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Truth and Freedom
(Beyond Hume, Beyond Scepticism)
a Treatise on Causation and the Possibility of Free Will
A proposal towards the refutation of the problem of Reason,
composed of the problem of deduction and induction
and some remarks on causation as conditioned by both necessity and possibility.
The manuscript
Truth and Freedom is the English working title of a Dutch manuscript called Waarheid en vrijheid. It is being prepared for publication and translation into English. In preparation of its publication and its translation three papers are presented here, along with a brief outline of the manuscript itself. The papers cover some of the important issues being discussed in the manuscript. The manuscript and the papers as they can be found on this website are presented here for promotional purposes only. Work is still in progress.
Causation and the Possibility of Free Will
As its main topic the manuscript discusses the possibility of Free Will. Free Will can be understood either as a process or a mechanism that enables us to make rational decisions. There is however a marked and important difference between this ability and the freedom required for this ability. The aim of the manuscript is the 'more modest' attempt of showing that despite recent developments Free Will, whatever that might be, is possible.
This possibility, the existence of freedom must be seen as a fundamental condition. It is not unique to our nature, but belongs to the nature of all things. Things change, and as they do, the possibility of that change must be tied to the very nature of things. It must be tied to their nature, just as all regularities shows us that necessity is tied to the nature of change. We normally describe the relation between things in terms of a necessary connection between them. Regularities are taken as universal relations, which must hold in all cases, so that any occurrence of a cause should produce the effect associated with it. But necessity, as it turns out, is not the only condition required for causation. All situations and events are fully determined, yet things change, and for any change to occur, the existing state must be alterable. The necessity of change is not the only condition. There is another one, the possibility of change. There are therefore two conditions tied to the nature of things. It is conditioned by both necessity and possibility. But how can we substantiate that claim?
One of the most influential and original view on causality can be found in the philosophy of David Hume. His ideas may be outdated or replaced by more sophisticated views on causation, his philosophy contains many elements that are still very useful. If we want to get a clear idea of how things are connected, his view on the nature of things and the critical evaluation of his ideas can provides us, as it turns out, with a good starting point for our search.
However, if we want to use his ideas on causation as reference then we are immediately confronted with his scepticism as well. His discussion of causation is closely linked to or even intertwined with his scepticism towards Reason and the use of arguments. To get a clear view of causation, it seems that one has to deal with his scepticism as well. So the search for the possibility of Free Will begins not with a discussion of causation, but with discussing the original argument and Hume's scepticism and how this bears on the notion of causation. As it turns out, the discussion of this argument, will provide a general framework for dealing with the main question to be answered, Is Free Will Possible?
The manuscript consist of two parts. In the first part, which is called 'Beyond Hume, Beyond scepticism' Hume's famous argument is discussed. The second part is called 'truth and freedom'. Here the discussion starts with the preliminary work done by Hume. It contains an view on Human nature that is adopted by many philosophers. It will be argued that his problem is already present, long before he actually begins with its discussion. It seems that Hume's view on our nature and understanding already contain many of the elements that will lead him to his sceptical conclusion. We find ourselves in a position where, despite all our experiences, we are isolated from reality. Reality is not simply available for us, ready to be experienced directly. As we are isolated from reality, we ourselves must somehow reconstruct reality from scratch. So it is up to us to use experience and build a picture of reality. This means that somehow our constructions must be justified. To do so, we can only rely on internal principles. Reality is not simply available to us, but must be made available by us, and can therefore not be used in any justification.
Causation is the most important relation. Most of our arguments rest on that relation. And so, the nature of things, how they are connected will be reflected in our arguments and how we use them. Causality is as will be made clear conditioned by both necessity and possibility. It is this character that is reflected in our arguments, and consequently, our reasoning, is therefore also conditioned by both necessity and possibility. These conditions give us the possibility of Free Will.
Part I: The problem of Reason (or Beyond Hume, Beyond Scepticism)
problem of induction is normally attributed to Hume, who is supposed the
first to state the problem. However, recent developments within the debate on
the original argument has led to the suggestion that the problem of induction
is not an adequate description of the problem as it is described by David
Hume. If this is true, then we find ourselves in the remarkable situation where
we have a problem, the induction problem, that has withstood many attempts to overcome it, while at
the same time it does not describe the problem of which it is supposed to be
its equivalent. The problem of induction is a genuine problem, as inductive arguments
are invalid and therefore unreasonable, but it is a different problem from the one
being described in the
original argument. This suggests that we do not have one problem, but that we
in fact have two different en fundamental problems. But then the question is what is the problem as it
is described by Hume?
It is quite obvious that just as each of the problems on their own, the problem of Reason itself
cannot be solved either and with this we find ourselves in the
situation where we have arrived at an even bigger unsolvable and fundamental problem while at the same time the problem
is denied by the inferential practise. We rely heavily on the use of
arguments and we may not have any measure to weigh the success of their
use. The success of their use far outweighs the denial and any consequent
neglect of the use of arguments by the problem. So there is one question that
must be asked. Does it depict our inferential practise adequately? Adequately
enough to actually pose a threat to that practise and its achievements?
Part II: Causation and the possibility of Free Will
In the Treatise Hume mentions seven relations. Of these the
relation of cause and effect is the most important. It is the only relation that
can bring us beyond the immediately present impressions. But it is also
the only relation that cannot be known with absolute certainty, as the power
that connects cause and effect does not show itself in the visible qualities of
objects. Hume's ideas on causation has been and still is very influential. His
view can be called the singular view on causation, which states that a
cause is connected necessarily to its effect, such that when the cause is absent
the effect will be absent to, and when the cause appears, the effect will
follow. It is argued that this notion of causality, which can still be found in
many forms, leads to some absurdities.
Links - the papers
- Induction, deduction, and the problem of Reason
- Refutation of sceptical doubts concerning the operations of the understanding
- Causation, change and Free will
Links - manuscript 'Truth and Freedom'
- English summary
- Dutch Summary
- Chapters 3 t/m 9 of the book


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Project Red Hive
China – Ministry of State Security (MSS)
The Chinese are believed to have a program to secure children who present with psychic abilities so that they can be inducted into the MSS. Project: Red Hive records indicate that the Chinese are known to have used Sirens (sonickinetics) in various assassinations in Hong Kong, Taiwan and throughout South-East Asia. The MSS is also known to have one of the best cyberterrorism and cybersecurity teams in the world with an uncanny ability to breach the electronic security of their nation's enemies. Given the recent discovery of Agent RH 213 (codename TBD), the US is scrambling to determine if the Chinese may be using the preternatural to augment its cyber operations.
France – Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE)
The DGSE are believed to lack any preternatural operations or assets. Whether this is due to incredible concealment or a genuine lack of talent is unknown.
Israel – Mossad
The only thing known about the Mossad's preternatural assets is a single name accidently intercepted on a communique from the Israeli consulate in Budapest: The Djinn. Based upon the bodies of the eighty or so neo-Nazi terrorists believed to have been killed by The Djinn in Hungary, he (or she) is believed to be an electrokinetic of singular power with an exceptional ability to stay hidden and evade scrutiny.
Russia – Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB)
The KGB and later the FSB are known to have had werewolves within their ranks. A great purge was conducted after the fall of the Soviet Union and most were believed to have been destroyed, but Agent 23 (codename Shepherd) has also confirmed that the Russians had other special agents, especially in the psychic range of preternatural ability. Certainly the existence of Agent 48 (codename Reformat) lends credence to the possibility that psychokinetics are maintained by the FSB.
UK – Secret Intelligence Service (MI6)
The British are believed to have formed the world's very first intelligence group focussed upon preternatural abilities, a group simply named E-Branch. Now believed to have second and even third generation preternaturals within their ranks, E-Branch is considered to be one of the best developed and most diverse of the world's psychic groups, including rumours of a small but exceptional group of Oracles (those psychics who are able to see into the future).
USA – Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The CIA and various US military intelligence agencies have poured billions of dollars into programs designed to give the US an edge in warfare and to defend US interests. One of these was a joint DARPA-Special Operations Group super soldier program led by Dr Richard Dawson which was later re-named Project: Red Hive. Originally an offshoot of research based on the Nazi MK-ULTRA, this program quickly (and almost accidently) garnered results in the field of telepathic communication which allowed it to attract further funding and, more importantly, access to the vast information network established by US intelligence services. This led to Project Red Hive becoming the collection and study point for all preternatural assets within all of the combined US intelligence and military community, including Agents RH23 (codename Shepherd), RH48 (codename Reformat) and RH63 (codename Little Red). For the first time, enough assets have been collected to form what is known as the Omega Team: the last word in US intelligence operations that involve the preternatural.

subset: commoncrawl


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Those who have read my books Revise Us Again, Jesus: A Theography, and From Eternity to Here, are aware that those who follow Jesus Christ are not under the Law. Instead, we've been given the Spirit of the living God who fulfills the Law in and through us.
Consequently, the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament era have been done away with in Christ. The New Testament is clear that those laws were merely "shadows" pointing to Jesus.
That said, those who have not read the aforementioned books sometimes write us and ask, "Are Christians obligated to keep the Sabbath like the Old Testament Jews were?"
In this post, I will answer that question in some detail.
In Colossians 2:16-17, Paul actually answers this question. He writes,
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
In this passage, Paul mentions several Old Testament ordinances and warns us against judging one another concerning their observance.
He argues that because the ordinances are shadows that have been fulfilled in Christ, we must not allow anyone to judge us concerning them.
Biblically speaking, a shadow is an illustration of an aspect of Christ. Old Testament shadows are usually physical people, events, stories, or ordinances that typify spiritual things relating to Jesus.
Just as a physical shadow resembles the physical object in which it reflects, a biblical shadow resembles the spiritual things that Christ has provided for us in the New Covenant. For example, the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb was a shadow of the Lord Jesus Christ, the real Lamb of God (see 1 Cor. 5:7).
Therefore, we no longer sacrifice lambs because the shadow of the real Lamb has been fulfilled in Christ.
The principle of biblical shadows dictates that when the reality of the shadow appears, the actual shadow is no longer kept.
Hebrews 10:1 states that the Law (that is, the first five books of the Old Testament known as "the Torah") contains many shadows.
In our book Jesus: A Theography, Leonard Sweet and I trace numerous Old Testament shadows that are often ignored, explaining how they are fulfilled in Christ
Read the full article by Frank Viola, author here: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankviola/thesabbath/#ixzz3Q3LdGcH3


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I was recently advised not to use phrases such as 'what the heck' and 'dang it' in my posts as they were euphemisms for 'what the hell' and 'damn it' respectively and that we should avoid language that might offend anyone. I appreciated the counsel and took it as confirmation that it was time for me to take a close look at what the bible says about speech and what guidelines the bible gives to Christians.
Firstly, it is important to note that Scripture teaches that our tongues and our speech are important. James describes our tongues as the equivalent of a small rudder that guides the course of a large ship and that no man can tame it, it is 'a restless evil full of deadly poison' (see James 3:2-10). In Proverbs 18:21 it is written that 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.' So the topic of our speech and how we use our tongues is something we should carefully consider.
Are any words forbidden?
The psalms and Old Testament wisdom literature is full of advice on how to wisely use our speech but I plan to focus on one commandment from Exodus and several New Testament passages that I believe convey most of the underlying principles behind the Old Testament verses. The first question to ask in regards to our speech is if there are words we are absolutely forbidden to use by scripture. The answer is no. Nowhere in scripture is a word expressly forbidden. There are however contexts that words are not to be used in.
Exodus 20:7 says, 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.' Using the name of God in any way that is dishonouring, false or empty is sin and forbidden. Any use of God's name in a context that reveals it to be vain is to be repented of.
In Matthew 5:22 Jesus says 'But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.' At first it may appear that Jesus is forbidding us from calling someone a fool yet he goes on to use the same word to call religious hypocrites fools in Matthew 23. As Jesus never sinned we can conclude that using the word is not sin but rather using it to express hatred, unrighteous anger or violence towards a person is wrong, as is the context of Matthew 5:22.
What's in your heart?
The issue of speech expressing what is in the heart is an important one as Jesus says to the Pharisees 'You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.' (Matt 12:34) As Christians we are to allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts so that we speak truth, encouragement, edification and grace.
It says in Ephesians 'Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.' (Eph 4:29) 'Corrupting talk' here means 'rotten, putrified or useless' and the Greek word for corrupt 'sapros' is most often used to refer to the corrupt tree that produces evil fruit that Jesus speaks about it in Matthew 7, 12, 13 and Luke 6. So a Christian's speech should be good for growing and building up and not be rotten or useless. It is important to note however that no particular words are mentioned here as being corrupt. It is the result of the speech which is to be the standard with which we judge our words.
A few verses later Paul gives another admonishment in Ephesians 5:4 and says 'Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.' Again this is a general command to not speak in an immoral way with no definition of what words or jokes are immoral. The positive comparison again has to be our standard of measure. In this case, are our words and jokes in the spirit of 'thanksgiving' or are they ungrateful and unappreciative of what God has done? So what is truly important is the place in our hearts that our speech is coming from.
If it is the condition of our heart that is most important in our speech then how does that affect the issue of euphemisms? Can a Christian use sayings that are euphemisms for God's name or other 'offensive terms'? The answer lies in the fluidity of language, the condition of the person's heart and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We describe swear words as 'profanities' but originally the word 'profane' was simply used to describe something 'outside the temple' or 'not part of the church'. The word's meaning changed over time. In the same way, when somebody says 'gee whiz' most people aren't aware that it was originally a euphemism for Jesus and even if they are I don't believe most are consciously or unconsciously cursing Christ. If a word or phrase has changed over time to a point where the speaker no longer recognises the original meaning, then I do not believe it is wrong to speak it. So if a person says 'Dang it' with no reference in her heart to 'damning something to hell' I don't believe that she has used corrupt communication or foolish talk. On the flip side if somebody constantly says in anger or frustration words such as 'fruit' or 'shoot' instead of dropping F-bombs and the like maybe they need ask the Holy Spirit to examine their heart.
Next time…Do we need to limit our language to avoid offending others?


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You may remember from two weeks ago just how much I am loving Studio Aroma. Their expertly blended skincare is unique in every way. Well, today Jennifer Chow a certified aromatherpist and the founder of Studio Aroma spills the vision behind her company.
When was your brand founded and why did you start your company?
Studio Aroma was officially launched online in October 2014. We are a small company focusing on aromatherapy services and customized aromatic skin care products. Our products were first seen at craft show one month later in Vancouver.
I have been customizing skin care products with essential oils for over 10 years. After further study in aromatherapy and essential oils, I formulated and prepared my own skin care products all from raw and basic ingredients and shared with family and friends.
The idea of establishing my own brand was after years of observation and trying many products on the market. I found that many others just like myself were not satisfied with products manufactured for the general public. Therefore, I decided to have my own workshop producing hand crafted skincare products that could fill the market gaps. Combining my expertise in aromatherapy and my own creations of aromatic personal care products, Studio Aroma was born.
Why is clean beauty important to you?
Polluted environment, chemicals or artificial substances within many personal care products make our body sick, and weaken our immune system.
We can't fully change the environment the way we want but we must stay away from consuming non-natural products. I believe using proper natural healing properties can help repair, rejuvenate, and balance our body without side effects, while allowing us to glow from the inside out.
Briefly, what is your clean beauty story?
During my teenage years, I was suffering with acne on my face until I start using a facial product manufactured by a famous Asian brand. I thought I found the best product to resolve my problem, but within two weeks time I noticed other body issues starting to affect me. My family doctor told me those issues were caused by the steroid that was in the "famous" product, and that I must stop using it.
With no hope in pre-made facial products or prescriptions from doctor, I picked up essential oils and learned how to blended them to fix my acne. Soon I tried blending essential oils and mixed them into unscented skin products for daily use.
Have you noticed a difference in your skin and body since you have been using clean products?
Definitely, essential oils and hydrosols not only fixed my acne gradually but caused no other skin issues since then. Essential oils I used balanced my hormones, and I felt a bit healthier from the inside out, (more on balancing your hormones here).
What is your favorite product in your line right now?
Hydrosol Tonic (more on that below) would be my choice. Hydrosol (also called hydrolat) is a by-product of essential oil distillation, with similar effects but more gentle and non-oil based. Hydrosols themselves can be used as a cleanser, mask, body spray, and as a natural toner to help balance and improve the condition of our skin. It's almost a must for my daily used item.
We distill hydrosols in our workshop from raw natural ingredients that are free of artificial additives, alcohol, preservatives or coloring. The Hydrosol Tonic usually blended with up to three hydrosols according to customer's choice or with our consultation to match their skin type or special needs.
Can you give us any hints as to what new things we may expect from your brand in the future?
Studio Aroma produces pre-formulated and ready-made products. However, we also value our customers' comments so we keep improving our products base on customers' needs.
We have many seasonal products produced base on in season ingredients, or tailored only for summer and winter's use. Brand new seasonal products can be found at trade-shows and craft shows we attend while reproductions can be found on our website and retail locations.
An upcoming new product will be a collection of perfume oils with the theme of "constellations". They will be made of all natural ingredients as well and each type of perfume will come with a matching crystal stone. And yes, the concept is related to the 12 constellations of the zodiac, for more product detail and time of availability please stay tuned on our website and Facebook.
What would you suggest we try first from your line?
I will suggest lip-glosses, hydrosol, and bath soaks for all consumers.
Studio Aroma Lip Gloss contains various types of roses and natural ingredients, not only hydrates our lips but also heal chapped lips rapidly. This product is very suitable for North American weather all year round.
As I mentioned previously, Hydrosol Tonic is my favorite product so I hope everyone can try and get the benefit from it. Just as simple as spray on face and body skins except eye area, and let it penetrate into your skin. Don't forget to store in cool places like the fridge for best use.
Bath Soaks are also my recommendation. We hope every customer can enjoy a spa-graded hot bath at home to rejuvenate their body and soul; the base is Himalayan pink salts and Dead Sea salts, available with pre-mixed or customer's choice of clays, herbs, and energy infused essential oil blends. One scoop of the bath salts and soak for 20 to 30 minutes, wash and rinse after soaking and you will feel refreshed and relaxed.
What one product is your best seller?
Eye Serum (review here) is one of Studio Aroma's signature products and is our best seller. Customers from different age groups purchase our eye serum, as it helps any age. I am glad to see that many young ladies are taking care of their skin in their early twenties to prevent wrinkles. Some of our customers, like flight attendants, need to put on makeup almost everyday, they find that our Eye Serum effectively soothes and hydrates their skin after remove their makeup.
Where can we find your products?
- Our products are available to online order at our company website studioaroma.com, Etsy shop etsy.com/shop/StudioAroma, and online retailer tuttione.com/product-tag/studio-aroma/.
- If you need a consultation or customized product please email us or fill out the online form at our website.
- For those who are planning to travel to Vancouver, they can purchase our products at certain consigned retail locations and craft shows we attend. For the latest locations please visit our website event and contact pages.
- We constantly update at Facebook and Instagram, please find us at Facebook and Instagram
Jen also sent me quite a few samples. All of which have been so wonderful to use...here's a little info on my favorites.
Jasmine Cleanser
This is my favorite of the samples. Coming in powder form just a few drops of water and the cleanser works of buff away dead skin and remove dirt and grime. This tan powder is scented like sandalwood and is very earthy. It provides a silky smooth lather and mild exfoliation. Containing Sandalwood Powder, Jasmine Powder, Mild Powder, Flaxseed, Vitamin B3, Orris Root Powder, Aritha Powder, and Adlay Seed Powder. These all blend together to create a unique and heavenly cleansing experience.
During cleansing I can feel my skin becoming moisturized and evened. It's not drying, over exfoliating, or irritating. Plus I enjoy the scent of the cleanser a great deal . Afterwards my skin is refreshed, cleansed and balanced. It does also remove light makeup, but any heavy eye makeup or lipstick should be taken off with a makeup remover. I follow with a toner and serum to seal the deal.
Hydrating Seaweed Mask
This mask is a great detoxing and cleansing mask. Also, coming in powder form it makes it easily customizable to your skin needs. Perhaps mixing with yogurt for dry skin or apple cider vinegar for acnegenic. The clays dray out impurities, including black and white heads and dirt and debris. This mask has been great during my cycle when I get the occasional breakout, it draws out the blemishes making them heal quicker.
The hydration comes from the seaweed, which you can see rehydrate when you mix the mask. The trick is to leave it on the skin for only 10ish minutes. Don't let it dry, or the moisture will be removed from your skin. But, if you use it correctly the seaweed gives its moisture to the skin to leave hydrated and plumped skin. Find it here.
Roman Chamomile Hydrosol
This tonic is a great little toning mist that is packed with active ingredients. Suited for all skin types and customizable when ordering you can add optional ingredients like helichryshum, rosemary, neroli, or rose. To make this lovely toner Jen uses 1 kg of plant material per one liter of water. This ensures maximum nutrients and compounds are delivered to your skin.
I love to use this toner just after washing my face or during the day when I need extra refreshment. It evens moisture levels a leaves a perfect canvas for serum or moisturizer. Find it here.
Coffee Body Scrub
I have really been into body scrubs lately. I DIY'd my own a few months ago and saw such great results in the amount of dry skin on my legs. So when I receiving Studio Aroma's Coffee Body Scrub I was deleted to try it out. I wasn't in the least bit disappointed and in fact I realized just how skilled Jen is at product formulation…when in comparison to my scrub.
This coffee based scrub detoxes, invigorates, and cleanses all while waking up your sense with the smell of coffee. The ingredients are Ground Coffee, Lavender Bud Powder, Lemon Peel Powder, Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus Paradisii), Rose Geranium Essential Oil, Milk Powder, Demerara Sugar, Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis). A combo that forms a medium abrasive dark brown exfoliator. It buffs away dead skin cells and increases blood flow to the skin to revitalize tired uneven skin. Find it here.
Ginger Rose Bath Soak
Completely customizable, Studio Aroma, lets you pick one base salt, one herb, one powder, and one essential oil blend. By placing one large scoop in your bath water the tub is transformed into a heavenly spa experience. Perhaps you want an uplifting soak choose the ginger powder and the uplifting essential oil blend. Or looking for a relaxing nighttime bath perhaps the combo of goat milk and calendula will have you ready for a good night sleep.
Mine combo was Ginger Rose which I found uplifting and soothing. My muscles felt relaxed and soothed as the water was filled with detoxing dead sea salt. Rose petals floated atop the water and ginger/rose scent filled the air. Studio Aromas Bath Soaks are most definitely a great addition to any bath. Find yours here.
Studio Aroma has definitely captivated my love for green beauty. I love that many of their products are customizable to suit your preference from skin type and fragrance desires. Also, most of their masks and washes come in powder form which enables us to choose our liquid add it. Allowing each time we use the products to suit our skin's needs at that moment. Studio Aroma makes it easy to intuitively fulfill your skins desires and does so with no harsh ingredients. Check out more of my favorite products here.


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Day 33: I have loved this photo of my friend for years, and I've attempted to use it before. This time was significantly more successful!
The paragraphs of text are about getting over the fear of the empty page space. I work small and fine and fairly slow, often leading me to the choice between having either one image in a sea of blank paper or a lot of fast drawings - sometimes fast because that's their nature, and sometimes fast because I need to fill the space. I was about to start a second portrait here, and realized... wait, no, I don't have to. I had already spent over an hour on the first drawing, and I had something to do that was a little pressing, and while I could have done something in the given time, it would have been pretty bad.
Day 34: This day marks the last time I will factor in train transit time as available drawing time. This isn't a bad drawing, but it certainly isn't worth the hour and a half if took. Those hands should be so much better!
Day 35: I had markmaking issued with this one, but I do like it.
|That drawing from Day 33 again, bigger and a little cleaned up.


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Much to the delight of car fanatics and travel junkies, 'NEXA Journeys On Asian Highway 1 Driven By S-Cross', a travel show covering the entire stretch of the Asian highway is all set to launch this month. The announcement was made by WorldWide Media at a launch event which was managed and executed by AFP Ideas and Execution. Emcee Sonam Chhabra, who has worked previously with WWM on sveral occasions, was the official host at the event.
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Hundreds of people launched into a rendition of the infamous slow-motion gunfight scene, in which the show's main characters Tim and Daisy engage a group of youths who challenge them in a street.
The pair unleash hell with fake weaponry before taking advantage of the confusion to flee in a taxi.
Those re-enacting the scene appeared not to notice the rain and soaked ground as they flailed around the iconic square, making mock-pistol shapes with their fingers and crashing into each other.
They then collapsed into heaps on the floor before leaping up to applaud and then form lines to perform the hokey-cokey.
Within minutes, film clips of the event began appearing on YouTube and other websites. A Facebook group set up to recruit participants attracted some 2,000 members.
Among those who followed the display was Simon Pegg, who co-wrote the show as well as playing Tim. The comedian, writer, film producer and director has since appeared in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Run Fatboy Run.
Before the event, he wrote on his Twitter page: "To those attending the Spaced shoot out flash mob today. Sorry I cannot be there. Shoot straight and know when you've been hit. Good luck.xx"
His response, when sent film clips of the flashmob was "SWEET!"
BAFTA award-nominated series Spaced was first screened on Channel 4 in 1999 and 2001 and attracted such a cult following that it was brought back on Dave in 2009.
The flashmob is one of the latest gatherings generated on Facebook and Twitter. In June, hundreds of Michael Jackson fans descended on London's Liverpool Street station for a flashmob 'Moonwalk' in memory of the star, and in March last year, pressure group Climate Rush organised a flashmob protest against bank bailouts outside the Royal Bank of Scotland.


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US-Turkish Bechtel-Enka wins $820M deal in Kosovo
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo's Infrastructure Ministry says a $820 million deal has been signed with American-Turkish consortium Bechtel-Enka to build a 60 kilometer (37 miles) highway that will link Kosovo with Macedonia.
The ministry said Tuesday work on the new highway will start on July 2.
This is the second major contract awarded to the consortium in Kosovo after it won a $1 billion agreement in 2010 to build a highway linking Kosovo to Albania. That highway was finished in 2013.
The Bechtel-Enka consortium is made up of San Francisco, California-based Bechtel International Inc. and Istanbul-based Enka.
Kosovo is one of the poorest regions in Europe. Its 2008 secession from Serbia is fiercely rejected by Belgrade.
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Actually we were just busy selling items at the yard sale to raise funds – we raised $92 but then someone came after we closed and purchased my show box for $75 giving us a total of $167! And since we still have so much stuff left we are moving it all to my sisters in Cambridge this coming Friday and Saturday. So if you didn't have a chance to get to things and would still like to donate it I'll happily do a pick up!
The bags are selling great and I'm hoping to run a few more bags down to be made (finally got a couple cute cow bags but very limited…sorry I'm trying) My personal goal is to sell at least 200 in the next month to pay for all the cats to be spay/neutered and the few not tested for FIV and leukemia. Plus once we get these done if we don't get the ones placed that was at my parents I promised we take them in so they don't end up at the shelter since the little girls dad said they had to go soon! I'm on point to be taking photos of the ones I have available now. Hubby is going to get a buy now button for our website so we can sell them that way too in hopes to meet our goal…be even better to sell more. 🙂
Today is baggie stuffing day in prep for the parade in Lancaster tomorrow, will you be there? Oh and we are finalizing an adopter today for Lady and Lilly (exciting)!


text: The 2011 Dressage Affaire in Del Mar is overflowing with entries, vendors, parties, and wonderful weather and hospitality, the perfect venue for the return of Guenter Seidel to the show ring after a long and dedicated recovery for the hip fracture sustained in Germany earlier this year. With the dedication of an Olympian athlete who has been a long time member of the US Dressage Team, Seidel's efforts brought him back into the limelight with Dick and Jane Brown's KWPN Sunday Boy in the Prix St Georges Open Class, topping the class with a 74.474. As Seidel warmed up wearing a helmet up until he entered the arena, a crowd of friends and fans gathered to watch precision and near perfection in action. Results for the Drssage Affaire are posted on devonwoodscores.com {yoogallery src=[/images/stories/2011/california/11da/seidel-sundayboy/]}


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Shredded Salad
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil
2 tablespoon honey
sea salt
a small bunch of cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup roasted and salted peanuts
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
2 1/2 cups shredded savory cabbage (or any kind of cabbage you like)
2/3 cup herbs, chopped (I used basil on time and parsley another time)
2-3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2-3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (though I think pumpkin seeds would be good too)
In a medium bowl, stir together olive oil, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch or two of sea salt. Add the cilantro, peanuts and scallions. Mix to combine.
In a large bowl stir together shredded cabbage, herbs, and celery. In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir to combine. Pour over the cabbage mixture and stir to coat. Add half of the cilantro mixture and toss to distribute throughout. Place the remaining half on top of the salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.


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|President Jammeh
First and foremost, Professor Kah is not under trial. Surely, the public needs to know the whole truth about the investigation carried out by the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) hence a great chance for him to speak for himself.
However, the court asked the prosecution to produce Professor Kah to come to court to clear things up. He is the complainant as the magistrate put it.
The National Drug Enforcement Agency was ordered by the state to investigate on the University of The Gambia regarding allegations advanced by Gumbo Touray against the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kah.
President Jammeh and the Ministry of Education should tell Gambians why they are disregarding the investigation report done by NDEA.
It could be recalled that the investigating report was tendered in court which revealed that Professor Kah is doing whatever he wants to do and at the same time was accused of wasting the money of the UTG.
The NDEA is part of the government and had made many investigative reports. So why is the case of Professor Kah so unique? Or is President Jammeh indicating that the NDEA report was not up to standard? He should explain to the public why he disregards the report.
The press released is an interference of the Executive into the Judiciary. Let's allow the Judiciary to conduct their work as the way it should be. What is wrong with the separation of powers and check and balances that are enshrined in our Constitution?
The press released can make Gambians in and out The Gambia to think whether Professor Kah is under trial.
Being a public officer, which qualified him to be duty bearer in the country, Professor Kah, is not exempted from testifying in court. In fact, he has written to the court showing his interest to testify.
Author:Binta A .Bah


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You will need:
- An empty cardboard box
- Shimmery card/tinfoil
- White felt
- White card
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Pens
- Sticky tape
- Scissors
After a lovely play in the snow, we decided we wanted our characters to play in the snow too but we were too cold! Brrrr! So, we decided to make a snow garden for them to play in. J decided they needed a slide like his and a tunnel to crawl through. J also decided that Mummy should make it for him, whilst he sat and told Mummy what to do … cheeky monkey!
We simply covered the inside of the box by sticking in two pieces of white card and one piece of shimmery card at the back. We glued the white felt onto the floor of the box so as to have a nice texture. Mummy then drew a snow man on some card to stick to the flaps on the box, whilst J was in charge of sticking the cotton balls inside the box to make piles of snow. Finally, we used a cardboard box for the tunnel, covered it in felt and stuck some felt down the slide. As a finishing touch, we stuck some felt to the top of the box.
J then collected the characters and vehicles he wanted to play with and the play time began…
J loved recreating the fun we had outside and used lots of the vocabulary we had used whilst in the 'freezing cold.' Little Mummy was very determined about the children wearing their warm clothes and J explained to the children why they needed them! (So, he does listen after all!!) J kept coming back to this simple small world snow box and many characters got to play in the snow… including the farm animals, jungle animals and even his dinosaurs.
What did J learn?
- Using language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play.
- Comments and asks questions about the natural world.
- Create simple representations of events, people and objects.
- Engages in imaginative role-play based on own first-hand experiences.
- Notices what adults do and imitating them.
- Builds stories around toys, e.g. jungle animals were lost in the snow.
- Uses available resources to create props to support role-play.
J's Age: 2 years and 5 months


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When we moved to
The need was very simple.
- Car should be a sedan with good boot space.
- Should be a petrol car.
- Should not be popular with taxi trade ( this ruled out Indigo and
) Logan
Besides this we ( or at least me) was agnostic towards the look, or brand of the car. The price range we were looking for was in the 8-10 lakh range.
Finally we zeroed in on two cars on SX4 and another Honda City. Missus was in favor of city and I was in favor of SX4. Some of the friends I took suggestion were also in favor of Honda city. So I decided to go the old fashioned way and prepare a spreadsheet comparing the two cars. The comparison is in the spreadsheet attached. The reason most of the well wishers were giving in favor of the city was its superior mileage ( around 14 Km/L compared to 10 Km/L by SX4) and a better brand snobbishnesh.
As I was totally agnostic to the brand except for the fact that it should not be popular as a taxi it was a hard decision to take. The 40% higher mileage by the city was a good motivator, but the price of the city is almost 2.5L more compared to SX4 after taking in account the discounts available and accessories thrown in by the dealer.
So I decided to look at the total cost of ownership of the two cars over a period of 5 years that I expected to drive them. Since my house and office in HYD are pretty close total driving per month was not to be more than 1000 KM. Taking that as the base figure I compared the total cost that Honda City will save me over the next 5 years compared to a SX4. Then I also compared the cost of extra interest I will pay on the additional loan taken for City and the opportunity cost of the down payment that one will save by putting in lesser down payment for SX4.
After comparing all things it turns out that SX4 even with its inferior mileage ends up saving me close to 180000/ over a period of 5 years compared to a city. This is enough to put in down payment for the next car 5 years down the line. The details are attached in the spreadsheet which you can access by clicking here.
This is when I am not even taking in consideration the cost of service and spares which is definitely higher for the city compared to SX4.
I think we should all compare Total cost of ownership whenever we are going for a high value purchase that will have major impact on our finances, be it buying a car or a house or a water filter. Any thing that will consume more money over the years needs to be looked in with the overall Total Cost of Ownership and not just the cost of acquisition of the asset. So considering everything we went for the SX4 the Missus is not very happy but I am sure she will be ok once she reads this blog :)
City fans don't get me wrong it is a great car but for me the what mattered was the total cost of ownership over the next 5 years.
Thanks for reading do leave a comment.


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congrats! welcome here enjoy the company in the garden...well done
mountainmom wrote:
You can search for the automated amex app line to get your limit!
I checked! CL: 7K!!!
Thanks everybody. Now to the garden . I'm still learning a lot with the forum but I'm still looking info about how to manage your CCs bill cuts, due dates, $0 balance... any good post that I should check?
mountainmom wrote:
Congrats! That's a great cl. Especially with the 3x at 61 day thing!
If I do the Amex 3X, it will be 21K!


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Carol Lynley
Carol Lynley (born February 13, 1942) is an American actress and former child model. Early on, she distinguished herself in both the Broadway stage and Hollywood screen versions of the controversial drama Blue Denim (1959). In 1959, she was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for "Most Promising Newcomer – Female". Lynley may be best known for her film roles in Return to Peyton Place, Bunny Lake is Missing, Harlow and the original The Poseidon Adventure.
Peter Tork
Peter Tork (born Peter Halsten Thorkelson, February 13, 1942) is an American musician and actor, best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist of The Monkees.
Also born on this day:
Wilbert Rideau is a former death row inmate in Louisiana.
Edward Allan Miller was a member of the Canadian House of Commons.
M. F. Saldanha is an Indian judge.
Otto Bernhardt is a German politician of the CDU.
Donald E. Williams is a retired United States Navy officer and a former NASA astronaut.
Simon Prebble is an English actor and narrator.
Dwain Painter is a former American collegiate and professional football coach.
Lloyd Voss was an American football defensive end .
Linda Hodge McLaughlin was a United States federal judge.


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Review of HP iPAQ rx5915
Review of HP iPAQ rx5915
Design & Construction
I had been expecting a larger device. In reality, though, the new iPAQ is only a bit larger than my Axim X51v, and smaller than most dedicated GPS receivers like the TomTom One.Side controls, left to right: power, status LED, screen rotate, media player, GPS navigation, Quick Launch
The rx5915 is the first iPAQ designed specifically for a landscape orientation. By default, the system starts up with the directional pad on the right hand side of the screen. If you don't like this orientation, however, among the application buttons along that edge of the case is a button to rotate the screen. Pressing it once switches you to a portrait orientation with the directional pad below the screen and the buttons on the bottom. Keep pressing it, and you'll rotate through all four possible screen orientations, including 180 and 270 degree rotation.
I could be happier with the directional pad. Instead of a more common two-piece affair, where the center action button is physically separate, the new iPAQ's directional pad is all one piece. This, combined with the fact that it's a little squishy, makes it difficult at times to hit the center without also pressing a direction.
One thing that the rx5915 is definitely not equipped for is one-handed navigation. Besides the conspicuous lack of softkeys, the buttons are arranged in such a way that, when the screen is oriented for conventional portrait use, Being also aGPS based unit, this iPAQ comes with a snap-in automotive mount. It's a fairly simple affair, with two flexible axes controlled by screw-knobs, and a large suction-cup base. You can let the iPAQ sit in the holder like a cradle in the default orientation, or you can clamp it in and turn it any which way.
specification of HP iPAQ rx5915
- Processor: 400 MHz Samsung CPU
- Operating System: Windows Mobile 5.1 (Pocket PC) with AKU 2.6
- Display: 3.5 inch, 320 x 240 transmissive/reflective LCD with anti-glare surface.
- Memory: 64 MB RAM; 2 GB flash memory (1.8 GB available to user).
- Expansion: Single SD/SDIO/MMC slot.
- Docking: Single Mini-USB plug.
- Communication: 802.11g Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 2.0.
- Camera None.
- Audio: Internal speaker; 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Size: 4.75 inches long x 3.0 inches wide x 0.65 inches thick; 6.0 ounces.
- Battery: 3.7v, 1700 milliamp-hour rechargeable/replaceable Lithium Ion.
- Input: 5 re-mappable buttons; touchscreen; 5-way directional pad.
- Other_
This iPAQ is one of the few devices to use Samsung's 400 MHz processor. Previous iPAQs have used under 300 MHz, but recently the line has been almost entirely XScale based.
The processor in the rx5915 scored at 1.3 megaflops of pure computing power. This compares to about 2.0 mflops for my 624 MHz Axim. From this, we can reasonably deduce that the 400 MHz Samsung processor is about as fast as an equivalently clocked XScale PXA270 chip
Operating System
Among the customizations to the OS that HP has included is a new alternative launcher, called Quick Launch. It's a simplified launcher screen which provides access to some commonly used applications such as the GPS navigation program, Internet Explorer, games, etcetera. Other preloaded software includes the HP photo viewer, HP's standard Today screen plug-in, and Worldmate, which is a combination of world clock, weather forecast, and currency/unit converter.
With the listing of 2 GB of internal flash memory in the specs, I suspect that many people are going to be disappointed to open the box and find only around 300 MB available to the user. The reason for this is that 1.5 GB is taken up straight out of the box by a set of hidden files in the "iPAQ File Store" area. These files are, of course, the preloaded TomTom Navigator maps for the United States and Canada (in the North American version of the device, at least--overseas models may vary).
Because the files are hidden, you can't see or delete them with the standard File Explorer, leading to the belief that they're in the device ROM. In fact, they're not. Using a third-party tool such as Resco File Explorer you can find and manipulate them as you like. However, at least on my preproduction device, there were no included discs for the mapping software. Hence, if you ever wanted to use the included maps again, you would have to take special care to back them up, and hope that there aren't any copy-protection mechanisms to stop you from putting them back later.
So the short version of this whole screed is that it is indeed possible to use almost the entire 2 GB of internal memory, but you need to take a few measures in order to do so. Frankly, I'd find it much simpler and more preferable to buy a 4 GB SD card and stick it in the slot if you really want that much extra storage. The risk of damaging the maps isn't worth i
It a most unusual but highly welcome move, the iPAQ's touchscreen comes straight from the factory with an anti-glare coating on the screen. This makes it possible to use the device comfortably even in a bright environment without needing a third-party anti-glare filter like those from PocketPCTechs or Boxwave. The iPAQ's coating also seems to double as a screen protector, protecting the display against most scratches and scuffing. Of course, if you're concerned about longer term wear on your screen, you should still get an additional screen protector of some kind, since the iPAQ's screen covering doesn't appear to be removable or replaceable.
While it's only QVGA resolution, the screen is more than adequate to the task of GPS navigation, along with some video. Maybe I've simply been staring at too many 2.2 and 2.8 inch phone-device screens lately, but the 3.5 inch display in the iPAQ seems quite large and comfortable. It could be larger, of course, or have a VGA resolution, but I'm mostly just happy that HP has produced a device which has an adequate viewable area.
For reasons unknown in a device designed for GPS the internal speaker faces to the back, where it will be muffled when using the enclosed vehicle mount. It's fairly powerful alone, but once you cover it you get a significant drop-off. Fortunately, you still have the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can wire the system directly to your car stereo if you have the ports and the desire.
No complaints here. Besides the slightly more common 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, the rx5915 is one of the first Pocket PCs to feature Bluetooth 2.0. One of the major specifications of Bluetooth 2.0 is the inclusion of Enhanced Data Rate functionality, which roughly triples Bluetooth speed. However, to take advantage of this you have to have EDR-capable devices on both ends of the connection. Bluetooth 2.0 is increasingly common on new laptops, and some high-end phones, but if you have older hardware you'll have to content yourself with traditional Bluetooth speeds.
Wi-Fi performance was a little problematic to test. Thanks apparently to some of the preproduction software bugs I had trouble getting and staying connected to my Netgear router. For the most part, though, Wi-Fi functions were normal, with adequate speed and response. Though the iPAQ is rated at 802.11g, you probably won't see a performance boost over devices with the older 802.11b,
For reasons unknown in a device designed for GPS the internal speaker faces to the back, where it will be muffled when using the enclosed vehicle mount. It's fairly powerful alone, but once you cover it you get a significant drop-off. Fortunately, you still have the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can wire the system directly to your car stereo if you have the ports and the desire.
At a whopping 1700 mAh, the iPAQ has one of the largest standard batteries for current Pocket PCs, all the better to drive its many functions. While I've had a limited amount of time to test the device, I've found its battery performance for most tasks more than adequate. Running a simulated trip in TomTom, with the GPS receiver on and locked, the iPAQ ran for just over four and a half hours before shutting down.
At a suggested the iPAQ rx5915 is a fairly expensive , equivalent to what you'd pay for a good separate handheld, Bluetooth GPS receiver, and large memory card. but once it reaches a decent street price it should be a very nice option for bringing together navigation, multimedia, and Internet access. The iPAQ may not be perfect, but it's certainly a big step forward in the hardware department. If HP can crush the bugs which are so evident on their preproduction units then the rx5915 could very well be the first member of a new class of handhelds bringing consumer-level "killer apps" in a convenient mobile package.
* Built-in GPS
* Anti-glare screen
* Large memory
* Marginal directional pad
* Charging system irregularities
* Pre-production software bugs


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Skipping breakfast is associated with poor concentration and memory, unhealthy snacking, and childhood overweight and obesity.
You can read this article in a selection of languages other than English.
Breakfast gives children the energy they need to handle their busy days. Children who eat a healthy breakfast go longer without feeling hungry. This means they can concentrate on playing, learning, remembering and solving problems better.
A healthy breakfast can help children perform better at school.
Breakfast eaters also tend to:
A healthy breakfast needs to have a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat to keep energy levels steady all morning.
Your child might like to choose from options like porridge, oats, muesli, low-sugar wholegrain cereal, boiled eggs, omelettes, wholegrain toast, fruit and yoghurt.
You're an important role model when it comes to eating. Showing your kids that breakfast can be yummy and that it's an important part of your day is a good way to encourage them to eat it. You can talk about its benefits with them too.
Here are more breakfast ideas to encourage healthy eating habits in the morning:
Human bodies make energy from carbohydrates, breaking them down into a sugar called glucose. After a night without food, your body has used up this glucose. It starts to use stores of energy from your muscles instead, like glycogen and fatty acids. This is why we need a fuel top-up before we tackle the day.
Eating breakfast will give your child energy and get her metabolism started. It will help her body use the food she eats more efficiently throughout the day. Also, children who miss breakfast don't 'catch up' on those missed nutrients during the rest of the day.
Cheng, T.S.Y., Ah Tse, L., Tak-Sun Yu, I., & Griffiths, S. (2008). Children's perceptions of parental attitude affecting breakfast skipping in primary sixth-grade students. The Journal of School Health, 78, 203-210.
Larson, N., MacLehose, R., Fulkerson, J.A., Berge, J.M., Story, M., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2013). Eating breakfast and dinner together as a family: Associations with sociodemographic characteristics and implications for diet quality and weight status. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 113(12), 16.
Sjöberg, A., Hallberg, L., Höglund, D., & Hulthén, L. (2003). Meal pattern, food choice, nutrient intake and lifestyle factors in the Goteborg Adolescence Study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 57, 1569-1578.


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Well, it's official. I received a few suggestions via email, the comments section, and Facebook, and I appreciate them all, but I actually managed to think of a new title myself. In the end, I decided to go with Nuclear Houseplant. You might like to know that the new address is nukeplant.blogspot.com, and since you've now been made aware of that, I'll be expecting you to visit regularly. See what I did there? Yeah, you have to watch out with me. See you around, then!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
New Title for the Gaj Forum? New Title for the Gaj Forum!
Posted by Jason Gaj. at 8:18 PM
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"I've got to tell you a story. That's what I do." – Stephen King
The rat-tat-tatting cadence of McKinney North High School's Drum Line ricochets and explodes off hollow walls as they lead the march of pep rallied students through the hallways of the school. Their excitement is contagious. I fall in line and join the impromptu parade. One by one, students fall out, happily exiting the school in search of Friday night lights. I follow the drum line to the band hall. They erupt into congratulatory laughter, as they set about the task at hand: divide and conquer. While many of the band mates go about the business of loading equipment onto the bus that will take them to the post-season play-off football game where they will perform an entertaining half-time show, others hang back to go about the business of preparing the house, because company is coming. World famous author, Stephen King, has chosen, their house, McKinney North High School, to host the Dallas leg of his five city book tour launching his new book, 11/22/63.
For their efforts, the McKinney North Band will be gifted $1000.00, and 50 seats to this sold-out event, where they will serve as ushers, and entertain the 1000 visitors who will flock to their campus to hear King speak, and read excerpts from his new novel.
As I follow the band members about their tasks, I come across a group of adults unloading carton after carton of King's books. I survey their work and am impressed as I note the cartons that line an entire hallway, 2 deep and 7 high. Despite the heavy-lifting, the workers laugh and cut up with one another, as they are in their own way, as excited as the post pep-rally North students on this football Friday afternoon. They are employees of A Real Bookstore in Fairview, the independent bookstore sponsoring of King's visit. As King's book tour only covers five cities in the nation, I imagine that tonight's event, in bookstore terms, must be a Super Bowl win in its own right.
Andrew Hobbs, buyer for A Real Bookstore, describes this day as the best day of his life. "He's the best author on the planet," says Hobbs, "The only reason I read is because of him. My favorite, favorite, favorite. 1986, Stand By Me, came out in the movie theater, I bought the book and I've been a huge fan ever since. I got to meet him today and I was on cloud nine. He was the most down home, cordial, kind, funny, perfect author."
"Make sure you let them know that you broke his head-set when he was autographing your book," says Angela, A Real Bookstore's Operations Manager. She smiles, as she ribs her friend. Friends and colleagues erupt into laughter as they remember the fun afternoon spent with their favorite author.
"I did!" laughs Hobbs, "I was walking around to get my book signed, and crunch! I will have nightmares about that sound for years to come, I am sure of it."
Despite the mishap, and the sore muscles that are sure to be a by-product of transporting 1000 hardbacks from point A to point B, according to Hobbs, "Today has been a perfect day."
As Hobbs goes back to the business at hand, I hang back to watch. bookstore employees, band members and volunteers, move about under the direction of A Real Bookstore owner, Teri Tanner, who graciously allows my colleague, Maryann and I to bear witness to their efforts. Before long, we too are caught up in the anticipatory make-readiness of it all, and find ourselves happily canvasing the auditorium, placing 500 book bags on every other seat in the house.
Before we know it, it's two hours till show time. The cartons of books are unpacked, neatly stacked and guarded in all four corners of the theater. 1 in 4 lucky guests will go home with an autographed copy. The McKinney North Jazz Ensemble with the added addition of the brass ensemble from University of Louisiana at Monroe is back-stage ready to perform. The theater doors open and hundreds of King fans pour into the auditorium. From my vantage point in the front row, it is a sight to behold as the super-fans race harem-scarem toward me.
In the interim, I make small talk with the fans around me. All have driven great distance to get here, and many attended King's appearance in Dallas last night.
"I have 1st edition copies of everything he has ever written, many of which are autographed," says the gentleman sitting behind me, "This is the first time I will see him in person though." He and his wife have come from Abilene to attend today's event.
After an interlude of jazz music, under the direction of McKinney North High School's band director, Alan Harkey, King takes the stage. An excellent speaker, he regales attendants with highlights of his career, and addresses the frequently asked questions he receives.
"What scares you? Everything," he says, then proceeds to list the litany of things that terrify him.
King, who began his career as an English teacher, told of his rise to fame as a writer noting that, writers ought not be famous, but be the secret agents that fly under the radar. He told of the first time he was recognized (in a men's room) and of signing an autograph from a sitting position, and of the more pleasant experience of having a young fan ask for his autograph in the presence of his dinner companion, Bruce Springstein. The audience roars with laughter.
On being a writer, King says, "It's a free pass to be the designated kid. I get to make stuff up."
"11/22/63 was our 9/11", says King of the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, "I was 17 years old."
In 1971, while still working as an English teacher, King began to wonder about the unlikely chain of events that brought Kennedy and Oswald together on that fateful day.
"How did these two lives come together?" asks King.
King's historical novel follows an English teacher who goes back in time with the intent to stop the JFK assassination.
King whet the appetite of audience members by reading an excerpt from his book. Rounding out the evening, is a question and answer session with Tanner, reading pre-selected questions submitted by audience members.
With a final "Go Bulldogs", King makes way to the next city on his book tour, and audience members spill toward the book tables to collect their first edition, hopefully autographed books. Meanwhile the McKinney North High School band members march off to meet up with the rest of the band, hopefully, in time for half-time.