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Deirdra: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
Diony: I discovered a love for writing in elementary school, but didn't have the dream of becoming a published author until I was much older. It took five years from the time I began writing my first book until I held a printed copy of it in my hands.
Deirdra: What makes you passionate about writing?
Diony: There is a part of me I can only express through writing. Using the written word to create visual images and emotions in someone else--a reader, is an extremely fulfilling and challenging form of creating for me.
Deirdra: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?
Diony: Long and hard! sigh. There were moments when I felt like giving up, and times I got so sick of editing and rewriting my manuscript I felt close to screaming. But when I saw all the endless hours of hard work, sweat and tears, inside a beautiful cover with my name on it the feeling of awe and excitement was incredible. I had finally done it! It was pretty amazing to think it began with one word.
Deirdra: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?
Diony: I was. Writing and publishing a book is quite a process and I had my share of criticisms and rejection letters like most authors. There were weeks at a time I had to step back from the project and focus on other things in my life, before I could go back and view it with fresh eyes.
Deirdra: What is your writing schedule like?
Diony: I try to write a few hours every day, at a time I get the least amount of interruptions (like when the kids are in school) some days are I'm more successful than others, but when I'm on a deadline, my house falls apart. I practically live in my home office and my husband and children eat a lot of Dominoes pizza or pancakes for dinner.
Deirdra: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?
Diony: My first book is based on a true story, which made it easier to write because I knew the story so well. My second book was more difficult to write. The story developed and changed as I went a long and was much slower to write. I haven't found a publisher for it yet. The plot of my third book, which I'm currently working on, came to me when I was out with my family. I wrote the outline for the whole book in about fifteen or twenty minutes.
Deirdra: Can you tell us about your book Torn Apart.
Diony: Torn Apart is about a woman named Alyson, a wife and mother of four who thinks her life is close to perfect. But as her husband becomes increasingly distant she wonders what's wrong. Little does she know he's been keeping a horrible secret—a secret that will change their lives forever.
Deirdra: What are your goals with this book? How do you think it will help not only LDS people become more aware of this addiction, but those of other faith as well.
Diony: My goal with Torn Apart is to help as many people as possible who have or are dealing with pornography in some way, either personally or with a loved one. Pornography addiction is a worldwide problem and one in which everyone needs to recognize and address. Because of my LDS faith and the way I lived my life, I naively assumed pornography wouldn't ever touch me. I was wrong and I want others to realize it can affect anyone means its all of our problem
Deirdra: How many beta readers do you have review your manuscript before you send it to your editor?
Diony: I get a lot of volunteers to be beta readers, on average I use about five.
Deirdra: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?
Deirdra: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?
Diony: I take a break from my writing. As I focus on other things the ideas start to flow again and when I'm back at my computer, ready to type I can move past it.
Deirdra: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?
Diony: Absolute quiet would be wonderful—but is rare at my house unless everyone is asleep. Listening to music for me would be a distraction.
Deirdra: What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?
Diony: Wherever I am I look for ideas, especially from experiences other people have or the things they say. Sometimes I get an idea from reading a book or a watching a movie and put my own twist it. Once I start writing, more ideas come and sometimes I go off on a completely different direction than I originally planned.
Deirdra: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?
Diony: I would have to say my mom, she believed in me from the very beginning.
Deirdra: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?
Diony: I'd have to say tortilla chips or gummi bears.
Deirdra: Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?
Diony: I play the piano, sew, scrapbook, travel, read, and I like to bake—pies are my favorite.
Deirdra: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?
Diony: Learn as much as you can about the process, read and write a little everyday, network with other authors through writing groups and conferences and most importantly--Don't give up!
Deirdra: What are you working on now?
Diony: Imperfectly Beautiful—a romantic suspense, Inside the Heart—similar genre, and a non-fiction compilation of true stories-currently untitled.
Deirdra: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?
Diony: Autographed copies can be purchased on my personal website, http://dionygeorge.com, on-line from various booksellers including Amazon, and Barnes and Noble, local libraries, Deseret Book, Seagull and other locations where books are sold.


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Study MBA in Sweden 2024
Change currency
Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
428Share of utilities
30Internet subscription
28Local transportation
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
8Cinema ticket
13Pint of local beer
Visa Requirements
- Short stay visa - if you are coming to Sweden for less than three months.
- Long stay visa type D (Resident permit for studies) - if you plan to stay in Sweden for longer than three months.
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
Short stay visa; Long stay visa type D
Price and currency
The student visa application fee is currently 1000 SEK.
Who can apply for the visa?
Citizens of EU/EEA/Nordic counties can live and study in Sweden without a residence permit or visa.
Citizens of Switzerland must apply for a visa if their study lasts longer than three months. However, they can begin their studies immediately after arrival in Sweden or apply before the university admission is announced.
Students who are citizens of countries from outside the EU or EEA and want to study in Sweden will require a student visa or a residence permit. If you intend to stay in Sweden for less than three months, you will need a visa in case you are not a citizen of one of those countries that are exempted from visa requirement in Sweden. If your course of study will last more than three months, you will require a residence permit to enter and study in Sweden.
To be eligible for a residence permit, you must have been admitted to full-time studies on a program or course that requires you to be present at the university or university college.
Where can you make the application?
Online / Swedish embassy or consulate
After completing your visa application process online, you need to make an appointment with the Swedish embassy or consulate for an interview, to be photographed and fingerprinted, and to receive your residence permit card.
How to make the application?
To apply for a residence permit for studies, you'll need to:
- Pay your first tuition fee installment.
- Prepare your supporting documentation. This includes copies of your passport and letter of admission as well as proving that you can support yourself financially during your time as a student in Sweden. If you'll be staying in Sweden for less than one year, you'll also need proof of comprehensive health insurance.
- Submit the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
You can find a full overview of the required documentation here: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Universities-and-university-college.html
When should you apply?
As the application process for residence permits can be lengthy, you should apply as soon as you have received your notification of admission. The current waiting time for a residence permit for studies is three months or more, so be sure to submit your application as soon as possible after paying your first tuition fee installment. A paper application takes much longer than an online application, so apply online if possible.
Visas and residence permits for international students in Sweden depend on the duration of your course of study.
Processing time
3 Months
Work opportunities
As an EU citizen, you are entitled to work in Sweden without a work permit.
Non-EU/EEA citizens will need a work permit. The employer in Sweden will apply for a work permit on your behalf.
You are allowed to work without hourly restrictions, but you are advised not to neglect your studies. You will have to prove that you have made study progress and to show satisfactory academic results.
Hours per week
Why do you need this type of visa?
Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.

subset: commoncrawl


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Gestalt: The Hero Within HERO [Print+PDF]
Gestalt: The Hero Within
Where Men Become Myth - and Myths Become Men
Gestalt is Scott Bennie's unique world of superhuman archetypes. Superhero comic books contain worlds of Archetypes, individuals who represent important symbols. They are populated by characters who represent concepts such as Heroism, Strength, Speed, Cleverness, The Elements, Kindness, Cruelty, and Ambition. All fiction deals in archetypes or symbols, but comic books apply them more consciously than most fictional forms.
The Gestalt campaign takes the idea of "character as Archetype" one step further. In this campaign world, Gestalt-Earth, the characters are the symbols. A physically powerful superhero might not just be a strong guy - he could be an embodiment of Strength. A Gestalt martial arts master isn't just a superb fighter - he's also a human representation of his chosen art. The master lives its philosophy at all times, getting into situations where he demonstrates his art and its virtues, championing those who follow the art, and using the art to advance his or her personal fortunes.
While characters in the Gestalt-Earth setting look and act like superheroes, in many ways they fulfill the role of mythological gods, becoming the champion of concepts and portfolios.
Gestalt: The Hero Within uses the HERO System 5th Edition.
We Also Recommend


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Cineplex Soundproofing & Acoustic Consultancy Taiwan
Premium Cineplex and Multiplex Soundproofing Solutions in Taiwan
In the bustling city of Taiwan, where entertainment is paramount, creating an immersive cinematic experience goes beyond just high-quality visuals. The importance of impeccable soundproofing and acoustic treatments cannot be overstated. MMT Acoustix brings you cutting-edge solutions to transform your cineplex or multiplex into an auditory haven.
To attain the desired sound conditions, we recommend a three-layer approach: Layer 1 features the SoundBlanket® sound isolator, Layer 2 incorporates the BassBloc® Low-frequency absorber, and Layer 3 utilises Echsorbix® PET Acoustic panels, SoundAxe® Timber Slats or Acoustic Fabric to absorb mid and high frequencies effectively.
At MMT Acoustix, we understand sound's critical role in the cinematic experience. Our range of soundproofing and acoustic treatments is designed to elevate your audio quality, ensuring every moviegoer is immersed in a world of pristine sound.
SoundBlanket® Mass Loaded Vinyl: Unparalleled Noise Isolation
Our SoundBlanket® Mass Loaded Vinyl stands as a testament to our commitment to superior soundproofing. Tested rigorously by ARAI and SGS for both acoustics and fire retardancy, SoundBlanket® is available in 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, 10mm, and further customizable thicknesses on demand. With Sound Transmission Class (STC) values ranging from 27Db to 65Db, our Mass Loaded Vinyl offers unmatched noise isolation. Highly flexible and durable, it's the go-to solution for cineplexes seeking premium sound control.
BassBloc®: The Ultimate Sound and Vibration Absorber
Experience cinema like never before with BassBloc® - our cutting-edge sound and vibration absorber. Produced in thicknesses of 25mm, 50mm, 100mm, and up to 200mm on demand, BassBloc® is engineered to absorb vibrations and low-frequency sounds, delivering an audio experience that transcends expectations. Boasting Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) levels greater than 1, BassBloc® is your key to eliminating disruptive vibrations and achieving acoustic perfection.
Acoustic Panels: Aesthetic Acoustic Brilliance
MMT Acoustix acoustic PET panels, wooden slats, acoustic fabric and acoustic foam are perfect for addressing mid and high-frequency absorption. Crafting an immersive auditory experience in a nightclub relies on impeccable mid and high-frequency treatment, incorporating an array of acoustic solutions. Strategically position PET acoustic panels on walls and ceilings to control sound reflections and reverb. Wooden acoustic slats offer both aesthetic appeal and acoustic functionality, enhancing sound quality. Acoustic foam optimizes sound clarity, while diffuser panels disperse sound waves effectively, preventing direct rebounds. Suspended acoustic ceiling clouds further contribute to sound diffusion. Fabric-covered acoustic panels combine form and function, absorbing and diffusing mid and high frequencies. Regular testing and professional consultation ensure these treatments meet the nightclub's unique needs, maintaining an exceptional audio ambiance.
Assurance & Satisfaction
Connect with our technical sales team and share your business query with us.
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This documentation covers the installation and the usage of the theme. We encourage you to read through this document and keep it handy for reference.
The main goal of the documentation is to provide guidance and walk-through to set up the theme on your website in an easy-to-follow manner, while also introducing you to some of the features of the theme. We encourage you to go through this document and keep it handy for reference.
If you have any questions about the theme or need assistance with anything related to the theme, please feel free to contact us. Our support team will be happy to assist you.
In this documentation, first, we'll make sure that everything is ready for the installation, then we'll set up the theme, and cover some initial configuration and customization options.


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A DSL-based framework for performance assessment
A DSL-based framework for performance assessment
21 November 2019
Performance assessment is an essential verification practice in both research and industry for software quality assurance. Experiment setups for performance assessment tend to be complex. A typical experiment needs to be run for a variety of involved hardware, software versions, system settings and input parameters. Typical approaches for performance assessment are based on scripts. They do not document all variants explicitly, which makes it hard to analyze and reproduce experiment results correctly. In general they tend to be monolithic which makes it hard to extend experiment setups systematically and to reuse features such as result storage and analysis consistently across experi- ments. In this paper, we present a generic approach and a DSL-based framework for performance assessment. The DSL helps the user to set and organize the variants in an experiment setup explicitly. The Runtime module in our framework executes experiments after which results are stored together with the corresponding setups in a database. Database queries provide easy access to the results of previous experiments and the correct analysis of experiment results in context of the experiment setup. Furthermore, we describe operations for common problems in performance assessment such as outlier detection. At Oracle, we successfully instantiate the framework and use it to nightly assess the performance of PGX [12, 6], a toolkit for parallel graph analytics.
Venue : International Conference Europe Middle East @ North Africa On Information System Technology and Learning Researchs
File Name : paper-91.pdf


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Climate Control Systems
A climate control system is a complex system that requires routine maintenance for increased seasonal performance and operation. A vehicle's climate control system is comprised of multiple, smaller systems that work together to maintain a comfortable cabin environment. The climate control system is able to affect and regulate the internal temperature of a vehicle through a cycle of processes. Although the climate control system is primarily used to improve the comfort levels of both drivers and passengers, there are times over the course of the year when maintaining the ideal internal temperature becomes more than a matter of comfort. In severe weather conditions, maintaining the proper internal climate can actually factor into automotive safety. This is why it is important for you to seek climate control repairs at the first sign of trouble.
Benefits of Climate Control Systems
When your vehicle's climate control system malfunctions or stops working, it is important to schedule a climate control repair service. In addition to regaining the comfortable cabin environment you enjoyed prior to your system's problems, you can help ensure your safety as a driver. If you pay attention to the warning signs of an impending climate control system service, you may be able to prevent a broken system and subsequent safety concerns. In addition, your owner's manual should provide recommended regular service intervals for climate control systems. Catching early warning signs and replacing or repairing climate control system components as necessary will help ensure your ability to control air outflow at all times.
Gateway Tire & Service Center proudly serves the Climate Control Systems needs of customers in Memphis, TN, Jackson, TN, Clarksdale, MS, and surrounding areas.


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Should orthotopic bladder substitution be omitted if pre-cystectomy biopsies of the prostatic urethra (male) or bladder neck (female) are positive?
When considering an orthotopic bladder substitution (OBS) preoperative biopsies of the prostatic urethra (in male) or bladder neck (in female) are usually performed to evaluate a potential involvement of the urethra. In case of positive preoperative biopsies, a non-orthotopic diversion is recommended in order to avoid positive urethral margin and to prevent local recurrence. Our aim was to investigate the influence of positive preoperative biopsies on local recurrence, cancer- specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) after OBS.
Retrospective analysis of 776 consecutive patients (77% [601/776] MIBC; 23% [175/776] recurrent NMIBC) who had undergone radical cystectomy with ileal OBS between 04/1985 and 01/2016 at our institution.
94% (731/776) of patients had negative (Group A) and 6% (43/776) of patients (36 male, 7 female) had positive (Cis: 32/43 [74%]; pTa/pT1 G3: 11/43 [26%]; Group B) pre-cystectomy biopsies. Median follow-up was 71.5mts (range: 1-323). 32% (251/776) of patients experienced local and/or distant recurrences: 12% (31/251) urethral (23/31 CIS, 5/31 pTa, 3/31 ≥ pT1),14% (34/251) local recurrences other than urethral, and 74% (186/251) distant metastases. Urethral recurrence developed significantly more often (p
Although positive biopsies of the prostatic urethra or the bladder neck prior to OBS increase the rate of urethral recurrences this does not translate into decreased CSS and OS. Most urethral recurrences could be managed successfully with local treatment; thus, OBS is an option in highly selected patients with positive, non-invasive preoperative biopsies provided that patients have regular follow-up including urethral washout cytology.
Funding: None


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A Touch of History: Hellas/Greece
Since the story in Without Moonlight is taking place in Greece in a very specific time and place with innumerable political and social facts, forces and nuances, it will help the reader better enjoy the story if we explain the historic and political setting in Greece at the time.
Consider this part like a sort of FAQ about the obscure Greek/Balkan WWII history. For any other history-related questions or anything here that needs clearing up, please ask!
In order to truly get a feel of the events and the reaction of the Greeks as a people, however, you really should go check out the 'Understanding Greeks' page, where our culture is explained along with what drives us. 🙂
Ok, hard facts- hit me! What happened?
Greece had been literally forced to take part in the First World War rather than keep her neutrality- that is another long and rather shameful story on the part of the Allies since they not only meddled (as they generally tended and tend to do) in the Greek turbulent political scene, but they also forced an embargo on Greece threatening to starve the people until the government decided to enter the war, in 1916.
In general, Allies often forced or promised things to Greece in order to have her do what they wanted, and then just didn't honour their end of the deal- which has made Greeks be very suspicious of 'the Great Forces' as we tend to call traditionally England, France and Russia and of course after the Second World War, the US as well.
The end of WWI was no different; Greece was forced to give up territory that had been liberated by our troops and had been inhabited by Greeks since time immemorial, such us Northern Epirus (currently part of Albania) and parts of Thrace.
Ever since the founding of the modern Greek state in 1833, Greeks fought to expand Hellenic borders to the natural Greek borders that had existed before the fall of the Byzantine Empire some 400+ years back. These lands included, our current lands aside, a strip of land in Asia Minor, all of Epirus, all of Thrace and Cyprus. During WWI some of these lands had been acquired, only to be taken away through treaties once again.
In the interim period between the two wars, Greek history was extremely violent and turbulent, involving another Greco-Turkish war (the Asia Minor Campaign which resulted in disaster through treason for the Greeks once again, and the sacking of the Greek Asia Minor great cities such as Smyrne by the Turks in 1922) and vicious struggles politically speaking as most of the Greeks wanted Democracy without Regency while the upper classes (that often consisted of people with more ties abroad than in Hellas) supported and tried to enforced Regency, without any Democratic hue if possible.
I will cut a LONG story of much friction, upheaval and strife with a generous helping of political machinations and the meddling of other countries (England, France and Russia) in supporting politicians who had promised to further the foreigners' goals in Greece, short by saying this:
After the end of the war, and up to 1935 there was Democracy in Greece, but there was such political instability due to corruption and the prolonged popular dissatisfaction of the Greek People regarding the handling of current affairs, financial matters and welfare as was done by the several governments, that nearly nobody could keep themselves at the helm of the state. (Some governments lasted only a few meager weeks!)
In 1935 there was a coup and the ousted king of Greece (King George the Second) forcibly came back to rule whether the Greeks wanted him or not. This guy put in the position of the PM one of his underlings, a man called Ioannis Metaxas, in 1936.
This Metaxas was a fascist- literally, he LOVED fascism and what Mussolini was doing in Italy.
The Greeks, on the other hand, did NOT love him OR his dictatorship OR the fact that he was the stooge of a king nobody had called back especially since they had already kicked him out.
So Metaxas did what every dictator does: he revoked nearly all the vital stipulations of the Constitution guaranteeing freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of belief and so on and so forth, and prosecuted mercilessly anyone who was opposing him, from sending them into exile or outright incarcerating them or worse.
And since nearly the sum of the Greek People were against him, you can imagine what a lovely, cheery, great atmosphere there was in pre-war Greece…
Sounds just peachy. But how come then that Greece entered the war against the Axis powers and not with them?
Because if Metaxas even dared enter on the side of Hitler and Mussolini, the Greeks would skin him alive- the popular demand to fight Hitler and Mussolini, to join the Allies against them was so strong and so wild that no totalitarianism or threat of exile would hold them back. Consider that after conscription, all these wild Greeks would have legitimately been given weapons with which to enforce their will. Which was to pummel the Nazis and Fascists, not befriend them.
Metaxas had no choice in the matter.
Of course History marks Metaxas' choice to oppose the Italians and the Germans as a sign of his patriotism, but any sentient person seeing Metaxas' conduct up to then would see that this was definitely not the case.
So how did things go down then? Tell me everything!
Typically, Greece entered the Second World War on October 28th, 1940, but in reality the realization that we wouldn't be able to avoid entering the war had come as early as August 1940, when the Italians sank one of our war cruiser ships,Ellie, during one of the most important religious anniversaries, held in the island of Tinos.
This is now commemorated as 'The Torpedoing of Ellie' on August 15th, 1940, and the first certain herald that we were already pulled in the brewing war in Europe.
On October 27th, 1940, the Italians sent an ultimatum to Greece to allow free passage from our peninsula to the Fascist troops, or else face invasion and general mayhem, death and doom.
Metaxas then replied 'No', and with that one word turned from a hated dictator in the eyes of the Greeks to a hallowed patriot. October 28th is celebrated as a National Holiday in Greece, and is called 'The Day of No' in commemoration of our saying 'No' to a much superior force that the Italians were at the time.
With that 'No', Greece enters the Second World War, and the Italians cheerfully invade Greece, feeling they are in for an easy win.
Awesome! What happened when the Italians invaded?
The feat known as the Greco-Italian War of 1940-41 happened.
Despite of a lot of sabotaging and treason that took place to ensure that the Italians got their easy win and Greece served the Axis powers as occupied territory, since the Greeks wouldn't side with them, Greeks managed to push formidable Italian forces back and successfully repel them (often by not obeying central command, claiming that the communication had broken down when it became obvious that the big brass were being either idiots or treacherous, or on other occasions because the communications really DID break down and the Greek troops did what they thought was best). The Greek forces were so successful that they pushed Italians out of Greece and deeply into Albania almost reaching Italian borders.
This caused the awe and admiration of every other nation fighting against the Axis powers, and several posters, magazine covers and the like were made to show the general support to the Greek fight and also to inspire the same flame in their own troops. Here are some of these for you to see:
And here's some of the fun everyone poked at the Duce (Mussolini) while watching what happened as he tried to conquer Greece in vain, starting from his ultimatum and up to the point he needed Hitler to come to the rescue:
And my personal favourite:
That is not to say that the Italians were push overs- they were NOT. They were formidable, but they weren't expecting to fight Greeks- in the sense that Greeks often used extremely unorthodox ways to beat them especially because they had very limited resources, outdated equipment and LOTS of subterfuge by some in central command.
That is amazing! So how did the Greeks end up under Occupation?
Hitler came to Mussolini's rescue, to put it in a nutshell.
He attacked the Hellenic forces in a sort of pincer movement and he also had help from the inside (but that is a long story, and not for the 'history in brief' section…) which ensured that resistance wouldn't last and even in the cases where it was successful that central command would order the troops there to give in.
Hitler's campaign against Greece was called Operation Marita and it was launched through Bulgaria and Yugoslavia to perform the pincer movement that cut off parts of the Hellenic troops and got them ultimately defeated. Those who wouldn't be defeated, were ordered to stand down and surrender. (There are many stories about such surrenders and how they were done)
The existing Greek government (Metaxas had died by then) fled to Crete and after Crete fell, to British-controlled Middle East, taking with them the country's gold among other things.
General G. Tsolakoglou mutinied and signed over Greece to Hitler, and at Hitler's prompt to Italy as well (which was an affront to all of the Greeks worse than capitulation to the Germans). He was then made prime minister of the collaborationist government in Greece.
Tsolakoglou's name is equal to vermin in Greece even now, and used as a swear word of utmost insult. [And just to get the idea, the 2009 -2014 PMs starting with the PM Papandreou are called 'Tsolakoglou' by the Greeks and jeered at with that name.]
Thus began the occupation of Greece by the Axis powers in April 27, 1941.
The rest of the Nations still continued to hail Greece, especially as the Resistance movement rose almost the moment the Nazis set foot in Athens, with cartoons like this:
But everyone was still poking fun at the Duce:
Damn! And then what?
Greece remained under occupation until 1945, but still caused a lot of problems to the Axis powers because the Greeks were never safe to be trusted they wouldn't do anything, from sabotages to whole demonstrations to enforce what they wanted even if they were under such savage rule. Countless are the tales of valour and amazing heroism of the people in towns and cities, countless are the accounts of how Greeks sheltered everyone the Nazis hunted (especially Jews, with the exception of Thessaloniki, where the Nazis managed to get the city rosters and round up the Jewish Greeks before the People could react) and how everyone took a stance, from the youngest child to the oldest man and woman.
In fact, the Resistance movement was so successful that actually part of Greece was liberated from the nazi/fascist rule and a Resistance Government installed at around 1944- and no Axis force dared go to the Resistance Government's territory. There was even a full scale administrative organization complete with schools for the kids and the like. It was generally called 'The Mountain Government' and was elected by the people with the first woman's vote for Greece- up to then women didn't have the right to vote. Its basis was in Evritania, in mainland Greece.
Hitler's forces had spent so much time subduing Greece, and Operation Marita took so much longer than expected to be successful, that his next scheduled one, Operation Barbarossa and his conquest of the USSR started late enough in the summer to get his troops caught up by the horrid Russian rains and then snow- and Hitler suffered Napoleon's fate in the great Russian steppes.
Up until it became politically inconvenient, it was generally admitted that Greece's part in the War was pivotal in forcing Hitler to launch Operation Marita to subdue Greece- and for that campaign to hold out as long as it did, because in the end it was the wrong timing of the subsequent Operation Barbarossa that tipped the scales in favour of the Allies and crippled Hitler's forces.
And that sums up the brief history- as brief as I could make it! Any questions, extras or comments, I'd love to answer, so drop a comment or a PM!


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Bopz io is an io game that had to be developed! Players from all over the world are invited to take part in battle.
Your objective in Bopz io is to upgrade your character to the maximum possible level. Earn the XP points, upgrade the skills. Try all available modes and customization options in Bopz io .
Bopz io can be played solo, with friends or with online players all over the world. Unlocked and fully accessible version without lags. The game is added about 26 days ago and so far 103 people had played, liked 1 times and disliked 0 times. The overall rating of Bopz io is 2.1. If you liked this game try also Eggl io and Rollz io.
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The Taserification of America
Unless you've been living in a Waziristan cave for the last 24 years, you've heard about the unfortunate misdemeanor-breaking dude who got Tasered at a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park last night. My computer screen here in Center City went all a-Twitter about it even before all the electrons had even stopped flowing through 17-year-old suburban high school senior Steve Consalvi.
My gut instinct when I first learned of it was the same as I feel about it a day later: That while it wasn't exactly a Rodney King affair, clearly the officer had used excessive force. I've been watching baseball games for more than 40 years, and the drills is always the same. The fan isn't trying to do harm, just get attention; it used to be that the TV cameras never even showed a field-jumper for exactly that reason, back before ESPN needed an endless stream of fodder for its "Top 10 Plays."
People forget that the whole justification for police to get Tasers in the first place was to subdue potentially violent suspects in cases in the past in which they might have been tempted to use lethal force. But the notion that the cops would have pulled a gun and shot 17-year-old field jumper Steve Consalvi is absurd, which means the rationale for tasing him is...what? There's something oddly funny about zapping a fellow human for some reason, but Tasers are no joke to the loved ones of the estimated 50 people who died because of their use.
Consalvi didn't have the risk factors of most of those killed or injured -- he is young, health, and wasn't drunk or on drugs. But he still -- while committing a misdemeanor, let's remember -- was subjected to the brief, intense pain of 50,000 volts of electricty. There was a simpler, quainter time when causing pain to another person was called...violence.
I guess that quaint time was America before 9/11 -- after which for some reason we lost all sense of proportionality on how to respond to various levels of wrongdoing. After my low-key blog suggestion that Tasering a mildly lawbreaking fan wasn't a great idea, I got an email from a reader. He said, in part: "Were you there last night? I was. Idiots like that are unpredictable at best! The days of "Morgana (sic) the kissing bandit" are gone. We live in a post 911 world." I don't mean to be harsh to the emailer -- he actually made some decent points about security entering Citizens Bank Park.
But I also had to wonder: Must we see every single act of wrongdoing, even minor ones, through the prism of 9/11? Is a fan running on a field in the same ballpark with killing nearly 3,000 people? What has happened to us in this country. Did anyone call for stun-gunning "Morganna the kissing bandit" in the 1970s because we lived in "a post-JFK assassination world" and that maybe she had a concealed weapon inside of those, um. concealed weapons. Of course not. Americans have changed..and not for the better.
Make no mistake -- the 9/11 attacks were the most cowardly acts of pure evil ever committed on U.S. soil -- but the American ideals of civil liberties should be so sacrosanct they should not have been unduly violated even for the people who planned and executed 9/11, but of course they were at Guantanamo and with the John Yoo-justified torture regime that was expanded to many people who had nothing to do with 9/11 and eventually to people who were innocent of any crime altogether.
But even more damaging is the way that attitude -- that any kind of lawbreaking or even potential lawbreaking requires the harshest possible response, with no regard to more than 200 years of momentum toward basic civil liberties and human rights -- is filtering down to other aspects of American life. Exhibit A is what's happening in Arizona.
Let's be honest -- although there are some very bad apples scattered in there, the vast majority of undocumented immigrants are the Steve Consalvis of the American political debate. They've jumped over a fence and are running around on the field of national economy, and just like Consalvi they've broken a law but also aren't a threat to cause serious injury (especially with studies that show undocumented migrants have a low crime rate and tend to even pay more in taxes than they get back in services).
The response from the majority of Arizonans and many Americans is no longer to work toward a mature solution like real immigration reform that would view these humans as what the pre-soul-dead Sen. John McCain of the mid-2000s once called "God's children," but to use a totalitarian-tinged "papers please" brand of racial profiling in order to round up as many of these "illegals" (Note: actions are "illegal," not people -- sad that that even needs to be spelled out in 2010) as possible, even separating them from their children. The chief offender is Phoenix's "Sheriff Joe" Arpaio, who makes his predominately Latino inmate population swelter in a brutal tent city in the pink underwear he issues them. Many of his inmates would probably prefer to be tased.
And when you voted for change in 2008, you thought you were ushering in a presidency of Barack Obama, not the era of Draco, the Greek lawgiver.
Which brings us to Times Square and the failed car bombing. This is the second time in less than a year that a young man apparently inspired by some warped brand of Islamic extremism attempted attacks that would kill a large number of Americans. It's alarming and upsetting that anyone is trying -- however ineptly -- to kill so many innocent people. However, our current draconian rules of political discourse practically prevent us from even suggesting that these attacks be looked at as not quite exactly the same thing as 9/11, which after all was a well-planned attack with 19 trained perpetrators.
The failed Times Square car bombing and the failed airplane underwear bomber over Detroit were poorly planned events by young, naive individuals that, even combined, did not harm or kill a single individual; they were quite serious crimes nonetheless -- and they were both handled and properly investigated with remarkable skill and speed by the law-enforcement structures we already have in place -- that is, police and federal law-enforcement like the FBI -- who followed normal procedures, all applicable laws, and honored the U.S. Constitution. We also worked cooperatively with a foreign power with whom we've sometimes had a rocky relationship -- Pakistan -- to round up additional suspects in the Times Square case.
And the response of some of our top political leaders today has not congratulatory toward good police work or a criminal justice system that at times can still be the envy of the world -- but rather anger and disappointment...that the suspect's Constitutional rights were not violated. Even though Faisal Shahzad is a naturalized American citizen accused of felony crimes under U.S. law, some lawmakers were furious that authorities followed the law and read Shahzad his Miranda rights regarding self-incrimination (which hasn't stopped him from a confession or providing information, by the way).
One of those critics, of course, was John McCain, who said Mirandizing Shahzad "would be a serious mistake...at least until we find out as much information we have." Ironically, it fell upon right-wing media icon Glenn Beck to point out that the Times Square case was no time to "shred the Constitution." The main point here is a rather obvious -- when an anything-for-ratings entertainer like Beck is the voice of reason, then democracy is rolling seriously off the rails.
But this is increasingly who we are in 2010 -- an unforgiving nation where you can be zapped with 50,000 volts for a minor transgression, where you might be stopped on an Arizona street corner for having brown skin or speaking with the wrong kind of accent, and where citizens who are accused but not convicted of a crime are no longer all equal under the law. It is a nation where we are suddenly all Steve Consalvi every time we get up from our seats of conformity, never knowing where a new shock to our system might come from.
Call it a "post 911 world" if you want, but I would call it the slow, sad Taserification of America. At least on the green grass of left field in South Philadelphia, it was all out in the open for a change, for all of us to see.


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Metro-North Implements Systemwide Schedule Change
Earlier today, the MTA Metro-North Railroad announced it will be implementing a systemwide schedule change. Here are the official details via press release:
A comprehensive track reconstruction project underway in the Bronx is being expanded and extended and, to continue to support this work, a systemwide schedule change will take effect August 19.
The schedules for Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Line trains will be adjusted between two and 10 minutes to more accurately reflect the impact of track work on travel times and to improve service reliability. Many departure and arrival times have been shifted and in many cases running time has been added to allow for proper spacing of trains through the congested area where the most intense track work is underway. This will help re-establish the precision that our customers expect.
For schedule information visit mta.info/mnr/schedules or, in New York State, call 511 and say "Metro-North." In Connecticut, call 1-877-690-5114. Schedules will also be posted at all train stations. Printed timetables will be available after Labor Day.
The work, between Melrose and Woodlawn, requires taking one to two of the four tracks out of service in this critical six-mile section of the railroad, significantly reducing track capacity and causing congestion. In addition, speed restrictions are in effect to accommodate this project as well as other long-term and routine infrastructure maintenance work north and east of this section of the Bronx.
Because of these constraints, many customers have been experiencing delays of 6-to-10 minutes. The new schedule will more accurately reflect actual service.
Work began July 1 and one track, the southbound local, was completed August 4. Work is now underway on the southbound express track.
The project had been scheduled for completion by Labor Day. However, utilization of a new track inspection technology called ground-penetrating radar revealed a need for more extensive repairs in the Bronx.
When the track improvements in this six-mile section are complete, work will continue for an additional two miles south of Melrose to the junction where the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Lines come together in Mott Haven. Therefore, this schedule will remain in effect through the fall.
"It makes sense to intensify the program while we are already mobilized in the area," said Metro-North President Howard Permut. "Taking a track out of service is disruptive so while it is out, we should make all essential repairs simultaneously. It is more efficient and is less disruptive in the long run."
The new schedule also will return to the timetable three trains that had been eliminated on July 1:
– The 8:03 AM Harlem Line local from Mount Vernon West, which will depart at 8:03 AM.
– The 8:30 AM New Haven Line from New Rochelle, which will now depart at 8:31 AM.
– The 7:35 AM serving Port Chester and Rye, will now depart at 7:31 AM.The project includes replacement of concrete ties and ballast (the rocks that stabilize the ties) as well as drainage improvements, fencing repairs and general cleanup.
Because this area was literally carved from bedrock, the drainage is poor and rain water and snow melt tend to pool just below the surface. This standing water has caused premature deterioration of the concrete ties, which were installed between 1990 and 1996.
The track work here and elsewhere is critical for maintaining the track infrastructure and to reverse the effects of years of poor drainage and flooding as well as preventing its future deterioration.
As part of the overall right-of-way improvements, fencing that runs along the top of the "cut" is being repaired. Because the tracks are below street level in a trough, they are an easy target for litter. Part of the project will be removal of discarded household items and other debris.
For the duration of this work, train service to and from Tremont and Melrose stations will be replaced by a bus shuttle, affecting about 250 customers on weekdays and 100 on weekends. Shuttle bus service will be provided to and from the Fordham Station, where frequent train service is available in both directions.
Metro-North tickets will be honored on the buses that will operate approximately every 30 minutes in the peaks and every hour on the hour during the off peak periods. The buses stop on street level directly in front of the stairs at Tremont and Melrose and in front of the station building at Fordham.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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I watched a rosebud very long
Brought on by dew and sun and shower,
Waiting to see the perfect flower:
Then, when I thought it should be strong,
It opened at the matin hour
And fell at even-song.
I watched a nest from day to day,
A green nest full of pleasant shade,
Wherein three speckled eggs were laid:
But when they should have hatched in May,
The two old birds had grown afraid
Or tired, and flew away.
Then in my wrath I broke the bough
That I had tended so with care,
Hoping its scent should fill the air;
I crushed the eggs, not heeding how
Their ancient promise had been fair:
I would have vengeance now.
But the dead branch spoke from the sod,
And the eggs answered me again:
Because we failed dost thou complain?
Is thy wrath just? And what if God,
Who waiteth for thy fruits in vain,
Should also take the rod?


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Seedlip Notas de Agave
We have a 30-day return policy for items purchased online, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
Items purchased in-store are eligible for return before 14 days of purchase.
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Items exempt from returns and exchanges include: perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), holiday items (such as ornaments, holiday decor, and seasonal candles), personal care goods (such as beauty products), sale or clearance items, and gift cards.


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YOU PEOPLE ROCK! Willow Bird Baking is one of only 72 blogs in Round 5 of Project Food Blog, and it's all because of you! Virtual high-fives, y'all! I can't say thank you enough.
Challenge #5 was to take a traditional dish, pizza, and remix it to create something inventive. I brainstormed for a week to find something creative, fun, delicious, and maybe even a little magical. I asked a billion (give or take a few) folks to weigh in with their pizza favorites. I laboriously googled (okay, that part was easy) and read recipe after recipe. Finally, I reached a conclusion. I appreciate your votes and I hate to let them go to waste, but . . .
FORGET PIZZA. I made cupcakes instead.
I'm tired, I'm whiny, I'm challenged-out, and cupcakes are tasty.
Just kidding, just kidding! ME, challenged-out? NEVER. The whiny part was true, but I'm always up for a challenge.
The title of this post probably gave me away — of course I made pizza . . . with a big twist. I chose to create two pizza remixes for this challenge, actually, representing two times of day when you aren't "supposed" to eat pizza: dessert and breakfast.
I've been eating pizzas at all the wrong times since my childhood. Cold leftover pizza for breakfast was a delicacy. Midnight snack pizza was one of my favorites. What can I say? I'm a rebel. And I have a feeling more than a few of you are rebellious in the exact same way.
My "dessert" pizzas are a little sneaky, because they aren't cupcakes at all — they're cupfakes! They're actually mini Chicago-style deep dish pizzas stuffed with mozzarella, goat cheese, pepperoni, and some of the best pizza sauce I've ever tasted. They're then "frosted" with ricotta cheese, topped with colored salt sprinkles, and crowned with grape tomatoes in the place of cherries. Apart from being utterly delicious, they turned out to be the cutest little pizzas on the block!
I broke out the razorblades, cardboard, ribbon, cardstock, and glue gun to create an asymmetrical cupcake tower to showcase these cuties. Cue amusing exchanges on Twitter and Facebook:
My favorite cupfake incident was when I took a few of these to my neighbor (hi, neighbor!) and asked if he'd like some leftover homemade pizza. He looked at what seemed to be a plate of cupcakes in my hand with a slight pause. I wasn't sure if he was going to ask why I didn't know the difference between a pizza and a cupcake or just assume I was crazy, so I quickly explained. Mustn't have the apartment complex thinking I'm nuts — any more than they already do, that is!
I was originally only going to create the cupfakes, but this morning I woke up and decided that for Round 5 of this competition and with only 72 blogs left, I had to go all out. I made a whole new batch of pizza dough to create my breakfast pizzas and some even tinier deep dish pizzas for later. So three batches of dough, a whole package of mozzarella, and scads of pepperoni later, I'm ready to fall over.
It was worth it.
I've affectionately named my breakfast pizza Pizzas Benedict. These had a heartier crust made with part whole-wheat flour to mimic an English muffin (okay, it was because I thought I'd run out of all-purpose flour. I later found a bag of it in the living room because, you know, that's where normal people keep their flour).
The Pizzas Benedict were stuffed with a mixture of scrambled eggs, spinach, bacon, goat cheese, and cheddar cheese, and topped with fresh Hollandaise sauce. The egg mixture didn't stay stuffed into the crust like it was supposed to, so in some of the pizzas, it was more of a topping and the crust was like a muffin base — but they were still delicious! Next time I might add even more of the stuffin'.
This turned out to be an exhausting, dangerous challenge. I shattered a glass all over the kitchen floor and sliced my foot as I was mixing my first batch of dough — a batch that ultimately ended up in the trash. I was up until the wee hours of the morning with my razorblades and hot glue. And at one point, I looked up from creating my Chicago-style deep dish pizzas and realized that my New Yorker roommate was sitting on the couch watching a Yankees game.
Barbara is not just any New Yorker, y'all. She makes a yearly pilgrimage to New York for Italian food and baseball. She has Yankees paraphernalia all over her room. She has like 8 superstitious rituals she completes for each baseball game — including lighting tealight candles, snuggling under her Yankees blanket, and wearing her lucky necklace.
She's going to kill me, but I told her there was no way I wasn't going to tell you about the time she ran into my room in a panic, pleading, "Can you please help me get this necklace on?!" I thought she just really loved jewelry until I realized it was her Yankees necklace and the game was starting. Yeah. She's that kind of New Yorker. And here I was busily creating some Chicago pizza in our kitchen. I started planning escape routes.
Turns out I needn't have worried — Barb appreciates good food as much as she appreciates New York. She loved the pizza sauce and forgave the crust. She declared that you should vote for me — and she has such good judgment. I'm just sayin'.
In addition to being exhausting, dangerous, and sometimes painful, this challenge was amazing! It allowed me to tackle new techniques (making homemade pizza dough), which is something I'm passionate about. It also provided an arena to do the things I already know I love: playing with food, making it adorable, and making it fun.
I hope you'll make some pizza cupfakes and surprise someone you love. Or why not have a pizza day, complete with a pizza breakfast, lunch, dinner, and "dessert"? Have fun!
Deep Dish Pizza Cupfakes
Recipe by: Willow Bird Baking, compiled and adapted from the following sources:– Recipe Pizza (crust) with help from Annie's Eats
– Strawberry Hedgehog (pizza sauce)Yield: about 13 cupcake-sized cupfakes
Crust Ingredients:
1 package active dry yeast
2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 3/4 cups all−purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Pizza Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
goat cheese
ricotta cheese
grape tomatoes
kosher salt mixed with a few drops of food coloring to create "sprinkles"
To make dough, sprinkle yeast and sugar into the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a hand mixer for this, or just mix by hand); allow stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, cornmeal, oil and salt to the yeast mixture and knead on a high speed for 7-10 minutes (you could also do this part by hand on a floured surface). You may need to add more flour here (I added about a cup and still had a wet dough, but I left it at that).
Turn dough into a large bowl coated with olive oil. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours. To create a "warm spot," I turn my oven on to 100 degrees F for a few minutes and then turn it off and open the door. When it has cooled to just barely above room temperature, I place the dough in and close the door, eliminating the possibility of drafts.
Prepare a muffin pan. Preheat the oven to 475 (with a pizza stone in it, if you have one – I just used a baking sheet). Coat each well with olive oil and a sprinkle of cornmeal. Punch risen dough down. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and let rest for 10 minutes. Using floured hands, pinch off about 2-inch balls of dough and place them in each prepared muffin well (you can freeze any leftover dough in a ball). In each well, poke a few pearls or slices of mozzarella cheese, some goat cheese, one or two pepperoni, and, finally, a big spoonful of sauce. In fact, I'd layer the sauce between each topping and then really stuff as much as you can on top — it's the best part! Push each topping down so that the crust rises around the side. I use a spoon to gently press the sauce down at the end, so the entire thing resembles a deep dish pizza. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Let cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before cooling on a cooling rack. If you're making cupcakes, let them cool completely (otherwise, serve them warm).
To "frost," pipe ricotta cheese onto each cupfake. Top with a grape tomato and salt sprinkles. You can heat each cupfake about 30 seconds before serving it. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Pizzas Benedict
Recipe by: Willow Bird Baking, compiled and adapted from the following sources:– Recipe Pizza (crust)
– Tyler Florence (Hollandaise sauce)Crust Ingredients:
1 package active dry yeast
2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 1/2 cups all−purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
about 8 scrambled eggs
spinach, torn into small pieces
cooked bacon, torn into small pieces
cheddar cheese
goat cheese
butter for scrambling eggs
salt and pepper to taste
Hollandaise Sauce:
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
Pinch cayenne
Pinch salt
To make dough, sprinkle yeast and sugar into the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a hand mixer for this, or just mix by hand); allow stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, cornmeal, oil and salt to the yeast mixture and knead on a high speed for 7-10 minutes (you could also do this part by hand on a floured surface). You may need to add more flour here (I added about a cup and still had a wet dough, but I left it at that).
Turn dough into a large bowl coated with olive oil. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours. To create a "warm spot," I turn my oven on to 100 degrees F for a few minutes and then turn it off and open the door. When it has cooled to just barely above room temperature, I place the dough in and close the door, eliminating the possibility of drafts.
As dough rises, beat eggs, garlic, salt and pepper, and spinach together. Place a teaspoon or so of butter in a skillet over medium high heat and scramble egg mixture. Pour into a bowl and add cheddar cheese, goat cheese, and bacon.
Prepare a muffin pan. Preheat the oven to 475 (with a pizza stone in it, if you have one – I just used a baking sheet). Coat each well with olive oil and a sprinkle of cornmeal. Punch risen dough down. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and let rest for 10 minutes. Using floured hands, pinch off about 2-inch balls of dough and place them in each prepared muffin well (you can freeze any leftover dough in a ball). Place a heaping spoonful of egg mixture in the center of each well, pressing it down into the crust dough. Bake 15-17 minutes until crust is golden. Let cool in pan for at least 5 minutes. Serve warm with Hollandaise sauce.
Make the Hollandaise sauce while your pizzas bake: Whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice together in a stainless steel bowl and until it is thickened and doubled in volume. Place this bowl over a saucepan containing barely simmering water that does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Whisk rapidly and constantly, being careful not to let the eggs get so hot that they scramble. Drizzle melted butter in while continuing to whisk. Whisk until the sauce is thickened and doubled in volume. Remove from heat and whisk in cayenne and salt. Cover and place in a warm place until ready to use. If the sauce gets too thick, you can whisk in a few drops of warm water before serving.
Just for fun, here's the list of ideas I considered for this challenge. Maybe you can grab one of these ideas and run with it!
- Iconic Luxury Dish Pizza: Beef Wellington and Tiramisu Pizzas
- Pizza Pie (a pie made with pizza ingredients – a take on tomato pie)
- miniature pizzas with super accurate-looking toppings (e.g. tiny, tiny pepperoni!)
- pizza pockets
- dessert pizzas
- a "pizza parfait" with layers of crust, sauce, cheese, toppings, basil in a parfait glass
- a "waffled pizza" cooked on a waffle iron (this idea comes straight from the waffleizer blog, so not very original)
- pizza cups — crust cups filled with sauce, cheese, and toppings and served as little appetizers
- pizza muffins (muffins baked with cheddar cheese, pepperoni, etc. in them, and a mozzarella cheese ball in the center — sauce on top)
- pizza nachos
- pizza panini
- fried pizza balls (not sure how I'd do this… somehow put pepperoni and cheese inside batter and fry the outside, and dip in sauce? Kind of just like mozzarella sticks, I guess)
What creative version of pizza can you think up?
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174 Comments on Pizzas Benedict and Deep Dish Pizza Cupfakes
Super creative Julie! I think you just bought a ticket to the next round!!!
Thank you, Fern! I hope you're right!! 😀
No puppies or grandmas, but some pretty awesome pizza-inspired treats! You had me at the Deep dish faux-cake:) The benny was a bonus!
Great post! good luck!!-
Thank you, Ethan! I can't believe I forgot the grandma… 😉
Holy majoly, these are MENTAL. I love it! Those cupfakes are super awesomely crazy. Gosh, you should live next door to me 😉
Great job on the entry and your incredibly creative ideas! I'm impressed! Good luck, m'dear!
Jax x
Thank you so much, Jackie!! 🙂
That is incredible! I'm always amazed at your creations!
Thank you, Jules 🙂
Aww, thank you, Wei-Wei!! 🙂
At 6.12 on a Sunday morning, there are no words except wow! I toyed with this ideas too (I have a huge list of possible ideas for this challenge) but decided it might be risky. Looks like your risk paid off! Good luck.
Thank you, Mardi 🙂 I wondered if anyone else would do it — I can't wait to see!
what a creative entry!!! love this
Thank you so much!
Are you incredibly amazing or what?! This has to be my absolute FAVORITE entry that I've read so far. I love how you made them into cupcakes (cupfakes!) and then you really outdid yourself and made pizzas benedict. I'm drooling, they look so delicious. You definitely have my vote! You're just incredible. 🙂
Aww, thank you SO much!!! 🙂 What a sweet comment!!
Wow — those cupfakes are incredible!
Thank you! They were so fun to make (and eat).
Pizza for breakfast and cupFAKES? You are messing with my world order. Great job. GREG
Thank you so much, Greg!!
These are so clever! I'm inspired by your creativity. Thinking of how to revamp one of my favorite recipes…
Yayy, Meghan! Can't wait to see what you come up with! For some reason it was so hard for me to decide how to remix the pizza, but once I finished the recipe, I was thrilled 🙂 Thank you!!!
What a cute idea to turn pizza into a cupcake!! Also, the Pizzas Benedict … those look fantastic and sound even better!
Thank you, Kelly!!
I seriously need some of those pizza benedicts. The cupfakes are adorable!!! Great job!
Thank you, Maranda!! 🙂
very inventive! great job, as always! it's only 9:30 and i'm craving cupcakes! (and pizza benedict ;))
I totally just had leftover Pizza Benedicts for brunch! 🙂 Thank you!
I am SO glad you made cupcake pizzas because, honestly, that was going to be my plan of action! (That or pizza in the form of a layer cake. I was thoroughly undecided.) So obviously I think it is an INGENIOUS idea. Great job Julie. You've absolutely got my vote!
LOL — you are too funny, Joanne! I'm so sad you aren't in this round right along with me — pumpkin pizza dough was BRILLIANT.
I was wondering if anyone else would do pizza cupcakes! We'll see tomorrow if anyone else shared our ingenious idea 😉
Thank you!!
I think I could totally veganize the Pizza Benedicts – they look totally amazing!! If I do succeed in veganizing them, I'll let you know 🙂
Good luck, Corey! I can't wait to see!!
I am blow away by the breakfast pizzas! I just learned how to make hollandaise and randomly made some pizza dough last night! I think breakfast pizza is on the menu for dinner tonight. Thanks for the inspiration, love your blog.
Thank you, Sarah!! I hope you love them!!
It's afternoon now, but I'd still love one of those Pizza Benedicts! They look so yummy. And the cupfakes? Gorgeous!
Thank you, Betty!!
I love the cupfakes idea! When my son is older I'm going to use this idea for April Fools! (and congrats on making it to challenge 5!)
Thanks so much, Crystal! My mom did this for my brother for many years (funny April Fool's Day foods) — such a fun tradition!
Wow these are SO creative!!!!!
Thank you, Jennifer!
These are awesome! You did a great job!
Thank you, Janis!
Very cool kiddo, we are hungry! We love innovative pizzas, even though Alain is making the most traditional pizza ever right now (he did make the crust himself though)! Way to conquer the 5th round!
Thank you both 😀 I'm excited about pizza dough now — had never made it before this! Enjoy your traditional pizza 🙂
Beautiful and adorable!! I love them!!!
Thank you, Mara!!
So clever! I had to look twice! I love it. And pretty too.
Thank you, Marci!!
Such creative ideas! The cupfakes look especially amazing. (I think it's all the cheese. Mmmm, cheese.) And congrats on surviving such a dangerous baking experience 🙂
Thank you, Natalie!! I'm a cheese fan too (obviously)!
I love desserts that look like dinners and dinners that look like desserts! This entry is so amazing!
Thank you so much! I love food trickery too 😀
These are both creative ideas, but I particularly like the tricky cupfakes! Way to go!
Thank you so much, Mindy!
WOW! I really thought you made cupcakes. Those look great! Your work definitely paid off on this one. I think you're on to round 6 this week.
Thanks Julie!! I really hope so!
Fun and creative…and I bet tasty too! Good luck getting into #6.
Thank you, Joan!!
Great creativity here! I love the breakfast version. Best wishes – you got my vote!
Yay!! Thanks so much for the vote 🙂
Seriously? You made pizza cupfakes. You have got to be the most genius, creative person on the planet. OMG. What a smart idea!
Congrats to you! Here's to you going all the way!-
What a totally sweet comment! Thank you, lovely Kristen! 🙂
I totally thought they were cupcakes – great fake out! Love the idea of the breakfast pizzas too. Good luck!
Thanks so much, Barbara!!
Cupfakes- you had me! I love the pizza benedict. Great idea!
Thank you, Naomi!!
This is a FABULOUS idea! I was so confused at first, but when I read on, I was amazed! Good work:)
Aw, thanks Jenny!
Yum! I can't decide which one looks more delicious. The cupcakes are so clever, but who can say no to hollandaise? As always, great job, Julie!
Thanks so much, Lisa 🙂
I found your blog from the spreadsheet that Janetha made (for Foodbuzz), and I absolutely loved reading through a bunch of your posts. This one was so creative, and I loved all the detail you put into it. The pictures are beautiful! I can't wait to meet you at Foodbuzz. I love the 'cupfake' tower. Really really genius!
Aw, thank you so much Lauren!! I would love to meet you too! SO excited about Foodbuzz Fest!
What an amazing idea !! these would be a hit at kids parties 🙂
You may have started a new trend. Good Luck-
Aw thanks! I do think kids would go ape! 😉 I know I would've loved them as a kid.
Love, love, love the cupfakes! This is SO creative and you've got my vote in #PFB2010!
Thank you so much, Michelle!!
What an amazing idea. you just blew my mind with the cupfakes. I am so glad to see you advanced! Heres hoping we have another round with you!!
Thank you so much, Whitney!!
beyond fantastic! I love these. So perfectly done. As a cookie and edible crafts gal, I have to go with the faux-cupcake pizzas. Got my vote!
Thanks so much, Meaghan — I felt like we were totally on the same page with this challenge. LOVED your post (pizza pops – too cool!)
Flour in the living room… LOL!
I have extra spices in the basement.
You've got my vote!-
Basement spices — love it!! Thank you!
Julie, I am going to make these for the kids April Fools Day dinner next year! Thanks for the idea!
Hurray! I hope they love them! 😀 Thanks, Christy!
You are such an inspiration. These are the most creative pizzas I've seen so far! I honestly didn't realize that cupcake was savory until I saw the inside of it and read your description. You're amazing!
Aw, thank you SO much, Megan!! So sweet of you!
Your cupfakes are very cute and clever! Tasty too, I'm sure:)
Thank you, Sue!!
Such cute genius! Love it!
Thank you, Amanda!!
Very clever idea!
Thank you, Allison!
Love-love-love your cupfakes! They look so cute, and yet so delicious at the same time…I almost wish you hadn't told your neighbor, just so you could see his face when he took a bite of a cupfake!
"Yes" vote from me! Good luck!
Hmmmm, best April Fools Prank ev-ah! : )
HA, totally!
I'm always afraid that if they don't know, their initial reaction will be, "Gross!" just because they aren't expecting it! haha. I always pre-warn, but you're right — it would be totally fun to see 😉
Thanks, Suzy!
Love the cupfakes! That seems like such a cute idea and would perfectly for tailgating food! Those pizza benedicts look to die for. You've got my vote!
Ooh, tailgating — what a perfect application! Thanks, Leah 🙂
sorry for the caps BUT THIS ALL LOOKS AMAZING! OMG!
Thank you, Kristen! 🙂
One of the most creative things I've seen — A true Cupfake. There is no better word. It's hard to believe it's a Pizza. 😉 I finally got it, when I saw the Ricotta and Goat Cheese ingredients. Another vote here for sure!
Shelly 🙂
Hurray! So fun! Thank you, Shelly!
So as much as I love the cupfakes, it's the pizza benedicts that have me drooling on my keyboard. My husband LOVES pizzas, so both of these will get made. : ) We've recently made pizza puffs ( http://www.mrsdragon.net/2010/10/pizza-puffs.html )and it's quickly becomes one of his faves, I know he will adore these. : )
Ooh, must make those pizza puffs! Yum! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hope he loves the cupfakes too!
Sheesh. You're a shoo-in. I want the eggs benedict cupcake. I have a strange aversion to the other, although it's brilliant. It's just hard to adjust my vision when I read what that the frosting was ricotta.
So awesome!-
HA! Thanks, Mariko! I promise it's delicious 😀
OMG Julie you are SO clever! You've just got to win after these right? I mean how utterly brilliant! 😀
Thanks so much, Lorraine! 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pizza cupfakes! Pretty brilliant idea if you ask me! Haha!
Thank you, Kirby!!
voting for you! I'm once again so impressed and dying to try one of those pizza cupfakes 🙂
Thanks so much, Natalie!!
OMG those pizza cupfakes are AMAZING! Voted.
One thing I love about Project Food Blog is coming across blogs, such as yours, that I hadn't been reading. Adding you to my Google Reader now 🙂
Aww, thanks so much Alexis!! So sweet! I love that about PFB as well!
This is awesome! I totally thought those were sweet cupcakes! I bet they tasted amazing.. voted 🙂
Thank you so much, Evan!!
So original and so beautiful! You've got my vote. Thanks for attending our Virtual Pizza Party at Foodo! -Katy
Thanks Katy!!
You win this round.
Aw, what a sweet comment! Thank you, Angela 🙂
Adorable! Really nicely done. Perfect new spin on pizza. Voted! =)
Thanks so much!!
Very fun and creative. Certainly was questioning the cupcake thing to start, (i.e. thought you really did just do regular cupcakes, but then I kept reading…:-D) but you did a great job and I'm sure they tasted great.
You have my vote and thank you for visiting my PFB post! Kind of funny, I had just voted for you and was checking my blog at the same time and saw your post. Weird, we were both on each others site at the same time. Small world! 🙂
So funny!
You know, I was actually worried someone would just read the top of the post and decide not to vote for me thinking I hadn't actually completed the challenge! HA! Hopefully the title reels 'em in 😉
Thanks, Therese!
Amazing design and creativity! These "cupfakes" look amazing. 😀
Thank you, Michael! Loved your pizza!
Those really look like cupcakes – you fooled me! The ricotta frosting is so realistic! The breakfast pizzas look super tasty too. You have a vote from me!
Thank you so much, Jeanne!! 🙂
So creative Julie! Love them! If I drive to Charlotte will you make me some ; )
Absolutely, Paula! ;D Thank you!
These "cupfakes" crack me up! I look forward to trying them… I think they will be great for Halloween fake-outs – but if it doesn't happen in this next week, it will be a sure-bet for April Fools!
Ha! I think that's a fantabulous idea! I totally see the prank potential! Thanks ringr 🙂
You have to make the next round. These are pure genius. You fooled me! Love it!
Aw, thank you, Debby! 🙂
Those cup"fakes" are so cute! Love the idea!
Thank you so much, Dana!
Incredeible is what I can only think of..u deserve to be on the next round..sure u get my vote
Thank you so much, Ayantika!
Brilliant! Those look amazing, and I know kids would love the cupfakes!!!
Thank you, Amy!!
um, these all look so delicious! just earlier today (this morning, so really, not the best part of the day to be fantasizing about such food…so I got your back on that rebelious bit) i was thinking about how much i wanted cupcakes and pizza and then BAM! read this! high five for fate!
Hurray! Thanks so much, Emily! Glad to be able to hit BOTH your cravings at once 🙂
You're so talented Julie! Reading your posts puts a smile on my face…and you did a wonderful job with this challenge 😉
Aw, thank you, Winnie!
I laughed, I cried, I snarked, and I'm hungry! Super creative pizza remixes and I would die if you offered me pizza and handed me that gorgeous cupfake. Also, eggs benedict are my fav breakfast, until now! Gimme one of those breakfast benedicts pizzas to put in my face! Sorry, got a little out of hand but I love what you did and you got my vote. Good luck in the next round!
haha! Too funny, Rachel! 😀 Thank you!!
Those pizza cupfakes look amazing. That's such an innovative and awesome idea! Looks so delicious!
Thanks so much, Cindy!!
Your cupfakes are pretty freakin' amazing. My head actually went "sploink!!" when I saw that the cherries were actually cherry tomatoes!
Thanks, Heather 😀
Wow — the cupcakes are so cool! Voted!!
Thank you so much, Rachel!!
You are hilarious! Love your wit & enthusiasm about the pizza remix challenge! Your pizza cupfakes are the best idea-I could only imagine your neighbors expression. Best of luck in the rest of the challenge 🙂
Aw, thank you, Marla! 🙂
And now I am hungry for eggs benedict and pizza!
These are definitely the cutest cupfakes on the blog. You're so creative- I love it!
Awww, thank you so much, Monica!!
Your cupcakes are so beautiful and the pizza benedict – wow! I can't get over what a smart, creative idea that is. You're very talented, and I'm so glad I found your blog. And, also, so sorry about your foot, that sounded like a horrible accident! Feel better soon!
Thank you Georgia! Oh, about my foot — I'm totally melodramatic! It was a tiny cut! 😉
These are genius! I love pizza and get bored with the typical sauce, cheese and pepperoni. I'm always on the lookout for new, creative ways to enjoy one of my favorite things! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much, Amanda! 🙂
I have these bookmarked and cannot way for a day that I can play with these (how come all these weekends keep filling up). These are just amazing & I love things that "are what they aren't" – hopefully mine come at least close to looking as great as yours!
Aw, thank you!! I can't wait to see! I'm sure yours will be fantastic!
Looks great! I love pizza and basically try every new pizza recipe i come across. Will sure try this one too 🙂
Hurray! Hope you love it, Danny!!
Julie, what I would give to slide my feet under your table…your imagination boggles me and your photography is breathtaking. So Happy my friend from Ruth's Salads sent me the newspaper article.
Aw, thanks so much, Adele!
Sorry this is not about the cupfakes but where did you get those napkins? I love them! I am always looking for citrus stuff and have a hard time finding it.
No problem! Those are from Crate and Barrel. I love that print!
I cant wait to try these cupfakes!
So creative!!-
I hope you love them, Ana 🙂
Good Lord!
I have to get off this site. Ok, so I have now added Pizza Benes to the list and will be making them on Sunday.
Totally intrigued by the Pizza Parfait idea and will probably work on that this week as well.
Thanks for sharing and keeping me busy!
Bri -
You inspired my muffin tin meal for April Fools day this year – thank you for such a brilliant idea!!!
2Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Pizzas Benedict and Deep Dish Pizza Cupfakes
[…] 1. Billion Cheese Ravioli with Red Pepper Pancetta Sauce 2. Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes […]
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text:
The New Year period is a common time for people to take stock of their finances and make resolutions designed to boost their financial wellbeing. And a new study has found the likelihood of success in this area is heavily linked to receiving professional advice and the establishment of clear financial objectives.
Advice is key to success
The recently released research1 actually provides a quantitative measure of the value attributed to advice when it comes to helping investors achieve their goals. The US study was based on real-life data relating to more than 100,000 advised investors and found that eight out of 10 with a defined retirement goal had at least an 80% greater probability of achieving their financial objectives. In other words, advised investors typically hit 80% of their financial goals.
Create a financial plan
The research vividly demonstrates how taking expert advice and constructing a Financial resolutions for a prosperous New Year tailored plan can significantly boost an investor's financial wellbeing. In many ways this is unsurprising, as the benefits associated with financial planning are wellknown and plentiful.
Financial wellbeing
Discussing your financial objectives with us enables you to consider exactly what you want to achieve with your assets and thereby establish clear goals that are both realistic and achievable. Regular financial reviews provide opportunities to monitor progress and adapt plans where necessary. Good financial planning also ensures all investments are tax-efficient by minimising both current and future tax liabilities.
It's good to talk
This study once again reiterates the significant value that can be gained from seeking professional financial advice. So, if your circumstances have changed or the New Year has encouraged you to refocus your financial objectives, then get in touch.
That way you can be sure your financial goals remain realistic and you give yourself the best chance of turning any New Year financial resolutions into reality.
1Vanguard, September 2019
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested.
The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.


text:
This is the seventh and final pack in the contest. The total through the first six is 246 points. We've seen A-Rod, Helton (twice), Slammin Sammy, Tejada, Larry Walker, Vlad the Impaler, Larry Wayne MickeyFickey Jones, Old Blood Sock, and an amalgam of riff-raff and detritus. Here comes pack #7, hoping to end with a bang.
Gabe Kapler = 0 points
After a decade of meh, had a decent 229AB (117 OPS+) for the Brewers last year. That might have been his swan song.
Scott Rolen = 8 points
As good as he's been, he's only cracked the MVP top-ten once, in '04. He'd better have a long and gradual decline phase if he wants to make the HOF.
Corky Miller = 0 points
Has logged all of 335 big league ABs, including 60 last year for the Braves.
Drew Meyer - Draft Pick = 0 points
I'd like to assign negative points for a 1st round pick that has logged all of 14 AB in the bigs.
Eric Owens = 0 points
Once again Topps uses the same photo for the inset and the main image. I understand it's a lot of work to put together a base set of this size, but that is what we're paying you for. Stop cutting corners on the base set, Topps. That's right, folks, I'm ranting at Topps about a five-year-old set, because they haven't changed.
Randy Johnson - Award Winner - 2002 NL Cy Young = 37 points
Well that's three points right there on the card. Add in the Unit's 10 All-Star teams and his other either top-three Cy finishes, including FOUR. STRAIGHT. AWARDS. from '99 to '02, and we've got a lot of points.
Rondell White = 1 point
Made an All-Star team for the Padres in '03. Hard to say why, exactly.
Cliff Politte = 0 points
"Politte" is so close to "Petitte", yet so very, very far.
Philadelphia Philles
Without looking it up, I'm going to assume that these guys actually outscore Vladdy.
Reggie Taylor = 0 points
Who? Had 287 AB for the Reds in '02, and only 507 total for his career. Last seen in the bigs in '05.
The Unit puts this pack on his shoulders. A total of 46 points brings the contest total to 292. Remarkably, there were two guesses within one point. Aaron had 293, but ladydoth came in a day earlier at 291. I'll give Aaron some bonus points to be applied to the next contest. ladydoth, check your email and let me know where to send the cards to.
Thanks everyone for playing along. I'll be running another contest next week.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2 comments:
- Grand Cards said...
That Eric Owens card actually has a different little picture--notice no bat behind the head and facing in a slightly different direction. The question is, why? Those pictures are so similar that what's the point of making them different?
- Aaron said...
TIM! Thanks... I got my "consolation prize" today. I was glad to cut this wantlist down to just 11 cards, knocking 3 draft picks and Bonds off the short list. Thanks also for the gold foil parallel.
Aaron - 10:31 PM
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text:
The sooner the better
"From the standpoint of all the American interests involved, getting out sooner and more quickly is better than getting out slower and less quickly. There will be more killing as we leave, and that will be true whenever we leave. And there will not necessarily be less killing by leaving later rather than sooner." —Paul Pillar, former top CIA official
"I think the quicker we get out militarily, the better. I've suggested a six-month withdrawal period." —George McGovern, coauthor, Out of Iraq
"We should begin to withdraw by bringing home two brigades by the end of 2007." —General Wesley Clark (retired), former supreme allied commander, Europe
"I would start tonight because the fact is that this extraordinary experiment by General Petraeus of converting the Army and Marine Corps into the Mesopotamian constabulary has failed." —Edward Luttwak, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Come spring
"[Being out by March 1, 2008] allows us enough time to safely redeploy our troops and to hand over power to the Iraqis on the ground." —Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.)
"Withdrawal will start in a limited sense next spring simply because that is the end point at which the surge can no longer be sustained at its present level." —David Isenberg, British American Security Information Council
"[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] General Peter Pace's thinking that we can basically pull out a brigade a month—that's clearly bullshit. You could have everyone out in a relatively orderly way in six months." —Andrew Bacevich, author, The New American Militarism
One year
"The generals who seem to be dragging their feet will argue 18 months to two years. Frankly, I think that if you made the decision to completely withdraw and you made some prudent choices with regard to the equipment you're retaining and shipping back, you certainly could be completely out within 12 months at the most. What I am worried about is that we will not make the decision to leave. We will postpone the inevitable requirement to get out to the point where we are swimming in a sea of constant hostility, and then we will make a lot of bad decisions." —Colonel Douglas MacGregor (retired), military analyst
"I honestly don't foresee a major flight from Iraq between now and next November. But the Army cannot sustain this level of commitment without really straining it to the breaking point." —Colonel Gary Anderson (USMC, retired), Pentagon consultant
Just say when
"Delaying getting out for two years is actually more dangerous, whereas if you announce that you're getting out, you dominate the battle space, just like you did going in. If you want to see the Iraqis shape up, tell them you will leave in a year and then the ball is really going to be in their court." —Lawrence Korb, Center for American Progress
"Don't forget that the Iraqi Parliament has actually passed a resolution requesting that a date be set for the end of the occupation." —Zbigniew Brzezinski, former national security adviser
"The cutting-edge question is not whether we leave in 4 months versus 12. You begin to get the benefits and begin to alter the environment inside of Iraq as soon as you say, 'We're leaving within this short timeline.'" —Carl Conetta, Project on Defense Alternatives
Stay the course
"Will [the current] strategy prove adequate to this very complex, daunting, and difficult task? I believe that certainly it does have a very strong chance of succeeding if we possess the will to see it through." —Colonel H.R. McMaster, adviser to General David Petraeus
"I believe it will be in the interests of the United States to ensure security and stability in Iraq for a very long time." —Lt. Colonel John Nagl, collaborator with General David Petraeus on the Army counterinsurgency field manual
"I don't think [staying in] is as impossible as people think it would be, because we've already seen the Iraq narratives begin to swing back in a positive direction." —Thomas Donnelly, American Enterprise Institute
"I heard that some of the neocons were saying that if we were willing to suffer these kinds of casualty rates for about 10 years we could prevail. Well, give me a break. That just is not sustainable. And it's not victory in the end." —General Anthony Zinni (usmc, retired), former centcom commander
Parting shots
"The one thing we've always forgotten is that the enemy always has a vote. It can really screw up a lot of things that you initially had planned." —Major Daniel Morgan, School of Advanced Military Studies
War Of The WonksSome Beltway think tanks' plans for Iraq are designed to bolster wavering Republicans; others are meant to win their authors jobs in the next White House. A sampling of armchair strategies: |
Center for American Progress (Left) |
Withdraw in 12 months, taking only essential, sensitive, and costly equipment. Leave behind 8,000 to 10,000 troops in Kurdistan for an additional year, Marines to protect the embassy in Baghdad, plus additional troops in Kuwait. "Diplomatic surge" with Iraq's neighbors to engineer a political solution. |
Center for a New American Security (Middle) |
100,000 U.S. troops out by end of 2008, leaving behind a 60,000-strong transition force for five years to fight terrorists, train Iraqis, and prevent regional war and genocide. Focus on local security rather than propping up the central government. "If we go out on our own terms, we are more likely to leave something that is not going to totally unwind." —James Miller, senior vice president of cnas |
Brookings Institution (The Wavering Middle) |
In July, Brookings scholars Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack went to Iraq for eight days, then wrote a New York Times op-ed titled "A War We Just Might Win" that was criticized by congressional Dems and emailed around by the White House. "As two analysts who have harshly criticized the Bush administration's miserable handling of Iraq, we were surprised by the gains we saw and the potential to produce not necessarily 'victory' but a sustainable stability that both we and the Iraqis could live with." —O'Hanlon and Pollack |
Council on Foreign Relations (Left, Right, and Center) |
cfr's experts are all over the map: Top military analyst Stephen Biddle says "go deep or get out"; his conservative colleague Max Boot wants more time for the surge. cfr President Emeritus Leslie Gelb has argued for a "soft partition" of Iraq. In his report "After the Surge" CFR fellow Steven Simon argues, "Better to withdraw as a coherent and at least somewhat volitional act than withdraw later in hectic response to public opposition to the war in the United States or to a series of unexpectedly sharp reverses on the ground." —Steven Simon, cfr fellow |
American Enterprise Institute (Right) |
Home to the intellectual architects of the surge, among them Frederick W. Kagan, aei argues that the U.S. should maintain a maximal presence in Iraq indefinitely. Worried that cnas' "Phased Transition" report would appeal to moderate congressional Republicans, aei hauled in military experts (including some cnas advisers) to "tabletop" how such a phased withdrawal might play out. aei determined that a smaller force would be consumed with protecting itself. "This is a situation where you are either in or out. There is no dividing the baby." —Thomas Donnelly, aei fellow |