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City Beat
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Big Story
Cover Story: Fantastic World
Creation Museum tells a whopper of a tale, with a literal interpretation of Genesis only the beginning
Gene Kritsky, evolutionary biologist, walked through the museum. With a camera strap around his neck, he listened to the sound of falling water and walked past a model of a child offering a carrot to a squirrel as two model juvenile dinosaurs played just feet away, past a glass display of live finches, past a dinosaur model perched on a ledge, looked down at another display and learned that poison dart frogs were once benign creatures, "very good," just like every living creature until Adam went and sinned.
Kritsky raised his camera to his eye and captured the images, this record of life explained through another lens called the Book of Genesis. A film crew from the BBC approached, lifted camera to shoulder and asked Kritsky for an explanation: What is the Creation Museum all about?
"It's bait-and-switch," Kritsky would explain moments later, BBC interview concluded. Get them in with dinosaurs, then let the message morph. Adam sins, Noah's ark arrives.
Then it's on to more biblical history and on to a subterranean world that is wrought by sin and animated with a basement of lurid graffiti garishly lit that exposes and excoriates abortion, homosexuality, pornography.
Evolution and the culture wars. In this dank, subway-like atmosphere of headlines that scream of teen pregnancies and drugs among those other vices, AiG and the museum tries to connect the dots.
"Over the last four decades, historic Judeo-Christian values have been under attack, causing many Christians to become actively engaged in areas of politics, entertainment and culture," according to a museum position paper. That includes abortions, consideration of same-sex marriage, religious displays "removed from the public square," prayer and the Bible being removed from public schools.
Absolute moral truth is being replaced with secularism, says AiG. "Rising reports of violence, sexual deviance, and other social ills all stem from the fact that America has lost its moral footing," the position paper says. America needs to return to a Christian worldview, a "return to the authority of the Bible … beginning in the book of Genesis."
Reject Genesis, if you will — this is where it leads.
"The dinosaurs?" Kritsky continued. "They're eye candy for kids. A lot of kids get into science because of dinosaurs. I did. For me it was Frito Corn Chips. Seven years old and little dinosaurs were in Frito's. I asked my mom what was that, and she said, 'A dinosaur.' So they're using dinosaurs as an eye candy.
"At the risk of sounding really mean, it's almost like intellectual molestation."
Scopes redux
Kritsky is a professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Delhi Township and an adjunct curator at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. He was one of some 4,000 people who showed up May 28 to take a walk through biblical history at the Creation Museum, a 60,000-square-foot institution costing a whopping $27 million built on more than 40 acres of land in suburban Petersburg near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The Museum is dedicated to the belief that the Earth is but 6,000 years old, that a science that suggests life on this planet is millions of years old is wrong, that the first man looked like a hippie, the first woman looked like Grace Slick.
"The purpose of this museum is not science, the purpose is not to improve the intellectual understanding of the natural world," Kritsky said after touring the museum, which opened Memorial Day weekend to much fanfare and media attention from around the world. "The purpose of this museum is sectarian, and it is a ministry designed to promote a very narrow view of and interpretation of Christianity."
The Creation Museum is located among rolling hills of farmland, with metallic stegosaurs standing sentry at its gates, and its closest neighbors are soybeans and killdeer. The locale is deceptive; it is less than 10 miles by interstate from the airport — a 10-minute drive in a rental car — and, as the museum staff points out, within 650 miles of two-thirds of the country's population.
It was some seven years in the making, groundbreaking to completion. When the making finally arrived, it turned out to be a dizzying weekend. A ribbon cutting was attended by close to 1,000 guests and media, including reporters for foreign publications and for Christian radio.
An opening held two days later attracted 4,000 visitors. A protest organized just outside the gates packed more than 100 — many of them academics, scientists and a smattering of agnostics and atheists — onto a corner of a field. They held aloft banners and signs just off the side of the country road and cheered when passing motorists honked car horns in approval.
Ken Ham, the museum's media-savvy founder and president of Answers in Genesis (AiG), the ministry that built the museum, reached back 82 years to a day in Dayton, Tenn., when the Scopes trial began, an event immortalized by play and film and yet largely misunderstood today.
He said at the museum's May 26 ribbon-cutting ceremony that back in 1925 the "world's media" gathered to cover the Scopes trial, a case that challenged a state law banning the teaching of evolution in public schools.
It was, he said, a time in which "the world's media gathered for an event in which the Bible was openly ridiculed. The first time the world's media saw that … it was the turning point in Christendom in many ways. … I believe in 2007, as the world's media is interested in this place, what they're coming to is a place that doesn't ridicule the Bible."
Sin causes weeds
The Scopes trial, of course, didn't end the debate about creationism; that would go on legally another 62 years. John Scopes and evolution lost in 1925. The trial, unlike later cases, wasn't about teaching creationism; it was about outlawing the teaching of evolution. But his conviction was overturned on a technicality.
The trial was something of a staged affair; the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wanted a case it could take to a higher appellate court for a ruling more definitive, and Dayton wanted it to attract attention and commerce to the community. Scopes' defense team of ACLU lawyers feared the inclusion of Clarence Darrow, an agnostic, whom they thought would detract from the issue of academic freedom — teaching evolution. They also feared the trial would be reduced to an argument of God's existence.
Some of those same fears were manifested just weeks ago when the Rally for Reason was being planned to protest the museum. Rally organizers included atheists, while another group, Campaign to Defend the Constitution (Defcon), was wary of appearing to align criticism of the museum with atheism. As it turned out, both mostly avoided references to whether or not there is a deity.
Edward J. Larson is a professor of history and law at the University of Georgia and winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for history for his book, Summer for the Gods (Harvard University Press), which is about the Scopes trial. Larson said he toured the museum a year ago before completion.
He and others point out that Inherit the Wind, a play of the 1950s and film of the 1960s that shaped how many viewed the creationism debate was not so much about creationism as it was about McCarthyism and conformity of thought. William Jennings Bryan, the flamboyant former presidential candidate who helped with the prosecution, wasn't nearly the anti-intellectual he appears in the play to be. He was actually something of a progressive in Larson's book, a majoritarian — people speak through their legislature, and that is something sacrosanct — who railed almost as much against cut-throat capitalism, social Darwinism and eugenics as he did against evolution.
Larson isn't as derisive of the museum as some of his academic peers.
"I think it is an important cultural edifice," he said. "For me, as a scholar who doesn't believe like they do, it's interesting to see what they're visualizing. It captures visually what many people see in their mind when they read Genesis or when they read Ken Ham's materials. It recreates what they see and adds force to it. … I think Ken Ham and Genesis are sincere when they raise social concerns."
Are you sympathetic to what they believe?
"I don't think 'sympathetic' is the word," Larson said. "People are people, and they should be able to believe what they want to believe. And what they want to say."
Take that walk through the museum and you pass from science to Bible to biblical history to science again. You pass through a Garden of Eden and learn that, before Adam sinned, there was no death.
There was no venom, no disease. All creatures were vegetarians. There were no carnivores — T. Rex apparently used its sharp teeth to crack open coconuts — no scavengers, no aging. There was no burdensome work. Indeed, there weren't even any weeds. There were apparently no metal fixtures.
Yet Kritsky noticed that, as Cain killed Abel in one museum display, Abel had metal fixtures on his sandals.
The new Rome
The response has been good, Ken Ham said at the press conference and ribbon-cutting two days before the museum opened. He had done 43 interviews with various media in that week alone, media from eight countries. The previous week Ham spent more than an hour with Chris Comer and Rob Ervin on the Chris & Rob Show on WAIF (88.3 FM).
The Australian native talked about how he arrived in this country 25 years ago.
"One of the things I recognized is, if you want to get a message out around the world," he told Comer, "or you want to affect the Christian world, America is the place to do it from. It really is the center of the Christian world."
Ham told Comer of his dream of building a museum, "something using cutting-edge technology, something as good as what the secular world could do, so Christians could have something first class and professional that helps people understand that science actually confirms the Bible's history."
Two weeks after the radio show, the museum was dedicated. A single-engine plane flew overhead trailing a banner that said, "Defcon says, 'Thou shalt not lie.' "
"They say our science is bogus," Ham was saying. "But it is exactly the same science that these people study. We all study the same genetics. … It's the belief about origins — that's what's different."
What's been the response so far?
"One of the overwhelming responses has been, 'Wow!' " Ham said. "This place is so professional, so first class. … We believe some of them will actually be converted to Christianity."
Ham was asked about the banner overhead.
"They're quoting the Bible, which is interesting," he said. "They don't believe in the Bible. They have a particular agenda. They defend abortion, they defend gay marriage, they defend embryonic stem cell research. They're against the religious right, which they accuse us of being a part of, which we're not. That's their agenda. It's a front for what I call a liberal agenda."
The ribbon-cutting attracted a fair number of Northern Kentucky politicians: State Rep. Addia Wuchner, State Sen. Dick Roeding, State Sen. Jack Westwood, Boone County Commissioner Charles Kenner.
Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore thanked AiG for choosing Boone County, calling the museum a "fantastic facility."
"What a momentous day, what an accomplishment," he said. "What it will mean to our county in terms of tourism, in terms of economic impact and impact from a conservative-values point of view. We know the message you will promote here is a message the world needs to hear."
'Bad religion'
It was as Gene Kritsky entered the graffiti-laden subterranean area that he felt the museum gave up all pretense of being a science museum. He turned and said, "What does this have to do with science? This is a political statement made by the people who run this museum. This is an insult."
But when he finished his visit, Kritsky was asked how he would characterize it.
"You could talk about the quality of the exhibits," he began. "Construction is very good. They have the eye candy going real well. They have all the right bells and whistles going in there. As any museum, it's overwhelming. It should tire you out, it should barrage your senses. But it also insults your thinking. I saw nothing new that I haven't read in creationist literature before. To me, the science is bad. The religion is sectarian and parochial. People who come in with that as a foundation will love it. People coming for the sheer joy of laughing will have a good laugh.
"They're promoting a very narrow, sectarian view of religion. We don't teach this at Mount St. Joseph. We're a mainstream Catholic institution. If evolution turns out to be wrong, it's just another theory that's bit the dust. But they are espousing political statements as opposed to any kind of science. Not only is it bad science, it is filled with bad religion, and it's also bad sociology and bad history, too."
Not even the museum's fiercest detractors argue that the museum shouldn't be allowed to exist. They say that upfront; it was, after all, built with private money. But they will also tell you they wish it hadn't been built.
Lawrence Krauss is a professor of physics and astronomy at Case Western Reserve University. His objections to the museum are two-fold, much like Kritsky's: what it might foist on an unknowing public, especially children, and its suggestion that to reject its literal interpretation is tantamount to denying God. (In fairness, Ken Ham did say at the May 26 press conference that those who believe in God and reject a literal Genesis "does not mean they're not Christian; it means they're inconsistent.")
"I think what the people who made this museum want to happen is for scientists to complain about the museum make it appear as if they're complaining about religion," Krauss said. "This is an institution designed to mis-educate children. That is precisely what is happening here. This is an example where a group is effectively misinforming and mis-educating children. This is nothing but an institutionalized lie and a scientific fraud. My concern is whenever people complain about science is that we already do a poor job of teaching science in this country. The last thing we can afford is to make it worse.
"In order to argue earth and life are 6,000 years old, you have to deny essentially what we know about chemistry, physics, geology, biology, astronomy, the basis of all modern technology."
Krauss had been asked to rate the museum on a scale of one to five after his walk-through.
"I gave it a four for technology, five for propaganda and a minus-five for content," he said.
Edwin Kagin is a Union, Ky., attorney who is legal director of American Atheists, although he tries in this controversy to avoid references to atheism. Instead, he gets in the face of scientists whom he believes for too long avoided confrontation with creationism and its derivative cousin, intelligent design (ID), a school of thought that believes some organisms are so irreducibly complex that their existence cannot be explained fully by science and must have been created by an intelligent designer.
For the past several years — until recently — scientists generally avoided confrontation and debate with creationists and those who believe in ID for fear it would legitimize those beliefs. Kagin thought it a dumb strategy.
"The scientists have this ludicrous idea that it's (a debate) not worthy of any kind of consideration, we should just leave it alone," he said. "Well, that's not working. When no one disagrees, people think it must be true."
To ignore the Creation Museum is to give silent consent or acquiescence. It is a strategy, Kagin suggested, that allows stealth candidates with those beliefs to get elected to school boards.
"They are teaching children to ignore the basis for Western civilization and thought, which is the scientific method," he said. "If people reject the hard-won truths of science, we could in a generation be back in another Dark Ages.
"What they are doing is no less an attack on the very way that science and enlightened thought works to produce the modern world. They want to substitute mythology for knowledge. Ignorance is a form of terrorism."
Rick Boyce, a professor in the department of biological sciences at Northern Kentucky University, attended the Rally for Reason protest outside the gates on opening day — not as a scientist, but as a Christian.
"I agree with Lawrence Krauss when he says it's a fraud," said Boyce, who carried a sign at the rally that said, "Bad science, worse religion."
"I am a biologist, but I've also been concerned about this as a Christian," Boyce said. "I am a Quaker. As a Christian, I kind of resent being tarred with the same brush and lumped with the creationists. As a scientist, I'm offended when they say the earth was created 6,000 years ago. The story we tell is based upon what nature is telling us."
Boyce is also somewhat surprised by the success AiG had in raising $27 million to build the museum. Young-earth creationism, he thought, was so yesterday.
"It's definitely been revived here, even though we thought that it was history," Boyce said.
It could be worse
To whom will the museum appeal? Certainly Christian fundamentalists, perhaps Sunday school groups and classes. Perhaps some children who are home-schooled.
Almost no one, including museum officials, believes public school students will be making field trips to the museum because of legal and constitutional issues. Kritsky would also include Catholic parochial students among those not attending on field trips.
"I'd be very surprised if they did," Kritsky said. "Pope John Paul II said the Bible shows us how to get to heaven, not how the heavens were made. Catholic scientists must teach what is scientifically true and be ready to stand back if the Vatican or the pope issues a statement about the soul."
In its first 10 days since opening, the museum attracted more than 21,000 visitors, according to the museum's public relations firm, A. Larry Ross Communications in Dallas. About 4,000 attended the first day, a number that didn't impress Krauss.
"I'm on the boards of three different science museums," he said. "For something that was widely advertised and promoted by many in the media, having 4,000 on opening day is not so great. When I heard that number, I thought 'That's not that impressive.' "
It's also difficult to assess what this might mean to the debate or whether a new battleground will open. It's all but clear that creationism and/or intelligent design cannot be taught in science classrooms in public schools. Court cases such as Epperson v. Arkansas in 1968 (overturning a state law that essentially outlawed teaching evolution), McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education and Edwards v. Aguillard (a U.S. Supreme Court case that originated in Louisiana) in the 1980s chased creationism from public school classrooms.
The Kitzmiller v. Dover case less than two years ago put the kibosh on promoting intelligent design in Dover, Pa., classrooms. U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III, appointed to the federal bench by President Bush, wrote a scathing opinion, suggesting intelligent design was a smokescreen for religion, thus violating the Constitution.
"The breathtaking inanity of the (school) board's decision is evident," Jones wrote.
"Dover really stopped ID," Kritsky said. "(Jones') decision was so thorough it's going to be very difficult for school boards to overcome that."
Krauss has a similar assessment.
"For the moment, I think you see intelligent design on the run," he said.
But Edwin Kagin believes the battleground is "right here" and the "Scopes trial is not ancient history. You see the movie Inherit the Wind and you think that's that, the issue is settled."
Then the Creation Museum opens, and people like Kagin wonder — and worry — about its resonance.
What might an institution like the Creation Museum do to a region's reputation?
The Cincinnati Post weighed in with an editorial two days before the museum opened.
"Frankly, we wish the Genesis museum had been built somewhere else," the newspaper wrote. "We wish the 250,000 men, women and especially children expected to visit this year were getting a view of science that comports with what science really knows about the world. Why? Because Greater Cincinnati is trying so hard to market itself, nationally and internationally as a hospitable home for a knowledge economy."
Kritsky had said essentially the same thing in an interview with CityBeat on May 24.
"It doesn't help," he'd said. "This is a museum coming into an area that says there is a significant number of people here that are anti-technology, that are anti-science. If you want to get into the high-tech business today, if you want to get into robotics, if you want to attract companies here that want an educated workforce, that's not going to help us convey that."
Krauss also said the museum doesn't help, but it's not as damaging to a region as, say, when a school board or state legislature introduces intelligent design or creationism into a public school curriculum.
"Then the business community gets really concerned," Krauss said. "But it's not going to help give the impression that (Greater Cincinnati) is a center of enlightenment. It's not going to help."
Kritsky shared his photos of the museum with colleagues. They were astonished, he said.
"You can't prove faith," Kritsky began. "If you've got a problem with your faith, if you've got to distort science in order to prop up your reasons for believing, you need to talk to your rabbi, your priest, your minister, and then talk to yourself and look at yourself on the inside. Because if that's what you have to do, distort science, then your faith's not there. And that's what this museum ultimately says." ©


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Two Doncaster fitness fantatics are letting off steam and keeping on track for a very worthy cause.
But 36-year-old Lindsy James and 29-year-old Andy Lockwood's engines will have to be powering at full strength - to take on their exerting challenge racing against a steam train!
The pair, who are director and assistant director respectively of Active Fusion, and education and school sport organisation based at Rossington All Saints Academy, are raising money for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
The charity is one which is close to their hearts as Andy's wife Jen, aged 31, has been battling with Hodgkins Lymphoma for three years and is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.
Their challenge is called Race the Train and is held in the small Welsh seaside town of Tywyn, involving running 14 miles cross-country in the hope of not just catching a train, but actually beating it.
To beat the train the duo will have to run the undulating 14 miles faster than the one hour and 48 minutes that the train takes to cover the same distance – no small feat considering only 10 to 20 per cent of entrants will be successful.
Lindsy explained: "The course covers public roads, fields, rough pasture and farm tracks and, in order to beat the train, runners must keep up a steady pace of about eight miles an hour.
"The train makes several stops and there's a turnaround point with a 10-minute break, which gives runners a chance to catch up or even overtake."
Organised by the local Tywyn Rotary Club, in the first race in 1984, just 46 runners were on the start line.
Thirty years on, the event attracts 1,100 entrants.
It is just the first of many challenges Lindsy and Andy will be undertaking to raise money for Sheffield's Hospitals Charity.
Also in the pipeline, next month the pair will cycle from Liverpool to Leeds, a total of 127 miles.
That will then be followed by running the Wakefield Wheel in October, which covers a total of 35 miles.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the pair's efforts can do so by visiting their charity page at www.justgiving.com/wakefieldwolfpackforjen

subset: commoncrawl


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~~~snip ~~~
I just installed a new update - where is the Cache Cleaner?
~~~snip ~~~
I just installed a new update - where is the Cache Cleaner?
Last edited by fax; November 5th, 2009 at 01:12 AM. Reason: ToS
If you updated to version 9, you will notice that Zone Alarm has removed all the privacy control section. Since that is where "cache cleaner" resided, it is now gone, too. The following is what Zonealarm says on its update page:
"To further streamline in an age where web privacy controls are built into the most popular browsers and email attachment scanning is included in the major email applications, privacy controls and inbound MailSafe have also been removed with this release."
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Intel this week revealed new details about where it plans to
take its server processor business, specifically with the Itanium processor. As
many know, Intel took a gamble on the Itanium when it was released several
years ago. Intel's use of a then uncommon Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC)
architecture left the majority of the industry unsure of Itanium's practicality in an
x86-dominated world. Today however, the Itanium family brings in roughly $3.5
billion per annun for Intel.
Diane Bryant, vice president of Intel's enterprise group, revealed several
details that indicate Intel will push forward with Itanium development for the
foreseeable future.
Currently, Intel's flagship Itanium 2 processor is the Montecito core.
Intel announced Montecito last July, marking the company's first
dual-core enterprise and mainframe processor. Until now, Montecito ran
on a 533MHz front-side bus but will soon make the transition a 667MHz front-side
bus processor in Q4 2007, dubbed Montvale. According to Bryant, Montvale
will consist of minor updates, improving bus speed but also improving
overall stability.
Recent Intel roadmaps indicate that Montvale will consist of roughly 25
percent of Intel's Itanium business in Q4 2007. By Q1 2008, Intel guidance
suggests Montvale will take up a whopping 40 percent of all Itanium 2
sales. Despite Intel's desktop processors currently seeing day light at 65nm,
Itanium 2 processors will still be on 90nm manufacturing technology. Montvale
will also top out at a core speed of 1.66GHz with a total of 24MB of L3
Intel's next major milestone in the Itanium family will come with the arrival
of Tukwila, a quad-core processor due sometime in late 2008. According
to Bryant, Tukwila will be roughly twice as fast as Montecito and
feature an on-die memory controller.
This will be a turning point for Intel because with Tukwila's need for a
discrete memory controller gone, the company will introduce its long waited
common system interface (CSI). Tukwila's use of CSI will be a direct
response to AMD's HyperTransport technology. Intel previously stated it
will not restrict CSI to the Itanium family, but will eventually use the
technology as the main transport bus for the Xeon family as well.
Tukwila will also come with even larger caches and a new reliability
feature called double device data correction (DDDC). DDDC acts as a failsafe
mechanism to protect system memory failures from bringing down a live system.
In a hardware failure where a memory chip on a memory module fails, DDDC will
be able to mark that chip as unusable without compromising system stability.
DDDC differs from traditional ECC and parity technology due to its capability
to withstand more than one chip failure.
Bryant went on to reveal details about the future release of an entirely new
Itanium architecture code-named Poulson. With Poulson, Bryant
claims Intel will introduce even more cores; greater scalability and the
introduction of 32nm die fabrication for its enterprise segment. The company
will skip 45nm technology altogether for Itanium. Bryant did not give details
on a possible release date for Poulson although Intel is expecting to introduce 32nm
processors in approximately two years.


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Cap and Gown Distribution/Tickets
10:00am - 4:00pm EDT May 6, 2013
Sakowich Campus Center - 1st floor lounge
If not picked up by 4 p.m., caps and gowns will be moved to the office of the VP for Mission and Student Affairs, 2nd floor. Call 978-837-5217 to arrange after-hours pick up.
Undergraduate admission tickets will be distributed during this time. All students must present a valid photo ID and sign for their tickets. You may not pick up tickets for other students and tickets will not be mailed.
Last modified on Apr. 30th, 2013 at 5:10pm by .


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Here's my last blog of the year. And when I return it'll be 2011 and we will have lots to look forward to, not the least of which takes place next Wednesday evening. So you get another few days off… a teensy bit more government-sanctioned You Time where one can relax, read, eat, catch up, and lament the fact that it's New Years and you've never really understood – or enjoyed – New Years in the first place. Or, you can throw up your hands and hit the cineplex. Which is precisely what I'll do. And exactly what I did last night. Before we get into the new movies opening this week (and there are three of them) let's remember two things: 1) it's awards season, and in order for movie studios to get considered for awards, their films must be released – if only for a nanosecond – before the end of the year. And 2) nobody wants to compete with big box office fare like Harry Potter or Tron or even Little Fockers on Christmas Day if their movie isn't appropriate. By 'appropriate' it's gotta be funny or super intergalactic or ultra-silly or a bold caper (remember Sherlock Holmes last year?) Movies that don't fit that bill get slotted in wherever, which means right now if they want Academy props, although they're not exactly the kinds of flicks you wanna pile the family into the wagon to see on December 25th. This of course doesn't mean they're not good films. On the contrary, movies that get released during the week after Christmas tend to be a very smart and/or well made – if dark. The first one is called Blue Valentine. Which features the (apparently always) superb Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams in a pretty searing drama. Plus it's also got a wonderful newcomer playing their kid. Suffice it to say, it's all about relationships and they're explored intelligently, but this one's not recommended for a First Date. Pretty heartbreaking stuff, although you'll be riveted by the two leads' award-worthy performances. The second movie opening is an English one, called Another Year. Directed by Mike Leigh (who brought us Happy-Go-Lucky). This too is all about relationships and centers upon a married couple who have been that way for many, many years when our story begins. Another Year also stars Jim Broadbent, and if you've seen any Harry Potter or Bridget Jone-sy fare, you'll recognize him instantly. Speaking of recognizable actors, we have the very popular Spanish leading man (and Mr. Penelope Cruz, BTW) Javier Bardem starring in the week's other release, which is called Biutiful. This one's the tale of a man confronting death in Barcelona, and it was made by the same guy who directed 21 Grams and Babel, so expect to be challenged and provoked, but not necessarily uplifted. Like I said, the three movies this week were made to confront us intellectually and maybe even spiritually; think more ruminations on the human condition, less feel good movie of the year and you'll be just fine. I plan to see all of them, not necessarily before year's end, because they've each garnered good buzz. Then we have the PCA's next Wednesday – don't forget to vote on your Favorite New Shows. Already done it? You can always turn around and do it all over again, if you so choose. We'll see you next week and next year, and as always, thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Enjoy and please have a safe and happy holiday. Cheers!
Today's poll: which of this week's new films will you check out first:
1) Another Year
2) Biutiful
3) Blue Valentine
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When there's little room to do what you love
Space for Crafts
Related Articles
Organized Craft Supplies
My Story: An Inexpensive Hobby
Low Cost Creativity
Setting Up a Craft Area
I need some ideas for where to set up a craft area when there is no space for one. I hate to drag out paints and supplies to work on something only to have to put it away in 20 minutes. It would be great to be able to sit down and start working and come back as time permits. I have small children and my craft supplies are very tempting to them. I am hoping someone has some great ideas as to where to find extra space for crafting.
Moveable Crafts
If you need to make room for crafts and keep them safe too, then pick out a container large enough to hold everything. If you use an open container, figure on putting it up out of reach when not working on it. If you need to leave things lay out, get a sheet of foam board and then pin your project to it before putting it out of reach. Support the foam board with plywood if necessary. If you're really desperate for space, consider putting your project in a basket hung from a ceiling hook.
Kay from Ohio
Utilize Space in Basement or Garage
My husband was tired of hearing me complain about having to get out and put away my scrapbooking supplies, so he took initiative and organized a scrapbooking area for me in our basement storage room.
Using a corner of the room, inexpensive pegboard on the two walls holds supplies. A fluorescent fixture hanging above my table provides needed lighting. Other supplies are in space-saving organization units stacked on an old dresser that provides storage in the drawers as well. Everything is organized in a "U" shape with a 6' table in the middle part of the "U" so that I can use my swivel chair to reach everything. The best part is that when I am done, I just close my book, turn off the light and close the door! We installed a simple door lock to keep the three kids out as they liked to get into the papers and stickers.
If you use a basement or garage area for scrapbooking, you need to have it somewhat climate controlled. We have a dehumidifier in our basement. Too hot, too humid or too cold isn't good for your photos, supplies or completed albums.
Christine in Missouri
Use a Hallway
If you have limited craft areas, try using a hallway or corner of a room. I lined my hallway into the bedrooms with six-foot tall bookshelves and a two-door cupboard that was purchased at Wal-Mart. I have a wooden board, which sits on two crates for a worktable that can be stored behind the bookshelf when not in use. I put tall baskets on the shelves in which to store supplies. Nice floral containers can hold smaller items. Wicker baskets hanging from the ceiling hold my silk flowers.
One bookshelf keeps all my craft, garden, and cook books. I gave my granddaughter one bottom shelf. She keeps her books, small craft projects and small toys there. She leaves mine alone and knows that she is allowed to pick items off her shelf and we are both happy. The items on the shelves keep changing so I always have a different look. It never gets boring. It is very timesaving because I can see all my containers and supplies quickly.
Dress Up the Walk-In Closet
I have a large walk-in closet in my house. But since I don't have nearly the clothes to fill it, I fold everything I can and put it in the dresser. Then we used the closet for my stamping and scrapbooking. We put in a desk and a ceiling fan instead of the little light. I can close the door or put up the baby gate to keep the kids out of my stuff. Then I can stop at any time to do something I'm supposed to do like make supper!
Retrofit an Armoir
Several years ago, I spotted a great idea for a craft cabinet. This person used an old armoir and retrofit it with shelves to fit her supply boxes and a cool slide-out work surface. When she needed to put things away, she just slid the work surface back in and closed the doors (she had little ones too, and added a small hasp lock).
If you don't have an armoir, consider looking for one of those particle board wardrobes the discount stores sell for under $100. They are usually large and you can customize the inside with sheets of MDF (medium density fiberboard) cut to length, which is cheaper than pine shelves in most places! Even better, since many students buy these types of cabinets to furnish their dorms/apartments and then use and abuse them until they are wobbly, you may find one at a yardsale for a few dollars. Just use a few L brackets or corner braces to shore-up the structure. Lastly, a few ideas to customize the inside:
- Dollar store wire/plastic bins can be attached to the underside of interior shelves or to the inside of the doors.
- Inexpensive bulletin boards (found at yardsales of course!) or cork tiles can be mounted to the inside/outside of doors to hold notes, craft ideas, pictures, etc.
- For slide-out surfaces, buy a slide kit (sold at most home improvement stores) or buy a piano hinge and make a drop leaf.
- For wardrobes with hanging bars, consider using one to hold your spools of ribbon or yarn. No tangles!
- There are tons of organizer systems out on the market. Check discount stores, hardware stores, and dollar stores for ideas.
Teresa from Montgomery, Alabama
Crafts on Wheels
Buy a two or three drawer cart with wheels. You can find them at Wal-Mart, Target, and even home improvement stores. You can store it in your closet and you can easily roll it away when you're done. When you are ready to start crafting, place it right next to you and work right out of it. No need to dump everything onto the table.
Great Ideas at the Library
Kudos for keeping up with your creative projects while the little ones are little!
- Check with a friend who is a member of the American Sewing Guild (www.asg.org), or better yet, join (tons of discounts). Their national newsletter Notions had a wonderful article on converting a closet into a sewing room. It was several issues ago.
- Check your library for books/magazines with articles on decorating in small spaces. I've found several inspiring ideas to use.
- I'm planning to re-paint an old rolling cart and my sewing machines on it. If I need to do bead work, paint, or piecing, I can use the top of the cart and just roll it in the closet. Check around for microwave carts, rolling filing cabinets (storage and horizontal workspace), or other things on wheels that can be brought out, worked on, and just rolled away.
Best Solution is Disguise
I found the best solution for a craft area is disguise. I have limited space and limited time and a growing craft business that started as a hobby. I picked up end tables and an ottoman with storage underneath, a tackle box, an open box with a handle (I think they are used for carrying cleaning supplies from room to room). I also picked up a small folding table that adjusts to different angles for use as a painting easel or flat where I can lay out several pieces at once.
The table slides easily under my couch so I can pop it out when I have a few minutes. I pull out my boxes with organized paints from inside the ottoman and my current working pieces from under the end table and I'm set up and ready to go in minutes. When I need to stop, everything neatly hides away in only minutes. If I get surprise visitors, I can get completely cleaned up before I even answer the door. I picked up all of the above at various yard sales and spent less than $50 for all of it.
Under the Table
My idea for this reader would be to use the space under a desk or table. She could organize her supplies neatly in bins or baskets (whatever she has) and then put a simple fabric skirt around the table to hide the supplies. The skirt could be attached with Velcro tape. Or, she could cover the entire table with a decorative piece of fabric or tablecloth. Then, when she is ready to craft, she can just take her supplies out from underneath and work on the table.
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Aiguilles Rouges > Le Brevent > Climber's Log
Le Brevent Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Via Planpraz
Date Climbed: Sep 15, 2017
|This was part of a one day Chamonix bash after a business trip. I jogged up from Planpraz along with a host of other activities for the day. There was a two inch dusting of snow most the way. The summit was just above the clouds for some very dramatic views.
|Posted Sep 23, 2017 11:42 pm
|Route Climbed: Normal Route Date Climbed : July 2008
|We passed by the summit of Le Brévent on the last day of our Tour du Mont Blanc. Great views from the summit.
|Posted Mar 12, 2016 3:37 am
Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2015
|Hiked to the summit and down as part of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
|Posted Aug 10, 2015 2:02 am
|Voie Frison-Roche
Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2015
|Awesome dihedrals on this beautiful valley classic.
|Posted Jul 23, 2015 10:14 am
|Konrad Sus
|From Chamonix
Date Climbed: Jul 15, 1996
|Very hot day.
|Posted Sep 30, 2013 2:27 pm
|Easy hike, great views
Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2012
|From Chamonix: up via Refuge de bel Lachat, down via Planpraz.
The weather was fine, and all day I enjoyed great views of the Mont Blanc massif.
|Posted Sep 14, 2012 9:27 am
|la Somone
|Relaxing long sport route in sunshine, finishing close to the Brevent summit.
|Posted Sep 8, 2012 10:23 pm
|Voie Frison-Roche
Date Climbed: Jul 16, 2012
|Climbed via Voie Frison-Roche. Great climb. Crux pitch was pretty tough for me but managed to lead it cleanly.
|Posted Jul 23, 2012 3:50 am
|Voie Frison-Roche
Date Climbed: Sep 5, 2010
|Great route with amazing climbing, but what a crowd! We managed to be first on it, but no less than 8 parties were behind us, just from the first cablecar. It wouldn't have been fun to be stuck behind them, even though many of the belays are quite comfortable.
|Posted Sep 7, 2010 5:08 am
|Rock climbing day
Date Climbed: Aug 4, 2010
|Sunny day. Started at midday. Firstly we've done a few easy sport routes on right side of wall (4c-6a). On the end we went by some longer route (5c) on the summit ridge and by it on the top - in trad trekking boots - according to old exams to guide course. :)
|Posted Aug 5, 2010 12:00 pm
|Voie Frison-Roche.
|Beautifull , strenuous and really pleasant route.
|Posted Aug 27, 2009 4:47 am
Date Climbed: Apr 9, 2007
|Hiked from Chamonix in a day. Started early. Had to make a few detours due to part of the route up still being pisted ski slopes at the time from Plan Praz up. Far more strenuous than anticipated (1400 metres gain) in part on rotten snow and piolet was vital. They let us on the cable car back down for free!! Which made our day, as it took us about 7hours to get there! View from the top amazing, particularly looking south towards Sixt.
|Posted Aug 11, 2009 8:16 pm
|Voie Frison-Roche
Date Climbed: Jul 15, 2006
|What a route, the final pitch was superb. Really well bolted, the line is so obvious, did it without looking at a guide book.
|Posted Aug 9, 2006 12:52 pm
|normal (TMB) route
Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2006
|Hiked up to Le Brévent on the TMB (from Flégere) in deep snow. Wayfinding was quite tricky.
|Posted Jun 20, 2006 1:19 pm
|Route Climbed: voie Frison-Roche Date Climbed: 15th july 2005
|not that difficult,
a very well equiped route
the final diedre is superb!, as well as the traverse on the third pitch!
|Posted Aug 2, 2005 5:47 am
|Tom Fralich
|Multiple Routes
Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2005
|La Somone (4c) -- June 16, 2005 -- Climbed this nice, 7-pitch, bolted route with Philippe Gerschel while waiting for the snow to settle up high. A bit contrived, linking a series of small towers below the Brevent, but with a few very nice pitches. Easy access from the Brevent cable car.
Frison-Roche (6a) -- July 26, 2010 -- Mary and I climbed this as the last route of our summer road trip through the Alps. Awesome steep, athletic climbing and worthy of all the praise. A fantastic climb.
|Posted Jun 16, 2005 12:01 pm
|Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: June 14
|So I was sick of it raining all the time and not being able to do anything. So I decided to go on a hike in spite of the weather. I truged up the path in the rain, clouds dont make the greatest scenery as I found out. When I reached the Col the weather turned for the worse, insted of rain it went out into a compleat white out! Out of shear stupidity I continued on, there was no real path at that point so I just continued up. About an hour later I reached the summit. I sat there and waited, thinking that the visibility would get better....it didnt. I ended up just trudging through the snow untll I saw somthing familiar. Out of shear luck I made it down the mountain without getting lost. Rather a memerable outing, even if it was just the walk up route.
|Posted Apr 28, 2005 1:03 am
|Route Climbed: normal route Date Climbed: 15 august 1999
|cold, wet day
|Posted Mar 17, 2005 5:14 pm


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Mountain View High School Theater
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• See how this is the ultimate student-led, adult-facilitated strategy
• Answer the two overarching questions: Is it worth it? Can we do this?
For more information, you may contact Alicia Crank at
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text:
KIST/PU Multiplex Detection of Cell Surface Markers Using Plasmonic Sensors
Licensed according to this deed.
Published on
Gold nanorod molecular probes (GNrMPs) were designed and fabricated for multiplex identification of cell surface markers in HBECs. Cells were probed directly using dark field microscopy integrated with a spectral imager for simultaneous detection of up to three surface markers. The immunophenotype composition of these cell lines indicative of their metastasis potential was assessed using the GNrMPs. Due to the high multiplexing capacity of gold nanorods, the multiplexing capability of the GNrMP assay could possibly be expanded to 15 or greater. The technique has the potential to become an important tool for diagnosis and prognosis of breast and other cancers.
Their team has developed a range of spectroscopic and biosensor technologies for disease diagnostics and food security monitoring. Tracking protein interactions and monitoring and detecting the dynamic state of single molecule events in cells is addressed through techniques such as Fluorescnece Correlation Spectroscopy, FRET, Fluorescence lifetime imaging, enhanced single cell Raman spectroscopy , Plasmonic sensing, and Optical Trap.
He has published over 130 refereed research articles in areas covering thermodynamics and viscoelactic modeling of biological systems, spectroscopic methods, bio and nanomaterial sensors, and is a member of American Chemical Society, Institute of Biological Engineering, Biophysical Society, and American Association for clinical Chemistry.
Partial funding from the Oncological Science Center and IUPUI Walter center grant is acknowledged. This work is also supported partially by Susan G. Komen Foundation grant BCTR0601111.
Sponsored by
Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
Burton Morgan Building, Room 121, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN


text:
"The dog was lying on the grass in the middle of the lawn in front of Mrs Shears' house. It looked as if it was running on its side, the way dogs run when they think they are chasing a cat in a dream. But the dog was not running or asleep. The dog was dead. There was a garden fork sticking out of the dog."
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger's, a form of autism. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns, and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.
Please Note: this title starts at Chapter 2. The main character has a preference for prime numbers, so he numbers his chapters according to primes: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11 etc.
©2003 Mark Haddon; (P)2003 Random House Audiobooks
"A beautifully written book.... Warm and often funny" (Daily Telegraph [London])
This book is one of those that starts you off slowly...almost turned it off at one point and gave up. It is an amazing insight into the mind of a child who has aspergers and you really see and understand him. He takes you into his logical mind and explains everything from his perspective. Absolutely fantastic. Didn't want my car journeys to end!
"An excellent book"
I had this book recommended by a friend, although she had read it hard copy rather than the audio version. I was somewhat wary of the book to be honest as I have an autistic son, and wondered how exactly it would unfold, would it make those who suffer from autism sound like weirdos? Would it just caricature them? Instead what I got was a superb piece of writing which gives anyone who does not know someone who is autistic a view of the world they try to make sense of in a sensitive manner. The book isn't really there to explore autism but does give a perspective that non-sufferers can understand. I can identify with the characters that are well written and believable and I found myself really caring for the them and wanting things to work out, for my money the true mark of a writer is how good they are in creating engaging characters and I must admit I felt that Mark Haddon excels in this. Any audiobook is only as good as the narrator and I felt that Ben Tibber was first class. Thanks to both the author and narrator, I really enjoyed this book.
"Original, entertaining and insightful"
What a great audiobook! And the dramatisation makes it come to life ? much better than just reading. The main character and narrator Christopher is a delightful creation and the supporting characters are all really well drawn. The book provides an absorbing and believable insight into the mind of a child with Asperger?s and helped me to understand a little more of the challenges of living with this condition and how family members cope. It is simultaneously heart-warming, witty and sad.
"A great audiobook"
Untill i started listening to the audiobook i had no idea what it was about. For the benefit of others I will say its a first person account of the thoughts of an autistic boy which are sotiimes amusing, sometimes surprising, sometimes totally insane- but always honestly potraying what it must be to suffer from such a socially disabling disease and its implications for his family and society. Where the book excels is the excellent full cast narration - you can feel the warmth and emotions of all the characters. There is some background music appropriate to the narration, its reasonably fast paced and leaves you with some basic human values to reflect on.
This was my first audiobook. It will be hard to beat though, the young reader made you relate to the vulnerability of the character 'Christopher'.
The way the story made listeners understand the difficulties that people with aspergers and those around them are affected.
Yes if I had time I would have listened all at once.
At first was sceptical with having a son with aspergers. A good friend recommended and so I bought this title. This was well put together and didn't humiliate persons with this condition but empathises and educates those with no or little understanding of ASD. I would recommend anyone to read/listen to this book. I thought the child that read the part of Christopher was a good choice and helped you realise the vulnerability and reminded you of his age. Excellent
"Beautifully produced. Wonderfully read"
Beautifully produced. Wonderfully read by young Mark Haddon. Although much younger that the main character it communicates his moving innocence
"great book & reader, annoying musical interludes"
this is a really great book, and mark haddon is an excellent reader. the only problem i have with it is the grating musical interludes which are meant to signal separate parts of the text - breaks between chapters or something. my problem with these are as follows: 1) they are irritating little earworms which sound like they have been played with one finger on a very early model Casio organ, or one of those novelty electronic keyboard-kazoo instruments, set to 'Oboe' 2) as it is not possible to ascertain what exactly they are meant to be signaling, a simple brief silent pause would do just as well. audio book listeners are not idiots, if the sound goes quiet for a moment we are not going to think the download is broken
3) they jar horribly with the mood of the book and cumulatively threaten to ruin it
do not let this put you off- the book is really, really good and this is otherwise a great recording - i'm writing this in the hope that whoever makes these books will cease and desist from horrid little 'innovations' like this that are meant to guide and/or enhance- but in fact have a highly detrimental impact on- the listening experience
"Not what I expected"
This book is really very interesting, I have an autistic grandson - and it is really fascinating to hear about the way that the autistic mind works. I recognised so much of this child's behaviour.
I find it fascinating that the author can be SO aware of this mindset, he must have close experience.
I do realise that there was no mention of autism in the novel, but it is apparent that this is the factor involved.
"Excellent audiobook- one big flaw"
This is an absolutely fantastic audiobook. It is dramatised just enough to paint an incredibly realistic portrait of the events of the book, and mostly comprises of other actors playing the parts other than Christopher (the narrator) and minimal sound effects- creaking garden doors, car engines, train stations etc. all of which help bring the story to life without drawing attention away from the plot.
There is one massive problem I personally have, and that is that the voice actor for Christopher is a child of around 9-10. Since the character is supposed to be 15 this is incredibly jarring, particularly if this is the first time you have heard this story (as it was for me); it makes you think of the character in a different light than should be, making small things for a 15 year old seem huge and the more childish parts of his personality seem less of a concern. Again, this is find if you have read the book or seen the play, and is an interesting artistic choice, but distracts and confused more than it is worth.
"Great Book, Curious Narration"
The book is great. The story well done. The narration? Not so much. Quality is good, but somewhere between the printed word and the audio, someone just didn't "get it." I suspect the author would be quite upset at the cringeworthy slip-ups in his story. For example, the main character, who lives with some sort of autistic spectrum disorder, says that he counts powers of two in his head to calm himself, and "got up to 33,554,432, which is two hundred and twenty-five." That was allowed, despite making no sense to either the narrator or the producer. What was no doubt written was "two to the power of twenty-five." Also, the chapters are all meant to be prime-numbered. How on Earth is there a Chapter 176 in the audio version, then? Another case of not "getting" it. If you want to hear a good story, but this lack of attention to detail would irritate you, just hold your breath and count to 32,768, which is 215.
"very well dramatized"
This is my first audio novel and I loved it!! I listened when I got time and I ended up with loving this little boy, Christopher a lot! I was so moved and realized how this easy read novel can achieve so many things to readers. I appreciate the Audible.com and the author and the young narrator Ben Tibber. You gave me a great joy in a while ;)
"Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"
Mike Hadden's front of seat suspense that I had me using my Tom Tom and car as frequently as possible.
"Wonderful story!"
What an amazing experience it was to listen to this incredible story! Just loved it!
Just wow. What a magnificent performance. Listening from the unique perspective of a boy with Asperger's was eye-opening. It made me think a lot about how differently we all see the world, and that the "mundane" is as about common as "common sense".
"the first time I finished an audiobook! "
An in-depth reality of a child with a complicated condition such as Asperger's. The book takes you to a stunning mind and how it works. Mark Haddon went all out for this as understanding a child is no joke. The narration was gripping with all the secondary characters and I made it through the end.
The reason I struggle with audiobooks is because I always thought they were too slow for me and I could get done faster. But then I decided to give it one more try, and ended up at audible. I wanted to finish it this time no matter how slow it got, but it never did. The story was great and narration fantastic, I could listen to it while walking, cleaning, working, etc. It was a mode of being closer to stories at the most inaccessible times. Audible made it really easy and amazing, thank you!
"The performance of the book was amazing "
The book is so well written but the performance of it was the highlight for us. We listened to it on a road trip and it made the journey so much more enjoyable.
"Excellent performance!!"
The narrator was absolutely fantastic. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It's not very challenging. I thought the "science talk" was a little forced and it didn't seem natural. But that is about the only dislikes I had.
"Bird's3 Eye View"
Wonderfully articulated description of life's perspective from Christopher who sees and experiences the world in an entirely different manner than me.
"My Favorite Little Sociopath! (Recommended)"
First of all, let me say that the performance is outstanding. Absolutely wonderful dramatization! Let's cut to the conclusion and you decide if you want to continue reading this review. I liked it and it was definitely worth a read. I just gave it three stars because the author could have done a much better job developing the plot.
Now let's jump to the full review.
The book is told from the point of view of a child with Asperger's syndrome (not mentioned in the book). First person point of view means that the book will not have a whole lot of description; the author loses the ability of showing instead of telling, but it works just fine in this book.
Unless you are one of those people who hate society's "mollycoddling" of children with disabilities, you will immediately side with Christopher and find that he is a very likeable little guy. I enjoyed his story telling style, even if at times he got repetitive due to his autistic obsessions.
The book starts when Wellington the dog gets murdered with a garden fork, and Christopher decides to investigate the case, getting in trouble in the process. The murder mystery takes about half the book. The problem is that, by the time you reach half the book, the murder mystery ends and Christopher embarks on a journey to find his dead mother. Is she really dead? Is she still alive? Those are good questions and make for an interesting plot, but the AUTHOR ENDS UP WITH TWO STORIES HALF BAKED: neither the murder mystery is properly developed, nor the story about Christopher's mother!
To make matters worse, the author exploits Christopher's disability by making him engage in highly anti-social behavior and putting extremely dangerous sociopathic ideas into his head, which Christopher will gladly share with you. Like the book, this strategy works only half way: On one hand, the tension increases as the reader worries about the Christopher's safety and the wellbeing of his potential victims. On the other hand, Christopher ends up losing the good will of the reader. Christopher slowly becomes an UNLIKEABLE character. And that is a near-fatal flaw in this book.
By the time you reach three quarters of the book, NONE of the characters are likeable. You do want to know how the story ends, after all you ended up investing four hours of your life, and a credit, and you did enjoy most of the listening experience. While you still want the book to have a good ending, the reality is that you do not care that much what happens to them.
I feel "The Curious Incident…" could have been a great book, if the author would have chosen to develop the murder mystery further, and given up on the story about finding his mother. It would have been a better story and the plot would have aligned better with the title. Christopher's anti-social side shouldn't have been exposed so much as to make him unlikeable. Not to mention, that gives autistic children a bad name, and they are very sweet children.
Do I recommend it? If I had a penny for every book where the first half is great and the second half sucks, I'd be rich, so go for it. Besides, the second half doesn't suck, it just could have been better. And the performance is great. As the tittle of the review indicates, yes, I recommend it.
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Our Research: Measuring Intangible Strengths in Kids' Lives
Many of the most important things in young people's lives are difficult to measure. Search Institute has a five-decade legacy of examining and making concrete key—but sometimes hidden—dimensions of development, including:
- Personal strengths, skills, attitudes, and values;
- Community, school, and family supports and developmental relationships;
- Non-cognitive skills and socio-emotional traits; and
- Personal sparks, passions, and purpose.
Connecting to Priorities and Impact
A critical element in this research is to link these supports, strengths, and skills—sometimes called non-cognitive factors—to critical priorities in society, including educational success, prevention of high-risk behaviors, and readiness for diverse options for college, careers, and citizenship that align with a young person's capacities, opportunities, passions, and purpose. We continue to seek opportunities to bolster the evidence that reinforces these associations and areas of impact.
Frameworks for Understanding, Planning, and Action
In addition to contributing to scientific understanding of young people's lives, Search Institute organizes our research into frameworks that help practitioners, policy makers, and the public intentionally focus on and measure these critical dimensions of young people's lives in order to improve well-being and strengthen efforts to increase young people's successful development.
The most prominent example of Search Institute's approach is the framework of Developmental Assets, a framework of strengths and supports that has been measured and used with millions of young people around the world. While continuing to advance this research, we also continually delve into related dimensions to broaden and deepen our understanding of young people's lives—and how many factors in themselves and their contexts contribute or thwart health development.
Approaches and Partnerships
Search Institute brings a variety of research methods to addressing core research questions, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Most of our research is conducted with partners in schools, organizations, and collaborations at the local, state, national, or international levels. If you are interested in engaging Search Institute as a research partner, contact Eugene C. Roehlkepartain to explore possibilities.
For over half a century, Search Institute has excelled at conducting and disseminating its research, and at catalyzing, celebrating and supporting a multitude of creative ways that organizations and communities have applied it to achieve youth development goals. However, more than ever before, schools and youth programs are increasingly held accountable for achieving outcomes that are beyond the means of any single organization to attain. In response, Search Institute is enhancing its capacity not just to conduct and disseminate its research, but to help organizations and coalitions use local research findings to plan, implement, and monitor meaningful change and improvement strategies. To learn more, visit our consulting services page.
Current Research Focus Areas
Here are Search Institute's research and development emphases. Within each, you will find current projects and a collection of Search Institute related research publications.


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Wow Norma, you are really something with the legwork. I appreciate your post. I am currently using a 50/50 blend of various Mozz with Grande diced cheddar blend. If you like this and ever buy the Asiago blend I would love to buy 5 or 10lbs if you do not mind. Thanks,Bob
Thanks Norma, For now I will try to find the pizza blend locally. I called Wegmans because of the variety they carry, but they never heard of it. I would hope someone local would have it. After you started the M&M thread I tried it for the first time last year. My wife really liked it. I liked the crust and the cheese but was not to thrilled with sauce. It was good but not killer for me. For my taste the spices were too much of a contrast, but I guess it could have been the pies they were making that day. I prefer a smooth spice that is more rounded. It is hard to explain. Next time I am in the area I will get another M&M and try to pay more attention to the cheese. If it helps I tried to get some Grande Cheddar blend from Bova but they said they only order it special for one customer and it was due in on mid April. I did not want to wait so I got a case from Stefano in NJ. You may want to try it mixed with some mozz. I do not know if it is the mix but it is good. I have a spare 5lb original bag in the freezer. If you want I can come up to the market next week and I can swap you for 5lbs of the Nasonville. I guess the holiday probably messes up the market. If so maybe in two weeks. On a side note, when you are trying to clone a complex sauce try getting some straight and freezing it. When frozen you can pick up different flavors as it warms up. Thanks,Bob
Norma,Not quite sure I know what you mean by a real Mack and Manco. I went to the one at Ocean City on the North end of the boardwalk. I had a slice there and got two pies to go. My usual MO for trying a place. I like to see how they hold up in the fridge and the freezer. Tuesday sounds good. Let me know what time is good. I may have an appointment in Philly early but I could be there around noon.Thanks,Bob
Sounds good. I will bring some frozen samples of places I have tried that are unique. We can have a reheat party. It will be nice to meet Steve.Thanks,Bob
Any updates since the last post?Have you tried Brick yet?Have you tried any varieties from Empire or Great Lakes? I find them locally here at some corner markets as well as Price-Rite. I think they may be related and Empire I believe is in Cuba, NY (southwest NY, not far from the PA border.)
Mark,Not really any updates from my last post. I have some Great Lakes and also did try some Great Lakes. Did you ever taste a Macks or Manco and Manco pizza? I have tried so many kinds of cheddars and dont know what direction I will go in the next attempt. Purchasing all those cheese can get fairly expensive. If you ever tasted Macks or Manco and Manco, maybe you could try some of the cheeses you mentioned.I had called Nasonville different times and left voice mails, but no one ever gets back to me anymore. I think I am finished in trying to call them. Trying to duplicate a pizza you have no real information about can be very challenging. If there were some kind of Nutrition Facts, or other information it would help more. Macks or Manco an Manco have no Nutrition Facts. I could try many cheeses and still not find the right one. Norma
Norma,I will be heading to wildwood this weekend and i'll try again and see if i can get some type of answer from someone at Mack's. Wish I was younger and better looking then I might be able to get an answer from one of the young girls that waitress there. Unfortunately I came up a dollar short and a day (more like years) late......but i'll try anyway tom
Norma, sorry, I've never been to NJ nor tried Mack's or M&M's pizzas but have been following your thread pretty closely but may have missed something since this thread got torn out of the NJ Boarkwalk Pizza thread of yours.. I'm still trying to find the Old Forge pizza's cheese (Brick? White cheddar? Many of the OF places are not American cheese like some here say.) I think my local corner market had Empire in 5lb blocks for $15 last year but don't remember which kinds though.I don't recall--I was wondering if you have ever tried Brick cheese on your Mack's clone yet (not the shape but the actual type name...) I bought some before from Rossi's Supermarket in Old Forge, Pa. I don't know if it is a cheddar, it uses a process most other cheeses don't use. Some say it's the "secret" cheese of pizza places in the northeast.


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Ask Chuck: Can an apple a day keep the statin drugs at bay?
March 20, 2014 at midnight
Updated March 19, 2014 at 10:20 p.m.
By Charles Colson
Charles, since you massage therapists work a lot with health issues, do you think the side effects of statin drugs overpower the benefits?
Going with the most popular public polls, I have to agree that side effects can be extremely dangerous with statin drugs such as Lipitor, Crestor, etc.
I remember a statement a doctor told me once when I asked him a similar question. He said that as doctors, they prescribe medications appropriate for our medical conditions. He said that most of the time, the drugs prescribed do get us well, but sometimes, he sadly said, people die from the side effects.
There is an interesting article in To Your Health magazine about this subject. It states how serious statin drugs can affect our well-being.
"An Apple A Day Keeps the Statin Drugs At Bay" is written by Dr. G. Douglas Andersen. Would you believe it is the 100th anniversary of the first appearance of the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? It was researchers from Oxford who compiled a paper saying statin drugs could be kept at bay. In this paper, the researchers calculated that if everyone older than 50 in the United Kingdom took statin drugs, about 9,400 deaths from cardiovascular disease would be prevented every year. This is because the statin drugs aid in lowering cholesterol in our bodies.
The researchers then went a step further and applied the same formula, substituting an apple in place of the statin drug taken each day.
Their results were fascinating and phenomenal. It revealed that if 70 percent of the people ate an apple a day, that would prevent about 8,500 deaths a year.
The report became more interesting when researchers estimated side effects would also cause almost 14,000 serious problems a year. Simple solution: Compare the side effects of an apple a day to this shocking report. I often wonder, would doctors buy this one? Maybe Mom and Grandma knew best all along. Go figure.
Chuck, since you massage therapists try to teach people the best ways to relax, do you have any great solutions for one like me who can't sleep well?
Excellent question and thought. In the To Your Health magazine, there was an article published recently called "3 Ways to Sleep Soundly." Let's see if it teaches us something.
It says it is time to turn it off. After a draining day at work, sleep is the first thing on your mind - but the last thing on your schedule. Sound right so far? Now, you have to make time to scroll through the hundreds of cable channels not to mention your Wi-Fi, Xbox, iPad, cellphone, etc. Oops, I forgot to mention taking care of the family needs. By the time you get to bed, you find yourself almost too tired to sleep.
How about trying to relax - even during a break at work or a little during lunchtime? Let's call the method a short power nap. You would be surprised how relaxed you feel by bedtime. Next, try and have your heaviest meal at lunchtime. I think they say this is when you should eat like a king and queen.
Now, by the time you get home, forget what you ate at lunch and think light. Just eat minimum portions, and the most important thing to remember is to stop eating at least two to three hours before bedtime. Even my own doctor says it takes four hours for food to metabolize. And guess what? He was right.
Practicing these methods earnestly will come closer to assuring you a good night of sound sleep. Finally, count your many blessings and name them one by one. Sleep tight.
Charles Colson is a local hair stylist and registered massage therapist. You may email hair or massage questions to firstname.lastname@example.com or call 361-575-5331.


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All things being equal, Christian Jones would rather play outside linebacker in the NFL, but he's not fussy. It really, really doesn't matter to him where he plays.
Inside. Outside. Special teams. Whatever it takes.
"I consider myself to be a versatile guy," said Jones at the NFL Combine. "I'm not too sure where teams want me—inside or outside. A lot of teams have different schemes. Whoever takes me is getting somebody unselfish who will play whatever they need me to play to help out the team."
With an attitude like that, it's no wonder Florida State was able to win college football's national championship this past season behind the strength of the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation, led in part by Jones.
Jones was a key part of a group of talented Seminole defensive players taking their skills to the NFL, including Timmy Jernigan, Lamarcus Joyner, Terrence Brooks and Telvin Smith.
In 2013, Jones lined up most frequently as an outside linebacker along the line of scrimmage, a quasi-defensive end, just as liable to line up in a three-point stance as a two-point stance.
The role seemed to fit Jones perfectly as he made 56 tackles, eight for a loss and two sacks. His individual statistics may not have been overwhelming, but at Florida State, it was a total team effort.
"As far as (Jones), stuck his hand in the dirt this year, I do believe it helped him," said NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. "Today's NFL, anytime you can show some edge-rush ability, it's going to push you up a little higher in the draft. And I think his versatility will be a plus."
Jones could both rush the passer as well drop into coverage. As such, it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that the Seminoles also led the nation in pass defense, allowing an average of just 156.6 yards through the air per game.
In previous years, Jones played more frequently off the line of scrimmage.
"My junior year I played inside a little bit," said Jones. "I played some 'Will' and my senior year I played 'Mike' a little bit until they moved me outside. I played a lot of inside 'backer at the high school level. It's not like a new thing for me. I've seen it before, and I'm used to doing it. It won't be an adjustment."
Measuring in at 6' 3" and 240 lbs. at the NFL Combine, Jones has the size to hold up in the trenches but also possesses the read-and-react athleticism to get the job done at the second level if need be.
Jones speaks with what appears to be a perma-grin, seemingly happy just to converse about football—the type that lives, eats and breathes the sport. Even talk of playing special teams brings a smile to his face, and that is perhaps where Jones will have to earn his stripes early in his career seeing as he's projected as a mid-round draft choice by NFLDraftScout.com.
But Jones' sheer athleticism give him the chance to succeed, even thrive in professional football.
"My length and size," said Jones about what will make him great pass rusher in the NFL. "I have a lot of athletic ability. I felt as the season went on, I was improving every week. I feel it's something I can do for the team that takes me. I'll be able to come off the edge or be the 'Sam' 'backer. I think that's something I'm confident I can go out and do it."
Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].
Photo: Florida State linebacker Christian Jones by Brian Carriveau.
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Today marks the 150th anniversary of the Birth of British Columbia. On that date, the inauguration of the Crown Colony of British Columbia took place. The event took place in the Big House at Fort Langley on November 19, 1858, when Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie, the newly appointed Chief Justice, swore in James Douglas as the first Governor of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.
With a little time in the afternoon, Viv and I decided we should pop over to Fort Langley to see what was still going on. Fort Langley is a charming village that is well worth a visit. In some ways it is reminiscent of the village of Hudson to the west of Montreal, although on a somewhat larger scale. There is also a National Historic Site where you can see a restored version of the fort and settlement set up by the fur trade organization called the Hudson's Bay Company to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. Although most of the festivities took place over the previous weekend, there were still cameras and lights very evident to record this momentous day.
Given the British feeling engendered by such a visit, a cuppa tea seemed called for. As we wandered towards the quieter southern end of the main street (Glover Road), we were delighted and very surprised to spot the Yorkshire Tea Shoppe a little set back to the east of the street. It has only been open a short while but it will certainly do well. The lady proprietor, Claire, hails from Hull in England and does indeed provide an authentic taste of Britain. You can even get hot scones, Devon cream and jam! It's a place to be highly recommended and we'll certainly be back.
Some Relevant Books
- British Columbia: Spirit of the People by Jean Barman
- Lonely Planet British Columbia, 3rd Edition (Regional Guide) by Ryan Ver Berkmoes
- The West beyond the West: A History of British Columbia by Jean Barman
- British Columbia Wine Country by John Schreiner


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People are always sending me pictures of their terrifying tentacled creatures, so I thought it only proper today to exhibit one that will send chills down your spine. Behold! A nightmare from Tupelo, Mississippi!
Note the cool regard of all she sees, the superior attitude, the tentacles, the stylish purple outfit with googly eyes on her head — she's clearly an atheist. You will bow down before her.


text: Worcester Prep winners in the Young Authors' Short Story and Poetry competitions for the 2009-2010 school year were, front from left, Regan Lingo, Abigail Bright, Ali Schwartz, Megan Rosales, Emmi Shockley, Michelle Stickler, Ty Burton, Lauren Meoli and Jordan Welch; back, Hunter Marshall, Brandon Thaler, Christopher Potvin, Jordan Kilgore, Trent Hartman, Jim Engel, Devin Hammond, Kelley Chandler, Rayne Parker, John Lewis and Hope Evans. Missing from the photo are Emma Richardson and Chase Powell. Stickler and Schwartz were also Maryland first-place winners for their grade levels.


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The Department of Electrical Engineering at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) will host a free one-day seminar on substation grounding presented by OMICRON. This seminar will introduce the basics of grounding system design, discuss evaluation of ground grids for personal safety according to IEEE Standard 80-2000 and the corresponding OSHA Standard, and show how to determine the local ground potential rise (GPR) of the station under test from faults to ground or lightning impulses.
Who should attend:
- Power utility engineers
- Substation design engineers
- Transmission line engineers
- Protection electrical engineers
- Consultants
- University and college lecturers
- Students
Seminar topics will include:
- Industry Standards Review – OSHA, IEEE
- Objectives of Good Design
- Understanding the Soil Model
- Ground Potential Rise (GPR)
- Lightning Design Considerations
- Case Studies – Improper Designs
- Testing & Evaluation
- Line Impedance and k-factor Measurement
Cost: No charge. Includes copy of presentations, lunch, and Certificate of Participation. CEUs are available on request.
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Location: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, University Center Auditorium
Additional Information: An agenda, directions, parking information, and speak biographies are available here.


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Gagne getting into groove at own pace
Closer faces little pressure as he works back to elite status
By Justice B. Hill / MLB.com
"It's always easier on you when you know you have a place on the team," Gagne said. "That's why it's harder when you're a young guy. You're really trying to work and impress, and you've got to come into Spring Training ready to go, 100 percent."
He doesn't have to worry about such things, Brewers manager Ned Yost said.
Gagne, who split the 2007 season between the Rangers and the Red Sox, can work into his groove at a pace of his own. Nobody's looking at his outings here and dissecting them under a microscope. His job is to close ballgames for the Brewers -- but ballgames that matter, not Cactus League games.
He's been using those games to prep himself for the real thing -- one inning at a time.
"It's getting there," Gagne said. "I'm feeling pretty good, you know. I'm working on my fastball right now."
His objective as he prepares for Opening Day is simple: keep throwing his hard stuff and mixing in a changeup once in a while.
Then he amended it just a tad.
"As long as I don't get hurt," he said, smiling, "that's my objective."
Gagne, 32, came into camp feeling good, something he's not experienced in the past three seasons. He's been battling a string of injuries, and the injuries have been winning.
The once-dominant closer has had to rebuild the fear factor that had been as much a part of his pitching repertoire as anything else. Gagne's gone from 52 saves in 2002 to 16 last season.
With the Brewers, Gagne will have a chance to do a lot better than 16 saves this season, if he's anything close to the Gagne of yesteryear. He might be, too. He still has work ahead of him, though.
"Right now, I'm working on my fastball, just the location, and really getting my body under control," he said.
Justice B. Hill is a senior reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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text: She's more into the Belgian styles. Beers you sip from a goblet and can only drink one of before it hits you. I prefer the German and English styles. Beers I can drink 5 or 6 of out of a tumbler or mug. I guess I'm kind of brutish when it comes to beer.


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Obama's foreign policy 'shield'
Mitt Romney is headed to Israel on Sunday — but Hillary Clinton got there first.
That's a common pattern as the Republican candidate tries to refocus the presidential campaign around foreign policy with his weeklong overseas trip: The international record that the secretary of state has built for President Barack Obama, and her travel schedule along the way, help him block and parry the Romney attacks.
Story Continued Below
Of course, there are limitations. As secretary of state, Clinton is barred from taking an active political role in the campaign. And the two days she spent in Jerusalem this month on her most recent trip haven't erased any of the complaints about Obama's failure to make his own trip there since taking office.
( PHOTOS: Hillary Clinton's world travels, 2009-2012)
Democratic and many independent voters still have an unmatched, visceral connection to her — unlike any other modern secretary of state. She's the best-known member of the administration, and her high 60s approval ratings put her far ahead of Obama and make her the most popular political figure in the country.
Though Obama praised her Thursday at a Cabinet meeting for " logging more miles than any secretary of state in history, dealing with a whole range of problems and opportunities around the globe," his campaign doesn't mention her. But it doesn't have to — Republican and Democratic strategists agree that Obama's chief ambassador abroad is inherently also the best ambassador for promoting the foreign achievements back home.
"She's widely recognized by a very high percentage of persuadable voters for having done a terrific job as secretary of state," Democratic consultant Steve Murphy said. "Having Hillary Clinton as part of the equation certainly strengthens Barack Obama's argument on foreign policy and national security."
Polling consistently shows Obama ahead on foreign policy — according to recent numbers from The New York Times and Gallup, that's the only part of the presidential portfolio where he consistently has a strong lead over Romney.
Clinton's accomplishments and star power limit Romney's avenues to attack, said Steve Schmidt, who served as the top strategist for John McCain's 2008 campaign.
"She provides a big shield for the president on any number of these issues," Schmidt said. "Any time you can lay claim to one of the most popular people in the country and one of the most admired people in the country, then it's a benefit for you."
Take the most recent trip this month: Clinton started in Kabul to address the continuing U.S. withdrawal there — a key part of the record Obama is campaigning on. Romney has repeatedly accused Obama of being soft on China, but Clinton took a moment during a speech in Mongolia to knock the "shortsighted and ultimately unsustainable bargain" of "economic liberalization without political liberalization." Then, just before Israel, Clinton stopped in Egypt, where Obama faces a situation complicated by the remnants of the Arab Spring and a new president from the Muslim Brotherhood. Clinton made clear that the U.S. isn't going to do anything to force Israel into negotiations. Then she went to Jerusalem to talk about the U.S. commitment to Israel's future and security.
( PHOTOS: Hillary Clinton in Egypt)


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LONDON — Brent crude surged to a six-month high on Wednesday as western countries prepared to attack Syria, raising concerns over the security of oil supplies across the Middle East, which pumps a third of the world's oil.
The United States and its allies are readying for air strikes against the forces of President Bashar al-Assad, blamed for poison gas attacks last week. But the timing of any action was unclear.
Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel told the BBC the U.S. has "assets in place" and forces are "ready to go." Tomahawk cruise missiles may be launched at night against Syrian targets, said Jeffrey White, a defense fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former Defence Intelligence Agency analyst.
A prolonged outage at several Libyan oilfields also underpinned prices, with Brent gaining 4% and the U.S. benchmark 3% so far this week.
"Though it may have taken some time for the oil market to respond to the threat of a military strike against Syria, it has now done so with a vengeance," Commerzbank said in a research note.
Brent was at US$115.33, up 97 cents at 1020 GMT after earlier reaching a six-month high of US$117.34 a barrel. U.S. crude rose 91 cents to US$109.92, after hitting an intraday peak of US$112.24 – its highest since May 2011.
"The latest price rise raises the question of just how much the price can continue to climb. This will doubtless depend on how events play out in the region," said Commerzbank.
Brent may gain "briefly" to US$150 a barrel if the conflict in Syria spreads to other parts of the Middle East, causing supply cuts, Societe Generale said in the report. Brent traded at US$147.50 in July 2008, the highest intraday price on record.
Oil supply from OPEC producer Libya has already been reduced to a trickle after an armed group shut down a pipeline linking its largest western oilfields to the ports.
Total Libyan oil output amounts to just under 200,000 barrels per day, compared with pre-war levels of around 1.6 million bpd, according to a Reuters estimate, the worst disruption since the civil war in 2011.
"While the headlines are currently on Syria and the speculative extrapolations about the Suez canal, the Gulf of Iskenderun or the Strait of Hormuz, there is currently a supply disruption in Libya as real as in 2011," Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Zug said.
Oil could also get a boost if the U.S. Federal Reserve decides to start paring its bond purchases later than the anticipated September timeline.
Investors awaited weekly oil inventory data from the United States later in the day for clues on demand in the world's top consumer.
U.S. crude stocks rose last week while gasoline inventories declined and distillate stocks increased, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed.
With files from Bloomberg.com
© Thomson Reuters 2013