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"The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." (Maya Angelou)
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
London, my London (Brick Lane)
This street derives its current name from former brick and tile manufacture, using the local brick earth deposits, that began in the 15th century. After successive waves of immigration that included Huguenots, Irish and Ashkenazi Jews it is now a hotbed of Bangladeshi culture, hence its nickname is 'Banglatown'.
The first time I was on Brick Lane I was unaware of both this rich history and the significance of the place. Returning there recently on what was a very warm day gave me a better sense of the hustle and bustle that engulfs this part of east London.
The first sight that greets the visitor is the Brick Lane fruit and vegetable Market, developed in the 17th century. With produce coming from all over the world, it could easily compete with the Brixton market, another outdoor retail/wholesale venue in south London.
There's also a Sunday market which originated with the Jewish community. I would say that it is a far better option than the Camden market, another place about which I posted recently. For starters, there's less repetition and more creativity. The prices are lower and the quality of the products higher. I bought me a coat for fifteen quid. That would have normally set me back fifty pounds, but as the temperatures rise the price for winterwear plummets. I also purchased a second-hand jacket that cost me three quid. In Camden that would have probably been tenner. The shops have an air of uniqueness to them. And luckily for the visitor, most of the boutiques have emigrated to nearby renovated and regenerated Spitalfields, leaving Brick Lane with a true feeling of authenticity. On the pavements musicians play; blues, reggae or rock fill up the air with exuberant sounds.
Take Eastside Bookshop, for instance. I bought a few books in it: a collection of poems by William Blake as a present for my wife, an updated edition of Shakespeare's sonnets published by Cambridge University Press and a selection of poems by John Keats printed by Oxford University. But Eastside goes beyond that. It organises poetry readings and competitions, the staff is kind, friendly and helpful and they actually talk to you and ask you questions on what your literary tastes are. As someone who spends quite a lot of money buying books from amazon.co.uk, it was a pleasure to leave the store with those poetry collections under my arm. Unlike online shopping, where you cannot touch the merchandise, the physical contact with novels, essays and memoirs brings my inner child out in a jiff and I had to hold myself back from parting with yet more money for more books.
There's another place I strongly recommend, especially when you are hungry as my wife and I were. Avoid the overpriced restaurants on either side of Brick Lane and head for the Sunday Upmarket. It is located inside The Old Truman Brewery and it currently hosts hundreds of stalls offering you any product from fashion to food. Wander around the kiosks here and you'll come across charm vintage jewellery, handmade greeting cards, printed garments, hot Ethiopian coffee, Spanish tapas (I got me some paella, nice!) and luxurious, jewel-coloured eel skin bags.
Unfortunately, there's another reason why Brick Lane is (in)famous these days. In 2003, Monica Ali's novel of the same name saw the light. It depicted the tribulations of a Bangladeshi woman recently arrived in the country with no command of the English language and feeling isolated. She had been married off to a man many years her senior and had been separated from her sister whom she loved dearly. What came to be seen as a cultural war started when Monica sold the book rights to a film company and the latter decided to shoot the movie on site. A 'Campaign Against Monica Ali's Brick Lane' was formed by some of the elders of the Bangladeshi community and the area acquired a notoriety that I'm sure was not what most dwellers of this deprived part of London had in mind. Once more, two of the UK''s intellectual stalwarts, Germaine Greer and Salman Rushdie, locked horns. Greer defended the local community's decision to ban Ruby Films from shooting in situ since, according to her, the depiction of this disadvantaged community was a caricature that conformed to the stereotypes most British people had in regards to this ethnic minority. On the other hand Rushdie argued for freedom of expression, probably based on his own experience from a few years before, after his novel 'The Satanic Verses' was publicly condemned and burned by hysterical fanatics. In the end, the film was shot in another part of London. Having read both the book and watched the movie, I can honestly aver to the quality of the former whilst bemoaning the poor narrative of the latter.
Cultural differences apart, Brick Lane is one of those necessary stops for the visitor to London. Whether you are keen on antiques, or on flea markets, this is an area that will appeal to you. A sound system nearby blasting out dub and roots reggae, is also a strong reminder that when the sun comes down, it's time to dust off your dancing shoes and get with the rhythm.
All photos by the blog's author.
Next Post: 'Living in a Bilingual World' to be published on Thursday 18th June at 11:59pm (GMT)
Copyright 2009
30 comments:
Dear Cuban,ReplyDelete
I love this post! I really got a sense of the hustle and bustle of this neighborhood and appreciate learning about its offerings as well as its reputation. The bookstore sounds wonderful; there's nothing like a bookstore that has knowledgeable personnel who provides quality service. I hope they gave you some great discounts for having wonderful taste.
I would like some paella and a dessert crepe please.
Hi Mr CubanReplyDelete
I really enjoyed the book by this name, and saw the movie recently...
As for Germaine Greer...an Australian we might at times rather forget...I side with Salman Rushdie on that one...Every novel or film is only ever the maker's version of life - his perceptions and all are valid...seeing the world through different eyes is the way we learn to be discriminatory and discerning...
Thanks for the walk down Brick Lane
Happy Days
sounds interestingReplyDelete
If I'm ever in London, I'll be sure to visit.
and thanks for the comment on my blog
Man, that post was what words like great, awesome and super were born to describe. I could see myself standing there, soaking it in and laughing at my good luck for experiencing it. Excellent photographs and verbal descriptions, CiL.ReplyDelete
My first stop would be at the Eastside Bookshop and, hopefully, I would not spend the entire day there. Then, again, there is always tomorrow for the rest of it. A bit of this and a bit of that, and close out the excursion at the "Bar Open Till Late." Sounds like my sort of place.
Thank you, CiL, for planting another seed in my mind.
Lo bueno de los blogs, son descubrir reportajes como estos donde viajamos constantemente a lugares agradables y además con las gente que mejor nos cae. ;)ReplyDelete
Buena crónica bro. Nos cuadraría muchísimo ir a hacerte la visita, pero
MR. $ Washington está peleao con nosotros. jajaja.
qué ganas de volver... cada uno tiene sus barrios... incluso en las grandes ciudadesReplyDelete
I thought I knew Brick Lane reasonably well, it being not far off my old stomping grounds, but I feel I know it much better after reading your thrillingly informative post. many, many thanks for that. Very much appreciated. Old times recaptured and all that.ReplyDelete
Many thanks to you all for your kind comments.ReplyDelete
Delwyn, I normally enjoy Germaine's Guardian column every fortnight on Mondays but I think she is way too opinionated on occasions and I felt that in this instance she was not right. I have heard the same comment you made from other Australian expats.
Greetings from London.
London, no he podido leer este post porque estoy trabajando pero solo para decirte que te deje un mensaje de respuesta en mi blog sobre lo de las fotos.ReplyDelete
saluditos, Liset
I love London markets, I think you gain a much more vivid image than in the department stores. I'm a huge Brixton and Camden Market fan but that's because I never made it to Brick Lane. I read the novel but I appreciate your political insight on the neighborhood.ReplyDelete
Thank you for sharing!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous17 June 2009 at 17:23
I love the Brick Lane, and your post have brought all these nice memories of London - the city that I somehow love, even if I do not know it that well, even if I have never lived there.ReplyDelete
Hope things are good there. Please take care, and thank you,
Now this was fun! I want you to be my tour guide if I ever return to London. Paella sounds good. In fact, the thought of it made me starving!ReplyDelete
Please post more of your neck of the woods!
I do love Brick Lane!ReplyDelete
so lively and colorful...
We visited the immigration museum, 3 years ago..next to it..an amazing old house which contains a synagogue inside. Waves of immigrants found refuge in this house. It is very old and needs restoration. I wonder if it's still opened.
Great post, Sir Cuban!
Hi there,ReplyDelete
We need your help.
I am shamelessly promoting a project at my website for everyone to see.
Just click on my name and then I will also ask if you will join me to shamelessly join in and promote it too. The more who join, the more shamelessness for us all. This should be fun for everyone and we are doing something good.
God bless.
Oh isn't it wonderful to live in a city like London and feel, despite it not being your place of birth, that it is yours. My uncle lives in London, and despite Bombay being his hometown, he considers London his true home, the true expression of himself.ReplyDelete
Here, the olde Cambridge of the 18 and 1900s is slowly merging into a world of modern shops, cars and traffic jams... they cut down all the trees outside the hospital. Can you imagine removing the only truly healing aspect a patient has access to? My father is a Consultant too, and he worked in a Bombay hospital which was built on the edge of the sea. The views inspired some of his most beautiful paintings..
I love the part where you buy poetry for your wife :) Keats, Shakespeare and Blake! All in one day! Blissful.
Many thanks to you all for your kind comments.ReplyDelete
Liset, en cuanto tenga un tiempito por alli te caigo.
Fly Girl, I love Brixton market, even though I have only been there once. What I remember the best is that I bought some mangoes that tasted like real mangoes :-)!
Willow, believe me, I still had paella the day after. Also, the Spanish guy gave me an extra ration. The advantages of being Cuban! :-)
My Castle, for a really good walk off the beaten tourist path, come out of Bethnal Green station and stroll down Bethnal Green Road all the way to Shoreditch. Brick Lane should be on your right. On the way there you will come across that old sinagogue (yes, I have seen it), the Museum of Childhood and some other surprises that will make you wonder if you are in London, in Nigeria, in Brazil or in India.
Shaista, pity to read about the trees being cut down. I've been to Cambridge only once (I went to visit a friend at her college in uni) but have been in the area a few times. I loved the landscape and the drive there was very easy and picturesque, although I was not behind the wheel. My wife is reading the Blake collection and I am very satisfied that she liked it. She had 'Songs of Innocence' many years ago and somehow we cannot find it now. So it was a way of compensating her/our loss.
Many thanks for your feedback.
Greetings from London.
Wow, looks so fun and festive. I want to go! :)ReplyDelete
Cuban, I'm back! Qué placer volver a leerte. Me ha encantado lo que cuentas de este sitio. A ver cuando me toca caer por allí. Un abrazo desde Montreal.ReplyDelete
LONDRA É SEMPRE LONDRA!!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
lo stile, la moda sempre sportivo classica, la musica, tutto insomma.
Mi piace sempre leggere qualcosa su questa cittá unica nel suo stile. Specie da uno che ci abita e la vive giornalmente!!
Un saluto da Colonia Cuban,
OH! What a superb post...I was whisked from my bucolic patch of Hampshire straight into the hubbub and colour of wonderful Brick Lane. Our younger daughter - who lives in a lovely old, high ceilinged apartment just off the Edgeware road (much to my intial horror - love it now) which she chose over Clapham/Battersea because, she said, it felt more like Africa/Middle East than London proper - is a habitué of Brick Lane and its environs on Saturday mornings.ReplyDelete
I wonder if you've read Tarquin Hall's Salaam Brick Lane? It's a delightful, unpretentious account of his time on Brick Lane – he rented a small flat in the area - and the plethora of richly diverse characters who live and work there. I think you'd enjoy it immensely, Mr Cuban.
I haven't visited Brick Lane, but when I get back to London I definitely will.ReplyDelete
London is the most international city I've ever been in. Every neighborhood is so different from all the rest. Though all London neighborhoods have one thing in common: great bookstores.
Lovely tour! Thank you.
I saw the film,"Brick Lane" a few months ago, never read the book. Didn't know anything about the controversy, glad it got done, even though it moved locations. I agree with Rushdie, freedom of expression. I liked the movie,was surprised at how fond I became of the husband, and how little I cared for the dishy guy!ReplyDelete
Many thanks for your kind comments. Tessa, your daughter lives very near another area in London I would like to know some day, Southhall. It has the largest Hindu community in the capital. I haven't read that book and now that you mention it I will be looking it up.ReplyDelete
Salva, es mi placer, tambien, molto grazie.
Reya, according to current figures, in London there're roughly a hundred languages more than in New York, I think that says it all.
Lyn, my disappointment with the movie did not come from a comparison between book and flick but because the picture was too formulaic,in my opinion. And slow, very, very slow.
Isabella, que bueno tenerte de vuelta.
Wendy, welcome to my blog.
Greetings from London.
I do miss London markets...so thanks for the reminder...I also really like Columbia Rd, greenwich mkt and Southall Broadway for wonderful curries...will soon be home in summer for my London fix...can't wait. Greetings from Mexico...ReplyDelete
Great post! Having lived in London for nearly nine years I have only recently come to discover Brick Lane. I'm not a fan a hustle and bustle of hip market areas, Camden Town is not my kind of town, but I do love Brick Lane. I have my favourite eatery there and I always sit by the window watching the world go past.ReplyDelete
I've never been to the market, I must say, I will though, and soon.
aahhh..william blake. i enjoyed the poems of his we studied in an english course a few semesters ago.ReplyDelete
your reviews are always thorough and much appreciated! this is one worthy of printing out prior to my trip there (whenever it may be!)
Many thanks to you all for your kind comments.ReplyDelete
Greetings from London.
Oh, I did love going on this tour with you. Your descriptions took me right there. Sigh. Now if I could only tour with you in person.ReplyDelete
Thanks for your kind comment, Relyn, much appreciated.ReplyDelete
Greetings from London.


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CHICAGO (CBS/WBBM) — A judge will decide next month whether a 24-year-old Chicago man will spend decades in prison, for a murder he committed many years after witnessing the murder of his 5-year-old brother.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports, few could forget the murder of Eric Morse.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports
On Oct. 13, 1994, Eric was dropped from a 14th-floor window of a vacant Chicago Housing Authority high-rise, at 3833 S. Langley Ave. in the Ida B. Wells complex.
The killers were 10 and 11 years old.
Police said Eric had refused to steal candy. One of the killers later denied that, and said it was about bullying that got out of hand.
Eric was also stabbed and Maced before he was dropped from the windwow, according to published reports.
The youths who killed Morse, Jesse Rankins and Tykeece Johnson, were both sent to juvenile detention facilities. They have since been released.
Eric's brother, Derrick Lemon, was present at the time of the little boy's murder, and tried to grab and save him.
Lemon, according to prosecutors, went on to lead a life of crime.
His lawyer said he was forgotten by society after the tragedy.
Lemon shot and killed his aunt's boyfriend, Illya Glover, during an argument at a barbecue in March 2006. He was convicted of the crime last summer and faces up to 45 years in prison.
Glover's family says Lemon knew the pain of loss, but chose to inflict it on another family.
Prosecutors want Lemon to serve a lengthy sentence, but defense attorneys ask Judge Thomas Hennelly to keep in mind the trauma Lemon suffered when his brother was killed in front of him.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

subset: commoncrawl


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Friday, August 20, 2010
Yamaha Star V Star 250 Review
Unintimidating may not be the sexiest descriptor ever applied to a motorcycle, yet unintimidating is right up the alley for those just starting out on two wheels. An entry-level motorcycle needs to be easy-to-ride, functional and fun. The Yamaha's V Star 250 pulls off all these feats quite well.
The 250 street bike market isn't exactly robust these days in the bigger-is-better USofA. Riders not interested in a scooter or dual-sport have few options from the major OEMs. Kawasaki corners the sporty side with its class-dominating Ninja 250R, while Honda offers its Parallel Twin-powered Rebel (the Nighthawk no longer in the rotation). Suzuki delivers two options in its new single-cylinder TU250X (Read our 2009 Suzuki TU250X Review) and the Parallel Twin GZ250.
The V Star 250 is notable as the lone V-Twin 250 from the major players. (Note: Hyosung's GV250, which we were unable to secure for a comparison, also sports a V-Twin.)
span class="fullpost" >2010 Star V Star 250 Review It packs a little punch with its 249cc engine, but the V Star 250's V-Twin configuration helps it stand out in the 250 class. Formerly known as the Virago 250 (cooler name by the way…), the little V Star's 249cc engine resides down in the itty-bitty end of the displacement pool of the Yamaha Star Motorcycles lineup.
While the 60-degree V-Twin won't get mistaken for the big ol' 1854cc mill powering its Star Raider sibling, it does deliver a more authentic cruiser look than most of its 250 rivals. A single 26mm Mikuni carb feeds fuel to the air-cooled V Star engine, and liberal use of the choke lever, located on the left hand controls, is a must on cold starts. Thumb the electric starter and the 250 manages city streets quite well, once it shakes off its wake-up call. Two-valve heads top cylinders with a 49mm bore by 66mm stroke, the compression ratio an even 10:1.
Dyno runs show a modest peak of 18 horsepower and 13.8 lb-ft of torque. So while the Star ain't going to win many drag races (see sidebar), it does produce manageable, newbie-friendly power. V Star 250 Lightweight at 327lbs fully-fueled the V Star 250 is quite easy to ride, with a low, inviting 27-inch seat height. 2010 Star V Star 250 Review Acceleration is brisk enough to navigate helter-skelter city traffic, with smooth throttle and fueling ensuring the hamfisted newb won't get frustrated with herky-jerky inputs. The Star's little motor can rattle up to 55mph without trouble.
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Collection Items
MapPanoramic view of the city of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Michigan 1880. Perspective map not drawn to scale. Bird's-eye-view. LC Panoramic maps (2nd ed.), 334 Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. Indexed for points of interest. Vault AACR2: 100; 651/1; 700/1; 710/2
- Contributor: Ruger, A. - Stoner, J. J. - Beck & Pauli
- Date: 1880


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- SMEs waiting 63 days to be paid, up from 60 in previous quarter.
- Only 2.5% of SMEs charge interest on late payments.
- 80% have credit terms dictated to them by larger business.
- 84% of SMEs favour a mandatory 30 day payments regime with no opt-out.
- Voluntary code on prompt payments ignored by big business.
ISME, Monday 30th June 2014.
ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, at the launch of the SME Credit Watch Survey, today (30th June), has called on the Government to stop the charade of the ineffectual Late Payments legislation and take a much stronger hand in ensuring that SMEs in Ireland are paid on time. The Association highlighted the continued failure of the legislation as only 2.5% of SMEs feel they can charge interest on late payments, threatened by larger businesses who will stop dealing with them.
Speaking at the survey launch, ISME Chief Executive Mark Fielding stated; "This Government is forever spinning the yarn that they are "SME focused", while their inaction on late payments would state the opposite. They allow big business and government agencies to continue to abuse their dominant position to contract out of the legislation. The figures prove it. The average credit period prior to legislation was 52 days; today it has deteriorated to 63 days".
The main findings from 826 respondents in the final week of June are:
- Average payment period for SMEs in the second quarter of 2014 has deteriorated from 60 to 63 days.
- 28% are experiencing delays of 3 months or more, a deterioration on the 25% in Q1.
- 6% waiting over 120 days, up from 5% in the first quarter.
- A net 16% of businesses are waiting longer (Q1, 2014 14%).
- Late interest is charged by less than 2% of micro and small businesses, while 8% of medium sized businesses charge it.
- Munster businesses wait longest, at 66 days, while Connaught is best at 51.
- Distribution businesses wait on average 69 while Construction is shortest at 55 days.
- 84% of SMEs favour a statutory 30 day payments regime, with no opt out.
With 84% of SMEs favouring a mandatory 30 day payment, it is now up to the Government to amend the legislation. (On the assumption that all businesses, without exception, are obliged to pay within 30 days of end of month of invoice).
ISME proposes the introduction of a statutory 30 day payments regime for all business trading within Ireland with other Irish based enterprises, without exception. This could be introduced on a phased basis over 3 years, as follows:
Year 1 60 days.
Year 2 45 days.
Year 3 30 days.
"However, we do not have much hope that change will come as, even the attempt by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation to improve matters through a "Fair Payment Charter" has collapsed due to lack of support from the big business and semi-state lobby group IBEC, as the abuse of their dominant position continues unabated," continued Fielding.
The Association called on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to;
- Introduce, publicise and champion a Fair Payment Charter for all businesses.
- Insist on adherence to Fair Payment Charter as criterion for granting state contracts.
- Begin the process of reducing the statutory payment days to 30.
- Insist that state agencies, especially the HSE, adhere to the 15 day rule.
- Insist on publication of payment data by state agencies as instructed.
- Government should 'name and shame' those who pay SME businesses late.
"The ISME recommendations for a 30 day mandatory payment would allow all businesses to predict their cash flow, introduce a level playing field for all credit transactions, reduce reliance on bank finance and bring down the cost of doing business. This initiative would stop the abuse of dominance by large business and state agencies and allow indigenous small enterprises to survive and maintain and create jobs", concluded Fielding.
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Another Hitler the "Whiner" YouTube!
In 2008, a Nikonian created this. Now, in 2010, yet another Pentaxian have made his own loud whining noise!
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B5nh--rNFM)
You may find this video, with the new caption, somehow ex-exaggerated. But in fact, it tells all the truths about current issues of the Pentax' gear (and also the Japanese camera industry in general as well)! :-o :-(
Last Related Story:-
The SDM Petition Online


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Click the banner above for details.
This is all being arranged by Detour Designables who have an absolutely GREAT t shirts store, so make sure to check it out.
Talk about pressure! Make sure to check back often for updates regarding this.
BurnTees in the first T Shirt Showdown
More stuff that's bothering me
I love when people's MySpace picture is a picture of them in their car, or just a picture of their car. Nobody cares for a few reasons:
1) If I lived at home, I'd be able to afford a really nice car also. But the fact remains, i'd still be living at home...so even if you have your great car...just imagine the girl's reaction when you say "no, it's cool, my parents are cool with it" as you try to take her "home" with you.
2) Your parents bought the car for you.....nobody is impressed by that.
3) Chances are, if you're one of these people, your friends are either 1)porn stars who you've definitely NEVER talked to 2) other guys with cars in their picture 3) other guys wearing no shirts in their picture 4) girls who tan so much that by the time they're 30, they'll look like they're 60. You can have those girls
until next time....
Ok, fine, so I'm a little biased...but, regardless, here it is:
Just a few things
I hate this man with a passion. I'm sorry. I know he's the host of a show that does wonderful things for people, but I really just can't stand him.
First of all, please wear some sleeves. Nobody wants to see you wearing those button downs that you bought at Sears with the sleeves cut off. You look like a douchebag.
Second of all, do you know how to NOT SCREAM!?!?!?! It's like you and Jack Bauer have the same problem but opposite extremes. He only wispers, you only scream. And then to scream into a loud speaker? What the hell is wrong you with you?
Third of all...what do you have to do to get on this show? You used to just have to be poor. Now, you need to be poor, a husband who was killed in Iraq, 2 kids, one of which is disabled...oh...yea...and you need to run a charity that's in pretty bad shape as well. It's almost as bad as Queer Eye....in order to be on that show now, you already have to be semi famous...it's like they just got tired of searching for deserving people and started saying..."hm...he's famous, but he could really use a haircut...he's perfect!"
Let's see...what else.
I don't know...there's just so much shit that bothers me these days. How bout this...why won't you leave a comment on what's bothering you, and I can rant and rave about that as well.
Until next time....
Urinal Etiquette
Don't get me wrong. By no means am I an expert in etiquette, but when it comes to urinal etiquette...I know a thing or two.
About 30 seconds ago, I walked into the bathroom at work (I had to pee pee). In the bathroom at my office, there are three urinals up against a wall. When I walked in, there was one guy at the urinals, but he was using the middle urinal! Now wait just a minute!!! Unless each outside urinal is being used, there should never be a time when you need to use the middle urinal. If he's using the middle urinal, that means that no matter which one I choose, I'll still be peeing right next to him. That just ain't right.
People...If you walk in and there are three open urinals, you use one of the end ones...always...no matter how many urinals there are. If you walk in and someone is there (and using an end urinal properly), you take the other end urinal, whether there's 3 or 20. If you walk in and there are two guys on each end, you take any urinal in the middle making sure to always leave a urinal in between you and the closest other guy. If there are only 3 urinals (listen up people), cough, wash your hands, hold it in, exit, and wait a few minutes before returning to the urinal. There is no need for everyone to be that close to each other at the urinals. There should always be a urinal between you and everyone else to act as a buffer. Please follow the rules.
Please see the following links for more information:
Urinal Test
The International Center for Bathroom Etiquette
Thank you for reading


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|Edward Hopper, 1928, oil on canvas
everyone can find this edward hopper painting beautiful, or not beautiful, for whatever reason they have.
my second quarter of rocks for jocks, this one astrophysics for those who say ick (CAME UP WITH THAT ONE MYSELF THX BE HERE ALL WEEK TRY THE VEAL), included 'night labs' where we stood on the roof of kersten and "sketch"ed whatever we saw in the night sky, which wasn't ever much because of our proximity to downtown. so much of that time was spent looking into the mid-evening happenings of snitchcock, the
lamest traditioniest of the UChicago dorms where students could engage in late-night bouts of dungeons and hobbits, or merely banter amidst (amongst) the century-old walls (and decor). this is that exact view, one which flashes back to me numerous times a day. one which comes to me in vague shapes, curved arches, vertically-stretched panes, overworked upholstery.
oh, and by the way, the painting is called "Night Windows".


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Just as Abram and Lot had to decide where they would live and bring up their families, so it goes with all the families who will have to decide where they will raise their children. In the years ahead, it will become more and more of a contrast between the states of the United States where homosexual "marriage" is legal or not. Those states in which it is illegal and not accepted provide a more family friendly environment that honors God through recognition of Biblical marriage. The states where homosexuals can now "marry" have become places in which marriage has lost its meaning in relation to the Bible.
God will not bless decisions to dwell where there is an allowance for homosexual "marriage" any more than He did the decision of Lot to dwell in Sodom. When Lot saw the land of Sodom, he saw a land that is described in Genesis as "well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar" (Genesis 13:10). The description of the land Lot saw could be used to describe California and many other areas of our beautiful country. Lot looked only at what he thought would provide him and his family with material abundance and did not consider how living in that land would affect his family spiritually. Abram walked by faith, while Lot walked by sight. Lot's choice revealed his heart was already astray and then he willfully allowed his family to be led astray in a land that refused to honor God. Now that California is full of many who are celebrating men having sexual relations with men, and women having sexual relations with women, maybe they should change the state's name to Sodofornia.
In the years ahead, I believe that there will be an exodus of God-honoring families who do not want to raise their families in the lands of Sodom of our day. The states that choose to honor God's definition of a family will benefit, while those lands of Sodom will become more wicked as places where one's family will be more easily led astray into behavior that dishonors God. Through his faith in God, Abram had enough sense to stay away from the land of Sodom and he was blessed. The leaders of the families of today have some decisions to make and, hopefully, there will be increasing numbers of people who decide that they will walk by faith and not by sight.


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Friday, September 12, 2008
Black + White Friday: Femme Fatale
Inspired by My New Plaid Pants' tribute to Brian De Palma, I thought I'd take a look at one of my absolute favourite De Palma flicks, the much-maligned Femme Fatale. What with it's bountiful hidden clues and amazing setpieces. So, basically like a lot of De Palma's critically lambasted flicks then. Femme Fatale is just pure crazy though. It has two title cards (one for a completely different movie) and it has so many "# Years Later" subtitles that you just have to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
In the title card up the top, it is only the opening credit sequence and Brian De Palma is already laying it on thick. Images upon images, layers upon layers, Romijn-Stamon upon Double Indemnity. While De Palma surely was having delusions of grandeur if he thought Femme Fatale was to be compared to that film noir classic, he gets props for being crazy and ballsy to not only allude to Double Indemnity, but to feature the film's ending in the opening sequence of his movie.
Somebody is always watching and taking photographs. Just one of the many aspects of the movie is that of privacy and how we don't have any left, but also how this very fact can be manipulated and turned to our advantage.
De Palma always does good opening scenes (even dud movies like Snake Eyes have thrilling opening passages) and I love how this heist sequence at the Cannes Film Festival (set to the music of "Bolero") even has this brief echo to Carrie with it's female hands seemingly lost in the steam (of course, it's just a frosted glass window and the girl is in the throes of a lesbian make-out session, so...)
I just really liked this shot.
For such a high profile director, Brian De Palma sure does wear his inspirations proudly. Not one to shy away from not only referencing, but outright stealing from the likes of Hitchcock. Nevertheless, it always feels fresh coming from De Palma yet if it were almost any other director it would come across as silly and unoriginal. Funny that.
Having watching this movie several times, it still tickles me pink to see De Palma being so obvious with his clues. Deja vu, indeed. Having said that, Antonio Bandares is definitely the weakest part of the film.
Camera lights always provide interesting images in this series due to the high contrast, but this one is especially interesting in that the two people that the light is reflecting off seem like otherworldly ghost figures jumping out the viewers. In fact, they remind me of these two characters from another noir-inspired flick.
Feels like a classically framed image, no?
Man, is there anything quite as beautiful as Paris in black and white? Absolutely gorgeous.
Well done to me on getting a screengrab from this sequence that doesn't show any of Romijn's naughty bits (and they are on full display). I almost expect her character to swim to the top of the water and start doing some Busby Berkeley choreographed dance/swim routine featuring a plethora of other swim dancers all wearing completely impractical outfits.
I reckon this moment looks like she's sitting peacefully in the middle of space and all these beautiful stars are raining down on her - didn't that happen in The Fountain at some stage, too?
Absolutely gorgeous.
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Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Digg … where should you be focusing your social networking marketing efforts?
Below is a very useful infographic from the KISSMetrics marketing blog that breaks down a few of the top social networking sites by gender, income, age and education level demographics.
Companies and individuals are still spreading themselves too thin acorss many of the key social networking sites in the fear that they might be 'missing out'. The stats in this fine infographic confirm that there are differences (some more subtle than others) between the social networks and marketing efforts must be tailored accordingly. Otherwise you could be wasting your time, money – and the opportunity to hit your target more effectively.


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Dear Families,
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Voice for Adoption


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The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its position on the illegality of the decision by the "Prosecutor's Office" of the occupied Crimea to suspend the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, TASS reports, citing the statement of Tanju Bilgiç, the official representative of the Turkish MFA, made on Thursday, April 14.
According to the statement, the Mejlis is a legitimate representative body of the Crimean Tatars people.
"We will continue to support - under all circumstances -the protection of the legitimate rights and existence of Crimean Tatars in the peninsula, who became targets of actions contrary to the concepts of justice and human rights," says the statement.
On April 13, 2016, the "Prosecutor" of the Russian-occupied Crimea Natalia Poklonskaya made a decision to suspend the activities of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatars.
The decision will be in effect until the so-called Crimean Supreme Court's judgment in Poklonskaya's action is delivered. Previously, she demanded to recognize the Mejlis as extremist organization. Now her lawsuit is pending.
Today, April 15, the hearing in Poklonskaya's lawsuit on recognition of the Mejlis as extremist organization and banning its activity in the territory of the Russian Federation is being held in Simferopol.
Photo: Internet


text: The staff at my school read Sean Covey's "Seven Habit of Healthy Kids" last summer and started implementing the Habits over the 2013-2014 year. This summer I wanted to Koalaify those Habits so I created "7 Koality Quotes" posters for my classroom. I found some black frames on sale at Michael's and added ribbon for hangers. BTW-even if you cut the ribbon all the same length you HAVE to hot glue the ribbon in the exact same place on each frame! My hubby was sweet enough to come in and hang them above my desk along with a cute shelf that I re-purposed from my daughter's room. It feels like home.


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Welcome to April 28th is Kiss Your Mate Day eBook Giveaway Event. Believe it or not, Kiss Your Mate Day is an actual holiday. So pucker up and give that special someone in your life a big fat kiss of love. To recognize this romantic day, a group of talented romance authors has come together to celebrate hugs and kisses, from romantic love to paranormal love to contemporary love. It's all here, a week of free eBooks to last you through the spring.
Don't wait to meet your next favorite author and book. The giveaway will run from April 24th-30th. So be sure to click on the book cover, which will take you to a page where you can download your FREE eBook.


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Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne's heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl's uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.
This is the 2nd book in the Dear Daphne series, and this book continues where the first left off. While it's best to read both books, I'm sure you'd do fine just diving into Dating, Dining, and Desperation!
Melody Carlson writes another charming winner that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Daphne is on edge, having to find someone to marry within a year in order to keep the house her aunt has willed to her.....and finding someone isn't all that easy.
This is a fun read, but beware, once you begin you may not want to put it down...and the end will leave you hanging, waiting for the next book in the series....which for the time being will be an Ebook.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA


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Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Welfare Reform
"What we don't really know how to do is to increase, in a durable way that isn't subject to lots of moral hazard problems, the incomes of non-working adults."
But why are we so concerned about the "moral hazards" of raising the incomes of non-working adults? We raise the incomes of seniors without worrying about such questions. Libertarian conservatives point to all sorts of "moral hazards" in raising incomes of working adults. I'd argue that "moral hazards" move front and center to the public debate when the recipient population is disproportionately black and female. In that respect, the push toward welfare reform was strongly influenced by racism and sexism. Numerous studies, (try Martin Gilens's work, for example) show that white Americans look at welfare through the lens of race. Therefore, to the extent that welfare reform "solved" a problem, it was a problem that only existed if you bought into a certain set of stereotypes and prejudices about race and sex.
Interestingly, even Alan Keyes sees this connection (it is my goal to include some mention of Alan Keyes is every post). As I wrote in an earlier post when he proposed eliminating the income tax for African Americans, he was quickly ridiculed by conservatives. But as Keyes pointed out, conservatives have no problem with tax breaks when they go to a "wealthy corporation."
3 comments:
- Evan Roberts said...
"We raise the incomes of seniors without worrying about such questions. Libertarian conservatives point to all sorts of "moral hazards" in raising incomes of working adults."
Not to disagree with the thrust of your argument that race and sex have a bearing on this. However, income assistance for seniors is often predicated on the notion that these people would be supplying less labor to the market anyway, reducing the moral hazard issue.
IIRC the debate in most western countries, including the U.S., when old-age pensions were introduced accepted the premise that the elderly wanted to exit the workforce. 'Conservatives' didn't disagree with that; they suggested the moral hazard problem was that state pensions would reduce saving.
Moreover, now that life expectancy has risen and the physical demands of most jobs have been reduced, the rationale for easing people out of the labor market in their early 60s has waned. We should be hearing a lot more about the moral hazard of paying pensions to people in their early 60s.
If Howard Dean had been the Democratic nominee we can be sure the Republicans would be reminding us he once thought Social Security eligiblity should be raised to 70.
- 3:13 PM, October 13, 2004
- Palooka said...
Well, the objection to affording benefits or penalties on the basis of race is based on the idea that racial classifications are particularly heinous, while other classifications are more benign (tax break for a corporation is the example you cited). Not giving a job to someone because of their race is the same as giving someone a job (or a tax break) because of their race. They are one and the same. In fact, much of Jim Crow was motivated by the desire to help whites, rather than a desire to hurt blacks per se. Is that benign or positive segregation, too?
- 8:40 PM, October 13, 2004
- Palooka said...
- 8:41 PM, October 13, 2004


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FRANKLIN — Dawn and Richard Dodd are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter, Abigail Ellen Dodd to Erik Ross Artus, son of Laurie and Kirk Artus of Franklin. The couple wed on Sept. 26, 2015.
The bride is a graduate of BFA, St Albans and the University of New Hampshire. She is currently employed at Carolinas Healthcare System in Charlotte, N.C. as an R.N.
The groom is a graduate of BFA, St. Albans and VT Technical College. He is currently employed at Dematic Corp. in Charlotte, N.C. as a project engineer.
The double ring ceremony was performed at Jenny's Barn by Sarah Cook, the bride's aunt.
The maid of honor was Kristine Dodd Rooney, sister of the bride. The best man was Matthew Artus, brother of the groom.
A reception was held at Jenny's Barn with music provided by Tim Rouselle.
The couple left for a wedding trip to California and Hawaii. They will make their home in Charlotte, N.C.


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I kicked off October by going to Wine Country (aka the Finger Lakes in NY) with Brad and some of his family. It was the perfect beginning to a great month. It's one of my favorite places. It was only my second time there, but I don't plan on it being my last, and I certainly want it to be an annual (or biannual) trip. Once I got back, it was time to get into the swing of fall festivities. Pumpkin patches, farmer's markets, and preparing my Halloween costume (if I had my druthers, I'd wear it everyday). Another high point was photographing engagement photos for my friends Crystal and Alex. It was a beautiful day and such a pleasure to go through each beautiful picture filled with love.
It's hard to believe November was last month. These past few months have gone by so fast.
It was a total blur, filled with tons of Artie-sitting and late nights with friends. And, of course, ringing in the holiday season with Thanksgiving.
My boyfriend also moved out of his parents' house and into his friend's, which led to me meeting the cutest poodle, Cali.
Well, here we are. December went by way too fast. Christmas was here and gone, New Year's is approaching, and time has flown. But it has been a great month. Late nights with good friends, meeting one of my favorite musicians, an ugly Christmas sweater I can barely remember, a beautiful Christmas…wow. I can't wait to see what the final weekend of this month/year brings.
Have a safe and VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! Be safe! See you next year.
By the way…what are you doing New Year's Eve?


text: I was reading this blog the other day, and found out about Photojojo. You have to sign-up for their free newsletter! You learn so many tricks and tips and resources for playing with your photos! Like this site, where you can turn any picture into an old looking photo. (It's in Japanese or something, but you can figure it out.) See the before & after of a photo I took at my parents' ranch?I think the final product looks like an old camping postcard or something. I could play with this for hours!


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Google has rolled out a new Regional Targeting feature that lets advertisers have their AdWords ads appear in front of those searching from specific local areas in the United States.
For instance, an advertiser could choose to have their ad for "dentists" appear only in front of those searching from within the San Francisco Bay Area. Outside this region, the ad would not be seen.
Such ad targeting is a first for a major paid listings provider. Google competitor Overture is beta testing its own local product, but that is based on advertisers choosing to be in an entirely separate ad program. In addition, ads in that program would still be seen by those outside of a particular metropolitan area.
There are advantages to both systems. In Google's system, an advertiser can use generic terms to target a particular area. In other words, they can simply bid on the word "dentist," narrow to the San Francisco Bay Area and know they'll show up in that area for those searching for "dentist." They needn't target city variations such as "san francisco dentist," "oakland dentist" and so on.
In Overture's system, ads are tied to physical locations. This means that they can be attractively tied into a map, which is very useful for some types of local searches. While Google is testing its own map-based local search product, there's no way its new regional targeting will allow ads to be placed on that map — though they could run alongside it.
Google's system works by identifying the IP address of a user, a system it has long employed to allow advertisers to target ads to specific countries. The US targeting matches the 210 "designated market areas" that are used to define television markets.
IP matching usually works, but it is not perfect. Google says that if it can't identify a person's location, it will serve up national ads instead. However, it may also be that Google will incorrectly identify a person's location. This is something that happens, albeit rarely, with its existing country targeting.
Google Buys Sprinks; Plans IPO
News on these stories has now moved to a separate article: Google Buys Sprinks, Plans IPO
Search Engine Forums Spotlight
Links to this week's topics from search engine forums across the web.
GoGuides Hostile Takeover
Webmaster World
"Just got an email from GoGuides about a recent submission saying that they have been subject to a hostile takeover and their host is keeping their scripts and financial resources."
Top 5 Google Do's and Don'ts
"Four months ago we compiled a list of the top do's and don'ts to consider when optimizing your site for ranking in Google. Can you make any suggestions to improve this list? Has anything changed?"
Maliciously, Repeatedly Clicking On A Pay Per Click?
Best Practices Forum
"What can I do protect myself from somebody who engages in the act of repeatedly clicking on a pay per click?"
The Alexa Toolbar
High Rankings Forum
"I have mixed feelings about the Alexa toolbar. In some ways it is a useful little gizmo, certainly great for most of my own target audience which is why I have a page about it extolling it's virtues. On the other hand, it does track the users browsing habits. The thing is, whether it is your ISP [Internet service provider" or Alexa, someone is always tracking your browsing habits."
Future Of Search Engine Optimization
High Rankings Forum
"Given that Google's bought Kaltix, which is seen as I understand it as greater personalisation of SERPs [search engine results pages", with cookies on the PC storing data – so that a [search engine" has a pretty good guess what you're searching for, as opposed to a shot-in-the -dark guess (I exaggerate, but only a bit ) – will SEO still be relevant in the future?"
Webmaster World
"The wait time on searches is deadly. I was almost too impatient to wait out the first phrase I typed in. The way they organize the info is brilliant though."
Merging Many Websites Into One
High Rankings Forum
"What are the consequences?"
Is Anyone Seeing a Drop in Earning Per Click?
Webmaster World
"The supply of ads isn't infinite. As more ads are shown and clicked on on someone else's site, the higher-paying ads fall out of the rotation as their budgets are exhausted and the lower paying/lower CTR [click-through rate" ads start being shown, with the PSA's [public service announcements" being the presumed bottom of the pile and paying no-one."
Search Engine Forums Spotlight courtesy Search Engine Guide.
SearchDay Week in Review
Balancing Paid and Organic Search Listings
SearchDay, Oct. 23, 2003
Do you really need both 'organic' or 'natural' listings, generated by search engine optimization (SEO), and paid placement, aka pay-per-click advertising (PPC), to be successful on search engines?
The State of the Search Engine Industry
SearchDay, Oct. 22, 2003
Noted search engine experts and analysts explored the major themes and trends driving the current and future state of the industry in a lively, wide-ranging forum at the Search Engine Strategies conference.
Local Search Part 2: Google & Mobilemaps Bring Back Geosearching
SearchDay, Oct. 21, 2003
How Google and Mobilemaps are making it possible to search the web yet filter results to a local level. Second of a three-part series on local search.
Expand Shorthand Meanings with the Acronym Finder
SearchDay, Oct. 20, 2003
NTK what an acronym stands for? The Acronym Finder is the place to search for abbreviated meanings, IMHO.
Search Headlines
NOTE: Article links often change. In case of a bad link, use the publication's search facility, which most have, and search for the headline.
Related reading
The future of search
Will artificial intelligence (AI) ultimately make search better or worse? Is the future SERPless? And what are the ramifications for SEOs? Jessie Moore shares just a few of the key themes coming out of the plethora of predictions for the future of search
Where we're going, we won't need websites
As voice becomes dominant in search, and users turn to social media, apps and news aggregators for their content – and not to mention the rise in virtual reality – Kevin Gibbons asks whether we will still need websites in future.
Four ways Google is making SEO easier
One of the best ways to stay up-to-date with SEO and search marketing developments is to keep a close eye on Google's developments. However, just doing that can be a full-time job. Luke Budka highlights four recent updates you may not be aware of.
No need for Google: 12 alternative search engines in 2018
Here are 12 alternatives to escape your reliance on Google for all things search in 2018.


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Originally uploaded by brian_adams
Life is so strange and terrifyingly beautiful if only you take the time to look.
When I asked my sister, B, what her favorite thing about living in Alaska was, she said that it was "how quickly the seasons change." Now, as we're gaining 5 minutes of sunlight a day, I know what she means. Darkness is not the same as the lack of light, and light is not the same as the lack of darkness. I can't say that I would ever have understood this as fully had I not moved here. It is not the same thing to be "not unhappy" as it is to be truly joyfully alive.
Here, changes and polarities notch the spine of understanding.
Lately, BA and I have been up to all sorts of things, from snowshoeing in a quiet wood of freshly fallen snow to throwing a surprise birthday party for L and a baby shower for R to interviewing local tattoo artists and applying for grants for a book project established to bolster support for Native Alaskan communities. In a word, we are busy; if there is no work, we make some.
It is, of course, the wonderful people in my life like BA and B that keep me going even when the work runs dry (and, my friends, it has!).
It is indescribably affirming to wake and retire everyday with another artist; there are the times when the scream beneath the surface rages and frustrates before it creates, but BA and his love of his work is an endless source of inspiration to me. That we both harbor a deep interest in and love of this world is nothing if not an assurance that we will find ourselves all over the earth, always doing what we love.
Last week, BA and I had the privilege of briefly meeting acclaimed poet, essayist, and social activist Nikki Giovanni, a woman who, at 66, has been publishing poetry for over four decades while working to bring matters of social justice into the public eye through her prolific essays and lectures. Last week, Giovanni was on fire; I attended expecting a poetry reading but soon realized that she was prepared to lecture for the full 1 1/2 hours--without any notes--on current politics, social justice, and civil rights, while also paying a tribute to her friend and inspiration Rosa Parks, who, according to Giovanni, is the "most important person of the 20th century."
Rock. On.
Nikki Giovanni, as you might expect, is not a closeted, stuffy, silver-spoon professor of English; she is a woman who says what she means (and means what she says) and an artist who has constantly pushed herself creatively throughout her life, creating works that make the world question itself. On Thursday, she proclaimed her support for gay marriage, claiming that one day we will look at the current laws and this struggle the way we now view miscegenation laws--with a kind of What the hell were they thinking? scowl.
This struggle, of course, is key; the struggle is the point of departure.
In a word, Nikki Giovanni is powerful--powerfully validated by her experience, wise, and compassionate. She harbors the sort of quiet intellect--the kind that truly has seen it all--that I hope to earn throughout my life.
Happiness and understanding, of course, do not come easily; these are fruits of a constant and effortful response to that creative drive within that spurs us on everyday to learn and create. It is a toil that is undertaken with a deep kind of gratitude--the kind that's hard to find sometimes--and a desire to see and feel and leave as much as we can before we die.
Before us, there was life. After us, what will there be?


text: "I have had my fair share of lawyers and they are the best. No matter what time of day or night, they have been right there for me. In anything that I have to do they just are right to help in any kind of way. I thank God for them all. What a great group of people."


text: When using a buzz bait or spinner bait, I will add a trailer hook to increase my hook-up percentage. This will help in catching those fish that only "slap" at your bait. Try placing your trailer hook upside down or add a treble hook. This tip is only good if you're fishing in open water or very sparse cover


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Question: Is this document sold on your web site filed with the state of Florida? Is it what I use to start my LLC? Stan, Orlando.
I often receive this question. No, the document you linked to is an LLC operating agreement. That is an agreement between the members setting forth such things as ownership percentages, method of allocation of profits and losses, voting procedures, et cetera. The document filed with the state (usually the corporate division of the secretary of state) is generally called "articles of organization". Here is a link to the version of this form used in Florida. The articles of organization are brief and something that a non-lawyer should be able to fill out on his or her own without professional assistance.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Articles of Organization versus LLC Operating Agreement
Posted by jjray at 11:15 AM
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My emotions are frazzled after a totally crazy week internationally .
In my home country, students united to speak out against a government who would not speak to them Police used violent tactics against peaceful protesters, although there were elements of destructive behaviour from some groups of activists.
In our new home country, a young Swedish man attacked a school, killing a teacher and student from non-Swedish backgrounds and injuring 2 others.
Places meant to be used for housing refugees have been burned to the ground.
The reports from Syria-Iraq continue to be worrysome. Israel is facing greater violence.
And the streams of refugees-migrants continue to flow.
Those are all people asleep (or trying to stay asleep) out on the ground…they could have chosen to stay back in the tents but after travelling so far many people want to be near the bus departure point for fear of missing a bus. — with Verberckt David at Spielfeld – Grenzübergang. Image from https://www.facebook.com/budapestphotodiary
And as people arrive from dangerous boats in Lesbos, they stand barefoot in the mud for four days, in rain, waiting to be registered to continue an uncertain journey.
And a huge majority of people across the planet go on living life, as if the world is not trembling at its very core, and as if all that should make us human is not being tested dramatically.
The pressure of life is squeezing… what is really inside is coming out. And it is not very pretty.
There is a scathing away and a tearing of the surface.
If only it went deeper than just that, for so many people across the world. This, one of my favourite quotes from literature, has been playing through my ears again and again and again this week.
Are we ready to climb into the skin of that crazy teen who plays out again and again? What about that ragged mother, who has walked across three countries already with a toddler in her arms, facing another long queue in the frigid night? And what about that young local man, who sees a world full of foreigners coming closer and closer and he does not know who will listen so he grabs a sword and swings wildly?
It is impossible to try to grasp any of these stories, without climbing into the skin, or at least trying to, and imagining the lives of these people.
There is only one way out of our frigid selves.
Climb out of the skin, the world you usually wear. Sit with others who see the world in a different way. Listen to the experiences of those who have travelled different roads.
Love changes everything.


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Sex: MALE
Rating: 7
Category: Straight
I had been fantasizing about my neighbor that lives two houses down and across the street. I have watched her for several years on her daily walks by our house in her tight exercise clothes. She has a Dolly Parton type figure, large tits, tight waist, rounded hips, and gorgeous legs. She is in her early 50's and really takes care of herself. After reading many "older women†stories on this sight I knew I would go for her if I ever got the chance.
Last week I was home for Thanksgiving from college. The day after Thanksgiving I was outside first thing in the morning putting up Christmas lights as I do every year. Half way through the job Mrs. J walked by on her daily walk. She was really hot. I said hello to her and she responded that it was such a nice day that she was going to put her lights up after her walk. I asked her if she needed some help and she thanked me for asking but she was sure I had better things to do. I remember thinking there would be nothing better than doing her that day.
About an hour after I finished, I noticed Mrs. J carrying some boxes to the front of her house. I went outside and asked again if I could help. She said she could use some help with the boxes of lights and ladder. I was disappointed that she had changed from her work out gear to jeans and sweatshirt but I could not keep my eyes off the way those huge globes pushed out her sweatshirt. It took us about an hour to put up all the lights. We talked about her kids that were off on their own and how I was doing in college. Her husband had taken advantage of the nice day to play golf. While we worked on hanging lights, I had numerous occasions where I could rub her tits or ass "accidentally†and she did not seem to mind. I had a hard on the whole time.
When we were done, I carried all the empty boxes and ladder to the garage for her. She offered me money but I refused and said I would like a coke if she had one. She invited me in for a coke. She told me to make myself at home while she got the soft drinks. I sat in the center of the sofa in the adjoining family room. As she walked into the room with the drinks she looked so hot my hormones took control. She sat on the sofa right next to me. I looked at her tits and commented, "Mrs. J how do you keep such a gorgeous figure?†She said "I work out often and watch my diet.†She then laughed and said, "you are probably wondering if they are real.†Surprised, I said, "yes I was.†She responded "Yes they are. I have had oversized breasts since high school. They are really too big.†I said "I don't think so but maybe I need a closer look.†I laughed and grabbed the bottom of her sweatshirt. She caught my had and said "my husband would not like that.†I smiled and said, "come on, Mrs. J, just a look.†She removed her hand, laughed, and said, "OK, just a look. I guess I do owe you for your help today.†I pulled up her sweatshirt, she raised her arms, and I removed and tossed it on the floor. Her tits were big, with wonderful cleavage, and flowed out of her too small bra. I placed both hands on her wonderful breasts and started to caress them. I looked in her eyes and said, "yes, they are very real.†She moaned and said "and very sensitive.†I smiled at her and said "I am going to suck on your nipples.†She said, "no, please don't†but didn't offer any resistance as I unclasped her bra from the front. She moved slightly forward in the couch so I could fully remove her bra and I tossed it on the floor. She then leaned back on the sofa so she could fully enjoy my loving her tits. It was at that moment that I realized that Mrs. J was going to let me fuck her. Needless to say I was very excited. I slid off the couch and kneeled on the floor in front of her, she spread her legs so I could lean forward and suck on her tits. Her nipples were half dollar size and came to a pencil sized point that was as hard as my cock and about a half inch long. I sucked on one tit and caressed the other with my hand kneading her nipples. She told me to bite lightly on her nipples which I did and she started moaning. I asked her if she could have a breast orgasm and she said yes. I then started sucking her nipples and raised up to dry hump her. I started rubbing my jean covered cock against her jean covered pussy. Her head fell back and she went into a wonderful orgasm as she matched the rhythm of my humping. I could not wait any longer. I leaned back and unbuttoned her jeans. She raised up so I could remove them and I removed her panties at the same time. Her body was unbelievable. She leaned back into the sofa with her legs spread. I glanced at her pussy and it just glistened. I stood up so I could remove my clothes. She watched and smiled as I prepared to give her the fucking of her life. She said, "you really got me hot when you were rubbing up against me while we were putting the lights up.†I told her I have wanted to fuck her for years. As I dropped my jeans and shorts, my cock was pointing straight up to the ceiling and she exclaimed, "my god, are you going to put that monster in me.†I kneeled between her legs again, lined my cock up with her pussy, and leaned forward sliding just the head of my cock into her. She gasped and pushed forward sucking about half my cock into her. I knew I would blow a load into her very quickly so I leaned forward to fully engage my swollen cock into her, leaned forward more so I could feel those wonderful tits on my chest and started pumping her. She met each of my thrusts with one of her own and soft moans turned into very loud groans. I could not believe that I was fucking this 53 year old dynamo and she was loving it. Very soon I could feel my balls and cock swelling and she starting yelling, "oh yes, shoot it into me. Shoot it all into me.†As I started cumming I could feel her pussy contracting and pulsating. As she continued cumming and I was shooting my cum into her she was shouting at the top of her voice, "yes, I can feel it. Fill me up with your cum. It so hot. Shoot more into me. Oh, god, you are cumming so long. Yes. Keep cumming.†I did not think I would ever stop shooting it into her. I must have cum for over a minute.
She then pushed me on the floor and started to suck on my cock. It was a beautiful sight seeing her mouth around my cock as her tits danced to her rhythm. As I gained full hardness again she mounted me and started pumping me wildly. This time it took me 15 minutes before I came again while she had orgasm after orgasm. She rolled off of me, both of us spent. I rubbed on those wonder tits as we talked. I asked her what her favorite sex positions were and she shared with me that doing it with a younger man was a fantasy of hers. As she laid on her side facing me I noticed what a nice bare ass she had. As she got up to go to the kitchen for some water I followed her and could not take my eyes off her ass. She turned around and saw my cock was full again. "No, I cannot do it again.†I said, "quiet now.†I grabbed her by her hips and spun her so she was facing the counter top. I raised her so she fell forward and was leaning on the counter top with her feet off the ground. Then my cock started to hunt and find her wonderful pussy from behind. My cock was soon buried in her pussy again and Mrs. J was along for the ride. I held on to her hips as she balanced herself on the counter. I started thrusting into her pussy as I pulled her ass toward me. Mrs. J started yelling "oh, god, you are so deep." I could feel my cocking pumping against the end of her pussy. I let go another load as I held my cock against her pussy wall. She went into another uncontrollable orgasm. I then got dressed and left before hubby got home.
I can't wait to go home for Christmas vacation. Mrs. J already asked me to help her take down the Christmas lights. I also plan to see if my high school ex-girlfriend's mother needs some help around the house during the holidays. She is a babe also. I really like fucking older women.


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I recently stopped into Wendy's to check out their new Flatbread Sandwiches. I've gotta say I was impressed with the thought that went into them. The attention to detail, for a fast food joint, was surprising.
I tried the Asiago Ranch Flatbread ($3.99). It wasn't a big sandwich to look at, but the toasted multi-grain flatbread was stuffed full of big chunks of chicken breast and topped with applewood smoked bacon, Asiago cheese, tomato, a spring mix and ranch dressing. Surprisingly filling and fresh tasting.
Fresh tasting, but don't be fooled, this baby still packs 530 calories and 30 grams of fat. But hold the ranch dressing and you'll save 170 calories and 16 grams of fat. Better than a Dave's Hot 'N Juicy 1/2 lb. Double with 800 calories and 48 grams of fat. Always look for the bright side.
I'd get one for lunch again anytime.
There's a Smokey Honey Mustard Flatbread available as well at Wendy's across Orlando and Central Florida. Note: I dined compliments of Wendy's


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This spring I wrote about how I've been starting to run again after nearly a decade of practically no running whatsoever. It has been a hard slog to get back into running, but I've kept at it. Last month, when Backbencher and I went home to visit my family and friends, we did a little run at Maxwell Park, the site of most of our home XC meets in high school. While the trails have changed, the smell and the feel had not, and it felt good. Really good, in fact.
Most of you who know us in the real world know that since our return from that trip, we've been trying to get pregnant. This has had some great benefits, not least of which that I'm able to resist most fast food places, have given up caffeine and alcohol, and am highly motivated to get in better shape. This past week I managed six workouts, with at least 5 runs worked in.
Now, mind you, I am still jogging at a snail's pace and only for a maximum of 2 miles. But every lap I run is one lap I wasn't running a month ago, so it's progress. And when I go in the morning, a dear older friend Bill cheers me on as he walks his laps. Some of the other retired folk I know also give me good support.
But the Sunday afternoon crowd has a totally different vibe. Today there were a ton of high school students working out/goofing off. When I started, a young girl was running very quickly. Now, to one getting started running again, getting lapped by a kid half your age is discouraging. But I remembered my training to run my own race, my own pace, and my own laps, and got started. I quickly noticed that this girl would go very fast for about a lap and a half, then stop to chat with her friends, or look down at the kids on the basketball court, or get some water.
I suppose I could have been annoyed, but mostly I was really grateful that she never actually lapped me. She would pass me, but before she could pass me again, inevitably she would stop. I kept "running my race" and soon realized that, in terms of sheer number of laps run, I was actually ahead of her. Tortoise and hare, indeed.
She reminded me of me as a high school (and to some extent, college) runner: loving to run but not really motivated, trying to get out of as much of a workout as I could while still getting something out of the workout, looking for any excuse to delay running those laps, and frankly kind of lazy. Being between seasons, the fact that she's there running laps at all is a step above whatever I did, so I'm not criticizing her. In fact, it was very encouraging, because I realized today that I really do love running, and that today, I am running for myself and with myself. That's a big change from when I ran primarily because I loved being on a team and loved my teammates.
And, when I'm struggling in my run, it's not wrong that I always imagine Shemar Moore (from Criminal Minds) calling me "Baby Girl" and cheering me on, right?


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Saturday, October 12, 2013
{Paper Smooches} You Are Unique + Video
Kim is sharing this card on the Paper Smooches Blog today and I also happen to have a video showing how I made this card. My goal was to showcase the new Snowdudes dies which coordinate with the previously released Swanky Snowdudes stamp set. After some finagling with a few of the pieces, I settled on using the short marshmallow-y snowman and the little bird.
Much like my Bitty Bungalows card, I also used patterned paper from Crate Paper's Flea Market paper pad. I'm highly addicted to these colours and I love incorporating non-winter, non-holiday products into my winter and holiday cardmaking. Versatility is the name of my game. ;)
That's it for today. This is the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend! I hope all my Canadian friends and family at home and abroad are enjoying a wonderful time with their families.
13 comments:
- snappy scrappy said...
Super cute, great video too!
- October 12, 2013 at 3:50 PM
- Monika Reeck said...
oooh Emily...too cuuuteee and lovely winter card in pink ...nice video too...love the idea dear Emily..big hugs from warm Germany (3 degree today)
- October 12, 2013 at 5:03 PM
- Samantha Mann said...
AH-mazing card!! And so pretty!! Looooove the glittery snow bank!! And the colors are so pretty!!! Loooove them!!! Swoon!!
- October 12, 2013 at 5:09 PM
- Jessi Fogan said...
Your shading is incredible! Love the pink 'snowy' background & sparkly snow - and I hope you have a fab Thanksgiving too!!
- October 12, 2013 at 6:02 PM
- Yun Kelly said...
Emily - wonderful card! The sparkly background is terrific. Congratulations on all your success.
- October 12, 2013 at 8:46 PM
- Mary-Anne V said...
Adorable! love the non-traditional colours. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Every year my parents and sister come down and we celebrate here...my kids get to celebrate twice ...blessed!
- October 12, 2013 at 10:33 PM
- Kelly Griglione said...
Right there with you ... non-traditional colors and images are so FUN to use for holiday cards. You totally nailed it here! Wonderfully glittery, Emily.
- October 13, 2013 at 2:58 AM
- Wendy ten Hove said...
Love the original use of color here, Emily! What a gorgeous and fun card! They are looking sooo happy and so am I watching your card!
Hugs, Wendy
- October 13, 2013 at 4:43 AM
- Aimes said...
Seriously adorable! :)
- October 13, 2013 at 6:53 AM
- Lindsey said...
Happy Thanksgiving, Em! Enjoy time with your family. :)
Super shiny snow and a pink sky? Love it! What a sweet card.
- October 13, 2013 at 2:48 PM
- Basement Stamper said...
great coloring on your snowman, love the subtle colors on it.
- October 13, 2013 at 8:51 PM
- Meghan said...
Love this card! Love having the video to follow too! Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!
- October 14, 2013 at 7:57 PM
- Vicky said...
Love the little Christmas Shop Card...Happy Anniversary ME!
- October 15, 2013 at 5:37 PM


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A couple of items to note: the panel acknowledges that the complainants were publicity hungry (para. 31: one of the first things they did was type a letter and then send it to "the media"), and seems to acknowledge that the complainants aren't terribly bright:More:"There is no question that these items ["the crucifix, a picture of the ascension of the Virgin Mary, a picture of the Pope and pictures of the leaders of the Knights"] were displayed in the Hall. However, the Panel accepts the evidence of the complainants that they did not take notice of these items. ... Even if the complainants had noticed those items, the Panel is not persuaded that they would have made the connection between them, the Knights, and the fact that the Hall was a building with religious significance that may have had restrictions as to the types of events that could take place there." [emphasis added] (para. 83)Laughably (well, not really, but what else can you do?) the Court awarded $1,000 to each of the complainants "for injury to their dignity, feelings and self-respect" (para. 151). What's pathetic is that the panel is not able, even once, to identify the actions which lead to these supposed injuries. There is absolutely no enumeration of what the Knights actually did to injure the complainants. Other than a reference at para. 42 to one of the complainants feeling "that their comments were offensive" (which "comments" these are is never explained), and noting that the Knights didn't offer a written apology (although everyone agreed that multiple verbal apologies were offered), it's unclear what the Knights did wrong.
The panel's reasoning on other issues is just as lame and contradictory. They essentially fault the Knights for not doing something they are forbidden to do: restrict access to their premises to people who share their faith (see paras. 70-78). It's not even clear how the Knights could do this: what are they gonna do, make people present their laminated "I'm a Catholic" certificate? Nevertheless, the fact that the Knights don't "screen" people who enter their premises is used as a argument against the Knights being able to restrict activities that conflict with their core religious beliefs.


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Peter King: Fat, Stupid, and an Embarrassment to Journalism
Is there any way he could ask dumber questions? I understand that not every question a reporter gives to a star is going to be hard-hitting and thought-provoking. But this asshole takes the idea of tossing softballs to ridiculous levels. Check out his interviews with three NFL quarterbacks from this week's MMQB. After each section, I'll write what I think he probably asked each in order to get the answer. When you're done, ask yourself if King has helped you learn anything substantive about these players.
First, Ben Roethlisberger and his risky decision to dive for a touchdown on a scramble towards the goal line in spite of having a hurt shoulder:
"Heck no,'' he said after I asked if he had thought twice about exposing his shoulder to that risk. "I will never ... Casey Hampton said to me on the sidelines, 'What are you doing scoring? Why didn't you just go down at the one?' I said, 'Hamp, don't you know by now? That's my heart.' I'm a competitor. I want to get in the end zone. And I want to win. Period. I don't think about running the clock out. I don't think about saving myself. It'll take someone to bring me down. It's the competitive side. [Coach Mike Tomlin] tells me, 'Don't take a hit. Get down, slide.' You have to pick your battles. You have to know when to do it. In that situation, it's competition.''
King's question: "So, Ben, do you like to win? Are you the kind of guy who wants to give it all for his team, play like a champion, and be an inspiration all of America? Or would you rather play it safe, and not play like a champion and not try to win?"
Next, a certain Jets QB who Peter would be happy to butt-tongue if given the chance, regarding (surprise, sur-fucking-prise) his future:
"And it's been great. It hasn't been all smooth, but I've enjoyed it. I'm having fun. Now, if we were 3-8 instead of 8-3, I know I'd be back on the farm next year and it'd be over. But I'm just going to play as hard as I can every week the rest of the way and we'll see how it goes.''
No promises about next year. He just doesn't know yet, and he's not allowing himself to think ahead. He did think ahead about one thing Sunday, though.
King's question: "Brett, are you pretty much done thinking about this season? Have you pretty much decided that it's time to stop worrying about anything that happens between now and February, and just start thinking about whether you will grace us with your presence for one more year? Or are you still kind of thinking about how your team is 8-3 and rapidly becoming a playoff contender? And if so, what is your strategy for the rest of this season- are you actually going to try, or are you just kind of going to half-ass it?
Also, can I drink some of your urine?"
Similar idea for New England's Matt Cassel:
The easiest way to get put off by the polite Cassel is to mention he's about to be a free-agent, and he's about to make a jillion dollars somewhere in 2009. He knows. He's not stupid. He just doesn't want to hear about it now.
"We'll see,'' he said. "I honestly don't think about it. I just want to keep playing, and let that take care of itself when the end of the year comes.'' Smart man.
King's Question: "Matt, are you at all thinking about this season anymore? Granted, your team is still in the thick of the wild card and division title hunt. But have you decided not to worry about that, and just pretty much mentally check out? Do you spend all your time obsessing over getting a big contract from a new team next summer?"
Seriously, fuck this guy. What a zilch. Oh, and a nice little hypocritical complaint from PK at the end of his predictably awful 10 things he thinks he thinks:
If I read one more story about where LeBron James might play two years from now, I'm going to puke.
Yeah, you've never run a story into the ground or anything. Never happened. No way you would ever strongly contribute to the media's infatuation with a story that gets incredibly fucking old.


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Last week I spoke with the managing director and marketing director of an online publication company looking to use social media as part of a digital expansion programme. It was encouraging to speak with two senior managers who have clearly recognised the opportunities and benefits that social media can offer and are prepared to use new media channels as part of their company's marketing mix.
However, one of the things that concerned me during our meeting was when they said one of their main social media objectives was to boost the number of 'likes' on their Facebook page from around 9,000 to 1 million within a four to six month period and that 'scale' was of particular importance to them.
Bigger is not always better
A large following, whether that be through 'likes' on Facebook or followers on Twitter, is a perfectly legitimate social media marketing metric. Amongst other things, a large following will give you a fantastic opportunity to market to your existing customer base and help you establish credible social capital. But when this is one of the only social media marketing metrics, one begins to worry. It may be a cliché , but quality really is more important than quantity when it comes to (effective) social media marketing. You may grow your following and boast over a million 'likes' on Facebook, but so what?
Social media is a paradigm shift from traditional marketing techniques and requires a different type of thinking. It involves bringing the audience into the marketing process by including them in conversations, engaging with them and starting a dialogue. Social media marketing will not be effective if you build up a following only to broadcast messages and advertisements to them in the traditional one-to-many fashion. You need to proactively target your key social media audiences and give them a compelling reason to connect with you.
It's not just the size – it's what you do with it that counts!
One million Facebook 'likes' would be great, but what if only 25% of the Facebook following really liked you and the majority were disengaged with the brand and unresponsive to the discourse you're trying to generate? Surely it would be better to aim for 20,000 Facebook fans who are interested and enthusiastic about your product or service and form part of a community that regularly interacts with your content and spreads it organically across their social graphs. Only this way will you begin to see increased conversions, be it actionable clicks over page views, enquiries, leads or sales. These are the metrics that really matter the most.
What are your thoughts on social media marketing metrics? What do you use to measure success? What does good social media look like?
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Photo credit: Inforgraphic by Infographiclabs. To view the full picture click on the picture or alternatively click here.


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Total $0.00
HSMAI Celebrates 90th Anniversary, Honors Leaders
September 8, 2017 8:58am
September 8, 2017, McLean, VA The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) celebrated 90 years of fueling sales, inspiring marketing, and optimizing revenue, and honored current leaders and chapters at HSMAI's 90th Anniversary Celebration Dinner on September 6, 2017 at Lansdowne Resort & Spa in Leesburg, Virginia. The Greater New York Chapter was named Chapter of the Year and the University of Memphis was honored as Collegiate Chapter of the Year. Other "Chapter Best of the Best" award winners were honored throughout HSMAI's annual Mike Leven Leadership Conference, held in the same venue September 5–6, 2017.
"Our chapters and their creative approaches to revenue optimization have strengthened HSMAI's commitment to fueling hotel sales over these past 90 years," said Fran Brasseux, HSMAI executive vice president. "We are proud to recognize these achievements and are appreciative of these chapters' hard work."
Held the final evening of this year's Mike Leven Leadership Conference, HSMAI's 90th Anniversary Celebration Dinner recognized and honored HSMAI leaders and innovations. Fifteen Past Presidents and seven HSMAI Lifetime Achievement Award honorees were on hand for the celebration. The evening included remarks and remembrances from past and present HSMAI leaders including HSMAI Lifetime Award Winner Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association; Past Chairs Bruce Himelstein, BJH Group; Barb Bowden, Loews Hotels; Dorothy Dowling, Best Western Hotels & Resorts; current HSMAI Board Chair Jeff Senior, KSL Resorts; HSMAI Foundation Chair John Fareed, Horwath; incoming Chair Mark Thompson, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau; and HSMAI President & CEO Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA.
"We may be celebrating a major milestone tonight, but we'll also recognize a number of outstanding leaders and some special guests who have helped to grow HSMAI over the last two decades," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president & CEO of HSMAI, in his opening remarks. He added, "We really feel HSMAI is 90 years young. Tonight is the celebration of many industry feats and firsts—but it's also the beginning of a new chapter for our game-changing organization." (For a brief recap of HSMAI's 90 years of innovation, view the 6-minute video, "Celebrating 90 Years: An HSMAI Video Story.")
A special part of the anniversary celebration was devoted to presenting HSMAI's first-ever Hotel Sales Professional of the Year Awards. Adreana Bailey, National Sales Manager, Hilton DFW Lakes, was recognized as the HSMAI Hotel Sales Professional of the Year in the On-property category. Jane Pearsall, Senior Manager of Worldwide Sales, Global Business Travel, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, received the HSMAI Above-property Hotel Sales Professional of the Year Award. HSMAI's annual Advisory Board & Council Chair's Leadership Award recipients were also annpounced:
HSMAI honored chapters in the Americas Region for leadership, communications, membership, educational programming, and community involvement. The Frank W. Berkman Best of the Best 2016–2017 winners are as follows:
Chapter Leadership Award Winners
Large Chapter Winners
Medium Chapter Winners
Small Chapter Winners
Collegiate Chapter of the Year
Conference highlights included "deep dives" into critical topics such as volunteering, partnerships, recruiting, educational programming, and profitability. The conference kicked off with an executive interview with conference benefactor Mike Leven, CEO, Georgia Aquarium & Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Attendees were treated to an insightful discussion on harnessing the headwinds by Col. Nicole Malachowski USAF, first woman Thunderbird flyer, former White House Fellow, and former executive director of Joining Forces—the Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden military and veterans initiative. As part of the HSMAI Helps service program, attendees hand-stuffed more than 100 bears to give to a children's hospital.
Mike Leven, namesake of HSMAI's annual leadership conference,
speaks at HSMAI's 90th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
The conference was renamed the HSMAI Mike Leven Leadership Conference following a generous donation from the Mike and Andrea Leven Foundation in 2013. This year leaders came together at the Lansdowne Resort & Spa September 5–6. The conference was made possible by Conference Partners: The Michael and Andrea Leven Family Foundation, Anniversary Partner: Accor Hotels, Two Roads Hospitality, Lansdowne Resort & Spa, Booking.com, Visit Fairfax, and Visit Loudoun.
Tags: hsmai,
hospitality sales and marketing association international,
hsmai mike leven leadership conference
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry's leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals & their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI ROCET, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927 and celebrating 90 years in 2017, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising more than 7,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at http://www.hsmai.org, www.facebook.com/hsmai, www.twitter.com/hsmai, and www.youtube.com/hsmai1.
Just Enter: Now Accepting Entries for 2018 HSMAI Adrian Awards
HSMAI Appoints Insight Out to Manage HSMAI Middle East
HSMAI Names 2018 Revenue Management Professionals of the Year and Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Honoree
HSMAI's Inaugural "Curate" Digs Into Critical Issues in Hospitality
Hotel Professionals to Grab Revenue by the Horns at HSMAI's ROC Americas in Houston
Revenue Managers Flock to 5 International Cities for HSMAI's ROC
Adrian Awards Celebrate Travel Marketing Superheroes
HSMAI and National Geographic Traveler to Celebrate Sustainable Hospitality
Outstanding Hospitality Advertising, Digital Marketing, Public Relations to be Honored at Adrian Awards Gala
HSMAI Announces Americas Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 2018
HSMAI Recognizes Lifetime Achievements of Ed Fuller and Terry Gallagher
It All Starts with Strategy at HSMAI's Digital Marketing Strategy Conference
HSMAI Announces Robust Calendar of 2018 Events
HSMAI Honors 2017 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds
HEBS Digital Wins Record-Breaking 21 HSMAI Adrian Awards, Including 10 Gold
HFTP and HSMAI Region Europe to Co-locate European Conferences in April 2018
HSMAI Introduces Organizational Memberships
HSMAI UAE Celebrates "Most Extraordinary Minds" in Hospitality in the Middle East
Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship Celebrates Its 5th Year; HSMAI South Florida Chapter Honors Two Graduate Students with the Award
HSMAI Celebrates Adreana Bailey and Jane Pearsall as Hotel Sales Professionals of the Year
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I am pretty sure that deploying a comment ranking system in blogs will have some strong function in a web-based learning world. I made a comment about it at Fred Wilson's blog, and I think that it represents a piece of the puzzle that will enable blogs to carry some legitimacy.
Disqus is testing out a feature on certain blogs. They may not be visualizing the education web-based curriculum, but I could not help my self from postulation.
The idea is that if you are working in a learning system that uses the social web to link people, you will need comments or badges to link people to their credibility and reputatino in the group. Right now, education is mostly about grades and diplomas, and standardized test performance.
When it moves towards a realtime application of skills to problems that need solutions, blogs will form a fundamental core to linking experts to students, and then student-expert teams that run communities. To get into a community you apply, just as you would to get into college, and the comment ranking and reputation score will indicate your likelihood of acceptance.
I've always said that your reputation will be the most important feature of your web presence. You may be the smartest dog in the pack, but if you are always biting others on the tail and trying to keep that bone to yourself, you're out. Keep that in mind; it will be fundamental in the next few years.
Be nice!
Filed under: Digital Learning, Influence, Tech, E-learning, Facebook, Fred Wilson, learning, Methods and Theories, online learning, reputation graph, social education


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Composer Steve Hicken has a new blog on 20th century music, Listen 101. In this blog Steve will be exploring one hundred and one dalmations. Er, he will be exploring one hundred and one essential pieces of 20th century concert music. He has kindly provided the whole list at the start, so you can listen ahead. Combined with Tim Rutherford-Johnson's Music Since 1960 series, these should be a great resource for anyone teaching courses on the subject (I'm looking at you, Carlos).
(via George Hunka)