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Blogs - The Art of Serial Thinking
"I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." – Flannery O'Connor
Bankruptcy Law Blog
More Detailed Information for Your Consideration.
CM/ECF Tips for Attorneys Filing Bankruptcy Cases in the Central District of California
Bankruptcy Blog Index
All the bankruptcy law fit to print.
CM/ECF Blog Index
Tips for bankruptcy attorneys when tips are hard to find.
MANSFIELD LAW CORPORATION is a debt relief agency pursuant to 11 U.S.C. 528(a)(4) and assists individuals, families, and businesses file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. This website is a communication under California Rule of Professional Conduct 1-400. No legal relationship is created by the use of this website and no legal advice is provided. No guarantee or warranty is provided that your case or matter will achieve any particular result and testimonials and endorsements provided on this site do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction about your matter or case. This communication is made on behalf of MANSFIELD LAW CORPORATION and ANDREW S. MANSFIELD, State Bar No. 174556 is responsible for its contents. All information contained on this website may be factually substantiated by a credible source, including data from the United States Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Detailed data and information is available on request. Andrew S. Mansfield is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in bankruptcy law. For more information on bankruptcy law and Christian and Jewish tradition and scripture, see the unaffiliated website at bankruptcybeacon.com.


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Low-latency networks and high-performance data centers are bolstering Asian financial markets
NTT Com Global Watch vol.3, Revised March 2015
International financial trading systems continue to operate at ever-increasing speeds. In transactions that require peak performance from computers and networks, even delays of one microsecond (1/1,000,000 second) can have devastating results. As a consequence, demand is rising in fast-growing Asian financial markets for networks that enable fast and reliable high-frequency trading.
This demand has put the spotlight on NTT Communications' backbone network, which links Asian financial centers (Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore) with North American exchanges and high-performance data centers.
The microsecond precision of high-frequency trading is spreading worldwide
In the world of financial trading, a moment's delay in decision making can create significantly different results. The information obtained in a moment can lead to a million-dollar profit or loss. The efficient generation of profits in today's financial markets requires swift access to trading data, quick discernment of trading opportunities, and taking action without delay.
In recent years, the speed of decision-making is ever increasing. This is because algorithmic trading and automated trading using computers and networks have become commonplace. Algorithmic trading is an automated trading method that repeatedly places orders automatically after a computer program determines the trading timing based on fluctuations in the stock price and trading volume. To achieve this automated trading, the trading strategy of repeatedly placing thousands or tens of thousands of orders per second, known as high-frequency trading (HFT), is employed.
According to the "JPX Working Paper: Analysis of High-Frequency Trading at Tokyo Stock Exchange" released by the Japan Exchange Group, using the estimates of the "TABB Group cited by World Federation of Exchanges (2013)," approximately 50% of trading on the U.S. stock market and approximately 30% of trading in Europe is estimated to be HFT.
The number of investors using HFT in Japan is also increasing. For example, the Tokyo Stock Exchange built a secure and highly reliable trading system called "arrowhead" that can handle large increases in trading volume and value, which was launched on January 4, 2010. This system succeeded in accelerating the order response time to two milliseconds. It has now achieved an order response time of one millisecond to meet the demands of investors using HFT.
The restructuring of arrowhead is underway, with a start date of September 24, 2015, to handle fluctuations such as large increases in trading volume and value beginning in 2013, the development of electronic transactions, the integration of spot markets, and new investor needs.
Improving trading system performance is not enough to address the issue of speed. Two other components that are critical to success are 1) A high-quality, reliable data center to manage and operate the trading system and 2) A fast, high-quality, network to connects investors and the trading system. On the Tokyo Stock Exchange, a highly reliable, low latency network called "arrownet" takes full advantage of the performance of the arrowhead trading system. In addition, "arrownet-Global" was introduced to provide optimal access for overseas investors.
Providing one-stop connectivity between the Japan market, major overseas markets and investors, high quality, low latency, international network services were achieved.
As trading escalates globally, the linking of exchanges in Asia and North America is gaining the greatest attention. London, New York, and Tokyo were previously considered the three major international financial centers, but with Japan's stagnating economy in the 1990s and the growth of other Asian markets, the three global financial centers are now London, North America, and East Asia including Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo. HFT has even expanded into Asia, and Hong Kong, and Singapore, in particular, are growing as the hubs of Asia.
Hong Kong and Singapore are taking the lead in Asian financial markets
Hong Kong financial markets continue expanding, supported by growth in mainland China
Hong Kong is renowned as one of the world's major markets for currencies and stocks. It ranks fifth in the world as a foreign currency market and boasts an average net daily turnover of USD 275 billion*1. The presence of the Hong Kong Exchange (HKEx) has grown, and, as of the end of 2014, it has total assets of USD 3.23 trillion*2. This figure is near the Euronext market value of USD 3.31 trillion.
One notable feature of the Hong Kong stock market is the large number of Chinese companies listed, and as economic trade relations with mainland China continue to strengthen, the Hong Kong Exchange is securing its position as a major financial center in the Asia-Pacific region.
*1 Source: "Central Bank survey on foreign exchange and derivatives (April 2013 transaction survey)", Bank of Japan Financial Market Authority (September 5, 2013)
*2 Source: Data from the World Federation of Exchange (WFE)
Source: "Central Bank survey on foreign exchange and derivatives (April 2013 transaction survey)", Bank of Japan Financial Market Authority (September 5, 2013)
Source: "Status of international financial centers and finance", Government of Japan (April 18, 2014). Data compiled by the Government of Japan from World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) data
Singapore successfully carried out dramatic financial reforms
Business-friendly financial and tax regulations, as well as countless professionals versed in finance and fluent in English, are among the many reasons why Hong Kong and Singapore have become Asian financial hubs.
In comparison to the daily turnover in foreign exchange markets of USD 275 billion in Hong Kong (April 2013), the Singapore market is larger, with a daily turnover of USD 383 billion during the same period.
Singapore successfully implemented financial reform prior to Japan and other Asian countries. As competition among major exchanges intensified worldwide, the Singapore Exchange (SGX), which was created through a 1999 merger, carried out various deregulations and drastic reforms. The SGX has enthusiastically strengthened ties with exchanges in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and other Asian countries. In 2007, the SGX also launched the Catalist stock exchange to encourage stock listings by startups in China, India, and other emerging countries throughout Asia.
Buoyed by economic growth in emerging countries throughout Asia, financial markets in Hong Kong and Singapore have become increasingly important. Since the volume of high-frequency trading is escalating in these markets (as in the U.S. and Europe), expectations are rising that Hong Kong and Singapore will develop highly reliable financial trading infrastructures that closely link with offices throughout Asia and seamlessly connect with the U.S.
Quality infrastructure linking major Asian cities
Expanding fully functional data centers in Hong Kong and Singapore
In terms of the efforts of NTT Communications in building financial infrastructures in Asia, the Hong Kong Financial Data Center (FDC) completed its initial phase of construction and became the first financial service data center in Hong Kong. The second phase of construction will be completed at the end of 2015.
FDC is a Tier IV infrastructure with the highest international standards for data centers, and it serves as a facility that meets the strong demands of financial institutions with a strategic location and ultra-low latency network solutions.
Singapore followed suit by opening its Singapore Serangoon Data Center in April 2012. Together with Hong Kong's FDC, this facility meets international standards for Tier III or higher, and it is utilized as a strategic infrastructure that accelerates locally developed IT and financial businesses.
High-capacity, low latency submarine cable systems linking Asia and North America with Japan as its hub.
NTT Communications owns multiple submarine cable systems, originating in Japan, which link Japan to Asia and North America. These are used to create a low latency network connecting various financial centers. This is because minimizing the delay between various financial centers is the key to strengthening international financial business.
Fully-functional data centers located in Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong are connected by the high-capacity, low latency, Asia Submarine-cable Express (ASE). Similarly, Tokyo and the U.S. are connected by the high-capacity, low latency submarine cable PC-1.
The "arrownet-Global" network connecting the Tokyo Stock Exchange's "arrownet" trading system with overseas investors is made possible by the global network and data centers of NTT Communications.
The financial network must be a low latency network capable of handling high speeds and high-frequency trading. To ensure its support, NTT Communications is continuing to construct backbone high-capacity, low latency submarine cables, providing quality network and data center services at the forefront of major markets, and support its customers worldwide.

subset: commoncrawl


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Obituary: Joanne Skowronski
Joanne Skowronski died peacefully in her sleep, at home, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Joanne was born 72 years ago in Marshall, Minn., on Nov. 19, 1940.Joanne was much loved and will be greatly missed by all of her friends here at Lake Tahoe and in all the oversea areas that she lived in. Her father was an officer in the Army Air Corp (later the US Air Force) thus Joanne and her two brothers had an early start on a life of travel and adventure. She lived in the Philippines at the age of 8, then on to Alaska, Texas, Florida and Louisiana.In her early twenties and single, Joanne worked at the "Grapes," a pub in Manchester, England. These were the days of the "English Invasion," Sean Connery, Dusty Springfield, George Best (soccer great) and other celebrities were in Joanne's world. It was an exciting fun time. Joanne also enjoyed the opportunity to travel with her mother all over the U.K. and France making many lasting memories.Once back in the US, living in Pleasant Hill, Calif., and working for a dental technician, she met Chet Skowronski in 1968, an officer in the US Merchant Marine. It was love at first sight, resulting in a wonderful 42 years of marriage.Joanne and Chet traveled the world, as Chet migrated into the International offshore oil and gas industry. Literally hundreds of lasting friendships and new memories were created. But, through all of this, a house in a special Lake Tahoe neighborhood was always "home." Roseville, Calif., became a new home in 2011 because of special needs.There were no children, but she and Chet lived a fulfilling life filled with countless friends. Joanne was a warm and outgoing person, always willing and quick to help others. Her trademark big smile will be deeply missed by so many who will never forget her. Joanne leaves behind her husband Chet, a brother Jack, and scores of nieces and nephews.A Memorial Service is planned, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 3125 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m., for her family and dear friends here at Lake Tahoe and beyond.


text: A recent study at UC Irvine has found that women over the age of 90 are more likely to have dementia than their male counterparts. Of the study participants, 45 percent of the women had dementia while only 28 percent of the men had it. The best-known form of dementia, of course, is Alzheimer's, and it can result in memory loss and gradual restriction of daily activities. According to the U.S. Census, people over 90 are the fastest growing age-group of the population, and two-thirds of those are female. [Eureka Alert]


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|General Discussion
|« Previous MessageNext Message »
|Bjorn Munch
|May 9 2011 9:12am
|MySQL Community Server 5.5.12 has been released
|View as plain text
Dear MySQL users, MySQL 5.5.12 is a new version of the 5.5 production release of the world's most popular open source database. MySQL 5.5.12 is recommended for use on production systems. MySQL 5.5 includes several high-impact enhancements to improve the performance and scalability of the MySQL Database, taking advantage of the latest multi-CPU and multi-core hardware and operating systems. In addition, with release 5.5, InnoDB is now the default storage engine for the MySQL Database, delivering ACID transactions, referential integrity and crash recovery by default. MySQL 5.5 also provides a number of additional enhancements including: - Significantly improved performance on Windows, with various Windows specific features and improvements - Higher availability, with new semi-synchronous replication and Replication Heart Beat - Improved usability, with Improved index and table partitioning, SIGNAL/RESIGNAL support and enhanced diagnostics, including a new Performance Schema monitoring capability. For a more complete look at what's new in MySQL 5.5, please see the following resources: MySQL 5.5 is GA, Interview with Tomas Ulin: http://dev.mysql.com/tech-resources/interviews/thomas-ulin-mysql-55.html Documentation: http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/mysql-nutshell.html Whitepaper: What's New in MySQL 5.5: http://dev.mysql.com/why-mysql/white-papers/mysql-wp-whatsnew-mysql-55.php If you are running a MySQL production level system, we would like to direct your attention to MySQL Enterprise Edition, which includes the most comprehensive set of MySQL production, backup, monitoring, modeling, development, and administration tools so businesses can achieve the highest levels of MySQL performance, security and uptime. http://mysql.com/products/enterprise/ For information on installing MySQL 5.5.12 on new servers, please see the MySQL installation documentation at http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/installing.html For upgrading from previous MySQL releases, please see the important upgrade considerations at: http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/upgrading.html MySQL Database 5.5 is available in source and binary form for a number of platforms from our download pages at: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/ Not all mirror sites may be up to date at this point in time, so if you can't find this version on some mirror, please try again later or choose another download site. We welcome and appreciate your feedback, bug reports, bug fixes, patches, etc.: http://forge.mysql.com/wiki/Contributing The following section lists the changes in the MySQL source code since the previous released version of MySQL 5.5. It may also be viewed online at: http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.5/en/news-5-5-12.html Enjoy! ======================================================================= Changes in MySQL 5.5.12 (05 May 2011): Bugs fixed: * InnoDB Storage Engine: Replication: Trying to update a column, previously set to NULL, of an InnoDB table with no primary key caused replication to fail with Can't find record in 'table' on the slave. (Bug #11766865, Bug #60091) * Replication: Using the --server-id option with mysqlbinlog could cause format description log events to be filtered out of the binary log, leaving mysqlbinlog unable to read the remainder of the log. Now such events are always read without regard to the value of this option. As part of the fix for this problem, mysqlbinlog now also reads rotate log events without regard to the value of --server-id. (Bug #11766427, Bug #59530) * InnoDB invoked some zlib functions without proper initialization. (Bug #11849231) * A missing variable initialization for Item_func_set_user_var objects could cause an assertion to be raised. (Bug #59527, Bug #11766424) * In Item_func_month::val_str(), a Valgrind warning for a too-late NULL value check was corrected. (Bug #59166, Bug #11766126) * In Item::get_date, a Valgrind warning for a missing NULL value check was corrected. (Bug #59164, Bug #11766124) * In extract_date_time(), a Valgrind warning for a missing end-of-string check was corrected. (Bug #59151, Bug #11766112) * In string context, the MIN() and MAX() functions did not take into account the unsignedness of a BIGINT UNSIGNED argument. (Bug #59132, Bug #11766094) * In Item_func::val_decimal, a Valgrind warning for a missing NULL value check was corrected. (Bug #59125, Bug #11766087) * In Item_func_str_to_date::val_str, a Valgrind warning for an uninitialized variable was corrected. (Bug #58154, Bug #11765216) * SHOW EVENTS did not always show events from the correct database. (Bug #41907, Bug #11751148) Thanks, MySQL RE Team Bjorn Munch, MySQL Release Engineer Database Group, Oracle.
|• MySQL Community Server 5.5.12 has been released
|Bjorn Munch
|9 May


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Misguided Fears of Crime Fuel Arizona Immigration Law
Arizona's harsh new law against illegal immigration is being justified in part as a measure to combat crime. The murder of an Arizona rancher in March, allegedly by somebody in the country without documentation, galvanized support for the bill.
The death of the rancher was a tragedy, and drug‐related violence along the border is a real problem, but it is a smear to blame low‐skilled immigrant workers from Latin America for creating a crime problem in Arizona.
The crime rate in Arizona in 2008 was the lowest it has been in four decades. In the past decade, as the number of illegal immigrants in the state grew rapidly, the violent crime rate dropped by 23 percent, the property crime rate by 28 percent. (You can check out the DoJ figures here.)
Census data show that immigrants are actually less likely to commit crimes than their native‐born counterparts, as I unpacked a few months ago in an article for Commentary magazine titled, "Higher Immigration, Lower Crime."


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SAN FRANCISCO, June 5 (UPI) -- The full U.S. appeals court in San Francisco Tuesday refused to review a three-judge panel's ruling striking down California's ban on gay marriage.
The issue now is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court for what may be a definitive decision on same-sex marriage, and the ruling by the panel will not be implemented until the high court acts.
An order from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the full court "was advised of the petition for rehearing en banc. A judge requested a vote on whether to rehear the matter en banc. The matter failed to receive a majority of the votes of the non-recused active judges in favor of en banc consideration. ... The petition for rehearing en banc is denied."
However, the court said: "The mandate is stayed for 90 days pending the filing of a petition for [review] in the Supreme Court. If such a petition is filed, the stay shall continue until final disposition by the Supreme Court."
The denial was the culmination in a three-year legal battle over the 2008 voter-enacted ban.
The San Jose Mercury News said despite the three-judge panel's ruling and the full appeals court's refusal to review, same-sex couples will not be able to marry while the case is fought in the Supreme Court.
The three-judge panel ruled 2-1 in February against the gay marriage ban, saying it was unconstitutional and designed to "lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians." However, the ruling was limited to California, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The court action in California comes less than a week after a U.S. appeals court in Boston found the federal government's ban on same-sex marriage rights unconstitutional.
The newspaper said Prop 8 supporters have vowed to take their case to the Supreme Court, which could hear the case next term and rule by the end of the term.


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Cold Spring Lane used to be a narrow, two-land roadway. Its intersection with Charles Street was once guarded by a sound-actuated traffic light installed to accommodate the sparse traffic on Cold Spring Lane. Students, familiar with the system, could shout into the sound receptor and suddenly change a green light to red, forcing motorists to halt.
This Greyhound's path to the NBA was a combination of talent, hard work, and fortuitous timing


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Science Goal 1: Determine if Life Ever Arose On Mars
During the next two decades, NASA will conduct several missions to address whether life ever arose on Mars. The search begins with determining whether the Martian environment was ever suitable for life.
Conditions Needed for Life to Thrive
On Earth, all forms of life need water to survive. It is likely, though not certain, that if life ever evolved on Mars, it did so in the presence of a long-standing supply of water. On Mars, we will therefore search for evidence of life in areas where liquid water was once stable, and below the surface where it still might exist today. Perhaps there might also be some current "hot spots" on Mars where hydrothermal pools (like those at Yellowstone) provide places for life. Recent data from Mars Global Surveyor suggest that liquid water may exist just below the surface in rare places on the planet, and the 2001 Mars Odyssey will be mapping subsurface water reservoirs on a global scale. We know that water ice is present at the Martian poles, and these areas will be good places to search for evidence of life as well.
In addition to liquid water, life also needs energy. Therefore, future missions will also be on the lookout for energy sources other than sunlight, since life on the surface of Mars is unlikely given the presence of "superoxides" that break down organic (carbon-based) molecules on which life is based. Here on Earth, we find life in many places where sunlight never reaches--at dark ocean depths, inside rocks, and deep below the surface. Chemical and geothermal energy, for example, are also energy sources used by life forms on Earth. Perhaps tiny, subsurface microbes on Mars could use such energy sources too.
Looking for Life Signs
NASA will also look for life on Mars by searching for telltale markers, or biosignatures, of current and past life. The element carbon, for instance, is a fundamental building block of life. Knowing where carbon is present and in what form would tell us a lot about where life might have developed.
We know that most of the current Martian atmosphere consists of carbon dioxide. If carbonate minerals were formed on the Martian surface by chemical reactions between water and the atmosphere, the presence of these minerals would be a clue that water had been present for a long time--perhaps long enough for life to have developed.
On Earth, fossils in sedimentary rock leave a record of past life. Based on studies of the fossil record on Earth, we know that only certain environments and types of deposits provide good places for fossil preservation. On Mars, searches are already underway to locate lakes or streams that may have left behind similar deposits.So far, however, the kinds of biosignatures we know how to identify are those found on Earth. It's possible that life on another planet might be very different. The challenge is to be able to differentiate life from nonlife no matter where one finds it, no matter what its varying chemistry, structure, and other characteristics might be. Life detection technologies under development will help us define life in non-Earth-centric terms so that we are able to detect it in all the forms it might take.


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City of Grand Forks, NDHome Sitemap Contact
Assessing Department
The Assessing Department is responsible for identifying all real property within the City of Grand Forks and determining the corresponding value which is used for property tax purposes. This includes appraisals of all new construction each year, as well as updating the value of existing properties when changes occur. The Assessing Department is also charged with verifying various properties that qualify for tax exemptions and credits as specified in the North Dakota Century Code.
To contact the Assessing Department:
Paul Houdek - Grand Forks City Assessor
Phone: 701-746-2611
City Hall
255 N 4th St.
P.O. Box 5200
Grand Forks, ND 58206-5200
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday (Excluding Legal Holidays)
Link to the Assessing Department email
Link to the Grand Forks City Website


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National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) starts on November 1st.
For those of you unfamiliar with it, the idea is that you pull out all the stops to write 50,000 words of a new novel in 30 days, or around 1,670 words every day during the month of November.
Every year around this time, something else starts too: NaNoWriMo Snobbery. Professional writers, who the other eleven months of the year seem like the nicest, most generous and friendliest people, suddenly start tipping their noses in the air and saying or even writing things about how NaNoWriMo and the people who partake in it are belittling their profession, ridiculing their craft and making a mockery of the 1,670 words they write every single day of the year in order to make a living.
Now, usually I just grit my teeth and try to ignore it, but this year I'm finding it impossible—and we're not even T-minus 1 week to go yet. (Also, I can't think of anything else to blog about today.) So I'm only going to say this once, okay?
The NaNoWriMo Novel = Messy First Draft
The purpose of NaNoWriMo is to write a messy first draft, the one that "rough" would be a strong word for, the one that's for you and you only, the one in which you work out the answers to the questions Would this even work? and What comes between the beginning and the end? No one in their right mind thinks you can go from a blank page to a finished novel ready for readers and their shelves in 30 days, but National Write a Messy First Draft That Might One Day, With Countless Rewrites, Become a Novel Month, just isn't very catchy.
Also, keep in mind that most commercial novels these days are around the 100,000 word mark. If you thought that the idea of NaNoWriMo was to write a finished novel in 30 days, then the goal—50,000 words—should've been your first clue that honey, that just ain't the case.
NaNoWriMoers = Writers
A couple of years ago I read a heartfelt blog post by a professional, published writer who truly felt slighted by NaNoWriMo. She said that this was her profession, her vocation in life, and the fact that "some people" thought they could come along and do it in the month—do the thing she had spent her adult life perfecting the craft of—made a mockery of it and her. She asked if there would be similar support for National Become a Doctor Month or the like, and ended her post by saying that she dreaded Novembers because of NaNoWriMo.
Now, first of all, get the lady 10 ccs of chill pill. STAT. (See? I could totally do National Become a Doctor Month…) The world really doesn't need to take arbitrary challenges so seriously. But secondly, who does she think does NaNoWriMo? Sure, there's a probably a few people in there who have never as much as read a book who suddenly decide to drop everything and attempt to write one during the month of November. But all the people I know who do it are writers.
They are already writing, have always been and for whatever reason, find it difficult to fit writing into their lives every single day. I hate that thing about there's no such thing as no time to write, because who are we to say what people can or can't fit into their lives? We know nothing about them. We don't know what responsibilities they have, or what they're struggling with. I know someone who works two full-time jobs, survives on less sleep than the average insomniac and has children to take care of. Would you tell him to "just find" the time to write?
Some people, myself included, write more when a deadline is sending us daggers from the edge of our computer screen. Some people write more when they are spurred on by being part of a group whose members are also trying to write more at the same time. And some people have so much going on that they feel they can't set aside time to write all the year around, but that NaNoWriMo gives them some kind of official permission to do it, just for thirty days.
NaNoWriMoers are, for the most part, writers. Not "some people."
What Are You Worried About, Mate?
Oh, you write 2,000 words every day of the year, do you? When I say "NaNoWriMo" you say "Welcome to my life"? In the immortal words of Chandler Bing, is your wallet also too small for your fifties and your diamond shoes too tight?
SO THE FUDGE WHAT if you already do NaNoWriMo every month of the year? What has that got to do with other people trying to do it for one month? I just don't see the connection. That's like me saying I'm going to join a gym… [Sorry, burst into a fit of giggles there; let me try that again.] That's like me saying I'm going to join a gym and work out every day for the next thirty days, and being belittled and mocked and generally held in contempt by people who already do it, just because they already do. There is something missing there, and it's ALL LOGIC AND SENSE.
On September 11th, Ricky Gervais tweeted about taking a moment to remember all those who had perished during the terrorist attacks. A tweeter from the UK asked him why the world makes an effort to pause and mourn on 9/11, when they don't necessarily on 7/7, the anniversary of the London terrorists attacks. And Gervais' response was "What are you worried about, mate?"
Now obviously we're talking about two entirely different points on the Things That Matter Scale, but Gervais' response to that has really stuck with me, because I'm sure that tweeter couldn't answer it. (Because what was he worried about? Non-reciprocated sadness?!) And so, if you are a professional writer and you don't like the idea of people doing NaNoWriMo, what are you worried about?
(Side note: agents and editors can probably answer that question because they do have something to worry about: the influx of newborn manuscripts that start arriving in their mailrooms come December 1st from the small minority of people who think you can conceive, draft, rewrite, edit and polish a novel in just 30 days. But for the rest of us, what does it matter?)
NaNoWriMo + Time = Bestselling Books
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Cuckoo by Julia Crouch and Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes (which, by the way, was one of the most unsettling, nerves-on-a-knife-edge thrillers I've ever read) all started their literary lives as NaNoWriMo projects. You can see the full selection of published NaNoWriMo projects here.
Fun: Have You Heard Of It?
The whole point of NaNoWriMo—more so than writing 50k, I'd say—is FUN, as in, the having of it. During NaNoWriMo, you can sign up for groups, even meet those groups in your town or city, and create a buddy list that will help spur each other on for the month. It's great craic, as us Irish would say.
And sometimes, having fun is reason enough to do something, all by itself. This is one of those times.
So NaNoWriMo Snobsters, stop taking a dump all over it, would you please? And bring your nose back down until it's parallel to the horizon while you're at it. Thanks ever so much.
What do YOU think?
(P.S. What do you think about NaNoWriMo, NOT what you think about 9/11, 7/7 or Ricky Gervais. I know how this internet thing works and I'm telling you right now, that's NOT what this post is about, okay?)
UPDATE 2015: You might also be interested in… My debut thriller, Distress Signals, will be published by Corvus/Atlantic in June of next year and I'm chronicling the publication process and my attempts at writing a second book in almost no time on this blog, in a series called Book One/Two. Read the first installment here.


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Recent Vehicles
Browse through the vast selection of vehicles that have recently been added to our inventory.
Why Shop at Credit Country
The next time you are in the market for a dependable used automobile, see the car dealer with the largest selection and best pricing. Credit Country Auto Sales is AV's top used vehicle dealer, and for good reason. At Credit Country, we offer the best selection of quality used vehicles in the city. If you're looking to purchase a new truck, car, or SUV, we are sure to have the vehicle that's right for you and your family on our lot. If you're tired of visiting car dealership after car dealership only to be disappointed with their subpar selection, come visit Credit County Auto Sales and find out for yourself what makes us the best. Not only do we have the most huge variety of amazing used cars in Antelope Valley, but we also have the friendliest, most knowledgeable team you'll find at any car dealership in town.
If you've ever looked around for a pre-owned car before, you know that it can be an horrible experience. First, car dealerships will badger you with their pressure persuasive sales tactics sales techniques as they tirelessly try to get you you to autograph on the bottom line for the automobile they want to put you in. Rather than taking the time to listen to what your looking for, they will often try to convince you that your options are limited in your price range. And too often you go through all of these only to have the dealership hit you with pricing surprises when the time comes to signyour paperwork. At Credit Country, we have proudly served the Antelope Valley for nearly 25 years. Our dedicated team wants to provide you with a completely different car buying experience than you're experienced. We never use pressure sales tactics and we always go above and beyond to get you into the automobile that's perfect for you.
Once you've located the perfect car at the perfect price, you're going to need great automobile financing to go with it. Are there a several discrepencies on your credit reporting that have been standing in the way of getting that new car you so desperately want? Even if you do not have perfect credit, we are fighting to getting you into a great automobile at a payment you can afford. If you've been turned down by the bank or other dealers, come into Credit Country and learn more about our in-house financing options. We will never turn you down due to your past credit blunders.
Credit Solutions for Everyone in Rosamond
At Credit Country Auto Sales, we believe that when the occasion comes to purchase a new car, every customer deserves a great vehicle financing deal. And when we say everyone, we mean EVERYONE. We understand that no one is perfect and sometimes things don't go as planned. However, we don't like the way so many individuals are treated by large banks and other car dealers just because they've had a few credit mistakes in the past. maybe you've experienced some blemishes on your credit report due to circumstances that were out of your control, or perhaps you've simply made some mistakes in years past. Whatever the case is, we still want to offer everything within our ability to get you into a new vehicle today.
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After quite a few years of being in business, we've created a track record for being the used car dealership with the best selection in town. Just because you're buying a used vehicle or if you have a certain budget in mind, doesn't mean you have to settle. At Credit Country Auto Sales, we carry the widest selection of high-quality used vehicles you'll find in the region. No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, there's something for everyone on our lot, including:
Family Vehicles: Are you in the market for a newer family car? A full-size or minivan might be the ideal vehicle for your family. Vans are roomy, safe, and reliable, which is why so many families consider them to be the perfect family vehicles. Sadly, the cost of new vans continues to go up each year, making them out of reach for many families. No matter what your budget, we want to help you buy the great van that your family deserves. Come into Credit Country where you can choose from one of our gently-used vans. From the soccer field to a day at the beach, our luxury vans are perfect for getting your family wherever you need to go.
Trucks: For the driver that needs a vehicle that works as hard as they do, we have the exact truck to help you get the job done. If you've been waiting to retire your old truck because you think a new one is out of reach, talk to one of our friendly staff members about our great financing deals on trucks and SUVs. We'll help you get into a great, reliable truck that you'll be able to count on for years to come.
Commuter Cars: From small crossover vehicles to sedans, we have the ideal car for your commute. If you're looking for a reliable vehicle to help get you where you need to go every day, come in and browse our large selection of quality cars. From leather interior to upgraded wheels, you're sure to find a car with the amenities you've been longing for at a price you can afford.
Great Financing and Vehicle Guarantees in Rosamond
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Buying a vehicle can be even more aggravating if you've had some credit trouble in the past. Many car dealerships will tell you that your bad credit limits your vehicle options, or worse, makes getting a new car impossible. However, at Credit Country, we don't believe that your past should stand in the way of getting into a car that you'll truly love. You do not have to settle when you choose Credit Country Auto Sales. Our low prices and "any credit financing" guarantee are why we've been Antelope Valley's go-to used car dealer for over two decades.
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Repossessions, foreclosures, late payments, it doesn't matter. Our revolutionary approach to auto sales means that your past doesn't have to stand in the way of you and your new vehicle. We recognize that there's more to every customer than just what's on their credit report. That's why we continually take the time to get to know more about our customers and their financial situation. Do you get a steady paycheck? Have you been at the same job for a long time? We take all of those factors and more into account so that we can custom-tailor the perfect financing package for your unique situation.
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|Complete NCAA Release
|2009 NCAA Fencing Championships Site
Mass. -- The nationally ranked Harvard fencing teams have
qualified nine fencers for the upcoming NCAA Championships, it was
announced Tuesday evening. The No. 4 Crimson women will send
five fencers, while the ninth-ranked men's team will have four
This year's NCAA Championships will be held at Penn State's Ashenfelter Multi-Sport Facility in State College, Pa., March 19-22.
In the women's epee, freshman Noam Mills and senior Maria Larsson each earned bids to the championships. Mills, a native of Kfar Saba, Israel, recently won the gold medal at the NCAA Regionals and was a first-team All-Ivy League honoree in her rookie season after going 17-1 at the Ivy League Championships. Larsson, who finished 11th at last year's NCAA meet, won the silver at the NCAA regional competition and has been an All-Ivy League selection the last two years. Larsson, who hails from Stockholm, Sweden, was 14-4 at the Ivy meet.
The Crimson will also send a duo of women's foil fencers, including senior Emily Cross, an individual national champion in 2005. Cross, an Olympic silver medalist from New York, N.Y., is a two-time All-American and a three-time All-Ivy first-team choice. A Crimson co-captain, she posted a 16-2 record at the Ivy League championships this season and won the gold medal at NCAA Regionals. She will be joined at the NCAA Championships by freshman Shelby MacLeod, who recently won the bronze at the NCAA regional meet. MacLeod, a native of Sturbridge, Mass., recorded a 9-4 mark at this year's Ivy League Championships.
Freshman Caroline Vloka, who competes in the sabre, rounds out the women's selections to the NCAA Championships. A product of Upper Saddle River, N.J., Vloka was a perfect 12-0 at the Ivy League Championships, Part I and was 16-2 overall against Ivy opponents in her rookie campaign. She placed fifth at the NCAA Regionals and won the gold at the IFA Championships as a well as the Garret Penn State Open.
On the men's side,
senior co-captain Benjamin Ungar and junior Karl Harmenberg were
chosen to fence in the epee. Ungar, the 2006 national
champion who hails from New York, N.Y., is a two-time All-Ivy
League first-team recipient. After taking the 2007-08 season
off trying to make the Olympic team, Ungar was 11-1 at this year's
Ivy League Championship and won gold at the IFA Championships
before taking fifth at the NCAA Regionals last week.
Harmenberg, a native of Stockholm, Sweden, was an All-Ivy
second-team honoree and claimed the gold medal at the NCAA
Regionals. He also posted a 10-5 record at the Ivy League
In the men's foil, senior co-captain Kai Itameri-Kinter will represent the Crimson at the NCAA Championships after taking the bronze at the NCAA Regionals. Itameri-Kinter, a product of North Attleboro, Mass., went 9-6 at the Ivy meet this season and is a two-time All-Ivy League choice. He was also an All-American in 2006 after placing sixth at the national tournament.
Valentin Staller earned Harvard's fourth bid to the NCAA Championships for the men, doing so in the sabre. A native of Old Field, N.Y., Staller enjoyed a successful rookie season with the Crimson, as he garnered first-team All-Ivy League honors. He went 15-3 at the Ivy meet and took home the silver medal at the NCAA Regionals.
Complete schedule and ticket information is available by clicking here.


text:
Q: What should I do with my filter media during the winter?
Barb – Sterling, CO
A: Your pond's filter media—the Matala® Filter Media Pads, The Pond Guy® BioBalls™ or Bio-Ribbon that house your beneficial bacteria—will need a little attention going into the winter. You won't need your filter media during the cold months, but you should inspect it, clean it and purchase replacements parts before you start your water feature up again in the spring. Here's a rundown of what to do:
Filter Media Pads: Pull out your filter media pads from your pond's filtration system, waterfall box and skimmer, thoroughly rinse off the debris with your garden hose, and look for frayed edges, holes, large deposits of solid debris or other signs of damage. Plan to replace worn pads as necessary in the spring. You can choose from specially coated Matala® Filter Media Pads, which come in four different densities for your unique filtration needs, or cost-effective rolls of filter media that can be cut to fit and are ideal for waterfall boxes and skimmers.
BioBalls and Other Loose Filter Media: If you use secondary filtration, like The Pond Guy® BioBalls™, Bio-Ribbon, blocks or other loose filtration media that's kept in a mesh bag, remove it all from your filter or waterfall box after you shut down your waterfall, rinse the bag and its contents thoroughly, and check the bag for holes or worn areas. Replace the bag if necessary in the spring.
After your filter media is rinsed and inspected, you can store them for winter in the filter, waterfall box or skimmer. The filter pads, BioBalls™ and other media will survive just fine outside, even in freezing temperatures. If desired, you can also remove them and stow them inside a garage or basement.
Pond Talk: How do you store your filtration media in the winter?
Filed under: Pond Cleanouts, Seasonal Care, Water Gardens & Features, WG-Winterizing | Tagged: bio balls, fall prep, filter media, filter media pad, Seasonal Care, winter, winterize filter media |


text:
34 thoughts on "Why Twee Needs to Die a Death"
I read this post while embroidering a cushion for my boyfriend and listening to Evanescence. Seriously!
Each to their own…
Evanescence are most certainly not twee, so well done on that. May we inquire as to the design on your embroidered cushion? Perhaps the Vagenda will do a line of them and we may call on you for help!
Er… it's Rutger Hauer's death speech from Blade Runner: "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire…" etc. Was going to do "Dave… what are you doing, Dave…?" from 2001 but it was w-a-y too long!
We're such nerds.
I admit it's all less twee in context. I am wearing handknitted socks, though.
Fact: Rutger Hauer can never be twee. The quote makes your embroidery the very antithesis of tweeness.
In an unrelated but phonetically associated fact, have you heard about the virulent new virus being transmitted through Twitter? Apparently it's untweetable.
Well, here's the thing. I regularly wear flowers in my hair, my favourite song in the entire world is by Camera Obscura, I enjoy cupcakes (but don't reckon they're the best thing ever), and the sparklier the thing is the better. Granted, I can't bake to save my life, I look like a twat in a tea dress, knitting is very much not for me and I don't own a bicycle but… I'd guess I'm twee.
I'm also thirty, I earn my own money, I'm a trade union rep (and indeed women's officer for my branch), I frequently argue about politics and I assure you, I have plenty of fun
I guess I don't see the love of cute things as a barrier to being a kick-ass feminist. Owning an array of things covered in butterflies and melting clean away at the sight of kittens (never babies. Always kittens) doesn't mean you (I) can't call bullshit on sexism.
Also Instagram is GREAT, and far less of a fucking farce to store your photos on than Facebook.
Dear Vagenda. I have been a big fan of yours for the past few months. I find the majority of your articles absolutely hilarious. I find they bring a little uplifting bit of girl power to my day. Usually I agree with most, or all, of what you say and feel like you are expressing my thoughts in a much more articulate and witty way than I ever could. You're like that cool older girl at school with the subversive uterus-shaped earrings that you always wish you could be like.
Anyway, enough flattery. Re: this article. What the actual?! As hilarious feminists, surely, suuuuurely you would be the first to admit that the "let's generalise about other women based on one aspect of their lives to extrapolate to how interesting/sexually adventurous/intelligent/politically aware/etc etc they are" line of reasoning is like, the number one Thing Feminists Do Not Do straight out of the How Not To Stereotype Women handbook?
"Twee girls don't have screaming political arguments about capitalism at dinner parties. Twee girls don't do shots, or have zipless fucks, or basically do anything fun."
- seriously?? I know one who does all of the above. Whilst wearing a flowery fucking apron.
Hi An. It's referring more to an archetype than an actual person. Sorry if that wasn't clear enough.
This article has generated an interesting discussion, with people on Twitter generally in agreement with it, and those on the comments not. Shame we can't have it all in one place really!
I normally agree with every word written on The Vagenda but unfortunately this article has really rubbed me up the wrong way. I am a 25 year old woman who identifies with the twee sub-culture, I wear a lot of tea-dresses because I like the femininity of them, I bake cakes because I absolutely love cake, but I also have screaming feminist rows with people who dare cross me and have a great affinity to the word cunt, which is pretty much the antithesis to twee. I don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying a certain aesthetic, whether that be sickly sweet femininity or butch dirty biker womanhood.
The problem with Twee for me is that it is marketed towards women. The advertising campaigns that follow this line suggest that women who are twee are cute, flowery, girly, quirky and like 'Summer' from that infuriatingly twee film.
my big problem is that along with all the cupcakes, cola bottles and gingham comes a suggested way that a woman should act. In a nutshell twee women are inoffensive. Yes, they might shout 'penis' in a park while sitting on their homespun wool blanket- but it's all in good, harmless, unchallenging, sweet-cause-she-just-said-penis sorta way.
You couldn't imagine a twee woman at Slutwalk, or getting her end away with a honking great dildo. and that isn't to say they don't do these things, but no one would imagine them doing this. Twee is for sweet, innocent, harmless women. And I, for one, would never want to be seen as any of those things.
I'm a little Twee. Dresses, sometimes coloured tights, like fruity ciders or sailor jerrys rum (coconut rum too), crocheted handbags, drawing and art journallin, lovely brogues or t-bar shoes in bright yellow, using the word lovely a little too often… But that doesn't take away my ability to function as a carer, feminist, vegetarian (so no marshmallows for me!). YES me and my fellow feminist/activist friend (who wouldnt be caught dead in a dress or make up or underwire bra and doesnt drink alcohol at all) have crafting sessions at her house (for crafternoons as you call them) and macaroons are too hard to make (except the coconut ones!) but we bake, we have fun and we're happy as hell with that =)
1: yes, marketed towards women but also towards men (see john lewis and house of fraiser window displays)
2: a spade is a spade but people are more complicated than that! twee doesn't mean that someone's a sub to a dominatrix. There are grey areas. That may be what Twee is for you but nothings ever that simple that you an take in the sight of a twee-looking person and assume that they're sweet, innocent, harmless or a woman. Did you see Grayson Perry's last show? Those upper-class ladies and gents were twee in their tweet, male or female, and many of them felt they had no need to feel like they had to please anyone with their crumbling old homes, crumbling old tweed, taxidermy, the lords crazy painted walls and old very cars.
Just forget about 500 days of summer (was it called?) and maybe you'll be less angry.
I too am a touch twee and also enjoy a good political debate/shouting match/tequila shot. I know plenty of other chicks who are partial to a tea dress and are intelligent outspoken individuals. Judging anyone on their personal aesthetics basically sucks balls: if a lady wants to bake or bikini wax then she should be allowed to in peace! as your other fine articles have often pointed out there are bigger fish to fry, and pointing out which ladies are letting the cause down is simply unhelpful and discouraging.
I realise I'm echoing what a few other people have said already, but Vagenda! I'm not sure you're doing much for the 'cause' here: if I didn't know better, I'd saw you were trying to make me feel a bit GUILTY for liking dresses, sweet things, baking, and vintage photography; like I've mindlessly followed every part of this twee trend without ACTUALLY using my brain to decide whether I like these things or not. And yes, I did read: "I'm not saying that because you enjoy knitting or baking that you're some kind of traitor to the feminist cause", and yet you ARE kind of implying that throughout the rest of the article!
Don't get me wrong, I can see what you're ranting about, I'm just not sure it's come across quite right (Maddle Paddle seemed to touch on something a little more worth exploring, in my opinion).
You're talking about an archetype, but plenty of people reading this will identify in some way to this 'twee' trend, and I don't think they should feel bad about it. It doesn't mean you don't have opinions, or fun, it just means this author probably knows some quite boring 'twee' people, and went to an event that clearly wasn't to their taste. Do what you like doing, please don't judge others for doing the same!
I am a big fan of Vagenda, I just think maybe this article missed the mark a bit.
I think a lot of people have just clearly misunderstoo the article; I think it's great. It wasn't written to make you feel bad, to offend etc, but to open your eyes a little. Some of these replies are just hilarious…ARCHETYPES, ladies. Think about it and deprogramme yourself. Using the word c*** just doesn't cut it.
Oh, come on. "Deprogramme" is a word usually used to describe being freed from the influence of a People's Temple-style cult. It's ridiculous to use it to describe this cultural archetype.
IMHO, at any rate, we all have our little ridiculous affectations and are hardly terrible people as a result. I or you may find "twee" ridiculous, but whatever. I can't see any case for saying that it does any harm, and as a result I'm inclined just to leave them to it.
Much of my social life revolves around the post-C86 indie scene in London. I wear peter pan collars. I own bunting, use instagram & own an analogue camera.
I'm also a feminist. I have political arguments sometimes, I'm pro-choice anti-racism anti-homophobia anti-transphobia, I'm a Masters student, I've been called a slut, I've been called frigid, I don't know who I want to fuck or if I want to fuck anyone at all. The commenter who 'can't imagine a twee woman at Slutwalk' may wish to know I attended its London satellite last year & can report that the shape of my sunglasses didn't seem to affect the atmosphere of solidarity. I'm not perfect. I swear a lot, procrastinate too much, drink too much beer and once (just FYI) did so many tequila shots I blacked out.
In short, I'm a woman, a complex person with needs, wants, beliefs, as is *every woman* regardless of the femininity (or otherwise) she performs, for whatever reasons she performs it. I HAVE 'FULLY FORMED OPINIONS AND A PERSONALITY' BECAUSE I'M A HUMAN. If you think the shape of my sunglasses undermines my personhood & respectability as a woman, you're committing misogyny. You're using my performed femininity, intersected by my female identity, to undermine my autonomy as a person. This is sexism. Bravo.
Aren't we done with female essentialism ? When you say 'woman x doesn't do this & does do this' you tap into a broader societal narrative dictating that women aren't people with inner lives & nuanced preferences. I expect more from a supposedly feminist blog.
I also find it interesting that you've involved C86 and the subculture it generated in this discussion when that subculture was arguably the main predecessor of riot grrrl. Much of the original scene's music concerns gender/sexuality norms – check out the Field Mice's 'Sensitive' (which queries normative masculinity) & 'This Love Is Not Wrong' (a gender-bent pro-LGB anthem) & Heavenly's 'So' (which questions victim-blaming and rape culture). This often gets ignored, maybe because it's packaged in the trappings of femininity and, as this article proves, many people seem unable to reconcile femininities with delivering a meaningful message (which is itself rooted in sexism).
To day, the 'twee scene' (though many prefer to refer to it as 'indiepop', perhaps because 'twee' is often used pejoratively) & its music labels have a substantial female presence compared to their counterparts; most of the twee musicians and DJs I know are women, along with many label managers and promoters. After a lifetime of thinking independent music was a boys' club, I'm playing in one of the headline bands in an indiepop festival this summer and I feel like I'm being *listened* to, even if only by a small group. It's empowering. It's a start. It's worth noting that the only clubnights at which I've never experienced sexual harassment were twee clubnights. Make of that what you will. I'm not saying the scene's perfect & I know its music isn't to everyone's tastes; but in terms of gender politics, it's more evolved than many subcultures.
I know this comment's enormous, but I want to highlight one very valid criticism of the twee identity: it's available mainly to white middle-class women. Tami Harris highlighted this in a Racialicious article last year – http://www.racialicious.com/2011/06/14/who-is-the-black-zooey-deschanel/ – and this, I think, is a striking point Vagenda's article doesn't address. Any woman can be devalued for her choice to perform femininity – this devaluation in itself is misogynistic, but WoC have less opportunity to choose to perform that femininity in the first place. If we're going to talk about problems with twee, I'd rather we talk about that.
I relate very strongly to the 'twee' identity as a specific mode of performed femininity (see enormously long comment below), I have sexual desires and preferences (quelle surprise) and I attend Slutwalk because I believe in the cause and deem displays of solidarity against rape culture to be socially vital. Please don't stereotype me according to my personal aesthetic preferences.
And it's marketed towards men over women because it's still largely socially unacceptable for men to be feminine.
Ugh I just reread this and I'm sorry for all the typos and the horrible rhetoric, in my defence it's almost 3am. Hope my point still stands though.
I own a polaroid camera, have a bike without brakes on in London, love baking and sewing and always wear tea dresses so I guess you could say I am this twee "stereotype". Except the reason I do all these things has nothing to do with feminism, I do them because they make me really happy. The ironic thing is that loads of these "twee" girls and women are using their skills to start up small businesses or do activism with. I went to a Craftivist event a couple of weeks ago and have never come across so many interesting, talented, creative women all in one place. This whole article feels like it is shaming women into acting a certain way to prove they are feminists.
And FYI I also went to SlutWalk London last year and wore an adorable flowery dress. So there!
Well said An!
PS I've got so worked up, I've written a little blog post on the subject:
Just have to say I knitted a pink sweater for my bike and it is FUCKING AWESOME! I am twee, I'm very smart, have a good job and great sex and I have opinions. You underestimate and belittle women when you say that something is dumb just because it is 'girly'. It's important to celebrate the nice things in life.
fits the context: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2bb0mMlFM1qmffl3o1_500.jpg
I secretly would love to be a 50s housewife, because at least I would know my place then and probably would not feel so confused about my tendencies to love everything that is cute and pretty.
I find it really hard to admit to some people that I love a cosy home, would quit my job if I could somehow afford it and that my dream job is being a waitress. I do feel shamefully embarrassed by these desires, because they are, as you rightly said, opposing the stereotypical feminist beliefs.
But is being a feminist not all about making choices and deciding about which way you want to go in life without being judged? Embroidery, cakes, flowers and pretty dresses ARE part of my identity, but I can still stand up against sexism, prejudice and inequality, can't I?
By the way, I am 35 and had my share of drunken nights and sex with strange men. Doesn't mean I can't now do shots out of vintage glasses with my husband while sitting at the lace-covered table in my well-used kitchen during a heated political discussion.
P.S.: If I feel like having a beer, I order one!
I don't see this article so much making the point that Twee is anti-feminist as much as it's trying to say, in part, that it purports to be anti-capitalist while being anything but.
And while the article does claim that Twee is more of a women's thing than a men's, I can certainly call to mind a few men I know who could fall into the category of twee too.
So IMO this isn't really a feminist issue as much as it's just calling people out on the whole fashionably Twee thing and saying its a bit tired now and a bit disingenuous.
Some young, 'hip' people are into some thing. Evil capitalist marketing men realise they can exploit this thing and use it to sell to same young, 'hip' people. Same old story.
My aesthetic tastes are pretty much exactly what you describe (apart from the music – prefer hip hop). I've always referred to my tastes as 'kitsch' rather than 'twee' though – kitsch is more of an aesthetic value, whereas to me the word twee has connotations of certain behaviours. However, I'm not going to start burning my floral dresses, smashing up my vintage china and giving up sewing just because some sly marketing team jumped on the bandwagon – that'd just be letting them win!
I think the whole twee deal has got muddled with the indiepop crowd. Nauseating dating website adverts are one thing, and I think the DIY attitude of the post C86 indiepop vibe is quite another. They might coaslesce occasionally (the Camera-Obscura Blossom Hill advert for example) but I don't think you can reduce the gender politics of the indiepop world with the marketing materials that the article has reckoned has 'permeated every aspect of pop culture'.
This may seem a really petty distinction but it's relevant because twee is treated as *exclusively* feminine. I find it annoying (and occasionally frustrating/patronising/disempowering) when the anodyne harmlessness of 'twee' pursuits (even up-til-now gender-neutral ones like drinking tea or listening to vinyl) are expressed as femininity. Indiepop is different, and I think more interesting, because it de-couples the ideas of gender and activity that the twee marketing reinforces. I've also read a couple of interesting articles before about indiepop and masculinity, and the kinds of identities indiepop accommodates for men, as well as women.
Thanks for this article, I don't agree with all of it but it certainly made me think.
Dear Vajenda,
I am in my mid twenties, with a family of my own (two non biological daughters and a fiance), a cake decorating business and investment properties on a holiday island. I don't cry at the movies. 50 % of bad things that can happen to a woman, has happened to me. I cry maybe once a year. I hate the film "PS I love you" and others like it. I love DIY. I am skilled at plumbing, plastering, electrics installing and brick laying.
I can also sew and make sugar flowers.
I love vintage tea cups,teapots, cake, tea parlours,macaroons,crochet, dresses, shoes, peach sundresses….. I love "Twee".
Its the tiny cakes, the tiny painted flowers on a teapot, the pink sherbet on a vintage saucer that brings a smile to my face. Its a reminder that not everything is absolute pants in this world. There are nice beautiful things worth enjoying.
I know quite a few 20 something year olds, who as well as being fans of Twee are successful entrepreneurs with savings.
Its not Twee that's the problem with today's society and youth. Not Twee things. And certainly not people who like Twee.
Its people like you.
You have have the power to write and reach out to people and what do you do with it? You use it to attack a way a of life, a personal choice,an industry that creates jobs.
Write about Crime,War,Politics and Poverty.
Diversity is the food of society and culture. Cynicism isn't.
You need to learn to be more tolerant of people who are different from you.
Its not Twee that got you sick. Its overindulgence.
Enjoy your week.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Wow, people get really revved about their subcultures.
I look forward to finding one I don't find weirdly confining that I can fit into eventually, clearly there is something to this…
I do own a dress, in a 50′s style, with a cupcake print. I had it made up from a pattern my Grandma designed at that time. I will not apologise for it.
Most people look at me like I am insane(I don't live in London), I just wanted to 'repreeeezent' for all my home-ladies who like cakes baked in an individual portion size. I was not aware that this was twee, or that twee was a thing.
I am also 1000% capable of 'pulling' in said dress that god-awful song 'nothing sweet about me' comes very much to mind.
But what is a 'zipless fuck'? Is it similar to a normal fuck?
ed. I really shouldn't proof anything tired, oh well.
Correction: Hipsters are usually in their mid to late 20s. And stop with the "OMG I'm 25, I'm fucking old"-shite, it's depressing! Am I the only one who don't want to be a clueless teenager?
muchos love
I really enjoyed that Emma! I'm so twee (and old too, hee hee) that my ex boyfriend said I'm looking Christian. I'm delighted. Imagine what I can get away with now.
Hmmmm…I found this article because someone recently told me I was "twee". I gave it a look up, and as it turns out, there IS a proper term for girls who wear tea dresses (every Sunday to church since i was little), listen to camera obscura (and other indie pop like Dressy Bessy and Go Sailor), and like cute things. I have always been this way, and in a genuine sense, I have always been a soft hearted, old soul with a penchant for all things feminine and beautiful. Blame it on my mama. But, I am also a college student with a full time business management job, a healthy sex life, and I am a fierce feminist who would prefer beer and hard liquor to fruity pink mixed drinks ANY DAY. I am also very interested in politics, video games, science, and I am a fierce feminist and humanitarian. I don't like the things I like and bake the cupcakes I bake as a display to an audience of people who's opinions I don't give a fuck about (I also have a potty mouth and I have a very strong personality)…I am
Who I am and I like what I like because I am the way I am, and I choose to be the way I am. The permutation of things I like and the things I am is very complex and cannot be defined by your definition of "twee=sexless immature woman child" and "not twee= smart empowered woman who does what she wants".


text:
Magnetic bearings tough enough for the depths of the sea
2016 May 05, 14:00 CEST
Gothenburg, Sweden, 5 May, 2016: Today's oil and gas industry is facing many challenges, including lower oil prices and environmental issues that are forcing companies to look into alternative methods of extraction. Many companies are recognising the need to innovate and are investing in long-term solutions.
Energy company Statoil is one of these innovative companies. It has understood the importance of being at the forefront of technology for cost cutting, environmental reasons and its long-term survival. "We realised that we needed to think differently when it came to the technology and turn every stone to bring down costs and cut our CO2 emissions," says Torstein Vinterstø, Statoil's Project Director for Åsgard.
For years Statoil has been working on the technology behind the world's first-ever subsea gas compression system. In September 2015, it lowered its Åsgard subsea gas compression system in the North Sea, making it possible to recover more gas from the offshore fields up to unprecedented ratios.
Traditionally, gas compression takes place on platforms or onshore, quite a distance from the source. Locating a compressor as close to the well as possible offers a cheaper and more energy efficient alternative. It saves space, cuts down on maintenance and because it is unmanned and can be operated remotely, it removes the need for constant supervision and personnel.
The subsea gas compression system is located on the seabed in the Åsgard gas field 300 metres deep in the North Sea. Recovery from Åsgard's two reservoirs, Midgard and Mikkel, will increase by at least 20 per cent, adding more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalents to the field's output. The solution will significantly prolong the lifetime of the field's production. Without the new solution, these reservoirs would have closed down prematurely and Statoil would have been forced to find other reserves.
Moreover, there are impressive environmental benefits. The subsea compressor requires some 40 per cent less power to operate than a traditional topside solution for the same service and it significantly reduces the CO2 emissions of a field. SKF's magnetic bearing technology was a key enabler in turning this dream into a reality. "We chose SKF for their strength in bearings," says Vinterstø. "It is the only company on the market with such a qualified product."
Statoil and SKF have shared a long relationship that dates back to the 1980s and the two companies worked closely on the smart magnetic bearing technology, which is integrated inside the compressor casing. Engineers from both SKF and Statoil often worked side-by side with SKF coming up with ideas and suggesting ways to cut costs. "We had a lot of discussions and I think that this way of sharing gave them a better understanding of our end-user needs and lead to a better result," says Vinterstø.
SKF's magnetic bearings spin without making contact. This contact-free design is lubrication free, energy efficient and enables low vibration. The bearings can run continuously and control shafts rotating at very high speed, typically above critical modes not reachable by other bearings.
All of these factors were important when designing the subsea gas compression system. Keeping the system architecture simple, with as few components as possible, was vital due to space, weight and environmental considerations.
The magnetic bearings are integrated inside the electric motor driven compressor's casing, eliminating the need for lubricating oil, seals and a gearbox. The frictionless magnetic bearings enable higher rotation speeds leading to smaller and lighter compressor modules and infrastructure.
SKF's deep knowledge of high rotation speeds and how magnetic bearings function in industrial processes gave it the edge when designing the new application, but getting the technology to meet a host of regulations was a time-consuming process. The project took five years of intense development and testing, including simulating underwater sea conditions above ground in 6,000 hours of continual operation.
"Before the customer agreed to the bearings solution we did a topside version of the system to make sure that the components were suitable for the underwater environment," says Jérémy Lepelley, Subsea & Oil & Gas Developments Sales Manager, at SKF Magnetic Mechatronics. "This helped us achieve top quality and meet the specifications for vibrations and more. We learned a lot with the Statoil project which moves us up in terms of technology and gives us an edge over the competition."
There are many more applications for SKF's magnetic bearings in the oil, gas and power generation industries. The bearings can be found onshore, offshore – and now subsea. Magnetic bearings are in industrial cooling chillers, blowers, pumps – everywhere there is a system rotating at high speed or where there is a need to cut down on CO2 emissions.
SKF has more than 130,000 magnetic bearings and high-speed electric motor references in operations across many industries and over 1,000 installations in the oil and gas industry.
Aktiebolaget SKF
For further information, please contact:
Press Relations: Nia Kihlström, +46 31-337 2897; +46 706 67 28 97; email@example.com
SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2015 were SEK 75 997 million and the number of employees was 46 635. www.skf.com
® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
Download press kit
- 0094198 Åsgard subsea compressor (4.8 MB) preview
- 0087846 Åsgard+subsea+installation Photo+Øyvind+Hagen Statoil (2.2 MB) preview
- 0087799 Åsgard subsea compression template Photo Øyvind Hagen Statoil (2.0 MB) preview
- SKF magnetic bearing (1.1 MB) preview
- 0094204 Åsgard subsea compressor (2.6 MB) preview


text:
Toy Story 4 (Official Trailer)
Disney's Pixar studios releases their final trailer for 'Toy Story 4' with Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom. In theaters June 21st.
Source : Pixar
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text: ASUS today has unveiled the VivoTab Note 3, a Windows tablet that runs on Windows 8, Windows 8.1. As Microsoft's Surface tablets gain popularity amongst the masses, here we are introduced to a different type of Windows tablet that arrives as a special device catering to certain target consumers. This product will be a resourceful measure for students as well as several industry users because of the availability of Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition. Therefore, individuals will have the facility to edit documents, spreadsheets, and even presentations at the tip of their hands. Continue reading


text:
A Bill Madden report has Teahen pegged to replace Jermaine Dye in right field next year. Throughout his career he's logged nearly 2,500 innings in the outfield – mostly the corners – and has a -1 UZR to show for it. That's not horrible, especially not when contrasted to Jermaine Dye's dead-horse act the past few seasons. His bat is what it is. Over the last three years his wRAA have ranged from -8.5 to 1.4, with a -3.9 year thrown in for good measure. Given the move to a more hitter friendly park, Teahen's raw offensive numbers should improve. He is 28-years-old and Cot's accredits him with service time of 3.155 (years.days). Add a year and Teahen will become a free agent for the first time following the 2011 season. …
November 5, 2009
BTB looks at the Teahen deal
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text:
Sound the alarms, "Game of Thrones" fans, a major spoiler about the show might have just leaked.
Some fans may be doing a little victory dance about this possible season six leak, because it's about Jon Snow (Kit Harington). You know, the Night's Watchmen who was probably killed in the season five finale, but who may not be truly dead.
We're just going to leave this SPOILER ALERT right here, so if you're spoiler-phobic, now's your chance to turn back.
U.S. & World
MORE: All the best theories on why Jon Snow isn't actually dead
Kit Harington has been spotted near the "Game of Thrones" set in Belfast.
This could mean many things -- Harington could be visiting his friends who are still employed on the show, he could be filming a flashback or funeral scene a la Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance), he could even just be taking a holiday in Belfast. Or .. Jon Snow isn't dead after all, and every single "Game of Thrones" cast member lied right out. All of them.
The "Game of Thrones" fansite Watchers On The Wall posted paparazzi shots to Twitter of Harington arriving at the Belfast airport Tuesday (and on the same flight as his "Game of Thrones" costar Tom Wlaschiha), and fans are, of course, freaking out. HBO had no comment about the sighting, but Harington's proximity to the "Game of Thrones" season six production paired with the fact that he hasn't chopped off his Jon Snow hair yet like he threatened to do once his role was finished is a promising sign that we haven't seen the last of Jon on the show.
This may add new life to some Jon Snow Lives! parties.
CLICK: Holy mother of dragons! Relive all the epic Game of Thrones season 5 moments


text:
- Travel, PCS and Transportation
- Important Regulation Changes
- Travel & Transportation Entitlements Summary
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
- Temporary Duty (TDY)
- Junior COSTEP Travel Information
- Official Travel Forms
- Household Goods Officers
- Transportation
- Government Travel Charge Card
- Table of Frequently Used Acronyms
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
- Links
- About Officer Support
- Awards-Officer Awards Program
- Nominations Procedures and Forms
- Eligibility to Receive Awards
- Approval Levels
- Types of Recognition & Awards Criteria
- Non-PHS Awards
- Write-Up (Narrative) Guidance & Tips
- List of OPDIV Awards Coordinators (PDF, 67kb)
- List of Liaisons (PDF, 266kb)
- FAQs
- About Policy
- Commissioned Corps Issuance System
- Equal Opportunity
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Political Restrictions
- Promotion Ceremony Protocol (PDF, 126kb)
- SGHG Drill and Ceremonies Manual (PDF, 3.39mb)
- Uniform Specifications
- PHS Hard Shoulder Boards and Sleeve Insignia (Male and Female) (PDF, 828kb)
- PHS Soft Shoulder Marks (Unisex) (PDF, 324kb)
- Medical Requirements for Promotion
- RedDOG Force Readiness Information
- Link to list of Chief Professional Officers (CPO) (PDF, 348kb)
- Link to list of Liaisons (PDF, 266kb)
- Link to list of Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) Chairs (PDF, 19kb)
- Promotion Board Recommendations
- Not promoted? Now What?
- FAQs
- Promotion, Readiness and Compliance FAQs
- Permanent Promotion Eligibility Chart
- About RDB
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FAQs Practice Hours and Special Pay Changes
This is first in a series of FAQs, more FAQs will be forthcoming on Practice Hours and Special Pays.
Periodic Health Update (PHU)
In order to better monitor the health status of officers and meet mission priorities, the Commissioned Corps is adopting new requirements for periodic health updates.
Readiness and Response Announcement
Today we announced updated deployment and readiness procedures for all Commissioned Corps (Corps) officers. This document provides a summary of the updates, implementation information...
Update on New and Revised Commissioned Corps Policies
I am pleased to announce that the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), and the Surgeon General (SG) recently signed several new and revised Commissioned Corps Directives...
2019 Permanent Grade Promotions Announced
The 2019 U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps permanent grade promotion lists are now available on the Commissioned Corps Management Information System Promotion Results webpage...
Eligibility Deadline Extended to Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill
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text:
Beach in Calvià
Calvià is a place for enjoying adventures in the countryside. In this town on the island of Majorca, the deep Mediterranean Sea and the landscape of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains offer you numerous options. The mountains, valleys and coast of Calviá are crisscrossed by over a hundred kilometres of routes waiting for you to discover them on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. You will also come across numerous cave systems, especially in the Sierra de Na Burguesa mountains. And don't forget your camera because you'll want to take home pictures of the views from the top of Puig de Galatzó and the viewpoint at Alzamora. The Galatzó nature park makes for another interesting outing.
There are even more surprises awaiting you in the sea at Calvià: swimming among the fish, just like a fish yourself, surrounded by the silence of the marine reserves of Toro and Malgrats; night diving; and exploring the underwater caves.


text:
Gianfranco Ferré died in 2007, but his label — where the clothes are strong, architectural and never trendy — lives on. Fall 2010 at Ferré is clearly for the tough-as-nails, bad-ass Alpha Woman: Nothing delicate or flowery here!
When you're running en empire, you've got to tighten your (admittedly massive) belt.
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The Board of Directors is about to get a talking-to.
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"I don't really have time to talk about this right now, but to make a long story short, you're fired."
Construction + architecture + origami = wow.
And the Goddess spake. And she said "Let there be gold!" And it was good.
Ruling the galaxy takes an iron fist in a velvet glove… and something to wear to interplanetary events in the evenings.
[Images via Getty.]


text:
Family-Style Meat Loaf Dinner
To me, no food is as comforting as meat loaf. I love it even more when I can make my whole dinner in the slow cooker—meat, potatoes, carrots…even the gravy!
Total TimePrep: 35 min. Cook: 5 hours
Makes6 servings
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup crushed saltines
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2-1/2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 2-1/2 pounds ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups fresh baby carrots
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 2 cans (4 ounces each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
- 1 envelope pork gravy mix
- Cut three 25-in. x 3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 6-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cracker crumbs, onion, oats, cream, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf; place in the center of the strips. Arrange the potatoes, carrots and onion around meat.
- In a small bowl, combine the soup, mushrooms and gravy mix; spread over meat and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Spoon vegetables and gravy into a serving bowl. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter; cut into 12 slices.


text:
A year went by in a flash, it felt like I was just here. This year was about the same as last but I walked around a lot less, the crowds were worse, and my pictures were more horrible than normal. Also I think it's time to rename it "Pop Culture Con". It's more about movies, TV networks, and video games nowadays- and for the area we had our booth in, it was all about vinyl toys. Comics seemed to be an afterthought which is sorta sad. But anyways, I took some photos, saw some old friends and made some new ones. Here's some shots....
Me leaving Riverside at 4am.
Sleestak. Shannon was freaked out by this and any other large sculpture or dude in a costume.
Souther Salazar and Matt Furie
Superhero show curated by Mark Murphy... Thursday night...
The Modlins played...
Joel Nakamura's piece.
Joel and Mark Todd
Daniel Lim's superhero
Chris Ryniak met his skate hero Andy Howell.
Chris' piece
Attaboy and his brother
Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas
Mark Murphy's piece.
NYC gangsta Regino Gonzales' invisible man painting.
Levon Jihanian
Kristian Olsen and Mark Todd.
Maxx242's Can't Stop Kid.
Esther Pearl Watson and Chris Ryniak help me assemble my new Brain Decay Zine (Chris said " Great now you're gonna take that picture, put it on your blog and say you made us your bitch"). Nah. Thanks for the help!
Tara McPherson holds a copy of my new book. We sold out of the 100 we had but the big shipment is coming, they'll be available in a couple weeks.
I think they were Judge Dredd characters??
One of my favorite stories from back in the day.. The Watchmen!
Souther and some dude in a wicker hat.
Mark Murphy and my dad.
O.G. Grumpy puppet.
Jermaine Rogers was busy the whole time. Thanks for letting me borrow some clips!
The dude from Secret Headquarters in L.A.
I bet they have sex in these costumes. They probably cuddle and purrr. I'm grossed out.
Maxx242, Kazuhiro and that dude again.
Andy brought his beautiful family.
Maxx242 signing for fans.
Found drawn in a bathroom stall.
Gooby and Miss F!
Maxx242 busting out some letters in a fan's blackbook.
Thomas Han and that guy again.
Hotel hijinks.
MexicoMan or ItalyMan with sombrero?
The Chung has something he wants you to know...
Beware the Centaur ghost. Keep your chastity belt locked!
Stay thirsty my friends.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Comicon 2008 recap
5 comments:
- Mrs. D. said...
Looks like a wild weekend!
- 7:41 PM, July 28, 2008
- l e d o said...
Looks like fun I wish I could of been there, I love your work.
- 8:11 PM, July 28, 2008
- The Magnificent Miss F. said...
I can't stop looking at the photo of the weird spandex butt. >_<
Also, the Hotel hijinks photo of toddler mid-leap is the best thing ever!
We survived! Drinks are in order.
- 2:36 PM, July 29, 2008
- the chung said...
phew! it was great seeing you guys again! now get some rest
- 8:32 PM, August 01, 2008
That first photo of you makes you look like a Sleestak.
- 2:10 PM, September 05, 2008
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