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Tuesday, May 08, 2012
by Dawne
An icon of genealogy, the NGS Quarterly, turns 100 years old in 2012. Those of you who are members of the National Genealogical Society will have noticed a history of the quarterly in the March 2012 issue. NGSQ debuted nine years after the establishment of NGS in 1903, and its early issues were filled more with record abstracts and indexes, as compared to the methodology articles and case studies that are published in later editions. Today's NGSQ includes a smattering of previously unpublished source material, but primarily features compiled genealogies, case studies and "how-to" articles, along with descriptions of little-known resources and detailed articles about researching specific ethnic groups, record types and geographic regions. Detailed book reviews are another important part of the NGSQ. Whatever the content, throughout the publication's history, the constant has been an emphasis on "scholarship, readability and practical help in problem solving," according to the NGS website. The NGSQ is a benefit of membership in the National Genealogical Society, and today's members may opt to receive the traditional paper copy by mail, or a PDF version. Members may access the NGS website to search or browse full-text issues from 1978 to the present. Anyone may search the complete NGSQ index (1912-present) by author or title, or browse lists of authors and titles, and order back issues from the society or search for articles on the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) available through Heritage Quest Online to order copies from The Genealogy Center. For more information about the National Genealogical Society or NGSQ, point your browser to http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/.
Posted by: ACPL Genealogy Center
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Learn the basics of starting your family history research with The Genealogy Center's Beginners' classes during Summer 2012.
Getting the Most from a Book
Saturday, May 12, 10:00AM-11:00AM, Meeting Room A, Delia Bourne
Sounds simple, doesn't it? But not all books are the same. Differing formats, different types of information, different indexing systems can actually make evaluating the information a little more difficult, especially for beginners. This class will discuss the basics of using books and how to retrieve and evaluate all possible information.
How to Use the Genealogy Center: Basics
Saturday, June 23, 10:00AM-11:00AM, Meeting Room A, Melissa Shimkus
Have you taken a tour of The Genealogy Center and still feel confused? Do you wonder how all the details make sense to other people? Spend time with a staff member who will explain the catalog, microtext area, and how to use the facility. Note: This session is not a beginning genealogy class, but rather an explanation of the collection.
Ancestry: The Beginner's Way to Search
Saturday, July 28, 10:00AM-11:00AM, Meeting Room A, Melissa Shimkus
Are you new to genealogy? Have you tried Ancestry.com and felt confused? If so, attend this session to learn the basic steps to begin your genealogy search and navigate this database successfully.
Beginner's Guide to Vital Records
Saturday, August 25, 10:00AM-11:00AM, Meeting Room A, Delia Bourne
Vital records are the Holy Grail of genealogical records, definitively providing a legal document that records a date of birth and parents, marriage date and place, or evidence of a death, perhaps providing parents or cause of death. However, birth and death records were not commonly recorded until the 20th Century, and even the availability of marriage records depend on the locale and culture. This class will explain what can be found in a vital record, and what other sources may be used when the official record is missing.
For more information, please see the brochure. Please register for either of these classes by calling 260-421-1225 or send an email to email@example.com.
Monday, Apr 30, 2012
More than 100 attendees enjoyed two tracks of lectures, snacks, hospitality, networking with other genealogists, and an opportunity to research in The Genealogy Center during Saturday's Indiana Genealogical Society Annual Meeting and Conference. The day featured lectures dealing with the nitty-gritty "how to" of genealogical research methods, navigating online databases like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org, writing a family history, and exploring new sources like patent records. Speakers were Debbie Mieszala, CG, Melissa Shimkus, Michael Hall and Curt Sylvester. Between sessions, the local Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana provided hospitality in the form of conversation, cookies and drinks. During the IGS annual meeting, area residents Charlotte Blair of Whitley County and Judy Richter of Noble County were honored for their contributions to the field of genealogy. Three IGS members were inducted into the Society of Civil War Families of Indiana, having proven direct lineage to a Civil War soldier who served from Indiana. In addition, the first class of IGS's newest affiliate society, the Territorial Guard Society of Indiana, was inducted. To qualify, five members proved direct lineage from someone who was a resident of Indiana before statehood, 11 Dec. 1816. President Michael Maben gave a "state of the society" address, and Vice President Tina Lyons announced that Indiana's 1940 federal census is now 100 percent indexed. It was a memorable and motivating day!
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012
During Fort Wayne Ancestry Day's Ask the Experts Panel, we received so many questions that we were unable to answer them all during the event. The following are questions asked and The Genealogy Center staff's responses.
How do I find records in Poland with just a birth date and possible city?
You don't give the date of the birth, and that is important. Some Polish records have been microfilmed by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, including both civil vital records and baptismal records from churches. You should check the online catalog for the name of the town and see what is available for the years you are interested. You should know that for privacy reasons, the FHL was unable to microfilm records after a certain date, usually 1875. You may need to hire a genealogical researcher in Poland to do the research you need. One research firm advertises in the APG Quarterly.
What is the best way to search for family in the "old country?"
This question is difficult to answer because you do not state what country was your family's old country. The research procedures vary widely, depending on the country. It is always wise to check the Family History Library Catalog for the most specific place that you can find. "Germany" or "England" are too general. You will need to know a specific town before you can begin.
What is the most effective search to find documents in a European city that is reported to have burned, along with the records?
First, find a genealogical how-to book for the country. It will give you a brief history of the country, as well as listing archives, churches, and other facilities to locate records. You can also do a catalog search on Family Search. Besides checking their catalog, you may wish to check out their Research Wiki, which also explains what type of records are available and where they are located.
Thursday, Apr 26, 2012
Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012
Monday, Apr 23, 2012
Writing a family history is the goal of many genealogists who want to take preserve for future generations the material that they have found during countless hours of research. Allen County Genealogical Society President Curt Sylvester will present "Writing a Book Using Family Tree Maker and Microsoft Word" during the 2012 Indiana Genealogical Society Conference, Saturday, April 28, at the Allen County Public Library. The featured speaker for this year's conference is Debbie Mieszala, CG(sm), of the Chicago area. Also presenting lectures will be Melissa Shimkus, librarian in The Genealogy Center, and Michael Hall of FamilySearch. The IGS Conference is open to the public. Cost is $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. To register online or print a registration form, visit the IGS website.
Saturday, Apr 21, 2012
FamilySearch.org is a free website produced and maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) with access to record abstracts and actual digital images of some records. Specific to Indiana, FamilySearch has more than 3,000,000 entries in four databases of births and christenings, marriages and deaths. Michael Hall of FamilySearch will be at the Allen County Public Library on Saturday, April 28, to speak on "Finding Indiana Records and Research in FamilySearch" at the 2012 Indiana Genealogical Society Conference. Michael also will present a second talk, "What's New With FamilySearch." The second track of the conference will be completed with lectures by Genealogy Center librarian Melissa Shimkus and Allen County Genealogical Society President Curt Sylvester. The featured speaker this year is Debbie Mieszala, CG(sm), of the Chicago area. The IGS Conference is open to the public. Cost is $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. To register online or print a registration form, visit the IGS website.
Wednesday, Apr 18, 2012
Has this ever happened to you? You are doing a search in Ancestry.com and you ask for 1860 census entries for an individual in Allen County, Indiana, but the first several results you get are for another county entirely. Yet there are Allen County, Indiana, results further down in the list. WHY does this happen and how can you get the results that you really want? Genealogy Center librarian Melissa Shimkus will demonstrate tips for getting the most meaningful results for your searches in Ancestry.com at a presentation titled "Becoming Expert on Using Ancestry" at this year's Indiana Genealogical Society Conference, Saturday, April 28, at the Allen County Public Library. The conference also will two talks by FamilySearch's Michael Hall and one by Allen County Genealogical Society President Curt Sylvester, as well as four presentations by featured speaker Debbie Mieszala, CG(sm). The IGS Conference is open to the public. Cost is $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. To register online or print a registration form, visit the IGS website.
Monday, Apr 16, 2012
If someone suggests that you search for material for your ancestors at FamilySearch.org and you think, "Been there, done that," think again! New material is being added to this free site at an amazing rate. Some of this material is indexes and abstracts, along with the film numbers of microfilmed records that you may order from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, to be used at The Genealogy Center. For other record types and localities, FamilySearch is linking digital images of the original records. FamilySearch employee Michael Hall from Utah will present a lecture on "What's New With Family Search" at the 2012 Indiana Genealogical Society Conference, Saturday, April 28, at the Allen County Public Library. The conference also will include a second lecture by Hall, talks by Genealogy Center librarian Melissa Shimkus, and Allen County Genealogical Society President Curt Sylvester, as well as four presentations by featured speaker Debbie Mieszala, CG(sm). The IGS Conference is open to the public. Cost is $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. To register online or print a registration form, visit the IGS website.
Sunday, Apr 15, 2012
by Delia
We like to think that all of the records that we will ever need for our family history research will always be available when we want to need them. And we just know that all of these records will eventually be digitized and available online for us to examine at our leisure. But the sad fact is that some records from the War of 1812 languish in the National Archives, difficult to search; protected and preserved, but slowly deteriorating all the same. The federal government does not have the $3.7 million to digitize the pension records from that war.
The Federation of Genealogical Societies is spearheading a fund-raising project among historians, family historians and others interested in preserving our heritage. Preserve the Pensions! wishes to have these records digitized and made available for free by the end of the War's bicentennial in 2012. The cost of preserving two documents is only $1, and since Ancestry is matching the project's donations, every dollar that is donated will actually digitize four documents! More than seven million documents are waiting. One can donate in honor of a living person, as a memorial for a deceased loved one, or in honor of a specific War of 1812 service person.
Learn more about how you or your society can assist in this vital project by visiting Preserve the Pensions! Help preserve their stories!
Saturday, Apr 14, 2012
by Delia
As I am sure you've seen in the news media, one of the most famous ship wrecks of all time occurred one hundred years ago tonight. Of course, the Titanic was famous even before it sank in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912. It was one of the largest passenger ships at the time, and with all of its safety features, it was reported to be unsinkable. The various stories and legends of the event have been told and retold, and many of us have watched movies fictionalizing the event, including the 1958 "Night to Remember," based on the Walter Lord book of the same title. When the 1997 James Cameron movie came out, a number of people came into the department, asking to see the "Titanic passenger list."
First of all, the Titanic never made it to port in New York, so a passenger list was never submitted to US immigration authorities. Most of those who survived arrived on other ships, most notably the Carpathia. The bodies that were recovered were, for the most part, buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Feisty Rose, doomed Jack and evil fiance Cal from the movie "Titanic" were fictional, although, yes, we've been asked about them. Other figures in the movie were real, including "the unsinkable" Molly Brown, who survived; John Jacob Astor, who did not; and Ida Strauss, who declined to flee on a lifeboat, preferring to stay with her husband Isadore, one of the owners of Macy's Department Store.
There are many sources, both books and online, for research on Titanic passengers and accounts of the events of that night, or you can just get a box of tissues and watch one of the movies. Since this event combines popular culture with our own historical leanings, others can enjoy the movies in memory of the disaster, while we as genealogists will look further for the historical background.
Friday, Apr 13, 2012
Sometimes the most interesting information about our ancestors can be found in records that we don't use on a daily basis. These less common sources are the ones that can "put flesh on the bones" of our ancestors and make them more to us than someone who was born, married and died. One of the four talks to be presented by featured speaker Debbie Mieszala, CG(sm) at this year's Indiana Genealogical Society Conference will be on one of these less-common record groups. Debbie will discuss locating patent records in her lecture, "Patently Unique: Locating Patent Records, Online and Off" at the Allen County Public Library on Saturday, April 28. The conference also includes a second track of lectures and the society's annual meeting and presentation of inductees into the Society of Civil War Families of Indiana and the Indiana Territorial Guard. It is open to the public. Cost is $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. To register online or print a registration form, visit the IGS website.
Thursday, Apr 12, 2012
There always seemed to be disasters in every place I have lived. There were hurricanes in New Orleans, brush fires in southern California, and, of course, tornadoes in Indiana. While we can't avert those disasters, we can mitigate the damage to our genealogical research files if those disaster do occur around our homes.
You already know that you should back up your computer files, preferably each time you do research. Backing up from the USB drive you carry with you to a research facility or backing up your work on your computer to an external hard drive is always a good idea in case of a computer crash. But picture what will happen if a devastating event (flood, fire, tornado) occurs and wipes out all of the back-ups, paper files, and photograph books that are in your home. Spring is a good time to consider your options:
Not all of these suggestions will appeal to you, but it's up to you to make the move to insure that your years of research findings are not borne away on a strong wind or disappear in a puff of smoke.
Wednesday, Apr 11, 2012
Tuesday, Apr 10, 2012
by Dawne
Once you have received that death record by mail, or found a digital image of it online, you enter the death date and place for your ancestor into your genealogy computer program and file the record away … but, wait! Have you squeezed every bit of information out of that record that you can? What else might it reveal that you haven't considered? Can it lead you to other potential avenues of research? Do you really know – and understand – what it says and what the record implies? Debbie Mieszala, CG(sm) will teach listeners about "Digging Through Documents Word for Word" at this year's Indiana Genealogical Society Conference, to be held at the Allen County Public Library Saturday, April 28. As featured speaker, she will present a total of four lectures. The conference also includes a second track of lectures and the society's annual meeting and presentation of inductees into the Society of Civil War Families of Indiana and the Indiana Territorial Guard. It is open to the public. Cost is $30 for IGS members and $40 for non-members. To register online or print a registration form, visit the IGS website.
Sunday, Apr 08, 2012
The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana is pleased to offer "Getting
Started in Family History & Genealogy Research," on Saturday April 14, 2012,
from 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon, in Meeting Rooms A & B. This three-hour
workshop, presented by Margery Graham, will show one how to begin a family
history search, how to gather and organize information to produce the best
results, and how to employ basic research methods. The workshop will end with a
tour of The Genealogy Center. The fee is $10 and pre-registration is required.
To register or to obtain more information, contact Marge at 260-672-2585 or by
email at email@example.com.
This workshop will lead into The Genealogy Center's Tree Talks series (May through August) which features
classes aimed to aid the beginner in family history. To learn more, please view the Tree Talks for Beginners brochure.
Saturday, Apr 07, 2012
by Melissa
Genealogy and I have experienced all the twists and turns expected of a tumultuous relationship. As a child, I spent every summer on my grandparents' farm. Those days were spent roaming the hills, hearing stories about my grandfather's experience in World War II, and anecdotes about the additions to the family home. During church, my grandmother would point at someone and say, that is your great aunt or your fourth cousin once removed or your cousin through grandpa's cousin's aunt's family. I grew up with many aunts and uncles who were actually third and fourth cousins, but I did not know it as a child.
Twenty plus years later, I started library school with the intention of being a university librarian, but fate stepped in. The only job opening I found that worked with my school schedule was a position in the "history and geology department" of my public library. My first day on the job, I was shocked to discover I was employed in the history and genealogy department and that instead of working with questions concerning rocks and history, I would help people with their family history. My supervisor handed me a pedigree chart and advised me to begin my own genealogy research so I could understand the customer's experiences. Once I began digging, I became obsessed with piecing the puzzle together. The search was fascinating and the stories revealed with each record, painted such an amazing landscape, and I finally began to recognize those names my grandmother used to mention in church. As with most people though, other obligations prevented me with my ancestors although I helped others daily, I drifted apart from my personal genealogy.
As I prepared to graduate with my new degree, I attended a library conference so I could interview for my dream job with a university. Hour after hour of lectures on reference material left me feeling confused and disillusioned by my career path until I asked to listen to a discussion concerning a new online database called Heritage Quest Online. Imagine my shock at discovering my love of genealogy once again. This chance meeting changed the course of my career and life forever. Listening to the flow of discussion and being asked to participate, I realized genealogy was my future.
For me, genealogy is not only the study of family history, but it is an insight into the sociological history of our country, our communities, and our family. I spend every day placing the pieces of my family and my customer's family together. The stories shared and the mysteries unfolding hold me engrossed. As for my personal family history, I have a better appreciation of the individuals who kept making additions to that old family home. I discovered that the hills I had roamed as a child have been in my family for the past two centuries, giving my youthful moments more meaning. Though genealogy and I have been together for many years, it took a while for me to accept it is a true passion.
Friday, Apr 06, 2012
by Kay
National what day, you ask. Never heard of it. Hoots mon, there's probably a good reason for that. Unlike St. Patrick's Day, Tartan Day has only been recognized as a national observance in the United States since 2005. So what do we do on Tartan Day? Och, dinna fash yourself! We celebrate our Scottish heritage and we do it by wearing our tartan. Now, I'm not going to talk about the story of the tartans and whether or not a family tartan is really a family tartan; that's a different story. What this day is for is to celebrate Scottish heritage. There are approximately 6 million people in the United States who can claim Scottish descent. Maybe you are one of them, but even if you're not you can still celebrate the day!
The date of April 6 was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, in 1320, which is also another story. So, dust off that bagpipe, have a dram of whiskey and a bite of haggis, pin some heather to your bonnet and wrap yourself in a tartan. Celebrate your heritage. And my wish for you on April 6: Lang may yer lum reek.
"Discovering your roots just got easier!"
© 2010-2018 ACPL The Genealogy Center. All Rights


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Reinventing mobility with sustainability in mind takes more than just a vision. You need answers to a plethora of emerging questions, the first of which is: Where does sustainability begin? The answer: in the same place as it ends.Sustainability characterises the thoughts and actions of the BMW Group. Which is why the BMW Group is the Dow Jones Sustainability Index leader for the eighth year in succession, making it the most sustainable company in the automotive industry yet again. With EfficientDynamics, BMW has set itself the goal of continually reducing emissions while increasing driving pleasure. BMW i uses a wealth of innovative BMW EfficientDynamics technologies and goes even further: From design to production, from the useful life of the vehicle to its disposal, every detail is based on sustainability. Because sustainability is an attitude that doesn't have a beginning or an end.
The aim of developing the BMW i cars is not simply to build emission-free cars, but also to use the maximum possible amount of sustainably produced and recycled materials - especially inside. The interior of the BMW i3 sets a new standard here and makes sustainability tangible.Another milestone is the completely innovative LifeDrive car architecture, with its carbon passenger cell and aluminium drive module that reduce its weight enormously and extend the car's range.
The BMW Group has topped the Dow Jones Sustainability Index every year since 2005 as the world's most sustainable automobile manufacturer. Rather than become complacent, we were motivated to create new standards: the energy-intensive carbon fibre manufacturing process was set up in Moses Lake, USA, because it can be operated there using clean energy from one of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants - the Grand Coulee Dam. The BMW i plant in Leipzig is also fully powered using electricity from 4 wind turbines installed specifically for that purpose on the plant premises. In addition, the energy consumption required to produce the cars in the Leipzig plant was reduced by 50 % and water consumption by as much as 70 %.**compared to the industry-leading BMW Standard.
In order for these electric cars to be both extremely agile and remarkably efficient, an intelligent cooling system keeps the battery at its optimal operating temperature at all times. BMW i drivers can also activate exceptionally economical driving modes at the push of a button which extend the range by around 30 % to almost 200 km.* Consistent sustainability means that even CO2 emissions generated outside the car are reduced or avoided. This is why BMW i is working with sustainable partners including renewable energy producers to make electricity from renewable sources easily accessible to BMW i drivers.*depending on individual driving behaviour, calculated in an internal BMW power consumption study.
Experience the BMW i3 interactively on your smartphone.
How can electric components be recycled most efficiently? By reusing them. There are many ways to repurpose the high-performance lithium-ion high-voltage battery from a BMW i after its use in a car: easily and effectively as an intermediate power store in solar or wind power systems, for example.BMW i is also a pioneer in the processing of carbon fibres and their recycling. To the BMW Group, remnants from carbon production and the production of carbon components are valuable materials that are either channelled back into the production process or reused in other areas.But even that was not enough for us, so 95 % of the materials used to produce a BMW i3 can be recycled.

subset: commoncrawl


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Every year when Anchor Brewing releases its new Christmas Ale, we pick up a six pack and compare it to the previous year's beer. Last year we finally finished our first six pack.
This year the holidays and various events have conspired to prevent us from holding our annual comparison before Christmas. But, I felt like it would be a shame to pass the holiday without featuring Anchor Christmas Beer on the Blog.
While every year the beer is a spiced brown ale, every year the mix of spices and character of the beer is a bit different. It also has a different tree on the label. This year is Quercus lobata (Valley Oak) a California Native. I detect vanilla and maybe a bit of citrus in the beer. As it warmed it almost had a sour character. Pleasant. Still, one bottle of this type of "spiced cake beer" is plenty for me.
Supposedly, Beer geeks know how to interpret this unusual sequence of numbers and letters for the information it contains. I put this up for their benefit and enjoyment.


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For water damage, fire damage, carpet cleaning, tile cleaning, all types of restoration and disaster clean up call Steam Team a division of TST Restoration. We have been serving Austin since 1983. Call us at 512-451-8326 today.
The Steam Team is the number one choice for cleaning and restoration in Austin,Texas. We have over three decades of experience in cleaning and maintaining commercial and residential flooring. We take pride in our reputation, experience, systems, education and guarantee. Our mission is to provide you with the most outstanding service experience ever. We also are leaders and specialize in restoration, from water damage to smoke and fire damage restoration. Voted best rug cleaning in Austin by the Austin Monthly Magazine.
Steam Team and TST Restoration Services:
Carpet Cleaning, Tile & Grout Cleaning Austin, Wood Floor Cleaning, Stone Cleaning & Polishing, Fabric & Upholstery Cleaning, Air Duct Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning
Water Damage Restoration,Fire Damage Restoration, Storm and Flood Restoration, Disaster Restoration, Construction Services, Contents Restoration
Since 1983, our number one goal has been customer satisfaction, and over the years we have continually raised the bar in exceeding customer expectations. In fact, we even guarantee our services; if at any time you are not completely satisfied, we will do whatever it takes to rectify the problem. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and all of our technicians are IICRC Certified. We provide award winning customer service and are recognized as a leader in the industry.
Contact us today for a quote or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you as we have served the larger Austin area for over thirty years! If you live in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Marble Falls, Westlake, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Leander, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, Bastrop, Pflugerville, Spicewood, San Marcos or in any other city in the Austin Metroplex area, Call us at 512-451-8326 to schedule an appointment for all of our residential or commercial cleaning or restoration services. We service Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Georgetown, Round Rock, Manor, Hutto and Austin carpet cleaning customers everywhere.


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Calhoun to Obama in White House ceremony: 'Yes, we did'
Presidential honors: UConn men's basketball team celebrated at White House
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama saluted the University of Connecticut men's basketball team at the White House on Monday for winning the national championship and joshed that he had made a "big mistake" by failing to pick them to win.
"I have to be honest -- this is a bittersweet day for me," Obama said. "On the one hand, I get to congratulate a great team and a great coach on winning the national championship. On the other hand, I'm reminded once again that my bracket was a bust. I did not pick UConn to win it all. That was a big mistake."
Obama continued: "Next time you guys decide to reel off 11 straight wins, please let me know ahead of time," referring to the Huskies sensational season closing.
UConn's streak was "a surprise to everybody but themselves and the coach," the president said. "These guys knew they had something special."
Obama cited Coach Jim Calhoun and players Shabazz Napier, Jeremy Lamb and Kemba Walker.
Walker "will go down in history as one of the greatest ever to wear the Huskies uniform," Obama said. "And a player who always lived by his dad's advice: `It's not the size of the person, it's the size of the heart.' "
When his turn at the mike came, Calhoun joked that Walker wanted a "one-on-one game" with Obama.
"I'm ready," Obama replied. "As long as he's wearing street shoes and a suit."
The audience roared.
Calhoun said the Huskies were "kind of an underdog, much as you were ... But you know what? `Yes, we can!" -- a theme from Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
Obama replied, "Yes, we can. I like that."
Calhoun continued: "And like you, Mr. President, yes, we did. We did, because we cared. We cared as a family. We cared about each other. We accepted our roles, we accepted who we are and did everything possible to be the best."
Walker, the MVP in the championship tournament, joked: "I want to ask you, can you teach me that walk?"
Obama replied, "That's a special presidential walk," suggesting that Walker might have a career in politics. "You look pretty good behind the podium, I got to say."
The audience loved the banter.
The team, arrayed in three rows on risers with UConn President-elect Susan Herbst in the middle, posed with Obama after Walker presented the president with a white UConn jersey, No. 1.
The audience of 170 people included interim UConn President Philip E. Austin (first row) and Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn. (second row).
The team's visit marked the third consecutive year Obama has welcomed a UConn squad to the White House. In 2010 and 2009, he congratulated the UConn women's basketball team for its national championship wins.
The Huskies won the NCAA championship, their third, on April 4 by beating Butler University in the finals in Houston, ending the season with a 32-9 record that included an 11-game winning streak that gave them the championship.
Earlier, the team and coaches gave a basketball clinic to 14 students from the Eliot-Hine Middle School in Washington at the outdoor basketball court on the South Lawn of the White House in August-level humidity under threatening skies.
Calhoun and assistant coach Kevin Ollie gave pep talks to the youngsters.
"You can be anything you set your mind to," Calhoun told them. "Who you put yourself around can determine who you are."


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North Avenue
Carvel Ice Cream Store, North Ave, NY
(914) 633-3305
- Today
- 10:30am - 11pm
- Wednesday - BOGO Buy One Get One Free Sundae Every Week!
- 10:30am - 11pm
- Thursday
- 10:30am - 11pm
- Friday
- 10:30am - 11pm
- Saturday
- 10:30am - 11pm
- Sunday
- 10:30am - 11pm
- Monday
- 10:30am - 11pm
Location Info
Carvel...America's favorite soft serve ice cream since 1934 is serving up smiles in the New Rochelle community with delicious handmade ice cream and take-home treats.
Stop by our convenient location at 642 North Ave to enjoy one of our famous ice cream creations, such as a classic sundae, thick shake, Sundae Dasher® or Carvelanche®. Take-home treats, including Carvel Flying Saucers®, OREO® Lil' Rounders®, dipped cones or Chipsters®, are also available to pick up.
You can wow guests and family members with one of our ice cream cakes. Our legendary, handmade creations combine layers of Carvel premium vanilla and chocolate ice cream with our famous chocolate crunchies. Give us a call to special order a cake in the flavor combination of your choice. We can even put an edible photo image on your cake!
All of our products are freshly handmade in our shoppe, providing you with the freshest, most delicious treats available. Come on down. We can't wait to serve you!
This Carvel Shoppe unit is an independently owned and operated franchise business.


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Kaposi's sarcoma on the thigh
Kaposi sarcoma, seen here on the thigh, was once a rare malignancy of the blood vessels, but is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish to reddish-purple grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs.


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Now compare Mr. Ruffner's name to the stone carver's. The carver's name, John Strickler, is nearly larger than Mr. Ruffner's!
died June
17, 1844
Aged 32 yrs
4 mo. 20 ds.
The workmanship is outstanding. No wonder Mr. Strickler was proud.
Though perhaps the large signature is not about pride. After all, John Strickler is the same stone carver who once carved an advertisement on a gravestone. Maybe he is making sure his brand is recognized.
Note about tilt vs. lean. In October the Ohio Chapter of the Association for Gravestone Studies sponsored a gravestone conservation workshop led by Ta Mara Conde of Historic Gravestone Services (New Salem, MA). One of the tidbits I learned that day was that leaning is for gravestones that are off vertical front to back, face upward or face downward; tilting is for side to side.
Baptist Corners Cemetery, Fairfield County, Ohio


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Gordon follows in dad's big league footsteps
LOS ANGELES -- Dad wasn't around much as Dee Gordon grew up, but the Dodgers' second baseman has always been fine with it.
Dad chose the life of a professional baseball player, and he turned into a real good one, Tom "Flash" Gordon's 21-year career was highlighted by three All-Star Games, a Rolaids Relief Award and more than $55 million in earnings.
LOS ANGELES -- Dad wasn't around much as Dee Gordon grew up, but the Dodgers' second baseman has always been fine with it.
Dad chose the life of a professional baseball player, and he turned into a real good one, Tom "Flash" Gordon's 21-year career was highlighted by three All-Star Games, a Rolaids Relief Award and more than $55 million in earnings.
Dee has followed in the family business, reinventing himself this year as a rangy second baseman and basestealing leadoff hitter after his shortstop career was short-circuited by injury and the acquisition of Hanley Ramirez.
Now retired, Tom Gordon is free to be a full-time father to Dee's little brother Nick -- the No. 5 overall pick by Minnesota in last week's First-Year Player Draft. Tom is spending this weekend with Nick for his professional debut, but will catch up with Dee for a late Father's Day celebration on the Dodgers' next homestand.
"We won't be doing anything crazy," said Dee. "Dad doesn't like gifts. He'll come to the game, we'll go eat and then we'll chill. When Dad comes in, it's usually about him. He really enjoys going to the game and just watching. As a player, he never did that."
Dee said it never bothered him that Dad was at Spring Training or on the road or playing in one of his eight "home" cities until retiring in 2009. Dee would join him when school let out for the summer and share him with the rest of the family in the winter.
"When I was young, he was playing and trying to establish himself the way I'm doing now, and I always respect that," said Dee.
"He had to work hard to feed me and my three sisters and two brothers. I always understood that and I wasn't going to be selfish because I needed my Dad. He always made sure I had a big support group. Really, I didn't need much. With all I went through, I grew up a strong kid."
And Dee had greater challenges growing up than the fact his father was away. Dee was born two months premature, weighing four pounds, two ounces. Dee was a 6-year-old at school when his mother was shot and killed by an ex-boyfriend.
Dee was raised mostly by his grandmother and uncles, who Dee said taught him at least as much about baseball and life, as his father did. Battling his way back to the Major Leagues this year, 2 1/2 years after he did it for the first time, is par for the course for Gordon, who is 30 pounds heavier and at least that much stronger than when he was first called up in 2011.
"I've been fighting since the day I was born," he said. "They doubted I would live. I've been doubted my whole life."
Now Dee is the Major League leader in stolen bases, on pace to be the first to steal at least 100 bases in a season since Vince Coleman in 1987. Whether or not he gets the votes, Gordon is making enough of an impact on offense and defense to be considered for his first All-Star Game.
Dee was a hoop star and didn't play baseball until his senior year of high school. But by the time he attended Southeastern University in Florida, he was convinced he could be a Major League Baseball player. By then, Dee had already been working out with his dad's Phillies teammates. The Dodgers drafted him in the fourth round in 2008, and he was fast-tracked to push Rafael Furcal right out of the organization by the summer of 2011.
That turned out to be rushing it and Gordon was forced into a career reset at Triple-A, working his way back with a willingness to play in two countries last winter, then emerging from a pack of contenders to win the starting second-base job this spring.
He plays a different position than his father, but Dee said their game is similar in other ways.
"Dad came to see me in New York a few weeks ago and we spent some time just walking around, because he said he never did that in all the years he played, and he even played for the Yankees," said Dee. "He was always so focused and determined to be great, he didn't do anything but play.
"It's weird, but I'm about the same way, too. When I first came up, I liked to have fun. But it didn't mesh with me playing. I've learned from him to relax, rest, stay out of trouble and it helps me play better."
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com.


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The Church History Library's recent announcement of library items digitized on-demand raises some interesting issues. Foremost of which is the issue of copyright. I assume from the context of the article that the reference to on-demand sources referred to older documents, because there are obviously many newer items in the catalog that are still subject to copyright claims. So what does digitized on-demand mean to the world of genealogy? It depends. Mostly it depends on whether or not the idea spreads to more libraries and repositories and if they really mean what they say they mean.
Leaving aside the copyright issue, let's suppose that you know that your local library has a collection of the early newspapers from your town and you want all of the papers around the time your ancestor died to see if there is any mention of the death, formal or otherwise. You search through all of the online catalogs of newspaper archives and your town's newspapers have not been included in any that your can find. (I am assuming you know about all the major public and private newspaper collections including, but not limited to, the Library of Congress etc.) Do you suppose that your local library will have the equipment and the personnel to digitize a series of newspapers? What is more likely is that one of the many newspaper projects going on around the world, might be interested in your library's collection and spend the time and money to make digitized copies.
What I am saying is that the future will have many times more digitized copies available and that this will likely occur by means of the mechanisms presently in place, that is digitization processes of major repositories. It is not coincidence that one of the largest digitization projects going on in the genealogy world is being conducted by the essentially the same organization making resources available from the Church History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As a matter of fact, the idea of on-demand copying is not new or innovative. As an example, the Library of Congress has an extensive copying service handled through its Interlibrary Loan department. It is a very small step from providing a paper photocopy to providing a digital copy of the same item. But here is the catch, all items lent by the Library of Congress must be used on borrowing library premises. In other words, the step from providing paper copies to digital copies is in reality, a huge one. The underlying issue, in part, is the the library's control of its "collection." Libraries are important because of their collections, if collections become commonplace, there is no need for the monolithic library. Hence the controversy over retiring items from the library shelves once the item has been digitized.
I am on my way to our Maricopa County library to pick up a book I put on hold several weeks ago. It has finally become available. How much longer am I or anyone else going to put up with this type of system. The last book I borrowed from the library had 800 pages and I could not read it carefully in the two weeks I had it on loan, so I purchased a digital copy of the book that I can read at my leisure. But this will not happen with most current books, I would have long since gone broke and run out of storage space had I purchased all of the thousands of books I have checked out of libraries over the years.
Is there a middle ground? Maybe. I look at online services such as Archive.org and its Open Library project. They have an eBook lending library with over a million free eBooks available. It is possible that the existing inventory of paper books will be entirely digitized and made available through online services. How will that impact genealogy? The main restraints on digitizing all of the records of a jurisdiction right now are primarily political and economic. I use Washington State as an example, with more than 190 million records and more than 35 million of those searchable online. Will that happen in the progressive state of Arizona? (detect the sarcasm). Not likely. But over time, as more an more records are created digitally, such as the fact that all court documents in Maricopa County have to be filed electronically, the issue becomes moot. Then the state may look to third parties to digitize the older documents.
So, will on-demand digitizing impact genealogy? My guess is only after other issues in the documents world are settled and resolved in favor of accessibility.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
On-Demand -- the Future of Genealogy?
2 comments:
Hi, I find your post very informative. Thank you for making this topic intriguing and enjoyable to read for everyone. See also family trees to trace your family heritage.ReplyDelete
I hope so, genealogy is the future of http://www.the-canvas-art-shop.co.uk I think!ReplyDelete
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This Swine Flu stuff really has got me freaked out? How about you? I know there is not a whole lot that one can do, and I think that is the scariest part. I am already an obsessive hand washer, mostly due to the fact that my kitchen is not completely gluten-free, how many times in a day can I wash my hands? Not only that, but I watch a little girl who is still in diapers, so I wash my hands each time I change her, wipe her nose, etc. Maybe I should count tomorrow. That certainly would be interesting, huh?
I got a tweet (Is that what you call it? This Twitter stuff is deep. I can't wrap my brain around it. Just when I got Facebook down, everybody now Twitters too) that talks about the gluten-free status of the drugs that can treat the Swine Flu. I wanted to share it here so that the gluten is the least of your concerns should you or a loved one be infected with the Swine Flu. See here for the gluten-free status of Tamiflu & Relenza. Additionally here are some Swine Flu FAQ.
I live in Ohio and there is one confirmed case in Northern Ohio, a 9-year old boy, who I believe had traveled to Mexico. On the Noon news today they announced that there is now a "probable" case in Franklin County (Columbus), the county next to ours. Can I move my family into a bubble now?
So, I am going to end this post with some tips on how to avoid the Swine Flu:
~wash hands after contact with the outside world
~wash hands before you eat, touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth)
~see illustration below, definitely avoid this:
Filed under: Family, Gluten-Free, Gluten-free Products |


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Militant backlash against western interest feared after US snatched al-Qaida militant in Libya
CAIRO – The Libyan militant accused by Washington in the killing of the U.S. ambassador told The Associated Press on Monday he's not worried about being next on the list for capture by the Americans after the U.S. commando raid that spirited a senior al-Qaida suspect out of Tripoli.
Ahmed Abu Khattala's confidence reflects the power that Islamic militants have grown to wield in Libya since the 2011 ouster of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. Militia groups, some of them inspired by al-Qaida, operated with virtual impunity in the country, with the central government too weak to take action against them.
Now many of the groups are furious over Saturday's U.S. special forces raid that captured Abu Anas al-Libi, wanted by the Americans for more than a decade over the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa. Some have hinted at retaliation at U.S. and other foreign interests and have lashed out at the government, accusing it of colluding with Washington.
"We only fear God," Abu Khattala told AP by telephone from Benghazi, when asked if he is concerned he too could be snatched. Abu Khattala lives openly in the city, despite the indictment against him in a U.S. court over the Sept. 11, 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi that killed the ambassador and three other Americans. He denies any role in the attack.
One prominent ultraconservative Muslim cleric, Sheik Ahmed bu-Sidra, warned that "all options are on the table" after the seizing of al-Libi, who was spirited out of the country and is now being held on a U.S. warship, according to American officials.
Moderates will be unable to silence possible retaliation by "insane Libyans who think death is a way to get close to God," bu-Sidra said.
For more than two years, Libya has been held hostage to increasingly powerful militias. Initially they were formed out of rebel brigades that fought Gadhafi's forces in 2011 uprising. The government has relied on them to carry out security duties because of the weakness of the army, but they have carved out spheres of power of their own, and many are made up of Islamic extremists.
No week passes without assassinations and abductions of top security officials and army officers, especially in Benghazi, the country's second largest city. In a particularly humiliating show of state weakness, the son of defense minister was kidnapped on Sept. 24.
"This is a crime against the state, aimed at preventing the minister from pushing ahead with his plan to put all the armed groups" under military control, the head of the defense committee in the legislature, Bel-Qassem Derizib said.
After al-Libi's capture, the Libyan government said in a statement that it knew nothing about the raid and had asked the Americans for "clarifications" about the operation. Prime Minister Ali Zidan left the country Sunday for a three-day visit to Morocco.
The operation — which came on the same day that U.S. Navy Seals attempted to capture an al-Qaida-linked militant in Somalia — signaled an American readiness to go after militants in nations where authorities are unable to do so.
That has raised expectations in Libya that further raids could follow, and many militants are convinced the Libyan government is colluding with the Americans.
"If the U.S. administration is cooperating with the (Libyan) government, then we hold the government responsible," Abu Khattala said. "If they did it without Libyan government's knowledge, then this is violation of the sovereignty of the Libyan state, which we reject."
"We don't want them here if they act against us," he said, referring to foreigners in Libya. "If you are a guest, then act respectfully, otherwise your presence is not welcome."
Abu Khattala was the commander of an Islamist militia group called the Abu Obaida bin Jarrah Brigade. However, he said he abandoned the militia and now works as a construction contractor. In earlier interview, Abu Khattala told the AP that he was not in hiding and had not been questioned by Libyan authorities over the consulate attack.
"I am in my city, having a normal life and have no troubles," he said.
Officials in the U.S. have said he and an unspecified number of others were named in a sealed complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Washington. It's unclear what charges he and the others face.
A previously unknown coalition of Islamic militants in three eastern Libyan cities — Benghazi, al-Bayda and Darna — issued a statement Monday vowing to avenge al-Libi's capture — and blaming the government. It called the abduction a "shameful act which will cost the Libyan government a lot."
Several dozen members of the Ansar al-Shariah — al-Qaida inspired group blamed earlier for playing a role in the attack on US consulate protested on Sunday in Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, denouncing al-Libi's abduction and criticizing the government. "Where are the men of Tripoli while this is happening?" they chanted, waving black Islamist flags.
A former militant with the Ansar al-Shariah militant group said the raid "just opened the doors of hell and it will be like the U.S. operation in Somalia. The youth here are ready to fight," he said.
He said that counterattacks will be unavoidable, including kidnappings. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for his security.
An Islamist in Tripoli close to the former Libyan Islamic Fighting Group warned that extremists could kidnap or attack Americans here. The LIFG was a longtime opponent of Gadhafi whose members fled the country with some defecting to join al-Qaida. Some members now hold positions of authority in the country.
He too spoke on condition of anonymity, for fear of repercussions from militants.
"There is real fear of the reaction targeting foreigners, who are innocents and who have nothing to do with what the United States did here. Such as businessmen or companies," he said, "this will hurt Libya's economy at a time we are searching for stability and normalcy."


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Part 1
- Adding Comments
- Basic input/output - Using the Console
- Creating and Using Variables
- Arithmetic Operators
- Option Strict On (VB.NET specific)
- Manipulating Strings
- Conditional Structures (If)
Part 1 is here
Part 2
- Looping Structures
- Custom and Built-in Functions
- Introducing Arrays
- Introducing Lists
I won't be discussing OOP (object-oriented programming), WinForms, WPF or any other technology. Just the fundamentals of programming! We will run our code as a Console Application. The Console is very useful to help us learn programming concepts, without the distraction of a pretty form. In reality, very few applications are built as a Console Application. (Occasionally, some system tools are.)
This tutorial can only provide an introduction to VB.NET programming. It cannot be a substitute for a full tutorial or a book. I need to foreshorten a number of topics, unfortunately, but I do provide links to relevant MSDN pages for further study.
Visual Basic Resource :MSDN
Looping Structures
Loop Structures :MSDN
While..End While, Do..Loop, For..Next, For..Each
Computers, and Computer Programming, are built around three central ideas: Variables, Branching and Looping. We need variables (memory locations) to store input, branching to make decisions (based on these values - the input), and looping to repeat statements until a certain condition is met; that is, until a variable contains a certain value.
Run the following code to demonstrate the Do..Loop. It asks the user to supply the correct password, but only allows them three attempts.
'I like to use prefixes; s for String, i for Integer, d for Double, 'dt for DateTime, b for Boolean Dim sPassword As String = "Password1" Dim sAttempt As String = String.Empty Dim bCorrect As Boolean = False Dim x As Integer = 0 'we shouldn't assume a default value Console.WriteLine("You've got three goes at the password.") Do Console.Write("Attempt {0}: ", (x + 1)) sAttempt = Console.ReadLine() If String.IsNullOrEmpty(sAttempt) Then 'they didn't enter anything.. Exit Sub End If x = x + 1 'increment the counter variable bCorrect = (sAttempt.Equals(sPassword)) Loop Until x = 3 Or bCorrect If bCorrect Then Console.WriteLine("Well done, you may proceed.") Else Console.WriteLine("You failed {0} times. Doh!", x) End If
The Do..Loop will execute the statements between the words Do and Loop, until a certain condition is met (or while a certain condition applies).
Microsoft provides Naming Guidelines for naming your identifiers. You should read this and try to follow the guidelines as much as possible. However, I am old-school and I like to name my String (local) variables with a prefix 's', and Integers with 'i'. You will find many discussions (debates) on this topic if you search the internet. More important than the conventions, though, is that you are consistent in your naming. (My earlier code didn't include these prefixes as I didn't want to introduce them too early.)
I have named a variable x. When using a variable to simply count - a counter variable, sometimes called a sentinel - it was traditional in earlier versions of Visual Basic to use x and y (and z if necessary). You will also find this very common with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) in Excel. Nearly every other language uses i, j (and k), and a lot of examples you will find in VB.NET have adopted this convention. It is not important. Every other variable you should give a meaningfulName.
The String variable sAttempt could have been set equal to "", and often is. I am encouraging the more OOP way to code. String is a Class and Empty is a field of this Class. [Actually, it is the only field of the String Class.] We should use the more modern OOP-coding practices wherever possible. (At some point you are likely to work with C# or another OOP programming language, and doing so will ease the transition.) There is an MSDN link for OOP provided at the end of this tutorial.
Similarly, I could have used If sAttempt = "" Then and If sAttempt = sPassword.
VB.NET is an object-oriented programming language. However, because of its history, there are a number of features, and functions, that have been retained from earlier versions that don't occur in other OOP languages. However, this mainly concerns people like myself who are familiar with the earlier versions.
Console.Write("Attempt {0}: ", (x + 1))
This is an alternative, and more flexible, way of printing to the console, rather than using & to concatenate (join) text. {0} will be replaced with the first value that follows the comma. {1} would be used if there were a second value after the comma. Note that we no longer need to use ToString as the format item {0} automatically inserts the string representation of the value.
Composite Formatting :MSDN
x = x + 1 'increment the counter variable bCorrect = (sAttempt.Equals(sPassword))
This first statement is incrementing. Whatever value x currently contains (initially 0), add 1 to it, and store this as the new value of x. 1,2,3,4,5,.. and onwards. This can also be written as:
x += 1
Assignment Operators
The second statement sets the Boolean (True/False) variable bCorrect to whatever is the result of the expression sAttempt.Equals(sPassword). Equals() will return a Boolean result of either True or False. (The outer brackets aren't required, but I felt the statement looked clearer with them.)
I could have replaced the keyword Until with While:
Loop While x < 3 And sAttempt <> sPassword
<> means "is not equal to". The two statements are logically equivalent, it is up to you to decide which version makes most sense with your code.
I shall omit While..End While. Please read the documentation here. It is quite similar to Do..Loop.
The For..Next looping structure is generally used in preference to the Do..Loop when we have a clearer idea at the outset as to how many times we will need to repeat a loop. For x = 1 To 10 says, essentially, "do the following 10 times". Here is a very common, but not very exciting, example:
Dim x As Integer = 0 Console.WriteLine("Counting to 10..") For x = 1 To 10 Console.Write("x is {0} ", x) Next Console.WriteLine() Console.WriteLine("x is now {0}", x) '11
Rather than simply writing to the console, though, within the loop we might read 10 lines of text from a file, or examine 10 rows of data from a database. For..Next loops are often nested (using another variable 'y'), allowing us to navigate through a table, or matrix, of some kind.
Did you notice that the value of x after the loop completes is 11? VB will keep increasing the value, checking it as it returns to the top of the loop. When the value is 10 it can continue through the loop. It is then increased to 11 and, at that point, it knows that the looping is complete. This is a very common trap. Counter variables (x, y, i, j) don't have a meaningful name and we should ONLY use them to control the number of loops that are executed. We should not make any assumption about their value outside of a loop.
The For..Each loop is used to loop through each element of a collection. There are many collections that you will encounter with VB.NET. For the following example we loop through the collection of characters in a String.
Dim sMyName As String = "Andrew" Console.WriteLine("Looping through a 'collection' of letters:") For Each lett As Char In sMyName Console.Write("{0}, ", lett) Next
Char is another data-type, storing a single character. You would assign a single character using double-quotes followed by the letter c:
Dim cEnd As Char = "z"c
Custom and Built-in Functions
Type the following function after the End Sub (of Main()) but before the closing End Module.
Function DoubleIt(ByVal iTheParameter As Integer) As Integer Return (iTheParameter * 2) End Function
Enter the following, which uses our function, back in the (Main()) Sub and run the application.
Console.WriteLine("Doubling {0} we get {1}", 10, DoubleIt(10)) 'Doubling 10 we get 20
Within the brackets of the function we list its parameters separated by commas. For our example there is only one parameter. ByVal says that our function will not alter the original value. ByRef is the alternative. They are called modifiers.
The data-type specified after the closing bracket determines what type of value the function will return.
Functions may consist of many lines of code, but at some point they need to return a value using the Return statement.
Function Statement :MSDN
When we use a function, the values that we supply are called 'arguments'. When we refer to the function definition we call these the function's 'parameters'. However, you will often see these terms used as synonyms. If it helps you can think of arguments as the values that you "actually supply", but it is not a big deal if you mix these terms.
VB.NET has many built-in functions that we can use. They are listed here in various categories. Have a look through to familiarize yourself but, typically, you will pick them up as you need them.
These built-in functions were inherited from the previous version of VB.NET, VB6. Most of them have more modern OOP equivalents. For example, the LCase() function is equivalent to the String Class's ToLower() method. You should use the modern OOP versions in preference, but some of the functions remain very useful, particularly some of the type conversion ones like CInt() and Val().
Introducing Arrays
Arrays in Visual Basic :MSDN
An array allows us to store a number of values of the same type. We can use a For..Next or For..Each structure to loop through all the elements of the array. Explore the following code.
Dim iTempNotUsed(5) As Integer 'elements 0..5 (5 is the upper-bound) 'we can declare and initialize an array in a single statement: Dim sBooze() As String = {"Fosters", "Kronenbourg", "Stella Artois", ""} Dim x As Integer = 0 Dim iChoice As Integer = 0 'assign an value to an element of the array: sBooze(3) = "Castlemaine" ' the fourth element For x = 0 To UBound(sBooze) '0..3 Console.WriteLine("Enter {0} for {1}", (x + 1), sBooze(x)) Next iChoice = CInt(Console.ReadLine()) Console.WriteLine("A pint of {0} coming up!", sBooze(iChoice - 1)) Console.Write("Summary: ") For Each beer As String In sBooze Console.Write("{0}, ", beer) Next Console.WriteLine()
Arrays are indexed from 0. That is, we refer to the first item as arrayName(0). When we declare an array as Dim arrayName(5) the number five is the upper-bound, the last index of the array. So there are actually six elements, indexed from (0) to (5). Adding and attempting to run the following
Console.WriteLine("{0}", sBooze(4))
will produce one of the most common errors:
System.IndexOutOfRangeException was unhandled
We are attempting to refer to the FIFTH element of the array, but there are only 4 - indexed from 0 to 3.
Arrays are most useful when we know at the outset how many values we need to store. The UK lottery only allows us to select six number, and there are 64 squares on a chessboard.
Significantly, we cannot add additional elements to an array, or remove existing elements (reducing the size of the array). We can set, for example, an element of an Integer array to 0 but this does not remove the element.
(This is not exactly true. We can create a dynamic array. A List is a much better option. Search the previous Arrays link for the word ReDim if you want to investigate dynamic arrays. For the more modern equivalent search zero-length or empty arrays which don't use ReDim.)
If you don't know exactly what size of array you need, you might consider creating a very large array and ignoring those elements you won't use. This is messy and inefficient. Consider a List instead, discussed next.
If you are faced with the choice between using an Array or a List always favour a List.
Introducing Lists
List(Of T) Class :MSDN
A List is a very flexible alternative to an Array. We can add as many items as we want to a List, remove items, sort them, etc.. (Arrays can be sorted, but we cannot add or remove elements.) Type and run this code:
Dim sShopping As New List(Of String) Dim sNewItem As String = "" Console.WriteLine("Shopping List") Do Console.Write("I need to buy: ") sNewItem = Console.ReadLine() If Not String.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(sNewItem) Then 'IsNullOrWhiteSpace includes an empty string "" sShopping.Add(sNewItem) End If Loop Until String.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(sNewItem) Console.WriteLine("Summary:") For Each item As String In sShopping Console.Write("{0}, ", item) Next Console.WriteLine() Console.WriteLine("Removing the item at index {0}..", sShopping.Count - 1) sShopping.RemoveAt(sShopping.Count - 1) 'remember, counting starts at 0 Console.WriteLine("There are only {0} items left.", sShopping.Count) Console.WriteLine()
Notice that our List is instantiated with the New keyword. A List is a Class and needs to be instantiated before we can use it. Using Dim sShopping As List(Of String) would initially be accepted in Visual Studio. However, this only says that sShopping will refer to a List.., it doesn't yet have a List to refer to. Try running the code without the word New and you will receive the most popular error that we encounter on forums:
System.NullReferenceException was unhandled
(well, this is perhaps a close second behind 'IndexOutOfRangeException' - see the Arrays section above)
When we include the New keyword in the declaration (the Dim statement) we are saying "create a new List (of strings) and point sShopping at this List". Alternatively, you could declare and instantiate on separate lines:
Dim sShopping As List(Of String) 'straight after, or perhaps a bit later.. sShopping = New List(Of String)
This was previously the recommended practice because, if an error occurs, you will be taken to either the declaration, or the instantiating, line. However, Visual Studio has an extremely good error reporting system, so this is less of a concern than it used to be. Nevertheless, you might want to use two lines until you gain more confidence with VB.NET.
A List is the most commonly used Collection in VB.NET, but there are many others. System.Collections.Generic :MSDN
I must stress that this tutorial has only scratched the surface of VB.NET. You need to continue your studies and, once you are confident with the concepts I have introduced here, move on to Object Oriented Programming. BTW I am not recommending that link as your first OOP tutorial, it is more for reference. Have a look through the Tutorials here @DIC.
Before tackling OOP, though, you should read up on Exception Handling.
This post has been edited by andrewsw: 09 February 2018 - 08:36 AM


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Useful Resources
Forms available to download for income tax filing in Canada.
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The official Government website of the CRA.
This guide is for any person who deals with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The guide gives you information on the 16 rights set out in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and explains what you can do if you believe that the CRA has not respected your rights.
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One person was killed and five others wounded in gun violence throughout the city on Monday, bringing the holiday weekend's death toll to at least seven. More than a dozen others were injured.
Monday's shootings took place on the city's west and south sides beginning at about 3:30 a.m. near South Union Avenue and West Garfield Street. A 32-year-old man was standing outside with his brother when he heard shots and felt pain, police said.
The man was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County for treatment, according to police department spokesman John Mirabelli.
Hours later, at about 10 a.m., a 19-year-old man was shot around in the 1500 block of South Tripp Avenue, on the same block as Charles Evans Hughes Elementary School, police said.
The victim, who police said has known gang affiliations, was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg and listed in stable condition.
The Chicago Public School's Safe Passage routes are designed to provide students a designated, protected path as they travel to and from school. Routes were not staffed Monday because students were out for the Labor Day holiday.
At about 2:10 p.m., police said a man died after being shot in the head in the 6600 block of South Rhodes Avenue, in the city's Woodlawn neighborhood.
Authorities did not release the 21-year-old victim's name as of 10 p.m. Monday.
Nearly 30 minutes after that shooting, a man was shot twice in the abdomen while on the 6300 block of South King Drive, officials said. That man was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, police said.
At about 5:30 p.m., a 16-year-old boy was critically hurt and another man was wounded in a shooting on the 10500 block of South LaSalle Street, police spokesman Daniel O'Brien said. The teen, who'd been shot in the chest, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
A man in his 20s was also wounded, suffering a graze wound, O'Brien said. He refused medical treatment and was not cooperating with police.
Police later arrested a possible suspect who was hiding nearby, in the 300 block of West 106th Place, O'Brien said.
Another man was critically wounded in a shooting on the city's far south side Morgan Park neighborhood. The man, 36, was taken to Christ Hospital after being shot on the 11700 block of South Marshfield Avenue, authorities said.
Sunday's shootings began at about 3 a.m. when a 23-year-old man was shot in the 6700 block of South Marshfield Avenue.
The man was arguing with another man who took out a handgun and shot him, police said.
The victim was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to the hip, police said.
At around 7:40 a.m., police said they were called to the 12200 block of South Aberdeen Street. There they found a man who had been shot in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At about 9:15 p.m., a 27-year-old man walked into Mercy Hospital with a gunshot wound to the foot. Police said the man told them he was walking down the 5200 block of West Washington Boulevard when he heard shots and felt pain.
A Sunday night shooting in the city's south side Englewood neighborhood was fatal.
John Wallace, 25, was shot in the back during an argument about 11:30 p.m. in the 6400 block of South Morgan Street, officials said. He was taken to Stroger and pronounced dead at 12:20 a.m., according to the medical examiner's office.
Early Saturday morning, one man was killed and two others were injured in a violent attack in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood.
The shooting took place around 2:30 a.m. in the 3800 block of South Halsted Street where police found a 21-year-old man dead in an apartment building, police said.
Another man, 21, was found shot in the head and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition, according Mirabelli.
A third man, 25, was found with gunshot wounds to the head and leg after his vehicle crashed into a light pole near 43rd Street and Wentworth Avenue, Mirabelli said, adding that it wasn't immediately clear if the 25-year-old man was fleeing the scene.
Less than an hour later, a 19-year-old man was shot in the Pilsen neighborhood in the 1000 block of W. 20th Street when police said a light-colored SUV drove by and fired shots. The teen was struck in the left leg and taken to Stroger Hospita.
Around the same time, a woman was shot in the 4500 block of North Christiana Avenue during an armed robbery. The victim was transported to Swedish Covenant Hospital, police said.
The armed robbers fled the scene but were pulled over shortly after for a traffic stop in the 5300 block of North Kimball, according to authorities. The officers then arrested two people in the vehicle's back seat, but a third fled the scene on foot, according to police spokesperson Pat Camden.
Police chased the armed man through gangways before cornering him in the 5400 block of North Spaulding Avenue, Mirabelli said. Police ordered the man to put down his weapon, Camden said, but when the man raised his gun, an officer shot him in the arm and took him into custody.
Just after 4 a.m., a 31-year-old man was shot near the corner of Chicago and Menard Avenues. Police said the man was standing on the sidewalk when a light-colored SUV drove by and fired shots. The victim was taken to West Suburban Medical Center with wounds to the chest and right arm, but police said he was later transferred to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
A man shot in the head at about 1:20 p.m. later died from his injuries.
Ramaine Hill, 22, was in the 1200 block of North Orleans Street, about a block from the Near North police district, when he was shot. Hill, of the 7000 block of West Blackhawk Street, died Sunday night, officials said.
At about 6 p.m. Saturday, a 16-year-old boy was shot in the head on the 1000 block of West Wilson Avenue, in the city's Uptown neighborhood.He was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.
A second person was also injured in the same shooting, and later walked into a hospital with a gunshot wound to his wrist, police said.
Authorities said an 18-year-old man was shot in the shoulder -- apparently by a relative -- just before 9 a.m. He was taken to Christ Hospital and was last listed in stable condition
Another man in his 20s was found dead Saturday afternoon in the rear of a building in the Morgan Park neighborhood. The man, said to be between 20 and 25 years of age, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, O'Brien said.
Police on Sunday said that, despite the violent weekend, Chicago saw a decline in shootings and murders for the month of August.
"While there have been significantly fewer shootings and murders this year, one victim is one too many and there's clearly more work to be done," said Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. "We will continue our close partnership with the community and continue implementing our comprehensive policing strategy, but to address gun violence we need stronger laws that keep illegal guns out of our streets in the first place."


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I have been a long-time user of NAV. But when I upgraded to 2004, nothing works. At least my email is not getting scanned. I didn't have this problem with 2003. I didn't have to configure anything; it just worked on its own. After two weeks of messing around with it, I'm done. I have been trying a few other AV products and found BitDefender to be highly rated. But, once again, my email is not being scanned. (I know this because of the EICAR test). Can someone help me configure this program? Or do I need to take a pass and try another.
Thanks in advance


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medicine notes: vitality
Honeysuckle by Moonlight
the essential vitality of fresh plants
Last night I found myself wandering in the moonlight,
perched barefoot on the edge of an ancient pithouse where the most vibrant of the Wild Honeysuckle grow. I chose each bud, blossom and leaf carefully, grateful for the magic and medicine of these twining, woody creatures. When I brought my apron-full of flowers back to the cabin, I gently crushed them in my fingers before depositing them into a blue kettle of cool rainwater. On the old woodstove, I heated them slowly. The water came to a slow simmer before I removed the kettle from the heat and left it to steep while I planned the next day's meals and prepared tea of Wild Mint and Roses.
One of the great blessings of the growing season is the ability to use herbs fresh for medicine and food. While all of us naturally want to eat the freshest food possible, too many of us forget how useful and effective medicine fresh from the plant can be. Many people are familiar with fresh poultices and focused on fresh plant preparations like tinctures and oil, most don't think to use herbs fresh for tea, infusion, compresses and the other myriad ways medicine can be prepared. But what bliss to gather fragrant and colorful herbs straight from the plant for healing!
In the healing traditions in which I was trained, fresh plants for medicine are considered immeasurably superior to dried in almost all cases. Teas and washes made from fresh Basil, Rue or Chamomile are revered and many try to keep the plants going year round in a sunny window just to have the vitality and power of the still living remedy. I have had a few old granny healers even tell me that dried herbs are next to useless compared to the fresh preparations, although I noticed they still kept small packets of carefully dried Manzanilla on hand, despite their disdain. Certainly the vital spirit of the plant is more completely intact in the fresh herb, and seems to act more directly on the energetic level when worked with in this way.
Lately I've been completely enamored of compresses and soaks made from flowering Wild Honeysuckle, Mugwort and the tender pink new leaves of the shrub Live Oaks. The smell is delightful and the therapeutic value huge. When I use fresh plants for most medicines, I use about three to five times as much (by weight) as I would the dried. I don't use a scale though I just go by feel and sight and have learned to adjust for each plant, depending on how water-dense the fresh plant is.
I also find that the simple act of harvesting, preparing and using all in one fluid progression of movements helps intensify our personal relationship to both the herbs and the healing process. The sensual engagement of scent, touch and taste is so completely integrated into the remedy and I find that clients and students feel more in sync with the experience when they participate in the full cycle, and are also more likely to fall madly in love with the herb this way. Herbalism is often the art of facilitating relationships between plant and person, and the closer the remedy is to its original state, the simpler our work in most cases.
And besides, what herbalist doesn't relish a good reason to spend more time playing among the plants, listening to their sweet song in Spring's cool mornings and sunny afternoons?


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A gentle version of the reformer class modified to be safe for clients with joint issues including arthritis, osteoporosis or injury. Ideal for people just starting an exercise program that need to ease into a routine. Also ideal for pre-hap and post-rehab for joint replacements such as hip or knee.
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Earlier Event: October 17Foundations
Later Event: October 21Reformer Class


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News Release
July 14, 2010
Researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the National Energy Technology Laboratory and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have formed the Clean Energy Partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of emissions reducing technology. Shown above: a 2009 assessment by PNNL concluded China has 2,300 billion metric tons of potential underground storage for emissions like carbon dioxide.
RICHLAND, Washington —
PNNL is part of a joint U.S.-Chinese team embarking on projects in three separate research areas to accelerate the development and deployment of coal conversion, emissions capture and carbon storage technologies.
Laboratory directors from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., and the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, W.Va., met with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing to kick off the new clean energy technology research effort in June.
The projects are the first activities to come out of a 2009 memorandum of understanding among the three organizations.
"Establishing a strong scientific alignment between U.S. and Chinese researchers is the key to developing and deploying solutions to our collective emissions problem," said PNNL Director Mike Kluse. "We must use our nations' complementary skills, in collaboration, to move discoveries and technologies into the marketplace."
As part of the MOU, the research team, called the Clean Energy Partnership, will perform research projects in three areas.
First, researchers will evaluate the challenges and costs of deploying emissions capture and storage technologies in China in depleted oil fields and deep geological formations.
Second, scientists and engineers will collaborate on co-gasification of coal and biomass as well as the development of new, higher temperature materials and processes to remove impurities in the emissions stream.
In the final research area, the team will improve the overall efficiency and economics of converting synthetic gas into natural gas using advance computational simulations and through developing new catalyst materials.
PNNL's collaborations with China date back to the early 1990s when it helped found the Beijing Energy Efficiency Center. However, collaborations have become more common in recent years.
In 2006, PNNL joined with the Chinese Academy of Science's Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics and its Institute of Coal Chemistry to form the International Consortium for Clean Energy, or ICCE. Supported by an investment from PNNL and with encouragement from CAS President Lu Yongxiang, this mechanism has brought more than 25 senior U.S. and Chinese scientists together to conduct research.
In the course of forming the ICCE, Yongxiang challenged CAS, PNNL and NETL to develop a more extensive effort to address fossil energy conversion and emissions capture and sequestration. As a result, PNNL and NETL directors signed an MOU with the CAS Research Center for Energy and Power in May 2009, with the aim of significantly reducing environmental emissions and improving efficiency of fossil fuel conversion.
Kluse also was in Beijing in May to speak at the International Cooperative Conference on Green Economy and Climate Change. He discussed PNNL's existing collaborative partnerships with Chinese research institutions, and how PNNL is creating solutions for technical challenges in the areas of emissions management, smart grid technologies, energy efficiency technologies and technology transfer.
"The United States and China are the world's two largest economies and face similar challenges with growing energy consumption and its impacts," said Kluse. "We owe it to ourselves and the world to develop and then deploy technology that will significantly reduce industrial emissions."
PNNL scientists are solving complex challenges in energy, including researching the next generation of biofuels, designing smart grid technologies, and helping set building efficiency standards. PNNL also is known for its role in providing data used to establish energy policy, and in integrated climate assessment and climate change research.
Click here for an informational backgrounder about PNNL's history of collaboration with Chinese researchers.
Tags: Energy, Environment, Fundamental Science, Biomass, Energy Efficiency, Emissions, Smart Grid, Carbon Capture and Sequestration, Climate Science
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on signature capabilities in chemistry, earth sciences, and data analytics to advance scientific discovery and create solutions to the nation's toughest challenges in energy resiliency and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit PNNL's News Center. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.


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Women 2015
MomentumMay 28, 2015 Pacific Time (US & Canada; GMT -07:00)
Momentum. Moving forward. Gaining speed. Building traction. At TEDWomen 2015, we'll explore the bold ideas that create momentum in how we think, live and work.
Women 2015 | Momentum
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Chicago's Francis Cardinal George joined a number of African-American pastors Friday to voice their opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois.
The cardinal said legally changing the biblical meaning of marriage will not serve the common good of people, and will lose the sense of family that is the basis of who we are as a society.
"Not every love, not every friendship is marital. So you have to ask, as I think my brother pastors have asked, 'What is the nature of marriage?' And that goes back to a sexual expression that's based upon the complementarity of men and women, and is the way in which the future of the human race is assured. And anything outside of that is morally wrong," George said.
The cardinal and the group of pastors said they had to speak out because staying silent, they said, would make them appear as if they were condoning the legalization of same-sex marriage.


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Basic InfoApp NameName of app reviewedApp URLLink to the app's homepageApp Version ReviewedVersion being reviewedTest System SpecsSpecs of the test system here done in a quote blockSupported OSesOSes the product supportsSupport MethodsList methods of obtaining product support here (i.e., forum, email, phone, etc)Upgrade PolicyPolicy for upgrades. If pay per upgrade, put price here for upgradesTrial Version Available?List if a trial version of the app is available. If so, list its limitationsPricing SchemeList the price of any different versions of the applications (Pro, Enterprise, Standard, etc)Author Donation LinkIf a DC member, include their link to donate to them. If a third party site which supports donations, include the link here. If not applicable, leave outIf this is a dc member, post the donation link in the format similar to this Donate to App103, the AuthorScreencast Video URLIf there is a demo or screencast of the app somewhere, post the url here. If there is a DC Screencast, post the link here.SCREENSHOT OF APP INTERFACE HEREIntro:Introduction to the app, what does it do, history, etcWho is this app designed for:List here who the app would be intended to be used by including what it can help you do better or do easier, etc.The GoodInsert your praises of the app here including the features you find useful.The needs improvement sectionWhat is wrong with the app in its current state (the version being reviewed). Include bugs that might deter would-be users, any annoyances, etc.Why I think you should use this productExactly that, explain why you think the product is useful and why the average user should use it. Remember, this is subjective to the reviewer and other opinions will be displayed regarding your opinion after the test is complete.How does it compare to similar appsSelf-explanatory. How does it compare to other apps in this category.ConclusionsA brief summary of the app being reviewed. Any sort of rating you wish to give the app and a general view of the app.Links to other reviews of this applicationJust that, list links to other reviews of this app found on other websites.
Author Donation Link If a DC member, include their link to donate to them. If a third party site which supports donations, include the link here. If not applicable, leave outDemo URL If there is a demo of the app somewhere, post the url here. If there is a DC Screencast, post the link here.
hmm so what's more... a yes a couple of screenshots. Oh and the URL of course!
Page created in 0.037 seconds with 71 queries.


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'Royal dog of Madagascar' to join Westminster pack
NEW YORK (AP) — A hardy Hungarian hunting dog and a pet known as the "royal dog of Madagascar" will join the pack at the Westminster Kennel Club show next year, organizers announced Friday.
The kennel club said the wirehaired vizsla and the coton de tulear will be eligible to compete for the first time in the New York show next February.
The wire-haired vizsla is a medium-size breed developed to hunt in northern Hungary's cold winters and rough terrain. It's related to the vizsla, which has a smooth coat.
The coton de tulear is a small, cheerful companion dog with a long, white, cotton-like coat.
"While they differ in exercise and grooming needs, both are sweet, loyal, loving family companions," said Gina DiNardo, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club, the governing body for Westminster and many other canine events.
Breeds are added to the prestigious Westminster dog show after they are recognized by the AKC. Recognition requires having several hundred dogs of the breed nationwide, among other criteria. With the newcomers, there are now 180 AKC-recognized breeds.
Westminster also announced that the AKC's popular, non-competitive "Meet the Breeds" event will be held in conjunction with the February dog show. The breeds event has been held in the fall for several years.
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« In Which I'm A Writer, I Use People For What I Write »
by MOLLY LAMBERT
Basic Instinct (1992)
Wr. Joe Eszterhas
Dir. Paul Verhoeven
"You know I don't wear any underwear, don't you Nick?" - novelist Catherine Tramell
Basic Instinct is a bizarro Vertigo, which is remarkable considering that Vertigo is pretty fucking bizarro to begin with. Joe Eszterhas takes a sledgehammer to Hitchcockian tropes and the result is LURID. And I've learned that I like lurid. Eszterhas's dialogue here is as awesome as it is in Showgirls, with side characters prone to tossing out lines like "there's cum stains all over the sheets" to remind you that this is a SEXY R RATED MOVIE. It's mostly silly and sporadically legitimately hot.
The constrasting "good girl" brunette, Beth, is played by Jeanne Tripplehorn (aka Barb from Big Love) who nonetheless gets hella groped by Michael Douglas in an extended consensual rape play scene. Her character is a shrink, which is about as believable as Sharon Stone's bisexual blonde best-selling novelist's beach house. But Basic Instinct is not a movie about realism. It's about cinematic tropes and Jungian archetypes and film noir plot twists and Verhoeven and Eszterhas elevating pulp to an art form.
"you got nothing better to do than come in here and jack off the damn machine."
I know this movie got panned a lot when it was released, but so did Showgirls, and I'm not being ironic when I say I really love that movie. Paul Verhoeven made five stone cold classic films about America, starting in 1987 with Robocop, Total Recall (1990), Basic Instinct (1992), Showgirls (1995), and Starship Troopers (1997).
"You're gonna make a terrific character Nick."
As others have noted, the erotic thriller is a genre that has in some ways been displaced by the internet. It may be hard for younger readers to even imagine the world some of us grew up in where pornography was not an easily accessible boundless and free resource, where filmic nudity is not nearly so precious.
The whole scrambled porn opening scene in American Pie (1999!) would make no sense as a joke nowadays. But lots of people enjoy sex scenes most in the context of a narrative. Just ask John Mayer, who writes fanfic for the porn he's watching. It's weird how much of Basic Instinct's plot I sort of remembered/knew about from having read a Cracked or Mad Magazine parody of it at the library once around 1992.
Off topic but not actually: You know what else is a great erotic thriler? Wild Things.
Like Vertigo, Basic Instinct is a film about voyeurism, obsession, and sexual fetishism. Because it is a 90s movie written by Joe Eszterhas the roster is expanded to include cocaine, bisexuality, BDSM, and vagina flashing. Michael Douglas shows his ass a few times, and tells a lesbian her girlfriend is "the fuck of the century." Nomi Malone in Showgirls is similarly lauded for her magic pussy, which elevates her above all other women and seems to be something of a Joe Eszterhas trademark theme.
Verhoeven sustains heavy suspense during the film, and a scene towards the end involving an elevator is particularly taut. And in both Vertigo and Basic Instinct, the real terror is seemingly a sexually magnetic but emotionless woman. When you get down to it, isn't that what a femme fatale is? A woman who doesn't need men?
"well she got that magna cum laude pussy on her that done fried up your brain"
Having watched Casino recently, I feel confident saying I think Sharon Stone really is a great actress. She may be an insane hard to work with asshole (based on reports), but that doesn't stop a lot of male actors from getting work (cough, Sean Penn). In Casino and Basic Instinct she is basically the walking embodiment of cocaine. Catherine Tramell's even got a giant mirror over her bed so you can watch her blowing you.
"I spend most of my waking hours dwelling on my lies. For my writing."
It also reminded me how the early 90s was full of these new creatures, icy scary blonde women like Madonna, Camille Paglia, and Stone's Catherine Tramell, called Third Wave Feminists. And how it was kind of a revolutionary concept to be like "BEING OBJECTIFIED CAN BE EMPOWERING" and how sick of that shit I became in the 00s from the Vice Magazine/American Apparel version, which was more like "you'd get naked if you were cool." Which is not how it really works at all, hence also "Girls Gone Wild."
Which brings us back to the problems with Free Love and why being objectified doesn't actually usually end up being that empowering. At least not as empowering as being a best selling well-known novelist, which Catherine Tramell also is (and presumably not just because she gives great author photo). Apparently her magic pussy also makes for a magic pencil. Or is it the other way around? It's probably an ouroboros.
In the end, the plot doesn't make a ton of sense when you try to add it all up. But neither does the plot of Vertigo! Or a lot of film noirs, for that matter. What's more uncanny than trying to go back and tie up all the threads so they'll make sense and finding that you just can't? It's inspired me to write my new film Basic Wordpress about a sexy ginger whose blog presages murders all over The Mission.
Molly Lambert is the managing editor of This Recording. She tumbls and twitters.