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It's not difficult to start a conversation with Greg Proops. He talks for a living. He can weave an elongated, coherent argument out of a paused thought. He made a career out of plundering the most random of topics for a sharp, succinct comedic line.
Greg grew up in San Francisco and lives in Hollywood, his distinctive voice and delivery is all California but he has been a performer in the UK since the late 80s.
You'll know him for his appearances on Whose Line is it Anyway? and comedy improv in various forms but he currently focuses much of his significant creative energy on his hit podcast called The Smartest Man in the World, which he has recorded live around the world. There's also the Greg Proops Film Club, a podcast covering old and new movies.
Then there's Greg's propensity for political satire and bold interventions on pop culture. He lent his voice to a Star Wars character. There's a lot of things he wants to say about Donald Trump.
All these aspects and more were covered in a conversation with Glasgowist ahead of his two shows at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
How much of your life is split between the UK and the US at the moment?
Well I'm in LA right now but I'm over in the UK at least three, four times a year and over to Scotland at least once a year, so it's been pretty good.
Is that been something you've done for a number of years?
Oh absolutely, yeah. I've done Edinburgh about 150 times, it feels like. This is probably my third or fourth Glasgow festival and then I'm going to come back to London to do PR with The Comedy Store Players. So yeah, ever since I first came in 1989, I've tried to make it a regular thing.
In terms of how that affects your outlook, when you go from your California life to your London life, do you shift gears when You get off the plane?
Not so much. People want me to be myself and give my famed poisonous opinion. Of course what's a poisonous opinion in the United States is simply an optimistic outlook in the United Kingdom, as you know.
I just have to shift gears on getting references right and if in Glasgow, never get anything wrong on stage because everyone will climb up your ass.
If you perform in a Scottish venue there's that back and forth with the audience and you'll have the feedback of a tangible reaction. Have you found that when recording your podcast here?
Oh, I love doing the podcast in Glasgow because you get just that. I talk to everybody in the crowd beforehand and last year I brought up a woman out of the audience to read a poem by William McGonagall because I can't do it any justice.
The full majesty of how awful his poetry is has to be expressed by someone with a Scottish accent. The only time I've ever really had any guests, because I never do, is a couple years ago in Edinburgh, I brought up a guy, and last year I brought up a woman to read Scottish poetry because I don't feel I can give it a fair shake.
There's a long history of American and Canadian performers trying to do a Scottish accent and not getting very far, but then Sean Connery never really mastered the American accent so it goes both ways, Greg.
I mean, I can do it, but I'm not going to do it in front of a room full of Scottish people, so yeah, I prefer it to be read in the colloquial, as it were.
When you started in stand up, what kind of subject matter did you first gravitate towards, what was it that you thought you could make funny?
When you first start, you don't have a lot on your mind. I think you're just trying to get laughs with anything you can. The horrible phrase that comics use is finding your voice, but it's true and after about five, seven years, you find your voice. Then you know where you're coming from and so I think people know what to expect from me now. The kind of bile that I've been spewing over the last 30 years. Politics and taking our pop culture, there's plenty to talk about.
Right now I feel like if you're doing bland entertainment type comedy, I'm not really that interested, you know what I mean? Way too much going on to be on the sidelines.
You going to hear it all the time in America, "hey I don't think comedians and celebrities should be talking about politics, they should stick to entertaining people". To which my answer is, I invite you cordially to take a long cold drink out of my ass. I'm a tax payer and I'm a human on earth and therefore it's … Nina Simone said "Your duty as an artist is to reflect the times."
Well, on that theme, it does seem something of a boom time for satire, right now.
Well unfortunately for satire, shit is piling up so thick and fast here that it's difficult to get a grip each day because Trump – or Benito Cheeto as we call him here – he has amped up the pace of chaos.
We used to have a crisis every few months, and with him he starts 50 different fires a minute, so the trick is to hook onto something that people actually can remember that he did or is talking about as opposed to day by day because it's very difficult to keep up with how much insanity this group of nutty, white supremacists maniacs have inflicted on the world.
Then, of course, on top of it all – because he's taking everything from the Putin/fascist playbook – basically anything he says is a projection or a lie, so he's already said he's accomplished more in the first four weeks than most presidents ever did.
It's like, well no, you haven't. Accomplished more discord? Yes, I would agree with you, it is a boom time to talk about politics because everyone is interested in it right now and very few people are on the sidelines. You know how the world is, there's a bunch of people who are interested in what's going on. There's a bunch of fascists and then there's the other 30 or 40% who just don't care what happens as long as they get to have a beer and go home and there's curry or whatever. I think some of those people in the middle have been stirred out of their lethargy by the hideousness of Brexit and Mango Mussolini happening in one short year.
If there's a positive that's come out of this, it's that I will do 100 marches, 100 rallies, send a million letters, and made a million phone calls. I'm more active than I ever was and I was always active.
Scottish people have had a bit of a dialogue with Donald Trump for a number of years, actually, since he came over to open a golf course he was building in Aberdeen. More recently, there was a series of protests and some creative banners that made the news around the world. The name many protesters adopted for Trump was President Bawbag, which then started trending worldwide on Twitter and, I believe, the hashtag #scrotus was then linked to that. That's sort of Scotland's contribution to the American political lexicon right now.
Oh my God, President Bawbag is so funny. Scrotus, oh that's such a rare sense of humour. Hideous and hilarious and on point all at the same time. Yeah, I will be finding out a lot, I'm going to have to catch up. You guys are always ahead of me. I didn't know what a roaster was until recently…
How did the podcasting start out?
Well, about six years ago, someone approached me and said you should do a podcast and I was like "well, who will care?" It was the dawn of podcasting and I jumped in and started doing it and in those days it was twice a month because I thought "oh that's all people will want". Then after a while I realised that the demand was there and you have to put it out every week and you have to put it out on a regular basis and it has to come out at the same time and you're making a real comedy product.
My wife said to me after the first one, this is what you should be doing and so we decided to focus on that. I realised that it's the most direct way to communicate with the audience because of its international reach – it's on phones, people can listen to it anywhere in the world, it's just changed everything.
The immediacy and the intimacy of it are overwhelming. When I come to record the show, anywhere I go, I talk to everybody in the room beforehand and people give me gifts. We talk about food and candy and booze and drugs and politics and feminism now. People bring me pieces of art, paintings they've done, books, poems. It's a gathering.
I didn't engineer any of this and I didn't think of it beforehand and I'm not clever enough to have thought of all that first. It happened organically over the course of the years and I think that's the part that's overwhelming to me is that people took it on. Because you're listening with earbuds on or on your phone, it's really intimate and I know that I'm talking to everyone individually, I'm not talking to a giant group. Even, though there's a giant group in the room when I'm recording.
I thought stand up was the most direct way of communicating with an audience and I think now it's podcasting.
People really come to listen, you've taken the pressure off of having to deliver a joke every 15 seconds, whereas in stand up I understand my responsibility is to make the crowd laugh a lot. With podcasting, you can express yourself a little more and get into a subject without having to make jokes about it every minute. That's the profound part that I thought people would be bored by that but it's the part people like.
Is it a different disciple to prepare a stand-up show than to prepare for a podcast?
I know that at the podcast, I plan a load of stuff and I have quotes and poems and songs and everything I'm going to play and do and sing and jump around to. Then that all gets cleared the minute I get here because someone will come up to me and say something or someone will give me something and then that takes me off on a tangent and then I try to follow that tangent.
I like mistakes and I like impromptu things to happen so that I can incorporate them into the podcast. With stand up, I want to plan it so that I'm saying the right words and then I'm doing the jokes at exactly what I do, however this year, I've decided that for my Glasgow stand up show that I'm going to try to improvise the first 45 minutes and then I'm going to do my political set the second 45 minutes.
Or at least, that's my plan, that of course changed 50 times. Last year I did … you do two 45 minute sets, which, is a lot to keep the audience's attention. I don't think I cheated the crowd last year, but I think I'm going to be able to be looser.
I was kind of scared to be honest. It's one place in the world I'm ever scared to do stand up and it's Glasgow. I really feel like the Glasgow crowd is so acute. Someone is going to come and go, you told that joke four years ago.
Where do you think improv comedy is at right now, based on what you see around at comedy festivals?
Well I think there's a lot of great comic stand up comics who improvise total sets. I remember Phil Kay from 20 years ago was the first comic I remember coming on and just saying "I'm not going to bring any prepared material on". As far as improv comedy for me, I still do it all the time, I just finished up a season of Who's Line is it Anyway? on The CW network here.
I'm on the road this weekend with Ryan Styles, Joel Murray, Jeff Davis who are going up to Vancouver for three days. I've got a million dates with them. I'm coming back to play at The Comedy Store in April and then we're going to do The Globe Theatre with The Comedy Store Players, so I'm still up to my neck in doing improv.
It's just a different bag. I can't force my personal opinion into an improv set that I can in my podcast.
You can't have a segue when you're improvising that a man walks in with an umbrella and then add that he has an opinion to share on the illegal invasion of Iraq or whatever….
Exactly. I can't go on and say "knock, knock, it's the dictator of Syria", that's not going to happen in improv. You're in a band and you have to realise you're in a band and you're playing to the audience and so we play the game to the best of our ability and if the politics get in then that's good.
I took the excuse to revisit some of episodes of Who's Line is it Anyway? from it's run on Channel 4. What stands out as the reason that it worked so well and it's still working in America is the interaction between the performers and having this group of people – this band as you say – that clearly have so much fun with each other. Would you agree with that?
I do. I utterly agree. I think that the material we're doing is nonsense, a good deal of it, and so really what you're coming for is to see us interact with each other. The American team that I'm on with Ryan, we always say it's like the Rat Pack with Sinatra. Really what you wanted to see was Sinatra muck about with Sammy Davis and Dean Martin, that was the funny part. You didn't really care, you knew they sing the same song and you knew they were going to do whatever. You want to spend and hour and half with a bunch of people who are ripping the piss out of each other, and that's what we do. That's the same thing with The Comedy Store Players.
We did it in the West end last summer in London. It was me, Josie, Colin, Brad and Jeff, and Linda and Laura from the American show and Clive Anderson. We just have a go at each other and I think that's what the audience really likes.
We're not characters, we don't have pretend character names. I'm not Mr. Winklesteen or whatever, I'm Greg and so for better or worse, we're ourselves on stage and I think that's what gets good laughs. It's that everyone who started on Who's Line, including Sandy Toksvig and Paul Merton, all of us are known to the crowd as ourselves.
That's been a big advantage I think because it allows you to be yourself and you don't have to go, "oh I'm wearing a wig and I have funny cheese hands". Not that I don't admire people who can do characters, that's certainly a magical skill, but with our group I, I think, it's us.
My only evidence for this is we're on TV almost, oh goddamn, 27, 28 years now, since I joined the show and it's still us. They won't allow us to put in any new people. The newest person that joined the group was Jeff Davis, and he joined us like 16 years ago. You know what I mean, this is like being a waiter at a restaurant that never changes staff.
You've got the freedom now to be a multifaceted performer. You write, you've got your own podcast, which technically makes you your own media organisation, really. There's all kinds of things, you've done films, voice work. What attracts you to stick with going into a room, going onto a stage, doing your thing, walking off?
I can't do anything else. It's what I want to do, I think if you're a performer, you perform. It's disingenuous to be otherwise about it. I mean, I'll have the book there with me too, we're selling the book as well because it's out in paperback now, so we're having a second go at the book.
I'm motivated to go on because I still really love it. I love the immediacy. I've gotten to meet people all over the world that I'm friends with. That's what motivates me. And now, we have a crusade, I mean a real crusade. It's not just preaching to the converted now, it's alerting everyone to the impending political takeover.
I'm still motivated and even with everything that is happening right now, comedy still works. I was very surprised to find that after the election here. I was doing a gig in Portland, Oregon and we were all backstage chewing our hands, the comics and I, wondering whether anyone can laugh at anything or was it all too horrible to consider.
Then we went out there and did jokes and everybody laughed and it was like, no, comedy like music, still works. It works on its own and it's a salve and a balm and if you can articulate how people feel or even if you can't. That's what gets me up in the morning. That and of course the thought of alcohol.
You're the first credited cast member of Star Wars we've interviewed, so congratulations for having that distinction. Do you get recognised for that part of your career, is there a particular Star Wars fanbase around in the background when you are off doing things?
Yes, it is. It's really particular. People who love Star Wars are completists. They even recognise members of The Phantom Menace, which is the movie I'm in, which anyone would agree of course is the finest of all the Star Wars movies… Part of the plot was destroyed in a terrible accident… I get letters from all over the world and people. Me and Scott Capurro were the pod race announcers.
I own a polo fleece that says Episode I. That's only significant if you're a Star Wars person. It was called Episode I until they renamed it The Phantom Menace, but when we shot it, it hadn't been named that. It was like in the 80s version when they had Revenge of the Jedi and then it was Return of the Jedi when released, so some amount of gear came out with Revenge on it.
I actually own a polo fleece – don't come to my house and take it – that says Episode I on it.
Then I've done a million video games off the back of it. There's also a Star Wars cartoon, The Clone Wars. I'm an evil warlord called Tal Merrick on that.
I got killed in the first episode that I did and then they brought me back and I said "what am I doing?" and they said Tal Merrick, and I went "but you killed me". Fantastically, one of the Lucas people went, "it's Star Wars, Greg. This is a Prequel".
So I get to play the character again, when I was alive.
You got to embellish the backstory?
Right. I'm very proud to have been in it and Scott is too I think. I don't obsess about it or anything because it's not my favourite, but I'm thrilled that I got to be in it. The other thing that I was in that everybody really seems to still care about is the Nightmare Before Christmas that Danny Elfman did the score for.
The last two years in Los Angeles, we've performed it live at the Hollywood Bowl over Halloween week, with a full orchestra and they've had me and a bunch of professional singers, and PeeWee Herman, and Catherine O'Hara – and Danny and Ken Page, who sings Oogie Boogie's song. They all sing their songs live with a full orchestra and it's just a sensational experience.
It's my favourite thing I've done in the last few years, it really is because I feel like I'm in an opera. You have to get up and sing in front of 15 thousand people and there's technical screw ups and sometimes you miss your cue and there's 150 people behind you sawing away on violas.
It was just extraordinary. Danny couldn't be calmer. I said to him once when we were at rehearsal, how can you be so calm with so many people in a room? He went "Oh, this doesn't bother me, it's this one fucking song that I have to sing that really bothers me."
For me I'm panicked that I'm going to miss my cue or sing off key or that I'm going to blow the words. I don't know if we're going to do it this year, but we did do it the last two years.
You do something 20 years ago and you don't think anybody is going to think about it 20 years down the road, but Star Wars and Nightmare Before Christmas turned out to be two awesome things that, through no doing of my own other than just being in them, I've been lucky enough that people still give a shit.
What can expect from the podcast show and the stand-up show at the Glasgow Comedy Festival?
The podcast, I meet everybody beforehand, everybody gets a kitten sticker, I'm going to talk to you. That's part of the punishment of coming to the podcast is you actually have to meet me. Then I'm going to get up and sort through stuff and then we're going to talk about politics probably. I'm sure someone will have passed away that week a significant musician or whoever, we will probably talk about them since eulogies are a big part of the show.
We're going to really talk about feminism and toxic white male privilege the whole time. In the stand up especially I think with the election of Mango Mussolini here, the absolute apex of white male privilege. That someone this unqualified, someone this dis-tempered, someone this racist and sexist could be considered someone capable and calm, following one of our most capable and calm presidents, who had the misfortune of being black while president.
It's a terrible reflection on the one hand, but on the other hand I think galvanised everyone and so that's basically my main thrust. There will be jokes, and there will be humour and dancing, and drinking, and dope smoking, and abject stupidity so I wouldn't … you don't have to wear an armband to come to the show. You're free to come and just be a drunk. That's where I'm coming from this year.
The podcast I do improvise a lot of, but I'm thinking about actually just winging a bunch of the stand up. It'll be more fun for me, it'll more fun for you guys, and it'll be funnier.
I'll read all the Scottish papers and I'll study, because I always do, and I'll of course have bawbag and roaster in mind. In my holster as they say.
Find Greg on Twitter at @GregProops and download his podcasts at proopcast.com
Book tickets for his Glasgow shows here.


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The day before…
Journal entry by Felicia Friesema —
This is not a happy post.
It's really difficult to stay hopeful in the face of a disease that you can't stop. Not the steroids, not the glass of water you bring, not the love you constantly share – nothing stops it from getting worse each day. I feel like I'm holding my hands up to block a thing that has no form. It just goes through me and around me and keeps making things worse.
We had to delay Steve's biopsy because he had been on daily aspirin for years. He only stopped taking it the Sunday after his diagnosis. So the doctors said we had to wait a full 10 days before doing the biopsy. The risk of hemorrhage was too great if we didn't wait. That's why they didn't do it the next day. That's why we're watching this disease progress moment by moment.
Tomorrow is finally surgery day. We're both anxious for it to be here and dread its arrival. For over two weeks I feel like I haven't been able to see past tomorrow. Just get him through surgery, then we can tackle the next hurdle – treatment. The biopsy will give us pathology. Pathology will dictate treatment. Treatment will hopefully stall the growth of the tumor.
The miracle would be if it shrunk the tumor into nothingness. That's what we're hoping for. That and that his memory and language abilities return.
To steal away words and language from a man who was so good at speaking and telling stories that people paid him to do it every day is a monstrous crime. I choke back so much as I watch him struggle. The injustice of it burns me raw.
To steal away the names of people who love him and who he loves is another sin against him. His network of supporters is so huge because of who he is, because of his generosity and kindness, because he shared himself so freely. The names slip out of his hands like sand. He sees faces and goes blank.
He's also fully aware of what's happening to him. He feels the wrongness so deeply. He apologizes to me every day and every day I tell him it's not his fault.
He still knows how to say, "I love you." The tumor can't have that. We say it to each other so many times in a day that I'm sure he can't forget them all. I feel like we're trying to plug the holes in a sinking ship with a million I love yous.
The MRI yesterday was hard on him. Even walking from the car to radiology was taxing. I waited outside in a chair in another exam room listening to the loud hum and whirr as they started the machine. A precursor for tomorrow? The waiting was maddening. And this was just the MRI.
I'm giving him over to people I don't know and trusting them not to do more damage, to not hurt him. Do they know he doesn't like clicking sounds? Do they know to support his neck? If his hand twitches do they know to rub his fingers? None of these things are why we chose the doctors we did. We chose them for their incredible skill and compassion and their honesty. They're the national experts in neurosurgery. I feel like I'm worrying about the wrong things. He's felt no pain thus far. I don't want that to change.

subset: commoncrawl


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If you have clients who are searching for the holiday spirit this season, they might just find some in the Lone Star State, thanks to the plethora of activities the state has arranged for the holiday season.
"Texas is the perfect holiday getaway destination, offering an array of distinctive events and activities" says Julie Chase, director of tourism for the Texas Office of the Governor. Texas is keeping its holiday traditions alive this season by filling the months of November and December with long-held festivities that have been a part of Texas history for years. This winter, Texas is inviting visitors to come and share the range of exciting activities it celebrates, suitable for all members of the family. Events include tree-lighting festivals, concerts, parades and train rides.
Clients can kick off the start of December by attending The Christmas Holiday Festival and Parade that takes place from Dec. 3-7 and includes a Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony, a parade, outdoor holiday movies, a children's holiday party, ice skating and a choir concert.
Christmas in the Square is also a great way to get the family involved and excited about the season along with the estimated 350,000 people that will also be experiencing the largest choreographed holiday light show in Texas. The whole family can get involved by participating in the carriage rides, snow machine rides, outdoor movies and a snow slide.
Visitors and residents alike can also start new traditions, or keep an old one, while celebrating the season with a visit to Schlitterbahn's Hill Country Christmas Event. During this winter season, more than 1 million lights will blanket the town of Schlitterbahn, illuminating the holiday cheer. Clients can enjoy sledding on "faux snow," viewing a 60ft. Nativity Scene, visiting reindeer in the reindeer barn and feasting on festive food.
The holidays wouldn't be complete without a train ride, either, so when visiting Texas this winter, train enthusiasts should check out the Polar Express Train Ride, where riders can embark on a journey filled with Christmas carols, hot chocolate, a reading of The Polar Express and a meeting with Santa Claus.
Texas Tourismwww.traveltex.com


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Good Evening,
On 12-7-2015 the NEF was briefed on the FAA's plan to replace the current version of the AT-SAT. The FAA and APTMetrics undertook a project to evaluate and implement alternatives to the current assessment used for ATC selection, the AT-SAT. As recommended in the Barrier Analysis (Outtz & Hanges, 2012) and decided upon by the FAA, alternatives to the AT-SAT were sought due to the dated nature of the test, its over-exposure, and large group differences.
Based on the results of this comprehensive review, the FAA has selected a set of assessments to include in the upcoming research phase of the project. This group of assessments measures the vast majority of critical and required skills required of ATC candidates at the point of hire, and they also offer a number of advanced security features. Once validated and put into practice, these assessments will replace the current version of the AT-SAT.
The validation will invite 2,000 CPCs with a target of 1,600 CPCs participating. It will be a stratified random sample to ensure adequate representation to include facility type, facility level, race, ethnicity and gender. The validation will take approximately 6 hours. They expect the MOU to be signed soon. If you are selected please support this effort.
Expect a 45 day specialized experience ATC bid to come out soon. The general experience bid will not come out until the validation is complete.
PWC is working on an online registration for the 2016 National Training Conference. We plan to have it ready to go no later than late January possibly earlier. This will streamline our registration process for you and it will save money for the organizatiion. It will also reduce the amount of work needed by the local conference committee. The conference is April 25-28, 2015.
Please contact me if you have comment or concerns.
Patti Wilson
PWC President


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Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Red Tibee Shrimp --- Must see!
8 comments:
- JJ Frog said...
Thank you for your blog.
I have few questions.
How did you make red tibee?
I like to make red tibee.
If i mix with crs + tiger = black stripe,red&white tibee?
If use crs + red tiger = like your red tibee?j
And which female is better result?
Female crs + tiger?
Female tiger + male crs?
Maybe like you did with mischling and them. Its not easy answer.
But with your knowledge.
Could you give me some info?.
Thank you
- May 23, 2014 at 8:32 PM
- yoyo said...
When you cross breeding crs with tiger shrimps, all the recessive gene will disappear on F1. Recessive gene starts to show on F2 or later generations.
What I did on crossbreeding, I mixed taiwan bee mischilling and orange eye blue tiger shrimps. The purpose of using mischilling and OEBT is I want to get pinto shrimps.
- May 30, 2014 at 7:59 PM
- JJ Frog said...
Thank you for info.
Good luck with pinto
- June 1, 2014 at 12:35 PM
- Sundays Wong said...
Hi Yoyo,
I want to create my own red pinto too....
You said you cross Taiwan Bee Mischlings to Orange Eye Blue Tiger.
My first question what is a Taiwan Bee Mischling? What do you cross to make this type of shrimps?
My second question is when you cross Taiwan Bee Mischling to OEBT, will a portion of the F1 will show the recessive gene (I meant red color)
My third question is what is the way to reate a red pinto like in your photos?
Thank you!
- June 3, 2014 at 8:30 AM
- yoyo zl said...
Taiwan bee mischilling is crystal red or crystal black shrimp with Taiwan bee shrimps gene. Taiwan bee shrimps are black king kong shrimp, panda shrimp, or wine red shrimps.
Red color is recessive gene. It won't show on F1. F2 or later generation will give you red tibees.
The fastest way to get red pinto shrimps, is to buy red pintos and breed them :)
Well, if cross breeding, the fastest way is get a healthy and with strong breeding capacity wine red shrimp to cross breed with tiger shrimps. And you may get red pinto from F2 or later generations.
My red pintos are F3. They are from my F2 black tibee shrimps.
- June 7, 2014 at 9:29 PM
- Wong kim hoong said...
This Is Amazing!..Thx For Sharing!
- August 11, 2014 at 8:03 AM
- DarkMagician said...
Any idea what will happen if we mix black pinto with pure red line?
- November 10, 2014 at 1:11 AM
- ESL said...
Hi yoyo,
How can I maintain the phenotype of red tibee. Should I crossbreed between them, or I have to crossbreed with CRS or tiger? Regards.
- April 25, 2017 at 8:48 AM


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In 2000 I wrote the article below. I am so glad everyone got the message LOL. Many "Leaders" today have become politically correct WIMPS that listen to their TEAM MEMBERS go on, and on and on about the same challenges they were having six months ago. They really don't know how to challenge and inspire people so instead of telling them the truth, they listen to the same people with the same problems until someone comes along with a little better product or comp plan and "raids their downline." Wimpy leaders have their downlines raided. True leaders have no fear telling people the truth.
I understand that to some, the word 'leader' in network marketing means someone that at some point achieved a certain title or income. However, in the real world leadership means… Continue reading
NOTE TO SELF – Don't Schedule 4 Hours of Audio & Video Training On The Day You Are Having Your Office Roof Replace!?
I stayed up until 5:00 AM listening to an enlightening training.
My plan was to get up around 10:00 or 11:00, and video tape until Dawn & I needed to leave around 4:00 to meet my middle daughter and her family at one of our favorite hole in the wall BBQ joints.
At 7:15 it sounded like a group of paratroopers from the movie Red Dawn landed on my roof. "What in the world is going on?" I thought to myself for ½ second. "Oh yeah, this is the day the roofing team is coming. I was thinking that was tomorrow… oh yeah, it is tomorrow" was the internal conversation I had with myself.
So I got… Continue reading
At the time of this writing I have been very busy working on projects for consulting clients and the holidays. I had not been on Facebook or checked my email in several days, and when I did log on it was like a bomb with Phil Roberson's picture had exploded on Facebook. Thousands of post of support for Phil, the show, and outrage directed at the A&E network for suspending him.
So I took the time to actually read the GQ article to see what all the fuss was about. Quite frankly I was in shock that such a stink had been raised by someone who shares simply shared his personal beliefs while quoting the Bible.
This facebook post kinda says where we have landed as a country.
I understand that you are never make good business sense to talk… Continue reading
For over 25 years I have tried to communicate to network marketers that the industry is about leadership and leadership development. It has very little to do with sells or products or services. Companies and organizations rise and fall on based upon leadership.
Leadership and being politically correct don't belong in the same ozone as far as I am concerned. You must know what you believe as it relates to how to build an organization and stick to your principals, concepts, and wisdom of the ages.
The network marketing world, the political world, the world in general needs more leaders! Networkers, STOP READING BOOKS on Vitamins and Herbs and start reading books on Leadership!
Meet Maine 's New Governor – – – In case you haven't heard about this guy before, his name… Continue reading
Ten years ago I can remember a conversation I had in Orlando, Florida with a marketing friend of mine.
The topic, when did it become ok to blatantly lie to people in your marketing and promotions?
Ten years later and it is worse than it has ever been. I had a conversation this week with a popular trainer who said Dale, if you don't promise people $10,000 a month in 30 days or less you can't even get their attention.
That is one of the reason you see all these mlm guru trainers promising people they will teach them how to sponsor 30 people in 30 days and other outlandish claims. Most people have to know that is not true, don't they?
How can anybody make such a claim when they know nothing about the person, the company or the… Continue reading
The responsibility of a network marketing leader is to
tell people the truth.
It appears that most people in the industry with leadership
titles have found that it is much easier to tell people what
they want to hear, not what they need to hear.
We should have cultures that inspire and challenge people
to grow, learn, and become better. Instead we seem to be
telling people to have fun, watch TV, play on your lap top
and become rich.
Has the industry become a reflection of our culture?
About 15 years ago I saw this trend towards excepting
mediocrity begin in our industry. Below is an article I wrote
for a publication that goes out to MLM company owners
and coporate officers.
Today, it appears that no one read it :). I would appreciate
your thoughts. Am… Continue reading


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I just got this photo out of my camera and discovered from the EXIF data that I finished this sampler back in June! I forgot to share it with you back then. It's my 2nd finish for the year (not counting exchanges) – this year is off to a slow start!! It's stitched on "vintage" Belfast fabric with the Belle Soie in the pattern pack.
The reason I connected my camera to my lappy was to get this photo of my Tulip pots on the deck in our backyard. The red-ish one is "world's finest" and the white one is "white" – no cute name for that one. I just love them.
I've been a bit bulb-happy since we moved, I also had three hyacinth bulbs in my bulb vases (see previous post to see the last white one – I also had two pink hyacinths that have now died). As well as the bulbs we planted we have discovered narcissus bulbs in the front garden and iris bulbs in the back garden. It's been a delight discovering our new garden's secrets.


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"Don't call it a comeback
I been here for years
Rockin my peers and puttin suckas in fear
Makin the tears rain down like a MON-soon
Listen to the bass go BOOM
Explosion, overpowerin
Over the competition, I'm towerin......"
A little dramatic with the LL Cool J Momma Said Knock You Out lyrics, ya think? Nah, there is no such thing as too dramatic, right? I figure the first blog since 661 days ago, or if you prefer 1 year,9 months, and 22 days. I will not bore you with a mid-western surburban Real Housewives of Ridiculousness type recap of what's been going on here . I figure we can start fresh and present and when something arises that needs a back story, I will fill you in.
Re-claiming. I read a brilliant article. http://modernloss.com/how-im-making-mothers-day-my-bitch/. It was on point with the painfully honest hardship that women go through on the Hallmark holiday with the absence of a mother. I know so many women that feel jealous, bitter, angry, put-off, put-out or just completely over the entire sentiment of it. Myself included. Until I read this. I asked my self, why are you being such a miserable cow? I know damn well why I'm being a miserable cow. I want to be mad at the day because I don't get the perks. I don't get to brunch like ladies with my mother and sister. There is no forced family function where my boys are dressed in what I want them to wear,where they have to eat an over priced 5 course meal with nana and not complain. Is that really that important?
Nope. I reclaim my Mother's Day and the whole damn weekend. I get to run a 5k with my family, my sister and nephew! We get out of my grocery getter heading to the starting line , Our walk up music is Uptown Funk & I'm happy. We get pelted with color and smiles. It's awesome! The boys spend the rest of the weekend being at my disposal. Housework and laundry is on them. Daily chores still maintained and no pity parties thrown on my part. I'm making this weekend count. I claim it for me. I get to eat too much, drink too much, yell at sports on tv and laugh until we cry. I get to do that with my friends and my family! I feel bad spending too many Mother's Day being that miserable cow! I have so much to relish in and be proud of! "Celebrate the person you've become not just in her absence, but because of it. Don't just get through the day –- own it, for fuck's sake. (Sorry, mom.)"
Re-purposing. The amazing articles just keep finding me. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/07/in-praise-of-women-who-give-all-the-f--ks_n_7234890.html. If you are offended or put off by the F-word, this is not the article for you. In actuality, if you are offended by the F-word, the B-word, C U Next Tuesday and any or all words in that category, I am probably not for you! On we go. Not giving a fuck. I am so good at that. I like to not give a fuck about people, place, and things. I like to not give a fuck about the celeb-retard who popped out an 11 pound spawn and posts a nude selfie 22 minutes later ,with her flat stretch mark-less body! I'd like to not give a fuck about Lupus and the other chronic invisible illnesses that effect mine and my families life. I don't give a fuck if you don't like me. I'm not for everybody and that it really o.k. with me.
What I do want to give a fuck about is taking care of me. I want to give a fuck about making time to run, get stronger and love my body when it feels healthy enough to do so. I also will give a fuck about honoring Lupus and the other chronic illnesses that effect me. It is o.k. to stay in bed for a day(or four). To let myself heal and recover and not feel guilty about it. ( That's a lot of fucks to give. ) If I fail at giving a fuck with all of the other things there is one thing that I will stay true to. I will give as much as I can to my family. Not just the biological ones or the ones I claim as mine. But also the ones that I shut out, close off and keep at arms length. If we have shared a meal, had a drink, split a piece of gum or suffered in uncomfortable silence together, I will give a fuck about you. As long as you return the favor. "Give all the fucks you want. You'll be better for it."
Reality. I love reality, said no one ever. I really don't want to spend May 11th melancholic and lonely mourning my mother. I really don't want to dread every Mother's Day because the imminent looming of the anniversary of losing her is always there. I really do not want to replay the phone, the night, the day or even the years following. I really want people to understand chronic illness and the hell it plays on mental health. I really don't want to be the one to explain to anybody how or why my mother is no longer here. I really want to ask her, what the fuck, mom? Why? I really want to give up the guilt, the internal mental abuse I plague myself with. I really want a do-over.
Reality bites. I'm aware. I am also going to share what I realized this weekend. In reality, she has showed me, in her own,way all weekend that she knows. Whether I wanted to recognize it or not. Friday while having HopCat for lunch, I had an Angry Cow (ha) burger while Little Red Corvette played. Quickly followed up with Momma Said by Lenny Kravitz. Nice one! Later when I was getting my mani/pedi a little girl sitting next to me noticed my Lupus pin. She told me about how her mommy had Lupus too. Her mom came and sat next to me. She showed me pictures of the edema in her legs that comes while she waits for her kidney transplant. She also is suffering from infertility issues too, since being diagnosed. Little much mom, but I get your point. Hanging with my mother shucking sister and laughing in sheer hysterics at Lip Sync battle. Even with the Les Mis reference, it was much needed. Yesterday, when I thought I had hit the proverbial wall. I was ready to lose my shit and go hide under my covers. I turned on the TV, to drown out noise, and Overboard was on. As if that was needed, come on!
I dragged my ass out of the bed and came down to the land of the living. I found the littles helping the hubs squeeze lemons for lemonade. The middle was still doing laundry. The oldest was photo shopping Drake into our family picture ( I really am getting what I deserve with that one). The hubs gave me the atta-girl hug I needed and put me to work. Meds have to be filled,lunches have to be made and Mother's Day to be celebrated. Amazing food, over flowing wine, the best company and a full heart. The reality is that losing my mom sucks. I suck at grief. I suck at other people's grief even more. But I do this really well. I just want to do it to the best of my ability. I want to know that i'm doing o.k. and as long as I keep it together, I will notice when you point it out to me.
Take care of you....


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The U.S. Postal Service has struck a deal to deliver Amazon packages on Sundays, The New York Times writes.
The Federal Communications Commission is developing an app to test wireless speeds, The Wall Street Journal reports.
British intelligence agents used fake LinkedIn and Slashdot pages to gain access to wireless company information, according to Der Spiegel.
The Supreme Court has given Aereo 30 more days to respond to the broadcasters' petition, Broadcasting & Cable writes.


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It was decided that we would not go directly home after Guinevere left the hospital. We were encouraged to stay close by for the first couple of nights, in case Evvie did have problems. And on Monday Dave officially takes over his new position at work and had already said that he was planning on being in the office that day. Originally my mother-in-law was going to come up to help me care for the children and do all those things that I cannot yet do (such as lift Veda), but God had other plans.
This past Tuesday morning my father-in-law's father (Dave's grandpa) passed away. He was ninety-three, adored my children (and even liked me), and while his death was expected, it is still always hard when the end does finally come. His funeral is tomorrow and this is where Dave's family will be. There was just no way that we could attend services, given our own family's situation. But there will be an additional service at the Veteran's Home (where he was a resident) and we will attend this memorial.
And so, our family has continued to take up residence with my folks, whom have been most supportive. And it was to their house that Evvie was first introduced. She was greeted warmly by both of her sisters.
But as it begins to sink in that Evvie is a permanent fixture, we will see some jealousy begin to emerge (from both our older children). Sylvia sort of understands that Guinevere is now a part of our family and that she will be going home with us. Veda, I do not believe, can yet comprehend that when we go home Guinevere is coming with us. Guinevere is going to be in Veda's house now, a place where Veda has only ever known her mommy and daddy and big sister and pets have ever resided. It will be interesting, to say the least.
Late Tuesday morning Guinevere has her first doctor's appointment. It will be the first time Dave will get to attend one of our girls' first doctor's office visits. He had to work for the other two and my mom had to drive me and my daughter. It is after this appointment that we will return to my parents' house, load the rest of our stuff into the van (including our three girls) and then finally head home-- together as a family of five.
Yes, it is hard. But I cannot complain. I have been given three precious little lives. I often lie in bed at night and feel overwhelmed with gratitude that for some reason I have been entrusted with these amazing daughters. And I am so excited to get to know them and watch them grow and I can only hope and pray that I can have the same positive impact on them as they have already had on me. When it comes right down to it, I love my life. I feel as though I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve.
And so, Lord, thank you for all my blessings, particularly those in the form of my loving husband and three beautiful girls.


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These are data from Sweden on how girls expose themselves online. It´s very sad to see how 18 percent of young girls (15-24) have exposed themselves in a sexual way. 69 percent have done it to someone they know, perhaps a boyfriend, but 41 percent say they have done it to someone they don´t even know!
The main reason is that it´s considered "fun and exciting" (55%). What´s most interesting is that 22 percent say it´s to get comments on how they look. Too many are building their self esteem on what others think of their surface.


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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Little Privacy Please
Anyone who has every spent any time in the children's section of an IKEA store knows that kids love the PS Lömsk chair. It's almost as popular as the Ball Room. There is always a line of little ones waiting to take their turn in this peek-a-boo enabled seat. I'm looking for some tot sized furniture for my own little one and this is definitely a contender. I might take it personally though if she spent too much time with the hood down.
Labels: Ikea, kids furniture, Lömsk
3 comments:
- ep said...
At least when she was trying to hide from you, you'd have a good idea where to look. Peek-a-boo never gets old, even my almost 5-year old still plays in these in the kid's section whenever we visit IKEA.
- January 28, 2009 at 5:25 AM
- Michelle said...
Brilliant! When i was a kid, my head went into my sweatshirt...it was red...all the time when I wanted privacy, or behind my long hair.
- January 28, 2009 at 12:34 PM
- Joanna Goddard said...
that is too cute!
- January 28, 2009 at 1:18 PM
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This weekend was a yard weekend – among other things, we started the process of collecting estimates to have the backyard fenced in. (Ooft!) It'll be great to have done, though – Guinness will be able to run, chase balls/bunnies/squirrels/falling leaves to his heart's content, and we won't have to worry about him going walkabout to visit all his dog friends up and down the street. It'll be especially nice when we'd like to sit out on the deck and bring him out with us during the summer months.
We also put in some time on the garden beds around the house. Now that June is here, it's finally warm enough to start planting without much worry about a cold snap hurting the plants. We pulled up the messy looking bed alongside the garage:
…and planted 12 tomato seedlings: 4 each of Big Boy, Sunbeam, and Celebrity. August tomatoes, here we come! (Fingers crossed.)
We suspect our neighbors may be relieved at the improvement.
In the front yard, rather than planting, we did some ripping out:
The yew bush was probably planted too close to the house to begin with, and was growing unevenly, out and away from the house as a result. That was also crowding out the azaleas, euonymus, day lilies, iris, and everything else planted near it, to their apparent detriment. The euonymus is scraggly at best, and the azaleas barely flowered, and are growing at a 45^ angle to try to get some sun. The yew had also gotten so big that pruning it into a manageable size was getting harder and harder to do with a decent result. So, we ripped it out:
Can't say I miss it. The only thing it was really good for, was serving as an object for covering with Christmas lights in December, and I'm sure I can find another victim candidate for that. As far as what we'll do with the space, I'm not sure. A lot will depend on how the surrounding plants respond to having the garden overlord yew out of the picture. I'm also not sure whether the big bush on the left will stay or go.
There's quite a lot of space back there now – I'm thinking of putting in some taller annuals — maybe zinnias — just for this summer, pulling the yew stumps out in the fall, and considering new permanent plantings for next spring. I think the area gets sufficient sunlight, and zinnias are so bright and happy…
In the long run, I'm thinking of keeping (or replacing if necessary) the red azaleas, adding a hydrangea or two (I'm just really fond of them), and I'm not sure what else. I'd like a blue hydrangea, but I honestly don't know [haven't checked yet] what our soil's pH naturally is. If it's acidic, we could grow blue hydrangeas, but if it's basic, they'd turn out pink, which would not be a plan with the red trim on our house and the red azaleas. If the soil turns out to be terribly basic, rather than fight it (with aluminum sulfate) I'd probably just do white.
The backyard got some love too, mostly in the form of red and white impatiens to fill in a few places and add some color (eventually; they're still pretty little).
In a similar theme to the front yard, we're going the route of planting annuals to look nice for now, while we give some thought to what we're going to do about these planters (which clearly need replacing). I'd like to replace the wood with stone, but that is likely to be a bigger project than just the planters, since we're also thinking of doing a patio extension off the deck to reach the glass door in the family room. The patio would give us a place to have a fire pit in the summer without putting it on grass or the wood deck. But that's for another day.
Last but not least in the plans, the bishop's weed island in the middle of the yard:We've decided its time will come in August – we'll apply herbicide before we leave for vacation to kill the bishop's weed, since there's no way we'd be able to pull it all out otherwise; and when we get back, we'll pull it out and plant grass at the end of August. The bishop's weed just gets too big — it's already had its first haircut of the season — and it takes up too much of the lawn. Also potentially on the chopping block is the evergreen straight behind it. Nothing wrong with the tree, but it's right in the middle of everything, and doesn't added much to either back property line privacy or the overall plan for the yard. It's hard to see, since it blends in with the rest of the trees, but it's actually probably 5 feet further into the yard than any of the rest in the back row.


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Daja: Three special Sundays in a row! Mother's Day on the 12th. The kids are going to cook for me. And I will try to act surprised. Even though–with seven of them "helping" I'm sure it will be a bit of a three-ring circus! Then Pentecost Sunday. During the Feast of Pentecost, the traditional Jewish foods are dairy dishes such as cheese cakes and blintzes. I am super looking forward to that! And then my sweet husband's 40th birthday. He wants me to make a Mongolian dish I have never made before. So, I am practicing it on the 1st. So, hopefully, I'll have the kinks worked out by his special day. It's Banshtei Tsai, which are tiny meat dumplings swimming in a pot of Mongolian milk tea (which is salty and buttery, not sweet like we usually think of tea). I think I can pull it off.
As always we are doubling meals and stashing some in the freezer for "Life's Happenings."
And as always, if you want any recipes, let us know! We are always happy to keep our recipe file updated for you!
Kristina: I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I am craving Daja's chicken liver pate! Seriously! I never thought I would ever come to like chicken liver in any form. My mom used to make liver and onions for us when I was a child and it still gives me the chills. The smell, the texture, bluck! Thank God for ketchup, it was the only way I survived!! But now I find myself eating Daja's pate all the time (now you know who's been eating it all Daja!) So I'm going to make it this month. I've also added more fish. I'm excited to try several new recipes I think my family will really enjoy.DON'T FORGET!!!! Food Revolution Day is May 17! It's a day to cook real food and share it with others! And if you do, you can send us a pic and you might win Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution Cookbook! Check out our Food Revolution Day pictures and ideas here: FOOD REVOLUTION DAY!
(Linked to Try A New Recipe Tuesday and Tasty Traditions)


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May 2, 2016
The other day when reading this article, the following statement caught my attention about the predictions and methods of Keshe:"The events are unconnected, and while there is no scientific or official support for Dr Keshe's claims some subscribers to his theories suggest his "mega quake" could happen as soon as Saturday, October 17." What this is saying is that Keshe's predictions and teachings are not based on science, and they have no support. What does this mean? This means that this is just some stuff he made up! That's all it is! Something he pulled out of his astronaut suit, or something. It's not based on science, and it's not based on anything at all, but there are some people who believe this stuff he just made up could really happen by October 17! What? Sure a lot of weird stuff going on. One guy warning us that we had 500 days to avoid climate catastrophe, then Keshe warns us we had ten days back in October. Now i read where Keshe has told people that he can cure people from comas, and he'll do it for 750,000 euros! or something like that. Not only that, Keshe announced that he is the mesiah! Wbat a big letdown!
Who did Keshe harm?
Keshe says he is the mesiah
More scam artists exposed!


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Big thank you to Playfair Capital who invited our CEO Pratik Sampat down to Warner Yard on Wednesday 2nd October to give a talk on Enterprise Management Incentives (EMIs).
Warner Yard is one of our favourite tech incubators for London's high profile investors and most promising start-ups, so it was a privilege to be invited along to talk about this scheme and how it can be implemented in practice.
And in case you haven't already heard, we're keen advocates of EMIs. These tax-advantaged share options are designed to help small, high growth companies recruit the talent that they need to grow.
When you want to attract the best of the best – staff overheads can be prohibitively costly, particularly for start-ups. EMIs work as an attractive and alternative means of incentivising great talent, by rewarding staff and employees in a tax-efficient manner.
What makes EMIs so efficient is that there are no upfront costs to staff and they can be tailored to the company or individual. Overall, we think that they help to foster a shared goal by aligning company and staff objectives.
Well, that's the concise version – if you're interested in learning more about EMIs, why not view our live video of the talk.
(Health warning: This is a long video, watch in the background or if you really want to know about EMI!)
It would be remiss of us not to give a shout out to our fantastic attendees and supporters – Tech City News and busuu to name just a few, including Warner Yard residents and friends.
The appreciative remarks on our live Twitter stream (#SITG) – not to mention the surprising amount of beers left, surely proof that everyone was paying close attention – is a testament to the interest in EMIs among our tech start-up friends at the moment, and the need to clear up any confusion surrounding them,
We'll keep you posted of more talks and workshops that we have in store in the forthcoming weeks and months ahead, but in the meantime as always, we're here to provide mentoring and hands on support to start-ups within our local community.
So if there's a tech start-up issue that you need support with, or if you're hosting an event that you think we should be a part of, we'd love to hear from you.


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"Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear to do this. He said, 'God will certainly come to help you. When he does, you must take my bones with you from this place.'"
Here is a glimpse into the nature of faith. We see Joseph's faith that God would help his people. That's the kind of God Joseph had come to know. Joseph had made the "sons of Israel" swear to take his bones with them when that happened. His faith may have been a spiritual anchor during the years of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt. Joseph's faith carried what happened to him in the past into the future, until finally it was fulfilled in history. What anchors of faith keep you going?


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So be good for goodness sake
It's a good question. Last time I suggested that teaching the Golden Rule was in every way a better option for atheist (and indeed non-atheist) parents looking for ways to instill moral values in their children. A better option, that is, than resorting to religion.
Terry Sissons responded with the $64K question: Why follow the Golden Rule? Why treat others as I would wish to be treated?
There are times when I think it could be the biggest $64K question of all.
I fear though that my answer may disappoint. On the other hand I do not think we can ever give a 100% categorical answer to why we should behave ethically. If we could, it would not be ethics. It is to do with what I referred to before as the 'the unique openness of moral thinking'.
I mean by this two things. One is that whatever principle or formula is proposed as the foundation for ethics (Kant's categorical imperative, Golden Rule, greatest balance of pleasure over pain etc), or whatever psychological or cosmic feature is proposed as the goal of moral behaviour (human happiness, survival, oneness with God etc), we can always ask 'But is it the right thing? Is it the best thing?' So it cannot be the answer, otherwise we would have got to the point where we can no longer ask those questions, so we can no longer morally evaluate it.*
[*This, by the way, is why I think those who believe the moral law is the will of God need to think long and hard about the ethical implications of that view. If the moral law really is the will of God, and we think we know the will of God, then haven't we abandoned our moral right and moral duty to decide what is right and wrong in circumstances we never knew we would find ourselves in? To 'pray to God for guidance' in such circumstances seems to be either abnegation or a re-assertion of autonomy disguised as obedience.]
The other thing is individual choice: why should I do the right thing?
But first of all I want to explain why the emphasis on the Golden Rule rather than any other ethical principle or meta-principle – for example the categorical imperative.
In a series of articles entitled The ethics of belief (in particular the sequence from Any fool can make a rule to Categorically imperative, and then in later sections like Three wise mentalities and Food for thought) I try to show where I think the Golden Rule and the categorical imperative overlap. I also try to explain why I think some of the common 'objections' to the Golden Rule miss the point, and how key weaknesses in the categorical imperative arise either from Kant's insistence that it should hold for all free rational beings (rather than all human beings), or from his essentially teleological interpretation of those beings.
The third strand in The ethics of belief concerns the growing body of evolutionary theory as a possible explanation of how reciprocal altruism could have developed in certain kinds of social animals – humans included.
What I am suggesting is that humans may have evolved as self-conscious social animals to feel themselves under a general moral obligation, one which could be fairly accurately formulated by the Golden Rule. (I would go further and say it is the best formulation I have come across. This is particularly because, as I have argued in Precious metal rules OK? and elsewhere, there is every reason to see the Golden Rule as reflexive – you cannot be said to be applying the Golden Rule unless you are applying the Golden Rule in the spirit of the Golden Rule.)
But humans have also evolved as self-conscious social animals to have the choice, and to know they have the choice – they can choose how to respond to that feeling of obligation.
I am absolutely not arguing that because we humans have evolved in a particular way, then we as humans are under a moral obligation to behave in specific ways aligned either to how we have evolved or how we might continue to evolve. That would be unsound – and far too close to what GE Moore would have called the 'naturalistic fallacy' or what David Hume would have described as arguing from an 'is' to an 'ought'.
But I am saying that evolutionary considerations are relevant to ethics. It is not that 'what is good [for humans] is what promotes [human] survival'. But it is likely that the kind of moral values humans actually have, the kind of moral attitudes they adopt, and the kind of moral behaviour they display, could be explained in terms of the evolution of humans both as human beings and as social beings.
I said a weakness of Kant's approach is that he wanted the categorical imperative to apply to all beings who are free and rational, and therefore to any being who is free and rational. It is theoretically possible for a completely solitary – not necessarily human – individual to be both free and rational. I think Kant ends up in a blind alley when he tries to apply the categorical imperative to 'duties to self'.
But we do not need to go there. Humans have evolved as social beings, with self-conscious free will, with the capacity for empathy, and with inbuilt moral 'grammar' and attitudes. An example of an inbuilt moral attitude is our ability to recognise and categorise a 'cheater'. An example of moral 'grammar' is the recognition that some choices are 'right'; that others are 'wrong'; that one choice may be 'better' than another; that we understand the concept of 'blaming' another person for making a 'wrong' choice; and so on.
Certainly we do not all have the same moral attitudes and make the same moral judgments. We have different moral strengths and weaknesses. Also our moral nature as adults depends to an extent on our upbringing and the kind of society we live in. This is familiar territory.
But there is also a growing consensus that there is not, and never was, a 'noble savage' – a kind of human being who is 'pre-moral' because he or she is 'pre-social'. It is possible to say for example that the reason why x% of modern Western Europeans think, say, judicial killing is wrong has got something to do with the fact that they are modern Western Europeans and have therefore grown up in and been exposed to a modern Western European social and political environment. But it is not possible to say that the reason most if not all modern Western Europeans think anything is either right or wrong is because they have grown up in a modern Western European sociopolitical environment – one which just happens to have the concept of 'right' and 'wrong' – whereas other possible sociopolitical environments may not have these concepts.
There is no meaningful concept of a 'pre-social' and therefore 'pre-moral' human being. This would fly in the face of what we understand about the evolution of social animals in general and of human beings in particular.
We are social and moral beings with the capacity for empathy, as we are warm-blooded bipeds who communicate by means of language.
So we finally come back to the question of teaching moral values to children. A lot of what we explicitly or implicitly teach our children is what it is to be a person, what it is to be a human being. I mean this in the most simple, down-to-earth way. We teach our children what we human beings eat, how we learn and work, how we structure our days and how we communicate with each other in the world we and they find themselves.
We therefore also teach our children how people behave to each other, how other people like to be treated and how people do not like to be treated. We teach our children that there are differences between people, and that people like different things. The Golden Rule is an excellent guideline to follow when we do this.
But we also teach children that we and they make choices, and that choices have consequences. If we are lucky – and in this respect we are lucky far more often than we are unlucky – our children will have enough empathy to understand the parallels between how they feel and how they can make other people feel.
If we were not so lucky, if the majority of human beings did not have this empathy, we would not be having this conversation.
So to get back to the $64K question (Why follow the Golden Rule? Why treat others as I would wish to be treated?) I would say there is no external binding obligation. How can there be? There is no law of nature that says good things only happen to good people and bad things only happen to bad people. We choose and we take the consequences.
I don't mean: 'we must face the consequences', only that the consequences will happen, generally speaking. Yes we may be 'lucky' (in a very different sense of 'lucky'!) and 'escape the consequences'. Yes it's possible that we can mistreat people all our lives and be adored by the world despite this. We have the choice to see if we can live that way.
The point about 'instilling moral values in your children' is that you cannot do this if your children do not understand what it means to be a moral agent. Some of that understanding will already be there, waiting to be engaged with.
You cannot 'instill moral values in your children' by putting up every kind of smokescreen in the vain hope that they will never see that ultimately they have the choice. Or by pretending there's a God who knows if you've been bad or good, when deep down you don't think there is.
© Chris Lawrence 2010.
3 Responses
Since it was my question you addressed, I have paid particular attention to your answer. I agree with just about everything you have said.
But there is a gap, I think, in that your approach reflects the thinking of an educated adult aimed at educated adults. Parents trying to teach their four-year-old not to smash the toy of the boy next door, or explain to a six-year old why he shouldn't hit his baby sister or to a clever seven-year-old why she should face the consequences of telling the truth might need a different approach. Which is why, I think, there are those parents who chose to use God as part of their explanation with the belief that their children, like they themselves, will grow out of it.
I have found that Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral reasoning often helps parents. Broadly speaking, young children give potential punishment or reward as the main reasoning for behaving in a way their culture has taught them to believe is right or wrong. Eg: "Mom will make me go to my room if I hit the baby," or "I can't watch television until I've finished my homework."
Gradually, this orientation is replaced with concern for social approval and about what other people think – I want Daddy to think I'm a good girl, I want my friends to like me, or even I want the approval of legitimate authority so I will win the prize, get the promotion.
It is only with young adulthood that moral reasoning may be based on universal principle or concern with the welfare of the broader community, characteristics that Kohlberg argued appears in every major religion. (Although, of course, so does the reasoning using reward & punishment – ie heaven and hell.)
Kohlberg's developmental approach deals with the "why" of moral behavior, while the "what" varies from group to group. But I find it does provide a context for explanations which are suited to a child's understanding and which do not necessarily involve God.
I'm not sure I've said with sufficient clarity what I was trying to, which is that "why should I be good?" is a question that often has to be answered slightly differently depending on the person asking the question.
In any case, thank you for this entire discussion, including your further thoughts on "evolutionary morality."


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Edgar Allan Poe: El Dorado
Gaily bedight,
A gallant night
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of El Dorado.
But he grew old —
This knight so bold —
And — o'er his heart a shadow
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like El Dorado.
And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow —
"Shadow," said he,
"Where can it be —
This land of El Dorado?"
"Over the Mountains [I'm here right now]
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride," [I'm doing this!]
The shade replied —
"If you seek for El Dorado."


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A nice sunny cool day in the Summer Capital of the Philippines , the weather is just right and it's your time to relax.
This is the typical scenery playing inside your mind right now as you think about that vacation you are planning this coming week. Since you are always busy with work, every day is a hustle, you need to get out of the city and just a 4 hour drive is where you must go or if you don't like to drive and want to sit back and chill, take the bus and in 5 to 6 hours you arrive safely in Baguio City at the Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet Philippines.
Secluded in the heart of Baguio nestled amidst the luscious pine trees is where you will find your HOME away from HOME "Villa Silvina Hotel & Restaurant" which was fondly known as Villa La Maja in the past. Today, it is under new management and is slowly being restored to its former glory. It will definitely take you back time, a blast from the past because you will be reminiscing the "Old Baguio" feel.
Yes, you got that right, the hotel is just beside or should I say at the back of "The Mansion", a famous landmark in Baguio City since it is the vacation house of the highest seat in the land.
You will be magically transported in the late 60's to early 70's way of living because the hotel has that vibe inside and out. The interiors are classic and you will see a fireplace at the lobby and dining area which looks like you are just in your own living room which is very rare these days since most hotels are modern.
For your choice of what kind of room you prefer here is the website for the hotel http://www.villasilvina.com
You have a variety of rooms to choose from...good for 2 or more...
The room rates are very affordable and amenities are just at par which includes your own Private Toilet and Bath with Hot and Cold shower plus Cable TV. WiFi is available at the hotel lobby and dining area. They also have a basketball court and badminton area. Breakfast is not included but you can order at the restaurant and you will surely enjoy it because it is prepared like it was cooked in your own kitchen.
Note: For the health conscious and fitness buffs, this is a good place to go to since your cardio exercise will be covered because the lobby is road level and the rooms are accessed via stairs at least going 2 flights down and up. Definitely something we all need these days, a good walk and to increase lung power.
Avail now of the RAINY DAYS PROMO , the right time to bond with your families.
So get your mobile phone and dial +63.915.767.9961 or +63.74.442.7239 anytime of the day or even at night your SUITE will be easily booked right away!


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Monday, May 31, 2010
Daily Dinner
We took dinner to neighbors Carlos, Duffy, and Maya and their brand new baby Camila. This salad with borage flowers, hard-boiled eggs, lettuce, etc... + cornbread, artichokes, and lentils. Feed the hardworking parents!
1 comment:
- Jayme said...
And sweet of you!
It's June 16th or something like that....in midst of
very absorbing, fun, amazing baby/toddler blur over here across the bay from you.
Or are you off on a toot?
- June 16, 2010 at 9:44 PM
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text:
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Let me introduce you to Apple
Labels: corners of my home, crafts, goodwill
5 comments:
Ha! I love Apple! The piano is cute too - wow, you're a big spender - $5!!!
- February 20, 2011 at 5:40 PM
- ~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...
That is so funny you mentioned Gwyneth P. The other day, I was thinking about the unual name she picked for her daughter and wondered why she would do that. It certainly suits your rug. Love it. Heck -- I love all of them!
- February 20, 2011 at 8:55 PM
Love Apple!! I really love my rugs you made me and I think of you all the time when I use them. I just love my kitchen one!! I wasn't sure I would like one in the kitchen or if it would stay clean but so far so good. It is so nice to have a rug under my feet when I do dishes! Love your little red piano! The color is perfect for you!!!
- February 20, 2011 at 10:16 PM
pleze look at ure emale
- February 21, 2011 at 7:41 PM
- Jodie said...
can you believe i am married to that man???? omgggggg
- February 22, 2011 at 7:25 AM
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text:
journey: The act of traveling from one place to another; a trip. adolescence: A transitional period of development between youth and maturity. Life is a journey. As we continue to age, experience and grow, we tend to believe in the constant lessons we learn that we have finally "arrived" only to find another lesson around the corner.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Still Waters, Warm Sun & A Lunch Break
I meant to post this picture a month ago. I even saved the title in my blog list so that I would do it, but I never got around to it. Thankfully I have a quiet day here to find the time to catch up. I was having "one of those weeks" back in December where I couldn't get my head above water. No, I am not under water in this picture, I was speaking figuratively, not literally. Just having one of those weeks so I went to the river boardwalk to gather my thoughts and get away from the world as best I could in an hour's worth of time. The only reason I took my phone was to keep track of the time so as to not return to work late from lunch. It was unseasonably warm and I sat and eventually laid there in my business clothes, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peace. I highly recommend it!
Labels: River
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text:
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Turkey Babies
Jane has laid her first egg. I'm not sure if I should be excited or sad. She's up for slaughter in a few days and this only makes me want to keep her around. It would be fun to have turkey eggs, or even better to have turkey babies. Imagine never buying another Thanksgiving turkey! You just go outside and fetch one. OK, I'm might be a little strange. The saddest part is that I am 100% sure this egg is fertile, if it hadn't cracked I'd sit on it myself. This being her first egg the shell is very weak.
Posted by Maddie at 8:51 PM
0 comments:
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text:
I'm a firm believer in idiot-proofing projects. You know, blowing up charts, cutting and pasting instructions so I can follow things when my brain is tired. But what happens when, in the course of idiot-proofing, you only prove that you are, in fact, an idiot?
Case in point: Oblique Shawl by Dina Mor. It went on the needles in March of 2009. No typo, 2009. Really. Though the pattern called for AslanTrends Guanaco (recently used for the Eve mitts), I opted instead for AslanTrends Invernal.
I adore this yarn for a lot of reasons. The bunny, for starters. If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for angora. Invernal boasts 50% angora with 25% nylon and 25% merino. While I have a serious preference for all-natural fibers, you don't feel the nylon at all. At the same time, Invernal does not shed all over everything. The yardage (295 yards/skein) is terrific for its price point. I have gotten two full pairs of adult mittens from 1 sk, with much left over. It also works at a variety of gauges, depending on your needs.
The pattern gauge was 19 st/4 in using Guanaco. I had seen a model of it in Invernal, but thought the gauge just a little too tight: angora likes to be opened up a little bit. So that's what I did, using US 8s to reach a gauge of 16 st/4 in.
In essence, this is a poncho-shawl cross with a forgiving shawl collar. With the ingenious front ties, it's intended to stay closed. It's also knitted sideways, allowing for easy modification. Envisioning a scenario where every time you used your arms,
it slipped open, I added one more "point" for a total of 12. Also, because I really don't like garter stitch much, and I wanted a little more visual interest, I changed the points to stockinette.
Those mods are stuff any monkey can execute. But knitting the actual pattern ~ that's where the idiot-proofing and the subsequent idiocy kicked in. The basic instructions in 24 different lines of small written-out type looked something like this:
k 14, (yo, k2tog) 14 times, yo, k 80 (123 sts)
Hard on the eyes; hard to track. So I retyped it into Excel to make life easy.
Or so I thought.
Noooo. Each and every time I went through it, my stitch count was off by one stitch. Not surprisingly, I easily put this project down time and again as other shiny new patterns and yarns crossed my path. Until one day when I sat down to figure out what was wrong.
NutmegOwl Rule #1 of Knitting: The math doesn't lie.
Let's say it again: The math doesn't lie.
So I set about the 24 rows, one at a time, to figure out why on earth everything went screwy on every repeat. Then I checked it back against the hard copy of the pattern to see if I had mistyped.
I didn't mistype ~ I failed to type Rows 17 and 18. So my pattern skipped from Row 16 to Row 19 ~ putting me squarely one. stitch. off. every. time.
With that little revelation, I was on my way. I actually finished the knitting on this a couple of months ago. But with other project to block, and chilly nights, I've been hard-pressed to actually take this off. It's like wearing a warm hug. So it has yet to be blocked – which will only make it that much softer and fluffier.
In summary, the modifications:
Gauge: 16 st/4 in on US 8
Added one pattern repeat for a total of 12
Changed points to stockinette from garter stitch
Total yarn used: 2.6 skeins
I could use a hug after that.
Tags: angora, aslantrends, invernal, shawl, wrap


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text:
Starting a new business is exciting because it is not only a way to do something you love but is also a path to financial freedom. So, if you are thinking of starting one, you are on the right track.
However, entrepreneurship also brings a long more risk which is why many shy away from it. The good thing is that the Virginia laws allow you to create an LLC in Virginia as a method of reducing a lot of the risk of running a business.
Virginia is a great state to start a business and it has been consistently fallen into the top 5 states for business in most of the publications and associations. It is clear that Virginia lawmakers have always wanted to promote small business activity in the Commonwealth.
The Virginia laws that allow for a business to be operated through a Va LLC is a prime example of a business friendly law. Under this Act, business owners get personal liability protection which is so important in today's business world where lawsuits are out of control. But, the laws go even further to offer other major benefits.
The Va LLC is first and foremost about protection. If you run a business without the benefit of a limited liability entity, you are a sole proprietor. Sole proprietor businesses are very risky because everything that the owner owns or may acquire in the future can be lost due to business related problems and liabilities. It is a huge risk.
You see by definition, running a business will create potential risks for liability and disputes. This is because you will be required to interact with other people and businesses. Examples include the need to hire service professionals, contractors or possibly employees. Also, you will be doing business with suppliers, partners or may need to work with a bank for capital.
Every interaction you have with someone or some business create the potential for a later claim related to that activity. Prior to the option of operating under a Va LLC, a business owner only had the option of using a corporation to manage this risk. Many opted not to use incorporation because of the complexity and set of rules mandatorily imposed on corporations.
But, when the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act was passed, entrepreneurs finally received a workable solution. When you create an LLC in Virginia, this Act prevents you and other owners from being personally liable merely because you are owners. So, with this passage, there really is no need to run as a sole proprietor.
If you look at the increasing number of LLC formations in Virginia throughout the past decade, you will see proof that this legal entity is succeeding in giving small business owners the necessary protection plus other advantages.
Click Here For a FREE Guide and More Details about the Virginia LLC
Another objective of the Virginia LLC lawmaking process was not to burden business owners with any unnecessary or complex legal compliance matters. As a result, the Va LLC does not have associated with it, the kind of legal mandates that come with a corporation. No board of directors, annual meetings or annual informational filings are required.
On the other hand, an LLC does not have to have simple governance and reporting. If the needs of a particular company and its owners require some complexity when it comers to managing or structuring the rights and obligations of an owner, the Virginia LLC laws allow for most any type of structure to be adopted and implemented.
In summary, this flexibility allows for companies to be run and operated based on the requirements of the business as opposed to unnecessary or irrelevant legal structures.
Currently, it only costs $100 to create an LLC in Virginia. There may be other fees if you need expedited processing. After formation, the current registration fee is only $50 a year. As you can see, the fees are so low. Given that this entity can save you from losing your home, your savings and anything else you own, it is clear that it is a small price to gain significant protections and other benefits.
The Va LLC also gives a business a credible image. This goes a long way today when the public is very skeptical about businesses and determining which ones are legitimate. Statistics prove that customers prefer to do business with legal entity companies.
The Va LLC also provides more income tax structures for a business over other structures. You can choose a single layer of taxation or to be taxed under a C corporation or S corporation structure. The great majority of small businesses opt for the single layer of tax to avoid the double taxation of C corporation but check with your accountant to see what makes the most sense if you are in doubt.
The choice to create an LLC in Virginia is the best one for most entrepreneurs. This is because it not only provides the essential protection needed but also helps to keep more of what you make through tax benefits and helps you grow with an official image and business vehicle.
Click Here For a FREE Guide and More Details about the Virginia LLC


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I am a loyalist.
American Revolution references aside, once I find something I like I go with it. Exhibit A: the banner to my blog.
For the past 3 years the center of my footwear faithfulness has been the Sperry Top-Sider. Since its introduction in 1935, the boat shoe has been popularized by sailing enthusiasts, seasoned frat stars and presidential icons alike.
Due to a longstanding distain for the sock, Sperrys are a perfect fit for me. Beyond the nonexistent prerequisite of cotton footing, I do enjoy the undeniably classic styling of the leather shoe and the Kennedy endorsement doesn't hurt.
Its relevance in nearly every social situation has made it both the go-to shoe and a practically impossible inanimate pairing to part with, which is why I don't. The daily wear and tear combined with constant use may be the reason for a pair's inevitable demise but it is also why I can't bring myself to sentence them to the plastic-lined fate of a trashcan.
I buy a new pair and retire the old one to the corner of my closet. Its how it should be.
I am a loyalist.


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"Obsessed" is an understatement! I am usually a neutrals girl, but I was wondering around Forever 21 one day & stumbled upon this little number, and no hesitation snatched this off the rack. Didn't even look at the size. I am definitely OBSESSED. Boxy Crop tops & round Sunnies are going to be making a serious appearance this spring, so grab yours now.
You'll be obsessed too. Promise, promise.
Crop Top: Forever 21 | Top: c/o Agnes & Dora | Denim: Forever 21 Self Destressed | Jacket: Forever 21 | Boot: Similar Here | Sunnies: Similar Here
Photos: Raquel Acevedo


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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
New addition
In gearing up for the show next weekend, we took him to the horse park Saturday morning. I don't know if hubby got any pics, but Kat did really well. We worked on our softening exercises for starters, lots of circles, pushing him up into the bit, letting him work on a strong trot for a bit, then letting him relax down into an easy jog. We did a few serpentines, left circles, right circles, big circles, smaller circles. For once the little guy actually broke a sweat!
We even got a few strides of canter at one point. Not because I asked for it, but kind of more like an accidental happening. He was not worried at all, a tug on the reins and whup, whup from me and he went right back into a nice trot.
We worked on using our corners more. Going straight down the rail into them and then turning instead of going along making a nice big oval. We even tried the one Intro level dressage test I remembered from long ago. I have to say, he Nailed IT! When we did the walk, hubby said it was chewy and stretchy, just like the dressage judges look for. It couldn't be any better (except for maybe straighten out our line maybe) and if he were a normal sized horse... Well, that's not going to happen for him now, is it?
There isn't normally many (if any) driving horses at the Arab club sponsored shows, but who knows. If not, it will be good schooling for him, and if there is, we will find out how well he works with others in the ring. He is really coming along well and I am proud of him. If he continues to work the way he has all along, I won't be disappointed with him. Sure we may have our not so great days, but doesn't everyone?
3 comments:
- BrownEyed Cowgirls said...
Yes, everyone has those days. But it sounds like little Kat is making huge progress. Kinda nice when things come together, huh?
- May 11, 2011 at 2:13 PM
- Rising Rainbow said...
I haven't figured out the "extra page" thing from blogger. I may have to check it out.
I'm glad Kat's coming along so well. Showing him should be fun.
- May 15, 2011 at 7:40 PM
- Cut-N-Jump said...
BEC's had commented previously. However, Blogger seems to have misplaced it when it went haywire on Friday. It does feel good when it all comes together.
RR- when you are in Posting, go to edit posts, at the top of the page it says edit pages. Clicking that brings you to a spot where you can add a page. Doing that you can name it- photos, about me, tack for sale, horses for sale- whatever floats your boat. Then just add pictures and text, just like you were posting on the blog. Save it to drafts or publish it. It shows up either along the top or the sidebar, depending on your template for page layout.
The show yesterday didn't happen for us. When I post about it, you will totally understand why!
- May 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM


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Saturday, February 19, 2011
bon weekend! or rather: bienvenidos al Perú!
This is a post dedicated to my bes fran Dani. Ain't she gorgeous? I'm not even saying that because I took this fabulous picture.
Dani is studying abroad in Peru. She was there for one semester, and then came home for the Peruvian break, and just arrived back for her second semester today.
Fun facts about Dani:
1. She's an incredible Spanish speaker.
2. She wants to help adult non-native speakers learn English, and has already been paid to do so. So yeah. She's pretty good at it.
3. She comes from a Mennonite background. (Do you mind my sharing that, hon? I just really love that I have a Mennonite friend.)
4. She doesn't like chocolate desserts. Or candy. (I know... I had a hard time accepting that one, too.)
5. She's a serious crochet-er. Seriously. She made these:
6. She thinks hard. One of my very favorite qualities about Dani is that she takes a very balanced view of things and isn't easily swayed by glittery arguments or manipulative statistics. She's compassionate and level-headed.
7. She has a blog, too! It puts mine to shame.
Say a prayer for her :) La amo mucho.
Posted by Melissa Lauren at 12:25 PM
3 comments:
I'm famous! And, bonus, I also have an awesomely awesome friend who loves me more than I deserve.ReplyDelete
I agree, Mennonites are incredibly cool. Props to you Dani for getting into that. Melissa, you really need to join in on the Anabaptist Bandwagon! (that could be a name for a band actually)ReplyDelete
Haha, you're right! I'm totally starting a band called Anabaptist Bandwagon now.ReplyDelete
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- beauty is in the eye of the beholder...so be nice....
- just before bed.
- succulents.
- very potter.
- wrap bread.
- got an hour?
- my, my!
- bon weekend! or rather: bienvenidos al Perú!
- domino and oates.
- the civil wars, take two.
- clean food.
- back to the future.
- i want to dress french.
- morgane of les composantes
- and my Valentine is....
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- mas librarias!
- bon weekend!
- cookie mug.
- all-nighters.
- the civil wars.
- the dreaded v.
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- sartorialist.
- victorian cottage.
- literary fashion.
- bon weekend!
- hipsterism.
- attention creative writers:
- psychology today.
- americana.
- library desk.
- stairway to heaven.
- etsy goodness.
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- ▼ February (38)


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There a basically hundreds of great plugins for WordPress depending on what you are looking for when it comes down to customizing your site. These plugins will change depending on if you are creating a niche site, personal blog, portfolio, photo blog, etc.
Here you find all plugins I recommend on a fresh install.
With Akismet you'll be almost entirely free from spam. I can't recall any time when Akismet failed to delete an spam comment. Unfortunately it will sometimes block legitimate comments.
Broken Link Checker
After a few entries there will be sites closing down, entries removed and other things influencing your links. Since Google isn't a fan of broken links I'm using Broken Link Checker to receive errors every time links are broken.
Cforms II
Cforms is a powerful and feature rich form plugin for WordPress, offering convenient deployment of multiple Ajax driven contact forms throughout your blog or even on the same page.
Google XML Sitemaps
To be sure that Google will find and index all of your entries you should create a sitemap, which can easily be done with Google XML Sitemaps.
No Self Pings
Avoid getting trackbacks from yourself with No Self Pings. It doesn't look very good to have a bunch of trackbacks for an post leading back to you.
Subscribe To Comments
Make it possible for your visitors to Subscribe To Comments and get new comments directly to their inbox.
WP Greet Box
Greet your visitors and convince them to subscribe for your posts with this plugin named WP Greet Box. Show different messages depending on if your visitors came from Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
WP Super Cache
Reduce loading time with WP Super Cache. This plugin is not only for big sites with several thousands of visitors each day, but also great to reduce loading time on small niche sites.
Yet Another Related Posts Plugin
Show related posts with YARPP and allow your visitor to find more interesting content on your site.
This sums up to 9 different plugins I think everyone should use. How many and which plugins do you use?