text:
|After surgery
I woke up with the worst gall bladder attack I've have in many years. I couldn't walk or move. It was horrible. We got started late. I shouldn't have started at all, but for goodness sake, it was the first day. And I needed a sick day?! Crazy talk. I couldn't do that on the first day. It would throw off my entire year!!
I slept a little late, and started to feel better enough to start our school day. Breakfast? What? Get dressed? What? You mean they need to eat breakfast and wear something other than pajamas all day? And of course, they have to really enjoy said breakfast, slowly since we're starting school and all, and we have to clean up the mess from said breakfast. Then, the clothes must be just right since we're not going anywhere.
It was getting late, and we've NOT even STARTED. I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown. Then, we all came to the table. It was Bible reading time, and WE were going to have a good attitude, weren't we?
Now, we were on to table work, and not 30 minutes into grammar/language arts, I got my first, "I hate grammar. What is the point of this?" We hadn't been into school for 30 full minutes. I enlisted Daddy to come help out with this attitude.
Hungry? Again? They just ate breakfast? We've barely made it into the school day. Now, they wanted a snack?
We actually made it through the varying levels of math and language arts... I stagger them, so they can all be working on something. That was a success. Lunchtime came, and again with the meal mess. I started to feel sick again and instructed the kids to do silent reading while I rested a minute.
Then, I heard something outside my bedroom door. I saw a beautiful, little brown haired, seven year old sneak into my room. I didn't open my eyes but a crack, and there was her sweet face. My precious Hannah. She pulled the throw blanket over my arms and said, "If you don't feel good, we should pray. I will pray for you."
And there it was. My sweet girl, praying...for me...on what felt like a terrible first day. Oh, the conviction. The reassurance. The Lord reminded me through her of all that I already knew. Things may not be picture perfect, but something must be going right.
Why do I homeschool? For moments. For time. For them. For me.
It's what is right for our family.


text:
Taking the boy to the doctor tomorrow to get his neck looked at. It's been bothering him for a while now.
Watching the Rangers right now is stressing me out. A little better after the 2 homeruns, but this is still stressful! And Napoli, is a STUD after staying in the game after twisting his ankle at 2nd. OUCH!! Okay VERY STRESSFUL! Extra innings is killing me. AMAZING game though!
Audrey is a creating fool right now. Last night she made a picture for her teacher and tonight she has made something for her brother and is now making I don't know what, but she has been stamping and die cutting like crazy.
I found out about a possibility of something BIG for Pink Owl. Not saying much more right now, but if you could cross your fingers I would appreciate it!!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Though, without a further ado, the winner is:
Julie S (jellybelly82158)
Congrats, Julie!
Also, here's some quick facts about the contest:
- 114 people entered!
- I had 831 entries including the extra entries!
- Some of the most popular answers to my question of "What book are you most looking forward to in 2010?" included Hungar Games #3 by Suzanne Collins, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, and Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead. I'm looking forward to all of those too! :) Especially, Sprit Bound; I'm a huge VA Fan.


text:
Chocolatey S'mores Cupcakes
(makes 6 cupcakes)
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup water
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup applesauce
graham crackers
preheat oven to 350
mix wet ingredients together
sift dry ingredients into to wet mixture. mix until batter is smooth.
bake 15-17 minutes (take them out before they are completely done, the broiler will bake them a tiny bit more)
once cupcakes are finished, slit two lines in cupcakes with a knife. place two (or as many as you can) marshmallows in each slit, and a couple more in between. basically, as many as will stay on. for me, it was 6. place under broiler until golden. make sure to keep an eye on them, never look away! you want them to get golden and melty. crush two graham cracker sheets and sprinkle over top. eat & enjoy!
These are really dense chocolate cupcakes and sooo good. If left over, make sure to heat before eating and add more marshmallows if they fit!


text:
Trains deliver huge quantities of tomatoes and tomato paste to LiDestri Food & Beverage, a Rochester-based company that produces 2 million jars of sauces, dips and beverages daily.
The tomatoes arrive packed in enormous wooden "totes" lined with plastic. The company recycles the wood, but recycling the plastic has been impractical. The bags contain tomato residue. Cleaning them uses a lot of water and puts organic material into the waste water system. The bags present a potential sanitation problem when stored for any length of time.
So the expedient option has been sending them to a landfill—and that's not what anyone considers desirable.
LiDestri has turned to the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT's Golisano Institute for Sustainability for help in finding a better solution. Several ideas are being evaluated, including sending the bags to a company in Niagara Falls that converts plastic into fuel.
"In the food industry, sustainability is a big issue," says Dennis Burdette, corporate sustainability manager. "By my definition, that means doing business in a way that allows us to keep doing business into the future. We're always interested in making sure that we're doing all we can, and connecting with the resources at RIT is very helpful to us."
LiDestri is one of many businesses that can benefit from the new Finger Lakes Food Processing Cluster Initiative, an economic development project spearheaded by RIT's Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies, the technology transfer arm of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability and the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute.
The initiative is an economic development project focused on businesses involved in any aspect of food production—from farm to fork. Nine counties are included in this ambitious effort: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
The project is being funded by grants totaling more than $1.5 million, awarded as the result of a competitive process through the U.S. Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge. Of 125 applicants nationwide, only 20 were approved for funding.
The money comes from three federal agencies: the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is providing support through the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT.
A number of partners are involved, including Monroe Community College, Genesee County Career Center, Finger Lakes Works, RochesterWorks!, three Small Business Development Centers and the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva.
"We knew that partnerships were key," says GIS Director and Associate Provost Nabil Nasr. "This program is a great example of how regional organizations can leverage their knowledge and expertise to help industry in our community."
U. S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris echoes that belief. "What I have found is where businesses come together with higher education, that's where you have success," Harris commented on a visit to RIT in May. "That's what we have found here in Rochester. It's a synergy—more innovation creates more jobs."
While agri-business has always been a foundation of the region's economy, recent developments have brought it to the forefront, demonstrating potential for significant growth of this sector. A prominent example: Two multi-national companies are constructing major facilities for production of the popular Greek-style yogurt in Batavia, Genesee County. Alpina Foods, the U.S. arm of a South American dairy company, recently opened a $20 million plant producing Greek-style yogurt topped with granola. It created 50 jobs initially.
In August, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo drew media attention with his visit to a $206 million facility being built by PepsiCo Inc. and Theo Müller Group of Germany. Müller Quaker Dairy will open next year with 186 employees and could employ as many as 600 within a few years. It may soon become Genesee County's largest employer.
The two neighboring facilities, which will buy milk from area farms, are both located in the new Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, a 202-acre facility established by the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
"We knew what we wanted to go after," says Chris Suozzi, vice president for business development, Genesee County Economic Development Center. "Looking at the area's assets, we focused on putting together a public-private partnership to fund the Agri-Business Park and then worked to attract food processors."
The Agri-Business Park offers businesses numerous incentives, including assistance with permits to accelerate the building process (the Alpina project received a site permit in 21 days; Müller Quaker in 15 days). Tax benefits, abundant space, proximity to transportation and suppliers and ready access to utilities including gas, electricity, telephone and sewer are additional attractions for businesses.
"We offer shovel-ready, one-stop shopping for businesses," says Suozzi. "When you're competing with other regions around the country, these incentives can make the difference."
The Food Processing Cluster Initiative is a bonus, Suozzi says. One prong of the initiative focuses on the training needs of industries, offering customized programs for workers. RIT's Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies began working with Alpina to train workers even before the new plant opened. "If you can bring the training in, then it's a natural to bring the companies in. Therein lies the 'connect the dots,' " says Susan Noble, executive director of The Technology Farm in Geneva, Ontario County, one of the partners in the Finger Lakes Food Processing Cluster Initiative.
In order to grow, companies need skilled workers, and they can be difficult to find in more rural areas, says Noble. There's a need for training programs to provide specific skills as well as the basics of how business functions. She's hopeful that the Food Processing Cluster Initiative can take on that challenge.
Established in 2005, The Technology Farm is an innovative incubator for agriculture-related businesses. Currently, the enterprise is home to 12 startup businesses, including Mooseberry Soap Co. (manufacturer of natural soaps), Seneca BioEnergy (which uses grape and other agricultural byproducts to produce biofuel), Top Quality Hay Processors, and Stony Brook Partners (producing cooking oil from squash seeds).
"Part of why The Technology Farm works is that the startups help each other," says Noble. Besides sharing facilities, the small companies share experience and feedback. It's a microcosm of how the Food Processing Cluster is intended to work. The initiative can help large businesses or small ones become more successful. The potential is tremendous.
"The Food Cluster brings together a lot of companies that may not seem like they're related to food—but they are," says Noble.
"It really is exciting. I can't see how it wouldn't succeed."
Rochester/Finger Lakes region food industry consists of:


text:
In Service of FrostKoltira Deathweaver at Agmar's Hammer in the Dragonblight wants you to use the Frost Gem on Ice Revenants and return to him with a Filled Frost Gem.
|Filled Frost Gem
|Frost Gem
DescriptionThe biting cold protects the death knight while repelling his enemies. He that commands the power of frost can incite chaos and destruction!
Take this frost gem and travel far across the open tundra of the Dragonblight until you come upon the Mirror of Dawn, east of Wyrmrest Temple. It is there that you are to battle the legions of ice revenants that dwell upon the lakes surface and take from them the essence of frost. Utilize the power of the gem when they are weak, <name>!
We are all in service of frost here in Northrend.
I can already feel the cold coursing through me, <name>.
RewardsYou will receive: 7 38 if completed at level 80
GainsUpon completion of this quest you will gain:
- 20,500 experience
- 250 reputation with Warsong Offensive


text:
Friday, August 31, 2012
Vienna IV: Jugendstil
We saw this building made in the Jugendstil style (also known as Art Nouveau and Secessionist). Some of the details are fun.
Posted by Maya at 5:49 PM No comments:
Labels: architecture, Art, art nouveau, Austria, bicycles, bird, buildings, gold, Jugendstil, lizards, mosaics, Oesterreich, Osterreich, Österreich, sculpture, secessionist, turtles, Vienna, Wien
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Vienna III: Karlskirche
They were doing restoration work inside the church, so there was scaffolding and an elevator inside. The advantage to this was that we were allowed to go up the elevator and see the paintings on the ceiling up close!
Posted by Maya at 2:42 PM No comments:
Labels: Angel, Austria, ceiling, church, Oesterreich, organ, Osterreich, Österreich, paintings, scaffolding, sculpture, statue, Vienna, Wien, window
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Vienna II: Karlskirche
Posted by Maya at 2:04 PM No comments:
Labels: Angel, Austria, bicycles, Charlie, church, column, Dachshund, dog, flags, Fountain, Oesterreich, Osterreich, Österreich, photographer, sculpture, statue, Vienna, Wien, window
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Vienna, Austria
We spent a long day wandering around Vienna. We started in the Stadtpark where we saw this beautiful flower clock and a statue to Strauss.
Posted by Maya at 1:10 PM No comments:
Labels: Austria, flower clock, Flowers, Oesterreich, Osterreich, Österreich, Stadtpark, statue, Strauss, Vienna, Wien
Monday, August 27, 2012
Schloss Seebenstein, Austria
Our next stop was visiting more of Janet's friends in Seebenstein. One of the days we were there, we walked up to this castle. Charlie loved this one best as he could be off leash for a nice walk through the woods on the way up, and then he got to run in a big grassy area on top by the castle. The castle was closed, so we only saw it from the outside.
Charlie wants to know what is inside the castle (as do we).
Posted by Maya at 2:30 PM 1 comment:
Labels: Austria, castle, Charlie, Dachshund, dog, Oesterreich, Osterreich, Österreich, Schloss Seebenstein, Schloß Seebenstein, Seebenstein
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Wolfsberg, Austria
We stopped for lunch in this little town. We did not have time to visit the castle, but I took this photo of the outside of it with the church in the foreground.
Posted by Maya at 2:23 PM No comments:
Labels: Austria, burg, castle, church, clock tower, Oesterreich, Osterreich, Österreich
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Burg Hochosterwitz VII
Posted by Maya at 2:14 PM No comments:
Labels: Austria, burg, Burg Hochosterwitz, castle, Charlie, Dachshund, dog, gate, lizard, Oesterreich, Osterreich, Österreich, wall, window
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text:
Shaun Gannon has written a really fine echapbook here. He worked very hard on it, and I think you'd be happy if you read it and I know he would be too
I recently came across an echapbook by a writer named Shaun Gannon. The echapbook is called Casual Glory; or Macaulay Culkin Does Nothing (Pangur Ban Party, 2010) and it is an echapbook not entirely concerned with titular Macaulay Culkin's vomit, but the vomit--its unspecified origin, its color, its repetition--does shimmer wisely as you happen upon it.
Narrator, Macaulay Culkin, glows with brilliance when posed against Gannon's towering backdrop of solipsist characters and sinister sentence-glossolalia. The 10 individual works of Casual Glory--each succeeding as an image-intense ephemeral--offer readers an attractively gnarled reverse of their expectations regarding the familiar:
[Phil kicks open the back doors and hops out. His upper half is covered in scalpels and needles and he is carrying his head in his arms. The bus driver shouts, "How about you miss?" The woman in the sedan yells, "I'm stuck, but I'm not hurt." The sedan explodes. "Still fine," she yells from the flaming wreckage.]
Darkly humorous, Gannon's written illusion of happiness situates readers comfortably in a disquieting world; a luscious spread offering many criticisms against society and its ill-shaped faculty. Gannon does not demonize reality; he only posits the upsetting bits that are most frequently overlooked . . . the egocentric methodologies of today's modern human beings. With the exception of Macaulay Culkin, every character in Casual Glory is a solipsist. The self-important stranger at the donut shop who cuts the front of the line to demand fresh creamer. The ex-wife lying about the real father of her children for personal convenience. The lack of concern from medical professionals regarding the narrator's glowing spots:
["So . . . there's no cure? This is permanent?" The third one shrugged. "Is God permanent?" The flat doctors chuckled and swiveled out of sight.]
Involuntarily existing among these methodologies, the narrator's functionality as an embodiment of selflessness, feels thwarted. For a human being to progress forward in society, Shaun Gannon's artfully controlled Casual Glory suggests that one must first develop the ability to move backwards. For Macaulay Culkin, "doing nothing" offers an opportunity to recognize one's ideological state. Here, he directs readers toward such recognition:
[Think to yourself, I am blinking consciously. I am seeing consciously. I am sitting consciously. I am breathing consciously. I am thinking consciously. I am thinking consciously. I am being consciously. Now stop.]
Visit Pangur Ban Party today and read Shaun Gannon's Casual Glory; or Macaulay Culkin Does Nothing.
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text:
At no.32, Mason tells his mum how he's been offered a job at Lassiters by Paul, and how he's sure it will lead to great opportunities in the future
Over at no.28, Susan endeavors to build a strong relationship with Holly, Karl's love child. To this end, she condescendingly snatches a kettle away from her in the mistaken belief that ten year olds are incapable of making a cup of tea
Meanwhile, at the coffee shop, Vanessa brings Bailey his lunch – a 'chicken and avocado salad'.
"But i asked for the chips!" squeals Bailey, before turning sharply to Lauren. "Is this your way of trying to get me to eat vegetables?" he asks, with an air of self-satisfied smugness that lets her know that as the smart one, he won't be so easily tricked into eating a big plate of vegetables
And later, Vanessa dispenses with such unnecessary measures as a doctor's visit or a $10 test from a pharmacy as she announces to Lucas that she's pregnant!
Over at no.26, Mason seems to think that Kate needs a reminder on how young he is, as he dresses himself for work and talks about how these 'sweet duds' shouldn't go to waste, and invites Kate to dinner at a fancy restaurant , or somewhere befitting the splendour of his 'junior concierge' work costume.
Over at Charlie's, a palpably anxious Georgia debuts a song she'd just written. She's understandably nervous about performing it and is concerned as to whether the crowd will like it. We know this because there are several scenes devoted to Georgia expressing these very concerns.
Mindful of this, Kate shows up for the beginning of the song, and then, 20 seconds later, sensing she isn't the focus of everyone's attention, abruptly leaves, dragging Chris and Kyle, Georgia's boyfriend and primary source of support, along with her.
Seriously, can Kate just get hit by a truck or something? I swear she gets more unlikable every episode.
Anyway, it turns out she can't have kids, and she's incredibly worried as to how her short-term, 18 year-old boyfriend will react when he finds out.
Elsewhere, Kyle tells Georgia that 'her song was a ripper!' and that 'the crowd loved it!' "It must have been the biggest applause Karl's ever had!" he continues.
At the garage, Lucas and Vanessa agree to sell the house to Paul, feeling that they'll need the money to prepare for their next child. Unfortunately this means having to tell the current tenants, the Turners, that they'll have to find somewhere else to live.
Over at no.26, Hudson tells Chris that his meeting with a different swim coach didn't go so well. 'Apparently we're not a good fit,' he explains.
At Paul's apartment, Kate bitches to Paul about her love life – specifically, that Mason was upset that she didn't tell him first about not being able to have children, electing instead to confide in Chris and the guy she recently fucked on the side and lied about – but apparently, in this instance, Mason is the one in the wrong.
"He doesn't mean to be a jerk," she tells Paul. "He just doesn't understand. And why should he – he's 18!"
Later, Kate meets Mason and tells him that she intends to make a lifestyle change. "I've realised that I need to be selfish!" she announces.
Over at no. 22, Imogen tells Terese that Brad has made lots of sacrifices to support her career, and that she should do the same. "His career's starting to take off and it's his turn to get some support", she says firmly.
I'm assuming that Brad's sacrifices chiefly concern his being able to spend just 8 hours on the couch each day watching tv and eating bon bons, on account of having to spend 2 hours at the pool with his son, which is, of course, his sole 'profession'
Over at the coffee shop, Amber mopes over being grounded by her parents as a means to prevent her from seeing Robbo. Her parents must not have seen any cliched television programs, or else they'd know that demanding that their daughter keep away from her good-looking bad boy crush leads inexorably to her rebelling. She'll be fucking him in no time.
Over at the eclipse apartments, Paul's plan to 'fix Robbo', weeks in planning, takes shape, as he invites him over for a game of poker, and proceeds to beat him time and again, with Paul soon stacking up a pile of Robbo's IOUs, which are surely worth more than the paper they're printed on.
Anyway, Robbo pulls out a full house, convinced he's got Paul beat. Unfortunately, there's one thing that Robbo didn't count on – the laws of infinitesimally remote probability!
Naturally, Robbo, a seasoned scumbag, takes having been obviously grifted with good humour and leaves town immediately, vindicating Paul's plan.


text:
In 2001, R&B singer Faith Evans released her third album Faithfully on Bad Boy records. I Love You was released after the debut single, You Gets No Love. In the video, a newly 50 pounds lighter, Faith sings about her Love in a revealing low-cut dress. This is such a great song and in my humble opinion, it solidified Faith as a major voice in the R&B world. If you didn't feel her before this song (that would be me) you were feelin' her after this song. Faith has a timeless voice; maybe she was born into the wrong generation. Too often Bad Boy would try to peg her as a Urban dance artist but I believe songs like this were her strong suit. And 2001 was one of the last great years in Urban music and videos.
My favourite line: "First time, I saw your face/ My heart just erased, all the guys I knew be-fore you walked into my life/ I was the type to never want for nothing" I'm such a sucka for love songs 😛
Vodpod videos no longer available.


text:
Salvete Omnes,
The fourth session of the Comitia Tributa is to be called to order starting on Kal. Sextilis. All citizens are called to attend.
Auspices will be taken by Augur C. Claudius Quadratus
The order of business is as follows:
I. Election of TWO Curule Aedile (responsibilities of this office are outlined here: download/file.php?id=233)
II. Election of THREE Quaestores (responsibilities of this office are outlined here: download/file.php?id=250)
III. Ratification of LEX CURIATORUM - On the creation, modification and governance of provinces (Senate discussion found here: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1932)
I will be the presiding magistrate of this meeting in my capacity as Consul. No campaigning or declarations to run for Curule Aedile or Quaestor are to be announced until the assembly meeting begins on Kal. of Sextilis.
Voting is scheduled to begin 8th of Sextilis and end 15th of Sextilis.
L. Aurelius Curio
Consul Minor


text: Riding strong on the release of their great sophomore album, Tough Love, Pulled Apart By Horses have been playing festivals around Europe along with announcing another UK headline tour for later in the year. They've not released a video since the entertaining "Wolf Hand" back garden antics though but today that changes with the visual for "Bromance Ain't Dead". It's released today (July 23rd) and the video features some of the boys' favourite live moments from the past few months. You can pre-order yourself a copy of the vinyl over here. Bromance certainly is not dead.


text:
Posted By Mishary.
the Snap Capp is something very special, and yet is so simple. Simply put, the Snap Capp is "a plastic re-closable top designed to snap onto virtually all 12 and 16 ounce aluminum beverage cans".
The Snap Capp also comes in handy on picnics or other outdoor outings. You may have noticed that when an open can is left out in the open, bees and other bugs sense the sugar and love to fly in.
Here how it works .. i think its pretty smart idea!
You should be able to pick up 3-packs for around KD2.600 HERE but its still not available 😛
Thanks INM
According to one of our readers they are available HERE.
Thanks DVLz


text:
Schwarzenegger Kills Universal Health Care Bill
On Friday, Schwarzenegger rejected the bill, knocking down the measure that would have provided every California resident with health coverage.
"[The bill] relies on the failed old paradigm of using one source—this time the government—to solve the complex problem of providing medical care for our people," said Schwarzenegger. ""I want to see a new paradigm that addresses affordability,...
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text:
Director Karan Johar made quite an impressive debut on television as a talk show host with 'Koffee with Karan'. Now this ace director is all set to judge a musical reality show called 'Shaava Shaava' on NDTV Imagine channel.
The show would go on air in January 2008 and will see television actors like Aman Verma, Apoorva Agnihotri, Juhi Parmar, Divyanka Tripathi, Mouni Roy, Narayani Shastri, Pulkit Samrat and Sumeet Raghvan showcasing their singing talent.
In every episode, the participants will sing their favorite songs and Karan, along with viewers from across the country, will select the best singer among these T.V. stars. Needless to say, that the participant with the least scores and votes will be eliminated.
Although there is no dearth of musical reality shows on television today, Sameer Nair, CEO of NDTV Imagine, feels that this show would indeed be fresh and innovative.
The show will be hosted by television actor Ali Asgar and is being produced by Contiloe Films Pvt. Ltd.


text:
Another fruit I recently tried is a Golden Pitaya. After research and opening I found it is a golden version of dragonfruit. I could imagine a delicious salsa made from this epiphytic cactus. There are many health benefits of Pitaya, such as it is high in fiber, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, phytoalbumins and lycopene.
I scored the flesh in a crosshatch, then a centre cut, finishing by scooping it out. There are numerous ways to prepare this fruit. Check these recipes out.
My cubes featured in a melon salad, with mint ribbons.
This salad is a good side to a cheese platter.
Our cheese du jour was Hereford Hop. An old friend from The Clive days! The sharp cheese with the bitter hops balanced nice with the natural, light sweetness of the fruit.


text:
The Meatball Sub
We got both as larges so that we could each trade and share our halves. They slid down my mouth so easily, though most things do when I'm starving, but the food was beyond delicious. Elliott usually goes there during his dental school's lunchtime with some classmates--ironically we even saw one of them there eating--but he held off going for a while to take me!
Elliott ate leisurely and was easily filled. I ravaged the subs, ate the pickels that came with each sub and was ready to take down more. I told him that the only explanation for this was that I had a mini- Elliott inside of me (no, that's not going to be his name, but he'll most likely continue the Elliott Brennan legacy of massive food take down without even a single burp or cringe). Those are my babies!
This morning as Elliott was getting ready for work I mumbled, "Mmmm meatball and hero subs." His only response was, "So that's what you're dreaming about these days." As I said previously, I have a mini-him eating right along side (and inside) me.


text:
I'm obsessed with Nutella. When people say they don't like Nutella, I always look at them like they have 3 heads. I mean, how is that really possible? Nutella is the best thing since sliced bread! (And even better ON sliced bread!)
My friend Victoria featured Nutella Bread Pudding on her blog a while back. I was traveling for work in Florida, and we were invited to a colleague's house for dinner. Knowing that I like to bake, she requested that I make dessert. Since I was going to be making it at her house, I wanted something that would be quick and easy, and when I asked Victoria for suggestions and she mentioned this, I knew it would go over really well!
While the bread that I bought was super fresh (and it needs to be stale), I cubed it, and toasted it prior to putting it together with the custard. (On a note, if you don't fully submerge all of the bread into the custard, it won't get soaked through....It will just toast in the oven. So when the recipe says submerge, it means it!)
This is the first bread pudding that I've ever made, and it definitely won't be the last!


text:
I went to DC the first week of August to see the Wolgang Tillmans show at the Hirshhorn Museum. I have always had a mixed response to the work of this artist. Some work is, to me, so conceptual that there is no pathway into the work on other levels. So, I was surprised how much of the work I found engaging and communicative. I was especially excited to see the abstract work. I knew the large scale photograms that were on view at PS1 last year. But I was less familiar with the series called "Paper Drop". I had seen some of them at Andrea Rosen's booth at AIPAD last year. I was intrigued by them then, but I was wowed even more to see a large room filled with their graceful shapes and evocative rhythms. They are not without the conceptual rigor that Tillmans is known for -- turning photography back on itself by photographing the very materials that are used to show the work. It seems a kind of conceptual mirror. But they work even without this intellectual layer. They are simply beautiful. If they were paintings, they would be admired for their form, balance, texture, and composition. That they have extra levels to plumb on further study and reflection only adds to the seductiveness of their surface beauty.
@Wolgang Tillmans "paper drop" (shadow)
@Wolfgang Tillmans "paper drop" (star), 2006. Courtesy Andrea Rosen Gallery, New York, and Regen Projects, Los Angeles.
@Wolfgang Tillmans "paper drop" (kestner), 2006
However, the star of the show for me wasn't photography. There was one 6 minute video titled "Lights (Body)" that was visually hypnotic and conceptually irresistible. The catalog describes a video that "presents various views of the flashing and oscillating lights of a busy discotheque set to the pulsating sound of electronic dance music". Some views are extreme close-up and some are from a distance, but they are all abstracted out and without a human presence. The effect is of some kind of robotized dance hall one moment followed by a moving, living abstract expressionist canvas. Again, as in "paper drop", Tillmans combines a sumptuous, visually compelling surface with a thought provoking core. The catalog made no mention of this, but I wondered whether his disco without people was a reference to an AIDS decimated social scene where the music and lights blare on in pre-programmed ecstasy while the humans who are meant to enjoy them are nowhere to be found. I was transfixed.


text:
Virginia Basketball: Sammy Zeglinski Needs a Guy Who Knows a Guy...February 17, 2012
Where I grew up, it was never hard to get something done that wasn't quite mainstream.
Need something fixed without a permit or a license? No problem.
The reason?
Because everybody had a guy who knew a guy.
Over the years, to avoid the possibility of incrimination, an extra level of insulation was added. Suddenly, everyone had a guy who had a guy who knew a guy.
It was safer that way, even if there really wasn't another guy.
I bring this up today because Sammy Zeglinski, and by extension, the Virginia basketball team, needs a guy.
I've watched basketball of all levels for a long time.
Sammy Zeglinski's current shooting slump is the most prolonged I have ever seen.
In the beginning I told everyone, "Don't worry about it. His coach is still the leading percentage three-point shooter in NCAA history. If anyone can straighten out his shot, it's Tony Bennett."
But for some odd reason, coaches are reluctant to tinker with a player's shot when they reach this level.
Recently Bennett, when asked about Zeglinski's shooting slump, commented that he thought his shot looked "fine". But could he really have believed that?
Sit in any of the local gin mills or coffee shops or gyms and everyone's got the answer.
"He's out of rhythm", "he's not squaring up", "his legs are flailing", "the ball's not coming off his index finger last."
Even my sister, who reads these only because her brother writes them, had this to say after, in a recent article, I questioned how this basketball team would handle all the adversity being thrown at it, Zeglinski's slump being a part of that adversity:
"It left me, who doesn't really care about the basketball team you're writing about, wondering how the team will fare, and "rise to the occasion."
It also left me wondering what happened to "wonder-boy" that caused this uncharacteristic slump...obviously something happened of some import. If the body is as well as it was before the slump, it doesn't forget how to shoot...reflexes don't suddenly fail us without cause... so if the body isn't sick, then the mind/spirit is troubled...Did his girlfriend get pregnant? his Mother get ill? his brother get arrested? he's in danger of not graduating?...WHAT?...inquiring minds want to know..."
And indeed they do.
This basketball team is teetering on the brink of disaster. Virginia has managed to win a number of games this year with only one other major contributor besides their All-ACC player Mike Scott. More often than not, that player has been Joe Harris.
But Harris fractured a bone in his non-shooting hand at North Carolina last Saturday. On Tuesday at Clemson, Harris played with what looked like a small boxing glove on his left hand. It badly affected his shooting and ball-handling and almost eliminated his ability to rebound.
Jontel Evans has done an admirable job stepping up and providing a second scorer in the last two games. And not that UVA isn't in desperate need of every point, but Evans' points come from his penetrating to the basket.
The Cavs have to have an outside threat. Six weeks ago, they had two. Zeglinski was connecting at over a 40 percent rate. Harris was not far behind.
It forced defenses to play UVA "honest." They couldn't collapse on Scott because Zeglinski or Harris would make them pay dearly.
I won't make you suffer more by posting "before-and-after" shooting stats. Suffice it to say the difference in Virginia's three-point shooting then and now is beyond belief.
Five regular-season games remain.
Three wins will definitely get the 'Hoos to the Dance. Two may do it, depending on how Miami finishes their season.
As you've read here, or seen for yourself, this Virginia basketball team is a gutsy bunch.
But coming off two consecutive losses, both by double digits after not having lost a game all season by more than three, their remaining confidence must be fragile.
One of three things needs to happen to carry these guys through. The first has odds roughly similar to hitting the lottery: Paul Jesperson, reportedly an outstanding three-point shooter, needs to come in, make his first or second trifecta attempt and go on a storybook run over the remainder of the season.
To date, Jesperson has looked jittery, and his shot has been erratic.
The second possibility is Malcolm Brogdon. The freshman has been a significant part of UVA's success. He's really the only true triple-threat offensive player. But his long-range shot has gotten flat, and he's looking to put the ball on the floor more of late.
The third, and most obvious, is a "Sammy Sighting." Zeglinski played 38 minutes versus Clemson and attempted only five shots.
"Shooters need to keep shooting" is an old basketball adage. The rationale is the only way to get out of a slump is to make shots, and the only way to do that is to take them.
My wife, on par with my sister when it comes to sports awareness, offered this suggestion when I told her the subject of this diatribe: "Maybe he should wear his girlfriend's underwear like the guy in "Bull Durham."
What "Nuke" LaLoosh actually wore under his uniform was Susan Sarandon's garter belt. It's an option previous generations of basketball players wouldn't have had (the shorts were too short).
But the frame of mind Sammy's probably in these days, he might consider it.
I think he needs a guy.


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I have always been asked WHAT ARE YOU READING by kids, parents and teachers. I constantly find myself talking to people about books, that is why I have started this blog. It is designed for anyone looking for some excellent books to read. Most of the books are appropriate for kids in grades 6 and up. If you have read any of these books and want to let other's know what you think, please feel free to add your ideas.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Total Tragedy of a Girl named Hamlet by Erin Dionne
I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a while. After having a class of mostly boys last year, I didn't read too many "girly" type books. This one definitely falls into that category.
Hamlet Kennedy is just starting grade 8- it is suppose to be her best year yet. She has a group of great friends- she isn't in the popular group- but that is OK with her. Hamlet just wants to blend in with the crowd. At home, her parents have an over-the-top passion with all things Shakespeare, and it is just too much for Hamlet. Then, there is her younger sister- Desdemona. Dezzie is gifted- at age 7 she is academically ready for college, but socially not quite. Hamlet feels that at home her parent's total focus is on Dezzie, but that is OK with her too. She becomes very good at hiding anything that would make her stand out.
The start of grade 8 brings whole new changes for Hamlet. Her sister is being enrolled in her grade and it will be Hamlet's job to escort her from class to class. When Dezzie becomes the math tutor for grade 8's- it becomes a bit too much for Hamlet to take. Then, the first day of school, her mother arrives at school in full on Shakespearian clothes. Everything about her demands attention, which is exactly what Hamlet is trying to avoid. With the start of the year like this, Hamlet worries that the rest of the year will only get worse. Add in a mysterious person leaving pigs in her locker, a rift between her and her best friend, the study of Shakespeare in both English and History, and two popular girls who have befriended Dezzie- Hamlet has a grade 8 year she will never forget.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I cringed along with Hamlet when her mother showed up at school- I can't imagine anything worse for kids in grade 8. The conflict Hamlet feels about her sister is very interesting too. While Hamlet wants to protect her sister, she also feels like she is losing herself and her own freedom. I think many girls would like and relate to this book. There is also lots to talk about throughout the story.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
At long last, Mockingjay was released on Tuesday! For those of you who don't know this book, this is the third in the Hunger Games series. If you haven't read the first two- go out and get them right now (and stop reading here!)
Mockingjay takes up where Catching Fire left off. With Katniss being rescued from the Hunger Games and Peeta- the boy she was instructed to love left behind. Katniss isn't sure she loves Peeta, but she does care for him greatly and worries constantly about what is being done to him. Distict 12- Katniss' home has been destroyed by the Capitol and the surviving citizens were led by Gale- Katniss' childhood friend to District 13.
Inside District 13, Gale and Katniss reconnect and rediscover their friendship. With Peeta out of the picture, Gale is able to be there for Katniss to help her in the fight against the Capitol and President Snow. As the rebels fight against President Snow and the horrific army that has been created, Katniss finds herself once again draw into a situation where she has no choice but to be the pawn of the people in charge. Katniss struggles to give up her own fate into the hands of those in power. She has trouble believing or trusting anyone. But in order to take down those in power in the Capitol, she must trust herself.
This third book was just as good as the first two. The ending was satisfying and rewarding. I can't wait to see what Collins comes out with next!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Incarceron is the first novel I've read by Catherine Fisher. At first, Incarceron reminded me a lot of the book The Maze http://tinyurl.com/2eksezq where people are kept inside a different world. However, Incarceron has many more things happening.
Incarceron is a place that was created years ago for society to get rid of criminals. Incarceron is above all else a prison, but it is also a place where no guards are needed. There is a Warden whose job it is to manage Incarceron, but this Warden doesn't ever go into Incarceron.
There are really two stories taking place in this book. One is of some of the people inside Incarceron. Finn- who believes he is from the outside because he has memories of a different time and his 'family' that he has created. Very few people within Incarceron believe there is even an outside, Finn keeps his thoughts to himself because he knows they won't be well received.
The other story is of Claudia. She lives outside of Incarceron. Claudia is the daughter of the Warden and she has grown up believing that Incarceron is a perfect place. That is what all of society has been told, that the experiment of Incarceron was so successful and created such a beautiful society that nobody wants to leave it. Claudia is very curious about Incarceron, she doesn't trust anything her father says because she has been taught by her tutor Jared that life isn't what it seems.
As the stories of Claudia and Finn are told, their stories start to run together. They each have one main goal- to escape the world they know and live in.
While I found it hard to follow the story all the time, the strange names and different threads that were all being pulled together, I really liked the story and the characters. I look forward to the sequel coming out in December. Check out the website here: http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780803733961,00.html
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Flush by Carl Hiaasen
I have to admit, I've never read a book by Hiaasen before. My kids love the movie Hoot, but we have never read the book. In trying to get my younger son to read, I picked up Hoot for him and Flush for me. I like the fact that Hiaasen writes with such passion about environmental issues and his characters are great too. His setting is always Florida and he is able to paint a great picture of the landscape and culture of the oceans and surrounding lakes in Florida.
In Flush, Hiaasen deals with the issue of illegal dumping of raw sewage into the ocean and it certainly makes me wonder how often this happens. The book starts out with Noah visiting his father in jail. His dad is in jail for sinking a floating casino that was dumping the raw sewage. The man running the casino has friends in high places and Noah's dad is forced to realize that there is nothing he can do to clear his name, or stop the environmental damage that is being caused.
Noah and his sister soon decide that they can't stand to let that happen, they are compelled to clear their dad's name and stop the casino from ruining their swimming and fishing spots. Hiaasen writes some interesting characters into the story to help Noah and Abbey- not your typical characters for children's stories, but characters with flaws and faults. It is very interesting to read how they develop as well.
I was hoping this book would be a good read aloud to tie in with my first science unit on ecosystems, but I think it is a bit young for a read aloud. Having said that, I'm sure I will be happy to recommend this book to kids in my class this year.
Check out this fan created website: http://flushbook.weebly.com/
Kathy Reichs
Having spent a great deal of my summer watching 5 seasons of the TV show Bones- I'm pretty addicted to Kathy Reichs stuff right now. She has always been one of my favourite authors to read as an adult. I'm looking forward to her newest novel that comes out the same day as Mockingjay- I'm not sure what I'll read first. When I went to her website to check out her book- I discovered she has a new book coming out in November for young adults- you can check it out here: http://viralstheseries.com/
I'm putting it on order today! I really like when my favourite authors write for kids- it's a nice way to share authors I love with kids.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
By the Time You Read This I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
I thought this book was going to be a little like 13 Reasons Why, (http://tinyurl.com/2c2qgxw) explaining what lead up to a suicide, but this book looks at suicide in a different way.
Daelyn is a very sad young women. She has been bullied her whole life and has decided that the only way out is suicide. When she finds a website aimed at helping people commit suicide, she learns how to do it right. But the website has a catch, you must wait 24 days. As Daelyn waits and plans for her final act, she spends time blogging on the website about her life and it is through these blog entries that we learn of the repeated bullying that she has endured. As we learn about her past, we also learn about what is happening now. Daelyn meets a boy, the first person who really treats her normally and seems to want a friendship and yet she is very hesitant to trust anyone. As her 24 days slip by, Daelyn must decide how it will all end for her.
When I started reading this book, I found it very depressing and hard to read, but as I continued, Daelyn's story became very compelling and I was drawn into her life, both past and present. I am hesitant to have it in my classroom though. Daelyn's story is important, but I would worry that a child might not have the proper perspective to understand the messages. I would strongly suggest that anyone giving this book to a child to read it first and discuss it along side of the reader.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Sea by Heidi R. Kling
Sea is a beautiful story that deals with loss, love, sorrow and joy. It is set in Indonesia just after the Tsunami in 2004. Kling is able to paint a picture of life for the people who survived the Tsunami, and the people who came to help restore the land and the people.
Sienna is a 15 year old girl who has dealt with her own loss and sorrow when her mother's plane went missing three years ago. Everyone but her believes her mother is dead, and Sienna has stopped living her life in the past three years. Her dad tries to force her back to life, by inviting her to travel with his team of experts who are travelling to Indonesia to help children in an orphanage.
Once in Indonesia, Sienna quickly realizes that she isn't the only one who has suffered a loss. She meets children who have lost their whole family. Through the sharing of their experiences and helping others, Sienna is able to start the healing process. But, when she meets Deni, a handsome, mysterious orphan, she gets drawn into his life and his quest to find his family. The two take great risks to learn what happened to Deni's family and at the same time, Sienna learns a great deal about herself as well.
The romance aspect of this book would make it more appealing to girls I think. It would be a nice suggestion to read for those girls who are so crazy about Twilight- however, this book is much deeper than a romance novel.
You can check out Kling's website here: http://heidirkling.com/ - be sure to also look at the book trailer on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjmQEPsQzKw
Friday, August 6, 2010
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
After a few false starts with some books for kids- two books that were highly recommended but I didn't like them- and one huge adult book- I sat down today and read Sarah Dessen's newest book Along for the Ride. I'm a huge Dessen fan. She writes so well for teen girls- her characters have so much depth to them, and the story is so engaging that you cannot put her books down.
In Along for the Ride, Auden has just finished high school and is heading off to college. Her whole school career has been focussed on studying and working hard. She hasn't had time for things like friends, dates and proms. Her parents are divorced and while she lives with her mom, it is expected that she fends for herself most of the time.
The summer before she heads off to college, Auden makes the unexpected decision to spend the summer with her father, his new wife and new baby sister. Auden figures she will just spend the summer studying and getting ready for the new school year. However, things don't turn out the way she plans. She quickly gets drawn into the lives of the other kids living in the small town. Auden learns about what she has been missing, but it is hard for her to change. Watching Auden struggle to become a more rounded person is a very interesting journey to say the least!
Check out her website here: http://www.sarahdessen.com/ and - you can download Chapter one of her book here:
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Hey Ladies,
My winner of the Hugs from a Bug set was...
Post #3 Candy - I love the paper also. A very cool card.
Please send me your contact information & I'll have Kate send your set out!
Thanks for playing!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Blog Candy Winner
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By Dr. Horace Miner
The anthropologist has become so familiar with the diversity of ways in which different people behave that they are not often surprised, even by the most exotic customs. In fact, if all of the logical possible combinations of behavior have not been found somewhere in the world, the anthropologist is most likely to believe that they exist in some yet undiscovered tribe. In this light, the magical beliefs and rituals of the Nacirema present such unusual aspects that it seems desirable to describe them as an example of the extremes to which human behavior can go.
Professor Thomas Linton first brought the rituals of the Nacirema to the attention of anthropologist twenty years ago, but the culture of these people remained poorly understood until my recent excursion with them.
Little is known of their origin, although tradition states that they came from the east. According to Nacirema mythology their nation was originated by a culture hero named Notgnihsaw. The Nacirema are a group of people whose desolate location has left them virtually unchanged for the past 200 years.
Nacirema culture is characterized by a highly developed market economy which has evolved greatly in the past 100 years. While much of the average Nacirema's time is devoted to economic pursuits, a large part of the fruits of these labors and a considerable portion of the day are spent in ritual activity. The focus of these ritual activity is the the appearance and health of their body. Now, while such concerns is not uncommon, the ceremonial aspects of the Nacirema show very unique characteristics.
The fundamental belief underlying the whole system appears to be that the human body is ugly. They appear to believe that a woman/man's only hope is to avoid showing the bodies natural tendency to grow weak and sick. They attempt to do this by performing daily rituals and ceremonies that appear to have a religious, or magical, origin.
Every dwelling in Nacirema society has one or more shrines devoted to the purpose of these rituals. The more powerful the individual is in there society the more shrines they will have in their dwelling. In fact, dwellings are often referred to in terms of the number of such ritual centers it posses. While each family dwelling has at least one such shrine, the rituals associated with it are not public ceremonies, but private ones. The rites of these rituals are normally only discussed with children, however, I was able to establish such a positive rapport with the Nacirema that they agreed to allow me to examine and describe these rituals.
The focal point of the shrines is a box (or chest) which is built into the wall of the shrine. Within this chest are kept many charms and magical potions without which no native believes he or she could live. These potions and charms are often obtained from "medicine men" who hold a high status with in the Nacirema society. The medicine men do not actually provide the charms and potions but instead will write, in an ancient and secret language, the ingredients down. This writing is understood only by lesser medicine men who create the required potions and charms.
After the charm and potion has been used the container is not disposed of. Instead it is placed back in the box located in the dwelling's shrine. Since these magical potions are for specific illness the charm-box of the shrine is usually overflowing. Although the natives are very vague regarding this tradition I can only assume that the idea of keeping these old potions and charms is to insure that their presence in the shrine will help protect the worshiper.
Every morning members of the family, in succession, enters the shrine room, then they mingle different sorts of potions and charms, and proceeds with a brief ritual of purification. These rituals vary, depending on the gender of the occupant. Below is an example of the daily body rituals which are performed only by men: Each morning males in the society will enter the shrine with a sharp tool. The men will then use this sharp tool in a cleansing ritual which involves scraping and lacerating the surface of their face. The men will then apply a potion to their lacerated face. This potion has a strong stench and it reportedly will burn and irritate the skin where ever it is applied.
Women in the Nacirema society also perform daily cleansing and purification rituals in the shrine. The ritual of the women tend to take twice as long as the men and it is also done in secrecy and private. Women in the Nacirema society will daily use a combination of dyes to paint and decorate their faces. Often times these decorations are designed to attract a potential mate.
The Nacirema avoids exposure of his or her body and its natural functions. Bathing and excretory acts are performed only in the secrecy of the shrines, where they are ritualized as part of the body-rites. Psychological shock results if the body secrecy is suddenly lost upon entry by another host, even if the intruder is the Nacirema's partner. This secrecy is also extended to reproduction and intercourse. Intercourse is a taboo topic and extreme efforts are made to avoid pregnancy by using magical materials or by limiting intercourse to certain phases of the moon. Conception is actually very infrequent. When pregnant, women will often dress as to hide their condition. The actual birth takes place in secret, without friends or relatives to assist, and the majority of women do not nurse their infants.
Our review of the ritual life of the Nacirema has certainly shown them to be a magic-ridden people. It is hard to understand how they have managed to exist so long under the burdens which they have imposed upon themselves.


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Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Top 10: Poetry
In the most recent edition of Answer Man, one reader asks for examples of poetry in cinema. Ebert gives both literal and figurative answers, citing moments from films like McCabe and Mrs. Miller and Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast as examples of purely cinematic poetry. The question helped me to contextualize my own recent thoughts about cinema. I've gradually come to the conclusion that a film should not be evaluated as we would prose, but rather for the marriage of its visual and auditory elements to create a sensory experience. We've become too literal-minded about cinema; we need to feel it in our bones. But in trying to articulate this to people, I've overlooked the obvious - I'm talking about poetry.
The following moments are not necessarily the "most poetic" - that would be self-contradictory. They are simply moments that resonate deeply for me as examples of the use of imagery, rhythm and metaphor to create meaning. They touch that unnamed place where the "me" of me resides; they speak of ecstatic truths with a language of images. They get the job done.
1. The birth of the star child (2001).
2. The return of the robin (Blue Velvet).
3. The dance of death and his followers, hand in hand (The Seventh Seal).
4. The dancing rooster machine (Stroszek).
5. The bleeding elevators (The Shining).
6. Merrick's dream (The Elephant Man).
7. Scottie's dream (Vertigo).
8. Rebekah del Rio singing "Llorando" (Mulholland Drive).
9. The car crash and the harmonium (Punch-Drunk Love).
10. Chauncey walking on water (Being There).
2 comments:
Just poking through my DVDs as I jot these thoughts down.
American Beauty would be one film that in my opinion that flows between different parts of poetry.
The climax of Big Fish grabs the audience for a line of pure emotion, mixing nostalgia, humor, romance, and sadness into one gigantic bittersweet farewell.
The train station and confrontation with the home invader in Unbreakable are two moments that come to mind in that film in which David transforms before our eyes, yet we are still able to identify with him.
And for a simpler. There's always Elwood removing his hat for a moment to mourn the loss of the police car in The Blues Brothers. It's short. It's simple. It's a total pause in the pace. It's perfect.
Great topic, this has had me pondering alot.
- Bemis said...
Great call in particular on that moment from The Blues Brothers; grace notes like that can make all the difference, particularly in comedy.


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A little over a year ago, I wrote a STW post that included what was then new signs warning people to stay off the big boulders that line
Main Street across from Johnny's Bistro. Up until that point, particularly on warm days, people would routinely climb the rocks and sometimes find a place to sit and watch the world below. This was one of Peanuts favorite activities whenever we walked down Main Street together.
Those signs read "No Trespassing or Climbing Rocks."
They've been replaced. The new signs attempt to convey a more civil tone, asking people to "respect the rock."
, I've been driving past this simple message on Columbia Old Dobbin Road for at least a month now. Each time it makes me smile.
I mean, who really knows what's ahead anyway?


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That is why he is unpopular these days.
Mohanakrishnan Gopalakrishnan I think he is unpopular because he is hardly understood. He was unpopular with me as well, but when I spent time understanding him, it opened many doors for me.
Aparna Krishnan Yes. And why do people not even want to engage, to understand. Anyway the loss is not Gandhi's, it is the country's.
Aparna Krishnan It is also a hard line and it demands facing oneself. Its easier to carry placards against the Other all the time !
Mohanakrishnan Gopalakrishnan Aparna I can't say why people don't want to engage with him. But in my case, I didn't engage with him because it was not fashionable. In fact it was fashionable to bash up gandhism from the left point of view and that is the path I took.
Aparna Krishnan even in our times ? i thought that was the present times.
Aparna Krishnan yes, the day one is able to step out of what is cool in one's group, is the day one grows up. And then one finds one's path.
Mohanakrishnan Gopalakrishnan Aparna yes, even in those times. The 'learned' view was that Gandhi was a nice person and all but his views were impractical and not fit for the 'modern' times😊
Aparna Krishnan Mohanakrishnan Gopalakrishnan i see. i think i was always a little away from 'learned' discussions with the 'learned'. Even today - my deepest learnings have been from the 'illiterate' people of my village.
Vepathangudi Ramachandrarao Devika Gandhi is questioned only because only questioning him- will not get people beaten up
Aparna Krishnan why do you say that Vepathangudi Ramachandrarao Devika ?
Vepathangudi Ramachandrarao Devika Because followers of all other leaders past and present do not tolerate any questions about their leader.
Aparna Krishnan The real tragedy is the heritage and legacy and learning that is lost as people make beating him a way a name and fame and peer acceptability. When the country desperately needs to find both roots and bearings, which can be found here as nowhere else.
Aparna Krishnan You have been with Gandhi studies for very long now. Have you see this anti-Gandhi as the majoritatian view for a long time now ? Among the Intelligensia.
Mohanakrishnan Gopalakrishnan And that is how it should be. Do we need a situation where no one criticises Gandhi because people are afraid of criticising him?
Aparna Krishnan Well, every leader needs to be see in perspective and understood. Critically and with humility seeing that their sacrifices and contributions finally far exceed ours.
Aparna Krishnan What I see nowadays is a fashion of Gandhi bashing with only loses us a rich inheritence which may still help us find ourselves as a civilization. Anyway, this is only among the Intelligensia - a small minority.
Vepathangudi Ramachandrarao Devika Yes Mr.Mohanakrishnan Gandhi should be criticized. These questions keep him alive. But hatred is what we should abhor. Great debates took place between Tagore, Gandhi etc but they did it with affection and respect for each other's differing points of view.


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I am so excited about all these leather cuffs in the Spring collection that I am sharing another glimpse of what's to come. Soft mesh cuffs sporting sophisticated reptilian, hand-dyed leathers with a beautiful toggle clasp. I just love these leathers. They have a very soft hand and are fabulously textured and colored. I have been wearing one of these for days now. I just can't get enough. They will debut in April at highpointMARKET.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Another little peek...
Posted by Judith Altman Designs at 3:39 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
New Leather Cuffs for Spring
Another sneak peek at a new item in the spring line (to be introduced in April). These leather and brass cuffs are supremely wearable and highlight some beautiful Italian leathers embossed with patterns, imprinted with special metallic coatings and dyed to fabulous colors.
Posted by Judith Altman Designs at 5:25 PM 0 comments
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Assignment 1 involves creating a written 5-year career plan for after you leave Whitireia. As appropriate to your individual situations, it should cover your own writing – how you will continue with it and market it; paid work; any further education; and any travel. There will also be an intro and a conclusion, which can be written last. Please plan for it to be 1500 to 2000 words.
We discussed that the sections in Erin's plan will include:
- Possible further education (e.g. publishing course, MA in creative writing, maybe poetry course?)
- Possible jobs (esp. in publishing, but also possibly libraries, bookshops etc.)
- How to market your manuscripts (probably via an agent)
- Juggling everything
- Any appendices - e.g. prospectuses, a sample letter to an agent (not included in word count)
Erin will possibly be talking to Anna this week about her manuscript. If so, take some ideas from that, do a little extra research if necessary, and bring thoughts and info to next class.
If meeting with Anna doesn't eventuate yet, then investigate one of the courses you might be interested in, and bring some info about that along to the next class.
Mikoyan – please bring some thoughts about where you'd like to go over the next 5-6 years when it comes to – your own writing work, any further education, and paid work


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Whether it is birthday presents, stocking stuffers or art supplies, A Toy Garden is the first place I look for that special gift. Store sound familiar? Perhaps you have seen A Toy Garden featured in issues of Mothering.
A Toy Garden has a wide range of toys and art supplies that encourage open-ended, imaginative play. Worried about the safety of the toys under your Christmas tree? The toys are made from natural and eco-friendly materials, with many fair trade and "made in the USA" choices. A Toy Garden's collection of unique and exclusive products separates them from many other online stores touting natural, Waldorf toys that seem to carry all the same brands. Be prepared to be delighted and inspired by the well-edited selection of toys, books and art supplies that your children will fancy.
Here are some of my favorite items from A Toy Garden.
These two puzzles make a great present for a toddler – intriguing enough to hold their interest, yet simple enough for them to piece the puzzle together.
Do you have a box of broken crayons? Try Stockmar beeswax crayons. A bit more expensive than the average box of crayons, but we have yet to have a broken one.
A Toy Garden has a great book selection with wonderful children's titles, parenting and art/craft instruction books. If you are looking for books to help you integrate Waldorf practices into your family, you'll find book to help here. Malena and Lautaro love hearing the adventures of fairy Tiptoes Lightly and her woodland friends.
Do your children want to help you while you sewing or craft? My two love working on their projects with their sewing machine, sewing toys and hand sewing kits.
Have you discovered the endless possibilities of playsilks? Most playsilks from A Toy Garden had dyed by work at home mothers. Their silks are sold at an affordable price compared to other playsilk sellers because they believe that all children should have playsilks. In our home, playsilks are used to build tents with the addition of wood clips, for dress up, scene backdrops for dramatic play, and on and on.
A Toy Garden is run by Sonya Bingaman, a work at home mother and social worker. She places a priority on buying directly from artisans or larger manufacturers with high ethical standards. Her business is based in Fair Oaks, California – fast shipping for all you West Coast readers. Be sure to register for her newsletter to receive store coupons and notices.


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Don't call them "bikers." Forget talk of "hogs" and "choppers." Look at black leather as practical clothing, not an outlaw fashion statement.
The next time you think about motorcyclists, don't let your mind dwell on Marlon Brando, James Dean and similar rebels without causes. Instead, think of the 80,000 motorcyclists who are expected to gather tomorrow at Fort Smallwood Park to collect toys for children.
"Motorcyclists should be looked at as individualists who choose a certain mode of transportation," said Robert A. Ritter, chairman of the 10th annual Motorcyclists' Operation Santa Claus.


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Thoughts on The Girlfriend Experience
-An escort who specializes in 'the girlfriend experience'--providing feigned emotional intimacy with her clients on top of sexual, a literal companion--goes about her job and her boyfriend, a personal trainer, over the background of the 2008 economic crisis and election.
-Sasha Grey. She is a porn star. This has been the main gimmick the ads have pushed. It would imply that there's tons of sexay times to be had in this, which is just not true. She's naked once in the entire movie, and it is in an entirely non sexual context. Oh, sure, skimpy lingerie here and there, but for the most part, director Steven Soderberg (my latest director obsession) does not exploit the fact that she's an (ahem) adult actress. Getting that out of the way.
-Anyway, I'm mixed about her performance. Her line delivery can, at times, be brutally flat (such as when she has an argument with her boyfriend), and at others, she can excellently balance the coldness of her profession and the conflict that's going on in her own head. I could say that in this movie, she is cold and dull, unaided by some lifeless dialogue. But, when you think about it, it makes sense. She's an escort who's personal policy is to remain as emotionally distant as possible from her clients, a habit that falls into her personal life.
-Only someone who has had sex for money, in this case, a porn star, could've gotten that across. Let's face it, had they gotten a 'legitimate' actress for the role, someone--the actress, the director--would've turned it into a bitchy role, made the main character unlikeable, that or a typical 'woe-is-me-I'm-a-hooker-just-waiting-for-the-right-john-to-wisk-me-away-sob' character. Only once does she cry, and it is a striking scene, because by and large, her demeanor has been chilly and controlled, so when she finally does start belated emotions, you feel for her. You understand, completely, why emotional distance is necessary, something, again, I'm not sure could've been pulled off by anyone with less than personal experience.
-But then, Grey does a precarious balancing act between repressed emotional sincerity and narcissism.
-Anyway. The movie itself is a rather bleak look at human nature, but there is something strangely soulless about it. Grey does slightly elevate the dialogue, which is tedious and arbitrary (I guess the point, but whatever). The cinematography, glossy semi-shaky cam, makes the entire thing feel like a fashion shoot, alien and disconnected, but oh-so-pretty to look at.
-Another experimental Soderbergh movie that could've been great if it...I dunno. Good night.


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Fitness Friday – 8 Most Common Running Mistakes
Hello and happy Fitness Friday! It feels like it's been a while, no?
Seeing as it's the new year, I know it's a time when a lot of people are setting race goals for 2011, or even just getting back into exercise! I've already gone over the 5 Most Common Weight Lifting Mistakes, but today I'm addressing the most popular form of cardio. Everyone wants to be a runner, but many of us are doing it wrong. Here are the most common running mistakes to ensure you don't get sidelined this year.
1. You're running too fast.
A lot of newbie runners tend to sprint right off the bat. After three minutes they feel like they're dying and determine that running is either too hard, or they're just not cut out for it. Fact is, it takes a looooong time to figure out what a comfortable pace is for yourself. Chances are it's waaaaay slower than what you wish it was. If you can't muster up a sentence, or if you're frequently getting side stitches, try taking it down a notch. We're not shooting for the Olympics here, there' ain't nothin' wrong with a slow and steady jog.
2. You're running too much.
Running is fantastic for releasing those feel-good endorphins. Problem is, some people get hooked. As soon as you can run, you want to do it all the time. Keep the 5-day-a-week schedules for the marathoners. If you're a recreational runner/racer, try to take a few days off once in a while. Remember the 10% rule – never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%. Jumping from 15 miles one week, to 25 miles the next is setting yourself up for injury. Shin splints for example, are usually caused by running too much too soon.
3. You're running route sucks.
This point means two things:
a) You need to find a route that suits you. I hated running outdoors when I first started because I was doing all city routes. But then I discovered trail running and fell in love. Some people on the other hand love the noise of a city, the pavement, or even prefer a treadmill! Experiment with different settings until you find one you like best.
b) You're doing the same route over and over. As with anything in fitness, you should be changing it up. Some streets and sidewalks are tilted, which can cause pain in one leg and not the other. Running too many hills can do a number on your achilles tendon, but not running enough won't challenge you as a runner. It's okay to have a favourite route, but changing it up is sometimes motivation enough to get you out the door.
4. You're in the wrong shoes.
And I'm not just saying that because I sell running shoes for a living. I see so many people frustrated with aches and pains that are all the result of a stupid cheap shoe. Splurge the extra hundred bucks for the proper shoe, it's worth the pain and injuries it will prevent. I know, I was off my feet for two months once thanks to a long run in old ratty shoes.
5. You're not eating right.
If you're cramping up, feeling lightheaded, pukey, burpey, or feeling like you gotta go youknowwhat, take another look at what you're eating before a run. I can't counsel you in what's perfect for your body. It's something that is best discovered through personal trial and error. Personally, I like a quick digesting carb (bread, banana, apple) with a little bit of nut butter about an hour before. If you're running in the morning, make sure you're eating a decent snack the night before so you don't run out of energy first thing.
For me, I have to stay away from anything salty before a workout because I get so thirsty after. Worst bike ride of my life was the day I ate a bag of popcorn before setting out for 40k.
6. You're not stretching
Runners by nature are "go-go-go" type people, which means they typically don't have the patience for static stretching after a sweaty run. Or morning runners neglect to make time for stretching before they jet off to work. Well too bad. Just do it.
You have no idea how many injuries I see as a personal trainer because people ignored their flexibility. Back injuries that put you out of commission, plantar fasciitis that makes simple walking hard, hip injuries that make it near impossible to put pants on. If you're running for your health, then you can stretch for your health too. Otherwise, you may just be doing more harm than good.
Click here for a list of running stretches.
7. You're not icing.
Running causes inflammation, sometimes to the point of pain. If you're running long distances, get into the habit of icing any trouble areas you may have for 10-15 minutes once you get in. This will help bring down the inflammation and prevent any future pain or hobbling. I still have a cranky hip from an old hip injury that I know to ice even if it doesn't hurt right away. If I don't, chances are I'll get a little pain walking around for the rest of the day. Without ice, I would have given up on running a long time ago.
8. You're not cross training.
Now that you're following point #2, you're finding yourself with lots of spare time. Instead of running every single day – cross train! Ride a bike, do yoga, go swimming, hop on the elliptical, take a kickboxing class. Other activities will actually improve your cardiovascular and muscular condition for running.
But most importantly, weight train. Because it's a repetitive motion, running only uses certain muscles over and over, while others are neglected. This causes muscular imbalance in your body, which in my opinion is one of the main reasons for injury. You can hurt yourself when one part of your body is trying to compensate for a weakness in another part of your body. Runners especially need to work on their glutes, hamstrings and calves. But moreso, focus on every muscle group in the body to create equal strength overall.
Question of the Day: Runners, help me out with this list! What are some running mistakes you'd advise against?
Posted on January 7, 2011, in Fitness Friday and tagged injuries, running. Bookmark the permalink. 17 Comments.
This is one of the best posts I've read in a while. I've been through a lot of those and they really are important points to consider. I really liked the "route" and "icing."
When I first started running I'd run my gym's track for four miles straight–boring as hell. Once I got outside, my passion for running really kicked in.
I love this post! Great reminders! I would add foam rolling if you've got one. I started doing it religiously during my half-marathon training to prevent my IT band from acting up and it is great. It can be a bit painful at first, but eventually it just feels like a deep tissue massage.
Great post! I confess, that I think I've made all these mistakes over the course of my running career.
Awesome tips!
I've been struggling with really bad side stitches when I run, which is frustrating, because I feel like it's limiting my endurance! Do you think maybe I'm drinking too much water before my runs? Normally I don't eat anything heavy the couple of hours before – e.g. today I had a handful of pumpkin seeds and a couple of Mary's crackers.
Another one is always doing the same kinds of runs. My training really plateaued last fall until I added high intensity interval (faartlek) sessions in place of one of my long runs. Helped vary the muscles I was working and placed a different kind of stress on my cardio. Plus is shortened my training time!
Oh this is soooo true!! "Fact is, it takes a looooong time to figure out what a comfortable pace is for yourself. Chances are it's waaaaay slower than what you wish it was."—Lol, and yes, true!
Something to add…some people, no matter what, are just not runners. They have tried it all in an effort to become a runner. But they just arent runners. They are walkers, hikers, yogis, lifters, bikers, but they arent runners. They can run, but it's just not a natural thing. I have a few friends who are really athletic and can bike 100 miles but can hardly run 2.
I love these posts of yours Susan…you cover…it all!!!
What a great post! And a definite wake-up call for me because as an avid runner for over five years now, I STILL do/don't do a lot of these things. But I will use this list and work on it!!
I would also say hydration is a biiiig thing… it's own point, I think. Sometimes I forget to drink water before I go out and I always have to cut my run short!!
I love this post!
I think a huge mistake that many runners make is becoming too dependent on listening to music while running. Running outside while plugged into an iPod can be dangerous, first of all, because you're not completely aware of your surroundings, like traffic. Secondly, many races don't allow use of iPods, so it's not a good idea to get used to running with music. Runners need to be able to find their motivation without music.
I agree with this. Also for me I change my pace when I'm listening to music without being aware of it. That is until I look at my watch and realize I'm running way too fast and that this is probably the reason I'm out of breath after just 1 mile.
I would suggest doing runs with no music, especially for people that haven't found their comfortable pace yet.
This is such a great post!!!
I waited too long to get fitted for the right shoes but once I did last year they made a huge difference. Plus when I first started running I thought it meant "run as fast as you can for as long as you can". LOL Um…no.
Plus, after a few races (and a few injuries) I realized my body just cannot handle really hilly routes or races. I need them to be generally flat. It sucks but it's true. If I run too many hills I get bursitis in my ankles, tendinitis in my Achilles, and problems with my hips. No fun (which sucks because we live among tons of hills).
Great post! I totally agree with everything. I've been running for 7 years or so and I still start out way too fast. Especially in a race situation, where I get, um, a little competitive :) Running with a buddy who has a similar pace has helped me tremendously.
This is great! I've been running on and off for 3 years (on consistently since January!) and I do all of these except icing right now. I do need to start doing it though, as I notice my right knee becomes sore occasionally. When I first starting running, I did EVERYTHING 'wrong' and felt it. Now, I've mostly found what works for me but I'm always tweaking it!


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Twin 42 Point Efforts by Kobe and IversonThe L.A. Lakers had a 49-47 halftime lead over the New York Knicks during Wednesday night's ESPN game despite Kobe Bryant shooting only 5-18 from the field. At halftime it sounded like ESPN's NBA Shootaround crew was ready to send Bryant to the D-League, saying that he was forcing shots and failing to pass the ball. Then in the second half Bryant launched another 18 shots--but this time he sank 10 of them, finishing with 42 points and carrying L.A. to a 97-92 victory. What was the difference between the two halves? Did Kobe change his game? No, simply put, in the second half he was making his shots. All great scorers shoot a large number of shots and they continue to do so even when they are not making them. They take and make shots that other players are unable to attempt or convert. Bryant's high scoring Lakers predecessor Elgin Baylor averaged 30 shots a game from 1960-61 to 1962-63 and shot .430, .428 and .453 from the field during those three seasons. Baylor shot .431 for his career, worse than Bryant's career shooting percentage entering this season (.452). Jerry West, the other Lakers great who routinely put up 40 point games like Baylor and Bryant, shot .474 for his career.
Some people downplay the scoring outputs of players like Bryant, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady, suggesting that anyone can score 30 points if he takes 30 shots. Oh, really? Most people could not get off 30 shots against recreational league defense, never mind getting open to shoot 30 times against NBA players, who are arguably the world's best athletes--where else do you find people who average 6-7, 230 and possess a unique combination of speed, power and finesse? One of the most amazing things about Michael Jordan's comeback to the NBA after his year and a half of playing minor league baseball is that he took 28 shots in his very first game. Never mind that he only made 7, the fact that he could get open that frequently after that much time off is stunning. Attempting that many shots requires tremendous energy, because the player must be extremely active--running off of countless screens, filling the lane on the fast break and making one-on-one individual moves. Do Bryant, Iverson and McGrady sometimes force shots? Certainly, as did great scorers in previous eras--but they also hit the clutch shots down the stretch that decide close ball games. The Lakers are 29-12 in Bryant's 41 career 40 point games.
Iverson also scored 42 points on Wednesday, leading the Sixers to a 121-115 win over the hapless Toronto Raptors. Iverson now has 60 career 40 point games, ranking ninth all-time (West is eighth with 66) and first among active players; the rest of the active top five consists of Shaq (48), Bryant, McGrady (36) and Vince Carter (19). The Sixers are 42-18 in Iverson's 40 point games. Iverson is probably the most amazing name on the list. He is listed at 6-0, 165, but anyone who has seen him in person knows that he is no taller than 5-10, so on a nightly basis he is going into the paint against guys who, on average, are 8-9 inches taller and roughly 60 pounds heavier. His toughness, fearlessness and ability to score in the clutch are very reminiscent of Isiah Thomas, whose listed height of 6-1 is also somewhat suspect. Thomas battled against Larry Bird (6-9, 220), Magic Johnson (6-9, 225) and Michael Jordan (6-6, 216) in playoff series and when he played he seemed to be completely oblivious to the tremendous size advantage that they enjoyed. In an interview a few years ago, Thomas noted that he never gave the matter much thought until after he was retired and he was standing together with his fellow legends at some function. He looked at them and thought to himself, "(Expletive deleted), they're big!" In the heat of battle he could not allow himself to consider this, but in retrospect even Thomas was amazed at what he did against men who are such giants literally and figuratively.
posted by David Friedman @ 2:30 AM


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We were going biking this morning. Then it was cloudy and we thought we'd better not. Then the sun came out so we said okay let's go. Got the bikes loaded and the sun went away. So we thought maybe we'd better go to the C&O tow path since it's closer. So we got in the pickup and headed down the road. Got about four miles, and raindrops hit the windshield. We turned around and came home. Now the sky is blue and sun is shining but we're not trying it again today.
With any luck I'll get the second chapter of the story finished. Did 500 already so it could actually happen :)
How energetic of you. I haven't ridden a bike in a long time. I dealt with a garden today. Got a love/hate going with mine. All the work should have a good pay off, but sometimes is it worth it. The amount of time it sucks up makes me wish I could just lounge on the sidelines and watch someone else pick the weeds.


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: Suchismita Roy, June 27 2013Posted in: The Mölnlycke Health Care blog
I once had a midwife tell me that an expectant mother in the labour ward wanted to name her newborn daughter "Chlamydia" because she thought it was a nice name! Amused, I asked, "Why?" The midwife replied, "The lady had heard the term often among teenagers, and just liked the sound of it." The woman was totally unaware what "Chlamydia" was associated with, of course. I felt a bit sorry for the midwife who had the onerous task of telling the lady why she really should not be naming her new baby "Chlamydia". Stepping back a bit from the discussion, I thought about it and realised that if I didn't know that Chlamydia was a bacteria that caused a sexually transmitted infection, I might have thought it was a nice name, too, much as I think "carbapenem" is – but more on that later.
This leads me to a more general question: How aware are we of the bacteria all around us – both good and bad bacteria – and what we can or should do to make sure the bad bacteria do not win the battle of survival? The first bacteria date back to nearly 3,000 million years ago. To put it into context, the first hominin (human-like creature) appeared approximately six million years ago. Given how many changes we find between our ancestors from the recent past (geologically speaking) – say 500 years – we can imagine the extent to which bacteria have evolved through these many years.
Fast forward to 1928, and we know penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered serendipitously in a laboratory in London. By the early 1940s we had the first stable antibiotic ready for use to treat deadly bacterial diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, diphtheria, typhoid and many other fatal infections. The pre-antibiotic era was one that most of us have no recollection of but history is littered with records of the scourge of infectious diseases that are so much better controlled now, at least in parts of the world where antibiotics are available and affordable. What followed was a golden era for antibiotics while more and more sophisticated antibiotics were isolated. However, bacteria turned this situation around very quickly and started changing their defence mechanisms, giving rise to widespread resistance to antibiotics, as illustrated in the figure below1. The year each antibiotic was deployed is depicted above the timeline, and the year resistance to each antibiotic was observed is depicted below the timeline. Antibiotic resistance developed through several mechanisms and with every new antibiotic that was discovered resistance shortly followed. Globally, resistant strains of bacteria are low only where antibiotic availability is low because of cost and availability reasons, for example in very poor countries.
1. Nature Chemical Biology; 2007; 3: 541-548.
Not mentioned in the figure above is the isolation of a class of antibiotics referred to as carbapenems in 1976 that came into full use after nearly ten more years of work trying to make stable derivatives. Carbapenems possess a broad spectrum of activity and have high potency against several resistant strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They are often considered the last line of defence in antibiotic therapy, particularly for those infections caused by Gram negatives. Resistance to this class of antibiotics happened within a decade of their discovery. An encounter with carbapenem-resistant, Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and Escherichia coli can cause bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, post-operative wound infections and intra-abdominal infections, which can prove to be fatal. Carbapenem resistance has now become a huge global public health threat and requires targeted infection control measures amongst others. The situation is worsened by the fact that global travel is increasing – including the growing trend of medical tourism. Both lead to a free ride for resistant bacteria from one part of the world to another. Antibiotic resistance is a public health problem of epidemic proportions and it is increasingly apparent that unless something is done about it very soon the problem will not be far from what it was before 1928.
Increasing awareness about these highly resistant microorganisms commonly encountered in hospitals as well as out in the community is vitally important. Preventing spread is important before carbapenem-resistant bacteria get a foothold in more hospitals or in the community. A raft of precautionary measures besides appropriate antibiotic usage is required, including active case detection and contact precautions for colonised or infected patients, cohorting of patients and staff, and communication about infections when patients are transferred. Hand hygiene and disinfection of medical devices around the affected patient is equally crucial in preventing spread2. Measures to reduce resistance must include factors other than just antimicrobial stewardship programs alone3. Besides corollary measures, a great deal more effort needs to be put into developing new antibiotics by pharmaceutical companies with increased research input from academia. Educating the public about infectious diseases and what and how antibiotics should be used should also help in increasing global awareness about the microbial world, including 'Ms Carbapenem resistance'.
References:2. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; 2013; 62: 165-170. 3. Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology; 2011; 32: 584-90.
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Admittedly when I received this sad news I had many questions. However, I soon realized that "would haves" and "could haves" will not bring him back to life and "what if's" will not turn back the clock. Many people say that suicide is a cowardly act, but I think until you have been to the edge of despair and imprisoned in the dark cloud of hopelessness none of us can judge. Yes, I admit that I blame his parents. Their reaction and/or intolerance could have been the final catalyst that pushed him over the edge. However, none of us know the true course of events preceding his death and the pain his parents and family must be experiencing none of us can begin to fathom. This wound will scar his family for many years to come, but let's hope something positive will emerge from this, even if it's just a lesson or a wakeup call for other families.
Sadly, suicides amongst gay teens aren't uncommon. Gay youths are 2-4 times more likely to take their own lives than their heterosexual counterparts. There are many reasons for this but the top ranking reason is Family Rejection: Being still dependent on their families for both emotional and physical support, being rejected by their primary support structure could be devastating. The actual or imagined threat of being disowned, left homeless or being physically harmed by a family member could further discourage gay youths to reveal their sexual orientation; when they then do Come Out and any of these fears materializes the result could be fatal. Furthermore, the added stress of living in a society that is homophobic also place further stress on both the gay teen and their family and discrimination and ignorance underlies many instances where gay youths committed suicide.
On a social level gay teens also face several other challenges that could seem insurmountable. Apart from running the risk of being ostracised by their friends, becoming victims of bullying and/or hate crimes, even in their own religious community they may face discrimination that legitimizes homophobia. All these factors make the Coming Out process more treacherous and unappealing, forcing these teens to hide their sexual orientation from people around them. For those gay teens that have traits stereotypically associated with homosexuality hiding their sexual orientation becomes even more difficult and they are most at risk to fall pray to homophobic attacks and more likely to attempt suicide and succeed.
Luckily, many Gay Community Centres have been established to support gay people of all ages dealing with issues ranging from Coming Out to Mental Health Issues. In several countries there are also hotlines that can be phoned that provides free counselling and support not only for troubled gay teen but also for their families. However, like I have experienced this week for some help comes too late and who is to blame for this?
With my friend's suicide I can't help but wonder why a young man at the age of 18, about to enter the prime of his life would end it so abruptly. Yes, he may have faced some, maybe all or even more of the challenges I mentioned here. But having had access to Gay Community Centres and friends why did he not reach out and cried for help? Some would argue the poem he wrote was just that – a cry for help! Many people did see it as such and appealed for assistance which they received, yet none of it saved him. He slipped through all the proverbial cracks in what I now believe to be the flawed GLBT support structures. Maybe we have become to reliant on Community Centres to do all the work in our communities for us, maybe we have become too self-involved that a simple kind gesture of reaching out to our fellow human beings (gay and straight) have become too much of an effort, maybe we have lost our sense of empathy and humanity, just maybe all of us are to blame…
The world has lost a gentle soul. His death is a tragic one and leaves us with many unanswered questions. Questions that may never be answered, but on their reflection might just improve each and every one of us, enlighten others, help save lives and guarantee that one person's untimely departure may leave a positive and lasting change.