text:
Social enterprise collaboration brings results for old & young
Three new Sheffield social enterprises have recently celebrated the success of a digitally-focused collaboration project, which brought together young volunteers to train older people how to use the internet, in Maltby, South Yorkshire.
The project aimed to bring together the old and the young generation to reduce isolation and increase independence amongst older people, by teaching them how to use the internet. The three social enterprises: Neighbours Can Help Ltd, Silent Cities Ltd, and SilenceBreakers found another partner in Maltby Academy, who generously welcomed the older people into their school and provided the young volunteers.
"Older people are a group who have a lot to gain from technology and yet they are one of the groups least likely to have either the equipment or the skills to use it," said John Pickin from Neighbours Can Help. "We felt we could bring even greater value to the project by recruiting young volunteers to deliver the training to older people, so there would be the intergenerational benefits too," said Justine Gaubert, Founder of Silent Cities who delivered the training element of the programme, along with Steve Hatherley, a teacher at the Academy. "Learning the IT skills isn't the end of the story," added Jay Baker from SilenceBreakers, the third partner in the project. "People also need access to the technology in their own home."
The training ran from November 2010 to March 2011 and led to many successful results, including: 20 young 11-16 year olds volunteering their time after school for this project, nine refurbished computers being installed into older people homes for free as part of the project, and because they are refurbished, over half a tonne of waste being saved, 83% of the older people in the project now feel less socially-isolated.
The project came about through collaboration, not competition…
When three emerging Sheffield social entrepreneurs met at the School for Social Entrepreneurs, they had more in common than just their names beginning with the letter 'J'. Justine Gaubert (Silent Cities Ltd), John Pickin (Neighbours Can Help Ltd) and Jay Baker (SilenceBreakers) were about to launch their own social enterprises, each with a focus for bringing communities together using technology.
"When we met, people assumed we'd be in competition with each other because we shared such similar aims," said Justine. "Thankfully, we opted for collaboration instead!" "There was cross over between each of our businesses, and as we were all starting out, we thought it would be great to pilot small parts of our business in a joint project" explained Jay.
"My business is about bringing a voice to the voiceless, and part of my project is to refurbish unwanted computers and supply them to community projects. Part of Justine's project was to supply technology training to disadvantaged communities, and Neighbours Can Help is about bringing individuals together online so they can help each other."
"So Neighbours Can Help applied to Rotherham Council for some funding for our collaboration, and we were very proud to be selected from a shortlist of 20 others," said David Child of Neighbours Can Help.
Councillor Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said of the project at a recent celebration event: "What makes this project special is that it was selected from over 20 others by a panel of customers, carers and Council Officers. The panel was able to see, from speaking to the project leads, what I see today; the potential to bring a community together. This project has started to bridge the gap between generations, facilitated the transfer of important skills between residents, and brought the local community and statutory services together."
View video footage of project here
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Follow Silencebreakers on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SilenceBreakers


text:
Ten Reasons
Hire An Artist
Joe Guzzardi, 5/10/2011 [
The Most Effective Way to End BirthTourism : Deport Duplicitous Women
The Most Effective Way to End Birth Tourism: Deport Duplicitous Women
By Joe Guzzardi
The debate about 'anchor babies,' American citizen children born on United States' soil to illegal alien mothers, has moved into the spotlight. According to a recent CNN story titled 'Is the Next Immigration Fight over 'Anchor Babies'?' Senator Lindsay Graham and House Judiciary Committee Chair Lamar Smith are among many legislators considering a requirement that at least one parent be either a citizen or a legal resident before a child can be granted citizenship.
In January, the State Legislators for Legal Immigration also proposed a legislative correction to prevent anchor babies from being citizens. The coalition of lawmakers from 40 states claims that the 14th Amendment has been wrongly applied to those born on U.S. soil to mothers who are not citizens.
Yet as the birth tourism industry continues to grow, Congress remains mute about the scandal. The current Congressional brouhaha is about individuals who illegally cross the border and take up residency (possibly for years) before having children. The birth tourism industry differs in that pregnant foreign-born women come to the United States for the sole purpose of having citizen children, live in specially designed facilities to cater to their maternal needs and leave America as soon as medically feasible postpartum.
The solution to this blatant disregard for United States sovereignty is, I suggest, easier than most might think, assuming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has the will to act. The U.S. State Department cannot deny a woman a temporary visitor visa simply because she is pregnant but it can deport people who lie on their applications. According to the State Department, any lie, fraud, perjury, or forgery on an immigration application or in an interview is grounds for criminal prosecution and revocation of any immigration benefit granted.
Here's how the birth tourism industry could be stopped cold. ICE could mount an investigate inquiry into the birthing centers much like it did at the Chipotle Mexican Grill. A review of the visas held by the mothers-to-be would reveal that they had listed the purpose of their U.S. visit as 'tourist,' an obvious fabrication since they would be living at a birthing center.
Their next temporary home would be a deportation center where they would promptly be assigned for removal. Although howls of outrage would follow, the reality is that if the threat of deportation hangs over anyone's head who chooses to gamble on coming to American for birthing purposes, foreign nationals would think twice before shelling out tens of thousands of dollars in fees that they would never recover. And, of course, their mission of having an American citizen child would be foiled.
On the other hand, if ICE fails to act the birth tourism industry will expand. The Internet offers information about dozens of birthing centers that reaches a worldwide audience.
If you're impressed by brazen tactics, check out the Cupid Center in Queens, New York, website address www.usanybaby.com. In an interview 'Anna,' the owner, admitted that "Many of them [her clients] want American citizenship for their children." Anna encourages the women to arrive three months early to maximize their chances of clearing customs. Total cost to the 'tourists': room and board between $13,000-$25,000 plus an additional $8,000-$11,000 for hospital expenses. Just in case anyone has misgivings about what birthing centers' intentions are, posted image has an infant lying next to a U.S. passport.
Without ICE intervention, the numbers of birthing centers will mushroom. The blatant disregard for American citizenship should end today.
Joe Guzzardi has written editorial columns—mostly about immigration and related social issues - since 1986. He is a senior writing fellow for Californiansfor Population Stabilization (CAPS) and his columns have frequently been syndicated in various U.S. newspapers and websites. He can be reached at email@example.com
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The "mileage experts" John and Helen Taylor have done it again! The couple recently completed a 1,626-mile drive in a 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI without stopping once for fuel. The couple was determined to break the record for the furthest distance traveled on a single tank of fuel, and they did it in a "clean diesel" vehicle equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.
The previous record for the most miles covered on a single tank of diesel was 1526.6 miles, achieved with a VW Passat 1.6 BlueMotion diesel in Europe. The Taylors set a new record of 1626.1 miles on one tank, which equates to an average of 84.1 miles per gallon during the three-day trip, which took them through nine states. The three-day drive commenced on May 3, 2012 in Houston, TX and ended on May 5, 2012 in Sterling, Virginia. To make the drive as realistic as possible, the couple included 120 pounds of luggage and drove during daylight hours to experience normal traffic situations. Additionally, the couple took turns driving and didn't travel more than 14 hours per day.
"We're excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel," said John Taylor. "The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record."
The 2012 Passat's 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine generates 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque, and with a manual transmission delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway.
Prior to the drive, the speedometer and odometer were calibrated by a state certified testing station in Houston, Texas. Law enforcement officers from the city of Houston, Texas oversaw validation of mileage, fuel fill-up, and gas tank sealing at the beginning of the drive. A Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff's Deputy verified completion of the drive and mileage prior to removing the fuel tank seal.
This obviously isn't the first time that the Taylors have set out to break a fuel economy record. The Taylors have made a career out of driving efficiently and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. They have collected more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe. The couple also provides fuel-efficient tips on their website, www.fuelacademy.com.


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Girl Dies After Sledding in Central Minnesota
DASSEL (AP) - A 10-year-old girl from North Carolina is dead after sledding in central Minnesota.
Meeker County Sheriff Jeff Norlin says the girl had been sledding down a hill with other children in a Dassel Township backyard when her sled hit a stump and she was ejected. It happened around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. She later died at a local hospital.
She was at the residence of her grandparents, Craig and Barbara Kay.
The sheriff says the children were under adult supervision and this appears to be an accident.
The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)


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Africa is a continent brimming with stories insufficiently told in the West. But in a year where we've followed the French intervention in Mali, the gruesome shopping mall terror attack in Nairobi, the ceaseless conflicts of the Congo and the brutal ravages of Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgency, one tragic crisis has been almost completely absent from international frontpages: in the Central African Republic, a nation located where it says it is, virtually the entire population of 4.6 million people is "enduring suffering beyond imagination," according to the U.N.
After an alliance of rebel groups known as Séléka seized power in March from the government of President François Bozizé, the mineral-rich yet dirt-poor state fell into chaos. Rival factions carried out kidnappings, murders, rapes and went about conscripting child soldiers. African peacekeeping troops and government forces proved hapless and helpless. The humanitarian situation grew dire, with political instability compounding existing crises — some 1.5 million people, a third of the country, are now in critical need of food, shelter and basic sanitation.
Moreover, the ongoing violence has taken on a grim — and, for the Central African Republic, unprecedented — sectarian dimension. Many of the Séléka fighters are reportedly Muslim, some of them having joined the fight from neighboring Chad and Sudan. Muslim-Christian clashes in September led to over 100 deaths; Christian self-defense groups known as anti-balaka (or "anti-machete") militias have sprung up. Communities of both faiths have been uprooted, scattered, forced to flee their homes. The French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius warned last week that the Central African Republic "is on the verge of genocide."
The U.N. is set to meet soon to discuss dispatching thousands of peacekeepers to the country. France, the former colonial power, is preparing to triple the troop numbers it has stationed in the capital Bangui. Relief agencies are calling for tens of millions of dollars in urgent humanitarian assistance.
With the conflict poised on a knife edge, French photojournalist William Daniels traveled on assignment to the Central African Republic. He passed through funerals, refugee camps and bands of men with guns. In many of his photos, there is a sense of shock and grief—the mute horror of a nation tearing at its own seams. It's hard to watch, but it would be more shameful to look away.
William Daniels is a photographer represented by Panos Pictures. Daniels previously wrote for TIME about his escape from Syria.
Ishaan Tharoor is a Senior Editor at TIME and Editor of TIME World. Follow him on Twitter @ishaantharoor.


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Brunch, in my book, should begin with a good brunch cocktail. The Biltmore Bar and Grille in Newton did not disappoint with samplings of beautiful mimosas and bloody marys. The Biltmore is the kind of spot you want in your neighborhood. It's homey, down to the mismatched coffee cups and the kind of bar you'd like to belly up to a few times a week. Don't let the comfort level fool you, however, the food is serious.
This neighborhood gem of a restaurant was the location for this month's Boston Brunchers event with a twist. Boston Brunchers is a group of Boston-area food bloggers who basically get together to find great brunch spots and chat about all things food, and not. This month was special. Each blogger chosen got to pick or giveaway another spot to a blogger who had not yet been to such an event. In my case, Amanda from The Wineing Woman was my guest. It was a great chance to chat and meet with bloggers, old and new, for what turned out to be an amazing meal. We were treated to a five-course *tasting* menu that had us all rolling out of there, full and content.
After a round of cocktail samples and coffee, we were on to the food. The epic meal began with a lobster frittata. Boston Brunchers' organizer, Renee, kept noticing how the entire table of happily chatting and twittering bloggers went silent with the presentation of each course.
Don't let this harmless looking poached egg fool you, it was my favorite of the entire tasting menu. The egg, perfectly poached, sat on top of a buttery, flaky, chive biscuit. When you broke into this egg, the yolk was perfectly running, soaking into the biscuit, creating an amazing combination.
The hits didn't stop there, however. We all sat there commenting about how we just wanted to leave room for all the courses, but plates were definitely cleaned. The third course, Biltmore's take on "pigs in a blanket". A perfect maple sausage wrapped in a crepe-like pancake served with their own apple-maple syrup. I heard a few, "I haven't eaten sausage in years, but this is amazing", around the table.
As if all of this so far wasn't enough, course number four was chicken and waffles. Biltmore's general manager served it up, saying this was actually a small portion of this dish. The one on he menu comes with three pieces of chicken. I couldn't even get through one, I can't imagine working my way through three pieces. The chicken was flavorful and crisp. The waffle is the star of this dish, however. It's grilled, crispy with an amazingly rich taste.
The entire meal was rounded out with a granola and berry parfait topped with whipped cream. I didn't think I had any room left at this point, but the subtle sweetness of this final dish won me over and I ended up plowing my way through half of this.
The Biltmore is definitely on my list for a return trip. I haven't seen a restaurant embrace brunch like this in quite a long time. It's serious food, and you're not going to leave hungry. I left full, but mostly happy to have been able to share such great food with table mates like Carolyn, Michelle, Athena, and Katy. It was a blast chatting about running with Marie and Corey. I didn't get enough to time to chat with Justin, Megan and Krista, but there's always next time, right? We just have to brunch more!
A big thank you to everyone at Biltmore Bar & Grille who hosted us for this brunch, free of charge. We were not required to review this meal, but I was happy to, considering I left so very happy!
Biltmore Bar & Grille
1205 Chestnut Street
Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464
Phone: 617.527.2550


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Adjusting to life with diabetes is manageable, and children with juvenile diabetes (Type 1) or Type 2 diabetes can do everything other kids without diabetes can. Our comprehensive program for children with diabetes includes the total care experience. From diagnosis to providing education and support, we will help your child get into the habit of managing their disease each day without missing a beat at being a kid.
When your child has a condition like Type 1 diabetes (previously called juvenile diabetes) or Type 2, it can affect your entire family's routines, schedules, and even meal planning.
Our Nemours board-certified pediatric endocrinologists are specially trained in helping families learn to successfully manage both juvenile diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Our teams of experts — including certified diabetes educators, advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, licensed clinical social workers, and others — will provide the tools, a personalized treatment plan for your child, and ongoing education and support you need to help ensure your child maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Locations & Doctors
FloridaSpecialty Care
PennsylvaniaSpecialty Care
Nemours Children's Specialty Care, Jacksonville
807 Children's Way
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Get Map & Directions »
For Appointments: (904) 697-3600
For Appointments
Phone: (904) 697-3759
Fax: (904) 697-3895
Weekends/after hours: (904) 697-3600
Routine blood sugar records and non-urgent questions:
Email firstname.lastname@example.com or call the blood sugar reporting line
at (904) 202-8547.
Test results: (904) 697-3759 (Please wait one week after labs have been done)
For imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, and blood lab draws call: (904) 697-3405
- photo ID
- medical and pharmacy insurance cards
- preferred pharmacy name and phone number
- names and dosage of all medications, including over-the-counter medication, your child is currently taking
- guardianship and custody papers, if a legal guardian rather than a parent accompanies your child
New Patients
- Patient Registration (PDF)
Returning Patients
You can also bring (if available):
- all outside records
- growth curves/charts
- X-rays
- laboratory results
- glucose meter
- insulin pump
- any forms required for school, camp, sports, etc.
New Patient Forms
- Patient Registration (PDF)
Returning Patient Forms
- Release of Information (PDF)
English | Spanish
- Patient Presents Without Legal Guardian (PDF)
English | Spanish
Note: A parent or legal guardian must be with a child for a first visit.
Resources for Patients & Families
- Insurance We Accept: See accepted insurance, listed by location.
- Pay Your Bill: Use online bill pay or send by mail.
- Financial Assistance: Get help with your child's health care expenses.
- MyNemours: Access your child's medical record online.
Diabetes Logs & Worksheets
- Food Log Record (PDF)
- Pump Glucose Log Sheet (PDF)
Medication Refills
Please request medication refills at the time you make your appointment – requests may take 48 hours to complete. Also, prescriptions will not be refilled if you have not been seen in our clinic in the past six months.
When calling for a refill, include:
- your child's name
- medication name
- phone number
Your Child's "Every Day" Diabetes Checklist
Because an emergency can happen anywhere, being prepared is important. Depending on your child's insulin regimen – injections or insulin pump therapy – the following items should be part of your child's "Every Day Pack" and carried by you and your child at all times:
- medic-alert bracelet (worn by your child always)
- glucagon emergency kit
- blood sugar meter and test strips
- insulin pen needles or syringes
- vials of insulin or insulin pens
- extra batteries and pump supplies
- alcohol wipes
- ketone strips (urine or blood)
- emergency glucose sources: glucose tablets or gel, small juice box or bottled water, small box of raisins, or Lifesavers
- portable snack – cheese crackers or granola bar
- current list of all insulin doses (carbohydrate ratios, correction doses, long-acting insulin doses)
- extra batteries for your meter
- emergency phone numbers
- CalorieKing or other informational book
- calculator
Support Service for Families
- Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville: a safe, free, family-centered home away from home when your child is sick and needs to be hospitalized
As a parent, you naturally know what it takes to provide and care for your child – how to keep your child safe and healthy. But when you're faced with news that your child has juvenile diabetes (Type 1) or Type 2 diabetes you may feel lost, not knowing what to do next.
At Nemours Children's Specialty Care, Jacksonville, our board-certified pediatric endocrinologists and other diabetes experts understand. We treat infants, kids, and teens with both juvenile diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, as well as maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) – a form of diabetes typically inherited from a parent – and, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
As a certified Center of Excellence by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), we're prepared to help you and your child manage the disease with ongoing support, education, care, and access to the latest diabetes information, treatments, and trials.
Helping Your Child Adjust to Life With Diabetes
Even though diabetes will bring some changes to kids' lives, it shouldn't affect much of their daily activities and routine. Soon, you and your child will feel comfortable with the diabetes routine – learning what's average for their blood sugar levels, and most importantly, learning that living with either juvenile diabetes or Type 2 diabetes is doable.
A diagnosis of juvenile diabetes brings with it some changes to your child's and your family's routine. Our pediatric diabetes program uses a family-centered team approach to helping your child build the confidence needed to manage the disease.
Once your child is diagnosed with diabetes, our team of diabetes experts will work with your family and your child to develop a treatment plan geared especially for your child. At first, you and your child will participate in frequent education and support classes to help you both gain the confidence you need to manage diabetes.
At each visit, our diabetes specialists will:
- review how to check blood sugar levels throughout the day
- analyze glucose trends
- adjust insulin doses
- review diet intake and the importance of healthy snacking and meals
Our comprehensive ongoing care includes:
- Diabetes education: individualized training for children, teens, and families regarding all aspects of diabetes care including pathogenesis, insulin action, insulin administration techniques, home glucose monitoring, treatment of hypo-and hyperglycemia, exercise, diet, and complications
- Insulin management: one-on-one sessions about insulin dosing with mathematical examples of calculations
- Hypoglycemia management: identifying symptoms, oral management with carbohydrate replacement, use of glucagon injections
- Dietary and nutrition counseling: learn about healthy cardiovascular diabetic diet as sponsored by the ADA, meal portions, carbohydrate counting, and glycemic index
- 24-hour, on-call coverage for diabetes-related emergencies
- Full-time counselor for prompt individual and family counseling
- Specialized program for children with poorly controlled diabetes management
In addition to our care, we'll give you diabetes resources from the ADA and other respected sources, to help you and others who care for your child when you're not around know how to manage your child's diabetes.
Our experience staff includes:
- board-certified pediatric endocrinologists
- nurses and nurse practitioners
- certified diabetes educators
- dietitians
- licensed clinical social workers
- endocrinology fellows (board certified pediatricians training to become endocrinologists)
Our pediatric diabetes education program is a certified Center of Excellence by the American Diabetes Association. This distinction comes in recognition of our efforts to provide a high standard of diabetes care and education in collaboration with Wolfson Children's Hospital, one of the many health providers we partner with to offer top-quality, comprehensive care.
Also, our pediatric diabetes education program was awarded the prestigious Certificate of Recognition (2009-2013) by the ADA for our Diabetes Self-Management Education program. This recognition means our diabetes center meets national standards for diabetes education, ensuring children with diabetes and their families receive quality and comprehensive diabetes self-management education.
Our resources offer children and families unmatched quality of care through system-wide research efforts and clinical studies. Some of the latest treatment therapies we offer include:
Insulin Pump Therapy
A microcomputer designed to provide a constant supply of insulin, as well as boluses of insulin with meals and when blood sugars are high, mimicking the job of the pancreas. It's convenient, flexible, and accurate, and requires an extensive training process to learn how to use it properly and to prevent complications.
To be considered for pump therapy, you and your child must attend several educational sessions before and after pump therapy begins. Also, your child is required to stay at Wolfson Children's Hospital for observation one day while insulin is placed in the pump for the first time and your child's blood glucose is monitored.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Similar in size to a pager that can be attached to a belt or waistband, this device requires a small "sensor" to be inserted into the skin around the abdomen area. The sensor is connected to a small transmitter that automatically records glucose readings every 1 to 5 minutes and up to 7 days, depending on the manufacturer. These types of devices provide "real-time" glucose readings alarms when blood sugar is approaching too high or too low levels.
Individualized Diabetes Education and Support (IDEAS) Clinic
A support group for teens with diabetes to help them improve diabetes management and offer support. The class meets at Nemours Children's Specialty Care, Jacksonville on the 6th floor, the last Wednesday of each month, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The group discusses different topics, such as the emotional side of living with diabetes, healthy coping, carbohydrate counting, stress management, and more.
To request a referral from your child's pediatric endocrinologists, call
(904) 697-3031 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Insulin Pump Class
An informative monthly class for children with diabetes considering insulin pump therapy.
- Boggy Creek Family Diabetes Weekends
- Camp JADA: This 4-day camp is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and is for children with diabetes between the ages of 6 and 18
- Diabetes Education & Camping Association
- Florida Diabetes Camp
- Walk for the Cure by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes by the American Diabetes Association
Because of our dedicated physicians' and scientists' extensive research efforts, children diagnosed with multiple endocrine disorders from throughout the United States and abroad are referred to Nemours Children's Specialty Care, Jacksonville to get expert care and advice of our pediatric endocrinologists.
Our Nemours pediatric endocrinologists actively participate in a Pediatric Fellowship Training Program in collaboration with the University of Florida's College of Medicine to train the next generation of pediatric endocrinologists.


text:
I'm pleased to share with you Chapter Seven, "Broken," in its entirety below. The content of the chapter is self-explanatory; all you need to know is it takes place in late 1988. Oh, and it's suitable for all audiences.
Thanks for taking the time, and I hope you enjoy it.
Two weeks later, I went to David's for an early Christmas dinner.
It was the first time someone, other than a relative, had invited me over for a meal–certainly another gay man. I was so excited, I couldn't wait to go.
When I arrived at David's apartment late that Saturday afternoon, I was surprised when he told me it would be just the two of us. Especially considering how much work he was putting himself through, going all out as though he expected a houseful of family and friends.
In addition to the traditional roasted turkey, stuffing, and gravy, the meal consisted of a tossed salad with homemade dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, oven-warmed buns, and cranberry sauce, which David told me he'd made using a secret recipe of his grandmother's. And, for dessert, he'd baked a pumpkin pie, including the crust, which he garnished with fresh whipped cream and sprigs of mint.
Overstuffed, David and I sat at his intimate, candle-lit dining table–the everyday items normally found on it moved to the floor, in the corner and out of the way–where we talked, laughed, and enjoyed ourselves until well into the evening.
When it came time to clean up, we worked together to transfer everything back to the kitchen. Afterward, I stood in the short hallway, leaning against the narrow half-wall, and watched David fastidiously rinse the dirty dishes, piling like items on top of each other. In amongst his impatient and frustrated mutterings about the lack of counter space, our lively dinner repartee continued.
Once everything had been rinsed and stacked, David excused himself to use the bathroom.
As I sauntered about his living room, admiring the things he had–and, dare I say it, allowing myself to consider sharing them with him, if and when we became a couple–I felt I needed to do something more to show my appreciation for dinner. After all, David had done everything he could to make me feel like an important guest. Perhaps, I thought, I should start washing the dishes and help free up some space on the counter.
Having rinsed the sink, clearing it of remaining food debris, I turned on the hot water and added dishwashing liquid, just like I would if I'd been home. As I did, a tingle ran up my spine and spread throughout my body; I found myself humming a familiar tune I couldn't place.
For the first time, I felt what I imagined it must be like to live with someone, to be in an honest-to-goodness relationship. Having shared a delicious meal, and after cleaning up, David and I, the two of us, would settle in for a quiet evening together at home–watching TV, talking, or just being in each other's company. As I thought of that, I felt warm and full inside.
Standing at an unfamiliar kitchen sink, washing someone else's dishes, admittedly felt unusual, foreign, because I'd never done it before. But it also felt somehow right, like it was meant to be.
I'd never considered the possibility, but I discovered an unexpected intimacy doing such a mundane task–working with those things someone else uses everyday to prepare and eat food. Perhaps, in some respects, more intimate even than having sex together.
That's when it happened. Caught up in my reverie as I was, I'd added David's crystal wineglass to the sudsy water without realizing it. Then, absentmindedly, I'd pushed the dishcloth into it, snapping off a large piece glass, and driving the resulting sharp edge into the base of my right index finger.
Searing pain shot through me, and I instinctively retracted my hand from the water. In amongst the soap bubbles, I saw a flap of skin. Blood and water ran down my hand toward my wrist. When I tried to see if a piece of broken glass had lodged into the wound, seeping blood obstructed my view.
The first impulse I had was to dip my hand back into the sink of hot, soapy dishwater, to wash away the blood before it dripped onto the floor. But I already knew that would sting like hell. Not to mention, mixing blood with the clean water didn't feel like the right thing to do.
Then the thought of HIV came to me.
While there was still some confusion about how the virus was transmitted from one person to another, there was no question contact with infected blood was one of the primary ways.
Since I'd had sex with only a few people, I was almost certain I wasn't HIV+.
Still, Kurt and I had engaged in risky sexual activity, just after I'd come out a few years earlier. And I hadn't been brave enough, or saw good reason–that is, I hadn't entered a committed relationship yet–to get tested. The last thing I wanted to do was contaminate the dishwater with my blood. Even though, in the unlikely event I was infected, I doubted the diluted virus would be dangerous.
As I stood in David's kitchen, holding my hand upright, using a tissue from my jeans pocket to wipe up the blood and water so it wouldn't drip on the floor, I started to panic. How could I have been so careless? Would David be upset when he found out I'd broken one of his wineglasses? How could I have ruined an otherwise perfect evening?
I looked at the cut on my hand. It was still bleeding. A lot. And I didn't know what to do. I was no longer thinking clearly.
Just then, at the other end of the hallway and across from the kitchen, the door to the bathroom opened.
"What happened?" David asked, looking at my hand, then up at me.
I pointed to the water in the sink and explained about the wineglass.
As I spoke, David went into action. He opened a cupboard door and produced a roll of paper towels. Unrolling several sheets, he tore them off and handed them to me. When I'd cleaned my hand and arm, he inspected the wound. Blood kept getting in the way.
"I don't think there's any glass in it," I told him, my voice shaky.
David tore off several more sheets of paper towel, folded them into a thick pad, and gave them to me.
"Keep your hand up," he instructed. "Apply pressure to stop the bleeding." The calm yet earnest tone of his voice reminded me of my mother, on those occasions when she'd shown concern for my wellbeing as I was growing up.
Several minutes later, I removed the soiled pad.
"It looks deep," David said. "You might need to get stitches, to stop the bleeding."
My heart sank.
The word "stitches" took me back to a hot summer evening in my late teens. My father and I had been on our way somewhere in his pick-up truck. To our right, the driver of a car on a side street missed the stop sign and slammed into us. In the passenger seat, I was thrown to the left.
When we were safely out of the vehicle, my father took a look at me and said I needed to go to the hospital. Without realizing it at the time of the impact, my head had hit the steering wheel, opening a gash. I felt something warm on my forehead and touched it. My fingers were covered in blood.
As I laid on a stretcher in the Emergency ward, a doctor injected my scalp with a local anesthetic, then dabbed at the wound to clean it. He threaded numerous stitches through the layer of skin to close the cut.
At the time, I hadn't felt much beyond a pulling sensation, as the suture thread had been drawn through my skin. But the idea of what had happened, as if hemming a pair of pants, had made me sick to my stomach.
Regardless of what David had said, I wasn't going to Emergency at St. Paul's Hospital–that was for damn sure. Not only did I not want to inconvenience him, by having him take me there–even if he did like to drive his car–but also I had no intention of allowing a doctor to stick a needle in my hand, to freeze it or to sew it up. Eventually, the bleeding would stop on its own. It had to.
Blood kept oozing from my hand, faster than I was willing to accept.
Determined to stop it, I returned the compress to the cut and pressed even harder. David prepared another pad of paper towel and exchanged it for the one I had. Several minutes later, we looked at the cut again. The bleeding seemed to have slowed, somewhat anyway, and I breathed a little easier. Still, I couldn't get the idea of stitches off my mind.
As I continued to hold my hand up, pad firmly in place, David drained the sink and sprayed water over the items in it, clearing the soap suds to find the broken wineglass and shards. He looked at me and smiled.
"You drama queens are all alike," he said. "Always needing to be the center of attention."
Several times while he worked on washing and drying the dishes himself, David asked to see the cut.
Finally, when the bleeding had mostly stopped, he opened a cupboard door and took out a first aid kit. He unzipped it, made a compress from several feet of gauze, and affixed it to my hand with medical tape.
"I missed my calling," he said. "I should have been Florence Nightingale."
The excitement of the evening thankfully over, David and I carried our cups of tea to the living room and settled into the two cozy, wingback chairs.
The table lamps on both sides of the sofa, reminding me of tall, narrow, Grecian urns, cast the room in a warm glow. Smooth jazz tunes from David's favorite radio station out of Seattle played quietly in the background.
I shifted uneasily in my seat and cleared my throat several times.
"I have a question," I said tentatively, as though seeking permission to ask it.
"Why am I not surprised?" David responded. I heard the tick of his teacup as he set it in the saucer on his lap.
"It's been on my mind for weeks," I said.
That was true, it had been. Just as it was true I'd been determined not to bring it up.
But the events of the past few hours–from the fantasy of being part of a couple, to feeling vulnerable when I'd cut my hand, to seeing another side of David as he'd tended to me–had weakened my resolve. If there'd been a time to raise the subject, I thought it was then.
I gathered my thoughts and tried to select my words carefully.
"I was just wondering, you know, when you told me before…um, that I'm not your type. I mean, how did you know?"
"Here we go again."
"What do you mean, 'here we go again'?" I tried to ask it in a joking manner, to keep the tone of our conversation light. "I haven't brought this up before."
"Maybe not directly, Priscilla. But I know where you're going with this."
"Oh, yeah? And where am I going?"
"We already discussed it."
"No, you discussed it. I listened." He gave me that skeptical stare. "But I don't get it," I continued.
"That's right, you don't. And you're not going to." I attempted a laugh.
After a moment, I tried again. "When you said I wasn't your type, you didn't even know me. How could you be so sure?"
"I knew. Like I said before, it's either there, or it's not."
"But I don't understand. How am I not your type?"
"You won't give up, will you?" David said, taking another sip of tea. "Well, for starters, you're too desperate. People can smell how needy you are from a mile away. No one wants to be with a needy, old queen." He smirked at me.
I shot him a look. "Thanks a lot."
"You're welcome. I know you don't mean that now, but you will…one day."
Neither of us said anything. Then David spoke up.
"I see how you might have gotten the impression I changed my mind, that I'm interested in you now. But, as far as I'm concerned, Gertrude, nothing's changed. We're still where we were before."
"No more buts," David said firmly. "And no begging. It's not becoming to a woman like you."
I wanted to say something else, I really did, but I stopped myself. What was the point?
For some time afterward, David and I sat quietly, drinking our tea and listening to the music.
But my mind was churning.
In less than a year, I'd turn thirty.
I knew, or I'd been led to believe, anyway, that once a gay man had reached that milestone age, it was all over. Just like that, he'd be old, undesirable, and invisible, especially to those he most wanted to find him attractive.
From that point onward, the chance of meeting a partner would be even more difficult than it had been (read: impossible). Through no choice of his own, the poor sop would live the rest of his life isolated, lonely, and miserable–what he'd probably dreaded most happening to him.
Seeing myself end up like that scared the living crap out of me. I couldn't conceive of the possibility I'd go through life without ever experiencing real and true love–at least once. In the event that was the case, I believed little else would have any meaning.
The light and airy riffs of George Benson's "Breezin'" floated about David's apartment.
Time was running out.
Despite my persistence, the clubs had been nothing but a disappointment, and I had no reason to believe they'd be any different in the future. Before it was too late, I had to try something else.
But what?
The only other thing I could think of was what I'd told myself I never would. After all, I had to draw the line somewhere.
As I pondered the situation I was in, I knew I might not want to do it. But the decision had already been made for me.


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NYTimes.com's DealBook blog reminds us that Tennis Channel's been around for seven years now, and that the network's investors are probably itching to get a return on their money.
From the post:
"The Tennis Channel's owners have controlled the business now for seven years, a long slog for a private-equity investment. With the network improving its fortunes over the past few years and achieving viability as an independent cable channel, the investors could be looking to exit in the near term, say several people familiar with the deal.
Potential buyers include a large media company with an existing portfolio of cable assets (Comcast, Cox or Viacom); a talent agency (CAA or IMG); or to a new set of private-equity owners (Blackstone and Bain, for instance, own the Weather Channel)."
Now that TC's finagled its share of Slam coverage, let's hope they can get themselves a good deal. Life wouldn't be the same without Bag Check!
(via DealBook)


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Full view envelopes is the leading manufacturer of full face window envelopes with the best prices! Our full face envelopes have an oversized clear window centered across the entire face of the envelope. These high impact envelopes are great for showing off your direct mail, sales materials, catalogs and brochures.
Full View Envelopes. Founded in 1990, Full View Envelopes provides the highest quality full face window envelopes at the lowest prices and fastest turnaround times! Need them now? We can ship same day!
Full view envelopes are also commonly called full face window envelopes, full face envelopes, big window envelopes and large window envelopes. Regardless what name you call them - we've got the best pricing!


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I have a complex folder structure (just imported from Outlook 2000, I am a Barca newbie still testing the program).
My customary way of working is to read new messages in the In box, and if a message is worth filtering to a mailbox, I do it on the fly, usually from within the message.
Is there any way of doing this in Barca? All I can find so far is the option of leaving the message and going to the list of In box messages, then dragging and dropping manually or going through the whole of the folder tree structure by right clicking on the message and selecting "Move message to".
I don't want an automatic filter, because I want to read the messages before I decide whether to filter or delete them. If I have to define regular filters and then apply them manually, I would need a regular stock of perhaps 30 to 40, and the option of choosing other mailboxes manually from within the message (there are probably about 100 mailboxes that I sometimes want to move messages to, and the folder tree can go through 4 or 5 hierarchical levels).


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A Random AromaStory
Game Of Thrones - Review
by Silvia
Do you love working with energy, playing with energy, talking about energy and discovering more about MODERN energy?
Then join The Guild of Energists today!
THE place to be for MODERN energists.
GoE - We LOVE Energy!
Random Game
"You have probably heard the classical question, "What book would you bring along if you were to spend the rest of your life on a desert island?". Well, after having read Project Sanctuary, your answer will be an easy one." Helena Sweden


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Press Release
May 10, 2013
On May 10, 2013, 57 year old Mark Coombs of Anchorage, Alaska was sentenced to prison for possession of child pornography.
Coombs was arrested in November 2012 following an undercover investigation by investigators from the Anchorage Police Department and members of the Alaska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Coombs sent videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children to Anchorage Police Department Detective Tammy Dunn. Subsequent forensic examination of Coombs' digital devices revealed nearly 1000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. Coombs had organized these images and videos of abuse and saved them onto cds and thumb drives.
The investigation did not reveal that Coombs harmed or attempted to harm any children in Alaska. However, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified some of the victims depicted in the child pornography as children who were previously abused and exploited.
The Anchorage Superior Court sentenced Coombs to four years in prison for possession of child pornography. Upon his release from prison, Coombs will be on probation for six years and will be required to register as a sex offender for fifteen years. If Coombs violates his probation conditions, he could be sent to prison for another four years
CONTACT: Assistant Attorney General Marika Athens @ (907) 269-6326 at the Office of Special Prosecutions.
# # #


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From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This cake is an almost effortless dessert. It is assembled rather than backed, and while this version emphasizes coffee flavors, it lends itself to myriad flavor combinations. The recipe I'm featuring tonight was developed for Family Circle magazine and they dubbed it a tiramisu ice cream cake. Take that with a grain of salt. Save for the use of coffee and ladyfingers, the dessert bears no resemblance to the tiramisu that we've come to know and love. That's not to say this is not a delicious treat. I just think its been misnamed. While the cake needs to be frozen for 24 hours before it is served, it takes only 30 minutes to assemble. If you want your cake to have a neat layered appearance, it is best to fill the cake shell in stages, allowing one layer to freeze before the next is added. I suspect you'll need more whipped topping than specified in the original ingredient list. I need 12 ounces to top off my cake at the proper level. I have, on occasion, quickly dipped the ladyfingers into in an espresso syrup to soften them. It only marginally improves the flavor of the finished cake and truly is not necessary. The ladyfingers will soften as the cake freezes with, or without, the espresso bath. I hope you'll give this recipe a try. If you don't like coffee, make a Neopoliltan cake instead. Here's how the cake is made.
Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Family Circle magazine
22 soft ladyfingers
25 Nabisco thin chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed (plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 pint coffee ice cream
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 pint java chip ice cream
1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping
1) Coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line sides with wax paper.
2) Place ladyfinger halves along side of pan, flat sides facing in. Combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press crumb mixture into bottom of pan. Freeze.
3) Allow ice cream to stand on countertop until softened. Transfer coffee ice cream to a bowl and stir until good spreading consistency. Remove ladyfinger-lined pan from freezer. Spread coffee ice cream on bottom. Repeat softening and spreading with vanilla and java chip ice creams. Top with thawed whipped topping.
4)Freeze overnight. Remove side of pan and wax paper. Decorate top of cake with crushed cookies. Yield: 12 servings.
One Year Ago Today: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Two Years Ago Today: Sweet Berry Wine Sauce
Three Years Ago Today: Scallions and Asparagus Salad
Four Years Ago Today: Blackberry Sherbet


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Yesterday the 25th of November 2012 I wrote a blog post on Disruptive Innovation. I claimed that Open Educational Resources, OER unfortunately are not very high ranked and on the agenda in the Nordic countries, whereas OER are discussed widely on a global, European and sometimes even on a Nordic level. For example the OER Paris declaration is almost unknown, sorry to say. This is very strange in countries where education always have been part of democratic processes and where education in different settings always have been valued very high, for example so called "folkbildning". Many countries around the world have even had the Nordic countries educational system ranked very high and as good examples. For example Finland are ranked year after year as number one in PISA studies. At the same time in all the Nordic countries Internet is available and accessible everywhere for everyone.
The OER Paris declaration shows the importance of Open Educational Resources and gives recommendations to governments and institutions around the globe. The European Union has just launched a large-scale initiative on "Opening Up Education" and the Cyprus EU Presidency in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research organises a Ministerial Conference on "Opening up education through technologies" in Oslo in beginning of December 2012. The Nordic countries need to consolidate and to act!
Towards a Nordic Alliance for Open Educational Resources
These developments have been the starting point for a Nordic initiative on promoting and utilizing Open Education in the Nordic countries with a focus on creating a strong base for OER and Open Educational Practices (OEP) amongst the Nordic countries and in the Nordic region, but also with a global outreach in mind. The Nordic countries have the potential to become a forerunner in OEP and the use of OER activities in Europe:
The Nordic countries share many values related to education and technology development and use; the political and governmental institutions are quite similar; and there is a tradition for cooperation, exchange of knowledge and solutions between the countries. To focus on a relatively homogeneous region which shares many basic values allows us to build knowledge and come up with specific recommendations that can be useful for policy makers at different levels, be implemented in policies and practice, and used to form new co-operations (from the Nordic Alliance for OER policy paper, November 2012)
Contacts persons in this initial phase are Jan M. Pawlowski (firstname.lastname@example.com) and Tore Hoel (email@example.com).
Questions and comments can also be sent to Ebba Ossiannilson (firstname.lastname@example.com)


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3-D poster! Also known as, a, er, cube. Winner of the most interesting thing on conference posters I've seen this month. Read the whole story on the Cosmology at AIMS blog.
A post from 2007 on justifying text that is still relevant. Making justified text look good is a tricky business.
So many ways to abuse pie charts...
The First Printed Math Books
1 week ago


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Architecting New Media since 1992
Tag archives for: HEALTHY EATING
Join me as I renew a lifelong mission for radical transparency in entrepreneurship.
I am the Un-Editor
"You enable my best as I enable yours."
Patricia Mayo is an award-winning marketer and 7th-generation entrepreneur who wrote the first book on managing remote teams back in 2007, and puts the dictionary in her home library's Fiction section.
Mother, ubergeek, and modern renaissance woman who believes humanity can be free once information is too.


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Source Article Link Sun Times
French officers surround apartment building in search for school shooter
TOULOUSE, France — French police surrounded an apartment building where a gunman claiming al-Qaida links and suspected in the killings of three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers barricaded himself Wednesday and stopped talking to negotiators.
An early morning raid by hundreds of police to arrest the 24-year-old Frenchman of Algerian descent erupted into a firefight. Three police officers were wounded, Interior Minister Claude Gueant said.
The suspect told police he belonged to al-Qaida and wanted to take revenge for Palestinian children killed in the Middle East, Gueant said. The suspect also said he was angry about French military intervention abroad, and had spent time in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Gueant said.
The suspect threw a handgun out a window in exchange for a communications device, but he has more weapons, authorities said. An Interior Ministry official identified the suspect as Mohammad Merah, who has been under surveillance for having "fundamentalist" views. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Police swept in soon after 3 a.m. (0200 GMT; 9 p.m. CDT Tuesday) on the residential neighborhood in northern Toulouse where the suspect was holed up. At one point, volleys of gunfire heard around the neighborhood were exchanged. An elite squad was handling the negotiations.
It was part of a manhunt for the shooter who has killed seven people, including French soldiers and Jewish school children, in three attacks in the Toulouse area. In Monday's attack, the three young children and a rabbi were killed.
"Terrorism will not be able to fracture our national community," President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a declaration on national television before heading to the funeral services for two paratroopers killed and another injured in nearby Montauban.
The series of attacks — every four days since March 11 — began with the killing of another paratrooper in Toulouse.
The interior minister, who was at the scene of the standoff, said the suspect tossed from his window a Colt 45 used in each of the three attacks. He has other weapons, like an AK-47 machine gun, but is talking with police and said he would surrender in the afternoon, Gueant said.
Read all of the article at Sun Times


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"For a long time to come, this book may well be the definitive work on the economic teaching of the modern popes." —MICHAEL NOVAK
The Catholic Church has long been one of the most important—but least understood—authorities on capitalism and democracy.
For well over a century popes have offered profound reflections on the economic and political order in their social encyclicals—from Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum (1891); to Pius XI's Quadragesimo Anno (1931), written during the Great Depression; to John Paul II's Centesimus Annus (1991); and on to Benedict XVI's Caritas in Veritate (2009). But this estimable intellectual tradition has often been misunderstood, with partisan groups variously proclaiming Catholic social teaching to be left-wing or right-wing, pro-socialist or pro-capitalist or even pro–"third way."
Papal Economics corrects the record. Father Maciej Zięba takes readers on an enlightening tour through the Catholic Church's social teaching on capitalism and socialism, wealth and poverty, democracy and authoritarianism, and more. His incisive analysis shows that the Church displays a profound understanding of democracy and—perhaps more surprising—strong support for free markets. As Father Zięba demonstrates, popes have explicitly rejected socialism while praising a democratic state and market economy.
Of course, this praise is not unqualified. Papal Economics shows how the Church, especially through John Paul's teachings, distinguishes true democracy from false, and praiseworthy capitalism from the kind to be rejected. Moving beyond the narrow confines of secular discourse, Catholic social teaching highlights the dangers that arise when the market and the state are elevated to absolutes in themselves—when man's spiritual dimensions are subordinated to his material ones. Ultimately, anyone who cares about free markets and democracy must understand, and defend, the foundations on which they are built. For as John Paul suggested, in a world without truth, freedom loses its meaning, the market loses its efficiency, and democracy yields to statism.
With the world still struggling to recover from economic crisis—and deeply divided over the proper path forward—this book's efforts to set the record straight on the Church's economic teaching and expand the terms of the debate could not be more timely.
Additional Information
|ISI Books
|What They're Saying...
"An invaluable resource for those who want to have a better understanding of the Catholic social justice tradition."
—First Things
"This careful reading of the history of papal thought on the modern and postmodern economy should move the Catholic discussion of twenty-first-century economics beyond the familiar refrains that have made that discussion sound like a cacophony of broken records. And at a moment in history when the close linkage between economics and moral philosophy has gotten a bit frayed, Father Zięba's work is a powerful reminder that, as his friend John Paul II insisted, economic choices are always moral choices, especially in a free economy."
—George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, author of Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II
"For a long time to come, this book may well be the definitive work on the economic teaching of the modern popes. . . . No other book so well or so thoroughly discusses papal thought on capitalism."
—Michael Novak, from the foreword
|Eligible for Readers Club Discount


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Used Car - 2007 Lexus IS IS 350 in Houston, Tx
Please Call For Price
About This 2007 Lexus IS IS 350
Vehicle Location:
Houston, Tx
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Fuel Economy Estimates
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG: 24
Estimated Monthly Fuel Cost: $92.71*
*Based on $1.78 per gallon and 15k miles per year.
Actual costs may vary.
Actual costs may vary.
Send This Vehicle To Your Smartphone
Seller's Description and Comments:
Located at Ultimate Motorsport Inc in Houston, Tx. Call Ultimate Motorsport Inc today at 281-657-7293 for more information about this vehicle.
Vehicle Options:
- Abs Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- Am/fm Radio
- Automatic Headlights
- Cargo Area Tiedowns
- Cd Changer
- Cd Player
- Child Safety Door Locks
- Cruise Control
- Daytime Running Lights
- Driver Airbag
- Driver Multi-adjustable Power Seat
- Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
- Electronic Brake Assistance
- First Aid Kit
- Fog Lights
- Front Air Dam
- Front Power Lumbar Support
- Front Side Airbag
- Heated Exterior Mirror
- Interval Wipers
- Keyless Entry
- Leather Seat
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Manual Sunroof
- Passenger Airbag
- Passenger Multi-adjustable Power Seat
- Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror
- Power Door Locks
- Power Sunroof
- Power Windows
- Rear Window Defogger
- Separate Driver/front Passenger Climate Controls
- Side Head Curtain Airbag
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Tachometer
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Tilt Steering
- Tilt Steering Column
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Traction Control
- Trip Computer
- Trunk Anti-trap Device
- Vehicle Anti-theft
- Vehicle Stability Control System
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2007 Lexus IS ReviewThis car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.
New packages enhance performance.
The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans are quick, responsive and fun to drive. Designed to compete with BMW 3 Series sedans, the Lexus IS models are built on rear-wheel-drive chassis tuned for sporty handling. They stick in corners and stop with authority, aided by high-performance brakes and tires.
The IS 350 is propelled with authority as well, benefitting from a 306-hp V6. These are enjoyable and easy cars to drive. The IS 350's VDIM electronic stability control steps in very early to keep the driver out of trouble. The IS 250 AWD model's all-wheel drive makes it a good sports sedan for the Snow Belt. The automatic transmissions are responsive and feature paddle shifters for semi-manual control.
All of them look sporty, with bulging muscles and a purposeful stance. All come loaded with features and are trimmed well, with leather upholstery. A full complement of passive and active safety features comes standard.
New for 2007 is the X-Package, which combines a sports suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels with a bold front spoiler, sport pedals, and illuminated door scuff plates. Also, the electronic stability programs can be disabled by turning off the traction control. Lexus says this might be useful when trying to extricate the car from snow, and in other situations as well.
The Lexus IS 250 ($30,255) is powered by a 2.5-liter V6, which sends 204 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The IS 250 is also available with a six-speed automatic with Formula 1 inspired paddle-shifters.
The IS 250 AWD ($34,285) comes with the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The IS 350 ($35,705) powered by a 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6 with the six-speed automatic. More sophisticated braking and electronic stability systems augment its additional performance.
Leather is standard; the IS 250 AWD comes with special perforated leather and Bird's eye maple accents. Standard features: dual-zone climate control; SmartAccess keyless entry with pushbutton engine start; and a 194-watt, 13-speaker stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer. The audio system features digital signal processing, an electronic crossover network and built-in theft deterrence. It's satellite-ready and includes an audio input jack that accepts external audio sources such as iPod, Walkman, etc.
Standard exterior items are fog lamps, projector beam headlamps, puddle lamps on the underside of the outside rearview mirrors (which are also heated), dual polished stainless steel exhaust pipes, infrared and ultraviolet reducing glass on all the windows, and a color-coordinated front air dam. Also standard are 17-inch aluminum five-spoke wheels fitted with low-profile high-performance radials. The IS 250 AWD comes with all-season 225/45VR17s at all four corners. The IS 250 and IS 350 come standard with all-season 225/45VR17 tires in front and wider 245/45VR17s in the rear, a staggered setup to increase grip under acceleration. Optional 18-inch wheels are available for the rear-drive models only, fitted with summer-only 225/40YR18 tires in front and 255/40YR18s in the rear.
Options include the AWD model's perforated leather trim, wood accents, and heated/ventilated seats. The Luxury Plus Package adds outside mirrors with electrochromic, memory and reverse tilt-down, illuminated scuff plates, a power rear sunshade, memory seats, HID headlamps with AFS (they steer with the front wheels), rain-sensing wipers, and a power tilt/telescope steering wheel with memory. The Sport Package ($2956) adds a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, sport pedals, and metal scuff plates.
The navigation system ($2168) includes voice activation, a rear backup camera (a great safety feature), and Bluetooth wireless technology; buy it with or without the Mark Levinson audio, which employs advanced discrete amplifier technology with 300 watts, and 7.1 channel speaker architecture. The Pre-Collision System ($2280) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is optional.
Safety features for all IS models include driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The brakes are large and effective four-wheel discs, clamped at the front by aluminum four-piston calipers. Augmenting the big brakes are ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Control and traction control (TRAC) come with every IS 250, while the IS 350 gets TRAC as well as a more sophisticated stability program Lexus calls Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).
The Lexus IS sport sedans look sporty, with a purposeful stance. The nose presents the fierce glare of a car that wants to be first in line. The steeply angled hood, made of weight-saving aluminum, is framed by the determined glower of projector beam headlamps and a deep front spoiler and large intake. It's unmistakably Lexus but visually fresh.
The IS slips through the air with quiet stability. In addition to the distinct aerodynamic wedge of the overall shape, a number of small details contribute to the exceptional coefficient of drag (0.28). A front underbody structure creates downforce between the front wheels, a small air kicker integrated in the taillamps helps separate turbulence from the rear corners and reduces drag, and a small trunklid spoiler increases rear downforce.
Lush with creature comfort, trimmed with upscale materials, and crackling with electronic wizardry, the interior environment of the IS sport sedans is pure Lexus. But the cabin is more sports car than family sedan.
A prominent central console clearly establishes the driver and front-passenger zones. The controls wrap around the driver with every gauge and switch within easy scrutiny or close reach. The Optitron gauges are large and easy to read, and their light-saber indicator needles and dynamic redline indication are cool modern. The keyless entry and pushbutton ignition is handy.
Leather upholstery comes standard on the IS 250 and IS 350 with metallic accents appropriately placed around the cabin. The IS 250 AWD comes with perforated leather trim and beautifully crafted bird's-eye maple accents. Each piece is hewn from a single chunk of wood to ensure a perfect match from panel to panel.
The heated and ventilated front seats are a must-have. They come standard on IS 250 AWD and are available on the other models. Once you've tried these seats, there's no going back.
The climate control system features a sophisticated temperature calculation system called Neural-Net, a humidity sensor, a micro dust and pollen filler and, in IS 350, a smog sensor that detects excessive hydrocarbons and automatically reverts to a special recirculation mode until the atmosphere clears.
Driving Impression
The Lexus IS in both rear- and all-wheel-drive forms is quick and easy to drive. It can pull serious Gs in the corners and it stops with authority. In short, these cars are serious sports sedans that rival the BMW 3 Series cars.
The IS 250 AWD is the best choice if winter weather invades your neck of the woods, when the all-wheel-drive system's increased grip is most welcome. The AWD model is heavier than the two-wheel-drive versions, but the IS 250 AWD hauled us over the San Gabriel Mountains on Angeles Crest Highway above Los Angeles without exposing any dire penalties due to its weight.
The IS 350 is the quickest model. Its muscular torque and free-revving engine delivers strong acceleration performance, something we saw driving one at Willow Springs raceway.
We drove several examples of the IS models at competition speeds relentlessly in temperatures that rose above 110 degrees and not one of them stumbled or misfired. Because of the hot, slippery track surface, the tires constantly fought for grip, but the advanced chassis electronics made it easier to keep the cars on the pavement. The inherent balance of the IS models made it easy to push it to the limit, causing the electronic aids to step in and dampen the thrill.
We prefer the automatic over the manual. The automatic is very responsive and offers the driver the ability to shift semi-manually using paddles on the steering wheels. The IS 250's manual six-speed isn't quite good enough to make us opt for it in lieu of the optional automatic. The automatic offers the driver more control over shifting when desired, but the computer steps in to protect against potentially damaging mis-selection of gears.
The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 are true rear-wheel-drive sports sedans. They're quick and fun to drive. The IS 250 is a very enjoyable car. The IS 350 adds abundant power to the equation. And the IS 250 AWD boasts winter weather capability. Regardless of model, this is an easy car to drive quickly as it bonds with the driver, benefits of its balanced chassis and advanced electronic stability control systems. In fact, this bond that the car establishes with the driver is a key element for a great sports sedan.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Greg N. Brown filed this report from Southern California.
Model Lineup
Lexus IS 250 6-speed manual ($30,255); IS 250 six-speed automatic ($31,425); IS 250 AWD ($34,285); IS 350 ($35,705).
Assembled In
Tahara and Kyushu, Japan.
Options As Tested
Model Tested
Lexus IS 350 ($35,705).The Lexus IS 350 is a true rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It's quick and fun to drive thanks to its balanced chassis and advanced electronic stability control system. The IS 350 is propelled with authority, benefitting from a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6. It has VDIM electronic stability control that steps in very early to keep the driver out of trouble. More sophisticated braking and electronic stability systems augment its additional performance. Safety features include driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The brakes are large and effective four-wheel discs, clamped at the front by aluminum four-piston calipers. Augmenting the big brakes have ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist. New for 2007 is the X-Package a sporty performance package.
10311 Altonbury Lane
Houston, Tx. 77031
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It's Time to Enjoy Your Favorite Pastry – My Three Favorite Places to Buy Pastries in Missoula
Yeah! Today could possibly be the best day of the year. Today, Dec. 9 is National Pastry Day, and I love pastries. They are my one weakness when I'm on a diet. Many other things I can resist, but pastries are not one of them. This holiday is a great excuse for me to enjoy some of my favorite pastries.
Great Harvest Bread Co. is one of the best bakeries in Missoula. They have enormous cookies, and make the best cinnamon roll loaf I've ever had. If you are looking for delicious bread, then this is the place for you.
Bernice's Bakery is probably my favorite. Their stuffed cream cheese pockets are amazing, and I've had a few custom cakes from there that are pretty darn good too. You can't go wrong with something from Bernice's Bakery.
Black Cat Bake Shop is another one of Missoula's best bakeries. Their stollen (bread-like fruitcake) is some of the best, and their croissants and huckleberry coffee cake are to die for. Not only does this place have great pastries, but their coffee is pretty darn good too.
If you're looking for a great way to celebrate this day, then try one of these local bakeries. If you really want to celebrate, and are in the holiday mood, you could get some for the whole family.
Joy Larson is a mother of four boys, graduate of The University of Montana, animal lover and writer.


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Here are RER C train schedules for common routes such as Paris to Chateau Versailles and Orly Airport.
The RER C train is complicated with its 8 different terminus stations (used to denote direction of travel).
RER C Schedule – Paris to Versailles (PDF) – If you're going from central Paris to Chateau Versailles (station Versailles-Rive Gauche), this is your schedule. For weekend or statutory holiday travel, use the weekend RER C schedule (just fewer trains, although the timing is basically the same).
At the top of this RER C Timetable is a row for "nom du train". These specify the train route and can be seen on the front of the train itself as it approaches a station. "VICK" trains all travel to Versailles Rive Gauche, the closest station to Chateau Versailles. "SARA" trains do not stop at Versailles Rive Gauche. Be sure to take VICK trains.
This RER C route travels past several central Paris stations (Gare d'Austerlitz, St Michel Notre Dame, Musée d'Orsay, Invalides, Pont de l'Alma, Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel) on its way to Versailles Rive Gauche station in Versailles, the closest train station to Chateau Versailles. RER C trains making this route will be labeled with direction: "Versailles – Rive Gauche". Be careful not to confuse this RER C train direction with "Versailles Chantiers – St Quentin en Yvelines", which does not stop at Versailles – Rive Gauche station. The difference is that Versailles Chantiers station is about 15 minutes walk to the Chateau as opposed to 5 minutes for Versailles Rive Gauche.
RER C Schedule – Paris to Orly Airport (ORY) and Massy TGV Station (PDF) – This schedule stars from Invalides (Army Musuem) RER C station and travels clockwise through Paris, stopping at Orsay Museum, St Michel, Gare d'Austerlitz amongst other stations before making its way to Aeroport d'Orly shuttle bus station (Pont de Rungis) and ends at Massy TGV train station. Note that the RER C does not stop directly at Orly Airport but stops at Pont de Rungis where you must transfer to a RATP bus to complete the journey to Orly Airport terminals West and South. RER C trains making this route will be labeled with direction: "Pont de Rungis – Aeroport d'Orly" or "Massy Palaiseau". The trains will have four letter codes (nom du train) of either ROMI or MONA both on the top of the schedule and on the front of the trains.
(Schedules courtesy of Transilien)
For travelers to and from Orly Airport, here are the first and last trains (valid thru July 2013) from Gare d'Austerlitz and Pont de Rungis station (where a bus completes the journey to the airport):
- First train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Pont de Rungis Aeroport d'Orly 05:07
- Last train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Pont de Rungis Aeroport d'Orly 00:27
- First train from Pont de Rungis Aeroport d'Orly to Gare d'Austerlitz 04:53
- Last train from Pont de Rungis Aeroport d'Orly to Gare d'Austerlitz 23:38
Popular Destinations along RER C train line in Paris
- Eiffel Tower / La Tour Eiffel
- Invalides, Napolean's Tomb
- Orsay Museum / Musée d'Orsay
- Saint-Michel
- Notre Dame
- Austerlitz Train Station / Gare d'Austerlitz
- Library Francois Mitterand / Bibliotheque François Mitterand
- Orly Airport shuttle bus station / Pont de Rungis-Aeroport d'Orly (RER C does not connect directly to Orly Airport, shuttle buses are required from Pont de Rungis station)
- Versailles, Chateau Versailles (outside of Paris)
What Next?
- Search:
- Ask a question or browse the Paris by Train forums for an answer. (Or visit the forum archive).


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All artists struggle at times to put their ideas onto paper. This 20 page book showcases my own illustrations and discusses the processes I used to bring them to life. Clip Studio Paint is the digital media I used to create the pieces within. Both amateur and professional digital artists can benefit from this book.
Here it is in GIF version.


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Brendon S needed a new web page design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 29 designs submitted by 12 freelance designers.
Kupari Boutique Apartments
Kupari is a holiday resort located in Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast specialising in providing accommodation which is clean, comfortable, convenient and affordable. Just 50 metres off the beach and a short stroll to Cavill Ave, Kupari is located trackside for the annual Car Race through the streets of Surfers.
Our existing website (kuparicondos.com) is old, and its time for a fresh design. We're after a clean & elegant design, with page elements well spaced out. Use plenty of white space. We're not interested in incorporating social media or blog elements, although we do have a video tour we'd like to embed. (Hosted by YouTube)
Our new site will be at Kupari.com.au
Primarily family and more mature guests. While Kupari wishes to basically appeal to all age groups the accent is to be toward families and more mature guests, especially those wishing to stay for longer periods.
Kupari markets to a niche of providing accommodation which is comfortable, convenient and affordable, especially to longer stay guests during off-peak periods and during these periods has a tariff structure based on the longer you stay the cheaper the tariff is.
As you design, consider using slightly larger font than usual to cater to older guests.
We're thinking about a fixed width (for 1024 px wide screens) two-column layout, with the sidebar on the right. At the top, lets have a banner containing the logo, phone number, and email address. Include images in the banner if you wish.
Under the banner should be a horizontal menu bar. Menu buttons: Home, Apartments, Rates, Bookings What To Do, Location, Contact Us
We'll also want a link for Policies (booking terms, refunds, cancellation) somewhere, but not part of the main menu.
The sidebar (right side) will contain icons for Enquire, Book Now, and Rates. We may include a widget with current weather conditions.
The main content area (left) will contain page content (headings, bullet points, paragraphs, images, etc)
We're after a clean & elegant design. Page elements should be well spaced, and avoid the over-use of bright colours. We're trying to express "Comfort" more than "Excitement".
Consider a light shade (or beige) body background, with highlights from the logo colours used where appropriate.
Logo and photos here: http://www.tailored.com.au/clients/kupari/
Important: We'd like the design in a layered Photoshop PSD format.


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January 2009, Volume 1, Issue 1
How does your library promote itself?
Send your PR Pointers to: Jane Healy
SIRS Discoverer & SIRS Researcher
Featured Electronic Resource of the Month
South Dakota Jr. Duck Stamp Contest
Contest Deadline is March 15th! Open to All South Dakota Students (K-12). More information is available at sdjuniorduck.org. Download the 8.5 x 11" poster to post at your library. (PDF file)
Welcome to the Cornerstone Archives. Find the current newsletter at sdslcornertsone.blogspot.com.
Welcome to the Cornerstone Archives. Find the current newsletter at sdslcornertsone.blogspot.com.
In Review: School Libraries
A great read-aloud, a Newbery Honor Book, and one for the profession
- Best Children's Books of 2008
- 2010 Summer Reading Program
- South Dakota book wins award
- Young Naturalists Award Program
- StoryTubes 2009—The Library Sponsored Streaming Video Book Review Project Grows
- Endowment offering classic books to young readers
- NEH Small Grants to Libraries
- MLS National Leadership Grants
- Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
- Articles of Interest
E-Resource of the Month
SIRS Discoverer and Researcher
In Focus: Daria Bossman
an interview with the new Assistant State Librarian
Share |
The Cornerstone monthly e-newsletter is created by the South Dakota State Library. For more information on how to be a part of this newsletter, please contact us via e-mail with your questions and ideas.


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Becoming a scientist doesn't usually come with an
expectation of being on the frontlines of a domestic terrorist attack. But for
Paul Keim, Regents' Professor of Biology at Northern Arizona University and a
world-famous researcher in infectious diseases, that's exactly what happened.
Following the 2001 anthrax attacks on the East Coast,
Keim and his research played a crucial role in aiding the United States
military and intelligence community in investigations and clean-up efforts.
Dubbed by some in the media as a "bioterrorism warrior," Keim
conducted genomic analyses on the anthrax inside the contaminated letters that
were sent, and tracked it back to a single flask of anthrax spores from a
laboratory in Maryland.
"[The Northern Arizona University anthrax team] was
the world's experts in DNA analysis and anthrax, and we still are, but we'd
been getting money from the U.S. government to develop tracking tools for where
the anthrax comes from," Keim says. "We investigated numerous natural
outbreaks of anthrax, because you have to understand the natural disease to
spot the unnatural one."
After the 2001 anthrax investigation, Keim applied
similar genetic tracking techniques to other cases. In Haiti, months after a
devastating 2010 earthquake, a cholera outbreak killed 6,000 people. Keim and
his team conducted DNA analysis of the cholera strain found in Haiti, and
tracked it to Nepalese U.N. peacekeepers in Haiti to assist with earthquake
relief efforts.
When heroin users in Scotland contracted anthrax
infections, Keim again tracked the source of the anthrax contamination—this
time to drug smuggling routes in the Middle East. Keim concluded that the
anthrax-tained heroin may have been cut with bonemeal that contained anthrax
spores, or wrapped in contaminated animal hides during the drug's journey to
As a member and former chair of the U.S. National Science
Advisory Board for Biosecurity, Keim works with other experts in infectious
diseases, biology, biosafety, public health, national security, and law
enforcement to analyze the risks and benefits of biological research being
conducted by private ventures. The board reports its recommendations to the Secretary
of the Department of Health and Human Services.
As Keim continues to conduct crucial research for
high-level government use, he also continues to include undergraduates in his
work. In the Center for Microbial Genetics
and Genomics, up to 10 new undergraduates are accepted into the laboratory
every year through a competitive screening process. If they make the cut, not
only are they able to work with Keim, but they are paid to do so.
"We don't want them working a second job at
McDonald's—we want them here working, and it's a real job," Keim says.
"By the time they've been in the lab for a year or two, they're working
very independently. . . I think I've had 150 undergraduates end up as coauthors
on scientific papers."
Those publishing opportunities are not just
resumè-builders. Often, they can mean $10 million in new funding for the lab.
Keim says they are also learning how to communicate at research meetings. Not
surprisingly, many of them want to learn about the forensic side of Keim's
"We have multiple investigations going on right
now," Keim says. "Many times it is not a criminal act—and public
health officials say, 'That's great—you helped us solve this problem and now we
know it wasn't by a person, it was a natural infection.'"
Keim has also taken his ventures off campus, to a
nonprofit research institute called the Translational Genomics Research
Institute, or TGen North, where he is Director of the Pathogen Genomics
Division. He compares its work to that of Lowell Observatory or the Museum of
Northern Arizona—with cross-over research done on campus. At TGen North, the
work is aimed at taking basic research that is typically done in university
laboratories and applying it to help improve public health.
"Both my work at the university and at TGen North
use genomic information toward some end. On campus we tend to do more of the
basic research—especially in the areas of ecology and diverse organisms—it's
called translational genomics. At TGen we're much more driven by the
applications information toward the clinic."
As it turns out, Keim's work at the university represents
a sort of homecoming. He graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in biology
and chemistry. Truth be told, Keim says, he didn't think he'd be coming back,
convinced that the university couldn't support the type of research he wanted
to do at the level he wanted to do it. He envisioned a career spent in genetic,
genomic, and DNA analysis. Specifically, he wanted to explore DNA to understand
genes and how organisms are related to each other. But, Keim says, when the
time came his alma mater delivered.
"There was a position that opened up and I was recruited,"
Keim says. "They convinced me I could do what I wanted to do and I'd say
twenty two years later that it was true."
Colleagues and numerous professional organizations have
recognized Keim's work. In 2002, he was elected a fellow of the American
Academy of Microbiology, which acknowledges outstanding scientific achievement
and original contributions to the field. As the Cowden Endowed Chair in
Microbiology, Keim holds one of only six endowed chairs at the university. Most
recently, Keim was named the 2012 Bioscience Researcher of the Year at the
AZBio Awards.


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This is the best I could do with an auto-timer and a dark day in Nashville. I love the cardigan, though, and have worn it for the past couple of days straight. It's a perfect weight for Nashville: the wool makes it warm but the shorter sleeves and open front make it very wearable in relatively mild weather. Cascade 220 is the best, as far as I'm concerned: no pilling yet (and I've been wearing the heck out this cardigan), great stitch definition, minimal stretching. And it's affordable. In a million colors.
I'll count my ball bands and put the details up on Ravelry soon.
I'm also attempting the Rooster's strategy today: fake it to make it. As I understand it, awesome boots are essential. So since these new red ones (on sale!) arrived yesterday, it seemed a shame to leave them in the box. And with a head cold that won't quit, getting out of the house was my only option for getting anything done.
What do you think, dear internet? Do these make me look stumpy? I love them and will be keeping them (so comfy for walking!), but I nonetheless suspect that they bring out the stump. Not that it takes much.


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designmuse needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 196 designs submitted by 40 freelance designers.
Designmuse is an agile software design and development company with expertise in web and iPhone development. Our goal is to create a new brand for our company that emphasizes our development expertise and agile principles.
Our customers range from internet start-ups to mid-size companies for which we develop engaging web and iPhone application using agile development practices.
The logo should work both in small and large scale ranging from business cards to full screen presentations.
The logo should work well for both interactive and print materials.
The logo does not need to match any existing branding or color scheme.
Ideally the logo would communicate one or more of the following key concepts about our company.
Technical Expertise/Craftsmanship
User Focused/Interactive/Engaging
The logo should be more high-tech than fine arts. We prefer designmuse to be all lowercase. The color schemes we favor are dark grey combined with a sharp blue, green or orange. However, we encourage you to be creative with both color schemes and concepts in designing an engaging new logo for our company. We will provide ratings and feedback throughout the contest.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Pinterest is a promising visual bookmarking platform. It is gaining in popularity more and more and of course teachers and educators are part of this success for there are now a burgeoning number of educational boards on Pinterest where you can get free access to tons of web tools and teaching tips.There are also some great educational Pinners that are committed to sharing useful resources with their fellow teachers. In this regard, Educational Technology and Mobile Learning has its own Pinterest Board where we have been pinning everything we publish here or we find in other blogs and websites, make sure to follow us to stay updated about our future pinnings.
Via Andrea Zeitz, Les Howard, Lynnette Van Dyke, Gust MEES, Gianfranco D'Aversa


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Views: 161
That is not the only point of view, Travis. You might like to read this item from P.Z. Myers' blog . . .
He despairs of people who limit the claim to: 'All atheism is, is the fact that one does not believe in a god or gods. Nothing more, nothing less.'
On the other hand, I agree with you, Travis. The word atheist means exactly what you have said. For example refer to:-
Noun: atheist ey-thee-ist
1. Someone who does not believe in god; someone who believes that no deities exist
Adjective: atheist ey-thee-ist
1. Related to or characterized by or given to atheism
"atheist leanings";
- atheistic, atheistical
Refer also to:-http://www.wordwebonline.com/search.pl?w=atheism
Noun: atheism 'ey-thee,i-zum
1. The doctrine or belief that there is no God
- godlessness
2. A lack of belief in the existence of God or gods
Thus contrary to what Myers says, an atheist cannot be a rock or a tree, etc., because an atheist must be someone, (ie. a person). Atheism is a doctrine so must be held by people, and NOT animals or inanimate things.
But atheists are in their state of mind for many and varied reasons, and have a wide variety of attitudes. A baby is an atheist by default – they are atheist, because they are not theist. So if a person is a considered atheist, (meaning that they have arrived at a conclusion after an honest consideration of the issues and possibilities, and have come to the answer that atheism is the truth as best can be known), then we need to know more, to understand that individual. The thing which all atheists have in common, is their not believing in a god or gods - nothing more, nothing less. After that, to know more, we need to enquire of individuals why and how they come to be atheist.
When Myers says: 'If I ask you to explain to me why you are an atheist, reciting the dictionary at me, you are saying nothing: asking why you are a person who does not believe in god is not answered when you reply, "Because I am a person who does not believe in god." And if you protest when I say that there is more to the practice of atheism than that, insisting that there isn't just makes you dogmatic and blind', he is right, but I strongly suspect that the critics to whom he refers did no such thing. Yet some people are in fact atheist, without any consideration of the position, for example babies; those who have never heard of the gods; and those who simply don't care.
There are two separate questions here:-
Q1) What is an atheist? A1) Someone who does not believe in god; someone who believes that no deities exist
Q2) Why you are an atheist? A2) It could take several books to answer.
I don't think history will judge atheists in the end for:
1. the enslavement of blacks - Leviticus 25:44-46 establishes slavery as part of God's eternal covenant with humanity
2. Lev. also legitimizes apartheid and the South African racist regime of the 20th century was led by one of the most religious ethnicities on Earth, the Boers
3. it was catholics in Europe who cooked mothers alive before the eyes of their children, based on the line in deuteronomy 'thou shalt not suffer a witch to live' ... not to mention jews, gays and the genocide of cathars and other 'sacred' wars, if a war can be deemed sacred
4. jihad and contemporary terrorism
5. the crusades, where so many jews and muslims in Jerusalem were slaughtered that the streets were RIVERS of blood, literally
6. the genocide of indigenous Americans was overtly legitimized by Christian salvific theology: back then, "I have come that you may have LIFE" was literally understood as, if you don't believe in Christ, you have no right to live
7. terrorism is inaugurated in Exodus 32 where Moses has 3,000 killed, only for the crime of not believing in his god ... he then praises God's soldiers for having killed their own brothers and neighbors. this verse reads exactly like a modern terrorist fatwa, a decree by a terrorist moslem imam. can't discern the difference between Moses, the most revered old testament prophet, and Osama Bin Laden
8. Joshua then was hailed as a hero for the takeover of Jericho: Joshua 12 mentions 31 cities where no one was left breathing according to the Bible, because the ancient jews were so fu**ing holy that god chose them to exterminate all the canaanites and steal their land ... then Elijah massacred the devotees of Baal ... then Samuel had the Amalekites massacred (1 Samuel 15:3) including the elderly, the newborn, the ass, the goats and all their animals ... then Muhammad massacred two Jewish tribes ... and so on all the way to the present
9. in America, the mormons almost recreated the good old days when, profoundly confused by the teachings of their leader Joseph Smith, they decided that Missouri was Eden and that they would found their new Sion there. The people of Missouri, when their land began to be taken over, organized an uprising to remove them from their lands that the Mormons use to this day to make themselves out to be the victims of, and if it wasn't for the courage of the people of Missouri, today we would have a state of Israel in the center of the United States.
there is no shortage of attrocities in 'sacred' history. these took place, not in spite of religious values but BECAUSE OF religious values. Religious values can never replace true human values and morals.
Also as for being mainstream: 85 % of Swedes are atheists, and Sweden is one of the closest things to utopia on planet Earth, in fact Scandinavian countries overall are the least religious and the Danish were in recent years declared one of the happiest people on Earth. These are just plain facts: these are societies where the prisons are empty because there's very little crime and where people can become doctors, courtesy of the state because there is no need to pay tuition at the university level. Compare that to the U.S. with the largest prison population on Earth, and where most of us can't afford a decent higher level education.
Also, atheist societies are more egalitarian, people's intelligence is better respected and are more friendly towards democracy and human rights. Religious societies are invariably always hostile to human rights, and the more religious are extremely hostile - take Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanis, they're all anti-democracy and anti-human rights. It is all, literally, FOREIGN to them.
then there's Uganda and its recent 'kill the gays' bill. Christians in Nigeria pushed for 14 year imprisonment for homosexuality ... and even the people commiting acts of child sacrifice in Uganda, when questioned, invariably cite the acts of Abraham and others in the Bible like Jephtah who burned his own daughter to Jehovah as a burnt offering. They are labeled 'Ugandan witches' but their belief is Bible-based.
and so NO, I don't think we should be worried about atheism going mainstream and giving us a bad name. it would take thousands of years for atheists to even match the butchery and savagery and madness of religious people throughout history.
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Jenna Jameson has canceled her remaining TV interviews to promote her book ... after a string of sloppy, disastrous appearances, TMZ has learned.
Sources tell us Jenna canceled a local news station interview Thursday morning with little notice ... then the former porn star told her people to pull the plug on the rest of the interviews on her schedule.
We're told ... Jenna felt the negative attention surrounding her previous interviews was overwhelming and she desperately needed a break.
Jenna isn't abandoning all publicity -- she still plans to attend a book signing event in L.A. Friday night, but won't be conducting any on-camera interviews.
After that, Jenna begins her break. No word on how long she plans on laying low.