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May it be said of you: Bonhoeffer on the death of the city and the conversion of the Church
It is a somewhat grey morning. It is spring, but the flowers are not yet in bloom. The sky is overcast, and yet I feel the spirit of life is moving in me. As I order the things on my desk and begin today's first task--preparing for this Sunday's service--my heart is stirred by two things: Any day now my daughter, Olivia Joey Sarang, will be born, and I have been tasked with proclaiming God's promises. Every morning I have the same ritual. I fix a pot of fresh coffee, open a book, and spend about an hour or so reading and pray for guidance. This morning I was studying the history of city development and how both our modern cities and countrysides have been plagued by urbanization. As Murray Bookchin puts it, urbanization has caused us to become cities without citizens. Cities once were places where culture happened, where we gathered to learn how to be citizens together, with common dreams and common lives, where we celebrate life together and learn how to be whole and good--fully human. The countryside was an agrarian area where the cycles of life were shaped by the seasons. Where the human connection with the earth was one of friendship and mutual nourishment. With the rise of urbanization, now our cities are places of anonymity and our rural areas are spreading suburbs, no longer connected with the earth or each other. We are people living in shared spaces without community. We live in neighborhoods but we no longer know how to be neighbors.
As I read, I couldn't help but think to myself that I had read a similar lament from one of my favorite theologians, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Trying to wrap my head around today's tasks, I couldn't quite get it out of my head: God's promises of life; the loss of our human community and our connections to the earth.
So here is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer had to say in his "Thoughts on the Day of the Baptism of Dietrich Wilhelm Rüdiger Bethge, May 1944," in Letters and Papers from Prison.
I wish you could grow up in the country; but it will not be the countryside in which your father grew up. People used to think that the big cities offered the fullest kind of life and lots of pleasure, and they used to flock to them as though to a festival; but those cities have now brought on themselves death and dying, with all imaginable horrors, and have become fearsome places from which women and children have fled.
Here, it seems, Bonhoeffer is describing the rise of industrialism and the filth and poverty it brought upon the cities of the late 19th and early 20th century. Perhaps he was alluding to a phenomenon similar to what caused white middle-class folks to leave the American cities and convert the surrounding farmland into the suburban villages of the 1950s. This process of urbanizing both the cities and the countryside continued to grow until our cities became nutrition deserts riddled with poverty and our countrysides covered with shopping malls filled abundantly with goods consumed by depressed and lonely people who no longer know how to make things or how or where the things they consume are made.
Bonhoeffer continues:
The flight from the cities will mean that the countryside is completely changed. The peace and seclusion of country life have already been largely undermined by the radio, the car, and the telephone, and by the spread of bureaucracy into almost every department of life; and now if millions of people who can no longer endure the pace and the demands of the city life are moving into the country, and if entire industries are dispersed into rural areas, then the urbanization of the country will go ahead fast, and the whole basic structure of life there will be changed. The village of thirty years ago no more exists today than the idyllic South Sea island. In spite of [humanity's] longing for peace and solitude, these will be difficult to find. But with all these changes, it will be an advantage to have under one's feet a plot of land from which to draw the resources of a new, natural, unpretentious, and contented day's work and evening's leisure...
I am preparing my sermon for this week and I'm supposed to be prayerfully asking in my heart: "What message does God have for the church?" Instead, I'm asking myself: "What kind of world am I bringing my daughter into? What can I do? How should we live so we can help her find life?"
And then I hear Bonhoeffer's closing words to his god-child, a prayer from Proverbs, to pray and wait for God's timing. "May it be said of you..." he says, "that your righteousness shines bright like the dawn."
Today you will be baptized a Christian. All those great ancient words of the Christian proclamation will be spoken over you, and the command of Jesus Christ to baptize will be carried out on you, without your knowing anything about it. But we are once again being driven right back to the beginnings of our understanding. Reconciliation and redemption, regeneration and the Holy Spirit, love of our enemies, cross and resurrection, life in Christ and Christian Discipleship--all these things are so difficult and so remote that we hardly venture any more to speak of them. In the traditional words and acts we suspect that there may be something quite new and revolutionary, though we cannot as yet grasp or express it. That is our own fault. Our church, which has been fighting in these years only for its self-preservation, as though that were an end in itself, is incapable of taking the word of reconciliation and redemption to [human beings] and the world. Our earlier words are therefore bound to lose their force and cease, and our being Christians today will be limited to two things: prayer and righteous action among [humanity]. All Christian thinking, speaking, and organizing must be born anew out of this prayer and action. By the time you have grown up, the church's form will have changed greatly. We are not yet out of the melting-pot, and any attempt to help the church prematurely to a new expansion of its organization will merely delay its conversion and purification. It is not for us to prophesy the day (though the day will come) when [people] will once more be called so to utter the word of God that the world will be changed and renewed by it. It will be a new language, perhaps quite non-religious, but liberating and redeeming--as was Jesus' language; it will shock people and yet overcome them by its power; it will be the language of a new righteousness and truth, proclaiming God's peace with [humanity] and the coming of [God's] kingdom. "They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it" (Jer. 33:9). Till then the Christian cause will be a silent and hidden affair, but there will be those who pray and do right and wait for God's own time. May you be one of them, and may it be said of you one day, "The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter till full day" (Prov. 4:18)
[The image in this post is "...and the world stood still" by New Zealand Impressionist artist Ariel Hu. http://www.artbythesea.co.nz/arielhu.htm]


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Sometimes, the best way to learn something is to bust the myths about it. When it comes to dentistry, all kinds of myths are circulated that can actually be quite harmful for people's health if they come to believe them.
That's why we've compiled three of the most common dental myths and busted them! Read on to see what they are and why it's so important to know the truth.
Myth 1: Sugar Causes Cavities
Wait, what? Sugar causing cavities is a myth? Hold on, don't go grab a pile of candy bars just yet.
I know, you're probably wondering what I'm talking about, because all dentists go on and on about how bad sugar is for your teeth! I just want to make sure people understand that sugar itself doesn't really hurt your teeth—the danger lies in the bacteria that are attracted to sugar.
If you ate a pile of sticky, sugary candy and immediately rinsed out your mouth and brushed your teeth afterward, that quantity of sugar would be better for you than having just one piece of candy with no rinsing or brushing until hours later! It's because the sugar stays behind and has ample time to attract harmful bacteria, which do the dirty work.
Myth 2: Fluoride Is Dangerous
It baffles me why so many people are under the impression that fluoride is dangerous. The reality is, you have a little layer on the surface of your teeth that protects them from harm, including bacteria and chewing. When you consume foods with sugar or acid in them, it breaks down this layer and leaves the teeth vulnerable to bacteria or acid, damaging the tooth structure itself.
The mineral fluoride forms a bond with the structure of the tooth to form an extra shield against these threats. The results are clear on an individual basis, but fluoride has shown success on a widespread scale too.
One statistic states that fluoridated drinking water in a community can lower the rate of tooth decay by 50 to 70 percent! Just don't ingest too much fluoride at once. If you can manage to avoid drinking five thousand to ten thousand glasses of fluoridated water in one sitting, you'll be okay.
Myth 3: Brushing Harder Gets Better Results
Many people just aren't sure what to do when it comes to proper brushing technique. If they see plaque or stains on their teeth, they think that brushing harder will help.
Unfortunately, that's not how it works. You can actually wear down the enamel of your teeth by brushing too aggressively. Instead, the proper technique uses gentle, circular strokes for at least two minutes each time you brush. You'll get rid of plaque without hurting your teeth in the process.
Another important habit is to brush and floss regularly. Then there will be less temptation to try to fix discoloration or accumulation of plaque with a lot of hard brushing.
I hope these tips helped! You can always ask us at our Boise dental practice, Modern Dental, if you have further questions. We'll see you soon!
~Dr. Wagner

subset: commoncrawl


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And so much has changed in these four weeks. I couldn't read or write or do much of anything besides talk and listen and eat and drink (lots of herbal teas) in the first few days after the operation.
One of the most stunning examples of the ways in which my brain couldn't operate as usual that first week, was when I was on the phone with someone and they wanted to pass on a message to a friend who was in the hospital room with me and though I understood the simple message I was meant to convey and knew what it meant to do that, my brain somehow would not let me. I could not for the life of me just say the few words that would have passed the message on. Just one example of many that illustrate how limited what I could accomplish was those first few days (including reading and writing).
By the end of the first week I could read out loud some but not silently to myself, could only write a few sentences with several corrections necessary in every word and feeling exhausted after only that. I couldn't multiply single numbers or do other simple basic math or touch my nose without missing it or remember certain words etc. etc, And my perceptions were so diffused and atomized I couldn't take dealing with more than one thing at a time (the first few days in the hospital were an exception as I was still coming down from the operation drugs and anesthesia I guess—and still on heavy steroids etc.—so was very speedy in my speech and seemingly not bothered by all the friends and family who visited).
But after those first few days in the hospital, if more than one person tried to talk to me at a time it hurt my head and made me extremely anxious. People were dropping off food at my apartment and they would enter and start to empty bags and talk to me and I would ask them to leave because it was too much for me if there was anyone else there at the same time.
I couldn't watch almost any TV or read or listen to music—all of that seemed overwhelmingly complicated, like the words on the page or the images on the TV or the individual sounds in the music were a cacophony of dissonant and gratingly loud and aggravatingly harsh sounds. The images on TV seemed so distinctly separate that every second's alteration from one moving image to the next was a whirlwind of so much movement and imagery it felt like a universe of discord was fighting for attention in my brain's limitations.
But by the end of the second week, I was reading a little to myself (a paragraph a day was about my limit) and very well out loud. Writing was still almost impossibly difficult and full of odd mishaps like substituting entirely different words for the ones I thought I was directing my brain to write, as in "who" for "now" or "instinct" for "image" or "Thursday" for "operation"! Not to mention the numerous typos and strange reversals and additions that altered the meaning of words or sentences or ideas.
It was fascinating to experience and quite engaging, at least to me. In those first two weeks I spent a lot of time just sitting and smiling (at least to myself) over how contented and unfrustrated I felt despite the fact that there was very little I could do besides eat and have a conversation with whoever was in the apartment with me (and in those first weeks someone was with me at all times, either my daughter Caitlin, or my older son Miles and sometimes my daughter-in-law Jennifer or my good friend Sue (I just wrote that as "god friend"—one of the many interesting typos I still make).
But by the third week I was reading much better, short articles in TIME, and able to watch relatively simple (i.e. black-and-white, two or three character simple premise) movies and TV shows, could write with slightly less problems, mostly just typos, unable to get my mind and fingers to hit the right keys but not substituting entirely incorrect (in terms of my initial intentions) words, and could abide two people in my apartment talking at the same time.
But now, in just the past two days, the writing has improved drastically, I'm typing this with mostly ordinary typos every few words rather than several in one word and tons in each sentence like it was only a few days ago! And yesterday I read an entire article in THE NEW YORKER. When just a week ago I couldn't read more than a paragraph without feeling like I just overloaded my mind for the day. So much has come back, in fact, that most of the time I feel pretty much like my old self.
There are still many things that can improve. A short outing to the store exhausts me, and being confronted with more than one or two people out in public is so painful I have to turn my eyes away or close them. And sounds, when I'm out, still do that diffuse overall cacophony thing that is hard to bear (I noticed last week when I tried being in a room with lots of people every sound to me was equally loud and overwhelming, so someone talking, someone whispering in a far corner, someone unwrapping a package or blowing their nose or walking across the room or sighing [I wrote "signing" for "sighing" at first and then trying to correct it wrote several other incorrect words including "winging"! so my incorrect word substitutions are still happening especially the more I type and my brain begins to tire] or making any sound whatsoever all come across as equally loud as though they were right up against my ear. Way too difficult to deal with).
But I am so grateful for the incredible progress I've made that any improvement or lack of it seems completely okay with me. Again I thank everyone for their love and support and hope that I didn't sound too self-righteous in my post yesterday, as if I'm always perfectly grateful for everything—"good" and "bad"—I'm not that evolved. But I'm working on it.
Friday, December 11, 2009
3 comments:
- -K- said...
This would make a fascinating book.
- December 11, 2009 at 11:23:00 AM EST
- JIm said...
Ditto on the book.
- December 11, 2009 at 2:19:00 PM EST
- harryn said...
or at least another chapter to the work in progress ...
- December 12, 2009 at 9:48:00 AM EST
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Become A FOster
Bring joy to your life while providing a loving and safe home for a small dog until adoption!
Fosters are the life blood of the Wee Rescue family. We have many wonderful animals waiting for the forever homes they deserve. Until then, we depend on fosters to open their hearts and homes to these dogs.
What do Wee need to give these animals a better chance? More foster families!
Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home, you:
- Free up a spot so Wee Rescue can take in more dogs who need homes
- Give your foster dog time to get ready for adoption (after spaying/ neutering, for example)
- Help the Wee Rescue team learn more about a dog for the best possible adoption match
- Socialize the dog to a home environment and possibly other pets and personalities
Wee Rescue fosters attend Meet and Greets on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. to give adopters the chance to meet the dogs. You will enjoy seeing other Wees and meeting their caring advocates.
If you would like more information on fostering, download our Foster Information Packet. Ready to become a foster? Fill out the Foster Application Form and email it to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Our Student Beans App is Officially Your New Best Friend
Say hello to your new shopping BFF. Seriously.
Download our Student Beans App to get your student discount whenever you hit the shops.
All you need to do is whip out your phone for your discount code or flash your Student Beans iD at the till to save your monies instore.
We have load of amazing discounts off all your fave fashion brands, including Topshop, Ted Baker, boohoo.com, and many more. And also, some seriously sweet discounts off the best restaurants and takeaways.
Whatever you need, the Student Beans App is here to save you some pretty pennies.


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Another Summer on The River
|Sunken Rock Lighthouse
Paintings, Prints, Cards and Scarves
At Bay House, I will have an assortment of small paintings, prints, cards and hand-painted silk scarves. The images will be primarily nature inspired with an emphasis on The St. Lawrence River and the Indian River Lakes scenery.
|Detail of "Poppy!" scarf
We've Moved!
Yes, we've moved, but just a few doors down. So this year you will still find us in the heart of Alexandria Bay, but in a different building. I hope you will stop in to see Bay House Artisans in our new location, and perhaps come home with a lovely gift for someone special--could be you!


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Wednesday, October 22, 2014
31 Days of Halloween - Day 22 - Movie 1
Christina Ricci plays Fall River's notorious ax murderer in the Lifetime original tv movie, Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (2014) a historical drama revisiting the murder of Lizzie's parents and the trial that followed. Despite having a good cast, this movie is a dreadful bore. It seems to drag on forever, as if somewhere along the way they discovered that this story isn't really that interesting and could be summed up in about twenty minutes instead. In an attempt to inject some life into any scene that involves people walking outside, riding in a carriage, or just standing outside on the street, modern music that would sound at home in a Jack Daniel's commercial is played over these scenes. This choice was a bad one and only draws attention to itself since the music in no way enhances the scenes in a way that's pertinent to the story.
This may not be the worst movie I watch this month, but I doubt any other movie is going to prove to be more tedious to sit through.
Posted by John Rozum at 12:30 PM
Labels: Halloween, movie review
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Today's {Yellow + Grey} Little Man Baby Shower event was submitted by Tiffany Berkeley of Orange Moon Events. We are delighted to welcome Tiffany to our blog to share with you all of the lovely details that went into planning this event...
The mommy-to-be's favorite color is yellow so we decided to use a yellow and gray color palette. We used bowtie onesies and mustache design elements and, since it was a little man theme, she suggested that we use argyle and seer sucker patterns as well. Invitations were customized with the yellow and gray argyle pattern with a yellow and white seersucker striped onesie. Tables were covered with white linen tablecloths with gray or yellow pashmina scarves used as table runners. Vases with yellow and white flowers served as centerpieces on the guest tables. Baby themed disposable cameras and mustache photo booth props were placed on each table for guests to pass around and take pictures throughout the shower. Place settings alternated between yellow and gray plates and on top of each plate, a white gable box labeled "My Stache" was filled with all the necessary supplies for the shower. "My Stache" boxes included flatware, napkins, a mustache straw, 3 game cards, a pen and a packet of M&Ms matching the shower's colors. Various paper products were customized to match the shower's invitation such as the game cards, party circles, advice cards, water bottle labels and food tent cards. Yellow and white striped napkins, which mimicked the seer sucker pattern in the paper products, were used at the dessert table.
A spread of appetizers included a cheese and grape tray, vegetable tray, mini quiche, sweet & sour meatballs, ham sandwiches and cheese with meat dip served with tortilla chips. Lemonade and iced tea as well as mini bottled water with custom bottle labels in the shower's colors and patterns were served.
The M&M packets, which doubled as game pieces for the Baby Bingo game that guests played, were a perfect favor for guests once the games were over. The "My Stache" gable boxes were used by guests as take out boxes for all their goodies. Sugar cookies were bagged in yellow and white striped favor bags for guests to take as they left.
Vendor Credits:
Event styling & design: Tiffany Berkeley with Orange Moon Events & Planning
Photography: Farrahn E. Photography
Paper printables: Paper Cupcake Designs
Mustache advice sign and bowtie favor sticker: Just a Little Sparkle
My Stache Stickers: The Party Penguin
Newborn toes disposable cameras: Custom Camera Collection
Striped paper straws & glassine bags: Shop Sweet Lulu
Paper mustaches: Party HQ


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M&M SUP re seller Glogglz sunglasses and Glogglz waterproof cases/
We fell in love with the Glogglz sunglasses last season and are proud to announce we became official re seller of this good looking water sports brand! What makes these sunglasses special is that they are the only patent water resistant sunglasses that go underwater and perform like a goggle! Add the fun looking models and colors and you have a sunglass everyone paddling in summer time must wear! The Glogglz sunglasses are also offering 100% UV protection and provide superior glare reduction. Makes us even happier as we spend many hours on and in the water in the season.
As we spend so many hours on our paddle boards we like to have some stuff with us; such as an iPhone, money/creditcard, keys and some other personal belongings. These all fit in the colorful Glogglz waterproof cases which we sell in sizes S (fits an iPhone 5) and M (fits an iPhone 6). The best thing about these cases is the leash that is easy to attach on your board rack or leg leash which prevents the case from falling in the water and sinking :(
Come check out the colorful Glogglz sunglasses and/or cases while going for a paddle tour, class or sup yoga session.


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I thought I would share with you my favourite ab workout, this is what works for me and I really hope it helps you guys out.
20 x Ab Crunches,
ensure your not lifting yourself any further than 12 inches. Keep your hands at the side of your head, refrain from pulling at your neck.
15 x Cross Crunches,
repeat with opposite side.
20 x Russian Twist,
lift your feet off the floor and tense your abs, you will automatically try and keep your balance, which instantly burns more calories.
15 x V-sit ups,
again try and keep your abs tensed to keep your balance. You should be trying to reach for your toes.
20 x leg raises,
don't let your feet touch the ground between reps.
30 x bicyles,
keep at a good steady pace, there is no need to rush.
Finish with a 60 second plank.
I like to repeat this 3 times throughout my workout. If your just starting out in the gym try just one set, and as your progress and an extra set into your session. You should be able to feel the burn, if you don't then your not performing the exercises correctly.


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The SX-4500 Ultimate Body & Facial Toning Microcurrent System
The all NEW SX-4500 features "Platinum Nano" second generation microcurrent technology. The SX-4500 combines the features of our facial and body systems into one Ultimate total toning machine. The machine features functions for facial and body toning Level I and Level II. The signatures are delivered using our patented technologies. Processes are monitored through a built in biofeedback monitoring computer for optimum program values for every client.
SX-4500 Body Contouring Feature
The SX-4500 is programmed with the same features as the SX-101. 16 Channels, 16 LCD computer display monitors, dual frequency controllers for extreme results. See a reduction in dress size immediately. Experience a relaxing treatment and see why Vogue magazine calls this "The Miracle Machine".
Legs and Buttocks Sculpting:
With each relaxing session, you will see benefits immediately, improve sagging areas, overall toning, and improved appearance.
Stomach and Back Sculpting:
Tighten and tone the abdominal area and love handles with each session designed to tone your waist line.
Arm Sculpting:
Experience a relaxing session resulting in sleeker arms. Flabby arms are toned and tightened. See improvements in sagging areas!
*** A series of twice weekly treatments will produce cumulative and profound results, as seen here! ***
SX-4500 Facial Toning Feature
The facial toning feature of the SX-4500 uses the latest advancements in our patent pending Dual-Core ISOGEN Pico technology to deliver our Micro, Nano and Pico signatures. The facial toning feature is preprogrammed with 6 presets for true facial toning. Each preset is comprised of specific frequencies to make a unique signature for each program. The facial toning feature has a built in biofeedback computer that monitors the total impendence during the treatment. Our signatures are delivered using our Dual-Core ISOGEN Pico technology along with our 4 prong Pico Probes. Each prong has its own signal generating system (2 channels). This means that the results are 4 times as great as compared to a single channel system. The facial toning feature has the ability to maintain a pure waveform even at very low (Nano) levels of current (InSight WaveForm™) resulting in a unique and powerful system with extreme proven results.
*** A series of twice weekly treatments will produce cumulative and profound results, as seen here! ***
The SX-4500 Microcurrent Total Body System has a user programmable digital timer allowing you to preset your session length depending on client goals or spa packages being offered. Holographic mechanical optical switches offer clear vibrant illumination of what state the machine is currently in.
The SX-4500 Microcurrent Total Body System has 16 independent channels. Each group of 8 channels has its own preset frequency selector. This allows for more advanced hook-ups to treat multiple ares in a single session.
The SX-4500 Facial Toning Feature has 2 independent channels. Channels 1 & 2 are controlled independently from each other. Both channels have 6 frequency specific presets for maximum facial toning effects.
The SX-4500 Microcurrent Total Body System has a unique circuit built into the machine that controls the length and rest time of the treatment independently from each other. The length and rest time controllers can be programed from 1 second to 6 seconds. Also, for the technician´s convenience, there is an L.E.D. indicator that illuminates to advise the current status.
The SX-4500 Microcurrent Total Body System has 16 high quality frequency amplitude control knobs to adjust the session for maximum efficacy. Each channel is controlled by an LCD monitor to indicate an accurate level setting.
The SX-4500 Microcurrent Total Body System has 16 independent channel outputs that produce ultra-high definition specific frequency signals. Each channel output has both a positive and negative lead that uses a unique delivery system making each channel independent of each other.
The SX-4500 Microcurrent Total Body System has a bio-feedback monitoring computer that continuously monitors total body impedance and makes automatic adjustments to maintain a pure waveform even at very low (Nano) levels of current.
The SX-4500 is built with the highest quality medical grade UL 60601-3 power supply. The power input port will automatically recognize any worldwide voltage (110v – 240v). All SX series machines are individually safety inspected by an independent agency to comply with UL medical grade safety standards 60601-3.
The SX series body cables are manufactured with the highest quality thermoplastic materials to withstand oils and other contaminates to give long lasting durability. The body cables are fitted with medical grade electrode snaps that comply with regulatory guidelines.
The SX-4500 includes 16 small and 32 large silver microfiber conductive body pads.
The SX-4500 includes 16 small and 32 large high quality aluminum conductive plates.
The SX-4500 includes a set of 12 (4 small, 4 medium, 2 Large, 2 Extra Large) body straps. These straps are used to hold the microfiber pads in place during the session.
The SX-4500 Includes 1 set of single channel probes with one large and one small tip set.
The SX-4500 Includes 1 set of multi-channel 4 prong facial toning probes.
The SX-4500 Includes 1 tube of conductive electrolyte facial gel that is used with our facial toning probes to effectively deliver the signatures to the skin.
The SX-4500 includes remote client stop switch, when pressed will stop the current session.
The SX-4500 includes 1 UL 60601-3 medical grade power cord for to comply with regulatory standards.
The SX-4500 includes 1 user´s manual. Includes in the manual is a training DVD, marketing DVD and brochures. The marketing DVD includes testimonial videos that you can loop in you waiting room for your customers.
- Coming Soon -


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Essential secrets to take the stress out of the planning of your big day.
You're getting married! It's exciting and wonderful. To keep it fun and easygoing, follow the advice below from brides and grooms. Take the stress out of the planning and execution of your big day. Here are five secrets brides say they wish they knew while planning their wedding:
- Get A Professional: (If you can afford it.) What a stress reliever and time saver. If a wedding planner is not in your budget, choose a neutral, calm friend to be your main helper. Avoid having family members do this job, especially the mother and father of the bride and groom. Ask your helper if they have the time and energy to assist you and outline some of the things for which you might need assistance: dress fittings, visiting venues, coordinating hotel suggestions for guests from out of town.
- Keep Dating: The most easygoing engagements happen to couples who are connected and positive. Carve out time to spend just the two of you. Do fun or relaxing things not related to the wedding every weekend, no matter what. Do not allow the wedding to take over your lives or you will be stressed out by the time it arrives.
- Clarity, Confidence And Compassion With Friends And Family: Use clear, direct statements to convey information, especially to family members. Let them know their level of involvement as soon as you know it and consider keeping it minimal. Just be kind when sharing this information. An example of how to talk to a mother chomping at the bit to be a part of things is, "Mom, I am so excited to have you involved in our wedding day. We are still creating the ceremony and experience that feels right to us. I am going to have some things I'll need help with soon. I'll let you know what they are as soon as we do, and you can tell me if you might like to help us with them." In this way, you let her know, first, to chill out until you tell her you're ready for help, and, second, that you do not take her help for granted; she has a choice in the matter and you appreciate her help.
- K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sweetie): The less you have to plan and keep track of, the less stressed you may become. Weigh your dreams of your wedding day with how much you want to stress. For some of us, that might mean eloping. For some, it might mean cutting the guest list from 450 to 250. The larger your event, the more you need to delegate. Consider having friends help with certain areas of the wedding planning. Your friend who is a chef can oversee the menu to your tastes. Your friend who is crafty might love coming up with awesome favors or centerpieces. You get the idea. Don't let the details distract you from your vision of the gorgeous expression of your love.
- Create An Amazing Intention Together: Sit down with your sweetie and each of you come up with one to three words that you want to describe your wedding and engagement. Some great examples are joyful, harmonious, romantic, fun, festive, loving, blissful, epic, fairy tale, calm, soft, party, relaxing, passionate. As you each pick your top few words you can talk about why you picked them. If your guy chooses the words party, passionate and loving, you can talk about how to make the experience resonate with those words and what he means by them. You will decide how to have a party, but also plenty of time for you two to spend some passionate time afterwards and feel loving with one another.
Pick the words that embody your joint intention for your wedding and engagement experience and post them on your bathroom mirror during that time. Refer back and gently point out to each other when you have deviated from that course. This is a great skill builder for your marriage. You can set your intention together for your life. Do this and you will soar in your happy marriage.


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These look fantastic, thanks for sharing! I'll definitely have to try them out.
I am sitting here and enjoying the fruits of my own labour.Yummy. It is a bajri atta alu paratha.That's a mouthful and so it this...Its nutty and tastier than many other wheat alu parathas I've eaten before. It's, like the ad goes, "different". Semi arid areas and sandy soil form the oyster...


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To Celebrate the start of summer we are introducing the Heirloom Collection, a Staple to Farmhouse Living.
Classic. Timeless. Organic. Introducing: Teaselwood Farm's Heirloom Collection, sure to be passed down from generation to generation, family member to family member, farmhouse to farmhouse, for years to come.
Our new Heirloom Collection includes: premium tea towels consisting of rustic, organic linen from Europe, but made with love right here in Central NY (your ultimate best friend when it comes to perfecting the art of bread-baking!); linen napkins that are crazy-soft and built to accompany any meal, formal or casual; 100% European linen runners, to add a touch of simple elegance to any table setting; our artist apron, the most comfy, versatile, functional, and dare we say fashionable apron you'll ever slip on; and our signature hand-poured beeswax candles made from pure local beeswax and sustainable palm oil in new luscious scents (spring peony, lavender lemon and honeysuckle, ahhhh mmmm).
With our new Heirloom Collection, we seek to bring you, our beloved friends and fans, products made with the highest quality fabrics from across the world combined with fresh, locally grown ingredients, all homespun and handmade right here in Central NY. That's the Teaselwood way, the Farmhouse lifestyle way.
For all of our greathauls that our local farmer's markets offer 2 -different styled market totes to the shop as well.
Please peruse our newest offerings and let us know what you think! Is there something you'd love to see at the shop? Drop us a line and comment below!


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Happy Little Leaves Original Painting by MaryLea Harris
Happy Little Leaves Original Painting by MaryLea Harris
"Happy Little Leaves" (2014) by MaryLea Harris in Bend, OR.
Original acrylic on canvas with painted edges.
16" x 16" painted edges with wire, ready to hang.
Signed by artist on the back.
My Happy Little Leaves series is meant to be whimsical and colorful. I'm exploring color, texture, and line. I'm focusing on the interplay of "positive" and "negative" space as I reflect on my own positive and negative growth experiences from the past few years. The cracks are how the light gets in. I'm using these trees as a form of art therapy to explore living more simply while celebrating nature, color, texture, and line. I want the viewer to feel happy and playful. I want them to be in the moment and feel joy. Life is short and meant to be celebrated. The title is a small tribute to Bob Ross and his Happy Little Trees he would add to his landscapes, I thought his paintings were magical when I was a little girl.


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|By Elizabeth White
Article Rating:
|June 7, 2015 06:15 AM EDT
"People are a lot more knowledgeable about APIs now. There are two types of people who work with APIs - IT people who want to use APIs for something internal and the product managers who want to do something outside APIs for people to connect to them," explained Roberto Medrano, Executive Vice President at SOA Software, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at 15th Cloud Expo, held Nov 4-6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Internet of Things, Data and APIs
When something as simple as an API can integrate massive amounts of data into, and through, a wide variety of applications, any company can be a digital enterprise. There is a perception that some industries are using technology to innovate, while others languish in antiquated ways of running their business. But in our massively connected age, it's rare to find examples where technology isn't making an impact on helping organizations grow and become more efficient.
John Deere is one of the world's largest and most successful manufacturers of agricultural machinery, and it's not a stretch to say that they are responsible for much of the food on your table. They're enabling an entire ecosystem of innovation for everyone involved with agriculture through the APIs they offer in their developer program.
At first look, it may seem a stretch to think about how an API can enhance tractors, but John Deere isn't in the business of just making machinery any more. They want to enable efficient growth of the global food supply, and to do that they are making technology part of every element of the value chain they touch: from how crops are planted, harvested, managed, and the equipment that is used in the process. These are not just using technology, but as pointed out in, How Smart, Connected Products Are Transforming Competition, a new piece in the Harvard Business Review: "...sensors, processors, software, and connectivity in products (in effect, computers are being put inside products), coupled with a product cloud in which product data is stored and analyzed and some applications are run, are driving dramatic improvements in product functionality and performance."
Consider the complexity of getting from farm to table. Logistics, time-to-market, and quality are the essence of agriculture, maybe as much as taste is. Whether it is a cow, a banana or a cashew, it has along and rather complicated lifecycle, and a lot of data associated with it that can be tracked. This type of business requires an environment that uses technology to germinate, breed, nurture, and care for things that cannot easily be stored or shipped. And today's consumer wants access to an ever-growing range of food products, and expects to be able to find a pineapple in Reykjavik in February. That involves an integration of many players, and it cannot be accomplished without sophisticated use of technology.
The API-enabled IoT "Stack"
This is what the Internet of Things (IoT) looks like. Far from being a gadget in the cab of a tractor, IoT is really just an API-enabled platform for extending data to the things that are being used to deliver value for a brand. For John Deere, that means treating their products as data repositories, with collection, dissemination and usage coming from tilling, digging, picking and just basically doing what they're out in the fields for the in first place. It's just that now, they are being leveraged to do more than ever before. For John Deere's users and customers that means using tractors, excavators and loaders to use information gathered from other sources to make better, more advantageous decisions. It means that the same excavator also becomes an additional collection point in their data loop. [continued]
Cloud, Big Data, and the 'Internet of Things'
Are you ready to put your data in the cloud?
What is the future of security in the cloud?
Does Docker quickly advance the development of an IoT application?
What are the implications of Moore's Law on Hadoop deployments?
Cloud Expo / @ThingsExpo 2015 New York
(June 9-11, 2015, at the Javits Center, Manhattan)
Cloud Expo / @ThingsExpo 2015 Silicon Valley
(November 3-5, 2015, at the Santa Clara Convention Center)
@ThingsExpo Silicon Valley 2014 Exhibit Floor was packed for three days!
Get all these questions and hundreds more like them answered at the 2015 Cloud Expo and @ThingsExpo June 9-11, 2015, at the Javits Center in New York City, and November 3-5, 2015, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California.
Our upcoming June 9-11, 2015, event in New York City will present a total of 10 simultaneous tracks (the largest conference content in the world) by an all-star faculty, over three days, plus the popular two-day "Cloud Computing Bootcamp" presented by Janakiram MSV, an analyst with the Gigaom Research analyst network where he covers the Cloud Services landscape.
Cloud and Big Data topics and tracks include: Enterprise Cloud Adoption, APM & Cloud Computing | Hot Topics, Cloud APIs & Business, Cloud Security | Mobility, and Big Data | Analytics.
@ThingsExpo content also tripled from a single track last year to three simultaneous (all sold-out) IoT tracks: Consumer IoT, Enterprise IoT, and IoT Developer | WebRTC Convergence.
Our DevOps Summit content also doubled from a single track last June to two simultaneous tracks in November: "Dev" Developer Focus and "Ops" Operations Focus.
Please check back for daily updates as we are working with our distinguished faculty members to finalize new session abstracts. If you have any questions please contact us at events (at) sys-con.com. Last but not least we will announce our keynotes to be delivered by world-class speakers on the hottest topics!
Cloud Expo / @ThingsExpo Silicon Valley 2014 Exhibit Floor Day 3
The largest 'Internet of Things' event in the world has announced "sponsorship opportunities" and "call for papers."
The 1st International Internet of @ThingsExpo was launched this June at the Javits Center in New York City with over 6,000 delegates in attendance. The 2nd International Internet of @ThingsExpo took place November 4-6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California, with an estimated 6,000 plus delegates attending over three days.
Cloud Expo / @ThingsExpo New York 2014 registration desk at the Javits
Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities Are Now Available
Sponsors and exhibitors of Internet of @ThingsExpo will benefit from unmatched branding, profile building and lead generation opportunities through:
- Featured on-site presentation and ongoing on-demand webcast exposure to a captive audience of industry decision-makers.
- Showcase exhibition during our new extended dedicated expo hours
- Breakout Session Priority scheduling for sponsors that have been guaranteed a 35-minute technical session
- Online advertising in SYS-CON's i-Technology publications
- Capitalize on our comprehensive marketing efforts leading up to the show with print mailings, e-newsletters and extensive online media coverage.
- Unprecedented PR Coverage: Editorial coverage on IoT.sys-con.com, Tweets to our 75,000 plus followers, press releases sent on major wire services to over 500 combined analysts and press members who attended Internet of @ThingsExpo - making it the best-covered "Internet of Things" conference in the world
For more information on sponsorship, exhibit, and keynote opportunities contact Carmen Gonzalez by email at events (at) sys-con.com, or by phone 201 802-3021. Book both events for additional savings!
@ThingsExpo 2015 New York (June 9-11 in New York City)
@ThingsExpo 2015 Silicon Valley (November 3-5 in Santa Clara, CA)
@ThingsExpo New York 2014 Power Panel on SYS-CON.tv
World's Top 2nd Wave Cloud and IoT Players: 2014 Sponsors and Exhibitors
In 2014 roughly 12,000 (audited) delegates registered and participated in the world's largest 2nd wave Cloud and 'Internet of Things' event. Conference delegates met with over 150 of the world's leading Cloud and 'Internet of Things' technology pioneers that were among the sponsors and exhibitors, including:
Acision (Exhibitor), ActiveState (Silver), AgilePoint (Exhibitor), Ambernet (Exhibitor), Amplidata (Exhibitor), Apacer Memory America (Exhibitor), Appcore (Exhibitor), AppDynamics (Exhibitor), AppZero (Exhibitor), Aria Systems (Bronze), Automic (Gold), Avere Systems (Exhibitor), Axis Communications (Exhibitor), Basic6 (Exhibitor), Bitium (Exhibitor), BlueBox (Bronze), Brother Office (Bronze), BSQUARE (Bronze), BUMI (Exhibitor), CA Technologies (Platinum), Calm.io (Bronze), CiRBA (Bronze), Cisco (Gold), Cloudant (Exhibitor), Cloudian (Bronze), CodeFutures (Bronze), Connect2.me (Exhibitor), Connected Data (Exhibitor), CrashPlan/Code42 (Exhibitor), Creative Business Solutions (Exhibitor), Cynny Italia (Exhibitor), Dasher Technologies (Exhibitor), DEAC Data Centers (Silver), Dell (Silver), Distrix (Exhibitor), Dyn (Bronze), e-SignLive by Silanis (Exhibitor), Edgecast Networks (Platinum), ElasticBox (Exhibitor), Endstream/Open Data Centers (Exhibitor),
ESRI (Bronze), Evident.io (Exhibitor), FireHost (Bronze), Gigamon (Silver), GoodData (Bronze), Gridstore (Exhibitor), Harbinger Group (Exhibitor), HP (DevOps Track Sponsor), IAPP (Exhibitor), IBM (Platinum), IDenticard (Exhibitor), Imperva (Exhibitor), IndependenceIT (Exhibitor), Infor (Platinum), InMage (Exhibitor), Innodisk (Exhibitor), ITinvolve (Silver), iwNetworks (Exhibitor), Ixia (Exhibitor), iXsystems (Exhibitor), Jelastic (Exhibitor), MangoApps (Exhibitor), Matrix.org (Silver), MetraTech (Bronze), Microsoft (Diamond), NaviSite (Silver), Net Access Corporation (Exhibitor), NuoDB (Bronze), NY Times (Exhibitor), Objectivity (Exhibitor), OpenCrowd (Exhibitor), Oracle (Platinum Plus), OutSystems (Bronze), Parasoft (Exhibitor), Peak10 (Exhibitor), Peer 1 Hosting (Exhibitor), Pluralsight (Exhibitor), PubNub (Exhibitor), QTS Data Centers (Bronze), Quantum (Exhibitor), Qubell (Platinum), r-evolutionapp (Exhibitor), RackWare (Exhibitor), Red Hat (Bronze), RingStor (e-Bulletin Sponsor), SAP (Gold), ScaleMP (Exhibitor), Seagate (Exhibitor), SendGrid (Exhibitor), Serena Software (Exhibitor), SherWeb (Exhibitor),
SimpleECM (Exhibitor), Smartvue (Exhibitor), SOA Software (Bronze), SOASTA CloudTest (Exhibitor), SoftLayer (Gold), SoftwareAG (Exhibitor), Solgenia (Exhibitor), SPAN Systems (Exhibitor), StackIQ (Exhibitor), Stateless Networks (Exhibitor), Stratogent (Exhibitor), Telecity (Exhibitor), Telehouse (Exhibitor), Telestax (Exhibitor), Transparent Cloud Computing Consortium (Exhibitor), Ulunsoft (Exhibitor), Utimaco (Exhibitor), VASCO Data Security (Bronze), Veeam (Exhibitor), Verizon (Platinum), VictorOps (Exhibitor), Virtustream (Power Panel Sponsor), Vormetric (Bronze), Will Jaya (Exhibitor), Windstream (Silver), WSM - Website Movers International (Exhibitor), Zentera (Exhibitor), Zerto (Exhibitor)
Secure Your VIP Pass to Attend @ThingsExpo New York 2015
@ThingsExpo announced a limited time FREE "Expo Plus" registration option. The onsite registration price of $600 will be set to 'free' for delegates who register before the end of this month.
To take advantage of this opportunity, attendees can use the special "coupon code" on the registration page and secure their "@ThingsExpo Plus" registration to attend all keynotes and general sessions, as well as a limited number of technical sessions each day of the show, in addition to full access to the expo floor and the @ThingsExpo hackathons throughout the week.
The registration page is located at the @ThingsExpo site here.
@ThingsExpo New York 2015 'Call for Papers' Now Open
The 3rd International Internet of @ThingsExpo, to be held June 9-11, 2015, at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, announces that its 'Call for Papers' is now open. The event will feature a world class, all-star faculty with the hottest IoT topics covered in three distinct tracks.
Track 1 - Consumer IoT and Wearables: Smart Appliances, Wearables, Smart Cars, Smartphones 2.0, Smart Travel, Personal Fitness, Health Care, Personalized Marketing, Customized Shopping, Personal Finance, The Digital Divide, Mobile Cash & Markets, Games & the IoT, The Future of Education, Virtual Reality
Track 2 - Enterprise IoT: The Business Case for IoT, Smart Grids, Smart Cities, Smart Transportation, The Smart Home, M2M, Authentication/Security, Wiring the IoT, The Internet of Everything, Digital Transformation of Enterprise IT, Agriculture, Transportation, Manufacturing, Local & State Government, Federal Government
Track 3 - IoT Developer | WebRTC Convergence: WebRTC, Eclipse Foundation, Cloud Foundry, Docker & Linux Containers, Node-Red, Open Source Hardware, Leveraging SOA, Multi-Cloud IoT, Evolving Standards, WebSockets, Security & Privacy Protocols, GPS & Proximity Services, Bluetooth/RFID/etc., XMPP, Nest Labs
@ThingsExpo billboard is viewed by more than 1.3 million motorists per week on Highway 101, in the heart of Silicon Valley
Help plant your flag in the fast-expanding business opportunity that is the Internet of Things: Submit your speaking proposal today here!
Download @ThingsExpo Newsletter Today ▸ Here
Chris Matthieu Named @ThingsExpo Tech Chair
Internet of @ThingsExpo named Chris Matthieu tech chair of Internet of @ThingsExpo 2014 Silicon Valley.
Chris Matthieu has two decades of telecom and web experience. He launched his Teleku cloud communications-as-a-service platform at eComm in 2010, which was acquired by Voxeo. Next he built an open source Node.JS PaaS called Nodester, which was acquired by AppFog. His latest startups include Twelephone. Leveraging HTML5 and WebRTC, Twelephone's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is to become the next generation telecom company running in the Web browser. Chris is currently co-founder and CTO of Octoblu.
Website: http://www.ThingsExpo.com
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/ThingsExpo
CEO Power Panel in Silicon Valley Examined Agility, Cloud, Big Data, and the 'Internet of Things'
Things are being built upon cloud foundations to transform organizations. This CEO Power Panel at 15th Cloud Expo, moderated by Roger Strukhoff, Cloud Expo and @ThingsExpo conference chair, addressed the big issues involving these technologies and, more important, the results they will achieve. Rodney Rogers, chairman and CEO of Virtustream; Brendan O'Brien, co-founder of Aria Systems, Bart Copeland, president and CEO of ActiveState Software; Jim Cowie, chief scientist at Dyn; Dave Wagstaff, VP and chief architect at BSQUARE Corporation; Seth Proctor, CTO of NuoDB, Inc.; and Andris Gailitis, CIO of DEAC, discussed how important public, private, and hybrid cloud are to the enterprise. How does one define Big Data? And how is the IoT tying all this together?
About SYS-CON Media & Events
SYS-CON Media (www.sys-con.com) has since 1994 been connecting technology companies and customers through a comprehensive content stream - featuring over forty focused subject areas, from Cloud Computing to Web Security - interwoven with market-leading full-scale conferences produced by SYS-CON Events. The company's internationally recognized brands include among others Cloud Expo® (CloudComputingExpo.com / @CloudExpo), Big Data Expo (BigDataExpo.net / @BigDataExpo), DevOps Summit (DevOpsSummit.sys-con.com / @DevOpsSummit), Internet of @ThingsExpo (ThingsExpo.com / @ThingsExpo) and Cloud Computing Bootcamp (CloudComputingBootcamp.com).
Cloud Expo®, Big Data Expo® and @ThingsExpo® are registered trademarks of Cloud Expo, Inc., a SYS-CON Events company.


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OK, what's going on? We have a fairly progressive institution, Yale University, telling us that only 57 percent of the population thinks climate change is real. And then we have a Fox News pollster (Frank Luntz) telling us the opposite is true — 82 percent of the population think it's a real or at least a potential threat (PDF).
It seems to go against basic logic. Shouldn't the Fox News poll be pumping dissent about how few Americans believe in climate change?
Absolutely not. Follow my logic for a minute. What if you knew a piece of evidence was about to be revealed to the public that was so real, so unassailable and so undeniable that it proved once and for all that climate change is REAL?
Well, if you were an environmentalist, you would celebrate. Finally we could get some good legislation that curtails the worst polluters and gives money to homeowners to put up solar panels and buy efficient appliances.
But what if you were an ultra-conservative politician, a dirty coal company, or a free-market provocateur, what would you do?
Well, you would quickly retool your strategy and aim for the lesser of two "evils" (in this case " two goods") and that would be cap & trade. The alternative, a carbon tax, is the worst nightmare for oil and coal companies because it would mean a direct hit to their bottom line.
Cap & trade on the other hand is a mechanism that could (at best) ease them into a transition to cleaner fuels and (at worst) be manipulated through the same derivative markets that enabled companies like AIG to waltz away with billions in taxpayer bailout dollars.
Frank Luntz. (Photo: NCPA/Flickr)
Frank Luntz, aka the "Word Doctor" has, it appears, been hired to test how to make the words "cap & trade" palatable to the American people.
Out of 25 questions in the poll, 12 were about the framing of "cap & trade." Not a single question explored the carbon tax.
James Hansen and other notable scientists have publicly come out against cap-and-trade as a regulatory framework for the simple reason that it is too easy for Wall Street bankers to game the system on behalf of their wealthy corporate clients. Maybe 20 years ago it would have been a good experiment. But given the urgency of our current climate crisis, we don't have time for rich men to play God with another artificial market while our childrens' future slowly, quietly melts away into oblivion.
So mark my words ... it may not be in 2010 or even 2011, but as the heap of evidence on climate change grows, the Right will be forced to abandon its fictitious "climate hoax" strategy and shift towards a pro cap-and-trade agenda.


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No love affair to break – European people and the Britexit
January 16, 2013
The thing that bugs me the most about the possible Britexit is that people around me seem to take it very lightly. So what if the Brits want out? Let them out, we don't care. And i take that as a sign of the unfinished construction of the European populous. No matter what nation you pick from across the continent, when you talk of a presumable secession of one of the provinces, you get heated arguments and a general rejection of the idea from people not within the respective province. A certain fear of separation, and an almost blind devotion to the integrity of the nation state. Generally I would translate that as unity within the populous around a given set of values that define that social construction.
We don't yet see that in Europe. The 500 million plus people in the EU today don't act as one. I would even go as far as saying that the only true EU wide unity (or at least at some multi-national level) appears only when a mass demonstration is under way in Brussels. Take for example the recent European Milk Board protests that amassed farmers from 14 nations united for one purpose. But that seems to be as far as anyone is willing to go. If results are achieved, then the ad-hoc union disperses as each party tries to get more for themselves.
We lack the unity that would allow us to become one. We lack it because we seldom get reasons to unite behind the European idea. We have no sports team under the EU flag to cheer for, there is no threat against the Union – outside threats are always directed at specific nations! That's a good strategy for the "enemy", but a bad thing for the rest of us, as it prevents us for achieving unity. So what if nation A threatens France or Spain, we here in Romania or Poland have no worries. And voila the continuous opportunity to not feel as one united people.
It's now the case with the Britexit. Except for those interested in EU affairs, the large portion of society could not care less. Neither is anyone clearly explaining that there is no scenario where the Britexit would be painless or uneventful. Public pressure from outside the realm could not value less for the Brit politicians (consider this at large) but it might matter to regular Brits. And it can be easily explained. In the age of Facebook and Twitter, of low cost flights and so on, personal connections within European individuals go further than what one might think. We all have friends and people we interact with all across the continent. We met them during our studies, while travelling at conventions and fares. We connected. It has been my experience that bonds created at personal level outgun ideas generated at mass level. I spent 1 year in France as an Erasmus student before Romania's accession to the EU, and had to deal with a lot of misconceptions about Romanian people at large. But those I did manage to strike a connection with, have forever abandoned those ideas, mainly because they had a first hand experience.
All these considered, the Britexit sounds to me not as a "divorce", but more like the UK saying "let's stay together, but I get to see other people!". And what strikes me as odd is that as far as the average Jane or Joe is considered, this is not a problem. And the reason it's not a problem is that most likely there was no relationship in the first place. No perceived relationship at least. Right now the situation is at a point where everything is possible, and no matter how much we analyse it, i have the feeling that everything that could be said has been said, and it's up to the British people.
But what we must, and I'm going to stress that – WE MUST, really consider about this entire affair is that there is no relationship between the people. No real, heartfelt relationship, and a certain lack of emotion. Because there is a lack of emotion towards the EU – maybe! Because we are too entrenched in views about the nation – also maybe. Separation of understanding between the people and their politicians greatly diminishes the connection between the EU and its people. 2013 is an important year -it's the European Year of Citizens. Let's fight to make it count. Spread the word – we are all Europeans.Horatiu Ferchiu
EU, Federal Europe, Identity, People, Politics
Excellent blog. I would like to congratulate you in absolutely nailing it! As a Eurosceptic Brit, if I had posted similar they would be queuing up to take pot shots at me!
Funnily enough when Europe plays the Americans at golf in the Ryder Cup everyone seems to come together to support them. Absolutely no idea why.
Returning to the thrust of your post I would largely agree with you and add the following:
The EU has no ONE beating heart, just many beating at different rates. Can anyone define what a European is, coming from so many disparate backgrounds and cultures with many different languages? Is there such a thing as a European? It is a bit like saying someone is Asian.
I do not think that Europeans have the capacity to relate to a large population of 500 million, and say with emotion and pride, I am part of that. This is not helped by many different cultures, customs and languages. I think that the Nation state is the most that they can handle, where they share culture customs and languages.
I admire your sentiment but where and how will we find the right glue to hold it together. I am of course talking about the ordinary citizen and not the politicians, technocrats and bureaucrats who have gone 'native' in Brussels and worry only about their own well being and survival.
George Mc
It's a shame that for all your comparisons to the American Civil War (last post) and a lack of relationship (above) that you don't consider another historical angle: that the UK's relationship to the EU is rather like Canada's viz. the US.
Canada was founded by those American colonists who supported the Crown in the War of Independence (French Canadians also rejected the Americans). Canada, despite sharing common origins with the Americans (being British colonists), rejected the American political structure and culture, forming a nation state wholly independent of the US.
While Canadians and Americans obviously have a great deal in common, and are linked through NAFTA (which results in constant flows of people, not only goods, between the two nations) Canadians aren't Americans and Americans ain't Canadians.
Speaking as a Briton, not only do I feel no sense of common identity with Europeans, I feel a greater cultural and political affinity with nations like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. I'm happy to trade with you, I'm happy for Europeans to come and visit or live in Britain, but I not only don't want to belong to a European federation, I actively oppose ever belonging to one.
If you chaps want to federate fine — but most of us don't want to belong. So count us out. You be the US, we'll be Canada. Hell, we've even got out own Quebec (Scotland). You have your northern states (Germany and France, etc.) and your southern ones (Italy, Spain, etc.).
Gosh, it's amazing where comparisons lead, isn't it?
Comments are closed.


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Consumer Confidence and Fed Announcement Convey Optimism About Economy
Consumer Confidence and Fed Announcement Convey Optimism About Economy
January 27, 2010 - Consumer confidence hit a 16 month high in January, rising to 55.9 for the month. January's data was the highest reading since September 2008, though the index's numbers have been narrowly changing since last May.
The present situation index rose to 25, up from the 20.2 in the month prior, hitting highest its highest point since August.
The consumer confidence report conveys that many Americans are feeling slightly more optimistic about current and more immediate economic conditions. It is a moderate improvement from where reports have been in the last couple of months.
As confidence is beginning to rebound back, the Federal Reserve seems to concur with the same weary hopefulness as consumers. Releasing their first FOMC policy announcement of the year, the Fed stated that "economic activity has continued to strengthen and that the deterioration in the labor market is abating".
The Committee is anticipating an ongoing recovery in economic activity, with rates continuing to hold steady. Inflation is also likely to remain subdued for some time, too.
Temporary liquidity swap arrangements are still scheduled to be dropped as of February 1, showing the Fed's confidence in the markets. Overall, the policy statement was a cautious, yet enlightening statement of optimism.


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Event Name - Chris Bohjalian Lecture: "The Young Turks and the Young Nazis. The genocides that scar us still."
Date/Time - 03/05/17 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
Chris Bohjalian Lecture: "The Young Turks and the Young Nazis. The genocides that scar us still."
The Friends of the Lost Mural are pleased to announce that nationally acclaimed Vermont author, Chris Bohjalian, will be speaking at a fundraising event for the benefit of the mural's restoration and the mural educational initiative.
Chris will be discussing the links between the Armenian Genocide during the First World War and the Holocaust in World War II.
When: Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 2-4 pm.
Where: The lecture will take place at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401. Phone: 802-864-0218.
Phoenix Books will be selling books written by Chris Bohjalian at the event.
Refreshments will be served.
Tickets are $30.00 per person. Space is limited. Please purchase tickets online as soon as possible. If available, additional tickets may be purchased at the door.
Your email confirmation serves as your ticket. Please print out and bring your email confirmation to the event. Make sure to check your spam folder.
The Lost Shul Mural Project and the Friends of the Lost Mural currently operate under the umbrella of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue and share its non-profit charitable 501(c)(3) status. Only the portion of your contribution that exceeds any gifts you receive is tax-deductible. As such, $28.00 of the $30.00 ticket price is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. (The remaining $2.00 is the estimated market value of the food served at the event, and is the value of the gift you receive. All other time and services involved with this event are being donated).
Any funds which you pay as a donation beyond the $30.00 ticket price are also tax-deductible. Additional donations are greatly appreciated.
Please fill out this form to purchase your ticket(s):
Bookings are closed for this event.


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Poutine Gravy Cheese Fries {Baked}
One of the yummiest memories I brought back with me from my road trip to Canada were these oh-so-crispy potato planks dripping in a mess of gravy and cheese. Me and my bestie seated ourselves in some obscure hole-in-the-wall dive and literally dove head first into a colossal basket, a remarkable feat considering we'd just polished off a crazy assortment of street food to pleasure us as we soaked in the sights of Toronto.
Now, I could claim that the reason I bake these is for health (but I cannot tell a lie). I just find that baking them is much easier and it's a "set it and forget it" routine that yields fries just as crispy as a fryer would but minus the grease perfumed hair and clothes. The trick to achieving a crusty exterior is to first, rinse and soak your cut fries in cold water for about 15-2o minutes. Secondly, you want to make sure you thoroughly pat them dry.
- 2 large russet potatoes (or more)
- Peanut/Canola Oil
- Salt/pepper
- 2 tb unsalted butter or bacon grease
- 2 tb all purpose, unbleached flour
- 2 cups warm broth
- Salt/pepper
- Optional: 1 tb of heavy cream, cognac/brandy, garlic/herbs
- Cut your scrubbed potatoes into ½" planks.
- Rinse and submerge them into a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Toss with oil/aromatics and bake at 450 for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- For the gravy, melt your butter/grease and sprinkle in your flour.
- Whisk/stir for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly add in your broth and continue whisking. Cook for 3-5 minute until thickened and season.
Your Squishy Monster ^.~
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68 thoughts on "Poutine Gravy Cheese Fries {Baked}"
hehe guilty as charged here too. I just find deep fryign so much faff! and the cleaning up after that.. not worth it. of course, it helps that bakign is healthier:)
Baking is truly a much easier and healthier option to enjoy fries. They look droolworthy with cheesy gravy!
I had my first Poutine a couple of years ago in Montreal, and I was disappointed. The gravy made the fries really soggy (it was Foie Gras Poutine). I know it's a huge draw here but it's just not my cup of tea.
This is a much more doable version of poutine–and I can't lie, I love that it's (a little) healthier, too. What kind of cheese did you use?
Mmmm-mmm poutine. I haven't been to Canada and I'm too lazy to make this myself haha but there is a great place here in Boston that serves an amazing plate of poutine!
I much prefer baked to deep fried!
I've always wanted to try poutine! Now THIS is the ultimate superbowl food.
My comment got gobbled by your hungry blog–I think she's grumpy when she's hungry! lol. So I was saying that poutine never appealed to me but I just realized that I love gravy over mashed potatoes and this is just another form of potatoes. You do make it look really appealing!
Well poutine has never appealed to me, it just seems so wrong. But then, gravy goes on mashed potatoes so why not fried? You have convinced me I should give it a chance. 🙂
Yes yes yes……perfect Super Bowl treat indeed Angie!!!!!
Oddly enough, I've never had poutine (and I live very close to Cananda and have gone there many times). But, my husband loves it. I should give this a try – he'd be very happy!
I first had fries with gravy while going to school in Pennsylvania. So delicious. I have yet to have official poutine yet. I'm hoping to go to the Pacific Northwest this year to try some 🙂 In the mean time, I'll be trying this recipe!
Yum! I'm totally craving poutine now. And I love that you baked your fries… genius!
I live in the province the invented poutine. I always laugh when I see a post on it…this is our ultimate junk food. last week I tried a General Tao poutine. You did a great job.
Ooh I can't thank you enough for this! I love poutine but it is so calorific! 😀
Eeks, I haven't had cheesy fries in ages. Seriously and this is making one a plate to myself right now, and maybe a cold glass of beer? Drools 😛 ♥ Jo
How did I not know to soak my potato slices? I can't wait to try these with your method and flavors.. they must have been amazing:) xx
I LOVE these very crispy , crunchy delicious looking fries Angie! Smootj silky lovely gravy with cheese..OOOOOOOOOO! Thanks for sharing this recipe. Have a lovely day!
Poutine is such a guilty pleasure. And I'm not afraid to admit that I have it as often as I can find it. 😉
Angela…when I first came upon the title of your post I thought, oh lord don't let there be a picture attached because I will surely not be able to resist! And it's even better than I expected! Talk about comfort food! : )
Poutine is my FAVE!! I eat it all the time 😛
Total comfort food! I love cheese fries (who doesn't?).
Pure comfort food! While I've never gone for the full combo of "cheese" and gravy all at once, I do love gravy on the side… That way the fries stay crisp, and can be dipped at will!
Mmm I can swear I was smelling these through my screen. Haha! Made me hungry and I need to sleep soon.
I grew up in Canada eating fries & gravy, but I have yet to indulge (over indulge?)in Poutine. Since these fries are not fried, I am definitely tempted by this recipe!
I love gravy fries and haven't had them in so long. I love your recipe of gravy cheese fries. Even better 🙂
So you've found our beloved poutine!!! How do you like it? LOL. It's a perfect item for sports-themed parties, guys' parties, and cardiovascular disease galas – LOL! Kidding aside, indulging in one of these once in a while is a real treat!
Oh you just made me drool….love this stuff! great video!
Total comfort food right there and perfect for the Superbowl!! I have a friend from Canada that always raves about this dish 🙂
I love me some fries and gravy,
I used to get them in Canada too!
it's like mandatory in Vancouver.
I think
Oh god oh god oh god. It looks SO great. Perfect for when I'm home alone! 😛 Loved the video, really cool and answered all my questions.
Now all I wanna do is make these immediately. Bookmarked (and pinned ;))!
I've heard so much about the famous Canadian poutine and they look so decadently delicious! I love making things that I've eaten on trips away – brings back lots of memories 🙂
i need this, like now. looks sooooooooo good!


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Yesterday was a pretty nice day.
Mom had all the windows open, and there were breezes, and I could hear and see all these birds outside.
So I found myself a good perch, and when I was tired of watching those birds, I decided I'd just nap here in the breezes.
Mom thought I was cute, so she took my picture. And she's right, I am pretty cute most of the time.
Mom put down her camera and walked away, so I was gettin' all comfy, and I yawned and stretched, and . . . there was a crack and a whooshing sound, and all of a sudden, I was falling!
That barrier thingie between me and the birds had disappeared, and I. Was. Outside.
In the grass.
My feet were on the ground.
I was totally humiliated.
I heard Mom spout out a word I don't think she was supposed to say, and then heard her running.
I jumped back up into the window, to get my feet out of the dirt and tell her what had happened. When she came to my rescue, she asked me if I was OK, but she was snickering, so I'm not sure she really cared that I had just been endangered. I mean, really!
This is no laughing matter. I was out there for at least a full 6 seconds. Anything could have happened!
I showed her the barrier thingie there on the ground and tried to tell her what happened. She picked it up and put it back on, and Dad came over to help her clip it in place. I think that word she said made him come running. But back to me . . .
I could have been nabbed by any number of horrible things out there in the yard. I've heard them talking. I guess I'm just glad it was daytime, because they say nighttime is even more dangerous.
And Mom told Dad she was glad that I wasn't upstairs when this happened. And she said I was a good girl for jumping back into the window instead of running off.
Pfft! Running off? Where would I go, pray tell? I know my place, and it is NOT outside!
Fortunately, nothing was injured except my pride, but I've decided not to lounge in that particular window for awhile. It took extra bathing to get over the incident, but I think I'm gonna be OK.
Today I'm upstairs bird watching. The window barrier thingie up here seems a bit more sturdy, but I'm not gonna lean on it just the same. And Mom still thinks I'm cute . . .


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Most Facebook views of the week is……….
Press below to view link.
Somehow I came across this post and I just had to share. Firstly the ladies outfit was spectacular from what I could see.
Her bright orange flared trousers and her crochet top looked beautiful from the back.
The way she danced only ment one thing, and that she ment business.
Then it happened, she jumped he caught her and with the sultry dancing that they both displayed before the lift, it was a dance that set the whole place on fire.
The crowd could only raw in excitement from what they saw.
Which was a medium size man who may I say was getting on down, to a plus size lady that he was able to pick up and maintain a dance in a way that only lovers should do.
With the anticipation building from when the lady took a jump onto his waist, he was able to grab hold of her and take full control in all his glory.
It worked and I am so glad he was able to show his strength and she was able to show her flexibility.
To round up this week's spectacular post, I want to give those guys who know, their way around a plus size lady a big 👍💪✋👌
Until next week.


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State Preserves Consumer Choice in Solar and Rejects Utility Attempts to Kill Net Metering
San Francisco—The California Public Utilities Commission officially voted today to extend net metering for solar customers indefinitely. In its 3-2 vote, the Commission firmly rejected proposals from the utilities to replace net metering with complicated schemes that would have put solar out of reach for most consumers. This decision puts California in stark contrast to neighboring states, such as Nevada, which recently went in the opposite direction, shutting down the rooftop solar industry there.
"We all know that California is a world leader when it comes to being 'green'," said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA). "But today's vote is more than that. It is about California continuing to champion innovation and a different way of doing things, in this case, building a smarter energy grid and allowing individual consumers to generate their own clean electricity."
Under the proposed decision, the utility meter will continue spinning backward at full retail rates for solar customers when they are generating more electricity than they are using, but a new fee will partially offset the value of those credits. Solar customers will be required to pay increased charges for upkeep of the grid as well as public purpose programs like energy efficiency rebates and low-income bill assistance.
"The Commission agreed that tying solar credits to retail rates is important because it is simple and proven effective," said CALSEIA Policy Director Brad Heavner. "In the debate over net metering that is flaring up in states across the country, California has said yes to continuing net metering and that's very significant."
The new rules also create an application fee of up to $150 and requires residential solar customers to be on "time-of-use rates" that vary depending on the time of day. Commercial and agricultural customers are already on mandatory time-of-use rates.
"The utilities are upset because they weren't successful at killing rooftop solar like some of their counterparts in other states have done, but the Commission determined that net metering should change only gradually," added Del Chiaro. "This decision takes significant steps to change net metering over time, but we are confident it will maintain the opportunity to go solar for most types of customers.


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Yoga: Ideal for Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health
Yoga is a Sanskrit word which literally means "to add", "to join", "to unite", or "to attach." Yoga, in itself, is a science – a practical and methodical set of techniques with an ultimate goal: to make practitioners become more aware of themselves and their deepest nature.
Discovering Inner Truths
The goal of seeking one's deepest potential is not a part of the religious process but an experimental science of self-study. Religion can be defined as something we hold on to, as an expression of faith.
On the other hand, meditation is solely based on the real experience of the "yogis" who use these techniques to find their own deepest potential, along with discovering who they really are. As such, yoga can be practiced by everyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs.
Health Benefits
Practicing yoga tones your body, refreshes your mind, improves your immune system, and lowers your stress levels. You'll never be too young or too old to lose yourself in tranquility. Yoga helps to balance the mind, the body, and the emotions for a calmer and more methodical approach to life.
Yoga has been said to:
- Help in attaining perfect balance and harmony
- Initiate self-healing
- Delete mental negativity and physical toxins
- Increase personal power and self-confidence
- Heighten self-awareness
- Aid in focusing and concentrating
- Decrease stress and tension
Types of Yoga
Hatha – this type of yoga is slow-paced, gentle, and focuses more on breathing and meditation which are the fundamentals of yoga; suitable for beginners wanting to learn the basics of yoga.
Vinyasa – this covers basic synchronized breathing programs or movements. Vinyasa yoga emphasizes on the Sun Salutation or the 12 poses of movement where breathing is matched. This improves flexibility, builds lean muscles throughout the body, tones abdominal muscles, and reduces incidences of heart diseases and high blood pressure; suitable for those people seeking body empowerment.
Ashtanga – focuses on the metaphorical eight limbs. This is fast paced and intense coupled with lunges and push-ups; suitable for people who are fit and doing what they can to maintain their stamina.
Lyengar – covers all eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga and gives heavy focus on body alignment. Props are used to assist in this type of yoga (blankets, straps, bolsters, and blocks). The standing pose is more emphasized in this method, and is often held for very long periods of time; suitable for those who want to correct their pose, or those who have balancing issues and chronic conditions, and also for those who have injuries.
Bikram – one of the more popular yoga exercises, Bikram is practiced in a room with very high temperature. It has 26 poses for loosening tight muscles and sweating off some pounds. This yoga speeds up recovery from an injury and cleanses the body, as well; suitable for those who have physical injuries or who want to flush out toxins out of their bodies.
When it comes to getting fit, Yoga is fast becoming a growing trend. With Yoga, you can take your workout routine with you anywhere you go. Yoga practitioners feel rejuvenated and energized after each session. In this sense, yoga can give you the power to control your body, mind, and emotions, while helping you stay fit and strong.
Learn more about yoga in the articles below and sign up for the free My Fitness Nut Newsletter at MyFitnessNut.com and get a complete video demonstration of 70 Hatha Yoga Poses that you can start practicing right now.


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Connor felt the need to visit the ER exactly 2 days after I was discharged. But William has had his fair share of "issues" since he was born too.
We had to visit the doctor when he was 2 days old since our pediatrician doesn't have rights at the hospital William was born. They declared him to be jaundiced and since I didn't know my blood type and the hospital failed to save the cord blood we had to go the following day for a blood draw. I was terrified of this experience after having had Lainy Ann's blood drawn at 9 months old for an allergy test. It was an awful experience with 20 minutes of screaming while I cried silently inside. I expected the same this time.
I was very wrong. Instead they pricked a hole in the bottom of William's heal and squeezed the blood into a vial. This process was much longer and he screamed the whole time. I have always thought of the 2-month vaccinations as the first time the children feel real pain in there lives. Poor William, he has felt pain many times over.
Then we had to go back for a weight check. The doctor was concerned that he was only gaining 4 oz every 5 days instead of 2 oz a day. She was talking formula and supplementation. At a week old I was already failing as a mom. Finally he regained his birth weight and we were given a reprieve. At 6 weeks old and 10 lbs 5 oz you would never know he was slow to gain at the beginning.
Then last Saturday, Labor Day weekend, William again became the center of attention. He started to do this gagging/choking thing where he would stop breathing. The first two times we were at the grocery store and he was sitting in his carseat. I sure did panic. I unbuckled him and leaned him forward in hopes that gravity would assist him. He recovered each time. He never turned blue nor lost consciousness.
He did it again on Sunday. This time while being held upright and another time while napping on his side. After losing the twins I just couldn't lose again and I started having nightmares about SIDS and not being able to hear him once while he was choking. I called the pediatrician who told us to go to the ER. My good friend Mindy came along to keep me sane. After 4 hours and a few benign tests he was declared perfectly healthy. They even stuck tubes down his nose to make sure there wasn't any blockages. More pain for William.
We had a follow up on Tuesday with our regular pediatrician. I slept restlessly the whole weekend, listening for the gagging noise. After talking for about 20 minutes we ruled out sleep apnea and SIDS episodes. It was determined that he had reflux. I had been nursing so the doctor was able to hold him immediately after feeding and feel that he was spitting up although nothing was coming out his mouth.
The doctor is unconcerned, especially since he is gagging. That means his reflex is working well. We are on a regimen of eating upright and sitting upright for a bit afterwards. Since he is gaining weight and not in any pain the biggest issue is the added laundry. So we feel lucky. I just can't believe these boys are already competing to see who can go to the doctor the most in one month.


text: "Tacoma Narrows, a NYC based band, taps into traditional folk and old-time country music, infusing the admixture with a pop-rocking dose of big city adrenaline. They've been around the block. The music is tight but flexible, wistful but wired. My toes are totally tappin' to it. This remarkable first offering sets the bar encouragingly high. The making of this album was an odyssey from which emerged a band of truly professional recording artists as well as live performers, Tacoma Narrows with Good Mourning have a runaway hit."


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I'm the featured bomb-thrower on BBC Radio 4's Iconoclasts show tomorrow night at 8.00 pm. Below is the short speech I will give that outlines my views...
It's not surprising that, as an Internet iconoclast, I've been anointed as the Anti Christ of Silicon Valley. The Internet is viewed with such innate religiosity inside Silicon Valley that anyone who dares question its economic, cultural or moral value is inevitably labeled an apostate. And my own apostasy is all the more heretical to insiders because I've dared to question the most sacred of all Silicon Valley beliefs – the notion that it is economically, culturally and morally good to have technology that allows all of us to author our own writing, music and movies on the Internet.
This ideal of self-authored Internet content is known as the Web 2.0 revolution. Websites such as YouTube and MySpace and technologies such as blogs and wikis are supposedly democratizing our culture by allowing anyone to author their own online content. My own apostasy has been to argue that this revolution in self-authored content is bad. Rather than the flowering of democracy, I fear that Web 2.0 is resulting in cultural chaos, economic catastrophe and moral decay.
Now, of course, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with either self-expression or self-authoring technology, either on or off the Internet. The problem, though, is when Web 2.0 technology is idealized as a way of undermining conventional talent and of replacing the wisdom of traditional experts with the innocence of online amateurs. And that's exactly how Silicon Valley's dreamers – who, perhaps not uncoincidentally, own the highly profitable companies that sell the tools to enable this explosion of self-expression – have framed the Web 2.0 revolution.
Their radical democratic dream has, unfortunately, become our collective nightmare. The enormous popularity of Web 2.0 technology has meant that the cult of the amateur has gone mainstream and is now seriously dumbing-down our culture. Today's Internet is democracy gone wild. There are now billions of free blog diaries, free YouTube videos, free Facebook pages, free flickr photographs, free Wikipedia entries, even free self-authored pornography, but less and less authoritative or beautiful content on the Internet. The web has become a cacophony of unregulated, personalized, often anonymous and generally worthless opinion in which everyone is talking simultaneously but nobody is listening to anyone else. Rather than a democratic utopia of creative amateurs, this self-broadcasting Internet revolution is actually leading to mass ignorance and to a pervasive culture of digital narcissism.
As both a cause and an effect of the rise of this radically democratic Web 2.0 revolution, our traditional meritocracy of proven experts is in crisis. Newspapers are laying off more and more skilled journalists, music labels are shutting down entirely, traditional knowledge workers, book publishers and even librarians are all scrambling to survive in a fast changing economy. It's the perfect storm for accredited media professionals who have acquired their skills through education, hard work and self-discipline but who are now being marginalized by the Internet's cult of the amateur author.
The biggest financial problem is that the supposedly new media economy of blogs and YouTube videos isn't making the content creators much money. That's because today's digital technology has made almost all content free, thereby undermining media's historically successful business model of selling content to consumers. The music industry, for example, has been decimated by an online plague of kleptomania. But it's not just the Internet thieves who are killing our culture. Even the best blogs, like the Huffington Post, give their content away for free and don't pay their contributors. The greatest losers, then, in this great cultural transformation are our traditional creative class – professional musicians, journalists, film-makers, photographers and animators -- who are now struggling to monetize their talent in an advertising saturated economy where all the serious cash is being channeled to technology providers like Google, YouTube and MySpace.
Knowledge and truth are both being turned upside down by today's Internet. Mainstream media was once a place we went to in order to be educated by disinterested experts about an impersonal world outside our immediate experience. But today's Internet has become an extension of that familiar personal realm, where we go to broadcast ourselves to friends instead of learning from strangers.. Rather than Marshall McLuhan's dream of a global electronic village, the web is fragmenting society into a billion intimate hamlets, dragging it back into a discordant pre-Enlightenment dark age where all truth is personal and all knowledge local.
So what to do and who to trust? I'm no Luddite and I accept that we can't rewind back to a pre-digital age. But I'm also opposed to a mindless determinism that treats all technological progress as inevitable and thus good. Human-beings create technology and it lies with us to take responsibility for the consequences of the Web 2.0 revolution. Digital utopians have crowned the"citizen-journalist" as their bereted hero of the insurrection – the Trotsky 2.0 of this brave new digital world. But, rather than the self broadcaster, my hero of the Internet age is the citizen who acknowledges his ignorance about things, who keeps her mouth shut, who uses media to learn about and enjoy the world from other better informed and more talented than themselves.
If such apostasy makes me the anti-Christ of Silicon Valley, then so be it. Somebody needs to tell the truth about today's interactive Internet. Somebody needs to explain the corrosive economic, cultural and moral consequences of a Web 2.0 world in which beauty, talent and knowledge are all being amateurized by the online mob.


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General Motors and Honda will develop and share a hydrogen fuel cell for vehicles they would produce around the end of the decade, the automakers announced on Tuesday.
Speaking in Manhattan, G.M.'s vice chairman, Stephen Girsky, and the president of American Honda, Tetsuo Iwamura, said that by collaborating on a common design and components, they would lower costs and reduce development time.
They said they would also work with energy suppliers and state and local governments to expand the network of hydrogen refueling stations, a critical element in fostering consumer acceptance of fuel-cell vehicles.
Fuel cells, which combine hydrogen gas stored in the vehicle with oxygen from the atmosphere to generate electricity, offer driving distances and refueling times equivalent to gasoline-powered cars. Though the electricity is produced on board, rather than drawn from a battery pack, the vehicles qualify as zero-emission because the only byproduct is water vapor. Many researchers regard fuel cells as more promising than batteries as an electricity source for vehicles.
Fuel cells also are expected to play an important role in the federal fuel economy regulations set for 2017 to 2025. A section of those rules allows each fuel-cell vehicle to count as 1.75 conventional vehicles in 2020 and 1.5 vehicles in 2021. Such credits enable automakers to somewhat offset the fuel economy of less-efficient vehicles like sport utility vehicles and large trucks.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are deemed important for meeting California's zero-emission vehicle requirements, which are scheduled to be phased in starting in 2018. Under those rules, automakers would need to sell an estimated 1.4 million fuel-cell vehicles, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in California by 2025. And because nine other states are expected to follow California's so-called ZEV law, automakers would need to sell more than a half-million of those vehicles nationwide in 2025.
G.M. and Honda are considered industry leaders in fuel-cell technology, ranking first and second in the total number of related patents filed from 2002 to 2012, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index.
Honda has produced about 100 units of its fuel-cell FCX Clarity model, which is available on a lease-only basis in the United States, Europe and Japan. G.M. fielded a fleet of fuel-cell Chevrolet Equinoxes that accumulated more than three million miles of consumer road testing.
The automakers' partnership is the latest example in a series. In January, the Ford Motor Company, Renault-Nissan and Daimler formed a joint development alliance aimed at making "affordable, mass-market" fuel-cell vehicles by 2017. BMW and Toyota have a similar arrangement.
Hyundai and Volkswagen also are developing fuel-cell technology independently.