text:
Expert's Rating
- Super macro setting
- Superb battery life
- Color Accent mode
- 20X-optical-zoom lens (28mm to 560mm)
- 720p HD video recording
- Slow burst mode (almost a second between shots)
Our Verdict
Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS has an impressive trio of headline features: a massive 20X optical zoom, a 12.1-megapixel sensor, and HD-quality video recording. If you're shopping for a bridge camera (a megazoom model that marries the simplicity of a point-and-shoot with the power and flexibility of a digital SLR) the SX20 IS should be near the top of your list.
This camera is quite similar to its older cousin, the PowerShot SX10 IS, sporting the same zoom lens, flip-out LCD, and Digic 4 processor as that model. However, the SX20 IS ups the ante with 720p HD video shooting capabilities, a 12.1-megapixel sensor (versus the SX10 IS's 10-megapixel sensor), and ISO equivalency settings up to 3200 (the SX10 IS maxes out at ISO 1600).
The SX20 IS has a compact, SLR-like grip and a collection of buttons that fall more or less naturally under your fingers. I appreciated the fact that the body was small enough that my pinkie automatically curled underneath for a steadier hold, but a rubberized surface would have made the whole camera feel more secure in users' hands.
The 20X zoom spans a huge focal range, from a slightly wide-angle 28mm to a deep 560mm telephoto. Canon has helpfully marked the lens barrel with various focal lengths, and the zoom control moves at two speeds depending on the pressure you apply with your finger.
The SX20 IS definitely accommodates close-up enthusiasts, too. Augmenting the standard macro mode is a super macro setting, which can focus on a subject that's touching the lens. You can take a sharp photo with the lens in physical contact with the subject; but in the real world, it's hard to get that close to your subject without the camera casting an ugly shadow. In super macro mode, the camera also locks you into wide-angle mode, so you can't zoom as you can in the standard macro mode. Regardless, it's a handy option when you need to be unnaturally close to your subject.
You have a full range of exposure options, including full auto (in which you can't affect any of the settings), program mode, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, and more than a dozen scene modes. Especially entertaining is the Color Accent mode, which lets you isolate a single color in the photo and capture everything else in black and white.
The SX20 IS also has a Panorama Assist function, which helps to frame a series of photos for you to stitch together on the Mac, though you'll need to use your own stitching program, since the bundled PhotoStitch application is for Windows only. And the camera's ISO 3200 scene mode captures very-low-light images (albeit somewhat noisily) at reduced resolution.
For video, a dedicated record button lets you start and stop the action, and pressing the shutter adds a still image to the video in progress. You can trim the start and end points of the video in-camera, and the SX20 IS includes an HDMI port that makes it easy to play the video on a TV directly from the camera.
The SX20 IS's image quality is among the best we've seen for a point-and-shoot camera. In our lab's image evaluations, the camera earned a score of Superior, showing across-the-board excellence in overall image quality, sharpness, and color accuracy. What's more, its jury-tested rating for lack of distortion was among the best we've awarded to a point-and-shoot camera.
Battery life also doesn't get much better than this (in our lab's testing scenarios, at least). The SX20 IS fired off 500 shots on four fully charged AA batteries. That's the maximum amount of shots we test for, earning the PowerShot SX20 IS a battery life score of Superior.
The camera is seemingly full of innovative features, but some hit, and some miss. In addition to the usual exposure bracketing mode, the SX20 IS has focus bracketing; theoretically, the function helps you nail the focus point when using manual focus. It's a nice idea, but I found it confusing to configure.
Better implemented is a set of in-camera editing tools, such as red-eye and contrast adjustments that you can apply to your photos before they hit your Mac. And the LCD screen swivels in every conceivable direction, including off to the side and facing forward, the latter of which is great for self-portraits. Speaking of self-portraits, the camera has a self-timer mode that waits for an extra face to show up (presumably yours) before taking the photo.
Unfortunately, one shooting situation for which the SX20 IS isn't ideal is action photography. Despite the presence of a sports scene mode, the best this camera can manage is a little less than a second between shots, which was just too slow when I was trying to photograph some children and dogs running around in my yard. Nonetheless, the deep zoom covers almost any shooting situation you might encounter, and the built-in flash is respectably powerful, good for indoor shots and fill-flash duties outdoors. You can add an external flash, as well.
Macworld's buying advice
This is definitely a case where the laundry list of benefits outweighs the handful of shortcomings. With a powerful zoom lens, superior battery life, best-in-class image quality, and a useful blend of shooting modes, the PowerShot SX20 IS can stand up to almost any challenge. Action photography is a weakness, due to the camera's slow shot-to-shot times.
[Dave Johnson is a freelance writer.]


text:
CRS: Taliban and the Drug Trade, October 5, 2001
From WikiLeaks
About this CRS report
This document was obtained by Wikileaks from the United States Congressional Research Service.
The CRS is a Congressional "think tank" with a staff of around 700. Reports are commissioned by members of Congress on topics relevant to current political events. Despite CRS costs to the tax payer of over $100M a year, its electronic archives are, as a matter of policy, not made available to the public.
Individual members of Congress will release specific CRS reports if they believe it to assist them politically, but CRS archives as a whole are firewalled from public access.
This report was obtained by Wikileaks staff from CRS computers accessible only from Congressional offices.
For other CRS information see: Congressional Research Service.
For press enquiries, consult our media kit.
If you have other confidential material let us know!.
For previous editions of this report, try OpenCRS.
Wikileaks release: February 2, 2009
Publisher: United States Congressional Research Service
Title: Taliban and the Drug Trade
CRS report number: RS21041
Author(s): Raphael F. Perl, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Date: October 5, 2001
- Abstract
- In the case of Afghanistan, reports indicating that the drug trade is a major source of income for the Taliban have received growing attention. According to some reports, the regime uses poppy-derived income to arm, train, and support fundamentalist groups including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Chechen resistance. There have also been allegations of Osama bin Laden's personal involvement in drug trafficking to finance al Qaeda's activities.
- Download

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Welcome to
The Forge Forums
Log in
The Forge Forums
The Internet Home for Independent Role-Playing Games
Forum Archive
October 02, 2023, 11:22:18 PM
Main Menu
Main Menu
The Forge Forums
General Forge Forums
Actual Play
[DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from growing.
[DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from growing.
Started by Filip Luszczyk, January 04, 2008, 08:10:43 PM
Previous topic
Next topic
Go Down
User actions
Filip Luszczyk
Posts: 771
Location: Poland
[DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from growing.
January 04, 2008, 08:10:43 PM
We played the third town of our
Ninja Princess Usagi-chan
game just before Christmas. The players were Kamil and Magda this time. It took us two short sessions over the weekend, about six hours in total. This includes an hour or so Kamil needed to create and initiate his new bunny ninja princess.
A pretty fun town.
I've been looking for signs of burning out, as that's already eight sessions with the bunnies, including character creation and initiation meetings. Normally I'm starting to get weary of a game after five sessions or so. In this case, no signs of it yet. The longish break for PTA we took in between might have had something to do with it, however.
A Kawaii Buddhist Bunny Ninja Princess?
Kamil's new character is Yoshiko, a kawaii buddhist bunny ninja princess. Kamil concluded he might just as well do his character sheet in English, to facilitate writing a prospective actual play report.
It's posted here.
So far we agreed the bunny world's Buddha is traditionally depicted as a fat male pig with a blissful smile on his face. Kamil introduced an interesting religious schism with his
Holy Panda's teachings
Trait, heh. Though now that I think about it, going with the Tao of Panda could have been more fitting. I like it how the setting gradually grows in detail, anyway.
Yoshiko's initiation conflict was about learning responsibility. On a day free from ninja school, young Yoshiko finally got invited to a trip to the city by older princesses. As they sat and munched carrot cookies in a restaurant, there was a theft on the street. Yoshiko tried to convince her schoolmates to react, but they wanted to leave it to city guards, indifferent and aloof. They argued for a while, but in the end, the commotion resulted in alpha bunny's dress being stained with carrot juice, and the little princess led her seniors in pursuit of the thief. It was all... uh... kawaii like hell.
The Town #3
This time I kept it simple. Five NPCs, all linked to a single core issue.
Nakajima, lord of the province, became obsessive about his daughter Tomoe after loosing his wife. He closed her in a golden cage and focused all his efforts on making her happy, deluding himself about his land's prosperity for many years.
At one point he caught Tomoe on a little tryst with Katsura, one of his samurai. Angry, he banished the rabbit. In his grief, Katsura traveled to a faraway forbidden temple and offered his soul to Dark Buddha. Then, he came back as a black ronin and unsuccessfully tried to kidnap Tomoe, slaughtering many Nakajima's samurai in his lone attack at the castle.
At this point Nakajima left the matters of defense to Tanaka, an ambitious leader of his boar samurai, and closed himself deeper in his delusions. Frustrated by his lord's weakness, Tanaka has been violently venting on the commoners for years. Now, however, he declared a full scale martial law in the province, and squeezed the people in his iron grip.
Meanwhile, Katsura came into contact with Sonoda, a peasant rat who instigated an uprising ever since he suffered from Tanaka's hands (like, they beat him and took away his radish). Together, they planned a revolution to bring down Nakajima.
If the bunnies didn't come, an angry mob led by Sonoda would eventually attack Nakajima's castle. Tanaka would give his soul to the darkness to stop the revolution, but his sacrifice would be futile. In the resulting turmoil, Tomoe would kill her own father, only to be brutally shred to pieces by bloodthirsty commoners. Katsura would slay Sonoda in vengeance, but the revolutionists would banish him in return.
My notes end with
"Sodom and Gomorrah"
, the meaning of which I'll leave to the imagination of the reader.
The Game
Going with
the conclusions from the previous town,
I listed the NPCs and used the list as a sort of menu for the purposes of scene framing. I shortened the intro to two pieces of backstory that gave some general sense of what was going on, and afterwards I've been revealing an additional piece related to an NPCs at the beginning of each scene. Worked out rather well, though in some scenes I forgot to tell the backstory. It turned out somewhat hard to be rigid about the "this is a scene about this NPC" assumption, too, once multiple NPCs started entering the stage.
The bunnies came to the city to investigate the rumors of social unrest. They arrived in the evening, just in time to observe people locking themselves in their houses due to a curfew and military patrols marching on the streets. They met Tanaka, who reluctantly brought them to the castle.
They tried to talk with Nakajima, but it clearly became obvious that the rabbit was totally detached from reality. He quickly got tired of their questions and went to his room, leaving them with his courtiers. The bunnies discussed the situation with Tanaka and learned about the recent attack at the castle, but the boar claimed he has everything under control and left to continue his duties.
The princesses decided to scout the streets, and stumbled upon Tanaka brutally interrogating some commoner. They initiated a conflict with his control over city's defense at stake. Eventually, frustrated by the injustice of bunny supremacy in the Empire, Tanaka tossed away his war fan, leaving the command over his boar samurai to the princesses.
The group learned the location of the rebels' hideout from the interrogated commoner and barged in, right in the middle of Sonoda's fiery speech. We're talking promises of drowning the upper classes in blood and red flag waving here.
Yoshiko ordered boar samurai to take away Yuan (Magda's character) and leave. Then, she got into a political argument with the rat. We played out a conflict with converting the other party to one's views at stake. It was quite an intense conflict, with one powerful accusation after another. But behind Sonoda's words, there was a power of darkness, and he had the crowd at his side – once the animals grabbed the bunny and started pushing her around, Kamil gave. And so, convinced by the revolutionists, Yoshiko became a socialist kawaii buddhist bunny ninja princess and turned against the oppressive aristocracy.
Sonoda shared his plans of attack at the castle, and Katsura appeared. Yoshiko offered to convince Nakajima to abdicate of his own will instead, and was given time till morning.
Yuan followed Katsura as he was leaving the city. She approached him in his hideout, a burned house where he meditated over a picture of Tomoe, and tried to reason with him. When the ronin declared there's only one thing he wants from Nakajima, Magda started a conflict to convince him that instead of trying to claim Tomoe by force he should give the girl a choice. We had a pretty tense situation, dice-wise, but Magda gave quickly once pure darkness spoke through the rabbit, answering with a decisive "Yes!" when she asked whether he really wants to keep Tomoe in a cage just like her father.
We wrapped things up after this scene, to continue the next day. I don't really like splitting towns, but it was already getting late and I expected things might take an hour or so longer than we had. Oddly, we wound up talking stuff for some hours after the game – long enough to be able to close the town if we continued to play instead. Oh, well.
Next day, we started from a scene with Nakajima. The bunnies sneaked into his room in the castle, and without much delay, a conflict with his rule in the province at stake started. Poor old rabbit, he got choked with a pillow, clumsily fell through the window in panic and, barely saved by Yoshiko's hurricane technique and Yuan's summoned ghosts, fell on the katana of one of the bunnies. And finally, I gave, and the harassed aristocrat just asked that they don't take Tomoe from him before he passed out.
As the bunnies dragged unconscious Nakajima back to the castle, they saw Sonoda and his angry mob rushing at the fortress, lusting blood, and samurai preparing the defense. The rat wasn't happy with the news of Yoshiko's success and Nakajima's abdication, but before he had a chance to do anything, Tanaka appeared on a nearby rock and swore to stop the revolt on his own. And he gladly offered his soul to the darkness.
We concluded that we should have a tactical map of the situation, just for the sake of it.
Kamil quickly doodled one.
We played out a conflict with stopping a domestic war at stake. It was pretty dramatic. At one point, Yoshiko sat in the way of charging samurai, declaiming the wise teachings of Holy Panda, and started meditating. Some of the rebels followed her example, but got mercilessly slaughtered by the heavily armored boars. I suggested a self-immolation as the next Raise, but unfortunately before she had a chance to try that, Yoshiko got buried under a heap of rocks as Tanaka used his newly gained dark powers and escalated to earthquake. Kamil gave, narrating how Yoshiko's paw helplessly sticks out from under the boulders, and it was all very deep and thoughtful and all. Then, Yuan utilized Tanaka's war fan to stop the samurai, and saved the day.
As soon as Yoshiko got dug out from under the rocks, the bunnies spotted how Katsura uses the chaos to get into the castle. They followed inside, taking Nakajima with them, and met the ronin in a corridor, with scared Tomoe latched to his kimono. They decided to let them pass, but as the lovers moved by, Nakajima desperately grabbed his daughter and a dagger shined in Tomoe's hand. The princesses decided not to stop her, and she stabbed her father, murdering him.
Then, Yoshiko approached them and legitimized them as a married couple. "You can't stop bamboo from growing," she quoted the Holy Panda's teachings as they left.
Kamil used his Reflection Fallout to take the quote as a Trait, while Magda added Tanaka's war-fan as a Belonging.
Then we went like "Wow!", and Kamil
doodled Nakajima's body
on the gametable. Poor rabbit, he suffered so much only to get killed and have his daughter taken in the end.
Magda's behavior was interesting, I think.
She seemed to avoid conflict and conserve her resources, and she didn't take Fallout even once throughout all the conflicts. I have this impression she played pretty much in a "defeat the NPCs and solve the quest" mode.
Likewise, in a Producer-less PTA game we played during the previous weeks, she seemed fixed on getting rid of her character's enemies, even though she was given the tools to direct any NPCs however she liked. While we've been constantly using this freedom to position the protagonists in interesting situations or build ground for a future conflict, she seemed to withdraw whenever she had a direct control over anyone else than her character.
The scene when the bunnies first met Sonoda was notable. When Kamil declared that Yoshiko orders the boars to grab Yuan, Magda seemed largely indifferent. I felt like I was getting a signal in the lines of: "Yeah, yeah, right, but he can't be completely serious about it, can he? We're a team after all."
In the final scene, once Kamil declared Yoshiko does nothing to stop Tomoe, Magda immediately chose the same. This was a red light for us, and we took a while to discuss the whole deal with passing the judgement, explaining the implications of her action or inaction in that context. Then, she commented we gave her a dilemma and after a while confirmed that Yuan would let Tomoe kill her father.
There's nothing that seriously hinders play so far, but at the same time, it doesn't help.
But other than that, I liked this town. Again, we hit just the right mixture of cute humor and grim drama, I'd say.
Posts: 8
adopted bunny ninja princess
Location: Poland
Re: [DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from grow
January 06, 2008, 06:59:44 AM
I agree, the town was fun and I had a nice time playing it. I agree too that I kind of fuss over my characters, it's definitely because of my mainstream experiences. But let's be honest, I'm better with every game
About this killing Nakajima thing. It wasn't about "I do the same as Kamil". I just didn't see the point in stopping his daughter and I didn't know what could happen because of it. You told me about the possibilities and only then I thought "hey, they're right". All in all I didn't stop Tomoe.
Another thing. When Kamil ordered the guards to take me I wasn't thinking "hey, we're a team!". I just was very surprised that he wanted to do it because I didn't see sense it, I didn't see a point in taking me. I still don't see it
But hell, it was his choice, just like my choice wile giving my fanmail to the GM in our PTA
My point is, I know that "the team" in indie means something completely different than "the team" in mainstream, don't worry about that. You always try to find some hidden reasons behind my behaviour
The conflicts are different thing. Remember that in our previous games I usually took a lot of fallout? This time I think i was just trying something else. Having same spare dice was really helpful. What is more, when I found a good time for me to take some fallout it occurred that it would be d8 or d10. Thank you, I'll stand.
That's the whole story, nothing more nothing less.
Posts: 41
nerd with an attitude
Location: near warsaw, poland
Re: [DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from grow
January 06, 2008, 11:15:34 AM
Well, I was surprised that you started to agree with socialist rat and it seemed that you joined their cause. I should've start the conflict about it between our bunnies instead of using npcs to show what I meant.
Tylko skurwysyny nie kochają króliczków!
Filip Luszczyk
Posts: 771
Location: Poland
Re: [DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from growing.
January 07, 2008, 03:27:43 PM
Well, I wouldn't go as far as to generalize about the meaning of "the team" or "the party" in indie games
Anyway, I think the core of the problem is that we have a hard time determining what things in the fiction you care about during the session. Also, what specifically you treat seriously and what you're indifferent about.
For example, I can see that you're protective about your character. I.e. in your conflict with Katsura, if you didn't give up just after Yuan touched him, I'd Raise by cutting her hand off - and my gues is this would evoke a strong reaction on your side. However, I can't directly threaten your character's well-being all the time, and it's diffucult for me to determine how much of the situation in town is effectively shooting blanks.
Go Up
User actions
The Forge Forums
General Forge Forums
Actual Play
[DitV] Ninja Princess Usagi-chan E3: Gozaru! You can't stop bamboo from growing.
User actions
Terms and Rules
Go Up ▲
Simple Machines


text:
OCEAN CITY — A "Click It or Ticket" enforcement detail conducted by Ocean City Police last Sunday morning resulted in a significant drug bust including the recovery of a loaded handgun.
Around 11 a.m., police were conducting a "Click It or Ticket" seatbelt enforcement detail as part of a national campaign in the area of 33rd Street and Baltimore Ave. During the operation, OCPD officers stopped a vehicle for having four unrestrained adults and a 1-year-old infant. During the traffic stop, officers observed in plain view a small amount of suspected marijuana in a front seat cup holder and a passenger in the rear seat attempting to roll a suspected marijuana cigarette.
The occupants were removed from the vehicle as the officers searched for additional contraband. Located in the back seat area was a soda can with a false compartment, which was empty. A search of the occupants revealed two bags of heroin on Jamil Lee Mills, 21, of Wilmington, Del. OCPD officers continued to search the vehicle and found in the trunk a backpack containing four bundles of small clear plastic bags including 53 individual bags of suspected heroin.
Also found in the backpack was a loaded Jennings .32 caliber handgun that had its serial number scratched off. OCPD officers also seized $600 in cash, cell phones and a commercially-made "stash can," or soda can with false compartment. The owner of the backpack was arrested and identified as Marcus Lamont Neal, 19, of New Castle, Del. A front-seat passenger identified as Raheem Shalir Cephas, 22, of Wilmington, was arrested after police recovered a bag of suspected marijuana concealed in his sock.
Neal was charged with possession of heroin and marijuana, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun with an obliterated serial number, possession of a handgun while involved in a drug trafficking crime and the use of a handgun while engaged in a drug-trafficking crime. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered held on a $25,000 bond.
Mills was charged with possession of marijuana and heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute and was ordered held on a $15,000 bond. Cephas was charged with two counts of possession of marijuana and was released on his own recognizance.
Meanwhile, officers remind citizens this week they will continue to strictly enforce Maryland seat belt laws.


text:
The Annual Report Youth Monitor 2020 Summary presents an outline of the living situation of young people in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Based on a number of social themes, attention is paid to developments and regional differences. At local level, a description of youth in the Caribbean Netherlands is included.Read publication
5.3 percent of 12 to 24-year-old internet users report that they were bullied, stalked or threatened online in 2018. Over 140 thousand young people were affected. Girls were almost twice as likely to be a victim as boys (7.1 versus 3.6 percent). Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this based on a survey on cybersecurity and cybercrime.Read publication
The school dropout rate in the Netherlands was reduced in recent years to 8.8 percent in 2012. The rate across the EU was also gradually reduced. The reduction of school dropouts is high on the national and international policy agenda.Read publication
A growing part of 18-24 year-olds embark on a study in higher vocational education (hbo) or university (wo). Women and young people with a non-western background are the main contributors to the increase. The proportion of students in general secondary vocational education (mbo) has remained stable in recent years.Read publication


text:
How's your garden growing? It seems to be feast or famine with Mother Nature in the rain department. The last couple of years we've fluctuated from moderate to severe drought conditions resulting in low lake levels. This year, the lake is at full pond and rising from a very wet spring and more rain in the forecast this weekend.
We planted some Earth Angel Floribunda Roses last year. These are the first blooms, they (and I!) would be happier with a little less rain.
Earth Angel Rose is a fragrant old-fashioned rose and with blooms varying in color from white to soft pink and that change as it reaches maturity.
It takes several bloom cycles to produce peony-shaped flowers which I'm looking forward to.
Knock Out Roses have been especially floriferous this spring!
And the hummingbirds have been zipping around, battling and territorial over the feeder. They're way too fast for me to photograph~ the only ones I can capture are the ones on the bird bath. ;)
'Mother of Pearl' rose blooms just in time for Mother's Day. This shrub rose was given to us by friends and planted a year and a half ago in memory of my mother-in-law, Betty.
'Mother of Pearl' is a Grandiflora rose that's resistant to black spot and performs well in hot humid areas as well as cooler climates.
They're starting to look a little shabby from all our rain. . .
But Endless Summer Hydrangeas have no complaints in the rain department!
Popcorn Drift Rose starts out yellow and fades to creamy white, reminiscent of buttery popcorn.
It's comparable to the family of Knock Out Roses in disease resistance and low-maintenance, but smaller in size so ideal for small gardens or containers.
Lamb's Ear weathers the toughest of droughts and too much water can result in root rot. I love the soft, silvery stalks with their pinkish-purple colored flowers that are always buzzing with bumblebees.
Female bumblebees and honey bees have pollen baskets to collect the pollen grains to return to the nest for their offspring. You can see the pollen basket on the hind legs on the bumblebee in the photo below.
I've been battling with the squirrels digging in my containers and destroying just-planted flowers. . .
{insert *bad* words here}
We have more squirrels per capita than the law should allow with our trees. We've been to war with squirrels in our attic, under our porch and had a squirrel stowaway on our boat a few years ago. I'm determined keep them out of my containers. . .
I picked up some cayenne pepper and plastic forks from Dollar Tree.
I gave the pots and a few other containers a liberal dusting of cayenne pepper and placed some forks in the soil as a deterrent. The cayenne pepper won't hurt the plants and hopefully with one lick of their paws they'll scurry away to dig elsewhere never to return! I've had to reapply with our rain showers and after watering, but it's worth the effort until they get the 'do not dig here' memo.
Note to Self: Keep Calm and Cayenne On ;)
Thank you for your visit!
Sharing with:
At Home With Jemma, Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, Home and Gardening With Liz
Life and Linda, Poofing The Pillows


text:
Rest the mouse over bolded names of people and places to view additional information.
Cancelled text appears with a line through it.
Unreadable cancelled text appears as [illegible]
Additions and insertions appear in gray superscript.
[Supplied words] appear blue in square brackets. They have been added to clarify, correct, or complete passages appearing in the documents.
[Explanatory notes] appear red and italicized, in brackets.
[Links to other documents] appear bold green in brackets.
View a full list of display features
My Dearest Friend
If I was certain I should welcome you to your native Land in the course of the summer, I should not regret Mr. Smiths going abroad without me. Should it be otherways, should you still be detained abroad -- I must submit, satisfied that you judge best, and that you would not subject me to so heavy a dissapointment, or yourself to so severe a mortification as I flatter myself it would be, but for the general good: a European life would, you say, be the ruin of our Children. If so, I should be as loth as you, to hazard their embibeing sentiments and opinions which might make them unhappy in a sphere of Life which tis probable they must fill, not by indulging in luxuries for which tis more than possible they might contract a taste and inclination, but in studious and labourious persuits.
You have before this day, received the joint commission for forming a commercial treaty with Britain. I am at a loss to determine whether you will consider yourself so bound by it, as to tarry longer abroad. Perhaps there has been no juncture in the publick affairs of our country; not even in the hour, of our deepest distress, when able statesmen and wise Counsellors were more wanted than at the present day. Peace abroad leaves us at leisure to look into our own domestick affairs. Altho upon an Estimate of our National debt, it appears but as the Small Dust of the balance, when compared to the object we have obtained, and the benifits we have secured, yet the Restless spirit of man will not be restrained; and we have reason to fear that Domestick jars and confusions, will take place, of foreign contentions and devastations. Congress have commuted with the Army by engageing to them 5 years pay, in lieu of half pay for Life. With Security for this they will disband contented. But our wise Legislators are about disputing the power of Congress to do either; without considering their hands in the mouth of the Lion, and if the just and necessary food is not supplied, the outragious animal may become so ferocious as to spread horrour, and devastation, or another Theseus may arise who by his reputation, and exploits of valour, whose personal character and universal popularity, may distroy our Amphictinik system and subjugate our infant republicks to Monarchical domination.
Our House of Representitives is this Year composed of more than a hundred New Members, some of whom no doubt are good Men. Near all the able and skillfull Members who composed the last House have lost their Seats, by voting for the return of Mr. Brattle; notwithstanding the strongest evidence in his favour, and the many proofs which were produced of his Friendly conduct towards America. For this crime, our worthy Friend Mr. Cranch was droped by this Towns The Senate is a loser this year by the resignation of some excellent Members. We have in this state an impost of 5 per cent, and an excise act, whilst the Neighbouring states
Thus far I had written when your welcome favour of March 28th reached me; I was not dissapointed in finding you uncertain with regard to the Time of your return; should the appointment which I fear; and you have hinted at; take place, it would indeed be a dull day to me. I have not a wish to join in a scene of Life so different from that in which I have been educated; and in which my early and I must suppose, happier days, have been Spent; curiosity satisfied and I should sigh for tranquil Scenes,
Well orderd home is my chief delight, and the affectionate domestick wife with the Relative duties which accompany that character my highest ambition. It was the disinterested wish of sacrificeing my personal feelings to the publick utility, which first led me to think of unprotectedly hazarding a voyage. I say unprotectedly for so I consider every lady who is not accompanied by her Husband. This objection could only be surmounted by the earnest wish I had to soften those toils which were not to be dispenced with, and if the publick welfare required your Labours and exertions abroad, I flatterd myself that if I could be with you, it might be in my power to contribute to your happiness and pleasure, but the day is now arrived, when with honour and well earned Fame, you may return to your native land -- when I cannot any longer consider it as my duty to submit to a further Seperation, and when it appears necessary that those abilities which have crownd you with Laurels abroad, should be exerted at home for the publick Safety.
I do not wish you to accept an Embassy to England, should you be appointed. This little Cottage has more Heart felt Satisfaction for you than the most Brilliant Court can afford, the pure and undiminished tenderness of weded Love, the filial affection of a daughter who will never act contrary to the advise of a Father, or give pain to the Maternal Heart. Be assured that she will never make a choice without your approbation which I know she considers as Essential to her happiness. That she has a partiality I know, and believe, but that she has submitted her opinion to the advise of her Friends, and relinquished the idea of a connection upon principals of prudence and duty, I can with equal truth assure you. Yet nothing unbecomeing the Character which I first entertaind has ever appeard in this young Gentleman since his residence in this Town, and he now visits in this family with the freedom of an acquaintance, tho not with the intimacy of a nearer connection. It was the request of Emelia who has conducted with the greatest prudence, that she might be permitted to see and treat this Gentleman as an acquaintance whom she valued. "Why said she should I treat a Gentleman who has done nothing to forfeit my Esteem, with neglect or contempt, merely because the world have said, that he entertained a preferable regard for me? If his foibles are to be treated with more severity than the vices of others, and I submit my judgment and opinion to the disapprobation of others in a point which so nearly concerns me, I wish to be left at liberty to act in other respects with becomeing decency." And she does and has conducted so as to meet with the approbation of all her Friends. She has conquerd herself. An extract from a little poetick peice which Some months ago fell into my Hands may give you some Idea of the Situation of this Matter. You will tell me you do not want a poet, but if there is a mind otherways well furnished, you would have no objection to its being a mere amusement. You ask me if this Gentleman is a speaker at the Bar. He attends Plimouth Court and has spoke there. He is not yet sworn in to the Superiour Court, but is proposed to be sworn in the Next court, with his cotemporaries. I cannot say what he will make, but those who most intimately know him, say he has talants to make what he pleases, and fluency to become a good Speaker. His buisness encreases here, and I know nothing
Our two sons are placed under the care, and in the family of Mr. Shaw. They have been near 3 months absent from me. This week with my daughter and Mr. Smith to accompany us I go to see them. My dear John, where is he? I long to see him. I have been very anxious about him. Such a winter journey. I hope he is with you. I want to receive a Letter from him. If you should continue abroad untill fall I should be glad you would make me a small remittance, goods will not answer. We are glutted with them. I do not wish for any thing more, than I want for my family use. In this way a few peices of Irish linnen and a peice of Russia sheeting together with 2 green silk umbrellas I should be glad of as soon as convenient. If you should have an opportunity from France to send me 3 Marsels cotton and silk quilts I should be very glad; they are like the jacket patterns you sent me by Charles. I want a white, a Blew and a pink. Mr. Dana sent 3 to Mrs. Dana; I think she said Mr. Bonfeild procured them. I mentiond in a former Letter a few other articles. I am going to marry one of my family to a young fellow whom you liberated from jail, a son of Capt. Newcombs, to the Jane Glover who has lived 7 years with me and as she never would receive any wages from me I think myself obligated to find her necessaries for house keeping. I have been buying land, and my last adventure came to so poor a market, that I am quite broke. My letter is an unreasonable long one, yet I may take an other sheet of paper -- not to night however. I will bid you good [night] by
I seal this least Mr. Smith should sail before I return. Mean to write more. Have a Letter for Mr. T [Thaxter]


text:
Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Most Beautiful Woman' Backlash
ET gets to the bottom of the controversy surrounding Gwyneth Paltrow's crowning as People magazine's World's Most Beautiful Woman, interviewing both the Iron Man actress and one of the reporters responsible for the firestorm.
Earlier this week, Paltrow joined the ranks of stars such as Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie in being given the flattering title, but the 40-year-old mother of two hadn't seemed to let the adoration get to her head on Wednesday night.
At the premiere of Marvel's Iron Man 3, Paltrow assured Nancy O'Dell that she would remain humble, saying, "Are you kidding me? For God's sake, after all I've been through?"
Following the announcement, however, the Oscar winner has been lambasted as being "elitist," "pompous" and a "rail-thin Hamptons Barbie" who is "afraid of food."
RELATED: Paltrow's Mom Reacts to Daughter's 'Most Beautiful' Title
"Just to look like Gwyneth Paltrow you need $70 lip balm, $425 colon cleanse, 2-hour Tracy Anderson workouts..." complained New York Post reporter Tara Palmeri. Palmeri went on to say, "I'm 100 percent for the empowerment of women, but I think that when Gwyneth Paltrow gives women unrealistic tips on how to live a great lifestyle it makes them feel worse about themselves instead of empowering them."
The Cult of Celebrity author Dr. Cooper Lawrence suggests that it may be unfair to pick on Paltrow, saying, "I don't think she means to come across as condescending. I think that's just who she is and she's trying to be honest."
As someone who has interviewed Gwyneth many times, O'Dell described the actress as "down-to-earth and one of the most genuine people in Hollywood."


text:
Drugmaker Pfizer Inc., which is spinning off its animal health business through an initial public offering, intends to sell 86.1 million shares of common stock.
New York-based Pfizer estimates the price for shares of the unit, called Zoetis (zoh-EHT'-ihs) Inc., at $22 to $25. At those prices, the IPO would raise $1.89 billion to $2.15 billion.
The business, which sells vaccines and medicines for pets and farm animals, had 2011 revenue of $4.2 billion.
That makes it the world's largest animal health business, according to a prospectus Pfizer filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It notes Zoetis products are sold in more than 120 countries, in five major product categories.
The unit's spinoff is part of efforts by Pfizer CEO Ian Read to revamp the world's largest drugmaker.


text:
Sensory Overload: 10 Things You May Not Know About Farm Aid's Willie, Neil, John, and DaveTuesday, September 11th, 2012
Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews: Most of us know these guys. To some, they're like family. But as many times as you've seen Dave in concert, or sung along to "Jack & Diane," or played "Harvest Moon" or "On the Road Again" on the guitar, as well as you know these guys' lyrics by heart, you might not know that they're the original HOMEGROWN members.
You might not know that Willie, Neil, and John organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms—or that Dave joined the board in 2001. You might not know that these iconic musicians have helped raise more than $40 million to keep American farmers on their land. And you might not know that this year's Farm Aid concert, September 22 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is sold out—a boon for family farmers nationwide in this drought-stricken year.
Or maybe you know all that and more. But, as a lover of all things HOMEGROWN, you still want to celebrate it. In advance of next weekend's raucous, rocking, and rollicking tribute to family farmers, we thought we'd take a minute to pay respects to the big four who make it happen. Without further ado, ten HOMEGROWN things you might now know about Willie, Neil, John, and Dave:
1. Forty varieties of heirloom apples grow at Best of What's Around, the organic farm owned by Dave and his wife, Ashley. The farm is also home to a 300-head herd of cattle raised for grass-fed and -finished beef.
2. That cattle gets processed at True & Essential Meats, a family-owned Virginia facility established in 1939 that works with some 50 area farmers to help rebuild the local food system and provide high-quality meats to local eaters, farmers markets, restaurants, and shops.
3. Neil's son Ben runs Coastside Ranch, a certified-organic egg farm in La Honda, California. His flock of 250 Red Sex-Links, a chicken breed closely related to Rhode Island Reds, lays more than 100 eggs a day. All of the hens in the flock are named Georgette, and all of the roosters are named George.
4. Neil is the master of HOMEGROWN lyrics: "You gotta tell your story, boy / You know the reason why / Are you ready for the country / Because it's time to go." See his original manuscript (among a treasure trove of other artifacts) for the song "Are You Ready for the Country?" recorded on September 26, 1971, at Broken Arrow Ranch in Redwood City, California—part of his seminal 1972 album, Harvest.
5. On the subject of songwriting, John agrees HOMEGROWN is best. As he told an "Entertainment Tonight" reporter at his Indiana homestead in 1987 (two years after the release of his unforgettable song "Rain on the Scarecrow"): "I've learned that I can't create anything except from here. You know, you've got to have perspective from where you see the world." Watch the full vintage interview (complete with huge Nina Blackwood hair) here.
6. Human Wheels, a fan discussion board devoted to all things Mellencamp, once published a cookbook called Human Meals: C.O.O.K.in' in the U.S.A.—a culinary ode to John's 1985 sing-along anthem, "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A."
7. John is a fan of hard work. As he told Dan Rather in 2009: "This I believe: That we can all do better, and that people give up too early. Those are two things I'm pretty certain of. . . . I guess [I learned that from] my grandfather. His whole point in life to me was, 'If you're gonna do it, and you tell somebody you're gonna do it, you have to do it.'"
8. Willie is as fierce as ever when it comes to family farming. As he told Time Magazine in 2010: "I think the farmers can pull us out of our economic problem just by growing our food and our fuel for us. And I think it needs to be the small family farmer, because he grows food that he feeds his [own] family."
9. Willie likes gardening—and comedy. In 2010, he swapped growing tips with Craig Ferguson on The Late Late Show. Below is Willie's opinion on manure as fertilizer, and click through for his thoughts on the value of wearing a hat.
10. Willie comes from farming stock. "If we didn't grow it, we didn't eat it," Bobbi Nelson reports in Joe Nick Patoski's 2008 biography of her brother, Willie Nelson: An Epic Life. "Ol' Reddy, our first cow, was part of the family. We kept one of her calves. We had another cow and hogs. . . . My grandmother [pictured with Willie, below] and grandfather, they had to be their own butchers. That's one reason we didn't eat any of our chickens. Our chickens had names. We raised them from eggs. We ate the eggs and sold the eggs for money to buy groceries. That's the way we survived."
(For more on raising animals, watch the animated Chipotle commercial "Back to the Start," featuring Willie singing a heartbreaking rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist.")
See Farm Aid 2012's full lineup—also featuring Kenny Chesney, Jack Johnson, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and more—and watch videos of Willie, Neil, John, and Dave onstage at past years' Farm Aid concerts at FarmAid.org.


text:
Thank you for your interest in Grapevine's Residential Sprinkler System Evaluation Program (RSSEP). Outdoor water use can add up to 50% or more of the water we use during the summer. Improving sprinkler system efficiency can minimize waste and build a healthy landscape.
The evaluation program provides a comprehensive look at your sprinkler system including components, controller and current watering schedule. This free residential program provides a valuable, detailed report with recommended changes to help increase efficiency and reduce water waste.
Once your request is submitted a representative from M&M Irrigation and Illumination will contact you to schedule an evaluation date and time convenient for you.
Note: The program does require somebody be present during the evaluation.
If repairs are recommended or necessary to get the most out of your sprinkler system please consider using a recognized green professional from TRWD's Green Pros program. Visit the Green Pros page for more information and see the list of professionals.
For questions or more information, please contact Dean Minchillo with Tarrant Regional Water District at (817) 720-4368 or email@example.com.


text:
Why does getting fingered feel better than sex?
Heather Corinna replies:When a guy fingers me, its amazing. I really enjoy it. But when it comes to sex, I don't feel much. None of the guys I have been with have been small. Sometimes when they go faster I feel a little bit but I should be feeling more. I don't know what to do about this. Why does getting fingered feel better than sex? Is this normal? Is there a way to fix this problem?
Assuming that you're engaging in manual sex -- hands or fingers engaged with your genitals, fingering being one term for that -- to express or explore your sexual feelings or desires, fingering IS sex. Just like intercourse can be sex, just like oral sex can be sex, just like full-body massage can be sex.
What is and isn't sex isn't so much about what body parts are doing what, but about what people involved in given activities are feeling and seeking to express, as we explain here:
When we say "sex," what we mean is any number of different things people may or do freely choose to do to tangibly and actively express or enact their sexuality; what they identify or know to be their sexual feelings and sexual selves.
If "sex" was the answer, the questions would be things like "What am I doing to try and feel good sexually or to express feeling good sexually? What am I doing that feels sexual to me (or to me and a partner)? What am I doing that feels like a way to express my sexuality, or my sexual desires and/or feelings about myself or others?"
Most of what I hear with a question like yours is this: so far, you find you enjoy this one kind of sex -- fingering -- more than another kind of sex you're talking about, where you find you get little to nothing from it. I assume you mean physically, but you could also mean it's not feeling like much in other ways, too. Given you brought up penis size, and a lot of people say "sex" when they mean intercourse, I assume you're talking about vaginal intercourse. In other words, so far, you've found you have a preference around each of these kinds of sex: you like one more than the other.
There's nothing that isn't normal or typical about that. It's highly common for people to find they don't experience or haven't experienced the same enjoyment or excitement from all the possible sexual activities we can engage in. There are people who engage in both manual sex and intercourse who tend to prefer manual sex, on the whole, or find that usually or always feels physically or emotionally better to them. There are people who are the opposite: who prefer intercourse to manual sex. There are people who don't find either of those activities particularly exciting or enjoyable, and there are people who really enjoy them both.
People having sexual preferences isn't a problem. It's a basic part of human sexuality. Just like we don't all like the same kinds of foods, we don't all like the same sexual activities, and just like some of us have foods we wish we could eat every single day, foods we find okay, but not amazing, and foods we strongly dislike, the same is often true with sex and sexual activities. Something very core to healthy, happy human sexuality and sexual lives is an acceptance that we don't all like the same things, or everything equally, and room always being made for our sexual diversity.
A lot of people have the idea there are "shoulds" with this stuff, but there really, really are not. Even when our world, communities, culture or partners might make it seem like there are shoulds, and like those shoulds are sound or true, they rarely are. You can know that anytime anyone presents what people like sexually as a universal that they are massively oversimplifying human sexuality and sexual experience: that is just not reflective of how very different we all can be, both as individuals, but also from partnership to partnership, and from one phase of life to another.
This probably has little to nothing to do with a partner's penis size, though it seems like you've identified that when you are enjoying intercourse, you prefer it when things move a little faster. If this is a sexual activity you want to see if you can't enjoy more and feel more with, you can certainly try changing things up, like with different positions, angles, speeds, amounts of depth or pressure, or different interpersonal dynamics (for instance, some people don't like a given sexual activity with a partner not because of the physics, but because of what is or isn't going on with the behavior of anyone involved, like how they talk about it or don't, like how they are or are not emotionally connecting during or around that activity). You can also see how it feels if you engage in a sexual activity you know you tend to really like for a while before or after intercourse, or by adding that activity or part of it during intercourse. Intercourse doesn't have to be ONLY intercourse when that's happening, just like, say, when you engage in manual sex, that doesn't have to be all that's going on. You or a partner can get their fingers involved during intercourse, too, if that feels good to you.
You'll notice I left room there in case this just isn't something you really want to do or explore.
You don't have to engage in vaginal intercourse, just like your partners don't have to do anything they don't want to, don't like, or don't feel excited about. Again, not everyone likes intercourse or wants to engage in it, just like not everyone likes receptive anal intercourse or oral sex or any other sexual activity. You haven't said here if intercourse is something you feel a strong desire to engage in, so I'm not going to make any assumptions about that. All you need to know is that when it comes to any kind of sex, no one ever has to do anything they don't want to, aren't into or don't enjoy, no matter what that activity is, even if it's something other people like and want. If and when anyone does feel obligated in a sexual interaction or relationship to do things they don't want or things they don't like, we're usually looking at someone in a sexual relationship that isn't a goodie for them or for their partner: people really into their sexual partners and into being a bonafide partner don't tend to enjoy an activity themselves that their partner doesn't enjoy or want.
Now, I know that with sexual activities that are presented as normative -- like things everyone is "supposed" to do or like -- it can feel more uncomfortable or socially awkward to nix them. It's one thing when you don't want to do something or don't like something a partner also doesn't want or like, or something all or most of the people you talk with about sex, or hear or read present as weird or gross or taboo. Intercourse can certainly be one of those things presented as "normal" and what everyone likes, especially for heterosexual people, even though we know there are plenty of people for whom it doesn't feel normal or who don't enjoy it.
The good news is, though, that you don't have to have sex, of any kind, with Cosmopolitan magazine, the whole world, or with anyone where what each of you wants and likes doesn't feel like a pretty good fit. You, like the rest of us, get to choose to only pursue or stick with sexual partnerships or interactions that fit who you are and what you like well. We all get to have our preferences and we all get to seek out sexual relationships that really work with our individual sexualities, and walk away from any that don't.
When you're with sexual partners with whom you're pretty sexually compatible -- who want and like similar things as you -- and who also have the maturity and the care to understand that when there's more than one person involved with sex, what goes on has to feel good for everyone, and work with everyone's preferences, not just their own, this isn't the big deal it might seem like it can be.
Of course, not everyone we like, love and feel sexually attracted to is going to be a good fit for us as a sexual partner. There are a lot of pieces to that puzzle, including things like if a person is kind to us, how they talk about sex, if they are on board with the kinds of safer sex and contraception we might want or need, if they want the same kind of relationship we do, but that also includes us having enough common ground between our sexualities so that the sex we have is enjoyable for everyone involved.
For you, right now, it sounds like a partner who really, really wants and likes intercourse and really doesn't like fingering wouldn't be the best fit for you. And that's okay, even if it can be a bummer not to be a sexual "fit" with people we're into and wish we did fit with. We're not always going to find sexual partners who are a great fit for us right off the bat: I'd say that's pretty uncommon. But all the diversity in human sexuality means that finding partners, over time, where we are compatible, and who do want and like the same sorts of things we do, isn't usually that hard. No harder, anyway, than finding people who are a good fit for us in all the other ways that matter, right?
Don't forget, too, that how sexually excited we feel tends to play a big part in how things feel physically. You clearly really like manual sex, so chances are good that when you know that's going to happen, you start that activity feeling very excited. That's probably part of why that feels so good for you. If intercourse, on the other hand, isn't something you really want or feel excited about, then it is going to feel less awesome no matter what. Mind, when we're talking about anatomy and the physics of sex, vaginal entry with fingers can tend to provide a different kind of stimulation than intercourse for a few reasons, including that it's a lot easier for you or a partner to stimulate the parts of your genitals which are the most sensitive -- like your internal and external clitoris -- and tend to respond better to fine touch than to the more general pressure which intercourse offers.
This is one of several reasons why so many folks with vaginas -- not all, but a substantial majority -- don't reach orgasm from intercourse alone, and why plenty just don't find it to be their favorite thing ever, period, especially all by itself.
If you don't feel really excited about doing something sexual, just don't do whatever that thing is until or unless your feelings change. Stick to what you do feel very excited about. And of course, create that same kind of space for partners, where they know and feel that the same should be true for them.
How about for the time being, if you're really not feeling it when it comes to intercourse, especially if it's not something you feel excited about doing from the get-go, you put it on the shelf, and instead take the time with any partners to only do what you both really like? If you find that over time with a partner, you both do develop a strong interest in intercourse and it is something you want to explore, then you go there, but not before then. Some of what isn't working for you with this might be going to intercourse too early in the relationship, before you and someone have really taken the time to explore other things and find out together what you really like and how that can be incorporated into intercourse. By all means, too, if you're only engaging in intercourse because it's what someone else wants, you might need to slow things down sexually in relationships, period, so you can develop the assertiveness we need, and sometimes the trust, too, to have sexual interactions be about mutual wants and pleasure, rather than feeling like we have to fall in line with what the other person wants, even when it's not what we do.
Again, maybe what you'll find out sometimes is that there's little or even nothing you have in common with someone sexually, but when that happens, you just nix exploring that as a sexual relationship or interaction. Now and then, just like you're not going to connect with people emotionally or intellectually, or find people attractive, you're not going to connect with people sexually, and vice-versa. When that does happen, and it usually will, it works a lot better to just accept that and move on than for you or anyone else to keep trying to do things you don't want to, don't feel into, or do not feel excited about.
So. You have some preferences, like most people do. That is so completely okay, and is utterly human. There's nothing right or wrong about preferences like this, they are what they are. Your sexuality is unique to you, just like everyone else's sexuality is unique to them. You get to like what you like and not like what you don't, whether those likes are lifelong or shift over time, and whether those likes are the same as someone else's or different. You get to experiment with intercourse if you want to or nix it if you don't, now or later.
I'm going to leave you with some links that I think might help, starting with a Yes, No, Maybe list. I think going through it might be a good exercise for you, and that it can help you clarify what you really do want and don't; what, so far (because who knows, in a decade or three, you might like totally different things: sexuality is something that can shift many times in our lives), you enjoy and don't, or, for things you do want and enjoy, what other things you may want or need to make them most enjoyable for you. Having that kind of big picture can be really helpful.
I've also included a piece to help with sexual communication. I'm not sure if you need it, but if you've had a hard time asking for what you want, and nixing what you don't, it'll probably give you a boost to make that easier for you.
- Yes, No, Maybe So: A Sexual Inventory Stocklist
- With Pleasure: A View of Whole Sexual Anatomy for Every Body
- Be a Blabbermouth! The Whats, Whys and Hows of Talking About Sex With a Partner
- Yield for Pleasure
- The Great No-Orgasm-from-Intercourse Conundrum
- An Immodest Proposal
- Two women, two partners, and four folks frustrated with intercourse.


text:
NEW YORK (AFP) - Shouts, giggles and selfies. Mildly titillating and lots of fun, bouncing around on giant inflatable boobs is the hit attraction of a hot and steamy New York summer.
As temperatures rise and hemlines shorten, visitors flock to the Museum of Sex to jump up and down on an adult moonbounce (or bouncy castle) called "Jump for Joy" and nicknamed "House of Boobs."
It is the set piece in a flirty exhibition mounted by London-based conceptual art duo Bompas and Parr, and inspired by the naughtiness of an old-fashioned British or French funfair.
Shrieks of "Oh my God I'm not going on that!" or "I'm definitely going on that!" ring out of the low-lit corner where the boob castle stands erect, shoes quickly kicked off for a frolic.
Oversized breasts protrude out of its walls in every shape and color as couples and groups of girls fling themselves around, laughing in delight and snapping pictures on phones and cameras.
"The boob jump house was fun," nods New Jersey teacher Michelle Allen when asked about the best bit. "It's like adult fun."
Alissa, a 25-year-old nurse too embarrassed to give her family name, said it was "better than I expected," as she enjoyed a "tourist day" with a couple of girlfriends.
The show's blurb promises a "rush of endorphins - many of which are the same as those released at the point of orgasm.
So did Alissa reach orgasmic heights?
"No!" she laughed. "I've got a headache and my leg began to cramp. I'm dehydrated."
Flying with G-spot sculpture
Bompas and Parr have been darlings of the art scene in London, described as artists, "architectural foodsmiths", even novelty caterers since they started out creating models made of jelly.
They designed five attractions for the exhibition "Funland: Pleasures and Perils of the Erotic Fairground" and hope it may go on to show in London when it finishes in New York next spring.
There is Grope Mountain - an adult climbing wall dotted with orifices - and a rather creepy "Tunnel of Love" or maze of mirrors that ends with the sculpture of the elusive G-spot. "You want to put your finger in for practice?" jokes museum attendant David Jang, dissolving into peals of laughter.
"Foreplay Derby" - a game thrusting balls into a hole in order to jerk a bronze penis towards the finish line - is another hit. Sam Bompas said he was less interested in the work itself than in the smiles and joy it provokes.
"Everything looks rude but it's also very satisfying," he told AFP by telephone from London. "It's gentle, it's got a British humorous approach to sexuality which is quite playful."
The Old Etonian said he has also been taken aback by how positively even the most unexpected people have reacted to an exhibition he initially thought might be polarising.
Flying across the Atlantic with a G-spot sculpture, Bompas said the woman next to him saw crates and boxes, and jumped to the conclusion he was a wine merchant. "Within the space of minutes we're talking about her G-spot, an extraordinary conversation to be having with someone, and people were craning their necks to listen to all the lurid details!" Bompas recalled.
Even with his mother, he said, the exhibition had a liberating effect on conversation, "which got very candid very quickly."
Mark Snyder, director of exhibitions at the museum, said there have been roughly 10,000 visitors to "Funland" since it opened on June 26 - an increase of 15 per cent for this time of year.
"The best thing is some people who say I don't really know if I want to do this, go to the maze of mirrors or the House of Boobs and then they have a really great time," said Jang.


text:
Fledermaus (meaning 'Bat' in German) was a cabaret theater from Vienna. The original Jugendstil decor was designed by Josef Hoffman and several posters, advertising performances, were designed by other members of the Vienna Workshop. Fledermaus font was based on a 1907 poster by Bertold Löffler. Since only a few glyphs were available, I designed the missing ones myself. The lower case consists of small caps and the font comes with extensive language support.
Get it here:


text:
1) How September 11th Changed Things For Muslims
2) Muslims Did Not Act Responsibly Before September 11th
3) All Religious Communities Must Now Be Responsible to Each Other
4) How Do We Become Responsible?
5) We Must Educate One Another
6) We Must Respect One Another
7) We Must Respect Our Muslim Women
8) Religious Communities Must Stand For Principle Together
9) Do We Really Know About Each Other's Culture?
10) The Religious Communities Must Be Obedient to God
11) We Must Be Keen to Each Other's Sensitivities
12) Understanding Differences Gives Substance to the Similarities
13) Religious Communities Must Sit Down and Work Things Out
14) Muslims Must Collaborate With Other Existing Organizations
15) How to Respond to Those Who Mock Islam


text:
Saddened to hear this. RIP. You will be missed by all. May God bless your Family and help them through this.
Wow, just wow.
You'll be missed Ross. Condolences to his family and friends. He's suffered long enough.
The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, and prejudices to be found only in the minds of men. For the record, prejudices can kill and suspicion can destroy and a thoughtless, frightened search for a scapegoat has a fallout all of its own for the children and the children yet unborn and the pity of it is that these things cannot be confined to the Twilight Zone.
Saddened to hear this. RIP. You will be missed by all. May God bless your Family and help them through this.
I have no words.
People will forget what you said... and people will forget what you did... but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Spoke with JCoS on facebook last night. He sends his condolences to the family
Wow, wish I'd been on earlier. RIP my friend, you will be greatly missed!!
Looking for work............
...Wow. What a thread to see on deployment. My best wishes and thoughts go out to his family and friends - I know he will be missed. Such a good person.


text:
Much like my career, in the last two years this blog has traveled a serendipitous path. I orignally wrote it with four goals in mind:
- First, to explain to my kids, then just graduating from High School, stories about their dad's life when he was their age. And with the 30-year statute of limitations now passed, stories about who I worked for (and the names of agencies.)
- Second, to share how my how my thinking about entrepreneurship as a distinct practice and how Customer Development as one of its central components has evolved over the last decade.
- Third, to share both thinking and practice as I learned how to teach entrepreneurs (the way one teaches artists and musicians.)
- Fourth, as a public official in the State of California, to offer a window on how public policy on California Coastal protection gets made. The Coastal stories are going to have to wait until I'm no longer a public official. (With Jerry Brown as our new governor I'm up for reappointment so you might get to hear the stories soon, or may have to wait a bit longer.)
On my first day as a blogger I got 20 views. Now I've had days with 20 viewers per minute. So Happy New Year to my 100,000-plus monthly readers throughout the world, and to many more who read my posts via some of the most important media in the startup/tech/entrepreneurship world, in more languages and places than I can keep track of.
Now Hear This
For 2011, I'm glad to announce that you can now hear my blog posts via a podcast that you can subscribe to, download or have emailed to you a few days after each blog post goes live. An innovative entrepreneur put his company to work delivering the podcasts with his compliments. Marcos Polanco, founder of Clearshore and himself a serial entrepreneur, "never found time to read the blog, no matter how much I loved it. "I told Steve" said Marcus, "in true hacker fashion, I was too lazy to read his blog, and I figured others must be in the same spot, so I proposed to turn the blog into a podcast instead."
Marcos has agreed that the list of podcast subscribers will never be rented, sold or traded to anyone (same goes with our own email list). His big payoff from this effort is the chance to put a few lines of copy about his latest venture, Clearshore, at the bottom of each podcast link email. Clearshore is a "matchmaker" that helps small businesses get their fair share of the $60-billion US government budget for R&D and innovation. Today, startups receive only 4% of those funds, something Clearshore–now in the customer discovery phase–is out to change.
To add your email to the free podcast alert service, click here.
Listen to the post here: Download the Podcast here
Filed under: Uncategorized |


text:
As a little girl one of my favorite snacks was popcorn and lemonade.
My mom would pull out the big wok and my sisters and I would gather at her feet. We had a little ritual we would perform every time she made us popcorn. First, the three of us girls would get down on the kitchen floor and tuck ourselves into little balls. Next, my mom talk us through the oil heating in the pot as we started to wriggle and shake from the imaginary heat. One at a time we would "POP" as our little bodies exploded from the floor. Mom would then pop the real corn and we'd feast from a big bowl covered in nutritional yeast and soy sauce washed down with lemonade from concentrate.
These days popcorn is still one of my favorite snacks, I forego the soy sauce because it makes it soggy but I still eat it with nutritional yeast every time.
The other difference is that I cook my popcorn in coconut oil rather than the vegetable oil of my youth.
I love coconut oil and cook practically everything in it so when Tropical Traditions offered to send me a jar of their virgin coconut oil I was thrilled.
And I got popping.
|Rosemary Popcorn
- 1.5 teaspoons virgin coconut oil (1 to cook in, 1/2 to top)
- 1-2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary
- 2 tablespoons organic popcorn
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper to taste
- Heat 1 teaspoon coconut oil and 2-3 kernels of popcorn in a small saucepan with a lid over medium heat
- When you hear the 2-3 testers pop, add the rest of the corn and the rosemary, cover and shake
- Continue shaking intermittently until the popping slows down
- Take off heat, shake a few more times until you don't hear any more popping
- Remove lid and add 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and salt and pepper
- Replace lid and shake to coat popcorn (the remaining heat will melt the coconut oil if it's solid)
- Eat!
Nutritional yeast adds satiating protein and rich flavor to this otherwise starchy and bland snack.
Tropical Traditions virgin coconut oil did beautifully for this purpose, the flavor was mild and delicious, and it earned a spot on my 'kitchen essentials' shelf beside the stove.
In case you were wondering, the answer is yes, the popcorn dance ritual is a little awkward when you are 31 and alone in your kitchen on a Tuesday morning. 😉


text:
To enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.
As one of America's veterans service organizations, AMVETS (or American Veterans) has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. The helping hand that AMVETS extends to veterans and their families takes many forms.
One of the most visible is our network of trained national service officers (NSOs) accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, these dedicated men and women can be found in close to 50 states, providing sound advice and prompt action on compensation claims at no charge to the veteran.
In one recent year alone, AMVETS national service officers processed more than 24,000 claims that resulted in veterans receiving some $400 million in compensation. This commitment to service traces its roots back to 1948, when our NSOs first began helping veterans of World War II to obtain the benefits promised them by the federal government.
Coincidentally, it was these returning veterans who provided the impetus for forming AMVETS in the first place. At the time, many of them belonged to veterans clubs on college campuses. As the number of returnees swelled into the millions, it was evident that some sort of nationally organized assistance for them would be needed. The older established national groups wouldn't do; the leaders of this new generation of veterans wanted their own organization.
With that in mind, eighteen of them, representing nine veterans clubs, met in Kansas City, Mo., and founded The American Veterans of World War II on Dec. 10, 1944. Less than three years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress.
Since then, the original charter has been amended several times to admit as members those who served in different eras. Today, membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, to include the National Guard and Reserves.
As a volunteer-led organization, we annually elect and/or appoint officers at the national, district, department and post levels. Each August, representatives from these levels attend the AMVETS national convention to make decisions on issues affecting veterans and the organization.
Over the years, AMVETS has been in the forefront of public-policy related to national defense, services for homeless veterans, adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability compensation by disabled military retirees, veterans employment and training, POW/MIA accountability and flag protection.
In addition to the work of our national service officers, other AMVETS members, as well as those in the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, will devote as many as 250,000 hours of free time a year to brighten the lives of hospitalized veterans. Here, something as simple as playing cards with the lonely or watching television with the disabled can make a world of difference.
So can the assistance we give those who want to finish their education. Each year AMVETS awards scholarships totaling $40,000 to deserving high school seniors, ROTC students and veterans pursuing higher education.
But helping others is not limited to our fellow veterans. AMVETS members in more than 1,400 posts nationwide also promote and support "quality of life" community-service programs ranging from Special Olympics and ROTC to scouting and organ-donor projects.
Apart from these initiatives, the organization has thrown its monetary support behind work on such national monuments as the USS. Arizona, the Statue of Liberty and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It also sponsors its own carillon program to honor America's deceased servicemen and women. Since 1949, when President Truman dedicated the first carillon at Arlington National Cemetery, this program has grown to encompass more than 60 sites in the United States and overseas.
Another tribute unique to AMVETS is the Silver Helmet Award, often referred to as the Veterans Oscar. A replica of the World War II GI helmet, this prestigious award is presented annually to recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields.
As the organization moves further into the 21st century, it does so with the conviction that its focus on preserving freedom, supporting America's defenders and serving her communities remains a clear blueprint for continued service to God and country.
The White Clover is the official flower of AMVETS.
The white clover is a perennial with trifoliate green leaves, stems that root at the nodes and white flowers. Occasionally, the plant produces a four-leaf aberration.
It is a four-leaf clover symbolizing the four states in which the four branches of U.S. Armed Forces were drawn.
Four leaf clovers can be found around the world and traditionally represent good luck for those that find them.
The White Clover is symbolic of the universal struggle for freedom.
It means
"Remember Me."


text:
Police: Man upset with mask mandate threatened Wichita mayor
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A retired firefighter who was upset with Wichita's mask ordinance was arrested on suspicion of threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor of Kansas' largest city, authorities said.
Police said the 59-year-old suspect who was arrested Friday could face a charge of criminal threat, the Wichita Eagle reported.
Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, a Democrat, said someone had read him text messages received by another city official that asked about the mayor's address and threatened his life.
"He said he was going to kidnap me and slash my throat and he needed my address because I needed to see the hangman — me and everyone who, something about tyranny," Whipple said.
"It sounded like the person was very upset about pretty much mask mandates and he said something about not being able to see his mother because of COVID restrictions on elderly homes," he said.
Wichita police spokesman Charley Davidson said that no other local officials are believed to have been targeted.
The arrest comes more than a week after authorities said they thwarted a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Authorities allege members of two anti-government paramilitary groups took part in plotting in that case. Six men are charged in federal court with conspiring to kidnap the Democratic governor. Eight others are charged in state court with counts including providing material support for terrorist acts.


text:
In the lobby of the hospital where I did my medical training stands a 10½-foot marble statue of Jesus. Patients and visitors often pause before the imposing figure to gather their thoughts, pray, or just touch its smooth white foot. The hospital has always been secular, but the statue has brought comfort to thousands for over a hundred years. It also reminds doctors that, in medical matters, our patients do not necessarily see us as the final authority.
Several surveys show that over 90 percent of Americans believe in God. It's not surprising, then, that religion plays an important role in medical care. Just as there are no atheists in foxholes, a nonbeliever might reconsider while being rolled into the operating room or waiting for a biopsy result.
The clinical efficacy of prayer is difficult to measure, though researchers have tried. In one study, strangers were instructed to pray for patients undergoing heart surgery. The prayers did not seem to improve the patients' outcomes. Interestingly, if the patients were told they were being prayed for, they had more postoperative complications.
Still, there's no question that prayer benefits many people. Prayer, like meditation, can lower blood pressure and anxiety and put patients in a more positive frame of mind. Even doctors like me who are not religious appreciate the element of mystery in medicine; an unexplainable force that seems, at times, to aid recovery. I was discussing this recently with a patient of mine who is a nun. She pointed out that what I call a coincidence she calls a GOD-incidence — even though we might be talking about the same thing.
On many occasions I have found myself humbled and inspired by my patients' religious faith, even when I did not share it and even when it did not produce a cure.
One devout woman in her 50s who was dying of uterine cancer made an appointment with me to discuss what she had only identified on the phone as "plans." I assumed she meant hospice care, DNR orders, and pain management. But what she had in mind was none of these. She told me, matter-of-factly, that she had no fear of death, that she fully expected to be reunited in heaven with her late father, and that she looked forward to this.
She did, however, have some loose ends to tie up before then, including arranging for the care of her mother, an elderly woman who was also my patient. In a very organized and business-like way she told me that she intended to move her mother in with a cousin, and enlisted my help in transferring her medical care to a physician closer to her new home —
I found myself full of admiration for this woman, and envious of her, too. I could not imagine having this kind of equanimity myself, faced with a hereafter about which I did not share her certainty. I had to admit that God offered her more beneficial "end-of-life counseling" than I ever could.
Another time, I found myself in a diagnostic dispute with God. A middle-aged woman developed a series of neurological symptoms. Neither I nor several specialists could determine their cause. The patient, on the other hand, was quite sure that she had chronic Lyme disease. She'd had a divine vision one night, in which the word LYME appeared in large letters. For a few years she took antibiotics continuously, prescribed by a doctor who treats chronic Lyme.
Unfortunately, her symptoms progressed, and she ultimately proved to have ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. After the woman died, I reflected that while her vision had been misleading, it had brought her hope during the last years of her life — hope that she would not have enjoyed if she'd known from the start that she had ALS.
Occasionally, even I wonder if an event can be purely coincidence.
Years ago, I headed out of town on vacation, neglecting to tell a hospitalized patient of mine that I would not see her for several days. I had arranged for one of my partners to care for her, of course, but worried about whether she would feel I'd abandoned her. This was before the era of cellphones, and the pay phone at the seaside motel where I was staying was broken. I decided that it really wasn't necessary to call my patient and went for a walk on the beach.
By the water, coming toward me, emerging through the bright sunlight, was a man wearing a T-shirt with a single word imprinted on it: my patient's last name. I left the beach and found another pay phone. She was doing fine, and was happy to hear from me.
My patient the nun once asked if I might visit her mother, also my patient, at home when the older woman was near the end of her life. She asked if I would draw her mother's blood during my house call.
I was a crackerjack phlebotomist back when I was an intern, but it had been years since I'd drawn blood and told her I might be rusty. That was OK, she said. She had faith in me.
I dusted off my black doctor's bag, threw in a needle, some tubes, alcohol wipes and a tourniquet, and headed to my patient's house. When the time came to draw the woman's blood, I had trouble finding a vein.
"You can stick her again if you need to," said the daughter kindly. I confessed that I'd brought only one needle.
"Then, doctor," said the nun, "I will pray for you."
I adjusted the needle slightly, and a flash of red appeared. I turned to the patient's daughter, seeking her approval. But her eyes were not on me.
They were lifted to the sky.
Dr. Suzanne Koven is a primary care internist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Read her blog on Boston.com/Health.


text:
UPDATE: This contest is now closed and the winner will be announced soon. Thank you so much to all who participated! We will do more contests in the future as we occasionally have extra shortwave radio supplies/books. We're thinking of "name that interval signal" contests and other fun events. If you have any suggestions, or if you are a retailer who would like to contribute a prize, please contact us. Thanks! -Thomas
We just so happen to have an extra copy of the 2012 WRTH (World Radio and TV Handbook) here at the SWLing Post HQ. So, we've decided it would be fun to share it with a SWLing Post reader who would like a copy of this excellent resource–which also happens to be a great read, featuring many articles that we're sure you'll enjoy.
And since the SWLing Post recently opened a Facebook account, this little contest will be a great way to spark some interest there.
How can you win? Simply "like" us on Facebook–before 12:00 UTC on April 11, 2012–and you will automatically be entered to win the 2012 WRTH. We'll pick a reader at random and notify the winner via Facebook.
Then, simply send us your postal address, and we'll pop this in the mail to you. And though we may regret the postage (this is a heavy book!) this contest is open to anyone on the planet!
If you're not familiar with the newest edition of the WRTH, check out our recent review.