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Good things to say about FunScript:
- seems to be entirely unrestricted (I could not even locate a license file)
- has some very talented people hacking on it (but not as the day job)
- has this wonderful idea of using TypeScript definition files to provide typed API for JavaScript libraries (however, at this moment it does not work with latest TypeScript version so no luck there)
Why would you be interested in WebSharper instead? The quick answer is that it actually gets used a lot more, and is known to work quite well on large projects (I will cite FPish and CloudSharper as the ones we have been using it on at IntelliFactory), there is a team working on it day-to-day, and you can get actual support. It has been in use longer and it might have more issues ironed out, and it definitely supports a larger portion of F# standard library out-of-the-box.
NOTE: Tomas pointed me to a FunScript way of doing the following in the comments. Jon Harrop sites problems with using
sqrt in FunScript. In WebSharper, it works. Suppose it did not, and you know how the function looks in JavaScript, you do:
[<Inline "Math.sqrt($x)">] let sqrt (x: double) = sqrt x
And there you have it.. Also, rest assured that there is no string splicing going on - the inline is parsed as JavaScript, then a large subset of JS like the above is lifted to our Core form, which assures things like evaluation order are preserved, and lets optimizations work smoothly, including ones we have not written yet :)
That being said, I believe we have made quite a few mistakes in the past, including:
- hiding sources (it is open-source now)
- mismanaging the community - actually I am reading books now on how to facilitate an open-source project community better
- making it too hard to get started and not giving enough documentation
(presently we are writing manual chapters at our github repo) and preparing a website update
- trying to provide all library bindings ourselves - TypeScript is definitely a great idea and we will add support for it (have a working prototype for 0.8 but need to upgrade to latest TS - same as FunScript
- attempting to solve too many problems at once, and not focusing on important problems first. This leaving us with a large and somewhat difficult to change codebase
- some engineering mistakes in organizing code or designing APIs
If you feel like making more suggestions, please do..
People also typically bring up licensing and how the output code looks like as problems. I do not think those are show-stopper issues:
- License (AGPL) - it is actually free for open-source use. If you need to close your app, but cannot afford the listed license fees, just talk to us and we can work out a deal. Note that having this license might be annoying but it is essential for securing funding and commercial support for the project - for it to have a future.
- Code output - we are working out a better optimizer with Andras Janko that will help a lot, in both shrinking output and improving performance, but really, how the code looks - this is not an issue. In months of programming with WebSharper I never remember looking at the JavaScript output. Look at Emscripten, can you read its output? Yet Emscripten is extremely useful. Once you get past a certain stability level, this does not matter anymore.
I also privately think both WebSharper and FunScript make this fundamental mistake - using F# quotations. I think the future is simply not there. There is exciting stuff going on with projects such as ASM.js and Emscripten, and I strongly suspect the future successful project in this area will provide a much more compatible CLR implementation on top of JS, plus perhaps some specialized optimizations for functional code as F# produces. I have seen a few CLR-to-JS compilers, but am not sure which is the best today. I tried writing one myself and hope to come back to it, it certainly was challenging and interesting. The key is to stop thinking of such projects as source-to-source compilers and start treating JS for what it is, portable assembly.


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On Sunday we had to make the very difficult and sudden decision to put our sweet dog to sleep. He developed kidney failure, and short of sending him to UF for dialysis, there was nothing else that we could do but watch him endure a slow, agonizing death. So we did what we never thought that we would have to do for our 5.5 year old pup. Even now it seems surreal. He filled so much space in our hearts and home and things are just not the same without him.
Jane asks for him several times a day, and I tell her that Harrison doesn't live with us anymore; he lives in Heaven with Jesus now. She is asking for him less and less, but still pretty frequently. Last night we mentioned Jesus's name and she instantly started saying "doggie", so I know she is starting to understand at whatever level she can.
Andrew is absolutely devastated. Harrison is the dog that he always wanted, and it is Andrew who feels the dog's absence most acutely.
We don't know what sent him into kidney failure, which, for me, is one of the most difficult things about his death. We just don't know what caused it. That and watching Andrew grieve. That is truly the most difficult thing, and I just pray that God would give him peace and comfort.
We love you and miss you, sweet Harrison. You really were the best dog.

subset: commoncrawl


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K is such a picky eater. We have tried everything. We have cooked together. She LOVES to cook, but won't eat what she has made. We have bribed and begged her to eat things. She does, but hates it. Now the kids at least follow the 3 bites rule (you must eat three bites of everything on your plate), but getting her to like new foods is a constant battle.
To try and find something we could work on together that she would like, I bought a bread machine. But I have yet to take it out of the box. Instead, I bought "Artisan Breads in 5 Minutes a Day". K loves bread. So on Monday night we made the basic dough. Then, the following night, we took some out of the fridge (the basic dough makes 4 loaves) and baked it. YUMMY!!! It was so delicious. K loved it - the whole family loved it! We ate the whole (small) loaf! And I am returning the bread machine!!
This book is genius. I can't wait to try more recipes!!! I highly recommend it.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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The Land That Could Be
The Land That Could Be:
Environmentalism and Democracy in the Twenty-First Century
William A. Shutkin
October 2001, MIT Press
In this book, environmentalist and lawyer William Shutkin describes a new kind of environmental and social activism spreading across the nation, one that joins the pursuit of environmental quality with that of civic health and sustainable local economies. In the face of challenges posed by often corrosive market forces and widespread social disaffection, this civic environmentalism is creating nothing less than a new public discourse and dynamic social vision grounded in environmental action.
Shutkin points the way to vibrant, sustainable communities through four inspiring examples of civic environmentalism in action: the redevelopment of contaminated urban land for agriculture in inner-city Boston, mass-transit-based development and waterfront restoration in Oakland, protection of open space and conservation-based development in rural Colorado, and smart-growth and sustainability strategies in suburban New Jersey. The book's underlying message is that the nation's environmental health is a critical factor in its success as a vital democracy. Social health, democratic community, and environmentalism, Shutkin shows, are one.
From the author's preface:
"This book asserts that environmentalism is as much about protecting ordinary places as it is about preserving wilderness areas; as much about promoting civic engagement as it is about pursuing environmental litigation; and as much about implementing sound economic development strategies as it is about negotiating global climate change treaties. Ultimately, I believe, environmentalism is nothing less than about our conception of ourselves as a social and political community — what the bald eagle, our national symbol, really means."


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Arson at Md. park cabin: Police
Fire officials are investigating a cabin fire in a Maryland state park early Saturday as arson, authorities said.
A witness spotted the blaze at the two-story cabin in Indian Head's Chapman State Park about 3:45 a.m., fire officials said.
The property is worth an estimated $150,000, and is owned by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.
Anyone with information is asked to call 443-550-6831.
-- Mike McPhate
Washington Post Editors
June 21, 2010; 9:58 AM ET
Categories: Charles , Fires & Fire Safety
Save & Share: Previous: Man found shot in Northeast
Next: Va. preps for emergencies
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Collections, Reflections and Our Favourite Moments
Join the Brownies for the last guided walk of 2014, as they look back at their journey and share their collection of individual stories and experiences at their favourite tombs: stories of women breaking the glass ceiling, of great sacrifices and humble deeds, experiences of the joy of discovery and connecting the living to the dead. It is also our thank you tour for the community who have supported us all the way through this ongoing journey which began in 2011, of bringing our collective past and history into the present.
We look to you to continue to grow and spread the word of Bukit Brown a Living Museum, Heritage Habitat History.
Bukit Brown Advocate Organisation of the Year 2014
Bukit Brown on the World Monuments Fund Watch List
[cover photo by: Zhi Hao]
We guide rain, shine or exhumations"
Please bring umbrella or poncho and sun protection.
Please wear covered footwear.
Please bring mosquito repellent.
Meeting place: At the Lor Halwa Main gates
Meeting time: 9.00am
For first time visitors, see below for some important things to note.
For information on how to get there and handy tips please visit
Disclaimer: By agreeing to take this walking tour of Bukit Brown Cemetery, I understand and accept that I must be physically fit and able to do so.To the extent permissible by law, I agree to assume any and all risk of injury or bodily harm to myself and persons in my care (including child or ward)
Our weekend public tours are FREE ...
Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).
Please click 'Join' on the FB event page to let us know you are coming, how many pax are turning up, or just meet us at the starting point. We meet there rain or shine.
Bukit Brown:
The Bukit Brown area is about 233 hectares in extent, bordered by Lornie Road, Thomson Road and the Pan-Island Expressway. It lies just to the south of the Central Catchment Forest, being separated from it by Lornie Road and includes Singapore's only Chinese Municipal Cemetery. With more than 100,000 graves, Bukit Brown is also one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China.
Don't forget to bask in the peaceful surrounds, and also chat with your guides and make friends with other participants. We are amateurs and volunteers, but we are passionate and serious about what we do at Bukit Brown, and we encourage sharing of knowledge.
Here is a map of the grounds:
Please take note:
1. We will be walking mainly on paved roads. But there are hill treks so dress appropriately, especially your footwear.
2. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or sunburn. Bring sunblock and natural insect repellent.
3. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as safety is important. Walking sticks are recommended.
4. Do read up on Bukit Brown before going so you have a better understanding of the place (e.g. BukitBrown.com)
5. Do bring water, light snacks, poncho/umbrella, sunhat and waterproof your electronics.
6. Please go to the toilet before coming. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby.
How to get there by MRT / Bus:
Bus services available: 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855.
From North: Go to Marymount MRT and walk to bus-stop #53019 along Upper Thomson Road. Take Buses 52, 74, 165, 852, 855
Alight 6 stops later at bus-stop, #41149, opposite Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Walk towards Sime Road in the direction of Kheam Hock Road until you see Lorong Halwa.
From South: Go to Botanic Gardens MRT and walk to bus-stop #41121 at Adam Road, in front of Singapore Bible College. Take Buses 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855. Alight 2 stops later at bus-stop, #41141, just before Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Cross the bridge, walk towards Sime Road, follow the road until you see Lorong Halwa.
By car:
Turn in from Lornie Road, to Sime Road. Then, turn left into Lorong Halwa.
Parking space available along Lor Halwa and in the cemetery some distance after the cemetery gate
- Venue
- Bukit Brown Cemetery
- Tickets
Standard FULL
- Venue Address
- Bukit Brown Cemetery, Lorong Halwa Singapore
- Directions
Bus services available: 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855.
- Organizer
Bukit Brown Events1,866 Followers


text: Owings Moves to 4-0 as D'backs Edge Giants 4-2 Arizona improves to MLB-best 14-5, 13-3 against NL West By Doug Sweeney, Newser Staff Posted Apr 22, 2008 1:29 AM CDT 0 comments Comments Arizona Diamondbacks' Stephen Drew, top, turns a double play during the seventh inning of a baseball game as San Francisco Giants' Ray Durham (5) slides into second Monday, April 21, 2008 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) View 2 more images (Newser) – Eric Byrnes hit the go-ahead, two-run homer, and Micah Owings became the season's third four-game winner Monday night when the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2. Mark Reynolds and Orlando Hudson hit solo home runs as the Diamondbacks improved their major league-best record to 14-5. Arizona is 13-3 against NL West foes. Owings (4-0) joined teammate Brandon Webb and Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka as the season's first pitchers with four wins. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed two runs, including Fred Lewis' solo homer, and five hits in 6 1-3 innings. He struck out four, walked one and hit two batters. One of the game's best hitting pitchers, Owings was 1-for-2 and scored a run. View 2 more images


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Republicans, but he makes it very clear that whoever they are, they are lying.
Republicans, in turn, accuse the Democrats of carrying out such an uncompromising and politically tinged legislative agenda that they have no choice but to block many bills. They also say that filibusters are often needed to hold up legislation temporarily so they can achieve crucial changes that Democrats would otherwise be unwilling to consider.
Until that happens again, said Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, people can expect to see plenty of filibuster threats. "I think we can stipulate once again for the umpteenth time that matters that have any level of controversy about it in the Senate will require 60 votes," he said.
OK so Mitch McConnell and some other Republicans claim that "any level of controversy" implies that Democrats have an "uncompromising and politically tinged legislative agenda."
They can filibuster, but they can't get their story straight.
I think Senator McConnell might be a bit too openly cynical for his own good. I hope he is too openly cynical to get re-elected.


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Fun With Absurdist Logic
What can you prove starting from the assumption that 1 = 2? Technically speaking, anything. One of the basic rules of logic is that if you include a false statement in your assumptions, you can prove any statement from those assumptions, regardless of whether the resulting statement is true or false. (P ⇒ Q follows from ¬P, regardless of Q.) This is often used for proofs "by contradiction" where you assume the opposite of what you are trying to prove, show that it results in a false statement, and thus conclude that your original assumption was false.
Though we know that this is true, rarely do we exercise it, and it can be a lot of fun to do so. Bertrand Russell once remarked "Give me any false statement and any other statement to prove and I will prove it," and I'll be cribbing from him here to use "1 = 2" to prove that I am a walrus. (He proved that he was God, but I'm no Bertrand Russell.)
Assume 1 = 2.
Consider the following set of two elements: {me, a walrus}.
This set has size 2, but because 2 = 1 it must also have size 1.
Therefore, me and the walrus must be the same element, and thus, I am a walrus.
There's great potential for a game here: One player chooses a false statement to start from, and the challenger responds with a fantastically outlandish statement to prove. Failure to prove it in 1 minute results in consequences appropriate for your age group. (If you are in college, you know what to do.) Astute readers will note that a similar argument to the above shows that I am also the eggman. Proving "goo goo g'joob" is left as an exercise to the reader.


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Unpublished Paper
Long Term Resource Planning for Electric Power Systems Under Uncertainty(2011)
AbstractElectric power systems are subject to uncertainties of many types and at many levels. In addition to the uncertain fuel prices, demand growth, and equipment outages included in traditional models, current trends portend increasing uncertainty due to such factors as the growth in generation from renewable sources which may be intermittent, the possibility of regulations to control carbon emissions, and the increasing price responsiveness of demand encouraged by smart grid technologies. This paper begins by discussing issues that confront electric system planners and explains the requirements for useful tools. We continue with a description of academic and commercial planning models for the energy grid and conclude with a description of computational tools to support optimization for large scale planning models in the presence of uncertainty. For illustration, we include a proposed model for electric system planning that includes linkages with transportation systems.
- Generation expansion planning,
- transmission expansion planning,
- uncertainty
Publication Date2011
Citation InformationSarah M. Ryan, James D. McCalley and David L. Woodruff. "Long Term Resource Planning for Electric Power Systems Under Uncertainty" (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sarah_m_ryan/27/


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Friday, March 7, 2008
Another Virtual Cookbook + A Cake Explanation
Why did I have to trust in the cake from yesterday's post? Last weekend I had some friends over for a potluck dinner and was running very behind schedule. The soup that I made turned out to be a disaster that could not be rescued in time. I still have to rescue that soup come to think about it... But most importantly, I had very little time to make a nice dessert.
I was looking at my cake recipes and stumbled upon the Swedish Visiting Cake. It's been blogged about like crazy over the past few years and I had only read good things about it. But when I looked closely at the ingredients, there was no leavening - no baking soda or baking powder, so the cake would not rise. That is quite unusual. I thought maybe I read the recipe incorrectly. Luckily my computer was already on, because I was streaming music, so I looked up the recipe again in a few different places. I was wasting time that I didn't have and the recipes were all the same. I decided to just "trust in the cake" and go with it. The cake would be very dense.
I didn't have time to zest the lemon and I didn't have any almonds, so I doubled the amount of almond extract and after I baked the cake, I sifted powdered sugar over the top. I so love this cake! I'm so glad I trusted the recipe.
And now just a couple of more things that I want to tell you about before I start rushing to get ready for work. I'm posting really early in the morning, which I hardly ever do, unless I've stayed up late and it turns into early morning.
There was a flat bread blog event that I missed out on participating in, but I found the roundup. Click here on the blog Chili und Ciabatta for a roundup of 47 flatbread recipes.
And finally, I'd like to direct you to my first guest blog post! It's over at Bertie's blog Happiness From The Inside Out. I learned from Bertie's notice on BlogHer that she was looking for guest bloggers. I really like her blog. What's not to like about a blog that's set on finding ways for us to be inspired and happy? So I contacted her and told her that I would love to be a guest blogger. I think she's still looking for more guest bloggers if you're interested. Have a great day everyone!
Anali's First Amendment © 2006-2008. All rights reserved.
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Posted by Lisa Johnson at 7:27 AM
3 comments:
- Asha said...
Love that bread baking event!:)
Have a great weekend.
- Susan from Food Blogga said...
I love that you made simple adjustments and "trusted in the cake." Thanks for mentioning Bertie's blog. I'll have to check it out.
- Anali said...
asha - You have a great weekend too! ; )
susan - Thanks! I wish I had tried the cake sooner and not waited for emergency baking circumstances. ; )
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Taking her cue from the old Harry Warren-Al Dubin movie tune "Lulu's Back in Town," Lucie Arnaz took to the Birdland stage with a keen sense of balance and poise, investing her turn with a warm banter and a varied songbook. Arnaz at 57 remains a glam diva in her pleated icy electric blue halter. She boasts a personable image and embraced the jazz legacy with Duke Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light" coupled with a serenely poised evening spill of "Moonglow."
The lady found her torchlight with "Sorry 'Bout the Whole Darn Thing," one of those rare gems from the deep and treasurable trunk of Willard Robison. Revenge in jazz was revealed in her own words for "The View From Here," set to music by Madeline Stone. Arnaz also reprised the title tune from her Broadway turn in "They're Playing Our Song" with a zesty thrust that reveals bold stage pipes.
A bountiful guest roster dotted the singer's keenly paced 90-minute set. Musical director Ron Abel previewed his new tuner "Bricktop," a tribute to the legendary doyenne of Paris, with "A Place of My Own." Broadway at Birdland regular Billy Stritch joined Arnaz for a buoyant medley of Cole Porter's "It's All Right With Me" and Johnny Mercer's "Something's Gotta Give." Another heady dose of Ellingtonia found cabaret crooner Scott Coulter honoring his new uptown digs with a fervently rendered jazz classic, "Drop Me Off in Harlem."
Daughter Kate Luckinbill offered an amusing musical account of "Taylor, the Latte Boy," while son Joe Luckinbill performed a rather tentative guitar solo. Actor-dad Laurence Luckinbill beamed with pride from ringside.
Finale found Arnaz in tribute to her celebrated parents. Wearing a tilted boater, she went Latin with a torrid take on "El Cumbanchero" and a touch of "Cuban Pete" in a flavorful nod to dad Desi. "He was impossible to live with," Lucie noted, "but unconscionable to live without." For her mom, Arnaz recalled Lucille Ball's only Broadway appearance in "Wildcat" and her only hit tune, "Hey Look Me Over." In a new arrangement by musical director Abel, she skirted the marching tempo for a poised introspective take on the Carolyn Leigh-Cy Coleman tune.


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Hi - I've had the most amazing day! I got back from a wonderful weekend away to a mystery parcel - until I saw the name 'Julia' on the back! Thank you SO MUCH to the lovely Mrs Dunnit of http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ who sent me a pile of her beautiful cards to sell for Touch 1000 Lives - Julia, you are such a generous person!
This is just
to say you've made this Flutterby so very
I'm really going to
selling these wonderful donations in aid of these lovely people -
These are children of the Chenchu Tribe (Untouchables), a village of people who live on a site no bigger than a Tesco garage forecourt - THANK YOU to everyone who helps us to help them and many more like them.
My day didn't finish there! We had a trustee meeting for the charity, and I was given this beautiful present sent from India - this gorgeous top with trousers and scarf to match! I'm happy to say it is too small for me at the moment, but I will have a photo taken wearing it at the end of July, when my husband and I finish our sponsored slim and collect the money raised - at the moment, we are worth £360 to them, but that will increase as our weight drops - everyone's a winner!
Then, in the afternoon, my friend Katie sent over a huge stash of goodies that she had sorted out from her mother-in-law's craft stuff! Thank you Katie xx
I am SO blessed to have such wonderful friends!
So, going to bed a VERY happy bunny, and thanks again to the wonderful Julia xx


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Much Ado About Nothing - Gifted Education
Florida policymakers are considering changes to the state's gifted education program that could redefine the smart kid and let more join the club next school year.
The proposal, which effectively lowers IQ standards, has the potential to reshape one of public education's most loved and loathed programs.
Of course the article mentions the typical "experts" who say that IQ doesn't really measure giftedness, but the article also mentions that some experts think that lowering the standards will actually increase the proportion of white students to minority students.
They are right! For a detailed explanation please go to La Griffe Du Lion and read here and here, but let me attempt to sum it up for you.
Basically, due to the distribution and mean IQ scores of different groups, the difference of frequency (percentage of any group scoring any given score) varies in a nonlinear way. See the chart below from La Griffe Du Lion:
Figure 6. Interdependence of group pass rates. Shown here for typical values of black and white distribution parameters.And with this we can now plot the predicted B/W IQ gap relative to any given white pass rate on any given test:
Figure 7. Predicted black-white point gap vs. white pass rate.
The predicted gap dependence shown in Figure 7 makes qualitative sense. Suppose an exam is so difficult that very few students pass, both black and white pass rates will be small, and consequently so will their difference. In the high-difficulty limit, the gap vanishes. At the other end, if a test is made so trivial that nearly 100 percent of all students pass, group pass-rate differences must again be small, and go to zero in the low-difficulty limit. Between these extremes the point gap attains a maximum value.
Now we have this chart based on percentiles, all we have to do is to figure out the percentile equivalent of any given IQ score. (Note: the percentile equivalents are not disaggregated for whites but finding disaggregated IQ distribution scores is impossible unless you are willing to pay)
Now we plot the Percent of Whites Making the Cutoff (scoring a given IQ score on a test) on to Figure 7 to get the White-Black gap in percentage points. Note: Even though the gap decreases the absolute ratio of black students to white students will still be disproportionate due to the demographics of the state.
The same thing can also be seen in this chart from the Wikipedia article on Race and intelligence (Average gaps among races)
As you can see, lowering the IQ threshold for the Gifted program in Florida from 130 to 120 will result in an greater ratio of whites to blacks to the program, even though more blacks will qualify. (Some of you might notice that this is basically the same sort of thing that educators do to reduce the achievement gap as measured against state standards. See Charles Murray's article on this here.)
Of course all this arbitrary setting of cutoff points doesn't mean anything in the real world because...
gifted education in most school districts sucks!
That's right, gifted education is for a large part a waste of resources.
Unfortunately, due to the political climate in education, educrats disdain for truly gifted students, and a tendency for educators to provide enrichment instead of acceleration, gifted students get shafted.
In some ways above average students are even more shafted than average students in our country. First of all gifted education usually disappears once students get into middle school, only to be replaced with honors and AP classes. And due to a prejudice against to much acceleration, young students who are probably capable of performing at several grades above the standards aren't given the opportunity. Instead they are saddled with all sorts of enrichment activities that usually involve some multidisciplinary project that emphasizes application of skills... bla, bla, bla.
Sure it appears to outsiders that gifted programs must work since the students are so bright, but they were bright before they got into the gifted program. Just as high SES schools appear to be successful based on the performance of their (mostly upper middle class white) students, gifted programs appear successful for the exact same reasons.
If Florida's law makers ultimate goal is to reduce the achievement gap, increasing the number of minority students in gifted education is not going to do it, but somehow I think its more of a numbers game that a true effort to improve educational opportunities.
Disclaimer: My son is in his 3rd grade gifted program and it sucks!
Note: Even if my logic about lowering the IQ threshold for gifted programs is totally screwed up, gifted programs still suck.


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As pregnancy announcements go, this is up there with the cutest – because it's themed on Up, the classic tear-jerker from Pixar.
Mum-to-be Erika Jackson used the animated movie as inspiration for sharing her big news with her husband, Jacob.
She bought a beautiful print of the house featured in the film because the couple love animation, and are fans of the movie.
Erika then wrote Jacob a poem on the back, because (just when you thought this story couldn't get any cuter), he had written her a children's book when he proposed.
Story continues after the video
In the video, Jacob unwraps the print, reads the poem and is in awe of his wife's news, welling up with tears at the thought of being a dad.
Erika shared the video and her poem on YouTube, where, naturally, it has been a huge hit. The poem is written in full below, and the Up print can be bought online at Etsy.
Congratulations Erika and Jacob!
Adventure is out there, by Erika Jackson
Adventure is out there!
I know this to be true
All my greatest adventures
Have always been with you
Adventure is out there
You always make it so
Whenever inhibition finds me
You remind me to let go
Adventure is out there!
And it will always be
Now that the two of us
Are soon becoming three!
More cute pregnancy announcements on Parentdish:
Dad-to-be's adorable reaction to wife's Bun in the Oven news
Two girls are REALLY happy about their mum's pregnancy


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Sunday, June 2, 2013
12 comments:
Wow. It's going to hurt.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 2, 2013 at 4:46 PM
want me to kiss it and make it better?ReplyDelete
i was out last weekend, it was hardly in the 70s and only in the sunshine for what seemed to be about 20 minutes or so. boy did i get my redneck farmer's tan/burn on!
As beautiful as you are, it might be a good idea to think about a more conservative approach to Summer Sun - We don,t want to see you end up looking like a leather handbag - Remember these words: Micro-pulverized Zinc-Oxide.ReplyDeleteReplies
- AnonymousJune 2, 2013 at 6:29 PM
We'll just have to start calling him Hermes Birkin or Bill Enciaga...Delete
... Yikes!ReplyDelete
Ai yi yi! That calls for a soak in cider vinegar and lukewarm water.ReplyDelete
Poor baby. I always roast two or three times first.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 3, 2013 at 7:04 AM
It's a little pricey, but we have hard great luck i "Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath". Guy as spa at hotel where my company holds conference recommended it to husband after he laid by pool all day once. Instructions say put it in bath, but he told us to slather it on directly for bad sunburn.ReplyDelete
if you add it to your Amazon Wish List I'm sure some sympathetic soul will send you a bottle.
I totally LOLed. Sorry.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 4, 2013 at 7:02 AM
That happened to my friend this weekend in San Francisco as well..but he claims it was worth it since he was flirting all day with EVERYBODY in Dolores Park.ReplyDelete
Thanks for the best blog EVER! And here's to your skin healing quickly! :)
- AnonymousJune 4, 2013 at 4:55 PM
The best treatment on this earth for sunburn is sour cream!ReplyDelete


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Southern California CityPass is the ultimate sunny California vacation experience. There are thrill rides, wild animals, cartoon creatures, castles, whales, movie sets, television sound stages, entertainment, restaurants and shopping for all ages to enjoy.
Southern California CityPass includes:
A Disneyland® Resort 3-Day Park Hopper® Bonus ticket valid for unlimited admission to Disneyland® park and Disney California Adventure® park for three days
Universal Studios Hollywood
San Diego's SeaWorld Adventure Park
What's Nearby
1.10 mi
1.10 mi
4.41 mi
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ST. PETERSBURG — An 18-year-old woman drove a car into a group of people late Thursday, injuring a young teen and an older man, St. Petersburg police say.
She was arrested and faces three counts of attempted homicide.
About 9:15 p.m., Shatavia Hall, 18, of St. Petersburg and her sister became embroiled in a brawl with two other women near 20th Avenue S and 42nd Street, according to police.
When the fight broke up, Hall and her sister got into a car and drove off. Several minutes later, the two drove back to the scene, police said.
Hall drove the maroon Pontiac Grand Am over the curb, into the yard and toward a group of at least five people, police said. Three jumped out of the way in time, but two couldn't dodge the accelerating sedan.
Dawson Othel, 70, and Jamari Brown, 13, were hit. Brown flipped over the hood of the car as it hit him, said St. Petersburg police spokesman Mike Puetz.
The two suffered minor injuries and were taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where they were treated overnight and released.
According to at least one witness, Hall was seen driving past the area shortly after the attack, "laughing as she drove by," Puetz said.
She was arrested about an hour later at her home in the 2800 block of Seventh Street S.
At midday Friday, Hall remained in Pinellas County Jail. No bail had yet been set.
Although Hall's sister was in the car with her at the time of the incident, she was not arrested. Her name was not immediately released.
An investigation continued Friday.
Marissa Lang can be reached at [email protected] or (813) 226-3386.


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Sorry for my lack of posts lately...family and school have really given me a run for my money this past month!
My good friend Misty included me in this awesome game. The concept is to do something nice for someone. The first 3 people who reply to this post will be sent a little something special!! The only thing I ask, is that when you get your item, you post this on your blog and do it for 3 more people! It is a lot of fun!! It really made my day! Here is the cute tote bag Misty sent me:)
"A good deed is like peeing your pants. Everyone knows that you did it, but only you can feel its warmth!"
February 4, 2009
January 19, 2009
Leg Huggers Giveaway Winner!!
Congratulations to Lori of "Time of Your Life" for winning the Leg Huggers Giveaway!! Thanks to all who entered and keep your eyes open for future giveaways!!
Posted by Megan 0 comments
January 11, 2009
Leg Huggers Review and Giveaway!
Leg Huggers are absolutely one of the most adorable baby items I have come across recently! These baby/young girl leggings come in an assortment of trendy styles and colors that are sure to keep your little one warm and cozy. Besides being fabulously stylish, the Leg Huggers are eco-friendly and made with Bamboo fibers. In addition, they are odor resistant and antibacterial! Not to mention incredibly soft!! With baby leggings being all the rave in baby/girl fashion, who would not want to see their little one in something so cute?
Now, for one of my fabulous readers, I will be giving away one pair of the Leg Huggers in The Popsicle Parade print. Giveaway ends 1/20/09
For one entry you must visit the Leg Huggers site and tell me which print is your favorite by leaving a comment.
For an extra entry you can follow me on twitter by clicking the link at the top right of this page. Just leave a comment letting me know you are a new follower!
For an additional entry you can blog about the giveaway and comment with a link back to your post!
If that isn't great enough already......Leg Huggers is kindly offering 10% off with the voucher code "momleg10" thru 3/1/09!!!!
Thanks and Good Luck!!!!
Posted by Megan 34 comments
January 2, 2009
Wow...another year gone and another starting. It has been a bittersweet year with so many life changing expereinces. In May, I gave birth to my youngest son Mason who was diagonsed wth a rare syndrome called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome aka CDLS. My husband and I were devastaed initially and went through a period of grief. We now are so grateful for the amazing boy god has given us and look forward to everyday we spend with both our children.
Another year of Nursing School out of the way! Whoo Hoo....I know someday I'll finish:) Follow my journey at Learning to Have Patients.
Was introduced to the Fabulous world of blogging!! Met some really great people and have made some really great friends. Been part of great networking sites that are opening up great opportunities for me!!
Excited about what 2009 has to hold!! Looking forward to starting on my resolutions!
Posted by Megan 6 comments
December 29, 2008
An Award!!
Corline over at the fabulous "Over The Top Aprons" has presented me with this wonderful award!! Thank you so much Corline!! What an honor!! Now I would like to present 5 others with this fabulous award:
Jen of Keep it Classy
Kadi of Womb at the Inn(sane)
Jennifer at The Dirty Shirt
Heidi at Gods Grace in Practice
Ellen at Thrifty and Chic Mom
Now each of you can pass this honor on to 5 blogs that you think are "Over The Top!"
The rules are as follows:
To receive this award your blog must be exceptional in design and content; presenting us with new knowledge, a sense of style, or at times just giving us a smile!
Each recipient of the award will acknowledge the person who honored them with the award and then go to http://overthetopaprons.blogspot.com to copy/paste the award to their side bar. The award, Your Blog is Over The Top, is located on the right sidebar, scroll down.
Posted by Megan 4 comments
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Two weeks ago we had the coldest weather that I have experienced since I moved to Las Cruces. The official temperature dropped to 1 but the outside thermometer at my house registered -7. The cold weather caused electrical blackouts, frozen pipes, water shortages, and natural gas stoppages across New Mexico and West Texas.
The thaw 3 days later exposed all the broken pipes, made a lot of plumbers rich, and shut down water distribution systems in the El Paso and Ruidoso.
The freeze also did havoc to many plants in the region. Non-native plants like the Mexican fan-tail palm were most affected. These plants suffer even in normal winters and are marginal for this climate. I don't understand why people here plant them. It's not just the newcomers who have them, you'll see them all over the Mesilla valley. They only grow from the middle of the fronds. Winter kill is trimmed off. If the middle is dead, the palm is dead. These two aren't going to make it.
|My neighbor's yard
Native plants and climate adapted plants were not immune. Unprotected prickly pears and agaves collapsed. Oleanders crinkled. Rosemary bushes turned black.
My prickly pear, oleander, and cherry sage are showing a little green; I think they might survive.
When the sun came out, the snow on the roof melted, icicles formed and my solar panels started generating electricity. The oleander hiding the smart meter and solar meter is showing signs of stress.
Temperatures are back in the 70s now and it's been windy. But all the dead and damaged stuff has made the valley really brown.


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Miss Me Yet?
I'm back! My computer is fixed, I'm getting into my groove, and I'm definitely going to get back into maintaining this blog (I've got lots to say, now all I have to do is type it up!) I'll have the rest of my Dirty Latin series up by the end of this week :-)
Oh yeah, and I found the photo here.


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|700 sq ft
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|5 nights
This property is professionally managed by Ivy Lettings, specialists in central London vacation rentals since 2009. Here's a video of reviews from some of our clients: https://vimeo.com/90745841
For now welcome to Cheniston Gardens:
Secluded yet ideally located the Kensington apartment just off bustling Kensington High Street and fantastic Hyde Park, this practical apartment can sleep 4 guests and is perfect for exploring Central London's finest attractions. Our apartment is ideal for short term accommodation and city breaks in London's exclusive location.
One bedroom with super king-size bed (6ft wide), full-length mirrors and ample storage space. The living area has a small double sofa bed to allow for 2 further guests.
One bathroom with basin, toilet and bath with built-in shower.
Open-plan living area and fully-equipped kitchen with breakfast bar to seat 4 guests for casual dining. Private balcony leading off the main lounge area.
Particularly suitable for
Couples and families.
Not suitable for Disabled guests.
Second floor with two flights of stairs to access.
Local area
A 2 minute walk from Kensington High Street tube station offering quick links to the rest of the city. There are a multitude of grocery stores, ATMs, coffee shops and restaurants all on the doorstep along the popular and thriving High Street Kensington.
We politely ask clients to note the following:
Minimum stay: 5 nights
Maximum party size 4
Only couples over age 30 and families
Strictly no smoking/pets
We are Ivy Lettings www.ivylettings.com. Our mission is to provide a convenient and comfortable alternative to the often anonymous hotel experience at a fraction of the cost, whilst making sure some of London's chicest properties do not lay dormant for long periods of the year. Having successfully accommodated thousands of happy guests, we're delighted to set out our promises for your stay with us:
We promise that our team will act in a friendly and professional manner towards you at all times, and will be on hand to deal with any queries and comments.
We will ensure all our properties, while varied and characterful, will be professionally cleaned prior to your stay, and furnished to a high standard throughout.
We chose Cheniston Gardens because of it's secluded feel and great location just off Kensington High Street as well its close (2 minute!) proximity to the tube.
A cosy home from home perfect for enjoying London!
This is our third stay at Cheniston Gardens and I believe our ninth with Ivy Lettings. Going to Cheniston again is like going home, and it is only a bus ride away from the Great British Beer Festival!!
We spent six nights here and enjoyed the location very much, just a few blocks from High St. Kensington tube stop, also convenient for good pubs, shops, and restaurants in the neighborhood. Flat is very comfortable (especially the firm king size bed) and well appointed, also quiet. Only suggestions would be to provide a bath mat and paper towels which we missed during our stay. We would definitely try to book this flat again on our next trip to London - thanks Ivy Lettings!
We booked this lovely flat for a week following a rather vigorous tour of the British Isles. It was perfect for three adults. The owner and management company were friendly and responsive, and very kindly facilitated an early check in. Washer/dryer were small, but got the job done. Damage deposit was returned on time. It is up three flights of stairs, so is not appropriate for people with stair issues. Very close to tube station. Short walk to Marks and Spencer for food and a very nice pub.
The apartment is located on a quiet side street but yet is only 2 blocks from Kensington High Street where there are a variety of shops and places to eat and drink. The Kensington High Street Underground stop is only about 3 blocks away and you can get on the Circle and District lines which will take you anywhere in London. The apartment was clean, nicely furnished and the kitchen fully supplied. Ivy Lettings was very responsive and helpful and I would rent from them again.
We had a wonderful stay in this lovely apartment in Kensington. The apartment is perfectly located on a very quiet street. This is a real bonus in such a busy city as London. It is close to the tube which made it easy to reach any place in London you wish to visit. The apartment contained all mod cons, and had a super king bed, which are hard to find in London properties. It all made for a very comfortable and relaxing stay. The property managers Katie and Holly were easy to contact and very approachable, and ensured that everything went smoothly during our stay. We would definitely stay in this apartment again when next we visit London. Keith and Glenda, Australia.
Un piso típico londinense, limpio y muy bien ubicado.
Hay que subir dos tramos de escaleras pero son comodas. Perfecto para 4 personas. Matrimonio y dos hijos que comparten cama.
Location: close to the underground and several buses at Kensington High Street, we loved Wholefoods (supermarket and food court), Waitrose also in walking distance, the usual Highstreet shops, nevertheless the flat is very quiet, no noise from the streets or anything else
Flat: really cosy and clean, kitchen with all equipment you might need (and more), bathroom with window, bedroom with comfortable bed (and I am really difficult here) and washing machine/dryer in a small room off the bedroom, living room with sofa bed which was perfect for our children, probably not for large people, small balcony, 2nd floor
Ivy Lettings: very flexible and accommodating with the check in and check out, we really appreciated that, thanks again! Quick answers to all emails, prompt reimbursement of deposit.
We will come again and will either look for this flat again or any other flat that is handled by Ivy Lettings.
A 2 minute walk from Kensington High Street tube station offering quick links to the rest of the city. There are a multitude of grocery stores, ATMs, coffee shops and restaurants all on the doorstep along the popular and thriving High Street Kensington.
Kensington is frequently associated with the city's best dressed and well-heeled. As such, it is no surprise that it is notable in particular for its main commercial artery, Kensington High Street, home of the Whole Foods Market flagship store and a vast selection of affordable brand names. Moving westwards takes you to Shepherd�����������������������s Bush, home of the behemoth Westfield shopping centre, the largest urban mall in Europe. Alighting at the South Kensington tube stop, you begin to understand the area's reputation as the city's heart of high-brow culture. Right next to the station you will find a tightly knit (and well signposted) corridor of museums and galleries, all of which date from the 1851 Great Exhibition, whose profits Prince Albert used to regenerate the area. This includes the V&A, Science and Natural History Museums, as well as the Royal Albert Hall. The beauty of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park adds weight to London's title of most verdant city of its size in the world.
|Cleaning Fee
|Refundable Damage Deposit


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Last Sunday's Gospel reading from Matthew 13 contained the parable of the Wheat and the Tares (to use the older reference) as well as the brief metaphors of the Kingdom being like the mustard seed and the yeast mixed into the flour. (Matt 13:24-43) I've always been able to grasp the Wheat and Tares parable, and the mustard seed comparison (somewhat), but the one about yeast always befuddled me a bit - until I started baking a lot of bread.
I'm a renowned bread baker - at least in the circles I travel. I don't do much, but what I do, I do well. My basic white bread has been called by some the Best Bread in the World. (Credit for that has to go to the late James Beard - it's his recipe.) The ingredients are simple: flour, water, a little salt, yeast, and some sugar to feed the yeast. Yet for all its simplicity, I've had many people ask me for help, because they "can't make bread".
Turns out the most common problem is dead yeast. Three tablespoons isn't a very big portion of nine pounds of dough, but it makes all the difference. If the yeast is fresh and vigorous, the dough rises swiftly and evenly, transforming all that wet flour into high, light loaves. But if the yeast is dead (as most grocery store yeast is), the dough just sits there - a flat, heavy, unappetizing lump. Without good yeast to leaven it, bread is just flour that's been saturated and then dried in the oven.
My experience with yeast dough has helped me understand a little of Jesus' brief metaphor. For one thing, I read somewhere recently that the "three measures" of flour was quite a bit - the same measure stipulated by Abraham in Genesis 18:6, which would have been about three bushels in today's measures. Three bushels! Also, the "yeast" (or "leaven", depending on your translation) would not have been the dry powdery material we typically use today, but a living culture more like a sourdough starter. So even if the woman mixed in three cups of starter, that would have been a lot of dough to rise.
Yet yeast, being the stubborn little beasties that they are, would've done the job given enough time (especially in the warm Mediterranean climate.) I think part of Jesus' point was that it doesn't take much to have a dramatic effect. Just as a few tablespoons of yeast can turn nine pounds of wet flour into bread people will drive miles to get (especially fresh from the oven), so just a few children of the Kingdom can make a big difference in a culture. However - and I think this was another point that Jesus' audience would not have missed - the yeast has to be alive. Yeast isn't like baking soda or vinegar. It's a microbe that is only effective when it's living. Dead yeast is worse than useless - it just smells, and you have to throw it away. But if it's living, it's very effective.
Something for us to keep in mind: if we're to have the "leavening" effect that Jesus desires, we have to be alive in Him. If we are, then we can have a dramatic effect on the world around us, transforming it dramatically. If we don't stay alive, the "dough" of our culture will not be leavened, but remain a soggy, heavy, useless lump. It'll be good for nothing but to be thrown out - and us with it.
We've got a whole hand now - I still use the Internet lots (Twitter, Instagram, some Facebook) but this space has been sitting quiet for a long time and when I think about it, I just… ...
2 years ago


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|Miss 13's Bday Cake she made herself
|Celebrating the Birthdays
August also saw the tickets be booked for all the cousins trip to Australia in December/January. We have all been saving madly and the kids cant wait.
Miss 13 has been enrolled into High School for the start of the next school year (Feburay for us in NZ). Miss 10 is going thru the process of being enrolled into Intermediate for the start of the next school year... very exciting times because they both start new schools next year. Miss 13 is lucky enough to have a step sister at Rangitoto College, a very popular school here in Auckland and one of the largest in New Zealand I think. To give you an idea they are capping the Year 9 entrants at 650! There is over 3k students there! We are out of zone for it (the zone starts at the end of our street) so she's lucky because she would be automatically accepted into it because she has a sibling there. So we went on the school tour and she liked it and then that afternoon we headed off to her other choice and chose that one instead. She's really excited and has chosen all her options and I'm really looking forward to it.
We've come to the end of the netball season for Miss 13. Last game tomorrow.
Miss 10 has gone back to swimming lessons and from what I can tell the Northern Arena is just beautiful. Miss 13 has joined the Teen Fit sessions and she's very excited to join and cant wait to start.
At school we have cross country... Miss 10 came 15th out to Year 6 girls. Speeches which Miss 13 loathes.
Apart from that it's work, clean, kids, work, clean, dishes, work, clean... oh my life is SO exciting :)


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The roundtable is in full progress and, surprise, our very own David Wallom, blogger extraordinaire, is making waves with his curly questions. Keep'em on their toes mate! After lunch there's another couple of hours for discussion...things should get quite animated I predict!
On a separate note...if you're keen on micro-blogging, check out GridTalk on Twitter: http://twitter.com/gridtalk
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Curly questions and Twitter
Publié par Cristy Burne à l'adresse 12:45 PM
Libellés : cloudscape, twitter
|Réactions :
1 comment:
- Stephanie Parker said...
keep it coming!
- January 15, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Oh, how I long for an organised space, I look at some fab -u -lous studios on so many blogs and can only dream of being so sorted!
I bought this Arts and Crafts dresser a couple of years ago for £100, it is far too big for my room but I love it. The top holds my collection of china but hidden away in the cupboards and drawers are my creative bits and pieces, paints, beads, threads, all those little things. Can you spot those darling mice?My Dining table is my workspace, I fold fabric for workshops and fairs.
It is my main creative space and can get rather busy.
The chairs belonged to my Great grandmother, I remember them being in her bedroom they were made by her husband. The pencil drawings on the wall were done by my grandad in the 1950's.
Those ladies are so elegant.
It's so nice to be surrounded by my families creative efforts.
I love making patchwork quilts and have recently been machine quilting.
When I am using my glue gun I settle down on my sofa and really make a mess.
Every New Year I resolve to be more organised and less messy.
I honestly do keep trying, I manage to create in all this mess which is a miracle.
Those mice must really be my guardian angels!
When I finish my work I can walk by the beach and gets lots more inspiration or go on a blog hop and dream of a tidy workspace.
I'm actually having a good time in my tiny messy creative space. I'm full of ideas so if you don't hear from me for a while I'm buried in a muddle making beautiful things.


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Friday, November 2, 2012
Poem of the Week: Invocation to Sleep
4 comments:
LOL... I've gotten so little sleep lately this just makes me laugh... it sounds lovely... XDReplyDelete
Lovely! Very lovely!!ReplyDelete
The Percy Jackson books are great if you love unusual heroes. Percy isn't at all typical, which I think makes him a lot of fun.ReplyDelete
I was very sorry to hear of your stress. I know from experience how draining it can be, both physically and mentally. And it can also cause illnesses. I hope all is well now and you are over it. It is very rough to go through. (Also I am glad you are back. I did miss you.)
Normal is very boring. I am very grateful I am not.
Oh! That shall be grand if you are able to enter the blog party! I would most love to put up a post by you! And send readers your way.
I am glad you enjoyed the snippet!
Katherine Sophia,ReplyDelete
Yeah, I hadn't gotten much sleep that week either, so when I saw this poem I thought, "Yes! Perfect!"
Isn't it though!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
If you are commenting as Anonymous or Unknown, please leave your name in your comment.


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Happy Sunday to you!
My day started with a fairly thick haar cloaking the view from my window. That means I could barely see 10 feet in front of me outside at 7 a.m. By ten a.m. the blue chinks were appearing and the misty haar burned off in that almost instant way that it does in Aberdeenshire.
I had a plan but that didn't include writing all day. Nope, first pop was to go to a nearby town to help deliver leaflets giving an update on the local SNP MP's progress. First pop didn't quite happen but I was off on my delivery round by 10a.m, after the haar lifted. Driving around Aberdeenshire single carriageway (for some single track with passing places) roads isn't fun if you can't see in front of you so it's cautious to wait.
My writing tasks today include catching up with reviews of books read so here's another I finished last week.
Simon Scarrow Under The Eagle - 4 stars
This was an interesting glimpse into the life of a centurion, Macro, in the Ancient Roman Army of c. AD 43. At times, it seems as though the story is more about the young recruit Cato since there are spells where the plot is described in his point of view, though that also happens with other characters, too. However, the omniscient author plus technique didn't interrupt my reading flow. The details of fortress life in Germania were very realistic, the harshness of the military life thrust upon the new recruits being particularly brutal and as far as we can tell very authentic from written military texts handed down to us. Phraseology that works today give a sense of the earthiness of the characters but it doesn't quite work for me for 2000 years ago, though I appreciate how difficult it is to give the characters a real depth that makes the reader empathise with them. This would be a great read for anyone new to Ancient Roman military history who wants to learn it though the medium of realistic action packed fiction.


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ARLINGTON -- Bare minutes after Sunday morning's All-Star announcements, the Yankee-blinded twits were carpet-bombing the Twitter universe.
How could anyone, they wanted to know, pick an All-Star team without the great CC Sabathia?
Ron Washington soon answered the question for them:
"C.J. is very deserving," Washington said, beginning a litany for the Texas Rangers' C.J. Wilson that he would repeat often Sunday.
"He's having an All-Star year. He did pitch for us in the World Series and was a big part of us getting there. More than anything else, though, I wanted to make sure I had some good left-handers in that bullpen.
"I just have to keep saying it: He deserved to be on the All-Star team."
Let me suggest, though, a keener, cattier answer:
If New York fans wanted to see Sabathia and a field full of their pinstriped idols at this year's All-Star Game, the Yankees should have won the American League pennant last season. And then we'd all be gathered on the Internet this week, complaining about the job that Joe Girardi did in filling out the AL roster.
By and large, however, Washington did a fair and shining job, given the constraints that the managers were under. And there's the problem.
Most of the fans, pundits and David Wells -- who woke him up? -- don't seem to understand the current All-Star selection process. Wells, whose old Yankee pinstripes were clearly showing, displayed as much during the TBS network's oblivious announcement show by grilling Washington over the Sabathia omission.
Washington and NL manager Bruce Bochy were not the ones who picked the backups and most of the pitching staffs. As per the rules, by the time the two managers were handed pencils and told to fill out the rest of their rosters, Wash was allowed only three spots and Bochy four.
Washington had to make sure that each AL team was represented, and so he used his personal selections to add three pitchers -- Wilson, the Rays' David Price and the Tigers' Jose Valverde.
What Washington also knew was that Sabathia barely missed being named to the team via the players' voting and, thus, will probably be added. All the complaining, therefore -- and CC's sniffing that he plans to have other plans on All-Star night -- are much ado about nothing.
What the starting rosters showed, meanwhile, is that despite all exit poll projections, the fans did a solid job of selecting the game's 17 starters (nine for the AL, eight for the National League). In recent years, it seems, as long as the periodic voting updates have acknowledged the worthy candidates, the fans' final announced choices have shown an uncanny ability to get it right.
Hmm. Who counts these votes?
No, wait. It doesn't matter.
There was something equitable and proper when Detroit's Alex Avila overtook the Yankees' Russell Martin in the vote for AL starting catcher. Avila deserves it.
And while some will take issue with the fans selecting Derek Jeter to start for the AL at shortstop, I can't argue. Jeter is the most popular player on baseball's most popular team.
The All-Star Game is, after all, still an exhibition game, despite the World Series home-field advantage gimmick that commissioner Bud Selig has attached to it. The fans' voting, in turn, reflects the popularity-contest nature of the game.
Which is probably how the Rangers' Josh Hamilton was voted as one of the AL's outfield starters, despite missing 30 games. Hamilton's appeal and back story continue to transcend even team loyalties.
Washington took his assigned task seriously. He has nothing to apologize for, especially for picking his own worthiest pitcher over a guy who will likely be named as a replacement, anyway.
Grumbling about All-Star selections, I suspect, has been a baseball tradition as far back as 1957, when Cincinnati fans stuffed the ballot boxes and voted in seven Redlegs.
But to argue is like complaining about the MTV or Golden Globe awards.
If CC wants to miss the red carpet, the All-Star Game will go on and the stars will shine just as brightly.
As the AL manager said Sunday, they're All-Stars, and they deserve it.
Gil LeBreton, 817-390-7760


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Hello blog land! Wow how fast 2 years can fly by. I think the phrase 'life takes over' is about right.
So I've decided to blow the dust off and bring the blog back, do a little writing and thought sharing aswell as updating you with my latest creations, as and when I can... baby permitting!
I'm still getting the hang of balancing motherhood with millinery. It's not been the easiest time and I thank my lucky stars I have a pretty chilled out baby in Presley who likes his naps! Still, once the king is in his cot and the housework is done, the pressure is on to get busy at my desk before the nap is over, something I'm still getting used to. But hey I'm cracking on with new and exciting designs. Having a baby hasn't affected my imagination or creativity!! ;)
So, whats hot at the moment in the world of Diablo Jo's accessories? Well I am LOVING floral headbands! It's all about the flower crown! And I have some beauties in stock over at my etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/diablojos and lots more to come too!
I love the simplicity of wearing a headband, you cannot wear it badly!! Great for this heatwave we are having here in the UK . It's no mess glam and keeps the hair out of the face.
And lets nod our head to Frida Kahlo for the inspiration, she knew how to rock her florals! ;)
Pictured is the Royal Blue Roses and glitter apples headband. £26.00 plus p&p
Looking forward to keeping in touch a little more now with the blog, in hopefully a bit more of a chatty, personal way. Be lovely to connect with you, hear your comments and thoughts too! <3
Monday, 8 July 2013
What's 2 years between friends?
Hello blog land! Wow how fast 2 years can fly by. I think the phrase 'life takes over' is about right.
Monday, 16 May 2011
New! Diablo Jo's Nautical fascinator
Thursday, 12 May 2011
'Like' Diablo Jo's on Facebook!
Head on over to the Diablo Jo's page and like away! :)
Diablo Jo's Rockabilly Accessories
Promote your Page too


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Is Metro's platform policy working?
Looking through the mailbag of comments I didn't get a chance to publish during Monday's chat I spotted this once, which will allow me to ask Metro riders how they're getting along on the platforms these days.
Washington, DC: Can you explain to me why everyone thinks that it's such a travesty that the trains consistently pull to the front of the platforms? I could never figure out why they didn't do it before. I hated trying to figure out where it was going to stop. Now, you know it goes all the way forward, so why not get off the stairs/escalator/elavator and WALK AWAY TOWARD THE TRAIN instead of clogging the stairs, etc., and then complaining that the train is too far forward?
I still get complaints about the Metro safety measure, but I think most regular riders have figured out where to stand on the platforms. (I'm more worried about what happens when the tourists come back in the spring.) Most of the complaints these days tend to be quite specific. They say that the design of a particular platform -- Gallery Place's Red Line platform above all others -- is not suited to the policy of pulling all trains forward.
However, I did also find this general complaint in the mailbag for the chat:
Arlington, Va.: Another side-effect of the (dumb in my opinion) decision to pull all trains to the end of the platform is that the last two cars of eight-car trains are virtually empty because everyone moves to the front end of the platform since most trains are only six cars long. When the occasional eight-car train does come along it ends up being under-utilized as a result. The overhead schedule signs have been completely out of whack since last week's accident for some reason. If you could count on them being reliable more people might move to the back end when they were sure an eight-car train was coming.
Pulling all trains forward has been Metro policy for half a year. What's your experience?
Robert Thomson
February 3, 2010; 10:00 AM ET
Categories: Metro , Safety , transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail, Metrorail crowding, Metrorail safety
Save & Share: Previous: Should travelers correct others' behavior?
Next: All elevators out of service at Friendship Heights
It's fine, but only when the boards are accurate about what trains are coming. This morning in Arlington the board said that an 8 car train toward New Carrollton was the next one, so I went down to the end of the platform (as did several other would-be passengers). Turned out to be a 6, so I missed that train and had to wait close to 10 minutes for the next. Boo.
Gallery Place really is just dangerous on the Red Line level, though. Most other stations (most), not so much.
Posted by: EtoilePB | February 3, 2010 10:04 AM | Report abuse
Gallery Place is the problem more than anything. Obviously those last two cars are going to be jammed with people getting on at Gallery Place. The problem is further compounded when the train pulls in to Metro Center and those last two cars are roughly at the center of the station where everyone is waiting after coming up from the lower level.
Every day I get yelled at by the train operator to use all available doors. That works great if you have the time to walk to another door but often it is a tight connection and you need to force your way on if you don't want to be waiting 10 minutes for the next train out to Shady Grove. Too often people can't get off the train before the doors close. I understand the safety concern here but several of the stations just aren't geared for operation like this. Ultimately the solution is to get trains and doors running in automatic (this includes 8-car trains) allowing them to serve the platforms as intended.
Posted by: Razor04 | February 3, 2010 10:13 AM | Report abuse
Can't say I've had a particular problem, but I don't have to deal with exceptionall crowded platforms much. Only prolem I have is when I forget how far up the train is stoping.
Posted by: EricS2 | February 3, 2010 10:29 AM | Report abuse
I had been walking to the end of the platform before the new policy because it always afforded the best chance of getting a seat. I don't see why people have to congregate at the stairs or the center of the platform because they don't want to walk a few extra feet. I also don't mind waiting for another train, as long as they are spaced correctly. The problem with the policy as the other poster noted is that the signs aren't correct and the trains are often delayed so you can't really spread out in the manner intended because the platform is already too full.
Posted by: ehardwick | February 3, 2010 10:56 AM | Report abuse
It would be fine if all the trains actually pulled to the front of the platform; however, I have had the occasional train "forget" to do so after the policy was put into place, leaving me scrambling back down the platform to get in the front car.
Posted by: stuckman | February 3, 2010 11:00 AM | Report abuse
I think it would work better if there were signs telling you which end of the platform is the front. Sure, you can figure it out for stations you visit regularly, but otherwise you have to wait in the center until a train to arrives (causing the clumping everyone above is complaining about), or taking a guess, then hustling to the other end of the platform if you've guessed wrong.
Posted by: jesseve | February 3, 2010 11:16 AM | Report abuse
jesseve...trains are just like cars...they drive on the right (at least in most cases). Remember that when you're in a station and you'll be able to figure out which direction they are going in. If your side of the station is on the left then the front of the train will be behind you whereas if your side of the station is on the right then it will be in front of you.
Posted by: Razor04 | February 3, 2010 11:20 AM | Report abuse
The platforms in numerous stations, not just Gallery Place, are simply not designed for trains to pull to the end of the platform. Escalators, elevators, etc. are all located to be compatible with the traditional stopping position in automatic mode, and Metro train headways are just too far apart to ask people not to scramble and run to catch the next train. Every day, Metro is creating the possibility of one injury to try to prevent injuries caused by operator error (stopping the train in the wrong place).
And then there's Gallery Place -- in a category all its own. During rush hour, getting off of the rear cars on a Shady Grove bound train is difficult -- almost every day I see pushing, flying elbows, etc. On two occasions, I have been trapped on the car, unable to get off until Metro Center, and I've seen this happen to other people at least two other times. On another day, I saw passengers who had gotten off the next-to-last car who were then pushed back onto the train as they tried to get past the last car, by the overwhelming crush on the platform.
Metro's attempt to ameliorate the problems there by stationing a couple of crowd-control personnel on the platform has been a failure -- if anything, they further clog up the flow of people. (It's possible that they're simply there in case anyone needs to be rescued after being pushed off the platform, but that would be a cynical view).
The problem is simple -- there are just too many people who switch lines at this station, and no realistic way the platform can accommodate them when 6-car trains pull all the way forward. Virtually every day (or at least every day there is any delay whatsoever on the Red Line), this is creating a highly-dangerous situation.
There is simply no reason Metro train drivers shouldn't be expected to remember whether they are driving a 6-car train or an 8-car train and stop in the right place. At a minimum, Metro should institute this at Gallery Place before someone is seriously injured or worse. If it takes a special dispatcher who calls each train as it pulls into Gallery Place and says "Train x, you have 6 cars -- stop at the 6-car spot", then that's what they need to do. (Could that really be any more expensive than stationing 2 or 4 Metro employees on the platform, as is happening now?)
Posted by: hoosiereph | February 3, 2010 11:58 AM | Report abuse
The stations were designed for having the cars go to the center -- both at Gal Pl and the outdoor stations. Many people won't wait for a train if they're not under shelter (don't blame them, honestly, especially if you're already waiting up to 20 minutes for said train).
Make it mandatory that every Metro train driver put a sign saying "6" or "8" in their sightlines and be done with it. Some drivers did this before the new measure was instituted. Seriously, how hard is it to remember how many cars you have in your train?
Posted by: firstname.lastname@example.com | February 3, 2010 12:23 PM | Report abuse
Good and bad.
Good everywhere but Gallery Place.
Bad - Gallery Place and underutilized last cars. everyone crowds onto the cars that will stop by the escalator at their destination. (See Federal Triangle for riders getting off at Metro Center. The doorblockers will cause a fight soon.)
Posted by: anarcho-liberal-tarian | February 3, 2010 12:42 PM | Report abuse
the door blockers will not cause a fight soon, they ahve already caused many, as have other people who are simply rude for whatever reason. Mero has no idea how many fights happen on their trains because people on teh trains would rather break up the fight than report it, because reporting it will only further delay your train.
I've seen at least five fights, always afternoon, usually Mero Center or Gallery Place, on the red line since the June 22nd crash, never once did anyone press the call buttom, we just broke it up, kepr the people apart and continued on our way.
Posted by: GlenBurnie | February 3, 2010 12:54 PM | Report abuse
Pulling to the end of the platform is fine ( but it can get crowded there ). The problem is telling us it will be an 8-car train, but turns out to be six.
Posted by: jckdoors | February 3, 2010 12:59 PM | Report abuse
I, for one, welcome the new practice, with one tiny issue: given that train schedules are out of whack anyway, why not build the schedules around giving a few more seconds at the platform, particularly crowded stations like Gallery Place, FarraWest, McPherson and others? For instance, I've seen a couple of times train operators rushing to move their trains at FarraWest and seen people trying to get out stuck inside their trains. The schedule's already out of whack - give 90 seconds instead of 30, and adjust the schedules accordingly.
Posted by: vnangia | February 3, 2010 1:34 PM | Report abuse
I wish Metro would make an exception to the policy for Gallery Place. In fact, I wish Metro would not go back to stopping at the middle of the platform, but actually stop at the back of the platform on Shady Grove runs.
I think its a good policy in most places...in fact just about any place other than Gallery Place.
Posted by: thetan | February 3, 2010 3:00 PM | Report abuse
Could somebody get a can of spray paint and mark the end-of-train lines for those who aren't station regulars?
Posted by: member5 | February 3, 2010 3:26 PM | Report abuse
one more person who thinks gallery place is now a ridiculous situation b/c of the trains pulling forward. every morning is a giant clusterf***.
Posted by: geneticcounselor2 | February 3, 2010 4:38 PM | Report abuse
Unless you're willing to start rioting, METRO DOESN'T CARE.
Posted by: member5 | February 3, 2010 4:54 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.


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Monday, October 7, 2013
When Inspiration Doesn't Strike...
This simple 9-patch quilt inspires me. Yes, it's simple but it's filled with love and beautiful fabrics. It has a spontaneity that I admire very much. The fabrics don't "match" but they work together so well. It takes me back to my very first quilting experiences when I was barely aware of other quilt patterns. It's a simple, easy-to-make pattern that's nearly impossible to ruin (unless one has absolutely no color sense).
I have a grandbaby coming in a few months and I want to make her a quilt that's sweet and feminine but not girly. She may turn out to be a girly girl but we'll let her decide that later. A new baby just needs a warm, inviting quilt for her mom to snuggle around her.
I found this lovely quilt at Blogging, patchwork, memories ..., a post written by Carolyn Parker where she shares her memories of making the quilt and shows close-ups of some of the blocks and fabrics. Carolyn is an author, rose gardener, and exquisite photographer. At Rose Notes she posts photographs of roses, shows how she photographed many of them, and shares photography tips. I think I can learn something from her about taking better photographs for my blog.
Thank you, Carolyn, and thank you Pinterest!
I'll post my fabrics and some blocks soon.
4 comments:
I think the planning part is the most time consuming part of quilting...well, consider that I don't hand quilt my pieces. I would guess THAT is the most time consuming. I'm trying to decide on a pattern now for a large print piece of fabric for a friend who likes the modern styles but isn't a fan of super busy designs. I've thought that I had just the right pattern about five times now!ReplyDelete
Really lovely nine patch quilt.....love that thirties look :)ReplyDelete
I think that is a great quilt and would be perfect for the next time I have a quilt along at church!ReplyDelete
You just can't go wrong with a nine patch! It's a classic. Looking forward to fabric and blocks!ReplyDelete
I appreciate your comments and look forward to reading what you have to say. Thanks for stopping by.


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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep concern about Israeli plans to build a new settlement in the West Bank.
In a statement, Mr. Ban's spokeswoman, Michele Montas, said the U.N. chief has repeatedly stressed that settlement construction or expansion is contrary to international law and Israel's commitments under the "road map" peace process.
She says he urges Israel to freeze all settlement activity and to dismantle outposts erected since March of 2001.
Israeli government officials announced Thursday that Israel is preparing to build 20 housing units in Maskiot, a former army base in the Jordan Valley.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned the new settlement, saying it would undermine U.S.-backed peace talks.
The construction still needs to be approved by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. And a government spokesman, Mark Regev, said Israel would abide by commitments not to expand settlements beyond existing boundaries.
Israeli officials had planned to build the settlement in 2006, but backed off due to international pressure.
If built, the Maskiot settlement would house families who had previously lived in Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Palestinian police and Israeli media say as many as 150 Israeli settlers rioted Thursday, attacking a village in the West Bank.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The settlers smashed cars and damaged property in Burin, near the town of Nablus.
Israeli officials say the rioters appeared to be from the nearby settlement of Yitzhar, and that police were searching for the perpetrators.
Officials also say a group of about 20 settlers set tires on fire, blocking traffic on a nearby highway, the Shiloh Junction on Highway 60.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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I know, I know, this is one of our boys, sweet Nicholas what a cutie. We spent this past weekend with his family and found out that yes, his mama is having a girl in December!
Don't worry, your gonna like her.
Speaking of girls coming, sweet Kristen's baby girl is due in two weeks. Mama's ready and baby is getting ready. Doctor's visit yesterday said any day now. Yippee!!
So. . . . . . in the spirit of getting things done (not very well) we are having Kristen's baby shower this Saturday. Sorry baby, I know it's late. We have been having fun getting things ready.


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|A typical Workinmen's Hall interior
As incredible as it sounds I remember the local priest and his flock of bible bashers protesting outside the hall when the Exorcist was being shown, warning us that our soul would be dammed if we went in and saw the movie. I think that was the only film we were turned away from for being under-age. Absurd when we used to get into watch soft porn comedies like the Confessions and Adventures movies. In fact it wasn't until years later that I finally saw The Exorcist on video tape and what a load of tedious crap I thought it was.
The Workingmen's Hall closed sometime around the early 80's and then one Sunday afternoon vandals broke in to steal the old copper piping for scrap value and set a fire. The building was declared unsafe and demolished soon after. I was there that Sunday afternoon, walking past, when it happened and I remember watching the fire engulf the building and thinking even then of all the hours I had spent within its walls as a kid. In fact it was the Workingmen's Hall that gave me my life long love of the movies.
It's gone forever now as have many of the other Workingmen's Halls in the valleys. They were called Workingmen's Halls or Miner's Institutes because they were built with donations taken weekly from the wages of local workingmen.
"Gilfach Goch (English: Red Valley) is a small former coal mining village. It is reputed to have once been home to the author Richard Llewellyn who based his novel How Green Was My Valley in a fictional town assumed to be based on Gilfach Goch. Llewellyn would spend long summer holidays with his grandfather in the village."
It's sad and it's only when something's gone that you realise the true worth of the place. It was more than a building and over the years it had served as a place for communities to meet. When I was a kid in the 1970's the Hall was already past its best but for many years it served as venue for local dances, amateur dramatics presentations, Bingo nights and of course as a movie house. It also doubled as a soup kitchen during many of the various miners strikes.
Whenever something monumental like that happened we would boast to our mates - "She let me have top!". I can't recall anyone ever saying they were allowed to have bottom too. That would have been too much - you'd crash your skateboard just thinking about it.
I guess we never thought that one day it would be gone, as a kid you don't really think like that. But everytime I walk past the place where it once stood, and look at the modern houses built there, I think of the many happy hours spent in the Workingmen's Hall, of all the movies I saw there and of course of the first time I ever had top.


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Hi everyone! Happy Saturday!
My Avery has a party to go to today, so of course, I left it to the last minute to make the card (at least I made it before the party lol). I used this week's Sketch Challenge on SCS, SC459, for the layout.
If you couldn't tell, the party is for a three year old little boy, and I used Cut & Paste Charm papers from My Minds Eye. I love this paper pad.
The focal panel was cut from Smooth White Cardstock using the Pierced Rectangle STAX Die-Namics. I stamped "boy" from Birthday Sentiments in Nightshift Blue, and cut "birthday" using the Happy Birthday Die-Namics, from Tangy Orange.
I cut a circle of Kraft using the Pierced Circle STAX Die-Namics, and topped it off with a 3 cut from the By The Numbers Die-Namics out of Banana Split Cardstock.
On the inside, I stamped "Let's Celebrate" from Birthday Sentiments using Nightshift Blue Ink. The main layer, and mat, on both the front and inside of the card, were cut with the Blueprints 1 Die-Namics and Blueprints 2 Die-Namics.
Here are the MFT products I've used on my card:
Stamps: Birthday Sentiments (MFT)
Ink: Nightshift Blue (MFT)
Paper: Nightshift Blue, Kraft, Tangy Orange, Banana Split, Smooth White (MFT)
Accessories: Blueprints 1 Die-Namics, Blueprints 2 Die-Namics, Happy Birthday Die-Namics, Pierced Circle STAX Die-Namics, Pierced Rectangle STAX Die-Namics, By The Numbers Die-Namics (MFT)


text:
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(left to right: Antique Pearl, Hint of Violet, Thunder):
I called my sister in AK to discuss Portland Gray...as it dried, it was looking very lavender. She said it definitely looked very purple in the picture but it was a nice color. After we hung up I fretted. Why was I having such a hard time choosing a color? I loved Revere Pewter but it was just a plain gray, I was stuck on the idea of finding the perfect shade of confused purple gray. I looked online to see if I could find any other pictures of Portland Gray. Maybe mine just hadn't been mixed correctly. Then I came across another blog, I wish now I could remember what it was called. In the post, the author displayed an entire room she had painted Portland Gray. It looked lavender, just like mine. She hated it and wound up repainting it...the.whole.room. I knew I didn't want to end up the same way, so I decided to ditch Portland Gray. This meant starting the search over again. I wanted to call it quits right about then. Actually I'm getting irritated just retelling the story!
So I went back online and looked at at least fifty more shades of gray (sorry, couldn't help it). I finally decided on Himalayan Trek.
It's a beautiful taupe-y gray. I had seen it before since it's supposed to be similar to Thunder, but ignored it thinking it would be too dark.
So I went to the paint store and bought a gallon of it...no more samples, I was gonna take the plunge. At $53 a gallon, it was staying up regardless of whether I liked it or not.
So I painted a patch of wall with it directly above my other samples
and I freaked
It looked just as dark as Thunder. Holy $%!# what was I thinking buying a whole gallon of it? Oh well, too late. So I painted the entry wall and two dining walls with it, leaving the last wall unpainted since I was going to do a stripe treatment on it and I hadn't decided what other color I would be using along with Himalayan Trek.
I did two coats and let it dry, then I hung everything back up....and I loved it! Hallelujah!
(sorry for the dark picture, we don't get much natural light on this side of the house)
It's definitely darker than I originally planned and it's nothing like the original Martha Stewart Purple Gray I wanted, but it works.
Next up was picking the color I would use for the stripes. I didn't want to do white stripes since I think using two completely different colors looks too severe. I considered using Hint of Violet so that I could still have that little bit of lilac in the room. Then I decided against it. If this lilac obsession turns out to be a quick phase I'm going through, I will end up hating it later. So I went the safe route and chose Revere Pewter.
Here it is on the wall (I'm starting to paint the stripes).
Yes, my house gets that messy when I paint. I didn't bother painting perfect stripes because I still have to tape over a little to paint my Himalayan Trek stripes.
Hopefully I will have a finished striped accent wall to show you soon.
So what is the lesson in all of this? Choosing the perfect shade of gray is tricky. I thought choosing the perfect gold tone was hard, but this is much more difficult. So here's a tip, if you're wanting to choose a gray for your home, decided first if you want a true gray, taupe gray, green gray, purple gray, blue gray, silver gray, greige (grayish beige), etc... you get the picture. There are so many options out there. If you go out not knowing quite what you want, you might have as hard a time making a decision as I did. Trust me, even if you decide you want a greenish gray, there are still hundreds of greenish grays to choose from, but at least you've narrowed it down some.


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This blog chronicles my experiences as a working writer and published author, and discusses the craft of writing and revision. Oh, and sometimes it's funny.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
And we'll sway in the moon the way we did when we were younger… (Reflections on life, writing, and my relationship with Duran Duran, and a birthday message for John Taylor)
When I stop to think about the long-term, committed relationships in my life outside of family, I never could have predicted that one of the longest, most committed of them has been with a pop icon. OK, so with the exception of a couple of replied tweets in the last two years, it's mostly been one-sided. Some might argue that as a result, the word "relationship" doesn't qualify. But I disagree. In fact, my twenty-nine year relationship with Duran Duran—and bassist John Taylor—has been one of the constants in my life. Writing and chocolate are among the others.
John Taylor was always the band member who got the most screams, sold the most posters and pin-ups, and won the coveted button real estate on our denim jackets and pocketbook straps. I had a lot of competition when it came to winning John's heart, but I had always claimed to have an advantage: I got the music. After all, I was the youngest in a family of musicians. My first words very well may have been "yellow submarine." I could hear and sing two-part harmony by myself. I knew what a drum fill was, and understood technical terms like "reverb." I knew what a Linn drum was. I even knew that John played an Aria Pro II bass guitar, that he played a Rickenbacker bass in the "Planet Earth" video, and how those both differed from, say, a Fender bass. I knew the difference between a demo and a master. I knew how long it took to mix a single song (and that the meal of choice after an all-night mixing session was beer and eggs).
Surely, at 15, I was going to wow him with this knowledge. But I never got the chance.
At that time, the age gap seemed so wide, so impossible to close. My first foray into fiction were the secret stories I used to write in which my best friend and I magically aged seven years, magically materialized in the right place at the right time (a.k.a., meeting the band and being whisked away with them to some tropical island), our hair and faces and bodies magically transformed to sexy and irresistible rather than adolescently awkward (and, in my case, overweight). Of course, they would all fall in love with me, but John would be the lucky one. Because John would win my heart. Better still, I would win his.
I wrote a collection of these stories—enough for an anthology—and what strikes me about them now is how much of a lifeboat they were for me. The mid-eighties were the most tumultuous time in my life. I had been raised in the age of the pending nuclear holocaust, but I hadn't been prepared for the bomb blast that had been the end of my parents' marriage, and the way my siblings and I all wandered aimlessly, trying to survive the fallout like in those post-nuke propaganda movies.
But Duran Duran was the band that famously announced they would be playing when the bomb went off, and they lived up to that. They gave me purpose and direction. They comforted me when I was in despair, stimulated me when I was numb, provided the exclamation point when I was happy. And they continue to do so. When I'm feeling good, I listen to Duran Duran to enhance the high. When I'm feeling down, I listen to them to cheer me up. And when I'm just living daily life, Duran Duran is the soundtrack to that life. And they still makes me wanna dance.
(I haven't even mentioned what being at a live Duran Duran concert is like. That's a whole other blog post.)
I've never shown anyone those stories. They're pretty awful, writing-wise. Totally cringe-worthy. But that's not the only reason why I've kept them under lock and key. To show them to someone else is to let them see too much of who I was desperate to be. There's too much painful reality in that fiction. I've not even dared to peak at them in over twenty-five years. Yet I've never been able to bring myself to destroy them, either. Moreover, I've recently learned that I'm not the only one who indulged in this kind of fan fiction; a Facebook friend revealed that she and her friends used to do the same thing. A blog post by another fan shared similar stories. I'd had no idea there was a community of us, and I wondered if they wrote for the same reasons I did. The writing teacher in me couldn't help but envision a present-day Duran Duran fan fiction-writing workshop in which, some thirty years later, we take our purple pens to our spiral notebooks again and write new stories. Why would we write them now? Do we even need to? What would they be about today?
For one thing, the age gap has closed. I don't have to be older, thinner, prettier. I turned out OK. The gap has finally closed, and we have more in common than ever before.
For another thing, being whisked off to a tropical island with the guys is no longer a priority (although let's face it: I wouldn't fight any of 'em off if that's what they wanted to do).
It's come to this: the adult me doesn't dream about marrying JT as much as she does of sitting back and having a conversation with him, talking about the things that matter: love, family, writing, and, of course—always—music. I could talk about the music all day. Better yet, with the impending release of John Taylor's memoir, we get to share the experience of being published authors. We get to be colleagues now rather than fan and star.
My stories today wouldn't be so much about escaping to a happier place as much as it would be about nurturing the place I'm in right now, and making the relationship more mutual. John and the other bandmates may not know my name or my face or have read any of my novels, but that doesn't mean I had nothing to give them over the years, or that they didn't receive it. I paid forward the gifts they gave to me. I healed from the painful parts of my past. I grew into the person I am today. I fell in love with other people and places and songs and words.
They've influenced me as a writer, too. Perhaps the most obvious hint is that band's song "Ordinary World" was the inspiration for my novel of the same name. And my readers can always find a cameo appearance by the band whether it's a quote from a character, a faded photo in an old wallet, or, less recognizably, the album playing in the background as I type the words on the page. But really, their influence on me as a writer began with those secret stories—they were the first lies I told so that I could better cope with the truth.
Most importantly, the story I would write today seems less like fantasy fiction and more like a possibility, something that actually happened rather than wishing it so.
Perhaps the real magic is that I now look back on the eighties with fondness, with a sense of nostalgia for the John Hughes movies and the CHOOSE LIFE t-shirts and all that mousse, and I go there rather than back to that dark, lonely place I lived inside myself.
John Taylor turns 52 on June 20, 2012. He's a happily married, loving father, musician, writer, and artist. He's recovered from the eighties, too. He's a vinyl record enthusiast, still a clothes horse, a reader, and a writer. He's an author. And he's good at what he does. And so, I wish him a happy birthday.
Happy birthday to one of my significant others. To my fellow author. To my ever-present companion. From your friend Elisa, with love.
Labels: Duran Duran, John Taylor, writing
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Thursday, July 22, 2010
Change of Scenery
9 comments:
- David said...
Good luck and best wishes. It's been a pleasure reading the Gancho blog.
- July 22, 2010 at 10:58 AM
- Don Gringo said...
gonna miss you
- July 22, 2010 at 5:55 PM
sorry to hear it, look forward to your posts from the US.
- July 22, 2010 at 9:28 PM
- Lesley said...
Best wishes on your new journey! Looking forward to reading more once you get settled.
- July 26, 2010 at 9:00 AM
- Daniel H. said...
Hanging up your Gancho? Sorry to hear. It's been a pleasure reading you.. D.
- July 26, 2010 at 11:09 PM
- Richard said...
So, now you can be our embedded reporter from the heart of the empire. ¡Suerte!
- July 27, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Thanks for all, PC. Best of luck with the move and I look forward to Gancho's new era.
- July 27, 2010 at 3:59 PM
- Anonymous said...
Best wishes Richard and like many others I have enjoyed reading your blog and found it informative.
I'm curious. Does the security situation in Mexico, and specifically in Torreon, have to do with your relocation? If you want to reply privately my email is email@example.com
- July 27, 2010 at 4:09 PM
- pc said...
Hey all, thanks a bunch, I appreciate your wishes. I look to forward to seeing you all online in the future, and best of luck to everyone!
- July 28, 2010 at 9:27 AM