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Category:LS-WTGL/R1/Restoring from empty disks
I just got a Buffalo LinkStation Pro Duo from a friend without any disks in it. I installed a single 1TB disk in it, but quickly found out it wouldn't boot as the OS is installed on the disk. However, after a few hours of work, I got it running like a normal LinkStation from scratch. For future reference, I'm writing down here how I did it.
(adapt yourself for multiple disks)
- 1 Boot Windows or use a Windows VM
- 2 Run a DHCP server to give your LinkStation an IP address
- 3 Turn on the LinkStation
- 4 Gain telnet access to the LinkStation
- 5 Partition & format the disk
- 6 Install the base system
- 7 Make any changes you want to the root filesystem
- 8 Reboot
- 9 Re-flash firmware
Boot Windows or use a Windows VM
- Connect it directly via ethernet, set its IP address to 192.168.11.1
- Make sure the firewall is disabled
- Run TFTP Boot Recovery
- Leave the boot recovery running, you will need it for reboots later
Run a DHCP server to give your LinkStation an IP address
- Preferably 192.168.11.150, since that's also its default IP address
- On Mac OS X, write this in /etc/bootptab:
%% buffalo 1 00:1d:73:df:ad:f9 192.168.11.150 1
- (the %% should be there, replace the MAC address with yours)
- Then run: sudo /usr/libexec/bootpd -v -d -D -i en0
Turn on the LinkStation
Make sure it's connected via ethernet directly to the Windows machine and the Mac. If the Windows machine is a VM, you can bridge its interface to the wired interface of the Mac and just connect it with the LinkStation over a single ethernet cable.
The LinkStation won't come up (as it's broken), so press the FUNC button on the back a few times until the power LED comes on. It will request TFTP boot files from the Windows machine:
The bootpd server will say something like:
Jan 16 01:08:51 hostname bootpd[pid] <Notice>: ACK sent buffalo 192.168.11.150 pktsize 300
Leave the tftpd and bootpd running, you will need them for reboots later.
Gain telnet access to the LinkStation
- Get acp_commander.jar from somewhere on this wiki
- Use java -jar acp_commander.jar -t 192.168.11.150 -o
- "You can now telnet to your box as user 'root' providing no / an empty password"
Partition & format the disk
- fdisk -l
- For me it said:
- disk /dev/sda: 1000.2 GB, ….
- fdisk /dev/sda
- new partition: n
- primary: p
- number: 1
- first: 1 (default, just press enter)
- last: +256M
- This will be the boot partition (it has to be nr 1)
- new partition: n
- primary: p
- number: 2
- first: (default, just press enter)
- last: +16G
- This will be the root partition (has to be number 2)
- new partition: n
- extended: e
- number: 3
- first: (default, just press enter)
- last: (enter)
- new partition: n
- logical: l
- first: (enter)
- last: +1G
- this will be the swap partition, it will be number 5
- new partition: n
- logical: l
- first: (enter)
- last: (enter)
- And finally, this will be the share partition.
- To check, give the command "p"
- It should give 5 partitions, sda1 to sda6 except for sda4.
- We will set the type of the swap one to "linux swap".
- Command: t
- Partition number: 5
- Type: 82
- Command: w (to save)
Setting up RAID
- mdadm -C --force -n 1 -l raid1 /dev/md0 /dev/sda1
- (-C = create, --force = allow creating a RAID with 1 device, -n 1 = create 1 device, -l raid1 = use raid1, then the RAID name, then the partitions in it)
- mdadm -C --force -n 1 -l raid1 /dev/md1 /dev/sda2
- mdadm -C --force -n 1 -l raid1 /dev/md2 /dev/sda6
- mdadm -C --force -n 1 -l raid1 /dev/md10 /dev/sda5
Formatting the partitions
- mkfs.ext3 -f /dev/md0
- mkfs.xfs -f /dev/md1
- mkfs.xfs -f /dev/md2
- mkswap /dev/md10
- mkdir -p /rootfs /boot
- mount /dev/md0 /boot
- mount /dev/md1 /rootfs
Install the base system
- Get a firmware update (i.e. version 310b) from Buffalo
- Unzip hddrootfs.img and initrd.img using one of these passwords (see Create a custom firmware image)
- 1NIf_2yUOlRDpYZUVNqboRpMBoZwT4PzoUvOPUp6l
- aAhvlM1Yp7_2VSm6BhgkmTOrCN1JyE0C5Q6cB3oBB
- YvSInIQopeipx66t_DCdfEvfP47qeVPhNhAuSYmA4
- IeY8omJwGlGkIbJm2FH_MV4fLsXE8ieu0gNYwE6Ty
- Put the unzipped files along with uImage.buffalo on a usb stick (in my case, in the /nas dir) and connect it. Then mount it:
- mkdir /usb
- mount /dev/sdb1 /usb -t vfat
- cd /usb/nas
- cp initrd.buffalo uImage.buffalo /boot
- tar xvzf hddrootfs.buffalo.updated -C /rootfs
Make any changes you want to the root filesystem
- change /rootfs/etc/melco/diskinfo to remove the disk2 line, and change "raid0" to "raid1"
Reboot the linkstation. It will fail to come up. Press the button at the back twice to get it back into recovery mode. It will boot from TFTP again, and get an IP address from DHCP. However, now that we do have the mdX devices, the machine will come up as an installed LinkStation. But we're not done yet. Things are still missing, but at least the auto-updater can now fix things itself.
Re-flash firmware
Take the LSUpdater.exe from the firmware update and run it on Windows. It will detect a running device and if you click "Update", it will start the upgrade process. If that doesn't work, re-activate telnet (using the acp_commander), and make sure the boot partition is mounted using "mount /dev/md0 /boot".
Once the firmware updater is done, you can turn off the tftpd and dhcpd; the machine will come up autonomously as a fully installed Buffalo LinkStation.
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Australian Rugby Player Given 8-Week Ban For Biting Opponent's Penis
When they say rugby is a full contact sport, they mean it.
Anthony Watts, a notorious "rugby bad boy" who plays for the Tugun Seahawks (on Australia's Gold Coast), has been sentenced to an 8-week ban on games after being charged with biting a rival's penis during a recent match.
Video footage shows the victim limping away from Watts in obvious pain before pulling down his pants to show the injury to a referee. The referee immediately removed Watts from the game, while the victim has gone on to report blood and skin loss on his penis.
Watts has since denied that he intentionally chewed on his rival's package, but a League judiciary hearing that took place on Tuesday night decided otherwise. He has seven days to appeal the ruling.
Impressively, Taiwanese animation studio Next Media Animation has already tackled the horrific incident:
(Source: Sky News)

subset: commoncrawl


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Comedian Nate Bargatze Gets 'Yelled at By a Clown' [INTERVIEW]
Nate Bargatze is a New York-based comedian who was recently mentioned in Rolling Stone magazine as a "comic who should be big." He's already big in our books; the funny guy has had his own Comedy Central Presents and he's performed on 'Conan' three times! Bargatze also won both the NYC and Boston Comedy Festivals in 2010.
We recently caught up with this Tennessee native to talk about a first encounter with the Easter Bunny, his chin strap beard circa 2003, and of course, Bargatze's recently-dropped first album, 'Yelled at By a Clown.'
'Yelled at By a Clown' -- the cover itself is hilarious, but tell us where the idea came from.
My dad's a magician now. He started as a clown when I was a kid, so I have a joke on the CD-- I'm saying it's weird. I was like 'have you ever been yelled at by a clown? Cause I have.'
Did he yell at you in full makeup?
He was in makeup stuff a lot, like he would go do gigs and put his clown makeup on, and then just head out to a gig. I always think too, it's weird. When you're driving dressed as a clown, everybody just knows you're a clown. There's no "so what do you do for a living?"
Did your dad ever play any of your parties?
He came to one party of mine, but I stopped it because I was annoyed. I've seen it all. When I was younger, I'd brag about it, because it was cool when I was like 5 or 6. But after I've seen it and you're getting older, you're just getting tired of it. Everybody at birthday parties would go to him because they want to watch the magic, so I'd just try and pull one friend off to the side and say, "why do you wanna watch this loser?"
So how was it in high school -- bringing home girls and your dad's a clown?
By that point he transitioned into a magician, so luckily he was past that point. It's crazy, and it's something very different. It's something I've always grown up with so it's not weird to me at all.
Is that where you got the idea that you wanted to be a performer?
I guess so. I would help him do shows sometimes, but nothing crazy. Doing standup, I never thought I would be a standup comedian. Luckily, I was just not good at anything. Everyone's funny with their friends, so I thought "maybe I could do this." Then I ended up trying when I was 23.
Did you ever think about clown college?
[My dad] didn't go to clown college. He would do cruise ships back then. He would still do magic, too. A lot of kid's shows, and we worked at the mall a lot. He brought the Easter Bunny home…That's probably my earliest memory--seeing the Easter Bunny just sitting in the passenger seat with a seatbelt on. Safety first. He came home dressed as Batman too, once.
You're originally from Tennessee. When you started out in comedy, did you start there?
I moved to Chicago first. I had a buddy who wanted to do improv in Chicago, so we moved and did improv for Second City. I hated it.
What did you hate about it?
I didn't want anyone else pushing me to go in a certain way comedically. I think improv's the best, though. Good improv is terrific. But if you're watching bad improv, it's probably the best thing you'll ever see in your life. If one person's bad in the troupe, you can see [the rest of] them try not to make that person talk.
Did you find that comedy classes helped?
They're not going to make you funny. I think it's just motivation. I had no idea what to do. When I moved to Chicago, I didn't understand mics, or what was going on, so I think it's a good support. You're starting with other people who are just as scared as you are. You don't have to do them by any means, but I don't hate them like some comics.
Your first stand-up was where?
Chicago. I have the tape of it. It's crazy bad.
Do you watch it?
No, I can't. It's unbelievable. I had a chin strap beard. I have a fat chin, so I tried to do something to hide it. I could never do a mustache, so it was just on the bottom.
Would you ever put something like that online?
I always think about that. Maybe if I was known more, it would be not as bad. If they find that original video first, and they don't know my other videos, they'll be like 'get out of this business!'
Do you remember any of the original jokes?
We had a rat problem in Chicago, so it was the first time I've ever seen rats that big. They were the size of squirrels. I'd make a joke about walking into the apartment and the rat would be sitting on the couch watching TV and having to pay for rent.
Have you ever been yelled at or heckled during shows?
You know what's funny, heckling is not as crazy as people think it is. It does happen. The biggest problem I've had is just drunk people talking during the show. I've been told I suck or I'm not funny, and that kills you. I had a shirt that says "Coach" on the back, and I was doing a show in the back of a Friday's. It was just the worst. This guy is sitting there as I turn my back. He goes, "maybe you should get a joke coach." I was like, "that was pretty good!". Now I'm the joke coach.
Did you ever open for any musical acts?
One guy played bluegrass, and I did a show for him. I've never done a famous [singer], but I've heard horror stories. People open up for Cher or something, and no one even knows them.
What would you say to a person who wants to start out in comedy? Besides the fact you've got to do comedy at TGI Friday's.
You've gotta just become obsessed. It's like anything anybody wants to do. You have to become obsessed with it. You have to go do open mics every day. I go up every night here [New York], multiple times a night. I've been doing that for 8 years, so you get better that much faster. It's an obsession that you have to have. Start with open mics, and just be around.
'Yelled at By a Clown' is available on iTunes, Amazon or on IamNate.com.


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67, of Jefferson City
Fr. David G. Buescher, 67, Jefferson City, Mo. died peacefully on February 3, 2013. He was born on January 6, 1946, in Washington, Mo. the son of the late Alfred J. Buescher, Sr. and Zita J. (Voelkerding) Buescher. As a Catholic priest, he served as pastor or administrator at a number of Catholic parishes in central and south-central Missouri. He was a retired priest, due to health reasons of the Diocese of Jefferson City.
He received his seminary studies were at Cardinal Glennon College in St. Louis from 1963-1967; The Catholic University of American in Washington, D.C., from 1967-1971. Most Reverend Michael F. McAuliffe, ordained him to the Holy Priesthood on May 22, 1971, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Washington, Mo.
Following a number of central Missouri assignments, he served from April 17, 1990, to September 10, 1994, he was assigned as pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, the English-speaking international Roman Catholic parish of The Hague, Netherlands., Europe. At Rolla,in September 1994 he served as Director of the Newman Center at the University of Missouri-Rolla, and associate pastor of St. Patrick Church in Rolla. Fr. Buescher also returned to the faculty of the Permanent Diaconate Office and continued this until his death.
Fr. Buescher was appointed Temporary Administrator of Holy Cross Church in Cuba, St. Francis Caracciolo Church in Bourbon and St. Michael Church in Steelville from 1996. He served as a Chaplain of the House of Representatives from January to May 2000, and was available for weekend clergy supply help. He was appointed Director of the Office of Spiritual Renewal of the Laity on July 1, 2000, to July 1, 2004. He was appointed Senior Priest in Service at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on June 30, 2001, until he retired on July 1, 2004, due to health reasons.
Fr. Buescher celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination on June 16, 1996, at St. Patrick Church in Rolla, Missouri. He celebrated his 40th Anniversary at St. Anthony Church in Camdenton on June 26, 2011.
Father Buescher is survived by a brother, Romuald L. Buescher and a sister, Sister Janet Buescher. He was preceded in death by his father, 1982, his mother, 1999; a sister, Carol Buescher and a brother, Alfred J. Buescher, Jr.
Visitation was held at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City, on Thursday, February 7, 2013, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 8, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Bishop John R. Gaydos presiding.
A second Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Washington, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, with Fr. Daniel I. Lueckenotte (St. Elizabeth, Mo.). presiding, Burial followed at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington, in the Buescher Family Plot, where he will be buried next to his parents.
Arrangements were in care of the Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, Jefferson City.


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Sway (Feat. Donae'o) - Pop A Bottle
New single from Sway featuring Donae'o, Pop A Bottle released July 12th 2010 on iTunes
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Weak earnings send US stocks slightly lower
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are mostly lower on Wall Street as investors pick over another round of corporate earnings, this time from retailers including Best Buy and Home Depot.
The Dow Jones industrial average edged down nine points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 15,966 Tuesday.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell three points, or 0.2 percent, to 1,787. The Nasdaq composite lost 17 points, 0.4 percent, to 3,931.
Retailers were a key focus for investors, especially with the holiday shopping season coming up.
Best Buy slumped 11 percent, the most in the S&P 500 index, after warning that competition from online retailers was going to further squeeze its profit margins. Home Depot rose 1 percent after beating analysts' earnings estimates.
Campbell Soup dropped 6 percent after reporting a plunge in sales.


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MISSRepresentation: Petty Powerful Documentary On The Portrayal Of Women In The Media! (For Those Who Got Young Daughters) [Trailer]
"Miss Representation": Official Trailer
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A provocative new study called "Placebos Without Deception," published on PLoS One today, threatens to make humble sugar pills something they've rarely had a chance to be in the history of medicine: a respectable, ethically sound treatment for disease that has been vetted in controlled trials.
The word placebo is ancient, coming to us from the Latin for "I shall please." As far back as the 14th Century, the term already had connotations of fakery, sleaze, and deception. For well-to-do Catholic families in Geoffrey Chaucer's day, the custom at funerals was to offer a feast to the congregation after the mourners sang the Office for the Dead (which contains the phrase placebo Domino in regione vivorum, "I shall please the Lord in the land of the living"). The unintended effect of this largesse was to inspire distant relatives and former acquaintances of the departed to crawl out of the woodwork, weeping copiously while praising the deceased, then hastening to the buffet. By the time Chaucer wrote his Canterbury Tales, these macabre freeloaders had been christened "placebo singers."
In modern medicine, placebos are associated with another form of deception — a kind that has long been thought essential for conducting randomized clinical trials of new drugs, the statistical rock upon which the global pharmaceutical industry was built. One group of volunteers in an RCT gets the novel medication; another group (the "control" group) gets pills or capsules that look identical to the allegedly active drug, but contain only an inert substance like milk sugar. These faux drugs are called placebos.
Inevitably, the health of some people in both groups improves, while the health of others grows worse. Symptoms of illness fluctuate for all sorts of reasons, including regression to the mean. Since the goal of an RCT, from Big Pharma's perspective, is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a new drug, the return to robust health of a volunteer in the control group is considered a statistical distraction. If too many people in the trial get better after downing sugar pills, the real drug will look worse by comparison — sometimes fatally so for the purpose of earning approval from the Food and Drug Adminstration.
For a complex and somewhat mysterious set of reasons, it is becoming increasingly difficult for experimental drugs to prove their superiority to sugar pills in RCTs, which was the subject of an in-depth article I published in Wired called "The Placebo Problem," recipient of this year's Kavli/AAAS Science Journalism of the Year award for a magazine feature.
Only in recent years, however, has it become obvious that the abatement of symptoms in control-group volunteers — the so-called placebo effect — is worthy of study outside the context of drug trials, and is in fact profoundly good news to anyone but investors in Pfizer, Roche, and GlaxoSmithKline. The emerging field of placebo research has revealed that the body's repertoire of resilience contains a powerful self-healing network that can help reduce pain and inflammation, lower the production of stress chemicals like cortisol, and even tame high blood pressure and the tremors of Parkinson's disease.
Jumpstarting this network requires nothing more or less than a belief that one is receiving effective treatment — in the form of a pill, a capsule, talk therapy, injection, IV, or acupuncture needle. The activation of this self-healing network is what we really mean when we talk about the placebo effect. Though inert in themselves, placebos act as passwords between the domain of the mind and the domain of the body, enabling the expectation of healing to be translated into cascades of neurotransmitters and altered patterns of brain activity that engender health.
That's all well and good, but what does it mean in the real world of people getting sick? You can hardly expect the American Medical Association to issue a wink and a nod to doctors, encouraging them to prescribe sugar pills for seriously disabling conditions like chronic depression and Parkinson's disease. Meanwhile, more and more studies each year — by researchers like Fabrizio Benedetti at the University of Turin, author of a superb new book called The Patient's Brain, and neuroscientist Tor Wager at the University of Colorado — demonstrate that the placebo effect might be potentially useful in treating a wide range of ills. Then why aren't doctors supposed to use it?
The medical establishment's ethical problem with placebo treatment boils down to the notion that for fake drugs to be effective, doctors must lie to their patients. It has been widely assumed that if a patient discovers that he or she is taking a placebo, the mind/body password will no longer unlock the network, and the magic pills will cease to do their job.
Now, however, a group of leading placebo researchers — including Irving Kirsch at the University of Hull in England (who I interview at length below) and Ted Kaptchuk at Harvard — has produced a little bombshell of a study that makes these assumptions obsolete. For "Placebos Without Deception," the researchers tracked the health of 80 volunteers with irritable bowel syndrome for three weeks as half of them took placebos and the other half didn't. A painful, chronic gastrointestinal condition, IBS is serious business. It's one of the top ten reasons why people seek medical care worldwide, accounting for millions of dollars a year in health care expenditures and lost work-hours.
In a previous study published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, Kaptchuk and Kirsch demonstrated that placebo treatment can be highly effective for alleviating the symptoms of IBS. This time, however, instead of the trial being "blinded," it was "open." That is, the volunteers in the placebo group knew that they were getting only inert pills — which they were instructed to take religiously, twice a day. They were also informed that, just as Ivan Pavlov trained his dogs to drool at the sound of a bell, the body could be trained to activate its own built-in healing network by the act of swallowing a pill.
In other words, in addition to the bogus medication, the volunteers were given a true story — the story of the placebo effect. They also received the care and attention of clinicians, which have been found in many other studies to be crucial for eliciting placebo effects. The combination of the story and a supportive clinical environment were enough to prevail over the knowledge that there was really nothing in the pills. People in the placebo arm of the trial got better — clinically, measurably, significantly better — on standard scales of symptom severity and overall quality of life. In fact, the volunteers in the placebo group experienced improvement comparable to patients taking a drug called alosetron, the standard of care for IBS.
Meet the ethical placebo: a powerfully effective faux medication that meets all the standards of informed consent.
The study is hardly the last word on the subject, but more like one of the first. Its modest sample size and brief duration leave plenty of room for followup research. (What if "ethical" placebos wear off more quickly than deceptive ones? Does the fact that most of the volunteers in this study were women have any bearing on the outcome? Were any of the volunteers skeptical that the placebo effect is real, and did that affect their response to treatment?) Before some eager editor out there composes a tweet-baiting headline suggesting that placebos are about to drive Big Pharma out of business, he or she should appreciate the fact that the advent of AMA-approved placebo treatments would open numerous cans of fascinatingly tangled worms. For example, since the precise nature of placebo effects is shaped largely by patients' expectations, would the advertised potency and side effects of theoretical products like Placebex and Therastim be subject to change by Internet rumors, requiring perpetual updating?
Even at this preliminary stage in the research, however, it's clear that it's time to flip our ideas about fake pills upside down. It's common to use the word "placebo" as a synonym for "scam." Economists talk about placebo solutions to our economic catastrophe (tax cuts for the rich, anyone?). Online skeptics mock the billion-dollar herbal-medicine industry by calling it Big Placebo. The fact that our brains and bodies respond vigorously to placebos given in warm and supportive clinical environments, however, turns out to be very real.
We're also discovering that the power of narrative is embedded deeply in our physiology. Perhaps that's not surprising. In the long centuries before doctors discovered antibiotics, they often had little else but an observant eye, a listening ear, and a bag of nostrums with names like decoction of barley and compound infusion of roses to offer their desperately ill patients.
In an age of computerized diagnostics, talking about the power of storytelling in health care seems like a throwback to those medical Dark Ages. After reading the new study, however, one of the pioneers of placebo research, anthropologist Dan Moerman at the University of Michigan, noted how much even the volunteers who didn't get placebos benefited from the support and attention of clinicians.
"I was really surprised at how well the non-placebo group did," Moerman says in email. "Note I don't call them a 'no treatment group' because they, and everyone else, received exemplary treatment here: they were listened to, examined, encouraged, supported. They were able to talk with, and be taken seriously by, people who understood their issues, things they probably had serious difficulty discussing with their own families. I think it likely that the effectiveness of the placebos above and beyond all the other treatment would have been diminished without the whole system of compassionate care."
At the same time, as Kirsch explains in our interview, the volunteers who took placebos felt significantly better than those who didn't. The act of taking the pills made a difference.
Placebo expert Amir Raz at McGill University observes that the new study follows up on a groundbreaking experiment conducted in 1964 by Lee Park and Uno Covi, who administered "open" placebos to 15 patients from a psychiatric clinic and tracked similar levels of improvement in their anxiety. In a paper slated to be published in the April 2011 issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Raz will talk to many physicians who doubt that one has to lie to patients for placebos to be effective. In fact, in the real world of doctoring, many physicians prescribe medications at dosages too low to have an effect on their own, hoping to tap into the body's own healing resources — though this is mostly acknowledged only in whispers, as a kind of trade secret.
Kirsch's 2010 book The Emperor's New Drugs caused a huge stir by claiming that the effectiveness of antidepressants — one of the top-selling classes of drugs in the world — may be entirely dependent on the placebo effect. Before spending time with him at a placebo workshop hosted at McGill in July, I was frankly expecting to meet a fiery anti-pharma avenger — albeit one with a compelling argument backed up by data.
Instead, Kirsch is a soft-spoken, modest, diligent, boyishly handsome 67-year-old psychologist who thoroughly understands why his notions are so upsetting to people who insist that their lives have been turned around by Paxil or Lexapro. He also has an intriguing personal history that includes organizing against the Vietnam War with Bertrand Russell, producing a Grammy-nominated comedy album in 1973 with the editors of National Lampoon, and playing violin in the Toledo Symphony behind Aretha Franklin. Kirsch is currently working on a new book about the potential of placebo therapy.
Silberman: What's the most subversive aspect of this new study?
Kirsch: Simply that placebos work even when you tell people that they're placebos. To me that's fascinating. As is the fact that patients can experience substantial and clinically meaningful improvement of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome when given placebos.
One of the assumptions that we made in this study, however, is that you have to offer the patients a convincing rationale to use placebos as well as giving them a pill. That's the next thing we have to test.
Silberman: What kinds of ailments are amenable to placebo treatment?
Kirsch: Depression, anxiety disorders, and pain; pain in particular is highly responsive to placebo therapy. Irritable bowel syndrome — we've shown that not only in this study, but in one published in the British Medical Journal a couple of years ago. Parkinson's Disease, ulcers, and asthma too. There's a long list of conditions treatable with placebos that have some subjective component and can be intensified by conditions like stress.
Silberman: If all of these ailments have a subjective component, does that mean they share a set of neurological mechanisms?
Kirsch: I'm afraid that's outside my area of expertise. But I know what these conditions don't share in common. The kinds of effects you see in the brain when people respond to a placebo depends on the condition you're supposed to be treating. So if you take a placebo analgesic, you get reductions in activity in the brain's pain matrix. If you take a placebo antidepressant, you get changes in brain activity in areas related to depression.
Silberman: Does the placebo response tell us anything about how active medicines work?
Kirsch: For any condition susceptible to placebos, the placebo effect is a component of the response to active medication. In most cases, placebo effects and drug effects are additive — the net response to the medication is larger because of placebo effects than it would be on its own.
Silberman: You've done a lot of work analyzing placebo effects in antidepressant therapy, which you write about in your book The Emperor's New Drugs. Has your opinion of antidepressants evolved at all?
Kirsch: The more I learn, the more convinced I become that the benefits of drugs for depression are not biologically driven, but driven by the placebo effect. The thing that convinces me most is that nearly all drugs for depression — despite having very different chemical compositions — are of equal benefit. In other words, you have drugs that are completely different in what they do chemically — even drugs that operate by opposing mechanisms — creating the same level of effect.
The most commonly employed antidepressants are supposed to increase the amount of serotonin in synapses in the brain, but there are also antidepressants that decrease the level of serotonin in the brain, and they both have the same effect therapeutically. The effects of these drugs seem to be completely independent of their chemical composition.
Silberman: Dan Moerman mentioned to me in an email that he was surprised by how well the non-placebo group did in your study.
Kirsch: That's true. We said that we compared open label placebo to a no-treatment control group, but actually, the "no-treatment" description is not entirely accurate in this case. The patients in the control group met with the clinician before being given the pills and midway between the beginning and end of the study. Both visits were in the context of a warm, supportive, patient-practitioner relationship. Like many other researchers, we assume that the therapeutic relationship is an important component of the placebo effect.
But many people — including doctors — think that the therapeutic relationship entirely accounts for the placebo effect. Our data show that this is not true. If the placebo effect was entirely due to the therapeutic relationship — the time, attention, warmth, and enthusiasm communicated by the doctor — then our placebo pill would not have produced any effect beyond that seen in our "no-treatment" control condition, because the no-treatment control patients received the same level of therapeutic relationship as that received by patients in the placebo pill condition. That tells us two things –one, that giving patients the placebo pill improved their condition, and two, that the difference in improvement was due to getting the pill. It was not due to the therapeutic relationship.
Silberman: One of the ways that you prepped the volunteers in this trial was that you informed them that placebo effects work via conditioning, like Pavlov's dogs being trained to salivate at the sound of a bell. What trains people all over the world to respond to act of taking a pill?
Kirsch: The existence of successful treatments. People come to expect and believe that they're going to get better if they take medication. The whole process of going to a physician and being treated reinforces this belief. That constitutes the basic aspects of classical conditioning. Eventually, the pill alone is enough to produce a placebo effect, whether it contains an active drug or not.
Silberman: Does direct-to-consumer advertising also play a role? In America, when you open a magazine, the good-looking jock playing with puppies in the sun is the formerly depressed patient on Zoloft.
Kirsch: No doubt about it. One thing that's clear is that the placebo effect of antidepressants has gotten stronger over the years as these drugs have been more widely accepted, touted, and advertised. The response to them in general has increased because of the additivity I was talking about before.
Silberman: What would a world in which placebos were given openly by doctors look like?
Kirsch: Our study points to something that a number of people have suspected, but has been hard to demonstrate under controlled conditions: We have the capacity for healing physical conditions through psychological means. First, we have to accept that. Studies of placebo effects are great demonstrations of it.
You might think of this healing capacity as a self-regulatory mechanism. Then the question then becomes how best to unlock it. This kind of research shows the potential of our being able to treat certain conditions without drugs — particularly in cases where we don't have effective drugs, and/or where the drugs we have are not much more effective than what we can accomplish with placebos. And especially in cases where the drugs carry serious risks.
Silberman: A lot of very smart people dismiss homeopathy, acupuncture, and other alternate treatments as nothing more than quackery for dullards — "woo," as P.Z. Myers or Ben Goldacre might put it. But couldn't the placebo response play the role of being, in a sense, the "active principle" of woo? For example, I recently saw a controlled trial of homeopathic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis that concluded that the effectiveness of the therapy was due to the homeopathic consultation process, not the little pills themselves. Your colleague Ted Kaptchuk spoke to me for my Wired article about the importance of "therapeutic ritual" in eliciting the placebo response, and homeopathic consultation — even if the notion that pills containing a few molecules at most of an active ingredient seems obviously ridiculous — is a good example of an elaborate therapeutic ritual. I think the door is still open on whether acupuncture does more than jump-start the placebo response…
Kirsch: That door is closing. I think the effects of acupuncture are largely placebo effects, if not entirely. It's a very good placebo effect; a really healthy and large placebo effect. The last study we did on IBS was with placebo acupuncture — sham acupuncture. Sham acupuncture does as much good as real acupuncture. You can do it without needles and still get the same effect. Practitioners of acupuncture, homeopathy, and other alternative and complimentary medicines do an excellent job of eliciting and bolstering placebo effects.
We know from our research the things that make a difference: how much time you spend with a patient, how supportive and empathic you are, how well you listen, and how confident you are in being able to help. Complimentary and alternative medicine practitioners are particularly good at these things. These are obviously things that physicians can do as well, and some are very good at eliciting placebo effects.
But those qualities are becoming more rare in conventional medical practice. Certainly here in the UK, it's very uncommon to have a good placebo intervention in primary care, because the standard visit with the doctor is ten minutes at most.
Silberman: Ten minutes sounds long to me. If I see my doctor for three minutes as she rushes around, it's a good day.
Kirsch: In the IBS study we did in 2008, we maximized the amount of time spent in the initial interview, and other qualities of listening and empathy, and got much more substantial placebo effects.
Silberman: These days, however, the emphasis is increasingly on data-driven medicine — blood tests, genome and proteome scans, and the search for biomarkers. Studies like this suggest that narrative medicine as it was practiced in the 19th century — the doctor listening to the patient, hearing the story of the symptoms, and reframing it as a story of how the patient will get better — also plays a crucial role in healing.
Kirsch: We're breaking the boundary between the two approaches. The reason we do studies like this is to make placebo research data-driven. We're starting to build up a database on the effects of enhancing patient-physician contact, and on the administration of placebos openly and honestly, without deception.
Silberman: Have you had any hostile responses to your book from people who worry that by telling depressed people that antidepressants are really placebos, the pills will stop working?
Kirsch: Definitely. People have suggested that I take a line comparable to "don't ask, don't tell." They say, "OK, so the placebo effect is doing most or all of the work. We don't want to ruin that. We have nothing else to give our patients!" Well, now we know that the placebo effect still works even when people know they're taking placebos. That's one of the nice things we've learned from this study. Plus, there's an ethical problem when you keep secret the fact that you're giving someone a drug that barely works — especially when the drug has harmful effects as well.
Silberman: Has your research changed the way you think about taking medicine?
Kirsch: Interesting question. It has made me more wary. It certainly makes me less likely to talk to my doctor about getting an antidepressant if I'm feeling down or sad.
Silberman: What kinds of follow-up studies are needed now?
Kirsch: We know that open placebo treatment works for IBS. Does it also work for depression? How crucial is telling patients about the placebo effect? Might placebo therapy work even without giving patients a convincing rationale? My guess would be that it wouldn't, but I don't really know for sure.
Silberman: One interesting aspect of this study is that it suggests that are two layers of belief in the brain — one that knows there's nothing in this pill, and another that knows that a placebo can be an effective treatment. It's as if the brain can entertain two different notions of the effectiveness of a pill at once.
Kirsch: Yes, but they're not contradictory notions. I believe in both. I know that this pill does not contain a physically active ingredient, and I also understand the conditioning process. I know that the placebo effect is real, so I understand that this inert pill might help trigger that healing response within me. We need to recognize and understand that patients are active agents in their treatment, not passive. The placebo effect does not come from the pill. It comes from the patient.


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While I researching the recently concluded series about the Vermilyea murder and trial, I read many old newspaper pages from the Toronto Star's Pages of the Past newspaper archive. Reading old newspapers can be fascinating and I was especially taken by the prices of houses, goods and services through the 1930's period that I was reviewing.
One story on the front page of the February 25, 1935 edition caught my attention in particular. Genealogists may not get mentioned often but here they were on the front page of the daily newspaper in a major Canadian city debating the topic. Here for your enjoyment is the story.
The story's headline reads:
Tracing Ancestry to Adam, Eve Absurd, Say Toronto Genealogists
There are many people in Toronto with the name of Stewart who are descended from the Stewart kings, but they can't prove it, Col. Baptist Johnston, a fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, told The Star today, branding as "absurd" the claim of Mrs. Christian Sells Jaeger of Columbus, Ohio, that she has succeeded in tracing her ancestry back through 159 generations to Adam and Eve.
Col. Johnston declared, however, that Harry Drummond, of Deer Park Cres., is able to trace his ancestry back to the Earls of Perth, whose pedigree can be proven to approximately 1200 A.D. So quickly does the human race multiply, he pointed out, that Edward III of England now has tens of thousands of descendants.
"Some people have become almost insane on the topic of genealogy," Col. Johnston commented. "Very few people can prove their ancestry prior to 1100.
"The late Henry O'Brien K.C. [King's Counsel], of Toronto, was a descendant of the earls of Thomond, one-time kings of Munster."
"In the first place I don't think there is any such individual as Adam," declared Rabbi M. N. Eisendrath. "How can she trace her pedigree back through Zedekiah, David, Enos and Seth to Adam" he asked, "when many biblical names are not names of persons, but of tribes. In the Old Testament the union of two clans is expressed as a marriage."
"It is quite impossible to go back with any degree of accuracy beyond the time of the Norman conquest." observed Prof. R. Flenley of the University of Toronto. "Even the ancestry of kings cannot be traced accurately much more than 1000 years."
So now we know, we who "have become almost insane on the topic of genealogy."


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Doing what any enterprising parent would do, you leverage the multi-purpose power of your smartphone to turn it into a babysitter from time to time. But what to do when Junior runs up your credit card bill with in-app purchases?
Well, a bunch of you sued Apple. And it looks like justice may be yours.
If your lovable little troublemaker bought countless Tiny Tower Bux while you were in the mall bathroom working through a gastrointestinal argument with last night's ethnic delicacies, you may be entitled to iTunes Store credit or even a cash refund.
There are a few qualifiers accompanying the deal. For starters, according to the settlement, "Qualified Apps consist of all apps from the App Store in the games category with an age rating of 4+, 9+, or 12+ that offer in-app purchases of consumable game currency."
Junior has to have bought said consumable game currency without your knowledge. If you entered your iTunes password to allow Junior to make in-app purchases, you're out, in other words. And if you've already received a refund from Apple, you aren't eligible for this (that's pretty obvious, right?).
As far as your options go, you can either get a flat $5 iTunes credit (you'd use this option if your mischievous bundle of joy bought less than $5 worth of currency) or you can get an iTunes credit equal to the total amount your offspring spent within a 45-day period, minus any refund already received.
But you want cash, right? In that case, you'll either have to no longer have an iTunes account or that little DNA-sharing scamp of yours must have run up more than $30 worth of purchases.
You can check out the settlement site here, which includes a tool for looking up qualifying apps and additional information about how to submit your claim.
Apple Is Now Refunding People Whose Kids Bought iPhone Crap [Kotaku]


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U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Senior Living Facility Company Fired Chef and Personal Care Aide After They Reported Their Pregnancies, Federal Agency Charges
ATLANTA – Belmont Village, L.P. and Belmont Village at Buckhead Senior Living, LLC, owners and operators of senior living facilities throughout the United States, including a location in Atlanta, unlawfully fired two employees because of their pregnancies, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it filed recently.
According to the EEOC's lawsuit, when Joann Johnson and Marcia Thomas informed their supervisors that they were pregnant, they were immediately written up for alleged job performance issues and discharged. Other employees who had similar job performance issues, but who were not pregnant, were not terminated.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, including pregnancy. The EEOC filed suit (Civil Action No., 1:11-CV-02848) in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The EEOC is seeking back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for Johnson and Thomas, as well as injunctive relief designed to stop pregnancy discrimination and prevent it from recurring in the future.
"An employee should never be terminated simply because she is pregnant, said Bernice Williams-Kimbrough, district director for the EEOC's Atlanta District Office."The EEOC is committed to protectingfemale employees from arbitrary firings due to pregnancy."
The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.


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It's about time we had a gadget that will easily import our old tapes to our iPhone
Sign up for The Intelligencer, a bi-weekly dose of design inspiration, interviews, contests and more, sent directly to your inbox.
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The Redding School of the Arts is able to track its sustainability features online, including graphs depicting live solar electric production vs. building consumption, geothermal heating and cooling, electricity consumption and water consumption. To view this data, click here.
To submit a photo for Close-up, e-mail email@example.com or mail a photo to Professional Roofing Attn.: Close-up, 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018. Submittals should include a photo, as well as a description or background for the photo. A $100 gift card will be awarded for the photo that is chosen to be featured in Close-up.
This Web exclusive information is a supplement to Close-up.


text: My family and I recently visitited Kuzuko Lodge, we had one of the best experiences. The staff were excellent, nothing was too hard.. We traveled to the lodge with 4 children ages ranging 8 to 16 and each one of our children had an awesome time. We all very impressed with our safari guide Tammy, Tammy truly has a passion... More


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A Mexican prisoner escapes through the jungles of Chiapas crossing paths with a secret agent Lobo. Lobo has a crisis at his hands, and only Julio, the ex-con can help, based on his past spy experience.
Lobo gives Julio money, cars and everything else he needs to travel the world and rescue the very beautiful Ambassador's daughter who has been taken by the ETA terrorist group. Lobo changes Julio's life and even his name to Fuego which means "fire" .And, that is exactly what Fuego does.
He sets the world on fire as he takes out anyone in the way of getting what he needs to erase his criminal past. From beginning to the end Fuego takes us on an action packed journey through Spain. Fuego stops at nothing to save the innocent girl. As he is about to rescue the girl, someone betrays him. Fuego sets out for revenge. Stay away from the fire.


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Betty MacDonald fan club newsletter July includes a very interesting article about Betty MacDonald fan club International Event 2016 in France and the new Betty MacDonald fan club event DVD.
You'll be able to find many fascinating info regarding the real persons in Betty MacDonald's Anybody can do anything.
More Who is Who info will follow.
We are going to publish some new Betty MacDonald fan club interviews by Betty MacDonald fan club founder Wolfgang Hampel.
Wolfgang Hampel and Betty MacDonald fan club research team are working on an updated Betty MacDonald biography.
Good luck dear Wolfgang Hampel and team!
Betty MacDonald fan club honor member Mr. Tigerli will be back soon with some more huge surprises for his fans in 5 continents.
Don't miss a new breakfast with Brad and Nick at the bookstore, please.
Don't miss it, please.
Vita Magica is celebrating its 1st anniversary.
Jamie-Lee with Ghost got over 7,7 million views and more than 66.000 people like the song.
Enjoy a great Monday,
Don't miss this very special book, please.
Vita Magica
Betty MacDonald fan club
Betty MacDonald forum
Wolfgang Hampel - Wikipedia ( English )
Wolfgang Hampel - Wikipedia ( English ) - The Egg and I
Wolfgang Hampel - Wikipedia ( German )
Vashon Island - Wikipedia ( German )
Wolfgang Hampel - Monica Sone - Wikipedia ( English )
Wolfgang Hampel - Ma and Pa Kettle - Wikipedia ( English )
Wolfgang Hampel - Ma and Pa Kettle - Wikipedia ( French )
Wolfgang Hampel - Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle - Wikipedia ( English)
Wolfgang Hampel in Florida State University
Betty MacDonald fan club founder Wolfgang Hampel
Betty MacDonald fan club interviews on CD/DVD
Betty MacDonald fan club items
Betty MacDonald fan club items - comments
Betty MacDonald fan club - The Stove and I
Betty MacDonald fan club groups
Betty MacDonald fan club organizer Linde Lund
Rita Knobel Ulrich - Islam in Germany - a very interesting ZDF ( 2nd German Television ) documentary with English subtitles
Dear Aashish Bernd Rudi Friedrich Pascale Heiderose Nunzia Pieter Michail Waseem Ursula Thomas Tatjana Theresia Franziska Nicole Ernst Wolf, Michael Sabine Winfried Schwab Immo Sascha Karl Angela Ulrich Wellhöfer Perkeo Thomas Barth Kirsten Birthe Andre Horst Dawid Dr. Karl A. Lamers Europäischer Hof Heidelberg and all our other friends don't miss Vita Magica on Tuesday 28 th, 2016 please. The subject is magical Heidelberg with Rudi Lerche and other surprising guests. http://wolfvitamagica.blogspot.de/…/vita-magica-juni-2016-m…
Bernd Kunze we will be there, one year vita magica, congratulations Wolfgang Hampel and Rita Kocher.
Linde Lund Dearst Rita Kocher und Wolfgang Hampel Congratulations!!!! Happy Birthday Vita Magica and all the best for the future! All our love and best wishes from Linde, Astrid and Lund family
Thomas Bödigheimer i am there Linde
Here's the conversation that ensues, for example, after Mary announces to Betty that she's volunteered her for a job "at the Western Insurance Company being private secretary to a perfectly darling man named Welton Brown." I tried to keep my voice normal as I asked, "Just what have you told this Welton Brown I could do, Mary?" Mary said, "Stop interrupting and you'll find out. Because Welton gets out a magazine, his secretary has to be able to type and take shorthand, know all about insurance, be familiar with advertising and layouts, draw well enough to illustrate the magazine and be able to write and edit articles. He'd really prefer someone who's been published." "Well," I said, "A--I'm only mediocre to rotten in shorthand and typing; B--I don't know anything about advertising or layouts; C--I majored in art in college but we never drew anything but plaster casts; D--I can't write and I've never had anything published and all my insurance information is mixed up with chickens." [an allusion to what would become her first book, see below]
Mary said, "Listen, Betty, I've known you for twenty-four years and you've never thought you could do ANYTHING. Now there's a depression and jobs are hard to find and you've got two children to support and it's about time you grew up and changed your thinking to things you can do instead of things you can't do. Mull over your talents and build up your ego. A--you have to know insurance--you were married to an insurance salesman. B--You have to know advertising--you don't but I do and I can teach you. C--You have to be able to draw and you say you can only draw plaster casts--and what may I ask, could be more ideal training for an insurance company with all their accidents? D--Shorthand and typing--if Welton Brown thinks he can get a court reporter who can do all those things he's a bigger jackass than I think he is. E--You have to be able to write and that is one thing you have to admit you can do. What about your children's stories--what about 'Sandra Surrenders'--I'll bet the Ladies' Home Journal would snap it up if we ever finished it." In other words, this is a book we could all use in our own Depression era, not because it has job-hunting tips but because of its complete lack of self-pity and huge sense of fun. Betty ends up working as a photo tinter, an organizer for a rabbit grower, a typer of bills for a florist, a dentist and a laboratory. She works for an oil promoter, a public stenographer, a Mr. Wilson who runs a pyramid scheme, and a gangster. Mary's also constantly setting Betty up on gruesome blind dates, and as the two of them good-naturedly dismiss the guy with roving hands as "Oh that old raper" and the elderly lech as "Probably just some lonely old buzzard who wants to meet some girls," I couldn't help reflecting upon how much we've lost in our dreadful anti-sex-discrimination-lawsuit era. For fun, the sisters (there are four of them) put on a pot of spaghetti, invite a crowd of artistes--some of whom end up staying for years--and crowd around the gramophone or piano making fun of each other, smoking, drinking endless cups of coffee, putting on plays and/or singing. Actually, everyone in Betty's family, including her, chain-smoked, which probably did not help stave off the TB that killed her at the age of 50, but again, you have to appreciate her refusal to whine or blame. Here's the bridge from one job to another with which she alludes to her year in a sanitarium about which she wrote the also delightful The Plague and I: "I finally collapsed with tuberculosis and was wheeled away from the Treasury Department. When I got well again I went to work for the National Youth Administration. The NYA and Mary would have seen eye to eye about a lot of things. Executives for instance. Mary believed that everybody but our collie was a potential executive and the NYA proved it. "
There's also a great chapter--"All the World's a Stage"--on the free entertainment to be found by going about the city ferreting out amateur dance and song recitals: "Then Miss Grondahl announced that she would play "Rustle of Spring" and "Hark, Hark the Lark." She had shed her gold cape and was simply clad in a sleeveless black satin dress and some crystal beads. She settled herself on the piano bench, folded her hands in her lap and began to play. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, and then suddenly, like running in backdoor in jumping rope, she lit into the first runs of "Rustle." Miss Grondahl was a vigorous very loud player but what made her performance irresistible to [Betty's sister] Dede and me were the large tufts of black hair which sprang quivering out of the armholes of her dress each time she lifted her hands at the end of a run or raised her arms for a crashing chord." Eventually, Betty re-marries, moves to Vashon Island, off the coast of Washington state, and begins working for a contractor with cost-plus government contracts (she would later write Onions in the Stew about her time there).
But first, Mary convinces her to write a book about her adventures on the remote chicken ranch to which she'd moved with her first husband (father to her two daughters): a marriage that had ended when Betty matter-of-factly packed up the kids one rainy, gloomy day, walked them down the hill, and boarded a bus for Seattle, never to return. The book was accepted by J. B. Lippincott, serialized in the Atlantic Monthly, and the rest was history, thereby proving Mary's theory that anybody can do anything, or as she triumphantly told Betty, "You just feel successful, but imagine how I feel. All of a sudden my big lies have started coming true!" Would that we all had a sister Mary! And long live Betty MacDonald.
23 comments:
- Adapt, improvise, and overcome...civilian style. And I also remember this book being on my mom's shelf. She put it into practice too.Reply
- Wow! You know, I have ALWAYS said: Anyone can do anything if they set their minds to it. It is only the "I can't do its" who can't do something. Anyway, Wow!Reply
- She also wrote the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books which were a staple of my first-grade experience, and probably the reason I turned out half-civilized. Any series with fathers named Hearthrug, kids named Harvard and Cornell, and a pig who corrects people's table manners has got to be a winner. Amazing lady.Reply
- I know the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books come highly recommended--I've not gotten to them so that's something to look forward to. Good to know that others know that Betty basically rocks!Reply
- Read "The Egg and I" many years ago and loved it. I'm glad to find out about her other books; I'll see if our library has got them. And I'm with you--you gotta love the attitude!Reply
- And I am posting this to my Facebook. Thanks for introducing her to me and I have to own a couple of those books... so I am off to Amazon!!Reply
- My book group read "The Egg and I" a few years ago and we all loved it. What struck us as so refreshing was her lack of sentimentality and introspection. It was so unlike most of the memoirs that we were reading at the time.Reply
- Favorite chapter title in the Egg & I: "I Learn to Hate Even Baby Chicks" -- just typing it makes me giggle. Love her! Thanks, Heather, for the reminder -- I read all her 'grown-up' books when I was in college year #1 and feeling quite overwhelmed. StefanieReply
- What a great story, Heather! Geographical note: Vashon Island isn't off the coast of WA. It's in Puget Sound! The actual coast is miles across the Olympic Peninsula. Vashon is one of those lovely places you can see from Seattle, and still see the Olympic Mountains beyond.Reply
- Whoops--thank you, Shannon. Geography has never been my strong suit--though the island did, as you say, sound beautiful...Happy New Year to you. I'm glad you are bringing a bit of comfort and hope to the prisoners...Reply
- Anonymous January 2, 2011 at 2:56 PMHow great to meet another Betty fan! I have loved (not too strong a word)her for years. I alswys cackle when I read Chapter 1 of The Egg and I, where Betty talks about her Gammy. Gammy likes to wear an "apern" and makes cookies from anything she might find in the icebox. I could go on and on but like you, I re-read Ms Mac yearly. Thanks for the awesome post. Karen HessonReply
- Hi from down under. I absolutely am addicted to Betty MacDonald books! Betty is the wittiest, cleverest writer with the most succint, keenest observations of people. I cannot fathom that she was born in 1908! The social pictures she evokes are still relevant to today eg the ever changing moods of teenage daughters in Onions in the Stew.I was fortunate to get a copy of a photo taken of Betty MacDonald and Claudette Colbert(the actress who played her in the movie of The Egg and I)Reply
- I am so glad to know of another Betty MacDonald fan! And that social picture of the teenage girls, growing up on the island, is priceless. I love the part where one of them wails, (apropos of her no doubt flawless young skin): "Mother, just LOOK at the pores in my nose! They're as big as the holes in a cribbage board..." And that time they were trying to collect driftwood and saw a washing machine floating around in the water and tried to lasso it in with the sash from Betty's bathrobe...or something like that...Anyway, she is as fresh, smart, and unbelievably funny and relevant as ever. And that is grand you have a photo of her and Claudette Colbert...Reply
- Heather, you turned me on to dear Betty MacDonald and I still think ANYBODY CAN DO ANYTHING would be a great movie. Thanks for posting this. Love the photos!Reply
- Stumbled across this post while poking around the 'Net for pig farrowing shed plans...Betty and I would get along fine, except for the chain-smoking bit. I actually went to elementary school (on Vashon Island) with one of her grandsons and can still remember when "Onions in the Stew" was the hit play of our community theater group one winter. We Island kids all grew up reading "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" stories, too. And what has that done for me? Well, now my partner and I have our own farm in Maine, where we keep Scottish Highland Cattle, inumerable chickens for meat and eggs, a few guinea fowl, and heritage-breed pigs. We love to get in over our heads--and sometimes succeed--with projects we're not quite qualified to do, like building pig farrowing sheds! Thanks for a delightful post.Reply
- Anyone who is looking, anywhere, for "'Net for pig farrowing shed plans" deserves a gold star in my book! So thrilled to meet another Betty fan PLUS someone who actually grew up on Vashon Island! The LA Times ran a piece in their travel section a few weeks ago--apparently Betty's place has been turned into a B and B and you can stay there! Though it probably wouldn't be the same without Joan whining "You WANT us to look ugly, Betty!" and Don mixing martinis and Anne spilling Tropical Passion nail polish on one of Betty's borrowed cashmere sweaters and Betty, cigarette in hand, making clam fritters. Your spread in Maine sounds divine. (Having grown up on the coast of New Hampshire, I'm forever a New Englander at heart). All the best with your cattle, chickens and pigs! And thanks for the comment...Reply
- Betty MacDonald is beloved all over the world. Betty MacDonald fan club has members in 40 countries. Wolfgang Hampel, author of Betty MacDonald biography interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends. Betty MacDonald's sister Alison Bard Burnett is as witty as her famous sister Betty MacDonald and shared the most delightful family stories.ReplyDelete
- Betty rocks! This is so good to know...Reply
- Betty MacDonald rocks the world and she really deserves it.Reply Delete
- Anonymous May 19, 2014 at 4:30 PMI've been a Betty MacDonald fan for many years-- first read her books when I was about 10 or 11 years old. I'm glad that they are in print again and available.Reply
- Anonymous October 5, 2015 at 10:55 PMBetty didn't die from TB, she had cancer, probably from all the x rays when she had TB.Reply
- Okay, well I guess you could say complications from TB, and either way, the point was that smoking probably contributed to it. . Whatever the case, thanks for the correction.


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Blackfriars Bridge and St Pauls Cathedral - William Marlow - WikiGallery.org, the largest gallery in the world
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Kanye West Not Happy With Being Placed #7 On MTV's Hottest MC List + Calls Lil Wayne The #1 Rapper In The World! [Audio]
Kanye West calls up Dj Enuff on Hot 97
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Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry's fall adult literacy programs have begun. The demand for reading, writing, speaking and math classes has increased dramatically over the last three years since the center opened in 2008.
At the time, LVL anticipated 60 students but actually served more than 90 that first year. In the next two years that number climbed to more than 150 adults who were eager to also sign up for LVL's additional offerings of GED and citizenship preparation.
Recognizing the growing need for extra classes LVL applied to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry for funding to support program expansion.
The Community Foundation responded to the request and provided a $10,745 grant which has enabled LVL to add two additional evening classes. As a result, the center is now open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Enrollment has been brisk and nearly all the spaces available both in the daytime and evening are filled.
There are openings at LVL's other sites at McCracken Middle School, Hardeeville, SC Works and on Hilton Head. For information, call 816-6616 or visit LVL's website www.lowcountryliteracy.org.


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Florida Folklife Program
Who We Are & What We Do
Florida Folklife is...
...traditional expressive culture shared within the various groups in Florida: familial, ethnic, occupational, religious, and regional. Expressive culture includes a wide range of creative and symbolic forms such as custom, belief, technical skill, language, literature, art, architecture, music, play, dance, drama, ritual, pageantry, and handicraft, which forms are generally learned orally, by imitation, or in performance, and are maintained or perpetuated without formal instruction or institutional direction."— Section 267.021(6), Florida Statutes
The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents the folklife, folklore, and folk arts of the state. The Florida Folklife Program (FFP) coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about our traditional culture.
Contact Information
Amanda Hardeman, State Folklorist
[email protected]
Phone 850.245.6427 or 800.847.PAST
Bureau of Historic Preservation
R.A. Gray Building, Fourth Floor
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250


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Gettin Crazy
So tonight I got a little trigger happy and ended up recreating our entire blog over here. This means that the page you're currently looking at will no longer be updated. Yikes. You'll have to update your bookmarks and blog readers accordingly. Sorry about that. All our archives still exist, but they're no longer categorized by date. We also seem to have lost access to most of our pictures. Obviously there's a few kinks to work out yet, but hey, everyone else is doing it so we are too.


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See These Incredible Looks From Last Night's Met Ball
The Metropolitan Museum's annual Costume Institute Gala is the most glamorous, fashion forward, star-studded event of the year--it doesn't get bigger, or more directional, than this--and last night's fete was full of all the over-the-top moments we've come to expect from this party. Feting the museum's "Punk: Chaos to Couture" exhibit, the Met Gala drew the likes of Beyonce Knowles, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Ashley Olsen, who all turned up in noteworthy ensembles. Whether these tastemakers paid homage to the punk theme (Sienna Miller's studded Burberry jacket) or stuck to a more classic look (Katie Holmes' elegant white Calvin Klein Collection gown) you'll want to see all the high-octane looks from the highly anticipated event. Click through our slideshow to see What They Wore!
Maison Martin Margiela custom gown; Salvatore Ferragamo white crocodile geometrical-shaped minaudiere.
Vintage Christian Dior Couture beaded orange dress.
Vintage Chanel drop-waist dress.
Erdem dress from the F/W 13 collection.
Kenzo custom black and mazarine wave jacquard split-front gown; Edie Parker Jean Black and Blue Art Deco Clutch.
Rodarte blue, red, and black tie-dye silk satin and white 3D double-faced foam gown from the F/W 13 collection; Van Cleef & Arpels Sonatine ruby and diamond ring set platinum, Fil de l'Eau sapphire and diamond ring set in white gold, and Two Butterfly diamond and pink sapphire ring set in white gold and rose gold.
Donna Karan Atelier custom bone leather corseted dress with a crinoline underskirt, embroidered with oxidized antique gold safety pins and studs; Jimmy Choo Candy Clutch and Kafta Platform Sandals; Eddie Borgo custom jewellery.
Emilio Pucci custom red Chantilly lace gown with red sheer point d'esprit panels and ruby red crystal and scarlet bead embroidery, red stingray corset belt, and red stingray studded minaudiere; Pomellato jewellery.
Carolina Herrera amethyst floral lace dress with beaded shoulder detail and amethsy pony belt from the F/W 13 collection; Fenton hair jewels.
Valentino Haute Couture vintage black fluid tulle, abstract decoration, and beaded embroidery gown from 1992 and Noir Lucite Clutch.
Shop The Look:
Calvin Klein Collection custom ivory matte satin bandeau dress with black pleat insets; Iwona Ludyga Design Tribe Beaded Flag Bracelet ($68) in Red.
Monique Lhuillier custom black Chantilly lace moulded bustier jumpsuit with black leather harness tulle overskirt with horsehair trim; Edie Parker silver Lara Clutch; Rupert Sanderson shoes; Kimberly McDonald jewellery.
Chanel dress; Jacob & Co. custom palladium Wing Clip-On Earrings with black and white diamonds.
Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci custom black and grey tartan jacket embroidered with silver metal studs and safety pins, shredded fishnet dress, black nappa leather and silver hardware and chains belt, black nappa leather silver hardware gloves, black nappa leather and silver metal chain lock choker necklace, and black studded nappa leather cuffs; Casadei bright prink suede Blade Heels with cream ankle strap.
Thakoon custom ivory silk crepe t-shirt dress with asymmetric top and cutout waistline, laser cut with gold chain embroidery; Thale Blanc clutch in brushed gold leather with gold Swarovski crystlas closure; Nicholas Kirkwood custom cream leather gold studded pumps; Tasaki Riveted 18K Yellow Gold/Japanese Cultured Pearl Necklace, Refined Rebellion 18K Yellow Gold/Akoya White Pearl Earring, and Refined Rebellion 18K Yellow Gold/Freshwater White Pearl Bracelet.
Shop The Look:
Michael Kors custom black leopard sequin-embroidered gown with long sleeves and an open back; Dana Rebecca Designs Black Diamond Rachel Beth Earrings ($4400); Rona Pfeiffer Blue and Yellow Diamond Cigar Band Ring ($3900).
Shop The Look:
Michael Kors custom black crepe gown with a paillette bandeau; Christian Louboutin clutch; Tabitha Simmons Chandelier Sandals ($2190).
Tommy Hilfiger navy georgette gown with front twist tie with low back.
Anthony Vaccarello black asymmetrical bonded-crepe dress with grommets details; David Yurman diamond Crossover ring, black diamond pave pink ring, diamond band ring, two black diamond band rings, cable coil diamond and black diamond statement ring, two diamond and black diamond and black diamond chain link bracelets, and diamond and black diamond drop earrings.
Fausto Puglisi for Emanuel Ungaro leopard print long-sleeve high-neck gown with gold beaded embellishments from the F/W 13 collection.
Shop The Look:
Topshop custom dress; House of Harlow 1960 clutch; Dana Rebecca Designs Lauren Joy Mini Earrings ($440).
Tom Ford dress.
Anthony Vaccarello red leather dress with grommets details from the F/W 13 collection; Chopard white diamond cuff bracelet, emerald-cut diamond line bracelets, white gold bands, white diamond bands, and black and white diamond pave cocktail ring with large chrome center from the Golden Diamonds Collection.
Tory Burch custom black floral laser-cut leather fishtail gown with graphic cutouts; Christian Louboutin clutch and shoes; Fenton hair jewels; Jack Vartanian Glam Leopard Collection 18K White Gold Earrings with Black Rhodium and Diamonds ($6400, 212.988.2881).
Diane von Furstenberg dress and Lytton clutch in silver/black; Walter Steiger Metallic Heel Suede Sandals ($1495); Jennifer Fisher earrings and gold and black bracelets; Bulgari black enamel serpenti bracelet and ring; Baccarat Crystal and Vermeil Medicis You & Me Bracelet ($475).


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4/20 on TV: A Viewing Guide
Cable networks are offering plenty of pothead-friendly fare on the stoner high holiday.
It's April 20, or 4/20, as the holiday is known to countless stoners all over the world. It's a day to celebrate pot culture in all its forms. Concerts, festivals, house parties and, of course, massive smoke-outs have become de rigeur as, so it seems, has stoner-friendly fare on TV.
Call it: the doob tube -- a full lineup of pothead flicks on an assortment of cable networks, proving that some programmers clearly know what time (and day) it is.
So what's a couch potato to do on the high holiday of loafing? Starting at 4:50 p.m. EDT on Saturday, the granddaddy of all marijuana movies, Reefer Madness, kicks off the evening's viewing activities on Showtime's Sho 2. Although it was intended in 1936 as a scare movie, today you can't help but howl with laughter when the zooted piano player is egged by the high-as-a-kite revelers to play "faster, faster."
At 7 p.m., Beavis and Butthead Do America -- and peyote -- on VH1 Classics.
At 8 p.m., you might have to fight for the remote when Dazed and Confused (Starz Comedy) and The Big Lebowski -- two of the most beloved stoner films of all time -- face off. Set in Texas in 1976, Dazed introduced moviegoers to Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck.
PHOTOS: Celebrating 4/20: 12 Pivotal Moments in Pot Culture
McConaughey's character Wooderson would likely say "it would be cooler if you did" watch the Richard Linklater classic rather than the Coen brothers' wacky tale of mistaken identity and bowling, featuring a pot-smoking, White Russian-drinking lead character known as "The Dude" (or "El Duderino" to his closest friends) played wonderfully by Jeff Bridges.
The 9:30 p.m. slot has some has some heavy competition as well, starting with Bad Teacher (Starz Edge) at 9:20. Cameron Diaz's potty-mouthed Elizabeth Halsey is a role the comic actress was made for, especially when she exclaims, "Weed is awesome," and tells one of her student who spies her hitting a pipe that it's medical, 'natch.
At 9:30 p.m., Grandma's Boy (Comedy Central) aims for the funny bone when video game nerds, who also happen to blaze, battle for office supremacy. While Allen Covert, Nick Swardson and Jonah Hill take center stage, it's a bud-toking monkey who practically drives off (literally) with the movie.
You might just find yourself switching back to Starz Comedy at 9:45 p.m to catch Anna Faris stumble through Smiley Face baked on a full tray of loaded cupcakes. Her character Jane desperately wants to get to the pot rally on time but keeps getting sidetracked by the likes of John Krasinski and John Cho.
PHOTOS: Snoop Dogg: His Life and Career in Pictures
Not to be outdone, Outer Max (a Cinemax channel) offers A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas at 10:30 p.m., which is an odd choice considering it's spring. But still, the third H&K flick has its charms, such as a flying joint and baby covered in cocaine.
What, no Cheech & Chong, you say indignantly and justifiably? You'd think at least one of the dopey duo's comedy classics (Up in Smoke most notably) would have popped up on the Doob Tube on 4/20. Sadly, that's not the case, but at last Tommy Chong fans can tune in to his Showtime special (8:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.), Tommy Chong Present Comedy at 420, during which he'll open with a monologue then share the stage with several other comics (Edwin Sam Juan, Chris Porter, Jay Phillips, Eddie Ift), just like a live stand-up show. It's a coup for Chong, whose latest film, Cheech & Chong's Animated Movie, will also be playing in theaters nationwide 4/20.
Here's a rundown of stoner programming for 4/20 (check local listings):
4:50 p.m. - Reefer Madness (Sho 2)
7 p.m. - Beavis & Butthead Do America (VH1 Classic)
8 p.m. - Dazed and Confused (Starz Comedy)
8 p.m. - The Big Lebowski (Flix)
8 p.m. - Boogie Nights (IFC)
8:30 & 11:45 p.m. - Tommy Chong presents Comedy at 420 (Showtime)
8:30 p.m. - Contraband (Outer Max)
9:20 p.m. - Bad Teacher (Starz Edge)
9:30 p.m. - Grandma's Boy (Comedy Central)
9:30 p.m. - Stash House (Max East)
9:45 p.m. - Smiley Face (Starz Comedy)
9:45 p.m. - Layer Cake (Starz Cinema)
10 p.m. - Wet Hot American Summer (Flix)
10:15 p.m. - Short Cuts (Sundance)
10:30 p.m. - A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (Outer Max)
11:10 p.m. - High School (Starz Comedy)
11:35 p.m. - Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Two Smoking Barrels (Starz Cinema)
11:40 p.m. - Jesus' Son (Flix)
Twitter: @THR


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ebay crush
5 comments:
- MoonDoggie said...
That's cool Biba.
I think I'd probably be a little afraid to sit on it though.
- 24 April 2010 at 08:28
- thoughts running through my head.... said...
ooh, I discovered an online site the other day where you can post your ebay item and it gets bids from courier/van companies to collect and deliver and it works out pretty cheap, great for those far off ebay items I alaways seem to find!!Its Shiply.com
- 24 April 2010 at 15:53
- Paper Tree Design said...
Hi, so glad I found your lovely blog. I too adore vintage/mid century modern so I find myself drooling over some of your images. This chair is wonderful ... I try to only look locally on ebay so I'm not disappointed. Looking forward to your next post. Michelle
- 26 April 2010 at 05:00
- GA+E said...
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- 28 April 2010 at 18:04
- xiamenb2c02 said...
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- 19 November 2010 at 08:20


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Tweeterwoofer is thankful for a family of bikes
We're thankful for our families too and for having a Cross course in our backyard that's on the way to the store.
This straw bike is cool too
and from last year, the best bike box we've seen.
Uploaded by Tweeterwoofer, Arthur Chapman, and oltenia1915 | more from the Bike Hugger Photostream.


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Wright making major progress in 3rd year with Bears
Major Wright had his eyes on the Gators this past Saturday, but one player in particular caught his attention. The former Gator safety, now with the Chicago Bears, says Matt Elam is making a name for himself at the same position he played at UF from 2007-2009. "He's doing great. You know, he's a great player. I feel like he does some things that simulates me," Wright said. "He hits hard. He goes after the ball. He's a great player."… Read More »


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June 26, 2010 from 8am to 12pm – San Antonio UT Health Science Center Hey guys last week we found out that the Clark HS courts are being resurfaced. A handful of us that live near the medical center decided to hit there. We will be doing so again for any that are inter… Organized by Julian | Type: meet-up, doubles, singles, whatever, floats, your, boat
© 2019 Created by Mark / The Mayor. Powered by


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SEO Rules!
Is Search engine optimization dead? Nooooo way! It's actually very important to learn how to optimize without overdoing it.
- Remember the SEO golden rule: "The audience rules."
"We don't have a choice on wether we DO social media, the question is how well we DO it."
- Erik Qualman
Do You Need an SEO Expert?
It is simple to create a website today because of the many website templates available. The only problem is how to get traffic and rank better on search engines. Getting traffic propels the website to gain more online exposure, which is very important especially for businesses. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial element when looking to grow the business or the website brand. SEO is something that many people misuse, especially when they do not know how to use the SEO tools. This is the reason why an SEO expert is important to help in applying the right SEO tools. Below are other reasons why you need an SEO expert.
Determination of the right SEO tools
Each website will have different SEO needs. An SEO expert will take time to study the website and decide which tools are applicable to use on the website. These SEO tools are meant to help the website grow in its popularity easily. Doing it yourself might result in using the wrong tools for the website. That's why choosing an expert level SEO to do this kind of work.
There is no enough time to learn
SEO experts have been around for a long time. They understand what has to be done in order to improve on a website's online presence. It takes time for a newbie to learn about the SEO essentials and how to use it on other websites. That is a lot of time for your competitors to gain more followers while you are still learning SEO. Let the SEO expert help to promote your website while you are learning about SEO.
Experts know about new SEO methods
SEO is something that changes every time. It is hard even for the experts to keep up, but they will always know about the new SEO methods. Whenever Google releases a new search algorithm, the SEO companies and experts have to come up with new ways to promote client websites. The old methods might be conflicting with the new rules provided by the search engines. Any SEO expert should know what is new in the field of SEO in order to help the clients.
Avoid getting blacklisted
Sometimes people decide to do SEO on their own and end up getting blacklisted by search engines. Things such as keyword research, keyword density are all important elements of SEO. Many people use the keywords the wrong way, making it hard for the online readers to understand what the text is all about. The search engines are always insisting on the quality of content posted. Such type of content is keyword stuffed thus making it poor quality content. Without understanding where and how to use SEO tools, it is easy for your website to get blacklisted. Hire an SEO expert to avoid such scenarios.
Take SEO as an Investment
Sometimes the cost of hiring an SEO expert is what drives people into doing SEO themselves. Take SEO as an investment, but not as a cost. It is only with time that you will understand how important it was to invest in SEO. For an example, for a business website, the more people that order through the website, the more money the business makes. In conclusion, if you are looking for an Indianapolis SEO professional all you have to do is go to my contact me page and I will get you in touch with the company that optimized my site for me.…


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- Inside Athletics
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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Feb. 14, 2013) – As the stretch run of regular season conference games approaches, the ETSU men's basketball team will once again look to put together its first winning streak of the season Thursday night when Atlantic Sun Conference foe Kennesaw State invades the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center.
Tip is set for 7 p.m. on Valentine's Day evening.
The Buccaneers (8-18 overall, 6-7 A-Sun) are coming off an impressive come-from-behind win over Stetson in their last game, rallying from 20 points down to drop the Hatters on the road. ETSU has now come back from 19 or more points three times this season, and the Bucs have also overcome five second-half deficits to win this year.
For more on Thursday's game, read the game notes below or click on the game notebook link above. For more on ETSU men's basketball throughout the 2012-13 season, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men's hoops link.
We are "ETSU"
The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics would like to ask both the print and broadcast media to honor our request to be called "ETSU" ... East Tennessee State in first reference is acceptable, but subsequent references should be ETSU ... On TV graphics please use ETSU ... Our nickname is the Buccaneers, but Bucs is also acceptable.
Buc bits
After several years of quality returning players and at least some level of certainty regarding what to expect heading into the winter months, the 2012-13 ETSU men's basketball team entered this new campaign with several questions and concerns. ... The loss of standout seniors such as Adam Sollazzo (Tampa), Isiah Brown (Miami, Fla.) and Tommy Hubbard (Boston) will be hard to overcome, considering that group combined for a total of 3,091 points in their careers ... A year ago, the Bucs enjoyed quality wins such as a road victory over Atlantic 10 Conference foe Charlotte, and finished with a respectable 17 victories on the season ... The team finished fourth in the Atlantic Sun Conference standings at 10-8, reaching the league tournament semifinals. ... This season, the Bucs' top two returning starters were guards Sheldon Cooley (Tampa) and Marcus Dubose (Hartsville, S.C.), who both combined to score 19.7 points per game a year ago. ... However, both Cooley and Dubose have been dismissed from the team for violation of team rules and policies ... Along with those two, fellow guard Jarvis Jones (Memphis) and forward Lukas Poderis (Port Richey, Fla.) are the only other ETSU seniors to be returning after playing significant minutes last year, but Poderis is now lost for the season with a left foot injury and will be forced to redshirt, while Jones missed the first seven games of the year for academic reasons ... Jones returned against Ole Miss on Dec. 14 ... With so few returning, experienced players, ETSU has looked to some unproven returning players, as well as a recruiting class that includes three incoming freshmen and a pair of junior college transfers, to come in and make an immediate impact. ... Sophomores Rashawn Rembert (Tampa) and John Walton (Memphis), along with redshirt freshman Lester Wilson (Knoxville) have increased their production this year, while true freshmen guards Petey McClain (Mobile, Ala.), Mario Stramaglia (Birmingham, Ala.), and Yunio Barrueta (Miami, Fla.) are blossoming into early contributors. ... On the interior, Walton has been getting help from junior college transfers Kinard Gadsden-Gilliard (Georgetown, S.C.) and Hunter Harris (Nashville).
Last time out
DELAND, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2013) – Saturday magic struck again for the ETSU men's basketball team. ... Down 20 points with just 12 minutes left in their game with Stetson, the Buccaneers rallied to close the contest on a 28-7 offensive run and ultimately grabbed the lead courtesy of a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Rashawn Rembert (Tampa) with six seconds left, dropping the Hatters 62-61 in Atlantic Sun Conference action at the Edmunds Center. ... The win marks the fourth Saturday victory in league play for the Bucs this season, as well as the fourth time this year that the team has rallied from a double-digit, second-half deficit to win. With the victory, ETSU improved to 8-18 overall, 6-7 in A-Sun play, while Stetson dropped to 10-14, 7-6. ... The Bucs certainly made plays during the final minutes, but things didn't start out well at all. ... In the first half, Stetson hit on 8-of-16 shots from 3-point range and abused ETSU's defensive pressure to take a 38-26 lead at the break. ... Things only got worse in the opening moments of the second half, as Stetson manufactured a 10-0 offensive run to make it 54-34 with just over 12 minutes left in the game. At that point, the Bucs switched a full-court press defensive scheme which included a trapping half-court strategy as well. ... That switch helped make Stetson ineffective offensively, while leading to several easy buckets for the Bucs as ETSU went on a 15-1 run to make it 55-49 with just over four minutes left. From there, it appeared Stetson would hold on as they scored the next three points to regain a nine-point edge. ... However, the Bucs closed on another 11-3 run to get the win. Rembert's game-winning shot came after the Bucs inbounded the ball with 16 seconds left and senior guard Jarvis Jones (Memphis) avoided the Hatters' defensive pressure to find Rembert open in the right corner. ... With 5.4 seconds left, Stetson's Joel Naburgs attempted to force the ball up the floor for the win, but the Bucs stopped his progress and his pass attempt was intercepted by ETSU's sophomore post John Walton (Memphis) as time expired. ... For the game, Jones finished with a game-high 17 points, while Rembert netted 16. Junior forward Hunter Harris (Nashville) also had a strong game with a double-double effort thanks to his 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The series versus Kennesaw State
The Bucs are 14-1 all-time against KSU, including a 70-60 win in their last game back on Jan. 19, 2013 ... ETSU has won 14 straight.
Last time out against Kennesaw State
KENNESAW, Ga. (Jan. 19, 2013) – Shooting a blistering 69 percent from 3-point range and an equally impressive 63 percent from the field, the ETSU men's basketball team enjoyed their 14th straight victory over Kennesaw State since the 2005-06 season, dropping the Owls 70-60 inside the KSU Convocation Center. ... The Buccaneers got a game-high 19 points from freshman forward Lester Wilson (Knoxville, Tenn.), a career best 14 points from junior Kinard Gadsden-Gilliard (Georgetown, S.C.), and 15 points from senior guard Jarvis Jones (Memphis) en route to the victory. ... In the early going, it was ETSU's outside shooting and Kennesaw State's offensive ineptitude that highlighted the game. The Buccaneers hit on 8-of-11 shots from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes, while holding the Owls to 33 percent shooting from the floor. ... The result was a 37-24 halftime lead for the Bucs, which was powered by a 16-5 run to open the game and an 8-3 spurt at the end of the half. ... After the break, the Bucs continued to play well offensively and built a lead of 16 points at 54-38 with just over 10 minutes left in the contest. However, Kennesaw State answered at that point with an 8-0 run to make it 54-46 with seven minutes left on the clock. ... From there, the Bucs responded with a 7-0 run to regain a 15-point advantage with 3:42 left in the game. KSU never really got within striking distance from there, shooting just 39 percent for the game.
Bucs earning reputation as "Comeback Kids"
With their comeback from 20 points down to beat Stetson on Feb. 9, the Buccaneers just continue to build a reputation as a team that won't go away no matter the score ... The Bucs have now won five of their eight games after being down significantly ... In wins over Charleston Southern (Nov. 20), FGCU (Jan. 12) and Stetson (Feb. 9), the Bucs were down by as many as 19 points and still won ... ETSU also came back from second-half deficits to drop North Florida (Jan. 26) and Lipscomb (Feb. 2).
Young Bucs still face obstacle with experience
At no time in the tenure of ETSU head coach Murry Bartow have the Buccaneers had less experience ... Currently, the team has 10 players who are eligible and healthy enough to play, and of that group there are only six total years of Division I experience ... On average, that's less than a half year of experience per player ... With four freshmen and two junior college transfers that means 66 percent of the team is competing in their first season of Division I basketball.
Jones meeting expectations for Bucs
ETSU head coach Murry Bartow expected the return of senior guard Jarvis Jones (Memphis) would improve his team's efforts on the offensive end of the floor … He was right. … Recently, Jones almost single-handedly won the game for the Bucs against Lipscomb (Feb. 2), scoring a career high 36 points and hitting three straight 3-pointers in overtime -- including the game winner ... Since returning to the team in the middle of December, Jones has averaged a team-best 16.3 points per game.
Rembert heating up from outside, nearing national mark
Sophomore guard Rashawn Rembert (Tampa) has made the most of his increased playing time this season, having made a 3-pointer in 23 straight games and currently ranks third in the A-Sun in 3-point field goal percentage at 42 percent on the season ... Against Jacksonville, he gave ETSU's coaches even more reason to utilize him ... Hitting on 5-of-7 attempts from 3-point range against the Dolphins and counting the six games since that time, Rembert has made 46 3-pointers on the year. ... He is chasing the national record for consecutive games with a 3-pointer held by Steve Kerr of Arizona, who hit 3s in 38 straight games dating from Nov. 27, 1987 to April 2, 1988.
Shuffling starters the "new normal" for Bucs
ETSU head coach Murry Bartow has used 17 different starting lineups in the team's 26 games this season ... Injuries and dismissals have left the ETSU's coaches searching for the right combination, as the team currently stands at 8-18.
ESPN names Wilson to nation's Top 25 freshmen list
While circumstances have forced the ETSU men's basketball team to struggle in the early going this season, talented redshirt freshman forward Lester Wilson (Knoxville) has still given the Buccaneers reason for hope. ... Wilson, who is averaging 15.3 points per game, was listed as one of the Top 25 freshmen in college basketball Thursday by ESPN hoops writer John Gasaway. The list – which included players such as UNLV's Anthony Bennett, UCLA's Jordan Adams, Michigan's Nik Stauskas and Duke's Rasheed Sulaimon – had Wilson ranked at No. 25. ... Wilson has posted six 20-plus point games so far this season.
Three-point streak for Bucs dates back nearly 20 years
Since Feb. 16, 1987 in a game against Davidson, the Bucs have made at least one 3-pointer in 790 consecutive games. ... ETSU was 0-for-8 in that 1987 game.
Bucs have tradition of postseason appearances, success
The ETSU men's basketball team has enjoyed its share of postseason success and ranks as one of the nation's most prestigious basketball programs ... The Buccaneers have earned berths to the NCAA Tournament nine times (1969, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010) and NIT twice (1983, 2007) ... In 2011, the Bucs made their first ever appearance in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, winning twice and advancing to the semifinals of that event ... It was the program's 12th postseason tournament appearance all-time.
ETSU picked among nation's best "Prestige" programs
In the modern era for NCAA Division I-A basketball – marked by the expansion of the NCAA Tournament field to 64 teams in 1984-85 – the ETSU men's basketball program ranks in the Top 30 percent of the 300 programs that were eligible for the postseason at that time, this according to ESPN.com's "Prestige" ranking released back in 2008 ... Since that time, the Bucs have only added to their list of prestigious honors … The Bucs -- who have enjoyed nine NCAA trips, one NIT and one CIT berth, 14 20-win seasons, and a slew of conference regular season and tournament championships since 1984-85 -- ranked tied for 82nd out of 300 teams, meaning they were in the Top 27 percent of schools making the list. ETSU was ranked ahead of every current Atlantic Sun team, as well as former SoCon rivals Appalachian State, Western Carolina, Georgia Southern and UNC Greensboro. In addition, at that time the Bucs ranked ahead of SEC schools such as Tennessee, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Georgia, Mississippi and Auburn, as well as programs such as Notre Dame, DePaul, Bradley, Clemson and Fla. State.