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DALLAS (AP) The Dallas Mavericks waived Derek Fisher on Saturday at the request of the veteran guard, who said he was having a difficult time being away from his family in Los Angeles.
The Mavericks announced the move four days after the 38-year-old Fisher strained a tendon in his right knee in a game against Philadelphia.
Fisher, a 16-year veteran who won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, was a free agent when the Mavericks signed him because of injuries, a lack of depth and spotty play at point guard.
He started his first game with Dallas a day after his first practice and averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 assists in nine games.
In a statement, Fisher said the recovery time on the knee strain would be about two weeks, and he wanted to return home. Fisher thanked Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for granting the request.
``I have made decisions in the past, leaving money and opportunity on the table, and I will need to do that again,'' Fisher said. ``My family is my priority and that is where I choose to be.''
Darren Collison started the first 16 games at point guard before Dallas signed Fisher. Dominique Jones had a season high in minutes the past two games, topped by 32 in Friday's 92-82 loss to Memphis. Jones tied his career high with 13 points against the Grizzlies.
Rodrigue Beaubois is the third point guard for Dallas.
Point guard was one of the biggest questions for the Mavericks entering the season after Deron Williams chose to stay with the Brooklyn Nets and Jason Kidd signed with the New York Knicks after saying he planned to rejoin Dallas. Kidd helped lead the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA title.


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A Long Island housewife and mother of two, days before her 15th. wedding anniversary, Mary Jo Buttafuoco — as many Americans know and just as many might be happy to forget — answered the door to her home on May 19, 1992. Standing on the doorstep was 17-year-old Amy Fisher, who shot her in the head. Amy was her husband's girlfriend, and their weird and sordid story dominated headlines for years and became the basis for three television movies.
Buttafuoco has now published a book, ghostwritten by Julie McCarron, about "why I stayed, what I learned and what millions of people involved with sociopaths need to know." The cover photo shows a good-looking blond in a lacy tank-top, thick hair cascading over her shoulders, her long nails French manicured, sitting on a white shabby-chic sofa. She looks determined, sadder but wiser. The back cover image is truly horrifying — her shaved skull and the tiny entry wound of the .25 cartridge now permanently lodged in her skull.
If you're in or near Manhattan July 29, she's speaking at Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway at 82d Street and will chat with a therapist about how to recognize the warning signs of a sociopath.
Whatever your feelings about the sad, sordid mess, her story is worth a read, because: Continue reading "Sociopaths Make Lousy Husbands. Ask Mary Jo Buttafuoco"

subset: commoncrawl


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Unlike the popular notion, Islam is not the exclusive religion of Arab countries in the Middle East, but has found prolific expression around the globe. It is the fastest-growing religion in the world, claiming up to one billion adherents worldwide. To put that in perspective, this figure indicates that one out of every five people is a Muslim. In the United States, there are now up to five million Muslims, and over 1,100 mosques or Islamic centers (see Rood, 1994; Ahmad, 1995). Muslims, therefore, no longer are the vague features of geographically detached people, but could be among those whom we encounter in our daily routines. In light of these considerations, properly understanding, and responding to, Islam become increasingly apparent and personal.
The Persian Gulf War, and other such conflicts involving the U.S. and Islamic nations, have created within Westerners largely negative images of Muslims. Often they are associated with the stubbled faces and cold stares of fanatical terrorists who, to advance their political agenda, bomb public facilities, snuffing out hundreds of innocent lives. While some militant Islamic sects have conducted terrorist activity in the U.S. and other Western nations, they are not necessarily representative of all Muslims (see Al-Ashmawy, 1996; Sial, 1995). Simply exposing the radical views held by violent sects would not be a responsible critique of Islam. As Islamic writer Mubashar Ahmad correctly has objected, such an approach "would be as if someone tries to understand Christianity by reading the news of what is happening politically and religiously in Northern Ireland or of apartheid in South Africa" (1995).
In light of Ahmad's legitimate caveat, at least two observations need to guide an analysis of, and response to, Islam. First, as indicated in part one of this series, Islam is not a monolithic system, but contains several identifiable sects and movements (Brantley, 1996; see Rood, 1994). It is "a religious movement that has experienced constant change over the centuries and has acquired a high degree of inner diversity, a faith shared by concrete men and women with a broad spectrum of attitudes and feelings" (Kung, 1986, p. 22). Not all Muslims engage in, or support, the terrorist activity of fundamentalist Islamic sects. In fact, nonextremist Muslims decry the intolerant Islam preached by militant fanatics whose messages, they contend, are "a cover for advancing their political agenda and their lust for power, and ideology more akin to fascism and Marxism than to the Islamic faith" (Al-Ashmawy, 1996, p. 157). Thus, a Christian response to Islam must guard against stereotyping Muslims as blood-thirsty rogues with no regard for human life.
Second, we need to be sensitive to, and try to appreciate, the anti-west/anti-U.S. sentiment among many Middle Eastern Muslims. Historically, Muslims have equated, and continue to equate, the West with Christianity. From this perspective, "Christian" and "Muslim" nations have had a long history of conflict, leaving both with animosity toward one another. While Islamic countries have committed their share of atrocities against Christian nations, the former do have some legitimate grievances against the latter. The Crusades (c. 1050-1291), for example, are etched indelibly into Muslim minds. In the Colonial period (c. 1450-1970), Western nations subjugated about ninety percent of the Muslim world, which instilled in many Muslims a deep desire to avenge such shame and humiliation. Perhaps the greatest blow to the Islamic ego was when, after thirteen hundred years of occupation, they lost possession of Jerusalem to the Jews in 1967. Muslims blame this turn of events on the "Christian" West for creating the state of Israel in 1948 (see McCurry, 1994). Though we might reasonably object that they have skewed history to a certain extent (see van Ess, 1986, pp. 37-38), Muslims nonetheless view the West, and particularly the U.S., through lenses colored by this history of Muslim casualties. If we are to have any success in reaching Muslims with the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must approach them with sensitivities toward their, and our, past.
While we recognize the vast diversity of thought and attitudes within Islam, our response to this world religion must be limited to its core beliefs. Before offering such a critique, it will be both helpful and crucial to clarify the points of tension between Christianity and Islam. While on a superficial level it appears that Christianity and Islam share common theological ground in some particulars (e.g., monotheism), a closer scrutiny of the two religions exposes several fundamental differences that can be reconciled only by a costly compromise by either the Christian, the Muslim, or both.
Monotheism of Islam
At first glance, it appears that the rigid monotheism of Islam largely is compatible with Christian thought. The idea expressed in the Qur'an that God is "the one, the most unique," and the "immanently indispensable" to Whom "no one is comparable" (sura 112:1-2,4), generally agrees with biblical concepts of God (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:18; 44:6). Yet, the monotheism of Islam is so rigid and inflexible that it repudiates two crucial, and inextricably linked, doctrines of historic Christianity.
1. The Trinity. Though questioned by some groups within the pale of Christianity, the concept of the trinity has strong biblical support (see Bromling, 1991). This doctrine does not suggest, as is alleged by non-Trinitarians, a tri-theistic construct of God. It simply affirms that there are three distinct persons (i.e., the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), yet all are one in essence. In other words, while the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sustain distinct relationships to one another, they share the same divine nature (see Geisler and Saleeb, 1993, p. 266). In this regard, Christianity and Islam are firmly opposed to one another. Unlike the monotheism of Christianity that allows for a plurality within the divine essence, Islam condemns such a pluralistic concept of God (see Kaleem, 1994). The Qur'an cautions the "people of the book" (i.e., Christians) against calling God "Trinity" for "God is only one God" (sura 4:171).
2. The Deity of Jesus. Consistent with Islam's repudiation of the Trinitarian idea of God, the Qur'an, though it exalts Jesus in many particulars, explicitly denies the deity of Jesus. While the Qur'an acknowledges that Jesus was a miraculous "sign" and divine "blessing" (19:21), Islamic Christology is totally devoid of divine content (see Kuitse, 1992, 20:357). Since God's transcendent glory prohibits His begetting a son, the Qur'an presents Jesus only as the "son of Mary," not the Son of God (4:171). Rather than possessing the divine nature as in biblical Christology (Philippians 2:8-12; Colossians 1:18), the Qur'anic Jesus "was only a creature" (43:59) brought into existence by God's creative word (3:42-52). Islam's view of Jesus demonstrates the vast difference between it and Christianity. And, far from being a peripheral issue, the deity of Jesus is an essential tenet of Christianity. Thus, while Christianity and Islam share a common monotheistic belief, there is no resolving their Christological differences as they stand.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Another cardinal doctrine of Christianity—the atonement—is discarded by the Qur'an. That Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the grave according to the Scriptures is the thrust of the gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Contrary to the conclusion of some modern theologians, Paul argued that Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection were actual events of history. Following Paul's line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, if Christ did not actually rise from the dead there is no gospel, and the entire Christian system is annulled (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). A denial of these core events is tantamount to rejecting the veracity of Christianity.
Yet, Islam does deny these central Christian events, charging that Jesus actually did not die on the cross (see Ijaz, n.d.). In a context in which the Jews are excoriated for repeatedly breaking God's covenant, the Qur'an reads:
And for saying [in boast]: "We killed the Christ, Jesus, son of Mary, who was an apostle of God;" but they neither killed nor crucified him, though it so appeared to them. Those who disagree in the matter are only lost in doubt. They have no knowledge about it other than conjecture, for surely they did not kill him, but God raised him up (in position) and closer to Himself; and God is all-mighty and all wise (sura 4:157-158).
This one reading has generated considerable debate among Islamic commentators. The phrase, "so it appeared to them," particularly has been problematic. Generally, orthodox Muslims have interpreted this to mean that in some mysterious manner, God made another person so resemble Jesus that he was crucified by mistake. By this means God intervened and frustrated the Jews' evil purpose, and subsequently transported Jesus into heaven (see Geisler and Saleeb, 1992, pp. 64-65). According to Norman Anderson, Muhammad's aversion to Jesus' death as reflected in the Qur'an could have been motivated by several factors. Perhaps it was due, Anderson suggests, to the influence of Gnostic views, to his disdain for the "superstitious veneration" of the symbol of the cross in seventh-century Asia, or to his disbelief that God would allow one of His prophets to die in such a disgraceful manner (1975, p. 101). Of these possibilities, the latter is the most likely candidate.
Regardless of the rationale behind Islam's denial of Jesus' crucifixion, one fact remains: Islam rejects the idea of Jesus' crucifixion and, by implication, His vicarious suffering for sinful humanity. As already indicated, such a denial strikes at the very heart of the Christian system. Once again, any points of contact between Islam and Christianity are eclipsed by this fundamental difference.
Means of Salvation
As a corollary to its denial of Jesus' death, Islam differs significantly with Christianity regarding the means of humankind's salvation. In the Christian system, all responsible human beings without Christ are powerless slaves to a ruthless taskmaster—sin (Romans 5:6-11; 6:15-18; Ephesians 2:14-18). Since there is no means of liberating ourselves from the bondage of sin, human beings desperately are in need of a savior. In response to this critical condition, God, motivated by His love, entered into human history as a man, and offered His sinless life for humanity. The New Testament writers employed several images (financial, military, sacrificial, and legal) to convey in a concrete way the soteriological purpose of Christ's death. Through the cross, sinners are purchased (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23), victorious (Colossians 1:12; 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28), atoned for (Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 5:7), and acquitted and reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:16-19; Colossians 1:19-20; see Guthrie, 1994, pp. 251-256). While scholars continue to debate the theological details of these images, it is clear from the New Testament that God took the initiative in the salvation of humanity. It further emphasizes that salvation is not by human works of merit, but by God's grace through an expressive faith in the redemptive act of Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Islam, however, has no place for a suffering savior in its redemptive system. It does not view human beings as enslaved by sin without the ability of self-emancipation. Though it emphasizes the role of God's mercy and forgiveness in salvation, Islam teaches that God's pleasure, and thus one's place in Heaven, are earned (cf. suras 2:207; 39:69). On the Day of Judgment, according to Islam, those who have fulfilled their religious duties, and compensated for their altruistic deficiencies by performing additional good deeds, will attain salvation. Those whose good deeds are insufficient, however, "shall forfeit their souls and abide in Hell forever" (sura 23:102-103). In the final analysis, according to Islam, humankind's spiritual need is not for a divine savior, but simply for divine guidance.
The points of tension between Islam and Christianity demonstrate the theological incompatibility of these two world views. To embrace Islam is to deny the essentials of the Christian faith; likewise, to espouse Christianity is to compromise seriously the core beliefs of Islam. Having laid out the basic practices and duties of Islam, and having highlighted the distinctions between Islam and Christianity, a Christian evaluation of Islam now is in order. Due to space restrictions, we will devote our attention to two crucial points of Islam: the nature of God, and the Qur'an.
The Nature of God
As already indicated, the stringent monotheism of Islam categorizes the Trinitarian concept of deity espoused by Christians as tri-theism. This is due to a misunderstanding of the Father/Son relationship between God and Jesus as mentioned in the Bible (see John 10:29-33). For Jesus to sustain such a filial kinship to God, "often in the Muslim mind implies some kind of sexual generation" (Geisler and Saleeb, 1993, pp. 134-135). Of course, the term "Father" or "Son" does not necessitate physical procreation any more than Saddam Hussein's description of the Gulf War as the "Mother of all Battles" demands that the conflict had a physical womb. The description of Jesus as the "only begotten Son" of God (John 3:16) refers, not to a physical act of procreation, but to His unique relationship to God the Father.
The idea expressed in the Qur'an that God's glory prohibits Him from begetting a son (in the carnal sense; sura 4:171) provides further insight into the theology of Islam. God is so transcendent and unified to Himself that He is dissociated totally from creation and, thus, acts impersonally (McDowell, 1983, p. 393). To many Muslims, this implies that God is so detached from our human existence that He has no (knowable) essence; He is absolute Will. A God with no essence means a God with no essential characteristics. From this perspective, though the Qur'an extols God as "the Compassionate, the Merciful," such characteristics are not rooted in His essence but are the results of His capricious will. As the Qur'an indicates, God is merciful simply because "He has decreed mercy for Himself " (sura 6:12). In short, in Islamic theology what God does determines who God is. Since God's actions are contingent on His arbitrary will, then who God is ultimately is an act of His volition.
Such a concept of God, however, involves a serious moral difficulty. It implies the possibility that, had God willed it, He might as easily have been "The Merciless" rather than "The Merciful." For, as Geisler and Saleeb have observed, "if God is Will, without any real essence, then he does not do things because they are right; rather, they are right because he does them" (1993, pp. 136-137). In the final analysis, the God of Islam has no nature by which He is inherently prohibited from, or motivated toward, certain actions. The God of Christianity, however, has such a nature that self-limits His actions (e.g., He cannot lie, Titus 1:2). In addition, rather than being the products of His volition, the benevolent attributes of the Christian God (e.g., goodness, mercy, love, grace) are part of His essence.
These divergent concepts of God find practical expression in profoundly different ways. Consistent with Islamic theology, the concern of orthodox Muslims is not to know God in an intimate fashion, but simply to obey Him. The God of Islam does not reveal Himself; rather, He reveals only His will, to which Muslims are to submit in an external fashion. On the contrary, the God of Christianity has revealed not only His propositional truth in the Bible, but also His essence in the person of Jesus Christ. Thus, Christians seek not only to do God's will, but to be in a covenant relationship with Him. Due to the Islamic concept of God, together with its works-oriented means of salvation, Muslims cannot have the sense of security that Christians enjoy through God's grace as taught in the Bible.
The Qur'an
To Muslims, the Qur'an is not merely the counterpart of the Christian Bible, but is the Islamic equivalent of Christ. According to Muslim scholar, Yusuf K. Ibish, "If you want to compare it with anything in Christianity, you must compare it with Christ Himself " (as quoted in Geisler and Saleeb, 1993, p. 179). Consistent with Ibish's observation, Muslims assign to the Qur'an the same attributes that Christians apply to Christ. For example, just as Jesus is the human manifestation of the eternal God in biblical Christology (John 1:1-3,14; Hebrews 1:1-3), the Qur'an is the linguistic representation of God's eternal Word. In short, while in Christianity the divine Word became a human being, in Islam the eternal Word became a book. Muslims further argue that the Qur'an not only is the inspired, inerrant, eternal, and final revelation of God that supersedes all others, but is also the ultimate divine miracle. In fact, as stated in part one of this series, it was the only miracle Muhammad offered when asked to display his prophetic credentials. Muslims employ several arguments to support the claim of the Qur'an's miraculous status. Consider two of the most popular arguments, and a brief response.
1. Unique literary style. To many Muslims the strongest evidence supporting the miraculous nature of the Qur'an is its impressive literary style. The Arabic in which the Qur'an was written has rhyming, rhythmic qualities that delight the Arab's ears (Shorrosh, 1988, p. 25). Muslims further hold that the Qur'an's rhetoric, clarity of expression, and concepts are unparalleled in the world of literature. To Muslim apologists, these literary qualities indicate the divine origin of the Qur'an.
To question the literary quality of the Qur'an, as many attempt to do, is an inadequate response to this argument because the Muslim simply would point out that only those who understand the nuances of the Arabic language can appreciate this aspect of the Qur'an. Further, determining the quality of a production introduces the dimension of subjectivity. Hence, the question is: Does eloquence indicate divine inspiration? At best, the eloquence of the Qur'an only suggests that Muhammad was a gifted orator. If eloquence is strong evidence for divine inspiration, the works of Homer and Shakespeare are candidates for this exalted status as well. In short, the argument from eloquence is not a sufficient proof of inspiration.
2. Muhammad's illiteracy. A controversial verse in the Qur'an forms the basis for the belief in Muhammad's illiteracy. In that passage, Allah promises to bestow mercy on those who, among other duties, "follow the Apostle—the Unlettered Prophet..." (sura 7:157). The phrase "the Unlettered Prophet," often is interpreted to indicate Muhammad's illiteracy. If so, Muslims contend, this is further confirmation of the Qur'an's divine origin, since it would have been highly improbable, if not impossible, for a formally-uneducated prophet to produce such a quality work.
There are at least two points to make in response to this claim. First, it is questionable whether Muhammad actually was illiterate. Some Arabic scholars contend that the words al umni "the unlettered," actually mean "the heathen," or "the gentile," which is reflected in more recent translations (see Ali, 1993, p. 148). Second, if Muhammad actually were illiterate, that fact alone would not necessitate that the Qur'an was dictated to him by God. One's level of formal training does not necessarily enhance one's intelligence or creative abilities. Even if he could neither read nor write, Muhammad could have dictated his messages to a scribe who subsequently wrote them down. In the final analysis, it is plausible that someone with no formal training could have produced the Qur'an. Hence, the question of Muhammad's illiteracy is a peripheral issue when it comes to establishing the divine origin of the Qur'an.
Islamic apologists offer other arguments to support the Qur'an's claim of divine authorship. Among them are the alleged perfect preservation of the Qur'anic text, fulfilled prophecies, its unity, and scientific accuracy. These evidences, however, similarly prove to be unconvincing (see Geisler and Saleeb, 1993, pp. 204; Lawson, 1991).
Of course, Muslims, as do other non-believers, challenge the evidences for biblical inspiration. Since, generally speaking, Islamic countries protect the Qur'an from criticism, it has not been subjected to the same intensity of critical analysis as has the Bible. Despite the centuries-long attacks against biblical credibility, the Bible has fared quite well. And, though it is not within the purview of this brief article to enumerate each of them, there are impressive evidences for the integrity of the Christian system (see Geisler, 1976; Wharton, 1977)
While we can, and should, discuss the differences between Islam and Christianity, and debate with Muslims regarding the inspiration of the Qur'an, encountering Muslims at this level most likely will produce little evangelistic progress. First we must extend the love of Christ to Muslims in concrete ways. Once they have seen tangible evidence of the risen Lord within our lives, we will be in a better position to discuss these more technical, yet vital, issues.
Ahmad, Mubashar (1995), The Changing Perception of Islam in American Pluralistic Society [Online], URL http://www.utexas.edu/students/amso/changing_perception.html. [NOTE: This link no longer is active.]
Al-Ashmawy, Sai'd (1996), "Islam's Agenda," Readers Digest, pp. 156-160, January.
Ali, Ahmed (1993), Al-Qur'an: A Contemporary Translation (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press).
Anderson, Norman (1975), "Islam," The World's Religions, ed. Norman Anderson (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).
Brantley, Garry K. (1996), "A Christian Approach to Islam—Part I," Reason and Revelation, 16:1-7, January.
Bromling, Brad (1991), "Trinity—From Nice or Heaven?," Reasoning from Revelation, 3:1, January.
Geisler, Norman L. (1976), Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Geisler, Norman L. and Abdul Saleeb (1993), Answering Islam (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Guthrie, Shirley C. (1994), Christian Doctrine (Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox).
Ijaz, Tahir (n.d.), Prophet Jesus Had Died: The Quran [Online], URL http://www.utexas.edu/students/amso/1_Quran.html. [NOTE: This link no longer is active.]
Kaleem, Al Haj Ata Ullah (1994), The Islamic Concept of God [Online], URL http://www.utexas.edu/students/ amso/ror/islamic_god.html#misc. [NOTE: This link no longer is active.]
Kuitse, Roelf S. (1992), "Christology in the Qur'an," Missiology: An International Review, 20:355-369.
Kung, Hans (1986), "Muhammad and the Qur'an: Prophecy and Revelation: A Christian Response," Christianity and World Religions, ed. Hans Kung (Garden City, NY: Doubleday).
Lawson, Todd B. (1991), "Note for the Study of a Shi'i Qur'an," Journal of Semitic Studies, 36:279-295.
McCurry, Don (1994), Witnessing to Muslims [Online], URL http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/crj0123a.txt. [NOTE: This link no longer is active.]
McDowell, Josh and Don Stewart (1983), Handbook on Today's Religions (San Bernardino, CA: Here's Life Publishers).
Rood, Rick (1994), What Is Islam? [Online]. (Richardson, TX: Probe Ministries), URL http://www.gocin.com/probe/islam.htm. [NOTE: This link no longer is active.]
Shorrosh, Anis A. (1988), Islam Revealed: A Christian Arab's View of Islam (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson).
Sial, Sultan (1995), Terrorized Twice [Online], URL http://www.utexas.edu/students/amso/oklahoma.html#Quran. [NOTE: This link no longer is active.]
van Ess, Josef (1986), "Sunnis and Shi'ites: The State, Law, and Religion: Islamic Perspectives," Christianity and World Religions, ed. Hans Kung (Garden City, NY: Doubleday).
Wharton, Edward C. (1977), Christianity: A Clear Case of History (West Monroe, LA: Howard).
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text:
tk/November 2011
Listen to the talented R.A.D. Stainforth's reading:
To join Magpie Tales creative writing group click here.
image: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward
tk/November 2011
Listen to the talented R.A.D. Stainforth's reading:
This was some kind of wonderful :)
Thank you and have a Happy Thanksgiving
Lovely start to my day. Thank you!ReplyDelete
Falling in love is a beautiful thing.ReplyDelete
The sound of 'him' lighting up gets me every time .... wonderful poetry Tess!ReplyDelete
Me, too, Helen...oh (!)ReplyDelete
Very lovely. I'm smiling. Love the sunnyside up eyebrow and the name like water. And yes, the arm breaking. Ha! K.ReplyDelete
who are those 2 in the photo?ReplyDelete
There is no denying that indescribable feeling, and mere words do not do it justice.
There certainly is some kind of attraction here. It's called, the poetry of Tess Kincaid.ReplyDelete
Beautiful. Your finest hour, Tess.
One of great Romances of all time, so they probably weren't aware they were posing.
Tess, what beauty lies in your words. You have described, IMHO, the melding of souls. Beautifully done!ReplyDelete
Perfect: nothing more, nothing less... perfect!!!
Great Hug, Tess
lovely words to accompany such a beautiful photoReplyDelete
You really have the essence of the fun side of love here...what a treat, thanks!ReplyDelete
the feel of the name in the mouth is a great opening willow...love is a beautiful thing...ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
That first verse! Wow!
(first try went awry)
That's love, night train and all.ReplyDelete
Such a beautiful poem...I especially love the first line...ReplyDelete
Beautiful, simply beautiful!ReplyDelete
Looks like Natalie Wood (not Joanne Woodward) and Paul Newman. Now, that would be some attraction!ReplyDelete
And you know it when you're reading a wonderful poem by a very talented poet!ReplyDelete
Just right!ReplyDelete
Enjoyed reading and hearing this. I especially like the concluding stanza.ReplyDelete
Lovely words and such an iconic photograph to go with it.ReplyDelete
i love the first lines... love it Miss Tess!..
have a great week ahead... thanks for the prompt!
How simply romantic. Beautiful.ReplyDelete
whispered soft in the mouth - eyebrow knits sunny-side-up
Those two phrases are deliciously magical.
That first stanza is simply delicious writing Tess! :-)ReplyDelete
That had to be the most beautiful photo and poem. Thank you.ReplyDelete
Enjoyed. Agree with every word.. You do know it.ReplyDelete
Last stanza for me! Lovely.ReplyDelete
Lovely prompt, lovelier poem, Tess! Yeah, my arms are in casts...a lot. Happy Thanksgiving! Giving thanks for you, friend, and your wonderful blog :-)ReplyDelete
Excellent poem, Tess.
You describe sensual love powerfully without being unpleasantly graphic. Your metaphors sing and zing.
You know it
when a name feels
better whispered soft
That's it! that's it! Love captured in three lines. Excellent.
Distinctive, tender and beautiful, Tess. xxxjReplyDelete
Yes, as the accolades pile on
dozen upon dozen, and there
is a contact buzz, a poetic
high for all of us, remembering
or even experiencing the magic,
and the mystery of love, when
the pheromones and hormones
run rogue, and we act the clown,
or sing until we break glass. But
I always enjoy the secondary layer
of meaning, the tender and passionate
vigor of the emotion between the
lines. Love the lines: /hear the
night train/harmonica G-flat/
for when the lovers are separated
for whatever reason, and the eyes
clear, and the lovewebs dissipate,
we hear that train whistle, and it
grounds us.
See, there's some quirkiness here too--love it!ReplyDelete
I LOVE that last stanza. I so admire how you seamlessly write your way to the end of your poems -- there's always a jolt, a surprise, something unexpected but perfect in the voice.ReplyDelete
Wow, that's perfect. Been there, done that, remember it well! Spot on.ReplyDelete
sounds like love to me ....loved it thank you xReplyDelete
Ah yes, eyebrows memorized - you capture the small signposts that are so easily overlooked.ReplyDelete
Snippets and details we carry
with us, and the fire burns on-
I say - who are those 2 people in the photo? Anyone? Anyone?? Beuller?ReplyDelete
Marcheline, they are identified at the end of the post...ReplyDelete
A poem read aloud is so much more powerful. Thank you for sharing! Wonderful start to my day... Everyone should start their day with a cup of coffee and a poetry reading from LAWM's page:)ReplyDelete
Painted Lady, I so agree. Poetry is musical, lyrical...it's meant to be audibly heard. Stainforth's interpretations are excellent...I'm very fortunate to have him read my work.ReplyDelete
Yes, maybe there is. Looks like there might be, anyway.
Your poem is brilliant.
Creative imagery. I liked the somersault at the end. :)ReplyDelete
Yep, these are the dead giveaways, for sure.
PS. Love the reader's voice and interpretation, too.
I'm a sucker for a canoodle...ReplyDelete
Is that like Pot Noodle in a can ...ReplyDelete
R.A.D., in a canoodle, I had to Google Pot Noodle...we call them ramen in these parts...ReplyDelete
Does this mean it's happening to you now? Oh, I hope so- how wonderful! It makes the world go round and our heart skip a beat, too.ReplyDelete
Painting your nails three days before you need to, kind of good. RiskyReplyDelete
Beautifully penned. And, true!ReplyDelete
I never thought of a night train "harmonica G-flat". But yeah, it is.... and I have one here on my desk. A harmonica, not a train. How you bring a day's worth of experience into this attraction is really amazing.ReplyDelete
What a lovely way to end the day.ReplyDelete
really lovely write up :)ReplyDelete
Lovely imagery of a lover, Tess. Are you still in love after all these years? Then it would be some kind of wonderful, indeed.ReplyDelete
i adore Paul and Joanne. Lovely love poem. makes me feel all tingly inside with the memory of what once was. Blessings, sukiReplyDelete
I am SO going to do a sommersault at some point today:) Love this Tess!ReplyDelete
Whispered soft in the mouth...I can feel that one...lovely!!ReplyDelete
Some lovely little images you summon up here.
Dear Tess: Fun...I do try to "change it up" (poor English, I know..) Love this; "probably break my arms"...yes! I will so break my arms! Am at the delicate age; like a teacup! I'm fragile but still like to romp!ReplyDelete
I like this a lot. What wonderful images! :)ReplyDelete
Ah, so - thanks! 8-)ReplyDelete
Like this, Tess! Especially 1st and 3rd stanzas
Ah! You're G flat, I'm A major :-)ReplyDelete
I liked the first version more!!! Love is a great thing!!!ReplyDelete
i like the name whispered on the mouthReplyDelete


text:
You might call it a failure to communicate. But the drama is playing out in real life at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), not in a movie.
This month Congress told NIH to resume support for several science education programs that NIH Director Francis Collins had decided to terminate after the Obama administration announced last April that it wanted to reorganize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs throughout the federal government. In particular, the legislators told NIH to continue funding its long-running Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA), which inject the latest biomedical discoveries into museum exhibits and other informal learning settings, and the Office of Science Education, which oversees several other programs.
Congress rejected the White House's proposed STEM education reorganization when it passed a spending bill that funds the entire federal government for the remaining 8.5 months of the 2014 fiscal year. (Lawmakers had previously expressed grave doubts about the proposed reshuffling.) And the explanatory language about science education at NIH that accompanies the massive spending bill makes it very clear that legislators want NIH to hit the reset button. "NIH shall continue these programs based on the same policies that existed at the start of fiscal year 2013," it declares. "NIH is directed to continue funding these programs in fiscal year 2014 and sufficient funding is provided within [Collins's office] to include the Office of Science Education."
The activities receive a miniscule amount of NIH's $30-billion-a-year budget: SEPA handed out about $20 million to 17 sites in its most recent competition in 2012, and the science education office had an annual budget of roughly $4 million. But while the language seems clear enough, NIH officials don't seem to be listening.
With respect to SEPA, NIH says that it will fund some projects in 2014 drawn from a pool of proposals that it selected in January 2013 but never funded. That policy means there will not be a 2014 class of SEPA recipients, which seems to violate the congressional directive to return to business as usual. NIH officials also say they have not decided how many awards to make.
At the same time, NIH has continued to fund the remaining years of SEPA projects begun in 2012 and earlier. (The awards are typically for 5 years.) NIH officials also say they plan to unveil a new competition this summer for a cohort of projects to be funded in FY 2015, which begins 1 October, although the announcement could include changes to the program.
The communications gap between NIH and Congress appears to be even wider with respect to the Office of Science Education. Its director and the SEPA program coordinator were reassigned at the start of the 2014 fiscal year, in October 2013, and the nine-person office was essentially shuttered. One person was assigned the job of responding to requests for copies of the office's award-winning curriculum supplements for elementary and secondary school teachers, but all marketing and promotion of the supplements ceased. (NIH officials estimated last fall that the 200,000 lessons stored in a warehouse would last less than a year, but since 1 October NIH has received only 773 requests for the materials.)
Despite the office's lack of physical presence, NIH officials told ScienceInsider yesterday that "the office was never closed. There are currently no plans to close it." The officials did not answer a question about the current budget and staffing levels for the office.
Although Collins and Principal Deputy NIH Director Lawrence Tabak declined to be interviewed about NIH's response to the new congressional language, Collins was surprisingly candid last fall about the state of science education at NIH during a meeting with an outside panel that advises him on management policies. "There is chaos right now in this area," Collins told the Scientific Management Review Board, an 18-member body of institute directors and outside luminaries.
In brief remarks to the board, Collins explained that offering precollege STEM education programs "is tricky for us because at the present time we don't have specific congressional authorization to do K-12 education." He said he considers existing programs aimed at creating a larger STEM-savvy workforce to be a "justifiable" activity, but that he was looking for "a thoughtful set of inputs" on how NIH should proceed.
In December, Tabak officially invited the board to study the issue, asking it to "[d]efine principles to guide future NIH efforts" and to "[i]dentify attributes, activities, and components of effective STEM programs." Yesterday NIH officials said they expect the board to submit its recommendations "in late 2014 or early 2015."
The board's chair, former Lockheed Martin CEO Norman Augustine, told Collins in October that examining K-12 education at NIH "is a terrific topic" and noted that "I'm committed to education, specifically K-12." A major player in U.S. research policy, Augustine chaired the wildly influential 2005 National Academies' report that proposed increasing the federal government's investment in research and science education.
Speaking yesterday to ScienceInsider, Augustine said Collins has told him that "NIH wants to make use of the knowledge and equipment it possesses to promote STEM education." Augustine said he believes NIH "has all the resources to make a significant impact" but that its efforts must be well coordinated with the activities of other federal agencies. The task force has not yet been formed, Augustine noted, but he hopes it will complete its work in time to influence NIH's FY 2016 budget request, which will be submitted to the White House in September.
Health science educators are thrilled that Congress went to bat for SEPA and science education at NIH in the 2014 spending bill. But some see the study by the management board as a delaying tactic.
Although reluctant to identify themselves for fear of offending NIH, they are worried NIH will use the time to downgrade STEM education activities in ways that cannot be reversed. They note that the congressional language applies only to the current fiscal year, and speculate that NIH is betting legislators will lose interest in the subject by the time the next budget is hammered out. A final 2015 spending bill is not likely until after the midterm elections in November.


text:
These are some shots taken by Charlie Carroll at the Seacoast Nursing Home reception yesterday. This is a wonderful exhibit of 30 canvas giclee photos of local scenes donated by a number of Cape Ann photographers, and printed by Cape Ann Giclee, to be hung permanently in the Alzheimer's Wing at Seacoast Nursing Home. Many of the residents and visitors came to the opening and really enjoyed the work.
For me, the highlight of the event was meeting Agnus MacQuade, 99 years young, who will turn 100 in January 2015. She was amazingly sharp and a pleasure to talk to. She was a student teacher at Lane School for a number of years and then taught at Salem State. She said she loves being at Seacoast Nursing Home.
E.J. Lefavour


text:
"At the "Reinventing Governance" conference in Boulder, Colorado, earlier this month I learned about a participatory method that made a lot of sense to me: community-based research. In principle, this is a partnership between experts in some technical area and members of the community in which some project is supposed to be carried out. Boyd Fuller and Ora-orn Poocharoen from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy reported how members of the Phrak Nam Daeng community in Thailand took on dam building engineers and public water management and in a series of public meetings with community members, experts, and authorities found a solution for a watergate on the local river that would benefit the communities in the area while at the same time maintaining high technical standards."
Ver artigo completo aqui
Fonte: World Bank CommGAP – 28 de Outubro de 2010


text:
There have been two Canadian collections updated by the FamilySearch Historical Collection in April, and they are -
Ontario Census 1861
The 1861 Ontario Census has been updated, and there are 1,709,804 records now online.
It includes the population census as well as the agricultural censuses at the end of each county or township.
The website says that the information is "Arranged by census district (generally by county). Within each county, arrangement is usually alphabetical by name of township. Cities, towns and villages are often enumerated separately from the townships in which they are located".
It can be found at https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1460164
Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900
The second collection is the Quebec Notarial Records which contains images of notarial records arranged by locality, then notary, then time period.
They can be seen at https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1471015


text:
Save interesting products in this list and find them quickly at any time.
Simply click on the watch list symbol
The mounted washbasins from the Artis collection by Villeroy & Boch impress with their particularly delicate sanitary ceramics made of TitanCeram. The delicate and light looking washbasins are offered in four shapes: round, oval, square and rectangular. The deep, functional sinks offer attractive visuals as well as the best usage comfort.
Mounted washbasins are a formative style statement in the bathroom. They mount directly on the washbasin cabinet or a plate as a tasteful alternative to the wall-hung washbasin. They are available in many different designs.
Our TitanGlaze shines when it comes to durability: Its modern matt look is both exceptionally attractive and extremely durable. Thanks to the high purity, crystalline aluminium oxide, TitanGlaze refines sanitary ceramics with an especially scratch and impact-resistant surface so your bathroom stays as flawless as the first day for years to come.
CeramicPlus - the anti-dirt surface for sanitary ceramics - simplifies bathroom cleaning. This innovative process causes water to immediately form droplets on contact, which then merge into beads and simply drain away, carrying dirt and limescale particles with them.
Villeroy & Boch fuses natural raw materials to create a material with the properties of high-quality sanitary ceramics paired with exceptional strength: TitanCeram. For impressively delicate forms with sharply defined edges that are very stable and robust at the same time.
BiColour from Villeroy & Boch is an innovative colour concept. The washbasin exterior is designed in one of the numerous trendy colours while the interior is kept pure classic white. This mixture perfectly breaks up the look of the bathroom and adds a bold trendy accent. The colour concept was developed by renowned designer Gesa Hansen.
|580 mm
|380 mm
|11,5 kg
|Product designation
|Surface-mounted washbasin
TitanCeram. incl. template, fastening set included. EN 31, EN 14688. Please order non-closable drain valve separately.. Furniture programme LEGATO to match


text:
April 18, 2013
Ease into the week (to the best of your impatient ability). Monday's about steadiness and showing how rock-solid you can be. By Tuesday and Wednesday, though, your orbit is definitely gaining speed, and your quick thinking and wit make for some real opportunities. In what areas will you direct your efforts? Around the end of the workweek, home and your comfort zone are important. Make sure you're renewing yourself amid life's bustle. As for the weekend, create a great date or find a fabulous party -- you're on fire, especially when it comes to romance!
Charge into your week on Monday, when your willpower (plus a little extra charm) can get you nearly anywhere (or anyone!). By Tuesday and Wednesday, the cosmic energy's more at odds with your nature, and you could find yourself doing something out of character -- making a sudden snap decision or just wasting time. But you find your pace again and then some at the end of the workweek; it's a stellar time to make your wishes and hopes known. (Try it in both a work and a romantic context!) As for the weekend, you'll need to take care with how you express yourself. Meet them halfway!
Monday's about being consistent -- show 'em you do indeed have the ability to follow up and follow through. Tuesday and Wednesday are much more free-form and creative; your social side's out to play, and people are loving you and your many-splendored ways. Is that love in the air? With you around, signs point to yes! But beware of moodiness or being at odds with someone close to you at the end of the workweek. Get centered and control yourself. As for the weekend, it looks both light-hearted and brainy. Find stuff to feed both your heart and head.
The odder the idea, the more you should consider it on Monday. By Tuesday and Wednesday, communication is in the stars for you, but that doesn't mean it's automatically smooth. Take care to make yourself understood, especially with family or a significant other. Then, at the end of the workweek, all your signature traits are highlighted -- you're super tuned in, and the chance of romance is high! Just think twice before taking things personally, and watch for changing moods. As for the weekend, a dramatic change for the better is in order.
Yes, you're good at what you do, but make an effort to recognize others on Monday, too -- it's all about balance. By Tuesday and Wednesday, though, things tend to balance themselves, and you're pretty much a treasure to those around you, whether in work, play or love. Hint: Ask them for their input on a certain decision -- they'll love it, and it could be surprisingly helpful. At the end of the workweek, go deeper and sustain any and all efforts. Rock-steady looks great on you. As for the weekend, you're burning hot. Get creative, and get connected!
A little difference matters a lot on Monday. Be proactive and make a minor but positive change. By Tuesday and Wednesday, work or communication issues surface -- could it be that your usual attention to detail is slipping? Reread, double-check and check in, whether it's with your boss, a friend or a certain someone. You're warm and wonderful at the end of the workweek as the give-and-take of life nurtures you, and you nurture it. Interpersonal connections, new and old, flourish now. As for the weekend, your best-laid plans may go astray -- but maybe in a great way. Be open to it!
Good manners count on Monday, and you might have to do more than your fair share in this regard. Take the high road -- you look good up there. On Tuesday or Wednesday, a one-on-one looks extremely productive. Will it be a brainstorming session, a negotiation, a heart-to-heart? Bring a new idea to whatever kind of meeting you set up. At the end of the workweek, you're focused on moving existing concepts along, tweaking and creating wiggle room (whether on the job or personally). Make plans to catch up with friends and family this weekend; those bonds need nurturing, and the nurturing can be fun.
Do your best to practice detachment on Monday -- trying to force an issue may not go well now. By Tuesday and Wednesday, you can get a better read on all sorts of situations; all you need to do is look closely, particularly before you leap (and particularly if money and other people are involved). A lesson from the past can help, too. An unusual experience creates a real bond at the end of the workweek, building work relationships or intensifying romantic ones. Seek it out if you dare (knowing you, you do!). As for the weekend, avoid work and actively de-stress.
Buckle down and deal on Monday; the stars reward steady stuff like finishing a project, calling your family and exercising. And never fear -- things get more interesting by Tuesday and Wednesday, even alarmingly so. Life looks busy now, and the potential for change is tremendous. If you want to move from talk into action, now's the time! At the end of the workweek, it's the thought that counts. Turning things over in your mind, or with a certain party, is extremely productive now. As for the weekend, anything new pleases you, and you just might take a risk -- maybe in the area of romance!
Monday's about both work and play, so create a balance in your (probably very busy) day. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the stars put the emphasis on the 'give' part of give and take. Count your lucky stars, and show the universe your thanks for what you've got. You might donate your time or hard-earned cash, and show your love to your loved ones (and, heck, even to strangers!). At the end of the workweek, are you a social butterfly or focused on one person in particular? Once again, create a little balance. And time off is actually more productive than working this weekend. Take a break!
If you're less than thrilled on Monday, the ennui shouldn't last long -- by Tuesday and Wednesday, your energy's sizzling hot. All things romance-related have a fire under them now, so get some sweet stuff cooking! The end of the workweek looks rather emotional. Will you be the master of your ups and downs -- perhaps by exercising, meditating or simply sorting through stuff in your head -- or let them master you? As for the weekend, bring your creative powers to bear when it comes to a relationship. A bright idea saves the day!
Monday's about sharing your thoughts and feelings, as well as hearing those of others. You may want to keep stuff to yourself a bit on Tuesday and Wednesday, when all things are in flux. Go with the proverbial flow -- you're great at it. Be sure to keep those options open. At the end of the workweek, love's the focus -- who are you seeing and how do they look right about now? If you're wearing rose-colored glasses, recognize it and enjoy the view. As for the weekend, your health is highlighted. Get rest instead of partying and eat right -- you know the drill.


text:
Review system documentation, including system configuration documents and system log files, to determine expected security configuration and capabilities of the system.
A security assessment is conducted to determine the degree to which information system security controls are correctly implemented, whether they are operating as intended, and whether they are producing the desired level of security. A vulnerability assessment is conducted to determine the weaknesses inherent in the information systems that could be exploited leading to information system breach. Without security and vulnerability assessments, the potential exists that information systems may not be as secure as intended or desired.
A security assessment policy should apply to all information systems and information system components of a given company. Specifically, it includes:
Security and vulnerability assessments should be performed against all information systems on a pre-determined, regularly scheduled basis. While both security and vulnerability assessments may be performed by internal staff on an on-going basis, it is recommended that third parties should be retained periodically to ensure appropriate levels of coverage and oversight.
Info-Tech Research Group has developed the following outline for conducting a thorough assessment. You can also download their Security Assessment Policy at no cost from the IT Business Edge Knowledge Network.
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text:
Encode wmv/asf with Window Media Encoder
Version 3.0.3
Sep 9, 2008
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Hardware Required
- 3. Tools Required
- 4. Windows Media Encoder Guide
- 5. Publish the stream with SopServer
This guide will explain the basic steps to stream live TV over the internet or your local network using Windows Media Encoder 9 (wmv/asf video) .
Capture card with TV-in/Video-in.
Windows Media Encoder 9 (freeware).
4. Windows Media Encoder Guide
4.1 Start Windows Media Encoder
1. Start Windows Media Encoder and close the Wizard. Under Tools->Options change to NTSC if you live in a NTSC country(USA, Canada, Japan) and PAL if you live in a PAL country(basicly the rest of the world)
1. Click on New session or File->New, select Broadcast a live event.
4.3 Configure Capture device options
1.Change to your default capture device.
2.Click on configure to change capture device default settings, this is different between capture devices. I usually use low resolutions for streaming over the net so 352/320x240(NTSC) or 384/352x288(PAL) should be enough.
1. Select Pull from the encoder.
1. Click on Find Free Port
2. Copy the URL (this is your IP and you must be online when you do this)
1. Under Video and Audio you can select different video and audio quality templates, I usually use low quality like VHS templates.
2. Choose the bitrate, higher bitrate means better quality but it requires faster internet.
1. If you want to archive the capture specify a location
2. Hit Finish
1. Start the Encoding
1. To view the stream just use the URL you copied above and paste it in Windows Media Player using File->Open URL.
2. You can play it in some other Video Players also but it may require that you replace the http:// in the url with mms://, like mms://192.168.0.1:3044.
5. Publish the stream with SopServer
1. Open SopPlayer, and log in with the user you registered in SopCast.
2. Click "MyServer" tab.
3. Select "Stream" as the Source, and fill your real stream URL in the text box below.
4. Select proper encapsulation in according to your encoding.
5. Fill out other necessary fields, such as channel ID, Program name (optional), usename and password.
6. Click "Start", your channel will be listed on SopCast after 5 minutes.


text:
Welcome to the Frockery online boutique!
Are you looking for an authentic costume for a 60s, 70s or 80s retro themed party? Do you need to find a 40s or 50s frock for a re-enactment event or a glamorous gown for a special occasion? Would some vintage shoes and accessories complement your look? Are you an eco-friendly fashionista with a penchant for affordable and sustainable style? If so, take a browse through our virtual rails and see what takes your fancy.
Landfill fashion: what a waste
We are becoming increasingly fed up of living in a society which seems hell bent on creating ever greater mountains of unnecessary waste. From plastic bags in their billions to fast food packaging, cheap promotional items that no one wants or needs, and even shrink wrap covering for supermarket cucumbers, we are drowning in the stuff.
Textiles waste is a particular bugbear of ours. Did you know that in the UK alone, we throw out in excess of one million tonnes of textiles every year, most of which ends up in landfill sites?
Far from being harmless holes in the ground where we can conveniently bury anything and everything we no longer want, landfill sites cause significant environmental damage. In the case of landfilled textiles, garment dyes and bleaches can cause toxic chemical seepage into the ground and water courses. As the material decomposes, the build up of methane gas presents further hazards.
Although environnmental issues have been gradually nudging their way up the political agenda, there is no evidence that our throwaway society is ready to take responsibility for its wasteful behaviour. We need a sea change in attitude and, while there is some great work being done to reduce textiles waste through reuse and recycling, the clothing industry remains awash with cheap 'fast' fashion which is likely to end up in landfill in a matter of months if not weeks.
So how can we as concerned individuals make a difference yet still stay stylish (and solvent!)? Well, we have put together a list of simple 'RE' ACTIONS to the relentless pressures of the fast fashion industry, and we hope the following top ten tips on working towards a greener wardrobe will be useful for waste aware, eco-friendly fashionistas like ourselves.
The Frockery's Top 10 Eco-Fashion 'RE' actions
1. RESIST temptation. Don't buy it if you don't need it! Your wardrobe is probably already bulging with impulse buys, many of which you have never worn, so you know it makes sense.
2. REJECT fast fashion outlets and cheap imports which have been transported halfway round the world, may have been produced by an exploited workforce, including child labour, in dangerous conditions, and will probably fall apart after one wash.
3. RETHINK your buying habits. Support ethical, fair trade businesses and 'home grown' designers.
4. REUSE clothing and accessories. Buy from vintage, second hand or charity shops, car boot sales and auction websites – or swap clothes with friends
5. REDISCOVER the back of your wardrobe and the darkest corners of your attic which may well harbour some long forgotten outfits that are yearning for a new lease of life.
6. RESTYLE your current wardrobe. Get the sewing box out, refashion a dress into a top and matching bag, add a few embellishments, chop off some sleeves, or just shorten a hemline or two.
7. REFRESH your 'old' clothes by adding belts, scarves and complementary accessories for an instant style update.
8. RECYCLE the clothing you no longer need. Drop it off at your local textile recycling bank, freecycle it, or else donate to charity.
9. RESELL your unwanted clothes on one of the internet auction sites or, if you don't want to do it yourself, through a local or online dress agency.
10. RESEARCH environmentally friendly fashion alternatives which combine style with sustainability. We recommend Kate Fletcher's Lifetimes project as a great starting point for both information and inspiration.
About Us
The Frockery is a small, family-run business based in Angus, Scotland. Established in 2007, we specialise in the online sale of pre-owned, vintage and retro clothing and accessories. Many of our items are unique one-offs from bygone eras, but we also stock contemporary pre-owned quality clothing and accessories at a fraction of their original cost, along with vintage inspired and reworked pieces by selected designers.
If, like us, the sight of rail upon rail of soulless, mass produced high street clothing does nothing to inspire you; if you want to find something a bit different to make your wardrobe more interesting, but don't have a lot of time (or money) to make it happen; or if you just want to dress for less, then The Frockery is the place for you! We source our stock from a myriad of outlets and individuals and sell exclusively online to discerning dressers throughout the UK and overseas.
At The Frockery, we believe that style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Our roots are distinctly green and we adhere to environmentally friendly business practices. Most of our stock is pre-owned and will be re-owned or recycled, our labels and stationery are made from sustainable materials, and we re-use or recycle packaging materials wherever possible.
We Frockery folk were all wearing recycled clothes long before it became socially acceptable to do so, never mind a style statement! And we have never been fans of 'fast' fashion – not only because it is all so uninspiring and tacky, but also for ethical and environmental reasons. Nor have we been gripped by the desire to own wardrobes full of designer labels, although we definitelyappreciate good design and quality. Being fairly far off the Chanel and Gucci radar ourselves, we wanted The Frockery to cater more for people like us who have eclectic tastes, limited budgets and predominantly green leanings.
The Frockery is founded in the belief that fashion doesn't, literally, have to cost the earth and we aim to appeal to a growing number of ethically aware consumers, who value sustainability as much as style and who understand the need to preserve the planet's resources and tackle over-consumption if we are to avoid environmental meltdown.
Adopting a greener way of living, working and doing business does not mean having to abandon style – but it does mean making ethical choices about what you buy, where you buy it and who you buy it from.
Meet the Frockers for an introduction to our team!
We hope you enjoy your visit to The Frockery and that you will come back soon.
Chief Frocker, trading as The Frockery


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Psy Impersonator Fools Everyone at Cannes
It seems one of the disadvantages of always wearing sunglasses is that it makes it a lot easier for somebody to impersonate you. Even if you're incredibly famous. That's how an impostor managed to party it up at Cannes, while celebrities were excitedly tweeting about meeting Psy.


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Here are some quick tips. For more specifics and links, please see our brand-new "how to find an old life insurance policy" web page.
- Try to track down as much information as possible. You'll presumably know the name of the policyholder (any name changes?), and it also helps to know the state or states that the person lived in.
- Ideally, you'll be able to locate a copy of the policy itself, which will have a number on it. But sometimes there's a wrinkle: the insurance company or its name may have changed, especially for older policies. That can be a challenge, but your state's insurance department can probably help you track down the current company information. If you live in Washington state -- we're the state insurance regulator there -- feel free to call us at 1-800-562-6900 and talk to our consumer advocacy staff.
- If you can't find the policy, try going through the person's financial records, looking for payments made to an insurer. Also, look through old mail: the company may have sent periodic statements or billing reminders. It's also worth checking with the person's auto- or homeowners insurers, since people sometimes buy life insurance from the same company.
- You could opt to pay a search company to run a check for the person's name through industry databases or send queries to a large number of insurers.
- If a policy goes unclaimed for a long time, insurers are supposed to turn the money over to state-run unclaimed property programs. They hold the money, often forever, in case someone files a claim. You can easily run the person's name through these free, state-run online search sites. Washington state's is at http://ucp.dor.wa.gov, and you can easily find other state's unclaimed property programs at www.unclaimed.org.
- One other important tip: Many life insurance policies automatically end at a certain age.


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OpenStack Dashboard (Horizon) Screencast
The following link is a screencast of OpenStack Dasboard (codenamed Horizon) on Ubuntu 12.04.
The video gives you a simple walk-through of the features available on OpenStack Dashboard like:
• Instance Management – Create or terminate instance, view console logs and connect through VNC, attaching volumes, etc.
• Access and Security Management – Create security groups, manage keypairs, assign floating IPs, etc.
• Flavor Management – Manage different flavors or instance virtual hardware templates.
• Image Management – Edit or delete images.
• Manage users, quotas and usage for projects.
• User Management – Create user, etc.
• Volume Management – Creating Volumes and snapshots.
• Object Store Manipulation – Create, delete containers and objects.
We are working on getting the new version of "OpenStack Beginner's Guide – Essex version on Ubuntu 12.04". The pdf should be out in a week's time. So stay tuned…!!!!
4 Responses
Fantastic video
Can't wait to read and test it 😉


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Scenic | Adventure
Situated in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, this magnificent waterfall is an important tourist attraction of this place! Cascading down from 100 ft, this waterfall originates from Gosthani River. It's an excellent camping, cooking and trekking destination for globetrotters! Hire jeeps to reach the place. No lodging facility near the waterfall. Don't miss out the jungle honey. Avoid littering. Open on national holidays.
One of the frontrunners in Indian tourism sector, Andhra Pradesh is a beautiful state and a superlative mix of the old and new! Based in the southern part of India, this culturally rich state is the eighth largest in India. Spread across 160,205 sq kms of land, Andhra Pradesh's north western part in 2014 was divided to form Telangana. It's a treasure trove for exotic locations, bio diversity, religious places and mouth watering delicacies.
With one of the longest coastlines, Andhra Pradesh is surrounded by Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. The water body of Bay of Bengal surrounds this state like a necklace. This beautiful state is the home of many palaces, memorials, tombs and monuments which showcases its rich history, culture, art and crafts. Besides, this place is a hub of many hill stations, forests, sanctuaries and national parks, beaches and scenic landscapes making it an exclusive getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts!
Nizami cuisine as the locals call it is famed for its royal taste and variety! It's completely non-vegetarian with awesome flavor leaving a zing in your mouth! Amravati is the riverfront capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is the joint capital city of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana region. Most of the year this state experiences dry weather. The coastline has high humidity all through the year. It receives adequate rainfall in the month of June and October.
Known for its delightful and tangy taste, Andhra food has regional variation that's rich in culture and heritage. Mainly Nawabi in style, Andhra cuisine is a charming mix of Muslim and Hindu way of food preparation. A common Andhra style breakfast includes Dosa, idli and pesarattu. Pesarattu looks like dosa but it's taken with spicy ginger chutney.
Other common favorites like pulihara and tamarind rice are eaten almost every day. The world famous authentic biriyani of Andhra Pradesh is something that everyone cherishes to have at least once in their lives. Succulent meats, flavorsome spices and basmati rice are the core ingredients of this Nawabi dish. In addition, mangoes, local grapes, anab e shahi and custard apple are additional mixes of this delicacy.
A typical meal of the locals in this region comprises rice, dal, pickles, vegetable curries and yoghurt and papad. Apart from perugu, ghee is a common ingredient in most of Andhra cuisines. Some of the well known local curries of this region include vepudu, pappu koora, pulusu koora, karam petti koora etc. Dal or lentil is a regular side dish along with pickles made of locally grown vegetables and red chillies.
Here the locals eat fish and prawns prepared with coconut. When it comes to drinks, lime juice with ginger and honey are mostly sipped by the locals for a refreshing feel!
This multi-ethnic cultural state has many festivals and traditions with diverse customs and rituals. Some of the special festivals include Pongal – observed in January, a harvest festival where people participate in kite surfing and eating tilgul. It takes place for four days by observing different traditional rituals and customs. Ganesh Chaturthi is the day of the birth of Lord Ganesha. Observed with compete dedication all across the state, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for ten days. Various pandals are decorated in Hyderabad and other cities with enormous statues of the Lord. After the tenth day, immersion of the statue takes place with pomp and show! Ugadi, also known as Telegu New Year, is observed on the first day and the first month of the Telegu calendar with absolute grandeur. During this time of the year relatives visit each other's houses, celebrate together and eat special dishes like abbattu. Maha Shivratri festival is observed by an all day fast. Close to evening, people visit the nearby Shiva temple and offer holy water and bael leaves on the lingam and break their fast thereafter. Varalakshmi Vratham is a celebration of Goddess Mahalakshmi. This festival is observed on the second Friday of sravan month. Women offer sweets and flowers to the deity and consider it an auspicious occasion for prosperity and wealth. Deccan festival, celebrated with ghazal, mushairas and quawalis, is a typical Hyderabadi festival. Different fairs and fests dedicated to food, arts, handicrafts and culture are organized in the Deccan celebration. It's a five day festival observed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month of April each year. Lumbini festival is celebrated in December in Hyderabad and Nagarjunsagar regions of Andhra Pradesh. This annual Buddhist festival is organized by the Tourism Department of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsava is one of the important celebrations of Andhra Pradesh which continues for nine days. Observed in the temple of Lord Venkateshwara, this Hindu festival is a gesture through which the commoners offer their gratitude to the Lord for protecting the mankind!
In addition to these, there are various indigenous tribal festivals that define the vibrant culture of this state as well.
Andhra Pradesh has a rich culture. Starting right from paintings, puppet theatre, art, architecture, dance, literature to lip smacking cuisine, this state has an exciting and deep culture to fall back on! Kalamkari and Nirmal paintings are famous of this place. Ikkat garments are renowned, dyed threads mixed with colorful fabrics are used in its making. Pochompolli, Narayanpet, and Venkatgiri etc. are some of the authentic sarees of Andhra Pradesh which were once the first choice for the noblemen. Kalamkari painting has got its name from 'kalam' meaning pen.
Kuchipudi is the traditional classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh performed with Telegu music and Sanskrit hymns. Dhimsa tribal dance and mask dance are equally famous in this region.
To get a hint of the Andhra Pradesh culture and traditions, explore Vizag, Borra Caves, Araku Valley, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Sri Vari Museum, Mogalarajapuram Caves, Kondapalli Fort, Udaygiri Fort, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Ravadurg Gooty Fort among others.
Besides Ikkat weaving and Kalamkari paintings, Andhra Pradesh has other significant handicrafts like Banjara needle craft which is made by the gypsies of this place. Bronze castings and Budithi brassware are simply a striking art form of this state. Dokra metal craft is used in manufacturing different lamps, bells, local deities and other items. Kondapalli toys representing Gods and goddesses, birds and other animal motifs are authentic handicraft of Andhra Pradesh.
Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh is well known for Veena manufacturing. The famous Gadwal sarees, Eluru carpets, Pochompolli sarees and batik prints are other traditional arts of this place. Also Durgi stone craft, Cheryala Nakashi paintings and bidri craft deserves special mention!
One would be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Andhra Pradesh. There are loads of emporiums, shopping malls and centers all across Hyderabad, Vizag and Secunderabad from where one can easily collect any of these traditional hand works. Don't forget to bring home the fabulous pearls from Hyderabad!
Telegu is the main language of this state, spoken by most. Many Hyderabadis also speak Urdu. There are people staying at the border regions of Andhra Pradesh who speak Tamil and Kannada as well. Besides, English is the next widely spoken and understood language of this region.
By Road: Hire jeeps from Borra caves that would drop you one kilometer before the waterfall. From there you have to walk on foot to reach the waterfall. From Vizag, you can reach Katiki falls via NH 5.
By Train: Borra Guhallu railway station is the nearest railway station to reach Katiki waterfalls.
By Air: Vishakhapatnam airport (89.7 kms) is the nearest airport.GET DIRECTION
There are no proper restaurants as such. But you'll find few shacks selling marinated chicken in bamboo trunks in and around the waterfall area.
August till December.
Ideal place for trekking and camping. The pond at the bottom of the waterfall is perfect for bathing after a tough trek.
Borra Caves: 4 kms from Katiki, Borra caves are considered the largest ones in India!
Araku Valley: 38 kms from the waterfalls, this hill station is a famous hotspot for travelers and honeymooners!
We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.