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Officially, my unemployment benefits end in three days. That's the current deadline for the federal extension. I was laid off in March. Now, reaching the end of the money that was doing nothing more than keeping me afloat, I'm faced with the real fiscal cliff. What do you do when you have no more money? None. No savings, no checking, no job, nothing.
I've gone through all of the stages. When you first get laid off you prioritize your spending, cutting out all the unnecessary stuff. You re-work your resume. You contact friends and colleagues and get the word out that you're looking.
Later, you realize you've slipped into stage two. You aren't just looking for equivalent or better jobs than the one you had. You're willing to take a pay cut, lose benefits, drive farther in your commute, go a few rungs down the ladder. Hey, these are tough times and we all have to make cuts.
You get a few phone calls, even a couple of interviews. For the most part though it's a long series of auto-replies from companies saying they've received your application. If you're lucky you get a rejection later letting you know that they'll keep your application on file. Don't worry, you'll never hear from them again.
Eventually, you reach the first emergency stage. For me, it was when I realized that even with my money management, I could no longer afford my apartment. I held a woefully unsuccessful garage sale, got rid of everything outside of a laptop, a few irreplaceable's and my clothes. I moved in with my girlfriend.
Comparatively flush with cash and stripped of literal and metaphorical baggage I bought myself a new camera, determined to keep myself solvent with various freelance gigs until fate brought me together with my eventual new job.
Time passed, applications were sent, a few pictures were taken. The holidays came along and the second emergency slowly revealed itself along the horizon. The end of the benefits means the end of being able to pay my bills. It's not like I have kids or a mortgage, so I'm among the lucky. But as many of us already know, it only takes being one dollar in debt to be bankrupt.
Starting Wednesday, I'll begin applying to retail and service industry jobs that are either within walking distance or busing distance. Next month will be the last that I can afford my car insurance. I'll sell my car in order to keep from defaulting on my student loans and credit card debt.
I'm writing this because, while I've been broke before, I'm a little baffled and slightly amazed at how far off and removed some people seem to be from the effects of the unemployment around them. Most of them here in Seattle are middle to upper-middle class. I think that some of my friends and acquaintances think that because I show up at a party with my girlfriend and a bottle of wine, that I have money to spend on gas or booze.
I have friends who fret over what dates they can fly across country or season tickets for sports teams. They have to budget their home renovations or make choices about which vacations they can take this year because they can only do two. I don't think they realize what a short slide it is from them telling me about all of this over a glass of pinot and them ignoring me on the street, walking by them, homeless.
Some people reading this might scoff, but I've been poor before, I'm poor now and I'll be poor again. There's no scapegoating here, there's no single root cause to all of this. It just is what it is. Of course, it's magnified by the current state of the economy, but make no mistake that the mechanisms of misfortune have been grinding along for ages.
I have a great deal of confidence in myself. I've always been a fighter, a smart one too. I'm creative, dogged, kind, and am deeply sure that I have a lot to offer this world. My fear isn't in my own failings, I know I'll triumph or go down swinging. My fear is that I'll go down swinging with nothing to swing at. That my opponents, unemployment, lack of money, lack of an ability to care for myself, are opponents that I cannot hit. They're smoke, illusive and ephemeral and they kill with a thousand tiny cuts.
I don't want to go out like that.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
TIME's 50 Best Inventions: No-Punt Offense (Was Belichick Right?)
I came across TIME's "50 Best Inventions of 2009" from a couple weeks ago and oddly enough it was during the week when many people were criticizing Bill Belichick for going for it on fourth down and two yards from their own 28. One of the 50 best inventions, which I don't believe should have made the list, was the "no-punt offense":
Kevin Kelley, coach of the Pulaski Academy football team in Little Rock, Ark., has called for only a single punt in the past two years. Like a seasoned gambler, Kelley has figured out that punting on fourth and long near your own end zone decreases the odds of the other team's scoring by only a relatively slim amount. So going for it will pay off in the long run: Pulaski won a state championship last year and is in the hunt this year too.
So it seems Belichick was right.
UPDATE: Following up with a search, it seems ESPN's Bill Simmons uncovered more statistics behind the seemingly no-brainer call Belichick didn't make.
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This Yamaha Home Theater receiver is 110 volts, 120 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, and 240 volts compatible for world wide use. It will work anywhere in the world with Pal, NTSC or Secam video signals.
An impressive combination of first-class audio performance and versatile functionality. Yamaha's RX-A1010 delivers a host of premium features with 7.2 channel surround sound.
With a vast selection of entertainment sources available today, connectivity is essential. The RX-A1010 combines Ethernet connectivity for sources such as Internet radio and PC music streaming, while also allowing control via an iPhone, along with premium audio and video performance
Works anywhere in the world.
Pal / Secam / NTSC support
HDMI Input and Output
AVENTAGE AV Receivers: Designed to Deliver the Highest Levels of Audio Performance
Aluminium Front Panel Offers Visual and Aural Benefits
Anti Resonance Technology (A.R.T.) Wedge and symmetrical power amplifier layout
Rigid chassis with additional bottom frames
110W x 7 (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch driven)
Access to Internet Radio, Streaming Services and music files on PC
AV Controller app for iPhone and iPad, etc
AV Controller application for Android devices
1080p-compatible HDMI: 8 inputs (1 on front) and 2 output
Front panel USB Digital Connection for iPod and iPhone
Advanced multi-language GUI on-screen display with album art
YPAO sound optimization with multi-point measurement
HDMI CEC with versatile control from AV Receiver remote control
HD Audio decoding with CINEMA DSP 3D (17 DSP programmes)
Versatile Zone control
Uncompromising Performance
Evident in almost every element of the AVENTAGE Series, nothing has been left to chance to ensure uncompromised performance from each model. From the chosen components, to their position within the amplifier, to the final sound tuning, everything within an AVENTAGE model plays a role in delivering a finished product that is greater than the sum of its parts. A product befitting of the AVENTAGE badge.
iPod/iPhone Dock Included
Yamaha's YDS-12 iPod dock, shipped with every AVENTAGE receiver, provides full integration with an iPod or iPhone, allowing music, photos and even videos to be played from the iPod/iPhone through the home entertainment system.
Anti Resonance Technology Wedge
Any cabinet vibration has the potential to damage the integrity of the audio signal. To make absolutely sure the receiver chassis does not vibrate or resonate in any way, Yamaha developed a new approach – the Anti Resonance Technology Wedge. By adding a 5th leg in the centre of the unit to support the power transformer, power transistors and heat sinks, vibrations are further dampened, preventing unwanted 'colouration' of the sound.
Aluminium Front Panel Offers Visual and Aural Benefits
All of the AVENTAGE components feature the same sleek, clean design, with an elegant aluminium front panel and silky touch volume/selector knobs. The aluminium front panel is used to effectively shield sensitive circuitry from external noise and electronic radiation generated by dimmer switches, fluorescent lighting, video monitors and so on. This ensures optimum sonic performance in the widest range of installation environments.
Symmetrical Power Amplifier Layout
This is just one of the many design details that all combine to create a superior receiver. The interior of the unit has been precisely planned, circuit-routed and built so that the left and right channels are physically and electrically isolated. This naturally maximises channel separation, but also greatly improves signal to noise ratio and also helps to achieve a wide, open sound stage.
High Quality Parts Allow Sound Tuning for Optimum Performance
Every single part in an AV receiver affects the sound quality. For the AVENTAGE models, we took extra time to find (or develop) exactly the parts we wanted, and to test them together in prototype units. This testing process allows our sound technicians to in effect "tune" the receiver's sound in order the achieve the highest performance possible.
Other Notable Audio Features
• 7-channel powerful surround sound
1,190W = 170W x 7 (4 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9 % THD, 1 ch driven)
770W = 110W x 7 (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.06 % THD, 2 ch driven)
• HD Audio format decoding: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• Heat sink with anti-vibration and anti-thermal properties
• Rigid chassis with additional bottom frames
• DAC on Pure Ground circuitry
• High speed thermal feedback power amplifier
• Ultra low jitter PLL circuitry helps optimise sound imaging
• Detachable Power Cable for easier installation (also allows cable upgrade)
• Assignable amplifiers for bi-amp connection
• Intelligent assignable amplifiers for Surround Back - Front Presence or Zone 2
HDMI with 3D and Audio Return Channel
3D means the receiver can handle 3D signal data. The Audio Return Channel function enables data to be sent and received via the same HDMI cable, so you can hear the sound from the TV via a single HDMI cable, with no need for an extra optical cable.
Analogue and HDMI Video Upscaling to Full HD 1080p
This AV Receiver will upscale video signals up to 1080p. This means a much better picture with HDTVs capable of 720p, 1080i or 1080p resolution.
High Quality Video Processing with Edge Adaptive Deinterlacing
In ordinary deinterlacing, pixels in areas of movement are interpolated by upper and lower ranges. This causes jaggies in diagonal lines. Edge adaptive deinterlacing detects the direction of the line and interpolates the pixels optimally.
Other Notable Video Features
• 1080p-compatible HDMI: 8 inputs (1 on front) and 2 outputs (simultaneous)
• Supports Deep Colour (30/36 bit), x.v.Colour, 24Hz Refresh Rate and Auto Lip-Sync compensation
• Multi-cadence (incl. 3-2 pull-down) detection
Network Functions
This AV receiver provides a variety of network functions that enable you to access more sources and also enhance operation. You can connect the receiver to a PC to enjoy Internet Radio and Napster, and use a Web Browser Control. The AV Controller app lets you control various functions from your iPhone or iPad, etc.
AV Controller App for Easy, Convenient Operation
This AV Receiver lets you use the Yamaha AV Controller app that is downloadable from the iTunes App Store to control power on/off and volume, select input and DSP modes and operate other functions from an iPhone, iPad and other devices. An Android application is also available.
USB Digital Connection for iPod and iPhone on the Front Panel
A USB port on the front panel allows convenient connection of an iPod/iPhone, which also charges when connected. Because the digital signal from the iPod/iPhone is transmitted directly to the AV receiver, there is no signal loss or interference, so you enjoy the best possible sound quality. In addition, you can use the receiver's remote control unit to operate the iPod/iPhone music playback functions.
YPAO Sound Optimisation with Multi-Point Measurement
YPAO analyses the room acoustics and adjusts various audio parameters for optimum sound from your listening position, and lets you set up to eight positions. It's like having a professional installer calibrate your system.
Extra-convenient SCENE PLUS
The SCENE PLUS function simplifies operation by providing one touch power-on along with selection of the desired source and the appropriate DSP programmes. SCENE PLUS offers a choice of 12 SCENE selections, four of which can be assigned to the second zone in a multi-zone system. SCENE PLUS can be selected from the front panel, remote control, GUI and even from the iPhone app.
HDMI CEC for Easy Operation
Another benefit of HDMI is the availability of CEC functionality. When the unit is connected to a CEC compatible TV, it will turn on and off together with the TV, and you can use the TV remote to control the volume. CEC also provides advanced functionality with other components. For example, you can use the receiver's remote unit to control player functions like Skip and Stop.
*All connected devices must be HDMI CEC compatible. Some CEC compatible TVs/players may not work.
Input Selection in HDMI Standby Through Mode
When the AV receiver is in HDMI Standby Through mode, the input source (Blu-ray™ Disc player, game console, etc.) for viewing on the monitor can be changed via the remote control. There's no need to turn on the AV receiver in order to switch sources.
Advanced Multi-Language GUI On-Screen Display
Yamaha's latest Graphical User Interface has a high resolution display with clear, easy-to-use menus and also includes a selectable Status Bar that shows input source, volume level, DSP mode and audio format. The GUI provides a choice of six languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish, and can be displayed over both normal and 3D pictures.
Intelligent Amp Assign
Intelligent Amp Assign automatically assigns amplifier channels to certain speakers, depending on what functions are selected. For example, in a 7.1-channel system, when Zone 2 is off, all 7.1 channels will be used in the Main Zone. However, when Zone 2 is on, power to the two Surround Back channels will be directed to the two speakers in Zone 2, and the Main Zone will receive 5.1 channels of power. Similarly, when CINEMA DSP 3D is on, the two Front Presence speakers will be powered and not the two Surround Back speakers. When CINEMA DSP 3D is off, this situation is reversed. Thanks to Intelligent Amp Assign, there's no need to switch the speaker cables on the rear of the receiver—one more way Yamaha makes your life a little easier.
Other Notable Advanced Features
• HDMI front panel input for devices such as camcorders and digital cameras
• DLNA 1.5 certified
• Flexibly assignable component video and optical/coaxial (except Video Aux) inputs allow a wide range of source components
• iPod/iPhone compatibility with optional YDS-12 Universal Dock
• iPod/iPhone song titles displayed in English and Western European languages on the front panel and on-screen display
• Wireless connection for iPod/iPhone with optional YID-W10
• Dialogue Lift
• Preset remote unit (Learning remote unit in some areas)
• Background video feature (for tuner, Net and USB)
HD Audio with CINEMA DSP 3D and Virtual Presence Speaker
CINEMA DSP 3D provides a wide, high and dense sound field. HD Audio format decoding lets you enjoy HD Audio sources. Virtual Presence Speaker delivers 3-dimensional sound without actual use of presence speakers.
Compressed Music Enhancer
When music is encoded into a digitally compressed format like MP3, the frequency response suffers. Yamaha's Compressed Music Enhancer employs sophisticated digital signal processing using exclusive algorithms to restore what was lost, so the music always sounds the way it should.
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
Adaptive DRC automatically adjusts the dynamic range of the sound according to the volume level. This ensures that you hear clear dialogue and vocals, and all sound effects at comfortable levels. There is no need to adjust the volume level as you listen; everything from whispers to big explosions will be heard clearly and comfortably at the same volume setting. It also tones down loud TV commercials, and is ideal for low-volume, late-night listening, when you do not want to disturb others.
Other Notable Surround Realism
• Channel expandability with external amplifier (7-channel expandability, bi-amping)
• Adaptive DSP Level
• Zone 2 on/off and control on front panel
• Zone 2 video assign (Component, S-Video, Composite)
• System Backup / Recovery function
• Multi-channel output in main Zone plus 2-channel HDMI output in a second Zone
• Zone mono, Zone volume, tone controls and balance
• Party mode
Selectable Auto Power Down
Auto Power Down lets you save energy by selecting to turn off the power after 4, 8 or 12 hours.
Low Standby Power Consumption
Yamaha makes its receivers eco-friendly with a low standby power consumption of 0.3W (2W in HDMI Standby Through mode).
Windows7 Compatible
Made for iPod and iPhone
"Made for iPod and iPhone" means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Yamaha AV Receivers are the perfect control centers for a home entertainment network. Their network functions include support for FLAC 96/24 (high quality lossless format), compatibility with Windows7 and DLNA 1.5 (for finding and playing digital sources) and web browser control from a PC or PDA.
VIRTUAL Presence Speaker
Virtual Presence Speaker mode provides the 3D sound without front presence speakers. Tell customers that the best way to enjoy 3D movies at home is with sound from a Yamaha AV Receiver equipped with CINEMA DSP 3D.
DTS HD Master Audio
DTS-HD Master Audio is an advanced lossless audio technology developed for high-definition disc-based media including Blu-ray Disc. Selected as an optional audio standard for Blu-ray Disc, this technology delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, offering a high-definition home theater experience. Supporting bitrates up to 24.5 Mbps for Blu-ray Disc, DTS-HD Master Audio can carry up to 7.1 discrete channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio simultaneously. Supported by HDMI version 1.3 and designed for the optical disc players and AV receivers/amplifiers of the future, DTS-HD Master Audio also remains fully compatible with the
existing multichannel audio systems that incorporate DTS Digital Surround.
DTS is a registered trademark and the DTS logos, Symbols, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio are trademark of DTS, Inc.
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby TrueHD is an advanced lossless audio technology developed for high-definition disc-based media including Blu-ray Disc. Selected as an optional audio standard for Blu-ray Disc, this technology delivers sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, offering a high-definition home theater experience. Supporting bitrates up to 18.0 Mbps, Dolby TrueHD can carry up to 8 discrete channels of 24-bit/96 kHz audio simultaneously. Dolby TrueHD also remains fully compatible with the existing multichannel audio systems and retains the metadata capability of Dolby Digital, allowing dialog normalization and dynamic range control.
Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industrysupported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. Providing an interface between any source (such as a set-top box or AV receiver) and an audio/video monitor (such as a digital television), HDMI supports standard, enhanced or high-definition video as well as multichannel digital audio using a single cable. HDMI transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements. When used in combination with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), HDMI provides a secure audio/video interface that meets the security requirements of content providers and system operators. For further information on HDMI, visit the HDMI website
at "http://www.hdmi.org/".
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
This unit is equipped with a USB port that allows you to enjoy WAV (PCM format only), MP3 and WMA audio files from a USB memory device (USB flash drive).
With most AV components, watching or listening to what you want requires a number of steps. You have to turn on the AV component, turn on another component like a DVD player, select the source, select the surround mode and then press play. But with Yamaha's SCENE feature all you need to do is press one button. Both components turn on, the correct DSP setting is made, and play begins. This SCENE function allows you to change input sources and sound field programmes with one button. Four SCENE buttons are available for different usages, such as playing movies or music.
This unit allows you to configure a multi-zone audio system. The Zone2 feature allows you to set this unit to reproduce separate input sources in the main zone and the second zone (Zone2). You can control this unit from the second zone using the supplied remote control.
Yamaha has developed a natural, realistic sound effect DSP algorithm for headphones. Parameters for headphones have been set for each sound field so that accurate representations of all the sound field programs can be enjoyed on headphones.
Compressed Music Enhancer
Yamaha employs sophisticated digital signal processing with exclusive algorithms to enable playback that improves the performance of compressed music formats, including MP3 and WMA. With the Compressed Music Enhancer, highs and especially lows are richer and smoother, bringing music back to life to be as close to the original as possible.
YPAO Automatic System Calibration
Yamaha's YPAO system uses a small microphone and sophisticated equalization to automatically set the best sound for any room, no matter where the speakers are. First it checks the speaker connections and phase of each speaker. Then it sends out tones which are captured by the microphone to analyze the room acoustics and sets a variety of parameters, such as the speaker size, the distance of the speakers and even the sound pressure level, etc. Until it achieves the best sound conditions for your room and you don't have to do anything!
DLNA Technology
The DLNA Certification and Logo Program: (a) ensures that all relevant mandatory formats and features are supported by the products, and (b) confirms interoperability between devices in support of mandatory formats and features.
DLNA Certified is a trademark of the Digital Living Network Alliance.
CINEMA DSP 3D mode
The actually measured sound field data contain the information of the height of the sound images. CINEMA DSP 3D mode achieves the reproduction of the accurate height of the sound images so that it creates the accurate and intensive stereoscopic sound fields in a listening room.
|Amplifier Section
|Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven)
|170W (4ohms, 0.9% THD)
|Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven)
|110W (8ohms, 0.06% THD)
|Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (JEITA)
|165 W (8 ohms, 10 % THD)
|Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms)
|Surround Sound Processing
|Yes (3D)
|DSP Programs
|Compressed Music Enhancer
|Virtual Presence Speaker
|Dialogue Lift
|SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP
|Dolby TrueHD
|Dolby Digital Plus
|Dolby Pro Logic IIx
|DTS-HD Master Audio
|Audio Features
|Pure Direct
|YPAO multi-point measurement
|Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
|Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting
|A.R.T. Wedge
|Bi-amp capability
|Audio Delay
|Yes (0-250 ms)
|192kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
|Yes (Burr-Brown)
|Video Features
|HDMI 3D passthrough
|HDMI Audio Return Channel
|Component upconversion
|HDMI upscaling
|Yes (Analog to HDMI / HDMI to HDMI)
|Deep Colour/x.v.Colour/24Hz Refresh Rate /Auto Lip-Sync
|Extensive Connection
|HDMI Input/Output
|8 (front 1) / 2 (Simultaneous)
|Yes (SCENE, Device control)
|USB Input
|iPod/iPhone, USB Memory, Portable Audio Player
|Network Port
|Napster (for USA/Canada/UK/Germany only), vTuner Internet Radio
|Dock Port
|Front AV Input
|HDMI/USB/Analog Audio/Optical/Composite/S video
|Digital Audio Input/Output: Optical
|4 (front 1) / 1
|Digital Audio Input/Output: Coaxial
|3 / 0
|Analog Audio Input/Output
|10 (front 1) / 1
|Phono Input
|Component Video Input/Output
|4 / 1
|S-Video Input/Output
|5 (front 1) / 1
|Composite Video Input/Output
|5 (front 1) / 1
|Multi-Channel Input
|Headphone Output
|Tuner Section
|FM/AM Tuner
|User Interface
|On-screen display
|Graphical User Interface
|SCENE PLUS (12 sets)
|App Control
|Web Browser Control
|Remote Control Unit
|Yes (Learning)
|Zone Control
|Zone 2 Audio Output
|Powered Zone
|Zone 2
|Zone Video Output
|RS-232C Interface
|+12V Trigger Output
|Remote (IR) Input/Output
|1 / 1
|Party Mode
|Standby Power Consumption (IR only)
|Dimensions (W x H x D)
|435 x 182 x 432 mm
|15.1 kg


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image found here
When we were down in Florida last week, my mom had me watch the New York Times video on no-knead perfect bread that seems to be all the buzz. Why is this bread so special? It boils down to the standard recipe of water + flour+ yeast+ salt with a slight variation on preparation and how it is baked to deliver European bakery style bread every time. I post this because a.] we are hot-dense-chewy bread-with-a-crunch-on-the-crust connoisseurs...and you may be, too b.] it justifies my two year longing to purchase a la creuset iron castware pot c.] the power of a video to inspire, inform and delight.
The written article served a purpose, but the video gave me the sense I was getting an informal, personal baking lesson from one of New York's best. As we do more commercial film work for websites and promotion, we are so fortunate get opportunities to document a 'day in the life' of so many diverse industries and fascinating entrepreneurs-not unlike this video visiting Sullivan Street Bakery.
In this case, the power of video simply brought me one step closer to the perfect loaf of bread. Mangia!
{erica + mike}


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Never did any!
And Earl wanted to share a quick acrostic poem today:
Be sure to stop to smell the flowers and have a happy day:@)
Amen Sister-I have pulled a thousand weeds today. More to do. Plus I cut grass..with a push mower. Am I thin? Absolutely not. hugs, OliveReplyDelete
oh, i love that s.p.r.i.n.g. and i ALWAYS love seeing earl!ReplyDelete
Hey Earl...you're looking good in those daffodils.
Lynn, you must hurt in places you never thought you could!
I know I did last time I worked in the garden. :)
Relax this evening and enjoy those flowers!
Earl looks so cute in the daffodils and he always make me smile. I love the s.p.r.i.n.g poem, Nature Girl!ReplyDelete
I like that. sandieReplyDelete
The daffodils look good on Earl! I'm a Nature Girl also. Love the poem!ReplyDelete
Nice job defining SPRING. It is always fun to play with words.ReplyDelete
Ibuprofen has become our new best friend, now that weeding season is here :) It's nice to know we're not alone.ReplyDelete
I am feeling the SPRING too. Mowed and weeded yesterday but still so much more to do. Tomorrow will be warmer then cold again :)ReplyDelete
Good to see you and Earl!ReplyDelete
Oh how true it is ... gardened all day yesterday ... aching knees today ! ( still worth it all ...love the garden I do )ReplyDelete
This cracked me up! Yes the Spring is so hard on our bodies!!
Now, Earl is looking real cute there!! Alleve is my drug of choice, the backs of my legs are in soooooo much pain!!!ReplyDelete
It is the reason why I have a love/hate relationship with the spring! I already have lots of weeds!! xoReplyDelete
Ibuprofen gets a lot of use at my house, too! Gardening has never been a light activity in my book. =)
Cute post!
I will be doing that "light activity" tomorrow..I'll be sure to have Ibuprofen handy. xoReplyDelete
AMEN to that sister!!! I got achy just spring cleaning the deck and patio areas. I don't even want to tell you how I feel after lawn work.ReplyDelete
I have to agree with Earl. Gardening is so hard on my knees that I've gone to planting large pots!! LOL!
That is so true, LOL! Very clever :)ReplyDelete
We were in Florida all last week and it rained buckets in Illinois while we were gone. So, we came home to flowers blooming, shrubs with buds and thick, lush grass. It was gorgeous for one day. Yesterday the rain started, somewhere between 2-3 inches and this morning it was in the low 30's with flurries! It is pretty, but too cold and wet to enjoy it yet! We are going to need lots of Advil when we can finally get outside and get busy!ReplyDelete
No kidding! Last summer I would really, really ache every time after I gardened. I told hubby I am getting too old to pull weeds. I guess I just never use any of those muscles on a regular basis.ReplyDelete
Earl has reminded me that I actually need to get into shape before gardening time actually gets here. Which means it isn't here yet...which means I still have time...ReplyDelete
Cute! I agree! I did some weeding today and it just about did me in! It can be a workout!
Hi Lynn and Earl,
that remind me to have some work not already done. My garden is crying for help.
Best greetings, Johanna
Pretty daffodils! Hope the Ibuprofen helped. Time to get into gardening shape after winter. Always a challenge!ReplyDelete
Spring planting also requires Zyrtec! Lots of yellow stuff here and not daffies :)ReplyDelete
Happier than a pig in daffodils! :-) So cute, Lynn.
I'm checking in to see if all is well in your world. I hadn't seen a post from you for a few days and got concerned. Hope you are well. Earl, too.


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Andrew Young- Hate Criminal or Victim
Last week we saw the "pressured" resignation of Andrew Young from his post as chief promotion man for the Wal-Mart Corporation. The reason for his resignation was a case of "hoof in mouth" disease when in an interview for a Los Angeles paper he stated the following:
"Well, I think they should... I think they've ripped off our communities enough. First it was Jews, then it was Koreans and now it's Arabs; very few black people own these stores."
In context Young was responding to criticism that he supports Wal-Mart because they are evil. The alleged evil, among others, is that they (Wal-Mart), have put many so-called "mom & pop" stores out of business. In other words, how could Andrew Young support a corporation that is guilty of this? To further put this into context we must remember that Young was being interviewed in a Black newspaper (The Los Angeles Sentinel) and directing his remarks at black readers and black detractors. Young's reaction was to say, why are you concerned about this now? His point, in this context, is, why are you, (Black America) siding against Wal-Mart on the grounds that they have put mom & pop stores out of business. Many, if not most, of these stores were operated by Jews, then Koreans, and now Arabs and have made their communities wealthy. Who was crying foul, where was the evil, when these ethnic groups entered our communities and put our own (Black owned) "mom & pop" stores out of business? Where was your outrage then? Can I hear you?
Having said this let me say a few things before I go on. I think that Andrew Young failed to use the brilliant mind he has in this instance. He should have known better. I believe that he felt that he was among a friendly audience and free to speak from the heart, free from political correctness and the thought police. In today's politically correct society, however, one must always be aware of the affect their words may have when magnified by a hostile liberal press. He, however, learned that when you align yourself with the perceived devil, there is no safety from liberal attack. No one is free from that. Young should have couched his words in code, such as, "certain other people groups have entered out community. These people groups have benefited from the Black economy to our detriment. Why are we now upset that these people groups have been harmed, when we should have been upset when they harmed us?" But he didn't.
Let me also say that I do not hold any malice toward or find fault with Jewish, Asian or Arab entrepreneurs and their success. They have done nothing wrong. They have understood the American free enterprise system and the core of Adam Smith's, The Wealth of Nations far better than we have. I commend them for their understanding the laws of economy. We can soon add Hispanics to that list as well. These people groups have managed to capture the America Dream as we as Black America seem to have failed to.
There is much I could say about this entire story and issue, but rather than focus on the negative aspects, and there are many, I want to direct us in a positive direction. To do this we need to take a trip back in time about 111 years.
Interestingly enough, yet tragically, Booker T. Washington understood this and had a prophetic vision of what would occur if we did not take certain steps, including forming the National Negro Business League, at the beginning of the last century. He left us a promise and warning to both white and black.
To those of the white race who look to the incoming of those of foreign birth and strange tongue and habits for the prosperity of the South, were I permitted I would repeat what I say to my own race, "Cast down your bucket where you are." Cast it down among the eight millions of Negroes whose habits you know, whose fidelity and love you have tested in days when to have proved treacherous meant the ruin of your firesides. Cast down your bucket among these people who have, without strikes and labour wars, tilled your fields, cleared your forests, builded your railroads and cities, and brought forth treasures from the bowels of the earth, and helped make possible this magnificent representation of the progress of the South. Casting down your bucket among my people, helping and encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds, and to education of head, hand, and heart, you will find that they will buy your surplus land, make blossom the waste places in your fields, and run your factories.
To those of my race who depend on bettering their condition in a foreign land or who underestimate the importance of cultivating friendly relations with the Southern white man, who is their next-door neighbor, I would say: "Cast down your bucket where you are"— cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded.
Cast it down in agriculture, mechanics, in commerce, in domestic service, and in the professions. And in this connection it is well to bear in mind that whatever other sins the South may be called to bear, when it comes to business, pure and simple, it is in the South that the Negro is given a man's chance in the commercial world, and in nothing is this Exposition more eloquent than in emphasizing this chance. Our greatest danger is that in the great leap from slavery to freedom we may overlook the fact that the masses of us are to live by the productions of our hands, and fail to keep in mind that we shall prosper in proportion as we learn to dignify and glorify common labour, and put brains and skill into the common occupations of life; shall prosper in proportion as we learn to draw the line between the superficial and the substantial, the ornamental gewgaws of life and the useful. No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.
Booker T. Washington- Atlanta Exposition Speech 1895
I have reversed the order of these paragraphs for affect, and although Dr. Washington was directing this particular speech to the residents of the South, his admonition was to the entire nation. Later he would reiterate his warning when he said:
--Economic independence is the foundation of political independence...we must act in these matters before others from foreign lands rob us of our birthright...Land ownership is the foundation of all wealth.--
--No matter how small how small the piece of land you occupy you have got to get the most out of the soil; or somebody else will crowd you out. The same is true in regard to labor, commercial business and education. If we do not develop the talents in these respects to the very highest degree, somebody, some other nation will crowd in upon us and we shall not be able to hold our own.—
While he foresaw the entrance of immigrants into this nation and the challenge it would present, Booker T. Washington did not fear that challenge, rather he welcomed it. Here is the key:
--A few thousand strong, sturdy, thrifty foreigners in each county will go far toward quickening our energy and sharpening our wits, by bringing their healthy competition, which is very much needed in many sections of the south. Our salvation is to be found not in our ability to keep another race out of our territory, but in our learning to get as much out of the soil, out of the occupation, or business, as any other race can get out of theirs.--
In summation, I do not think that Andrew Young is a "Hate Criminal." I would be willing to bet that he, like me, highly respects and marvels at the business savvy of other races. At the same time he is awakening to the fact that our own race is so challenged in that area. He was simply frustrated at the way we have been conditioned to think by people who do not have our own best interests in mind. That frustration led to his speaking from his frustration and not his reason. Andrew Young had half of it right. We should not worry about how competition has affected certain other people groups. Those same people groups certainly did not worry about how competition and moving into our areas would affect us. Young also understands, although this message is lost in all of the anger at Wal-Mart, that Wal-Mart and others like them, actually offers us a new door to success and prosperity. By bringing commerce, jobs, and revenue back into our communities that has left. Yes, they are hundreds or thousands of part time jobs. But they are part time jobs where there were no jobs. Large tax revenues where there were little or no tax revenues. This is and really should not be about Wal-Mart. It is about our communities and a thriving black economy.
I am not a propagandist for Wal-Mart; I do not care if it is Wal-Mart, Target, or any large corporation. My point is that we need to worry about elevating our communities and if a large corporation is willing to build in our communities and bring jobs and revenue there, I am for it. Instead of fighting it, I suggest we seek to maximize the benefit and look for ways to enhance every bit of that revenue potential.
In closing I leave you with one more BTW quote:
--while the world may pity a crying, whining race, it seldom respects it--
For an in depth look at the thought, writings, speeches and articles by and on Booker T. Washington, I recommend the book- The Booker T. Washington Chronicles, from Phoenix Publications. You may order it directly from Phoenix Publications, or receive it from us for any tax deductible donation of $20 or more to the Booker T. Washington Inspirational network. I promise that this book will change your life.
Eddie Huff-Executive Director
Booker T. Washington Inspirational Network


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go there 2 1/2 years after IKE. But I am sad we don't get to go to Exuma this summer. Our 15 year old son is going to be in Drivers Ed and my mom has arthritis in her hips . . . I don't think she could get in and out of the boat. We need to get her meds right to help her with the pain. My mother in law is doing better . . . I think she would love to go to Exuma again - maybe next summer.. Anyway - here is a picture of my mother in law at Sandy Cay in 2009.
I have been putting back all my sand-dollars, shells, sea biscuits, sea fans and little drift wood after the remodel ~ I love looking at all my beautiful sea treasures that I found in Exuma.
I think about Exuma every day.


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Just realised I've not blogged or rambled much about running lately, so here's a little update but first of all, here's my super healthy breakfast to impress you with:
I must admit I've taken running a little easier than normal since the Milton Keynes 2012 marathon having kept myself ticking over with a 7.5 mile run at the weekend and one or two shorter runs on weekdays if I get the chance. Now that the summer is starting to fade I've got my eye on a couple of races in the autumn and will need to start stepping up the mileage for these. So two days ago I did my 7.5 mile run, then 4 miles yesterday and both involved huffing and puffing up a couple of steep hills (this is a brilliant thing to do) but today I turned back early. This is something I seldom ever do.
Why? After a mile or two I could feel my knees complaining a little and the last thing I wanted to do is cause an injury. I know from past experience I normally need a days' rest between runs to recover. This is me rationalising it. Building mileages up slowly is the key here and it applies to new as well as more experienced runners. But don't worry, I've been clocking up a good few miles on the bike including some commutes to the office - 42 miles round trip.
Okay, it's breakfast time. Just in case you're wondering what's in store for me.... "a bowl of gravel" as Rachel puts it so lovingly. It really is mega healthy although fellow blogger Natasha and her The Nourishing Road is often urging us to eat more fat. My gravel, today, contains muesli, wheat germ, ground flaxseed, a few sunflower and pumpkin seeds, a nectarine and some natural yogurt. No milk, just mixed with tap water to soften the gravel a little. My smoothie today is pineapple, apple, banana and coconut millk.


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Call Me, Maybe
by Ellie Cahill
Releasing February 9, 2016
I have to say this it the first read of Ellie Cahill and she brought out some emotions in me. I wanted to seriously choke the heroine. Whiny rich girls are not my thing. I hate (HATE) whiny rich women more. So hence the 4star Whine.
I could feel through the whole read. Whether is was frustration at the lies, deception, partial truths, or what-ever one wants to call them. I had strong emotions running throughout this read. That is number one for me when I read. If the author can make me feel things no matter the emotion. I am going to enjoy the ride that I am taken on.
Clementine is known as the black sheep in her family but she still harbored rich girl tendencies. I would not really call it black sheep but exerting her difference of opinion from her family until she feels the need to live up to the family name. This may have been the best decision of her life. In walks the sexy Justin.
But there seems to be truth missing from the communication. There is all feeling and connection without the aspect of honesty. The delight of the text, the sexiness of the voice on the line, the lure of possibly reconnecting. All leads to an emotional filled journey toward making that life choice that is all your own.
Call Me, well of course you have my phone. Maybe is not an option. More is needed.
**This ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
"Ellie Cahill is definitely one to watch!" raves bestselling author Cora Carmack, and this steamy, upbeat modern romance about connecting in all the best ways proves it once again.
Clementine Daly knows she's the black sheep. Her wealthy, powerful family has watched her very closely since she almost got caught in an embarrassing scandal a few years ago. So when Clementine's sent on a mission to live up to the Daly name, politely declining isn't an option. Of course, the last thing she does before boarding the plane is to grab a stranger's phone by mistake—leaving the hunky journalist with her phone. Soon his sexy voice is on the line, but he doesn't know her real name, or her famous pedigree—which is just the way Clementine likes it.
Despite all the hassles, Justin Mueller is intrigued to realize that the beautiful brown-eyed girl he met at the airport is suddenly at his fingertips. They agree to exchange phones when they're both back in town, but after a week of flirty texts and wonderfully intimate conversations, Justin doesn't want to let her go. The only problem? It turns out that Clemetine has been lying to him about, well, everything. Except for the one thing two people can't fake, the only thing that matters: The heat between them is for real.
Buy Links:
Amazon | B & N |Google Play| iTunes | Kobo
($25.00 Amazon eGift Card)
I pushed my fingers through my hair. My heart was full of a feeling I'd had waiting for my grandmother to come out of her hip replacement surgery three years ago. Which was ridiculous considering my phone could be replaced for a few hundred dollars. I could replace both of ours with a few phone calls and a swipe of my American Express.
"I'm really sorry," I repeated.
"Unless you did this on purpose, you can stop apologizing. We just have to deal with this."
"Right." I bit my lip.
"Who are you?" he asked.
My nerves jangled with familiar anxiety. But he had my phone. There was nothing I could do about it if he decided to play detective. Oh god, I'd worked so hard at keeping it clean. Had I missed anything? Anything that he could use? Finally, I said, "Clementine."
"Clementine?" he repeated with a tone of total disbelief. It was a typical reaction.
"I'm Justin. I'd say nice to meet you, but . . ."
"Yeah. Well, thanks for being cool about this, Justin."
"No problem. Do you mind if I give your number to a few people?"
It took me a moment to process what he meant. He still needed a phone, and for now, mine was all he had.
"No, that's fine. Go ahead. I don't really think I'll be getting many calls. Everyone knows I'm out of town."
"You can give my number to people if you need to."
"Same to you."
"Okay . . ." He faded, seeming uncertain. "I guess I'll just . . . get in touch with you if you get any messages."
"Um . . . I guess . . . I'll talk to you later then."
I disconnected, finding my brother staring at me. "Was he upset?" he asked.
"Yeah, but at least he wasn't a dick about it."
"Why don't you just have them both replaced? Tell him to go pick up a new phone at the nearest store."
"I thought of that, but maybe he doesn't have the cash to drop on a new one."
"So pay for it."
"People are weird about stuff like that. Besides, do you really think I should point out the fact that he has the personal phone numbers of some of the wealthiest people in the country? We have no clue who this guy is."
He made a face, but he knew I was right.
This was so so bad. My grandparents were going to kill me. "Oh my god, Honor, you have to call Grandma right away!"
He didn't even hesitate, just reached for his phone and dialed. He knew how it was. If she didn't hear that we were safe and sound very soon, she was going to start calling me. And the last thing the poor schmuck whose day I'd already ruined needed was to have Miriam Schulman-Daly hitting redial until she got a response.
"Don't tell her a stranger has it! Tell her I left it at home!" I added to Honor in a rush, tugging on his arm to make sure he was paying attention.
He waved me off, but I thought I could trust him to give me this small bit of cover. While I waited for Honor to explain the situation, the phone buzzed with a new text message from my line.
Sorry if I was a jerk on the phone. I'm frustrated.
I replied, You weren't. No apology necessary.
We're stuck with each other for now. An apology is definitely necessary.
I'm the one who should be giving it. My stupid brother grabbed the wrong phone.
All right, so we're mutually sorry and we can blame your brother, agreed?
I smiled. Who was this guy?
Buy Links:
Amazon | B & N |Google Play| iTunes | Kobo
Author Info
Ellie Cahill is a freelance writer and also writes books for young adults under the name Liz Czukas. She lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, son, and the world's loudest cat.
Author Links:
($25.00 Amazon eGift Card)


text: GYGG: "HTC's 7 inch tablet, the HTC Flyer is now available for pre order through Carphone Warehouse, a UK based electronics retailer. The tablet will run you £599.99 off contract, with no SIM-lock or agreement. This means that if you order it, you can slip in any sim card and it'll work as long as there is a data plan on it. Who needs another 2 year contract anyways?"


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Saturday, November 09, 2013
By John Andrew
Ford unveils EcoSport at Dubai Motor Show
With an objective of increasing its market share in Middle East Countries American Multination car making company Ford has displayed its highly acclaimed SUV EcoSport at Dubai International Motor Show. It would be interested to know that like other motor show's all major auto makers are unveiling new models and facelifts of their existing vehicles at Dubai International Motor Show and from this point of view Ford is not an exception to it as so far apart from displaying Ford EcoSport in event it has also displayed Fusion and Mustang.
It is rumored that Ford is now focusing mainly on Middle East and South African Countries to strengthen presence of its vehicles. The main reason behind this strategy is that vehicles of Ford are already performing good in other markets of world and therefore now as an expansion plans it has to now focus on those markets where its position is weak. According to reports company is also planning to launch 17 new more vehicles in these markets in next two years.
According to Mr. Stephen Odell, President, Ford Motors, said car markets in countries of Middle East and South Africa have huge potential of growth and therefore company wants to introduce new vehicles for customers in these countries. According to sales statistics sales of Ford and Lincoln in these countries have grown to 60 percent during last for years.
To know more about features available in Ford EcoSport in India read here.


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Monday, November 10, 2008
New Kanye West - "Heartless" (Mastered) - plus new version of the video
Heartless from kwest on Vimeo.
Download: Kanye West - "Heartless"
Download: Kanye West - "Love Lockdown" (via)
Yeezy has released new versions of previously released material. The first is a mastered version of his song "Heartless", which finds West continuing in his new, dark musical direction while actually rapping, and another version of "Love Lockdown", the first single from his upcoming 808s and Heartbreak. Additionally, there's the VIMEO version of the "Heartless" video, which is at the top of the post.
Cross-published on MFR
Posted by Jon at 8:26 AM
Labels: Kanye West, New Music
No comments:
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Friday, July 29, 2011
DaGeDar Review
What? How do you even pronounce that? DaGeDar (DAH-geh-DAAR). That was the comment from my oldest son when the package arrived in the mail.
Both boys waited as I opened the box to see what was inside. The boys wanted to dig right in and play.
Lets just say they were a hit! The kids played with them and I know this will be at the top of all the boys Christmas list this year. One of the things I found that was great as a mom, was that non of the DaGeDar items required batteries. When I am looking for a toy now days, I watch for non battery operated items most of the time. Also, the balls are great for trading, they can meet up with friends and trade them like cards.
It was great to see all the boys taking turns to see who could get their ball to land just right in the bowl.
Disclosure: I did receive DaGeDar balls, track & accessories from Mom Select. The opinions in this post are my own, and I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was asked by the parents of the other attending boys to not take pictures, which I will always gladly do. :)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Review & Giveaway! (Ends 8/5)
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Did you know the month of July is National Ice Cream Month? I didn't, of course I am so busy now days if I was told that I am sure it went in one ear and out the other. ;0)
I was recently given the opportunity to review a few new products from Blue Bunny, and they couldn't have come at a better time. Our little man, who turns three tomorrow just had surgery last week to remove his tonsils and adenoids. We all know what that meant for him, loads of ice cream, Jell-O, and anything soft I could get down him.
We were sent the Champ! Mini Swirls Vanilla Ice Cream Cones, Mini Variety Ice Cream Sandwiches, and the Champ! Mini Swirls Birthday Party Ice Cream Cones. These are the perfect size for our little man, as they fit just right in his hands. I think they will come in great for the perfect treat for his little friends at Daycare too.I do have to say that when I am on the ice cream isle at the store, I do not really have a certain brand that I get, but I had really never purchased or ate Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Now that we have tried these, we have fallen in love with them and we will be buying Blue Bunny Ice Cream.
WIN! One lucky Cin's Out Numbered and Loving It reader will receive Bunny Bucks, a coupon for purchase of one Blue Bunny packaged ice cream or frozen novelty! To enter tell me a Blue bunny product you'd love to get your hands on this summer season.
For extra entries:
· Follow me on Twitter @Cinoutnumbered
· Like Blue Bunny Ice Cream on Facebook
Make sure to leave an extra comment for each entry.
This giveaway is open to the USA only. This giveaway will end 8/5/2011 at midnight ET. The winner will be contacted by email and posted here when confirmed. Winners have 48 hours to respond or I have the right to pick a new winner. Good luck!
Disclosure: Thank you to Blue Bunny Ice Cream for this Review and Giveaway Opportunity! All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
The winner is: True Random Number Generator 1 13 8. Congratulations CRJ!!
Supernatural: The Anime Series DVD/ Blu-Ray
As life unfolds before us, way too often take things for granted. It wasn't until almost two months ago that something major happened to me. What happened shook my core; it made me really look at life in a new prospective. I think often people go about life way to fast; they don't take a moment to stop and smell the roses until it's too late. Or until something happens that makes them wake up and see things in a new light.
If my life was developed into a story, I would want it to be told on film. Yes, animation is very cool, as it has no boundaries. In an animation there is always room to come up with new ideas and even new characters. With my life it's real and that is how I would want it shown on film.Order your copy of Supernatural: The Anime Series on DVD or Blu-Ray here today!
Disclosure: "I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Anime Series on DVD/Blu-Ray."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Would You Do Anything For Your Family?
I think for the most of us we can say our family is the most important thing in our lives. At least for me it is, I can honestly say I would do anything for my family. My brother and I are six years apart and we grew up not so close. However now that we are older, we have become more close and willing to help out each other much as we can. He knows I am always here for him through thick and thin, including demons. Our demons are the ones the devil always sends, but I am always there to pray with him. We both know with God's help we will get through hard times.
Check out Supernatural: The Anime Series to see how the Winchester brothers come together!
Order your copy of Supernatural: The Anime Series on DVD or Blu-Ray here today!
Disclosure: "I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Anime Series on DVD/Blu-Ray."


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Dear Reader,
Last year I wrote a post on the simplicity of Christmas. And how it's important and all that.
This year I've been overwhelmed by Christmasy things. So much so that maybe...I'm not being simple enough.
It all started with the ward Christmas party. The youth were in charge of it, so that meant the leaders had to put it together and get the youth involved in some way. It was stressful and time-consuming. We made the centerpieces, and decorated the room, and put together the entertainment, and organized the food that was being served...I was thinking of like nothing else for weeks. Luckily it turned out:
Then one of my young women turned 16 this past weekend so I baked this cake:
And then I went to coworker Michelle's house to bake cookies.
A LOT of cookies.
I've also been decorating my house, Christmas style.
(I made this little nativity number out of construction paper and Popsicle sticks at the Highlights Holiday Open House a few weeks ago.)
PLUS the obligatory Christmas present shopping.
Pretty much Christmas hasn't even happened yet and I'm already exhausted. I think this is the opposite of taking things simple. Oh well. Better luck next year?...


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I'm sorry, I can't hear what you're trying to say
Whether you're a CEO getting ready to give a motivational speech, a doctor about to reveal your research results, or a best man nervous about the heartfelt words you're about to say as you give your best friend away, there is one thing in common – the need to be heard clear and loud. We at Kaleidoscope LTD know that part of what makes us such a unique event planning company is our attention to details, and acoustics are one of our top concerns.
Be sure to check out the acoustics of your event venue prior to closing with them in order to ensure that speeches of any sort will not be drowned out or echoed throughout the rooms. Things to keep an eye out are extra high ceilings, differentiated seating levels, and rooms that are not traditionally shaped.
If you have your heart set on a particular venue and the acoustics aren't exactly up to par, don't get disappointed just yet. Consult with a band tester, disk jockey (DJ), or even with the venue itself what your options are. These people are best equipped and experiences in these matters and will be able to work with you to ensure that your motivational speech, research results, or heartwarming words will be heard throughout.
Using facebook to promote your event
As a boutique event planning company specializing in corporate events, medical meetings, teambuilding and incentives and multimedia production, we understand the importance of utilizing all possible media outlets in order to market an event. A while ago we mentioned how to use twitter to market your event and today we want to talk a little bit about facebook.
Since Mark Zukerburg revolutionized the social media outlet, event management has shifted. Today all events can also promote their event, increase awareness and drive traffic to their event website by utilizing some nifty facebook event applications.
Here are our top three favorite applications that we want to share:
FundRazr: A great tool for those non-profit organizations planning an event, or those corporate events which want to promote a foundation or NGO.
EventBrite: A great little software tool for managing registration and participants
And of course youtube as a way to post snippets, teasers, trailors, and interactive videos to get the hype up for your event
Don't forget – if you need help creating multimedia tips, managing your participants, or planning your entire event, contact the Kaleidoscope team at firstname.lastname@example.com or check out our website at http://www.kldltd.com
Event Planning, Event Management, and Wikipedia
With the world slowly climbing out of the recession, event management, multimedia production, medical conferences, and corporate events are starting to pop up more often. We at Kaleidoscope are continuing our efforts to be green, financial responsible, and conscientious of our client and their needs by always staying up to date on the latest technologies and innovations. With the revamping of the industry we were happy to see that the wikipedia website has updated its database and has included Event Management in it's encyclopedia. Check out their article here at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_Management
As always, do not hesitate to contact us for ay of your event planning needs!
Welcoming the New Year
With 2010 coming to a close and 2011 on the brink, many companies, especially in the field of professional conference and event planning, are looking at the past financial crisis as history and eagerly welcoming the New Year. The industry of professional event planning – across all sectors – hit rock bottom at the end of 2009 and has slowly been rising during the past year. That being said, 2011 brings with it new challenges and prospects, but most certainly changes in the way meeting and conferences are planned and managed.
The term used most often by corporate, medical and private event planning companies is 'cautious optimism." Within the industry short term bookings are rising and conferences are being booked less time in advance. The first impact on this directly affects the vendors who must now provide the same good or service in much less time. Hotels have also been significantly impacted and now offer more lenient terms and exit-points in the contract.
As a boutique conference and event planning company, we at Kaleidoscope are experiencing these changes first hand. We have been receiving more requests for meetings taking place in shorter amounts of times, and we are adjusting to the new needs and demands of the market.
So what does this mean for the 2011 year?
More conferences, more meetings, more events, smaller groups, more exotic destinations, and shorter planning times, but all in all a good year.
Wishing everyone the best of luck and a merry holiday season!
Off-site venues and caterers
Hotels and conference centers are not the only venues that should be considered for an event. Venues come in all shapes and sizes and often the most out-of-the-box venues make the most spectacular events. In addition to choosing a venue there are many other considerations to be made such as catering, entertainment, and third party vendors. Fortunately, we at Kaleidoscope understand the pressure and the stress of picking out places and closing with vendors, and so we've compiled a list of questions you should ask yourself and potential vendors in order to ensure that on the day of your event there will be no surprises.
Questions to ask potential venues:
– What are the facility costs, and do they vary by season, hour, and day of the week?
– What is the cancellation policy?
– Does the venue have insurance? Is there an added cost for insurance? –
Is there parking available for guests? Is there an added cost? Is valet available?
– What kitchen and catering facilities and equipments are available for use and are they only available if an in-house caterer is used?
– Are there any decorative restrictions (such as lighting, fabric hanging and multimedia incorporations)
– What are the sound, lighting, and Av equipment that is available at the venue? What is included in the price and what has an extra cost added?
– Can the venue provide staffing for the event? If so, how many people and what are the costs? Make sure there is an engineer or AV specialists to prevent critical issues.
Questions to ask potential caterers:
– Are the chefs active in their field and up to date with continuous education in their specialty and in relation to the culinary world as a whole?
– Is there a separate cost for food, staff and equipment and transportation? What are the added taxes?
– Does the staff have banquet and event training and experience? Are there any specialists on the staff?
– What is the staff per person ratio? It is recommended (unless you are planning a VIP event) to have 1 waiter for 25-30 people if it is a sit down meal, and 1 for every 50 if it is a buffet style meal. –
Will the food be done at the company headquarters or at the venue? If at the venue, what equipment is needed?Of course there are just some of the many questions and concerns you should clarify with potential venues and vendors prior to closing with them.
If you have any additional questions and/or would like Kaleidoscope to help you out, contact us at email@example.com
How to conduct a site inspection
We here at Kaleidoscope strive to take the busy work out of your hands so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the event. However, if you're planning your event on your own, there are a few key things you should do – namely a thorough site inspection.
The term might scare some people but if you look at it as a fun mini-trip things could look a little bit different. The key to a well planned out site inspection is knowing in advance the venues you are interested in, and planning meetings and tastings with the venues themselves.
Here are some basic site-inspection guidelines you should follow:
Step 1: Know that what you see isn't what you get. The internet is the number one pitfall for beginners since may cities and many venues offer the same sleek images of the rooms and the surrounding areas. The best ay to know what you're going to get is to go and see it first hand.
Step 2: If you have a particular city in mind, contact their CVB (Conventions and Visitors Bureau) and they will be able to guide you towards venues and locations that might suit your needs. You will need to have an RFP (Request for Proposal) ready which is essentially a detailed breakdown of the room, AV equipment, meals and basic needs you have for your event.
Step 3: Once you narrow the venues you are interested in visiting, contact the event manager of the venue and set up your meetings. Include the dates during which you will be in the selected city and request to meet with the chef if you are also planning on using the venue for catering. If possible, request to see a meeting in action to get a better feel of what your event could look like.
Step 4: Bring a digital or recording camera for your inspection to make sure you capture the look and feel of the event so that when you get back home you can think things through without the hussle and bustle you'll be experiencing when on site.
Step 5: Explore and enjoy. The best way to know whether or not your participants will enjoy the city is to go out and see for yourself. Check out the local sites and excursions so you can recommend them when the event occurs.
Eat & Greet
Omelets with cheese, mushrooms or parsley? Asian inspired dim sum, sushi, or noodles? Whatever your choice is it doesn't matter, as long as you're making it by the food station.
The known benefit of a food station is its impact on the pocket, as food stations tend to be significantly less pricey than sit down dinners, however recently it has been discovered that this economic serving choice has much more benefit than what was originally bargained for. Standing food stations combine the benefits of choosing your own food as with a buffet but with the added option of customizing it and suiting it to your desires as with a served sit-down dinner, all the while maximizing networking and socialization.
It is suggested that guests be served appetizers in their seats (if available) and then be encouraged to wander between the food stations picking their desired foods. We at Kaleidoscope like to have fun with the food stations and often have different themes in accordance with cuisine or that tie in to the overall feel and vibe of the event.
The importance of maximizing socialization possibilities is not just for corporate and medical events. Private events and incentive meetings should also encourage guests to mingle – if not for business connections, then for personal enjoyment which will undoubtedly improve the overall mood. Standing food stations, or action stations as they are sometimes called, encourage guests to mingle and reduce the tension of professional relationships.
Some food stations that are often used include: sushi, tapas, sandwich, stir-fry, omelets, pasta, chicken, and carving. Have fun with your food and always encourage your guests to socialize.
For any additional ideas or advice, don't hesitate to contact us!


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Date published: 2018-02-13


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Got dressed, said good morning to my roommates Sarah and Sallie, and started to get gear together. The nice thing about Bighorn 100 is it's an 11am start. Plenty of time to wake up, eat, and get to the race start in Dayton, Wyoming (most people stay in Sheridan, which is a larger town and about 30 minutes away). The bad thing about Bighorn is that it's an 11 am start and there's plenty of time for me to think, "What have I gotten myself into? Again."
Sarah was a bottomless pit and scarfed down several waffles with syrup at the free breakfast buffet. I nibbled at a yogurt. "You really gotta eat one of these," she said. "They're delicious!" I went over to the waffle irons and almost gagged as I poured the batter on the hot iron. "I'll try," I said. And I did. I ate half a waffle, and kept it down.
We drove over to Dayton, and I handed off the keys to Sallie. She would be my pacer for the night section, and have the difficult job of keeping me awake in my witching hours. I said good luck to Sarah about a half dozen times and hugged her several times (I knew she would be in it for the win). She told me to "remember, you're out here running, doing the thing you love to do!" And I nodded, yes.
It's true, I love to run. Especially in the mountains. I'm not sure what it is about an event though, with about 200 people there all doing the same thing that makes me not enjoy it as much. I should enjoy it more, being around all those people that like to do what I like to do. My stomach was continually trying to convince me that I didn't want to be here and I continued to try and shrug it off. I counted 8 hours forward from when I had taken my Zofran and looked forward to the next dose.
I ran 8 minute-mile pace on the first couple miles of dirt road from the start. It was good. I smiled. We hit the Tongue River Trail along the river and I marveled at the rock formations above us and the rushing river below. "I wouldn't want to fall into that, " I thought to myself.
Then the climbing began. I'm not really sure how far it was to the top of the climb, but let's just say it was the better part of the day by the time we got to the first main aid station at mile 13.4. The wildflowers along the way were gorgeous. Despite my nausea, I had managed to eat 200-300 calories per hour and wolfed down some food at the aid station (mostly bananas and cantaloupe, which always help to settle my stomach). Sallie met me and smiled and said I was doing great, and I felt good about my 4 mph average pace.
I spent little time at Dry Fork Ridge aid station and cruised down the dirt road. There was a photographer hidden in the aspens in the shade, and I smiled and waved to him as he took my picture. At Cow Camp, mile 19.5, I ate more fruit and the aid station volunteer asked how I was doing. I told him my stomach had been upset for about 6 hours now. He gave me some warm ginger ale, which may have helped, despite it being totally gross because it was warm. I tried to think positive and remember that I was out here to enjoy a couple of days of running.
At about mile 24, suddenly, I felt a twinge in the outer aspect of my left knee. "What the crap?!?" (Actually, I said the f-word.) My chronic patello-femoral pain in my left knee was flaring. I had run 51 miles two weeks before and had no problems at all, and here I was, 6 hours into my event, and my knee hurt. Bad. Like "stab a knife in the outside of your knee" bad. Was my race over? I remembered what makes my knee feel bad (being cold and being bent). It wasn't cold, but as I assessed my knee, walking down the trail, I realized that my hamstrings and calf were quite stiff on that leg and forcing me to run on a bent knee, thereby straining my patellar ligaments. I stopped to stretch my calf and hamstring. It worked, and my knee felt better. As soon as my knee would even slightly ache again, I would stop and stretch. I did this about 4 or 5 times, every 5-10 minutes, and wondered to my self if I was going to have to do this for the entire race. I can't keep stopping to stretch for the next 75 miles! Was my race over?
As I was contemplating my knee, I realized that the anxiety that the situation had induced had allowed me to forget about my nausea. "Thank God for small favors." After stretching my knee several times, I was able to run for more than 15 minutes, and decided to continue. "I think I'm going to be ok, " I thought to myself. I was running down a ridge, enjoying the afternoon rays of sunshine bouncing off the Balsam Root flowers when my bladder spasmed. I stopped to pee and a little bit came out. Five minutes later, it happened again. I stopped to pee and not much came out. I kept running, and it happened again. "What the F?!? I have a bladder infection now?" I sat down in the wildflowers on the side of the trail and started to cry... I would have to drop at 30 miles. My race was looking like it was over.
Just then, two guys came along (Dave from South Carolina and Ferdinand, who had lived in Park City years ago). We chatted, and Dave told me about how he had dropped at mile 70 at another race because of the same exact bladder thing a few weeks ago. We assessed my condition: no kidney or back pain, clear, yellow urine, and no burning with peeing. Ferdinand told me that maybe I should just chill out at the next aid station, drink, eat, get ready for the night section and see how I felt. You never know... it might turn out ok.
So I ran into the Footbridge aid station at mile 30 and decided to do just that. Forgetting about my multiple reasons to be miserable, I busied myself with eating the most delicious Campbell's chicken noodle soup I have ever had (after spilling my noodles once, a nice aid station worker got me another cup), changing my clothes, changing my socks, throwing out my trash and replacing it with more yummy Honey Stinger chews, Kate's Tram Bars, string cheese, and Slim Jim jerky sticks. I drank some water, too, and refilled my bottles. I ate some bananas too.
As I was leaving Footbridge, the head EMT, Kyle, asked how I was doing. "OK, " I said. Then I explained to him that I had had one of the most challenging 30-milers I had ever run. "You're not convincing me to let you keep going, " he said. "Oh! but I'm a nurse practitioner. I would pull myself if I knew that my medical condition were dire, " I explained. "You're the worst kind, " he replied, and we both laughed. He told me to drink more water, made sure I had plenty of warm clothes, and after realizing that I had left my clear-lens glasses in my drop bag (I returned to retrieve them) he sent me on my way.
It was a beautiful amble up along the Little Bighorn River. The canyon was in the shadows, and it was nice to be out of the blaring sunshine. I knew the next aid station was about 5 miles away (because Kyle had said so), but I felt so good after being refueled at Footbridge that I ran almost this entire section. My watch beeped at me that it was going to die, and I prepared my second watch on my other wrist to take over when it did. After what seemed like only 2 miles, I was at the next aid station, Cathedral Rock. I smiled and said hello to the volunteers. Then I looked at the table, and nearly pounced on a bowl of jerky. "Looks like we might have helped to satisfy a craving, " one volunteer said. "Oh, so delicious, " I thought to myself. I wished I had taken two pieces (It was my favorite kind, Jack Links Original, if I'm not mistaken.) I asked for a cup of Sprite, and I was on my way.
My watch died and I started up the second watch. Somewhere on my way up to the next aid station at Spring Marsh, the three lead runners passed me. So amazing. Here I was at about mile 40, and they were at mile 56. I passed through Spring Marsh aid station and must have eaten something, although I don't remember it much. I do remember coming upon a grouping of tents and hoping that it was not just a few backpackers, and indeed it was the aid station.
Up, up, up the canyon still (I had been climbing steadily since Footbridge) the day turned to darkness and I dug my headlamp out of my pack. Coming up on Elk Camp aid station, mile 43.5, it was full-blackness of night, except for the crackling, warm fire. I looked over at that fire after grazing the buffet table that the volunteers had set up, and saw my buddy Mike. "Hi Mike. How's it going, " I said. "Well, not so good, but I'm sure things will turn around, " he replied. Seems that 10pm is Mike's witching hour, and no matter what he does, he hits a bit of a low point. Just then, our friend Dan came skipping (yes, literally skipping) through the aid station. "Dan! Hello!" I said. "Wait, which way are you headed?" I asked. "Down!" he replied. He had already been to the turn-around at mile 48. "Good for you! Have a great night!" I said.
I left Mike at Elk Camp and continued to climb up to the turn-around. "Sheesh, we just can't catch a break with the elevation gain, can we?" I thought to myself. But I realized a few things in those miles: my nausea was not gone, but was manageable, my knee felt good with the strap and knee warmer I had put on it, I was warm and awake, and I didn't have to pee every 5 minutes.
I got to the road crossing at mile 47 and knew I was close to the turn-around at Jaws. But I would have to go through a swamp-land of melting snow in the aspen groves first. I said hello to a bunch of my friends going the opposite direction, who were ahead of me on the route as they started their second 50 miles. We all were slipping and sliding around, and I missed my friend Sarah, but thought maybe I had seen her as we were both pirouetting through the mud and rocks.
I got to Jaws, mile 48, and Sallie was there. She had been helping other runners, and even loaned her puffy-coat to Jeremy while he was made to sit out for a few minutes by the medical crew until he felt better (I had passed him on the trail a few moments earlier, and he had told me that Sallie had saved his bacon). And speaking of bacon... BACON! I dug into a pile of bacon on the buffet table at the aid station, and asked for some cheese to go with it. Then one of the volunteers offered me a cheese quesadilla. Sallie asked me what I needed, and I said I just wanted to stand in front of all this food and eat! It was all so delicious.
I spent a few minutes in a chair getting my gear re-organized and pulling some food items out of my drop bag. I didn't bother to change my socks, because I knew they would just get wet again going through the mud-bog on the return trip. I was a little behind schedule (about an hour and a half) but I didn't worry about it. I put on my puffy coat and prepared to shiver until I got warmed up again (it was about 25 degrees outside at 1:30am at this point).
Sallie left with me, ready to go her 18-miles as my pacer. Somewhere along the way, in one of those mud bog areas, she slipped and fell really hard. I asked if she was ok, and she said she was and we continued on our way. We stopped at Elk Camp, which was quickly becoming my favorite aid station despite the gross beef-flavored ramen that they had. But the volunteers were nice, and I couldn't believe how friendly and awake everyone was.
Through Spring Marsh, mile 56, and as the light was coming up in the East in front of us at about 5am, I hit my witching hour. I asked Sallie for a 5 minute nap. I must have tricked my brain into thinking that it had slept an entire 8 hours in just 5 minutes, because I woke up refreshed and ready to go. I drank some 5 Hour Energy and continued to eat. I knew if I kept caffeine and calories in me, I would stay awake. Mike passed us going down that section, revitalized by the morning sun and feeling good. I was happy for him. My new-found energy lasted until Cathedral Rock at mile 62.5, when I again needed to take a quick nap.
I tried to snuggle with a dog that was there at the aid station, but he didn't really want to spoon me. Dang it. He wiggled away as soon as we both laid down in the dirt. It would have been a great nap if two of the volunteer guys hadn't been shouting "Ricolaaaaa!" as loudly as they possibly could. I dozed for 3 or 4 minutes, and told Sallie I was ready to go.
The next short section along the river seemed to take much longer than it had the evening before, but I made it to Footbridge, mile 66, and said good morning to Kyle, the EMT. "Hey there!" he greeted me. I was impressed that he seemed to remember each and every runner who came through that station. "I told you I'd be ok, " I said, and he nodded his confirmation to me.
Sallie got me some fruit, and as I was changing out of my warm night clothes into some light-weight clothes for the hot day to come, I noticed her knee. "Your knee is really swollen!" I said. Yes, she replied, but told me not to worry about it. She would find a ride out and rest. She told me I had this one in the bag.
I fueled well out of Footbridge, and having been passed on the river trail by some of the lead 50-mile runners, I prepared myself to get passed by the rest of the 50-mile field (the 50-mile race starts the morning after the 100-mile event, and from the 100-mile turn around). I wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by each and every 50-mile runner who passed me, telling me what an amazing job I was doing. I really get quite teary-eyed just thinking about the amount of support and human compassion that was going on out there in those mountains.
The climb out of Footbridge seemed to go on forever, as promised by several of my friends who had run the race before. I though about the time of day that it was, 9 or 10 am, and thought that the 100-mile male winner had certainly finished, and that Sarah would be finishing soon. I wondered if she had won her race. Amy was running the 50-mile race and when she passed me she cheered me on. I told her I was pretty sure she was in third or fourth place at that point. I daydreamed a bit going up that climb, and it was good because it made it go by a little quicker. I wondered how far away the folks at Cow Camp were, and when I would reach them. Just then, in my dreamy, sleep-deprived state, I heard my name called out from below, "Why if it isn't Missy Berkel!" Huh? Was it Sue? Yes! She stopped to hug me on the trail and I told her how amazing she was doing.
I reached Bear Camp, mile 69.5, and put my head down on the aid station table. Hans-Dieter came up next to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. He told me we had 10 hours to do 30 miles. Three miles per hour. We could do this! We were now 24 hours into the race, and I hoped to God it would not take another 10 hours, because the cutoff was 34 hours, and also because that is just entirely too long. I was moving well, and I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could pull of a 31 hour finish.
Somewhere along the way, I encountered a couple of girls from the 100-mile race that were running together, Jennifer and Genia, and they told me that I was one of the most consistent runners they had encountered on the trail. Consistent forward movement, and very little time spent in aid stations. We had been passing each other all throughout the race (leap-frogging) and I enjoyed seeing them running together and sharing the race as friends.
We all reached Cow Camp (mile 74) sometime together (me, Hans-Dieter, Jennifer, and Genia) and after resting for about 5 minutes in the shade and getting some ice for my Nathan hydration pack, I ate a couple of pieces of bacon and some fruit and decided to get this thing done.
I knew the next section would be rolling and generally uphill, that it would be a battle, and I was really looking forward to mile 82 and that last push uphill before the long descent to the finish line began. I tried not to do too much math in my head about when I would finish, but I knew that I would make the 34 hour cutoff and get my belt buckle. It was just about then, with 25 miles to go, that the top of my right foot started hurting. Then the top of my left. I curled my toes under to try and relieve some of the strain, but it felt as if my feet would go into spasm. I was getting tendonitis in the tops of my feet, and I resigned myself to the fact that last miles of the race were likely going to hurt. A lot.
I took time to enjoy the views around me and say "good job" to the people around me, whether I was passing them or getting passed. At one point, a 100-mile racer and his pacer wouldn't move over for me and I got a bit grumpy with them. A couple of miles later, they passed me again, and as I moved over, I apologized for my grumpiness. They smiled and said they understood. We were all ready for this day to come to a close. But first, we had about 20 miles left.
I stopped for a splash in the creek on my way up to Dry Creek Ridge aid station, mile 82. The cool water felt so good on my burning skin. I couldn't wait to eat some more bacon and put my visor on. As I approached the last few dozen yards on the way to the aid station, I ran up the road. I ran up the steep dirt road on feet that didn't want to bend! It hurt, but the cheering volunteers and spectators made me feel so powerful.
I took a quick break to refill water, eat bacon and fruit, and grab my visor out of my bag. I ran out of the aid station and ran up the road to where we would start our descent.
Honestly, I knew that descent would be long and steep, because we had come up it the day before. But my mind must have blocked out just how hard it was going to be. I passed through Upper Sheep Aid Station with some familiar runner-faces (Jennifer, Genia, and Anita, Joyce and Elaine) and felt comforted by being around such wonderful people. We talked about how beautiful the flowers were, and how we only had one more climb on the course (one that I had forgotten about). But it was only about a half-mile long and we all just put our heads down and got it done.
Going down that descent, about 6 or 7 miles to the river, were some of the most painful I had experienced to that point. The tops of my feet were killing me, and I tried to keep a steady shuffle going because I knew that the faster I went, the faster I would be done. I looked at the flowers and the mountains and the beautiful people around me, and tried to remember how strong we were and that I would overcome this challenge of completing the race in pain. My 31 hour finish became less of a reality as I realized my pace was dropping off, the more pain that I was in. I saw the other ladies strung out on the trail in front of me, making their way to the river. I looked at my watch and realized it had died somewhere along that stretch. I wondered what time it was.
I got to Lower Sheep aid station, and I took just a cupful of water. I had plenty to eat and drink with me, and thanked the volunteers for being there. The river trail was next, and let me tell you, it was hot. It never ceases to amaze me how cool and refreshing a rushing river can be and how hot and miserable the trail alongside that river typically is. Why is that? Why did my feet have to hurt so bad? Where was the Tongue River Road? How much farther? What time was it?
I got to the Tongue River aid station, and the volunteer told me it was only about three and a half miles to go. Really? Really?!? Was I doing this? Yes, I was. "In a couple miles, you'll get to an aid station, and they have popsicles there, " he said. REALLY? How cool is that?
Well it was more than three and a half miles to the end (it was just over 5) and it was more than a couple of miles to the popsicles (it was three and a half). I really wished that guy hadn't lied to me. The tops of my feet hurt so bad, I seriously contemplated doing an army crawl the rest of the way. Either that or walking on my hands in a hand-stand. But I'm not very good at either, so I decided to continue to walk.
Jennifer and Genia came up from behind (they must have stopped at that last aid station, because I swore they were ahead of me) and Jennifer saw how much pain I was in and gave me her Black Diamond hiking poles to use. They really helped. A ton. They helped to steady me and keep some of the weight off of my feet. Where was that aid station with the popsicles, anyway?!?
I came around a corner on the dirt road and there was a lady walking, talking on a cell phone. "Excuse me, what time is it?" I asked. "7:20, " she replied. "No shit, " I thought to myself. I have an hour and 40 minutes to make it what, like 3 miles? Dude, I got this! (Feet, screaming in pain... )
A guy came along from behind, and he looked like Zac Galifianakis from the Hangover. I'm not sure if he was in the 50-mile or if he was pacing a 100-mile friend of his, but in any case he told me that I was really, really almost there and that I was going to make it.
I saw a little kid in the middle of the road with an outstretched arm. "What's that?" I asked. "Popsicle!" he replied. "For me?" "Yup!" "Thank you!" and it was the most delicious pina-colada popsicle I have ever had. I looked over at his sister, who was standing there on the edge of the road holding a hose. "Do you want a spray-off?" she asked. "No thank you." (Despite the heat, I was afraid I might get chilled, because I was quite sunburned.)
I hit the pavement at the edge of the neighborhood before the main highway through the town of Dayton. I saw a girl standing by the bridge. She looked kind of familiar. "You're the toughest woman I know!!!" she yelled. I got tears in my eyes. Ann. She was my pacer at the Bear 100 last year and had come out to greet me. She had also already run the 50k event earlier in the day. I had been thinking all of my friends had forgotten about me, just partying in the park. Silly me, and silly tired-brain. They hadn't forgotten about me at all. They were waiting for me to finish!
I started to cry as I told Ann how my feet hurt and that as much as I wanted to run to get the race finished quicker, I was physically in too much pain. "You're even tougher than I though you were!" she replied. She explained the rest of the route to me: literally a half a mile more. Over the bridge, a hundred yards on the highway, down the tree-lined street to the park, over the grass through the park... finished. I burst into tears. All my friends were there. Sallie took pictures of me crying as I crossed the line. Sarah was there, having finished 8 or so hours earlier in the day. Jamie, Ann's fiancé was there and guided me over to a chair.
About a dozen people passed me on that dirt road the final miles into town. I couldn't help but think about how I had almost dropped at 30 miles and how, as my friend Karl says, the race really doesn't start until about mile 70 or 75 (the moment when my feet started hurting). I ran through the pain for nearly 9 hours. I conquered my demons and survived my witching hour and stayed awake through the night and the wee hours of the morning. Despite not accomplishing "Plan A" of finishing in 31 hours, I finished with a personal record (PR) of my fastest 100-mile finish to date: 33 hours 27 minutes. Not fast, but faster.
Most importantly, despite the fact that I told myself this was stupid and I was "never going to do a 100-miler again", I already have my sights set on another one.
This was a personal victory to me, to finish while injured. I'm so glad I could share it with a bunch of my friends. Hearing their words of encouragement and seeing their smiling faces during and after the race meant the world to me. Here's to Bighorn!
|Ants marching ~
|View from the first climb, looking down
towards the Tongue River Canyon and the
town of Dayton.
|Views near Upper Sheep Creek.
|Little Bighorn River Trail.
|I think I actually look pretty good, at mile 68 ~
|This may or may not be Cathedral Rock
along the Little Bighorn River trail.
|Sunrise near Cathedral Rock aid station.
|I almost stole this guy's walker
on the morning after the race.
|Got buckle? #3 for me.