text:
I sincerely hope everyone has a great year in 2019. May all your dreams come true!
Monday, December 31, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Lucid: Chapter Fourteen
Connor arrived promptly for his 11 a.m. appointment with Dr. Reicha and found the psychiatrist with putter in hand attempting to drive a golf ball across his office's plush grey carpet into an upended teacup.
Reicha looked up at his visitor without any show of embarrassment at having been caught out in his pastime. "Great practice," he remarked. "I'm all right with the long drives. It's when the ball gets on the green that everything falls apart."
"I never played the game myself." Connor looked at the row of balls lined up on the carpet's edge. "They don't have any golf courses I know of here in Manhattan anyway, so I guess it's just as well."
"Plenty out on Long Island. That's where I go when I'm able."
Connor took a seat. "Don't let me rush you. I've plenty of time if you want to take a few more swings."
"Thank you for your courtesy." Dr. Reicha glanced appraisingly at his visitor as he studied his next shot. "You look much more relaxed today than you did the last time."
"Professor Elicott said the same thing to me yesterday. I guess I'm settling into the routine. It's not as big a deal as I'd thought."
"Yes, I talked to the professor myself this morning. He told me you seemed a good deal less candid lately. He said it was as though you were no longer were inclined to discuss your experiences while dreaming. Is there any truth to that?"
If Connor were surprised by Reicha's directness, he didn't let on. "No, not at all." He folded his arms and looked the psychiatrist directly in the eye. "These are just dreams we're talking about. I've no reason to hide from you anything that happens in them."
"No, you haven't. And that's what makes the professor's suggestion all the more puzzling. You know perfectly well that you can't be held responsible for anything you do in a dream even if in waking your life the same actions would be considered criminal."
Connor sat bolt upright at that, and his breathing grew harsh. "Are you accusing me of something, Doctor?" His voice rose. "I haven't done anything illegal, not in my dreams and not when I'm awake either."
Reicha held up his hands defensively. "No one's saying you did." He paused as if considering how best to word his next remarks. "It's the university that's sponsoring this project. In doing so, it's applied for and received grants from several federal agencies. It's accountable to those same agencies for the manner in which the project is conducted. Years of planning have gone into this. Professor Elicott and I are both required to make sure the experiment follows the correct guidelines as laid down by the A.P.S., the Association for Psychological Science. If everything is not done properly according to these standards, then the results are worthless and we're all just wasting our time being here."
"I wouldn't do anything to sabotage the project."
"I know that, Connor." Reicha took his shot but narrowly missed. "If I thought that's what you were up to, I'd have you dismissed. I couldn't afford to risk the damage you might do to the prestige of both the university and its psychology department of which, incidentally, I happen to be a faculty member."
"Why are you telling me all this? I haven't caused any trouble." Connor gripped the arms of his chair with dogged determination and his face took on a defiant expression.
Reicha seemed to realize his words were only hardening Connor's attitude and driving him deeper within himself. "No, I'm sure you would never do anything consciously to jeopardize the goals we're striving toward," he agreed. "The problem with any experiment involving human subjects is that, even to a trained clinician, individuals are wildly unpredictable. We're not able to fully understand their thoughts and motives any more than they themselves are. The more normal someone appears, the more wary I become."
"I understand that much." Connor loosened his grip on the chair.
"Good. Now having gone through all that, I'll ask again – is there anything you'd like to tell me, or any question you'd like to ask?"
Connor shifted uneasily in his seat. He badly needed the other's reassurance but wasn't yet ready to fully trust him. "There is one thing I wanted to know."
"Is there any chance that an experiment like the one you're currently conducting could cause someone to go over the edge? I mean, could the dreams I'm having become so intense that I'd risk losing my mental balance?"
Reicha studied him attentively. "Is that what's worrying you?"
"Sometimes, yes," Connor admitted. "Things have been happening in my dreams that seem to be carrying over into the real world."
"That's something we can discuss." The psychiatrist put down his putter and took a seat behind his desk. "Can you describe any of these occurrences in detail?"
Connor hesitated. "I took a photo in my last dream just as I'd been directed. When I checked my camera yesterday evening, the photo was there on the memory card. How could it have gotten there if I'd only dreamed I'd taken a photo?"
The psychiatrist gave no indication of having been taken aback by what Connor had told him. "I don't know. That's the only honest answer I can give you."
"Do you believe what I'm telling you? That's the real question."
"I believe you think what you're telling me is true," Dr. Reicha replied evenly. "Does that help?"
"Not really, Doctor. I'd believe it to be true whether it really happened or if I were… delusional. I need to know which it is."
"I don't think you're psychotic if that's what you're getting at. There are other ways to account for what happened. When was the last time you used your camera? You could have forgotten you'd taken that photo and then seen it again in your dream."
"Sorry, but I can't accept that." Connor's voice was firm.
"No matter. If that's the only instance in which reality has become confused with the dream state, I wouldn't worry too much about it. There's a rational explanation somewhere. We just have to determine what it is. Is there anything else?"
"I met a woman on campus. She'd bought the same book I'd been browsing in the campus bookstore. We talked for a minute and then she disappeared. Later, she was present in my dream."
Reicha shrugged. "Well, there's nothing mysterious about that. We're continually encountering people in our dreams whom we've only recently met in our waking lives."
"I suppose. But it was almost as though this woman were there for no other purpose than to help me find my way."
"A role you yourself gave to her," Reicha pointed out. "Surely you can see that."
Connor abruptly gave in. He realized how futile it would be to argue the point. "I guess I'll have to," was all he said.
It was some two hours later, after having walked from one end of the campus to the other, that Connor finally located Deirdre. Dressed in jeans and a tie-dyed tee shirt, she was sitting alone on a bench near the football field. A copy of the Shakespeare textbook lay open beside her.
"Still reading those sources?"
Deirdre looked up and smiled. "No, I've finished. None of them come close to Shakespeare's own plays, not by a longshot."
Connor moved the book aside and sat down on the bench next to her. "No, they don't. None of those authors had anything of his genius with words."
"It was worth reading them, though, to find that out for myself."
"I guess it would be at that." Connor stared at her. "I had a pretty wild dream yesterday evening. You were right there in the middle of it."
"Oh, yeah. That was great. Wasn't that Beatles concert too much?"
Connor was too startled to speak for several seconds. Then he cupped his hand under Deirdre's chin and gently pulled her face close to his. "How did you know what I was dreaming?" he asked.
Deirdre looked at him as though he were crazy. "Because I was there with you. You remember I was. You just said so yourself."
Connor tried a different tack. "Are you really here right now then?"
Deirdre leaned a half inch forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. "What do you think?"
"I don't know what to think." Connor slumped back on the bench. "I'm not used to people coming along for the ride when I'm having a dream. It's just too strange."
"You seemed like you were glad for my company." Deirdre was pouting. "And you never would have been able to find Thoreau's cabin without me. Did you save the photo you took? Can I see it again sometime?"
Connor ignored the questions. "So going to Walden Pond was your idea?"
"I would have let you pick, but you had no idea what direction to take. And I'd never been there before. Thoreau was such a huge inspiration for us back in the '60's. It was as if he had foreseen the birth of the counterculture that was still so far in the future. We felt he was one of us."
"What nonsense are you talking now?" Connor couldn't hide his impatience. "You weren't alive in the 1960's, Deirdre. I'm twice your age, and I wasn't born until 1972."
"Yes, I know. It was all over by then – Janis, Jimi and Jim Morrison were already gone. It bummed Donny and me out so much when they all died at once."
"You said that name once before. Who's Donny?"
"Never mind." Deirdre grew evasive. "You'll meet him soon enough anyway."
"Where am I going to I meet him?"
Deirdre looked at Connor as though he were a very simpleminded child. "In your dreams, silly. Where else?"
"Oh, Deirdre. Give me a break, won't you? This is all getting to be too much for me." Connor let out a groan. "I don't know if I'm losing my mind or what. I certainly feel like I am."
Deirdre put her hand on Connor's brow in a show of compassion. "You poor guy. I can imagine what you must be going through. You'll figure it out soon enough though. In the meantime, just go with the flow. That's the easiest thing to do right now"
"Will you please stop talking like that," exclaimed Connor in exasperation. "Just because you dress like a hippie, that doesn't mean you really are one. It would have been a great experience I'm sure. But, like it or not, we were both born too late."
"We never used that term 'hippie' ourselves. It was just a label the media laid on us. Mostly, if we bothered to call ourselves anything at all, the word we used was 'freaks.'"
"Whatever. Next you'll be telling me everything is groovy."
Deidre laughed. "I almost used that expression once or twice already when I was talking with you. I just thought it would be too out of date."
"No shit."
"Listen, I've got to get going now. But I'll see you again soon."
"In my dreams?"
"See that." Deirdre giggled. "You're already beginning to catch on."
"Wait a minute, won't you?" Connor fairly begged her. "What if I want to get in touch with you? Where do you live?"
"Right where you'd expect to find a degenerate hippie like me. I'm down on St. Mark's Place in the building next door to the Electric Circus. Look for me the next time you're in the neighborhood. Everybody knows me there."
"Oh, sure. I'll wear some flowers in my hair."
"Uh, uh. You missed that time. That was a great song; but it was about the Haight, not the East Village."
"I give up." But Connor was talking to thin air. Deirdre was already gone.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Happy Holidays!!
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and great health and happiness in 2019.
(I shot the above photo in 2016. It's unfortunate I didn't have a more recent photo, bit there hasn't been any snow yet in New York City this December.)
Friday, December 21, 2018
Holiday Shopping
I've posted this photo before. but I think it's appropriately colorful and festive for the season and worth showing again. I shot it at the temporary holiday shopping stalls that are set up near Columbus Circle every year.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Lucid: Chapter Thirteen
It was past midnight when Deirdre returned to the St. Mark's Place apartment she shared with Donny. The studio was dark, but there was still enough streetlight streaming through the window for Deirdre to make out the room's sparse furnishings. Aside from a double mattress in the center of the floor and an unpainted wooden desk and chair propped against the far wall, there was only an impromptu bookcase made of sagging pine planks that had been laid across cinderblocks lifted from a nearby construction site. Most of its shelves were filled with tattered paperbacks. Kerouac's On the Road sat uneasily beside The Portable Nietzsche and Sartre's The Age of Reason. On the top shelf were a turntable, speakers and a Pioneer 626 receiver surrounded by vinyl albums, the topmost of which was the Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet. The walls themselves were whitewashed sheetrock on which hung two posters – a dayglo Easy Rider and Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights.
Deirdre saw that Donny was awake. Still fully dressed, he lay sprawled across the mattress while smoking a joint the size of a cigar. He was big man and his presence seemed to fill the small room. If it weren't for his waist-length hair and untrimmed beard, Deirdre thought, he could be mistaken for a pro football player. She watched as he shifted uneasily. From the look in his eyes, she knew he had waited up for her return. Even in the dim light Deidre had been able to see how troubled his expression was as he had watched her walk through the door. "Uh, oh," she thought to herself.
"Hey, babe. Good to see you," Donny said in a low voice.
"How are you doing, sweetie?" Deidre asked. She hoped her tone was as light as she'd intended.
"You're getting in sort of late," Donny observed. "I don't think you've been here before twelve any night this week."
"Really? I hadn't thought to keep track of the time. Guess I need to buy myself a new watch."
"I did," Donny replied. "Keep track to the time, that is."
"Listen, you. I was busy shaking my ass at the Purple Onion trying to make a few dollars to pay the rent. It's almost the first of the month already, and our dear landlord's not going to let us get away with being late again. You know that."
Donny took a long toke of the grass and held the joint out to her. He pulled back his hand when he saw her shake her head. There was silence for a moment as he held the smoke in his lungs.
"Where'd you get the grass?" Deirdre asked, more to hear herself speak than for any other reason. There was far too much tension in the air as far as she was concerned.
Donny finally exhaled. "Picked up a lid from Johnny Hastings. Remember him? He and I went to high school together out in Bayside. He still deals, except now he sells out of an Irish bar in midtown. I had to take the subway all the way up to Grand Central to meet him." He looked appraisingly at the joint he was still holding. "Worth it though. Doesn't take much of this stuff to get me wasted."
Deirdre shivered. "I remember him all right. You introduced me to him a couple of months ago at the Gate when you were buying hash oil from him."
"Yeah, that's right, I did," Donny recalled lazily. "I'd forgotten all about that. Must've had too much to drink that evening."
Deirdre made an effort to keep her voice steady. She didn't want her boyfriend to realize how upset she was. "Donny, you've got to listen to me. I told you before that guy is evil. I've heard bad things about him. And about the drugs he sells." She saw the skepticism in the other's eyes. "It's true. I wouldn't make up shit like that about anyone."
Donny only shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about. I've been getting high long enough to know good grass when I smoke it."
Deirdre started to reply but Donny cut her short. "Make much money tonight?"
"I wish." Deirdre kept it brief. "None of those dirty old men wanted to give a girl a decent tip. Not tonight anyway."
Donny took another long toke and once again there was silence. Then he blew a perfect smoke ring in the air. They both watched it drift across the room until finally it dissolved into nothingness.
Deirdre noticed a paperback lying open on the mattress beside Donny. "What are you reading?" she asked.
Donny absently picked up the book and riffled its pages in the semidarkness. "It's Carl Jung's autobiography. It has one great line in it that really rocked me. I read just a little while before you came in."
"What's that?"
"'Nights through dreams tell the myths forgotten by the day,'" Donny recited from memory.
"Oh, yeah, that is cool. It really ties in with what you've been telling me about lucid dreaming, doesn't it?"
"I don't know if he had lucid dreaming specifically in mind when he wrote that, but yeah, it certainly does fit well, doesn't it? Jung believed all myths, and all dreams too, were veiled messages from the unconscious mind just waiting for us to understand what we were being told."
"Have you done any more experimenting with lucid dreaming?" Deirdre asked. "I really freaked when you first explained it to me."
"Our minds haven't any limitations at all when we're asleep. We spend our waking hours thinking so many things are impossible. In dreams, we just go do them." Donny paused long enough to take another toke. "I've been trying hard, and so far I've managed to travel back into the past and learn about our earlier incarnations. Once I've got it down pat, I'll just as easily be able to go forward and discover what the future holds in store."
"It's such an amazing idea, isn't it?" Deirdre marveled as much to herself as her boyfriend. "Ever since you first gave me the idea I've been working on it myself, trying to leave behind me – even if it's for just a little bit – the world we're in now."
"Far out," said Donny. He reached once again for the joint, now burned down to a small roach. "Let me know where you end up landing." There was no mistaking the condescension in his voice.
Deirdre was hurt that Donny wasn't taking her seriously. "Is there any reason I shouldn't be able to do it just as well as you?" she asked. "Do you think because I'm a woman I'm too bubbleheaded to be able to pull it off? That's not very fair of you."
"Hey, don't get so sensitive," Donny sat up straight. "There's no need to lay some misogynist trip on me. I wasn't trying to put you down."
"Sometimes you're so hip, Donny, and sometimes you're just as much an asshole as those guys at the Onion. They don't think I've got a brain in my head either. All they want is to watch me strip off my clothes."
Donny stubbed out the roach. "Actually, I was over on 3rd Street this afternoon. I stopped in at the Onion looking for you. You weren't there, of course."
"You were checking up on me?" Deirdre flushed angrily. "I was probably around the corner getting something to eat."
"Cut it out, Deirdre." Donny's expression was pained. "I'm not your jailer. If I stopped by to visit you at work, it was only because I missed you and wanted to say hello. That's all there was to it."
"Was it really? Then why do I get the feeling we're on the verge of some major scene where you play the jealous boyfriend and I'm the unfaithful harlot who's done you wrong when you weren't looking?"
"You're a free person, and you don't owe me any explanations," said Donny quietly.
"But what?"
"But you want an explanation anyway." Deirdre raised her hand before her boyfriend could protest. "Come on, Donny. Don't you think I know you well enough by now? You're hurt and suspicious, and you're waiting for me to tell you where I was so you can apologize for having been such a fool as to have ever doubted me."
Donny gave in. "If I want to know, it's only because I love you. But I'm cool – if you really have met someone else, I'm ready to let go and wish you happiness. I won't try to stand in your way."
"You won't? You promise?"
Donny shook his head solemnly. "I know it's not easy living here with me. I kept telling you when we first met what a great novel I was going to write and how famous we were going to be. I guess things didn't pan out the way I'd hoped."
"How famous you were going to be, you mean. Sure, I remember. We were all set to be another Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald hanging on the Riviera with Picasso and company."
"Did I really say that?" Donny asked sheepishly.
"That and a whole lot more." Deirdre looked around her. "And instead all you do is get up late, put some rock & roll on the stereo, and stay high as a kite all day long."
"Yeah, I can't blame you for being fed up with that. You deserve better."
Deirdre couldn't help laughing as she knelt down on the mattress beside him. "You know something, Donny? For a smart guy, you act awfully dumb sometimes." She kissed him passionately on the lips. "There's never going to be anyone else for me but you. Not now, not ever."
Donny smiled and kissed her back. "Yeah, I guess I should know that all right. Besides, where are you ever going to find anyone else as screwed up as me anyway?"
Deirdre jumped up and giggled. "But you're right. I did meet someone else."
"What?" Donny's head jerked back.
"Don't worry. It's nothing like you're thinking."
"And just how do you know what I'm thinking?"
"Stop being such a baby." Deirdre was laughing openly now. "I think I will have some smoke after all. Why don't you make yourself useful and roll us both a joint?"
Donny didn't need to be asked twice. He folded a sheet of Bambu and began sprinkling it with grass from the baggie at his side. "So, you were going to tell me about this guy you met," he persisted.
"You don't give up, do you? His name's Connor. He's into lucid dreaming too. That's what got me interested in him. He's already had some amazing experiences."
"Such as?"
"Such as seeing the Beatles perform in Liverpool." Deirdre didn't bother to mention she'd been there too.
"Really? Far fucking out." Donny allowed a stream of smoke to escape from through his nostrils.
"That's exactly what I thought you'd say." Deirdre took the joint from Donny's hand while he struck a match to relight it. "I'll bring him over sometime so you two can compare notes."
"Sounds good to me." Donny took the joint back from Deirdre as she coughed on the smoke she'd just inhaled. "He's welcome whenever he wants to visit."
Monday, December 17, 2018
Photo Book Review: Impressionist Camera
Impressionist Camera: Pictorial Photography in Europe, 1888 - 1918 was published to coincide with an exhibit of the same name at the Saint Louis Art Museum in 2006. The exhibit had traveled to that institution after first having appeared at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes in 2005.
The history of pictorialism has always been inextricably linked to that of the Photo Secession and its founder Alfred Stieglitz. This may have partly been due not only to Stieglitz' preeminence but also to the influence of the organization's publication Camera Work which offered to its readers superb reproductions by a number of important pictorialist photographers, including Edward Steichen, Gertrude Käsebier, Frank Eugene and Clarence White. In the magazine's very first issue, Stieglitz declared his commitment to the pictorialist cause:
"Only examples of such works as gives evidence of individuality and artistic worth, regardless of school, or contains some exceptional feature of technical merit, or such as exemplifies some treatment worthy of consideration, will find recognition in these pages. Nevertheless, the Pictorial will be the dominating feature of the magazine."
What is often overlooked in all this is that the pictorialism actually originated in Europe (in 1869 when its principles were first promulgated by Henry Peach Robinson) and that some of the best examples were by European photographers. Impressionist Camera is one of the few histories that detail the development of pictorialism as an art movement in Europe and trace its progress from one country to the next. Not surprisingly, the two countries which contributed most were England, where the Linked Ring flourished and established strong ties with the Photo Secession, and France, home to the great Robert Demachy who wrote passionately on photography as art while at the same time producing a series of stunning gum bichromate prints. Nevertheless, there were clubs and photographers working in many other countries who created magnificent bodies of work. The interaction among them was one of the factors that the gave the movement its vitality.
Today, pictorialism is considered pretty much a dead issue. If its purpose was to convince the public that photography should be considered a legitimate art form, the argument runs, that has long ago been accomplished and there is no longer any need to manipulate photos in order to achieve such an end. This, at least, has been the prevalent school of thought since the ascension of straight photography and the Group f64 school in the early 1930's. Such an argument, however, fails to take into account photographers' continued interest in alternative processes such as gum bichromate, bromoil, and platinum printing. It should also be noted that the fifth highest price ever paid for a photographic print was $2,928,000 at a 2006 auction at Sotheby's for Steichen's pictorialist masterwork The Pond - Moonlight (1904). This fact alone should be sufficient to validate the pictorialist aesthetic.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Lucid: Chapter Twelve
Waiting for his morning interview – or debriefing, as he preferred to think of it – Connor sat in the hallway outside Elicott's office while going over in his mind the content of the previous evening's dream. As he sipped orange juice from a cardboard container, he became aware of a new reticence within him.
Though Connor knew there was no reason to hide from the professor what had occurred – or, to be accurate, what he had dreamed had occurred – he realized he was nevertheless reluctant to make any mention of Deirdre or the role of guide his unconscious had assigned her. Connor wasn't quite sure why. After all, nothing could have been more natural than that a woman he had met casually on campus one afternoon should put in an appearance in a dream he had had the same evening. It was not as if she had actually been physically present, Connor reasoned; she hadn't been any more real than Thoreau's cabin, the Beatles concert or anything else he had witnessed while asleep. After a few moments' more reflection, however, he decided that it would cause no great harm if he were to leave out any references to Deirdre when speaking to Elicott. There was certainly enough to relate as it was without having to go into that as well. It would only complicate matters.
Just as he had arrived at this conclusion, the door to Elicott's office opened and a young woman stepped outside. As she moved past him, Connor realized he had seen her once before. It had been Reicha's office she had been exiting on that earlier occasion. "Excuse me," he asked without thinking, "but are you part of the project also?"
The pretty brunette turned to look at Connor. He saw now that she was upset and appeared to have been crying. Her eyes were red and her makeup smudged. "Do I know you?" she asked. Her voice was husky. She stared at him with that exasperated expression women always assume when they think a stranger is trying to flirt with them.
"I'm sorry," Connor said at once. "I guess this isn't the best time to talk."
"It's all right," the woman relented. She rubbed her eyes with a tissue she'd taken from her purse as she struggled to regain her composure. "It's just that I must look so awful. I hate to have anyone see me like this."
"You look fine. My name is Connor, by the way. And you're Marguerite. We were introduced by Dr. Reicha the other day. I'm sorry if caught you at a bad moment. I wasn't trying to be intrusive. It's just that I was just curious what experiences you've had. As far as I know, there aren't any rules that say we participants can't talk with one another."
Marguerite studied Connor attentively for a moment without speaking. She seemed to be weighing whether or not he could be trusted. Finally she came to a decision. "May I ask why you want to know about my experiences? Is there some purpose?"
"Not really. Some weird things have been happening lately when I dream. I guess I wanted to find out if anyone else is going through the same thing, or if I'm the only one."
At this, Marguerite started violently and then directed an almost frightened look at Connor. "What sort of weird things?"
"It's sort of hard to explain because dreams are pretty strange anyway. At least mine are. They never made much sense before and they make even less sense now." Connor realized he was babbling. "Of course, it's not only when I dream that I don't make sense."
Marguerite laughed in spite of herself. "That's not a very good explanation. If I weren't having problems myself, I'd think you were a little crazy."
Connor laughed too. "Oh, I'm a lot crazy. But I'm totally harmless. All I really want to do is compare notes with someone who's in the same predicament as I am."
The woman's expression softened. "I'm sorry. I should not joke. After what I've been going through, I'm beginning to wonder how sane I am myself."
"You said just now you were having problems. Is that why you're so upset? What sort of problems are they?"
"We should definitely talk," Marguerite answered. Her tone had grown anxious. "Yes, compare notes as you say."
Connor checked his watch. "I have to go in and meet with the professor now. He'll pump me for all the details of last night's dream."
"Will you tell him everything?"
"No, not everything. I'll tell him most of what happened, but there are some details I want to keep to myself for the time being."
"I understand," said Marguerite, "maybe better than you do yourself."
"I'll be free in an hour. If you'll still be on campus, we could meet at the student center and share a sandwich."
"That would be good. I haven't eaten anything all day."
"I'll see you there then."
"Yes, I'll be there," said Marguerite. She cast an apprehensive glance at the closed office door behind her and then strode purposefully away.
Connor watched her thoughtfully as she walked the length of the corridor and boarded an elevator. Then he rose and knocked on Elicott's door.
The professor looked up as Connor entered the office. "So how did your dream go? Was it a success?"
"Oh, yes," Connor replied as he took a seat opposite the researcher. "The dream was pretty brief, but it went well. Since I was able to take a photo just as we'd planned, I'd say it was definitely a success."
"Just one photo? That's all?" Elicott couldn't hide his disappointment.
"Like I said, there wasn't much to the dream. I was on the edge of a small lake surrounded by a thick forest and saw a small shed on the opposite shore. It was just an old wooden shack and there was no one nearby. I took a shot of it but didn't see anything else worth photographing. Then I woke up."
The professor stroked his chin. "You seem much more relaxed today, not as tense and excited as when you were describing your first dream."
"I guess I'm finally able to take the whole thing in stride. There's really nothing to get that worked up about, is there?"
"And there was nothing else to the dream besides what you've told me?" Elicott was suspicious. That much was evident.
Connor looked him in the eye. "If there was, I can't remember it."
Elicott regarded him closely. "If that's it, then I guess we don't have that much to talk about today. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next time."
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. I think I'm finally getting the hang of it."
"Probably you are at that." Elicott was once more the didactic lecturer. "Controlling one's dreams is an acquired skill. It takes practice, just as any mental exercise does."
Connor and Gallagher were tossing a Frisbee to one another on a grassy spot in Central Park. To their backs, on the other side of the avenue, stood the main entrance to the Museum of Natural History. It was late afternoon on a beautiful summer day.
"I'm glad you're finally getting some sense and starting to date again," puffed Gallagher. He was out of practice and breathing hard. "You said the woman's name is Marguerite? Sounds sexy to me. Is she hot?"
"No way it was a date. There was nothing romantic about it. We were just discussing our experiences in the project, nothing more than that."
"Well, that's as good a place to begin as any other. You'll be in the sack with her before you know it. Now quit bullshitting and tell me what she looks like."
"I wasn't even paying that close attention. Brunette, not too tall. That's all I remember." Connor grabbed the Frisbee as it came to him and sent it sailing back to Gallagher.
"If only you knew what a disappointment you are to me, my friend. How am I going to get any fantasies going if that's the best you can do in describing this woman?"
"The hell with your fantasies. I've got more important things to worry about. Besides, she was nowhere near as interesting as Deirdre."
Gallagher stopped cold in the middle of a catch. "Who's Deirdre."
"Never mind." Connor pretended to trip and fall. "Shit. I think I pulled a muscle. Let's sit down for a minute."
"You can't fool me that easily. But if you want to change the subject, go ahead. There's a bench right over there where you can rest your weary bones."
After they'd sat down, Connor continued his story. "Marguerite was already in the cafeteria when I got there. She had a bowl of soup in front of her but wasn't drinking it. Her mind must have been zeroed in on something else because her face was a total blank. She didn't even seem to see me when I sat down beside her."
"Not a very encouraging start," Gallagher smirked.
Connor ignored him. "The first thing Marguerite said to me when she finally saw me there was, 'Have you sensed anything in your dreams that intends you harm?'
"'No,' I told her, 'nothing like that. Why? Is there something like that in your own dreams?'
"Marguerite seemed disappointed I hadn't had a similar experience. I think if I'd had, she'd have felt less alone. As it was, it was apparent she badly needed someone to confide in. 'I always have the same dream,' she began. 'I know I'm supposed to control it, but I cannot.'
"'I'm not sure that matters so much,' I said. 'Why don't you just describe the dream to me, and I'll tell you if it resembles my own in any way.'
"Marguerite took a deep breath. 'I'm in some sort of mansion or chateau. I don't know where it's located, certainly no place I've ever been in waking life. There are old portraits hanging on the walls that make me think I could perhaps be somewhere in Europe.'
"'Are there any other people there besides you?'
"'No. Not… people.' Marguerite actually shuddered when she said that and then had to wait a moment before she was able to continue. 'When I am there it is always nighttime and everything is very dark. But somehow I can see my way about easily enough. I do not think there have been any people living in that place for a long time. The rooms all have a musty smell, and there are sheets draped over the furniture to keep the dust away. The curtains are drawn on the windows, so I am not able to look outside to see where I am.'
"'What happens in the dream?'
"'Nothing really. I wander from one large room to the next, all the way from the basement to the attic. I know I am looking for something, but I am not able to remember what it is. This goes on and on, and then finally I wake up.'
"I sat back in my chair and took a sip of my coffee. 'I don't see anything very scary about that," I confessed to her. 'Is there anything more to it than that?'
"A really frightened look came over Marguerite's face. 'The whole time I'm there in that house I know I'm not alone. Something is following me as I move about, some malevolent being that is only biding its time.'
"I couldn't figure out what she was getting at. 'What is it you think this thing wants with you? Why is it after you?'
"Marguerite shivered then and I knew from the look on her face she had something terrible to tell me. She leaned across the table so she could whisper in my ear. 'I know why it is there. It wants to tear me to pieces and devour me.'"
Gallagher jumped up from the bench he'd been sharing with Connor as though he'd been bitten. "Oh, shit. That is too fucking much." He pounded his friend on the shoulder. "I take it back. You don't need to be going on any dates. You're better off alone."
"Don't blame me," said Connor. "You're the one who wanted to hear the story."
"I didn't think it was going to be anything like that. No way. After hearing that, I don't know how I'm going to be able to sleep tonight myself."
"You'll have a couple of beers, check out Playboy, and doze off at midnight dreaming of naked centerfolds."
"Maybe so, but tonight I'm going to bed with the lights on, that's for sure."
When he arrived at his apartment in Brooklyn that evening, Connor remembered he was still carrying the camera in his backpack. He took it out to check the battery level. It occurred to him there might be photos still on the memory card from the last time he'd used the camera months before. Without thinking, he hit the playback button. To his surprise, a single photo appeared – that of a dilapidated cabin on the shore of a small pond. Connor looked at the image in total disbelief for a moment before carefully putting the camera away in a drawer.
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In 2017 my dad suffered a stroke the caused him to lose function of his left arm and leg. After a long stay in the hospital he was able to come home but still had limited use of his arm and leg – this meant he needed help getting around the house. He relied on his cell phone to call one of us when he needed something … but this became difficult in the middle of the night, with only one hand, and no glasses to see. He struggled to do something we all take for granted – navigate the phone dialer.
The problem seemed easy to fix. I built a quick android app that re-imagined the contacts app for him – I pulled out only the four contacts he needed to call for help, each one had its own full screen card with a giant photo of the person and big green "Call" button in the middle. The app used a dark color scheme with large white text so it would stand out the most in the dark. The next time he needed help in the middle of the night, he could grab his phone, and just swipe to find a person to call (The app defaulted to my mom's number). The large photos made it easy to read at night, without glasses, and swipe-able gestures made it easy to navigate with just one hand no matter which way the phone was oriented.
After realizing the potential larger use case, I am working to rebuild Ding Ding as an Android App Launcher – creating a redesigned home screen experience for people with disabilities.

subset: commoncrawl


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Everyone suffers injuries sometimes and it can be easy to get into a rut of worry that exacerbates the problem.
As I mentioned last week massage can be a useful tool when working through an injury. But along with physical adjustments you need to make sure your mind is engaged in the healing process.
When you're injured it is tempting to hold back, or take a break until you feel better, but that is often the worst thing to do. If you start skipping practice you'll lose the benefits of Bikram, and won't necessarily improve more quickly. It's better to continue your practice with whatever breaks or modifications you need. This will promote good circulation and respiration, boost your immune system, and build your physical and mental strength.


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Home Staging Presentation6/4/2010
Today I had my 10 minute presentation time at BNI (Buisness Network International). Using a powerpoint presentation, I described what home staging is and what it isn't. Sellers must think of their property as a "house" - a commodity. Buyers are looking for a "home" - a lifestyle. I discussed some of the reasons to stage a house and the desired results. Then I showed the group before and after photos of a house that I staged with one of my sellers. The differences were remarkable! And - the property sold at the first showing! Staging really does work! I am available to do my presentation to groups, businesses, or anyone interested. If you would like to know more about staging your home to sell, just let me know!


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Our branch has submitted an awesome snowboard to the AALAS Foundation's "Snowboard Freestyle Throw Down" contest.
Online "Voting"/Donating" is now open for the contest. Click here to cast your "vote" for your favorite snowboard! A "vote" is actually a donation to the AALAS Foundation on behalf of a snowboard entry. The snowboard receiving the most "votes" (donations) will be declared the winner of its Category!
Also, help us win FAN FAVORITE SNOWBOARD by clicking here and "liking" our board on the AALAS Foundation Facebook page
Voting ends October 16th at 11am MDT.


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Who's Who In The DCU 9.17.03
Well if you are reading this then apparently something came up in my life. I put this column together as a â€just in case†type thing.
(What actually happened is that I have to polish up a short film script and ready it for production, I also want to work on a comic script, so that I may be able to pitch to some of the editors at this weekend's Con. And I'm also still kind of bummed at Johnny Cash's passing.) – Mathan 9/15/03
(Hey gang. Since Mathan was kinda out of commission this week, this will be a special column. The first part is reader feedback, and then in part two, I'm going to answer a fairly long DC-related JLA/Avengers question from last week's The Marvel Handbook. Enjoy! –Ben)
Welcome to my first Reader's Feedback Column. Y'see I knew that I would eventually need to take a break from writing a weekly column (and another weekly column, plus comic reviews and whatever else I happen to be writing at the time.) So devised a way for me to get a break and you still get to see your name in the column for the week. Oh, for the record I am composing this on 9/6/03.
Well for my answer in 4/4/03's column about who would win in a battle between Captain Marvel and Superman I got quite a few responses.
First was from Cliff Rold
Actually, DC did this story well in the late seventies. Along with the giant edition Muhammad Ali vs. Superman and Superman vs. Spider Man, they did a giant edition Superman vs. Shazam. It was very well done, and Captain Marvel won if I remember. I have the book, but it can be hard to find. On the inside cover (front and back) is a detailed retelling of the DC-Fawcett lawsuit and how DC came to acquire Captain Marvel and also why he was re-titled Shazam. Great stuff.
Mkick had this to say;
Actually they have locked horns in the DCU somewhat recently… in superman 102 in 1995 they fought each other. Superman saw Marvel as the cyborg… and Marvel saw Supes as Black Adam. So they fought for a while until Clarks dad saw Marvel as Marvel and told him… turns out an evil presence was seeing over the whole thing… blah blah… etc etc…
Tom Walsh had this to say in response to my comment on Silver Surfer beating the tar out of Kyle Rayner from 5/10/03's column.
You may already be aware of it but the Silver Surfer has already fought
A Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner). It was in the DC/Marvel crossover from a few years back (the one where characters from each universe fought to
Determine which universe survives). Surfer won and, yes, it was a quick fight. They went at each other like jousting knights and it was good night for Kyle after that.
My question about the greatest single issue of all time 5/29/03 yielded some good responses.
Jeff says
"the issue of the original Flash run where Flash/Reverse Flash battle to the end with Reverse Flash being "murdered" a second before he can kill Fiona."
Sean says;
Favorite issue: gotta be Amazing Spider-Man #248, Kid who collected spider-man. The story I always remember as embodying the true character of Spider-Man/Peter Parker.
Andy Richardson feels very strongly about his pick (I tend to agree with him as it was the first comic that I ever read.)
This is an easy one. If you have never read Justice League of America #200 (original series) you are missing single issue perfection. First begin with the wraparound cover by George Perez featuring about 15 heroes in battle. Seriously, does anyone do these types of pencils better? The story is awesome too. First it begins by a quick retelling of the Origin of the JLA and the Appelex meteors. This is pre-Crisis, so there is no messy continuity. It reintroduces Martian Manhunter who has been gone so long Firestorm has never even heard of him. The original heroes have all been mind controlled so they fight against the more modern membrers. MM v. Firestorm, Aquaman v. Red Tornado w/ and assist from the Phantom Stranger, Flash V. Elongated Man, Superman destroys Hawkman, Batman v. Black Canary and GA (who isn't a member at this time), GL v. Atom, and WW v. Zatanna. Add several guest stars, including Adam Strange and Snapper Carr, and some real drama in between the fights. For example, Superman lauches hawkman in the cosmos and EM has to strech past his limits to save him. Of course in the end, Justice prevails and all of the heroes come together to fight off the aliens. I think I can still quote from the book "They have no battle cry, nor do they need one. They are the greatest heroes the world has ever seen. They are The Justice League of America" This line is over a spash page of all 20+ heroes charging out to fight the aliens. It's freeking inspiring. God, I must have read that book 500 times as a kid. when I got in college, I bought 10 copies and gave them to every comic fan I knew.
Great stuff thanks for giving me the opportunity to write about this.
Tim B makes a pretty strong case for his pick.
I would have to go with Watchmen #4.
One of the most brilliant stories ever told in the comic format, and a
fantastic issue – finding a wonderfully mysterious and poetic way of
describing the viewpoint of someone who experiences all life
Hey Ben, what's your favorite issue of all time?
If I thought harder, it would probably be some issue of New Teen Titans, but my quick & dirty answer for years has been X-Force #19, where Cannonball stands up to Professor X and the team strikes out on their own. I wrote about it in Watchtower once. –Ben
Robb W. Farmer responded to my 6/5/03 question about who was DC's most mistreated character.
Until recently I would have said either Hawkman or Power Girl, but Geoff Johns seems to be bringing those characters around nicely. Now I think its a tie between Hank "Hawk/Monarch/Extant" Hall and Captain Atom, two characters who were ruined by the same stupid editing decision. Hawk was a good character ruined for no real reason other than DC wanted to surprise people with who Monarch turned out to be in Armageddon 2001. When it was obvious to anyone that Captain Atom was supposed to be Monarch, the last minute decision changed it to Hank. The complete idiocy of a college jock brick as a technologically advanced menace cannot be understated. Monhawk fought Captain Atom and an explosion sent them hurtling through time to find themselves in The Armageddon Agenda, one of the worst mini-series in memory that was to lead to a new Captain Atom series to deal with an alien invasion. Guess they're still working on it 12 years later. Captain Atom went on to Extreme Justice, where he fought with Monarch again, then found out he wasn't really Nathaniel Atom, but a quantum clone and the real Adam was the real Monarch. (My head is starting to hurt). However, the Hank Hall Monarch, who wasn't supposed to be Monarch, was still controlling the Team Titans to lead to Zero Hour, then changed his name to Extant. Extant was supposedly the unity of order and chaos, which would have explained his power up, but wasn't really true. He stole Waverider's time powers and was supposed to be the main villain of Zero Hour, but then took an immediate back seat to Parallax (I guess they had something in common as heroes stupidly turned evil), and wasn't even worth the time to chase at the end of the series. Since then, Extant lost a fight to Impulse (yeesh), fought the JSA to a standstill, before being placed on a jet about to crash, which killed him and left a skeleton, even though he was supposed to be made of energy now. Geoff Johns was kind enough to try to make sense of why Hank went nuts, but to this point he's still gone and evil, if not still dead. Captain Atom went from Extreme Justice to the L.A.W, another bad series, and since then, the guy who had a long running series, led all superheroes in Invasion, has years of military experience, led the JLE, Extreme Justice, and the LAW is hardly ever seen and not used even in JLA because he's not a "team player."
I know Ben has an opinion on this.
Jesse Quick. She got her characterization annihilated in Titans, a title she wasn't even needed for, then had to lose her powers to regain any sort of credibility. I'm sure other have endured worse, but she's fresh in my mind. Actually, now that I think about it, Donna Troy wins this hands down. –Ben
In the 6/20/03 column I asked you your favorite Green Lantern was, and Jason E responded;
And in regards to our favorite Green Lantern? I liked Hal, he had what I felt was a strong mini role in the Reign/Return of Superman, despite it only built up to his end of Green Lantern. I felt in his last hours of being a GL and decimating the Corps and his Parallax/Zero Hour run were what really made me enjoy his character. But as for all time favorites, I came along when Raynor jumped in the saddle. He's my favorite because he's been a character I could follow from the start and like myself he's an artist. It's nice to see the ring used in a more creative way then just a big boxing glove.
Ben isn't your favorite Green Lantern G'nort? No, the fin-headed dude who didn't save Krypton. –Ben
On 7/6/03 I asked who you thought would win in a battle between Superman and Captain Marvel. Jason Osborne wrote;
In response to Captain Marvel vs. Superman, Superman would win, though i wish it could be Captain Marvel. Supermanis Earths champion, and there seems to be no limit to his power. Captain Marvel is kick ass, and I believe he could have been bigger than Superman. Captain Marvel, with the power of Shazam, has the speed of mercury, the strength of hercules, and some other kick ass stuff. In the end though, Superman would win the battle, simply because Captain Marvel is a pre-teen child.
The Albrecht might have a different view.
I would say Marvel would win in a close fight. Look at the powers he
possesses, plus he is Earth's mightiest mortal. Also look at Kingdom
Come. He was wiping the floor with Superman. However, since the only way we would see this battle is in comic book form, Superman would win since he is a DC original and Marvel is from Fawcett. However, we all know that Marvel would win.
The unstoppable force the living Juggernaut wants to add his two cents.
As a huge fan of Captain Marvel I hate to say this but Superman wins hands down. Realistically Captain Marvle is supermans equal if not his superior when it comes down to abilities and young billy batson hasnt even hit his prime yet. Captain Marvel has gotten the better os supes from time to time but it has never been a knock down drag out fight. so lets measure the two up and see why superman wins.
enhanced senses
heat vison
extreme durability
super inteligence
extreme durability
super intelligence
ok for the most part superman and captain marvel are pretty even, supes has super senses, cap has the wisdom of solomon, supes has heat vision and cap has the power of zeus. both are fast both are strong and both are pretty damned near indestructible, cap has magic based abilities and supes has a weakness to magic, but superman has been around for a while and has dealt with and fought alot more then captain marvel has, so superman gets the nod. superman wins because of his experience. captain marvel is still just a teenager and has alot to learn about the whole super hero business, and superman most likely has a few tricks up his sleeves to use againts an opponent like cap. but…… experience is the only thing that keeps captain marvel from beating the orphaned little alien and using the yellow S shield as toilet paper, given a few more years and captaon marvel with the powers of the gods will most likely take supes place as the greatest hero on earth.
Hallsy feels this way
Supes would kick all kinds of ass since Captain Marvel is in actuality just a naive kid. You would have to be one supreme bad-ass to take down the Man of Steel.
JohnBritton, you always add insight
As to the Superman vs. Captain Marvel question: Didn't we see Captain Marvel tan Superman's hide in Kingdom Come? Captain Marvel was possessed and evil, and the lightning is magic, and Superman was older and weaker, though. I think that's the only way it could happen. Superman's pretty deadly if he wants to be. He can see you from a mile away and burn you to a crisp. Captain Marvel would have to be pretty smart (like Batman devious-smart) to beat Superman, and I don't know if the wisdom of Solomon extends to the world of kicking ass.
Some guy named Ben Morse had this to say
During "Crisis Times Five" in JLA, Cap KO'ed Superman with one punch by catching him by surprise. He both said he got lucky and that he had an advantage because he was imbued with magic, making his punches more effective against Supes. I think in terms of pure power, if neither is holding back, Cap actually wins, due to the magic. But if you factor in smarts, Supes is much craftier, so I'd give the advantage to him overall.
In this same column I made some comments about Aquaman, Jim Kosmicki corrects me.
I just have to speak up about the "was Aquaman ever really popular?"
there is a history of comics that exists before 1988 or so.
Aquaman was not especially popular after his creation, but since Mort Weisinger had a hand in creating him (and Jonny Quick and Green Arrow), they survived longer than the earlier heroes did. Aquaman was a backup character for about 20 years (and many still argue that he should have remained so).
He was one of the earliest DC characters given a tryout in Showcase (he always gets forgotten when people begin listing Flash, Green Lantern, Atom, etc.). He was popular enough (at a time when the numbers to justify a title were pretty stringent) to be given his own title, which survived longer than Atom, Hawkman, Spectre, and several other more "respected" characters.
He was also lucky enough to be turned into an early cartoon as part of the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure, which lasted for several years at the end of the 60s.
He was never given much respect by comics fans, until near the end of his original run, when Steve Skeates and Jim Aparo took over. This run was very well received, and was considered, at the time, to be on a par with Deadman and the classic O'Neill/Adams Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories. They've been forgotten because they were never collected, probably because the last issue ended in a VERY unresolved cliffhanger.
Even after this cancellation, Aquaman was never left in limbo for long, and after being revived in anthology titles like "Adventure" would have solid enough sales to be moved into his own title. Then, there'd be one of the regular purges of middle-to-low selling titles, and he'd get cancelled again.
By the way, I've never cared much for Aquaman (other than the few issues of the Skeates/Aparo run that I've seen). But it is important to do a little bit of research when answering a question like this.
My answer would be more along the lines of: "Aquaman's never been a fan favorite, but he's had enough of a following to be published and revived on a regular basis for 60 years now, so he certainly has some amount of popularity with the general public, if not the standard superhero audience."
Well said, and I apologize for the oversight. I am actually going to call this a column. This week's question: what is the most absurd comic related item you ever purchased (ie Superman toothpicks or a Batman extension cord.)
I will be back next week with a more traditional column and I'm sure that I will have some anecdotes from my adventures at a Comic Con. Sorry if you are disappointed, I just didn't want to answer anyone's questions half-assed. Or at least less than half-assed.
Just to keep tradition alive, I'll still put Mathan's quote at the end. Ben in the driver's seat now. As promised, here's the skinny on the six DC items out of the 12 items of power from JLA/Avengers #1. I can't promise issue numbers or anything (maybe some), but I'll do my best. Here goes…
The Bell, The Wheel & The Jar
The Green Bell of Uthool, the Silver Wheel of Nyorlath and the Red Jar of Calythos, to be exact. These are three mystic artifacts that the aliens known as the "timeless ones†used to imprison Abnegazar, Rath & Ghast, collectively known as the Demons Three, three demons (duh) who used to run roughshod over Earth before the dawn of man. If you assemble the items and perform some ceremony (that seems by all indications to involve ringing the bell while pouring whatever's in the jar on the spinning wheel…sounds like a game of Mouse Trap), you free the Demons Three and pray that they're grateful enough to give you a hand with whatever evil (has to be evil) scheme you've got in mind. The only two instances I know of where it was done were Justice League of America (the original series) #10, where Felix Faust did it, and JloA #147-148, where Mordru did it and the JLA, JSA & Legion all teamed to stop them. I'm sure it's been done other times, post-Crisis.
The Medusa Mask
The Medusa Mask is an ancient artifact of mysterious origin that is able to allow the wearer to control the emotions of others. Unfortunately (for the wearer), it has a nasty side effect of causing insanity. It was discovered by the first Psycho-Pirate (last name, Halstead, don't know his first name) and after his death passed onto the second Psycho-Pirate (Roger Hayden), whose biggest claims to fame are having been the sole surviving witness to Barry Allen's death and (according to issues of Animal Man) still remembering how the DCU was pre-Crisis.
The Spear of Destiny
The spear purportedly used to stab Jesus Chris in the heart during the crucifixion, it contains incredible mystical power. During World War II, Hitler used the Spear's power to create a barrier that prevented the All-Star Squadron and all other superhumans from entering Germany. The Spear is also one of the few items capable of destroying The Spectre. During the 90's Spectre series, Superman was given the Spear to use against The Spectre when it seems he had lost it. But Supes ended up being possessd by Hitler's ghost and The Spectre had to save the day. At the end of the story, Supes hurled the Spear into the sun so nobody else could access its power.
Green Lantern's Power Battery
Forged from parts of a central energy source on the planet Oa, power batteries contain energy for Green Lanterns to recharge their rings with. Before Hal Jordan went nuts and became Parallax, GLs needed to recharge their rings every 24 hours or they were screwed. Kyle Rayner has made improvements on his ring so that he only needs to recharge it every so often, not every day. GL batteries have been shown to be able to do lots of neat party tricks, like turn invisible and follow their users around like faithful dogs. Recently, when Oa was reconstructed by Kyle Rayner as Ion, he created a new central battery and used it to create the new generation of Guardians.
The Orb of Ra
In ancient Egypt, a sorcerer named Ahmon-Ra (or something close) discovered this powerful mystical item that allowed him to transform into an elemental creature called The Metamorph. Alongside Vandal Savage, The Metamorph battled against the armies of Khufu and slaughtered many, including the family of Teth Adam. It was Teth, as Black Adam, who killed The Metamorph, disrupting his connection to the Orb. Centuries later, explorer Rex Mason discovered the Orb and became the superhero Metamorpho. It has been shown that even if he is seemingly killed, if the remaining essence of Metamorpho can access the Orb, he can reform himself a new body.
The Eternity Book
The book that Eternity of the Endless uses to record everything that has happened and will happen from the dawn of time to the end. Also the item I know the least about; I'm sure it's wicked powerful.
"And she's watching him with those eyes. And she's loving him with that body, I just know it.â€
Tags: Aquaman, Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Hal Jordan, Hawk, Hawkman, Power Girl, Reverse Flash, Shazam (Captain Marvel), Silver Surfer, Superman, Watchmen, Who's Who, Who's Who in the DCU


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Thursday, 07 July 2016 05:19 PM
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton said Thursday there was "every indication" that police conduct in the fatal shooting of a black motorist was "way in excess" of what the situation warranted, and that race may have played a role.
"I can't say how shocked I am and how deeply, deeply offended that this would occur in Minnesota to somebody who got pulled over for a tail light being out of order," Dayton told reporters, calling the situation "absolutely appalling" on all levels.
The Democratic governor also suggested race could be a factor in the shooting of 32-year-old Philando Castile, as his girlfriend and her four-year-old daughter looked on.
"Would this have happened if those passengers, the driver and the passengers, were white? I don't think it would have," he said.
"So I'm forced to confront, and I think all of us in Minnesota are forced to confront, that this kind of racism exists."
Castile's girlfriend Diamond Reynolds livestreamed the immediate aftermath of the shooting, as Castile lay bleeding in the driver's seat and an officer pointed his gun through the window.
Pulled over for a broken tail light, Castile informed the officer he was carrying a licensed gun, Reynolds said, and was shot as he reached for his license and registration.
"Nobody should be shot and killed in Minnesota for a traffic tail light being out of function," said Dayton, who was visibly emotional.
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Identity and access management (IAM) is a critical way to protect the systems and data that your organization relies on by ensuring that only properly-authorized users can access your technology and information. As a leading IAM solution provider, we're often asked what identity and access management is, how it works, and why it's needed. We'll answer these questions and more in today's post.
What is identity and access management?
IAM is a discipline that actually preceded cybersecurity, but has taken on a new dimension in the digital transformation age. IAM essentially ensures only authorized users with the proper credentials and authentication are able to access, manage, and use the technology, software, systems, and data in your business. It protects systems from unauthorized access by criminals, hackers, and other bad actors.
How does identity and access management work?
An IT security team deploys an IAM platform and integrates it into your organization. The IAM platform then requires all users who attempt to access systems and data to properly authorize themselves so they can prove who they are. The IAM system will compare their credentials against a known, good baseline, and if those credentials match, will provide access. Once access is provided, the IAM system makes sure the user has the right level of access – not too little and definitely not too much – so that the job at hand can be accomplished.
Why does my organization need identity and access management?
Cybersecurity risks are increasing all the time. Every organization needs robust security in place to protect their systems and data. Data breaches and attacks on systems can cause significant reputational and financial damage and expose the data of your business and your users. IAM, when done right, provides a consistent, proven way to reduce the risk and impact of cybersecurity attacks.
What environments does identity and access management work across?
Ideally, an IAM platform should work with your systems, software, and infrastructure wherever it's located. This means it should protect local devices, data centers, cloud environments, users and more by default.
Will identity and access management help me meet compliance requirements?
Many agencies and regulatory bodies require organizations to protect customer and business data. As a result, an IAM platform is a key part of securing sensitive information. Correct IAM implementations can reduce the risk of breaching PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, Sarbanes-Oxley, and other regulatory frameworks. It can also help demonstrate compliance, avoid costly negative audit consequences, and ensure business processes run smoothly.
Does identity and access management work across all end-user devices?
We are in a post-BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) world where employees are accessing systems and data from a variety of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices. A good IAM platform will be device agnostic and provide proper, robust authentication, regardless of how a user is accessing business systems.
What are the authentication factors used by identity and access management platforms?
There are several types of authentication techniques used by IAM tools. These include two-factor or multifactor authentication. This means that in addition to a username and password, an end user must also provide other unique credentials like a one-time security code or biometrics like a fingerprint or voice recognition. In fact, more flexible and secure authentication methods like behavioral biometrics are proving to help facilitate user access better than many traditional methods. The bottom line, organizations shouldn't limit themselves to just traditional authentication methods.
Do user-required credentials change, depending on authentication needs?
One way to implement IAM is through adaptive authentication. This approach uses various factors like who is accessing the system, the device they're using, the time and date, their location, and various other information. The IAM system will then use predefined security policies to request specific additional credentials to verify users before granting access.
Does identity and access management cause frustration for end users?
Ultimately, an organization needs to balance ease-of-use with the right level of security. A good IAM platform will request proper credentials and then provide seamless, easy access through tools like single sign-on (SSO) and integration with other systems.
Jeff Carpenter is Director of Identity and Access Management solutions at Crossmatch. In this role, he is responsible for evangelizing Crossmatch's DigitalPersona® solution. In his 10+ years in cybersecurity, Jeff has held positions with a number of top tier cybersecurity and technology companies, most recently he was with RSA, a Dell Technologies company. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He holds both a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) designation.


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In this paper, a novel method is described for automated determination of dextromethorphan in biological fluids using molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) as a sample clean-up technique combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared using methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker, chloroform as porogen and dextromethorphan as template molecule. These imprinted polymers were used as solid-phase extraction sorbent for the extraction of dextromethorphan from human plasma samples. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the MIP cartridges were evaluated. The high selectivity of the sorbent coupled to the high performance liquid chromatographic system permitted a simple and rapid analysis of this drug in plasma samples with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.12 ng/mL and 0.35 ng/mL, respectively. The MIP selectivity was evaluated by analyzing of the dextromethorphan in presence of several substances with similar molecular structures and properties. Results from the HPLC analyses showed that the recoveries of dextromethorphan using MIP cartridges from human plasma samples in the range of 1–50 ng/mL were higher than 87%.
Sample preparation has a critical role as a first step in analytical processes, especially in bioanalysis and environmental analysis. A good sample preparation technique should be robust and stable, regardless of the sample matrix.
The aim of this thesis is to design and synthesize molecularly imprinted polymers that can be used in various sample preparation techniques, such as on-line MEPS, on-line SPE and on-line monolithic pre-columns used for the extraction of drugs, hormones, and cancer biomarkers from human plasma and urine samples. Additional aim was to provide full automation, on-line coupling, short sample preparation time and high-throughput.
In this thesis MIP in MEPS was used on-line with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the determination of sarcosine in human urine and plasma samples. The method was fully automated and the packed sorbent could be used for about hundred extractions. In additional work a coated needle with MIP-Sol-Gel as thin layer was prepared and used for the microextraction of bilirubin from human plasma and urine. Small sample volumes could be handled and the validation of the method showed that the method was robust and selective.
In a further work MIP-SPE on-line with HPLC was used for the extraction and determination of dextromethorphan in human plasma samples. MIP-SPE showed a good selectivity and high recovery (87% - 92%). On-line MIP monolithic pre-column was prepared and used in a coupled system for the extraction of tramadol in human plasma and urine samples. The MIP monolithic pre-column showed good selectivity and high extraction recovery was obtained (91-96%). The extraction and analysis of human insulin in plasma and pharmaceutical formulation solutions were carried out using MIP-SPE on-line with HPLC. The validation of the method showed that the method was accurate and robust.
At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 5: Submitted.


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These are hands down the BEST Brown Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies EVER!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe
Is it possible to have empty nest syndrome after just one weekend? Because I'm pretty sure I'm feeling it!
My family was here for a quick two day visit and it was bliss. We cooked dinner, drank delicious French wine, watched TV (started and finished the first season of 'The Man in the High Castle'), and baked so many cookies! When they left last night my tiny apartment felt extra quiet. So I dealt with their departure in a way I'm sure any almost-30 year old woman would: I blasted Adele, baked chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, and binge watched old episodes of blue bloods.
But I digress. You're probably just here for the cookies! And I cannot blame you. These easy oatmeal raisin cookies are the real deal. My brother – who is notorious for being a picky eater and basically not liking anything that doesn't have chocolate in it or on it – even went back for seconds!
Here's what I love about these cookies:
- THE BROWN BUTTER! Oh, sorry for screaming that… but when it comes to brown butter, I want to sing its praises from the rooftop for all to hear. Brown butter not only adds depth and flavor to these cookies, but it gives them the most incredible texture. They're soft and chewy! For real.
- Plump juicy raisins in every-single-bite! I recommend using a brand you know and love.
- This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, which adds the loveliest flavor.
- Also, cinnamon! I tested these cookies with and without cinnamon and my taste testers all agreed with cinnamon is the way to go.
- Texture! I know I kind of mentioned this earlier, but it's worth repeating: the texture of these cookies is EVERYTHING!
- NO CHILL TIME! The cookie dough is ready to be baked right away.
How to make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success:
- If you've never browned butter before, don't fret! It's really simple. You'll need a pan, two sticks of butter, and a touch of patience – that's it! You'll start off melting the butter in a skillet. Once the butter has completely melted, you'll continue to cook the butter, on medium heat (or medium-low if your stove top runs hot), until it's turned a golden brown and smells slightly nutty. Just be sure you stay stove side once the butter has melted; brown butter can turn into burnt butter very fast.
- You will need to bring your browned butter back to room temperature before incorporating it into the recipe. To do this, simply pour the butter into a heatproof bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. You want it solid, but soft enough that when you gently press it with your finger it leaves an indentation.
- Don't over bake! Your cookies should be set at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Feel free to add up to a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips, if desired.
These best ever oatmeal raisin cookies are going to rock your world! I just know it 😉
This is the best Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe! And if you try it, let me know! Leave a comment below and don't forget to snap a pic and tag it #bakerbynature on instagram!
More Oatmeal Cookie Recipes:
Brown Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Yield 2 dozen cookies (more or less depedning on how large you roll them)
These are hands down the BEST Brown Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies ever! Thick, chewy, and loaded with plump raisins.
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted until browned then brought back to room temperature (please see post for more on this)
- 1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 and 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant oats)
- 2 cups raisins
- Preheat oven to 350 (F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, cream together the browned butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Beat in the milk and the vanilla extract until combined.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. On low speed, gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter/sugar mixture until just incorporated. Turn mixer off. Using a wooden spoon or strong spatula, stir the oats and raisins into the cookie dough, stirring just until incorporated.
- Scoop 2-inch balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 and 1/2 inches between so they have room to spread.
- Bake, one sheet at a time, in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are golden and set at the edges and still slightly soft in the center. Repeat with all cookie dough.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Courses Dessert
Cuisine Cookies
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 or 2 cookies
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft Batch Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies
Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies


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Search Results
Studies-Published dateTuesday, April 2, 2013 - 04:00
Brazil case study [Spanish version]
The idea of "institutional multiplicity" describes the existence and the
functioning of dozens of actors from the executive, legislative and judiciary. Based onPublished dateTuesday, December 2, 2014 - 05:00
Approche territoriale des changements climatiques au Sénégal : cas du plan climat territorial intégré (PCTI) de la région de Dakar Rapport d'étude
Le phénomène du changement climatique est, de nos jours, l'un des plus grands défis de l'humanité dans la mesure où il n'épargne aucune contrée de la planète et hypothèque les efforts de développement consentis par cerains États.Published dateTuesday, May 2, 2017 - 04:00
Analysis of non-communicable diseases prevention policies in Africa (ANPPA) - A case study of South Africa. A technical research report developed for the African population and health research centre (APHRC)
The Analysis of non-communicable diseases prevention policies in Africa (ANPPA) – A case study of South Africa set out to analyse non-communicable disease (NCD) policies in South Africa.Published dateMonday, January 2, 2017 - 05:00
Analysis of non-communicable disease prevention policies in Malawi Malawi case study report
There is a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) especially in low and middleincome countries.Published dateFriday, June 2, 2017 - 04:00
Tanzania : Country Situation AssessmentPublished dateWednesday, December 23, 2015 - 05:00
Transboundary water governance in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region Beyond the dialectics of conflict and cooperationPublished dateFriday, December 2, 2016 - 05:00
Training materials-
Posters on school-based feeding and indigenous vegetables
Posters on school-based feeding and indigenous vegetables include topics such as: how-to start gardening; identification of indigenous vegetables; recipes; visual explanation of school supplementary feeding program; schoolyard garden conservationPublished date2018
School nutrition conference activity report
The Project used a multiscalar approach to scale up the model: through partnerships with civil society organizations, local government units and the private sector, and through Lighthouse schools and crop museums, the integrated school nutritionPublished dateThursday, August 2, 2018 - 04:00
Training materials-
Outreach strategy for the planning and monitoring and evaluation toolkit for Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives
The toolkit consists of four modules and eleven tools: Module I, which focuses on analyzing and identifying the capacities to adapt to climate change; Module II, focusing on coping skills from local to global level and the associated linkages; ModPublished date2011


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While this is a U.S. article it applies in Canada as well. Change the city names in your head while you are reading .- Scott
Over the past few decades, commercial real estate has become an institutionalized asset class. Thirty years ago, real estate represented less than 2% of an institutional portfolio and the majority of commercial real estate was owned by regional "mom-and-pop" ...


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Dedicated Doncaster organised crime operationDate published: 27 June 2018 10:01
Detectives, specialist teams of officers and local authority partners have worked together on an intelligence-led operation to target and identify offenders engaging in organised criminality in Doncaster.
This pre-planned operation saw a week of sustained activity around Stocksbridge Lane and Hall Villa Lane in the Bentley area of Doncaster, which resulted in the recovery of an estimated £30k of Cannabis, disruption of illegal animal fighting, open land searches and council injunctions.
The specialist operation utilised the expertise and skills of different teams and services, and was carried out with the purpose of conducting directed activity aimed at dismantling and disrupting organised crime in Doncaster.
Throughout the week, the team's implemented activity focused on protecting and providing support to vulnerable people, and targeting different aspects of organised crime. Specifically this involved working with the council to perform checks and issue civil injunctions, as well as executing search warrants.
Officers also worked in partnership with children's services and the education authority to protect vulnerable people and provide advice, St Ledger Homes to address environmental issues and the RSPCA to execute animal welfare warrants.
This partnership work and directed activity resulted in the seizure of Cannabis plants with the estimated street value of £30k, recovery of a stolen Mercedes and a number of power tools, checks conducted by the local power supplier and the arrests of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of cultivation of Cannabis, criminal damage and abstracting electricity, and a 27-year-old man on suspicion of theft and abstracting electricity. Both men have been released under investigation as enquiries continue. The RSPCA also seized a number of Cockerels found to be used for cockerel fighting.
Head of Doncaster's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Detective Chief Inspector Paul Wilson who oversaw the operation said: "Our priority and focus for the operation was to work with our partners and community groups, to address issues affecting our local communities and implement plans to target and disrupt organised crime and violence.
"This intelligence-led operation forms one element of the wider work and actions we are doing to dismantle criminal groups in Doncaster and improve safety.
"The results achieved highlight the effectivity of this partnership work and the importance of their involvement, which was vital to the enforcement and success of this operation. I would like to thank them for their continued support and participation in this and the wider work and action we are doing to tackle criminal activity and improve community safety.
"I hope this operation and the wider work we are doing demonstrates our commitment to protect vulnerable people and bring offenders engaging in criminal acts before the courts."
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Our people are the soul of our company. ATIS is filled with incredibly smart, talented, and experienced professionals. With an impressive portfolio, many international projects in the development process and more projects that are waiting to be launched, we're always looking for passionate people determined to bring innovation and quality to our company.
ATIS is an inviting place to work that values the fresh perspective talented professionals can bring to our company. We appreciate the diverse experience gained in a range of situations and would love to see it involved in our daily challenges and success. We take a serious approach to seek and recruit professionals who demonstrate a positive affinity with our principles, attitude, and standards and are willing to be an added value to our company.
We offer Internship opportunities for students that want to learn from a team of extensively experienced professionals, a long list of diverse customers, and interesting work. Don't miss up your golden chance to invest time and effort for your personal growth and shape your bright future.
You've finished your studies and are thinking about where and how to embark on a great career in the web world? Looking for a place that perfectly fits your ambitious, long-term goals? ATIS offers just that, and more. We promote a warm, relaxing culture that encourages team players to make a sustainable difference for clients while translating their talent in outstanding solutions. Here is your opportunity to find a workplace that fits your personality!
Experienced Professional
ATIS has its doors open for smart, experienced people that love being involved in complex challenges and turn the impossible to possible. Come at the place where your talent, expertise, and hard work will be recognized and rewarded – and build a remarkable career!
If you're looking for an opportunity to expand your technical skills and work along senior-expertise, please feel free to send your CV and cover letter at careers@.atis.al.


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RAIL union chiefs denied plotting an all-out strike on First North Western trains after introducing a weekly levy to support striking drivers.
Aslef will ask all its drivers not connected with First North Western (FNW) to pay #5 a week towards a hardship fund for striking FNW staff. The union has donated #10,000.
Drivers are staging a series of 48 hour weekend stoppages and refusing to work rest days during the week as part of their pay row with the company which runs cross country train services out of Liverpool Lime Street.
But Merseyside Aslef officer Colin Smith denied the levy of 17,000 members is to fund an all-out strike: "There are no plans for an all out strike at this moment in time. We are still trying to resolve the issue and are available for talks."
He presented FNW's 19% pay offer over three years to Aslef's executive on Tuesday.
"It was rejected, but we offered an olive branch to separate rest day working arrangements from the pay dispute to get the trains running during the week," he said.
But he claimed FNW chief Vernon Barker turned the offer down, insisting the two issues are linked.
The current weekend strikes are due to continue until November 23-24.
FNW managing director Vernon Barker said: "I have been calling on Aslef to either agree to arbitration or ballot the drivers who are being affected by the strikes.
"Further industrial action cannot be justified, given that we are offering a series of pay rises totalling 19% by the end of January 2004."


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Did You Know...
One year-old trees are only about one inch tall and with loving care they grow to be 6 to 8 inches tall after three years. At that time, as seedlings, they are transplanted into a larger garden-like area where they will be spaced 5 to 6 inches apart. After two more years in this bed, they will be dug as transplants and planted in the field.
Seed and Transplant Bed
Christmas tree seed can be planted in either the spring or fall. Here, Ken and Buster are sowing the seed and then covering it with a mixture of sand and sawdust. Note the one-year-old trees in the previous year's bed.
The smaller trees in this bed are three years old and the larger ones are five years old. The old window screens over the baby trees serve as shade, but will still allow rain water through. The screens are only used during the trees' first summer of growth.
Continue on the journey to Planting, which is the next step in nurturing a marketable Christmas tree.


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A Winter Princess
20191h 30m255 views
When Carly, secretly a princess, plans Snowden Peak's Snow Ball with Jesse, their attraction is undeniable. In planning the event, the two make the gala a fundraiser to help infuse much needed resources into the resort. But without a celebrity draw, investors aren't interested, and Snowden Peak is put up for sale. Will Carly allow her royal identity to be exposed to save the resort?
Director: Allan Harmon
Tags: 123movies, A Winter Princess, A Winter Princess Gomovies, A Winter Princess Online, A Winter Princess Putloker, bmovies, Brendon Zub, Casey Manderson, Chris McNally, Free movies 2019, Gomovies, Kazumi Evans, Lara Gilchrist, Lossen Chambers, Mackenzie Gray, Natalie Hall, Putlocker
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There are 6 key reasons we probably won't see the next major 'Grand Theft Auto' game until at least 2020
As "Grand Theft Auto 5" passes 100 million copies sold, there are no signs it's slowing down.
Nintendo's biggest game of 2018 didn't arrive until December, yet it was still one of the best-selling games of the year
Nintendo's big bet on "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" paid off big-time.
Sorry, 'Red Dead Redemption 2' — the new 'Call of Duty' is already the best-selling game of 2018
Despite the efforts of games like "Spider-Man" and "Red Dead Redemption 2," "Call of Duty" is once again the best-selling game of the year.


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Peggy Hartanto
Indonesian-born, Australian-trained Peggy Hartanto is the designer behind her namesake label, PEGGY HARTANTO.
Established in 2011, the label is known for its contemporary take on women's fashion, balancing femininity with sensualism. Using innovative techniques in fabric cut and construction, each piece of Peggy Hartanto design is structured yet fluid, fitting a woman's body beautifully.
Carbon Dress
Chloro Jumpsuit
Ribose Cropped Top, available in black/white and white/ beige
Sepal Dress in Royal Purple, exclusively available to nana & bird. Also comes in Pale Pink and Black.
nana & bird is proud to present the Peggy Hartanto collection at our holiday pop-up in Millenia Walk.


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Set Sofa Leather. This amazing photo selections about Set Sofa Leather is available to save. We collect this wonderful image from online and select one of the best for you. Set Sofa Leather statue and pictures selection that published here was properly chosen and uploaded by rebeccarcahill after selecting the ones that are best among


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This website is for educational purposes only and does not constitue legal advice or any attorney-client privledge. Do not send privledged information through the forms on this site or through email.
© 2019 Stephen P. Conlon Attorney at Law | Attorney Advertising 40 Goose Hill Rd., Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 | Phone: 631-367-1340Land Use & Zoning | General Counsel Services | Business Planning | Commercial Real Estate | Discovery Recovery | Residential Real Estate | Estate Planning | Clients
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Overcome Procrastination, Get Unstuck and Get Down to Work
Procrastination is an ongoing struggle for many – even for us here at Asian Efficiency. There are many reasons why we — and you — might resist sitting down to work. In this post, we're going to look at a specific form of procrastination (work paralysis) and what you can do to overcome it.
We all go through periods of days, weeks or even months where we cruise through our action lists, effortlessly getting into the zone and ending each day with a sense of productive satisfaction. For many, including myself, days like this affect my mood. Specifically, I feel great. It feels awesome to get in a state of flow and get things done. I'm proud of the work I'm able to accomplish when I'm in the zone, as well as my ability to sit down and make it happen. This good feeling stays with me, affecting my day outside of work, as well as my mood the next time I'm at my desk with a fresh list of tasks. It's like riding a pleasant productivity wave.
Unfortunately, the opposite happens, too. Frustration sets in when I'm unable to do what needs to be done. Just like the "high" of a productive day, the low of struggling with procrastination follows me beyond my work day. I become irritable and short with others. I question my ability to do good work, which only further feeds the bad feelings.
How do we find ourselves in this state? A big contributor is the feeling of overwhelm. Work and responsibilities can pile up from our main gig, a side job or two, family, friends, and school. The virtual "pile" sometimes seems insurmountable. In this situation, you know what you ought to do — write, create a plan, perform a mind dump, etc. — but you can't even decide on where to get started. It's an overwhelming, frustrating feeling that only leads to more of the same.
Time passes and no progress is made, which only increases anxiety and the feeling of overwhelm. We've been there, too. Fortunately, we've found a way to found a way to conquer this most insidious form of procrastination. We've worked with over 13,000 people to help them escape this negative cycle and reach their full potential. You too can achieve success without the stress of feeling stuck.
But before we get to the solution, let's look at how we sometimes find ourselves getting stuck in the analysis phase of our work.
Why we get stuck
For most people, myself included, the reason for the paralysis is simple: at some level, I feel that a task (or several) in that pile is:
- Impossible. For some reason, I've convinced myself I'm incapable of completing a certain task(s) successfully.
- Unknown. This is a fear-based hurdle, as humans are instinctively wary of the unknown. What's in that pile of tasks that I'd rather not see?
- Harmful. Perhaps you fear you'll be exposed as incompetent, or you'll miss an important deadline, which will harm your professional standing or reputation.
Knowing that this is where likely where your hesitation is coming from, focus on these three things:
First and foremost, forgive yourself! It's OK to feel intimidated by a large pile of work. The fear mentioned above is especially harmful because it perpetuates the cycle: you avoid a task by engaging in non-work related activities for part of the day, then you feel bad about doing so, and as a result you lack the motivation to get started. And we're back at square one. This happens to nearly everyone, and it's not something to stress over.
Second, you've got to find out why you feel that an outstanding task is too difficult or potentially harmful. Have you struggled with a similar task previously? Did you underperform while performing a similar task previously? If the answer to either question is "yes," that's actually great. Here's why.
To quote Yoda, "The greatest teacher, failure is." Remember back to your last experience with the similar task or assignment. What lessons can you extract from that? How can that lesson be applied to the current situation? I believe you'll find you're more prepared this time around.
Finally, discover whether your feelings are right. In the example above, concerns over repeating previous mistakes were valid. However, we often underestimate our abilities and talents. Will you truly fail at the task at hand? Some truthful inspection of your own abilities might reveal that you're fully capable of doing what needs to be done.
How to overcome work paralysis
Now that we've got the "why" identified, let's work on the concrete steps you can take to overcome work paralysis, starting with the fear of failure.
- Understand that the fear of failure is a part of doing your best work and a part of life. As Yoda suggested, failure holds the opportunity for growth. A person with a few failures under his or her belt can help others navigate that terrain. Find someone you admire and ask them about the times they have failed.
- Take a step forward. Pick a single task and do it. In this instance, it doesn't matter which one. Nothing defeats uncertainty like facing your fear. Send that one email, make that one phone call, commit to that one meeting. The momentum of completing small but necessary tasks will build to larger accomplishments.
- Prioritize. When I'm feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed, I'll take a serious, realistic look at what I "must" do. That's when commitments like free work for a friend, a meeting with someone who wants to "pick my brain" on something get tossed aside. It might seem selfish, but it can really help you clear the decks and get started.
- Once you're prioritized, list out what's left get started. We suggest identifying two or three most important tasks (MITs) from among that lot to start on.
Lastly, pay attention to your health. It's precisely when we're overwhelmed with work that our physical and mental health get neglected. Set time aside for walks outdoors, meditation, some healthful meals, and downtime with family and friends. Get a full eight hours of sleep.
If you want more personalized help, take a few minutes to complete our Productivity Quiz. In just a couple of minutes of your time, we can help you identify the areas to focus on for winning back your time and give you tips and strategies to help you get unstuck and on your way towards achieving success without the stress.
Discover the 1 Lifehack of Highly Successful People
This one lifehack led to the biggest breakthrough of my career. People like Steve Jobs and Oprah have used it to catapult their success, and now you can too.
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Well articulated with rich content. The best part it has reason with solutions.


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Green free live chat video cams no credit card required
Now, individuals can use the skills that they have learned and set up live how-to's and tutorials to teach a wide variety of people from all over.
The reason why live streaming is the best solution here, and not video on demand, is because of the audience engagement.
Watching a DVD uses 12 megajoules of energy and emits 0.71 kg of CO2.
As I type this right now, there are over 3 billion internet users world wide according to Internet Live Stats.
Around 40% of the world has an internet connection today; to put in perspective, in 1995 it was less than 1%.
Still on the fence about implementing live streaming services in your life? Follow along as I hit on 5 live streaming solutions that are improving the world.
This article, caulk full of facts and pivotal information, will explain why live streaming is the future of distributing media.
Graduations, weddings, ceremonies, and unique projects are just some of the many events that are live streamed!
Special moments like these should have everyone involved and physical barriers should not be enough from preventing you from experiencing those moments.
Connecting and sharing ideas has never been easier.
Live streaming between your team members or to clients is reliable and simple.
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