of church history gains when it is "re-complexified." Virtually every contributor to the anthology communicates deep respect for the memory and leadership of MLJ and shows that such reverence is compatible with serious efforts to untangle and reinterpret the contested legacy of a great Christian leader. If there is a caveat to be raised, it would simply be that the volume devotes no segment to exploring the legacy of MLJ outside the UK. When one considers that MLJ discovered the writings of B.B. Warfield in Toronto, was first observed by the man he would succeed in London (G. Campbell Morgan) while preaching in Philadelphia, came to the attention of post-war evangelicals outside the UK by a preaching series at Wheaton, delivered his lectures on homiletics (later published as Preaching and Preachers) in Philadelphia, and whose ministry was emulated by the erection of "Westminster Chapels" in cities all over North America, we can acknowledge that the influence of this Christian leader was far wider even than this excellent volume suggests.

Posts in Orlando Bosch What lies across the Water- Why History, International Law and American Values matter in the case of the Cuban five The following text is my presentation at the panel organized by Wayne Smith about the book "What lies across the Water", at the Center for International Policy, April 18, Washington DC. I want to thank Dr. Wayne Smith and the Center for International Policy (CIP) for the invitation to discuss the book “What lies across the Water”. As a Cuban-American who thinks constantly about the difficult relations between Cuba and the United States, it is an honor to be part of the effort of the CIP to improve the knowledge about the complex history of these links and the need to approach them with creativity and goodwill. Whatever you might think about the Cuban Five, if you want to know how their case fits into the history of relations between Cuba and the United States, you must read this book. The author Stephen Kimber presents a well written short narrative about how the Cuban five ended up in US prisons. The book reads more as reportage for the general public than as an academic report. The author has studied the long history of conflict between Cuba and the United States and the use of terror as a political weapon by Cuban right wing groups in Florida. Terrorist on the Dais at University of Miami's ICCAS This morning, a congressional staffer forwarded the latest "Cuba Facts" received from the University of Miami's Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies (ICCAS). The Institute regularly produces briefing papers and shares them with interested colleagues in the academic and policy community, and, of course, with staff on Capitol Hill. The Institute isn't afraid to take a policy position when it comes to Cuba and U.S. sanctions, or - in this blogger's opinion - to sacrifice an honest representation of the facts in order to convey a particular point of view. (And, let's not forget that until this year, the University of Miami's ICCAS received millions in taxpayer-funded support from USAID.) But the latest Cuba Facts memo isn't what interests me. I'm more stunned by the quaint little event the Institute hosted last week to celebrate the "50th Anniversary of the Guerilla Struggle Against Totalitarianism." But what does it meant to honor the "guerrilla struggle" anyway? Perhaps taking a look at the honorees might give us a clue? Twitter, Terrorism and Tightropes Over Cuba Where’s a good ombudsman when you need one? Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve received comments from readers on two very sensitive topics that remind me just how hard it is to find middle ground when it comes to Cuba. Two days ago, a contributor for THN passed on what seemed - to him - plausible news. A group of Cuban bloggers, especially prominent abroad for their criticism of their government and prolific use of social media, were unable to send their 140 character messages to Twitter. One of them, the much-admired and maligned Yoani Sanchez, made instant headlines for publicly wondering if the Cuban government had blocked their access. After all, her blog is blocked in Cuba, so maybe it wasn’t a leap too far? “Bloquearon la publicacion desde moviles cubanos a twitter. Parece que pusieron el filtro aqui dentro.1 amigo publica por mi este tweet” Sanchez then went on to wonder – via friends to whom she dictated her tweets – whether Twitter had been the one to block access. That too had (an even more) plausible precedent. In May 2009, to avoid getting in trouble with U.S. authorities, Microsoft blocked access to its instant messaging software for countries subject to U.S. sanctions, including Cuba. And that, observed Sarah Stephens of the Center for Democracy in the Americas, was, ironically, just weeks after the Obama administration announced it would issue new regulations to increase telecommunications access for the Cuban people. As it turned out, nobody was censoring anybody. Tomas Bilbao, who originally posted Sanchez' s concerns, did some investigating. And, as he reported here yesterday, Twitter simply made a change to how customers must dial in. That broke the Twitter link to which Yoani Sanchez and others in Cuban had become accustomed. Bilbao admitted that he jumped the gun without all the facts in hand, and I hope that Sanchez will do the same. If she doesn’t, she’ll only prove her critics right, who accuse her of being more interested in building the momentum her creativity and criticism have won her, than in building a constructive dialogue. And that’s where the real damage is done. Unfortunately, both sides are too quick to judge, take names and call the press.

Christine Todd Whitman is “delighted” that some Republicans are abandoning Grover Norquist. She’s tough on Republicans who bashed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) for praising President Obama. In a wide-ranging interview with The Hill, the former two-term governor who later led the Environmental Protection Agency from 2001-2003 reflected on her party and busy post-politics career. “The things I have always loved about government and politics is it is hard to get bored because you can be all over the place, all sorts of different areas, and I like going up the learning curve,” Whitman said in late November. “That’s what keeps me going.” Whitman wears many hats today — she’s active on energy, security and healthcare policy, and much more. She is president of the Whitman Strategy Group, which helps companies and groups navigate environmental rules and boost sustainability — and not just in the U.S. Whitman advised on a major sustainable-city project in Korea. Whitman also travels around the U.S. as co-chairwoman of the Clean and Safe Energy (CASE) Coalition, which seeks to build public support for construction of new nuclear power plants. A few more of Whitman’s many affiliations: She is on the boards of the American Security Project, the Corporate Eco Forum, the Aspen Institute’s Health Stewardship Project, the Council on Foreign Relations and companies including Texas Instruments Inc. It’s not all work, however. Whitman is happy she gets to spend time with her five grandchildren. “The balance in life is nice,” she said. Balance is something that for years Whitman has called missing in the GOP. Her 2005 book, It’s My Party Too, lamented a party controlled by “extreme conservatives” on reproductive rights, the environment, gun control, taxes and more. The book’s subtitle: “The Battle for the Heart of the GOP and the Future of America.” For years, it’s a battle Whitman and other centrists have fought from a defensive stance. Republican centrists are increasingly rare in Congress amid the Tea Party ascendancy, the GOP-controlled House that has sought to dismantle environmental protections and, until recently, the party has shown a steadfast resistance to higher tax revenues in fiscal policy showdowns. But Whitman, who is now in her mid-60s, sees signs of a turning tide. “I am delighted to see now that, for instance, you have some of the leaders here saying, ‘Forget the pledge,’ ” Whitman said, referring to no-tax-increases pledge maintained by anti-tax crusader Norquist that most Republican lawmakers have signed. Whitman is quick to point out her tax-cutting record as New Jersey governor and says federal spending is “out of control.” But she says tax revenues must be in the mix, too, in fiscal policy talks. “I think it is a very good sign. People are finally saying, ‘We are going to have to negotiate,’ ” she said of some Republicans’ recent willingness to break the pledge. “It is pretty tough to negotiate when you are not willing to give up anything, when you can’t talk about what clearly needs to be part of the discussion. “It does not mean you embrace taxes as the way to solve the problem. It just means you allow yourself some room for discussion of closing loopholes and that sort of thing,” Whitman said. More broadly, Whitman said Romney’s loss among women, Latinos and African-Americans and young voters shows a party that needs to change. “Unless you are living in a different world, you don’t see much of a future for the Republican Party. You cannot rely on 60-plus-year-old white men. It is not enough to win a general election,” she said. Whitman sees disconnect between public sentiment and the political establishment, arguing that there’s dissatisfaction with both parties right now among a public hungry for discussion and leadership. Whitman finds evidence of this disconnect in her home state. She took notice when Christie drew attacks from GOP insiders for praising Obama’s handling of Hurricane Sandy — which devastated the New Jersey coast — just days before the election. “You had … the pundits here [in Washington, D.C.] and the talking heads within the party damning him. But the people in New Jersey, and the people you talk to around the country, they said, ‘That’s what we need,’ ” Whitman said. “They didn’t see this as a repudiation of the Republican Party. They saw it as an executive doing what they elected him to do, which was govern the state and try and get it through a crisis,” she said. While she isn’t claiming victory, Whitman sees a party ready to move back in her direction. “There are some people who will never, ever accept moderation,” Whitman said, but adds that increasing numbers of Republicans are “starting to make the moves that give themselves the ability to reach consensus.” Whitman is now calling for a more centrist GOP as a private citizen, but she also has battled in closer quarters. She was to the left of the George W. Bush White House during her 2001-2003 stint as EPA administrator, notably backing limits on carbon dioxide, only to see Bush walk back his pledge on the matter. On Capitol Hill in recent years, Republicans have blocked proposals for greenhouse gas limits and are seeking to scuttle EPA climate regulations. But Whitman says the public is ready for more action on climate change. “If you get out of Washington, in the real world out there, people get it,”.

Displaying results 31-40 of 119 Entries Powered by Microsoft Dynamics AX, DAXEAM is an enterprise asset maintenance software solution that manages the complete asset life cycle. DAXEAM is fully integrated with Dynamics AX, providing equipment and asset maintenance to AX customers in asset intensive industries such as aerospace/aviation, process manufacturing, mining, oil and gas and fleets. Deloitte Consulting – Asset Management Deloitte offers support with Asset Management/PAS 55 where it comes to determining the current Asset Management maturity of your organization, followed by a well-articulated business case and accompanying transformation plan. DeltaRail is a consultancy firm in the field of railways. Services include asset management consultancy (condition management) and certification. EA Technology is a world leader in specialist Consultancy, Software, Instrumentation and electrical services which enable operators of electrical networks to manage their assets more efficiently, reliably and safely, at lower cost. It focuses on delivering value to its customers and has won the Queens award for enterprise: Innovation twice in the last 5 years, demonstrating its ability to deliver market leading, high ‘value add’ solutions. The employee-owned company is located at Capenhurst in the North West of England, and has sales operations in the USA, China, the Middle East and Australia, plus 40 global distribution partners. EA Technology is a Patron member of the IAM EC Harris is a leading Global Built Asset Consultancy. Working across a wide range of market sectors – such as Property, Public, Water, Energy & Manufacturing, Oil & Gas / Chemicals and Transportation – we help our clients make the most from the money they spend on built assets. Our ethos is simple; we focus on getting the right results for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. Being part of the ARCADIS Group means we share a leading network of world-class asset knowledge and technology, which in turn allows us to capture and transfer knowledge for our client’s benefit. All our people can access best practice service delivery processes and information sources designed for specific industry sectors. EJR Consulting Ltd provides asset management consultancy services. We have experience in regulated and non-regulated utilities and in transport and we aim to work with you to build the solutions you need. We focus on helping you build your strategies and tools to manage your asset performance and risks. eMaint delivers CMMS solutions to organizations across the globe to manage and control maintenance and repair operations for greater productivity and profitability. Designed for single or multi-site deployment, this customizable system allows you to tailor PM scheduling, inventory management and reporting to your specific requirements. An intuitive interface and award winning support make implementation quick and easy. eMaint X3 is full-featured yet cost effective, priced at $40/user/month. In the main, we look after every aspect of an asset's lifecycle from concept through design and project management, to installation, ongoing asset management, integrity and compliance to final disposal - with our HSE services acting as an essential safety net. Below are just some of our areas of expertise: PAS55, Knowledge, Strategy, Risk, Integrity, Compliance, Software Solutions, Engineering Change, Health, Safety and Environment, Support, Maintenance. ESS Ltd. work to Improve Overall Operational Performance through people and processes. We are innovators in tailoring solutions for our customers around the People, Processes, Structures and Systems of Maintenance & Engineering Asset Management. Asset and facilities management and operation consultancy, auditing and auditing

Milocrorze: A Love Story by Yoshimasa Ishibashi There dwells a lov’d one, But cruel is she! She left lonely forever The kings of the sea. the distance between worlds He tries not to think. When he thinks, he remembers, and he doesn’t want to remember. He wonders if she does the same thing. He knows she doesn’t. He thinks that things are getting better now. He has always wished for her absence, and now he has it and things are just fine. He’s fine. He wishes she could see just how fine he is, how relieved at the fact that she’s gone. He wonders, though, why he has to keep telling himself that every day. Maybe, but no. Everything is all right. He’s okay. ___ “Are you okay?” she asked, looking at him curiously. There was a strange intense expression on her face as she studied him. It made him uncomfortable. “I’m always okay,” he replied lightly. “Really?” she raised an eyebrow at him skeptically. “Then how come I get this feeling like you’re pissed off or something? You look like, I don’t know, like you’re upset with me, I think.” “I don’t have any reason to be upset with you,” he told her. She still looked doubtful, but she nodded. “Okay. So we’re fine?” “Of course.” He wouldn’t meet her eyes, though. Finally, she looked away from him. “Okay.” ___ He likes to pretend that he never knew her, that she never existed at all. So he turns a deaf ear when other people talk about her. He feels glad when he hears them say things about her that aren’t exactly flattering. He wants to tell them that he completely agrees, that she’s an insane bitch and they’re all better off without her in their lives. But he has noticed to his annoyance that whenever someone talks about her, no matter how hard he tries to ignore it, he listens anyway. He wants to know how she’s doing, wherever she’s gone. He wants her to be okay. ___ “What the hell did I ever do to you?” She was so furious that he could see she was practically shaking with the effort to keep some semblance of calm. “Why does it seem like you’re trying to deliberately piss me off?” He knew it would push her over the edge, but he chose to say the words anyway. “So, it’s working?” For the first time that he could remember, she was rendered speechless. He walked away knowing that he had won their battle. It served her right for thinking that she could manipulate him into doing what she wanted. After that encounter, she was the one who tried to reach out to him, the one who tried to act like they were friends. It always gave him a perverse sense of pleasure whenever he could show her that he didn’t want her to be his friend. She pretended that it wasn’t a big deal to her, but he knew that it hurt her every time he ignored her. He was glad that he could hurt her. ___ He doesn’t ever want to see her again. He wants her to be completely gone. So he’s not exactly sure why he keeps looking into the faces of people he passes by on the street, half expecting that maybe it would be her. But, of course, it’s never her. And of course he’s glad. Now he just has to keep repeating that to himself until he begins to believe that it’s true. It has to be true. He doesn’t want to think about what it could possibly mean if it isn’t true. ___ “You ever think about parallel universes?” she asked him once. He was a bit taken aback by the question. Just a few seconds ago, they were talking about cartoons, and then this abrupt change in their conversation happened. He found it amusing. She was so unpredictable sometimes. “What about parallel universes?” he replied to humor her. He wanted to hear what she was going to say next. “Well, people say that there are many universes that exist at the same time in the same space, but like on different wavelengths or different dimensions. So, for example,” she suddenly took his hand and placed it palm to palm against hers. He was startled by the unexpected contact, but he allowed it. In fact, he had this curious feeling that he wanted their hands to stay linked like that for a long time, maybe forever. She looked into his eyes then. “So, we could actually live in different universes and hold out our hands like this, and we would never even know that we were together because of the distance between our worlds.” “That would be weird,” he said, “that we would be so close together without even knowing it.” She smiled. “You know what’s even weirder?” Her voice had dropped to a whisper, like she was telling him a secret. “What?” All he could see were her eyes. “Though we live in different worlds, our worlds exist in the same space. So the distance between worlds,” her hand closed around his hand, “is really no distance, at all.” ___ He sees her one day across the street. For a moment, they just stare at each other. Then she turns away and disappears into the crowd. She never once looks back at him. He turns away, too. They never see each other again.

We made some home made finger paint today and had great fun with our little group of Mums and tots with babies as young as 6 months getting involved in the action! It’s totally edible (though not that delicious!) and completely non-toxic, and the best part is it was so easy to make and will last! This is the recipe ( I googled a few, found the common denominator and went from there): * 2 cups of corn flour (corn starch in the US I think) * 1 cup of cold water * 4.5 cups of boiling water * Liquid food colouring Method: Mix the cornflour with the cold water and stir together. Pour in the boiling water and stir between each cup. It goes really strange (you are basically mixing a hot oobleck goop) but keep stirring and it literally seems to “melt” into a wonderful, custard-like consistency. We then separated it into individual jam jars before adding colouring, but you can do it however you like and this is the stage to add colour. Edited to add: Some people have found that the paint remains liquid and doesn’t thicken up as it should. I have no idea why this should be, but I have two possible solutions, based on the fabulous commenters below! 1. Try simply adding up to 1 more cup of cornflour/ cornstarch and see if that helps to thicken it. 2. Try mixing the paint in a pan on a medium heat instead of just in a bowl, as that will help to bring it together. It’s always frustrating posting recipes that work brilliantly when you try them yourself, but for some reason don’t work for everyone! I can only assume it’s down to slight change in ingredients used and perhaps how the directions are followed. Do try it as it is LOVELY stuff! Thanks C helped me to spoon this into the jars and she absolutely LOVED every minute of the whole process! I added a squeeze of colouring to each jar and then between us we mixed them up. During mixing they looked fabulous! And the finished paints look like a little work of art Almost too good to paint with…but not quite. All lined up and ready for action. I put in some thick paint brushes for the toddlers but expected babies to use their fingers. They seemed to understand that perfectly Baby Boy is 6 months and this was his first little painting. We weren’t sure how impressed he was! Kiddies getting stuck in and a couple more crawling on the floor, waiting for their turns! That’s more like it baby Boy, get those fingers in and give it a good squish! J having a whale of a time! Big boy N knows how to paint properly! Someone got a tad possessive of all “her” paints. “Dey Mines!” And then we introduced edible finger paint number 2! Chocolate and strawberry Angel Delight pudding mixes (although these were actually a Sainsbury’s Basics range for 7p each!) We just mixed the powder with milk and whisked it until lovely and thick, then put it on the table for them to touch and add to their paintings. There was no added food colouring, but lovely brown, chocolatey messiness everywhere nonetheless Baby J was very interested in the chocolate pudding goo! Who can blame him?! It’s important to use ALL of the senses when exploring! Yum yum! And C did a little bit of mark-making with a fork through the lovely, thick, gloopy mess. Little Pop found the brush very tasty and had her fair share of pudding paint too. This activity is good for: * involving all ages of children * creativty and expression * using fingers and tools to do mark-making * exploring the senses and discovering new textures * knowledge and understanding of the world: following a recipe, mixing and stirring, combining materials and mixing colours * gross and fine motor skills (mixing the colours into the paint was hard work!) We have another home made paint recipe to share tomorrow! Enjoy messy, creative, fun! Great messy fun! Love the fact that u dont need to worry about it going in their mouths too.Adele x Love it! A great (outdoor?) birthday party activity idea! What is cornflour to you? Is it ground corn, which we in the states call corn meal? Or corn starch? I think you mean corn starch, which is a little different. Is it a very powdery white substance with a gritty feel? The recipe I’m reading calls for corn starch and that would produce the consistency, look, and feeling described in this activity. Corn starch has a powdery thick feeling not gritty. Hi Anon! I think it is corn starch although on Googling it it seems they are slightly different. But both work as a thickening agent so I’m guessing the starch will work in exactly the same way. Our corn flour has the exact appearance of ordinary flour. Hope it works and I’m sure it will! How fun! I have been looking for something to do with my 2 year old while my 4 year old is at school! Thanks for the idea! What great fun! I will definitely give it a go! Love all the pics too! Kerri Anonymous, cornflour is cornmeal in the US. Anna, those paints look delicious! What lovely bright colours and I can see from the photos what a fab consistency they were. How great for the babies to get stuck in with the older kids. Katy is often muscling in on Max’s play, and she isn’t always welcome! This is a nice idea for encouraging Max to include his sis. Nooooo, cornmeal is polenta! Cornflour is the same as cornstarch. Hope you make some Sarah! It’s great for messy play The words vary a lot by region. In Australia the cornflour sold in supermarkets can be made of wheat or corn. When it is made of corn it is the equivalent of what US recipes call corn starch. Usually you have to look at the ingredients to know if it is wheat or corn based cornflour. I think this might go some way to explaining why the recipe works for some and not others, they may actually be using a different product. I think the wheat cornflour needs a bit more heating before it thickens up. I did love doing this activity it was great fun. However, how long do you feel you should stay on this activity for the only reason I ask is because my daughter appears to have a short concentration span is this normal for one year olds? your daughter looked like she would be happy doing this all day. Hi Bella! Thanks for your comment and I’m glad she enjoyed it. `i would say that a 1-2 year old has a very short attention span and probably will only want to do things for 5-10 minutes at the most. But they tend to like to come back to the same activity and repeat it over and over. As adults we find this frustrating but it’s how they learn! My girl is 2 and a half and is more interested in some things than others. She could probably paint/ stick/ play with play dough for well over half an hour, but that’s only a recent development and she tends to flit between things to try them out. Exactly what I needed for my 7 m/o nephew, thanks!Found via Oh my oh my!! How fun!!! Looks just perfect for the little ones! Clever idea! Maggy(thanks for linking up to Kids Get Crafty) oh we can go through the finger paint. How fun that I can make some new paint with stuff I have in my cabinets. Thanks for the recipe! Yummy! ha ha… what a Fab idea! I’d love to have you share at my For the Kids Friday Link Party! I’m sure you’ll find some fun ideas while you are there! Come join the fun! What a GREAT idea! I have been letting my 17 month old paint lately and he ALWAYS wants to eat it – I will be trying this out today! Thanks for the wonderful idea!! I just can’t get over the pics. To cute! Thanks so much for sharing this at For the Kids Friday at Sun Scholars! rachel @ SunScholars.blogspot.com How long will this last? Hello “Anon” I think out of the fridge no more than a couple of days. In the fridge maybe a week at a guess? I think ours was best the day we made it, and it was best at being a sensory play material rather than long-lasting paint. Lots of fun though! Cute Idea! I repinned it on pintrest. I love this! all those cute chubby hands in the squishy paint is too cute! I am going to do this with my 2 year old soon! hello! thanks for the post. i’d need some follow-up, finally could you store it in the fridge? and for how long? sorry, i didn’t make it through with the comments.. now i see, you already answered to the same question No problem at all! Ours didn’t keep very long in the end. Maybe only a day or two? Use it up with lots of messy play! wow great idea thank you my grandchildren will love this and very welcome as half term is coming up … happy crafting and love sandy xx Great idea, do you think the food colouring stains? i’m thinking in the bath or on the kitchen floor… thx I love this idea. I really want to try finger painting with my 13 month old and this recipe sounds great. Any as ConsciousMama asked, does it stain? He doesn’t really have any “grungy” clothes so I’m a little worried about the food colouring dying his clothes? Has anyone found out if it stains yet? I tried making this, following the directions exactly, but for some reason the consistency was pure liquid…I tried adding more corn starch, but that didn’t help. Suggestions? Thanks so much! Hi Lauren, that is really weird! You did use hot water right? It should thicken just like it would if you added the cornflour to stock to thicken it for gravy or to a stew to thicken it. Mine was the same, just zap it in the microwave for 30-40 secs and give it a good stir before it becomes a big lump! We tried this today with our mothers group of 8 month olds. It was a moderate success, but still a little too advanced. My little boy did enjoy eating it and throwing it however! ) Lauren – mine was liquid until about 2 mins of stirring and then it turned thick and custard like all of a sudden. I thought I had stuffed up but then it turned. The food colouring did stain – skin, clothing everything! – but we thought this would be the case and had all the bubs in disposable nappies and naked – it is summer here in Australia! Storage: I made it last night and stored in the fridge overnight. It went solid overnight but all I needed to do was add a little more boiling water and give it a good stir and it went back again. It wasn’t as good as the fresh stuff however. I would advise making this the same day as you need it and not storing it. Lauren I’m sorry to hear that! I don’t know what to say as ours was so waxy and custard-like. If anything I’d have thought people may find it to thick, not too thin Perhaps follow Stephanie’s (great!) advice and try stirring it for longer? It feels like you are mixing up goop, but with hot water. AS your stir it begins to get more and more thick. Were you using a flour like substance ? Corn starch? Over here it is Corn flour but in the US it;s cornstarch? Sorry not to help more! I used a cup less boiling water and a cup more corn starch (or there about) and it was perfect. I know it’s no longer edible, but to color it I used the ends of my tubes of crayola finger paint. I had just a little left of each color. No staining and way cheaper!! Great idea. Brilliant and well done for making it work! Thank you for this! Mine turned out a bit on te runny side, so I just shook a bit more cornflour into it, it got thicker as it cooled too. I made a stencil with a dozen little Christmas trees on it, coloured the paint a darkish green, and stirred in some gold edible lustre dust to give it a sheen… Paint smeared over the stencil onto card underneath, and my baby girlhas made her first Christmas cards! Thank you for showing me that messy is doable with a baby! that sounds SO wonderful!! My solution to a runny mixture was to cook it on the stove for a few minutes, just like custard perfect solution! This comment has been removed by a blog administrator. Thanks for the great post!I made this just now. It was briljant! Allthough it was less silky than yours. I used a cup more corn flour and it was perfect! Our 12 month old was particularly keen on eating it.. So we ended up with a blueish, cyanotic lipped boy;) Oops!! But glad it worked out well! Mr 1 loved this goopy paint. We only used one cup cornflour, one cup cold water, then just added boiling water and whisked until it seemed a good consistency. We used food colouring for some colours, cocoa for brown, and a few drops of non-toxic acrylic paint for others. Looked like a ridiculous amount for one boy, but he used it all up smearing on paper, cardboard, himself…… Very cheap entertainment. So glad it worked out for you and very good ideas for the other colourings! This is a really great idea! We’ll have to try this recipe next. We just posted about fingerpainting with banana pudding. My little ones loved it! us out! I linked your website on our blog since we tried out one of your finger paint recipes! Thank you for the fun idea -lifeasawife thank you! I did some yoghurt finger paiting and linked to this post as I mentioned your recipe, thanks Thanks Elsie! I just tried this and it’s pure liquid I followed the instructions exactly and even used less water…darn!! darn it indeed!! so frustrating. Sorry. Did you cook it for longer to see if it would come together? I started making this by following the exact recipe but by the 2nd cup of boiling water it was pure liquid so I stopped the water, added more corn starch and some flour until thicker and then let it cool in the fridge for a couple hours. Then added more flour to thicken. Still wasn’t custardy all the way through but was thick enough to paint and my 7month old LOVED the feel of the cool mushy paint. She cried when I tried to end the activity so I let her paint her high chair tray for awhile too. It all washed off (no stains) and she had a blast!! Thanks for posting this recipe!! Loved seeing your pictures too! Glad you were able to adapt it to make it work! This is the one recipe that people have had to do that with the most. I think cornstarch/ cornflour is partly to blame! (but wish i could work out why!) yeah this stuff leaves stains on everything it want come off!!! Oh no! Very sorry to hear it. Too much colouring? That didn’t happen to us at all, so sorry! This may be my all time favorite paint to use with the kids. Super easy to make. It’s edible (and non-toxic). A great tactile experience. By far the easiest paint project to clean up on the boys and everything else. The boys played with this stuff forever. Will be making this a lot! I didn’t read through all of the comments so this may have been asked already. Does the food dye not stain their hands? What a fabulous website with great ideas. Going to try this one today! We made edible finger paint using plain yogurt for our 14-month old. Worked really well: I never thought of involving babies to paint! I think I will add some food coloring to my 6 mo. old’s rice cereal and let her go to town!!! Can you all share what type of paper you used with the paints? I am so excited to try this with my 9 mo old, who LOVES touching everything! This comment has been removed by the author. Hi, I just tried this awesome ricipe out with my 1yr old daughter. She spent most of the time with her fingers in her mouth and was able to explore the wonderful world of colour without me worrying about poisonous substances Thank you! Oh, I have answered the staining and cleaning up issues – She was wearing a disposable nappy (as mentioned above) And I used an old inflatable pool sans water as the painting area. Clean up was a breeze! I’ve made this twice now. The first time it worked perfectly. The second time it didn’t. I don’t know if it made the difference or not, but when I made it this time I mixed the cornstarch into the cold water instead of the water into the cornstarch. I just cooked it for a bit on the stove and it thickened after a few minutes. Thanks for a great recipe! I’ve made this before and my son loved it, but I was just wondering how long the paints last in closed jars before they start growing stuff? I wondered how to store it too?!? I sealed the jars & put it in the pantry & within a week it absolutely stank I was so disappointed! The batch made more than I needed, so the uncoloured batch I had kept in the fridge, & that’s find weeks later! I’ve just made this and the recipe worked a treat! Although, instead of stirring lots I left it for a few minutes then started stirring and it became gloopy and custard-like. Love the recipe, thank you so much! We’re going to have fund tomorrow wow this looks fab, and it does actually look tasty even if its not, lol Corn flour and corn starch are not the same. Corn flour is milled from the whole kernel, while cornstarch is obtained from the endosperm portion of the kernel. Corn starch is just that – starch. It is chemically separated from the protein and other components of corn flour. The confusion stems in that they can SOMETIMES be used interchangeably, such as in soups and stews as a thickening agent. However, for bread baking and deep frying, you cannot substitute corn starch for corn flour. Corn flour is available in the US, but it is typically located with the other specialty grains. My local grocery store carries it in Bob’s Red Mill brand. That being said, when I decided to attempt this “recipe,” I didn’t have any corn flour handy. However, as I am located in the southwest US, I did have masa harina, a flour made from lime soaked corn, which is most commonly used to make tortillas. So, I decided to try using it instead. While I cannot comment on substituting corn starch or US corn flour, I can attest that the masa harina worked. My 12 month old daughter wasn’t initially impressed by this project, but, with a little encouragement, she quickly became thrilled. I’ve already made it three times this week! It seems to entertain her in about 30 minute bursts. Thank you for providing such a great “recipe” I’ve tried multiple versions of edible finger paint and have found this version to be the best yet. The finished product had a nice, slightly thick, consistency. I have since recommended it to all of my friends with children who still taste everything. I almost forgot to mention…it did stain her skin in a few spots, but it was easily removed with a little soap and some unappreciated scrubbing. Good luck to everyone else! I made this for my 14 month daughter as her first experience with paint. She had a great time. Thank you If it helps anyone, a cup in the UK is actually slightly less than a cup in the US. That may have affected how some of the batches turned out for people. ) Thank you for posting. I’m trying it with my 7 month old today! I made this today for my 18 month old twins and they loved it. I cooked it in the microwave for a couple of minutes after I’d put the hot water in – no different to making custard really!! Think I might add some glitter next time too I’ve linked you up in my blog post about it too, if that’s ok! My kids loved this!! Although mine was very watery :S but it was still fun gloop! My 5 month old and 2 1/2 yr old loved it!! ( especially sliding with his feet ) thank you!! Did this with my 10 month old today and had a blast! the consistency of mine was great, even better after I cooked it for a couple of minutes. My 4.5yo sensory seeker and 2.5yo had a ball! I gave them an assortment of edible sprinkles to throw in, along with chopped up apples, sultana’s and dried paw paw. My 2yo thought this was fantastic and everything went straight in the mouth. The older one knew best, despite me telling him this was special paint he could eat, he said ‘I’m worried mummy, you shouldn’t eat paint!’ Will definitely do this again! I used the food colouring sparingly and only had a little staining on their hands, sure it will be gone after bath time What an amazingly simple yet awesome idea!! I just made a whole batch and they turned out GREAT. I’m waiting for the little one to wake up so I can try this out! I think I might add a bit of flavoring to the dyes next time! (vanilla, orange zest etc!). Thanks for sharing! Note to anyone making this – put it in the fridge! I left mine out and opened it 4 days later and boy did it stink!! Saw this on Pinterest and tried it out. It didn’t work that well. I think my water was not hot enough. After i put it on the stove and stired it, it was getting better. And I had to add tons of food colouring. I think I am going to try it again Anyway, if it doesn’t work again I will put it on the stove again. Doesn’t matter I tried this today with my 7mo and it was fabulous. I did use corn starch instead of corn flour (they are similar, but definitely not the same thing), so mine turned out a little more translucent. Next time I might try adding a little flour or more dye to turn out deeper colours. After reading all the comments I went straight to mixing it on medium heat on the stove, which worked beautifully. I don’t know how the original instructions with the boiling water would have turned out, but I definitely had success on the stove. The mixture gelled together in less than 2 minutes, though I had to stir it constantly. Thanks, Anna, for this wonderful site! I have 1 baby so far (only a small bit older than Baby Bean), so I can’t use everything on here yet, but I love all the ideas. Things that I can’t try yet I’m filing away in my brain for later!!! I’m ALL about sensory play for my 7mo right now. I want him to play in the dirt, splash in water, taste everything that’s non-toxic, and generally explore the world as much as possible! I am having so much fun already, introducing the world to him and letting him make discoveries. And he’s young – I know there is so much more ahead of us! I did this last night and it never thickened. I live in the US and think that you might have meant oz instead of cups? Because I added 2 additional cups of corn starch to the mixture and it still didn’t thicken. It got to a milky consistency so I had the kids use it anyway and it stained them from head to toe lol. It was a mess! I haven’t tried this yet, but I wonder if it is the different size of UK “cups” vs. US “cups” is causing the inconsistent results. My husband is Australian and they have their own size “cups” as well. I have had many many many recipes turn out poorly because the ratio of dry to liquid isn’t the same. I’m going to try making paint this afternoon and see how it goes! Last time I checked babies 6 months old shouldn’t have corn starch and why you would want them to have food coloring which is linked to cancer starting out, is beyond my level of comprehension….Parents, if you are using food dyes go all natural, regular food dyes are not good for babies or toddlers. Last time I checked the article was not suggesting that you feed this to your baby as food. Get a grip. The obvious interpretation of the activity and resources prepared here is that, although this is not food, if it gets in your baby’s mouth it isn’t going to harm them. Small quantities of corn starch or food colourings are unlikely to do any lasting harm when used on an occasional basis. Also, you are clearly guilty of a typical America-centric assumption here, perhaps being aware that there is a world outside the US is beyond your comprehension too (I’m assuming by your spelling and your choice of CBS as your news source that you are probably from the US). The food dyes referred to in your linked article have been phased out in the UK (and Europe in general) where this blog is written. In fact, it even says as much in the article. Perhaps parents such as yourselves in the US need to be as proactive at getting companies to change their products as we have been in the UK (). It is quite possible to pick up natural food colourings off the shelf in UK supermarkets unlike in the USA () (I live in Texas, currently, so am well aware of how hard they are to come by here). Granted, there is still some chemical sounding stuff in those natural ones, but at a drop or two in a whole batch of paint that they are going to get a small fraction of in their mouth on maybe a day or two a month, let’s keep it in perspective! Thank you for that excellent comment anon! Thank you x Corn (because it’s a starchy carb) is kind of an empty calorie food and not a huge nutritional value for baby therefore some people opt not to give their baby cornstarch until after 12 months but as early as 10 months. It can cause gas/diarrhea and can be hard to digest. Having said that, some infant formulas have derivitives of cornstarch such as corn syrup. Further to that, jarred baby food will sometimes have cornstarch especially if it’s a gravy type mix. I’ve recently started giving my 11 mth old creamed corn (homemade) and she seems to have no problem with it. On the dye side of things, try something for red such as beet juice/beet powder (straight from the beet or the water), blue and purple from dark berries, carrots for orange, saffron for yellow and those are just a few suggestions. A quick google search will help with that. Oh my gosh what a great recipe! Thank you so much for sharing this. I am going to try this out with my two little ones. I know they are going to have so much fun! Here in the UK the majority of our food colourings ARE natural. The finger paint is not a food. It is a paint that if it gets into babies mouth then baby will be okay. Therefore it is not necessary for it to be highly calorific or nutritional as that is not it’s primary function. Thank you very much for that measured and intelligent response! Hello, I love the paint, anything I have ever tried simply turns to liquid, or just doesn’t have the right consistency. I credited your page on my blog today, for making the edible paint. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe. niftythriftymom.1.blogspot.com Thank you! I made this today and added a small amount of vanilla essence into it and added some food colouring, not much, but it came out really vibrant! Ooo what a lovely idea to add the essence! Thanks! I love the idea of this. I’m always worried about what’s in regular finger paints. This takes all of that worry away. I’m eager to try these with my charges this week. I have been looking for finger paints to do with my daugther who is just 10 months she loves messy play now I am happy in knowlege that I can now make safe paint for her and we can now make christmas cards togethers for her grandparents Hey I think this is a great idea.. Just wondering would it work on canvas? Another way of making edible finger paint is usung vanilla pudding or plain, or vanilla yogurt. And mixing in food color. Worked great for me, and my 1 year old preferred to use a brush (she’s a bit princessy like that – didn’t want to get her hands dirty, but was happy to have it everywhere if she used a brush) – how do you store the leftover paint and for how long? I’ve just made this and it was incredibly easy! Really looking forward to letting my 16 month old get stuck in. Great activity. Just a warning to be careful with the mix if letting little ones gets in and help make it, as it can get pretty hot… I know that is an obvious point- but I’m all for protecting the little ones, and we all forgot common sense at times. My tip for this recipe is to stir it a lot! When you think it is perfect, stir some more! We kept stirring and stirring, and ours eventually became a very similar texture to the paints we used to use at school! We used HEAPS of colour- we got some great brights, but yes beware of staining. My little one has gone down for her afternoon nap a little more yellow than usual (sort of like a Simpsons character). Thanks for this post… I have it earmarked this task for a group activity for one of my Speech Pathology language development groups. I can imagine it will be a hit! Oh one more thing…. old baby custard glass jars (the heinz branded ones in Australia) are a perfect size for paint pots…. and I feel all green for reusing someonthing Just done this with my 6 month old, she loved it! It kept her attention for half an hour, which for her is an achievement! The recipe worked great for us, we did need to put in the microwave for a minute, but it came together brilliantly after that. Will be doing it again with big brother later – thanks for the idea! Can this be stored room temp? Or does it need stored in the fridge? Thanks! Great so when you give it to the kids they will eat it and love it. But when they go to school and they see paint and they eat it they r going to die. Teaching kids bad things. I don’t allow this happening. By the time children are school age they are able to understand about what they can and cannot eat. The whole point of this is that babies too young to understand they can’t eat paint can join in. Wow! Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe! Just a quick question: how long do I need to fridge it after adding colouring? Just shared this idea: it is so clever! I wish all preschool teachers took the time to make such a child friendly paint and to raise awareness about the many chemicals that are present in many things that are labelled “non-toxic”. Thanks for sharing this recipe! just a thought, powdered coloring would give a more vibrant color Cute idea.when I was a kid we used pudding as finger paint. Just made this recipe for my kids and they are painting right now! I used cornstarch and it turned out slightly lumpy but it adds to the texture experience Mixing the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth before adding the hot water would fix this problem but I let my 3 year old mix up that part… I didn’t have much food coloring in my cupboard so I used things like coffee grounds, curry powder, paprika, dill, etc… to make the colors. Worked great and added some scent and extra texture I am going to make this for my daughter’s b-day party. Just thought that I would share what I read on FOOD.com: . Substitutions: cornmeal pulverized in a food processor.” I’m sure any whole foods or health foods store would carry it.Thanks for the fun looking recipe! Tried this. Got soup. Transferred to pot, added more cornstarch and cooked. Ended up with lumpy soup. Very disappointing. can i store this for later use? how long does it last? Fridge or room temp? I tried mixing the cornstarch in cold water first, and then instead of adding boiling water, I just added 4 and a half cups of cold water, mixed it again and microwaved it. Super consistency! I just made this for the first time today for our mums and babies (ages from 6 months to 3 years) and we LOVED it! Thank you so so much for this great recipe. I’m never buying store-made paint again! I loved the consistency of it. I only put in 3.5 cups of boiling water as it seemed enough. The colours turned out beautifully too. It was great that we could hang them up to dry without the paint dripping on to the floor because it’s nice and thick. Will DEFINITELY be making this on a regular basis! By the way, I’ve linked up to you on my blog, hope that’s ok. Have a look at our homemade paint results. Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner

Flavor-making eggheads might enjoy – before catching themselves and wincing at – comparisons of literary classics and cultish TV shows. I usually do, and I don’t even make flavors. But not all of us at TJP refrain from cultural mélange-ing. Collectively, we revel in coaxing hidden spiritual truths into the light – no matter where they’ve been hiding. My own doubts battle with the fear that, well, I’ve made a huge mistake. And all because of Helen Rittelmeyer and her blog over at First Things… or actually because of one particular blog post where she masterfully compared Arrested Development to the Russian novel to end all Russian novels - The Brothers Karamazov… O. M. G. *** First, consider the three great brothers of literature – Ivan, Dmitri, and Alyosha Fyodorovich Karamazov: Brothers K by spoonybards at Now, consider three brothers of Orange County: Michael, GOB, and Buster (‘Georgeovich’?) Bluth: And now let’s compare. The first of each set, Ivan and Michael, is intelligent and plagued by a sense of duty to God and family. The second, Dmitri and GOB, are impulsive, greedy, yet blissfully naïve. How can you hate them? The third, Alyosha and Buster, are young, lovable, and saintly in their devotion to God or family. Or Lucille 2. *** Parallels abound. TBK holds the storied dialogue of the Grand Inquisitor, confronting Jesus about the problem of evil in the world. Why free will, he asks, if God allows it to be misused? In response, Jesus kisses the elderly inquisitor – right on the lips. Alyosha gets up and does the same to his doubting brother Ivan. Awkward, or endearing? One wonders if that chapter wasn’t behind this scene between GOB and Michael? GOB: “Taste the happy, Michael!” Michael: “Tastes kind of like sad.” Michael Bluth stays true to what he knows to be good, even when his brain tells him to cut and run. Like Ivan Fyodorovich, he’s rarely sure it’s worth the effort to do good – but he does it anyway. I’ve one more comparison worth throwing into the mix: both Arrested Development and Brothers K are acquired tastes. I’ve coached friends to stick with AD for at least three episodes before they get the humor. And I’ve ditched TBK after reading thirty dread pages more than once. But hard-won treats are worth it, which explains why both keep popping up, with promises of an AD movie (praise the Lord!) and fourth season (praise all His works!). *** You may still be doubting. I can respect that. But consider this: AD’s creator Mitch Hurwitz has a degree in theology and English from Georgetown. No tricks – and no illusions.

Yesterday, the Daily Telegraph reported that the UK’s creative industries generate £36 billion per year for the economy and employ 1.5 million people. The Chancellor, George Osborne, called them “massively important”. So why does no-one take comedy seriously? The English Arts Council will not give grants to comedians staging shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, because they do not consider comedy to be an art. But, last year, the University of East Anglia (UEA) got a £300,000 grant for a three-year study into “the nature of creativity within the British television comedy industry by exploring the working practices of industry professionals, and the industrial, institutional and policy contexts that shape and inform what they do.” The study is called Make Me Laugh. It started in January 2012 and ends in December 2014. The ‘Principal Investigator’ is Dr Brett Mills. He is Head of the UEA’s School of Film, Television and Media Studies and I chatted to him a couple of days ago. “We’re working with loads of writers, producers and commissioners,” he told me, “following comedy projects from initial idea through to broadcast or, as is often the case, non-broadcast and abandonment and resignation and unhappiness. We’re trying to look at what makes creativity – however you define that – happen and what are the things that get in its way.” “You’ve done previous studies of comedy,” I said. “Isn’t this just a way to get another £300,000?” “The first project was about £4,000,” laughed Brett. “and I just interviewed people, but interviewing individuals doesn’t give you a sense of relationships and networks, the development of a project and how things change over time. One other problem was that, when I asked people how decisions were made, the answer I tended to get was Gut instinct and, to a researcher, that’s utterly useless. The aim of this project is to try to unpick that.” “Have you read Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman?” I asked. “Very deliberately no,” said Brett. “Why?” “Because,” explained Brett, “it’s one of those books everyone says you have to read – and because there is a split in academic terms between Film Studies and Television Studies. The set of approaches you would use in Film Studies would use that book. The set of approaches you would use in Television Studies would be totally different in academic terms.” “Mmmm,” I said, “You know the often misunderstood quote about Nobody knows anything...?” “Yeah,” said Brett wearily. “…which” I continued, “basically means that creativity is an art not a science. Aren’t you trying to make it a science?” “A gut instinct, in a way,” said Brett, “is just an internalised set of things you have learned. In most industries, you develop a gut instinct.” “So is creating and commissioning TV shows a science or an art?” I asked. “Well, it’s a bit of both,” Brett replied. “And, if we get into the area of whether something is ‘good’ or not, are we talking about critically acclaimed or watched by a lot of people or loved by a lot of people? Or about having a legacy and being watched 10 or 15 years later? It depends what you’re measuring.” “Anyone who makes something VERY popular,” I suggested, “is immediately attacked as being ‘trite’ and ‘low-brow’ and ‘bland’.” “Well” said Brett, “I don’t think anyone we’ve spoken to is embarrassed about making something popular.” “Can your research,” I asked, “explain why Mrs Brown’s Boys is loved by audiences but hated by a lot of so-called cognoscenti in the media and the comedy industry?” “No,” said Brett, “because that’s a different project I’d love to do, which is talking to audiences. This current project is about the process by which things come into existence. Miranda would be fascinating because there is a gender division: women love it.” “Women of all ages?” I asked. “Yes,” said Brett, “and, this is purely anecdotal, but it’s a kind of family thing where the women sit down to watch it and the dad leaves the room because he can’t stand it.” “Is there statistical evidence that more women like it than men?” I asked. “It’s probably very likely,” said Brett, “because – although these are statistics from seven or eight years ago – the vast majority of mainstream sitcoms on television are always watched by more women than men. Men Behaving Badly was watched by more women than men.” “Doesn’t studying comedy academically make watching comedy less interesting?” I asked. “No” said Brett, “people who read recipes like food; it doesn’t mean they start hating food. In fact, in some ways, you start appreciating it more. Even the stuff that doesn’t make me laugh I can still find fascinating. “I grew up in the 1980s with The Young Ones on TV and the Alternative Comedy people doing their stuff and Malcolm Hardee doing his stuff. “I’m very anti this idea that the aim of academic research is about cultural hierarchies and we should only look at the best: that we should construct a ‘canon of good work’. “That’s one of the interesting things about the department I’m in at the moment: most people are interested in the popular, the mainstream. We don’t see our job as deciding what is good culture and what is crap culture.” “I suspect,” I said, “that the audiences who originally went to see Shakespeare’s plays went to see them as Brian Rix farces or blood-soaked splatter tragedies.” “Exactly,” said Brett. “Most of the creators of stuff that’s held up as ‘art’ now – Shakespeare, Dickens – were unbelievably popular in their own day. It was mainstream culture. Dickens wrote serial fiction. It’s not as if he had an artistic vision. He was thinking: Oh, that character’s popular, I’ll write more of him in the next episode. “The idea that you retrospectively construct these people as artistic visionaries and so on… No… Shakespeare was writing for an audience. He was a populist. “Exploring popular culture is an interesting battle, because our field – Media Studies – often gets criticised as a Mickey Mouse subject, not ‘proper’. And, by looking at popular culture, you actually feed into that prejudice… I have a colleague who does research on reality television and people do just go Oh! That’s a stupid subject! But No. We’re having to have that fight and we will man the barricades. “This current Make Me Laugh project very definitely connects to that. “Lots of film directors and novelists whose work is seen by far fewer people are interviewed and profiled and their views are kept for posterity. And yet you have people creating popular mainstream culture consumed by millions and millions of people and they’re going to disappear into history. Nobody’s interviewing them. Nobody’s exploring their working practices whereas any old Croatian art house film director has probably been interviewed by Sight & Sound twenty times and had five books written about him. “I sometimes ask my students: Give me a list of film directors and they can rattle off a hundred. Then I say: Tell me a television director. And the only ones they can tell me are film directors who’ve done television. They’ll say Oh, Quentin Tarantino directed an episode of CSI didn’t he? “They’ll know Miranda Hart herself. But the producer of Miranda? The director? No. They don’t even know their names. “These people are creating a whole range of culture, but nobody’s heard of them. To me, that’s a real outrage. And it’s backed-up by the fact that, when you contact people, wanting to interview them, their first response is: Why would you want to talk to me? “I tell them: If you were an art house film director, you wouldn’t ask that question. You’re writing a comedy that’s watched by ten million people every week and you’re confused that I find you of interest!” That, in itself, is fascinating to me. “One of the ways Britain defines its national identity is via comedy. We see that as really important. How did we define ourselves last year in the Olympic Opening Ceremony? With Mr Bean… and the Queen jumping out of a helicopter. It was comedy, comedy. comedy! “Comedy is central to our idea of national identity and the economic value of the comedy industry is massive. Just take Mr Bean and the amount of money that’s produced around the world. “The economic value of the comedy industry – including films, television and stand-up is absolutely massive. Yet the amount of public money that goes into theatre and opera and other cultural forms… compared to the amount that goes into, say, stand-up comedy (even though there is public money via the Licence Fee going into BBC TV) is virtually nil. “But, then, if you talk to people in small independent production companies and suggest Shouldn’t the government be supporting you more? they tell you No! We wanna stay separate. That’s the whole point. We’re outsiders. We’re mavericks. “The creative industries in Britain employ more people than the engineering industry and the pharmaceutical industry. The creative industries contribute more to the economy than the financial industries.” “Really?” I asked. “Yes,” said Brett firmly. “Television, film, architecture, design, music, computer games. The scale of the creative industries is absolutely massive. And it is still one of the areas where Britain is accepted internationally as a world leader.” “So why are you not aspiring to be a television producer or commissioner?” I asked. “Because I don’t have that gut instinct,” replied Brett. “Not at all. Not at all.”