text:
We've all been there. Trapped in line at the DMV. Or stuck on hold while trying to call a city agency. It's easy to complain about government bureaucracy. But it's the rare person who sees such inefficiency as a business opportunity.
Meet Adam Humphreys. He lives in New York City, and he wanted to travel to China for a vacation. His bureaucratic hassles with the Chinese consulate launched a whole new business.
It started simply enough. Adam found out he needed a visa to travel to China. He went online. Filled out a long, complicated form. And Adam showed up at the Chinese Consulate only to find out that he had filled out the wrong form.
"Can you help me?" he said.
"Do you have a printer I can use?" he tried.
"Where's the nearest Internet cafe?" he asked.
"At the Burger King."
Apparently there is an Internet cafe a half-mile away from the consulate in the dining room of a Burger King.
So Adam walked over.
"And I saw inside the Burger King," he says, "that every single one of their computers was dedicated to the same Chinese PDF."
Everyone, it seemed, was facing the same problem he was. And this is when Adam Humphreys had his big idea. He called his buddy Steven Nelson. And they rented a van.
A large Penske cargo van.
And they parked it in front of the Chinese consulate. Right in front of the exit door, where frustrated visa applicants wandered out into the sunshine wondering what to do. These lost souls, like Adam a few days earlier, would now be greeted by a sign on the van: Lucky Dragon Mobile Visa Consultants.
Inside, Adam had tricked out the van to be a mobile solution to Chinese bureaucracy. There are a couple of Mac laptops and a printer, plus an old couch, Christmas lights and bamboo mats. It's as cozy as a dorm room. And confused visa applicants line up outside.
"The embassy changed the form and I didn't know," says Jimmy Tong, who needed a passport for his wife. "Luckily this guy was here to help."
At first Tong was a little unsure about getting into a rental van parked along a busy highway, but he took the chance.
"As long as it's not a robbery," he says.
In minutes, Tong has his proper forms, all filled out, with the correct photo stapled at the top.
And it's clear that Adam Humphreys and Steven Nelson have stumbled on a viable business. In a van. On the street.
Which was strange for the two. They were both freelance artists. They never thought about being entrepreneurs. And they had the most basic questions about business. What do you charge for a service that you just made up?
They thought about the Internet cafe at the Burger King. Those guys charged between $10 and $20. So at first Adam and Steve started charging $10.
They were overrun with customers. So they jacked the price up to $40, but then they lost too many people. So they dropped the price, and gave themselves a promotion. They called themselves consultants.
" 'Cause you can consult anywhere, right?" Adam says. "You can consult in a coffee shop, you can consult on the side of the highway."
They settled on the flat rate of $20 a person. Buddhist monks get a $5 discount to keep the karma flowing.
The two now take credit cards. They have a small-business license. They hired two fluent Mandarin speakers. And they even put on uniforms: blue pullover fleeces that give the van an Apple Store vibe.
Adam says he can make almost $500 a day, but he's a little cagey about giving up the exact details of what they are raking in. They are afraid someone else will park a cargo van with a printer alongside them and start a price war.
As any entrepreneur with a brilliant idea knows, you only have a little time before the market catches up with you. Before that happens, Adam and Steven want to expand into a retail space. Or, at the very least, a bigger vehicle. Like an RV.
Government bureaucracy, everyone's dealt with it at some point. You can complain. Most people do. But the occasional person sees that red tape and finds an opportunity to make money. Zoe Chace reports for NPR's Planet Money.
ZOE CHACE, BYLINE: You've probably been to the DMV or to city hall to get a copy of your birth certificate. And all this is annoying. But if you need a visa to go to China, it's a whole new level. Take the case of Adam Humphries. He lives in New York City. He wanted travel to China for a vacation. So he goes online. He fills out a long form, prints it all out - all these papers - shows up at the consulate, only to find out he's filled out the wrong form.
ADAM HUMPHRIES: Can you help me? No. Can I print one off inside? No. Where's the nearest Internet café? Well, it's basically where you got off the train, inside a Burger King.
CHACE: The closest place to the consulate with Internet access is a Burger King half a mile away at the nearest subway stop. And you have to understand, the consulate is way out by something called the West Side Highway. It's on a windy, deserted corner. And if you're in New York City, this is the middle of nowhere.
HUMPHRIES: And I saw, inside the Burger King when I walked up there, that every single one of their computers was dedicated to this particular Chinese PDF.
CHACE: This is the moment when the young Adam Humphries had his big idea. He called his buddy Steve.
HUMPHRIES: And I was like, dude, I've got this amazing - this...
STEVEN NELSON: Very enthusiastic.
HUMPHRIES: Very enthusiastic. This is so...
CHACE: Adam and Steven Nelson rented a cargo van and drove it all the way out to the West Side Highway. They parked it right on the corner, right in the line of vision of the people turned away from the consulate. So when the rejects filed out of the building, searching for a place to retype the form and print it out, they'd be greeted by...
NELSON: Lucky Dragon Mobile Visa Consultants head office.
CHACE: Currently based inside a Penske rental van.
This door right here? OK.
Inside the van, it's as cozy as a college dorm room. There's an old couch in the back, a couple folding chairs, Christmas lights, bamboo mats. There are a couple Mac laptops and one ink printer. And it's full to bursting with customers - people who had the same problem Adam did.
Jimmy Tong needs a passport for his wife.
JIMMY TONG: At the embassy, they changed the form. I didn't know. Luckily, this guy was here to help.
CHACE: Tong was sent over to the van by the security guards at the embassy door. That's how the guys get most of their customers.
TONG: I say, are you sure? Oh sure, they have computers. They have printers. You know?
CHACE: And what do you think of this van?
TONG: I don't know. I mean as long as it's not a robbery.
CHACE: It's not a robbery.
NELSON: I am stapling a passport photo to the front of an application for this gentleman's wife. And now I'm going to ask him for money.
CHACE: Right, the money. Until they rented the van, Adam and Steven were freelance artists. They never thought about being entrepreneurs. So, what do you charge for a service that you just made up? Well, they did have one competitor - remember the Burger King.
HUMPHRIES: I figured they were charging between 10 and 20. Up there? We started at 10.
CHACE: Start with an undercut. But they were overrun with customers, so they jacked the price up to 40. But then lost too many people. So they dropped the price some and gave themselves a promotion.
HUMPHRIES: Instead of letting people use our computers and print forms for themselves, it was we would help people put the forms together and print them and send them back inside.
CHACE: And that's when you guys decided that you were, in fact, consultants.
HUMPHRIES: Yes.
NELSON: Yeah.
HUMPHRIES: 'Cause you can consult anywhere, right? You can consult in a coffee shop. You can consult on the side of the highway.
CHACE: Flat rate, 20 bucks a person. For Buddhist monks, 15 - karma. They now take credit cards. They have a small business license. They hired two fluent Mandarin speakers. Expenses? Printer ink and occasional parking ticket.
But they're still doing business on the side of a highway from a cargo van. They have to look especially legit. So they got matching bright blue fleeces, red beanies and clipboards.
HUMPHRIES: I think trying to go for a Mac store kind a thing right, you know. Everybody is comfortable in the Mac store, right? Everything is happening so efficiently in the Mac store.
CHACE: They didn't want to broadcast exactly how much they make in a day because they were afraid other people might drive up with their printers in cargo vans.
Before that happens Adam and Steven want to expand, like into a retail space. Or just a bigger vehicle, like an RV.
CHACE: Zoe Chace, NPR News, New York.
WERTHEIMER: You're listening to MORNING EDITION from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
$7.76 million plan goes to town votersBy SARA YOUNG-KNOX
Special to the Union Leader
February 06. 2013 10:58PM
LITTLETON - Voters placed the town's proposed $7.76 million operating budget on the warrant Tuesday night without any changes to the bottom line.
Town Manager Fred Moody said the only change residents made to the warrant was to the article that would allow the town to lease property to the Mount Eustis Ski Hill group. Moody said residents added the words "in accordance with town zoning and planning regulations and after at least two public hearings."
The 2012 operating budget was $8,832,393, with actual expenditures coming in at $7,798,717. The 2013 proposed budget is $7,766,766.
In 2012, $76,375 was budgeted for health agencies and $91,375 was spent. Funding requests from social service agencies are broken out into special articles. Articles 37 through 44 were not recommended by the selectmen by a vote of 3-0.
The budget committee was unanimous in its vote to not recommend the articles, which range from a request of $30,000 for the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council to $3,080 for the the Burch House Support Center, northern Grafton County's sexual and domestic violence crisis center.
In further decreases, the 2012 budget had a $350,000 line item for a capital outlay for land, $434,329 for machinery, vehicles and equipment and $359,100 for improvements other than buildings. There are no appropriations in that category in the proposed 2013 operating budget, though there are several individual articles that address capital improvements and maintenance.
If the operating budget is defeated, the town government will be run under a default budget of $7,699,128.
The proposed budget was recommended by the selectmen, 3-0, with the budget committee splitting its vote, 4-3. Also recommended were $342,846 in special articles and $745,800 in individual articles, for a total of $8,855,412 in recommended appropriations.
Estimated revenues and credits are $3,290,430, leaving $5,564,982 to be raised by general taxation, up from $4,904,154 in 2012.
Last year, voters rejected the budget, and town officials worked under the default budget. In March, residents will also vote on two three-year contracts with the local unions of the State Employee's Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council. The second session of the annual town meeting is March 12, with ballot voting at the Littleton Fire Department, 230 Main St., from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Huskers Head to Big Ten Championships
The Nebraska cross country team will be competing in its first Big Ten Championship under first-year Head Coach David Harris Sunday in East Lancing, Mich. Harris believes his team has responded well to adversity after struggling at the Wisconsin adidas Invitational two weeks ago.
"I was not as happy with the Wisconsin adidas Invite," Harris said. "Our team placing was not good but when I analyzed it further that is kind of where we are as a team right now – very inexperienced. I also know that we did have several individuals who ran personal bests so I do feel good as a coach for them."
Following the Wisconsin adidas Invite, Harris believes his team has worked hard in the bye week to get ready for the conference championship.
"We have been tapering our mileage in workouts and increasing some intensity," Harris said. "Basically we want to be well recovered from hard training and ready to run faster."
Harris acknowledged that as a whole, the Big Ten Conference is full of some of the top talent in the country, which will make this meet difficult for the young Huskers.
"All the Big Ten teams are excellent cross country programs," he said. "It is one of the toughest cross country conferences in the nation. We are just trying to run our best and represent NU well."
After sitting out of the Wisconsin adidas Invite, junior co-captain Jarren Heng is expected to return to the course for the conference championship on the men's side.
"Jarren is planning on running. He has been slowly recovering from a calf injury, but he looks like he could be close to 100 percent," Harris said. "We need him to lead our young freshmen."
Overall, Harris hopes the young group of NU runners perform at a high level against the best competition in the country.
"I just want to see them have their best individual races of the year, and we will just put those individual performances together for our best team placing possible."
Check back here at Huskers.com for race results Sunday afternoon. The women's race starts at 10:45a.m. with the men's race following at 11:45a.m.


text:
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text:
Diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect in which an opening is present in the diaphragm at birth. The diaphragm is the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities. The abnormal opening allows some of the organs typically found in the abdomen to move into the chest cavity. In infants born with diaphragmatic hernia, the abdominal organs push up against the lungs. This prevents the lungs from developing normally.
Diaphragmatic hernia is a serious condition with many potential complications and side effects.
Diaphragmatic hernia is caused by a failure of the diaphragm to completely fuse during fetal development.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of diaphragmatic hernia include:
- Chromosomal syndromes
- Maternal alcohol use
- Pregestational diabetes in the mother
Symptoms include:
- Severe respiratory distress, including rapid breathing, grunting, use of accessory muscles, and bluish tint to the skin from lack of oxygen
- Asymmetrical or increased diameter of the chest wall
- Concave abdomen
Diagnosis is frequently made on prenatal ultrasound.
If not found prior to birth, a physical exam will be done. A may be done to confirm the presence of abdominal organs in the chest cavity.
Images may be taken of your child's bodily structures. This can be done with achest x-ray.
Treatment includes the following:
Surgery to repair the defect and move the organs into the abdomen may be done. Surgery involves either sewing the edges of the diaphragm together, or if the hole is too large, using an artificial patch to fully close the hole. Fetal surgery may be offered at some institutions.
Respiratory Support
Aggressive respiratory support, including intubation with mechanical ventilation, is often needed. Different ventilator strategies may be used. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or cardiopulmonary bypass, may be necessary.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review BoardMarcin Chwistek, MD
- Review Date: 03/2017 -
- Update Date: 05/01/2014 -


text: James Newill's operatic training was put to good use in this 1940 installment of the popular Renfrew singing-mountie series. The films were based on ten novels featuring the heroic sergeant written by Laurie York Erskine. These stories were also the basis for a radio series, which ran concurrently with Newill's movies and featured House Jamison as Renfrew.


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More than 80% of the 27 S&P 500 companies that have reported quarterly results beat analysts' estimates compiled by Bloomberg, as the U.S. equity indexes continue to hover close to 2012 high levels. With that said, reports of accelerating inflation levels in China seem to be tempering another immediate leg up in the equity markets. We believe this is not a major cause to become bearish, but more a temporary breather on the way up to 1500 in the S&P 500. This is our opinion.
Corporate earnings have been positive overall, and thus this is another bullish data point to add to the rally case going forward. It seems like the markets are moving "back to normal" in the sense that they are looking more dependent on actual economic data vs. moving sharply up or down on geo-political headlines.
Another market that seems to be directly affected by the China inflation data is crude oil. Crude oil is down $0.64 today, likely because of concerns that rising inflation in China will temper more stimulus and this potentially reduces crude oil and other demand of commodities. We don't think this is a huge story that will be a big market impact going forward. RBOB gasoline and Heating Oil futures are also retracing some of their recent rally, with RBOB down around $0.055 and heating oil down $0.046.
Precious metals have gotten sold today, with gold futures down almost $18 and silver futures down around $0.60. Again, we believe this is an effect of the China inflation data, as investors may now believe there is less likelihood of monetary stimulus. Overall the precious metals moves are in line with our belief that gold will experience a short term range between $1,630 and $1,690.
We focus on the grains markets today, specifically the soybeans futures market. There is a monthly USDA report scheduled to be released at 11 am CST today, which might have a significant impact on the grains markets. MAR13 soybeans are down $0.16 this morning before the report release, while MAR13 corn futures are down $0.09 at $6.89. Soybeans have now broken their very key support level at $13.60, but this could be short-lived with a bullish report release. Our next major support level for the soybeans is $12.40. If soybeans got down to this level, we would think it would be very oversold.
Click to enlarge.


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Acquisition Advisory Panel: Final draft report
Kelman: A really bad idea
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PE ELL, Wash. — A cafeteria-full of schoolchildren at Pe Ell School noisily enjoyed their lunch Sept. 25, a scene mirrored at schools across the state in celebration of Taste Washington Day.
For the occasion, school districts served lunches featuring locally sourced food as much as possible in partnership with the Washington School Nutrition Association, Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Missie Holmes, food service director at Pe Ell, said her menu was built around one of her students' favorite lunches, barbecue baked chicken and roasted potatoes, cooked from scratch in the school kitchen.
Milk came from Blaser Brothers Midway Dairy in Chehalis, 25 miles away, fruits from Jeremy's Mainstreet Market, also in Chehalis, and vegetables from Boistfort Valley Farm, 15 miles away.
Special guest at Pe Ell was Trudi Inslee, wife of Gov. Jay Inslee, who joined in the lunch and posed for lots of pictures with the smiling kids. She said keeping Washington food in front of Washington children benefits everyone.
"Kids are the best deliverers of messages," she said.
WSDA and the other agencies organized the first Taste Washington Day in 2010, and since then at least 60 school districts and 50 farms have participated. Hector Castro, communications director of the ag department, said he didn't know how many joined in this year, but at least 50 said they planned to.
Tricia Kovacs, WSDA outreach and education specialist, said limited federal grants have facilitated the partnerships between local farmers and buyers at institutions, food banks, hospitals and schools.
"We've helped open doors for schools concerned about the legalities of buying local food," she said. "Also the schools are challenged by new nutrition standards, and produce items are color-based, based on their nutritional value. Local produce can build on that."
Not all schools have kitchens, she said, but many districts are reviving facilities or serving several schools from a central kitchen.
WSDA Director Bud Hover said, "Taste Washington Day is a chance for schools to teach their students about where their food comes from and promote healthy eating. It's also about recognizing the hard work of the farmers and ranchers and others who provide the food that we all enjoy."
"Prevailing wisdom seems to be that children don't want healthy or nutritious food," said Chris Neal, president of the Washington School Nutrition Association. "But if it looks good and tastes good, most students are more than willing to try something new. And what tastes or looks better than fresh, local produce?"


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By Dr. Marty Becker for Vetstreet
It's not really spring until you've smacked your first mosquito. Some mosquitos, though, are more than annoying bloodsuckers: They're carriers of a parasite that can kill your pet.
You're probably ahead of me. No worries, doc, you say. I have my dog on heartworm preventive.
As any responsible dog lover should, I'd say. But what about your cat? Did you know that heartworm disease is also a problem in cats? If you didn't, don't beat yourself up. The problem is so little known it's practically a secret to cat lovers, but fortunately not to veterinarians.
More from Vetstreet:
Pet Poisons from A to Z
Towel Wrap Your Cat in 5 Scratch-Free Steps
9 Steps for Taking Care of Your New Kitten
Yes, cats can and do get heartworm disease. They're not the ideal host for these parasites, though, and many cats are able to rid their own bodies of the pests. But the fact that heartworm disease is different in cats than in dogs doesn't mean the risk should be ignored.
The problem starts when a mosquito bites, allowing the microscopic heartworm larvae to migrate into their next victim. In dogs, these microfilariae mature in the heart; almost everyone has seen what a mess the adult worms make in clogging that vital organ. The risk of leaving them in the heart in dogs is deadly enough that a treatment protocol that's anything but easy is used to rid the pet of the pests. That's why using preventive medication is so essential in dogs.
In cats, the need for preventive medicine hasn't been so clear-cut. But we are becoming more aware that some conditions we've thought were something else were really heartworm disease, with evidence of microfilariae elsewhere in the cats' bodies. As these health problems become easier to identify as heartworm-related, I suspect we'll see feline heartworm preventives in wider use.
Why is the disease in cats different than in dogs? Because cats aren't a natural host for heartworms, and over time, many cats are able to rid themselves of the parasites without medical intervention. But just because cats don't always end up with a heart full of what looks like spaghetti doesn't mean the juvenile stages of the worms aren't capable of damage. Cats who have problems breathing are typically diagnosed with asthma, but breathing problems can be associated with the juvenile stage of heartworms. It's even possible for heartworms to kill a cat, typically too quickly for a veterinarian to be able to help.
It's difficult to offer any definitive advice that holds true for all cats in all parts of the country. In the Gulf region, for example, where heartworm is prevalent, cats as well as dogs are more likely to be threatened by heartworm disease. Where I live, in extreme North Idaho, it's nowhere near as big a problem.
As always, your own veterinarian is your guide for information on how preventing heartworms fits into your cat's wellness plan. If you're in an area of high risk -- even if your cat lives indoors -- you may need to have your cat tested for the presence of heartworms. Based on the results of that testing, you and your veterinarian will be able to make an informed decision with regard to preventive medication. In areas of the highest risk of infestation, your veterinarian can prescribe one of a handful of FDA-approved medications that are effective at preventing heartworms from living in your cat.
Make sure you bring the subject up at your cat's next wellness exam. Because heartworm isn't just a problem for dogs, and cats deserve protection, too.
For more on pet health, click here.
Flickr photo by Cody Ellis


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Sunday, June 30, 2013
3 weeks
Our precious Mary Anna was three weeks old on Friday. It is so often said at these stages, but it is indeed so hard to believe it's been three weeks already. Blink.
Without diminishing the ceremony that was her birth, it is hard to reminisce on her arrival- those sacred moments - without also thinking of my mother's death. Every motion of the labor room- my own, the baby's, and the nurses'- kept my dear mother right there. So blessedly present. When I spoke of her to my sweet labor nurse Tonja, how she was a newborn nurse for so long, how she just missed her 13th grandchild, we both heard my heart rate on the monitor soaring. (Beating. Running towards her). Tonja held my hands and cried with me. Gathered my hair to one side of my shoulder and caressed my head. So gently. And how these two Marys missed each other. By just exactly 3 weeks. The very definition of bittersweet, if ever there was one. It is almost impossible to grasp all of what has happened in these last two months. I don't expect to ever fully make sense of things and in fact I have to go over the basic facts in my head almost daily to remember why my life is suddenly the way that it is now. Mom had cancer. We tried, but couldn't make it better. I was pregnant when she died. She didn't live long enough to meet Mary Anna. The brain must have these sort of mechanisms that prevent it from thinking of the whole thing all at once, otherwise I think one would simply collapse from the pain and sorrow. That is, if you were to really absorb all the individual and collective sadness of losing one, so loved, so close. It is a hole that cannot be filled with anything. Nothing. You just find a way to make that okay. Perhaps embellish a frame around the void with flowers, stitching, beauty, memories, stories, belongings, gifts. Until, eventually, there is an image there, a picture of that person. A picture of kindness and love and you can look at the framed portrait as you always would, in anticipation of being together again. A placeholder, reserved for that one cherished soul in your life that will never be like another.
But this soul. Oh how dear, perfect, and mild she is. Her pediatrician walked into my recovery room after his first look at her in the hospital and said, "I think she's beautiful and I think she's strong." We agreed. My heavy heart is made lighter continuously at the peace and sweetness she has brought into our lives. I've looked so deep into her eyes, searching. She seems to answer questions I cannot even formulate words for. She is her own, beautiful, exquisite little soul, and I wonder how I would tread these days without the focus of caring for her. Needing her to need me, and filling her hungers and her cries with every thing that I am. Everything that I am trying to be. I heard Tonja say it, after checking the monitor and calling the OB in, just seconds before this little girl was thrust into the world "you are just created for this, sweetie".
I am conscious of the gift of caring for this child in the midst of also caring for myself, the fragility of the two is just the same. I am so incredibly thankful that it is almost impossible to put into words. It is like pressing my lips against her tiny head, holding her tightly, closing my eyes and falling into a place that doesn't have any edges, or beginnings or endings, and thinking of my mother, and feeling the ever present reality of being the very physical link between these two beautiful lives. Just as I felt it when I bowed my head in tears, both thankful and sorrowful, and held my mother's hand with my right, and clutched my pregnant belly with the left and thanked God for being this person in between. Continuous and never ending family.
Her name itself, chosen several months ago, has been both title and narrative of our story.
Mary for my mother.
Anna for myself.
Louisa for her.
Mary meaning bitter.
Anna meaning grace.
Louisa meaning warrior.
xoxox, AM
89 comments:
What sweet words straight from your soul. May you continue to heal more every day as you hold that precious bundle near your heart. Prayers for you and your family.ReplyDeleteReplies
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What a beautiful post. My heart goes out to your as you are trying to piece it all together. What a gorgeous, precious bundle you have there to love, care for and chatter away about your mother to.ReplyDelete
I am so very sorry for your loss. I wasn't pregnant when my mother died, but I recognize these feelings of being a link because I feel them every time I think of my mother and see my children.ReplyDelete
I know there is no consolation another person can give you when you loose your mother, but consolation will come, from your innermost heart, with time and the knowledge that a life ended which was well lived and filled with love and grace, and the trust that although every individual life has to end, as long as there are children, and grandchildren, and memories cherished, and things remembered, and stories told, there is no end to giving and receiving love in a family, whether its members are alive or had to go on.
Sending lots of good wishes to you and yours over the pond! Ulrike
I know your pain exactly, 28 years ago I lost my mother 17 days before the birth of my son, my first child. Even yet I know the feelings you describe, bittersweet is a perfect description! How I would have dealt with her death though without having my son to care for I'll never know. He was a complete blessing in so many ways (and still is)!ReplyDelete
Take care,
Vivienne x
- Anonymous2:46 PM
I have been reading your blog and buying your fabric for years now. I lost my sweet dad, only 62 years old, in November. My third baby was born just before he passe away. I've cried buckets during the hours nursing. She's been my little comfort. My dad held on and was able to see her and hold her a few times. My heart goes out to you and I feel each word you've written. Peace to you and your family.ReplyDelete
God bless.ReplyDelete
Your mother raised you well and you and your beautiful family are a tribute to her. I am struck through the Instagram photos by the temperament of Anna, quiet, knowing. Please continue to "baby" yourself a little.
Much love from Michigan.
I admire your ability to put this time into words. It will be 20 years this fall that I lost my mother.
Oh I meant Mary Anna. You knew.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4:15 PM
You are so lucky! I lost my Mom to the bottle years ago. She was selfish, and chose addiction. I try to focus on the good memories, yet there are very few. I would rather focus on my grandma, who...taught me to thread her Singer when I was 5. Who taught me to sew on construction paper. Who helped me put the embroidery hoop on the fabric. She passed when I was nine in 1979. The pain softens over time.ReplyDelete
I know that sounds trite. But it really does. You are so lucky to have had a wonderful sane and sober Mom.
- Anonymous5:18 PM
We are not friends, and I"ve never met your wonderful mother.... yet I sit at my computer, crying my eyes out for you and for her and for your little warrior. You are such an amazing person for letting the world into your life, for sharing the joys and pains with all of us strangers. It is a bravery that I could not imagine. Many prayers for you and your family.ReplyDelete
Christine T.
Simply beautiful, in so many ways. I've been thinking of you and your family often the past few weeks, and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. xoxoReplyDelete
Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous9:15 PM
Your heart is so full of love. Thank you for expressing its contents with us. I felt teary because I understand your sorrow of losing a parent. Sadness, yet joy now, for you are blessed with Mary Anna. Hugs to you in your healing and also for nurturing of your new daughter.ReplyDelete
Thank you for this exquisitely beautiful post. May you be comforted at this time of sorrow and loss, and find joy in the anticipation of a future reunion. In my faith tradition we believe we lived as Spirits with God before we came to earth. I'm sure your mother spent a beautiful three weeks preparing Mary Anna for her arrival on this earth. She helped her in her transition between heaven and earth and will always be an angel to you and your family, continuing her work of caring for her family members.ReplyDelete
Anna, your amazing gift of expressing yourself is always a treasured gift to me. Thank you.ReplyDelete
I was thinking about what a beautiful soul you must be as I pieced together some of your lovely fabrics in a quilt today. You have to have a lot of love, and passion for life to create things of such beauty. Reading this makes my heart hurt for you. May you find peace, and rest and rejuvenation in the treasure of that new little soul you are caring for.ReplyDelete
What a very moving post. You have brought me to tears. My heart bleeds for you during this difficult and yet beautiful time. May you keep finding strength in the bind that is continuing from your mother to your daughter and may your bitter grace warrior lead you on your path to Leto holding your mum and daughters right hand. Sending you warm wishes. Stay strong but also embrace your weaknesses, it's ok to feel like you can't sometimes. Love yourself as much as you can xoReplyDelete
Beautiful tribute, full of thoughtful metaphors. I had a similar instance of experiencing a passing of one and arriving of another. I wondered it their souls somehow met for a moment in the place that we know little of in this life. I agree that we know only in part knowledge that we cannot fully bear. None can ever fill the void left by a mother, and truly, we want that to be so. I hope the writing of these things is a balm to your heart.ReplyDelete
I am forever amazed by God's grace..He alone knew what wasReplyDelete
going to transpire in your Mom's live and then of course yours. He knew long before any of you even had life. In His infinite wisdom and gracious love He provided a way for you to have this precious gift during a time of great loss. God is so good.
- Anonymous10:35 AM
Dear Anna, I still thinking of you and I wish you and your little, sweet Baby all the best. In your words I feel the love between you and your mother and your Baby will still felt this too. She knows that her mother is forceful. Your teardrops help you to became vigour. XOXOXO BrittaReplyDelete
Beautiful words from a true heart.ReplyDelete
Thank you for this. As I sit here today, freshly back from my dad's memorial service in Nashville, huge with twins, I am having trouble knowing how to take it in. Yes, I hopped a plane at 37 weeks, but I couldn't miss it. These are the first grandkids, which means my first kids, which means I don't know what I'm doing, but your words are encouraging to me as I try to figure out this period of mourning and joy.ReplyDelete
This was so beautifully written I almost couldn't read it. What a precious time.ReplyDelete
Your words are so perfect. Loss -- such immense loss -- is emotionally unthinkable, unlivable. And yet our bodies are also mechanical, and they keep going, thank goodness. Your metaphor for stitching a frame around an emptiness is astonishing. It's so true. You emanate so much love, such gratitude, such grace. You live up to your name indeed. All the best to you, your family, and this precious baby girl.ReplyDelete
You have captured with beautiful words what I have myself experienced and never been able to define. I am so grateful to you that I was able to read this and better understand the loss of my own mother right before the birth of my first child. Thank you and, speaking from seven years later, you are absolutely right. The picture will emerge, the brain will slowly let you realize it is true, and you will never EVER lose her.ReplyDelete
what a beautiful post. how my heart breaks and celebrates with yours. i love the gift of names you have given her-what honor.ReplyDelete
Thank you for those heartfelt thoughts......I too just lost my mother (3 months ago). Although I have grown children I can feel your sorrow.....I am thankful that my mother got to meet her first great granddaughter before she left us. She was too weak to hold her but the joy and delight everytime she saw her was something that still warms my heart......enjoy you new Mary & make sure you tell her about your mother and all the wonderful & funny things about herReplyDelete
You expressed your thoughts of birth and passing so well, I felt as if I were inside your head thinking the same things. I lost my Mom two weeks ago. Even though I had her for 86 1/2 years it is still hard for me to believe I will never hear her voice again. I am comforted to know that my Mom is at peace. I know in the days/weeks/months to come when you think of your Mom it will be hard, take joy in her life and the life of your new daughter. Blessed be, AniReplyDelete
Your writing brings tears to my eyes… the way you describe motherhood… you most definetly could be a prolific writer, not that you need one more thing to do well ;) you are amazingly beautiful AMH! Your mother is most assuredly proud!ReplyDelete
What a beautiful tribute you have penned. You are obviously your mother's daughter and I feel reading this that she is proud of you and she is with you in these special weeks and of course will always be. God speed. HelenReplyDelete
Anna Maria, your baby girl is beautiful. I have a 2-month-old boy, my third, born a year and a half after I lost my mom to cancer. He is my first baby after losing her, and it has been a different experience. Bittersweet, I would say. I grieve because she isn't here to see him, but I rejoice at new life. I love what you wrote about being the link between your mother and your daughter. I will think of that as I hold my baby and gaze at my mom's self portrait that she painted when she was in college. Blessings to you and your family!ReplyDelete
Tears, flowing. Your words ripped my heart out in the most amazingly beautiful way. You really need to print this post and hang it in the nursery, or at least put it in her baby book. I sincerely believe that everything happens for a reason, this just proves that ten-fold. Blessings to you Anna Maria. You are gifted and loved in so many ways. XOReplyDelete
I was just catching up on my blog reading and finally read this. You have the most beautiful way with words. I work in the birth world and it is often so similar to death in the most surprising and profound ways. What a journey you have been on. Thank you for sharing this with us.ReplyDelete
Thanks for expressing your thoughts so beautifully. Your sweet little baby will keep you in the present, and moving forward as you remember your mom. I lost my mom 30 years ago, when I was in my early 20's. So I never got to share my marriage, kids and love of quilting with her. I think of her often and know we would have so much fun together! I think this is one reason why my quilting friends are so important to me... they have helped me through so many difficult times in my life. Take care, give little Mary Anna Louise a hug and kiss for me!ReplyDelete
There is a girl in New York CityReplyDelete
Who calls herself the human trampoline
And sometimes when I'm falling, flying
Or tumbling in turmoil I say
Oh, so this is what she means
She means we're bouncing into Graceland
And I see losing love
Is like a window in your heart
And everybody sees you're blown apart
Everybody feels the wind blow
In Graceland, in Graceland
I'm going to Graceland
For reasons I cannot explain
There's some part of me wants to see
And I may be advised to defend
Every love, every ending
Or maybe there's no obligations now
Maybe I've a reason to believe
We all will be received
In Graceland
- Paul Simon, "Graceland"
Wishing you continue to find peace in this beautiful, sorrowful, blessed time.
Dear Anna, My condolences for your loss. May the sorrow you feel in your heart be lightened by the "LOVE" that surrounds you with sweet, precious Mary Anna Louisa.ReplyDelete
God bless you, and as a friend of mine put it--I am sorry that you have had to join the group none of us wants to belong to--that of motherless daughters. My mom has been gone for three years now. Relish these days--and I know that you will--with your precious little girl. She is beautiful. Your mom is still loving you, and sweet baby Mary Anna Louisa. That love you feel for your daughter--that's the same love your mother had--HAS--for you.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous10:38 AM
My name is Marianna (I am also Greek) and my first daughter is Louisa (yiayia 1) and second daughter is Mary (yiayia 2). I am expecting the 3rd daughter next month and thinking of an ancient Greek Name this time. I cried very much after reading everything you wrote... God bless you and your family...
Its Awkward to Say some one you are doing Lol.... Every thing you want in Lol and Troll, Now you Get all in one Network, LolsGag, Lol Pictures, Lol Videos, Lol Peoples, Funny Peoples, Troll Images, Awkwards Text, Funny Comics, Jokes, Funny Jokes, Funny Facts, Humour, Funny Planet, troll pictures, funny pictures, Facebook pictures, facebook funny pictures, facebook lol pictures, Funny videos and Much More only Laughing out of LaughingReplyDelete
Thank you for your beautiful post. I lost my mother to cancer 4 years ago today, just 11 days before the birth of my first son, and my mothers first grandchild. Everything you have said is exactly what I went through, but my son was also the best thing that could have happened to my family at the time, particularly for my Dad. May your precious daughter bring light and happiness to you and your family during this difficult time.ReplyDelete
Hi friend I love your blog always has nice things here, beauty baby, cheers for him,hugs ...ReplyDelete
- Lorna12:38 PM
Oh Anna. Haven't dropped in here for a while. I'm so very sorry about your mother, and so sad she didn't get to meet Mary Anna Louisa. You write so warmly on your blog that you feel like a friend, and I'm crying for you as if I've known you for years. My heart goes out to you, and to all of the others on here who have shared their stories. Love and hugs to you all. xReplyDelete
- Lisa2:41 AM
My dad died last year, just three months after my fourth baby was born, and months before my sister's first baby was born, and we both agreed that it was the best way it could be, and the worst. And yet, truly, as time goes by the raw sadness transforms bit by bit as happy memories stand side by side with the hardest ones. My baby helped me make it through that really difficult time. I still miss my dad every day, but I see him in her smile and mop of curly hair, and her stubborn individualism. In his last days my dad dreamed of my sister's baby and she was born much as he said she would be- they had already met! Have faith that your mother's spirit is there watching over you and your beautiful family.ReplyDelete
Much Love. Welcome to the world, little doll. <3ReplyDelete


text:
Keep your home contaminate free
Keep it Contaminate Free
So what is considered a contaminate? Just a few contaminants include lead, radon, environmental tobacco smoke, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, pests, etc. A few that may concern Oklahoma homeowners are lead, radon and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Lead – if your home was build prior to 1978 it may have lead based paint products or building materials. The CDC defines lead poisoning as 5 micrograms per liter = very small amount. Very small amounts can do great harm so it is important to reduce lead exposure as much as possible.Make sure to remove and clean up any old, chipping paint. Seal the area with a non-lead based sealant and repaint. There are a lot of products which contain lead. To find out visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/haz.aspx Watch items purchased at resale shops and antiques. Be careful since you may be wearing lead! Some jewelry can contain up to 50% lead!
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – control these by making wise choices when choosing home cleaning, maintenance products or any chemical type substance used in your home. Make sure to use products in a well-ventilated area and as directed on the label for safe use. Here is a recipe for a simple kitchen cleaner with very low VOC.
2 tbsp. white vinegar
2 pints water
4 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree oil, lemon, lemongrass, or rosemary)
Combine ingredients in spray bottle and use as a final rinse after cleaning kitchen surfaces. Store in a cool, dark place. Recipe taken from the University of Georgia Green Cleaning curriculum
Radon – Although Pottawatomie County is considered to have a low potential for radon it is important to be aware if it is present in your home. Radon is a naturally occurring dangerous gas that enters homes through soil, crawlspaces, and foundation cracks. It can be detected with a radon detector which is recommended for homes which have foundation crawl spaces. There are products homeowners can purchase to remove Radon gases from their homes through the EPA.
Information provided by Dr. Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Housing Specialist – 7 Principles of a Healthy Home Workshop Series.


text:
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Membership at Hegre.com costs
less than $0.42 a day!
With a body that looks likes it was designed by a master sculptor, new model Jula is truly a sight to behold.
Pull up a chair sit back and admire this beautiful work of art as Jula makes her Hegre.com film debut. Her lightly bronzed skin is oiled to perfection, slickly highlighting those awesome curves and elegant contours. The camera traces her glorious female form paying attention to every inch of this feminine beauty and allowing you to get closer to this living goddess.
Jula's photographic debut was met with much approval. This film allows you to get to know Jula a little bit more intimately.
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text:
Dr. King provides introductory remarks to participants of the Pacem In Terris II Convocation held in Geneva, Switzerland. He addresses several moral and political concerns as it relates war and Vietnam.
Dr. King provides introductory remarks to participants of the Pacem In Terris II Convocation held in Geneva, Switzerland. He addresses several moral and political concerns as it relates war and Vietnam.
This is a 1967 complimentary Season Football Ticket from the Department of Physical Education at Morehouse College to Dr. King.
Woodlawn Community Services Agency issues an invitation to come to the 24th Annual Blue Ribbon Tea where Dr. King will be honored.
This article discusses the protest of African Americans to the ending of the Headstart nursey program, and the reallocation of those funds to other state programs.
Dr. King describes the efforts of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference involvement in the civil rights campaign, May-July of 1964, in St. Augustine, Florida. The excerpted article is taken from the SCLC Newsletter.
Serving as an itinerary for the 53rd Annual NAACP Convention, this document outlines the schedule, location, and speakers of the seven-day event.
The author writes about how operation breadbasket completed successful negotiations for new jobs for Negroes within the Chicago dairy industry.
Maude Reid request a manuscript copy of Dr. King's speech at New Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Mrs. Burke, a representative of the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English, requests permission to reprint several exerts from the "I Have a Dream" address. The material will be included in the Johnson publication, entitled "The Day They Marched".
This paper is intended to catalyze discussion at the Delaware Conference on Equal Opportunity in Housing. By providing facts and analysis pertaining to Wilmington and surrounding areas, the paper is written to help familiarize attendees of the housing situation in Delaware. A key goal is to educate on the racial disparity and deterioration of urban areas. "The national housing objective is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to all people" and this document encourages the execution of developed solutions.
The Big Johnny Reb Radio Show, a show syndicated throughout the State of Georgia, criticizes Dr. King for his position on the Vietnam War. The management of the radio station agrees with the view that too much American blood has been spilled, but they also state Dr. King should not denounce his own country's cause in the fight against Communism.
Juilia Lockheart, a blind 75 year old woman, requests aid from Dr. King. Many people envisioned Dr. King to be the savior of their time; they would contact him with unrelated requests outside of the non-violent movement in hopes that he could be the remedy to their current issue.
The author of this letter, signed "Born Again Christian," urges Dr. King to set his ministry more on God rather than participating in civil rights demonstrations.
This pamphlet is from Dr. King's undergraduate alma mater, Morehouse College. The President of the institute, Benjamin E. Mays, is the author of , "A Brief Summary of Fifteen Years at Morehouse" which outlines the progress made during his presidency.
Lucis Trust wrote this "Call To Action" about the vast greivances that were occuring in America, as it related to the issue of race. He identified that African Americans were "condemned to an inferior way of life and excluded as a human being." Trust conveyed that a remedy must be provided for the ongoing injustice. The remedy he proposed is that the attitudes of White Americans needed to change, not only on a non-discriminitory basis, but by creating an atmosphere of inclusivism and goodwill.
This article discusses the Call to Vietnam Week, scheduled to take place April 8 through the 15th. The goal of this event was to promote grass roots awareness of war's destruction.
Dr. King expresses concern for the religious institutions of America. His concern is centered on the obligation that churches and synagogues have to advance civil rights and desegregation, while he goes on to reveal the parallels and connections between religion and society's values.
In this document, Dr. King addressed the Conference on Religion and Race in Chicago, Illinois. He reprimands the Church and Synagogue for being silent or being a "silent partner of the status quo." Dr. King tells them that they must recapture its focus on human rights or risk becoming irrelevant. In closing, Dr. King challenges himself along with these religious institutions to make a choice; either continue to follow the "status quo" or "give ourselves unreservedly to God and his kingdom."
In this address, Dr. King fuses the philosophies in the Old and New Testament regarding revolutionary social change. He argues that the most creative and constructive revolutionary force for change is one that combines the Old Testament's "righteousness and justice that flow down like a mighty stream" with the New Testament's call to love one's enemies and bless those who persecute you. He asserts that God has been working actively since the time of Moses for the freedom and perfection of people and society. Dr.
Dr. King discusses the topics of peace, the state of mankind, and his vision for the future during the delivery of this sermon to the congregation of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
This pamphlet produced by SNCC includes a number of reported violent attacks and intimidation tactics imposed on black Mississippi citizens from January 1, 1961 through February 4, 1964.
William Harold Johnson contacts Dr. King to inform him of a telephone message publicizing controversial information from a number listed in Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Johnson asks Dr. King for advice on how the Council of Churches could contend the information while also mentioning that he and his associates are interested in becoming more familiar with the approach being taken in Chicago.
New York Times Magazine writer Andrew Hacker writes about the growing problems caused by the "bigness" of corporate America. He says that large corporations are beginning to have so much power that they can damage the society without having to account for the consequences, as "corporate wealth buys corporate wishes." Some of the ways that they effect society are through their advertisements, their control of the labor market and education.
In this 10th Anniversary Journal for the SCLC, there are several topics covered to highlight the ten years of activity of the organization. Beginning with a story of the Civil Rights Movement's beginning, featuring Rosa Parks, to an article entitled "Where Do We Go From Here?"; this booklet summarizes many of the efforts made during the ten year existence of the SCLC.
This article on the first steps toward school integration includes a foreword by Dr. King. The article goes into some detail about the events regarding the integration of schools in Nashville, Tennessee.
Greta B. Digioia expresses how she and her husband have come to know Dr. King as a "symbol" of his race. She then offers Dr. King a one-of-a-kind gift.
Liberal historian Henry Steele Commager writes on the political morality of the United States. He asserts that the United States is not above the historical tendency to become corrupt, and the issue will become more important as the United States grows more powerful. He argues that the United States must reconcile the "principles of law and of morality."
In this draft of his 1967 speech, "A Journey of Conscience," Dr. King provides the many reasons he so strongly opposes the war in Vietnam. He writes of how he first felt it was important to remain silent, but gradually felt compelled to speak out, as the US made no initiatives toward peace. He points at that the war abroad takes away our focus on our problems at home, and we must "combine the fervor of the civil rights movement with the peace movement."
Dr. King wrote this sermon for the Youth Sunday Services of the Women's Convention Auxiliary National Baptist Convention in Chicago on September 14, 1958. The sermon builds off of a biblical passage from Luke in which a friend visits a neighbor at midnight for three loaves of bread. Correlating the story to the modern world, Dr.
In a tape-recorded address to the Riverside Church in New York City, Dr. King compares the civil rights struggle to a parable from St. Luke. His sermon specifically tackles contemporary social issues such as segregation, discrimination, and the philosophy of nonviolence. In addition, Dr. King explores the role of the church in dealing with such problems.


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For more than 60 years, this all-American institution has been serving its signature chicken and home-style sides..
In Short
Established in 1939, this fast-food restaurant still makes its legendary fried chicken with the closely guarded blend of 11 herbs and spices originally created by founder Colonel Sanders. Modern additions to the menu include oven-roasted renditions of its chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, potato wedges and wraps. Classic sides include flaky, oversized biscuits, steaming-hot mashed potatoes and gravy, smoky-sweet baked beans and crisp, generously dressed coleslaw. Kids and adults love the "little bucket" parfaits of pudding desserts.


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Blu-ray vs. HD DVD: The Anti-Fanboy View
Chris Gould tries to take an unbiased look at the new high-definition formats
In the interests of fair play (and to minimise the inevitable accusations of bias) let's start alphabetically, with Blu-ray Disc. I've been very impressed with the quality of the titles I've seen on Sony's format, especially from relatively recent films such as Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The level of detail in films encoded at 1080p far surpasses that of standard-definition DVD, allowing you to pick out elements that would ordinarily pass you by. Audio is also impressive, with engaging soundtracks encoded in lossless formats like PCM or DTS-HD Master Audio. However, it's not all rosy in the Blu-ray garden.
One of the biggest selling points of the new formats is their ability to handle high-def audio. For Blu-ray this means either PCM, DTS-HD Master Audio or, less commonly, Dolby TrueHD. While all of these sound great on paper, things are a little more complicated than the specs suggest. At the time of writing I don't know of a single Blu-ray player that can internally decode DTS-HD (either 'lossless' Master Audio or the lossy High Resolution variant). Instead people will hear the legacy Core track, which should still sound great, but which isn't high-def audio. Thankfully a large number of discs include uncompressed PCM soundtracks, which are identical to the studio master but eat up disc space that could be used for other things.
The audio issues are annoying, but my biggest criticism of the format is that it is not standardised. My BD player is what they call a 'Profile 1.0' machine, which means it is capable of playing back Blu-ray movies and standard features but it is incapable of handling the more advanced features that will be available on future releases. For this you will need a Profile 1.1 player, which will allow you to enjoy picture-in-picture commentaries and other advanced BD-J (Blu-ray Java) features. Another problem with Profile 1.0 machines is that the already long loading times of Blu-ray are exacerbated when players encounter discs with even the most basic of BD-J content.
For example, the average loading time for a film on my machine is around thirty seconds, but throw some BD-J features into the mix (discs such as Pirates of the Caribbean and FF2: Rise of the Silver Surfer) and the loading times rise to anywhere between two and three minutes! I don't know about you, but I find this situation totally unacceptable and can't believe that the technology was launched with what amounts to built-in obsolescence. I'm not even going to discuss Profile 2.0, which has already been announced...
Another major issue I have with Blu-ray is the regional coding. Although simplified to three regions (from DVD's six), it is unlikely to be cracked in the way that DVD regional protection was. I wouldn't have such a big problem with regional coding if it was used to protect the theatrical release dates of new releases (after all, that's what it's supposed to be for), but many studios still insist on coding catalogue titles. I'm talking about twenty year old films here (sometimes older). The only reason for the coding of such titles can be to control the price in various markets, but it also means that some territories have access to a much wider selection of titles than others. I like to watch Asian cinema, but this could become very difficult for me in the future, at least on Blu-ray.
Other than that, I'm fairly happy with the format. There are some minor issues that I find bothersome, such as navigation speed and the lack of resume support when you press the stop button, but these problems are not exclusive to Blu-ray.
As we move on to HD DVD many of the positive points raised above still stand, but there are a whole new set of negatives. The most widely publicised of these is probably the disc capacity issue. Whereas Blu-ray has a dual-layer disc capacity of 50GB, HD DVD is currently restricted to 30GB. This means less room for content, be it the main feature or bonus material, which is usually presented in standard definition. More space may come in the future with triple-layer discs, but whether these will be compatible with existing hardware remains to be seen and the Blu-ray camp is already promising 200GB discs...
One of the most obvious side-effects of the relative lack of disc space is that many HD DVD titles lack lossless soundtracks (and I don't know of any with uncompressed PCM). However, I've recently read a number of articles and listened to a number of podcasts that suggest the lack of TrueHD is not necessarily down to storage limitations, but rather conscious choice by the content designers. Indeed, in a recent interview a pair of Dolby engineers discussed the lack of TrueHD on the flagship Transformers HD DVD, proclaiming the Dolby Digital Plus track to be 'audibly transparent' to the studio master. Are they to be believed? Thankfully the interactive side of things is pretty much sorted, as HD DVD was launched with support for interactive features from the get-go.
HD DVD also has less studio support than Blu-ray, which translates to a smaller selection of available titles. At present only two of the major studios are exclusively supporting HD DVD (Paramount and Universal), with Warner opting to cover both formats. This is in stark contrast to Blu-ray, which has exclusive backing from Sony (of course), Fox, Disney (and its subsidiaries) and Lionsgate. Of course many smaller studios are also backing the formats, but it would seem that Blu-ray also has the edge there (at least in my experience).
Other, less obvious 'deficiencies' include a slightly less robust manufacturing process, which makes HD DVD discs more susceptible to dirt and scratches than Blu-ray discs, and a lower maximum bitrate for DVD video. Whether these are particularly big problems is debatable, but they are worth mentioning all the same. Other than that my experience was much the same as Blu-ray, with only slight annoyances like the lack of resume support and extended loading times and navigational delays (although HD DVD is quicker than Blu-ray in these respects).
At the moment both formats have compatibility issues, which usually manifest as the inability to play newer titles, but these can be addressed with firmware updates. Unfortunately it is impossible to get around the hardware restrictions of Profile 1.0 players, so all early-adopters will have to buy a new player if they want to enjoy the full Blu-ray experience. This is a particularly bitter pill to swallow considering the relatively high cost of Blu-ray hardware, and the main driving force behind my next statement.
If studio allegiances were not an issue and I was forced to choose between the formats at this moment in time, I would probably side with HD DVD. In my experience the hardware is more mature, the software offers more in the way of interactivity and, crucially, it does not enforce regional coding. As production costs fall storage will be less of an issue, either because of multi-layered discs or because we will start to see more multi-disc sets (as is the norm with DVD), which will close the gap even further.
Of course my opinion counts for very little in a battle that will be fought and won in the USA, a territory largely unconcerned with multi-region capability because of the size and diversity of the domestic market. With backing from so many of the major players, superior software sales and a larger installed user base courtesy of the PS3, the odds would seem to be stacked in Blu-ray's favour. Certainly, given a level playing field Sony's format would seem to be the logical choice on paper, but I wouldn't write off HD DVD just yet. I happen to think the formats are set to coexist for some time, for better or worse.
However, I personally feel that both formats are premature. The vast majority of people are simply not concerned about high-definition, be it Blu-ray, HD DVD or broadcast television. I know only a handful of people who can afford to own an HDTV and of those even fewer have them hooked up to a high-definition source. In fact, most people I've spoken to outside of the 'DVD community' don't have the first clue about either format, which is a trend that's repeated by store-workers and, yes, even the manufacturers if the conversations I've had with various technical help-desks are any indicator (they know who they are).
Sales would seem to reflect my opinion, with combined Blu-ray and HD DVD figures currently accounting for less than two percent of the total DVD market! At least some of the blame for the lacklustre sales figures must be attributed to the ongoing format war, which isn't helped by the two camps taking every opportunity to hurl insults or massage sales figures to 'prove' that the other is about to fail. Fanboys from both sides banging on about attach rates and the like seem to have forgotten what the formats are meant for—watching films. When it comes to that, Blu-ray and HD DVD offer a virtually identical experience; albeit one that is streets ahead of standard-definition in terms of quality. My advice to you is to hold off for a while longer until hardware is standardised and prices start to fall. If nothing else it will give you more time to save your pennies for that all-singing, all-dancing, dual-format player!
Editorial by Chris Gould
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The movie 2016: Obama's America just did something that's hard for any political documentary to accomplish: it took seventh place on the list of this weekend's highest grossing movies. Usually, when any documentary pulls in more than five million dollars, it's about, say, Katy Perry. But 2016 looks at the ideologies and global movements that it says helped intellectually mold the President of the United States from a critical, conservative perspective. And the ending imagines an America economically undone by four more years of an Obama presidency.
During the three years writer Dinesh D'Souza worked on the documentary, he traveled to Kenya to interview George Obama, the president's half-brother, as well as to India to create something of a parallel between his story and Obama's. The attention the film's received from Rush Limbaugh and Fox News has helped it expand from one screen in Houston when it opened six weeks ago to over 1170 screens nationwide, says producer Gerald Molen.
When I asked why he made a film intended for movie theaters, rather than use the web or television to reach audiences, Molen replied, "Michael Moore did very well with his documentaries." As a producer whose credits include such films as Jurassic Park and Schindler's List, Molen is using the medium he knows best to communicate his political beliefs. And so far, 2016 has made more than nine million dollars. It's already the sixth highest grossing political documentary of all time.
Analyst Jeff Bock, of Exhibitor Relations, says 2016 might not have done quite as well if its distributor had been released the film earlier in the year. "End of the summer's always the weakest time at the box office," he says. "So it was a great move by Rocky Mountain Pictures to drop their political documentary in this spot."
Bock expects Obama 2016 to keep attracting audiences over the next few months, as the weather cools and the election heats up. In fact, Gerald Molen says his goal is for nothing less than for everyone to see the film. "I realize that's outrageous," he said, "but, sure, if there's a goal, that's what I would seek."
A small, independent movie critical of President Obama scored big at the box office success this weekend. It's called "2016: Obama's America." And NPR's Neda Ulaby reports that the movie's been building momentum steadily since its release last month.
NEDA ULABY, BYLINE: "2016" tells a conservative alternative story about President Obama.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Obama has a dream. A dream from his father. That the sins of colonialism be set right, and America be downsized.
ULABY: The movie was the brainchild of writer Dinsesh D'Souza. He interviewed Mr. Obama's half brother in Kenya and probes into his father's leftist ideologies. At the end, the film imagines an America devastated by four more years of an Obama presidency.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Which dream will we carry into 2016?
RUSH LIMBAUGH TALK SHOW HOST: This movie is going gangbusters.
ULABY: Rush Limbaugh boosted it last week on his radio show.
HOST: I wouldn't be surprised if Dinesh's movie is the third or maybe the second highest grossing box office movie of the weekend.
ULABY: It was actually number seven. Still, the documentary pulled in a very respectable six and a half million dollars. When Pamela Gilcrist went to see it in Cincinnati, Ohio, this weekend, she says the matinee was about half full.
PAMELA GILCRIST: And everybody was pretty quiet throughout the movie, and at the end there was applause. Everybody stood up and applauded at the end of the movie.
ULABY: That's especially gratifying, given the film's first, super small release, says producer Gerry Molen.
GERRY MOLEN: You can't get any smaller. We started out with one theater in Houston, Texas.
ULABY: "2016" has expanded over the past six weeks to over 1,100 screens. Molen and D'Souza wanted to tap into a tradition of rabble rousing political films.
MOLEN: Michael Moore did very well with his documentaries.
ULABY: And "2016" is closing in on Moore's success, says box office analyst Jeff Bock. He works for Exhibitor Relations. He says "2016" is already the sixth highest grossing political documentary of all time.
JEFF BOCK: End of the summer's always the weakest time at the box office. So it was a great move by Rocky Mountain Pictures to drop their political documentary in this spot.
ULABY: Bock says he only expects audiences to get bigger during a slow movie season, and that's exactly what producer Gerry Molen wants.
MOLEN: Well, the ultimate goal would be for everyone in America to see the film. I realize that's outrageous. But, sure, if there was a goal that's what I would seek.
ULABY: Molen hopes people who disagree with his politics will seek out "2016: Obama's America." He thinks the movie will change their minds. Neda Ulaby, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Make Your Own Toys for 4 Year olds from Brain Noodles
Brain Noodles...that name says it all! These giant pipe cleaners are one of the most creative and imaginary toys we have ever seen. You can literally make anything out of these...the ideas are endless. They will also enforce imagination and dexterity without them even knowing.


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A photo gallery is in the Photos section of this website
Seven Mexico High School Bulldog wrestlers qualified for the 2013 State Wrestling championships which began Thursday at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia. All seven wrestlers advanced to today's competition. The morning was not as productive as the team would have liked, with four wrestlers losing in the first round, including senior Jake Vitale, who had a perfect 47-0 record going into the championships, but in the wrestle-backs, the Bulldogs fared much better.
"We had couple of tough matches in the morning," said MHS Coach Gayle Adams. The wrestlers came back in the afternoon and responded well with all four winning their wrestle-backs. "I was proud of how they battled back to win," added Adams.
"Overall it was a good day," said Adams. The four wrestlers who lost in the first round and won in the second round need to keep winning to stay in the tournament.
This morning, Hunter Smith, Jordan Jones and Payton Turner wrestled in the quarterfinals. If they won they advance to semi-finals. If they lost they had to wrestle again this morning. Jadin Taylor, Jayde Moran, Vitale and Sam Fayad will also wrestle this morning. (Results were not reported by press time).
In the first round Thursday, Hunter Smith (120), Jordan Jones (126) and Payton Turner, (182) won their matches and advanced to today's quarterfinals. Smith, a sophomore, won by a 6-1 decision over Brody Lamb of Smithville; Jones, a freshman, won by a pin over Chase Cohen of St. Clair, 3:30; and Turner, a junior, won by a pin over Danton Creek of Sullivan, 5:23.
Sophomore Jadin Taylor (113), sophomore Jayde Moran, (138), Vitale (145), and junior Samuel Fayad (152) lost in the first round, but won in the wrestle-backs.
Taylor lost his first match by a tech fall to Chase Brennan of Monet, TF 15-0; but won his second match by a major decision over Andrew DeRousse of Ste. Genevieve, Maj. 13-2.
Moran lost his first match by a major decision to Nathan Hogue of Savannah, Maj. 14-2; but came back in his second match and won by a pin over Austin Harter of Notre Dame, Cape Girardeau, 1:59.
Vitale lost by a 6-5 decision in the first round to Ryan Burkhart of Cameron; in the second match Vitale pinned Kyle Schwanter of Central, Park Hills, 1:42. Fayad lost his first match to Andrew Broyhill of Boonville in a 7-2 decision; Fayad won his second round in an 8-0 major decision over Danton Creek of Sullivan.


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1) A women in a video who is wearing the most revealing clothes always trying to be near the rapper or singer in a video trying to get the most camera shots. 2)A women who wears revealing clothes.
1) Latrice is going down to Nelly's new video shoot. She ain't nothing but a Video ho anyway, always trying to be in the camera and stuff.
by Anna D. June 13, 2003
A video-ho is the bitch with no morals shaking her bedunkadunk in a thong on a video.
music video lover 1: "I like to watch 'Uncut' at midnight, because I love watching girls with thier asses blurred out!"
music video lover 2: "Oh, yes! You gotta love them
music video lover 2: "Oh, yes! You gotta love them
by nastina June 08, 2006
a person that enjoys engaging in explicit activities that are filmed and viewed by others; one who enjoys making a fool of his or herself in public and enjoys the attention it brings him
After a night of crazy partying, a new video surfaced and he realized that his friend was a total video ho.
by Taylor Howard October 19, 2006
One of those girls who is very conservative, but then when the camera is on her, is anything but.
by Mike Truitt June 14, 2003


text: I am an art-lover and a self-taught painter and photographer. I am constantly striving to improve and expand upon my techniques and skills. I paint primarily in acrylics; however, have been exploring watercolors, glass and textile colors recently. All photos added are made by me during my holidays in the last years, but also in my home town. If you are interested in a custom painting or would like to find out more, please get in touch.Thank you for visiting my profile!Twitter: @Alexandra_ArtsFacebook: Alexandra ArtLandArtifinder shop: https://www.artfinder.com/a-l-dPersonal website: https://alexandraluizadahl.wordpress.com/https://www.redbubble.com/people/ALD1


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0 Members and 1 Lonely Barbarian are spying on this topic.
Spirit working as agent for a god, converts a small band of the empire. These few people are the adventurers. The spirit rewrites the genetic code within these peoples minds. Now they arent dominated by the need to expand. Or perhaps the spirit controls them, telling them to carry out assassination missions and the like. Perhaps raids in some provinces, and eventually some Prefectures. Capture some towns and begin to build an army. A counter-empire, as it were. The spirit, driven and calculating, and yet fair and honourable, manages to take on the alliance of the Urwhor, and the Duerga, realising it is only so long until the empire attacks their mountains, decide to join this spirit to build a huge rebel force to attack the empire. The adventurers, who used to be emperials and therefore know all about their strategies, find themselves in command of groups of barbarians, duerga and urhwor, and are set out to capture towns. Perhaps the spirit gives these former imperials a taste of power, which allows them to change the genetics of people, so with every town they take, their army grows. This can turn into a huge campaign which eventually would lead to the siege of the central city, and the attempt at slaying/assassinating the outcast god - the emperor - himself.
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A powerful and fuel-efficient chainsaw that's comfortable to use.
Model Features
Built in the USA
Indicates products that are built in the United States from domestic and foreign parts and components.
Reduced-Emission Engine Technology - Caring for Nature
The STIHL Inc. "Caring for Nature" seal identifies its powered products that are more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL Inc. defines "low exhaust emissions" as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards.
Toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers
Simply lift the lever and twist the caps to remove or tighten. There's no need to use a tool to tighten or loosen.
Master Control Lever™
The Master Control Lever™ is an easy to use single lever, operating the choke, starting throttle lock and on-off switch. The operator must pull the throttle trigger before moving the Master Control Lever™ to the choke position.
Standard Features
Common Features for Chainsaws
View the features common to many STIHL chainsaws.
Important Information
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
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STIHL recommends a mix of 50:1 high-quality 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline to STIHL engine oil. This same mix ratio should be used during break-in.
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Available in quart and gallon bottles, 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums, in both summer and winter weights.
Woodsman Chainsaw Carrying CaseWoodsman carrying case. Unique, removable bar scabbard has built-in tool holders to carry tools to the cutting site. Fits MS 170 to MS 460 M with 20" bar.
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in. mm in. mm Part Number 3/8 PMN 9.32 5/32 4.0 0811 411 8073 1/4
5/32 4.0 0811 411 8091 0.325 8.25 3/16 4.8 0811 412 8088 3/8 9.32 13/64 5.2 0814 243 3384 5605 750 4329 0.404 10.26 7/32 5.5 0811 412 8108 5605 750 4330
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Woodcutter Helmet SystemThe lightweight STIHL Woodcutter Helmet System is an excellent choice for budget-conscious non-professional users with chainsaws and pole pruners. Designed for comfort, the vented shell provides cooling air during use, and the 6-point mount suspension provides comfortable support. The STIHL Woodcutter Helmet System is Class G certified and includes NRR 22 hearing protection.
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Over the past decade, some 39,000 people have come forward voluntarily to tell the IRS about offshore money they haven't been paying taxes on. This group provides a small window into the world of people who are hiding money in offshore havens. (It's a world we've been trying to learn more about, partly by setting up an offshore company in Belize.)
The names of the 39,000 aren't published anywhere, and they're not eager to be interviewed. But I did find Charles Falk, a lawyer who has represented more than 200 of these people.
Sometimes they're business owners, who have earned money abroad and stashed it in Switzerland or on some island. Maybe the account is owned by a trust they secretly control. Sometimes they're hiding money from a spouse. When I asked him if any of his clients would talk to me, he laughed. But he did describe a typical first call with a client.
"A lot of times," Falk says, "the conversation will go like this: 'They can take all the money. I just don't want to go to jail.' And then when you assure them they are not going to go to jail if they come forward, then the next thing they say is, 'Well, how much can I keep?'"
Other people who come forward aren't even sure they've done anything wrong.
Marvin Van Horn and his wife live in New Zealand, where they have a checking account and retirement savings. They weren't intentionally hiding anything from the IRS. But he heard a story on the radio about offshore tax cheats — and realized that the rules might apply to him.
So he decided to go through the IRS's voluntary disclosure program. He learned he would have to pay back taxes for six years, which came to about $20,000. That seemed fair, he said. But then there was the penalty: $172,000.
Van Horn says the penalty would have gutted his retirement savings. So he appealed. And after 851 days (he was counting), the penalty was reduced to $20,000.
There's a spectrum in these cases, attorneys say. There are people who went to great lengths to hide money, people who didn't know they were hiding money, and a lot of people in between.
One other thing about the 39,000 people have come forward so far: They're probably a drop in the bucket. Somewhere between five and seven million U.S. citizens live abroad. Fewer than 1 million of them declare offshore accounts, as required by law.
It's no secret that some Americans hide money offshore to avoid paying U.S. taxes. But because the accounts are overseas, it's hard to know who these people are or how much they're hiding. We do have some idea, though. Over the past decade, about 39,000 people have disclosed offshore money they haven't been paying taxes on. They've come forward through voluntary disclosure programs set up by the IRS. The deal: Come clean, and we'll go easier on you.
David Kestenbaum with our Planet Money team has this story about who these people are and what it's like to come clean.
DAVID KESTENBAUM, BYLINE: The names of these 39,000 people are not published anywhere. And people who have hidden money aren't exactly eager to be interviewed. I was able to find someone who they do talk to, though. Before people go to the IRS, they usually call to a lawyer. And sometimes, that lawyer is Charles Falk.
CHARLES FALK: First thing they say is: Are you so and so? And I say: Yes. And then invariably, they'll always say: And is it safe to talk on the phone? And I always say to them: Yeah.
KESTENBAUM: Falk has had over 200 clients who've come forward with offshore money. Sometimes they're business owners who've earned money abroad and stashed it in Switzerland or on some island. Maybe the account is owned by a trust they secretly control. Sometimes they're hiding money from a spouse. I asked if any of them would talk to me.
FALK: No, I don't think so.
KESTENBAUM: When these people call Falk, they're often worried about getting in trouble.
FALK: A lot of times, we'll have - the conversation will go like this. Listen, they can take all the money. They can take all the money. I just don't want to go to jail. I don't want to go to jail. I'll give them all the money.
Ok. And then once you assure them that they're not going to go to jail if they come forward, then the next thing they say is: Well, how much of it can I keep?
KESTENBAUM: So that is one category of people who have money offshore and have come forward. But there is another category. Marvin Van Horn found out about this second group when he was on vacation. He was in the car with his wife, listening, as it turns out, to a Public Radio. The story about offshore tax cheats. And his first thought was: Yeah, IRS, go get them. And his second thought was: Uh-oh, because they lived in New Zealand.
MARVIN VAN HORN: I remember turning to my wife and said: Are they talking about us? It was kind of like, oh. She says: No. No, no. They're talking about all those rich people that are, you know, hiding money overseas and stuff. We're not doing that. And I said: No, but we live offshore, so to speak. I think that might involve us.
KESTENBAUM: It did involve them. They had a checking account at a local bank in New Zealand and retirement savings. They were supposed to be reporting that they had these things and paying taxes on any earnings from that money. Van Horn says he wasn't intentionally hiding anything.
He decided to go through the voluntary disclosure program. A woman from the IRS called him up to talk through everything, said he would have to pay back taxes for six years, which he said seemed fair. That was about $20,000. But then there was the penalty, which can be huge in offshore cases. The way the IRS calculates the penalty has nothing to do with the amount of taxes owed. It's calculated as a percentage of everything you have overseas that you hadn't disclosed. And for Van Horn, the penalty came to $172,000.
HORN: And, you know, I fell on the floor. I said: You're - what? That would have gutted our savings and our retirement savings.
KESTENBAUM: Van Horn appealed, wrote letters. And after what he says was a very stressful 851 days - he counted- he got the penalty reduced from $172,000 to $20,000.
The IRS declined an interview request for this story. But Charles Falk and other attorneys who have handled offshore voluntary disclosure cases say there's a spectrum. There are people who went to great lengths to hide money, and there are people who didn't know they were hiding money from the IRS, and then there are a lot of people in between.
One other thing about those 39,000 people who have come forward so far, they are probably a drop in the bucket. Estimates are that something like five to seven million U.S. citizens live abroad. The number of taxpayers who are declaring offshore accounts as required by law, it is a tiny fraction of that: fewer than a million. David Kestenbaum, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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« Back to people
Beliz DemirciogluFormer Adjunct, Alumni, Class of 2005
|Courses Taught:
|Designing Technology for Performance
Beliz is a choreographer/new media artist based in Istanbul. She has received her MPS degree from Interactive Telecommunications Program and her BFA from Tisch School of the Arts Dance Department both at NYU. Her multimedia dance piece 'Vantage Point` (in collaboration with Jamie Allen) was selected by Red Burns and Mikhail Baryshnikov for a residency at the Baryshnikov Art Center. Her 'Intouch' project became the first interactive installation to be exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters. She has recently showcased her multimedia performance pieces in Centre des Arts d'Engien les Bain in Paris. Her video/installation and multimedia dance works have been showcased at Codice-Idee per la Cultura (Italy), Eyebeam Gallery, Jack H. Skirball Center, Bushwick Arts Project, Vancouver NIME, Ask the Robot, Bjcem Biennial (Italy), Tedance Festival (Portugal), Tanzquartier Wien (Austria) , L'animal a l'esquena (Spain), Kasa Galeri, Garajistanbul, Ekav Art Gallery, and Rencontres Chorégraphiques de Carthage (Tunisia) among other venues. In collaboration with Aylin Kalem, Beliz co-founded boDig, an Istanbul based arts initiative focusing mainly on the issues of the body in contemporary and digital culture. www.bodig.org / www.belizd.com


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Fergus Cullen: SNHU reveals a higher-education business model that worksBY FERGUS CULLEN
September 12. 2013 5:34PM
A week after graduating 36 members of the Class of 2012, Chester College abruptly closed. Remaining students transferred to other colleges. Accepted freshmen scrambled to see if other schools that had admitted them still had open spots. Faculty lost their jobs. Recent graduates, holders of devalued degrees, knew they'd bought a worthless pig in a poke, maybe gone into debt for it. Walking the grounds of the deserted campus last month, the place still showed signs of a hasty evacuation, with boxes and furniture abandoned wherever they had been touched last. All that was missing from the campus ghost town was tumbleweed.
The demise of Chester College illustrates how most colleges are businesses dependent on tuition revenue, and how fragile that business model is. A Chester trustee at the time said the school needed 88 incoming freshmen to remain open, but attracted 50 fewer than that. One can imagine under such circumstances, admissions standards weren't very rigorous. It's a sales job. Will your check clear? Great, you're in college!
A couple towns over, Southern New Hampshire University is not going out of business. Unlike most colleges which are slow to change, SNHU constantly innovates to adapt to changing market demand.
SNHU's antecedents offered associate programs in accounting and secretarial. It grew to offer bachelors degrees, then MBAs, and today it grants PhDs. Over the years the school uprooted its main campus from Manchester's downtown to the North End. In 2001 it rebranded from New Hampshire College to SNHU.
Whereas a current student at Dartmouth or the University of New Hampshire attends more or less the same school his or her father or grandfather did, SNHU has evolved so much that each half-generation has attended essentially a different school.
SNHU still offers a traditional, residential, four-year college experience, graduating 866 students last year and issuing 611 graduate degrees. But the bulk of its students take non-traditional paths. The school encourages students to complete four-year programs in just three, saving them money, time, and opportunity cost for the same degree. SNHU has five non-residential satellite campuses serving adult learners. It started an online program way back in 1995, embracing change as an early adopter.
SNHU's newest innovation is the competency-based College for America, through which part-time students gain credit not for logging a specified number of hours sitting in a classroom, but by demonstrating 120 different competencies proving practical mastery of specific skills. Students don't earn grades. They either show mastery of the competency — such as writing a budget — or they keep working until they do, leading to an associates degree.
Traditional SNHU students can spend $110,000 for a four-year bachelors program. Online students might pay $38,000 over four years. But College for America students can earn an associates degree for as little as $5,000. Currently the program is open to students through partnering employers, but it could expand quickly.
Earlier this year, the College for America became eligible for federal student loan programs, the first school of its kind to do so. President Obama gave the program a shout out in a speech last month highlighting innovative ways schools are making college more affordable. Colin Van Ostern, who moonlights as a state Executive Councilor and whose political advancement is blocked for at least a few years by incumbent Democrats higher on the ladder, has just accepted a new job as head of marketing for the program.
The knock on online and competency programs is that the quality is low and large percentages of students who begin this way drop out and never complete a degree. That's true of traditional schools, too. To combat this, SNHU has hired 200 counselors — up from 40 a short time ago — who check in weekly by phone with online students to help keep them on track. Many of these conversations occur via Skype.
The former Chester College shows what happens when a school doesn't innovate. The campus is under agreement to be sold and turned into a senior housing complex. That's senior citizens, not fourth-year students. Meanwhile, SNHU just opened another new dorm for 300 more students.
Fergus Cullen, a freelance columnist, can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or @ferguscullen.