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Page One
Iran's Nuclear Program: Made in the USA (Historical Analysis)
In the June 6, 2011 edition of The New Yorker", Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Seymour Hersh looked into U.S. intelligence assessments of Iran's nuclear activities, paying particular attention to the 2011 National Intelligence Estimate's (NIE) investigation of the status of Iran's nuclear energy program.
Hersh reported the 2011 NIE had reached the same conclusion as the 2007 NIE. To wit: "there is no conclusive evidence that Iran has made any effort to build the bomb since 2003."
Hersh's verdict was firm: "Despite years of covert operations inside Iran, extensive satellite imagery, and the recruitment of many Iranian intelligence assets, the United States and its allies, including Israel, have been unable to find irrefutable evidence of an ongoing hidden nuclear-weapons program in Iran."
On February 24, 2012, the New York Times reinforced Hersh's analysis, noting that all 16 major US intelligence agencies -- CIA, FBI, NSA, DIA, NRO, et al. -- were in agreement: Iran did what it said it would do years ago -- it abandoned plans to pursue the construction of a nuclear weapon.
In Senate testimony on January 31, 2012, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr., further clarified that there was no evidence Iran was pursing a weapons program. "We don't believe they have actually made the decision to go ahead with a nuclear weapon," Clapper told the committee.
Uncle Sam: Iran's Atomic Enabler
America's antipathy to the Iranian Atom is especially remarkable given the fact that it was Washington that exported nuclear technology to Teheran in the first place.
Russia may have become Iran's best nuclear supplier since the 1979 Revolution, but, in the earliest days of Tehran's flirtation with the atom, it was the Eisenhower Administration that provided encouragement, equipment, funds and uranium to kick-start an Iranian nuclear program. An instructive timeline of America's shifting views towards the Iranian Atom (compiled by the Iranian Website Alakhbar) details this curious history.
Beginning as far back as the 1950s, the US was busy promoting nuclear power around the world and one of the nuclear industry's first clients was Iran – then under the control of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, a pro-Western despot who maintained his hold on power through the brutal excesses of his secret police, the Savak.
In 1957, under the "Atoms for Peace" program, the US inked a civilian nuclear development deal with Iran. Three years later, the US sold a small research reactor to Iran. After the reactor went online in 1967, Iran signed and ratified the NNPT.
In 1970, the US (joined by France and Germany) began negotiations for the construction of as many as 20 nuclear reactors inside Iran. The "nuclear superpowers" also reportedly discussed establishing an Iranian nuclear weapons program.
The American public was not apprised of Washington's plan for an Iranian bomb program but it certainly heard a lot about Iran's civilian nuclear power program.
The US nuclear industry was in an expansionist mode and would-be reactor builders needed to assure a wary public that atomic reactors would be safe and trustworthy neighbors.
And that's how Iran's despotic and tyrannical Shah came to star in a string of eye-grabbing nuclear power ads in the USA.
The Shah Loves Nukes So Why Don't You?
The advertising campaign was backed by large energy companies like Westinghouse and General Electric and the ads carried the names of burgeoning nuclear operators from across several East Coast states.
The ads, which began to appear in the early 1970s, bore the slogan "Nuclear Energy. Today's Answer." Small print at the bottom identified the sponsors: Boston Edison, Eastern Utilities Association, New England Power Co., Public Service Co. of New Hampshire, New England Gas and Electric Companies.
The ads featured a striking photo of the Shah, in all his embroidered, beribboned, imperial splendor, epaulets ablaze and medallions aglow. Hovering over his photo was the phrase: "Guess Who's Building Nuclear Power Plants." There was no question mark at the end of the sentence because there was no question about the message.
"The Shah of Iran is sitting on top of one of the largest reservoirs of oil in the world," the ad copy began. "Yet he's building two nuclear plants and planning two more to provide electricity for his country. He knows the oil is running out – and time with it."
It read like an Earth Day message delivered by a well-meaning nuclear industry that wanted nothing more than to save the world from a plague of oil spills, pollution and global warming.
But the real message wasn't about the shortcomings of fossil fuels, it was about the abiding fear of atoms.
The Shah "wouldn't build the plants now if he doubted their safety," the ad copy read. "He'd wait. As many Americans want to do." But the Shah was clearly wiser than the average American. "The Shah knows that nuclear energy is not only economical, it has enjoyed a remarkable 30-year safety record."
That 30-year span would include the first atomic tests at Alamogordo, the two bombs that destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nakasaki, and years of above-ground nuclear bomb tests that spread fallout around the world. Leaving aside those minor historic footnotes, the advertising copy pressed on to argue that atomic power's safety record was "good enough for the citizens of Plymouth, Massachusetts, too. They've approved their second nuclear plant by a vote of almost 4 to 1. Which shows you don't have to go as far as Iran for an endorsement of nuclear power."
Shah-Bomb, Shah-Bomb
But the Shah wasn't in the nuclear game just as a hedge against Peak Oil. There was more to it.
The Shah tipped his hand in 1974 when he boasted to a French reporter that he expected to be "in possession of a nuclear bomb" much "sooner than is believe" (sic).
President Gerald Ford publicly supported the Shah's nuclear ambitions, as did his White House henchmen Dick Cheney, Ronald Rumsfeld and Henry Kissinger who served as the Shah's nuclear lobby in Washington.
By 1978, relations between Washington and Tehran were so cozy that the US bestowed its "most favored nation" status on the country, which allowed Iran to undertake the reprocessing of nuclear fuel (a sure pathway to acquiring "weapons-grade" uranium).
The Shah's nuclear ambitions were never realized, however. In 1979, a popular revolution toppled the Shah and the hated Savak. The country's new leaders terminated the nuclear pacts with the West and ordered the nuclear program shut down for religious reasons.
Nuclear Iran, After the Revolution
For the next two years, Iran remained a staunchly anti-nuclear nation. In 1982, however, the ayatollahs were forced to rethink Iran's nuclear-free status.
What happened? Iran had come under attack by its neighbor to the west. In 1980, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Iran, sparking what would turn out to be a bloody eight-year war.
Did the US condemn Iraq's aggression? Far from it, the US actively partnered with Saddam in his military campaign against the anti-US leaders of post-Shah Iran.
The nuclear weapons program that had been warmly supported under the Shah's rule suddenly became hot-button issue among Iran's critics in Washington, triggering a frenzy of anti-Iranian "nuclear-fear-mongering" that has raged unabated for the last 30 years. (The term "Islamic bomb" has recently begun to proliferate in the Western media. At the same time, US news agencies have never felt the need to refer to the Pentagon's atomic weapons as "Christian bombs.")
In 1984, Jane's Defense Weekly primed the pump with an alarmist article warning Tehran was likely to have a nuclear bomb by 1986. When that threat failed to materialize, Senator Alan Cranston, a California Democrat, warned Iran would certainly be brandishing nuclear bombs by 1991.
Undeterred by these Western allegations, Iran stubbornly maintained its anti-nuclear stance -- until 1988. That was the year Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini sketched out an initial proposal to militarize the country's civilian power program. Khomeini wasn't acting in a vacuum. His proposal was prompted by the alarm that followed Saddam Hussein's shocking use of chemical weapons against villagers during the Iraq-Iran War.
A Bomb Is Coming, We Know It Is
With the dawn of the 1990s, it was Israel's turn to start beating the drums about a potential Iranian A-bomb. In 1992, Benjamin Netanyahu (then a member of the Knesset, Israel's Parliament) warned that Iran would be able to develop a nuclear bomb in "three to five years." Netanyahu had a ready answer for how to confront this theoretical dilemma: "An international front headed by the US."
Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres followed up with a warning, as well. "Iran is the greatest threat and greatest problem in the Middle East," he proclaimed. Why? "Because it seeks the nuclear option while holding a highly dangerous stance of extreme religious militantism."
The criticism was blindingly ironic given the fact that Israel already possessed the Middle East's only (and growing) arsenal of atomic weapons. Also, by this time, the State of Israel had accumulated an impressive record of pugnacious foreign policy adventures that could easily meet the defining test of "extreme religious militantism."
Meanwhile, in the US, a team of House Republicans formed a research committee that claimed a "98 percent certainty" that Iran had amassed enough material for "two or three operational nuclear weapons."
The fact that Iran never managed to meet any of these dire predictions did not deter the fear-mongers. In his 1995 book, Fighting Terrorism, Netanyahu warned Iran was "between three and five years away" from becoming a nuclear threat. A year later, Israel's Foreign Minister Ehud Barak dialed back the hysteria a notch by warning the UN Security Council that Iran was expected to be able to produce a nuclear bomb "within eight years."
In 1998, Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld added another log to the fire with the claim that, in as little as five years, Iran could build an intercontinental missile capable of hitting the US with nuclear or biological bombs.
By the dawn of the 21st century, the Iranian Revolution had gone nearly two decades without announcing or producing any nuclear weapons. Instead, Iran's leaders continued to formally condemn the use or possession of nuclear weapons as incompatible with the Islamic faith. Iran's record failed to impress George W. Bush. Upon his arrival in the Oval Office, Bush declared Iran part of the "Axis of Evil."
In 2003, as if to prove Mr. Bush wrong, Tehran invited the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear facilities. While noting a past "pattern of concealment," the IAEA concluded there was "no evidence" Iran was attempting to manufacture nuclear weapons. (In 2007, the NIE concluded with "high confidence" that Iran had completely abandoned its nuclear weapons ambitions but US and Israeli politicians continued to predict Iran would produce a bomb -- perhaps sometime between 2012 and 2014.)
If Iran Poses No Threat, Why Does the US Impose Sanctions?
Despite the universal agreement within the US intelligence community that Iran's nuclear power program poses no imminent military threat, the US successfully petitioned the United Nations to apply a series of punishing economic sanctions on Teheran.
Washington's persistent badgering of Iran -- for presenting a hypothetical but unrealized "threat" -- is at odds with a stunning (but rarely mentioned) parallel reality: the specter of nuclear war already haunts the Middle East.
The one country in the region that has an atomic arsenal also has a posture of belligerence that includes both threats of military action and a history of cross-border attacks targeting its neighbors. That nation is Israel. Unlike Iran, Israel is a nuclear "rogue nation" that has refused to sign the NNPT. Unlike Iran, Israel has never permitted international inspections of its secret nuclear energy and nuclear weapons facilities.
We are left with a puzzle. Given the strategic consensus that Tehran poses no immediate military threat to the region or to the US, why does Washington persist in applying potentially destabilizing economic sanctions on the people of Iran?
A possible answer was provided by General Wesley Clark, in his book, Winning Modern Wars. In 2001, Clark wrote, he had a conversation with a "senior military staff officer." The Pentagon planner described a plan to attack Lebanon. "But there was more," Clark was informed. Targeting Lebanon was part of "a five-year campaign plan" to topple a succession of governments. "There were a total of seven countries, beginning with Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iran, Somalia and Sudan."
In retrospect, it appears that this Pentagon game plan has played out in real-world events. General Clark's stunning disclosure has never become part of the national foreign policy debate and you won't find it in mentioned in newspapers or in college textbooks. But you can find it on Democracy Now! and YouTube.
A Fatwa against Fission
In 2005, US Secretary of State Colin Powell suggested to Congress that Iran was harboring a secret plan to build nuclear weapons. The argument was weakened, however, by the fact that it was Powell who earlier made the notoriously bogus claim that Iraq harbored "weapons of mass destruction."
During a meeting with IAEA officials in Geneva, Iran's Supreme leader Ali Khamenei offered a dramatic response to Powell's allegations: He formally announced a binding fatwa banning the production, stockpiling, or deployment of nuclear weapons.
"We don't need atomic bombs and, based on our religious teaching, we will not pursue them," Iranian President Mohammad Khatami proclaimed. It was a sentiment that should have given comfort to a wary world that has yet to hear any similar statements from the leaders of nuclear-armed Superpowers.
The Greater Threat Is Closer to Home
True, President Barack Obama has called for the abolition of America's nuclear arsenal (but so did Ronald Reagan). However, while paying lip-service to abolition, Obama approved spending $214 billion over the next ten years on new nuclear weapons and the "modernizing" of our existing bombs.
It is not Iran that poses an immediate, palpable nuclear threat. The greatest imminent danger resides is the powerful coterie of five nuclear-armed superpowers -- China, France, Russia, the UK and the US -- and four nuclear-rogue states operating outside the bounds of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. Three of these nations happen to be US allies -- India, Israel and Pakistan.
It is the fourth rogue state, North Korea, that has upped the Apocalyptic ante with recent threats to level US targets from Guam to Chicago. Faced with nuclear saber rattling from North Korea's Kim Jung-un, President Obama seems to have rediscovered his inner nuclear abolitionist. Obama has grandly called for the North to surrender its atomic arsenal as the first step toward creating a "nuclear-free Korean Peninsula."
But, as the head of the superpower with the world's largest inventory of nuclear weapons (and the missiles, submarines and bombers needed to deliver then), the president should lead by example. As a first step, he should also insist on a nuclear-weapons-free Middle East (Iran has already proposed this), a nuclear-weapons-free Europe and, ultimately, a nuclear-weapons-free planet.
Gar Smith is co-founder of Environmentalists Against War and author of Nuclear Roulette: The Truth about the Most Dangerous Energy Source on Earth (Chelsea Green). Nuclear Roulette has been nominated for two national book awards.


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Investors and consumers have been keeping a close eye on Boeing due to two deadly crashes involving the 737 Max, which have damaged the company's reputation for safety.
The famed Chicago popcorn company says that before she was terminated, a former employee stole thousands of files including information about its secret recipes.
Tours like Dave Odd's "Eat the Neighborhood" in Lincoln Park introduce Chicagoans to local plants that are edible or can be used for medicinal purposes.
A unique fair, sudsy beverages and classical music usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Robert Berrios, 51, was convicted of carrying out nine separate robberies in 2012 that netted a total of more than $115,000 in cash, according to federal prosecutors.
The American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report found that Chicago has experienced an increase in days with spikes of ozone-polluted air.
Geoffrey Baer deposits some knowledge about buildings left behind by the banking panics of the Great Depression.
Crystal Lake police Chief James Black said at a news conference Wednesday that police dug up what they believe is Andrew "AJ" Freund's body in a field and that it was wrapped in plastic.
The venerable Chicago dance company got a creative boost from across the pond for the closing show of its season. Meet the Brit who made his own Britney Spears video and is now working with the Joffrey Ballet.
With more and more alternatives to cable television, is it time for you to cut the cord?
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on whether the 2020 census should ask about citizenship. Observers say the justices appear divided along ideological lines, giving an edge to the proposed change.
Earlier this month the North Atlantic Treaty Organization turned 70. A recent report says the alliance is in "crisis," and a former U.S. ambassador to NATO says the biggest threat to the alliance may be the U.S. itself.
A novel approach to receiving a property tax break didn't flush Gov. J.B. Pritzker's chances at winning the 2018 election down the toilet. But he now faces a federal investigation into his property taxes.
On this date, 35 years ago, "Chicago Tonight" was born. Watch the premiere episode, featuring an interview with John Callaway and Mayor Harold Washington.
Watch the April 24, 2019 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

subset: commoncrawl


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Man, what a crazy week so far …
Just got back from Tucson this morning after what was an
emotional day yesterday. I was
very moved and touched by the ceremony we had down there and the game yesterday
for the Green family, to remember Christina Taylor-Green. Everyone knows how much I care about my
family, and to see this kind of tragedy happen to such good people hit me very
hard. It was great to be a part of
the game, and I am so happy I got to meet Christina's father. To see how he is handling this is
amazing; it shows how strong him and his family are. I wish them nothing but
the best.
On a better note, I stayed two nights in Tucson with my wife
and it reminded me how much I missed it. It was great seeing people I knew from the past and, yes, I did eat at
Mariscos Chihuahua because the food is just amazing! Does anyone know if there is one around Phoenix? As for the game, it was fun to see the
turnout and all the support from the fans, but the wind was crazy! I heard it wasn't just in Tucson, but
also in Glendale. Man, I wish I was playing, cuz maybe I would have had a
chance to go deep (haha). When
Omar Vizquel hits a ball off the wall batting left-handed, you know something
isn't right (hahaha).
When I got back this morning to Glendale, it was great to see
"The Greatest," Muhammad Ali, in the clubhouse. I've met him before — I think it was in '96 — but whenever you
get to be around a legend like that, you just want to take it all in and not
ruin it by talking. Just being
around him is an honor. I wish I
would have met Ali back when he really was Ali. Maybe he could have given me
some pointers because we both talk A LOT (hahaha). I respect people that say what's on their mind like I do,
even if you offend people or say something they don't want to hear. He did that all the time, and I will
always respect that.
I'm looking forward to going to Scottsdale tomorrow to play
the Giants because Ehire Adrianza plays for them and he is on their 40-man
roster. He is like one of my kids, and I will be very happy seeing him play. His dad and I are best friends and grew up together, so I will always be
rooting for him.
Other than that, I will keep you guys posted on what's
happening here in a few days. And
oh yeah, I almost forgot, GO BULLS. Yes, we watch the games and Joey (Cora) is a Heat fan, so we are on him
every day. But he did not cry (hahaha). Thank God! Keep your questions coming through the website. I will post
some more answers later this week, but I like reading them all.
Talk you soon, and go get those dreams!
— Ozzie
* Photo above: Dallas Green, brother to Christina-Taylor Green, and father John Green (right) are greeted by manager Ozzie Guillen before a Spring Training game between the White Sox and Diamondbacks at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on Monday. (Getty Images)
2 Comments
Whats up Ozzie, there is a Mariscos Chihuahua its at 1834 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85015-5257
(602) 274-1991
There may be more. Thats what I found.
Hola Ozzie desdes aqui de San Cristobal, Edo Tachira Venezuela, te felicito por tu trabajo me encanta lo que haces te deseo muchos exitos para esta temporada 2011, tengo un niño de 11 años juega la pelota desde los 3 y desde entonces nos interesa aun mas; queria saber si aqui en venzuela tienes alguna granja de entrenamiento ? y sino es asi!!!!! seria buena idea que apoyes a nuestros chamos con tus conocimientos dejar un granito de ti en cada uno de ellos y claroooo tendrias la excusa de visitarnos jejej Besos y Exitos.


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Friday, February 25, 2011
House Alive
Posted by Rot at 8:07 AM
Labels: biglou0189, cemetery, deviantart.com, eye, lighting, red, skull, spider web, tombstones, yard haunt, yard haunts
2 comments:
- Goneferalinidaho said...
The skeleton in the web is wonderfully done.
- February 25, 2011 at 4:07 PM
- The Gill-Man said...
I've always wanted to do some sort of projection with eyes in the windows of a house. It's a great, creepy effect. The idea of a house being haunted to the point where the structure itself acts as a body to the spirit within is one I've always been intrigued with, and I'd love to play up that idea in a home haunt.
- February 25, 2011 at 5:30 PM
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Welcome to the Invelos forums. Please read the forum
rules before posting.
Read access to our public forums is open to everyone. To post messages, a free
registration is required.
If you have an Invelos account, sign in to post.
Quote:I only use IMDB to check to see the year a movie was released, if it's not on the cover, or obviously not correct. I like to think they can at least that bit of information consistently correct.
Quote:That's not actually spelled out in the rules, is it?
Quote:To determine whether to enter the name directly as credited, or to use the "Credited As" field, use the Credit Lookup tool.It is not necessary to document the source of the common name, outside the use of the CLT. If there is a dispute over whether the credit references the same person, documentation may be necessary. However, in most cases it is not required.
Quote:Hard to tell. Some years ago Invelos claimed DVDp had millions of users, but the site doesn't provide actuals. With only a one-time fee it is harder to tell if someone abandons the product.The only way to find out by Invelos is to monitor how many different users regularly update their database with the "Refresh Updates Profiles" option. But a diminishing user count is not something any company likes to advertise... The one thing I do see the people on the fora are by and large the same (fairly small) group of people throughout the years.
Quote:But: the current common name thread for Gérard Depardieu tellls us, the common name is: Gérard Depardieu. Yves has to pick another example
Quote:This means that there are a LOT of different grammar rules and common usages that people use and they want to stick with the one they know best.
Quote:Out of curiosity, has the user base shrunk? I've notice the last year or so that I've been getting a lot more content that I have to enter myself, especially for box sets and collections. Maybe I'm just unlucky.


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Hi all, I ride Rebels 7-9-12m with surfboards and twintips for waves or big airs.
At 90Kg (14 st / 198lb) I'm not the lightest rider and I'm now gearing up for the summer season B-)
I look for good upwind performance, huge boost + floaty airs and possibly without a ridiculously slow turning speed in case I manage to get little rips
I'm considering either a Fuse 16/18m or a Dyno 15/17m from the new 2013 range.
Any advice is much appreciated!
Many thanks


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CHICAGO (AP) Brandon Jennings scored 20 of his 35 points in the third quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls 104-96 on Wednesday night for their second consecutive victory under interim coach Jim Boylan.
Mike Dunleavy had 16 points and Monta Ellis finished with 14 for Milwaukee, which made 10 of 22 3-point attempts. Larry Sanders grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked seven shots.
Carlos Boozer had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who have dropped their last two games against Milwaukee at the United Center. The Bulls blew a 27-point lead in the third quarter as Milwaukee snapped a nine-game losing streak against Chicago with a 93-92 victory on Nov. 26.


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Catchin Feelings? Chubbie Baby (Ohio Rapper / Former Friend Of Cam'ron) Says Cam Get It In Ohio Song Was About Him! "Thats Some Sucker Shit"
Raw Report reports "Who was Cam'ron GETTING IT IN in OHIO with? CHUBBIE BABY!"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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AMMAN, Jordan (AP) _ Hundreds of young Arabs joyfully screamed out obscenities, encouraged by the handsome, gay Lebanese lead singer at the concert in Jordan's capital. Police looked on worriedly. People outside asked what was going on.
It was a performance by the band Mashrou Leila, which uses a hybrid of velvety Lebanese slang and European instruments to address difficult, sometimes taboo issues of Middle Eastern societies. Lyrics of love and angst are intertwined with more difficult, sometimes taboo issues, with issues like poverty, premarital sex and homosexuality in this deeply homophobic region.
The success of the band, whose name is translated as ``Night Project,'' appears to be another outgrowth of the Arab Spring uprisings that swept through the Mideast last year. Led by lead singer and song writer Hamed Sinno, a 24-year-old Freddy Mercury doppelganger and openly gay man, the band has been soundly embraced by Arab youth who see the music as part of a cultural and social revolution.
``They are about secularism, gay love, social problems that we don't talk about, that we don't accept, that we are afraid to discuss,'' said 19-year-old student Jalal Elias, of the northern Israeli city of Haifa, which has a large Arab-Palestinian population. ``The kind of people who make this music _ they made the Arab Spring.''
On a recent Friday, some 3,000 fans attended Mashrou Leila's concert in Amman's ancient Roman auditorium. Young men and women wore tight jeans, thick-framed glasses, and disheveled haircuts. Other women wore headscarves and modest Muslim dress.
They cheered as Sinno sung of a gay couple breaking up in a song called, ``Smell the Jasmine.''
``I wanted to be your housewife,'' Sinno crooned. ``I wanted to raise your children.''
The crowd happily screamed obscenities from the band's song ``Gossip.'' Sinno later said in an interview with The Associated Press that Jordanian censors wouldn't him sing the lyrics ``prostitute'' and ``pimp,'' so he let the fans sing it instead. They also sang along to ``Dresses,'' of a couple broken apart by poverty and religious conflict. The song suggests the couple was having premarital sex _ another taboo issue.
Sinno said the band's music reflects the broader spirit of revolution. ``I think the people that create music are the product of the same system that produces the revolutionaries we see changing the Arab world today,'' he said.
The band is one of many rock, hip hop and ``electro-folk'' groups connecting with a hazy Mideast demographic called ``Arab Spring youth'' _ educated, liberal, Muslims and Christians in their late teens and twenties.
Other musicians include folk rocker Youssra El-Hawary, the reggae inspired ``Tout Ard,'' and rapper duo Oka-Ortega.
Many of the music groups existed before the Arab uprisings that began in January 2011 and toppled aging rulers in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, and unleashed a civil war in Syria. But the artists have since grown in popularity _ partly because, according to Egyptian music producer Mohamed Gorab, edgier lyrics and Western-influenced music resonate in a revolutionary time.
``This is a new generation that's emerging,'' Gorab said in an interview. ``They are feeling more freedom, and the music shows that.''
With its commercial success, Mashrou Leila stands apart from the other bands. The group has performed in Cairo, Beirut, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and the Qataris capital Doha for audiences of around 3,000 people. In European music festivals, they play for non-Arabic speaking fans. Judging from Facebook and other social media, the band also has amassed a few dozen Israeli Jewish groupies.
Suggestive of their popularity, one music video has been shared on fan websites and amassed an estimated 250,000 hits. Mashrou Leila was even slated to open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Beirut this summer. But the Lebanese band canceled the gig after outrage from pro-Palestinian activists who were angry because the Red Hot Chili Peppers was also to perform in Israel.
Still, the band's successes are small compared to mainstream Arab pop stars who have millions of YouTube hits.
Stereotypical Arab pop divas dress lewdly, get plastic surgery to shrink their noses and swell their breasts, suggestively gyrate in luxurious settings, and are unusually pale in a region of olive-skinned people. Their muscular male counterparts frequently sport stubble and broody gazes.
Mashrou Leila began four years ago as a university jam band in the liberal Lebanese capital Beirut and adopted influences from Balkan melodies, American folk music, and mainstream pop. The six-member band of twentysomethings _ which includes one woman _ spread its music and swelled in popularity through friends, Facebook and YouTube. The group's fan base mostly appears to be young people who have been inspired by the Arab revolutions, as well as some of the social and cultural changes the uprisings produced.
But not all of the reforms achieved through the Arab Spring have been embraced by the young music enthusiasts. The revolutions also led to the election of Islamic governments and empowered ultraconservative Muslims called Salafis, dashing the hopes of some youths who sought liberal change.
Fan Jeries Ballan called Mashrou Leila ``the real Arab Spring.''
``What's the Arab Spring really about anyway?'' said Ballan, 24. ``It started out one way, and took a different direction.''
A key indicator of the differences between Mashrou Leila's fans and older generations _ not to mention conservatives of any age _ is the attitudes toward Sinno's openly stated homosexuality.
At the Amman concert, Mashrou Leila fans said they didn't care. Gay fans said they saw Sinno as a role model.
``It's something we've come to accept,'' said concert-goer Lina Matar, 24, wearing a Muslim headscarf.
Sinno said he wanted the band's music to inspire Arab gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual fans ``to forge for themselves a sense of belonging to the region, in spite of the incredible repressing they have to live through.''
Outside the Roman amphitheater where the band performed, many Jordanians said they were offended by the Western-sounding music. An agitated elderly bearded man, flanked by a group of younger people, harassed the police and demanded to enter _ presumably to cause trouble. They left without going inside.
``Couldn't they protest against that film that insulted Islam? Isn't that more important than a concert?'' grumbled day laborer Mohammed, 43. He was referring an amateurish anti-Islam video that Muslims say insults the Prophet Muhammad. The video sparked weeklong violence earlier this month that targeted U.S. and other Western embassies and left more than 30 dead in seven countries, including Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
But another woman standing outside the amphitheater said Mashrou Leila's lyrics seemed to reflect her life as working class black woman better than most Arab music.
``I like what I'm hearing,'' said Dima Hamoud, a 19-year-old of Sudanese descent.
Follow Diaa Hadid on Twitter at https://twitter.com/diaahadid
Mashrou Leila: http://www.youtube.com/user/Mashrou3Leila?feature=CAQQwRs%3D
Youssra El Hawary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4oMi4pWv9o&feature=related
Tout Ard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1L35xwASbM
Oka-Ortega: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70SNIrxhxgY


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Michael Crabtree
Sponsored By
Stevie Johnson Returns Home To Round Out 49ers Receiving Core And Silence CriticsThe 49ers' acquisition of wide receiver Stevie Johnson is a win for both the team and player. San Francisco gets what they hope is the final missing piece to their passing game, while Johnson gets the chance to return home and not only play for a contender, but play in a market where his talents will not go un-noticed.
Keidel: Richard Sherman Is Not A ThugIn the days since his rant, Sherman has moonwalked from his outburst. Well, kinda. He didn't apologize for humiliating Michael Crabtree, but insisted he was sorry for deflecting from his team.
Strong Pass Defense, Rushing Lead Seahawks Past 49ers To NFC ChampionshipSuper Bowl XLVIII will feature the Denver Broncos and their top offense in the NFL against the Seattle Seahawks and their top defense in the NFL thanks to Seattle's 23-17 win over San Francisco.
Three Keys To A Seattle Seahawks NFC TitleSeattle and San Francisco have each won their home game against each other. With the rubber match taking place at CenturyLink Field, which game will be played? The blowout 29-3 Seattle win in Week 2 or the 19-17 gritty win by the 49ers in Week 14?
Seahawks Vs. 49ers: Rubber Match For A Trip To Super Bowl XLVIIIWith both San Francisco and Seattle winning their respective NFC Divisional Round games, the NFC will be sending a member of the West to the Super Bowl, but which team will it be?
49ers Don't Want Revenge On Panthers, They Just Want To WinThe San Francisco 49ers are preparing to face off with the Carolina Panthers for the second time this season, but there is a lot more on the line this time.


text:
I've spent too much of my 25 years in the States trying to convince Americans that there's more to England than the great city of London. However, it's quite likely there'll be 6 London-based teams in the EPL next season. I'm presuming QPR don't get relegated — which is unlikely given their new signings — and West Ham gets promoted from the Championship.
So that London derbys don't become commonplace, and to prevent the EPL from devolving into the Londinium League, we need to set a limit of 5 London teams. I propose a London conference within the EPL with the bottom placed team being automatically relegated. Nothing else changes, three clubs will go down: the two non-London lowest clubs will be relegated along the bottom London club.
For those of you wondering: what if Reading makes the Championship Playoffs and gets promoted? I checked the map — they're close, but outside the London Boroughs.
Given the attraction of playing in London and the flow of football finances to this mega-market, I doubt London participation will fall below 5 teams. But if it does, it probably means the North West is once again overrepresented. If this reality prevails, it will be time to invoke the Lancashire Conference, with the new relegation rules applying to Lancastrians… and so on.
That oughta add some extra spice into those stale and fruitless end-of-season encounters by teams relishing comfort above the drop zone.
The Premier League is remarkably successful but that doesn't mean the world's greatest sports league can't be improved by employing conferences when a region is overrepresented. What do you think? Stupid idea? Bring it!
Speaking of EPL geography…
While celebrating all things Scottish or Welsh is encouraged, English traditions are often swept under the rug by guilt-ridden wussies. In their desperation for inclusiveness and political correctness, they're all too eager to substitute British for English.
Being a soccer stud that came Stateside on a scholarship, the last thing I want to do is align myself with these effete elites. Nevertheless, I do wonder if it's time to rename EPL Talk to BPL Talk — not B as in the Barclays Premier League, but British Premier League.
Historically, Wales has been referred to as "England's first colony," and it now seems the English Premier League is colonizing Welsh football. Indeed, the best Welsh teams clamor for the glamor of the EPL.
Swansea City FC are reveling in mid-table in the world's most popular sports league.
Cardiff City FC, currently in the Championship, are perennial challengers for promotion to the EPL. Indeed, this year they are poised for the playoffs, if not automatic promotion to the greener pastures of English football.
Imagine: Swansea and Cardiff in the EPL; Now that would be something to BPL Talk about. Just as Wales joining England through the Acts of Union provided the foundation for Britain, the union of English and Welsh teams could transform the English into the British Premier League, or are we riddled with Cymrophobia? (don't bother to look it up. It's a cool word, alright, but with an ugly meaning — antipathy towards the Welsh).


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STORY: Irishman Brogan Byrne is at the pinnacle of rock music success in 1974. Handsome, charismatic, with a three-octave voice, you'd think he had it all. But Byrne sinks to new depths of depravity with women, liquor, and drugs.
Carly Montgomery is an ambitious record executive offered an opportunity to be manager for the last leg of Byrne's tour. Though she's detached and tough as nails, Carly's cool façade comes under attack. Somehow Byrne manages to slip by her frosty defenses.
Brogan, for his part, is broken inside. A memory weighs on his soul and affects his actions. Is Carly the one woman to help him forget his guilt and heal his heart of rock?
REVIEW: Let me see if I can describe this story in one sentence….Best things come in small packages and this short, hot, sensual and unbelievably sweet love story is perfect summer read.
Have any of you seen Tom Cruise in his latest movie 'Rock of Ages'? He played your typical 80's Rock Star and oh. em. gee. did he do an awesome job! Well, our hero was just like that. He inoculates himself with drugs, drink and sex (not necessarily in that order) in order to keep his heart rock solid and from engaging it in any of his relationships, from his brothers, girlfriend, band mates. And then he hits the 'rock bottom' and it's 'do or die' decision time….
Carly has been managing rock stars for a few years now, and stepping in to manage this mess of a man could either help or ruin her career, but she has no choice and if anything, she welcomes the challenge. Never would she dream that in doing her job, her heart would be involved to a point that she might get it broken….
As I said earlier, this is not a long read, but boy was it good. Karyn Gerrard can write erotic scenes as well as she can write the sweet and tender ones. If you are looking to be entertained with a love story filled with sensuality and tenderness all at the same time, grab this read when you head out to the beach, pool or even a road trip [as long as someone else is driving!]. You won't be sorry and you'll be highly entertained!
Here's TC to get you in a mood for this story….
Now, relax, click here for some inspiration Karyn had in writing this story….and for your greatest enjoyment of this fun excerpt from 'Heart of Rock'!
Looking at him, Carly shook her head. "Are you going to become one of those pathetic, burnt out, brain-fried bastards who need index cards wherever you go so you know what city you're in?"
He interrupted her and in an uninterested tone explained, "Love, I always needed index cards to tell me what city I was in."
She sighed in exasperation but continued, "We're still in Philly in a private VIP lounge at the airport waiting on a flight to JFK. In New York. You have a concert in two nights, remember?"
"Far out," Brogan mumbled in annoyance.
"Guess I'll have to introduce myself again. Carly Montgomery. I'm your new manager. Byron quit last night. I suppose you don't remember that, either."
"No. I really don't remember. The show went well, I suppose."
"Yes, the concert went fine. What happened after the show caused the concern. You all but trashed the dressing room at the Spectrum. Your mess is going to cost a pretty penny, Nigel is not impressed."
"Carly? How original. Copy Carly Simon, did you?"
He watched as her jaw set in annoyance. "I don't copy anybody. My name is Cara, but my family has called me Carly since I could crawl — and why am I explaining this to you?"
Brogan blinked and had a good look at this infuriating-as-shite woman. She was no more than 5'3", her hair was long and wavy, dyed some two-tone shade of black with bright red streaks throughout. She wore a skintight black leather skirt and sexy four-inch black pumps. A tight gold tiger-patterned sweater hugged her feminine curves. Under the six layers of makeup he supposed she was attractive enough, no raving beauty but adequate. Her voice, however, sounded like nails on a chalkboard.
"I don't have to stay here. You can't keep me. I'll find my own feckin' way to New York —"
Carly whistled shrilly through her teeth. The door to the private lounge swung open. A man as big as a Volkswagen with a human head on it stood before Brogan with his legs apart and tree trunk-sized arms crossed defiantly.
Carly's laugh sounded smug and amused, which pissed him off further. "This is Giovanni. Gio gave you the cold shower, remember?"
He interjected again, this time more sarcastically, "Love, it's not the first cold shower I ever had."
"Regardless, he'll be your shadow going forward. Gio will keep you in line. Make sure you're a good boy and behave at the venues in future."
"I need a drink." Brogan snarled.
Carly inclined her head toward the counter. "There is fresh coffee in the pot, and some donuts in the box. That's all you're getting for now."
Jaysus Christ. He clasped his hands together to keep them from shaking. He did need a drink — badly. Times like this, he wished he smoked. He could use a fag right now. He was sober for the first time in days. Well, he would try to stay somewhat lucid for the show itself. But after the concert was over he would put aside the few restraints. Stalking the stage and whipping the crowd into a wild froth wasn't enough for him. He always needed more. His irritated gaze roamed over the huge man in front of him. Great. His own gorilla.
"Listen to me, Byrne. I've been around enough rockers these last three years to see the signs. Your own band can't stand you. They went to Nigel. They will be around you only for prerequisite rehearsals and the show itself. The rest of the time? They don't want to know you. They demanded separate travel and different hotels, though I can't see that happening. You're arrogant even to your own family and to your girlfriend," Carly hesitated. "You don't remember a thing, do you?"
Brogan Byrne didn't know why he acted this way and didn't know how to stop. This monster lived inside him, and it had resided there for a long time. The demon was a voracious beast. Even now it clamored and groaned. The beast wanted to be fed. The only thing quieting the fiend was drugs and sex. He needed some type of hit. He glanced over at Gio. If Tiny wasn't here he could put the moves on this Carly. Jaysus, where did that come from?"
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The One Skin Care Swap You Need To Make This Summer
When it comes to skin care, fall tends to get all the attention. Once October hits, all you see are articles about what changes you should make in your routine, how to keep your skin hydrated, and so on. But summertime skin care is just as important.
By now, you likely know how important it is to pick a safe sunscreen. (If you need help, here are our tips and picks.) But that's not the only way to take care of your face during the season: According to board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., you should be mindful of the acids you are using.
"There are certain things you use in your routine that make your skin more photosensitive, meaning your skin burns easier," she says. "During the summer you are likely spending more time outdoors and maybe even in the sun during peak hours, so you really need to tailor your skin care routine to make sure you're not making yourself more susceptible to damage."
The acids that make you more sun-sensitive? AHAs, which include things like malic, mandelic, tartaric, lactic, and glycolic acids. Since these work by breaking down the bonds of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, and therefore sloughing them off, your skin is more vulnerable to the UVA and UVB rays. Even more frightening: Post-AHA burns increase the risk of permanent skin damage.
Bowe recommends switching to BHAs, like salicylic acid (or, skipping them altogether). BHAs work by breaking down oil, so they won't have the same effect on the skin's surface (it's also why they are great for those with acne).
Many people, however, find salicylic acids too strong for them. My recommendation? Use it in moderation, and find options buffered with hydrating ingredients. You can typically find these formulated as toners or lotions; serums and spot treatments will likely be too irritating, as they are formulated with higher doses of the BHA. (Shop my suggestions below.)
Now, if you are like me, and if the thought of taking your lactic acid serum—or any other AHA serum—out of your routine sounds impossible, just make sure you are taking extra measures to keep your face out of sunlight. That's why you'll find me hiding under a large-brimmed hat all summer long.
Want your passion for wellness to change the world? Become A Functional Nutrition Coach! Enroll today to join live July office hours.


text:
Search Maps
MapConnecticut and parts adjacent. Scale ca. 1:375,000. Relief shown pictorially. Shows counties, towns, rivers, and post roads. LC Maps of North America, 1750-1789, 1023 Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster...
- Contributor: Covens Et Mortier Et Covens, Junior - Klockhoff, H. - Romans, Bernard
- Date: 1780


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Today we have a Guest Author S. G. Rogers and she has a real treat for us. Her new release Clash of Wills is available today!! But I'll let her tell you all about it.
It's one small Leap Day for man, but one giant release day for Clash of Wills! Not quite a year ago I was searching on the Internet for fantasy short story markets and came across a listing for The Wild Rose Press. I read their submission guidelines carefully, and that's when I first became aware there was a subcategory of the romance genre called Romantic Fantasy. The short story I'd written was too long for most magazines to consider, so I tweaked it a bit and submitted it to Kelly Schaub, the Faery Rose editor at TWRP. When Clash of Wills was accepted, I couldn't stop flashing my pearly whites. Since then, I've made many friends in 'the garden,' as it's called, and I'm proud to finally call myself a rose. Happy Leap Day. ~ S.G. Rogers
When an unconventional princess meets a footloose prince, a battle of wits begins…
Princess Samantha's magical compass will help her locate her long-lost brother, but only if she manages to escape her royal parents for a few weeks. When an unwelcome suitor comes to call, Samantha seizes her chance. She beguiles the prince into taking her north, intending to abandon him at her earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, his captivating good looks and charming manner present an unforeseen complication—especially when she is forced to accept help from the very man she has deceived.
To maintain his bachelorhood, handsome Prince Wills is not above deception. Although reluctantly entangled in Samantha's scheme, he vows to protect her…until a lie threatens to destroy their alliance. Can his powerful attraction to Samantha overcome his mistrust? And can they survive a dangerous quest to the wild and magical Uncharted Region?
The spring squall became more intense, and the temperature on the mountain fell rapidly. Frequent thunderclaps frayed her nerves. She kept striking the flint, hoping a spark would catch hold, but gusts of wind foiled her efforts each time. "Burn!" she cried. "Just burn."
At her command, the fire pit suddenly burst into robust flames, creating the heat that Wills so desperately needed. She dragged him closer to the warmth. Blessed relief flowed through her when he stopped shaking and his color began to improve. She brushed his hair back from his handsome face.
"You're a good man, Prince Wills," she murmured. "You'll make a good king someday…if you survive this misadventure."
While Wills slept, Samantha rebalanced their packs to more equally distribute the weight. Then she stood at the far end of the lookout to watch the storm. Icy rain blew into her face and soaked her tunic. She gritted her teeth against the cold.
"Are you insane?" Wills's voice rose above the howling gale. When he felt Samantha's fingers, he gasped. "You're freezing!"
He draped her coat over her shoulders and all but yanked her toward the fire. "What did you think you were doing?" he scolded.
"You needed the coat more than I did."
"That's nonsense. You could die of exposure up here!"
Wills folded Samantha into the warmth of his arms. They clung together until the sensation returned to her fingertips. "Thank you, Wills," she murmured, finally. "That feels much better."
He brushed his lips against hers. "Thank you for taking care of me."
She responded with a whisper of a kiss. "You're welcome."
Romantic fantasy novelette Clash of Wills is available at The Wild Rose Press and other fine booksellers.


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Confessions of a Pig: Women's Soccer
Like a lot of my fellow US Americans, my Sunday focus was on the U.S. women's soccer team as they battled Japan for the World Cup title. I like soccer. I mean, I like it about every two years. I watch the men's World Cup, watch the women's World Cup the next year, then rest for two years, then back to the men's World Cup, etc.
But when it comes to the female competition, I have an increasingly difficult time following the actual game, mostly because I find ogling the beautiful participants a novel distraction. It even serves as a warm-up to then Googling the beautiful participants, and before long, I am looking at a full computer screen of sweaty, seductive Hope Solos.
Is the game over yet?
I'm wondering this: do female baseball fans have the same problem? I mean, I know that the ladies love their baseballers… I can't tell ya how many times my cousin Holly has declared her undying love for Jimmy Edmonds with his shirt off and one of my sisters never shuts up about what she'd do to Adam Wainwright; but seriously, do women lose track of what's actually happening during the game because of that lust?
While I wait for your answer, you can find me on Alex Morgan's website. I might be there a while.
Don't hate me 'cuz I'm right.


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text:
Mar 11, 2009
I Wont Love You Any Less...
32 comments:
- अविनाश said...
Excellent piece of work
- March 11, 2009 at 1:33 PM
- Lancelot said...
//To see u so calm and composed, No hint of sadness in ur eyes..
U seemed lik u had moved on already, erased me lik somethng wrong,//
says it all :) grow up kiddo...there is a huge wide world waiting for you to kickass... lets rock it...
- March 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM
- IceMaiden said...
@maybe yes maybe not lancelot.. like they say, its complicated. n matter of d heart cant be so easily forgotten eh? :)
- March 11, 2009 at 2:08 PM
- Lancelot said...
may not be easy but thats where your metal oops mettle is proved :) prove it to the world..
- March 11, 2009 at 2:09 PM
- G said...
Girly-pooh!..i believe in YOU!!... i know ur in pain.. i wont tell you to "just move on"..cuz i know it feels bad :(
i wish u all the happiness in this world though!..and when life starts falling in place.. do remember .. i still and always will believe in YOU!!
and the writing is brilliant.. i can see it straight from ur heart..n i feel ur pain..
tke care... love ya..mwah!!
- March 11, 2009 at 4:40 PM
- Karan said...
Hi thr...
I wud say...Savour the happy moments.. Learn frm the mistakes.. and Surge Ahead... Smeone bettr is waiting for you...
Good Luck fr th future...
and yes...the post is full of emotions...straight frm the heart...cud feel wht u r feelin.. and felt like commenting...
PS - I'm sure your Angel wud agree to th the 'Smeone Bettr' part...
Cheers... :) ..
- March 12, 2009 at 1:31 AM
- Ashrita said...
I agree with Karan above. Someone better is surely waiting for you. You need to believe in yourself, and believe in miracles.
Great poem :)
- March 12, 2009 at 2:49 PM
- Netika Lumb said...
Another thing, I really like the way you write.:)
- March 12, 2009 at 4:32 PM
- IceMaiden said...
@ gargi, karan, ash...
i m trying really really hard!!! trust me. sometimes it feels lik i m doin a good job out of it... n sometime sit feel slik i m failing miserably.. life!!! wht can i say more!! :)
@ Netika Lumb..
thanks u so much!!! keep visiting.. :)
- March 12, 2009 at 6:07 PM
- A.prem said...
awesome piece, straight from the heart.
All I can say is accept and march ahead, whether you find a better guy or not, live it happily for the many others who've stayed with you through thick and thin. Live your blessed life to the best you can :-)
- March 12, 2009 at 10:41 PM
- Prabha said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- March 13, 2009 at 1:49 AM
- Prabha said...
I know it hurts now , but there is a reason he din make it to your FUTURE. You need to be happy and move on , Yea life is a bitch , but we are way too kewler bitches right eh ? :P =))
>:d< mwah love ya :*
- March 13, 2009 at 1:52 AM
- Lancelot said...
Please Check my blog - u have been awarded :0
- March 13, 2009 at 1:46 PM
- Onward said...
I landed on ur blog from outta no where & u award me with this sad, touching piece of excellent work??!!...deary - shit happens!! dont dwell on it, move on..let go...there r better things waiting for u..
The easiest advices to take come from strangers..
ur concerned stranger.
- March 16, 2009 at 5:47 PM
- IceMaiden said...
thanks for visitin my blog!!
like i said m tryin very very hard to get over all this.. bt no matter wht i jus cant seem to love the person ne less.. ironic?!
1st heartbreak is always hard to get over huh? :(
n ur words mean a lot. thank u for being concerned. m nt feeling as alone as before now.. :)
- March 17, 2009 at 8:27 AM
- Comfortably Numb said...
Being perfect is so boring. To point out flaws is human. So turn against yourself and love someone for those faults is also human.
- March 17, 2009 at 6:18 PM
- IceMaiden said...
@comfortably numb..
i love that person no matter hw perfect or hw NOT perfect.. it jus hurts to know tht we arent togethr nemore.. n yes being perfect is boring, bt dun we always end up dreamin/wishing for something tht resembles perfectness? do we ever wish for something thts imperfect? another irony of life.. :|
- March 17, 2009 at 6:27 PM
- Onward said...
no its not ironic...i identify with u completely...i ve been there -actually i m still there..i just prefer to put on a brave face..thats just the way how guys r i guess..but deary believe me..it ll pass...hasnt for me and i dunno if it will...but wats life without hope eh!!
- March 17, 2009 at 11:16 PM
- IceMaiden said...
i still m in exactly the same phase.. dunno whn this will get over.. if at it gets over.. everyone says it will pass.. bt i dun quite believe it.. cz this reltnshp has taken a lot from me, n now i jus feel empty..
- March 17, 2009 at 11:26 PM
- Onward said...
trust me when i say i know exactly how u feel..breaking up is never easy..i personally went through one after 6 years of togetherness..and the pain, the torture..uff..lets not go there..i m not saying u ll get over it..that actually depends on if u actually want to get over it..i m assuming u like me choose not to get over it..but u know...memories will always be there but in time u ll get used to it..u ll get used to this newness..u ll get used to wat has happened...trust me
- March 18, 2009 at 12:14 PM
- IceMaiden said...
oh my gosh!!! 6 years!!! man, ur brave... talkin to u guys makes it a hell lot easier than it wud have been... thanks a lot!!!! :)
- March 18, 2009 at 3:10 PM
- Adisha said...
A story about love, wrapped in the arms of love ... touching !!
- March 18, 2009 at 6:20 PM
- IceMaiden said...
thanks!! u hav a lovely blog too..
- March 18, 2009 at 8:11 PM
- totalliemeh said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- March 19, 2009 at 8:30 PM
- totalliemeh said...
thankyou for following me. no,not that sort of a thankyou..i mean, if you hadn't, then i would have missed my chance to read this poem..it is a scary coincidence.
so this is how i feel..funny..(i meant you sorta gave words to the feelings)
following ur blog now..you found me frm pink orchid's blog?
nice template,loved it!!..and this is the first blog i've ever seen with fonts that big...it was really comfortable to read it...
why word verification?
March 19, 2009 8:00 AM
- March 19, 2009 at 8:32 PM
- IceMaiden said...
@damsel in distress...
hello!! :)
umm, i m not following ur blog, not that i know of anyway... bt i am now!! its cool. i hav been on pink orchid's blog, but i think u hav mistaken me for someone else. neway, welcome here. :) :P :D
n yes, this is the plain old minima black template, i edited some of the HTML codes myself to giv it this background. i keep changing it all d time, next time u may see somethng else.hehe. works na?
seeya around sometime, cheers,
- March 20, 2009 at 11:42 AM
- totalliemeh said...
ah..sorry!! its that,this person ste was following me, i clicked on one link, and thot it was u,must've been sleeping..! i am really sorry abt that..may be..er..i was destined to stumble on to ur blog. ah,i am used to such blunders:)
well, i guess no harm done..
thanx for following..
- March 20, 2009 at 11:51 AM
- IceMaiden said...
@damsel in distress..
lolz. no worries dear!!! yes maybe it was destined to happen... cz i loved ur blog!!! :) great work!! n i usually end up following awesome blogs!! :) :P :D
- March 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM
- Shwetha Maiya said...
Its up to you. Whether you become strong with this experience or not. Like all other crappy advices I ain't asking you to forget and move on. Learn from life and its mistakes.If its meant to for you , you'll stick it out and your love will come back to you. Just don't waste your life dear. Enjoy while you can! :) TC.
- May 7, 2009 at 12:44 AM
- priyanka pawde.. said...
hey i landed up on ur blog frm kd's blog..gt to say this piece brought tears to my eyes..quite empathise with u..cheers..
- January 24, 2010 at 10:23 PM
- IceMaiden said...
Hey there! Welcome here... Thanks for liking my poem! :)
By any chance, how do you know KD? were u in VJTI?? Bcz I was there too! :)
- January 24, 2010 at 11:05 PM
- priyanka pawde.. said...
hey ,
yup..kd's classmate..must say gurly u write very well.actually i went thru a breakup arnd d same tym too..n some of ur posts have really helped me a lot ! cheers :)
- January 27, 2010 at 10:51 PM


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Finding the true meaning of religion in America11/13/2012
In a time when religion is at the root of much controversy, it often is difficult to uncover its true meaning. Different denominations offer their own definitions, bringing conflicting ideologies and beliefs into society. Is there a common ground underneath the differing values, beliefs and laws? Two University of Akron researchers asked that very question and found interesting results.
Sociology professors Matthew Lee and Margaret Poloma have taken their findings and turned them into "The Heart of Religion: Spiritual Empowerment, Benevolence, and the Experience of God's Love." The book looks at religious experience and how that relates to the true heart of religion: love.
Finding the heart of religious experience
"What we studied is the heart of religion," says Poloma. "Sociology has studied the shell, but there is something that goes beyond and before institutions and practices. We believe that's religious experience."
Through 1,200 random surveys and 120 interviews, Lee and Poloma found that religious experiences influence the lives of individuals and have noticeable impacts on society. Their research showed that 81 percent of people have experienced God's love, which they then spread to the world.
"This love provides the energy to do a great deal of benevolent work — for friends, family, community and the broader world," says Lee.
Desire to 'pay it forward'
This relentless commitment to others comes from experiencing the love of God, the authors say. After the experience, the individuals want to share that love and benevolence, even if there is a cost. They see what they do as part of God's plan and are able to persevere, despite setbacks and significant suffering, in their attempt to realize this plan.
"The True Heart of Religion" will be available Dec. 1, 2012. For more information about the book and to purchase it, go to Heart of Religion online.
Story by Anna Tultz
Media contact: Sarah Lane, 330-972-7429 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
I have developed a perception of death. Death happens if and when I can't ride my bikes anymore. And not the other way around. Day in day out, every single day, I sometimes wonder how on earth I can stay motivated to ride so persistently; especially when the experience, sometimes, is less than pleasant. It's not as though I have nothing else to do, despite what our neighbours might think and say (and say they do, apparently). So, when is the riding experience less than pleasant? When the hills are really, really tough? No, for reasons I don't understand, I love riding up hills. Is it when it rains and howls a headwind gale on a near zero fridge/freezer day? No, there's technical gear for that and, really, the sheer ludicrousness of riding in such conditions gives a kind of perverse pleasure.
When then, does the cycling experience turn bad? When some car driving troll tries to run me off the road, or worse.
All cyclists know about this one. It happens frequently.
Maintaining a long term cycling habit implies some kind of coping routine through which to recover from every incident of this kind, presuming, of course, that we survive the latest assault.
Think about it. How many other endeavours involve the necessity to recover from potentially fatal encounters with the deep, deep darkside of abject, and usually unmitigated human aggression? Add to that the fact that cycling is an endeavour that we do voluntarily, and with enthusiasm, and passion. How many other pleasures could sustain such a persistent onslaught of outrageous hatred directed, almost always, at us without any kind of reasoned cause? This hatred is extraordinarily unbalanced. While we might hate at least some car drivers and more than a few car drivers might hate us, it is the expression of this hatred that is the problem here. I have no liking for any car driver unless that car driver proves him or herself worthy of my respect (usually by not trying to run me over). I react like most other people when some troll vomits abuse from the lounge chair comforts of his (almost aways, his) car window, or cuts me off, or, like yesterday, actually chased me down and baled me up in the middle of a shopping mall suggesting that I should depart this earth in a most timely way. If not at his hand, then by some other person's righteous hand. While I might have repetitive strain injury in the middle finger of my right hand, do I attempt to run car drivers off the road with my bike? Do I slam on my brakes in order to promulgate a painful collision? Do I ride around, through and over cars expecting them to get out of my way when they have the right of way? I can prove that I don't do any of these things. I am still alive. At least for today.
If this were any other endeavour, I'd probably have given up by now. Assuming sado-masochism is not on the cards, why bother to keep on attracting a seemingly never ending barrage of abuse from the dark side of the human race? Wouldn't it be cleverer to cosy up to water colour painting or wood turning instead? I don't know the answer to this. I do not enjoy encounters of this kind. I try to wash the fallout from my mind within seconds of each event. But you'd have to be a pretty accomplished buddhist monk to pull off that rather extreme perfection of equanimity. It is always a struggle not to allow each encounter to accumulate into an ever deepening pool of destructive resentment. Which rather implies that the positives from cycling must be pretty profound to push back the impact of anti-cyclist vitriol and supremely unconstrained motorist ignorance. On balance, the equation balances out in cycling's favour. At least it does for me. But I know of cyclists who can't keep the equation balanced. They give up. Or stick to mountain biking instead. And yes, I have engaged in cycle commuting in the big angry city. Really, cycle commuting in Sydney is, on balance, a more 'comprehensible' endeavour than the kind of rural cycling with which I am engaged these days. Around here, the breeding pool from which car drivers are selected is rather smaller and less discerning, and education is so frequently all done in by the age of five.
So how do we cope with and overcome the exhibitions of car driver hate? And cope we must if we want to continue to ride on public roads.
I have no doubt that the best response it to ride predicatably, courteously, righteously and passively with the equanimity of a buddhist master. Do the right thing and never, ever, let them get you down. If you are abused, wave and smile. If someone runs you over, show genuine concern over the panel damage you might have caused to their car. Offer to wash your blood off their bonnet. Bless them and be on your way. Or apologise for inconveniencing them if an ambulance is needed to take you away.
Clearly, this committed misanthropist is challenged by an approach of that kind. Only this year, a fellow cyclist I know and for whom I have genuine regard (not frequently given by me as many who know me would attest), was killed by a hit and run encounter with a car driver on our local rural roads.
I use my misanthropy to sustain me in my cause. I will not let that minority of car driver trash keep me from the biggest and greatest passion of my life. They will not win. They will not prevail. But I will not let the desolations perpetrated by car-drivers build to a consuming hate that taints the purity of whatever it is that keeps cycling alive for me, year in, year out.
One insight that helps is that the kind of car driver that I encountered yesterday are a minority. And that their toxicity is fuelled and cooked in the ovens of their cars. When they step out of their vehicles, they turn into just ordinary, unlikable, generally harmless non-entities of the kind it is easy to ignore.
It helps me to classify car drivers into a kind of toxicity scale.
At the bottom are those who are, simply, ignorant. These drivers are not aggressive, in any kind of considered way, to cyclists, or even in possession of any definitive attitude towards those who choose to ride bikes on their roads. These drivers are usually just as ignorant of the rights of other car drivers to use what they believe to be their space on the road. This kind cuts everyone off. This kind think nothing of overtaking any other road user and then slamming on the brakes to turn left 20 metres down the road. The problem for us cyclists is that we are particularly invisible to car drivers of this kind. Their car-induced comas generally admit the possibility of giving space to, possibly, a truck; but, never, ever, to a cyclist. This is the behaviour of people who fully absorb the sensations of removal that sitting in a tin box seems to encourage. The world outside of their car becomes a kind of video game where the only real person is him or herself. They probably never spare a thought for the cyclist they have just cut off enroute to turning left. They never see the middle finger raised in the trail of resentment they blissfully leave behind. These drivers are dealt with most effectively through assuming that all car drivers are of that kind. We cyclists need and must assume the very worst if we are to stay alive. I know some cyclists think that taking on such an extreme stance of defensive riding tends to taint the experience of what should otherwise be our blissful rides; but I reckon if we ride as though every car driver has fangs and a predilection to strike, we can soon acclimatise to the realities of the road and the car-induced behavioural perversions that sitting in a climate controlled tin box seems to invoke.
Next up the scale are those who are both ignorant and intentional in their hurling of abuse. These are the horn honkers, the window down 'get off the road' (or worse; much, much, worse) aggro bloatards who are so unaccountably annoyed that anyone should ever get in their way. We should take consolation that this kind also take umbrage to other car drivers as well. The aggravations from this level of the 'toxic spectrum' are short lived. When you take them out of their tin boxes, they almost seem normal, if not the kind you'd ever want to invite around to dinner. It is here, and only here, I think, that we cyclists can be successful in playing the ignore them routine. There is, generally, and by my definition at this level of the toxicity scale, a cap on how far this kind will go. Should they choose to get out of their car at the next set of traffic lights or roundabout to confront the cyclist victim of their hate, they have self-selected upwards to the next highest level on the scale.
That next level are pathologically disturbed. These are the people (usually male) who, via a flood of testosterone, will exit their car to raise a fist or deliver the very antithesis of a Shakespearian sonnet in the direction of the cyclist who, at least while ensconced in the delusional protections of their car, seemed to be an easy target for the exercise of their territorial hate. A hatred that peters out very very quickly when standing man to cyclist outside the protections no longer on offer from their car. This kind are cowards. This is the kind who confronted me the other day. This rather time ravaged bloke with a fascinating lack of front teeth and an astounding inability to string more than five words together before brain fade, burst out of his SUV to confront me in the pedestrian mall where he saw me pull up. The fist I knew of his presence was when he pushed his body right up against me, bloated stomach and gap toothed red-necked rage as physically forced as he might without using his fists, to articulate his intention to 'do me here and now'. Whatever a fat enfeebled 60 year old might imagine he could actually inflict on someone, let's say, who was taller, fitter to many orders of a degree, and, most impressively, I thought, laughing in his face. 'Do me for what?' I enquired. 'You think you own the road' he suggested. 'Really?', I asked. 'Who was it that illegally overtook me at the traffic lights and then slammed on his brakes to turn right into some pastry shop?' Yes, I gave his car a good slap to wake him up. Which was dumb because the then took off after me and swerved across the road in an attempt to knock me off my bike. I disappeared between two cars and he then took up the police car chase of his dreams to take a victory of confrontation in that mall. Or so he thought up until about a minute had elapsed from leaving the securities of his SUV. I rather ungraciously proffered some suggestions about his likely long-term residency in a low rent caravan park and accompanying lack of front teeth before he rather gave up the game only to reappear, half an hour later, in a last ditch attempt at a road block with his ample body and opened car door back at those traffic lights where we first met. I upset him again by ignoring him totally. With a practiced straight ahead focus on what I was asserting to be my uninterrupted ride. On reflection, I was also at my worst by way of response. I could see that this guy was rather past the stage of actually giving grievous bodily harm without the backup of his car. But I neglected to consider how he might have subsequently used that car to take me out. And, really, I was rather concerned that he might elect to kick my bike and take out some spokes as an alternative to his struggling inarticulate verbal abuse. I had my number one most treasured bike by my side; my Bianchi Oltre. That gave me pause for concern, then and through to now.
And what if that tragic, enraged simpleton had turned out to be on the next level up my toxicity scale? What if as well as being ignorant, profoundly uneducated, and hyper aggressive, he'd also been willing to actually use his fists. Or worse, actually go the next step and run me over with his car without fear of consequence? Then, I would be in some other place.
Fortunately, I have rarely encountered that kind who inhabit the enraged murder-end of the scale. They certainly exist. Cyclists are killed off by that kind every year. There is no defence from pathologically toxic characters of that kind. I have only ever met one of these, and my escape was lucky rather than the outcome of some kind of considered strategy. I survived because he was driving a truck and I managed to escape between two cars as he attempted to throw me off the Urunga bridge, into the river below. Literally. My crime was to simply be on the road, in a 50km/hour urban zone. There was no verbal intercourse on my part. I was simply doing a Cavendish sprint to avoid this truck driver who had most intentionally tried to run me off the road to the point where he almost hit a tree with his b-double truck. What a man! And what a man he wasn't when he exited his vehicle to confront me on the bridge. Stubby shorts, thongs, fluro singlet, lots and lots of body hair, five foot six, and 11 months pregnant with fat. And a terry towelling hat. Only the residual image was funny. I have never seen such vitriolic burning hate before.
So, yes, I have seen them all and survived, at least until today. I am not going to give up because I love to ride and riding is my thing.
I can only recommend a simple strategy here. We can never really know where an aggravated car driver fits on the toxicity scale until we have made his unpleasant acquaintance and that is an encounter we should go out of our way to avoid. So, the strategy I use and recommend (as best I can given my imperfections with dealing with humans of this kind) is to treat all car drivers as, at best, ignorant and dangerous until their actions prove otherwise. Never, assume we will be given the right of way. Always stick to the road rules to avoid confrontations where we can be officially judged in the wrong, and learn to forget as fast as we can. Why give toxic losers rent free space in our minds? These types should never be privileged above the pleasures we take from riding our bikes. They are not worth the space of our attention other than for the duration avoiding them requires.
One other recommendation is to consider one observation I've made trough over thirty years of riding on the road. The vast majority of car drivers are simply incapable of recognising the different 'tribes' to which we cyclists belong. Most car drivers cannot separate a difference in likely behaviour between casual cyclists and serious shaved legged, lycra wearing roadies. Or any class of cyclist between. To these drivers, all cyclists are simply pedestrians on wheels. We all ride at 5km per hour and are, like roadkill or truck spill, something to overtake or otherwise pass without forethought or consideration. Nearly every bad encounter I have ever had with car drivers was the result of their profound ignorance of my capacity to more than keep pace with cars at least around town. I cannot count the number of times I have been overtaken by car drivers while I was, at least, at the legal posted speed limit. The desperation these drivers exhibit to overtake what their simian brain perceives as an almost stationary road obstacle is often something to behold. And is frequently astoundingly dangerous to both me and other road users. And guess who gets the blame when the overtaking car driver almost collects an oncoming car via his or her profound misjudgment? It's at this point that that frequent accusation of me being 'insane' originates. When forced to reflect on a near miss, any car driver I 'question' post-encounter almost always shifts blame to their perception of my insanity to ride in such an unexpectedly rash way. Whereas, my perception is of myself as a road user obeying the road rules and travelling at pace with the prevailing traffic. Most car drivers simply cannot conceive of a cyclist who can keep up with their car driving brethren, or indeed, that a cyclist could possibly be a legitimate vehicle for travel on those roads. Most people do not like their perceptions to be shocked in such an unseemly way. Most people don't like to countenance the merest possibility that perceptions alternative to their own might even exist.The proof of concept of this behavioural theory is that these self same car drivers also treat truck drivers the exact same way. I have discussed this at length with a few truck drivers I know. These car drivers with an 'overtake at all costs' mentality are the bane of truck drivers as well.
The message here is that even if you do look like a GC level pro-cyclist and you are riding a bike worth more than just about any car on the road, you will be grouped with those twice a year, shopping bag-on-the-handlebars, street-clothed, wobble cyclists who really can't travel at more than 20km per hour.
As a related piece of advice, I have this controversy to add: never, ever, ride on the edge of the road. That is absolutely asking for death by being run over. Most car drivers are, let us say, somewhat less talented at the art of driving than the designers of those cars might have intended. When you ride on the edge of the road, you will find yourself being overtaken as a matter of course and with even less consideration than you would receive when riding in the middle of your lane. When you encounter that overtaking car, you will be encountering the non-driver side. The possibilities for your survival depend entirely on how well that driver judges where, exactly, the off side of his car might be in relation to you. Now I don't know about you, but I don't ever want to be giving the average car driver the benefit of the doubt in relation to his or her driving skills. Not when the loser in such a judgement call will always be the cyclist. If you ride on the edge of the road you are only reinforcing the drivers' perception that you are an obstacle on the road to be by-passed. And you will be putting your life in the hands of that driver's driving skills. Why would anyone do that? It makes absolutely no sense. Ride in the middle of your lane unless you are riding up a really steep hill that is wide enough to accommodate three vehicles abreast (you, the overtaking car and the inevitable car coming the other way – which will force the overtaking driver to crowd you off the road even more). But even then I stick to the middle of the lane.
I cannot reinforce the last point more other than to say that casual cyclists who persist on riding on the edge of their lane are not just putting their own lives on the line. They are endangering all cyclists through reinforcing car driver attitudes and behaviours that are at least as deadly as a deranged nutter blasting away with a shotgun in a shopping mall. If every cyclist rode in the middle of their lane, car drivers would soon get the message. Cyclists require an at least basic degree of thought to overtake. Even if in so doing those car drivers feel the need to vent some rage. Just watch out for the nutters who live further up the toxic driver scale. If they pass and seek to confront, pass them by and don't interact. Hopefully you will survive.
Having said all that, to avoid the accumulation of driver-rage induced misanthropic sludge in my mind, I recommend taking regularly to the mountain bike (in the dirt, where mountain bikes exclusively belong), or to the freedoms of riding remote rural dirt roads on a cyclocross bike. Drivers out there are, almost always, of a vastly more benign kind. A ride on a remote rural road or cross country where cars can't go is the recharge I need to stay on the road. Sometimes, that recharge takes some time. All roadies should invest in a mountain bike! And a GoPro video camera for their handlebars. For evidence in court.


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Processing time
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Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Make a statement with this playful black transparent typographic LET'S DANCE acrylic necklace.
The design is based on my hand drawn geometric lettering, laser cut from 3mm black acrylic then assembled by hand to a 16" silver plated chain.
The necklace will come presented on a geometric pattern Risograph print and beautifully packaged in a small white gift box.
♥ Product Details ♥
Pedant laser cut 3mm black acrylic
16 inch silver plated chain
Size 35mm H x 40mm W
Lover of typography? Then you'll love the other items in my shop! Check it out here at https://aspoonfulofsugarco.etsy.com
3-5 business days
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
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But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
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Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.


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Posted by Editoress on 08/18/07
COC Hiring
Application Deadline: August 31, 2007
Starting Date: October 1, 2007
Position: Manager, Communications
Job Description: Manager, Communications
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is expanding its communications department, and as a result, is seeking a results-oriented, experienced Manager, Communications for its Toronto office. Reporting to the Director, Communications, the Manager, Communications will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Communications department and staff, and will be responsible for the delivery of the COC's corporate and Games communications plans as well as the communications component of the COC website plan. The Manager will support the Director in the leadership and growth of the COC team in support of its business objectives.
Core Responsibilities:
1. Management of Communications Department - manage communications staff such as writers, media relations coordinators, and administrative support staff. Manage the COC website from a communications standpoint (working with IT); manage the creation and production of communications materials (newsletters, team handbooks, annual reports, etc.); manage delivery of stakeholder communications plans; and manage the delivery of media and public relations plans.
2. COC Communications Plan - manage the delivery of the COC communications plan, which covers all aspects of COC communications including Corporate Communications, Media Relations, and Awards and Recognition. Separate plans will be created for upcoming Games in collaboration with the Director.
3. Website Plan: manage the communications component of the COC website plan. This plan will cover all aspects of the COC website including content, design, updates, Games, youth programs and sponsor profiles.
Qualifications and Skills
Degree in communications, journalism or a related field
5-7 years' experience in a range of communications areas
Bilingual in French and English, spoken and written
Proven track record of leadership, staff management and team supervision
Strong management, organizational, presentation, coaching and relationship-building skills
Superior verbal and written communications skills, experience in media and public relations
Balance of vision and attention to detail
Understanding of budget planning
Competitive salary based on experience, excellent benefit package.
Please send all cover letters and resumes to firstname.lastname@example.com@olympic.ca by August 31, 2007. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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I am receiving an error variable might not have been initialized near the end of my program.
The program itself is a bill calculation example in which the bill is calculated on which type of account, with character 'r or R' representing a regular account and 'p or P' representing a Premium account.
If it is a regular account, amount due is calculated by $10 base charge plus two cents per each additional minute beyond the first free 50.
If it is a premium account, billing is separated by day and night minute usage.
Day minutes are charged at ten cents a minutes (beyond 75 free minutes) (day time is considered between 6 am and 6 pm)
Night minutes are charged at 50 cents a minute (beyond 100 free minutes) (night time is considered 6 pm to 6 am)
Premium accounts have a base charge of $25, with the total amount due being $25 + fees for minutes used in the day and night.
the problem i receive in variables might not have been initialized occur after my if statements regarding calculating cost for minutes used in the day and night near the end of the program.
The two variables producing errors are: line 82 : dayCost and nightCost
i believe that i initiate these variables at if statements prior
if (dayMinutes > 75) dayCost = (dayMinutes - 75)*.1; if (nightMinutes> 100) nightCost = (nightMinutes -100)*.05;
both of the errors are located at
amountdue = dayCost + nightCost
Can anyone spot why i am receiving this code might not have been intialized error that is preventing me from running the program?
/* * To change this template, choose Tools | Templates * and open the template in the editor. */ package chap4.pkg15.phoneswitchexamp; /** * * @author WES */ import java.io.*; import javax.swing.JOptionPane; public class Chap415PhoneSwitchexamp { /** * @param args the command line arguments */ public static void main(String[] args) { int accountNum; char serviceCode; int rMinutesUsed; int dayMinutes; int nightMinutes; int totalMinutes; double dayCost; double nightCost; double amountDue; String inputAccountNum; String inputCode; String inputRMinutes; String inputDayMinutes; String inputNightMinutes; String outputStr; inputAccountNum = JOptionPane.showInputDialog("Enter account number"); accountNum = Integer.parseInt(inputAccountNum); inputCode = JOptionPane.showInputDialog("Entr service code"); serviceCode = (inputCode.charAt(0)); switch (serviceCode) { case 'r': case 'R': inputRMinutes = JOptionPane.showInputDialog("Enter amount of " + " minutes used in billing period"); rMinutesUsed = Integer.parseInt(inputRMinutes); amountDue = 10; if (rMinutesUsed > 50) amountDue = 10 + (rMinutesUsed - 50)*.2; outputStr = "Account Num: " +accountNum +"\n Account Type" + ": Regular\nMinutes Used: " +rMinutesUsed + "\nAmount Due: " +String.format("%.2f",amountDue); JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(null,outputStr,"Account" + " Information",JOptionPane.INFORMATION_MESSAGE); break; case 'p': case 'P': inputDayMinutes = JOptionPane.showInputDialog("Enter amount" + "of minutes used between 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m."); dayMinutes = Integer.parseInt(inputDayMinutes); inputNightMinutes = JOptionPane.showInputDialog("Enter amount" + "of minutes used between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m."); nightMinutes = Integer.parseInt(inputNightMinutes); totalMinutes = dayMinutes + nightMinutes; if (dayMinutes > 75) dayCost = (dayMinutes - 75)*.1; if (nightMinutes> 100) nightCost = (nightMinutes -100)*.05; amountDue = 25 + (nightCost +dayCost); outputStr = "Account Num: " +accountNum +"\n Account Type" + ": Premium\nMinutes Used: " +totalMinutes + "\nAmount Due: " +String.format("%.2f",amountDue); JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(null,outputStr,"Account" + " Information",JOptionPane.INFORMATION_MESSAGE); break; default: JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(null,"Invalid Account type", "Account Informatino", JOptionPane.INFORMATION_MESSAGE); } } }
a little searching goes a long way.
initializing the variables as 0 to initialize them in instances where they werent initialized in if statements fixed the problem.
please delete this post if desired.


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Blackriver Trucks Wide 2.0 black/black 32
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|blackriver-trucks, Blackriver Trucks


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The Gaylord
The Gaylord is a character from an unaired serial of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was intended to be the final serial of the 1979-80 season (Season 17) entitled The Gaylord's Passage, but was never completed due to a strike at the BBC during filming.
Noted Carry On star, Charles Hawtrey played the role of The Gaylord.
"Be careful, Sarah Jane! It's The Gaylord!"
"Oh, hello!"
"I tought I was lord of the Gay?"
"I thought I was the lord of the Gay! "
The Gaylord is a 400 year old scientist from the planet Whoopsie! whose inhabitants, the Pooves, were engaged in a bitter thousand-year war of attrition with their enemies, the Straytes. Horribly scarred and bespectacled for reasons that are never explained, the promiscuous Gaylord spends much of his existence attempting to penetrate his enemies with his self-designed aluminium penis sucking the heterosexuality from their souls and injecting them with his secret gay serum.
The Gaylord is an egomaniac who believes that through his creations, he can become the supreme being and ruler of the universe. He is a brilliant scientist who has demonstrated mastery of musical theatre, dance, mime, sparkly clothes, and Camp. He lists Football as a pet hate, but secretly likes the look of several Footballers.
"That'll do, cheeky!"
The Gaylord is known to keep a inexhaustible harem of willing young men who do their Master's bidding, are trained to kill, to serve The Gaylord's evil needs and to massage his feet. The Gaylord has a daughter, the delectable Princess Tranni who was the result of a brief drunken heterosexual liaison with the Empress Vagisil, Queen of the Planet Bajingo.
The Gaylord often expresses disappointment in Tranni particularly when she dresses as a man on Wednesday nights. He has also used her as a political tool, such as when he arranged for her to marry King Senip Gib of Twink in an attempt to create an illusion of harmony. In actual fact, The Gaylord had his eye on Senip Gib for himself and hoped that he could turn the dashing young King into one of his Pooves. It was this example of his failed seduction that led to the King's assassination and the invention of The Mighty Whopper - The Gaylord's metallic, rust-free long-life artificial penis.
The Pooves[edit]
The Gaylord discovered that the Pooves became nothing more than sexual appendages and with no hope of survival on their own. His solution was to remove all emotions and senses pertaining to sexual satisfaction, and place the mutants in bodies that resembled male flight attendants. They would, under his instruction, continue to spread the virus through all of earth's lifeforms; animal, vegetable or mineral, but mainly animal.
"Ooh! Get her!"
The resulting creatures were a powerful race bent on universal conquest and domination utterly without pity or remorse (as all of their emotions were removed and replaced with uncontrollable lust). Their most famous catchphrase is "FORN-I-CATE!", with each syllable individually screeched in a voice with a slight effeminate lilt.
The Pooves devote a day of worship, March 12, to their idol - the magical Lyzar of Minelly. Their planetary anthem is The Trolley Song.
The Gaylord's Downfall[edit]
"Are you attempting to penetrate me with your metallic, rust-free, long-life artificial penis?"
"Oh, rather!"
The final showdown sees The Doctor being attacked by a group of Pooves who abduct him, and hold him prisoner at a Discotheque. The Gaylord forces him to dance to Donna Summer's Love To Love You Baby before attempting to turn him gay with his Mighty Whopper. During Van McCoy's 1975 hit The Hustle, The Doctor breaks free by swinging on a disco ball, and in the ensuing struggle, regenerates into the next Doctor (played by John Inman) which only excites The Gaylord further.
"This is the climax!"
"I'll say!"
Like many Pooves, The Gaylord was prone to narcissism, self-love, and excessive vanity. He became obsessed with his own image, and is destroyed when The Doctor presents The Gaylord with a full size mirror. The villain masturbates himself into a frenzy until he explodes into a thousand pieces.
However, The Doctor also catches sight of his own image, and regenerates himself all through the night.