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WASHINGTON — What did Attorney General Eric Holder mean when he said Monday that "there are other statutes, other tools that we have at our disposal," beyond the laws against espionage, that could be used to prosecute WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange?
For one thing, government officials say, the Justice Department is considering whether a federal law dealing with theft of government property would apply. Part of that statute makes it a crime to receive or keep property that's known to have been stolen. The law applies to anyone who receives it with intent to "convert to his own use or gain."
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While that would seem to be a possible fit to the WikiLeaks case, the law has apparently never been used to prosecute anyone for receiving classified information.
It was used in 1984 to prosecute a US naval intelligence analyst, Samuel Morison, who gave top secret photographs of a Soviet aircraft carrier to a British publication, Jane's Defense Weekly. Only Morison was prosecuted, not the publication. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
And in 2001, a former analyst for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jonathan Randal, was prosecuted under that same law for giving unclassified information to a London newspaper. Once again, the newspaper was not charged. Randal pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year in prison.
Another federal law makes it a crime to retain classified information that was obtained by improperly accessing it on government computers. The law applies only to the person who actually gets it from a computer and does not directly criminalize retaining classified information that was obtained by someone else. But some legal experts think it could be used to charge someone who's an accessory after the fact.
That brings us back to the espionage laws, which the government clearly is considering.
One of the espionage statutes makes it a crime to receive national defense information if one knows it was obtained illegally and has reason to believe that it could be used "to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any foreign nation." Some legal experts believe Assange may have tried to inoculate himself against this law when he asked in late November if the U.S. wanted any names blacked out of the most recent document dump.More from breakingnews.com
But on Nov. 27, the State Department sent him a letter advising him that publishing further documents would "place at risk the lives of countless innocent individuals — from journalists to human rights activists and bloggers to soldiers to individuals providing information to further peace and security."
Publication would also, the letter said, place military operations at risk and jeopardize U.S. relations with other countries. The letter was clearly intended to defeat any subsequent argument by Assange that he had no idea the material could be used to injure the U.S.
It's worth noting that the letter, signed by Harold Koh, the State Department's legal adviser, also said that the diplomatic cables WikiLeaks was about to release were obtained illegally and that "as long as WikiLeaks holds such material, the violation of the law is ongoing." That incidates that some government lawyers have concluded that WikiLeaks is violating the espionage laws merely by retaining the cables.
Castaway's parents thought they would never see him again
The father of Pacific castaway Jose Salvador Alvarenga said he was told his long-lost son vanished on a fishing trip but he didn't have the heart to break the news to his ailing wife.
- Scotland legalizes same-sex marriage
- Weapons deal strengthened Assad: US intel chief
- Outcry over the fate of Sochi's stray dogs
- Olympic construction leaves Sochi residents in the cold
- Castaway's parents thought they would never see him again
The government faces a considerable obstacle with the espionage laws: They've never before been used to charge a recipient who publishes classified information.
But a senior Justice Department official says the government may be preparing to argue that it's not going after newspapers that actually publish the information in the traditional sense. It would instead claim that WikiLeaks is functioning as a kind of storehouse, gathering and maintaining the material in clear violation of the law.
And there's another obstacle. Before federal prosecutors could put Julian Assange on trial, they'd have to get him here. The U.S. has extradition treaties with several European countries, including Sweden. But some do not apply to crimes considered political. Assange's lawyers could argue that any U.S. prosecution was politically motivated. In any event, the extradition process can take months to work through the courts overseas.
NBC News, msnbc.com staff, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.


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Lyle & Scott Men's Tortoise Shell Glasses - XLS006
In order to buy non-prescription medicines you must be a registered user of our site as we are obliged to record your transaction history. We also ask that you complete our questionnaire so our pharmacy team can check that this product is suitable for you to buy.
Disabled or chronically sick people can claim VAT relief on purchases for personal or domestic use that are applicable to their disability or sickness.
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- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Tortoise Shell
- Style: Half rim
- Measurements: Lens 51mm, bridge 17mm, arm 140mm
Price shown is price of glasses with standard single vision scratch resistant lenses.
These glasses are available to buy in selected Boots Opticians practices. To find your local practice use our Boots Opticians store locator.

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Minturn Community Garden plots available now
VAIL CO, Colorado
In 2002 the desire for safe playground equipment at Little Beach Park led to the development of the playground and amphitheater there. Other programs followed – neighbors in need projects, free concert series, movies in the park – and many more events. And now the Minturn Community Fund (MCF), a 501(c) 3 non-profit, whose mission is to bring people together, connect them to the services they need, foster the development of resident organizations and grassroots groups, and grow volunteer leadership, has begun work on a community garden in Minturn.
In partnership with the town of Minturn and Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability, the community garden is designed not only for organic gardening, but will include an open area for family picnics and a gathering place for educational outreach. The plan also includes a compost and recycling area, planting bench and children's garden.
"Neighborhoods are stronger when people feel a sense of belonging in their community," said Jodi Jahrling, executive director of the Minturn Community Fund. "Healthy people have friends and family they can rely on and they know where to turn for support when they need it. These informal connections and networks can make all the difference in a community. Continuing to nurture the Minturn sense of community and getting people to participate in our events and outreach are critical steps in knowing who needs help and how they need help."
The town of Minturn offered an open lot located in the middle of town that has access to water, parking, and according to the plan, can hold more than 30 plots if needed. Community members Patty Bidez, Jean Flaherty and Juli Babcock agreed to lead in the creation of the Minturn Community Garden group and Bidez wasted no time in creating a beautiful and accessible design plan. Additional help has come from generous donations from First Bank, Vail Ace Hardware and Home Depot so far.
Minturn Community Garden plots are available for $20 for a 4-foot-by-4-foot plot or $30 for a 4-foot-by-8-foot plot. Minturn residents and Minturn employees get priority on plots, but the garden is open to all on a first come, first served basis. Applications are available online at http://www.minturncommunityfund.org or call 970-306-6553 for more information. The garden will be built on May 19 starting at 8 a.m. Minturn is taking the lead from surrounding community gardens and plans to start the season June 1 and run through Oct. 15. All are welcome to help.
"All of these efforts are made possible because of community members," Jahrling said. "The Minturn Community Fund helps support the project by organizing events and finding sponsors, but the community is how it comes to fruition."
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Hundreds of dead birds in Vail, Eagle County as massive die-off sweeps western states
In Eagle County, the most commonly reported dead bird has been the Wilson's warbler, which is yellow. Dead yellow-rumped warblers have also been a common sight.
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FIRST STEPS - The basic, common sense matters:
1. Appoint an oversight committee to handle all arrangements. Should include one or two elders and the pastor, as well as representative members of the congregation.
2. Figure out exactly what you want to accomplish.
3. Figure out the dates and times of events..
4. Plan the anniversary program particulars.
1. Write and publish a church history. This becomes more important the older the church is, but even younger churches need to give attention to this, so that in later years, historians will have materials to work with. For a younger church, this might be a very short account. A church of ten to twenty-five years might publish a small booklet. A church of fifty years may be able to publish a small book. Churches over 100 years old should definitely think about publishing a solid account of what the Lord has done in their midst over the years. Realize that this is a wonderful opportunity for testifying of God's grace, mercy and provision.
2. This is an excellent time to gather good portrait photos of current and former pastors and elders. A group photo of the Session in the anniversary year would be a good idea. Take care to identify everyone in the photo. Good photos of the church building and features of the church, such as the pulpit or stained glass windows are also important. Gather photos of former church buildings if still available. One church wrote an account of the various stained glass windows in their building.
3. Gather biographical sketches of current
and former pastors and elders and/or have these men write up their Christian
4. Members of the church can each write on uniformly sized paper an account of what the church has meant in their lives, and these pages can then be gathered together into a book that can be on display in the foyer. Each week turn the page to display a different member's story.
5. Host a banquet or more formal meal for the congregation in the fellowship hall, with perhaps the teenagers serving the tables. Send a special letter of invitation not only to church members, but to former members and others connected with the church, as well as local community leaders, etc. You may also want to invite some of the media for coverage of this event or some of the other anniversary events. Be sure to have your own means of video-taping the occasion(s) connected with the anniversary.
6. An anniversary can be a great time for outreach.
In addition to the church banquet, you could also host an anniversary
celebration meal in which you invite the community, or you might use a
similar time to reach out to some special group that the church has a
heart to minister to.
7. An anniversary can be a good time to establish a special gift, endowment or other work in support of a missionary, a ministry or other work.
8. The anniversary year can be a time to reach out in support of other PCA churches. If you have a small or failing church within reasonable driving distance, enlist one family or member per week to attend services there instead of your church. Announce the effort as one way in which the church seeks to share God's love. An effort like this will greatly strengthen ties of love and concern between our churches.
9. Establish a church archive. Gather contributions from members of significant artifacts. At the very least, the anniversary year is a good time to make sure that the church has a complete collection of all past Sunday bulletins, annual reports, directories, Session minutes and similar materials on file and safely stored away. The PCA Historical Center will be glad to assist with information on how to properly store these materials. Be sure to keep copies of all special literature produced for the anniversary celebration and also send copies of same to the Historical Center.
10. The anniversary year can be a time for the Session to attempt to reach out to members who may have left the church over the years or who may have left due to discipline. In short, if handled well, the anniversary year can be a time for healing and restoration.
11. Commission the choir director or some other qualified person to write an anniversary hymn or other musical work.
12. Plan a special project of abiding service to the church.
13. Plan a special speaker series or conference.
14. As part of the anniversary celebration, have a service in which other PCA churches or at least representative members of these churches are invited to participate.
15. Use the anniversary time to minister in some special way to members who are shut-ins or who may live in retirement homes. Caroling, taking a church service to such a facility, hosting a meal for the retirement community, having the pastor preach there, etc.
16. Add some significant new feature or memorial to the church, such as a Celtic cross, banners, etc.
17. Host the meeting of presbytery. If possible, you might have some of the pastors stay through to Sunday and have them preach. Having former pastors back to preach is another idea. a. One old Puritan practice was what was called a "prophesying" in which a number of pastors would each preach from the same text. Select a text which is important to the church or which speaks of the church's concern in ministry.
18. On a Friday or Saturday evening, put on a play or pageant about the founding of the church.
19. Throughout the year, publish on the back of the bulletin a brief account of the history of the church.
20. Interview older members of the local community about the church and their memories of it. Remember that this can be an opportunity for evangelism.
21. Form a permanent historical committee and/or appoint a church historian.
22. Ask members to write down what they think the church will be like in the future - 25, 50, 100 years from now.
23. Have a display which focuses on a different member or leader each week. This can be a "This is your life" sort of photo montage, or it can focus on the person's role in the church, informing others of all that this person does.
24. Establish some special award to recognize service in the church.
25. Make the entire year's Sunday bulletins somehow unique, printing them on special paper, etc.
Of course there is much more that could be suggested, but these ideas should cover the basics and generate additional ideas as well. May the Lord bless you all in this wonderful time in the life of the church,


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The best part about leaving a place is that it generally means you will be arriving somewhere new. You're sad. You're excited. You're a whole bunch of simultaneous emotions. I want to write this, my first Kiva Fellow's Blog, while these emotions are still fresh;
while the bitter sweet sound of karaoke is still ringing in my ears;
while the last shot of the night is still processing;
and while the memory of 30 smiling fellows is firmly imprinted in my mind.
First let me tell you why I am excited
1) I am about to embark on a three month fellowship for an organisation called Kiva. They're excited about the concept of microfinance. We all know that excitement is contagious. If you want to get excited too then skip to The Kiva website.
2) I will be working with a microfinance institute named Community Economic Ventures (CEVI) based in Bohol, Philippines. Meeting them will be an honour. Skip to The Field Partner to hear more about CEVI
3) I am part of the Kiva Fellows Class 10 (KF10) a group of superb individuals from places such as Copenhagen, Ottawa, New York, Portland, Ohio, Spain and of course New Zealand. They are all doing what I'm doing in places such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Kenya, Liberia and Rwanda. These people are amazing so get to know them through the blog. Your support really helps! Skip to the Fellows Program to find out more about our roles.
4) I feel ready. After a week of intense training in all things Kiva I feel like the scene is set. I've come to terms with the many criticisms of microfinance and Kiva yet I still BELIEVE. Belief is important
5) Finally, and this is the big one – I'm excited about meeting the borrowers in the Philippines and seeing the lives that the Kiva community are supporting. After all that's what it's all about right!? If you want to meet one of my recent borrowers check out The Borrower Profile
I don't want to dwell on the sad stuff but let's be honest – saying goodbye to the most amazing bunch of passionate, educated, and driven individuals was tough.
BUT.. As we know all good things must come to an end. Just know that each ending marks the beginning of something else equally fantastic. SO.. Onwards, upwards and some may say westwards to the Philippines. What a start. What a life. What a world we live in.
To KF10.. Just because us Kiwi's enjoy making the odd terrible joke once in a while… Just remember while you're out there "You may loan, but you're never alone" Keep in touch, take care, good luck.
To the staff at Kiva.. You guys are our rocks. Thank you so much for imparting your knowledge and passion.
To the public and Kiva community.. Get EXCITED, get ENTHUSIASTIC – because we sure are!!
Anna Cleal, KF10, Philippines


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Did someone say "Special Edition" catalog?
Yep! It's here with over 178 NEW items! Most of you might have already received your catalog and if you haven't noticed we also have it posted to our website – I picked out some of my favorite items along with projects to share with you 🙂 Give me a reason to shop…and for crafts! Ummm I'm there!
Great for any type of project – from scrapbook pages, cards and even little paper crafts such as bottles, vases and tins! Fun new colors and designs.
NEW Easy Lever punches from Tonic!
Daisy, Butterfly and Flower Head –These gear punches gives you that added strength being able to cut through paper, cardstock and lightweight metals with very little effort. Comes in three great new shapes! See the projects down below that Ann created! Fun little flowers and butterflies can be added and inner mixed with all your projects.
Simply beautiful Rhinestones. You'll have 9 stones in all, ranging in 3 sizes! Giving you the added Glitz to your scrapbook or card making projects!
Typeset Layered Flower Papier Tole –
New to Papier Tole? All you do is punch the artwork and layer them accordingly – using foam tape giving you the added layered look! This sheet will give you 5 different designs! You'll able to use them for scrapbook pages or stand along cards. Typeset Layered Flowers goes perfectly with Noted Double sided papers, from HOTP!
Pearlescent paints that you can squeeze! The tip is very easy to work with, making it a piece of cake to add little or big touches of shimmer to your projects! Ann created this beautiful card using the paints and was able to come into to small areas you might be able to with other paints.
These are just a few of the some wonderful products featured in the Special Edition catalog! What treasure did you find? What was something you can't live without! Let us know!
And just remember – Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping. ~Bo Derek
Thanks for reading my little blog ~ Cristina
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Ivory Crystal Organza Wedding Dress Fabric 4526
Ivory Crystal Organza Wedding Dress Fabric 4526
Crystal Organza is one of the most sheer and lightweight dress fabrics, and gives a 'twinkle' as it catches the light. It is more transparent than chiffon, but relatively stiffer with a crisp handle, and can add greater volume to skirts. This low cost polyester is a popular fabric for overlays or over-skirts on wedding dresses for both and bridesmaids, evening gowns and cocktail, and prom dresses. It is also often used as bridal veiling, as an interfacing, and in lingerie. Wonderful for wedding dresses: both bride and bridesmaids. Divine dress fabric for special occasions, proms and evening wear.
Width: 150cm
100% polyester
Screens often show colours differently so please request a free sample to check before ordering.


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I have a request for a series of videos: handling expressions.
Most of what I learned on ADRIFT usage is self-taught, with some help from reading tutorials and the knowledge of members here on the forum, but I wish to get to a higher level of understanding the way ADRIFT thinks.
I'm good on algebraic and logical expressions, but I want to deepen my programming skills and enter this world of expressions involving properties. For example, one of Lazzah's threads mentions an expression "%Player%.Held.Count = 1". I understand how that works. I seem to understand an expression's syntax and heirarchy, for example, held.count is a property pertaining to "object": %player%. I get that it's storing a variable equal to the number of items being held (or possibly a number that is the sum of the held objects' weight class- but I assume there's a different expression for that.) But I have no idea what expressions exist and ways to use them in the games.
So in the video, I'd like a series that 1) enumerates the various expressions available in an organized manner and the info they store, 2) shows how to implement them and where it's possible to do so, and 3) offers example situations where they become useful.


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Have you enjoyed your daily cry yet today? If you're not in the mood for an emotional roller coaster right now, it's probably best to avoid this heart-wrenching scene from 1979's The Champ at all costs. The movie is a remake of a 1931 Oscar-winning film of the same name, telling the story of a washed-up boxer (Jon Voight) who — spoiler alert — dies in front of his young son (played by 9-year-old Ricky Schroder.)
Scientist Robert Levenson and his grad student James Gross began studying how movies elicit different emotions back in 1988. In 1995, they published their findings: the orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally was the most amusing, and the clip above of a child weeping over his father's body elicited the strongest sad emotions. From Smithsonian Magazine,
The Champ has been used in experiments to see if depressed people are more likely to cry than non-depressed people (they aren't). It has helped determine whether people are more likely to spend money when they are sad (they are) and whether older people are more sensitive to grief than younger people (older people did report more sadness when they watched the scene). Dutch scientists used the scene when they studied the effect of sadness on people with binge eating disorders (sadness didn't increase eating).
Since their findings in 1995, The Champ has been used repeatedly by researchers to understand what, exactly, triggers the emotion of sadness in people (from the Cry At The Drop Of A Pin's to the You Can't Melt This Heart Of Stone's). Unofficial Jezebel poll: did this scene make you weepy? It sure as hell got me all riled up (brb, going to call my father to tell him I love him.)
[Smithsonian via A.V. Club]


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This is Down On The Street Bonus Edition, where we check out interesting street-parked cars located in places other than the Island That Rust Forgot. Wagons!
Tomsk has shot a couple of beautiful Ford wagons down on the Orange County street. We've got one mildly customized '57 Ford and one survivor Country Squire. Tomsk:
1957 Ford Ranch Wagon: How many 1957 Ford Ranch Wagons do you see these days? Okay, now how many of those do you find parked on the street? Well, this one was, its shooting brake-ish glory on display for all to see. Dig the old speed shop sticker and the Bush the 41st era Boyd wheels.
1972 Ford LTD Country Squire: Check out this delicious behemoth. Aside from the paint and plastiwood paneling being tired in some places, it looks pretty much mint. And dig the almost-certainly-genuine Montgomery Ward Gold Seal Protection Plan sticker in the windshield! If that doesn't make a would-be-thief quake in his boots, nothing will!


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Off-Grid & DIY
3 Easy Ways to Dehydrate Herbs Off-Grid
3 Easy Ways to Dehydrate Herbs Off-Grid. Drying herbs has to be one of the easiest things to do to preserve your harvest and save money. You can use your dehydrated herbs for: gifts, tea blends, spice mixes, potpourri and so much more. I love projects that take very little time and effort but have…Read More


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Azamara Receives Top Travel Industry Recognition for New Brand Campaign, 3DI virtual reality video and Website
MIAMI, Sept. 15, 2015 – Azamara® the RCCL boutique cruise line known for its premier destination-immersive voyages for discerning travelers, is thrilled to be recognized by the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards in eight categories this year. The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honor the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.
Azamara, working with ad agency big (big idea group Inc.) and digital marketing agency VERB Interactive to bring its vision to life, unveiled its new brand campaign earlier this year boasting its first ever TV commercials, a new website and 3D virtual reality video tours (a cruise industry first) as well as print and direct mail efforts and more.
The multi-million dollar campaign, "The Voyage For Those Who Love Travel," appropriately focuses almost entirely outside the ships as Azamara affords its guests longer stays, more overnights and night touring while in the world's most intriguing ports of call.
Azamara earned four Gold and four Silver distinctions in the following Cruise categories:
- Gold – Cruise Marketing TV Commercial
- Gold – Cruise Marketing Promotional Video
- Gold - Cruise Marketing website
- Gold - Cruise Marketing Direct Mail
- Silver - Print Land Promotional Video category
- Silver - Love Travel Campaign Advertising/Marketing Campaign (up to 5 pieces) category!
- Silver - Azamara 3DI Cruise Marketing Web Marketing/Advertising
- Silver - Destination Immersion Blog
"It's an honor to have our industry colleagues recognize our new campaign in so many different categories," said Larry Pimentel CEO Azamara. "It's been equally as wonderful to connect with our guests and brand fans via the campaign as well. From video views and social engagement using our dedicated hash tag #LoveTravel, we've hit the cord we were hoping to and we've sparked the conversations we were looking to have."
The 2015 Travel Weekly Magellan Award winners will be featured in a special issue next month and are listed online - http://www.travelweeklyawards.com. For information and to engage with Azamara, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About Azamara:
Azamara is a brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture. Together, the six brands operate a combined total of 41 ships with four under construction. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 460 destinations on all seven continents.
About Travel Weekly
Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com are the most influential B2B news resources for the travel industry. Via a multimedia portfolio of products, Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com deliver all the late-breaking news, analysis and research that travel professionals need to succeed.
In a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace, Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com provide travel professionals with a necessary global perspective through in-depth coverage of every business sector, including airline, car rental, cruise, destination, hotel and tour operator as well as technology, economic and governmental issues. Through its leadership events and key industry alliances, Travel Weekly extends its position as the most influential business publication in the industry.


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First steps
While receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be devastating, it may also bring a sense of relief at finally being able to put a name to the symptoms you have been experiencing.
Nevertheless, it can be hard to know what to do first; you likely have a lot of questions. Getting the information and support you need can help you take charge of your condition.
1. Recognize that you are going through a variety of emotionsYou might feel angry, embarrassed, frustrated, afraid or sad. These emotions are normal and may come and go.
2. Tell peopleSharing this information will help them understand the difficulties you are having as a result of the disease.
3. Learn about Alzheimer's diseaseFind out what you can about the disease and how it will progress. Learn about tips and strategies that might help you day to day.
4. Explore treatment optionsWhile there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, medications can help some people with some of the symptoms.
5. Recognize that you have a disease that affects your abilitiesFocus on what you can do, not what you can`t do and find ways that help you cope with the changes.
6. Seek helpCall your local Alzheimer Society to find out what services are available in providing practical assistance.
7. Look for supportFind people you are comfortable with to share your feelings and emotions.
8. Plan for the futureStart planning for the future and take charge of your condition.
9. Take care of yourself
Maintain your physical health, stay active, make healthy food choices and spend time with your family and friends. Enjoy life to the fullest.
10. Know the Alzheimer Society is here to help
The Alzheimer Society has information and support programs. For more information, contact your local Alzheimer Society.
Download our brochure (print-friendly version) for more information, or contact your local Alzheimer Society.
Also available is a brochure for families: First Steps for Families (print-friendly version).


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This item is currently out of stock.
All of our self-watering planters protect against drought, but this one does more — it has a water-level indicator that tells you when to refill the reservoir, and a convenient funnel that lets you water from the top. Made of UV-stabilized polypropylene, these planters resist cracking, chipping and fading, and the sides are braced to prevent bowing.


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Kate Degner graduated with her BA in Secondary Mathematics Education in 2003, and her MA in Mathematics in 2009. She currently teaches for the Maquoketa Community School District. She teaches various courses in mathematics, including Calculus I and II, College Algebra, and Pre-Calculus through Clinton Community College.
"I'm also an administrator for the Belin Blank Center's summer Secondary Student Training Program at the University of Iowa," said Degner. "My husband (Matt Degner 2002 BA) and I live in the Quad Cities."
After leaving UNI, Degner taught mathematics in public schools for seven years. She has continued her education and was published in a mathematics textbook.
"I went back to school to earn my PhD in Curriculum and Supervision and Mathematics Education from the University of Iowa," said Degner. "I served as an author for the third edition revision of the University of Chicago Mathematics Project Algebra text-book (2005)."
Beyond the classroom, she has worked with the National Center of Education Statistics and the University of Iowa.
"I was selected to work with the National Center of Education Statistics to analyze restricted use data recently released as part of the last NAEP assessment," said Degner." "I also had a fellowship at the University of Iowa in the College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning for two years. I enjoy working with high school students, and getting to know them as individuals," said Degner. "I like talking to them about their future ambitions, and I think high school students are really a lot of fun to work with."
Her interest in high school education has extended into her research as well.
"My dissertation looked for a relationship between particular parent behaviors and level of mathematics course taking in high school, according to socio-economic status," said Degner. "Currently, I'm interested in the way that disbursing Title I funding in schools can impact Title I students level of mathematics course taking in high school. I've spoken at a variety of conferences including MMC, ICTM (Illinois and Iowa), MCTM (Minnesota) and the NCTM conference in Philadelphia last year."
One of the best experiences for Kate at UNI was creating great relationships with the professors, particularly in the mathematics department.
"I've had some of my mathematics professors come to my schools to team teach lessons to my students. I've always felt comfortable emailing past professors about questions. I emailed Dr. Shaw with a calculus question just last week! The willingness of the mathematics department as a whole to be so helpful and stay connected, even ten years after my graduation has really set a great example for me and the kind of teacher I want to be for my students," said Degner.
In Kate's free time, she enjoys cooking and reading. Recently, she has picked up the hobby of running, but she likes races better than training. She also has been a high school cheerleading coach for ten years. When teaching, she enjoys working with the students one on one. She has three children (Jack, six; Liz, five; Alice one).
"I can't imagine that I'd still be so excited about my profession had it not been for the experiences and people I worked with while I was there," said Degner.


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Wildlife and Windy Rain
|Sunset tonight
This blog originates on the banks of the Atchafalaya River, in Louisiana. It proposes to share the things that happen on and by the river as the seasons progress. As the river changes from quiet, warm, slow flow to rises of eighteen feet or more, there are changes in the lives of the birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles that use the river. And the mood of the river changes with the seasons. I propose to note and comment on these things.
I transitioned a few years ago from a career as a water-pollution control biologist. I want to do this blog to stay in touch with a world outside my everyday surroundings, whatever they may be. I like open-minded company and the discussion of ideas. Photo by Brad Moon.
|Sunset tonight


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CLEVELAND (AP) Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau says veteran guard Richard Hamilton could miss two weeks because of a foot injury.
Hamilton sustained a left plantar fascia tear in Saturday's game against Philadelphia and didn't play in Tuesday's loss to Indiana. Thibodeau said before Wednesday night's game against Cleveland that Hamilton, who is averaging 13.9 points, will probably miss a week or two.
The Bulls have played the entire season without point guard Derrick Rose, who underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee during last season's playoffs. Thibodeau has given no timetable on when the former MVP will return.


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Discovering Poetry
Welcome to Discovering Poetry, a free online poetry resource for teachers and students.
As well as being a hub for teaching and learning resources, we love to hear from creative writers of all ages who have written poems. We're currently collecting poems to feature on our website. You must have written the poem yourself or have permission from the author, and you will retain all copyright. If you want to submit a poem, please contact us.
We love tips relating to learning about or teaching poetry, so if you have any advice or want to submit any resources, we'd love to hear from you. The kinds of things we're looking for are copyright-free worksheets, short essays on writing about poetry, your favourite poetry books, exam tips, ideas for projects and similar. Please fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you.
We'd like to thank the following websites and people for their contributions to Discovering Poetry's content and development: MC, Single Shot.


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BALTIMORE, MD. – When the Detroit Tigers (24-12) traveled to Camden Yards for a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles (20-18), both teams stood comfortably atop their divisions thanks to recent hot streaks against American League bottom-feeders.
But what started as just a matchup between two first-place teams turned into a battle for pride in the eighth inning of game one on Friday.
It was a battle that the Tigers definitively won.
After Ian Kinsler hit a two-run home run to give Detroit a comfortable 4-1 lead in the top of the eighth, starter Bud Norris hit Torii Hunter with a fastball on the next pitch and sparked a fire. Hunter showed his frustration by veering off towards the pitcher's mound on his way to first base, yelling at Norris and drawing both teams out of their dugouts.
While no punches were thrown during the confrontation, it set the tone for what turned out to be one of the best series in baseball thus far.
Joe Nathan polished off the victory on Monday, retiring the Orioles in order on just six pitches. Nathan dominated Baltimore throughout the series, recording a save in all three games and allowing just one hit in three scoreless innings. The 39-year-old's ERA plummeted from 4.26 to 3.45 during the three-game set.
Boxscore: Detroit wins game one 4-1
Baltimore started game two with a bang, as Adam Jones mashed a 351-foot home run well over the left field wall to give his team an early 1-0 lead. Ubaldo Jimenez shut Detroit down for seven innings, striking out seven hitters while just five reached base. The Tiger bats stayed silent in the eighth inning against unconventional righty Darren O'Day before coming alive in a big way in the ninth inning.
Alex Avila began the inning by pushing a dribbling ground ball down the third baseline that beat an overshift and put the tying run on base against closer Tommy Hunter. Manager Brad Ausmus inserted Rajai Davis into the game to pinch run, and Davis was initially called out stealing second base in what stands as one of the biggest plays in the series. The umpires checked the replay and, after over two minutes of studying, decided that Davis got his hand on the base before the tag.
After two straight lineouts, Hunter worked the Baltimore closer for a two-out walk after being down in the count 1-2. Miguel Cabrera came to the plate and hit the most memorable home run of the season to date: A 401-foot three-run shot into the Baltimore bullpen that gave Detroit its first runs, and first lead of the game.
Amid the fiery celebrations in the Tiger dugout, Victor Martinez turned on the next Hunter offering and uncorked a 403-foot blast over the right field wall and out onto Eutaw Street. The outburst silenced a previously-raucous Baltimore crowd and gave Detroit its second win in a row.
Boxscore: Detroit rallies to win game two 4-1
The Orioles hoped to salvage one game from the series behind No. 2 prospect Kevin Gausman, who made his first start of the season on Wednesday. Detroit buried the youngster after four innings, scoring five runs on six hits. Detroit held a 6-0 lead when Baltimore charged back with five runs in the fifth inning, but the bullpen blanked the home team for three innings to give the Tigers a 7-5 victory and a series sweep.
Boxscore: Tigers finish sweep with 7-5 win
What did this series mean for the Tigers? Baltimore sat atop what many consider the toughest division in Major League Baseball heading into the series and had won five of its last six games. But the Tigers dominated the Orioles in a variety of ways: A pitcher's duel in game one, a ninth-inning comeback in game two and a slugfest in game three.
The sweep earned the Tigers the best road record in the MLB at 11-4, which is far better than the team's record at Comerica Park (13-8). At this point last season, Detroit owned a 9-10 record away from home and shared first place with the Cleveland Indians.
More importantly, this series demonstrated exactly why the Tigers are the favorites to take home the World Series trophy this October.
Every championship run starts with starting pitching, and the Detroit starters have been better than any rotation in baseball through 36 games. Six starting pitchers have combined for a 2.79 ERA for the Tigers this season, which is easily the best in the MLB. In fact, the worst ERA for a starter is Drew Smyly's 3.29, which would have been the third-best in the rotation during Detroit's 2013 run to the ALCS. The staff owns an 18-8 record and has struck out more hitters (197) than surrendered hits (182).
The standout performer of the season has been 25-year-old Rick Porcello, who leads the team in wins (6) and has surrendered just six walks in over 44 innings pitched. Porcello is enjoying a breakout year in his sixth campaign in Detroit, giving Ausmus six or more innings in all but one start.
Alongside Porcello is Max Scherzer, who is building off of a Cy Young season by improving his all-around numbers. Scherzer owns an improved ERA (2.04), a higher strikeout rate (11.21 K/9) and is on pace for another 20-win season.
Smyly and Porcello each allowed one run in six innings in their Baltimore starts, while Justin Verlander crusied through four innings before surrendering five runs in the fifth on Wednesday. The three combined for two wins and 13 strikeouts in 18 innings.
Though the starting pitching represents Detroit's most obvious strength, a resurgent bullpen surfaced during the Baltimore series and played a crucial role in the sweep. Ausmus asked his bullpen to go three innings in each game, and five pitchers combined to twirl nine scoreless innings over the stretch.
Al Alburquerque and Ian Krol each earned two holds during games one and three en route to giving Nathan a chance to slam the door in the ninth innings. Justin Miller was the unsung hero during the comeback on Tuesday, pitching two innings and picking up the victory.
A bullpen that ranked among the worst in the country less than a week ago has lowered its ERA to a collective 4.50 during an impressive start to the month of May. Krol and Alburquerque have settled down and become consistent lefty and righty matchups in the earlier innings while Joba Chamberlain and Nathan have been largely dominant in the eighth and ninth, respectively. Their efforts have moved Detroit into second in the American League with an overall 3.34 ERA.
On the other side of the field, a struggling Tigers offense showed flashes of improvement in Camden Yards. Though Detroit scored in just seven of the 27 total innings, the offense put up multiple runs in five of those innings and scored during important stretches of each game. Detroit struggled for seven innings against Norris before Kinsler's timely home run in the eighth inning gave the bullpen some breathing room in game one. On the following night, a four-run ninth was the most dramatic display of power from the Tigers this season. On Wednesday, tack-on runs in the fifth and sixth innings helped the bullpen hang on by a thread and earn the sweep.
Martinez continued to set the pace for Detroit, picking up two hits in each game and raising his batting average to an AL-best .336. The 35-year-old also leads the elite offense in home runs, on base percentage and slugging percentage. Martinez is hitting 125 points better than a year ago, when his average fell to .211. He is already approaching last season's home run total of 14.
Cabrera also had a productive series, hitting .333 (4/12) with seven RBI. Despite a slow start, the two-time MVP is second in the AL in RBI behind Jose Abreu with 35.
Teammate Kinsler added four RBI and three runs in Baltimore while recording his team-leading 46th hit.
Though the team picked up three wins during the trip, two of the Tiger starters are happy that Baltimore is behind them. Austin Jackson and Nick Castellanos struggled in the middle of the lineup, hitting a combined 0-17 in the three games. Jackson's hitless performance came after he entered Monday on a nine-game hitting streak. His average fell from .301 to .276 during the stretch.
Danny Worth is silently making a strong case for the starting shortstop position amid the struggles of offensively-challenged youngster Andrew Romine. Romine failed to reach base during the first two games of the series, going 0-7 with two strikeouts. Worth got a chance on Wednesday and picked up two hits, two RBI and a run to raise his average to .286 on the season. Worth has double the number of RBI (5) than Romine (2) despite playing in just nine games. Romine has only one extra-base hit in 26 games this season, a double against the Twins on April 25.
In 2013 the Tigers featured a similar combination of lights-out pitching and explosive hitting, but the 2014 team brings the added threat of speed to the ballpark. Detroit stole five bases off of the Oriole pitchers, giving Detroit the most stolen bases in the AL and tying the team's total from all 162 games last season (35). Davis is leading the charge with his 13 steals, but Jackson has been more willing to run as well, swiping six bags thus far.
Detroit maintained its lead in the MLB standings, leading the San Francisco Giants by percentage points and the Oakland Athletics by 1.5 games in the AL. The Tigers are running away with the AL Central Division, leading the Royals by six games and the 2013 playoff participant Cleveland Indians by 7.5 games.
The Tigers will travel to Boston on Friday night to continue the nine-game road trip, seeking revenge for last season's ALCS loss.


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Microbe Magazine
Cover Image
Cover: Scanning electron micrograph of Candida albicans. C. albicans can be a benign inhabitant of the human digestive tract or an invasive pathogen; researchers exploring the surface proteins of this yeast find that both types express many of the same surface proteins (see p. 346). (Image © David M. Phillips/Photo Researchers, Inc.)
Microbe Magazine, Cover Image
Cover ImageVaccines are crucial for controlling the spread of influenza, but currently are only effective against a limited mix of strains. A universal vaccine remains elusive, but progress is being made (see p. 433). (Image © James King-Holmes/ Science Source.)
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To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights. It's our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America.The remarks got some notable reactions in the hall from other women actors, but when Arquette was asked about her remarks at later events, her statement was picked apart and held up for scorn in many quarters. She took to Twitter to expand on her comments. And most of the criticism focused on her "politically incorrect" commentary, suggesting that she should not put aside the rights of the LGBT community or people of color in order to get women ahead. Many denied that women have had to step aside for the rights of others. Feminist blogs called her remarks "cringe-inducing," and conservative Fox News declared itself appalled, with contributor Stacey Dash quoting selectively from a John F. Kennedy speech to say that Arquette needed to "do her history."
So yes, let's do our history.
In a New York Times op-ed from 2008 sums up one such historic episode in American history:
During the Civil War, many women, including [suffragette Elizabeth Cady] Stanton, had willingly put aside the fight for women's rights to campaign for the emancipation of the slaves. After the war, they had even stood by patiently when, in 1866, Congress passed the 14th Amendment, defining citizens specifically and solely as "male" — the first use of the word "male" in the Constitution. The politicians soothed the women's rights advocates by assuring them their turn would come soon.
But in 1869, when outraged women demanded to know why they were not included in the right to vote, they were informed by their allies in Congress that public opinion left room for just one minority group to make it through the door of suffrage and that this was "the Negro's hour."Stanton, among other women, expressed frustration because women had fought for civil rights for all groups, not just themselves, and so they felt betrayed after they were cut out of legislative protections, a scene that was repeated over and over in the decades to come. During the black civil rights movement in the 1960s, no less a figure than Rosa Parks noted that women's rights were never a consideration. In England, the suffragette movement stopped campaigning completely in favor of the war effort in World War I. Even the JFK speech on the Equal Pay Act cited by Fox News noted specifically that women had not been included: "[O]ur journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts." The fact that people are still campaigning today for both the Equal Rights Amendment and equal pay laws stands as testimony to the omission.
In making her brief statement, Arquette was reminding us of our history, and the facts. In her later tweets, she echoed Stanton and noted that women are a part of all the other civil rights fights, yet legislation giving them equal rights and wages proves elusive still. She noted that "women" is a group that includes LGBT women and women of color. But the reactions were decidedly negative in most quarters. Both male and female commentators singled Arquette out for scorn for everything from her remarks to her use of notes, and praised the male speakers more than the women on their Oscar turns.
Writing on Daily Beast, Lizzie Crocker was among the few to point out feminists' criticisms and note of Arquette's speech that "Hers was a sensible, plainly worded speech. Nowhere did she imply that she was not fighting for equality for everyone." Crocker went on to call the commentary "a low point for punditry." And later in the week, Hillary Clinton praised Arquette's speech, talking about wage and other inequities for women in the workplace and elsewhere.
What can you learn from this famous speech?
- Don't waste your moment: With a world spotlight on her, Arquette understood the opportunity to make a forceful statement that was relevant to her industry--the audience before her--and the nation. As the Wall Street Journal points out, the gendered wage gap in Hollywood looks a lot like the one you and I experience, so her remarks were sure to resonate in the room as well as beyond it.
- Remind us of what we've forgotten: Bringing us back into history to shed light on what's happening today is just one of many useful roles speakers can play. Arquette's point had feeling behind it based on her own experience and observation, in addition to her sure stance in historical fact.
- Speak for women: Arquette used part of her remarks to redefine women as those who "gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation," and to make a crisp, quotable demand for their rights. So should we all.
For myself, I wasn't at all surprised by the reactions. Here's why so many women hesitate to speak publicly, or to speak strongly when they do: They suspect, accurately, that they will face the condemnation--silent or otherwise--of both men and women. This is a very public example, but certainly not the first. It is not a reason to stop speaking, nor to hold your fire when you have something strong to say. You can be aware of the expected condemnation without letting it (or yourself) silence you.Watch Patricia Arquette's gender equality Oscars speech
I've had many discussions on this very point in history over the years with my friend Carolyn Kitch, who chairs the journalism department at Temple University. Kitch also specializes in American studies and women's history, so when I heard Arquette's remarks, I heard the echoes of history in them. I'm grateful for Kitch's insights on this volatile but important topic, which help me play a role in reminding you about our history.
I've had many discussions on this very point in history over the years with my friend Carolyn Kitch, who chairs the journalism department at Temple University. Kitch also specializes in American studies and women's history, so when I heard Arquette's remarks, I heard the echoes of history in them. I'm grateful for Kitch's insights on this volatile but important topic, which help me play a role in reminding you about our history.
Come to my pre-conference workshop at the Spring Speechwriters and Business Communicators Conference in Cambridge, UK, this April. What goes into a TED-quality talk will help speakers, speechwriters and conference organizers understand how to craft and deliver a talk in the style of TED, whether you're getting ready for a TEDx conference or just a presentation in this popular style. Go to this link for more details on what's included, as well as a significant discount for readers of The Eloquent Woman. The workshop is on 15 April, and the conference is 16-17 April. Please join me!


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Thursday, August 27, 2015
Vacation Day #8 What?
Sometimes though, I think "wow, now that would have been fun!"
Not many times, cause I really love my job, but almost always when I hear great music like Rosanne Cash.
It's not that I want to be Rosanne Cash (maybe Tina Turner, for just about five minutes!) it's that I'd love to sing with her.
Here's the lineup for one of the songs on her recent album The River and The Thread.
Can you imagine how fun it was to record that song that day?
And another album I love beyond measure is Trio (Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstatd) I'd LOVE to have been a backup singer on this one.
The sound quality on this is dreadful, but if you go listen to it on iTunes, you'll see what I mean.
I don't think I could have tolerated the life of a musician, but oh man, I think of it sometimes.
What do you think of sometimes? If you weren't a writer? or what else you are?
72 comments:
- KayC said...
I can't count the number of times I've play Trio and Trio 2 - great music.
- angie Brooksby-Arcangioli said...
When I was little I wanted to be a horse. I day-dreamt of metamorphosing, first my head, then my mane all the way to the tail. I saw myself running alongside the car when we drove through the desert. Once at Disneyland in Anaheim while we waited to board a little train, the guide holding a mic asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. A horse. Boy, did that get a laugh.
Later I wanted to be a journalist but that didn't happen. My heart sort of breaks thinking about it. But I love my job and I am writing. Soon I'll finish this WIP.
- E.M. Goldsmith said...
I love music. I always wanted to be a wandering minstrel and pirate but was born hundreds of years too late. However, if my writing ever lets me be rid of my day job, that will be heaven. I never had much of a singing voice anyhow but I sure have some yarns to spin.
- Unknown said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- nightsmusic said...
I've driven midget race cars (I was 7) and the track at Indy. I've sung professionally, built high performance motors, am a certified clinical medical assistant and patient care tech, COO of a small company, bartender, waitress...now, I'm an admin assistant. I'm sure I'm missing something. Oh! I did a dog and pony act in the rodeo for a few years too. And through it all, I find the time to write. Like I said in another post yesterday, an eclectic life...
- Beth H. said...
For me, the big dream is to be able to write professionally so that I can quit my day job. I also have dreams of owning an antiquarian bookstore, or perhaps a bakery. Sadly, old books and pastry do not mix.
- Marc P said...
My biggest dream was to sing with Frank Sinatra - so I did!
Probably just as well I took up writing and not singing. :)
I can get you singing with Roseanne sometime too if you like Janet! ;)
- Marc P said...
I'll even spell her name right!
- Anonymous said...
Singing was my dream too. I sang with a band when I was a teenager, but then life, work and children got in the way.
I still sing nearly everyday. In my car, in my house...and I can duet with anyone I want! :)
- Donnaeve said...
Beth - I disagree! What a great idea that would be! (at least in my head) It's the perfect thing - I mean B&N did it - sort of. Their books are new, but they plunked coffee and pastries into the middle of their stores. One half you could be baking and while customers waited on a warm croissants or doughnuts, they could browse through the old books. I can see it in my head...
What I think is that I am actually doing what I always dreamed of. For decades, I thought, I want to be a writer, I want to be a writer... Day in and out. Working in IT all that time, it was often fast paces and high stress. In the back of my mind it was always what if? What if I could just...write?
2009, little did I know that would be the start of the what if? I went through the daily rituals as usual, proving I was a good employee so I wouldn't be let go before I had things in place (finished book). I withstood, mass layoffs, re-organizations, endless buy-out meetings and conference calls. When it came time for me to acquire my own pink slip after watching the company plunge from 95,000 employees down to 250 in three years time (I was one of the last) that careful planning enabled me to not have to find another job. Think hanging on through Chapter 11, sell offs, system migrations, while steering towards lights out. Think retention bonuses, severance and 401K to pay off all our debt and still have enough left over to help support our household.
It was a risk, and I wasn't sure what I'd put on paper would actually work. I'm still amazed three years later that it has.
I can't think of anything else. Oh, wait. Sort of like Angie's wish to be a horse, I wanted to fly. My brother and I almost killed ourselves trying when we were younger.
- Unknown said...
JOHN PRINE! How much fun would that be? Almost heart-stopping fun.
Yup, I'd love to be a back up singer. I back up my husband at bonfires but I rarely hit the mic.
This is my hubbie, Frank, raising money for our local hospice.
I'm sorry, Colin. I have the instructions somewhere...
- Donnaeve said...
Ha, Marc P - that was pretty good!
Amanda, very talented, he's a natural!
- Marc P said...
Thanks Donnaeve he was ok his entourage was a nightmare to work with! ;)
- Marc P said...
And yes loved that Amanda!
- Colin Smith said...
Time for one of my theories. I think people tend toward one of two types: consumers or creators. One is not better than the other, and both need each other. A creator can be a consumer, and a consumer a creator, but everyone leans more toward one than the other. Consumers might try to create but derive no satisfaction from it--it's just a whim. Most kids, I think, go through a "creator" stage, which is part of play, and discovery. But as they grow, they either develop the creative, or the consumer.
I've always been a creator--and I daresay the same is true for many people here. I can't just listen to music, I have to make music too. I can't just read stories, I have to write them. Even my current work in IT, programming, appeals to me because I'm creating. I'm not fixing PCs or making networks talk to each other. I'm actually composing lines of code that makes software that helps people do their job.
But ideally, I want to write full time. I used to want to be a full-time professional musician, but I don't think I would have enjoyed life on the road. Perhaps a session musician with a studio... but I would eventually want to play my own music, not someone else's. :) And though writers are called upon to travel for signings and book tours, those usually aren't as demanding as for a working musician. After all, writers have to spend time actually writing!
So, yes, creating stories, conjuring images with words, communicating ideas... that appeals to me. A lot. :)
- Colin Smith said...
Linkified Links:
Marc's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpfzRmqF3XU
Amanda's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DTKLCtnveo
The Instructions: http://www.colindsmith.com/blog/2015/01/04/how-to-hyperlink/
- Kitty said...
When I was a kid, I used to pretend I was a teacher and a nurse. My mother was a high school librarian, so I got to see faculty life up close and personal. But it wasn't until I got to be a teacher for a day during my senior year that I knew that wasn't for me. No way, José.
As for the nursing idea... My daughter switched her careers from research to nursing. For a while, she worked on what was dubbed the pee/poop/puke/pus floor. We're talking projectile. She'd be covered with the stuff every day. Then she transferred to the ER where, almost daily, she encounters uncontrollable druggies strung out on bath salts or some other drug. Her trip to Africa during the Ebola epidemic was not as scary. Okay, nursing's really not for me.
Somewhere between those two eye-openers, I read Nora Ephron's roman à clef HEARTBURN and knew writing was for me. And thanks to Janet's occasional flash fiction contests, I'm seeing progress. So muchas gracias, JR!
- Summers of Fire said...
My dream career ended tragically, and I still miss it. I wanted to be a Forest Ranger. Still do, but ha! Just try to get a job with the Federal Government...
- Kitty said...
Great job, Marc!
- Unknown said...
I've always wanted to be a writer, but back in middle school or so I picked up sewing as a way to show my love for stories and the characters in them. To date I have made an awful lot more money making costumes for people than I have in writing. And neither of those things is even my "day job." (Programming languages are real languages, and writing in them is writing, and that's how I get through my day.)
- french sojourn said...
If I could do it again, or start another carer...I would love to be a Chef. I love the world of anything culinary. But I must say I loved building one of a kind houses back in L.A. , back in the day.
Be well;
- Anonymous said...
I won a trip to the CMAs one year. Rather Will did, but he was too young to win the prize so they let me have it. I still owe him a trip to Nashville.
The most fun part was listening to a group of song writers talk about their life. Bob DiPiero talked about writing Blue Clear Sky and trying to pitch the song. I was rolling in the floor. His father-in-law Mel Tillis passed on it, but recommended he try George Strait and George was not thrilled about it, but Bob finally convinced him Blue Clear Sky was a good song in spite of the odd phrase.
That was where Brandon met the record producer while he was hanging out at a local bar and she swooped up the Texas cowboy to take him to all the private record label CMA parties. Too bad the turkey can't sing.
I used to sing. Nothing great, just a few bars and such. I would LOVE to be a musician. I bought a guitar and an autoharp. That's my next project. Learn to play.
- Ardenwolfe said...
I tried a few other things, but I always came back to writing. I don't think I could be anything else even if I tried. And yes, I did try.
- Cindy C said...
Like many of us here, my dream job is to be a writer. I also wanted to be a singer/rock star when I was younger. In fact, one of the first books I ever wrote way back when I was in college was about a rock star, as I tried to fuse the two dreams together.
Now I may end up not having the talent and/or perseverance to earn money as a writer, but at least I still see that as a possibility even in the cold hard light of adulthood. And even if I don't, I love the work enough to keep trying and to keep writing even if no one else ever sees the results. Learning and improving writing skills is fun for me.
Despite my dreams, I learned early on I don't have the talent to be a singer/musician. Throughout childhood I tried--at various times I had a drum set, a tambourine, a piano, a guitar, and a clarinet. I tried out for the Glee Club. Didn't make it because I can't carry a tune. And I didn't stick with any of those instruments because it wasn't fun--just hard. And pointless. But I spent years strumming imaginary guitars to records and singing along while alone in my room!
Janet, I also love both of these albums. I also love Emmylou and Linda's Western Wall (with title song written by Rosanne) and tend to play all three of them back to back to back. In fact, that's what I may go do right now. And since I'm here all alone I can sing along and imagine myself in the band!
- Dena Pawling said...
When I had my first baby, I wanted to stay home and be a mom. I was able to do that until my fourth baby was 2yo. In 2000, when [despite all the predictions] the entire world did not cease to exist, my computer-programmer husband was laid off, along with about 40,000 other programmers in our area. He tried for two years to get another job, working part-time delivery driver gigs to make some money to buy food, until we decided to switch. He stayed home with the kids and did accounting and programming from his home-office for relatives with their own businesses. I went to work as an attorney.
I enjoy being an attorney, but I think my husband got the better end of that deal. I still wish I was home. My youngest is 16 now, so I missed a lot.
- Unknown said...
My dreams are simple really. I just want to write a book that becomes a movie where I can compose the soundtrack and attain Gershwin style accolades. Is that too much to ask?
I did the touring thing for 8 years, and for a while that was my full time job. I worked more and lived with less in that time than I ever had before or have since. If anyone is interested, here's a link to the last thing we created before moving on -
See Brian Sing Here
Actually our drummer got married last weekend and the wedding band made us reunite for one night only. It was quite fun to do it again! :)
- Brenda Buchanan said...
Love Roseanne Cash. Love being a writer (and a lawyer). If I were neither I would love to work on the water. Lobsterwoman? Ferry captain? Marine scientist?
- Craig F said...
Astrophysicists say they have the Earth's path plotted down to a hair's width. What wild twists can be found in a hair's width.
I spent a lot of years in the environmental business. Even though it was nasty and dangerous work there was something appealing about it when you directly helped someone have a better life.
Then the plumbing accident occurred. Recovering I decided to design a hybrid kayak. When I looked up the environmental business had gone down the tubes but the boat sold and a new career opened up. It can be very frustrating, even worse than working retail, but I love it and all of the weirdness that comes with it.
As many of you know it wasn't really my desire to be a writer. I was asked to immortalize a friend. When I ran into naysayers I got pissed. Now writing serves two things. Immortalizing my friend and my son's name while punching back at those who try so hard to make me fail. I am now hooked and will make it happen.
If I was to be a fly on the wall of something musical I think Prine and DeMent's In Spite of Ourselves would be it. Of course when the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was in it's prime would have been a cool thing too.
- Matt Adams said...
In the words of Peter Gibbons (a young man with upper management written all over him) I dream of doing nothing. No get the kids ready for school mornings, no trees to cut or fences to mend, no having answer for what I do for a living. I'd like to sit on a beach and read until i need a drink, then fix lunch, then read some more, then watch football games on TV. I's like to watch the waves come in and not have to worry I should be doing something else, that someone needs attention, that something is being neglected. I want to take a nap without worrying about what message it sends.
But if I can't do that, and I have to do something, I'd like to run small hotel. 6-10 rooms, a small kitchen, a selective clientele. A little thing on a beach somewhere, or a little fishing resort in the mountains.
Since I can do either of those, though, I'm thinking of buying a newspaper. There's one for sale around here and I can swing it, and as the world has gotten more compact and diverse at the same time, I think there's more a place for community journalism than there's been in 20 years.
But for now there are trees to cut, forestry plans to install and a quarter-mile of fine that needs repair. Not all I dream about, but not bad, either.
- Pharosian said...
When I was a little kid, my mom would take me and my brother to the library. My first career wish was to be a librarian, but later on I realized that aside from all the books in the library, the building itself was a big draw. I wanted to become an architect so I could design beautiful buildings like our library.
By the time I was 9 or 10, I knew I wanted to write books. I was also pretty good at art and wanted to be an artist, but I was advised that making a living that way would be tough, so I entered college to be a civil engineer so I could design skyscrapers and airports. I ended up being an engineer, but not civil. I changed majors and graduated as a metallurgical engineer.
I worked for a company that makes aircraft engines for a while, but then I got into computers and have worked in the software industry since then. But in my alternate history, I attended the Air Force Academy and became a helicopter pilot.
In real life, I did get my private pilots license, and I take scenic helicopter rides on vacations, but actually becoming a helicopter pilot is too expensive to take up as a hobby. Someday soon I'll write about a character who's a pilot and live my dream vicariously.
- LynnRodz said...
As far back as I could remember I wanted to be a globetrotter (not the basketball kind), a nomad, a wanderer, and see the world - so I did. It helped going to college and being a musician. I used to be one of those street musicians with my guitar case open, eons ago. My downfall was my singing voice, more like a croaking voice if I'm being honest. I once had a guy pay me for not singing. I told him, "Give me the money and I'll stop singing." He did, so I stopped. (Damn, I haven't told that story to anyone in a long time!)
I met up with a British girl on the road and she had a great voice. We made a killing with the two of us playing and her singing. I even jammed onstage with Rod Stewart at a music festival. (Not singing, of course, I played the tambourine.) I wasn't a groupie by any means, but I hung out with Roger Daltry from The Who and Eric Clapton's band. Those were the days. *sigh*
I love the videos. Amanda, your husband's guitar looks a lot like my dad's old sunburst Gibson 1945 guitar, except dad's was acoustic.
- Elissa M said...
I sometimes imagine how my life might have been different had I taken different paths, but imagining different story lines is what writers do, isn't it?
I wanted to ride, train, show, and own horses, so I have. I wanted to play music, so I do. I wanted to be an artist, and I am. I wanted to tell stories, so I write.
It doesn't matter if I don't ever write a best seller, win a Grammy, or have my work in a museum. I'm doing what I love.
- nightsmusic said...
I WANNA FLY A HELICOPTER!! Oh, boy, you are so lucky!
- Anonymous said...
I dreamed the other night I was in New York City wearing a split skirt and underslung boots. I was going out to lunch with Miss Janet. Why I would be in NYC I have no idea.
I got a job writing for the magazine based on a letter to the editor I wrote to them. It wasn't an easy job, but it was interesting for 23 years. The things you learn about people, horses, and places.
I have always felt I was a woman out of time, so writing and researching about the Civil War satisfies a deep desire. If I weren't a writer or singer, I think I'd love to work with some kind of museum or historical society dealing with the old west or the Civil War.
When I was younger I wanted to be an archaeologist or a geologist.
- Carolynnwith2Ns said...
At work, same old story, no time to read comments.
I wrote music for a band in the 70s which was a blast. I painted (not houses) canvas, entered art shows, won and got a publishing contact for...never mind old news. And now I write. If I could sing I'd be rich and famous, if I could dance I'd be in better shape. So, I write. I can be anything I want to be when I have a pencil in my hand.
- Theresa said...
It would be nice if writing paid what my day job does, but since I'm dreaming here, I share Janet's wish. I've always wanted to be able to sing, but I don't have even a passable voice. (And, oh, to be with Tina Turner on stage!) From time to time I take piano lessons, but that playing causes the pets to run and hide or sit and howl.
- Dane Zeller said...
I've always wanted to be a professional basketball player with a 90 million dollar contract. I would play professional football for that contract, too. I think they have some standards, though.
- Karen McCoy said...
Improvisational theater. I'd definitely try out for Second City if I could. I also enjoy singing and dancing, so I'd also consider performing in musicals too.
- Adele said...
When I started working as a hand bookbinder, I was in Heaven. I loved every thing about it. I had a job bookbinding 40 hours a week, and then I'd stay late and do my own work. That was a dozen years ago. I worked there for more than six years, and I still miss it, even though in the last couple of years the place was near-empty and I was emotionally drained. Today I still bind, out of my apartment, and I still love it, though I miss the equipment - there's only so much binding equipment you can put in a small apartment you also have to live in.
- S.D.King said...
I kind of was a singer at one time. Then I taught all my kids to play piano. Then I went to garage sales and filled my basement with every instrument imaginable. Now I have 3 adult kids who are top-notch (2 professional) musicians.
One married a musician and I want to share one of his tunes. He used the text from a letter from Ulysses S. Grant to his then-fiancee Julia. I think you will enjoy the vulnerability revealed in this famous general.
Want to hear some of his original music? This is one of my favorites - since he wrote it for my daughter (and she sings with him).
So I am now surrounded by music and no longer have to sing myself - which I am sure is a blessing to everybody.
- Colin Smith said...
More links!
Julie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdICsUed2wo
and S.D.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8lVjSvAy0Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X7MpHN4ez0
- Unknown said...
I'm a part-time veterinarian and mother of one 2-yr-old and two 1-yr-olds. I dream of being a storm chaser but wouldn't ever do that now with little ones.
- Anonymous said...
I've always wanted to be a writer. The only thing else that came close was a singer/musician. I played clarinet all through school and into university - until my elderly clarinet fell apart and I couldn't afford a new one. My chops are completely gone, now. I'm not a terrible singer, but not good enough to make any kind of profession out of it. While I love music, my talent there just isn't enough.
Even so, I, too, often sang with my many favourite songs. Sometimes backup, sometimes lead. I do love singing. I sing in a choir at church. And it looks like, this year, the local corporate choir I sing with whenever possible will be doing their Christmas tour again! (They skipped last year). It's so much fun to sing funny and serious, fast and slow, new and old Christmas (and winter, and Hanukkah) music - especially at the homes for senior citizens. Practice starts in September. I'm ready!
Writing has always been my dream, though. Right from the day a very young BJ (can't remember how old - it was grade school, I was reading one of Marguerite Henry's books) realized that someone actually wrote the books that I was enjoying. I thought, "I can do that. I want to do that." And - after all my detours in life - I still do. I'm just old enough to be serious about it now.
I was discouraged from writing, though, for a very long time. I couldn't make a living at it, I was told, so I had to do something else. I took archaeology in university - even got paid to do it once, though that's hard work to get without a Master's degree these days. And I've only done archaeology in Saskatchewan, which is okay, but limited. I worked in a government library for far too long (my parents liked it: I was making a good wage and it was 'steady work'). I took a leave of absence to take classes I needed to get into an Archival Studies program in another province... then ran out of money, so wound up never taking that program.
I did a lot of volunteering, too. I volunteered with the local archaeological society, sat on the board, worked at several events. I did a lot of genealogy at the time - I don't do as much now, since my parents co-opted all that when they retired, but I'm doing more research on a certain piece of unknown history right now. I learned a lot about the internet and computers in general by volunteering for a short-lived free network back in the 90s and early 2000s. That's what got me going into computer science.
I took computer science for a few years, did some helpdesk-type work as an intern... then took a class on working on a project team. When my project group was putting together our report, everyone else was saying, 'I'll do the charts! I'll do the programming!' When I said I'd do the writing, they all *thanked* me. I realized that there really was room in the technical field for a writer, and so I went on to technical writing. I did a few contracts there, then wound up doing communications (marketing) for a non-profit - which added to my skills... then had to stop work for awhile.
Now, while I get things back in order, I'm writing as much as I can. I'm throwing myself into this thing as hard as I can, in the hope that I might soon write fiction for a living.
I keep coming back to writing. It's been a long, varied trip, for sure, but that's only helped things. I doubt I could write what I do now if I hadn't had such a busy, varied past.
- Unknown said...
Janet, (or anybody really),
Seriously. Life is too short not to do what you love. If you want to sing, then sing. You don't have to do it as a job (because that life is really really hard). But you probably have a serious musician or three on your client list. Start a band. Just do it. Here's why:
Performing music can make us happy. Or sad. Want to be happy? Sing a happy song. Want to be sad? Sing a sad song.
Performing music is one of the very few things that actually makes us smarter. It does not make us know more, but rather improves the way your brain works better. It makes new connections form between your brain cells. It stimulates communication across your corpus callosum, tying the two separate brains in our head together.
Performing music can change the world. Ask Peter, Paul, and Mary, or Bob Dylan, or Ceasar Chaves. Music is a powerful force.
I have been accused of embarrassing my children by singing along while I walk. Guilty as charged.
- Unknown said...
Oh, forgot to add that music works to reverse depression. Sing a song!
- Kate Larkindale said...
For a long time I wanted to be a figure skater. It was a problematic dream in that a) there are no ice skating rinks where I live and b) I have all the grace and co-ordination of a crippled moose.
Luckily I moved on to more realistic dreams. Like being a writer….
- nightsmusic said...
@Kate Larkindale
Probably better that way. My younger daughter was an individual figure skater to the tune of $20K a year...or more...
- Colin Smith said...
bj: Interesting. I got into IT via Technical Writing. Being able to string words together into coherent sentences is a valuable skill. From many of the emails I see floating between various IT departments, not many in technology have it. :)
In fact, my only published work to date is a "Getting Started" manual I helped write. I'm not given name credit, and the software is not (as far as I know) broadly available, so I don't mention it in queries. :)
- Donnaeve said...
Colin - so odd, that's part of what I did too - i.e. writing "Get Started" manuals for New Product Introduction. I'd create the processes, and enable new "users" to access and get onto new products (internally) which allowed for Alpha, Beta, In production testing, etc before we shipped to customers.
Anyway -CAPTAIN BS!!!!! AMAZING VIDEO!!!! I am now a lifelong fan. If any of you didn't watch Brian's video yet you need to drop what you're doing and go watch it!
I'm super super impressed. You guys are really really good. Can't believe we aren't seeing you at some awards show! Just goes to show how tough it is to catch a break. Btw, I was EXHAUSTED by the end of that song. LOL!
- Donnaeve said...
S.D., wow, I loved both, but that second one! It gave me goosebumps...!
- Unknown said...
Captain BS and S.D., I totally agree with Donnaeve. Such talent. If we all ever get our shit together and end up at a writing conference we will rock the place, lol.
We might even get some writing done.
Lynn, SHUSH! You can't let Frank know about your Dad's guitar. He'll want it (it's worth a small fortune),and we have enough of the damn things. Frank's is a tobacco sunburst Gibson (I think. I tune out when he goes on and on about them), that he rarely plays out of doors but he busted a string on the Tak so had to use the Gibson.
- Colin Smith said...
Amanda: Yup--we could have quite a band if we had a venue. Any drummers in the audience? :)
- AJ Blythe said...
bjmuntain - I play clarinet and a couple of years ago started playing in a community band again after many years of no playing. Band is my 'thinking-free time' which my brain badly needs. You can't think about anything else when you are playing and reading music. It's taken me a while to train myself to focus on the music and not let my thoughts affect my playing (my conductor is much happier that I can now count the right number of bars rest and come in on time, lol).
Like many of us I've always wanted to write. But in high school I didn't know it could actually be a career so became an environmental scientist. I went on and studied science journalism as well, but it didn't satisfy my need to write.
I dream of my unpaid writing career one day being a paid career. But even if that dream never eventuates I'll always write. As my family tell me: I'm a much nicer person when I'm writing =)
- Anonymous said...
AJ: I really enjoyed band. I just can't afford another clarinet at this time, and I've been told that it would cost more to repair my old one than it would to buy a new one. But I sing in choirs, which helps. I've never lost the ability to read music.
I used to spend hours practicing when I was in high school. It was great - when I was playing, I would rarely be interrupted for anything but meals. It meant I didn't have to deal with my family for awhile. And because practice was schoolwork, my parents didn't think I was wasting my time (as I was when I was reading or writing). I played in the concert band. I joined the pep band and the jazz band (for which I had to borrow and learn to play a saxophone - not difficult). I think band was the biggest (only?) think I missed from high school as I got older. And it definitely kept me sane through high school.
- Anonymous said...
Wow, what a talented group we have. I loved all the links. The Dearest Julia surely tugged at my heart, but I have a soft spot for Grant.
Marc, Amanda, Captain BS, S.D., all the rest of you very talented people, well done.
- LynnRodz said...
Amanda, my dad's Gibson is worth a small fortune and in mint condition, but he's been gone for many years now, so sentimental-wise it's priceless. I have an all black 1970s Ovation guitar much like the one Paul Simon had, but nowhere near the value his is. (Alas, the group wasn't Simon, Rodriguez & Garfunkel.) Okay, I better stop, you'll think I'm starting to sound like your hubby. Lol.
- Anonymous said...
Wow. What awesome talent in those links. Thank you so much to all who shared them. Very impressive.
I love to sing (more along the lines of Bonnie Raitt, though) but never wanted to do that for a living. I just enjoy it. Some great times singing in the car with my daughter, harmonizing, on our way to and from her college campus.
When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a pilot. I thought that would be the best thing, ever. Then someone told me you had to have perfect 20/20 vision for that, and I didn't. Looking back, I'm not sure whether it was even true. Not like I could google it. But I was crushed.
I can't remember ever wanting to be a writer. I've just always been one. No matter what else I've done, or might do, I'm a writer.
- Gail said...
Ironically, being a literary agent! I wish I would have known at 18 what I know now at 33. The world of publishing to this little naive Midwesterner was so foreign, and NYC felt so impossible. All these years later, having traveled the world over, as content as I am, I always wish I could have had that kind of career experience, book lover that I am. I also would have LOVED to be an actor (I acted in stage shows in high school). My dream while IN college was to be a long-form feature writer for a major newspaper or magazine.
- Curtis Moser said...
Definitely a musician, and I'd play just like The Black Keys. Or a guitarist, like, say Gary Clark Jr.
Wow that guy can play.
- Anonymous said...
Off topic (sort of): Speaking of careers and what might have been, has anyone heard from Julie H lately? I meant to friend/follow/stalk her on FB, but I suck at FB and didn't get around to it. She's been in my thoughts.
- Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Kneale said...
If I wasn't a writer, I definitely would have been a composer. (Okay, I am a composer, but only as a hobby. I'm an author by career.)
Twenty years ago, that would have been a dead-end, career wise. However, there has been a recent upsurge in job opportunities for composers, thanks to the film and computer game industries. A few of my fellow composers from music school have gone on to careers writing sound tracks for computer games.
While the 19th Century was known for Classical and Romance, and the 20th Century for Jazz and Rock'n'Roll, I believe the 21st Century will be marked by the Soundtrack.
- Joseph S. said...
I love music; and collect CDs of live shows. I have seen all of the Master's Choir singers (except Amy Helm but including Rosanne Cash) in concert at one time or other. Of all of them (not counting John Prine who is too special to be in this contest), Rodney Crowell put on the best show.
In this genre, my favorite concert of all time was called Old Friends, a fundraiser in the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Five singer-songwriters, no backup band, just the five singing together or backing up one or more of the others. The five: Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris. It was professionally filmed. I keep trying to find a video of the show without luck.
- Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Kneale said...
Guess I ought to put a link to some of the pieces I have composed:
Fluff Theme (Variation 0) It's only 0:30 long.
I've easter-egged all twelve variations on my webpage.
And here's the theme music I wrote for the World Horror Convention 2008.
- Jennifer R. Donohue said...
Two things I could've been, I think, had certain things converged properly: a musician, and/or a doctor.
To explain the musician thing: my grandparents had a piano in the living room as I grew up, and I taught myself to pick out melodies by ear (to date, I can't read music; tablature for guitar, and I can sight read if given a starting note to sing, but not genuine music reading). For years, I asked for piano lessons, or violin (yes, I was the nerd who ASKED for violin lessons), but got neither. I picked up guitar in high school, mostly because I had a job to pay for my own lessons, and had a stray guitar an aunt never used. While I've never been a composer, the songs I knew how to play I played fairly well. I was also never much interested in learning the scales; I wanted to learn Led Zeppelin's "Over the Hills and Far Away" right off. Now, given the space/cash/opportunity, I'd love to take cello lessons, even if the only things I ever actually learn how to play are the Bach cello suites. One could spend a lifetime on those. (and Mark Summers' "Julie-o" for fun. That song is amazing).
The doctor thing: also as I was growing up, my grandmother was a secretary in the Pathology department of our local hospital. I occasionally got to visit her at work and was fascinated by the charts and x-rays and things. I was also interested in the medical talk which would occur around the house, pore over the household Physician's Desk Reference, etc. As an adult, I've developed an interest in forensic pathology (the first book I read was mostly due to character research, but damn, is it an interesting field with a lot of material out there to peruse).
So, had I been encouraged on either of those paths, I'd...perhaps have a medical doctorate now? Or maybe would've been one of those child instrumental prodigies? I got kicked out of ballet at the age of 5, so dance wasn't going to happen, anyway. And while I love horses and am good with animals, I never was a very accomplished rider (though specifically the "problem" horses were angels for me)
Maybe that's why I like tabletop roleplaying games so much, you make effort to entirely inhabit the headspace of a person who is not yourself, in a real-time context. It's definitely why I like writing so much.
- french sojourn said...
Colin, fuuny idea for a band...."sheet music?"
I played bass back in Boston in the mid-80's. I had a Ibanez "lawsuit era" knockoff of the Les Paul Custom. It was at best a punk bank. I won't even tell you the name of the band...so innapropriate, even now. One evening after a few beers I got out my router and installed an "F" hole to give it a Country squire aesthetic...I turned a $1,200 dollar solid body into a semi-ruined $200 dollar piece of...artwork. Always regretted it, but it sounded better.
live and learn.
- John Frain said...
Third year of college I earned my way into the Broadcast Journalism school. Lifelong dream to become a broadcaster. Paid for the semester, bought my books, had about a buck eighty left for Ramen noodles.
First day of class, instructor tells us we need a mini recorder. I price them. No way to swing it. Day Two, I change my major. Just like that, dream gone. Today, I can look back and know there were other ways to play it, but back then I didn't. Still remember talking to my advisor, Mackie Morris. He was like a literary agent, looking for a reason to say No. I told him my predicament, he wished me luck.
Think about it a lot. But if you change something from your past, a lot of other things that came after change too. (Butterfly flaps its wings in North Dakota and a tsunami hits South Africa.) So I try not to regret it. I love my life now. I've been very fortunate. But every town I drive in, when I tune the radio to a ball game, I wonder...
- Marc P said...
@bj Just been looking at the costs of clarinets and it looks like for a pro one you are talking about at around the thousand of our english pounds or so.. so quite a bit more than I thought they would cost! I feel guilty really as I have a number of instruments in the house I can't really play but unfortunately not a clarinet. Why don' you start a little eBay project and sell some things off to put toward a clarinet fund. I did that last year to buy an electric bike and it took me a couple of months or so. It was a bit more than that and to be honest I speculated somewhat on the Derby and the Grand National over here to help it along. Let us know if you put anything up :)
Meanwhile here is a link to another song - sorry. One I wrote for an episode of a TV medical show about a stand up comic who loses his sense of humour and his love life suffers too. It was called Stand Up and I shall say no more about that. The receptionist enters a local talent contest and I had her in full cowgirl outfit singing this song. The lyrics were toned down a little lol - the director and I were going to do a full musical episode but we weren't allowed and she went off to the USA to become little known working on shows like Orange is the New Black. Whatever that might be! I only put it here as it is a 'country song' sort of..!
I suspect that may not work so in case:
- D. B. Bates said...
Rock star, of the humorless, pretentious Rush/Joe Satriani/Yngwie Malmsteen variety, also known as "the Steve Vai-riety."
- Anonymous said...
Thanks for the suggestion, Marc. :) But the clarinet is not a priority for me anymore. I do have a piano in the house, if I really want to play, but for the most part, I'm concentrating on the writing. Although I will be singing whenever I can. Both choirs I sing with start up again in September, and I'm so looking forward to it!
- Pam Powell said...
I've already had a dream job - producing and co-hosting 2 weekly radio shows on an NPR affiliate. One was a business/financial show, the other an omnibus show. We interviewed best-selling authors such as Sebastian Junger and Charles Mann (and we interviewed one of Janet's authors!). We interviewed NY Times columnists, senators, actors, singers, senators. I loved my work! Why did I quit? My writing kept calling to me!
- Joseph S. said...
I'm struggling with that choice now. I have a great job but it takes up so much time and energy (I'm at work on a Saturday night!); and I feel I may not be as good as I once was since I'm thinking about writing. It's so important to me to do a quality job on anything I do, even if that means doing fewer things.
- Pam Powell said...
Joseph Snoe -
What's wonderful about being a writer is it's about the way you look at the world, not whether you are at the moment writing about it. If you look at the world with the viewpoints - the first being in the here and now of you existing, and the second being the extra set of eyes noting, "Gee! This is interesting. Maybe it's something I can use later in a story" -- then you are a writer indeed. Your current work may provide fodder for later.
Of course, you can always ask yourself the question, "Where can I do the most good?" Just asking the question opens the door. It may be to write. It may be something else. Be open.


text:
If you watched the International Space Station shoot across Queensland skies last week, you might have wondered what the astronauts were doing inside.
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Twitter has some fascinating answers.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield has been enthusiastically tweeting pictures of different views around the world.
He's snapped pictures of mountains in Russia, the coast of Spain, and even bushfires in Australia.
Twitter is also proving a way for people around the world, and in Queensland, to communicate with the Canadian.
Twitter user Julie M tweeted to Mr Hadfield after the ISS made its way across Queensland.
"Just had the family outside watching y'all fly over Queensland. Hope you saw us waving ;)," she tweeted.
Mr Hadfield replied, with a joke and a compliment for Australia.
"Was that you waving? Thanks! I wave back to the whole family. Australia's space colours and textures are beautifully unmistakeable," he said.
Mr Hadfield is currently living on the ISS, which travels at 28,000 kilometres per hour at 300 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Mr Hadfield tweeted that Twitter is not the main purpose of his role on the ISS.
"The priorities are crew health, vehicle health, work/ science & then personal pursuits; I take photos and & play guitar when I can!"
Mr Hadfield is Expedition 34's flight engineer, and will be Commandor of Expedition 35.
You can follow Chris Hadfield on Twitter here.


text:
|Provides default values for Haskell datatypes.
|The interface
|Writing your own instances
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|Advanced usage
|When writing your own generic functions for Default you may need this, the proxy value.
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