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Ugghh – that faux pentaprism is so passe! Might make a good perch for a parrot.
Olympus has announced its new OM-D E-M1 interchangeable lens camera, which is now the flagship of its Micro Four Thirds lineup. Rather than calling it the follow-up to the E-M5, Olympus says that the E-M1 is actually the 'successor' to the E-5, a Four Thirds DSLR introduced back in 2010.
The E-M1's 16.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor has on-chip phase detection, which promises to focus legacy Four Thirds lenses (using the optional MMF-3 adapter) at much faster speeds than previous Olympus m4/3 cameras.
Other interesting features include the E-M1's large electronic viewfinder, which has a magnification of 1.48X, a touch-enabled LCD, a rugged body that is water, dust, and freezeproof, and an impressive number of customizable buttons. Wi-Fi is also included.
The OM-D EM-1 will be available in October in a body-only configuration for $1399.99 / £1299.99. Buyers in the UK can get the HLD-7 battery grip if they pre-order the camera before launch, plus the MMF-3 Four Thirds adapter if they purchase the E-M1 by the end of November.
For more information, read our First Impressions Review of the Olympus OM-D EM-1
Jump to:
Micro Four Thirds® Camera Delivers Maximum Four Thirds® Lens Performance, DSLR Image Quality, Rugged Durability and Super-Large EVF; New Lenses Establish M.ZUIKO® PRO Category
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 10, 2013 – In response to the demand for a compact system camera as powerful as a professional DSLR, Olympus introduces the OM-D E-M1®, its new premium flagship camera and worthy Micro Four Thirds successor to the Olympus E-5 DSLR. The E-M1 has a revolutionary design for advanced photographers looking for a high-performance tool in a compact system camera package. The powerful E-M1 is packed with incredible speed and image quality that rivals full-frame DSLRs, in a portable yet lightweight body designed to go anywhere.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 now works seamlessly with all ZUIKO Digital lenses, in addition to working with M.ZUIKO Digital lenses, so photographers can enjoy optimum performance of the entire Olympus lens lineup. This is possible due to advanced DUAL FAST AF system that combines both Contrast AF and On-Chip Phase Detection AF. DSLR users familiar with an optical viewfinder will marvel at its electronic viewfinder (EVF) that is as large as a full-frame DSLR viewfinder and has added creative control. Its ergonomic body provides easy access to all manual controls and is ready for action in the most difficult shooting conditions.
Olympus also announces today the development of two new high-performance lenses, establishing the M.ZUIKO PRO lens category. The ZUIKO Digital ED 12–40mm f2.8 PRO lens (24–80mm, 35mm equivalent) and the ZUIKO Digital ED 40–150mm f2.8 PRO (80–300mm, 35mm equivalent) will expand the imaging options for professionals and serious photo enthusiasts alike.
With the OM-D E-M1, experience the highest image quality of any Olympus camera through the combination of a new 16.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor, a new TruePic VII image processor, and its best-in-class M.ZUIKO lenses. The TruePic VII image processor reduces noise and color fading at high ISOs for improved image reproduction. New Fine Detail Processing II technology configures the appropriate sharpness processing for each individual lens for natural, high-quality resolution, as well as reducing compression artifacts when recording movies.
The newly developed DUAL FAST AF selects the ideal method, depending on lens type and settings: either 37-point On-Chip Phase Detection AF or 81-point Contrast Detection AF to maximize the performance of both ZUIKO and M.ZUIKO lenses. Both systems work together to significantly improve continuous autofocus tracking performance when a Micro Four Thirds lens is attached and C-AF is selected. Users can select Group Target AF for a variety of situations, Small Target AF for pinpoint shooting, or Super Spot AF for capturing even smaller subjects and specifying a small area focus location during macro shooting.
The TruePic VII engine supports 10 frames-per-second shooting with a 41-picture RAW buffer in single autofocus (S-AF) mode and 6.5 frames-per-second shooting with a 50-picture RAW buffer in continuous autofocus (C-AF) mode.
The E-M1's advanced, built-in Interactive Electronic Viewfinder features a 1.48x (35mm equivalent of .74x) magnification factor that rivals full-frame DSLR cameras. The extremely high-resolution 2.36 million-dot LCD panel provides a large, clear image that is on a par with optical viewfinders. Tracking moving subjects is completely natural, with a display time lag of only 0.029 seconds. Users can experiment with aspect ratio, magnification, color, and highlight and shadow, and the effects of camera settings on subjects are viewable prior to capturing the finished image. Adaptive Brightness Control raises the brightness when shooting in bright outdoor conditions and lowers the brightness in dark indoor conditions, reducing visual errors from light and dark adaptation of the eye.
Color Creator is a new easy-to-use tool that fine-tunes hue and color saturation using the intuitive GUI and Live View screen, so users can create original images imbued with their own choice of colors. Creative Color was created with a designer's sensitivity in mind, and hue can be adjusted in 30 steps, and color saturation adjusted in eight steps, including the baseline.
The Olympus E-M1's built-in 5-Axis Image Stabilization with Multi-Motion IS mechanism reduces the effects of camera motion and image blur from five directions. Whether shooting stills or HD video, even the motion blur caused by walking or running is stabilized. New algorithms make image stabilization more effective at low shutter speeds. When it is employed while panning during still image shooting or movie recording, IS-AUTO mode automatically detects the camera's movements and provides optimal correction regardless of direction or camera orientation – even when panning in a diagonal direction. Users can check the image stabilization effects on the Live View screen as well as the viewfinder to accurately frame and focus, even during telephoto or macro shooting. Multi-Motion IS, used in combination with the 5-Axis Image Stabilization mechanism, produces excellent correction during movie recording.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 expands the dustproof and splashproof capabilities of the E-M5 even further with freezeproof capabilities — guaranteed operation down to 14 ºF — for the best environmental resistance of any Olympus interchangeable lens camera. Its durable magnesium alloy body, and weather-resistant seals and gaskets block moisture and dust for use in any environment, without sacrificing image quality. The camera's Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) dust reduction system vibrates at a super-high speed of more than 30,000 times per second to powerfully remove dust particles so users can shoot in dusty environments.
Ultimate Camera Control
Advanced photographers will appreciate the intuitive 2×2 Dial Control system to easily adjust four often-used functions with the camera's lever or two dials: aperture/shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO speed and white balance. A built-in grip similar to that of the E-M5 makes shooting with Four Thirds lenses more comfortable, and all frequently accessed buttons are logically laid out. Controls are now more functional: the settings reset function is activated by pressing and holding the OK button and there is a toggle option for the My Settings shortcut and a locking mode dial to prevent unintentional movement of the mode dial during shooting or when removing the camera from a case or bag. The dedicated "mic-in" jack supports an external microphone when recording HD movies and a built-in X-Sync socket easily connects to studio strobes.
Built-In Wi-Fi
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 includes built-in Wi-Fi, and the set-up is simple. By quickly scanning the QR code displayed on the camera's LCD with a smart device, it syncs with the Wi-Fi network created by the camera. The free Olympus Image Share 2.0 smartphone app synchronizes a user's smartphone and E-M1 so the camera's "Live View" is effectively displayed on the phone, and the camera can be controlled by touching the smartphone display as if it were the camera. This is ideal for taking self-portraits, capturing images of wildlife from a distance and sharing images easily online. The E-M1's remote shooting function has been improved for use in all main shooting modes (P, A, S, M and iAUTO). Users can now wirelessly adjust various settings, such as the shutter speed, aperture value, ISO and exposure compensation, as well as operate the Live Bulb shooting mode from their Wi-Fi devices. They can also use their smartphone to embed GPS information into their images.
More Creative Features
New Diorama II adds to the popular range of Olympus in-camera Art Filters and offers left and right blur effect in addition to the top and bottom blur effect of Diorama I. The Olympus E-M1 is equipped with two variations of HDR Shooting – HDR1 and HDR2. With a single press of the shutter button, four images with differing exposures are captured and automatically merged in the camera into a single HDR high-contrast image or super-high-contrast image. Photo Story mode enables users to capture a scene from multiple viewpoints and then combine the images into a single image to create unique collages inside the camera. Time Lapse Movie converts the series of pictures taken using interval shooting into a movie inside the camera. The Time Lapse Movie length has been increased to a maximum of 100 seconds. The number of possible shots that can be captured with Interval Shooting has been increased to 999. The E-M1 is also equipped with Focus Peaking, which dramatically improves the usability of older manual focus lenses.
New High-Performance Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge
The M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO lens (24–80mm, 35mm equivalent) is the first model in the new M.ZUIKO PRO category and is scheduled for release at the same time as the Olympus OM-D E-M1. It features dustproof and waterproof performance, toughness and excellent image quality. Its mount employs the same type of sealing as the camera body and is Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) with high-speed, near-silent autofocus during still shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture. It maintains the brightness of a constant f2.8 aperture for high-grade image creation, one of the requirements of professional photographers for a high-performance lens.
The M.ZUIKO Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO (80–300mm, 35mm equivalent) also joins the new M.ZUIKO PRO lens category. This lens is currently under development, with a planned release in the latter half of 2014. It will be a telephoto zoom lens with a bright constant f2.8 aperture and will feature a dustproof and splashproof construction rugged enough for professional use.
Several new accessories are designed to complement the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and broaden the creative horizons of all advanced photographers. The HLD-7 Power Battery Holder is a dustproof and splashproof power battery holder that can enable the capture of approximately 680 shots (based on CIPA tests) between charges. It features a shutter button for shooting with the camera held vertically and two control dials and two function buttons for the same easy controls as when shooting from a horizontal position. The GS-5 Grip Strap for the HLD-7 keeps buttons and dials accessible even when the battery holder is attached. The PT-EP11 Underwater Case is made exclusively for the Olympus E-M1 and allows shooting down to 45 meters.
The new CBG-10 Camera Bag is compact, yet designed with Four Thirds lens use in mind, and the highly water-resistant CS-42SF Soft Camera Case, which is part of the Camera Bag CBG-10 system, is made exclusively for use with the E-M1. The CSS-P118 Shoulder Strap is made of washable material with a slender width that matches the versatility of the Micro Four Thirds System.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 will be available in October 2013 in the following configurations.
Estimated Street Price:
$1399.99 Body only, available in Black
To find out more about the OM-D E-M1, and for a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website at: http://www.getolympus.com/e-m1.html
|Body type
|Body type
|SLR-style mirrorless
|Body material
|Magnesium alloy
|Max resolution
|4608 x 3456
|Image ratio w:h
|1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
|Effective pixels
|16.3 megapixels
|Sensor photo detectors
|16.8 megapixels
|Sensor size
|Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
|Sensor type
|TruePIC VII
|Color space
|sRGB, Adobe RGB
|Color filter array
|Primary color filter
|100-25600 in 1/3EV or 1EV increments
|White balance presets
|Custom white balance
|Image stabilization
|Image stabilization notes
|'5-axis' IS
|Uncompressed format
|JPEG quality levels
|Super Fine, Fine, Normal, Basic
|File format
|Image parameters
|Optics & Focus
|Autofocus assist lamp
|Digital zoom
|Yes (2X)
|Manual focus
|Yes (with focus peaking)
|Number of focus points
|Lens mount
|Micro 4/3 Lens Mount
|Focal length multiplier
|Screen / viewfinder
|Articulated LCD
|Screen size
|Screen dots
|Touch screen
|Live view
|Viewfinder type
|Viewfinder coverage
|100 %
|Viewfinder magnification
|Viewfinder resolution
|Photography features
|Minimum shutter speed
|60 sec
|Maximum shutter speed
|1/8000 sec
|Exposure modes
|Scene modes
|Built-in flash
|No (compact external flash included)
|External flash
|Yes (hot-shoe, wireless)
|Flash modes
|Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (2nd curtain), Manual
|Flash X sync speed
|1/320 sec
|Drive modes
|Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom)
|Metering modes
|Exposure compensation
|±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
|AE Bracketing
|±2 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
|WB Bracketing
|Yes (3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis)
|Videography features
|Videography notes
|1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
|Storage types
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
|Yes (micro HDMI)
|Wireless notes
|802.11b/g/n with smartphone connectivity
|Remote control
|Yes (optional RM-UC1 wired remote)
|Environmentally sealed
|Yes (Dust, splash, freeze resistent)
|Battery Pack
|Battery description
|BLN-1 lithium-ion battery pack
|Battery Life (CIPA)
|Weight (inc. batteries)
|497 g (1.10 lb / 17.53 oz)
|130 x 94 x 63 mm (5.13 x 3.68 x 2.48″)
|Other features
|Orientation sensor
|Timelapse recording
Source Article from http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/09/10/olympus-blends-e-m5-and-e-5-to-create-om-d-e-m1-flagship-interchangeable-lens-camera


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The scope of Remembrance Sunday will be broadened this year, to include people whose exploits are too often overlooked. Bill Rogers, a spokesman for the Royal British Legion, made special mention of World of Warcraft combatants, who regularly put their virtual lives on the line. 'They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old', he said, in a reference to those wargamers who seem arrested in perpetual adolescence. 'We remember the participants of other role-playing games too, especially those who selflessly assume the identity of unpopular characters with limited powers, such as dwarfs and trolls'.
As the nation prepares to honour those who have fallen in battle, Bill warmed to his theme. 'We remember those who died in two world wars, and subsequent wars, and small, one-sided conflicts in far-away places. We remember the veterans of the Cod War, who, forty years on, cannot look at a plate of fish fingers without getting flashbacks. We remember the Falklands War, and, in particular, the fact that, until Margaret Thatcher mobilised the task force, very few politicians on either side of the house could have pointed out the Falklands on an atlas of the world. Even fewer were aware that the Falklands were British.
'We remember those who searched for weapons of mass destruction, during the Gulf War smokescreen, even though they knew it was a wild goose chase. We remember those who took part in George Bush's War on Terror: lining up the military might of the western world against an abstract noun. We remember Tony Blair's lame excuses… that he was 'only giving orders.
'We pay tribute to the part-time volunteers in the Territorial Army who risk having their weekend plans disrupted. We celebrate the fantasists who dress up in khaki fatigues and play at being soldiers, probably because they never got the chance to take part in a real shooting war. We salute the members of the Sealed Knot, who risk open mockery by dressing up to re-enact famous battles from the past. We acknowledge their pride in making their performances as historically faithful as possible – assuming that only 35 people contested the battle the first time round.
'We remember all these people by wearing poppies, in a unique double celebration of war and opiate-based drugs. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.'

subset: commoncrawl


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UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Alyssa Thomas was drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in the WNBA draft Monday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Thomas was then traded to the Connecticut Sun minutes later in a blockbuster deal.
Thomas is the sixth Terrapin under head coach Brenda Frese to be a top ten draft pick.
Thomas was one of 12 of the nation's top prospects to be invited to attend the WNBA Draft. The three-time ACC Player of the Year was named a WBCA All-American, a First Team All-American by the Associated Press and a USBWA All-American last week after leading the Terrapins (28-7) to their fourth Final Four.
"I'm just really excited and thrilled to be headed to Connecticut," Thomas said. "I want to thank the Connecticut Sun head coach Anne Donovan and staff. I wouldn't be here without Coach Frese and the great staff at Maryland, my family and my coaches and friends in Harrisburg. This is a dream come true and no words describe what it felt like to have my name called."
The Connecticut Sun went 10-24 in the 2013 season. For more on the Sun, click here.
Nine of Frese's players at Maryland have been drafted by the WNBA and six have been first round picks. Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver went second and third overall in 2009, while Crystal Langhorne went sixth and Laura Harper was the 10th pick in the 2008 draft. Most recently, Tianna Hawkins was selected sixth overall by the Seattle Storm last year.
Thomas led the Terrapins in scoring with 19.0 points per game and in rebounding with 10.9 rebounds per game. In the NCAA First Round, she passed Juan Dixon as Maryland's all-time leading scorer. She ended her career with 2,356 career points and as the school's leading rebounder with 1,235 career rebounds.
Thomas led the ACC with 28 double-doubles in 35 games played this year and led the nation with four triple-doubles. She is one of just three players in NCAA history with six or more triple-doubles in her career.


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By Chris Wright
Ferran Soriano: Fingered in the ring
Man City chief executive Ferran Soriano has been implicated by Catalonian prosecutors in an ongoing investigation into the way former Barcelona president Joan Laporta allegedly illegally monitored internal communications during his time at the club.
Prosecutors have accused Soriano, who served as Barca's financial vice-president during Laporta's tenure, of approving payments to outside parties for spying on internal staff emails.
He reportedly signed off several invoices to a company called 'Cyber Experience', which installed an internal server to flag-up internal emails containing certain keywords. All the relevant emails were then collated and reported to Soriano and the rest of the board members in meetings.
This from the Telegraph:
"The senior prosecutor has found that Soriano signed off invoices to another company, Intelligence Bureau, and Cyber Experience and that meetings were held to keep Soriano and other board members informed of findings.
"Originally, around 20 computers were monitored in this way with "stopping leaks to the press" being the motivation behind the surveillance, but Cyber Experience later recommended covering the whole internal network.
"Prosecutors have also found that Barcelona paid a private detective agency to compile files on four presidential candidates at a cost of £14,000 each, without their knowledge.
"Prosecutors say the system was in place between 2005 and 2008, initially monitoring 20 computers with a view to "stopping leaks to the press" but later expanded to cover the entire internal network."
The prosecutor told the Court of Justice of Catalonia said he had found "indications of criminal responsibility", but Soriano, who ended his five years in Barcelona in June 2008 with a vote of no confidence from Laporta, has not yet been formally charged with anything.
Laporta himself has gone on record as saying "the whole thing was based on a campaign to discredit the reputation of the president and managers of FC Barcelona in the period 2003-2010".
Internal espionage? Suspected moles and sleeper agents? The 'Intelligence Burea'? Crikey, it's likes something from a Len Deighton novel.


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Women's Sandals, Flip Flops & Wedges
Get set for the summer with our bright selection of sandals. Whether it's an on trend Jelly sandal or a classic flip-flop you will find your perfect style here. We've everything from block heels, to wedges & platforms plus a great range of comfort styles too. Oh and don't forget to stock up on the essential Birkenstock's and Crocs!


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Felix Salmon is right: CDS should not be regulated by insurance commissioners, primarily because CDS are not insurance contracts. Felix does a good job of explaining why CDS shouldn't be regulated by insurance commissioners, so I won't repeat him. I can, however, provide the legal reasoning. Virtually all US-based CDS are governed by New York state law. Section 1101(a)(1) of the New York Insurance Law defines an "insurance contract" as follows:
"Insurance contract" means any agreement or other transaction whereby one party, the "insurer," is obligated to confer benefit of pecuniary value upon another party, the "insured" or "beneficiary," dependent upon the happening of a fortuitous event in which the insured or beneficiary has, or is expected to have at the time of such happening, a material interest which will be adversely affected by the happening of such event.First, protection sellers in CDS contracts are obligated to confer a benefit of pecuniary value on protection buyers dependent upon the happening of a defined credit event (e.g., bankruptcy, failure to pay). Second, a credit event in a CDS contract probably qualifies as a "fortuitous event." However, a CDS contract does not require that the protection buyer have a "material interest which will be adversely affected" by a credit event—as everyone knows by now, CDS contracts don't require the protection buyer to own the reference obligation, or to have any interest whatsoever in the reference entity. Moreover, payment by the protection seller in a CDS contract is not dependent on the protection buyer suffering an actual loss, whereas actual loss is a fundamental element of an insurance contract. In 2000, the NY Insurance Department's Office of General Counsel issued an opinion concluding that CDS do not constitute insurance contracts. The opinion doesn't appear to be available on the internet, so I've embedded it below. Here's the key language in the 2000 OGC Opinion:
[A] credit default swap . . . does not meet the definition of Insurance contract in N.Y. Ins. Law Section 1101(a)(1)(McKinney 1985)1 because, under the terms of the transaction, the seller will make payment to the buyer upon the happening of a negative credit event and such payment is not dependent on the buyer having suffered a loss.In other words, as long as CDS contracts don't require protection buyers to suffer an actual loss in order to collect payment, they don't constitute insurance contracts under New York law. (I'm ignoring the NY Insurance Department's ridiculous attempt last September to reinterpret the definition of "insurance contract" to include covered CDS, because the Department subsequently dropped the ill-considered plan, and its legal reasoning was, to be perfectly honest, a joke. It was a purely political stunt.) 2000 OGC Opinion


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At 36 years old, William Hurley has been involved in IT for more than half his life, starting after a car accident that left him badly injured. While recovering, he began hacking X-objects for MacroMind and later Macromedia Director in the open-source multimedia community, then went to work at Apple Inc. and IBM, where he was a master inventor and senior manager of targeted Internet applications. Later, he joined a string of start-ups, including Qlusters Inc., where he was chief technology officer; Symbiot Inc., where he was a co-founder and CTO; and HireStorm Inc., where he was the founder and CTO. He has combined his love for open source with his longtime work in IT systems management, which he has pursued at BMC since joining the company in February. Hurley has a unique MO that makes him as comfortable in the boardroom as he is on the legendary long green skateboard he often uses to commute to work -- and to get around at open-source conferences.
Hurley, better known in the open-source community as "whurley," talked recently about his background, his enthusiasm for open source -- and his skateboard. Excerpts from that interview follow.


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At every stop, we have the ability to positively impact each student's day. This is more than transportation. This is the start of a better school day.
With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry's strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services.
Leveraging GPS and other on-board technology, our proprietary software, FOCUS, increases communication, efficiency and management of your transportation system.
From improved service and safety performance to greater cost efficiencies, contracting student transportation can benefit your school district on multiple levels.
We work closely with your school district to ensure the solutions we provide represent a collective, forward-thinking response to your community's unique needs.
When you join First Student, you become part of a team of dedicated professionals who support education by ensuring children have a safe, reliable way to get to and from school.
Ease into the before and after-school rush with the FirstView District Dashboard and Parent app, the industry's most comprehensive and secure bus tracking and parent communication platform.
Safety first.Because of that commitment,we're twice as safe as theindustry average.
Turn-key services. Special needs transportation. Managed services. You decide what will work for your circumstances.
Our streamlined data tools allow teams to identify efficiencies — optimizing your school bus transportation.
From bus tracking to Wi-Fi-enabled school buses, we bring 21st century connectivity to districts, students, and families.
"There was a feeling by the administration that First Student was the company that was going to stick by us and solve our problems as they came. And they weren't going to walk away when things got tough." Read more >
- Christy Fielding, Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations
"There is no difference between the district and the contractor — we are a team. We meet on a constant basis to try to figure out the best thing for the kids in Syracuse." Read more >
- Pat Bailey, Former Director of Transportation
"You can't stop technology. It ever changing, and here, at Stevenson, we want to take the initiative and jump on board and take advantage of new innovations. First Student is keenly aware of what our expectations are, and they continue to help us meet our goals." Read more >
- Steve Tucker, Dean of Students
Managing school bus transportation is increasingly complicated and time-consuming. Discover why one-third of school districts privatize transportation.
We apply our comprehensive resources to your local, long-term priorities, building a collaborative partnership with you and your community.
No two school districts are the same. We personalize student transportation services including early and special education, pre-school. Helping with any changing needs throughout the year.
Let us show you how contracting with First Student can simplify your life. We offer more than 100 years of transportation expertise. From route optimizations and specialized management teams to full turn-key operations, we have the experience for every situation. Our locally-hired teams are professionally trained.You focus on driving your students' imaginations, we'll focus on driving them safely.


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So this week I splashed the cash and splurged out on a whole load of homewear products.
First up is this amazing throw for my bed. It's so soft and the most comfortable blanket I have ever lay on. My dog Mollie hasn't left my bed since I bought it! It is from Home Bargains and is probably the best £10 (£9.99) I have ever spent!
The next product is new clock. I haven't had a clock in my room since I were very young and decided it was time to get one back. I am due to get my room re-done and I am thinking of have a glittery theme, so this fits perfectly. This clock is also from Home Bargains.
Up next is a set of 3 candles from Home Bargains too. These heart shaped candles are so cute and look like they will last quite a while. I always love to have plenty of candles in my room to make sure it is very holy and cozy. Although these don't have a specific sent, they still smell nice.
While on holiday i picked up this set of 7 super cute marble elephants. As soon as i saw them on the shelf i HAD to get them! I am still trying to find room to put them up in my room but i definitely will be putting them someone on show.
I also purchased a letter board for only £4.99. I have seen a few of these popping up in other peoples Instagram pictures (Go follow me on insta @livslittleblog) so have been really on the hunt for one. I have used it once and it is great! This is also from Home Bargains
Next up is some cacti i picked up while at Ikea. They are a perfect size and in such a cute colour pot. They come in a pack of 3, which are all different shapes. I have had some of these before and they lasted so long so i was very excited to pick up some more.
Another item i bought at ikea was this lamp. It is the same colour as the cacti meaning it will match perfectly. I think it is a really cool shape and not just your average stand lamp. It only cost me around £10 too!
The final 3 things i bought from Home Bargains to go together. First up is a flat glass bowl. is is a perfect size to fit on my shelf and not too big that it will look out of place. I have put these acrylic diamonds in the blown along with the fairy lights i bought too. It looks so cute and makes the diamonds sparkle all over my room.


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The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S23
Moderator: Big-Will
- Posts: 1793
- Joined: Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:14 pm
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Lyon82 wrote:Kyle is probably the one who works best as a secondary character than a main one because of his much more rational personality compared to the others. And while his character is the stick in the mud of them, it's kinda necessary for someone to play the foil when the plot gets absurd. It also allows for a good bit of play on the self righteousness from time to time.
This. This is so much true. Kyle's major point, especially recently, has been to be a counter to the ridiculousness going on in the episode. Without someone or something to keep the whole thing grounded than it would lose a ton of its impact. Though he used to do more, Kyle tends to mostly act as a foil to everything else going on around him.
To be fair; I think many of the things that people are complaining about are because Kyle's stayed fairly grounded whereas many of the plots and stories are flying off in random directions. We rarely see the whole group working together anymore. More often there's something much more specific going on and Kyle is constantly portrayed as the foil to the main story of the episode.
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Cartman: Line? Lines! I HATE LINES!!!
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
The issue with Kyle acting in a lead is that he is painstakingly rational. That means he needs to get into situations based on being oblivious or the rational option backfiring. South Park is so absurd that it's hard for him to act other than being a foil for the others. It's just the reality of smart characters in popular fiction, particularly comedies, seldom being used as the lead. Rational just isn't the basis for amusement without that foil around.
Of course, it'd be kinda nice if he got a growing up episode where he realizes he needs to act more like a kid as a means to dial down the direction of later seasons to put him in the position of the rational and moral compass.
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Oct 09, 2011 10:41 pm
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
You Bastard!
Mmhmmm mhmmmmhm
Yeah I want some cheesy poofs.
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2013 6:02 am
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Today, May 26 2013 is Kyle's 24th birthday (based off his Facebook profile on an episode and he was 8 in 1997)
Yeah, he's a cartoon character, but WHO CARES?
Happy Birthday Kyle!
Charecter(out of the 4 boys): Kyle
Chatecter(in all): Butters
Episodes: Butters' Very Own Episode,Chreekoke Hair Tampons,and Kenny Dies.
gender: girl
location: US
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:33 pm
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Anyways I digress - I feel that each of the four main characters add something to the show that has made it what it is today - and in Kyle's case that's the moral voice. The moral voice has been one of the many things that has set the show apart from others and therefore has been a reason why it has been able to go on for so long. We should all at least appreciate that, (as well as the fact that Kyle is of course based on Matt) so it does bother me hearing some people be so hateful towards him.
He always tries to do the right thing which often backfires, showing us that you won't get rewarded in life for doing what's right and you might even get a ton of sh*t. Do it because it's the right thing, not because you expect something in return. Because you'll be disappointed if you do.
He is also flawed and can be an assh*le without realising it. However despite how things might appear in recent episodes I do believe he has the best intentions, and that is what people are like in real life. We should all try to be a good person but we will f*ck up sometimes. That's what I get from him anyway.
I can write so much more and It's frustrating how fictional animated 10 year olds can have so much depth.
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
Favorite season: Season 10
Favorite character: Kyle Broflovski
Kyle Broflovski
Kyle is the only Jew boy in town, so it is taunted by Eric Cartman . She has a younger adopted brother , Canadian , named Ike . His mother, Sheila , is extremely protective and often salt horse trying to keep the boy away from evil , for example swearing .
Kyle is very quick to anger , and therefore did not hesitate to respond violently antisemitic Cartman bites , otherwise rivalry with the Cartman is one of the main action and humor of the show .
Whether he or Stan , each time announcing the death of Kenny to reply , having reached famous , "Oh my God ! They Killed Kenny ! " To which the other responds, " You bastards ." Along with Stan , Kyle occasionally take the role of " conscience" of the group , concluding episodes to reply " I learned something today ... " followed by series creators morals that I wish to convey to the public.
Is my favorite caracter.
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2013 3:53 am
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
(That Charlie Brown reference in Jewpacabra was awesome)
Favorite Episode: Scott Tenorman Must Die
Favorite Season(s): 1, 2, 3, and 8
First Episode Seen: Summer Sucks (officially)
- Posts: 1793
- Joined: Thu Dec 23, 2004 10:14 pm
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
bigstupidflyingfish wrote:Honestly, i think Kyle is more of a main character than Stan is
(That Charlie Brown reference in Jewpacabra was awesome)
That may be questionable, but I generally agree with you. As far as time shown; Kyle probably isn't the main character of the show. However, Kyle is the all important straight man in the show. His role may not be popular, but it's completely necessary for the show to exist.
Re: The Official Kyle Discussion Thread thru S20
He's my favorite character too and I like how he seems to be the voice of reason since Stan's personality change in YGO/AB.ssk1777 wrote:Definitely my favorite character.
Plus he normally fights back when Cartman insults him for being Jewish.
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Search here for new books. For information about used, sale, and other in-store items please call or email us
Regeneration (Paperback)
"The trilogy is trying to tell something about the parts of war that don't get into the official accounts" Pat Barker
The first book of the Regeneration Trilogy and a Booker Prize nominee
In 1917 Siegfried Sasson, noted poet and decorated war hero, publicly refused to continue serving as a British officer in World War I. His reason: the war was a senseless slaughter. He was officially classified "mentally unsound" and sent to Craiglockhart War Hospital. There a brilliant psychiatrist, Dr. William Rivers, set about restoring Sassoon's "sanity" and sending him back to the trenches. This novel tells what happened as only a novel can. It is a war saga in which not a shot is fired. It is a story of a battle for a man's mind in which only the reader can decide who is the victor, who the vanquished, and who the victim.
One of the most amazing feats of fiction of our time, Regneration has been hailed by critics across the globe. As August 2014 marks the 100-year anniversary of World War I, this book is as timely and relevant as ever.
About the Author
PAT BARKER has earned a place in the first rank of contemporary British writers with such novels as "Union Street," "Regeneration" (shortlisted for Britain's prestigious Booker Prize and chosen by the "New York Times" as one of the four best novels of 1992), "The Eye in the Door" (winner of the 1993 Guardian fiction prize), and "The Ghost Road" (winner of the 1995 Booker Prize). The latter three novels are available in Dutton hardcover and Plume paperback editions. Pat Barker lives in Durham, England.


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1. First off, the picture needs to be available on the web somewhere, eg. on your own website or in the website gallery.
2. Get the address to your picture you want to post. To do this, find the picture (make sure you find it in its FULL size, not a thumbnail) and right click on the picture, select properties. This will give you the address.
3. Copy this address by selecting the text, right-click and select copy.
4. Post a message to the forum to include your picture. Once you want your picture to appear, hit the button "Img" (without quotes, near the top area)
5. This will put the text [img] in the forum. Next, paste your address (right-click, select paste) and then click [img] again.
6. Click on the Preview button (right next to the Submit button) to make sure that the picture works. You should see it in the preview - if not, double check that the address is correct.
In the end, you should have something like this in the post:
- Code: Select all
I hope this helps!!


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Categories: Legal Profession
Instructor(s) Kaiser, Aviva
We cover the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility as well as the regulation of the profession via disciplinary offices, court sanctions and civil liability. The text is traditional in emphasizing cases to prompt discussions regarding the rules, facts and policy implications. While each student is responsible for reading the assigned cases, rotating small groups will be primarily responsible for more thoroughly that day's cases and rules.


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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Sights from the EAA
AIRBUS A380 - World's largest passenger airplane
T-33 - My husband's dad volunteers as a mechanic at the EAA. Here is one jet fighter he has worked on. He also rode on it years back while serving in the Air Force. (EAA Warbirds)
Find more of this week's Wordless Wednesday posts at 5 Minutes for Mom or Seven Clown Circus.
14 comments:
- Anonymous said...
I love the jet fighter pic, how cool to have worked on that!
- August 5, 2009 at 8:33 AM
- Unknown said...
You must live not too far from me. We really enjoy going to EAA. My husband spent 4 days there last week. I went out of town this year as the jets were too loud last year for my son...but will probably try him again next year as he loves the rest of it. He loves all the planes going over the house heading in. We got to see the huge airbus going over last Tuesday.
- August 5, 2009 at 9:04 AM
- Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...
Looks like fun! The kids will love it when they get bigger.
- August 5, 2009 at 2:23 PM
- Alesha @ Full Time Mama said...
Wow, that looks like fun! So neat!
- August 5, 2009 at 2:42 PM
- Cascia Talbert said...
Cool photos! I've never been to the EAA but when we lived in Beaver Dam I remember we used to have a ton of traffic come through town when that event was going on. We talked about taking the kids up there but never did.
- August 5, 2009 at 3:43 PM
- Liz Mays said...
Great pictures! I'll bet he has some cool stories to tell!
- August 5, 2009 at 4:27 PM
- StephF said...
How fun! I wish we had something like that around here...
- August 5, 2009 at 7:42 PM
- Brooke said...
My son would LOVE to go there... we have been to tons of different events but never to EAA before..
- August 5, 2009 at 8:34 PM
- Felicia said...
That huge plane makes me feel a little panicky!! LOL!
- August 5, 2009 at 8:53 PM
- Anonymous said...
Great to look at from the ground. LOL I'd rather drive.
- August 5, 2009 at 9:07 PM
- Muthering Heights said...
Very cool!
- August 5, 2009 at 10:46 PM
- Rattled Mom said...
I've heard EAA is great! We'll have to head up there when the kids are a bit older.
- August 5, 2009 at 11:18 PM
- Adaptable Kay said...
Wow that's pretty cool!
- August 7, 2009 at 2:51 AM
- sunnymama said...
Great pictures!
- August 7, 2009 at 8:45 AM


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If you live in San Ramon, you know there is a rather large herd of turkeys that wanders at will around the open space and yards off of Crow Canyon. We can't say for sure if they wander onto the Blackhawk Country Club golf course, but hopefully on November 10th, they made themselves scarce, because on that day there was a Turkey Shoot Out going on and golf balls were flying!
On a rather brisk day, 97 golfers played a round and donated 64 turkeys to our Food Bank. A portion of the entrance fee also benefited the Food Bank. To top off this event, an extra $50 was donated from a gracious member who didn't even play in the event.
Everyone had a great time playing for a good cause and a big round of applause came when Tony Gill, Head Golf Professional at Blackhawk, announced that they had all sponsored the 64 turkeys!
Thank you Blackhawk golfers, for making this Thanksgiving a little easier for the people we serve.
To learn more about ways you can help during the holidays, visit the events page of our website.


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July 17, 1918
[Editor's Note: The beginning part of this letter was censored and cut out.]
…letter to you. I hope that this time I can get one finished and sent away. Just yesterday I received two letters from Mother, number 8 & 9. I have received all of her letters up to now. [Censored] …delivery we had so I suppose that there are several more letters on the way to me. I am glad to know that you have begun to receive my letters and that they get to you so quickly. You will be likely to get my letters pretty regularly now. That depends on my writing regularly and partly on its not being delayed or lost in transit. I try to write you at least once a week and oftener if possible but it has been two weeks now since my last letter to you. The reason is that we have been working constantly and almost without any rest. We have the privilege of serving behind the most active sector on the front and for several days we have been flooded with patients. For several days we worked until the entire company was worn out. Then the division headquarters sent us 100 artillerymen and 50 medicals and we let some of our men off for a 24 hour's rest.
Every day we receive more patients than we can take care of and we have to send them on to some other hospital without having anything done for them. Patients come in a steady stream as fast as we can write them on our books. We operate on them and send them on by train to a base hospital. [Censored] That will give you some idea of the amount of work we are doing. Patients come to us from the front in ambulances or trucks and it keeps sixteen men busy unloading them and taking them to wards. The operating room is constantly rushed [Censored] …tables going all the time. The surgeons have to work until all the cases are cleared out. A few days ago I was called to give anesthetics. We started at one in the afternoon and worked straight through without any interruption until seven the next morning. I worked with the same operating team all the time. The last couple of weeks I have been working nights, in charge of the receiving ward. That is a hard job when we are busy but not so bad when things are slow. I rather like the night work. I am off at 7 a.m. and sleep till the middle of the afternoon. Then I can practice or write some and go back to work at 7 p.m. Since we have been so busy I have not had regular hours. Both the day and night shifts have been working nearly all the time.
You can't have any idea of what the war is until you are close to it. Of course we are not on the firing line but we can hear the guns and know when there is anything going on at the front. Our work is a constant procession of suffering. There are patients with wounds of all kinds and degrees, men choking and burning with gas, men who are mental and nervous wrecks from shell-shock. A lot of men who go through here are almost insane from their sufferings and experiences. When we are busy we can do little for the comfort of the patients. Some of them have not eaten for two or three days and we can't even feed them as they have to be sent out to make room for others. Of course patients who stay with us a day or so are fed but we sometimes get men who are not severely injured and we send them right away. We can really feel that we are doing our bit here. We may not get the physical suffering that these men do but this hospital does a great work and we are all a part of it.
Our force now consists of about [Censored] men and nurses and still we haven't enough. The nurses are fine. They seem to be capable and they do work hard. It is pretty hard for them as they have to live just as the soldiers do. There is no time for social affairs, or at least there isn't now.
On the Fourth of July all France declared a holiday and the towns had celebrations. The town near here had a concert in the afternoon and all the town turned out. I played a couple of numbers on the program. All the rest was by the French soldiers. On the 14th which is France's holiday they had another celebration and I helped out there, too. The French appear to like the Americans and are very cordial to them. They like thier money, too, and charge them double price for things. We are about due for a pay day soon. We haven't had any pay for nearly three months. I had some money when I left the states so I have managed all right.
The only thing we spend our money for is for things to eat. The army food is not very good, and besides that it isn't well cooked so we go to town every few days and get a meal. Things are expensive but we think it is worth the money to have an enjoyable meal now and then.
It has been quite cool ever since we came. We have had two or three warm days but that is all. Up to two weeks ago we had no rain but lately it has rained quite a bit. The weather changes quickly and on a clear day it may start to rain within a few minutes.
We can't receive any packages from the states now because of lack of shipping space. I don't know whether Mr. Mallam can receive things or not, he is not in the army. There isn't anything I need right now but I might want a pair of those shoes in a few months. We get only the heavy hob-nailed ones over here and they hurt my feet. If Mr. Ballam stays perhaps they could be sent to him and he send them on to me.
It is nearly time for me to go back to work and I must get my supper first so I must plan on writing again in a couple of days. We are all as well as can be and I hope everything is going well with all at home.
Love from
© Copyright 2014 by Alice Kitchin Enichen, All Rights Reserved. No reproduction without permission.


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|Nils Fretwurst / Foto: Nils Fretwurst
Yet, in most organized situations, adults took over and controlled what, where, and how each learner learned. Think about your own experiences when you were young and you felt like you could play and choose how you would learn? Then think about the times when you were told how to play or learn.
How did you feel in each of these situations?Each of us has our own experiences growing up, different relationships, and how we learned. Each of us comes from small or large families with different backgrounds, neighborhoods, and friends. Because of these experiences, we are different than others. We are unique. Our learning experiences are personal to us. We are born inquisitive, curious, and creative. The power of us is our diversity. Each of us learns in different ways and may choose a different way to learn.
|image from Geralt at Pixabay
Sir Ken Robinson explains much of this in a recent RSA video why education must change from the ground up. It is about teaching and learning not delivering curriculum. It is about values, culture, and each learner being unique.
So we go back to why learning is personal and needs to focus on each learner and how they learn best. Learning becomes a big part of us if we can make it personal. If we want learning to be personal we need to call Learners NOT Students!


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Is the newbie star of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," Melissa Gorga, not tough enough to run with the Garden State's most famous table flipper?
Melissa – sister-in-law to "Real Housewife" Teresa Giudice – told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Friday's Access Hollywood Live that she considered leaving the series after a fight broke out at her son's baptism reception.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Bravo's 'Real Housewives'
U.S. & World
"That was crazy!" she said of the fracas that started after her husband, Joe Gorga, called his sister Teresa "garbage," which incensed Teresa's husband, Joe Giudice, and led to the massive brawl featured on the show's season premiere.
"It was sad," Melissa continued. "It's obviously not because Teresa came over and said hello. It's deep, it's deep and I think you're going to see play out on the rest of the show."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Tanorexic Celebs: Stars Who Shine Bright
The new "Housewife" claimed she doesn't want to be a wedge between her husband and his sister.
"I do not want Teresa and [my husband] Joe to be apart," she told Billy and Kit. "I want them to be together and I'm kind of stuck between a brother and a sister who are having this quarrel… This happens in everyone's families. How many people get along wonderfully with their sister-in-laws? I don't know many!"
The mother of three, who dismissed claims that she's jealous of her sister-in-law and also denied ever asking Teresa to arrange for her to become a cast member, explained why she wanted to leave the hit Bravo series after the baptism melee.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Tax Troubled Celebs
"It was hard to watch, it's still hard. You know from the second I saw it, right after the baptism happened. I wanted off the show. I called the producers, 'This is crazy, I can't do this.' But, it happened. I'm in it now," she explained.
Is the worst behind the "Housewives" of New Jersey?
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebrity Siblings
"That was the roughest episode… it gets better," she said. "You're going to see our relationship mend and you're going to see ups and you're going to see downs, it's a rollercoaster ride."
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" airs on Mondays at 9 PM on Bravo.
Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: 'Real Housewives Of New Jersey' Return With A Bang!
PLAY IT NOW: Kyle Richards & Camille Grammer: What's Happening On 'The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills'? (May 7, 2011)
More from Access: [ Real Housewives Teresa Giudice Billy Bush ]


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Fabulous photo giveaway
The winner of this giveaway will get to choose ANY TWO photographs from Tim's Etsy Page (So awesome!) Here is a bit about Tim Irving (and his photos): "I was given a camera when I was 9 years old and I've been taking photographs ever since. I use old cameras and a variety of old lenses, some I've made myself. I try and give my images a handmade feel."
Here is what you need to do to enter:
1. Be a follower, THEN you must comment on this post and let me know what's your favourite photo on Tim's Etsy page
2. Blog about this giveaway for an extra entry (please let me know what the link is to your blog post)
Please note: *Anyone (living anywhere) may enter.
*This giveaway will end on Tues, 8 September and the winner will be announced on Wed, 9 September (Random.org will pick the winning entry). Good Luck, darlings!
50 comments
OH! I have always loved Tim Irving! Oh I so hope I win... (we're saving for our first house thus I have no money for beautiful things!)My favourite piece is his "lie back and think". *love*ReplyDelete
I'll be posted about the giveaway (do I get extra points for a tweet?! ) :) you can see it on touchingjoy.wordpress.com later this evening.
- Anonymous2 September 2009 at 11:06
This one is my fav!!ReplyDelete
I love the big blurry poppy photo ... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24082381ReplyDelete
What a brilliant giveaway!! I love Tim's photos! My fave is "Flamenco dress in bedroom"ReplyDelete
I'm going all out, will blog about it tomorrow, so want to win!;)
ps Thx for letting me know!
My fav is Coca Cola Vase. It's just so colorful and pretty.ReplyDelete
Ooh, what are the chances of me winning again on Brazen? But if random.org is truly random, I suppose I have as good a chance as anyone!ReplyDelete
I love "Reflection & Infinity"... Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. I like it. A lot.
Wow i had such a hard time choosing a fave but i think it might be this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24619523 although i will prob change my mind again :PReplyDelete
- Anonymous2 September 2009 at 13:11
The pictures are awfully pretty and I'd love to enter, except I'm not sure about what I am thinking about it yet. So I don't want to take the chance of getting the picture from someone else who really wants it.ReplyDelete
Your comps are cool- how do you know all these people?
wow, what a beautiful giveaway! his photos are really unique. hmm, i love the king of daisies one. but honestly they are all beautiful. thanks for the heads up dear :)ReplyDelete
i gave your giveaway a little shout out on my page!ReplyDelete
All of his work is beautiful! I've been eyeing the amusement park swings print for quite some time. Fingers crossed!ReplyDelete
(I am following your lovely blog!)
Wow I love his pictures and had no idea he existed. It took me forever to pick a favorite, but I finally picked "Lie back and think of Poppies". I'll be blogging about it too!ReplyDelete
please count me in ^^ReplyDelete
his pictures are sooooo lovely! it's damn hard to pick a favourite one, but i'd say i'd pick the Carousel one. it makes me happy for some reason :)
i'm SO excited about this giveaway!ReplyDelete
i took a gander at tim irving's shop and just love his style!
this is just one of the photos i love... there are many more!
Oh my gosh! His photos are AMAZING! I love them so much. Flamenco Dress in Bedroom and Fantasy Land are my favorites. <3 x a million!ReplyDelete
You probably know by now that I'm a follower... I DO hope so!ReplyDelete
My favorite photo? I can't decide! I've listed 5 I love in the blog post below... but if I seriously HAVE TO choose... I'd go for...Five Hummingbirds! I love love love the colors and the pretty composition.
I think my favorite must be the birds on the wires. The other photos are great, but I don't like the edging much.ReplyDelete
There are so many beautiful photo's I've had to really think for a while which is my favourite, i'd have to say its, Carousel, no wait, Gina Venice Beach hmmm..Fantasy is also up there, I cant pick - i'm in love with all of them!ReplyDelete
So incredible. I'm a new follower and I'm loving your blog as well-ReplyDelete
I think my favorite (so many!) photograph is summer visitors... I love the image of birds on a wire...
Wow! This is a tough one. I can't decide between Devotion to the Ocean, Jasmine, and (oddly enough) the African Shoe Shop! They're all gorgeous.ReplyDelete
Ooo pick me! I love the photo of the cherries. Great giveaway! :)ReplyDelete
oh, these are so cool! i love 4 bee eaters and barcelona. :)ReplyDelete
Hiya BB I love the one of the daisy that you have on your post. I really love it.ReplyDelete
I'm following. Such lovely photos. My favorite is the Eiffel Tower one though b/c my sister loves Paris.ReplyDelete
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Gorgeous giveaway!!! I am now a follower :)ReplyDelete
I adore "The joy of life france" divine!
Just blogged about it! Holding thumbs!ReplyDelete
Wow it's difficult to choose just one, I like (in no particular order):ReplyDelete
Devotion to the ocean
King of Daisies
Ripe red
Over the garden fence
French landscape with poppies
Pink Citroen!
They're just so pretty, I found myself imagining frames and walls!
Thanks for introducing me to Tim Irving's work. Wow! Choices, choices... his photos are all incredible.ReplyDelete
I'd be hard pressed to pick between The Embrace, French Cherry Tree; Marigold Seed Heads and King of Daisies, but with my "thing" for cherries, I'd have to say Ripe Red is my ultimate favourite.
my favourite are the marmite reflections and the golden years.ReplyDelete
and here's my second entry: http://www.expensivemistakescheapthrills.co.za/meme/time-to-renovate
Oh very cool! Love his styleReplyDelete
Thanks for a lovely giveaway!ReplyDelete
I think the zebra ones are my favourite, they make me smile.
And I have posted about it for an extra entry:
Solovely giveaway. These photos are awesomeReplyDelete
I love this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28896146ReplyDelete
The lone parent - it is a sad and beautiful image.
the faded English Rose is one of the photos I really like
I also follow
I can't possibly only pick one, so I love Table for Two and French Landscape with Poppies. This is some of the most gorgeous photography I've seen around!!!ReplyDelete
shrimpsaladcircus at gmail dot com
Carousel 1970 is my favorite!
I have a few favorites in Tim's shop. I like: Lay back and think of poppies, Scarlet Ivy has beautiful colors, King of Daisies, Pink Desert flower in the spring & The embrace, french cherry Tree is beautiful.ReplyDelete
My sister is a huge fan of anything Paris and I love the View of Paris photo and The joy of life France. These would make great birthday presents for her if I won this giveaway :0)
Im following your blogReplyDelete
I love The Road Between Limoges and Cognac printReplyDelete
I like French Landscape with Poppies! Lovely!ReplyDelete
gorgeous photos. i really like the saturated colors. it's close to impossible to choose a favorite but the animal photos are pretty amazing. like this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29536731ReplyDelete
It took me a couple of days to decide which picture was my favourite. I let it sink in for a few days, checked Tim's website from time to time and knew then that the picture of the four cherries had chosen me. It kept looking at me, saying "Wouldn't I be georgeous hanging in your new kitchen?" And then some other pictures would tell me "No! Pick me! Pick me! I would be fab for your newly painted and refurnished bedroom!" And suddenly I saw my whole house filled with these amazing photos by Tim Irving.ReplyDelete
But for now I'll stick to the four cherries. And I will blog about them soon on http://leveninborgerhout.blogspot.com.
He has some beautiful pieces! My favorite is the French Landscape with Poppies at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30290145ReplyDelete
I'm a follower now.
I love this photograph - The Joy of Life France - 8x8 inch:ReplyDelete
I follow your blog!
kkondek at gmail.com
Well this is a bonus. I started following your blog because you live in Cape Town and I'll be visiting South Africa for World Cup 2010. I thought it might be neat to read the words of a local.ReplyDelete
And, as a result, I also get to enter this cool contest! I struggled choosing just one, but my favorite Tim Irving photo is Wall of Lights.
It's just so cool!
My favourite of Tim's photos is "French Landscape with Poppies" It is absolutely gorgeous!ReplyDelete
A Lovely give away brazen!ReplyDelete
I like 'The resting Swallows' best! But ALL of them are stunning!!
Will be blogging about this later today, will send the link! :)
new follower... I love his work, so gorgeous! My favorite one is the Carousel one and I also like the Think Pink...ReplyDelete
micaela6955 at msn dot com
- Anonymous9 September 2009 at 12:58
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.ReplyDelete


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SeafoodNews Podcast: The Pebble Tapes, Trump's Surprise Bumble Bee Tuna Mention and More
As Climate Change Threatens Maine Fisheries, It's Not All Bad News for Oysters
Pacific Seafood Outbreak Update: Company Confirms 94 Current Positive COVID Cases
Bundrant Lauds Departing Senior Executives as Trident Begins 'Transition'
Court Rejects Pacific Choice Appeal on Non-Whiting Groundfish Quota Holdings
China Closes its Door to Fewer Shrimp in August
JAPAN: Retailers Experience Strong Seafood Sales in August
AQUAA Act Aims to Establish Nationwide Standards for Offshore Aquaculture
Japan's 2019 Surimi Products Production Lowest in 50 Years
Leading Russian Fish Producers Looking for Ways to Boost Their Exports This Year
Norwegian Seafood Council to Showcase Sustainable Fisheries at Seafood Show Tokyo
NOAA Extends Vessel Slow Speed Zone South of Nantucket to Protect Right Whales
SeafoodNews.com Summary Monday, September 28
ANALYSIS: Hard Shell Lobster Inventory Low Throughout Industry
REPORT: "Major Outbreak" of COVID-19 at Pacific Seafood's Warrenton Plant
Chinese Health Authorities in Qingdao Claim to Have Found Traces of Coronavirus on Imported Seafood
Dungeness Crab Makes Oregon's List of Top 20 Agriculture Commodities
Alaska Fishing Updates for September/October
Seafood Show Tokyo Implements Coronavirus Safety Measures
U.S. Restaurant Dollar and Traffic Declines Ease in August as Consumers Gain Comfort in Dining Out
Seafood Dealers Allowed Delayed Reporting in Some Areas Due to Hurricane Sally
Fast Response Cutter Arrives on Guam, Named For First Woman to Enlist in Coast Guard, 102 Years Ago
Genova Premium Tuna, King Oscar partner With Chef Marcus Samuelsson and James Beard Foundation
Governor General's Throne Speech Commits to Blue Economy Development
Marel, Fusion Marine Technology Announce New Partnership
SeafoodNews.com Summary Friday, September 25
Collier Out, Shively Back In as Pebble CEO to "Advance Through Regulatory Process"
Consumers Itching for Night Out but Restaurants Limited with Winter Weather on the Horizon
Pebble Opponents Ask for Halt to Mine, Some Want Lasting Protection for Alaska's "National Treasure"
FDA, European Commission Take Steps to Resume Shellfish Trade for the First Time in 10 Years
Alaska's Salmon are Getting Smaller
Agricultural Consultant Michelle Klieger Breaks Down the Needs and Wants of Today's Consumer
JAPAN: Laboratory Grown Octopus Reaches 500 Grams in Six Months
RRPK Has No Concerns Regarding Expulsion From Association of Pollock Producers
Cermaq iFarm Project Reaches Big Milestone With First Smolt Transfer
World's First ASC-MSC Certified Seaweed Products Go on Sale in Korea
Russian Federation Lifts Restrictions on Imports From Chile's Ventisqueros
U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Bahamas Defense Force Seize More Than 12,000 lbs. of IUU Fishing Catch
SeafoodNews.com Summary Thursday, September 24
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Minh Phu Has Not Received Official Documents From CBP, Vows to Work With Agency During Investigation
Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, the largest exporter of shrimp in Vietnam, is speaking out after a letter from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding an investigation into the company for allegedly evading duties began circulating earlier this month.
Local media in Vietnam reports that Minh Phu has not yet received any official documents from CBP related to the allegations of duty evations. According to the report, Minh Phu said that the "CBP made the decision only based on information provided by the...
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Minh Phu Has Not Received Official Documents From CBP, Vows to Work With Agency During Investigation
Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, the largest exporter of shrimp in Vietnam, is speaking out after a letter from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding an investigation into the company for allegedly evading duties began circulating earlier this month.
Local media in Vietnam reports that Minh Phu has not yet received any official documents from CBP related to the allegations of duty evations. According to the report, Minh Phu said that the "CBP made the decision only based on information provided by the...
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Latest Healthy Kids News
MONDAY, May 21 (HealthDay News) -- Heart damage can be present in obese teens who don't have any symptoms of heart disease, a small, preliminary study found.
Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, and previous research has shown that obese adults have damage to their hearts.
In the new study, researchers examined the heart structure and function of 97 adolescents -- 32 lean, 33 overweight and 32 obese -- with no symptoms of heart disease.
The results showed that the obese adolescents had damaged hearts with thicker walls and impaired heart function.
The study is scheduled for presentation today at the Heart Failure Congress in Belgrade, Serbia, an annual meeting of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology.
"Education on healthy food and exercise is needed in schools to prevent obesity and early cardiovascular disease in adolescents," lead author Gani Bajraktari, professor of internal medicine and cardiology at the University of Pristina in Kosovo, said in an association news release. "This is an important step in preventing obesity and cardiovascular disease in adults."
Further studies are needed to determine if heart damage in obese adolescents can be reversed if they lose weight, the researchers said.
Because this study was presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
-- Robert Preidt
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


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Saturday, June 16, 2012
First Impressions of The Secret World
Amusingly, right after I wrote the last post, I got a Beta weekend key for Funcom's upcoming MMO, The Secret World. Here is a quick write up of my first impressions. I'm going to cover character mechanics in a separate post.
The setting of The Secret World is the modern world, but one where the supernatural is seeping in, and organizations like the Templars and the Illuminati are dealing with the darkness. This is a very interesting choice, because a lot of history and backstory is real history. There is a great sense of mystery and a bit of horror.
The Secret World is like an old school adventure game (King's Quest, The Longest Journey, etc.) crossed with a quest-driven MMO. I hesitate to say "themepark" because the defining measure of themepark MMOs is hand-holding on the quests, and The Secret World does not hold hands. There's sometimes a little bit of help from the map, especially for kill quests, but often you just have to figure out what to do from the quest and clues.
For example, one early quest has a step which requires you to log into a doctor's computer. But the computer requires a password. In the room, there's a picture of fireworks with the caption "The day I met Helen, listening to my favorite composer". The computer also gives two password hints: "music of the seasons" and "1723". Thus we realize that the password is "Vivaldi", who composed The Four Seasons in 1723.
If you didn't know that, or weren't able to guess that, the game has a built in browser you can bring up and google things. Googling those two clues will bring up articles on Vivaldi. This makes total sense, because in a world with smartphones, Google is at most a call away.
There are other quests like that. Some of them are simple jumping puzzles, where you have to figure out how to get to the right spot. Others involve things like hiding in the shadows and avoiding spotlights which move in a pattern. There's also the standard kill and fetch quests.
Of course, the big issue with puzzle quests is that they can be solved and the answers put online. Not to mention that general chat is pretty much, "What's the solution to X?" It's like everyone asking where Mankrik's wife is, back in the Barrens.
It's a pretty interesting experience, to have to turn your brain back on during questing. I'm not really sure how this will work in groups. The thing about groups is that there is always one guy who will immediately google the solution, before even thinking about it.
I guess we'll see how all the voices who cry out for MMO innovation deal with actual innovation. The setting of The Secret World is unique, as is much of the gameplay.
However, I rather think that The Secret World will end up as a niche game, but one with an extraordinarily loyal following. I would also wager that the resulting community will be one of the best MMO communities to be a part of.
7 comments:
- Anonymous9:35 PM, June 16, 2012
You sold this game to me with this preview. I have not been anticipating a title in a long while (the same I felt about WoW or the Fire Emblem series).ReplyDelete
I just would like to comment on group play. You seriously underestimate how this works and how much fun this can be.
One of my more memorable experiences in World Of Warcraft involved exploring Sunken Temple (with the statues)for the first time. Or imagine a Black Rock Depths with puzzles and clues to solve!
There is a simple (although technically complex) solution to your problem, design it to require group effort. This can be done in a lot of ways. Require players to pass information to solve their puzzles in different locations, with means of communication. Else you could just choose for portal 2 puzzles or for 'Stand on X Y Z'. I do agree that this is dependent on a good community. But there are tons of fun group puzzle games on television and even in other video games.
Randomized dungeons can be chosen to avoid cheating (random puzzles), random layouts for example. You can just randomly design certain puzzles that would have no standardized solution (or would require you to browse through X amount of solutions to find you puzzle). Think of number combinations, types of locks, picture puzzles.
This type of game is however content driven. It is like SWoTR, but worse. I do not expect to play it for as long as WoW. It could however be a very cool experience.
One more added to the list "to test out". Even if when reading your post: to have to turn your brain back on during questing it would seem that it's google you have to turn on :)ReplyDelete
If the puzzles are well done it can be a nice diversion (well done = not frustrating, as in the typical quest, "go find something", and nothing indicated on the map and no hints in the text).
The setting sounds incredibly interesting. I'm almost annoyed at the idea of another MMO fighting for my precious time, but I might have to check this out.ReplyDelete
Google is sooo 5 years ago. The game isn't even out yet and I count three Wikis up.ReplyDelete
Incidentally, this is why I prefer skill-based puzzles, rather than the sort of text-based ones. Avoiding spotlights is always going to be challenging, whereas knowing the password is not. And unless they randomize said passwords, what's going to happen when you bring alts through that same area?
- NetherLands5:15 AM, June 17, 2012
@ 1st AnonReplyDelete
A problem with randomized puzzles/maps etc. is however that it takes away (at least to an extent) the joy of Exploring/getting to know a certain aspect of a game world. 'Progress as player' if you will.
For example, while Boss Mechanics leave me utterly cold (and the whole 'Kill Healers Last, Whack the Tank' thing Bosses - understandably - have make them 99% unimmmersive to me), I loved the 'Dungeon Crawl' aspect of the Vanilla Dungeons, learning to navigate the various maps, devulging their secrets (Sunken Temple was an aboslute favorite of mine) and the behaviour of their denizens.
Randomized challenges would make things less predicatble, but doing so with maps/hidden latches like the statues etc. would take away the sensation of 'player progress', of really learning to KNOW a certain place. It also imo makes more sense that e.g. a Boss would learn and adapt to pesky adventurers invading his home time and again, than ancient real estate build eons ago would change every time people entered.
I'm just waiting for the Goons to googlebomb INCORRECT answers to TSW puzzles as a way of griefing the community. :)ReplyDelete
I keep thinking that as long as the lag isn't bad (FunCom still needs to work on that for AoC in the States) and the game has more polish than traditional FunCom games at release, it ought to make money.ReplyDelete


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(This post is part of the Five Minute Friday Link Up. One topic is chosen and you have Five Minutes to write. This week's prompt is Inspire.)
Inspiration. It's something artists always are searching for, to help make the creations that often start first as a feeling, a nudge. Sometimes it is a vision, yet to receive that vision, an inspiring event may happen that could just be a passing moment of a door closing, a child's laugh, or a sprouting flower in clay. Regardless, it is something artists long for so they can create, and live more fully.
As I was driving the highways yesterday, listening to an author on writing, he addressed finding inspiration in a way I had not heard before. And he defined it as in-spirit. It is when we are in-spirit that the inspiration flows. In other words, the in-spirit is the One who is already within us. It is the One who is our creator and thus, when we create from that place of in-spirit, we are being our complete and authentic selves. And that is what touches the readers, or the ones who scan our photos, or eat our decorated cakes, or stroke our knitted blankets. When creating from the in-spirit place we are bringing more Love-His spirit- into the world.
Keep creating my friend. You are making the world a better place!
To read more inspiring post, make sure and check out the other links at Five Minute Friday Link Up!


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The X-Files' creator Chris Carter returns to TV for The After, a mysterious TV series about eight strangers, brought together to face an even more mysterious apocalypse. Here's the first clip from the series, and, as you might have gathered by this point, it's kind of mysterious.
The After will be part of Amazon's second pilot season, which means people will have to vote to determine whether it'll get picked up for a full series. So if you ant to know what the hell happened or why the hell that one helicopter flew directly into the other one (sentient killer technology? suicidal pilot? clumsiness?), well, that's on you whenever Amazon decides to release it (we'll let you know).
[Via Entertainment Weekly]


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A spaceport or cosmodrome (Russian: Космодро́м , kosmodrom) is a site for launching (or receiving) spacecraft, by analogy with seaport for ships or airport for aircraft. The word spaceport, and even more so cosmodrome, has traditionally been used for sites capable of launching spacecraft into orbit around Earth or on interplanetary trajectories. However, rocket launch sites for purely sub-orbital flights are sometimes called spaceports, as in recent years new and proposed sites for suborbital human flights have been frequently referred to or named 'spaceports'. Space stations and proposed future bases on the moon are sometimes called spaceports, in particular if intended as a base for further journeys.[1]
The term rocket launch site is used for any facility from which rockets are launched. It may contain one or more launch pads or suitable sites to mount a transportable launch pad. It is typically surrounded by a large safety area, often called a rocket range or missile range. The range includes the area over which launched rockets are expected to fly, and within which some components of the rockets may land. Tracking stations are sometimes located in the range to assess the progress of the launches.[2]
Major spaceports often include more than one launch complex, which can be rocket launch sites adapted for different types of launch vehicles. (These sites can be well-separated for safety reasons.) For launch vehicles with liquid propellant, suitable storage facilities and, in some cases, production facilities are necessary. On-site processing facilities for solid propellants are also common.
A spaceport may also include runways for takeoff and landing of aircraft to support spaceport operations, or to enable support of HTHL or HTVL winged launch vehicles.
The first rockets to reach space were V-2 rockets launched from Peenemünde, Germany during World War II.[3] After the war, 70 complete V-2 rockets were brought to White Sands for test launches, with 47 of them reaching altitudes between 100 km and 213 km.[4]
The world's first spaceport for orbital and human launches, the Baikonur Cosmodrome in southern Kazakhstan, started as a Soviet military rocket range in 1955. It achieved the first orbital flight (Sputnik 1) in October 1957. The exact location of the cosmodrome was initially held secret. Guesses to its location were misdirected by a name in common with a mining town 320 km away. The position became known in 1957 outside the Soviet Union only after U-2 planes had identified the site by following railway lines in Kazakhstan, although Soviet authorities did not confirm the location for decades.[5]
The Baikonur Cosmodrome achieved the first launch of a human into space (Yuri Gagarin) in 1961. The launch complex used, Site 1, has reached a special symbolic significance and is commonly called Gagarin's Start. Baikonur was the primary Soviet cosmodrome, and is still widely used by Russia under a lease arrangement with Kazakhstan.
In response to the early Soviet successes, the United States built up a major spaceport complex at Cape Canaveral in Florida. A large number of unmanned flights, as well as the early human flights, were carried out at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. For the Apollo programme, an adjacent spaceport, Kennedy Space Center, was constructed, and achieved the first manned mission to the lunar surface (Apollo 11) in July 1969. It has been the base for all Space Shuttle launches and most of their runway landings. For details on the launch complexes of the two spaceports, see List of Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island launch sites.
The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, is the major European spaceport, with satellite launches that benefit from the location 4 degrees north of the equator.
In October 2003 the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center achieved the first Chinese human spaceflight.
Breaking with tradition, in June 2004 on a runway at Mojave Air and Space Port, California, a human was for the first time launched to space in a privately funded, suborbital spaceflight, that was intended to pave the way for future commercial spaceflights. The spacecraft, SpaceShipOne, was launched by a carrier airplane taking off horizontally.
Rockets can most easily reach satellite orbits if launched near the equator in an easterly direction, as this maximizes use of the Earth's rotational speed (465 m/s). Such launches also give a good orientation for arriving at a geostationary orbit. For polar orbits and Molniya orbits this does not apply.
Altitude of the launch site is not a driving factor because most of the delta-v for a satellite launch is spent on achieving the required horizontal orbital speed. The small gains from a few kilometers of extra altitude at the start does not usually off-set the ground transport problems in mountainous terrain. The advantages of high altitude include slightly less vertical distance, lower air resistance and lower air pressure (which generally improves thrust).
Many spaceports have been placed at existing military installations, such as intercontinental ballistic missile ranges, which is not always ideal for satellite launches.
A rocket launch site is built as far as possible away from major population centers in order to mitigate risk to bystanders should a rocket experience a catastrophic failure. In many cases a launch site is built close to major bodies of water to ensure that no components are shed over populated areas. Typically a spaceport site is large enough that, should a vehicle explode, it will not endanger human lives or adjacent launch pads.
Planned sites of spaceports for sub-orbital tourist spaceflight often make use of existing ground infrastructure, including runways. The nature of the local view from 100 km (62 mi) altitude is also a factor to consider.
Spaceports have been proposed for locations on the Moon, Mars, orbiting the Earth, at Sun-Earth and Earth-Moon Lagrange points, and at other locations in the solar system. Human-tended outposts on the Moon or Mars, for example, will be spaceports by definition.[6] The 2012 Space Studies Program of the International Space University studied the economic benefit of a network of spaceports throughout the solar system beginning from Earth and expanding outwardly in phases, within its team project Operations And Service Infrastructure for Space (OASIS).[7] Its analysis claimed that the first phase, placing the "Node 1" spaceport with space tug services in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), would be commercially profitable and reduce transportation costs to geosynchronous orbit by as much as 44% (depending on the launch vehicle). The second phase would add a Node 2 spaceport on the lunar surface to provide services including lunar ice mining and delivery of rocket propellants back to Node 1. This would enable lunar surface activities and further reduce transportation costs within and out from cislunar space. The third phase would add a Node 3 spaceport on the Martian moon Phobos to enable refueling and resupply prior to Mars surface landings, missions beyond Mars, and return trips to Earth. In addition to propellant mining and refueling, the network of spaceports could provide services such as power storage and distribution, in-space assembly and repair of spacecraft, communications relay, shelter, construction and leasing of infrastructure, maintaining spacecraft positioned for future use, and logistics.[8]
See also: Spaceport America
The space tourism industry (see List of private spaceflight companies) is being targeted by spaceports in numerous locations worldwide. The establishment of spaceports for tourist trips raises legal issues, which are only beginning to be addressed.[9][10]
The following table shows spaceports with documented achieved launches of humans to at least 100 km altitude, starting from a horizontal runway. All the flights were Sub-orbital.
California, USA
The following is a table of spaceports and launch complexes for vertical launchers with documented achieved launches of humans to space (more than 100 km (62 mi) altitude). The sorting order is spaceport by spaceport according to the time of the first human launch.
Florida, USA
† Three of the Soyuz missions were unmanned and are not counted (Soyuz 2, Soyuz 20, Soyuz 34).
‡ STS-51-L (Challenger) failed to reach orbit and is not counted. STS-107 (Columbia) reached orbit and is therefore included in the count (disaster struck on re-entry).
The following is a table of spaceports with a documented achieved launch to orbit. The table is sorted according to the time of the first launch that achieved satellite orbit insertion. The first column gives the geographical location. Operations from a different country are indicated in the fourth column. A launch is counted as one also in cases where the payload consists of multiple satellites.
Media related to at Wikimedia Commons
Spaceflight, Orbit, Spacecraft, Apollo program, International Space Station
Ukraine, India, China, Turkey, United Kingdom
International Space Station, Nasa, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Apollo program, European Space Agency
Moon, Apollo 11, Project Mercury, Project Gemini, Apollo 15
Space tourism, Human spaceflight, International Space Station, Nasa, Solar System
Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, Russia, United States, New Mexico
Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands
Russia, United States, Virginia, Manitoba, Florida
Russia, United States, Spaceport, Brazil, Russian Federal Space Agency


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The problem seems to be far worse than anyone thinks. We may even be at an epidemic level. Everywhere I turn these days it seems, I find a family where at least one child has gone OTD (Off the Derech–away from the religious path). Or at least does not follow the Hashkafic path laid out by their parents.
Many of them are all from fine families. Exemplars of great parenting. Nothing dysfunctional about them. The parents have many children all the rest of which are the obvious results child rearing by 2 great parents. Most of their children do fine in the Hashkafic milieu in which they were raised and in which they live. And yet it seem to be increasingly the case that at least one child has no interest in towing the family religious line.
In the families that I know about it seems the problems tend to begin in mid to late elementary school or early high school.
The question is why is this happening? What is it that is driving this OTD phenomenon in good families? It is very understandable when this happens in dysfunctional families where physical or mental abuse exists either between parents; between a parent and child; or both. It does not take rocket science to see why a child associates their strife their parent's lifestyle. If they are a religious family, then religion is associated with that strife.
But what about the good families with good children where one of them does not want to have anything to do with their family's religious way of life? Unfortunately I know of far too many situations like these. Hashkafos don't seem to matter that much. I know families with an OTD child that are very right wing, moderate Charedi, and right wing Modern Orthodox. None of them are so strict as to warrant the kind of rebellion they have experienced from at least one child.
I have no real explanation. But I suspect it has something to do with the current pressure that schools and thereby parents put on their children to excel in their religiosity, Limudei Kodesh or Limudei Chol. I am constantly hearing about how schools of all Hashkafos are 'rasining' their standards. That is impacted negatively by the times in which we live. By that I mean the great distractions that now exists that did not exist in the past. Distractions that expose children to a much easier lifestyle than their parents insist upon. Distractions that take away from their study time. Distractions that cause them to question matters of faith. These are distractions that those of us over the age of 30 never had when we were growing up.
The internet, its ease of use and availability, and the ability to easily hide one's involvement with it puts pressure on young people now – as never before. No matter how much we try to discourage it, limit it, or ban it, it is so pervasive that it is impossible to avoid the influence it has on children. Children can access anything they want as quickly as they can delete it from a screen. A child now has an unprecedented and unfettered window to the entire world. A little curiosity about a taboo subject will beget websites and images that can easily pull a child away from their parents' influences. It is amazing that there aren't even more OTD children than there are.
Coupled with this is the increased pressure put upon children in our day to be more religious and be better students than ever before.
The pressure to excel and adopt ever increasing Churmos into our lives has become so ingrained that not conform to these new standards is unacceptable.For example violating a Chumra is as painful to a family as violating a Halacha. I know one family that feels great pain that a child now uses non Chalav Yisroel products. I hasten to add that they are a very loving family – accepting of that child and allowing her to bring non Chalav Yisroel products into the home and use them freely. But it still pains them internally.
And how can any self respecting parent not want their child to excel in school? So with every increase in the amount of material to be mastered, there is a parental motive to see to it that their child measures up. Whether it is the Charedi standard of Limudei Kodesh or the MO academic standard. And in many cases – both.
If you combine the two phenomenon of increased pressure (whether religious or in the level of study)in the home and in school with the ubiquity of the internet – I think one can understand why the OTD phenomenon even in good homes might be near epidemic levels.
I would add that the fact that as the religious population increases, so too do the number of children going OTD – even if the percentages may be the same. But if I had to guess the percentages have increases too and not only the numbers.
I don't know how to solve any of these problems. But I do have a few thoughts about it. First we ought to be aware of the problems and to recognize that we live in unprecedented times. One cannot for example ignore the internet. Nor can it be successfully banned. But one should do the best they can to set up parental controls, rules, and guidelines about its use. And avoid giving very young children hand held devices.
Of course the most important factor is to love our children unconditionally. Even – and perhaps especially – if they are at risk or OTD. They must know that they will always be loved; part of the family; and welcomed in the homes. Even if they are Mechalel Shabbos, and eat Treif. A bare headed son or daughter whose modesty does not measure up to family or community standards must be accepted. No matter what others in your community think! That may not bring them back. But it will for sure not push them away should they ever want to come back.
Another much harder thing to accomplish is to change the current penchant of religious schools to demand ever increasing religious standards for – not only their students but their parents.
The same thing is to be said with the ever increasing academic standards; or Torah study standards. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be top schools in an area of study in either Limudei Kodesh or Limudei Chol. But they should be special schools reserved for the very best, brightest and most highly motivated students among us. Putting a child that does not have those qualifications into schools like those will almost certainly set up them up for failure. And failure should never be an option.
Visit Emes Ve-Emunah .


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If you're not fighting, you're not trying
"In a democracy, people usually get the kind of government they deserve, and they deserve what they get." ~ Hunter Thompson
I am allergic to politics and politicians. I can never understand why some people like to fuss and fawn over them. At times it's almost like hero worship, yet they are supposed to be servants of the public. All the scandals about politicians lying and cheating their way through life only reinforce my negative feelings. To further prove my point, here – in no particular order because there is no point trying to choose between them – are some examples of politicians behaving badly.
2013 – Venezuela[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=66G-L1N7xzQ]
2011 – Italy
2005 – Russia
2006 – Czech Republic
2009 – Bolivia
2012 – Macedonia
2011 – Kuwait
2010 – Ukraine[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc5zLmn8D0E]
2010 – Mauritania
2009 – South Korea
See also: Brawling Legislators in South Korea – Photo Essay – TIME
2007 – 2010 – Taiwan
Related articles
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- Week 12: Ukrainian politicians fight again (albertcabot.wordpress.com)
- Fist and Kick Fights in Parliaments all over the World on Youtube
- Greece: Golden Dawn MP ejected from Parliament for cursing
- MP Eric Joyce arrested after reports of Parliament bar fight


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Verizon's upgrade from S1 to S2 - $279
Verizon mail in rebate - $100
Sell S1 to Cashforberry.com - $195
$16 profit? I'll be doing this if I can. It's a little bit of juggling money but it's worth it. Not only do I get a better phone, but I get a little money too.
Does anyone know if Verizon takes your S1 when you upgrade to the S2?