text:
A recent vacation in Ireland, coupled with a bit of recreational reading of romance novels resulted in a dream last week. I didn't want to wake up; I wanted to finish the dream, a story about a young woman visiting The Burren, the mountainous West Coast of the Emerald Isle. This also is where the Cliffs of Moher are located. You'll recall these as the Cliffs of Insanity in the classic fairy tale "The PrincessBride."
Frustrated at the abrupt end of the dream, I kicked off the covers and stumbled downstairs to my office to write. Nearly an hour and 3,000 words later, I had an outline that pairs a ruggedly handsome (how could he not be?) Irish bartender with a impetuous and spirited American woman.
There are lots of typical Irish locales such as pubs and castles and churches, as well as historic towns and bays. There are sailboats and vineyards and lots of steamy love scenes, common elements in many of my stories.
How often has a dream inspired you to write?


text:
2009 Lexus LS600h Repair and Maintenance
A guide to problems, costs, maintenance and repair for your 2009 Lexus LS600h
- South Side Auto Service Inc. (718) 305-4810 | 7.91mi
- Ray & Dana's Inman Auto Care (732) 703-7919 | 3.46mi
- Zaloom's Auto Repair (646) 663-5728 | 8.95mi
- Carracino's Auto & Truck (908) 364-5589 | 8.49mi
- 65,000 Mile Service $65 - 132 North Charleston, SCIgnition Coil Replacement $354 - 470 Chicago, ILBrake Pad(s) Replacement $239 - 349 Fremont, CABall Joint Replacement - Lower $625 - 827 Washington, DC
2009 Lexus LS600h Problems
A clicking or knocking type sound may be noted from the brake actuator when applying the brakes lightly, or if the brake pedal is pressed while the vehicle is stopped. Our technicians tell us a revised brake actuator is available to correct this concern.
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light may illuminate with code B1861 and/or B1866 stored. Our technicians tell us that replacing a section of wiring harness behind the dashboard may be necessary to correct this concern.
The Check Engine Light may illuminate with a code P1423 stored as a result of a large evap system leak. Our technicians tell us this is often caused by a poor seal between the gas cap and the filler neck, revised parts are available to correct this concern.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Virginia Department of Transportation Press Release
CULPEPER — A tractor-trailer has overturned on Route 29 just south of Charlottesville and is blocking both southbound lanes and the Interstate 64 east on-ramp. The Interstate 64 west off-ramp at exit 118A is also blocked.
The Virginia Department of Transportation and first responders have reduced Rt. 29 northbound traffic to one lane so that Rt. 29 southbound traffic can turn around.
I-64 westbound motorists wishing to exit will be detoured further west to milepost 114 (Ivy), or should exit the interstate prior to milepost 118.
Motorists should expect delays in the area for the next several hours.
Real-time road conditions and weather forecasts are available on VDOT's traffic and travel website, www.511Virginia.org. The site also has live traffic camera images for many major highways, including Interstate 64, I-66 and Routes 29 and 250 in Central Virginia. Motorists can call 511 from any telephone in Virginia for road and traffic conditions on all major highways in the state. Call 1-800-367-7623 24 hours a day to report highway-related problems or request information about Virginia's highways.
Route 29 at the Interstate 64 overpass in Albemarle County is back open after a crash shut things down for several hours Wednesday.
A truck carrying logs turned over in the southbound lanes just before 8:30 a.m.
It took a few hours to clean up the mess, but no major injuries were reported.
The truck driver has been charged with driving too fast for the rainy conditions.
Sign up to receive NBC29 news and weather updates in your inbox daily.


text:
Alabama sets nation's toughest immigration law
BIRMINGHAM, Ala
BIRMINGHAM, Ala (Reuters) - Republican Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday signed into law a crackdown on illegal immigration in Alabama that both supporters and critics consider the toughest in the nation.
The measure will require public schools to determine the citizenship status of students -- a provision not included in an Arizona law that has been at the forefront of actions by several states to curb illegal immigration.
Under the Alabama law, police must detain someone they suspect of being in the country illegally if the person cannot produce proper documentation when stopped for any reason.
It also will be a crime to knowingly transport or harbor someone who is in the country illegally. The law imposes penalties on businesses that knowingly employ someone without legal resident status. A company's business license could be suspended or revoked.
The law, which is scheduled to take effect September 1, requires businesses to use a database called E-Verify to confirm the immigration status of new employees.
"We have a real problem with illegal immigration in this country," Bentley said after signing the law. "I campaigned for the toughest immigration laws, and I'm proud of the Legislature for working tirelessly to create the strongest immigration bill in the country."
Several states have enacted immigration restrictions, even though the U.S. government considers it to be a federal issue.
Immigration rights advocates called the new law "draconian " and vowed to challenge it in court. Rights organizations have sued to block similar measures in Arizona, Utah, Indiana and Georgia. The U.S. Justice Department also sued over Arizona's law.
"This law is an outrageous throw-back to the pre-Civil Rights era, said Cecillia Wang, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Immigrants' Rights Project. Alabama was at the center of some of the bitter struggles over the civil rights of African Americans during the 1960s.
After Arizona passed its controversial measure last year, the courts blocked implementation of a provision allowing police to check the immigration status of people there.
But the U.S. Supreme Court recently endorsed a separate Arizona law requiring employers to use E-Verify. The court also ruled that Arizona could suspend or revoke business licenses of those companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
Alabama's law is unique in requiring public schools to determine, by review of birth certificates or sworn affidavits, the legal residency status of students.
"We fear that it will, in effect, ban the student through fear and harassment," said Shay Farley, legal director of Alabama Appleseed, a nonprofit policy and legal advocacy organization.
Farley said there is also concern about the increased financial burden on schools to collect the information.
The Alabama bill passed the state House of Representatives and Senate by large margins before landing on Bentley's desk. Republicans took over majority control of both chambers of the Alabama legislature last year for the first time in 136 years.
Some farmers in the U.S. South are worried that new immigration restrictions could limit access to farm workers. But Gene Armstrong, mayor of Allgood, Alabama, a small community where the Hispanic population has grown to almost 50 percent, is not worried.
"We managed in the past without illegal immigrants to pick the tomatoes here, and I haven't heard anyone say that if we sent them all home nobody would be left to do that work," Armstrong said.
"When you have 9 percent unemployment, I think that some people who might not have wanted those jobs previously might reconsider."
(Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Greg McCune)
Farley said there is also concern about the increased financial burden on schools to collect the information.
Increased financial burden on schools? It is more than offset by the increased financial burden on the entire community having to absorb the illegal immigrants.
It is a tough law, but these are tough times.
- Dallas Ebola patient vomited outside apartment on way to hospital |
- Islamic State committing 'staggering' crimes in Iraq: U.N. report
- Hong Kong police warn protesters against occupying buildings |
- Israel's Netanyahu to Obama: Don't allow Iran deal that leaves it at nuclear threshold
- Islamic State presses assault on Syrian border town, Kurds warn Turkey |
Retirement Road Map
Healthcare beyond Medicare
From Medicare to long-term care to health savings accounts. We explore the options - and the possibilities - in episode one of our 12-part series. Video


text:
Fall Stalk
by Spires
Phone Cases
Protect your iPhone with a one-piece, impact resistant, flexible plastic hard case featuring an extremely slim profile. Simply snap the case onto your iPhone for solid protection and direct access to all device features.
I had to share this photo I took the other day.
- 39Promote


text:
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text:
Things that do irritate me typically have good reason for it.
In this case, it was a nearly mob-like behavior toward my Padawan from other Jedi.
I will grant that a handful were simply discussing Juyo form in general, and were not directing their conversation directly at him, and at least one of the people speaking tried to remind the others that they were addressing a Padawan in a very aggressive manner though, unfortunately, it didn't seem many heard her.
The others, including Geviana (which was disappointing) directed specific statements at Ehlial, informing him that he had a Master ranging from irresponsible to stupid to downright awful, that he was going to (not that there was a risk, that it was an almost guaranteed fact) fall to the Dark side if he continued, and left him with the impression that his opinion on the matter did NOT matter because he is only a Padawan.
They may not have said that directly, but the few times he tried to defend himself or suggest that his Master wouldn't allow the training if he felt there was an unreasonable risk, he was shouted down.
I don't mind what was said in regards to me; I am an adult and a Jedi Master, and they're entitled to form whatever opinions they have of me based on either fact or facts they just made up.
I do mind when supposed Jedi Knights and Masters nearly gang up on a Padawan who did nothing but try to join in in an ongoing discussion about various lightsaber forms.
That behavior is unacceptable from anyone, but especially so from Jedi.
They lash out based on fear of a lightsaber form that requires more control and ability to detach from allowing emotions to have a personal affect than most people are capable of doing; that fear is, unfortunately, instilled as part of the warnings when it comes to learning lightsaber forms, and it tends to manifest itself in perceived 'anger' toward people who use it successfully.
A combination of fear of what would happen if they tried and jealousy and resentment that someone they don't feel should be successful (in this case, a Padawan) at something they themselves weren't strong enough to be successful with and—I spend the past two days between myself and Al'dien helping Ehlial rebuild his shaken confidence in himself and in other Jedi.
Geviana, at least, had the good sense to apologize for her behavior toward Ehlial once she managed to calm herself.
Perhaps it's not irritation I'm experiencing so much as it is profound disappointment.
"Welcome back, Jedi, are they done properly indoctrinating you already?"
Ehlial stood there silently for a few stunned moments. Lord Crux had been in a mood ever since they had landed on Tython and he had remained aboard the ship. Even if the Council allowed him access to the temple grounds so long as he behaved, the stares and reproachful glances weren't something he tolerated very well. Despite the long travel through hyperspace, he refused to join Ehlial down on the planet.
But this utterance was most unusual for the Sith. No matter how much Crux wanted to voice his disdain he usually kept it to himself or let it out in small cryptic murmurs when he thought the Miraluka wasn't listening.
"I'm happy to see you, too, Lord Crux," Ehlial replied simply and finished climbing the gangplank.
The Sith snorted, "So you have a sense of humor now? Did they implant that in you while you were down there or should I have the doctor check you for fever?"
"What has gotten into you lately? We're still on Tython and that kind of talk is not going endear you to people around here."
Does Azi'xoss have to have a stern talk with that bad tempered Sith man again? :|
[To: Jedi Master Azixoss]
[From: Padawan Ehlial Sahnin]
[Subject: Reminded me of you.]
Belsavis is an interesting planet, but there really is so much going on here it's hard to absorb all at once. The guards here keep wondering why I'm here, even after I've explained to them several times that I'm a Jedi Padawan and this is part of my training. And that Ixo and Crux are with me so I will be fine.
There's a very nice lady who feeds the guards and personnel and she likes to make these for me. Somehow, I felt that perhaps you might want some of them, too. They say that Master and Padawan often can sense each other's feelings and moods, and lately I have felt a sensation of exhaustion from you. I've never been very adept at foresight or the telepathic communications as you are, so if I'm incorrect in this than perhaps it's just in my head.
I sent a long some of the tea they serve here, too. It's actually really good, no sweetener even needed. Don't ask me what's in it, I have no idea but everyone here drinks it regularly. It's most excellent in the early morning when it's still fairly chilly out.
Included with the letter is a package of frosted cookies, and jeru tea, loose leaf in a metal container.
[To: Padawan Ehlial Sahnin]
[From: Jedi Master Azixoss ]
[Subject: Re: Reminded me of you.]
You are correct on your sense of things, as much as I may wish to not admit it. Some rather extensive healing of another Jedi Master was required of me last night; physical damage, so nothing terribly taxing, but it is something I've not had to do to that degree in awhile.
I offered to stand watch during the night, as he was in a slightly shady medical facility. Meditation helps, of course, but does not always replace sleep. It's nothing to worry yourself over, though; I'm just feeling my age a bit lately.
Thank you again for the cookies and tea; small things do make one's day better, after all.
I am happy to hear that your training is still progressing well, and that Ixo'diz and Crux are not causing you too much in the realm of undue difficulty. Admittedly, I had qualms about Ixo'diz on Belsavis, but the sorts kept there are not really the—sort—that he is.
Do take care, Ehlial; Belsavis can be deceptive, violent, and is capable of bringing out the worst in or shaking the resolve of even the best people simply due to the nature of what it's being used to contain.
- Azixoss
Thirteen days, twenty-one hours, forty-five minutes, and thirty—-five seconds.
That was the amount of time that Azixoss had been this Sith Lord's 'prisoner'. On occasion, the large, angry red man stopped by to gloat or to make an attempt at raising Azixoss' ire, and every time he found himself thwarted by the maddeningly calm Twi'lek.
Azixoss knew that Ehlial was not 'falling' in the way the Sith wanted him to believe. It was the Sith who was in control, the Sith forcing Ehlial's actions and reactions, none of them belonged to or were given by his Padawan. He had, after all, been paying close attention. Ehlial was, for lack of a better word, a prisoner as well.
Speaking of prisons, the Jedi's own cell wasn't half bad—as Imperial holding cells go. Beat being stuck in a Flesh Raider cage, if nothing else. In fact, this cell was much larger than he would have required; more than enough room to stretch out (if he didn't mind putting his feet up on the wall), and ample space to simply meditate, which is what Azixoss spent the majority of his time doing. Much of his time had been spent attempting to reach out to Ehlial, to reassure him that he had no been abandoned, and to encourage him to fight the Sith's control.
After some time, it became obvious that either Ehlial was unable to sense him, or that he was simply unable to fight back.
Assuming that it was the latter, Azixoss caught the attention of his assigned guard.
"I think it's about time you let me out of this cell. It's simply not right to keep an old Twi'lek locked up; it won't do any harm to let me out for some exercise. Darth Iniquitous won't mind."
Ehlial could not move, nor make a sound, nor halt the inexorable marching of his feet toward the edge of the platform. Below him he could hear the whistle of air, the drop leading to airchutes that ultimately spit any debris out into the darkness of space. If he lept, it meant certain death. Gloved hands grasped the bars of the railling that prevented people from simply falling off. With a short hop, he found himself teetering on the edge, precariously balanced.
A voice broke the stillness, cut through the groans of subdued Jedi scattered around the room like broken dolls. A voice that seethed and reverberated off the walls, echoing all around them. Only one Jedi remained standing, only one strong enough to withstand the Sith Lord's power. This is who he addressed.
"See how I take your padawan and make him mine. Surrender, Master Jedi. Surrender and I will spare his life."
Azixoss deactivated his lightsaber, removing another sound from an already still room.
The Sith's voice halted the Jedi's footsteps. The Jedi spared one quick, passing glance at the room, taking note of where his comrades had fallen.
He had asked them not to come. In fact, he had ordered them not to follow, however, he did not hold the rank necessary to enforce it; they were, after all, all Masters. Azixoss' assumption, when the small group of them were somehow already there and engaged by the time he and Ehlial had arrived, was that they were finally feeling a bit of guilt for using a seventeen year old Padawan as bait for a Sith. The Council would certainly be receiving a lengthy, sternly worded report on this.
Well, no matter; at least they were out of the way for the moment. Their current condition, while concerning, did not actually alarm Azixoss. The other Masters were not dead, they weren't even badly injured, just put aside for the time being. Keeping them that way had to be a drain on the Sith's power. That thought, for the moment, Azixoss kept tightly to himself.
This Sith was powerful, no doubt, but reckless, and this?
This was little more than frantic flailing as the Lord saw whatever plans he had start to fall to pieces in front of him. Anger, fear and frustration radiated from the Sith; if Azixoss could sense it, he imagined it was almost overwhelming for Ehlial.
For everything the Sith conveyed, the Jedi was his opposite. Calm, resolute, and controlled. He could only hope that his Padawan would choose to focus on him instead of the Sith.
"Azixoss, Sith." He offered a polite smile and a shallow bow. "Though, I'm certain, if you're the one who's been trying to get his hands on my Padawan, that you know that already."
"I'm afraid I don't have the benefit of your name, and I should very much like to know that so I don't have to continually refer to you only as Sith. It seems a bit rude to do that, don't you think?"
Crouching, Azixoss laid his lightsaber on the floor and, with one smooth, calm motion, nudged it with his foot, sending the weapon rolling a bit lazily toward the man holding his Padawan.
"I would appreciate it if you would move Ehlial to the safer side of the guard rail; we are both aware, I think, that you don't intend to kill him."
I find myself worrying about Ehlial more than I ought to; some of the people he associates with, while not inherently dangerous on the surface, could prove problematic if I am not careful to provide my padawan with continuing guidance.
That, of course, will require that I somehow manage to be granted authorization to leave Ilum on a more permanent basis.
No matter, I'll meditate on that later.
Ehlial accompanied me on what was supposed to be a small, relatively routine, sort of outing. It, unfortunately, turned violent; a rather large, angry Wookiee took issue with us and attacked. I had hoped that the first time Ehlial had to see me in 'combat' would be under more controlled circumstances and not in actual combat, but we can't always get what we want, can we?
He told me that he was impressed with how calm and collected I was and, though that is quite a compliment, I reminded him to make certain that he didn't allow it to become a focal point, especially since he specializes more in lightsaber combat. One rarely appears calm when using a pair of lightsabers, even if one is inwardly calm. It's rare that I have to move much in combat. To those not used to seeing a Jedi rely primarily on the Force over a lightsaber, it does appear as though I'm hardly moving; it's not nearly the first time someone has commented that they find me a calming, serene presence on the field.
My hope is that, with continued training, Ehlial will become skilled to the point that he will have the same effect on those around him, even if he does have a pair of lightsabers out.
That aside, the Rakghoul epidemic appears to be spreading; I keep vaccinations on hand but, as I cannot simply abandon my work on Ilum, I feel that I am not being as useful as would otherwise be possible.


text:
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text:
Metal Gear Scanlon - Part 11
Become Premium to Watch
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A sequel that's just as crazy and ridiculous and fun as its predecessor, even if it suffers from many of the same faults.
This perfectly competent open-world game gets a heck of a lot more interesting when it throws an endless host of savage, dynamic AI enemies into the mix.
Access Games' episodic follow-up to Deadly Premonition is a tremendously strange trip.
Game »
consists of 12 releases.
Released May 21, 2001
The standard NATO ammunition.
A wheeled vehicle with light armor and often with a turret mounted autocannon, tank gun and/or machine gun. Not intended for heavy combat, armored cars are generally used for transport or reconnaissance.
Assault Rifle refers to a basic design of a weapon that combines the abilities of older long-range rifles and the rapid fire of sub-machine guns. Common designs include the M-16, M-4, AK47 (and 74), and the L85A1.
Shotguns that can fire semi or fully automatically
A stationary gun that automatically shoots at targets.
Crates sometimes contain things!
A machine designed with the purpose of moving objects or characters vertically.
A grenade is an explosive device traditionally thrown by hand, but may also be propelled by a rifle or launcher.
Considered one of the most frequent and controversial implements of destruction in video games and real life, guns are devices that fire projectiles with explosive force.
Health packs restore some amount of a players health, and can be permanent or temporary. They come packaged in a variety of forms, from the common med kit, to drugs, medicine, and even food.
Health Stations are often a sort of vending machine, operation table, med-bot or even NPC that's in place to restore the player's health.
Whether it's worn for protection or style, helmets appear in various game genres.
A Jeep is usually a 4x4 vehicle equipped with a mounted machine gun, it is best used as a transport vehicle.
A laser is a focused beam of light, invisible through the air without some other medium (such as smoke) to illuminate it. Lasers are often used in video games as part of a targeting system, or as an offensive weapon in their own right.
A storage utility usually used for items. In video games however, they have a different use: hiding.
Mechs (or Mecha) are humanoid-like pilot driven vehicles often depicted in media as a combat machine. Early examples of Mech/Mecha in video games are often derived from early manga and anime as well as table-top games.
A pistol is a very basic hand-held side arm, usually used in case of low ammo or tricky situations. They have appeared in many types of games.
A popular weapon used in the Red Faction series. It is a special type of rifle equipped with a X-ray sight. The gun shots a rail beam that goes in a straight line and through any object.
A type of weapon that fires a conductive projectile to incredible speeds, using kinetic energy rather than explosive force.
Railgun slugs are often made with radioactive materials.
Mines that can be detonated from a remote location.
Any firearm meant to be held with two hands, a rifle is a video game object that appears in many combat related video games.
A protective shield usually made out of polycarbonate, it is primarily used by law enforcement officers around the world for crowd control.
A mechanical lifeform, typically exhibiting superhuman abilities, that can be found in games as either the main protaganist or as powerful enemies or allies.
A weapon that launches rockets.
A satchel charge is an explosive pack used by militaries in the war, this "bag" contains powerful explosives to destroy and demolish heavy enemy targets.
The ultimate weapon attachment that uses telescope optics to enlarge distant targets thus increasing your accuracy.
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
The most powerful weapon at short range. Effective against Zombies, Nazis, Demons, etc. Videogame shotguns tend to have exaggerated inaccuracy at long range- real life shotguns are still fairly accurate over a decent distance, while videogame shotguns rarely go more than fifteen feet before becoming completely ineffective.
The weapon of choice for accuracy at long distances. The sniper rifle's slow rate of fire makes it ineffective for close range combat, but its high calibre round ensures that it inflicts maximum damage against the target.
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Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families:…
by Philip Gourevitch
Compact | Rate recommendations
No current Talk conversations about this book.
3.25 stars
This is a history of Rwanda leading up to, focusing on, and continuing beyond the genocide in 1994.
This wasn't quite what I expected. I was expecting stories from the survivors of the genocide, and there was some of that, but there was also a lot of history and politics, as well. So, for me, some parts were more interesting than others. Overall, it was o.k.
"God no longer wants you." So spoke a local pastor, a man of religion, as he ordered the massacre of 2,000 of his Tutsi neighbours and friends. The mass killings that took place in Rwanda in 1994 stand as the most hideous since Hitler and Stalin, yet they were aided by the French government, who supported the maniacal Hutu Power government. This book tears apart the excuses given by the Western powers as to why they didn't interfere, why they just let more than 800,000 Tutsis be obliterated without lifting one finger.
Gourevitch brings passion to his words and outlines the history of not only Rwanda, but of its ties to Uganda, what-was-then-Zaire, Burundi, and other African countries. In Rwanda, a Tutsi was called an inyenzi, a cockroach. So when the government called on its Hutu citizens to cleanse the land, they immediately took their machetes and went to work. How could so many humans kill so many others? The book strips down the national ethos of Rwanda, showing an ingrain mob mentality often referred to as 'community'.
"I cry, you cry. You cry, I cry. We all come running, and the one that stays quiet, the one that stays home, must explain. This is simple. This is normal. This is community."
When the rebel Tutsi group started taking control, the Hutu murderers fled across the borders to camps...funded by the great Western powers. The money was spent, because it had to be spent, and Hutus not only lived well, but were then allowed to return to their original homes, while their maimed Tutsi neighbours squatted in burned-out villages.
"Do you know what genocide is? A cheese sandwich. Write it down. Genocide is a cheese sandwich. Genocide, genocide, genocide. Cheese sandwich, cheese sandwich, cheese sandwich. Who gives a shit?"
We always look at the Holocaust, and the Great Purge, and we say to ourselves, ah well, that would never happen where I live. While this book is about Rwanda, it is really more about the internal compass inside every human being which points us to being part of the mob, to not stand out. Maybe the zombies have already arrived, and they are us.
Beware of those who speak of the spiral of history; they are preparing a boomerang. Keep a steel helmet handy. (Ralph Ellison)
Book Season = Year Round
Eye opening account of Rwandan geneocide
Philip Gourevich's account of the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda is soul shattering and haunting. One of the most important case studies of Rwanda's aftermath.
This is one of those books I read slowly. Not because I was savoring the language (as good as that was), but because I simply could not read it constantly and retain my sanity. But this is an excellent study of the Rwandan genocide, the factors leading up to it, the people and countries involved, the local and worldwide political situation and how all of that affected (for good or bad) the situation in Rwanda, and all the many permutations of the immediate aftermath and hope for healing and restoration. Throughout Gourevitch also asks important questions about the how the world perceives genocide and historically how it reacts to it. Bill Clinton and Madelyn Albright have immense amounts of blood on their hands.
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Wikipedia in English (11)
Amazon.com Amazon.com Review (ISBN 0312243359, Paperback)"Hutus kill Tutsis, then Tutsis kill Hutus--if that's really all there is to it, then no wonder we can't be bothered with it," Philip Gourevitch writes, imagining the response of somebody in a country far from the ethnic strife and mass killings of Rwanda. But the situation is not so simple, and in this complex and wrenching book, he explains why the Rwandan genocide should not be written off as just another tribal dispute.
The "stories" in this book's subtitle are both the author's, as he repeatedly visits this tiny country in an attempt to make sense of what has happened, and those of the people he interviews. These include a Tutsi doctor who has seen much of her family killed over decades of Tutsi oppression, a Schindleresque hotel manager who hid hundreds of refugees from certain death, and a Rwandan bishop who has been accused of supporting the slaughter of Tutsi schoolchildren, and can only answer these charges by saying, "What could I do?" Gourevitch, a staff writer for the New Yorker, describes Rwanda's history with remarkable clarity and documents the experience of tragedy with a sober grace. The reader will ask along with the author: Why does this happen? And why don't we bother to stop it? --Maria Dolan
(retrieved from Amazon Mon, 30 Sep 2013 13:19:43 -0400)
"In 1994 the Rwandan government implemented a policy for the Hutu majority to murder everyone in the Tutsi majority".
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'Iron Man 3'
Iron Man 3: Things get dark very quickly
Iron Man 3 will take Tony Stark to much darker territory. The formerly fun-loving action franchise will see the 'billionaire playboy philanthropist' we know and love from The Avengers pushed further than ever before. The teaser trailer shown during the Super Bowl saw Iron Man diving from a plummeting plane and attempting to save people as they plunged to the ground...
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Like many other teams before them, the Lakers had a serious problem with Oklahoma City's athleticism and speed. It's nearly impossible to shut down both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook while dealing with the Thunder's depth, and no one will be surprised if they are hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in a couple of weeks. Following their Game 2 meltdown, the Lakers were never really in the series. Despite his 42 points in Game 5, there are many who believe Kobe Bryant's poor shot selection played a big factor in the Lakers' demise. Mavericks forward Brian Cardinal would seem to be one of those people.
10 assists away from a double/double…
— Brian Cardinal (@BrianCardinal) May 22, 2012
Kobe was 18-for-31 shooting on Monday night and did not record a single assist. When Cardinal's Twitter followers began attacking him by tweeting things at him like, "You have more fouls than points per game," the Dallas role player wrote the following:


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Affirmative dimensions of applied ethics. Appreciative therapies (English version)
AbstractGilles Lipovetsky claims that the phrase "age of minimalism" is better suited to the postmodern society than "the society of generalised permissiveness". The postmodern society is a post-moralist one, at the twilight of duty. Transmodern ("hypermodern" in Lipovetsky's reading) ethics establishes moral norms based on liberal and pragmatic principles. The preferred focus is on the value of positivism, of cooperation as a source of efficiency, of personal enrichment – be it cultural, spiritual or moral – derived from the access to alterity. Tolerance as an ethical value is legitimised by a utilitarian humanism. The fundamental change proposed by Tel Franklin's appreciative therapy consists of shifting attention from illness as a state of disorder of the living system to that of implicit order, called "perfect health". We can view the counselling process as congruence between solving the problems of the human ego and facilitating the functionality of the social networks and systems the individuals is a part of. It is precisely at the level of the functionality of social systems that we can identify the reference space of the affirmative-appreciative counselling. The particularity of this approach is the replacement of the focus on problems with the focus on the individual's positive experience, on the strategies for "managing one's own existence" that the subject has successfully applied.
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Bibliographic InfoArticle provided by Editura Lumen, Department of Economics in its journal Revista de cercetare si interventie sociala.
Volume (Year): 30 (2010)
Issue (Month): (September)
Pages: 53-62
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Related researchKeywords: Appreciative inquiry; appreciative counselling; appreciative therapy; counselling;
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Really nice hotel, it has been a great discover! Its location is awesome, with great views to Llafranc beach. Staff is very friendly and its restaurant is a must go place while in Llafranc. You will be able to enjoy very good mediterranian dishes.
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In Touch - October 14, 2013
October 14
Our Divine Teacher
One of the reasons that many people—including believers—don't read the Bible is because they can't understand it. We would expect that to be the case for those who don't know Christ, but why do so many believers fail to comprehend the truths of Scripture? Maybe it's because they haven't asked for help from their divine Teacher. One of the Holy Spirit's chief responsibilities is to enable Christians to understand the things of God.
When looking at believers who know more than we do, we'll sometimes think, I will never be able to reach that level. The issue, however, isn't how much knowledge you have right now, but whether you are growing in your understanding. The Spirit will teach you what you need to know, not necessarily what others know. Because He wants to make us godly people, He'll give us enough truth each day to change our lives. He will interpret the meaning and give an application designed specifically for each person.
The Spirit's goal is not to fill your mind with information but to bring you to a deeper level in your relationship with the Lord. He wants you to understand the truth so you will fall in love with Jesus. Then you'll long to spend time in the Word, thereby getting to know Him even better.
But all these treasures of God's Word could remain out of reach if you never ask the Teacher to unlock them. Each time you read your Bible, ask the Lord for understanding. A wonderfully intimate love relationship with Christ awaits those who let the Spirit reveal to them the thoughts of God.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
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Are You Meatloaf? (via Pleated Jeans)
This is the only summer movie worth seeing!
Anna Kendrick, please stop starring in Twilight movies and rom-coms. Please act in movies I want to watch. Please?…
I hope they updated it to include Mel Gibson's phone rants. Anachronistic but fun.
Confusing choice for those with infantilism.
How to sell condoms.


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Somethings Wicked this Way Come
by CycleChick on November 19, 2013
As if in some desperate attempt to make me like her again, Not Italy has been issuing forth awesome bike-related announcements with almost the same regularity as Rob Ford issues insincere apologies to the media.
First came the announcement that Winnipeg will host the 2014 Canadian Cyclocross Championships in November at The Forks. For those of you out-of-towners, The Forks is a historic site in downtown Winnipeg where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. The crotch, if you will. The Forks offers all manner of food and bevvie options, plus indoor toilets and places to warm yourself, should that be required. It was also the venue of our recent provincial championships, which we are told attracted around 4,000 more people to the venue than would typically have been there on that day, many of whom had never even heard of cyclocross. I would assume not all of them were lost.
In addition to the National Championship races, the weekend will include "sport" races as well (all welcome!), plus a UCI 2 race on Sunday, which will mean some pros will show up to remind us how slow we really are. Plans are in the works for UCI day licences so we can hand our American Brothers and Sisters their star-spangled arses. Afterwards, at one of the MANY après-bike parties being held, we will buy each other drinks and poutine and all will be forgiven.
Of course, if you are a Yank spectator, you needn't concern yourself with such trivial matters as race licences, but rather just sit back and enjoy the show, like these two dudes who spectated the shit out of Cyclocross Worlds in Louisville, Kentucky last year.As an aside, I was thrilled to discover these fine gents are bonafide fans of this here blog – a fact revealed when they met a Winnipeg contingency there, and explained by the sheer volume of alcohol they consumed.
Spectators of all shapes and sizes from both sides of the border will be treated to some world-class heckling. Winnipeg is, after all, birthplace of the notorious racer known as "Yoga Pants". Yoga Pants earned his nickname as he raced past professional heckler Cousin Thomas, who loudly and enthusiastically suggested the racer's mom might want her yoga pants back. Much to the chagrin of Yoga Pants, the name stuck.
The planning has just begun, and trust me kittens, this is NOT something you want to miss.
In other, frostier news, one morning after far too many glasses of a lovely chianti, I awoke to discover I had signed myself up for Actif Epica, a 130 kilometre winter bike race in the middle of February.
The funny thing is, I did this race two years ago, so I really should have known better. But it could have been worse – I could have woken up from my little wine adventure with gonorrhoea and a face tattoo.
Of course I jest (about the gonorrhoea, not about drinking the chianti and signing up to race). I was actually very disappointed last year when I had to miss this race because of a certain date I had with California. But life is full of disappointments. In all seriousness, I have to say that Actif Epica is one of the most incredible events I have ever done, and I can't wait to do it again. Especially since it coincides with the International Winter Cycling Congress which is being held in Winnipeg this year. Crazy winter cyclists and cycling advocates from all over the world will come to Winnipeg in February. On purpose! And not think it sucks. How awesome is that? One might say wickedly awesome.
Bravo, Not Italy. You have my attention.
Provincials and Epica photos by Kyle Thomas. CycleChick fans photo by Brad Enns.
An Afternoon Ride in Not Italy
by CycleChick on November 10, 2013
Here in Not Italy we do not hide from shitty weather, rather we embrace it with enthusiasm, fearlessness, and 40 layers of technical fabrics. Not Italy kind of looks like an Ivan Eyre painting this time of year.We rode along the edge of a gravel pit, a popular hangout for teenagers in the summer.Apparently, they like to jump off that thing out there. Sometimes they die.
We walked almost as much as we rode.But Cricket didn't mind so much.Thanks Olli for a fun, dirty, badass ride on a day when most normal people were curled up in a chair with the latest copy of 50 Shades of Whatever. Your misses makes a pretty mean pot of meaty goodness. I still can't believe she let us in the house.
Day 6: The Ups & Downs of Nove Colli
by CycleChick on November 8, 2013
Photo: Augustus Farmer/Peloton Magazine
You may have been wondering (although probably not) "Hey! Where did that Winnipeg CycleChick go? Did she crash and fall off a mountain? Or run off with that sexy Italian guy?" The answer is no. I'm right here, back in Winnipeg – or, as I now like to call it, "Not Italy". As you can imagine, the transition has been difficult. In comparison, the food here at home is crap, likely as a result of the terrible scenery, and when you ask for an 'espresso dopio' at the local Tim Hortons, they may or may not throw you out and threaten to call the police.
In any case, before the glorious climax of my final days with Thomason Bike Tours becomes a distant, sexy memory, here is the next instalment of The Great Winnipeg CycleChick Italian Campagnolo Adventure Experience™, a name I will be pitching to the fine folks at Thomson and Campagnolo. I think they will be all over it.
Without further adieu, or the Italian equivalent thereof, I give you Day 6.
Back in 1970, a group of Italian cyclists decided to stage a bike race that would equal – or preferably crush into oblivion – a famously long and challenging one they had done that was put on by the Swiss. To do this, they picked the most difficult route they could find – a 200km traverse of nine cols in the heart of the Apennine Mountains. Legend has it that this new race, Nove Colli, or 'nine hills', inspired a group of Italian youngsters to take up cycling, including a certain Marco Pantani, who lived in a nearby town. Forty three years later, Nove Colli has become the biggest and most famous Italian bike race you've never heard of. With 13,000 participants winding their way through the narrow and undulating roads with white-knuckle switchback descents, it is likely the most exciting and terrifying as well.
While the race itself happens in May, the long and winding road it follows remains conveniently present all year long. So today, minus the 12,992 other cyclists and 50 euro entry fee, we will ride the Nove Colli. Or at least die trying.
At just under 200km and 3,800 metres (12,467 feet) of climbing, this was by far the most intimidating day on the itinerary. But unless I was to stay in Urbino forever (plausible), or ride in the van all the way to Faenza (out of the question), I was going to do it, one way or another.
The first climb starts almost immediately. As is our custom, the group spreads out, each of us plodding along at our own pace. Sharon, an oncologist from Utah and the only other woman in our group, has impressed us all with her relentless determination. She is content to ride her own pace, and never takes the van unless the guides force her to, in the interest of time and safety. She is always smiling (unless they make her take the van).Near the first summit my bike starts to feel weird. It's a familiar feeling specific to a soft rear tyre – the ass end of the bike seems disconnected from the front, sort of like those two person horse costumes, causing a rear waggle that is most easily detected on corners or fast descents when you crash onto the pavement with your face. Thankfully I make this discovery at the summit of the climb rather than halfway down the switchback descent at 60km/h.
No sooner do I stop to change the flat than the Super Ban appears! How do they do that?
Normally I insist on changing my own flats, but these tyres are a total bitch to get off. Plus, it's not often I have handsome Spaniards following me around to offer mechanical assistance whenever I need it, so I let Pablo work his magic. When I suggest he might be more comfortable in his task without his shirt on, he laughs. Must be my Canadian accent. He dutifully checks the tyre and the rim, puts in a new tube, and I am on my way down the descent.
Photo: Augustus Farmer/Peloton Magazine
This is probably a good time to mention how much I love me some Campagnolo brakes. I don't usually get all mushy about bike parts (ok that's a lie), but these brakes moderate my descents like the sweet lips of an angel gently caressing the rims – completely silently and with no trace of shuddering, slipping or grabbing. In other words, these brakes are The Shit.
Halfway down the dreaded waggle is back, but this time it's dangerous. If I stop, Jordi – who is too far in front of me to hear my pitiful calls for help – will have to climb back up the col, since my one and only tube was used on the last flat. I know the Super Ban will be at the last summit for a while waiting for the last rider. So I wiggle my way down the descent – knuckles white, and angel lips fully engaged.
At the bottom, Jordi is waiting. I tell him my tyre is flat again, and he gets to work with the change. Jordi does not love these tyres. I know this from the double flat two days ago. He is muttering under his breath and I strain to hear in the hopes of learning some cool new Catalan swearwords. But I am out of luck. Apparently "fuck" is pretty universal.
The air holds until the top of the next col, but the tyre goes soft again on the next descent. At the bottom we make yet another change, and Jordi decides that we will change the tyre at lunch, which is only about half an hour away. As we start rolling again, my chain snaps.
The Super Ban arrives (of course), a quick chain repair is done, and we are on our way to lunch. By now, the rest of the group is well ahead and enjoying the incredible countryside.
By the time we get to lunch, which is at a small patio in yet another (yawn) perfecty charming little town, all the other riders are about to leave. They offer to wait, but there are tyres to be changed and paninis to be eaten, and neither should be rushed.
And so Jordi is stuck with me all afternoon as we climb, and then descend col after col. Some of them are ridiculously hard. Like 20% hard. Counting my pedal strokes isn't cutting it anymore, so instead I follow Jordi's wheel and match his pedal strokes. When he stands, I stand. When he sits, I sit. His cadence is smooth, and his upper body perfectly still, not like those drama queen pros who rock back and forth like drunks on a cruise ship. He admits to me he is finding this difficult. He usually likes it steeper. Yeah. Me too.
At some point I tell Jordi things would have to be really bad for me to get in the van. As long as I am physically able to ride, I'm riding. He says that's good to know. We don't talk much, but when we do it is about the things we know and love – our kids, food, and riding. I regale him with tales of Winnipeg winters, and try to explain how truly flat it is, finally showing him a picture I have on my phone from a training ride back home. He shakes his head and tells me if he lived there he probably wouldn't be a cyclist. And I understand.
Photo: Augustus Farmer/Peloton Magazine
It's getting late. We have two more cols to climb. The weather is perfect, and the sun is starting to set. This ride is breathtaking, both in the literal and figurative sense. The Super Ban follows us, stopping occasionally as Augustus spills out, scrambling to find the best vantage point to shoot us in the magical light.
Photo: Augustus Farmer/Peloton Magazine
In the end we complete eight of the nine climbs. I am disappointed, but we lost too much time with the mechanicals and now it is getting too late to be on the road. So I have no choice but to put Nove Colli on my bucket list of unfinished business.
The Hotel in Faenza is amazing, but even more amazing is the restaurant. The owner is something of a cycling buff and the walls are lined with photos, old and new, of him with pros and other cycling celebrities.One in particular stands out.
In spite of all of my mechanical issues, not to mention the sheer intensity of the riding we've done today, compounded with all of the other days before this, this has been my favourite day of The Great Winnipeg CycleChick Italian Campagnolo Adventure Experience™ so far. It has also been the hardest, and maybe that's why.
I will remember this day forever.
Special thanks to Augustus Farmer (check out his great blog here) and Peloton Magazine, as well as Pablo and Thomson Bike Tours (the ones with the Campagnolo Experience logo on them) for the incredible photos. They tell the story far better than my words and crappy snapshots ever could.
I'm Not Dead Yet
by CycleChick on November 7, 2013
Lately I have received some very touching emails and assorted notes expressing concern at my whereabouts and well being. You guys are way too nice! The reality is I am back here in Winnipeg and working hard on the next post from my Amazing Italian Adventure. It's a really good one, honest. I am just waiting for some fancy approvals to use one of Augustus Farmer's amazing photographs that he shot for Peloton Magazine. Apparently the good people at Peloton were sleeping at 3am and unable to approve our request. As I am writing this, Augustus is likely sipping his last cuppa tea and settling into bed.
So to make a longish story shortish, the next post will be up tomorrow, with or without Gus' amazing shot. I hope they say yes, because this is my backup shot.Stay tuned!
Day 5: The New Normal
by CycleChick on October 22, 2013
Rising early, I feel like hell. Again. I am starting to get used to this sensation – part hangover, part ride fatigue, part jet lag. And I am always starving. During the day we are burning an impressive number of calories, and even eating constantly does not compensate. I know as soon as I eat something I will feel a bit better, but I am nervous about getting back on the bike again. Surely at some point my body will just refuse to do this anymore. But oddly, as soon as I get back on the saddle I feel great. Normal.
Yes, this is my new normal. A word that reminds me of a discussion with our ride leader and tour manager Sergi – a diminutive Spaniard (oops, Catalan) who bears a remarkable resemblance to every Spanish pro you've ever seen. Even just standing around in his helmet, glasses and kit on, his looks way more pro than you and I ever will. It's in his blood.Back home, he rides with this guy Flecha. You might have heard of him. They talk, as ride buddies do, about everything, but there are some topics that are mutually understood to be off limits. Flecha will not discuss doping, but when someone in the peloton does something that is clearly beyond what might be considered typical, his response is clear. "It is not normal."
Today's ride is another long one – 195km that will bring us deeper into the Apennines. Our ride profile is a "sawtooth", starting with a short, nasty climb, then into a series of ups and downs until we reach today's highlight, Monte Petrona. Sergi is very excited about this one because of the white gravel road, or "strade bianchi" on the climbing side, and picturesque switchback descent. I try, truly, to share his enthusiasm, while trying equally hard not to think about the 9,678 feet of climbing we will do today.
I have a strange coping mechanism when I am climbing hard – as I grind away, trying not to judge how much further I have to go, I count my pedal strokes. I guess it's just enough of a distraction to get me to the top. I wonder how many pedal strokes are in 9,678 feet. I guess I'll find out.The ups and downs are not so bad. We spread out, as some of us are better at going up and some are better at going down, but we always regroup at the "Super Ban". On the first day during our tour briefing, Sergi told us all about the "Super Ban" – a wonderful place where we would find food, clothing, shelter, and mechanical help. Sergi speaks excellent English, but with a heavy Spanish accent, so it was halfway through the meeting that I realized he was saying "support van". I have come to enjoy passing through these little remote towns, and the townspeople are warm and welcoming, if a bit curious. One thing that each town shares is a guard of watchful old men, who sit in cafes and trattorias watching the comings and goings around them. It's like they are waiting for something really exciting to come into town, and always seem mildly disappointed when all that turns up is a bunch of skinny foreigners in lycra.
Monte Petrano does not disappoint. Like most climbs here, you turn a corner and suddenly you are going up. It starts off paved, which is a blessing, then soon turns to the legendary white gravel. Of course this is not the strade bianchi – the real one is in Tuscany, but it is just as pretty, and likely just as punishing. I thank goodness for our gravel grinders back home, in particular the one in the Pembina Valley where we faced similar conditions, albeit with a slightly more Mennonite flavour. There are no mountains anywhere near Winnipeg, but you can drive three hours to the bottom of a valley and climb your way out – which is sort of the same thing. Not really.
At times it is so steep I am forced to stand on the pedals, which then makes the back wheel slide out if I'm not careful. I am too tired to be careful. In my head, I try to imagine myself as tiny, graceful Spanish climber – like Contador, but more well liked. And I count my pedal strokes, which are plentiful.Along the way, I meet Joe, one of the Aussies. Joe is a frame builder and refurbisher back in Brisbane. He reminds me a lot of Ben back home, both physically and by the effortless way he goes uphill. Jerk.I also ride for a spell with Jordi, one of today's ride leaders. Both of these gentlemen are clearly impressed by how I climb with the grace and agility of a Spanish pro. Yes. Clearly.The top is another world. Cold and damp, it feels more like Scotland than Italy. I'm pretty sure I could see Canada from up here, if I'd had any idea which direction it was.
I am always overheated from the effort when I reach the top of these climbs, like I could shed every piece of clothing and still spontaneously combust. But in about thirty seconds, when my body starts to cool down, I am freezing and worried about how I can possibly navigate a steep and treacherous descent with frozen eyeballs and no feeling in my hands.At the top, Sergi informed us there had been a landslide on the road we are taking down, but that it is not a problem. After all, this is not just any tour. This is a Thomson tour.We move the barricades and a wayward boulder for the van to get through, and ride around the rocks. No problem.
When we get to the bottom, it is starting to rain and getting dark. We still have 30km to go. Todd – our strongest rider – wants to continue, and Jordi is going to go with him. And if you know me, you know that if someone else is going to ride, I'm going to ride. But we are losing light and I'm afraid I will slow them down and we will be riding in the dark. Thankfully it starts to pour and they change their minds. We ride the final 30km to the hotel in the van.
It was another epic day. The daily routine ends as it has everyday – shower, dinner at eight, in bed by ten. The new normal.Amen.
Day 4: The Terminator
by CycleChick on October 20, 2013
In case you hadn't heard, I'm not much of a climber. The lack of elevation where I live, combined with my not-exactly-petite stature and delicate composition make me about as suited to going uphill as an old John Deer tractor. However, under the right circumstances, being good at something has little to do with how much it can be enjoyed.
Speaking of enjoyment, I really couldn't have picked a better group of people to be sharing this experience with. Our conversations are easy and we always seem to be laughing.We talk about everything under the sun, but I must say I get the most enjoyment from listening to the Europeans among us talk about Europeans. I have learned that while they do make exceptionally good beer, the Belgians are not to be trusted. The Italians and Spanish are half an hour late for everything, while the Germans are fifteen minutes early. Finnish women make Swedish women look like dishrags, and the Dutch are becoming more British than the British. While there is some debate about which nation boasts the worst drivers (although the Italians are favoured), there seems to be clear consensus that everyone hates the French.
Our Dutch rider, Joroen, warned me never to buy a French car. "Out of a 30 hour work week, they are on strike for 13 hours." he explained. "They spend the next 14 hours drinking wine, and in the remaining three hours (when they are terribly drunk), they build your car."Of course it is all in good fun, the kind of ribbing only close siblings can get away with.
With the granfondo behind us, I was looking forward to getting out of Rome for a smaller, more relaxed ride. Or as relaxed as a 190km ride with a massive amount of climbing can be. After about 100km, our major climb of the day would be Monte Terminillo, which starts at about 400 meters (1,300 feet) and rises to about 1,900 meters (6,200 feet).
The ride out of Tivoli took us into the foothills of the Apennine mountains, where we rode though countless little mountain villages intermittently perched on peaks and nestled in valleys.Every so often we would stop and regroup, fill water bottles, and stuff food into our mouths to fuel the next hour or two of riding. Finding places to pee is a bit of a challenge here, and I'm sure I have tinkled in some places that were less private than they could have been. My socks are a mess, covered with burrs, crushed wild raspberries, and mud – among other, less savoury things I'm sure.The farther we got away from the city, the prettier it became. We passed an impossibly beautiful turquoise lake, surrounded by a long and twisting road that was fast and fun to ride, especially after some slower, steep sections of climbing. The flatlanders among us were in heaven.So amazing. The road to Headingly back home will never quite look the same again.
After about 70km we stopped for lunch in Rieti, the town at the base of Terminillo. Each town we pass through seems to have a trattoria, bakery, pizzeria or café on every corner. The food (if they have any left) is always delicious and a nice change from the sickly sweet gels and energy bars we eat on the road. With lunch finished, it's time to face the Terminator. The climb takes about an hour and a half – less time than Mount Lemmon in Tucson, and about the same in terms of grade. Of course there are some nasty little steep sections, but we won't talk about those.You can't see it in this picture, but my "climbing vein" – the "Y" shaped one that pops out of my forehead when I exert myself – is out in full blazing glory.
The temperature got cooler and cooler as we climbed, and at the top was downright freezing. But I didn't care – I had made it to the top and the remainder of the ride (with the exception of one little "bump", as Sergi likes to call them) was downhill.There was a bit of a scary moment on the descent when I hit a pothole and immediately and violently punctured both front and back tubes. Thankfully a) it was on a relatively straight section so I was able to stay upright, and b) Big Aussie Mike was with me and was able to show me how the Campy brake releases work, and c) my fabulous Spanish domestique Jordi (who magically appears every time I am in trouble) drove up with the van and quickly changed both flats.
And of course the paparazzi was there to capture the whole thing.
The next 60km to Norcia was a bit of a grind after the effort of the climb – not to mention yesterday's granfondo. A pre-shower beer and a bag of nice salty chips at the hotel bar was a perfect way to end the ride.Moments like this are as brief as they are rare. With Thomson, there is no fucking around when it comes to our schedule. It is late, and we have to clean ourselves up and get to dinner before it's too late. There's another move in the morning, and another big day ahead. We enjoy the walk to dinner, if not the stairs we encounter along the way. As always, there are amazing sights to be seen, followed by a recap of an unforgettable day over an unforgettable meal.A domani!
Day 3: Campagnolo Granfondo Roma
by CycleChick on October 19, 2013
I'm not sure there is a word I could use to describe what it's like to be on the start line of an event with five thousand cyclists. If there was, it would be big. And probably Italian. The Campagnolo Granfondo Roma, now in it's second year, had attracted cyclists from all over Italy, as well as 21 other countries from around the world. Here at the start line they formed a mad swarm, like a crazy critical mass of European roadies with immaculately shaved legs and matching jerseys. Even the women were terrifying. As special guests of Campagnolo, we had a prime spot very close to the start. Behind me was a massive, nervous army of Italians, with an obvious mastery of the art of looking casually deliberate. If they cycle anything like they drive, I was a goner.We found out yesterday the government had forced the organizers to shorten the route to just over 100km, saying they would only provide police support to shut down the roads for that distance. Needless to say, this was a complete disaster for the organizers and sponsors. But the race would go on as planned.
Today we would ride on a combination of pavement and cobbles – most notably along the Apian Way, the ancient road where we had enjoyed dinner just the night before. Perhaps at the end, someone would put my remains in a nice urn and place me in a catacomb beside a freed Roman slave in Paolo's restaurant, where I could spend the rest of eternity infused with the fragrant scent of garlic and olive oil.
To my surprise, the start was quite civilized – we whizzed along the cobbles without incident and I was quickly part of a large and constantly changing grupetto. If I have learned anything from riding the deplorable streets of Winnipeg, it is to keep the pressure on the front wheel light. It's also best to go as fast as possible, with the bike skipping along the top surface of the road, thus smoothing out the ride. Going slow is a sure way to feel every bump, not to mention lose water bottles, break spokes, and dislodge expensive dental work.The two Italian words I made sure to memorize before the race were "left" (sinestra) and "right" (destra), ensuring I would understand when people were coming up from behind me, or indicating an upcoming turn. I was sure to learn the appropriate swears along the way as well.The race was fast, and had two main climbs into small towns outside Rome. I don't quite understand the Italian custom of putting towns so high up, and therefore hard to get to. A bit of a pain in the ass, if you ask me. The climbs were brutal, made worse with the incomprehensible taunts of the crowd. As beautiful a language as Italian is, "Get your fat ass up there!" sounds pretty much the same in any language.
I vaguely remember passing the colosseum.
My time was 3:29 – not spectacular for 105km, but given the climbing (about 3,200 feet) and two weeks off the bike due to illness, I'll take it. The results are confusing, but I'm on page two of twelve pages of female finishers. I'll take that as well.
At the end of the race I hung out at the finish just long enough to take in some fluids and check out the locals, who have definitely taken to the new trend of "high viz" cycling apparel in a fairly major way. I think there was more neon at the granfondo than at a Wham! concert.Once all of our riders came in we did a quick change and birdbath in the hotel bathroom and went to a local trattoria for some Italian recovery food – perfectly cooked pasta and a bunch of wine. Once everything was messily devoured we hopped into the van to make our way through the perpetually congested streets to our next hotel in Tivoli, north east of Rome. It was spectacular.
It was also here we were introduced to Augustus Farmer, a photographer and journalist who would be following us around for an upcoming article in Peloton Magazine. In addition to having one of the coolest names in Christendom, Gus would become a key member of our merry band of misfits, not to mention a friend.
Today was hard, and tomorrow will be harder, with 195km and 9,500 feet of climbing on the agenda. After today, I'm not sure if that scares me more or less.
You'll notice some of the photos I've put up are actually good. Those ones (with the Campagnolo logo) were shot by Pablo, our other intrepid photographer. Thanks Pablo!
Day 2: Buonasera signor Campagnolo
by CycleChick on October 15, 2013
It's not everyday you meet someone like Mister Campagnolo – but then today was not just any day. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start back at the beginning.
In the morning I was able to meet the Thomson Bike Tour crew, which consists of group leaders Sergi and Daniel, Jordi the mechanic, and Pablo, the photographer. Sergi, Jordi and Pablo are from Spain, but quick to point out they are Catalan. Catalonia is part of Spain, but they are like a divorced couple forced to share the same house. Kind of like Quebec and Canada. Daniel is from England, but speaks to the others in Italian – or rather "Spatalian", more a mix of Italian and Spanish, not that I can tell the difference. In any case, they are all awesome, and seem to have things running things like a well-oiled machine. Speaking of well-oiled machines, my loaner Bianchi is perfectly Italian, and, as promised, came totally decked out with a Campy Record group which I will need to learn to use post haste. Jordi had everything set up and waiting for my saddle and pedals, and soon it was ready to roll.
Our group is much smaller than I expected only eight riders, compared to the 30 I was expecting. That puts our rider to staff ratio at 2:1, which is far better than most daycares, so I know we will be well taken care of. One of my biggest fears before coming was that out of 30 riders, I would be the 37th slowest. Even with only eight, our group is varied in strength and speed, but everybody is really easy going and has a great attitude about the riding ahead. All that worry for nothing!
The other riders include three Americans – Ted from Norfolk, Virginia, Sharon from Utah, and Todd from San Diego. We also have two Australians – Mike from Melbourne and Joe from Bisbane (so I know I'll have someone to drink with). Jeroen from the Netherlands, and Joel from Manila round out the group, meaning we have all but three continent covered – two if you consider than nobody really lives in Antarctica anyway.
After a brief run through of the rules (basically, don't ride like a dick, be safe, and be on time), we went upstairs to the hotel restaurant for a typical Italian lunch of antipasti, pasta, meat, salad, and desert. It sounds like a lot, but oddly, you can clean each and every plate and not walk away half as stuffed as after eating half a burger from Five Guys.
After lunch, we put on our sweet Thomson/Campagnolo kits, loaded up the bikes and headed to Circus Maximus, a kind of ancient Roman velodrome for chariots. Called Circo Massimo in Italian, it is a very rare example of something that sounds cooler in English than Italian. Once the playground of gladiators, popes and kings, the Circo would be the location for a trade show in conjunction with tomorrow's granfondo.
It was here I met Valentino Campagnolo. I have to say he was extremely warm and pleasant, and laughed when I told him how jealous my friends were that I was there, and how much they would probably hate me for having met him. When Joshua (Campagnolo's marketing director) told him I had won the contest, he looked genuinely concerned and asked it I had done any training. Then we both laughed.
To everyone's surprise, at the last minute the granfondo had been shortened down to 100km from the traditional 165, chopping out one of the most picturesque climbs on the route. So it was decided the chopped out part would be out warmup ride. We quickly chaged into our sweet Thomson/Campagnolo kits and loaded up the van with our bikes. I was exploding with excitement!
My legs felt pretty good, but my lungs and cardio felt like hell – not a big shocker after two weeks of doing nothing but watching reruns of the Walking Dead and going through massive amounts of Kleenex. But the ride was spectacular – about 30km with a nice eight kilometre climb in the middle. And the views. Good Lord. Pictures really can't even touch it. Well, not mine at least. I'm sure Pablo's will be better.Everywhere in Italy the views are stupendous, the food is incredible, the women are beautiful, and there is always a bunch of old Italian dudes hanging around on the patios. I asked these guys if I could take their photo, and they enthusiastically agreed. We had a lovely conversation – them speaking Italian, and me in English – undeterred by the fact that neither understood a word of what the other was saying. Dinner that night was hosted by Campagnolo, in a great restaurant in Rome called Hostaria, located on the Via Appia Antica, which, by many accounts, is the oldest road in the world. The road is lined with catacombs filled with the ashes of freed slaves, and these catacombs can even be found inside the restaurant itself. Chef and owner Paulo proudly informs us we are eating in a graveyard. The setting and the food are sublime.Time to run! That bike is not going to ride itself!
The Campagnolo Experience, Day 1: When in Rome
by CycleChick on October 12, 2013
Today was a resounding reaffirmation that airplanes are flying germ canisters that put us in unacceptable proximity with other humans – complete with all of their unpleasant habits, noises, and smells. However, until teleporting becomes a reality, mass transportation will be a heinous necessity if one wishes to be anywhere far away from where they are.
Arriving in Rome is like landing on another planet. It's big – huge even – and so packed with people they mill around each other at frightening speed and proximity, completely at ease, regardless of their mode of transport.My kamikaze shuttle driver delighted in sharing the incredible historical marvels of his great city as he repeatedly skimmed past pedestrians, bikes, motorcycles and cars on roads narrower than most North American driveways.
When I finally arrived at the Aran Mantegna Hotel – which makes up for its disappointing distance from the historic city centre in size in modern opulence – I am exhausted, filthy, and an wanting to be as far away from other humans as possible.
My room wasn't ready, so I celebrated my arrival with a glass of prosecco from the hotel bar, which I halfheartedly drank while trying desperately to stay awake. My wait was rewarded by an upgrade to my room. I think the girls at the front desk either felt sorry for me, or were worried that my appearance was re reflecting poorly on the image of the hotel. Regardless, my room is enormous and modern, with a bathroom larger than most of the rooms in Europe I have ever stayed in.
After freshening up, I decided I should get out and explore before dark. Against my better wisdom (which is questionable at best), I decided to take the bus. Busses in Rome suck pretty much the same as busses anywhere else.I arrived at Theatro Marcello, right in the middle of the city centre. I figured it would be an easy landmark because it's right beside this, which is pretty hard to miss."Il Vittoriano" was built in 1911 as a tribute to Italy's "first" King after one of the million wars in its history. Interestingly, it is not loved by the Italians, and often compared to a typewriter or wedding cake. It is seen as too "monumental" and flashy – and for the Italians to think that, you know it must be bad.
Even still, you know me and directions. It was fun to wander around with no particular agenda or knowledge of the touristy landmarks. I just wandered, and looked, trying my best to remember where I was. I found all sorts of amazing things, many presumably older than Jesus.
Ok, that last one may not be quite as old as Jesus, but it is the great grandmother of my Fiat 500, and so small I could put it in my pocket. SO CUTE!!
Everywhere I looked there was something amazing. By far the most interesting thing to look at is the people. They are everywhere. Stylish Romans and tourists by the thousands.I decided I couldn't be in Rome without trying one of the many pizzerias lining the old cobbled streets, each one more inviting than the next. I randomly picked one with the most handsome Italian waiters, and sat down for a fantastic pizza and glass of the house wine. Magnifico!And just so you are not totally disappointed, on the way back to the bus, I may have done some shoe shopping.Amazingly, I did not get lost, and found my way back to the hotel and was in bed by 9pm. It was a fine, if exhausting first day.
Tomorrow morning I will meet the tour group for the first time. I haven't seen anybody here at the hotel that looks like they might be a cyclist – but in my white leather pants and shiny new red stilettos, I might not look like one either.
I Hate House
by CycleChick on October 4, 2013
Oh House Industries, how I hate you and your elegant and beautifully executed design solutions. I've hated you for a while now, with your always-perfect handprinted serigraph prints, clever housewares, and, of course, amazing catalogue of typographic genius. But after seeing the incredible work you did for master frame builder Richard Sachs and his cyclocross team, I hate you even more.
I am a graphic designer. I love bikes. Do you have any idea how many people sent me messages, links, emails, Tweets and posts about this little project of yours?
Like, a million. It's like being told over and over again how pretty your sister is.
I hate you for showing us a new way of looking at how design and cycling can come together in one brand that is contemporary and yet somehow speaks to a rich visual tradition, without feeling like yet another poor imitation. You've considered every detail, every angle, and somehow ensured the execution was flawless – a nearly impossible feat with something so complex and…well, fiddly.I hate you for making it look so easy.
I also hate you for giving us hope that one day, graphic design for the bike industry won't be the macho, gaudy and unholy mess it is today. Thanks. Thanks a lot.
Oh and I see you just worked on a sweet little typographic kit for that rag The New Yorker. You're trying to kill me right?
Damn you House. Damn you for being so good.
Photos by Carlos Alejandro. (Oh yes, Carlos. I hate you too.)


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Partners In Learning to host fitness festival, Special Olympics
Partners In Learning Child Development and Family Resource Center invites families to participate in the Family Fun and Fitness Festival, including the third annual Special Olympics Young Athletes Program, on Oct. 26.
"As our signature event, the Family Fun and Fitness Festival, focuses on two aspects which make the center unique in the childcare industry, our wellness and inclusion programs," said Executive Director Norma Honeycutt. "It's a great opportunity to share these great programs with children and families throughout our community."
Partners In Learning has a regionally recognized wellness program and recently received a statewide award for Innovative Policy to Create a Healthier Environment Award from the North Carolina Child and Adult Care Food Program, "Eating Smart, Moving More." The center is also known for its model inclusion program for children with special needs.
The event will provide a wide range of activities focused on wellness, including a prediction walk/run, cooking demonstrations and Zumba sessions. There will also be activities, games and hay rides.
The event also includes the center's third annual Special Olympics Young Athletes program, hosted in conjunction with Footprints In The Community.
Registration forms for Special Olympics Young Athletes may be found at epartnersinlearning.org.
This event is free and open to the public and will be held Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Partners In Learning and the adjacent Catawba practice field. The Special Olympics Young Athletes activities will be held from 10 a.m. until noon. Food will be sold as part of a fundraiser for the center.
Special Olympics Young Athletes, an inclusive program for children with special needs and their typically developing peers, combines sports and play to introduce the Special Olympics model to families in the community.
"Through this program, children learn new things, play and have lots of fun," Honeycutt said.
Children ages 2 1/2 to 7 will participate in games and activities that develop motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Footprints in the Community is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing participation of families of children with special needs in community activities. The organization is passionate about ensuring that children with special needs are afforded opportunities to participate in the typical offerings of the community in which their peers participate.
Situated on the Catawba College campus, Partners In Learning provides care to more than 200 children six weeks through five years of age. The center is the only National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited program in Rowan County.
For more information, visit epartnersinlearning.org.


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Not being a term that I coined, I don't really have a set definition for what it is. When I read it, I interpreted it as crudely done, perhaps misspelled, and likely overused script styles. Below are some examples of what I'm talking about.
I personally am a bit tired of seeing people's names in blackletter across their shoulders and things like "Live Free Die Hard" in script on their chests. There is a fair argument to be made for tattoos like this, and there are many that are very well done. They have their place, but this blog is not it.
Hey there Anon,
As much as I would like to donate my livelihood to your body art, I'm afraid that this is out of the question. If I were to do such a thing, I fear that it would open the floodgates for many more irrelevant requests.
Now, if you were to contact me again and offer me money for my scrawlings, then perhaps we can talk. But while I have a mere $400 in my bank account, it just seems silly.
Thanks for the kind words! When I started this thing I thought that maybe I was the only one who wanted to see this stuff. "Ghetto cursive" as you call it, seems much too prevalent to me, and it pains me to see the overuse of bad lettering. I am happy to perhaps shake things up a bit, and I plan to keep 'em coming.


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Feels like I can't go faster than 20mph.
View questions for:All Buick
2003 Buick Rendezvous
Buick Q&AAsk Your Question
2003 Buick Rendezvous Question: My speedometer stopped working and I cannot accelerate. Rpm & odometer are fine.
yesro, Elgin, IL, October 03, 2013, 11:35
1 Answer
Answer #1pushrod October 03, 2013, 14:04Master
Have it scan tested, sounds like the transmission is not shifting due to inop. speedometer. Needs to be looked at right away!
Replyyesro, October 03, 2013, 16:11Rookie
A friend of mine replaced my speed sensor and that wasn't the cause. He thinks it might be a cluster sensor but wasn't sure if that could be the culprit for to being able to acceleate.
Replypushrod, October 03, 2013, 16:19Master
Did both problems start at the same time?
Replyyesro, October 03, 2013, 16:45Rookie
Yes. I remember because I was at a stop sign.
And i meant that he wasn't sure if it was the culprit for no acceleration.
Update: The problem turned out to be corroded wiring.
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My current planner system isn't working that well for me. I have everything in one, gigantic planner. The main problem that I have with my huge planner is that it is just too HUGE. When I look at it, it makes me tired and it's heavy, really heavy. I also don't like that I can't easily flip the pages over like I can in a spiral bound book and write on one side. Simply put, I don't use my planner nearly as much as I need to because I find it cumbersome and inconvenient to use.
To try to solve this problem, and hopefully use my planner a lot more, I'm in the process of breaking up my mega-planner into smaller, spiral bound planners. The first planner I've made is a Blogging Calendar and Idea Book. I'm very excited about this planner and hope that it will help me organize my blog posts and meet my blogging goals.
To make the front cover, I used my very old Printmaster program to decorate the front cover. I decided to use a four seasons theme for the front cover and when I look at it, it makes me happy.
After the front cover, I printed out two-page per month calendars from my TOS Schoolhouse Planner. The 2010-2011 planner stops after June 2011 so this planner will need replaced in July, 2011.
TOS Schoolhouse Planner as well. The purpose of these pages is to give me a dedicated space to write down my blog post ideas. Since I often don't write down my ideas, I find that I don't remember them. Sometimes I feel like I have SO many things to blog about, and other times, I can't think of anything at all to share. Hopefully, having a dedicated place to write down my ideas will help me when I sit down to write.
My blogging life is a bit more complicated now than it was when I first started blogging in 2008. I write monthly for Homeschool Classroom, Curriculum Choice, and I'm a member of TOS Review Crew. I don't regularly participate in lots of link-ups and blog carnivals but I enjoy participating in the Weekly Wrap-Up and the Homeschool Showcase at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. I also like participating in some of the TOS Blog Cruise question and answer posts.
So, starting with November, I first filled in the dates that articles written by me will be published on Homeschool Classroom and Curriculum Choice. I also filled in the dates that my next articles are due to both of those websites.
- Nov. 5 - "A Little Help With the Classics, Please" published at Homeschool Classroom
- Nov. 15 - Review of Teaching the Essay from Analytical Grammar published at Curriculum Choice
- Nov. 8 - Our Land of Liberty
- Nov. 19 - KB Teacher
- Nov. 22 - Christian Kids Explore Physics
- Nov. 5 - Week in Review
- Nov. 12 - Week in Review
- Nov. 19 - Week in Review
- Nov. 26 - Week in Review
- Nov. 15 - TOS Blog Cruise - debunking homeschool myths
- Nov. 29 - TOS Blog Cruise - extracurricular activities
Taking into consideration all of those dates, I am left with only 9 days left to fill with posts. Ideally, I'd like to post at least once each day, Monday through Friday. I think using my planner will help me to write posts ahead of time and schedule them. Most importantly, it will me to get my vague thoughts and plans regarding my blog out of my head and onto paper!
If you have any great tips for organizing posts and keeping track of blog post ideas on your own blogs, I'd love to hear them!


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Many of you maybe aware that Chris Mackowski and I have been working on a few major projects as of late. These projects have given us the opportunity to search repositories high and low, large and small. The two of us have amassed thousands of pieces of paper, as well as over 1,000 books. Thankfully, for my wife, most of these books come in a digital format.
As I was rooting through my external hardrive, I came across a few books that I have aquired pertaining to the Battle of Gettysburg. These books range in publication from 1873-1925. With this being the 149th anniversary of the battle, I thought I would upload a few of them to our site. I hope that you may find them either useful or entertaining. The tour books are particulary amusing. Here you go:
Gettysburg: What to See by John Bachelder
Three Days at Gettysburg by John E. Pitzer
The Peach Orchard by John Bigelow
Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge and Other War Addresses by James Crocker
Gettysburg: What They Did Here by Luther Minnigh
A Complete Hand-Book of the Monuments and Indications and Guide to the Positions on the Gettysburg Battlefield by J. Howard Wert


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Morning treadmill run. 15 minutes. Thought I'd really crank it up. Hit the mile after 9:45, which I know is not amazing but is good for my slow ass. Imagine my disappointment when my total distance was only 0.04 miles greater than yesterday.
Treadmill says I burned 261 calories.
1.54 miles; average pace was 6.16 mi/hr.
Short URL for this post: http://tmblr.co/ZIEU4yIklMjR


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Downton Abbey Pulls at the Heartstrings – SPOILER ALERT
Downton Abbey Pulls at the Heartstrings – SPOILER ALERT
This week's Downton Abbey may be the most talked about episode so far – it has blown up the Twitter-sphere, been all over the blogs and may have caused an increase in tissue sales. If you haven't seen it yet, you can watch it here: http://watch.cetconnect.org/video/2327802054 and then pop back over to this blog for more information.
Once again, if you haven't seen this episode, the spoilers start… Now!
In this episode of Downton Abbey - Season 3, Episode 4 – the Crawleys faces the severest test yet with the untimely passing of one of the family's three daughters. While millions of viewers were watching, the family celebrated the birth of a healthy baby girl only to watch the seemingly healthy mother succumb to eclampsia. It was certainly a terrible tear-jerker.
The impact of her death impacted the cast as well. Here what they had to say:
Although it's been more than 80 years since the time of Downton Abbey, eclampsia continues to claim the lives of mothers and infants today. PBS has provided the following contact information for those seeking more information about eclampsia, pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, which are truly life-threatening conditions that are still major threats to maternal and infant health today:
Toll Free: 800-665-9341
Phone: 321-421-6957
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By Times of India | May 3, 2013, 3:47 pm IST Travel
Thanjavur Temple - The granary of South India, Thanjavur temple was the royal city of the Nayaks, Cholas and the Mahrattas. This temple is known as one of the architectural marvels of the world. Known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and south Indian musical instruments, Thanjavur is also famous for its distinctive art style.


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