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Manuscripts Burn
"Manuscripts don't burn"
Hi, I'm horror and science fiction author Steve Kozeniewski (pronounced: "causin' ooze key.") Welcome to my blog! You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon. You can e-mail me here, join my mailing list here, or request an e-autograph here. Free on this site you can listen to me recite one of my own short works, "The Thing Under the Bed."
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
"Z" is for "Zero Hour"
Zero hour nine a.m."
- Elton John and Bernie Taupin
In a strange way I never thought this moment would come. Intellectually, yes, when I agreed to take on this 26 Week Blog Challenge some five-odd months ago, I knew that July 29th would be my final post. There was even a point in time where I was planning posts well in advance. I knew, for instance, that for R I would want to cover "Red Adept" and for F I would talk about "Fat Zombie" and so forth. But Z? Z seemed like a cipher.
Z is a cipher. Not quite the cipher that X is. X is the great unknown, the variable. The X-Factor. The X-Files. But Z is similarly odd. Stationed at the end of the alphabet, rarely used (except, like its pluckier, cruciform brother, in algebra) Z is kind of a strange animal. It's not useless. Z is a distinctive sound, unlike, say, its bastard cousin C who serves literally no purpose. All the heavy lifting that C does could be done by S and K, without the added confusion of having to guess which it is. So, in a way, C is a liability to the alphabet rather than an asset.
Not so with Z. Z is distinct, albeit, rarely used. Maybe that's for the best.
I suppose I'm getting off track. Not that there really is a track for blogposts. Sometimes you want them to be short and concise. Sometimes you want them to be endless and rambling. That's part of their beauty and their mystique, I suppose. Sometimes I click on a link and get hit with a one-two punch. Other times I get slowly drawn in to a lengthy, morphia-laden argument. Other times I don't get drawn in and give up after a paragraph or two.
But this post is supposed to be about endings. Zero hour. Launch day. It's a beginning and an ending. The 26 Week Blog Challenge is at an end. I am, as far as I can tell, the only survivor. I have been for quite some time now. By rights, I suppose I could have just thrown in the towel once I was the last participant left and claimed my "prize" (which I assume to be a Highlander-style super-Quickening.) But I really liked having this challenge to keep me on track for my blogging this year, as I've talked about ad nauseum in the past.
Now it's kind of like there will be a hole in my schedule. What am I supposed to do on Wednesdays from now on? I mean, sure, it's nice that if I feel like throwing in a laughing chicken meme or something, I don't have to worry about cranking out 500 words on the meaning of humor. But on the other hand, I'll have no structure. Structure is constricting but it's also freeing in a way. I never had to worry about, "What post will I do on Wednesday?" I just had to worry about "What will I write about for the challenge this week?"
I suppose I'm getting maudlin. That's the way I get at the conclusion to things. Thanks for sticking with me for these past 26 weeks, everybody. We'll be back next week of course, but with something...different. And as for me, I'm off back to Hobbiton. Take care!
2 comments:
Two things: You had been doing so well on your its/it's. But you slipped in the second paragraph. (Reminder: its = possessive, it's = contraction of "it is.")ReplyDelete
Also, to quibble with your vilification of 'c' as useless, can either 's' or 'k' help to create the sound of 'ch'?Replies
"Ch" is a different sound. It has nothing to do with the "c" or the "h," that's just how we represent it in the Latin alphabet. Just like a glottal stop isn't really the sound of an apostrophe. And if a glottal stop IS the sound of an apostrophe why don't we pronounce every apostrophe?
Consider Cyrillic. 32 letters, because there are 32 basic sounds. "Ch" is represented by "Ч ." Their "S" is always an "S" sound. Their "K" is always a "K" sound. Weirdly elegant, no?
Meanwhile, we combine our letters will-nilly because we only have 26. So we have to create our "sh" and "ch" and etc. to get up to 32 sounds. "C" is a bastard letter. Now, if you proposed to remove "C" and replace it with a "Ch" symbol, I'd be on board.


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Poke Berries, oil on panel, 8" x 8"
I've been working on a little something... Here's my Artist Statement for this new series.
Southern Weeds
As a recent transplant to the South, I have been struggling to find how I belong here, especially as an artist. I grew up in New England, just south of Boston yet, I have spent the last thirteen years in California. Our recent relocation to North Carolina has markedly skewed my sense of identity. I am now acutely aware of how foreign I am in this place where terms like Yankee still mingle freely in conversation; where even still, segregation is a reoccurring and prominent subject. It is through the nature of my new home state, that I have been able to find peace and a sense of place.
While in California I studied and developed my career as a fine artist. I received wonderful classical figurative painting training from Laguna College of Art and Design. There, I focused on representing the figure and still life in paint. In retrospect, it seems odd that I never was interested in painting that Western landscape. It is such an iconic setting for plein air work, and yet I never felt connected enough to want to represent it. Over the years, I slowly became less aware of my desire for a more familiar landscape. This desire wasn't re-ignited until I took a quick trip to visit Chapel Hill, NC which reminded me of the rich greens, dark woods and rolling pastures that I craved from my youth.
The natural surroundings of my new backyard are at once familiar and shockingly different than that of my childhood. There are of course, many familiar plants that flourish in both areas, but then there are also some species that are unique to the South. It is these new to me, but common to the South plants that I find so interesting. As a continuation of previous bodies of work that explored the idea of representing the mundane as extraordinary, I hope to share the beauty that I find in these common, and often overlooked, southern weeds. Through my research and painting of these specimens, I've also learned some of the history of the area. As I've discovered how these plants were used as medicine or ink or even in Anti Slavery protests, I have found a deeper connection to my new setting. It's a connection safely explored through beauty and history, beyond any stigmas or political agendas. It is an artistic connection rooted to the natural history here that has helped me find my place.

subset: commoncrawl


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The coolest bathroom ever made was created!
I just have to show off the newest creation from my Etsy Shop. This is my Star Wars bathroom set which was inspired by my sister Faith. She is a major Star Wars finatic! She has the original towel set which is a bit different than this one, but this is the first shower curtain I have done. I LOVE it! It's so cool! I made it with vintage Star Wars bed sheets, a shower curtain liner, and terry cloth bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths. "May the force be with you!"
Where to find it: http://www.greatfulthread.etsy.com/


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I love this time of year. Storytimes about monsters rule, hands down. We can do things about fall and the weather all season long – but don't waste those last two weeks of October on that! Kids love monsters. I'll have some more monster programming things up soon. But for now, here are some goulish fingerplays and songs for your younger franken-kids.
Ten Little Monsters
One little, two little, three little, Monsters
Four little, five little, six little, Monsters
Seven little, eight little, nine little, Monsters
Ten Monsters can't scare me.
Ten little, nine little, eight little, Monsters
Seven little, six little, five little, Monsters
Four little, three little, two little, Monsters
One Monster can't scare me.
Monster, Monster
Monster, Monster, turn around
Monster, Monster, touch the ground
Monster, Monster, show your shoe
Monster, Monster, How old are you?
Monster, Monster, reach up high
Monster, Monster, blinks you eyes
Monster, Monster, slap your knees
Monster, Monster, sit down please.
If you ever see a Monster
(it's easy, you just make faces with the kids)
If you ever see a Monster
A big ugly monster
If you ever see a Monster
Here's what you do!
Make this face…
And this face…
And this face…
And this face…
If you ever see a monster
Make sure you shout BOO!!!
What Do Monsters Do?
What do monsters do?
They stretch and touch their toes.
What do monsters do?
They comb their purple hair.
What do monsters do?
They stick out their green tongues.
What do monsters do?
They brush their teeth with a broom.
What do monsters do?
They rub their yellow eyes.
What do monsters do?
They wiggle their orange ears.
Boy, am I glad that I'm not a monster!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Monster Storytime
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Willie Womer
Community Development Committee Chair
Nespelem District Representative
Nespelem Business Councilman, Willie Womer, is the owner of Womer and Associates. Mr. Womer has taken time away from his business to focus on the membership. With his expertise he is the Chair of the Community Development Committee. He is a hunter, photographer, entrepreneur and supporter of youth athletics success.
Mr. Womer founded Womer and Associates in 1992, originally specializing in engineering services. Working in the Spokane and Coulee Dam offices included civil engineers, architectural designers, environmental engineers, designers specializing in computer-assisted drafting, mechanical engineers, architects, electrical engineers, a structural engineer, specialists in planning and support staff.
Nespelem District Position #1
Work (509) 634-2252
Cell (509) 978-9048


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The days are really golden around here right now. We have a lot of color in some areas but, amazingly, there are some trees that are still only tinged with color and for the most part still green. A few rainy days will take care of that.
We went on a little visit to North Carolina to check up on the old folk. Aunt Mattie and Uncle Don are in their mid nineties and now in assisted living. Mattie is still very sharp but Don is failing a bit. I'll take 95 if it could be on those terms. Mattie got a kick out of my Kindle and she learned some games on cousin Susan's I-phone. That woman is pretty sharp. She enjoyed playing solitaire. We visited them several times and did a lot of lunches and dinners at some great places around Davidson/Mooresville. Davidson is a college town about 20 miles outside Charlotte -Mattie and Don live in the retirement village there. It's quite the place for that kind of thing. They had a cottage on the property for many years and then, due to illness they had to move to the assisted living facility. Anyway, being a college town, there are many really nice places to shop in and eat in. We picked a place called Toast and had a great brunch one day. The food was very good and we ate on the lovely patio outside. Very nice.
Our flights were uneventful which is all you can really ask for these days. I have been catching up with the laundry and a bit of housekeeping and now I can return to the @$!%*# baby quilt that never ends. One down and one more to go. Our niece is having another baby in December so another, hopefully much quicker, baby quilt is on the way.
Dani is nearly finished with this semester of school and her schedule for the next is mostly in the evening so I will not have Thursdays with Lucy. I will miss our crazy days together but probably get more accomplished since I am so easily distracted by the cuteness.
Well, off to make some chicken soup(it's very chilly here) and back to the machine to finish that quilt.
Hope to have something to show soon. Talk to you tomorrow.


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Osama Bin Laden Is Dead. And So Is "Cowboy Diplomacy" (We Hope!)
Labels: Barack Obama, birthers, conspiracy theorists, Cowboy Diplomacy, Osama Bin Laden, Sarah Palin, statesmanship
Justice Is Served.
Obama Is Lauded.
Statesmanship Is
And The Right is
Obama Is Lauded.
Statesmanship Is
And The Right is
A statesman does not gloat: in an hour when United States needed supreme statesmanship, Barack Obama made the announcement of Osama Bin Laden's with a slightly somber note. He did not smile. He simply noted that justice had been served and that we must be ever-vigilant in the war on terrorism. He also reinforced his image as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in declaring:
We must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
He did not gloat. Instead, the gloating was done for him around the country, and while people are justified in being satisfied with the Al Qaeda leader's death as a point of closure to horrific events in our history, the current hysteria may look to the world exactly like the joy Islamic militants had demonstrated on 9/11. Obama's calm hopefully countered that image.
The cheers may also signal a blow to the Right, for those jubilant crowds at Ground Zero are the people the Republican Party counted on to destroy Barack Obama. After all, they are cheering Obama's "gutsy" but intelligent strategy. Not...George...Bush's.
And it's very obvious that conservatives across the country are holding back tears of frustration. After all, Bush's "cowboy diplomacy" was an oxymoron: it was no diplomacy at all. His desire to wear a white stetson and go into the Middle East with guns blazing was loutish and engendered more fear of the U.S. than admiration. It was the result of an excuse to annihilate Saddam Hussein, an act of bravado that cost more U.S. lives than were lost on 9/11 and spiraled the economy down into debt. Bush was derided as a brute - history's greatest diplomatic dimwit.
Reactions by Republicans have tried to temper their commendations of Obama with references to Bush:
Eric Cantor: "I commend President Obama who has followed the vigilance of President Bush in bringing Bin Laden to justice."
Tim Pawlenty: In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush promised that America would bring Osama bin Laden to justice -- and we did."
Donald Rumsfeld: "All of this was made possible by the relentless, sustained pressure on al Qaeda that the Bush administration initiated after 9/11 and that the Obama administration has wisely chosen to continue."
And some didn't bother to commend the President at all: reactions eliminating any mention of Obama include Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Condoleezza Rice, Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Rep. Darrell Issa, Sen. Marco Rubio to name a few.
Those Amazing Conspiracy Guys
Perhaps the most loyal adherents to cowboy diplomacy are the country's conspiracy theorists: Obama's comparatively restrained militarism helped them paint him as un-American. And on the outset, the publication of the long form birth certificate coupled with Bin Laden's demise should render the brand of un-American moot and pointless. Of course, conspiracy theorists are still having a field day because of the manner in which the body of Bin Laden was disposed of: dumping it in the ocean was not (to them) conclusive. No matter that the comprehensive coverage of the assault by CBS IN THE WAR ROOM leaves no doubt that Obama, Vice-President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton and other officials viewed the assault in real time. No matter that one woman in the compound made a positive identification of the body. No matter that photos were taken. No matter that positive DNA results were released.
No matter.
We have Birthers (some refuse to believe the legitimacy of the long form) and now there will be (Bin Laden) "Deathers" as well. Ho hum. We can only hope that all these theorists whose raison d'etre is to "get" Obama at any cost may find their numbers dwindling, not because of the last two events, but because the pile up of conspiracy theories may increase to such a point that the industry itself may implode. Too many jokes founded on too many theories will eventually bore the public and adamant theorists will be looked upon for what they are: rubes who will grasp at anything to discredit him and make him look un-American.
And when that happens, let's hope that they will take cowboy diplomacy along with them. It's too expensive. We can't afford it any more.


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It has been a long time since I last posted. A lot has happened. I will try to hit a few of the major things.
June 16, 2009 - Dillon's THIRD birthday! Happy Birthday my sweet baby! We were in WV with Josiah's family and traveled home on Dillon's birthday, but the day before we went out on a lake and had a birthday party with a cake and all. Dillon's birthday is always a mix of emotions for me. I am so happy he is alive! I am so happy he is doing relatively well. I am happy for every little step of progress he has made. I am sad, though. Sad for all the things Dillon can't do. Sad that he has to live in a body that is controlled by such a hurt brain. Sad that he has to struggle for everything in life - even his next breath. But I am rejoicing that he is in God's hands. Rejoicing that I know God has a purpose for Dillon's life. I know that God would not leave Dillon here on this earth, with his body the way it is, if He didn't have a great purpose for Dillon. So you see - June 16 is a day full of different emotions. This year, I choose not to dwell on the reasons to be sad and to only dwell on those that will make me rejoice. Also this year on Dillon's birthday the Pottstown Mercury published a wonderful article on Dillon's upcoming trip to China. To read the article go here
Or copy paste this: http://www.pottstownmercury.com/articles/2009/06/16/news/srv0000005588977.txt
June 17, 2009 – June 24, 2009 Dillon's auction went well! As I said, once all the money comes in we will have raised about $1,100! I think this is a great success, especially since we threw it together in about a week's time! Thank you again Wendy, and her boss Jay for the wonderful idea and getting this started!
June 22, 2009 – My 24th birthday! Lori – one of Dillon's volunteers…and now a good friend! – took Josiah, Dillon, Jay and I out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory! YUMMY! She also brought balloons and other stuff with her. Thank you so much Lori! I am so thankful God brought you into our lives, not just because of all the things you do for us – and you do a LOT – but also for your friendship. Our nurse hurt her back and wasn't able to be at work Monday, but she was back for Tuesday and also brought some very nice gifts for me. Thank you Robin – you are more than just Dillon's nurse to us! My sweet husby brought home a dozen white roses for me! Thank you so much Honey, I love you!
June 23, 2009 – Dillon had two appointments at CHOP. GI went well – the doctor is fine with not putting Dillon on reflux drugs since we don't know if he even has it. He doesn't like that Dillon is throwing up some – but feels it is not often enough to consider the MAJOR surgery to fix his nissen. Audiology was an very good visit. We learned that Dillon's left ear tube is functioning properly, but his right tube is not. It is either clogged or working its way out. She tested Dillon's hearing anyways. During the test I had to hold Dillon so his breathing was as quiet as possible so as not to interfere with the test. The test sends tones in at different frequencies and measures the energy put off by the hairs in the ears to know if he is hearing or not. During the left ear, Dillon was cooing for the majority of the test, then he stopped and was quiet for the rest. She told me the test showed he was hearing 3 of the 4 tones, and it was the last one that he was not hearing. So I am pretty sure he was cooing when he was hearing!!!! Then on the right ear (with the tube not working right) he was quiet during most of the test and only cooed at the end. This test showed he did not hear the first three tones but that he did hear the last one. Dillon has never responded during a hearing test like this before!!!! This is a huge blessing! Of course, he is still not always responding to sounds, but if he did it once he can do it again! So please keep praying for his hearing!
June 24, 2009 – Two more appointments at CHOP. Seating clinic where they are going to start trying to get my insurance to pay for a stander, a chair, and a bath chair for Dillon since I have failed at getting them to do so. We'll see…. He also had urology appointment. GRRR! Over two years ago I asked a couple doctors if the two bulges in Dillon's lower stomach when he coughs were hernias. I was pretty much laughed off. I was told no. Even when I suggested that his nonstop coughing may be the cause. Well guess what? Dillon has two hernias that need to be stitched closed. He also needs some other urology surgery, but the doctor assured me he is not in pain and there is no rush for this surgery. So they are going to talk with ENT and try to schedule this surgery at the same time as Dillon's next ear tubes/tonsil removal surgery. (Have I told you his tonsils were taken out right before he turned one and it grew back already? It is taking up half his throat again. And he doesn't have any room to spare!)
And that bring us to today. Tomorrow is June 29, 2009 – JayDonn's SECOND birthday! Happy Birthday my little man! JayDonn is almost fully potty trained. He doesn't wear diapers when we go out of the house or anything. He only wears them at night. We have even stopped using them for nap times. He is such an amazing little man. He is such a big help to me. A few months ago he had over 100 words, so I can't imagine how many he has now. He uses sentences, and is so good about saying "thank you Mommy" or "Thank you Robin" He even says "Bless you Mommy" every time I sneeze. JayDonn's favorite toys are his "emals" (animals). He loves the little animals and ark my parents got him and plays with it every day. In fact he drives us crazy with it every day! :-) I am sure he will be left handed as he is still using his left for everything he does. Every night when I tell him it is bed time he gives Daddy, Dillon and Mommy hugs and kisses then we go upstairs and he reminds me "teeth!" Then we go upstairs and he tells me "diaper" and then "pray". We kneel by his bed and pray and he says "amen!" then he give me "hug and kiss" and goes to sleep. In the morning, if I don't have the gate across his room, he will come down from his third floor bedroom and say "Hello Mommy! Robin!" If JayDonn doesn't want to do what I tell him I will say "Obey Mommy." Then he will repeat it and then *usually* do what ever it was I asked him to do. Sometimes he sings "Obey Mommy! Obey Mommy!" for no reason….other than I think he hears it a lot! :-) Here is a video of Jay saying his Bible verse Click Here
JayDonn – you are a precious little boy. You bring so much joy into my life. I love you so much. I thank the Lord everyday for giving you to me. I can't wait to watch you grow up into a wonderful man! Keep your sweet heart for your brother and others.


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Ahern, of course, was playing out the last chapter of his incredibly long goodbye to Irish political life. Two and half years ago he felt that – after handing in his resignation as Taoiseach and heading for a goodbye scoop in Fagans – he had made a dignified goodbye to life at the centre of national politics. Dignified goodbyes though are very, very rare in any walk of life, particularly politics, and after the criticism of his tenure that has followed, there is now a general consensus that this was a bumbling yes man who got several things right but many, many of the big things wrong.
There's little point in going into the minutiae of what Bertie did and didn't do, but suffice it to say he believes that everyone should still think he's a wonderful man of the people. Denial is the order of the day, and while most of us remember his true legacy, he just remembers that celebratory pint of Bass in 2008. Steeped in self delusion, a dignified goodbye is no longer an option.
I'm obviously thinking about goodbyes because, as of yesterday all Liverpool fans like me must surely have accepted that, despite the initial shock, we will soon be saying goodbye to Fernando Torres. Goodbye to a phenomenal goal record, goodbye to the only man on the team self confident enough to tell Jamie Carragher to shut up, goodbye to lengthy absences from the team and goodbye to that bouncy Anfield chorus that paid tribute to 'Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number 9'.
I don't blame Torres for wanting to leave, I don't believe he owes anybody anything either. This is a bloke who's nearly 27, and who must look back on the summer of 2008 and think where did it all go wrong? He scored the winning goal in the European Cup Final, he had just had an astonishing first season for Liverpool and he was heading back to start an assault on the Premier League and Champions League believing he could win both with his team, and indeed came relatively close on at least one front.
Since then, he has drifted further and further away from top club honours – his stated reason for leaving Athletico Madrid in the first place – while having won the World Cup for likely the only time last summer, his joy was tempered by his terrible form throughout the tournament and painful injury during the final itself. A multi-millionaire who can't buy a break when it comes to the big things he wants to achieve, how could he not be interested in Chelsea's offer?
Even if the side is aging, they appear to have the funds to keep buying in new stars and it's the thorny subject of reassurance of transfer money that sparked his major problems with Liverpool in the first place. Having been, in his opinion, lied to by the Hicks and Gillett regime, this summer he stayed around in the hope that a billionaire might arrive. FSG's promises of revival based on steady progress and wise investment clearly doesn't appeal to a man heading into his prime. Frankly, those who don't understand why he'd go have their heads buried in the sand.
The only real question now is whether it'll be a quickie divorce or lengthy, drawn out affair. Or of course, there may be reconciliation, but if Mrs Doubtfire taught us anything – and I'm not sure it did – it's that sometimes, these things just can't be fixed. As of now, there are pretty much three possible outcomes.
(1) Liverpool accept a bid from Chelsea and Torres goes.
It's the most obvious, least messy option but it is more than a little complicated. Kenny Dalglish won't like the idea of losing a prized asset during what he hopes are the first six months of his second tenure as manager and won't let Torres go easily. Those who've read Roy Keane's autobiography will vouch for the fact that Dalglish can be a bit prickly when it comes to losing out in major transfers. In turn, Chelsea will now have to come up with a bid that meets Dalglish's valuation of the player, not to mention appease the money men in Fenway Sports Group.
Chelsea need to send a fax (apparently English clubs still use fax machines for such things) to Anfield with an offer that will make up for the lost commercial revenue that Torres generates and that offer is well above the £35 million offered yesterday and, most likely well above the £40/£42 million offered last night alongside Daniel Sturridge. Will Chelsea have the cash to spend? £50 million might just be the type of symbolic figure that would do it, though a Chelsea player in exchange may also be needed. Or maybe they could just take Joe Cole back, which would be very nice of them. Doing all of this in a few days, during which Liverpool can't sign a striking partner for Luis Suarez, is going to be a challenge but not impossible. Odds on option one? 3-1
(2) Torres stays until the summer and leaves for a bigger fee once Man City get involved.
As a Liverpool fan who tries to remain somewhat reasonable when it comes to emotional attachment to the team (I try not to use the words 'Football Club' very often anyway), I've learnt that transfers should always be viewed as cold business transactions that must make sense to all sides. Break it down to the basic elements of any deal and even Robbie Fowler's return a few years back falls under this category*.
With no major tournament this summer there's time to benefit from a big-money deal. Potential targets will know Liverpool have money to spend both on the strength of the Suarez move, as well as the massive funds likely to come from Torres going. The cash could also be used to reshape the side. Torres is the latest in a long line of footballers at Liverpool who have become the focal point of play; where the team is built around them but once they're taken out of the side no semblance of a proper style is in evidence.
Think of Arsenal, they play based around an ethos that Arsene Wenger has imposed upon the club; it's what Mourinho did for three seasons at Chelsea (even going so far as making sure all the youth teams played in a similar formation to the first team). Liverpool haven't had a recognisable style (and no, 'boring' doesn't count as a style) that runs through the team and rules how they approach each and every game for 20 years now. Pass and move was replaced by brute force and little imagination under Souness; fractured focusing on stars under Evans; hard work and crippling fear of failure under Houllier; and finally reactionary chopping and changing under Rafa.
Not that I'm saying Rafa didn't do some great things for the club, but far too often he designed his team structure around the opposition. While some may argue that he imposed a style that focused on quick movement and pressing high up the field during the fourth year of his tenure (when Torres was at his best), this was, let's be honest, based on a little luck. After two terrible years, Alonso came into form, Gerrard's ego was massaged by not technically taking him out of the middle and, of course Torres' immense form led the whole juggernaut from the front.
Take Alonso or Torres out, and the house of cards generally fell (though to be fair there was no Alonso present in the 4-1 thrashing of Man United). The reality is, take Fabregas from Arsenal in the summer and at the very least the team will still play in a similar manner, being as they are a construct of Wenger's footballing design. Take one element from the Royal Flush Rafa had in his possession on 08/09 and things just fell apart. Odds of a big transfer in the summer and rebuilding, a hopeful evens.
(3) Torres stays, strikes up a partnership with Suarez, changes his mind ala Rooney and Tevez, following further discussions and everything is hunky dory.
Okay, sometimes I'm an optimist. This could happen, but it's hugely unlikely. For one, Torres wants to play in the Champions League, the only time he's looked happy this season was putting two past a big side (yep, that'd be Chelsea) while goal celebrations for anything else have been more than a little muted. Could playing alongside a kindred spirit like Suarez (well, they have the same agent at least) reignite his belief that Liverpool Football Club (sorry) is a team that's going places? Probably not. The odds on this, a good 20-1.
Of course, as an infrequent and pretty bad gambler my odds may be askew there but whatever the outcome let's just not lose the run of ourselves. Who knows, it could even be the best thing for Liverpool to let him leave. As the comic actor David Schneider said on Twitter this morning: "It's ok Liverpool fans. Suarez is a perfect replacement for Torres. They just have to check he has hamstring/groin problems and you're sorted."
Ok, it's only the bloke from the Friday Night Armistice, but he might just have a point.
Later, JJ
*I'll defend the Robbie Fowler statement in the comments if needs be. I can sense some doubts, though that's mainly because people really, really dislike Robbie Fowler.


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It was a wet day at Homeschool Soccer today. It had just started sprinkling, or as Kindle calls it sparkling, while we were headed to the park. We hoped it would blow over. Instead as we got out of the car, it actually picked up and got worst. So, the kids had a fun day of soccer in the rain and mud. Of course, they loved it! I obviously didn't get my camera out in the rain. Instead, I took some videos on my iPhone. I was with Grant the entire time because Kindle and Cooper finished earlier because of the rain.
Here is Grant and the 3 year olds doing jumping jacks.
And doing the helicopter stretch.
And touching their toes.
And "dancing" with the ball.
And kicking the ball uphill.
And playing with the parachute.
And more fun with the parachute.
The kids had a really great, wet day!


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Summary purpose and objective of role
The role will be responsible for maintaining financial information, providing project finance and administrative support to the Tanzania project team, and submitting monthly financial reports to the UK headquarters office. The Project Finance and Administrative Coordinator will work closely with the Team Leader based in Dar es Salaam and support the Regional Advisors based i
n Lindi, Mtwara, Mbeya and Tanga. The role holder will also liaise with staff in London, UK. The role holder will be the most senior finance person in the local team and will ensure Options' financial policies and procedures are adhered to.
The role is based in Dar es Salaam, with occasional travel within Tanzania as required.
Main Duties
Financial Accounting: prepare and update monthly accounts; undertake regular account reconciliations and management of all local bank accounts; prepare monthly cash flow statements for fund advances; adhere to standard chart of accounts, ledgers and other standard financial management systems and instruments; oversee payroll preparation for all locally paid staff; carry out disbursement checks, ensure all supporting documentation is in order; manage project timesheets and travel advances in line with Options policies.
Budget Management & Reporting: prepare monthly budget vs. actual reports for Team Leader and Regional Advisors; support budget re-forecasting aligned to the project work plan.
Financial Integrity & Compliance: implement internal controls; safeguard the company¡¦s assets; ensure compliance to donor regulations and Tanzanian law in all project dealings; support and facilitate audit procedures and ensure that audit findings are acted upon; take initiative on cutting costs to promote value for money.
Support Financial Audit Coordination: coordinate financial audits and liaise with auditors to ensure appropriate monitoring of Tanzania finances is maintained.
Project Administration: provide overall support to the project, including but not limited to:
Oversee all project finance and administration tasks, including petty cash, procurement, staff travel, and HR administration.
Logistics: make travel arrangements for the team members locally and based in other regions of Tanzania, including but not limited to:
Liaise with traveller and local team to identify travel needs
Book travel in line with budget limits using local agents
Arrange airport pick-ups for both local and international travellers in discussion with the team
Identify suitable accommodation for international or national staff and consultants in line with project budget and security plan. Book and pay for accommodation as required
If necessary, provide logistical support to travellers in Tanzania during their visit.
Systems and Policies:
Contribute to the development and improvement of internal project management systems and procedures where required, including finance policies, procedures, forms, tools and other relevant policies.
Develop a database of preferred suppliers, source preferred suppliers in line with Options¡¦ procurement policies and manage such suppliers to provide services by identifying work required, gathering quotes, analyse quotes
Procure IT fixed assets in accordance with Options¡¦ Procurement Policy. Create and maintain a fixed asset register covering IT and associated assets and for the procurement. Liaise with external IT support consultants where necessary.
Any other relevant tasks supporting the team, and London based Programme Manager as required.
Person specification
The successful candidate will have a proven track record in financial and administrative functions, preferably a Bachelors Degree in Finance/Accounting or a CCAB qualified accountant. The role holder will need to have experience in: financial management and reporting; establishing robust administration systems; working in an international team; organising events, meetings and workshops. A confident self-starter, you will have excellent communication skills in both English and Kiswahili, an eye for detail with excellent accuracy.
About Options
Options Consultancy Services Limited was established in 1992 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marie Stopes International. We are a consultancy organisation providing technical and management expertise in the health and social sectors to governments and international development partners to transform the health of women and children. We provide information, expertise and influence to governments, health workers, NGOs and businesses to catalyse change so that health services can be accessed by the people who need them most.
Options is leading a consultancy support team to the Tanzanian-German Programme to Support Health in Tanzania. The team is providing policy advice and capacity development at national level, quality improvement in district hospitals, and strengthening cooperation and networking as part of the Tanzanian German Project to Support the Health Sector. Team members are based in Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Mtwara, Mbeya and Tanga
Other information
· Options is an equal opportunities employer
· Candidates require the right to work in Tanzania.
· To apply, please send your CV with a summary note of your skills and experience email@example.com. Candidates should state the role in the subject header.
· Closing date for applications is: 5 June 2016.
· Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.


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Saturday, December 17, 2011
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them He gave the right to become the sons of God, to those who believe on his name;
Like every family..Christmas season brings us many things to "do"...many wonderful enjoyable things..parties, cookie making, getting our Christmas tree from the farm, Decorating, hot chocolate...school parties, good gifts.
But unlike some families, Christmas has a deep life meaning for us. It is the celebration for us that our Saviour did come. It reminds us who we are and why we are here. It perseveres us ahead into a new year.
The pictures in this post show smiling faces. They might make you think of a "happy family". We are happy indeed, but what the picture can not tell you is why we are happy. It can lead you to believe something about us. But I wanted to clarify that our lives really represent something about someone else.
What you can not see in these pictures is that most days, I am desperately in need of people's approval. And I will do good and bad to gain approval..to know "I am okay..I matter" I am desperate to feel loved.
What you can not see in these pictures is that my husband is desperate for power. He wants to influence as many people as possible so he can know "He is okay..He matters" He is desperate for love.
What you can not see in these pictures is that Wesley-grant and Kelly (our son who we are adopting from Haiti) are desperate for power and control. Wesley-grant wants to know he can be a leader...kelly wants to make sure no one hurts him again. They are unsure of love and their need of it.
What you can not see in these pictures is that Sally and Karis are desperate for approval and power. Sally wants to please everyone and never fail so that she will feel loved. karis wants to be in charge so that she can feel like she matters and is loved.
We are 6 people who can not make it on our own. On our best day we fail. On our best day we take credit for greatness and suppress the truth of God. In our grandest work our hearts want to be better than others and never allow anyone to matter more than us.
We are desperate people.
But there was Christmas. A long time ago, Jesus came. He came to do what He said He would do. He knew those he made before us, us, and those after us and that we would be desperate. That we would suppress His truth and try to find love on our own. We would create all kinds of ways...all kinds of pictures that looked like we had it all together. But God, who made us, knew our greatest need. And only He could come to save us when we could not save ourselves.
Christmas for us is the hope of our lives. Jesus came to do all we couldn't. Jesus came so that we would know we were loved. And as He says in His word, "give us the right to become children of God." No longer desperate or orphaned on our own. But saved. To learn a new way. To understand why we are here. To pour truth into the most terrible lie: "God does not love us".
This christmas, we will enjoy the traditions, the parties, the decorations, good gifts...but we celebrate b/c of the greatest gift ever given to us....Jesus.
What you also can not see in this picture, is that God is making us new...He is taking our brokenness and working for us. It is His work, not ours that makes all things well.
Christmas is life for us..and we are forever changed b/c of it.
Posted by Kimberly at 9:31 AM 5 comments
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US national security can only be effective if the people in charge of it actually give a crap about the issue.
Unfortunately for the last six years with two more to come this point-person has been Barack Obama, a man not only unfocused on national security but who in fact actually seems to be doing his level best at every turn to compromise said national security.
Read a story of Russia in action at The Political Commentator here.


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|Drum Kit Groom's Cake
|Wedding Cake
|Fondant Bridal Shower Cake
|Fondant Graduation Cake
|Bridal Shower Cake
|DJ Birthday Cake
We have had several "blue" cakes in the last few weeks. Blue is a color traditionally reserved for the guys, but many of these cakes were for our female customers who are choosing a refreshing hue. We have had fun coloring fondant and airbrushing buttercream in a variety of shades. We can't wait to see what our customers request next week!


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Cumbria County Council has issued a tender for the construction and management of a £44 million wholesale broadband network.
The authority is inviting bids from the private sector for the contract, which will run for an initial period of seven years and include the provision of IT services.
As part of the project, the successful bidder will be required to promote the increased use of broadband - and wider availability of internet services - in rural areas of the county.
"The contractor will be expected to work with a County Council-approved supply chain to assist community groups to secure a connectivity upgrade for very rural areas," the tender said.
"The project must support the needs of rural communities keen to make their own contribution."
Cumbria County Council noted that rural communities must be included in any rollout in order for the authority to qualify for Broadband Delivery UK funding.
The body has been charged with overseeing the allocation of funding from the coalition government's £830 million broadband investment pot.


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Construction on the core and shell for the new three story; 50,000 square foot office building for CityWorks, Inc. is complete. The building, located on West Lake Avenue in Neptune, NJ is the first phase of a multi-block, mixed use redevelopment that will include affordable housing and retail space. Construction on two major tenant spaces in the building will also be completed shortly. Cornerstone is currently working with Jersey Shore University Medical Center on the design of a 30,000 square foot Family Health Center that will occupy two floors in the building. The firm is also working with the New Jersey Division of Taxation, designing a 15,000 square foot space on the third floor of the building.
25 February 2010
12 February 2010
Michael G. Soriano Named to the New Jersey State Board of Architects
On December 14, 2009, Governor Jon S. Corzine appointed Mike to the New Jersey State Board of Architects. The Board operates under the State's Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs. The Board of Architects is responsible for protecting the public's health and safety by determining the qualifications of individuals seeking licensure as Architects in the State, for establishing standards of practice for licensees and firms, and for disciplining those who do not adhere to the requirements. The practice of architecture is defined as the rendering of services in connection with the design, construction, enlargement or alteration of buildings, and the spaces within or surrounding those buildings, which have as their principal purpose human use or habitation. These services include site planning, providing preliminary studies, architectural designs, drawings, specifications, other technical documentation, and administration of construction for the purpose of determining compliance with drawings and specifications. The Board also oversees and regulates the practices of Certified Interior Design and Licensed Landscape Architecture. Mike's term will continue through April of 2014.
Posted by Michael G. Soriano, AIA at 12:04 PM
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Perfect Sunday Breakfast
The perfect breakfast for reading the Sunday paper:
—French-pressed Ethiopian coffee
—pumpernickel toast slathered with goat cheese and fig preserves
—a thin ring of this remarkable nitrite-free salami (Fairway/Zabar's)
—cup of blueberries dipped in soy milk
To Learn or to Sleep?
This post, frankly, is about nostalgia. I was at the office early today, before anyone else arrived. Summer mornings in New York that aren't humid—these are rare, and the overcast ones, especially, feel like blessings, like complex pangs that remind me of Southern California and of practicing the piano before breakfast. They remind of me algebra in the summer. Or, from an earlier period, of growing up in rural foothills and of not speaking English, and of how this had everything to do with marvelling at how American children who did speak English got to school earlier than I did, and did so wearing corduroy, a fabric that I envied them because my mother didn't find it dressy enough for school. This morning I was also reading an old Guernica post on Pedro Carolino, by my friend Ricky. Carolino wrote a guide to English even though he didn't actually speak the language. I think I grew up doing this, in my own way. Before comprehension set in, my ear collected English suffixes and odd-sounding words. Like "luggage," a term I must've picked up from my dad but that's been with me longer than "father." Family friends would come over and hear me mumble in my own squishy, mostly self-directed argot—"sh," "wa," "th," and "-ing" sounds and the like, whatever swirled combination of these felt round and official.
When I finally did learn English, it was in Kindergarten, at a Montessori located on a drab industrial stretch of Foothill Boulevard, in Los Angeles. My teacher, Ms. Neela, was from Sri Lanka and wore her hair in a long, loose braid down her right side. A shy but hyperactive kid, I could barely communicate with my classmates, and I almost didn't want to. Corduroy and language differences aside, these kids were half a foot shorter than I was and ate things that I couldn't fathom consuming, like sand, or celery sticks lined with peanut butter. And in the afternoon they'd collectively get tired and take naps in Classroom 2. Nap-time was something I refused to participate in. The concept felt absurd and "American." The cots issued for this purpose were low, short, and uncomfortable, and they came with none of the attendant dreaminess, say, of a siesta. (To sleep without my grandmother nearby? Without the radio? I feared the nap ritual because I worried that I wouldn't be able to sleep, or that I'd doze off with my eyes half-open and be caught in this creepy, somewhat undead state.) So Ms. Neela would let me sit with her while the rest of the kids slept. It was the happiest part of the day, and this is how she taught me the language: We'd sit across from each other and work at her table, and she would talk to me plainly and comment on whatever we did. The key was to keep me occupied, to have me think that I was helping her, so that I didn't realize that I was being tutored. Ms. Neela would lay out stencils of various shapes and have me outline polygons on construction paper; I'd entertain myself by iterating and coloring them in with the patterns of various flags of the world. Colombia's, mostly, and Lebanon's, and those of African and Central American nations, and Sri Lanka's, with its elaborate lion. (I don't recall a time when I didn't love flags.) The first word that I remember learning with Ms. Neela came up over those flags. "Together," she said. "We are sitting 'together.'" Call it my claim to a Helen Keller-style "water" epiphany, but that word gave me a very specific sense of buoyancy and privacy, a feeling that I recognize now when I look at art that challenges me, or when I sit by myself at the opera. A longing for everything in the world. I'm almost embarrassed that "together" should be so fraught with meaning, given the circumstances, but that's how English came to me, through this gentle woman who understood my loneliness and who let me learn instead of sleep. This morning, as I alternate between writing this post and reading the Times, I can still train my inner ear to hear the words in the lilt of her cadences.


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Just a couple of the upcoming workshops offered this summer. Contact City Life for more info....
Identifying the Local Power Structure
Meets Saturday, July 11, 1-3 at the CLVU office, 284 Amory St. (in the Brewery), JP
This workshop offers power analysis tools. 1) power mapping: this process is about building grassroots power as well as doing a power analysis of targets; and 2) power/political landscaping exercise: a participatory/collective process that can be used to illustrate and monitor shifts in power during a campaign/organizing project.
Contact: Camilo, firstname.lastname@example.com, 508-674-7146
Health and Fitness for the struggle /Bike Riding
3 Saturdays -- July 11, 25, and August 1; meet at the CLVU office, 284 Amory St. (in the Brewery), JP
Two sessions on nutrition, one on diseases we face as we get older, one on physical fitness and training programs. The training session will involve actual exercise.
Facilitator: Paula Taylor, physical trainer, bank tenant
Friday, July 10, 2009
ROC Summer Institute 2009
Posted by PSL at 11:10 AM
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This week was weigh in week so naturally I was a nervous wreck all day Tuesday. I don't know why I get so crazed about weigh in, but that number on the scale messes with my head so bad, but our culture is obsessed with numbers & females are just conditioned to think in the case of weight less is always better hence my panic. Here are the results with last month's in parenthesis...
Weight: 152 (153)
Hips: 39 (40)
Waist: 30 (31.5)
R Thigh: 21 (21)
R arm: 10 3/4 (10 3/4)
Shoulders: 39 (39)
Body Fat: 27.4% (27.6%)
That's 2.5 inches & another pound this month for a grand total of 9.5 inches & almost 16 pounds since October! I was definitely feeling pretty good after that, but I can't lie, I would have liked a little more loss on the weight. Joe reminded me that now is when it's going to start to get hard because I don't have that much more to lose, but for my own personal comfort, I would prefer to be no more than 148. Maybe that's a bit of a reach, but I'm gonna give it a go. Just to show how much has changed since the end of the summer check this out...
I guess I don't really notice the difference because I'm looking at myself, but just looking at these 2 pictures was a huge lift for me. People have started referring to me as "skinny" which I have to say almost makes me feel uncomfortable. That adjective isn't one I'd ever use to describe me. Someone else said that I've gotten "tiny" & I was like, "No way." There is nothing "tiny" about me. I'm a 5'7" girl that wears a size 10 shoe so tiny just isn't me. I think it can be hard to feel comfortable in your own body, but I'm trying to get there...
So Joe thought it would be a good idea to focus on core this week & I should've known that was going to be a problem. However, what I ended up getting was a plyometrics work out! AWFUL! I had to jump onto a platform and squat down & do that for a minute, girl push ups with my hand on a sand bag ball & as I go down had to push the ball to the other hand for a minute, one handed swings with a medicine ball for 30 seconds each, jumps side to side & touching my foot to the sandbag ball for a minute & last but not least the inch worm (Not to be confused with the dance move). You start standing straight up & then walk your hands all the way out so that you're in a push up position & then walk your feet to your hands & repeat. HORRIBLE.
I've had some rough lifting work outs a.k.a. "the man work out", but this work out actually made me want to cry because I was so upset that he would make me do that. I am not training for a sport so as far as I'm concerned my speed & agility are not high on my list. Sure that kind of work out burns a lot of calories but I was really annoyed that I had to do that. My goal is to sculpt my body & be fit, not be able to jump side to side really fast to impress the soccer scouts. Hopefully next week, he will get back to lifting.
Food has been good lately. I'm trying to inject some more protein into my diet, which is kinda challenging with Lent. I would like to say that I have cooked fish 2 out of the 3 Fridays... that's right I cooked it. I hate it, but I cooked it. We had swordfish this week, which I have to say is the fish I tolerate the best. Lunch on Fridays is tough because I don't want to just eat carbs, so this week I settled on a salad and some Greek yogurt. I know there are only 3 more Fridays to go, but it's not easy when you aren't a fish fan.
Well, I've got a busy couple of weeks ahead. I've gotta try to make it through school in one piece & then I will have 3 glorious months of not having to report to Seton Hall woo hoo!! And next week baseball season officially gets under way, which is the best part of spring! Did my fantasy baseball draft last night & I need a serious bounce back year so cross your fingers I get off to a good start!
Until next time...


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Compare quotes from 3 local auto locksmiths
Extreme Locks > Car-key-repairs > Sunderland
We can repair most snapped, damaged or faulty car keys for customers saving them the expense of buying a complete new car key. If you key has been snapped then we will meet you at the side of the road and we will make you a new blade and connect it to your vehicle for you.
The most common car key repairs we come across in Sunderland are snapped keys, where the usual repair takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on the type of car and whether or not we need to pick and code the lock again.
If you have a snapped key you can call us 24 hours a day for an appointment to get the key repaired. If you have problems with your remote, then we may be able to repair it, but if not then we will replace it for you.
Sunderland is a town in and is close to Carlisle. Find a Locksmith in other towns near Sunderland; Isel, Bewaldeth, Blindcrake, Bothel, Whitrigg, Threapland, Redmain, Plumbland, Dubwath, Kilnhill, Torpenhow, Parsonby


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Director Yasujiro Ozu's final film, and a rare outing in color for him, continues his quietly observed explorations of family dynamics in postwar Japan. Frequent Ozu star Chishu Ryu plays Shuhei Hirayama, an aging widower whose three children each depend upon him in varying degrees. The eldest, Kazuo, who is married, is a spendthrift who purchases a new set of golf clubs, then hits up his indulgent dad for a loan to buy a refrigerator. The middle child, daughter Michiko, is a 24-year-old still living at...more
All An Autumn Afternoon cast + crew photos
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
Copyright © 2018 FANDANGO MOVIES.


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Sunday's Bluejay Banter radio show on 1620 the Zone had a lot of great information today. From talking to Art Mains of Missouri St. media talking about the Bear's chances next season to Creighton's strength and conditioning coach Zach Duval talking about the Jays offseason workouts with Justin Carter leading the way and hearing that P'Allen Stinnett puked for the first three days of workouts, it was definitely entertaining.
However, Cavel Witter was also on the show today. A great interview reliving a bevy of winning shots in his career–The 40+ against Bradley on senior night, the winning shot against Rhode Island in the NIT, and the three clutch free throws at the end of the game last season against Southern Illinois to send the game into overtime–Cavel has had some great performances in the friendly confines of the Qwest. The question everyone has been asking for a month or two now was, "Cavel, will you be on scholarship?" And he answered a resounding "Yes." He went on to say, he didn't know anything else about how that was being handled.
So as Otter pointed out a little more than a month ago the return of Witter poses the question of who does not get a scholarship, or at worst, who may not be coming to Creighton of the 5 signees? From all indications, it appears that the players that didn't transfer out and graduated will be a part of the '09-'10 Jays and newcomers Ethan Wragge, Andrew Bock and Wayne Runnels have been eagerly participating in offseason drills here in Omaha. So as the dust settles and as Greg Allen and Darryl Ashford have not arrived in Omaha yet, are one of the two now not coming to Creighton?
This past week the Omaha World Herald published another article on Cavel Witter's story on his quest to return to the Jays. Later in the week when an article was published on the offseason program, questions arose about Ashford and Allen on their status with the team:
Two recruits — Darryl Ashford and Greg Allen — have yet to report as they take care of academic issues. Both said when they committed to Creighton in the spring that they hoped to be in Omaha by mid-July.
Altman declined to comment when asked if he's concerned that either Ashford or Allen might not be able to clear all of their academic hurdles.
"That's their business," he said.
Ashford has had challenges in the past with academic problems as he was recruited out of high school by Bobby Knight and appeared to be a part of a Texas Tech class in '07 when academic problems kept him from getting into Texas Tech. He subsequently went to a prep school where again he was recruited by Texas Tech for '08 class but still had to settle for Junior College in Jacksonville, Texas. However, as he said when he signed is Letter of Intent, he will do what he needs to in order to get to Omaha.
Allen on the other hand just graduated high school. There were some academic issues with him as well as far as his SAT scores go as he originally committed to Idaho during the fall, but did not have a qualifying SAT score. After receiving a qualifying score in the winter, recruiting interest went up in Allen and the Jays were the lucky ones to receive the commitment. You could hear the excitement Greg has in coming to Creighton. But if coach says there is still some academic work for Allen just getting out of high school, it sort of raises some red flags to me.
Allen is a little more of the interesting case as well because literally a few days after Allen was signed to his Letter of Intent (taking the scholarship left by Cavel Witter), the story came out of Cavel Witter trying to return to the team.
As far as NCAA Letter of Intents go, players aren't required to sign them. However, it keeps the John Wall's and Xavier Henry's of the world dangling their carrot out there that they may jump to another school if a different situation arises. But for informational purposes, there are a few situations where the LOI becomes null and void that might apply for one of the incoming players:
a. Admissions Requirement. This NLI shall be declared null and void if the institution named in this document notifies me in writing that I have been denied admission or, by the opening day of classes in the fall 2009 has failed to provide me with written notice of admission, provided I have submitted a complete admission application.
(1) It is presumed that I am eligible for admission and financial aid until information is submitted to the contrary. Thus, it is mandatory for me, upon request, to provide all necessary academic records and an application for admission to the institution named in this document.
(2) This NLI shall be rendered null and void if I am eligible for admission, but the institution named in this document defers admission to a subsequent term. . However, this NLI remains binding if I defer my admission.
b. Eligibility Requirements. This NLI shall be declared null and void if, by the opening day of classes in the fall of 2009, I have not met (a) the institution's requirements for admissions, (b) its academic requirements for financial aid to student-athletes, or (c) the NCAA requirements for financial aid (NCAA Bylaw 14.3) or the junior college transfer requirements, provided I have submitted all necessary documents for eligibility determination.
(1) This NLI shall be rendered null and void if I become a nonqualifier (per NCAA Bylaw 14.3). NLI remains valid if I am a partial qualifier per NCAA Division II Bylaw 188.8.131.52.
(2) This NLI shall be rendered null and void if I am a midyear football junior college transfer and I fail to graduate from junior college at midyear (only for Division I nonqualifier). The NLI remains binding for the following fall term if I graduated, was eligible for admission and financial aid and met the junior college transfer requirements for competition for the winter or spring term, but chose to delay my admission.
c. One-Year Absence. This NLI shall be declared null and void if I have not attended any institution for at least one academic year, provided my request for athletics financial aid for a subsequent fall term is denied by the signing institution. I may still apply this provision if I initially enrolled in an NLI member institution but have been absent for at least one academic year. To apply this provision, I must file with the appropriate conference office a statement from the Director of Athletics at the institution named in this document that such athletics financial aid will not be available for the requested fall term.
Now, I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but it looks to me that if I had to take a guess, either Ashford or Allen will not be on this team this season. Something is making me lean towards Allen. Now it isn't out of the question that one of the players like Allen ends up going to Junior College for a year. He may even go to prep school for that matter. However, that opens up the recruitment again for him and he may not return to Creighton after this.
There is still a possibility that he could still be a Jay as it is listed in a(2) up above that if Allen defers admission to another semester, his LOI is still valid as long is it isn't a full year as it says in section c (where he would then have to apply for a provision) . What could be a real hit is if both players for some reason don't end up making it to Creighton. That changes the landscape again. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.
In the end, we got one question answered today, but it just raises and keeps alive several more during this crazy offseason. What do you think?


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Actually I volunteered to face the beasts. With my ballhockey winding down for the season I found myself goaltending for the better squad on Sunday. We easily won the first match 10-5 led by superior passing, better defense and my decent netminding.
There were rumblings from the other squad about the fairness of the draw(teams are picked by random)so I offered to switch teams. I was hoping there would be another trade as well to even out the teams but alas.....I found myself facing down the juggernaut I had played for earlier. It was a good opportunity to see if my good form was the result of hard work and good conditioning or more the case of just playing in front of the better teams.
The second game started close and was a see saw affair until the other squad opened up a 8-4 lead. It wasn`t looking good but we rallied(or the other team eased back) and we actually tied the game at eights.If anything it was a moral victory. Sadly we gave up two goals and dropped the match 10-8.
With 30 minutes remaining we started the final match. The lads were feeling good after the last game,albeit in a losing effort,and I played very well to preserve a 7-5 win as the time expired.
My second half record improves to 22-12-1 even with the trade. To conclude a good day in nets I also ended up playing an additional hour with the next group in the facility who were short a goaltender. Three hours of high intensity ballhockey and I`m feeling prime today. Gotta love it!


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Proms for the coming year are going to be exciting with elegant prom dresses 2009 bearing trend setting styles. Girls today consider proms as being fantasy nights with the desire to look their best and no less than a princess and need a dress that can shower elegance beyond limits. If dresses with a difference, is what you are looking for, then why not try out the latest astonishing styles in prom fashion 2009 that will mark your presence in once in a lifetime events such as proms.
Sexy 2009 prom dresses bear beauty that is bewitching and there are varied types of trends that have subsequently emerged for the dresses. What marks the prom fashion 2009 is the question that is commonly asked and an answer to it definitely lies in the fact that 2009 trend setters include the strapless attires with beading, prom gowns with rushed bodice, outfits with low back, spaghetti strap prom dresses with tie on backs and elegant prom dresses 2009 with slits. 2009 prom dresses with fit to flare skirt having hand embellished craftsmanship and off course the halter favorites with metallic and bright colors are also catching up with the trend.Source URL: http://weddingdressez.blogspot.com/2009/10/styles-with-elegant-fashion.html
Visit Wedding Dress Designer for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection


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Home >> Academics >> Departments >> Fine Arts
- ← Back to Academics
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Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Department at St. Pius X Catholic High School offers an environment that encourages the aesthetic development within each individual student. We provide the opportunity for students to learn the historical content of various art forms. Through knowledge of basic skills, self-expression, and performance, students achieve an understanding of each discipline. We celebrate the arts by honoring each individual's gifts and sharing this wealth of talent with our community.


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Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Leg 2 Richmond VA
The journey continues on an absurdly hot day. That's why we didn't encounter any other runners along Monument Ave. I still feel queasy.
This was our first day shooting from our new chase vehicle, the mighty PT Cruiser. Special thanks to Budget Rent a Car for that one.
Posted by David Byrd at 6:37 AM
1 comment:
- KK said...
Monument Avenue is a beautiful run. Next time try going to "the wetlands" trail by the river or to Belle Isle.
- August 13, 2007 at 11:43 AM
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Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
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S & M Janitorial is located at & M Janitorial, Atmore, AL. This business specializes in Cleaning Services.
S & M Janitorial can be found at Jack Springs Rd 8747. The following is offered: Other Real Estate. The entry is present with us since Sep 9, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Atmore there are 3 other Other Real Estate. An overview can be found here.


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The row took a further twist when No 10 was asked about statements David Cameron made during a radio interview in 2006, in which he described Ukip's members as "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists, mostly". Downing Street said the Prime Minister had not intended people to understand that he thought all Ukip members were racists.Notice he doesn't actually backtrack on his original comments. Initially he used the word 'mostly' now he says;
"...had not intended people to understand that he thought all..."So his original comment still stands as far as he is concerned, but now with the false appearance of a mea culpa
Update: Via Ironies Too, Channel four news presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, via Twitter documents the "utter confusion" of Cameron's position yesterday - a retraction of a retraction.I thought Cameron was supposed to specialise in PR?


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Check out my Review and leave me a comment about it and let me know you "liked" his fanpage and you will have a chance of winning his book !!
By: Kevin O brien
Reviewed By : Crystal Trent Dotson
Molly is trying to fit into her new neighborhood and Family. She just married Jeff, which has two children and an ex wife.
Molly is carefully following all the cul-de-sac murders ,but it's begining to hit to close to home, with deaths , accidents , and threatening phone calls , Molly's world starts to turn upside down. No one is who she thinks they are, and she has to figure out who her real friends are , before she ends up murdered.
This is a fantastic book , it's got such a twist to it. I haven't reada book this exciting and thrilling in a while. Great Book!


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Geeky USB powered devices
USB drives comes in thousands of designs and colors, and we brought to you this extraordinary wacky and geeky USB drives and USB powered devices!
USB powered Holiday Tree - prepare yourself for next Xmas
* USB-powered mini holiday tree with blue LED light
* Power Supply: 5V/1A, Standard USB
* Works with USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 ports
* Connector: USB Type-A Male Plug
* Dimensions: 3.2" dia x 4.5" tall
USB Microscope
* Take snapshots, video, and time-lapse movies
* 3 magnification levels - 10X, 60X, and 200X
* Super-brite LED lighting for bright top and bottom illumination
* Video playback at 15 frames/sec
* Resolution of 640x480
USB Rocket Launcher
This rocket launcher connects to your computer via USB. This Rocket Launcher, with 360 degree horizontal rotation and 45 degree vertical rotation, the USB Rocket Launcher can fire over six meters! Cool! Nice toy for your kids, or maybe for yourself...
Fun in office with USB Rocket Launcher
USB Snowbot
* Scanning LED Robotic Eye
* Rate of sweeping is controllable via knob
* Selectable LED Robotic Eye Colors (Blue or Red)
* Authentic Snowbot Sound (on/off switch)
* Rotating, articulating metal arms
There is a chance that the artificial intelligence which created the robot armies of the future originated from a massive connection of small USB desktop devices plugged into computers connected to the Internet. Please don't blame us if, by attempting to find a way to save humanity, we have inadvertently doomed it. Thank you.
...and USB powered color-changing Snowman
USB Beverage Cooler
* Coldplate chills to 45˚F
* Helps keeps your beverage cool
* Dimensions: 5.25" x 3.25" x 1.4"
USB Mug Warmer & Hub
* Heats up to 80 degrees celcius
* 110mm wide by 110mm deep. 120mm high.
* Insulative section (metal part) diameter 72mm
* Weight 110 grams
* On/off switch with LED indicator
Legendary Swiss Army USB
* USB storage in Swiss Army knife design
* USB Flash Drive (easily detachable)
* Includes: Red LED light, ballpoint pen, knife, scissors, file with screwdriver, keyring
USB Aquarium - add water and conect to USB, and voila!
* USB-powered desktop aquarium with aquarium tank, USB cable, 2 fish
* Works with any computer or gaming console with a USB port
* Swimming fish with hinged tails and life-like motion
* Blue LED can be used to light-up the aquarium or for night operation
* Dimensions: 3.75" wide x 3.5" high x 2.5" deep
This USB aquarium looking cool in the dark - the soft blue light creates very cool nightlight
USB powered Pole Dancer
USB powered Santa Drums
more crazy USB drives and devices
USB bra!!? Yeah, unplug and play!
USB belt - for hidding some private "data files"
USB drive for doctors
Misc USB devices
"Edible" USB drives
Bulletproof USB drive
Lego USB Drive
More geeky USB powered devices and USB drives @ ThinkGeek Gadgets
Read more!


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Months after North Carolina Judge Gregory Weeks commuted three more sentences under North Carolina's Racial Justice Act; there is a buzz in Dallas, Texas for advocating for similar legislation. Craig Watkins, District Attorney for Dallas County, has voiced his intentions of meeting with the state legislature to discuss the possibility of passing a Racial Justice Act for Texas that would allow defendants to appeal convictions or sentences where race is believed to be a factor. Watkins addressed the Associated Press, "Throughout history, race has unfortunately played a part, an ugly part, in our criminal justice system. This is an opportunity for us to address not only the past, and those individuals who are still being affected by the disparities in treatment, but also in looking forward to make sure that we don't have those same disparities in our criminal justice system."[1]
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
United States v. Alleyne: Revisiting the Jury's Role in Sentencing
On January 14, 2013, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in one such case: United States v. Alleyne,[1] a case about the role of juries in modern day sentencing. At issue in this case specifically is whether the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt any fact that may be used to increase a defendant's sentence beyond a mandatory minimum. In criminal cases, even the most seemingly insignificant issues are big issues. These cases can determine whether someone goes to jail, and for how long. As such, criminal issues are frequently appealed up to the Supreme Court.
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The second act will begin shortly, just after a brief intermission….
This summer has been a summer of blessings. It would take too long to list all the ways God has blown me away this summer, but I can testify that God sure does take care of His own. The last three years have been a roller coaster. Some valleys, some mountain tops and a whole lot of coasting and clinging to Jesus. I can say that I have learned to delight in my Savior and in His word in a way I haven't before. Being a "good Christian girl", I frequently had my "quiet times with God" because I knew it was the right thing to do, because I wanted to learn and have that time with Him. But, I would say through the pain of "being left", I have truly learned and been able to experience truly delighting in the Lord. My mother had taught me the Bible verse years ago: "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4. I even sat through an entire Beth Moore simulcast about that particular verse but don't think I truly understood the "delighting" part until this year.
A new chapter of my life is beginning shortly. This end of my Alimony years/Being a stay-at-home mom is soon to be over. What will I do next? I haven't the foggiest! I am praying for wisdom, direction and doors to be opened.
I continue to learn about forgiveness. God is so very good to give us extra chances and I am desperately learning and trying to understand how to take that overwhelming sense of gratitude I have to Him for His forgiveness of me, and transfer that to those I know I need to forgive the most. This summer I have been brought to my knees like never before. Having God humble you is just not fun, but I wouldn't trade that experience in for anything. Whatever it takes to chip away anything in me that needs to be chipped away at...I am willing.
I know my heart's desire. God knows my heart's desire. Many of you know my heart's desire. But only God knows when THAT particular chapter of my life will begin. But now, during this intermission, I am learning to love my Savior like never before. I used to watch people in church who I could tell were just praising Jesus with complete abandonment, not a care in the world, just in awe of their King. I thought that was nice that they were so on fire for Jesus. But, somewhere in me, I guess I still cared a little bit what people would think if everyone in the church was sitting and I was the only one standing there, hands high in the sky, with tears running down my face. These days, I can't seem to make it through church without tears, not the tears of pain and abandonment, but tears of awe and gratitude. "How great, how awesome is He"!
I have tried to journal the past three years for my kids so they could see all the ways God has provided. So they would be able to read back one day on how their mommy learned to make God her strength, her joy and her delight. I know myself, I know I will probably screw up in some way in the next 24 hours, but Thank God his mercies are new every morning. Since the divorce rate is so very high these days, I know, sadly, that I will see more people I know go through what I went through. I am definitely not saying I have arrived, but I can say what helped me. I can share that the only way to make it through is to cling to Jesus, let Him heal your heart and clean out whatever ugly there is inside of you that needs to be cleaned out.
If God ever decides to send romantic love my way, from a man that Loves the Lord above all else, I look forward to honoring God by honoring my future husband. For now, I am trying to make my home a Christ centered home. I am excited though about my kids one day seeing our home led by a man that loves Jesus so very much and can encourage them daily in their walks as well.
Whatever happens in my future, I know God will be with my family. I wish I could so clearly convey to my friends who do not know Jesus, just how very real and awesome He is. He has blown us away this summer. I have loved the past few weeks being able to tell any single person who would listen about what God has done for me and my kids recently. I just love being able to testify!
Pray for us the next thirty days with all the changes that will be taking place that we continue to grow, delight, and cling to Him.
"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8


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Become a follower
If you like what you see, why don't become a follower? If you have a blog, I will follow you too. Let's inspire each other!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A wreath card
This image is a Bird cards freebie and I colored it with acuarelable pencils. I used a white cardstock cut with a die (blossom - nestabilities) as a mat.
As background I used a white cardstock and embossed it. I also used a white Christmas ribbon and made a bow and in the upper corner I used some white bling.
Simon says: anything goes
Crafting for all season: white on white
Divas design: anything goes
Guylous: Christmas plus wreath
Cooking it up with Katie: anything goes
Make it Monday: anything goes
Digistamp4joy: Christmas no animals
Creative craft challenge: Free for all
Whoopsi Daisy White on White
The Ribbon Reel Anything Goes
Stamps R Us Emboss It
Craft Your Passion - Tis the Season...
20 comments:
GORGEOUS! Love the white on white embossing on this beautiful card. Lovely ribbon too.ReplyDelete
Thanks for joining us at Stamps R Us Challenges.
Lovely, simple card. Fabulous embossing! So glad you played along in the challenge at Cooking It Up with Katie, and remember, you can enter a total of 3 times throughout December. Hope to see your work again soon. Merry Christmas.ReplyDelete
NanaConnie DT Chef
How did we ever survive before the BigShot...what a WONDERFUL invention!! :) You have certainly used your well and with great creativity. :)ReplyDelete
Your card is gorgeous and what a festive smile it will bring to the lucky recipient.
Thank you for playing along with us at Make It Monday!
Remember, for a chance to win the prize from our sponsor, leave a comment for another entry and mention that you saw them on Make It Monday.
Lisa xx
Hi Ardilla, I saw this lovely card on MIM!! I love the way you did this holiday wreath and love the embossed background!! Hugs, FreaReplyDelete
Gorgeous card, love the festive ribbon and the lovely embossed background.ReplyDelete
Simply beautiful!! Love it!ReplyDelete
Thanks for playing with us at Guylou's!
Such a gorgeous card, a wonderful design and I love your embossing and the splash of colours with the ribbon wreath is perfect.ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for joining us to the Simon Says Stamp challeng
Beautiful embossing and love the ribbon! Thank you for sharing your creation with us at Guylou's! xxReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 3, 2011 at 4:41 AM
Elegant card.The embossing adds a special touch and I love the ribbon.Thanks for joining us at Craft Your Passion.Hope to see you again next week :DReplyDelete
Lisa x
Very Pretty! Thanks for playing with us at Whoopsi Daisy this week! Love the White on White look!ReplyDelete
Remember, if you use a Whoopsi Daisy image you can be entered into the top three challenge.
Karen C
What a beautiful Christmas card! The wreath is gorgeous! Thanks for entering my Christmas Blog Candy! Good Luck in the draw!ReplyDelete
Hugs~ Kim
So gorgeous Ardilla, love this image and great coloring again! Also love the embossing. Thanks so much for playing at WHOOPSI DAISY:) Always a happy day when I get to pay a visit to your blog!ReplyDelete
Beautiful card, the wreath really pops against the white embossing.ReplyDelete
Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp for our anything goes challenge
hugs Mandy xx
A lovely card and the ribbon is so pretty. Thanks for joining the Divas challenge.ReplyDelete
Just lovely Ardilla!ReplyDelete
Thanks for entering our 'White On White' challenge at CFAS!
Lizy DT x
Gorgeous card! =)ReplyDelete
Thanks for joining us at Digistamps4joy! =)
Hugs, Elenor
Thanks for Cooking It Up With Katie :)
Another lovely creation. Thank you for playing with us at Digistamps 4 Joy.ReplyDelete
Happy Holidays!
xx Star
Thanks so much for joining our Digistamps 4 Joy "MERRY CHRISTMAS - NO ANIMALS" Challenge with your beautifully executed creation!ReplyDelete
luv n huggz
Very pretty card.ReplyDelete
Thank you for cooking it up with Katie :-)
Thanks for taking time to comment. I really appreciate it!!!!
Gracias por usar tu tiempo para comentar. Lo aprecio mucho!!!!


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So you have a specific a person online and you would genuinely want to get to understand this person a lot more. You might be actually many miles away from each other and also the only point you may do is date online for the time being. How ought to you act? How must you carry out a successful date with that specific individual you may have? Beneath are many online dating strategies that you just have to have to think about.
Be Yourself
It truly is essential for any dating relationship to have both partners be themselves as considerably as they could. Because it is definitely an online relationship, the only point you can do to show your genuine self is by speaking the truth. There are several online relationships that do wind up merely since one particular person in the partnership did not possess the guts to be real.
Come across A Popular Time for you to Date
In online relationships where the two people involved may be a thousand of miles away from each other, time is an essential factor. Discover a typical time that should be practical for the each of you. if it happens that each of that you are at opposite ends of the planet, find a time wherein you could be each present in front from the laptop and can devote the time with each other undisturbed.
Email And Instant Messengers
If it's world wide web dating, the want to utilize the e mail plus the immediate messengers that could be freely accessed online will be important. Locate a popular medium that each of you'll be able to access. It is vital to find one in order that you could each have a conversation constantly and without a lot hassle at all. You'll be able to also gain access to a webcam which you can use through chatting. In that way, each of you are able to see each other. There are also phone chatlines you can call if you'd like to meet someone over the phone.
Social Networking Web sites
You could also each use a frequent social network online to carry out your dating. There are actually different social networking internet sites online that you can register on so that you are able to both be up-to-date with each other's statuses, images, videos, and such.
Factors To do Online Together
There are actually also many items you can do online together during a date. You can obtain songs to sing, movies to watch, or simply chat with one another. Creativity is very important when in an online date. You'll be able to choose to create the date more unique by talking about a typical dinner date that you can have together in the course of your webcam or video call chats.
dating is usually quite exciting and actual. It is actually as much as you and your date to find ways so as to make the date a specific one each and every time. There are actually even various instances when an online date can essentially replace an offline one. Who knows? You may find that special somebody by dating online. Following the a variety of online dating strategies above will help you drastically in generating that date a genuinely unique one.


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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Millionaire Palin Still Begging Money from the Public - New Ethics Complaint Filed
Jeanne Devon ("AKMuckraker") Proprietor of The Mudflats, Contributing author Going Rouge - An American Nightmare
Posted: December 8, 2009 11:58 PM
Those of you playing at home and counting ethics complaints filed against Sarah Palin on your fingers and toes are about to run out. Yesterday, another ethics complaint was filed against the almost one term ex-governor by her one-time political ally, Republican Andrée McLeod.
This particular complaint addresses Palin's legal defense fund, hubristically named "The Alaska Fund Trust." Back in July, we learned through a separate ethics complaint which spawned an investigation, that the very existence of the Alaska Fund Trust is most likely a violation of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. The report of the independent investigation found its way to the media.
The report obtained by The Associated Press says Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.
An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund.
So what did the ex-governor and her long-time friend Kristan Cole, trustee of the AFT do after they received the report? Nothing. The Alaska Fund Trust website is unbelievably still taking donations. They're still holding out the tin cup and accepting those $5 donations from little old Grannies to pay off Palin's six-figure legal debt, while the supposed beneficiary of the money is jetting around the country promoting her best-selling book "Going Rogue" and raking in the millions. But, please... keep those donations coming.
The latest ethics complaint addresses this lack of response on the part of the Trust and the ex-governor, whom the AFT website still refers to as "current governor Sarah Palin." News flash folks! She quit five months ago, in case you weren't paying attention.
"Palin continues to compromise the integrity of our Governor's Office," says McLeod. "She continues to misuse her official position even though she was told it is wrong to do. What we have is the epitome of a culture of corruption. Why do public officials permit Palin to get away with bad behavior? Why does justice not prevail on the side of the people in the follow through of what has already been established as an unscrupulous pot of money? We still don't know how much has been collected during her term and who's been paid from the fund. Why does the administration continue to protect and defend Sarah Palin, even when she's caught, red-handed, selling out the Office of the Governor?"
There always seem to be more questions than answers.
Read the entire document ----> Dec 09 Palin Legal Defense Fund complaint
1 comment:
- magx01 said...
People's ability to fund their own demise never ceases to amaze me.
It's incredible how people will allow themselves to be hoodwinked by millionaires who don't give a shit about them, despite their claims to the contrary.
Sone ''christian'' this greedy, immoral pig is.
- February 12, 2010 at 11:49 AM
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2004 has, thus far, been a banner year for the armchair explorer. Historical scientists, working around the clock and funded in part by a grant from the RFT, have determined that the ratio of events commemorating the 1904 World's Fair compared to the total population of the St. Louis metro area stands at 1.4 to 1 for the first 8 months of 2004. If you factor in the Lewis & Clark and Corps of Discovery events, that ratio jumps to 2.1 events per individual citizen. At these rates, scientists project a year-end ratio of 3 to 1, which translates to near-total knowledge of every meal eaten by every Corps member and instantaneous recall of World's Fair trivia by children as young as three.
Which brings us to the Moonlight Ramble. The annual nighttime bike ride through downtown St. Louis is the Gateway Council's (St. Louis' chapter of Hostelling International USA) largest fundraiser. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the two-wheeled classic. Do you really not see where we're going with this? Lewis & Clark celebrates 200 years, the anniversary of the World's Fair is a clean 100 and the Ramble stands at an even 40; friends, the River City duality of Spirit of Discovery/Spirit of Celebration commingles in the whirling wheels of the Moonlight Ramble, as the bike ride tips its cycling helmet to both events while tooting its own brassy horn. According to Gateway Council executive director Mark Cockson, this year the Moonlight Ramble rolls where it's never rolled before.
"For the first time ever," Cockson confides, "we're taking the ride into the county!"
OK, so St. Louis county is not exactly the unknown wilderness that it was in Lewis & Clark's day, or even the bucolic farmland of 1904. Still, a first's a first, and the idea of pedaling from the Ramble's starting point at Poelker Plaza (13th and Chestnut streets) into the county could be adventurous when you factor in the race's 12:01 a.m. start time and the route taken. What's that route again, Mr. Cockson?
"It's a secret," Cockson laughs.
But with some research and a map, a clever cyclist could probably figure out exactly where the course will cross into the county. Or you can just wait until Saturday, August 28, and follow the guideposts, which should be an easy task for even the tenderest of tenderfeet. The Gateway Council has arranged for every building and institution (hint, hint) bordering the nineteen-mile route that dates back to 1904 to remain lit up until 3 a.m. This is a subtle, and no doubt beautiful, nod to the 1904 World's Fair, where electricity was a new development that dazzled fairgoers throughout that magic summer.
And even at the Ramble's conclusion, adventure is in the air. The ride ends at the City Museum, St. Louis' greatest current adventure, with an afterparty and continental breakfast courtesy of Saint Louis Bread Co. Discovery, adventure, bicycles and bagels: Surely, this is what Thomas Jefferson had in mind 200 years ago.
Registration for the Saint Louis Bread Co. Moonlight Ramble begins at 10 p.m., and tickets are $25. For more information go to www.moonlightramble.com.


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The bloom is off the rose. The zinnias and hostas are mush — at least that's the case in many northern gardens as we zip along toward winter. When your garden could use a little cheer, consider placing an ornament or two in a strategic spot.
"The creativity that we bring to gardening with plants can be extended throughout the year with art or sculpture," says Valerie Easton, author of "A Pattern Garden: The Essential Elements of Garden Making" (Timber Press). "It creates a focal point in the garden, it's unchanging, and it doesn't need maintenance like plants."


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Suggestions from the People that Know Best
Posted February 4, 2013on:
Watch Lesley's Video and Vote!
2 Responses to "Suggestions from the People that Know Best"
Thank you for reblogging! I'm now following your blog and I will check back regularly!
Do you think that you could get 5 people to vote for me? 5 is way harder than it sounds, especially if they don't know me. Let me know what you think? Is 5 possible? Lets see your social klout.
Regardless, you rock!
I appreciate your support.
Bucket List Publications
I'll try!


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Poethics of food
Thursday, November 26, 2009
What are your ethics when it comes to food? Is there an honourable way to kill an animal, or does all meat eating rely on merciless acts of anthropocentric violence? Do you believe that both factory farms and traditional cultures' treatment of animals for meat production belong to the same dirty moral code? Where do you cross the line in terms of killing non-human nature? Is pulling a carrot out of the ground a better sort of violence, committed upon hundreds of microorganisms, than pulling a fish out of water? At what point does sentient non-human nature begin and end for you?
Earlier this week I left the following comment on a vegan blogsite whose authors moderate their comments. It thus far has not been published and therefore I wonder whether this discussion could take place elsewhere, such as here, now, with you?
Read more...hello,i've been enjoying your blog and watching your transitions with great interest. i and my family are doing similar things here in central victoria. we do however have quite a different view when it comes to certain foods, which i wish to speak to here if i may.i tend to take my lead from traditional communities when it comes to food, and i read every industrialised and transported carrot, synthetic consumable or rump steak as an abuse on the landbase and upon non-human nature.growing our own food is probably the most beautifully loaded thing we can do. growing food while repairing the landbase is the most essential thing i've ever done. in our household we eat a little meat for protein and simple joy. it is always local. we occasionally catch redfin (english perch) out of the nearby lake. and whereas, i find fishing for recreation a pretty cruel endeavour, i don't when it comes to survival. i watch our chooks eat worms, fish remains or dead mice for protein and i tend to follow their lead as much as possible as they free-range over several neighbouring properties, living a life i cld only wish for in terms of carefreedom. we provide our chooks with shelter, warmth, love and protection from foxes. they in turn provide us with eggs, manure and joy. we are in a reciprocal relationship with them specific to a permaculture.factory farms are a telling pathology of civilisation. living in some form of natural order alongside or directly with non-human nature is for me being led by nature, not human ideology or growth economics. this is why i supplement my diet with our eggs and a little local meat. ideally i wld like to get my protein just from roadkill, which attends to my relationship with anthropogenic waste. i do use roadkill in my compost as a starter, like a leaven.i've never worked out why most vegans i meet see carnivores as having the same dirty moral code. it seems to speak out against one of the most sustainable human cultures ever to inhabit the earth – indigenous australians. their aquaculture, agricultures (yams in these parts) and hunting methods enabled an unprecedented permanent culture.one of my great problems with western veganism is that it seems to come from an urban disembodiment. it seems to me like a mediation, rather than an ethic that is gleaned through active biomimicry.these are a few of my thoughts thus far. your thoughts/ comments/ critique of them might prove to be a valuable discussion.yours in congenial anarchism,patrick