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Lol wow he'll be on later
pew pew webs
lovely signature.
Never saw Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, but that is a cute picture. I take it you drew it yourself.
Forsaken: Chapter 20 - 11/17/14 / Encryption: Chapter 9 - 11/26/17 / Handle with Care: Chapter 11 - 1/10/18
I think it's a little too big. Did you go get it checked?
I like the banner, but other than that, everything else is bland. 6.5/10
Forsaken: Chapter 20 - 11/17/14 / Encryption: Chapter 9 - 11/26/17 / Handle with Care: Chapter 11 - 1/10/18
3.5/10 - There's a lot of stuff there that doesn't really match with the banner, but as for the banner itself... the background is okay, but it seems like there's been no effort to blend the Pokemon with it. They're just sort of slapped onto it. And the yellow text doesn't match with it either. The fonts are pretty generic too. ...But on the plus side... I *love* Togekiss.
7/10 A bit plain.. :x
Lol no, I'm just obsessed with pink and Palkias.
I ... am not a fan. Graphic looks too simple and disorganized for some reason.
Also not a fan of credits that stick out like sore thumbs. 3/10.
Everything's crammed together in a corner, and it doesn't flow. And I think it's a big signature, you should get it checked. Also, the .gif is cute, but I kinda wish it was a few seconds longer and involving another scene or something :/.
EDIT: Fuuuuuu-
A bit better. You get a point more than last rate for fixing the sig a little bit. 7.5/10
Forsaken: Chapter 20 - 11/17/14 / Encryption: Chapter 9 - 11/26/17 / Handle with Care: Chapter 11 - 1/10/18
Like.. a 6. Looks like a cleaning is needed.
Love the Ghostbusters, though.
It looks better without the sprite: 8/10
same as before.
I really like this one- I've been wanting to rate it for a while xP-which is surprising because i usually prefer your more complex banners to the simplistic ones. The colours in it are great, so pastelly and light :3 And they all complement each other, somehow.
How did you do that?! you must have 10 colours in there >.<But yeh, the text really suits, and I like the use of two borders on your banner. But I think some pixels have escaped onto the outer one, that the only thing i can fault you. I'm looking to do an abstract banner soon *don't shoot me* and I'd really like to try something more along the lines of what you have here.


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I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
My rationale for getting out of bed this morning
I recently watched an interview of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Larry King (see link below).
I personally find Dr. Tyson to be delightful and interesting. His personality is winsome. His answers to Larry's questions were fascinating, but I particularly took interest at what took place at the end of the interview. King brought of the concept of fearing non-existence (both men are atheists). Tyson replied:
"It is the knowledge that I am going to die that creates the focus that I bring to being alive. The urgency of accomplishment, the need to express love now, not later. If we live forever, why ever even get out of bed in the morning? Because you always have tomorrow. That's not the kind of life I want to lead."
After Larry King asked him if he feared "not being around," Tyson answered:
"I fear living a life where I could have accomplished something and didn't. That's what I fear. I don't fear death."
Don't you appreciate his vulnerability?! I sure do! I also find his comments insightful. As a Christian, however, my perspective on both living and dying is in conflict with that described by Dr. Tyson. The facts that I will indeed live forever and that I will face God upon my death serve as important impetuses for my accomplishments as well as my expression of love to those around me.
My mission statement is short, but has profound implications for my present.
Glorify God
Bless People
Prepare for Eternity
Tomorrow is important. The future awaits. But that unrealized and certain hope does not negate my calling today. Why did I get out of bed this morning? Because I have a mission to complete over the next twenty-four hours! The primary purpose for my existence is to glorify God. To a point, that happens without any effort on my part. Yet, it is also something I consciously do (and I wish I did more consistently). Jesus told me to let my light so shine before men that they might see my good works and glorify my Father who is in heaven (Mt. 5:16). He was also very specific (as were the authors of the entire New Testament) that I seek to bless others (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14). Whatever the context in which I find myself, I am to prove to be a good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Finally, I need to live each day with the knowledge that I will "be around" forever. What I do today matters. And that makes this day as important as tomorrow.
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business
I recently completed reading a small book entitled The Management Methods of Jesus (Bob Briner, Nelson Business, 1996). The subtitle appears above. In several places, the book stretched the application of Jesus' actions and example a bit too far, but I particularly appreciated the following lines:
"Inadequate preparation produces inadequate results" (p.3).
"Whether you're laying the foundation for a career, launching a product, or making a presentation, there is no substitute for preparation" (p.4).
"A lack of absolutes can lead to all kinds of corporate problems, from petty thievery to major crime. It leads to shoddy products and shoddy practices in the marketplace. 'I didn't think I was doing anything wrong' is a common defense of everything from manipulating stock to adding extra nicotine to already lethal cigarettes to building cars with dangerous fuel tanks. As a company and as a manager, teach the right way, insist on the right way, be an example of the right way to do business. Follow Jesus' example" (p.18).
"Don't fall into the trap of arrogance. Not only is it unseemly, it is bad business. One way to combat it is to keep a picture in your mind of Jesus Christ, God's perfect son, kneeling before ordinary men, his own disciples, and washing their feet. With this picture in mind, it is pretty hard to be arrogant" (p.36).
"To succeed, use the Jesus model. Take good care of your employees and your customers. When Jesus said in Matthew 23:11, 'He who is greatest among you shall be your servant,' He made a statement by which any business can live and thrive" (p.58).
"Both through His actions and His teachings, Jesus demonstrated that He expected His followers to be fruitful and productive. He was equivocating on this" (p.83)
16 Reasons to Praise God at Year's End
Happy New Year! Thanks for walking with me over the past twelve interesting months yet again!
Here's a quick fly-over from our year together:
One year of serving at Grace on worship team, AWANA, nursery, teaching adult SOD!
10th Anniversary of teaching on the collegiate level!
25 Years of Marriage!
Churchill Downs!
Teaching Romans at Church!
Cubs win! Cubs win!
Trump won! Trump won?!
Thanksgiving & Christmas Day!
God's provision through our jobs!
Plus Celena, TJ, Dayton, Cascade & Cadence!
What a year! Did I miss anything big? It has been a rather eventful year for me personally (25th wedding anniversary and the anniversary of my 10th year teaching college students). It has also been a full year for us as a family (puppies, school, vacation). Without a doubt, we have experienced the grace and mercy of God. No, the year has not been without its challenges (I think of TJ's health issues, raising a toddler, and the sins of seven people living together under one roof). But we would be sinful to complain as day #365 rapidly approaches its conclusion. The Lord has not treated us as our many, many sins deserve. We have been greatly blessed and we are looking forward to living 2017 together. But first…
Christmas worth celebrating
"The true meaning of Christmas is to cheer people up during a cold and depressing time of year. That means lots of food, getting together with family and friends, giving each other gifts, being kind to others, and helping those in need."
Those are the thoughts of blogger, atheist and humanist Staks Rosch in a 2013 article on The Huffington Post blog (see link below). He continued:
"Whatever excuse you want to use to celebrate the winter season is great. Jews celebrate a day's worth of oil that lasted eight nights. As excuses go, that's pretty weak, but if it makes people happy, great. Celebrate long-lasting oil, the tilt of the Earth's axis, the birth of a mythical figure, a funny episode from a sitcom, the Flying Spaghetti Monster (sauce be upon him), Human Light, or even Star Wars Life Day. Whatever you celebrate, have a happy holiday season." He concluded with a tribute to the famous and now deceased Christopher Hitchens (a hero to all those who hate religion).
As you might imagine, I do not appreciate Mr. Rosch's comments. In particular, I think he is a bit naive to state that Jesus was a mythical figure. Even the Jewish historian Josephus acknowledged that Jesus actually lived when we believe that He did.
Jesus truly was a Jewish man, born in Israel over two thousand years ago. The real question is whether or not He was who He claimed to be. One of the men that walked with Him for three years was from the fishing village of Bethesda located on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. His name was Peter. As Peter sensed the end of his life approaching, he wrote two letters. We know them as 1 & 2 Peter. In his second epistle, he wrote the following:
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty (chapter one, New American Standard Bible [NASB]).
Another eye-witness stated it this way:
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John, chapter one, NASB).
Several years later, the same author would write the following to one of the early congregations:
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life (1 John 1:1; NASB).
If the New Testament is clear about anything, it is that Jesus of Nazareth walked among us!
However, in order to believe what He claimed about Himself and what others (Peter, John, Paul, etc.) taught, you must be given a gift–the gift of faith. Knowledge takes us to a point. Faith completes the journey. But faith, according to the Scripture, is not something we can create ourselves. It is a gift, given by God (Ephesians 2:8). And, I contend, it is the greatest gift one could receive!
Have you received it?
Have you asked God for it?
You may be content to be–like the atheist author quoted above–an unbeliever. Please know, I am not more intelligent than Mr. Rosch. In fact, he could probably run circles around me intellectually and defeat me in an argument with one arm tied behind his back. But I have received something he has not–the gift of faith. It really is that simple. I was given a gift and I opened it. I believed. That's why Christmas is more to me than "lots of food, getting together with family and friends, giving each other gifts, being kind to others, and helping those in need." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all those activities mentioned! BUT I APPRECIATE JESUS CHRIST EVEN MORE!
And that is what makes my Christmas worth celebrating.
For another perspective than the one offered by The Huffington Post, consider:
My Positive Thoughts Will Not Improve Your Negative Day
Chattanooga recently witnessed a horrific event. A bus carrying grade school students crashed, killing six and injuring many others. Words cannot express the grief experienced by so many in the community following the accident. On the next day, I was listening to a talk radio station out of Chattanooga. The host of the show that morning encouraged everyone of every faith to find a place to get alone and pray. He went on the state that individuals who were not religious should think positive thoughts because, like prayers, they make a difference. He even mentioned that it was a proven phenomenon.
I would question the validity of whatever study was performed.
My positive thoughts will not improve your negative day.
Without a doubt, I can bless you if I communicate to you (face-to-face, email, Facebook, text, etc.). If you know that I'm in your corner, that can make a world of difference. But my simply thinking kind thoughts about you or for you isn't going to assist one bit.
I know what you're thinking: "The force isn't strong with this one." Exactly! I reject the new age spiritualism adopted by the talk show personality who described himself as a Christian–Druid–Universalist (I'm serious).
Thankfully, we do not need to resort to an Americanized form of eastern mysticism when we, our loved ones, or strangers are suffering. The triune God listens to His people when they pray! He condescends to hear the requests of those to receive His Son. And, hallelujah, He answers in the affirmative far more than in the negative. In other words, His children hear "Yes" much more than they hear "No"!
Knowing this, how often should we pray? Paul commanded us to "pray continually" and be devoted to prayer (1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2). Jesus instructed us to pray specifically and repeatedly (Luke 11:1-13). And we should especially pray when we learn of tragedies such as the bus accident in Chattanooga. God is everywhere and He is all-powerful. He can assist and comfort those in great sorrow and, most importantly, He can draw people to Himself through very dire circumstances.
The fact that we do not pray more reveals a very inadequate theology if not a very small faith.
A Scorched Word from God
This is a remarkable story. It is entitled, Dollywood Employee Finds Burning Bible Page After Wildfires (Travis Dorman, author).
"As soon as I got down on the ground, I noticed it was a Bible verse, and I was like holy crap," McCord said in a phone interview on Tuesday night. "It was in a puddle of water. I said, 'I want to take care of this the best way I can,' so I gently scooped it up and carried it out the best I could."
McCord, 24, sat on the bench where he found the paper, and called Carver over. Their work partners, Dollywood wardrobe manager Angela Davis and employee Kimberly Moore, had left to go to the restroom, McCord said.
In silence, the pair pored over the page, the edges of which were burned black, rendering many words illegible. But parts of the right side of the page were preserved enough to get the message across: it perfectly reflected, McCord said, the tragic natural disaster that had thrust Gatlinburg and Sevier County into the national spotlight the night before.
"O Lord, to thee will I cry: For the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field," the page reads, according to a picture of the page posted on McCord's Facebook.
"At first, we didn't know what part of the book it was from," McCord said on Tuesday night, "but we saw bits and pieces about fire and scorching the land, and how the beast groaned and roared for help."
The page appears to be from the first chapter of Joel from the King James version of the Bible.
"We were like this is unreal, this is unbelievable," McCord said. "When we had both fully read it, we looked at each other — and I will never forget this moment — we both burst into tears. I was ghost white, and we just prayed. There was nothing else to do.
"Still to this moment, almost four hours after the fact, I don't have words for it."
McCord posted a photo of the charred Bible page on Facebook, and four hours later, he was contacted by Dollywood public relations workers who told him the post had been shared more than 50,000 times. McCord had no idea, he said: His Facebook showed less than 1,000 shares.
McCord wasn't a highly religious man prior to his discovery — he didn't go to church every Sunday or read the Bible often — but he said he has a relationship with God that shapes his morals and how he treats other people. He was impacted by the discovery because he said he knows several co-workers who lost their homes in the chaotic blaze. He intends to frame the Bible page, and now, he said he may re-examine the role religion plays in his life.
Angela Davis, reached by phone on Tuesday night, corroborated McCord's story, saying when she returned from the restroom, she saw him with the Bible page. It was burned, brittle, wet and in two pieces, she said. Kimberly Moore also corroborated the story, recalling the same details as Davis and McCord. Misty Carver did not immediately return requests for comment.
McCord said he knows people may doubt the truthfulness of his story. He emphasized he is not an official spokesman for Dollywood, and he does not speak on behalf of the park or its employees. He just wanted to share the story to give people hope.
"I wanted to share this message because it brought me to tears. I wanted to share this message because I think that faith and hope is very powerful in a situation like this. There are hundreds of people that are displaced and that have lost their homes. Most of these people will cling to faith. By no means was I trying to get social recognition. … I would say to anyone who wants to call it fake, call me. Please call me. It is something that I'll remember for the rest of my life."
The article above, quoted in its entirety, is from The Knoxville News Sentinel website on November 30th. Here's the link:
You can probably guess what stood out to me. "He said he may re-examine the role religion plays in his life." Wouldn't we all?! We should especially do so after considering the context of Joel, chapter one. God had come in judgement and, as the prophesy continues, the Lord will do so again in the future.
When was the last time you read this short Old Testament book? If it has been a while, you might think of this as a nudge to do so! As you read it, pay particular attention to the warnings (like "awake…weep…wail" [1:5]). There is indeed an appropriate way in which to respond to God's judgement and/or discipline. There is also a way in which to live in light of the coming "day of the Lord" mentioned by Joel. Like the young man who found the burned Bible page, we should re-examine the role religion plays in our own lives. More specifically, we should live today in such a manner that we are prepared when God's wrath is truly realized. And, there is no safer place to be than in His Son–Jesus Christ!
I was heartened to hear of God providentially working in such a way that Mr. McCord found part of the Scriptures. It is understandable that he and his co-worker burst into tears when they made the connection from what they were experiencing to what they just read. But I very much hope that this is just a beginning, a re-birthing time for their relationships with God. May the story also be used in our lives to help us examine our own spiritual health (or lack thereof). Remember–not everyone survived the fires in the area.
PS-Please be praying for those who have lost loved ones and for those grieving from losing important and sentimental possessions (homes, pets, photos, etc.).
Thanksgiving 2016: Behold, now!
If you have studied the history of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, you most assuredly have seen the name of William Bradford. He was one of the leaders of the group that sailed the treacherous waters of the Atlantic on the Mayflower.
Bradford was a member of the separatist movement in England and part of the segment which decided to head to the New World. His wife, Dorothy joined him. Their young son remained behind due to safety reasons. Sadly, Dorothy would fall from the ship and drown just prior to the landing in Cape Cod in 1620. Bradford would be elected governor of Plymouth after the death of John Carver and was re-elected every year thereafter. He remarried in 1623 to a widow named Alice Southworth. They would have three children.
In 1630, he began writing Of Plymouth Plantation. It's a bit of a tough read if you are not well-verse in original King James-ish English (not the cleaned-up, modernized English in the King James Bible you may read at home). Honestly, it's both boring and fascinating at the same time. What really stands out the me, however, is Bradford's vibrant faith in Almighty God. Consider the following:
I may not here omit how, notwithstand[ing] all their great pains and industry, and the great hopes of a large crop, the Lord seemed to blast, and take away the same, and to threaten further and more sore famine unto them. By a great drought which continued from the third week in May, till about the middle of July, without any rain and with great heat for the most part, insomuch as the corn began to wither away though it was set with fish, the moisture whereof helped it much. Yet at length it began to languish sore, and some of the drier grounds were parched like withered hay, part whereof was never recovered. Upon which they set apart a solemn day of humiliation, to seek the Lord by humble and fervent prayer, in this great distress. And He was pleased to give them a gracious and speedy answer, both to their own and the Indians' admiration that lived amongst them. For all the morning, and greatest part of the day, it was clear weather and very hot, and not a cloud or any sign of rain to be seen; yet toward evening it began to overcast, and shortly after to rain with such sweet and gentle showers as gave them cause of rejoicing and blessing God. It came without either wind or thunder or any violence, and by degrees in that abundance as that the earth was thoroughly wet and soaked and therewith. Which did so apparently revive and quicken the decayed corn and other fruits, as was wonderful to see, and made the Indians astonished to behold. And afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing. For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving. . . .(See reference below).
Those of us living in the Southeast, USA can relate to the need of rain! Many of us are praying regularly for it. Thankfully, like the Puritans, we believe that while God is completely sovereign, He does indeed both hear and answer prayer!
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
Those are the comforting words from Psalm 121. God bids us to pray. We pray. He answers.
"Behold, now, another providence of God. A ship comes into the harbor," wrote Bradford. I trust that we, too, can say that we have seen and experienced "another providence of God" after "another providence of God" during the first eleven months of this year. God has not treated us as our many, many sins deserve.
And we give thanks.
Blog Entry 700!
Yes! Another goal completed for 2016! Blog entry #700 was completed as soon as hit my "Publish" button!
Believe me when I state that I had no idea if I would continue posting my thoughts on this WordPress site when I started! I enjoyed writing, and I liked the thought that my kids would have an additional avenue by which to learn about whatever it is I consider to be important.
Now–with the number 1000 in my sights (probably six years away), I believe I shall continue. My hope is that my children and, possibly, future grandchildren will be encouraged by what they read. The majority of my posts are my personal interactions with Scripture. Some include my observations from what I see in our culture. Still others might be described as my commentary on the news of the day. Regardless, I hope that all who read are encouraged to examine the claims of God's Word.
Have you considered writing? There are many forums which would allow you to share your faith and what you believe others would benefit from reading. I've got my blog. A friend of mine writes books. Another friend is a poet. Many still keep diaries.
And you?
As I consider my family tree, I do not have any written proof that any of my forefathers were genuine followers of Christ. And, we know very little of what they did or what they thought. Simply put, they lived and they died. The only legacy left was their biological children. That cycle stopped with me. It took a miraculous work of God, of course. He invaded my life–unannounced and uninvited. And one of the results is that I very much care that there truly is proof to convict me of being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am on a mission to communicate to those who will walk in my footsteps, those who will bear the name "Wehse."
I would encourage you to consider your own legacy today. What will you leave for tomorrow? Think on it.
And thanks for stopping by the blog.
Number 700! Bam!
Election 2016 Admissions
I have two admissions to make. Now that we are several days removed from the historic election which took place on Tuesday, my guess is that I am probably not going to lose friends over my admissions. Hopefully, you won't even be upset with me (or "unfriend"me!).
Admission #1: I did not vote for Donald Trump. Although I am a long-time registered Republican, I could not bring myself to vote for the Republican nominee this year. As you might imagine, I did not vote for Hillary Clinton either. After doing my research, I decided to vote for a candidate you probably never heard of: Mike Smith. Smith, a conservative independent, received 7,244 votes in TN. I am not sure of his total nationally, but he didn't come close in vote count to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson (the third place finisher). In short, my vote (I trust, like yours) was a conscience vote. And, because I live in Tennessee, I had the freedom to "let my conscience be my guide." Tennessee was going to vote for Trump on a massive scale. Everyone knew it. Final results have 61% in favor of Trump; 35% for Clinton. Had I lived in North Carolina, however, my decision would have been different. I would have voted pragmatically. The state was up-for-grabs and I would have felt the need to "take one for the team" by voting for the platform. Thankfully, enough voters turned out to put the state in the red (51%-47%). So, for the first time in my voting lifetime, I voted for a 3rd party candidate. It felt odd and good at the same time! But I can tell you this now: I am really hoping I can vote for Donald Trump in the 2020 election. I hope he proves himself to be an effective and wise leader who acts and reacts rationally, not with some of the knee-jerk decisions we all saw during the campaign. And that leads me to my second admission.
Admission #2: I am going to pray more for President Trump than I have for any other president in my lifetime. I've prayed for our leaders in the past, but not to the extent that I am committing myself to now that Mr. Trump won this year's election. I'm not exactly sure why, but I feel as if God will genuinely hear and work through my prayers (something I should always believe) and that this man especially needs my prayers. He needs wisdom. He needs self-control. He needs discerning counselors. And–I want the freedom to live my life without harassment. Consider these words from the Apostle Paul,
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Those words at the beginning of 1 Timothy, chapter two, give us a great rationale for praying for President-Elect Trump and our government, doesn't it?! We should indeed pray for wisdom for our leaders and self-control and for God to provide for them godly and wise counselors so that God is glorified and we are blessed. Without a doubt, we desire to be able to lead a peaceful, drama-free life marked by personal holiness and honorable behavior.
Here's how The Message renders the passage:
"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live."
I won't ask who you voted for on Tuesday. But I am tempted to ask if you are going to join me in regularly (if not daily) praying for our president and our leaders. They need Christ and we can bless them by obeying our Lord!

subset: commoncrawl


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Looking Tight: Beyonce's Most Memorable Bodysuit Moments
- By Bossip Staff
9 of 10
Beyonce's Best Bodysuit Looks
Last week we highlighted the most donked out body suit in the game when we showed you Nicki Minaj's bodysuits. But not to be left out is another Diva whose body suit look shouldn't be ignored.
Take a look at her in all her tight-suited glory.


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(CBS) The Skinny is Keach Hagey's take on the top news of the day and the best of the Internet.
It didn't take long. The iPhone has been hacked, according to the New York Times. A team of computer security consultants said they could take control of a person's iPhone through a WiFi connection or by tricking users into going to a Web site that contains malicious code.
Although Apple built considerable security measures into the device, according to Charles Miller, the main analyst for the firm, "Once you did manage to find the hole, you were in complete control."
So far, there's no evidence that the flaw has been exploited, and the firm generously offered to sell Apple a plug-in to fix the leak. Which would ease our worries completely, except Miller is described as "a former employee of the National Security Agency," and we all know how hesitant that agency has been to spy on American citizens.
Turkey's Ruling Party Gets Roasted
Turkey's Islamic-inspired governing party's harder-than-expected pummeling of the secular opposition in Sunday's parliamentary elections topped the Wall Street Journal's newsbox and, at least visually, the front pages of the The New York Times, and Los Angeles Times today.
While the LA Times seemed most concerned about of the "specter of bitter quarrels over the feared erosion of Turkey's secular traditions" that would arise from the ruling party's new mandate, the WSJ focused on the silver lining, emphasizing that "the wide margin of victory paves the way for more pro-Western and business friendly policies."
Meanwhile, the New York Times asks, but doesn't answer, the question at the heart of it all: "Can an Islamic-oriented government that is popularly election be democratic and aligned with the West?"
Perhaps it was the absence of an answer to this question that relegated the story, teased with a colorful lead photograph women in headscarves waving celebratory flags, to A3.
Iraq Update: Not So Fast
Meanwhile, there remains a little less than nothing to celebrate in Iraq. In the latest wholly depressing dispatch, a top U.S. training official told USA Today that "military offensives and a changed focus on increasing security" (Um, does this mean we weren't focusing on security before?) have slowed the training of Iraqi forces. Admitting the news was "a hard pill to swallow," the general said American troops would need to remain in Iraq for at least two more years to prevent "a bloodbath."
Democrats: The New Money Party?
Downers like this do have an upside – if you are Democrat, reports the Wall Street Journal. With more than a year to go before the elections, Democratic candidates have raised $100 million more in campaign contributions than Republicans, putting them on track to win the money race for the White House and Congress for the first time in recorded campaign finance history.
The reason? "Democrats have taken the lead by exploiting widespread disapproval of President Bush and the Iraq war to develop a more robust online network of new, small donors, as well as to gain traction with deep-pocketed business contributors." That, and Democrats are way better at surfing (and milking) those wild and crazy "internets."
A NOTE TO READERS: The Skinny is now available via e-mail. Click here and follow the directions to register to receive it in your inbox each weekday morning.
© MMVII, CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Being injured sucks! There's no two ways about it. You sit on the chair day after day with your injury staring at you in the face, with the twinges of pain, a constant reminder that you're not better...yet.
Now, I'm trying to stay positive, and it's hard. Really hard. I have an amazing group of friends cheering me on, sending me love and healing. Which helps some, but it's still a struggle.
I'm not one to sit still. I absolutely hate it! I'm always bouncing around the house, bouncing around work, I just bounce! However, yesterday, things changed. I fell. I was managing my way around the kitchen in my knee scooter and tried to turn. The wheel caught and it fell, and I along with it. Of course what's the first thing that hit the ground, my right foot. Yes, my foot that just had surgery 7 days ago. My foot that has a bone anchor in it holding my Posterior Tib Tendon in place. Amazingly, I didn't curse as I went down (very quickly). I think it was something more of a painful primal scream. Everyone came running into the kitchen and I just sat there....in too much pain to even cry. I managed with some supervision from my husband to get into bed and elevated my foot and iced it for the next few hours. This morning, I called the doctor explained what happen. Tomorrow morning, I will be heading back for more X-rays to make sure nothing came undone. That thought terrifies me! I don't want surgery again. I don't want to be out longer than I need to be. So I wait and hope I just irritated things and with rest and following rules things will calm down.
|This is my recovery spot!
I have a lot of work to do to get myself in a better mental place, and it is a lot of work. I need to be a patient patient and let myself heal physically. I need Ito let people help me and ask for help. But hey, I have another 2 weeks off of work to work on all of that...So the journey continues....and as my friend, Caolan, has reminded me...


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The Career Assessment and Planning program provides clarity and direction to women, men and youth at crossroads in their careers.
Who is this program for?
Women and men who are:
- uncertain of career direction
- dealing with change or possible downsizing at work
- looking for new opportunities
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For youth who are:
- looking for unbiased advice about suitable and realistic occupations that match interests and abilities
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What does this program offer?
Individual Services $550.00/package
- 5 hours of individual career counseling
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- evaluation of realistic work expectations and occupational goals
- a career profile and action plan with short and long term goals
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- Values Card Sort
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By appointment only. Appointments are arranged according to the availability of the participant and the counsellor during business hours, evenings or weekends.
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Lea Rideout, Program Administrator
416.269.0091 x270
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More News
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May 30, 2005
SGI And ESI Group Make Precise Automotive Simulations Scalable
Please note that contributed articles, blog entries, and comments posted on MCADcafe.com are the views and opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the management and staff of Internet Business Systems and its subsidiary web-sites.
by Jeff Rowe - Contributing Editor
Each MCAD Weekly Review delivers to its readers news concerning the latest developments in the MCAD industry, MCAD product and company news, featured downloads, customer wins, and coming events, along with a selection of other articles that we feel you might find interesting. Brought to you by MCADCafe.com. If we miss a story or subject that you feel deserves to be included, or you just want to suggest a future topic, please contact us! Questions? Feedback?
Click here
. Thank you!
SGI And ESI Group Make Precise Automotive Simulations Scalable
Manufacturers today struggle to reduce delays in product design as they work with more and more refined models. To keep up with these time and quality constraints, they look for solutions that can scale with their growing needs. Silicon Graphics and ESI Group announced they have pushed scalability to new extremes, enabling users to run a crash simulation model eight times larger than today's standard industry practice. The achievement represents a significant competitive advantage for automotive designers confronted with ever growing model sizes and shrinking turnaround time.
Today the typical full car simulation model size is 1.1 million elements and can be run overnight. In recent tests, SGI with ESI Group successfully ran a model of 9.1 million elements at 338.20 gigaflops per second performance on a SGI Altix 3700 Bx2 server with 512GB memory running PAM-CRASH 2004 on 512 Intel Itanium 2 processors.
On the high-density Altix system, SGI and ESI Group were able to deliver the crash case results on model with 9.1 million elements - 8x that of a typical model - within 8 hours 11 minutes, enabling engineers to use the results of the full case computation with increased precision as early as the next morning. This means that an engineer can run a model eight times more complicated within essentially the same time as a standard sized model.
This outstanding result is made possible with a complement of the SGI Altix NUMAflex architecture with huge globally addressable shared-memory and PAM-CRASH software's enhanced scalability. The solution enables engineers to cope with the expected growth of model size due to factors like model refinement, increase model fidelity, and modeling material rupture. Additionally, insurance companies rely on simulations to evaluate risks, including specific car-to-car and car-to-passenger interactions. With such a configuration car manufacturers can now address new applications such as the simulation of a detailed car body with trim, or investigate critical zones for rupture prediction.
"While high-performance computing hardware has moved toward scalable systems, ESI Group has invested in a new architecture for its crash test solution solver," said Vincent Chaillou, President and Chief Operating Officer, Product Operations, ESI Group. "The new generation of our parallel solver, first delivered in 2002, offers unprecedented scalability for full car model computations."
"The Altix server family offers tremendous flexibility in configuring for application-specific needs," said Christian Tanasescu, Director of Engineering, Simulation Applications, SGI. "Altix can be used in single system image configurations up to 512 processors or as a supercluster that equips up to 2,048 processors with globally addressable memory. With an industry-leading communication latency of less than 1 microsecond, SGI's NUMAflex interconnect enables PAM-CRASH to scale to dramatic new heights."
Computationally, vehicle crash simulation is one of the most demanding simulation applications because of the sheer number of discrete parts in a vehicle that interact with each other during a crash - forces, vectors, materials, occupants, and on and on. It's a very tall order to simulate this complex behavior, so a lot of computing horsepower is required and SGI's Altix 3700 seems to be the right machine to fulfill this requirement. The Altix 3700 is part of SGI's newest generation of high-end servers with a price point starting at around $100,000.
Since most of us are PC users, we have learned that for the money, more is usually gained by adding memory (RAM) to a system than by adding a faster processor for boosting computational power, and this is even more true in supercomputing. The SGI Altix exploits this with a hugely scalable memory architecture, offering up to 24 TB (terabytes - that's 24 x 1012 or 24,000 gigabytes (GB)!) of globally addressable memory in a system. Contrast that to clustered architectures where addressable memory is typically limited to "a mere" 32 GB.
Speaking of processors, though, an SGI Altix 3700 Bx2 is comprised of nodes. Each node in an Altix 3700 system can contain 16 to 512 Intel Itanium 2 processors, up to 6 terabytes of global shared memory, and 48 XIO buses; that can provide over 3 gigabytes per second of sustained I/O bandwidth. The system also leverages SGI's proprietary NUMAflex global shared-memory architecture for maximum application performance. The latest configuration of the Altix 3700 Bx2 also doubles available bandwidth between Altix so-called CPU bricks (clusters of processors within a node) with SGI's NUMAlink 4 interconnect technology- at 6.4GB/sec and less than 1 microsecond latency.
With microprocessors capable of over one billion calculations per second-less than one nanosecond per operation-fast memory access time is a critical factor for achieving balanced, sustained performance on technical workloads, such as PAM-CRASH. Data crosses over an SGI NUMAlink switch, round-trip, in as little as 50 nanoseconds, compared to 10,000 nanoseconds or more with most commodity clustering interconnects. All things considered, the Altix is powerful and fast.
ESI Group is a pioneer and provider of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes that take into account the physics of materials. ESI Group's products represent a collaborative virtual engineering environment that the company calls the Virtual Try-Out Space (VTOS), that enables continuous improvement for virtual (digital) prototypes. By reducing costs and development lead times, the VTOS progressively reduce the need for physical prototypes.
The company is probably best known for its automotive applications, and since the first full car virtual crash test in 1985, PAM-CRASH 2G has been highly regarded for crash simulation. PAM-CRASH 2G is capable of predicting how car interior components, such as dashboard and trims will behave when an occupant contacts/impacts them. It provides physics-based crash test simulation that includes pre/post processors and a finite element solver which offers many interfaces with other analysis applications. Its contact interface provides increased accuracy and saves modeling time. Validated material models are included for common engineering materials such as metals, plastics, and composites.
Steel, composites or aluminum energy-absorbing structures can be modeled with strain-rate effects and possible damage. Specific formulations have been developed for the large deformation of frontal offset barriers and the newly developed rupture model addresses the automotive industry's increasing use of high-strength materials.
The PAM-CRASH 2G solver can be run in sequential, shared memory or distributed memory parallel modes, and switched from one mode to another. The distributed memory parallel version shares the same input data. The parallel version also has acceleration factors that can take advantage of multiple computer processors (such as found in the SGI Altix). Based on scalable contact structure and dynamic memory allocation, solver architecture offers performance of up to 50% memory saving.
Outwardly, this looks like a good match - PAM-CRASH 2G requires a lot of computing horsepower and the SGI Altix 3700 can provide it. Look for other computationally-intensive applications to migrate to scaleable and increasingly affordable high-performance platforms.
The Week's Top 5
At MCADCafé we track many things, including the stories that have attracted the most interest from our subscribers. Below are the five news items that were the most viewed during last week.
Creator Of High-Tech, Eco-Friendly Buses Selects SolidWorks
Altair Engineering Inc.
, a global product design consulting and technology company, is using
to develop advanced technology buses that could revitalize the country's public transportation system. Under a new $550,000 federal transportation grant, Altair Engineering is designing next-generation buses that promise an estimated 40-percent reduction in cost of ownership over traditional buses. The vehicles will feature improved maintenance, fuel, emissions, and passenger comfort technologies, and be more than 33 percent lighter. The grant aids Altair in designing and building two prototype buses that will be initially deployed in metro Detroit as early as 2006 for
regular transit use and evaluation.
Dassault Systemes And IBM Announce V5 R15 Of Their PLM Portfolio
Dassault Systemes
announced the release of Version 5 Release 15 (V5R15) of their product lifecycle management (PLM) portfolio, comprised of
for collaborative product development, and
for product data and life cycle management, collaboration, and decision support. Concurrently, Dassault Systemes announced V5R15 of
for digital development of factory and production processes.
Chrysler Group Drives Virtual Product Development With MSC.Software
MSC.Software Corp.
, who provides virtual product development (VPD) solutions, announced that the
Chrysler Group
, a unit of
DaimlerChrysler, AG
, will partner with MSC.Software to implement an engineering management system based upon MSC.SimManager, MSC.SOFY, and other software tools. The new system will orchestrate Chrysler Group's noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), crash, and durability simulations by automating simulation tasks and managing all of the data and models associated with these processes.
Rules-Driven Product Management Benefits Engineer-To-Order Manufacturers As Customer Success Data Grows
Results for several rules-driven product management (RPM) engagements led by
RuleStream Corp.
outline several benefits resulting from RPM implementations in engineer-to-order operations. These benefits are outlined in case studies available on the RuleStream website at www.rulestream.com. The case studies describe the successes of RuleStream clients including Lytron, Interior Concepts and Babcock & Wilcox.
Kubotek USA Offers Comprehensive Free Multi-CAD Viewer With Support For CATIA, UG, PRO/E, And More
Kubotek USA
today introduced the
Kubotek Spectrum
, a free downloadable software solution designed to provide convenient access to design data stored in the most commonly used CAD formats, including Pro/ENGINEER, UGS, CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor, KeyCreator, CADKEY, AutoCAD, and more. A multi-CAD engineering tool, Spectrum provides a way for engineering and non-engineering professionals to access engineering and design data.
Jeffrey Rowe is the editor and publisher of MCADCafé and MCAD Weekly Review. He can be reached here or 408.850.9230.
This Week
Lead Story
SGI And ESI Group Solve Scalability Problems Associated With Designing Finely Detailed Car Simulations
Product and Company News
CD-adapco To Present STAR-Pro/E: Fully CAD-Associative CFD, At PTC/User World Event
DELMIA Digital Manufacturing Solution V5 R15 Extends Dassault Systemes' PLM Coverage
ANSYS Announces AUTODYN Version 6.0
Partners Offer Industry-Focused Add-Ons To Autodesk Inventor
Agile Named To "Network World 200" List
MatrixOne To Request Hearing About Compliance With NASDAQ Requirements
SoftInWay Will Demonstrate Pre-Release 2.01 Of AxSTREAM At ASMETurbo Expo 2005
Major Advances In Geomagic Studio 8 Reduce NURBS Surfacing Time By 80 Percent
Concepts NREC To Release New Blade Design Tool At ASME Turbo Expo
Fluent Releases Icepro 4.1 CAD Conversion Tool
ANSYS And RoboBAT Announce An Integrated Structural Engineering Solution
CoCreate Announces 2005 Eastern Region User Group
Delcam's PowerINSPECT Software Speeds Electrode Inspection
MatrixOne Global Customer Conference Sets The Agenda For PLM As The Foundation For Innovation
Schott Systeme Reduces CAD/CAM Cost With Direct Sales
Delcam Sees High Leverl Of Interest In Latest Machining Options At Hermle Event
Kubotek Demonstrates Integrated Design And Manufacturing Process At Eastec 2005
Delcam Partner Looks For Further Growth At Polish Exhibition
Related MCAD News
Commentary: MCAD Industry View - A May 2005 Update
Actuality Ships New Generation 3D Spatial Visualization System With 360-Degree View
Camstar Selects DataDirect Technologies' ODBC Database Driver To Empower Real-Time Manufacturing Software
Manufacturing Insights Defines Top Four Governance Imperatives For The Manufacturing Industry
Exact Metrology Teams Up With InnovMetric Software To Distribute PolyWorks
SAE Foundation Honors Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda With 2005 Manufacturing Leadership Award
IBM Brings Tomorrow's Software Technology To Today's Developers And Students
Quantapoint Announces Integration Of Quantapoint PRISM 3D With Intergraph SmartPlant Review
SPACEHAB Signs Space Act Agreement with NASA
Visteon, Ford Sign Memorandum Of Understanding For New Business Arrangement
TRW Automotive Receives Value Improvement Award From Toyota Manufacturing North America
2005 BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award Presented To Delphi
Avatech Named Top-Performing Autodesk Channel Partner In Three Categories
ALT Software's OpenGL ES Products To Be Distributed With Wind River's New Platform For Automotive Devices
Corporate Moves
William Clay Ford, Jr. Elected Chairman Of Detroit Economic Club
MSC.Software Names Philip B. Livingston To Board Of Directors
Upcoming Events
Graphics Systems Corp. To Unveil SolidWorks 2006 At .Launch Day. Events Throughout Wisconsin And Illinois In June
Etrage LLC To Exhibit At 2005 PTC / USER World Event
U.S. Assistant Secretary For Manufacturing & Services To Keynote At SME Annual Meeting
Surfware To DemonstrateTrueMill Technology At EASTEC 2005
ANSYS To Host Virtual Press Event Featuring ANSYS 10.0 Release
LinuxWorld Summit Kicks Off This Week
Learn About STAR-CD v3.24 At Engine Expo 2005
You can find the full MCADCafe event calendar
To read more news,
click here
-- Jeff Rowe, MCADCafe.com Contributing Editor.


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- Linotype blog: Find all the news and important information about typography in our font magazine, our newsletters and on Facebook and Twitter
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A whole new approach to displays: media art in the new terminal of Vienna International Airport
"ZeitRaum" ('TimeSpace') is the name of the art installation designed by Ars Electronica Futurelab for Vienna Airport's new terminal. It generates real-time interpretations of incoming and outgoing flights. Its massive display screens frame the airport's security checkpoints. When a passenger [...]more
Tagged FUTURA, Media Art, Soho Gothic


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Real Estate Solicitor - 5PQE
Real Estate Solicitor PQE: 5PQE+ Location: Manchester Salary: Very Competitive This leading International Law Firm are looking to expand their market leading Real Estate Practice in their Manchester office with the addition of a Senior Associate Solicitor. This opportunity is to join one of the largest and most successful Real Estate teams outside of London. Their impressive Legal 500 and Chambers tier ratings proves them to be true market leaders, offering a quality of work that is arguably the best in the Manchester market. The firm's impressive client base includes large blue-chip organisations such as Investment Banks, Leading Retailers, and large-scale Developers. The key practice areas you can expect to gain exposure to are: High-value Development work Investment Portfolio work General Acquisitions and Disposals Landlord & Tenant work This firm has one of the largest transactional practices in Manchester, and despite the Brexit-related slowdown of competitor firms, are experiencing consistently high work flow and client demand. This has led to the continued expansion of the practice, and need to bring on board a talented individual. The successful applicant will: Have 5 years' plus experience in Real Estate. Have a desire to succeed within a meritocratic environment. Be confident dealing directly with large multinational clients, enabling them to develop lasting and beneficial relationships. Ability to lead and manage a team of more junior solicitors. As well as the technical Real Estate skills that are required for a position in this team, the growth and success of the department lends itself to a naturally entrepreneurial candidate. Experience in, or desire to gain exposure to, client work and business development would be a real advantage. My client anticipates that the ideal candidate for this role would be an individual who enjoys this kind of work, and is eager to progress quickly in a merit-based environment. For further details, or to apply for this opportunity, please contact Josh Dye on 0113 234 0500.


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thursday 22
Baseball: Support Cal State Long Beach's team at Dirtbags vs. UC Irvine. The game starts at 6 p.m. at Blair Field. For tickets or more information, call 562-985-4949 or visit longbeachstate.com.
Queen Mary Barrel Series: Eat like a king during Queen Mary's dinner series. Each dining experience enables guests to sample a variety of dishes paired with a selection of premium liquors. This week, the kitchen will offer a Caribbean island rum dinner, which will be served at 6 p.m. The menu will feature five samplings of Barbados' Mount Gay Rum. Tickets are $130. 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach. Information: queenmary.com and 877-342-0738.
Sustainable City Commission: The Long Beach Sustainable City Commission will meet at Long Beach City Hall Council Chamber, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. Information: longbeach.gov.
Long Beach Lincoln Club Luncheon: The independent Republican organization will host a luncheon at noon. Guest speaker Steven Frates will speak on "Using Data to Win Elections." Cost is $35 for non members and $25 for members. 6201 E. Appian Way, Long Beach. RSVP is required. Contact firstname.lastname@example.com or call 562-439-9390.
friday 23rd
Shark Lagoon Nights: Community members are welcome to observe predators of the sea at Aquarium of the Pacific for free during Shark Lagoon Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests can touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks, including sandtigers and rays, in the aquarium. Refreshments and snacks will also be available. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Information: aquariumofpacific.org and 562-590-3100, ext. 0.
Dirtbags vs. UC Irvine: Support Long Beach State athletics during a home baseball game. The game starts at 6 p.m. at Blair Field, 4700 Deukmejian Drive, Long Beach. Information: 562-985-4949 and longbeachstate.com.
Friday Sit: For those wishing to meditate before heading off to work or starting the day, Long Beach Meditation offers early bird sessions. From 6 to 7 a.m., community members are welcome to sit and meditate in a simple format. The session is free, but donations are accepted. Long Beach Meditation, 741 Atlantic Ave. Information: 562-606-0643 and firstname.lastname@example.com.
E-Waste Drive: Bring unwanted, unusable and old electronic items to the free e-waste drive, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations will be accepted in the surface parking lot in front of the P2S Engineering building at the Long Beach Airport Business Park. Televisions, computers, monitors, stereos, receivers and DVD players will be accepted. 5000 E. Spring St., Long Beach. Information: 562-985-1363.
Moonalice: The psychedelic roots-rock band will perform at Golden Sails Hotel at 9 p.m. Members have worked with musicians including Rod Stewart, John Lee Hooker, John Fogerty and The Flying Other Brothers. Their hit single "It's 4:20 Somewhere" has been downloaded more than 4.6 million times. Show admission is $15. 6285 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. Information: moonalice.com or 855-261-1567.
saturday 24th
Free Pet Adoptions for Armed Forces: SpcaLA and Animals for Armed Forces Foundation will honor and say thanks to service men and women by providing free pet adoptions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The discount applies to active duty, reserve and veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard as well as immediate family members. Individuals must provide documentation. The offer will last throughout Memorial Day weekend. SpcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach. Information: spcala.com.
Latin Jazz & Blues Fest: The Third Annual Jazz and Blues Fest will take place at Houghton Park from 2 to 8 p.m. Themed "Jazz and Unity for a Healthy Community," the festival will highlight the importance of healthy eating and active living. The lineup features Grammy award-winning Latin jazz musician Poncho Sanchez, DW3, The Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band and Boxcar 7. The event is free to the public, and individuals are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the park. Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave., Long Beach. Information: 562-570-6137 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Seaside Music Series: Enjoy live music by the water during Shorline Village's Seaside Summer Music Series. Los Angeles cover band Midnight Ride will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. and alternative pop rock band Long Beach Unplugged will play from 6 to 9 p.m. 401-435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach. Information: shorelinevillage.com/seaside-summer-music-series-2014.
"The Philanderer": Join Long Beach Playhouse for their latest production at 8 p.m. The story follows Leonard who is pursued by two women, Julia, a modern woman, and Grace, a liberated widow. Leonard tries to free himself from Julia's romantic cling. Admission is $24. 5021 E Anaheim St., Long Beach. Information: 562-494-1014 and lbplayhouse.org.
World Fish Migration Day: Aquarium of the Pacific will recognize the one-day global initiative to create awareness of the importance of open rivers and migratory fish from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. With regular admission, visitors can view the Southern California steelhead exhibit and learn about what organizations are doing to help endangered fish. The president of Trout Unlimited's South Coast Chapter Bob Blankenship will present a lecture about the status of fish population in the local area. Attendees can also participate in a Q&A session at the end of the lecture. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Information: 562-590-3100 ext. 0 and aquariumofpacific.org.
Saturday Family Fun: Introduce your preschool student to marine life during the class Sea Jellies and Other Incredible Invertebrates from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A part of the Aquarium of the Pacific's series of mommy, me and fish classes, the program is created for 4- to 6-year-olds who are accompanied with an adult. Kids will take a guided tour of sea jelly exhibits, make an ocean-themed craft, and take part in learning activities. Aquarium admission is included with the class price. Snacks will not be offered. Admission is $40 per adult/child pair and $20 per additional guest or $36 for aquarium member pairs and $15 per additional guest. Information: 562-590-3100 ext. 0 and aquariumofpacific.org.
Long Beach Fine Art Festival: Local artists will display paintings, photography, etchings and sculptures during Memorial Day weekend. Each artist will be present to meet with the public and discuss their work. Attendees can visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Work will also be available for purchase. In addition to art, visitors can enjoy cuisine from food trucks. Marina Green Park, 386 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach. Information: westcoastartists.com or call 818-813-4478.
Mayfair Pool Pre-Summer Recreation Swim Weekends: Join the City of Lakewood for their early season recreation swim weekends. Sessions will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Swim weekends will run through June 15th. Mayfair Park Pool, 5720 Clark Ave., Lakewood. Information: 562-866-9771 ext. 2408 and lakewoodcity.org.
Share your event with us at least one week before at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Contact the writer:


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Welcome UT Percussion Studio
The Percussion Studies program at UT Austin is committed to developing superb musicianship through performance and a deep, fundamental understanding of music and human learning. The flexible, rigorous undergraduate and graduate curricula help students become confident performers, knowledgeable musicians, skillful teachers, and productive individuals who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all dimensions of professional life.
Dr. Thomas Burritt
Thomas Burritt
Thomas Burritt received degrees from Ithaca College School of Music (BM – Education and Performance), Kent State University (MM), and Northwestern University (DMA). Active in the creation and performance of new music for percussion Burritt has built a reputation in chamber music, as a percussion soloist and a concert marimbist. He has performed regularly at the Leigh Howard Stevens International Marimba Seminar and was a featured faculty performer at the 2007 and 2009 Zeltsman Marimba Festival. In April 2004 Burritt performed in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as member of the Hammers and Sticks Ensemble. Later the same year the Hammers and Sticks Ensemble released a CD on the Innova label featuring works by Steven Mackey, Zhou Long, Alvin Singleton, Alex Shapiro, Joseph Harchanko and Belinda Reynolds. As Percussion Soloist Burritt has been active performing percussion concertos by Steve Mackey, Joseph Schwantner, Michael Dougherty, David Maslanka John Mackey, and James MacMillan. Burritt has recorded for guitarist Eric Johnson and recording artist David Byrne. Burritt's first solo CD recording: "All Times Identical – New American Music for Marimba" was released in November 2006. His latest solo marimba recording "Groundlines" is now available in iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Rdio and Spotify. In 2009, Burritt was nominated for a Grammy for his performances on "Conspirare in Concert" distributed world wide on the harmonia mundi label. In the spring of 2012, Burritt was cited as being one of "The most influential Music Professors on Twitter". He is currently Professor of Percussion and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Texas at Austin and is a clinician/endorser for Majestic and Mapex Concert Percussion, Innovative Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals, beetle percussion and Grover Pro Percussion.
Tony Edwards
Tony Edwards is currently the Principal Timpanist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra,Principal Percussionist for the Britt Music Festival, Assistant Principal Percussionist for the Austin Lyric Opera, and Principal Percussionist/ Timpanist for the Texas Philharmonic. From 1991-2003 he served as Co-Principal Percussionist for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. In addition he performs regularly with the San Antonio Symphony, Conspirare Orchestra, and Austin Chamber Music Center.
Tony received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Henderson State University, Master of Music in Percussion Performance degree from the University of Texas and a Professional Studies Cerfificate from Temple University. His recordings include Bartok's Sonata for "Two Pianos and Percussion" with the Southwestern University Chamber Soloist, "Music of Donald Grantham" with Voices of Change (Centaur Records, Inc.) His most recent recording includes the movie soundtrack to Spy Kids 2 (Dimension Motion Pictures). He can also be seen perfoming the movie "Waiting for Guffman" (Castle Rock Productions). Tony currently teaches at the Round Top Music Festival and is adjunct professor at The University of Texas at Austin. Tony is an endorser for Sabian Cymbals and Innovative Percussion.
Wayne Salzmann II
Wayne Salzmann II is an incredibly versatile and active drummer with nearly 20 years of experience. Born and raised in Neenah, Wisconsin, Salzmann was exposed to a wide variety of music at a young age. By the time he was sixteen, he was playing regular gigs, had won the DW/Zildjian drum solo competition, and was teaching drum lessons at a local music store. He earned a full-tuition music scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he received a student-research grant to travel to New York City and study with legendary drummers Bill Stewart, Joey Baron, Billy Martin, and Ari Hoenig. In 2008, Salzmann was awarded a teaching assistantship from the University of Texas, and moved to Austin to pursue a masters degree in music. While in Austin, he met Grammy winning Guitarist Eric Johnson, with whom he is currently touring and recording.
He has performed with Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Joe Bonamassa, Bobby Mcferrin, Robben Ford, Albert Lee (Eric Clapton), Chris Potter (Steely Dan), Carlos Sosa (Jason Mraz), Kevin Lovejoy (John Mayer), Ephraim Owens (Sheryl Crow), Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Joe Lally (Fugazi), John Jorgenson (Elton John), Oz Noy (Chris Botti), Roscoe Beck (Leonard Cohen), Red Young (Dolly Parton), Jake Langley (K.D. Lang), Bob Schneider, Sonny Landreth, Esperanza Spalding, Kat Edmondson, Suzanna Choffel, The Yellowjackets, Romero Lubambo, Andre Mehmari, Carmen Bradford, Gabriel Santiago Quintet, Tameca Jones, and The UT Faculty Jazz Quintet.
Salzmann has been featured on dozens of albums and music videos with a wide variety of artists in Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, R&B, Soul, Singer-Songwriter, Brazilian, African, and Classical genres. He has also recorded for multiple commercial jingles, television shows and Hollywood film soundtracks. Salzmann has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Brazil, and he played drums for the 2011 Eric Johnson Up Close Tour and 2012 EJ World Tour. He has performed everywhere from club gigs to Carnegie Hall, to International Music Festivals, and Amphitheatre gigs supporting Steve Miller Band.
Wayne Salzmann II is known for his ability to fit into a wide variety of genres, and serve the musical styles while expressing his own unique voice from behind the drums. He also writes and arranges music for his own project called Wayne Salzmann's Groove Society. Salzmann currently holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in music, and is the drum-set Instructor at the University of Texas at Austin. He has been teaching privately for nearly 15 years, and has given master classes at Universities and Music Conservatories worldwide. He proudly endorses DW Drums, Pedals, and Hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Puresound Snare Wires, and Pro-Mark Drumsticks, with whom he has a signature model drumstick.


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Christina Collette Tobin
- 33 years old
- Date of birth: Dec 9, 1981
- Date of passing: Jul 12, 2015
|Let the memory of Christina be with us forever
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Christina Tobin, 33, born on December 9, 1981 and passed away on July 12, 2015. We will remember her forever.
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Category Archives: Fantasy
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In Others' Words: Be Optimistic
Helen Keller was an amazing woman.
Born in 1880, an illness left her deaf and blind when she was all of 19 months old. Helen had limited communication with her family until she was 7 years old — when Annie Sullivan arrived and worked with her to teach her sign language. Fast forward to 1904, when Helen was 24 years old and graduated from college, the first deaf blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
And yes, there's so much more to her life story.
But when you sift through her quotes — and I have to some degree — you discover a woman who chose to embrace life despite what she didn't have: sight and hearing. She chose to savor life. To enjoy life. She chose to be happy.
Am I foolish enough to think Helen was never discouraged or frustrated? No. I'm sure there were times she wanted more … but it also seems as if she chose to believe that her life was not less than.
I am certain there were people who looked at her and saw all she could not do.
And yet Helen Keller seemed to be all about saying "Yes, I can. And I will."
And she did.
In Your Words: What helps you stay optimistic? When have you chosen to say "Yes, I can" — choosing optimism and faith and hope — instead of being overcome by all the reasons you can't? What did you achieve?[Tweet "Be Optimistic and Say Yes! #lifequotes #HelenKeller"] [Tweet "What Helps You Stay Optimistic? #lifequotes #optimism"]
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15 Comments
September 15, 2014, 6:29 am /
I think optimism is an essential life insurance policy. I've seen the alternative in people arrested, stunted, even paralyzed by pessimism and fear–very unattractive and I'm not buying. I also have the remembrance that God somehow turns every apparent disaster into a triumph and accomplishes that in myriad creative ways.
September 15, 2014, 6:50 am /
Alexander Solzhenitsyn once shared a cell with two men. Solzhenitsyn and one other chap were depressed and pessimistic, but their companion worked to keep their spirits up. We has a military officer, and spent a part of each day doing what physical exercises he could in their small cell. Two paces forward, two paces back…and that was it.
Of the three, he was the only one who had a conformed death sentence.
Optimism is a choice, but I don't think it can be linked with achievement, except in the most general sense. A better way to define its function might be as a process, something that we can practice every moment that invites grace into our lives.
And the reason for the grace is that it might be shared. Optimism might help us reach our goals, but that purpose is small when compared to what I believe is its fundamental raison d;etre –
Optimism fashions us into a lens through which grace can light the world.
September 15, 2014, 8:14 am /
Sometimes I think optimism is born in us. I've never not been optimistic…even when I was discouraged. I always knew God had his hand on me and whatever happened would be what He had in mind. I am so thankful for that gift because I've seen what happens when people have no optimism. They become bitter and defeated.
September 15, 2014, 9:24 am /
I need this post this morning. I'm having trouble being optimistic because it feels a little like life is caving in at the moment. One thing I'm realizing though, is that optimism is a choice. So, I'm spending time with the Lord, reading uplifting truths and listening to praise music. Slowly, my spirit is being readied to choose optimism.
September 15, 2014, 10:21 am /
Optimism is the lens through which I see life. I agree with Pat in that I've always sensed it was woven into me at birth. And I admit, I get frustrated with pessimists…likely because I don't understand their lens. I've never thought of optimism as being paired with ambition or outcome…though I suppose it is. For me it's been more of a life force that fights to get back to the surface when I'm weighed down in discouragement, depression, anger, or bitterness. It trains my eyes back to hope, though not necessarily hope in a particular outcome, but hope in Christ. That no matter how bleak the road, Jesus is, was, and every will be. He is. And He is here; never leaving, nor forsaking. To me, optimism reflects not hope in myself or my own abilities, but hope in my God for whom nothing is impossible.
September 15, 2014, 12:37 pm /
There seem to be too kinds of optimism, mental and physical.
Mental optimism is attitude, and the determination to look at things in the most positive way possible. It can be hard to maintain in the face of a seemingly endless list of things that are going wrong.
Physical optimism is acting in a way that's positive and hopeful for the future – even if it seems futile, and perhaps especially then. It's the determination to keep exercising when you're terminally ill, the will to keep writing when you've run out of agent to harass.
Both are important to cultivate, but physical optimism can save the day when nothing else can. It lets you be the miracle.
September 15, 2014, 2:43 pm /
Honestly, I think it's my faith that pulls me up by my bootstraps. It gives me hope and assurance. I know it relies on God's shoulders, not mine. I don't act optimistic 24/7, but I've gotten better the older I get:)
September 16, 2014, 1:37 pm /
God's faithfulness keeps me optimistic … especially in public speaking. I speak on surviving hardships … and public speaking is probably my greatest fear. But every time I see God come through, it gives me more courage to take that next step out … that next opportunity …
Thank you for a sweet post. I love Helen Keller's story.


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GraphicRiver 6 Photoshop grass & bush brushes 4179401
GraphicRiver 6 Photoshop grass & bush brushes 4179401
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Choose your legacy. It's not pre-determined...it's a choice. Most of us would rather live for the day than imagine that there won't be a tomorrow. But what if we aren't so lucky? What will they say about us? How will we be remembered? What actions did our lives inspire in others?
So many people scoff at fitness and exercise, because they just don't have "that kind of time to spend on themselves". And for those of us that do exercise, this statement could suddenly make us feel selfish. Is the time spent on exercise truly just "me-time"? OK…so exercise does reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases; along with reducing stress, depression and lowering cholesterol; and it can lead to a longer and happier life…but, I digress…is it really just a selfish use of our time?
Time is the currency of life and it should reflect our priorities. Isn't our health a worthy cause to spend it on? If we place a low value on our own health & well-being, what value would we add to the world around us? Fitness and exercise goals are not selfish aspirations...they're methods of self-improvement that can and will lead to a greater common good.
So, how can your exercise routine possibly lead to a greater common good, you ask? Consider this…Perhaps the neighbor that has seen you walk down the street on even the coldest of nights will finally muster up the courage to put on their jacket and join you, or maybe your actions will give them the willpower to restart their diet or exercise program. Or perhaps that person that always takes the elevator will finally follow you up the stairs one day. Or what if your children see you jogging each morning and someday aspire to adopt similar habits themselves later in life. Our actions affect others. Our actions motivate others. Our actions leave a subtle impression that can influence the world in ways that our words never can.
The lack of good eating and fitness habits is having a dire impact on our society. Obesity is costing us billions of dollars in health care and countless years in quality and quantity of life. This epidemic did not come about overnight, nor will it go away overnight. The problem of obesity came about over generations of bad habits. The elimination of obesity will happen one person at a time…one snack at a time…one step at a time. It's up to us and our actions. We have a choice about the legacy we leave behind when it comes to health and fitness, as our actions will undoubtedly affect the world and its future generations. Someday, we will be defined by our actions…what will your legacy be?
You can find Choose Your Legacy and other motivational fitness information in the April 2007 article of The Bullhorn. You can sign up for this free monthly e-zine below.
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