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Please join us for a special evening to support our neighbors affected by the recent fire at 509 and 511 Amsterdam
A few weeks weeks ago, our block of Amsterdam Avenue between 84th and 85th streets suffered an unfortunate fire. Many of the residents have relocated and are facing challenging times, bringing us together as a community to support them. Our heart goes out to our neighbors.
We are proud to announce a month of fundraising that will culminate with an event at Maison Pickle on Wednesday 4/26, hosted by City Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ken Biberaj and Director of the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, Chef Greg Silverman.
Helen Rosenthal represents the Upper West Side in the New York City Council. She is a leading voice on issues of affordable housing, pedestrian safety, accessibility, civic engagement, the environment and adequate funding for social service providers. Helen is a member of the Council's Budget Negotiating Team, Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus, and sits on the Mayor's Gender Equity Commission. To sign up for Helen's email list, visit: helenrosenthal.com.
Daniel O'Donnell was elected to represent the 69th District in the New York State Assembly in 2002. During his tenure he has been the prime sponsor of several trailblazing bills, such as the Marriage Equality Act and the Dignity for All Students Act, which requires public schools in New York to combat bias-based bullying and harassment. O'Donnell served as Chair of the Corrections Committee from 2013 until 2017, and in 2017 was named Chair of the Committee on Arts, Parks, Tourism, and Sports Development. To learn more about Danny, visit: assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Daniel-J-O'Donnell/
Ken Biberaj is the Chairman of the Board for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and an executive with his family's commercial real estate company in NYC, with a focus on representing small and midsize businesses in their expansion. He is a champion of entrepreneurship and innovation in NYC and a voice for small businesses in City government. As Chairman of the Board, Ken has increased both revenue and membership and expanded the policy advocacy of the Chamber of Commerce. He lives with his wife Valerie on the Upper West Side, and they have two young boys.
Greg Silverman, a chef, entrepreneur, and longtime leader in the anti-hunger movement, was recently named Executive Director of the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, the NYC emergency food pantry, culinary training, and social service counseling center. Chef Greg's work in the food and hunger space include serving as National Partnerships Director at Share Our Strength, owner and chef of successful restaurants in Ithaca, NY, and U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Mali. Currently he is a Board Member of Farm Africa, and loves cooking up change with communities across the globe.
Our Neighborhood
Why We Stand Together & How to Move Forward
Manhattan Commerce
How Connections, Visibility, Education, & Advocacy Helps Neighbors In Need
West Side Campaign Against Hunger
What We Do to Help, Everyday
Ways To Give More
Our Fundraising Campaigns, Goals & Where to Donate
Daniel O'Donnell
Assembly Member, 69th District | New York State Assembly
Helen Rosenthal
Council Member, 6th District | New York City Council
Ken Biberaj
Chairman of the Board of Directors | Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Chef Greg Silverman
Executive Director | West Side Campaign Against Hunger
Jacob Hadjigeorgis
Founder, Chief Executive Officer | Jacob's Digs


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"Wonderful!" said I, imagining a 100% on a test, an A+ on an essay, or maybe even a lab project with a big gold star plastered on the "good work" board, "What made it so great?"
"Today I had my brand new Uggs, my Northface jacket and my LL Bean backpack. Finally the exact right pieces for school."
For those of you who either live in sunny Hawaii/CA or under a rock so are unaware of the most important teen fashion trend of the past decade, Uggs are those furry boots that Uma Thurman made famous a long time ago. They are the footwear de rigueur of the middle school set, and even middle aged moms. Pity those of us who live in cold weather and for months are consigned to bulky ugly footwear just to keep warm.
My girls longed for Uggs, not because they're beautiful or warm or comfortable, but because they're in style and "every girl in Winchester wears them."
The also cost, at minimum $150/pair. There was no way I was paying that sort of money for girls whose feet grew an inch every six months. I won't pay that sort of money for myself and my feet haven't grown since my last pregnancy. Even more, because they're suede, you can't actually wear Uggs in snow or slush--which is a lot of the time you need boots in the winter in New England!
3 or 4 years ago, I found FUggs (Fake Uggs) at BJs Wholesale Club for $38/pair. The miser in me still felt like those were a bit expensive given I did most of my boot shopping for kids on Sierra Trading Post (the best place for activewear and sundries at deep discount), but I swallowed, bought them each a pair and wrapped them up for Christmas.
The screams and shouts of joy warmed the cockles of my heart. The happiness lasted for months with hardly a complaint about their fakeness.
It became a yearly ritual, buying FUggs.
But in the past year or so FUggs lost their glamour--they became seen for what they are, fake. They don't have that Ugg label on the back of the heel. They don't leave the Ugg prints in the snow from their stamped plastic bottoms. Friends look at your feet and know you're an imposter in the middle school world.
Last year, an adolescent psychologist talking about parenting middle school kids, said the reason all the girls need Uggs and Northface jackets is they have so much going on in their brains, they're so sure that everyone's looking at them and judging them, that if they wear the right uniform, they don't have to worry--they can relax about just one thing, and getting just one thing off their minds is a huge relief.
That stuck with me. So when I flew to CA for my uncle's 80th birthday last December, I asked my mom to take me straight off the plane to the Northface Outlet, where I bought every one of my kids a jacket. I wasn't going to buy one for my son because he never talks about the latest fashion, but Mama insisted I include him and then threw in $ towards the jackets as her Christmas present to the kids.
Not bad.
But I still held out against Uggs because I'm not going to plop down $150 on feet that are still growing. And even if they stop growing, I'm still not going to plop down $150.
So Kai-Kai, who's been babysitting up a storm ever since turning 13, decided to save for her own Uggs. It didn't even take her that long. Scott took her to Nordstrom's on Sunday and she spent her own $180 on chocolate brown Uggs that look just like the picture at the top.
And finally, after years of FUggs and insufficient clothing, she could walk into 8th grade with the proper uniform and not worry about it. I'm glad she saved and got what she wanted so she could feel good about herself in middle school.
Good for her. She had a gold medal day.
|Kai-Kai with her LL Bean backpack (as we're leaving
for China 2 summers ago)

subset: commoncrawl


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From the Telegraph:
A rarely seen Buddhist flower, which blossoms every 3,000 years, has been discovered under a nun's washing machine.
The Udumbara flower was found in the home of a Chinese nun in Lushan Mountain, Jiangxi province, China.
The rare Youtan Poluo or Udumbara flower, which, according to Buddhist legend, only blooms every 3,000 years, measures just 1mm in diametre.
[Read more at the Telegraph]
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Quick Roundup 366
Friday, October 03, 2008
Dear Subscribers and Friends of TOS,You can preview the seven main articles and five book reviews of the Fall 2008 issue at the TOS web site. Being in the process of relocating to Boston due to my wife's medical residency there, I'm particularly interested in Paul Hsieh's "Mandatory Health Insurance: Wrong for Massachusetts, Wrong for America". In fact, the topic came up indirectly when I was on the phone with Mrs. Van Horn last night.
I'm pleased to announce that TOS is now on 310 newsstands (primarily Barnes & Noble) nationwide. Next time you're in your local bookstore, check to see if it's there. If it's not, let the manager know about the journal (you might even show him a copy), and suggest that he order it, which he can do through Ingram Periodicals. Mention that the journal presents a unique and vital perspective on cultural and political issues, elaborate on that perspective as you see fit, and point out that such a journal might sell well today.
Also, we are now selling downloadable PDFs of single articles and book reviews for $4.95 and $2.95 respectively. To purchase PDFs, or to browse what is available, click on "Single Issues" in the navigation bar of our website. And if you know anyone who might appreciate one of our articles, please let him know about this new option.
Thank you for your continued business and support.
Craig Biddle
Editor and Publisher
If you see TOS during your shopping trips in Boston or Houston, where I'll be through the end of the year, let me know!
I'd Last Longer Tied to a Bedpost with a Velociraptor!
Having work to do yesterday evening, I missed meeting with my home brewing club, and worked at home instead. Breaking for dinner, I figured that this week's episode of The Office might be on, so I turned on the boob tube, only to find that the debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden had preempted it. It must have been around the same time Dismuke tuned in. Sez he:
I listened to part of it on the radio. When it started, I was actually rooting for Palin - not because I like McCain (I don't) but because of the slime and sludge that has been thrown at her by the Walter Duranty media.He may have lasted longer than I. I heard her say this, or something very like it, adding something to the effect of "John McCain is known for advocating tough regulations." She cited campaign finance reform -- a primary reason I simply can not vote for the man -- as an example. As if that were a good thing!
Her AGREEING with Biden that it was a lack of regulation (!) that caused the current economic mess - well, I wanted to puke. The Democrats and the Walter Duranty Media have been trying to lay the blame for the situation on capitalism. Here was a chance for someone who ought to know better to bypass the Walter Duranty media filters and educate the public on what REALLY caused the mess. But instead she merely echoed the media and the Democrats. That is pretty close to treason in my book. Was it her own doing - or was she simply following the wishes of her boss, John McCain? I am not really sure that it matters one way or another. The damage has been done.
I turned off the tube immediately. You'll have to go to the Man with the Iron Stomach, Myrhaf, for a detailed analysis of the debate....
I will say a couple of things, though. First, I thought that Biden trounced Palin in terms of sounding like he knew what he was talking about, but that in terms of likability, it was even more heavily skewed the other way. Second, if you want to know how long you'd last tied to a bedpost with a velociraptor, go here!
Opting Out of Making a Principled Stand
On several occasions (esp. links in first paragraph), I have discussed the pernicious idea of "libertarian paternalism", which is especially appalling when governments apply it to make unwitting citizens into organ donors by default, as some have in Europe:
A "social good?" American defaults could "just" be flipped around? That's my body, asshole, and possibly my life you're talking about like it's a damned toggle switch! Whether I part myself out is up to me. The "difference" between the United States and "parts of Europe" is not so much that "the defaults" are different, but why they are different: In the United States, the government is designed to protect individual rights by default, not infringe upon them. The argument against the government applying "libertarian paternalism" in cases like this, and in getting it away from more benign instances like the one I cited above, is that the government should respect individual rights.Given my obvious moral opposition to that idea, as well as to libertarianism, it stands to reason that I would take a gander at this libertarian critique of libertarian paternalism (a review of Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein) I found at Arts and Letters Daily.
I was not disappointed, at least in the perverse sense of finding only weak objections where unsparing attacks should have been. Will Wilkinson offers the following objections to applying libertarian paternalism to a couple of policy questions.
Suppose President John McCain were to implement a policy of opt-out national service. We might reasonably object on the grounds that it would all too clearly communicate that individuals need reasons not to serve the state. If allowed to stand, such a policy could shape social expectations and individual preferences in a direction at odds with individual liberty. Soon enough we might find ourselves asking, "Why should you be able to opt out at all?" The initial paternalistic nudge may "leave the choice open," but accepting the legitimacy of certain nudges may eventually diminish the value we place on liberty. [bold added]The point about choice withering away when we hand all power over to the state is well-taken, but the state's ability to even be in the position of being able to offer such a "choice" already depends on the violation of individual rights on such a massive scale as to make the question a bad thought exercise at best! Why not kill two birds with one stone by morally opposing national servitude -- and the massive welfare state that has acclimated the public to being told what to do, and makes it easier to implement than it would be otherwise? We remain somewhat free even now: Our descent into tyranny is preventable, but on the cultural level, which is to say, on the level of the philosophical ideas held by the general voting public.
And then we get back to my favorite, the practice of the state harvesting organs from the incapacitated without their actual consent:
Thaler and Sunstein's suggestion to increase the supply of transplant organs by changing the default rule to "presumed consent" instead of nondonation may leave you with similar thoughts. To say that an individual's body is common property by default is to make a statement with cultural consequences that reach beyond the policy's immediate effects. Anyway, why not just legalize markets in organs and tissue, a genuinely libertarian form of choice architecture likely to have even better results? [bold added]Again, a good point in the last sentence, but has Wilkinson ever felt the palpable rage that such a suggestion can draw from a religionist who doesn't want "us" "playing God"? And speaking of rage, where is his? What Thaler and Sunstein propose is wrong, and beyond the pale, and yet all Wilkinson can muster against it is that it "has cultural consequences beyond the policy's immediate effects"!?!?
Thaler and Sunstein are wrong, but they're pikers. It isn't so much the fact that they are implying that we don't even own our own bodies that is the problem, but the fact that they can get away it so easily. Our culture is saturated with the notion (in many ultimately inconsequential variants) that man does not exist for his own sake. Failing to take a stand against that very idea -- and instead feebly offering as Wilkinson does that it might have unpleasant consequences -- is not going to stop such an idea from being implemented.
People generally buy into the idea that the moral and the practical are often at odds and, when they see a clash, they will favor the "moral" if they are decent. If they are not, they will permit themselves to be "nudged" into doing what they feel is expedient, which ultimately means that decent, mistaken people and range-of-the-moment pragmatists all end up doing the same foolish things.
Libertarian paternalism is, as Wilkinson puts it, "no source of ideological realignment", but that's not the issue here. The issue is that it is a symptom of the fact that our culture needs a massive ideological realignment, one away from the altruism and collectivism that makes serious proposals to steal the liberty of the conscious and the very bodies of the unconscious possible in the first place. Such a realignment cannot occur when, in the face of such obscenities, one fails to call a spade a spade. Altruism is not just something with unpleasant "cultural consequences": It diminishes and ends human lives. As such, it is immoral and must be exposed as such at every opportunity.
The facts of reality make a proper morality a necessity. There is no way to opt out.
(I note with interest that there is a review of Nudge by Eric Daniels in the upcoming Objective Standard.)


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Sean O'Rourke
Sean has been actively photographing landscapes, food, events, still life's and much more for over 3 years. He is currently pursuing a bachelors in Business Management (IT Concentration) at Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He's currently working for Demand Media Studios as a tutorial photographer. Sean's two favorite styles of photography are landscapes and food. Feel free to check out Sean's work at http://seanorourkephoto.com/.
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Tomorrow the UN, together with many countries around the world, will celebrate Human Rights Day, commemorating the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948.
Each year, this day is dedicated to one specific issue related to one or several of the thirty articles in this declaration, which include, among others, the right to life (Article 3) and the right to equal treatment by state authorities regardless of one's gender, race, religion, political affiliation, etc (Article 2). They also include civic rights such as the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19) or the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association (Article 20).
This year's Human Rights Day focuses on the rights of all people "to make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decisionmaking."
The UN's official Human Rights Day 2012 Web site especially mentions political movements in which people, on the basis of rights expressed in articles 19 and 20 of the declaration, stood up against governments which inflicted political and social injustices on them by oppressing dissenting opinions.
One may or may not agree with the specific goals of public protesters. However, as a democrat, one cannot disagree that those people have the right to express their political opinion in public and to organize peaceful rallies where like-minded people may join them to express their social and political demands.
Such rights have become an important feature of modern democracies; they stipulate the rights of the individual vis-a-vis the various institutions of political power. Modern minds consider the state guaranteeing and protecting public protests against itself the most mature form of democratic practice. The German constitution of 1949 is such a paradigmatic example.
Taiwan, a democratic country in its political structure, still struggles with the undemocratic mindsets of some influential people. It seems that essential ingredients of democratic thought have not arrived yet in the minds of some of the country's top political executives.
What we have been witnessing in Taiwan in the past few days is the unfolding of, well, not really a tragedy, but rather a political farce, written by incompetent politicians with undemocratic mindsets who mistake the function of their job with the imposition of their personal preferences and values on people under their influence.
A few days ago the Ministry of Education sent an e-mail to 37 university administrations asking them to investigate students who were involved in protests against the government's political move to legalize the gradual monopolization of Taiwanese media.
In this e-mail, the ministry asked universities to show "concern" for the students' health, since the demonstrations took place in cold and rainy weather.
One might think it a very touching story of caring politicians, but that is hard to believe.
Given that Minister of Education Chiang Wei-ling (蔣偉寧) apologized for the e-mail (though not really "heartfeltly"), promised to ponder "with empathy toward the students" over different ways of expressing concern in the future and initiated a review of university regulations that — I am not making this up — still make it a punishable demeanor for students to participate in protest rallies, it is clearly indicated that other "concerns" were in place, despite, as he later commented the e-mail in question, his "good" and "heartfelt" intentions.
When reading this, one cannot help but sympathize (or should we say, empathize?) with a student leader's remarks about the minister accusing him of being incompetent, hypocritical and making statements "full of lies," because it is outrageous for a top official to instigate institutions under his supervision to investigate students involved in perfectly legal, but politically unwelcome public actions on behalf of his personal "concerns."
However, there is more than personal incompetence at stake: There is also a local cultural component present which poisons interactions among people, disfavoring those who are on the "wrong" side of the communication.
The logic behind the patronizing attitude demonstrated by Chiang is still prevailing in Taiwan: People in the upper ranks of hierarchies are not only in charge of the functions that come with their positions, but also of the private lives of individuals under their guidance.
The illegal imposition of long and unpaid working hours on employees is just another case in this aspect.
Human rights favor values which are different: They promote subjective rights of individuals to live their lives along their own personal and moral choices and opinions and, at the same time, insist on national legislation to legally guarantee equal rights and fair opportunities for all to do so.
They are grounded in the historical experience that the imposition of forms of life of the powerful on those subjected to their power fails humanity.
A human rights inspired politician must therefore seek to promote moral norms based on individual freedom by providing the legal space necessary for individuals to develop.
Human rights define this legal space as a public one, whereas national laws specify it by restricting individual freedom in order to enable equal individual freedom for all.
National politics must seek to protect individual freedom from politically, culturally or socially motivated impositions of standardized lifestyles that often apply soft (and sometimes not so soft) power on them under the hypocritical cover of peace and harmony, especially as imagined by the privileged who pursue their own agenda.
Modern life clashes with old-fashioned traditions that have difficulties accepting such a separation of the legal sphere and individual life.
The Confucian tradition is one such old-fashioned culture which, despite some undeniably positive social elements, cements hierarchies, discourages individuality, and finally undermines democracy and human rights. There is a reason why China promotes Confucian values.
The ministry's hypocritical health concern is very Confucian, acting as if the imposition of certain (ridiculous) ideals of life ("Don't protest in cold weather") at the cost of civic rights are morally acceptable in Taiwan.
This is yet another example of how numb forms of regional cultural practices contradict modern ideas of universal human rights.
There is still a long way to go to complement — and sometimes correct — certain cultural practices with ideas that ensure the rights of free individuals.
The student's action of openly stating his opinions directly in the face of the minister is an encouraging sign that the country is on the right way to fully implementing the ideas of human rights not only in legal texts, but also in the minds of the people.
If the self-proclaimed champion of human rights in Taiwan, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), is serious about his mission, then one would expect him to sack his minister of education, whose administration pursues an educational policy that sooner or later will kill the brain of the last remaining person with a mind of their own in Taiwan.
Herbert Hanreich is an assistant professor at I-Shou University in Greater Kaohsiung.


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Polperro Model Village
If you think Polperro looks quaint then just wait until you see it in miniature…Polperro Model Village depicts the resort in all its charm and it's the kind of attraction you'll stumble upon and spend a very happy hour in. Tiny whitewashed cottages huddle around a miniature harbour (complete with water), and the detail of the models impresses grown up visitors as much as the model railway delights the little ones.
From the coloured boats in the harbour to the fishermen going about their business in the cobbled streets, the model village doesn't miss a detail of life in Polperro so it's a lovely attraction for visitors to experience. The attraction's run by a friendly couple and if they're quiet enough they're often happy for children to return for another look at the models on the same day as visiting at no extra cost.
Step back in time in The Land of Legend, a section which depicts the many myths and legends that have made up Cornwall's folklore for centuries (in miniature of course) and watch as the sound and lights animation brings the models to life. Lastly, what's a model village without a model railway?! The railway chugs its way past typical villages, farms and dozens of little details carefully designed to delight all ages.


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March 9th. This was a sea day, which meant that we didn't land anywhere. I met with my doll-making group, while Harry went to the Cruise Critic meet-up. After the meet-up Harry went on a tour of some of the Cruise Critics' cabins and suites. (I belong to the Cruise Critic Boards, and if there are enough CC members on a cruise, they will schedule a get-together. )
March 10th. First island - Bridgeport, Barbados. I had signed us up for a ship-sponsored tour of Harrison's Cave, which was very interesting. Most of the Caribbean islands are volcanic islands, but a large part of Barbados was created from layers of sediment, so that water dripping from the surface through limestone has created an extensive cave system. When you get to the entrance, there are educational exhibits and a good video, then you get to ride in a little trolley down a tunnel through the cave. There is some controversy about whether excavating to make a tourist attraction was a good thing or not, but before this was done the only way to get into the cave was by crawling on your hands and knees and wading through water. This is a 'young' cave, geologically speaking, so the stalactites and stalagmites are not developed like those say, in Carlsbad Caverns, but the formations are still very intriguing.
|Inside Harrison's Cave. (I'm waiting for my husband to send me his better photos)
March 11th. St. Lucia. I had signed us up for an all-day tour called "Island's Delights". If I were to go again I would choose only one of the many places we visited, but as it was we drove and drove and the roads were very windy. Among our stops was Sulphur Springs, which is advertised as a drive-in volcano.
|You can't get too close, but you can sure smell the sulphur.
We had lunch at a hillside restaurant.
|View towards the Pitons.
|Loved this sign.
|Diamond botanical gardens
March 12th, Antigua
In Antigua we had to take a small boat across the bay to get to town. I was tired of package tours, so we used my husband's cell phone map as a guide. At first we wandered through the 'locals' part of town, where we had a snack at a bakery undiscovered by tourists.
Then we walked back through the 'touristy' area, and then back to the ship.
|The beach in St. John's
|A colorful house
|A local told us that this building was "old slaves quarters".
|Beautiful graffiti - Rihanna?
March 13th, St. Maarten. St. Maarten is occupied by two different countries. Sint Maarten, where we docked, was settled by the Dutch. Saint-Martin, on the other side, was settled by the French. We spent some time in Phillipsburg, then took a taxi over to Saint-Martin to see the French side.
March 14th, last stop, St. Croix. First settled by the Danish but now the US Virgin Islands, it seemed one of the more prosperous of the islands we visited. My husband splurged and hired a driver and we had the 'three-hour tour'.
March 15th - back to San Juan. "Get off the ship" time. Part of me wanted to stay, and part of me was glad to be back on land.
|Botanical gardens
|Flower of the Cannonball tree in Botanical Gardens
|Fruit of the Sausage Tree (not edible)
|Things for sale
We went back to the hotel we had been at before, left our bags, and then went back into San Juan.
(More later)
*If food is put in front of me, I tend to eat it. For that reason I don't do well in restaurants.


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This weekend we learned, despite appearances to the contrary, Florida is actually the most corrupt state, as measured by the number of convicted elected officials in the past 10 years. What about New York According to the New York Times, we rank second on that score. (And 23rd per capita.)
And yesterday, Clyde Haberman proved a good summary of recent (mis)doings in the state.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Ethics in NY, Wherefore Art Thou?
Posted by anonymous at 12:04 PM
Labels: government ethics
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All The Entry's
Sunday, 10 May 2009
As you can see so for we have 24 entry's!Very good!
I love every single one because there all unlike each other and have there own theme!
There is a consert one,a join sign,a fashon show,hanging in the park,party's and much more!
Every one has done a great job and It will be hard to pick who wins the 50 stardollars! x
The owner,
Nicole x
Nicole x


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The Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) program is designed to reduce the amount of fine particulate matter and ozone that crosses state lines in the eastern United States. CAIR caps emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide and sets up a market for facilities to trade emissions credits.
DHEC implements the CAIR program in South Carolina by including CAIR permits in affected Title V permitted facilities and determining allocations of emissions allowances for those facilities.
On July 11, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (Court of Appeals) vacated CAIR. Following petitions filed by parties in the litigation the Court of Appeals issued a subsequent opinion on December 23, 2008, wherein it remanded the CAIR to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) without vacatur.
CAIR is now in effect while EPA develops a replacement rule. South Carolina's CAIR regulations, at S.C. Regulation 61-62.96, went into effect on May 1, 2009, replacing the NOX SIP Call Program. DHEC implemented CAIR in South Carolina through a State Implementation Plan (SIP).
On July 6, 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that replaced CAIR, the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). But that rule, too, has been challenged.
On August 21, 2012, the U.S Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued a ruling vacating the CSAPR.
On June 24, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the EPA's petition asking the court to review the DC Circuit court's decision. For updates on this case, see EPA's CSAPR webpage.
For more information, contact Mary Peyton Wall, Regulation and SIP Management Section, Air Quality, at (803) 898-4064.


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My Novellas (above), which are single stories extracted from Tribal Gathering and intended as tasters, are only available as e-books. Please click on the red-coloured e-book links below.
You can currently purchase Tribal Gathering, The Last Bature, The Up-Country Man, The Mine, Time Well Spent and Leyland Rover in paperback or e-book format, where applicable, from any of the following bookshops. Please click on the red-coloured bookshop links below.
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Barnes & Noble
The Up–Country Man, The Mine, Tribal Gathering, The Last Bature, Time Well Spent and Leyland Rover are also available in paperback format direct from Lulu
E-book Links
Kobo UK
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Amazon Australia
Amazon Canada
Apple iBooks


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Japan is set to fall under the spell of ancient Egypt through an upcoming exhibition. But some archaeologists have criticised plans to send priceless objects abroad, writes...... Nevine El-Aref
Visitors to the Japanese capital will soon fall under the spell of ancient Egypt and the boy king Tutankhamun thanks to an exhibition, "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs", which opens in Tokyo this September.
Tutankhamun was seen for the first time in Japan in 1965 when objects from the Egyptian Museum's priceless collection were exhibited in Tokyo. The second time was in 2012 when the magic of the boy king and his royal grandparents captured the heart of Osaka residents on the last leg of a ten-city tour that began in Switzerland and passed through Germany, France, England and several US states.
The new exhibition highlights one of the most interesting eras in ancient Egyptian history, the period before and during Tutankhamun's reign 3,300 years ago. Each artefact in the show displays the dazzling craftsmanship that characterised earlier Tutankhamun exhibitions.
Of the 124 artefacts carefully selected from the Egyptian Museum, 30 are from the museum's Tutankhamun collection. Artefacts from earlier royal tombs from the 18th Dynasty, including the tomb of Tutankhamun's great-grandparents Yuya and Tuya and the KV55 burial tomb, are also included.
According to the terms of the exhibition agreement, revenues from the show could reach $10 million, said Ahmed Sharaf, head of the museums section at the Ministry of Antiquities in Cairo. A fixed amount of $2 added to the price of each ticket will be given to Egypt, as will a percentage of the merchandise sold through the show.
The exhibition, accompanied by an Egyptian curator and restorer, will travel for one year within Japan, beginning in Tokyo and Niigata and including institutions in other cities.
While all the necessary security procedures have been followed for the exhibition, some archaeologists have criticised the Ministry of Antiquities' policy of sending exhibitions abroad. They say that the policy of sending artefacts outside the country uses Egypt's heritage to make money and denies people the opportunity of seeing the objects at the Egyptian Museum.
Abdel-Halim Noureddin, head of the Egypt Archaeologists Union, said that the revenues raised were not sufficient. "The money it will raise is equal to the revenue of only one day from the Suez Canal," he said.
Noureddin said that the ministry did not follow regulations set by parliament when it decided to send the present exhibition abroad.
He said that it contains objects that the regulations expressly forbid from being sent outside Egypt.
Other archaeologists have accused the ministry of breaking an administrative court ruling of July 2013 that ordered the immediate return of the Cleopatra exhibition that had toured four US states, a decision that led to the loss of millions of dollars. The country had earned $450,000 from each city the exhibit travelled to, plus a further $1 million for each 100,000 visitors and a 10 per cent cut of merchandising sales.
"The ministry has resumed sending exhibitions abroad in an attempt to raise money towards the completion of suspended antiquities projects, whether restoration work or the construction of new museums," Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh Eldamaty told the Weekly.
He said that the decline in tourism after the 2011 revolution had depleted ministry funds, the budget of which is self-financed.
Previous ministers borrowed from the Finance Ministry to pay the salaries of ministry employees, leaving the ministry with debts it must repay, he added.
"Resuming the policy of sending antiquities exhibitions abroad is our only way to raise money towards preserving Egypt's antiquities, to provide the required budget to complete postponed antiquities projects, and above all to attract more tourists to the country, which will revive tourism in Egypt," Eldamaty said.
He argued that the criticisms of ministry policy were unfounded. A previous exhibition in Osaka had returned to Egypt at its scheduled time, he said, and Japan was enthusiastic about hosting more ancient Egyptian exhibitions. After three meetings of the ministry council, the request for the new exhibition was approved, he said, on the proviso that the number of objects from the Tutankhamun collection would be reduced and some would be replaced by objects from the 18th Dynasty.
Eldamaty said that a wheel included in the exhibition was not part of the Tutankhamun collection but came from the same New Kingdom period. He said that the ministry, in seeking to send the exhibition abroad, had not broken the administrative court ruling. The ruling only affected the Cleopatra exhibition, which has now returned to Egypt, he added.
"Sending exhibitions abroad is a well-known activity of any culture," Eldamaty said, adding that many foreign museum directors regularly sent collections abroad, particularly when local institutions are closed for restoration. This had happened during restoration work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Turin Museum in Italy, he said.
He noted that the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria and the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo are currently closed and their collections are in storage. It might have made more sense to send objects from these museums on tour instead, he added.
"Exhibitions abroad are also a means to protect and preserve Egypt's treasured collections," Eldamaty said, adding that when an artefact is selected for an exhibition abroad it is often carefully restored and documented. A special catalogue is also likely to be produced for the exhibition.
Eldamaty said that the number of visitors visiting Egypt also typically increases after an exhibition is held abroad.
Archaeologist Abdel-Rahim Rihan supported the ministry's policy of exhibitions abroad, describing it as an important way to promote Egypt's heritage and a good opportunity to exchange experiences between archaeologists and curators in different countries and areas of expertise.


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serves one
2 free-range eggs
1 tablespoon sugar
pinch ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons soured cream
2 slices white bread
knob butter
1-2 rashers streaky bacon
1 banana, sliced
few blueberries
maple syrup, to serve
Preheat the grill to medium. Break the eggs into a large shallow bowl. Add the sugar, cinnamon and soured cream. Beat the mixture well with a fork. Place the first slice of bread into the egg mixture, soak both sides of the bread and then hold over the bowl to shake off any excess. Repeat with the next slice. Melt some butter in a large frying pan (be careful not to burn it). When the butter is bubbling, put the egg-coated bread into the pan and fry until crisp and golden on both sides. Meanwhile put the bacon under the grill and cook each side until crisp. Place the French toast on the plate with the bacon and keep warm. Fry the fruit in a pan for 1-2 minutes, or until just soft. Place the fruit on top of the toast and bacon and drizzle with maple syrup.
courtesy of: Sam Stern, Real Food Real Fast, BBC Food
Saturday, January 03, 2009
1335. HOT FRUIT and BACON on FRENCH TOAST
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Over the course of this semester, I have learned how to effectively integrate technology into my future lesson plans. I have discovered many cool ways to help students learn by use of technology. I'm normally not a very "tech-savvy" person, but I have gotten the hang of a few different technology routes that will (hopefully) inspire students to delve into the topics that I will teach in my high school English classes.
In my unit on Macbeth, I employ the use of virtual field trips, Pixton comic strips, Glogster glogs, and Classpress blogs.
I really like the virtual field trip (done on PowerPoint) because it's so easy to do, and turns out to be very interesting if done well. Basically for a virtual field trip, it is important that students feel like they're actually going somewhere. It is not like a regular, possibly boring PowerPoint presentation. The virtual field trip will have a cool background, lots of pictures, and links to YouTube videos and websites that will "take the students somewhere." The idea is to really hold the students' attention.
Pixton comic strips are so much fun! The options are endless with Pixton. To be honest, I didn't like Pixton much at first, but as I got into my projects for class, I started to enjoy it a lot more. The thing about Pixton is, it allows for so much creativity. You can go on Pixton and choose different characters and modify them as much as you want. You can have different settings and objects in your comic strips. For my unit, I will assign students a Pixton project. They will have to make a comic that reflects some type of knowledge of Macbeth. It can be set in modern day, since most backgrounds and characters on Pixton are modern-looking.
In my opinion, Glogster is the very easiest type of educational technology that we have learned to use so far. It is designed so that younger kids can do it, and I think that high schoolers would have a lot of fun doing it as well. Glogs are basically posters that you can create online, and add pictures, little clip arts, sounds, text, etc. There are so many possibilities. For Macbeth, the students will be required to create a glog that has pictures of a few of the characters with the names of each, decorative images placed nicely on the glog, and a title.
My favorite use of technology integration for classes is blogging. In high school, I had teachers that asked us to freewrite journal entries to get us thinking as a warm-up before the lessons. I enjoyed that, and also reflecting in journal entries after the lessons. I think that many students, like me, enjoy giving their feedback on lessons via journal entries, and many would rather journal online in a blog. The blogs can be private so that other students cannot read them, or they can be public so that the students can read each others' blogs and share ideas. My favorite online journal for teachers and students is Classpress, but I also really enjoy Blogger. The main difference is that Classpress is much more geared toward education. In my lesson, I will have students blog on Classpress about what they learn in Macbeth as we go throughout the play.
The growing world of technology continues to open doors to new ways to learn. As technology grows and changes, teachers must be willing to do the same. As much as I love the good old-fashioned pen and paper, I have had a great time getting to know these different learning technologies.
English is a subject that technology can really influence, with the emergence of iPads, Kindles, online journals and reading materials, etc. It seems like everything is headed towards online reading and learning, and physical books are starting to collect dust. Hopefully they will not become obsolete. I think that it's good to have a balance of technology and old-fashioned learning. Technology, if handled correctly, can definitely be our friend.
As a high school English teacher, I will have many opportunities to put my new technology skills to use, and hopefully my students will benefit greatly!


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It's About Time
Alexander left a comment on my post about aging that got me thinking (always a dangerous thing) about the subject of time. Our notion of time has changed over the past several hundred years from a cyclical event to a linear way of thinking. The French Revolution had a lot to do with it. But then the French Revolution transformed many of our ideas besides that of thinking of existence in a multi dimensional concept to that of the two dimensional context through which we travel in time. That's why Hannah Arendt only recognizes it as the only true "revolution" because ideas "re evolved". But in exploring the nature of time it has been found (in theory) to be a cyclical event kind of like a eternally unraveling spiral.
It's everything from the kitchen clock to the time space continuum. It's the moment, which is really the only point of our existence as everything else is either the past or the future and as such not a part of our immediate being except as we imagine or remember. Everything except the now is only in our mind. Life as it relates to time seems a series of quantum moments all held together by only our thoughts. Then there's this thing about time in the grand scheme of the universe. The fourth dimension and all that. I suggest that if you don't want to get lost space and time refrain form clicking on the above link.
The nice thing about our artificial construct of time which measures the hours and minutes in relation to the sun is it lets us coordinate events. But then sometimes in preparing for those events it seems to zip by leaving us running late or not on (what else) time. Then it can drag by leaving us with intolerable longing. And I find the older I get the faster it goes.
Now there are several theories that I find mind boggling. Einstein said that as we approach the speed of light time slows down. You know if we go faster than light, events haven't occurred yet or at least the haven't reached us yet. But who knows since we'll never get there. And what is beyond the speed of light? Do we look back and see ourselves catching up? I guess we'll never know because that phenomenon will always be just beyond reach. It has been found as astronauts spend time (that's that word again) in space hurling around the earth at incredible speeds time really did slow down. And to think it wasn't that long ago that 40 miles per hour was considered pretty darn fast.
Another thing I find strange is that time determines the shape of space. Space has shape? I always thought of space as, well...space. Most of everything is really nothing. If the nucleus of an atom were the size of a baseball the closest electron would be about nine miles away. All else may be some sort of energy which I guess is something. So what is the shape of energy? Is the bending of radiation which can be done the same as shaping it? And doesn't shape imply mass?
And another thing, suppose we were able to travel 5 million light years towards a star 10 million light years away would we be 5 million light years in the past? Would we not be born because our parents hadn't been born? For that matter the human race hadn't been born. Or on the other hand would we still exist as some intergalactic anomaly?
Our universe is such a wonderfully complex thing. What happens on the atomic scale mirrors what happens on the cosmic scale. Particles and energies bounce around in atoms much as stars and galaxies in the universe all held together by forces we don't begin to understand. There's so much we don't know. It was only a the railroad that brought the national coordination of time. Before that the time in the city might be completely different from the time in the suburbs or on the farm. And how far back was it when water clocks, candles, hourglass and sundials were the timekeeping technology. It was only at the beginning of the nineteenth century that a dependable timepiece made navigation accurate.
But as Chicago said, does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody care?
Now lets talk about gravity.


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I don't do a lot of decor for Valentine's Day. But I was craving some bright colors this winter, so I made this simple heart collage.
I took an 8x10 frame and "framed" some kraft (brown) paper to use as the background. I then punched 24 hearts out of patterned paper. To add some dimension, I folded them in half. And then I added a tiny bit of poster putty on the back of each one and stuck them to the glass.
Super simple.


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The Radical Watchman Streams of Spiritual Subterfuge-- Part One
As a shepherd I am always concerned about who or what is influencing the sheep God has entrusted to me. In this age of mass communication this is an almost impossible task. There are countless ways in which one can be imperceptibly influenced, either positively or negatively. Rather than assuming the role of thought police, it is much easier to try and teach believers to think more biblically. True wisdom from above is required to keep from becoming another fatality to the world's ideals and philosophies. This must be taught as well as caught.
The book of Proverbs addresses the very dilemma I pose:
Proverbs 22:3 "The prudent sees the evil and hides him, But the naive go on, and are punished for it."
Proverbs 27:12 "A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty."
Proverbs 14:16 "A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, But a fool is arrogant and careless."
These three verses all convey the same central idea. The point is that the truly wise person is aware of the dangers that surround them. The wise-one responds by taking the necessary steps required to avoid the potential trap and the accompanying consequences. Contrast this with the naïve or the simple. They ignore the danger signs and subsequently make no effort to avoid the raging stream that is headed right for them. As Matthew Henry rightly notes, "The simple who believe every word that flatters them will believe none that warns them." I shutter to think how many times I've warned some senseless sheep who thought they knew better than God on some issue, and ultimately they suffered the due recompense of their rebellion. God is never mocked.
The wise on the other hand are discerning and maintain an acute sense of what is going on around them. They are honest with the subtlety of hostile thought before them. The wise consciously acknowledge the pesticide of the world's perverse logic and ideas. Therefore, they are not deceived by self or otherwise. They both see and acknowledge the temptation that confronts them, so they clothe themselves in the full armor of God and stand their ground in the might that only Christ can afford!
What amazes me today is the pure subtlety of the seduction of our minds. Yes, even the believer's mind is never exempt from this. This is why Paul warned the Colossians to take heed so that they would not be taken hostage by the world's false systems of knowledge and faulty erudition (Colossians 2:8). I maintain that the church of Jesus of Christ is being inexorably seduced in a very surreptitious manner. Many well meaning Christians think they are orthodox in their doctrine and practice, yet they are being influenced in ways they don't understand or acknowledge. This has led to the weakening and distillation of their faith and ultimately the church.
There are four cardinal streams of thought that I would like to introduce (This is by no means exhaustive) . These four tributaries are impacting us in ways we are not even aware of. Thus, if we are not conscious of these influences, we are probably being commanded by them without even realizing it. These are the four major influences we should be alerted to: individualism, egalitarianism, democracy, and freedom:
The world's cultic obsession with the notion of individualism has not left the church unscathed. Though the Bible acknowledges the fact that we are individuals, it certainly never elevates this truth beyond its limits. In the Untied States we have a wonderful document called The Declaration of Independence, which has sadly become the creed of many individuals, even in the church. This creed of strident independence has produced the love of self over and above love for God and for fellow man.
The rugged individualism espoused by the west today has spawned the whole human rights movement. The crux of the human rights movement is nothing more than an attempt to rid oneself of any form of discipline, obligation to others, and the avoidance of moral imperatives. It has become another way in which to camouflage sin.
The Bible, on the other hand, seeks to focus christian thinking not on human rights, but rather on christian duties that are often other oriented. Man has a duty first before God, and secondly a duty toward his fellow man. Hence, the greatest commands-- to love God and then man! The very concept of duty implies an authority that is external to us. This further implies that we are accountable beings, not islands unto ourselves. We actually answer to someone other than ourselves .This external authority means we are accountable rather than responsible. The word responsibility is currently in vogue. Responsibility is a word that infers we are in charge; we control the situation in some way. This is why it is common to hear someone speak of their "responsibilities", but rarely will one hear it said that one is "accountable". Where the things of God are concerned it is more accurate to speak of our accountability to Him rather than our responsibilty
The sum of individualism finally leads to division, not unity. Yet, unity is the goal of the politically correct jet-set and the intellectual elite. In this, the world is oxymoronic, they scream "unity" while at the same time sowing the seeds of division through their pious platitudes on individualism. How ironic.
Practically speaking the fruit of this dogma can be seen in a variety of ways in the twenty-first century church:
Through novel interpretations of God's word--I have encountered this more times than I care to remember. Though believers should be encouraged to be good Bereans this doesn't imply they should come up with their own self-styled, designer fashion labels for the Bible. Because of the mass media explosion and the cyber space revolution, well meaning Christians are often exposed to an avalanche of bad or, at the least, questionable teaching. This often leads them to individualize what they have learned into their own unique theology. This is what I call idiosyncratic theology.
Suddenly every one is an expert peddling their own self-styled brand of theology that often runs contrary to the truth. The kicker is that these unique interpretations are often promoted as cardinal doctrines that their defenders tenaciously promote to the detriment of the major pillars of the faith. Such people are a like a guitarist that only plays one note in the same key over and over again. This becomes monotonous and boorish in a relatively short time. It is often a reliable indicator of a person's true maturity level in Christ. Practitioners of this approach usually swat at a gnat while swallowing a camel. They emphasize the minors to the exclusion of the majors. They prate on endlessly about issues like tongues speaking, spiritual warfare, the KJV 1611 only, diet, allegorical interpretations, conspiracy theories and the like. They love to be heard for their much speaking. They pretend to be authorities on something they really know nothing about. These self-proclaimed experts are both a danger and a menace to the church because they thrive on a crowd. Thus, they are influencing others in the church.
In some instances it becomes necessary to apply Titus 3:9-10 to such persons,
"But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the
Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and
second warning."
A second fruit of individualism is subjectivism. Because self is firmly ensconced as the premier authority of one's life, it goes without saying that what "I" think or feel is paramount. One can hardly have a conversation with another believer without hearing "Well, I just feel…" As David Wells so poignantly pointed out "We have been feeling a lot these days. The problem is we aren't feeling so well."! The rugged individualist makes life transforming decisions without thought or regard for others that might be affected adversely by the decision made. How many a marriage has ended because one or both partners make important decisions without consulting the other? God created us to be proactive creatures not reactive. When we live life from the cuff, then we are pursuing a subjective course of life. This is a direct result of rugged individualism.
A third fruit of individualism is that of ecclesiastical (church) isolationism. The autonomy of the individual asserts that church is no longer necessary. What really matters is my personal relationship with the Lord. The mantra of those who suffer from this malady is "I really don't need church. I actually feel closer to the Lord when I stay home and listen to CD's and read my Bible and pray." What they are really saying is, "I avoid authority and accountability. I will selfishly pursue my own course without regard for the church for which Christ gave His own life blood (Acts 20:28). I will intentionally withhold my gift of service from the body of Jesus Christ and serve myself instead."
Tragically this blatant creed is epidemic today. Yet the command of Hebrews 10:24-
25 still rings true, "…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of
some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing
near." This is a command not a mere suggestion. The imperative nature of this
passage is reminiscent of the old saying which states, if Christ thought enough
of the church to give His life blood for it; well might we think it important enough
to expend a little sweat for it. In the end, true love for Christ portends a real love for
His church in some local expression. To profess Christ and then remain
unchurched is a contradiction. One's love for Christ will naturally lead to a love for
His church.
A fourth fruit of individualism in the church is an unteachable spirit. When one is completely self-centered and the highest authority is self, then what can they possibly learn that they don't already know? I have actually had people in the congregation who sat with their feet kicked out and their arms folded, with a look of utter defiance that said, "Go ahead and try to teach me something I don't already know. I dare you!" Their body language says all that needs to be said. They refuse to listen. Pride and arrogance circumscribe them. Though they refuse to be taught, they are always ready to teach you and others. Yet their lives usually reveal how little they really know, for they are long on talk, but short on action.
Finally, the fruit of individualism is the catalyst for disunity in the church. The ardent individualist is always pursuing his own agenda at the expense of others in the church. They selfishly promote their own idiosyncratic theologies and contradict the pastor at every turn and undermine what he and the leadership are trying achieve. Confusion and disruption are their specialty. Like an arsonist, they throw lit matches into the brush causing conflagrations amongst the flock. You can always tell where they have been because of the charred, barren landscape they leave behind.
It is interesting that in the New Testament there are thirty-five one another passages. Certainly the word of God is loudly promoting the fact that the lone ranger approach to Christ is to be avoided at all cost. Philosophical individualism is impacting the church in a profound way. We need to be wise to this and on guard against the nefarious affects of this pernicious dogma. As the ancient sage once said, "A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless."
*(In part two the other three streams of thought will be considered—egalatarianism, democracy, and freedom)


text:
November 27, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Cosplay, Movies, New Hampshire, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Webcomics
Granite State Comicon has announced new dates for their 2018 convention; GraniteCon 2018 will now be held one week earlier, on September 8-9th. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW; Single Day, Weekend, and VIP passes available at the link.
The Granite State Comicon is northern New England's premiere comic book and pop culture event. Now in its 16th year the Granite State Comicon features guest artists, celebrities, cosplay, vendors, dedicated kids con, workshops, panels, after hours events and more! For a full list of guests and events please visit www.granitecon.com.
GraniteCon 2013 Celebrates 10th Anniversary
August 19, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Convention News, Movies, New Hampshire, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories
Comments Off on GraniteCon 2013 Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Press Release:
Granitecon 2013 is just over five weeks away! Join us September 28th and 29th at the Radisson Center of New Hampshire! To celebrate ten years of Granitecon we're expanding to two days, moving to the larger Expo Center and assembling our largest guest list ever! Expect all sorts of fun events, signings and more!
Guests include:
Chris Giarrusso – Mini Marvels
Ben Templesmith – Ten Grand, 30 Days of Night
Ethan Van Sciver – Green Lantern, Batman
Arthur Suydam – Marvel Zombies
Katie Cook – My Little Pony
Art Baltazar – Tiny Titans
Ron Marz – Witchblade, Green Lantern
Mark Texiera – Ghost Rider
David Petersen – Mouse Guard
Dan Parent – Archie Comics
Craig Rousseau – The Perhapanauts
Plus Voice Actors Including:
Jess Harnell – Animaniacs, The Cleveland Show
Rob Paulsen – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Animaniacs
Jim Cummings – Winnie the Pooh, Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Grey Delisle – Avatar: The Last Airbender, Scooby-Doo, Fairly OddParents
See the full guest list and buy tickets at www.granitecon.com!
Make sure to follow Granitecon on Twitter @granitecon and Like us on Facebook!
GraniteCon 2012 Adds The Goon, Tinkerballa & More
April 5, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, New Hampshire, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television
GraniteCon announces a new round of guests for their show on Sunday June 10, 2012!
NEW MEDIA GUEST ADDED! Amy Okuda! From the hit online web series The Guild, Amy, who plays Tink on the series, is doing a RARE EAST COAST APPEARANCE at Granitecon! On top of appearing in the "The Guild" (which will have a comic out for Free Comic Book Day, as well as other issues released by Dark Horse), Amy has also been on the series "Californication" and "Bite Me"! She will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans throughout the day for $10! We're excited to have Amy at the show!
NEW GUEST ADDED! Eric Powell! Another Granitecon first, Eric, who is best known as the creator of The Goon, has also worked on titles ranging from Dark Horse to DC, including Superman: Escape from Bizarro World and most recently IDW's Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters! We are extremely pleased to be having Eric for the show!
NEW GUEST ADDED! Charles Paul Wilson III! Returning to Granitecon, Charles has continued work on the series Stuff of Legend, alongside one of our other guests, Mike Raicht! Be sure to also pick up your copy of Stuff of Legend at Free Comic Book Day on May 5th to have him sign it at the show!
NEW GUEST ADDED! Charles Soule, writer of Image Comics "27", Slave Labor Graphic's "Strongman" and the upcoming "Strange Attractors" from Archaia!
Previously announced guests include Braden Lamb, Jason Ciamarella, Keith Champagne, Mark McKenna, Mike Raicht, Ming Doyle, and Shelli Paroline!
GraniteCon 2012 Announces Guests
January 3, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, New Hampshire
Granitecon in Manchester, NH takes place this year on Sunday, June 10th 2012! Save the date and stay tuned for more details as the show comes closer! RSVP on Facebook!
Keith Champagne! No stranger to Granitecon (his last show was in 2008!), Keith has written and drawn several books over the past 15 years including WWE Heroes, Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, Supergirl, Brightest Day, Ghostbusters and co-created The Mighty (to name a few of his projects)! We're happy to welcome Keith back up to the Granite State for our June 10th show!
Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb! Both appearing at their first Granitecon, they have recently collaborated together on the Muppets and will be working together on the upcoming ADVENTURE TIME comic! And be sure you stop by your local comic shop on Free Comic Day in 2012 to pick up a copy of Adventure Time to have it be signed at the show!
Jason Ciamarella! Local author Jason is the co-writer with Joe Hill on Kodiak and the Eisner-nominated The Cape!
Mark McKenna! Appearing at his first Granitecon, Mark has worked on hundreds of books including Invincible Ironman, The Punisher, Aquaman, Exiles and most recently his creator owned series Banana Tail!
Mike Raicht! Appearing at his second Granitecon (his first was last year!), Mike has worked on a slew of projects for Marvel when he was an editor (including Wolverine, Exiles, and Black Panther, to name a few) and currently writes the limted series The Pack, while working on the series Stuff of Legend!
Ming Doyle! Attending her first ever Granitecon, Ming recently had drawn up the art for a short story in Fantastic Four #600! In the past, she has worked on Jennifer's Body, Hunter's Fortune, Popgun Anthology and Marvel's Girl Comics!
GraniteCon 2011 Report
May 19, 2011 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Horror, New Hampshire, Other, Television, Top Stories
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Double Midnight Comics hosted their annual Granite State Comicon in Manchester, NH this past Sunday. Despite the wet weather, it was a packed house with several cosplayers showing up in character. Guests included local writers of The Cape Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramella plus artist Zach Howard, who received many well-wishes on their recent Eisner Award nomination. Artist Sean Gordon Murphy talked about his upcoming storyarc on American Vampire and what it was like working with Grant Morrison on Joe the Barbarian. And several contributors, including co-creators Rich Woodall and Adam Miller, from the ZombieBomb Comic Anthology were on hand to meet fans. It may only be a one-day show but supporting local homegrown conventions like this is the best way to encourage them to grow and for retailers to bring in more comic creators for signings. Thanks, Double Midnight!
The Walking Dead Invades Granite State Comicon 2011
January 13, 2011 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Horror, New Hampshire, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories
Granite State Comicon returns to the Radisson Center of New Hampshire on May 15th! Special guests include Tony Moore, Sean Murphy, and Zach Howard with many more to come! Be sure to come out to the most exciting one-day comic show in the northeast!
Special Guest: Tony Moore!
Tony Moore is a cosmic cowboy and comic creator from a small Kentucky town, where he was raised on a steady diet of fried game, cathode rays, and funnybooks. Moore's notable illustration work launching The Walking Dead was nominated for two Eisner Awards (2004: Best New Series, and 2005: Best Cover Artist), and The Walking Dead has since become cable's highest-rated drama, airing on AMC.
Moore went on to co-create the booze-fueled space western Fear Agent with Rick Remender at Dark Horse, and the creepy gonzo thriller The Exterminators with Simon Oliver at DC/Vertigo. His recent work includes wild runs on Marvel Comics' Ghost Rider and Punisher.
He spends his days shooting at things in the woods, and helping his wife chase their squealing baby daughter.
Special Guest: Sean Murphy!
Sean Murphy was born in Nashua, NH in the fall of 1980. He got interested in comics in grade school and spent many afternoons of his childhood drawing instead of making friends.
His formal education started in Salem, NH as an apprentice to Leslie Swank, local painter, cartoonist and WWII vet. After graduating Pinkerton Academy high school in 1999 he attended Massachusetts College of Art (Boston) and then the Savannah College of Art and Design. He started working professionally before graduating with titles like Star Wars and Noble Causes, then moved to Hollywood while working on various other projects for Dark Horse Comics. His career started gaining more steam when DC Comics offered him titles like Hellblazer, Batman/Scarecrow: Year One and Teen Titans. In 2005 he published his first original graphic novel called Off Road, which went on to win an American Library Association award for young adults. In 2009 he teamed with writer Grant Morrison for the critically acclaimed Joe the Barbarian for Vertigo Comics. In 2010 he will be teaming with writer Scott Snyder for an American Vampire mini-series.
Special Guest: Zach Howard!
Zach Howard may not look like anyone likes him, but the truth is: almost four people like Zach. First there's his mom – she definitely likes him.
Then there's Zach's mailman – he always smiles when he sees Zach. (What more proof does one need?) The third person is Brett Butler, the comedienne. Zach is a big fan of hers and once at one of her shows Zach wouldn't stop laughing. "I like this guy," she said as she pointed generally in Zach's direction. The whole crowd heard her. And last but not least is Zach's dog, Zach Junior.
If you think there's a chance you'd like Zach, please, please, please become a member of the Zach Howard Appreciation Society. Registration has been open since 1980, and if you're the first to sign up you'll receive a signed picture of Zach, delivered by Zach himself. Please be sure to have a meal waiting for him when he arrives. (He loves Dinty Moore!)
Currently you can find Zach living in Colorado, where he draws pictures of men in tights for Warner Brothers and Disney. Zach insists the woman living in his house is his wife, but no documentation has been provided to substantiate this claim.
More Announcements Coming Soon!
GraniteCon Rolls On
May 14, 2010 by Colin Solan
Filed under Collectibles, Comic Books, Convention News, Gaming, Horror, Manga, Movies, New Hampshire, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Sports
Granitecon returns to Manchester, NH on May 23rd! This is our BIG annual show and we're looking to make this one to remember!
Guests include:
Craig Rousseau
Khoi Pham
Charles Paul Wilson III
Chris Moreno
Cliff Rathburn
Becky Cloonan
Tim Seeley
Talent Caldwell
Eric Basaldua
Check out Granitecon.com for all the info, we're jamming a lot of stuff into a one day show! There are dozens of artists, new dealers, video game tournaments, card game tournaments, panels, a costume contest, a silent auction, and more! It's gonna be epic!
The show runs from 10am-4pm at the Radisson Center of New Hampshire in downtown Manchester located at 700 Elm Street! Admission is $7 for adults, kids under 10 get in FREE! Come in costume and get in FREE! There is plenty of FREE on street parking! First 150 paid attendees will receive a FREE Iron Man & War Machine print by artist Sara Richard!
Check out our Facebook Fan Page and become a fan!
Please note Ron Garney and Walt Flanagan have had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict!
GraniteCon Updates for 2010
January 4, 2010 by Colin Solan
Filed under Collectibles, Comic Books, Convention News, Movies, New Hampshire, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy
Comments Off on GraniteCon Updates for 2010
So what's up with Granitecon in 2010? Quite a bit actually! On Sunday March 14th we launch our NEW Nashua show at the Radission with featured guest Walter Flanagan of View Askew fame! Walter is the artist of Kevin Smith's Batman series Cacophony and Widening Gyre! Plus we're bringing together the Atomic Robo team of Scott Wegener and Brian Clevinger together for the first time at Granitecon!
Then on Sunday May 23rd we've got our annual Manchester show! We're moving the show into the Armory room at the Center of NH which will allow more room for dealers, artists, and special events! Our special guests in Manchester include artists Craig Rousseau (Perhapanauts, Iron Man: Armor Wars), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), returning guest Khoi Pham (Mighty Avengers), and the recently added Charles Paul Wilson III (Stuff of Legend) with additional guest announcements coming soon!
Look for a newly revamped granitecon.com coming soon with all the latest info! And check out our Facebook Fan Page and become a fan!
Granite State Comicon (May 2009)
May 14, 2009 by Submitter
Filed under Comic Books, Convention Profiles, New Hampshire
Comments Off on Granite State Comicon (May 2009)
Event Details:
Convention Website: http://www.granitecon.com
Date(s):: 5/31/2009
Location: Radisson Center of NH, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101 USA
Number of Dealers/Exhibitors Tables:: 90
Projected Attendance:: 750
The Granite State Comicon Heads Back to Hampshire
April 23, 2009 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, New Hampshire, Science Fiction and Fantasy
Comments Off on The Granite State Comicon Heads Back to Hampshire
Press Release:
The Granite State Comicon is coming back to Manchester New Hampshire on May 31st! The state's largest comic convention features dealers from all over the region with the latest and greatest comics, games, action figures and more! The Granite State Comicon also has an oversized artist's alley featuring special guests Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Pop Mhan (Spyboy, Batgirl), Scott Wegener (Atomic Robo, Killer of Demons), Keith Champagne (The Mighty), Norman Lee (Marvel Adventures Spider-man), The Fillbach Brothers (Star Wars Clone Wars Adventures) and many more local favorites!!! The game zone features video gaming tournaments, a Naruto CCG tournament and a massive Yu-Gi-Oh tournament for a Nintendo DSi!!! The day's other events include raffles and freebies at the door, an open cartooning workshop, the Sweetongeeks.com singles wall and a live podcast of Josh & Ben's Near Mint Comic Show!
The Star Wars 501st Stormtrooper Legion and Alderaan Base will be returning to the show so you can have your picture taken with your favorite Star Wars characters!
The Granite State Comicon is being held at the Radisson Center of New Hampshire, 700 Elm Street in the heart of downtown Manchester. Admission is just $5, kids under 10 get in FREE with paid adult admission. There is plenty of free on street parking around the facility!
For all the latest info check out www.granitecon.com


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Sunday, September 30, 2012
Corso Como Dabria Pumps
8 comments:
- AnonymousSeptember 30, 2012 at 6:44 PM
Glad to hear you are better, Ping! I've also wanted to try corso como pumps because I heard they are great for wide feet.ReplyDelete
How awful!! And then you got sick again! Ack! Glad you are finally feeling better! You have been missed!ReplyDelete
Love those navy shoes! The padding looks great.
good to hear ur better now!!!ReplyDelete
love the outfit and he heels are adorable! <3
Sorry to hear you were so sick, but glad that you're almost back at 100%! Love the casual denim button up paired with the more dressy skirt.ReplyDelete
Glad you're better now, Ping! I'm relieved that the oysters I had in SF didn't cause any problems or that wouldn't have been good.ReplyDelete
Those look so comfy and cute! I have heard good things about that brand as well.ReplyDelete
that is the one thing i learned from elle's reviews. that these puppies are padded like a dream. better than the cole haan's w/nike air technology, if u ask me.ReplyDelete
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this outfit!!! katejones.meReplyDelete
I love reading your comments! Although sometimes I don't reply, I do read all your comments! If you have a question that you'd like answered, please email me instead. Thanks!


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|Stripes never really go out of style...maybe that's why I own so many striped shirts! My love for stripes runs deep..Today I am sharing some of my favorites..
It feels like it should be Friday?? No?? #bringonthebreton
J.Crew is hosting 40% off on so many styles! Shopbop is having an extra 25% off their sale items!!
tie tank//Clare V. clutch//pillow//crew cuts//Tunic//sweater//throw//beach towel//glasses//espadrilles


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See that snow capped mountain in the distance? That's where Brian's parents and sister were headed. They rode a cogwheel train to the top of Pike's Peak. If you look at their website and scroll down a ways you'll see in bold letters BE CAREFUL! ESPECIALLY WITH SMALL CHILDREN.
That is why Brian and I skipped that attraction and spent the morning at Garden of the Gods instead.
After a quick stop back at the hotel we were off to the Bride and Groom's house for dinner.
We tucked the kids in by 9 (a full two hours later than normal) and got some much needed rest ourselves. (I love staying in hotels and getting a bed all to myself!)
The whole point of the trip - the wedding reception - was scheduled for the next day.....


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Good morning!
Today I am sharing a few CAS cards using the new Scribble Flowers stamp set released this month, along with sentiments from Keep in Touch, Too. (I sat down and made 5 cards with these 2 fabulous sets, so check back as I will share the other 2 later this month!)
This one has been sitting on my desk and I love looking at the cheerful yellow card! I hand cut the images out before I got the dies and I can't wait to use those dies now!! This set is so fun! It's a must-have!
Here I cut a wave through my top layer and placed another stamped and colored layer underneath. The sentiment was curved a little on the acrylic block to follow the wave.
I love how versatile this set is…and so cute! On this one the bee was popped with a dimensional.
Thanks for popping in and… happy stamping!


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African American Coal Miner Information Center
A brief history of the African American coal mining experience in America, identification of associated coal towns/camps, database of individual miners, links to related sites, and listings of related offline material.
Early African-Amerian Physicians in Alabama - Hidden Legacies: I. Early African-American Physicians in Alabama
Documenting African-American doctors in Alabama before World War II. A work in progress.
Historical Spotlight on African American History & Genealogy
Tim Pinnick's site including information about his books for African American coal miners and African American newspapers.
Records of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
Description of the microfilmed holdings of the Chicago Historical Society and the Newberry Library.
African-American » Occupations
4 Links


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Bespoke bridal paper. Sounds pretty doesn't it? These stationery suites are even more luscious than they sound.Stunning does not even come close to describing. I was fortunate enough to meet the owner and designer, Kelli Parker at a recent luxury wedding summit and was enamored with her style and passion for her craft. Here are just a few images from her website below. I would highly recommend that you browse her website to see all the loveliness she has created.
a deux bespoke bridal paper, what would your reaction be?


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Sargasso Sea
- This article may be outdated. Please check the Patch Notes for more details.
Sargasso Sea is no longer in the current build of firefall as of v1.0.1783. it was removed along with Antarctica due to their incomplete nature following the launch of the game. Diamondhead is the only current melding pocket still available to the player and has been reworked and enlarged to form the level 40 area for pilots to traverse under the name Devils Tusk. Plans have been rumored to be made about transferring Sargasso and Antarctica into there own new areas, but no official word yet has been given.
Sargasso Sea was a recently discovered pocket deep in the melding which could be accessed via the world map off the coast of the Americas. It's main characteristics are an environment similar to a kelp forest and the toxic creatures lurking in it.
Gaea Creatures
Melded Creatures
Part of the Accord's first forays into the Melding, the Sargasso Sea is located in the former Caribbean basin on the edge of mysterious Atlantic Archipelago.
Associated areas
missing info


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Zoe Schiffer, here sitting by a creek near her now-rebuilt home, said, "Growing up in Mission Canyon preserved my innocence …"
Be succinct, constructive, and relevant to the story. Leaving a comment means you agree to our Discussion Guidelines. We like civilized discourse. We don't like spam, lying, profanity, harassment or personal attacks.


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Mother's Day - A Reality Check
Last week, on several "mommy blogs" and other mom oriented newsletters, I saw a trend. Mother's Day was looming and posts began to focus on the negative, as we so often do. Posts entitled, "10 Things I Hate About Motherhood" and "World's Worst Mother's Day Gifts" began circulating and seemed to be embraced by the readers. I felt sad.
I love being a mom. There, I said it. I love it.
I hate laundry, cleaning bathrooms, laundry...but none of those things ever make me feel differently about motherhood. I have never looked at a single gift my kids has ever given me and thought "Well, that sucked."
My 3 boys climbed into bed with me and gave me coupon books, poems, pictures, and pens decorated to look like flowers and I laughed and cried and handed things to The Big Guy to read aloud as I became too choked up to speak. Yes, the stories were about how much they love donuts and how crazy mom is when she drinks caffeine but I love those dang kids so much I just drank it all in - the gifts, the hugs, the kisses. I laid there in bed with 3 kids on my lap at once (and those kids are getting BIG) and tried to save every moment in a little capsule to draw up at a later time when they won't want to do this anymore. I live for this.
I commented on the blog, but realized that I couldn't think of something I hate about motherhood, but rather myself - My desire to excel at this most important job and never really knowing if I am.
I know it's cool to be negative and snarky, but Mother's Day and motherhood itself should be off limits. I love being a mom, and I can't bash it, not even if it's the cool thing to do.
So, happy belated Mother's Day to all of you. I hope you love it as much as I. I hope you got lots of useless gifts that touched your heart and made you cry. I hope you press them in a book because this stage of our lives is so very short.
You still have a few more days to link up with the Tutorial Tuesday party to win a gift certificate to my shop! Winner will be announced this weekend!
39 comments:
awwww, so sweet and so true. my kiddos are older now and I don't get the useless gifts (which I miss and still have in the bottom of my drawer).ReplyDelete
Super post! How I miss those funny wonderful useless gifts. Cherish each and every moment. They grow up way too fast.ReplyDelete
I love this post. I feel the same way...I also get worn down by laundry, endless picking-up, etc., but oh, how I love being a mother. I could drop my son off on the playground each morning at school, but I walk him in, because he wants me to, and because I know that in a few short years, he'll be requesting that I drop him off around the corner, a block from school. I don't get the whole "motherhood-bashing" thing - - I guess it makes people feel better to complain, and feel even better when others chime in...don't know. Anyway, thanks for posting this.ReplyDelete
I love being a mom also, but I didn't see any negative mommy posts on the blogs I read. Hopefully they were tongue-in-cheek! I posted a mother's day dessert that my youngest made...and I ate it! lol LOVE Mother's Day. Check it out if you have a minute!ReplyDelete
Well said! :-)ReplyDelete
I'm right with ya sista! I love being a MOM and always have. I know there are many people out there that disagree, but it is the most rewarding job I've ever had!! Great picture!!ReplyDelete
This was great. I think the same way. A friend recently sent me a *supposed to be* humourous email about hwy we should hate Mothers day, I didn't make it past #2. I like Mothers day, I like being a daughter, a daughter in law and a mom. :)ReplyDelete
I got a little note from my 18 year old daughter...(who graduates this Sunday) and oh my gosh.....I cried...not a few tears but I really cried!!!! I too had my husband read it and he also got quite teary~eyed!!!!! so hold on to your little guys tight...before you know it they will be getting ready to head off to college and start their new adventure in life!!!!!! :)ReplyDelete
I am so excited for her...but for my own selfish reasons I want her to stay here and not grow up!!! :)
Word to your mother!...Um, I mean I agree with you :) There is nothing better than a scribbly picture or a sloppy kiss just because or snuggling with them during a thunderstorm...nothing in the whole world.ReplyDelete
Well said! Maybe it's because it too us so long to have our Little Guy come into our lives, but I cherish every moment and believe everyone should.ReplyDelete
Isn't that what mom's day is all about---cheesey cards and drippy paintings! (Jamie made me the coolest necklace ever, Riley wanted to get me purple flowers...and Corey was sooooo proud of his "potatoes" plant (grape tomatoes!). But, to be totally honest---I was a crab!---WW3 broke out while I was showering (dad wasn't home from his shift yet) and I only got one leg shaved...by the time we got to church, I was ready to drop them All off and take myself to see Ironman! In the end it was a really nice day and I felt very appreciated :)ReplyDelete
What! I also LOVE being a mother. I would not have missed any of it for anything. My guys are 26 and 28 and you know what they gave me? My 26 year old borrowed his girlfriends Cricut machine and made me the most beautiful card...the envelope and everything. It was prettier than any card I ever purchased. Inside he wrote the most wonderful verse about how he has loved having me as his mom...I cried big time. My 28 year old (the stand-up comedian) got me in my laugh zone. He sent me the most hilarious vintage Calvin and Hobbes Mother's Day cartoon..it was good to belly laugh after the big cry. So I'm with you Jen...Motherhood rocks my world!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
I agree with you...it was a wonderful day. The kids were still rowdy and fighting, but I loved their gifts...always have. Including the pet rock with a feather for hair and a mini I LOVE MOM mug with a plastic bear attached to it. It's sweet that they WANT to get me something...that's what matters. They are just so darn excited to show me what they made/got for me too. Happy Belated Mother's Day to you too!ReplyDelete
What a great post, so beautifully said. Your children are so lucky that you are their mama! I too love motherhood, even with all the mess, noise, chaos, activities and laundry...I wouldn't trade one minute of it. Thank you for sharing these inspiring words today!ReplyDelete
PS That picture is so adorable! Beautiful kids and mom.ReplyDelete
I love your blog but I've never commented (I know! I'm sorry!) but I had to on this one. You are so right on, I can barely stand it. I waited for what seemed like forever to be a mom and it is truly a gift from God - I treasure every second of it and wish that those sweet, precious moments could last forever. Mother's day was even better than my birthday :) It's a privilege to be called "Mommy" and my heart hurts for those that see it otherwise. Thanks so much for your post!ReplyDelete
Well said! Great post. I love being a mom too. We have three kids and are thinking about trying again. People drive me crazy because they think I'm nuts. Why would I want another child? they say. Kids are so expensive... wild... you're so busy already... blah blah blah.ReplyDelete
To me, my kids are what life is all about. They are priceless even at the frustrating moments. I love being a mom!
Huh, how odd that mommybloggers would put posts up like that... ?? Moms hating on mothers day?? That totally confuses me.ReplyDelete
That is a GREAT pic, by the way. It's a framer for sure!
Thanks for sharing this. I know we all get frustrated with our kids and ourselves (we all have bad days), but to HATE motherhood??? I don't understand. I have two small kiddos that I stay home with, and some days are very trying. Even when I get upset I can't imagine sending them to a day care and only seeing them for 2 hours a day. I love that God has blessed me with my two youngins and that I am able to stay at home with them.ReplyDelete
I absolutely agree with you. While I may whine and complain sometimes about the STUFF that comes along with motherhood (pee-soaked bathrooms, laundry, picky eaters), I cherish my role as MOM to my 3 boyz and wouldn't trade it for the world.ReplyDelete
FANTASTIC post, Jennifer! There are definitely days when I feel frustrated and overwhelmed and maybe a bit melancholy, but those days are so far and few between. I am savoring this time with my children because they grow so FAST. My oldest is about to lose her first tooth. I so distinctly remember the feel of her asleep on my chest during her afternoon nap and now she's so independent.ReplyDelete
I am a firm believer in filling my head and heart with uplifting things. I'm glad you responded with joy instead of negativity. Motherhood isn't the easy thing that we sometimes see on TV or in the movies, but it is incredible.
Great post. Motherhood is a gift. I can't imagine what it is like to have babies and hate being their mom. You are blessed and your children are blessed too to have each other.ReplyDelete
The juggling is sometimes tough, but only beacuse I want to give each of them all of my attention. I love being a Mom too.ReplyDelete
ooo---"10 Things I HATE About Motherhood"? I think "hate" is maybe a bit too strong of a word. :sReplyDelete
I hope I don't come across as too negative or snarky on my blog. I try to focus more on the funny stuff my kids do (like stuffing a bunch of trash in the toilet...okay, not funny at the time, but hilarious now) so that other moms can laugh along with me.
Being a mom is the hardest job I've ever had. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I mostly noticed positive MD posts last week, so maybe that's good for me--kept my spirits up. ;)
Oh, I saw some of these posts too and it just saddens me! Yep, I have days when my kids drive me crazy (so maybe I shouldn't have stayed up until 1 reading a book ) And days when I want to "quit" my job ☺! But those moments are few and my kids will only be this age for this second. They change and grow so quickly. You have to stop and overlook the negative things, cherish the little things and stop and enjoy EVERY moment! Life is a rollercoaster! Don't be afraid to jump on and have fun!ReplyDelete
Happy late mothers day to you! You look gorgeous and your sons are SO handsome! Good luck tonight ;)
Here Here!! It's good to be positive about motherhood. Of course we all need vents SOMETIMES but Mother's Day is special!!!ReplyDelete
Great picture of you and your boys!
just read your mothers day blog and wanted to say "thank you". I agree 100%. My children are now grown and expecting my first grandchild in November.....but, I still love, love, love the title of mother! Every aspect....still love to pick up the phone and hear "mom". It is an awesome responsiblity and unbelivable rewards!!!!!ReplyDelete
I have to agree - I am my kids mom 100% even when the job is so hard and I feel discouraged! Just keep swimming!!ReplyDelete
In all honesty, it hasn't been until the past few years that I have truly embraced being a mother and all the perks that come with it. 4 kids in five years and then...oops - there's a fifth... left me living in survival mode for a long time. And when you are just trying to stay afloat, you certainly can't appreciate anything except making it through another day.ReplyDelete
But NOW.
NOW is different.
Not trouble-free, not easy, but perfect. Finding perfection in the imperfection. Now that I can feel them slipping out from my grasp, I know. Being with them is what has transformed me into the person that I now am. A mother. Perhaps it just took me a few years under my belt (not having three kiddos in diapers definitely helps) to get my "sea legs."
What wonderful legs they are too.
(metaphorically speaking)
(because my REAL legs - YIKES!)
I love this post! I tried for 8 years to get pregnant so for me Finally being a MOM is reward all in itself. My little 6month old girl is honestly the most amazing thing to ever happen in my life. So with that I take all that comes with it and wear a smile.ReplyDelete
I completely love Mother's Day...and I will actually be crushed the year that the homemade, cheesy poem/art project type gifts dry up.ReplyDelete
Yikes, maybe next year I should skip the Hallmark card and instead make my mom a poem where every line starts with a letter spelling MOTHER? : )
I completely agree with you. I am so glad that you wrote this post.ReplyDelete
Being a Mommy is the best job I have ever had! I cherish my special moments with my boys...Thanks for a positive post on motherhood (and yes the endless laundry is so not fun but it is a trade off, I guess).ReplyDelete
I'm in the midst of toddler tantrum land and I still can't say it's cool not to be a mama. It's the best thing EVER!ReplyDelete
Really that was circulating online? What is wrong with people? Being a mother is the best thing ever! I love being a mom too! I always say it! Embrace it people because it's gone in a blink of an eye! Sure it's hard work but anything that is worth anything is! :>ReplyDelete
I do luv being a Mom, really I do. Aaah but tonight, I wish Calgon would take me away for 30 mins or so...and yes, I'd return.ReplyDelete
I, too, strive to be THE.BEST.MOM.EVER but you really don't know how your doing at the most important job on earth until much later.....so...I just try and cherish every little thing....knowing they'll be grown and gone before I know it :(ReplyDelete
AMEN!!! Parenthood isn't always fun but it's always worth it!ReplyDelete
Wow, is it bad that I read the article about the 10 worst Mother's Day gifts, and I thought all of them sounded pretty cool? I'd take a new set of pots and pans or some awesome knives! LOL!ReplyDelete
My girlfriend came over to refill my estrogen reserves last week, and brought with her a fantastic craft for us to do together while chat...
Don't you love it when a friend shows up at the door with a shoebox full of Lifesavers, jellybeans, and ribbon and teaches you someth...