text:
On Reliquarium: Part Three | Making the Beautiful Strange
by Kemper Crabb
My father asked me to make an album of hymns. He wanted me to do this as a benefit for his missionary ministry, Servants of the King. While I was thrilled to do an album to benefit SOTK, I was reluctant to do an album of hymns.
"Dad," I told him, "the world needs another hymns record like it needs a hole in the head. There are tons of great hymns albums available out there." (Not least of which in this category is the finest hymns album of all, Hymns,
by Craig Smith, produced and arranged by my friend Paul Mills, which can be procured at http://www.craigsmithmusic.co/hymns. No funds were given for this endorsement, by the bye; it's just a great recording…). My father, unimpressed by my patently true argument, still wanted me to make an hymn project.
After some thought (I love my father, and hate to disappoint him), I told him that I would do so, if I could arrange the hymns any way I wanted to, though I assured him that I wouldn't alter the lyrics or melodies, which I recognize as having stood the test of time, recognized across the centuries and decades as excellent, memorable, and orthodox in doctrine (at least, the ones still regularly used in the churches today), and therefore, in terms of lyrics and melody, sacrosanct. He replied that he didn't care how I arranged them, he just wanted me to do it. So I did.
What partially motivated me in this endeavor was the fact that the transmission of ideas which give rise to cultures across time is a formative bridge, moving from the past through the present to the future, carrying forward the most central and magnificent concepts and artifacts embodying those cultures. This concept should be welcome and familiar to Christians, whose faith is based upon the historical actions of God Himself, enscripturated in the Bible by the Spirit's inspiration, the testimony to which has been believed and taught by the church from centuries past (2 Tim. 3: 16-17; 2 Peter 1: 21).
Yet even the greatest of ideas loses its urgency eventually. The most influential and beautiful art gradually passes into obscurity through sheer familiarity. The passage of time assures that even the most vital things are finally taken for granted, even though the influences which shape a culture over time, whether idea or artifact, are based upon those which preceded them in a society's formation. Every generation must learn its past anew.
This is why Christians have attempted across the ages to heed the admonition of St. Paul to Timothy: " Stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle" (2 Tim. 2: 15). In an attempt to faithfully obey that principle, my mission is the retrieval of the most vital music of our past, a revisitation and re-rendering of musical pieces from the formative core of Western culture, the songs which helped form us as a people, and yet have disappeared from conscious memory, though they have influenced the music and history which have produced our place in time.
Since most of these songs were dominated by the language, belief, and worship-patterns of Christianity, such a recovery can only help our increasingly post-Christian society to remember (or realize for the first time) that Christianity was the dominant force which produced, in its interaction with, and reorientation of Europe's inherited Classical heritage and Germanic cultures, the laws, institutions, societal concepts, and art of the Western world.
However, a brute retrieval of these songs is not enough. As Geoffrey of Vinsauf wrote in Poetria Nova, his 13th Century book on the art of rhetoric:
"Permit an old word to regain its youth by giving it a home
in another situation where it can be a novel guest, giving
pleasure by its strangeness."
Those vital things of the faith which have been allowed to sink into obscurity must be resurrected, though in a fashion which renders them accessible and attractive to an age which has forgotten them and the concepts they embody.
This is why the ancient music must be presented as a fusion of its original form with the musical styles of the present, especially since the original form helped give birth to the music we enjoy today. Such a fusion compels attention by an amalgamation of the musical approaches which please modern sensibilities while simultaneously revealing the beauty of the ancient source with all its essential quiddity preserved. Such a juxtaposition renders the original beauty of the piece "strange," a combination which refocuses contemporary attention (by virtue of interest in its unusual or "strange" rendering), but which still communicates the power and force of the original music.
This technique (normally called "defamiliarization" by literary theorists) has been successfully utilized by writers such as C. S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and G.K. Chesterton, architects such as Antonio Gaudi, and painters such as Hieronymous Bosch and Vincent Van Gogh. Lewis, Tolkien, Chesterton, and Gaudi were all utilizing this technique specifically to refamiliarize and re-present Christian concepts and forms to modern society.
Such a presentation can be greatly enhanced by accompanying commentary concerning the inherently Christian cultural and historical background which gave rise to the original songs and infused them with lasting, even eternal importance.
What is to be gained from such an endeavor? Aside from the nascent beauty of the ancient music, it must be remembered that the beliefs embedded in these songs helped shape the culture we inhabit, with our values and concepts, both musical and otherwise, especially since many of these songs continue to be utilized in churches across America and Europe to this day. A conscious retrieval of all that this music represents and has to offer can enable us to more intelligently discern how our culture has come to the point at which it has arrived, and to inform us as to where it is (and should) be going. As the maxim so wisely states, "A tree is only as strong as its roots." We cannot know where we're going unless we know where we've been as a people, and, in a culture which has become estranged from and forgotten the Faith which gave birth to it, the recovery of Christianity is imperative.
The reintroduction of these songs, surrounded by commentary on their historical origins and cultural meaning, can go a long way toward arousing interest in Christianity by way of enlightened self-interest, as there is presently a great curiosity in America as to what formed us as a people and culture. The beauty of the songs, coupled with teaching explaining how they helped form the development of our values and beliefs, should function as an apologetic refuting current post-Christian doubts that Christianity is effective in the production of works of lasting beauty, as well as demonstrating that the Christian ideas transmitted in the ancient music were not only central in the formation of the Western culture of the past, but that those ideas remain relevant and vital to future cultural development.
My goal is thus to give "pleasure by strangeness," to arrest the attention of our culture by the mixed beauty of this music, and thereby help us see where we've been, and aid us in calculating where we are going.
This is even more important as current technology rapidly advances a truly global culture, and the West, in its cultural melding and exchange with the global South and East, seeks to offer and receive the most helpful elements inherent in each of the participant societies, to the betterment of all the Earth's peoples. This continues apace as an historical fulfillment of the Scriptures' prophecies that God will redeem "out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9), "a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues" (Rev. 7:9), who will contribute their languages, cultures, and art to Christ's Kingdom.
In celebration of this ongoing exchange, I have sought to utilize the instruments and modes of the cultures of both East and West, signifying the growing influence of all the Earth's cultures upon each other, and in anticipation of Christ's impact upon all the earth's cultures. My latest project, Reliquarium, is a prime example of my efforts along these lines.


text:
This entry was posted on Saturday, May 28th, 2011 at 9:45 am and is filed under Beatle Photos. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One Response to "WINGS REHEARSAL:"
What a very cool photo this is!!!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We Book Travel LLC
We Book Travel is a full service, locally owned Travel Agency in Virginia. We love travel and look forward to the opportunity to earn your trust and help you plan the vacation of a lifetime to New Zealand!
We Book Travel is a full service independently owned travel agency located in Virginia.
So why should you choose me?
They say the most important ability is availability. The number listed is my cell. I will answer unless I am sleeping, eating or on the phone.
I strive to become in expert in all my specialties. I personally travel to as many destinations, resorts and cruise ships as I can.
Travel isn't just a job, its my life! It is a passion.
Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business and letting me to earn your trust!
Physical address
We Book Travel LLC, 4215 Saunders Tavern Trl Unit A, Richmond, VA, United States.


text:
2018 Event Highlights
Join us
November 9-11 in the Santa Cruz Mountains! This will be a great time together. For more information, follow this link.
July 18-22 at Mount Lassen. A few more spots are still available. RSVP by clicking the image above and registering…
International Student Chinese Lunar New Years Party
Chinese Lunar New Years is the biggest holiday in Chinese Culture, and being away from home during this festival can be very difficult, especially for international students. So this year Eucharist Church hosted a Chinese New Years party at the Wu Family's home. There was over 30 people in attendance, tons of special festive food and snacks, and several hundred traditional Chinese dumplings were made and wrapped from scratch. It was a blessing to be able to show the love of Christ through hospitality during this special time of year for these students.
Ash Wednesday
A special service launching the season of Lent in which we are reminded of our mortality and our total dependence on Christ. Wednesday, February 14, 7:00pm. Feel free to come early (6:30) for priestly confession or silent contemplation. Childcare provided.
2017 Event Highlights
St. Nicholas Party | Charity Event
Friday, December 8, 2017 | 7:00pm
International Student Welcome Dinner
Eucharist partnered with Bridges International to welcome new international students to America from Academy of Arts University with a night of food and games.
International Student Thanksgiving
Eucharist participated in the International Student Thanksgiving Exchange Program. In partnership with Bridges International, we paired international students with local Christian families so that they could experience this American Holiday.
Eucharist & Friends Fall Retreat
On November 10-12, 2017 (Friday evening through Sunday lunch) our church broke away from the city for a refreshing time of great fellowship, worship, teaching, hiking, games, and time for relaxation together. The focus of the retreat was "Healed Unto Communion: Bringing our messiness to Christ." More information…
International Student Outreach: Home-Cooked American Meal
On October 28th we hosted an International Student Outreach at the Wu Family's house. It included a good ol' home-cooked American dinner for our international student guests, many of which had never had a home-cooked American meal. If you are interested in getting involved with International Student Outreach, or would like to open your house to hosting an event like this, please contact Fr. Joshua Wu (email@example.com)
Mid-Autumn Festival Dinner
On Wednesday, October 4th several members of Eucharist hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival dinner for international students. Mid-Autumn Festival is a major Chinese holiday and a time when families get together for a special meal and time of fellowship. For many students this was their first Chinese festival away from home. It was really special to be able to give international students a taste of home.
International Student Day
On Saturday August 23rd Eucharist Church partnered with Bridges International and other ministries and churches in the Bay Area to celebrate International Student Day at Chrissy Fields. Over 200 International Students showed up for a wonderful day filled with food, games, tours, and new friends.
All Church Prayer
On Wednesday, September 6 we gathered together at Fr. Joshua & Alicia's home for an evening of singing, praying, fellowship, and seeking the Lord. It was a wonderful time of being the Body of Christ together and interceding for each other, our city, and our world.
International Student Pizza Party
On Thursday, August 22nd the Wu Family, along several members of Eucharist, hosted a pizza party for new international students at their home. For some of the students this was their first time in an American's home! It was a wonderful time of practicing hospitality and sharing the love of Jesus with students.
Welcome to America International Student Barbeque
On Thursday, August 17th we partnered with Bridges International (CRU) in welcoming International students to America with a backyard barbecue. It was a great time of connecting with students and being a welcoming presence. Many new friendships were made.
Eucharist Village
July 26-30, 2017 (Wednesday evening-Sunday afternoon). This was a unique opportunity to bond together in a shared communal rhythm of feasting (camp style), prayer, holy leisure (hiking, swimming, campfire, games, etc.) over a four day period. We camped together at Giant Gap Campground (Sugar Pine Reservoir) in the Sierra Nevada mountains off of highway 80. More information about this can be found here.
Newcomers Luncheon
After worship, July 9 we enjoyed a newcomers luncheon. It included a Q&A about Eucharist Church, and opportunity to learn more about our congregation's mission / vision.
SF Giants Game
Tuesday evening, July 18 was a fun evening of fellowship at the ball park. The Giants defeated the Indians! We had a block of seats together and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Confirmation Service
Saturday, June 3 at 2pm @ St. Timothy's Lutheran Church – 5100 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124. Bishop Todd Hunter (C4SO) was present to celebrate this occasion: 7 people from Eucharist being confirmed! Following the service there was a cake reception. Curious about confirmation, check out our baptism | confirmation info sheet.
Hike & Picnic
Saturday, April 29 we enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors together, walking along the gorgeous coast of SF (Lands End / W. Fort Miley) and relaxing together over a picnic lunch and games.
Holy Week 2017
We had an epic week in which we intentionally entered into the drama of the last week of Jesus' life. We had FIVE gatherings the week of April 9-16. For more info about what we did, check out the Holy Week info page.
One Day Silent Retreat
Saturday, April 1st, 10:00am-2:00pm
Point Bonita YMCA conference center in Marin Headlands (pictured left). We enjoyed a special lenten silent retreat led by Christian spiritual director Danny Bridgens.
Saint Patrick's Day Celebration
Friday, March 17, 7:00-10:00pm
1504 Bryant Street
A celebration of the inspiring life of St. Patrick and all things Irish… Potatoes, green beer, pub trivia, and a screening of Waking Ned Devine
Tuesday, February 28; 7:00-9:00pm
2130 Post Street, SF
We enjoyed a tasty breakfast for dinner menu together in one last hurrah before we entered into the fasting of Lent. The Christian journey is one of oscillating between feasting and fasting. Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a day of feasting before the 40 day period of fasting leading up to Easter.
Wednesday, March 1st, 7:00pm
1504 Bryant Street, SF
A service of humility, repentance, and the necessary reminder of our mortality. We received ash marks: "remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Epiphany Party
2130 Post Street, San Francisco
Friday, January 6, 7:00-9:30pm
We enjoyed delicious food (Indian-themed… inspired by the magi who traveled from the East), drinks, a game or two and a really good time reconnecting after the Christmas holiday travels.
2016 Event Highlights
See our picture highlights from 2016
Advent Hope Celebration | New Year
Friday, December 9th, 7:00pm
2130 Post Street, San Francisco
We raised money for refugees, ate delicious food, decorated cookies, and celebrated the new church year (started Nov. 27th) with champagne, food, games and Advent inspired celebration
Advent Wreath Making | Evening Prayer
On Thursday, December 1st we came together to make Advent Wreaths and pray evening prayer together. We provided the necessary elements for making an Advent Wreath. It was a lot of fun and included good singing.
Lunch with our Neighbors in Tents
On Sunday, October 30 following worship we set up a sack lunch making station and then shared lunches and toiletries with our neighbors.
Prop. Party
Have you looked at a sample ballot this election cycle? There are 42 propositions / measures to vote on in addition to all of the candidates. Most people overwhelmed… who has the time to research all of this? Our answer: crowdsource research on the issues so that we can be informed voters.
Date: November 3rd (Thursday)
All Church Retreat
A weekend of renewal, relational connectedness, spiritual formation, recreation and more!
When: November 4-6 (Friday evening through Sunday noon)
Where: Mount Hermon Retreat Center (about 75 minutes from San Francisco)
Who: Guest Speaker – Rev. Dr. Dennis Okholm
It was an awesome weekend!!!
On October 22nd at 5pm we celebrated the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Joshua Wu and Rev. Kyle Logan. Bishop Eric Menees presided on behalf of Bishop Todd Hunter.
Women's Brunch
Saturday, October 8, 11:00am-1:00pm, at Elizabeth Kuriakose's place.
The women of Eucharist Church enjoyed a casual time of food and fellowship.
The Hospitality of Tea
A Community Event featuring a demonstration of the famous Chinese Tea ceremony alongside a tea tasting with appetizers. Christians have historically been known for their hospitality; it is one of our major values at Eucharist Church. This event was an opportunity to welcome others as we enjoy the delights of tea together.
Date: Friday, September 9
Time: 7:00pm
Location: 2130 Post Street, San Francisco
Babette's Feast Film Screening
In response to the lecture of Dr. Gisela Kreglinger at the "Spirituality of Wine" event, we hosted a special screening of this classic, grace-filled film. We enjoyed wine, appetizers and good conversation in addition to the film.
When: Sunday, July 3rd, 7:30pm
Pictures from the event
The Spirituality of Wine
"Of all the accusations against Christians, the most terrible one was uttered by Nietzsche when he said that Christians had no joy. . . . And we must recover the meaning of this great joy."
-Alexander Schmemann
Christianity has a rich history of feasting and joy in connection with wine. This can readily be seen in Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2), turing water into wine. But the connections to Christian spirituality run much deeper (beginning in Judaism).
Dr. Gisela Kreglinger is uniquely gifted in her ability to weave together the worlds of the Bible, spirituality and history, all while putting them in conversation with the modern craft of winemaking. She has a PhD from University of St. Andrews in Scotland in Christian spirituality and grew up on a family winery in Germany. She gave us a special talk about the joy of wine and feasting (the topic of her most recent book), answered questions and led us in a sampling of some wines sourced in local vineyards.
Holy Week and Easter Pictures
We celebrated Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter this year.
2015 Highlights
Benefit Dinner for Syrian Refugees
Sunday, December 13, 2015 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 673 Capp Street, San Francisco
We learned from World Relief about how we can offer Christian hospitality to people who have endured unspeakable tragedy and who are looking for a new home and a new life. We raised money to help 3+ families transition to a new life here in the US.
Pictures/results from this event…
The Benedict Immersion Catechumenate
From October 10-November 22, a group of 13 people went through a 40-day experience of orienting daily life around God. It was a highly impacting experience.


text:
I wrote in another blog post that happiness is related to self-development, but neglected to define what I meant by … More
Month: September 2015
A defence of chakras
I was wondering why everyone hates chakras so much. As far as I'm aware, no one with a negative attitude … More
The true meaning of creativity
If there's one abuse of language prevalent in the working world that I resent the most, it's the word "creative". … More
A new language for self-development
I've been thinking about the subject of self-development. I think being in a state of steady growth tends to give … More


text:
Want better bike lanes, bicycle parking facilities, and truly complete streets for your family to ride? Donate to Asheville on Bikes! Your contribution gives us power to make real improvements for Asheville's transportation system, through advocacy, educational programs, and community rides and events.
Making a secure, tax-deductible donation only takes a few seconds.
Donate Now
Click the button for the amount you wish to donate. You'll be taken to our secure payment page to enter your info and complete your transaction. It's that easy!
I want to give:


text:
This new location offers us efficiencies and growth opportunities to better serve our customers, particularly with the significant increase of propane buses that we've sold in the past three years.
Glendale, Arizona (PRWEB) April 25, 2016
School bus sales and service authority Canyon State Bus Sales opened the doors to a new facility on April 20th with a ribbon-cutting attended by Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and other local dignitaries.
The 27,500-square-foot facility was developed from the ground up by Canyon State and allows the company to increase its staff by 15 percent immediately. This first building owned by the company is 60 percent larger than the company's previous headquarters in Phoenix. The move to Glendale is a milestone for Canyon State, which has seen rising interest in its propane autogas fueled buses. "This new location offers us efficiencies and growth opportunities to better serve our customers, particularly with the significant increase of propane buses that we've sold in the past three years," said Phil Polizzatto, president of Canyon State, an exclusive Blue Bird dealer.
Last month the company supplied Kyrene School District in Tempe with 73 Blue Bird Vision Propane buses. Adding propane autogas fueled buses allows Arizona's school districts to operate quieter buses that are more comfortable for drivers and students, and that significantly reduce harmful emissions to improve community air quality.
Started in 2004, Canyon State has expanded to become the largest provider of student transportation in the state of Arizona. As part of the move to the new facility, Canyon State hired six additional employees and will continue to increase its staff. The new facility will also allow the company to expand into other areas of transportation, such as shuttle and commercial buses.
"It continues to be an exciting time at Blue Bird with new product announcements and significant growth. Today our valued dealer, Canyon States, opens a new facility to support that growth and to provide the best customer experience in the market," said John Kwapis, chief operating officer, Blue Bird Corporation, speaking at the opening ceremony. Steve Girardin, president of Micro Bird, also attended the ceremony.
"One of my favorite sayings is 'here we grow again' and I'm so pleased to utilize that statement for this business, in particular because of the people involved in making it happen," said Glendale Mayor Weiers. "I want to thank Phil Polizzatto and his entire team at Canyon State Bus Sales for moving their business to Glendale. I specifically mentioned this business in my recent "State of the City Address" because, as a former business owner, I understand what goes into these decisions, as well as the incredible impact it has on a community. On behalf of our city, I welcome Canyon State Bus, an award-winning business that is clearly best-in-class, and wish them all the success in the world."
The new building is located at 5600 West Claremont Street in Glendale.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird's longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird's parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.
About Canyon State Bus Sales
A full-service dealership and parts specialist, Canyon State Bus Sales is the factory-authorized Blue Bird and Micro Bird school and activity bus dealer for the state of Arizona. Canyon State is proud to offer unmatched product quality and support after the sale for student transportation needs. Located in Glendale, Arizona, Canyon State is built on a culture of quality, honesty and integrity. Learn more at canyonstatebus.com.


text:
Well... if you two guys still disagree after all these years, that may be one more argument _against_ using @role (not necessarily _for_ @class, another attribute might also do...):-) Mark Birbeck wrote: > Hi Steven > > On 05/07/07, Steven Pemberton <email@example.com> wrote: >> On Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:26:30 +0200, Mark Birbeck >> <firstname.lastname@example.com> >> wrote: >> >> > My argument has always been that something 'playing the role of x', is >> > not the same as 'something being x', and so @role should not represent >> > rdf:type. >> >> I've never understood this argument, which seems to be based on what >> things mean in English. Something "being of class X" is also not the same >> as "something being X". But so what? The question is about the mapping to >> RDF. > > The rationale for my argument has nothing to do with that slippery > language English, and everything to do with what things 'mean' in RDF. > > In RDF, if you say something is of type 'x' then all sorts of other > statements become legitimate. So if I firstly say that 'a toolbar' has > a property of 'collection of buttons', and then I subsequently say > that 'the second <div> in my document is a toolbar', then it is > legitimate to act as if the second <div> in my document has a property > of 'collection of buttons'. > Mark, for the records, I am not sure this is true. To formalize it in RDF what you seem to say is that if: [[[ toolbar a rdfs:Class. collectionOfButtons a rdfs:Property; rdfs:domain toolbar. 2ndDiv a toolbar. ]]] then we can deduce that... what? Only that 2ndDiv collectionOfButtons "something". is consistent with these, but we _cannot_ deduce that such a triple exists somewhere. You can do what you describe with OWL cardinality constraints describing things on collectionOfButtons... Actually, we can do something different with those. If the facts are that [[[ toolbar a rdfs:Class. collectionOfButtons a rdfs:Property; rdfs:domain toolbar. 2ndDiv collectionOfButtons "something". ]]] then even in RDFS we can deduce that [[[ 2ndDiv a toolbar. ]]] which is somewhat different from what you said. The second example shows that, indeed, rdf typing may have consequences (for example if OWL is used), ie, your core argument holds, just the example does not:-) Ivan > My argument is that to deduce this set of additional statements from > @role is a step too far, and is more than was ever intended with > @role. We can certainly safely say 'the second <div> in my document > _is playing the role_ of a toolbar on this page'. Here we are simply > saying something about the 'intent' of the mark-up, or its purpose, > and the following triples capture that: > > <_:a> xh:role wai:toolbar . > > But that is a world away from saying that the <div> we are dealing > with is *indistinguishable* from a wai:toolbar, which is what this > means: > > <_:a> rdf:type wai:toolbar . > > The thing is we don't lose anything from not defining this as > rdf:type, and we gain a lot. By only saying that something is 'playing > the role of', we allow other systems to infer what they think is > appropriate about those roles. ARIA is a case in point; it has a set > of statements that are being made about certain resources. But we do > lose something if we say that @role="wai:toolbar", because that means > that the <div> is now an actual, real-live toolbar, and that will > invariably be incorrect or meaningless. > > So in my view, if we want a shorthand for rdf:type, it must be either > @class or a new attribute. > > Regards, > > Mark > -- Ivan Herman, W3C Semantic Web Activity Lead URL: http://www.w3.org/People/Ivan/ PGP Key: http://www.cwi.nl/%7Eivan/AboutMe/pgpkey.html FOAF: http://www.ivan-herman.net/foaf.rdfReceived on Thursday, 5 July 2007 14:11:38 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 6 January 2015 21:50:23 UTC


text: As you may have seen this week, we've gone a little bit Valentine's Day crazy on BYT - but that's ok. And since Valentine's Day may as well be NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY we decided early on, while planning our romantic coverage for this week, that we HAD TO DO A CUPCAKE STORY (and giveaway). Had to. So...(read more here!) http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/articles/dcs-best-cupcakes-for-valentines-day-a-giveaway.htm


text:
Verses including the word Conjecture
That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge; (Surah An-Nisa, 156)
That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:- (Surah An-Nisa, 157)
Wert thou to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead thee away from the way of Allah.They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie. (Surah Al-Anam, 116)
Those who give partners (to Allah.will say: "If Allah had wished, we should not have given partners to Him nor would our fathers; nor should we have had any taboos." So did their ancestors argue falsely, until they tasted of Our wrath.Say: "Have ye any (certain) knowledge? If so, produce it before us.Ye follow nothing but conjecture: ye do nothing but lie." (Surah Al-Anam, 148)
But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of no avail against truth.Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do. (Surah Yunus, 36)
Behold! verily to Allah belong all creatures, in the heavens and on earth.What do they follow who worship as His "partners" other than Allah.They follow nothing but fancy, and they do nothing but lie. (Surah Yunus, 66)
("Ah!") they say, "If it had been the will of ((Allah)) Most Gracious, we should not have worshipped such (deities)!" Of that they have no knowledge! they do nothing but lie! (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 20)
And they say: "What is there but our life in this world? We shall die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us." But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture: (Surah Al-Jathiyya, 24)
But as to those who rejected Allah, (to them will be said): "Were not Our Signs rehearsed to you? But ye were arrogant, and were a people given to sin! (Surah Al-Jathiyya, 31)
"And when it was said that the promise of Allah was true, and that the Hour- there was no doubt about its (coming), ye used to say, 'We know not what is the hour: we only think it is an idea, and we have no firm assurance.'" (Surah Al-Jathiyya, 32)
Woe to the falsehood-mongers,- (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 10)
These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord! (Surah An-Najm, 23)
But they have no knowledge therein. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth. (Surah An-Najm, 28)


text:
Originally published June 2010
Preview of skirt 2010-06-142 with vest 2010-06-103/4:
The skirt is simple and simply beautiful. 2 pattern pieces not counting the waistband. Generally I ignore pattern waistbands because I need something that accommodates my fluctuating waist. For the skirt I cut a size 46. The famous, perfect-fitting shorts were cut size 42. I added at least 4 total inches of ease to a trouser draft (trousers are drafted loose fitting). Maybe I'm reading the Burda size charts incorrectly. I chose by hip size. A 42 should have given me wiggle room. It was the size larger than my hips. The previous size would have been smaller. Still I needed 4 more inches of ease for the shorts to achieve their perfect fit Now maybe the problem is that my tummy is larger than my hips by a good generous inch and a half. Or maybe the Burda chart is the finished garment size. Whatever, I knew that
- Sizing tends to stay true from garment to garment within the same company
- I wanted my skirt to skim my tummy– absolutely no cupping
- Size 42 didn't work for either hips or tummy in the shorts.
So I went with the size 46 where the hip measurement equaled my tummy measurement. Now I won't always follow this reasoning. Most of Burda Style patterns go up to a size 42. A few more go up to size 44. But 46's are rare, often only occurring during Plus Updates. I want the style variations that Burda offers most often in size 42. I actually would like to create good basic patterns in my size and then morph the variations onto my basic patterns. Trouble is my size keeps changing. I keep needing to trace and create new basic patterns. But that's another story.
Although it is 2 pieces, one back is cut on the fold and then 2 fronts are cut. Standard wrap skirt procedure. I used my favorite waistband and added 14″ to the center front marks so I would have ties. Then I looked carefully at the gauze fabric and wondered about underlining/lining. I envision wearing this skirt at the beach over swim wear. But I can also see myself removing wet swim wear or just needing a quick dry, somewhat warmer bottom to wear. The overlapping fronts would probably conceal everything upfront. But the rear view could be, shocking. So I start looking for an underlining/lining. Now a word about my sheer genius.
OK maybe it is dumb luck that just worked out extremely well. I've been reorganizing my stash ever since we moved here. I have two 8′ tall metal shelf sets that have 6 shelves in each set and each shelf is 4 foot wide and 18 inches deep. ( I spelled that out so there would be no mistake). These are large shelves, capable of supporting a lot of weight and a lot of fabric. Currently my fabric is folded into mini-bolts that are 18″ wide and then rolled around a 4.5″ cardboard template. Depending upon yardage some of these mini-bolts end up 6″ wide and 4″ high when laid down flat in stacks. For years, I arranged my fabrics by color. They are beautiful in that arrangement. Absolute eye-candy and a delight to behold. At one point, I rolled instead of creating the mini-bolts. I thought that would be more space efficient and the "rolls" would drop into vacated spaces. Strangely that does happen. If I remove a roll, a hole remains. The mini-bolts, stacked flat is the easiest to keep neatly and compactly arranged. Although the rolls do at first conserve the most space, they end up being the most time-intensive to keep in that minimal space. But what was really curious is that I started arranging by use instead of by color. I think it started when I was Christmas sewing and pulling out all "suitable" reds, greens, and Christmas Themed fabrics. Arranging by "use" is not a new concept to me. I keep directions for the electronics next to the electronics. I keep embroidery threads with embroidery threads and serger threads with serger threads. I arrange by use as much as possible even putting the tools most likely to be needed at the stove in the drawer closest to the stove and always install small shelves for the spices above the stove. They are never buried in a cabinet! But fabrics have been arranged by color for so long I don't remember never arranging them in that fashion. But after picking out the "Christmas Fabrics", THE SHELVES needed to be rearranged. I decided to put the pants fabrics together with pants/bottom weight fabrics; knits with knits, sheers with sheers etc. Somewhere in the process I started pulling cuts that were less than 2 yards and stacking them to one side. My arrangement has continued to be refined so that I now have the stretch bottom weights separate from the non-stretch and the less than 2 yards are now in 3 stacks
- Less than Yard
- One yard
- One and half yards to just under 2 yards
I've really been using up the smaller cuts, since I've made this arrangement of the small pieces. It's amazing. It's genius. It's very freeing. I make it a point to look in the small cuts first whenever I know I need a small amount. I still create smaller cuts. I am creating fewer small cuts. They seem to go on the stacks and then be used or at least the small cut stacks never seem to grow significantly. I used to look in my stacks for a small amount, find the perfect fabric and then waffle. "Should I use this and then have a left over? Should I use something else? Don't I have a small cut in here someplace?…." You get the idea. I can waste a lot of time trying to decide which piece to use thereby making it smaller and possibly unusable for a later project. No more! Just hear Pres Obama thundering out "NO MORE" I look first at the small cuts and I usually find something suitable. I have no hesitation to use it. After all, it was left over from something else. I may create a smaller cut. I have moved cuts from 1.5 yards to the less than a yard. I've also "robbed" all 3 stacks to complete quilts. It feels like simple GENIUS. I've found a fabulous solution to the endless small amounts of fabric. Because they are readily found, I use them.
Back to the skirt. I looked in the small cuts and found a light weight poly/cotton linen look in just over a yard cut. That was enough for the back and one front. Perfect. That left one front, the overlap, still in the light, floating, gauzy look that I wanted. I treated it as an underlining; cutting out one front and one back, assembling with corresponding fashion fabric piece and then handling as a single piece. Have to tell you that not only did that solve the revealing possibility that single-layer gauze would have created, but also gave the skirt an incredible drape. Really, I think it went from RTW to Couture with just the underlining.
I serged fronts to back, but basted the waistband in place and then checked the fit. The underlapping front hung below the overlapping front. I played with it and decided the underlining must be affecting it somehow. Since the hem was already stitched and topstitched, I ripped the basted waistband and removed a wedge from the top of the underlaped skirt. The skirt secures with a hidden button on the waistband and the two ties. I added pony beads to the ties. Because I have them and I thought they looked neat. The buttonhole goes on the skirt underlap on the free side. The button then goes on the overlapping skirt, on the waistband but on the inside of the skirt. With my waistband issues, I was pleased because I could see immediately I would be able to adjust the waistband easily. For starters, I placed the button so I would have exactly my waist measurement – no ease- in the waistband.
Then I waited for warm weather. It is officially summer. We've often had summer weather long before the middle of June. But here I was waiting for temperatures in the 60's so I could wear my summer skirt. As mentioned before, I do wear skirts in the winter, but I wear them with tights and slips and they may be lined/underlined too. Finally I quit waiting for warm weather and just wore the d@$! thing. I took pictures immediately, that's what I'm sharing today, because I wasn't sure how long I would be able to walk about with all the air circulation taking place in 50 degree temperatures. Even in the house it was about 60. (DH shuts heat off early. If I didn't threaten mayhem we'd have no heat after January 31st.) Anyway, after about 30 minutes I decided the skirt was going to cut me in half. But it was a quick fix to move the button over and give me 1/2 inch breathing room. That worked for about 3 hours. I moved about did what I needed too. Showed off my skirt. DH loved the set . (Bless him even if he does have a thing about heat). But in about 3 hours,I knew I needed just a little more ease. Once again a 5 minute job to move the button over another half inch giving me a full but scant 1 inch of ease. This worked perfectly. I can honestly recommend the skirt to anyone. It was simple to sew. Maybe it was my fabric and lining choices, but it is elegant. I wouldn't take it to a black tie affair, but I don't go to those things anyway. I'm content with a little elegance at home and at the beach. Next time, and there will be a next time, I will allow the 1″ ease at the waistband to start with and just add clear elastic during the construction. One note, because this is always asked of wrap skirts and it is a fair question; if I were wearing this to work, I would want one additional button or fastener down about 9-12 inches from the waist inline with the existing button/buttonhole. For the most part the skirt stays wrapped and unrevealing. But during sitting, I spread and of course it spread.
However I want to go back to the vest now while showing the back of the skirt. Back of skirt is elegant. But back of vest is:
Not flattering. First off it dips and needs a little additional fitting to snug the back. This might be easily accomplished, but it also clearly delineates and even broadens my back and hip. I prefer something that slims me, which all my other vests do. I have a second version of this vest cut. I may finish and donate it. I will take pictures first because I will not be using a contrasting binding. But I really feel the style line is just not flattering for me. I love this vest. It would work well under a jacket, but I wanted a summer vest. Something with less fabric, that could be worn over a tank top to carry my toys. Because it's unflattering, I probably won't wear it or at least not often.
I love the set as a whole, especially from the front. This may become my new avatar:


text: Boys who need a tribe to initiate them do not care if that tribe of elders comes from blood relatives, from nonblood elder friends, or from institutions, or, most likely, from some combination of them all. Boys are simply hungry to become the best men they can be. A good way to monitor whether our boy is getting his initiation is by monitoring just how much we are hoping someone else will give it to him. If we'reconscious enough to wonder, we're probably the person(s) who needs to take the initiative. Any of us can initiate them if we devote ourselves to being a part of a healthy group and bringing boys to that group. (Michael Gurian – The Wonder of Boys)


text:
|(réferéndum) pemungutan suara rakyat berhubung dgn sesuatu dasar politik, dsb yg penting, pungutan suara: dgn ~ ini, semua rakyat ditanyai buah fikiran mereka berkenaan sesuatu masalah yg besar;
|Mohd Faiz, President of EMSS 2010/2011 representing all KBS, MRC and clubs handed over the referendum to the President of SRC IIUM 2009/2010.
|Prof. Dr. Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod, DRSA on behalf of the Honourable Rector IIUM received the referendum from SRC, KBS, MRC and clubs.
|Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Minister received the memorandum on behalf of Ministry of Higher Education.
IIUM students' leaders 'joining hands' in handling over the referendum.
Thanks for your support throughout our tenureship.


text:
The Merciful Cousins is an order of cavaliers for the Pathfinder role-playing game that functions as a sort of D&D Red Cross. Now, if you buy the PDF that details how to use them in your D&D campaign, you can help the actual Red Cross bring aid to Oklahoma tornado victims.
The Merciful Cousins (aka the Masons of Recovery) were created by Super Genius Games, and the book was written by RPG journeyman and Oklahoma native Owen K.C. Stephens. Artist Wayne Reynolds donated a sketch for the book's cover. The PDF costs $2, and all proceeds will go to the Red Cross, which is helming recovery and aid efforts in Oklahoma. The city of Moore, OK was recently devastated by a monstrous EF5 tornado.
The book, though only a few pages long, explains the tenets of the Merciful Cousins order and the various powers they receive as they level up. While there are plenty of holy orders tromping about fantasy worlds, the Cousins have clear, realistic goals that could be very interesting in a world full of necromancers and random dragon attacks. They're particularly suited for campaigns focused on a specific town, since some of the abilities the order grants involve the improvement and rebuilding of settlements.
Although the cavalier class only appears in the Pathfinder Advanced Player's Guide, you can find the rules for using them in the free online Pathfinder System Reference Document. Even if no one is playing a cavalier in your campaign, they would make a brilliant NPC order for the players to interact with. And you can be a Merciful Cousin yourself while you're at it.


text:
Winless last season, the Lakers are 5-4 for this year's matchup and are coming off their first playoff appearance since 1980. The Titans (4-5) are looking for a .500 finish.
There's a bit of role reversal for this year's Thanksgiving game here. This time Silver Lake is the playoff team.
A year after capping a winless season with a 45-34 loss on the holiday, Silver Lake brings a 5-4 record into Thursday morning's showdown. The Lakers made the playoffs in the new statewide format, losing to Dartmouth in the Division 3 Southeast Sectional quarterfinals.
It was Silver Lake's first postseason appearance since 1980.
All that will be forgotten, though, when the Lakers try to end a two-year Thanksgiving losing streak to the Titans.
"It is obviously a special game," Silver Lake coach Mike Aveni said. "Thanksgiving around here, we can all consider it our championship and I am sure Pembroke is saying the same thing. Records always go out the window, although (we) both have about the same record so it is a pretty even matchup that way.
"Really, no matter what, it is just going to be an all-out, championship-style game between two teams that really, really want to win."
Each of the last two years Pembroke came into this game knowing it faced a quick turnaround for EMass playoff games the following Tuesday. The Titans (4-5) missed out on the postseason this year, although they have won three straight after a 1-5 start.
"Obviously, we play a team that was a playoff team; we were not," Titans coach Bob Bancroft said. "So I think we are kind of looking up at them as far as what they have accomplished this season. We have played better this last part of the season so (we are) hoping that we can keep that going."
This Thanksgiving rivalry dates to 2006 – two years after Pembroke broke away from Silver Lake Regional to form its own school. The Lakers won the first five meetings before dropping the last two.
Last year's matchup was a wild one with the Lakers rushing for almost 300 yards and the Titans putting together a 99-yard drive.
"(It is) always anyone's game when it comes into Thanksgiving," Silver Lake senior quarterback Dan Finn said. "Especially with Pembroke, we are always pulling out all the tricks when it comes to like trick plays and sending the house and all that so (we are) really excited to be able to get out there with them."
Finn (2,098 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes, 2 TD runs) and senior wide receiver Matt Tringali (823 receiving yards, 7 TD catches) have been huge factors in the Lakers putting together a strong season.
"We have been working together actually since about June when passing league started," said Finn. "So we have definitely been able to develop a lot of chemistry."
Aveni, who played for Bancroft at Whitman-Hanson, said one of the keys for the Lakers will be matching Pembroke's home-field intensity at the start.
"That is usually a big thing that we have to focus on," he said. "Especially in the beginning of the game ... we have to just kind of stem the tide and then let things start rolling our way. That is really what our objective is."
For Pembroke, the seniors get to play one more time at home.
"The seniors the last five games have played well for us," said Bancroft. "(They have) showed the leadership that we were looking for earlier in the season. Anytime you are going into a Thanksgiving Day game, I think if you have a team that the seniors are playing well, I think that bodes well for you because obviously they are going to be the ones that are going to be the most emotional."
Trevor Wenners may be reached at email@example.com. To participate in The Patriot Ledger's live high school football Twitter feed, use #turkey and #hsfootball.


text:
If Joe Castillo is the man telling a good story, expect music, a light table and sand to take center stage. The Sand Art of Joe Castillo is considered one of the most gifted sand animation artists in the world, Castillo discovered his talent for on-the-spot creativity when he accidentally bought sand instead of mulch at a hardware store. Now, the national storyteller uses the art form to convey corporate messages for clients.
Amazing Sand Art of Joe Castillo
When Joe Castillo is working live before an audience, he strategically sprinkles, scatters and etches in the sand to create evolving images using sand animation. Onlookers see faces, landscapes, buildings and other structures come to life through sand art as they are projected onto a big screen. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects in the Sand Art of Joe Castillo is the way he uses his hands. In order to disperse the sand across the light table, he gathers the granules into his fists. Then he uses both the gaps between his fingers or either open end of his fist as an organic funnel to control the release of sand. This technique helps to layer the evolving picture with texture.
Heavily sanded areas become a thick surface for him to carve, and thinly sprinkled sand seems strewn at just the right angles to suggest the small details that bring the pictures to life. Joe Castillo is very skilled with standing his palm vertically against the lit glass and cupping his fingertips to use his hands as a wide chisel. He scrapes his nails against the table to make tombstones, the Statue of Liberty, servicemen and servicewomen in battle hats with guns, the U.S. flag or the dark waves in a woman's hair. Audiences are tense anticipating the next turn of the picture unfolding before them, and they do not hesitate to spring to their feet for a standing ovation when the work if finally done.
The Sand Art of Joe Castillo is a unique approach to storytelling has earned praises from clients like Toshiba, TED, Apple, Lucent Technologies, the BBC, DirectTV, Pfizer, ExxonMobil, Lexmake, NBC, Million Dollar Round Table and Walt Disney. His talent even earned him a finalist spot on the television show America's Got Talent. He currently has three categories of presentations: ArtStory, WordStory and SandStory. In addition to the work he does on a light table, Joe Castillo is a frequent keynote speaker.
Castillo has credited his father as the source of his love for storytelling. Castillo's father died when he was 15, but he spent his last moments encouraging young Castillo to pursue a life in art. However, before taking on the journey of motivational performance art, Castillo used his father's words to build a career in commercial art and advertising. He has admitted that he believes this was a cop-out that consumed more than 20 years of his life. His New Mexico bilingual upbringing makes it easy for him to give presentations in both Spanish and English. So far, the uniqueness of his work has enabled him to perform in more than 14 countries around the world. This work enables him to leave people in his audiences a little bit better than he found them.


text:
The Eighth Day - The Resurrection Changes Everything/
He is alive! The same Jesus who was beaten, mocked, crushed and killed on Friday is alive. Today marks a new day, the eight day! It marks transformative, resurrection life for all who believe in him. Today, of all days declares that nothing is the same as we walk forward. Jesus is alive!
Walking with Jesus through his final week raised the question we have to answer, what do we make of Jesus? Is he a moral teacher? A spiritual guru? A prophetic type that points us to internalize a new perspective on ourselves? Or is Jesus fundamentally different?
Today is the day that changes it all.
You see if Jesus was just a moral teacher or spiritual leader or just another unsuspecting nice guy who made the wrong people mad then this talk of resurrection makes no sense. If Jesus' life was just about trying to show people how to live better than his death is really over the top. People die. Everybody dies. He did too. If he wanted to just teach us to be sacrificial and kind to others then he could have done it a million other and less violent ways. Children's cartoons demonstrate that on a daily basis.
But if Jesus is more than just a man, and if he came to do more than just show people to have their "best life now", then his death and resurrection is powerful display of something far greater. Crucifixion and resurrection makes sense if Jesus was after far more than moral teaching.
Jesus' resurrection, which we celebrate today, shows us the far greater story. God wasn't just giving us a moral example. He was changing everything.
The curse that was found in our sin and levied by our death, God reversed through the powerful resurrection of his Son. For all who believe we no longer fear death but are given the promise of life again in Christ.
The slavery that we were under to sin was broken by the resurrection of Christ. For all who believe we live in the power of Christ and are gifted the Holy Spirit to move from sinful living to holy living.
The judgement that we await at the last day when we stand before God is no longer a judgement bearing the verdict "guilty and condemned" but is now a judgment of joy. "Well done, good and faithful servant" is what all who believe will hear.
The resurrection changes everything. It gives us a new day, it gives us a new joy, it gives us a new destiny as we walk forward in this life waiting with joy for the life to come. All because Jesus has been raised, really bodily, physically, gloriously raised for us and our justification.
So what should we do? How should we respond? The events of Holy Week call us to consider the clear claims of Christ. There are two roads.
We will see who Jesus is, The Son of God, who came and lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and was raised to life again for our life. And in seeing who Jesus is and what he has done we will repent of our sin and place all our faith in Jesus alone for our salvation. Paul speaks of it like this:
"if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9–10, ESV)
The other road is to ignore today, ignore Jesus, ignore his resurrection. Continue walking forward in time as if it was the same old story for you on the same old day. This road leads to death and judgement. It's the road most traveled.
Today is either just another day, like so many before. It might be a good day, it might be a bad day, but nevertheless it is a just another day.
Or, today is the day that changes everything. Today is a new day marked by the resurrection life of Jesus for us. It's a new chapter of faith, hope, love and following Jesus. It's the first day of the New Creation. It's the day of resurrection for all who believe.
So, my friend... will you believe?


text:
Resources for…
Preparing for the SAT/ACT
The SAT and ACT are very similar.
The SAT gives you more time per question and only covers math and writing. It is a better test if you don't do well under time pressure or you don't feel as confident with science.
The ACT is more speed-based. If you do well with time limits, this is a good test to take. It is also good if you have lots of science facts.
The best resource to study for the SAT is Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org. It offers:
Questions aimed at your level based on your work so far, and videos to explain the answers.
Four full practice tests you can print and take. You can score them by taking a photo with the Khan Academy app!
BEAM will have books containing past SATs and ACTs, and we can help you study in office hours.
Making your college list
Big Future: bigfuture.org
Good summary information about colleges, majors, academic profile
Can search by what you want in a college
College Scorecard: collegescorecard.ed.gov
Summary of information on size, financial aid, majors, lots more
Links to Cost Estimator so you can figure out what financial aid will be like
College Navigator: nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
Lots of detailed data (but harder to read)
College Greenlight: https://www.collegegreenlight.com/
Specific mission of connecting first generation and underrepresented students to colleges, scholarships, and mentors.
HEOP: www.heopworks.com
HEOP is a scholarship and support program at private New York State colleges for New York State residents. You apply through the colleges, and must not be eligible for admission normally (i.e. lower SAT scores or lower grades or not sufficiently advanced coursework) but show potential to succeed.
College Guidebooks: Get from library or borrow from BEAM
"Behind the scenes" information on the college gathered from interviews with students
Can be biased or incorrect because they can't talk to every student
Friends and connections: Talk to people you know, BEAM counselors, or ask BEAM
Can give you a real behind-the-scenes look, you can ask them questions.
Can't find people for every college
College visits: Schedule with Admissions Office
Can get a tour and information session, but those are biased
Can sometimes arrange overnight stay with a student to get a real view of college life
The College Essay
General Tip Sheet on what to go for in a college essay: http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/tip-sheet-essay/?_r=0
Some advice on how to write well in a college essay: http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/how-to-write-a-college-essay
A collection of "Essays that worked" for Johns Hopkins: https://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essays-that-worked/
Fly-in programs
See our list of recommendations
If you want to check whether a particular school has a fly-in program, you can check here: http://getmetocollege.org/what-colleges-look-for/2018-fall-diversity-visit-programs
Financial Aid
FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the main financial aid form. You file it using your parents' taxes from the previous year (so if you are going to college in 2019, you use your parents' 2017 tax returns). The FAFSA gets you federal Pell grants and loans, and is what colleges use to decide how much financial aid to give you.
The CSS Profile is another financial aid form used by some private colleges. It is long and annoying, and uses more recent taxes requiring your parents to file sooner, but it is required by many colleges.
TAP is a short form you do right after the FAFSA. It is for New York State residents going to college in New York State; the state will give you additional grants to help you pay for college.
Resources for undocumented students
Major Scholarships
If you land one of these, they will pay for almost all of your expenses in college – and they're super prestigious.
Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) includes a summer program, scholarship, AND help applying to college. You apply in September of your 11th grade year. www.ledascholars.org
Questbridge Quest for Excellence NYC or College Prep Scholars is a program run by Questbridge (see below) that provides preparation for college admissions. They also connect you with summer programs. Getting into Quest for Excellence improves your chances of admission to Questbridge. Apply around January of your 11th grade year. www.questbridge.org
The Posse Foundation is a college admissions and scholarship program. If you are accepted, you will be in a "posse" of ten students who are all pre-admitted to a particular school. You will prepare to go together and then support each other when you are there. All Posse students get full-tuition scholarships. You must be nominated by another organization, such as your school or BEAM. Ask us if you are interested. Nominations happen around May or June at the end of your 11th grade year. www.possefoundation.org
Questbridge is a program that helps with both scholarships and college admissions. Many colleges have special tracks just for Questbridge students where they provide additional financial support. Apply around June before your 12th grade year. www.questbridge.org
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholars Program is one of the most generous college scholarships in the country. They will cover all of your major expenses and provide mentoring and support, up to $40,000/year for four years. This is very selective; you should generally have a GPA above 3.5 and SAT scores above 1200 in addition to significant financial need. Apply in October of 12th grade. www.jkcf.org
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a scholarship program that provides mentoring as well as $10,000 per year for four years. Must be Black/African American, a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, and demonstrate some financial need. There is a "Guided Pathway Support" program that you can apply to in 11th grade. The scholarship deadline is October of 12th grade; they will forward your application to other scholarships as well. www.ronbrown.org
The Science Ambassador Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship open to anyone female who is/will attend college in the US. The application consists of a 3-minute video explaining any STEM concept. (You can see the previous winning entries here.) http://www.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/
The Generation Google Scholarship is for computer science majors. You must attend a summer program between high school and college. Due in January of 12th grade.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is due by February 15th of your 12th grade year. It is open to "minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need," and provides up to $28,000/year.
Scholarship Plus provides support throughout college to low-income NYC students who have demonstrated exceptional potential. It also provides a scholarship of $8,000/year for four years. www.scholarshiplus.org
The Ascend Educational Funds scholarship goes to an immigrant or child of immigrants (regardless of immigration status) graduating from a NYC high school, up to $5,000/year. Because it is NYC-specific and relatively limited in scope, this is a good target. Applications due by the end of January. ascendfundny.org/scholarship/
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers a $20,000 scholarship to be split up between your college years however you want. They select 150 students per year for this scholarship. They look for well-rounded students who are actively involved in their school. www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org
The Point Scholarship works to supply students of the LGBTQ+ community funds to fill the remaining left by other scholarships, grants, loans, work/study programs, etc. They also match students with mentors and provide programming for leadership development and internship opportunities. https://pointfoundation.org/thepoint/scholarship/
Smaller Scholarships
You can find many of these by Googling. Here are some that may be of interest:
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, www.hsf.net. Most deadlines start around January of 12th grade
The Poise Foundation (includes scholarships from the NAACP), www.poisefoundation.org. Most deadlines start around January of 12th grade.
The United Negro College Fund (www.uncf.org) provides many different smaller scholarships. Apply throughout 12th grade.
There are many scholarships listed at www.scholarships.com.
You can also search for scholarships at www.unigo.com, which allows you to filter by almost anything.


text: The Austrian and I had a lovely time on board the RMS Queen Mary for a foodie fiction event featuring a novel by Patricia V. Davis and a recipe I created called Shrimp Rohini that was inspired by Patricia's novel. Todd Henderson, Executive Chef of the RMS Queen Mary, created my recipe for the crowd along with another recipe from sailing days of the Queen Mary. I enjoyed meeting so many amazing people on the ship and made a lot of new friends. It was a spectacular event and we enjoyed our travels from here in Virginia to Baltimore out to LA, then down to Long Beach where the QM is docked. We loved everything about our stateroom and our time aboard this remarkable vessel. We continued down the coast to San Diego and enjoyed the sand and surf before our flight home. It was a remarkable trip, one I'd do again in a heartbeat. The highlight for me was meeting Patricia in person as we've been online friends for years.


text:
One of my favorite things about creating accessories is seeing how different people outfit them into their own personal style. I wanted to see how everyone receiving their Colette headbands chose to style them, so I decided to hold a contest!
To enter, simply blog, tweet, or instagram your entry (or all three!) of you wearing your Colette headband. We want to see how you outfit it, if possible, not just a pretty selfie of your head :) If your instagram account is private, please email me your photo as well. If you don't own a Colette, you can still enter by creating a "look"or a wishlist on a blog post that includes a Colette (think polyvore). All submissions will be put here on the blog and Oh, Sweet Joy! readers get to vote on their favorite outfit!! How fun is that?? The winner will win a bundle of any three headbands from my shop ((a $40 value)).
All entries must be submitted by March 19th. Your entries must include @ohsweetjoy and the hashtag #colettestylecontest if you are entering on twitter + instagram ((this will help me find you!)) and a link to either my blog or shop if you are blogging your entry. Entries will then be posted here on the blog and voted upon during the weekend. The winner will be announced on March 25th.
Get creative with those outfits - I can't wait to see!!


text:
Have you ever decided that you wanted some Nutella on a cold Winter's day only to open the jar and discover that the consistency of your Nutella is well, hard? And not to mention completely unspreadable on bread? Well one day, a friend of mine introduced me to Nutino. It's like Nutella only it doesn't become a strange texture on cold days! Not to mention it's also cheaper! Do I need to convince anyone anymore?
A while back when Nutino was half price, we bought a few jars and this last particular jar had been sitting in our pantry shelf for quite some time. My sister was craving brownies so a batch of brownies were going to be made! (aren't I the nicest sister?)
These brownies are awesome. Gooey just out of the oven, and wonderfully chewy if left to cool. The Nutino taste isn't too prominent, but it seems to help make the brownies richer. If that wasn't enough, I decided to swirl some peanut butter into half the mixture to see how that fared too. It was nice, but I think classic chocolate will always win! The brownies were all gone by the end of the day of the day.
Nutino Brownies With Peanut Butter Swirls
An original recipe by Crystal Noir
Makes one batch using a 26 x 17cm pan
For Nutino Brownie
1/2 cup light Olive Spread (you can substitute margarine or butter)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup Nutino
1/2 cup baking cocoa
3/4 cup plain flour
1/4 cup milk
For Peanut Butter Swirl
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp plain flour
Preheat oven to 180C and line your tray with baking paper.
To make the brownies
1. Add Olive Spread, sugar, eggs, vanilla essence, salt and Nutino to a large bowl and beat until combined.
2. Mix in baking cocoa and flour until just combined.
3. If the mixture looks a bit too thick, add in desired amount of milk. I ended up using a quarter of a cup of milk.
4. Pour/spoon batter into baking pan.
To make peanut butter swirl
1. Combine all the ingredients. It should resemble a thick paste.
2.Drop little blobs of the peanut butter paste on top of the brownie batter.
3. Using a skewer/chopstick/knife, swirl the blobs together until you are satisfied with how it looks.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Cut and then eat!
The peanut butter flavour wasn't too prominent as you can see from my first photo. The peanut butter only sits at the top. So if you are a fan of peanut butter and want a more prominent flavour, I would suggest pouring in half your brownie batter, spoon some blobs of peanut butter, then cover it with the rest of your brownie batter, top it with the remaining peanut butter paste, and then swirl.


text:
About Dr. Dobratz
"As a facial plastic surgeon I have dedicated all of my focus and training on patients who desire procedures for their face or neck. I am devoted to providing my patients with beautiful and natural results. I want all of my patients to be well informed and educated about their options. I will take time to discuss all of your concerns and help to develop a plan together with you."
Dr. Eric Dobratz is the Director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in EVMS Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Dobratz has a highly specialized practice where he focuses exclusively on plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. He has double board certifications from the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Dobratz is thrilled to be back in practice at EVMS, where he completed his medical school training and received the honor of being elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. After medical school, he completed an internship in General Surgery and Residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Dobratz trained with a highly recognized facial plastic surgeon at the University of Virginia, Dr. Stephen Park, where he developed his skills in performing facial plastic surgery. During this time, Dr. Dobratz was also recognized for his research in tissue engineering; he was the first resident to be awarded the distinguished Leslie Bernstein Research Grant, through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Through this research, Dr. Dobratz was able to begin to develop a new technique to produce injectable tissue engineered cartilage for reconstruction of facial deformities.
Upon completion of his residency training, Dr. Dobratz was awarded a prestigious fellowship position with one of the nations' leading facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Peter Hilger. Under the mentorship of Dr. Hilger and his team of facial plastic surgeons at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Dobratz honed his skills in the latest techniques in rhinoplasty, cosmetic surgery, and facial reconstruction, including the repair of congenital facial deformities and reconstruction after resection of facial skin cancers.
Dr. Dobratz considers it a privilege to help people desiring cosmetic or reconstructive surgery of the head and neck achieve their personal goals. He works with his patients to achieve their best possible results, focusing on creating a "non-operated" look, providing patients with a refreshed and revitalized appearance.
Dr. Dobratz is one of only a few plastic surgeons in Hampton Roads (including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton) who specializes in only facial cosmetic and plastic procedures, including; rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), facelifts, blepharoplasty and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation.


text:
The Reputation Project
Words by Dorthe Smeby
Scandinavian design emerged in the 50s, and was groundbreaking with its functionalism, simple lines and philosophy of Nordic form. Today, almost seventy years later, the term still has a solid position internationally. Design connoisseurs and professionals look to the north when it comes to spotting trends and interior news with edge, and much anticipation is linked to the presentation of the latest in Norwegian design during the London Design Festival. The exhibition 100% Norway presents products by aspiring designers, in addition to promoting Norway as a design nation, and providing the exhibitors with invaluable experience for the future.
"Two hundred and forty square meters of new, exciting Norwegian design. It will be nothing but spectacular, says Benedicte Sunde of The Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture," says Benedicte. She only briefly pauses to take a breath and a quick sip of her coffee, before she continues to tell us about 100% Norway, the exhibition returning to the British capital, bringing the very best Norway has to offer in terms of contemporary furniture, interior and product design.
In its 12th year now, 100% Norway will be a part of the London Design Festival from 23th to 27th of September. This year's exhibition will take place at the Old Truman Brewery in East London, and is a collaboration between The Norwegian Center for Design and Architecture, the Norwegian Embassy in London, the Foreign Ministry and Norwegian Icons.
Benedicte Sunde is the curator of the project alongside Peppe Trulsen from Norwegian Icons, and has been involved in the exhibition since 2008. "The idea behind 100% Norway has always been to sharpen the participants' expertise of the market, to enable young designers and teach them about the underlying business perspective. The goal is for the participants to understand the market, but also get tools to do what it takes to succeed internationally. In addition to that, we clearly also want to promote Norwegian design abroad," she says.
This year's line-up includes thirty-six of the most interesting, new Norwegian designers, presenting their products to an international audience. Every product exhibited this year is one hundred percent Norwegian in several ways, they are all both designed and manufactured within Norwegian borders.
From the top to the left:
August by Kristine Bjaadal. Photograpy by Marcus Erikstad.
As Long as You Like it by Sverre Uhnger & Thomas Jenkins. Photography by Kaja Bruskeland.
PAT VOL.1 by Kneip.
Spring by Siv Lier. Photography by Kaja Bruskeland.
Blossom & Piedistallo by Andreas Bergsaker. Photography by Lasse Fløde.
How do you select the participant?
"We have calls for entry, and Peppe Trulsen and I evaluate all the applications and choose the finalists. Unfortunately we can't meet all the applicants, even though we really want to. We then have a two day workshop where the designers get half an hour each to present themselves, their prototype and their concept. The prototypes are extremely important to the exhibition, and in London we are known for having so good prototypes that people actually think they are in production. Therefore it is crucial that they are good enough, and we also help the designers develop them further if needed."
At the Old Truman Brewery the designers will exhibit in the company of well-known firms with a lot of international experience, and their advice can be both useful and eye-opening for a newly established designer or entrepreneur. The focus is on the synergy between designer and manufacturer, to create useful connections for the future. "The young designers want to learn, and their questions are many. What are royalties? How do I get into the contract market? What am I entitled to as a designer? Should I apply for a design protection on my product? They really learn a lot about the business by meeting the major manufacturers, and this is also where our focus is—to make the links that give them a good start."
To help the designers address their issues, about six years ago, they hired business consultant Alice Breed of Alice Breed Agency, as they needed a professional with knowledge of the British market. The agency makes an analysis of each designer, looking at everything from product and concept to website and their presence in social media. The same is done with potential manufacturers, and connections are made regarding possible future collaborations in the English contract market. "The basic idea was to make an exhibition that is sort of a reputation project, which at the same time has a business perspective, where we want to professionalize designers to better reach out to the world. And for the young designers, it often comes down to finding a manufacturer willing to get their product into production. We can't just educate talented people to become unemployed."
According to Benedicte it's important that the exhibition is perceived as a whole, presented as a mixture of prototypes and products already in production. In addition to the designers, 100% Norway will also showcase the products, prototypes and processes of five Norwegian manufacturers, and a selection of design classics curated by Norwegian Icons. "100% Norway truly is a great way of contributing to the international design scene," Benedicte says. "Not to mention a unique chance to present our very talented and up-and-coming designers."


text:
"but then fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass" – stephen king salem's lot.
i am so ready for september.
ok, that's not totally true. i'm currently eye ball deep trying to plan our family vacation to tokyo. what feels like our last family of five vacation (that may or may not prove true). and i'm liking being the one in control, cuz i've been able to throw a few things into the itinerary that i'm pretty sure no one else would have considered. like a meat theme park. that's made the final cut. a parasitological museum? we're doing that. and 7 days of just the 5 of us? mastercard got that right – priceless. i'm totally sure it's going to be worth the crazy way we're getting there. two of us on one airlines. three on another. different airports and different layovers. memories galore.
but then we head to america. i've got a whole lot of mixed feelings about that. i know that the "omg – chan's going to live in america even after the rest of us return to thailand" situation has me all kinds of out of sorts. (chan is C19's real name – or at least his real nickname – he's an adult now. no need to protect him any longer.) but there's also the perceived expectations i'm already feeling (i bolded perceived on purpose, because i know there's a slight possibility that it's all in my head). our time in the states – as a whole – is not a relaxing time for me. it's a go here, do this, get this done kind of time and by the time it's over i'm totally ready to get back to my life. my home. my agenda.
it's not easy to depend on others for almost everything. where are we gonna stay? we can't afford hotels so we count on friends and family to put us up. we do have plenty of offers and i'm pretty sure none of those offers are given grudgingly. some people like us.
there's also the getting to and fro? we need to be picked up and delivered to airports. we've got doctor's appointments to make. i've got a few courses to attend and michael's going to need to get to and from work. and sometimes it's just nice to be able to get away. for one hour (or two or three). alone. or with a kid (or two or three) who need a break because we're overwhelmed. because america is awesome and at times just way too much to take in.
it feels so ungrateful to whine and complain. we have some of the most generous, amazing friends and family who we know are spending time and money to be there for us. and i am so appreciative of that. i am looking forward to being able to spend time with people who love us and who have loved us for a long time. i crave the heart to heart talks i know we'll have, the sharing of life that we will do (short as that time might be), and the ability let our guards down – to just be. but the scary part of that is that i'm not sure i know how to do that anymore.


text:
Student Portal | ecampus | Work at WITT
Learning Māori is something that should be lived, not just taught and WITT is able to offer you total immersion Māori language programmes. Our Māori classes are designed to give you a working understanding of te reo Māori as well as an appreciation of cultural protocols and customs, all within a supportive wānanga learning environment. Many graduates return to their iwi, hapū and marae to share the knowledge and confidence gained while studying and apply their new skills in a work, home or community environment.
Ko te ara matua o tēnei kura wānanga kia ako ngātahi te reo me te tikanga tērā e toua iho ai te purapura o te mātauranga, kia pūāwai ai ngā pūkenga kia tū marae ai te akonga kia tū rangatira te akonga. Ināhoki ko te aki wharekura kia rukuhia i te ruka a te kawau ki roto i te hōhonutanga o te reo me kore e kitea ai I te ara toi matua e māhora ana ki mua i te aroaro o te tauira, kātahi ka eke panuku ke eke Tangaroa kia puta ki te whai ao ki te ao mārama.


text:
Posted my source code for WebKit touch scrolling of flexible sized data in fixed size boxes. I will be preparing more of a tutorial / demo of this functionality but am way too busy with client work right now. ( I wrote GloveBox on the weekend, and it's already in use in 3 Nitobi client projects! Expect lots of updates as we put it through the ringer. )
You can get / git / fork the code at http://github.com/purplecabbage/GloveBox or via svn at http://code.google.com/p/glovebox/ The choice is yours, but the google code repo will probably be much fresher since I still find myself fighting with git on a regular basis. ( I love github though! Bring on the svn write access ... )


text:
Munich Oktoberfest 2014
The Munich Oktoberfest is a special event and many will have this carefully marked out on their calendar this year. It is one of Germany's most famous fairs with it not only being the largest, but playing host to nearly 6 million people each year. This is a giant festival that people from all over the world come to see, and it certainly looks like a giant party where people can enjoy what Bavarian culture has to offer.
History of the Oktoberfest 2014
To understand the history behind this magnificent festival we must go back to the early part of the 19th century. It started out as a royal wedding between the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to the princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen. The wedding took place in 1810 with most of the community attending. A horse race was set up by the National Guard in order to celebrate the occasion. This race went down so well that it was staged again the following year on what was known as the Theresienwiese, a meadow that was named after Ludwig's Princess. Towards the end of the 19th century as this event was staged each year, it had become quite an occasion with more and more stalls being added. It wasn't until towards the very tail end of the 19th century in 1896 that the first beer stall was installed. This was beer local to the country, made only in Munich. This is still the case today with beer only coming from Munich itself and not imported from elsewhere.
The Oktoberfest tents
There are seven large beer tents and these are called "Wirstbudenstrabe." The beer is supplied by Munich's best breweries. The tents are all individually named, Augustiner, Braurosl, Hackerbrau, Hofbrau, Lowenbrau, Ochsenbraterei, Winzerer Fahndl. In the Augustiner tent the beer is served from wooden barrels and inside this massive tent they can hold nearly 9,000 people. The Braurosl tent again seats just over 8,000 people and has its own special beer. The Hackerbrau boasts its own revolving stage while the Hofbrau tent seats over 9,000 people and is arguably one of the most popular tents. The Lowenbrau is a place where fans meet to honour their favourite football team. The Ochsenbraterei tent has a rather impressive ox on a spit, and quite a few of these are consumed during the festival. This tent, like the Braurosl is modest in comparison with some of the other ones and seats just over 8,000. The final Winzerer Fahndl tent occasionally has celebrity visitors and holds nearly 11,000 people.
Smaller tents
There is a smaller version of this fair known as Wirtezelte. They are much smaller and are run by publicans from Munich. They have 6 tents in total again, each with their own names, including Armbrustschutzen, Fischer-Vroni, Festhalle Schottenhamel, Hippodrom, Kafer's Wies'n-Schanke and finally Schutzenfesthalle. These are a smaller version of the larger tents and inside they are very similar in what they provide, they are simply smaller in terms of capacity.
Wine tents
Of course if you don't like the idea of beer and you'd like something a little more sophisticated then there's the wine tent. This tent has the capacity to hold about two and half thousand people and there are many excellent wines served.
Of course the Oktoberfest isn't just for beer and wine there is some excellent food served with plenty of meat and vegetarian choices available. If you love beer, enjoy socialising and like good traditional German food then the Oktoberfest is definitely somewhere where you'll feel right at home. This is definitely a place where you can really let your hair down and enjoy what Munich has to offer.
To visit our Oktoberfest Tours page, please click here