text:
Now that I am home, I'll try to recap the entire experience.
Friday morning, I got up at 7:30, dressed, kissed Tom and Kiwi goodbye and set out on my pilgrimage. This was my 4th time to see Stevie in concert. The first time was in 1998 for the Enchanted tour. Tom went with me that time. I also saw her in 2001 and with Fleetwood Mac in 2003. I have skipped her last few 'Greatest Hits' tours in favor of waiting for a new album. I'm so glad I did.
As I hit the road, I pulled up on my iPod an interview Stevie did with Jim Ladd of KLOS about a week ago. The interview was 3.5 hours long, so it was almost long enough for the entire drive. It was recorded between midnight and 3am LA time, and you can tell. This was the perfect way to get me ready for the show. Jim always asks the good questions. There were none of the regular 'What was it like being in a band with your ex?' or 'How many times did you go to rehab?' questions. Stevie and Jim had a great, freewheeling conversation about the new album, songwriting, performing, soldiers...you name it. For those of you who think Stevie is all airy-fairy, you should listen to this. She gets very profound in places, and also very funny.
I hit Grand Prairie around 2:30 and go directly to the Verizon to pick up my ticket. I was hoping there would be some last minute ticket drop, but it was not to be. I drove to my sister's apartment. I had just enough time to catch up with her, while she got ready for work. I had planned on napping and driving straight to the show, but Nache let me know she would be tending bar. I decided it would be rude of me not to visit her at work. I showered, changed and followed her to the restaurant. I dined on crab cakes and a cosmopolitan. I was going to teach her to make me a Stevie Nicks martini, but she was kinda busy. It's all good, as she made a mean cosmo.
Time to go to the show. I drive back to Verizon, and realize...I did not bring any cash with me on this trip! The parking attendants do not accept credit cards. I have never used an ATM with my card and have no idea what my PIN is. I call the credit card company hoping for some help. No dice, they can't give PINs out over the phone. I call Tom, he has no suggestions that are feasible. I drive around and see that there is a baseball game going on at the ballpark across the street from Verizon. I drive over there, and find out there is no charge for parking. I'll have to hoof it, but I park and walk over to Verizon. I leave my camera in the car (which turns out to be a blessing)
I stand in line at the souvenir stand, and see this beautiful young girl dressed in Stevie finery. She graciously allowed me to take a pic. Armed with my shirt, baseball cap and coffee mug I take my seat, WAY in the back. I don't care, I have an excellent center view.
Before the show starts, Tom calls to check on my parking dilemma. I give him the lowdown, and he replies 'What if the game gets out first? Do you think your car will be locked in the parking lot?' Of course, I hadn't thought of that. And that's when the lights dim, and Michael Grimm takes the stage. Well, this simply will not do. I can't be worried about my car while Stevie is on stage. I'l never be able to concentrate. I grab my stuff, race down to the souvenir stand again, find someone in line, and offer to pay for her $35 shirt if she'll give me a $20 bill for my parking. She agrees. I FLY to my car (in the Texas heat) drive it back to Verizon and get parked properly. I run back inside just as Grimm wraps up his set. I am SWEATING, and thirsty, but I dare not leave my seat again.
Ok, before Stevie takes the stage, an side for the uninitiated: Stevie Nicks is my religion, and this is not an exaggeration. So, going to a concert is like a Baptist at a Tent Revival. Again, that's not an exaggeration. this was a religious experience for me.
The lights dimmed, and the crowd started cheering. The Black Eyed Peas song 'I've got a feeling' played as the band took their stations. Then The lights came up and a familiar riff filled the air. There stood Stevie Nicks, draped in a beautiful red shawl from 1976, and she launched into Stand Back. I was on my feet immediately, screaming, singing, dancing, and tearing up a little. I forget my sweat, and my thirst. From the get go, she was on FIRE. I think that song is the perfect opener, as it really gets the crowd going.
Stevie is very chatty all night, and you can tell she was very excited about bringing new songs to the crowd. At first, I thought it was rude that the audience sat through the old songs, but then I realized, most of those attending probably haven't heard them yet. Even seated, the response to the new songs was great. (one thing about being in the nosebleeds, I stood up all night and nobody cared)
As she wrapped up the song, she kindly asked the people in the audience not to film her. The crowd roared with approval. Cameras were prohibited, and there were signs everywhere. I'm the first to tell you that I watch bootleg Youtube videos, but I think an artist has a right to ask people not to film them.
I have not been a fan of Secret Love live, I keep thinking it's in the wrong key or something, it just loses some of the drama. However she really brought it up a notch. I enjoyed it a lot. (take THAT Anthony Lower).
Dreams and Sorcerer were really good. She hit some of the high notes on Dreams, and really sold it. Say what you want, Stevie was def. not phoning it in.
Nest up was another new song. I think Moonlight is a great song from the album, I just don't know how well it translates to stage. It's a mid-tempo number with a great story, but no big dramatic stage moments. If there was a weak spot in the show, I would have to say this was it.
Stevie left the stage and a familiar, spooky musical interlude began. I knew what was next: Gold Dust Woman. This is the part of the show where my hands are raised and I am speaking in tongues, (see? Tent Revival) Stevie took this song to it's spooky depths, the vamp at the end was amazing.
When it was over, Stevie began to talk about her time at Walter Reed visiting wounded soldiers. She was very passionate and serious, so of course some drunks in the cheap seats began shouting 'I LOVE YOU STEVIE' as she was trying to speak. It was the rudest thing about the night. Even so, when Stevie began to sing Soldier's Angel, the crowd was transfixed. I was especially moved, and thinking about my friend Brad Burns, who just began an 18 month tour of duty. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed the ovation was as moving as the song.
Annabelle Lee: I love this song. I hope it becomes a concert staple. People run hot and cold on it live, but I think it was great.
The song ends, and Stevie begins to talk about the next song. I know immediately what song it is. I pick up my phone and dial Anthony Lower just as the song starts. This was my Come to Jesus moment. As Stevie began to sing For What It's Worth, I look at the phone in my hand, knowing Anthony is listening, and how special he is to me, and how much this song means to us, I fall down into my seat, crying uncontrollably. I can't even tell you how much that song encapsulates how much Anthony means to me. I was going to talk to him a bit at the end of the song, but I couldn't.
And now for a piano interlude. If you know your Stevie Nicks lore, you know what happens next. Rhiannon has come! Stevie has it all: Great vocals, batwing sleeves, and beautiful choreography. The whole crowd was up for this one!
Now, at Red Rocks, Stevie had performed another new song, In Your Dreams. This night she dropped in favor of the crowd pleasing Landslide. I would have preferred the newer song, but Landslide is Stevie's Amazing Grace. She wasn't so much performing it, as leading the congregation in song. She held the entire theater in the palm of her hand.
Stevie really got busy and sold Ghosts are Gone. I can tell she loves performing this, and it is great on stage. Unfortunately it's too new for the casual fan, she really had to work to get the crowd on their feet and it was only the grist few rows that did.
After the band intros, Stevie brought out her vocal coach for a treat. I haven't heard Leather and Lace live, ever, so this was very special.
And of course, Edge of Seventeen. I have nothing to recap here as I was WAY to busy singing along (loudly) and dancing. Do you know how hard it is to spin between rows of seats????
In 2003, Fleetwood Mac closed the Lubbock show without an encore. I was so afraid that would happen here, but Stevie did not disappoint. The couple right in front of me, a young man and his girlfriend/wife were obviously on a date night, holding hands and hugging all night, trying to be oblivious to the screaming, singing, dancing gay man behind them. They never said a cross thing to me, so as Stevie closed the show with her beautiful ballad, Love Is, I sat down and let those two have that moment. (Betty Buckley was in the audience, I hope she decides to cover a Stevie tune like Love Is on her next album)
As the lights came up, a lady sitting next to me, sarcastically (but playfully) asked me why I didn't enjoy the show more. I laughed as she asked me how in the worked I knew how to sing along to every song, even the things that were different than on the albums. I just shrugged and replied 'I've had YEARS of practice.'
This morning I got up and left Dallas about 9am. It was raining most of the morning, as I listened to In Your Dreams on constant repeat, as I mentally began to compose this post. Just as I was about to hit Eastland, TX, I got a flat. I pulled over to fix the flat. I mean people get flat tires all the time right? I could fix this on my own without going into 'Pierce The Toast' mode (if you don't know what that is, rent The Birdcage). The tire and most of the equipment came out of the trunk with ease. Everything, except the jack. It just would not come out. I spent 20 minutes or more trying to get that stupid jack out, all the while taking breaks to try and wave down cars. I was veering very close to 'Toast' territory. Finally, Strapping Young Matt (or SYM) pulled over in his toyota, and offered assistance. Of course, he got the jack out in no time, and with a little help from SYM, I was back on the road.
30 hours and 750 miles later, I am back at home, grateful for the experience. I look over this and it seems like so much less than what it was, but it truly was an Enchanting evening. Stevie recharged the batteries of my soul...
Saturday, August 13, 2011
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text:
by Anne
If you're going to email me pictures of Sabres off of the ice, please do not straight-up admit that you stole the pictures from that player's sister's Facebook page.
None of these pictures are "bad" or anything, in fact they're kind of cute. They're of a Sabre chillaxing at home around Christmas time/ New Year's, and a baby picture. However, out of respect for that player, I will not post these pictures. If these dudes can't expect that pictures their sisters take of them at home will not be splattered around the blogosphere, what can they expect?
Not that this is some widely read publication and its not like I have any journalistic integrity (its a blog, not a newspaper) but I just feel like a creeper posting those. Feel free to email those snapshots to someone who might post them.
So if anyone who reads this blog has a brother who plays for the Sabres, maybe you might want to rethink your Facebook friend choices, or double check your picture availability stats.
The weird thing is that Cari and Kim and I were just talking about this very thing at JJ's tonight. Weirdness.
I openly welcome pictures of players out and about and doing things that are cute/funny/awkward, just not when its them at home with their family and the pictures aren't from some widely available public gallery.
I will recap that loss as: "barf" and thanks, Royzie and Millsy. Miller has had to face almost 100 shots in the last TWO games. ...yeah.
This lost just proves to me again that no, the Sabres are not an elite team. They were outshot 48-22 tonight. The Red Wings had more than DOUBLE the number of shots on goal the Sabres did. That's bad. Very bad. The Sabres had FOUR shots on goal in the entire 2nd period. What happened to this "put pucks on net and good things can happen" thing we had going on for a while? I liked that better.
I must say I really don't like watching Sabres games in a bar, haha. I've always known this but I frequently choose to ignore this fact in an attempt to be social. I'd rather watch the game on my couch with someone or someones who will limit the conversation to about the Sabres or the sport of hockey in general. If it weren't for the boobs, I'd think I was a boy sometimes.
Instead of the pictures that were emailed to me, I will instead post my all-purpose Danny Paille photo:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Orland Park's mayor is expected to appoint a village native and Cook County prosecutor to replace veteran Trustee Brad O'Halloran, who resigned last month amid allegations he unlawfully accepted paychecks from Orland Park while serving as chairman of the Metra board.
Dan Calandriello, 28, is a graduate of Marquette University and earned his law degree from The John Marshall Law School. In 2008, Calandriello worked as a staff assistant to the majority whip leader in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.


text:
it isn't hate, i suppose, just the hot temper and surge of being forlorn.
it isn't hopelessness, just fear of pain and of dealing pain.
the world is a strange, unspeakable place. i make myself a blanket. one short stitch at a time.
the things i long for are too hard to name (though i know exactly what they are). i have their textures close at hand. the colors i love best are tucked deep in my heart and folded against my eyelids. certain voices have nailed themselves in side my ear. there are days when their deep purr is all i hear and all i care to hear.
these texts are an archive of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area from march 2007 - march 2015. it stands as a record of close to a decade of my life, charting the struggles i faced as an artist, daughter, and lover. messy and chaotic at times, eloquent and poetic at others, these texts are an index i am proud of. it was here in this electric box that i learned how to be honest about my experiences and the person i needed to become. it was here that i first learned the truism that words make the world and how to trust such a beautiful, rife, hard fact.
thank you for meeting me here in such tall grass.
my artist website is here.
my artist website is here.
Feb 11, 2012
Posted by angela simione at 6:14 PM
Labels: angela simione, daily living, writing
7 comments:
- Elisabeth said...
Exquisite and poignant writing, Angels. Thankyou.
- February 11, 2012 at 8:42 PM
- Radish King said...
Or darling Angela yes.
- February 13, 2012 at 1:03 PM
- angela simione said...
elisabeth, thank you!!!!! :) so glad you like this!
- February 13, 2012 at 3:03 PM
- angela simione said...
rebecca, thank you love!!! <3 i'm so thankful you continue to read here.
- February 13, 2012 at 3:04 PM
- Kelly Simione said...
How is it that you can so eloquently express the things I can't seem to put into words...? You're amazing!
- February 20, 2012 at 3:48 AM
- angela simione said...
thank you, sweet sister of mine. glad to see you 'round these parts! :)
- February 20, 2012 at 6:41 PM
- Kelly Simione said...
I figured it was about time to get back to that blog I started in 2009, lol!
- February 22, 2012 at 2:31 PM
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text:
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday Back O' The Pack
I won't be able to ride this Tuesday unless a work obligation gets cancelled but here is your ride post so you can get the ride organized. Check comments for more info.
Posted by prophet at 9:37 AM 10 comments:
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday Aug 30th Ride
Caledonia parking lot at RT 30. Be ready to ride at 9:00.
Posted by SkinnyLegs at 6:27 AM 6 comments:
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Cancer Awareness Ride
I'm posting this for Steve Nevada. I'm hoping to make this ride as my sister-in-law has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. Perhaps some of you also have people to ride for.
Where: Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute,
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
What: Inaugural Spokes for Hope
When: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute,
Fellow Riders,
The CFO of the company I work for is a cancer survivor and an avid cyclist. She has been tasked with recruiting local riders to ride with core group of stage riders.
I am participating and this is my appeal for others such as you to participate too.
The goal is to get somewhere around 35 cyclists to volunteer. If you are interested in participating let me know (send me an email to address below). We would greatly appreciate your time and support.
FYI - the route will probably be no more than 18 miles. More info in comments --->
Posted by prophet at 10:01 PM 2 comments:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tuesday Back O' The Pack
Riding from Teaberry Lot. Start time 5:00pm
Posted by prophet at 8:23 PM 7 comments:
Ride-Party Saturday 8/29/09
Ride from my house 10am. Ride about 3 hours depending on pace. Party to follow. Use comments to rsvp and post what you you want to bring.
Posted by rob at 6:52 PM 23 comments:
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Thursday Morning Joy Ride
Thursday morning the 27th.
8:00 a.m.
Caledonia - Lot on Rt 30.
Bring plenty of food and water. 30+ miles of single track. Plenty of cut-outs if you want to shorten it up.
8:00 a.m.
Caledonia - Lot on Rt 30.
Bring plenty of food and water. 30+ miles of single track. Plenty of cut-outs if you want to shorten it up.
Posted by T at 4:36 PM 8 comments:
Friday, August 21, 2009
Sunday Aug 23 Ride
Big Flat parking lot 9:00 AM. Three Mile Trail, Grave Ridge....
Posted by SkinnyLegs at 6:42 AM 6 comments:
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday AM Ride
A few riders have conflicts this Sunday and there's been some chatter about a Saturday ride. Post away!
Posted by prophet at 7:56 AM 12 comments:
Monday, August 17, 2009
Chief's New Ride
Posted by CrashedAgain at 9:01 PM 5 comments:
Well it looks like I won't be riding for about 4 weeks so Skinny do you what to do the rides for those 4 weeks if not let me know. This sucks!!
Posted by Chief at 8:36 PM 6 comments:
Monday pump track fun!
Come one; come all to the pump track action on Monday night. What else do you have to do on a Monday night? Hope to see some faces; always fun to stand around and chit chat.
Posted by shorts at 8:10 AM 8 comments:
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Yellow Jackets 1, Back O' The Pack 0
Back O' The Pack made a last minute change this evening and rode at Teaberry again. We started out with 5 riders, dropped to 4 when Brian's bike puked its brake fluid on the parking lot with the first squeeze of the brake lever. James, Steve, Bobby and I headed out only to run into a nest of yellow jackets about 20 minutes into the ride. I got stung twice but Bobby caught the brunt of the attack and was stung 10 times or more. It was apparent he was having a bad reaction to the stings so James and Steve high-tailed it back to the cars while I walked Bobby out to the nearest road.
I proclaim August to be "The Month of the Yellow Jacket" Just about every trail we've ridden in the last two weeks has a major yellow jacket hazard somewhere. Be careful out there!
Posted by prophet at 9:57 PM 29 comments:
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Well last week I made a little quip about how no one gets hurt on my watch. The bike gods looked upon me and said bull shit. I broke my hand on a little tree that got in my way so I'll be down for a little while. Make sure you ride chickadee Sunday so you can meet Trevis & Rob at the top. I don't know how long it will take to heal this but have a good time and be careful. I had two injury's thurs. night me and one of our tues. night riders. He cut his finger.
Sorry bike gods I take all that I said back.
Sorry bike gods I take all that I said back.
Posted by Chief at 9:39 AM 18 comments:
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hey Gang
Got back from the rez and full of fryed foods so I need to do some riding. This Sunday will be at OLd Forge and I will be doing the classic ride. ( rocky Ridge, Stooges and so on) The pace will be moderate so if you tues. riders want a taste of the second half of the race course this will be a good time to ride. RIDE TIME 9am...
Got back from the rez and full of fryed foods so I need to do some riding. This Sunday will be at OLd Forge and I will be doing the classic ride. ( rocky Ridge, Stooges and so on) The pace will be moderate so if you tues. riders want a taste of the second half of the race course this will be a good time to ride. RIDE TIME 9am...
Posted by Chief at 2:13 PM 10 comments:
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tuesday Back O' The Pack
Back O' The Pack welcomed two new riders this Tuesday. Steve Nevada(left) and Kris Nessler(right) joined James, Brad and myself (Scott) for a fun run around the Teaberry loop. About 20 minutes into the ride we got to watch James fix a flat in a torrential downpour. We stuck it out, the rain stopped and we all had a blast. Hope to see you on another club ride soon fellas!
Posted by prophet at 8:39 AM 12 comments:
Sunday, August 09, 2009
It's Monday....and you know what that means!!!
It's Monday and I am going to brave the ridiculous heat, and head on over to the pump track Monday night about 5 ish. I will have my two rug rats so feel free to come and babysit them for me while I rock out some killer lapage on the pump track. That record is going DOWN!!!!
Posted by shorts at 9:24 PM 17 comments:
The Shed Claims A Victim
Say a prayer, send positive thoughts, turn to the east and bow to the sun.....do whatever you feel appropriate to wish Greg a speedy recovery. He took a hard crash today on the group ride at the Shed. He'll be lucky if he only cracked some ribs. Did a pretty hard face plant into a rock. All in all it could have been much worse. Many thanks to Chuck for the speedy climb to the Greg's truck and to Trish for driving him to the hospital.
Hope you're doing ok Greg!
Posted by prophet at 5:27 PM 16 comments:
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Another one bites the dust
Another broken (Trek) frame this week. Luckily for Brad we were still pretty close to the parking lot when his 'greensickle' became a 'popsickle' Thursday night.
Posted by prophet at 9:06 AM 14 comments:
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Sunday Ride: Shed (NO RAIN CANCELLATION)
My two attempts to lead a Shed ride have been rained out. The third will be the charm. Rain or shine, I will be there to lead a ride leaving 9:00 AM on Sunday. Bring plenty of water, it will be hot. See last week's posting if you need directions.
Posted by CrashedAgain at 2:22 PM 16 comments:
Michaux Dual Sport
Is this Sunday. Many motos in the woods. The first half of the course is in Norchaux and then the second half is Sochaux in the afternoon. Begin and end at Big Flat.
Might be a good day to try the Shed again?
Might be a good day to try the Shed again?
Posted by brett at 7:44 AM 2 comments:
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Anyone need a GF Rig?
17.5 Med. 2007 GF rig with MANY upgrades! $650 obo gets it!
Hope mono mini brakes
Bontrager Carbon race x lite fork
race lite bar
race stem
Mountain king front tire maxxis rear tire
LX crank
Salsa seat clamp!
Just comment if your interested!
Hope mono mini brakes
Bontrager Carbon race x lite fork
race lite bar
race stem
Mountain king front tire maxxis rear tire
LX crank
Salsa seat clamp!
Just comment if your interested!
Posted by Buck at 4:10 PM 5 comments:
Monday, August 03, 2009
MBM Jersey Re-order
We've got some newcomers recently so I'm posting this mostly for their benefit. If you'd like an MBM jersey there is still time to get in on this re-order of the red, white and green MBM jerseys. I have money in hand for at least 5 jerseys which is the minimum so an order will be placed next week when Sue returns from her western adventures. If you want in let me know. See the original post by going to older posts at the bottom of this blog for more info.
Posted by prophet at 11:41 PM 2 comments:
Tue. Night Back O' The Pack Ride
Location to be decided. Check comments for more info. I'm thinking of the Teaberry loop this week but will take suggestions.
Posted by prophet at 1:07 PM 13 comments:
Sunday, August 02, 2009
splinter 'sploring
A rain-fatigued splinter group of radar geeks shunned the Shed and launched a research mission from Mont Alto before the crack of noon. Objective was to ferret out the elusive Sweeper, squeeze through as many deer fences as possible, and search out remnants of a legendary trail.
We finished up by laying some tracks on a trail that has seen very little use during this summer of vegetation growth.
We finished up by laying some tracks on a trail that has seen very little use during this summer of vegetation growth.
Posted by camps at 7:28 PM 3 comments:
Saturday, August 01, 2009
new riding near Michaux?
A movement has been under way for several years to build mountain bike trails between Emmitsburg and Mount St. Mary's College. Retired pro-downhiller, Marla Streb's trail design and build firm, was contracted to design an IMBA-style stacked loop trail system for the University. The design was accepted in mid July. (Streb is a graduate of MSM).
Washington Township say they want a pump track at Pine Hill Park near Waynesboro.
Thanks to our Waynesboro member Magellan for getting this information to us!
Washington Township say they want a pump track at Pine Hill Park near Waynesboro.
Thanks to our Waynesboro member Magellan for getting this information to us!
Posted by camps at 6:35 PM 8 comments:
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text:
NanoViricides (OTCBB:NNVC) said today that one of its anti-flu drug candidates under its FluCide program has proven to be effective in an animal study when given orally.
The drug showed "very strong efficacy" in combatting H1N1 infection
in mice, according to the company, which makes nanoviricide drugs
designed to attack enveloped particles in a number of viral diseases and
dismantle them.
The company said it received the information about the drug's
performance from the contract lab that performed the studies, Kard
NanoViricides is awaiting data from the studies, and plans to release more information once data is analyzed.
"We are pleasantly surprised that the modifications that we have been
studying for the development of a nanoviricide that can be orally
effective have indeed succeeded," said president of the company, Anil R.
Diwan, PhD.
"Molecules that nanomedicines are comprised of are notoriously
difficult to develop into orally available drugs. This is indeed a coup
for our nanomedicine technologies."
has been working on the development of an orally available nanoviricide
for several years. The essential chemistries were finally worked out
during the chemistry, manufacturing and controls studies for its current
Flucide drug candidate.
Further development has now led to a completed definitive animal
model study, the company said, to determine whether one of the FluCide
anti-flu candidates was effective when administered orally.
Until data are received from the double blind study, the identity of
the FluCide drug candidates that were orally active will not be known.
The company said it expects more data from various analyses over the next several weeks.
"We are very excited by the success of this oral administration study
and look forward to the data," said chief scientific officer of NanoViricides, Randall W. Barton, adding "an orally available FluCide will have a significant impact on our anti-influenza program."
Indeed, an oral drug to combat the flu will be desirable for treating
out-patients, and will complement the company's proposed IV
"piggy-back" therapy for the critically ill hospitalized patients, said
CEO Eugene Seymour.
"This [oral] administration route enables quick and strong response," he said.
Last month, the company retained Australian Biologics, a regulatory
affairs consulting firm, to coordinate the regulatory review and
approval for the first human trials in Australia for Flucide.
Drugs are currently being developed by the company against viral
diseases such as H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 bird flu, seasonal Influenza, HIV,
oral and genital Herpes, and other viral diseases.
The company now has five drug development programs within its
pipeline, including FluCide, a drug that works against all forms of
influenza such as seasonal and epidemic flus, and HIVCide, a drug that
works against the HIV/AIDS virus, which the company says could become a
"functional cure" for the disease.


text:
|Starts with a C-Candle!
What a difference a few days make, the field was photographed 2 weeks ago. Now it is cold, snowy, rainy and the days are gray. I am not a fan of the long dark evenings and it will get worse after the clocks change Saturday-fall back 1 hour. The mornings are a bit brighter but it makes the evenings so dark, so early.
That's where the candles come in. I like the soft light they give. They save electricity and light up the darker areas that need just a bit to keep the gloom away. I am going to continue a photo a day this month by fatmumslim. I like having a challenge topic and it gives me a chance to improve my photography skills and editing.
I am crocheting amigurumi. Not sure why. I love the cute factor. I don't have grandchildren. I think I just will keep several. I am working on a big gnome right now. I like the pick it up and put it down factor. I also am sore when I sit and sew too long.
November is the month for me to focus on being thankful. I am thankful for vehicles that run. They have been aging, getting repairs and yesterday my car's battery went dead. Today they are running. I am thankful for the independence they give.


text:
Back in the Glorious Commonwealth, so there are a few new Pennsylvania Pictures to post.
Everyone's excited about the future of wind power. Here is it's past. Taken along Rte. 78 not far from Hershey.
Here's Buddy. He's the new top dog on the hill and he wants us humans to know it. He hasn't figured me and "She" out yet. We've been away a lot over the past few months and he isn't sure whether we belong here or not. He'll learn.
Several days ago I noticed that the leaves on some of the trees at the Inner Harbor were beginning to turn and opined that it was a bit too early for Fall to start [here]. A few days later I mentioned it to some friends of mine over breakfast and they dismissed it as just another manifestation of urban pollution. I wasn't sure. This has been an unusually cold year and it may very well be that Fall is starting early.
Well, now that I am back in the mountains I can see the harbingers of Fall all around. The evening we arrived back home the temperature was 53 degrees. Yep, the seasons, they are a'changin.


text:
Kerry Collins -- the last quarterback the Panthers drafted in the first round prior to Cam Newton -- announced his retirement today.
Give Collins credit. He stuck around the NFL for 16 years, and his flameout in Charlotte after 3 1/4 of those seasons has long been in his rearview mirror. I'm glad he lasted so long -- I've always had a soft spot for Kerry, who I've sensed from the beginning has a good soul. Here are a few excerpts from a column I wrote about Collins in 2010, following the last time we spoke via phone before the Panthers and his Tennessee Titans were to play an exhibition game...
Kerry Collins is a cattle rancher, a father to a first-grader, a husband, an NFL quarterback (still!) and an occasional writer of country music.
Everyone in the Carolinas should now be able to agree on something Collins is not – a quitter.
In his 16th NFL season – he and the Carolina Panthers debuted in the same year -- Collins will visit his first NFL city tonight as his Tennessee Titans play the Panthers in an exhibition game.
What does Collins think about when he comes to Charlotte now?
"My memories of Charlotte are mostly pleasant ones," Collins said. "I don't think there's anything that went on in Charlotte that I harbor any resentment about. I made my share of mistakes, for sure, when I was there."
Collins still comes to North Carolina a good bit. His wife, the former Brooke Isenhour, is from Concord. The two met at a George Strait concert at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2000, married in 2002 and now have a six-year-old daughter, Riley. The family splits its time between Nashville and Troy, N.C., where Collins owns a 1,580-acre working cattle ranch.....
Collins has been gone from Charlotte a dozen years now – the Panthers controversially released him in 1998. He remains one of the most fascinating figures to ever pull on a Panther uniform.
I know he had problems in Charlotte – most of them fueled by alcohol and partying.... But he... is a fighter, not a quitter. He changed his personal ways for the better, and he has resurrected his NFL career again and again. He is smart, introspective and self-deprecating....
With Tennessee, Collins has morphed into the role of the stable veteran, much like Steve Beuerlein was to Collins in the late 1990s with Carolina.
It would have been hard to imagine a dozen years ago that Collins would still be flourishing in the NFL in 2010. After the Panthers started the 1998 season 0-4, Collins told Carolina coach Dom Capers he thought the team might be better off starting Beuerlein.
Capers said at the time that Collins told him "My heart isn't in it anymore." The coach presented it that way to the team and media. Collins has long said he did not use those exact words, but that he was so confused at the time he really did think the team would be better off without him. He was certainly frustrated about his fame and didn't embrace or understand all that came with being an NFL starting quarterback. He was spiraling downward, personally and professionally.
Capers didn't just bench Collins in 1998. Capers fired him entirely (and then got fired himself a few months later).
Collins was labeled a quitter by many after that episode. It got worse for him when he was arrested in Charlotte in November 1998 for driving under the influence of alcohol. By this time, he was with the New Orleans Saints. When released shortly after his arrest, a TV cameraman filmed Collins walking down the street with a cigar in his mouth.
But that was all a long time ago. Collins went to alcohol rehab, dried out and got the New York Giants to the Super Bowl in 2000. He later started in Oakland and in Tennessee, making the Pro Bowl in 2008 as a Titan.
Collins was a 22-year-old kid when he got to Charlotte – a rebellious one.
He's a 37-year-old man now – a good one.
Enjoy your retirement, Kerry. You've earned it.
We're moving!
2 years ago


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This fantastic mix of Toro Y Moi songs comes from a new duo out of Frederick, Maryland that goes by the name Spirit. It features material not on Causers Of This, his new LP from Carpark Records, though for all we know some of these tracks may appear on his second LP, dropping sometime this August.
Download ::
Toro Y Moi - Les Bull (Spirit Mix)


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Phytovolume Actif Volumiser Spray helps to increase the diameter of each hair strand to give it overall extra body and volume. This spray also holds your hair style without leaving any greasy residue.
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- Use pro-life bumper stickers [Read a success story]
- Boycott companies supporting Planned Parenthood
- Don't support Save lids to save lives, the March of Dimes, or UNICEF which support abortion. See #3 for an extensive list of "charities" that support abortion.
- Use pro-life address labels
- Speak out against abortion to friends. Stand up for the truth in conversation
- Put pro-life literature and information on abortion alternatives in books [I read about a man that used to do this at his local libraries]
1 comments:
January 22, 2007 at 3:08 PM
- Fredi said...
These are great suggestions MB. I would like to add another. In fact, going on the assumption that readers of this list are already pro-life, I'd go so far as to say that it belongs at the top of the list. That is not to say that it holds a higher place than prayer. But rather that when we pray for an end to abortion, we must do so with the intent of personally receiving the grace and virtues needed by each of us to become more empowered to serve as God's instruments in bringing about an end to this abomination. Each of us must accept our share of personal responsibility. We must be active pro-life advocates. What is missing in the pro-life movement today is a large enough contingent of people who are willing to get out on the streets. Participating in a walk for life or life chain once a year is far from adequate. I would be happy to communicate with anyone who would like to evaluate the various types of activities in which they can engage. For starters I would point them to CHILDREN DESERVE BIRTH and welcome all e-mail inquires. I pray that your list will bear much fruit and I thank you for allowing me to contribute to it.
Yours in Christ for Life,
Copyright / Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links on this blog are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and/or believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


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I created these for my daughters this Easter - quite a pretty way to hold those easter eggs, no?
These are really super-easy to make, especially if you use pretty paper to begin with. The larger ones above have stamped images for a completely personalised look.
Here's a quick tutorial.
You can use any size of paper. This tutorial uses 6"x6". In the feature image above, the large ones are 6"x12" and the smaller one is 6 1/2" x 4 1/2".
- Fold over a narrow strip
- Put some double-sided tape or strong adhesive (sticky strip is probably best)
- Adhere the other side to form a hollow cylinder
- Fold flat, having the 'seam' in the middle. Staple this opening close.
- Turn 90 degrees and punch hole/s (last photo shows 1 and 2 holes)
- Fill and close with ribbon
Et voila!
I've made these as party favours as well as place cards (place cards, favours, and table decoration all in one!)
Pin It


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Deconstruction of The Chase
Firstly, considering the aspect of Propp's theory, we see from the titles at the beginning of the film the five of the seven archetypes are presented to us. The Chase stars Connor C as the hero, Conor O as the villain, Hattie H as the sidekick (who could also be seen as the magical helper), Maddy S as the princess, Richard M as the victim.
In considering Todorov's theory, instead of having the state of equilibrium it starts at a state of disruption, which immediately engages the audience. There is then recognition of the disruption and then there is an attempt to repair the disruption when the princess goes to the hero and sidekick (magical helper) for help. To follow the trend of Todorov's formula they changed it at the end by still being in a state of disruption.
Looking at Levi-Strauss' binary opposites, there are various instances where they are inserted. For example, the hero and villain and male and female, which sparks conflict.
Furthermore, there are uses of narrative enigma in order to draw in the audience. For instance, the audience is left not knowing why the murder has taken place on the victim, we are left at the end not knowing the future events that will take place after her older brother (murderer) was killed.
In considering the mise-en-scene of the micro-drama, there are various props that are used. For instance, Maddy's wig, Hatty's wizard cloak, glasses and wand, Conor's mask, and wooden sticks. There is specific use of black and white to portray that it is set in the past which also could convey that it is a dream, or a flashback. This conveys that more anchorage is needed and more signifiers would give a more distinct idea.
This micro-drama is aimed at the younger generation; children and teenagers. This due to the fact that the actors are young and there is a sense of magic (Harry Potter style) ,which pulls in both a male and female audience.
There is use of dramatic orchestra throughout. This is used to signify to the audience that action will take place and also to build up tension.
Considering the gender and age aspects of the micro-drama, the princess is blonde which signifies that she is dumb, whereas the brunette is seen in more of a intelligent way.
Throughout the piece, there are subtitles, which convey to the audience what is happening. For example, "There he is the villain!" This also instigates who the characters are.


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Health and human rights in the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza
The Lancet 9.1.2009
Palestine is split geographically into the West Bank and the Gaza strip. Gaza is the most densely populated area on earth: after first being crippled by blockade of its borders since 2007, Gaza is currently being bombed by the Israeli armed forces.1
Unlike Gaza, the West Bank does not threaten Israel with missiles, but nevertheless suffers widespread erosions of human rights which we witnessed on a fact-finding tour in November, 2008.
Restriction of movement due to the separation barrier and checkpoints, combined with the need for travel permits, delay access to hospitals for both patients and health workers. We saw 33-week-old triplets delayed for over 5 h while awaiting permits and finally transferred without their parents, and heard of hospital workers' commuting times increasing from 30 min to more than 2·5 h after the closure to them of nearby checkpoints. At the medical schools we heard of the immense difficulties staff and students face as a result of the paralysing restrictions on travel between institutions in the Occupied Territories.
The total blockade of Gaza meant our entry there was denied, as it has been for humanitarian workers and essential food, energy, and medical supplies since the closure of the border in early November. We heard from Physicians for Human Rights—Israel, of the reduction in exit permits being granted for treatment outside Gaza, and of the practice of denying exit to some patients unless they collaborate with the security service in intelligence gathering.2
We saw how the Palestinians' opportunities to make a living are being eroded, both by illegal Israeli settlements on their farmland and by discrimination against their industry.
Violence continues at all levels: we spoke with schoolchildren, injured in stone-throwing attacks by Israeli children occurring while Israeli soldiers looked on. Children as young as 12 years are prosecuted in the Israeli military courts. The most common charge against children in the military courts is for stone-throwing, which under military law carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.3
Our experience in the West Bank caused us grave concerns, which have been realised more rapidly and deva-statingly than any of us could have anticipated, in the current dispro-portionate attacks by Israeli forces on Gaza. Our personal insight into this includes the attack by the Israeli navy on the boat Dignity when underway to provide emergency health care to Gaza, and which was carrying a member of our tour group.4
This report is for our colleagues around the world who might be unaware of the deliberate erosion of human rights in both the West Bank and Gaza. We suggest that, in view of the failure of other measures to influence those in power, serious consideration be given to targeted academic and trade boycotts.
We declare that we have no conflict of interest.
1 Falk R. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967. http://domino.un.org/UNISPAL.
NSF/. (accessed Dec 8, 2008). 9a798adbf322aff38525617b006d88 d7/ 061f1f4fbdecffe5852574d60065b4 ba!OpenDocument
2 Physicians for Human Rights—Israel. Holding health to ransom: GSS interrogation and extortion of Palestinian patients at Erez crossing. http://www.phr.org.il/phr/
files/articlefile_. (accessed Jan 5, 2009). 1217866249125.pdf
3 Defence for Children International. Palestinian child political prisoners: semi annual report 2007. http://www.dci-pal.org/
english/display.cfm?DocId=605&. (accessed Dec 8, 2008). CategoryId=2
4 Tran M. Israel accused of ramming Gaza aid boat. The Guardian Dec 30, 2008. (accessed Jan 4, 2009).


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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Fight Week Previews: Raphael Assuncao vs. Yves Jabouin
Meet my solution to being unable to find suitable pictures of the fighters being previewed or discussed in my posts. Thanks to the fine folks at Fight Passport for having such an imposing looking creation on their website.
Before getting the breakdown of what could be a very interesting and entertaining fight, this massive mound of muscle needs a name and you're going to give it to him. Submit entries in the comments section and the winner will be announced on Sunday when the WEC 43 edition of 10 Things I Learned Last Night rolls out.
The prize? A signed photo of yours truly to hang on your wall... or dartboard.
Raphael Assuncao (13-1-0) versus Yves Jabouin (14-4-0)
While the names may not be at all familiar to the casual fan and even some of the hardest of hardcore fans, let me assure you that both the boys will coming to fight on Saturday night.
Assuncao is currently the #8 ranked featherweight in the US Today / SB Nation Consensus Rankings and with good reason: his lone defeat came at the hands of talented veteran Jeff "Big Frog" Curran nearly three years ago and he holds victories over both Joe Lauzon and Jorge Masvidal.
While Jabouin does not possess any noteworthy names on his list of victims - the only household name he faced was a loss to Sam Stout May 2004 - Jabouin is a member of the vaunted TriStar Gym in Montreal, home of Zahabi MMA and UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
Rolling on a regular basis with the best welterweight in the world earns the Canadian the edge in associates, but Assuncao's resume is clearly more decorated, which means we're even through two rounds of analysis.
Jabouin will have a three inch height advantage and is additionally quicker in the cage than Assuncao, meanwhile the Brazilian is much more powerful than "The Tiger" and possesses an strong ground game to go along with solid stand-up.
Also working in Assuncao's favor heading into this fight is his experience under the lights of the WEC stage. While he has just one fight in the WEC thus far, it's one more fight than Jabouin has had and that can definitely play a part. Where Assuncao is secure in knowing his future with the organization, a poor showing on the main card could turn the Canadian's first appearance with the company into his last and that pressure cannot be discounted.
That being said, expect Jabouin to show up ready for the fight of his life. TriStar is quickly establishing itself as one of the premier training camps in the sport and Jabouin is part of the future of the gym.
Whether you've heard of one, both or neither of these fighters before, you should definitely be tuning in as one, if not both, will be sure to make some noise in the WEC Featherweight division in 2010.
Posted by E. Spencer Kyte at 1:34 AM
Labels: Fight Week Previews, Raphael Assuncao, WEC 43, Yves Jabouin
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Christian romance author Brenda Coulter discusses writing, life, and the writing life.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Even Einstein is shilling for me
14 comments:
- jel said...
LOL that was a good one! :)
have a good day!
- 12:56 PM, March 20, 2006
- Ruth said...
LOL! Brenda, that picture is awesome!
- 2:51 PM, March 20, 2006
- Carrie said...
Hi Brenda,
This gave me a really good laugh. So creative! Did you come up with this, or was it someone else?
- 4:14 PM, March 20, 2006
- Julana said...
I thought he was pretty smart, until I read the story of how his first wife helped him with his big theory. Then he left her with their disabled son and went off and married someone else.
Not much romantic about that guy.
- 4:45 PM, March 20, 2006
- Brenda Coulter said...
Julana, a few people continue to circulate the rumor that Einstein's first wife made a significant contribution to the theory of Special Relativity, but most scientists who study his papers scoff at the idea. While it would have been natural to bounce ideas off his wife, a colleague, Albert certainly never hinted that she had assisted him in any material way. She was a mathematician, but not one of any great stature.
Also, the couple had been divorced for several years before Albert married again. Although he was remarried by the time he won the Nobel Prize, he gave his first wife all of the money, keeping his promise to support their children. But before anyone assumes that was his way of acknowledging his first wife's "contribution" to the Nobel win, I want to point out that he did not win the prize for Special Relativity and the famous E=mc² formula, but for his theories on the nature of light--which nobody has ever suggested his first wife had any hand in developing.
I don't know the details of Albert's divorce and his relationship with his children, but neither do I buy the story that he cheated his first wife and then abandoned her and the children without a backward glance.
- 7:34 PM, March 20, 2006
- Brenda Coulter said...
Carrie, I'm afraid all of the writing on the blackboard was mine and not Professor Einstein's. If you want to make your own sign, head over to this site, which was pointed out to me by the ever helpful Mr Porkpop.
- 7:58 PM, March 20, 2006
- Mom Nancy said...
This is great. My husband is has a PhD in General Relativity and once worked at the Albert Einstein Institute in Potsdam, Germany! I may have to make my own sign for him to post in his office to publicize my books!
- 11:45 PM, March 20, 2006
- Bonnie Calhoun said...
this is fabulous...I'll have to bookmark that site...You go girl!
- 12:01 AM, March 21, 2006
- Bonnie Calhoun said...
I couldn't get the link to work...is it just me or is it broke? LOL
- 12:12 AM, March 21, 2006
- Neal said...
Hee hee hee. Very good.
- 3:35 AM, March 21, 2006
- Julana said...
I read the story on the PBS site:
I still lean toward sympathy for the first wife, because I know what caring for a child with special needs entails. It's unfair that the husband's story gets glamorized and told over and over, and she sinks into obscurity. I know we will never know the true story.
- 8:22 AM, March 21, 2006
- Brenda Coulter said...
Yeah, Neal, I thought you'd like that. ;-)
Bonnie my sweet, the link is good. They might have been experiencing a traffic jam when you tried to click.
Nancy, I bet your husband knows my favorite Limerick:
There was a young lady named Bright,
Whose speed was far faster than light.
She went out one day,
In a Relative way,
And returned on the previous night!
--Reginald Buller
And Julana, I wasn't aware there had been a PBS special called "Einstein's Wife," so I clicked over to the link you provided. The site tells us the TV program's agenda right there at the top of the page: "Who was Mileva Maric? Why was she erased from Einstein's life story?" My skeptical mind went on alert the instant I read that. If you're going to prove to me that this woman was "erased" from Einstein's life story, you're going to have to present me with facts, not conjecture. I knew that wasn't going to happen when, a couple of sentences later, I read, "Einstein's autobiographies never mentioned his first wife." Well, I happened to know that Einstein never wrote an autobiography (if he had, it would be sitting on my bookshelf right next to my copy of Relativity: The Special and the General Theory), so I closed the window and moved on.
And then at one of my regular web-browsing stops, Arts and Letters Daily, Mileva Maric's name caught my eye and I clicked over to this article. It's a scholarly, heavily-footnoted debunking of many of the "facts" presented in the PBS special, which turns out to have been very poorly researched.
Einstein does not appear to have been terribly interested in his children after his divorce, but he lived in the U.S. and they were in Europe. In those days, divorced fathers didn't, as a rule, remain involved in their children's lives. Especially when they were separated by an ocean.
Model dad? Not by any stretch. But neither do I believe Mileva made a meaningful contribution to Einstein's Special Relativity (or to any other) papers and was then denied credit by a selfish ex-husband and "erased" from her proper page in history.
- 10:09 AM, March 21, 2006
- Julana said...
I'm of Dr. Laura's train of thought-- the man should have stayed on the same side of the ocean as his children. I don't understand people who have so little attachment to their children.
I don't know how much influence his wife had on his thinking. (I actually heard about this on a post at allthings2all.) But she still has my sympathy, given her situation. Mental illness seems to have run in her family. Maybe she had a touch.
- 5:54 PM, March 21, 2006
- Brenda Coulter said...
I'm of Dr. Laura's train of thought-- the man should have stayed on the same side of the ocean as his children.
Amen to that.
- 6:00 PM, March 21, 2006


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The best way to learn the uke is to pack your bags and head for Tahiti, The Cook Islands, Rapa nui or the Marquesas and hang with the locals! Like all music in the pacific, the uke is generally learnt from a young age and gradually picked up over time from family or friends. Polynesian music is also learnt and played by ear, so when someone starts singing or playing a song you just listen for the key and play along. If you can play a Hawaiian uke then you should be able to pick up the Tahitian uke a lot faster as the chord patterns are basically the same. The main difference is the lead work and strumming techniques/patterns which take time to master. Kaota from Kanua ukuleles has a series of excellent instructional videos (See below) to get you started.
Strumming: One of the hardest things about playing island ukes is the fast strum. On a guitar or Hawaiian uke, it's usually done flamenco style using all the fingers but with the Island style uke we just use a pick. The first thing you need to do is practice getting a rapid strum action by pivoting from the wrist. You dont need to sit in a freezer to get the right speed, just time and practice. Once you get a clear and even vibrating sound going, you can then start creating different rhythms by flicking the wrist a bit harder on the particular down strum you want to stress. It's the down strums which accentuate the particular rhythm you want. The more advanced stumming rhythms are sometimes similar to Rutu Pa'u (Cook Island drumming) and especially patterns played on the Pate (lead rhythm drum). It takes a while (sometimes years) to get the rapid strum rhythms wired, so just keep at it!
Try some lessons with Kaota Puna from Kanua Ukuleles:
More lessons:
Lessons with Toanui Ruta (in French)
Chord Chart (pdf)


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"…you have gone forth into the world and gathered to yourself learning sufficient to permit you to look upon all things with an inquiring mind ridden neither by the superstition of ignorance nor the superstition of science."
–Luther S. Whateley
The Shuttered Room
written by H.P. Lovecraft
This is one in a series of quotations.
I've been working, from time to time, on a book of quotations for many years. I call it, "The Mind Boggles", from one of my favorite quotations. I do source quotations a bit differently from a lot of people. In the case of a work of a fiction, I consider that the character said the line…not the author. As a bit of an author myself (in a minor way), I can tell you…my characters definitely say things that I would never say. These are all quotations that I've collected myself: I've read the book, seen the TV episode, and so on.
Hope you enjoy them!
This post by Bufo Calvin originally appeared in the The Measured Circle


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UNITED States Democratic presidential front-runner, Hillary Clinton, attacked Republican Donald Trump on Monday for taking a neutral stance toward Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, in a preview of a possible general election battle between them.
According to Reuters report, on a day Trump was visiting Washington, Clinton told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference that Trump's neutral stance in the search for peace between Israel and the Palestinians would be dangerous for Israel, a stalwart U.S. ally in the Middle East.
"America can't ever be neutral when it comes to Israel's security and survival," Clinton told the pro-Israel lobbying group, without mentioning Trump by name. "Anyone who doesn't understand that has no business being our president."
Trump, the Republican front-runner, was to address the AIPAC conference later in the day, along with his Republican rivals, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich. Clinton's challenger, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, was not appearing at the event.
Trump has drawn fire for his position on Middle East peace negotiations. The New York billionaire has described himself as extremely pro-Israel but has said he would take a "neutral" stance in trying to negotiate an elusive peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.
Trump's critics have said a neutral position could harm long-standing U.S. support for Israel. Clinton said she would make it a priority if elected to preserve the U.S.-Israeli relationship, ensuring Israel has a qualitative military edge.
Clinton also took aim at Trump's vow that, if elected, he would deport illegal immigrants and bar Muslims temporarily from entering the United States.
She noted an incident during the 1930s, when the United States initially refused entry to a shipload of Jews trying to escape Nazi tyranny.
"We've had dark chapters in our history before," Clinton said. "We remember the nearly 1,000 Jews aboard the St. Louis who were refused entry in 1939 and sent back to Europe. But America should be better than this. And I believe it is our responsibility to say so.
"If you see bigotry, oppose it, if you see violence, condemn it, if you see a bully, stand up to him," she said.
Trump was in Washington for a meeting with a variety of Republicans organized by his top backer in the capital, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama. He also planned a news conference at the hotel he is building at the Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Trump's rise has alarmed establishment Republicans who have tried in vain to stop him. Their best hope of derailing his insurgent candidacy is to stretch the contest out and deny him the 1,237 delegates needed to formally win the party's presidential nomination.
Such an outcome would mean that the nominee for the Nov. 8 election would be decided at the party's convention in Cleveland. Despite the possibility of turmoil at the July 18-21 event, Republican Party Committee Chairman Reince Preibus predicted a "fun" convention.
Priebus, on CNN, shrugged off Trump's comment last week that riots would break out if he is denied the nomination.
"I guess I don't put it at the level of a warning to us. He obviously said yesterday he doesn't believe that… We're prepared for all contingencies. We'll have over $50 million in security at the convention….
"So we'll be prepared. It'll be fine, and I guarantee you we'll have a good time, and it'll be a fun convention in Cleveland," Priebus said.


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Hubpages Supplants Yahoo as #2 Internet Search Engine
April 1, 2011, Nicomp News Network
Internet officials announced today that Hubpages.com has supplanted web behemoth Yahoo.com as she second-most busy search engine on the Internet. Google remains firmly ensconced in the #1 position, with Yahoo sliding to third.
Harold Hubpages, official spokesHubber for the fledgling site, noted that Hubpages.com was conceived as an outlet for aspiring writers and Bollywood fans. "However, after only a few years of operation, we have seen a dramatic increase in the use of our innovative "search" feature.", he observed to a standing-room-only press conference at the San Fransisco Airport Holiday Inn .
Yahoo Declines to Comment, Google Reportedly Nervous
Repeated attempts to contact representatives at Yahoo.com have proven fruitless. Unsubstantiated rumors indicate that top executives at The Yahoo Corporation may be considering the possibility of forming an investigative committee to examine options that include petitioning for a government bailout or perhaps merging with AOL.
Google spokespeople also remain uncharacteristically mum on this dramatic turn of events. However, keen observers observed that the long-standing Google corporate motto "Be nice" has recently been replaced with "Crush Hubpages."
Wikipedia files for virtual bankruptcy
In a related story, Wikipedia.org, the user-supported web site containing millions of somewhat authoritative web pages, has filed for virtual bankruptcy. Unsubstantiated whisperings in the halls of Wikipedia Tower suggest that WikiLeaders realized they have lost their stranglehold on earnestly unsubstantiated articles.
No one was available to speak on behalf of the WikiFolks but 42 different versions of the bankruptcy filing were immediately posted by enthusiastic Wikipedia editors from around the world.
I must admit I was "FOOLED," hoping, but nevertheless, fooled. Good nicomp, you're good, really. Voted up/funny!
April F**l?
psychicdog, Did you notice the release date? And it's Nicomp for crying out loud!
Is this really true or BS?
I dunno, nicomp. With the name, YaPages, you are inadvertently giving free PR to Google via its new CEO, Larry Page, one of the original co-founders. Maybe Hubya would be better, sort of like Dubya. Whatcha think?
The news of the secret merger between AOL/Hub will be released soon,so buy stock!
Now that explains why Google targeted Hubpages - scare factor *grin* Wonder if Hubpages will merge with Yahoo...Ya-Pages, Hub-Hoo? *grin* or perhaps a three way merger wiki-y-hub or hub-wiki-y? *grin*
I'm gonna get one of those virtual bankruptsy - I'll pay my lawyer in virtual dollars and have a virtual nervous breakdown!


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Purchasing, financial procedure training available
Spectrum Volume 18 Issue 19 - February 1, 1996
Purchasing and financial procedure training is available for new employees or employees with new responsibilities in financial processes. This training is designed specifically for employees who are either new to the university or have new responsibilities that include purchasing or dealing with various financial transactions and records.
There are three modules from which employees may select, or they may attend all of the training that is applicable. The modules are described below.
If you are interested in attending any of these classes, please contact Vicki Trump electronically at userid VTRUMP@vtvm1 or call 1-7448. All classes will be held in Personnel Services' training room, first floor, Southgate Center. Registration is limited.
CONTENT: Overview of the Controller's Office, prompt pay, internal controls, computer security, managing departmental expenses versus budget, account-number structure, object codes, attributes/transaction codes, FRS screens, standard month-end reports, budget transfers, departmental encumbrances, reconciliation of month end reports to departmental records. This class should be taken prior to the Purchasing/Computer Purchasing/Accounting class. NO CHARGE. Offered February 7 from 8 a.m. to noon.
CONTENT: A detailed description of the day-to-day procedures for the Virginia Tech Foundation (and FRS account numbers beginning with "88xxxx"). Material covered will include: opening/changing VTF FRS accounts; correct procedures for requesting disbursements, depositing funds, (both donations and other income), awarding scholarships/stipends/student awards; prohibited expenditures; how to read VTF quarterly reports; how to transfer funds to various state accounts; transferring funds from one VTF account to another VTF account; which state forms may be used for VTF, and how to log on to Foundation FRS system to inquire about balances and transactions. NO CHARGE. Offered February 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.
CONTENT: Prompt pay, securing forms, contact people, completion of forms (purchase orders, requisitions, change orders, accounting vouchers, speed purchase orders, revenue refund vouchers, travel, personal moving and relocation, interdepartmental service and printing requests, expenditure transfer, allowable/unallowable charges), and use of object codes. Purchasing guidelines, authority and responsibility, general procurement policies, procurement planning, and acquiring goods, printing and services. Contract administration, support and assistance, requisition processing, university purchasing procedures, surplus property, using Administrative Information Display system, and Central Stores services. Acquisition of computers and computer related equipment. The Financial Records System class should be taken prior to enrolling in this class. NO CHARGE. This 16-hour training session is offered February 15 from 1 to 5 p.m., February 16, 21, and 23 from 8 a.m. to noon.


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Support Us
Garvan's goal is to find preventions, treatments and cures for many major diseases. And we need your help to do it.
Ways to donate
Your bequest to Garvan will have a lasting impact on future generations.
Celebrate the life of a loved one by donating in their memory.
In partnership
Our corporate partners provide us with vital support across a number of research areas. Whether it's funding specific programs, equipment or research, there are many ways for companies to get involved with our work.
Plus, you'll be proudly contributing to important medical research that could make a significant difference to the health of the community.
Raise funds for us
There are all sorts of challenges you can take on to raise money for medical research.
From sausage sizzles to trivia nights – organise an event to raise money for Garvan.
Need fundraising ideas for school or your workplace? Be a hero and have some fun at the same time.


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About a year ago, I started to love photography and bought my T1i from Kylie and my Canon AE-1 film camera. Both have been awesome tools but I've grown out of them and the features they have to offer.
Today, my mom and I decided I need to upgrade to something more powerful.
I recently bought a Rebel G film camera, and can't wait to use it more. I love shooting film and I'm glad I have a better camera to do so.
In a few days, I'll have the 60D! I'm going to work this summer to pay my mom back for it, but I know it will be worth it.
I'm really excited to get this camera because it will allow me to grow in my photography and produce higher-quality images.
I can't wait to be done with school and shoot a lot more.


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Japan has revised its assessment of the country's economy downward for the first time in 17 months. The finance ministry blames a slowdown in exports and production.
The Bank of Japan has also lowered its assessment of the economy, citing the same factors.
The revisions coincide with a worsening of consumer sentiment in Japan. The government-affiliated Nippon Research Institute says the index measuring consumers' concern about their livelihoods dropped three points from the prior survey in August.
The Institute says Japanese are growing apprehensive about employment prospects and their level of income. The concern is prompted by higher crude oil prices and an economic slowdown in the United States.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange has announced it will de-list Seibu Railway in mid-December. The unprecedented action comes after the company said that for more than four decades, it lied about who its major shareholders were.
The Stock Exchange found that many shares listed as being owned by individuals were actually controlled by a major unlisted company called Kokudo. Kokudo is the holding company for Seibu Railway and Seibu Department Stores, among others, and was headed by one of Japan's richest men, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi.
Seibu Railway shares have dropped as much as 75 percent in value since early October. Financial Services Minister Tatsuya Ito alluded to the fact that small shareholders may seek compensation.
Mr. Ito says shareholders may decide to seek damages in court.
Several big Japanese media companies are also correcting information about their shareholdings.
Nippon Television, part of the Yomiuri conglomerate, says an internal investigation has determined that shares held in the name of the group's chairman effectively belonged to the Yomiuri newspaper.
Earlier, the newspaper said it realized it owned more than 20 percent of the shares of 12 radio or television stations. Ownership in any one broadcasting company is limited by law to 20 percent.
In a similar case, the Tokyo Broadcasting System, allied with the Mainichi media group, has revealed it holds more than the legal limit of stock in a local TV station in Fukushima.
And a Nagoya-based newspaper, Chunichi Shimbun, says an internal review has determined that it holds more than 20 percent of four TV and three radio stations.


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It's been one of those weeks when my back was against the wall, and I HAD TO get a good selection of work finished and ready for various Spring Exhibitions in galleries around Glasgow, Edinburgh, Easy Coast, West!
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Highland Flings!
Posted by Margaret Evans at 00:34 1 comment:
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Amalfi IS a go-go!
Posted by Margaret Evans at 23:42 1 comment:
Scotch Mists
Posted by Margaret Evans at 02:49 1 comment:
Thursday, 2 February 2012
The Big Sleep - Winter ends - Spring awaits
Pittsburgh Pastel Group PA - Gail Sorace - email@example.com March 12-14th
York Art Association PA - Kay Koehler - email@example.com March 16-18th
Palm Key SC - Michael Hargraves - firstname.lastname@example.com March 21 - 25th
Debarry Studio NJ - Christina Debarry PSA - email@example.com Aug 11-13th
Green Darke Gallery Millheim PA - Karl Leitzel -email@example.com Aug 15 - 17th
Hudson River Valley Workshops NY - Kim La Polla - firstname.lastname@example.com Aug 18 - 21st
Terry Ludwig Workshops CO -
email@example.com Aug 23 - 26th
Pastel Society of America - PSA Office
firstname.lastname@example.com Aug 28-29th
Posted by Margaret Evans at 01:49 1 comment:
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- Pink bow top from Snowbelle Butiq
- Ruffle cardigan from Pinky Couture
- Flower necklace from Allura by Nasya Marissa
- Velvet cape from Velvet
- Pillow cover from Qushi
- Dress from Things We Love
- T-shirt from C.P.E
Anyway, I really think "endurance" and "perseverance" are two qualities that we must own in order to be great. As a new entrepreneur, things are really really tough, so tough that most people would rather quit and go back work for a company and receive a stable income instead. But I wanna be a great entrepreneur, therefore must endure and persevere all this challenge.
*inhale, exhale*
Amin, insya Allah...:)


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Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Not thrifty in support — Bishop's Attic needs bigger space to keep up with mounting donations
By Jenny Neyman
Redoubt Reporter
The donations room behind the back partition at Bishop's Attic thrift store in Soldotna could be a scene from a horror movie for anyone who hates housework.
Kitchenwares and picture frames form stacks needing to be dusted. Boxes of electronics components and small appliances wait to be arranged on a shelf. Bags containing who-knows-what (one time it was a petrified horn) sit in corners until someone has time to see what's inside.
Then there's the clothes: Sacks and stacks of them, all piled into a mountain of fabric reaching nearly to the ceiling.
Going through it all — checking for holes and stains, sorting by size and style, affixing prices and getting it out on the racks — is a labor of love, say the store's volunteers and employees.
If that's the case, then Bishop's Attic is certainly well loved, because there's a whole lot of work involved.
"It's overwhelming, but it's good," said Julie Soltis, who volunteers at Bishop's Attic up to six days a week. "Some days you open the door and you want to go back home again."
Donations have tripled in the last three years, and they don't come in any predictable pattern, said Betty Phelps, who has worked at Bishop's Attic for 15 years.
"Every day is different. You just don't know," she said. "I don't even want to say we have cleared out three bags, because then it's like, kabam!
"Everyone says with the economy people would be holding back and holding on to their stuff, but they're not. We're getting more clothes than I've ever seen."
Dealing with donations is a constant battle that can never be won, at least in Bishop's Attic's current configuration. Even if the store had more volunteers — which it needs — and could somehow create extra hours in the day to go through all the stuff, there still isn't room to display everything for sale. For all the racks, stacks, shelves and display cases full of items in the store, there's just as much or more waiting behind the partition.
And that's just in the clothes and housewares store. A few doors down in the Soldotna strip mall along the Kenai Spur Highway is another Bishop's Attic store devoted to furniture, crafts, sports equipment and seasonal items. That store was opened to alleviate crowding in the original store. Now it's just as full.
But don't get the wrong idea. Keeping up with donations may be an impossible task, but Bishop's Attic wouldn't have it any other way. The more donations the store gets, the more items it can sell, and the more it can help the community.
"Everything that we make here, after we pay bills, goes right back into the community," Phelps said.
The Kenai and Soldotna Catholic churches operate Bishop's Attic. It opened in Soldotna about 15 years ago as a way to meet the needs of the community, said Jackie Swanson, a member of Bishop's Attic's board of directors.
Selling affordable clothes and merchandise is helpful to people with low incomes, but where the store really provides service is in donating the money generated from the store's sales. In the last five years, Bishop's Attic has donated about $115,000 to various community groups, including the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, ABC Crisis Pregnancy Center, Love, INC., and the National and International Aid Agency, Swanson said.
The store generates money for three continuing education scholarships and provides community service opportunities. It also gives gift certificates to people in need, such as victims of house fires, residents of the LeeShore Center, returning National Guard members and people helped by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
"That's what we're there for, to supply for the needs in the community," Swanson said. "The community supports the store. It's just so gratifying to see the piles of things that come in on a regular basis and be able to turn that around to the community."
Business has grown 50 percent over the last five years, which means the amount the organization can give back to the community has grown, as well. With continued community support the board of directors sees potential to contribute even more but needs more space to do it, so it has been considering finding a bigger home for Bishop's Attic.
It's a difficult decision to make. On one hand, a bigger space would mean more merchandise could be displayed and potentially sold. On the other, it could mean higher costs, which cuts into the amount the organization can donate.
"The more we pay in overhead, the less we can give back to the community, so it is a double-edged sword," said Carol Brenckle, board president.
"As a board, we have some responsibility to make some good choices," Swanson said. "We feel like, in business you need to gamble sometimes, but we're in a little bit different position here, so we need to be courageous and careful at the same time."
Meanwhile, employees and volunteers try to move as much merchandise as they can, but don't put out so much that racks and shelves get crowded.
Sales are a big help. The store often has 50-percent-off sales, and the $5-a-bag sales at the end of each month are legendary. It also helps that the store draws an array of shoppers.
"We reach out to a wide customer base, not just those who have a desperate need, but a wide range," Swanson said. "I know when I walk in there I walk out with something, and I'm not even shopping."
Gary Merryman, of Soldotna, says he shops at Bishop's Attic a couple times a month looking for items he can't find anywhere else. He likes to tinker, and the thrift store often has components he can use in his projects.
"We've got limited shopping down here," he said. "… You come in here sometimes and find some odds and ends to put something together with."
He said he could afford to shop elsewhere, but everyone appreciates a bargain.
"It's just a good place to come, and you see all types of people in here. It's not just people down on their luck, it's people like myself. You shouldn't categorize someone as down and out just because they come in here."
Suzanne Lagasse, of Soldotna, said she sometimes finds clothes for her daughters, but more often is looking for business casual work clothes for her.
"I just don't see the point in spending big money on name brands at the store when you can get them here, too. I figure, let someone else pay the big bucks," she said.
"I get a charge out of someone saying, 'That's a cute outfit.' I'll say, 'This whole thing was five bucks at the thrift store.'"
Whatever the reasons that bring customers in, Phelps hopes they keep coming, so Bishop's Attic can keep growing.
"We can help so many more people," especially if the store had a bigger space, she said. "I pray about this every night. It could happen. Nothing's impossible through Christ."
Posted by The Redoubt Reporter at 10:30 PM
Labels: Bishop's Attic, charity, community service
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You know you're really curious with a book if every time you visited a bookstore you keep holding and and staring at its cover but then decided not to buy it. Then you visited the bookstore again and you did the same thing again. Either I spend too much time in a bookstore or I'm just broke and need to spend wisely my book allowance (both, I think). Anyway, I keep doing that again and again to 'The Space Between Us', there's something about the book that makes me want to sit and read it page by page. So when finally it was on sale I bought it and just like what I'd thought, I enjoyed reading this book so much I finished it in two days (the last few chapters I read it at night in a car on the way to Bandung to Central Java – I made the driver to turn on the light inside the car)
The 'us' in the story are Bhima, a servant in an Indian family and Sera, her mistress. Both are middle aged women (though Sera few years younger than Bhima) and Sera had considered Bhima as her family – in fact, her neighbors had often said that she treated Bhima way too nice and someday Bhima would sit in Sera's head! But Sera – lived her own unhappy life had known some moments when there was no other people , not even her mother, who understands her as Bhima did. Because Bhima, being a faithful servant had seen things others couldn't have seen.
Bhima, now a grandmother, lived series of unfortunate events since she had lost her husband and her son. She became bitter and angry, but she remained honest and discipline about her works. Her loyalty to Sera sometimes amazed her granddaughter, Maya. Maya thought that Bhima would put Sera's family first before her own. Bhima lived in a slum area in Mumbai and being fortunate enough to had visited the city a year ago, I had no difficulty in imagining the scenes, the crowded market, the busy and loud people on the street, street vendors – chapatti and the beach close to The Gate of India at night.
The story began with how angry Bhima was, realizing that Maya her precious granddaughter was pregnant. Maya was a smart girl and had been given scholarship by Sera to continue her study in a good college, and Maya also was a nice and polite girl. This incident shocked both of the family, especially when Maya wouldn't reveal who was the father of her unborn child. Bhima hated Maya so much for her recklessness, she of all people, knew what it meant to live without education, so she hoped so much that Maya wouldn't have to suffer life she had lived. But then, her dream was shattered with the news and she was worried sick of what future might hold for Maya.
In Sera's house, her daughter Dinaz, few years older than Maya was also with a baby. But different with Bhima's life, everything in Sera's life seemed to go well. Dinaz had a nice husband, worked in a good company, and naturally was a really nice girl whom Bhima raised. Despite her loyalty to the family, she couldn't help to feel envious of Sera's life. She hated herself when the thoughts crept in her mind and kept reminding herself how much Sera had help her through her ordeals.
Sera, a widower was felt a deep compassion to Bhima, Bhima was the only one who knew how bad her late husband had hit her, who massaged her bruises with ointment, and who raised Dinaz like her own. But she didn't understand why she let Bhima sat on the floor when they had their morning teas, why she kept separating their utensils and why she didn't want to touch Bhima as if the slum where Bhima lived was with her in her skin, although she knew Bhima was the cleanest person she had known.
The twist in the story was pretty easy to guess, but I didn't mind. There was something more enchanting in the way Thrity Umrigar told the story of two women's life in an old and cruel yet beautiful city called Bombay.


text:
There's a common mathematical ratio found in nature that can be used to create pleasing, natural looking compositions in your design work.
We call it the "Golden Ratio" – also known as the Divine Proportion, the Golden Mean, the Golden Section, or the Greek letter Phi.
Much like the rule of thirds, this mathematical concept can be applied to your graphic designs to make them more visually appealing to the viewer.
The Golden Mean is a little more complicated, so we recommend you read these art tips from Company Folders to learn how to use it as general guideline to add tweaks and improvements to your design.
Tips Info
Tips Info
- 2.9KShares


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|Scoobie Davis Online
Front Page
Weblog of Scoobie Davis: Surfer, and Party Crasher
Sun Myung Moon Blog
Search Engine Optimization and Free Submission
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
by Scoobie Davis
I just read on the Drudge Report that operative David Bossie of Citizens United is considering a lawsuit against CNN for reporting that, among other things, referred to Bossie as "a dirty trickster."
I've written about Bossie. CNN was right. It's pretty bad for a Republican operative when a Republican administration refers to you as "the lowest forms of life." Bossie was also one of the people spreading rumors about the death of Vince Foster and he was fired for doctoring exculpatory tapes of a Webster Hubbell conversation. I have a far-from-exhaustive list of Bossie dirty tricks here.


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|He got it up my nose!! So immature!! ;)
|Sept 2011 She how much we have grown up. lol.
I look at the photo of us at our wedding reception and I can remember the day perfectly...I can remember the day we got married perfectly too lol our reception was two days after our actual wedding....It was a great day! And I have to be honest, I knew he was going to shove that cake in my face so I tried to give as good as I was getting but his arms are longer. :D I also remember the day we walked temple square in Salt Lake City, UT. We went up for the day, and Theron wandered around while I spent the morning in the Family History Library (wink, it wasn't enough time) and then we spent the rest of our time there walking the temple grounds. Which is why I am not all gussied up. We had such a good time though. And that tells you what kind of man I married, that he would hang out for a few hours while I searched the archives I needed. I am lucky indeed!!


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There is a PARTY going on in Dangria, Stann Creek, Belize today!
Yesterday one of Sean's new buddies told us about a party going on today and tomorrow down on the beach near where the guy makes the drums. I have been wanting to find him and check out his craft, so this is double reason to go looking for him. I have posted a picture of the drums. It's a monument in the center of the traffic circle when you enter Dangria via the Hummingbird Highway. I have seen other people's pics of them, but I don't think I have seen one that gives the size perspective correctly. With the 2 story house in the pic, you get the gist.
Last night, I tried the rum. No wonder this place is famous for it! As everyone knows, I'm quite the lightweight when it comes to alcohol. I weigh in at 105 lbs, so how much alcohol could I hold?!? We bought 2 fifths...one dark rum and one coconut rum. I was mixing the coconut rum with this concentrated juice product available here, Squash. Sean warned me to take it easy on myself, and I did. I mixed my first drink with about as much rum as is in the neck of the bottle. The second drink I used a similar small amount. Altogether, I probably consumed about 2 or 3 ounces of (DELICIOUS) coconut rum and 16 to 20 ounces of juice. BANG! WOW! Yummy...and packs a punch! I'm not hung over this morning because I had enough sense to quit while I was ahead. A little dab will due you for sure!
So....Heading out to the Town Party....maybe ONE rum smoothie.....?


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"Some Opinions on Portio's New Play"
Robin, who was, after all, the Prince of Fairyland and knew more than a bit
about will-of-the-wisps (having impersonated one more than once) and the
different forms they take, was in a bit of a muddle. He was ready to go the
pub, but had taken a moment to stand on the stage after giving his cast the
script for the new play to imagine the roar of the greasepaint and the smell
of the crowd -one of those things that always amused him. Then a sudden breeze,
a distraction, and-
Roderick Maxwell, who unfortunately hadn't gone home yet, came back onstage in
a high dudgeon. " "Your mother wears Army boots!' Your Mother wears Army
boots? This is a bloody stupid line!"
And Sam the prop-mistress swept on with high melodrama. "Terence the Terrapin
has gone missing!"
Hazel laughed. "Drop everything and give me ten"
"books," Robin said, finishing the line. Perhaps surrealist comedy wasn't
what he should have chosen, but he had thought in a fit of sudden exhiliration
that it would be fun to try a new author; and, not entirely coincidentally, he
owed said new author a favour, for not playing up that business with his
brother Trin and 'The Lord of the Rings'. And 'Promenading Poodles' was the
Behind him Will said conversationally to Raphael, "I think I have a bunion."
"Really?"said Raphael. "Shall we go to the pub and talk about it?"
"Perhaps once the drama is over."
"That is something to keep in mind."
"Look,"Robin said soothingly to Roderick, glaring at his two friends, "I
didn't say you had to look up the Bat Segundo show on the Internet˜ I mean, you
don't have to agree with the fundamental concerns of the play, but"
"You're in league with that - that - galleycat Portio!"
There was a pause. Will (who didn't think much of Portio, either, but cared
less for Roderick) snickered.
"Surely you mean "alley-cat'?" Hazel said brightly. "I mean, I understand you
don't like the play, but get your terms"
"'Promenading Poodles' is a stupid name, and it's a stupid play! We just
finished 'Hamlet', and now you want to go on to this-this -this sorry excuse
for a comedy˜ Why can't we do 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' or something?"
"Because you wouldn't be a very good Bottom,"Will said caustically.
Roderick swung round and gaped in rage at him. "You b-b-b˜"
Raphael grinned at him seraphically. Robin ran his hands through his hair in
" In the midst of the word he was trying to say,
In the midst of his laughter and glee,
He had softly and suddenly vanished away -- -
For the Snark was a Boojum, you see."
Robin flung his hands in the air. "Lord, what fools these mortals be!"
Will snickered again.
He's not the only one laughing!
Scoring to come!
Posted by Miss Snark at 4/02/2006 02:00:00 PM
6 comments:
- JLB said...
Surreal indeed!
- 4/03/2006
A perfect score on the technicals...but is it really funny?
- 4/03/2006
- McKoala said...
This is the most fun way
To spend my working day
Alas your bold endeavour
Can't go on forever
I see one tiny crack
In your stunning wit attack
Time and sleep connive
To take away twenty five!
Go to bed Miss Snark!
- 4/03/2006
- jerry said...
I wish I'd said "the snark is a boojum."
- fellow Zelazny fan
- 4/04/2006
"Seraphically" -wow.
- 4/05/2006
- Kate said...
You're amazing!!!
- 4/05/2006
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text:
"Maybe Strickland was so frustrated by the Indians' contract offer that he just threw up his hands and decided to work a real job for a while. Maybe Strickland wanted to spend time with the son that he and his wife were adopting around that time. At the moment, though, I think we're stuck with 'personal reasons' and I'm not sure that's a terrible thing. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that there are still a few mysteries left out there."
Sorry, Rob, The Common Man can't resist a good mystery, and really likes digging through baseball's history, looking for connections between players and the eras in which they play and how relatively obscure players might help us understand baseball and its history better. So The Common Man began digging into Strickland's mysterious retirement. While TCM didn't find any first-hand account for Strickland's decision, there are some breadcrumbs.
First, the weirdness: As Norris Anderson of the Miami News noted that year, the decision is strange particularly because Strickland was just two years shy of his full ten-year MLB pension. The MLB pension was started in 1947 by Happy Chandler out of the contracts baseball was getting for radio and TV rights to the World Series and All Star Games. By 1950, the pension fund was up around $11 million, and Strickland would have been entitled to a full share of that if he stuck it out for two more seasons. It would have taken a significant motivating factor to get Strickland off the diamond at that point.
But by the time he left the club, Strickland couldn't have been having a lot of fun. He had lost a great deal of playing time, becoming the Indians' utility man after the club acquired Chico Carrasquel in 1956. Carrasquel was a much better hitter than Strickland and would perform well in two seasons for the Tribe. Strickland wasn't going to push 2B Bobby Avila for playing time, nor was he likely to get much action backing up Al Rosen or Al Smith at 3B. Two seasons later, when he walked away, Strickland was down to just a couple hundred plate appearances. Coupled with being away from his native New Orleans, where he died a few days ago, it's likely that Strickland decided that either the playing time or the money wasn't worth the trip North in 1958.
And what could have kept behind? The next year, Don Wolfe, the sports editor of the Toledo Blade, suggests that Strickland may have had significant plans for his new career that didn't pan out. He writes, "Strickland has been the tremendous surprise of the Indians. Absent all last year, in a premature retirement, he hadn't hit, fielded or thrown a ball. He gave up retirement plans, apparently because a political-type job didn't materialize in his home city of New Orleans, and decided to try it again." What job Strickland may have been courted for and what his qualifications might have been is not mentioned. Given the nature of New Orleans and Louisiana politics at that time, it's entirely possible that the position in question was not on the up and up. Nevertheless, the opportunity dried up just as another was opening up for his old club.
During the '58 season, however, things fell apart in the Cleveland infield. Slowing down at 34, Avila was shuttled to 3B to start the year while the Tribe expected young Billy Moran to take over at the keystone. While Avila plugged along, Moran struggled greatly, hitting .188/.218/.255 through the first half of the year. Moran lost his job by the middle of May, and Avila shifted back (though Moran would get 14 straight miserable starts in June when Avila went down with an injury). When Avila shifted, Chico Carrasquel (who was playing about at his career level) shifted to 3B. This led the Indians to put minor league veteran Billy Harrell at SS, where he tanked (.218/.271/.328).
Panicking, in mid-June the Indians made two separate deals with the Kansas City A's that would further complicate their infield. First, Carrasquel was shipped out straight up for Billy Hunter. Hunter was a slick enough defensive SS to get over 2000 PAs despite a .219/.264/.294 career line (53 OPS+). As a rookie in 1953, Hunter made the AL All Star team despite the fact that his slash rates were abysmal (.219/.253/259) and his OPS+ for the season was 37. Since then, he had bounced between the Orioles, Yankees and A's. Hunter, then 30 years old (and "hitting" .155/.222/.310), would get into 76 games for the Indians, hitting just .195/.263/.268. Three days later, the Tribe sent a young Roger Maris and two other players to the A's for Vic Power and a struggling Woodie Held. Power was a rising star and a gold glove 1B already, but Cleveland made the strange decision to make him their everyday 3B (which, believe it or not, kind of worked). Power would hit .317/.336/.504 the rest of the way and play passable defense at the hot corner. 1958 worked itself out in the end, and the Indians finished just above .500 and in 4^th place in the AL.
The offseason, however, may have prompted the Indians to improve their offer regarding Bo Strickland and give him more incentive to come north with the club. Billy Hunter had lost his job by the end of the '58 season and would spend all of 1959 at AAA before retiring. 40-year old 1B Mickey Vernon finally retired, allowing Power to transition to his natural position (where he immediately stopped hitting). Avila was traded to Baltimore and veteran Billy Martin was brought in. He was replaced by minor league veteran Mike Baxes, who performed adequately before he was replaced by (again) Vic Power. Held was installed at 3B, and Strickland was handed his old SS position. About 35 games in, the two would flip. Held would become the starting SS, where he would put up a .252/.342/.445 (116 OPS+) line and good defense for the club until being dealt in 1965. Strickland hit at around his career levels for the season. Cleveland excelled and won 89 games.
Fig. 1 Strickland on Opening Day, 1959
Strickland played sparingly in 1960, starting just 10 games all year. He may have been some kind of a player-coach hybrid at this point, as the club gave him the opportunity to meet reach the service time level necessary to get his pension.
Rob points out that we may never know exactly why Strickland retired in 1958, and he's right. With the possibility that there were some backroom agreements made and broken, it's not surprising that details are unavailable. But I think if we look at the dynamics of the Cleveland infield in the late 1950s, we can get a pretty good idea of what may have happened. With the club middling around .500, his playing time and (presumably) his salary waning, a frustrated Strickland walked away for a year for a chance to be a big wig in his hometown, where he presumably was well-known. When that fell through and his club realized just how much it needed him, it was able to entice him back, presumably with a higher salary and more playing time as an incentive, as well as an explicit or implied promise that he would be able to reach his full pension.
Without more evidence, of course, this is just a theory, and ultimately Rob can take comfort that it will remain somewhat of a mystery. But The Common Man thinks this is a good theory, and probably pretty close to the truth.
Update: Two more relevant quotes from 1959. Strickland got off to a great start in his comeback. Time magazine reports that, "Shortstop George Strickland, 33, who actually retired in disgust a year ago and returned only at the urging of Cleveland top brass, was hitting a whopping .360 in stark contrast to his lifetime average of .223. Says Strickland: "I don't want to analyze what I'm doing right. I'm just happy I'm doing it." Meanwhile, from the Toledo Blade article quoted above, Strickland was asked about his hot start: "Asked if he thought the year's layoff might have had some beneficial effect...Strickland observed, 'I wouldn't recommend it, especially for anyone who'd like a World Series share.'"