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Used Car - 2012 Kia Optima SX in Midland, Tx
About This 2012 Kia Optima SX
Vehicle Location:
Midland, Tx
Exterior Color:
Stock Number:
Fuel Economy Estimates
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG: 28 - Efficient 30+ MPG
Estimated Monthly Fuel Cost: $79.46*
*Based on $1.78 per gallon and 15k miles per year.
Actual costs may vary.
Actual costs may vary.
Send This Vehicle To Your Smartphone
Seller's Description and Comments:
Located at Unlimited Auto Sales in Midland, Tx. Call Unlimited Auto Sales today at 432-262-0850 for more information about this vehicle.
Vehicle Options:
- Abs Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- Am/fm Radio
- Automatic Headlights
- Cd Player
- Child Safety Door Locks
- Cruise Control
- Driver Airbag
- Driver Multi-adjustable Power Seat
- Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
- Electronic Brake Assistance
- Fog Lights
- Front Air Dam
- Front Power Lumbar Support
- Front Side Airbag
- Heated Exterior Mirror
- High Intensity Discharge Headlights
- Interval Wipers
- Keyless Entry
- Leather Seat
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Passenger Airbag
- Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror
- Power Door Locks
- Power Windows
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear Window Defogger
- Second Row Folding Seat
- Separate Driver/front Passenger Climate Controls
- Side Head Curtain Airbag
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Tachometer
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Tilt Steering
- Tilt Steering Column
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Traction Control
- Trip Computer
- Trunk Anti-trap Device
- Vehicle Anti-theft
- Vehicle Stability Control System
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2012 Kia Optima ReviewThis car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.
Quiet and refined mid-size sedan.
Kia Optima is a freshly redesigned midsize sedan that comes in three versions. The Kia Optima was redesigned for 2011. The 2011 Optima lineup included a compelling EX base model and a Turbo model that proved to be a hit.
The 2012 Optima lineup adds a Hybrid version using a 2.4-liter I4 Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower with an electric motor with 40 horsepower. The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 35/40 miles per gallon City/Highway.
Optima is at the forefront of midsize design: sleek and muscular, with none of the odd feel that sometimes characterizes new Asian cars. It is a car of finesse, with distinguished aesthetics, except for that grille.
Inside, the interior appointments and materials are handsome, generous, and of high quality, overall. Beautiful leather adorns the dashboard and seating, comfortable with firm support, including the rear. The design and layout of the instrumentation reflect thought and employ the latest technology. Legible, jewel-like instruments signal that this is no bland commuter module, though the Optima does make a good commuter module. The expected conveniences are all there, plus bonuses such as a cooled glove compartment for keeping beverages cool.
Optima offers heated/cooled seating, navigation with rearview camera, paddle-shifter transmission, and an extra-large panoramic sunroof. Connectivity conveniences include satellite radio, USB audio input jacks and Bluetooth wireless, with steering wheel voice activation controls that deliver hands-free phone operation.
Optima uses front-wheel drive and a four-wheel independent suspension that is athletic and responsive. We found the ride quality compliant over rougher pavement, filtering out harshness, while the suspension accurately communicates smaller bumps and ripples. The chassis is good, and although Optima is no performance sedan, its handling has a sporty glimmer.
The Kia Optima EX, the base trim and most common model, uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 200 horsepower. This engine is short on excitement, but it's fine for most drivers. Quiet at highway cruising speeds, it delivers enough power to keep up with fast traffic on the freeways, while delivering an EPA-estimated 24/35 mpg City/Highway.
The 274-hp Optima Turbo sweetly carries this sedan into another world. The Optima Turbo's performance, stability and agility are first rate, and its silky smooth engine is amazing for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It squirts from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds, very quick indeed, and through the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds.
The Optima Hybrid drags Optima back into a third world. Its EPA estimated mileage is 35/40 miles per gallon. However, we only got 25.5 mpg during our lead-footed stint. The 6-speed automatic transmission was rough, which we blame on its electronic programming.
Optima Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower connected by a wet clutch to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor producing 40 horsepower. The battery that powers the electric motor is state of the art, a 270V lithium-polymer (Li-PB) battery. Compared to a nickel metal hydride system, this 95-pound Li-PB system is 20-30 percent lighter, 40 percent smaller, holds a charge 25 percent longer, is 10 percent more efficient, and offers twice the power density. The warranty is good for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. It's a hybrid, so you don't need to plug it in. Just fill it with gas and go.
The 2012 Kia Optima LX ($19,500) comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic ($21,000). Standard features include cloth seat trim, air conditioning, solar glass, outside mirror turn signals, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with Satellite radio, USB input jacks, glass antenna, dual dash power takeoffs, cooling glovebox, front/rear armrest and cupholder, sunglasses holder, front/rear in-door bottle holder, illuminated vanity mirror, tilt/telescope steering, steering-wheel controls, keyless entry, power windows with driver Auto Down, intermittent wipers, driver's power lumbar support, up/down tilt headrests, 16-inch wheels with 205/65R16 tires. A Convenience Package ($xx) upgrades to an eight-way power driver's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass. The LX Technology Package ($xx) includes the Convenience Package and adds the navigation system with rearview camera, Infinity premium audio, and dual-zone climate control.
Optima EX 2.4 ($23,200) adds foglights, heated outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles, glovebox illumination, Smart Key with push-button start, auto light control system, 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires. The EX Premium Package adds a panoramic sunroof, four-way front passenger seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim. The EX Technology Package includes the Premium Package and adds the navigation system with rearview camera, Infinity premium audio.
Optima EX 2.0T ($25,100) features the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, larger front brake discs, unique front grille. A Premium Package adds the panoramic sunroof, four-way front-passenger seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel. The Technology Package includes the Premium Package and adds the navigation system, rearview camera, Infinity premium audio.
Optima SX 2.0T ($26,500) upgrades further with a sport-tuned suspension, P225/45R18 tires, 18-inch black machined wheels, black front-brake calipers, HID headlights with auto leveling, LED rear lights, unique front/rear bumper design, sculpted side sills, spoiler, aero wiper blades. The Technology Package ($1400) and Premium Package ($2950) include the panoramic sunroof, four-way front-passenger seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats.
Optima Hybrid ($25,700) uses a 2.4-liter I4 Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower and an electric motor with 40 horsepower. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, a rear spoiler, and LED taillamps. Inside, there's an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, electric dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with Smart Key, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, fixed rear seats with ski pass-through. Premium Technology Package ($5350) adds 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, panoramic sunroof, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID head lights with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic, and the premium Infinity audio system.
Safety features include dual front advanced airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, side-impact door beams, front/rear crumple zones, impact-absorbing steering column, three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners, adjustable front seatbelt anchors, child safety locks, child seat anchors, emergency trunk release, four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), brake assist, traction control (TCS), electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist (HAC), and the mandated tire-pressure monitor. Optional is a rearview camera.
When this generation Optima was introduced as a 2011 model, it was a bold, fresh prism through which to view the Kia image. As with the Sorento and quirky good-natured Soul, the new Optima's design focus is not Korean nor even Asian. It is a world car like sedans from Ford, Toyota or Honda. Sleek, aggressive and modern, the Optima is at ease; it's like a well-tailored Italian suit, made in Korea.
The suit seems a bit tight in the front, though. The Optima grille, a sharp-angled chrome bezel surrounding a black mesh screen, arouses opposite opinions. One correspondent called it elegantly simple, comparing it to Jaguar and Bentley, but most of us think it looks like it came out of an aftermarket catalog.
The racy wraparound headlamps, and low wide stance, imply athleticism. The front air dam is low enough to scrape in surprising places for a so-called sedate sedan like this, and gives the nose an aggressive look while helping fuel mileage. Scraping can be annoying if your driveway or a nearby intersection you use is severe enough to cause the nose to drag.
The sides of the car are admirably clean, with three horizontal character lines giving them form and flow. Handsome flared fenders add muscularity to the Optima's flanks.
The wheels come in several patterns and sizes, and are cutting edge. The sporty Optima SX comes with wheels that make a strong styling statement, but because they're soft alloy and wider than the tires, it's very easy to scrape and scar them against a curb.
Wraparound red taillights complete the dynamic look, with dual chrome exhausts, one at each side, fulfilling the sporty image by gilding the rose, since dual exhausts on an inline four-cylinder are pure styling, like snowshoes on a duck. Still, the imagery is enticing.
The Optima's interior concedes nothing to its European or American competitors, except for its black plastic trim. The dashboard uses pebble-grain black leather, handsomely stitched with French seams. Optional leather spreads to the seats, trimmed with fabric.
The instrument panel is clean, including four handsome horizontal climate vents. Instruments use a clear font. The lettering on the tach and speedometer is organic white with a red needle, although the tach is too small to be very useful.
The leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel is thick, feels good in the hands. It tilts and telescopes, and contains controls for audio, cruise control, phone and a big green button for Eco. Heating is optional.
The five-passenger seating is excellent, with a full range of adjustability available in the driver's seat. The seats are firm, well-bolstered, and deliver snug lateral support for more vigorous driving. However, the center-rear passenger must ride the camel's hump, and the rear legroom is on the low side of average, at 34.7 inches. Heated front and rear seating is available, as is front cooling and a cooled glovebox for drinks.
The front windows feature fully automatic one-touch up/down operation, a provision found in pricier European sedans. The panoramic sunroof is huge, airy and truly bright. When closing it, the sunscreen panel closes automatically. A separate function opens only the screen and tilt roof. Nice, as with the controls on the center console, angled slightly towards the driver.
The right side B pillar creates a blind spot over the driver's shoulder.
Starting the car turns on the screen. One thing we continue to hate, and gets us off on the wrong foot every time, is having to click I AGREE to something, before the car will even show you its clock. Adding insult to injury, on the Optima you have to reach way up there to AGREE. We have no idea what we're agreeing to.
The screen didn't get much better for us. There are a bewildering number of things to click: GPS, Daylight Savings Time, some icon that looks like a hairbrush, and so on. The Navigation is fairly easy to set, and you can operate it while the car is moving, though we recommend your co-driver perform this duty. We found the navigation in our car inaccurate. It was so wrong it was useless at worst, untrustworthy at best. It was totally confused by a freeway branch outside the city, and if we hadn't known our way and ignored it, it would have put us on the wrong freeway, wrong direction, for at least six miles. Another time, we were parked in front of our destination, and navigation told us to drive around the block: The map on the screen showed four right turns at the end of each block, to reach where we already were.
The display for the Hybrid is only slightly strange, for a hybrid: growing flowers in Eco mode, the bigger the bouquet the better you're doing. In the center of the speedo a display shows average and instant fuel mileage, with blue bars that move with the throttle position, duh. It also scores your efficiency. There's a big round instrument on the left that's an Eco guide, with white, green and red zones. You can see energy flow back and forth between the wheels, battery, and engine. Fun to watch for the first few minutes of the few years you might own the car.
The Hybrid offers a Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with its audio system, incorporating Bluetooth and back-up camera. Infinity's deluxe 12-speaker audio system, with stylish speakers in the doors and dash, delivered superb sound.
A Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) plays an engine sound during electric-only operation up to 12 miles per hour, to help notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching. We would have liked to hear this mock buzz, but we couldn't get the Hybrid to run on electric only. It took the internal combustion engine just to back downhill out of our driveway. Nothing new with hybrids. And rather than a buzz, why not play music? Hi folks, we're coming through, now how about a little Led Zeppelin for you? Or perhaps exotic engine sounds, like a Formula 1 Ferrari or an old Can Am car. Or maybe it should woo woo like an old steam locomotive. Purposely making cars noisier. Is that progress?
The Hybrid's air conditioning system uses an electric compressor, reducing the losses in belt-driven systems and allowing cool air to flow, even with the engine off in Idle-Stop mode. We didn't test it because it was freezing outside. So far, we've found that when they say cool air, they mean exactly that, as in not hot. Don't expect air-conditioning cold, in summer.
Cargo space is vast in the Optima EX and SX (15.4 cubic feet), but not so vast with the Hybrid (9.9 cubic feet) because of battery placement.
Driving Impression
The driving character of the Optima varies by model.
The Optima EX comes with the 200-hp 2.4-liter four cylinder engine, which we found flexible, very quiet, and reasonably powerful. As the engine most Optima buyers will choose, it is well suited to family duties both in daily traffic and at highway and commute speeds.
Even at middle throttle, accelerating from a stop, the engine is only distantly audible. Only under full acceleration does this engine remind you that it's a small four-cylinder, with an agonized yowl. At the more common task of accelerating away from an intersection, the Optima EX excels, smoothly and predictably gaining speed with no drama. In other words, throttle tip-in at slow speeds is linear and without surges; many cars nowadays jump off the line with overly sensitive throttles.
The Optima EX rides nicely, passing over rough surfaces with little effort, soaking up roughness while delivering necessary road information to the driver. Chassis dynamics are excellent for a family mid-size car. Steering is accurate, firm and provided good feedback over twisting terrain. Pushing harder, there is good front-wheel grip, and when we hit a long curve at high speed, the multi-link rear end hooked up nicely. The usual ride responses experienced in vigorous driving, such as body roll, dive and squat, are well controlled, thanks to the car's rigid chassis.
Handling-wise, everything the EX does well, the Optima SX Turbo does crisper. The SX includes a sport-tuned suspension.
The Optima 2.0T is a sweet performance star with a classy ride. The Turbo's performance, stability and agility are first rate. Silky smooth engine, amazing for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, thanks to the Korean carmaker on the other side of town; the engine is shared with the Hyundai Sonata. It makes 274 horsepower, squirts the Optima from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds, and through the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, muscle car times. What's more, if you get the EPA estimate of 22/34 mpg City/Highway, it'll be as good as we got in our real world with the Optima Hybrid.
The Optima Hybrid delivered unimpressive fuel mileage when we drove it with no babying. EPA rates the Optima Hybrid 35/40 miles per gallon City/Highway. But our combined average, after 240 around-town and fast freeway miles, was 25.5 mpg. Around town we got just 20.5 mpg. Highest we reached was 39.4 mpg, in Eco mode at 60 mph; that's how to match the claims or EPA estimate. At 78 mph, with the Eco button amusingly still pressed, the average was 25.0 mpg.
Both the Turbo and Hybrid use a 6-speed automatic transmission, but the Turbo's is smooth, while the Hybrid's is programmed to get better fuel mileage. We found the Optima Hybrid transmission awful. It would not respond to on-off throttle, for example on the freeway shooting for holes. When it's changing gears, sometimes it feels like it's slipping, other times like it's snatching. It felt like we were towing a big bag of boulders.
The Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine that produces 166 horsepower connected by a wet clutch to an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) synchronous electric motor producing 40 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque up to 1,400 rpm in electric mode. Hyundai says it can be driven in full-electric mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour. Supposedly when the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions. Ours never did that.
The battery that powers the electric motor is state of the art, a 270V lithium-polymer (Li-PB) battery. Compared to a nickel metal hydride system, this 95-pound Li-PB system is 20-30 percent lighter, 40 percent smaller, holds a charge 25 percent longer, is 10 percent more efficient, and offers twice the power density. The warranty is good for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Wintry conditions do not suit the Optima. When we drove the Hybrid in snow we found little traction. We'll remember this Optima as the one-wheel-drive car. On our sloping driveway with a couple inches of snow, left front tire on asphalt and right front on ice, the power went to the tire on the ice, which just spun, as the car went nowhere. If you live in the Snow Belt look elsewhere.
The Kia Optima lineup includes three models each with distinctive characters. The base Optima EX, the model most buyers will choose, is well suited to family duties, with decent acceleration, a good ride, and generous creature comforts. The fast and silky Turbo is an impressive underdog against European sports sedans. The new Hybrid needs work, with its rough transmission and uninspired fuel mileage.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses contributed to this report from the Pacific Northwest. Ted West contributed to this report.
Model Lineup
Kia Optima LX ($19,500), LX automatic ($21,000); Optima EX 2.4 ($23,200); EX 2.0T ($25,100); SX 2.0T ($26,500); Hybrid ($31,500).
Assembled In
Options As Tested
Premium Technology Package includes navigation system with rearview camera and Sirius Traffic, includes Infinity premium audio, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps with auto-leveling, leather seat trim, heated and cooled front seats, driver's seat memory, heated rear seats, power front passenger four-way seat, heated steering wheel.
Model Tested
Kia Optima Hybrid ($25,700).The Kia Optima is a five-passenger, front-drive, mid-size sedan which places it squarely in the most competitive car class there is. The Optima is available in four trim levels; LX, EX, EX Turbo and SX. The LX and EX are equipped with a naturally-aspirated 200-hp 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder. The EX turbo and SX use a turbocharged 274-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, while a Sportmatic six-speed automatic is available on the LX and standard on all other trims. Standard safety features include active headrests, traction-control, stability-control, four-wheel antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitor. The 2012 Optima LX receives standard fog lights, automatic light control, chrome door handles and heated mirrors. The EX now has standard LED tail lights and interior wood trim.
4310 W Wall St
Midland, Tx. 79703

subset: commoncrawl


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There is an app to help with your New Year resolution
NEW Year's resolutions, whether you make them or not everybody wants to be a better version of themselves.
No matter if you want to lose weight or become more involved with your community - there is an app for that.
Here is your guide to the best apps for your 2013 New Year's resolutions. Start making changes towards a better future and a better you.
Evernote - If you aren't a user yet, you should be. Regardless of what your resolution is, Evernote will help you plan, organise, share and save helpful webpages, notes and lists. It's similar to Pinterest (which you should also be on) but on more of a personal level.
Price: Free
Map My Run - This app has several variations, and one will certainly fit your lifestyle. It allows you to use a GPS feature to map your runs or walks while you are taking them. You can save routes, keep track of best times, count calories, log all of your workouts, and much more. It's a great way to hold yourself accountable for working out in the new year.
Price: Free
Linked In - Looking to make a career change? Linked In has come a long way in the past few years. It now has job postings, and even emails you with job positions you may be interested in based on your past searches. You can even apply right to jobs on the Linked In site using the resume saved on your profile.
Price: Free
The New York Times Crossword Puzzle App - Want to sharpen up your brain function? Doing the NY Times crossword every morning is a great way to start your day and get the juices flowing.
Price: Free
My Quit Buddy - Need to give up smoking? Then this app is for you. My Quit Buddy offers the support and advice that is needed for this hard to kick habit! Install now and find the support you need today!
Price: Free
Sleep Machine - If catching more Zs is your New Year's resolution…find some peace and get some sleep with the Sleep Machine app. This innovative app provides relaxing white noise to lure the busy brain into a deep and relaxing sleep.
Price: $1.99
Day One - a stunning app that makes it very easy for you to quickly log your thoughts and then retrieve them from the cloud later just as simply. Notes are password-protected, and the app features a Dropbox sync to the Day One desktop application and your other devices.
Price: $1.99
FoodSwitch - This app is really clever for those wanting to stop it not stop it. You scan the barcode of a supermarket item and it tells you the healthier options.
FoodSwitch now also comes with a new SaltSwitch feature to especially help people looking to lower their salt intake.
Price: Free
Pic Stitch - Pic Stitch is designed to be easy to use and give you only the feature you really need to easily create photographic works of art.
Share your masterpiece with your family and friends via email or post it to Facebook.
Price: Free
My Weekly Budget - If your New Year's resolution is to stop spending money and start saving it, this little app might just be your saving grace.
MyWB is the easiest way to keep track of your spending and using it daily is all you need to stay within your spending budget.
Price: $0.99


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Abigail Feldman Photo
Pete Malinverni, a regular facet of the NYC jazz scene, is releasing a new solo CD.
Pianist inspired by Downtown streets
Artists new CD to combine jazz and choir influences
By Rick Marx
The pianist Pete Malinverni doesnt need to worry about inspiration. Whenever hes feeling stuck, hell step out of his apartment at Sixth Avenue and Houston to collect his thoughts and find a little inspiration. The Downtown is a huge part of it, he says. First of all, it offers inspiration because of the life of the Village. If Im having trouble getting going in the morning, I take a quick half-hour walk in the Village. Im trying to open my mind and practice.
He might stop for a quick espresso at Roccos on Bleecker Street before getting down to the business of playing, practicing, or composing.
Malinverni, who has resided in the area since 1983, is a renowned leader and accompanist you may have seen leading a trio or performing solo at the Jazz Gallery on Hudson Street, Sweet Rhythm on Seventh Ave. South, Bradleys, the Village Gate, the Blue Note, Zinno, the Village Corner, or the Village Vanguard, where he has played with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
Malinverni leads a musical double life, at the Devoe Street Baptist Church. As pastor of music at the church, he spends his Sundays creating music that not only complements the service but serves to stir the souls of the parishioners as well. Along the way, hes undergone something of a spiritual awakening.
Its affected completely my life on the bandstand as a jazz musician, he said. Ive learned in the church that Im just a vessel for the music and not its creator. All I really have to do is practice hard, study hard, and prepare myself, so that when the music comes, I can execute it.
He recently presented To the Rock, a suite comprising gospel and jazz arrangements made up of musical arrangements of various psalms, at the church, and the music continues to infuse his jazz moods.
His new jazz CD, which he just recorded in the citys Avatar Studios, pulls from both the jazz and church influences.
Its all part of the journey, said Malinverni. Its a function of stretching. Two years I had only made trio records or group recordings. Now Im working hard on the piano and finding certain things are best said alone.
Work with the choir has led me into writing more and more beautiful jazz ensembles and choir music. By design Im doing things with no template. I want to see what happens.
Malinverni may be best known for his trio performances with Leroy Williams and Dennis Irwin, with whom he has recorded and played extensively. The trio recorded Of One Mind, This Time, Autumn in New York, and A Very Good Year. His latest, The Tempest, is laced with juicy jazz standards like It Could Happen to You and Get Happy.
The new CD will be Malinvernis first solo effort.
Im looking forward to it, says Malinverni. Its just like everything else with freedom comes responsibility.
He defined the difference between solo and trio performance. When youre preparing for a trio recording as leader, you pick the material and kind of need to come up with suggestions for how things might go, and then you can trust the chemistry of the group. That will naturally develop with people youve hopefully chosen wisely. When its solo, you know it all has to start and end at the piano. Thats sort of daunting.
For the project, Malinverni said he will use the piano as his rhythm section. The piano can complete the entire musical range, said Malinverni. Its a different sort of focus. When youre with a trio, youre using your ears. Theres a lot of give and take among players. This is all going to be coming from me.
The project will consist of a prelude, about 10 or 12 measures long, that Malinverni will play and improvise variations, forming an intelligent arc, as he describes it.
The goal in any performance is that the music has the same high formal harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic qualities as the greatest orchestral and jazz music, he said. I always say that even though we improvise as jazz musicians, we have to hold that to the light of great music that has come before music of every genre.
Recent jazz performances hes enjoyed include the pianist Barry Harris at the Vanguard (an exquisite thing), Jazz Italiano, with great jazz musicians from Italy at the Zinc Bar, and hearing the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is great, said Malinverni. Theyre the best musicians in New York.
While drawing from diverse influences, Malinverni is adamant that he doesnt want to be a copycat. Ive been listening since I was a baby, he said. I dont want in any way to mirror or mimic anything Ive heard before. Youre the result of the conglomeration of your influences, but the thing is, I want to see what I can come up with. I want it to be wholly new.
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EPHRATA, Pa. (AP) - February 23, 2014 --A 77-year-old Pennsylvania man who had been missing for nine days was found dead by a search and rescue team.
The Reading Eagle reports that the body of Richard T. Jordan, who had late-stage Alzheimer's, was found Saturday morning in his neighbor's yard, just outside Ephrata. That's about 50 miles east of Harrisburg.
Deputy Coroner Terry Straka says Jordan died of hypothermia. Jordan, who was living with relatives, left his home unexpectedly at 6 a.m. on Feb. 13 in his pajamas during a snowstorm.
Authorities say they would have found Jordan much sooner if not for recent severe storms.


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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Organizers of Sioux Falls' annual JazzFest have announced that singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow will headline this year's event.
Crow, a nine-time Grammy winner, will perform on July 20. Midcontinent Communications is sponsoring Crow's appearance.
The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival is a three-day event held annually at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls that attracts an average of 90,000 people each year. This year's event is scheduled for July 18-20.
The event is free to the public.


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David Brooks writes:
There's an atmosphere of grand fragility hanging over America's colleges. The grandeur comes from the surging application rates, the international renown, the fancy new dining and athletic facilities. The fragility comes from the fact that colleges are charging more money, but it's not clear how much actual benefit they are providing. . . .
This is an unstable situation. At some point, parents are going to decide that $160,000 is too high a price if all you get is an empty credential and a fancy car-window sticker.
One part of the solution is found in three little words: value-added assessments. Colleges have to test more to find out how they're doing.
I agree with that last paragraph. Eric Loken and I said as much in the context of statistics teaching, but the principle of measuring outcomes makes sense more generally. (Issues of measurement and evaluation are particularly salient to statisticians, given that we strongly recommend formal quantitative evaluation in fields other than our own.)
I don't have anything to add on the substance (beyond again expressing my agreement on the desirability of empirical measures of student performance) but I do want to hypothesize on the sources of Brooks's doomy impressions.
After all, on first impression, top public and private colleges and universities are doing well, and there's a lot of demand for their services. Just for example, when I was growing up in the D.C. suburbs, it was my impression that lots of students who were in the middle of the pack academically in high school could graduate and go to the University of Maryland in nearby College Park. In the decades since, the University of Maryland has become more competitive, reflecting the increasing demand (not matched by increasing supply) for high-quality college education.
So why is Brooks so sure that universities are in trouble? Why paint their current success as an "it's always brightest just before the dark" situation (to borrow the words of Jim Thompson) rather than a more conventional presentation of universities as a shining success?
I see three reasons. I don't know that any of these are conscious on Brooks's part, but I suspect they all went into his reasoning.
1. Politics: Brooks is a political conservative. Universities are bastions of liberalism, thus it is pleasant of Brooks to see universities as struggling institutions in need of radical change.
2. Personal experience: Brooks has worked all his adult life at newspapers. Newspapers twenty years ago were where universities are now. Newspapers were making tons of money (from the business press, I recall that "Wall Street" was demanding 15 percent annual returns, and newspapers were delivering), in many cases they were close to local monopolies (consider the Washington Post) and successful both financially and in the sense of doing their job well (delivering lots of news), but there was a sense that this was all going to end. Not too many people were starting new newspapers, which was a bad sign, and many people were (correctly) worried that the social and economic basis for newspapers was disappearing. We no longer need to spend that quarter a day to read Peanuts, Art Buchwald, and the story of the latest Redskins game, and advertisers can reach us from other directions.
In short, Brooks has seen it happen in slow motion right in front of him, so he's primed to see the same pattern of gradual and then panicked decline elsewhere.
3. Economics: Universities are indeed doing well intellectually and financially, but much of that comes from government support. Consider three leading sectors of the economy in the past twenty years: education, health care, and government (including the military). What do they all have in common? Guaranteed or near-guaranteed flows of tax money.
Just for example, one small contribution to the prominence of Columbia University is my research and this blog. I have time to do all this (rather than, for example, spending 40 hours a week grading papers) partly because I have millions of dollars of government grants. (And the granting agencies give extra funding to the university, so my grants also helps support the work of my Columbia colleagues who are not externally funded.) I think this is a good use of tax dollars—but of course I'd say that, just as Gen. Ripper supports the use of taxation to pay for expensive bombers. My point here is not to argue the merits of the case, just to point out that much of the financial success of universities relies on public funding for research, student loan guarantees, etc.


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It's the beginning of a new month, and that means more bargains at Amazon! Here are some YA ebargains available for November.
So Close to You (So Close to You Trilogy) by Rachel Carter – 2.99
Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.
When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.
Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices—and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.
Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer – 2 .99
Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their real lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents)! But when an unexpected event shows them they're missing out on the full high school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge—and they will totally rock it.
Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking—and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes—until now.
These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want—but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . . .
Stork (Stork Trilogy) by Wendy Desol – 2.99
Oh baby! A hip heroine discovers that she has the ability to decide who gets pregnant in this witty YA blend of romance and the supernatural. Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren't enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she's a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.
Princess of Glass (Princess of the Midnight Ball) by Jessica Day George – 1.59
Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program. She travels abroad hoping to find better political alliances and perhaps a marriage. But thanks to a vengeful fairy, Poppy's happily ever after gets complicated. This companion to Princess of the Midnight Ball will delight readers with action and romance.
Insignia (Insignia Trilogy) by S J Kincaid – 2.99
More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom's drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.
Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone's been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he's offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom's instincts for combat will be put to the test and if he passes, he'll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War III. Finally, he'll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom's always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?
Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid's futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.


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"The battle is not yours, it's the Lord's." 2 Chronicles 20:15
Four years ago, during the long hot summer before Mr. Barack Hussein Obama was elected as the "first black president of the United States of America," I remember being distraught because prophets and pundits were predicting his election. One friend dreamed of Mr. Obama wearing a medical jacket and carrying a stethoscope. We later realized that God was revealing that the president would use health care as a wedge into the voting communities.
Friends, I was angry with God, and that was a dangerous position for me to be in. God had revealed to me that due to His hand of judgment on America, Mr. Obama would be the next President. I just couldn't stand the thought of that!
It took the God ordained wisdom of a fellow prophetic voice in the person of my good friend and fellow warrior Pastor Clennard Childress of www.blackgenocide.org to calm me down. I remember him saying: "Alveda, only God can use one vessel, one man to shine light on two of the most demonic forces we battle today in the 21st century. Racism and abortion will come to the forefront with this presidency because Barack Obama will be the most abortion minded president American has ever known. On the other hand, racism will come out of the closet because some people will resent having a black face in the White House."
As it turns out, Pastor Childress is right. President Obama's abortion agenda is unprecedented. Then too, there is the flip side of the anti-Christ/anti-procreation agenda which President Obama also promotes. Abortion along with his homosexual marriage agenda are the two most effective forces against natural marriage and procreation. Face it friends, two men or two women engaged in sexual liaisons, and mothers who abort or surgically and chemically prevent conception are much less likely to birth babies.
And let's not forget racism. Sadly, there are self proclaimed Christians praying that God will kill President Obama. Now, I know that David prayed for God to kill his enemies in the Old Testament, but after Christ came into the earth and died at Calvary and ascended to Heaven as our High Priest, we now have the privilege of praying for our leaders in authority and would be wise to pray that God transform the President rather than kill him.
Having said that, I'd like to remind us that we must pray on our knees for relief from ungodly leaders. When we get up from our knees, we should go to the ballot box and vote for life, natural marriage and family, deliverance from forces that are destroying our health, economy, educational system, etc.
As a 21st century guardian of the King Family Legacy, I'm reminded of what my Uncle M. L. wrote in the previous century in his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail." He spoke of the most segregated hour in America, that being Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. Friends, it's time to come together regardless of ethnicity, church denomination, economic status, political party affiliation and other distinctions that divide us rather than unite us.
The blood of the innocents is crying from the ground. The earth is groaning under the injustices. Natural procreation is under attack. We must pray and ask God to help us according to 2 Chronicles 7:14 – "If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray…"
I'd like to end this blog with a message from controversial prophet Kim Clement. You may recall that he was one of the prophetic voices heralding the election of President Obama. Mr. Clement took a lot of heat for speaking that prophecy. This is not an endorsement of his message, just an FYI. Peace!
Kim Clement:
"I Will Not Look Away From the Sound That Is Coming"
June 6, 2012 – From The Matrix
Regarding the Shedding of Innocent Blood
What is happening now is that there is innocent blood being shed. And God says clearly and through me now, "Do you really think I will not respond to this that is happening? I'm already performing miracles with young kids that were supposed to die; I've protected them by the thousands and the tens of thousands. Those that have slipped by," God said, "each one has a voice that I will replace with two voices. Each one has a sound. Where there is one innocent taken, I will give two innocent back. Where one purity is taken, I will give two purity back."
God says, "I will not look away from the shedding of blood; I will not look away from the sound that is coming from the Middle East. I will not turn away from it," says the Lord. "Even in America, even in the countries, the nations in Europe, where there is blood that is being shed," God said, "I will not hold back. I will not be quiet. I will hear it, and watch what I will do with these young men and women," says the Lord.
"They shall carry the sword; they shall carry the spears; they shall carry the answers, the medical answers. They shall go and use their abilities to bring about cures and bring about energy and bring about all kinds of things that will propagate the Gospel and the good news and the Word of the Lord. Therefore, look now, look as I speak," says the Lord. "You will see things that you have not seen before and hear things that you've not heard before, for out of this death shall come life and out of the brutality," says the Lord, "shall come purity, and a sound shall cover the earth," says the Lord, "and the glory of the Lord shall cover the earth – the knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the seas," says the Lord.
Kim Clement
Prophetic Image Expressions
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Kim Clement: The life of Kim Clement is an expression that has defined "the prophet" for the modern era. This has made his journey unique; a journey that has taken his inspired message to schools and colleges, churches and synagogues, alleyways and prison cells. Kim's prophetic gift is a magnet that has drawn a broad audience, as he has whispered to kings and inspired prisoners; his path through life continues to be an exciting adventure. His diverse and extemporaneous perspective has gained him notoriety that transcends culture, race and religion, placing him onto a world platform. He has performed at the Rose Bowl Stadium in California, Times Square in New York City, Mt. Carmel in Israel, and even the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.


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The following is a partial list of park rules and regulations provided to help ensure that your visit with us is as enjoyable as possible. A comprehensive list of rules and regulations is posted for your convenience throughout the park. Please be responsible for the safety of yourself and your family.
Free admission on weekdays. Weekend and holiday fees: $1.50/person (children 5 and under free); $8 maximum charge per vehicle (up to nine occupants); $20/commercial bus.
Broward County provides and maintains this park for your use and enjoyment. Please respect all park facilities, wildlife, and plant life. Removal of plants or animals is prohibited. Keep your parks and waterways clean and litter-free.
Any person violating the existing rules and regulations or in the opinion of a park official constituting a public nuisance or potential hazard to the public or park property, or exhibiting disorderly conduct, shall be served notice by the park official and expelled, without refund of fees, from park property. Such violations are also subject to prosecution in accordance with Florida Statute 125.69.
In accordance with Broward County Code, Chapter 25 ½.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.
For more information, contact:
Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium 3700 N.W. 11th PlaceLauderhill, FL 33311Phone: 954-357-5400Fax: 954-357-5401E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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The past 24 hours have been unkind to the Cleveland Browns.
With Chip Kelly being heavily courted by the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday and Syracuse's Doug Marrone accepting a job with the Buffalo Bills early Sunday, the Browns face the possibility of losing out on their first and second choices for head coach.
Kelly's fate is expected to become known Sunday. His decision is anyone's guess after a marathon session with the Eagles, who turned a lunchtime meeting with Kelly into an all-day affair that dug deep into the evening and wiped out a planned second get-together with the Browns. For Cleveland, it must have felt like watching your best girl zoom off in a car with another guy. All the old doubts creep in.
Cleveland's presumed Plan B, Marrone, became Buffalo's Plan A, leaving Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III and his hand-picked CEO, Joe Banner, in an awkward position. If Kelly opts for the Eagles or -- as some have speculated -- a return to Oregon, the Browns will be forced to publicly reboot the machine.
Kelly has masterfully worked the system and considerably upped his value by playing the field. The Browns have plenty of money to offer and reorganized their front office to allow the incoming coach to hold considerable sway over the roster. Money and power are attractive to Kelly, but the Browns aren't the only team offering those commodities.
Browns fans have seen their team blown up time and again. Each new regime promises something the past couldn't deliver. Each new regime has failed to keep its word. From that angle, the past 24 hours feel awfully familiar to anyone who has followed this franchise through its gloomy rebirth.
It's Chip Kelly-or-bust for the Cleveland Browns.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.


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Heritage Mosques in Jakarta's Old Batavia
Two mosques in Old Batavia that were built in the 18th and 19th century respectively are the An-Nawier mosque and the Masjid Langgar Tinggi at Pekojan, now more familiarly known as Kampung Arab or the Arab village, in West Jakarta.
Before the Arabs, the neighborhood was dominated by Muslim Indians from Bengal. The name Pekojan is said to derive from the word "Khoja" or "Kaja", an area in India. On the other hand, the word "khoja" is also the name of the address worn by men from neighbouring province of Banten. So Banten soldiers who fought with Prince Fatahillah, founder of Jakarta, could well have stayed in this area. And indeed, as Jakarta and later Batavia was a busy international trading port, the town was always full of traders from different ethnic groups who formed their own communities and settled together in villages called "kampungs".
The An Nawier mosque – also known as the Pekojan Mosque, in the Pekojan subdistrict was built in 1749 AD, (or 1180 H according to the Islamic calendar), by Syarifa Fatimah binti Husen Al Idrus. This is the largest and oldest mosque in Jakarta and has a number of unique elements. It has an L-shaped floor plan for congregational prayers with capacity for 2,000 persons. The roof is supported by 33 pillars, symbolizing the 33 holy verses that are to be cited after prayers. Outside the mosque stands a 17 meters minaret which closely resembles a light house.
According to stories related by the locals, in the past, whenever there were uprisings against colonial powers, Indonesian freedom fighters would find shelter in this narrow tower, safe from their pursuers.
Walking from this mosque to Masjid Langgar Tinggi, one passes a bridge called Jembatan Kambing – or the Goats' Bridge over the Angke river. This bridge used to lead to the slaughterhouse for the poor goats. But the slaughterhouse is now no more, although many of those of Arab descent who still live here continue to raise and trade in goats, as they have done for over 200 years.
Arriving at Masjid Langgar Tinggi, or the Tall Mosque, one understands instantly why this mosque is thus called, since it consists of two storeys, something quite unusual in those early days.
Masjid Langgar Tinggi, which is located along the Angke river, is said to have been built in the year 1829 AD (or in 1249 H according to the Islamic calendar year). Its upper floor, where prayers are held, is made of wood, and is still original and remains in good condition until today. The ground floor houses the person guarding the mosque.
Its architecture is a fusion of moorish and colonial as well as Chinese and Javanese elements. Its pillars are in classic European design, the supports of its pillars are Chinese, and their base is Javanese. Its pulpy comes from Palembang in South Sumatra.
The An-Nawier mosque is located at: Jalan Masjid Pekojan no. 71, Gang II, Kelurahan Pekojan, just a short distance west of the Kota railway station, otherwise known as the Beos Station. From the station you can either walk to the Mosque or go by rented motorbike that you can find lining up in front of the Station. You can also take the Trans-Jakarta rapid transit bus from Blok M Terminal in Kebayoran which stops right at the Kota Station.
"Photos are copyrighted by their owners."


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Message Board
Ann Turnbull Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Turnbull has written!
Author Turnbull's Book Reviews
No Shame, No Fear
England in 1662 is a country struggling with the aftermath of a civil war. Susanna is a fifteen-year-old Quaker girl who has left her country home to become a servant in the city. Seventeen-year-old Will, who comes from a wealthy family, has finished his studies and has now come to the same city as Susanna to begin his apprenticeship. When Will and Susanna meet, they fall in love. But they are of completely different social classes and religions, and the...


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*UPDATE* - Security fix for Flash - A new version of the BlackBerry® Tablet OS is now available to all BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet users. BlackBerry Tablet OS v1.07.3312 contains an updated version of Adobe® Flash® Player. This free update can be downloaded over-the-air from your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.
While we're still not at v2.0 level as of yet, a new BlackBerry Tablet OS update, v18.104.22.16812 is now rolling out to BlackBerry PlayBook owners. The update comes in weighing around 29MB and at this time, we can't be certain what, exactly has changed as we're just getting it loaded up now but by all means, hit that software update button and grab the download. If you spot anything new, let us know in the comments. As soon as we know more, we'll update this post. Thanks, Craig!


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PARIS (AP) — French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was stripped of her European Parliament immunity Tuesday and may now face charges of racism over comments she made comparing Muslim street prayers to an occupation of French territory.
The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, voted by a show of hands to withdraw Le Pen's immunity at the request of a French prosecutor. The parliament's judicial affairs committee recommended the move last month so that Le Pen could defend herself against the charges, filed by an anti-racism association.
Le Pen has reiterated the remarks first made in 2010 and on Tuesday said she stands behind them and looks forward to defending her comments in front of a judge.
"I'm going to defend myself before the court and I'm absolutely convinced that the court will rule in my favor and protect my right to say to the French the truth about the situation, notably prayers in the streets but not only that," Le Pen said in an interview on French television channel BFM.


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About Litfest
2012 Kwani? Litfest: Conversations with Writers and Artists from The Horn
The fourth edition of our biennial gathering of writers, poets, literary academics and theorists from the continent kicks off between 9th – 16th December, 2012. Titled Conversations With The Horn: Writers, Artists In Exchange, this year's festival will host Somali poet Hadraawi, Sudanese-English novelist Jamal Mahjoub & Eritrean writer and historian Alemseged Tesfai to share their work with writers from other parts of the continent. These include Egyptian writer and activist Nawal El Sadaawi & Nigerian and Ghanaian novelists, Helon Habila and Kojo Laing. They will also be joined by writers from Mozambique, Namibia, and Cameroon.
Following different themes over the years at the Kwani? Litfest, this is the first time that we have invited a combination of different writers from the Horn to be part of a celebration of literature and its role in our lives. Recent developments in the region have created points of convergence that warrant intra-continental literary, artistic and intellectual conversations. To begin with, new writing has emerged in places where little writing at least in Anglophone Africa had been seen in the mainstream and hence Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are not the only players in a global republic of letters. Some of the most recent exciting contemporary African Literature has come from the so-called countries of the Horn by writers such as Meaza Mengiste, Dinaw Mengestu, Nadifa Mohamed, Abraham Verghese, Abdulrahman Waberi & Sulaiman Addonia. These follow in the rich literary traditions set by Nuruddin Farah, Tayeb Salih and many others.
With Southern Sudan as Africa's latest nation, the emergence of Ethiopia as a new African economic force, the gradual stabilization of Somalia and the emergence of its resulting Diasporas, new expressions and narratives can challenge the ubiquitous narrative of political crisis. Such narratives, usually driven by outsiders, have been given prominence that mask numerous other layered realities otherwise taking place in the same areas. Writers and cultural commentators from these regions are increasingly becoming prominent in producing new narratives and ideas about their homelands. We hope that this edition of the Litfest provides a platform for the sharing of ideas through lectures, panel discussions and readings. That it can be a site of debate and discussion by writers, academics and literary enthusiasts on how literature, art and culture is related to the layered realities in the countries of the Horn now and in a glorious past.
The very fact that thousands of Sudanese, Ethiopians, Eritreans, and citizens of Somalia through migration and spill-over from conflict in these regions have seeped into Kenya's national and especially urban psyches tells us that societal relationships have emerged that are complex and fluid. That, in truth, Kenya is as much part of the East African Community as what is known as The Horn of Africa. We recognize the differences, commonalities, and imaginaries between our societies and those of the Horn. We feel that these need to be discussed through the lens of art, literature and culture, and welcome you to the 2012 edition of the Kwani? Litfest. Check back for programme details


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Marine Sgt. John Peck is one of very few quadruple amputees to survive the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now he is preparing for his next mission: an experimental double-arm transplant that will give him, in part, his freedom back.
"No more prosthetics," Peck told Fox News. "I'm going to get cadaver arms from a donor, and they're going to do a 16-hour surgery with 12-16 doctors and reattach bone, using titanium plates, reattaching nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and muscles."
He is not the first quadruple amputee to undergo such a surgery, which remains experimental. Brendan Marrocco, a soldier injured in Iraq, went through the same transplant surgery nearly two years ago. He is now doing pull-ups.
"I'm a very proud person. Very independent," Peck said, while holding his 2-year-old son in the lap of his wheelchair.
"For me to ask for an ounce of help, I'm stubborn. You can ask her," he said, pointing to his fiancee Stacy Elwood. "I am a mule. It's 'can you help me open this?' and I kind of put my head down -- it's a jar. Something as simple as a jar. Or a wrapper on a cereal bar, something like that. It's nearly impossible for me to open it."
Peck was injured in Helmand province on May 24, 2010."
We were doing a knock-and-greet mission saying, 'We're the Marines. We're here to protect you. We're here to help you,'" Peck recalled as he retold the story of that day. "Everything was fine. I turned around to my sergeant to say, 'Hey, everything's good.' Took a step with my left leg and just a loud sound. I was instantaneously a triple amputee."
Peck went on to describe in vivid detail what happened next.
"All I could feel was this immense amount of pain and burning. I came back to and I could feel the rotor wash from the helicopter." He said to himself, "I don't want to die here. I can't die here. This is Afghanistan. This place sucks."
He wakes up two-and-a-half months later in Bethesda Naval Hospital. He finds out he flat-lined three times, was pronounced dead once, and had more than 28 surgeries.
"It was just -- a few dark months," Peck recalled.
It got worse before it got better.
His wife at the time was by his bedside, but not for long. They eventually divorced.
"I did not like anyone. There was a lot of depression. It was very dark," Peck said. "I told psychiatrists to get away from me. I told doctors to get away from me. I just didn't care."
At some point he decided to lift himself out of the darkness. He went skydiving, and scuba diving, and decided to live again.
Full Coverage: Proud Americans
Two years ago he met Stacy on Match.com. They plan to marry in November.
"I think I sent her a really short email saying, 'Hi, my name is John. I'm a quad amputee. Here's what happened. I'd really like to get to know you. Maybe meet for drinks and, you know, talk," Peck said with a devilish grin. "Apparently, it was something a lot better than that. I guess I charmed her or something. I don't know how -- still trying to figure that out."
Stacy, who works as an intensive care unit nurse, already has three children.
"He sent me a beautiful message on Match.com telling me his story being very candid. He told me exactly what happened, and didn't hold anything back, and he was very sweet and very honest," Stacy recalled. "I just couldn't help but be taken by that."
Before John and Stacy marry, he first wants to learn to stand on his prosthetic legs so he can walk her down the aisle.
"Gotta stand at the altar. Gotta stand there and do my vows. I want to put the ring on her finger," Peck said, explaining why he travels to Richmond, Va., twice a week from his home in Fredericksburg to learn to use his prosthetic legs. "The hardest part for any leg amputee is to stand still. Just not move. Because it's easy to walk, but it's not so easy just to stand there. It uses a lot of muscles. More than you'd think."
After the wedding, he will get placed on a transplant list for his new arms.
But it won't be easy, and his family will have to commute to Boston from Virginia for up to two years while he learns to use his new arms.
"I'm going to have to relearn everything -- basic things such as sitting up. I don't know how the heck I'm going to sit up at first."
Right now he does a one-armed push-up with what is left of his arm. It will be a step back to move forward.
"You know, there's going to be a lot of travel since the surgery's up in Boston. There's going to be airfare, going to be food, rental vehicles, hotels. So, we're going to have some hard times. But I think we can make it."
What does he want for a wedding gift?
"We're not taking gifts. We're asking people to donate to charities that have helped us out," Peck said. "We're asking people to give back."
A group of 6th graders at Alice Deal Middle School in Washington, D.C., have helped him raise some money for his surgery. They recently held a car wash from which they donated $1,100.01 to the John Peck Fund.
As for what he's looking forward to most when he's got his arms again, Peck answered: Cooking for his kids.
"Me and my boy, we made French toast this morning," Peck said.
"I'm excited for Johnny," Stacy said, as she gazed at him adoringly. "Because I know this will give him a lot more freedom and a lot more opportunities to do the things he wants to do on his own. He's got the heart of a lion."
At a recent change-of-command ceremony at the Marine barracks in Washington, D.C., Peck's former platoon sergeant Capt. Mark Savile met up with Peck and his family. Savile was with him when he was injured that day in Afghanistan.
"I'd say it was just refreshing to see him, and see how far he had progressed in a relatively short period of time," Savile said, visibly choking up.
"It was -- it was inspiring, to say the least."
To help John Peck and his family, visit http://www.JohnPeckFund.org
Jennifer Griffin currently serves as a national security correspondent for FOX News Channel . She joined FNC in October 1999 as a Jerusalem-based correspondent. You can follow her on Twitter at @JenGriffinFNC.


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I thought it's about time that I post the process I used for this illo. It's my entry to the Tomie dePaola contest. You can see my original post here.
I had a lot of fun with Chicken Licken!
Here are the antagonists of the story. I really believe this is what my Chihuahua thinks the squirrels are up to. He finds them very suspicious.
Here you can see the grass and bushes, the characters, the squirrels, the trees, & some of the collage. I painted/collaged everything separately, then assembled them in Photoshop.
I painted all of the characters in acrylic. Notice that part of the turkey feathers aren't on here. I found I needed to adjust the layout after I had assembled all of the pieces, so I used paintbrushes and the clone tool in Photoshop to add feathers.
Here's a close up of the trees which I painted on collaged vintage book pages.
The collage you see in the grass was done in Photoshop. I put the collage scan behind the grass, then changed the opacity of the grass layer.


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Papa John's Is Taking Your Theft Seriously, And Gets Offended If You Don't Believe Them
Mark didn't like how a Papa John's pizza delivery guy was acting, so he paid the delivery charge but marked through the tip line on his receipt. Two days later, he discovered an extra $6.42 had been tacked on. When Mark called Papa John's to report the theft, he spoke to someone who obviously hasn't gotten our memo that "taking it seriously" is about as reassuring as "your call is very important to us."
Here's Mark's story:
On Monday, July 28th I ordered a pizza from Papa John's Pizza. When the delivery driver showed up, he handed me my Visa slip to sign with an 'x' written next to the tip line. To me calling any kind of attention to the tip line on a credit card slip is akin to holding your hand out and asking 'where's my tip.' I didn't like the presumptive tip, and had already paid an almost $2.00 "delivery charge" so I wrote a line through the tip line, rewrote the total and signed the slip.
This morning while getting ready for work, my wife informs me that Papa John's Pizza had overcharged us by $6.42. Quite upset about Papa John's Pizza stealing six-and-a-half dollars from me, I immediately googled Papa John's Pizza corporate number. I was transferred to the finance department, and left a message expressing my extreme dissatisfaction. About 7 minutes later I got a call back from Papa John's Pizza and the gentleman asked for the details of the transaction, etc. After promising the difference would be reversed to my debit card, he said that "Papa John's takes this sort of complaint seriously." To which of course I replied "Please do not 'take this seriously,' resolve the issue." Then the Papa John's Pizza guy got all defensive and wanted to know why I was calling him a liar. Anyway he promised to have a 'field supervisor' look into the situation.
If my charge was off by a dollar, say because the person keying in the charge transposed a number, I may or may not have been so upset. I would have waited until the local Papa John's Pizza opened up and discussed the matter with local management. But I firmly believe that the delivery driver took it upon himself to give himself a 30% tip. I also wonder how many other people have been 'fleeced' by this driver.
I hope to email you with an update about how Papa John's Pizza refunded the difference and took steps to show me that I am a valued customer, but the day is still young.
Well, we're impressed that someone at Papa John's called him back as promised, and in less than 10 minutes—that sort of thing is far too rare with many companies, and makes us think that Papa John's actually means the phrase. But yeah, they might want to rethink using empty PR-speak if they want to reassure customers that employee theft is not tolerated. But you shouldn't blame your customers for being skeptical when they hear that phrase—there's a reason nobody believes it anymore.
(Photo: Getty)
Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.


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November 2012 update: John Barleycorn River North is due to open Nov. 15.
Article originally published July 10, 2012.
Downtown Chicago football fans will have one more option when it comes to sports bars this season with John Barleycorn River North due to open in late August at 149 W. Kinzie St., next to Moe's Cantina.
The sports bar and restaurant is the ninth venture from the team behind Moe's Cantina Wrigleyville and River North, as well as the John Barleycorn outlets in Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park and Schaumburg.
"With ESPN Zone gone, we're going to be the biggest sports bar in the area," owner Sam Sanchez said.
The sprawling space will feature a 7,000-square-foot dining area on the main floor, a second-floor dining area with seating for 500, as well as a separate room in back with seating for around 40. In all, the space can be divided into four separate areas, with the second floor intended to be used to host sports-viewing parties without having to shut down the entire bar.
While Sanchez is not sure which Big Ten school will win the bar's alliance (head to the John Barleycorn River North Facebook page to cast your vote), he's sure that the bar will draw a lot of Iowa and Michigan State fans, who come to other Barleycorn locations in droves for big games.
Fans of the franchise will find many similarities between the River North outpost and the other locations, including plenty of TVs (95 60-inch screens, plus several larger wall panels) and a menu of burgers, sandwiches and ribs.
What won't be duplicated in River North? The dance floor from the Wrigleyville outpost won't be making an appearance and you can expect more craft brews--14 mostly local brews on draft--to be poured at the space's four bars. For social media addicts who can't get through a meal without uploading a photo or checking in on Foursquare, Sanchez promises that every table and booth will be outfitted with an electrical outlet and iPhone chargers at the ready.
The River North sports hub will also take on a more family-friendly style than its siblings in Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville.
"We want to see strollers," Sanchez said. "We want to see babies ... they're our future customers! Kids 12 and under will eat free with their parents. ... We want them to know they can come and enjoy a sports game as a family."
With construction at John Barleycorn River North "90 percent completed," Sanchez said the team is also focusing energy on a new venture on Clark Street in Wrigleyville. The planned restaurant will have a globally influenced barbecue theme and is set to open before the Cubs' opening day in 2013.
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text: The Healthcare Playbook, a small business guide to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was among the items up for discussion Friday at the Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce office during their monthly First Friday Coffee Chat. Patsy Redding, Cyndi McKenzie, Leon Creed, and Bill Stuart also entered into discussions led by Chamber Executive Director Debbie Miller on Immigrations laws, today's work ethic, and Hospice in Nursing Homes. Miller plans to schedule another discussion on the Affordable Health Care Act, as there are many questions to be answered