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Interview with Alfred Opp (Part 1)
Conducted by Rita Opp Marchildon
3 February 2008, Richmond, British Columbia
Transcription by Connie Dahlke, Walla Walla, Washington
When and where were you born?
Well, I was born 22 June 1930 in Teplitz, Bessarabia which is today part of the Ukraine.
Have you ever heard an interesting story about your birth?
Yah, matter of fact I did. It's quite funny, actually. My mother told me more than once that when I was born that she had a heck of a time because my head was too big. So I told my mother, Well, you know I had no complaints about that because lots would get in.
Was a mid-wife or a doctor present at your birth?
No - we didn't have a doctor at my birth. We had a midwife - she was very good at it. Actually my grandmother Zacher brought along another midwife who was long retired, who assisted her during my birth. She had a lot more confidence than the other one. But it didn't matter because both midwives did a pretty good job. And that's why I'm here!
Please share with us some of your earliest memories.
Well, I can remember about, I would say about four - I was four years old - and I can remember a little bit, that I wandered off. My mom was busy doing the wash (laundry). But she had a baby-sitter - a girl from next door, she was about three or four years older than me, but she ran away, so I was all by myself and I wandered off out to the shepherd's field because we used to live at the end of the town. By the time my mom realized that I was gone, she panicked. So she called my dad who was working in the wagon-making shop - and then he asked the neighbors all around, but he couldn't find me. But finally, looking all around, by the evening my dad went out to the shepherd's shack which was out about a kilometer away, out in the field, and the shepherd said, "Yah, I picked up a kid and he's over in the shack." So my dad went up and brought me home. Well, I tell you, I still appreciate what the shepherd did, because there was another danger out there in those fields - mostly from open wells where they used to water their animals. I could have fallen in. But that's about it - I can't remember too much - I can remember a little bit sitting on the shepherd's back - that he carried me in.
But I can remember a little bit about the bed he had, that he called a goiga. What is a goiga? A goiga is a bed, a sort of fold-bed. There were a lot of sheepskins on it. I was laying in it. But that's about all I can remember.
Now we're going to focus on your childhood in Bessarabia. Please tell me a little bit about the house you grew up in.
Well, we lived in a house that was pretty well standard in all of Bessarabia. It looked like a long house. The gables were all toward the street. I can go into that later, why it was like that. We had the main house a little higher above the ground than the rest of it, because we had a flooding problem. We lived close to a river that flooded quite often. So there was a parlor with three bedrooms. Then three or four steps down was the kitchen that we called the winter kitchen. The kitchen was where we spent a lot of time - it was like a family room. That was where the cooking was done, where the eating was done, where the socializing was done, all of that. For the simple reason it was easy to maintain and easy to live by.
Now the house was built with the gable to the street and the workshop came after, and the stable, the barn and the chicken bin and so forth were after. The summer kitchen and cellar were close to the end of the property. The reason for us having a winter and summer kitchen, that has been said in one of the articles that I wrote.
The family that I grew up in, my mom and dad, it was a very, very nice family life that I had. I was given a lot of room. I could play with animals. It was really nice. Because at any time my mom had to look after about four or five workers in my dad's shop, she was often quite busy. So I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's place that was in the middle of the town, right across the street from the church, the store and the hall. So that was a very, very pleasant time for me, because I learned a lot. I got a lot of warmth and love from it, but also a lot of memories, because my grandparents, both of them, they talked a lot about the past time. And I was always interested in it because they were so good in explaining it, talking about it. So as a young child, you see, I was six or seven years, I got excited about it, I always wanted to know what they were talking about. Because, you see, we had no television - I mean no radio (forget about television!) - no radio or telephone to get distracted on. So that was our main thing in the evening, after my grandfather read his Abend gebet, read out of the Bible, then, you know, we sat around and we did some talking. It was a wonderful time.
Also, my grandparents made sure that I went to kindergarten - we had a kindergarten. There I learned a little bit of craft, we did some plays and all like that. It was very nice. So for me it was a wonderful time.
But then, when the time came for school - to go to school - again because in the winter there was lots of snow, and we were quite a ways away, it took a lot of time to go from our house to the school which was across the street from my grandparents. So I spent most of the wintertime there at my grandparents.
I want to tell you something. I was always a kid on the go. I was always a lively guy, also very talkative. So the people, going from my place to the other one, they always said, "Hey, little Alfred, come over here. What is new?" But one time I said, "Well, nothing. My mother did the baking and all her bread turned black." So I didn't think that went over very well with my mom. But anyway, I was an open kid that everybody kind of liked, because of me being so active, running, things like that.
So I remember very well a couple or three ladies that came out to me, not only me but there was another kid that was there, they had no candies or anything to pass out like today - a piece of chocolate or anything - so they gave us dried fruit, called Schnitz or Hutzla. Now this was always a little treat. So I put it in my pocket, and said "Thank you" and so on. So there were so many little things that made my childhood so pleasant, that other kids today would think nothing of, that would take it for granted. But we didn't.
Now going to school I was very fortunate because I was not good at school, because my mind was always busy with something else - playing out in the field and so on. So I wasn't good at school. So my aunt, my mom's sister had to help me out, and my mother and my parents helped me out, but they had a little bit of a struggle with it, because, like I said, my mind was always someplace else.
I want to tell you something - there was no mercy. If the school teacher felt that I wasn't listening or hadn't my mind on it, out came the rod. I felt that at least once a week. Now going and telling my parents about it and my parents going back to the teacher, they would never have heard of it. If I told my parents about it I got another lesson with the rod. So I never complained about it, you know. So, well, I can't complain - my teacher and I, we later became good friends. So that was basically about my childhood.
I went to church regularly, and also I made a friend with the gravedigger.His name was Hansjerg Kramer. I remember him very well. We called him Hansjergvetter. What was so unique about it is he took me to church to ring the bells. Now we had three bells in the church. That is a very fond memory of mine. There was a big one, a small one, and one in the middle. So he let me ring the small one. And was I ever proud
But one time he was busy working in the church the and the Vikar wanted to practice the organ, so he said "Go up there and step onthe organ pedal." Now, it was a step up, step down pedal - you had to step on and push that pedal down. Oh, that was hard! I was only a hundred pounds, so I did my best for a little while. He had the confidence that I could do it, and after I was done the Vikar gave me a candy - a wrapped candy I may add, because they were very hard to come by. Usually we had not very much of that. But to have wrapped candy! Oh, boy, did I ever like that one. So that's basically about it.
You talked a little bit about your grandparents living nearby and some aunts. Who lived in your home with you and what other family members lived in the same community?
Well, no, I lived in the same house with my parents, you know, and my little brother came later. But in the community halfway up to my grandparents was my Opp grandmother. She was a great, great lady, but she didn't have the money for things like my Zacher grandparents did. My grandmother Pauline Zacher's father, his name was Mueller, he was the richest man in Teplitz. But, anyway, my grandmother Opp - - I will tell you about my grandma Opp. It was during the harvest time and we had grapes - a lot of grapes and watermelon -- a lot of fruit. I was at her house and I ate a little bit too much of that stuff. What I got was diarrhea sort of thing. So, actually I was about five years old, and to go to the outhouse sometimes there wasn't enough time, so my grandmother Opp, she had a solution for that. So she took my pants off, and she took a kettle that she preheated, turned it upside down, put a towel over it and sat me on it. Now you tell me - I can't tell you how it helped, but it did help. The diarrhea was gone! I don't know - we still talk about this. My cousin who is about five years older, in Germany talked about it and she laughed. Se said, "Whatever came out of you - I never thought that so much was in you." But that's the way it was - I just ate too much of that stuff.
Where did you go to the bathroom?
Well, I don't want to say this on camera, but we had a bathroom every where - us kids, that is. But usually we had an outhouse, that was at the other end of the property, that was made out of wood about 4-5 feet by 4-5 feet and so high, and there was a hole in it and one look into it and it sacred the hell out of you, when you looked in to see it. So you didn't bother to look into it too much. So we sat down on it and did our thing, but there was no lid on it either. So us boys, you know, we usually go behind someplace on way out to the yard somewhere and did our thing there. But the outhouse - oh, it was quite something. My grandfather had a nice one. But my folks didn't have a nice one. Because with all the workers they had to move it every two to three weeks. Forget it! That's the bathroom that we used to use.
How about taking baths - where did you take baths?
OK. Well, the bath is something else. Every Saturday night in our house, my mother had a wash basin that she used to wash clothes in, and she filled that up with water. To get hot water, that was not easy. We had to bring in the water from outside, heat it up on a stove that was made out of mud bricks, get a fire going with straw and everything else we had, because we had no forest for wood -- absolutely nothing! We used corncobs and anything that burned. Everything was saved. Cow manure - you know, go out in the fields where they had the cows and all, the cow patties. We collected them and so did other people. So anyway, that's where we heated the water. There it was put into the wash basin. First, in came the kids, standing up. So my mother washed us all down with soap - with homemade soap of course. Only in later years did we have what was called Schmeck Seife. Now Schmeck Seife is a smelling soap - it had fragrance to it. And that we only used on the weekends, you know. But my dad remembered, to just mention it, that he bought it a little bar earlier in the 1920's which was actually quite rare. He couldn't buy it in Teplitz, but out of town some place. And he used to put it in his pocket when he'd go off for a date, so that he smelled good.
Anyhow, let's go back. After the kids were through, my dad had a bath and washed. When my dad was washed, my mother went in. She was always the last. Now, the woman always took the last thing as far as comfort is concerned. Then we got our underwear and our mother schaffed us to bed. And my mom and dad were sitting around and socializing, but we had been schaffed to bed. Then, naturally, the next day we all went to church. We got a new set of clothes, what we wear during the daytime. We had only one pair of shoes, one pair of pants, one shirt and one jacket that was meant for Sundays. The rest of it was all old stuff, hand-downs, you know, and so on. But that's what it was. Also, my mother, when we go to bed, always made sure we said our prayer. This I remember so well. I could barely talk, and I was three or four years old, the Liebe Heiland mach mich fromm das Ich in den Himmel komm. That says, "Jesus make me fromm - holy - so that I can go to heaven." I'll always remember that, and I prayed that for years and years and years. How beautiful.
What were some of your favorite childhood past-times when you played?
Oh, I had many. I was allowed to play with animals. I want to tell you this was a beautiful time. My grandfather raised horses. He was a blacksmith. Now one thing - he treated me special because he had three girls. They wished they would have a boy, but he never came. So when I came, I was treated just like a royal. They were so proud of me, being a boy. So my grandfather made sure that I learned enough and got to know things so I could hold a hammer, ring the anvil - he made sure I liked what I did. He let me hold a piece of iron while he beat on it. "Good boy!" - "Du bist mein knechtle" which translates "You are my little helper." Das eine muss Ich noch sagen. Wir in Teplitz haben Schwabisch geschwetzt. Une ein (schönes) schwabisch. Fast dass gleiche als wir zuruck gekomme sind. What I'm trying to explain is that we spoke an older Schwabish dialect - more or less the same like where our ancestors came from. That's why I said this. So a lot of those words that we had, we used. Teplitz was actually one town that kept the dialect pretty well intact. A few words of Russian got into it, but not very much of it. So anyway, that was it.
And then back home my dad allowed me to have pigeons. Now, that was something else! The pigeons took care of themselves, mind you, but I was feeding them, or trading these to other ones for different races.
But one time - I want to tell you about a time I had because I liked the animals very much. We had a lot of shepherds for caretakers of the animals. Like for instance, in the morning the guy came around with a big whip that made a whip-noise. When he whistled he said I'm here, and everybody let their cows out and the calves, and out they all went. The same thing they did with the horses, the young ones. But the shepherd always had a donkey with him. He would sit on it, you know. One time he came with the donkey and he had a little one. How I did love that little one! I looked at it every day. I said, "Gee," I told my mom and dad, "I'd like to have that little donkey." And she said, "You're not going to have a little donkey - what are you going to do with it? It belongs to the herder - to the caretaker." So one day I thought, Well, I'm going to get me the little one - it was going along so tiredly behind his mom - it was about ten yards behind. So I looked around to make sure that nobody was looking and I went out there and grabbed it around the neck and I put it in, and the little donkey didn't resist one bit. So I went out there and I put it into the barn. So the shepherd must have looked around after a while and saw that the little one was gone. But he took care of his flock and later in the evening he came around asking if anybody had seen that little donkey. I was in trouble, I thought. He came to my dad, and my dad said, "No, I didn't see - I didn't see nothing." I was standing right beside him. So that's about the first white lie that I came up with. So, well, after a while the little donkey was making a noise and my dad went out there and he saw it, and the next thing you know I was over his knee and I got the whole thing on it. Not so much because I took that little donkey but because I lied. Well, that was a big lesson, and he was right. So he eventually took the donkey and went, and led him back to his mom. That was one big lesson that I took. Boy, was I in big trouble then!
Well, another story about animals. My grandfather had a lot of sheep that a shepherd took care of. Sometimes a sheep rejected its young one. So they brought it to the farmer and the farmer had to take care of it and feed it with a bottle. Now my grandmother was so busy, and my grandfather he also had a smithy shop. So she said (well, I was right there), "You take the bottle and feed the little lamb." OK! I would like that! But I would regret it too! Because when you feed that little thing he never leaves your side. I couldn't play with my friends hide and seek. He followed me to school - he followed me everywhere, always wanting the bottle! Well, anyway, sooner or later he grew up on it. But that was an experience.
Oh, another story I want to tell - this is the most important - about horses - that helped me in later life so much. My grandfather had never got rid of a horse unless it was really sick, but only if it was old and done its job. He had one he called Lydia. I remember she had arthritis. And I remember my grandfather being a little bit of a vet - he made horse shoes so he was a little of a vet, too. He had some big pails made out of canvas. And he filled them with water and put something in it. And he went over to the horse, tapped her leg and the horse knew exactly what to do - (lifted her leg) - he put the pail in place and she stepped right in - to get infection out. So, after, he let me do that, you know, tap the leg and the horse put the foot up and put it back into the pail. So I did that with Lydia.
And in the wintertime, when the horses weren't all so busy, they had to get out and be walked about. So he gave me Lydia, that old horse, to take it out in the snow. And I had a sled. It was quite a big one - three kids could sit on it. So I harnessed it up, and I was pulling my sled up and down the street. Boy, was I ever popular! Oh - - Well, all the neighbors' kids hitched their other ones on, and we went up and down and up and down. Every once in a while I would say, "Lydia, hisch," you know, and use a little bit of the whip. "Hisch, Lydia." And Lydia was sort of plodding along and then, you know, went faster. Well, we had a lot of fun. So, I'm telling you we were rich having the animals.
And not only that, we made all our own toys. We had a pocketknife to make our own toys. And we played with it. We did everything that you could possibly dream up. We did it on our own. Oh, we were excited from morning to night.
What was your favorite toy?
Oh, gosh, we called it knochen hutcha. Now this is a little hard to explain. This is a bone joint from the lower part of the horse's leg. We had like a graveyard for animals, way out there. You couldn't get close to it, it stank so much. But every once in a while some of the bigger boys went out and got the joints and we would pretend this was a horse. Anything else - I just played games with my friends, I think. But that one we had, and the way we painted it a little bit, and there we put a string around, like we would make a little wagon, or pull something to slide along. That's the way we played, jah.


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Adam Schweigert needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 62 designs submitted by 19 freelance designers.
New logo design and visual identity for a general science radio program/podcast/website.
We're completely retooling the program website to be more attractive to online audiences and are also creating a new video product.
The logo design would be used for all of these products on the web, in video, and in print materials. Please read the design brief for details.
Winner receives $200 and credit on the new website.
Moment of Science
A Moment of Science is a nationally syndicated radio program that has been produced every weekday since 1987 by WFIU Public Radio at Indiana University.
The program has a website archive of nearly 2000 programs at http:///amos.indiana.edu.
We have received funding to completely revamp the website and begin production of a new video program to modernize the program and make it more attractive to online audiences.
The first stage of this redesign is the creation of a new logo and visual identity for the program, and this is where you come in.
We would like to create a new, modern identity for the program that will be used on the new website, in the video program, as a podcast icon in itunes, and in print materials.
The current website gets 50,000 monthly visitors and the podcast averages 12,000 monthly downloads and is offered through the NPR podcast directory. The program is also heard on roughly 60 radio stations worldwide.
The program is currently called "A Moment of Science" but we are considering dropping the "A" and just calling it "Moment of Science" so this is something you might also want to consider in your design.
Design deliverables to include:
- Horizontally formatted logo/banner appropriate for the top of the program website and in titles for the video program- Podcast Icon (300x300 large and 75x75 small) - The program title must be readable at the small size.
- clean, simple, modern
- strong, distinctive typography
- web 2.0 style design (but not over the top)
- general science imagery (the program covers everything from natural science to health to technology to theoretical physics), nothing too specific to one particular discipline.
- fun and young, but appropriate for all ages (the audience for the new website will be mostly the 25-50 year old demographic, but the programs are also used in classrooms for younger children)
- PSD or AI format for all design deliverables, readily available fonts (unless the design is willing/able to provide them)
- If you use the website address in the logo, we will need the ability to change it in the future. The new site will tentatively be at http://wfiu.org/momentofscience/ but we are pursuing the domain name momentofscience.org and might end up using that instead.
- We're looking for a fresh identity and a clean break from the old logo/site design, so please do not use elements from the existing design. You're free to reinterpret them, but try to come up with a new direction.
- Not boring or overly conservative
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.

subset: commoncrawl


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English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program
Course Descriptions for Levels 110-130 (Beginner-Intermediate I)
Core Class
Students participate in activities designed to help them develop all four language skills and use them in a communicative context. A focus of the core class is the acquisition of reading skills using level-adapted materials and/or authentic reading materials, and the expansion of vocabulary. Weekly writing assignments move from sentence and paragraph development in the lower levels to the successful production of academic essays at the upper levels. Individually and in groups, students will demonstrate an increasing control of the grammatical structures of English both orally and in writing.
15 hours per week
Language Laboratory
Students attend a listening laboratory class which focuses on the development of listening and pronunciation skills through adapted and authentic materials.
3 hours per week
Spoken English
The focus of this class is on the student's use of spoken English. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of pronunciation and the elements of conversation. Students practice spoken English in a variety of contexts including short dialogues, role-play and activities.
3 hours per week
The discussion class facilitator is a supervised Queen's undergraduate student who works with QSoE students to help them develop oral fluency and become adept at using discussion techniques.
1.5 hours per week
Activities/Conversation Groups
A variety of language intensive socio-cultural activities are available for student participation. Students may also join in small informal conversation groups during the fall and winter.


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On the eve of the 96th Giro d'Italia getting underway, the 23 teams that will take part in the three week race were unveiled to fans in the Piazza del Plebiscito.
The main contenders were presented to the public – Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky), Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp).
Bikes and kit were gleaming, and some manufacturers – Specialized for example – had gone to town to create something special for the nation's home favourite Vincenzo Nibali.
Nibali's special edition S-Works Tarmac SL4
Also cutting a dash was Paul Smith, who designed this year's competition jerseys and was clearly enjoying a moment in the sun, giving interviews.
The first stage – a 130km jaunt that finishes on the waterfront overlooking the Bay of Naples, is likely to end in a sprint tomorrow.
Most of the bikes were set up accordingly, with high-profile wheels ready for a fast and furious race that will get the Giro underway.
Vini Fantini-Selle Italia are riding Cipollini bikes that - like the man himself - are quite flamboyant


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Drink more water!
Here are 6 reasons that may convince you:
1. It boosts your mood according to a study done where
participants who doubled their intake from 5 to 10 glasses
of water felt more contented.
2. You may heal faster. Researchers found drinking 16 oz. of
water after a cut improves microvascular circulation in your skin.
3. It can lower your chance for a stroke. A study done at John Hopkins found that 44% of stroke
victims were dehydrated.
4. It can help your workouts by helping you from getting cramps and heat stroke.
5. It increases your brain power. Mild dehydration can suppress blood vessels in your brain which
leads to short term memory problems, poor attention, and slow reaction times.
6. It can quiet a headache. Anytime your head starts hurting, drink 1-6 glasses of water slowly and
you could be pain free in as little as 30 minutes.
One of the things I work with my clients on is creating new habits that will last a life time. As a Health Coach, I coach clients to add healthy behaviors that they are ready for. They pick the habit they think they can add first like drinking ½ ounce of water per pound of body weight. Then once they have succeeded with that good habit, we add another of their choice like thirty minutes of activity per day. Other possible habits include portion control, making sure they are consuming ½ gram of protein per pound of body weight, how to order at a restaurant, how to stay healthy on vacation and during the holidays, during an injury, or prolonged illness. Some more social clients add how to handle parties, buffets, and social drinking. When a client finishes working with me, my goal is to have them fully confident at living life in a healthy fashion. Health is a lifestyle not a destination and definitely not a diet!!!
Are you getting fermented foods daily? Many cultures eat a little bit in every meal. These are packed full of good bacteria and probiotics. Some examples are apple cider vinegar with the mother, pickles, sour kraut, yogurt with live cultures, kimchi, kefir, kombucha tea, etc. These are particularly important if you have been on anti-biotics which deplete your immune system of good and bad bacteria. Your digestive system will thank you. In addition, the vitamins in this type of food are multiplied many times over. I start the day with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with the mother made by Braggs in a glass of water with lemon. Making your own fermented vegetables is not hard. The only equipment needed are a mason jar, distilled water and 1 to 3 tablespoons of pink himilayan sea salt if using a large mason jar. Let me know if you would like more information on how to do this!
Here is a recipe for one of the best snacks to eat before or after a workout to re-fuel the muscles. It is a better choice than a protein bar because there are no preservatives in it. Make sure to refrigerate since the peanut butter is natural.
One cup of natural peanut butter with the oil drained
One cup of oatmeal
One cup of honey
One and a quarter cup of vanilla whey protein powder
Mix all the ingredients and make into 20 balls.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 96
Fat 4.5 grams
Carbs: 10
Protein: 6
Are you in search of ways to keep you life toxin free? If so, I have the most amazing smelling face wash I have ever found. It is so easy and cheap to make that I will never have to buy it again. In addition, since the skin is a major organ that makes up 80% of our body, in doesn't need toxins going into it that may not have been approved by the FDA.
Recipe: 1/2 cup of organic cold pressed coconut oil melted in warm water
1 tablespoon baking soda
5 drops of your lavender essential oil.
5 drops of frankincense essential oil
5 drops of lemon
It is smooth and smells amazing. It yields 2 1/2 small glass mason jars.
Are you in search of ways to keep you life toxin free? If so, I have the most amazing smelling and working deodorant I have ever found. It is so easy and cheap to make that I will never have to buy it again. The advantage to deodorants is your body releases the sweat it was designed to do instead of staying in your body and possibly leading to disease. In addition, since the skin is a major organ that makes up 80% of our body, in doesn't need toxins going into it that may not have been approved by the FDA.
Recipe: 1/2 cup of organic cold pressed coconut oil melted in warm water
1/2 cup baking soda
20 drops of your favorite essential oil. I used 10 drop of lemon and 10 drops of lavender.
It is smooth and smells amazing. It yielded 2 deodorant containers and 1/3 glass jar. It also smells great and works! I worked out hard for 90 minutes today to test it and I like it better than the other toxin free versions I have tried.
2 large organic beets cooked and puréed,
4 oz of good dark chocolate (I use organic 70%),
1/4 cup organic cold pressed coconut oil
1/4 cup raw honey
1/3 cup of raw cacao not cocoa powder (it is richer and full of antioxidants because not processed)
3 tablespoons or coconut or almond flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 teas. sea salt
Optional: 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips ( I use Enjoy life which is dairy and gluten free)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
Melt chocolate bar and coconut oil over low heat
Preheat oven to 350 and spray 8 x 8 pan
Add puréed beets to cooled chocolate mixture
Add cacao powder, flour, baking soda a salt to 2 whisked eggs and vanilla in separate bowl. Add chocolate beet mixture and lastly chocolate chips.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool brownies and cut in 16 pieces.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 119 Fat: 8.3 grams Carbs: 9.3 Protein: 2.3 Sugars: 5.8
As we age, we lose muscle. We lose 15% a decade after 50 and 20% a decade after 60. Body builders have always known the importance of casein for creating lean muscle mass. Why use casein verses whey? What is it? It is what mostly makes up milk. Milk is 80% casein and 20% whey.
The reason whey is used by so many for a pre work out drink is because it is rapidly absorbed by the muscles in 10 minutes so when you work out, your body is done digesting. It is also so good right after a workout because it will rapidly refuel the muscles which are made of protein.
Casein is better for a protein to use right before bed because it is a slowly digesting protein that will refuel our muscles all night long. If you prefer, just eat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese or yes even warm milk to do the same thing.
This is so delicious and full of antioxidents. I love eating chocolate that is good for my body!
1/2 cup organic cold pressed coconut oil
1/2 cup of organic cocao not cocoa because it is unprocessed cocoa and full of good for your body antioxidents.
2 tablespoons of raw honey (I use local)
After you mix ingredients roll out with a rolling pin and refrigerate for 10 minutes for it to harden.
What do you love to do that is active? When you were a kid, what were your favorite activities?Answering these questions can help put some passion in your workouts. I used to love bike riding as a kid. As an adult, I pursued it again. I signed up for a race for a great cause, (MS) got fitted properly for a good racing bike and got all the gear to go with it. I trained with others and had a great time accomplising my goal. At the gym, I really liked heavy weight training. I got a trainer and learned how to properly lift and gradually got stronger. I still like to pursue new personal records by competing against myself. I am passionate about it because I love the sense of empowerment it gives me. I would love to set up a training program designed especially for you to achieve any goal you want to pursue. Dream, train, achieve!


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What the Mets should have done last year they'll do Opening Day, and that is to honor their past by unveiling a Mets Hall of Fame. Gates open at 10:40 a.m.
"The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum honors the greatest players and greatest events in our history," said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets, in a statement released by the club. "The museum connects generations of fans to the moments they cherish and reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrate our heritage and history at Citi Field."
The Hall will feature significant artifacts, interactive exhibits, videos and photographic imagery, recognizing the unforgettable plays and players that are their 48-year history.
The exhibit will include plaques honoring the members of the Mets Hall of Fame, the 1969 and 1986 World Series Championship trophies, and memorabilia on loan from Mets greats, such as Tom Seaver's 1969 Cy Young Award and Keith Hernandez's 1987 Gold Glove Award. Also, there will be the Mookie Wilson ball Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.
On loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum are ball used in the first play at Shea Stadium, Tommie Agee's glove from the 1969 World Series and the ball Tom Seaver threw to Mike Piazza for the ceremonial first pitch to open Citi Field.
ON A SIDE NOTE: Please read the post from yesterday, Murphy Down, and tell me who you'd rather see at first base until Daniel Murphy is back. Do you want the veteran MIke Jacobs or the prospect Ike Davis?


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Around the Horn: Bullpen
This is the final installment of a seven-part Around the Horn series that features a position-by-position look at the A's projected starters and backup options heading into the 2014 season. Today's focuses on the bullpen.
OAKLAND -- Bob Melvin may soon have to refine a statement he made on multiple occasions last year.
This is the final installment of a seven-part Around the Horn series that features a position-by-position look at the A's projected starters and backup options heading into the 2014 season. Today's focuses on the bullpen.
OAKLAND -- Bob Melvin may soon have to refine a statement he made on multiple occasions last year.
The A's skipper would often comment on how his 2013 squad boasted the best bullpen he'd ever managed. Now, it appears he has an even better one under his watch.
Yes, Melvin will be without Grant Balfour, who tucked away the 62 saves he compiled in Oakland the last two years and rejoined the Rays on a two-year deal, and also without valuable lefty Jerry Blevins, who was traded to the Nationals. But Melvin's bosses have fortunately spent the majority of the offseason atoning for these losses with big gestures.
Balfour has been replaced by All-Star Jim Johnson, whose 101 saves since the start of 2012 lead the Majors, and he'll not only be flanked by returning setup men Sean Doolittle, Ryan Cook and Dan Otero, but newcomer Luke Gregerson as well.
Gregerson has proved to be one of the most reliable setup men in baseball in recent years, and in 2013, he posted a 2.71 ERA over 66 1/3 innings. He has a 2.88 ERA and 352 strikeouts against 107 walks in 363 relief appearances over his five-year big league career.
"We had some spots we needed to fill with some of the guys that we lost," general manager Billy Beane said this winter. "I think we addressed the areas we needed to, and in some cases, I think we've even upgraded, particularly when you look at the bullpen, with the addition of Johnson and Gregerson."
Stocking up didn't stop there.
Shortly after acquiring Johnson and Gregerson, the A's took a risk by trading lefty Brett Anderson to the Rockies for another southpaw in Drew Pomeranz, a former first-round Draft pick. Pomeranz will be stretched out as a starter in Spring Training, but like Tommy Milone, he could end up in the bullpen as a long-relief option.
Pomeranz struggled with command issues while pitching within the hitter-friendly walls of Coors Field for a home ballpark, turning in a 5.20 ERA in 34 big league appearances, with 115 strikeouts against 70 walks in 136 2/3 innings for the Rockies. He also dealt with a variety of ailments that are now no longer of concern, and Beane sees plenty upside in the lefty.
"Colorado is a very unique environment for pitchers," Beane said. "He's only 25, and a lot of people still think very highly of his abilities, and we felt it was a good time to acquire him."
Another southpaw in the mix for a bullpen spot is Fernando Abad, who came in a deal with the Nationals. And by July, one of the most prominent left-handed relievers in the game is expected to join the A's bullpen.
Eric O'Flaherty, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, was signed to a two-year, $7 million deal by Oakland just last week. He was limited to just 19 games with the Braves last year before succumbing to surgery, but the lefty gave Atlanta 13 wins and a 1.99 ERA over 295 appearances in a setup role over the past five seasons.
When considering the last three seasons, no other reliever with at least 125 innings compiled a better ERA than O'Flaherty, who posted a 1.45 mark in 161 appearances over that span. In that time, he held opponents to a .220 batting average, including .156 against left-handed hitters.
From the right side, seemingly already stacked, Oakland will also keep watch on Jesse Chavez, Fernando Rodriguez and recently acquired Josh Lindblom to fill out its relief corps.
"I thought we had a good bullpen last year, and I think these moves have a chance to make it even possibly better," said Beane. "The best way to help out your starting rotation is to fill up your bullpen."
Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com.


text: Cramer Products, Inc., the sporting goods industries premier sports medicine company acquired Stromgren Athletics in June of 2011. Over the past three years the Stromgren brand has been gradually integrated into the Cramer product line and began being labeled Cramer products. Effective October of 2014, the Stromgren to Cramer transition was completed. Please click on the below button and you will go directly to the Cramer website, where you can easily see the complete line of Cramer protective performance apparel and sports medicine products.


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NWSB Insider and Vancouver Canucks blogger Q found this awesome video about Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider featured during the Canucks / Predators matchup Thursday on TSN in Canada. What a rivalry these two have started in the nets in Van City. They both say the media has blown the ultra competitive rivalry between the pipes over the top. The two netminders have some fun for the camera, caught on You Tube.
Luongo vs. Schneider Canucks goalie rivalry video from TSN
March 14, 2013 By


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Last night, we dreamt we were square-dancing in the water-skiing secton of a sporting-goods store with Udo Dirkschneider. Scotto was there, too. For some reason it seemed entirely logical. Even more logical than that, and not nearly as fantastic, is the fact that human smugglers have gotten hip to using rental cars, rather than their own vehicles, to take their charges across the border into the United States. Thus, if the vehicle is impounded, it's up to the rental company to retrieve the vehicle. Apparently, Dodge and Jeep vehicles are the favored choice, as their suspensions tend to sag less under a heavy load. Which brings to mind the question, "How Many Udos could one fit in a Grand Cherokee?"
Police: Many immigrants crossing in rented cars [AZCentral]
AahhhAAAAAAhhhhh-AAAAH! The Immigrant Seat [Internal]


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Joshua Lung needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 305 designs submitted by 54 freelance designers.
Healing Touch (tag line: Mind Body Wellness)
Our mission is to provide therapies and services committed to improving your total wellbeing – mind, body and soul.
Such mission driven passion and commitment to wellness is the driving energy of Healing Touch.
Our goal ultimately, is to provide you with the perfect wellness experience.
Spa Theme: Zen (without being metaphysical or religious)
Our core services are bodyworks, slimming, facials, pre and post natal care and wellness related seminars and retreats. We do not provide hydrotherapy or fitness classes.
25 - 55 year old women (80% of market)
35 - 55 year old men (20% of market)
Prices: mid range
Spa Theme: Zen (without being metaphysical or religious)
Preferred colors: zen tone earthly colors
The logo should be classy and uncluttered and incorporate a single icon into the typeface.
Logo has to be simple and neat, easy to implement on multiple surfaces like retail lightbox, uniform, stationaries, etc.
Logo should communicate a sense of lightness and wellbeing.
We like unique designs that communicate the essence of Healing Touch but the concept should be easily understood at first glance.
Other than the above, we welcome designers to explore different logo concepts
For inspiration, ask what will the logo of the attached spa image look like?
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
S'mores Brownies
Ok, I really shouldn't be blogging right now - but I miss it too much. I have one more exam, in fact, the hardest one - Chemistry tomorrow, then a TOK presentation (where me and my partner are planning an all nighter for) on Friday...then I'm free!
Meanwhile, take a look at these S'mores Brownies I made with my friends during YTH's birthday party! I've never had a S'more before, but the idea of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers is very appealing. I think the brownie showcases this flavour combination very well, and they were super easy to make. The digestive biscuits (I've never tried a graham cracker before either, and supermarkets here don't seem to stock them) add a great crunchy texture to the soft brownie and the sticky marshmallow.
Recipe is adapted from Joy The Baker. I kept to all the measurements except that I drastically cut down amount of sugar - I think I used only a quarter to a third of the total amount.
Oh, and since this is the first post in 2010 at My Buttery Fingers, I wish everyone a (very belated) Happy New Year!
10 Responses to "S'mores Brownies"
this is fab! it looks very cute :)
this look so nice !!
Hey, Wendy! Glad to see ya back! Happy belated New Year to you, too!
S'mores are very American thing. It's a must when people have bonfire. Think of scouts. =D ... And, it's damn sweet and damn gooey ...
Graham crackers are the American version of digestive biscuits. Hope this info helps!
Yum. These look divine! :)
hi wendy, where did you buy the dark brown sugar as I have been looking everywhere and can't find it anywhere at all!
Re: Anonymous
I get my brown sugar at the supermarket, I think most Park'n'shop and Wellcome stores stock it - I use the Taikoo brand which looks like this:
Hope that helps!
hi wendy,
but does it have to be DARK brown sugar or can it simply be brown sugar?
Thanks =)
Either is fine.
Hi Wendy,
I baked the smore brownies for 40 minutes and insides were still kinda wet and gooey. But the outside was beginning to look burnt. When i make them next time, should I have kept it longer in the oven or have i overbaked them already?
Re Pricilla:
In that case, it may be possible that your oven temperature was too high? I don't really remember now but when I made them I think the middle was also a little gooey, but I think it set after a while.
I'm sorry that I don't exactly know what went wrong!


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With its bright white walls and majestic black domes, the 130-year old grand mosque is a magnificent site. It was here that hundreds of people sought refuge during the 204 tsunami that flattened most of the landscape of the city. The tsunami was so damaging, it demolished any structures, old and new, along the way of the tearing swell. This is a fact that gives significance to the Grand Mosque of Baiturrahman in the city of Banda Aceh. It is more than just a masterpiece of Islamic architecture in the nation, its survival from the tsunami is viewed by many residents as a direct intervention from the divine.
Royal scripture has it that the mosque was firstly built from wood in 1612 under the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda. Some say that it was built even earlier in 1292 by Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah. During the Aceh war in 1873, the mosque was burnt to the ground. Realizing the value and its importance to the people of Aceh, in 1879, Major General Vander acting as current military general, rebuilt the mosque as it was once promised by Governor General Van Lansberge in 1877. Two more domes were added by the Dutch in 1936 and another two by the Indonesian government in 1957.
The Grand Mosque of Baiturrahman is located in the center of the city of Banda Aceh. Characterized by a 35-meter tower, 7 grand domes and 7 minarets, the Baiturrahman is probably the prototype for many mosques in Indonesia and Malaysian peninsula; supersede the layered roofed-style mosque.
Source: Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia


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Links, 8.15.11Posted: August 15, 2011 Filed under: Genealogy | Tags: Link Love 2 Comments
Not that I'm having a terrible August, but I must say it drags on a bit. I keep asking whether it's Sunday when it is, in fact, the previous Saturday, or even the previous Thursday. I am reasonably sure, however, that today is Monday, and therefore a good time to post links.
Eyecatching: I hadn't seen the Western History & Genealogy blog of the Denver Public Library, but it strikes me as a nicely thought-out and well-presented example of a library highlighting its resources. For example, this Manuscript Monday meme, which features examples from the library's manuscript collections.
Reunited: Megan Smolenyak has started rescuing orphaned heirlooms again. Yay!
Submerged: Severe drought reveals the remains of a long-forgotten cemetery in Texas where freed slaves were buried in the Civil War era (see also Dick Eastman).
Unsettling: Well, OK, here's a hazard to family revelations that hadn't occurred to me: British actress Emilia Fox, two weeks away from her due date, discovers via the UK Who Do You Think You Are that her great-grandma died in childbirth, delivering a stillborn baby. Not the sort of thing I would have wanted to dwell upon at that stage in pregnancy.
Debatable: Uh-oh, Dick Eastman wades into the tombstone touch-up controversy with How to Read Unreadable Tombstones. Go ahead and read it. Then go have a fight with somebody about it.
Useful: Newspaper columnist James Beidler reviews what sounds like a wonderful resource: a Surname Atlas of Germany.
That's it for now. Enjoy the week!


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Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun looks set to leave Stamford Bridge as the transfer deadline approaches.
Benayoun has seen just one minute of action for the Blues this season and looks to be surplus to requirements following the arrival of Juan Mata from Valencia.
It has been reported that Benayoun would be included in an offer from the Blues for Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric and Newcastle have also been linked with the Israel captain, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool last summer on a free transfer. Benayoun wrote on Twitter: "negotiating with several team (sic) ...news soon."
Newcastle look set for a busy conclusion to their summer business after Inter Milan full-back Davide Santon opened talks with the Magpies, according to his agent.
Sources on Tyneside have confirmed that the 20-year-old, who is also wanted by Roma, is among manager Alan Pardew's targets as he looks for a replacement for Jose Enrique, and agent Claudio Vigorelli has claimed negotiations are under way.
He told Corriere dello Sport: "At this time, there is no possibility that Santon can join Roma because right now the aim is Newcastle."
Arsenal defender Armand Traore is set to join QPR after having a medical yesterday. Left-back Traore has made just one Barclays Premier League appearance for the Gunners in the last 15 months - Sunday's 8-2 defeat to Manchester United - and appears to be surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium despite the club's lack of defensive cover.
Should he come through the tests he should become the third signing of the Tony Fernandes era. Since his takeover of the Loftus Road club, Fernandes has bankrolled the signings of Joey Barton and Luke Young while Shaun Wright-Phillips could also join from Manchester City before Wednesday night's transfer deadline.
Real Betis have confirmed the signing of Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz on a one-year loan from Manchester City. Thirty-year-old Santa Cruz joined City from Blackburn in 2009 but has struggled to tie down a first-team berth with the big-spending Barclays Premier League club and returned to Rovers on loan for the second half of last season.
Meanwhile Espanyol have reached an initial deal with Manchester City to take Vladimir Weiss on loan for the coming season and midfielder Jean Makoun has left Aston Villa to join Olympiacos on a similar deal.
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.


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Find us on:
As people age, poor balance and flexibility can cause falls and broken bones. A broken bone (called a fracture) in an older person can cause pain, hospital stays, or disability.
Review Date: Thursday, December 03, 2015
National Health Information Center - NHICU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Use these tips to start a conversation with a loved one about preventing falls.
Review Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Learn about hip replacement surgery, alternative treatments, recovery and rehabilitation after the surgery.
Review Date: Friday, December 16, 2011
NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
You can avoid getting bursitis by not putting too much strain on your hips. Avoid activities that are especially difficult or painful, and take breaks to rest your hips.
Review Date: Wednesday, April 01, 2015
American Academy of Family Physicians
Be aware of some of the changes that you need to make in carrying out your daily activities after a hip replacement surgery.
Review Date: Friday, December 12, 2014
American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
You can break your hip at any age, but the great majority of hip fractures occur in people older than 65. Learn about causes and treatments, and how to prevent a hip fracture.
Review Date: Friday, July 11, 2014
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Prevention of hip fractures is far better, and far less costly, than treatment after the bone is broken. Learn why broken hips occur and what you can do to prevent a broken hip.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
If you or the person you care for is an older adult hopitalized because of a hip fracture, this research-based guide can help you understand your condition, treatment choices, and ways to reduce pain.
Review Date: Monday, June 27, 2011
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
The goal of joint replacement is to relieve pain caused by damage done to the cartilage. Find answers to questions on joint replacement surgery.
Review Date: Thursday, February 21, 2013
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Lil Kim Not Happy About Notorious Movie (In Theatres January 19th)
AP reports "Lil Kim was not happy about her portrayal in "Notorius." That's why the rapper says she pulled out of it. Her publicist released a statement saying she disassociated herself from the project after early review of the script"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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In my render loop, I'm creating a VBO and VAO for some object I'll be drawing. In one particular instance the object will only be temporary (it's the same code for whether it's temporary or not), so drawn after creating those two objects and then deleted soon after (all within the same render loop). I'm wondering what the behaviour is for this kind circumstance? I would've thought the referenced made by the draw call would've kept the objects alive, regardless of if I deleted them myself. But my application doesn't seem to render it correctly when it does this (the object doesn't get drawn at all).
e.g. On the one particular case my render loop looks like this:
enter render loop
do some drawing
{//draw this particular object
create vbo with data for that object
create vao for state that is used to setup when drawing that object
draw object
delete object (vao and vbo)
do some drawing
exit render loop
Typically it normally keeps those objects alive for awhile (many render loops), and so this problem isn't apparent.
So is it correct behaviour for OpenGL not to keep those objects alive? And so I have to change it so the object won't be deleted till the next frame, or flushing the commands, etc.
Update: Actually I just tried flushing it (tried finishing too), and still same problem. Only works if I postpone the deletion till the next render loop.


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Roger1 necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 107 diseños de 23 diseñadores freelance.
Wired Waffles
Wired Waffles is a brand new product being Marketed to National concessionaires and chains. Based on the sweet Sugar waffles sold by street vendors in Belgium, the Liege Waffle. Crusty delicious carmelized sugar on the outside, doughy goodness on the inside. Oh yeah and its packed with the caffiene of 2 1/2 cups of coffee! Put that on a stick for convenience and novelty and you now have a Wired Waffle! We are a company looking for the perfect Logo that will secure market recognition and be the centerpiece of all future advertising and promotional materials.
The logo will have to be two fold.
It needs to be hip and exciting enough to draw retail customers. The 18-40 year old demographic that seeks out energy drinks and the local espresso shop. They need to be able to quickly recognize the logo from National ad campaigns and ask thier retailer for them by name.
The Logo also needs to be professional and exciting to our Corporate suitors. We are seeking large companies such as Centerplate Catering Tully's Coffee and Disney. The Logo needs to create a boldness and a size that that sets these large customers at ease and conveys an image of reliability and professionalism. To be quite honest we are trying to appear to be as big as life!
Get creative! Imagine creating a logo that will be as big as the claw marks of Monster Energy Drinks, the Mermaid of Starbucks, or the bitten apple of that computer company whos phone we all have!
It needs to be distinctive and convey exactly what the product is delicious energy on a stick!
Nothing cutesy, or too intricate.
No Toppings on the waffle!
Remember this is the centerpiece of all of our future Marketing. Think about how easy it will be to transfer this logo for embrodery, silk screening, magazine ads and so on!
Waffles and the name...
Maybe jumpercables! I just dont know!
This will create lots of future work and this Logo in your portfolio will be huge!
Remeber..... Just say NO to syrup!
Just for info...
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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- "...and she's asked the Minister to sign an order for the expulsion of Peeves... oh, things are going to be very different around here with her in charge."
- —Argus Filch on Dolores Umbridge's plan to have Peeves expelled from Hogwarts.[src]
An Order for the Expulsion of Peeves was an order that Dolores Umbridge asked Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge to sign in April 1996. It presumably would have had the legal authority to permanently expel Peeves the poltergeist from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is uncertain, however, if any such order was ever signed.[1] Not long after this request was made, Fred Weasley told the poltergeist to "Give her hell from us, Peeves!" and Peeves began his own campaign of harassment against Dolores Umbridge.[2]
Behind the scenes
- It is uncertain how such an order could have ever been enforced, were it ever enacted. According to J. K. Rowling's Official Website, Peeves is an "indestructible spirit of chaos." Furthermore, he has been with Hogwarts since it was founded in 993 and, according to Rowling "...is like dry rot. You can try and eradicate it. It comes with the building. You're stuck. If you've got Peeves you're stuck."[3]
- This could be Umbridge and Filch's lack of understanding of the properties of poltergeist, as Umbridge had demonstrated that she did not understand of several areas of expertise, such as Veritaserum brewing and eliminating the various prank devices set by Fred and George Weasley.
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (First mentioned)
Notes and references
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 28 (Snape's Worst Memory)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 29 (Careers Advice)
- ↑ Anelli, Melissa and Emerson Spartz. "The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet interview Joanne Kathleen Rowling: Part Two" The Leaky Cauldron, 16 July 2005


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from David M. Brewster's Harmonics for Guitar
This lesson contains several ways to use harmonics in a realistic and musical way. Most of the ideas covered here are commonly found in other guitarists' styles, but don't stop with what has already been done; try to find your own way of using these techniques.
This first example is a simple melody ending with a carefully placed natural harmonic.
Melodic Harmonic
Using the occasional harmonic during a melody can create interest and variety in what you're playing. Harmonics seem to jump out of the guitar, but they can also be effective when you throw them in the middle of a melody, or even a riff.
Try this riff idea, which uses a natural harmonic as a melodic "noise effect" in between the tritone chords in this rock/metal-style rhythm.
Rock Rhythm
The next example uses natural harmonics to create a melody and give an interesting "rub" to the flow of notes. Similar lines are used in Van Halen's "Poundcake" and Joe Satriani's "Summer Song."
Natural Harmonic Melody
The "rub" to which I refer above is the "tense" sound that certain intervals or notes have when they are played together. Harmonics can create interesting overtones, especially when played with distortion. The higher the harmonic tone, the greater the "friction" created.
A popular natural harmonic technique that has been used in many rock songs is the smooth gliding of a fret finger along an open string, producing harmonics from the fifth fret to the second fret and back. The harmonics create a dissonant, dominant-seventh arpeggio sound. It can be heard in songs such as "Type" by Living Colour and "Mudshovel" by Stain'd. Pick the string firmly while moving your fret finger along the string between the second and fifth frets.
Gliding Arpeggio
The next example uses a dissonant pattern of harmonics across the fourth fret of the guitar to create a "dive bomb" sound. Strike a natural harmonic "cluster" across the strings at the fourth fret, then press the tremolo bar down. If you don't have a bar, you can GENTLY bend the neck of your guitar. But avoid this, as it weakens the neck and tends to ruin your intonation.
"Cluster Bomb"
This idea can be played at any harmonic point along the guitar neck.
Once you have it here, try it at other locations. A classic Van Halen technique involves applying harmonics to an open string pull-off pattern. Eddie has used this in many classic Van Halen songs, such as "You're No Good" and "Somebody Get Me a Doctor." Glide up and down the string being used with the side of your pick-hand palm, while hammering on and pulling off with the frethand, sounding random harmonics and muted notes.
EVH Random Harmonics
You can use your pick-hand palm, as shown, or your pick-hand fingers, gliding lightly over the string between the pickups, to generate the harmonics. The result is a wild pattern that makes it seem like harmonics are randomly flying from your guitar! Here's another example that uses this technique:
More Random Harmonics:
Another harmonic technique involves bending a string and then tapping specific nodes above the bent note(s). This is another trademark of Eddie Van Halen, but it has been used by countless other guitarists. Play and bend a note (preferably on the G string), and tap harmonics at strategic frets above the bent note.
Bent and Tapped


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Journey of a Word
A New York Times article last week anointed Steve Jobs as an "auteur":
Apple represents the "auteur model of innovation," observes John Kao, a consultant to corporations and governments on innovation. In the auteur model, he said, there is a tight connection between the personality of the project leader and what is created. Movies created by powerful directors, he says, are clear examples, from Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" to James Cameron's "Avatar."
At Apple, there is a similar link between the ultimate design-team leader, Mr. Jobs, and the products. From computers to smartphones, Apple products are known for being stylish, powerful and pleasing to use. [Apple's "design restraint"] is evident in Mr. Jobs's personal taste. His black turtleneck, beltless blue jeans and running shoes are a signature look.
How far we've traveled in 50 years. When Truffaut, Godard and other Cahiers du Cinema critics originally formulated their "politique des auteurs," they meant for it to particularly apply to Hollywood filmmakers like Hitchcock, Hawks or Nicholas Ray who managed to imprint their films with a personal vision and stylistic signature while working within an industrial system of production. Crucial to this "politique" was a politics of resistance that was manifested in at least 3 ways:
(1) A select few Hollywood filmmakers resisting (through aesthetic tactics grouped under a sign called "mise-en-scene") the powerful standardizing forces of the Hollywood system.
(2) A corresponding gesture of resistance on the part of the French critics themselves: one aimed at the dominant and respectable homegrown "Tradition of Quality" cinema.
(3) These French critics also combating the notion that Hollywood cinema, because it was a mass-culture product, was not worth taking seriously as art.
In the 1960s, Peter Wollen resituated the notion of the auteur with the help of structuralism. (See the essay "The Auteur Theory" in his book Signs and Meaning in the Cinema.) This move could also be seen as a gesture of resistance -- in this case, against an overly romanticized notion of the auteur with near-mystical powers of individual genius. The auteur, for Wollen, became a site, an "unconscious catalyst," a collection of themes, oppositions and traits that could be read, then inventoried and grouped under a name within quotation marks: "Hitchcock," "Hawks," "Fuller," and so on.
The term went into decline, at least in the formal study of film, in the 1970s and 1980s, but it has seen a resurgence -- in a reconstructed form -- since the 1990s. It was around this time that "independent cinema," as an industry category, began to show sizable commercial promise. In the last 15 years or so, we've seen the industry (first independent, then the mainstream) seize the term and deploy it -- not with any kind of resistance in mind but, plain and simple, as a strategy for product differentiation. Directors -- independent or mainstream, at the multiplex or the film festival, talented or mediocre -- are indiscriminately dubbed "auteurs" in a move that automatically attempts to bestow upon them quality and distinction, a brand identity. Especially when wielded by the industry and the media, the word has been diluted to the point of insubstantiality. It represents little more than the commodification of a set of product attributes in search of a market niche. The original animating values of resistance and critical polemics have slowly disappeared from the word since its appropriation. What does remain vitally useful today (especially for cinephiles) is the reading strategy we call "auteurism."
Your thoughts about the evolution of the word "auteur" over the last few decades, and its usefulness today? I'd love to hear them.
What was "independent cinema" before it became a commercially lucrative market segment about 15-20 years ago? We can find some answers in the fascinating 100-page catalogue [pdf] that accompanied a month-long, 150-film retrospective Independent America: New Film 1978-1988 at the Museum of the Moving Image in 1988. Jonathan Rosenbaum's essay for the catalogue, "Myths of the new narrative (and a few counter-suggestions)," can be found at his blog. Chief curator David Schwartz writes:
Before the commercial success of Sex, Lies, and Videotape and Pulp Fiction (and before the rise of home video), independent filmmakers made and showed their films in a world truly apart from Hollywood. To get their work seen, they would travel for months, with their 16mm film prints in tow, to colleges and media arts centers across the country. The commercial success of Sex, Lies, and Videotape marked the beginning of the end of this era. Last year's big "independent" hit, Juno, was distributed by Fox Searchlight, a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., and it made more money than any other Best Picture contender. Juno's virtues were not in its artistic independence; but precisely the opposite — it was a well-written, well-directed, well-performed, and utterly conventional movie.
Rosenbaum's essay, and the entire Independent America film series, capture a time when the label "independent" was truly up for grabs, indicating a genuine alternative to mainstream commercial cinema.


text:
Newsweek panders to the deluded again
Although PZ is far more cynical than I, I agree with his assessment: "Here's a deep message for you: brain damage can persuade you of the truth of some real bullshit."
Most of us who have known loved ones or friends who sustained injury to the brain or stroke and spend time in a coma return to awareness with some very interesting stories. It is not at all unusual, and can easily be explained by neuroscience.
The anatomic basis of delusions after right cerebral infarction,
"Delusional misidentifications and duplications: Right brain lesions, left brain delusions",
"Delusional state following acute stroke".
Views: 154
If a person believes in a heaven, and that it's supposed to look a certain way, and have certain creatures in it....and then you have some kind of brain accident, yeah it's possible that neurons firing at random will cause pictures, random images to float through the mind. And then your brain tries to fit the randomness into a coherent "thread."
Sort of like people seeing "images" where there are none...paredolia...like "The Man (or rabbit) in the Moon," or the "Virgin Mary" on a grilled cheese sandwich. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia
The word comes from the Greek words para (παρά, "beside, alongside, instead") in this context meaning something faulty, wrong, instead of; and the noun eidōlon (εἴδωλον "image, form, shape") the diminutive of eidos. Pareidolia is a type of apophenia, seeing patterns in random data.
I saw a blurb about this story in the "headlines" on my Yahoo log-in page, and ignored it as their usual tabloid crap. And Newsweek is taking this man's story seriously? I think if I subscribed to that rag, I'd ask for my money back. Or send it to Jay Leno for his Silly Headlines segment. Or both.
BTW My dad had a catastrophic left-brain stroke that paralyzed the entire right side of his body, and deprived him of the ability to speak. But for the few weeks that he lived after that, he knew exactly what was going on (answered yes-no questions rationally with a nod or a negative shake), and tried to end it all several times by pulling out his IV tubes and things. (I would do the same thing.) T'was fortunate for all of us that he only lived about 6 more weeks, because he hated being alive in that condition. It was his worst nightmare come true...his mother had a similar stroke in 1945, and lived for six months as an almost-vegetable. {shudders}
There is so much we still don't know about the brain/mind....I think there are some fascinating studies going on. I just wish I could understand more of it, but I lack the education.
sk8eycat, I had to look and look before I saw the little girl on his lap. Fascinating. Yes, I have been reading articles by skeptics about patternicity, a term coined by Michael Shermer.
Patternicity: Finding Meaningful Patterns in Meaningless Noise
How sad about your mother's and father's strokes. I can't even imagine what being locked in my body without ability to speak or move. Their conditions must have been very stressful for you and your family members.
New studies in neuroscience holds some great promise.
It was Dad's mother (my grandmother) who was locked in her body in 1945. I was only 5 at the time, and I barely remember it...I think they took me to see her in the nursing home once, but she was almost comatose by then.
I suspect that she was an undiagnosed diabetic; Dad was diagnosed with Type 2 when he was 56, and I was diagnosed with the same thing when I was 61 or 62. I forget what year, I just remember that the day was Cinco de Mayo. Dr. BadJokes said something like "Buenos Dias! You have diabetes!" Anyway, Dad's sister lived to be 100, but she was boderline diabetic for her final 40 years, and a lot of cousins on that side of the family also have it. Or had it.
We cope. And there is so much more that is known and can be done about it now than in 1960 (when Dad was diagnosed)...blood-testing meters for one thing....I would rather DIE than have to pee on a tiny strip of paper every day. Ew.
So heaven has puffy pink clouds - hehe - yeah right.
The brain is still being studied - so there is a scientific reason why people see strange things or hallucinations when the brain has had an injury.
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Implementing tobacco control
Present and future generations must be urgently protected from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.Governments use the tobacco control measures in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. By implementing these measures, governments reduce the heavy burden of disease and death that is attributable to tobacco use or exposure.
fact buffet
Tobacco control measures
16%of the world's population are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free lawsRead the tobacco fact sheet
Warning the public
30countries meet the best practice for pictorial warningsSearch the pictorial health warnings database
Second-hand smoke
> 600 000people die each year from exposure to second-hand smokeSee the global estimate of the burden of disease from second-hand smoke


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Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year
I decided the best start to the year would be to post some photos of Rainbow Lorikeets. These birds are the most numerous in my yard. They are noisy and quarrelsome but also gentle and affectionate within their small family groups.
I have never had a "wink" from a bird before! It was a very windy afternoon and the leaves and branches were whipping all around and I think this gave me the photo op!
22 comments:
great start to the year!ReplyDelete
Thanks Tony.ReplyDelete
A real Bobby Dazzler.ReplyDelete
Very best wishes to you and yours for 2012.
Thanks John.ReplyDelete
Mick, the wink means Happy New Year!! I join him in wishing you a wonderful and productive New Year!ReplyDelete
Happy new year Mick.ReplyDelete
what great birds to have in your yard (i'm guessing that's because i don't have them in my yard raising a ruckus!) :)ReplyDelete
Happy New Year and good birding for 2012ReplyDelete
Thanks for your comments and best wishes Hilke, Adam, and TexWisGirl.ReplyDelete
Thanks Neil.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Happy New year Mick - an excellent choice.ReplyDelete
Thanks Barbara. Happy New Year to you too.ReplyDelete
That certainly is a wink and a half! Happy New Year, mick!ReplyDelete
Awesome birds & photos!ReplyDelete
I love how colourful they are.
Thanks Snail, and Nicole. With colors like that you can't really miss with any photograph.ReplyDelete
Stunning images, Mick.ReplyDelete
Like Tyto Tony, you have really raised the bar, now.
How are you going to keep that up?
(Or me?)
Happy New Year.
Thanks Denis, there's good luck and there's good planning and I'm afraid my last shot was just good planning! It will be a long time before I manage stunning shots like Tony's!ReplyDelete
Most gorgeous colours on that bird! HAPPY NEW YEAR!ReplyDelete
Happy New Year to you too! Love to see those lorikeets!ReplyDelete
Have a great 2012 - lots of kayaking and bird photos Mick.ReplyDelete
Brilliant shots of the Rainbow Lorikeet!ReplyDelete
Makes me want to take another drive up to Mt Nebo to photograph some more. I could never tire of photographing them - their antics are wonderful and so cheeky! They really do have character.


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1994 Expos celebrated at Olympic Stadium
MONTREAL -- With the Montreal Expos consigned to baseball's historical archives, the fate of the 1994 team that fashioned the best record in baseball at the time of the players' strike remains one of the all-time great what-ifs.
Larry Walker teamed up with Marquis Grissom and Moises Alou to give the 1994 Expos one of the most formidable trios of starting outfielders in the game.
MONTREAL -- With the Montreal Expos consigned to baseball's historical archives, the fate of the 1994 team that fashioned the best record in baseball at the time of the players' strike remains one of the all-time great what-ifs.
Larry Walker teamed up with Marquis Grissom and Moises Alou to give the 1994 Expos one of the most formidable trios of starting outfielders in the game.
He is hardly alone in wondering what Montreal might have achieved if the rest of the regular season, playoffs and World Series had not been cancelled after the players went on strike on Aug. 12, 1994.
The Expos moved to Washington following the 2004 season. Ten years earlier, they were in first place in the National League East with a 74-40 mark, the best record in the Majors, and had a six-game lead on the second-place Atlanta Braves.
"I've wondered that many times, what could have happened," Walker said. "It's all hearsay, just make believe, but I think if the strike lasts two weeks, like it was supposed to, or what we were told, then I don't know if baseball would still be here, but I can tell you right now there would have been some good teams that would have lasted a little bit longer. It seemed that that kind of put a crush to our dream, and after that, the team split up, so it would have been nice to see what would have happened."
Walker, Grissom and Alou were among 19 members of the 1994 Expos who reunited for the first time as a group Saturday since they were in Pittsburgh when the strike was called nearly 20 years ago. Manager Felipe Alou was on hand at Olympic Stadium for the ceremony honoring the team prior to the second of the two-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets.
"I know it's what-if, but I can only say what we saw, that we were superior," Felipe Alou said. "We were the best team in the National League, there was no question about that. In our league, we were kings. We were legitimate to win it."
Closer John Wetteland and staff ace Ken Hill, who went 16-5 and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting, were also on hand along with the likes of shortstop Wil Cordero, first baseman Cliff Floyd, catcher Darrin Fletcher and third baseman Sean Berry.
"Obviously, it's emotional," said Wetteland, who won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1996. "A lot of things [are remembered]. We talk and we laugh and we marvel a lot, because '94, there's this lack of reconciliation with everybody and so it's very easy to go back to that point in time and to go, 'Why?' When you have a championship product on the field that exists, a lot of times intellectually that doesn't make sense. And when we go back to that, that's why it's such a poignant moment for all of us. That's why it's such a powerful thing."
The 1994 Expos were broken apart the following spring when Grissom, Wetteland and Hill were traded and Walker left as a free agent. Grissom went on to win a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 1995. Moises Alou and Floyd won it all in 1997 with the Florida Marlins.
For some other members of the 1994 Expos, that was as close as they would come to a championship.
"It is hard to resolve," Fletcher said. "It's unfinished business, because when I look back on my career, it's one of those what-ifs that's a hole in my career that has never been filled. I never appeared in a playoff game in my whole career, not one playoff game, so that's something that I wish I could have done, and I thought obviously my best chance was '94."
Like so many other members of the team, pitching coach Joe Kerrigan has had a hard time putting the unfinished season in its place. He says he only really came to terms with it within the past five or six years.
"I was a little bitter about it, but now as time has passed and you've seen how the game has grown, the game has probably gotten better for it, for the strike of '94, because we haven't had any work stoppages since then," Kerrigan said. "We learned a really powerful, painful lesson back then, so maybe we were the sacrificial lamb for the game growing and getting better."
Sean Farrell is a contributor to MLB.com.


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Posted by raimondo on February 09, 19102 at 10:16:03:
In Reply to: Re: seeking title and reproduction of particular Cadmus posted by Ralph on February 09, 19102 at 10:13:31:
: : Kevin -- I think I can help. I found this while cruising the searches on EXCITE. Typed in paul cadmus and clicked on the "Paul Cadmus Biogafia" (seems to be in Spanish) and then brought up the image of "Finisterre". Try this. If it's not the image your looking for -- it's still a good one! Jason
: : : Years ago I saw a painting by Cadmus of two men on bicycles going in opposite directions. Does anyone know the title of this work and where I might find a reproduction of it either in poster, print, or on the internet? This memory of this painting has haunted me for years. I found it extremely erotic in a difficult to describe way. There is a certain sexual tension between the two men, or am I projecting again? Please e-mail me if you can help me.
: : : Sincerely,
: : : Kevin
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text:
David Nicholls. Sound familiar?
It shouldn't.
Mr. Nicholls' is the President of the Atheist Foundation of Australia, and today in response to an Easter sermon claim by Bishop Anthony Fisher of Parramatta, that Atheism has been responsible for some evils of the world, and that Atheism hates Christianity, Mr Nicholls stated:
'He seeks out a scapegoat and attacks atheism without any understanding of what he is saying,"
"To state we hate his god or are attacking his god is nonsense.
"How does one hate or attack that which does not exist?"
Nicholls, and his Foundation constantly espouse how much better the world will be without religion. They talk about the intolerant nature of religion and the way it promotes hate. Yet here we have an example of a man doing what he critcises religion of doing promoting intolerance. Nicholls' claims that it is OK to insult religion, because at least according to him God does not exist. Further, that if God does not exist then surely any insult leveled at God would be fine, because after all the non-existent God would hardly complain. This is the problem with people like Nicholls, it does not matter whether God exists or not. You have to be respectful of other peoples beliefs. You might disagree with them, but at the very least, you should show respect. To say it is OK if I attack your religion, because I don't think it matters, is a clear sign of bigoted subjectivity that even some Nazis would be jealous of. This is a clear attack not on God, rather the people that believe in God.
The obvious hypocrisy is that Fisher should have shown respect and not attacked Atheists' beliefs. The problem with this hypothesis is that it assumes that atheism as an ideology is friendly and respectful towards Christianity and namely Catholicism. Atheists, at least those of the aggressive and militant variety are not friendly. Richard Dawkins on a recent trip to Australia, called Senator Stephen Fielding as 'dumb as an earthworm' and the Pope a 'Nazi'. Atheism lives off negativity, it breeds and multiplies only by uniting in hate. In contrast, Catholics will remember at all Good Friday services, there is a Prayer of the Faithful devoted towards helping Atheists.
That is not to say that Christians do not attack Atheism, but let us remember the creed of Atheism seeks to rid the world of Christianity. Christianity (at least practiced as it is supposed to be) is respectful of other peoples beliefs. Christianity respects Atheism and the rights of those who practice it to hold their beliefs. Christianity believes in individual morality. While it appears Atheists do not extend this same right to Christians.
This is not the first time Nicholls' and his organisation have run into public outcry whilst promoting its charter of intolerance. In 2008 during the Catholic World Youth Day, his organisation, supposedly of devoted Atheists, teamed up with the UFO Raliean Cult in the NoToPope coalition. The Ralieans are of course the infamous UFO sect who believe their French leader (an ex-journo) is God, and also claim to have cloned babies. Together the AFA and the UFO cult Ralieans, with some other organisations, all collectively attacked the Pope. The irony of Atheists joining with a cult to attack another religion is of course, not lost on us.
In our opinion, Mr. Nicholls' is an interesting character. Not least because he believes it is OK that he ridicules other beliefs, as long as he does not share them. Or because he joined up his Atheist organisation with a UFO cult. Rather because he just seems so angry. He does not like Christianity, however it appears he is aligned with some UFO religions. People like him live on an agenda, and will jump at any opportunity to present it. Hopefully Mr. Nicholls in the future will demonstrate the respect that Atheism supposedly has for beliefs. We however remain as skeptical on this, as we do towards the imminent arrival of Raliean UFO's.
Views: 305
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