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Lisa Hirsch's Classical Music Blog.
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve. Lovers, to bed; 'tis almost fairy time.
Opinions expressed on this blog are mine and not my employer's.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday Miscellany
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is starting an early-evening Friday concert series, similar to SFS's no-longer-called-that 6.5 series. The BSO calls the series Underscore Fridays; one of the programs will feature Thomas Ades's BSO debut....Mezzo-soprano Zheng Cao was on Good Morning America a couple of weeks; heart-warming, and I wish her the very best in her new marriage and with her health....Music@Menlo has released an eight-CD set of performances from the 2010 fesrtival, Maps and Legends....The Morgan Library & Museum is putting its magnificent collection of music manuscripts on line, so it's now possible to examine these treasures without traveling to New York City or having the required references for using the reading room there. I am forever grateful that my mother took me there for visits starting when I was surprisingly young; it remains one of my very favorite museums in the world, and I've seen many great shows there. If you missed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity earlier this year to see the Hours of Catherine of Cleves disassembled, you can still enjoy the on-line digital exhibit of the book....Nicola Luisotti was awarded the Puccini Prize by the Fondazione Festival Pucciniano on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of La Fanciulla del West, which Luisotti conducted at the Met. Congratulations, Maestro! And....San Francisco Opera has updated its web site...again....
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Educational Objectives Report
Chemical Engineering
Prepared Fall 2003
Chemical Engineering Faculty
New Mexico Tech is an institute of higher learning that serves the people of New Mexico by integrating education, research, public service, and economic development through emphasis on science, engineering, and natural resources. Its mission is threefold:
1. helping students learn creative approaches to complex issues
2. creating and communicating knowledge, and
3. solving technical and scientific problems.
The mission of our program is to engage and prepare students for professional careers which require command of the principles of Chemical Engineering. We will focus on the development of complete engineers who can foster innovation through know-how and champion ideas through effective communication. We will deliver a thorough education with insightful teaching, an innovative curriculum, research opportunities, summer job experiences, and channels for permanent, successful careers. All of our efforts are done in the context of providing the human and technical resources critical to enhancing the vitality of the State of New Mexico and the people and businesses that thrive within this region. Like our counterparts in industry, we recognize that achievement of our mission can only be accomplished by continual self-assessment and actions to improve.
The Chemical Engineering program offers only a BS degree in Chemical Engineering. An integral component of our program, however, is the research environment provided by the Chemical Engineering faculty and other researchers on campus. Presently, 40% of our graduates enter graduate school, 15% work at government or military laboratories, 15% work in semiconductor/electronics manufacturing, 10% oil & gas industry, and 20% in traditional areas of food and chemical processing. Over the past years, roughly 70% of our students are from the State of New Mexico with 30% from out-of-state, and virtually no foreign students. With these aspects of our program in mind our constituents have been defined as follows:
1) New Mexico Tech Chemical Engineering Students
2) New Mexico Tech Chemical Engineering Faculty and Adjunct Faculty
3) New Mexico Tech Administration: represented by VP of Academic Affairs
4) Advisory Board: with representation from predominant regional industry, government labs, and academia
5) Citizens of New Mexico (Represented by Advisory Board Members)
Program and Educational Objectives:
Program Objectives:
1. Foster insightful classroom and laboratory experiences enhanced by the presence of students with solid educational backgrounds, lead by strong teaching from engaging faculty.
2. Together with our students, administration, industrial supporters, and other constituents (as both individuals and as a team), foster an environment of continual self-assessment and improvement.
Educational Objectives:
1. Develop complete engineers who can: solve problems, innovate, experiment, be resourceful, and champion ideas through effective communication.
2. Engender an understanding of the broad reach of a modern Chemical Engineering education and the array of knowledge required to implement solutions which will benefit our society.
Educational Objectives Report:
Purpose: Provide constituents with an overview of progress in achieving Educational Goals. The report contains reflections on several assessment tools described below which support suggested recommendations for improvement.
Suggest Recommendations: Corrective Actions and Correction of Objectives/metrics
Note: In accordance with the Chemical Engineering Assessment Plan, Programmatic Goals are Considered in the Departmental Activity Report.
Educational Objectives Summary:
1. Develop complete engineers who can: solve problems, innovate, experiment, be resourceful, and champion ideas through effective communication.
Strengths: 66% of all Chemical Engineers who graduate from New Mexico Tech pass the FE exam. This compares to approximately 21% of all BS Chemical Engineers nationally (with an 85% pass rate) where taking the exam is largely elective. NMTech Chemical Engineering alumni rate there technical competence, work experience, and communication skills very high in comparison to their peers in industry and graduate school. The programÕs focus on developing technical experience outside of the classroom and design courses (ChE 345L and ChE 461/462) are also highly regarded by alumni.
Areas to Improve: Relative weaknesses in mathematics and thermodynamics are noted by the FE exam results. ChE alumni also feel that there are weaknesses in statistics and design of experiments.
2. Engender an understanding of the broad reach of a modern Chemical Engineering education and the array of knowledge required to implement solutions which will benefit our society.
Strengths: From our placement statistics, students are employed in a reasonably broad spectrum of Chemical Engineering fields which reflects the employment base in the region. Given this array of fields, alumni note a very high confidence in being able to solve problems in their respect technical areas. Alumni also see how what they are doing in their field connects with society.
Areas to Improve: It is clear from both current student interviews and the Recent Graduate Survey, that the program must improve in its ability to convey both the basic and broader nature of the field of Chemical Engineering earlier in the curriculum. That is to say, the curriculum and program should do a better job of conveying exactly what students can do with a Chemical Engineering background. With this understanding, students feel that they would use electives more effectively, selecting specific internships, and begin planning for alternative career paths at an earlier stage in their tenure.
3. Provide a conduit to successful careers in the spectrum of fields which benefit from a command of the principles of Chemical Engineering.
Strengths: The placement statistics suggest that the Chemical Engineering program is doing a reasonable job of placing students in the spectrum of industrial, government, and graduate study positions.
Areas to Improve: Career Services at New Mexico Tech needs to be improved. (This service is greatly hampered by the small size and isolated geographical region of school in attracting company representatives to recruit.) The program must work toward broadening the placement base to include larger scale employers at the national level. The program sees an unusually high percentage or perhaps an over-reliance on government-based research lab employment (although it should be noted that these are the dominant employers in the region).
4. Foster a life long love of learning, opening doors to graduate study and enabling graduates to adapt to changes and opportunities in the profession.
Strengths: The vast majority of graduates of NMTech Chemical Engineering often read for pleasure and plan on continuing their education in someway. Thirty seven percent (37%) of our graduates enter graduate study within six months of graduating from NMTech.
Areas to Improve: Monitor success of graduates over the long term with reflections on career changes and continuing education.
Recommendations for 2003-04:
Programmatic Objectives (From Departmental Activity Report)
Eductional Objectives:
FE Exam Results Summary:
One measure of our success in developing Òcomplete engineersÓ is benchmarking our students morning session FE exam scores with ChE students from around the nation. Figure 1 below shows the average score for our ChE students minus the national average in each subject. The results indicate relative weaknesses and strengths in our curriculum compared to other schools. First, it should be noted that nationally only 21% of Chemical Engineering students sit for the FE exam, compared to 100% of the students at NM Tech. Presently, 66% of the NM Tech ChE students pass the FE exam. This compares to approximately 21% of all BS Chemical Engineers nationally (with an 85% pass rate) where taking the exam is largely elective. The departmental goal is to increase our pass rate to 75%. Figure 1 shows the difference in the scores between NMTech seniors and BS ChE students nationwide. The score differences are very strong given the fact that 100% of all NMTech ChE seniors are required to take the exam, whereas it is elective at most universities NM Tech ChE students are relatively weak in mathematics, engineering dynamics, and thermodynamics. Of the highest concern are the consistently low scores in mathematics and thermodynamics. Since mechanical dynamics is not a course taken in our curriculum it is less of a concern, however, the ChE 443 lecture should emphasize the connections between chemical and mechanical dynamic models. Advisors in the curriculum will continue suggest students take the ChE pm exam, so that we can use this as an additional assessment tool in the future.
Figure 1. Morning FE exam score differences of 29 NMTech ChE seniors from national average of Chemical Engineers in the nation.
Placement Statistics:
The class of 2002-2003 experienced a relatively weak employment market with few options for even the strongest students. Three of the 14 (21%) are enrolled in graduate school ((2) NMTech explosives program, (1) NCSU Nuclear Engr). Four of the 14 (29%) are employed in industry: two working in the Oil and Gas Industry in the Permian Basin and two in pharmaceutical positions out of state. Five of the 14 (36%) are employed in government lab or research positions. Of these, two are actively seeking graduate school opportunities. Thus it is expected that within the year, 36% of the 2002-03 graduates will be attending graduate school. Two out of 14 (14%) report that they are still seeking employment.
The updated placement statistics for all Chemical Engineering graduates immediately following graduation yield the following distribution:
q 37% Attend graduate school*
q 22% Government Laboratory: Los Alamos, Sandia, LANL, China Lake
q 12% Oil and Gas
q 12% Semiconductor
q 8% Traditional Chemical Engr.: Food, Engineering Design Firms, Environmental
q 7% Pharmaceuticals
q 3% Seeking Employment
Recent Graduate Survey:
To establish a benchmark, the Recent Graduate Survey was sent to the past three years of graduates. The Web-based form has received a tremendous amount of input into our program. The questionnaire is used to gage the students level of technical and soft-skills preparation for their current positions. The strengths and weaknesses of the program are also probed in an open format. The survey is attached in Appendix A and a breakdown of the results is shown in Figure 2.
In summary, the response from our alumni is that they are very well prepared technically for their current positions at a level above their peers. One hundred percent of the respondents had on-campus and/or off-campus research/internship experience while attending NMTech. Soft-skill strengths of team building, communication, and awareness are also very strong. The survey also suggests that our alumni rank very high the likelihood of continuing their educations in some way.
The Strengths and Weaknesses sections are also illuminating. Recurring weakness comments include the level of mathematics and statistics exposure or mastery. Design of experiments is also needed. The strengths of the program are the level of technical preparation, emphasis on soft-skills, and research/internship opportunities promoted by the faculty. Interestingly, soft-skills preparation is mentioned as both a strength and weakness suggesting continued emphasis in this area.
Outside Review of Design Presentations:
Since the inception of the program, outside reviewers have attended the Senior Design Presentations at NMTech. This year, four senior design teams presented their work on the following topics.
In attendance were the ChE Faculty (Bretz, Dong, Jeon, Weinkauf), Professor Bob Kuller (Management) and outside reviewers: Dave Boneau, (Yates Petroleum), Dick Traeger (Sandia), Lincoln Busselle (Intel Corp), Craig Stevenson (Phelps-Dodge), Justine Johannes (Sandia), Jerry Parkinson (Los Alamos), Kevin Honnell (Los Alamos).
The reviewing panel discussion which followed the presentations made the following observations:
The suggested areas of improvement included:
Graduate Degree Requirement Assessment Committee:
A new interdisciplinary committee has formed on campus to review our general degree requirements with emphasis on our Social Science/Humanities and English course work. The committee will focus on the ENGL 341 Technical Writing portfolioÕs generated by the students to assess the Educational Objectives of this component of all of the disciplines curriculum. The following Educational Objectives for our General Degree Requirements have been adopted by the NMTech faculty:
o An ability to communicate well
o An ability to reason well
o An ability to evaluate and apply information
o Development of analytical and quantitative skills
o Competency in the fundamentals of mathematics and basic sciences
o An understanding of human societies and cultures
o A recognition of responsible values and ethics
The GDR committee has been appointed by Academic Affairs with a first Assessment report on their preliminary findings and recommendations scheduled for Spring 2003.

subset: commoncrawl


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The biotechnology industry hasn't always done the best job of communicating the story of GMO crops.
But that should change with a new joint initiative by the agricultural and biotechnology companies that create the genetically modified seeds.
On July 29, the industry launched www.GMOAnswers.com, a new resource committed to transparency about the use of GMOs in agriculture, research and data — all in one public place for the first time.
Research shows there is a need for this conversation: 49 percent of people surveyed either don't know or are unsure of what a genetically modified crop is, and most have very little understanding of what GMO products are on the market today.
This lack of knowledge is a breeding ground for confusion and misconception, fueling negative perceptions and fear of the unknown.
GMO Answers is inviting the world — including GMO critics — to ask the tough questions, be skeptical, and evaluate the information on biotechnology.
As public debate grows on genetically modified foods, our goal is to make information not only easier to find, but easier to understand.
The scientists who develop biotech seeds, along with the farmers who grow them, are committed to a new standard of transparency and access, as outlined in the GMO Answers five core principles:
• Welcoming and answering questions on all GMO topics;
• Making GMO information, research and data easy to access and evaluate, and supporting independent safety testing of GM products, including allowing independent safety testing of our products by using validated science-based methods;
• Supporting farmers as they work to grow crops using precious resources more efficiently with less impact on the environment and producing safe, nutritious food and feed products;
• Respecting farmers' rights to choose the seeds that are best for their farms, businesses and communities and providing seed choices that include making non-GM seeds based on market demands;
• Respecting people around the world and their right to choose healthy food products that are best for themselves and their families;
• Respecting people around the world and their right to choose healthy food products that are best for themselves and their families.
Want the latest in ag news delivered daily to your inbox? Subscribe to Southeast Farm Press Daily. It's free!
"Ask tough questions. Be skeptical. Evaluate the information for yourselves and make up your own mind. We look forward to sharing answers," Cathleen Enright, spokeswoman for GMO Answers, said in inviting the public to visit GMO Answers.
GMO Answers is funded by the members of The Council for Biotechnology Information, which includes BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences LLC, DuPont, Monsanto Company and Syngenta.
More from Southeast Farm Press
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010
hither hills state park and the yellow line
a long line of campers waited outside hither hills state park to begin their holiday. I'm not sure if it's just a suburban legend or not but I have heard if you want to camp out at this beach you need to make your reservations a year ahead of time. judging by the long line of vehicles waiting to get in, this rumor just might be true.
this also happens to be another state park where you can use your empire pass to get in. I wrote about it here yesterday.
14 comments:
- Gayle said...
I wonder what the wait time was to get to the front of the line. Sure looks like a popular place.
- July 7, 2010 at 2:03 AM
- jabblog said...
Love the bright yellow on a foggy morning.
- July 7, 2010 at 5:16 AM
- Roger Owen Green said...
hate waiting in line unless i have sufficient reading material
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
- July 7, 2010 at 5:51 AM
- Alexa said...
I've heard that too! (Just the least reason why, to me, camping is the 7th circle of hell—but these folks did have some great weather, didn't they?)
- July 7, 2010 at 7:30 AM
- Cheryl said...
Yep, I'll bet it's true. Once summer is upon us in the NE, we see lines of traffic on the highway that rivals any nightmare in NYC or LI.
- July 7, 2010 at 8:24 AM
- Fred Miller said...
Humans have a great capacity for order and discipline when expensive camping equipment is involved.
- July 7, 2010 at 8:29 AM
- Marlene said...
Oh my, you would think with reservations there would not be that kind of line. That picture would discourage me from wanting to camp. It, however, is a great photo.
- July 7, 2010 at 8:49 AM
- LisaF said...
Looks like a typical tail-gating party in any college town during football season! Love the yellow in the mist. It just pops right off the page (screen?). Never seen so many people so eager to "rough it." :-)
- July 7, 2010 at 9:29 AM
- Lois said...
It must be a great beach!
- July 7, 2010 at 9:48 AM
- Sylvia K said...
Ah, follow the yellow brick road -- well, the yellow line on the road! Must be a great place to go! Love the bright color on a foggy day! Hope the rest of your week goes well, Lily! Enjoy!
- July 7, 2010 at 10:07 AM
- Random Treasures said...
Thanks for the comment. I never heard of a place except Yellowstone where you have to reserve one year in advance. Nice picture. I like the morning haze. Thanks for sharing.
- July 7, 2010 at 12:38 PM
- Daryl said...
WOW .. I am impressed .. no idea why anyone would want to sleep on the ground or pee in the woods but hey different strokes
- July 7, 2010 at 1:24 PM
All the campers have to be self contained, no peeing in the woods at Hither Hills. :-) PGma
- July 7, 2010 at 4:44 PM
- Tumblewords: said...
Does look like a long wait near that yellow line!
- July 7, 2010 at 6:58 PM


text:
Their journey to Merakh should have made Errol and his companions heroes of the realm. Instead, much is changed on their return. In the wake of the king's death, Duke Weir is ruling the country–and his intentions are to marry Adora to bring an heir.First Sentence:
With Errol and the others imprisoned and the identity of the rightful heir to the throne still hidden in secrecy, Illustra is on the verge of civil war–and at growing risk from the armies of Merakh and Morgol.
A dangerous mission to free Errol succeeds, but the dangers facing the kingdom are mounting with every passing moment. The barrier has fallen, ferals are swarming toward the land, and their enemies draw near. Will the revelation of Illustra's next true king come in time or will all be lost?
Deep within, Adora continued to harbor the possibility that her uncle, King Rodran, might still live, but the pallid faces of those on the ship, especially Errol's, refuted all hope.
While I enjoyed the writing and world building of A Draw of Kings, I wish I had been more familiar with the world and how things got to where they are in the third installment of the series. So, while there are many good qualities to Patrick Carr's book, make sure you read all of them to avoid the confusion I felt.
So, even though I really enjoyed reading A Draw of Kings, like I enjoyed the story, plot, and author's writing, there were a couple times that I just did not care for the characters. I felt a disconnect with each of them because I, guess, just wasn't invested in what happened to them since; although, the further I read the more I invested I became (guess it just took me some time to warm up to them).
The two things I really enjoyed about A Draw of Kings would have to be the world-building and how the story played out at the end. I thought Patrick Carr did a great job weaving the the darkness of the opposition and their quest to destroy Illustra with that of the heroes' quest to regain the barrier that protected them for years. It was just so interesting to see the differences between both sides, and, seeing the way things played out was quite interesting because one step either way would have changed things tremendously.
Based on what I read in the third installment, I would recommend this to fans of high fantasy because there are so many things to enjoy between the actual story and the writing.
While I enjoyed reading A Draw of Kings, there is one reason I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped I would have. That being that I felt like I was missing so much to the whole story-line by jumping in at the third book. There were so many things I wanted to know, like, what happened leading right into the first chapter and how the previous plot-lines got the story to this point.
Sure, there were a few tidbits thrown in from the previous two books, but it really made no sense because it doesn't give the full story of what happened and how it affected the various characters. So, again, this is an enjoyable book, but I definitely recommend reading all the installments before tackling this one.
Final Verdict: A Draw of Kings- Good world building and writing make this an interesting read for fantasy readers.
A Draw of Kings earns 3.5 griffins out of 5
You can follow the rest of the blog tour-> HERE <- a="">->
About the Author:
Patrick Carr was born on an Air Force base in West Germany at the height of the cold war. He has been told this was not his fault. As an Air Force brat, he experienced a change in locale every three years until his father retired to Tennessee. Patrick saw more of the world on his own through a varied and somewhat eclectic education and work history. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1984 and has worked as a draftsman at a nuclear plant, did design work for the Air Force, worked for a printing company, and consulted as an engineer. Patrick's day gig for the last five years has been teaching high school math in Nashville, TN. He currently makes his home in Nashville with his wonderfully patient wife, Mary, and four sons he thinks are amazing: Patrick, Connor, Daniel, and Ethan. Sometime in the future he would like to be a jazz pianist. Patrick thinks writing about himself in the third person is kind of weird.You can purchase A Draw of Kings, as well, as the first two books, A Cast of Stones and A Hero's Lot, at-
You can haunt Patrick Carr at-
Goodreads | Website |
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | The Book Depository | IndieBound
Open to US and Canadian residents
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This book was received in exchange for an honest review.


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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Shrink big
have been possible to miss the significance of the
announcement by Kapiti Coast District Council that the
status of the proposed Western Link Road has been
reduced from "highway" to "local road." At the moment,
the only way to drive north from Paraparaumu Beach to
Waikanae is State Highway 1, which means that the
thousands of people living between the highway and the
coast have to cover much more distance than the crow
would if it flew. The Western Link Road, much nearer
the coast, would have made the journey more direct.
I was living on the Kapiti Coast when this project was
initially mooted; at that stage, a few years ago, it was
going to be a four-lane highway with major intersections.
The term "super-highway" gained some currency. A few
weeks ago, however, the council knocked two lanes off
that concept and now they're cutting right back on feeder
lanes and hormone-fed intersections. According to some
council panjandrum, quoted in the Dominion Post,
reducing the number of lanes at intersections will reduce
the road's environmental footprint, "making it more of a
local road than a highway." Let me quote further:
The council commissioned Common Ground
Studio, of Auckland, to come up with a more
environmentally friendly, lower-impact design
that preserved landscape features such as large
dunes, rather than bulldozing through them.
Glory be. Could the blinding reality of Peak Oil finally be
becoming perceivable at municipal level? We are going to
see a lot more of this from now on: fewer new roads, and
less grandiose ones if they get built at all. You don't have
to be an environmentalist to get your mind round this, just
an economist—though truth to tell, the two jobs are one
and the same. Kapiti councillor Peter Daniel has got the
hang of it anyway. "We are facing hard economic times,"
he says. "If we do not think small, I do not think we will get
1 comment:
- Truth Seeker said...
This is a mixed blessing. There almost 50,000 people in the area for whom this road was to be the only alternative to SH1 when moving between Waikanae and Paraparaumu. If they are going to build only two lanes, I hope they do not allow parking on one or both sides as that would reduce it to a single lane.....
Apollo Dr in Albany is a nice, wide road until cars are parked on both sides. At that point, a pair of vehicles waiting to turn in to different nearby parking areas on opposite sides of the road can block all traffic in both directions for as long as it takes for one of them to wriggle through the line of steel bumper to bumper in the opposite direction.
Is Kapiti doing anything to restrict growth? Then we'll have something to cheer about. :-)
- October 8, 2008 at 7:30 PM


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Son of Thunder
So far, I'm not too far. Only a few chapters in, but the main thing that has been vexing me is why I know the name of Ardeth Chale and where I've seen it before, if I've even heard mention of the name before or if I'm confusing it from something entirely unrelated. If anyone has some insight let me know =P
it seems like an interesting read though, I'm happy to be learning more about the uthgardt tribes and barbarians in general. So far I think the most I've read on barbarians is Wulfgar from R.A. Salvatore's works. I always enjoy new realms lore.
Read more >
EDIT- Just finished the book last night. It was good, I enjoyed learning a little more about the Uthgardt barbarians and the different tribes. Never knew the barbarians came from.....…
Since this is the first of such a blog, I plan on listing all of the Forgotten Realms books I have read, and all the rest I own and have yet to read. So far I have not decided if I will review the books as I read them, or give a short review/summary once I'm done. First off, I enjoy all the books I have read and have no real negative critiques, sure, some may not be of the same quality, and I'm sure there are plenty readers and writers out there who might disagree completely, but as for myself, I just like a good story that sends my mind to a wonderful place. So as far as reviews go, it will more likely be just my feelings on the story and not a general recommendation for those of you out there that might read these blogs.
The second reason…Read more >
Hi everyone here at Forgotten Realms Wiki,
Just want to say hi, and I hope we all share the same passion for the beautiful and ever expanding world of Faerun. I have not decided what I will be doing to contribute more to this wiki, I love adding more knowledge about our beloved Forgotten Realms, but I also love the notion of fan fiction, which I may or may not post, we'll see. For now, I hope to enjoy learning more and more each day and helping others learn more with what little knowledge I might be able to contribute in the future.
Until next time,
P.J. Becker
Edit- has there been much subject matter on the Dragonborn? 4e and the Spellplague came around and it seems as though I've not come across any material on them. Possibly thinking of som…Read more >


text:
Two years ago, I was solely dependent on Twitter, Facebook, and any other ed tech for connecting with educators who wanted to move forward. Last year, I was hardly on my VPN in order to connect with my students, coworkers, and community. Toward the end of this past spring semester, I found myself with a desire to log in because I needed (and still need) help.
Some of you may remember what happened before and Why Our BYOD Club Didn't Work And It's OK.
It all started during our initial workdays before students came last fall. I approached our elementary principal to inquire if our students could use electronic dictionaries since the school year before our leaders didn't want tech such as iPads or even Wi-Fi in the building. Her reply this time, "Why not let the students bring iPads?" Umm, hmm. Didn't expect that. Let me think about it. Yes.
From there, our principal, the three 6th grade homeroom teachers, and I collaborated on how to incorporate a BYOD program for our sixty-eight 6th grade students. The tricky part would be for our school to catch up with the students' resources. You see...61 out of the 68 students already had devices of their own (almost all were iPads) while some of the remaining students already planned to purchase a device of some kind. These devices would be used primarily in my Science and Critical Thinking classes along with my Foreign English classes. Why? I was the only teacher with any experience in this realm, the other teachers didn't know how to utilize tech within education (especially Chinese education), and well, to be honest, I think because I am American (or a foreigner in their eyes).
A little over a month later, the school allowed students to BYOD. Slight problem: we didn't have any Wi-Fi. Therefore, I had to create hotspots every class, and the speed was less than acceptable for my standards. In the spring semester, our school acquired building-wide Wi-Fi, and we were able to upgrade the bandwidth. Hardware was cooking though it took lots of patience on my part. I was relieved when the students came off more patient than I was internally.
The apps I used with the students included Evernote, Safari, ClassDojo, QQ, and (2nd semester) iMovie. I didn't want to introduce too much that was new since I knew we would have kinks to work through. This was, after all, the first year for numerous dreams of mine taking off. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
There are many areas that I need to grow, ask wisdom about, and apply to our school in this upcoming year. A big reason for that is also that the leaders have had me lead our elementary in integrating more technology into our daily methods since last spring, and they have asked me to continue that this upcoming year. Some steps are taking longer than I expected, but I am learning so much about what the bigger picture entails.


text:
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Christmas Card Challenge Week #17
I can't convince Brent on getting the green washer/dryer set that I posted about here. But it's okay...he honestly does more laundry than I do, so I can live with the white set. It's exciting yet scary buying so much all at once.
Here are my Christmas cards for this week. The first one is pretty simple, but didn't want to take away from the paper. I got the image from Wish RAK.
Paper: My Minds Eye
Stamps: Stampin Up
CTMH Buttons and Copics
Isn't this little guy just so cute?!? I also got him from Wish RAK. I keep hoping that the weather will be warm soon so that I can eat ice cream. :)
Paper: My Minds Eye
Stamps: Whipper Snapper, Sentiment is Stampin Up
Snowflake Punches, Crystal Stickles, PTI Buttons, and Copics
Mr. Linky Note: Please link directly to the blog post or gallery page where we can view/comment on your creation and not just the generic link to your blog. To get the full url, click the title of your blog post (which will load a page that has just that post on it), then copy and paste the URL into the Mr. Linky form. Thanks and please still post a comment!
16 comments:
These are so cute Sparkle. That Minds Eye paper is so cute. I've got a card but lost my memory card for my camera so I can't take a picture. Hopefully it will turn up soon.ReplyDelete
Hi Sparkle! Love the cards you share...that penguin is just adorable...how funny he is eating an ice-cream cone. LOLReplyDelete
I just wanted to pop in and wish you all the best with your move. It's an exciting time for sure. Can't wait to "see" your new home and maybe your new crafty space?? (hint, hint).
I really enjoy your blog, even though I don't comment nearly enough. Thanks for all the sharing you do! You are very talented!
Good luck with your move, and your appliance purchases..gotta love Kenmore.ReplyDelete
Beautiful cards...love the snowmen paper!
Ack! These are adorable! New appliances are so fun! It'll be great!ReplyDelete
Your cards are adorable!ReplyDelete
Enjoy your new washer/dryer & refrig!
They are both darling! I wasn't sure what I wanted to make today, and the penguin is giving me an idea what set to grab today! Happy shopping today. It is scary getting a lot of things at once, but it'll be so nice to have everything you need at a great price too!ReplyDelete
The Kenmores will last you a long time! I still have my Kenmore washer, dryer, and vacuum. They work almost like new still and are 8 years old. Your cards are darling, I love that MME paper! And that penguin is too cute!ReplyDelete
Sparkle...your cards are completely adorable! Have fun shopping!ReplyDelete
Hi Sparkle,ReplyDelete
Your cards are always way to cute. You and Sanela won my blog candy, send me an email with your address, and I will get it out to you.
Adorable cards!!ReplyDelete
Both cards are great. I'm glad to see all the progress you are making with your Christmas cards. I told myself I'd join in and as you know I still haven't. BTW thanks for all the wishes you sent me. I also recieved my stamp sets so thanks so so much. Love everything.ReplyDelete
These are such adorable Christmas cards! The colors and details are wonderful!ReplyDelete
Good luck on the washer & dryer!
BEAUTIFUL! I love the name of your blog too ;)ReplyDelete
Zee xx
Your Christmas cards are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Both of your images are super cute and the DP is so yummy!ReplyDelete
p.s. Isn't it great to go and shop and just buy all sorts of awesome appliances!
what adorable cards! I used to work at Sears and remember those F&F nights - enjoy your new washer & dryer!ReplyDelete
First things first....it is NEVER too cold to eat ice cream! LOL.ReplyDelete
I think your penguin card is absolutely adorable! But then again, all of your cards always are.
Thanks for visiting my blog! I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and comment! Love, Sparks


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This post is going to be very brief for two reasons. I lost an uncle whom I was extremely close to over the weekend and I'm still trying to wrap my brain around his death, it's a slow and difficult process.
Secondly, I'm hoping that you will provide me with a greater understanding and personal experiences on your coming out process or why you've chosen to remain in the closet in the comments section. I will be addressing this topic as soon as I'm able to write again.
I came across a blog entry by fellow blogger/activist Jasmyne Cannick and a special report by ABC News that both dealt with coming out. Jasmyne's post involved Tatianna, a graduating Senior at The University of South Carolina and the ABC report focused on the potential social and criminal consequences for gays and lesbians who decide to come out in Kenya. Two completely different worlds but both subjects face the same challenges.
One consistent theme is that black gays and lesbians are often afraid of losing their family. What's your story and how did your family react? Or why do you feel it's not necessary to come out?
Read Jasmyne's post: She Came Out And Now She Needs Our Support
Read the ABC News Special Report: Searching For Love Where Being Gay Is A Crime


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Cranky Kid Becomes Grouchy Brat: Ten Years On The Case
I still don't know who this kid is or where he came from, by the way.
I'd guess he's 12 or 13 years old now and engaged in the somewhat dubious pre-adolescent male bonding rituals that are universal methinks. Titty pictures are an ever enjoyable source of entertainment for the male of the species. I was a Boy Scout. I know.
We here at the Dougloid Papers mark the beginning of year 10 in the pursuit of Truth, Justice, and the Amurricun Way of Life. It seems like only yesterday that I started this tirade and it has strayed a little bit from commenting on the aviation scene, but a few observations are in order.
The A380 seems to have survived the initial pangs of launch, growth, blown deadlines and general obesity that dog all new aircraft launches as has the A350 and the A400. It was the same at McDonnell Douglas when we launched the MD11 and the C17. I don't know about the T-45, we had it in Long Beach and screwed that pooch so far into oblivion that St. Louis snatched it away from us but I suspect it was overweight and robust, kinda like a slightly overage rugby player.
The jury's still out on whether Airbus will ever make money, but since the taxpayers are footing the bill as they usually do in Europe, it's unlikely that it will ever matter. On the other hand, recent events such as the impoverishment of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece and the mad rush of impoverished refugees from the middle east and Africa seem to suggest that although deep, the pockets of the German banks and taxpayers are not bottomless.
Why German banks? We've talked about this matter before here and here and here .
It was common knowledge around the McDonnell Douglas facility in Long Beach that about 450 MD11s would need to be built and sold before they started making any money on the project. As it happens, it didn't happen.
In the 20 years since it was first announced, so Forbes tells us, the A380 cost a cool $25 billion to develop, and they've delivered 176 of them since the first one in 2005. At this rate they've got 290 more to build before they're in profit-which amounts to another 16 years assuming all goes according to plan. That's problematic when highly positioned insiders start making noises about shutting down A380 production and throwing in the towel, as recently happened.
Boeing's 747-8 not as spiffy as but cheaper than competitor is not doing very well either.
Nonetheless one of my pals from back in my airliners.net days had a ride on an A380 to Dubai and back and said it was an other worldly experience, akin to a smallish, very well appointed planet in its own orbit floating above the moiling and grubby world below.
All of this seems to suggest that "Four Engines For Long Haul" as the Airbus folks used to chant like obnoxious Hare Krishnas back in the days of the A340 translates into "Four Engines Is Twice As Much As You Need."
The Big Twins-the 777, the 787, and the A350-seem to be the wave of the future, and composite construction has been vindicated with over 350 787s in the air.
The other major event in the aviation world is that the C-17 is no more, and as I predicted 8 years ago before airliners.net booted me off the site permanently Long Beach would have no 767 tanker line, no 737 line, and in fact was as dead as last week's salmon.
Enough of that.
We soldier on here as best we can. I'm still not saying I clobbered the Grim Reaper but He has been in my rear view mirror for a couple years shaking his fist and allowing as how he'll get my skinny ass some other day and give me a bus ticket to hell. I'll wait happily on my park bench.
The Dragon Lady will be retired a year from now or so and will finally get to do what she's always wanted to do which is get paid while sitting on her ass watching television. I remember this every month when the mail lady brings the Social Security check and the $58.37 the State of Iowa long may she wave sends my way just for being me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's read this far.


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Related Articles
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On the other hand, the Premium edition will covers up to 10 devices and also includes parental controls and 25GB of online backup space will and will cost Rs. 2,999.


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In December 604 B.C., Jeremiah was ordered by the Lord to write down all his prophecies on a scroll. The prophecies included many threats against the nation of Judah and its rulers and people, which would be enacted if they did not repent of their rebellious ways. Jeremiah, prevented from entering the Temple, sent his secretary Baruch to read the scroll to the people. The populace had gathered in the Temple for a fast. When they heard what Jeremiah had written, certain officials became interested and asked that the scroll be read in their presence too.
When Baruch complied, these officials took the words seriously and said that the king must be informed. Knowing that the king would not welcome the prophecies, they suggested that Baruch and Jeremiah go into hiding. The scroll was then taken into the king's presence and read to him by a servant named Jehudi.
Since it was winter, there was a brazier with fire in it to heat the apartments. "Each time Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut them off with a scribe's knife and threw them into the fire in the brazier until the whole of the scroll had been burned in the brazier fire" (Jeremiah 36:23). The king then ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, but they had been hidden. The Lord ordered Jeremiah to write the scroll over again; it is likely that what he wrote now comprises the bulk of his prophecies that we find in the Bible. As we know, the king and his successor did not repent, and the threats in the prophecies of Jeremiah were fulfilled.
How often it has been the case that people refuse to hear or heed the word of God proclaimed to them. In Scripture we see it and in the history of the Church. It is very easy to assert that this pattern is showing itself again in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion today—which I think is true. Most of the leadership in the Episcopal Church and beyond is effectually "burning the scroll" by resisting and denying and trying to silence the authoritative word of God as received by the faithful from the earliest days of our profession. They continue to resist, and the road of calamity continues to be the main highway.
I think, however, there is great danger in stopping with such an indictment. Pointing the finger at others, even when there is good reason to do so, does not excuse the finger-pointers from being "scroll burners" themselves.
Unlike the king of Judah in 604 B.C., I believe that most of today's "scroll burning" leadership does have at least a little something of value to contribute to understanding and living the Gospel. And it is a vital part of discipleship regularly and frequently to ask, "Where am I myself resisting the word of God? What do I not want to hear?"
I expect that, except for the great saints, every age, every individual Christian, has a blind spot somewhere in Christian profession. Other ages were cruel; others were indifferent to the suffering of the impoverished; others were complacent or lethargic. In each case those who believed themselves to be faithful could and did provide good reason for believing that their "blind spot" was consistent with the Gospel.
Pointing the finger, in love, is an important part of the Gospel, i.e. taking the speck out of a brother's eye. We must not forget, ever, that taking the beam out of our own eye is even more important. These are the very words of Jesus. (See Matthew 7:3 and Luke 6:42.)
I suppose that God knows that fallen people, even the faithful, are prone to these blind spots, and that they plague our discipleship. I imagine that he has allowed for them, also, in the course of salvation history. May he open the eyes and hearts of today's "scroll burners"; may he open my eyes and heart wherever that needs to be done.


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...[o]n Tuesday, without note in the U.S. media, more than half of the members of Iraq's parliament rejected the continuing occupation of their country. 144 lawmakers signed onto a legislative petition calling on the United States to set a timetable for withdrawal, according to Nassar Al-Rubaie, a spokesman for the Al Sadr movement, the nationalist Shia group that sponsored the petition.
It's a hugely significant development. Lawmakers demanding an end to the occupation now have the upper hand in the Iraqi legislature for the first time; previous attempts at a similar resolution fell just short of the 138 votes needed to pass (there are 275 members of the Iraqi parliament, but many have fled the country's civil conflict, and at times it's been difficult to arrive at a quorum).
Reached by phone in Baghdad on Tuesday, Al-Rubaie said that he would present the petition, which is nonbinding, to the speaker of the Iraqi parliament and demand that a binding measure be put to a vote. Under Iraqi law, the speaker must present a resolution that's called for by a majority of lawmakers, but there are significant loopholes and what will happen next is unclear.
Will the US ever leave Iraq?
Scarecrow doesn't think so.
"All this reminds us there is something seriously wrong with the Bush/Cheney logic and their strategic assessment. All that rhetoric about "them" "following us home" — what Richard Clarke calls the White House's "puppy dog theory" — sounds pretty ludicrous, because it's exactly backwards. Instead of worrying about al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia following us home, American policy should stop breeding wannabe terrorists here by what we're doing there. We should worry that this Administration has an incoherent, and dangerously delusional understanding of the threat to America that bears no relationship to reality. And that's the real danger to the country."
According to Think Progress, Condi thinks the US is staying.
In an interview last night on the Charlie Rose Show, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pointedly said, "[O]ur friends in the [Middle East] need to know and the Iraqis need to know that we are not looking to leave Iraq." "Ever?" Rose asked. Rice responded, "We are not going to leave an Iraq that is not capable of defending itself and with a foundation for future reconciliation."
Rose then asked Rice if she believed she'll have the support of the American people to continue the war. Rice claimed the American people are looking for "progress." Rose replied, "But nobody can answer the question: If it doesn't happen, what?" Avoiding discussion of a Plan B, Rice answered, "Charlie, because as the President said to you, we're focused on having it happen."
In the interview, Rose also noted that Rice once worked for President George H.W. Bush, who was "famous for insisting there be an exit strategy. [But] no one seems to know what's the exit strategy [now]," he said. Rice responded that Iraq is "a long-term proposition."
Richard Clarke is not optimistic, either.
"For as long as I'm alive, there will be Iraqis who hate us," Clarke told about 300 people gathered in the Gaiser Hall Student Center.
In the "battle of ideas" crucial to U.S. success in the Middle East, "We're not only losing, we've never really started," he said.
In fact, al-Qaida terror cells have multiplied much faster since the 9/11 terror attacks and subsequent American offensive in Afghanistan, Clarke said. The United States let al-Qaida "off the ropes" to invade Iraq, he said.
That was one of many failures Clarke listed as he recounted steps before and after the Iraq invasion that have left many Americans numbed and millions of Muslims seething, he said.
"The question is, how quickly can we undo that mistake?" he asked.


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Yesterday Al Ferof, the trainer's 2011 Supreme Hurdle winner, found hitherto untapped reserves of stamina to beat Walkon by three lengths in the first major race of the jump season, the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Following Silviniaco Conti's Charlie Hall Chase win a fortnight ago and Zarkandar's Elite Hurdle last weekend, if his horses continue in their present vein of form Nicholls could have it wrapped up before the others are even out of the blocks.
Testing conditions at Cheltenham are a rarity these days, so much so that when the clerk of the course changed it to soft with heavy patches halfway through the afternoon he had to root around at the bottom of an old drawer to find the 'heavy' sign to pin up in the weighing room. Not for years at the course have I seen senior jockeys going via Broadway and Winchcombe in search of better ground.
In such circumstances it seemed that 11st 8lb would stop any horse. But with going that was as chalk from cheese to the good ground on which he won the Supreme, Al Ferof cruised through the mud with such ease under Ruby Walsh that he had more than enough in reserve when Walkon, another mud-splattered grey, tackled him on the home bend.
Walkon matched him for a few strides but Walsh always had the upper hand and victory was never truly in doubt. Nadiya de La Vega plugged on gamely for third. Though 18 set off only six finished and among those pulled up were the favourite Grands Crus and the popular Hunt Ball.
"That was a stunning performance," Nicholls said. "He was a fortnight late coming in but he galloped well at Wincanton last Sunday and worked as well on Thursday as he's ever done. He also goes best fresh. I knew he was coming right but I didn't expect that.
"A lot of our second season chasers are going well, like him, Silviniaco Conti, Cristal Bonus and Kauto Stone. I really don't think our horses were ever quite right last season. We had a good season but they didn't sparkle. They all look so well now and are transforming what they're doing on the gallops on to the racecourse. The old boys are gone but if the younger horses keep this up we'll have a great season."
Walsh concurred: "You can tell from the form book they weren't quite right last season. A lot of them looked like they'd win three out but didn't finish their races. It's not as simple as feeding them, galloping them and running them. But you can see from the strike-rate (27 per cent) that they're running well now."
Winning owner John Hales has had a succession of successful greys with his Champion Chaser One Man, Grand National winner Neptune Collonges and now Al Ferof, but the Paddy Power had not always been so kind to him. Another of his greys, Granit Jack, was travelling well when he fell fatally two out in this race five years ago.
Reflecting on Al Ferof's weight carry achievement, he said:"I was dubious about our chances after all the overnight rain but he gave them all weight and a beating. It's as good a performance as any horse I've ever owned has put up. We'll go for the King George now."


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My theme for 2016 is Happiness, which you probably know by now if you follow me on twitter (@BerylEmber).
For the past few months, I have realized that in every day , there is something that can make you happy. Even small things like the food you eat or the things you see around you, they can be a reason for you to smile. There are days that I'd think "I'm having a crappy day. It's impossible to post anything today." But with that said, I haven't skipped a day of posting. Because of doing this, I've learned that there is never a day that passes without feeling a sense of happiness. The little things do matter. Sometimes, those are the things that give us hope.
I recommend trying this out. Capture photos of things, people or activities that brought you happiness or even just write them down on a notebook (I did this for Dec 2015). You don't have to share this to anyone. This will just serve as a reminder for you of how blessed you are.
MUA: Mary Maximo
Let's Enjoy the Little Things <3


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Monday, July 13
Another Undeservedly Neglected Interwar Church
These are some photos I took on Corpus Christi weekend in Chicago, of the handsome Deco-influenced Gothic revival Presbyterian Church on the same block in Woodlawn Park, Chicago, as the Institute of Christ the King's new headquarters at the former parish church of St. Gelasius, whose flank can be glimpsed above. It is a surprising contrast to seen these two, very different grey stone churches back-to-back, squeezed into a relatively narrow city block.
It is a rather striking design, perhaps not quite as majestic as its Gothic fellows a few blocks north on the U Chicago campus, but still undeservedly forgotten and with some rather clever details and very good massing after the manner of Goodhue. The flank, with its curvilinear buttresses, as well as the tower, are probably the best parts. The front is less dynamic, but still well within the standards of the time, and perhaps with a bit of a clean, the whole complex could be quite charming.
Fortunately, the Institute's presence, and a number of other local improvements, have done much to improve the area since my last visit in 2006. It will be interesting to see how the neighborhood develops in the near future.


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Photos courtesy of Sung Shin
White shirt-H&M
Tweed skirt-J.Crew (recent)
Scarf-Banana Republic (old)
Shoes-Loeffler Randall
Cuff-Kenneth Jay Lane
Happy Friday! One of my (many) purchases from the J.Crew sale (still going on) was this beautiful tweed skirt. I'm a huge fan of tweed and always looking to add more classic pieces to my wardrobe. I wanted to pair the skirt with the classic white tee. The white tee is such a staple item that needs to be in every girl's closet because it's so versatile. I have to admit though, I'm pretty picky when it comes the white tee because I look for specifics (v-neck, pockets, loose fit, form fit, etc). This white shirt I bought last year was about $6 and has had many uses from it, especially when worn repeatedly with jeans or underneath blazers. I love the idea of dressing a plain ol' white t-shirt with a tweed skirt because mixing hi/low pieces is something I enjoy doing.
Have a great weekend. xo.


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Wow my 200th post..who would guess??? I feel this post should be something special...
For your 100th post it's customary to do the '100 Things about me' post but I just don't feel like it (and seriously I don't think there's 200 or even 100 interesting facts about me)
So, in keeping with my 100th post tradition..I'll again open this up to whatever questions you want to ask me...(go ahead all two of you) and I'll post the question and answer on the blog.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
1 comment:
- Stacy The Peanut Queen said...
Do you like Germany? Do you speak German?
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I read an interesting quote this morning that seemed to make sense and even encourage me a little. Here is what it said:
"The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who'll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself. Things occur to you. If you're sitting around trying to dream up a great art idea, you can sit there a long time before anything happens. But if you just get to work, something will occur to you and something else will occur to you and something else that you reject will push you in another direction. Inspiration is absolutely unnecessary and somehow deceptive. You feel like you need this great idea before you can get down to work, and I find that's almost never the case." - Chuck Close - painter.
While I think it may be a little harsh (but I guess he can be because of how successful he is) I think this made sense to me mostly because I have not been one of those who has mounds and mounds of sketch pads, inspiration boards, or notebooks filled with "inspirational ideas". I look through books, take pictures, and read a lot. I hear of artists who get their inspiration from here or there, nature or architecture and on and on. I try to do that but I always come up empty and that leaves me feeling less of an "artist" and more of a laborer. While I don't agree, nor would I judge that's for " amateurs", is is encouraging that a successful artist has another process.
I like the idea of "the best ideas come out of the process" because that is how it works for me. When I get out and work the ideas come. I gather stones, look at components, place designs, re-arrange, re-do before something comes together fully.
I think it's encouraging to know that we all have our processes..some get inspiration, some just do the work. Its all art.


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you have missed the header section in the mail function, where we can mention the sender's email id
so add these lines to your code :
$headers = 'From: <sender's email id>' . "\r\n" .
'X-Mailer: PHP/' . phpversion();
and also mention this variable in the mail function as :
mail($MAIL_TO, $subject, $body, $headers);
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Good Morning, I just wanted to show you some new shop displays and new furniture that arrived yesterday into the shop, so I spent about 4 hours last night moving furniture and doing new displays so the shop would look ok for saturday morning. I have had a really busy week in the shop and I have sold 5 furniture items this week. I was really lucky that the new furniture arrived in time or I would have had a lot of empty spots around the shop. Let me know what you think of the new furniture, I am so in love with the pink and also the green Chiffonier I only have two one pink and one green.
Have a wonderful weekend. Lisa XoXo


text: Well i was asked by the family of my friend to make a slide show of him and everything for the funeral n for the families memory. But i need 2 knw waht would be a good photoediting program to this? i have much to do for it. i know nuthing really beats photoshop....but i do not have that n do not have the money for it. advice on this would be much appreciated from both me & his family. Thanks & God Bless, Terrorcon_King Josh Mota.


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I got my BzzKit for the Sebastian Professional Volume Collection!
(I'm a BzzAgent on bzzagent.com, and I receive free products to try out and give my opinion about.)
This is what I saw when I opened the box.
And this is everything that was in there!
Here's some better photos.
Total Value: $40.00
It came with VOLUPT Shampoo, Conditioner, and Gel Spray.
Valued at: $13.95, $14.95, and $19.95.
There were also a bunch of coupons for free Gel Spray when you purchase the shampoo and conditioner at the salon.
Total Value of the BzzKit: $88.85! (plus coupons)
So far I've used the Gel Spray twice and both times I really liked the effect it had, but you HAVE to wash your hair after using it. If you don't you hair will look really dirty even if it's not.


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|An old photo of the
Parsee Tower of Silence in Bombay
Parsees (also spelled Parsis), as they are known on the subcontinent, are well educated, urban (most live in Mumbai), and relatively affluent. They're a tiny group—estimates put their overall number at about 70,000—but even if you haven't heard the name of this community, you've heard of some of its most prominent members: award-winning author Rohinton Mistry; the late Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen (his real name was Farrokh Bulsara); and conductor Zubin Mehta. Then there's the billionaire Tata family, who own, among their numerous global ventures, Jaguar and Land Rover (through Tata Motors), Tetley tea (Tata Global Beverages), and the world's tenth largest steel company (Tata Steel).
As a group, Parsees have maintained a relatively pure lineage (at one time, they were listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for having the most birth defects, because of their once-high incidence of intermarriage), but they are also uniquely Indian. They've adopted the Indian language of Gujarati, the women wear saris, and the religion has even borrowed a few Hindu customs, such as men wearing the holy thread around the shoulder and waist, the use of coconuts and rice during religious ceremonies, and the application of red powder to their foreheads (tilaks) during baptism and marriage.
They also meld some ancient Persian customs with Hindu ones. For example, one method for removing the evil eye in a number of Muslim countries, including Iran, is the burning of the espand seed (also known as esfand). In India, Parsees have modified this practice in a ritual called achu michu. The person performing the ritual says a traditional Zoroastrian prayer, known as the tandorosti, to wish the recipient a long and healthy life. Then they circle a tray, carrying a coconut, betel leaves, betel nuts, sugar, and yogurt (items commonly used in Hindu rituals), around the receiver's head seven times. Sometimes a boiled egg is one of these items (definitely not a Hindu custom). Then water from a little flower vase known as a kutli is poured into the tray, and the tray is then circled again around the recipient's head seven times. It's interesting how similar this practice is to the Hindu custom of performing aarti to bless someone. In fact, in achu pichu, as in aarti, a tilak is placed on the recipient's forehead and a sweet placed in his or her mouth, then the recipient touches the feet of the person giving the blessing. Still, it's believed the practice evolved from the tradition of burning of esfand/espand seeds.
There's at least one age-old Parsee custom that always seemed ultra exotic to me, even for India. It's the method by which Parsees dispose of their dead. Zoroastrianism forbids burial, cremation, or disposal at sea because it would contaminate the sacred elements of earth, fire, and water. So instead, mourners in Mumbai carry the deceased up the steep Malabar Hill, an upscale part of town, to place the body atop the Parsee Bawdi, or the Tower of Silence. The idea is that vultures, other scavengers, and the scorching sun eventually decompose the remains, allowing the soul to join the spiritual world. India is one of the few places that hasn't banned this ancient tradition, which makes it one of the few places, perhaps the only place, where Zoroastrians can continue it.
That may not be the only reason the community continues on in India. It's believed that India and Iran share the same Aryan roots from Central Asia, which was once the stronghold of Zoroastrianism, before the two split off and the Indic people migrated south. One tantalizing remnant of this link is that the name for the Zoroastrian god, Ahura Mazda, sounds much like asura, the Sanksrit word for demon. Had there been a war separating the Indo-Iranian cultures?
Either way, worldwide, Zoroastrians only number about 200,000 today. Estimates in Iran range wildly, from 20,000 to 90,000, depending on the source (many have emigrated since the 1979 revolution), with another 20,000 in the States and Canada, plus the 70,000 in India. It's no wonder theirs is a small community. Zoroastrians have a low birth rate, they don't proselytize, and their numbers keep dwindling as they marry outside their culture.
But in an interesting twist, the religion is staying alive in other ways. In recent years, a Mazdean-Christian Universalism philosophy emerged, which says that the ideas of a benevolent god and the existence of evil in the world were originally Zoroastrian ones that Judaism adopted and which eventually made their way into Christianity. Swedish music producer Alexander Bard is a well-known convert. There's even a Mazdean-Christian Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. While it's not exactly a revolution, this beautiful, ancient faith carries on.


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Month 22: Fie on Regression
In general, why are we so quick to use negatives to describe children and their actions?
For example, I've had to actively work hard to stop saying "nosy" to describe "curiosity," "inquisitiveness", and even "perceptiveness" because that's what I remember hearing as a child. All the time. The wrong words convey the wrong tone and the wrong messages. This is why I despise the word "regression" when it comes to a seemingly inexplicable (I say seemingly because in retrospect there will always be a reason that isn't immediately known) rise in accidents in EC'd children — babies and toddlers really.
My husband used the term today. In the past week or so we've had about four (yes, only four) isolated incidences of pee misses. One was on the stairs while she was playing a favorite game with Daddy Man (no potty signal, she was surprised), one at the beach (panicked signal), and two tonight (one at Grandmama's house while playing leggos — surprised, and one at home in the tub — surprised with frantic signal). "I think she's regressing," he says to me. I disagree, "…No. It's like walking. She still falls — she fell today! But we don't say she's 'regressed walking'." She had a doozey of a fall too! She slipped on some play beaded necklaces, was airborne for a millisecond and landed on her back. She was surprised and stunned, didn't cry but came to me for some comfort, a short shout in my ear, and a nurse. She walks just fine, right? Of course! In all but one of the incidences she tried to remedy the problem by asking for help.
Has she suddenly forgotten how to use the toilet? No. Is she doing it on purpose? No. Though she did do that once (see — Cause and Effect), that was not the case this time as she always had a look of surprise or frantic panic. Every now and then when she squats she gets surprised and I see her running to the potty as fast as her little legs can carry her! It makes sense that if your bladder is over full and you squat — sometimes you leak or a poop does a prairie dog. My theory? She's over estimating her bladder capacity and is precariously reaching the edge of the automatic release threshold — that point-of-no-return that not even an adult can hold back once it begins! We adults have ALL been near to that point because we don't want to get up in the middle of the cold winter night, or we don't want to use the available questionable public toilet, or we don't want to lose that place in line even though we had a little too much liquid for lunch. We have all done the "gotta go gotta go right now" potty dance while we curse buttons, zippers, underwear and trousers. Have we regressed when we don't quite make it and get a wee bit soggy (pun intended)?
So she peed herself a few times this week. Big deal. She's 22 months old and has been out of diapers for over a year! Hello! We only remind her to potty if we are going out and she takes herself to the potty in the bathroom all day long. Regression? No way!
We don't even need to call these incidences anything at all. A fall is a fall. A wee is a wee. It is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. Acknowledge, clean up, and move on.
Regressive behavior does exist but it happens for very specific reasons and not because they just "don't want to" or "forgot how". For example, when children are seeking attention often due to a stressor such as the uncertainty with a new sibling. Once they get the attention they need, they stop the behavior.
Posted on August 17, 2011, in Parenting, Potty Training, Toddlers and tagged diaper free, ec, elimination communication, Month 22, natural infant hygiene, nih, potty learning. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.


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This radical restaging of Verdi's Falstaff updates the story so that it now takes place in and around a golf course. Falstaff is a fixture at the course's bar, even though he never plays the game. His larger-than-life sense of merriment makes him popular, but his drink tab has grown large enough to be a problem. He plans on seducing the wealthy Alice Ford in order to solve this situation. The cast includes Ian Jervis, Julian Forsyth, Daniel Gillingwater, and Simon Masterton.
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The bear of the day is Cheer Bear. He is made in a light pink color and has a rainbow on his belly to cheer you up. He is the perfect bear if you feel a little down. And here are the pictures!!
First some details of it's different parts.
Heart on the nose.
Rainbow on the belly
Heart on the sole of the feet.
Sitting bear
The side
The other side
The back with a little heart and tail
And the standing bear.the photo album on our facebook page.
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Hi Guys
I've not really posted here due to no time to get to the computer to sort the pics to go with the posts. I'm afraid this post is without pics as well.
However I have got everything done now. I would like to thank all of you for your inspiration. I have so many ideas for next year thanks to you all!
All in all I have completed 5 messenger bags (from this tutorial?, 1 needle roll (from this tutorial), 1 make up brush roll by adapting the above pattern, 1 small child's bag (using the pattern found here), 2 sets of wrist warmers (using the idea here), a tailors ham and pincushion, a freezer paper stencil t-shirt with the Blue Sun logo, jars of plum jam/tomato chutney/onion marmalade/courgette jam, more soap than you can shake a stick at.
I have one last gift to go which is a knitted moose for my stepdaughter. I'm doing that now. I hope to post pics of everything over the holidays when I have a bit more time. Also I will do recipes for the jam etc too.


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Saturday, October 22, 2011
Feelin' Good
I sure hope you all are having a fun and relaxing and maybe even sunny, but definitely cozy weekend!! Sending you much sunshine and love from here...
14 comments:
I think it is funny how fall represents nesting and yet it feels SO good to clean. I've found myself cleaning closets and dresser drawers!! Love the etching. Enjoy the rest of your week-end.ReplyDelete
This is an interesting development - given your fascination with women's faces, your amazing sketching talent and now, combining both in etching... I believe incredible pieces will be coming from here. Love this first piece.ReplyDelete
Liebe Silke,ReplyDelete
schön, wie du das alles machst.
Wir können nur staunen.
Alles Liebe
Angela und Elisabeth
Silke, love your etching! By your going through art heaven here, so cool!ReplyDelete
Thank you Silke for your beautiful message and the link. I'll certainly go and have a look, sounds so good!
:) Julie
- AnonymousOctober 23, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Spannend, schönes Wochenende, IngeReplyDelete
Je suis très admirative de votre travail de gravure... J'aimerais faire ça, mais je ne sais pas...ReplyDelete
Vous êtes une véritable fée du logis ma chère!... prenez soin de vous tout de même.
Gros bisous
Oh my goodness, I can almost make out the French comment above! That makes me happy.ReplyDelete
I also very much admire your etching!
Do you remember you had a photograph of a beautyberry on one of your posts recently? Would you like to see my photo of one? It's there for today's date!
Enjoy our great Georgia weather!
Hi Silke- you have SO much going on with your creating and painting and sketching --- your creative juices must never stop my friend. I come here for a little visit and I find myself captivated by all that you show us. I'm in awe Silke!!ReplyDelete
So funny about the cleaning- I've been doing the same thing at our house-- I don't call it nesting though. To me- "nesting" is that thing I've been doing (like crazy) in the Sacred Yarn Room!!
Hugs to you and Daniel--
Wow - how fun it is to see one of your girls as an etching. Looks like you are having fun with it! I am loving this cooler weather, too - it makes me so happy!ReplyDelete
jeez louise silke. you are the talented energizer bunny.ReplyDelete
or would you rather be the creative pied piper?
take your pick. it's all fabulous.
Wow, Silke! The etching turned out fabulous! And your painting -- ! Fantastic colors, and she is very beautiful and tranquil. I love the thought of Guardians, too. :)ReplyDelete
oh how lovely, all your work silke. you have been so busy. it's so good to see your passion lived every day my friend. and how beautiful is the guardian?ReplyDelete
The printing process looks like fun.ReplyDelete
I am feeling the urge to sort and clean also, though I am not that good at it. I tend to find something interesting and stop, repeat...
Lorraine :-}
There's some cobwebs in the staircase leading up to my flat, and a few things I intend to do around the house, but so far, I have not tackled any of them just yet; work has picked up at quite a pace, as it always does this time of the year in my industry, and so in my spare time, at the moment all I want to do is relax (or go out and dance).ReplyDelete


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The New York Daily News today reported that three of the largest Internet gambling websites, Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars, and Absolute Poker, have been charged with bank fraud, money laundering, and illegal gambling, with all three facing over $3 billion in penalties and forfeitures.
According to federal prosecutors, the three companies found ways to circumvent federal gambling laws, including one passed in 2006 that banned U.S. banks and credit car companies from helping to transfer money between gamblers and international gaming operators.
Others attempted to bribe their way around the laws by offering "multi-million dollar investments" to cash-strapped banks.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, speaking with the Daily News, said:
"These defendants concocted an elaborate criminal fraud scheme, alternately tricking some U.S. banks and effectively bribing others to assure the continued flow of billions in illegal gambling profits. In their zeal to circumvent the gambling laws, the defendants also engaged in massive money laundering and bank fraud."
The 11 people brought up on charges in connection with the case are expected to be arraigned today.
[via NY Daily News]


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05 November 2012
A Homily for Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. - Matthew 5:4
A tale of two sorrows, people loved by God.
Charlie was my friend – we played racquetball together; he sang in the choir and he literally bounced along in the joy of the Lord each day. The call came a few days before Christmas. It was a Saturday night. One of my members was driving the ambulance and said: You better get to the hospital; this one's not gonna have a good ending. Despite valiant efforts by the ER team, my member was right. Charlie, my bouncing, laughing, singing beer drinking buddy Charlie, was gone. By the time I'd broken the word to his children and his wife, and we'd prayed and cried together, it was wee hours of the morning. I got home and snatched a troubled couple hours of sleep and then headed over for 7:45 service. I walked at out the ringing of the bell and just about lost it. There they were, sitting in Church. His wife, his kids, and all looking sad, but peaceful. I told them afterwards I couldn't believe they were there. They said: "But it was communion; we wanted to be with dad today."
Charlie's funeral kept up the same blend of tears and joy. We sang to defy death. The choir belted out the Hallelujah chorus with not a dry eye in the house. One of Charlie's rather unsavory business associates from Chicago was there. He literally looked at me as he walked out and said: "I don't get it. It's like you guys are happy or something." With laughter and tears streaming down our faces, we assured him we were.
The death of a Christian can be a celebration of unspeakable comfort and joy even here and now. That was Charlie.
Then there's Joe. Joe was my brother. We were kindred spirits in so many ways, but he was 11 years older. I think I idolized him more than little bit. Cindi and I were awaken by one of those dreaded early morning phone calls on Palm Sunday when I was serving as a vicar in Garfield NJ. My mom. She told me that my brother had died in a car wreck early that morning. It was Palm Sunday and I was preaching on the OT: "Rejoice, daughter of Zion! Your king is coming to you!" It was a sermon all about joy.
I was so empty inside. You see, the very last conversation I'd had with my brother I had tried to witness to him, but he told me: "Billy, I don't have time for that…stuff." (Okay, he didn't really say stuff). I have no assurance whatsoever that my brother ever changed his mind about that.
I remember sitting outside our bedroom in the vicarage and pondering, really pondering for the first time: wouldn't I rather be with my brother in hell if that's where he ended up than without him in heaven? Maybe the words of Jesus sank in: "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father, mother, sister, brother…" Not hate in the sense of "harbor bitter resentment towards." Hate in the sense of preferring Him to them. But did I?
The death of someone we love about whom we have little hope of them dying in the faith, it brings to the Christian a kind of mourning and grief that words can't begin to cover. You know, everything inside of me WANTS to be a universalist. I want to believe that there's no way that everyone won't finally be overcome by the great love that we have known in Jesus. But you know the Scriptures as well as I do. You know that's not the way it will be.
Dreary thoughts for an All Saints Day celebration, Chaplain? No. I'm sure that for most of the folks on our commemoration list, it's a Charlie-like feast. He always called All Saints "the little easter in the fall." Loved it. And loved singing that "For all the saints!" It's a joy indeed. But I want to be honest and realistic. I suspect everyone in this room has those loved one who have died, about whom doubts and fears linger. Did they die in the faith? Did they die trusting in the One who is the Forgiveness of Sin and the Destruction of death? And what if they didn't? Is there a comfort big enough for that? Because we love them. And death doesn't diminish the love. Comfort? Really?
I don't know how, but I do believe that the answer is yes. Jesus, the Blessed One, speaks the promise in today's Gospel: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." He didn't say: "Blessed are those who mourn for believers"; just "those who mourn." And like all the beatitudes but the first and the last, He puts that which will bless you out into the future, into the Age that is to come. "WILL BE comforted."
I don't know how. But I know He never lies. He will reach out a nail-scarred hand. He will touch you, and He will wipe away the tears, and somehow, someway that ragged hole in your heart will be healed. I can't even imagine how it will be possible when you think of those who are missing, but you will experience it nonetheless. And I don't believe for one second that it will be by making you forget them or your love for them. For He who bore your sins and theirs on His cross did so because He loved them even as He loves you. And He who rose from the dead, rose for them even as He rose for you. This is the confidence you have in Him: that in Him every last child of Adam and daughter of Eve has been loved with a love immeasurable, vast, divine. Whatever healing awaits us is perfect love in a way that we cannot now begin to conceive; but this All Saints we wait for it in hope.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. You shall be comforted. For the Charlies of your life, and also for the Joes. With man such comfort is impossible; but not with God. With God all things are possible. For God is love. Amen.
Posted by William Weedon at 2:59 PM
1 comment:
- Pr. Chuck Sampson said...
Amen, indeed. Thank you.
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text:
There is an Italian in me. Every time I step to a grill with a bowl of very lightly oiled peppers or chiles, he steps out and happily does this hot, slow, but soul-satisfying chore. To be sure, roasting peppers can be done while you do three or four other things, for they do not require constant attention. Yet he stands there and watches the variegated flesh turn to charcoal, blister, and wrinkle. Satisfied once the peppers are tucked under a towel in a bowl, the Italian goes back inside and leaves me the second half of the task-peeling them!
Butter Sauce
1. In a sauté pan, heat butter until slightly foamy. Add the shallots and then the lobster. Turn the meat from time to time until it is cooked through. Season lightly, add the vinegar, and reduce for 30 seconds. Add the cream, stir, and then, using a slotted spoon, remove the lobster to a plate.
2. Reduce the cream until thick and strain it into a bowl.
3. Put the nuts into a food processor and pulse twice. Now add the lobster and pulse twice. Add the cilantro and pulse. Now, with the machine running, quickly add the strained cream. Turn machine off, scrape this mixture into a bowl, and chill. (It is important not to overprocess the mixture. If need be, scrape the processed lobster mixture into a bowl and then stir in the cream, entirely omitting processing the cream.)
4. When the mix is cold, add the diced avocado and gently mix. Season to taste. (The poblano is somewhat spicy, so remember, when you are seasoning the lobster stuffing mixture, to allow for the heat that the chile will bring to the final dish.)
5. Carefully slit open the peppers and cut out the area under the stem that holds the majority of the seeds. Try to keep the chile from ripping. Stuff the poblanos with the lobster mixture and chill.
6. Prepare the sauce: In a small, heavy saucepan reduce orange juice, vinegar, shallots, bay leaf, and black pepper until almost evaporated. Add the cream and reduce to 1/2 to 3/4 cup and then gradually whisk in the pieces of butter until incorporated. Strain sauce through a fine-mesh strainer into a pot or bowl and keep in a warm place.
7. Put the stuffed poblanos on a lightly oiled baking sheet and heat them through in a preheated 350-degree oven. This should take 10 minutes or less.
8. Spoon the warm sauce onto warm plates and top with the poblanos. Serve.
This is a full-flavored dish, with complex combinations of hot, sweet. tart, and rich. A fairly full-bodied white with some tart acidity, such as a Gavi dei Gavi or Alsace Gewurtztraminer would be appropriate.
Recipe from:
Feast of Sunlight
by Norman Van Aken
The Harvard Common Press
Copyright ©1997
Reprinted by permission.
Norman Van Aken: A Chef In His Own Words
The Pre-Chef by Norman Van Aken
Visit Norman Van Aken's website
This Archived Page created between 1994 and 2001. Modified August 2007
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