text:
Google Penguin Anti-Spam Algorithm. Testing and Analyzing.Blog Post: September 03, 2012
The only thing i take away from this article is 'apply google webmaster guidelines to counter google algo drops' and your seonintrust logo.
Btw if you are referring to google.ru in your analysis I am not even sure if all algo updates are already applied 1:1 to country markets yet. I am also targeting major european country markets and there you can still rank above established brands in a high competition, 27k monthly searches keyword (google search term suggestion stats) with an aged mfa site, a lot of keywords on page, keyword in domain, no incoming links required and no new content added.
So i do not see any penguin and panda results there.


text:
Living between Qld and Vic has been a juggle in the past few years but with merits. Close to beaches on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland plus the rich rainforests just 20mins away and in Vic its the excitement of so much art everywhere in this creative state.
Yet I am still drawn to paint across the beauty of nature withg the signs of our progressive times: lamposts, electrical wires, communication posts and shoes! My work is like...realism, beauty interupted by realism of life including influences of climates changes. Its not Surreal, just real life....juxtaposed and so I put it on canvas. Well that's what I'm enjoying at present.
My work is often in acrylic, but when drawing/painting the human body unclothed, I'll use charcoal, pastel &/or watercolours.
Hope you enjoy it as much as me:)))

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Influencing skills, or persuasive leadership styles, are used by leaders every day, and are critically important to career progression and team performance – for example, a prospective employee needs to be persuaded to join, or a customer needs to be influenced to act. Persuasive leadership styles are most commonly used to motivate employees to perform at their peak. As such, the ability to influence and motivate is a core skill for leaders.
Persuasive leadership styles are ways in which a leader influences the behaviors of others. Influence is an act of everyday life (think about how a waiter suggests a main course option, for example), though understanding how influence can be wielded brings its power into focus. While there are many strategies associated with persuasive leadership styles (including building coalition, legitimizing, using pressure or authority), in this blog post I want to explore the science of persuasion and the art of appealing by examining three of the many strategies within this scope of leadership style.
Rational persuasion is the method of laying out facts to create a position which influences decisions and behaviors. Emphasis will be placed upon the most positive benefits of an argument, with advantages given more prominence than disadvantages. This type of persuasive technique is commonly used in leading upward; that is, for example, to influence the actions of a management team or board of directors.
It may be that a manager needs to gain board level commitment for a capital-intensive program. By using a rational persuasive strategy, the manager would hope to influence the decision of the board in his or her favor and gain acceptance for the initiative.
When a leader has built strong working relationships with peers and subordinates, his or her sphere of influence increases. Personal appeal is the art of using these relationships to exert influence. With common grounds, values, and beliefs forged, personal appeal uses the strategy of give and take: it's a strategy that is based on long-term, mutually beneficial decision-making.
Whereas rational persuasion is most commonly used to influence decisions and behaviors upwards, inspirational appeal is generally used to influence behaviors that transform performance of employee teams. Beneficial outcomes are linked to desired behaviors, with values and beliefs identified as key motivating factors. It is usual that such inspirational appeal is accompanied by the leader modeling the required behaviors and values, for them to be mirrored by others.
At the core of these persuasive leadership styles is the ability to communicate assertively and respectfully, utilizing a high degree of emotional intelligence to inform leadership.
Contact Forward Focus today to discuss our Management Development Series, including our Energy Leadership Program, which helps develop high-performing managers into inspirational leaders.
First Name:
Last Name:
We will never spam or share your email with 3rd parties, promise!


text:
Flirty and fun Kenzie Taylor will make you work yourself into a frenzy. This tall and busty blonde babe from smalltown Michigan says that she never imagined that one day she'd have thousands of fans worldwide who are so passionate about her, they'd earn the nickname KenzieFrenzy! Kenzie is thrilled to have every single one. A fun-loving beauty who's always active and on the trail of her next adventure, Kenzie has brought the same enthusiasm and sense of fun to her adult film career as she does to her passions for hiking, kayaking, and salt-water fishing. No wonder this adrenaline junkie can't get enough of the pornstar life! What's Kenzie's favourite thing about her job? "Having an endless amount of hard thick dick to satisfy my insatiable appetite for sex. Just kidding, it's meeting my fans!"
©2020 MG Premium Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
For media inquiries and marketing opportunities please contact firstname.lastname@example.com. Trademarks owned by Licensing IP International S.à.r.l used under license by whynotbi.com
All models appearing on this website are 18 years or older. Click here for records required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2257 Record Keeping Requirements Compliance Statement. By entering this site you swear that you are of legal age in your area to view adult material and that you wish to view such material. Please visit EPOCH.COM | WTS | SegPay, our designated E-ticket Supplier and Access Management Provider. Please visit Vendo our authorized reseller.


text:
Our project is based on the interaction of two main research lines:
1) The fundamental understanding of the phenomenon of mineral self-assembly and,
2) Its relevance to reveal the transition from non-life to life during the Early Earth.
We have made the following progress in both fields:
- Successful field trips to Aqua de Ney alkaline waters (California), Oman ophiolites and their alkaline springs, Dallol hydrothermal system in Ethiopia, and alkaline lakes in the Southern Rift Valley in Kenya.
- Demonstration of the chemical coupling responsible for the self-organization of silica biomorphs. Published in Nature Communication.
- Demonstration of the geochemical plausibility of mineral self-organization. Published in Science Advances, 2017.
- Demonstration of the ability of silica self-assembled mineral membranes to catalyze prebiotic reactions and to do it selectively. Published in Biochemistry.
- Generation of a complete morphogram of silica biomorphs as a function of pH and supersaturation. Submitted to Geobios
- Structural characterization and precipitation kinetics of chemical gardens. Published in two papers, one in PCCP and another in ChemPhysChem.
- Demonstration that the crystal structure of carbonate is not key for biomorphic self-assembly. Paper submitted to Journal of the American Chemical Society.
- First studies of Archean rocks revealing the mineral phase of 3.8 crystal casts. Submitted to Journal of Applied Crystallography.
- Obtaining a new project derived from ERC-PROMETHEUS selected to be funded by the National Government.
- Open a research line within PROMETHEUS project oriented to the impact of crystals and crystallography in the history of art and humanities.
- Starting the design of a show on PROMETHEUS project to be played by the students of the project as an outreach activity.
More details about the project and its achievements can be found within this website.


text:
Villa Katarina's "dry Carob"
Apartment with 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms and shared pool in Babin Kuk, Croatia
From £400 per week
Apartment to rent in Babin Kuk, Croatia
An imposing architectural structure shelters within it an oasis of peace and luxury where the style is acutely modern, but classic values are still maintained.
Share this holiday home
Apartment overview - owner's description
Villa Katarina is a new house built in 2006. It contains 8 fabulous apartments: 3 Supremes, 4 Superiors, and 1 Studio. Simple, elegant, and practical, the apartments at Villa Katarina - with vistas of the Adriatic to rival any in Dalmatia - are all about style and convenience. Their spaciousness, together with floor-to-ceiling windows, results in an accommodation full of light, with an atmosphere of calm and ease.
With a careful eye aimed towards enriching the modern day travellers' holiday experience, all apartments have:
A Fully equipped kitchen with stove, fridge, microwave, kettle, coffeemaker, toaster, and all utensils.
En-suite bathrooms with massaging power showers and hair dryers.
Complimentary WiFi Internet access, dual satellite receiver TV, hi-fi stereo system (DVD, films, and music on request).
Central heating and Airconditioning in every room.
Two detachable beds and a sofa bed which sleeps 1-2 people
Housekeeping twice a week, laundry service on request.
Outdoor parking.
Several delightful beaches, sea-side promenades, and bustling cafes are within walking distance of Villa Katarina, but its location just on the border of the construction-free green zone makes it also a place to capture moments of peace and rediscover the simple pleasures of sea, air, and time in an exclusive atmosphere of beauty.
This apartment has 2 verified reviews.
2 out of 2 people recommend staying here
The proprietors were friendly, helpful and gave their time to explain the location and local facilities. The property was very clean and we were welcomed even though we arrived 5 hours early. Facilities in the self contained appartment were excellent and the property has a great view. The presence of nearby shops is a great advantage.
Modern, clean, stylish apartments. Very helpful owners. Amazing sea views. Very good restaurant within 3-5mins walking. Good walking for bus to Dubrovnik, beach, hotels, restaurants etc. Not suitable for elderly guests, alot of steps to beach.
This apartment is:
Local activities
Sights and attractions
Show more Show less
Outside this apartment in Babin Kuk, CroatiaThis apartment is near the sea. It has a shared pool, a balcony and a sea view. Car hire is not necessary as the apartment is less than a 15 minute walk to a large selection of shops, bars, restaurants; however parking is not available.
Prices and availability
Updated 26 June 2018
- Unavailable
- Your booking
- Available start/end date
Select your travel dates on the calendar
1 ensuite bedroom, Sleeps 4:
- 1 double bed and en suite
There is also 1 double sofa bed in Living Room Lounge, 1 cot
2 bathrooms including 1 en suite, 1 Separate WC
Swimming pool
Shared pool
CD player, Internet, Radio, TV Languages in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Local, Satellite / cable
Living area seats 4, Dining area seats 4, Air conditioning throughout property, Central heating, Hair dryer, Iron / board, Towels / linen, Washing machine, Car hire optional
Cooker, Crockery, Cutlery, Fridge, Freezer, Glassware, Kettle, Microwave, Pots / pans, Toaster
Balcony or terrace, Sea view
Suitable for
Infants, Smoking, Pets
Property Manager From Dubrovnik, Croatia Member since Jul 2007
Past bookings: 66 bookings
Response rate: 100%
Response time: within 23 minutes
Last seen: a month ago
Number of properties: 6


text:
Beneficial Farms CSA offers convenient distribution locations in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Cedar Crest, Madrid and Eldorado.
Here are the locations and times of our distributions.
Oshara Village | 54 Oshara Blvd | 10am to 8pm
Our Oshara location is our distribution location, where shares are assembled, but also where unclaimed shares are brought back to for next day pick up. If you miss Thursday's pick-up, your share will be brought back to Oshara where it can be collected the next day.
Pickup is on Thursday each week for Santa Fe and Madrid unless otherwise noted.
Sweet Water Harvest Kitchen
1512 Pacheco Park
3 – 6 pm
The Commons on the Alameda
2300 West Alameda
after 3 pm
Santa Fe Prep School
1101 Camino de Cruz Blanca
after 3 pm
St John's College
Meem Library
after 3pm
Utopia at La Tienda
2pm – 6 pm
Java Junction 2855 NM-14
6pm – 8pm (we send out text updates when shares are delivered to Madrid)
Cedar Crest and Albuquerque deliveries are on Fridays each week
Cedar Crest (Fridays)
Ale Republic Brewery
28 Arroyo Seco Rd
3pm – 6pm
4500 Silver Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Friday after 4pm
Pick up locations – TBD, based on member input
Home Deliveries – 1-4pm
For questions or concerns during distribution, contact us at 470-1969
Volunteer with Us
Beneficial Farms are always open to the possibility of new volunteers helping us with our CSA packing and delivery. We look for individuals vested in local food, and who are available Thursdays to help. We offer a CSA farm share for 3 hours of volunteer packing, or some equivalant if you are able to help us with deliveries using your vehicle.
We are also interested in talking with people who would like to volunteer on the farm.
For all volunteer inquires, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or 505-470-1969
Friday evening/ Saturday afternoon, Members receive weekly email with details about the produce share for the week
Monday Noon is the cut off for marketplace orders, substitutions or cancellations
Then our farmers begin harvesting your shares of the week's bounty!
Thursday Deliveries are made in Santa Fe, Eldorado and the Turquoise Trail, between 12pm – 6pm
Fridays Deliveries are made in Albuquerque


text:
Home › Forums › Wrexham.com Forums › Wrexham Forum › Council Budget
October 24, 2017 at 8:54 am #139214
The Speaking TruthParticipant
Speak to your local Councillor mines pretty good but I'm feeling in this case that it's the Welsh assembly that need harassing. I see time and time again our mp and am attacking the council, some of it justified but never look at their own government to help the town and it's so frustrating as here in Wales we should be lucky that we have both to represent us, not forgetting the 2 in south clwyd that are quick enough to criticise but never offer a solution. Yet I don't feel lucky I feel like they use the Tory/independent council as a scapegoat for them doing very little, how often do they come into your ward? I'm yet to see them! I'm not blaming them entirely but they could and should be doing more. Surely they should be fighting along side the council to get more help regardless of political party.October 24, 2017 at 9:37 am #139215
Much of the problem here in Wrexham is not how much money the Council have received but how they have chosen to spend it.October 24, 2017 at 5:02 pm #139249
The Speaking TruthParticipant
Hardly think they'd be making all these cuts if they had enough money.October 24, 2017 at 8:59 pm #139258
Part of the problem they now face is a result of poor spending decisions in previous years, as has been noted earlier in this thread. Schools in Wrexham are going to find it extremely difficult if the planned cuts go ahead, but the Arts Hub continues and will be taking money from the budget as they know it is going to be loss making.October 25, 2017 at 2:47 pm #139299
Peterthewatcher was spot on with his £900,000 deficit in the recycling budget. In relation to the proposed cuts this is another significant sum of money.November 2, 2017 at 1:15 pm #139741
The proposal to raise £25,000 by revoking the entitlements of Blue Badge holders to me does not add up.
There are 7000 Blue Badge holders in the County Borough. If all 7000 came into town, once every three weeks for 2 hours @ £1.50 per stay, it would raise £168,000.
How accurate are the figures on which decisions are taken?
I have had a reply to my question on how accurate the figures for the above are,from the Head of Environment and Planning.
The reply states the figure of £25k is admittedly very conservative.
How many more figures in the consultation are very conservative?November 2, 2017 at 1:24 pm #139742
Conservative figures from a Conservative coalition Executive!!
Perhaps the error re budget totals is conservative shown on another thread shows this up. We are all being taken as mugs. If I ran my house in this way I would be looking for a camping spot at the Groves.November 3, 2017 at 9:52 am #139784
The £900,000 over spend on the recycling budget, the money spent on Price Waterhouse Cooper and various consultants , would have more than covered the cost of continuing the Communities First programme with some left over.November 3, 2017 at 10:18 am #139785
There is still a fundamental issue over the Communities First programme before people think the funding should have continued or the Council bail it out — was it value for money, how many of the families that were supported when these schemes first started about 10 years ago are still totally dependent on support- there are certainly large numbers of families that should have been supported but they have not broken their cycle of unemployment, drugs, poor health etc as highlighted in the WG report about why the scheme needed to stop.
There have been lots of staff who have made a good living out of this scheme and self-preservation of their own position has been the highest on the agenda and not the support of families.November 3, 2017 at 12:03 pm #139796
All valid points , have the Council appraised the scheme and identified where the money could be better targeted to the benefit of those families that really need support. A complete withdrawal of funding will probably push people towards using other services , like the NHS , which is already overstretched.
Complaint? Please use the report post tools or contact Wrexham.com .
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.


text:
Human Settlements Minister rejects EFF claims over Gupta offer
Raymond Pani
22 March 2016
Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has rejected claims made by Economic Freedom Fighters that she was pushed out of her previous position because she did not cooperate with the Guptas.
EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu claims Sisulu was removed from the defence ministry because the Guptas were after a tender leasing planes to defence.
Floyd Shivambu said "We can tell you for free that the reason Lindiwe Sisulu was shifted from defence ministry to public service and admin, is because the Guptas wants to have the tender to lease planes to defence for R106-billion
They have that tender now.
She wanted to buy cheaper planes, but the Guptas said no, we will sell you a plane for R4-billion. And when she refused, they shifted her to public service and administration."
Labels: Human Settlements Minister rejects EFF claims over Gupta offer


text:
From experience in attending many ASHA conventions, I know that it's really important to take some time to plan your time! When you arrive at the convention center, you are likely to be overwhelmed and fall down, or cause someone to fall down, as I have in the past. To prevent unnecessary injuries, ASHA has provided us with a Personal Scheduler tool that will allow you to generate a "draft" list of sessions you might like to attend. You can print your itinerary, save it as a PDF and, for the first time, send it to a calendar app such as iCal (the Calendar on your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch- YAY!) or Outlook (*crickets chirping*). I can't say there isn't room for improvement with this tool (and it still lacks some of the "social" aspects I have seen in other conference schedulers, which allow you to see which of your colleagues are going to which sessions), but these exporting features are a nice leap forward. Check out the short video below to see how it works, and happy planning!
I also made a quick guide to how to send your itinerary to your iDevice after emailing it as shown in the video. Again, this process isn't perfect- I found that there was a glitch with session titles if you add two in the same time slot (you may see the title of one selection repeated, though the session descriptions are accurate). Additionally, if you are in a different time zone than the convention, you may want to wait to actually add the itinerary to the calendar until you arrive, or just be willing to do the math as you review the sessions beforehand. Also note, once you export your itinerary, it will not sync with the Personal Scheduler, i.e. any new sessions you add on the web will NOT be in your calendar. So, you'll want to wait until you have given everything a thorough look before you export. See below for this guide:
[scribd id=71498339 key=key-fhnddq7zi0ja3dlrx8m mode=slideshow]
If all that sounds too complicated, you can just print away or send yourself the PDF to access on your mobile device! Have fun!
(This post originally appeared on SpeechTechie)
Sean J. Sweeney, MS, MEd, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist and instructional technology specialist working in the public school and in private practice at The Ely Center in Newton, Massachusetts. He consults on the topic of technology integration in speech and language and is the author of the blog SpeechTechie: Looking at Technology Through a Language Lens.


text:
Welcome to Nigel Rose Gallery
We are located on the Brighton seafront close to the British Airways i360 and the relic of the West Pier. If you are strolling along the lower promenade or visiting the i360 you will see our gallery in the beautifully renovated West Pier arches. We are in the heart of Brighton next to Regency Square and close to the Hilton Metropole, Grand Hotel and the Brighton Centre.


text:
Every October for the past 4 years, we've made a trek across 4 states to visit our son in Georgia. It's been a fun visit every time, and so good to see him in person! This is also our one chance of the year to bring him things that are too big to mail.
When I checked his Amazon wishlist, I discovered that he needed a quilt, now that he has a double size bed. Time was running short, so I came up with a simple pattern that featured his favorite color–orange! The other fabrics ran along the spectrum from blue to green, with some other random shades in there as well. I'm pleased to say that I made the whole quilt from either scraps or yardage I already had!
Love this spotty dotty fabric for the binding!
I had some helpers when it came time to photograph the quilt–I'm thinking they stole the show!


text:
Dear Kristin....You turn 30 this weekend! You are such a special friend; you came into my life just when God knew I needed a friend. So thankful for you! Dear Spring....per the calendar, you are here. Per the temperature, you are lost. You can do it! Dear Hair....It's been a long week but you are finally in a good place. All is right with the world....at least in the world of hair. Dear Coworker that told me (in graphic detail) about the Lululemon murder of 2011...that's basically the same as telling a child there's a human inside that Mickey Mouse costume. Dear End of Fiscal Year...You are a special kind of joy aren't you? Dear Miami....You are NEXT WEEK and this girl could not be more excited! Dear Kelly...You are 30 tomorrow too! Happy birthday girly!
Kelly, Laura, Candace, Me
Happy Friday Chicas and Chicos!
Friday's Letters developed by Ashley Slater


text:
Yay! You are now on the waiting list, please check your inbox for our confirmation email!
Register Account
Chempaka Sandals (Gold)
Here's a nod to the '90s for you - a sandals with PVC crossover straps for a cool, minimalist take on your everyday shoe. Meet Chempaka - a no-fusser sandal that'll be an essential for your weekend adventures and your beach escapades. Refresh your off-duty outfits with the understated sandals of the season.
Locally handcrafted in Malaysia.
Locally handcrafted in Malaysia.
- Gold faux leather lining for sole and slingback strap
- PVC crossover straps
- Slight heel measures approximately 0.5"
- Microfibre lining with padded insole for added comfort
- True to size. Refer to our Size Guide.
Customer Reviews
So comfy and i can pair it with everything!


text:
The team should make it official. It's time to change their name to the Pittsburgh Prospects.
That's how it feels little more than a day after All-Star, Gold Glove center fielder Nate McLouth was traded for three minor-leaguers.
The team's latest home run and RBI leader was dispatched to Atlanta after management signed him to a three-year, $15.75 million contract in February and team President Frank Coonelly declared him one of the Pirates' three core players. The Nutting ownership's latest salary dump comes two months into this year's schedule and four months before the Pirates, after 17 straight losing seasons, will claim the distinction of losingest franchise in pro sports history.
You can now be sure of that.
Front-office apologists will defend the trade by pointing to Mr. McLouth's .256 average and his replacement in the field by farm-system talent Andrew McCutchen (who was 2-for-4 in his PNC Park debut yesterday).
But this affront to the fans hurt because of more than numbers.
The Pirates ownership pledged to start winning. And after fans endured the previous painful trades of stars Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, the team promised to build around Nate McLouth, catcher Ryan Doumit and pitcher Paul Maholm.
"The long-term commitments we have made to core players developed here, both this year and last year, reflect our commitment to build a strong core from within our system," Mr. Coonelly said four months ago. "Ryan, Paul and Nate all dedicated themselves to becoming championship-caliber players, and all three demonstrated a strong desire to play integral roles in this organization's turnaround."
That assurance rings hollow and the McLouth trade breaks faith with the fans, who were the lead partner in building for this team one of America's most beautiful ballparks. Eight years later the talent on the field has yet to measure up, while each successive Pirates executive says only the same thing: next year, next year, next year.
You don't build a contender with a revolving door. You don't put a face on a team with players who are here one year and gone the next.
It's time Pittsburgh baseball had ownership worthy of the game. Mark Cuban, where are you?
Given the quality and depth of the PG's baseball coverage, as well as the Coonelly/Huntington administration's clear use of a calculated methodology in devising a concrete plan to rebuild the organization, I found this totally infuriating. And so I've written to the PG editorial board to express my displeasure. The first draft of the letter came out to 574 words, complete with mixed metaphors and misspellings, as I authored it while exhausted and slightly intoxicated. But for whatever reason, I got an e-mail back from one of their editorial page copy editors today, asking me to cut it down to 250 words or less and send it back. So I think that means they want to publish it, yeah?
Here's what I'm sending them now. It clocks in at 264 words:
To casual baseball fans, there's little positive to be found in the Pittsburgh Pirates. The club has lost for so long that even its most devoted fans annually question their allegiance.
The Post-Gazette treats those remaining to something oddly special: its baseball coverage is without a peer among major league cities' newspapers — a reward for those who've stuck with the Bucs throughout record-setting futility. The print and Internet reporting do a masterful job mapping the intricacies of how the organization works.
That said, it was shocking to see a PG editorial slam the club's trade of Nate McLouth, labeling it "ownership's latest salary dump," and adding that "front-office apologists" would defend the move by pointing to McLouth's lackluster batting average and the readiness of prospect Andrew McCutchen.
Without judging the trade, it's clear to this reader that the PG's editorial board doesn't read its own baseball coverage.
The three-year contract McLouth signed in February precludes this from being a salary dump, and no intelligent baseball fan would simply cite McLouth's current batting average or replacement as justification for the trade. The facts as reported in the PG's coverage reveal a calculated methodology behind the club's decision to deal McLouth, and they point to a notion that unlike his two immediate predecessors, General Manager Neal Huntington has a plan to rebuild the organization.
Nobody is asking fans to like this trade, but if you're going to disagree with it, disagree for legitimate, factual reasons rather than uninformed bitterness, and give Huntington a chance to make it work. After all, we've very little left to lose.


text:
Amazon Opens Full-Scale Brick and Mortar Amazon 4-Star Store in Colorado, New York, with Berkeley on the Way
This week Amazon opened its second 4 Star by Amazon store (the first is in New York City) at the Park Meadows shopping center in Lone Tree, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. It's interesting to note that Denver got its Amazon 4 Star store even before tony Berkeley, California, which is slated for the third 4 Star store in the near future. (List of Amazon 4-Star store locations below.)


text:
July 7, 2016 Fog
I'm in Connecticut, in residence at the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference this month. This means several things. I am enveloped in a thick fog. Every morning I wake up and can smell the ocean. And: The totality of my energy is going toward working on my plays.
How much actual writing should you be doing as a playwright? Here are two wisdoms I've been handed down. From Sarah Ruhl: Write a play a year. From Paula Vogel: Work on two plays at a time. Have one in an early stage and the other in a late stage, so you're using different muscles.
June 14, 2016 Summer sun If you are reading this close to when I write it, you know that forty-nine people were just killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Another fifty-three were injured. Everyone I know is grieving and in pain. The persons attacked were mostly young, and latinx; it was a gay nightclub and undoubtedly a hate crime. Recent news reports suggest the shooter might have been struggling to accept his own natural proclivities (he had previously attended Pulse with entirely different intentions). He was likely consumed by self-loathing and shame.
June 2, 2016Pale sun
"Hungarian folkdance is very sexy and dangerous," says Blanka.
I have been thinking about feet lately.
Now I am observing Csaba Horvath's feet. He has launched right into the dance steps, without preamble. He calls it "a kind of tap dance." It goes: One and two and three three three. Tap and tap and foot hits calf.
The Wilma Theater


text:
Hi I'm Robbie the founder of Lean Mums, and I'm a Personal Trainer. I've worked with hundreds of mums and have taken all of that expertise and put it into creating Lean Mums which is all about making health and fitness as straightforward and stress free as possible for busy mums. The website includes home workouts, easy to cook recipes, a chat area and loads more!
I'm going to be writing a series of articles for Bad Mum Magazine, providing you with top tips to help you look and feel your best no matter how hectic life gets!
I want to start by talking about why it's so important that you busy mums still find time to make health and fitness a part of your lives.
Most us exercise because we want to change the way our bodies look. That's fine but it's important that we don't overlook a whole host of other benefits too.
Exercise is absolutely brilliant for our mood, energy levels, self-confidence, life balance and much, more. It can play a really important role in creating some positivity in your life. Something you do for yourself that makes you feel better and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
I'm sure you've experienced that buzz after a really good workout?
That rush of endorphin's that makes it all worthwhile! Well even just a short workout can help you feel this way. It's also rewarding to know that you could easily have skipped that workout but you've got it done! That positivity can snowball and have a positive impact on other aspects of your life too.
I also love the idea that exercising gives you some time to yourself.
You spend so much of your life with your children, or thinking about them, exercise can be a time that is just for you. Some people might feel guilty about that but it's really important and very natural. You are the same person you were before you had your child. It's just now you have someone else to think about. But you are still allowed to do things that you enjoy that are just for you.
Exercising can energise you.
Its true! There might be days where you feel absolutely exhausted and grabbing a nap when you get 10 minutes to yourself is what you need. But there are other times where you feel sluggish and tired but a short workout will pick you up. Getting your body moving, gently increasing your heart rate, and doing something positive will give you a huge boost.
Remember exercise doesn't always have to be about killing yourself with brutal workouts. Sometimes a light 5 minute workout, or gentle walk is all you need.
One thing I find myself saying a lot to my Mum clients is, "something is better than nothing", and it's true.
Try your best to stay active and make health and fitness a feature of your lifestyle, and watch how much better you feel!
Written by Robbie @leanmums
For more info click here. To get your first month absolutely FREE on Lean Mums, just use the discount code BADMUM.
For more info click here. To get your first month absolutely FREE on Lean Mums, just use the discount code BADMUM.


text:
I remember my grandmother's breasts: Grandma Ida, sitting in the big chair by the window, holding my newborn, firstborn son. He was sleeping in her arms, and her arms were resting on breasts that seemed to reach even below her waist. Grandma didn't want me to come and take my sleeping son, and put him in a bassinet… she loved babies, holding babies. Who had the heart to go and take him away? Not me.
Grandma nursed nine children and kept them all alive in the early days of the 20th century. A Norwegian immigrant, she and her family had migrated to the U.S. Midwest: prairie country. They lived near the Missouri River with their first shelter being a home constructed of sod, dug out of a hillside. One cannot imagine how harsh it was, and difficult to keep nine children alive and growing, but they did it.
Looking at photos it's obvious those big breasts were strapped down and tucked in. Far away into the future was the thought of putting them into a bra, protruding them into cone shapes, or uplifting them and displaying the cleavage as a 'don't touch' invitation. Grandpa apparently enjoyed Grandma's voluptuous softness at least nine times, and the babies got the full load of nurture and intimacy.
Fast forward 100 years to silicone implants, see-through clothing, breast titillation everywhere, and breast cancer. Somewhere along the way we heard complaints about the objectification of the woman's body, and then the man's body… but who really understood what that was all about. Most of us agreed to it, got into it, and worried that we weren't 'good enough' in the boobs department. I doubt that Grandma would have been able to comprehend such a thought.
Now let's pull back our lens and look at the earth – our feminine, rich, nurturing, life-giving mother. We're all ashamed of what's going on with her. Many of us say RAPE! She's being raped and trashed – her forests leveled, her hills cut down, her crust penetrated. We see an unquenchable thirst to break open the earth and extract her treasures. And what does she do to cope with the exploitation and the toxic burden? She begins to quake, and her surface and oceans begin to die.
It has been shown that permaculture can bring the dying parts of the earth back to life and feed us all. It has been shown that the earth has her own restorative process with regard to forests and water and air… if allowed to accomplish it. It has been shown that certain of her plants can clean and heal her and us… and remember… we ARE of her. It has been shown that the elimination of poverty is key to humans naturally controlling population.
It has also been shown that we are inventive and creative with regard to recovery. So we are not lost from a future heaven on earth, as many of us are awakening to our condition. The feminine aspect of divinity is returning, and 'She' in all of us may lead us to the root of this insanity and give us inspiration to envision in a new direction.
In our current condition, which we are told is an 'advanced' civilization, the earth's ability to nurture is being destroyed, and so is our human ability. One in eight women today have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I'm one in the eight, so this search for the root is meaningful to me.
In my own case, I do believe that too much nurture, along with psychological stress and 'running on empty' for several years, invited cancer cells to get aggressive in the breast. We can't go back and change circumstances, and to be quite honest, I did get something from it: that 'something' is a stronger connection to the divine, a decision to live, and a willingness to say and do what I will, i.e. if I don't say what I feel now, and do what I can now, then will I ever?
We all know about the savage treatment for breast cancer that our medical culture approves of and is willing to finance… cutting out of the breast tissue, killing of cancerous and non-cancerous cells, replacement with silicone implants, and then hope and pray. It seems that as long as the shape of the breast is still there, whether our tissue is able to remember the babies or not, or our skin able to feel the touch of a lover or not… it's okay. It's so okay that even women without breast cancer are doing it, because a movie star did it.
Some women go for the alternative treatments, which men and women of conscience are bringing onto the scene through activism, studies, research and at great personal effort and cost. Nature is gaining ground, and I can see it even in the awareness of MDs who are entrenched in the cancer industry. Nature's healing power will be shown to be superior eventually… but until all women, including those from the lowest economic bracket, can choose and fund an alternative to the well-funded system, it's no win as yet.
We've covered a good deal of ground on the subject of breasts, but we haven't talked about the denser, darker realms where the root of our disconnect must lie. These realms consume and control energy, manifesting in violence, rape, slavery, death and sexual abuse of even the most innocent. Can we discuss this without casting at least a sideways glance into the denser realms? I think we have to go there.
Deprive is the opposite of nurture. I believe that the densest realms are constructed of fear. Great is the fear of being deprived of life… and greater still, dying without knowing Self. It's a cold, cold place, filled with those insane perversions into which the desire for more 'physical/emotional sensation' descends. It's a grab for more heat… more energy. Human beings have tried to get past fear of death for millennia, and death as 'sacrifice' is evidence enough of that.
Breasts are our first promise of life. They are the message that yes, child, you will live, your body will live, and I have everything you need, right here, for you to live… just drink. That invitation to live is also the earth's message and all of nature's message: nature has everything you need, right here, for you live. Just receive it, share it and tend to its renewal.
Knowing Self: perhaps now is the time, for some of us at least, to experience fearless living – life in the knowledge that energy never ends, and 'nurture never ends'.
There is a great change occurring in our consciousness… a gradual realization that as consciousness/energy/information, we are far more vast than we can explore… and yet a tiny fraction of the Source information. As a part of Source, and thus eternal, we enter a metaphysical spirituality.
Our physical bodies of course go through death, as is the pattern of the natural world. But the I that observes the I… it is the real, true Self. The observer is not the body or the brain or the emotions; it is the Higher Self experiencing the physical plane… experiencing all that the physical plane has to offer, including the dense realms.
What is the opposite of fear? Some might say courage, but I would say trust. As we grow in trust that we are both the doer and the observer, the joy of life is easier to access, as is the energy of love's divinity… there always, for all. We can become fearless in that trust as we collectively encounter this time of great change… this global brush with death.
Is it okay if I close with a return to Grandma Ida? She was far from diplomatic in her opinions, and sweetness was not one of her attributes. Granddaughters did not walk in front of her wearing a miniskirt, at least not more than once, and neighbors were well advised to 'straighten up' if they planned to visit. But Grandpa seemed to like her a lot. He got a free pass, and so did every one of her nine children. They were utterly and completely loved, in their error and in their virtue: they could do no wrong in Grandma's eyes.
What an unbreakable tie there is in nurture, and we are never without it… love IS it. Targeting breasts is targeting love, and that's a losing venture. Love always has been and always will be – live with it!


text:
I got asked a question today that I though was quite interesting. If my backup starts at 6pm and it runs for say 30 minutes what happens to the transactions that occur during the 30 minutes that the backup is running?
The short answer:
All committed transactions that run during the duration of the backup will be included in the full backup, open transactions will not be included.
The proof:
Please note, that your database will get around 784MB in size and the backup created will be roughly the same size, so before running these scripts, make sure you have enough space on the box you testing it on.
I will create a dummy database called buptest for the purpose of this test
USE master
CREATE DATABASE buptest
ALTER DATABASE buptest SET RECOVERY SIMPLE
I have put the database into simple recovery mode just to keep the log manageable, I am not worried about point in time recovery for this demo.
Next we will create two tables to hold some test data
USE buptest
CREATE TABLE t1 (id INT, val CHAR(8000))
CREATE TABLE t2 (id INT, val CHAR(8000))
Next we will populate our table t1 with some data, 100,000 rows. I'm doing this so the backup will run for long enough to allow me to execute some transactions against the database whilst the backup is running. I don't know of another way of doing this…If you do, please leave me a note in the comments.
DECLARE @i INT
SET @i = 0
WHILE @i < 100000
INSERT INTO t1
VALUES (@i, REPLICATE('a',8000))
SET @i=@i+1
The next step has two parts, I want to kick off a full backup in one query window and then in a second query window I want to run two transactions that each insert a row into the t2 table. The first transaction will be committed before the backup completes the second transaction will be committed after backup has finished. So I suggest if you are following along, you open two query windows, paste the backup code below into the first window, paste the insert transaction into the second window (You will see that the second commit statement in commented out), switch to the first window, start the backup, quickly switch to the second window, fire the script making sure that the commit statement is commented out. Wait for the backup to complete. When the backup has completed uncommented the commit transaction statement and commit the currently open transaction.
The script to run the backup
--We then take a backup of the database
--While this is running fire the second script below
BACKUP DATABASE buptest TO DISK = 'c:\Backup\buptest.bak'
While the backup script above is running (it took about a minute on my laptop to complete) run this:
USE buptest
--Run in a new query window
INSERT INTO t2
VALUES (1, 'gethyn')
INSERT INTO t2
VALUES (2,'Ian')
When the backup completes run the final commit transaction in the second window. This ensures that the second transaction was not committed prior to the backup completing.
If you run
SELECT * FROM t2
We get two rows returned.
Next we run a restore of our database from the backup taken
USE master
ALTER DATABASE buptest SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
RESTORE DATABASE buptest FROM DISK = 'c:\Backup\buptest.bak' WITH replace
Then re-run the same select
SELECT * FROM t2
We see that only the first inserted record is present.
Hence only committed transaction are included in a full database backup


text:
Stunning Edge - Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Nobility
Claire…the girl on the bed quietly mumbled the name to herself. The person's name sounded pretty, but nobody could stand that attitude. Her memories were full of being rejected by handsome men and looking foolish.
The door was suddenly banged open and the deafening sound caused Claire to look towards the door. The girl at the door resembled the previous beautiful woman and seemed younger than Claire, however, her expression of disgust and condescending attitude did not match her young age.
Claire squinted her eyes a little only, because in her memories, she was terribly afraid of the girl before her. It was her younger sister, Lashia, a talented magician. Although she was only twelve years old, she had already become an advanced magician. Because of her outstanding talent, she was selected by the principal of the Sunrise Institute when she was only five years old to become one of his few disciples. This made Gordan Hill incredibly happy. The talented young miss hated Claire because their mother spoiled her so much. This wasn't strange because Lashia, being a child prodigy, had the love of her grandfather, father, and brother. Thus, her mother spent more time with Claire who was disliked.
"Humph, you brought great shame to the Hill name, ending up in this state just because you fell off a horse to chase a man." Lashia held her head high and looked disdainfully at the person on the bed. She walked up to the bed, a sliver of malice glinting in her eyes, and stuck her face right up to Claire's. She whispered in a low, poisonous voice, "My dear elder sister, why didn't you die falling off that horse?"
Claire looked silently at the pretty face before her. Who would have thought that someone who looked this innocent would say something so malicious?
Lashia looked at Claire's placid face and was taken aback. Normally her stupid elder sister would be trembling by not, yet currently, she was so calm.
Footsteps sounded outside and Lashia's expression changed to a frown. She muttered indistinctly under her breath and instantly, a tiny bolt of lightning appeared in her palm. Before Claire could react, Lashia had already pointed her finger at Claire's back. Claire felt a terrible pain surge through her body from her back.
"You male-chasing idiot, next time you worry mother I won't let you off as easily, " Lashia whispered coldly into Claire's ear. "You know what will happen if you dare tell Mother. "
In Claire's combined memories, it seemed that many similar situations had happened before. Without anyone knowing, the little sister Lashia seemed to give the previous Claire much suffering. Claire dropped her gaze emotionlessly, not looking when Lashia turned around.
This time, the door opened quietly. The beautiful lady from before peaked inside and smiled.
"Mother~~" Lashia greeted happily.
"Lashia, you're home!" Katherine smiled as she entered.
"Yes, Mother. Let's go eat now." Lashia grabbed Katherine's arm cheerfully.
"You go eat first, I'll stay with your older sister." Kathleen patted Lashia's head and said softly, "Your sister is not feeling well today, I'll stay here to keep her company."
"Oh." Lashia said, eyes cast down with a bitterness unnoticed by Katherine. Watching Katherine walk towards the bed, Lashia quietly and coldly humphed without anyone hearing and left quickly.
"Claire, the maids will serve dinner soon." Katherine sat near the bed and enclosed Claire's hands in her own. Claire gave a start. The warmth coming from her hand made her relax immediately. So soft, so warm. Just like how that person held her hand and told her to be happy.
"Mother…" Claire said softly.
"What is it dear?" Katherine smiled gently. Suddenly, her expression changed and she asked anxiously, "Do you feel hurt anywhere?"
"No, mother." Claire suddenly smiled. "Mother, you haven't eaten either. Are you hungry?"
Katherine gave a start, and suddenly, tears came uncontrollably and silently. It was the first time Claire had asked a question like this, the first time Claire was kind to her.
Seeing Katherine's tears of joy, Claire lowered her eyes. Her true feelings were hidden by her long lashes.
Claire. Claire, this will be my name in the future. A strange light glinted in the young girl's eyes. The previous Claire didn't dare report Lashia's bullying or have the power to strike back. But, in the future… Claire's eyes became icy as she remembered the burning sensation on her back once more.
At this moment, a bright new star rose in the night sky of the Ceylon continent, but as for why, no one knew.
The next morning, all the servants in Duke Hill's castle were gossiping among themselves and casting uncertain glances at the study. It was nothing big, just their Miss's strange behavior! Usually, she would already be out searching for handsome men by now, at either the theatre or the City Center Library… because young noble gentlemen normally hung out there. But today, she actually went to Duke Hill's study! When the Duke wasn't working inside, he would usually let his children inside his study. Although Claire fell off the horse yesterday, the doctor said she would be fine. But based on Miss's wild personality, she would never enter the study she despised!
In a large study with shining windows, a few huge bookshelves lined against the walls. Neatly classified books of all genres lined the bookshelves. A pretty blonde girl leaned on a windowsill thumbing through a thick book, The History of Ceylon.
Flipping through the book, the girl's expression became complex. She had already reached the section on the history of the country, Amparkland. The most credited people for the establishment of the country was the Hill clan, a family whose coat of arms was a rose. The young girl lifted her head to gaze thoughtfully upon the rose regalia hanging above the desk. It seems the Hill family wasn't simply wealthy.
Outside, light footsteps sounded but stopped abruptly at the door. Even though it was extremely light, Claire noticed instantly.
From the door came a low and cold voice,"Miss, the Duke has returned."
"Oh," Claire answered unenthusiastically, closing the book. From her combined memory she already knew the person outside the door was her knight, Jean, who was supposed to protect her.
Claire got up and just when she was about to set the book back on the bookshelf, she heard a series of footsteps sounded outside the door. Then, she heard the sound of Jean's greeting.
The door was pushed open and an austere, old man with luxurious clothes appeared. He looked to be more than fifty years old, but very energetic. His brows and Claire's were similar, letting her know that he was her grandfather. Currently, the Duke held a great amount of power in Amparkland and was also the most powerful man in his family.
"Grandfather," Claire greeted indifferently, her previous cowardly attitude gone.
Gordan Hill looked at the young girl in front of him and frowned, a strange emotion flickering in his eyes. He couldn't believe at first that his headstrong granddaughter would be willingly reading in the study when he heard about it, but now his own eyes convinced him. And how differently she dressed! Usually she would wear elaborate dresses like a butterfly, but today she donned the plainest white dress, her curly golden hair in the simplest style. Did she hit her head too hard when she fell off the horse yesterday?
"Claire, you fell off a horse yesterday?" Gordan walked in, asking casually. The people following him stopped outside and lightly closed the door to the study.
"I'm fine now," Claire replied lightly.
"Then that's good." Seeing the book in Claire's hand, Gordan,was a little surprised. She's reading The History of Ceylon? He knew this granddaughter of his inside out: capricious, unruly, and abnormally attracted to the opposite sex… She, who hated studying and learning more than anything else, was actually reading the most dull and boring Ceylonese History?!
"So, what do you think after reading The History of Ceylon?" Duke Gordan asked offhandedly, walking to his study desk.
"Let the banner of roses fly forever," Claire replied quietly with a hint of a smile.
Duke Gordan's eyes bulged as he stared, astounded at the smiling girl before him. What did he just hear?
Let the banner of roses fly forever!!!
Let the Hill clan exist forever!
"Say that again!" Gordan commanded in a deep tone, squinting at the girl in front of him.
"Let the banner of roses fly forever." An imperceptible hint of a smile flashed within Claire's eyes. This elderly man in front of her was the heart and center of this clan, the head and the leader. Through numerous previous experiences, she knew exactly how important it was in unfamiliar surroundings to pay close attention and take advantage of superior people to the greatest extent. If she wanted to survive in this unknown world, if she wanted to become powerful, then gaining the favor of this person in front of her would be her first threshold.
If someone else had told him this, Gordan would dismiss it without a thought because it would only be a means of flattering. But its meaning was drastically different when this young girl said it! His only son and other two grandsons and granddaughter had never said anything like it, but it was said by someone who was considered a failure like Claire. Duke Gordan was completely stunned.
"Grandfather, I have been acting out of line insensibly and it has been going on for too long. From now on, I will take my studies seriously and definitely not let down the Hill clan again." Claire stare at the stunned old man. Every word, every sentence had been said clearly, and her green eyes held a serious gaze.
Amazed, Gordan looked blankly at this sincere young girl, unable to speak for a long time. Claire kept quiet, too, silently staring at her grandfather.
"Great!" Finally, Gordan came back to his senses and laughed in relief. He patted Claire on the shoulder and praised, "This is my girl, this is the child of the Hill Clan!"
"I promise I won't disappoint you," Claire smiled. Her smile was shining with confidence.
This day, the whole manor boiled.
This idiotic girl that was infatuated with men and always disliked by the duke was actually led out of the study today, hand-in-hand with the normally serious duke, and they were both smiling!
The foolish male-chasing Miss of the Hill Clan was now favored! The news spread like wildfire throughout the whole manor.


text:
Press Center
About Experts Exchange
Experts Exchange is the network for technology professionals. With unparalleled access to technical experts, verified real-world solutions, and diverse educational content, we enable technology professionals to solve difficult problems, make better decisions, and build expertise on their own terms. By enabling personalized skills development and relevant professional exposure, Experts Exchange powers the growth and success of technology professionals worldwide.
Meet our Leadership Team
Experts Exchange is a community of tech professionals, founded and run by tech professionals, for tech professionals. In our 20 year history, we have built a deep collaboration between our company and community, working together to create the leading online network for technology professionals. Learn about the leadership team and how some of the industry's most experienced executives have come together to transform the way we solve, learn and network.
Read Experts Exchange's executive team bios >
Recent Press Releases
- Meet the Experts Exchange Community [INFOGRAPHIC] (5/19/2016) - Our members are our lifeblood, they keep the community alive and thriving, they answer your technology questions, and they are some of the brightest people you'll ever meet. You might have received help from them in the past – maybe at the 11th hour when you didn't needed it the most. Some of you might turn... Read full post
- Spring 2016 Product Updates (4/11/2016) - Spring has sprung, and your Experts Exchange team has been hard at work building new products, improving old ones, and planning for the future… See what we've been up to and get a sneak peek at what's coming next! EARN CASH ON EXPERTS EXCHANGE New for 2016 is the ability for our members to earn cash... Read full post
- Experts Exchange, Leading Technology Community, Releases New Product Suite (3/2/2016) - Company Introduces Features For Real-time Support, Freelancing for 20th Year of Its Online Technology Platform SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – MARCH 3, 2016 – Experts Exchange, a leading network for over half a million technology professionals, today announces the official launch of its new product suite that adds real-time support and a project marketplace to... Read full post
- Around the World with Experts Exchange (1/4/2016) - This year marks the 20th anniversary of Experts Exchange, and we're ready to celebrate! As we kick-off a year full of celebrations and throwbacks, we invite you to join in on the fun. Over the last twenty years we have given away thousands of items to our global community – stickers, t-shirts, mugs, stuffed animals... Read full post
- Experts Exchange Volunteers with ECOSLO (12/10/2015) - Earlier this month, a group of Experts Exchange employees headed just south of our headquarters to Lake Lopez to volunteer with local non-profit, ECOSLO, in a cleanup day. ECOSLO is a local organization dedicated to promoting resilient ecosystems and healthy lifestyles in San Luis Obispo County. In addition to hosting cleanups throughout the county, they also... Read full post
Network Facts
- Network of 3 million IT professionals from around the world
- 4 million verified solutions for real-world technology problems
- 1:1 real time assistance from hundreds of Experts
- Thousands of how-to and training articles in a vetted technical library
- Over 500 Video Micro Tutorials for on-demand education
- Members from more than 210 countries
What our Members Say
Our members are the authorities best equipped to critique our features because they are true technology experts. We encourage feedback, which ensures our network reflects the needs of our community. Here's what some members have to say:
How it Works
Media Contact
Leslie Bloom, Corporate & Product Marketing Manager


text:
Global effort needed to fight TB
Global collaboration is needed to combat tuberculosis (TB), says this editorial in The Lancet.
A major threat to this effort is drug resistance. Extensively drug-resistant TB has been found in 35 countries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that US$650 million will be needed this year alone for its control.
Coinfection of TB patients with HIV is another important challenge, affecting around 11 million people worldwide. Yet clinical care for these diseases is often disjointed and TB and HIV/AIDS control programmes must have a more coordinated approach, says the editorial.
There is also a need for more synchronised funding approaches. HIV/AIDS research receives ten times more funds than TB research. The biggest shortfall occurs in Africa, where the disease burden is highest for both diseases.
The editorial does stress that TB control is working in some areas. According to the WHO, 26 countries achieved their 2005 targets. TB could be eradicated by 2050, but only if all countries commit to TB control and donors fund more effective delivery services in the developing world.Link to full article in The Lancet (requires free registration)


text:
- March 28, 2015
- Williamstown, New Jersey
of Daniel's Passing
Share This Obituary
Daniel passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2015.
Daniel was a resident of Williamstown, New Jersey at the time of passing.
Daniel was married to Vicki.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday from 10:00 ' 11:00 am at the Grace Union United Methodist Church, 131 E. Central Ave., Blue Anchor, NJ, where a memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. Inurnment will follow in the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.


text:
Ian McKellen to Star in 'X-Men: Apocalypse' + Patrick Stewart in 'Wolverine 3'
Remember that time that Patrick Stewart said he and Ian McKellen would not appear in X-Men: Apocalypse?
Well he was half wrong. Ian McKellen will have a role as Magneto in Apocalypse while Patrick Stewart is in talks to appear in the third Wolverine film.
Revealed Stewart in a new interview, "It seems to be very unlikely that I will be in the next X-Men movie, which is almost getting ready to start shooting in Montreal. But Magneto, Ian McKellen, is certainly going to be in it."
He continued, "What I'm very excited about is that we have been talking about a Wolverine movie, which would team Hugh Jackman and myself together. Wolverine and Professor Xavier."
"That would be a very different sort of X-Men from the four movies that I've already done."
NEXT: Young Storm, Cyclops and Jean Grey Cast in Apocalypse


text:
Setting aside for a moment, the illiterate title of a website dedicated to reading and writing (is it a horror of messy hair extensions that I've subscribed to?), I'd like to consider the merits of the 'social cataloguing' site Goodreads. Friends kept on mentioning it, so I thought that I'd give it a look. I allowed Goodreads to import my Twitter account followers and within three days I had almost 200 friends on the site. I suppose this illustrates that the more you work on your 'internet presence', the more the interconnectivity of the web kicks in. Does all of this serve any purpose, though?
I'm also an author-member of Library Thing. I have to confess that I've hardly looked at this site and have found it intrinsically uninteresting. Whether this is due to my not having explored its possibilities or its innately boring nature, it's difficult for me to say. If Goodreads enables the individual to connect with like-minded readers and writers, that has to be a good thing, I think. I've linked up with fellow admirers of Georges Perec's Life a User's Manual, for example, so maybe this will lead me to other authors that I'll like, of whom I'm currently unaware. We shall see. And it's interesting to discover the books that other people are reading and what they have to say about them. I've detected the rot of self-promotion seeping in, though, with one writer/reader listing his own work as his favourite. Hmm…
All social media have their limitations. They're about the people that you meet and how able you are to interact with them, given the obstacles that each of the sites inherently places in your path. I enjoy blogging and reading the posts that my friends write (please take note, WordPress!). Once you reach a certain number of followers/blogs followed, though, it becomes increasingly difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff. Twitter's USP of limiting communication to 140-word characters ultimately undermines the ability to connect. And that's to say nothing of the constant stream of self-promotion that makes it all but impossible to pick out anything of interest. It's the same needle in a haystack that blights your blog feed. I find Facebook pretty boring in the main with the same quizzes and YouTube clips endlessly recurring. And I just can't get interested in Pinterest or Instagram.
I've actually discovered an interesting new social medium. It has connectivity pretty much the world over. There are no advertisements or outages. It's called RealLife. You go to a café or bar and talk to people. If you don't like what you find in your news feed or comment box, you walk to another café or bar and talk to someone else. Then when you've had enough, you catch the bus home.
The fact that Goodreads is now owned by Amazon strikes me as worrying. That one, hyper-capitalist corporation should have so much control over a vital cultural activity is a disturbing development. Democracy and government, communities and national boundaries are becoming increasingly irrelevant in the corporate age. Kautsky got this aspect of society right, it would seem.
Any thoughts?
All text and images © PSR 2014


text:
Patient Forms & Information
We have provided copies of our standard forms below. If you wish to save time, please download and complete the forms at your convenience and bring them with you to your appointment. Feel free to leave any sections blank and we will help you fill them out when you arrive.
New Patients
Patients Over 40
Recall Patients


text:
Relationship Therapy Center provides marital counseling and therapy services in and around the Twin Cities for those seeking marriage counseling. Specialties include Couples Therapy & Relationship Problems, Marriage Counseling, Infidelity, Affairs, Betrayals, EMDR, Anxiety Disorders, Depression Help, Co-Parenting, and related services.
Proudly serving the Twin Cities & Minnesota, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, as well as Saint Louis Park, Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Chaska, Plymouth, Bloomington, Golden Valley, and Eden Prairie, MN.


text: Who doesn't knows about Line I Love Coffee. Released by Line Corporation this game is really terrific. The graphics and gameplay really fulfill one another. To whom who want to play this game. They're also able to use our Line I Love Coffee hack to acquire free Cash and Gold for their accounts. Don't worry as our hack tool does not have any survey and human verification. Besides that, your account would also be safe from any jailbreaks.simulation


text:
Hi, I'm Christine, the Curator of Natural History at Portsmouth Museum.
My first project is to deliver a two-year HLF funded project called 'Wild About Portsmouth'. The aim of this project is increase the profile of the Natural History collections. Many specimens are on display at Cumberland House at Southsea, but even more are held in store at Hilsea and Portsmouth Museum.
I'm hoping to involve lots of people in this project - families with young children, students, artists, retired people, and specialists - anyone with an interest or would like to gain an interest in Natural History.
Activities might include workshops, special events, talks, becoming a volunteer and working with the collections - lots of ways to get involved.
At the moment very little is known about the Natural History collections. There are about 114,000 natural history specimens - insects, plants, taxidermy, shells and fossils. Over the next two years, I am hoping to discover some of the stories behind these collections.


text:
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I Know, I Haven't Posted Much Lately, And I Promise I'll Be Back, But Here's Something Silly For You In The Meantime
Too cute.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Upcoming Michigan Children's Book Author & Illustrator Events
- Illustrator and author (and former Michigander) Matt Faulkner (now of San Francisco) will be at the Orion Township Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2:00 to talk with kids about writing, illustrating, and publishing books. He'll be available to sign books after the talk. Details here.
- Michigan Notable Book awardee Jean Alicia Elster will be presenting a workshop at the Macomb Book Fair and Writers' Conference (Mount Clemens Public Library) on writing a children's book series. She'll also be signing copies of Who's Jim Hines?. Book Fair Registration info can be found here.
- Laurie Keller will be at Barnes and Noble at the Rivertown Mall in Grandville on February 21st.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Fishy Round-Up
Amanda Snow has a great blog called A Patchwork of Books. I love her tagline -- "Children's librarian by day, book reviewer by night!" Despite a great deal of hardship this past year, she has consistently posted regular, thorough, and thoughtful reviews of children's books. You can head over and read her review of The Pout-Pout Fish, or better yet, just head over and read her whole blog, then add it to your blog roll.
Brenda Ferber, author of Jemma Hartman: Camper Extraordinaire and Julia's Kitchen, does a column for The Prairie Wind, the newsletter of the SCBWI-Illinois chapter. She did a nice "book look" feature about The Pout-Pout Fish. Currently, you'll find the piece at the top of this page (as more book-looks are added, you may need to scroll down to find the Pout-Pout entry). You should take a look at all the book-looks, as they're well-written and informative. Brenda's site is here and her blog is here, so be sure to visit.
If you don't mind opening up a PDF file, and scrolling down to page 3, there's a brief review of The Pout-Pout Fish in the Fall 2008 Horn Book Guide. Reviewer Nell Beram is my new best friend for terming the story's rhymes "faultless."
But, in case you think I only link to the good reviews (well, for the most part, I'm guilty as charged; but hey, it's my blog), here's a review by someone who liked, but didn't love, The Pout-Pout Fish. (For the record, I am 100% AOK with that. Books are very personal. What appeals to one person doesn't necessarily resonate with someone else. What matters is not that any one particular book is read. It's just the reading that matters.) Anyway, the blog, Nomadreader, is new to me, but appears to be chock-full of reviews, so head on over and nose around. Lots of good stuff. The review itself is also posted on Amazon, where there are currently 18 available Pout-Pout reviews. While I might quibble just a little bit with this one (which is not to say the review is wrong, just that I have a different philosophy about young kids and vocabulary, especially in read-alouds), I am always thrilled to have honest reviews of The Pout-Pout Fish, and I sincerely thank and appreciate all eighteen of the reviewers! [By the way, if these links to the Amazon reviews don't work, please let me know.]
And one more thing as I catch up on Pout-Pout links: Jay Jackson at the School of Information at the University of Michigan was kind enough to do a nice news piece on yours truly. Click here to read it.
I think that brings us up to date on fishy links!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Reading Out Loud, for Cryin' Out Loud!
I don't know what the answer is, but it's simply not acceptable that more than half of children under 6 in the US aren't being read to every day.
It's astonishing to me that reading aloud isn't a given. Or, as she puts it, that "13 million children under 6 years old [go] to bed every night without a bedtime story." Set aside the fact that reading to a child is the "right" thing to do (for the child's emotional and educational development), it's also an easy way to parent when all else fails -- personally, it's my fallback technique of choice! Kids misbehaving? Read. Kids fighting? Read. Kids whiny and tired? Read. When in doubt? Read. And it soothes the reader as much as the readee.
I, too, would like to see modeling of reading aloud behavior by prominent public figures. Perhaps every elected official (from President on down), and every celebrity of any sort, could commit to doing one read-aloud story time at his or her local library in the course of the next year.
Wouldn't that be spectacular?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Michigander Monday: Laurie Keller
Debbie: Tell us a little about yourself.
Laurie: I'm originally from Michigan. I always loved art and went to Kendall College of Art and Design and majored in Illustration. I got a job as an illustrator at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO. I worked there for 7 1/2 years then quit to move to NYC to become freelance artist. The week after I quit my job I got a call from Henry Holt and Company that they wanted to publish my first story, The Scrambled States of America. I've worked with them ever since. I loved living in NYC but moved back to Michigan several years ago. I live in a teeny cottage in the woods along Lake Michigan.
Debbie: And, of course, we want to know all about your latest book!
Laurie: My latest book is a sequel to The Scrambled States of America and it's called, The Scrambled States of America Talent Show. This time the states are getting together again for a big talent show. But Georgia learns she's suffering from stage fright and learns to deal with it in an unexpected way.
Debbie: Other books, and and projects on the horizon?
Laurie: I illustrated a book called Me and My Animal Friends (Fall 2009, Henry Holt). It's a song actually by Ralph Covert of Ralph's World. My editor's kids loved his music and she got hooked on it, too, so she contacted him and signed him up for a 4-book contract to turn some of his songs into books. I illustrated the 2nd one in the series. I'm just starting my next book that I'm writing/illustrating. I don't know what it's going to be called yet but it's about the importance and power of smiling.
Debbie: Upcoming appearances?
Laurie: I'll be at Barnes and Noble at the Rivertown Mall in Grandville on February 21st.
Debbie: Your favorite places in Michigan?
Laurie: I love the culture and diversity of Ann Arbor. I love driving north along the coast of Lake Michigan. Just east is Torch Lake which is gorgeous! I haven't spent much time in the Upper Peninsula but very eager to go to Pictured Rocks.
Debbie: Favorite Michigan event or happening?
Laurie: I attended the Rothbury Music Festival last summer and that was a whole lot of fun. I enjoy the East Lansing Children's Film Festival and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Debbie: A few fun Michigan people we should all know about?
Laurie: Amy Young, Margaret Willey, Sue Stauffacher, Christine MacLean and Lori McElrath-Eslick are all incredibly talented children's book writers and/or illustrators who live here in West Michigan. Dave Coverly is a nationally-known, syndicated cartoonist who lives in Ann Arbor.
Debbie: Something you'd like a non-Michigander to know about our state?
Laurie: How a half-hour walk along Lake Michigan can leave you feeling like you just had a vacation in some exotic location.
Debbie: Some residents of Michigan refer to themselves as Michiganders; others Michiganians. For our ongoing vote tally: Are you a "Michigander" or a "Michiganian"?
Laurie: I used to say Michiganian but now I say Michigander. I guess I just cancelled them both out. I'll commit...Michigander.
Debbie: Laurie, it's been a pleasure! Thank you for joining us today.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Two Random But Related Observations (And Sub-Observations) Which May Or May Not Be The Result of Cabin Fever
(1.a. And this is in addition to those in the vacuum bag.)
2. The sound of a bin of Legos being sorted through by two to four small hands (for the one necessary and important Lego part that lurks deep in the bottom of the bin) is a unique, enduring sound that one might call "annoying" or "grating" after about an hour.
(2.a. After ten years, the terminology for the sound description is slightly altered.)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Truly AWFUL News
I'm hoping this is just a rumor, unsubstantiated by fact (though a little googling took me to a mention over on Fuse #8 of this same news). Insert wailing and keening here. How could this be allowed to happen?
I absolutely adore Blueberries for Sal. I enjoyed it so much as a child that I conflated the story with my own childhood, and spent many, many years thinking that my mother and I had once encountered a baby bear and his mama while we were out picking blueberries. And didn't our kitchen, where we canned all those beautiful blueberries after we were reunited on the hillside, look just like Sal's? I'm quite sure it must have.
Maybe someday I can Twitter the story to my grandchildren, one sentence at a time. Sigh. The world's gone all wibbly-wobbly on me.
But in other news... I have some nice Pout links to post, which I will do tomorrow or Friday (after I've recovered from the blueberry shock). In the meantime:
Necessity, Invention, and the Lure of Sensory Deprivation Chambers
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Poetry Tuesday -- For Isn't Today A Sort of Poem?
In the presence of the event,
we are small,
and humbled;
we are tall;
and larger than life.
We are fear;
and we are trembling;
and we are hope stripped of restraint.
Somber and joyous
in one sweeping breath of nation –
close-up, and a thousand miles beyond –
we are the grandeur of ceremony
and the deep dignity
of the uncredentialed, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd.
We stand,
each of us together
and are sworn in
yet again
and at last.
Note: I heard the phrase "In the presence of the event" this morning on NPR by someone covering the inaugural crowd. I'll track down who said it and give credit where credit is due when I have a chance.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Michigander Monday: Sarah Miller
Miss Spitfire tells the story of Helen Keller from Annie Sullivan's
point of view.
Annie Sullivan was little more than a half-blind orphan with a fiery tongue when she arrived at Ivy Green in 1887. Desperate for work, she'd taken on a seemingly impossible job -- teaching a child who was deaf, blind, and as ferocious as any wild animal. But Helen Keller needed more than a teacher. She needed someone daring enough to work a miracle. And if anyone was a match for Helen, it was the girl they used to call Miss Spitfire.
For Annie, reaching Helen's mind meant losing teeth as raging fists flew. It meant standing up when everyone else had given up. It meant shedding tears at the frustrations and at the triumphs. By telling this inspiring story from Annie Sullivan's point of view, Sarah Miller's debut novel brings an amazing figure to sharp new life. Annie's past, her brazen determination, and her connection to the girl who would call her Teacher have never been clearer.
Debbie: I'd like to point out to folks to the great reviews and honors the book has received, some of which can be found here. So, other books and projects on the horizon?
Sarah: I have a novel about the last imperial family of Russia (Tsar Nicholas II, Anastasia, Rasputin, etc.) scheduled for release in 2011. It doesn't have an official title yet, but I'm calling it OTMA: Daughters of the Tsar for the time being. After that, all I have to say is "circus."
Debbie: Your favorite place in Michigan?
Debbie: Favorite Michigan event or happening?
Debbie: A few fun Michigan people we should all know about?
Debbie: Something you'd like a non-Michigander to know about our state?
Debbie: Very true! (How many of us could look at this map ((or this one)) and confidently point to Nebraska?) Some residents of Michigan refer to themselves as Michiganders; others Michiganians. For our ongoing vote tally: Are you a "Michigander" or a "Michiganian"?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Vision of Revision (aka "Photographic Evidence of Debbie's Unhealthy Relationship With Her Printer")
I then work with pen or pencil to add to it, type up what I have, reprint, read what I have out loud over and over, write more, type it up, print, read aloud, change words, change stanzas, scribble, mutter, then type up again, print again, write and mutter again, type and print again, lather, rinse, repeat, over and over, twenty or forty or eighty (billion) times.
Here's a general idea of what collects along the way. Each of the stapled sets here is a four or five page draft of my current work in progress. (Not pictured are about half of the drafts, as they're scattered in miscellaneous places around the house. Also not pictured are the marked up drafts from my critique group, from two different critiquing sessions.)
Bear in mind that the complete story consists of a total of 424 words. I've probably gone through half a ream of paper already, and it's not done yet.
I'm thinking a large donation to the Arbor Day Foundation might be in order...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Happily Ever After, Please (At Least 80% of the time)
I'm of two minds on this topic. (UPDATE: Before I go any further, I should clarify that what I'm about to say here applies to me/my children only. It's a "here's where I stand personally" statement -- not a "here's where everyone should stand" declaration. In fact, I'm quite happy that mine is probably the minority view on all this. And another clarification is that what I say applies to what I choose to read to them, not what they choose to read to themselves. They're much more adventurous than I am, which I applaud. Anyway. Back to my two minds...)
Mind One, which is about 80% of my opinion, thinks that it's AOK – and probably in fact a good thing -- for parental discretion to err on the side of caution, and for parents to avoid reading/sharing stories (be they traditional or contemporary) that have a dark undercurrent, or a potentially upsetting plot, or irredeemable characters. I happen to be a card-carrying member of the Happy Ending Club, so what I share with my kids reflects that. I feel uncomfortable reading aloud or offering up books to young children in which people die or are in great peril or are eaten or almost eaten or are tricked by grown-ups or are abandoned by parents. And I have been known to elide over sections of text that I think aren't going to go over well with my kids for whatever reason.
I also bring to my Mind One thinking the fact that unfortunately, not all kids grow up in great situations. These kids, especially, deserve stories that reinforce the idea that good things can and should happen, and stories that give them a place to go that welcomes them.
But a corollary of this is what brings me around to Mind Two, a small but important part of my thinking on the matter.
Mind Two is where I consider the socio-cultural implications of a large mass of loving-caring parents reading only loving-caring stories to their well-loved, well-cared-for, well-off children. That scenario is lovely, indeed, but for one thing: the potential for those well-loved, well-protected children to conclude that life is always fair and that anything short of a happy ending is an unacceptable failure. Grown-ups who hang onto this sort of thinking tend to make themselves miserable (by blaming themselves for not measuring up) or make others miserable (by blaming them for not providing them with the happy-ending life they're "entitled" to.) Certainly, this sort of mindset stems from more than just the books that a child hears and reads, but it's also true that stories feed into that.
For kids who have a happy childhood, it truly is important to introduce at least a little understanding that life doesn't always go smoothly. Not only does this help kids cope later with some of their own bumps-in-the-road, it also helps develop empathy for others. Literature is a "safe" way to introduce some of these concepts. Perhaps this is why fairy tales which include unsettling elements have been so enduring.
Which is why maybe, just maybe, those of us who are strongly inclined to avoid them entirely might want to at least occasionally reconsider that.
As a child, I read the story of the little match girl. All through the story, in the back of my mind, I was waiting for the happy ending plot turn or the new character who would rescue the little girl from the wretched cold. But that's not how the story ends. The little match girl lights her last match and then dies in the cold. I cried when I got to the ending, and the story has always haunted me.
But for what the story taught me of compassion, I have never once regretted it.
UPDATE: Here's Boni's post (which, despite what she says, is not bombastic!). I have to say, I agree with most of what she says, even if we sorta disagree (but also sorta agree, if that makes sense). EJ at Mi Mi Mi Mi also has a great post. And the Read Roger post and comments are here.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Must See
Fear of Fairy Tales?
I'm going to hold off a bit on posting my own thoughts (as I wait for them to fully coalesce); but it's an interesting topic to mull over. So I thought I'd toss it out for your consideration.
If I can catch a bit of free time tomorrow evening, I'll write up some of my own opinions on the matter. In the meantime, Boni has given us a great topic to think about. Thanks, Boni!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Michigander Monday: Cyd Moore
Debbie: Tell us a little about yourself.
Cyd: I grew up on a peanut farm in south Georgia 7 miles from the nearest town. The world was simple and laid back. My brothers and I built a lot of forts and tree houses in the woods around our house and we played in the creek during hot summer days. We only had 2 TV stations and my high school graduation class had only 18 students! I went to the University of Georgia, moved all around the south, including Birmingham, AL and then moved to Birmingham, MI. I've been here for 18 years. I've been a graphic designer, a web designer, a writer, a painter, and most of all a children's book illustrator. When I'm not making art, I'm usually doing yoga, reading, walking the dog, gardening or cooking. My 2 boys are grown and now I live in Sylvan Lake, MI with my favorite man, 3 cats and 1 dog.
Cyd: Several new books came out this past year:
- Your Kind of Mommy is for very young kids. It has a dog and puppy, a baby whale and a mommy whale, a baby kangaroo and a mommy kangaroo. It's very sweet, "If I could be an octopus, I'd wrap eight arms around you. But I'm not that kind of mommy, so my hugs will always do."
- Granny's Dragon was really a blast. The little red haired girl visits her Granny. Granny has a wonderful dragon with swirly green eyes and special power to banish all of the scary monsters back to their monster worlds forever. A nice bedtime story for sleep overs at grandma's house!
- Willow was released by a publisher here in Michigan, Sleeping Bear Press. The authors are sisters, Denise Brennan Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan, and they live in Michigan also. I love this book because the main character is a creative little free spirit who loves to paint and draw WAY outside the lines! Willow's generosity, kindness, and joyful creativity warm the heart of her most rigid art teacher. The story encourages kids and adults to live with a little more endless possibility in life! It's a good one.
Debbie: Other books, and and projects on the horizon?
Cyd: I'm working on illustrations for a book about Arbor Day for Peachtree Publishing, to be released in 2010 and 2 Stinky Face early readers, based on the extremely popular series, I Love You Stinky Face published by Scholastic. These will be published in 2010 also. In between, I'm writing new stories and making dummy books, and painting a lot. Soon, I'll have prints and original art available on my website: http://www.cydmoore.com/.
Debbie: Upcoming appearances?
Cyd: I'm headed to Florida for school visits in January. I'll be at the Michigan Reading Association in March, and I'm booked for quite a few school appearances around the midwest in the spring. Making presentations at schools is one of the perks of my job! It's such a kick to meet all of the kids and teachers. We talk about making books, and finding stories in every day life. I tell them wild stories of my own childhood (which almost always involve alligators, goats, & armadillos!) I draw pictures and sign books and we all have a great time. The goal is to inspire kids to walk away from the tv's and video games for a little while each day to have adventures in the real world!
Debbie: Your favorite place in Michigan?
Cyd: I traveled to Marquette last year for an Author Festival and was so happy that I was asked to come. I probably would have never taken the time to explore there. What a beautiful part of the world! Locally? I'm a gardening addict, so I love Goldner Walsh Nursery and Detroit Garden Works. I've also walked thousands of miles around Cranbrook over the years—so beautiful. I also enjoy the Oakland Co. Farmers Market in Waterford, MI. The produce is the freshest and healthiest you can get, it's the best price you can get, and you're helping our local community by buying from local growers instead of those in California or even South America. The apples right now are scrumptious!
Debbie: Favorite Michigan event or happening?
Cyd: I love when the lake freezes and everyone comes out to skate, ride snow mobiles, and even ski behind four wheelers. For a while, life seems suspended for nothing but fun. The lake is dotted with smooth patches shoveled off for hockey games with friends. People ice fish and dogs slip and slide across the surface, so happy to be free of leashes. During a rare winter sunset, walking across that quiet wide open snowy space is absolute magic.
Debbie: A few fun Michigan people we should all know about?
Cyd: If anyone is interested in martial arts, t'ai chi, and meditation, I highly recommend the School of Martial Arts in Berkley, MI. People travel from far away to study martial arts with Sifu Robert Brown. He's is one of the best teachers in the country. It's a jewel right here in our neighborhood. They have the most amazing program for getting your body and your head and spirit in shape! They also have an energetic kid's program that develops self discipline and leadership skills. (http://www.zenmartialarts.com/)
Debbie: Something you'd like a non-Michigander to know about our state?
Cyd: I didn't know what to expect about Michigan, since I had never visited before I moved here. Maybe I thought of corn fields and flat plains like some other parts of the midwest. I certainly didn't expect the lush green watery world that it is. An outsider doesn't comprehend exactly how "great" the Great Lakes are. My southern friend came up to Harbor Springs with me, and was overwhelmed. It truly is spectacular. The ocean appeals to me more than anything, but Lake Michigan and Lake Superior feel as vast as the Atlantic sometimes. Summers are glorious. You can find beaches that are practically deserted—way better than Florida in the summer and there are no shark attacks! Going across Lake Michigan on a ferry is really fun. In winter, there's also so much to do. Ski clubs are fun for kids, cross country skiing, snow mobile trails. I even saw a kid ice surfing last year. People sometimes ask if I miss living in the South. I really don't. I like that you can be outside in every season. I like that you only have to water your pots of flowers a couple of times a week, instead of a couple of times a day in the summer. In Georgia, you have to be up for your morning jog at 5 am, just to avoid having a heat stroke!
Debbie: Some residents of Michigan refer to themselves as Michiganders; others Michiganians. For our ongoing vote tally: Are you a "Michigander" or a "Michiganian"?
Cyd: I suppose I could be a Michigander, but I've never used that term for myself. My accent is still pretty strong, so most people never guess I've been here for 18 years. In my heart, I guess I'll always feel like a southern belle.
Debbie: Cyd, thanks for joining us today! And any of you reading who might want to hear an interview with Cyd (southern accent included!), head over to http://www.justonemorebook.com/?s=%22Cyd%20Moore%22
Friday, January 9, 2009
Poetry Friday: TCPOCS pp. 3-13
This week, I read aloud over the course of several evenings pages 3-13 of The Complete Poems. Here are some random observations:
- The poem "Chicago" is so well known that its familiarity takes away some of its strength and sharpness. I couldn't read the poem without sensing the range of its renown. I would like the poem better if I didn't know it so well already.
- In "Sketch," I particularly like the phrase, "an arm of sand in the span of salt." This is what I love about Carl Sandburg's writing: the way the words feel so full and right as they are said aloud.
- In "The Harbor": "I came sudden, at the city's edge, on a blue burst of lake..." Again, so lovely to say, to think of.
- In "Passers-By": "Lips written over with strivings" -- what a remarkable piece of description. I stopped on that one. And, "Records of great wishes slept with,/Held long/And prayed and toiled for."
- And how about this set of lines, in "The Walking Man of Rodin": "Legs hold a torso away from the earth./And a regular high poem of legs is here." I'm not sure what "a regular high poem of legs" is, and yet I think I know without knowing, at least perhaps.
- And how about the fish crier "with a voice like a north wind blowing over corn stubble in January" in "Fish Crier"?
- In "Picnic Boat" we have a night "dark as a stack of black cats." A stack of black cats! And then later in the poem, "the hoarse crunch of waves." The words and images bring the poem alive.
- I was fully prepared not to like the poem "The Right to Grief." The Chicago Poems, taken too quickly in one reading, become Too Much. Too harsh and raw, too much of a time one hopes has passed, but one fears hasn't really. In this poem, I wanted to keep my arm's distance from the grief of a family over a lost child. But read this, and tell me, can you walk from it?: "I have a right to feel my throat choke about this./You take your grief and I mine -- see?/Tomorrow there is no funeral and the hunky goes back to his job sweeping blood off the floor at a dollar seventy cents a day./All he does all day long is keep on shoving hog blood ahead of him with a broom." (That's probably a longer quote than is allowed by fair use, but it's worth reading I think.)
A Heads Up for Jazz Lovers in the Detroit Area
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Blog Post Shortage
While I'm logged on, though, one nice thing to note: This evening, my husband, sons, and I went out cross-country skiing in the falling snow. Twas very nice. Times like that, I actually like winter.
(But only while skiing!)
Monday, January 5, 2009
Michigander Monday: Lisa Wheeler
Lisa: I grew up near Pittsburgh, PA but have been in Michigan since I was almost 16. Though I have written all my life, I didn't attempt publication until the age of 32. It took nearly 4 years and about 225 rejections before I sold my first book.
Lisa: My newest book is called Boogie Knights. It is illustrated by the wonderful Mark Siegel, (who is a genius I think), and published by the inimitable Richard Jackson at Atheneum. It is the last book I that I will be doing with Richard Jackson as he has semi-retired. He is such a terrific editor and this last book is bitter-sweet.
Boogie Knights is a picture book about a party taking place in a spooky castle at midnight. All the local monsters sneak in to attend the Madcap Monster Ball, awakening the 'guards'. The guards happen to be seven Knight brothers (suits of armor) asleep in the upstairs hall. One-by-one each brother wakes and ends up joining the party. I've included two of the things my books are best known for…puns and a musical element.
Mark's art is terrifically unique and has garnered the book 3 starred reviews. The book has also been optioned by Dreamworks. Very exciting!
Debbie: Other books, and projects on the horizon?
Lisa: In Fall of 2009 I will have Dino Soccer in book stores. It is the much awaited sequel to Dino Hockey. I get letters every week from parents and teachers asking if there will be a Dino Soccer and when it is coming out. Lerner has asked me for more Dino Sports and I just finished a revision of Dino Baseball.
Debbie: Upcoming appearances?
Debbie: Your favorite places in Michigan?
Lisa: Since I travel so much, my favorite place is home. My husband and I have a weekly ritual. We walk over to George's, our favorite little diner in Trenton, every Friday for fish. When I am traveling, I have to miss many Friday dinner nights. So when I get back home, I look forward to sitting in a booth, being waited on by our favorite waitress, Beth, and having rice pudding for dessert. That really feels like home to me.
I also love Big Manistique Lake in the upper peninsula. My mother-in-law has a house on the lake and my husband's family all live in walking distance from each other up there. He has a great family so I enjoy visiting.
I can never forget to mention that I love crossing the Mackinaw Bridge heading north. Every time I do, I imagine those giant glaciers carving out the Great Lakes and the land. It gives me goosebumps.
Debbie: Favorite Michigan event or happening?
Debbie: A few fun Michigan people we should all know about?
Lisa: It's very nerdy, but did you know Michigan once had a large mastodon population? Mastodon bones have been found in many places around the state. You can visit Cranbrook Museum to see the bones and find out more.
Debbie: Some residents of Michigan refer to themselves as Michiganders; others Michiganians. For our ongoing vote tally: Are you a "Michigander" or a "Michiganian"?
Lisa: Michigander, of course! I have a collection of Mother Goose books and I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't get a goose pun in this questionnaire.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Rev Up Your Writing With Shutta
Details here: http://shutta.com/2008/12/rev-up-your-writing-mojo-with-publishing-101/
Pre-registration is required, so don't delay!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Poetry Friday: My Year With Carl Sandburg
For Christmas, I was quite pleased to receive a copy of The Complete Poems of Carl Sandburg. The collection is 700+ pages in length, so my plan is to savor my way through it this year, reading (aloud) a couple of poems a day. Then, most Fridays, I'll write at least a little bit about what I read.
(Or at least, that's the plan. We'll see how it goes!)


text:
Due Date March 20. Pisces Aries cusp. Hooray!
the doctor says everything looks good.
fast little heartbeat.
just the right size.
really excited father.
rather ill mother.
All is as it should be.
And this is the real reason for my retirement from sewing as a side business. I have to get sewing for this little peanut. And getting the nursery ready. As soon as someone can get the ginger ale bottle out of my hand…