text:
In which issues concerning the profession of philosophy are
bitched griped about
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Are we owed transparency?
22 comments:
I think that candidates are owed answers at certain points in the process.
At each point, when a person has been eliminated from consideration they should be told as much so that they can make other plans.
The tricky part is actually the last bit -- if a first-choice candidate is negotiating, they haven't accepted an offer yet and may well go elsewhere. For that reason, I don't think the on-campus interview group should be notified until the first-choice candidate has accepted the offer in writing -- because they haven't been eliminated.
I do think that committees should set attainable deadlines and make them clear to candidates -- at least up until the 'make an offer' point.
Once a candidate completes an application, they've entered into a relationship with the committee and that committee has obligations to the candidate. Among those obligations are confidentiality, fair consideration of the application and reasonably prompt communication.
- January 30, 2011 at 9:16 AM
We belong to a profession. At present our profession mostly lacks commonsense hiring policies. There's no reason we shouldn't be able to adopt fair, commonsensical standards and policies across the entire profession using our professional body as the arbiter and enforcer.
- January 30, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Woohoo, Zombie joined the blog! Awesome!
- January 30, 2011 at 10:19 AM
- BunnyHugger said...
My immediate intuition (which might be changed by reflection on this discussion) is that the amount of transparency owed is relative to the stage of the process, with people who have actually done a campus visit owed the most because by that stage of the process there is so much at stake. I certainly don't think anyone should be directly lied to.
My best interviewing experience was a campus visit in which I was one of two finalists. (Two! It still smarts to think about this.) I was told by email when the job had been offered to the other person but not yet accepted, and then when the job had been accepted. I appreciated that.
That was the only one I had that was that transparent. My other campus visits have included 1) not being told until the first choice candidate had accepted the offer (which meant I waited weeks past when I knew they were supposed to be meeting to decide before I heard anything, which was agony but I surmised what was going on), 2) not being told anything until a month later when I received the PFO that presumably all applicants got, and 3) never hearing from them again. I consider 1) all right but not ideal, 2) not good, and 3) extremely obnoxious.
I'm inclined to agree in general with leftyconcarne, that at each stage when someone doesn't make the cut they should be told. The problem with that is that occasionally schools will move down the list if none of their finalists work out, so this is probably why they don't want to let their semifinalists know what's going on. I don't know if that's a good enough reason, though.
- January 30, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Search Committees, or at least those who speak for them, are faced with a though choice. They fly out some folks, but know that they often fail to get/want any of those people. They then typically fly out the next lot. But they don't want the next lot to fell like they were the second string, b/c they could go elsewhere if they feel less loved. So they lie, in the hope that if they try and hire you, you will fell wanted and want to take the job. If they were completely honest they would run the risk of losing you early on, or later on. It's not a great way to go about it, but from the angle of wanting you to feel desired if/when it comes to offering you a job, it's the risk most take. Keep in mind that not all hiring has taken place in the last year or two, when odds are you would kill for a job offer.
- January 30, 2011 at 11:16 AM
I think we are owed some minimal degree of transparency. But, I also think that Search Committees are often put in extremely difficult positions by practical and administrative concerns. So, for instance, in the last 2 years the chair of my department has sent out several mass emails to graduate students basically saying (if you read between the lines):'Get your applications in to position X early / NOW... because they found out their approval for this line may be revoked... and they want to move this along so that they can make an official offer before it is' (which, once formally accepted, must be honored regardless what the admin. folks want). These sorts of practical considerations driving SC timelines are increasingly common (in this economy), and make transparency extremely tricky. So, I think actually being transparent to the level that some people apparently feel 'entitled' is simply impossible. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I should hope people are smart enough to stop and think about all the practical constraints put on SCs and to moderate their expectations.
- January 30, 2011 at 12:07 PM
In response to anonymous 11.16 I think the job market is such that candidates don't have the luxury of declining a job because they don't feel like the favored son/daughter. My job prospects are so dim that even if I knew I was third or fourth (or seventh) choice, I would still take a job somewhere if it was offered to me.
If SC are lying to us to spare our feelings then that's really an insulting kind of infantilism on their part. We can take not being #1 all the point, honest. What we want (I think I'm right speaking for at least many of us) is a pretty stable (i.e. tenure track) job doing what we love.
- January 30, 2011 at 12:37 PM
I have found that when faculty become administrators or search committee members (pseudo-administrators), they also become intolerably vague. The self-conscious effort to withhold information, whether to maintain confidentiality or to ensure the success of the search, is a strategy that also protects their asses. Higher level administrators like to blame the failure of searches on naive faculty members who serve on committees. Faculty on searches overcompensate by acting like administrators, obstructing transparency and sometimes even lying. It is tough for faculty to operate in an administrator's world.
- January 30, 2011 at 3:17 PM
12:37, I am a grad student at a top program, and I know that we've lost candidates to other programs because they felt slighted (found out they weren't offered the job first, basically).
It might not happen often, but it does happen. And SCs want to make sure it doesn't happen to them.
Seems reasonable. What doesn't seem reasonable, in the Kalamazoo case, is that it seems that people were oughtright lied to. No amount of "keeping options open" justifies outright deception.
I'd like to say I wouldn't work for people who would lie to me. But, we all know that's probably false.
- January 30, 2011 at 4:38 PM
"We can take not being #1"
It's easy to say that now, but not so easy to actually live it. One of my colleagues was 6th on the hiring committee's list. Not bad, being the 6th choice out of over 100 applicants. However, he has never been able to let it go. He was tenured, but the department vote was not unanimous, and he brought his job search back up. Honestly, the way many graduate students are trained, they not only have the belief that they are the best, but get quite hostile when they discover otherwise. Notice, for instance, how often those who comment on this blog mention that they are in a "top program." Grad students - especially in philosophy - are encouraged to continually note their superiority.
- January 30, 2011 at 9:42 PM
I think that's a fairly uncharitable reading of "in a top program". I usually take that to just be an acknowledgement of the culture gap between programs at the top (or who have aspirations of being there) and programs where market expectations are a little different.
- January 31, 2011 at 7:08 AM
- Mr. Zero said...
First, I'd like to thank zombie for accepting our invitation to join the Smoker as a regular contributor. Maybe I should have posted a regular "welcome" post, like the PEA Soup folks do. Missed opportunity.
Second, I guess I don't think we're owed all that much in the way of transparency. Departments ought to let us know that they've received our applications--especially since not all of the material (such as letters) is directly under our control.
They also ought to let us know somewhat promptly when we have been eliminated from consideration. And this doesn't have to even involve a direct communication to that effect. I don't need a letter from each department informing me that I didn't get a first-round interview.
I also don't think they're obligated to give us much in the way of a precise timeline--we don't need to know the dates of the meetings, etc. And if they do give a timeline, I don't think they're obligated to stick to it. They can go earlier or later if they want. (Who is surprised when philosophers run late?) And I don't think they're obligated to give complete or informative answers to questions about the process. They can be vague, or they can decline to answer altogether. (So, like, the Kalamazoo person could have just said, "I can't answer questions about campus visits at this time," or, "we have invited some people to campus and will meet in a couple of weeks to decide about further invitations," or something.) I can see why they'd think it's none of my business whether they've invited people to campus--it's definitely none of my business who they invite to campus--and I can see why they might want to play it close to the vest.
But I do think they are obligated not to be deceptive or untruthful.
- January 31, 2011 at 7:13 AM
I agree with Mr. Zero. To me, the question of whether there are "good reasons" for SCs to be deceptive or untruthful is irrelevant. Of course there are. The reasons in favor of honesty and truthfulness just happen to trump them.
Also, it's worth reiterating that those who are upset and outraged at being lied to have every right to be, even if the SC had "good reasons" to lie and even if, in the grand scheme of things, such behavior isn't all that terrible. It is absolutely outrageous to suggest that these folks are being "babies."
- January 31, 2011 at 7:46 AM
I must object.
If there are "good reasons" for an SC to lie to a candidate then it is NOT outrageous to suggest that being upset about the lie is excessive (though I wouldn't call them "babies"). You cannot accept both that a person has good reasons for acting and claim that they were unreasonable for acting that way. To claim that the SC's acted in a way that caused unnecessary pain to candidates is to claim that they acted in an unreasonable way (because if they acted with good reasons then the pain caused, though regrettable, is not unreasonable).
This isn't to say that someone that was misled (or lied to) by an SC doesn't feel emotional pain - they do. I know the anxiety of waiting to hear whether you will be interviewed and then whether you will be brought to campus and then whether you will be offered the job.
- January 31, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I don't buy the "SCs have a good reason to try to keep you in the dark if you're their 2nd, 3rd, etc., pick" argument. Sure, I'd rather be your first pick. But IF I'm your 2nd, etc., pick, I'd prefer to know that rather than to be strung along. And I'd prefer to not have my intelligence insulted by the stringing-along: if you rush to get all your applicants out in a few-week window, do you seriously think I'm gonna buy that it took you another five weeks to get around to deciding who to make the offer to?
The argument for keeping me in the dark is that, if you end up making me an offer, you'll want me to think I'm your first pick. But if you end up making me an offer as your 2nd (3rd, whatever) pick, odds are before the negotiations are over I'll have figured this out. Even if SCs have reason to make everyone think they're the first pick at the time of offer and negotiation, that doesn't translate into reason for a lack of transparency unless that lack of transparency makes candidates more likely to think this (and doesn't risk a greater cost).
- January 31, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Anon 7:46: I wasn't suggesting that anyone was being a "baby" in the Kzoo case. When one is lied to, one has a legitimate complaint against the liar. I was, instead, asking if our expectations about how we ought to be treated are reasonable, or if we are conflating how we want to be treated with how others must treat us (and being babies when we don't get what we want).
Anon 10:19: Thanks for the enthusiastic welcome!
Mr Zero: ditto!
- January 31, 2011 at 11:11 AM
If the "good reasons" SCs have not to lie are substantially outweighed by the "good reasons" they have not to lie, as I believe they will be in almost every conceivable case, then it is indeed outrageous to suggest that candidates are out of line for getting upset at being lied to. That was my point.
- January 31, 2011 at 12:56 PM
I don't think that the primary reason for keeping you in the dark is your feelings. I've witnessed searches get canceled because the SC had eliminated some folks from the search. How? They decided on their top there and eliminated the others but then it turned out that the top three accepted positions elsewhere (or were deemed unacceptable). Now, you might think that the they would then just go back to the candidate pool - call up one of those that they had eliminated - but they couldn't. University rules stipulated that once candidates have been eliminated you can't bring them back in without a completely new search. The department had to cancel a search and nearly lost the line because they told candidates that they weren't going to bring them to campus.
Also, it might be the policy of Human Resources - that is, out of the department's hands. "But," you might object, "HR has no good reason for that policy." You and I may not like it, but covering one's ass is a strong motivator. It is especially so given how many jack-asses there are out there. Universities get sued over their hiring practices, this could be a way to avoid litigation. How? Uniformity. No one will be able to claim special treatment - all candidates that were excluded get notified at the same time.
Seriously, have some charity. I know being on the job market sucks - I'm on it. But assuming the worst in others doesn't make it easier, it makes it worse.
- February 1, 2011 at 7:25 AM
Bulbus, I'm all for charity. I was responding to the claim, made by others (not me!), that (i) SCs string candidates along so as not to hurt their feelings, and (ii) that this was justifiable. My objections were to (ii), but that doesn't mean I endorse (i). Maybe your comments were directed at someone else, though?
That said -- I don't get your example. It totally makes sense that HR would tell SCs they can't invite to campus a candidate they've already eliminated. I don't see what that has to do with transparency. If you're worried you might not get one of your top three picks, don't eliminate all but three. Invite three out and send others a nice e-mail saying "We're not inviting you to campus now, but you're still under consideration, and we'll be in touch with you in [expected weeks] with further updates" or somesuch. Likewise, I don't see what the example you cite has to do with telling someone "We've made an offer to somebody else, but if they turn us down, you're still under consideration". In neither of these cases is anyone "eliminated" and then "gone back to".
Maybe you're thinking of HR practices that forbid these sorts of communications with job candidates? I'd be surprised. But even then, SC members should be able, when asked, to at least say something like "Unfortunately, HR policies do not allow us to discuss ______ with job candidates at this stage of the process, but we do hope to have some news for you soon." This at least dignifies candidates with a real reason for the silence, rather than leaving them to conjure up their own paranoid explanations.
- February 1, 2011 at 12:36 PM
SCs lying to candidates (for any reason) is no more justified than candidates lying to SCs (and, in my view, it's never justified in either case). One of the reasons for principled restraints on how much you say how soon is that confidentiality and other considerations can be protected without deception.
- February 1, 2011 at 7:40 PM
"Do they [SC] owe us the truth if we directly ask for information we are not entitled to know?"
Yes. (The propositional content of the true response: You are not entitled to know that.)
- February 2, 2011 at 6:32 AM
I believe search committees have an obligation to make the expectations for transparency clear from the start. So, for instance, I would have no problem with a search committee that said: 'We will not answer specific questions about the stage of the search until an offer has been made and formally accepted', or, one that said: 'We will notify candidates once their materials have been accepted, once we have advanced to first-round / on-campus interviews, once we have made and offer, and once the offer has been accepted'. As long as SCs are crystal clear from the start about the expectations (and they follow through on their plans), then I think that this is all we are actually 'owed'. Would I like more transparency in communication. Sure. But, in terms of what I am owed as a candidate, clear expectations are it. The lack of clear expectations across the entire discipline is what is so weird to me. Different institutions have different policies on keeping candidates appraised, and so this can lead to situations where expectations are wildly out of sync. I would be in favor of APA mandated standardization of SC-candidate communication.
- February 7, 2011 at 9:04 AM


text:
Solar Kinetic Sculptures
Nature gives way to speciation depending on the building blocks it can offer. Only by the decades, enormous amounts of plastic, silicon and metals has been dug up, refined, and put into circulation. It has been said that we are the genitals of our technology. We exist only to improve next years model. How can we recognize this quiet neighbour?
Art installation: Solar cells, dc motors, melted plastic, infrared heating lamps, mdf boards, metal table.

subset: commoncrawl


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Real Name: Sacha Baron Cohen
Image: Hilarious award-winning comedian
Birth Date: October 13, 1971
Best Known For: His alter-egos, particularly wannabe gangster Ali G and Kazakhstani reporter Borat.
Early Life: Sacha was born in Staines and went to the prestigious Haberdashers' Aske's School in Elstree.
He went to Cambridge University to study history at Christ's College, where he also acted in dramas with the famous Cambridge Footlights.
In 1994, he applied to an advert by Channel 4 looking for new presenters. He sent in a tape of himself in the character of Kristo, who later became Borat, from Kazakhstan, that caught the attention of one producer.
His rise to fame came when his character Ali G started appearing on The Eleven O'Clock Show on Channel 4.
Career High: His BAFTA-winning TV show, Da Ali G show.
Love Life: Sacha is engaged to Aussie actress Isla Fisher. The loved-up pair reportedly plan to have a traditional Jewish wedding. Sacha was born into a Jewish family and his flame-haired fiancee is thought to be considering converting.
Don't Mention: Getting the Borat look for his new film – it's been reported it took Sacha six long weeks to grow enough facial hair and eyebrows to play the reporter.
Words Of Wisdom: "Borat is based actually on a guy I met in southern Russia. I can't remember his name. He was a doctor. The moment I met him I was totally crying. He was a hysterically funny guy. Albeit, totally unintentionally."


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5 ways to fix your social media metrics standard
How is your social media reporting? Are you seeing the numbers you'd like to be seeing? If the answer is no (or you don't know), perhaps your reporting strategy could use a reset. Here are 5 ways to improve and enhance your social media metrics according to Jay Baer, president of marketing advisory firm, Convince & Convert. Measure the right number of social media metrics Take the time to fully understand what it is you want to measure–and what you don't. Just because something can be measured, doesn't mean it should be. Focus on the metrics that are most meaningful to you, then track them over time to see what trends develop. Tie social media metrics to business goals Aside ...Continue Reading


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Brian Rolland Dreams Of Brazil
Brazilian music is as deep and as wide as the nation itself. The traditions and styles of their musical heritage include concert forms like choro, which features violins, woodwinds and piano; samba drumming, which is the melding of the European marching drum corps and African drumming; and jazz music that blends samba rhythms with the Afro-Portugese sounds of bossa nova. This is the music explored by guitarist extradordinare,
Brian Rolland, whose clear love and affinity for that music is celebrated on his CD, Dreams Of Brazil (). This record is a musical evocation and celebration of the country and its people.
The opening track, "Along the Amazon," () contains guitar lines that both float ethereally and get down into the music's earthy guts (much like American blues). Bassist John Lockwood plays in a way that imitates a deep drum, and percussionist/drummer Bob Weirneri plays shakers and other hand percussion as well as the trap drum set, which add a subtle propulsion to the music as well as primitive (i.e., ancient and original) coloring. The song musically takes you down the river.
"Bolem do Pora" () is a jazzy tune reminiscent of the old jazzy bossa nova sound of Brazil. Lockwood and Weirneri play a light, spacious groove under Mr. Rolland's tasty and complex variations and explorations of the gentle melody that is stated at times by various vocalists.
Another highlight is Rolland's version of "In A Silent Way" (), a Joe Zawinul song that is better known as the title track of a ground breaking album Miles Davis album. This moody piece explores the spaces between notes and sparse melody fragments. Mr. Rolland reinvents the song by turning it on its head by filling in the spaces swirling the melody by strumming sheets of chords and harmonies, in a style deeply rooted in flamenco and classical guitar.
But these traditions are used as a basis for his highly individualized style of jazz. His musical personality was forged by early exposure to a wide range of musical experiences, thanks to a creative, musical family. "My sister and I used to sit under the grand piano while dad sang Gershwin, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein's 'West Side Story,' and other great show tunes from the early decades of the 20th century, accompanied by mom on the piano. I still have those songbooks that were kept under the hinged seat of the piano bench. I used to spend a lot of time browsing around that little goldmine wondering how he turned those little dots on the pages into such wonderful sounds."
His parents also used to fill the house with other types of music such classical music by Mozart, Bach, Claudio Monteverdi, and Debussy. They played traditional Spanish flamenco guitar music. The jazz of artists such as Al Hirt, John Coltrane, Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington was often heard in the Rolland home. And, not surprisingly, Antonio Carlos Jobim and other Brazilian musicians. "Early on my parents used to give blood to get money to buy records," he exclaimed. No wonder that young Brian grew up with a passion for music.
"My dad was a wonderful amateur musician. Besides piano, he was a cornet player. He was the lead trumpet in the Hannibal Missouri High School Band, which reigned as state champ. Some nights his Uncle Bub, who raised him, would drive him over to Quincy, Illinois, to play with the jazz bands on the river boats on the Mississippi River. That was in the late '30s, early '40s. By the time I was in college I was playing big band jazz behind trumpeters like Clark Terry and, once, Dizzy Gillespie. These guys were my dad's heroes."
Another part of his musical development came from being in an artistic environment outside of his home. Though he spent some of his formative years in New Hampshire, essentially, he grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was thus exposed to the vibrant music scene in Boston in the 1960s. One particularly special place was Club 47.
"In those days you had to be a member, and they always told me I was the youngest member at age 12. I keep looking for my membership card from 1966. I was fortunate to have an older brother who took me around a lot early on. There I heard Tom Rush, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band and others. Let me tell you, those electric blues bands made a major impression on me in that small room! Sunday afternoons in the summer there were concerts on the Cambridge Common. We were there every Sunday until the music stopped at nightfall. I remember seeing Ike and Tina Turner (Miles Davis opened for them), The Youngbloods, the Allman Brothers, and B.B. King. There was a club called Boston Tea Party where I saw the Velvet Underground, Big Mama Thornton, Procol Harum, and other great groups. We also went to the Jazz Workshop quite often. There we saw McCoy Tyner, Return to Forever, Weather Report, lots of jazz cats. My mom was always taking us to museums and art galleries. Arts, music and aesthetics were being pumped into us all the time."
Another important experience for young Brian Rolland was when he saw Miles Davis with his early electric band at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival in 1967. This group included Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett. This lead to his love of the electric jazz of Weather Report and Corea's Return to Forever. "That music was natural," he explains. "I loved jazz improvisation and loved electric guitar. John McLaughlin certainly became influence."
[Kirby] What were your first bands like? What style of music did you play?
[Brian Rolland] I played classical piano and clarinet first, then switched to guitar when I was 11 or 12. The early bands were two guitars, bass and drums. Later it was bass, drums, one guitar and pedal steel. Our first gig was a wedding reception at The Club Casablanca under the Brattle Theater in Harvard Square in Cambridge in 1968. We played way on the blues side: "Smokestack Lightning," "Mystery Train," things like that. We were listening to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Yardbirds, Muddy Waters, early Taj Mahal, Chuck Berry. Actually, we were listening to everything else, too, but this was the stuff we could play well enough to gig on. I was fourteen."
[Kirby] How did someone who started out playing the blues and folk music evolve to a classical and acoustic jazz style, with a more elaborate strumming style?
[Brian Rolland] Guitar teachers I had heard it in me and kept pointing me first to jazz, then to classical. In the end, my most intensive training was in classical guitar, then I worked my way back through the other styles again, always playing jazz along the way.
[Kirby] Give an example or two how you mesh the various styles of flamenco, Latin, and jazz in your songs.
[Brian Rolland] I think the flamenco technique is always buried in there somewhere, a natural result of living in Spain for a while in the '70s. The classical music is in there, too, just as a natural result of that training. It's a way of thinking about the guitar as an orchestra that's brought alive by the way you approach left-hand fingerings and right-hand tone qualities, then the improvisation comes mostly out of jazz for me. The tune "Please Make Love With Me" is a good example. It starts as a simple bossa nova on nylon strings, adds a second guitar that has classical finger picking, but on steel strings, then adds a third guitar which plays an improvised jazz solo.
Though Mr. Rolland weaves various elements into the music, the heart of the album is in Brazil, which has elements of both natural whimsy ("When Caravels Sailed") and earthy gravitas ("Berimbau"). Mr. Rolland states, "I've always had a thing for Brazilian music since the first time my parents put the soundtrack to 'Black Orpheus' on the turntable 'round about 1960. There are some samba and bossa nova underpinnings on that album, and a lot of influence from Brazilian master Milton Nascimento. But mostly it's about a feeling of gentle, but undeniable energy that infuses so much of Brazilian music. I have yet to visit Brazil, though... except in my Dreams."
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Play Online games at Arcadegamescorner.com
We at Arcade Games Corner aim to provide the best and excellent Free Online Games to our guest, visitors and online gamers. All our games are properly selected and filtered before publishing to our site to give our players an enjoyable experience while playing games on Arcade Games Corner. Arcade Games Corner doing our best to deliver the best and good games to our visitors and players. With a thousand of free online games for kids, mmorpg games, free online games for girls, rpg online games, funny flash online games, cartoon games, action online games, and more flash free online games to browse and play on Arcade Games Corner. Play Online Games in Arcade Games Corner is totally free. Come visit our site to enjoy playing all our Free Online Games, Flash Online Games, Infinity 3D online games. Play Free Online games on different game genre, such as Action Online Games, Adventure Games, Puzzle games, car racing & driving games, war games, and a lot more to browse for your Online games prefer to play.
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Action Games, New Games, Skill
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Games for Girls, Skill


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NEW YORK (AP) -- Escalating job worries and rainy weather dampened shoppers' appetite for buying summer staples like shorts and dresses, resulting in sharp sales declines for many merchants in June and increasing concerns about the back-to-school shopping season.
As retailers reported their monthly figures Thursday, the weakness appeared to cut across all sectors, particularly apparel sellers. Among the biggest disappointments so far were teen merchant Wet Seal Inc., The Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. and Limited Brands Inc., which owns Victoria's Secret.
Even low-priced operator Costco Wholesale Corp. struggled with a same-store sales decline compared with a year ago, when business was helped by stimulus rebate checks.
Same-store sales - sales at stores open at least a year - are considered a key indicator of a retailer's health.
"Consumers are under severe pressure on the job front, so discretionary spending is just not happening, "said Ken Perkins, president of retail consulting firm Retail Metrics LLC.
"This is not setting up well for the back-to-school season."
Rainy weather across a broad swath of the country was a factor in depressing sales of seasonal goods last month. But shoppers clearly are being discouraged by financial worries.
The latest jobs report from the government, which showed shrinking wages and higher-than-expected job losses last month, is increasing concerns about consumers' ability to spend in the months ahead.
Merchants are relying more now on shoppers' paychecks to fuel purchases because consumers' two other key sources of funding - credit cards and home equity loans - have shrunk. But, seeing their earnings dwindle, shoppers are continuing to seek 70 percent discounts.
Job worries caused consumer confidence, as measured by the nonprofit Conference Board, to drop in June, reversing a three-month upward trend fueled by a stock market rally that also is fizzling.
Costco said Thursday that its June same-store sales dropped 6 percent but managed to meet Wall Street's expectations.
The Issaquah, Wash.-based company said in a recorded message that some of its strongest categories included food and fresh food products, such as deli items, frozen food and candy. It experienced weakness in nonfood, discretionary categories.
But many mall-based apparel merchants fared worse.
Limited Brands struggled with a 12 percent drop in same-store sales last month; analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a 7.9 percent decline.
Wet Seal posted an 11.1 percent drop in June, worse than the 9.1 percent decline that Thomson Reuters had expected.
The Children's Place reported a 12 percent same-store sales decline in June; analysts had expected an 8.7 percent decline.


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Outhouses Plato Wall Calendar
BrownTrout's annual square wall calendar devoted to outhouses has become a cult classic for calendar buyers who have a finely tuned sense of humor. Outside latrines can still be found in the country, especially near farms and old homes. Although rustic and lacking in home comforts, they offer quiet, privacy, and . . . well . . . maybe a not-so-refreshing bit of the outdoors.
- Wall Calendar
- 12-Month Calendar
- Stapled Binding
- Medium Square Grid
- Observes Major Holidays
About BrownTrout
BrownTrout Publishers, Inc. is an independent publishing company headquartered in El Segundo, California. The company was founded in 1986 by Marc Brown, Wendover Brown, and Mike Brown, and has since grown to become the worldwide market leader in calendars publishing. "BrownTrout is recognized for creating high-quality products on the broadest range of subjects," says Mike Brown, CEO. BrownTrout provides the highest level of customer service both to retailers and consumers, anticipating and responding effectively to changes in the market, and offering thoughtful merchandising solutions.BrownTrout's keen eye for contemporary design and trends makes us the preferred supplier in this product category, with over 13 million calendars produced annually for a worldwide market.
Brand: Calendars.com


text:
The Legs
When I came to USA, I happened to visit Luray Caverns VA, forced by my friends. I was amazed to see the creation of mother nature and unfortunately I did not have my camera with me because I really did not realize before that it is going to be such an amazing place. When I came back home I was so mesmerized with the beauty of those rocks. Finally, in the year 2010 I decided to come back and shoot. Ultimately I was bestowed with this beautiful shot of the roof of the Luray caverns. It seems like a giant is sitting just like a ruler and the diagonal rocks seem like his legs. I cannot appreciate more the beauty of this natural creation.
Mirror reflection with water.
Do you observe the shadows of the people in the bottom?
Towel like stone.


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Yukon homelessness and poverty getting worse, group says
A new study in Yukon says more people are struggling this year to get food and shelter.
On Thursday the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition released new figures that offer an insight into the lives of many people in the territory from the homeless to the working poor.
The Whitehorse Food Bank is providing food for more than 1,300 people per month this year. That's an increase of over 300 people from last year.
The Salvation Army serves an average of 5,000 meals per month this year. That figure is also 1,500 more than last year.
A program-on-wheels called the Outreach Van, which patrols the city of Whitehorse offering help to the homeless, is also reporting more encounters. In 2011, the Outreach Van served 1,811 people. In 2012, they served 2,004
people. Organizers say this included 184 youth and 220 children.
Increased need
The report's authors say the conclusion is obvious — there is more need than in years past.
"Poverty is deepening, and hitting more families with children, and particularly women-led families," Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition's Charlotte Hrenchuck says. "That is the same as the trend throughout Canada. Women and children are the fastest-rising population of the homeless."
On his recent Northern Tour, Prime Minister Stephen Harper singled out training programs as being the most useful tool in fighting poverty in the North. He pointed to a new mining school at Yukon College as an example of that.
But poverty experts says programs like that can only go so far.
"Some people can't participate in the job market for a variety of reasons, for a variety of conditions," YAPC's Bill Thomas says. "They can't participate. So good jobs, more jobs, would have a big impact, but it's still a limited impact."
The biggest issue facing Yukon, the group says, is housing. YACP says people need a place to live and the waiting list for affordable housing is too long.
"We can continue to support people through food and emergency shelters and income security measures but we're not making for a healthier community overall," says Kristina Craig. "We need to start talking about the root causes and what we do about them."
Government help is a part of that solution, but the group says what's also needed is for people to go a little bit out of their comfort zone and volunteer.


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My paintings go through several incarnations as I build up successive layers. What I start with can often bear no resemblance to the finished work. In fact recently I have particularly enjoyed working into and over old canvases and paintings, transforming them into new work. Saves money and gets rid of old work.
My process employs the use of loose wet paint with splashes and drips; mark-making with brushes, palettes knives, tissue paper, or my fingers, what ever comes to hand; flicking in white spirit or water; adding powdered pigment to create texture; scraping off and removing areas of paint back to reveal previous layers. The hardest part can be knowing when to stop.
Some of my strongest work has emerged out of mistakes, or play – essentially a 'f**k it!' approach. This is when I can be at my most creative, when I am not fixed on a specific outcome but am prepared to enjoy the process and take risks. And the joys of a shared studio is that we all egg each other on, share ideas and techniques and feedback on each others work. Not to mention spend long hours sitting chatting over cups of coffee and putting the world to rights!
Come along an see me and the other artists on our very first Open Studio Day as well as the fabulous Thornhill Jewellery.
A warm welcome awaits.


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Book Summary
I moved East, back towards my roots, only to discover how much of the West I brought with me. From Dunes to Dior is the story of my life as an expat South Asian woman in the heart of the Middle East.
My review:
I found this book so interesting that it was hard to put down. To read about differences between how we perceive the Middle East and what its really like was fascinating. Plus, in trying to dislodge an American stereotype, Mohana also allows those of us from outside the US to compare and contrast our own views of Qatar.
I also loved the little touches of humourous situations which crept into the otherwise serious account. Sometimes it was amazing to read about how everyday occurances could turn out so differently because of the context in which they happened.
The only downside is that the chapters sometimes jump about timewise, which can be slightly confusing.
A book for all those who want to discover another cullture, or just challenge their own perceptions of the Middle East.
Action Readers Action: Challenge your own views of a stereotype. Find out more about a culture or disability that you don't know much about.
Have you ever met someone and found your stereotypes challenged?
As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Love Comes Later eBook edition is just 99 cents this week--and so is the price of its companion, From Dunes to Dior. What's more, by purchasing either of these fantastic books at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include a Kindle Fire, $550 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of each book. All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:
- Purchase your copy of Love Comes Later for just 99 cents
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- Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity
- Visit today's featured social media event


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Our last deserted island…
June 8, 2007
It's about 30 miles from Ambergris Cay to Big Sand Cay, and after Thursday's motoring mayhem, we were determined to sail the entire way. We left at 8 AM and spent the next 2 hours sailing around large patches of Elkhorn coral and other coral heads; spots which are surely beautiful for snorkeling, however nothing we wanted to bring Whisper close to. The Caicos Banks were much more challenging and uncharted than we had expected and the frequent shallow coral heads we needed to avoid kept us very tense. After the white-knuckle sailing, we were finally in deep water and we pointed Whisper as close to Big Sand Cay as possible. We sailed for 8 hours, and made a few tacks to arrive at one of the most gorgeous islands we've visited.
As soon as we dropped the hook, we jumped in the crystal clear water; clearer than any water we've swum in…perhaps even clearer than a swimming pool. The visibility was easily 70 feet. We celebrated with a dinner of spaghetti Bolognese and some red wine.
An osprey keeping lookout on the light.
Images from Big Sand Cay.
large bushes with these white flowers covered the island and the air smelled like flowers.
sea beans found on the beach at Big Sand Cay.


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Stephen DiMarco
Chief Digital Officerx
Chief Digital Officer
Chief Digital Officerx
Stephen is Chief Digital Officer of Kantar's Media & Content Domain, and brings more than twenty years of sales, marketing and strategy experience to the role. Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief Client Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Millward Brown Digital / Compete. In addition, he serves on the WPP Digital Analytics Task Force. Previously, Stephen was a co-founder of the Internet consulting firm ZEFER, was part of the launch team for FX Networks, and managed consumer marketing for Comedy Central. Stephen holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.S. from Georgetown University.
As President, Media & Content Domain at Kantar, Drew is responsible for driving strategy & growth, client activation, operations, and client service functions. Prior to joining Kantar, Drew was Co-Chief Executive Officer at Insight Express, served as a Senior Account Executive with CBS MarketWatch (now a Dow Jones Company), as well as an Account Executive for NFO WorldGroup in New Zealand. Drew holds a B.A. from Hobart William Smith Colleges, and resides in Mill Valley, Ca w/ his wife Hilary and children Wells (3), Halsey (1) and dog Murph.
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officerx
Michelle is Chief Operating Officer of Kantar's Media & Content Domain.
EVP, Growth & Strategy
EVP, Growth & Strategyx
Anne is EVP, Growth & Strategy for Kantar's Media & Content Domain
SVP of Product
SVP of Productx
As SVP, Global Head of Product, Corey is responsible for driving Media & Content product strategy, roadmap development, and go-to-market for new products and enhancements. Prior to joining Kantar, Corey led Digital Ad Effectiveness product development at Nielsen, built and led the Digital Ad Sales Research group at MTV Networks/Viacom, and managed 3rd-party Ad Sales Research at Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions. Corey holds a B.A. from Williams College, and resides in Fairfield, CT w/ his wife Meredith and two rambunctious boys, Sam (12) and Charlie (8).
SVP, Client Services, Media & Agency
SVP, Client Services, Media & Agencyx
Heather O'Shea is SVP of Client Services, Media & Agency where she leads a team responsible for designing custom research projects, maintaining Kantar Millward Brown Media & Digital's methodological rigor and delivering the deepest insights possible. Heather was recently the Global Agency Research and Data Strategy Lead at Twitter, focused on executing social media and video thought leadership studies in partnership with advertising agencies and identifying opportunities to integrate twitter data into agency planning platforms. Prior to that, Heather served as a vice president of research at UM where she led measurement and optimization across all Johnson & Johnson brands. During her career, she has conducted market and media research for a wide variety of advertisers, including Colgate-Palmolive, Sony, and Campbell's. She received her M.B.A. in marketing from Baruch College.
SVP of Sales
SVP of Salesx
Lauren is SVP of Sales for Kantar's Media & Content Domain.
SVP, Strategic Accounts
SVP, Strategic Accountsx
Nicole is SVP, Strategic Accounts for Kantar's Media & Content Domain.
VP, Media & Content
VP, Media & Contentx
Mitzi is VP, Media & Content at Kantar.


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Jared Kushner's legal team says the deadline Sens. Chuck Grassley and Dianne Feinstein gave earlier this month for turning over documents is no longer in place.
Quote from Kushner lawyer Abbe Lowell: "Mr. Kushner's counsel and staff from both the Majority and Minority spoke last week to go over the Committee's requests and a schedule for producing additional information. There is no current deadline as both the Committee and Mr. Kushner's counsel are working in good faith to produce whatever else may be responsive and relevant to the Committee's inquiry.


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Acorn Wire Wrapped Crystal Pearl Drop Pendant - Satin Moss
This one-of-a-kind wire wrapped acorn pendant features a satin finish Swarovski crystal pearl. It's a beautiful moss green color, with a touch of gold and teal. The rustic acorn is crafted by hand from copper jewelry wire and has a rich dark patina that brings out the detailed sculpting in the wire work. It is sealed to protect the finish. Matching earrings are available.
Acorn pendant is approx. 1"(including jump ring) x .75". (The crystal bead is 8mm)
A copper-plated chain is included.
Free US shipping & gift packaging.
More from this collection


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Designers - Balenciaga - Clutch
Envelope Strap G12 Gold, Azalea
BALENCIAGA is available instore. Please email our Store about this product and for a full list of colours.
Flap front clutch with long detachable leather shoulder strap . Interior zip pocket with Balenciaga embossed leather label. 3 interior compartments. Leather framed hand mirror. The metal latch which attach the strap fold inside so they are not visible when bag is used as clutch.
Gold tone hardware.
Made in Italy.
Dimensions: 31.5cm x 19cm x 3cm
Colour: Azalea
View more


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The debate about whether to introduce sugar taxes in NZ has been interesting to see play out. It's perfect example of trying to make a decision in light of insufficient evidence with potentially large implications on public health.
Twitter Updates
- Organic matter preserved in 3-billion-year-old mudstones at Gale crater, Mars science.sciencemag.org/content/360/63… 1 year ago
- Rethink public engagement for gene editing nature.com/articles/d4158… 1 year ago
- Great to see science helping awesome kiwis: A mild touch of the cancer: In which David gets amazing news stuff.co.nz/life-style/wel… 1 year ago
- Larry Page's Flying Taxis, Now Exiting Stealth Mode nyti.ms/2GpBO56 1 year ago
- 23andMe Granted First FDA Authorization for Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Test on Cancer Risk — Che checkorphan.org/news/23andme-g… 1 year ago
Top Posts


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Recently OpenSSL announced a security certificate bug detailed in CVE-2015-1793 where the X509_verify_cert function in crypto/x509/x509_vfy.c in OpenSSL 1.0.1n, 1.0.1o, 1.0.2b, and 1.0.2c does not properly process X.509 basicConstraints CA values during identification of alternative certificate chains, which allows remote attackers to spoof a Certification Authority role and trigger unintended certificate verifications via a valid leaf certificate
KEMP has determined that all Loadmasters are NOT affected by this bug as the affected versions of OpenSSL have never run within our LoadMaster products.
For further information on this vulnerability please see
KEMP is committed to resolving security vulnerabilities carefully and quickly. If you think you have found a security flaw in a KEMP product, please send all supporting information to email@example.com.


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Kingdom Come | Kingdom Comedy
Currently re-reading DC graphic novel "Kingdom Come". Used to find the story unbearably dull with Alex Ross' gouache style of painting pretentious. (Really, it's much an ache to see not only the cover page, but also the whole content of the book drawn that way.)
Used to.
But after having chanced to read "Thy Kingdom Come" (which by the way is also a graphic novel), I came to appreciate Alex Ross' technique of drawing (See, he drew the cover page for the series) & made me want to give a previously scorned "Kingdom Come" a second chance.
Well, I still hate "Kingdom Come". Then again I'm grateful that it gave me enough reason to try to dedicate a post for this "Kingdom Come" which led me to the discovery of this hilarious redrawn of the cover. Featuring the almost forgotten DC character, "Captain Carrot"! Heh.
The good old days when Life can be so bright with a simple comic book. Sigh.


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The dates you find on food labels can really be confusing. What many people believe, is that the date found on food is the date that they must throw the item in the trash, because by that point, it's no longer safe to consume.
Fortunately, most of the time, this is not the case. The dates on food labels actually have nothing at all to do with the safety of food.
Here are the different kinds of dates and what they really mean:
Use By/Best By/Best Before
These are usually found on items such as mustard, peanut butter, and pasta sauce. Food that is shelf-stable.
This date tells you how long the item will remain at the best quality (while unopened). After this date has passed, the food is still safe to consume, but you may notice subtle changes in texture, flavour or colour.
So, as long as the item has been stored properly, you can still use it past this date. As far as how long past this date the food will last – well, that will vary. If it develops an off-smell, or looks generally unappetizing and much different than how it normally looks, toss it.
Sell By
You will find most items with sell-by dates are things like meat and milk – perishables. This date tells the store how long they can keep an item out for sale. If the date passes, they are no longer able to sell the item.
You definitely don't want to purchase a perishable item whos sell-by date has passed, but you don't necessarily need to consume it before that date.
For example, milk will last 1 week after the sell-by date in the refrigerator, chicken breasts will last 1-2 days, and yogurt 7-10 days. Visit the Keep it or Toss it page to see how long your favourite foods will last.
Expires/Expires On
You will likely only find these dates on baby items such as infant formula and certain baby foods.
This is the only time you definitely want to make sure to use the item up before the expiration date.
Guaranteed Fresh By
This date is often found on bakery items, such as breads and rolls. You can certainly still eat these items once the date has past, but they will not be as fresh as they were before the date.
Do you remember the last time you threw something away because the date on the item had past? How many times have you done this unnecessarily, losing food (and your money) in the process?
Stop throwing away perfectly edible food! As long as you understand the dates on items, and are storing your food and beverages properly, you can stop tossing things in the trash – which means savings for you!


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Mullen: Risk of War Rising on Korean Peninsula
The top U.S. military officer said Monday that the danger of war or hostilities on the Korean peninsula is rising, as North Korea warned that cooperation between its southern neighbor and the United States could trigger a nuclear war.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told troops in Baghdad that North Korea has upped the ante in its aggression against South Korea -- a pattern he said is tied to preparations for Kim Jong Il to pass power to his son.
The latest example of bellicose rhetoric came with North Korea warning of nuclear war, as South Korea planned live-fire naval drills to run Monday through Friday. Those drills follow a North Korea artillery attack on front-line Yeonpyeong Island that killed two South Korean marines and two civilians.
The Nov. 23 artillery barrage, the North's first assault to target a civilian area since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, began after the North said South Korea first fired artillery toward its territorial waters. South Korea says it fired shells southward, not toward North Korea, as part of routine exercises.
After the attack, South Korea staged joint military drills with the United States and also pushed ahead with more artillery exercises, despite the North's warning that they would aggravate tension.
A South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff officer tried to play down the significance of this week's drills, saying they are part of routine military exercises and would not occur near the disputed western Korean sea border where last month's attack took place. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of office policy, gave no further details.
North Korea, however, lashed out at Seoul, accusing South Korea of collaborating with the United States and Japan to ratchet up pressure on Pyongyang.
That cooperation "is nothing but treachery escalating the tension between the North and the South and bringing the dark clouds of a nuclear war to hang over the Korean peninsula," Pyongyang's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in a commentary carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency.
North Korea has often issued similar threats during standoffs.
In a show of unity, top diplomats from South Korea, the United States and Japan met in Washington last week and said they would not resume negotiations aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program until the country's behavior changes. Mullen visited South Korea last week and warned Pyongyang to stop its "belligerent, reckless behavior."
On Monday, South Korean and U.S. defense officials met in Seoul for one-day discussions on North Korea and other issues that are part of regular defense talks, according to Seoul's Defense Ministry.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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Motorola MPx
Motorola drops supplier of MPX. Is the 2005 release in Jeopardy?
Motorola will no longer place any ODM orders for Microsoft Windows-based smartphones with Taiwan-based handset makers, according to the Chinese-language Commercial Times report
http://www.msmobiles.com/mobile/news.php?id=3519 »
Apparently Motorola wants to bring the production in-house. That could be why this phone has been continually delayed. Will it ever see the light of day?
US release date?
Microsoft OS??? Question
AD discussions continues below...
Moto misses the mark... again!
When I first saw stories on this and saw the pics at my local Cingular store, I thought I finally found the perfect phone. Now I could consolidate my iPod, Nokia 6620, and Zaurus into a single device for work. But now, I think I'll just suffer with my 6620.
For a serious PDA/phone, it needs EDGE. Straight GPRS doesn't cut it. The keyboard does not look like it'd be easy to type on with it's messed up layout (why didn't they learn from the Nokia 3650?). And Windows Mobile is crap.
I was hoping they'd use Linux with iTunes/iPhoto support. And now with PalmSource's latest announcement, PalmOS 6 could run on top of such an OS.
And I wonder if Moto is going to pul...
Why keep the release date under wraps?
I would be willing to bet others are in the same boat as me, willing to wait, unless that wait continues to be indefinite...
NO HIGHSPEED GPRS Solution!!!
The Nokia communicator: Wifi, EDGE
The HP PPC Phone: Wifi, EDGE
Treo 650: sdio wifi, EDGE
I would at least have thought that since Moto delayed release of the MPx, they would have done something smart like introduce UTMS/HPS... something or other to out shine all the others hands down.
Well, I'm going to take a wait and see attitude with the next generation of Moto products b/c dropping $300-400 (maybe more w/ contract) every 6-8 months for someones p...
speech recognition with bluetooth
Thanks in advance. MOH
MPx 300
(some for a staggering amount of money!)
Here's on example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&catego ... »
What's the deal exactly?
Are GSM phones really so simple that you can pull any ol' GSM phone from anywhere, switch that SIM chip out and you've got a working phone in the US?
I know I've asked this before and been told "Yes", but it just so feels like there should be a catch.
Maybe I'll search thru the "Techs & Trends" forum and maybe ask this there.
Lame keyboard layout...
If you're hardcore enough to want this thing, are you really going to want that keyboard?
Expensive phone
I am thinking about buying off Ebay
Does anyone on this forum think it is a bad idea to buy one at this time?
Has anyone seen the codes to put this on the Cingular network?
Any other input would be great....Thanks.


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Fear in kids
Created by Updated on Jun 01, 2017
My kids fears going in swimming pool. And even after trying a lot many times, I have not been able to take out that fear from him. He even is not interested seeing other children playing in pool. And recently I also realized that he fears bathing in shower too. He insists on bathing via bucket only.
| Jun 01, 2017
Thanks a lot. Bit relieved to know that it's not unusual. Actually he is the only kid in his class who sits at a distance while other kids enjoy the same. So I felt to share my concern.
| Jun 01, 2017
hi Sandy! this is a common fear amongst children. please acknowledge his fear and if avoidable do not the force him to go to swimming pool till he is ready to. if u still want him to , promise him before leaving, he can just watch u swimmimg, or take care of your stuff there and u will not force him. let him take baby steps , and just let him watch from a distance for a week or even 10 days till he is ready. then may be he will put his feet inside and even go to swimming pool suitable for children with swim floats or rings. as far as fear of shower is concerned, that is again not unusual as children don't like it when water enters at speed in their eyes, nose and mouth especially when it's hot as they fear getting burnt, or it could be the slippery floor that makes him apprehensive. give him time to overcome his fears naturally. u could buy a child size pool and let him enjoy in it for few months , till he is ready for the real one. hope this helps!


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If you struggle to get up in the morning, and can't be doing with the shrill beeping of an alarm clock, try the mePhillips HF3505/01 out for size. It's one of those sunrise simulation alarm clocks, which recreates natural light to wake you up gradually and more peacefully. It also includes two natural sounds and a radio to assist that. It's now £44.99 at Amazon UK when you use a £5 voucher.
If you want something that makes it difficult to get up in the mornings, make sure to check out this deal on EA's Star Wars Battlefront which is currently available on PS4 for £10 at Tesco Direct. There's no single player campaign, but you can play through a number of maps set throughout the Star Wars Universe. Plus because this is the PS4 version, you get the exclusive Death Star Trench VR mission.
TV & video
- Samsung UE40K5510 White 40inch Full HD Smart LED TV,Built-in Freeview HD, 3XHDMI, Save £30 now £299.99 at Co-op Electrical Shop. Use the code Code CPE30
- Deadlight Directors Cut On Xbox One now £10.39 at Game
- Dishonored 2 On PS4 now £21.85 at Simply Games Ltd
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch Pre-Order Game now £44.99 at argos.co.uk
- 1-2 Switch Nintendo Switch Pre-Order Game now £34.99 at argos.co.uk
- Dirt Rally On PS4 now £24.99 at Amazon UK
- Microsoft Xbox One Play and Charge Kit now £11.99 at Amazon UK
Headphones & audio
- Acoustic Solutions B100 Bluetooth Wireless Bookshelf Speakers, Add to basket for a 20% discount now £28.79 at EBAY-GB
Cameras & accessories
- Canon Powershot SX420 20MP 42x Zoom Bridge Camera - Black, Save a third on a Canon Bridge Case now £149.99 at argos.co.uk
- Seagate Expansion 5TB Desktop USB 3.0 Hard Drive - Black now £119.99 at argos.co.uk
- Transcend 480GB SSD220 SATA III 2.5 inch Solid State Disk, save 24% now £95.42 at Amazon UK
- Zoostorm Pentium G3260 Dual Core Desktop PC, 1TB HDD, 8GB RAM, Win 10, WiFi now £169.99 at EBAY-GB
- Netgear Nighthawk X4S Quad Stream Gigabit Cable Smart Wireless 11AC Gaming Router, cheapest ever price now £139.99 at Amazon UK


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In a nutshell, we help companies and organizations find success on the Web.
We don't simply design websites but help you through the entire process right from the moment you decide to establish an online presence. We will do whatever it takes to help you grow your business and your web success.
We're small, very good at what we do, our fees remained competitive over the years.
Now here's the catch. Within more than 13 years experience in this industry we had our fair share of bad client experiences. Headaches, sleepless nights...and at one point we figured that our time got too precious to be wasted on ignorance. Instead we became selective, picky even.
You business is welcome, but if you consider hiring us, let us believe you know what you're asking for.
Find out more...


text:
McAfee AntiVirus (1 Device) (1-Year Subscription) - Windows
Browse all deals at Best Buy
See more in Computer Software
* This offer may contain time-sensitive information and offers. Please check with Best Buy to confirm actual price & availability.
- Be the first to comment!
Best Buy
7905 San Dario Ave
Laredo, TX 78045
Best Buy
2455 Monarch Dr
Laredo, TX 78045


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Your Homemade Coffee Needs a Milk Frother – Here's Why!
Baristas are magicians of modern society. They are able to take the inner beans of a gigantic, equatorial-grown pod and turn them into works of delicious art. They can take that breathtakingly long order for a double shot, half sweet, extra hot, extra foam, caramel macchiato and somehow turn it into a reality. But… Read more


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For the past thirty-two years I have cultivated a cross-media dialogue between art, philosophy and literature. I have conducted my business as a fine-art printer as a means of creating and transmitting my own ideas about language and form, both by creating my own work and by designing and directing collaborative publishing projects with others. In pursuit of my art, I am deeply committed to the crafts of typography, papermaking, printing, bookbinding and the design of books and I support these crafts as intensely as I can. A duality of commitment defines my art. I firmly stand on the side of the argument that there is no art without craft. Art without craft denies the difficult beauty of a thing well made, the elegant simplicity of an idea. Through craft and the precision of design, I seek to bring the rich civilization of the printed book with me to the forge of meaning.
For more information be sure to download my vita.
A one hundred year old Chandler & Price 8 x 10 platen press, Vandercook & Hacker cylinder proof presses, a Heidleberg KSBA cylinder press, and a large collection of wooden & foundry type work together with Macintosh computers and photopolymer plate technology to provide our clients with up to date digital imaging guided by classic tradition. If you wish to visit the press when you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, please call or write to make an appointment.


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Three Choirs Pre-Festival Lecture Series
- Series
- 2007
University of Gloucestershire
Three Choirs Pre-Festival Lecture Series
University of Gloucestershire
University Archive Miscellaneous Donations (D-Numbers)
University of Gloucestershire
University of Gloucestershire Archive
The origins of Cheltenham Training College grew from the reformation of the education system in England during the nineteenth century. The National Society for Promoting Religious Education was established in 1811 with the aim of providing a schoo...
Cheltenham Training College
Part of Dymock Poets Special Collection
Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education
Victorian photograph album containing photographs of various people and two landscape scenes, with many taken in Cheltenham
Part of University Archive Miscellaneous Donations (D-Numbers)
Photographer unknownDecorative embossed leather cover with clasp. Stamped "Gloucestershire College of Art and Design Library". Loose items
University of Gloucestershire
Whittington Press Special Collection
The Whittington Press was founded by John and Rose Randle in 1971 at Whittington Court near Cheltenham. The Press continues to produce hand-made books by letterpress, often incorporating text and wood engravings. Material is comprised of monograph...
University of Gloucestershire


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Evolving email marketing for 20 years
Campaigner was founded in 1999 when the internet and email were just beginning to reach the masses. Since then, Campaigner has remained at the forefront of the evolution of email as a marketing channel.
Three teams. One mission.
Focused on delivering a common mission – helping marketers do more with email
Between Campaigner, Communicator and SMTP, we cover the channels of email marketing for the SME, enterprise and transactional sender respectively. While our typical customers and verticals vary slightly, the three teams are aligned on one unwavering goal – we are here to deliver exceptional value.
Creating a community for growth
We believe in the cultivation of a community based on the principles of growth
Across four countries, we have created communities that persevere towards inclusive growth. At the core of our individual communities is a common agenda of delivering quality service.
From All Walks of Life
Calling four countries home
With offices in Ottawa, Newcastle, Kiev, New York City, and Los Angeles, we benefit greatly from the different backgrounds and perspectives of our employees. No matter where we call home, we all share a genuine love of what we do!
Get In Touch with Us
2 Gurdwara Road
Ottawa, ON K2E 1A2
Los angeles
6922 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Eldon Court, Percy Street
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7JB
Join the Community
See why over 100,000 businesses including many Fortune 500 companies have trusted Campaigner over the last two decades with their email marketing


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Trace Hairpin Industrial Coffee Table
Complete your living room with this amazing piece of craftsmanship.
£350.00 – £600.00
- Order online today and expect delivery within 4 - 12 weeks
- Delivery time may be sooner if stated in the product description
- Bespoke made to measure service are available
- View Oak & Steel Options >
- Prices are subject to VAT
- Description
- Additional information
- Delivery Cost
Order online today and expect delivery within 6 weeks!
The Trace Hairpin industrial style coffee table offers a simple and smart design using 4 raw steel hairpin legs combined with the solid oak table top.
This coffee table contains a solid one-piece 25mm oak top, cut from the finest piece of wood. The product is treated with a Dark Oak dye and completed with a hardwax oil treatment for protection.
We have incorporated 4 raw steel hairpin legs which have been coated in a clear lacquer for protection against rust and damage. The example shown here shows the Charcoal steel option. If you choose a powder coated colour+£100 please email us after your purchase with your chosen RAL colour. View powder coated colours
£100.00 – UK Private or commercial delivery service.


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In 2008, I was honored to be elected President of this great nation. As a candidate I promised to change the way politics was done inside the Beltway. This promise involved two aspects. First, I wanted to bring an end to partisan rancor and division. Second, I wanted to decrease the influence of lobbyists and special interests on the federal government.
Let me explain.
Throughout these difficult months, I tried my utmost to treat the Republicans with respect. I chose to look forward, not backwards -- meaning that I did not initiate investigations and prosecutions into the activities of the previous Administration with regard to torture, the war in Iraq, political interference in the Justice Department, corruption of federal agencies and contracts, election irregularities, and other matters. I tried to be bipartisan. I reached out a hand to the Republicans and compromised repeatedly, in the hopes that they would reciprocate and work together with the Democrats to rebuild our nation from the terrible domestic and foreign policy problems that we face.
For this error of judgement, I humbly beg your forgiveness.
Despite all my efforts to reach out, the Republicans responded only with lies and obstructionism. They accuse me of being a Muslim, of having been born overseas, and of being some sort of socialist. In Congress, they often voted in lock step to oppose the Democrats' legislative bills. Republicans in the Senate promise to filibuster any substantive Democratic proposal. They refuse to confirm my judicial appointees. Some Republicans have even promised to open investigations into the actions of the White House, with subpoenas, should the Republicans gain control of the House in November.
I now realize, in particular, that my decision not to prosecute and investigate apparent crimes of my predecessors was a mistake. I thought that prosecuting criminal acts by my predecessors would be a distraction from the substantial problems we face as a nation. Furthermore, I sincerely hoped that by overlooking the errors of the past, we could more quickly bring an end to the partisan rancor that has plagued us for so many years.
But I now realize that my choice to look forwards, not backwards, had the effect of hiding from the American people the truth about what happened. And it had the further effect of allowing the Republicans to regroup and to resume their dirty tricks, their lies, their demagoguery, their obstructionism, their bigotry, and their thoroughgoing and shameless corruption.
Starting with the Administration of President Reagan, the Republican Party turned sharply to the right. Financed by large corporations, and by individual donors such as the Koch brothers, the Republicans have built a formidable Noise Machine of think tanks, fake grassroots organizations, endowed professorships, radio personalities, and even an entire TV network -- all devoted to promoting an extreme and regressive view of the role of government in society. They have repeatedly deceived and misled the American people to vote for candidates and measure not in the peoples' interest. Their cruel tax cuts for the rich have resulted in large deficits and in nearly a trillion dollar transfer of wealth to wealthiest 2% of Americans. Their reckless deregulation led to the subprime economic crash and to the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. They thoroughly corrupted and mismanaged the conduct of federal agencies. They misled the public about the science behind climate change. They exploited fear, religion, racism, and bigotry to further their political aims.
Furthermore, the Justice Department in the Bush Administration initiated partisan political investigations of Democratic office holders. They rigged elections, in Florida in 2000, in Ohio in 2005, and, possibly, in Massachusetts earlier this year. They misled the nation into an unnecessary and disastrous war that has greatly weakened us and has aided our enemies. They intentionally mismanaged and bankrupted government, in the hopes of drowning it in a bathtub, as if we don't need the Centers for Disease Control and Safety, FEMA, the FBI, the police, the EPA, the SEC, the National Science Foundation, the FDA, Social Security, and numerous other agencies and services on which our economic and physical well-being depends.
If the Republicans regain control of either house of Congress in November, I fear for the American experiment in democracy.
But I cannot blame just the Republicans for the lackluster results of the past twenty months.
Too many Democrats are beholden to corporate donors and have voted for and approved measures harmful to the interests of the majority of Americans.


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In a forced position (Ed: a forcing-pass situation), inverting the natural meanings of passand double(meaning, passbecomes more defensive/worse and doublebecomes more offensive/better) does have a minor theoretical advantage over the natural system. However, I argue that some pairs should play Pass/Double Inversion not based on any technical advantage it may have, but rather, a practical one.
Defining forced positions is one of the challenges a good partnership faces. Although this is not the main issue of this article, my humble opinion is that "simplicity" is the key for this set of agreements.
I would like to start with a practical assumption: most pairs sometimesdisagree on forced positions. Even with good agreements and practice it still might happen. My main objective here is to try and cope with the possibility of a "partnership misunderstanding".
Let's look at this example - we are North-South:
The question here might seem straightforward to many partnerships - is passforcing? Most good partnerships should have agreements concerning situations like this and would find it easy to answer this question. However, some partnerships might face a disagreement regarding this situation (or perhaps when tackling a different, even more complex auction). Let's face it, we are only human.
Another important issue to address is the meaning of a high-level double, while not in a force.When writing this article, I tried to find out if there is a clear standard among experts. I polled about 30 top players with a question: what should double be here, on the assumption it is not a forced auction? Experts were roughly divided about 50-50: most American experts play double as suggestion to defend (penalty), while most European experts play double as suggestion to go on offense (you may call it: "transferable values" or "this is our hand" or "extras" or "I don't object to you bidding"). However, this article's main issue is not to defend either one of these views.
I would like to suggest that playing Pass/Double Inversion in forced positions can offer some partnerships a small edge. It can help reduce the damage caused when we do have a "partnership misunderstanding", and at the same time save us valuable energy, while raising the partnership's confidence level over time. Why is that?
If your partnership's general style is:in most high-level competitive positions, doubleistakeout-oriented (or at least not penalty), inverting passand doublein forced positions will only reinforce this style while reducingthe frequency of partnership mistakes. Even when a mistake occurs, it might help reduce its damage. In other words, when inverted in forced positions, passand doubleare able to maintain some resemblance to the meaning they hold in non-forced positions. Continuing with the same line of thought, if your partnership style is to double with the defensive hands in non-forced positions, then you should stick to the natural meaning of pass/double when in a force (and this article is probablynot relevant for you).
For the remainder of this article, we assume the partnership style that double is takeout-oriented in most high-level competitive positions, when not in a force.
Now, in the auction above, say South holds:
This is clearly a defensive-oriented hand. South is well aware of that, but might be facing a different problem. What if South is not sure if this is a forced position or not? (For the sake of this article, we need to accept the possibility of a partnership mistake, either here, or in a different auction if you prefer).
When North-South are playing natural meanings for pass and double in forced positions, South has a problem. If this auction is a forced position,doubleis clear, but in a non-forced position, passis clear.
Inverting the natural meanings of passand doublehere serves as a "safety net". In this example, South does not need to bother with the question: "are we in a forced position"? The bid would be the same either way. Ergo, in the hand above, South can "safely" pass.
Here is a different hand for South, same auction:
Again, South is not sure about whether this is a forced position. If North-South are playing natural Pass/Double in a forced position, then South has a problem. If the position is not forced, the right call is double, showing extras and maybe some fit. But if the position is forced, the right call is pass. However, when playing Pass/Double Inversion, the right call is doubleeither way.
A third hand for South, same auction:
If the position is not forced, South would like to pass with this hand. But if the position is forced, it is not clear what to bid, no matter what the meaning of passis. Since it's clear to pass in one case and marginal in another, it follows that passing would be safe again. However, Pass/Double Inversion has no real advantage here.
Last hand for South, same auction:
If the position is not forced, South would choose to pass. But if the position is forced, then if passis natural, South would probably be inclined to pass, and if inverted, to double. Therefore this "good-offensive minimum" presents a challenge for my argument, and mainly proves that we can't fully protect ourselves from partnership mistakes. But even here, the cost of a mistake (i.e., probably failing to compete when it's right) will not be extremely high in the long run (in IMPs), since the opponents are most likely going down one or two and the 5-level is never a sure thing.
This idea is not perfect, mainly because it tries to cope with the reality or possibility of non-perfect agreements, and I urge any partnership to have good agreements about forcing pass situations regardless. However, I believe that for some partnerships, inverting the meaning of passand doublein forced positions may serve as a "safety net" or "light insurance" in the case of a partnership mistake, with no real harm. Let's face it, mistakes of communication with partner are bound to happen, and a good partnership takes that into consideration in advance.
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This is a review of a gifted hotel stay.
After experiencing Laura Ashley The Tea Room at the Regency Hotel in Solihull earlier this year, I was intrigued to learn that (the formerly known as) The Chace Hotel in Coventry was being rebranded as a Laura Ashley hotel. Even more excitingly, we visited the newly named Laura Ashley Hotel The Iliffe on opening night – and I'm very happy to report that it was an absolute treat.


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S: Ancient India
BC: Read Ancient India By J. Froese. This historical book is filled with amazing facts about the different social classes of Ancient India including the Indian government and the law. Ancient India is filled with tons of interesting pictures and fun facts underneath! Are you looking for some information about Ancient India? Well then pick up this book and get to reading!
FC: Ancient India By J. Froese
1: Table Of Contents | Introduction....................................................................Pg 1 | Brahmins..............................................................................pg 2 | Kshatriyas...........................................................................pg 3 | Vaishyas................................................................................pg 4 | Shurdras.................................................................................pg 5 | India Law...............................................................................pg 6 | Indian facts.......................................................................pg 7
2: Introduction | In this Ancient India Book you will be reading about the different social classes of India including the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and the Shudras. Also including some information about the India law and other Indian Facts | Page 2
3: Brahmins/Priests | The Brahmins were the priests/ highest social class in Ancient India. The Brahmins and members of this class have traditionally been figures of veneration and respect. Brahmins have two main jatis, representing North and South India, and assortment of smaller communities. Brahmins would have been historically expected to marry within his own jati. | Page 3 | did you know that the Brahmins were the fire priests and they had to respect and honor the members of every case?
4: Kshatriyas | The Kshatriyas were the rulers/warriors. Kshatriyas traditionally ruled over communities and India society. The Kshatriyas occupies the second highest position in Indian Hindu society. It is not uncommon to see Kshatriyas in Ancient India Offices since they have been associated with power and ruling for so long | ''Shuh-TREE- Uh'' | Pg 4
5: Did you know that the name "Kshatriya" actually means ''roof, umbrella, dominion, power, and government''? According to the Vedas the Kshatriyas were the highest in the position. Immediately after the Brahmins it is the turn of the Kshatriyas or the warriors. The Kshatriyas collaborated a ton with the Brahmins and ruled over their kingdom. | The Kshatriyas main priorities were to defend and govern the country. They were the experts in archery, swordsmanship, and hand to hand combat. Kshatriyans were responsible for national defense, they underwent extensive military training. | Pg 4 | Pg 5
6: Vaishay's | The next social class was the Vaishays. The Vaishays main focus was on farming, agriculture, and trading. Members of this class are considered very wealthy from their different educations and occupations, especially on religious educations and occupations for their hopes of becoming born twice which was an important thing in Hindu life. As the Indian caste system developed the Vaishays became more and more interesting in occupations such as Merchants, Skilled labor, and land ownership. | Pg 6
7: So your probably wondering what Ancient India people clear back then were wearing. Well let me it was WAY different compared to what we wear now! Ancient India people wore pieces of clothing called dhoti. Dhoti was a 9 meter long cloth, that draped around the legs and tied at the abdomen. The boys wore dark and or white colors while the girls wore bright colors. Ancient India marriages: The most popular type of marriage was called Swayamvara. In this type of marriage grooms with potential went to the brides house, and the bride selected her spouse. There were other types of marriages to such as, Gandharva Vivaha (Love marriage), Asura Viviha (marriage by abduction) | Pg 7
8: Shudras | Ancient India Shudras were the last of the four social classes in Ancient India. Farmers, potters, cobblers, and vendors belonged in this social class. Shudras did any kind or sort of work that the top three social classes refused to do, they served their society in a way no other community could. The Shudras were considered as the descendants of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ancient texts of India simply assume that the Shudras are a part of society and no mentions of any such conquest are to be found. | Pg 8
9: ANCIENT INDIA FOOD: Well, Ancient India did not eat breakfast like we do today. Meal times for them were either Vegetarian, or non vegetarian food depending on your religious belief. After the coming of Buddhism, Jainism, and other religions vegetarian food (animal and fish meat) became the norm for as much as half the population! In the Gupta Empire, they mostly ate vegetables, cereal, fruits, ANCIENT INDIA SPORTS AND GAMES: Ancient Indians invented a ton of games that we play today like, chess, polo, playing cards. They practiced fencing, wrestling and material arts. Another famous game they would do was hunting. | Pg 9
10: India Law | ANCIENT INDIANS HAD A RELIGIOUS AND HAPPY FREEDOM. INSTEAD OF PAYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR MEDICAL CARE AND SURGIES NOW, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO PAY A THING! CRIMINALS WERE NEVER PUT TO DEATH, THEY WERE FINED. WHICH IS WAY BETTER THEN GETTING KILLED DONT YA THINK?! VERY FEW OF THE COMMON PEOPLE WERE EDUCATED, BUT THE GUPTA EMPIRE HAD MANY UNIVERSITIES. STUDENTS CAME ALL THE WAY FROM CHINA JUST TO STUDY AT GUMPTA UNIVERSITIES! | Pg 10
12: "Ancient India for Kids." Kidipede - History for Kids - Homework Help for Middle School Social Studies. Web. 09 Dec. 2011.
13: "Indus Valley Civilization - Ancient India Lesson Plans, Powerpoints, Games." -MrDonn.org Ancient India. Web. 16 Nov. 2011.
14: Indian Facts! | Ever wondered why Indians always wear those red dot things right in the middle of the forehead? It goes all the way back to the Ayran days where the groom would always put a dot of his blood on his brides forehead of recognition of wedlock. Now days women are to choose whether or not if they want to wear it on their foreheads. If women are single, widowed, or divorced women can not wear this mark because it is a sign of marriage. Back then it was a signal of a happily married woman, but today women wear it as a fashion accessory. It can be multiple colors and can be any shape or size. | Pg 12
15: Education: Ancient India children were taught by a guru (teacher) Everybody including the chiefs song had to obey they guru. Writing was done on bark and leaves. What they did in their free time: Ancient Indians loved to gamble! The horse was introduced and they raced chariots. They were very religious, brave, and fierce when it came down to telling stories. Houses: Ancient Indians lived in straw and wooden huts. Some of their houses were made out of wood, but not until the Epics Period. | Pg 13


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Gender relations are critical to nearly every aspect of rural water supply, but rarely addressed in practice by rural water professionals. All water supply programmes affect men and women in different ways, and while practitioners assume their work will benefit women, how do they know whether it will or not, how do they know what … Continue reading Gender and rural water services – lessons from RWSN members
The most important stories in rural water supply // Les histoires d'approvisionnement en eau en milieu rural les plus importants
Making water work for women – inspiring stories from around the world The reality in much of the world today is that collecting water for the home is a job done by women – so gender issues are central to everything we do in rural water supply – self-supply, pump design, borehole siting, tariff collection, … Continue reading The most important stories in rural water supply // Les histoires d'approvisionnement en eau en milieu rural les plus importants
Social Dimension of Water Resource Management in Sri Lanka – Part 6
by Delgollage Senevirathne, Assistant General Manager (Sociologist) at the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB), Sri Lanka. (10) Gender sensitive approach to and participation in water issues countering caste, political and religious discrimination in access to water Access to water is directly dependent on women participation in fetching water as they are held mainly … Continue reading Social Dimension of Water Resource Management in Sri Lanka – Part 6
The importance of dealing with the social pressures on girls and woman around menstrual hygiene
By Susan Davis, Executive Director, Improve International
As I sat in a seminar about Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools at Emory University earlier this week, I kept thinking about my trip to Vietnam to visit CARE's projects. As we drove all over the beautiful country, my fellow travelers and I marveled at the flocks of school girls walking or biking along the side of the road in their pristine white school uniforms (called ao dai, see photos here). We thought it would be hard to keep the uniforms clean because of the dirt on the side of the road, but we didn't think about problems they might have managing their periods.
Most women know the fear and embarrassment of visible blood stains on their clothes. For many girls in developing countries, the implications of not being able to deal with "the curse" are much worse. As a fellow female…
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A dedicated soldier of Christ
I got to know the late Bro.Santhanasamy when he was the PPC chairman who got me involved in the annual medical camps he organized in the church. However it was only after his major near fatal accident I got involved with him closely because of the treatment and surgeries he underwent one after another.
He was a God-fearing and righteous man who dedicated much of his life in serving God in the church. He was one of the longest serving PPC chairman of NBVM Butterworth. He worked with so many parish priests during his tenure as PPC Chairman.
He did not have high position or much wealth but he had an unshakable love and faith in God and His church which he believed firmly were instruments to bring peace and goodwill to man. He was also one of the few who did not forget those who helped him when he was down and out. For the little help I gave him during his illness he repaid me with his deep concern and love for me and my family. He was the only one who cared to call me first thing in the morning on every special day to greet me. Today I feel extremely sad that I have lost such a good friend and his phone calls and greetings.
In the short time I knew him, I saw him as one who dared to stand up for what he believed to be right. As a result he could have hurt and angered many among clergy and laity. During the final months of his life when he was inflicted with chronic kidney disease, he used to relate his disappointment over how he was being treated in the church he served for many years. He related how sorry he felt for those he could have hurt in the course of carrying out his job as the PPC chairman. It is only fitting today for each one us today seek his forgiveness for the hurt we may have caused him, forgive him for his misgivings and pray for his eternal rest. Let us also pray for his wife and children, who have been left without a fatherly figure and adopt them into our bigger family of Christ in NBVM.
His ill-health during the final years of his life did not demoralize him but he continued to offer his help in whatever way he could. This spirit of 'never give up' was a great inspiration for me and many others who knew him. Despite undergoing three near death illnesses, he never gave up till the very end. In fact one parish priest even described as the "Miracle man".
I will definitely miss a dear friend and comrade in serving the poor and needy. May God look with mercy and grant him eternal life among His angels and saints.
As for his beloved family, we know what Bro.Santhana meant to you and we understand the deep sense of sorrow you have been inflicted with by his death. We hope and pray you can pick up the pieces and carry on with your lives to continue with the legacy he has left behind.
May he rest in peace
The above was my personal tribute to the late Santhanasamy at his 40th day memorial on 31 May 2016


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Green Hornet: Legacy #37
The worst blizzard in fifty years has Century City snowed in. Little food, no power, and deadly weather would be bad enough for the scared citizens, but an army of undead creatures stalking the streets makes things worse. Can the emerald insect save the city when he's a dead man himself? Can the Green Hornet rise again, or will he be dragged back into the grave? Undead action by Jai Nitz and Jethro Morales!
Cover Illustrator


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Do you remember in the fall when I first mentioned how much I dislike kale? At that time I discovered a yummy version of pesto that helped me to use up a big batch. Well after trying it time and time again I've found out a few secrets that have led me to realize just what I've been missing. One of the biggest motivators to this change is mentality is that kale is SO GOOD FOR YOU. As in, so good that you should really convince yourself to eat it as often as you can.
Kale has one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any vegetable as well as one of the highest levels of total carotenes. It's especially high in lutein, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll, mancanese. It's loaded with anti-cancer phytochemicals. A bit of honesty here as I admit I have no idea what that stuff is, but here's some terms I do understand: It's high in vitamin C, folate, iron, vitamin A, B vitamins, fiber and calcium.. You get the idea, right?
Another trick I realized is that I like it much more when it's raw or only lightly sauteed. So sorry collard greens, I don't need you anymore!
This week our CSA included a little twist on the traditional when we were given a big batch of red kale. What's the difference between red (Russian) and regular (curly)? I haven't been able to find much information discussing the non-aesthetic differences [perhaps some of you readers can weigh in?]. My own experience tells me that red kale is less tough than green, the leaves are more delicate. This means that if you prefer your food raw you may prefer this version to the traditional.
Since we will most likely be eating our kale in non exciting salads, I did a roundup of recipes that include red kale. No matter what time of day it is this quick guide should be able to provide you some inspiration on how to get your daily fill of kale-induced vitamins.
For breakfast, I present Red Russian Kale and Red Onion Savory Breakfast Squares Recipe
A midday snack? Try kale chips! Purple and Green Kale Chips
For lunch, try this Rustic Red Kale and White Bean Soup
For dinner, a hearty Winter Pasta
Or a savory side dish, Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Onion
Did you think I would forget about desert? I'm not even joking about this one!


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The purpose of this certificate program is to enable its participants to develop an increased ability to understand and transmit the significance of the Shin Buddhist teachings in the contemporary world.
Moreover, the Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies program provides persons with an educational grounding in areas specified by the Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji-ha as requisite for receiving kyōshi certification.
Since 1949 one of the primary missions of the Institute of Buddhist Studies has been to provide a comprehensive program of education and training for persons aspiring to enter the Shin Buddhist ministry in the West. The significance and effectiveness of that effort has long been recognized by the Buddhist Churches of America and the Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan. As a result, over the years scores of IBS graduates have been able to receive tokudo ordination, kyōshi certification and kaikyōshi status as overseas Shin ministers from the Hongwanji.
The BCA has recognized the importance of expanding the scope and availability of the Shin Buddhist ministry in order to meet the changing needs of its temples. The minister's assistant program (MAP) represents the BCA's response to that situation. Persons who wish to receive tokudo or kyōshi ordination or serve as ministers in BCA temples should contact the minister at their local temple or the Office of the Bishop of BCA. The IBS Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies has been developed in order to provide an educational foundation for those on this path.
Formal application is required for non-degree program students. Students should review application materials and requirements on the IBS website. Application materials include transcripts of prior coursework or degree, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Application information
- Download the application (non-degree students)
- Contact the program director
- School Performance Fact Sheet
Program Requirements
Students must complete a total eight, 3-unit courses for a total of 24 units. All courses must be taken for credit and passed with a B- or better. Audited courses shall not count toward fulfillment of the certificate requirements. Please see the IBS catalog for further information regarding course credit, audited classes, and related policies.
The program's eight required IBS courses (with the corresponding Hongwanji requirement) are:
- Introduction to Shin Buddhist Thought (真宗教義 1)
- Readings in Mahayana Texts: The Three Pure Land Sutras (仏教教義1)
- The Seven Pure Land Masters: History of the Pure Land Tradition (仏教教義 2)
- History of the Shin Buddhist Tradition: Premodern (真宗史)
- Buddhist Traditions of South Asia (仏教史 1)
- Buddhist Traditions of East Asia (仏教史 2)
- Works of Shinran I: Shorter Works, or Works of Shinran II: Teaching, Practice and Realization (真宗教義 2)
- Buddhism and World Religions (宗教概説)
Other courses or course substitutions may be possible with Dean's approval. See IBS catalog for related policies.