text:
I Did It All For The Book(y)!
(Yeah, I know. That blog post title barely works. Let's pretend I'm clever, K?)
"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time." ~Sylvia Plath
How are you? How is your summer? I hope this finds you happy, healthy, writing the magic.
I've been busy lately researching for my next novel, enjoying the last days of summer before my kid goes back to school, back-to-school-shopping, pinning on Pinterest (it's like crack!) (if you want to check it out you can follow my link on my sidebar...but essentially it is a place to make inspiration, story, idea, etc. boards in an easy organized fashion), drinking margaritas, reading in the sunshine, doing another round of 'roids because the asthma came back, reading/critiquing for others, etc.
Blogging? Um, well, not so much. Sorry. *blushes* But I'm back. *waves*
Oh, and yesterday I was watering my flowers and the earth started shaking (not gonna break out in AC/DC song). It felt like I was on a boat. (still not gonna break out in rap/song) That was...unexpected. I haven't felt a single earthquake since living on the east coast. Now the hurricane is coming. I like storms. I've lived through plenty of hurricanes. I like writing in storms. Thus, I hope to have a good writerly weekend.
Speaking of writing, Rachael Harrie (at Rach Writes) is organizing another author platform building connection campaign.
52 comments:
- Angie Cothran said...
I'm a fellow campaigner too and in you YA group. Just stopping by to say HI :)
- August 24, 2011 at 11:58 PM
- Mary Mary said...
Welcome back! Glad to hear you had a busy summer just like everyone else! I'm looking forward to the Campaign, so I'll be around.
- August 25, 2011 at 12:00 AM
- Christine Fonseca said...
I am seriously thinking about joining this campaign...guess I better decide SOON
- August 25, 2011 at 12:01 AM
- Jessica Love said...
Yay! We're in a group together!
- August 25, 2011 at 12:30 AM
- Amanda Leigh Cowley said...
Hi there, Lola! I'm in your Urban Fantasy group. I'm now going to check out that pinterest thing! Sounds intriguing...
- August 25, 2011 at 3:58 AM
- Old Kitty said...
Lovely to see you back n blogging!! Good luck with your research and do take extra care and be safe with the weather you're having over there! Enjoy your writerly weekend too! x
- August 25, 2011 at 5:56 AM
- Vernieda said...
Hi Lola! I'm a first-time campaigner stopping by to say hello! :D
- August 25, 2011 at 7:10 AM
- Alex J. Cavanaugh said...
Hey Lola! Limp Bizkit - clever. Felt the earthquake on Tuesday. Now just waiting for the hurricane on Saturday. My second book is scheduled for release next February, so excited about that.
- August 25, 2011 at 7:57 AM
- Lindsay N. Currie said...
LOLA! Miss you!!!! So glad to see you posted today and glad you aren't frightened of Irene. My writing partner and agent both live on the East Coast so I'm a bit anxious for them. Summer going well and joined the campaign. Chat soon!!
- August 25, 2011 at 8:46 AM
- Jemi Fraser said...
Sounds like summer is just as it should be ... minus the earthquake and 'roids :)
I'm doing all my back-to-school goodies & enjoying the last few weeks of summer :)
- August 25, 2011 at 9:40 AM
- Sheri Doyle said...
Nice to meet you! I'm excited to get to know everyone through this campaign!
- August 25, 2011 at 9:47 AM
- Anonymous said...
Oh, but that particular AC/DC song is one of my favourites - I totally would've been singing along! Lol...
This is so weird, I didn't feel a thing (and I was just sitting here at my computer), and yet friends of mine who live here with me (not "here" as in my apartment, but "here" as in Toronto) felt the shakes!!
Please do keep safe in the bad weather. I hope you have that good writerly weekend! :-)
- August 25, 2011 at 9:50 AM
- Melissa Hurst said...
Hey, Lola! I haven't stopped by in a while. I've been on a hiatus, too. I've seen a few people talking about Pinterest. I need to check that out! It's so weird about the earthquake on the east coast. I'm in Georgia, but I didn't feel anything. Glad you're okay:)
- August 25, 2011 at 9:52 AM
- Laura Marcella said...
We're getting some crazy events & weather our way aren't way? Well, crazy for us Mid-Atlantic/New Englanders. Other parts of the country are laughing at us, haha!
- August 25, 2011 at 12:46 PM
- Tere Kirkland said...
Hey! Glad you're enjoying the dogdays of summer! I'll be happy when it's October and finally cooling down.
Checked out your Pinterest boards the other day. I think it's time for me to make a few more. Hmmmm.....
- August 25, 2011 at 1:32 PM
- Brinda said...
Hi Lola! I'm in your group and look forward to networking with you.
- August 25, 2011 at 2:16 PM
- JEM said...
Welcome back! I missed you :(. And your lovely photo posts that almost made me buy a gypsy wagon (why do we not ALL live like that in magical splendor?!?)
- August 25, 2011 at 2:22 PM
- Anonymous said...
I am in your campaign group! Nice to meet you [gives pixel writer food aka candy]
- August 25, 2011 at 3:13 PM
- Jennie Bailey said...
LOLA!! I love when you pop on for an update. I've missed you! How's the writing? FEARLESS. I just pulled out the NaNo project and finished the first rewrite, sent it off to the teens...and they LOVE it. So inspired by their comments. I had completely forgotten how fast they devour things. AND I have a stack of books from the library just singing out to me. I can't wait to dive in!
- August 25, 2011 at 10:29 PM
- Anonymous said...
Oh, how I would love a writerly weekend like you are expecting. We're in the middle of a long drought. I think I'm turning a lovely shade of green right now.
- August 25, 2011 at 11:28 PM
- Katie Gates said...
Hi Lola, I'm linking over from the Campaign's Adult-All Genres group. It's wonderful to meet you, and I look forward to reading more of your posts. (But first, I must find my neck brace, helmet, and 5-point harness. Now... where did I put those things?)
- August 26, 2011 at 12:14 AM
- Melanie Jacobson said...
Hi, fellow campaigner. *Waves*
Lola is one of my most favorite names. :)
- August 26, 2011 at 1:48 AM
- Anonymous said...
Hi there, waving hello from the "campaign trail". I'm in your Adult Fiction group.
Good luck with Irene this weekend, and stay safe. Looking forward to chatting over the next few weeks.
- August 26, 2011 at 2:56 AM
- MorningAJ said...
Hiya. I'm in the Campaign with you. Good to meet you!
- August 26, 2011 at 7:43 AM
- Carolyn V said...
I'll have to check out the campaign. What a great idea!
- August 26, 2011 at 10:54 AM
- Sarah Ahiers (Falen) said...
well, you know how mine's going. Now i have to dive into revisions, post haste. I'm going to participate in Authoress's Baker's Dozen auction if it kills me
Also, boo on earthquakes and hurricanes. That's why i like MN. All we have are tornadoes and blizzards
- August 26, 2011 at 12:40 PM
- LTM said...
I hope you're having a wonderful, fearless summer as well. Nice to see your shoes~ :D
- August 26, 2011 at 3:34 PM
- E. Arroyo said...
Hi fellow campaigner. Writing is going great so far. But I love first drafts, after that it's all work.
- August 26, 2011 at 6:01 PM
- Lady Gwen said...
Hello L-O-L-A (sorry, love that song, couldn't resist). I'm a new follower and fellow campaigner, just stopping to say, "hey!"
- August 26, 2011 at 8:02 PM
- Lisa Potts said...
Glad you've joined the campaign trail this year! It should be a blast.
My kids went back to school two weeks ago. I can remember when we didn't go back until after Labor Day. Doesn't seem like the summer lasts very long these days.
- August 27, 2011 at 6:07 PM
- Anonymous said...
boo to the asthma...but, yay to the blogging. after a couple of years of blogging, it's nice to get a new burst of energy, meeting new writers, etc.
(I love parentheses)
My summer has been the same: writing, critiquing, reading, playing with the kiddunks, kicking back in the hammock and cursing at mosquitos.
Sarah xx
- August 27, 2011 at 9:01 PM
- Catherine Denton said...
I like your title; but then again, my friends often say I'm corny--so take that how you will. Sounds like you had a mostly great summer. Hope your fall is awesome.
My Blog
- August 29, 2011 at 1:06 AM
- Rosie Lane said...
Fellow campaigner saying hi. I'm in your paranormal group.
- August 29, 2011 at 5:10 AM
- Elliot Grace said...
...nice to hear from you, Lola, and that summer has treated you like an old friend.
Good luck researching that novel ;)
- August 29, 2011 at 6:04 AM
- Linda G. said...
Just got back from a vacation that started with an earthquake on the first day, and ended early when we were chased from the beach by Hurricane Irene. Frankly, I'm looking forward to fall. ;)
- August 29, 2011 at 10:41 AM
- Christa said...
You are a doll, Lola. I am so pleased to see your exceptional number of followers. You deserve to be followed!
- August 29, 2011 at 2:12 PM
- Casey Morris said...
Hope the storm writing went well. I'm a fellow campaigner, nice to meet you!
- August 30, 2011 at 12:34 AM
- Shannon Lawrence said...
Man, I haven't even been tempted to try Pinterest because I saw how hooked friends were getting to it and decided to avoid it like the plague, but when you put it as a way to make an inspiration board it makes me want to check it out.
Hope your writing weekend was magnificent!
Fellow UF Campaigner.
- August 30, 2011 at 1:24 AM
- Heather Justesen said...
I just joined the campaign and I'm excited to get to know so many other writers. I've got a couple of stories out for edits with friends right now, and I'm planning out the next one. Excitement and trepidation abound!
- August 30, 2011 at 9:44 AM
- Lola Sharp said...
Hi everyone. Thanks for stopping by. :)
I am trying to get around to everyone, but this is a super busy week...my daughters birthday, FIL birthday, Labor day wkend, back to school, etc.
I promise, I WILL get to you SOON. :)
- August 30, 2011 at 11:06 AM
- Anonymous said...
Hi! I'm in your YA group.
- August 30, 2011 at 12:50 PM
- bridget said...
Just seeing that you have Patti Smith's Wave Album on your site makes me like you already. The picture of Jared is quite something too. I'm a fellow campaigner and hope you'll stop by, if you haven't already. I'll be back.
- August 30, 2011 at 2:39 PM
- Christy said...
O...M...G Gypsy caravan photos, loving DM, Kurt Cobain and the Sex Pistols? Greetings from the campaign trail, Pleased to meet you and consider me subscribed! :-)
- August 30, 2011 at 4:51 PM
- Tara said...
Hey, you blogged, too. It's that time again.
Get into the groove...maybe I did break into song. Just a little.
- August 30, 2011 at 6:46 PM
- Jules said...
Sorry to be so late Ann but my summer chores are way behind. Glad to see you are back and the writing is flowing. Hope the hurricane did not wreck your plans. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
- August 31, 2011 at 8:24 AM
- Phil said...
I'm in your campaigning group for contemporary and a new follower. If you're Lola, does that make me the Boy Next Door? *hangs head* No more jokes, I promise.
- August 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM
- Matthew MacNish said...
I've been missing you!
- August 31, 2011 at 2:11 PM
- F.E. Sewell said...
Hi Lola! Fellow campaigner here just stopping by to say hello. Loving your blog, too! And can I just say that I am completely addicted to Pinterest. I use it for inspiration when I'm having trouble picturing things on my own. Then I end up disappearing for a few hours! It's crazy!
- September 1, 2011 at 5:36 PM
- Wendy G. Ewurum: Blog Author said...
One is always so wistful when summer comes to an end. We are entering our summer now, well actually its the second day of spring but its feels like it was yesterday when i was quoting season of mists and mellow fruitfulness to myself.
- September 2, 2011 at 3:24 PM
- Kelly said...
How did I miss your last couple of posts, girl??? My apologies!!!!
You know now I'm going to have that Limp Bizkit song in my head while I try to sleep tonight! :)
- September 8, 2011 at 10:56 PM
- Francesca Zappia said...
Hey! Thanks for stopping by my blog. :D Yours is so pretty! It's great to meet a fellow campaigner.
- September 10, 2011 at 10:29 PM
- Keta Diablo said...
Just stopping by to say hello! Very nice blog, love the little pics.
I announced your blog on twitter today. Hope it brings you lots of new followers.
Fellow campaigner, Keta
Have a great week!
- September 12, 2011 at 2:30 AM
About Me
- Lola Sharp
- My name is Lola. (I'm not a showgirl) Yes, L-O-L-A Lola. It's the least of my worries. Let's move on, shall we? This blog is mostly about my misadventures on the journey to publication and beyond. My passion for lush prose, quirky characters, art, music, literature, performing arts and anything creative will be a major theme here. This journey of mine will not always be pretty. Much like rubbernecking a train wreck, I know sometimes you just can't help but look at the carnage that is often my life. So strap on your neck brace, helmet and 5-point harness and come along for the ride! Licentia poetica.
Blog Archive
- ▼ 2011 (25)
- ► 2010 (96)


text:
Γράψτε μια εφαρμογή Android
Budget €8-30 EUR
want an app that gives the average from x prices
12 freelancers are bidding on average €44 for this job
How are you? I am a Mobile App developer and have 5 years experience of program develop. also I have rich develop experience with XCode, Android studio, Eclipse, Xamarin,PHP Storm and have developed many apps . More
hello, i can do this for you. i have some questions about your project. Let's chat to proceed.
Hello, Sir. Nice to meet you and How are you? I have read your job description extremely carefully and I have been applied for your job with my skill and relevant experiences. You can find compatibility for your projec More
Dear sir, I am full expert JSON/XML/RSS based web services category Android application and full expert access Facebook, Twitter,Instagram integrate Api in android and expert Media Project Streaming Android Radio and More
Hello, I saw your post and I am interested in the project. There will be just one page where you will be able to add numbers and at the top you will see the average of this numbers. Is this sufficient ?
it's my start and this is my first project , So i will try to give my 101%. and I will try to design the best UI for your project.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Main Content
about the jewish historical society of greater new haven
our history
Established in 1976, under the leadership of its founder and first president, the late Harvey N. Ladin, the Society is devoted to the effort of collecting and cataloging the Greater New Haven Jewish community's eventful past, publicizing the history of the Jewish community, and serving as a catalyst in preserving its heritage.
After a few challenging years seeking to strengthen its identity and to acquire collections of pertinent historical data, the Society qualified for a matching grant from the New Haven Foundation. This initial grant enabled the Society, in 1979, to establish its own archive center in facilities provided by the New Haven Jewish Home for the Aged.
By 1997, this space proved far too small for the growing collections, and larger facilities were sought. At about this same time, the New Haven Ethnic Heritage Center was formed, comprised of several other local historical societies. Together with the Ethnic Heritage Center, we acquired space on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University and moved our archives and office to the new location.
In the beginning, matching federal grants and help from the New Haven Jewish Foundation enabled the Society to hire a part-time archivist and office manager. We now find that specialized archival storage materials and computer resource costs have risen dramatically. Since federal aid is no longer available, financial help is needed from the membership and community.
Since its founding, the Society's membership and professional prestige have grown steadily, marked most conspicuously by the publication of eight volumes of Jews in New Haven. These books contain many photos and scholarly articles written by professional researchers and writers, as well as students, while other essays were written by local authors whose principal resource was their own knowledge and personal expereicnes and recollections. Much of the material in these books was researched or reproduced from the Society's extensive archival collection.
The Society has organized exhibits for the general public. These displays have been exhibited at Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven Public Libraries, area synagogues, schools, the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, Tower I and Tower East, and the Ethnic Heritage Center.
The society also hold periodic, interactive meetings, consisting of lectures by authorities in their fields, Jewish book authors, seminars, panel discussions, and slideshows. A Hall of Fame dinner and brunch meeting take place annually.
These meetings, besides being enjoyable and informative, enable people to share experiences and to discuss the events that helped shape the dynamic Jewish community of Greater New Haven today.
In addition to the meetings, the Society sponsors trips to historic synagogues, forgotten neighborhoods, museums, and other places of Jewish interest. Some of these trips have included travels around New Haven, New York, Washington, D.C., Israel, and Morocco. All trips are specially planned for the Society at special rates.


text:
Keepsakes: we all have them.
They come in all shapes and sizes. From a favorite childhood book to a pressed flower.
A set of dishes or the family bible.
I try to photograph the special things in my life. Eventually I will have a book with the photos and a story about why they are special. Who passed them on. Why I kept them.
My sister was ten years older than me. She was an artist her whole life. She had an easel and her oil paints in one corner of our shared bedroom. Ah, the memories when I visit an art show with working artists; the smells of paint and turpentine and the look of brushes in a jar.
This was one of her sketchbooks and two of her dip pens.
They are among my most treasured possessions.
This is my sister when she was in school.
When we were going through her things we found this necklace. Somehow we knew it belonged to Great Grandma Nellie. Then my niece found this picture of my sister wearing it.
What treasures.
I took photos putting them together and close-ups of the necklace: front, back, open, and closed.
The necklace will go to my sister's granddaughter. The rest of the family will know about it. Her children will know the story behind it. My legacy to them is keeping the memories.


text:
Getting Started
Getting Started in Application Security
Application security is simply the process of developing, maintaining, and purchasing applications that your organization can trust. However, application security is inextricably tied into almost every aspect of organizations' information technology, and can be maddeningly difficult to tackle. This "Getting Started" page is intended to provide a roadmap of the various topics in application security and where OWASP materials can help you and your organization master them.
- 1 Application Security Overview
- 2 Where Should I Start?
- 3 About Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Countermeasures
- 4 The OWASP Folksonomy Approach to Organizing Application Security
- 5 Do You Have Vulnerabilities in Your Applications?
- 6 What Are the Root Causes of Application Vulnerabilities?
- 7 Improving Application Security In Your Project
- 8 Improving Application Security Across Your Organization
Application Security Overview
Drivers, market, business reasons. Links to articles about metrics, ROI, need for application security, what other companies are doing.
Where Should I Start?
If you're wondering whether your software really has application security weaknesses, then the best thing to do is to find out. You can do this in a number of ways, but the simplest is to have a few of your applications verified. The reviewer should check all the major security areas by using a combination of scanning, code review, penetration testing, and static analysis. Chances are pretty good that you'll find some vulnerabilities and then you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
If you've already come to the conclusion that your project or organization is not producing secure code, then you should consider what organizational improvements are most likely to improve your ability. One popular place to start is developer training, as it is relatively inexpensive and has immediate effects. However, you may want to consider doing an appraisal of your organization to find out what changes are likely to e the most effective. Also, you might consider defining a risk model, creating organization roles and teams, establishing standards or coding guidelines, or introducing some security activities into your software development lifecycle before doing the training.
About Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Countermeasures
A good way to start learning about application security is by understanding software threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures. A good overview of the most critical of these is the OWASP Top Ten awareness document. This is a short paper that describes the most critical vulnerabilities, how to find them, and what to do to protect against them in your application.
One of the best ways to learn about application security is to study some real vulnerabilities and learn how they work. OWASP has developed WebGoat to provide hands-on examples of application security to learn from. WebGoat is a full J2EE application and training environment that contains real vulnerabilities to experiment with and learn from. WebScarab is a powerful web application penetration testing tool that can use to test applications. For further reference, you can read all about each of the vulnerabilities on the OWASP website to learn more.
The OWASP Folksonomy Approach to Organizing Application Security
Keep in mind as you learn that there are different ways of organizing all the different aspects of application security. Attempts to force these topics into a strict taxonomy have failed because there are too many dimensions to the problem. At OWASP, we have adopted the folksonomy tagging approach to solving this problem. We simply tag our articles with a number of different categories. You can use these category to help get different views into the complex, interconnected set of topics that is application security.
Each article is tagged with as many of the following tags as reasonably apply:
|Type of Article
|Threat, Vulnerability, Countermeasure, Code Snippet, How To, Activity
|Level of Abstraction
|Implementation, Design, Architecture, Business
|Related Countermeasures
|Authentication, Session Management, Access Control, Input Validation, Error Handling, Logging, Encryption, Quotas
|Likelihood Factors
|Attractive, Tools Required, Expertise Required
|Business Impact Factors
|Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
|Application Platforms
|Java, .NET, PHP, C/C++
|Software Lifecycle Activites
|Concept, Requirements, Architecture, Design, Implementation, Test, Deployment, Operation, Maintenance
|Application Security Activites
|Threat Modeling, Security Architecture, Security Requirements, Secure Coding, Penetration Testing, Code Review, Secure Deployment
Do You Have Vulnerabilities in Your Applications?
A writeup about application vulnerabilities, how to find them, and how to figure out their risk. This section would give people the background on the technologies and types of mistakes people make. Links to articles about:
Design flaws and Implementation Bugs Approaches to finding vulnerabilities Common areas (Top 10)
What Are the Root Causes of Application Vulnerabilities?
A writeup of how vulnerabilities get created and left undiscovered. This section points out weaknesses in most software development lifecycles. At a project level, this section talks about problems in staffing, roles, responsibilities, budget, and technology. At the organizational level, this section links to information about management structure, how to raise global organizataion awareness, establishing metrics, and standardizing technologies to help.
Improving Application Security In Your Project
A writeup of how application security fits into the software development lifecycle. The discussion would link to templates, tools, additional reading. (This is not intended to be a complete list (yet))
Security Requirements Threat Modeling Architecture Review Code Review Penetration Testing Vulnerability Scanning Project Responsibility and Roles Budget
Improving Application Security Across Your Organization
The discussion would link to templates, tools, additional reading. (This is not intended to be a complete list (yet))
Training and Awareness Application Security Teams (Infosec, Audit, Appsec, CSO) Metrics Policies Templates Standard Tools Legal Community of Interest Executive Responsibility and Roles Organizational Budget


text:
Hey fellow Texans!
I had something on my mind that has been bothering me.
I see us generalized in the media and on this site.
We are called names - like "rednecks", and all sorts of ugly remarks.
We are judged by our politicians. I didn't vote for those politicians and yet I am judged by how they behave.
Yes, they embarrass us by their actions.
But why generalize all the members of the state by the politicians?
How do you handle this when you encounter it?
I see it on the site all the time.
Just wanted to vent - thanks for listening.
Views: 1448
Hey Steph,
I have also experienced the common stigma and stereotypes of Texans as well (as necessarily being Republican, fundamentalist Christian, or "redneck"), and usually disregard it -though sometimes actually sympathize with some aspects. I'm a native Texan and lifelong atheist, with very unconventional social and political views - all that basically simply stated to illustrate how much I contrast with those common stereotypes. However, I also realize that I myself, and others, whether atheist, gay, or of political leanings other than Republican, are a considerable minority in this state. Does it suck? Yes. But I live here with full knowledge of the sociocultural climate in Texas. I live in Austin, though.. a liberal haven in an otherwise vastly red state (I'm not a Democrat, btw).
But I feel as though I'm digressing a bit. Do people adhere to ignorant stereotypes of Texans? Of course. As they do of Canadians, Australians, Mexicans, etc. Sure, it can be irritating. The reason I stated I "sympathize" or understand where those ideas come from related to something you touched on: politicians and others who constitute the most visible figures coming from Texas. By and large these figures that enter the general public's awareness (non-Texans), are conservative, fundamentalist Christian theocratic nuts, who are seemingly hellbent on eroding the separation of church and state and degrading education in this state to an absurd degree (and who are elevated to these positions by a majority fanbase, as well as moneyed interests). I know that Texas is only one of many states where this is happening, but with George W. Bush not long having been in our rear view mirror and Rick Perry's recent campaign, it's understandable.
I would loathe being associated with those common stereotypes of Texans, but I actually haven't seemed to encounter them much, even when living in Colorado and Chicago. When you actually meet people and they learn that you're from Texas, I find that they either view you as an anomaly or lighten up a bit in their previously held convictions about Texans.
I don't know if I contributed anything of value in that ramble, but figured I'd throw in my 10 cents.
Thanks for your reply David! Thanks for being my friend!
I live in Austin too!
For sure, Steph! Do you ever hang out with the people from Atheist Community of Austin? I've been intending to check it out, but always forget!
Trying to make time to do just that.
I listen to all their shows and have the podcasts.
I hope to soon!
Do you listen to Atheist Experience and the NonProphets?
At first thought my general response is simply to say 'fuck off' if someone insults me simply because I am Texan. They are showing the precise bigotry they accuse "Texans" (as if we're all the same) of having.
There is a lot of bigotry against "Southern" by people in northern states and vice-versa. Of course that's been around a couple hundred years. There's also, apparently, a stigma against us because we're from Texas, as in "the home of ...Bush." Of course the Bush clan is not NATIVE Texan but money chasers from the northeast. Then there's Prick Perry, the floater in Texas' toilet. I could go on listing Texas' infamous celebrities and politicians but what's the point? *I* had nothing to do with them being in office. And there is a fairly good majority who didn't like them and still dislike them here.
Fact is, the Texas governor has very little real power in this state. People should learn some government! Don't blame us because ALL AMERICANS let Georgie Boy and company rape this country for eight years! The truth is that brother Jeb, Dickhead Cheney, and their gang ran the white house and told George what to do anyway. So, again, don't blame Texas.
Texas is an ideal and a reality. The ideal exceeds the ideals of the U.S. constitution by a great margin. The quality of Texas land, the abundance of resources, etc., these make Texas a great place.
The reality of Texas sucks but no less so than the rest of the country. It sucks BECAUSE of the rest of the country. Texas suffers from the same idiots, religious fanatics and Republican assholes found coast to coast. It's a disease worse than the clap. It's a disease caused by the so-called media, talking Fox heads, and religious fanatics in mega-churches or who have their own propaganda arm to screw with people's heads. To single out Texas as anything different or unusual is to apply bigotry to an already abundant supply of dumbass. Redneck, right wing, just plain stupid people in rusted pickups, abound from the eastern forests of Texas all the way to the East Coast. Hard core nutcases are in abundance all across the south with more severe enclaves in the hills of the Carolinas, the Virginias, etc. So those little twisted taunts are misplaced as well.
I will admit to living in the center of the asshole of Texas. If any part of Texas stinks Lufkin is the place. Lufkin deserves all the ridicule and humiliation heaped unfairly on Texas as a whole. I can say that because I live here. I have that right. People who have NOT lived here, who are merely lifting themselves to a higher rung on the "I love me" ladder by trashing people they do not know, do NOT have that right. But even in this enclave of religious depravity there area a few of us who survive and whose ideals match that of the Ideal Texas, however tarnished it may be. There ARE good people in Texas, lots of good people. Some are that in spite of their religious obsessions. And there are even a few good people in this rectal repository of refuse. So, I say, do not judge people by their zip code unless it's on your own return address.
Lastly, and going back to my first comment, a true Texan, such as myself, recognizes the ideal Texas stands for. We true Texans are not proud of the Bush clan or the rapists of the poor who happen to hold power in Austin. We ARE proud of who WE are, however. Piss on our boots if you will, our feet are dry and our hearts are pure. We're used to kickin' a little cow shit around now and again anyway and we stand so much taller than the bigots and idiots who don't know what the fuck they're talking about that it's hardly worth the effort to respond.
How do I handle it when people think I am "redneck" and poor, etc? I throw out my suthun' accent and wallow in it. Idiots are idiots, no use trying to change their minds. People look down at me because I have a beard and long hair, I'm 'heavy,' I have a limp, I tawk funny, I drive an old van, my clothes are ragged, I wear a bandanna, I 'cuss' and smoke, hell, that's just the short list. Being Texan just ads one more ding to the dong. It's they who are missing out on the sparkling personality, witty demeanor, intelligent attitudes, enlightened thinking, and loveable disposition that lurks beneath. Those who truly know me, my kids and my wife, love me dearly!
I am who I am. I am Texan. I'll be damned if I'll hang my head or apologize.
Thank you Ted - you made me feel much better.
There are a lot of bigots out there. And yes, they accuse Texans of being bigots - when they are doing the bigotry.
Most people don't realize that the Bush's are not from Texas.
George Walker Bush
July 6, 1946
Idiots are Idiots and you can't change them.
Thanks so much!
George Walker Bush
July 6, 1946 (age 66)
New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
You're welcome. As we say around here, I have a "thang" about people making snap judgements without the facts. The way of the world, though, huh?
Bush was born in Connecticut and is not really from Texas and I did not vote for him.
@Steph. Not a Texan, so I'll make this brief. I saw your response on the Brutally Honest posting, and I could not agree more. I responded in kind. By the way, I'm a born and bred northern Yankee, and damned proud of it. But, the ad hominen attacks, and churlish and childish smear of all Texans was too much even for this Yankee. You were 100% correct Steph. More power to you!
Thank you Pat! I appreciate it!
To be fair, the Texas government's been pretty shitty on some human rights issues as well as its stance in academia... No people should be painted with such a broad brush, but it does happen, as an aspect of human nature.
I love my home state, but right now... I really don't want to live there. No offense. Of course, half the reason has more to do with the 6-8 months of summer heat more than anything else. ;) Having lived abroad where I don't feel I have to hold my tongue about things, I'm loathe to move back home and find myself quieted. I do realize that I could live an outspoken life, but it would come at a high price, should I continue with a career in education. (There's also the reason that I'd like to live close enough to Japan that I don't have to take a 14-hour flight to visit. 10 hours from LA is a bit more feasible...)
That said, I remember having taken French in HS and college... I don't remember whether it was my HS teacher or my college prof, but one of them mentioned that should we go abroad, we were to identify ourselves as Texans, not Americans... because Texans were loved and Americans were thought to be rude--at least in France. That was obviously awhile ago and before our dear dubyah got into office. :/
I wanted to also point out... When I mention I'm from Texas, here in Japan, the older Japanese think of JFK and ask if I owned a gun back home... The younger Japanese either tend to be clueless about Texas or think of country western music and cowboy hats. As well, a friend of mine here who is from Kentucky had one of his superiors make a gun gesture with his hand and go, "Bang, bang. I'm American," so it's not just seen as a Texan thing.
I do think that should I ever move back to Texas, I'd have to live in Austin, else I'd have my eyes stuck in rolled position.
© 2018 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: The Nexus Group. Powered by


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Screen Actors Guild Awards
Ben Affleck accepts the SAG award for cast in a motion picture on behalf of the cast of his film "Argo." "I am really amazed and stunned," he said. "This has nothing to do with me, it has to do with the incredible actors."
Mark Davis / Getty Images
Copyright © 2018, Daily Press


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OXFORD, Miss. – A big field and a hot day were daunting opponents for Lipscomb track and field at Saturday's Ole Miss Invite, but the Bison and Lady Bison soldiered through for high marks.
Sophomore Tucker Peabody had a big day in the sprints. He finished fifth in the men's 100m dash with a personal-best 10.60s run. He's approaching Robert Smith's school-best 10.54s 100m mark in the event.
Later in the day, Peabody finished eighth in the 200m dash with a 21.39s mark.
"Tucker did a good job in both the 100m and the 200m events," said Lipscomb assistant coach Luke Syverson. "He had a couple of missteps in the 200m but was still close to his personal best."
Sophomore Dani Walker was runner-up in the 800m run. Her 2:13.90s mark was less than a second behind the winner.
"Dani had a tough 1500m run, but came back strong in the 800m," Syverson said.
In the throws, junior Taylor Mason finished eighth in the javelin with a 36.42m (119' 6") throw. Senior Austin Ray was 11th in the men's event with a 49.34m (161' 10") toss.
Junior Adam Austin earned a top-10 finish in the high jump, finishing seventh with a 1.95m (6' 4.75") height. Classmate O'Neisha Smith posted a ninth-place, 1.60m (5' 3") mark in the women's event.
Freshman Matthew Deery earned a ninth-place tie in the pole vault with a 4.55m (14' 11") mark. He was also 12th in the 110m hurdles with a school-record 15.26s mark.
"All in all, I think it went well," Syverson said. "There was a bit of an adjustment for some due to the heat and the size of the field. It gave our athletes a good chance to get ready for the conference meet."
The Bison and Lady Bison track and field teams return to action at next weekend's Auburn Tiger Track Classic. A small group will also head to Palo Alto, Calif. for the Stanford Invite.
Check LipscombSports.com for all the Lipscomb cross country and track and field news, and be sure to like us on Facebook (Lipscomb-university XC-track) and follow us on Twitter (@LipscombUTrack).


text: With a large 1.7-litre capacity, 360° swivel base and an elegant contemporary design with a matte metallic finish and chromed details, the De'Longhi Distinta kettle combines convenience with style as the epitome of modern living. The kettle's detachable base allows for cord-free usage while an accurate water level indicator allows you to reduce electricity use by boiling just the amount of water you require. The De'Longhi 'Distinta' also ensures maximum security, with features including an auto shut-off function when water begins to boil, a thermal cut-off function, and a 3-level safety protection function. The kettle comes with a removable, washable anti-scale filter and also features cord storage and non-slip feet. The matte metallic finish is accentuated with silver-tone chrome details and complete with raised iconic De'Longhi branding. – L.R. Features: De'Longhi Distinta Kettle (KBI3001.W) Large 1.7L capacity 2000W 360° swivel base Water level indicator Auto shut-off function when the water begins to boil Thermal cut-off function Flat stainless steel concealed element Removable, washable limescale filter Non-slip feet Cord storage Which? Best Buy Kettles February 2015 Size: Weight: 1.3kg Dimensions: 22.5 x 18 x 25cm Please Note: Supplied with a UK three pin plug only.


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20 April 2006 09:30
Tunnel de conversion lineraire
definition du concept de tunnel de conversion ou conversion funnel
1 (1 marks)
Founded in late 2003 and heartquartered in France, we are non-profit and independant.
We believe in the open web, think internet services should be sustainable, build for the long term.
While we are re-launching the service, we only accept new members through invitation.


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Student Spotlight: Joey Pakes 2010 Diving Expedition for Remipedes in the Yucatan
Imagine what it would be like: swimming in the dark, deep underwater, in an enclosed space, "armed" with only a flashlight and a tank of air. For UCMP graduate student Joey Pakes, that is a typical day of research in the subterranean caves in Mexico. Check out her video which describes her 2010 expedition to the Yucatan Peninsula as part of her ongoing investigations into underwater cave systems. Meet some of the people and animals that make her research so special.


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Continual coverage of the trial of Drew Peterson for the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio.
5:25 p.m. Stacy Peterson family pleased with first day's testimony
The spokeswoman for the family of Stacy Peterson said she was pleased with the first day of testimony, even though Stacy's disappearance was little more than a footnote.
"I think we had a really amazing witness today," said Pamela Bosco, who came to know Drew Peterson's missing fourth wife while serving as legal guardian for Stacy's sister, Cassandra Cales.
"What she told us was that Kathy (Savio) was a passionate person and she felt threatened because she had...


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Sound Guy
I am a freelance sound engineer and producer based in London. Here you will find some collections of sound and music work. All are made in 24 Bit 96kHz, using the highest quality equipment available as most of my work is for film sound libraries.
I hope you enjoy my SFX. If you need any higher quality samples, please get in touch!
Many thanks, and all the best with your project
Sound Guy


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Sue (Grob) and Greg Elder of Newton will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a trip to Utah. Their family requests a card shower.
They were married October 19, 1973, at St. John's Catholic Church, Lawrence.
Family and friends of Sue and Greg would like to honor them with a card shower celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Greetings may be sent to Sue and Greg Elder, 320 Robin Ct., Newton, KS.
Greg is a builder in Newton, Sue works for USD 373.


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Open topic with navigation
The Site Information section of the Site Administration dashboard displays site-specific data and status.
Most of the following fields display settings defined during site creation. See Create New Site and New Site Configuration for more information.
Authoring State: Enables/disables site-wide authoring. You (or a scheduled process) can temporarily disable authoring within all sites or a given subsite. Use this option for periodic site maintenance.You need to disable authoring for site upgrades, migration or database conversion. Options here are identical to those available for setting the server-wide authoring state, but affect the current site/subsite only. See Authoring State for details on using this option.
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Open topic with navigation


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Vintage Weaver pitches Halos past Yankees
ANAHEIM -- If this were any other start this season, Jered Weaver doesn't even get a chance to work out of the bases-loaded, none-out jam that set off a tornado of emotions, bled into a six-walk inning by the offense, and rallied the Angels to a 4-1 win over the Yankees.
But Angels manager Mike Scioscia sensed something different about his ace right-hander on this Monday night.View Full Game Coverage
ANAHEIM -- If this were any other start this season, Jered Weaver doesn't even get a chance to work out of the bases-loaded, none-out jam that set off a tornado of emotions, bled into a six-walk inning by the offense, and rallied the Angels to a 4-1 win over the Yankees.
But Angels manager Mike Scioscia sensed something different about his ace right-hander on this Monday night.View Full Game Coverage
The fastball was crisp, the command was there, the location was pinpoint, and unlike so many other times this season -- like the 95-pitch, 6 1/3-inning outing on March 31, the 99-pitch, 6 2/3-inning outing on April 12, or the 82-pitch, six-inning outing on April 23 -- Weaver maintained his stuff as the night got late and the pitch count mounted.
"I've always felt, since Day 1, that I was going to get stronger as the season went on, and I think we saw a little glimpse of that today," said Weaver, now 3-2 with a 3.48 ERA through seven starts.
"Hopefully this is a step in the right direction."
After Kelly Johnson's liner ricocheted off the glove of Howie Kendrick, and Brian Roberts reached despite a diving stop by Erick Aybar, and Ichiro Suzuki laid down the perfect bunt, Weaver was at 98 pitches, with the bases loaded, none out and a 1-1 tie on the scoreboard.
"One thing he does," Scioscia said of Weaver, "is he's able to control his emotions and focus on making a pitch."
The same couldn't be said about Joe Girardi. After Weaver's low-and-away, 1-0 fastball to Brett Gardner was called a strike by Laz Diaz, the Yankees' manager went into a tirade, spiking his cap on the grass twice after being ejected and turning red as he voiced his frustration to the umpiring crew.
"It's a 1-0 count," Girardi said. "You get a pitch called 1-1, and it changes the whole at-bat."
Two pitches later, Weaver got Gardner to chase a high, 87-mph fastball and got the strikeout he needed with the infield in. And on the very next pitch, Derek Jeter -- the retiring shortstop who's playing in his final series at Angel Stadium and drew a standing ovation from a Yankees-heavy crowd before his first plate appearance -- hit a one-hopper to Kendrick that resulted in an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play and drew a barrage of emotion from an elated Weaver as he walked off the mound.
The 31-year-old right-hander had just pitched a season-high eight innings while giving up just one run, giving up six hits, walking one and striking out a season-high seven batters. As Scioscia said, "Jered had the best stuff we've seen all year, by far."
Asked what he said to Chris Iannetta at that point, Weaver smirked.
"You can read lips."
The Yankees scored zero runs despite getting three hits in the top of the eighth; the Angels scored three runs despite getting zero hits in the bottom of the eighth.
Against Shawn Kelley, Collin Cowgill worked a full-count walk to start the bottom of the eighth, Albert Pujols was walked intentionally with two outs and first base open, Raul Ibanez pinch-hit for C.J. Cron and worked an eight-pitch walk to load the bases, and Kendrick took four of five pitches for balls to give his team the lead.
Next up, John McDonald pinch-hit for Ian Stewart against lefty Matt Thornton and drew his 112th walk in 2,577 career plate appearances, and his second in 59 chances with the bases loaded. Then it was Iannetta's turn, drawing a bases-loaded walk against Preston Claiborne to balloon the lead to three.
It was the second time in franchise history that the Angels drew at least six walks in an inning -- they also drew eight in the eighth inning on July 4, 1979 -- and the second time any team has drawn that many in a single frame all season. The last team to draw three bases-loaded walks in an inning was the Padres on April 17, 2012, against the Dodgers.
And it was Weaver who helped set the tone for that.
"Without a doubt," Cowgill said. "And not just for us, man, it's kind of a letdown for the other side, no matter who it is. If you have bases loaded, one out, with a Hall of Famer up, and you get him to ground into a double play, that's huge. That's a huge swing. That ball goes through, who knows what's happens?"
Weaver now has a 1.78 ERA in his last four starts, giving up five runs in 25 1/3 innings while striking out 18 and walking six -- and he may be trending upward.
For roughly six months, after suffering a broken left elbow in Texas on April 7 of last season, Weaver couldn't really work out. And now is when he says he's finally starting to regain the strength on his beleaguered right arm. After his last start against the Indians, Weaver mostly ditched the core-stability workouts and got back in the weight room to do "the old-school lifting again," which he believes can "take some of the tension off" a bicep tendon that has been tender for most of his career.
"It's just a matter of getting that strength back of being able to maintain that through nine innings," Weaver said. "Obviously it's not going to happen over night; it's a bit of a process. But hopefully this is a glimpse of what's to come."
Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Gonzo and "The Show", and follow him on Twitter @Alden_Gonzalez.


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From Our Editors
There are thousands of colleges across the United States, and choosing the right one can seem like an impossible and overwhelming task. Atlantic College Planning (ACP) strives to sap the stress out of the college-acceptance process by helping families navigate the process, whittle down the selection, and ultimately, send their high-school students off to their ideal college with the best financial package available.
ACP's College Planning Guides and College Help Library provide the guidance and tools necessary for students to build a comprehensive roadmap for all phases of the college preparation process. ACP's College Advisory Services provides a customized plan designed to find the right college fit for your student and the best financial plan. The program's resources—including some free ones—and its college advisory services also help members remain organized, catalog all their information, and chart their progress through the years.


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Russia's U.N. ambassador said Tuesday that Russian experts determined that Syrian rebels made sarin nerve gas and used it in a deadly chemical weapon attack outside Aleppo in March.
Ambassador Vitaly Churkin blamed opposition fighters for the March 19 attack in the government-controlled Aleppo suburb of Khan al-Assal, which he said killed 26 people, including 16 military personnel, and injured 86 others.
The rebels have blamed the government for the attack. The U.S. Britain and France have said they have seen no evidence to indicate that the opposition has acquired or used chemical weapons — only the Syrian government.
Churkin told reporters after delivering an 80-page report to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the Assad regime asked Russia, its closest ally, to investigate the attack after a U.N. team of chemical weapons experts was unable to enter the country in a dispute over the probe's scope.
The samples taken from the impact site of the gas-laden projectile were analyzed at a Russian laboratory certified by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Churkin said.
He said the analysis showed that the unguided Basha'ir-3 rocket that hit Khan al-Assal was not a military-standard chemical weapon.
Churkin said the results indicate it "was not industrially manufactured and was filled with sarin." He said the samples indicated the sarin and the projectile were produced in makeshift "cottage industry" conditions, and the projectile "is not a standard one for chemical use."
The absence of chemical stabilizers, which are needed for long-term storage and later use, indicated its "possibly recent production," Churkin said.
"Therefore, there is every reason to believe that it was the armed opposition fighters who used the chemical weapons in Khan al-Assal," Churkin said.
"According to information at our disposal," he added, "the production of 'Basha'ir 3' unguided projectiles was started in February 2013 by the so-called 'Basha'ir al-Nasr' brigade affiliated with the Free Syrian Army."
On Monday Syria invited Ake Sellstrom, head of the U.N. fact-finding mission on allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria, and U.N. disarmament chief Angela Kane to visit Damascus for foreign-minister level talks on conducting a probe of the Khan al-Assal attack.
The Russian ambassador strongly backed the idea, calling it "a promising process" that hopefully will lead to an investigation.
Britain, France and the United States have provided the secretary-general with information on other alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria. Ban has repeatedly said he wants a broader investigation than just Khan al-Assal.
"We support a thorough investigation of all credible allegations," Churkin said, but added that Russian experts "were not impressed at all" by the material provided to them by the U.K., U.S. and France.
President Barack Obama's administration says it has "high confidence" that Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces have killed up to 150 people with sarin gas.
In a letter to the secretary-general on June 14, then U.S. U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said the U.S. had determined that sarin was used in the March 19 attack on Khan al-Assal and also in an April 13 attack on the Aleppo neighborhood of Shaykh Maqsud. She said unspecified chemicals, possibly including chemical warfare agents, were used May 14 in an attack on Qasr Abu Samrah and in a May 23 attack on Adra.
The use of a chemical weapon crossed Obama's "red line" for escalating U.S. involvement in the conflict and prompted the decision to send arms and ammunition to the opposition, not just humanitarian aid and non-lethal material like armored vests and night goggles.
Churkin said Russia plans to provide the 80-page report to the U.S., U.K. and France, and "I hope they find it persuasive." But he said it will not be made public.
U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky had no immediate comment on the issue, noting that the Russian ambassador had delivered the "weighty and quite technical" report only minutes earlier. He said the Department of Disarmament Affairs would study it and provide guidance to the secretary-general.
Russia: Syrian rebels made, used sarin nerve gas
Russia's U.N. ambassador said Tuesday that Russian experts determined that Syrian rebels made sarin nerve gas and used it in a deadly chemical weapon attack outside Aleppo in March.


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posted by Eugenia Loli on Mon 6th Nov 2006 02:25 UTC, submitted by kickasso
On BBRV's blog: "The PegasosPPC will be on sale this week for $399. Neither the board nor an upgrade card will be produced again by Genesi or bplan. It is the end of an era for us. It has been a great experience."


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Style # 186181
AVAILABILITY: Unavailable for immediate shipment.
Exquisite sheer lace paneling, ruched V-neckline and a body-embracing stretch make this bebe bodycon an extremely daring and darling after-hours look. Style it with a motorcycle jacket and ankle wedges to sculpt a bad-girl look.
- 92% nylon, 8% spandex
- Center back to hem: 34" (86 cm)
- Hand wash according to care label
- Made in USA
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
Sheer Lace Bodycon Dress is rated out of 5 by 28.
Rated 5 out of 5 by TLO7070 from Sexy Dress! This dress is form fitting and sexy. It's a little longer than I'd like, but still beautiful. I'm 5'2 and it comes just above the knee. I've worn it twice now and never had a problem with the lace like the others. Lots of compliments.
Date published: 2013-07-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bindy from Great dress I loved the way it fit. Very comfortable I'm short so it fit a little longer than I wanted it was up to my knee..
Date published: 2013-05-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by Maria23 from amazing dress, very sexy When I was ordering this dress, I had a concern it might look a bit cheap on me, however, contrary to what I expected, the dress looked very sexy and was approved by friends :)
Date published: 2013-04-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by Nell from LOVE THIS PRODUCT I was the best dressed for the third year n a row for my friends birthday party this dress fits awesome
Date published: 2013-03-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by Georgiana from This dress is very sexy & stretchy! The lace & dress is stretchy, so it's very comfortable. I couldn't wear a bra with it so my breast were lacking lift big time, but it's what I expected. When I walked in it I had to pull it dwn constantly cuz it kept riding up my legs. The good thing is you can pull it dwn to make it longer or pull it up to make it shorter. The material is awesome & got lots of compliments on it! Overall dress is fabulous!
Date published: 2013-03-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by Shayana from Amazing dress I was turning heads all night. This dress is amazing. The only thing I have a little hole in the lace so I won't wear it again.
Date published: 2013-02-26
Rated 3 out of 5 by Winnie from Hole in the lace before I could even leave to go out in the dress This dress is amazing it looks great and fits like a glove. However when I read the reviews I made sure to be careful putting the dress on so as not to tear the lace. But before I could leave the hotel to go out in the dress there was a small hole about the size of a pencil eraser in the top left back side of the dress. Luckily my hair covered the hole because I have long hair but I was so mad yet not shocked because the other reviews said the lace would tear. I am trying to figure out how to repair dress or buy another one this dress is hot and I need it in my wardrobe! it just sucks that the lace is so fragile and in order to even try the dress on you have to remove tags in fear the lace will tear. It gets two thumbs up for fit and look but the lace gets two thumbs down!
Date published: 2013-02-21
Rated 4 out of 5 by Starr from Sexy back Very sexy. How ever. I'm big chested. I had to go for medium.
Date published: 2013-02-19


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Yarn Molester. (read this if you have ever shopped for yarn)
I am blatantly reposting this extreme post from http://liverchickknits.wordpress.com it is just too funny/true. Hmmm, true and funny. maybe scary as well.
I am sure all of you can relate, and I for one, am going to my local yarn store, Make One Yarn Studio today, to ummm, browse… yah, browse, with my fingers… What I need to buy is yarn for a sweater I promised my sister for Christmas. What i am afraid I will buy is hand dyed sock yarn, for my growing collection of hand dyed sock yarn. ( it is so soft and smooshy, how can I resist?)
What I have been doing lately is knitting a pair of colourful, soft and smooshy mitts. I'll post a picture when finished, which won't be too long, I am half way through the second mitten.


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|Episode Description
|Tuesday, Jan 29, 2013 - 2:30 PM
Host Scott Houston and guest show viewers how to play Don McLean's epic rock ballad, "American Pie." Several guest pianists discuss their favorite piano players. Featured artists include Dave Powers and Nat Kerr. D
|More on PLUS (PT)
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Haha, get ready, media-savvy internet readers, because the august New York Times, the Grey Lady, the Paper of Record, has written a whole story about big butts (bottoms). Can you imagine the jibes that online rascals without a care in the world for decorum will come up with about this one??? Someone hide the children, other than the ones who like big butts and cannot lie—we're butting into your business butt good, regarding large butts!
The New York Times reports that many mass transit agencies across America are widening seats.
Whew. Sorry to tickle your funny bone so hellaciously, but we just couldn't help it. Hope all you readers made it through our little wise-cracking festival without busting a gut—or your pants, in this case. Let's not hit rock bottom or bottom out here at the bottom of the page, or have a lo-bottom-y and forget about bottoms, and how much we like them. We don't want to ruin your butt-tention span, butt this is our job, to a-butt the news with butt-ery prose and anal-ysis. We now re-tush you to your regularly scheduled ass-gramming.
As always, women are to blame for this.


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Deals on products Daphne Danns likes
My Lists
My Likes
Cream jewel pleat dress
Cream fitted bandeau dress with pleat detail around chest. Length 63cm. 95% Polyester,5% Elastane. Hand wash only. PLEASE NOTE THIS ITEM IS PART OF OUR CONCESSION BRAND COLLECTIONS AND IS ONLY RETURNABLE TO OUR WEBSITE. STORES WILL BE UNABLE TO REFUND THIS ITEM FOR YOU.
Dorothy Perkins


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Charlize Theron is Burning Plain Breathtaking
Charlize Theron shines in Dior at the premiere of The Burning Plain in Los Angeles on Monday (September 14). The South African star and Kim Basinger headline the film directed by Guillermo Arriaga, known for his work on 21 Grams, Babel and Amores Perros.
According to director Peter Berg, the 34-year-old actress will be reprising her role as Mary Embrey in Hancock 2 following the success of the 2008 film.
Catch Charlize on Good Morning America this Thursday morning (September 16) as she promotes her new film.
10+ pictures inside of Charlize Theron at The Burning Plain's premiere…


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Introduction to the Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector
In 2012, Sony produced my favorite projector of the year, the VPL-HW50ES. While many other projectors did certain things a little better, none has the combination of attributes that the HW50ES has. From movies to sports, bright rooms to dark, it managed to excel at everything I asked it to do.
In 2013, we some improvements with the VPL-HW55ES, including longer lamp life, contrast ratio, and brightness.
- Design: 3-Chip SXRD (Sony's Derived Version of LCoS), 1920x1080p Projector
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 1.4a, 1 x Component Video
- Brightness: 1,700 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1 with Iris
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Control: Remote In, RS-232
- Zoom: 1.6x manual
- Lens Shift: Manual; 25% horizontal, 65% Vertical
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Size: 7.1″ H x 16″ W x 18.25″ D
- Weight: 22
- Included Accessories: Sony Image Director Software, Lens Cap, Power Cord
- Sony
- SECRETS Tags: Sony, Projectors, Video
Design and Setup of the Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector
The VPL-HW55ES looks identical to the earlier 50ES. It has ta dark, glossy blue paint job on the top that looks almost black. The same dual HDMI inputs and single component video input are there along with RS232 for control. There is a DSub input for a computer but most people will likely use HDMI for a laptop or HTPC at this point.
One of the largest changes with the 55ES is an improvement to lamp life. The 50ES came with an extra bulb and is rated for 2,000-3,000 hours of use. The 55ES no longer includes that extra bulb in box but includes a coupon for one if you pay $5 for shipping. The bulb is now rated for 5,000 hours of use in the VPL-HW55ES. Even at 5 hours a day, you're approaching three years before you need to replace it. Any testing of this will require a long time, since even run continually that is almost 7 months of continuous usage.
The other improvement is in the dynamic iris that can now offer even higher contrast ratios. The most important factor in any iris system is how well it can work without drawing any attention to itself. An iris that delivers higher contrast ratios but causes constant pulsing of the image isn't what anyone wants so hopefully Sony has managed to control it well.
Other carryover features are the Reality Creation system that I found made poor quality films look a little better last year. There is also Motionflow for frame interpolation or black frame insertion to improve motion resolution, and a full color management system with Sony's Real Color Processing.
The initial settings on the VPL-HW55ES out of the box are very good. It very close to the HDTV Rec. 709 standards. When most companies opt for a more eye-catching, though inaccurate, preset it is good to see this. With a 1.6x zoom lens and both horizontal and vertical lens shift, it is easy to position the VPL-HW55ES. I mounted it using an OmniMount PJT40 projector mount around 13′ from a 122″ 2.40 Screen Innovations SolarHD 1.3 4K screen. If the 1700 lumen rating on the VPL-HW55ES is accurate then it is plenty bright for this setup.
The Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector In Use
The Sony VPL-HW55ES claims improved contrast over the prior generation through use of a better automatic iris system. I almost always find these easy to spot when used, so I really wanted to see if they improved it. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 will test any iris system with dark scenes where explosions can cause the light level to suddenly shift.
With the iris on the Auto Limited setting, I cannot see it activate in use. Even when Voldemort's army launches a barrage on Hogwarts the explosions against a night sky do not cause any visible iris movement to me. Last year I was able to see this in action so Sony has gone back and improved this feature.
Also improved is the Film Mode, or black frame insertion, that the VPL-HW55ES offers. By inserting black frames between real frames of 24p content, the Sony mimics the behavior of a film projector where the shutter activates between, and often during, film frames. Last year this created a choppy effect that is certainly film-like but not in a good way. I left it disabled after initially testing it out.
This year during films I hardly notice that same behavior. It reduces light output, but the Sony has plenty to spare. Motion is far improved to the point that you think frame interpolation is active. As I verify that Motionflow is off I notice that the blurring you can see in LCoS and LCD projectors is missing. In really bright areas of the image you see a slight flicker but I might not notice it if I were not looking for it.
When I switch from a movie to full field test patterns I can clearly see the flicker. So if you spend all day looking at test patterns, I'd leave it off. If you want to watch movies on your projector instead, it's a nice feature and the drawbacks are very slight.
The Macau entrance scene in Skyfall shows off the nice contrast ratios that the VPL-HW55ES is capable of. When Bond enters the casino and is backlit you can still make out his dark suit in the shadows. Fireworks explode against the night sky without triggering a visible change in the iris but offering a wonderful contrast to the dark skies.
The dark, shadow filled images on Girl With the Dragon Tattoo are easy to make out on the Sony. From bright white snow to dark shadows, all the details come across. The film moves from bright exteriors to shadowy interiors rapidly but the iris and film mode are invisible in use. Dark suits have texture and detail, and faces look superb. The bit of tint that has been applied to the film comes across and looks just like the director intended.
The VPL-HW55ES handles 3D well and better than last year. Watching Hugo there are no crosstalk artifacts or other issues that I can see. Images coming out from the screen instead of back into the screen always bother me, but the 3D is well done. The glasses sync quickly and easily, and they extend back along the side to shield your eyes from stray light. They are a bit tight for my head but I like the design more than other models.
Watching Monsters University the textures and colors practically jump off the screen. There is nothing dull or lifeless about the image, as the bright, vivid images look amazing. The improvements that Pixar have made in their image quality really show off and the Sony can deliver all of it. The opening skyline scenes of Drive are my favorite for checking out the native contrast of a projector. The nighttime sky here is very dark against the bright windows of the skyscrapers. It can't quite hit the levels of black that a JVC projector can, but without them side-by-side you would be hard pressed to know the difference.
The VPL-HW55ES is bright enough to watch content even with the lights on. As I attempt to catch up on Breaking Bad I can easily watch an episode with the lights on in the room. As wonderful as watching moving in a dark cave is, sometimes being able to watch them with some lights on is preferred. Especially if you want to have friends over to watch the Super Bowl where being in a dark room is not as enjoyable.
The viewing experience with the Sony VPL-HW55ES is very rewarding. Images are accurate and there is light output to spare. The updated dynamic iris and film mode improve the contrast ratio as well. The main missing feature I would like to see is a motorized lens system. Beyond helping people with screen ratios other than 16×9, it would make focusing much easier.
The Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector On The Bench
With the VPL-HW55ES I measured directly from the lens of the projector. This removes the screen as a variable. Light output is also only measured in lumens, as a foot Lamberts number is completely dependent on screen size and material while lumens are universal.
Straight from the box the Sony comes setup very well. The only adjustments I had to make are brightness and contrast, and changing the Gamma to 2.4. After viewing the HW55ES for a while I decided that a gamma of 2.2 works better with the Sony as 2.4 gets too murky in the deep shadows. The average grayscale error before calibration is only 2.1, which is not going to be visible. The gamma tracks 2.4 almost perfectly and the largest issue is in Red.
Post-calibration our grayscale error is only 0.58 dE2000 on average and the gamma tracks even better to 2.4. The color checker and saturation average errors improve but the red is still an issue. The Sony color management system is only OK and so you cannot correct these errors that well. As they only happen in red with 100% saturation, it is not something you will see often, and it didn't cause an issue for me.
Lens uniformity is measured using a 13-point pattern that is found on the Spears & Munsil HD Benchmark, Version 2. Measured at the screen we see a fairly even light fall-off around the screen with the corners registering 70% as bright as the center of the screen. Some cheaper projectors will fall off to 50% or less in the corners, so this is performance in line with the price.
In my calibrated mode, the VPL-HW55ES produces 678 lumens. That is more than enough to handle a large screen at the recommended 14-16 ftL. Switching it to the Bright TV mode, I measured 1,340 lumens, which can handle the largest screen you probably ever want to install. The main benefit is that as the lamp ages (this has 115 hours of use when I measure it) and gets dimmer, you will have lots of headroom before you need to replace it. Since it is rated for 5,000 hours of use, that is good to see. It also runs very quietly in high lamp mode, so it is very usable in that setting.
The VPL-HW55ES handles RGB Video and 4:4:4 YCbCr signals correctly but has a bit of a roll-off with 4:2:2 YCbCr content. I thought that 4:4:4 looked slightly better with a little bit of extra sharpening possibly going on with RGB signals. I can only detect this with test patterns and not real content.
For video processing the VPL-HW55ES does fine with 2:2 and 3:2 cadence materials. The jagged edges on the Ship video off Spears & Munsil are worse with the Sony handling the processing than my Oppo BDP-105. They are not bad and there is no extra haloing around them as on some displays, but feeding the VPL-HW55ES a 1080p signal is your best bet.
For the gamers, Game Mode introduces only 26ms of lag time. That is very good for a projector and you cannot blame the Sony if you don't play well online. The calibrated Reference mode has 62ms of lag so I would pick the Game mode for fast twitch games.
The bench performance of the VPL-HW55ES is very good and should not disappoint anyone. The only negative is the red primary that is a bit off but in regular content will hardly be noticeable.
Conclusions about the Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector
Last year the Sony VPL-HW50ES was my overall favorite projector and the VPL-HW55ES might retain that title. The improvements to lamp life, 3D, and the dynamic iris are impressive. That Sony can also keep it whisper quiet when running in high lamp mode, which many others cannot, makes it a very flexible unit.
The biggest improvement to me is the improved iris and film mode performance. Once I set the iris to Limited On and enabled Film Mode, I never felt the need to disable them. The improved contrast ratio and motion make for a much better image and with no real drawbacks. I can see where some people might be more sensitive to the slight flicker that Film Mode can present but I found it almost invisible.
My only reservation on the VPL-HW55ES is that I received a unit with a bad lens to begin with. Focus was off and it never was able to look sharp. Sony replaced it and the new unit worked perfectly from that point on. They also told me that any consumer that has the same issue can easily get it replaced by their dealer as that flaw would be covered by the warranty. With a proper lens the Sony is very sharp, so you should expect yours to look as good as mine did.
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is one of the best projectors out there today. Highly accurate, very bright, and still my first choice for a do-everything unit under $5,000. Just like before, there are other units that can do individual things better, but nothing with the full package that the VPL-HW55ES offers. It is an all-around winner of a projector.


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It's time to pick up your fork and enjoy eating again. Indulge your taste buds with over 200 entrees, hand-prepared by our chefs. Experience unique flavors inspired by cultures from your neighborhood and from around the world. Fulfill your appetite and rediscover real food worthy of your finest china.
Prepare to love breakfast with these healthy and delicious buckwheat berry pancakes served with a rich and colorful blueberry and strawberry compote, with a hearty side of Canadian bacon.
Make breakfast healthy and fun with these hearty, healthy and flavorful buckwheat berry pancakes.
Giving you the whole grain taste you love and the flavor you deserve, awaken your breakfast palate with these delicious pancakes, served with a rich and colorful blueberry and strawberry compote, and a piece of smoky and sensational Canadian bacon.
These tender pork slices are covered with a delicious Asian plum sauce, and served with tossed vegetables over tasty rice noodles and a colorful helping of sugar snap peas.
Step into the culture of Asian cuisine with these tender slices of juicy pork, perfectly seasoned and grilled, topped and drizzled with a thick and flavorful serving of plum sauce.
Served with tossed, mixed vegetables and tasty rice noodles, this perfectly proportioned Asian masterpiece is completed with a serving of flavorful and traditional sugar snap peas.
This grilled and oven-roasted chicken breast is served with brown rice, and a colorful portion of baby peas and shoestring carrots, and served with a side of hearty and robust Ratatouille.
A hearty entree inspired by culinary influences from the French province, this hearty and delicious entree combines the grilled, charcoal taste of chicken, with the hearty, colorful and robust flavors of Ratatouille.
With a blend of flavorful vegetables including onions, zucchini and bell peppers, this Ratatouille makes this dish perfection. We then top off this tasty chicken is with shoestring carrots and fresh peas, to add bright colors and extra flavor.
This hearty and flavorful grilled chicken breast is served atop of a steamed serving of brown lentils, poached with bay leaves, and accented by toasted almonds, raisins, onions and a lime-infused sauce.
Indulge in the flavors of Moroccan culture with this healthy and delicious take on a cultural favorite.
Served atop of a serving of brown lentils, poached with bay leaves, this chicken perfection worthy of your plate is accented by toasted almonds, seasoned with cumin and coriander, garnished with raisins, onions, and a lime-infused sauce.
These thin and tender medallions of beef are topped with a slow-simmered sauce, made with fresh ginger, sesame oil and rice wine vinegar, served with a side of brown rice with vegetables and broccoli.
This dish, consisting of perfectly cooked thin slices of beef medallions are drizzled with a slow-simmered sauce.
Made with fresh ingredients, including ginger, sesame oil and rice wine vinegar, this sauce makes the perfect complement to a side of stir-fried brown rice and an appetizing side of fresh, mixed vegetables and crisp broccoli.
These delicious and hearty crepes are filled with grilled chicken breast, dried red onions and spinach, and bound with a feta-cheese bechamel, with a serving of cinnamon roasted apples.
With these French-inspired crepes for breakfast, get your fill of protein, but enjoy it too. These delicious envelopes are filled with lean, grilled chicken and mixed perfectly with the flavors of dried red onions and fresh spinach.
Bound with a tasty feta-cheese béchamel, these delicious crepes are served with a satisfyingly sweet portion of cinnamon roasted apples.
This lean chicken breast is stuffed with a blend of spinach and feta cheeses and served with a hearty Pomodoro sauce, with a delicious side of mashed eggplant and wheat penne.
Sink your teeth into this Italian-inspired delight, courtesy of our chefs. A mouthwatering lean, grilled chicken breast is seasoned and prepped to perfection, then combined with an array of spices and stuffed with a decadent blend of spinach and feta cheeses.
To complement these robust Italian flavors, this stuffed chicken is served with a side of mashed eggplant and drizzled with a home-made Pomodoro sauce to create an Italian work of culinary art.
This slow-roasted pork tenderloin is garnished with a mixed olive tapenade, presented over toasted saffron orzo pasta, and served with emerald green asparagus spears.
Taste the unique flavors of the south of France with this Provencal dish consisting of a juicy slow-roasted pork tenderloin, served with a tapenade sauce made with finely chopped olives, capers and olive oil.
Served with toasted saffron orzo pasta, this decadent French-inspired pork fare is complemented with a colorful and healthy helping of emerald green asparagus spears.
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By ChildFund Belarus staff
Eighteen-year-old Vlad was born with cerebral palsy. His speech is unclear, and he cannot handle a pen or use a computer keyboard. And, yet, Vlad is a brilliant student.
Teachers educated Vlad at his Belarus home. Though the boy couldn't write, he easily solved math problems in his head. By the age of 15, he had read many literature classics and could easily cite quotes by Dumas or analyze Dostoyevsky's and Tolstoy's works.
Vlad dreamed about becoming a lawyer who advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. But he faced a serious roadblock: Belarus' system of entrance exams to its universities does not consider the special needs of a person with disabilities. The examination must be written, and parents are not allowed to be in a classroom during the exam. Personal assistants to help with writing or reading are typically unavailable.
In a quest to get their son admitted to college, Vlad's parents petitioned several universities to allow him special assistance to take entrance exams, but they were turned down by most. In 2012, Vera, a vice rector at Baranovichi University, received training in inclusive education, a program conducted by ChildFund through the USAID-funded project Community Services to Vulnerable Groups.
Before the training program, Vera, like many other Belorussian educators, believed that children with communication problems also suffered from cognitive disability, often a misconception. But at the training, Vera was deeply impressed by the examples of academic achievements and talents that American children with disabilities have developed through proper support and teaching.
As a result, Vera decided to change the rigid entrance procedure at her university. She shared her new knowledge with her colleagues and obtained their full support. A special team was arranged to provide Vlad with adequate assistance during the testing process.
At the exams, Vlad gave his answers verbally, and a faculty member wrote it down. This minor adjustment allowed Vlad to pass the tests.
"The results inspired all of my colleagues," Vera says. "The rector of our university and the members of the state educational board that inspected the exams applauded. Vlad showed brilliant results! He got the highest scores among all the applicants. We are very proud that the boy will become our student. Vlad is very persistent, and there is no doubt he will became a successful advocate for the rights of people with disabilities."
Because of widespread media coverage, Vlad's story became known all over Belarus and was praised by the minister of education, who said that 2013 will bring reforms to the entrance examination process at all Belarussian universities.
At Vera's university, she has continued advocacy efforts by designing a course on inclusive education for students in preschool education. The course was recently approved by the Ministry of Education for university curriculums all over the country.
Read yesterday's post about a Belorussian girl reunited with her father.


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Profile of Bob Fosse
Choreographer / Dancer
Date Of Birth:
23 June 1927
Date Of Death:
23 September 1987
Place Of Birth:
Chicago, Illinois
As a choreographer, Bob Fosse changed the course of Broadway musicals with his distinctively slinky, sexy style of dancing. Then Fosse developed into a multimedia triple threat: in 1973 he won an Academy Award for directing the movie Cabaret (which also won a best actress Oscar for Liza Minnelli), three Emmy awards for directing, producing and choreographing Minelli's TV special Liza With a Z, and two Tony Awards for directing and choreographing the Broadway show Pippin. That feat is, so far, unmatched. Bob Fosse's other hit Broadway shows included Sweet Charity (1965), Chicago (1975) and Dancin' (1978). Fosse was married three times, most famously to his dance partner Gwen Verdon, and was also famous for his extramarital womanizing and freewheeling lifestyle. He told his own story in the semi-autobiographical movie All That Jazz (1979). A 1998 revue, Fosse, collected his most famous dance works into one show.
Extra Credit:
Bob Fosse died of a heart attack in Washington D.C. during the run of a revival of his 1965 show Sweet Charity… A 2002 film version of Chicago won the Academy Award as the year's best picture; it was directed by Rob Marshall and starred Renee Zellweger as Roxie Hart, the role originated by Gwen Verdon.
See also:
Copyright © 1998-2018 by Who2?, LLC. All rights reserved.


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Spotlight Article:
You, me, & the TRC
How Do Utilities Define Cost, and How Does That Affect Your Business?
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A team of Baltimore-based financial advisors with $200 million in assets under management and $2 million in annual production has jumped ship from Wells Fargo to join Raymond James' independent broker-dealer channel, Raymond James announced Monday.
Certified financial planners Carolyn S. Meakem and Traci Meakem Richmond joined Raymond James in Bethesda, Md., according to Scott Curtis, president of Raymond James Financial Services, the firm's IBD. The advisors have formed The Meakem Group, an independent firm, with securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services.
The mother-and-daughter team's decision to affiliate with Raymond James is a testament to the firm's broad platform and independent culture, Curtis said in a statement.
"We are pleased to welcome this exceptional team to Raymond James," Curtis said. "These advisors are a great addition to our independent channel, as they bring years of experience and dedication to putting clients first."
Mindy Diamond (right), president and chief executive of Diamond Consultants, a recruiting firm in Chester, N.J., said the Meakem news signals that the move from wirehouse to independence is becoming more common.
"It doesn't speak to anything being wrong or bad at Wells Fargo, by any means," said Diamond, whose firm works with Raymond James. "It just speaks to the fact that more and more advisors are looking for greater autonomy and freedom, and for greater control over their professional destinies and bottom line. We're watching more advisors leave the wirehouse world and go toward some version of independence."
Meakem said that several factors went into the team's decision to join Raymond James.
"Among the most significant were Raymond James' respect for our relationship with our clients and the firm's reputation for its client-first culture," she said in a statement. "We are pleased to have found a home at Raymond James and that we will not have to go through another transition."
The managing partner of the practice, Meakem is a 34-year industry veteran, and has worked at Ferris & Co., Legg Mason and Wachovia Securities. Her daughter, Richmond, is also a financial advisor and managing partner, holding a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst designation as well as a CFP. She joined her mother's practice in 2006 after 10 years as a litigation attorney.
The Meakem Group provides financial planning, investment management, estate preservation strategies, risk management, education planning and divorce planning.
Read Raymond James Makes Succession Planning Push With New Team for Advisors at AdvisorOne.


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Jen Library
Formerly the Maas Brothers department store, this 85,000-square-foot building was renovated to serve as the Savannah College of Art and Design library. A monumental glass staircase is central to the design, and floor-to-ceiling windows located at each end of the building allow sunlight to brighten comfortable, informal study areas on all three floors.
Located within the Jen Library, the Writers' Studio offers students, faculty and staff individualized and small-group assistance with aspects of the writing process, including prewriting strategies, structuring ideas, developing thesis statements and formulating cover letters, as well as other projects. Its central aim is to help students become confident and independent writers. This student-led approach gives students the opportunity to think about and discuss their writing with consultants.
The Jen Library is also home to faculty development, the Gutstein Gallery and the Visual Resources Center, home to a collection of 335,000 slides and more than 28,000 digital images.


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New Queen on the Block
In between bouts of rain and nostalgia (I prickle using the word nostalgia, to be honest; it smacks of sentimentality, not a trait I cultivate or suffer gladly, but I'll get to that later) I've been craving quinoa like there's no tomorrow, as if I'm living in my own post-apocalyptic genre movie, foraging for nuts and berries on a desert highway in my fashionably shredded mud spattered get-up complete with goggles and chain link bracelets, wishing I had the taut burnished thighs of Tina Turner instead of my own wobbly, pale set of limbs.
Yeah. I'm talking voracious.
I don't know how I used to survive
without this spectacular Wonder "Grain".
without this spectacular Wonder "Grain".
Honestly. How did I cope? This ancient "faux grain" is so much lighter and friendlier to digest than that old hippie stand-by brown rice. It's far more elegant and Helen Mirren queenly than earthy-crunchy Isabel Lucas bo-ho. It has more finesse. More history and character. Not to mention, more nutrition (quinoa is a complete vegan protein, don't forget- unlike most other cereal grains whose nubby chewy aminos need to commingle with complementary legumes or seeds or nuts to be of any real use to us in the vegetarian protein scheme of things). It's also got some calcium. Which can't hurt.
It has occurred to me- this very week- that I lack the sentimentality gene. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy a lively romp down memory lane now and again, just like any crow-footed mid-life goddess with a lively past and a healthy sense of curiosity. It's amusing- even illuminating- to look back down the road once in awhile. To catch the rear view. To shuffle through old photographs, to listen to a song that evokes the summer of '69. That night in the back seat at the drive-in. Peter Fonda on the big screen. The bolt of first love.
But I am not wistful or gauzy eyed, thinking about the past. I don't romanticize it. Though I had an awfully good time of it- I admit I embraced my freedom with gusto.
What is astonishing to me, hitting me upside the head in a virtual shakabuku, is how good my taste in men was, way back then. At the tender age of 15. I made some pretty fine choices way back when. Though my complicated childhood made it inevitable I would feel undeserving and soon enough gravitate to the familiar territory of exploitation. The roots of self-sabotage are sown in the shadow of the family altar. Just when the individuating soul is awakening, the unconscious rumbles from its slumber of innocence and stirs up the familial ghosts to hook its ugly claim on fate. It whispers, You think you got out free and clear, eh?
Some never pry themselves free. Some simply give in to momentum. Some accept less, willingly, and swell with stoic pride. Some find religion and pray to angels. Some choose work. And some replace love with sentiment. The pale excuse for love. The embroidery of nostalgia and its rose-tinted ribbons, investing in a picture that looks pretty to strangers. It is not perfect, but it looks good.
But that's not love.
Love isn't mediagenic. It's messy and complicated and often the timing sucks. Love asks us to get dirty. To risk authenticity, not sugar-coat its opposite. Love doesn't depend upon perfection (See: Moonstruck) . Or what the neighbors think. Love seeds itself in the broken places. It prefers the company of weeds above roses. And love doesn't require being polite, being correct, being right, being the best. Love asks us to hurt. To stretch beyond what is bearable. To feel scared. To lose control. To be ridiculous.
It took me twenty-five years to find it again. That deep, true love. And this time I grabbed it.
And after sixteen years, I hold it tight, still.
Quinoa Mushroom Pilaf Recipe
You can use either broth or water to cook this quinoa recipe, but for a hearty, flavor-rich quinoa pilaf, use your favorite broth.
Make your quinoa the easy way (how to here- using a rice cooker.)
You'll need roughly 2 1/2 - 3 cups cooked quinoa.
You'll need roughly 2 1/2 - 3 cups cooked quinoa.
As the quinoa cooks, gather and cut up your vegetables.
Olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small to medium yellow bell pepper, diced fine
1 small to medium green bell pepper, diced fine
2 cups sliced mushrooms
Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon Greek Seasoning (mint, lemon, basil, oregano mix)
2 scallions (spring onions) sliced- white and light green sections
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Toasted pine nuts, for serving
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine sieve. Drain. Place in rice cooker or pot with two cups fresh water. Cover and cook until all the water is absorbed.
When the quinoa is almost done, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, yellow and green pepper; and stir over medium heat until slightly softened. Add in the mushrooms. Season with sea salt, and ground pepper, to taste. Add the Greek seasoning. Stir and cook until the mushrooms are tender.
Scoop the cooked quinoa out of the rice cooker and add it into the mushroom- pepper mixture. Add in the sliced scallions. Stir to combine. Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the quinoa and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Toss to coat the quinoa.
Taste test and add more salt or seasoning if it needs it.
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, if desired.
Serve immediately; or allow it to cool, then cover and refrigerate it to eat as a salad.
Note on chilling this quinoa: Before serving this quinoa cold, taste test again and adjust seasonings; chilling often dulls the flavors in these kinds of salads. I usually allow quinoa salad a few minutes out of the fridge before serving; letting it to come to room temperature helps the flavors. If making ahead as a salad, I'd use water instead of broth- personal preference.


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Karen Angelo
Responding to the growing demand for public health professionals, the College of Health Sciences introduced new bachelor's and master's public health degree programs. Prospective students may apply now to enroll this fall.
The new public health programs were developed in response to the growing shortage of workers in the region and nationwide. Trends fueling the need include a greater public interest in health promotion and disease prevention, an aging population, and an increase in the number of people retiring from jobs in the public health field.
More professionals who are prepared to prevent disease and promote health in the population as a whole are in demand. More than 250,000 additional public health workers will be needed in the U.S. than will be available by 2020. In Massachusetts, employment in public health occupations is expected to grow 25 percent by 2050.
"Our goal is to produce graduates who can have a positive impact on health by decreasing the incidence of preventable diseases while reducing health-care costs," says Dean Shortie McKinney of the College of Health Sciences. "Our programs will emphasize prevention rather than treatment and prepare graduates to promote and evaluate initiatives in public health that range from building neighborhoods that encourage physical activity among people of all ages to policies that build a sustainable future for at-risk populations and help people make more informed choices related to health."
Students enrolled in the bachelor of science in public health degree program will choose between three options – community health and health promotion, environmental and occupational health or health sciences.
One of the options in the master of public health degree (M.P.H.) program is global environmental sustainability and health, and more options are planned.
Careers for those with degrees in public health include environmental scientists, community health workers, health educators, toxicologists, risk analysts, research project coordinators and worksite wellness managers.
The University is recognized for its regional and global leadership in core fields of public health including occupational health and safety, environmental sustainability, reduction of environmental toxics, epidemiology and health sciences.
"We have faculty experts in place who are world-renowned in their fields to deliver high-caliber programs that will motivate and educate the next generation of public health professionals," says McKinney. "These new public health programs reflect our college's commitment to educate leaders who will create a healthier world."


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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Raytheon's new enhanced Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle demonstrated its capability in a recent non-intercept homeland missile defense test.
In the test Saturday, the EKV maneuvered the Ground-based Midcourse Defense interceptor to the appropriate altitude and closing velocity to destroy the incoming ballistic missile.
"Rigorous non-intercept flight tests are important in proving the effectiveness and operational capability of ballistic missile defense weapons and their various components," said Wes Kremer, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of Air and Missile Defense Systems.
"Today's test allowed us to challenge the EKV in a series of realistic outer-space environments, which gives us a broad range of data prior to moving toward an intercept scenario.
"The sole purpose of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program is to defend the homeland from the threat of ballistic missile attack. This test moves us one step closer to an intercept flight test in 2013."
The EKV is designed to destroy an incoming ballistic missile by directly colliding with it. It employs multicolor sensors to detect and discriminate incoming warheads from other objects; has its own propulsion, communications link, discrimination algorithms, guidance and control systems.
An intercept flight test of the system is to be conducted later this year.