text:
I drink coffee. But my coffee life is not as simple as it may sound. My coffee life may be richer than you imagine.
I buy freshly-roasted, whole coffee beans at a local shop where I recklessly invest precious time discussing with the owner the virtues of the various beans: the distant land from whence they come, the soil of their upbringing, their method of cultivation, their roasting styles and their freshness. Thus I bring my beans home with great pride and thankfulness.
Each morning I wake early and while my family sleeps, I begin my day by preparing my coffee. I delicately measure out a large handful of those lovingly chosen beans and place them into the holy crucible — my unique, ceramic, Japanese hand-grinder. I then take several awareness-filled minutes to hand-grind those sacred beans. The sound of the grinder fills those meditative minutes as the delicate beans slowly and gently become a rich, fine, brown, fragrant powder. My labor of love yields a sensual aromatic earth which magically transforms my kitchen into an expensive, warm, cozy cafe.
Then my church bell, the teapot, rings out to call me to the next step of the holy ritual. The hissing pot also wakes my dogs who slumber into my cafe to join me as I gently place my hand-ground alchemy into the chalice — my French-press. The stove is turned off, the water allowed to cool to the perfect temperature and the communion transformation is initiated as the attentively prepared water is gently poured into the chalice. Now, time. Time for the effort of those who graciously planted, picked, bagged, transported, roasted and sold me the trees' offerings to become the elixir of my life.
I won't bore you with the details of how I actually drink my coffee (a story in itself) — for you are perhaps not sympathetic to my religion. Indeed some people tell me my religion is delusional. They tell me that my experience is all in my head. They claim that their machine-ground, pre-packaged secular coffee tastes no different from mine — sacrilege! They have even challenged me to try a taste test, but I refuse. I would never give up the magic of my ritual. Even if somehow they momentarily tricked me into feeling their profane factory coffee is no different from my sacred brew, I know my life would lose deep flavor and meaning without my loving ritual. They can not understand — the taste is more than the components — it is the lived experience.
Conclusion: When we discuss religion with people, we often forget how the mind works and how people are served by their rituals and beliefs. This morning I intended to read and write about the Ramayana, but this analogy came to mind during my morning ritual and the blogging muses demanded keyboard time from me. I was unabashedly blatant about some of the parallels in the analogy but I left the rest for the reader to imagine. Hope you enjoyed it.


text:
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Driven to drastic measures: Mayor Zuokas makes his point about illegal parking - using an armoured personnel carrier
This is the incredible moment a frustrated mayor drives an armoured vehicle over a Mercedes S-class - for parking in a cycle lane.
Arturas Zuokas, 43, took the drastic action after becoming infuriated with motorists parking their luxury cars illegally around the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.
The flamboyant politician decided to take the novel approach of fighting illegally parked cars by destroying them with a camouflaged Russian armoured personnel carrier.
Point made: In the video the car's owner arrives on the scene too late to prevent his Mercedes being destroyed
He said: 'I wanted to send a clear message that people with big and expensive cars can't park wherever they feel like and ignore the rights of pedestrians and bike riders.
'It shows a lack of respect and won't be tolerated. Of course, you have to have a sense of humour in my line of work and I thought this would be a way of drawing attention to the fact that the city intends to be proactive in its fight against illegal parking.'
source: dailymail
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
How one mayor uses a TANK to deal a crushing blow for illegally park cars
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

subset: commoncrawl


text:
skip to main
skip to sidebar
Secret Health
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Acid Reflux â The Basics of Acid Reflux in Babies
Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs after or during a meal. During this period, the contents inside your babyâs stomach goes back via the esophagus. Esophagus is a tube that connects mouth and your stomach. The tube possesses a ring of muscles at the bottom that opens to allow food into your stomach. The LES opens after a meal in adults to release the gas. When this ring opens in babies, it is usually accompanied by acid reflux. Babies can also suffer from acid reflux when they cry, cough or strain. Doctors also believe that there is no special reason for acid reflux in babies as it is a common condition, especially in the first few months after the baby is born. Even healthy babies can suffer from acid reflux. However, if this condition persists by the time the baby celebrates his first birthday, there is some problem you must consult a paediatrist here. A) There are some symptoms of acid reflux. Here are some of the most common symptoms of acid reflux experienced by babies. a) Vomitingb) Irritabilityc) Spitting upd) Blood in stoolsSometimes, babies may also experience severe symptoms of acid reflux. However, this is only under rare circumstances. In case, a baby experiences any of these symptoms, it is a cause of concern. B) Here is a list of some of the serious acid reflux symptoms:a) Refusing to eat even after feeling hungryb) Poor weight gainc) Breathing problemsd) Burning sensation in esophaguse) Blood lossf) CoughingIf you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms in your baby, you must consult a doctor or a child specialist on an immediate basis. These symptoms may be due to acid reflux or any other medical problem. Your doctor may be the best person to judge this. C) You also need to speak to a child specialist if you observe any of the following serious symptoms. a) Painful or difficult swallowing b) Vomiting in large amounts or forceful vomitingc) Difficulty in breathing after vomiting and/or spitting upd) Excessive irritability especially during feedinge) Vomiting green or yellow colored fluidf) Vomiting blood or fluid like coffee groundsWhen diagnosing acid reflux in a baby, the health care professional will take to you about the symptoms of your child and then examine the child. In case, he or she finds the baby happy, healthy and showing great health, no test or treatment is recommended. However, some tests may still be required to analyze the symptoms of the baby associated to GER. There are also some treatments that may be prescribed without any tests. D) Here are some treatment options:a) Introduction of thickened feedings with cerealb) Keeping the baby upright once he is fedc) Smaller and frequent feeding sessionsThe baby is introduced to medicines in case of severe symptoms. These medicines may include the following: a) H2 â" blockersb) Proton-pump inhibitorsThe best thing to do is to take your baby to the doctor as soon as you observe the symptoms of acid reflux.--For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about ACID REFLUX please visit ACID REFLUX EXPERT and IRRITABLE BOWEL ADVICESource: http://www.articletrader.com
Related Posts :
No comments:
Post a Comment
Newer Post
Older Post
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Recommended Links
Recent Post
Google Search
Donate through Paypal


text:
Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first OregonLive.com user to add photos or videos of Webb Randy
Randy Webb was founded in 2008. Randy Webb specializes in Resort Hotel.
Diamond Lake Resort


text:
Muse It Up Publishing, Inc. is in a
yakky mood. Join us for our
and follow at our Website and Bookstore for surprises.
Of course there's also the Muse It Up and
Muse It Hot Blogs for all kinds of
playful noise and
winsome news
Seriously...when you have an anniversary don't you expect everyone to step up and give you gufts, accolades, and love? Well at
Muse, our anniversary is October 1st and we are turning the tables and giving to you.
Check us out and bring your wish list. you won't be sorry.


text:
"I had to cut my son down from the tree," said John Melo, father of 15-year-old Joshua Melo, who died by suicide after being relentlessly bullied because some students thought that he was gay. "I told the kids at the funeral that if you don't get together and confront the bullies, it will be your parents cutting you down. You guys have to stick together, stand up to the bullies, take away their power and they will back down. If you guys don't do it, the system won't."
"All I could hear was John's screams," said Maria Melo, Joshua's mother."He came in like a madman. Joshua was already so stiff. John couldn't pull him down. He was cold and John was hugging him. I started to scream."
"[After Joshua was cut down from the tree], I just went outside and hugged him...I just hugged him," Maria said. "I told the coroner that I needed time to hug and kiss Joshua before they took him away."
John has since removed the tree. "The tree is already gone," said Maria. "John cut it down and burned it."
Joshua Melo was a sensitive, shy, polite, caring, talented, and intelligent 15-year-old 10th grader who attended Strathroy District Collegiate Institute in Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Joshua hanged himself on November 26, 2004; he was suffering from severe depression after enduring endless bullying because some bullies at the school believed that he was gay.
"Last Friday, Joshua couldn't take it anymore and took his own life," said John Melo. "Something went really bad and he just snapped. He couldn't take it anymore. Joshua was the type of boy to bottle everything up inside and this had been going on for a long time...It's more than heartbreaking."
"He had been harassed daily," said John. "He had been subjected to constant homophobic slurs."
"Joshua couldn't walk down the hall without someone laughing and teasing him," said one student.
"It's like they were trying to torture him," said another student.
"This situation makes me sick, real sick," said another student. "Joshua was a good guy. Many things have to change at our school. How could this have happened? How? This is horrible, and I think that the people who did this to Josh should be in jail. I am so sad about all of this."
And another student said: "They hated Joshua because they said he was gay, so they called him every 'gay hate name' that they could. It just didn't stop. They never left him alone. And now I know they are happy he's dead."
"Words can hurt as much – if not more – than violence, and here's the proof," said Joshua's aunt.
Joshua was actually quite strong physically, and was close to receiving his black belt in Tae Kwon Do when he passed away. But Joshua did not believe in violence, so he never used his fighting skills against any of the bullies.
And Joshua was a gentle, extremely shy, and very sensitive young man who did not like to argue or confront others. So he did not say a thing in response to the relentless verbal assaults.
"Joshua was an easy target," said Shelley Carrier, whose daughter was close friends with Joshua. "Although he was an accomplished martial artist, he wouldn't fight back. He was one of the sweetest young guys you'd ever meet. He's the type you'd want to marry your daughter. He was full of compassion and caring and wouldn't hurt a fly."
Unbelievably, some of the students continued to badger and disrespect Joshua even after he passed away.
"Some teens wouldn't stand when the school held a moment of silence for Joshua," said Carrier. "And others said that he 'deserved to die.'"
Amberly Carrier, Shelly Carrier's daughter, wrote a poem in memory of Joshua. It is called "Words and Rumors." And here it is:
Words and Rumors
In Memory of Joshua Melo
You said they were making fun of you,
Making up rumours and calling you names...
Mean words can hurt, which they never knew.
They never stopped.
It just got worse.
Then came the day
You couldn't take any more.
There's shedding of tears
As you are missed so very much,
By your family and peers.
Those students at school,
They were in the wrong.
They pushed you to the edge.
The words that cut you so deep...
Your life has ended
Because the rumours
Couldn't be taken back.
God help his family and friends.
Keep strong.
Rest in peace Joshua David Melo.
Many parents and students believe that the Strathroy District Collegiate Institute could have prevented Joshua's suicide if they stopped the bullies. And many believe that school administrators have not responded to Josua's death properly.
"Nothing was done [to stop the bullying], and now it's too late," said Natalie Moniz, Joshua's aunt.
"I was angry," said Shelley Carrier. "I was very angry – that someone could reach this point in their life that they thought this was the only way out. Bullying has got to be stopped and it can't be unless teachers get more rights and programs are brought into the school... When you hear more and more kids teasing you, you can't conquer a whole school."
"The system won't [stop the bullying]," said John Melo, Joshua's father.
And speaking about the lack of response from the school after Joshua's suicide, John Melo said: "All we've got is political stuff from the principal. They say they couldn't control what was happening in the hallways. What kind of a system do we have?"
And Joshua's aunt said: "Even if they were aware of what was going on, there's nothing in the school system to suspend kids for bullying."
School principal Ron Newnes said that he would not comment until "internal probes" were completed.
Josua's family and friends, and the community at large, certainly deserve a more sensitive, thoughtful, and meaningful response than what the principal has offered.
Josua's suicide has caused tremendous tension among students and has divided Strathroy District Collegiate Institute.
"Some kids have tried to retaliate against the bully," said Shelley Carrier.
"The situation [at school] was getting ugly," said Joshua's aunt. "Some students were being 'hunted down' by others and the police were needed."
Many parents and studens were hoping that the bullies would legally be held accountable for their actions.
But Strathroy Police have investigated Joshua's death and have closed the case.
And although the police will not charge anyone with a crime, there is a word for what happened to Joshua – bullycide.
It may not be a legal word...but it is a powerful, dangerous, and real word, for a horrible act – bullying someone to the point where he feels he needs to kill himself to stop the bullying... bullying someone to the point where he becomes severly clinically depressed and cannot go on. Bullycide is real. Very real.
And the sick, cowardly losers who bullied Joshua committed bullycide.
No, they did not kill Josh with a gun or a knife, they used something more insidious – hate.
I have received numerous e-mails about Joshua, and it is very clear that Joshua was loved by almost everyone at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute.
So let us focus the blame on those who really caused Joshua's death.
And that blame should be placed on the weak shoulders of the punks, the pathetic lowly losers and cowards – the bullies – who committed the bullycide.
And the blame should be placed on the administration, which was completely lacking in appropriate anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies and actions.
Joshua Melo was a very talented young man. He was an excellent artist, an outstanding athlete, and a great student (he recently received an award for academic achievement).
He loved animals, especially birds; enjoyed listening to music and going to concerts; and loved to dance.
And Joshua Melo was a great person. "He was a good boy from day one," said Maria, Joshua's mother.
Joshua Melo is survived by his parents, John and Maria; brothers, John Jr. and Chris; and his sister, Jenny-Lee.
We miss you Joshua.
You are an angel now.
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered and are suffering from depression or are suicidal, please immediately read the following pages:
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Suicide
Teen Suicide and Youth Suicide
And please call The Trevor Hotline, which is a 24-hour toll-free suicide prevention line aimed at gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youths:
And if you are depressed please make appointments with a medical doctor and a therapist so you can be evalutated.
And please read the following articles for more information on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered suicide:
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Suicide
Alan Keyes: A Case Study in Ignorance, Intolerance, and Hate Against Gays and Lesbians; and How His Hate and That of Others Like Him Can Lead to Suicide
Hate Against Gays and Lesbians can Lead to Murder and Suicide – Remembering Matthew Sheppard and John French
Students, parents, school administrators, and teachers all need to work together to stop bullying.
All schools should have a ZERO-TOLERANCE bullying policy in place.
Please click below to learn more about bullying and find out what you can do to prevent bullying.
And remember that all bullies are cowards.
Make sure that your school has a ZERO-TOLERANCE anti-bullying policy in place.
Administrators, teachers, parents, and students – contact your principal and ask him or her what the anti-bullying policy is at your school. And if no policy exists, make sure that a strong, serious, zero-tolerance anti-bullying policy is implemented immediately.
And do not take "no" for an answer – because bullying can kill.
End bullycide. Make our schools safe. TAKE ACTION.
And ALL schools should have a suicide prevention program. Period.
If your school does not have a suicide prevention program, then you need to start one as soon as possible.
You can get a FREE suicide prevention program from Suicide.org by clicking below:
Free School Suicide Prevention Program
Whether you are an administrator, teacher, parent, or student, please make sure that your school has a suicide prevention program.
Contact you principal as soon as possible and let him or her know that a suicide prevention program is IMPERATIVE and URGENT.
Be persistent.
And there is NO valid excuse not to implement a suicide prevention program. It is FREE.
Get started TODAY...because suicide is always urgent.


text:
Everybody loves a train wreck. Admit it. You do, too.
So I offer you the following video, which gives you more than seven minutes of worldwide mishaps that either happened or became public in November.
The first incident in the video is even sort of a train wreck. Note that almost all the disasters in the video are the fault of the victims. Enjoy!


text:
Nathan MacKinnon's Growth on Full Displayby Ron Knabenbauer / Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon is quickly growing up.
The 2013 No. 1 overall draft pick's maturation as a hockey player and coach Patrick Roy's confidence in him was on full display Saturday night as MacKinnon scored the game winner in the Avalanche's 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
With Alex Tanguay out of the game after injuring his knee in the second period, Roy had to make a decision with his lineup. Would he replace Tanguay on the right side of his second-scoring line with a veteran or with the rookie MacKinnon?
He chose MacKinnon, and the decision paid off.
Midway through the third period, Gabriel Landeskog fired a shot from the left side that bounced off Montreal goaltender Peter Budaj and into the middle of the slot. MacKinnon was driving to the net and knocked the puck with the backside of his stick past Budaj's glove and into the cage to give Colorado back the lead.
"We lost Tanguay, and it was a big loss for us," Roy said. "Nate came in, we put him on the right side, and it was a great shot from Landy and a rebound by him. That's a big goal. It's good for [MacKinnon's] confidence, and it's good for our team."
The goal was big for several reasons: Montreal had tied the game five minutes earlier and was beginning to pick up steam in the final period, but the tally swung the momentum back to the Avs' side and they used it to score two more times before the final horn sounded.
It was MacKinnon's second goal of his career and ended his seven-game goalless drought. The tally was also seen throughout Canada as the game was televised nationally on Hockey Night in Canada and on RDS, allowing friends, family and fans to witness it back in his home province of Nova Scotia—coincidently, an area where the Canadiens have a very strong following.
MacKinnon's first goal was Oct. 12 in Washington, so Saturday's score was his first in front of the Pepsi Center faithful.
"It was my first goal on home ice and to score in front of a sellout crowd and on Adam Foote's jersey retirement felt really good," he said. "I was definitely really fortunate that Landy had a nice shot, and it kind of came right to my stick."
While the tally was nice and helped give the Avalanche its 12th win of the season and sixth in a row, it also showed MacKinnon's development as an NHL player.
The 18-year-old had played at center all season on Colorado's third line, but he was playing on the right side after Roy was forced to switch up his lines mid-game against the Canadiens. With the Avs attacking up the ice, MacKinnon realized playing on the wall wasn't the best position to be at and showed his hockey awareness to move to the center of the ice.
"I was coming up the wall, and I realized that's not the spot where I'm going to score," MacKinnon said. "I tried to drive the net, and obviously that was a great kick save I guess in our favor to my stick. You can't miss those ones, and it felt really good to put that one in."
Like the teenager he is, MacKinnon wore a giant smile on his face for several minutes after scoring the goal, but he brought back his excitement a bit after the contest and turned his attention to Colorado's next game.
"Even now, we are 12-1 and I think everyone is this locker room can feel that we're not satisfied," MacKinnon said. "That's the exciting part: that we can get better. We're playing pretty solid hockey, but there are always things that we can work on. Twelve-and-one is great, but 13-1 is better and that's what we're looking to do."
That sounds like a young player quickly realizing what being in the NHL is all about.


text:
White liberation leaders are also fond of pointing to the analogy between blacks and women as second-class citizens in a white, male chauvinist society. One of the clearest points of similarity between the situation of blacks and women is that they have both been brainwashed into the same 'low self-image'; they are not supposed to use their minds, they are incapable of making decisions. They are both second-class members of the society who should be kept in their place.
If white women in the women's movement needed to make use of a black experience to emphasize women's oppression, it would only seem logical that they focus on the black female experience – but they have not. Had white women desired to bond with black women on the basis of common oppression, they could have done so by demonstrating an awareness of the impact of sexism on the status of black women. Unfortunately, despite all the rhetoric about sisterhood and bonding, white women are not sincerely committed to bonding with black women to fight sexism. They are primarily interested in drawing attention to the oppression they consider they experience as white upper- or middle-class women.
Jackie Huggins, "Black women and women's liberation", Hecate, 13(1), 1987


text:
Netminder signed as free agent will compete with Bishop for backup role
By LOUIE KORAC
HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- By his own admission, Brian Elliott's upcoming challenge is nothing new.
Elliott, signed as a free agent on July 1, will compete with local native Ben Bishop for the backup role with the Blues this season behind starter Jaroslav Halak.
"It's something that I've gone through my whole career," the 26-year-old Elliott said after arriving in St. Louis Thursday. "In college (at the University of Wisconsin), I came in and backed up the first two years, but I definitely pushed for that starting spot. When I got the chance, I ran with it."
Elliott signed a one-year, two-way contract for $600,000 after statistically having his worst NHL season, splitting time between Ottawa and Colorado.
Elliott, who was 29-18-4 with a 2.57 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 2009-10 with the Senators, saw his numbers turn for the worse last season.
(Getty Images)
Brian Elliott will battle for the backup job behind Jaroslav Halak.
Elliott began in Ottawa and was 13-19-8 with a 3.19 GAA and .894 save percentage before being traded to the Avalanche for fellow netminder Craig Anderson. When he got to Colorado, it didn't get any better, as he went 2-8-1 with a 3.83 GAA and .891 save percentage to end the season.
"That's the toughest part, not letting yourself get down or being too hard on yourself, trying to do too much," Elliott said. "When you do that, that's when things get even worse. I think as a whole team, you have to stay level-headed the whole time. If you hit a couple bad games in a row, you just kind of have to bounce back and not worry about it and know you have confidence in each other in the room to get it done.
Elliott said he didn't feel as bad as the numbers may have looked last season.
"There are times I felt I played really well (last season)," he said. "Sometimes you didn't get the win when you played really well. It's something you have to learn from and not forget about it totally. But it is a new year, a new start. The standings are zero, zero, zero all the way down, so it's exciting to get that chance and opportunity to be a part of something special."
Elliott went into the summer with the realization that goalies were going to go fast and furious. So instead of waiting to see if there would be a one-way deal somewhere, he liked what he saw with the Blues and embraces the challenge.
"Looking around, this is definitely a team on the up and up," Elliott said of the Blues. "They're young and they obviously acquired some good leadership in the summertime. It's something I wanted to be a part of. There's great history and pride that comes on a team like this. I'm excited to get the chance to be a part of it.
"There were definitely opportunities out there, but things went really quick for goalies. You kind of just had to make a decision. Teams were waiting on different people to get answers back. Obviously here, they were pretty interested in me. They wanted to get me, and it's nice to know you feel wanted and to be a part of the team."
Prior to his 29-win season in 09-10, Elliott won 16 games the previous season, so it's not like the Blues are looking at someone on the downside of their career. But coming from that particular position, Elliott says proving yourself is an everyday occurance.
"As a goalie today, I think you have to prove yourself basically every day you're out on the ice," he said. "There's no difference here. I want to be the best that I can be on any given day. It's just a matter of making stops. If you do that, you'll solidify your spot in the league. You'll always go through trials and tribulations. It's just how you handle them and move forward. That describes the type of player you are."
The Blues will most certainly keep their eye in this goalie battle when camp gets underway Friday.
"I think there's quite a few (battles) that are intriguing," Blues coach Davis Payne said. "Obviously Bishop and Elliott is one when you start at the back. We know that that's a legitimate competition to see who's going to back Jaro up."
Elliott understands either he or Bishop will win the job here and the other will make the journey to Peoria and play for the team's AHL affiliate. Whatever happens, the Newmarket, Ontario native Elliott is prepared.
"It's kind of been the story of my career," Elliott said. "I don't have any reservations about it. I'm excited for it. I just want to be the best teammate possible.
"There's a lot of good talent here. Just from going in and playing St. Louis, the crowd was rocking every night. It's pretty cool to see that hockey's still alive down here. It was almost better than being in Canada. It's pretty cool to be a part of it now. I'm excited for it."


text:
Friday, November 28, 2008
Catalog season was a real challenge
The car catalog season was an extremely busy time for artists in Detroit. Our freelance group was hard at work on Chevrolet art when another catalog assignment popped up. Jack Mills and I were asked to do all of the illustrations for the 1962 Mercury Comet catalog, the ad agency was Kenyon & Eckhardt and I believe that the art director was Lowell Jackson. We were doing art for two catalogs which wasn't unusual, as many artists would often work for competing clients or ad agencies at the same time.
On this illustration I hired a model to photograph the foreground gal and used my kids and Bob Witmer, our rep, for the other figures.
I had to search for reference on this scene, fortunately I lived near a couple of marinas. After composing the scene and doing a small color sketch I would do a pencil drawing and then block in the background with paint to establish color values and lighting, then Jack would render the car. When he was pretty much finished, I would continue working on the background, adding details and modifying color, until I was done, then he would add the final touches to the car.
A close up of the illustration to show you the details. Another hired model was used for this illustration.
Not all the illustrations required a full background. I rounded up some neighborhood girls to pose for me on this one. Like many illustrators, I used a Poloroid camera for most of the figure shots because you got an instant photo, no need for film development or a darkroom, a real time saver. Also you could immediately see if the pose was right or if you needed to take more shots. All these illustrations were rendered on Whatman cold-pressed illustration board with Windsor and Newton Designer's Colors. When we finished the illustration, our rep would take it over to the agency for the art director's and the automotive engineer's approval. More Comet illustrations on the next post.
3 comments:
- Oscar Solis said...
Beautiful work there. What was the turnaround time on an average illustration (of course no illustration is ever average as they all come with their own problems and solutions)?
I'm glad you have this blog. I have your books, which I consider essential reading for the information they have, but also because I enjoy just looking at the art. I like the fact that as an illustrator you didn't stick to just one style or medium, but explored and used them all in your work.
I look forward to seeing more everyday.
Oscar Solis
- November 28, 2008 at 5:40 PM
- Harry Borgman said...
Hi Oscar, Thanks for your comments and also for looking at my blog which I will post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. My other blog, Hairy Blogman, will be posted on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
If I remember correctly, to paint one of these background illustrations probably took me two full days, then Jack would probably take another two days to finish rendering the car.
I've always been prone to working in various styles and mediums but it can work against you somewhat as the art directors can't categorize you.
I'm pleased that you enjoy my books.
- November 29, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Mr Borgman,
My name id Don Harding and I am a board member of the Comet East Car Club. I would like your permission to reprint your Comet post in our non-profit newsletter. Our club is chartered for the conservation of Mercury Comet automobiles. Please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com
- July 20, 2009 at 9:19 AM


text:
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Paris to Build Urban Refugee Camp
Yes, Folks. If you are planning that big trip to Paris next summer, there is one more attraction that will be awaiting you.
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
Follies Bergere
And now this:
(Calais migrant camp)
So book your tickets early to avoid the crush.
Posted by Gary Fouse at 9:48 AM
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
I am currently sitting in a cozy B&B in Red Lodge, Montana looking at last night's snowfall as it has settled on the pine tree outside the window... and I'm thinking I should motivate to go outdoors and take some more pictures... BUT I'm so far behind on the ones I've taken over this past year that I decided to try to post a few here in the next hour or so before heading out to lunch! Here's wishing you and yours the best of everything in 2012!
Cardinal images from my back yard during January snow storms.
One of several collages from images taken on a February photo outing with cousin Jane and friend Susie... we went from Bethesda, MD to Shepherdstown, WV for lunch and wandering around to take photos... then we were off to my potter's home and studio near Sharpsburg, MD before heading back to Bethesda. These images are of a church on one of the back roads we took to get to Shepherdstown, a view (upper left) from the scenic lookout on 270 before you get to Frederick, MD and sunset from Boonsboro, MD.
In March, I glanced out the window when I noticed the birds were chirping excitedly but none were at the feeders... what a treat to see this Sharp-shinned Hawk so fascinated with the birds hiding in the rose brambles that he wasn't the LEAST bit interested in me as I crept closer and closer to get some marvelous images... here are two!
Squirrel antics in April at a newly purchased "squirrel proof" feeder... of course they soon figured it out and it no longer keeps the rascally thieves from stealing the bird feed.
Floral images from a May Greenspring Garden macro workshop with Blue Ridge Workshops. Digitalis, Columbine, Lavender and phlox look alike whose name I cannot recall.
Trying to choose just one collage of images from our June trip to Sweden is quite impossible since we packed so much into the trip. We visited family in Göteborg and Vägsele and saw many sights in between visiting with family. Here we are on the road from Vägsele to Tärnaby with cousins Sture and Inger. We stopped alongside the Blue Highway, a most scenic route, to have a morning coffee and snack break. (the two church photos are not at the roadside stop; they are of Stensele Kyrka) Seated at the picnic table from the lower left is myself, my sister, my brother and in the right rear coming forward is our cousin Sture, my brother's partner and Sture's wife Inger. If you want to know more about our trip to Sweden, Start with this post and work your way forward through newer posts... I STILL have not finished this trip diary!
Going along with the theme of not finishing the Sweden trip diary... here is a collage from Iceland where my brother, his partner and myself spent three days in July en route home from Sweden. I've barely begun sorting through the scenic photos from Iceland but have managed to put together one collage of bird images from our boat trip to see the Puffins who have established large colonies on two islands in Reykjavik Harbor.
August seems to have been a month for staying indoors due to the heat and attempting to catch up with SOME of my image processing and blogging... So no photo to represent August!
September found me spending 11 days in Montana and 10 days in Colorado which spilled over into October. The time in Montana was spent in and around Red Lodge, as usual, staying at my vacation home and spending time doing some fix-up chores as well as spending time with friends I see once a year (or more, depending). I never tire of Montana scenery but am going to share an image of Clouded Sulphur butterflies on Spotted Knapweed (taken near Red Lodge, MT, at the West Fork of Rock Creek near the Silver Run parking lot) to represent the month of September.
With apologies to those of you who have seen this already, For October I am again sharing a collage of Hipstamatic (iPhone camera app) images since one of the best things I've discovered recently thanks to John Barclay and Dan Sniffin and their MARVELOUS Colorado Photo tour is iPhoneography!
This image of sunrise at the 59th Street pier in Ocean City, NJ is from another workshop with John Barclay, this time in partnership with George Brown. We spent a mid-November weekend at Cape May, NJ with an early morning trip to Ocean City to photograph this fabulous sunrise! One of the reasons that it has taken me so long to sort through images this year is that I've taken quite a few workshops... and done a fair bit of travel as well! I've certainly learned a LOT about how to improve my photographic skills, both in the field and afterwards with post-processing.
December finds me in Montana although I'm not staying at my house over the first of the year because it's rented! I'm staying at the Irish Rose B&B which is a lovely place to stay. It has snowed at least part of every day since my arrival a few days ago and this makes the skiers very happy. I'm not skiing but have been out and about getting a few lovely wintry scenes while here. The first of the two images above was taken on the road from Laurel to Red Lodge and the second was taken at the bridge over the West Fork of Rock Creek at the entrance to the Silver Run parking area.
And now, for some personal notes... in addition to the many highlights represented by the images above, 2011 had some notes of sadness as well. Our half-brother Robin passed away in April after a valiant battle with cancer. Many of us were with him at the end and we celebrated his life with many people in the town of Easton, PA where he had lived since retiring from the phone company around 24 years ago. He was very highly thought of in the town of Easton on the Delaware River and will be missed by many.
In 2011, there were three new additions to my family... Nephew Dan (brother Larry's son) and his wife Wendy added a sister for Elliott (who is now 3) in July when their adorable daughter Holly was born on July 3rd. Nephew Michael (sister Val's middle son) and his wife Dawn welcomed their son, Ethan, on August 24th, making Val a grandmother for the first time. And my niece Lauren (brother Larry's daughter) and her husband Justus welcomed daughter Cora Jane on November 25th making Larry and his wife Chris grandparents for the third time. All are healthy, happy babies... I can't wait to meet them!
And last, but not least, I requested that my significant other of nearly 20 years move out of my house in Bethesda, which he did in November. We were not married but had been together for a long time so, in that respect, there is some sadness at the loss of such a long-term relationship. However, I am very happy and am feeling so much better these days! I look forward to a new year filled with more adventures in photography, more travel and greater peace of mind. Best wishes to all who make it this far for a wonderful 2012!


text:
and then there's picking it up with your hands and tackling your own goaltender with a dive into the net.
Sure the President's plan to tax 529 College savings accounts was a bit of cynical political theater. The measure itself was not expected to pass, but instead be a talking point about how mean the GOP is.
But instead... 529 savings accounts are a primary means of upper middle class, often Blue state living parents. IE a core demo of the president's coalition.
But it gets worse.
See not only were other members of his party kept out of the loop, but the President himself uses these accounts for his own daughter's future education.
That's just amusing, and sadly typical.


text:
Penny Cary of Petiquette would like to put together a toys-only handling class at Finish Forward in Saco, if there's enough interest in holding one. If this sounds like something you'd like to join, contact Penny or contact Shannan at finishforwarddogs.com. (links to come later)
-- Post From My iSomething
Location:Finish Forward Dogs, Saco, ME


text:
1) The people who know Father, almost had the exact same content of speech whenever they congratulated me for my bundle of joy- Your Father would've been proud/ so happy!
Indeed, he would have, if he was still alive. He would call my son all sorts of nicknames that are mainly words of compliments and doas for him. He would stare at him and hug him and kiss him and play with him. He was an awesome grandfather. My 5-year old niece still remembers him and asks about him from time to time.
And it breaks my heart everytime I am reminded of his absence. I really want him to see/ know that I am doing well and my husband is taking really good care of me. All his efforts to make sure that I had the best he could provide me with, is paid off.
Sometimes, I envy those people who have grandparents. I envy those people whose grandparents pass away when they are in their thirties, whose grandparents are present in their weddings etc.
My son, he doesn't get to see his granddads. Well, at least he still has his adopted granddad. And we can't be sure whether Mother will still be around when my son starts schooling. Mother looks healthy, alright, but age is catching up, I hope I will be mature enough to face the day when it comes.
2) Speaking of envy, I also envy those who can cook.
This started after I got married. (I used to envy people with other skills)
I used to think cooking is easy, look at Masterchef, even ordinary people can cook, you don't need culinary schools to teach you how to cook! If they can do it, so can I!
I can't cook. I masak tak sedap. I think I should take a month off, konon macam an extended maternity leave, but instead, using the spare time to enrol myself for cooking lessons.
I am hopeless. They say you get better if you practice. Well, I've been practising for almost two years, I still suck!
4) I managed to puasa penuh! Syukur I was never too lethargic to fast despite being heavily pregnant.
5) I am happy with the progress of my body.
I never really care about my appearance, I refuse to obsess about how I look like, but I guess that means I really don't mind whether I gain weight and not losing as fast as I wish, or probably, I am just in denial, in my mind, I look okay, but actually, I am not. Haha.
1 month aftet the delivery
Me: Abang, I nampak gemuk tak? Ke sama je macam dulu? (Feeling confident I had nearly achieved my pre pregnancy weight)
Husband: Ha ah, nampak gemuk.
Me: (Shocked) Ye ke! I ingatkan dulu I memang dah buncit sikit macam ni.
Husband: Taklah, lain...
Me: (Annoyed) You ni kan, isteri you dah slim macam ni pun you cakap gemuk! Belum lagi dapat isteri yang betul betul gemuk!
Husband: Hahaha!
The next day, we went for our 1 month check-up. I am currently 52.5kg. My pre pregnancy weight was 50kg, the lightest probably 48kg, no less. I was 60kg before the delivery.
Me: Abang, mana ada I gemuk! Okay lah ni, baru sebulan bersalin, tinggal 2.5kg je!
Annoying tak! Macam ni pun dia kata kita gemuk! And even if I were fat, it's so justified because a baby came out of me just a month ago!
6) Someone put this for her Facebook status: Pergi Umrah dah 10 kali, tapi kenapa masih tak tutup aurat ye? (Can't remember the exact sentence but the essence was this lah- bersangka baik, perhaps she was really wondering!)
The replies were: Ha ah, aku pun tengok Nona hari tu. Sebenarnya dia nak riak je tu...Dia pergi Mekah beli kurma je kot...etc etc
Hish, why?
I didn't watch Nona and I don't know who they were talking about. But, why can't they pray for her to change for the better? Ada ke Tuhan cakap, buat Umrah selalu dijamin jadi alim, so why question? How can you judge her level of Iman just by watching Nona? Do you know her personally? Why must you accuse her of riak? Is that truly her intention? Lepas tu perli dia pulak tu, pergi Mekah bukan sebab nak beribadat, sebab nak shopping, beli buah kurma hence tak dapat hidayah lagi.
I am ashamed of myself, I am ashamed of Allah, and I know the reactions above would be directed to me too. And that's why I rarely tell people, I too have done Umrah (tapi takde lah sampai 10 kali, sekali je baru...)
Bukannya tak nak pakai tudung, I nak pakai, tapi slowly...Ni pun baru nak belajar, so nanti tak payahlah kutuk I pakai tudung on and off pula ye?
People are hard to please!
4 hours ago


text: Bush Aide Stonewalls Senators Rove snubs Judiciary Committee; 29-year-old staffer pleads for sympathy By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff Posted Aug 2, 2007 3:29 PM CDT 0 comments Comments Protestors hold up signs including a picture of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, left, and a copy of the Constitution, as White House political aide Scott Jennings, foreground, prepares to... (Associated Press) View 3 more images (Newser) – Karl Rove didn't show up, but the White House sent a 29-year-old aide to field Senate Judiciary Committee questions about the US attorney firings today. Scott Jennings, the first administration figure to testify while still in office, followed the path laid out by ex-boss Sara Taylor in refusing to answer substantive questions, reports the AP. Jennings said he would answer questions only if directed to do so by a court. "I hope that you can appreciate the difficulty of my situation," he said. "It makes Odysseus' voyage between Scylla and Charybdis seem like a pleasure cruise." Unamused, committee chairman Patrick Leahy shot back, "Mr. Jennings, I am not here to play games." View 3 more images


text:
In June of 2012, I spent two days in Detroit on my bike. It was just two days, so I hardly know anything about the city, but I did see a few things on my rides. Having heard so much about both the demise and the rebirth of Detroit, I wanted to check it out.
Bike = recently acquired green Raleigh
Goals = ride around & possibly find some tasty beer
Ride 1, Day 1
On the first day, I set out to explore the areas near downtown, traveling over to what's called "the Cultural Center," then back to downtown, along the river to the east, then over to Belle Isle. It ended up being about 21 miles before lunch. Oh, and it was freaking hot.
This was a nice ride that I would definitely recommend. There are various bike/walk trails along the river, and the island is pretty interesting. The day I was there it was a mix of people fishing, hanging out, a few people cycling, and then kids playing. As others have commented, the infrastructure in Detroit was set up for major amounts of traffic with very wide roads and plenty of parking. This tends to mean that there is plenty of room for bikes.
Ride 2, Day 1
After lunch, I read a bit more online about the old Packard Plant and decided to ride over for a look. As everyone seems to know, Banksy ("I remember when all this was trees") is just one of the graffiti artists known to have done work at the plant.
As you might be able to see on the above rough-route map, I took the Dequindre Cut Greenway bike trail, which is a rails-to-trails thing, and quickly found out how short it is. Nice graffiti down there, though, and I had the entire trail to myself.
This is kind of funny: the first image (below) is a picture of the Dequindre Cut Greenway bike trail that the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has on their website about the trail; the next one is what my view looked like. As you can see, I was the only one there. I think they were hoping the Cut would end up being a bit more of a draw than it is.
Here's my Raleigh alongside some graffiti in the Dequindre Cut. It rode pretty well, though the fenders need some tuning.
After coming out of the extremely short Dequindre Cut Greenway, my back wheel seized up. Exciting! I ended up at Busy Bee Hardware where I dropped six bucks on an adjustable wrench that set things straight. I guess I should have brought some tools with me, but Busy Bee was well worth the diversion.
Anyway. The rest of this ride involved an exploration of various warehouses and abandoned factories north-east of town. The entire area near the Packard Plant is worth exploring. Aside from a few scappers, I didn't see too many people. I also chanced upon a large, gated-garden, which I seem to have lost my picture of.
The above pic shows the old rail line that the Dequindre Cut Greenway bike trail is based on. If the trail extended a bit farther to the north, it would go through this area.
The smoke in the background was from a warehouse fire across town. The fire department is busy in Detroit.
Ride 3, Day 2
Okay, so it was my second day in Detroit and I wanted to see more of the town. Specifically, I hadn't ventured too far to the west or north of downtown. As you can see on the map (below), I made a ragged loop. This started me out in Southwest Detroit (called "Mexicantown" on most maps), wound me through various neighborhoods, and ended me up riding through Highland Park and the North End. This was probably my most interesting ride (something like 25 miles) of the two days, as the neighborhoods were so incredibly varied.
By the way, this ride will take you by the iconic train station everyone seems to have taken a picture of. My map doesn't show it, but I cut north at around mile 2 to check out the station. You can approach it from Michigan Ave (dramatic) are sneak up behind through the Stanton Park neighborhood.
Down in Southwest Detroit, I happened to ride by one of Detroit's metal yards. Having seen several scrappers pulling metal out of buildings the day before, it was worth seeing where all that iron ends up.
Near the highway, an improvised trash dump on the edge of one neighborhood.
Detroit is absolutely teeming with photogenic instances of architectural decay. At one point, in an abandoned warehouse district, I heard something, turned around, and saw that it was another guy taking pictures.
As I mentioned, this ride took me through Highland Park—a neighborhood full of contrasts. The following picture, borrowed from Google's Street View, pretty much summs up a lot of what I saw in Detroit: contrasts. Here you see a lovely home flanked by two that are in advanced states of decay. Burned-out houses are on every block in some neighborhoods, as are empty lots. Yes many lots have been transformed into gardens; many more have not.
Ride 4, Day 2
There's not much to say about my last ride in Detroit: after eating some lunch and chilling out, I rode over to Moter City Brewing Works to try out their beer. I think I caught them on an off day, because the ale wasn't the best, but it was certainly a good place to reflect on biking in Detroit.


text:
"We look forward to working with ARXEL TRIBE on this inspiring collection of games," said Paul Tobin, International Licensing Manager at Mindscape. Paul continued: "We'll be striving to ensure that these titles gain both the respect and success they deserve, and hope that the relationship between ARXEL TRIBE and MINDSCAPE will continue to grow."
Guillaume de Fondaumière, ARXEL TRIBE's President and CEO, commented: "ARXEL TRIBE is very excited about this new partnership with MINDSCAPE. After a successful collaboration on Disciples 2 and Trainz, it was a natural choice to make. We believe that a mixture of differentiation and great gameplay is the key to succeed in the PC games market today - and we are very satisfied to team-up again with Mindscape in these important countries. This new agreement is a great achievement and strengthens our worldwide network of partners for the years to come."


text:
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Main Street
Monday, March 7, 2011
If She Had Died in Her 80's - Addendum
Minnie Remembers
by Donna Swanson
My hands are old.
I've never said that out loud before,
but they are.
I was so proud of them once.
They were soft
like the velvet smoothness
of a firm ripe peach.
Now the softness is
like worn-out sheets
or withered leaves.
When did these slender,
graceful hands
become gnarled, shrunken?
When, God?
They lie here in my lap,
naked reminders
of the rest of this old body
that has served me too well.
How long has it been
since someone touched me?
Twenty years?
Twenty years I've been a widow.
Smiled at.
But never touched.
Never held close to another body.
Never held so close and warm
that loneliness was blotted out.
I remember
how my Mother used to hold me,
When I was hurt in spirit or flesh
she would gather me close,
stroke my silky hair and caress
my back with her warm hands.
Oh, God, I'm so lonely!
I remember the first boy
who ever kissed me.
We were both so new at that.
The taste of young lips
and popcorn,
the feeling deep inside
of mysteries to come.
I remember Hank and the babies.
How can I remember them
put together?
Out of the fumbling,
awkward attempts of new lovers
came the babies.
And as they grew, so did our love.
And, God, Hank didn't seem to care
if my body thickened
and faded a little.
He still loved it.
And touched it.
And we didn't mind
if we were no longer
And the children hugged me a lot.
Oh, God, I'm lonely!
Why didn't we raise the kids to be
silly and affectionate
as well as dignified and proper?
You see, they do their duty.
They drive up in their fine cars.
They come to my room
to pay their respects.
They chatter brightly
and reminisce.
But they don't touch me.
They call me "Mom" or "Mother"
or "Grandma."
Never Minnie.
My mother called me Minnie.
And my friends.
Hank called me Minnie, too.
But they're gone.
And so is Minnie.
Only Grandma is here.
And, God! she's lonely!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
If She Had Died in Her 80's - Chapter 5
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
All I Wanted Was an Ice Cream Cone!
Only 50 miles to go, but I was getting sleepy and needed a break. An ice cream cone and a cup of coffee sounded really good. Taking the first Fort Morgan, CO, exit, I walked into Burger King and asked for my cone. "We don't have ice cream", she said with a deadpan face. What?? Well, I thought I might as well get my coffee there and stop at McDonald's a mile down the road to get the cone. So I ordered my coffee, gave her the money, and waited. She disappeared and I waited. And waited. Finally, after several minutes, she appears, plops the coffee down, and starts to walk away again. "Where can I find some creamer?" I shout after her. She trudges back, reaches for a bucket of creamers, slides it towards me, and disappears again. I open the coffee, see that it is very strong, and add three creamers, noticing a lot of coffee grounds as I stir it in.
Now, off to get my ice cream cone. I take the next exit and drive up to McDonald's. It is closed!! Getting frustrated, I drive through a parking lot full of potholes; then I see a brand new McDonald's right across the street. I just may get my ice cream yet, I thought. Just as I'm driving into the parking lot, I see a sign - new McDonald's opening Wednesday. Well, this was Tuesday. By this time, I was wishing I had stopped at the Dairy Queen back by the Burger King; even if their small cones were more than $1. But after making my way through more construction and back onto I-76, I decided to give up on my little treat. Forty-five minutes later, after I pulled into my driveway, I took that horrible Burger King coffee and dumped the whole thing out.
It was good to finally be home.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Beanie Stein
It was another beautiful fall school day in Churchs Ferry, North Dakota. From time to time one of us grade-schoolers was lucky enough to bring a quarter or two to school. Why? Because during noon hour we would walk down to "Bert's" grocery store and purchase some candy. It was only a short walk, maybe 2-3 blocks. On this particular day, my friend, Lisa, had the money and she asked me to walk with her to Bert's. Enjoying the lovely weather, we skipped and hopped along the broken sidewalk. On an impulse, I hopped up onto the cement stoop of a little house that set right up against the sidewalk. Suddenly, the door flew open and I was confronted with ... a scraggly looking man ... with a shotgun! In shock, for a moment I was unable to move. I gaped at the whiskered man in the flannel shirt. He had his gun pointed at me. Lisa and I heard him say, "You stay off my property or I'll shoot you!" Like a human bullet, I shot off his stoop and Lisa and I ran the rest of the way to Bert's. We were shaking with fear.
My shaking lasted a long time. It may not have been visible on the outside, but it was weeks before my "insides" settled down. And you can be sure I never walked in front of Beanie Stein's house again; and I certainly never placed a foot on his stoop!
What is strange to me now is that we never told our teacher about this experience. No cops were called, the principal never found out. Eventually, I told my mother, but as far as I know, no one ever had a conversation with Beanie Stein about how he shouldn't threaten little girls with a gun. Maybe he was just another harmless old man ... but it sure didn't feel like it to me!
Friday, October 8, 2010
If She Had Died in Her 80's - Chapter 4
There is no other word that can more accurately describe the feelings I had. Why should others receive from my mother what I so strongly desired, yet was denied? I could hear it in the lilt of her voice; I could see it in the softening of her face. And I first noticed it in relation to my sisters-in-law. She seemed to genuinely like them. She said nice things about them and to them. She enjoyed visiting with them. As much as I myself liked these new women in the family, it hurt that they were so quickly able to have an affectionate relationship that was beyond my grasp. I saw the hugs, I heard the words, "I love you, too". And I was intensely jealous.
Later, it was the children of my brothers. I would hear about how cute they are and how smart they are. I would hear about the nice cards they sent on her birthday and for Mother's Day and how pleased she was with them. She would brag about their accomplishments and their activities and their dreams. Yes, that, too, made me jealous. I never saw any of that spirit exhibited towards my children, even though they, too, were cute, they were smart, they sent cards, and they had accomplishments and dreams.
Often over the years I would agonize on how to break the silence, the sterility of our relationship. Always the obedient and dutiful daughter, inside I longed for a relationship of love and tenderness, affection and pride. I would see the easy, fun and loving relationship some of my friends had with their mothers and feel … jealous.
If she had died in her 80's – there is a lesson I would never have learned. I'm glad she didn't die in her 80's.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
If She Had Died in Her 80's - Chapter 3
I was only nine when Evie got married. It was so exciting. Evie even bought me a coloring book about a couple who became engaged. Every page to color was about the steps they took preparing for the wedding. I colored each page and dreamed. Finally, the big day arrived. I don't remember a lot about the wedding itself, but I vividly remember the reception line. Standing off to the side, I watched as my mother came through, gave Evie a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. I'm sure my eyes widened in wonder as I witnessed this demonstration of affection. From that moment on, I held it close to my heart - on my wedding day, I would receive a hug and kiss from my mother.
Ten years later, I was the bride. The ceremony went off beautifully and we were introduced as "Mr. and Mrs.". Walking down the aisle, I felt both anticipation and trepidation for the moment I had been awaiting for ten years. There were hugs, kisses and well-wishes from the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Then came my parents. A hug from my father, a perfunctory handshake from my mother. And a sense of something lost forever.
If she had died in her 80's - there is a lesson I would never have learned. I'm glad she didn't die in her 80's.


text:
Outfielder Wil Myers garnered another accolade Monday when picked by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Class AAA Pacific Coast League.
That's no surprise. The same publication recently selected him as its Minor League Player of the Year. And in The Star, we identified Myers on Sunday as the top prospect in the Royals' organization.
Myers, 21, opened the season by playing 35 games at Class AA Northwest Arkansas before finishing with 99 games at Class AAA Omaha. He finished with 37 homers, 109 RBIs, a .314 average, a .387 on-base percentage and a .600 slugging percentage.
His brief tour at Northwest Arkansas was sufficient for him to be cited by Baseball America as the No. 3 prospect in the Texas League. "Myers generates above-average power with tremendous bat speed and strength," Baseball America reported. "His bat stays in the hitting zone long enough that he projects to hit for a good average. Though he was very pull-oriented this season, he's capable of hitting to all fields with authority."
Right-hander Jake Odorizzi, 22, was picked as the PCL's No. 11 prospect. He was a combined 15-5 with a 3.03 ERA in 26 games at Northwest Arkansas and Omaha before concluding his season with two big-league starts.
"Odorizzi generates a lot of swings and misses with his fastball," Baseball America reported, "throwing it at 90-92 mph and topping out at 94 while using a deceptively easy delivery.
"His secondary pitches need some refinement, though his curveball, slider and changeup are all effective. He attacks the zone and shows exceptional poise on the mound for a 22-year-old."
Five years ago, Baseball America's Top 20 PCL list had first baseman Billy Butler at No. 3 behind Milwaukee pitcher Yovani Gallardo and Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones. It also had pitchers Luke Hochevar at No. 11 and Billy Buckner at No. 17.
Here's a full list of Royals' prospects who received mention in Baseball America's postseason league-by-league rankings:
Class AAA Pacific Coast League (Omaha): OF Wil Myers (No. 1) and RHP Jake Odorizzi (No. 11).
Class AA Texas League (Northwest Arkansas): OF Wil Myers (No. 3).
Class A Carolina League (Wilmington): RHP Yordano Ventura (No. 8), SS Orlando Calixte (No. 10) and 3B Cheslor Cuthbert (No. 20).
Class A Midwest League (Kane County): OF Jorge Bonifacio (No. 13) and RHP Kyle Smith (No. 16).
Short-season Pioneer League (Idaho Falls): SS Adalberto Mondesi (No. 3) and LHP Sam Selman (No. 8).
Short-season Appalachian League (Burlington): OF Bubba Starling (No. 3), 3B Patrick Leonard (No. 16) and C Cameron Gallagher (No. 20).
Arizona Rookie League (Surprise): None.


text:
Thursday, 18 November 2010
more backgrounds! :D Enjoy :D
18 comments:
nice! love the lastReplyDelete
Colorful shit, I love it.ReplyDelete
wow i love the first oneReplyDelete
follow my blog
Cool story, bro!ReplyDelete
Following your blog
i love the top one, its like blood fire sun earth water and psychic, you should make one for the more basic elements, id definitely use it on my computer. followingReplyDelete
That have inflamed desire in my breast. Following!ReplyDelete
that made me thinkReplyDelete
great wallpapersReplyDelete
I took the second one ! :DReplyDelete
These pictures are really cool, they'll make good wallpapers for sure!ReplyDelete
You don't mind if I download these do you ?ReplyDelete
the first one is on my desktop right now!ReplyDelete
nice im watching for more..ReplyDelete
I have some of them, use them as screensaver pics. (can't choose)ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
It has always been a fact that women will vote for the "cutest" politician as they did for Bill "I did not sh*g that woman" Clinton. He is most probably one of the best examples as the clones lined up to vote for the hypocrite and liar. Obama is ofcourse another fine example on women loosing their common sense and what the countries needs, as they stick with the "What's in it for ME" mentality. It truly is a sad indictment where females will always predominantly vote for socialism as they know they will get all those extra and additional benefits on top of the myriads they already have.
This blatant and obvious selfishness is there for all to see as we show the current voting and the non-thinking of the selfish sex. It has always been the "ME" mentality and solely in it for what they can get. It's sickening. Maybe for once they could actually take some interest in the policies and what those politicains stand for instead of looking at whether or not they would like to jump into the sheets with them.
The Sad Truth about the 2012 Women's Vote.
It's time for some honest talk. It's not always pleasant and it's not always easy to hear, but it certainly beats talking points and trying to twist a narrative into a convenient pretzel.
You can't change reality until you face reality.
An August 7-8 CNN/ORC poll found that women today would vote for Obama (53%) over Romney (44%) if the election were held now. According to the same poll, 51% of women approve of President Obama's job performance (46% disapprove) and 48% of women believe the country would be better off if Democrats controlled Congress (39% believe we'd be better off if Republicans were in control). Fifty-eight percent of women hold a favorable opinion of Obama (40% unfavorable), while 49% of women have a favorable opinion of Romney (46% unfavorable).
Hold onto those stats for a moment.
On August 13, The Wall Street Journal disclosed that "The latest Wall Street Journal-NBC News poll showed that President Obama leads Mr. Romney 54% to 39% among women. The gap gets truly staggering when it comes to college-educated women. Here, Mr. Obama leads 63%-32%."
I'm going to be blunt with you. The GOP has a very big problem when it comes to female voters. It has for a long time, and I'm concerned about both the ability to reverse it and what it says about the majority of women at this time in history.
In June, CNSNews.com revealed that "The number of American women who are unemployed was 766,000 individuals greater in May 2012 than in January 2009, when President Barack Obama took office, according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics."
Women have been hit hard by Obama's policies. They have struggled to find jobs. In many families, they are the household leaders writing the checks, balancing the checkbooks, and watching their household debt climb with each passing day.
And yet it hasn't changed their allegiance to a party--and a president--whose policies have helped place them in that sea of frustration.
Female business owners are already being crippled by ObamaCare's tax hikes and the overall regulatory burden. They watched our president tell them "You didn't build that" after those women invested years of time, creativity, and money into making their visions a reality.


text:
nearly spring skies over the countryside at Red Hill...
a whisper of leaves
on wintering trees
welcoming blue skies
Linking to:
SkyWatch Friday
Lovely spring skies, that must mean fall time fr us! Lovely sky capture! Have a happy weekend!
What a pretty place!
Beautiful capture; nice deep blue sky!!
Looks so wonderful.


text:
Porting of Moire screensaver to MacOS X 10.4
Ngân sách $30-100 USD
Hi, I'd like to resurect the great screensaver (IMO) Moire. You can download it and view a screenshot of it here: [url removed, login to view] ...unfortunetly it's only for MacOS 9 and below and at least as far as I'm aware there's no OS X port of it. Would anyone be willing to fully port it to OS X 10.4 (the run on shutdown feature doesn't need to be ported however)?
Attatched is the screensaver and a screenshot of the screensaver...it only runs in MacOS 9 and below at this time which is why I want to get a port made :-)
Được trao cho:
I can reproduce the functionality of moire for classic for OS X. I have the necessary OS X development tools to create a working standalone screensaver.


text:
Thank you for reading,
Jessica Hische is one of the most outstanding artists to emerge recently,She has taken the art world
by storm and has become in demand from many clients including Penguin Classics,
New York Times(my fave two things in the world) along with,Tiffany and Co as well as Oxfam and American Express, and the list goes on accordingly,
Jessica Is my age as well,and she continues to inspire and influence me on so many artistic levels,She has also been listed and awarded Illustration awards for her lettering and designs to go along with being named as one of the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list, (twice),
For a young artist she has achieved so much,and is the vanguard of the new generation of superstar artists,and certainly one of the best ( male or female) book designers in the world at the moment,
Her most significant work to date was for the Penguin Classics Drop Cap Series,
For this she designed each letter of the alphabet for an Author's book from A to Z, 26 in all,
I wholeheartedly recommend you check them out and perhaps even purchasing some if not all of them,as I have,
I recently contacted Jessica for a 1 question interview and she gladly replied,here it is...
Jessica,You've achieved a vast amount of success as an artist in your work at such a relatively young age, and have some quite impressive clients you've worked with already
and many well deserved accolades,the pinnacle to date is your outstanding Penguin Drop Caps series with Penguin Classics,My question to you is do you plan to expand into
other mediums of art such as drawing and Illustrating books in future or even writing a book in the near future ?'
to which she replied...
Hi Tony!
To answer your question:
I work a lot on book covers, so while I haven't illustrated the interior of a book (usually authors work with more narrative illustrators for interior work), I'd happily do so for the right project. I've actually written a book about my process which is being released through Chronicle Books this year (first time as author!) but as I'm currently baking a small human, I foresee at least one children's book in my future once this small ball of inspiration and chaos is out and about.
Thank you so much for participating,Jessica,all the very best,
for further information of Jessica's work check out
Thank you for reading,
Tony Solomun


text:
The advent of model rocketry in 1958 completely changed he landscape of the "space crazed" youth of the era. Visionaries such as Orville Carlisle, G.Harry Stine and Vernon Estes provided the youth with a safe alternative to the dangerous experimental rocketry that was practiced until then.
They were sometimes known as "basement bombers" and many injuries and deaths occured due to the lack of safety codes and a viable model rocket hobby. They made their own motors and motor casings, experimented with sometimes lethal combinations of chemicals. The youth of that era showed a remarkable interest in this new field of rocketry. There was a hunger and need for a safe alternative. This is where our 3 visionaries stepped up to the plate. Orville Carlisle invented and patented the first model rockets thus providing the reusable model we've come to love. G. Harry Stine was the consummate promoter of the new hobby and the connector between the 3 visionaries. Vernon Estes created the first motor making machine to mass produce rocket motors and started Estes, the company that would go on to fuel the dreams of many a young rocketeer. In 1957 the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) was formed and began to promote the importance of safety in the hobby. The Model Rocket Safety Code was written to form the safety guidelines of model rocketry.Since the organized beginning of model rocketry the hobby has been a safe and wondrous place for the youths and adults of the hobby. The hobby has morphed to encompass High Powered Rocketry which has implemented it's own safety regulations. Always remember the safety rules are there for a reason. We never want to return to those dark early days when rocketry was a dangerous hobby.
1958 NY Times article snippet:
Prior to the beginning of hobby model rocketry the Army put out the public service announcement warning rocketeers of the perils of experimentation:
1958 article introducing the new hobby


text:
Time in Norway: 9:34 AM
Make a search for products & suppliers, articles & news.
Unwanted bacteria, yeasts and moulds can cause major problems for the food industry as well as consumers. Norwegian researchers have developed new methods to identify potential sources of contamination.
Unwanted bacteria, yeasts and moulds can cause major problems for the food industry as well as consumers. Norwegian researchers have developed new methods to identify potential sources of contamination.
Microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and moulds can cause food spoilage and deterioration during food production. Bacteria can cause problems in today's complex food production chain. They could be lurking in the tubes that convey milk to cartons, lying in wait on the floor, or even floating in the air where sausages are being packaged. And they are poised to attack and contaminate our food at any time. The food production chain is growing more and more complex – which increases the risk of food going bad at some point during production. New methods Troubleshooting during production is the food industry's current approach, using observation and testing to locate the causes of food spoilage. Now the participants at a research project carried out by the research institute Nofima Mat and packaging company Elopak have developed a more effective method of identifying infection sources that is faster and more economical to use.
Tracing microbes Using a spectrometer, the researchers are able to detect undesirable microorganisms in finished products and trace them back to the various steps in the production process. Scientists have long used Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a method of chemical analysis, and for the last two decades for identifying bacteria as well. The method can also detect all types of microorganisms in air, fluids and many other substances. "But no one had so far used the method for identifying food contaminants," says Henri-Pierre Suso, a researcher at Elopak. He headed a user-driven project that received funding under the Research Council's Food Programme: Norwegian Food from Sea and Land.
General enquiries:
Tel: +47 21 62 78 00Email: email@example.com
Address Information:
Media Digital AS
Dronningens gate 3
0152 Oslo
Become a member of NorwayExports.no:Øk sannsynligheten for
internasjonal vekst.
Du kan finne mer informasjon om det å bli medlem av NorwayExports.no her.
Forgot password?
How to become a member?


text:
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Choosing the right gallery for you
I get a lot of emails from emerging artists asking for advice about approaching galleries. I thought I would put together a list of things to look for in a gallery; things I have had to learn the hard way. I will say that I have considered myself a professional artist for only about 2 years, so take anything and everything I say with a grain of salt. In fact, don't bother reading this article.
1) The gallery shows other artists whom you respect.
You should see what sort of other inventory the gallery carries and if it is done by other artists whom you respect and admire. (When I approached S.R. Brennen galleries, it was because both Adrian Gottlieb and Michael Klein exhibited there.) It is also a really good idea to talk to other artists who show at the gallery as well to see what their experiences have been in terms of sales and payments.
2) The typical commission rate should be around 50% of the retail cost; any gallery that asks you pay them to be included in the gallery is a not a gallery that I would recommend.
3) Location, location, location.
A gallery does not have to be close to where you live, though it can be helpful. I live in Canada but sell everything in the States. It is good to research which areas are solid art markets, ex. Santa Fe, Palm Desert, Scottdale, etc. No matter how good a gallery may seem, if it's in a place like downtown Detroit, you may want to avoid it.
4) Make sure that art sales are the gallery's only source income. You may want to avoid any galleries with frame shops, crafts, all you can eat buffets, etc., as selling fine art may not be their primary focus.
5) Have work available before approaching a gallery.
That being said, it is a myth that you need an entire portfolio built up to give a gallery. You should have around 10-12 images of works of consistent quality you have done, but very few galleries want to commit to a dozen pieces all at once, nor should you want to commit all your eggs to one basket either. 3-4 is typically plenty. Having a website is the best way to showcase your work......or having the most manly blog in the world.
6) Artists are always getting approached by galleries. Choose carefully.
The better you get, the more people want a slice of the pie. Don't get overly excited and settle for the first one that comes along, like Kate did with me. You should have a strong and friendly relationship with your gallery. The gallery isn't doing you a favor by accepting you, they are going into business with you. Talking to Maggie and Carlen from "M Gallery" where I show feels like I am talking to my relatives.
7) If you are going to a gallery in person, wear a monocle and top hat to look sophisticated. I also fake a British accent to sound more intelligent. If that doesn't work, you can simply cold call a gallery to get a better feel for them and see what the application process is.
I am sure there are points I have missed or exceptions to the rules, so feel free to comment (or praise me).
10 comments:
Lol - great post!ReplyDelete
Will you being doing a "Doing Taxes as an Artist" post soon?ReplyDelete
"The gallery isn't doing you a favor by accepting you, they are going into business with you." And, I would add, don't be overly flattered when a gallery is inviting you to join up. Take some time to really think it over before hooking up to the wagon train.ReplyDelete
Thank you for this entertaining post!
Great. I would definitely reinforce the notion of being familiar with the gallery's roster, and being sure that you fit in. I would add a few things.ReplyDelete
If you live anywhere near the gallery, you should make a habit of visiting in person. It comes off as kind of rude when you send the gallery all these materials and expect the gallery to review them, and yet you can't be bothered to stop in and see what's actually there. So very uncool.
Having your shit together is a good rule. Agreed that 10-12 pieces of consistent (emphasis: consistent) work is a.o.k. However, if you feel the need to apologize for *anything*, as in: "I'm kind of working on my website...still..." or "I don't really know how to take good images of my work" then you should not approach a gallery. Wait until you've got it together, then approach.
Never approach a gallery you do not know with your own pre-packaged concept show.
If you need to qualify that you are self taught, or "have only been painting since 20XX..", you are not yet ready to send your work to galleries. Again, wait until you can hold your head high and walk in the front door (even if the front door is only virtual), with no excuses. Otherwise, you'll just make a crappy first impression, and you won't get another chance when and if you are ready to show.
Review any written materials you are thinking about submitting and consider whether or not you come off as a crazy person. Realizing that you may not be the best judge of this, you might want to ask someone else to have a look. If the person whose opinion you trust most is someone who sees you only in a professional capacity involving the words "warden" or "therapy", consider submitting to an outsider art gallery.
Good comments everyone. Kate should be doing a posting soon on shipping your works from Canada to the US, but the tax thing is so damn complicated I wouldn't even know where to begin (plus Kate and our accountant do all of it)ReplyDelete
I agree that you only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. Galleries don't care where you trained, if you were self taught, if you have only been painting for x years, they just want a solid product.Replies
Another excellent post David! I think the best gem of advice you give is to show up at the gallery openings wearing a top hat and monocle. I will be sure to start working on my British accent right away. After all, it does have to be a good accent! Not Cockney or anything working class. ;)Delete
This guys seems to know what he is doing--at least he is very good at the British accent!
Kidding aside, great topic. Thanks for posting!
From the perspective of a gallery, don't be crazy, take your meds if you have to, but don't appear to be hard work. Galleries prefer easy going artists, I've seen so many artists dumped by galleries for being pains in the ass.Delete
I once took on an artist for representation, only to be continaully pestered that same day & even woken the next morning by a call...all this whilst taking my gallery to an Art Fair. So I dumped the artist within 24 hours of representation, that's gotta be a record?
From the artist's perspective....A catch 22;
Don't accept representation from any gallery that asks you, unless you are way under their league. And if you approach a gallery and they accept you, be wary. You should not want to be part of a gallery that'll have you, nor be part of a gallery because they need you.
There is a third way to get representation, but I'm not tellying you :)
The way I've gotten into galleries is by being recommended by one of their other artists.ReplyDelete
I've had a gallerist tell me of an artist pulling a "don't you know who the f**k I am?" when being told his works wouldn't appeal to that gallery's clientele, it turns out that I know that artist personally!
Very true Jason. It really is a small art world and having friends in galleries you wish to be a part of is very helpful. The internet has been very helpful for meeting other artists, though I usually only use it for youtube fail videos.ReplyDelete
Cube. True enough. No gallery wants their artists to act like a needy girlfriend, no matter how hot of an item they might be.
I like your blog, it's funny and interesting. I did an unprofessional thing but for me it worked: since I didn't have any luck getting galleries to call back or respond to cd's of images, or answer emails, I just walked in. I made sure no clients were in, the owner was literally doing nothing but sitting at the computer, and I introduced myself and said I had some work in my car, and could I please bring a couple pieces in to show them. I went into three galleries one day, ended up having a show in two of them, and am still showing in one of those two. That was a couple years ago. (The third gallery owner went mad when I asked him, and nearly threw me bodily out, but I figured I had it coming.) Maybe that will help someone. dougstotts.blogspot.comReplyDelete


text:
Michael Steele sent me a survey from the Republican National Committee. Let's make fun of it.
Monday Morning
Good job staying away from an alpha-numeric date. Play to your audience of lowest common denominators.
Your immediate action is required
Holy fearmongering, Batman!
Please carefully read and complete the enclosed 2010 Obama Agenda Survey which is REGISTERED in your name and affixed with a tracking code to ensure that it is accounted for in the tabulated results.
I didn't add any emphasis there. That whole bit about the tracking code... am I the only one who thinks that if this survey came from the democrats, the right wing nut jobs would use that as proof of impending death camps? Also, you have to marvel at how the GOP makes innocuous words sound terrifyingly evil. Like "Agenda."
As Chairman of the Republican National Committee, I am sending out this questionnaire to guage where you and other grassroots Republicans stand on the critical issues facing our nation-- I need to hear back from you right away.
I thought conservative principles and ideals were eternal. I thought issues were black and white. Who cares where your base stands on individual issues? You are supposed to do what's right no matter what the polls say. Mr. Steele, are you licking your finger and putting it into the wind here?
You know that the liberal media elites and the Obama Democrats are hoping you will put this letter down right now and do nothing...
Oh, don't worry, that is the last thing I'm going to do with it. It's funny, you know... I don't recall any of the democrat propaganda that I get in the mail saying things like "You know that the flannel-farming cousin fuckers want you to ignore this..."
They want you to give up, desert your Party, and walk away from your conservative principles.
You capitalized "party." How apropos.
I'm asking you to please not turn your back on us now.
If you didn't run away from facts and logic, my back wouldn't be turned to you...
I want you to know that the Republican Party is not dead and we are not going away.
If you have to say "it's not dead..." then it's dead.
Our ideals remain sound and our goals remain worthy.
We just need you to take this survey so we know what our ideals and goals are...
We have a strong minority in the U.S. House and in the U.S. Senate. We are using both to actively oppose and expose the truth about the Obama Democrat agenda.
So... you ARE the party of "no?"
Oh, and that "truth" that you are talking about... would your fictional death panels be included in the truths that you are exposing?
We believe that you and every one of the more than 60 million voters all across our country who did not vote for Barack Obama deserve to have a voice in the way this country is governed.
You are right, we haven't heard ANYTHING from conservatives for nearly a year now-end sarcasm
The enclosed 2010 Obama Agenda Survey is your opportunity to let Republican leaders in Washington, D.C. and all across the country know where you stand on the policies and programs being proposed by Barack Obama and his Democrat allies in Congress.
Big buildup, Mike... this better not suck.
As a REGISTERED participant in this important touchstone survey, your questionnaire answers will be used to represent a broad sampling of Republicans in your area.
Your sampling method is broken, apparently. Either that, you you are getting a REALLY broad sample of republicans. So broad, that you sent it to a liberal democrat (me).
There is so much about the Obama agenda that most Americans do not know, thanks to the non-stop, swooning coverage of the ultra-biased media.
I expect you to tell me something I don't know, then. And if you don't, then there's ANOTHER ounce of credibility that you've lost with me. Be careful, you don't have much left.
...That's why we are asking where you stand on Barack Obama's promise to raise taxes...
Vague, much?
...On his plans to give amnesty to illegal immigrants, which could lead to billions of dollars of government handouts and possibly bankrupt Social Security...
Oh, I see... you are going to be intentionally vague and not actually contribute to the growth of my personal knowledge. I got it... I'm sorry, I thought we were playing a different game. Go on...
And how do you feel about Obama's efforts to nationalize health care and have it run by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.?
Mike,buddy... Where have you been? Single payer was never on the table. They killed off the public option... and the expansion of medicare was a glimmer in our eyes for all of 10 days. How does a reform bill that increases the saturation and market share of private insurers count as nationalized health care? It's not even a matter of semantics, it's the exact polar opposite of what you are saying. You are saying the president has a vagina WHILE you are sucking his cock, bud!
Holy shit, I'm only half-way through the welcome letter...
Blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah
Oh, here we go...
That's why I'm asking you to include a contribution to the Republican National Committee of $500, $250, $100, $50, or even $30 along with your 2010 Obama Agenda Survey in the postage-paid envelope
You no-talent ass-hat back alley gutter whore. Postage paid, huh? Well, shit... I guess I'll put something in the mail just to transfer some of your coffers to that evil socialist post office.
Even though the media acts as though the outcome of the 2008 election was a unanimous, 100% vote in favor of Barack Obama and his liberal agenda... over 60 million Americans did not support Obama and the Democrats...
You left out the part where 69 million people didn't vote for your guy, either...
Look, you got to play leader for the first 4 years of the last decade even though your guy got less votes than our guy. Now, our guy gets 7 and a half million votes more than your guy and it's ALL about the minority voice...
Alright, here is the survey:
1. Do you agree with Barack Obama and the Democrats that taxes should be raised for the sake of "fairness," regardless of the negative impact it is likely to have on the economy?
I can't agree with them on that because that is not their position.
2. Do you believe the federal government has gone too far in bailing out failing banks, insurance companies and the auto industry?
No. A very substantial portion of those funds has been repaid and it prevented a full-scale economic collapse. I believe it was prudent and correct and I give equal praise to George Bush and Barack Obama for taking the appropriate action.
3. Do you support amnesty for illegal immigrants?
4. Should English be the official language of the United States?
I don't care one way or the other. It would not have an effect on daily life. If English were the official language, it wouldn't make Mexicans learn to speak English. I will say No just to fuck with you.
5. Are you in favor of granting retroactive Social Security eligibility to illegal immigrants who gain U.S. citizenship through an amnesty program.
Yes. They've worked here and contributed to our economic power. They should receive the benefits of that contribution.
6. Are you in favor of the expanded welfare benefits and unlimited eligibility (no time, education or work requirements) that Democrats in Congress are pushing to pass?
Yes. Specifically because your side has said that we are going to have a shitty economy forever because of the big, bad democrats. If what your side says is true, then capping welfare benefits is just cruel.
7. Do you believe that Barack Obama's nominees for federal courts should be immediately and unquestionably approved for their lifetime appointments by the U.S. Senate?
No. But I also don't think they should be delayed forever. There is a difference between moving on with the nomination process and stonewalling the nominations. You aren't providing any more debate on these nominees by holding up the process.
8. Do you believe that the best way to increase the quality and effectiveness of public education in the U.S. is to rapidly expand federal fudning while eliminating performance standards and accountability?
In short? Yes.
9. Do you support the creation of a national health insurance plan that would be administered by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
10. Do you believe that the quality and availability of health care will increase if the federal government dictates pricing to doctors and hospitals?
Absolutely. Move closer to a European model, get closer to European access, quality, and affordability.
11. Are you confident that new medicines and medical treatments will continue to be developed if the federal government controls prescription drug prices and sets profit margins for research and pharmaceutical companies?
I didn't follow you on that one... I am a little groggy from my French-developed flu shot.
12. Are you in favor of creating a government-funded "Citizen Volunteer Corps" that would pay young people to do work now done by churches and charities, earning Corps Members the same pay and benefits given to military veterans?
Fuck Yeah! That sounds AWESOME! Where do I sign up?
13. Are you in favor of reinstituting the military draft, as Democrats in Congress have proposed?
Nope... and I will venture a guess that it will never happen... why do you hate the military, Mr. Steele?
14. Do you believe that the federal government should allow the unionization of Department of Homeland Security employees who serve in positions critical to the safety and security of our nation?
If their positions are critical to the safety an security of the nation, I would definitely not want them preoccupied with worrying about whether they will get arbitrarily shit-canned... so yes.
15. Do you support Democrats' drive to eliminate workers' right to a private ballot when considering unionization of their place of employment?
Nope... hey, we agree on one thing. Go fuck yourself :-)
Time to drop this in the mail...
Sphere: Related Content


text:
Stile success!
That reads 'stile' rather than 'style' as I by mistake wrote in an email a while ago....anyhow I'm delighted that we are likely to see a replacement for the stile going from Wheelers walk to the field near Archway - as the photos show the wood has been sawn off - a while back now. Sadly this means those small motorbikes have again got into the fields.
There have also been complaints re the old stile from local dog walkers who could not get their dogs over it. The GCC contractor removed the top rail to lower the height and I guess a local has removed the other.
Well I have been seeking funding for a replacement and have written to local Parish and Town Councils - and raised the issue with the county - it now looks like the County will supply a kissing gate and Stroud Town Council will have it installed.
Moor Hall Mystery Mirror
There will now be an additional sign either side of the bend, highlighting the presence of pedestrians. I hope this is useful and not a distraction. The County have also reaffirmed this week to the Parish Council their position with regard to the replacement of the mirror - ie that they won't permit a replacement at this location and will not be seeking approval from the DfT for it. I did not expect anything other than that as we had been told earlier in the year by Highways there was no way it would happen - see blog here. However driving this last week down the road there is the mirror??!!! I have written to seek clarification!
Cashes Green School
This has been a problem area and the Parish have been trying to find solutions - Following the recent site meeting with representatives from Randwick Parish Council there is now a draft proposal for additional waiting restrictions in the area near Cashes Green Primary School. This proposal includes:
1. Extension of existing school keep clear marking on the northbound kerbline (to prevent double parking).
2. Extension of the existing double yellow waiting restriction on the southbound kerbline (to limit the spaces available by one car length)
3. Additional waiting restrictions around the junction of Fox Moor Lane/Cashes Green Road.
I am told the earliest this proposal will be consulted on is 2011 and it will be subject to the level of funds made available for Traffic Regulation Orders. At the current time it is not possible to confirm whether funding will or will not be available.
The existing parking taking place outside the school already significantly reduces the speed of vehicles traveling outside the school - Highways seem to agree - I am glad as I don't agree with those who wish to see that parking removed. Indeed such a measure could speed up traffic. What do others think?
Dog poo?
A while ago I mentioned the Council that sprayed their poo pink to highlight the problem - well yellow plastic bags on this track is another way - see photo. Randwick Council are giving serious consideration to how to raise this issue - it seems there are still many dog owners who don't take the issue seriously. Indeed I heard a terrible story about users of the putting green at Stratford Park getting faeces over themselves on the course - hopefully an issue that now highlighted can be tackled.
12 Oct 2010
Stile success, Moorhall mystery mirror, Cashes Green Primary and dog poo
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text: Lake Saiful Muluk is a lake located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran. A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake. It is the story of prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the lake. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon.


text:
When we were young, we would fly down to Adelaide for Christmas, and since we would always have missed the Pageant (which is held in November, way too early for school holidays to be on), Grandma would have taped it for us (on videotape!). Watching the video of the Christmas Pageant was one of our Adelaide Christmas traditions.
Then I moved to Adelaide, but between my liking for sleep-ins and the fact that I was working in retail, I never made it to the Pageant.
UNTIL NOW! The moment I've been waiting 25 years for finally arrived, and It. Was. Awesome.
Step One: Pancake breakfast! For extra fun, require that the pancakes be Christmas-themed!
Step Two (not shown on tv, for maximum suprise fun on the day): Draw on the road with chalk! Age is not a factor on Pageant Day!
Step Three: Find a good place from which to watch the Pageant. As you are walking the route and searching for the perfect spot, pretend you are in the Pageant.
Step Four: Enjoy the Pageant.
4.1 Realise that your dream of riding Nimble in the Pageant will probably never come true, despite your excellently thought-out plan of having the little girl currently riding him fall off just in front of where you are standing, and then being the one picked to replace her for the rest of the Pageant.
4.2 Realise that the clowns probably won't be coming all the way back there to high-five you; make do with police officers instead.
4.3 Enjoy making people smile by your energetic waving, and sincerely love the ones who are enjoying it as much as you are, especially the kid in the toy truck who was going crazy with the dancing and the waving and the thumbs up.
Step Five: Wave to Santa. Have Santa turn to wave to the other side of the street as he goes past you.
Have Santa turn back to you at the last possible second, and wave to you AND BLOW A KISS DIRECTLY TO YOU OMG that was so awesome. Pass out from the excitement of it all.


text:
Our homestudy was completed in just over three months. During this time we met with Donna, our adoption practitioner (social worker) four times. Basically her role was to ensure we were acceptable applicants for adoption, as well as ensure our home would be a safe place for our adopted child. Donna was able to answer all our questions as well as give us great insight and advice. She is awesome!
We also had medicals completed, police checks, RCMP clearances, passports updated and tons of other miscellaneous paperwork.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)