text:
Are there monsters or angels inside of me?
The latter is higher than hell is deep
My dreams are darker than I may weep
My soul hungers for thoughts of hell
To fill the emptyness that I must dwell
For such, dare I belong in hell?
When I don't know what to do, Why is it hell that knows?
That gives me answers in the back of my mind
Why is heaven so blind?
For I don't know much
And my Angel's answers are too high to hear
How shall I be?
When Angels walk me down paths of pain
And demons profess me answers that will take it away
Is my soul of night or of day?
another poem:
separate and incomplete
A soul like a dream
Unfinished at the heart
Looking out of his plain eyes
And the feeling feels real
And real feels unaccustomed
Dead and adrift
Waiting for something...
Analyzing and absorbing
Data my senses send
Waiting for a reaction
And I have no clue what to give


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Do you wonder why, given 25 years advancement in technology, the average mileage of automobiles in America has remained essentially the same?
The average vehicle, which 25 years ago accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 14.4 seconds, now does it in 9.9 seconds, a pace once typical only of sporty or luxury cars like Camaros and Jaguars. And vehicle weight now averages about 4,100 pounds, up from about 3,200 in the early 1980's, as many buyers switched to larger, roomier cars or to sport utility vehicles and minivans
If 2005 model vehicles, with their better technology, had the performance and size of those in 1987, they would use only 80 percent of the gasoline they do today, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That alone would get the country nearly halfway to the goal President Bush set in his State of the Union address: to cut American oil consumption enough to nearly eliminate the need to import from the Middle East.
But because Americans have not insisted on better fuel economy, "we can take the technology in the cars and turn the knob toward performance," said Karl H. Hellman, an automotive development expert who retired from the E.P.A. two years ago.
Improving mileage now would be easy if drivers sacrificed some zip in new cars, he said, "but in this country, we don't sacrifice for anything." (NY Times)
Oh, but we do sacrifice. It's just a matter of where. Do you want more terrorism, more funding of Islamist schools, more entanglements in Middle East politics, more animosity abroad? Keep using and demanding all the oil you can! You won't sacrifice how quickly you can get your enormous automobile off the line, but you'll sacrifice blood, money and safety.
The 2005 Toyota Camry, one of the most popular sedans, accelerates more quickly than some 1975 Pontiac Firebirds. The Chevrolet TrailBlazer, an S.U.V., can reach 60 miles an hour in 8.2 seconds -- about half the time of its 1985 ancestor. The 2006 Cadillac STS-V, which can reach 60 m.p.h. in less than five seconds, is one of many cars that now have more than enough horsepower to pull an 18-wheeler.
An image of oldsters in their Cadillacs compensating for some other perceived deficiency comes to mind. Would it be too much to ask that, while they're zooming around in their state-of-the-art hot rods, they give half a thought to the young people abroad giving up their lives trying to keep the Middle East (and oil prices) stable?

subset: commoncrawl


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Monday's Yoga (8/16/10)
I am really stressed about my job right now. At a time like this, yoga is more important than ever, so I'm doing it like my life depends on it. During yoga, one is supposed to focus on the breath and the movements. Yoga is a way of letting the brain rest while the body relaxes itself. Unfortunately, my brain has other ideas about what to do during yoga. For example, why stop worrying just because you're doing yoga? You can worry and stretch! And don't pay any attention to that breathing thing—that's just a scam that should be ignored so you don't forget what you are worrying about.
On Monday night, I clicked over to my favorite Dave Farmar work-out and attempted to downward-dog my way to calmness. But I just couldn't get into the feeling of yoga! I had the attention span of a moth, and my breathing kept speeding up, so I never really found the calm yoga groove I was seeking. It was frustrating, but I figure that crappy yoga is better than no yoga. It was worth a try.


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In light of a recent discussion at Boundless, I got to thinking about the Childbirth Movement (which overlaps with the Marriage Mandate Movement) and the arguments some use to insist that married people must have children. As a Christian that tries to respect the scruples of other believers, I will not stand in the way of a couple who thinks that God is leading them to have children. I may disagree with their convictions, but I accord to them the charity that Christian unity demands (Romans 14).
Sadly, however, I don't think this charity is often reciprocated by the anti-contraceptive/childbirth advocates. Many of them equate their position with obedience to Christ. If they really believe their convictions are a reflection of a clear mandate in the Bible that is universally binding, then I suggest that they make their case in a reasonable manner. In particular, I ask those in the Childbirth Movement to stop using emotionalism, sloppy reasoning, bad argumentation, and fallacious logic. Here are some of the logical fallacies they need to steer clear of ...
1. Argumentum ad Homimem
Don't tell me what a bad Christian I am if I don't want to have children. Don't me I'm "worldly," "am selfish," etc. Don't point to some unfavorable trait about me as a person. You are not proving anything except maybe your dislike of people who happen to disagree with you.
2. Negative Inference Fallacy (a phrase coined by D. A. Carson)
You tell me that the Bible says children are blessing. So? It does not logically follow that not having children is not a blessing. Having children may be a blessing, but being childless may also be a blessing (How do we explain the commendation of singleness in the Bible if this were not the case, or do single people need to have children, too?).
3. Argumentum ad Consequentiam and Slippery Slope Fallacy
Don't tell me how acceptance of contraception and the refusal to have children will lead to abortions, some terrible economic crises, or the extinction of the human race.
4. Argumentum ad Naturam
Don't tell me that because having children is natural, we must therefore embrace childbearing.
5. Argumentum ad Populum, Argumentum ad Verecundiam, Argumentum ad Antiquitatem
I don't care how many "respected" "scholars" from your faith tradition believe something now or have believed something in the past. Present the arguments and let them stand or fall on their own merit. Also, don't tell me about how many times in the Bible we find people having children or exulting them. Polygamy and circumcision were pretty popular, too. Then there is foot-washing and greeting one another with a "holy kiss." Customs do not necessarily rise to the level of a Biblical mandate.
6. Argumentum ad Ignorantiam
Don't tell me, "There is no example of saints in the Bible refusing to have children." An argument from silence is inconclusive in and of itself.
7. Loaded Language
Don't talk to me about the "Christian worldview" until you prove that your views indeed reflect it. Don't talk about "selfish lusts" when discussing those who don't want to have children. What do you mean by the word "selfish" and "lust", anyway? That couples having sex for the sheer enjoyment of it or for expressing love are sinning? Please make your case from the Bible. Cut the emotion-laden buzzwords and give me just the facts, ma'am.
8. Argumentum ad Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity)
Don't ask me if I like children. Left-wing politicians "think of the children" when they proffer their interventionist, big-government programs. That, of course, does not make you a bleeding-heart liberal, but you do share the illogic of one if you employ the same sort of emotionalism in your line of reasoning.
9. Ignoratio Elenchi
Don't tell me that Lord "opens and closes wombs." It's true, but it's irrelevant to your case. The Bible says that the Lord "kills and makes alive" (1 Sam. 2:6), but I don't see a lot of Christians giving up their firearms as a gesture of trusting in the Lord.
10. Guilt By Association
Don't tell me how the big, bad, secular humanists take my position. Who cares? What if they have a bigger clue than you (Luke 16:8b)?
11. Suppressed Evidence
Don't keep repeating Gen. 1:28 like a Fisher-Price See-N-Say toy unless you are willing to deal with the counterarguments against your exegesis (e.g., the use of heterosis in the Hebrew language which changes the meaning of an imperative verb).
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. I am certain there are some other forms of bad argumentation that the Childbirth Movement adherents need to avoid. The point of my post is not, however, to say that these people are wrong. My point is that these people have their feelings invested in the debate; now is the time for them to invest their brains.
Watered Down Teaching
5 days ago


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J Bennett Fitts is a California based photographer, and received his BFA from one of my top 5 schools (for my MFA) Art Center Pasadena, not that I could live in Pasadena, but still. Anyways, his "No Lifeguard on Duty" series really impressed me. So here it is:
The ramblings of a Californian, living in Nashville, going to Art School, looking towards the big city...
Saturday, May 30, 2009
J Bennett Fitts
J Bennett Fitts is a California based photographer, and received his BFA from one of my top 5 schools (for my MFA) Art Center Pasadena, not that I could live in Pasadena, but still. Anyways, his "No Lifeguard on Duty" series really impressed me. So here it is:
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ben Huff
Here's Ben Huff. He's an Alaskan photographer, and his work focuses on Alaska's Dalton Highway, which is 414 miles of predominately dirt and follows the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline. Huff states that this is a work in progress.
The Last Road North:
Friday, May 22, 2009
Lydia Panas
"These photographs explore who we are and how we see ourselves. With these pictures, I try to describe the stories we reveal. I invite people to move through my landscape. They stand in front of the camera. I watch to see what happens.
My subjects are people I know; family, friends, and acquaintances. I look at the details. I watch their postures, their gestures and glances. It is a combination of strength and vulnerability that makes me respond. They are complex emotions that guide us. Sometimes what we try to conceal is the most revealing. I am interested in what we know but do not see, as the familiar becomes commonplace.
Relationships are complicated. We are at our best when we are learning who we are. My intention with this series is to show us ourselves."
Here's her site.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Coming soon
Friday, May 15, 2009
My Social Documentary Class
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mathew Scott
Can someone buy one of these please?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Courtney Ann Greenlee
We've taken several classes together and I've grown more, and more impressed with her work, to the point where she might be my favorite (no offense to anyone else) student photographer at Watkins right now. I'm so excited to see what she comes up with for this Social Documentary class that I am in with her during the month of May. Here's some of my favorite pieces she's done:
These are from her series, "A Dream I Cannot Remember."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bob Myaing
(thanks once again to BOOOOM!)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Missing you Pacific
I never learned how to surf, I've only been to Carnival in West Hollywood once, I never went to LACMA, only did the art crawl at the brewery twice. I want to go back, and work somewhere organic, hippyish, ride my bike to the beach, drive my hybrid in the commuter lane, goto Mosaic, walk Pasadena old town, hang a show in Long Beach, collect seashells, goto another rooftop party in downtown LA (I did that once and I felt like I was in a movie.)
So anyway, I want to move back. To all my friends in LA, I miss you all terribly. To the Pacific Ocean, it's been too long. And to the smog, maybe I'll take you back, maybe.


text:
The Palestinian propaganda machine has infiltrated many well meaning organisations that once served useful purposes but are swiftly becoming meaningless. Its takeover of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International has turned each of these former human rights organisations into a sham. We know now of the farces called Durban I and Durban II that were supposed to deal with the serious problem of racism the world over and which became a vehicle to single out one people and to hide abuses the world over.
The machine has also taken over and smothered scientific organisations and is using them to spread lies against Israel's defensive war against terror. Melanie Phillips explains how in Science Pogrom Week.
Of course, the Melbourne Age couldn't resist helping cause with a story on claims in Lancet that Palestinian kids are suffering because of the actions of the Israelis. Never mind the fact that under the Israeli occupation, infant mortality rates improved and that the real problems started when Arafat unleashed an intifada in response to Israeli efforts to end the said occupation and never mind that Hamas uses these children as human shields while carrying out terrorist activities including attacks on Israeli schools and kindergartens.
Naturally, there are no concerns from the Age or Lancet about those children who have been traumatised for years by indiscriminate rocket fire from Palestinian terrorists.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Posted by Wilbur Post at 2:36 pm
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text:
AL Matchup to Watch Is No Longer Boston Red Sox vs. New York YankeesJune 1, 2012
Who needs the Red Sox and Yankees when you can have Felix Hernandez matched up against Yu Darvish and Ichiro Suzuki shagging Josh Hamilton's deep flies?
In the wake of the Seattle Mariners' whopping 21-8 victory over the Texas Rangers Wednesday, it is apparent that these two teams promise an entertaining ballgame whenever they clash.
The M's have performed unusually well against their divisional rivals thus far in 2012, which contradicts what most people would have thought at the beginning of the season.
The Rangers undeniably own baseball's best offense, and their pitching is pretty top-notch, too. The Mariners own one of the most sluggish offenses in the MLB, and it's only their improving pitching that keeps them afloat.
The series score in 2012 is 5-5, which is pretty good for the Mariners and not so good for the Rangers considering their overall regular season records.
In those 10 games, the Mariners are playing much better offensively (and still pretty well defensively considering the formidable offense they're up against) than they are against any other team. They're averaging 5.7 runs per game against Texas compared to 3.7 against other teams.
Sure, their 21-run game skews that number a bit, but it doesn't disrupt the trend.
Another exciting part of the matchup is watching countrymen Yu Darvish and Ichiro face off. Darvish is 1-1 against the Mariners so far, but Ichiro has had his number in both games, hitting 5-for-9 with two runs.
It's a small sample, but it makes you wonder if Ichiro has an advantage, having seen Japanese pitching for nine years before coming to America to tear it up. Of course, Ichiro is also 13 years Darvish's senior and has a full, successful career behind him in the top baseball league in the world. Whether or not there's an advantage, this will continue to be an exciting matchup to watch.
It's still fun to watch the Yankees play the Red Sox in either of the high-energy venues that house the two AL East powerhouses, but a lot of that comes from the history of the rivalry. The Mariners/Rangers rivalry isn't a particularly old or vicious one, but it hosts some of the top players of the current era, and it's only going to get more intense...
The Rangers are perennially poised to take a stab at the championship and will continue to be since a lot of their stars are moving into their prime.
The Mariners have some of the nastiest minor-league pitchers chomping at the bit in Andrew Carraway, James Paxton, Danny Hultzen, Stephen Pryor and Taijuan Walker who occupy Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Tacoma. There is little doubt they will have one of the lowest team ERAs in the league in a few years, but they do need to match their pitching with some offense.
There's help on the way there as well. Nick Franklin, the projected future shortstop of the team, is tearing it up in Double-A. Outfielders Casper Wells, Mike Carp, Trayvon Robinson, Chih-Hsien Chiang and Carlos Peguero could all be candidates to replace Ichiro and fill Safeco's outfield. Francisco Martinez and Vinnie Catricala also have big-league potential.
Aside from all of the talent beneath the surface in Seattle, there are still the players who are starting this season like Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager, Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak who will continue to improve as a unit and individually.
The Sox/Yanks rivalry will probably continue to draw the biggest audience, but the Rangers/Mariners matchup is one to watch for the remainder of 2012 and over the next few years.


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PCSO: Escaped inmate taken into custodyPosted: Updated:
FLORENCE, Ariz. -- A Pinal County Jail inmate who reportedly escaped Friday afternoon to spend Valentine's Day with his girlfriend is in custody, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff's spokesman Tim Gaffney said Friday evening that 40-year-old Joseph Andrew Dekenipp was located in Coolidge. The city is about 11 miles from the Florence jail.
The sheriff's office said Dekenipp was inside a fenced recreation yard at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center with other inmates about 4 p.m. When the inmates returned to their housing unit, Dekenipp was unaccounted for.
The man allegedly escaped from the jail by climbing two fences, one of which was 12 feet tall and had razor wire.
Whether Dekenipp had help from the other inmates was still under investigation Friday evening.
The sheriff's office began searching for Dekenipp with help from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Corrections, Florence Police Department, Coolidge Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service.
Numerous K-9s tracked the man's scent to a nearby roadway, where it apparently stopped. The sheriff's office said it appeared Dekenipp got into a vehicle.
Deputies stopped and searched numerous cars on major roadways in the area.
Gaffney said Dekenipp was found in a bar and was wearing street clothes. He was taken into custody without incident.
Two teens claim the inmate offered their friend drugs, money, quads and cell phones in return for a ride.
Drake Gall and Cash Madewell said they thought, "Maybe this is the guy. Maybe we can help out and get him," said Madewell.
The teens said they told their friend to stay put, so they could tag along.
"That's when he started saying we need to leave, and after that they took him down to the Goose and we followed them," said one of the teens.
The teens said they called police while they were following their friend.
"My heart was kind of racing. It was kind of scary. I didn't know if he was going to try to steal the truck or take over my friend," said Drake Gall.
Gaffney said Friday that Dekenipp was treated for the injuries he sustained while climbing the fence and transported back to the jail, where he would be booked on escape charges.
Dekenipp was originally booked into jail Jan. 10 on charges of theft of a means of transportation, trafficking stolen property, unlawful flight, and driving on a suspended license.
At the time of the alleged escape, Dekenipp was being held on $5,000 bond and had a pretrial conference scheduled for Feb. 25.
Right now, Pinal County Sheriff's deputies are searching for an escaped inmate. #roadblocks #perimeters @azfamily pic.twitter.com/xZ2AA1VuzK— News From (@SteveRyan3TV) February 15, 2014


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It's my first solo gig, as Kelly won't be joining me in Chicago, so that should be an interesting experience. I was only half-joking about bringing a life-size cardboard cut-out of her to pretend to talk to. :P
Anyway, Positive Discipline is a set of parenting ideas and tools that facilitate good communication and mutual, respectful problem-solving. It is non-punitive and anti-reward-systems, which puts PD proponents like me at odds with those who promote more conventional parenting ideas (including the ones we were raised with).
PD is sometimes a source of misunderstanding between parents. When people hear that we do not punish our children and that we do not use reward systems (like gold stars or prizes) for good behavior, sometimes they are under the impression that anything goes at our house, that we live in crazy chaos (which is, admittedly, sometimes true, but not because of PD) where our children's whims determine what happens around here.
Nothing could be further from the truth. But this misconception is understandable because non-punitive/non-reward-system discipline is very different from what most of us experienced as children, and, I think too, because it is at odds with some underlying (perhaps unexamined) premises held about child development and behavior, the goal of parenting, cultural norms and expectations, etc. some of which I've tried to examine in other blog posts.
In this week's Time Travel Tuesday post, "Mythbusting Positive Discipline" (originally posted in January of this year), I tried to address some of the common misconceptions about what non-punitive discipline/PD entails, and I think I did a pretty good job. I'll share one misconception here, but check out the rest of the post.
The Pollyanna Myth: Positive Discipline means everyone is happy all the time!
I think this misunderstanding is rooted in the word "positive" (though now that I think about it, perhaps most of the misunderstandings are for the same reason). Indeed, Jane Nelsen, who coined the term, has said that this is something she hears a lot, too.
The fact of the matter is--SPOILER ALERT for all you non-parents--sometimes the child will be less-than-thrilled at what you have to say or do. And those times are not all that fun for Mom and Dad either. Parenting is fun and challenging and very rewarding--but it's not all puppies and rainbows (no matter which discipline method you use).
There's another myth I'd like to address at some point which was not included in that post, the myth that kids who are not punished will grow up to be whim-worshipers. But I'll do that another time.
I'd love to answer more questions about the whys and wherefores of non-punitive discipline, either here on my blog, or on our podcast, so please ask! You can leave a comment here, or if you have a podcast question, leave it at our Google moderator page.
See you in Chicago, I hope!


text:
Frank Dell'Apa has the report in the Globe.
Paul Pierce worked out at nearly full speed during the Celtics' shootaround at Georgia Tech this morning. But Pierce did not expect his left knee, which sustained a contusion and bruise in a clash with Utah's Hakan Okur Monday, to be fully tested until the Celtics' game against Atlanta started. Tip-off was set for 7:10 p.m.
"I wore a knee brace and I'll give it a go," Pierce said while trainer Ed Lacerte wrapped ice bags around the knee. "If we had played yesterday I probably wouldn't have played. I'll ice and, hopefully, play. It's whatever the doctors say — a little bit of swelling. I'll definitely go.
"I did the normal stuff (in practice), we went through our plays. But you never can tell when it's not game-like speed. When it's game-like speed, we'll see how it feels and go from there."
Doesn't sound entirely fantastic… but he's going to play. I'm sure if there was any chance of him doing further damage, they'd sit him. I want to win… but I'll sacrifice December games to keep our guys healthy if I have to.


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My place of escape - filled with thoughts on LIFE, creations and the things I LOVE.
Friday, September 26, 2008
This week's BLOGGERS CHALLENGE is to use the WARHOL TECHNIQUE and it is also the beginning of BLOG HOP for Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. I have 2 more stamp sets being released on October 1. So be sur eto join us for the BLOG HOP and then the RELEASE PARTY on September 30. Check back here often so you can see more sneak peeks into the new sets that will be released!
My inspiration to the Warhol Challenge is right here. Personally, I am not sure how I feel about this challenge - but I did it anyways! LOL I think the card I made is cute.
I used my Copics to color Olivia the Owl from Owl Occassions and then used some accessories for her from the upcoming Owl Christmas Accessories stamp set that will be released October 1! I am still wondering where September went! LOL
Focus girl! Right? LOL
Okay - back to the coloring. I do not have a lot of Copics - so I mix a lot of my own colors. That is why I love the Copics is you can BLEND! I use the greay scale markers to add depth in color. You can mix the colors right on a pallette. But truth be known, sometimes I do not like doing the extra step so I just color over and using my Colorless Blender to mix the colors on the paper. To blend the colors, it works best to have a Matte Kote Finish type paper or your colors will not blend well.
I had these red embellishments laying around. I do not remember why I bought them, but I thought they would add a nice touch. I added a bit of glitter on the Owl's Christmas hat too. So what do you think?
Here are a few more details:
Stamp Sets: Owl Occassions, Owl's Christmas Accessories
Cardstock: Basic Black, White Matte Kote finish,
Ink: Black Brilliance, Copics
Accessories: Red bling, Stardust Stickles, Mini Glue Dots
Two more things - be sure to check out the BLOGGER CHALLENGES on the side bar to the RIGHT. Everyone does such great work and it is fun to see how all of the different artists personal take on the challenges!
Also, check here often for more SNEAK PEEKS the next few days. The BLOG HOP starts today at Korin and Sandy's Blog. There is more information on the side bar on the top of my blog for the next several days!
Have a fabulous weekend! Thank you for stopping by!
21 comments:
- Lynn Mercurio said...
Great take on the challenge. Love the funny look on this owl's face. You rocked the challenge, girl!
- September 26, 2008 at 9:49 AM
It's so cute! That owl is adorable, and I love how your colors turned out with the copics! I can't wait to get some of those someday...
- September 26, 2008 at 10:03 AM
- Basement Stamper said...
super cute!!! Love the owl!
- September 26, 2008 at 10:15 AM
- Sheryl said...
Great job with the challenge. I like your inspiration piece, but your owl is sooo much cuter!
- September 26, 2008 at 10:57 AM
- Nikki Bond said...
This turned out amazing! Love the colors and the image is too cute! {SMILES}
- September 26, 2008 at 11:01 AM
- Ida P. Krause said...
Olivia never looked better! Sweet card.
- September 26, 2008 at 11:46 AM
- Sandy said...
Oh that turned out so neat! I love that little Olivia the Owl and you did a great job!
- September 26, 2008 at 12:07 PM
- Kristen said...
Your card is Awesome. Great coloring.
- September 26, 2008 at 1:12 PM
- Connie said...
Now that is a CUTE owl and love the Warhol look you obtained! Congrats on your new stamp sets, too!
- September 26, 2008 at 1:58 PM
- PaperAddictJenn said...
I can't wait to see your new stamp sets!
- September 26, 2008 at 4:26 PM
- Lisa Bohler said...
So adorable! Love that little guy and how you used an actual warhol piece for inspiration!
- September 26, 2008 at 7:08 PM
- Christina said...
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE OWL! you did great on this .
- September 26, 2008 at 8:32 PM
- Anita Van Hal said...
love the colors! wonderful job! thanx for sharing.
- September 26, 2008 at 9:08 PM
- Tangii said...
Very cute!! A Whimsical Warhol...woo hoo! Love the colors and the embellies!!
- September 26, 2008 at 10:45 PM
What a cute image, he looks a bit wowed by all the colours!!!! Great take on the challenge.
:) Marcia
- September 26, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I think it turned out great! I like your softer colors. I have never been a big fan of Warhol. But I love your version! It involves stamps!
- September 27, 2008 at 12:32 AM
- Anita said...
What a unique Christmas card! I love it!
- September 27, 2008 at 11:21 AM
- Lori said...
This is so cute!
- September 27, 2008 at 10:59 PM
- StampingSelene said...
I love your work and you did an awesome job with this challenge!
- September 28, 2008 at 11:14 AM
- Sarah {SCS: Sairabee} said...
This is so fun! I love it!
- September 28, 2008 at 3:19 PM
- n8tvtexan said...
Your challenge card is amazing!
- September 28, 2008 at 7:37 PM


text: Tax Refund....SPENT! Get link Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Email Other Apps May 11, 2008 Tax Refund....SPENT!, originally uploaded by chewbaccas_ballz. This is Neil in his new sweet sweatshirt.Remember, if you're going to spend your refund, try to stimulate your local economy! Get link Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Email Other Apps Comments Doug said… Please, tell me that his hoodie costs less than $600! :) 2:48 PM Rachel said… Yes, even though it's a pretty sweet hoodie, it was less than $600! 2:56 PM Benn said… I think the Mark Ecko Stormtrooper Hoodie can be had for around $78. 4:14 PM Post a Comment


text: At exactly this time six months ago, I was sitting in the waiting room, not so patiently waiting for a doctor to come out and tell me my son was going to be okay. In the waiting room filled with people there was a single television with all of the patient's names and statuses listed. I routinely checked this television minute after minute, so scared that I would miss something. Finally the time came that his status changed to "recovery". I squealed loudly in front of the packed room, not caring a bit what anyone else thought. Minutes later there was the doctor standing there very serious, yet proud. My baby is such a trooper! He has been through so much in his life, yet he is one of the happiest babies ever. Today we lose the final two antibiotics he has been taking. The three medicines that he will be continuing, he will have to take for the rest of his life. I am proud to say that he takes them like such a big boy. I am so blessed to be his mommy!


text:
Not at all, we're told. For instance, in Vietnam we were concerned that arms we supplied to militias, police and the ARVN might fall into the hands of the Viet Cong insurgency. In fact, it was reported that some members of the militias, police and even the ARVN were actually agents of the insurgency. In Afghanistan, on the other hand…
KABUL – An Afghan policeman on patrol with U.S. soldiers opened fire on the Americans, killing two of them before fleeing, officials said Saturday, raising questions about discipline in the ranks of the Afghan forces and possible infiltration by insurgents.Never mind.
Labels: Afghaninam, Afghanistan, Insugency, Viet Cong, Vietnam


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This is another recipe from my 1955 Marshall Township PTA Cookbook. This recipe was submitted by Phyllis Manzenburger.
2 cakes yeast
1 tbsp. sugar
1 cup lukewarm water
1 cup milk
3 eggs, beaten
6 tbsp. shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
7 cups sifted flour
Dissolve yeast and 1 tbsp. sugar in lukewarm water. Scald milk, add shortening, sugar and salt; cool to lukewarm. Add 2 cups flour. Add yeast and beaten eggs; beat well. Add remaining flour or enough to make a soft dough. Knead lightly and place in greased bowl. Cover and set in a warm place, free from draft. Let rise until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours. When dough is light, punch down and divide into 3 equal portions. Round up each portion into a smooth ball. Roll out into oblong pieces 1/4 inch thick. Brush with melted ubtter or margarine and sprinkle with brown sugar, currants, and cinnamon. Roll each piece as for jelly roll and place in a circle on a large, shallow, greased pan. With scissors cut 1 inch slices almost through. Turn each slice partly on its side, pointing away from the center. This should give the effect of a many pointed star and show the different layers with the filling. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from draft, until light, about 1 hour. Brush with 1 egg yolk beaten with 2 tbsp. cold milk. Bake in a moderate oven 350 degrees about 30 minutes. Ice top while still warm with plain icing. Makes 3 rings.


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I polished off two more Harlequin Historical titles this weekend.
The Horseman by Jillian Hart (Harlequin Historical #715) - One of the common criticisms of the romance genre (among idiots who like to talk out of their asses) is that it gives women "unrealistic expectations." I've always found this "reasoning" particularly insulting (and anti-feminist) because it implies women are such simpletons that we can't tell the difference between Fiction and The Real World. That said, reading The Horseman gave me an unrealistic expectation because the hero is incredibly perfect. I swear, I love The Boyfriend - but if I thought for one moment that Dillon Hennessey existed in real life I'd be out the door in a snap.
Heroine miscarries and her baby girl dies. Asshole husband (who likes to beat her in his spare time) tosses her out the door and dissolves their marriage because the miscarriage has left her barren. Heroine crawls home (literally) because she has nowhere else to go and she's incredibly weak from all that nasty blood loss and trauma.
Her mother is a petty, unfeeling bitch and her banker stepfather is only concerned with the fact that he's losing business because his stepdaughter ruined the family reputation.
Seriously, I wanted a gun.
Hero is a horse trainer a la The Horse Whisperer and essentially falls in love with the heroine the first time he lays eyes on her. But she's from a Very Good Family (ha!) and he's blue collar. Also, he's incredibly shy, gets tongue-tied around women, and just has no clue how to go about the whole courting business.
Circumstances come into play where the heroine runs away (still being very ill), hero rescues her, and nurses her back to health. He does his best - earning her trust and vowing to her that he would not only make a good husband, but would love her with such an undying devotion that she would never want for anything.
Hart has a tendency to do a lot of internal monologue-ing, and the story is slow in spots. That said, this hero is so dreamy that he really carries the whole blessed book. I have this thing for shy men who are "unsure" of themselves. I'm just a sucker like that. Still waffling on the grade for this one - so I'll say a B+.
High Country Hero by Lynna Banning (Harlequin Historical #706) - Another average read from Banning. Heroine has just returned to Oregon with her medical degree in hand and has opened for business. Hero is a loner bounty hunter who needs her to tend to someone with a gun shot wound. Naturally this wounded patient is several days away via horseback. Along the way hero teaches heroine to not be so afraid and enjoy the "little things" in life. Love and romance bloom on the trail.
This one was OK. My main complaint is that there is a big issue in the hero's past that was never fully fleshed out. Part of me understood why he made the choice he made - but I guess I wanted Banning to spell it out more for me. Final Grade = B-.


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First, thank you to the wonderful and witty writers who have responded to our earlier post this week. We are having great fun pouring over your blogs and writing pieces and will be in touch shortly.
Now, there are few things closer to our mostly mannerly hearts than corduroy. So when we discovered in the WSJ over our morning coffee that today, 11/11/11, is "...the day that most closely resembles corduroy ever," according to Ms. Pieloch, director of "cordination,"for the Corduroy Appreciation Club, we were delighted. You can read all about it in this article.
As the weather cools our thoughts turn to our dear friends who will and will not be spending Thanksgiving in Paris (you know who you are). This piece by Julie Blakely might come in handy as well as these general tips for personal Frenchification wherever you are.
In other news, we loved our friend Kayce's post last night about her "Aunt Lilly." Yes, that Lilly.
Have you had a chance to peruse the Nov/Dec Lonny Magazine? Pure fun! Plus, we are intrigued by this new lifestyle shop C Wonder that recently opened in Soho and is featured in the magazine. Sadly, it does not yet seem to have an online shopping component.
Finally on this Veteran's Day, thank you to all the men and women who serve, have served and sacrificed so that we may prattle on in safety and peace about corduroy, fashion, beauty and decor ad nauseum. Happy weekend!
photos from LL Bean, France in photos, Flickr and CWonder


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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
So this is Christmas...
Let's start, briefly, with last week Wednesday. We are almost ready to leave for Wisconsin for the holidays. I wanted to leave early because there was some sort of snow storm headed for the midwest and I might need the extra day of travel. I loosely use the phrase "almost ready" because I wasn't actually packed, didn't have the house clean so my friend could come feed the cats, and had a small list of errands that needed to be done. Along with all the things I hadn't finished on Wednesday, we add that the dog needs to see the vet because he wouldn't walk on his front left foot. And Louisa needed to see the doctor because of a bump on her foot that has been bothering her for far too long. Can't get either in until Thursday. Great, that gives me another day to get the house clean and packed and all that fun stuff.
Thursday brings two doc appointments, and..... not much of anything else. Didn't pack much, didn't clean much. Can we say Procrastinate? Yes, I'm the queen. I was packed and ready by 6:00 pm Thursday evening. We were going to stop and get a Happy Meal on the road. The kids were in the car, very excited. I planned on driving 6 hours to Little Rock and stopping for the night. All I had to do was lock a rolling cover I have on the bed of my truck. The lock doesn't always click right away and sometimes I have to jimmy it a little. Unfortunately, I jimmied it way too much and pulled out the roll out cover way too far. It got stuck and I could not get the tailgate up. I worked on it for about two hours with some tools and a flashlight. Finally gave up since it was way too late and I didn't want to drive until 2:00 in the morning. The kids and I grabbed Husband's truck and went to get some very late dinner. Then I put them to bed and finished some cleaning I hadn't gotten done.
In the morning I told the kids we'd be on the road by 10:00 and we'd stop and get some donuts. Noon came along and we still weren't on the road and the roll up cover was still stuck. A maintenance worker came to put a new storm door on my house. When he was finished, he noticed I was futzing with my truck and asked if he could help. I showed him how the cover was jammed, and in literally two seconds he had it pulled out and working fine. figures. As happy as I was to get on the road, I was very frustrated at all the work I put in to something that took a man two seconds to fix.
We hit the road and drove for 8 hours, stopping in Memphis. We stayed at a hotel that cost us $44 total, and was actually more comfortable than some beds that I've paid over $100 for. However, a sketchy side of town, which I'm sure is part of the reason for the price break.
We got up and ate at Cracker Barrel and then took off for our last leg of the trip. A 10 hour push to Wisconsin. We made it in a little more than 10, but at least it was uneventful. The kids rode well, we watched a lot of movies on our portable DVD player, and it wasn't as hard a drive as I thought it would be.
So, we've been here since late Saturday night and we've been busy every day. My mom, Louisa, my sister, and I got to see the Milwaukee Ballet's Nutcracker on Sunday, which Louisa loved. And Christmas Eve was spent at my sister's house, which is right around the block from my parent's house. My sister had a friend dress as Santa and come give the kids presents. Hunter freaked (in a good way) when he saw Santa walk in the door. He was so excited! Christmas day we did the present thing and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks. Today was finally nice enough for the kids to play outside. I do not miss this Wisconsin cold. This is a bitter cold that sticks to your bones. I'm glad today was a little warmer.
Christmas without daddy was a little hard for all of us. I think we all had some tears at some point. He had bought them a present and had it sent to my parents house so they could open it Christmas morning. We were instant messaging with him while the kids opened it. They were stuffed animals that have a special code so you can register them with the International Star Registry, as well as registering for your own star. So now the kids have stars that daddy can look for.
But most sad is daddy. He spent Christmas in country 7200 miles from here, alone, on an "American" base that did not once recognize that it was Christmas. No special meal, no decorations, no "Merry Christmas". Just him and a buddy watching It's a Wonderful Life, and that was all the Christmas he got. That's how soldiers really spend Christmas. Not, the special dinners they show on the evening news.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Umm.... We're still here
Louisa has a thing on her foot, like a bump thing. She says it's starting to bother her pretty bad, so I said we would try to get her in to the doctor quick before we left this morning. Our clinic only takes same-day appointments, so you have to call right when the appointment lines open at 7:15 am. I waited on hold for 15 minutes only to be told that, in 15 minutes, all the appointments were gone. Wow! But, it's that time of year. Everyone is taking off to go home this week, and everyone needs to get in quick before they go for whatever reason. Sometimes the clinic does take pity on us and give us an appointment for the next day if we are in dire need. This is dire need. So they are squeezing us in tomorrow morning.
If that wasn't fun enough of an adventure, the dog has an owie on his foot. It's swollen and he can't walk on it too well. So, I call the vet at about 12:45 this afternoon. They close at noon on Wednesdays. Why?! Why does it just happen to be Wednesdays that they close at noon?! That is another thing added to my list tomorrow. I hope to be on the road by noon, but somehow, I don't see it happening.
I am not going to stress. If I stress, then my stomach pain acts up. That is the last thing I need. A two day car trip with stomach pain. We'll get there when we get there.
On another note, I have to give a HUGE thank you to my friend Jen, who loves us so much that she sent a snowglobe to Hunter all the way from Idaho! Thank You Jen!! Hunter is a happy boy!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
Tomorrow the kids and I, and dog, will pack up and hit the road. Wisconsin or bust. I must be half insane to do this on my own. My sister made the trip last spring. But it was warmer, and she has one tween/teen who can go to the bathroom by himself.
This time, it's cold, I have a dog who won't pee in the cold, and two out of three kids who need to be watched in the bathroom or changed.
But, without Husband here for Christmas, we want to make it as special as we can for the kids. Everyone is chipping in and doing their part. My sister has a little "Santa" surprise lined up for them on Christmas Eve, my dad is treating the girls (me, Louisa, mom, sister) to the Nutcracker Ballet in Milwaukee, my husband's brother is making a rare trip from Arizona to Wisconsin, so my inlaws will have almost all their grandchildren together in one place.
Although something is very obviously missing this year, we plan on keeping the kids busy.
Now, if only someone can invent a car that drives all by itself, and doesn't have to stop for gas, we would be all set.
Hmm.... maybe we should take the train.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Today I thank God for Technology
Last year when my husband was in Afghanistan, he did not have a computer. No internet connection in the tents he slept in. His unit was somewhat nomadic, never staying at one FOB (Forward Operating Base) for too long. They did their mission and moved on. I got phone calls about every two weeks. No letters, and no email. Sometimes they'd have down time and I'd get a call every day for about a week, then they'd be off again and it would be two weeks before I heard from him.
Now that he's in Iraq and in a real barracks, I get to talk to him much more often. He has a laptop and internet connection in his room (that we pay out the roof for, but it's worth it). So we get to instant message pretty much every day. It sure beats him waiting in line to make a 20 minute phone call, which he usually cuts short because the lines are so long.
Also this time around, we have added a new feature to our communication. Webcams! A few days ago I bought us each a webcam. I still have to mail his to him, but I hooked ours up and this morning he got to see us.
We told Hunter to look at the camera and say Hi Daddy. So he grabbed the camera, shoved it up to his face and said, "Hello? Daddy?" Then handed it back to me, shook his head and said, "No Daddy." So no, Daddy wasn't actually in the camera. Daddy was amused by Hunter looking for him, though. I'm sure he saw up Hunter's nose a little more than he needed to!
Between his slow internet and my really old computer, we had a few freeze ups, but it didn't matter. It was just nice for him to see us. And we are excited to be able to see him when he gets his set up.
38 years ago, in a war that many people say is similar to this one, I wonder if my inlaws could ever imagine talking to eachother over a computer complete with video camera!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas Video
On the way there, we were getting Hunter to say "Merry Christmas Daddy!" and other such happy little greetings. Unfortunately, Hunter took it the wrong way. He thought we were actually going to *see* Daddy. He was disappointed when we got there and Daddy was not to be found. Hunter ran straight into the video room, looked around, and when he realized Daddy wasn't actually there, he got a sad little look and said, "Aww". Followed by a little sigh as if to say, Disappointed again.
Before we went in, Louisa started futzing with her hair. Something she's usually not worried about. "How does my hair look?" I said it looked cute and that it didn't really matter. "I have to look good for Daddy!" she replied.
The room was decorated very cute. There was a fireplace.... taped to the wall. A tree with ornaments. A couch draped in red satin. Poinsettias spread around here and there.
We sat on the couch and the guy wrote Husband's name on a dry-erase board to be sure it goes to the right soldier.
I got Hunter to say Hi to the camera. I think we got him to say that he saw Santa and ate some cookies, and then he was off to play with the ornaments on the tree. After all, he has no clue why we're talking to an empty room with a camera in it. Drew and Louisa talked about school and sports and sang "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells".
We got up to 5 minutes and I think we made it through 3 1/2 before there was a lull in the one-sided conversation and I told the kids to say the usual closing remarks, Merry Christmas, We love you, We miss you.
When we got done, my friend and her brood of 4 were outside the room coloring Christmas pictures that the nice people who set this up had waiting for us. They went in and we sat down and colored pics for Daddy.
A few minutes later the 1st Sgt's family walked in all decked out in their Redskins jerseys, toting their two chihuahuas. They had "Dad's" jersey with them as well. Kinda made me more sad then when I was doing our video. In the midst of my grief, I often times forget other families have someone they miss, too.
Not too many of us took the opportunity to make a video. I think that more than anything, it helps the kids out. As much as the guys love seeing us, it helps the kids to know they are doing something for Daddy (or Mommy). Something to help cheer them up a little.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Both kids grabbed pencils (well, okay, Drew grabbed a sharpie!) and started writing as soon as we got home from the spouses meeting I had to attend. The kids are like me in so many ways, and one is that they like to get their feelings out by writing them. So I knew they'd love these journals.
But that got me thinking. There are so many other aspects of life that kids could journal about if only given the prompts to do it. Why not keep some cheap notebooks handy (and believe me, we do!) and when a situation arises, write some prompts on the tops of the pages so they can write how they feel. Or even draw. Drawing journals are just as important. Ask a few basic questions about the situation that the kids can answer so they can figure things out in their head. I have done similar activities with Louisa before and it has helped her work through some issues.
All of this started because a friend sent me this link to this book! And then I ended up buying several more books that all have to do with daddy being gone and missing him. (Online shopping is one of the evilest things ever created!)
Last night I stayed up putting pictures of Daddy and the kids in frames, and laminating a few pictures for Hunter to carry around. He was carrying around a pic of Daddy that needs to be retired because it has been hugged so much. So I think the laminated ones might last longer.
Tonight we're going to make a Christmas video for Daddy. I'm doing it more for the kids than for him because they feel happy when they are doing something for him. They feel better knowing Daddy will have this little video to watch, although really I've sent him several videos already. A few of the ladies at the wives meeting wondered what they would say in front of the camera for 5 minutes. All I have to say is Drew + Hunter + sugar= entertainment!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Christmas, Christmas, and More Christmas!
Every year the on-post housing people host a Christmas parade that comes right through the housing areas. I think a lot of bases have these because I remember there was a lamer version of this when we were stationed in Savannah.
We live right on the main road that comes through our housing section, so all the kids and I had to do was step outside when we saw the parade start to come. Louisa had grabbed two plastic bags in case there was candy. Oh boy was there candy! The kids ended up filling the bags about half-way and I really think we got more candy from this little parade than we did at Halloween.
Later in the evening, we went to the lighted parade in town. We met up with several friends, the kids got to run around, and I got to sit and talk with real grown-ups. (There are days when I start to wonder what real conversations are like!)
There were barriers set up on the side of the streets, which made getting the candy quite difficult. We didn't get near as much candy, not because they didn't throw it, but because they didn't get it over the barriers for us to catch. My heart was aching when I saw all those un-reachable Laffy Taffy's sitting over on the other side, just begging to be taken home and eaten!
It was a long parade and Hunter enjoyed all the lights. He was screaming for joy and pointing at everything that came by. I don't know who had more fun, Hunter watching the parade, or me watching Hunter. Louisa, as always, enjoyed sitting next to her baby brother and pointing things out to him and watching his happy little face. It's so interesting to try and guess what little guys are thinking when it comes to stuff like this. Does he wonder why he's sitting on a curb at night watching cars with lights on them go by and collecting candy that mom keeps grabbing out of his hand because he just scarfed down 4 pieces?
Of course, a parade isn't a parade without one of the kids getting lost and then walking around with a policeman who's trying to help them find mom and dad again. This time Drew happened to take that prize.
Sunday, besides being my sleep-in day, brought us another Christmassy fun day. I'm so blessed with children who like to sleep in like mama does! After we all finally got up and ready to go, we headed to the youth center for Cocoa with Mrs. Claus. I told Hunter we were going to see Santa, and he went to his room to grab his Santa hat. Apparently you can't go see Santa without your Santa hat, which he wore proudly the whole way there.
When we got there, the parking lot was full, which then means we have to go park somewhere else and take a shuttle. That's very typical on this base. Most places where they hold events don't have adequate parking, so they have you park in another place and then shuttle you to the event. This was the first time that we had to actually do it, though. We just drove down the block to a credit union to park. I've never seen anyone as excited to ride a bus as Hunter was. I think that was probably the most exciting event (that he remembers) in his little life! He jumped right up on the seat next to the window, tapping the seat next to him and telling me to "sit down". His excitement in the very short ride was over flowing, until we got there and he saw the big blow-up Santa! Of which Hunter ran straight up and gave a big hug to.
Inside, the line to actually see the real Santa was far too long for me to even think about standing in. Plus, now that we've experienced the purple & gold Santa, the regular one just isn't as exciting. And really, how many pictures with Santa do we need in one year? We could have had our pictures with Mrs. Claus, as she spent most of the time walking around.
We played games, bounced on bouncies, made a craft, made cards for Daddy and other deployed soldiers, and of course drank cocoa. Drew had about 5 cups, I think. He thought it was very funny when the lady told him he was a returning customer! Oh, and I can't forget Louisa's big win. She won a cake in the cake-walk. She loves doing cake-walks, she always wins. Which was perfect for me because that evening we were having dinner at a friend's house and I volunteered to bring dessert. Thanks, Louisa!
If the trip to the youth center on the shuttle wasn't exciting enough for Hunter, the trip home was doubly exciting. We went to wait outside when we had done just about everything there was to do, and when Hunter saw the bus approaching he ran, screaming, into the parking lot as if he just won the lottery. He was jumping and running around and yelling "mama, bus! mama, bus!" He reminded me of Buddy on the movie Elf when he found out that Santa was coming to the department store! Who knew a bus would cause this much excitement in Hunter's life.
Now I'm Christmased out for the week. LSU Santa on Friday, two parades on Saturday, Cocoa with Mrs. Claus on Sunday! Who knew you could pack so much Christmas into one weekend.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Louisa, Drew, and Hunter meet the LSU Santa in Purple and Gold Land
That's Louisiana. Around here they say, Saints, who? This is 100% Tiger country. They bleed purple and gold here. Even if you've never been to Baton Rouge, LSU is YOUR school, and YOUR team.
That brings me to the interesting situation we encountered tonight. (And I realize the timestamp at the top will say Saturday, but by "tonight" I mean Friday since I haven't gone to bed yet.) Do you ever wish you would have read the paper before heading out and driving an hour to do something special with the family? Like checked to make sure that special thing would still be there, or that the special thing didn't have any weird events going on such as "Purple and Gold day"?
Well, ladies and, well, it's probably mostly just ladies.... I give you, the Purple and Gold LSU Santa Claus!
I'm sure you understand that when you scan one of those flimsy printer pictures, you don't get good quality. These pictures don't really do this Santa justice. He was all decked out in true Tiger colors, and if I hadn't opted for the little border the kids thought was so cute, you'd see the gold and purple trees that surrounded him.
Here we are walking through the mall tonight with two missions. One, see Santa. Two, get mom new shoes because mom only owns 3 comfy pairs and the dog chewed one up and peed on the other two. That leaves mom with no comfy everyday-shoes.
Mission one, we approach the Santa-Land thingy with much anticipation. We've driven an hour just for this.... and we find the LSU Santa..... um..... what did I miss? There is a big sign behind me that says "This weekend only! Have your picture taken with Santa wearing Purple And Gold! Go Tigers!"
Louisa (gosh I love her, and her smart mouth.... ) "Mom! How could you come on the ONLY weekend he's wearing LSU colors?" Gee, I don't know. Maybe because I never in a million years thought we'd come across a Santa wearing purple and gold! We're from Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Badgers are red and white! We don't have this issue up there! And if Santa wants to dress up with a cheesehead and the Packer green and gold, well that's cool! Purple and gold just isn't quite the same.
It's all in fun, though. The kids sat and told Santa those few things they accidentally left off their lists, and let him know that they will be at Grandma and Grandpa's house this year so please bring their presents up there.
As we left the mall, Louisa and infinite silver lining says, "Well, at least we can tell our kids someday about coming to the mall with grandma when we were little and getting our pictures taken with a LSU Santa!" And then Drew piped in, "Ya, and my son will play football at LSU so he'll think it's cool!"
Ixnay on the LSU-ay! Don't ever let your grandpa hear you say that!
So thus ends our day in Purple and Gold Land. May it be awhile before we have to return.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Isn't Snow Globe One Word?
Must. Be. Strong.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Because you have to see the boys in action to appreciate their silliness
We were waiting for Louisa while she was cheering at a football game the other night when Drew and Hunter started their normal silliness. Drew being weird, and Hunter following.


text: My SG Note 3-N9005 goes black screen after i restart this morning, i dont know why, it goes black after logo Samsung Galaxy N9005. i use stock ROM and Rooted!. i have CWM, and i already wipe cache partition, Dalvik.. but i don't wanna format yet. Please help me. i love this phone. T_T


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They don't follow the news, and if they do, too many get it from Jon Stewart or Saturday morning cartoons.
In this clever video, the interviewer presents what he says are examples of Mitt Romney's policies as if they are Obama's.
Then he asks his victims, er, interviewees, what they think about it. Mindlessly stupid, they tell him that they hate Romney's evil policies - not realizing they are really saying that they hate Obama's policies.
The video is seven minutes and 34 seconds of pure entertainment (assuming you're not an Obama supporter and are not an ignoramus). I can't help being reminded of a recent survey by the Pew Foundation that found that conservatives are generally better informed than liberals. This video - and thousands like it, with interviews of incredibly stupid Obama supporters - really drives home the fact that the Democrat Party is the Party of Stupid. I am also reminded of great segment from the Howard Stern Show, when he took calls from Obama supporters who gave mind-numbingly stupid answers to questions about their false messiah.
- Pew Report: Republicans Smarter Than Democrats: Tea Party More Educated Maggie's Notebook


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The game with Boston started innocently enough with Sabathia pitching against Buchholz. Each pitcher is currently or supposedly the best pitcher on his team. Buchholz got nicked for two runs in the top of the third and Sabathia gave the runs right back in the bottom of the third plus one for good measure when he gave up homers to McDonald and Martinez. The Yankees are to much for Buchholz and score another un in the fourth to tie the game up and then three in the top of the fifth to pull ahead 6-3. Sabathia gets the first two outs in the bottom of the fifth...and then the umpire called for the tarp and a 90 minute rain delay stops things cold.
Poor Sabathia. He was one out away from a guaranteed win. If he had just been given a chance to get one more out in the fifth before the delay, it would have been his game. When the rain delay was over, was there any other pitcher that was going to go in there for the Yankees other than Aceves? Heck no. This set up was perfect for the Vulture. All he had to do was get an out and the game was his. Unbelievable.
Turns out that Aceves got three outs. He probably would have been asked to get more, but his back stiffened up on him with two strikes to Hermida. And Aceves was done for the day and maybe for a while. Add one more wounded player for the Yankees. And the funny thing was, the Vulture got a little taste of his own medicine. Since he couldn't finish off Hermida, Logan came in for the Yankees and finished the strikeout of Hermida so Logan got credit for the K.
Let's take a little trip to the Vulture's dinner palate for the last three years:
The legend of the Vulture had not yet been born. He finished the season at 1-0 but his only win was a seven inning masterpiece start.
The Legend Begins!
He won his first three games in May in just five games.
- May 16 - Came in the eleventh inning of a tie game against Minnesota at home. The Yankees score in the bottom of the eleventh. 1-0
- May 17 - Two days in a row! He came in a tie game in the top of the tenth against the same Minnesota. The Yankees scored in the bottom of the tenth. 2-0
- May 21 - At home against the Orioles. Top of the first inning, Joba Chamberlain got the start, but only pitched two thirds of an inning and is pulled. Must have gotten hurt. Aceves came in and pitched the next three and a third innings. The Yankees pull ahead while he's pitching and Aceves gets another W. 3-0
- May 26 - The only blemish on Aceves' career. Joba again got the start and gave up three runs in four innings. The Joba Rules were in effect and Joba reached his pitch limit due to wildness. Enter Aceves with a golden opportunity to vulture another win. The Yankees indeed rallied but Aceves gave up three runs and is tagged with the loss. His only loss of his career. 3-1.
- June 7 - It was another Joba start, but he pitched well that time and went six innings, giving up only three runs. But the Yankees managed only one run against Garza. Enter Aceves to pitch the seventh and eighth. The Yankees scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth off of Balfour and the Yankees won. 4-1.
- June 25 - Interleague game against the Braves at Atlanta. Andy Pettitte got the start but threw 95 ineffective pitches in three and two thirds of an inning and gave up three runs. Perfect opportunity for Aceves and he came in and pitched two and a third innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees gnawed Derek Lowe to the tune of six runs and then scored two more off of Boone Logan, who now pitches for them. 5-1.
- July 30 - Orioles at home. Hernandez and Pettitte were both masterful. But niether team could break a 1-1 tie. Pettitte starts the eighth inning and gets one out. Phil Coke got the final two outs of the eighth and the first out of the ninth and it was still 1-1. Aceves got the final two outs of the ninth. The Yankees score in the bottom of the ninth to win the game. 6-1.
- August 5 - At Toronto. One of the most thrilling match ups in history as Sergio Mitre started against Marc (Pat, can I buy a vowel please) Rzepczynski. Both were ineffective. Mitre lasted four and a third inning and is pulled after he gave up his tenth base runner. In came Aceves and pitched two innings. He gave up a run on a homer, but the Yankees surged ahead during that time and won the game. 7-1.
- August 19 - At Oakland. Chad Gaudin got the start (and the Yankees won the pennant?). He only gave up one hit and no runs in four and a third innings of work. But he also walked five. After his fifth walk, Girardi had seen enough and brought Aceves in. The Yankees were ahead 3-0 at the time. Aceves pitched two and a third innings and gave up another homer and two runs. But was given the victory as the Yankees stayed ahead the whole game. 8-1.
- August 30 - At home against the White Sox in another Joba start. Joba pitched three innings and gave up two runs. But was ahead 3-2. But it was that Joba Rules thing again and he was done. Aceves came in and pitched three scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees were taking batting practice off of Freddie Garcia and friends and made it a laugher. 9-1.
- September 3 - At Toronto in another Gaudin start. Gaudin floundered around for three and two thirds innings giving up three runs on eight base runners. For one final vulture of the season, Aceves came in and pitched two and a third innings. Meanwhile, the Yankees were single-handedly ruining Ricky Romero's ERA for the season after he had pitched so well. Yankees win. 10-1.
The Legend Continues!
- April 6 - At Boston. Burnett went five innings and gave up four runs, two of which were earned. Lester gave up four runs too, all earned. Aceves came in to a game tied 4-4 and pitched two scoreless innings (the sixth and the seventh). In the top of the eighth, the Yankees scratch out two runs in the top of the eighth thanks in part to a Scutaro error. Joba got the hold. Rivera got the save. Aceves got the win. 1-0.
- April 30 - At home against the White Sox. Pettitte pitched six innings but left with the game tied 4-4. Who else would you want in there other than Aceves? Right. Aceves pitched a scoreless inning. The Yankees scored two in the bottom of the seventh. Marte and Joba got the holds and Rivera got the save. Aceves vultured the win. 2-0.
- May 8 - You started this post with this one. 3-0.
It's an amazing thing. Sure, Aceves had to pitch pretty darn well to be in those positions, but still. That's a lot of luck. A LOT of luck. But heck, it sure does work.


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Phillips, Anna C. and Gallagher, Stephen and Carroll, Douglas and Drayson, Mark (2008) Preliminary evidence that morning vaccination is associated with an enhanced antibody response in men. Psychophysiology, 45 (4). pp. 663-666. ISSN 0048-5772
URL of Published Version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.2008.00662.x
Identification Number/DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1469-8986.2008.00662.x
Variation in response to vaccination, particularly in vulnerable groups, provides a strong rationale for developing vaccine adjuvants. If there were consistent diurnal variation in immune response, this could inform a simple intervention for enhancing vaccine efficacy. Data from two studies are presented examining morning versus afternoon vaccine administration; in the first, hepatitis A vaccine was administered to young adults, and in the second, influenza vaccine to older community-based adults. Men, but not women, vaccinated in the morning mounted a better peak antibody response to both hepatitis A and the A/Panama influenza strain. These results indicate that it would be worthwhile testing this effect in a large randomized control trial with vaccination during time periods representing the extremes of hormonal and cytokine diurnal rhythms.
|Type of Work:
|2008 (Publication)
|Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Life & Environmental Sciences
|School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
|GV Recreation Leisure
R Medicine (General)
|University of Birmingham
|Copyright Holders:
|Wiley Blackwell
|ID Code:
|Local Holdings:
Repository Staff Only: item control page


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How often have we heard the saying "the first impression is the last impression". Well, a survey commissioned by Gillette and conducted by Harris Interactive, confirms that it is true.
One of the most critical grooming cue for making a good first impression was having a clean-shaven face. Other no nos include body odour or sweat stains. Also make sure you wear good fitting, nicely pressed and and appropriate clothing as well.
Apparently it's not just the first impression that matters. Being well groomed may very well help you in your career and get the sports car of your dreams. I am not joking. According to the survey, most HR professionals agreed that well-groomed employees do better in the corporate race as compared to those who don't take care of how they look.
So if you are one of those who never bothered to look in the mirror while going to work, you should be worried. Especially in these bad economic times.
However, hope is on the way. You may not only keep your job but get that Ferrari as well. Gillette has launched Gillette Career Advantage on their website and you can get expert advice from career expert Mark Jeffries and GQ style correspondent, Brett Fahlgren.
Brett Fahlgren
On the site, you can take the Gillette career quiz and find out what HR professionals really think.
For more information of what Gillette has to offer for you and to read the survey findings, visit the Gillette Resource Center. Loads of other useful resources as well.


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Exclusive: The REAL story behind World War II
Labels: AFF, American Future Fund, World War II American Future Fund
Labels: AFF, American Future Fund, World War II American Future Fund
It was already settled what would happen should the Germans win
after all it was not over when Germany bombed Pearl Harbor now was it? Every time you think these people could not get any lower or less insane they find new depths to reach, it should shock but sadly it does not.
But but why make those poor poor millionaires pay for campaigns when you can just suck it out of the Peonage*?
*(Peonage a registered trademark of Randal Graves)
Erik: Thanks for the links. I've seen similar stories as well. Prescott Bush and a bunch of banking and industry titans were all secretly allied with the Nazis. I thought it was too far fetched the first time I read something like that, but it makes perfect sense now.
Jess: Germany bombed Pearl Harbor? I thought it was Italy, or their terrorist proxies in Ethiopia. Or something.
Demeur: Pretty soon the Peonage won't have anything left so suck out.
I realize most of you must consider me an annoyance, but I think this point is important. It's not just the GOP; the Democrats don't want disclosure either. The Dems merely are allowing the GOP to make all the noise on this issue because it fires up their Tea Party base.
It is a logical conclusion. Obviously, it's far easier for a leftist like me to see it because, unlike most of you, I have never been a member of the Democratic Party.


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Social mobile service and mobile game developer mixi Inc has released its popular Japanese physics RPG MonsterStrike for North American Android users. With the English version release, the developer aims to introduce this action game to a wider worldwide audience.
Monster Strike is an action game created by Yoshiki Okamoto, creator of classics such as Time Pilot and Street Fighter 2. The game combines the familiar monster collecting gameplay with role-playing game elements and a great fight system.
The game lets you become a monster master and collect over 500 kinds of unique and powerful monsters. You have to collect and raise a stable of powerful monsters, which are then taken on battles that culminate in encounters with powerful boss monsters. You simply tap, pull back and release mechanism for flinging your monsters around the play area, slamming into enemies, friends and walls.
MonsterStrike was popular in Japan, and now you will get the same enjoyment like player there. If you played Brave Frontier or PAD you will get the same enjoyment with this one. Game is very responsive and well put together, a lot of fun and diversity to keep you playing, once you start playing you can't stop.
To play Monster Strike you need Android 2.3.3 or better to run, it's mean you can play Monster Strike on most Android device out there. It's available for free-to-play and offers in-app purchases for both iOS and Android. You can now download this game on the App Store and Google Play or pick .apk file here so you can transfer and install it easily on your Android phone and tablet.
- Simple Rules
- Take On Tough Quests with Friend
- Collect and Upgrade Monsters
- Awesome Strike Shots and more.
Requires Android: 2.3.3
Download File: 50MB (Monster Strike APK)
MonsterStrike 2.7.2 APK
Labels: Action


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Monday, April 20, 2009
Defending the Indefensible
Friday, April 17, 2009
People will go to great, sometimes absurd lengths to defend that which they hold dear, when it is under attack. In response to last week's San Francisco Board of Supervisors resolution commending restaurants that have stopped serving foie gras, determined foodies have rushed to the defense of the right to consume the excessively-priced, fattened, and diseased liver of force-fed ducks and geese. In a Wednesday column in the San Francisco Chronicle entitled "In Praise of Foie Gras," Caille Millner attempts not only to defend the indefensible, but to glorify what is arguably the cruelest delicacy known to man. By wildly distorting the reality of foie gras, Millner puts a happy face on profound suffering.
Millner's piece made my blood boil. Thanks to her skewed claims, thousands of restaurant-goers won't think twice the next time they see foie gras on the menu. But there's reason for hope. Beyond its superficial claims, Millner's article signals just how out of touch with public opinion anyone who defends foie gras is these days. Millner resorts to patently clumsy and contrived arguments (see below). Clearly, she is on the defensive. Her painting of the anti-foie gras crusade as a raging fad, and her community of foie gras foodie enthusiasts as noble yet misunderstood guardians of a sacred right – lone voices of reason in a sea of confusion – signals just how unpopular foie gras is these days. The desperation of her plea is a testament to the success of the anti-foie gras campaign and more broadly to the fact that, as Nicholas Kristof put it in the New York Times last week, "animal rights are now firmly on the mainstream ethical agenda."
But Millner is undeterred. She closes on a note of triumph, "Commend away, San Francisco. I'll be just across the city lines, eating without guilt." What she fails to note is that quite soon, crossing city lines won't be enough. Thanks to a bill signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2004, the sale and production of foie gras will be banned in California in 2012.
See you in Nevada, Caille.
Thankfully, Millner's claims are not hard to refute. She uses lines of reasoning and rhetorical devices that are nearly universal in defenses of animal cruelty. I think it's instructive to flesh these out and consider how we can best respond.
Tactic: Crying anthropomorphism
Her claim: "Most people are prone to anthropomorphize, so they imagine how horrible it would be to have a tube shoved down their own throat (ducks do not have voice boxes or gag reflexes; they breathe through their tongues) and agree that it's a horrible process that must be stopped."
Why it works: Crying anthropomorphism always scores points. The suggestion is that those who care about animal suffering have fallen prey to childish sentimentality. It lends an air of scientific credibility to those opposing animal rights and suggests that empathy is irrational.
Response: For starters, her claim that geese lack a gag reflex is questionable. The Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW), the EU's most authoritative scientific body on farm animal welfare, reported that "the oropharyngeal area is particularly sensitive and is physiologically adapted to perform a gag reflex in order to prevent fluids entering the trachea. Force feeding will have to overcome this reflex and hence the birds may initially find this distressing and injury may result." But this is beside the point, because the inherent and undeniable cruelty of foie gras is not the force-feeding itself but the resulting enlargement of the bird's livers to 6-10 times their natural size, inducing injury, disease, and lameness. Millner makes no mention of this.
Tactic: Displacing culpability/defense by commonality
Her Claim: "The means of production for the vast majority of the country's meat supply are at least as horrifying as what it takes to produce foie gras, but it's much harder to demonize the vast majority of Americans for what they eat."
Why it works: One of the easiest ways to excuse someone for their evils is to point out that a whole lot of other folks are doing the exact same thing or even worse things. Suddenly, it's unfair to single out that particular evil over other equally horrible evils. Basically she is saying "all meat production is cruel so why don't you lay off foie gras."
Response: The claim that the farm animal rights movement is singularly focused on foie gras is absurd. The resources put into all the foie gras campaigns across the country are minuscule in comparison to those invested in Proposition 2, alone.
Tactic: Distortion and irrelevant claims
Her Claim: "Never mind that there are only three foie gras producers in the United States, all small farms that are paragons of humane treatment compared to our country's countless factory farms….All three foie gras farms in the United States use open pens for their ducks and have very low mortality rates."
Why it works: When there isn't supporting evidence for your case, sometimes you just have to make things up. Here, Millner exploits the common image of "small" farms as humane and idyllic.
Response: The smallness of foie gras farms and the quality of living conditions do not affect the cruelty inherent in the force-feeding process. And are the farms in this investigation video (including the three she mentions) truly "paragons of humane treatment?" The housing looks wretched. Low mortality rates (a highly subjective term that she doesn't quantify) don't mean much, given that the ducks are slaughtered at only 4 months of age. Moreover, one can think of plenty of forms of torture, human and animal alike, that don't result in death.
Tactic: Framing issue as human rights vs. animal rights
Her Claim: "Never mind that so many enormous issues - climate change, obesity, health care - are tied up in our country's cheap meats, not its expensive ones. And certainly never mind that the leadership of San Francisco has far bigger things to worry about than whether or not people should be eating foie gras."
Why it works: Animal cruelty apologists like to suggest that that human rights and animal rights are mutually exclusive. Here, Millner implies that those campaigning against foie gras are squandering time that could be spent working on more important, presumably human issues.
Response: This is not a human life vs. animal life issue. This is a relishing-in-the-fleeting-taste-of-flesh-produced-through-enormous-cruelty vs. finding-something-else-to-eat, issue. The passing of this resolution required little time on the part of the council. Furthermore, the council resolution will have an impact far beyond city limits. Since San Diego passed a similar resolution last year, other cities in Southern California have done the same. The San Fran resolution is likely to have a similar ripple effect.
Tactic: One-sided quotes
Her Claim: "We were the first farm to use a humane auditor," said Rick Bishop, animal welfare officer for Hudson Valley Foie Gras in Ferndale, N.Y. …"We've always fought misinformation by having an open-door policy at our farm. Anyone who wants to see what we're doing is welcome to visit and observe at any step of the process."
Why it works: It's simple. Quote somebody that agrees with you and pretend that he or she is an expert.
Response: Thanks to Hudson Valley's transparency, activists with Compassion Over Killing took up the offer for a free tour. The problem is, they caught it on tape.
Tactic: Appeal to personal investment in cruelty
Her Claim: "A dollop of foie gras is a creamy, rich flavor explosion. Prepared properly, it has wonderful texture - the word "mouthfeel" should have been invented for it - and, like wine, can have notes of flowers, citrus, nuts. I love it."
Response: Hmmm, I guess the 15 countries that have banned foie gras weren't aware of how yummy it tastes.
Posted by Mz.Many Names at 4:59 PM
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The Fourth Reader is the one to whom one starts speaking, when one has emotionally gone beyond the people who are actually listening. Say at the kitchen table, after the dishes are cleared–and some subject has come up. One has the floor, and one is overtaken by their ideas, flooding their consciousness in such a manner that they are speaking as if to a wider audience. As if it is more imperative to get the ideas out, while talking now, than to make it clear for anyone listening. This is the incipient automatic talker in all of us, who starts drawing from some invisible power, as if supplied by an invisible . . . other.This is the Fourth Reader who shows up in the mind of the talker, egging him on, supplying him with material which needs to be expressed. This is what makes the talker desperate (and happy), ecstatic!, and requires him to overwhelm any objections. The people at the table are going to naturally divide into two camps, forming two opinions right away as if for self-defence. They take sides, for and against the thesis. But! Is the thesis even fully stated? No it isn't, it is just that there is a feeling of general insecurity in the air, as if our sudden lecturer had taken leave of his senses . . .
Here, a person finds themselves speaking not to the assembled, but like an orator, however shyly, however grandly, as if to someone all comprehending. This happens all the time–it is familiar–do not say it isn't! In fact this happens every time one tries to develop an idea, express a conviction, whatever the subject. It happens to the person speaking, that they become reckless in regards to whether those actually present understand them, and they begin to express themselves for the Fourth Reader instead. The Fourth Reader is the one outside the group, not at this kitchen table, for whom one is expressing . . . the inexpressible. I mean the highly expressible, but not yet clearly organized, thesis, to which the people present might object, for one reason or another. But who cares about them–when one has the other, the Great Other Listener who I call–the Fourth Reader.
Because it seems vital for a person to say what they are saying at all cost, and they erect and begin to appeal to, a listener who is attuned to their new vocabulary, who knows what they are saying regardless of whether the actual people in the room have an understanding of it. But this Listener is more properly described as a Reader, for this is not a human listener, but a co-supplier. And it isn't God, don't make that mistake; even if God is there, as you can say, well God is everywhere, it isn't God that is the Fourth Reader. Emphatically, the Fourth Reader is neither God, nor present to the scene. So we can't be sure Who this Fourth Reader is, except to note his function as mediator, and facilitator, a human-like spirit like calling on the speaker to keep building.
And this is situational. It happens in a group, and yet I think, it has to do with the fact that the truth is always lacking the occasion. (Do I say too much?) That it seems, and it is, is impossible to communicate directly. That it is always a random evening, after the dishes are cleared, and yet it a colossal novelty, that barges into that evening when certain subjects come up. Every time a person gets an idea that inspires them to expound upon it for any length, they start talking to the Fourth Reader, who is invisibly rooting them on to express the idea. For it is a novelty, this world . . . Immediately the address becomes punctuated with the phrase, "if you see what I mean," and the "you" being so addressed is not there, but in their mind. Because the mind can entertain a listener greater than any of us, and the speech to that invisible listener ensues.
See what happens. The people in the kitchen, they skirmish into two camps, half of them for and half of them against what is being said, or what they think is being said. And the speaker is holding forth. That makes three parties, three camps. But there is Another, and it is the one for whom the speaker is talking. There must be a fourth consciousness–by this schematic I prove it! I say it again: once an idea is presented, there are four parties involved. There is the speaker, the two possible reactions for an against what is being said, which makes three, and the Fourth Reader who comprehends the creative possibility of exploring the subject itself. For this world is in the making, friends. And this Fourth Reader is never present, for that is the situation existing when any one of us attempts to articulate an idea.
Because . . . all ideas are original.
All ideas come from nowhere, are not licensed to exist, and challenge the holder of them to speak. Once launched, it seems an opinion; and the people present take a view of it. One is for it, and one against. And the speaker is holding forth for the Fourth Reader who is always egging them on to make the thesis more impossible. For this is where we are in the world. Exploring the possibilities of a description of life never heard before.
I will go through it again. Do not try to stop me! The best or most familiar situation to illustrate the existence of the Fourth Reader is when you, or I, are speaking to others, say at a dinner table, and in trying to make a point find ourselves making that point articulate as if for another listener than those in front of us. It seems important to articulate the point regardless of how well it is being understood, and this effusive phrasing of the idea is being backed up strongly by, precisely, another consciousness, called for in the ENTHUSIASM (look up that word) that the speaker has. Already two listeners are in play, two judges upon the idea itself, and the speaker is there–these are the three at the table; but the fourth reader is the one driving the speech now. This is what is familiar, it happens every single time a person takes on a subject and then, while expounding upon it, leaves, as it were, his immediate audience behind. Becomes infatuated with the subject itself, and starts to address an audience, begins a lecture of their own making . . . doomed to originality–we are doomed–need I say it again?


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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – New Rochelle needs to conduct better background checks when it comes to its employees who work with youth programs, according to the results of an audit recently released by New York State Comptrolloer Thomas DiNapoli
"Failing to perform background checks potentially jeopardizes the safety of children," said DiNapoli, in a prepared statement. "It is essential that local officials take action to ensure they are consistently screening all persons who provide youth program services in their communities. Parents need to trust that all of the necessary steps have been taken to keep their children out of harm's way."
New Rochelle is one of seven municipalities in the state the audit found are inconsistent when it comes to employment screenings.
The audit, "Background Checks at Municipal Youth Programs," aimed to find out whether municipalities actively helped to create a safe environment for youth participating in programs sponsored by the municipality.
The audit found that New Rochelle only checked personnel for programs for which the state mandates screening. Background checks are currently required by the state for any individuals who have contact with children in camps, child-care programs, and therapeutic programs.
These requirements, however, do not cover all youth programs the city operates, according to the report. City officials reportedly told the state they believed "that the application process itself was a deterrent to persons who could jeopardize children's safety."
The lack of certain background checks were also attributed to how well the individual was known to the city as well as employment by the school district. Limited resources were also a factor.
Due to the lack of consistent background checks, the state tested the names of those who provide youth program services to see if there was any record of sex offense or criminal history, and found none among the employees or contractors.
"Nonetheless, background checks of all individuals who provide services to youth programs are essential for helping municipalities protect children against unsafe individuals and help protect the municipality against liability from possible legal action," according to the report. In addition, the state urges all municipalities to conduct annual background checks for all employees, not just new ones.
There are 82 employees and 55 contractors who work for youth programs in which 2,000 children participate, according to the report.
A message for a comment on the audit was left with Parks and Recreation Commissioner William Zimmerman.
To read the full report, visit the state Office of the Comptroller website.
Check back with The New Rochelle Daily Voice later this week for the city's reaction to the audit.
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