text:
The group Revolution stop by at St Pius X School! We were pleased because they stop by because they wanted to show us how bullying others feels like and how unacceptable it is. They first set everything in the hall and making sure that they had everything they needed. The bell then rang and all the students entered the hall with their teacher. We sat down on the floor and the Revolution people introduced themselves one by one. One of the volunteers told us that they love to dance and to sing a lot. They all started by dancing to one of my favourite song and it was amazing and incredible to watch them dance. Afterward, two of the volunteers sung a beautiful song and her voice was just astonishing. Following on, this Fijian girl which was one of the Revolution, came up and talked about how she grew up and how the kids at school bullied her. Her parents are Fijian but she was born in New Zealand.I bet that we all know how the Fijian people hairs looks, and it is very bushy. She told us that she was teased at school because of how different she looks. She told us that it doesn't matter what is looks like in the inside, all that matters is what's inside. She was hurt when she got teased by calling names and many more things, however sometimes she just acts like she didn't care but really she did. Although she told us that there are three most important steps to do when you're bullied. Firstly ask for help to anyone, you can asked an older person or the teacher, secondly say sorry to that person, and lastly get three or more friends to help you with your situations and hang out with them. Following on, she sung us as song called Read All About it. Her voice was just stunning and the reason why she sung that song was that because of the words. At the end just before it finished, they did a dance to the song called Uptown Funk and it was breathtaking because there moves were really fast and although they were active.
I am a Year 8 student at St Pius X in Auckland, NZ. I am in Room 7 and my teacher is Mrs Tui
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Revolution - Show
Posted by Sienna at 11:41 AM 0 comments
Friday, August 28, 2015
Cross Country
Yesterday, we had a phenomenal day with every student in Saint Pius. We had a school Cross Country and we had to go into our team from last year. There were four different teams and they were called Geckos, Keas, Tuis and also Kiwis and the group that I am in was the Kiwis. Firstly, Mrs Tui taught us the rules and how you can get points for your team. The rules were if you instruct your group and sitting them down, be quiet, listening to what is being said, follow instructions, cheer for the teams, and also who would have the best chant. Although she said that whoever in their Year comes 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th will get points for their team. The 1st place would be 100 points, 2nd place 80 points, 3rd place 60 points, 4th place 40 points and 5th place would be 10 points. Each and every student attended and was interested about this so they were really taking this serious. Following on, the Year 3 and 4 ran first and the Year 7 and 8 were next. I was so nervous about it but also excited at the same time. The Year 3 and 4 went and Mr Slade announced that it's time for the Year 7 and 8. All the Year 7 and 8's stood on the start line getting ready to run. When we heard the noise to start we all ran as fast as we could but some didn't. When I got half way where we were running I was tired so I started doing power walk. It was so demanding that I could hardly breathe or walk. The Year 7 & 8's had to do two rounds and a half and I felt like I was not going to make it but I did! Then on my last round I went back and I found out that I came 4th! I was very proud of myself and was happy. Next, each team did there chant and my team went first. We did a really great job and each and every person liked it.Each team did their chant and I was really amazed. Afterward Mr Slade and the teachers organized the points and added them together then he introduce who's the winner and it was the Kiwi's! We were really happy and cheerful but we tried to control ourselves not to be cocky about it. By the way it was the first time the team Kiwi had won something in Sports. We were so proud of our selves and so as the others.
Posted by Sienna at 11:45 AM 0 comments
Saint Pius X Feast Day
It was the 21st of August when the feast of St Pius X was celebrated. My whole school celebrated this special day by going to church first thing in the morning and praising St Pius X and also remembering everything that he had done when he was still alive. St Pius was a person with compassionate, he mostly helped the poor and the sick. Just before he died he said, "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor". St Pius X was a pope with a great big heart who loved each and every single person. When he was a pope, he then decided that each and every child should receive their Holy Communion because that was the fastest way to be close to heaven. He was a man who wanted peace but not war, he wanted the world to have peace because if we don't then we would be lost. Although, St Pius X past away during World War I and Pope Benedict was chosen to be the next Pope until the 3rd of September 1922. So we had an amazing mass and ended with a beautiful song.
Later on, we went back to our school and started organizing the chairs, tables and how were going to set the cake. When we finished organizing, we called each and every single person from the school to come and sit in one of the chairs with their classroom. Then we invited the oldest boy which was Oscar and the youngest boy from Room 1 to cut the cake. Following on, we then the Year 8 girls went and helped give out the cake to everyone and wishing everyone a Happy Feast Day. It was so amazing having the mass, celebrating and eating the cake because it was just so enjoyable.
Posted by Sienna at 11:40 AM 0 comments
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Favourite Part - Kelly Tarlton
On the 20th of August 2015, Saint Pius X School went on a trip to Kelly Tarlton. I experienced a lot of interesting facts about different sea creatures in deep sea and the looming jellyfish was my favourite!
Posted by Sienna at 9:47 AM 0 comments
Labels: Literacy
Monday, August 24, 2015
Trip To Kelly Tarlton
Each and every person in the school were excited and looking forward to explore different kind of sea creatures from deep sea.The whole school entered Kelly Tarlton by walking in a straight line and following instructions to our instructor who works in Kelly Tarlton. Everything was all blue and although pitch black. It was so pitch black that I could hardly not see a student or teacher.
Later on, we entered this old smelling house and our instructor explained to us that this old house is called Scott Huts which is a house located in Antarctica. Everything inside this old smelling house was old and major of the things that were there were every interesting and fascinating. Our instructor explained to us that this is the appearance of how it is in the Scott Huts house in Antarctica until now. I saw a lot of interesting and amazing stuff in this small house and they were a piano, bunk beds, dry clothes, chairs, tables, tin marks, old fashion camera, and many more. She also told us that Scott Huts died in Antarctica, South Pole.
Following on, we went past this blue wall where you take pictures with your friends or families. We took two pictures and then we moved on exploring. Then we went through this swirly thing which makes you dizzy and uncomfortable to see or walk. They made this swirly thing because it relates to how you feel if you walk in the cold snow in Antarctica and when the storms comes. This is also how Scott Huts died was that he didn't knew where he was going because everything around him was white. He then nearly reach the South Pole but he couldn't make it. He died just a kilometers away from the South Pole.
Further more, we reached the place where they kept their adorable penguins. There were major or them inside where they were kept and there were different kind of penguins. They were King Penguins and Emporia Penguins. Inside where they were kept, there were ice, cages, ice water and many more that keeps them comfortable, safe and also healthy.The King Penguins mostly went swimming and they were really active. I enjoyed watching them swimming past by but unluckily we had to move on.
From time to time, we met different kind of sea creatures and they were the Giant Squid, Loom Jelly Fish, Sting Ray Bay, then we had morning when it was 10:30 am. Then this women came and feeded the Stingray and she also taught us interesting facts about it. She taught us that this is the largest Stingray in Kelly Tarlton and is also a female. The Stingray is not good at aiming, only tent attack that pray at them, sharks and killer whales are their favourite food, and she also said that Stingrays has electrical impulses which it can see how fast your heart goes and if you're scared, worried and other emotional feelings. If there was a new trainor in Kelly Tarlton that is scared, the Stingray then will splashes the water toward them and they are also quite cheeky.
Next we went down the ramp and went into where the Sharks, Turtles, Puffer Fish and other sea creatures are. My favourite sea creature to see was the puffer fish because it was a long time not seeing it. We went around two times then we went upstairs where the eels, jelly fishes, lionfish and many more. Then we went into this room where this worker in Kelly Tarlton taught us that there are two types of sharks and they are called Shan Shark and School Shark. They are not in Kelly Tarlton and the reason for that is because they have to swim fast because the water has to go fast into her body but if it doesn't they're going to die. So that is why Kelly Tarlton don't have any of them and also the other reason is because they grow as long as a bus.
Although, the other sea creatures that I saw were Moray Eels, Blue Tang, Red Moko etc. However we came past this weird sea creature called Wobbegong. It was a sea creature who's from Australia, and it is very dangerous and cheeky. This dangerous sea creature eats different kind of fishes in the ocean but it mostly goes for the big sea creatures. My highlight in this special event was when I explored different kind of Sea Creatures and how everyone learned new things.
Posted by Sienna at 9:50 AM 0 comments
Monday, August 17, 2015
Partnership For Learning
Last night Room 7 students and teacher invited their parents for a Partnership for Learning to talk about how many students are at National Standard and those who are below. Although and what do the parents think to do to help their kids to improve and make progress. I know that kids and teens do better in school when parents are involved in their academics lives. Attending parent and teacher is a way to be involved and help your child succeed.
Nearly every parents and students appeared but other students had different excuses of why they're not attending. We waited a bit more for others to arrive then one of the students started us off with the sign of the cross in Maori, then we sung the Our Father in maori two times.
Further more, Mrs Tui which is Room 7's teacher thank everyone for attending tonight and just talking about what were going to be going through tonight. Following on she showed a short clip to our parents about this College boy name Joshua Iosefa from Mt Roskill Grammar School doing a speech about Brown Brothers. Mrs Tui wanted to show this short clip to our parents but not only to them but to us, so we can think about what he's talking about and why is he saying all these things. Also and why it's good to succeed in learning so when you're older, it's easy-peasy for you to find a great job to live your life with.
Following on, Mr Coakley which is the school principal stood up and talked about how Room 7 students have been past the many years until now, and speaking about what he think that could help the students to make progress, and it's by starting a Learning Space after school for the students. After, he invited our parents to just say what they think that could help their kids achieve learning. A lot of parents were very confident to say what they think, and nearly all of them agreed to what the principal have been saying.
Later, Mrs Tui displayed of how many students is at National Standard and those who aren't in Reading, Writing and Maths. She explained everything to our parents and why everyone have to be at National Standard at the end of this year, but especially to the year 8's that are going to college next year. Different parents asked different questions and they were all answered by Mrs Tui & Mr Coakley. Mrs Tui talked about what have she been working with the students in Room 7 and she believed that she could move up students to be at National Standard or Above Standard but with their parents help. A lot of parents were really into what she had been explaining and beginning them for their help.
She did a lot of talking, so she started the karakia before eating the pizza's that she ordered for everyone. Room 7 students helped giving out the pizza's to their parents and also drinks. The parents then introduce themselves to the others and they just started having a conversation with Mrs Tui, asking questions about the Learning Space & other things that involves with their kids.
Posted by Sienna at 9:30 AM 0 comments
Friday, August 14, 2015
Sean Shark Week
Sean is a kid who sticks with what he believe he will archive in the future. He is a very brave kid especially for a boy who was 3 years old when he was interested in Sharks and also committed to it. Sean is glad with what he's doing with the Sharks by cutting their fins. When he cuts the fins of the Shark, he then threw it away into the sea and the Shark will sink into the bottom and couldn't swim, so then the fishes comes and eat it.
Posted by Sienna at 12:50 PM 0 comments
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Rainbow Fish
Opening Statement -
I think the Rainbow Fish made a good decision by sharing her scales to others.
Reasons -
*The Rainbow Fish was doing the right thing by sharing her scales with her friends because that made the friends think that she is a great person and that she could be trusted.
*She made a great choice by sharing her scales because that made her happy and also her friends, and because now her friends is always keen to play with her and so she is.
*It was a great decision for her to go around and ask different sea creatures of what they think she should do, because she is sad and feeling left alone.
*Rainbow Fish is a friendly person because she showed it by sharing her scales to her friends and accepting their request of if she wants to play with them.
Conclusion - I agree of what the Rainbow Fish had done by sharing her scales away because it didn't then she'll be lonely and she'll have no friends to talk to, share her feelings and other important things. Although, I agree for how she is grateful for what she have now and what she accepted.
Posted by Sienna at 9:30 AM 0 comments
Saturday, August 8, 2015
First Experience Of Hockey
I heard water dripping outside, once I heard my teacher saying to make our way into the hall. Room 7 entered the hall and sat on the floor. The instructor showed us what will be doing today, so he divided us into 3 groups of 6 because there were 18 students that attended to school. Hockey isn't one of my favourite sport but I decided that I should listen and do what the instructor tells us, because I might come through something that I'm interested in and maybe get to like playing Hockey.
I would say that Hockey is a challenging game for me because you'll need to do a lot of practise trying to lift the ball up with the stick, twist your wrist, and trying to control where you want the ball to be at. I tried my best to control the ball but there were just no improvement. We did a lot of trials and challenging games with the other teams and it was so entertaining and amusing. Everyone but especially the boys were so active doing the challenges and I think they're like this because they are into anything that relates to sports.
Furthermore, we played a quick game versing the other teams and it was so hilarious which I enjoyed it. Students slipped and fell on the floor and others trying to control the ball and be quick of what they're doing. At the end of the game the score was 1 - 0, my team won! We were so happy and I could see a massive smile on others that were in my team on their faces. Later we thanked our instructor, started putting things to where we got it from then headed straight back to class. I felt like I had a fantastic time trying out Hockey and next time I would like to do more trials and practise. Hockey is a game that I think suits every single person and I bet everyone will enjoy it and have fun.
Although, the whole school is lucky to have a instructor that can instruct and teach students at St Pius this amazing and incredible sport. We are so lucky to have a instructor that can show us how to play and teaching us the rules. The instructor is a he, and I couldn't believe how he controlled the ball and many other amazing things that he did. Also for him to come back every Wednesday to practise with us and we really appreciate it.
Posted by Sienna at 9:30 AM 0 comments
Friday, August 7, 2015
Who Am I?
I have a small head, I have a shell at my back which is bigger than my head. I have four short legs, two massive eyeballs, my brain is smaller than my eyeballs, I have different patterns around me, I am chubby and also short.
I can be found all around the world, from the cold waters off California to the warm beaches of the Coral Triangles. I can live to about 150 years of age, love to travel around the sea and explore different things that I'm interested in. I love to eat many different tiny sea creatures like crabs, jellyfish and sponges.
I am a Turtle!
Posted by Sienna at 11:39 AM 0 comments
Labels: Inquiry
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) February 22, 2012
Smarthinking, Inc., the market leader in higher education online tutoring and academic support, today announced the addition of Liberal Arts Math to its comprehensive mathematics tutoring services. The tutoring is available to all customers, both institutional and consumers.
With the addition of the Liberal Arts Math tutoring support services, students can:
- Receive live, on-demand tutoring (90 percent of Smarthinking Math tutors have a master's or Ph.D. in their discipline)
- Submit a question for asynchronous response (generally within 24 hours)
- Pre-schedule a live tutoring session
All live tutoring sessions take place one-to-one in Smarthinking's virtual whiteboard, allowing the tutor and student to collaborate in real time. Tutors use a problem-solving teaching style to help students learn the underlying math concepts and become better equipped to handle future assignments on their own. In addition, all sessions are archived for future use by the student for test preparation.
"The launch of 24/7 support for Liberal Arts Math adds tremendous value to our customers and enables them to provide expanded services to their students," said Kirk Benningfield, Ph.D., Vice President of Education Operations at Smarthinking. "This extension of Smarthinking's services, coupled with continued technological upgrades and other new disciplines of support, is in response to the needs and requests of institutions and underscores our commitment to their success."
For more information on Smarthinking and its new Liberal Arts Math support services, visit http://www.smarthinking.com/services-and-subjects/subjects/mathematics/
About Smarthinking
Smarthinking, part of Pearson, is the leader in on-demand student support to bolster performance, persistence and retention. Its services were honored with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE award for Best Instruction Solution for Students at Home. Colleges, universities, libraries, government agencies, textbook publishers and other education providers partner with Smarthinking to increase student achievement and enhance learning. Smarthinking connects students to expert educators for 24/7 assistance in math, writing, reading, science, business, Spanish, computers & technology, and nursing & allied health on any Internet-connected computer. Smarthinking's corporate office is located in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www.smarthinking.com.
About Pearson
Pearson, the world's leading learning company, has global reach and market-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing (NYSE: PSO).
Media Contact: Susan Aspey, susan(dot)aspey(at)pearson(dot)com or (800) 745-8489

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Pretty Zombie Costume
Rate this costume:
3 votes
|1 comment · add a comment
Pretty Zombie
|Costume type:
|Costumes for Women
This homemade costume for women entered our 2012 Halloween Costume Contest.
A word from Michael, the 'Pretty Zombie' costume creator:
My girlfriend (Candace) is wearing this. We wanted to do something pretty and scary and this is what we came up with. I painted liquid latex on the area that I wanted to do the makeup and let it dry while I made the teeth out of modeling clay. I painted the back and sides of the teeth with latex and let them dry and applied them where I wanted them. Then I painted some strips of latex on my table top to let them dry for the lips. I covered the teeth in latex. Then I added some cotton balls that I stretched out where I wanted the lips and added latex on top. Built up everything with latex while lips were drying. Carefully pulled the latex off of my table top and used them for the actual lips and applied them. One more covering of latex to blend everything in and then painted and blended more. She re-used an outfit from two years ago.


text:
The lovely Jill (a fellow Alabamian!) over at Breaking the Spine created the Waiting on Wednesday meme for us bloggers to showcase books we're waiting on.
This week I've chosen a book that some of you may not have heard of (which is the point of this meme, right?) but one that I'm sure you'll enjoy. I had the pleasure of meeting the author at ALA this year and she is super nice and really funny! So please, check out...
Darker Still
By Leanna Renee Heiber
Pub date 11/1/2011
product description from goodreads.com
The Picture of Dorian Gray meets Pride and Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
New York City, 1882. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart's latest obsession is a painting of the handsome British Lord Denbury. Something in his striking blue eyes calls to her. As his incredibly life-like gaze seems to follow her, Natalie gets the uneasy feeling that details of the painting keep changing...
Jonathan Denbury's soul is trapped in the gilded painting by dark magic while his possessed body commits unspeakable crimes in the city slums. He must lure Natalie into the painting, for only together can they reverse the curse and free his damaged soul.
I must say that I've never much been interested in historical fiction, paranormal or no. But after reading this blurb (and after meeting Leanna herself), I honestly can't wait to read this one! Even though I was able to snag an ARC from ALA (a signed one at that!), I still can't wait until the actual book comes out!


text:
Our shop is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
We are closed on Sundays.
To help assure on-time delivery during the busy holiday season, place your order at least 1 day(s) prior to the following major holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Administrative Professionals Week, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Our shop will always be closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
|We also deliver to the following facilities
|Battlefield Towers Apartments
|Burrell Behavioral Health
|Christian Health Care
|Christian Residential Care
|Cox Health Systems
|Cox Medical Center South
|Cox Walnut Lawn
|Cox Walnut Lawn Hospital
|Creekside Retirement
|Fassnight Meadows
|Franciscan Villa
|Gardens Independent Living
|Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home
|Greenlawn Funeral Home
|Greenlawn Funeral Home - South
|Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Hom
|James River Care and Rehab Ctr
|Joy Assisted Living
|Kearney Villa
|Klingner-Cope Family Funeral H
|Lakeland Behavioral Health
|Lancelot Apartments
|Lester E Cox Medical Ctr
|Manor At Elfindale
|Manor Care Health Svc
|Maranatha Village
|Mercy Hospital Springfield
|Mitchell's Care Center
|Morningside of Chesterfield
|Oak Brook Residential
|Ozark Highlands Mobile Hm Park
|Ozarks Community Hospital
|Quality Residential Care
|Seasons Three
|Spring Ridge
|Springfield Mortuary Svc
|Springfield Skilled Care Ctr
|Surgery Center
|The Cambridge
|The Montclair
|Thieme Funeral Home
|Walnut Lawn Funeral Home
|Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Ltd
|Waterford At Ironbridge


text:
Happy belated Towel Day! Damson helped me clean the apartment all Memorial Day weekend, so for Towel Day, I let him help me dust with a washcloth... Still a pretty big "towel" for such a little Little Visitor!
I've been under the weather (kind of literally... pollen and storms causing weird air pressure have been ganging up on me to cause a general icky feeling) but I'm starting to feel better, so we can hopefully go back to having photographable fun soon!


text:
The following is an excerpt from Hartford Institute for Religious Research, An Atlas of American Orthodox Churches, Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2011, pp. 121, 123-4.
Orthodox Monastic Communities in the United States: Introduction
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:1-6)
John the Baptist is a Scriptural model of monasticism, from the Greek word "monachos" which means "solitary." In the early days of the Church, everyone was "monastic" in that becoming a Christian was tantamount to a death sentence; at best it meant a life of persecution by both the Jewish leadership of the day and the Roman Empire. However, once serious persecution of the Church ended in the fourth century under the Emperor Constantine, life as a Christian became easier. Some people felt it necessary to live a more difficult life of asceticism, rather than accept the relatively easy life around them. Monastic life is bound by ascetic practices expressed in the vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience, called the evangelical counsels.
There is a growing interest in monasticism in today's America. As many people become disenchanted with the materialism of modern life, monasteries provide an alternative. Monasteries are spiritual oases in the desert that is post-Christian America. They are a clarion call to re-examine our own lives and priorities and question what is really important. Monasticism is not a different kind of spirituality, it is merely a more intense spirituality that all Christians are called to, not just monks.
More than 80 Orthodox monasteries function presently in the United States. Of particular note are the relatively recent efforts of Elder Ephraim, a disciple of Elder Joseph the Hesychast. Having already restored and repopulated four monasteries on Mt. Athos and established several men's and women's monastic communities throughout Greece, he has worked to transplant the ethos of Mt. Athos – a key center of Orthodox monastic tradition in Greece – into the heart of America. In the period between 1995 and 2005, Elder Ephraim established sixteen new monasteries around the US following the Athonite traditions under the auspices of the Greek Archdiocese.
The first monastery on the North American continent was formed by monastics from Russia on Kodiak Island, Alaska in 1794 while it was still part of the Russian Empire. St. Herman established his hermitage on Spruce Island in 1808.
Uninhabited for many decades, today St. Herman's original dwelling is preserved by the monastics of St. Archangel Michael Skete, located in Sunny Cove on Spruce Island, under the Serbian Archdiocese. There is also a convent of nuns, St. Nilus Skete, nearby on Nelson Island. Overnight accommodations are available at both locations but pilgrims need to write far enough in advance to account for regular postal mail, since the sketes have no Internet or phone service. Weather is a big factor, since storms are frequent and often make travel from Kodiak to Spruce Island difficult or impossible.
St. Anthony Monastery under the Greek Archdiocese is a true oasis in the Sonoran desert south of Phoenix, Arizona. The extensive facilities include an elaborate system of gardens, pathways, and gazebos with Spanish fountains. A vegetable garden, small vineyard, citrus orchards, and an olive grove dot the 100-acre landscape. There are accommodations for over fifty monastics. Three guesthouses can accommodate up to 50 overnight guests at one time, and there is a separate clergy guesthouse.
Holy Archangels Monastery is located on a beautiful 155-acre site in the hill country of central Texas, between Austin and San Antonio. A century-old Texas ranch house built of field stone serves as one monastic residence, while other monks are housed in a contemporary structure that includes a large Trapeza for the monastics and guests. A vast complex currently under renovation and construction includes a Katholikon and many cells. The monastery does not have overnight accommodations for pilgrims but there are several motels nearby.
Located on a beautiful and secluded 180-acre property with rolling green hills, St. Nektarios Monastery in Roscoe, New York offers a guest house, refectory, chapel, and monastic cells. Several buildings on the property are being renovated. The monks follow the Athonite Typicon.
At Holy Annunciation Monastery in Reddick Florida, founded in 1998, the nuns trace their spiritual heritage to the ancient monastery of the Honorable John Forerunner in Serres, Greece. The nuns make incense using ancient recipes received from Mt. Athos.
Guests are welcome, and even encouraged, at most Orthodox monasteries. Many observe the ancient practice of offering three days of hospitality, and longer stays can be arranged. Some monasteries have elaborate guest houses, some are relatively simple, and some merely offer empty monastic cells. One must be aware that a monastery is primarily a place of prayer. Monastics are people who have been called from the world by God to lead the angelic life. It is for this reason that the Church encourages the faithful to regularly visit monasteries so that they may find the help they need to develop their own spiritual life. Visitors need to be sensitive to this and help maintain an atmosphere and environment that is conducive to sanctity and prayer. One should always call ahead before visiting a monastery, especially if planning to stay overnight. Guests are generally expected to clean up after themselves, and participate in the life of the monastery, attending all the services and working around the monastery itself, in the kitchen, or cleaning the grounds.
SOURCE: Hartford Institute for Religious Research, An Atlas of American Orthodox Churches, Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2011, pp. 121, 123-4.


text:
Friday, April 17, 2009
Field Trip – The Laura Ingalls Wilder Trail
The place: Rural Kane County
The destination: An Ingalls family cemetery plot
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder, including my sisters, hit the trail in search of the locations made famous in her collections of books. This can be quite a task that can rack up the miles on your vehicle because the Ingalls family moved quite a bit.
There are other, lesser known Ingalls-Wilder locations including one just down the road from our home. James and Worthen Ingalls purchased to adjacent sections of land in nearby Plato Township. Somewhere around 1848 Landsford Ingalls moved with his family to a spot near Otter Creek in Kane County, near his two brothers.
Otter Creek
Landsford's son Charles "Pa" Ingalls was 14 years old at the time and lived in this location for ten years until the family moved to Concord, Wisconsin where he met and married Caroline Quiner (Ma).
Nothing is left of the homes of these families but an Ingalls family cemetery remains on a small hill overlooking Corron Road.
Several years ago a very nice home was built on the hillside.
There are gates to the drive up the small hill to the house.
I noticed a small area in front of the house near the road was fenced in with white picket fencing. At first I thought that it was a cottage garden type feature but it was curious that it was located directly in front of the house and not in the back where normal gardens are placed. The landscaping did not fit with a cottage theme and there were never any flowers growing inside the fenced space.
One day a neighbor mentioned to me that "Pa" Ingalls was buried there. That seemed highly unlikely because at the time I wasn't aware that the Ingalls had ever lived in Illinois. An online search revealed that Charles Ingalls was buried in DeSmet, South Dakota.
The little graveyard, literally in someone's yard turned out to be a small Ingalls plot where lies the remains of Eliza Ingalls, the daughter of Charles's great-uncle.
Also buried in the plot are Malvina and Nancy Geutcheus, daughters of Morris and Betsy Ingalls Geutscheus, age 9 and 11 when they died in the early 1850's after being struck by lightning.
Since this is private property I did not walk up to take photos inside the fence.
This is interesting local history but the story doesn't end there. In their research my sisters found an amazing Ingalls connection with our own family.
After losing an infant son and suffering setbacks due to crop failures, diptheria and a fire that destroyed their home, Almanzo and Laura moved to live with Laura's cousin Peter in Westville, Florida. They spent a year in Florida (1891-1892) in the hopes that the southern climate would be beneficial to Almanzo's health. His health did improve a bit but Laura couldn't take the heat and had found herself a social outcast among the women of the community, having been branded a "yankee".
My father was born and raised in Westville, Florida and our family had lived there for many generations. Let me explain that this was a very, very rural and tiny community. I can't imagine what could have brought Laura's cousin Peter to live there. There have never been more than a hundred people or so living there and even today there are only 250 residents. So how does a farmer from Wisconsin land in the most rural part of the Florida panhandle?
To say we were shocked is an understatement. My sister was thrilled to know that our family's stomping grounds for the last 200 years was part of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Trail – which meant she'd done that leg many, many times as a kid.
Our great-grandmother Newton (shown here) would have known Laura.
Great-grandma Newton stripping sugar cane with a machete!
There's no way she couldn't have know her because like I said it was a very tiny and tight knit community. I can well imagine that she might have been one of the women who branded Laura a "yankee".
Great-grandma Newton sitting on the running boards in her big bonnet. This is around 1930. My best guess is that she was born around 1869.
Last night I found a book while searching online, written about the Wilder's years in Westville and I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival to see if it sheds any further light on the connection between our families. Stay tuned, I'll let you know what I discover.
You just never know what interesting stories might be lurking just 6.4 miles away from your home. Get out there and find them!
24 comments:
How interesting!!! I am a big fan of the tv series and have the books too. How nice to have a little cemetry in your front yard and such significance..
Can't wait to hear more on your connection..
luv Ann.xx
- April 17, 2009 at 3:04 AM
- Heidi said...
OH - when you come up you know we have Laura 'stuff' around here too right??? ever been to our Laura place? What a cool thing to ponder, your grannys possible acquaintance with her..
- April 17, 2009 at 3:45 AM
- Lucy said...
I love this. Thanks.
- April 17, 2009 at 4:00 AM
- Vee said...
Fascinating information! I'm just imagining how awful it would be to lose two young daughters to a lightning strike. Weird.
This reminds me that my mother sat down at the computer on Monday and pluggged in one name that had been swirling about in the family tree and came up with the missing link. Noooo, not that one.
Needless to say, it is amazing and since new things are added to this great network of information, one can expect to find more and more.
Will be wondering about what you find in the book of Florida history until you fill us in.
- April 17, 2009 at 4:03 AM
- Susan said...
I find this very interesting and curious. In NE Iowa there is also a Laura Ingels Wilder home designated. Seems crazy that these people traveled around so much in those days.
- April 17, 2009 at 4:09 AM
- Amber said...
to hear "the rest of the story." I am a huge fan, even now I still go back and read the books...even tho I know them almost by heart!
- April 17, 2009 at 4:10 AM
- Amber said...
so sorry, meant to start with "I can't wait..."
- April 17, 2009 at 4:11 AM
- chocolatechic said...
To say that I am slightly obsessed with LIW would be a total understatement.
I would have walked up to that cemetery and photographed every head stone.
But I am just slightly crazed.
- April 17, 2009 at 4:34 AM
- Significant Snail said...
I loved Laura's books! I 'discovered' them in the library when I was young and devoured them. A few years back I read them at night to my girls. Can't wait to hear what you find.
When I moved from the west to the south in 1991 I found myself branded a yankee as well - what a shock that was so many years after the civil war!
- April 17, 2009 at 5:44 AM
- Texas Gardener said...
I grew up in Bartlesville, Ok. When you travel north into Kansas there is a house that was a Laura Ingalls house. I took my daughter there when she was young. We also went to the Indepedence, KS cemetary where the doctor is buried. I can't remember all the details now.
- April 17, 2009 at 5:50 AM
- Domestic Diva said...
oooh!!! I LOVE LIW!
I have spent weeks of my life (not all at once, lol) researching anything to do with her, and her family. One of my FAVORITE hobbies, but I'd never gotten as far back as pa's families early years, ect ect. I hope you write more about this!
- April 17, 2009 at 6:04 AM
- Steph said...
I always loved that tv show. There's a Civil War cemetary a few miles from here, but I don't think anyone famous is buried there!
- April 17, 2009 at 7:54 AM
- Mary said...
As a child I loved her books. As an adult I read them to my children. The different perspectives are amazing. As a child I was sure that Ma and Pa would make everything safe. Adult eyes see the dangers. I love the background information you have provided here.
- April 17, 2009 at 8:15 AM
- Rue said...
Good morning Suzanne :)
Did you know that people from California are considered Yankees in the South? Living in VA for 6 years, that's something I was called all the time. Or maybe they had another name for us out there and I chose to here Yankee LOL
I can't wait to hear more about this. I used to watch the TV show religiously.
- April 17, 2009 at 8:15 AM
- PatQ said...
Wow, I had no idea. You'd think after living here for 49 yrs I'd know that. Thanks for keeping me up on things.
- April 17, 2009 at 9:31 AM
- Lisa said...
What a cool connection! I look forward to finding out about the book. What is the title of it?
- April 17, 2009 at 11:13 AM
- Farmchick said...
I have always loved LIW and now my daughter is getting interested in her. I actually did some growing up in Minot, ND, and had a teacher with a LIW hobby. She would bring in her collections, information, and books for us to peruse. It was wonderful.
- April 17, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- Donna said...
What a great post. I always loved the Little House series as a kid.
- April 17, 2009 at 11:53 PM
- Christine said...
Hello from the Pacific North West!
I was very intrigued with your adventures visiting The Laura Ingalls Wilder Trail.
Thanks for the history lesson.
- April 18, 2009 at 7:27 AM
- Louise said...
I LOVE this post! As a child and teen I read the entire series of books no less than 8 times--probably more. I always felt a connection to Laura because I had the "hated" brown hair, and I was born in Mansfield, Missouri, where she and Almanzo lived after moving from... WHERE?
I knew NOTHING about the Florida bit. That is SO interesting.
This summer we're going to Missouri (as is usual), then North Dakota for Prince Charming's family reunion, and we're taking a detour to DeSmet on the way because our girls are old enough (5 and 7 then) to appreciate it at least a little. I'm so excited, but I knew NOTHING about the Illinois or Florida connections.
EXCELLENT post!
- April 18, 2009 at 7:31 PM
- Mom Taxi Julie said...
That's kind of weird that they would build their house so close to the graveyard.
That's neat to know about the whole Floriday thing. I haven't read anything other than the set of LI books.
- April 20, 2009 at 4:55 PM
- MJ Krech said...
I just found your wonderful blog! What fun to read about one of my own lifetime favorites! LIW!
My sister and I would each sign out as many of her books from the library as allowed in the 50's in Michigan and read them all, then go back the next week for more.
Last summer my husband and I traveled to southern Missouri (we live in central MO) to visit Laura's last home. It was a lifetime dream. I got to buy all her books in a set. Treasures!
To anyone who can: visit the Missouri places. Great fun!
Also, near the DeSmet, South Dakota homestead, they run wonderful LIW pageants during the summer. This year's dates: July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. Worth the time to visit! We took our kids years ago and had a great time.
- April 21, 2009 at 3:12 PM
I would like to thank you for taking the time to post this information on the Ingalls families that lived in the Plato area for about 15 years. My gr gr grandmother was Adaline Amelia Ingalls and she was born there in 1842. She was the daughter of Samuel Worthen Ingalls and Unity Jasckman. It's really nice to see your pictures and now I have a idea of what the area looks like!!
- June 23, 2009 at 8:43 PM
- Jennifer Shiflett said...
Oh wow, reading this gave me shivers down my spine!! I read the "Little House" books when I was very young (6 or 7) and then again in my teens. I'm now 29 years old and have once again began to read them over. I recently learned that there are more than the three Rose Wilder books that I own and that there are even some Caroline books, and many more. I live in Florida, not anywhere near where Peter once lived, but I had no idea that Laura and her family ever stepped a foot in Florida until now! I got all of my info on the many books that i had never heard of from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Mansfield Historic Museum. maybe the writing you speak of are there, I will definitely be checking that out. I hope one day to take my family to visit her home, but like Laura's family once was, we are close to poor, and we barely make it "by the skin of our teeth!" Thankyou for this wonderful piece of information!! Good luck in your findings!
- November 13, 2010 at 9:24 AM


text:
Tune of the week – Wiley ft Jodie Conner & J2K – Electric Boogaloo
Wileys been in search of that number 1 spot for a while now and i think with this track he may just have found that spot. As soon as i first heard the track on Youtube i've said that this is going to be the track that gets him the crown. So fingers crossed for him!
Also could somebody tell me why J2K still isnt famous? This guy has been one of the hardest spitters i've known since i started listening to Garage and Grime!


text:
Sayer Ji | Green Med Info
There is a medicinal spice so timelessly interwoven with the origins of human culture and metabolism, so thoroughly supported by modern scientific inquiry, as to be unparalleled in its proven value to human health and well-being.
Indeed, turmeric turns the entire drug-based medical model on its head. Instead of causing far more side effects than therapeutic ones, as is the case for most patented pharmaceutical medications, turmeric possesses hundreds of potential side benefits, having been empirically demonstrated to positively modulate over 160 different physiological pathways in the mammalian body.
While no food or herb is right for everyone, and everything has the potential for unintended, adverse side effects, turmeric is truly unique in its exceptionally high margin of safety vis-à-vis the drugs it has been compared with, e.g. hydrocortisone, ibuprofen, chemotherapy agents. Furthermore, nothing within the modern-day pharmaceutical armamentarium comes even remotely close to turmeric's 6,000 year track record of safe use in Ayurvedic medicine.[1]
|Image: herbs-info.com
Here at GreenMedInfo.com, we have reviewed over 5,000 study abstracts from the National Library of Medicine's bibliographic database known as MEDLINE and have discovered over 600 potential health benefits of turmeric, and/or its primary polyphenol known as curcumin. These can be viewed on our turmeric research page which is dedicated to disseminating the research on the topic to a larger audience.
Some of the most amazing demonstrated properties include:
- Destroying Multi-Drug Resistant Cancer
- Destroying Cancer Stem Cells (arguably, the root of all cancer)
- Protecting Against Radiation-Induced Damage
- Reducing Unhealthy Levels of Inflammation
- Protecting Against Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Preventing and Reversing Alzheimer's Disease Associated Pathologies
Learn more about this research in the video below (keeping in mind that it is several years old and needing some updating), and please spread the information to others who may benefit from learning more on the topic
Source: greenmedinfo.com


text:
Alas! today I backslid a bit and vented to a co-worker about an injustice I had to suffer, committed against me out of pure negligence, in other words, by accident. That kind seems hardest to shrug off. Malice I can deal with, but irresponsibility irks me. 'Blessed are the merciful…' restrained me.
Today, as almost always, the words of Jesus blocked me from confronting the perpetrator head on. No, really, I think it's more likely that I let it go out of my own wretched arrogance, 'He's too stupid to do his job, and nothing I say or do would probably help him. Next time, I'll do his job myself.' Lord, have mercy!
Sometimes I wonder why most people, me included, have such a strong sensitivity to perceived injustice. We all know, it seems, what's right and what's wrong. This awareness of a moral standard, some say, is just herd instinct, a learned behavior. Others say, it's innate, and proves the existence of a divine Being.
I don't think we need to prove God's existence by the presence of morality or any other intangible inside us, no matter how universal. I think He's amply proved He's there by the mere fact of the universe, and if that weren't to go unnoticed, by a race of creatures, humanity, that watches it all, and wonders.
Even I am just a hair's breadth this side of atheism, not because I'm not convinced by nature, or by the intangibles and invisibles that resolve everything there is, but because human nature astounds me, and makes it hard to believe in a God who creates and invests such a race, and leaves us to destroy ourselves.
Back to injustice, before my mental blink, my thought was in the thick of it. A hard day led me to remember a hard life, and that led me to thinking about a hard world. Injustice seems to be the rule here but—thank God—it's not the ruler: He is. I'm still troubled, though. I want justice, but can't have it.
There's that persistent nag. I feel that injustice—not just against me, but all of it—should be redressed, even avenged. I call bible verses to mind, 'I will bring them back from the bottom of the sea, for your feet to wade in blood' (Psalm 68). Instead of being horrified by the punishment, I find myself gloating.
Meanwhile, I carefully sidestep injustices I've committed against others, afraid to face the fact that, if justice were to be done, I too could, might, no, would be among those against whom the prophetic sentence is pronounced, 'for the tongues of your dogs to lap up their share of the enemy.' God help us!
No, help me! But the injustice, Lord—forgive me! I keep going back to that!—why do You allow it? Those others torture us, abuse us, buy and sell us, and You do nothing! Will You ever avenge us, tenfold, hundredfold? Will injustice ever be swallowed up in justice, in Your judgment of our oppressors?
Or will You treat them mercifully? Our wounded souls are tantalized by hopes of revenge, of getting even. Still, we cringe, not knowing if mercy might be shown them who, to us at least, never showed mercy, not knowing if our sufferings will merit just judgment, not knowing if we will be shown mercy.
O good and man-loving God! Whether we believe and confess You or not, it is how we have treated You in your distressing disguise, and not how others have treated us, that will even all things between us and those who oppress us, yes, even our enemies, mercy the measuring rod by which You judge all men.
'What? Is God not just?' 'No, He is not.
What would become of us if He were?'
Help us, O Lord, to forget every injustice done to us, but not to blind ourselves to injustice in the world. Grant us grace to be 'instruments of Your peace,' so that, shedding all malice and desire to avenge, we become agents of Your mercy. 'How blessed are the peacemakers. God shall call them His sons.'
Originally written and posted, September 10, 2013.


text:
Punjab Daanish School Govt Jobs in Rajanpur Pakistan:
- Category: Government.
- Province: Punjab.
- Duty Station: Rajanpur.
- Newspaper: Jang.
- Last date to Apply: 15 September 2015.
Job Opportunity Description:
Jobs in Punjab Daanish School & Centers of Excellence Authority Lahore for experienced, well educated, determined, self driven, hardworking, dynamic, result oriented & innovative candidates for vacancies of Mess In-charge, Store Keeper, Junior Clerk, Security Guard & Security Supervisor. The essential requirement for career opportunities in Punjab Daanish School is Intermediate & Matriculation. Candidate must have experience in the relevant field for Jobs in Punjab Daanish School Pakistan. You can submit your application along with detailed Resume / CV, attested photocopies of all relevant documents such as educational certificates, experience certificates, CNIC, domicile & recent photograph at the given address below. Those candidates who fulfill the criteria mentioned in the image, should submit their applications & be a part of well reputed Department. It is golden chance for all those who have higher education & they wanted to work in such type of department, so feel free to apply for these vacant positions. The last date to apply for General Manager & Admin Officers vacancies in Punjab Daanish School is 15 September 2015. The portrayal of vacancies is given in the advertisement.Interested candidates may send their applications on prescribed form along with attested photocopies of all relevant documents at the given address below.
- Website: www.daanishschools.edu.pk
- Address: Punjab Daanish School Rajanpur Pakistan.
- Incomplete application & those received after due date shall not be entertained. Only short listed motivated & committed Candidates will be called for test & interview & no TA/DA will be admissible for appearing in interview. Stay in touch with us & visiting our website newjobsinpakistan.com for latest jobs.
Latest Jobs In Pakistan
NewJobsInPakistan.Com Daily Jobs


text:
Umberto Eco Quotes About HeartQuotes about: Heart
What is love? There is nothing in the world, neither man nor Devil nor any thing, that I hold as suspect as love, for it penetrates the soul more than any other thing. Nothing exists that so fills and binds the heart as love does. Therefore, unless you have those weapons that subdue it, the soul plunges through love into an immense abyss.
You always want someone to hate in order to feel justified in your own misery. Hatred is the true primordial passion. It is love that's abnormal. That is why Christ was killed: he spoke against nature. You don't love someone for your whole life - that impossible hope is the source of adultery, matricide, betrayal of friends ... But you can hate someone for your whole life - provided he's always there to keep your hatred alive. Hatred warms the heart.
Umberto Eco
- Born: January 5, 1932
- Died: February 19, 2016
- Occupation: Essayist
- Cite this Page: Citation


text:
You have not had a truly phenomenal S'more until you have had one made with a homemade marshmallow. Yes, you can indeed make marshmallows at home, and yes, it's incredibly easy! Homemade marshmallows are fluffy, delicate little things that are a simple way to add something special to the end of a summer grilling session. They crisp and begin to melt much faster than store-bought marshmallows, which tend to be somewhat dried out even at their best. My favorite part of the process is cleaning the excess marshmallow fluff (unset marshmallow) from the bowl with a piece of dark chocolate. Heaven!
My original plan was to make vanilla bean marshmallows. While I remembered the seeds from the vanilla bean, I forgot to add the vanilla extract- a costly mistake! The plain marshmallows still tasted fantastic, so that's the recipe I'll be sharing here.
Homemade Marshmallows– Depends on cut, at least 24 large marshmallows
Adapted from Ina Garten aka Barefoot Contessa
Prep time: 25 minutes + leaving marshmallows to set overnight
Cook time: 8 minutes
3 packages unflavored gelatin (there are 4 in the Knox brand boxes)
1 cup cold water, divided
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Confectioners' sugar to line the pan and dust, appx. 3/4 cup
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water and allow to sit.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. If you are not using a candy thermometer, watch the syrup carefully. To test for doneness, drop a small spoonful of the syrup into a cup of cold water. If syrup forms a soft blob, it is ready. If it drizzles and hardens in a stream, let it continue to cook. (Thanks Yahoo Answers for this tip! Worked like a charm.) Remove from the heat when ready.
Fit the mixer with the whisk attachment and turn to low speed. Slowly pour syrup into the dissolved gelatin, then move the mixer to high speed. Whip until the mixture becomes very thick and turns bright white (approximately 8 minutes).
Dust a 9 x 13″ glass baking dish with confectioners' sugar. Marshmallows will stick like crazy if you skimp on the sugar, so err on the side of having too much. Pour the marshmallow mixture (fluff!) into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with additional powdered sugar. Allow the pan to stand uncovered for at least six hours or overnight until the marshmallows have set and dried.
Cut marshmallows into even rectangles or use 1.5-2″ tall cookie cutters for special shapes. Dust individual marshmallows with additional powdered sugar so they will not stick together. Store, covered, at room temperature.
Use marshmallows in S'mores, melt them down to make marshmallow topping for ice cream sundaes, dip them in chocolate, or enjoy them plain. The delightful texture and taste are worth the dishes.


text:
Five months ago, I gave a webinar on "Navigating Your Career Path: Detours and Rough Roads." Due to a technical glitch, the archive version is finally available online.
At the SLA Annual Conference in July, I'll be speaking on a similar topic (Make the Most of a Difficult Situation: Solutions to Get You Through). If you are attending that conference, I hope you come to my session on Monday morning.


text:
One in Denver Federal Court, filed by Gary Fielder, and another in Massachusetts, filed by two Harvard Law students. The second article says that there are also lawsuits in Florida and Arkansas from passengers, and two lawsuits from pilots. And, of course, EPIC's motions are still underway.
I think it is unlikely that any of these lawsuits will find against TSA/DHS, and there are some high-profile law professors who agree, but I'll root for them anyway!


text:
Friday, March 28, 2008
This is a passage from "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott, talking about the friends she has read her work:
"I always send my work Federal Express, because I am too impatient to wait for the mail to deliver it. I spend the entire next day waiting to hear, pacing, overeating, feeling paranoid and badly treated if I haven't heard from my friends by noon. Naturally I assume that they think it is tripe but that they don't have the courage to tell me. Then I'll think about all the things I don't like about either of them, how much in fact I hate them both, how it is no wonder that neither of them has many friends.
"And then the phone will ring and they will usually say something along the lines of 'I think it's going to be great, I think it's really good work. But I also think there are a few problems.'
" . . . My first response if they have a lot of suggestions is never profound relief that I have someone in my life who will be honest with me and help me to do the very best work of which I am capable. No, my first thought is, 'Well, I'm sorry, but I can't be friends with you anymore, because you have too many problems. And you have a bad personality. And a bad character.'
" . . . But then whatever friend is savaging my work will suggest that we go through it together page by page . . . and if I'll hang in there, they'll have found a number of places where things could be much stronger, or funnier, or more real or more interesting, less tedious. They may even have ideas on how to fix those places, and so, by the end, I am breathing a great sigh of relief and even gratitude."
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends
5 comments:
- Katie said...
This was wonderfully honest and refreshing! I actually have this book but put it down mid-read to move and never picked it up again. I'll have to dig through my bookcase for it. Puts critque partners into prespective.
PS...I love your picture on this blog!
Katie from Albuquerque
- March 28, 2008 at 10:54 AM
- Millions of Exaggerations said...
I was debating just last night as to whether it is a good idea to place that burden on say a spouse or family member. I know there have been numerous times I've given a piece to my wife only to get very put aside to find that she hasn't read by the next day.
- March 28, 2008 at 12:15 PM
- Kennisha Hill said...
Millions, I totally understand. My husband tries to be supportative... but he doesn't read much of what I have- unless I threaten him! HAHA! It's tough when your spouse don't take it much seriously sometimes...what do u do then?
- March 29, 2008 at 9:17 AM
- Millions of Exaggerations said...
hahaha I think protocol is to become horribly wounded, overly dramatic, and retreat into the office to write about it
- March 29, 2008 at 6:57 PM
- Tricia Goyer said...
That's true! Sometimes it helps to have a friend that you can share your writing with and who can trade editing back and forth. I had a friend Cindy who I did this with for years.
- April 1, 2008 at 9:00 AM


text:
For the whoopie pies: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cake mix, eggs, 1 cup water, vegetable oil, vanilla and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl with a spatula occasionally. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Cut out an equal number of heart shapes with a cookie cutter and set aside while you make the filling.
For the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until soft, about 1 minute. Add the chocolate, milk and vanilla, and beat to incorporate. Reduce the speed to low and add the powdered sugar and salt. Once the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until the filling is fluffy, about another minute.
To assemble the whoopie pies, use a small spatula or spoon to gently spread a generous tablespoon of the filling over the surface of one of the hearts. Top with another heart and gently press down to sandwich. Repeat with the remaining hearts. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, and serve.
This recipe has been updated and may differ from what was originally published or broadcast.
Check Out Our
Get a sneak-peek of the new Food Network recipe page and give us your feedback.See it Now!


text:
Just over the half way mark in my first ever iPad contest and there are only 16 people entered. This is very good for those of you who are wanting an iPad. :)
But for those of you who don't think the iPad is real, (and I've had a few doubters in the crowd) here's a "lovely" picture of me, only moments ago with bed head and bags under my eyes holding the iPad in its sealed box.
(Gack, that is an awful picture!)
Entry into the contest is EASY!
For every one of my books you purchase and review on Amazon and/or Goodreads, you get entries.
Here's the breakdown.
Review of Sundered on Amazon gets you 2 Entries
Review of Bound on Amazon gets you 5 Entries
Review of either book on Goodreads gets you 2 Entries per
For every friend you send my way who also reviews at least one book you get 5 entries, to an unlimited number of referrals.
You CAN also buy both books through Smashwords, though for the contest you must review on Amazon.
*Open Internationally*
*Only one 16 GB iPad to be drawn for randomly*
*The contest closes at midnight October 2nd*
Phew, I hope that shows you that there really is an iPad!(That picture had better be convincing) I think that next time I will find a prize that is not so flashy, unless all of you like the great prize??


text:
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Teaching's Holy Grail - Irrresistable content
As I watch my daughter playing on the Polly Pocket site, effortlessly negotiating the vast site even though she has just started learning to read and write in English, I see once again how finding material that students are interested in, can completely change their attitude to the language. I've seen the most indifferent of pupils struggle (and understand) material that I would never have imagined possible, simply because they decided that they had to do it in order to achieve their own goals.
So, it doesn't matter what you choose as long as it is in English and helps your students. Don't rule out using films, music, comics, video games even car repair manuals, whatever sparks a glimmer of interest.
Posted by teacher dude at 6:56 pm
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
In one of the previous project with cross-site publishing we faced with strange behavior when Sharepoint showed not latest publishing version in Content by search web part from search index. Here is the scenario: we used classic architecture with single authoring web application and multiple publishing sites:
On publishing sites managed metadata was used in order to show different authoring content on different publishing sites (e.g. Country term set and different publishing sites for different countries). In order to simplify content creation on authoring site custom ribbon action was implemented for Pages doclib which copied publishing pages in the same doclib on the authoring site. I.e. page created for all languages was copied, then translators translated this copy to another languages and changed Country managed metadata to appropriate language. Also they removed this language from original page's metadata:
It worked quite well, i.e. English content was shown on English publishing site, Russian – on Russian. But some time after site worked in production we found one problem: on publishing site if user changed browser language, then Content by search web part showed original English version of the page, which was targeted to both languages. But as I wrote above after translators translated the page they removed their language from the original page (Page 1 on the picture above) and published it with major version.
We used continuous crawl which worked quite well in other scenarios and the problem still reproduced after several hours after it was found, i.e. continuous crawl didn't fix it. We tried to make incremental and full crawls after that also without result. This behavior means the following:
1. Browse language is used for filtering content in Content by search web parts. This is not new finding, I wrote about how to avoid it here: Configure content by search web parts in Sharepoint 2013 to not use client language.
2. Sharepoint may show content from the search index which is not last published version. I.e. even if greater major versions exist for the page, Content by search web part may still show previous version. This looks like a bug, because only latest content should be used in search index.
In order to fix the problem we changed our content by search web parts to not use client language like described in the article above. After that Content by search web parts started to use specified language, not Accept-Language http header of client's browser, but the original problem was still not resolved.
Hope that this information will be useful if you will face with the same problem when will work with cross-site publishing in Sharepoint.


text:
By Jenny Neyman
Redoubt Reporter
Understatement alert — Simon Nissen is excited, as evidenced by a few comments from a recent choir rehearsal:
"It has such a pure ring to it. Aaah! So exciting! … That is everything that we need! … Oh, man! I really, really, really liked that! … Oh my gosh, that is awesome! I'm so excited! I hope you guys are inviting people to this concert, because it is something I am so excited about … ."
Nissen is the new choir teacher at Kenai Central High School. He also plays viola, a fact that spread throughout the local music community before he even moved up from Arizona last summer. He was recruited for the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra and was playing in its summer music festival five days after he got to town. Finding a venue to make music and new friends in his new community was, well, exciting.
"I just get really excited about music and just about being around people. So, yeah, I get kind of bouncy and jump around a lot." Nissen said. "… People have, I think, responded well, and enjoy the music. I found that even if maybe it wasn't their cup of tea at the beginning, if I'm very excited about it and can convey that through the way that I teach, I can usually get them to at least appreciate it, or find some excitement in the song."
But he wasn't thrilled about the lack of a community choir in town. Every few years a choir will form when the orchestra takes on a choral work for its summer festival, but there isn't anything consistent.
"I wanted to sing in a choir because I do miss that. And there was no opportunity for that here, which I thought was just kind of a shame. So I was like, 'Well, I'll just start one.' And so I did," he said.
Last fall he put the word out that there would be a community choir performing with the Redoubt Chamber Orchestra's annual "Evening of Christmas" concert.
"I think I announced, like, told my friends on a Saturday, 'Hey, we're starting rehearsals on Tuesday.' And so didn't really know how to get the word out there," Nissen said. "But that first rehearsal like 45 people showed up. Which I was like, 'Whoa.' And then the second rehearsal it was 80-something. And by the time that Christmas concert came around it was around 90 people consistently."
The weekly choir rehearsals started up again this semester. The group is down to about 60 singers, victims to schedule conflicts and maybe that a spring concert lacks the shine of Christmas music. But it's 60 strong, with a diversity of range and depth of talent.
"I've been really impressed with the level of musicianship. I wasn't expecting to have many people who read music, but I've been blown away how quickly this group is doing just that. The amount and level of music we've been able to accomplish has really impressed me. We have people of all levels but it really is evening out, everybody is stepping up and being strengthened by the experience," he said.
There are current and retired music teachers, high school students, parents of students and people in the community who, like Nissen, just like to sing.
"One of my favorite comments I got was after our first concert, one of the ladies in the choir said, 'I've been waiting 40 years for something like this.' So I was like, 'Oh.' That made me feel like there is a need," he said.
Of course, conducting the choir means he doesn't get to participate in the choir, but that's been a small price to pay.
"I still don't get to sing, but at least other people do. Ultimately, I like teaching music as much as I like signing it, so this has filled that need for me. One of the greatest things about choir to me is camaraderie and fellowship and forming connections, and I still get to do that and get to make great music and help other people make great music," he said.
The choir performed Friday at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School, with the KCHS Women's Ensemble and local musicians rounding out the program.
They'll take a break over the summer but Nissen plans to start the choir's weekly rehearsals again next fall. It will continue to be open to anyone who wants to participate, no matter his or her level of singing experience. But some enthusiasm might be required, or at least contagious.
"As you would expect, I'm really excited about that," Nissen said. "I would love for it to continue and word to get out for anyone who would like to sing, there's a place to sing. We're going to start back up in October and do the holiday stuff with the orchestra again. It's going to be exciting — have I conveyed that?"


text: US Lets China Dominate Asia Zakaria: America distracted and damaged in Iraq helps Beijing court allies By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff Posted Apr 25, 2007 11:38 AM CDT 0 comments Comments Chinese flag (Getty Images (by Event)) View 1 more image (Newser) – The U.S. is so wrapped up in the Middle East that it's sacrificing chances to improve relations with Asia, leaving China to dominate the region, Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria contends. "Beijing has become remarkably adept at using its political and economic muscle in a patient, low-key and highly effective manner," he writes. The U.S. position on Israel rankles Muslims, who make up nearly half of Southeast Asia's population, and would-be allies are put off by the country's plummeting international reputation. "China will be here for 2,000 years," predicts Singapore's prime minister. "America is here today but may go away." View 1 more image


text:
Home » Posts tagged 'anu'
Tag Archives: anu
Linux Conference – Canberra: Arrival
Hi blog readers, coming to you from the muggy jungle of the ACT. Hopefully I can bring you some updates so you don't feel completely left out because of all the fun of LCA (Linux Conference Australia) and you couldn't make it 😉
Good morning world. OMG 3-4-5 AM something and I have woken up and cant sleep!
I am in the dorm at the Australian National University, Canberra and it has been a warm muggy night and we don't have fans or any air moving.
Flights were great. We traveled QANTAS and folks, the service I got was nothing short of excellent! For domestic travel it was great! David Lloyd, Geoffrey Bennett where were you? Nobody to do any impromptu LAN cabling across the seats and down the rows. Just miss you guys around these halls of Geekiness 😉
Leaving home at OMG-it's-too-early-time I caught buses and trains into the Airport. Met a really nice young man who explained in his limited English that he had recently arrived from Iran as a refugee and was heading to Womens and Childrens hospital where a few days earlier his wife had given birth to their new daughter. He had a son 5 who they had to leave with relatives when they fled the persecution in that war torn country. Such a nice young man, I wish them all the best in their adopted country.
Adelaide Airport. What can I say? One day it will look really nice but at this time with all the construction going on it is shambles! The bus stop is miles away from the terminal, well it seems that way when lugging gear! Met up with Daniel Sobey and we had a fun time for the trip. You should have seen the going over he went through when the Melbourne guys checked out his backpack and the IT gear he has stuffed in there LOL
Melbourne was nice but I didn't get to meet up with my good friend as we had planned. Hi Bernadette Dimitrov! Hope all is OK with you.
Canberra. A lot has changed since we lived here in 80-85. A lot has stayed the same. They have a lot of construction going on in the CBD. Even getting what might be called some hi-rise buildings. Well compared to what we see in Adelaide they might be sort of hi-rise 😉
The LCA crew are awesome! Shuttle buses waiting for us and those bright blue shirts! Outstanding! Checking was smooth and some nice goodies in the welcome pack. A nice touch is the goodies kit was on our beds waiting for us when we found our allocated rooms. Good one Canberra!
Uni campus is nice and quite extensive. We worked out how to get LAN and it is screaming so that's a big bonus. Can you believe it, a linux.conf and we have Internet in our rooms before Monday. Wow <giggles>
Such a nice bunch of geeks, met up with some good friends, Hi Kylie Willison! Very helpful local crew. Romana, your Serval guys are next door. Last night they were hacking away for the presentation due later today. Not sure if they pulled an all-nighter but it looked like it was going to be a long night for them. Miss your smiling face around here. Take care. Hugs.
The dorms are … well dorms but the Kitchen facilities, wow, you would think it was a commercial catering centre but NO tools, utensils, post, pans, nuttin!
UPDATE 29/01: The lovely folks at linux.conf.au have kindly provided pots/pans/utensils for our part of the Kitchen. Way to go folks, awesome support!
I had typical student fare last night, 3 minute noodles. Jam the noodles in the plastic KeepCup and fill with water. Zap for 2 minutes, drain and stir. Eat, rinse and make Milo in it without any milk because store is 20 or so minutes walk away and too far. Talking with several others and I think we will be putting some cash in a hat and buying some cheap stuff to last us the week.
Oh yeah. You know what it's like. You get to your destination and think of what you left home. I sure did. How about these classics, Credit card still at home, went through the wash! Loaded up a USB key last night, left it in the PC. Now hacking into the home PC through Team Viewer. Lifesaver!
At least all the power cords and connectors made the journey LOL
So, today is Monday. I managed to get flights to be in enough time to get all registered so that is all taken care of, now on with the Show!


text:
Sony Announces "Cross-Buy", Buy It On PS3 And Get It On Vita For Free
So Sony finally got some sense and announced that on "select" titles if you buy the game on PS3, you get the digital version for your PlayStation Vita for the low price of FREE. This is something that Sony should have announced a long time ago, in fact this is something that Nintendo needs to get on as well and it shouldn't just be with "select" games either. There is no reason that if you own a PS3 and a PlayStation Vita or a Wii U and a 3DS for instance, that you should have to buy the game separately for both platforms. I can understand the benefit only being for the handheld version if you buy the console version, but it should be on any and all games and not just some. I mean seriously, who wants to buy the same game twice?
So far, Sony has revealed that the Cross Buy program will apply to PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale, Sly Cooper and Ratchet and Clank: Q-Force. We know that's not a lot but Sony promises additional games in the future.
So for those of you that do own a PS3 and a Vita, how does this make you feel? Do you think it's a good move? Would knowing that Cross Buy is in effect for a title make you more likely to purchase it? Let us know in the comments.


text:
The Market Economy
This lesson teaches the basics about the market economy, including the relationships between consumers and producers, supply and demand, and profit and incentive. Students learn six traits of a market economy, compare the market economy to other types of economies, identify opportunity costs, and much more. We recommend teaching this lesson before the other lessons in this unit.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to...
- Describe the characteristics of a market economy, including the principle and protection of private property rights.
- Identify the relationship among supply, demand, scarcity, and opportunity cost.
- Analyze how profit, incentive, and competition motivate individuals, households, and businesses.
- Describe the circular flow that shows the interaction among consumers/households, businesses/producers, and markets.
- Analyze how changes in technology, costs, and demand interact in competitive markets to determine or change the price of goods and services.
- Compare the market economy to other types of economies (command, traditional, mixed).
These resources were created with support from the Charles Evans Hughes Memorial Foundation
Teacher Files
Search State Standards
Search for state standards related to this resourceSearch


text:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tatted Mask!
Sorry for the long absence- I have been tatting, but I am still working on remembering/ making time to post! So here is a post for everyone:
One of the first tatting blogs I ever found was TotusMel's Needle Tatting and Other Nonsense. It made me want to learn how to tat even more, as she uses tatting in very creative ways. Now that I read many different tatting blogs, I know she is not the only creative tatter out there (dying art, yeah right!). My favourite pieces that TotusMel makes are her tatted ankle corsets and her tatted masks. I have now managed to make both! The ankle corsets are my version of this necklace, with several changes.
They now have ribbon laced up the back (I forgot to take a picture with them on).
I also just finished TotusMel's tatted mask that she posted step-by-step directions here. There are many mistakes in it (aka "personalization"), in part I think because I shuttle tat, whereas TotusMel needle tats and I am stilling learning how to translate patterns. Also, it is probably the most complicated thing I have tatted to date, so mistakes are to be expected!
I hope everyone is having a great day and I plan on posting more often!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Happy Monday!!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Happy Monday!!
29 comments:
Yeehaw!!!!!! It's fabulous, Lori. The pieced backing is terrific.ReplyDelete
Your little cowboy is going to LOVE this one!! Gorgeous!!ReplyDelete
Hey Lori, The cowboy top looks great! I think that's very ambious of you to quilt cables on there, but I'm sure it will look great! How does the frixion pen work? washes out? 'hope all is well with you! cheers, CWReplyDelete
You are rolling right along! Looking good!ReplyDelete
Very cute, Lori! It's sure to be well-loved.ReplyDelete
I'm with Claire - tell us about your experience with frixion pens.
great quilt - love the back ;)ReplyDelete
I Love the quilt and the back is very cute....I don't know if you know frIxion pens take the color out of the fabric....the longer you leave it on the more it takes the color out.....bummer they are very cool to use...ReplyDelete
Well, you're ready to pack up and go on an overnight horseback trip! Sleep under the stars....ReplyDelete
Looks fabulous - it's so great to see 'my' fabric being put to good use!ReplyDelete
Ride'em Cowboy. Great quilt, creative back.ReplyDelete
What fun! Finished is such a great feeling :)ReplyDelete
The nephews will love the cowboy quilts, Lori! They are adorable. And I'm so glad the stencil is working out for you. It's for the red/white quilt. I like those pens, whose marks disappear when ironed, but I have found sometimes there is a faint residual white line---your quilting will no doubt cover it. I expect you to have that done immediately---definitely by the time I see you next week!ReplyDelete
I have been wondering about the frixion pens...especially worried about them on white. Have you had a good experience with them? Do the marks really come out?ReplyDelete
Love it!!! Love the simplicity, love the blocks, love the fabric, love the back!! This one is going in my "file" for a future grandbaby quilt!!ReplyDelete
I love how it came out, reminds me of a bandana quilt, perfect for the little cowboy.ReplyDelete
I had forgotten about your cowboy quilts. It looks great with so many fun cowboy fabrics. Your nephews will have a great time checking out all the prints.ReplyDelete
What a great quilt! It shows off the cowboy fabrics very well. I can't wait to see the other one :0)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 27, 2012 at 1:54 PM
That's an amazing quilt - so vibrant and fun. Looking forward to seeing photos of little cowboys with their quilts. GabeReplyDelete
Spectacular! I love what you created. You are such a fun, happy quilter!ReplyDelete
Love those bright blues.ReplyDelete
It's a rootin' tootin' success! Any little cowpoke would be proud to own that quilt!ReplyDelete
Git along, little doggies! Very cool quilt for a little cowpoke!ReplyDelete
Love it, and the back, too! :o)ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
That will make one kid very, very happy!!ReplyDelete
The quilt is adorable. Bet it feels good to have it done.ReplyDelete
So bummed that I missed so much blog time lately, but my computer was sick.
Woohoo, congratulations on your finish! A wonderful quilt!ReplyDelete
Love that border quilting design.
Yee haw for the finish oin the cowboy quilt! Love the cables on the red and white.ReplyDelete
I love to reply to comments or a question. If you are on firstname.lastname@example.com I have no way of contacting you. Please leave an email address. If you need help changing the setting please email me.
Because of the recent uptake in spam I am no longer allowing anonymous comments. If you want to comment feel free to send me an email as I would love to hear from you!
- ► 2018 (75)
- ► 2017 (142)
- ► 2016 (147)
- ► 2015 (168)
- ► 2014 (171)
- ► 2013 (172)
- A Little Porch Time for August
- Git Along Little Doggies!
- Frixion Pens
- YeeHaw!
- 2 Little Quilts
- 600 Post Celebration- Winner!
- Red and White
- Adventures of Sven the Nisse
- Quilts for Sale! AAQI Quilts for Sale!
- Jane Stickle and Friends
- Coburg Quilt Show
- Dress quilt
- Here's my little Drunkards Path quilt that I rec'd...
- Local County Fair
- Odds N Ends
- No Focus
- Teacher's tent
- ▼ August (17)
- ► 2011 (130)
- ► 2010 (132)


text:
A two-day search for missing Chinese mariner Guo Chuan ended late Wednesday, according to U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Branch officials.
They said they did not find the missing sailor and expressed deep condolences to Guo's family, friends and sailing team.
Guo, considered the best mariner in China, set out from San Francisco on October 18, trying to set a solo sailing record across the Pacific to Shanghai, China.
After receiving reports that Guo had missed his Hawaii arrival time Tuesday, rescue operations began.
Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules surveillance crews conducted six search patterns covering nearly 12,000 square kilometers of water in the vicinity of the charted course of Guo's 30-meter super trimaran.
The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island deployed an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter Wednesday, once rescuers were in range to attempt contact with Guo, whose craft was located 1,000 kilometers northwest of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Radio calls went unanswered, so rescuers deployed an inflatable boat and crew. The boat crew found a life jacket on board the trimaran but no sign of Guo.
This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Mandarin service.


text:
The mindset someone has while viewing a piece of media – book, art, movie, anime TV show – will, obviously, effect how that person will react to that piece of media. My mindset doesn't often visibly bubble up when I want to talk about anime; though, I'm sure it subtly does all the time.
As the new season of anime starts and I'm watching the many anime series for the first time I was surprised when one, Kotoura-san, had a moment where it connected to and gave me an answer to a question I'd been pondering and reflecting on after the Newtown school shooting.
Before I get to the answer Kotoura-san provided I need to start with the question.
The question that I have been asking myself – why did this happen and what is the best way to make sure this doesn't happen again? – is one most, if not all, of the people, after hearing about this event, asked themselves at least once.
Some rushed to answer this question with their personal biases and political causes even before the facts were clear; which annoyed me, though I was hardly surprised by it. What did surprise me was that once it became clear what happened that these "answers" were still being treated like actual answers.
I'm talking, obviously, of those that are pushing "gun control" measures in response to and as the answer to the Newtown school shooting. By nature, I'm leery of these measures because I know how important the Second Amendment is towards ensuring the federal government never becomes a tyrannical government. However, I am willing to consider them because I want to arrive at the correct answer.
Of the many ideas being put forth under the "gun control" umbrella I would ask myself – would X (where X is banning a certain type of gun, size of ammunition clip, etc.) have stopped/limited the Newtown school shooting or would X stop/limit a future massacre like the Newtown school shooting. The answer has been a big No in every case. None of these measures come even close to helping stop or limit the chances of another shooting like the Newtown school shooting. So, it's this disconnect between the desired result with the results if these "gun control" measures are enacted that makes it clear that the people pushing for them are either uninformed and detached from reality or only care about their political agendas, with the latter being the majority of those people.
I almost decided to write a post here on how infuriating it is to not only see these people attacking the Constitution like they are but to see them use a tragedy of this magnitude to do it; but, I convinced myself to stick to purpose of this blog – anime with a little SF thrown in – and I let it go. Which is why I'm going to move on before this becomes a rant.
If "gun control" isn't the answer, I asked myself, what is.
One of the first things I thought of was my own high school. It was a good high school but it was an inner-city high school and even back in the mid to late 1990's, when I attended, there was enough of a need that we had an armed security guard in the school at all times. My high school also had big thick metal doors with very little windows that would be exceedingly hard to break through and all these doors were kept locked to the outside at all times except the main door before classes started (and you can guess where the security guard stood in the morning).
Concurrent to that I thought that it was a shame that none of the staff had a gun.
I myself don't own a gun but I did take a marksmanship class in college and that semester taught me, among other things, that you can't just give teachers guns because something would go wrong. Any teacher would need extensive training to know what to do in a situation like the Newtown shooting without potentially harming innocent by-standers; but, even just allowing for the possibility that one teacher might have a gun in school without anyone knowing which teacher it is would provide a very strong deterring effect. A less lethal option I thought of is having trained teachers equipped with bullet-proof vests and tasers (without the students knowing the number and who is so armed).
All three of these answers – armed security guards, structural improvements, and some form of arming of the school staff – would definitely limit the severity of school shootings and probably reduce how many will occur but they aren't the full answer I'm looking for since these address what happens after the shooting starts and does not address the issue before the shooting starts. (And the reduction might only come from the shooter deciding to go to a softer target then these improved schools.)
Almost all of these mass shooting seem to end with the shooters committing suicide which leads me to think that the shooters perform their terrible crimes knowing that hundreds of millions of people will be talking about them long after they kill themselves. If this is the case then maybe the media need to change how they cover mass shootings like this. Instead of plastering the shooter's name, picture, and life story everywhere, I'm guessing there would be less of an incentive to commit such a crime if the potential shooters knew they would be referred to generically as "Shooter A" and no identifying personal information (including pictures) would be used.
Another near universal feature shared between these shooters is they have some form of psychological issue which makes the idea of making it more difficult for people like that to own firearms worth exploring. Though, anything done on this front needs to be carefully thought out and done sensitively because I'd be worried about over-zealous or ill-guided enforcement. And, the Newtown shooting shows that the person with the psychological issue can just steal what they want. (If the mother was that worried about her son, she should have been storing her firearms in such a way they couldn't easily get stolen.)
Related to the previous issue, I also think comprehensive studies need to done to see if the medications used to treat these psychological issues might be contributing to these shooters going through with their mass killings. I know in recent years many anti-depressants have needed to add an additional warning that teens and young adults have an increased risk of suicide when using or just coming off the use of drugs. I also know many types of medications are proscribed "off-label" meaning the drug companies get their drug approved for some group, say "men 45-65 with a history of cancer", and then push doctors to proscribe it all men and women over the age of 14. And it happens regularly; the article I remember reading said with some drugs 98% of their use are from groups of people not in the original studies. I wonder how many of these drugs that get proscribed to the teens and young adults that commit mass shooting are actually safe to give to the teenagers and young adults in question.
(I find it troubling that both the Newtown shooter and the Aurora theater shooter were taking something(s) at the time of their crimes but, while we know everything about the guns used, we're told a couple times they were taking something but never anything more. Maybe these shooters are all taking the same or similar medications or maybe they're not but, either way, it's obvious some decision has been made to not let the public know.)
Once again all these answers – making it harder to gain fame from a mass shooting, making it harder for those with mental issues to own a gun, and looking if certain medications help push the shooters into committing their crimes – would almost assuredly help reduce the number school shootings but they're not the full answer either.
Even combining both groups of three real answers, they would not eliminate school shootings from occurring and this is where I got stumped and where Kotoura-san comes in, unexpectedly.
Kotoura-san was advertised to be an anime comedy set in a high school paranormal club with the main character being a girl that can read minds. The first episode starts and, instead of the expected happy-go-lucky atmosphere, in 10 minutes the viewer watches as the girl's ability to read minds slowly destroys her life.
It begins by making her an outcast at school when the kids get old enough to have secrets they didn't want accidentally exposed (which girl like what boy, etc.) and this leads the teacher to tell the mother that the main character is a compulsive liar and needs help. The doctors can't help which leads to increasing levels of stress at home which pushes the mother to drinking and the father to having an affair (which the main character inadvertently exposes). Eventually, neither parent can stand the other or the main character so they divorce and dump her with the grandfather. The main character changes schools many times but each time, sooner or later, she responds to something she's learned with her mind reading and her schoolmates turn on the creepy kid that invades people's minds and she once again becomes an outcast.
As I'm watching this tale of despair, a thought popped into my mind – I wouldn't be surprised if she decided to shoot up her school before killing herself. And then a second thought added – and afterwards everyone would talk about how weird she was and how she never made any friends.
I realized both thoughts were correct.
This is the type of mindset that is needed for someone to shoot up a school before committing suicide.
The mechanism that got her to that point was not the same (I don't think any of these school shooters claimed to be mind readers) but I bet many of the same situations and feelings played out in the pasts of those that became school shooters. I then got curious to see how Kotoura-san was going to solve the problems of the main character because this anime was still supposed to be a comedy series. Their answer was so simple that I feel stupid in not figuring out it earlier. The main character in Kotoura-san met a guy who wanted to be her friend and didn't mind the fact that she could read his mind.
This was the answer I was looking for to the question after the Newtown school shooting – why did this happen and what is the best way to make sure this doesn't happen again?
It happened because the shooter didn't have at least one good and true friend. If all potential shooters could find one good and true friend then there wouldn't be any more school shootings.
It's a simple answer and a difficult one. Difficult because, instead, of merely having some nice speeches given and a law or two passed, it would require everyone to be a little slower in categorizing, dividing and excluding people; to be a little more understanding, open, and accepting; to not demean or bully people that fall outside one's nicely constructed "tribe"; to try a bit more and maybe feel a touch inconvenienced by it all.
Difficult? – yes – the sexy, cool answer? – not really; but, it's what we need to do to ensure another shooting like what happened in Newtown doesn't happen again.