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Discussion in 'Pro Match Results and Discussion' started by Marius_Hancu, Aug 21, 2014.
As I suggested in the above (not that that had any importance) and in many other instances (including in tweets to accounts belonging to Simona):
Romanian Halep splits with coach Fissette
She has declared she wants a Romanian coach. I haven't been contacted yet
I wonder now if my Canadian-related advice will also find a willing audience soon.
I am available on both sides
You bet the Canadians didn't wait long:
Eugenie Bouchard and coach Nick Saviano part ways
I'm glad Genie Bouchard finally listened to advice broadcast here and in other places, for I've been at it for a year now.
Thanks to Nick Saviano and Wim Fissette for bringing these players here, but it was time for qualitative changes, they were treading water in some areas lately.
I am available.
Simona Halep hires Victor Ionita as coach, brings Thomas Hogstedt on board as coaching consultant
Halep confirms new coach
World number three Simona Halep has hired Romanian Victor Ionita as her new coach, her third in 12 months.
Ionita, 31, has coached another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, who despite her current ranking of 92 had been as high as 21.
Ionita is an ex-pro, but of little note – his career-high ranking was 187.
Halep has also hired renowned coach Thomas Hogstedt, who has worked with Maria Sharapova in the past, as a consultant for three tournaments, in Shenzhen, Sydney and the Australian Open.
If Ionita is the coach who was with Carstea this summer in Montreal, I'm not impressed. Hope not.
Hogstedt is good as a "running-player's coach (Wozniacki, Sharapova). Perhaps he will remember his coaching of Haas and help Halep improve her net play.
He was appointed coach of five time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova in late 2010, having previously had success coaching Tommy Haas and Li Na, who were both top 10 players under his tutelage.[3] The pair ended their relationship shortly after Sharapova's second round loss to Michelle Larcher de Brito at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships.[4]
I think Hogstedt is a great choice
Gallery: Most Popular, No.10 To No.1
We're finally down to the Top 10 most clicked on players on wtatennis.com this year
That honor went to Romania's Simona Halep - the most clicked on player on wtatennis.com this year!
Great stat to have!
I suspect many of them wanted to see the "before" and "after" results of you-know-what, lol.
Does that imply Mats thinks Halep should specialize in non-slams and wins ONE of every SEVEN slam events (as Djokovic does)? Sure, that'd be ok, but I'd prefer Halep won more slams than that (3 of ever 7, Nadal-style would be a better idea- or 3 of every 6 if you don't include the US Open he skipped).
Hantuchova to be coached by Carlos Rodriguez
Wow, so Carlos Rodriguez was available then.
Then, plainly speaking, this was a colossal blunder by Team Halep: not to hire the coach who would have been best able to teach her the playing style she needs in order to beat the very top players: something closer to the Justine Henin style.
I thought it was an interesting pairing between Hantuchova and Rodriguez at this time.
I feel Halep definitely has the hunger and desire to win matches and continue to progress. Rodriguez coaching Halep does sound like a good match- up. Still, I think Halep can take the success she had this year and carry the momentum.
I think she can win a slam next year, either the AO or RG.
The preparation back home in Poiana Brasov in the mountains
seems to have been OK, and being (1) seed might have helped too:
for it was all happiness in Shenzhen:
^ Best dress in the world!
I prefer the old Halep.
Halep Storms To Shenzhen Title
Sidney, player's party, being (1) seed again
let's see how much pressure she will put on herself there
She is very sexy.
on facebook, Halep says:
I have been hoping I would trick my illness, which made it very difficult for me to play the finals at Shenzen Open. However hard I fought, the illness went further and here I am, in Sydney, together with my whole technical team, just to be defeated by a virus. Unfortunately, more important than the financial and emotional effort behind this is my inability to play. However, I continue to fight the illness and try to start training for Australian Open as fast as possible.
That's a bummer. Hope all well for the A.O
Halep's path at AO 2015
Knapp, Gajdosova/Dulgheru, Lisicki, Pavlyuchenkova/Erani, Ivanovic, Sharapova, S. Williams
Not so bad ...
Awesome enough in practice at the AO
She has a chance, because the illness might have reduced by the time she reaches the energy-zapping Erani.
Simona Halep 17-01-15 Pre-AO Interview
Q. How were you feeling after having to withdraw from Sydney?
SIMONA HALEP: I'm feeling good now. I'm almost now like hundred percent recovered. I have two days. I slept very well. I ate very well. So I feel prepared to start this tournament. But still I have time, two days more, to feel like hundred percent.
Q. How different was your off-season? You changed coaches. Was there something you wanted to work on?
SIMONA HALEP: Just improve in my game more and more. I did in my serve very well in the off-season, and as well in my forehand. I'm moving better than last year. I'm working hard every day. I changed because I just wanted to change something, and I did. I think was a great idea for myself. Always I took my decisions and work very well. I think very good decision I had in the past.
Q. You posted a lot of pictures on Facebook of training in the snow and ice back home. How difficult is it to transition to warmer weather?
SIMONA HALEP: I have like three weeks already here because I played in Shenzhen. Wasn't too hot there. That was a good thing for me. I like to train in snow, when it's cold outside. I just had my preparation, my own preparation home, because many players are going where the weather is better or it's very hot in USA and other places. But I preferred to stay home, stay close to my family, to recharge my batteries. I feel good home. Just I was like 20 days practicing in the snow and I was running a lot.
Q. What is the best advice you ever received for helping to deal with the heat?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, good question. Just to take easy, day by day. Just to have like no panic. Sometimes when you come from winter to summer, when it's very cold and you come here and it's hot, you feel like dizzy sometimes during the day. But I just stay cool and try to adapt very quickly. I don't have like big advices about this.
Q. What did you work on in the off-season?
SIMONA HALEP: My serve and my forehand. But I worked everything on my game. More on my serve. I did very well I think in Shenzhen.
Q. For power or for placement?
SIMONA HALEP: Both of them, and also I changed a little bit my technique.
Q. You made huge strides since a year ago. What surprised you most about your season, how successful you were?
SIMONA HALEP: I'm not surprised that I had big results last year because two years ago I just started to win some titles. I had more experience than before. I was improving a lot I think in my game. I'm much stronger now than before. My game is complete now, I think. I believe in my game. I think I was a little bit, I can say, surprised with the finals in French Open because I didn't expect that I can play finals after just one quarterfinals in Grand Slam. But, you know, I had nothing to lose there. Was my favorite tournament, because I won in juniors, and I feel very well there. I was trying everything on court. Everything went in the right way at that tournament. I felt very well. Sometimes is very good to be close to your home because more people can come to watch you and can support you. So was a perfect tournament for me. That's why I think I played the final. Then I had in Singapore the second big result. I played well, as well, there. I cannot say that I was surprised, but still I was very happy in the end of the year that I did few big results.
Q. After such a great year, do you feel more pressure coming into this year?
SIMONA HALEP: No. It's better than last year. I can say now I feel no pressure. I have just to play my game during the matches and to see how good I can be, how many results I can do, how many matches I can win. So my goal is again to go to Singapore and to win matches with top players. Just I have no pressure.
Q. Do you feel this year's Australian Open feels more wide open, like many different players could win?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, I can say that all the players from here have a chance to do this. I was thinking a few days ago that even if I am third in the rankings, I have my chance, but is not like I have to be in the semifinals or in the finals. Everyone from top 20 I can say has their own chance to win this title. You saw Pliskova, last week she played very well. Kvitova as well. Everyone can win this title. The tournament is open I think for everyone.
Q. Does that actually make it less pressure?
SIMONA HALEP: I think, yes. I don't want to think I have to win this tournament, be in the semifinals or quarterfinals. I want to take match by match and looking forward to start this tournament, to start first match, because will be a tough match, and to see how good I can be this tournament because it's a tough tournament.
Q. When you're in Romania, do people leave you alone?
SIMONA HALEP: So-and-so. Sometimes when I go in the city, it's tough, because everyone is coming to ask for a picture. It's tough to stay relaxed, but when I practice, yeah, I'm alone. I feel good home.
Q. You said in Singapore that you were going to reward yourself with something, that you would buy yourself something.
SIMONA HALEP: I didn't yet.
Q. You had the whole off-season. You didn't buy yourself something?
SIMONA HALEP: No. I will do maybe this year.
Q. Melbourne is a big shopping city.
SIMONA HALEP: I did already some shopping. But not very big things. Just to motivate myself.
Q. Do you work on your English in the off-season as well? You're getting much better.
SIMONA HALEP: I wanted to do some lessons, but I didn't have time. Sometimes you want something, but you have other priorities. I just speak more with my team in English sometimes. I started to read a book now again in English. With my computer to translate some words, I improve how I can.
Q. Do you speak two languages then?
SIMONA HALEP: Yes. I understand a little bit of French and Spain, but it's tough to speak.
Q. How are things going with Victor so far?
SIMONA HALEP: Good. The things are going good. I know him for a long time because he is Romanian. Like we played both in Bucharest before. It's good. He's relaxed. We feel each other in a good way. I can say not really that he's listening me, but he's listening what I need and what I want to do in that day. So I think that's the best way to work with a coach.
Q. What book are you reading?
SIMONA HALEP: I don't say because I said about Harry Potter and everyone was asking me. It's English book.
Simona Halep vs Karin Knapp - to open 2015 AO on Rod Laver
Tough for Halep: plays someone #51, who hits a very hard ball
Feeling better in practice at the AO
bleacherreport.com dismisses Halep:
Quarterfinal predictions: Williams def. Wozniacki, Kvitova def. Radwanska, Ivanovic def. Lisicki, Bouchard def. Sharapova
Final prediction: Williams beats Bouchard in two sets
My feeling is they are high on something.
tennis.com's Tignor is different:
Semifinals: Kvitova d. Wozniacki; Sharapova d. Halep
Final: Sharapova d. Kvitova
Let's see ...
1st match for Simona Halep at the 2015 AO
not too comfortable in her game (26 errors)
but in the end a 2 set victory against a difficult opponent, Knapp.
I don't see the technical progress (no slice, no volleying, 1 dropshot), mostly baseline, not really the all-court she needs to beat the very best. Let's hope it will be enough to repeat at least the last year's result (QF), but for time being the supposed elements on which she's worked lately (serve, FH) were not that visible.
But I guess everybody is sluggish at the beginning of a new season (including Serena, we know). Let's see the rest of the journey here.
Yes, with others, I see the extra muscle.
Congratulations for a victory in relatively difficult conditions (the sun light is amazing).
Probably wouldn't want to go outside of comfort zone in the first match, first got to judge the court surface a bit, so use her usual baseline game to begin with.
She looked pretty awful and nervous, hopefully will improve or she can't win this tournament.
They are high on BS, that's what they're on: Ivanovic is out already. Easier path for Halep in QFs, naturally, if she gets there.
Aside from Halep, what other part of the report do you find to be BS?
After Ivanovic, Lisicki is out too. I don't want to mention other parts yet. Enough for now. I will mention them when they fail again.
Pre-tournament video interview
Simona Halep press conference - Australian Open 2015
Simon Halep fan chat at the 2015 AO after her 1st R victory
Was this my reverse forehand or my lob?
Simona Halep's interview after 2nd R at 2015 AO:
Masterful performance, against a very dangerous opponent, Gajdosova, a power hitter, who hit lots of FH winners in the corners. Bethanie, next, might be easier, , but Halep can't dismiss anyone now ...
For a chuckle, check out the final minute of the replay of the Gajdosova match on the AO site,where the commentator gushes about the "straight sex win".
Let's see her with Bethanie tonight.
Very controlled, impressive 1st set by Halep against Matek-Sands, who shows variety that should be imitated by Halep (slice, net play)
Mon Halep, serve it out
Woz out as well.... some predictors, those guys... :twisted:
deleted, sorry ...
Simona Halep's transcribed interview after the match with Bethanie Matek-Sands
Friday, 23 January, 2015
Q. How would you rate your game for now? Are you pleased with your game?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, I'm okay with my game. I played well today, better than the second round, so this thing is good. She was very strong and I just wanted to play my game, but, you know, it was a great, great match for both of us. I was hitting aggressive and I stayed very close to the baseline. I served well. So I'm happy with my game now.
Q. What do you expect for your next game against Yanina from Belgium?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, she beat me every time when I played her, but next round will be a new day. I have my chance to win it. But I expect a very tough match. She's very tall and she's very strong. So I have to wait and to prepare myself to be ready before the match.
Q. Can I ask about your new racquet, how you're getting on with it and how it differs from the racquet you were using last season.
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, it has more control, you know, also power I have with it. I like a lot. You know, if you feel good and if you like it, you want to play with it. I have more control and more power with it. I think now it's the best racquet for me.
Q. When you first started training with it did you like it straightaway, or did it take you a little while to get used to it?
SIMONA HALEP: No, straightaway. I just took it and I liked it.
Q. About Yanina, would you ask Wim Fissette some advice about her game?
SIMONA HALEP: No.
Q. You don't have contact anymore?
SIMONA HALEP: No, I don't have contact anymore.
Q. What makes it tough to play against Yanina?
SIMONA HALEP: She was in the top 20 in the past. I know her, that she's strong. She hits the ball very, very strong. Yeah, when I played against her. Was like few years ago, so now it's other story because I improved a lot in my game. But still I will be very focused for every point and I will fight for the match. She serves well. She hits with both sides very well. I have to move very quickly and just to stay, make my game, to be aggressive, and to play fast.
Q. She likes to play top players like you. How is it for you to play against a girl who is the underdog? Is that more dangerous?
SIMONA HALEP: No. I think for me, in my opinion it's the same. If I play with top players or if I play with like 20 or 30 on the rankings, is the same thing. I think every player it's very tough now to play with because it's the highest level in tennis. So we have to be careful to take every match very, very focused and to be very serious during the match, because you have to fight for every point. So, I mean, I expect a tough match, so I'm prepared to play.
Q. Last year was an incredible year for you. What has changed in the way people look at you? Do you feel expectations are maybe higher or...
SIMONA HALEP: You know, last year I played great in Grand Slams. I did my first final. So that gave me more confidence now to play in Grand Slams. Everyone I think is expecting that I have to win every match - from Romania. I know what I have to do. I know what I want to do. I'm working hard every day to do many more results. We'll have to see. It's not easy.
Q. How is it for you in Romania? Are you a big star?
SIMONA HALEP: I think I am now, yeah. We have a small country, so everyone knows me now. It's not easy, but it's nice, as well. I enjoy.
Q. You were back home in Romania during the off-season. How long did it take you to get used to the conditions here?
SIMONA HALEP: It was very, very cold in my country, about minus 10 degrees. But I started in Shenzhen where wasn't too hot, like 15, 20 degrees, so it was good. I needed just few days to adapt. So it was fine if I won there. So everything was good there, yeah.
Q. So the hot weather training is less important than getting good training wherever?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, I like to train home, so every time I'm going home to practice everything.
Q. Can I ask why you decided not to work any more with Wim Fissette?
SIMONA HALEP: Yeah, we had a good season together. But, you know, was my decision. I just wanted to change something. For me, you know, I mean, I have confidence in myself that I can play at the highest level in tennis. So I believe in my chance. Now I'm happy with my team. Was my decision and I'm happy with it.
Team Halepeno!
(the lady on the left is Julia Moldovan, physio. Thomas Högstedt is on the right)
Haha, I didn't know they actually used the "halepeño" thing.
Seems to be an official Adidas brand now.
I think it could jinx her more than anything. But we'll see.
Difficult test for Simona Halep in prime time tomorrow on Rod Laver:
Women's Singles - Round 4
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL)
Simona Halep (ROU) [3]
Talk about Kvitova too ..
It's time! Nothing crazy here.
Separate names with a comma.


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I was given a reminder this morning of how mankind continues on hopefully, despite circumstances that scream at us to give up. IHOP on Mothers Day in Corpus Christi, Texas was a madhouse of balloon-sword wielding children, overlipsticked mothers, and waiters who literally sprinted from table to table, hurriedly rushing out "Happy Mother's Day" to no one in particular before taking orders.
The slowest moving of the waiters was a heavyset black girl with three colors of hair, who ambled from table to table, rushed by no one, refusing to notice the chaotic scene surrounding her. As I gazed at her nonchalant demeanor, which was set off even more by our tattooed Latino waiter with a bandaid on his friendly face (the classiest of Mothers Days, this was not) who spoke quickly and moved even faster, I noticed her eyes.
They were lidded with the thickest, longest false eyelashes I had seen outside of the Greek system on Halloween.
I whispered to Uncle Dave that I thought her eyes were a perfect example of how amazing humans can be. Humans can get up for work at a stressful, low-paying job serving people who tend to barely look twice at you and still take the time and energy to put on the fancy lashes. God Bless Us, Every One.

subset: commoncrawl


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DifficultyLevel: Easy
One onion, diced2-3 zucchini, diced
2-3 ears of corn, shucked and kernels removed*
2 Tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Heat a large skillet or saute pan over medium high heat. Add the olive oil, and when hot, add onions. Cook until softened, giving it a stir or two. Add the zucchini and cook until softened and lightly browned on the bottom, give everything a good stir and add the corn. Cook for just a few minutes more, about 5 or so, until the corn is looking bright and plump. Take the pan off the heat, add salt and pepper to taste.
*Corn TipsI find that storing corn in the crisper drawer of the fridge, husks intact, is the best way to prevent them from drying out. They can be easily husked by holding them in one hand, silky top pointing away from you. Grab ahold of the silk with your free hand and pull it towards you. Repeat all the way around until all the wrapper leaves are bunched around the stem end and bend everything away from you until it all snaps cleanly off. Lingering corn silk can be simply washed or brushed off.
To cut the kernels from the cob, hold the corn over a large bowl in the palm of one hand with the pointy tip facing away from you. With a large, sharp, knife, position it against the kernels at the tip, perpendicular to the cob. Then, tilt the tip of the knife upward until the blade is at a 45 degree angle facing away from you. Start to pull the knife towards your body slowly, cutting off the kernels as you run the blade along the cob. If your knife is sharp and at an angle like this, it should cut through the base of the kernels easily, separating them from the cob. If the knife seems to get stuck, gently jiggle it a bit until it starts moving again. DO NOT try to force it through at the risk of the knife slipping.
I find that this is the fastest way to remove corn from the cob. If you know that you won't be able to get to all the week's corn, it is a good idea to cut the kernels off the cob and freeze them in ziplock bags. They freeze beautifully and can be used months later for a little taste of summer.


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Sunday, June 14, 2009
32 Weeks...and counting!
Only 8 weeks to go!! The doctor says I'm doing very good. I've only gained 2 lbs since Jan 9th! Can you believe it? I can't. She says my contractions aren't close enough to worry about, so I'm not. Hopefully the next few weeks will pass very quickly! A wedding, 4th of July at the beach, baby shower and more. I know the picts aren't that great this time. What can I say. The first one was Patrick and the second was Nellie. I wasn't having that great of a day anyway, so smiling was hard to fake. That's about all for now.
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text: went out last night to a pub quiz with some work mates, the first bit we came last which was expected but the main quiz we didnt do too bad. but im paying for it today! had no sleep just couldnt get comfortable and in alot of pain and body seems to feel like its on fire! but was worth it not been out like that for ages and laughed so much so will put up with the pain


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Much of the legal landscape has changed in the 15 years since Congress passed DOMA. The Supreme Court has ruled that laws criminalizing homosexual conduct are unconstitutional. Congress has repealed the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Several lower courts have ruled DOMA itself to be unconstitutional. Section 3 of DOMA will continue to remain in effect unless Congress repeals it or there is a final judicial finding that strikes it down, and the President has informed me that the Executive Branch will continue to enforce the law. But while both the wisdom and the legality of Section 3 of DOMA will continue to be the subject of both extensive litigation and public debate, this Administration will no longer assert its constitutionality in court.
An academic's opinions on feminism, politics, literature, philosophy, teaching, academia, and a lot more.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
DOMA One Step Closer to an Inevitable Demise
4 comments:
- Rimi said...
An American legal scholar needed! How can the Executive continue to enforce a law if the Judiciary disavows it? Or is the Attorney General speaking in a personal capacity?
I'm confused because in our democratic structure, it is upto the Judiciary entirely to repeal parts of older laws or laws in their entirety. Recently the Delhi High Court added a section to the received British law against 'unnatural' sexual intercourse to categorically exclude all forms of non-heterosexual intercourse. Some members of the Catholic Church, Islamic clergy and neocon Hindus, who were also elected members of the parliament, were furious. But their opinion was superfluous legally, and ignored. Isn't that how the system works?
- February 23, 2011 at 5:30 PM
- Pagan Topologist said...
It is the Attorney General's job to decide which issues to pursue, and which laws to enforce most vigorously, given limited resources. Technically, the president cannot overrule the AG on this, as I understand it, but can fire him or her if there is a major disagreement.
- February 23, 2011 at 10:19 PM
- Tom Carter said...
It's always been clear to me that DOMA fell afoul of the Full Faith and Credit clause of the Constitution, and the courts have agreed. Section three is also going down because it pretty clearly usurps state power.
I don't think it's just a few crazy religious fanatics who support DOMA -- there are more than a few out there, and they aren't all "fanatics." Maybe my problem is that I can't see it in a religious context, but I can't understand why people get so excited about gay marriage.
- February 24, 2011 at 1:03 PM
- Clarissa said...
Might be the exact same reason why they get so excited about straight marriage. :-)
- February 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM


text:
Provocation (Ideation Technique)
User Experience (UX) topic overview/definition
Literature on Provocation (Ideation Technique)
Here's the entire UX literature on Provocation (Ideation Technique) by the Interaction Design Foundation, collated in one place:
All literature
Introduction to the Essential Ideation Techniques which are the Heart of Design Thinking
Ideation is at the heart of the Design Thinking process. There are literally hundreds of ideation techniques, for example brainstorming, sketching, SCAMPER, and prototyping. Some techniques are merely renamed or slightly adapted versions of more foundational techniques. Here you'll get an overview of the best techniques as well as when and why t...
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Sunday, April 24, 2011
Good Shake
Carl's Jr. has a "new" shake, and maybe I'll get to try it soon. I decided to drink a typical kind of shake on Saturday, so I ordered a strawberry shake. This shake is as good or better than many basic shakes I've had before, but it's very difficult to to decide which one was the best.
Posted by Scott McLean at 4/24/2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sweet strawberry smoothie
This Strawberry Smoothie at Jack in the Box was very sweet and yummy.
I'll get it again... Oh yeah, I already did.
Posted by Scott McLean at 4/22/2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Eating fries, listening to songs
Wendy's "Natural-Cut Fries" with Sea Salt are good tasting fries, but I've always liked the flavor of Wendy's french fries. I will try these fries again during daytime hours.
It's my fault for getting to Wendy's right at or just before closing time, but the fries I ordered were not very warm. They were still warm enough for me, especially since I was hungry.
I like it when I can sit in the car and eat fries while listening to songs on the radio. That's a lot of fun, or at least as much fun as one guy can have by himself while sitting in the car with not much else to do.
Jack in the Box truck, the part I care about
After doing some more shopping (a week ago), I went looking for a new menu item at a fast food restaurant and I wound up over at Wendy's restaurant. When I got there, immediately I spotted this truck (on a back street) and the advertising on the side of the truck really caught my attention because what I saw looked very yummy. Since I hadn't tried one of Jack in the Box smoothies, I did go there in another town on the drive back.
I was tired and hungry so I used the drive-thru at Wendy's after getting the picture. I was lucky to make it there before they closed for the night so I ordered Wendy's new fries.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
OPEN is always much better than closed
Thought I would be late getting there but I had plenty of time to look around and buy the two CDs which I wrote about in the previous posts. This picture was taken after I was done shopping and had gone outside.
Posted by Scott McLean at 4/19/2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Beautiful Rocking Metal
I was glad to find that the Record Exchange still had the CD I'd called about -- "Clinic For Dolls" by UnSun --while other stores I contacted earlier hadn't even heard of them.
"Clinic For Dolls" is a powerful, enchanting blend of rocking Gothic metal and beautiful singing by their female vocalist who, in my opinion, made UnSun a serious contender for best band of the year in 2010 in rock and rock/metal. Foo Fighters' new album was released last week and it's also great!
Posted by Scott McLean at 4/18/2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sorry, I had a problem because my finger slipped, accidentally bumping the wrong key and the blog published but the title wasn't ready yet.
Double Like
The Record Exchange in Boise, Idaho was the first store where I purchased the new CD "Wasting Light" by Foo Fighters. I bought the CD again at Fred Meyer, and maybe I'll buy it one or two more times. What can I say, I like Foo Fighters.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
McCafe Chocolate Banana Shake
At McDonald's, I decided to order the McCafe Banana Chocolate Shake, and I'm sure glad I did. It was very sweet, smooth, and delicious! Also, this shake was cold, not runny, and just right because it was only a slightly thick shake and I could drink it with a straw.
It was Thursday after the usual dinner time for most people, shortly after I bought the two CDs. I didn't eat a meal at McDonald's because I wasn't hungry for a lot of food, and you understand, to write about many fast foods & drinks, I must go to many places and taste those foods and drinks. My plan was to try some menu choices from other fast food restaurants.
However, I can say that I really like this particular McDonald's restaurant, and I've written about it before for this blog. I didn't dine in this time, and instead went to the drive-thru because I wanted to go some other places. Let me add that this was a very satisfying shake because it was smooth and easy on my stomach, and a good choice for me. I decided not to drink coffee for two weeks and also be careful about the foods I'm eating, so a little later I tried a smoothie at another fast food restaurant, and really liked it.
Posted by Scott McLean at 4/16/2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
A better look at me in pink
I'm going to show off my pink shirt because it's spring and I hope a pretty girl picks me by mistake, thinking I'm a flower.
Sorry for not having Foo Fighters posters behind me this time, so ladies you'll just have to settle for me. Yes, I am the kind they settle for. (joking)
The Foos are cool and a great band, but after buying their new CD, I needed to go in search of food or something to drink.
Outside n' Rockin' Inside
After buying two CDs, I went outside and decided to snap some pictures and here is one of them. Click it and you'll see promo posters -- with the band members and some words about their new album/CD -- in the window of the record store. I bought that new CD and another one and hope to listen to them tonight and on Saturday.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Coca-Cola Truck
Posted by Scott McLean at 4/14/2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Malibu Chicken
Malibu Chicken at Sizzler was my Grandma's favorite. My family and I went there many times to celebrate birthdays and on other occasions. Three of us, my mom, dad, and I celebrated Grandma's birthday Monday although she passed away about two years ago. I ate Double Malibu Chicken (photo below) in honor of her on her birthday. Who knows, maybe she can somehow sense how much we miss her. It's coming up on two years since she passed away. Our memories and love for her will always be very important to us.
Sizzler for dinner
Monday, April 11, 2011
Getting a Feel good
After having been sick and feeling lousy a week ago, and recovering by drinking water and eating a lot of chicken noodle soup and broth with crackers, I wanted a soda that wouldn't be hard on my stomach and that's why I decided on Fanta Strawberry. Besides, I lift 12 packs of soda enough and -- you know... I'll be back.
Love the Strawberry flavor
I drank Fanta Strawberry tonight to celebrate the memory of my Grandma's birthday. She passed away about two years ago, and I love her very much and forever.
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Love. What is it? Many people would describe it as a warm, fuzzy feeling, strong affection, or physical intimacy. But that is not how biblical scripture defines it. And there is no better place than 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 to learn what love(aka charity) is all about.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.Take notice of the first three verses. This paints a pretty clear picture; we can do all manner of 'good' things, even miraculous or sacrificial things, but if they're not paired with love, they are worth nothing. What does that tell us? That tells us that love is not simply our actions or words, but also in combination with having the right attitude.
Now, let's break down the following verses to dive deeper into what that really means.
Love is long suffering. What does that mean? To love is to be patient. That means that when that cashier at the store is being slow checking out the people in front of us or when our family does things that annoy or frustrate us(put a new roll on the toilet paper holder, anyone?) we are to be patient, not just in outward actions, but in our minds.
Love is kind. This one ought to be obvious. Give genuine compliments, lift up our friends when they're feeling down, lend help where we can. Hold open a door. Share things. There are far too many examples of how we can be kind.
Love does not envy. Since envy is to not only want something that someone else has, but to believe that you deserve that something more than the person who has it and/or to wish bad things on them for having 'what I deserve', just don't do that. Don't matter what that something is or who is it that has has it, seriously, just don't.
Love is not vain, is not puffed up. What this means is that to love is to not view ourselves as greater than someone else. When we are blessed with talent or wealth or nice things, we should never hold those things over someone else's head or look down our noses at those that don't have them. This also goes for the things that we do. It is neither loving nor honoring to God to say or think that we are better than someone else because we're more modest(wow, isn't that an oxymoron? But I've heard it happen) or because we volunteer our time or tithe more or support orphans in a third world country. Humility, pass it around.
Love does not behave inappropriately. So when that person cuts us off in traffic, we should not even think about flipping them off or hoping they crash. That post on "insert social media site"? We shouldn't respond rudely or crudely to it(if at all). We shouldn't insult or belittle the person that thinks or lives differently than we do, even if they do so to us. When we're mad or upset, we should not cuss or throw a fit. Instead, we are called to act and think with maturity and decency.
Love does not insist upon her own way. So when we see that awesome thing in the store and someone else wants it, we ought to let them have it(and not begrudgingly, either). When there is a group project, we should not insist on being in control if someone else wants to be. When we're out with friends or loved ones and want to see a movie, we should not insist on seeing the one we want. Also, when we speak to others about God. In my experience, it does no good to shove the gospel down other people's throats. They just tend to vomit it back up and run away from it, and us. Offer or mention God, but don't insist that they listen.
Love is not easily provoked. We should show grace to those that say and do hurtful things. Not to say that we should accept abuse, that's entirely different. But if someone is rude to us, we should let it go. It also means developing a tough skin to being insulted or having topics we're sensitive to being brought up. Even when we're not having a good day, we should not be irritable(difficult, I know, but not impossible). Even when someone hurts our feelings or does something we don't like, we should not be resentful nor should we be keeping score of hurts or annoyances. If something irks us, we need to stop and truly think about the situation. Most things that we don't like are not worthy of being provoked over. When it comes down to it, we should not let the actions, thoughts, or unlikable habits of others to dictate how we behave. Let it go, let it go!(Yes, I had to.)
Love thinks no evil. We should not hope for bad things to happen to others, fellow Christians or those that are still lost. We should not dwell on impure things. We should not plan to do bad things to others. Etc, etc.
Love does not take joy in doing evil, but rejoices in truth. If we are loving, we should not be happy or smug when we do sinful things, but instead take joy in doing what is right and speaking what is true(in a gentle and kind way).
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I had to learn this part recently through a hard lesson. Someone I love dearly came to me, telling me about a life choice they made that I cannot possibly agree with. One that goes against God's word and His holy design. But by God's grace, I can choose to keep on loving that person, believing that He can make things right and keep hoping that the person will find their way back to Him. We're called to keep loving, even when it's hard, until the end of the race that is life. There will be days where it seems impossible, but it's then that we must ask God to give us the strength to love and then do it.
Another bit to chew on. God is(among other things) love. Therefore, those who do not love, do not know God.
He is our best example of what love is. So, if we can't imagine(based on what the bible says) that God would do, say, or think something, neither should we allow ourselves to. Don't get me wrong. I'm by no means perfect in any of these areas. But we should all do our best to live up to these instructions on a daily basis.
So, what should you have gotten from all of the above? Long story short, in order to love, we need to actively and constantly choose to put our neighbors(which I firmly believe includes all of humanity, not just literal neighbors or those we like) first, not just with our actions but in our attitudes. Not because we think they deserve it, but because God commands it.
A godly action + a godly attitude = love. Think about it.


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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What's In Your Purse?
It started when some glassy-eyed woman next to me at the bar plopped down her massive purse, opened it, and proceeded to empty the entire contents onto the bar, presumably in search of money. What came out was amazing: a birth certificate, two hairbrushes, a Ziploc bag filled with bottles of lotion and loose peanuts, a birthday card, a half-eaten doughnut. I stared at the pile in wonder - it was all so vaginal. I expected a rabbit or small child next.
So of course we sent renegade photographer Shelley Hiam off into the night, and she took these shots. Enjoy the first in our series, predictably called What's In Your Purse?
Posted by Sweaty Updo at 2:31 PM No comments:
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dad Fail
So really, which is worse? Locking the kids in the car while you drink with fancy ladies, or paying a stranger to misplace your children's best friend....Skittles the Cocker Spaniel?
Posted by Kind Robot at 4:18 PM No comments:
Monday, August 24, 2009
Fangs for the memories
Wanna stunt everything that's intrinsically cool about cats? Wanna reduce them to hurky jerky muppets that are afraid to walk, hunt, and seek affection? Wanna completely dash their street cred?
You are not alone!
The makers of Catbib tackled these dilemmas by creating a simple, weighted flap. It connects around the neck and hangs to the front like an over sized power tie, impeding the feline's ability to move without stumbling. In theory, it keeps said furball from killing other animals deemed cute (birds, squirrels, well-dressed mice). In reality, it pisses the cat off so much that it will simply kill blindly out of spite -- or at least that's what happened when my co-workers tried the Catbib on Badji, our finest hunter. He immediately returned, bib covered in blood, holding a pulsating vole between his teeth as it bled out in the middle of the store.
You can't keep a good cat down.
Posted by Kind Robot at 1:07 PM No comments:
Like a Natural Woman
Pants have gotten sooo boring. Only you know the women who are going to purchase these are not the ones whose winking ass cheeks you really want to stare at. I guess that's kind of the point?
Still, WINKING ASS CHEEKS in 2009.
Posted by Sweaty Updo at 9:37 AM No comments:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Last Supper
Local radio superheroes of The Mascot Wedding Show alerted the world to a grave food injustice yesterday. It's a crime against good taste, self respect, and the sandwich status quo. Your health insurance plan is probably rewriting its policy now, and adding a pre existing condition clause for those who have consumed one.
It's the Double Down from KFC, and if this commercial is any indication, the hormones in the chicken will make grown men's voices sound like characters from the Little Rascals. As disturbing as this fried felony is, we at So Like Yeah are more concerned about the safety issues that accompany eating two fried chicken patties filled with melted cheese, drippy bacon, and Colonel Sauce.
This "sandwich" will never, ever, be taken all the way back to a person's house, placed on a piece of china, and slowly sawed into with a fork and knife. Instead it will be gnawed at while in traffic by 100% of its purchasers, one of whom will inevitably run into you at a red light while steering with his knees. Your spirit will be floating above the crime scene as he paws away the grease waterfall cascading down his chin and fumbles to dial 911 with his massive, chicken-dipped phalanges. You always suspected it might end this way.
It doesn't have to. If KFC would adopt our idea -- The KFC Feedbag (copyright pending) -- highways would be safer for everyone, gluttons included. The device would hook over the ears and rest gently under the chin, allowing you -- the safe driver -- to keep your hands on the wheel AND your mouth in the meal. It'll be like BlueTooth for food.
Posted by Sweaty Updo at 8:28 AM 1 comment:
Labels: WTF
Thursday, August 20, 2009
U-N-I-T-Why, are you seeing someone?
A recent study of murky scientific valor was conducted at Oklahoma State University. It's conclusion is that women are manburglers: that we seek out dudes who are happily attached and lure them back to our caves for reprogramming. Or, more gently put, that Taken Men = Good Men.
The tools applied in the data collection are highly arguable and paints women as match-snatchers, which leads me to suspect the two Social Psychologist who conducted the experiment were recently cheated on.
Posted by Sweaty Updo at 8:29 AM No comments:
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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|Possible year 1953
What's Happening?–Pictured above from left to right are Charles Murphy, Sue Harris, Sybil Thomas, Wally Porter, and they are busy as can be making plans for the "Bermuda Beachcomber" party to be held July 9, between the hours of 9 and 2pm at the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity House, 3069 S. Oxford. The hours for the affair are from 9:00 pm until 2:00 am.
The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Yvette Porter Moore unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Yvette Porter Moore
© 2010-2011


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L'École Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery design workshop allows students to try their hand at designing their own pieces.
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The fine plastic seal – vector material
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Work Morning at Yeading Brook Meadows
Sun, 08/10/2017 - 9:45am - 1:00pm
Ray and Roger pitchforking hay
Event details
Sun, 08/10/2017 - 9:45am - 1:00pm
Join us for a practical conservation session in the meadows, and keep an eye out for the wildlife that lives there!
We will be meadow mowing in the Hollows to keep the flowery meadows scrub free. There should be plenty to see at this time of year; grasshoppers, bush crickets and spiders especially, but small mammals are possible too.
Please contact Roger Taylor on 01895 448028 or firstname.lastname@example.com in advance to make sure we have the right number of tools, and to confirm the meeting place etc. Wear old clothes and strong shoes suitable to protect you from thorns. Tools and training will be provided.
Venue location
Yeading Brook Meadows,


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I arrived at work right around 8:15, just as I normally did, placed my Starbucks cup on my desk and checked my voicemail. I set my new voice message, "Hi, You've reach Hillary Pennington, administrative assistant with All-American Recreation. Today is Tuesday, September 11, and I am in the office today. Please leave me a message and I will get back with you right away."
A few minutes later, life, as I had known it, changed. Our facilities guy came running down the stairs into our dungeon offices and told me that a plane had hit the World Trade Center in NYC. As I was the only person in my office, I dropped everything (literally) and rand up the short stair case to the facilities office. He was listening to the radio online, which was strictly prohibited by our IT department, but something told me that today they wouldn't care. Just as we begun to listen, we heard that a second plane hit another tower. Immediately I knew we were under attack. For several moments, we both stood silent, tears streaming down our cheeks. What do you say to that?
I rushed back to my desk to call Neil, my husband of one month. He was at school at Georgia Tech, and of course wouldn't answer his cell phone. I knew I'd have to wait for him to call me, so I grabbed my cell phone and head upstairs to the main offices. 120 people worked at Perimeter at that time, most of which had not even arrived at work. I wondered how many would hear about the attacks on the radio and head back home, but as I came out of the stairway into the main lobby, it was apparent I was the only one who knew. It was business as usual. I found Heidi at the front desk, and asked if she had heard about the planes that hit the World Trade Center. She grasped at a near by radio and tuned to a talk-radio channel. It seemed as though the world had stopped. There was no cable television at the church, which was quite surprising to me, but I'd never questioned it before. So a few of us huddled about the receptionist's desk listening intently for any new details. About the time, and I'm serious about this, I said aloud "Where will they hit next," the report came in that there was some sort of fire at the Pentagon. At this point, panic set in. What would stop them, whoever they were, from hitting Atlanta?
I didn't even notice the growing numbers of people gathering around us, hanging on every word that reporter said. Tony, our IT guy (yes, the one who wouldn't allow us to listen to radio online), told us he was gerry-rigging a TV so we could watch from the fellowship hall. It's amazing how quickly this all happened. I walked into the hall, the very hall I'd been married in the month before, just in time to see the first tower fall. How could I not cry? In that moment people died. I didn't know how many, but I knew it was inevitable. Moments later, the second tower came down, and in horror, I sat down on the floor and wept. And I wasn't alone. My colleagues, men and women, pastors and admins, moms and dads, stood, sat and knelt around me in utter and complete shock. As a staff we prayed, for hours it seemed, for the victims, the survivors, and yes, those responsible (whoever they were).
Never in my life had I seen such hatred clearly demonstrated, and my naivety was put to rest once and for all. In the days following the attacks, I began to see a country awakened with patriotic hearts, joining together for one cause...to put our land back together again, protect our people from further attack, and bring justice to the invaders. In those moments, I was thankful for George W. Bush, our commander in chief. I could not have imagined what it would have been like had Gore been our president. It was clear why Bush had won that race, no matter how tight it was.
Seven years and two and a half kids later, our country seems safe. We've avoided other attacks and have successfully fought our enemies on their territory and not ours. But it seems that it's so easy to forget what we went through. We're back to tearing each other apart, pointing fingers, concocting stories about 9/11 being an inside job (yeah, and the holocaust wasn't real either). Even in the midst of a tragedy like Hurricane Katrina, all we could do was place blame. It seemed like the comrodarity we saw seven years ago has dissappeared. And in this ever so important, and historic election (on both sides), as American's we're going for the juggular instead of reaching out our hands. And don't get me started with the church. There's a song I just love about the body of Christ that says "if we are the body, why aren't his arms reaching? Why aren't his hands healing? Why are words words teaching?" Are those not the truest statements?
I encourage us to remember, and not just one day a year, but daily remember why we're Americans, why we love freedom, and why we were attacked. Live in a post-September 11th world, where we see the threats that surround us and respond to them, where we strive to protect ourselves and our neighbors, where we're proud of the freedom we have and the sacrifice it took to provide it.
Where were you on 9/11 and how did that day change your life?
I'm Not A Stalker, Just A Fan
2 years ago


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We, at the Firewater Lounge, don't recommend a high-class bottle since this will likely be mixed with two or more other liquids. DeKuyper will do here, so that you can save your money for scotch!
Stir gently on the rocks.
Beautiful! It's just missing a certain keyed trunk lid disposition, I believe it was right of the keyhole towards the edge of the trunk deck? Maybe the flaming Red Bomb recipe will follow (ala the 4 dr Red Oldsmobile that was destroyed in a rock quarry)ReplyDelete
What am I babbling about? Can you make sense of this? Delete away Holly. Lol, my affinity for The Affinity was great last nightReplyDelete
It's ok...I understood it. We are working on a 'Red Bomb' recipe!ReplyDelete
Made my first Lance Romance a minute ago! Color may have been off. I remember her being a little more green. I used none other than Senior Curacao's blue curacao which I picked up on the island of Curacao 2 1/2 years ago. It's the real deal. Pictures posted on FB.ReplyDelete
I think what I really meant is that the Lance Romance has no garnish. It's just missing something, like a statement piece...ReplyDelete
The curacao needs to be adjusted by its depth of color. It's the fun part! I went by 1/8ths until I got there. As for garnish, none of the classics really apply...suggestion?ReplyDelete
I've got the garnish figured out. It's not very food safe, but you need an old Oldsmobile key chain dangling over the sideReplyDelete
That would do it!ReplyDelete
Here is how I drink Blue Curacao
Blue Lagoon-
3 Cups Blue Curacao
3 Cups Vodka
1.5 Cups bar syrup
1.5 Cup fresh lime juice
6 Cups pineapple juice
Shake together in a gallon jug chill and enjoy these taste best in Jamaica I have learned but are pretty good on a hot summer day too. I have been known to drink the last few swallows right out of the jug. :) I never mix them by the glass... a waste of time!


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Customer reviews of Concordia Wellness & Spa
Hotel ★★★★S
First-class wellness, Schroth programmes & vital nutrition
Concordia Wellness & Spa Hotel
Germany · Alpine foothills · Oberstaufen
- General review
- Hotel
- Treatments
- Service
- Board
- Wellness area
Holiday overall
Nice hotel, very friendly service, fantastic food, very good supervised sports
Hotel in general
nice, cozy, comfortable
Service and hospitality
extremely friendly
consistently great food, very well presented
Spa, treatment and pool area
Pool area a little small but sufficient pleasant atmosphere. I didn't use the spa and treatment area
Treatments and programmes
Sports program was excellent, as if it had been tailored to me
Why should guests choose this hotel?
if you want: - idyllic landscape - very good food - Sport program for middle aged (trained or not) - Very good hiking opportunities
Do you have a tip for other guests?
this hotel
H. D., March 2017 , 50 to 59 years , solo
Benfit from the experience of other guests and get inspired with their tips and reviews! Here you can find real reviews from our customers. Only the guests who have booked with us and stayed in Concordia Wellness & Spa Hotel in Oberstaufen can review the hotel.
10 reasons to book with SpaDreams
- Wide range
- Best price guarantee
- 99% customer satisfaction
- Over 40 years of experience
- Expertise
- Individual service
- Best quality
- Always there for you
- Data security
- Innovativeness and trend consciousness
Top tips from our customers
'Room with sun balcony (it was October and nice weather, this was a treat in the beautiful environment)'
'The guided hikes, beautiful fitness rooms'
'If you want to establish a new attitude towards food and to develop your body - enjoyably lose weight loss, one should go there.'


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Jeff & Brinkley
The man in the car that tossed Brink a dog bone :o)
Brink being a good boy watching the parade with Mom & Dad
Cute little "float"
It's been a few weeks since I've had any inspiration to update my blog. The only art I've been working on is a baby album for my friend Kristine (which I'm thankfully almost done with!). Last week I had four days off in a row for the first time this summer and I spent two of them taping, priming, and painting my dining room and living room with Jeff. The other two days we spent in Wells at my grandma's camp with my grandma and my sisters for Wells Old Home Days.
Above are some photos from the parade on Saturday afternoon. Firetrucks, old cars, bag pipes, horses, Smokey the Bear, and even an all women kazoo band! Jeff, my sisters and I are getting too old to draw much attention to get candy thrown at us anymore, but we did take in some "loot" and were sure to share the tootsie rolls with Grandma. The cutest part of the whole parade for me was when a man in the old red car (seen above) tossed Brinkley a dog bone. He had impeccable aim and it landed right between Brinkley's paws. Brinkley gobbled it up before I could even situate my camera to get a good shot of his delighted expression and wagging tail.
Wells Old Home Days encompasses a fair, fireworks, the parade, and ultimately a weekend of fun, food, and incredible memories. Year after year the vendors, rides, and attractions dwindle to less and less. I think it disappoints my grandmother to see what was once such a booming town fade into a run down little speck on a map. Elise and Aly and I will always remember this special weekend in August a certain way, and having Jeff with me there this year...he just had to take my word for the great thing it once was. The parade was cute, and the fried dough was worth it's 24 weight watcher's points, and I got a book I needed for school at a used book sale for 25 cents--so the weekend wasn't a total loss. And no matter how "bad" Wells Old Home Days becomes, its more about being with grandma and my sisters and friends on the lake on a gorgeous summer day...and less about carnival rides and overpriced games and food. This year, what I will take with me is the priceless excitement of my puppy dog as a bone flies through the air and lands at his feet like it's raining treats!


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This week I managed to interview Actor Nick Boraine. He is starring in 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' which is showing at The Durban International Film Festival 2014.
I emailed him some questions and this is what he has to say:
|Nick Boraine
The story follows a diverse group of South African Actors who, together with American Theatre Director Michael Lessac, create a play about the role of the translators in SA's TRC. The Actors travel to other places that have experienced conflict and find themselves performing their theatre piece in Rwanda, Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia. This extraordinary journey leads to the opening up of difficult conversations around reconciliation and forgiveness and brings together radically different experiences of conflict.
Tell us how you created your character for 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' ?
The character was created out of endless improvisations. We all had the luxury of time and all of us could explore, research and then improvise around a variety of scenarios.
Advice for aspiring actors?
Decide early on what you are doing in this crazy business and then rely on your instincts rather than your intellect.
Which do you prefer: Theatre, TV or Film?
They all offer such different things, all come with their own challenges and I love them all differently... but equally.
Which actors inspire you locally and globally?
Geoffrey Rush, Kate Blanchet, Andrew Buckland and Charlie Chaplin.
What's the best acting advice you ever received?
Don't Act...Re-Act.
Where is home for you?
Greenside in Johannesburg.
Is this your first time at DIFF? As someone in the industry what are your thoughts about DIFF?
First time at DIFF and I think it is an extraordinary festival. Wonderful to be in Durban and an exceptional opportunity for South African Film Makers and ordinary South Africans to make and watch their own stories.
How has ever-changing technology impacted on the acting profession?
Yeah a lot over the years...pretty soon there will be a tiny drone hovering around my head to film my scenes...looking forward to that.
What project is next for you?
A couple of movies shooting in Cape Town - Looking forward to spending some time there.
Nick Boraine is one of the stars of 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake'.
It is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.
Next Screening: Friday 25 July, Suncoast 20:15
Interview by +Fred Felton


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Pictures of the kids, and one more voice in the collective wail of the middle-class American Mommy-bloggers. There: you were warned.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
What, we always come to breakfast in our Hello Kitty ears...
The traditional "dance of the packages."
Checking to be sure the piles are equal (God help us if one kid has a single ounce more than the other.)
Posted by K at 10:59 AM 1 comment:
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Airtight security
This is the security code you will need to use if you want to go into Audrey's room. The room is also, technically, her brother's room but more and more she is just referring to "my room" when she speaks of it-- BE THE CHANGE you wish to see in the world, right?
So you have to tap in the security code, which is composed of both letters and numbers. The numerical part is made up of the ages of everyone in the house in some kind of Zoroastrian pattern that only the designer understands.
And if you get stuck, you just hit the "Free" button and you're in. Nice!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Posted by K at 4:21 AM No comments:
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Turkey Lurkey
Audrey volunteered- honest!- that she wanted to follow the Thanksgiving tradition of sharing the things she is thankful for at our holiday meal this year, and she decided to rehearse, tonight. So did her brother. Here is my dictation:
"I am thankful...
--to be free.
--for the Presidents.
--for policemen.
--to live in a really lovely part of the world.
--for my Mom and Dad.
--for my brother... sometimes.
--for kitty and lovey. [security objects]
--for the sun.
--for animals, including our dead cat Neko, rabbits, and pet fish.
[it was here that I thought this list of "thankfuls" might be about to turn into a wish list for Santa, and I redirected her to thinks more appropriate for expressing gratitude.]
--for my friend Alice.
"I am thankful...
--for popcorn.
--for the Easter Bunny.
--for art supplies.
--for the stove, which makes popcorn.
-for kitty [security object].
May your Thanksgiving weekend be full of sun, friends, family, animals (including your dead cat, if you have one in your past) and popcorn.
Posted by K at 5:29 PM No comments:
Friday, November 22, 2013
Audrey explores the feminine mystique
Searching for a way to kill time, one of Audrey's babysitters bought her these lurid press-on nails, which are fun and incredibly creepy.
She seems to understand both their intended and unintended effects quite well, because when she pressed this purple talon onto her hand she said to me, "OK, now look at this until you throw up."
I'm just about there.
Posted by K at 5:38 PM 1 comment:
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Ain't Necessarily So (Chickpea carries on. And on and on and on.)
A shout out to Jill B. and Richard H. S., two real-live Chickpea readers who continue to stay out of Facebook Nation, and good for you! I just wanted to assure you that my idle threats to stop blogging were... well, idle. It was all just a bit of bleating for attention.
Which worked, I dare say.
But let's return to our blog roots, since it's a family-oriented holiday today. Here is a photo of the kids, eviscerating a pumpkin.
Happy Halloween, y'all. It's good to have your company out there.
Which worked, I dare say.
But let's return to our blog roots, since it's a family-oriented holiday today. Here is a photo of the kids, eviscerating a pumpkin.
Happy Halloween, y'all. It's good to have your company out there.
Posted by K at 6:40 AM 2 comments:
Monday, October 28, 2013
Mommy Blogger Apologizes to Nonexistent Readers For Not Posting More Often
AP Top News at 12:37 EDT...
All good things must come to an end. And also, things that are less good.
That's the story told by Kris W., a semi-employed mother of two who announced that she may be calling it quits on her blog, ChickpeaCentral, a six-year chronicle of her madcap adventures as a fertile, overeducated, middle-class white lady.
In her press release, Kris says she feels "totally bad" about not posting more often, although it is unclear to whom this concern may be directed. "It's a new era," says the once prolific poster on topics as varied as the toileting habits of her two year old, and the toileting habits of that same two year old, six months later. "When you have to drag friends to your blog by updating your status to say you've updated your blog, it gets awkward for everyone."
Friends alerted to the blog's demise were surprised to hear that it still exists. "She's all over Facebook," said one source, briefly glancing up from her phone, "so I just assumed she was done with the baby blog thing. Do people still do those?"
Kris acknowledges that readership is down from her peak month when the site received 700 hits after a post containing the words "spica cast" went mildly viral. But she points out that her husband, her mother and at least one person in Thailand still regularly stop by to see what's not happening. But despite the gratingly cheerful editorial style and that headachy bubble backdrop, a close friend of Kris W. (who spoke on condition of anonymity) pointed to what appears to be a darker side of Chickpea. "It can be funny sometimes, like, those kids say the gosh-darndest things! But then she'll get a little shrill and crazy-sounding, especially mid-winter, and I'm like… is she OK?"
Asked for his response to the shuttering of Chickpea, a co-worker of Kris's husband remarked, "Mommy blogs are like snowflakes. There are a gazillion of them and each one is exactly like all the rest. But at least it never became one of those screechy things where she's screaming at us in ALL CAPS about stuff like the washing machine breaking down. I mean, news flash! That happens to everyone."
When asked what projects she envisions next, Kris mentioned a possible foray into the mash-up genre she just invented called "bliction," in which she will blog about her imaginary family as they travel the world collecting folk art and home schooling one another. The new project, tentatively titled "Happy, Fantastic!" will feature recipes and craft projects not tested by Kris or anyone else.
At press time, Kris's husband was working at his actual job and could not be reached for comment.
Posted by K at 9:38 AM 1 comment:
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Mommy's New Hideaway
Dear Plow and Hearth catalogue,
What a pleasure to set down my plow, and curl up by the hearth this afternoon to page through your fall catalogue. Now that I have tossed it into my Classic Wooden Hearth Bucket with the rest of the lavender-scented kindling, I had to send you my thanks.
I'm aglow, just like my incredibly well tended fireside, at the way you've anticipated my need for Fireplace Bellows, Wellingtons that take me "from garden to grocery store" (the only two locations I am aware of) and—the piece that truly captures the rustically absurd comforts of my home, the Space-Saving Canoe Shelf. Until today, I have saved space by simply not having indoor canoes, but I love your fresh ideas!
Yet it's a much humbler product that captured my heart this season: fake boulders. Or as you've impishly named them, Mock Rocks. No more will I lie awake in my solid oak, four poster bed, burning with shame at the thought of "pipes, meters, stumps and bare spots" in our yard, nakedly exposed as if no one had even thought to put a pretend stone over these obscenities.
Never again will I pass by a "boulder" on someone else's lawn and mistake it for simple geologic reality—no. I'll see it for the sly, yet sophisticated decoy it really is, covering up some unspeakable foulness like maybe a bunch of really lame-looking actual rocks.
But if I may point out a missed opportunity: Mock Rocks are not simply a chance to to "camouflage a variety of challenges" but to actually hide oneself from challenges. Your Extra Large Mock Rock in Brown is just two discreetly placed eyeholes and a beverage holder away from being my new favorite get-away (except the hearth, obviously). How cozily I could snuggle there in my Reversible Juliet Quilt, secure in the knowledge that I am providing "visual contrast to beds and borders" while remaining completely invisible to my family!
To throw them off my scent, I have only to set the Laptop Rabbit lawn ornament out in front of my hideaway. Because (as you clearly know) my children no longer know the difference between my face and the back of an Mac PowerBook, they are unlikely to realize that this cute bespectacled rabbit is not their real mother!
But I leave the details to you, and eagerly await your spring catalogue. Back to turning my compost, or maybe just rotating the selection of tasty holiday nutmeats in my Snack Carousel…
Posted by K at 5:30 PM 4 comments:
Sunday, April 28, 2013
At sister's soccer practice
When he got tired of running around the perimeter of the field at Audrey's soccer practice, he started flower gathering, "for Frank," he said. I finally worked out, with Scott's help, that Frank is the guy who is doing some landscaping work for us this spring and Scott told Calvin that if he picked all the dandelions, it would make Frank happy. I guess Calvin took that to mean ALL dandelions, everywhere.
Calvin has taken to putting his hand on his hip for photographs, and also when he is talking to strangers-- I guess trying to strike a pose that conveys warmth and credibility at the same time? It seems to work.
Posted by K at 7:22 PM No comments:
Bit loose, but it fits.
Picture day tomorrow, and Audrey has selected this dress which my mother made for me for my eighth birthday. She looked at herself in the mirror and said, "Now I look like someone from the olden days, who works in an office!"
And when I laughed, the dust and cobwebs fell all around me.
Actually, what I remember doing when I first put on this dress was pretending to give a lecture to a Biology 101 class. That's what I thought the dress looked made for. What made the look slightly less sophisticated in my case was the knee-high white socks and blue sandals I paired with it.
And you know what? I just realized Audrey has no shoes to wear with that dress tomorrow. She'll have to go in the 3-sizes-too-big-but-she-loves-them-anyway black Mary Janes. And white socks (but at least not with sandals.)
Calvin's shirt is pressed and his Dinosaur clip-on-tie is ready to go.
Posted by K at 7:16 PM 1 comment:
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Easter Special: The blog is resurrected
I promised and promised Scott that I would not drop the blog all together now that I'm in a new relationship with Facebook, so, today, we rise again. Feasting on bacon and candy and a lot of coffee, and now, on pictures and videos of the kids hunting Easter eggs!
There was more squabbling this year as Calvin is now old enough to actually notice his sister scooping up his share of the eggs before he can get to them. Here's how egg hunts work at our house: because the Easter Bunny is extremely busy, he has subcontracted with Scott and I to hide the eggs that our family decorated together the day before. So Scott stayed inside with the kids-- drapes closed-- while I dashed all around the yard and hid eggs. This was made significantly harder by the fact that we raked and cleaned the yard yesterday, obliterating most of the good hiding places in the still-leafless spring yard.
I hope you enjoy the sound of the twerdeling birds in the video as much as I do.
Happy spring, happy Easter. Welcome back, sunshine.
There was more squabbling this year as Calvin is now old enough to actually notice his sister scooping up his share of the eggs before he can get to them. Here's how egg hunts work at our house: because the Easter Bunny is extremely busy, he has subcontracted with Scott and I to hide the eggs that our family decorated together the day before. So Scott stayed inside with the kids-- drapes closed-- while I dashed all around the yard and hid eggs. This was made significantly harder by the fact that we raked and cleaned the yard yesterday, obliterating most of the good hiding places in the still-leafless spring yard.
I hope you enjoy the sound of the twerdeling birds in the video as much as I do.
Happy spring, happy Easter. Welcome back, sunshine.
Posted by K at 7:18 AM No comments:
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I'm up for trying pretty much any beauty related gizmo that won't permanently maim me or cause me undue distress. Yes, there are many procedures and gadgets in the world willing to do that to me. I just say no. When I saw a derma roller video I clicked off that mess quickly. I mean WTF is that thing? Look at it. Don't let it touch me!
As usual, curiosity got the best of me and I investigated. Research doesn't hurt.
What Is A Derma Roller
The derma roller is a Medieval torture device reserved for the punishment of societies most heinous criminals. Torturers would flip the eyelids of the convicted and drag it across their eyeballs over and over, slowly and methodically.
Ok, I'm just kidding. But you're going to feel a lot better about what this thing really does now that you've read that. You're welcome. sips tea daintily
Let's Talk About What Spawned The Derma Roller First
If you go to your local med-spa or dermatologist, you might see Micro-Needling services offered. The claim is, depending on the length of the needles, the derma roller creates micro injuries to the skin. The skin then responds by producing collagen to help heal the tiny wounds, and collagen makes prettier skin. The tiny punctures are said to help topical skincare products penetrate the skin better and therefore perform better. Micro needling is usually performed by a doctor or RN using either a roller or a micro needling pen. The procedure can be tailored to your specific needs and the length of the needle is usually longer (2.5mm – 3.0mm) to penetrate more deeply. Human growth factor serum and other products are typically in conjunction with the procedure. Numbing cream is usually used so the procedure is not painful and recovery is very quick. The results can be dramatic in improving the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin tone. The cost for this procedure generally ranges from $300-$900 per session with 3 sessions recommended for optimal results.
Wow, That's Pricey! Is There A Budget Version?
Yes, the derma roller. But your mileage may vary.
The derma roller is an at-home device, similar to the ones used by doctors and spas. Derma rollers usually range is needle length from .25 mm to 3.0 mm and can be purchased at a wide range of cost from around $15.00 on up. In my search, I couldn't find many in the 2-3mm range, though. Remember, this is your face. Quality counts. Do your research.
If you visit RealSelf.com, you'll find varied opinions from doctors on whether or not an at home derma roller can penetrate deeply enough to benefit the skin. You'll also find patients and users of derma rollers with various opinions.
Most people seem to opt for the .25mm on up the 1.5 for at home use. Anything beyond that can be quite painful unless you are using numbing cream. The longer needles can cause bleeding and can actually damage the skin leaving your scars in worse condition than when you started. It's important to follow the instructions that come with your device so that you don't injure yourself. What I'm saying here is be smart, be cautious, be informed before you proceed.
What Do I Think of Dermarolling?
I had to try it. It took me a good long time to click the one-click button but I did it. I bought a derma roller and I tried it out. I decided I wanted to use a serum before and after despite my concern that perhaps some skincare products aren't meant to penetrate that deeply. I used a 1.0mm and started at my forehead rolling horizontally, then vertically, then diagonally before moving on to my cheeks, chin and neck. I avoided my eye area and my lips because, ouch. There was no blood and just a bit of tingling. And only mild panic. Halfway through I thought, "WTF are you doing? You're NEEDLING your face!". The panic was brief and I continued to injure my face. Once I was done, I applied my peptide serum and waited for instant beauty. After a few minutes, I got bored and applied my moisturizer and went to bed. The next day my face was soft and smooth. Was it the derma roller or my mystical, magical powers of making wishes come true. Who knows?
I wanted to make sure my skin was not too sensitive and totally recovered so I waited a week and rolled again. I used the same serum and moisturizer. In between rolling sessions I continued with my normal skincare routine. I don't have acne scars but I do have a three-inch scar on my cheek that continues to become less and less noticeable. I can't directly credit the use of the derma roller for how well this scar has healed because I take very good care of my skin and I use sunscreen every day. But I can say that I am very happy with my scar and my skin at this point.
Final verdict: Thumbs up. I'm sticking with my derma roller. It's become a regular part of my skincare routine. It's easy, inexpensive and I believe I'm seeing results.


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Also, we went to the cinema to see Valentine's Day. I think it's a nice film, but not very special, just entertainment. There are a lot of famous actors and actresses in it. It reminds me of New York, I love you, but Valentine's Day is happier and clearer, and a little bit more superficial.
Funny fact: Taylor Laughter and Taylor Swift play a couple in this film.


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Last Friday, I was in Florida, host to a miracle.
During my keynote speech, I planned to do another water Intention Experiment. I'd set up an Intention Experiment with the Russian physicist Konstantin Korotkov, a professor at what is now called the Russian National University of Informational Technology, Mechanics and Optics.
The plan was to see if my audience of 1000 at the World Happiness Summit in Miami could, in some way, affect a bottle of water sitting in his laboratory in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Here was the set up of Dr. Korotkov's equipment, all of it feeding into a computer system:
The Bio-well devices were small Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV) machines, capable of measuring light from living things and also various energetic properties of water, and he'd included a sensor to measure the water's pH.
But he'd also included a sensitive device he'd created and playfully christened 'Sputnik', after the first Soviet satellite space launch in 1957.
His device was a bit like Roger Nelson's entire Global Consciousness Project configuration rolled up into a single machine, as Korotkov claimed that it was capable of measuring environmental influences on human emotion.
Measuring the environment
Sputnik had been developed as a specially designed antenna for his GDVs, which Korotkov liked to refer to as an 'integral environment analyzer.' Coupled with the information delivered by his GDV, the purpose of this highly sensitive device was to measure any changes in the atmosphere relative to any changes in the people occupying that space.
Korotkov claimed the little sensor could pick up the capacitance, or ability to store charge, of the environment through its extreme sensitivity to changes in environmental electromagnetic fields.
As human emotions are related to the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, any changes in that system also change blood circulation, perspiration, and other functions, which consequently change the overall electrical conductivity of the body.
Changes in the field
Aware of the vast body of evidence demonstrating the effect of solar activity, tectonic disturbances and tensions, and the ambient electromagnetic field on human health, Korotkov maintained that the reverse was also true: when a person experiences a change of emotion, it will affect the electricity of the environment, which in turn will be picked up by his Sputnik sensor.
"Changes in the functional state of the human body leads to a change in . . . the field distribution around the body, the chemical composition of the ambient air due to exhaled air and emissions of endocrine substances through the skin," he wrote in a paper about his invention. It was his theory that his Sputnik was capable of picking up even the most subtle of these environmental charges.
Korotkov had spent a number of years testing the device during expeditions to Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Myanmar, Siberia and elsewhere before becoming satisfied that the device was sufficiently sensitive to assess local environmental conditions and their idiosyncrasies after discovering sensitive sensor signal variations during sunrise and sunset or prior to a thunderstorm. In 2008, he'd taken a series of measurements with it in a variety of spots in Russia – Novoskibirsk, Berdsk, Irkutsk and Abakan – using seven independent Sputnik devices during a total solar eclipse.
All seven devices showed similar curves of activity before the eclipse, with all stabilizing similarly after the event was over.
Measuring people
His most intriguing claimed effect was the ability of the device to measure the subliminal psychological and emotional reactions of groups of people.
He'd tested this during a vast variety of group gatherings – religious ceremonies, yoga exercises, group meditation, musical performances and even public lectures – and discovered statistically significant changes in the device that correlated with the duration of the events and the group's collective emotion; the higher the changes in his Sputnik signal, the greater the emotional charge of the room.
During two workshops of mine, when Konstantin was present, he turned on Sputnik and also measured some of the participants before and after our Power of Eight groups. In both cases, stress levels had dropped considerably in the individuals and a change of charge in the room had clearly been registered.
The effects of the Power of Eight groups were affecting the group members but also radiating out, sending out waves of good will.
Love to water
And now in Miami, for 10 minutes beginning at exactly 4:30 pm our audience sent intentions of love to the water, imagining it becoming more alkaline like a mountain stream.
Dr. Korotkov was blinded to the time we were sending intention until we'd finished, but had turned on his equipment at 2:16 pm Miami time (9:16 pm his time in Russia), and after I'd texted him that we'd finished, he turned off the machines at exactly 5 pm Miami time.
After analyzing the three types of measurements, he sent the results a few hours later. The water's pH hadn't altered, although that may have been because it stood at 7, a good pH for water. The GDV equipment had some issues with parameters, making it impossible to note meaningful changes.
What had changed – hugely – was the electrical charge in the entire room housing the little bottle of water. Here's the chart he produced showing the changes.
The green bars show when my talk started, and the red bar shows the time during our intention. The lowered position of the red bar represents a smaller signal, which indicates essentially a calmer environment with less charge.
The implications of our collective capacity to create calm in our environment are enormous.
With all the terrorist activity on our doorstep, a collective intention for peace could be our strongest weapon.


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Hanbury's of Babbacombe, Devon, has taken the giant leap to MSC certification
David Hanbury has been running his popular fish and chip shop in the Southwest for just over 30 years and has always been a keen supporter of sustainable practices.
With the help of his general manager, Jake Thorn, David decided last year that he would take the passion for quality and sustainable fish one step further and has achieved the Marine Stewardship Council's Chain of Custody standard for seafood traceability.
Jake comments: "We are now able to offer quality MSC haddock and MSC cod, buying from good MSC sustainable suppliers."
The MSC Chain of Custody means that all Hanbury's cod and haddock can be traced back to a fishery that meets the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fishing. What's more, in both the restaurant and the takeaway, Hanbury's can now promote its efforts by adding the MSC ecolabel to menus and packaging as well as web pages and marketing materials.
But it's not just Hanbury's that carries the MSC certification. To be awarded the Chain of Custody all companies involved in getting the fish from its source to a customer's plate must be certified, showing a dedicated commitment down the entire length of the supply chain.
"This issue of supply of key product – fish – should be important to every owner of a fish and chip shop. We're very much behind it and we'll be pushing for more fish and chips shops to do the same," adds David.
"And as well as ensuring the fish that you eat is from a sustainable source, the Chain of Custody also helps to keep illegally caught fish out of the seafood supply chain."
Although David admits at the moment customers don't generally ask for MSC certified fish, he believes they are becoming more conscious of the issue and asking where their fish has come from and whether it's from sustainable stock.
Extremely passionate about the issue, David adds: "It's really good to know that we're one of the first fish and chip shops to have supported sustainability really early on, and now we've gained MSC certification I'm really looking forward to the interest developing both with the public and with the rest of the fish and chip shop sector."
MSC 0207 246 8917 firstname.lastname@example.com


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|Jim Carrey And Jeff Daniels - Dumb and Dumber To
I might get shot for saying this but, I wasn't a big fan of 1994s, Dumb and Dumber. Sure it was funny and it had some charm to it, yet the subject matter was childish and the hilarious moments were few and far between. That movie sort of symbolizes the rollercoaster of good and bad films that the Farrelly Brothers have made over the last twenty years. Up- Kingpin, There's Something About Mary, Me Myself & Irene, Shallow Hal, Stuck on You, Hall Pass, and The Three Stooges. And down- Osmosis Jones, Fever Pitch, The Heartbreak Kid, and now, Dumb and Dumber To.
Not included were a couple of horrible producing choices that they've made like, Say It Isn't So, and The Ringer. My point, is that when the Farrellys stick to their same old, immature, over-the-top, films with little to no character progression and raunchiness drenched in desperation, (nine times out of ten) the movie isn't going to be well received and/or memorable. When their characters have heart and a genuine sense of purpose, things fall into place and the potty humor makes them even more sentimental.
With Hollywood's hopeless attempts at producing original hits, they have ventured into a realm that we thought would never exist- long belated sequels of films that no one ever asked for or gave up thinking about a long time ago. To my disbelief, Dumb and Dumber To has now happened, while the Ghostbusters franchise gets fitted for Spanx gear and straitjackets (cause those bitches is menstrual and crazy!) before its inevitable re-collapse.
From the hilarious trailers, I thought that this new film would be awesome, I was wrong. It's just, ok. I don't fault Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey for its mediocrity, I blame the Farrellys. (along with four other writers) They wrote and directed the damn thing. Even though this film doesn't try to one up the original, it still comes off as an almost scene for scene copy of part 1 with different characters and hijinks. Think of how comparable the stories were for Escape from New York and Escape from L.A.. It all just seems kind of lazy to me.
The chemistry between Daniels and Carey is as fresh as ever. Problem is, that some of their dumbness comes off as awkward especially when forced upon other people. The supporting cast mostly gets to overact and react to Carey's and Daniel's, without anything notable to contribute.
Only Kathleen Turner (Romancing the Nile) and Rob Riggle (21 Jump Street) seem to be the most grounded and professional on the lot. There are some really funny moments (Cat fart, Riggle's rude awakening, Carey's dream), and the explanation to catch everyone up on the last twenty years, is simply clever. Little nods to part 1 are also sprinkled throughout for those yearning for a repeat.
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly of Dumb and Dumber To
The Good- Relatable to the Xbox Kinect sensor gimmick in Paranormal Activity 4, Rob Riggle's background paint disguise, is this film's coolest and only real memorable thing. Too bad that you only get to see it twice before the end credits.
The Bad- The "jigs up" scene at the film's end- the same, unimportant, badly acted, monologuing, cliche, that most weakly written comedies present.
The Ugly- Twenty (warning: expicit content) gosh darn years, and this is the best that they could come up with?!
Final thoughts on Dumb and Dumber To
I wish that this was so much better. The failure of this film makes part 1 seem almost iconic. On the bright side, it's so comparable to the original that true fans should disregard this review and enjoy. Stay through the coolly nostalgic end credits for a scene afterwards. If you're on the fence about seeing Dumb and Dumber To, wait for the rental. Now, can we finally get a sequel to Once Bitten?! (look it up)
Rating- 5 out of 10
Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
PG-13 | 1h 49min | Adventure, Comedy | 14 November 2014 (USA)
Twenty years since their first adventure, Lloyd and Harry go on a road trip to find Harry's newly discovered daughter, who was given up for adoption.
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Writers: Sean Anders, John Morris
Stars: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Rob Riggle


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America, do something about your ethnic strife or please shut up about intervening in other dysfunctional countries forever.
I've been meaning to write about how sad I am about the current state of mere coexistence in this country for a while now but have been putting it off, mostly because I've been busy with work, but also because sadness isn't very inspiring. It's not like anger. I can rant all day, ask anyone. Ranting is good because it might spur the change you want to see. Our country's fissures, though, seem every day further removed from the possibility of healing.
It was clearly evident after Freddie Gray died on April 12, 2015. My previous post was a reaction to the ensuing Facebook shit show, with one (predominantly white) segment "standing with the police," trolling about black-on-black violence, and even posting the absolutely horrific sentiment that Gray deserved to be killed for his previous record. On the other side, the (predominantly black and/or grad student) segment likened the police presence to slavery and called for people of color to "fight back." It was absolutely disheartening to see so many people completely talking past one another. I bet many of them went to town on Facebook's unfollow option, which only increased the shrillness and vitriol because then there wasn't even the one sane moderate humbly critiquing your hateful posts, only the thirty members of the choir you're preaching to showering you with likes and hell yeahs.
For the record, I find it almost impossible to imagine that Gray died from any other way than excessive force by the police. Whether or not the officers' actions were motivated by race is another matter. It's a matter that might affect the legal details of the case but happens to be irrelevant to the bigger picture that we Americans are still ridiculously motivated by race.
I don't mean just whites. I mean all of us. We cling to racial identity as if it actually means something, we insist on ascribing characteristics to races in a way that would've made Louis Aggasiz blush. Aggasiz, using that sophisticated measuring-the-volume-of-sand-in-skulls method in the years leading up to the Civil War, only argued that blacks are stupid. In 2015 I witnessed Facebookers call blacks stupid, lazy, dishonest, violent, and (in the case of Freddie Gray) deserving death for breaking society's rules.
What a mistake it is to assume that these are the ramblings of fringe white supremacists intent on safeguarding their privilege, though. There are so many people who truly believe those things, and they live in fear. These are people honestly can't imagine why black families are worried about their sons encountering police because it's so far removed from their own experiences of cops directing traffic or giving them a friendly wave at the doughnut shop. They don't consider how humiliating it is to constantly see pedestrians cross to the other side of the street, let alone have chubby security guards subtly trail you through the Walgreens. They aren't even bad people, only people who don't know.
On the other hand, there are also people who genuinely consider today's cops to be analogous to plantation overseers. Because of that they too live in fear and calling for violence to end violence seems to be the only option left. They call whites greedy, dishonest, violent, and deserving death for gaming the system to their perpetual advantage. It hasn't occurred to them that white people don't think of themselves as descendants of slaveholders because to them honoring the experience of the enslaved is still very salient. They can't imagine what it's like barely being to make ends meet for your family yet being told to "check your privilege." Again, though, they aren't bad people.
So we need to talk. Better yet, we need to think. At this point I can't imagine it getting better unless we consciously stop using race as a category of difference. It's a shameful historical relic that never did serve any purpose other than demarcating us vs. them, and if you're sure you're the good guy it's difficult to see that the other guy might be good too. To quote the poet Kai Zen: "The truth is, there is no race but the human race. But we want there to be race, otherwise how would we know who wins?"
Case in point: Last night nine congregants at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopalian church in Charleston were killed by a gunman who allegedly screamed "You rape our women and you're taking over our country!" as he reloaded five times. Three times as many people died in Charleston compared to the Boston Marathon, but we're in so deep that even this very fucking blatant act of terrorism is somehow controversial. Somehow, the same War on Terror zealots who went apeshit over the Tsarneav brothers can't muster the outrage to say one word about this shooter. Somehow, "rednecks" and their "white supremacist culture" need to be dragged into the fray. This is what I mean by our current state of mere coexistence. We coexist, barely, because we have to, but the dysfunction is submerged only just below the surface.
This is the first part of a series of three posts!