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Film Review: Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White HouseThe FBI agent who helped break open the Watergate story is the center of a tepid dramatization from writer and director Peter Landesman.
Known for years only as "Deep Throat," Mark Felt was a key figure in Watergate investigations that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Careful to a fault, this biography tells some of his story without ever fully showing viewers his importance.
Deep Throat first surfaced in Washington Post stories by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, later turned into the best-seller All the President's Men. Alan J. Pakula's film adaptation of that book set a high standard which Mark Felt clearly hopes to match.
But All the President's Men was structured like a mystery, as the reporters uncovered clues to find out who did what. In Mark Felt there is no mystery, no real secrets to uncover. A crime is committed, Nixon and his cronies try to cover it up, and Felt leaks info to thwart them.
As writer and director Peter Landesman tells it, Felt comes off as a longtime FBI bureaucrat trying to protect his job against newcomers. True, the newcomers include some especially insidious Nixon appointees like acting FBI director Pat Gray (Marton Csokas), professional rat John Dean (Michael D. Hall), and boorish bag man Bill Sullivan (Tom Sizemore). And with Nixon re-elected in a landslide during the course of the story, the odds are against Felt being able to maintain the Bureau the way it was under his old boss J. Edgar Hoover.
Landesman sets out his old-vs.-new, good-vs.-bad arguments in a reasonably brisk manner. (There's no mistaking whose side Sizemore is on, for example.) What's missing is a larger context, a sense of what's at stake for the country. Viewers won't learn enough about what the Nixon administration was doing, just how mendacious the people involved were.
The movie is pretty mum about Felt too. He's seen giving info to friendly contacts like Time journalist Sandy Smith (Bruce Greenwood) or Woodward (Julian Morris). Then he yells at his staff when those leaks wind up in the press. What must have been unbearably tense, high-stakes maneuverings in real life come off as rote and repetitive instead.
The problem's not really with Neeson, who is effortlessly commanding in every scene. But years of action movies like the Taken franchise have taken a toll on the actor's screen persona. You keep expecting Felt to snarl out a one-liner before pistol-whipping an opponent. When he doesn't, it's frankly disappointing.
Landesman reaches for the ensemble feel of a movie like Spotlight, but the supporting cast here is surprisingly unmemorable. Diane Lane's charisma adds some spark to her role as Felt's wife Audrey, but you could never tell from the movie just how troubled the character was in real life. Strong character actors like Brian d'Arcy James (a Spotlight veteran) and the usually reliable Tony Goldwyn have almost nothing to do.
Cinematographer Adam Kimmel favors icy blue tones for most of the movie, but overall Mark Felt is too refined to convey the fearsome malevolence of the cheats and crooks in charge of the Nixon administration. (Not that Felt was blameless—he was later convicted of violating defendants' Constitutional rights.) Despite impeccable credentials, Mark Felt is a missed opportunity.
Click here for cast and crew information.


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Archive for March, 2009
Jokes were made that Caleb did a really good job taming the ice dragon this year… though it didn't last long, as it snowed this morning.
But that's beside the point. I really don't get why this even wipes me out so much, but it does. We all had a lot of fun; Mistress Mahin came up – it was the first time we'd seen her since she moved to Aethelmearc; some friends came to check out the SCA too, and had a great time.
Both Shoshanna and I entered the A&S competition – she had made an "alphabet board" patterned after ones used to teach the aleph bet to young kids in the Angevin Jewish community. She wrote and painted all the letters herself (in English rather than Hebrew) – all we did was coach her and I drew the initial lines for her to paint over. I entered the in-progress mauve gown as well as the award medallions in both needlework and heraldic display. Shoshanna's comments were awesome, and she got a number of tokens from various people. I got really great comments on the heraldic display entries and really supportive comments on the embroidery. It's hard to say much about the in-progress dress (or the comments on it) because it is so very in progress.
All in all, a good time was had by all, I think.
Writing documentation for an entry into a "heraldic display" category is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BEAST than writing documentation for clothing & embroidery categories.
Saturday morning we piled six of us into Irene's truck to go to the College of Three Ravens in Thescorre. I was on the reserve list to teach my hosen class, fully expecting to be asked to step in for a cancelled class. As it turned out, I wasn't. I went to two classes – one on making list-legal rapier armor (I was curious about how another person would approach it) and one on tabletwoven edgings – correcting mis-representations in some of the line drawings in Textiles and Clothing. It was really interesting, and now I really REALLY want a copy of Woven Into the Earth.
I displayed a handful of things in the A&S display – the mauve gown as it currently exists, the award medallions, and Liadain's gowns. Well, HRH displayed the gowns – I just stuck the docs on a table with a note to go look at the Princess if people wanted to see the actual garments. They looked STUNNING, and were selected as Baron & Baroness' choice.
I also caught up with someone I met at Pennsic to geek about 13th century iconographic sources – she's forwarded me a citation for a book with a number of pictures of 13th c. tomb effigies, which is awesome.

subset: commoncrawl


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Self-publishing novelist R.W. Ridley has some interesting comments. In order to sell a million copies of my novel, he says, I have to change the culture such that *I* am so fracking interesting that people will buy my books because they're by me. In other words, people are buying the novelist, not the novel.
Not quite sure how to go about making myself that J.K. Rowling/Tom Clancy/Stephen King/Thomas Pynchon(??) -style compelling character, but I'm working on it. In my own bumbling manner. Very bumbling. . . Pynchon???? . . .
How to sell a million copies of your novel
Self-publishing novelist R.W. Ridley has some interesting comments. In order to sell a million copies of my novel, he says, I have to change the culture such that *I* am so fracking interesting that people will buy my books because they're by me. In other words, people are buying the novelist, not the novel.
On Highest Authority from Soviet Russia: Sundman Novels "not shit Dan Brown"
So, checking my Wetmachine referer logs this morning, I found that this livejournal entry has already sent me 54 visitors. Since the page is what appeared to be (and in fact is) Russian, I turned to Google Translate, which provided this wonderful text:
A good example for the present writer can become a success John Sandmena.
This is a modern writer, he wrote great novels of an action and distributes them for free. About how this is done you can ask from him, look at the website or call in at www.wetmachine.com kickstarter.com.
In place of, say, Lukyanenko, I have started to click links kickstarter.com. Sandmen requested for the next novel 5 000 dollars. Who? Yes to all. "Kick" it just for this purpose and is intended to collect money from the crowds of internet users in all sorts of interesting initiatives.
John had something to show his readers:
novels "Acts of the Apostles" and "Developing Obama"[Ed: ????] is not shit Dan Brown. "If Brown was Sandmenom, according to Jeffrey Zeldman," he would have realized that this thriller is far from absurd, flat and one-dimensional. "
Credit confidence Sandmenu from the Internet community for the next novel, "Science works" expressed in the amount of U.S. $ 8 059. Slightly more than requested by the author. And how much money you need to write this novel?
Note — my final Kickstarter tally was not quite as great as the amount pledged — about $900 did not clear when presented to credit cards; plus, Kickstarter.com and clearing house Amazon.com each take cuts (including on that $900, by the way). But still, not half bad. Or as we say in Russian, according to Google Translate, недурно.
Further Adventures in Self-Publishing
In days of old when knights were bold, I wrote an article for a site called Kuro5hin article about my adventures in self-publishing. At the time, I had been a self-publisher for about two years. In it I wrote, "I recommend self-publishing for anybody whose temperament and objectives resemble mine. All others should beware."
That's still pretty my much point of view.
Below the fold, I've updated & revised that original story & added some additional reflections based on the eight years of self-publishing experience I've amassed since then (including six years of making my books available for free download under Creative Commons license).
[This is a cross-posting of a very similar version I put upon Kuro5hin yesterday.]
The oddly bee-obsessed Neuromancer movie posters
Quiet Earth has some posters for the maybe kinda possibly Neuromancer movie that may or may not manifest itself in 2011, depending on how the greed probability waveforms collapse. Anyhow, one of them seems oddly bee obsessed (well, OK, wasp obsessed, which I vaguely recall has some relevance to the book someplace…). But it just reminded me of another oddly-bee obsessed novel.
Attack of the Killer Beets!
No, I'm not talking about the Beets, the great rock band from the Nickelodeon show Doug. (Couldn't find a decent video of the classic "I need more allowance" from the show, but here's a still, with music.)
I'm talking about genetically engineered sugar beets with Monsanto's "Round Up" pesticide built right into them. Now, I'm not going to start a whole thing about genetically engineered food being awful, etc. ( I'll leave that bioluddite verus brave-new-world stuff for my next novel!)(You think I'm kidding!!).
But I do think Monsanto is just horribly bad and awful, as are all the congresspeople who are in its pocket.
Here's a petition to stop their latest assault on our food supply & environment. Not to mention, bodies. Sign it if you feel like it.
Well Hello Again Everybody
And welcome once again to the Whiskey A Go-Go on the fabulous Sunset Strip.
Things seem a little slow around Wetmachine these days and I can only hope that Harold Feld has not gone on sabbatical, as I am a TotSF junky and am kinda jonesing a little right now. Howard Stearns has been a little scarce at ItF also, but I'm not worried: that boy is just gestating, I'm sure of it.
As for my own contributions, well, I'm working in my usual desultory way on three little essays:
— On the tendencies towards totalitarianism, anarchy and community, and where "technology" as a abstract concept fits into all of them;
— On the notion of Borgification;
— On walking away from a dream, or why I have stopped working on a novel that was specifically requested by a Big Name Publisher.
So, this is a placeholder entry. Until Stearns and Feld come back I'm going to hope that Gary will continue to populate with the odd disturbing story here and there so that we can continue in our disoriented stumblings into a fearful, fretful future the in the true Wetmachine way.


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Paper Submission
Successful submissions should contain significant novel ideas and technical results, which have not been published or concurrently submitted to any other venue.
Submitted manuscripts should be written in English conforming to the IEEE conference proceedings format (8.5" x 11", Two-Column, template available here. All paper submissions must represent original and unpublished work. Papers must be submitted electronically in PDF format through EasyChair.
Each submission should be limited to 10 pages (IEEE format, two-column format). Accepted regular papers will have 8 complimentary pages with registration (or up to 10 pages with over-length charge). Accepted short papers can have 4 complimentary pages with registration (or up to 6 pages with over-length charge)
The accepted papers from this conference will be published by IEEE Computer Society in IEEE proceedings (indexed by EI Compendex). Distinguished papers, after further revisions, will be considered for possible publication in several SCI & EI indexed special issues of prestigious international journals. By submitting a paper to the conference, authors assure that if the paper is accepted, at least one author will attend the conference and present the paper.
The conference is now closed to new submissions...


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With a stylish race car seat design, this black and white office chair offers great lumbar support and a curved back for lasting comfort all throughout the work day. Adjustable height and a swivel base with wheel casters help this piece cater to your every comfort need. The smooth leather-like vinyl covering and padded cushioning is plush and cozy and fits with any style office or den. 27.5"W x 28.5"D x 46"H
Collection Description
This group of office chairs offers a solution for every home, from a sophisticated leather executive chair for your home office, to a colorful task chair for your child's homework station. Add an office chair to your home to instantly update your functional home office. With comfortable seating, adjustable features, and casters on many of the chairs, you are sure to find an option that fits your needs and helps you create a productive home workspace.
Site Design by: Imperial Web Solutions


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A drug bust Friday in Attleboro, Massachusetts, netted more than 50 grams of cocaine, dozens of Xanax pills, marijuana and hundreds of dollars in cash. But it's who is accused of trafficking the drugs that has raised some eyebrows.
Eighteen-year-old Georgia Stinchfield and her 16-year-old sister were arrested, along with 18-year-old Kyle Caldwell of Attleboro.
Caldwell is quite literally a card-carrying member of the Boy Scouts of America. Police found that card in his wallet when they arrested him.
"I find it very surprising that he would be involved in drug dealing," said Attleboro Police Captain James MacDonald.
But according to court paperwork, this isn't Caldwell's first brush with the law.
Attleboro police responded to his home on Wright Circle a dozen times since July 2016 for reports of drug dealing and other disturbances, including for allegedly assaulting his own mother just two weeks ago.
Police want to warn other teens it's not worth it to get into a life of crime.
"It's a very dangerous profession to be in. Drug dealing is very unsafe," MacDonald said. "Anything could happen and the risk and reward just doesn't add up."
Caldwell had been released on personal recognizance for the assault charge, but he's now being held on $1,000 cash bail on the drug trafficking charges, which could mean up to 20 years in prison if convicted.


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Sport is all about winners and losers, champs and chumps, and 2013 will no doubt be the same. Though 2012 might be remembered as the year some icons were exposed once and for all, it was also the year of unlikely heroes stepping up to the plate, which gives us hope as the new year unfolds. So for every Lance Armstrong there was a Bradley Wiggins, for every Joe Paterno an R. A. Dickey, proving once again that although sports can break your heart, it can also lift your spirits. We've got 2012's sports figure highs and lows, just as we start a new year of watching favorites win and lose on and off the field.
Chump–Lance Armstrong
For years, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong thrilled us not only with his cycling accomplishments, but also with his perseverance in the face of extraordinary personal trials: he is a cancer survivor who not only beat the illness, but went on to dominate one of the most physically-challenging sports. Sadly, it was all a lie–the report released October 10, 2012 by the USADA proved once and for all that he was at the center of a sport-wide doping scandal, forcing others to either play along or get off their bikes. (He was subsequently stripped of all his Tour de France titles, and has subsequently severed links with his cancer-fighting charity, Livestrong.) His smash bestselling memoir, "It's Not About the Bike," feels like a document from a different era, one in which he was a man who could overcome anything–now, the title feels ironic, especially when compared to accounts by others, either those actually involved in the doping (Tyler Hamilton's "The Secret Race" comes to mind), or journalists who've tracked the story for years and who were seldom believed before now ("From Lance to Landis" by David Walsh was published in 2007–what vindication Walsh must now feel).
Champ–Bradley Wiggins
British champion cyclist Bradley Wiggins isn't a straight-out-of-central-casting cyclist like Armstrong–instead, he looks like the lead singer of some indie band, with long sideburns and hipster-medieval haircut. But 2012 was his year: Not only did he become the first Brit to win the Tour de France, but he did it with class. After some imbécile threw carpet tacks on the route, Wiggins instructed everyone to slow down to let those affected by punctures catch up, causing French TV to call him "Le Gentelman Wiggins." His subsequent triumphs at the London Olympics, where he rang the bell to start the opening ceremony, and won the time trial to take his lifetime medal tally to seven (the most of any Briton ever), cemented him as a superstar, even though his subsequent bicycle accident (he broke some ribs when he collided with a van) threatened to derail his ascent. His 2007 autobiography, "In Pursuit of Glory," details his life and career more honestly than many previous sports memoirs–as just one example, early on in the book he describes his father, Garry, as "a complete disaster as a human being."
Chump–Joe Paterno
"JoePa," they called him, and he was the god of Penn State football, a man who coached them seemingly forever (from 1966 until 2011), along the way delivering two national championships and five undefeated seasons to his school. But like the statue of the man outside Penn State's Beaver Stadium, it all came crashing down after Paterno's longtime defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, was revealed as a dangerous sexual predator of children. Neither Paterno nor Penn State did enough to stop or expose Sandusky and by failing to act decisively, JoePa and his program were forever tainted. Joe Posnanski's definitive account of the life of Joe Paterno appeared in August, 2012, after the coach's life ended six months earlier in shame.
Champ–Gabby Douglas
From a sports figure at the end of his career to one at the start: American Olympic gymnastic phenom, Gabby Douglas. Her extraordinary performances in London–she won gold medals in the team competition and the blue-ribbon event, the all-around–cemented her place as a fledgling American sports superstar. Partly this stemmed from her thrilling, fearless gymnastic skills, but she also wore a smile as wide as the River Thames–and she doesn't turn 17 until New Year's Eve. Her memoir, "Grace, Gold & Glory," details her sporting triumphs, as well as a life of faith that helped her achieve them.
Chump–Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor was the greatest linebacker of his generation, leading the New York Giants to Super Bowl wins in 1987 and 1991, but during and since his heyday he struggled with drink and drugs. 2011 saw perhaps his lowest point, as he was charged with having sex with a 16-year old prostitute in an upstate New York motel. Before that new fall from grace, Taylor had been turning his life around, as chronicled in his 2003 autobiography, "LT: Over the Edge." In late 2012, an assault charge brought by the woman (she had been horribly forced into the encounter by a pimp) was thrown out, and fans of LT could only hope that his words after the "not guilty" verdict–that he was hoping to "concentrate on my own broken life and try to repair that"–would come to fruition in 2013 and beyond.
Champ–R.A. Dickey
R.A. Dickey, like LT before him, is a New York sports superstar, but it would be hard to imagine a figure more diametrically opposed to Lawrence Taylor than the Mets knuckleballer. For a start, LT reached stardom early, debuting for the New York Giants at 21; Dickey, on the other hand, threw his first pitch at Citi Field in his mid-30s. Before then, Dickey's career had been solid if not stellar, but 2012 saw two significant moments that made Dickey a fan favorite. First, the well-read and highly literate pitcher released his memoir, "Wherever I Wind Up," in which he claims he was a victim of sexual abuse as a child. (He is writing three books for children, too, starting with the children's version of his autobiography.) Second, Dickey was awarded the National League Cy Young as best pitcher of the 2012 season–somehow, he also managed to notch 20 wins for the dreadful New York Mets. He's back at CitiField this season, too–let's hope they build a better team around his amazin' arm.


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Trichet: ECB To Absorb Extra Liquidity in Timely Way
LONDON -- The European Central Bank will begin absorbing excess liquidity from its monetary stimulus programs in a "timely" fashion, ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said Thursday.
"Not all liquidity measures will be needed to the same extent as in the past," Mr. Trichet told a news conference, without being more specific. "Enhanced credit support on which we embarked is not for eternity."
He added that: "We expect [past] policy action will progressively feed through to the economy."
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The comments came after the European Central Bank left its key interest rate unchanged at 1.00% Thursday, as widely expected.
Financial markets quickly interpreted Mr. Trichet's remarks as indicating that the ECB is beginning to think about unwinding its special stimulus plans.
The euro firmed against most other major currencies, and German government bonds, or bunds, traded lower after Mr. Trichet hinted at plans to gradually absorb surplus liquidity. The 10-year yield on the benchmark bund was up to 3.365% from 3.337% previously.
Mr. Trichet said the ECB sees more signs of economic recovery in the second half of this year and predicted that prices in the euro zone will cease contracting in "coming months."
"We expect the economy in 2010 to recover at a gradual pace, recognizing that the outlook is subject to high uncertainty," Mr. Trichet told a news conference. "In coming months, annual inflation rates are expected to turn positive again," he said.
Prices in the 16-nation euro zone have been contracting for the past five months, but a return to price expansion will bring inflation rates back to the ECB target of just under 2% in the medium term, he said, usually a measure of 12 months.
Amid growing signs that the euro zone is emerging from recession, financial markets are looking for signs of when and how the ECB will begin winding down an elaborate system of additional monetary stimulus set up over the past year to support the banking system during the credit crisis and economic downturn.
The ECB has flooded the bloc's financial system with abundant liquidity since the onset of the financial crisis in mid-2007. The institution scrapped its policy that banks have to bid for a limited amount of central bank funds and widened the range of collateral it accepts.
The ECB set up a €60 billion bond-purchasing program and introduced yearlong loans that provide financial institutions with unprecedented refinancing assurances.
ECB data have shown that much of the extra liquidity pumped into the banking system still isn't being fully relayed by banks to households and businesses.
The ECB reported last week that private-sector lending in the euro zone contracted for the first time on record in September, as lending eased 0.3% from September 2008.
On a brighter note, the pace at which banks tightened loan conditions may have come "close to a halt" in the third quarter, the ECB observed in a recent survey.
Low credit demand also is attributed to the euro zone's rising jobless rate, which is keeping down consumer spending.
Eurostat, the European Union statistics office, Thursday reported that retail sales in the euro zone fell for the third straight month in September.
Write to Terence Roth at email@example.com


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Women's Ministry
UMW's purpose is to build a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Membership in UMW is open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the Church through the organization. We unite in supporting local, national & global missions. Joining is easy. Any woman can be a member of UMW. As a member, you have a chance to support UMW through your prayers, volunteer activities, and financial contributions. Whether your aim is fellowship, service or study, there is a place for you in United Methodist Women. Got kids? No problem, child care is available.
For more information, contact Donna Roeder | 830.980.5108 |
Did you know that the parent organization of United Methodist Women was first started in 1869 by six women? UMW's parent organization was called the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society (WFMS). It was an organization whose goal was to support the needs of women and children in India. Two wives of missionaries in India started WFMS when they saw the lack of medical and educational support for women in India at the time. The decisions made by the six founding women members in 1869 were the spiritual, moral, and financial foundation for the building of a children's school in India and the hiring of a doctor and educator who would work specifically for women and children in India. So six women not only saw the need to help women and children, but they also took action by providing their time, skills, and monetary gifts to help other women and children who didn't have adequate medical attention and educational care. Today, United Methodist Women (UMW) hold fast to these standards set over 141 years ago. UMW supports local, national, and international mission work for women and children through gifts of prayer, time, study, and monetary gifts in order to more fully support needs of women and children.
Ministry and Mission
The Northern Hills (NH) UMW unit supports women and children at NH and in the local community with donations of time, food, and monetary gifts.
NHUMW supports many church programs and ministries including Vacation Bible School (VBS), Youth Ministries, Special Needs Class, and donations of free tickets for children and adults with special needs to attend the Fiesta Parades of San Antonio.
NHUMW unit also supports local community groups like Providence Place, Church Women United, Campus Ministries at San Antonio College, Wesley Health and Wellness Center, the Texas Diaper Bank, and Jireh House Community Development and Resource Center.
Nationally, the NHUMW currently supports Imagine No Malaria, Heifer International, and Rio Bravo Deaf School.
The women of NHUMW are excited to be a part of local, national, and global missions. We want to meet you and get to know you as friends, neighbors, and sisters in Christ. If you are looking for a way to build more relationships with other women or if you are looking for a way to be more active in the community, contact Donna Roeder | (830) 980-5108,
Faith Circle
Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the B2. The Faith Circle meets to discuss women and children's issues, as well as topics within our faith.
Sue Bohlen
Hope/Esperanza Circle
Meets at quarterly Bunco gatherings, 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this Circle is to support and encourage women between the ages of 20 and 40ish, as well as emphasize missions. If needed, childcare is provided.
Donna Roeder
Love Circle
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in B1. The Love Circle meets to perform various services for the community, such as making cancer caps for local hospital patients going through chemo and other cancer therapies.
Diana Poerner
Women's Retreat
We have a women's retreat annually. This is a great opportunity to get to know other women in the church, take time for rest, relaxation, fun and study.
Monday Morning Groups/Bible Studies
Monday Morning Moms
Monday Morning Moms is a Christ-centered refuge, providing a loving, supportive community, while promoting spiritual growth and development. They read and discuss books, pray for each other, have play dates and social nights out. They meet on Mondays from 9:00–11:00 a.m. in B4 and childcare is available. Contact the leaders or just show up … they would love to have you!
Dionne Coston
Precept Study
Precept is an inductive Bible Study that will help ground your faith, challenge your walk and give you hope for the future. They meet from 9:30–11:30 a.m. in B1.
Janice Cooper
Wednesday Night Study
This Bible study group consists of women of all ages. We meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. throughout the year. You are welcome to join at any time! We'd love to get to know you better as we study and fellowship together. See Wednesday night Bible studies for our current study.
Tanna Finley


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919 Taylor Street, State College PA 16803
- Dishwasher
- Driveway/Offstreet Parking
- Eat In Kitchen
- Electric Range
- Hardwood Floors
- Laundry Appliances
- Lawn Care Included
- Porch
- Refrigerator
- Trash Included
919 Taylor Street is Now Rented.
We give the current residents first chance to renew their leases before opening them up to the public. Residents have until OCTOBER 15 to decide whether or not they wish to renew. If the tenants do not renew, this home will be posted promptly on this website.
We do not keep a waiting list. Please do not call us until you see an apartment with an available status on this site. Check back often because these apartments always rent quickly! If you follow us on Facebook, new apartments will appear there in your news feed.
This residential home has two apartments for rent in the College Heights Neighborhood.
This page concerns the 3-bedroom apartment which has hardwood floors and accesses to an unfinished portion of the basement and laundry connections. It is just a few blocks North of the Penn State University Park campus! The fireplace is decorative only and may not be used by the tenant.
919 Taylor Street
Now Rented!
3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom. 1,162 Square Feet. $1,500 per Month.
Other Units:
- The home also has an 1-bedroom apartment in the basement, which is rented separately.
- This apartment comes equipped with an Electric Range, Refrigerator, and Dishwasher.
- Tenants also have access to laundry appliances in the basement.
- Tenant Pays for: Electric Heating, Cable TV, and Internet.
- Landlord Pays for: Water-Sewer (up to 25,000 gallons per quarter) and Trash Collection.
- Landlord will provide lawn care and shovel snow from the public sidewalk, while the tenants provide snow removal in their own driveway.
- This property is strictly NO PETS.
- Seeking non-smoking tenants only.
Floor Plan:


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Residential Opening Sponsorship Opportunity
This letter is to invite you and your department to be a part of the excitement of our 2017 Move-In event at the University of Houston. Every year, Student Housing and Residential Life welcomes up to 8,000 students to their new home away from home here on campus. For many, this is the first time living away from their families.
Moving into a campus residence is a momentous occasion for students and their parents/families. It takes a team of hundreds of staff, faculty and volunteers for each of the
4 days to ensure they feel welcomed and comfortable during this transition and make everything run smoothly.
Move-In 2017 is scheduled for Aug. 17 -20.
Your generous sponsorship is welcomed in several ways. You and your department can become a Principal, Red or White sponsor through a donation of money or, if you prefer, by sponsoring specific goods.
Principal Sponsor: (Value-in-kind and Amounts of $1,000 or above)
• Name featured in news release to local community
• Invitation to our post Move-In 2017 Appreciation Event on August 30, 2017
• Name/logo featured on our digital displays
Red Sponsor: (Value-in-kind and Amounts of $500-$999)
• Name featured in news release to local community
• Invitation to our post Move-In 2017 Appreciation Event on August 30, 2017
• Name/logo featured on our digital displays
White Sponsor: (Value-in-kind and Amounts under $500)
• Name featured in news release to local community
Event items you can sponsor include but are not limited to:
• Monetary donations (will be used toward deferring the cost of volunteer meals and
additional services)
• Meals or Promotional Items (we feed over 200 staff and volunteers each day)
If you or your department is interested in sponsoring or participating in the Move-In 2017 experience, or if you have any questions about sponsorship, please contact Jeanette Miller at
Student Housing and Residential Life, Development Committee
Jeanette Miller
Committee Chair
(E): email@example.com


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Five Lands (Cinque Terre)
The Cinque Terre (The Five Lands)
include the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.
These five villages, with the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and all together are recognized as Unesco World Heritage.
Some of the residents rent one or more rooms of their houses or transform an old house on a farm holiday (agriturismo) and, although the demand is very high at any time of the year, the offer also provides a roof to those who don't have booked, except in August and Easter, the most crowded periods, when you should be more provident and less adventurous, even if you are traveling in motor homes because it's not easy to find a place to camp.
Let's begin to describe these lands from Monterosso.
From Monterosso a fairly arduous path leads to the sanctuary of Soviore, one of the most famous of all the Cinque Terre, with a church, restaurant and accommodation that were small dormitory cells for nuns. Some years ago the church, cells and restaurant have been renovated, but the complex has lost some of its charm. Now the restaurant is cold and impersonal, the food seems industrial, prices are high and the rooms are small and gloomy enclosure cell. But if you are not married with a regular religious rite, the overnight stay is not granted, you can only eat at the restaurant is because you don't have to produce your documents.Fortunately the panorama has remained unchanged, it is always beautiful and worth a ride, sit a few minutes on a bench under the oak trees of the sanctuary and watch the sea from the top.
At Lavaggiorosso there is a great place to eat: By Zita. Lavaggiorosso, is composed by a group of houses perched on the hill in the valley in front of Levanto, where Zita has trasformed his home into a restaurant, with a veranda attached. The atmosphere is familiar and you feel part of it, the cuisine is authentic, with only few cheap dishes but of high quality. Since this is really a small two rooms apartment, it is essential to book in advance to avoid to get up there, thinking up a place to park your car (the lanes of the village barely allow the passage of pedestrians) and remain with your stomach empty. The signpost for Lavaggiorosso is immediately after Levanto, on the road to Bonassola, no address for Zita, she is simply 'Zita a Lavaggiorosso'. No much tourism here, bur foreigners, you know, go to Zita.
Bonassola is a charming village with a great beach lapped by an emerald sea. It's just after Levanto, towards Deiva, and you can reach it by car or train. Once in Bonassola, after a series of tight turns, the road ends; to go somewhere else, you must return to a crossroad where a signpost says: Le Cinque Terre sono 5, ma Bonassola è una sola (The Five Lands are 5, but Bonassola is only one). And actually these words are rather true. From the village, following a staircase that leads to a deconsecrated church, now home to art exhibitions, there is a path that winds up among pine trees and vineyards, and suddenly opens on a platform of a few square meters over the sea without a fence: it is called il salto della lepre (the jump of the hare). It is always windy up there, and you have the impression of watching the coast from the sky. Bonassola is by a half-hour of easy walk, affordable, and also if you have vertigo, do not say no. Children should be kept on hand.
Monterosso is the pearl most frequented by tourism, perhaps because it is the most flat, or because the train arrives in front of the sea and its beaches are the largest. No wonder if suddenly a huge coach materializes, with its guide with microphone and recognition flag. The beaches are extended from the old village, where a small bay in winter is often the place of my readings, to Fegina, the 'new' village. The last beach in Fegina, next to the sailing club, is also dubbed as Il Gigante (The Giant), because of a big sculpture of concrete and iron above the reef, 14 meters tall. The statue, which depicts Neptune, was built in 1910 and is now dented because of the bombing of the II WW and a devastating rough sea that in the sixties ruined it. The water that washes all the Cinque Terre is a transparent emerald and its bottom is full of fish. Punta Mesco, a natural park, offers underwater wonders that are really able to surprise anyone who still does not know the area. During the summer you can choose not to spend your time rubbing sticky sun cream into your skin on the crowded and chaotic beaches, but to go snorkelling in the emerald sea. Another solution to avoid to become demoralized on the water's edge crowded by a mass of half-naked bodies, is the canoe, to go from place to place by the sea, maybe stopping sometimes to try to see some dolphin in the open sea.
You can reach Fegina by the old side of Monterosso through a tunnel and the waterfront recently renovated. Tourists who do not spill on the beach walk watching the sea or sit down to contemplate it from the benches, someone continues to the Capuchin Monastery that overlooks the sea visually embracing all the Cinque Terre. Few tourists climb up to the Cemetery, which can be easily reached in ten minutes through a steep path from the waterfront, or going up a path between the gardens and dry stone walls, leaving the old village in front of the policemen barracks. In the cemetery once stood a castle, completed in the eighteenth century, now it remains only the ruined walls of the longest side. There, in the cemetery, there is an authentic atmosphere, you can watch the scene far from the commercial aspects of the country, you can sit on a low wall to contemplate the nature, the silence, and reflect on the course of time.
From Fegina, who accepts to do some hard work, a path climbs to lead in forty minutes to the ruins of an old abbey, San'Antonio al Mesco, immersed among the Mediterranean parfumes of Punta Mesco, that offers a rather extraordinary scene. The route goes slightly down in the shade of a thick pine forest, that does not hide glimpses of the open sea; you reach Levanto, beautiful small city, winter home for surfers and functional fulcrum with supermarkets, libraries, shops of all kinds, cinema: for those who just can not completely give up the metropolitan lifestyle . . .
From Monterosso Vecchia starts a path to Vernazza (unfortunately now you have to pay a ticket for this and many other paths). This is a fairly long path that winds between orchards, olive trees and lovely homes, often in rebuilding, some used a b&b. A beautiful experience is to stay, but mostly to spend the night, in the B&Bs located on the paths between the olive trees and the broom on the slopes. The night, the silence is at least as thick as darkness, broken only by the sounds of small animals, noises that we are no longer used to distinguish, who remember our childhood, synesthesias. . .
Vernazza is on the hill, it has a couple of square meters of beach, some rocks and a small harbor. Particular is its architectural structure, full of arcades and loggias vertically developed, with houses built next one to another, and dominated by the cylindrical Belforte tower. It's a place that I like to go in winter when the sea is rough, because the waves rose vibrant and fall in the middle of the esplanade that is at the same level of the sea, where people usually walk or sit to watch the horizon.
Mandatory is a trip to Madonna di Reggio, through the ancient trail used by the fishermen of Vernazza as a links with the hinterland, a mule track that became Via Crucis with its colourful chapels that are still preserved. After the initial steep climb you will arrive quickly at high altitude (300 m) between well maintained grapevine terraces. The route is not too used and in an hour you come to the shrine, which dates back to the eleventh century, surrounded by a large square where you mast sit own to enjoy the shade of the age-old oak tree and to watch the scene. You can see the boats on the sea, which come and go down there like an apparition in a painting. The silence in this place is so intense that you clearly perceive your breath, the breath of the wind, the sound of an insect. Usually you are alone here, but everyone that you meet here, will move on tiptoe . . . and for not breaking the spell, will greet you with a smile.
The route linking Corniglia and Vernazza is not too short, but also not particularly challenging. Corniglia can be reached by car, but it is difficult to find a parking place unless it is November. . . The train does not arrive in the village, but next to Spiaggione, a beach made of large white rocks, a little uncomfortable, but at least in the summer season does not become a ground for deckchairs, umbrellas and cabins. . . From the station, to lead the country, you should go up a staircase of 377 steps because Corniglia stands on a promontory at least a hundred feet high, and this is his charm. Along the road that runs across the coast, after a turning point you unexpectedly will see Corniglia; for me it's not a new scene, but I remain always dazzling as if it were still a surprise. The Church of St. Peter in Corniglia is worth a visit, it is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings of the Cinque Terre. The Square in Corniglia is a place where you always stop to eat or drink something, there are small tables, a couple of bars and several cats. But what makes this village perhaps my favourite is the simultaneous presence of tourists and locals, lovely old men who have not resigned to give their land to foreign backpackers.
On Sunday morning the old men are in the square with a glass of white wine in one hand and the walking stick and the other, you can sit beside them to talk about the weather. An alternative to the seaside Spiaggione is Guvano, the naturist beach, where nudism is permitted and widely practiced. Difficult to reach by land from Corniglia, you have to walk up to a dark tunnel, cold, dirty and pay (euro 5!), or follow the path that leads to Vernazza to a well-marked junction, there you go down to the sea between dense and scented broom. The bay worth at least one visit, even for the most modest. Of course it is not required to get undressed until the last layer of skin . . . Another target not to be missed near Corniglia is San Bernardino, there is a bench where you can enjoy a unique place in the front row, ahead of a show whose sacredness enters strongly in competition with that of the sanctuary that gives his name to the village: to lie down on the bench and to space with your eyes on the horizon, really makes you in contact with the Absolute.
From Corniglia you reach Manarola through a path always near the coast, quite short and easy, no more than an hour, ending at the heart of the country. Also for children it is not considered demanding. A short frescoed tunnel, always crowded with people that comes and goes, leads from the station to the village center, perched on a spur of rock that emerges from the sea and that faces with its houses on a small charming port. The main street, under which flows the river Groppo, is colored by the boats parked along its course with enviable skill. From the harbour, you can proceed uphill, toward the cemetery, or take a walk near the sea engraved from the rocks, with small walls and benches where you can stop to rest or to watch the passer-by, tourists of all genders, ages and tastes. Later, a few steps leads to a couple of green terraces, where you can have your pic nic and then have a nap, in all seasons. Or simply watch the sea from above. Above the terraces, there are public toilets and a playground area for children. In Manarola there is no beach, but in summer, nothing stops you from plunging from a cliff and enjoy the clear water. In Winter they assemble a big luminous Nativity Scene that covers a hill overlooking Manarola. It was designed and built by a resident using waste materials, and it is composed of dozens of figures placed on the terraced vineyards, offering a very special exhibition, especially in the night.
In the hinterland, less than one kilometre from Manarola, about 300 meters above sea level, stands proudly the little jewel of Volastra, destination a little outside the circuits of the tourist coaches equipped with television and a guide who speaks to the microphone. This is a country of about 200 inhabitants, circular structure, whose oldest part is not visible from the sea. Volastra can be reached by foot in about an hour from Manarola, through an ancient mule track that passes through vines and olive trees cultivation. Or you can take advantage of a transport service that from the bus station of Manarola leads in ten minutes at the entrance of this village, where an age-old olive tree welcomes you.
Near Volastra, at Groppo, there is the Cooperativa Agricola of the Cinque Terre, where you can taste and buy the wines of the area, including the famous 'Sciachetrà', made with past grapes. Recently, the Cinque Terre National Park has renovated and reopened an old mill for the pressing of olives.
The last land of the Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore. The path to arrive here from Manarola is the most popular, easy and short: la Via dell'Amore (the Way of Love). During the past ten years it has been paved, it can be practically covered with the utmost ease also pushing prams and strollers full of children. An alternative walk is the short climb to the Colle di Cerricò, where the ruins of the castle, or the beautiful trail that starts from the small beach in the country, and cuts vertically the cliffs overlooking the sea to reach the Torre Guardiola that stands on the tip of Montenero, stretched out into the sea south of Riomaggiore and characterized by an interesting botanical garden.
The most difficult path is the one that leads from Riomaggiore to the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero: before you havo to climb along the valley of the Rio Maior, and then along the coast and the ancient terraces you arrive exhausted at the panoramic terrace of the shrine. From the coast road of the Cinque Terre you reach the shrine in just 20 minutes, but by calling the Comune of Riomaggiore, you can organize an ascent with the curious rail trains used by the farmers in the area to move along slopes and stone walls.
Some routes may also be run across by bike, at the stations of Riomaggiore and Manarola there are rental services. Riomaggiore is perhaps the land, among the five, who has retained most of its original reserved character. Above the country runs a quiet street, where a bar offers a few tables for people who want to stop, even in warmer winter days, to discover that life here runs a less frenetic pace. . .
Although mathematics is not an opinion, the number 5 of the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) has emerged to be uncertain. . . Someone say that the Lands are not 5 but 7: the other two would be Tramonti di Biassa and Tramonti di Campiglia, last inhabited places in the far east of Liguria, after, continuing to Portovenere, only the harsh rocks of Albana (The Reds) and Muzzerone (The Black) stands upright on the sea, designing small and inaccessible beaches by the crystal sea.
Whether the lands are five or seven in my opinion doesn't matter, but Campiglia worth a visit. Border point between the Cinque Terre National Park and Portovenere Regional Park, is the center of a network of narrow paths and mule tracks. It can easily be reached by car and there is a bus service from La Spezia. By walking you arrive through the trail number 1, whether you come from Portovenere, or from the opposite direction, Monte Telegrafo, then Biassa. In front of the church, the path number 1 intersects with many other less known and popular paths, where widespread in the wild are the saffron plants, typical of the whole Tramonti territory. The paths near the sea are used by farmers to achieve the cultivation of vineyards and olive trees and are essential for the terrace restoration programs.
The village of Campiglia is 400 meters above sea level and its location offers without discounts a splendid view of two seas: the Gulf of La Spezia and the open Cinque Terre sea. When the air is clear you can see the Corsica, Capraia, the Gorgona, the island of Elba and the French coast. Hospitality in the country is offered by an old hotel, a couple of good restaurants and some inns, where you can make great snacks, even outdoors.
I like very much the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) because there are no parades in the evening in the center of the country or on the promenade, but you wear the boots and walk, there is fatigue and laziness to win, you contemplates the nature outside and into the sea. You forget the appearing culture, hidden by vines, sea, olive groves and sweat. . .
The path from Riomaggiore to Monterosso is the most famous and spectacular, it is 15 kilometres long and can be covered in about 5 hours. Traced over the centuries by those who used it to move from village to village, in some places is a real mule track. Here are listed the five segments of the path and by clicking them you can see the details on the map:
- Trek Monterosso-Vernazza (2 hours),
- Trek Vernazza-Corniglia (2 hours),
- Trek Corniglia-Manarola (u1 hour),
- Trek Manarola-Riomaggiore (1 hour).
Between Riomaggiore and Portovenere there are about fifteen kilometres, and you accumulate heights for 900 meters uphill and a little less downhill. You can do two trek:
- Trek Riomaggiore-Campiglia,
- Trek Campiglia-Portovenere (2 hours).
The path Vernazza-Drignana-Soviore is 7 kilometres long, easy, with a total of 250 meters to climb and 625 meters to descend. Here are the two treks:
- Trek from Vernazza to Madonna di Reggio (45 minutes);
- Trek from Madonna di Reggio to Madonna Soviore.
The trek Levanto-Montrerosso is 9.5 kilometres long with just over 500 meters in height difference between climbs and descents.
The Palmaria Island path can be covered in half a day going about 9.5 kilometers. There are several climbs and descents which together can easily add more than a thousand meters.
Further north we have a nice 5 kilometres walk that can be covered in about two hours following the ancient link Bonassola-Framura. The slopes are about 500 meters uphill and downhill. The route starts from the station of Bonassola and ends on the station of Framura.


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FB - About Baton Rouge
FB - About Baton Rouge
About Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, a name that reputedly refers to the red totem that once marked the boundary between two Louisiana tribes, owes more to the French than its unusual name. It was the French who explored, settled and developed the region during its formative years.
In the middle of the eighteenth century Acadian exiles from Nova Scotia began arriving in Louisiana, joining other French-speaking settlers. The "Cajuns" found themselves welcome here and made their homes along the rivers and bayous of the state. The colorful culture and influence of Evangeline and her people are still felt strongly in Louisiana.
The gracious life of the Mississippi River plantation surrounds this city where all corners of Louisiana come together in one rich, thick gumbo.
The river built our past and continues to shape our future, from the delta sugar cane fields to the rolling hills of the Felicianas.
The Greater Baton Rouge area encompasses several parishes including East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, Point Coupee, St Helena, and West Feliciana and includes the towns of Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Port Allen, Watson, Walker, Zachary, and St. Francisville. This is currently the largest metro area in Louisiana, with a 205 pre-Hurricane Katrina population estimate of 729,000 and a 2006 population estimate of 779,000. The Metro area population grew by approximately 74,000 people between 2000-2006.
Baton Rouge (pop. 227,188) the capital of Louisiana, was the second largest city, with New Orleans being the largest, until Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. It is now the largest city in the state and the regional center of business, healthcare and entertainment. Approximately 3.5 million people live within 100 miles of Baton Rouge and over 1 million reside within 50 miles. Baton Rouge is a primary commercial river port and home to Louisiana State University and Southern University.
Although it has been more than 200 years since the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory, the influence of French, English and Spanish cultures continue to inspire the music, art and lifestyles of its residents. Spend a summer night dining on Cajun and French cuisines in one of the state capital's many fine restaurants. The cultural life is as varied as it is vibrant. On the musical scene Baton Rouge boasts the highly acclaimed Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Theater goers can choose from productions by Swine Palace, the Baton Rouge, Gonzales, or Baker Little Theaters or major traveling shows at the Centroplex Theater of Performing Arts, LSU Union and Reilly Theaters and the Manship Theater at the Shaw Center. Playmakers offers a child's introduction to theater where young patrons can delight in children's productions in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Long known as a sports haven, Baton Rouge prides itself on the wealth of major collegiate football, basketball, baseball and tennis. BREC (Parks and Recreation Department) maintains a number of outstanding golf, tennis, soccer, archery and boating facilities with programs for children or the weekend athlete. And the hunting and fishing…c'est manifique!! Public parks, amusement and water parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses and other recreational facilities are easily accessible from Baton Rouge's many distinct neighborhoods. White Oak and Shenandoah, historic Highland Road, the Garden District, Bocage and Old Goodwood all provide their own unique atmosphere. Fest-For-All and Jazz Fest feature performing arts, fine arts and crafts, regional food dishes and live music - all along North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge.
As in all south Louisiana, fine food is a tradition...in settings from the down home Cajun familiarity of Boutin's and Brunet's, to the urban bustle of Tsunami and the Chimes, and the elegance and graciousness of Maison Lacour and Galatoire's.
Shopping and dining opportunities abound in the Towne Center at Cedar Lodge, Perkin's Rowe, and the Mall of Louisiana, as well as down town Baton Rouge and the new Perkins Rowe.
|Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
|Rec High °F (°C)
|84 (28.8)
|85 (29.4)
|91 (32.7)
|92 (33.3)
|98 (36.6)
|103 (39.4)
|101 (38.3)
|105 (40.5)
|104 (40)
|94 (34.4)
|87 (30.5)
|85 (29.4)
|Norm High °F (°C)
|60 (15.5)
|63.9 (17.7)
|71 (21.6)
|77.3 (25.2)
|84 (28.8)
|89.2 (31.7)
|90.7 (32.6)
|90.9 (32.7)
|87.4 (30.7)
|79.7 (26.5)
|70.1 (21.2)
|62.8 (17.1)
|Norm Low °F (°C)
|40.2 (4.5)
|43.1 (6.2)
|49.6 (9.7)
|55.8 (13.2)
|64.1 (17.8)
|70.2 (21.2)
|72.7 (22.6)
|71.9 (22.2)
|67.5 (19.7)
|56.4 (13.5)
|47.9 (8.8)
|42.1 (5.6)
|Rec Low °F (°C)
|9 (-12.7)
|15 (-9.4)
|20 (-6.6)
|32 (0)
|44 (6.6)
|53 (11.6)
|58 (14.4)
|58 (14.4)
|43 (6.1)
|30 (-1.1)
|21 (-6.1)
|8 (-13.3)
|Precip in. (mm)
|6.19 (157.2)
|5.1 (129.5)
|5.07 (128.8)
|5.56 (141.2)
|5.34 (135.6)
|5.33 (135.4)
|5.96 (151.4)
|5.86 (148.8)
|4.84 (122.9)
|3.81 (96.8)
|4.76 (120.9)
|5.26 (133.6)
|Source: USTravelWeather.com
If you would like more information on Baton Rouge be sure to ask for my relocation packet which provides in depth information on this great place to live.


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There's a small get-together happening this Saturday (August 4th) in the LA area. Trevor Carpenter is organizing a photowalk at the Santa Monica Pier, and he's invited everybody who lives nearby. Lucky for me I just moved to San Diego, so I'll definitely be there. If you're in the area, try to stop by and meet a few other photography enthusiasts — I'm certainly looking forward to meeting some of my online acquaintances. Here are the details:
WHEN: Saturday, August 4th, 4PM to ???.
WHERE: Santa Monica (Los Angeles). Meet at the Apple Store on Arizona Ave & 3rd Street Promenade, then walk down to the pier (refer to map).
WHAT TO BRING: Yourself, a camera, and a tripod if you so choose (we might stay past dark).
FOR MORE DETAILS: Visit the official event page.
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Rock on Brian!
Thanks for the mention. See you there.July 31, 2007 1:59 pm


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Circuit Judge Lisa T. Munyon ruled Monday that Casey Anthony's civil lawyers may depose Texas EquuSearch founder Tim Miller in his individual capacity, but that questioning must be done where he resides – in Texas.
Last month, Miller did not show up for a deposition after he was issued a subpoena by Anthony's legal team.
TES lawyer Jonathan Burns, however, argued today that the subpoena was "invalid" and an "attempt to harass" Miller. The defense seeks to depose Miller in his "individual capacity" as opposed to his "corporate capacity" with the search organization.


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Strange Chanting
When I got off the MRT at work and started into the alley between the station and JPG, I started to hear chanting. Strange chanting…non-rhythmic and mysterious. Almost scary in the overtones and chords being sung. Unnatural to say nothing of the deep and throaty sounds coming from what turned out to be a group of women in yellowish monk's robes, kneeling in a sort of a circle on the porch of the temple I've posted pictures of. I chose not to consider what it was they were circled around.
The smell of incense wafted into the alley, and I continued past the little old Chinese man who says, "hello" and grins at me each time I walk past. I'm pretty sure he knows no other English.
He made me uneasy the first day he greeted me, but seeing him has become one of the special parts of my day each day. His face lights up when I say, "hello" back, which makes me feel like in some small way I'm making someone else's life better.
My friends who have children feel this joy each day; knowing that they bring safety, security, and happiness to their children…That they make their children's lives better with every motherly thing that they do. In my life, these moments are more subtle and one step removed.
I make the old man smile.
And so he also makes me smile.
Shellfish Soup
At lunchtime today I went with my three lunch girls to a Japanese restaurant. Today was the first day in three weeks of work that I've suggested what sounded good to me. This is notable first because I said it in Chinese, and second because it means that I've been here long enough to begin to crave certain kids of local foods. I suggested mien tang, or noodle soup. They decided Japanese noodle soup was in order.
They all know that I'm deathly allergic to shellfish, but I'm really just not sure they realize that I'm deathly allergic to shellfish. Maybe something's lost in translation. I've heard that Asian people don't have the same problems with or understanding of food allergies that Americans do.
My friend Yvonne ordered for me since the menu was in Hanzi (Chinese characters), and when my soup arrived, there were several huge shrimp staring at me.
In Taiwan the shrimp still have their little black beady eyes and their whiskery-looking feelers attached. Not that I would have been any more inclined to indulge in food-allergy-induced suicide had their eyes and feelers been removed. My friends looked a little annoyed (maybe with me, maybe with the restaurant) and ordered me a different soup.
The Second Soup
The second soup was placed in front of me. My three friends were well into their lunches when this one arrived. It smelled great, and I was hungry enough that I was feeling a little light-headed. I drew the large, Japanese-styled spoon (that looked more like a ladle) up from the soup and discovered a fried shrimp sittin' there, headless at least, on my spoon.
Now my hands were shaking. My friends say, "Just take the shrimp out and eat it." I thought they understood that I'm deathly allergic to shellfish. I think maybe it'll be okay if it's just the one shrimp, so I place it in a separate dish on the table and again delve my ladle-spoon into the darkness that is either my lunch or my death.
Crab meat greets me.
I'm embarrassed and frustrated as I try to make my friends realize that I'm not a picky eater, but that this food will KILL me. All three girls are talking to me, to the waiter, to the owner, to each other, at once. People at other tables are staring curiously at the white girl who won't eat her food. My body holds such tension that if something had bumped into me abruptly I may have jumped out of my seat. I really, really want to get up and walk out of the restaurant. This is a lot of trouble to go through when I know I can grab a PB&J at the 7-Eleven across the street.
The Third Soup
A third bowl of soup is delivered. Vegetarian this time.
I take a good look at the surface and I see nothing but vegetables. I'm starving and I'm damp from the adrenaline that flew through my body with my frustration and embarrassment. In goes my ladle…
Out comes a shrimp.
I'm leaving. I can't deal with this.
Again, I say, "I cannot eat this. I'm really sorry. I'll pay for all of these soups, but I can't eat this. It will Kill me. I'm not just picky, I promise. I wish I could eat this. It looks really good, but I cannot eat it. I will die."
Turns out it's a soybean shrimp, like the vegetarian chicken or hamburger meat used for cooking. I still didn't eat it, but I ate the rest of the soup, and it was good.
Fixing My Couches
I make it through the rest of the day at work, and push, tired, through two hours of Chinese lessons.
I anticipate scooter headlights coming at me head-on now, after three weeks of bicycling in this city. A daunting ride and five flights of steps later, I am in my family room.
I set down my bags, read to the fridge, and pull out the salad I made three meals worth of last night. I come back into the family room to get a bottle of water out of my bag and realize that the fabric my landlord recovered my couches with only Thursday is falling off the bottom side of the couch.
Upon closer investigation, I realize that my landlady has, are you ready for this???
Used foam-padded double stick tape to hold the fabric to the couch.
Welcome to Taiwan, I think to myself.
I eat my salad.
Life is good.
I am good.
Originally written and published on my blog, A Year in Taipei on October 2, 2006.
I wrote more than 300 blog posts during my year in Taipei, Taiwan. I don't know yet how many of those posts I'll recreate on MilliGFunk.com, but for now, at least, you can come back on Thursdays for a #ThrowbackThursday to my #YearInTaipei.
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CNN appoints Sumnima Udas as India correspondent
MUMBAI: CNN International has elevated Sumnima Udas as the Delhi-based correspondent. She will be covering key developments in the country relating to politics, economics, social & environmental and general interest stories.
She has been associated with CNN since 2001. She joined as a news assistant in New York and then moved to Hong Kong in 2006 as a show producer. Since 2010, she has been producer from Delhi. ?The eyes of the world will be trained on India as the world?s largest democracy and emerging economic powerhouse goes to the polls in 2014,? said CNN International Asia Pacific VP and managing editor Ellana Lee.
CNN is looking at strengthening its presence in this diverse and dynamic region with the inclusion of Sumnima Udas
Recently, Udas has worked on several assignments such as the Delhi gang-rape, the Bangladesh garment factory collapse as well as the Commonwealth Games corruption scam. She is also the recipient of the Asian Television Awards as show producer for the show CNN Talk Asia, a weekly show that explores personalities of newsmakers.
She has studied her bachelors at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, USA and masters from Oxford University in UK. She knows several languages such as English, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali and French and has grown up in over ten countries.
?With her new appointment as Delhi correspondent we look forward to strengthening our presence in this diverse and dynamic region,? added Lee.


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Charlize Theron & James McAvoy Bring 'Atomic Blonde' to SXSW
Charlize Theron walks the red carpet at the premiere of her film Atomic Blonde at the 2017 SXSW Festival on Sunday (March 12) in Austin, Tex.
Also seen walking the carpet that evening were her co-star James McAvoy and the film's director David Leitch.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Charlize Theron
Be sure to check out the latest trailer for the movie if you missed it! Atomic Blonde is set to be released in theaters on July 28.
FYI: Charlize is wearing a Givenchy dress with Christian Louboutin shoes.
10+ pictures inside of Charlize Theron and James McAvoy promoting their films…


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Thursday, October 11, 2012
Specific Points In Time
And the reason I was wondering this is because I can pinpoint very specific moments in time; right down to seconds, when I determined that, if the decisions were up to me entirely, I would have chosen to walk away from these people and not allowed them further access to me, my loved ones, or my life. I knew precisely the moment when my suspicions about NMIL became concrete and irrefutable knowledge. I knew precisely the moment when I realized that Naunt was looking to decimate my relationship with DH. I knew precisely the moment when I came to accept that EFIL and L were simply spying on us for NMIL's purposes and reporting back to her the private details of our lives. And all of these moments, for me, represented the specific points in time where, if it were up to me, I would have cut them out of our lives and never looked back.
So I began wondering what their points of no return were. When did our joint relationships with DH became a zero-sum game? When did the promise of my life joined with DH's become a threat to their relationship with him? When did Jonsi's existence become the bane of their existences, because it seems pretty clear to me that it is.
For me, the moments are very specific, and I will outline them below. For DH's entire FOO and his base of friends-from-years-past, I don't know whether they have specific moments like these, and if they do, whether they would be even remotely capable of telling the truth about them, if pressed.
For me, the exact moments in which I would have completely and irreversibly cut these people out of my life were the following:
NMIL (May, 2009) - I was standing in my old bedroom at my mother's house. DH was standing in front of me, manning his cellphone, which was being blown up with texts from his Naunt and NM. After weeks of playing along with his NM's games, wherein she kept stringing us along about her apartment-for-rent, DH got a well-played email from his Naunt, sneakily informing him of NMIL's MAJOR deception: that NMIL was planning to charge us triple or quadruple the amount of rent money she told us she was going to charge, and, of course, letting DH know that he was still welcome to stay at HER apartment, if he felt he couldn't afford what NMIL was going to be charging. NMIL ended up confirming that we would be paying more than she had originally promised, but never once admitted to the lie. Instead, she chalked the whole thing up to a "misunderstanding" and never spoke of it again. But, just in case you are fooled into believing Naunt was just trying to "help a nephew out," wait 'til you see what SHE did with her bid for power, after she tried wrenching it away from her sister.
Naunt (June, 2009) - I was sitting in her kitchen with DH, attempting to have a dialog about the "terms and conditions" of renting from her; which she kept tightening and tightening and I couldn't understand why, until she blew me away with this line, "It's not like we want you to leave. [Pause for effect.] Well, we don't want YOU to leave, [DH's childhood nickname]." In other words, "Jonsi is not welcome here."
EFIL and L, who I see as a co-conspiring team (January, 2011) - DH was sitting on our family room sofa when he got a call from EFIL the night before he was supposed to come and pick DH up to bring him to the airport for a two week business trip. DH got off the phone with EFIL, telling him he would have to call him back, turned to me and said, "My dad told me he talks to my mother at least once a month. He suggested that my mother bring me to the airport tomorrow. He said, 'I have a great idea. Why don't you ask your mother to drive you to the airport.'" And I knew. I knew that the fifteen minute "visit" he'd had with us a few weeks before that phonecall was not about him wanting to spend quality time with us, or seeing his grandchildren; nor was it about him dropping off belated Christmas gifts for our children, as he had claimed when he'd called us out of the blue to ask if he could stop over. It was about him spying on us and reporting back to NMIL. I knew, in that moment, that when we had told him that we were pregnant with DS, he had gone behind our backs and informed NMIL; even though we had already asked him not to communicate with her about our lives. And I also knew, in that moment, that when he came to "visit" us, that he had been gathering information about us for the SOLE PURPOSE of turning around and feeding it to NMIL. And one of those bits of information was to tell her the details of DH's trip, including where he'd be going, when he'd be leaving, and when he'd be back. DH ended up being forced to call my mother to bring him to the airport because, after that phonecall with his father, (along with a subsequent voicemail from his father, in which his father asked him, "Why he hated his mother so much") we were afraid that EFIL and NMIL might show up together to pick up DH in an attempt to sabotage his trip and/or force him into a car ride with just the two of them. In one email that we did not save, but that I do remember (and have not previously discussed here), NMIL wrote to DH just ONE HOUR after he left our house for the airport, "Hi [DH's childhood nickname]. I just wanted to say that we love you and miss you. Have a safe trip." DH never talked to NMIL about that trip. The only way she found out was from EFIL. And I don't find it at all coincidental that she emailed him an hour after he left his home for two weeks. As with all communications from her, she was just hoping it could all be her and DH's "little secret." And, in the moment when DH relayed the information that EFIL suggested "NMIL pick him up to take him to the airport" EFIL nailed the final nail in his own coffin.
For me, moments. Seconds. Just a few words:
"Are you sure you want to live there, [DH's childhood nickname]? I'm surprised you want to, since you'd be paying SO MUCH MORE MONEY then you would if you'd just stay here."
"It's not like we want you to leave. [Pause for effect.] Well, we don't want YOU to leave, [DH's childhood nickname]."
"I have a great idea. Why don't you ask your mother to drive you to the airport?"
These moments, these words, represented deceit and malice; betrayal and selfishness. These were not the words of kind, open-minded individuals; nor were they the words of people who had either my, my husband's, or our childrens' best interests at heart. These were the words of people who wanted to crush my DH into submission and scare me into running away.
So I wonder, what were their moments? When did they decide that I had to be run-out? When did they decide that the only option available was to destroy the bond DH and I were forming? When did they decide that it was them, or me? When, Dear Reader? When?
9 comments:
The minute his twice-wedded "wife" from childhood, Exhibit A was obviously no longer a "contender."ReplyDelete
It would never have mattered who or what you were about jonsi: They planned his life "together," conspired to keep it "on track" and some where along the way, DH didn't follow the "script." He didn't marry to please THEM. That guy (DH) had some sense of self-preservation buried under the detritus called his "life."
You think "Arranged Marriages" only occur in other "cultures?"
Welcome to MINE. I didn't marry "when" or "who" I "should" have. My decision was accepted with much greater equanimity than your DH's: I had NC'd Psychob and Dad and my S/M, while surprised as hell were intimidated as hell by my DH-they did NOT know what to make of him, but they knew he made ME one happy woman.
They folded their hands and opened their hearts.
And it all worked out not only graciously but ultimately with great affection between all parties.
And we lived happily ever after until he died. My Wedding anniversary is today, the 12th. The 20th anniversary of his death is the 20th. And that lil' hijack may help explain why I'm up so late and perhaps not fit for human consumption. ;)
"My Wedding anniversary is today, the 12th." That certainly does answer the question of why you may be up to late today. Though I know your family did NOT "graciously and affectionately" accept your DH into their lives, I am glad that you met and married him. I know that he was a bit like me, in that he loved you despite your 'fleas' and never knew quite what to make of your fucked up FOO. I'm sorry that he passed away, and even sorrier that, while he was here, your FOO did not treat him with respect, kindness, courtesy, or love. TW, dear friend, these twenty years after he's left, I know that your heart must still ache and I'm very sorry for that pain. Thank you for turning around, on a day that must be very hard for you, and using your experience and wisdom to help me, and so many other people from our community. I very much appreciate you, and all that you do by coming here and blogging it out with the rest of us.ReplyDelete
"We don't want YOU to leave"ReplyDelete
7 words.
It takes only one second to say them...one second to ruin things.
I've got 7 words too.
My parents came to visit. I decided that we would go meet DH for lunch since he had to work. The 30+ mile car ride there was silent. At the restaurant, my parents didn't even say hi to DH, and except for placing their order, neither of them said a word during the meal or on the ride home. I couldn't take it anymore. It was a simple question - I asked NF straight up "Do you guys like DH? Because it sure feels like you don't" And the response I got was:
"Well, I don't NOT like him"
7 words. Bam. Nail in Coffin.
Wow-Oh-Wow. That's...that's like exactly the same. Slightly different words, exactly the same meaning and exactly the same barely-concealed hatred (or at the very least, dislike). Wow. That's astonishing, Grey.Delete
I said the same thing when I read your post! After years of being the peacemaker between DH and NF...diffusing every word bomb that NF would throw out there, telling DH that NF "didn't mean what he said" or, "He was just joking". That was the moment when I was finally able to read between the lines for myself. I couldn't believe it.Delete
Like you, all DH wanted was to be accepted by my family. On our wedding day (You know, the happiest day of our lives...The day when everyone should say "Welcome to the family!"), all poor DH got was "You can't go running back to mommy anymore" from my Ngrandmother. Also, he was never called son-in-law. He was only ever referred to as "Grey's husband."
After all the shit he dealt with (including mine when I was still on "their side") I still can't believe he didn't head for the hills. I'm thankful every day for it.
"He was only ever referred to as "Grey's husband.""
Do you know that I have ruminated about how they refer to me for such a long time? I recently told DH, "I bet they don't even call me "daughter-in-law" because they don't want to acknowledge a connection to me at all. I bet that, if they absolutely have to, they say 'DH's wife.' Or they just avoid giving me a title at all and stick to referring to me as 'she' and 'her'."
I'm not kidding - said that to DH just the other day. Wow. That's just insane, and it's insane that you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.
I'm going to read your comment to DH right now!
Very early on, while DH and I were still dating, his mother and I were talking on the couch. She brought up DH's aunt (DH's father's sister-in-law). She told me all manners of things about Aunt. How Aunt had been cruel and distanced Uncle from his mother (grandmother). NMIL blamed the entire situation on Aunt. She did state that there had been "an incident" when Aunt and Grandmother had lived together, but regardless, Aunt had forced Uncle to stay away from grandmother. Aunt had kept her kids from grandmother. Aunt had been completely to blame. All of DH's brother's (and DH at the time) had felt the same way: Aunt was a horrible person who had broken up the family.ReplyDelete
Well, over the years I pieced more of the situation together. Aunt was always pleasant to me. I never found her to be particularly divisive or mean to grandmother. And although I loved grandmother dearly, I really felt that there must have been something between the two of them for a situation like this to continue. And maybe, instead of pointing the finger at Aunt, Uncle should also be held accountable if he allowed his wife to keep him from his mother for "no good reason". And in the end, I decided none of it was really my business.
So, here's the part that relates to me. NMIL, while telling me this story to begin with, used it to lay out her own fears. She told me how she had always worried her boys would marry someone who would "take them away". DH and I had only been dating a short amount of time. I found this story completely inappropriate. She didn't know me at all and had NO REASON to suspect I would take her son from her. Her projection of her fears on to me and blaming me, well before we even had issues really set me on edge. I felt she was not only accusing me of being like aunt, but also starting to take defensive measures against me for crimes I hadn't even THOUGHT about committing.
When I look back at this story, I realize that NMIL was ready to cut me out of DH's life long before she ever even knew me. She had her paranoia all ready to go long before I came into the picture. It wouldn't have mattered who the hell I was, or how nice I was. She would never be able to see me past her jealous and insecurities. I never stood a chance.
Wow, Jessie. You really nailed that one!ReplyDelete
IMHO, The moment they decided you were an enemy was the same moment they realized that you were not simply a passing interest to DH and that he was serious about being with you.ReplyDelete
Seriously, my MIL was very nice the first few times we ever met. Until it became clear my DH wasn't just "sowing his wild oats" (She literally told him that it was okay for him to do that with me). She's messed up in her own right, although not on the narcissist track so much, more paranoia and a very bad case of Old World versus New World issues. I was not the desired ethnicity, lol.


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'Animama' animations project
ISS Australia is auspicing a unique and exciting media project called Animama.
Animama aims to create and distribute a series of short animations to disseminate knowledge about infant health to parents in the developing world.
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Each animation will be offered in a range of languages to reach a diverse audience.
Please visit the Animama website to learn more.


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OXNARD, Calif. --Two Oxnard teenagers were arrested and booked for breaking into 11 boats docked in Harbor Island Approaching midnight Saturday, Oxnard police received a call about a duffle bag, stuffed with beer cans, wine and liquor bottles, found in the 1400 block of Windshore Way.
Officers investigating the report found two juveniles on bicycles near by. An investigation determined that the teens had broken into 11 boats docked in the 4000 block of Harbor Island Lane.
The 16-year-olds, both from Oxnard, were released to their parents. Each juvenile faces 11 counts of burglary.


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Gite du Creve Coeur
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The cottage "Crève Cur" is located between the Marais Audomarois (marsh recognized by UNESCO ) and the hills of Flanders (Cassel) in a green quiet area. Forest and Flemish farmland are ... Read more
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The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) will continue its programme "Low-income Solar Thermal" throughout 2012. This year's budget is USD 2 million. The programme's subsidies cover the entire costs for a solar thermal system, including hardware and labour. Christie Howe from MassCEC estimates that the budget will allow for the installation of 15 to 20 solar systems in multi-family houses and other social institutions during 2012. The photo shows the solar thermal system on the Friends of the Homeless building in Springfield. Photo: BEAM Engineering
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The Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services announced Friday the departure of Battalion Chief Kevin Taylor.
Taylor, who was hired to the department as a volunteer firefighter in 1991, is leaving to accept the deputy fire chief position at the Montecito Fire Department in Santa Barbara County.
He will begin his new position Feb. 1.
He was promoted to full-time firefighter in Paso Robles in 1993 and worked his way up to battalion chief, according to a city news release.
"The loss of a 24-year employee of Taylor's caliber is a blow to the department," Fire Chief Ken Johnson wrote in the release. "This was a logical move for Kevin's career, but I know he struggled with the difficult decision of leaving. He's a real Roblan at heart."
Taylor, a Paso Robles High School graduate, was a member of the Paso Robles Rotary Club, served in leadership positions in several professional organizations and volunteered as assistant baseball coach for Paso Robles High School for the last seven years.


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I have a beautiful view looking out the windows of my house here in Cotahuasi. Looking to the right I can see Huińao, the first peak that I hiked here. I don't remember exactly how high it is but it is just less than 12,000 feet, the trail starts about 120 feet from my door. Looking off to the left I can see the rim of the canyon where I biked to on my 14er and the peak I hiked to (14,200 feet). Beyond that is the mountain above Pampamarca, which is supposed to have some very interesting rock formations on top, which of course is on my "to do" list.
However, in the front, sitting in the "Y" between Cotahuasi Canyon and Mungi Canyon is the start of long mountain range that is very steep and keeps getting higher as it goes away from me. This is where I have tried twice, and failed both times, to find a trail to the top, including a foolish attempt just over a week ago. Both times I tried going up the backside because I was told there was a trail there. However someone told me recently that there is a trail on my side and I remember seeing a faint trail going part way up when I hiked up Huińao. The Incas populated this whole area and before that the Wari (or Huari) culture and they both liked to build on the tops of the mountains. There are ancient ruins on most of the peaks, and also anywhere high where there is a flat place.
There are also trails going up to most of these ruins, some of these trails are still in use, others are long ago abandoned and difficult to see and follow. Mondays are my day off, which means they are hiking and exploring days. This particular morning started out cloudy but was clearing, so after a leisurely breakfast and a little shopping I started for the base of the hill at 9:45. It is across the Cotahuasi River from me so I went down to the bridge and hiked back up to the other side. In about 30 minutes I was at the spot where I had seen a faint trail and after one attempt on the wrong side of a small gully, I found an old trail. It did not look like it was being used nowadays but you could see that it was at one time a well built trail with stone steps, and was cut into the side of the hill, not just worn from use like the animal trails. I was encouraged because this looked like the real thing, compared to the paths I had tried on the other side, which were more like currently used animal trails. It was an easy hike, a fairly gradual climb with the trail meandering up a draw, sometimes faint but always clear enough to follow. It appeared to be going up to a saddle, just past the first peak, where I had been told there are some ruins.
Unfortunately, about half way up the trail disappeared; I soon found it again, only to lose it completely shortly afterwards. However it was still very easy to continue, not heavy brush and many zigzagging animal paths to follow up, even though it was steeper by then. I was soon at my goal at the top of the ridge, looking down the other side at where I had tried to come up before. I went to the left, up towards the first peak looking for the ruins but only saw one, a larger than normal stone building with the walls still standing about 4 to 6 feet high. I don't think it was an old ruin though because it had mud mortar in between the rocks, and the old ruins I have seen here don't have mortar. Farther on up, and on the flat plain on top, were what looked like outlines of rock walls in the dirt but there weren't even two rocks on top of each other. There were a couple of places that looked like someone had been digging fairly recently but to my untrained eye there was no obvious reason for it. At many of the ruins there are piles of stones, some covering obvious holes, which are graves. With the "ruins" being disappointing, I went back the other way looking at the ridge of the mountain, which was going up to the peak.
From my window it looks like it is about 30 degrees to start, reaches a short lesser slope about half way up and then turns into a 45 degree climb to the top. Of course those are averages, there were short steeper sections mixed in there. I decided to climb up a ways and see what it was like, thinking I would go until it became risky, and then stop for lunch and head back down. I set a goal of reaching each minor peak, expecting that would be where I should stop. The whole time I was thinking that I should wait and have someone with me to attempt the summit (after the previous weeks try!) but it was so easy and no real danger so I kept going up. By this time it had become lightly overcast but was nice and warm with no rain in sight.
I was surprised once by seeing what appeared to be a faint shadow overhead, out of the corner of my eye, but didn't see anything at first. Then over the ridge came two condors, soaring on the updrafts. Colca Canyon, southeast of here, is famous for lots of condors but there are a number of them here in Cotahuasi Canyon as well. There was a strong cool wind blowing up on the steep Mungi side of the mountain, so I was climbing up the ridge on the Cotahuasi side whenever possible, which was much warmer. At this point I was on the steeper part of the ridge, scrambling up 4th class rocks, having to look around at times to find a safe and easier route up. For about half an hour I played leapfrog with the condors, they would be circling over my head, then I would climb above them and then they would go above me again. It was like they were waiting for me to fall so they could dive in for an easy meal! They were getting very close, 50 feet or less, so I got a very good look at them, they are big and ugly! I estimated that one had a wingspan of about six feet and the other one about seven feet. (I later checked on the Andean Condor on the web and it says they have an average wingspan of 10.5 feet so maybe they were bigger than I thought!) It was really fun watching them, as I had never been that close to a condor before, or near them for such an extended period of time. Unfortunately, I still didn't have my camera so no pictures (I saw them up close, honest!) but I will have it in about a month so will have to go back and try to get some pictures of them then. I often see condors and eagles on my hikes; they are about the only wildlife I have seen here. There are supposed to be some pumas (mtn. lions) around but I have not talked to anyone who has actually seen one.
At about 1:30 I reached an almost vertical section (at 10,550'), about 15 to 20 feet high and looked for an easy way around it but did not see one. I decided to stop for lunch and then head down afterwards. As I studied the rock wall, I saw four or five easy climbing routes, maybe 5.6 to 5.7 at the most, but no other way up. I didn't explore up close on the Cotahuasi side, there might be a possible traverse there somewhere. On the Mungi side was a very shear wall, no chance there. Anyway, as many of my friends have been telling me to be more careful, I was very good; I didn't consider doing the climb alone, or even trying a few feet to see what it was like! There is one problem with a lot of the rock here, the mountains have a lot of places where the rock is mixed with dirt, it is not solid rock, especially on the canyon walls. Here it looked better but there had been numerous places on the way up where the rock was not solid as well. Fortunately it was just in scrambling areas and not rock climbing areas.
By 2:15 I had finished lunch and was on was on my way down and at 4:30 was exploring an old trail that goes down to the Cotahuasi River (the suspension bridge is about 100 feet above the river). Some very wild rapids down there, not being a river runner I have no idea what they are rated at but it seems like I have heard that most of the river is class 4 or 5. With the exception of Sipia Falls of course, this has a drop of about 490 feet in three tiers.
I plan on doing the climb again soon, with friends, one of whom has a digital camera, so hopefully will get some pictures then, as well as finding a way to climb up higher.
Vic Hanson is the founder of Adventure Cotahuasi Tours, which offers pre-planned and custom adventure travel tours in Cotahuasi Canyon and other areas of Peru.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Hansonhttp://EzineArticles.com/...id=489441


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Walking the line with SEO
From Newsletter 090710
Search Engines can only see text. This rule has shaped effective website design for years. Since alt tags and metadata can only go so far in describing images, flash, and other elements of a site many developers have come to the conclusion that a site has to be text heavy to be successful. While there is great value in Search-able content it is important not to forget the customer once they get to your site. You can have great search engine rankings AND a site that leaves a lasting impression on your market. It takes planning and a strong marketing identity but combining stunning imagery and effective content into a single marketing message can give you results beyond the visit to your site. Your site becomes a touchstone to your brand and products.