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Olson has served as Editor & Curator at Rhizome, the inaugural curator at Zero1, and Associate Director at SF Camerawork. She's contributed to many major journals & books and this year Cocom Press published Arte Postinternet, a Spanish translation of her texts on Postinternet Art, a movement she framed in 2006. In 2015 LINK Editions will publish a retrospective anthology of over a decade of her writings on contemporary art which have helped establish a vocabulary for the criticism of new media. Meanwhile, she has also curated programs at the Guggenheim, New Museum, SFMOMA, White Columns, Artists Space, and Bitforms Gallery. She has served on Advisory Boards for Ars Electronica, Transmediale, ISEA, the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, Creative Capital, the Getty Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Kennedy Center, and the Tribeca Film Festival.
Olson studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths, History of Consciousness at UC Santa Cruz, and Rhetoric & Film Studies at UC Berkeley. She has recently been a visiting artist at Yale, SAIC, Oberlin, and VCU; a Visiting Critic at Brown; and Visiting Faculty at Bard College's Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts and Ox-Bow. She previously taught at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts' new media graduate program (ITP) and was Assistant Professor of New Media at SUNY-Purchase's School of Film & Media Studies. She was recently an Artist-in-Residence at Eyebeam & is currently Visiting Critic at RISD.
Broadening the Spectrum
Montreal-based artist Matthew Biederman is daring to speak out about what he sees as military and government hijacking of what is "arguably one of Earth's most important, and only inexhaustible resources": air waves. Whereas radio was once intended as a many-to-many mode of communication, tight regulation of frequencies has led to a scenario in which the few (mostly corporate entities) are entitled to speak to the masses. His project, DAREDX, "seeks to re-establish the public's presence and right of occupation within the radio spectrum." In an effort to restore some of the utopian ideals initially associated with radio, the project will connect the public with the voices that float in the air around them and yet often go unheard: the voices of amateur broadcasters. Working almost like an astronomer, Biederman (under the call sign VA2XBX) will pluck transmissions out of the night sky, playing them back in Montreal's Cabot Square and logging and mapping them online. Drawing a connection between free public speech and the right of public assembly, DAREDX will amplify the voice of the people. Radioheads will be excited to know that non-vocal signals will also be charted, as the artist will "work with digital communications on HF, in order to send and receive SSTV (SlowScan Televsion), WEFAX (from NOAA Satellites), PSK31, Hellschrieber, and many more." In case you don't feel dialed-in enough to understand what that means, consider attending one of the talks, walks, or workshops associated with the project--including the one on how to build and take home your own FM transmitter! - Marisa Olson
Movie Magic
In the first decades after film was invented, its practitioners wrote brilliant, poetic essays debating whether what they had on their hands was a new medium or simply a tool for furthering existing practices like theater or painting. These artists very often used the words "magic" and "wizardry" to describe what they were up to in creating moving images. Today's films use devices further removed from the real to give us the illusion of reality and whether to perpetuate the appearance of seamlessness or to assuage the ADD-addled minds of contemporary net-surfing viewers, everything is way way sped up. Enter Kurt Ralske. He'd like to slow things down. The Boston-based artist's video installations, performances, digital prints, and software art have long addressed the formal questions many people have ceased asking about film, particularly the relationship between sound and image and stillness versus motion. This was the case with his "Alphaville" (Motion-Extraction-Reanimation), in which he reprocessed elements of Godard's famous film and stretched and repeated them across a wider plane, questioning the function of surface and duration in the original piece. In a new project entitled Zero Frames Per Second, Ralske has dissected the films of Godard, Kubrick, Murnau, and others into a series of still images. Each film is represented by two frames--one condensing all motion into a single image and the other accumulating all moments of non-movement. The artist explains that, "Within these images the cinematic experience is freed from duration, narrative, and signification, producing a visually abstract record of the information from the 150,000 or so frames per film." The works free the mind to quickly take in a film in the slowest of slow-motions. They are on view at New York's School of Visual Arts through September 12th. - Marisa Olson
Way back before most people had even heard of new media art, one publication (a classy zine, really) was charting the rise of the field. Intelligent Agent was founded in 1996, still the early days of the net for all intensive purposes, by a smart German woman named Dr. Christiane Paul-- she'd later go on to become new media curator at the Whitney. Like many such DIY ventures, the publication has gone through a series of phase changes, from print to online, to hiatus, and back. Now edited by artist and media scholar Patrick Lichty, under Paul's guidance as publisher, the venerable magazine is available in both print and PDF formats. It continues to present the front wave of art and theory, and the most recent issue, which is built around the catalog for the "Social Fabrics" exhibition curated by Lichty and Susan Ryan, is no exception. While big fashion magazines produce their fattest ad-driven issues during the summer months, IA's latest free PDF will give readers a chance to see projects by a handful of forward-thinking artist/designers who not only design wearable art that marries textiles and technology, but also push fashion from the realm of pop culture into deeper social engagement. The resulting portfolios, interviews, and essays offer critical insight into the work and, in keeping with the fashion mag analogy, posit trend alerts for the future of media art. - Marisa Olson
Well-Written Pictures
Chris Ashley's HTML drawings are tightly-executed formal expressions that demonstrate the beautiful things that can be made with code. Drawing on simple elements such as 90-degree angles, shadows, and gradients, Ashley writes strings of code that appear to viewers as solid images. In fact, the often maze-like circuits that snake around in these images might read as optical illusions or even futile labyrinths if one tries to see each piece's components as anything other than part of a cohesive whole. While they initially read as very formal and perhaps even rigid, seeing the HTML drawings in relation to Ashley's paintings and watercolor drawings allows viewers to realize the sense of play that can emerge from rule-based work. In fact, Ashley very precisely pushes the envelope in what might be considered coloring between the lines. The artist posts these images to his blog and has managed to overcome the frequent challenge of translating digital works into the physical realm and shows his drawings on paper and glass in galleries. At the moment, his work can be seen at San Francisco's David Cunningham Projects. - Marisa Olson
Image: Chris Ashley, La Passeggiata, 20080809, HTML, 350 x 390 pixels
Ready and Able Art
The current exhibition at Seoul's Total Museum of Contemporary Art is a challenging one, not so much because the art is complex (though it's certainly dynamic) but because curator Byeong Sam Jeon's explicit goal is to change people's minds. "thisAbility vs. Disability" is a group show of ten projects by Korean and international artists that explore questions of human functioning and capability by addressing the senses. The show is motivated by a desire to "invite a reappraisal of disability" and assert that what many often call "'disability' is but a difference, not a defect." Invited artists Mika Fukumori; Haru Ji & Graham Wakefield; Jae Min Lee; Mian Sheng Lim (Leon); Haemin Kim; Kichul Kim; Pauline Oliveros, Leaf Miller, Zevin Polzin, & Zane Van Dusen; David Parker; Jin Wan Park & Jae Joong Lee; David Parker and Dmitry Strakovsky have created interactive works that reprogram the typical experience of an artwork, with hands seeing paintings, Braille emitting sound, one's touch generating light, and a harmonic bell that musically interprets the listener's heartbeat. Many Korean artists have been early adopters of new media and have actively pursued a relationship to science and technology in their work, but Jeon worries that many of the major exhibitions devoted to this work "have focused only on aesthetic aspects, or the novelty of the genre itself," rather than addressing bigger social and political issues. His hope, with this exhibition, is that "These artworks can spark revelations that break social prejudice and affirm difference." - Marisa Olson
Image: Haemin Kim, dot . a scene = sin? at the sea _ tactuaL [si:gak] series #2, 2008


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The Galaxy Note II was unveiled by Samsung at IFA on August 29th, and is hitting the retail stores of several countries as you read this post. If you thought that Samsung added a lot of new software tweaks to TouchWIZ, wait until you get your hands on the Galaxy Note II.
Samsung released the first teaser video of the Korean Galaxy Note II giving users an in-depth look into all the software features that the company has added to the handset. Samsung added the ability to multi-task with two different apps on the screen at the same time with the Galaxy Note 10.1. However, the implementation was broken and buggy and worked only with the pre-installed apps.
From the Galaxy Note II video, it looks like Samsung might have finally perfected it.
Even though this dual-window multi-tasking will only work for all the pre-loaded apps from Samsung, it is impressive and definitely makes use of the Note II's big 5.5-inch screen. If you are a multi-tasking whore, the Galaxy Note II is for you.
Even though Samsung was heavily criticized for launching the original Galaxy Note, the device went on to sell in excess of 10 million units. With the Galaxy Note II, Samsung may just easily double that figure thanks to the device impressive multi-tasking capabilities that may appeal to a lot of users out there.
Via – Reddit

subset: commoncrawl


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Part 2 - Poore Gur Ka Sun Updesh - 15 5 2017 - Jagatkhana - DhadrianWale
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Thanksgiving, historically and traditionally, is about giving thanks to friends, family (and back in the day God) for everything that we have. There is nothing in there that says- to display your thankfulness eat a turkey. Therefore, the concept of Thanksgiving is not about the bird, it's about being thankful for what you have and giving back to people. What's the best way to express that than saving a birds life and making your Thanksgiving vegetarian (or vegan)?! After hearing my menu, you won't even realize that the turkey is missing, cause the selections are just that good! Take a look at what I'm making (full recipes & pictures coming Friday!):
My Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu-
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary, Chili & Chives (can be made Vegan)
- Baked Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potato Fries (Vegan)
- Herbed Brioche Stuffing with Walnut & Figs (and I'm baking a fresh loaf of Brioche!)
- Individual Acorn Squashes stuffed with Indian Biryani & Caramelized Onions (for those picky eaters AKA my Daddy) (Vegan)
- Homemade Dulce de Leche Ice Cream- drizzled with Fresh, thick Caramel
- Poached Pears with Brandy & Cranberries (Vegan)
- Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
I can't WAIT to get started! It's going to be a yummy and healthy Thanksgiving! So put your bib on, cause there's going to be a lot of eating goin' on! Oh, also notice that half of my menu items are vegan/can be made vegan! YUM
Related Articles
- Vegans, Vegetarians & Omnivores Unite! Against Factory Farms (treehugger.com)
- Turkeys Thank The Hollywood Stars For Meat-Free Thanksgiving Options (omg.yahoo.com)
- Vegan- Vegetarian – Mediterranean – Which One is Right? (29000men.wordpress.com)
- Herbed Brioche Stuffing with Fig & Walnut (thecookingchannel.wordpress.com)
- Since when do vegans eat chicken? (redglitterx.wordpress.com)
- So What Do Vegans Eat For Thanksgiving? (jerseyveganchick.wordpress.com)
- Developing a Healthy Vegan Meal Plan (brighthub.com)
- Ultimate Superbowl Game Day Recipe (thecookingchannel.wordpress.com)
- Losing Weight is Easy – Become a Vegetarian (socyberty.com)
- View of a Vegan Cupboard (thefeelgoodvegan.com)


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If you own a modern Roland synth such as the Integra-7, Gaia SH-01, Jupiter-80 or Jupiter-50 then you will definitely want to check out Roland's Axial website (CLICK HERE)! The Axial website features free preset downloads for your synth, allowing you to significantly expand your sonic palette. All packs are created by top sound designers to give you more sounds for specific genres of music, or sounds that replicate famous synths.
Whilst we're on this subject, it's a great time to let you know that Axial have just introduced two new free soundpacks for the Roland Integra-7 sound module. These packs provide a whole host of presets that model sounds from the classic Jupiter-6 and Jupiter-8 analogue synths, which many people consider among the best synths ever made!


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WORK Report is bespoke reporting based on WEBFLEET data. This data is combined and enriched in order that it makes a customized report for your company.
Some examples of customized reports offered by WORK Report:
- "Job Sheets" The report Job Sheets provides a report of staff working on location. TomTom Remote LINK Working Time is designed to track working and standstill times of the vehicle and register working hours on location. Job Sheets forms the basis of compensation for staff.
- "Visits Report" The report generates tracking data on time and location types: prospects, office, home and clients. This is used for sales and service teams to aim for more effective use of time.
Deep Orange develops and implements solutions and products for the logistics industry. Examples of custom applications, mobile APPs and Cloud solutions for planning, reporting, workflow, fiscal backup, navigation and management are listed at our company website.


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Simmered Quail with Mustard and Capers Recipe
The Nasty Bits
Recipes and stories for everything but the oink.
- Yield:serves 2 to 3 as a main course or 4 to 6 as an appetizer
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Total time:30 minutes
- 6 whole quail
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed, drained, and finely chopped
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 tablespoons dijon-style mustard
- 1 1/2 cups canned or homemade low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Rinse quail under cold running water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper.
Melt butter in a medium skillet over high heat, swirling to spread. Add the quail and cook until all surfaces are very light brown, about 2 minutes total. Add capers, garlic, mustard, and stock. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer gently, turning the quail once mid-way until just cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer quail to a serving platter, season braising with salt and pepper, stir in chopped parsley, pour over quail, and serve.


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In his most recent post Matthew Weier O'Phinney shares his own spin on the Action-Domain-Responder pattern (from Paul Jones): how the controllers in the ARD setup could be explained as facades.
Paul M. Jones has started an interesting discussion rethinking the MVC pattern as applied to the web, which he has dubbed Action-Domain-Responder (ADR). If you haven't given it a read yet, click the link and do that; this page will still be sitting here waiting when you return. I agree with a ton of it - heck, I've contributed to it a fair bit via conversations with Paul. But there's been one thing nagging at me for a bit now, and I was finally able to put it into words recently. Controllers - Actions in ADR - can be explained as facades.
Matthew starts off by defining the Facade design pattern with a quote from the infamous "Gang of Four" book: simply put, a simplified interface to a complex system. He provides a basic example of a facade that wraps some common steps for inserting and logging data with this kind of simplified interface. He applies this to the ADR pattern's controllers, pointing out that it handles a few complex steps "behind the scenes" common to marshaling and managing the request.
For me, thinking of Controllers and Actions as Facades has an additional benefit: it describes rather complex architectural patterns in terms of basic design patterns. I find the more I can reduce the complexity of a definition, the more likely I will understand and use it correctly.


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Common Questions
- I believe my wife has Alzheimer's disease. How can I get her to see her doctor?
If your wife is reluctant to see her doctor, this can be a tricky situation. She may not be aware of the changes in her abilities that you see. You might try one the following:
- Make sure the doctor knows of your concerns before the appointment takes place. Be as specific as possible. This checklist can help you prepare for your doctor's visit.
- Suggest she go for an annual check-up. She may be more comfortable getting an overall check-up than seeing the doctor for memory problems. Many symptoms that look like Alzheimer's disease can be caused by other treatable conditions, so it's important to get a thorough assessment if you have concerns.
- Contact the doctor's office directly. Explain your concerns and ask if she or he will invite your wife in for a check-up. She might be more willing if the doctor suggests the appointment.
- My mother died of Alzheimer's disease and I'm worried that I might get it. Is it hereditary?
There are two types of Alzheimer's disease. Familial autosomal dominant (FAD) Alzheimer's disease occurs in less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer's disease and has a genetic link. For FAD to occur, the disease needs to be apparent over several generations of one family. Sporadic Alzheimer's disease is more common (90-95 per cent) and people with this type may or may not have a family history of the disease. Learn more about Genetics and Risk Factors.
- The doctor told my father he is in the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease. What does this mean?
The process of Alzheimer's disease can be described as a series of stages. Staging Alzheimer's disease gives people with the disease, doctors and caregivers a general guide to the pattern of the disease. This can help them make care decisions throughout the course of the disease.
Because the disease affects each individual differently, the symptoms, the order in which they appear and the duration of each stage vary from person to person. In most cases, the disease progresses slowly, and the symptoms of each stage may overlap, often making the move from one stage to another quite subtle. See the Stages of Alzheimer's disease section for more information about the different stages (early, middle, late and end of life) or the seven stages described in the Global Deterioration Scale. Whichever staging system is used, it's important to remember that the disease affects each person differently.
- Can a person die of Alzheimer's disease?
Yes. Alzheimer's disease is a fatal, progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, where brain cells continue to die over time. There is no cure and eventually the body will shut down.
- Can the family doctor diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease requires a comprehensive assessment. Family doctors are often able to do this assessment during a series of office visits, or she may refer the patient to a memory clinic or specialist, such as a geriatrician or neurologist. We invite you to contact your local Alzheimer Society to find professionals in your community who can help.
- Can depression bring on symptoms like those in Alzheimer's disease?
Depression can have symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease and can occur simultaneously with Alzheimer's disease. It is important to see a doctor if these symptoms are present. Depression can often be treated successfully. See our list of 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease for more information.
- Can people get Alzheimer's disease in their 40s?
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but Alzheimer's disease can affect people under the age of 65. This is usually called "early or young onset Alzheimer's disease."
- What do I do if I am concerned about my memory?
If you are concerned about your memory, find out more about the 10 warning signs of dementia. If you are worried that your memory is getting noticeably worse and if memory problems are beginning to affect your everyday life, it is important to visit your doctor right away.
- Is the number of people with dementia going down?
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
It's true that some types of dementia are declining in percentage of growth due to changes in our lifestyle, environment and better management of health problems such as heart attack and stroke, two factors that can cause cognitive impairment.
However, it's important to note the number of people across the globe with dementia is climbing, and as baby boomers age, dementia is becoming a health crisis.
Note: the information in this site is not presented as a substitute for informed medical advice. Please see your doctor or other qualified health-care provider for more information about your own situation.


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Crusaders Baby Beanie + Scarf Set makes a great gift for a little Crusaders fan!
- Pompom beanie
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Crusaders Baby Beanie + Scarf Set makes a great gift for a little Crusaders fan!
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Every order will be given a delivery tracking number, which will be included with your order dispatch email.
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For further detailed information on shipping options and delivery charges please refer to our shipping information page.


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Things Mom Would Never Say
From: Lloyd Kelly
1. "How on earth can you see the TV sitting so far back?"
2. "Yeah, I used to skip school a lot, too."
3. "Just leave all the lights on ... it makes the house look more cheery."
4. "Let me smell that shirt -- yeah, it's good for another week."
5. "Go ahead and keep that stray dog, honey. I'll be glad to feed and walk him every day."
6. "Well, if Timmy's mom says it's OK, that's good enough for me."
7. "The curfew is just a general time to shoot for. It's not like I'm running a prison around here."
8. "I don't have a tissue with me ... just use your sleeve."
9. "Don't bother wearing a jacket - the wind-chill is bound to improve."


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A man who was accidentally trapped inside Cook County Jail for more than 30 hours while trying to visit his son is suing the county over the ordeal, calling it a "tragedy."
While visiting his son last Saturday evening, Farad Polk was taken to a part of the Chicago jail he'd never been to after his son was moved.
After being directed to "go down the hallway and turn to the right," Polk entered a door that had been propped open. The man thought he was entering the visiting area to see his son, but the room is reportedly where people visit the "highest classification" super-maximum security prisoners and is not used on the weekends.
"I'm sitting there waiting for five minutes and say, 'This ain't right,'" Polk said at a news conference Monday, "so as I turned around to buzz out, there was nothing to buzz out. It's just a room."
Polk said he was trapped in the 8-by-8 box for 32 hours. He had to use the bathroom on the floor and sleep on concrete with no food and water, he said.
"I think it is a tragedy," he said. "I did as I was told, so I don't know how it could happen."
Polk said he thought he would die in there and is suing for emotional trauma. He said he keeps reliving the traumatic event and hasn't been able to visit his son since the incident.
Cook County Jail spokesperson Cara Smith last week called the incident "the perfect storm" and said "a set of bizarre circumstances" allowed it to take place.
Polk was rescued after he broke a sprinkler head and was found by firefighters with the Chicago Fire Department.
He said he was handcuffed and questioned before being released. Polk needed stitches on one of his thumbs from breaking the sprinkler and was treated at Rush University Medical Center.
Polk's attorney, Cannon Lambert, told reporters this never should have happened and wants to make sure it never happens again.
"This could still happen to someone else," Lambert said, "even now, and that can't be."
Polk is seeking compensation but wouldn't say how much.
Smith said last week an incident like this has never happened before, and he hopes it never happens again.
"I met him at the hospital, and he was exceptionally gracious and grateful to be out of the room," Smith said. "We expressed how sorry we were and gave him a ride back to his vehicle [at the jail]."


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Indy Shoot Interview series one DVD-R
Features mini shoot interviews with Spanky, Christopher St. Connection w/ Allison Danger, Michael Shane, Scoot Andrews, Tony Mamaluke, Joel & Jose Maximo, Amazing Red, & Divine Storm. Also includes match footage. Some of the topics of include: getting started in wrestling, initial training, first match, problems with promoters, problems with guys doing jobs, favorite matches, dream match, road stories, goals in wrestling, who they respect the most in the business & why, plus more!!!
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It's only May and already the marketing for "Tron: Legacy," due Dec. 17, is beginning to feel relentless.
First there were the leaked images, then that fool-ass clock, followed by one of the best trailers of the year. And now, Space Paranoids, a first-person shooter in which tyou rumble about in your tank battling enemy ships.
Will it make you want to see "Tron" more? Probably not. But it might keep you from slipping into a narcoleptic coma for 15 minutes on a slow Friday.


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I write, I read, I teach writing, and I work as a freelance editor and manuscript critiquer. If I review books, it's from the perspective of a writer. My comments on teaching writing are all my own, garnered from being in the classroom and in workshops.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
What Do You Think is Funny?
Years ago, I attended a screenwriting conference on sitcoms, and the first question in the very first session was "What is your favourite sitcom?" Of course, everyone had a different answer. Mine was "Cheers". But other people loved "Fawlty Towers". Some loved "Friends". Now I'm sure some would answer "Two and a Half Men" or "The Office". Comedy also shows up great divides, in that those who love one show will loudly scoff at others who love another!
A writer friend of mine attended all three Robert McKee seminars last weekend (I'll post soon on the one I went to), including the comedy day. She told me McKee had said that a comedy writer is someone who hates the world, and writes from that perspective. While you might disagree, I thought about some of the comedy writers I have known, but more than that, a lot of the comedy that I have seen and heard. And I think I agree, for the most part. Not necessarily that a comedy writer hates the world, but that perhaps he or she has a more cynical or pessimistic view than the rest of us, and uses that as a basis.
Because, let's face it, a lot of comedy these days is pretty cruel. In our newspaper, The Age, there was a piece last week about an Australian comedian who is currently popular in the US, but most of his comedy routine is based on being sarcastic/nasty/horribly funny (you choose) about a company in Adelaide that he used to work for. Obviously, his time at this place was not good for him, and he's now paying them back big-time for it. And everyone is falling about laughing at his routine. Although the comments section on the article suggest about 50% of people are not.
And I thought - huh? It's meant this company has suffered quite a lot of backlash, the owner has received hate mail, and so far has been unable to defend himself. Maybe he deserved it - I'm not going to get into that argument! But I'm still wondering what really is funny about this? And when is the comedian going to move on? Or maybe he can't move on? So what is that saying about him?
I think there is a lot of very funny comedy around - I've seen and heard stuff that I thought was hilarious, while understanding that not everyone would agree with me. That's the nature of comedy, as I said earlier. But I'm starting to wonder about "funny" stuff that is basically an excuse for an attack on someone as a way of getting back at them. And then I wonder about comedians whose routines are all about attacks on themselves. Before I get too darned serious altogether, I think I'll go and watch a re-run of "Cheers"!
8 comments:
- Snail said...
Comedy is such a tricky thing. I admire Ricky Gervais' skill, but there have been times when I have not been able to watch whole eps of 'The Office' and 'Extras' because of their accuracy in recreating the petty cruelties in interpersonal relationships.
- 5:31 pm
- Sherryl said...
I think that's why Kath and Kim make me cringe so much. With the added factor of the middle class laughing at the working class with such glee, and saying how clever it is (is this sneaky superiority?).
- 7:24 pm
- Lisa66 said...
I used to love a series on the ABC called Grass Roots. It was about the inner workings of a local council and I thought it was hysterical. My partner, who has worked for local council in the past, couldn't watch it. He said it was less a comedy and more a documentary!
Your point about Kath and Kim is interesting. I really enjoy it, but have never thought of K&K as working class. I see them as middle class bogans. Then again I guess it depends on your definition of bogan! I see myself as laughing along with K&K and embracing a bit of my inner bogan at the same time!
- 7:56 pm
- Mortgage Choice at Sutherland (9521 1611) said...
Thanks for this, Sherryl.
Cheers is being rerun on channel 11 here at the moment. I've caught it a few times and apart from the good memories it brings of my Dad and watching all the originals, it's still funny. Roseanne, which comes on after has been a revelation to me. I hated the original, but can now see how painfully raw and edgy it was at the time. So very working class and bleak but spot on. Personally my favourite funny man is Danny Bhoy, the scottish talent whose stand up is witty, clever and accurate, yet always gentle and respectful. He does swear a little but so in context you hardly notice. He makes fun of himself but never attacks himself. We took our 14 year-old to see him back in May and never once felt uncomfortable with the content even though he was playing to an adult crowd at the Enmore. Google him and catch a few of his Ozzie observations on utube. To me he's just a natural story teller and that's pretty much what he does for two hours on stage, complete with digressions and ad libs. Simply brilliant.
- 8:09 pm
- Sherryl said...
Lisa - can you be a middle class bogan? That's an interesting question!
I must go and look up Danny Bhoy - thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I agree - comedians who can tell a story definitely top those who rely on one-liners!
- 5:54 pm
That last comment about Danny B was from moi - Mo. For some reason I came up as my work. Trying to fix it now. x
- 8:11 pm
- Nathan Luff said...
Hi Sherryl,
interesting post and comments. I've never really thought about comedy coming from a place of hate or cynicism but I can see that a lot does. I guess it fits in with that idea that it is better to laugh at something (or yourself) than be bogged down in depression over it. Of course there are so many different types of comedy and the trick of writing it is you will never be able to make everyone laugh, so you can only really focus on making yourself laugh.
When thinking about some of the comedy I like, particularly comedy for a younger audience, I'm reminded of the Oscar Wilde quote – "life is too important to be taken seriously" – I think a lot of comedy writers have that motto.
I do enjoy the ridiculous especially when it comes from a real place (Fawlty Towers does that well). Sadly John Cleese's latest comedy efforts are all anger about his ex-wife (and he performs only to pay for alimony).
- 1:29 pm
- Sherryl said...
Nathan - I had heard that about John Cleese's show. And also heard that audience reaction wasn't very positive.
- 1:48 pm


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For those of you who like to see the whole episodes of Make: television, here's a chance to see episode 1 in all its glory.
Meet Cyclecide, an inventive band of performance artists who build outrageous bicycle contraptions straight out of the dump. In the Maker Workshop segment John Park turns an old VCR into automated cat feeder, and William Gurstelle demonstrates the "Nibbler" – an unusual tool for shaping metal. Maker Channel contributors showcase their talents through scream machines, laser harps, cupcake cars and a sly gadget that turns off those annoying TV screens in public places.
Download the m4v or subscribe in iTunes. Watch a ton more Make: at makezine.tv/episodes


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Angelika Film Center presents Studio Ghibli Festival: Whisper of the Heart
Shizuku is spending her last summer vacation before high school reading and translating foreign music into Japanese. Perusing the eclectic selection of books she has checked out from the library, her curiousity is piqued when she notices that the name Seiji appears before hers on the checkout card of each one. Through a series of curious and magical incidents, she comes to meet and establishes a connection to Seiji, who has dreams of becoming a famous violin maker in Italy, while she has aspirations of becoming a writer. As their life goals pull them in different directions, Shizuku and Seiji are determined to remain true to their feelings for one another.
A masterpiece about the awakening of creative talent, Whisper of the Heart was the first and only full-length feature by Hayao Miyazaki's protégé Yoshifumi Kondo before his sudden death at the young age of 47. It remains one of the classics of Japanese animation. English dubbed / Japanese with English subtitles.


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Most people have heard about the bout of "Tulipmania" that spread through the Netherlands in the 17th century, but few know about "Pteridomania," or fern madness.
In the 19th century, ferns were part of a popular health regimen. People would go into the woods to hunt for ferns or to study nature. It was good exercise for body and soul. People from all levels of society joined in searching for new varieties of ferns they could record, plant or dry and put in albums. The many varieties of ferns were soon featured on porcelains and iron garden furniture, and in paintings and interior decors. Green majolica plates shaped like fern leaves, iron benches by Coalbrookdale and children's toy porcelain dishes by Ridgways were decorated with ferns. The madness continued into the 1880s, but even today ferns are popular house and garden plants. More than 10 varieties are offered in new mail-order garden catalogs, and even more can be found in nurseries in cities with a fern-friendly climate. It would be easy to find decorative examples of Pteridomania and form a collection today.
Q: I'm 92 years old and am trying to get rid of some old possessions. A copy of the April 20, 1865, Philadelphia Inquirer has been in my family for ages. The front page has several articles about President Abraham Lincoln's funeral. There are drawings (not photographs) of the funeral car and coffin. I'd like to sell it but don't know the value. Can you help?
A: Newspapers covering the death of President Lincoln are collectible. The value of old newspapers varies, depending on the importance of the historical event covered as well as condition and rarity. A front-page article with graphic art is more important than articles on inside pages or those without pictures. Before photography was commonly used, illustrations were made from woodcuts. Some newspapers that are old but don't cover significant events sell for under $10, while newer papers covering important events can sell for hundreds of dollars. Old newspapers become yellow and crumble if not stored properly, but newspapers printed on paper made from rag linen, common before 1876, don't deteriorate as quickly as those made on modern paper. Newspapers should be stored flat and away from light, heat and moisture. Don't store them in the attic or basement. Newspapers with stories about Lincoln have sold in recent years for $10 to a few hundred dollars, depending on condition and content.
Q: I was given an antique secretary, but the desk section is locked and I have no key. How can I open it without ruining the lock?
A: Don't try to pick the lock. Call a few professional locksmiths and find one who is comfortable working with an antique lock. You will find someone who can open it safely.
Q: I have a tea cart that my parents bought in England in the early 1950s. It has been used by our family ever since, but not for serving tea. It's on wheels and has two removable trays. There are two metal tags on the rail. One reads, "Staples Trolley, Prov Patent 22852/52." The other reads, "Made by Staples & Co. Ltd., Wire Mattress & Bedstead Maker to the late King George VI." Can you tell me how old the tea cart is, and if it has any value?
A: The patent is a United Kingdom patent dated June 12, 1952, for improvements to "tea trolleys, dinner wagons and like dispensing trolleys." Your tea trolley was made shortly before your parents bought it in the 1950s. A tea trolley is what the English call a tea cart or tea wagon, a wheeled cart that usually has two shelves and can be pushed from room to room. It's handy for transporting dishes or food from kitchen to table and back. The patent lists Staples & Co. Ltd. and Robert Garnett Heal as applicants. Staples & Co. was founded by Harold Heal and received a royal warrant of appointment as wire mattress and bedstead maker in 1923. Wooden trolleys from the 1950s sell for about $200 to $600, depending on design and condition.
Q: My old creamer is marked with the outline of what looks like Ohio and the words "Leigh Ware by Leigh Potters, Inc., U.S.A." inside. Underneath that it reads, "Patent applied for, warranted 22K gold." Is this worth anything?
A: Leigh Potters was in business in Alliance, Ohio, from 1926 to 1931. The company's mark is outlined by the shape of the state of Ohio. Leigh Potters made dinnerware, kitchenware and decorative art ware. Your creamer is part of a set of dishes and has a low value if it's not partnered with the sugar bowl. Price: under $20.
Q: Can you give me any information about a "John Bull" chess set made in India? The elaborate carved ivory pieces are British soldiers versus Indian Raj soldiers. I never see them for sale on the Internet.
A: Sets like yours usually are referred to as "John Company" sets because that was the nickname for the British East India Co. The origins of the game of chess can be traced to India before the sixth century, and the game continues to be very popular there. During the British Raj (British rule) from 1858 to 1947, many sets with ivory pieces — some elaborate and some simple — were made. The value of yours depends on how elaborately it was carved and what condition the pieces are in. Sets that predate 1989 can sell for very high prices. That's the year a worldwide ban on the sale of ivory was implemented. But you won't see the sets for sale on eBay. It will not allow the sale of any ivory on its site. If you want to sell, contact a reputable auction house that sells on land.
Tip: For best results, schedule your house sale at the beginning or middle of the month (near paydays), but not during holiday weekends.
Sign up for our weekly email, "Kovels Komments." It includes the latest news, tips and questions and it's free if you register on our website. Kovels.com has lists of publications, clubs, appraisers, auction houses, people who sell parts or repair antiques and more. Kovels.com adds to the information in this column and helps you find useful sources needed by collectors.
Terry Kovel answers as many questions as possible through the column. By sending a letter with a question, you give full permission for use in the column or any other Kovel forum. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We cannot guarantee the return of any photograph, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. The volume of mail makes personal answers or appraisals impossible. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Hummel figurine, "Let's Sing," No. 110/4, 3 inches, $15.
Silver pin, openwork flowers, amber, oval mount, Continental, c. 1900, 1 1/4 inches, $60.
Bellows, leather, cornucopia and leaf design, 18 inches, $135.
Pepsi-Cola cardboard sign, "More Bounce to the Ounce," woman holding tray picturing bottle cap, 1940s, 12 5/8 x 29 inches, $255.
Cartier pin, gold, rope knot, 1 3/4 inches, $295.
Regency-style etagere, ebonized, gilt, shelves, pierced brass gallery, turned uprights, 74 x 17 inches, $675.
Newcomb Pottery pitcher, jonquils, blue, green, white, matte glaze, Anna Frances Simpson, 1927, 5 1/2 inches, $800.
Side table, rectangular top, banded, stretcher shelf, square legs, fret-carved feet, c. 1900, 32 x 17 inches, pair, $1,105.
Coin-operated target game, "Big Game Hunter," 1 cent, A.B.T. Manufacturing Co., key, 10 1/2 x 18 inches, $1,650.
Bronze sculpture, rabbit, ears down, Blue John Stone cube pedestal, attributed to Antoine-Louis Barye, 3 1/8 x 2 inches, $2,870.
Keep up with changes in the collectibles world. Send for a FREE sample issue of our 12-page, full-color newsletter, "Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles," filled with prices, news, information and photos, plus major news about the world of collecting. To subscribe at a bargain $27 for 12 issues, write Kovels, P.O. Box 8534, Big Sandy, TX 75755; call 800-829-9158; or subscribe online at Kovelsonlinestore.com.


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Brain cells may undergo aging in much the same way as skin cells do — with one aging cell affecting many of its neighbors, a new study from England says.
Don't miss these Health stories
More women opting for preventive mastectomy - but should they be?
Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring.
- Larry Page's damaged vocal cords: Treatment comes with trade-offs
- Report questioning salt guidelines riles heart experts
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- More women opting for preventive mastectomy - but should they be?
Researchers found that aging mouse neurons produced several substances, including free radicals and other molecules that can promote inflammation and alter DNA, which can damage nearby cells.
It was known that skin cells produce such substances as they age, becoming "rotten apples" that can affect other cells near them, but it was thought that neurons would age in a completely different way, the researchers said. Skin cells, such as fibroblasts, which are involved in repairing wounds, maintain their ability to divide, whereas most neurons in adults can't divide.
"This study provides us with a new concept as to how damage can spread from the first affected area to the whole brain," said study researcher Thomas von Zglinicki, a professor of cellular gerontology at Newcastle University.
The finding may open up new ways to treat brain disorders such as dementia, motor neuron disease or age-related hearing loss, the researchers said. However, they noted that mouse research doesn't always hold up in studies of people.
"We will now need to find out whether the same mechanisms we detected in mouse brains are also associated with brain aging and cognitive loss in humans," von Zglinicki said.
If the finding does apply to humans, "we might have opened up a shortcut towards understanding brain aging," he said.
FollowMyHealthNewsDaily on Twitter @MyHealth_MHND. We're also on Facebook & Google+.


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A Ghostly Conversation
Smell me,
I rise from rotten ground. . .NO
Taste me,
I am all cold, black air. . .NO
Touch me,
I have no bones, no hair. . .NO
Loot at me,
My sunken eyes, my transparent shroud. . .NO
Listen to me,
Wailing, crying, calling to you. . .NO
Be with me, then,
Allhallow's Eve,
Be with me, pity me,
I have no friend but you. . .
Be with me. . .NO


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BEIJING — Asian stocks gained Wednesday after U.S. stocks hit record levels despite attacks in Germany and Turkey.
KEEPING SCORE: The Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.7 percent to 3,125.09 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.4 percent to 21,829.84. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 advanced 0.1 percent to 19,522.80 and Seoul's Kospi added 0.3 percent to 2,048.49. Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 gained 0.5 percent to 5,619.60 and New Zealand also advanced. Bangkok fell but other Southeast Asian benchmarks rose.
WALL STREET: Big gains for banks and travel-related companies helped propel U.S. stock indexes to record levels. Strong earnings from cruise line operator Carnival and gains for travel website TripAdvisor led consumer companies higher. Household goods makers fell after Cheerios maker General Mills cut its sales projections for the year, and energy companies fell for the second day in a row. That hadn't happened three weeks. The Dow gained 91.56 points, or 0.4 percent, to a record close at 19,974.62. The Standard & Poor's 500 index picked up 8.23 points, or 0.4 percent, to 2,270.76. The Nasdaq composite also finished at a record as it added 26.50 points, or 0.5 percent, to 5,483.94.
ANALYST'S TAKE: "It's a good day to be an equity bull, however, it's a slow grind higher as opposed to an explosion in demand and the moves we are seeing in many markets are fairly subdued," Chris Weston, chief market strategist at IG, said in a commentary.
GLOBAL ATTACKS: Measured reactions in Turkey and Russia after a gunman killed Russian's ambassador to Turkey suggest the two sides will persist in trying to resolve differences over the war in Syria. The assassination came ahead of a meeting Wednesday on Syria involving Turkey, which backs opponents of President Bashar Assad's government, and Russia and Iran, which support the Syrian regime. Meanwhile, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a truck attack on a crowded Berlin Christmas market that killed at least 12 people and injured 48. Germany is not involved in anti-IS combat operations, but has Tornado jets and a refueling plane stationed in Turkey in support of the coalition fighting militants in Syria.
ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude gained 21 cents to $53.51 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose 24 cents on Tuesday to close at $53.30. Brent crude, used to price international oils, added 19 cents to $55.54 in London. It gained 43 cents in the previous session to $55.35.
CURRENCY: The dollar declined to 117.62 yen from Tuesday's 117.88 yen. The euro edged up to $1.0411 from $1.0391.


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"AMD does precisely what all the journals should do, and…does it exceptionally well. Which is precisely why I sent my work to it, and talk about it all the time to colleagues… I love the journal so much I think of it as a first choice for new work."
–Jeffrey Pfeffer
"We are so excited about this paper, entitled, 'Rediscovering Handoffs'. It helps fill in the 'so what' about whole narrative-network perspective that Martha Feldman and I been working on for a long time. This review process really moved our thinking along a LOT. We are grateful for your help in all this."
–Brian T. PentlandDirector, Center for Business and Social AnalyticsMain Street Capital Partners Endowed Professor
"We have worked for quite a while (years) on this manuscript and always believed there was an important story to be told based on our data. It seems that there wasn't a good fit with journals that focus more heavily on theory until AMD was launched. I've heard similar experiences from other researchers, underscoring the importance of an outlet such as AMD.
We are very happy with the opportunity to publish our article in AMD and I look forward to working on the media enhancements."
–Lieke ten Brummelhuis
"Frank and I are very proud to contribute to the establishment of AMD as one of the most innovative journals in our field. We are really looking forward to developing the multimedia features and can't wait to use them for instance in the classroom when discussing our and other papers with students."
–Christopher Wickert and Frank de Bakker


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Product Dimensions (In.): H0.5 x W5.5 x D7 | Weight (Lbs): 0.14It's all about details, right? Your Cinco de Mayo party won't be complete without cactus ice cubes to keep those margaritas on the rocks frosty. This silicone tray is also perfect for chocolates and other deserts too! Don't worry, cactus needles not included.
- Food and beverage safe silicone
- Makes 6 cactus-shaped ice cubes
- Perfect for chocolates and desserts too!
Average Delivery Time: 3-5 days within the US
Blush is a beverage lifestyle brand for boss babes who like a little bling with their bubs. We carry Blush's full line of fabulous yet functional glassware, flasks, bottle chillers, and barware. These pieces make excellent gifts, bachelorette party favors, or something small to simply brighten your day.
Customers count on us for risk-free, worry-free shopping. Peccadilly customers will be taken care of throughout the entire shopping process, even after packages have been delivered. Rest assured we will do everything possible to ensure the best customer experience.
- Returns will be accepted for atleast 30 days from the date your package was delivered. A full refund will be offered for all unused, unworn items. There is no restocking fee.
- To request a return, simply Contact Us for a return shipping label. The cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Refunds will be issued to your original form of payment.
- The return policy for custom items may vary. Please read the product description and Contact Us if you have any questions.
- We cannot except returns or exchanges for final sale items. Final sale products are clearly marked.
- Peccadilly must be contacted regarding damaged or incorrect items within 7 days of receiving your package.
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- Upon verification, an exchange or full return including shipping costs will be offered. Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or through our Contact Us page.
- Warranty is offered by the manufacturer for many of our Home products. Please read the product description and Contact Us if you have any questions.


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Good morning, good afternoon, good evening friends, happy Saturday! I hope you had a great week and overall a good month. Today I'm back to wrapping up my month with books, life happenings and other fun things. OR not. Keep on reading if you're curious!
March has been slow and uneventful. I have been tired, depressed, okay again, more tired and overall in a sort of life-slump at times. Well, it's been, life, I guess.
If March has been a hellish long month, I'm thrilled that we are now entering April. April means spring, light jackets and sunshine and more exciting things planned with my sister's birthday coming up and a little weekend away to celebrate, discover a new city and bookshops and loads of stuff. SO I AM EXCITED ABOUT IT. Finally fun times are coming.
I should rename this the part where I mention the books I read but failed to review because I am forever oh-so late with all of the reviews. ANYWAY, I would say it has been a pretty good month in terms of reading.
Books I read
Cute, original, realistic.
Read my full review right here.
Gorgeous, breathtaking and magical.
Full review coming this Friday!
Weird, imaginative, a bit creepy?
Mysterious,original, unstoppable.
I think writing has been going, well, just like life has been this past month, so pretty uneventful and kind of boring. I had a massive writing block at the beginning of the month and an overall bleh feeling about my story and where this was going. I think I'm getting slowly out of it and enjoying writing again. I am at 35 K which means I wrote 7 K this month, so about 1 K a week. I think I might be doing very sloooowly but okay.
That month has been a LOT of fun in terms of blogging – I had a blast changing up lots of things with my new domain name and design, I definitely think it was a nice boost. Without further ado, here are the posts you might have missed!
Book reviews
- Optimists Die First, Susin Nielsen
- The Inexplicable Logic of My Life, Benjamin Alire Saenz
- A million worlds with you, Claudia Gray
- Wildly into the dark, Tyler Knott Gregson
- Zenn Diagram, Wendy Brant
- Why do characters matter so much?
- How much time do I spend blogging?
- Why I love traveling as much as I love books
- On Blogging Envy
- The series and novellas trend
Bookish tags & other fun posts
Nyx's Corner
- TV Show Edition : A virgin, some royalty and an unfortunate exchange
Other news & in the next months…
This is kind of an here and there category, but I have a couple of things to share, exciting events that does not fit in the previous categories.
- The first issue of the Stay Bookish Zine, an e-zine entirely dedicated to young adult books, has been released on the 20th of March. I am a writer for this e-zine and a bit in charge of marketing as well. This has been a time-consuming but very exciting project and if you haven't read it yet, I hope that you will. Obviously I wrote about the two loves of my life, blogging and traveling (and books. OF COURSE).
- My #SFATW feature, where I want to reunite book bloggers and such, will probably be back in the next month if I can make it work – I already prepared a couple of things and hopefully lots of bloggers will want to contribute with a fun blog post to get to know each other better and share the love. More on that later on 😉
How was your month? How many books did you read, and which one was your favorite? What's one positive thing that happened to you this March?
Let's chat in comments!


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I saw the dry run of this speech at the RSA East Conference this summer. If you have 4 minutes, its worth a look. It captures some of the sentiments of what we are about.
You can see the full speech here
I saw the dry run of this speech at the RSA East Conference this summer. If you have 4 minutes, its worth a look. It captures some of the sentiments of what we are about.
You can see the full speech here
Comments are closed.
Ian is a positive dynamo of a chap. He is a great ideas chap but one who lands you in reality when needs be, and reminds you of the business plan. A big thinker, hard working, and hugely ethical chap. I like the way he thinks and acts in life and business and it is a pleasure to work with, and be inspired by, Ian.
Ian is inspirational and driven, he has true passion and commitment in everything that he does. His decisions & actions are considered, rational & focussed. His outlook is dynamic & progressive. Ian is a joy to work with- his enthusiasm is catching & he exudes a positive 'Can Do' attitude.
Ian's has a great aptitude for attention to detail and focusses on strategic delivery. I believe he will in the bring added value to any organisation he engages with.
Ian has been an inspiration to me and it has been a pleasure to work for him even though it has been more like with him for the last 8 years. Ian is a great leader whom enables his team to achieve through vision and bold goals and more importantly letting you get on with it but being there to support you on the journey. It has been great to work for someone that is openly challenging and loves what they do but more importantly is open to challenge themselves.
I have worked with Ian at 3 different companies. He is approachable, understanding and innovative. I have always found Ian to be open to new ideas and methods of working - his openness makes him easy to work with and allows the business and the people within it to grow. His flexibility and skills are clear evident by the diverse roles that he has taken within the businesses that he has been involved in.
Ian is a big thinker, a big dreamer and a big doer! With a heart of gold, a solid code of ethics, and integrity to back it up, he seeks wonderful ways and solutions to empower those for whom he serves. As a result of spending a few moments with Ian you will come out more enlightened and richer for it. Ian Hacon, is one of Norfolk's best kept secrets, it is with a sense of great earnestness and sincerity that I recommend him.


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The home of Janet Leigh, made famous for her performance in the shower scene of "Psycho," has been listed for $7.95 million, reports the LA Times.
The home includes 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and 4,400 square feet of living space. The two-sided living room fireplace has a floor-to-ceiling white rock wall, and a cook's kitchen opens to a generous seating area. It sits on more than a half-acre and sits behind gates.
U.S. & World
The property includes a lighted tennis court, swimming pool, built-in barbecue, and cabana. Perched on its own promontory in the hills of Beverly Hills, it enjoys head on views from downtown to the Pacific Ocean.
Leigh died in 2004 at the age of 77.
See the full story on the LA Times.
Copyright LXTVN - LXTV


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A sweeping state budget that would give Ohio residents an income tax cut while scrapping an expansion of Medicaid passed the Republican-controlled House on Thursday after lawmakers agreed to continue discussing health coverage for the poor.
The $61.5 billion, two-year budget rewrites Republican Gov. John Kasich's proposals for overhauling the state tax code and drops his plans to extend Medicaid health coverage to thousands more low-income residents.
The House voted 61-35 on the spending blueprint, which would begin July 1. The plan, with the support of three Democratic lawmakers, now goes to the GOP-dominated Senate, where more changes and hearings are expected.
Before the final vote, representatives dumped a contentious provision approved by a House committee that would have barred instructors from distributing contraceptives or promoting what the provision referred to as "sexual gateway activities" in health education classes.
Other debate was focused on whether the state should move forward with expanding the federal-state Medicaid program under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Roughly 366,000 low-income Ohio residents would be eligible for coverage beginning in 2014 by expanding Medicaid, the health program for the poor that already provides care for one of every five residents in the state. The Kasich administration expects the state to see $13 billion from the federal government over the next seven years to cover those newly eligible for Medicaid.
Instead, representatives Thursday evening unanimously approved an amendment to give lawmakers time to study the issue and allow the state to pursue other options.
The Kasich administration has been negotiating with federal officials for months over the details of possibly providing private health coverage to some people who would be eligible for Medicaid under the expansion.
The amendment directs administration officials to assist lawmakers in developing Medicaid reforms and to submit a Medicaid plan to the Legislature by this fall. It says state lawmakers would have to sign off on any Medicaid proposal that has federal approval before it gets implemented.
The change had the reluctant support of Democrats, who earlier Thursday had tried unsuccessfully to restore Kasich's proposal into the budget.
Democrats argued pursuing expansion was the best way to create new jobs, save state taxpayer dollars and keep Ohio residents healthy.
"We had the opportunity to do the right thing today, not to just kick the can down the road," House Democratic Leader Armond Budish, of Beachwood, told his colleagues.
Still, he said, the amendment was "better than doing nothing."
The amendment requires a future bill be introduced in the House that reforms the Medicaid program and reduces the number of people who enroll in the program over time.
House Finance Chairman Ron Amstutz, a Wooster Republican, said the measure allows lawmakers the chance to work with the Kasich administration to find common ground.
"If we want healthy Ohioans, we need to roll up our sleeves," Amstutz said. "And next week and the week after find ways to come together and do good policy."
The Medicaid expansion is one of the key components of PPACA. Many Republican lawmakers, who dominate the House, are averse to the Democratic president's health overhaul and fear being stuck with the long-term costs of the program.
A Kasich spokesman said Thursday night the administration looks forward to continuing its work on Medicaid.
"We are pleased that the House backed away from its initial position and has listened to the governor and many, many others who have clearly demonstrated the advantages to businesses, Ohio's economic recovery and the health of our state of providing health care to low-income, working Ohioans," spokesman Rob Nichols said in an emailed statement.
Among other changes, the House plan spends slightly less on education overall than the governor had proposed. Lawmakers also added $16 million for a workforce training pilot program for the economically disadvantaged.
The budget bill contains a 7 percent permanent income tax cut. But the House's $1.5 billion income tax reduction over two years is less than the 20 percent Kasich's had originally proposed. The measure also excludes the governor's proposed tax hike on oil and gas drillers. And it eliminates increased sales taxes on professional services, such as those from lawyers and accountants.
Democrats were unsuccessful in their attempts to boost money for local governments and delete a provision that sends Planned Parenthood to the back of the line for public family planning money.


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TopHat Amplifiers are hand built, point-to-point circuit, high performance tube amplifiers with all the tone imaginable. Our Special Design Speaker Cabinets make for the best guitar sound possible. TopHat Amplifiers are made virtually bullet-proof in America with pride and old-school craftsmanship. Best of all, they sound great!
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As some of you may know we have moved our location. We are still in the good old state of North Carolina (GO TARHEELS). Our new location is below and as always if you have any questions about our location please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com Address: TopHat Amplification 20 Piccadilly Ct. Durham, NC 27713 P: 1.919.817.5614
Hello all. Thank you for checking out our new website. We will continue to add new content in the coming weeks as well as keep you up to date on news and product releases in the future.
Dick Denny's name may not have the same resonance with guitarists as Leo Fender's, but for a generation of British guitarists and scores of amplifier builders who came in Denny's wake, his work is no less ingenious or important. Denny, you see, was the brains behind the Vox AC15. With his simple stew of EL84 power tubes, 15 watts of power, and a 12" speaker, he created one of the greatest, most timeless vehicles for electric-guitar expression.


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Suffolk voters sidelined in 3 key races
Choice is good.
In Nassau County, the number of potential Democratic candidates for county executive tripled last week.
Former County Executive Thomas Suozzi? North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman? Roslyn school board member Adam Haber? Which of the Democrats will face incumbent Republican Edward Mangano? So far, nobody's bowing out -- a glorious tangle of a mess that early on is drawing voters' attention to the race.
Compare that with what happened in Suffolk last week, when major political party leaders reduced county races for district attorney, sheriff and treasurer to a festival of yawns.
Rather than running their own candidate, Suffolk Republican leaders said they would endorse incumbent District Attorney Thomas Spota, a Democrat, for a second time, along with Republican Treasurer Angie Carpenter and conservative Sheriff Vincent DeMarco.
Earlier, Democrats indicated they would cross-endorse Republican Carpenter, while conservative leaders are slated to meet soon to cross endorse Spota and Carpenter, too.
The moves will free all three to run unopposed.
At least Carpenter, who ran unsuccessfully against County Executive Steve Bellone in 2011, has been on a campaign trail recently.
But Spota has had no major party opposition since he first won office in 2001. He was cross-endorsed for re-election in 2005 and again in 2009 and now will be cross-endorsed in 2013 to seek another four-year term.
The party leaders' decisions came after Spota, DeMarco and Republican county clerk Judith Pascale won a court decision throwing out part of Suffolk's term-limit law.
The law bars county elected officials from serving more than 12 years in office, but a state judge ruled that county lawmakers had no authority to impose limits on offices created in the state constitution.
Spota has yet to formally announce his intention to seek a fourth term. But if he does -- as is likely -- he will not have to do much campaigning. Nor will DeMarco or Carpenter.
That is not good.
Surely there were issues with the district attorney's office, the sheriff and maybe even the treasurer that could benefit from a good airing.
Instead, Suffolk voters will go to the polls and likely be left to look down at ballots with one name for sheriff, one for district attorney and one for treasurer.
Cross-endorsements are not new. On Long Island, political leaders for years have agreed on cross-endorsements for some judicial candidates. That may not matter to most voters, however, because -- let's be honest -- few take the time to research judicial candidates.
But the district attorney's office is a key county post, with duties that include prosecution of high-profile felony and political corruption cases. And given the controversy over whether the sheriffs or county police would patrol some portions of the Long Island Expressway and Sunrise Highway -- the police won out in a recent agreement with Bellone -- it might have been interesting to hear some debate on the matter.
But that's not going to happen. While Nassau's going through the messy and beautifully democratic process of making political sausage, three positions in Suffolk already have been smoked, bubble-wrapped and stored out of voters' reach.


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Saturday, November 27, 2010
There's One Born Every . . .
20 comments:
- Paul said...
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is one of the best books I've read this year. If this is the new direction American fiction is taking (as many say) then I'm happy to be along for the ride.
I've also been fascinated with the (difficult) writing of Roberto Bolano. After I finished The Savage Detectives I felt the urge to rush out and read more of his writing. Only later did I learn this is a common phenomenon among his readers. There is a sort of addiction to him. Not for everyone, to be sure, but worth the effort required.
Both are new writers to me, and I'm glad I gave them a try.
- November 27, 2010 at 8:00 AM
- Sandra Parshall said...
I haven't read it yet, but a friend of ours, Laura Alden, has a first mystery out titled MURDER AT THE PTA that got a glowing review in the new issue of Mystery Scene magazine. Cozy lovers will definitely want to look for this one. Another first novel that's received a lot of praise is THE LONG QUICHE GOODBYE by Avery Aames, a mystery featuring a protagonist who owns a cheese shop.
- November 27, 2010 at 8:02 AM
- Alan Orloff said...
One of the best books by a debut author I read this year was THE THINGS THAT KEEP US HERE by Carla Buckley.
- November 27, 2010 at 9:24 AM
- Elizabeth Zelvin said...
I just finished Laura Joh Rowland's The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte, and I'm eager to read the sequel, Bedlam.
I met Laura at Sisters in Crime meetings in New York, but hadn't tried her work, which includes a long-running series featuring a samurai detective, until I heard her read from Bedlam at a SinC event.
- November 27, 2010 at 9:32 AM
- VR Barkowski said...
THE PERICLES COMMISSION: A Mystery of Ancient Greece. Smart, clever high stakes murder mystery couched in fascinating history and politics. Nico, the son of a sculptor ends up an unwitting detective when a dead body—Ephialtes, early leader of the democratic movement in ancient Athens—lands in front of him on the street. Great debut by Australian Gary Corby.
- November 27, 2010 at 10:54 AM
- Diane said...
I recently read and very much enjoyed two mysteries by a new author: Joan Dahr Lambert. Her 'detective/heroine' is an American professor of Female studies who - both times - was in England to guest lecture 'at university', and doing some touring just before her lectures. The first is 'Walking Into Murder', the second 'Babes in the Baths'. She has also written some historical - really pre-historical - novels, 'Circles of Stone' being one of them.
- November 27, 2010 at 12:10 PM
- Katreader said...
I love discovering new and new to me authors. I recently met Lisa Bork, a local author and I'm about to start the first in her Broken Vows mystery series, For Better, For Murder.
- November 27, 2010 at 4:15 PM
The quote "There's one born every minute" is from P.T. Barnum.
- November 27, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Right now I cannot put down "L.A. Heat" by Pat Brown. It is very well done & I'll read the rest.
"Mirror Image" is the first novel by Dennis Palumbo and I found it fascinating and will read his next ones.
Great thread! There are so many more that I should be name as well.
- November 27, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Excuse my typo in my previous post.
Rennie Airth's "River of Darkness" was his first book, I believe, about that particular protagonist and I could not put it down. I am so delighted he has written more and I simply must have everything he has written.
- November 27, 2010 at 5:27 PM
- Laura Alden said...
A friend recently convinced me to read Alan Bradley's "Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie." Loved it! The same friend also recommended Craig Johnson and I have a copy of his "The Dark Horse" coming to the top of the TBR pile.
- November 27, 2010 at 5:53 PM
- Unknown said...
My favorite new author is Rachel Brady who wrote Final Approach and will have a new one out next month ... at the top of my Xmas wish list.
Rachel is a NASA scientist and a Mom skilled at skydiving, guitar playing, marathon running, and of course, writing mysteries that are both witty and exciting.
- November 27, 2010 at 7:06 PM
- Sandra Parshall said...
I became a instant fan of Bryan Gruley after reading his debut novel, STARVATION LAKE (paperback original), last year. It was nominated for an Edgar Award, nominated for TWO Anthony Awards and won one of them, and it won a Barry Award. His second book, THE HANGING TREE (also paperback original), came out recently and the combination of all the award nominations/wins and praise for the second book seems to have created a new surge in sales for the first novel. If you like mysteries set in small towns with big secrets, give Bryan's books a try.
- November 27, 2010 at 7:30 PM
- Athanasia said...
SHOOTERS AND CHASERS by Lenny Kleinfeld. I can't wait for the next in the series. Everything felt real about it, wasn't over the top, characters were characters, not caricatures. Not that I don't like a wild and crazy mystery, but I really enjoyed the style and
flow of dialogue and the connection between the partners.
- November 27, 2010 at 9:16 PM
- Beth Kanell said...
Two "first books" from 2010 that are so good that I keep having to purchase more copies: Rock Paper Tiger by Lisa Brackmann, set in today's China and involving online gaming!; and Bulletproof Mascara, by Bethany Maines, a terrific action spoof of a favorite cosmetics company that will do anything to rescue a woman.
- November 28, 2010 at 8:02 AM
Have to agree with Oscar Wao - but after all, it won the Pulitzer in 2006.
I recommend LOISAIDA, by Marion Stein. It is a chilling, gritty account of life on the streets of that lower Manhattan village. A narrative so realistic in its portrayal of the streets, it'd make Jimmy Breslin jealous.
- November 28, 2010 at 8:10 AM
- Sheila Connolly said...
How new is new? I was blown away by Tana French's first two books In the Woods and The Likeness, which were unlike each other but compelling, and her third book is waiting on my TBR pile.
The same for Bradley's Sweetness (that sounds like an apple variety, doesn't it?). I know some people found the protagonist improbable, but I could definitely identify with her.
So many books, so little time!
- November 28, 2010 at 9:42 AM
- Jean Henry Mead said...
Alan Orloff's debut novel, Diamonds for the Dead has received rave reviews and a great blurb by John Gilstrap. His interview is up this week at Mysterious Writers:
- November 28, 2010 at 10:47 AM
- Lonnie Cruse said...
WOW!!! Great suggestions from each of you. And I LOVE it that all of you are so passionate about reading! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments!
- November 28, 2010 at 2:50 PM
- jenny milchman said...
Shoot, is it too late to suggest Nadine Doolittle's ICED UNDER? This is a terrific read by a Candian debut novelist who creates atmosphere and a budding sense of ominousness better than anyone I've read of late...
- November 29, 2010 at 8:06 PM


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Your very first Windstar voyage welcomes you to membership in the Windstar Yacht Club, a private passport to privilege for our honored guests. Windstar Yacht Club members enjoy special benefits when you book, while you're on board, and every time you share the Windstar experience with friends and family.
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UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — Prince George's County Democrats have chosen businessman Greg Hall to replace Delegate Tiffany Alston in the Maryland General Assembly after she was convicted of paying a law firm employee with state money.
The county's Democratic Central Committee voted Friday night to nominate Hall for the post. The selection requires the approval of Gov. Martin O'Malley.
If approved, Hall would serve the remainder of Alston's four-year term through 2014. Hall ran for the seat unsuccessfully in 2010.
On Thursday, the General Assembly's legal counsel ruled that Alston's conviction mandated her removal from the House of Delegates.
In June, a jury found Alston guilty of misdemeanor theft for paying a law firm employee $800 in state money. She received a suspended sentence last month.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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text: The young American designer and Rhode Island School of Design graduate Louie Rigano has devised this ingenious wall clock whose hour hands have been replaced by the Venn diagram composed of variously sized, translucent discs in three primary colours; red (hour), blue (minute) and yellow (seconds). While perhaps not the most legible, the highly-abstract appearance of 'About Time' is certainly an innovative reinterpretation of a traditional timepiece. (more…)


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Cursive - From The Hips
Maritime - Someone Has To Die
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Christmas Cards
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Age: 3-10 Million Years Old
Species: Charcharodon Megaldon
This is a very nice, 2" beautifully preserved fossil specimen of an extinct giant shark! It has been made into a pendant that includes a hemp-string necklace. An 18" Sterling silver snake chain necklace will be included as well for the sake of options.
Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon), meaning "big tooth", is an extinct species of shark that lived approximately 23 to 2.6 million years ago (mya), during the Early Miocene to the end of the Pliocene. It was formerly thought to belong to the family Lamnidae, making it closely related to the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). However presently there is near unanimous consensus that it belongs to the extinct family Otodontidae, which diverged from the ancestry of the great white shark during the Early Cretaceous. Its genus placement is still debated, authors placing it in either Carcharocles, Megaselachus, Otodus, or Procarcharodon.


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Beyond the striking label, the 2010 Marilyn Merlot offers much, much more:
The long cool growing season of 2010 in Napa Valley yielded Merlot wines of lovely balance and elegance. 2010 Marilyn Merlot is completely ready to enjoy on release and offers the promise of graceful aging as well. A great conversation piece at dinner, a wine that lives up to its promise of Napa glamour in a glass.
AWARDS: 87 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Double Gold Award Florida International Wine Compeition
Silver Award Finger Lakes International Wine Compeition
Silver Award Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition
The photo portrait of Marilyn Monroe in a red dress set against a black background is from the last photo session with Milton Greene in 1957, and it is as playful as it is provocative -- qualities Marilyn often combined in films and in life.
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