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It's astonishing to some people that we Catholics will spend time talking to a priest about our deepest faults. Confession of sins and being assured of God's forgiveness is not something that everyone readily understands. But when we take the time to really acknowledge our sinfulness, to admit to ourselves, to God, and to another person (the priest) what we have done wrong, we can experience the healing that comes from the confession of our sins.
The Gospel today explicitly reminds us that the forgiveness of sins is connected to healing. When we confess our sins, make an act of contrition, and receive absolution we are healed in that sacrament. The paralyzed man who was dropped through the roof in front of Jesus by his friends had his sins forgiven. Much to the astonishment of the crowd, the paralytic got up, rolled up his mat, and walked out the door. It was that easy.
There is a lot of misconception about the sacrament of penance. Once a person gets over the hurdle of fear or shame though, it really is as easy as the actions of the paralyzed man. There was a lot of work on the part of others to get him in front of Jesus. They had to carry him there, open the roof, and lower him down. And before we go to confession, there is some work we have to do. We have to examine our conscience, and be willing to be honest with ourselves and with God. But after that it's easy. We sit down, tell the priest our sins, receive a penance, pray a prayer of contrition, receive absolution, and then go on our way.
It is the work of reconciliation that takes much longer, sometimes even a lifetime. Because sin fractures relationships, confession really is the easy part. It is what we do afterwards to heal the wounds that is the most demanding. It is a good thing Lent begins on Wednesday!
©2011 Liturgical Publications Inc
We begin the Penitential Season of Lent this Wednesday. We have two scheduled Masses on Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We also have a Scripture Service at 12:00 noon. Imposition of ashes will take place within the Masses and Scripture Service.
If you are a registered parishioner, you should have received a Lenten mailing containing a Lenten Prayer Book and a sheet detailing all the Lenten Services: Holy Week Services, times for Confession and Stations of the Cross, etc. If you did not receive this mailing, please call the Parish Office and we will be happy to send the Lenten packet to you.
Stations of the Cross are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays during Lent (except Good Friday).
This weekend's altar flowers were donated by Ted Massalski & Children in loving memory of Sheila J. Massalski.
As you know, during Lent we have no flower arrangements in the sanctuary. However, during the Easter season and summer we always have a flower arrangement in front of the altar. If you would like to honor someone (birthday, wedding anniversary, date of death, etc.) a donation of $50.00 or more will dedicate the altar arrangement for that person. Also, we will publish that person's name in the bulletin for that week. For information and available dates, please call the parish office: 412-781-0186, ext. 10.
The Reconciliation Retreat has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 25th from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Pastoral Center. This is for all 2nd grade students and a parent. We are looking forward to a wonderful morning.
It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Girl Scouts from CDTCA will be selling Girl Scout cookies after all Masses on February 25th and 26th and March 3rd and 4th.
Want to honor a loved one? We still have some Gather books that can be dedicated to family or friends. If you're interested in doing so, please call the Parish Office at 412-781-0186 ext. 10.
Instead of going to Habitat for Humanity this Saturday, we will be hosting a skill building workshop for all teens interested in going to Appalachia or working with Habitat; Saturday, March 3rd from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Please meet us in the Ministry Center.
The deadline for registering for this year's Appalachia Mission Trip the week of June 24th is Tuesday, March 6th. There will be an Appalachia meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Pastoral Center on March 6th.
Our call to stewardship includes all of the ways in which we receive God's gifts with gratitude, cultivate them, and share them with others. Find more news in the online version of Stewardship Corner at our parish website: http://www.saintscholastica.com. Look for "Stewardship Corner" in the Quick Links.
Help Needed!
· Nancy Heil has added boxes of breakfast cereal to the list of items she is requesting for distribution to homeless persons and needy families in Pittsburgh. She also requests your prayers for these families and persons in need.
· We are collecting cans of tuna this weekend. They will go to the food pantry of East End Cooperative Ministry in East Liberty. Please place cans in the basket in the rear of the church.
· We are looking for a group or family to sponsor our April Coffee House. We hope to hold the gathering on a Sunday in April after the 9:00 or 11:00 Mass; the particular date is negotiable. We estimate a time commitment of an hour in advance to organize or purchase paper products, doughnuts, etc., and one and a half hours on the day of the Coffee House to set up and clean up. A list of instructions will be provided. This is a wonderful opportunity for a family, parish group, or religious education small group to contribute to a spirit of togetherness in our parish community! To sign up or get more information, please contact Boo Benckart at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Good News!
Thanks to Leigh Friday for sponsoring the Coffee House that took place after the 9:00 Mass last Sunday. Hot coffee, fresh doughnuts and warm company were just the thing to buck up our spirits on a cold winter morning!
Focus On . . . Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
These parishioners distribute Holy Communion at weekend masses, holyday masses and daily mass. Some of the ministers take communion to homebound parishioners and parishioners in hospitals and nursing homes. If you are an active Catholic and you feel you may be called to this ministry, please contact Fr. Ken
Please pray for the repose of the souls of Robert Marsico and Jill Milan.
Mass Intentions are still available for 2012. Special requests will be considered for 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary Masses requested during the regularly scheduled Mass times. The donation for Masses, as mandated by the Diocese, remains at $10.00 each. For information, and available dates, please call the Parish Office, 412-781-0186, ext. 10.
The following text continues a summary of the document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, prepared by the United States bishops in 2007, and reissued by them in 2011. We hope that this summary of official Catholic teaching on political participation will help all of us to root our views in our faith and to form our consciences as we approach our political decisions.
What Does the Church Say About Catholic Social Teaching in the Public Square?— Key Themes
· Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The family, based on marriage between a man and a woman, is the fundamental unit of society. This sanctuary for the creation and nurturing of children must not be redefined, undermined, or neglected. Supporting families should be a priority for economic and social policies. How our society is organized—in economics and politics, in law and public policy—affects the well-being of individuals and of society. Every person and association has a right and a duty to participate in shaping society to promote the well-being of individuals and the common good.
· Rights and Responsibilities
Every human being has a right to life, the fundamental right that makes all other rights possible. Each of us has a right to religious freedom, which enables us to live and act in accord with our God-given dignity, as well as a right to access to those things required for human decency—food and shelter, education and employment, health care and housing. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities—to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
· Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
While the common good embraces all, those who are in greatest need deserve preferential concern. A moral test for society is how we treat the weakest among us—the unborn, those dealing with disabilities or terminal illness, the poor and marginalized.
There are no Scripture texts closer to the heart of our faith than those that recount the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord. In this seven-week Bible study, beginning in Lent and extending into the Easter season, we will look at these stories in each of the four Gospels. Through them, we hope to gain insights into how the pain of the cross and the joy and hope of the Resurrection are present in our daily living.
The study is offered on Wednesday evenings at 7:30, beginning on February 29, and on Thursday mornings at 10:00, beginning on March 1. There is a materials fee of $20. For more information or to register, see the flyers at the church entrances or consult the Adult Faith Formation page on our website. Please respond by February 20 in order to receive your materials at the first meeting.
Saturday, March 3rd at 5:00 p.m. All youth interested in singing should arrive for rehearsal at 3:30 p.m. Musicians should contact Jamie Dillon ASAP. After mass we will host a Hawaiian Luau for all youth featuring the movie "Soul Surfer" in the Pastoral Center. Please bring a beach chair.
Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy is now accepting registrations for the 2012-2013 school year. Openings are available for most grades, pre-K through 8. Please contact the school for a tour 412.781.7927. Financial aid is available.
We will be selling gift certificates after Sunday Masses this weekend, February 19th. A wide variety will be available including Giant Eagle, Community and Whole Foods. Cash or checks (payable to CDTCA) will be accepted. Thank you for your continued support.
CDTCA will be holding its first Fish Fry on Friday, February 24th.Take out orders only for lunch from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Dinner eat in or take out will be served from 4-7 p.m. Information on ordering will be available in the back of church beginning Saturday, February 18.
Sunday: Is 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25/2 Cor 1:18-22/Mk 2:1-12
Monday: Jas 3:13-18/Mk 9:14-29
Tuesday: Jas 4:1-10/Mk 9:30-37
Wednesday: Jl 2:12-18/2 Cor 5:20--6:2/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Thursday: Dt 30:15-20/Lk 9:22-25
Friday: Is 58:1-9a/Mt 9:14-15
Saturday: Is 58:9b-14/Lk 5:27-32
Next Sunday: Gn 9:8-15/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15
Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy would like to thank all fo the parishioners who supported the Valentine's Day Bake Sale last weekend. Thanks to your generosity, it was a huge success. We hope you enjoyed eating our treats as much as we CDTCA moms enjoyed making them especially for you!
The Haiti Committee is holding an interactive educational event for CCD and CDTCA students at various times on February 26th, 27th & 28th. Parishioners are welcome to view the display after the 11:00 Mass on Sunday, Feb. 26, and after the morning Masses on Feb. 27 and 28. The display will feature a Haitian dwelling replica, PowerPoint slideshow, crafts, and many photos.
Through your generosity, St. Scholastica Parish has been able to support the education of 7 students at Good Samaritans School in Haiti. To provide continued support for the same students in 2012, we are seeking some additional donations. If you were unable to contribute through the Christmas Tag Program in December, or if you'd just like to make a contribution now, it's not too late. Please write a check to the Mortel Family Charitable Foundation and return it to the parish office or bring it with you to the display. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
St. Scholastica Parish would like to thank Tudi Mechanical Systems for their continued support of the St. Scholastica Bulletin. Please see their ad on the back page.
Saturday, Vigil of the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 18
5:00 pm Sjef Sterrenberg (Carfagna Family)
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
Sunday, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 19
7:30 am Parishioners of St. Scholastica
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
9:00 am George Peter Simons (Patricia G. Snyder)
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
11:00 am Birthday, Sarah Kristin Owen (Family)
Presider: Fr. Sean Hogan
Monday, weekday, February 20
8:30 am Anne Balestrino (Joe & Karen Staley)
Tuesday, weekday, February 21
8:30 am In Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus
Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, February 22
8:30 am John Warburton (Sal & Kathleen Risanti)
Noon Lenten Service
7:00 pm For the Spiritual & Temporal Welfare of Mr. & Mrs. John Donahue (Jamie Brush & James Scott)
Thursday, Lenten Weekday, February 23
8:30 am COMMUNION SERVICE
Friday, Lenten Weekday, February 24
8:30 am Rick Westbrook (Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kiszka)
Saturday, Lenten Weekday, February 25
9:00 am Carl Tustin (John Staley)
Saturday, Vigil of the First Sunday of Lent, February 25
5:00 pm Jane Thompson (Ruth & Gary Keefer)
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
Sunday, First Sunday of Lent, February 26
7:30 am Parishioners of St. Scholastica
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
9:00 am Cathleen Davlin (Gail & Josh Wood))
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
11:00 am Daniel Gribben (Celeste Callahan)
Presider: Fr. Kenneth White
St. Edward, Blawnox: M, W, F, Sat 9:00 a.m.; Th 6:30 p.m.
St. Francis, Harmar: T, Th 8:00 a.m.; W 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph, O'Hara: M,T, Th, F 9:00 a.m.; W 7:00 p.m.
Madonna of Jerusalem, Sharpsburg: M-F, 7:30 a.m.
309 Brilliant Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Church Office 412-781-0186; Fax 412-781-4316
World Wide Web: www.saintscholastica.com
Parish Office: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Rev. Kenneth White, M.Th., M.Ed………..…Ext. 14
Director of Music/Bereavement
Sr. Patricia Baker, C.D.P……………………….…...Ext. 17
Director of Adult Religious Education & R.C.I.A.
Andrew Bechman, M.Ed……………………….…....Ext. 18
Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry
Jamie Dillon, M.S., M.A., R.R.T…………………....Ext. 20
Program Director for Religious Education
Gina Musser……………………………………...….Ext. 21
Organist/Wedding Contact
Thom Bercik……………………………...………....Ext. 22
Coordinator of the Protection of Children
Mrs. Mary Swindal…………………………...……..Ext. 10
Toll-free Victim's Assistance Hotline 1-888-808-1235
Church Secretary
Pat Wolfson…………………………………...…….Ext. 10
Office Manager/Parish Accountant
Chrissy Morton ……………………………………..Ext. 24
Facilities Manager
Tom Galda
Bulletin Editor
Amy Condosta
Submissions for bulletin items are due by Noon on Mondays
Sr. Dorothy Dolak S.C.N……………………(412)781-7927


text: Missions has always been a focus of our church family. It is our driving desire to reach out to spiritually lost people in every nation of the earth. Ten percent of all tithes and offerings go directly to support missionaries and mission organizations across the world. We believe the Great Commission is a global responsibility that Jesus gave to each of us. In addition to supporting missionaries financially, every year we send short-term missions teams of adults and youth around the world to work and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Resurrection Life Church is truly a family church with a world vision!

subset: commoncrawl


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Roasted Beets and Walnut Salad
Jacob Bailey
by Katherine Deumling of Cook With What You Have
Beets take a while to cook and a little goes a long way with beets. I tend to roast all the beets I have at once and then use a bit here and there in different preparations the following days. I like the flavor of roasted beets best though boiled is quicker and good too.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
1 bunch beets, trimmed of beat greens and scrubbed but not peeled. If they're large I cut the beets in halves or quarters.
Place the beets in a large sheet of aluminum foil. Sprinkle with a little water and then fold the foil over and tuck it into itself to create a nicely sealed package. Place packet on a sheet pan in the hot oven. Roast for about 45 minutes (depending on size of your chunks of beet). A tester should easily pierce the beet.
Remove from oven, open package and let cool until you can handle them. Now the skin will come off easily. Peel beets. If you'd like toss them when still warm with a little red wine or sherry vinegar and a bit of salt. Beets do well with a little acidity and if you toss them in oil first the vinegar won't get absorbed.
Now you can add them to salads or dishes of many kinds.
Beet and Walnut Salad
This is a classic combination and deservedly so.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons red wine or sherry vinegar
- 3-4 tablespoons walnut or good olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 bunch beets, trimmed and roasted (see above), cooled and cubed
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, broken up
- 2-3 cups fairly finely torn lettuce (optional)
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
Mix everything, except the cheese, together well, adding the lettuce at the very end, if using. Sprinkle with the blue cheese and serve.


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Articles tagged "Steven Hatch"
Friday Reads: Science & Medicine
Today's #FridayReads delve into the miracles of modern medicine and the Ebola epidemic:
MERCIES IN DISGUISE: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them by Gina Kolata
An April 2017 Indie Next pick and one of Publishers Weekly's Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2017! In this work of narrative nonfiction in the tradition of THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS, New York Times science reporter Kolata follows a family through genetic illness and one courageous daughter who decides her fate shall no longer be decided by a genetic flaw. "Kolata delivers an inspiring chronicle of a remarkable family, medical advances, and redefining destiny." — Booklist
INFERNO: A Doctor's Ebola Story by Steven Hatch, M.D.
One of Publishers Weekly's Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2017 with three starred reviews! "Hatch, a physician and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, rivetingly recounts his work in an Ebola treatment unit in Liberia at the height of the deadly West African outbreak in 2014–2015. Hatch's chronicle is a compassionate, clear-eyed, and courageous account of how compassionate medical care proves a formidable force against the ravages of Ebola." — Publishers Weekly, starred review
Share your #FridayReads with us @MacmillanLib. Happy weekend!
PW's Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2017
These ten Macmillan titles are some of Publishers Weekly's Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2017:
BORNE by Jeff VanderMeer
In a future strewn with the cast-off experiments of an industrial laboratory known only as the Company, a scavenger named Rachel survives alongside her lover, Wick, a dealer of memory-altering beetles with whom she takes shelter from the periodic ravages of a giant mutant bear named Mord. One day, caught in Mord's fur, Rachel finds the bizarre, shape-shifting creature "like a hybrid of sea anemone and squid" she calls Borne.
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
AMBERLOUGH by Lara Elena Donnelly
Donnelly's debut, a fast-moving tale of desperate love and intrigue in a created world that recalls Europe on the brink of WWII, is emotionally wrenching and shockingly timely.
AFTERLAND by Mai Der Vang
Vang, the 2016 Walt Whitman Award winner, tells the story of Hmong diaspora forced out of Laos and into exile as a result of the U.S.'s secret war. Vang's unflinching poems address the status of refugees, including her family, and Hmong resilience in exile.
Comics/Graphic Novels
BOUNDLESS by Jillian Tamaki
Tamaki's last two books—THIS ONE SUMMER and SUPER MUTANT MAGIC ACADEMY—showed she is one of the world's best cartoonists, and this collection of her evocative short stories will just cement her reputation.
THIS CLOSE TO HAPPY: A Reckoning with Depression by Daphne Merkin
A personal account of a life afflicted with depression, from an affluent but neglected childhood to the present day.
Literary Essays/Criticism/Biographies
THE NOVEL OF THE CENTURY: The Extraordinary Adventure of Les Misérables by David Bellos
Bellos, a translator of French literature, proves that the story of how Victor Hugo's classic novel came to life is a complex and engrossing epic all its own.
Politics/Current Events
LOCKING UP OUR OWN: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman Jr.
Former public defender Forman offers a complex look at the part played by African-Americans in shaping criminal justice policy.
RECKLESS DAUGHTER: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe
A biography, with dozens of in-person interviews with Mitchell, reveals the backstory behind the famous songs—from her youth on the Canadian prairie, the child she gave up for adoption, through her albums and love affairs, to the present. readmoreremove


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"At Christmas we had a young family who were new to the area bring in a smoked turkey (home smoked!), ham and all the fixings. Since they didn't have any family in the area they wanted to start a new tradition of helping others. When we were through serving the guests the family personally drove in to Seattle to take the left overs to the men's shelter."
story 4
"One evening I brought in dinner with a group of friends and wasn't planning on staying long. However one of our young guests gave me a folded piece of paper and told me not to open it until 7:00. When I told her that I wouldn't be therethat late she said I could open it then but must keep it a secret. It turned out to be an invitation to a dance party at 7:15 so how could I not stay!"
Story 1
Story 2
"One really cool thing that I didn't know would be part of the experience of volunteering at NB is the community of volunteers. I love going each week not only to be with the guests but to see the volunteers who are often the same ones and meeting new ones too. And then seeing the families who come in to serve dinner. It's all really amazing and it feels like a big family of super great people coming together for a common purpose. Just wanted you to know how much I love that place!"


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Hamilton Zoo's Sumatran Tigers on Friendly Terms
Hamilton Zoo's Sumatran Tigers on Friendly Terms
14 July 2014
Oz and Sali, Hamilton Zoo's two Sumatran tigers, are getting to know each other a little better.
The two adult big cats have been getting to know each other in their enclosure over the last few months, after a "tiger swap" with Auckland Zoo last year. The swap saw Oz trade places with Jaka, Hamilton Zoo's previous male Sumatran tiger.
Hamilton Zoo Director Stephen Standley says the relationship between Sali (aged 6) and Oz (aged 9) has been developing over recent weeks, and signs were good so they were introduced when she came into season late last week.
Mr Standley said the process to introduce the tigers had been delicate: "We were never entirely sure how the two animals would interact."
"What our keepers are seeing is very encouraging," Mr Standley says. "The animals seem to be getting on well together and developing a good relationship."
Mr Standley said it was too early to say for sure if the two tigers would breed successfully, but the long-term intention is to contribute cubs to the WAZA (World Association of Zoos & Aquaria) Sumatran Tiger Global Species Management Plan.
"Little tigers are the end goal and we now have to wait to see if the interaction between Oz and Sali is successful. This would be very exciting for Hamilton Zoo, our visitors, and the species management plan," Mr Standley says.
There are now fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild and they are classified as "Critically Endangered" in the IUCN Red List.
Hamilton Zoo is owned and operated by Hamilton City Council and has a focus on inspiring conservation action. It is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and boasts the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants. Open every day, except Christmas Day from 9am-5pm. Visit www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz.


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Jackson L. Baker
- 309 East Chicago Boulevard
- Tecumseh
- Michigan
- 49286
- 517-423-5625
Miscellaneous Information
Jack Baker, a Tecumseh High School graduate, has co-owned and operated Baker Brothers, downtown, since 1986. He and his wife Betty have been married and lived in Tecumseh for 34 years. Together they have raised two children. Baker brings a wealth of experience to his council position. Jack has served on City Council in the past, has been a Downtown Development Authority Board member, and also served as Mayor of Tecumseh for six years prior to his current term. "I am highly visible and easily accessible to every resident in the city. I spend 10 to 12 hours every day in downtown Tecumseh, so I have a feel for and understand the pulse of the city."


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• peace, poesis & wild holy earth •
I'll never forget the day (nearly five years ago now) when The Oldest said, in a tone so like her mother's snide dismissiveness, "If you didn't want to be a stepmom, then you shouldn't have decided to marry a man with kids."
She was twelve years old, and her father and I had been dating for a couple of years and had only just gotten engaged. On this particular Saturday evening, we were all sitting around the table sharing a Blended Family dinner — me, my then-fiancé, and his four kids. My husband-to-be and I had been joking with each other about the ups and downs of parenting four lively, intelligent children while we tried our best to answer the kids' questions about how our family would be changing and what marriage meant for a couple like us, already living together and not planning on having any more children.
I can't even remember what prompted the remark, but suddenly there it was, in stark bold letters a mile high:
"If you didn't want to be a stepmom, then you shouldn't have decided to marry a man with kids."
It hurt. I felt blind-sided. I had no good answer.
I could have said something like, "I wasn't the one who used an unplanned pregnancy to turn my college boyfriend into an emotional hostage for ten years" or "I wasn't the one who thought that having as many kids as possible was more important than nurturing my marriage" or "news flash, kiddo: I didn't fall in love with your dad because he had children" or even just "listen you little snot, the world doesn't revolve around you."
I didn't say any of those things, for obvious reasons. Instead, I sat for a second speechless and nonplussed, and then the conversation moved on.
The conversation always moves on — sometimes all too quickly — when you have four bright kids all leaping at the chance to have their say and their moment to shine. Half of what's said gets lost in the noise, and half of what needs to be said never gets said at all.
What didn't get said that night could fill whole libraries. I've had a lot of time to think about how I could have replied or should have replied. I still don't have the right answer. None of my knee-jerk reactions would have really gotten it right. Mostly because none of them do a good job of challenging the fundamental assumption The Oldest made when she leveled her eyes at me and took her best shot. The assumption that my up-coming marriage was first and foremost about them, and not about him and me.
Here's the thing. I didn't want to be a stepmom. I don't know if anybody ever wants to be a stepmom. I've never heard of a little girl dreaming about how she'll grow up and help raise somebody else's kids, playing second-fiddle to the Real Mom for the rest of her life. It's not something that you choose, and like so much about step-parenting, you just have to come to terms with that. I didn't know it then, but I've since learned — research into blended families shows that stepmothers have it the worst. Even worse than stepdads or weekend dads. Stepmoms get the most shit and the least amount of appreciation and support; they're burdened with trying to fight off "wicked stepmother" stereotypes from day one no matter how nice or loving they are, or how perfect they try to be. If the Real Mom is holding onto lingering anger and resentment over the divorce (even if the divorce was her idea), you better believe the kids will side with mom and — consciously or unconsciously — project some of that resentment onto "dad's new wife." No matter how wonderful the kids are and how much you love them, when you step into stepmotherhood, you're stepping into a situation where you have very little control and lots of conflicting expectations and desires. And that's fucking hard. Who would choose that?
And why did I?
Because I love my husband. Deeply. Astoundingly. He is the most amazing man I've ever known. And you don't walk away from something like that. You don't turn your back on that kind of love just because it didn't come with all the fancy matching luggage that you expected, but instead arrived sheepishly on your doorstep with a whole household full of baggage stuffed-to-bursting.
I became a stepmom because I wanted to be a wife, his wife. I wanted to be the loving, committed partner to the man who wanted to be a loving, committed partner to me. And I want to be a wonderful stepmom, because I'm married to a man who deserves a partner who can be a wonderful stepmom to his kids. And I love those damn kids, don't get me wrong. I love them with a love I never expected and still can't explain.
But let's be real: my relationship with my husband is not about them. At the end of the day, the kids are not the center of our marriage.
And if that makes me an Evil Stepmother…. then so be it.
Photo Credits:
• "Wicked Stepmother," by Kelly Verdeck (CC) [source]
• Sandy Feet: Ali & Jeff Engagement Photo, © 2011 Matt Lusk Photography
I've gone with the "auntie" model – I'm an adult around who has authority & who cares about their well-being, but I am not a parent. this has worked well – they don't feel like I'm trying to take their mom's place and they don't expect me to mother them.
there are as many different ways to step-parent well as there are to parent well, and everything depends on the family particulars.
best wishes finding effective routines!
Well, oh my. I can't believe I've been sitting on my favorite story these past few years, afraid to submit it for publication because "certain people" might one day read it. You just knocked down the wall of silence, awesome step-mom!
You and your hubby are truly blessed. Sorry for usurping the "crazy cat-lady hippie aunt" role — but I knew him first. 🙂
I have come to believe there's no way to overcome the evil step-mother fairy tale. When we were going through the growing pains of early marriage and trying to sort out everyone's role, even my own mother made comments about the mean, awful step-mom.


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IT seems, then, that we have to deal with a case something like the following: Certain doctrines come to us, professing to be Apostolic, and possessed of such high antiquity that, though we are only able to assign the date of their formal establishment to the fourth, or the fifth, or the eighth, or the thirteenth century, as it may happen, yet their substance may, for what appears, be coeval with the Apostles, and be expressed or implied in texts of Scripture. Further, these existing doctrines are universally considered, without any question, in each age to be the echo of the doctrines of the times immediately preceding them, and thus are continually thrown back to a date indefinitely early, even though their ultimate junction with the Apostolic Creed be out of sight and unascertainable. Moreover, they are confessed to form one body one with another, so that to reject one is to disparage the rest; and they include within the range of their system even those primary articles of faith, as the Incarnation, which many an impugner of the said doctrinal system, as a system, professes to accept, and which, do what he will, he cannot intelligibly separate, whether in point of evidence or of internal character, from others which he disavows. Further, these doctrines occupy the whole field of theology, and leave nothing to be supplied, except in detail, by any other system; while, in matter of fact, no rival system is forthcoming, so that we have to choose between this theology and none at all.
Moreover, this theology alone makes provision for that guidance of opinion and conduct, which seems externally to be the special aim of Revelation; and fulfils the promises of Scripture, by adapting itself to the various problems of thought and practice which meet us in life. And, further, it is the nearest approach, to say the least, to the religious sentiment, and what is called ethos, of the early Church, nay, to that of the Apostles and Prophets; for all will agree so far as this, that Elijah, Jeremiah, the Baptist, and St. Paul are in their history and mode of life (I do not speak of measures of grace, no, nor of doctrine and conduct, for these are the points in dispute, but) in what is external and meets the eye (and this is no slight resemblance when things are viewed as a whole and from a distance),—these saintly and heroic men, I say, are more like a Dominican preacher, or a Jesuit missionary, or a Carmelite friar, more like St. Toribio, or St. Vincent Ferrer, or St. Francis Xavier, or St. Alphonso Liguori, than to any individuals, or to any classes of men, that can be found in other communions. And then, in addition, there is the high antecedent probability that Providence would watch over His own work, and would direct and ratify those developments of doctrine which were inevitable.
If this is, on the whole, a true view of the general shape under which the existing body of developments, commonly called Catholic, present themselves before us, antecedently to our looking into the particular evidence on which they stand, I think we shall be at no loss to determine what both logical truth and duty prescribe to us as to our reception of them. It is very little to say that we should treat them as we are accustomed to treat other alleged facts and truths and the evidence for them, such as come to us with a fair presumption in their favour. Such are of every day's occurrence; and what is our behaviour towards them?
We meet them, not with suspicion and criticism, but with a frank confidence. We do not in the first instance exercise our reason upon opinions which are received, but our faith. We do not begin with doubting; we take them on trust, and we put them on trial, and that, not of set purpose, but spontaneously. We prove them by using them, by applying them to the subject-matter, or the evidence, or the body of circumstances, to which they belong, as if they gave it its interpretation or its colour as a matter of course; and only when they fail, in the event, in illustrating phenomena or harmonizing facts, do we discover that we must reject the doctrines or the statements which we had in the first instance taken for granted. Again, we take the evidence for them, whatever it be, as a whole, as forming a combined proof; and we interpret what is obscure in separate portions by such portions as are clear. Moreover, we bear with these in proportion to the strength of the antecedent probability in their favour, we are patient with difficulties in their application, with apparent objections to them drawn from other matters of fact, deficiency in their comprehensiveness, or want of neatness in their working, provided their claims on our attention are considerable.


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Hi there!
Below are a few pics of the new Centre. We're making such fantastic progress! We're still fundraising though for the final section. For more information on the Centre, please see The Darling Trust website and for info on how to donate, please click here.
Thank you!
Friday, 11 September 2009
A few pics of the new Centre...
Posted by The Darling Trust at 11:05
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Disneyland 4 Ever
Splash Mountain
Ooh ooh ooh, Splash Mountain is my favorite ride!! This is a fantastic ride, The 52 ft. drop is the best!
Since I love everything about splash mountain, here are some outside pictures of the ride. Just click the pictures
to enlarge them!
Splash Mountain Sounds
Splash Mountain1
Brer Fox talking to Brer Bear.
Splash Mountain 2
Splash Mountain3
The laughingplace song. This is NOT a midi:)
Send me a copy of your splash mountain photo, and I will post it on the page!!


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You may remember trailblazing comedian, Joan Rivers, weaving this phrase throughout her comedy routine. Turns out, many of my colleagues and coaching clients are finding these words to be transformative as they seek to improve their work relationships, especially in this age of digital media and virtual office set–ups.
Countless times, I am struck by the power of personal dialogue. In this hyper-connected, digital age where text is king and time is in short supply, returning to the simplest form of communication – TALKING – can often yield the most benefit. And while most people think email/text saves time, talking it out often saves time in the long run!
Think about a time when you may have misunderstood someone's message via email or text. According to research conducted by UCLA psychology professor emeritus Albert Mehrabian, 7 percent of a message was derived from the words, while 38 percent from the intonation, and 55 percent from the facial expression or body language. Simply put, most communication is not dependent on WHAT is said, but HOW it is said.
Oftentimes, the written message we receive may be clouded by what is going on with us at that moment. Are you rushed, trying to get something done? Did you just have a difficult discussion with a colleague? The lens through which we look at an email or text can be dramatically influenced by what is going with us in the moment.
A recent famous example of where dialogue appeared to help a fraught relationship, was during the first face-to-face meeting between President Obama and President-Elect Trump, two days after this past election day. After years of mean-spirited attacks waged through the media and Twitter, I was struck by the civility and optimism that was apparent when both men actually met in person and started having a conversation. This led to a months-long period of dialogue between both men and their teams that resulted in a peaceful, civil transition of power between two bitter adversaries. While it is no secret that this relationship has collapsed since the Inauguration, who knows how actual conversation would impact the civility and tone moving forward! However, that analysis is outside the scope of this article!
Next time you receive a text or email that is not clear or rubs you the wrong way, consider picking up the phone (or, if possible, meet face-to-face) to discuss the issue. Look to start the dialogue with the intent of gaining greater depth and understanding. Conversely, if there is a complex or sensitive issue that could easily be misconstrued via text/email, ask the person, "Can we talk?" The grief and time you will save will be a start to ensuring greater clarity, understanding, and enhanced relationships.
And that's no joke!


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Who doesn't love a good crumble? Baking and deserts have never really been my forte, but a crumble is just so easy, you can count me in! This blueberry, strawberry and apple coconut crumble is super easy, has no dairy, no gluten, no refined sugars - just wholesome goodness. I love to serve it up with some coconut ice cream or eat it cold the next day!
- 2 cups blueberries (frozen or not) *
- 1 cup strawberries *
- 1 cup blackberries *
- 3 large apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4s and then 1/4d again. (16 pieces slices per apple)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
* Feel free to use any combination of berries to a total of 2 cups.
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (shredded / desiccated)
- 1.5 cups rolled whole oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 180C.
- For the crumble topping, first melt the coconut oil with the maple syrup gently on the hob (low heat). Mix all other ingredients together in a large bowl then pour in the melted coconut syrup and mix well.
- In a separate saucepan add all the fruit, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, water and coconut water. Simmer with the lid on for about 5 minutes then add the chia seeds and allow to simmer covered, for a further 5-10 minutes until the fruit is nicely softened and the mixture is still quite juicy.
- Pour the berry and apple mixture into your baking dish, spoon the crumble topping carefully on top and then bake in the over for approximately 20-25 minutes, until nicely browned.


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Restoring My Moore Line: The Power in Using DNA for Genetic Genealogy
After a long hiatus, I am back (sort of).
If you have followed my blog in the past, I am sure you have read my ravings about how DNA testing can really enhance your genealogy research. You also have read my frustration with people who take these tests and focus on the most unhelpful part: the ethnicity estimates. These same people will see an unknown close relation and never wonder how they connect but bitch and moan about not having ethnicty results reflecting a particular group without understanding history, migration, and scientific affinity. Well, folks, you are selling yourselves short and wasting a 100 bucks if you never look back at your DNA matches and reach out to that unknown third cousin (and sometimes closer). Mapping a scientifically accurate genetic tree and speaking to relatives with information can tell you a lot more about who you came from than seeing a label on a screen.
Recently, DNA has restored a whole branch of my family that I have been searching for about fifteen years. Before ever taking a genetic genealogy test, I used oral history and whatever paper documentation that I could find. I did not grow up knowing extended family, and trying to get accurate information from them when I did make contact was very hard. They treated the information as if it was classified. For the longest time, I had my paternal great grandparents listed as Berry Louie (1884–1964) and Nora (1888-unknown). No matter how hard I tried, I could not figure out Nora's maiden name. Let it be known, I was also doing genealogy on a fixed budget. (Genealogy can eventually be an expensive endeavor!) So, any money devoted to it had to be planned. Over the years, I would work on another line but always go back to Nora. Getting information on Berry was not much better. I remember thinking how easy my research would be if Allen, Berry's brother, was my great grandfather because finding information on him seemed much easier. In 2013, I sent for my grandfather's (John Louie; b. 1912–1968) original social security application. On these documents parents' names are usually listed. I had sent for it before, but state agencies only release certain information such as parents' names after a certain amount of time for living-persons' privacy reasons. So, I did get the application but with black marker blotting out the parents' names.
A year later, when the "wait" time was over, I re-sent for the document. When I received the application, it read father: Allen Louie Sr. (1879-1975) and mother: Mamie Louie (née Moore; 1886-unknown), it just listed their names and not the parenthetical. This made me very excited, because there was a lot of information for Allen online: obituaries, census records, draft papers, etc. Once again, I was facing the same problem I had with Mamie that I had with Nora. Other than knowing that Mamie's last name was Moore that was revealed off of Allen's obituary, there was not much that I could find on her. Around the same time, my brother and I received a very close match on 23andMe. This young man had family from my father's hometown of Lexington, MS. in Holmes county. He gave a few names and they were unrecognizable to me. The names I knew were unrecognizable to him. I tried encouragng him and letting him know that DNA is more solid evidence than surnames, but he was not having it. So, again, this line went cold.
In hindsight, I now see that I did not give Mamie the scrutiny that she deserved since finding out that it was she and not Nora who was my second great grandmother. I spent so much time trying to figure out Nora's parentage (which I still do not know and is still important) and then having so much information streaming in on Allen, I was sort of confused about my bearings on the line. This was also during the time that my mom was extremely sick and I was nearing finishing up graduate school. Things were in a state of flux.
Until four months ago, I really did not think too much about the line. Then, my brother and I received an "Extremely High Match" on AncestryDNA. I, honestly, was not excited. I have written high DNA matches before to receive no response, or, even worse, a disbelief in the scientific test that they had paid for. I really did not think this time would be any different. This match had a tree filled with folks from Lexington, MS. I wrote her, and a day later she had written back. She was very excited to hear from me. We exchanged information. She had not heard of my Louies or Collinses (my go to when discussing my Lexington branch). About three days later she wrote me and said she had looked at my tree and found the connection. Mamie Moore was the daughter of her great grandparents Anderson Moore (1862-1939) and Malinda Baker (1864-1943), making them my 2nd great grandparents. I looked at my tree and my saved census records and right next door to Anderson and Malinda are my great grandparents Allen and Mamie Louie. If I would have given Mamie the proper attention she deserved, I would have seen that Mamie was living right next door to a Moore and in a neighborhood filled with Moores. (Keep in mind, I am no beginner at this. So this was really a silly oversight.)
I called my paternal aunt whom I had not spoken to in 10 years or so. I needed information and wanted to explain that I am not doing anything nefarious with the family information and that it does not need to be guarded like it was in Fort Knox. She was surprisingly very chatty. She knew of Anderson and Malinda and their connection before I even began mentioning what I had found through the DNA connection or mentioning their names at all. I just said "I have been really thinking about Mamie's parents, and." Well, that was all I needed to say before she brought up Anderson's farm and how he owned land.
Using certain tools available to those of us who use genetic genealogy in our research, I was able to reach out to other common matches sharing the exact same segment as me and my cousin to let them know how we are related. That is so much more rewarding than a label on a page.
(L to R) Anderson Moore (1862-1939); Malinda Baker Moore (1865-1943);(bottom) their gravesite.
DNA Kit Giveaway
Because I really think that DNA testing can open up a lot of doors that need to be opened about our past, I will once again offer to pay for (as I can afford) DNA tests for people who stumble upon my blog. There is a caveat this time.
I am looking for people who can prove that they truly think they descend from the following couples.
Whylie Wilson (abt 1833) and Abie/Ibby Tilgman (abt 1843) lived in the Mississippi counties of Claiborne and Jefferson
Effie Wilson (1872-1925) and Howard Pearl (abt 1862) lived in the Mississippi counties of Claiborne, Jefferson, and Bolivar.
Webb Roberson/Robinson (abt 1863) and Mariah Quarles (1868) lived in the Mississippi counties of Scott and Bolivar. Webb may have also had another wife by the name of Frances (abt 1870) Bolivar, MS
Willie Roberson/Robinson (abt 1900) Missisissippi counties of Scott and Bolivar, and Fannie Mae Pearl/Shorter/Washington (1906-1988) Mississippi counties of Claiborne, Leflore, and Bolivar
Ben Moorehead/Mohead (abt 1893) and Inez Lott (abt 1898) of the Mississippi counties of Carroll, Leflore, and Holmes
Gary/Gray Lott Sr. (abt 1838) and Francis Holman or Francis Turner (abt 1860) of Carroll county, MS
Esther (abt 1839) and Sam Holman (abt 1812) of Carroll County, MS
Simon Theophilus Turner (1809-1891) and Martha Ann Eddins (1814-1892) of Denmark, TN, and Carroll County, MS
Mamie Moore (1886-) and Allen Louie Sr. (1879-1975) of Lexington, Holmes county, MS
Anderson Moore (1862-1939) and Malinda Baker (1864-1943) of Lexington, Holmes county, MS
John Louie (abt 1834) and Sarah/Sallie Collins/Collum (abt 1840) of Lexington, Holmes county, MS
You must email me at email@example.com with a detailed message of whom you think you descend from and why. I am only able to offer a kit as I have the spare funds to do so.
DNA genealogy should not be a parlor trick. This is real and serious stuff.
It has been a while since my last post. Well I have graduated, and a new chapter begins. I don't have any new discoveries—only thoughts.
I notice that many newer people who have gotten into DNA genealogy are only interested in the most uncertain and ever-changing aspect of it, the ethnicity mix. (Heck, I even initially was swept up in it and posted my and my sibling's results in a post.) These are the same people who refuse to believe the more concrete and never-changing part of the science, the matches. After a certain percentage of centimorgans of DNA shared, the odds of it being a false positive is null.
There are not many African Americans into genealogy, and this is a shame. We could really help each other piece things together. (Genealogists helping fellow genealogists is also a problem that I will bring back up later.) Many African Americans who cross over to DNA genealogy and not part of the people in the above paragraph usually have a one-tracked mind. They see a population that their DNA shows an affinity with and make an assumption that they are part that population. An example is that AncestryDNA shows I have a small percentage of Finno-Russian. I may very well have Finno-Russian. It is also may be Native American. The area that is now made up of the countries of Finland and Russia has been proven by peer reviewed science papers to be an area where some Native American tribes actually came from. (Believe me; I am not chasing that Indian princess relative that so many who take these tests are interested in. I am just looking for the real ancestors that made me.) Basically, I am saying a little knowledge of history should be accompanied when interpreting your results. That was just one example of hitching on to one aspect of one's results and not investigating further.
Many people, not just African Americans, get hung up on a surname not showing or a place not appearing among their matches. I have said it before and will say it until I lose my ability to speak: DNA trumps oral history and recorded documents. (I have not much more to add to that. You either believe it or you don't.)
A huge dose of genetic science by all should be attempted to be understood when interpreting your results. This is mainly the companies' fault though. They advertise in such a way that leads consumers to believe that once you receive your results all your genealogical and ancestral questions will be answered. This is not the case. You have to work very hard to figure out what the DNA is telling you. I always provide my matches with a link to Kelly Wheaton's Beginners Guide to Genetic Genealogy.
I visit many DNA-genealogy based groups, forums, communities, and message boards, and the snobbery among those who feel like someone else has nothing to offer them (because of lack of family knowledge, small pedigrees, or not coming from the "right" branch) is disheartening. I get that people want to give just as much as they can get, but many people lack family knowledge for legitimate reasons. Simply not being told, being adopted, not having funds to spend on documents, and or not having the luxury to travel to ancestral homes or genealogical databases are all valid reasons. These people are still as much related to those ancestors as the "hoarding" genealogists are. I, myself, do this in hopes that I can freely share what I discover with anyone who will listen.
The last thing that I really think genealogy, specifically genetic genealogy can benefit from is a standard that all companies, geneticists, and casual dabblers should adhere by—an internationally recognized board, if you will. And this is where I may turn those who deem themselves "citizen genetic scientists" off. This board needs to be filled with equal parts citizen genetic scientists and actual degree-holding geneticists. How can you discuss genealogy without a genealogist? On the same hand, how can you discuss genetics without a geneticist? On these aforementioned forums, I see a lot of well-respected folks saying opposite things or with agenda and company loyalty. That is not a standard.
In other news, I bought a better Web site that I was going to migrate to. It is much more complicated than I had anticipated.
More powerful than science, stronger than belief…it is truth!
I am glad to see the sea between genealogist who use DNA as a valuable tool and strict paper genealogists is drying up. Paper genealogy got me back to the early 1800s on a few of my lines. For black Americans that is pretty far back.
I have always been a lover of stories, fiction, nonfiction, science fiction etc… . In my mid-20s I realized that I had no family stories of my own. Most of my friends had and conveyed them without even knowing they were doing so. My many siblings and I could only say that our mom was from Mississippi and still had family in Mississippi. I grew up not knowing my dad, so that was even more stories unrelayed.
Science fiction for a good decade was my fiction reading of choice. I have been fascinated by science, itself, but some smart science fiction that dealt with the biology of humans, human existence, and genetics made science more understandable for me. So when I heard of people using DNA in assisting with genealogy (history and science combined), I was excited. Problem was that initial tests were $1000 or more. Me producing that much money for a test would have been a work of fiction, for real.
In 2011 DNA testing became more affordable and the prices have since dropped. Therefore, I have gotten my autosomal DNA tested at three companies, five of my sisters' austosomal tested at one, one brother's tested at two, had mybrother's and my mitochondrial DNA tested at two, and my brother's paternal (in essence, my father's) paternal Y-DNA tested at two. Yes, you can call me a DNA junkie.
What is it that I hope to learn and how does it tie into genealogy—my story
Although the paper trail, documentation, and oral history have guided me back further than most people expected I could go, many lines still have gaps. Even those lines that go back to the early 1800s have a chance of getting back to the 1700s or 1600s or beyond. One of my hopes is that DNA will help me bridge the gaps and blaze a trail as far back as I can go.
Before testing, the certainties that I could tell you about my family was that we were mainly from Mississippi, we were mainly of African descent, we were mainly of slave descent, and, because of the nature of slavery, we probably had some European blood. After testing I can tell you that many of my DNA matches are mainly from North Carolina, therefore my family was probably there before being enslaved in Mississippi, we have matches to Nigeria and Ghana, my DNA matches seven modern-day African areas (with Cameroon,/Congo, C'ote d'Ivoire/Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria being the top regions), we range from 13% to 25% European and my DNA matches six European areas, one suspected black ancestor successfully made it to Canada before the end of slavery, two suspected European ancestors were brought over as slaves (one English and one Irish), and my father's father's father's father's line leads to Belgium. Now, some of this knowledge came from collaborating with my DNA matches on what they knew of their own history. Without the DNA, I would not have been led to these clues.
Another important thing that I am getting from DNA genealogy is proof that oral history or written documents cannot provide. DNA autocorrects the mistakes or "mis-leads" that have been left from the past. It does not give instant answers, afterall it is a tool that you have to work hard at. It challenges what you have been told or even what you have seen some times. This can be quite scary for some. But it is so exhilarating when you actually confirm that you were on the right track with your paper trail and in your oral history.
For me, knowing that an ancestor passed down a piece of themself that made me is something more powerful than science or belief. It is mystical and mesmerizing. It pushes me on with my genealogy because I want to discover who they were, every good, bad, or ugly detail.
All of my siblings only share one parent with me. Below is exactly what segments on the chromosome that we match.
What's in the blood?
I started researching my family in 2012. I am one of twelve siblings on my mom's side and one of seven on my dad's side. I grew up only knowing my maternal siblings. I did not interact with extended family, alhough my mother hails from a big family from Shelby, Missississippi. My father hails from Lexington, Missississippi. The last that I saw him, I was five. My parents are both deceased now.
Here is my direct line lineage surnames and places:
Maternal: Wilson, Roberson, Pearl, Shorter, Tilman/Tilgman, Roberson, Robinson from the Mississippi counties of Bolivar, Claiborne, Leflore, and Jefferson
Paternal: Louie, Mohead/Morehead, Lott, Holman, and possibly Willis, Davis, and Howard. They are from the Mississippi counties of Holmes, Leflore, and Carroll.
Below are the results from a few DNA that myself and siblings have taken. It is what makes us us.
Shirese (me)
Maternal haplogroup: L3f1b3
Paternal haplogroup: R-M269/R-U106/R-Z306/R1b1a2a1a1a3a1(brother tested)
Ancestry.com DNA
Maternal haplogroup: does not offer
Paternal haplogroup: does not offer
Juvelle (paternal half brother)
Maternal haplogroup: L1b1a
Paternal haplogroup: R-M269/R-U106/R-Z306/R1b1a2a1a1a3a1
Ancestry.com DNA
Brenda (matenal half sister)
Maternal haplogroup: L3f1b3
Lynn (matenal half sister)
Ruth (matenal half sister)
Maternal haplogroup: L3f1b3
Ruby (matenal half sister)
Maternal haplogroup: L3f1b3
Mildred (matenal half sister)
Maternal haplogroup: L3f1b3


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On 6th February 2015, the G4 Alliance, in partnership with Johns Hopkins Global Surgical Initaitve hosted H.E. Dr Neil Parsan, Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States and Mexico and Dr Trevor Gunn, Managing Director of International Relations for Medtronic and Adjunct Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University for a lecture on the emerging threat of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the importance of surgical care as an integral treatment and management strategy.
Over 50 students and faculty from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health joined the G4 Alliance for this lecture on NCDs and global surgical care. The event was co-moderated by the G4 Alliance's Interim Executive Director Dr. Jaymie Henry, and Board Chair Dr. Fizan Abdullah,
Ambassador Dr. Parsan opened the lecture, addressing the epidemic of chronic diseases disproportionately impacting people living in low-resource settings. The Ambassador also discussed the importance of global leadership and collaboration, citing efforts by the government of Trinidad and Tobago to lead a coalition of Caribbean nations in providing unprecedented and historic support for the development of a global NCD alliance. As Chair of the Honorary Council of the G4 Alliance, Ambassador Dr. Parsan also discussed the essential role of surgical care as an indispensable treatment and management strategy to address the global NCD crisis.
Next, Dr. Trevor Gunn spoke to the group about the importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations, such as the G4 Alliance efforts, as an invaluable strategy for responding to the global NCD epidemic. Dr. Gunn provided examples of successful public-private partnerships and commented the G4 Alliance for its focus on cross-disciplinary collaborations. Following his lecture, Dr. Gunn spent time answering questions and speaking with students.
This event provided an opportunity for the G4 Alliance to engage with critical stakeholders from the NCD community and to reflect on the role of surgical care as part of a comprehensive global public health strategy.
Key Insights to Consider:
- NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer are conditions most often associated with high-income settings, however, NCDs are on the rise in low- and middle-income countries.
- Almost 3/4 of all NCD-related deaths occur in LMICs, impacting people of all ages, socioeconomic levels, and across all geographic regions.
- While prevention strategies are an important measure for addressing the global impact of NCDs, nearly 2/3 of NCDs are not preventable.
- Treatment and management strategies, including surgical care, represent are critical strategy for addressing NCDs.
- Virtually all NCDs will require a surgical intervention over the life-course.


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Parenting can be the most joyous and rewarding role we play in life as well as the most difficult. Watching a child suffer while feeling helpless is incredibly painful. Centre Helps recognizes that addiction does not define a person and it does NOT erase any one's wonderful, admirable, and lovable qualities.
Supporting a son or daughter through addiction is overwhelming, to say the least.
What is addiction?
What is the best way I can help?
What resources are available?
The Parents of Addicted Children Coming Together (PACCT) program provided by Centre Helps can answer these questions and more in a compassionate and supportive environment. Our next 6-week session begins on September 20th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
Addiction affects families from all walks of life. You are not alone! To learn more or to register, please call 814-235-7672.


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The TCB Council April 2016 Workshop, held April 12-14, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. There will be a separate Basic Training day on Monday April 11, 2015.
The TCB Council is pleased to host our April 2016 Workshop from April 12-14, 2016 at the Holiday Inn - Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. This will be a 4 day event, with our standard 3-day workshop occurring from Tuesday-Thursday. The First day, Monday April 11, 2016 will be devoted to Basic training for new personnel in our industry.
The TCB Council April 2016 Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland from April 11-14 (Monday - Thursday). This will be a 4-day event, separated into 2 segments:
Day 1 - April 11 - Training for Beginners in TCB programs
Day 2-4 - April 12-14 - Regular 3-day Workshop
This Workshop is open to the public, although members of the TCB Council will receive a member discount for each paid registration.
Our topics will include:
There will be a full TCB Council Membership meeting the morning of Wednesday April 13, 2016 which will be open to TCB and Associate members of the TCB Council.
Click here for the Invitation and detailed description (including logistics, hotel & travel information).
The agenda v5 is available.
Click here to make a reservation directly with the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor at the available rates.
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Search Engine Optimization Company5 Search Engine Optimization Company Basics to Look For
Search optimization can be DIY-ed. However, professional consultants and agencies offer greater value to your optimization campaign, as they already know the ins and outs of the business, while you have to go through a long learning curve to master even just the basic principles of optimization. This is why you should consider hiring a search engine optimization company to make the job less intimidating and free your time up to do and focus on other business responsibilities. If you simply don't have the time to deal with your website optimization or your efforts haven't been sufficient to get the results you need, here are basic qualities to look for in a good search optimization agency that will pull your site's rankings up:
1. Experience. In the fast paced world of search, it is important that you choose a consultant or a team that has the experience in navigating constant and frequent updates that search engines put into play. You can't compromise campaign effectiveness especially in this competitive environment. To know whether or not your candidate has ample experience, ask for case studies and find out about their past successes and failures and how they were able to push through difficult times. This said, you should also go for one that keeps current with search engine best practices.
2. Presence. Along with experience, your search engine optimization company should also have good industry presence. This doesn't necessarily mean that they should lead every search query you make for "best SEO company". Rather, watch out for their regular posts and contributions on top search industry news sites or their own blog. Regular updates and content generation on topics relating to search optimization and marketing is a good sign of a reliable, experienced, and investment-worthy agency.
3. Results. Don't pay much attention to companies that promise you first page results in a specific time frame. It is simply impossible to put a number or predict the amount of time you will need to dedicate to SEO in order to get high ranking for a single or all your targeted keyword phrases. Instead, you should find out how your candidate agency intends to measure the success or failure of your campaign. This can be through monitoring traffic, conversion levels, and backlinks.
4. Reviews. A good way to know about your prospect company's caliber is by checking in with their previous clients. Frequent review sites, and you will find great recommendations and critiques for search optimization companies. This will give you a good idea of which agencies to consider and which ones to steer clear of.
5. Pricing. Consultancy fees and service rates are also an important consideration, especially when you run a small business with a limited marketing budget. Factor in the cost of the service when making your decision so you won't end up paying more than you need to for an effective search optimization campaign. There are numerous companies offering good services for a fraction of the price that large scale agencies ask for.


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Call Now To Book An Inspection: (902) 817-9663


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Next Episode of Hawaii Five-0 is
Season 10 / Episode 1 and airs on 28 September 2019 00:00
HAWAII FIVE-0 is a contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the Islands' sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett, a decorated Naval officer-turned-cop, returns to Oahu to investigate his father's murder and stays after Hawaii's Governor persuades him to head up the new team: his rules, her backing, no red tape and full blanket authority to hunt down the biggest "game" in town. Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny "Danno" Williams, a newly relocated ex-New Jersey cop - a working man in paradise who prefers skyscrapers to the coastline - but who's committed to keeping the Islands safe for his 8-year-old daughter; and Chin Ho Kelly, an ex-Honolulu Police Detective, and former protégé of McGarrett's father, wrongly accused of corruption and relegated to a federal security patrol. Chin's cousin, Kono Kalakaua, is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the academy and eager to establish herself among the department's elite. McGarrett, repairing his relationship with his estranged sister Mary Ann, vows to bring closure to their father's case, while the state's brash new FIVE-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, is determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state. Peter Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. (source: www.cbs.com)
The island of O'ahu goes on lockdown when Five-0 hunts a terrorist who starts using weaponized drones on civilians. Meanwhile, McGarrett and Danno must go for a mandated review with a psychologist, resulting in a session which looks a lot like couples therapy.
Five-0 investigates when the young daughter of a Navy Seal currently on a top-secret mission is kidnapped. Meanwhile, with his brother's life on the line, Danny must locate the $18.5 million he owes his captors.
Five-0 investigates when three female thieves unknowingly steal something during a tour bus robbery that makes them a serious target. Meanwhile, Danny searches for his brother's hidden millions in order to exchange it for his life.
When a Detroit hit man is taken out by one of his colleagues on the streets of Oahu, Five-0 is shocked to learn the killer's surprising motives. Meanwhile, Chin puts his career on the line to help Danny get the money he needs to save his bother's life.
On the fourth anniversary of his father's death, McGarrett meets a woman who helps him reopen the last unsolved case his father worked on before his death.
It's Halloween and Five-0 must track down a serial killer who is copying murders depicted in a cult slasher film. Meanwhile, McGarrett must help Jerry after he is kidnapped by the counterfeiters he has been tracking.
When McGarrett is kidnapped by Wo Fat, he experiences what would have happened to the team if they had taken a very different path.
While the team investigates a couple's murder in which their sons are the prime suspects, McGarrett is shocked when Aunt Deb returns to the island with her new fiancé.
It's Christmas in Hawaii and Five-0 travels to the Big Island, where Max is forced to work with a rival medical examiner after a cowboy is poisoned. Meanwhile, McGarrett pressures Danny into stealing a Christmas tree.
Five-0 enlists the help of an old-school private detective to solve the murder of a young woman who was secretly working as an escort.
When a tourist is killed after unknowingly transporting a stolen Van Gogh, an undercover Kono and Chin enter the world of black market priceless art and are taken hostage. Also, McGarrett asks Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto to help train Kamekona to beat Chef Sam Choy in a shrimp cook-off.
When a neurosurgeon is assassinated just before performing surgery, Five-0 uncovers the shocking truth behind the disappearance of four reform school boys 40 years ago. Also, McGarrett's Mercury Marquis is stolen by an unlikely culprit.
A patient infected with a contagious and lethal strain of bird flu is kidnapped and the culprits intend to weaponize the virus.
While Five-0 hunts for a notorious criminal who has never been seen, Kono must fight for her life when she discovers the villain's identity. Also, Kono confesses to Adam that she's conflicted about their future together because of his ties to his formerly corrupt family business.
When a journalist is killed, Five-0 must use his past reporting to hunt down a presumed dead Congolese warlord who is alive and well living on Oahu. Also, as Valentine's Day approaches, Danny overreacts when Grace's texts to a boy start accidently coming up on his cell phone.
A California ATF agent helps Five-0 hunt a serial arsonist who is targeting couples on Oahu. Meanwhile, Danny takes Amber on a romantic getaway, but her abusive ex-husband tracks them down with the intent of taking Amber back.
McGarrett and Danny work on their relationship while they stakeout a woman's apartment after she escapes following a diamond robbery.
McGarrett enlists Joe's help after Danny and Chin are arrested for deadly past transgressions.
McGarrett and Odell come under siege in Odell's barbershop when they try to protect a young man who is being hunted down by a gang. Also, Jerry is wrongfully accused of committing a series of home invasions.
When Grover's oldest and closest friend tells him he witnessed his wife fall off a cliff to her death, Grover's gut instinct tells him that this was no accident. Also, Danny and Dr. Shaw get trapped in an elevator with a dead body in need of processing.
When a performer is killed at a convention of Elvis impersonators and his body is stolen, Five-0 must track down the culprits who are after the hidden diamonds sewn into the victim's costume. Also, Gabriel Waincroft returns to ask for Chin for help getting off the island.
When a woman is found murdered in the hotel suite occupied by three married men, Five-0 must help the friends get over their massive hangover and retrace their steps from a wild night to find the killer. Also, Jerry witnesses a woman's kidnapping on the streets of O'ahu.
When Kono goes on a solo outrigger trip around the Hawaiian islands in honor of her mother, she hits a patch of wild weather and must fight to stay alive. As Five-0 searches for Kono, they investigate a man busted for cooking meth who claims he received a threat on his son's life if he didn't continue making the drug.
Five-0 investigates the murder of a bounty hunter who was killed after he apprehended a fugitive. Meanwhile, Rachel reveals a long-held secret to Danny that has serious ramifications.
Season 5 ends with Five-0 learning that a stolen nuclear bomb is somewhere on the island and is about to be detonated. Meanwhile, McGarrett is stunned when Catherine returns to Hawaii; and Chin confronts Adam about his lingering connections to the Yakuza, on the eve of Adam and Kono's wedding.
Katrina Law(Quinn Liu)
Jorge Garcia(Jerry Ortega)
Michelle Borth(Catherine Rollins)
Alex O'Loughlin(Steve McGarrett)
Scott Caan(Danny "Danno" Williams)
Daniel Dae Kim(Chin Ho Kelly)
Grace Park(Kono Kalakaua)
Masi Oka(Dr. Max Bergman)
Lauren German(Lori Weston)
Chi McBride(Lou Grover)
Taylor Wily(Kamekona)
Dennis Chun(Sgt. Duke Lukela)
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ASRock Rack EPC612D4U-2T8R Micro ATX Motherboard Launched
Bohs Hansen / 4 years ago
ASRock is mostly known for their consumer products, but they also have a range of server equipment in the ASRock Rack branding. Just that division has just announced the latest motherboard in their lineup and it is a unique little board.
The new EPC612D4U-2T8R comes in a rare form factor for an E5 motherboard and it can be considered the first mATX motherboard with support for Intel's Xeon E5 v3 series with its LGA2011-3 single socket.
It further comes with four DDR4 DIMM slots for quad-channel memory and eight SATA 3.0 ports for storage. It further comes with an LSI 3008 controller with support for eight SAS3 ports. With two full PCI-Express 3.0 x16 and one x8 slot, you can expand the capabilities even further.
They haven't skimped on the network connectivity either with Intel's X540 that supports two 10Gbased-T connections. All of this put together makes up one very powerful motherboard for an high-end processor in a very compact form factor.
Key Specification
- Micro ATX 9.6″ x 9.6″
- Socket LGA 2011 R3 Intel Xeon processor E5-1600/2600 v3 series
- Supports Quad channel DDR4 2133/1866/ ECC DIMM, R DIMM, LR DIMM
- Intel® C612: 6 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s(support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10); 2 x sSATA3 6.0Gb/s(support RAID 0, 1)
- Supports 8-port SAS 3 by LSI:3008
- Supports 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x 8
- Integrated IPMI 2.0 with KVM and Dedicated LAN (RTL8211E)
- Supports 1 x Intel®X540
This motherboard won't come cheap and will set you back around 500 bucks at the time of writing. We'll also have a full review of this board ready for you soon, so stay tuned.


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By Spencer . March 23, 2012 . 4:31pm
Xseed is teasing an announcement on Twitter and they caught our attention because they posted a picture of a Tyrannosaurus as one of the clues. Let's check these out:
Clue #1
Clue #2
Clue #3
Is #2… a blade of grass? Eureka! I'm pretty sure I know what this is, so I won't spill the surprise. It is something Siliconera covered before though!


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So whatever happened in three years? The hard truths that kept myself going.
Life has been bittersweet although I spent more than about a year in an odd and amazingly awkward situation. Being seen as this and that, some even thought I'm a bully, which I'm not and some thought I am smart except that I'm lazy. Being a victim of bias acts, defamed, dethroned from being 'cool' and ruling. If you get my drift, ever since the second half of my first year till about the end of of the second, it hasn't been a smooth sail for me.
Was it self-inflicted? Probably. But if it hadn't been about what happen back then, no one would have ever known my true colors.
So let's get back to the dawn of beginning. I didn't have a good start in campus because I had sore throat, and I lost my voice during orientation. Hence, my power was taken away and handicapped me in a way it's hard for me to socialize during orientation. Being the self-conscious and 'vainpot' I was, I didn't talk much which resulted in failing myself to assimilate. Only a few days before lesson started, one person knew I wasn't that quiet kind of guy - Joanne.
Then thing's went for a blur for a while, and I remember my first few lessons when Debbie and Huiting were the best of friends. They wanted me to be in their team for Construction group work - though there weren't many group work then. When I regained my vocal power, and started talking and start assimilating with my classmates already. Things went great.
Of course I remember being late for my 8am classes with Alvena - Events Experience and thank God it was just for a few lesson because after which most of the morning lecture will be compensated on-site. Amazingly, when I was late, I wasn't as a blur.
Then on things was a blur again, though I remember some of the lessons. Photoshop lessons where the entire class wasn't listening to the lecture at all - some were on Ugly Betty, some online fashion magazine (especially Sim Qide who even mentioned he's gonna do events for Chanel), then some were on their Hong Kong dramas (the likes of Qiu Yan and Ang Huiting), and one was on her America's Next Top Model (Nadiah, you're guilty for this) and of course, the few who were really listening were people like Lingfeng and gang. Then there was Contract Law lesson which I really, really dread that even pretending to like that lesson failed to keep me awake. The lecture was the quietest because many were falling asleep, not that they're listening and at that time, not many knew the term 'skipping classes'.
Construction was the best, especially prior to exam. Apparently the lecturer is retiring and leaving on the same time as us.
Lunches were like the stressful part of the day because we were like ranch because there were so many people during lunch hours and I was simply spoilt for choice. One of the many fun moments during lunch was hitching a ride on a pickup truck that Gary drove to the train station. For once, I felt like an immigrant worker. Cheap thrill!
During the first six months of year one was great. Probably because you get to know new people, adapting to new environment and knowing new things. You don't experience 24/7 air-conditioned classroom in primary or secondary school classroom so wearing a jacket at that time was like a freshman's posture.
They say you can't get too much of the good things.
We went to Singapore Science Centre (SSC) a lot because of our Event Experience module and that was my first time doing a 'report' and of course my first report was crap and brutally rejected because I know nuts about report writing. What's more we were not given like detailed guidelines - I had no idea we had to use our own instincts. I remembered then why I failed my first paper in Literature. My hands were full when I was a freshmen. Apart from school - and after school hours activities at SSC, I took up language classes and at the same time had five tutees in hand.
Being a tutor has never occurred in my mind really. After my 'O' Levels, I don't know what part time job should I take. I went for interviews, and try out different jobs but nothing suited me. I gave up working and chose to 'rot' at home instead. It was worth it not working then because there's no such thing as living up to my own expectations that time. Some had asked why I chose to be a tutor but I can't answer them fully except to say to earn extra money for myself.
Money was not the priority. After graduating from secondary school, I've always thought of making full use of what I've learnt, especially languages. Language is a powerful tool for communication. It says for all emotions, sometimes better than a picture does. So the question was, how am I going to continue practicing and embracing what I've learnt? Hence, I landed with this job in hoping it will do better good to me, which it did. It tests my patience, and of course, broaden my knowledge and language mastery. See, because of these reasons I'm actually charging not-so-high. That's why I don't tell people my rate(s) but that does not mean quality is compromised.
One day, something happened and it got into writing. It was personal and I thought fine, things were better off written should anything more happen, you've got it in black and white. Why wasn't I surprised... Ever since then, it's like I felt like I was a black sheep. It was like being judged guilty without trial because things that was supposed to be contained was made public behind my back and I don't know what else was said but I could just feel it. It was hard to get into groups during group work, it was hard to be loud in class, it was hard to talk around in class, and it was hard getting attention. If anybody would have been in my position, they would be the one who changed class, and they would be the one who would have committed suicide. Big labels of defamation and ostracized was pasted right on my forehead whenever I entered the class.
I was even featured in a blog post. How infamous.
It was hard surviving, and I did a lot of thinking. Really, it wasn't pleasant. When people in the middle-east are stressed thinking if they could live for another day, when people in Africa are stressed thinking if they would be eaten by vultures, I was always stressed where the hell in lecture hall I want to sit because at that period of time, there was no one I could trust. With my stone-aged Nokia, the people who were communicable was Hafiz, Syaz, Nat. God knows how hard it was for me to win their hearts. I know it's not that everybody hated me but being associated with me then means risking of being hated too (it's only natural). I did get tired of all those, trust me. It was exhausting trying to suck up to a bunch of people whose mind I can't read. I was handicapped from being myself and I even got a karma threat. Should anybody wants to see my downfall, that was one hell of big great Humpty Dumpty fall.
My team work with them despite being great didn't last long because towards the end of year two, my group work had been with Huiting and friends because she and Cassie were my Final Year Project (FYP) team members. So it is only wise to do other group work with them rather than being a nomad changing from one group to another, you'll just get confused on which team you belong to for which module. By that time, we had one less classmate - it's your story to tell.
A lecturer made a passing comment saying (we) were bullies.
And we had a class chalet before another term starts.
Planning the class chalet wasn't easy for me because I'm entrusted with my classmates money and organizing a party isn't cheap. Asking people for top-up was quite alright though some were reluctant and some probably didn't trust me and of course, thanks to Joanne and gang for standing up for me when it happened. Of course there were some instances harmless remarks were misunderstood.
When school reopened after that holiday, things started to pick up. Things were getting better. FYP with Rajes was a bliss though warning to all of you to record whatever she says/promises if you were to ever work with her because she tends to get very, very busy. Get my drift. She's funny. Comparable to Kumar, the stand up comedian. She even look like one from far don't you think?
Final year was another blur that went by so fast you can stop counting down like what you did for 'O' Levels. Especially when you learn new topic each week, as long as your notes get thinner at the back, it means the end is near. This is when you start worrying which university are you going for, what course to take, how many exemptions are you eligible for in a particular course, and whatnot. As for me, I'm born an Adam so the only thing that worries me now is National Service.
SABE Dinner and Dance was awesome. Need I say more?
And now, in a blink of an eye, we're at the closing chapter of our tertiary life: graduation.
I would like to thank all the lecturers who has put in a lot of effort in our successes, all friends who gave company, fruitful opinions, wonderful memories and moral support, students and their parents who gave undivided understanding - I understand that changing in timings isn't not pleasant as it is but all my students are great. Not forgetting my parents who sent me to school and supporting what I do! This wouldn't have happened without them. Thanks with love!