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Masashi Yoshimura
- Entomology
- PhD
Male-Based Taxobomy of Ants in Madagascar
My research focuses on taxonomy of male ants. Male-based taxonomy of ants offers to provide new insights into their taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and conservation biology. Specialized characters often found only in male ants make them a substantive source of many new morphological information. For groups of ants difficult to distinguish via female characters, males often provide critical diagnostic characters. In practical terms, observing and analyzing male ants can yield information about colony dispersal strategies and the special role of males in reproduction.
Despite the promise offered by male-based ant taxonomy, a number of obstacles have hampered its widespread adoption. Existing information about male taxonomy is scattered among many sources, making taxonomic systematization difficult. Keys and diagnoses of male ants remain scarce and locally limited to just a few geographic regions. And current taxonomic diagnoses for ants are typically based onworker morphologies alone.
To establish male-based keys and their diagnoses for a particular region, comprehensive collections of both males and their conspecific workers is required. Most ideally, specimen collections should include the entire ant fauna of a region, but such comprehensive collections are quite rare.
The Malagasy ant collection at the California Academy of Sciences is an example of one such almost complete collection. Its comprehensive regional coverage offers the opportunity to address the problems of male-based taxonomy. The collection includes numerous males, most of which are associated with their workers, in a well-organized, databased, and imaged collection that is suitable for analysis using molecular tools.
Establishing an identification system for the male ants of the Malagasy region will be an important step toward systematizing taxonomic information of all males. The system will also contribute to conservation biology research in the highly diverse and endemic Malagasy region.
Degree of Doctor of Agriculture (March 2004)
Title of the thesis: Taxonomic Studies of Japanese Male Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Practical Use of Their Morphological Information
The Doctoral Course (2001-2004)
Course of Biotic Environment
United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University
Inada-cho, Obihiro,
Hokkaido 080-8555, JAPAN
The Master's Course (1999-2001)
Course of Agro-Environmental Science
Graduate School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University
Inada-cho, Obihiro,
Hokkaido 080-8555, JAPAN
Undergraduate (1993-1996)
Department of Dairy Science
Faculty of Dairy Science
Rakuno Gakuen University
582 Midori-machi, Bunkyodai,
Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, JAPAN
Hokkaido College of Arts and Sciences (Rakuno Gakuen University Dairy Science Institute) (1991-1993)
582 Midori-machi, Bunkyodai,
Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, JAPAN
Schlinger Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systematic Entomology (November 2008 - Present)
Department of Entomology
California Academy of Sciences
Visiting Research Fellow (April 2008 - October 2008)
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University
6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku,
Fukuoka 812-8581, JAPAN.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (April 2005 - March 2008)
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS),
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (January - March 2005)
Department of Entomology
California Academy of Sciences.
Research Fellow (July - December 2004)
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University
Teacher of science (April 1996 - March 1999)
Oshidomari junior high school
Sakae-machi, Rishirifuji-cho,
Hokkaido 097-0101, JAPAN.
The Original Papers
1. Onoyama K, Yoshimura M (2002) The ants of the genus Proceratium (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Japan. Entomological Science 5, 29-49. Link
2. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2002) Male-based keys to the subfamilies and genera of Japanese ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Entomological Science 5, 421-443. Link
3. Japanese Ant Database Group (2003) Ant Image Database 2003. Japanese Ant Database Group, Sendai. Link
4. Japanese Ant Database Group (2003) Ants of Japan. GAKKEN, Tokyo.
5. Yoshimura M, Hirata T, Nakajima A, Onoyama K (2003) Ants from scats and pellets in the nests of the Japanese Wryneck Jynx torquilla japonica. Ornithological Science 2, 127-131. Link
6. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2003) A new record of a dacetine ant, Strumigenys godeffroyi Mayr, 1866 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Japan. Edaphologia 71, 9-10.
7. Japanese Ant Database Group (2003) Super visual encyclopedia, Ants of Japan. GAKKEN, Tokyo (in Japanese).
8. Azuma N, Takahashi J, Kikuchi T, Yoshimura M, Onoyama K, Higashi S (2005) Microsatellite loci for Myrmica kotokui and their application in some congeneric ant species distributed in northern Japan. Molecular Ecology Notes 5, 118-120. Link
9. Eguchi K, Yoshimura M, Yamane S (2006) The Oriental species of the ant genus Probolomyrmex (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicinae: Proceratiinae). Zootaxa 1376, 1-35.
10. Yoshimura M, Fisher BL (2007) A revision of male ants of the Malagasy region (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Key to subfamilies and treatment of the genera of Ponerinae. Zootaxa 1654, 21-40. PDF
11. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2007) A new sibling species of the genus Strumigenys, with a redefinition of S. lewisi Cameron. In: Snelling RR, Fisher BL, Ward PS (eds) Advances in ant systematics (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): homage to E. O. Wilson - 50 years of contributions, pp. 664-690. American Entomological Institute, Gainesville. PDF
12. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K, Ogata K (2007) The ants of the genus Odontomachus (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Japan. Species Diversity 12, 89-112.
13. Japanese Ant Database Group 2008 (2008) Japanese Ant Image Database 2008. Japanese Ant Database Group, Sendai, Japan (in Japanese). Link
14. Yoshimura M, Hosoishi S, Kuboki Y, Onoyama K, Ogata K (2009) A new synonym and a new record of the ant genus Ponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Japan. Entomological Science 12, 194-201.
Papers Published in Bulletin (in Japanese)
1. Yoshimura M (1998) Ants from Islands in Hokkaido, Northern Japan (No.1, Rishiri Island). Rishiri Kenkyu 17, 33-38.
2. Kosugi K, Satoh M, Yoshimura M, Yoshimura Mar, Sakamoto R (1998) Morphological measurements body mass and stomach contents in Black-tailed Gull (Lalus crossirostris). Rishiri Kenkyu 17, 39-40.
3. Yoshimura M (1999) Ants from Islands in Hokkaido, Northern Japan (No. 2, Rebun Island). Rishirikenkyu 18, 49-54.
4. Yoshimura M (1999) Ants from Dung of Black Woodpecker in Rishiri-Island. Rishiri Kenkyu 18, 35-36.
5. Yoshimura M (2000) Ants from Islands in Hokkaido, Northern Japan (No. 3, Teuri Island). Rishiri Kenkyu 19, 27-35.
6. Yoshimura M (2000) Good relationship between ants and fungus. Hokkaido Kinoko no kai kaiho 43, 38-39.
7. Tarayama M, Onoyama K, Ogata K, Yoshimura M (2002) Notes on common names of Japanese ants. Ari 26, 48-50.
8. Kawabe M, Tanaka Y, Suda O, Nemoto K, Kawashima E, Matsuda M, Yoshimura M (2003) Remains of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martis martis
9. Ogata K, Kubota M, collected in the eastern part to Taisetsuzan (Daisetsuzan) National Park, Hokkaido. Bulletin of the Higashi Taisetsu Museum of Natural History, 25: 51-52. Yoshimura M, Kuboki Y, Hosoishi S (2005) Taxonomic system The ant classification system proposed by Bolton. Ari 27, 13-24.
10. Yoshimura M (2007) Ant Image Databse 2007 Beta Version. Konchu to Shizen 42, 12-15.
11. Hosoishi S, Yoshimura M, Kuboki Y, Ogata K (2007) Ants from Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Ari 30, 47-54.
12. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2008) Taxonomic changes in the genus Strumigenys of Japan from 2003. Ari 31, 1-12.
13. Yoshimura M, Kubota M, Onoyama K, Ogata K (2008) Taxonomic changes since the publication of Japanese Ant Image Database 2003. Ari 31, 13-28.
International Congress
1. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2002 August) Usefulness of the taxonomic examination of male ants. 14th International Congress of the IUSSI. Sapporo, Hokkido, JAPAN (Poster).
2. Kihara A, Onoyama K, Ogata K, Terayama M, Yoshimura M, Kondoh M, Tsukii Y (2002 August) The Japanese Ant Image Database, Structure and Functions. 14th International Congress of the IUSSI. Sapporo, Hokkido, JAPAN (Poster).
3. Yoshimura M (2005 November) Males of two dacetine genera Strumigenys and Pyramica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). 5th ANet meeting. Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA (Oral).
4. Yoshimura M, Ogata K (2006 August) Taxonomic status of the genus Probolomyrmex: new information from the males (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). 16th International Congress of the IUSSI. Washington DC. U.S.A. (Poster).
5. Yoshimura M, Ogata K (2007 October) A comparative study of the male wings in the subfamily Proceratiinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). 6th ANet meeting. Patiala, INDIA (Oral).
Congress of the Societies in Japan (Oral in Japanese)
1. Yoshimura M (1998 August) Establishment of a key to genera of Japanese male ants. 44th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Hokkaido.
2. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2002 September) Morphological examination of dacetine males in Japan. 62th congress of the Entomological Society of Japan. Toyama.
3. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K, Ogata K (2003 August) Taxonomic study of the ant genus Odontomachus in Japan. 46th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Fukuoka.
4. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K, Ogata K (2004 August) Discussion about an evolution of the mandibles in dacetine ants based on their male morphologies. 47th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Ishikawa.
5. Yoshimura M, Ogata K, Onoyama K (2004 September) Taxonomic study of Odontomachus monticola. 64th congress of the Entomological Society of Japan. Hokkaido.
6. Yoshimura M, Onoyama K (2006 August) Taxonomic study of three Strumigenys ants in Japan, Strumigenys lewisi, S. sp.4, S. sp.9. 49th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Iwate.
7. Ugawa Y, Yoshimura M, Imai H (2006 August) The further system of Japanese Ant Image Database. 49th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Iwate.
8. Yoshimura M, Eguchi K, Yamane S, Ogata K (2006 September) Male based taxonomy of the ant genus Probolomyrmex (Hymenoptera; Formicidae). 66th congress of the Entomological Society of Japan. Kagoshima.
9. Yoshimura M, Hosoishi S, Onoyama K, Kuboki Y, Ogata K (2007 August) Taxonomic study of the two Ponera species from Island Yakushima. 50th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Okinawa.
10. Hosoishi S, Kuboki Y, Yoshimura M, Ogata K (2007 August) Ant fauna in Island Yakushima. 50th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Okinawa.
11. Yoshimura M, Ugawa Y, Onoyama K, Ogata K (2007 September) Provision of the Japanese Ant Image Database 2007 beta version. 67th congress of the Entomological Society of Japan. Hyogo.
12. Yoshimura M, Ugawa Y, Ogata K, Onoyama K, Imai H, Kubota M (2008 August) Publication of the Japanese Ant Image Database 2008. 51th congress of the Myrmecological Society of Japan. Shiga.


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Now if you went down three to four steps on the cam to try to bring it into harmony with 3.08:1 gears, it's probably not going to help either the detonation or the torque-converter-slippage issues .Wow, this is getting complicated. Is there a better way that allows you to keep the present cam, converter, and rearend gears? Yes, if you have the bucks: Install a Gear Vendors add-on Overdrive unit that attaches to the back of your existing transmission in place of its extension housing. As an add-on unit, it lets you split any gear, so your three-speed TH400 effectively becomes a six-speed—the three standard gears, plus an overdrive ratio for each of the gears (see table on the next page). In high gear with the existing 4.10:1 ring-and-pinion, your effective final-drive ratio would be 3.20:1 (2,688 rpm in our hypothetical cruise scenario). Torque converter slippage won't be a problem, Gear Vendors claims, because the rpm at cruise and the engine output to maintain a given steady-state speed will be lowered even more, which of course lowers effective stall speed at steady-state, part-throttle cruising conditions. On the other hand, "lazy revving" getting up to cruise won't be a problem because with six forward speeds, there's minimal rpm drop between each gear.
Available for most classic automatic and manual transmissions and weighing only about 28–32 pounds with a diameter roughly equal to a 3-pound coffee can, full-race Gear Vendors ODs can handle over 2,000 hp (many are used in Bonneville LSR cars). Even standard street units are rated to 1,200 hp. Gear Vendors President Rick Johnson says, "20-year-old units sell for more than when they were new." The downside is the cost: $2,695.00 factory-direct for PN 3DFS400A, the model that replaces a typical TH400 trans with a 4-inch extension housing. You'll also have to shorten the driveshaft. But at least on the big Impala tunnel mods probably won't be needed.
Q. I have a '96 Cougar XR7 with a 4.6L, single-overhead-cam, two-valve motor. I have access to a very low-mileage, 4.6L twin-cam, four-valve, engine in a '94 Mark VIII Lincoln, as well as the rest of its drivetrain and wiring. If I put the DOHC engine into my Cougar, will I need to change any of the wiring or electronics? If so, where can I get the parts? There are no emissions inspections in my area.
Allen Haynes
Amarillo, TX
A. The '96-and-later Fords have a 104-pin, OBD-II–compliant ECU (engine control unit, aka the computer). The '95-and-earlier cars use a non–OBD-II ECU with 60 pins (i.e., 60 terminals on the master connector going into the computer). OBD-II compliance is required in California and states that conform to California emissions; I'll take you at your word that this isn't a concern in Texas.
Because the early and late computers are so different, Ford tuner and engine swapper Mark Sanchez at AEW recommends not only transferring the engine from the Lincoln donor to the Cougar receiver but also the engine harness, computer harness, and computer. Even if you don't have the donor engine's harness and computer, you'll get best results with those components from the same-year car.
The '96-and-later cars also had built-in vehicle anti-theft; the earlier cars did not. As you are installing the earlier engine into a later car, this won't be a problem (but there will no longer be built-in anti-theft provisions).
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subset: commoncrawl


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Charlotte, NCUSA
Hometown: Charlotte
September 20, 2010
No answer yet
No answer yet
I'm a recent psychology graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and I'm throwing myself into the ring of web programming. It seems to be the sweet spot between my interests in psychology, computers, and information. By new, I just started this past May.
Hey James this is selima . it was great meeting you the other day . please note that my card has incorrect email address . I just noticed last night .. it should read .[masked]
James - I attended the WordPress event last night - thanks for your contributions to the presentation - It was really helpful and I enjoyed it!
Hey, I recognize you from CM :) Lets chat next time we see each other and I also hope to make one of these meetings.
Hey man. Welcome to the group. Being a psych grad you'll probably enjoy this article "The Psychologist's View of UX Design" http://uxmag.com/design/the-psycholog...
I think you'll find the web a nice place to be :) Hope to see you at one of our meetups soon.
Welcome to the group James!
Meetup members, Log in
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- Jaime Mogollón Michilot
- Trujillo
- Peru
Economic Student,
This conversation is closed.
How we can reduce poverty and inequality in developing countries?
I'm from Peru. A developing country. We are having a good perfomance in our economy, but we have to face a non resolved problem. One to 3 peruvians live on poverty conditions (see the link for wikipedia information bit.ly/17qs4Rw) .
How we can face this problem?
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Anna HeimOct 14 2013: I know very little about Peru, and the little that I do know is informed by reading - however I have visited India and I am remotely (via internet) working with colleagues in rural and remote Kenya to address some of the issue surrounding poverty and in equality in the developing world. I don't consider myself an expert, just a thoughtful and humane human-being. In the little experience I have I would suggest that infrastructure might help to reduce some of the inequality, transportation, energy, schools, sanitation and healthcare. In the project I am working ok in Kenya part of the solution will come from green energy, Biogas in particular as a three pronged solution, with the Biogas being used for cooking in the main and to provide some night-time lighting. I appreciate that the situation in Rural and Remote Kenya is quite likely to be very different from the issues which face people in Peru - but my colleagues and I feel that enabling each village to be sustainable in their own energy production rather than adopting the western big grid models will work better especially as the farming communities in this part of Kenya are very poor and couldn't afford to pay energy bills if commercial providers came to town. Education is another way to help - I am sure that the Peruvian people irrespective of whether they live in rural and remote parts or the bigger towns and cities are very savvy and innovative.
As Henry Woeltjen has also said - infrastructure is of major importance as this enables goods to be transported from one part of the country to another; and for this Government or regional municipalities need to be involved and provide a joined-up approach how to best serve the people in these communities.
I appreciate there are lots of reason which contribute to poverty and inequality and there is no "one size fits all" solution so "cherry picking" the best mix on might also go some way to serve the people more effectively.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.


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It isn't often that a highly-accomplished college basketball coach is fired mid-season, and in the case of Delaware State head coach Greg Jackson, the story doesn't end there.
Delaware St. has fired men's basketball head coach Greg Jackson. He spent 14 years at DSU. Keith Walker will take over as interim coach.
— Scott Abraham (@S_Abraham_16) January 30, 2014
The Delaware State Hornets are an ugly 4-15 overall and 0-6 in the MEAC this season, but Greg Jackson has amassed 200 wins in his 14-year tenure, and all indications are that he is a quality coach. In addition to his list of accomplishments, though, this firing is odd for another reason.
Jackson was one win short of tying the school-record of 201 career victories.
In the hours since Jackson was let go, the rumor mill has cranked up to high levels with whether he had some sort of bonus that would kick in on his 201st victory, but regardless of those rumblings, this one smells a bit. I'm sure that new interim coach Keith Walker will do a respectable, quality job in the head coaching seat, but to dismiss a long-tenured coach in late January is something that you never want to see.
Something tells me that more details will emerge from this story, but until then, we are left wondering.


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Next, you'll be asked to connect with Twitter. Rest assured, we will never send a tweet from your account
without your permission.
We will send you an email with an invite soon.
Shashi's Video Report - http://t.co/WuY7fa4OSY
Thanks @washingtonexec Shashi Bellamkonda Joins Real Estate Firm Bozzuto Group as VP of Digital Marketing
Ranting on Websites May Just Make You Angrier - US News and World Report
The Secret Office Lair of Shashi Bellamkonda (@shashib) | Internet ...
RT @GburgPatch: This has also seen a lot of readers today. Pretty cool! BLOG: Olde Towne Business Goes 'Undercover Boss' [VIDEO]
Have a few minutes watch this @TheBozzutoGroup video "leading from the heart" is a great purpose
RT @CNET: Report: Google is in talks to acquire WhatsApp for nearly $1 billion
See what's Trending Now for @shashib
Follow @shashib on Twitter


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A key challenge for companies developing biologics is the control of particles in the final formulation. Managing product contamination from intrinsic and extrinsic particles, and protecting patients from the associated risk, is increasingly important.
When ligand binding is part of the functional activity of a biopharmaceutical, FDA and EMA guidelines require this property be quantified. The Biacore T200 provides real-time and label-free biomolecular interaction analysis and binding assays.
To ensure a long product shelf-life for biopharmaceutical drug products, a stable storage environment is critical. We describe the use of various biophysical techniques as formulation screening tools, to elucidate protein conformation/dynamics.


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KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO)-- No names have been released but two men, aged 33 and 25-years-old, are fighting for survival after drinks and a high speed run down 8th Street in Oshtemo Township late yesterday afternoon. Kalamazoo County Deputies say they believed the driver and his passenger, both from Kalamazoo, were going at a very high rate of speed when he lost control, went off the road and slammed into a tree. One of them was ejected from the vehicle on impact, the other was trapped inside. Both of them were admitted in critical condition.
34-year-old Farley will be formally charged today with being a parole absconder, resisting arrest and attempting to disarm an officer.


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FILA Men's or Women's No Show Socks 12-Pack
$13 + free shippingSHOP NOW
Posted 1 day 4 hr ago
As one of its daily deals, 13Deals offers the FILA Men's or Women's Performance No Show Socks 12-Pack for $12.99 with free shipping. That's $1.08 per pair and tied with our mention from two weeks ago as the lowest total price we could find by $7. (We saw a similar 12-pack for a buck less in July.) They're available in men's sizes 10-13 (shoe size 6 to 12.5) or women's sizes 9-11 (shoe size 4 to 10). Color is chosen at random. Deal ends September 18.


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Last month, Ford widened its cruise control switch recall to 4.5 million vehicles. Included in the growing list of cars and trucks was the Ford Ranger pickup – the mechanical twin to the now-discontinued Mazda B-Series pickup. Not surprisingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety ...
2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for a high-res image galleryA total of 8,735 2009 Ford F-150 pickups are being recalled for stop lamps that may not illuminate during very mild brake pedal applications. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the culprit is a "brake stop ...


text: The NFPA 70E HRC rating system is the standard for the electrical industry. This rating system determines the protection standards required for electrical workers at a jobsite. HRC stands for Hazard Risk Category. The chart below is based on specific job tasks, ranges from HRC 1 (which is low risk and allows for 100% treated cotton), up to HRC 4 (which is high risk and requires FR clothing with a minimum arc rating of 40). The HRC is used to determine the necessary arc rating of a garment worn during a given job task. Wearing multiple layers of clothing may be required to obtain the necessary rating required for your job. Only your employer can tell you the required level of protection required for your job. . Bulwark FR clothing is designed for superior protection from work place hazards, Order yours today and save.


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Interview With Erica Andrews
Posted 03 January 2007 - 06:33 PM
Miss Gay USofA, Miss Continental, Universal Show Queen, Miss Transsexual America, National Entertainer of the Year and fresh off the plane from Pattaya, Thailand, the newly crowned Miss International Queen...What in the world can Erica Andrews do next? Well that is precisely what this interview will tell us. Erica and I are siblings, if you will. Tandi Andrews was a "Mother" to us both in many ways. She had many "kids" from all parts of our great country and over the years we have all united as one big family. I have recently spent a lot of time with Erica in Tampa, Florida where she performs once a month at the fabulous Flirt Nightclub. Having only been back in the States for a few days, she flew into Tampa for her victory party celebration and found a few minutes to sit down with me and chat...here is the result...enjoy CF'ers!Hey sister! Thanks and welcome to CarrieFairfield.com! The staff and management appreciate you taking time to conduct this interview. So lets start this off by having you tell us about your upbringing. Where were you born and what was life like as a youngster?Let me start off by saying hello to you, the staff and management of CarrieFairfield.com and to all of its readers; it's a pleasure to do this interview. My childhood was as normal as any other little boy. I played with dolls, put on makeup and slipped into my mother's dresses while she was at work. LOL. But really it was pretty normal. Growing up in Mexico I spent most of my time with my Grandmother, Sister, Mother and many female relatives. We lived in a small ranch called Los Aguirres located in the outskirts of Allende, Nuevo Leon. Where there was little electricity, spring water, and a rural setting with a beautiful river that we made our playground. We spent most of our childhood summers there swimming, fishing, and even washing clothes...I looked forward to that all year long!When did you originally move to the states? What year did you begin female impersonation? Also, tell our readers about your drag mother and father and how they came to be part of your life.I moved the states when I was about 8yrs old and started doing female impersonation then, but didn't get paid for it...lol!I lived in a border town (Laredo, TX) until I was 18 then moved to San Antonio where I began my career in the make-up industry and DRAG! All my friends had always called me Erica, but I had no last name...so we came up with Hutton, Erica Hutton...It had a nice ring and I love Lauren Hutton so it all made perfect sense. I went by that name for about a year or so (89-90), right around the time is when I met Mr. Raphael Ruiz de Velasco at a talent night at the Saint. We became very close and our relationship grew strong for years to come, he was my Father...the Father I never had.Through Raphael, I met Tandi [Andrews]…OMG…I was blown away by this person; she was an image of perfection to me, in so many ways! We immediately bonded and were inseparable...and one day, just like that, she asked me to change my last name to Andrews...i was like "WHAT? Are you crazy, the queens will let me have it!" and she said "fuck the queens"...I have to say that it wasn't easy at first, but she taught me so much and told me to believe in myself...and "don't rush things, they'll all come when the time is right"...she was right! I owe so much of my success to Tandi and Raphael...I feel their spirit with me every day of my life and I will never forget all the good they both instilled in me...I love them both so much!Amazing story! Thanks for sharing that with our readers.Now, lets talk a bit about the Miss International Queen Pageant. As you know, there was a lot of controversy concerning your entry into this pageant. Erica, was that a hard thing to go through? What were your thoughts during all of this? Was there a lot of pressure to win so that you could return to the States victorious?Miss International Queen, such a beautiful thing! I first heard about Miss International Queen when I competed at the World's Most Beautiful Transsexual Pageant in Las Vegas. It seemed like an impossible task at the time. However, the promoters and producers of this pageant provide all the contestants lodging, meals and accommodations making it that much easier, inviting, tempting, and convenient for a girl to do. All I needed to come up with was the roundtrip ticket to go.After winning Miss EOY, I was asked if I was going to compete in Thailand for the Miss International Queen Pageant and assumed that as a national title holder couldn't and why would I? I just won a prestigious title. I had been preparing for Miss International Queen for the past three years and was going to go next year. Then the opportunity of a lifetime for a queen in this business came along, I couldn't resist, neither the Miss International Queen nor the Miss EOY promoters had a problem with me competing. It felt like the right thing for me to do. Even though there was some controversy, I made sure that this was something I could handle. Win, lose or draw I was going to go…if anything, to prepare for next year. Now there was a lot of pressure because I only had a month to prepare! With the help of Darlene (Flirt Night Club, Tampa, FL), Denise Mykles, Angela Toscano, Rodrigo, Courtney, Michelle, Jonathan (Tily), y mi gran Dios, I had all the support I needed to go! My thoughts at this point were "OMG what have I got myself into?" I was scared, nervous, intimidated and overwhelmed…the exact same thoughts and feelings that I get every time I compete…so it was good. This pageant is run like the real Miss Universe Pageant; daily activities leaving you with no personal time. By final night I was about to have a nervous break-down (Kim Cleveland love you!), it was so overwhelming, so big, and was televised in front of a live audience with over 30 million viewers. I didn't expect to win and nearly fainted when they called out my name. The sweetest reward was a phone call from my mother in Mexico watching me being crowned in the Mexican news. The whole experience was truly one that I will never forget. My EOY family has been so supportive and I have to thank them once again for allowing me to spread my wings overseas.So your Mom called to congratulate you? How wonderful! Is your entire family supportive of your career and life choice? Tell us a bit about that Erica? Also tell us what you have in store for your future? Any plans to take your career mainstream? If so, how?It is a wonderful thing when your family accepts you for who you are and what you do! I know what its like to not be liked by some people, but with your family's support, that means nothing. I have been blessed with a very loving mother, my best friend is my sister, and I have two great brothers.When I'm not working at The Saint, Flirt, traveling with prelims, bookings, or doing make-up for The Maury Show, I'm at home in San Antonio, TX, resting and trying to catch up with my personal life. I'm a very casual, no make-up, get up and go kinda girl...I keep the drag in a bag for showtime, which I love...bottom lashes and all that!The future is so unpredictable, I think I'm done with pageants..."I think" LOL, who knows...As far as mainstream, well its always been my dream to be an actor and I feel that if we can dream it we can do it. I'm working on a play for 2007 in San Antonio called Miss America (how appropriate) and "Trantasia" is scheduled to come as well. I'm so excited!Erica, what type of regimen do you follow to keep up with all of your responsibilities? Do you work out at a gym? Exercise? Do you have an assistant that helps with all of your scheduling, etc? Also, do you know when "Transtasia" will be released?I always say I'm going to start my diet on Monday but never do! It's challenging when you are limited to airport food and late dinners (after the shows) however, I've managed to make the best of it by limited portions, eat fruit instead of a Snicker's bar, drink water not sodas, and exercise when I can…I'm planning on using my gym membership card next year...lol…for real!As for an assistant, I do most of my personal bookings but I do have a manager and Flirt Night Club works on my MySpace account, always keeping it fresh and updated. They do a great job!"Trantasia" has already had some premiere shows in L.A. and other cities, its supposed to be released sometime in mid 2007.Thanks my love for the perfect interview. You have definitely opened up to our readers and allowed them a peek into the world of Erica Andrews.Before we go Erica, one more question...What to you most want the fans and gay community to know about Erica Andrews?Last but not least...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working with me on this project. You have been incredible to work with!!Bobby, Thank you as well!As an entertainer I'm humbled by the support that the gay community has given me in this wonderful art of female impersonation. For the past 17 years this has been my career and livelihood, I have to thank Tandi Andrews and Raphael Velasco for teaching and guiding me. This is a tough job and, like the military, many are called but few are chosen...If you believe in yourself you can do anything you set your mind to. Don't feed into the rumors and gossip for they will hold you back from your goals, and don't give up if you fail, just keep on going! I've always followed my heart in making decisions, that way there is no one to blame and a lot to gain!God Bless and Lots of Love Always,Erica AndrewsVisit Erica's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/flirtericaandrews
Crystal Chante during Onstage Question - 1996 Miss North Carolina America Pageant
"Lights, camera, and me without a stitch of make-up on!"
Becki Leaman
Posted 05 January 2007 - 07:11 AM
Bob, you really have outdone yourself this time!!!! I'm so glad and proud to be able to call you my friend!!! GREAT JOB!!!!!
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Tell the truth and you'll always remember what you said....
Posted 05 January 2007 - 08:35 AM
Bob thanks for a great interview!
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted 05 January 2007 - 10:39 AM
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Posted 05 January 2007 - 01:14 PM
Hugs and smooches... Lovelace /mwah1.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':girl_devil:' /> /mwah1.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':censored:' />
P.S. My favorite excerpt - "My childhood was as normal as any other little boy. I played with dolls, put on makeup and slipped into my mother's dresses while she was at work." S*H*I*T!!!!
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Edited by bobtaylor, 09 January 2007 - 08:20 AM.
Posted 08 January 2007 - 09:56 PM
WONDERFUL INTERVIEW MR. BOB!! /clapping.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':clapping:' /> I CAN REMEMBER A PHONE CALL FROM TANDI TELLING US ABOUT THIS "LITTLE FISH" SHE HAD MET!! SHE HAD ALWAYS SAID SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE CHILDREN, BUT THIS ONE WAS "THE T". ME AND VONDA WERE PASSING THE PHONE AROUND LAUGHING AND HOOTING WITH THE GODDESS, KIDDING HER HOW THIS LITTLE FISH WAS GOING TO GROW UP AND HAVE MORE MEN AND CROWNS THAN HER!!! TANDI PROMISED US SHE WAS STILL A VIRGIN, AND CROWNS DID NOT MATTER, IT WAS ABOUT HELPING THE PEOPLE!! AND THAT THIS LITTLE FISH WAS GOING TO BE THE SAME WAY!! LITTLE FISH HAS GROWN UP, AND HELPED MANY!! THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD LOVE HER!! TANDI AND RAPHAEL ARE BOTH LOOKING DOWN WITH PRIDE!! /hypocritesmiley.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='O:)' /> THE VIRGIN THING......WELL I THINK TANDI MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TELLING THE TRUTH?? ERICA, I'M SURE STILL IS!! /unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />
WOW is WOW...Your comment gave us all goose bumbs!!
Erica has always recognized her mom Tandi on and off stage..its without a doubt one of the most beautiful stories any queen could share with us.
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AT&T Presents: My Journey / Allyson Felix.
Bethany Hamilton defying the odds. From losing her right arm to a shark while surfing at the age of 13 to being back out in the water a month later. Bethany's story is truly inspiring and empowering. Check out this latest interview with Behind The Brand.
The Anna Wintour of Tumblr?
That's what Style Caster is calling Willie Greene, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tumblr's top fashion blog We The Urban. He lived in DC for about 10 years before moving to North Carolina to start his business. Willie has done some pretty cool things in his life so far; from meeting Nicki Minaj to landing Zombie Boy Rick Genest on the cover of his 4th issue. Few months ago he sat down with Style Caster a fashion platform that brings together fashion content, community and shopping. Their interview went a little like this.
What's a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me starts a 6:30 AM hitting the snooze button three or four times (I reallydespisemornings). After I muster up the strength to get out of bed, I get dressed and head to school. During the week, I'm literally on my laptop all afternoon until 12 AM posting, answering emails, making calls and working on new WeTheUrban endeavors. Creative people never stop creating!
What is it like being a fashion editor in North Carolina?
The fashion in Raleigh, NC obviously isn't really up to par, but I'm constantly getting invited to launches, sample sales, showrooms and the like in New York. I'm planning to move there in the fall of 2012 though, so I only have to withstand this torture for a few more months!
Can you tell us what is in the works for Issue #5?
I can't really reveal too much, but this next issue's cover is defintely going to be completely different from anything WeTheUrban Magazine has curated. Oh, and it's been confirmed that Solange Knowles will be gracing the cover this time around.
If you could own one item of clothing or accessory what would it be and why?
Anything andeverything Maison Martin Margiela because almost everything MMM for men is perfect. Same with Carlos Campos.
Catch the rest of the interview on Style Caster
Source: news.stylecaster.com
Inspiring: Dawn Loggins, A student who was once homeless and abandoned by her parents is now headed to Harvard University on a full scholarship.
[Excerpt from HuffPost] When facing homelessness, bullying, and being abandoned by family, many people might be tempted to give up hope. But for 18-year-old Dawn Loggins, who was just accepted into Harvard University, this was not the case.
"When I was younger, I looked around at my family and I saw the neglect, the drug abuse, the bad choices and I saw my family living from paycheck to paycheck, and I just made a decision that I was not going to end up like my parents," Loggins told WBTV.
"When I lived with my grandma there was trash all over the house," Loggins told WBTV. "She never really explained to me like that it was important to shower — it was important to take care of yourself, so I would go months at a time without showering. I would wear the same dress to school for months at a time."
"If there is anybody at all who has a dream," Loggins told WBTV, "then they can definitely make it happen. There are no excuses. It depends on you and no one else."
Source: The Huffington Post
Lil Wayne in the Latest Mountain Dew Commercial
Alyssa Wasko has long loved fashion accessories, whether it was the purses she sold as a girl or the Chanel ballet flats she likes to wear with slim cuffed jeans. At 21 she started Donni Charm in memory of her father after he passed away from tragic accident. "I was a full-time student when I started this and was able to balance," she says, "so as long as I stay inspired, I feel I can take it to whatever level I need to." Part of that inspiration continues to come from people who thank her for what she's doing.
Source: youtube.com
'Letters to Haiti' a documentary film directed by James Conran. The film was shot during a trip to Haiti with his wife, the lovely Coco Rocha and her good friend, Victoria Secret model Behati Prinsloo. The trip was in support of the couples philanthropic brainchild "Letter's to Haiti", a non profit program which was brought to life by James and Coco. The program set's up pen-pals for children in Haiti who tend to be neglected not just physically, but emotionally as well. The film is so inspiring, it brought tears to my eyes.
Source: oh-so-coco
Coco Rocha's Helping Hand for Haiti
Coco Rocha slinks down the catwalk like it's nobody's business, but she also knows how to walk it like she talks it. A social entrepreneur in training heels, the Canadian-born Coco is involved with several charities, including LakayPAM, a non-for-profit organization that provides more than 500 orphans in Haiti with shelter, food, medical care and education.
Natalie Warne share her inspiring story at a TEDxTeen event to remind us that no one is too young to change the world.
Source: ted.com
Video: Big Sean Interview With Peter Bailey
Peter Bailey joins Big Sean on his Finally Famous Tour in North Carolina & Virginia where the Detroit emcee dishes on Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, his upcoming fashion line and maintaining love and fame.


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The Day I Understood God Would Never Leave
- Tuesday, June 05, 2012
"If I go up to the heavens (or if I'm top of the world and don't really need you, God), you are there; if I make my bed in the depths (or if I sink so low that no one else wants to be around me anymore), you are there.
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, (or, if I pack up and run to a place where no one else can find me), if I settle on the far side of the sea (if I go into my cave and wall myself off so no one can hurt me anymore), even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
"If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' (certainly, the things I've done will make God want to have nothing to do with me), even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you" (Psalm 139:7-12).
That is passionate, pursuing love. And that is a love that you and I can experience every day of our lives, in a relationship with Christ -- the only One who can truly be ever-present in our lives.
Will you begin to let Him be your Lover who never leaves?
This article is based on Cindi's books Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs, When God Pursues a Woman's Heart, and her newest book, When a Woman Overcomes Life's Hurts.
Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and author of several books including When Women Walk Alone, When a Woman Discovers Her Dream, and Women on the Edge. For more on her books and ministry, see www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.
Publication date: June 5, 2012
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In the Harry Potter universe, the famous boy wizard was born on July 31, 1980, which would make him a man wizard in his early thirties. (J.K. Rowling's birthday is also today.) To celebrate his 32nd birthday and her 47th, here are somea few Potter-related facts. Read the full list here: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/135910#ixzz22F28Lc4c
Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's former chief exorcist, says practicing yoga is Satanic. "It leads to evil—just like reading Harry Potter."
Michael Jackson wanted to do a musical version of Harry Potter and proposed the idea to J.K. Rowling. She said no.
"Hogwarts Headache" is a thing. The New England Journal of Medicine ran a letter from a physician noting the unfortunate side effect of children reading more, and for longer periods, than they ever had in their lives.
Hermione Granger's original surname was "Puckle." Hermione was originally going to have a younger sister, but Rowling never found the right moment to stick her into the books.
King's Cross station is where young wizards hop on the Hogwarts Express to get to school. The station holds special meaning for J.K. Rowling: it's where her parents met.
A retired professor from Eton College translated Harry Potter into Latin. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone became Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis. J.K. Rowling's hope for the translations is that they "will help children overcome the common dread of studying" Latin.
Not wanting her to be pigeonholed as a girls-only author, Joanne Rowling's publisher asked her to write under androgynous initials. Not having a middle name, she picked "K" to honor her grandmother, Kathleen.
Read the full text here: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/135910#ixzz22F20EP9I


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How do Americans 'snack'?
- Peg Nov 15, 2011 01:13 PM
In another board someone said that Europeans do not snack like Americans do.
So - how do Americans snack?
What counts as a snack, are they eaten instead of or as well as meals?
I am in England - if I am hungry before meal time I tend to have the meal early - but occasionally I will nibble a cracker or eat fruit and delay the meal. Is that different to American snacking?
re: ferret
Exactly. How *don't* they snack?
re: ferret
GMTA!! Even before I opened the thread, after reading the headline, my first thought was also, "Early and often."
The non health conscious ones(majority) eat processed foods you normally buy from a supermarket like Oreo cookies, premade apple pies made with artificial ingredients, gallons of ice creams, potato chips, Hershey's chocolate, candies with a lot of artificial colorings and flavors, mediocre baked goods from local bakeries and processed cheese products. Also frozen chicken wings and pizza.
The healthier ones eat nuts, fruits, dry wholewheat crackers, dried fruits, dark chocolate, berries, yogurt...
the somewhere in between people eat stuff like pita chips, store bought breakfast cereal bars and other store bought snacks that says something like, lower in sugar, lower in sodium...low fat potato chips, etc. Also stuff like dark chocolate covered dried fruits, etc.
Snacking in america is depressing as heck.
re: Monica
So is all that in addition to meals? Or do snacks=meals?
Or do people 'graze'?
(the ranges of foods are no different to what is available in the UK- and I'm sure many people eat junk all day - but it is not normal to do so).
re: Peg
These claims you're making about the UK are puzzling to me. I appreciate that you don't 'snack' but how do you account for elevenses or afternoon tea? More so here than anywhere else I've lived have I seen time taken out for tea and biscuits.
And a wander through my town shows a great many people (young and old alike) enjoying crisps whenever.
But maybe you are referring to grazing and snacking that falls outwith the established times?
re: Lizard
The snack & candy aisles I've seen in British supermarkets surpass anything I've seen in US supermarkets.
"(the ranges of foods are no different to what is available in the UK- and I'm sure many people eat junk all day - but it is not normal to do so)."
I've read statistics that Brits eat, on average, AT LEAST one candy bar a day.
Not sure how mysterious the "American Way" of snacking is, compared to that or, for that matter, any different.
The waist sizes are certainly catching up overseas...
re: Lizard
My grandma and grandpa stopped whatever they were doing twice a day every day for morning and afternoon tea - a cup of tea (made in a pot with real leaves) and a dry biscuit or a little piece of homemade cake about 1 inch square. Aside from the formality of it, I don't really see how that's different from my grabbing a small snack at 11 and 3 (or so)... how does anyone snack? When you get hungry, you get something to eat.
A bag of cheap "tooth busting" tortilla chips and a half gallon of processed canned cheese sauce with a quart of Ranch on the side.
Americans snack a lot. This is how I imagine people get their snacking in, based on my experience with mainstream American culture:
Get up at 6 am and skip breakfast. Out the door and in the car for an hour or so commuting to work. Approaching work, stop and get a drive through coffee and breakfast. The coffee is loaded with creamer (either real or artificial) and sugar(real or artificial) and the breakfast is fatty and low in nutrients. This calorie bomb lasts for a good 3 hours until the caffeine starts to wear off. You work in a building with no access to fresh foods and have not had time to go shopping. Your office may have some snacks at the coffee station such as chips or candy. Often there is candy freely available. Or you need to go to a vending machine, which generally only sell candy, chips, and gum. They also sell sodas. Your lunch break may not be until 2 and you are feeling hungry, to stave that off you get a diet Coke and a candy bar. The combination of sugar and appetite inducing aspartame causes you to be hungry again in 2hours. You have a raging headache from dehydration, salt, and the caffeine and sugar lows. However, you are either unaware of what causes this or do not have the time to think about it. At 2 you are starving again and feeling sluggish and headachy, you get a large fast food meal with real soda and more caffeine. There is only one "healthy" restaurant around your workplace and they sell wilted salad and/or very fattening "gourmet" sandwiches. You go with the tried and true Whopper you've been eating since you were a child. You eat all the fries as it is the only vegetable you've had that day. Someone has some skittles later in the day and it clears your mouth of the dry fast food taste. You eat more, they taste like fruit. You don't like real fruit though because it's not sweet enough and usually mushy. After work you go home and crash in front of your TV. You worked a 12 hour shift and deserve to relax. You grab a bag of chips and salsa. MMM, the salsa tastes so fresh. You have nothing left in the fridge, you call a pizza delivery person and eat half of a large pie. The vegetables on the pizza taste terrible so you order only meat lovers and plain. To get rid of the taste of pizza you have some strawberry ice cream. See, you do like fruit...
NOW, imagine if you also had childcare and other family responsibilities in this life...
re: sandylc
yes, not everyone eats like that. but it requires a lot of effort to eat healthy here, in most cities anyway.
re: sandylc
I think "really bad" is relative to what your expectations are. My time in Italy has been very limited, but my very worst meals in the super touristy areas of Venice were leagues better than our bottom tier of The Olive Garden.
Mr Taster
re: sandylc
Yes, I've lived in Italy and eaten in one bad restaurant there. It was not only bad, it was probably a cover for a Mafia operation as the food was spoiled. We tried to send it back but they basically forced us to pay for it. There was another case where as students we were given two pasta courses for an exhorbitant price.
On the other hand, I never saw junk food there. I know it must exist, but there was a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish everywhere. The snacks at the boardwalk were delicious pizzas with mussels or other toppings. In Italy the food is amazing and fresh. Italians would have to look VERY hard to find bad food. Oh, and I looked the best I've ever looked after only two months of eating there (mostly in restaurants).
re: fara
Your comment reminds me of a visit to the UCLA campus where I saw two vending machines, in a picnic area on campus. One machine was filled with traditional junk food snacks and the other with nuts, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. They were literally side-by-side. Both were comparably priced. And it occurred to me just how unrealistic an opportunity this was in non-UCLA society.
For those who love to scream about "choice", how often in life are we given this opportunity where good food and bad food are presented, in equal measure, on equal ground, for equal price and in equal quantity, for us to make a real choice about what we want to eat?
For most of America, we are limited to one or two "healthy" options (which may or may not remain healthy once the condiments, salad dressings, etc. are added) amid an ocean of terrible choices. That's the real reason for obesity in our country that we don't hear about-- it's the LACK of choice to access healthy foods *just as easily* and *just as affordably* as we can access the junk.
Mr Taster
re: pikawicca
a lot of minimum wage workers I met after high school (who were in their 30's-50's) ate like this
I'm not sure there is a typical American way to snack, but snack food is readily available everywhere, so people often snack. You can buy all sorts of snacks at movie theaters, sports stadiums, art museums, grocers, filling stations, shopping malls and at least one library I've visited. Since food is everywhere, it is eaten by many. And then there are the snacks you buy premade and pull out of the freezer, or nuke in the micro at home. If you are chowish, you probably make many of your snacks from scratch. If you want to, you can drive through a fast food place and pick up a snack, and eat in on the road. Oh there are many and pernicious ways to snack in the USA.
I am on an eating schedule these days, and my schedule allows me 2 snacks per day. I almost always eat them. Being on a schedule keeps me from snacking so often at home or out and about.
re: sueatmo
Very much this - you can get food EVERYWHERE. I recently started volunteering as an usher for the local professional theater company, and was shocked to learn that patrons are allowed to bring their candy bar and coffee into the theater. When I was a child in the 1980's, there were no refreshments at professional theater/music/dance performances (and I attend a lot of professional performances starting at age 8). We went for dinner before and dessert after. Food and drink absolutely weren't allowed in the theater due to noise and mess. As a child, it was one of the things that set it apart from the movies. Sometime in the 1990's, the theater added a refreshment stand in the lobby - you could get a glass of champagne or light snack at intermission, but had to finish before returning to your seats. Now, more and more theaters are allowing food and beverage in the seats, I spend half my time as a usher chasing people down to put lids on their coffee.
re: mpjmph
I was in London in the UK in the 80's (around '84) and went to the theater every night for about a week. They had very nice cocktails for offer at EVERY theater. Same with Lincoln Center in NY and the theaters on B'way, even some off broadway in the late 70's.
re: Linda VH
I went to London theater a lot in the 80s, too. I was a young teenager, so no cocktails for me -- but there was always ice cream!
re: mpjmph
As far back as the 70s in Philadelphia theaters snacks (for me) and cocktails (for the parents) were available. And they still are (though now I'm the one who gets the cocktail ;)
re: sueatmo
First you say:
>> I'm not sure there is a typical American way to snack
And then:
>> You can buy all sorts of snacks at movie theaters, sports stadiums, art museums, grocers, filling stations, shopping malls and at least one library I've visited.
The real point is that the lack of a particular style, time, etc. is what defines the American style of snacking (and our mindset about many things other than snacking). As with so many other aspects of our society, "I'll do it my way" is the law of the land.
Mr Taster
re: Mr Taster
I'll buy that. What I was thinking about there being no typical American way to snack is that we consume all sorts of stuff practically any time we want. Which is I guess is the common denominator--any time, any where, any amount.
In a country of over 300 million people covering countless ethnicities/backgrounds, I don't think you'll find much concensus on anything. Eating included.
It wouldn't occur to me that "Europeans" snack the same way, would it to you?
re: LeoLioness
Very true. In fact, the snacking thing could well be another way to bash Americans.
re: sandylc
I think the Europeans have less of a culture of eating on the street. Americans walk around eating, drinking all the time, it may be less of a public thing in Europe. Now Asia on the other hand...they might snack more than we do.
re: babette feasts
"The Europeans" is quite a statement.
Germans have no problem sucking down brats, döners, or BigMacs while perusing the subway (unfortunately). I've seen plenty of Spaniards munching on bocadillos as well. Not sure about the French, Italians, Greeks, Bulgarians, Rumanians, Polish, Belgians.....
I guess I made my point.
re: linguafood
In Poland I stood in line with other Poles for Paczki (doughnuts) and fried cheese and these French Bread pizza-type sandwiches that were sold everywhere. All eaten on the street.
In Prague people ate hot dogs and sausages from street vendors, washed down with hot mulled wine.
Paris seemingly has a creperie on every corner. Surely it wasn't just other tourists eating at them?
re: LeoLioness
Your point being......agreement with my point, then.
re: linguafood
Yes, just filling in some blanks for you.
re: linguafood
Cafe culture in France is much more prevalent than snacking culture, but when I visited France years ago I had my share of baguette sandwiches (jambon et fromage avec beurre!) from street vendors all over Paris.
Mr Taster
re: linguafood
Mmmm Hot powder-sugary waffles on a cold afternoon in Liege... And of course fites in Belgium as well.
re: sandylc
I'm not bashing anyone - it came up in a discussion about why are Parisians not fat. I think it was a US person who posted that they don't snack like Americans do. It struck me as odd, and I wondered what the perceived difference was.
re: Lizard
I think the desire to be unique and special is a very American characteristic. I'm not saying it doesn't exist in other cultures, but here it is virtually a religion.
And while its true that any discussion of this nature will include generalizations and oversimplification, if you step back and look at our society (or any society) from a distance, there are always trends that you can observe. It's like the flock of migrating birds that I've discussed on CH in the past-- observed as a group, the birds fly in an arrow shape towards the south. But as individuals, they may be flying east, or up, or down. Same with Americans-- we may choose to snack on berries or Kit Kats or nothing at all. But as a society, we're snackers. It has nothing to do with "uniqueness" and everything to do with learned habits and an abundance of food.
Mr Taster
re: Mr Taster
When geese are flying south, do you know why leg of the V is always longer than the other?
More geese.
re: sandylc
sandylc. I don't think the snacking thing is another way to bash Americans at all. Honest. I think mainland Europeans and UK'ers are almost fascinated by our eating habits. Truly. As a kid, I spent a good deal of time at my grandparents. They came here from Ireland. The only thing close to a snack was at 4PM ever day, my grandmother sat me, and my grandfather and herself down to the greatest cup of tea--I tell you that woman's tea was the best I've ever had. She would have one of two "eats" (as she called them), either an ever-so-thin slice of drake's pound cake or a slice of bread, with a thin pat of butter, folded over like a half-sandwich. Actually, that was more like her lunch because the only meal I've ever seen her eat was dinner. She didn't allow me to eat in-between meals. Same at home. I come from a family of five kids. My mother did not allow us to eat snacks/in between meals either. I suppose it was due to the fact both of my parents were first generation Americans and went by more European ways. Now--my ex-husband grew up in a home where snack foods were always at-the-ready...even soda. So when our kids were growing up, we had "those" snack and soda items in the house. When he left on business trips, I threw out the soda. As long as my children had their 3 squares, I suppose a little snack didn't hurt. However....their idea of an after-school snack was Campbells Chicken Noodle soup and a sandwich. (hearty appetities those kids of mine). My fiance is French and is appalled at the snacking that we, (Americans) do. I'm not a snacker myself, but now that my kids are grown, when they come over, I've always got a ton of food on hand. When the boys come over and watch football, they are constantly snacking.
Right now, at my office, there are four vending machines in the breakroom. Two soda ones and two junk food ones. You would be surprised how busy those machines get. So honest to god, I really don't think this is an opportuned time to bash us. I think it is just a fascination with all the snacking we do.
On one hand though--for a country of people who snack--our teeth and dental care is stellar. I've seen others across the pond with bad teeth!
re: jarona
The whole notion that "snacking" or eating between meals = bad is bizarre to me. Consuming a big meal a couple of hours before watching TV and going to be supposed to be good for you how, exactly?
re: LeoLioness
I generally don't eat between meals, which is how I define snacking. If I should happen to be hungry outside of mealtime, I guess I'd grab an apple or a banana.
snack....usually means something after work until i eat dinner...can be all kinds of things...
potato chips...popcorn....fruit..more fruits lately since we have a 3yo to feed as well..grapes..strawberries..bananas..blueberries..and she likes yogurt ..
i still have a weakness for Little Debbie snack cakes tho...
but its usually small amounts...its not "vast quantities that take the place of a meal"
re: srsone
Oh, I remember wanting a snack before cooking dinner after work. Oh yes.
re: srsone
I remember feeling sleepy on my drive home at the same exact point every day. Then a friend explained it was low blood sugar. So, a few almonds or crackers eaten before getting into my car would have helped mightily.
re: ipsedixit
What if they only have time for one or the other? Or is this the famous "multi-tasking" I keep hearing about?
re: DeppityDawg
Cue George Costanza....
Odd observation.
When I lived in the UK people snacked no more or less than the Americans did.
The Germans are known for eating snacks throughout the day. They may not call it "snacks" but there's an established tradition of coffee with cakes/pastries at certain hours between the meals.
My husband's London office had a tea trolley lady who pushed a trolley around all the office suites, selling tea/coffee/snacks.
re: Roland Parker
What I wouldn't give for a tea trolley lady at my work..
Just now, a couple hours before bed - some cheese, toasted pecans and dried cherries - almost a late dessert.
it would be so easy to make a proclamation, as we in the US are a big ball of mixed messages. but we are truly as sincere and genuine as can be.
yet here goes - many of the snacking crowd can't accept (outdoor) smokers while the folks flirting with diabetes demolish a bag of cookies inside. yes no secondhand effect, yet...it's really the same hand-mouth level of satisfaction. keep it coming.
immediate gratification, and in most areas the ability to easily indulge exists.
hunger is an energy.
re: hill food
This is not an 'American' thing, it is a 'human' thing.
I know some huge people who I have never seen eat anything at all, even healthy foods - I guess they are secret eaters - maybe in the UK it is just less acceptable to be seen to eat junk?
In my office, when there is a heap of cake/cookies on offer, many people have one portion, many have none - and a very very small minority just keep eating till there is none left. Yet there are an increasing number of very big people (I've seen some people 'inflate' over the years) - which leads me to think that much UK snacking takes place in private, and so is just less visible.
I cannot vouch for the rest of Europe, but I don't think there's any real difference between the snacking content of the UK and US - but for the British it is a secret vice .
re: Peg
Hmm...well actually even in the UK there is a wide range of preferences. Some people seem to snack constantly, on both healthy and unhealthy foods. Others only eat meals.
I know people who feel they HAVE to eat something every few hours. Mid morning and mid afternoon snacks are just part of their lives. They are not necessarily unhealthy and/or overwight by the way, in fact many of them are very in tune with food they need to eat to stay at a healthy weight.
On the flip side, I also know people who only snack if there is something pleasurable to eat. My Mum is like this. She will be able to just stick to 2 or 3 meals a day, but if there is something tasty around she will happily snack on it.
I also know people who seem to eat constantly. And people who seem to eat hardly anything. And any number of people who are somewhere in between. I don't think it's just a cultural thing, it's a personal thing. I live in India now and I can tell you that you can find the same sort of continuum here, though admitedly structured snacking is more common.
I"m an American. (last I checked). Here is how I snack. Roasted pistachio nuts in the shell. Sunflower seeds. Beef jerky. String cheese if I'm out running with my dog (she likes some too). And my favorite is the Special K multi grain crackers with a wedge of laughing cow cheese. I try to stay high protein lower carbs. But that's just me. But... that's how I snack.
I've cut WAY down on snacking since the beginning of this year (with a resulting weight loss of 12-15 lbs.)
I've never snacked during the day -- my downfall are / were evenings, after dinner, watching TV. My man would bring out The Cheese Plate: some blue, some brie, some x-sharp cheddar....
I also cannot resist pistachios, b/c I'd eat the whole bag. The whole tactile joy of shelling them takes over and before I know it I've eaten them all (maybe wouldn't happen with shelled pistachios.... but then, what's the point, really? lame) This is why we rarely have pistachios in the house.
These days, IF I snack, it might be just a tiny bit of cheese with my wine after dinner, or a piece of chocolate. Emphasis on A piece :-D
Never really *got* that whole day-time snacking thing, frankly. If I'm really hungry between meals, which I don't tend to be, I'll have half an apple or something.
I just had some pistachios and a Lindt truffle!
My coworkers, however, are a different story. Each morning at work,someone does a McDonalds run. And the same four people eat Mcdonalds EVERY morning. These same folks always have candy at their desks and munch on that or chips from the vending machine constantly. Lunch is then fried chicken strips or a burger, again fast food. Mid afternoon they break out the store bought cookies or cake. On the way home, they swing through a drive through or pizza place and grab dinner for the family.
We tried putting fruit out. Nobody ate it. We tried swapping out candy in the vending machine for cereal bars and got complaints. We try having veggies or salad at company lunches and they go virtually untouched. But if you put out fried chicken, candy, cookies, etc it disappears!
re: mojoeater
One day like that and I would feel depressed and ill.
re: sandylc
I have been in a similar office and it is sort of depressing but hey I made my own decisions and they made theirs.
I think that you will receive almost as many answers, as you get replies.
I will depend on the individual, the region and then some other criteria.
I cannot imagine that there is any consensus on how "Americans snack."
I'd add my favorite snacks, but it would be out of the norm, and likely not of much use, as it's personal.
I snack a ton (30 year old female, healthy weight per BMI). I get low blood sugar and very, very cranky if I don't eat often BUT I get full easily so don't eat as much as others at meals. A typical mid-priced American restaurant entree could easily be 3-4 meals for me, but I'll snack in between.
Breakfast is some sort of hot cereal or toast or something as well as fruit, then a snack around 10, then lunch (sometimes I bring leftovers or make a sandwich, sometimes I go out to a decent restaurant), then another mid-day snack, then dinner (which is generally reasonably healthy and home cooked), then I'm almost always done eating for the day.
Snacks may include some combination of the following:
yogurt, store bought
fruit such as an apple or whatever else is in season
Raw vegetables and dip
cheese and crackers
tortilla chips and salsa
toast with jam or peanut butter or hummus
homemade muffin or quick bread
Small salad or small cup of soup
I'll confess to the occasional fast food stop
Or, today, a handful of chocolate chips left over from Christmas cookies. And then some pepperoni left over from a pizza I made a while back. NOT my best day :)


text:
Authentic Chinese restaurant in Baltimore
- w
- W Seo Jul 11, 2003 11:36 AM
Any recommendations for an authentic Chinese restaurant in Baltimore?
I think others will echo this. . .but Baltimore is no place to look for even decent Chinese. It is a wasteland waiting for someone to come in and save us from the sweet sauced, food court inspired gristle that we are currently offered.
Depends how you define Baltimore. For, at least to me, very authentic northern cuisine, head over the Szechaun Best on Liberty Road. It's about 10 minutes outside the Beltway. Golden Gate in Towson has Hong Kong style wonton; also their steamed fish is very good. Chinatown Cafe has decent dim sum. Finally, probably the "most authentic" restaurant in the City proper is Ding How--the food is pretty good and I particularly like their chow fun. But it's not like Toronto chinese.
Your best option is to go down to Columbia, both Hunan Manor and China Chefs do a great job with authentic Chinese.
Your best option is to go down to Columbia, both Hunan Manor and China Chefs do a great job with authentic Chinese.
re: jeanki
Well, that was 4 years ago, prior to the opening of several more authentic restaurants in the area, such as Oriental Manor and Jesse Wong's Hong Kong. But at the time...not bad compared with everything else.
re: Jason1
Sorry I didn't notice the date!
re: thedanny
I concur. The only thing close to authentic in town.
re: hon
I love the items on the 'countryside taste' part of their menu. They always have great Chinese veggies, just ask what's fresh.
I also think Oriental Manor in Ellicott City is good...but the 'best' in the City is definitely Chinatown Cafe...(although I think it's gone a bit downhill in the past year or so...)
I agree with all of these posts. I grew up in Columbia and they do have the best in the area with Hunan Manor. I'm jewish and we used to go there evenry Christmas, if that tells you anything. If you aren't able to leave the downtown Baltimore area try Ding How in Fells Point. 631 S Broadway, Baltimore, 21231 - (410) 327-8888
re: jrl2929
I swear by Cafe Zen on Belvedere ave.
re: jrl2929
I've heard that Hunan Manor has gone downhill in recent years, but I wouldn't know personally (I've moved away). Even so, I don't think Hunan Manor is that good or authentic compared to authentic joints even in the DC area (which in turn aren't that impressive compared to the NYC/NJ area). I haven't been to Oriental Manor yet which has garnered some positive buzz on these boards for their dim sum. My favorite in Howard County is Hunan Legend in the Dorsey Hall Village Center. Their main menu is more Americanized, but you can ask for authentic stuff off the menu which is excellent.
re: jeanki
Can you suggest some good "off the menu" dishes to try at Hunan Legend? We order from them pretty frequently - their normal menu is better than any other Chinese place I've tried in Howard Co. Thanks!
re: little audrey
I like their sauteed snow pea leaves or Chinese greens, there's a pork and pickle soup that is really good 'ja choy soup' or something like that, there was once a sliced pig knuckle/jellyfish combo, and sea cucumbers in brown sauce. I totally agree with you that their regular menu stuff is also the best too, I like their ma po tofu and chicken with string beans and Peking duck.
re: flavrmeistr
The menu at Hunan L'Rose is pretty typical American Chinese food, but good quality and well made. Their Hunan Wontons are very good, however.
re: Jason1
The daily specials are usually the way to go. My favorite is a stir-fry of fresh snowpeas, asparagus and green beans with beef and jumbo shrimp in a smoky Hunan chili sauce (which I order extra-hot). Tasty and a good deal w/soup and non-greasy fried rice for about $9.00. I tried the General Tso's once and was under-whelmed.
re: flavrmeistr
My co-workers order from Hunan Manor at least once a week. I've ordered with them several different times and each time I was VERY disapointed. One time I got the sweet and sour chicken which I felt like they made wrong. Americanized sweet and sour chicken is usuall nugget like and I like that. They bread a whole chicken breast and then cut it into strips?! WTH?! The next time I tried the beef and broccoli which I didn't like because they didn't use the cut of meat that I'm used to having. Their General Tso's is okay but really nothing to write home about. I heard rave reviews about their Paradise Chicken and tried that but was not very impressed. I just don't get what everyone sees in that place!
re: Worldwide Diner
gregb is dead on with the blogs he gave you
#1 Grace Garden, is fantastic in a crummy but good setting
#2 Hunan Taste is also excellent, not quite as fantastic as GG but the ambience is better
if you go to GG, first read the 242 replies to the original post so you can know how to order then go to the website at Gracegardenchinese.com and pull up the menus available. the underlined menu items are links to pictures that accurately portray the dishes which are unique and fantastic. some (tea smoked duck, special purse) requires 72 hour notice.
re: dining with doc
I've had fabulous meals at both Hunan Taste and Grace Garden, and I think that if you order their best dishes, they're both equivalently fantastic.
(HT has a much broader menu, so it's somewhat easier to go wrong. GG has a much smaller menu cooked by a single chef-owner, so it's easier to run out of new dishes so sample, but correspondingly harder to go wrong. Given all of that, I can eat at GG a couple of times a week and HT at least five times a week without boredom setting in.)
I think it's way past time I drive down again from Boston. These two places are *that* good.


text:
The HOPE Coalition is located in the tri-county metropolitan region surrounding Portland and Marion County and has largest population and most racial and ethnic diversity within the state. The HOPE Coalition is a regional partnership of community based organizations, health advocates and policy makers and is comprised of African Americans, Africans, Latinos, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Immigrants and Refugees and other socially and culturally diverse populations. By bringing together community voice and experience around the most pressing health equity issues in the region, this partnership is a unique vehicle for driving regional change and making true advances toward health equity.
The HOPE Coalition is governed by a 7 member steering committee, a diverse group of organizations who specifically work on health equity advocacy statewide and engage with over 14,000 constituents facing health inequities in the 4 county region. The steering committee meets twice monthly. Current members include:
Through extensive research and literature review, conducting 22 one-on-one stakeholder interviews, and holding four community forums, the HOPE Coalition developed their five year plan, which focused on the following priorities for advancing health equity in their region:
Reverend Joseph Santos Lyons, HOPE Coordinator email@example.com
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Barbara Cornelius, Head of Library Technology and Associate Professor of Library Science, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct research in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Cornelius will leave next fall to spend several months at academic libraries in both countries where she will research Open-Source software-based user services.
Although Open-Source software is free to use, it is not without costs. Library practices in more traditional countries might affect the success of services that are based on this kind of software.
"Compared to the U.S., the university library atmosphere is quite different in South Asia," said Cornelius.
In Nepal, for example, library services are more conservative and hierarchical. In addition, the country is challenged by frequent electrical outages, as well as ongoing political instability.
"Open Source software requires a committed local support community," said Cornelius. "While India is moving ahead in library technology, there is a possibility that smaller South Asian countries may not be able to keep up."
Staff skills for maintaining and using Open Source library systems successfully may be rather limited, she said.
Her experience in Kolkata, India, last year and her ongoing research led to a strong Fulbright Scholarship application. Approximately 800 U.S. faculty and professionals are selected for the award each year.
Cornelius is the second NWU professor to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in the past two years. History professor Megan Winchell spent the 2011-2012 academic year teaching in Estonia.
Earlier this year NWU English professor Gerise Herndon was awarded a Fulbright Specialists Grant to teach in India. Herndon will spend six weeks next fall at Banaras Hindu University where she will teach feminist theory, multiculturalism, and identity politics.
Congratulations.......How very proud you must be.
Chris & Pam


text:
At my first ALA conference, I attended a "marketing" session that swooned over shoelaces as a great word of mouth marketing technique. At this PLA the marketing tracks focused on measurement, datamining, focusing our story on a few key messages and redefining how we go to market. Hallelujah!
That Sound You Hear? It's The Library World Changing
By March 17, 2012on


text:
Queerty is better as a member
Need an account? Register It's free and easy.
Zac Efron Pops Max Joseph's Cherry, Vin Diesel Debuts His New Beard And Liam Neeson Might Show You His Huge Package
Kathy Griffin Will Succeed Joan Rivers As Lead "Fashion Police" Bitch
The Naked Warwick Rowers Are A Better Afternoon Pick-Me-Up Than Caffeine
Only Three Of Eight Assailants Will Be Charged In Brutal Philadelphia Gay Bashing


text:
9월 15, 2014
Knorr-Bremse – Creative Systems – Globally: This is the motto under which Knorr-Bremse is showcasing a portfolio of pioneering products at this year's InnoTrans fair – on booth 104 in Hall 1.2. The focus is on solutions offering a high level of safety and low lifecycle costs.
In line with the motto "Knorr-Bremse – Creative Systems – Globally" Knorr-Bremse Aftermarket is showcasing its service concept at Automechanika, presenting solutions for distributors, workshops, and fleet operators, all designed to ensure simple and safe maintenance and the efficient use of resources.
7월 31, 2014
Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems is substantially expanding its commitment to China: On July 25, 2014, Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific (Holding) Ltd. in Hong Kong and the Chinese company Dongfeng Electronic & Technology Co., Ltd. (DETC) signed an agreement governing the formation of the joint venture company "Knorr-Bremse DETC Commercial Vehicle Braking Technology Co., Ltd.". The new company, in which Knorr-Bremse holds a 51% stake, is to manufacture components for complete commercial vehicle braking systems in China. The realization of the joint venture is subject to the approval of the relevant anti-trust authorities.
7월 14, 2014
Knorr-Bremse has won the 2014 "Intelligence for Transportation and Logistics" innovation award for its newly developed Brake Pipe Length Estimation (BPLE) system. BPLE provides the driver of a freight train with a fast and easy way to check brake availability along the entire train without leaving the cab, benefiting both the safety and efficiency of freight train operation.
7월 01, 2014
Knorr-Bremse has received the 2014 Supplier Sustainability Award from Bombardier Transportation. The Canadian transportation engineering corporation, whose global rail vehicle activities are headquartered in Berlin, presents the award each year to suppliers who have shown special achievement in sustainable product and supplier development, and demonstrated exceptional commitment to social responsibility.
6월 10, 2014
For the ninth time in succession, Knorr-Bremse has won the accolade of "Best Brand in the Commercial Vehicle Industry" in the "brakes" category. Two thirds of the readers of trade journals transaktuell, lastauto omnibus and FERNFAHRER who cast their votes opted for Knorr-Bremse.
5월 13, 2014
On March 21, 2014, FOGTEC Rail Systems and Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge signed an agreement on strategic cooperation in the field of safety-critical products and services for rail vehicles. Knorr-Bremse is the world's leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles, and FOGTEC Rail Systems is the global market leader in developing and selling fire protection systems for rail vehicles.
4월 28, 2014
3월 28, 2014
In the presence of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Knorr-Bremse yesterday officially opened a new, state-of-the-art production plant and testing center for commercial vehicle systems in Kecskemét. At the opening ceremony Heinz Hermann Thiele, owner and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Knorr-Bremse, together with Klaus Deller, Executive Board member responsible for Commercial Vehicle Systems, and site manager István Lepsényi, welcomed numerous other prominent guests, including customers and business partners as well as representatives of politics, industry, universities and the media. The new facility will enhance the company's efficiency and strengthen its local competitiveness.
3월 25, 2014
Eva Seifert
Vice President Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 89 3547 1402Fax: +49 89 3547 1403
Knorr-Bremse AGMoosacher Straße 8080809 MunichGermany
E-Mail: email@example.com


text:
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared! She said "You're moving in with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air!" ~ Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Nerf Vortex Football made a HOWLING whistle sound as it flew through the air!
The Backstreet Boys look so young on their first album cover!
"Did I do that??" - Steve Urkel on Family Matters
"Let our powers combine! Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart!"
"With your powers combined, I am Captain Planet!"
Anyone know how to speak Furbish? The Original Furby was one of the top selling toys of the 1998 holiday season!
Everybody get up it's time to slam now!
We got a real jam goin' down!
Welcome to the SPACE JAM!!
The Adventures of Pete & Pete was one of the greatest early 90s TV Shows on Nickelodeon! Which Pete was your favorite? Little Pete or Big Pete?
McCauley Caulkin had a Talkboy in Home Alone 2, but they didn't actually exist until everyone that saw the movie wanted one and demanded that they make them!
Who remembers Patti Mayonnaise? How about Quailman? Doug was such a great show!


text:
Behind the 'mumpreneur' facade
By Jil O'Brien,
I've always prided myself on my sense of gritty British realism – so no one was more surprised than me when motherhood transformed me into the queen of self-delusion.
In addition to the usual first time Mum delusions (I'll be wearing my skinny jeans again in six weeks; life will return to normal in a few months, etc. etc.) I held many grand delusions about starting a business, remaining sane and being a full time mum to my (now 9-month-old) little boy.
The 'Mumpreneur' seems to grace the pages of every parenting magazine I look at these days. I'd love to class myself in this category but I feel like a bit of a fraud – these mumpreneurs seem to exude glossy confidence with their manicured nails, polished pitches and obedient offspring.
When my partner and I hit upon the idea of Borrowed Size, I'd imagined myself as a perfectly organised, perfectly glossy mumpreneur. My son and I would skip through golden cornfields accompanied by tuneful birdsong before I laid him smiling in his crib for his morning nap. He would sleep for a blissful two hours whilst I became an entrepreneurial dynamo – securing investment, managing branding and masterminding world domination plans over my morning tea. See – delusional!
The truth is that starting your own business is hard work. Being a mum is also hard work. The two combined are damn near impossible on some days!
Creating workable order from the chaos of family life is the biggest challenge I've ever faced and apparently I'm not alone; all over the country, new mums are shunning an early return to their corporate roots in favour of developing their entrepreneurial dreams.
And therein lies the reason for this blog: Over the next 12 months I'll chart my progress as a startup founder; the highs, the lows and the meetings I've endured with baby spew in my hair!
Hopefully along the way I'll discover tricks and trade secrets of the glossy mumpreneur. Watch this space; I'll let you know.
Jil O'Brien is co-founder of Borrowed Size and can't decide whether she is a mother, blogger, or entrepreneur, but is usually all three at some point each day.
You always manage to to reflect accurately the things that lots of mums would like to say, but somehow don't manage to do so. Your account of the trials and tribulations of being an mumpreneur, would also fit the majority of mums who do decide to return to work early in motherhood. You will, I am certain, reassure many mums who think that they are failing or doing the wrong thing. Keep it up Jill, you are a credit to mums everywhere!
I'm looking forward to your blogs :-) (Say hi to Jason)
I think this article is a little off the mark actually. Not sure where you get the impression of a Mumpreneur being 'manicured nails, polished pitches and obedient offspring'.. It's nothing like that! I run a branch of The Mumpreneurs Networking Club www.agoodgossip.co.uk and none of the above applies - I'm also a Sales Trainer and Mentor and work with lots of Mumpreneurs and if you look at the networking page of my website www.dawngracie.com , you'll see lots of 'normal' women supporting each other and helping to grow each others businesses. Mumpreneurs (by our definition) are a force to be reckoned with (not because we have super powers to cope with juggling our lives) and are putting in the hard work to create work/life balance… so to be honest i find terms such as 'deluded' and 'facade' a tad offensive.
How sad I was to read this rather negative article.
I agree wholeheartedly with Dawn and perhaps it reflects what is currently one person's bad experience and their own pre-conceived ideas of what a 'mumpreneur' is.
I really have 'been there and done that' as my children are now 24 and 21. I left high pressured corporate life to have my children and set up my first very small business working from home and working around my domestic responsibilities. I wasn't always 'perfectly manicured' nor were my offspring obligingly 'obedient'. It was fun though - I made it fun because I wanted it to work!
All rewarding 'business' is hard work and working for yourself is no exception. Bringing up children can also be hard work.
To then be described as delusional to have thought I could make it as both an entrepreneur and a mum is rather disappointing, not to mention rather insulting to me personally; and this article may actually be quite off-putting to others who'd like to follow in our footsteps.
Mums, and women in general, have often been underrated in the workforce, so to have one of our own making things appear as bleak as ever, is saddening.
So, how did I fare, I may not be the multi-milliionaire entrepreneur that I would have liked to become but having tried several businesses; always combining bringing up my 'babies' with working for myself; I now run a construction company with my husband and a fitness business too - both, successfully enough. My children are fine - they survived well, too - my son, at 24, is a manager with a storage firm and my daughter graduated last year.
Sometimes being positive about what you can achieve actually gets you a little closer to that goal.
Good Luck to all those who decide to give it a go - it really is lots of fun!
Oh what a shame that Jil is having such a negative experience.
I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly with Dawn and I do speak from the position of having 'been there and done that'!
My children, now 24 and 21, were brought up with Mum being a Mumpreneur.
Was it hard? At times, of course, such is life but, have I actually been able to enjoy the best of both worlds - working and raising my children myself? Absolutely!
I also have not succeeded with every step - after several small home business, I now run a construction business with my husband and a fitness business myself - successfully enough to look after us financially. I've not always been perfectly manicured or had the most obedient children but I've always found that managing my time wasn't ever 'damn near impossible' especially as the children got older. I've seen plenty of people do harder things in life!
As an aside, my children are also fine - my son, at 24, is a manager in a storage firm and my daughter, 22, graduated with a 2:1 last year. They learned plenty from their Mum about organisation, planning, prioritising and ensuring that the important things like family, remain the reason and focus.
Am I 'delusional'? Oh, that hurts a little but I really don't think so. I don't think I've been particularly lucky either but I have tried to be positive and maybe that's the key.
Some clever person; not me, unfortunately; once said "If you think you can or you think you can't; you're probably right"
It's a pity that one of our own, a Mum who wants to work, isn't trying harder to present a more upbeat image of something that she really hasn't had the opportunity to try thoroughly yet. I sincerely hope her blog doesn't continue to paint the sort of picture that she's started here.
In a world where it continues to be difficult enough for women to find the home/work balance - we need to inspire, not demotivate, others to follow.
I think maybe you have read Jil's message the wrong way… Has she once said it's too hard and she's going to give up? Or that she isn't enjoying it? No, all she has said it that it isn't..
"My son and I would skip through golden cornfields accompanied by tuneful birdsong before I laid him smiling in his crib for his morning nap. He would sleep for a blissful two hours whilst I became an entrepreneurial dynamo"
Is that quote delusional? Absolutely. Seems to me that is Jil's point. She is not referring to anyone as delusional other than herself.
Of course on the front of magazine's mumpreneurs are displayed as perfectly manicured - it is a magazine! However, the way Jil is writing this as a realistic blog should be an inspiration to these 'mumpreneurs' everywhere.
Wouldn't it be delusional if she said it was easy?
Good on you Jil, and good luck!
Please note that the only person I would ever describe as delusional is myself!
I agree that starting a business whilst raising children can be a fun and I relish the challenges I'm facing both as a parent and business woman. I don't intend the blog to discourage those Mums who may be considering starting a business, I simply aim to relay with candor my experiences. I personally believe that painting an overly positive and unrealistic picture undermines the efforts and confidence of those believing it to be true. I'm certain the Mums with a desire to succeed in a business of their own creation will not be needing my encouragement in the form of sugar-coating my experiences. The crux of the issue is that being a mumpreneur is challenging and is hard work and I will be sharing the high points, the low points and all that comes in between. Thanks for reading!
Love this! A refreshing look on how some days as a busy working mum can go Oh so wrong but then there are those days where everything just works and you feel on top of the world! Look forward to reading more :)


text:
LOUISVILLE, Ky (WHAS11) -- George Russell Horton Jr. of Louisville was arrested along with his 17-year-old accomplice for stealing guns from Shooter's Supply.
The two were arrested in Indiana as they were attempting to sell other stolen guns.
According to the police report, Horton admitted they had stolen approximately 48 guns from numerous businesses including Shooter's Supply.
Police said Det. Joseph Seamon contacted Shooter's Supply and learned at least five guns were missing from their inventory. One of the stolen Shooter's Supply guns was found in Horton's residence in Shively by the Jeffersonville Police Department. Two more of the Shooter's Supply guns were found at the residence of his accomplice.
Horton was charged with five counts of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and second degree unlawful transaction with a minor.


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One Planet Open Source Brochure12 pages
One Planet Open Source Creating the world we want Draft
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