text:
by cd, Plucky You: http://pluckyyou.org/2015/01/21/6-short-incredibly-inspiring-stories-about-resilience-and-change/
Sometimes we have life-altering moments that create a monumental
shift in our consciousness. They may be frightening, and rob of us
something we thought we couldn't survive without. Then they make us
stronger, and change who we are. These are six stories about being
scared, vulnerable, unsure, and abandoned, and coming out the other end.
1. A Stroke Changed Her Life
Brain researcher Jill Bolte Taylor tells the mind-blowing story of
how she woke up one morning and realized she was having a massive
stroke. The insights that came to her shifted her thinking about reality
2. Overcoming Adversity
Our hardships and our ability to overcome them become the story of
our lives. They make us who we are. In another moving TED talk, Andrew
Solomon delivers a narrative about strength, courage and overcoming
adversity, his pluckiest message ever.
3. The Power of Vulnerability
Researcher and storyteller Brené Brown's powerful 2010 TEDx talk
about vulnerability launched her success. It makes a great introduction
to her work and her books, which have spawned another small universe
poised to empower all of us who think of ourselves as small.
4. We Are Stronger Than We Know
Poet Lemn Sissay shares a fascinating, and incredibly uplifting story
about being abandoned as a child and finding his way in the world.
5. A Frank Talk About Suicide
Mark Henick explains what drives people to extreme thoughts and what helped him want to keep living.
6. Empathy Makes Us Better Humans
How do you respond when someone close to you is struggling? Brené
Brown on how we deal with the darkness and challenges those around us
are facing.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Life is Full of Uncertainty, We've Just Got to Learn to Live With It
|(Disillusion./Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA)
Experiments dating back to the 1960s show people have less of a reaction to viewing an unpleasant image or experiencing an electric shock when they know it's coming than when they're not expecting it.
That's because uncertainty, a long-known cause of anxiety, makes it difficult to prepare for events or to control them.
People vary in their desire to minimise uncertainty. Those who react by worrying focus on potential threats and risks such as "what if I don't get the promotion?" or "what if I get sick?". Worry can be useful when it leads to adaptive behaviours that reduce threat, but chronic worry may cause harmful levels of stress that can affect heart health and the functioning of the immune system, among other things.
Our bodies may display subtle reactions to uncertainty, which we may not notice. One experiment showed people who dislike uncertainty had increased blood pressure when anticipating threat. When our bodily reaction is a strong one, we tend to recognise and label it as anxiety, but when it's more subtle, we often fail to see it despite its effect.
These internal reactions to uncertainty are normal, but they can lead us to act in impulsive ways that undermine our self-confidence, so it's important to become aware of them.
Not all bad
Dislike of uncertainty is associated with a number of mental health issues including eating disorders, social anxiety, anxiety disorders and depression. And people who say they dislike it immensely report more of these disorders occurring at the same time.
But not everything about uncertainty is bad news; while it can make negative events worse, uncertainty also makes positive events more exciting.
In an experiment about the contribution of uncertainty to romantic attraction, a group of female university students were told that attractive males had seen their profile and may or may not have liked them. Meanwhile, a second group was told the attractive males had definitely liked them. The women who were not certain about whether they were liked were more attracted to the men than those certain about being liked.
Difficulties arise when our responses to uncertainty are inflexible and rely on attempts to control it. The more we try to avoid the distress uncertainty brings, the less we're able to develop the ability to effectively handle uncertain situations. And if we choose to focus on avoiding distress, we may not stretch ourselves by trying out new activities, for instance, or speaking to new people. This reaction can prevent us from having positive experiences that build our self-confidence.
Indeed, rigidity, which is the opposite of flexibility, underlies unhealthy responses to many psychological problems. We know this from psychological research in thinking styles and perfectionism.
As life is never perfect, we need to be at ease with making mistakes, learning from them and lowering or changing our goals when they are thwarted. People who are flexible tend to be more willing to reflect on disappointments, access appropriate emotional support and be less self-critical.
Managing uncertainty
Many of us struggle with uncertainty, so here are a few things you can do to help manage it.
1) Decide whether an issue is important. Most people feel vulnerable when faced with a threat to their health, for instance, or a big event such as the sale of their house. But, sometimes a bodily reaction to uncertainty will be triggered in less obvious circumstances. Work, finances, competition, parenting and friendships all have potential to spark discomfort, tension and other negative feelings.
2) Take action when your uncertainty reaction has been triggered and recognise its effect on your body. If it's causing anxiety, do a short meditation. This may not only be of immediate help but will also assist by making you mindful of how your body reacts to uncertainty. Ultimately, it might help you tolerate feelings of uncertainty rather than spend time on fruitless worry.
3) Recognise thought errors that try to pull you into worry. "Catastrophising", for instance, is the tendency our minds have to exaggerate all the things that could go wrong. Once we recognise this human tendency, we can learn to challenge or even ignore our worries.
4) Don't get taken for a ride by an uncertain situation or your reaction to it. Allow yourself to have negative feelings; they are normal after all. If you need to, talk to someone about your concerns and come back to your own ability to withstand disappointment.
Sitting with uncertainty requires patience. In order to build patience, you may need to set a realistic time frame on when the current situation will be resolved and postpone thoughts about it until that time has elapsed. In the meantime, absorb yourself in an activity that you enjoy or that has the power to distract you.
5) If the uncertainty resolves and you do experience a major disappointment, open up to trusted others. Allow yourself to reflect on what this means to you. The more we open up and talk with others, the more emotions disperse (slowly but surely). The process of reflection and allowing feelings is different to indulging worries about uncertainty.
Being open to this process allows us to adjust our expectations and move our energy and goals to areas where our expectations can be met. If a promotion at work does not come through, for instance, you may choose to put time into a sport or music, which you may not previously had time to prioritise.
Uncertainty is a part of life and it can't be avoided. The best way to deal with it is to learn techniques that help you live with it, without the accompanying worry.
If you would like to learn about whether reactions to uncertainty can be altered in school programs, or in one-session internet-delivered programs for adults, click here, or email firstname.lastname@example.com
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
10 Steps to Building Your Resilience: Two Neurobiology Experts Explain How to Weather and Bounce Back From Stress and Trauma
|Image: Getty Images
It can be easy to feel like throwing in the towel when you're faced with adversity, tragedy, or even just plain old stress.
But what if we could build an immunity to stress in the same way we take vitamins and antibiotics to boost our immunity to illness?
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal explores the art of learning resilience with Dennis Charney, dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Charney is a world-renowned neurobiology expert specializing in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
In Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges, Charney and Steven Southwick, a psychiatry professor at Yale University, explains that people can train their brain to be more resilient by harnessing their stressors and using them to their advantage. Charney and Southwick observed common traits found in people who endured enormous amounts of stress from war, assault, and disasters (as well as other less traumatic events) and ultimately thrived.
Here is their 10-step "prescription" to re-train your brain into becoming more resilient.
Keep a positive attitude
Although it may seem too simple, keeping a positive attitude is key to deflecting stressors. This can be difficult for some people - a large part of how optimistic you are is determined by genetics and the chemistry of your brain's reward circuits. One way to restructure your brain's response to stress is to stop pessimistic thoughts in their tracks. Ask yourself if there's any rational basis to feel negatively about a situation. Recognize that you're in control of whether the glass is half-empty or half-full.
Reframe your stressful thoughts
If the root of your stress can be linked to a particular event, try reframing the event in your head and realizing that failure is essential for growth. Much like optimism, you can learn to "alter the perceived value and meaningfulness" of the event by reframing it, assimilating it, accepting it and recovering from it.
Develop your moral compass
Altruism is strongly related to resilience, and strengthening your set of core beliefs can help. The authors note that there is a strong correlation between faith and religious or spiritual beliefs and resilience.
Find a resilient role model
Imitation is a powerful mode of learning. Our role models are so important in our lives that their values can influence our own values through psychological imprinting. Whether they're world leaders or friendly neighbors, find role models that you can look up to in times of stress.
Face your fears
Fear is normal. Don't be ashamed of being afraid, the authors note. Fear can be a powerful tool that can increase your self-esteem by helping you learn and practice skills necessary to overcome stress.
Develop active coping skills
Despite how painful it may be, try actively coping with your stressors instead of withdrawing and surrendering to them. The most resilient people use active rather than passive coping skills like minimizing appraisal of the stressor, creating positive statements about themselves, and actively seeking support from others.
Establish and nurture a supportive social network
Very few of us can "go at it alone," the authors note. Building a safety net of close relationships with friends or organizations can boost your emotional strength during times of stress. Plus you'll feel the validation of helping others deal with their own stressors.
Prioritize your physical well-being
Regular exercise is often touted as one of the keys to cleansing your mind of stress, and with good reason. Regular physical activity has been linked to improvements in mood, cognition, regulation of emotion, immunity, and overall self-esteem. Exercise may seem trivial when you're faced with mounting stress and anxiety, so try to think of it as a welcome reprieve rather than as yet another task to be completed. Again, it's all about framing your mindset.
Train your brain
Changing the way your brain works may seem like a daunting task, but with a little self-discipline it can be accomplished through regular and rigorous training. The authors suggest that working to build emotional intelligence, moral integrity, and physical endurance can all help deflect stressors. And don't forget to rest your brain - adequate sleep is central to all aspects of brain training.
Play to your strengths
Recognize, utilize, and grow your signature character strengths to actively prepare for difficult and stressful situations. If you have strong social skills or want to develop them, set aside time to spend with your social network. If you prefer staying in, try writing or pursuing your favorite artistic endeavors. Do what you're good at (or simply what you enjoy doing) and give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Eight Hours is Enough: More Sleep Could Lead to an Early Grave
|Model: Mikael Häggström (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Sleep is vital for good health but more of it may not always be better for everyone.
Research recently published in the journal Neurology has found middle-aged and older people who sleep more than eight hours a day have an increased risk of stroke.
The findings are presented alongside a meta-analysis of 11 other studies from across seven countries involving over half a million people, which also finds longer sleeps can land you in an early grave.
Sleep and stroke
Poor sleep is a significant health concern because it's known to affect emotional and cognitive well-being, quality of life, work-related productivity and safety. But insomnia itself is not associated with higher rates of premature death, according to a US study of more than 1.1 million people aged between 30 and 102 years. Rather, it's sleep that is habitually either too short or too long that may be problematic.
The authors of the Neurology paper asked almost 10,000 people aged between 42 and 81 the average number of hours they slept daily and whether they generally slept well. Participants answered these questions twice in a four-year period and were monitored for nine-and-a-half years to see whether or not they had a stroke.
After adjusting for age and sex, researchers found long sleeps (more than eight hours) were associated with a significant (45%) increase in the risk of stroke. What's more, being a good sleeper for those long hours in bed didn't protect against this increased risk.
Short sleeps of less than six hours a night were associated with a 19% increased risk of stroke. It seems there's a U-shaped relationship between sleep and stroke risk, with higher risk for sleep durations on either side of the six- to eight-hour band.
It's how long you sleep, rather than how well, that's associated with the higher mortality risk and higher risk of stroke. But, as the authors of the Neurology paper point out, unmeasured sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, may be playing a role in their finding, especially among long sleepers.
The golden mean
We know that as many as 72% of surviving stroke patients have sleep apnoea. The condition makes a night's sleep lighter as the sleeper repeatedly moves from deep to light sleep, to help them breathe. For those with untreated sleep apnoea this may translate to a longer, lighter night's sleep, rather than a shorter, deeper sleep, which seems ideal.
Of course, an association between two things doesn't necessarily mean one causes the other. Researchers are still debating the question of whether short and long sleep duration are the cause, consequence or early markers of poor health.
Earlier research reports suggest long sleeps may be related to a range of physical factors, such as increased inflammatory biomarkers or certain cardiovascular conditions, but the UK paper provides no support for these suggestions. Its finding of the relationship between sleeping for more than eight hours and stroke risk was robust across healthy people and those with a range of pre-existing illnesses.
The paper's authors say we need to know more before prolonged sleep can be taken to be a useful clinical marker for increased stroke risk, and before we can understand what mechanisms may be operating. At an individual level, it remains an open question as to whether deliberately changing how much you sleep will change your risk of stroke.
Perhaps the saying of "eight hours work, eight hours play and eight hours sleep" per day should be modified to suggest that, for most of us, closer to seven hours sleep each day might be healthiest. After all, we know from population-based studies that include hundreds of thousands of people that more sleep is not always a good thing.
Last month, the US-based National Sleep Foundation published revised guidelines on how much sleep people need based on input from 18 sleep experts and over 300 studies. For those aged between 18 and 65 years, it recommended between seven and nine hours over a 24-hour period.
For those aged over 65, it suggested the narrower band of between seven and eight hours. In the light of the new findings, this narrower band may be the best idea for all adults, not just those aged over 65 years.
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
State of EDA
Lou Covey
In this new podcast series, New Tech Press editorial director Lou Covey looks at crucial issues in the EDA world that are not getting attention in the ever shrinking media. Lou is the president and CEO of Footwasher Media, parent company of New Tech Press, VComm Events and VitalCom … More »
A final word on DAC
October 19th, 2009 by Lou Covey
I've taken a few weeks to ponder what I learned in all the interviews I did at DAC and have put them into this final podcast on what we might see happen in the next 12 months. There are some very good things happening in EDA and some very bad things. Here's hoping you're on the right track.
Related posts:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bochinche refers to "gossip". In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members or Friends of HOLA who are getting acting, performance or similarly artistic gigs and/or recognition in the media. The names of HOLA members and Friends of HOLA are listed below in boldface. To see what other HOLA members are doing currently, click here.
Jeannie Sol, shown at right, has a weekly Sunday night residency at FairyTail Lounge in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. Her show will be broadcast on internet radio by Legends of Freestyle. For more
information about the broadcast, click here. She is also directing Eileen Torres-Thomas' self-penned solo show And Justice For All. The show will take place in August at the Kraine Theater in Manhattan's East Village. For more information about the production, click here.
Omar Pérez will be well represented in the Unboxed Voices Second Annual Short Play Festival. Not only is he one of the actors, one of his plays will be produced in the festival as well. The festival will take place at the end of July at the Kraine Theater in Manhattan's East Village. For more information, click here.
Raoul Daniel Luna will be presenting a workshop of his self-penned solo show My Last, Best Spouse... How Lance Loud Saved My Life. Directed by A.B. Lugo (see below), the workshop is part of the NYC Fresh Fruit Festival and the presentation will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the Nuyorican Poets' Café in Manhattan's Loísaida neighborhood. For
more information, click here or here.
Due to popular demand, Éric-Dominique Pérez's self-penned solo show El Gringuito will be presented again in Union City, New Jersey, this time in Ellsworth Park. Directed by A.B. Lugo (see above) and assistant directed by Billy Martin Mejía, the show will take place as part of the annual Union City Arts and Crafts and Music Festival on Thursday, July 18, 2013. For more information, click here.
If you are an HOLA member or a Friend of HOLA and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail.
If you live in the New York metropolitan area and want to be an HOLA member, why not join? If you live outside
the New York metropolitan area and want to be an HOLA member,
you can find out more information on how to do so, by clicking here.
If you are not a Friend of HOLA, why
not become


text:
Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first OregonLive.com user to add photos or videos of Custom Nails By Desta
Waxing, Tanning, Skin Care Products, Pedicures, Nail Services, Manicure, Hair, Facials, Acrylics


text:
Take your career to the next level with convenient certification training. Start your 7-day Free Trial
Need expert help—fast? Use the Help Bell for personalized assistance getting answers to your important questions.
Please enter a first name
Please enter a last name
We will never share this with anyone. Privacy Policy
Must be at least 4 characters long.
Join and Comment
By clicking you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


text:
Note that I'm not making any recommendations as to whether or not you should use SBC, but am instead just sharing what I had to do to get SBC working. This was driven by my own interest in trying out SBC. I have insufficient experience with CMSs in general or SBC in particular to make an informed judgement.
Several of the steps are multi-step themselves. I've just linked to the websites I found that provided a useful description. Total time to set things up should be under half an hour. After the initial set-up, starting a new site can be done by starting with step four, taking under five minutes.
- Enable PHP.
- Make sure that your Sites folder is reachable.
- Enable .htaccess files.
- Copy the SkyBlueCanvas folder to your Sites folder, and give it a reasonable name (I used skyblue, and will assume you do the same).
- Change the file permissions of the skyblue folder to 755. You can do this in the Terminal with a command like
chmod -R 755 ~username/Site/skyblue—replace
usernamewith your actual user name, of course. (I didn't actually find this to be necessary, although it is in the SBC installation instructions.)
- Edit htaccess.txt in the skyblue folder, adding a second line of
RewriteBase /~username/skyblue/. Rename htaccess.txt to .htaccess.
- Change the group and owner for the SBC files. In Terminal, change to the skyblue directory, and run
sudo chown -R www:www *. If you don't do this, PHP won't be able to make needed changes to the files.
- Start Apache. Open up the Sharing panel in the System Preferences, and check Web Sharing.
- Point your web browser at
http://localhost/~username/skyblue/and follow the instructions. When asked for the site URL, give


text:
This member has provided no bio about themself...
This next version of crazy eye add 3 more eyes. They are anime like eyes, Fuhrer Bradley from Full Metal Alchemist eyes, and Umbrella Corp eyes.
crazy eye 3 full version
No files were found matching the criteria specified. We suggest you try the file list with no filter applied, to browse all available. Add file and help us achieve our mission of showcasing the best content from all developers. Join now to share your own content, we welcome creators and consumers alike and look forward to your comments.


text:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
More signs for a statewide transportation tax measure in 2012
There are more signals that point to a statewide transportation tax package in 2012. Here is an RFP from the WSDOT on funding a poll. According to the scope, the poll will test . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 1:44 PM 0 comments
Friday, June 24, 2011
Washington leaders driving national agenda
Prior to closing down, the motto for Olympia Beer was "It's the water." Based on recent news from the Attorney General's Office, there is definitely something in the water in Washington that leads to our leaders being recognized nationally. Yesterday a press release was issued announcing that Attorney General Rob McKenna has been selected by his peers to be President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 11:20 AM 0 comments
Labels: Accountability
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Breaking down state employee compensation as a percentage of spending
One of the major points of contention this past year in the Legislature was the impact state employee compensation has as a cost driver of state spending and whether changes should be made to help rein in costs. Based on the razor thin margin the June revenue forecast has left for the state's budget balance sheet, it is likely this conversation will continue in the future. So how exactly does state employee compensation impact state spending? There are a couple of ways to look at this question . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 2:21 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June revenue forecast explained
Remember all the "fun" last week as reporters and budget junkies tried to make heads or tails out of the June revenue forecast? The revenue forecast showed a negative $12 million difference between the March and June forecasts for the two budgets yet the impact on the ending fund balance for 2011-13 showed a reduction of $575 million. So how exactly does that math work? Quite well when you account for the fact the Legislature didn't assume any future revenue loss as a result of booking the tax amnesty funds in its budget balance sheet and then making adjustments for economic and non-economic activity since the March revenue forecast . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 4:18 PM 0 comments
Monday, June 20, 2011
Governor signs agency consolidation/contracting reform
Last week Governor Gregoire signed a proposal to consolidate several administrative agencies and create a review process to help identify opportunities for some competitive contracting. Sponsored by Senators Baumgartner and Zarelli, SB 5931 creates a new Department of Enterprise Services and Department of Consolidated Technology Services by consolidating several administrative agencies and activities . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 8:11 AM 0 comments
Thursday, June 16, 2011
2009-11 budget balanced for a day
That didn't take long. The 2009-11 supplemental budget (rolled into the 2011-13 budget) Governor Gregoire signed yesterday is already projected to end in an $84 million deficit thanks to today's revenue forecast. According to the state's budget director Marty Brown, the ending fund balance for 2009-11 is projected to be minus $84 million and plus $163 million for 11-13. That $163 million reserve for 11-13 is nearly $600 million less than was assumed yesterday when the Governor signed the budgets . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 12:25 PM 0 comments
Liquor "emergency" and performance audit fund raid stand
Over the past few weeks there was speculation as to whether Governor Gregoire would veto the emergency clause off of a liquor contract bill as well as veto the Legislature's raid of the voter-approved dedicated performance audit fund. The answer is no - both actions stand as approved by the Legislature. Here is video of the Governor explaining why she didn't veto the emergency clause off of SB 5942 . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 8:46 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
McKenna on tax increases, 2/3 vote requirement and competitive contracting
Last week Attorney General Rob McKenna did an interview with TVW's Austin Jenkins discussing his positions as a candidate for Governor. Among the policies discussed were McKenna's position on tax increases, whether the voter-approved 2/3 vote requirement for tax increases is constitutional and if the state is fully taking advantage of opportunities for competitive contracting. Here is the video of that interview queued up to the conversation on those three issues . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 11:20 AM 0 comments
Monday, June 13, 2011
Governor to decide if liquor contract is state emergency
This Wednesday Governor Gregoire will take action on the remaining bills from the special session including a proposal to request a contract for running the state's liquor distribution monopoly. Despite this proposal (SB 5942) not being assumed for the budget, an emergency clause was added to the bill meaning a referendum could not be run on the bill and the contract review process would take effect immediately. The emergency clause has worried supporters of a new initiative to end the state's prohibition era liquor monopoly. They believe SB 5942 could short circuit voters' opportunity to consider their new liquor reform proposal . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 10:14 AM 0 comments
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sonntag requests veto of performance audit fund raid
State Auditor Brian Sonntag sent Governor Gregoire a letter last week asking her to veto an $8 million raid of the voter approved dedicated performance audit account. From Sonntag's letter requesting the veto: "Diverting performance audit funding to support unrelated, specific activities at other agencies is wrong. It sets a precedent for future use of this money that is not in keeping with provisions of Initiative 900 . . ." READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 8:17 AM 0 comments
Friday, June 3, 2011
Former Governor Locke still preaching Priorities of Government
While awaiting Senate confirmation of his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to China, outgoing U.S. Commerce Secretary and former Washington Governor Gary Locke is still pushing Priorities of Government (POG) budgeting . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 10:40 AM 0 comments
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Did Senate mess up potential tax lawsuit script?
Yesterday we highlighted Governor Gregoire's comments where she hoped that the State Supreme Court would rule on the constitutionality of the state's 18 year old 2/3 vote restriction for tax increases. Today Tacoma News Tribune Columnist Peter Callaghan dedicates his column to teasing out the legal strategy of House Democrats in trying to gain legal standing to overturn the law through the courts versus through legislation. Callaghan quotes the attorney that last argued before the Supreme Court that the 2/3 vote requirement is unconstitutional as saying that the Democrats may have had a stronger case if the Senate had tried the same vote maneuver . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 9:17 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Gregoire wants Court to rule on 18 year old tax restriction
It appears the new motto in Olympia is "If we can't beat voters, sue em." Governor Gregoire has now joined with Democrats in the House and Senate calling on the Courts to throw out the nearly 20 year old requirement that tax increases require a 2/3 vote claiming the restriction is unconstitutional . . . READ MORE
Posted by Jason Mercier at 9:02 AM 0 comments


text:
This week's match-up: Dr. Jones vs Cap'n Jack!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Wild Child Victor
Sniped at the last second!
The Victor for the twelfth round of the preliminaries is:
The Victor for the twelfth round of the preliminaries is:
Stewie Griffin
|"When the world is mine, your death shall be quick and painless."
Out of 11 votes, Stewie got 55% to Kenny's 45%. Kenny had been in the lead up to this morning, when some last minute votes allowed Stewie to just squeak by.
Here's the breakdown. Check back tomorrow!
|As the first lady of the American stage Helen Hayes once said: I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Wild Child
This week's match-up is between the Tot of Terror and the Parka'd Perpetual Redshirt
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Game Night Victor
Well that went by fast, didn't it?
The Victor for the eleventh round of the preliminaries is:
The Victor for the eleventh round of the preliminaries is:
Sonic the Hedgehog
|"Live fast, think fast, act fast!"
Out of a piddling 8 votes, Sonic sped by with 75% of the vote while Axel (or is it Lea again now?) teleported away with 25%.
Here's the breakdown. Check back tomorrow!
|Who's up for Chili Dogs?
Friday, June 20, 2014
Without Computers Redux
(Originally Written for Jedi News)
I haven't spoken much about the developing details of Episode VII, and I will discuss the very real reasons for this in an upcoming article. With that being said, one thing that Star Wars communities keep talking about for the last month or so is the glut of photos of practical effects, sets, and creature puppets that J.J. Abrams and his team are showing to get the fans excited. The clear meme here being: "We're using good old-fashioned elbow grease with this film, not like those OTHER movies that were mainly CGI."
Surprisingly, many sections of the fanbase have actually wizened up. First of all correctly saying how laughable the idea is that a big-budget director in this day and age will avoid using CGI entirely (especially J.J. "Cloverfield/Star Trek" Abrams). But more to the point, there have now been several incredible editorials, even from people who don't like Episodes I-III, that are showing photo galleries of the myriad of practical effects used in those films in spite of hater party line we've been hearing since 1999.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Game Night
This week's match-up features the Fastest Thing Alive vs The Flurry of Dancing Flames
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Burtonesque Victor
What's this?
The Victor for the tenth round of the preliminaries is none other than:
The Victor for the tenth round of the preliminaries is none other than:
Jack Skellington
|"There are few who deny: at what I do, I am the best!"
Out of 10 votes, Jack got 60% while Edward got 40%.
Edward had an early lead, but Jack slowly overtook him. Not much else to say, except that I hope everyone is still having a good time with these.
Here's the breakdown. Check back tomorrow!
|I can't make decisions by myself!
Friday, June 13, 2014
So I sent my latest article in, but due to its....intricacy, Jedi News needs another week to deal with it. Therefore it'll be at least another week before I post it here.
Don't worry, I haven't stopped.
Don't worry, I haven't stopped.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Burtonesque
This week's match-up pits the Pumpkin King vs the Suburban Slicer
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Super Smash Brothers Victor
Well, I am quickly seeing what side my readers' bread is buttered on.
The victor for the ninth round of the preliminaries is:
The victor for the ninth round of the preliminaries is:
|"Here we go!"
Out of a total of 11 votes, Luigi received 64% of the vote while Mewtwo only received 36%.
It's really interesting to me just how often my own picks are losing in this competition so far. Which is fine, since I specifically wanted my readers' picks. It's actually fun seeing how different things turn out, even if I'm disappointed with my champions falling. Besides, there are only a handful of characters in this competition that aren't amongst my favorites in their respective franchises (why else do you think I entered Luigi as opposed to his brother?). I really hope the voting goes up from here and we're able to maintain this level of excitement by the time the finals roll around.
Anyway, here's the breakdown. Check back tomorrow!
|I also love seeing this thing slowly fill up, even if the blog doesn't do it justice
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Geekdom Madness: Super Smash Brothers
This week's match-up is a Nintendo brawl between the Brother of Another Plumber and the Genetic Pokémon.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Joe Simmons ( Gordon-Levitt) is a Looper meaning that he is a contract killer for the Mob of the future. Time travel is outlawed in the future and controlled by the mob. Tracking technology is also very advanced therefore the mob cannot dispose of their victims in 2074. Instead they use Loopers 30 years in the past to kill their victims and dispose of the body. No body, no potential case against the mob. Each looper has a spot where the mob sends their victims. Joe's is at the edge of a cornfield. The victim arrives at the usual time of the day. Joe measures the time by pocket watch and shoots the victim as soon as they materialize from the future.
Then eventually the Mob send you your future self to kill to leave the no trace of the contract killer otherwise know as closing your loop. It is met with a payoff of gold and a pass to live the next 30 years as a rich man.
The world of 2044 is not a happy one. Most of the people appear to be homeless and looking to steal just about anything that they can. The cars run off solar panels and have hoses running into the gas tank. Some people have telekinetic powers but they are minor and at most can levitate small items in their hand.
As a Looper Joe is able to keep an apartment and has a vintage vehicle that he drivers around town. He gets paid in silver that is strapped to the back of each target sent 30 years into the past by the Mob. Joe's best friend Seth who is also a Looper and they hang out at a club that is owned by their boss Abe ( Jeff Daniels) who is from the future. Abe has a special relations ship with Joe as he is he youngest Looper that Abe every hired Abe saw that he could do the job and put a gun in Joe's hand.
Joe sees a working girl Susie (Piper Perabo) at the club and spends his off hours with her. She has a child and Joe's wants to look out for the both of them. Most of the crowd at the club is hooked on a drug that is taken using an eyedropper.
Seth's future self is send back for Seth to kill. Seth can't do it as Old Seth sings a familiar tune from his youth. Old Seth runs and Seth goes to Joe for protection. Joe gives up his friend and both Old and young Seth are dealt with harshly.
Rumours start amongst the Looper's that a new boss in the future the Rainmaker has taken over power and is closing out all of the loops.
Joe is at his usual location for a kill and his old self (Bruce Willis) returns gets the jump on Joe and escapes.
They agree to meet in the Diner that Joe's normally frequents post kill and Old Joe tells Joe his plan to kill the Rainmaker as a kid. Old Joe's Intel has information on three children born on the same day in the same hospital and one of the three is the rainmaker. Old Joe escapes again but Joe gets the location of one of the targets and heads to the farm where the kid lives.
Joe is discovered by the farm owner Sara. He is allowed to stay but has to stay outside and away from her child Cid. However Cid is curious and interacts with Joe on a regular basis.
A fellow looper Zack checking for Old Joe comes to the farm and realizes that Sara is not there alone. Zack leaves and returns and Cid reveals his previously hidden abilities.
Old Joe works through the first two targets but is caught by the mob and brought to headquarters.
Old Joe gets the better of the Mob and escapes in a Mob owned truck.
Old Joe makes his way to the farm determined to kill Cid. Young Joe sees how this is going to play out and takes a step to alter the expected ending.
Rating ***1/2 out of 4
LOOPER Action Sci-Fi Thriller Directed by Rian Johnson 119 Minutes


text:
People who focus on "gender" issues invariably start to view the entire world through a gender lens, and too often they start to see "gender" where they shouldn't, and they become hypersensitive to innocuous conduct. This is unhealthy for a multitude of reasons.
And, yes, at times we are guilty of such hypersensitivity here. We resolve to try not to be.
When gender hypersensitivity happens with politicians, as in the story below, it distracts focus from real issues. And here we go again.
Cong. Allen West sent an angry missive to DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz about a medicare debate, telling her, among other things, that she was not "a lady." So, of course, a petition was started to protest West's "outrageous" and "despicable" and, of course, "sexist" behavior, claiming that his comments were evidence of "the Republican war on women." See here: http://emilyslist.org/action/standwithdws_20110720hp/
Oh, my, oh, my. When will this end?
When former Democratic Senator Arlen Specter told Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann to "act like a lady," he was widely chastised for his "sexist" remark and was forced to apologize.
When hecklers told Hillary Clinton to "iron my shirt," it was grossly sexist, and everyone agreed that it was. But not every attack or criticism on a female politician is sexist. Just as not every criticism of President Obama is indicative of racism. By turning the West-Wasserman Schultz encounter into a gender issue, the far more important debate over Medicare is being obscured.
And when people conclude that accusing West of misogyny is a silly overreaction -- and they will -- they will be more likely to accept West's policy position than examine it on its own merits.
Sexism is unacceptable, every sane person agrees. By the same token, it is silly to pretend that politicians are genderless. If a politician behaves in an offensive manner, it is not sexist to accuse him or her of not acting like a "gentleman" or a "lady" depending on his or her gender. But a politician's gender should never be used as a sword to hold her or him to standards not applicable to the other gender (e.g., "iron my shirt").
I think we're all agreed on that. So let's take this a step further: a woman has no more right to dictate that a male politician live up to her notions of masculinity than a man has the right to dictate that a female politician live up to his notions of femininity.
Makes sense? Of course. Then why does the mainstream media allow women to hold men to gender standards, while it condemns men who do the same to women?
During the last senatorial campaign, Sharron Angle, Robin Carnhan, Christine O'Donnell and Jane Norton -- all women -- verbally attacked their male opponents by telling them to "man up." See here. Sarah Palin has also used the term "man up" and has questioned the president's "cojones." I saw no one attack that as sexism.
Holding male candidates to some invisible standard of masculinity is nothing new. Can you say "Edmund Muskie"? In 1972, Senator Muskie was the Democratic front runner for president until the Manchester Union-Leader attacked his wife, Jane. When Senator Muskie defended his wife in an emotional speech, he appeared to cry. That was the end of his campaign, and his chance to ever be president. Muskie, you see, had violated an almost universal standard of manhood.
Do we really think much has changed since Muskie's implosion?
And, of course, female candidates are not routinely attacked for legally avoiding military service as male candidates are. I doubt this will change in the next 25 years, if ever. Not serving is considered at least a minor violation of some standard of manhood.
Let's say this: I "get" why sexism is potentially more damaging to female than male candidates. Women are still breaking into a man's game, and any hint that women are inferior because of their gender should not be tolerated.
But that's not the point. The point is that it's absurd and a harmful distraction to imagine sexism where it doesn't exist, as in the West-Wasserman Schultz debate.
And beyond that, the point is that it's an inappropriate double-standard to allow a female politician to attack a male politician for not living up to an invisible standard of masculinity, while it's wholly unacceptable to hold female candidates to any gender standard.
When we tell our kids that it's fair to hold men to some gender standard or other, they won't understand that it's not fair to do the same to women. Because, you see, kids don't understand these fine-line distinctions adults invent to rationalize bad behavior.
If every attack on a female politician is going to be transmogrified into "sexism," then I'd say this nation isn't ready for a female president (I'm ready for one, the rest of the nation isn't). That's because we need a president we're allowed to criticize. Even those of us with penises.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
More tiresome gender hypersensitivity
Posted by Archivist at Thursday, July 21, 2011


text:
Oscar Obligacion, the master showman
Once upon a time, when boys greased their hair with the brilliantine called Tancho, and housewives everywhere used lard named Purico in frying, the country's most popular TV show was "Oras ng Ligaya."
The year was 1962, and six times a week, most of the country's 29 million population ogled each noon to the antics of the show's headliner, the most recognizable impresario in teeveelandia, Oscar Obligacion.
Initially, his star image was anchored on his comic portrayal of Japanese soldiers in bakbakan films. As he honed his craft, he evolved into an all-around showman whose clean humor earned him the tag as "Bob Hope of the Philippines".
Obligacion isn't your ordinary comedian. At one point in his career, a powerful TV honcho offered to raise his talent fee, not twice nor thrice but a whooping twenty times in order to get his services. The record-breaking deal remains unmatched by any celebrity to date.
He belonged to that rare breed of performers who succeed in all areas of the arts — from stage to radio and then, film. But his star shone the brightest on his TV career.
While born in Manila, Obligacion's origin was Camalig, Albay. He is the fifth in a brood of twelve.
Raising a dozen kids didn't pose a problem for his father, who was a successful executive at Standard Vacum, a big oil company. "Noon, iilan lang silang may kotse at hatid-sundo pa sila sa school," says Oscar's wife, former LVN star Myrna Quizon.
However, his fairy-tale beginning was not without drama. When he was nine years old, his father had left them for another woman. The young Oscar, who was so used to pampering had to learn to shine shoes to help in the family expenditures. In between school classes, he would shine shoes for passing strangers in exchange for a few cents. One fateful day, after servicing one customer, he looked up to him to ask for his modest fee. Imagine his torment when he found out that his customer was his own father.
But Oscar harbored no ill feelings towards his dad. "Ewan ko kung bakit," he now says. Some say his reaction was a manifestation of a son's unconditional love to a father.
"Siguro, dahil alam kong minahal din niya kami", says Oscar. "It's unfortunate na hindi na sila nagkasundo ng mother ko. But he was a good man. When he left us, our family survived dahil nakatapos na yung iba kong kapatid." He also gives credit to his Kuya Benjamin, the eldest, who served as their guardian.
During the Japanese Occupation, the only form of entertainment was the stage show. Performances featuring top celebrities ran three times a day to full packed crowds. It was at the stage where Oscar started his star journey at the age of fourteen, when he auditioned in the Juan Silaya extravaganza, "Sa Sariling Lupa" in Metropolitan theater.
"I was with my friend Cris de Vera," Oscar recalls. "We were asked to perform a comedy act. Hindi pa 'ko tapos, sinabi nung nag-audition, 'You're hired". Later on, he was invited by Narciso Pimentel to join his stage shows in Plaza Lawton. "Nag-click ako sa tao. Sabi nila, 'small but terrible.' I appeared in Clover, Bataan theater, and Metropolitan".
A year after his stage debut, Donya Sisang de Leon of LVN Pictures made him the studio's premier comedy actor. Earlier, the legendary starbuilder heard of Oscar's impressive talent and was intrigued enough to go to the theater herself to watch him. Obviously, she was impressed by what she'd seen.
As an actor, Oscar's better films included "Capas" (1949), "Parola" (1949), his solo starrer "Tasyo", and "Dolfinger meets Pantarorong" that pitted him opposite Dolphy.
He also gained equal success on radio. In 1960, his DZRH program "Tuloy ang Ligaya" with Lita Guttierez and Sylvia la Torre was a phenomenal hit. Its success prompted Manila Broadcasting Company's big boss Federico Elizalde to transform it into a television show. And that was how "The Big Show" was born on MBC's Channel 11 in 1961. It featured Oscar with Cris de Vera and La Torre, under the direction of Ading Fernando.
"Dahil hindi mapatumba ng kahit anong program ang "The Big Show", kinontak silang tatlo ni Geny Lopez of ABS CBN," relates Myrna. "In order to get their services, tinaasan ng 20 times ang talent fee nila." Soon, the top-rating "Oras ng Ligaya" debuted on Channel 2. The variety program lasted for fifteen years."
"Doon, we have no scripts," says Oscar. "We were just given an outline, at bahala na kaming mag-improvise ng dialogue. The fact that it was being performed on a live television made the task doubly daunting but very rewarding".
His academic background complimented his natural wit. He's one of the few actors of his generation who could speak English fluently. Credit goes to his fine mentors, which included no less than Ferdie's mom, the late Josefa Edralin Marcos, his elementary teacher.
His gift of gab came handy when he became the country's ambassador of goodwill to Korea and the U.S. He was sent by the government twice to Korea to entertain the troops during the war. In 1973 and 1974, he was also chosen by former President Ferdinand Marcos as envoy of goodwill to the U.S. for his Balikbayan program.
"Lahat ng presidente, from Quirino to Masaysay to Marcos, kinuha siya to do stand-up comedies in Malacanang," relates Myrna.
On the homefront, Oscar is also blessed. His marriage to Myrna is 53 years old. They have four children: Emily, an architect; Susan, an executive secretary; Neville, a businessman; and Glenn, a doctor.
"As a father, he is the spoiler while I'm the disciplinarian," says Myrna. "He's a faithful husband and a good provider. He is also humble and very generous. Pinag-aral niya yung dalawa niyang kapatid."
He retired from the entertainment business just two years ago. In the U.S, where he stayed temporarily, he busied himself doing concerts with old-time pal, Sylvia la Torre.
At present, Oscar, who will turn 83 this coming January, is enjoying la dolce vita with his loving wife, ten apos and six great grandchildren. His is a good life, and he has proven that while fate gives us the hand, we certainly play the cards. He played his cards really well. (For comments, send e-mail to email@example.com)


text:
Car Sharing & One Way Car Sharing in Chicago
a smarter way
to drive in Chicago
Unlock over 500 cars in the city. Reserve by the hour or day and run errands, visit friends, or venture out on a road trip. Choose your car and choose a route. From Hyde Park to Edgewater, Lakeview to Wicker Park, or Old Town to the Loop.
Shopping at Chicago Premium Outlets? Spending the day on Lake Forest Beach? Picking someone up from O'Hare? Get the in's and out's of membership and hit the road.
Zipcars make great neighbors
We're in all the nooks and crannies of the city. Find the many places we call home and explore the one that you call yours.
how Zipcar works
4 simple steps
Apply online. Once approved, we'll send you a Zipcard to access vehicles worldwide.
Book a Zipcar for as little as 1 hour or as long as 7 days.
Hold your Zipcard to the car's windshield to unlock. Voila! It's all yours.
Hit the road. When you're done, park the car in its reserved spot and use your Zipcard or the app to lock up.
rates and plans
You've got some choices. From monthly to annual, pay-as-you-go to discounted prepaid plans, we have something for every driver.
but wait, there's more!
Take a look at what's down the road once you're a Zipster.
I've used Zipcar for 5 years with my company. We use Zipcar for all our catering and deliveries. They make it very convenient for us to get food to our customers in a fast and efficient way!
In the US, cities are increasingly investing in creative ways to get things growing, from transforming disused rooftops to upcycling empty lots. Check out our favorite urban farm projects across the country.read more on our blog Ziptopia
We chatted with Chicago artist Anthony Lewellen—who painted a mural for our office there!—about the challenges of creating street art, and how graffiti earned him a spot as an instructor at one of the country's best art schools.read more on our blog Ziptopia


text:
When Information Isn't Informative: Plus Some Notes on Demographics
Does anybody see a problem with the graph on the left?
Here is another graph of the same information (with a few extra years tacked on at the end and the US population added as reference). Do they look at all similar?
The first graph is terribly misleading because the abscissa/x-axis is nonuniformly scaled. I'm not sure more than two consecutive tick marks have the same scale. I've redone this graph using a uniformly scaled abscissa to show true trend. China for some reason cuts their graph off just before their population is projected to begin shrinking. Maybe its just that I'm an engineer, but this sort of wacky scaling drives me up the wall. The benefit of a graph is that it can convey alot of information intuitively. For that reason, if people aren't careful, uneven scaling can be very misleading. This above graph almost makes it look like China had a lull in population growth that has started to pick up again at a rather dramatic pace. This is not the case at all, as the second figure shows. It doesn't take very long to look this information up and create one's own graph. You would think that a reporter would be educated enough to do something like this, especially when they are working for the BBC and not merely some local rag.
Update/Supplementary Material
The question came up as to why there is such a lag between when fertility rates drop below replacement levels and when population begins declining. Because population growth is the sum of fertility rates and death rates, there is a lag due to the human lifespan. However, this lag is exacerbated because factors associated with more rapidly declining fertility rates are also associated with increased lifespans, namely increased urbanization and development.
The typical age/sex population distribution for an undeveloped country looks like a pyramid. There are lots of children and relatively few adults. However, as fertility rates decline and lifespans increase, the pyramid begins to morph into a rectangle. Zimbabwe, like most underdeveloped countries has recently begun to reduce its population quite dramatically. One can see that 25 years ago, population was still growing exponentially, but great reductions in fertility rates have come since then. One thing that has surprised demographers over the last 25 years is the rapid pace at which fertility rates have declined in the developing world. They have declined much more quickly than they did in the developed world. Now, the population distribution histograms of even underdeveloped countries like Zimbabwe are starting to morph into the rectangle shape indicative of stable population.
Italy is an example of a country that has experienced the transition from increasing population to decreasing population. Instead of transitioning to a rectangle, they are in the process of transitioning to an inverted pyramid. Not only is population growth an exponential function, but population decline is exponential as well. Unless they can reverse this trend in fertility rates or increase their immigration rates, their population will decrease exponentially to a fraction of what it is today.
The US and China are both countries that are in between the pyramid and rectangle stages. The difference between the US and China is that China has experienced more drastic fertility rate reductions and is beginning to transition into the inverted pyramid stage like Italy. However, the US is beginning to look more like the rectangle with a relatively stable population distribution by age and sex. These plots are also interesting, because they can highlight the sex ratio disparities in countries like China and India.
These plots become even more fascinating when one compares one country today to the same country +/-50 years. I think a short course in demograhics should be required for policy makers dealing with plans like social security and medicare, that take from today's worker to pay for today's retirees benefits instead of investing the money.
One last note because the figures ended up being rather small. The horizontal axis is population with zero in the middle and female population in blue increasing to the left and male population in red increasing to the right. Each horizontal red and blue line represents a histogram of the population for a specific age category. The age categories are 5 year age spans proceeding from 0-5 years old on up to 95-100 years old. I'm sure there's a much simpler way to explain this, but I'm tired and it escapes me right now.
Source for my Population Graphs: Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision and World Urbanization Prospects: The 2005 Revision, http://esa.un.org/unpp, Wednesday, September 26, 2007;


text:
Disclaimer: My desire is to keep Parenting Autism focused on parenting subjects but often parenting a child with autism and politics blur the lines and I have to discuss the boarder implications of policy decisions. Thank you for your continued support.
Over the last few months I have been working with a group of parents and professionals (VT CAIR) on lobbying the Vermont legislature to not repeal the autism insurance reform law that passed and was signed into law last year. ACT 127 (aka Autism Insurance Reform) mandates insurance companies and Medicaid to pay for autism services (behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy) for children 18 months old to six years old. After last session we felt good, we got some needed legislation passed with some concessions but that is politics, right?
Then we went into the current session (2011) with a new Democratic Governor and we thought, great! ACT 127 was ready to expand to include individuals above six years old, but we got stopped right on the State House steps. Governor Shumlin and the Democratic house and senate had not put the money into the budget to fulfill their Medicaid commitment and their best option was repealing ACT 127. We said no, no, we will compromise and this year we will take just private insurance ($.70 a month per premium holder) and then next year we can implement Medicaid coverage. Even that got months of debate.
This is where I have problem, whether it is a political, moral, spiritual, or intellectual problem I am not sure, you can decide. Here is my dilemma: for the price of an apple every month we decided children with autism (and their families) are not worth the medical treatment they deserve and need.
How can this happen in a liberal, New England state in the richest country in the world? I don't know. The political, cynical side of me understands that the vulnerable are always targeted in tough economic times, but the hopeful side fights back with confusion. How did our nation, the great "melting pot", arrive here, where children are not getting medical care they need. We are all responsible because for far too long in this country we turn the other way and say, "well, that's not my problem."
We get consumed with our busy lives and end-up walking around with blinders on, not seeing that our neighbors need help. This is not a Vermont problem. Accessing proper treatment for children with autism exists all across our nation. Some states are slowly passing legislation to mandate insurance companies to pay for autism services, but more needs to be done.
The longer we wait the higher the price tag. Not just in the children getting denied access to healthcare but in real dollars and cents. According to the Autism Society of America, " (the) cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention." As a society we are making a choice to limit opportunities to children with autism and to assume the skyrocketing cost of adult care unless we look at our fellow citizens and take care of each other.
Related blog post: Vermont State House Passes Autism Insurance Bill


text:
We have the privilege to work with two guys that are participating in the 2014 Cain's Quest. Jimmy Noble Jr. and Jason Aliqatuqtuq, from Iqaluit, purchased their Bombardier Summit 800 snowmobiles at George's Marine & Sports in Ottawa. They will be racing through Labrador in a snowmobile endurance race which stretches 3,300 km. The machines were retrofitted to make them more adaptable to Labrador's environment.
The following is a good online article about the two guys and the race.
We are looking forward to watching them on their journey. Since I am more of a couch potato it is enjoyable when you know the people you are going to live a life experience through.


text:
Greetings from Minnesota!
Hi! My name is Carrie and I live in St. Paul Minnesota. I've been knitting for a number of years and I consider socks my favorite item to knit. This is my 3rd sockapalooza and I'm excited as ever. I blog here mostly about knitting but also about my Weimaraner Casey Blue and other random things going on in my life. I'm looking forward to following everyones progress on this blog, great idea Alison! And thank you for once again planning this spectacular knit along!!


text:
So You're addicted to Facebook , too?
We're living in a world of face book obsessed people who log onto the site almost on an hourly basis to either check if their friends have commented on their latest status update or to see who's liked their new profile picture. In order to keep a tab on this growing addiction, Norway researchers have developed a new instrument called the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS). "The use of Facebook has increased rapidly. We are dealing with a subdivision of internet addiction connected to social media,"
The BFAS is based on six basic criteria.
@ You spend a lot of time thinking about social networking.
@ You feel an urge to use social networking sites more and more.
@ You use such side in order to forget about personal problems.
@ You have tried to cut down on the use of social networking sites but have sadly been unsuccessful.
@ You become restless or troubled if you prohibited from using them.
@ you use social networking sites so much that it has had a negative impact on your job/ studies.The study sho- wed that scoring "often" or "always" on at least four of the six items may suggest you are a Facebook addict.


text:
REGINA, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Huskies scored a come-from-behind win in the first set, then followed that up with victories in the second and third to complete a sweep over the Regina Cougars on Friday night in a Canada West women's volleyball match at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport.
It was all Cougars to start things off, as an extended serving run by Diana Lumbala gave the U of R an early 7-1 lead in the first set. But Saskatchewan stayed within reach, and an 11-3 run following the media timeout put the Huskies into the lead for good. Saskatchewan won 25-21 in the first set, then went on an early 10-1 run and won 25-17 in the second.
A significant run by the Huskies was again the tipping point in the third, as Saskatchewan won six consecutive points to turn what had been a two-point deficit into a 17-13 lead. The Cougars battled back to tie the set at 21-21 and again at 23-23, but Saskatchewan got an Emily Humbert kill and a Sabrina Balisky service ace to clinch the match.
Emmalyn Copping led Saskatchewan (3-2) with a match-high 10 kills and added nine digs, while Humbert finished with eight kills and Balisky put down seven. Setter Mackenzie Pek had a double-double with 28 assists and 10 digs while adding three kills of her own, while libero Jennifer Hueser led the Huskies with 14 digs.
Kathleen Bruce, Jenna Krahn, and Diana Lumbala each had six kills for the Cougars (0-5), while Leah Sywanyk entered the match late in the second set and finished with five kills and a .500 hitting percentage. Third-year libero Taylor Ungar had another big match for the U of R, piling up 15 digs to increase her Canada West-leading average to 4.75 per set over the first five matches of the conference schedule.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday night (5:00) at the CKHS.
Saskatchewan takes three-set win over Cougars


text:
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001A-0314
PI: Christopher Palma, University of Virginia, email@example.com
Address: PO Box 3818, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
CoI: Michael H. Siegel, University of Virginia
CoI: Steven R. Majewski, University of Virginia
CoI: Richard J. Patterson, University of Virginia
Title: Spectroscopy of Extratidal Stars Associated with the Ursa Minor and Leo II Dwarf Galaxies
Abstract: We intend to continue our Ph.D. thesis explorations of the Ursa Minor (Palma's thesis) and Leo II (Siegel's thesis) dwarf galaxies with a spectroscopic effort that will simultaneously resolve four issues: (1) We will measure radial velocities to confirm the association of Ursa Minor and Leo II giant star and blue horizontal branch star candidates that we find outside the nominal tidal radii of these systems. (2) We will also determine whether these stars are bound to their parent systems (no expected variation in the radial velocities with position) or are in the process of being tidally stripped (should show a radial gradient in the radial velocities). If these stars are unbound, it casts doubt on the validity of the virial equilibrium assumption that is implicit in the conversion of velocity dispersion to mass-to-light ratio and the resulting assumption of large amounts of dark matter in these systems. (3) In both systems we will also refine the measured velocity dispersions with large samples of stars at much larger radii than previous studies. (4) Spectroscopy of candidate QSOs found in our Leo II fields will be used to select the best objects for establishing the absolute astrometric reference frame. The QSO measurements will greatly aid our effort to measure the absolute proper motion of Leo II with a combination of archival 200'' plates, KPNO 4-meter CCD data, and HST snapshot observations.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001A-0314


text:
Earlier this week I said farewell to Roberta as she returned home after her two week visit with me and the rest of her friends. She made an overnight stop to her sisters in Somers NY and on Monday headed back. She made it home sometime before 7:30. We would amazed how quickly the two weeks went by. I know I was exhausted every night and went to bed late every night too. Roberta may be coming back up in a couple of months.
As you may all remember I mentioned that we are beginning the process of looking to downsize to condo living. I had heard from my niece who is a real estate agent and she is still putting together a binder for me to better understand and help me decide on the condos. The biggest obstacle is finding a place that will accept two pets. Even if I outright buy the condo I would have to abide by the association rules and regulations. You wouldn't believe the suggestions to ignore that do what I want with the cats. We were supposed to be meeting this Sunday but that even may be a no go. Sunday seems to be busy for all of us.
This past weekend was the Oyster festival and I had to bail on the DTC team for our tent and our bid to raise funds for the candidates. Apparently I wasn't the only one as I found out tonight. However there was enough coverage and according to an email we did very well. We have a tent every year and we usually sell fried dough. We have a meeting tomorrow night.
Tuesday night my woman's Club and girls club had their end of summer fundraiser over at Rita's Italian Ice. Most of us took turns serving Italian Ice and desserts to customers and a percentage and tips donated to our club. WE did very well. We were saddened to see that it got dark by 8 pm. Clearly the summer is drawing to end. We have a board meeting this weekend along with an ice cream social as membership drive. Dr. T has said that she wasn't sure if all the international students that joined last year would be returning yet because they won't be returning to the US until a few days before school starts.
My health is steady for now. I did have a few headaches that were annoying me but they are gone. As I mentioned I have been exhausted but I think it had to do with the heat, weather, and constant activity. I have been eating pretty well. I have had some aches and pains but minimal. I will have to apply the metro gel as my face is starting to break out again. I have my Benlysta infusion later today and next month a few doctors' appointments. I probably should start the CPAP machine again but I have been far too lazy for that.
Work has been pretty busy for me. Both the mail and the new data entry projects with Refunds have kept me busy. Along with all the other things I have been doing of late. Friday I will be participating in a Union Lit drop in town. It will be two hours long. I thought it was a meeting or a rally. I hope I am back in time for my co-workers farewell party.


text:
Yup, stole another picture from my husband!
This week is going to be a busy one. Playing a concert, extra library hours, hosting a party to watch the Perseids (keep your fingers crossed for clear skies this year!!), and another family reunion. Silly me, I thought my schedule would calm down once the wedding in Texas was over. ;-)


text:
To quote Joe Pyrah, "Boxcars are bills that are empty even though the lawmaker knows damn well what's going into it." His list missed SB 241, with the innocuous title, Instructional Expenses Requirements.
The text magically appeared yesterday, and to those who follow Mark Madsen's education voting and bill sponsoring record, it is no surprise that the bill contains a made-up standard from a corporate flunky. And in this case, it is a pet idea of our beloved sort-of-related-to-Utah flunky, Patrick Byrne. (Though apparently the idea was actually sold to Byrne by some guy named Tim Mooney.)
The 65% (non-)solution proposes that 65% of school expenditures be spent on "classroom expenses" to alleviate supposed administrative inefficiencies. The rub is what expenses are included in classroom money and which are excluded. Sports and coaches' salaries are arbitrarily OK under the 65% rules, but libraries, counselors, and ohter important people at the school are seen as "non-classroom costs." See NY Times and eSchool News.
We already know that Mark Madsen readily quotes false numbers from out-of-state business organizations when it suits him, and Utah districts' administrative costs are in the top 1% nationally. This 65% solution-looking-for-a-problem is just an ultra-conservative sneaky way of handcuffing school districts' ability to provide transportation, counseling, and other services through mandates to meet an admittedly arbitrary number that does not magically fix anything. Mooney and Byrne just made up definitions of what constitutes a classroom cost and picked a number just above the average in order to punish school districts.
Let's not let Patrick Byrne drive our educational policy anymore. Reject Senator Madsen's SB 241.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Boxcar filled on Feb. 23rd, Senator Mark Madsen channels Patrick Byrne, sponsors 65% rule
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Have a question? Feel free to fill out the contact form and we'll respond as soon as possible. Please, no solicitations!
Meet new friends, support the best team in the OHL and have lots of fun!
Our club's mission is to provide support to the Erie Otters Hockey Team! Throughout the season, we raise money through various events and merchandise sales. The proceeds go towards purchasing equipment and, once in awhile, fun stuff for the boys. If you enjoy Otters hockey and want to get involved, we'd love to have you!
Our fan club table can be found at every home game, and offers a bunch of unique souveniers!
Your place for the game schedule, fundraiser events, and meeting information.


text: Established in 1964, Pan American Bank is California's oldest Latino-owned bank and the second-oldest Latino-owned bank in the United States. Pan American Bank is also certified by the U.S. Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution ("CDFI"). Headquartered in East Los Angeles, Pan American Bank has served the needs of the under-served Latino communities in Los Angeles and Orange counties for nearly a half-century. Founded by the first Latina United States Treasurer, Romana Acosta Banuelos, the Bank has stayed true to its mission of transforming and empowering Latino communities through banking relationships built on trust, service, respect, communication, and guidance. Pan American Bank is FDIC-insured and an Equal Housing Lender.


text:
Since the World Series permanently moved to a best of 7, there have been 33 Game Sevens (there were two determinative game sevens prior; edit, now it's 34 game sevens plus the two prior) which I'd argue is the height of human endeavor. If it seems like its been awhile since we've had one (2002, although I can't recall how that turned out) you're right. The last 8 game World Series was 1921, so since the permanent switch to a best 4 of 7 in 1922, this current 9 year span since we've had a Game 7 is the longest ever.
I don't know if that's Wild Card related, but if you broaden our look, it might be. In the 17 years since the Wild Card, there have been 3 Game 7s (02, 01, 97). In the 17 years previous, there were 6.
The Cardinals have been in 10 of those Game 7s, almost a third. At 7-3, they've got the most Game 7 wins of any team in baseball history.
Here are the Top 10 Game Sevens in World Series History.
10. 1955 Dodgers 2 Yankees 0
-This is the first title for the Dodgers; Brooklyn had lost the Series in '16, '20, '41, '47, '49, '52, and '53.
The Dodgers were up 2-0 through 6, then withstood the Yanks getting 2 on with one out and Berra/Sauer at the plate; defensive replacement Sandy Amoros robbing Berra's seemingly game tying line drive to the left field corner (at 5:29)
9. 1975 Reds 4 Red Sox 3
-The famous game is Fisk's the night before, but the Sox took a 3-0 lead into the 6th in Game 7 giving them a win expectancy of 85%. Perez hit a two run homer in the 6th, then the Reds tied it in the 7th and had the bases loaded for Bench who fouled out. Morgan singled home Griffey in the 9th (at 14:15)to give the Reds the lead, and the Sox went down in order in the bottom half. Boston didn't get a hit after the fifth.
8. 1925 Pirates 9 Senators 7
-The greatest pitcher who ever lived was staked to a 4-0 lead and threw a complete game. But it was a complete game loss in which he (he is the Train, Walter Johnson, then 37 years old) gave up 15 hits. Still, Johnson was 4 outs away from the title, with no one on, 2 out, and a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the 8th when three doubles beat him.
7. 1946 Cardinals 4 Red Sox 3
-This is Slaughter's mad dash; Enos Slaughter scoring from first on Harry Walker's line drive base hit to center with two outs to break the 3-3 8th inning tie. The Sox had just tied it with two in the top on a Dom Dimaggio two run double. Boston put the first two on in the bottom of the 9th but couldn't plate the tie.
6. 1962 Yankees 1 Giants 0
-Richardson catches McCovey's liner at 7:45. It's the best San Francisco Giants team of all time; we didn't get a hit until the 6th, with Mays and Alou both in scoring position with two out in the bottom of the 9th, McCovey's lineout ended it. 40 years later, we lost another game 7. It wasn't until 2010 that San Francisco won its first World Series. I've written about this game, and the entire history of the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, more extensively here.
5. 1991 Twins d. Braves
-The first extra innings game on the list; the Twins breaking a scoreless tie in the 10th with a Gene Larkin single (you can see it at 6:50). How many chances did both teams have to get on the board? The Braves had a runner in scoring position with one out in the second. The Twins had two on and one out in the second. The Braves had two on, one out in the third. The Twins had a runner at third with two out and Puckett at the plate in the third. The Braves had a runner in scoring position in the 4th. The Braves had them on the corners with one out and Pendleton/Gant coming up in the 5th. The Braves opened the 8th with a Lonnie Smith single/Pendleton double, and then had the bases loaded with one out, but Jack Morris got a Sid Bream double play to end the threat. The reverse in the bottom - John Smoltz gave up two singles and got pulled for Mike Stanton, who got a bases loaded double play from Hrbek to end the inning. The Twins had them again an inning later, back to back singles to open the inning took a double play and then a Paul Sorrento strikeout with the winning run at third to get into extras.
And none of those runs scored.
In the tenth - Gladden opened with a double, took third on a groundout, and a couple of intentional walks later was the Larkin game winner.
4. 1997 Marlins 3 Indians 2
Another extra innings game; up 2-1 in the top of the 9th, with 1st and 3rd and just one out, the Indians had an 89% win expectancy. Sandy Alomar got thrown out at the plate on a Marquis Grissom ground ball to short, and a Brian Giles flyout ended the inning. Singles by Alou/Johnson and a Craig Counsell sac fly tied the game in the bottom of the 9th. The Marlins had the winning run at second in the 10th with one out but didn't score; that waited for the following inning. In the bottom of the 11th the Marlins loaded the bases (Bonilla single, an error, an intentional walk) with one out, Charles Nagy, who got out of the jam the previous inning, got a groundball that forced Bonilla at home for a second out. Edgar Renteria, who 13 years later would be a World Series MVP for the Giants, won the game with a base hit that you can see at 3:33.
3. 1924 Senators 4 Giants 3
The greatest pitcher who ever lived, Walter Johnson, in the twilight of his career and playing in his first World Series, pitched the last 4 innings of a 12 inning game 7; the Senators scoring 3 runs, including the game winner, on two separate bad bounce ground balls. There were 7 combined errors; my guess (I don't know the answer) is that's a game 7 record. The Giants had a two run lead with 4 outs to go, reaching an 89% win expectancy, when the first of those bad hops scored two in the 8th. Frankie Frisch tripled off the entering Johnson in the 9th, but the Giants left them on the corners. The Senators had them on the corners with one out in the bottom, but a Ralph Miller double play ended the inning. Frisch faced Johnson again with the potential winning run at second and one out in the 11th, but struckout, and a second strikeout got the Senators out of the inning. Washington had the winning run in scoring position themselves in the bottom, but didn't score. In the bottom of the 12th a botched foul popup to catcher led to a Muddy Ruel double and with two on and one out, what appeared to be an inning ending Earl McNeely double play ball bad hopped into the game winning hit.
2. 2001 Diamondbacks d. Yankees
Only once has a team entered the bottom of the 9th losing and exited it with a World Championship.
It was 2001. It was November. And it Mariano Rivera was on the mound.
You can see the entire bottom of the 9th here. The two starting pitchers, Clemens and Schilling, combined for 19 strikeouts and only one walk. Soriano homered in the 8th to break a 1-1 tie and when Rivera struck out the side in the bottom, the Yankees were at 80% win expectancy, but presumably felt more likely than that given the context. Mark Grace led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, a Rivera error put two on, but an unsuccessful bunt attempt forced the lead runner. Tony Womack doubled home the tying run, and after a hit batsman, Luis Gonzalez singled home the win. Had the Yankees held on, the connection between this game and 9-11 would probably have marked it as the ultimate American sporting event, with only perhaps the 1980 hockey win over the Soviets to contend in our national consciousness.
1. 1960 Pirates d. Yankees
The game highlights are here.
The Pirates scored two in each of the first two innings giving them an 89% win expectancy.
The Yankees scored the next 7 runs. They ended their half of the 8th with a 7-4 lead, 6 outs away from a title, and a 94% win expectancy.
The Pirates scored 5 in the bottom of the 8th after what looked to be an easy double play ground ball bad hopped into Tony Kubek's throat. When Hal Smith hit a three run homer to give the Pirates a 9-7 lead, the win expectancy swung all the way back to 93% for Pittsburgh.
But New York came back again. Singles by Richardson/Long/Mantle cut the lead to one run and a Berra groundout tied the game at 9.
Two years later, Ralph Terry shut out the Giants in a Game 7, but in 1960, he gave up a leadoff homer to Bill Mazeroski for the only Game 7 walkoff home run in World Series history.


text:
Residential properties for sale on Amelia Island and the surrounding areas while offering information regarding home sales, market conditions and real estate related articles. Also providing a information on Bank owned properties and REO selection. John Holbrook 904-415-0171 & Partners
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Ocean Park
Hi All, Attached are all of your new Vtour links for Ocean Park #420. We have also submitted your new Vtour into our Internet Exposure Engine which includes Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Homes.com and more! We hope that all of our efforts will help you get lots of showings, and a good contract soon! * Branded Vtour - http://fusion.realtourvision.com/48045 * Non Branded Vtour (MLS) - http://fusion.realtourvision.com/idx/48045 * Graphic Intensive Flyer (for e-mail) - http://fusion.realtourvision.com/flyer/48045 * Ink Friendly Flyer (for print) - http://fusion.realtourvision.com/flyer/p/48045 * TinyTurls (Short link, i.e. Twitter) - http://tinyturls.com/48045 * YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRmRvu9EdzA&feature=youtube_gdata_player John Holbrook - Realtor Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach & Yulee, Florida Cell: 904-415-0171 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com www.johneholbrook.com
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
I̶'̶m̶ ̶a̶ ̶r̶e̶c̶e̶n̶t̶ I was a stay-at-home dad. Sarcasm is my crutch and cynicism my wheelchair. Lunchroom Larfs are cute/silly notes I put in my daughter's lunch everyday. Each night I write a disturbing caption to make them palatable to cynical adults such as myself.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Lunchroom Larfs- April 28, 2015
The little house was lauded as a hero to dwellings the world over for standing up to the treacherous tornado. Due to all the attention it was soon discovered the house was built without a building permit. It was immediately torn down and a Starbucks put in it's place. Uppity condos in the neighborhood would often comment, "That's why I would never choose to be a standalone. He got what he deserved."
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
I received a copy of Fallen, part 6 of The Debt Collector, in exchange for my review.
Shocked about still being alive, Lirium is going crazy in his room, not allowed to interact with anyone, even with Ophelia. Even though she betrayed him, he is unable to stop the feelings that he has growing for her, and if he gets out of the Mob then he wants to get her out too. Valac seems to be against life, but sometimes help can come from unlikely places.
Link to Goodreads
Link to Amazon
Well that wasn't quite how I was expecting that to go. The ending of Fallen really got me, both because I wasn't expecting it and because I hadn't realised how much I'd come to care about one of the characters that was involved in a bad way. It was a good ending though, mainly because of how shocking it was.
Yet again I got a turn around on how I felt about Ophelia. Whereas up to this point I've been umming and ahhing about whether or not I like the character, in this part I found that I really liked her, which is probably to do with how she is softening towards Lirium and seems to be accepting that there may be something between them.
Lirium is still true to form. I have a theory that he isn't really an anti-hero, because he never really was bad, but he is a reluctant hero. He's a good guy who doesn't realise that he is good, which just makes his choices stand out even more. As a character I really like him, and I think the unlimited point of view into what he is thinking helps with that. Though he isn't perfect that does have to be said!
Fallen counts towards Winter COYER.


text:
Obsidian are a band from the Netherlands that plays a very tecnical form of death metal with a blackened edge and this is a review of their 2010 album "point Of Infinity" which will be released by Candlelight Records.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with some blast beats and alot of tecnical parts, while the bass playing has a very dark tone which follows the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times the bass has a strong and heavy at times.
Rhythm guitars are very technical and heavy sounding death metal riffs that also takes influences from other form of metal with some melodic parts being utilized at times, while the lead guitars are very melodic and technical sounding guitar solos, as for the accoustic guitars when they are utilized they bring a very dark edge to the music.
Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls with some high pitched screams and vlean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover every day type of themes with somewhat of an esoteric feel, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional sound with all of the musical instruments sound very powerful.
In my opinion Obsidian are a very good technical death metal band and if you are a fan of this style you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Breach" "Tidal Waves" "DEsolate Rage" and "Incinerate". RECEMMONDED BUY.


text:
I also spent my first long weekend away from her in three years. We made a trip to Houston to pick up her big brother it was nice to get away for a weekend just the three of us. We love our Bella but we were three for so long that it was nice to just be three for a short time. She loves all things princess, this is her reading a bedtime story to her baby.
She spent the weekend with her Aunt Misty and Uncle Joey and got in to Graycie's polish and did her own toe nails.This was after we spent the day in the ER, we took her to Chili's to feel better. As you can tell sprite & mac/cheese made everything better


text:
There is a saying that says, once you leave your hometown you really cannot come back, nothing will be the same. I can contest to the fact that you can come back, however, things may not be exactly the same, if God is in it, it will work.
My story started many years ago, but before I begin, let me give you a bit of a backstory. I was born in A small Midwestern town, before the hospital closed their maternity ward. My parents brought me home to this little house
I grew up here and loved my little life I had. My best friend lived just down the road and we were always together. I had to move away, because well life happened. It was the mid-eighties and the country was in a recession and factories were closing and moving out of the country and business were in financial crisis. I was twelve or thirteen at the time and I was excited about the new adventure, yet scared and sad at the same time.
We moved down south, first Florida, then South Carolina. I am not saying I did not like living there because that would be a lie. It was great being in the sun, have little to any winter (I am not a fan of cold weather) and I was able to visit many different places. However, I always longed to be back in my hometown. I came back to visit often and each time my heart ached. I always vowed that someday I would come back, and many people told me, you cannot go back home. I being who I am, I did not listen. I moved back to My hometown four years ago this month, and today on June 10th 2016 I became a homeowner. This is not just a home, I bought, it is the very same home I grew up in as a child.
This journey started back in February of this year, a simple phone call from my mother telling me that this place was for sale. I was so excited to hear this, but disappointed as well because I really did not think I was in a position to buy. I did not think my credit was good enough, but something just kept pulling at my heart and I prayed about it and decided to try for a preapproval loan. Surprisingly, I was approved. Little did I know that this journey I just stepped upon would be so stressful and unnerving. It started off easy, pulling me in, wanting it so much. I get the paperwork completed and then the issues kept popping up. One right after the other, to finally, after being told I was approved and I was heading to the next step I was told I did not make enough money and I needed a co-signer to move forward. This devastated me, my heart was broken. I wanted to ask my parents, but at the same time I did not want to put them in that position. My mother happened to call that night I got the news and I could not hide my disappointment. As a mother, she read right through my words and so I began to cry and told her all about it. We talked for a while and then we said our goodbyes. I said a prayer and then went on with my nightly routine. Thirty minutes or so later my mother called again and told me she and my father would co-sign for the loan. God had answered my prayer, he is always there for me and knows what is best. The bible states, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you, John 15:7. I had a dream and it seemed to be coming true.
I do not understand why, but I know there is always a reason and it is always in God's time, and his time is always on time. There were more issues that popped up yet again, but I kept the faith and let God handle it. I did all I could, and if it was going to happen then it was going to happen. I could not change anything. The closing just kept getting pushed back further and further. The loan company got on my last nerve, every time they pushed the closing date backed they had to redo paperwork and then that would take time to finalize. I had four different closing dates, and just when I felt it was not going to happen, God made it happen.
This process may not have been on my time frame, but God's timing is always perfect, "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under the heavens, Ecclesiastes 3:1. Never under estimate the power of the Lord. His Will, will always be done. Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the Lord; and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!". Although, I was getting frustrated I always kept my faith.
Today was a very monumental day for me, I signed about a million pages and handed over a lot of money, but in the end I received the keys to my very first house. Literally my very first house. I did come home and though it was not easy at first, there were many struggles that came my way, but I am glad I made the choice to move back. Four years ago this week I moved here to get a new start, find myself, and this week I began a new journey as a homeowner.


text:
Only 16 weeks to go!
I'm excited that the tail end of my pregnancy is in summer, because I feel like it will probably fly by. Since summertime goes by so fast anyways, baby Becca will be here before we know it. Plus I'm sure I'll enjoy being outside more and enjoying warm weather activities like swimming!!!!! I'm really looking forward to doing some swimming this summer.
I've been feeling good lately. I've enjoyed visiting with some people this week. I have my next doctor's appointment in Friday. Soon I'll have my glucose test, and I'm hoping everything looks good with that.
Becca is getting bigger - she's now about the size of an ear of corn! :)
Here's the latest baby bump!


text:
In 2016, CivicActions was one of 11 vendors selected for the Agile Development Prequalified vendor pool, designed to provide state agencies with access to user-centered design and agile software development services. In 2017, the California Department of Technology is expected to expand the pool to include up to 30 vendors.
The prequalified vendor pool is an incredible opportunity for design and development firms to more easily expand their offerings to government and help build amazing, user-focused digital services for the residents of California.
In an effort to inspire other technology companies to participate, CivicActions will share what it learned and help others understand how they can best navigate the process.
- Robert L. Read (CivicActions, co-founder 18F, author of "How To Be A Programmer")
- Owen Barton (CivicActions)
Contact Bill Ogilvie at email@example.com.
- Digital Services – Agile Development Prequalified Vendor Pool Refresh
- Agile Development Pre-Qualified Vendor Pool
- California looks to expand agile vendor pool


text:
You can always tell when a scandal story has peaked and is ebbing, almost down to the minute: when your political opponents start to raise it explicitly against you. That was the minute I knew Bill Clinton was going to weather the Monica story -- the moment when Republicans first started hitting him over it. It took a few days. And I remember rejoicing about it at the time. Same thing here with Wright. The Clinton camp can see that it's drifting. So they're deciding to stoke it. Also useful to get the Tuzla stuff off the front page.
Here's one other point I want to raise about Wright. Having watched the full sermons that his sound bites were grabbed out of, it's pretty clear to me that the snippets running on Youtube were taken out of context and heavily distorted. (But that's life, to a degree -- political hits don't usually come packaged with extenuating context) I'm also not going to get into the business of full-scale defenses of someone who has apparently suggested that the US government had some role in "inventing the HIV virus as a means of genocide against people of color."
But in the debate about Wright, which Sen. Clinton has just reignited, it seems to be spoken of now as an unquestioned assumption that Wright traffics in racist rhetoric or hate speech. But is that really true? I've seen some stuff that strikes me as whacky. I've heard soundbites that critics would not have much trouble spinning as anti-American. But are there really quotes that justify the charge of racism? I'm not saying that purely as a rhetorical question. I have not made myself a full Wrightologist. But I do get the sense that a lot of people believe he's so radioactive that it makes no sense to point out when others are treating as granted claims that appear demonstrably false.


text:
- Branding works slowly.
When trying to login to PA by using branding URL, the following error is displayed:
Bad Gateway Web server received an invalid response while acting as a gateway or proxy server.
Following errors could be found in error log for Branding on the Management Node:
# tail -1 /var/www/vhosts/cp.example.com/logs/error_log [error] [client 192.168.0.1] proxy: DNS lookup failure for: cp.example.com returned by /
where cp.example.com is the branding domain name.
The branding domain is not resolved or resolved to incorrect IP on the management node.
- Go to the management node by SSH.
Check if the branding domain is resoved properly:
# nslookup cp.example.com
The branding domain must be resolved to correct IP address which belongs to the management node. If it is not, perform the following checks:
Make sure that the DNS A-record for the domain cp.example.com is resolved to correct IP address from outside:
# nslookup cp.example.com 18.104.22.168
- Check if there are correct DNS servers in
/etc/resolv.confon the management node
Try to resolve any external domain from the management node:
# nslookup odin.com
If external domains can not be resolved from the management node, check DNS, firewall and network settings on the management node. After all DNS issues are resolved the access through the branding URL will start working properly.
As a temporary workaround the following record can be added
/etc/hosts on the management node:
192.168.0.1 cp.example.com
192.168.0.1 is the IP address to which branding domain is resolved.


text:
Display all pictures
Reference: Golf 64 black matt
Condition: New product
More details
Warning: Last items in stock!
Availability date:
Tweet Share Google+ Pinterest
By buying this product you can collect up to 19 loyalty points. Your cart will total 19 points that can be converted into a voucher of 3,80 €.
The minimum purchase order quantity for the product is 1
Add to cart
Add to wishlist
Customer ratings and reviews
Be the first to write your review !
* Required Fields


text:
by vascularaston
Welcome to Vascular Aston, the home of Vascular Research at Aston University, Birmingham.
Please refer to the 'About' section for information concerning the Vascular Aston team and the work we do, our objectives and values, links to our recent publications and team member profiles. The home page will regularly be updated with details of our recent findings and information about future research projects, so you can stay up to date with the latest developments in Vascular Medicine.
We will also be sharing our views on Social Mobility and discussing the work done by Aston University to encourage widening participation in Higher Education as a means to address social deprivation and health inequalities within local communities. Through this page you will be able to follow the latest developments in Aston's widening participation strategy and learn about how our future initiatives will help to transform the lives of local people.