text:
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Comics 981-982: Pure, Distilled Boredom
982. ha ha ha what if in maths the elements had feelings and could be intimidated???? SO WACKY! also remember the axiom of choice? because i do.
69 comments:
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 2:09 PM
These "two" reviews were the most elegant, well-thought-out, and well-reasoned reviews on this site. Clearly XKCDsucks is where to find intelligent discourse on the internet.ReplyDelete
Although, it could have benefited from more Megan jokes.
yes, this is why our tagline is "[a] well-reasoned and intelligent collection of discourse about an intellectually and culturally relevant comic"ReplyDelete
basically i just said these were the best two comics since wednesdayReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 2:25 PM
982 was the biggest piece of shit I've ever seen in XKCD. I thought that 974 was shit, but, boy, was I wrong. This is not a fucking joke on the AoC. It could have worked with anything else. "Goldbach's conjecture says that you can pick a number AND HAVE IT EXECUTED AS AN EXAMPLE TO THE OTHERS HAR HAR HAR". PROTIP: if your joke can be formulated as a snowclone, IT'S PROBABLY NOT FUNNY. Using the axiom of choice here is nothing more than namedropping. XKCD used to have clever jokes about maths.ReplyDelete
Occam's Razor says that the simplest possible solution SHOULD ALWAYS BE EXECUTED AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS.ReplyDelete
anon 2:25 should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 3:38 PM
xkcd should be executed as an exemple to othersReplyDelete
wait, it works here
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM
your mom should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
wait, it works here
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 4:06 PM
your combo should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
wait, it works here
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 5:05 PM
rob should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
wait, no!
anyone who posts here should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Even me?ReplyDelete
except for you, Anonymous 5:29. your contributions are invaluableReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 6:06 PM
ha you go to amirite.net?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 6:35 PM
I like to come here to get my daily ego boost. I can think about how much smarter I am now than when I laughed at XKCD jokes without a care in a world and actually had some innocence and happiness left in me.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 6:41 PM
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 8:59 PM
that suck cocks meme should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 10:24 PM
that executed as an example to others meme should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
Finally, a sexkcd! Spotted a typo (availIbility) right away. Even without the typo the caption is all sorts of awkward. At least the alt text was moderately funny.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2011 at 11:00 PM
for stealing my comment, 10:24 should be executed as an example to othersReplyDelete
...was panel 1 traced from that pink floyd comic?ReplyDelete
- SilverSurferNovember 28, 2011 at 2:08 AM
I dont get why they cant just have sex in their own roomReplyDelete
i think they are locked out, presumably by a roommate having sex?ReplyDelete
Two great reviews reminiscent of XKCD Explained.ReplyDelete
But those explorers of the outre couldn't bear contemplating the Necronomicon that is xkcd and fled destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked.
- weaselsoupNovember 28, 2011 at 2:51 AM
the actual worst thing about the drawing style is Megan's hair. It's the white gaps that always make it so terrible. Like a comedy bald bloke with an ear to ear combover. it looks like a floor mop or a bundle of spaghetti draped over a beach ball. Or like it's hair that went down the drain and has been fished out again in a big clot and then used to decorate a tomato. This is because he literally draws a lot of lines. And this doesn't work because it's not a visual shorthand. it's the exact opposite of stick figure in other words. And the really crazy stupid thing about it is that when he draws the blonde chick with the ponytail, that looks a bit less shit. I mean still shit, because it's bad enough that the heads are so outsized but why does he feel the need to add hair onto female characters? it makes no sense. presumably the male characters aren't bald.ReplyDelete
- RochambeauNovember 28, 2011 at 4:15 AM
This is SO CUTE how they hold hands!ReplyDelete
I always though Nelson Mendela was black. Xkcd proves me wrong again!.ReplyDelete
- weaselsoupNovember 28, 2011 at 6:55 AM
which one is Mandela? the one with the cracked down the middle head I guess?ReplyDelete
Also this is stupid because why do they not just go & do it in the bathroom.
- Dicksmash McIroncockNovember 28, 2011 at 7:26 AM
2:51, she's losing her hair because of the chemo, you heartless asshole.ReplyDelete
- SilverSurferNovember 28, 2011 at 7:58 AM
Yeah but Rob if they lived there they could get in anyway, since keys can unlock that shit (the drawing doesnt show any signs of a catch on the door). Its not your fault it doesnt make sense, its Randall's.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 10:25 AM
describe your last poop using a movie titleReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Seriously people, what is YOUR obsession with Megan's milk? It is really tiresome to read those lame and predictable comments.ReplyDelete
As for anon 10:25, it could be "Fast and Furious"
- Dicksmash McIroncockNovember 28, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Citizen KaneReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 12:00 PM
10:25 - "28 Days Later"ReplyDelete
Puss in BootsReplyDelete
- Anal condensationNovember 28, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Gone With the WindReplyDelete
- Faggot_2neckbeard4November 28, 2011 at 1:32 PM
How Beige Was My JacketReplyDelete
Anonymous 11:43 AM, did you say Megan's Milk????ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 3:11 PM
Well now we know how randy's fiance got cancer. Must have been all that sex in the particle accelerator tunnel.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 3:34 PM
neuromancer? moar liek neuroCANCER amirite?ReplyDelete
also 11:43 not as tiresome as it must be WRITING them amirite?
- Grosso RomaniNovember 28, 2011 at 4:43 PM
Actually, I think he said "Megan's milk", and he's right, you're obsessed with it.ReplyDelete
i just ordered some cheese made from megan's milk and i have never been more excitedReplyDelete
Since when did executing Anon 2:25 as an example to the others become okay?ReplyDelete
I don't think it's okay.
Also GOOMHR, I've been cock-blocked by Nelson Mandela too.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 5:26 PM
GOOMHR I sometimes falsely imply that I was sexually active in college too.ReplyDelete
- dodoman1November 28, 2011 at 5:54 PM
I'm probably late to the party on this one, but the post-punchline dialogue in 981 ruins it; it might be sort of acceptable if everything after "You're just turned on by file systems" was cut.ReplyDelete
- dodoman1November 28, 2011 at 5:56 PM
Also the library is my third choice on my "places to have sex list" too, and is closely followed by "accelerator tunnel" and "beaver lodge", GOOMH RandallReplyDelete
I mean, this comic would be kind of funny in a "ha ha, human nature" way if any of the places after the second were realistic options. As it is it's dumb.
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 7:50 PM
Megan's milk?ReplyDelete
Do you mean [b][i]Megan Smilk!?[/i][/b]
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2011 at 9:38 PM
- AnonymousNovember 29, 2011 at 6:49 AM
- AnonymousNovember 29, 2011 at 7:15 AM
I feel like 7:50 was just fucking lazy.ReplyDelete
- weaselsoupNovember 29, 2011 at 8:11 AM
yes Dicksmash but a/ the drawings have been the same since 2006 which was long before her diagnosis and b/ he is remembering college which was also long before her diagnosis. so ner.ReplyDelete
I used to think there was some skill in the drawings - occasionally there'd be a really expressive line or two. Like in that really creepy one where he's two timing Megan with the blonde ponytail chick, there was something believably revolting in the sex panels. that's all gone now though
also what is with that fucking horrible font all over his site with those stupid capital letters. it's ugly.
- AnonymousNovember 30, 2011 at 11:05 PM
I came across this blog by chance, and after reading through multiple posts I'm convinced that this is one of the most contemptible sites on the internet I've ever seen. Poking fun at his wife's breast cancer? You can't get much lower.ReplyDelete
Also, some of these complaints are just hollow. Either the people who posted really believe they know what they're talking about, or they're trolls think their humor is worth something. In any case, it comes from people who probably won't do anything significant with their lives.
For whoever this Rob person is who posts these rants, I'm guessing you haven't really learned much past the high school level. The only validation behind your "festering shit pile" posts that I can come up with is that you somehow get paid for your blogging, whether it be through how many people view it or what have you. If not, than I'm guessing your just another crude and useless writer on the internet who thinks shouting out in the dark to anyone who will listen is worth something. Even your comment of "I am utterly incapable of producing anything creative at all. This is why I criticize things!" and the extrapolation you made to other critics reeks of a deluded sense of a belief that your opinion is right above all else. But again, there's plenty of you on the net.
As for who I am, I'm an engineering student at a polytechnic university. Everyone here who's heard of xkcd loves the comic, and the majority have. Our school is one of the most difficult in the northeast, so I can assure that in the thousands of us, we aren't all quite as stupid as you claim the fans of xkcd to be.We're the ones who will be making your medicine, your electronics, your homes in the future. True, the art of the comic isn't quite as good as most, that's obvious. But we all can relate to the content cause we've worked for knowledge and a way to give back meaningfully to the world.
So, you all can go about your profanity-filled, mediocre critiques. In the mean time, the people who xkcd has an influence on will work on how actually make something of themselves.
so i take it you didn't do very well in your english classesReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 1, 2011 at 1:16 AM
11:05, your school is one of the most difficult in the northeast [i]for you[/i].ReplyDelete
- weaselsoupDecember 1, 2011 at 5:10 AM
There's a lot of 'probably's and 'I'm guessing's in there. that's not very scientificReplyDelete
"I'm an uber-frosh that'll fail organic chem a couple of times before relegating my life to tier-2 tech support"ReplyDelete
FTFY Anon-11:05
- AnonymousDecember 2, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Anonymous Nov 30, 11:05, don't take these persons here too seriously.ReplyDelete
To give you just two beautiful examples of what Rob is capable to write, when someone mentioned that the comic he criticized was in fact good, he said:
"you cannot like something because you like it; one needs a reason. the reason you like this comic is because you are dumb as shit."
And, when somebody asked him if he had something personal against Randall Munroe, he said:
"he raped my daughter"
So... keep on coming here to question this people but don't have many hopes of making them change their childish behavior, this is mostly a place to throw shit at xkcd and people who likes it.
I must also say, I find it weird the relation you're trying to establish between "people who creates useful products" and "people who likes xkcd"... I don't quite buy it and besides, that's not even the point. If Rob here was the head of your "department-for-development-of-great-products", his reviews would still be, as you put it, profanity-filled and mediocre.
Again, keep on coming here, but don't put too much into it, you won't find answers much more valid than "so i take it you didn't do very well in your english classes"
A. Fields.
""you cannot like something because you like it; one needs a reason. the reason you like this comic is because you are dumb as shit.""ReplyDelete
actually, the whole exchange went like this:
gamer: I liked this one.
me: that is because you are dumb as shit.
gamer: no, it is because I liked it.
me: you can't like something because you like it etc
- AnonymousDecember 3, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Oh wow, NOW it sounds like an amazing and well thought argument!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 3, 2011 at 11:25 AM
11:05, I go to Carnegie Mellon, also one of the most difficult universities in the northeast. But, so fucking what? Do you think that because you go to a good school, that makes you an expert on what's funny and what's good art? People adore XKCD here too. Socially retarded nerds everywhere enjoy XKCD, it's a fact of life. They put it on their goddamn t-shirts, they post quotes of it on their facebook statuses, they even (very annoyingly) quote it in conversation.ReplyDelete
I loathe the moment when I'm talking to someone, and they're like "Oh, that reminds me of that XKCD where Randall mentioned this topic in passing." It's like XKCD fans have become one hive mind filled with semi-retarded memes, lame humor, and bad drawings.
Nerd "culture" is infantile, obtuse, and highly overrated, and XKCD is a perfect example of that.
- Amazed at things youDecember 3, 2011 at 1:59 PM
Not having a close circle of "nerds", or people like the ones you describe, I haven't witnessed that behavior, which does sound annoying.ReplyDelete
I used to like xkcd a lot a couple of years ago, and lately I like it less. I don't think my tastes have changed, since I still enjoy the strips that I found great then. Maybe his humor is changing or (likely) he's got quite a bit of anguishes now that don't precisely help him to be more focused and creative.
So, Anonymous 11:25 (the one just above me unless somebody steps in before I finish writing), I agree with the stuff you say about nerd culture. But, don't you think that there is something "infantile, obtuse, and highly overrated" in this blog as well? Namely, the insults, the way the commenters here fantasize about "Randy" doing this and that so they can criticize him and (most of all) the personal attacks (including an obsession with Megan's milk).
I understand your reasons for disliking xkcd (I sometimes do as well) but sometimes people here are far worse than what they criticize.
" Oh wow, NOW it sounds like an amazing and well thought argument!"ReplyDelete
wait, you think that is meant to be an argument? what the fuck is wrong with you people?
- Name / URLDecember 3, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Make up your mind. Do you have arguments? Yes or no?ReplyDelete
man, you are really butthurt about that, aren't you?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 4, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Excuse me, what's that about rape??ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 7, 2011 at 2:22 AM
"It could have worked with anything else. 'Goldbach's conjecture says...' "ReplyDelete
You just did what you claim he did except that his derives from a layman explanation of the AoC and yours is actually picked out of a hat. For example, I had to look up Goldbach's conjecture to recall what it might be about.
I've been here a couple of times and it seems like a bunch of crybaby artists who are probably in that 85-90% IQ range and just wish they had either more social skills or more intelligence, you know, SOMETHING to get some pussy.
Remember kids: troll smarter, not harder.


text:
In February, Amanda Nichols, 21, and her mother Tammy Nichols will be opening a new bakery on Main Street, Half Baked Patisserie.
If you have a sweet tooth, there's a cure for that coming to Middletown.
In February, Amanda Nichols, 21, and her mother Tammy Nichols will be opening a new bakery on Main Street, Half Baked Patisserie.
The new family owned business will be run out of what used to be E's on Main Street and everything will be made from scratch on the premise, the Nichols' said. A soft opening is planned for the first week of February.
"We don't want to miss Valentine's Day," Tammy said.
Cookies and cupcakes will be the main focus, but cakes will be able to be specially ordered.
The Middletown mother-daughter duo has been running their pastry business from their kitchen in The Legends for the past few months, but they have quickly outgrown working from the comfort of home.
Unlike popular reality television shows where bakers focus on the appearance of their deserts, the cakes, cookies, and cupcakes at Half Baked Patisserie will be more taste-oriented than anything.
"I make things that taste good," said Amanda Nichols, who recently graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta in Georgia with an Associates degree in Baking and Pastry. "I'm not into decorating – I'd rather make something completely edible."
The 21-year-old said that she just perfected her vanilla cake recipe, which she tinkered with throughout college. She has been baking since the age of four.
Amanda wants her baking to taste exactly how she tells her customers it will. But she said that her creations will still look good too.
In March, Amanda and Tammy began their home-based business.
They advertised, got a business license, and began to build their clientele.
Cupcakes and cookies fill the entire kitchen, making it near impossible to cook anything else, the women said. Only a dozen cupcakes could be baked on once in their oven at home, so when orders for 40 to 50 came in, the oven would be running for about four hours.
Then the cake pieces would be set up all along their horseshoe shaped kitchen at home as the two would decorated each piece by hand.
"We have no cabinet space left," Tammy said. "It has overflowed to the counter."
As her final project in college, Amanda had to create a business plan for a bakery – from scratch.
She had to figure out the food, cost, schedule, marketing, and everything else.
"We have everything done, we just need to change some things now," she said.
They also needed to find a permanent home for Half Baked Patisserie.
At first, they looked at the old storefront on Green Street where Bing's Bakery was. But it wouldn't work for the Nichols' because restrictions did not allow baking to be done on the premise.
Then when E's closed, they saw the perfect opportunity.
"Amanda wanted to start her business in her hometown," Tammy said.
After tracking down the landlord, a lease was signed and the first month's rent and security deposit was paid.
Amanda had saved up the money from working out of their family kitchen to put the payment down.
Half Baked Patisserie will be opened six days a week – the permanent schedule has yet to be finalized.
The women play on holding events at their storefront, from cupcake happy hours, to cake decorating classes, to lady's night out.
"There is a lot in the works," Amanda said. "We will continue to introduce new things over time and continue to add on."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
JS© wrote:You may have already answered this in the concert thread, but this one is a two-parter:
a)What is the worst show that you've seen live? This can be anything from concert, standup, etc?
b)Is there a show that you would not attend even if you were given free tickets and a large monetary bribe?
Worst show??? Oh man, I have been to many "small shows" where things are just horrible. My band once had a show booked in Kentucky...only it snowed 2-3 inches...and they dont have equipment to treat roads. So the show was pretty much cancelled, no other bands showed, there were only like 2-3 people there who owned the property. But it was good because (booking the "tour" from PA) it wasn't really a place to play a show. It was a beat up barn with crap sprawled about and nails and what not (on the way to the room, not in the room, but the room wasnt much better). We chilled for a bit and had a barrel fire where I think they were throwing cat urine soaked carpets to keep it going. I have many stories of shows gone bad with bands that no one likes playing for waaay too long...or other crazy things happening, but let me get back to the question.
I just wanted to tell that story, but I suppose if it was one I attended, and not a local type gig - a more popular one...not sure. I am not the type to just go to a show because it is there. I usually know and would be lookging forward to at least one act. Although I did go to the Improv to see a comic who was in town and that was great...but one of the opening acts - the local/warm up person or whatever. Oh it was awkward. You could feel their nerves and the jokes were either OK or not really funny...but even if it was a good joke - it wasn't delivered well because of the nerves and awkwardness. The whole room was uncomfortable.
A show I would not attend? Yes, there would be many....a large monetary bribe? Depends on the money. If you say large bribe, why wouldn't I go to the show? I mean, I am sure we can think of some crazy unsafe or disgusting thing I would not want to see, but if we are talking normal show where I just hate the acts performing - I can take money and still go. Depends on the amoung. $20 to see Bieber? No thanks...$100? We can negotiate.


text:
A seizure is a sudden change in behavior. It is caused by sudden, abnormal, and excessive electrical activity in the brain. A neonatal seizure occurs in newborn babies.
Seizures may be severe or mild. They may cause physical changes like convulsions. It may affect only part of the body or the entire body. A short seizure itself does not cause serious health conditions. Prolonged seizures can lead to permanent damage. The damage is due to decreased oxygen and excessive brain cell activity.
There are a variety of causes of seizures in children, which include:
- Conditions like epilepsy
- An injury or trauma to the head
- Infections, including meningitis and abscesses in the brain
- Brain tumor
- Stroke
- Accidental poisoning
- Certain medical conditions, including:
- Low blood sugar
- Very high fever (especially in children)—called febrile seizures
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Hydrocephalis
- Congenital diseases or deformities
Sometimes seizures occur for unknown reasons.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your child's risk of having a seizure include:
- Having had a previous seizure
- Having a very high fever
- Having health conditions like:
- Epilepsy
- Brain tumors
- Brain infections
- Having a family history of seizures.
Seizure symptoms may include:
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Staring, or a dazed look
- Jerking movements of the limbs and/or body (convulsions)
- Difficulty breathing
- Eyes rolling back in the head
- Crying or moaning
- Vomiting
- Urinating
If you suspect your child is having a seizure, act quickly:
- Protect from physical injury—Place your child on the floor or bed. Make sure they are not near any hard or sharp objects.
- Protect airway—Do not place anything in your child's mouth during the convulsion. Turn your child's head to the side. This will allow saliva or vomit to drain from the mouth.
- Watch the time—The length of the convulsions should be less than five minutes.
- Unless the doctor has told you otherwise, call 911.
Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may be done to look for the cause of the seizure.
Tests to look for infections may include the following:
- Lumbar puncture —removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing to look for infection in brain or spinal cord
- Blood tests—to look for infections, low blood sugar, abnormal electrolytes, or poison
Tests to look for abnormalities in brain may include:
- CT scan of the head —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
- MRI scan of the head —a test that uses magnetic energy to make pictures of structures inside the head
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) —a test that records the brain's activity by measuring electrical currents through the brain
Treatment for the seizures depends on the cause of the seizures. Some seizures will not require treatment. If the seizure is caused by an underlying condition your child's doctor will create a plan to treat that condition. Resolving the underlying condition will likely stop the seizures.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. You may also be referred to a pediatric neurologist.
Anticonvulsant medication can help to prevent seizures. The medication that is used will depend on the type of seizure. These medications do have some side effects. As a result, they are often only used for severe or frequent seizures.
Medications are not usually prescribed for febrile seizures. These seizures are associated with a rapid increase in temperature due to a fever. Children will outgrow these seizures by about 5 years of age. They are rarely associated with long term problems so anticonvulsant medication is rarely recommended.
Some severe seizures may be treated with brain surgery. This may occur in some children with epilepsy. During this type of surgery certain nerve fibers may be separate or a section of the brain may be removed. This surgery may help to reduce or eliminate seizures. Surgery is not done very often.
If your newborn is diagnosed with neonatal seizures, follow your doctor's instructions .
Medicine, if recommended, can usually prevent seizures. It is important to take anticonvulsant medication as needed.
Febrile seizures are may be the first sign of a fever. This can make it difficult to prevent. About 30% of children that have had a febrile seizure will have another seizure when they have a fever. Your doctor may advise that you give your child medicine to keep fever down whenever he/she gets sick. Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.
Seizures can still happen despite treatment. Take the safety steps listed above if you notice your child's behavior changing.


text:
At some point during her auto-racing career, Durangoan Marchell Fletcher got tired of being just a "tire warmer."
So, instead, she helped establish the women's professional Solo league and won five national championships. Then, Monday, she got an award named after herself.
Not bad for a tire warmer.
Fletcher was honored by the Sports Car Club of America at its 40th anniversary 2012 Tire Rack SCCA National Championship in Lincoln, Neb., on Monday for her contributions to the advancement and success of women in motor sports when the SCCA introduced the "Fletcher Cup" – a new award that will be presented to the top Ladies Class driver in the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo National Series based on point totals from the season's nine events.
Parking lot pylons
Nine events that, if not for Fletcher, wouldn't exist.
Fletcher began Solo racing in Durango in 1983, taking her car places such as the Durango Mall parking lot to race in time trials through pylon-lined race courses.
A "gene for cars" and some time on the local slopes provided all the inspiration she needed for getting into the sport that Fletcher said is just like slalom ski racing on wheels.
"I said, 'Hey, I can ski race in the winter and Solo race in the summer. What could be better?'"
Unlike road racing, Solo is an individual sport, open to anyone in any car who wants to race against the clock; it's a type of precision driving that requires good lines and fast reflexes.
"I like Solo racing because it's more grass-roots. It's real grass-roots racing, meaning that anybody can come out and do it," Fletcher said. "You have a helmet, and that's it."
"It's just precision," she said. "There's nothing like perfection."
A league of their own
At the time, women had no professional class of their own and simply competed in the open category. Because tires perform better when warm, the women racers would often race before their professional male co-drivers, posting slower times with the cooler tires.
"We were called the tire warmers," Fletcher, who works as a financial professional at Prudential Insurance in Durango, said.
At first, the local circuit was good enough, but as Fletcher improved, she started branching out regionally, first to places such as Albuquerque, then to nationals in Salina, Kan., in 1985, where almost 1,200 of the top Solo drivers in the nation turned up to prove their mettle "right in the middle of nowhere, right in the middle of the country" – just like they did Monday in Lincoln, Neb.
"I went to Salina, didn't know anything. I was like: Oh, my God, these people are really fast," Fletcher said of her first time at nationals.
Those people, though, mostly were still men. And by 1989, Fletcher, who chaired that year's Solo II national championships, and her fellow tire warmers decided something needed to change.
"Some of us got our heads together," Fletcher said. "The idea was to get the women faster and more competitive."
"When you get a bunch of women together, there's no stopping them anyway."
The only major obstacle left was a sponsor. Fletcher found one in the way of Pontiac that year, and women's professional Ladies Class driving was born.
Success on the track
"Marchell was the primary driving force behind getting the Ladies Class started in ProSolo in 1989, convincing the staff, sponsors, and competitors that the concept would be a success," SCCA Vice President of Rally and Solo Howard Duncan said in an email to the Herald.
It was, too.
"The payout, because we were so good at it, ended up being higher than the men," Fletcher said about that first year. "Tell me how many sports that happens in."
There was no stopping Fletcher on her own, either. That year she won her first Solo II national title, borrowing a car and jumping on the track in the rain.
Fletcher said she has an affinity for rain; most other drivers don't. She credits her experience driving on Durango's snow and ice.
"You change your tires ... put your rain tires on and go out and kick butt," Fletcher said.
She kept winning, eventually getting into the more dangerous and expensive world of road racing as so many Solo racers do. She also won four more national titles in a variety of cars, including the first ever Porsche 924 championship win, in a Porsche 968, Toyota MR2 Turbo and Chrysler Conquest Turbo, and she still races in her Mazda Miatas – "a sweet little car."
Other women kept thriving in Solo racing, too, and that's one of the things Fletcher likes best about her contributions to the sport.
The clock never lies
Unlike some sports such as cycling, auto racing provides a uniquely even racing field, regardless of physical stature.
A driver's time is their time, and the clock never lies.
"Motor sports, it doesn't matter, which is really nice. ... If you beat a guy, you've got their respect," Fletcher said. And "the car doesn't know you're a woman," either.
Plus, women drivers added a new dimension of excitement to race day.
"When the women started competing with each other, and the buzz that started around them – it's like a magnet. The energy level just went so high."
That, in turn, got more and more women involved, as women's teams and a unique camaraderie between female drivers developed. Now, 20 years after women made up just about 20 percent of the Solo drivers, Fletcher estimates participation now is about equal between men and women.
And that, she said, is what she was most proud of heading into Monday's luncheon, which would include plenty of up-and-coming women drivers.
"It just says whatever you desire, it doesn't matter if it's in a sport or profession ... you can do it. So the sky's the limit. It's only yourself that's holding you back."


text:
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1 choices +X
Latex Balloons


text:
Deficit projections hamper state's 'sustainable future'
After reminding people almost unceasingly for two years that he inherited - not created - the largest budget deficit in state history, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy struck a different tone this year when he presented his latest spending plan.
"It no longer matters who caused those problems," the governor said in his February budget address. "What matters is that, together, we started to fix them."
And more importantly, Malloy added, Connecticut's finances were stable once again. "The budget I'm proposing today keeps us firmly in balance. Slowly, deliberately, and sometimes painfully, we're building a more sustainable future for Connecticut," he said.
But that "sustainable future" lasts only through the next state election - and possibly not even that far.
If Malloy's latest plan is adopted, his own numbers project that a deficit topping $680 million would await him - or his successor - in the first budget of the next term. By the second year the red ink approaches $800 million. And if the economy doesn't heat up dramatically before then, those deficits get worse.
Republican legislative leaders argue that the budget math leads unavoidably to a significant tax increase - one that Malloy is trying to postpone until after the 2014 election. That's when two crucial budget-balancing tools - taxes and state employee concessions - come back into play.
After signing an unprecedented $1.5 billion increase in taxes in 2011, Malloy would endanger his chances of re-election if he ordered another major increase this term, according to many political observers.
Republicans also note that government typically hasn't closed shortfalls of this size with minor tax hikes on items like cigarettes, liquor or gasoline. Only two taxes - income and sales - raise more than $800 million per year.
Malloy could tackle those projected deficits by reducing spending. But with the surging costs of Medicaid, pensions and retiree health care devouring more of the budget even in good times, cuts aren't an easy prospect. When deficits swell, these obligations push transportation, municipal aid, education and other priorities out of the picture.
Similarly, the governor called upon his labor base to accept a wage freeze, benefit restrictions and other givebacks two years ago. And because unions were exempted from layoffs, Malloy has no leverage to seek more concessions now, even if there were no political price.
But that protection expires in the first budget after the election. And some in the governor's labor base, still smarting from the most recent concessions deal and wary of another, are pressing for higher income and corporation taxes to stabilize finances for the long term.
Administration officials counter they have more than enough time to address the long-range red ink. The governor's fellow Democrats add that Republicans are long on criticism but become noticeably silent when it comes to alternatives.
Still, having painted himself fiscally into a corner with his concessions deal, and faced with a sluggish recovery and a political imperative to avoid more tax increases, Malloy has employed many of the same gimmicks he decried as a candidate and as a new governor.
Raids on transportation funding, borrowing and debt refinancing, other one-time revenues and a major exception to the constitutional spending cap all are part of a larger effort to postpone the burden of the 2011 budget deficit.
Fix it 'once and for all'
"This is our time to do what we were elected to do, to fix what's broken once and for all," Malloy told legislators five weeks after taking office in 2011.
That was, perhaps, the biggest promise offered by the new governor's "shared sacrifice" plan for closing a nearly 20 percent gap in state finances: uncompromising forward progress.
It might take time to recover, but government wouldn't make things worse with gimmicks that saved a dollar today but cost a buck-and-a-quarter tomorrow. Fiscal shortcuts would be a thing of the past.
"I believe (people) are willing to make sacrifices, if they understand why they're being asked to do so, and if they believe that Connecticut is serious about fixing what's broken," Malloy said.
The governor and his fellow Democrats in the legislature's majority have taken plenty of political heat over the last two years, both for the tax increase and for the concessions deal. But officials hoped that this approach, coupled with a cooperative economy, would leave the state rolling in budget surpluses by now.
That didn't happen.
Malloy now looks ahead to the last two fiscal years of his term with projected annual shortfalls of $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.
'Kicking the can'
With the re-election campaign nearing, critics say Malloy no longer is committed to painful-but-necessary fiscal medicine, but instead embraces budget maneuvers to delay resolving much of the deficit until after the November 2014 election.
Both as a candidate and a new governor, Malloy had blasted the practice of running government on the credit card.
"We borrow not one penny for operating expenses," he told lawmakers in February 2011. "Too much borrowing over the years for ongoing expenses is one of the reasons we're in the bad shape we're in."
Since then, though, the state's cash pool has dipped dangerously low at times, forcing Treasurer Denise L. Nappier to transfer funds temporarily from capital programs to pay bills. And the emergency reserve holds only about one-half of 1 percent of annual operating expenses.
The governor's new budget would extend recent tax increases on businesses and power plants and trim a tax credit for working poor.
It also would impose big spending cuts on hospitals, part of $1.8 billion in spending reductions from the level needed to maintain current services over the next two fiscal years combined.
But rather than seek further tax increases or spending cuts to strengthen the cash pool, Malloy would borrow $750 million and refinance a $1 billion operating debt from 2009.
The interest costs on those moves, which total about $217 million, would be delayed until the next gubernatorial term.
Malloy's new budget also would move $90 million in grants to cities and towns from the operating budget onto the credit card.
Borrowing isn't the only gimmick in Malloy's latest plan. It also would strip one-time dollars from a medical research fund and offer amnesty to tax delinquents in hopes of getting them to settle their accounts.
And Malloy, who repeatedly accused Gov. M. Jodi Rell during the 2010 gubernatorial campaign of "kicking the can down the road," now faces similar charges.
"The governor is continuing to push our problems off to a future date - with interest," Senate Minority Leader John P. McKinney, R-Fairfield, said. "It is something he campaigned against, something he politicked against, and yet he is doing it."
Siphoning off gas taxes
After criticizing Rell for boosting fuel taxes and then repeatedly siphoning off much of the revenue to support non-transportation programs, Malloy's latest budget imposes one of the largest fuel tax hikes in state history.
When the wholesale tax on gasoline and other fuels jumps by one-sixth on July 1, according to a statute adopted in 2005,- the price of gas will rise between 3 and 4 cents overnight, based on current wholesale prices, while the state takes in an extra $60 million per year.
Malloy also would shift $75 million from transportation to non-transportation programs at the same time the state collects an extra $60 million at the pumps. And he still would spend $88 million less on transportation next year than the level needed to maintain current services.
The governor also would extend tax increases that otherwise would have expired in the next fiscal year, including a surcharge on the corporation tax, a cap on an insurance premium credit for businesses, and a levy on power plants.
In addition, Malloy's budget would reduce the new state Earned Income Tax Credit from 30 percent to 25 percent of the federal EITC. That would cost working poor families about $21 million on their state income tax refunds next April.
All totaled, taxpayers would pay an extra $222 million next year, according to the Malloy budget.
But perhaps the governor's biggest retreat from the fiscal high ground involves the constitutional spending cap.
After insisting repeatedly this past winter that he would live within the cap system, he proposed a budget that shatters the limit by $466 million next fiscal year and $691 million in 2014-15.
In the cap's 22-year history, only one new budget ever began with as large of a cap exemption. The 2006-2008 biennial budget Rell signed surpassed cap limits by $497 million in its first year and by $690 in its second.
Malloy insists his proposal complies with cap rules, albeit new rules he has asked the legislature to approve.
This story originally appeared at CTMirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent, nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.
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We can file this one under "saw it coming from a mile away" but Computer and Video Games (CVG.com) has quoted an unnamed source who states Microsoft will be "consolidating all their communications technology" around the Skype platform. That includes the next generation Xbox, PCs, Tablets and in a way, even on our phones.
The move is of course far from shocking as Microsoft spent $8 billion to buy the famous VOIP company Skype for a reason. In fact, we've already started to see this happening with Microsoft collapsing MSN Messenger into Skype Chat, a process going on as we speak (except for China). Another recent example would be using your Microsoft Account for Skype logins.
But now there are hints that Skype will be the default chat client for everything, presumably even game chat and regular voice communication on Xbox instead of just an add-on app to the service. That distinction is crucial as it means Microsoft is serious about putting Skype at the center of everything in the company, finally reducing all communication to one.
CVG points out that Microsoft was recently seeking a user interface designer for the "next gen Xbox", with the job being located in Skype's UK office. With Kinect 2 rumored for the Xbox 720 (or whatever it will be called) and some other crazy ideas that the company is working on, it will be interesting to see how deep Skype goes into Windows 8 and related products in the future.
Microsoft still has a lot of work cut out for them though with Skype as they try to clean it up and make it more "universal". In fact, we're still kind of shocked that there isn't a Skype for Xbox 360, but we're sure something will be said at E3 later this year.
Source: CVG


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What will happen to the Opportunity Rover on Mars?
Astronomy - February 14, 2019, 2:23:14 PM EST
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Earth's magnetic north pole was moving so fast geophysicists had to update the map
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text:
Definition of the main areas of research and systematization of work processes
Initial detailed examination of the plaster sculptures showed that the success of the research work would depend not only on clearly formulated questions, but also on a solid structuring of the information that was obtained. The focus for the first three months was therefore on systematizing workflows and defining standards for photographic and written documentation.
The main areas of research have been defined more clearly, such that the plaster sculptures are examined according to their origin, production techniques and function. This means looking at the original models – the individual plaster works – and contemplating the methods employed during their production and the designated purpose of each object – i.e. whether or not it was used as a model to make further castings.
The resulting information is then presented as far as possible in a broader context. Thus, for example, fragments of plaster lodged in the depressions of a sculpture indicate that it was produced using a negative plaster mould (see fig. 1). This detail is important because it proves that the sculpture is a direct cast from the original clay model. Or one finds traces of gelatine left over from subsequent castings (see fig 2). Cuts or scratches on the surface are not necessarily indicators of damage, but can provide important information on how subsequent castings were carried out (see fig. 3).
Comparative protocols in the form of posters represent a useful resource in day-to-day working practice. They enable the most important information about an object to be readily compared with that of other objects (link: sample poster).
The photographic recording of UV fluorescence was fully integrated into the process. This method is not a qualitative technique. Information gained in this way is not absolute but has to be corroborated constantly by means of further investigations. However, it helps to better differentiate certain surface phenomena, such as deposits (e.g. release agents used in de-moulding, and agents used for hardening the plaster), gelatine, and fragments of plaster lodged in the surface (see figs. 4 and 5). UV fluorescence testing enabled us to establish that sometimes more than one treatment had been carried out, or that due to a conspicuous chromaticity, a presumed use of materials would have to be looked into. For example, shellac, a release agent that is applied before casting, fluoresces bright orange, whereas protein glue shows up as a rather cool bluish green. In addition to acquiring a collection of findings, a series of experiments: 'Moulding methods: from clay to plaster. From plaster to plaster' – was conducted at the end of 2010 that aimed at simulating the sort of casting-specific surface phenomena found on Alberto Giacometti's plaster sculptures. A clay model was deliberately provided with tool marks and fingerprints à la Alberto Giacometti (see fig. 6). A two-section plaster mould was then made from this model, and the clay model removed. After the negative form had been repeatedly coated with shellac and Vaseline it could be filled once again with plaster. The resulting surface damage, which is virtually unavoidable when a plaster object is removed from its plaster mould (see fig. 7), could then be compared directly with damage on the plaster original.
Once released from the mould, the positive plaster cast was coated again, as described above, and a two-section gelatine mould was made (see fig. 8). It became evident that every single stage of this procedure left its trace on the surface of the plaster objects. When these traces are clearly identifiable, it is possible to make relatively unambiguous statements about the origin, production techniques and the later use of a Giacometti plaster sculpture. However, a number of questions remain open.
Alberto Giacometti: Four-year evaluation and restoration project of Alberto Giacometti plasters
Project Phase 1: Art technological research
Project Phase 2: Conservation / Restoration
Progress report: October 2010 to April 2011
Beginning of the investigative phase and outlook
Progress report April 2011 – April 2012
Progress report April 2012 – April 2013


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BODHI TREE, DHARMA PUNX and BIG QUESTIONS
The Dharma Punx thing in Santa Monica on Monday was fun. I'm guessing between 0 and 3 of the 70+ folks who saw my talk there will show up at Hill Street Center tomorrow at 10am (see details on the link over to your left). We shall see...
I keep forgetting to mention my talk/book signing at Bodhi Tree Books in Los Angeles at 7pm March 12th. The address is: 8585 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90026. It's free and open to the public.
Also, I'll be at the Dharma Punx place in Hollywood (they got more than Starbucks I tell ya!) leading zazen and talking on Sunday March 15th at 11am. See the post below for the link and other details.
Ventura College was loads of fun last night. Thanks to all who attended! The conversation kept drifting into Big Questions of Life, The Universe and Everything. That's understandable as it was the college's philosophy club after all. The problem with Ultimate Answers is that every last one of them, no matter who it comes from, is sheer speculation. Zen training seeks to get students out of the area of speculation and back to reality. So we don't really address those questions.
I'm a bad Zen teacher, though (as I know many people will vouch for). See, sometimes if you know a teacher very well, on rare occasions that teacher, when she is alone with you and no one else is looking, will indulge in such speculations. This is a very private thing. I've even had teachers openly deny the things they speculated on with me in private when I've brought them up in public. I, on the other hand, often speculate a bit too much in public. I need to stop that. Anyway, I doubt anyone takes me very seriously so it's probably OK. Just remember if you hear me speculating about those kinds of big questions I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground.
And neither does anyone else.


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The following is the the New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) tract report for Census Tract 9900 in Hawaii County Hawaii.
This tract is in the "Hilo, HI"(Non-metropolitan) area.
The table below lists contains a breakdown of supporting figures necessary to determine eligibility for Census Tract 9900.
Rows highlighed in green help indicate eligibility and specific indicators of why a tract may qualify.
The table below lists contains a breakdown of supporting figures necessary to determine if Census Tract 9900 is eligible.
Meeting the NMTC Severely Distressed Secondary Criteria is based on whether or not a given Census tract meets basic NMTC Eligibility, plus two of the following factors:
|Tract Legal Name
|Census Tract 9900 (Full FIPS: 15001990000)
|CDFI Fund New Markets Tax Credit NMTC Eligibility
|Not qualified
To be eligible may have either (1) Median Family Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) in the period of 2006-2010 or (2) Poverty Rate of 20% or greater in the period of 2006-2010.
Census Tracts can alco competitively qualify for NMTC if it also meets Severely Distressed criteria.
|Severely Distressed
|Heavily Distressed
|Qualifies On Poverty Criteria Greater Than 20%
|Qualifies On MFI Criteria Less Or Equal 80%
|Heavily Distressed by MFI at or below 70% AMI.
|Qualified On Poverty Or Income
|Unemployment Rate
|Median Family Income
|Poverty Rate
|County Name
|Hawaii County (15001)
|Area Name
|Hilo, HI
|Metropolitan Type
|Non-metropolitan ()
|Percent Benchmarked MFI
|Is Food Desert
|Census Tract Map Web Address
|Goto http://www.reinid.com/map/15001990000
|Median Family Income (Mfi) Notes
|Median falls in the lowest interval of an open-ended distribution.
|MFI Margin of Error
|Margin of Error Notes
|Too few or no sample observations were available
*Data in this report is supplied by the 2010 Census, USDA, American Community Survey, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ReinID works to maintain the accuracy of its reporting data and makes no guarantees that any census tracts will be accepted under the New Markets Tax Credit program. The report is only intended to present supporting data as it is presented by our sources. We urge you to contact us or the CDFI Fund or for additional assistance.
500 E. Kennedy Blvd #300 Tampa, Florida 33602


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Thursday, December 4
It Doesn't Get Better Than Baking With Mom
The only thing better than baking Christmas cookies is baking them with my mom. She never fails to teach me something new, and she never fails to make me laugh as we chop and roll and glaze and sprinkle.
So when she visited over the Thanksgiving weekend, we went on a baking frenzy that included Italian almond biscotti, lemon egg biscuits, peanut butter fudge, and this oldie but goodie -- Mom's Filled Cookies.
Mom's Filled Cookies are a sticky, sweet mixture of prunes, cherries, and nuts that are baked inside of a soft, sweet dough. They remind me of mincemeat pies (which I have never liked since the name invariably evokes images of beef to me; not exactly what I want on my Christmas cookie tray.)
My mom has been baking these cookies for over 30 years and is excited to share them with you as her entry for my Eat Christmas Cookies, Season 2 event, which is running through December 21st.
Here are some pics and tips that will help you if you decide to make them this year, which I highly recommend you do.
Mom says, "This is a sticky sweet dough, so it's easier to work with when it's chilled. Also, be sure to roll it on a well-floured surface. And when you add the filling, just place it down the center of the dough because you don't want to overfill it." Then you will moisten the edges of the dough and fold them up to form a loaf.
Once you form the loaf, it will be turned upside-down, so that the seam in on the bottom, as shown above. Then you will brush it with an egg wash.
The egg wash gives the loaves that appealingly shiny texture. Note that the dough will form little cracks, as shown above. That's fine. Just allow them to cool completely before slicing.
It's best to use a serrated knife and gently saw back-and-forth to cut the slices. If you're planning on adding these to a Christmas cookie tray, then place them inside paper or foil baking cups so the filling doesn't stick to the other cookies!
Mom's Filled Cookies
Makes 84 slices
Print recipe only here.
3 pounds of prunes, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups maraschino cherries, halved with 1 cup of the juice
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup lightly toasted walnuts, chopped
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add prunes and cherry juice. Cook until prunes are softened, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the cherries, vanilla, and walnuts. Stir until well combined. Cool completely and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the thicker the filling will become.
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Position oven racks in the top and lower thirds of the oven. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl hand mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a small bowl mix milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk well and add to the flour mixture.
Start mixing the dough with a large rubber spatula. Once dough begins to form, use lightly floured hands to gently knead dough until smooth. Form the dough into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour, since chilled dough is easier to work with.
Place dough on a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Using a rolling pin, gently roll into a rectangle that is approximately 9 inches long by 5 inches wide. Place prune filling in a straight line down the middle of the dough. Using a pastry brush, dampen the edges of the dough with water. Turn the ends of the dough up over the fruit, then fold the sides over and press with your hands to adhere. This dough is delicate, so if it tears or some filling pops through, simply patch it with a an extra piece of dough. Flip the loaf over so that the seam is on the bottom. Using the palms of your hands, pat gently pat the loaf on both sides and on both ends, which helps make the loaf higher; finished loaves will be approximately 6-6 1/2 inches long. Place loaf on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush thoroughly with egg wash.
Bake for about 40 minutes, rotating pans mid-way through. Loaves should be shiny and golden. Allow to cool completely before slicing. Each loaf yields 7 slices.
You might also like these other sweet treats from Mom:
Mom's Chocolate Pudding with Bananas and Graham Crackers
Italian Pignoli (Pine Nut) Cookies
Hello Dolly Cookie Bars
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43 comments:
- Happy cook said...
Oh you posted this a bit late, i just mixed a dough and kept to chill in the fridge as my hubby was saying i should make some cookie with filling and i got a recipe from a magazine.
These cookies look fabulous. The way you wrote how it is filles with prunes etc itself sounds delicious.
This i have to keep for next year :-)
- December 4, 2008 at 7:17 AM
- Stacey Snacks said...
This is almost like rugelach, well not really, but sort of.
Nice that you spent time baking w/ your mom.
Maybe next year for your annual cookie post, I will make these!
Stacey Snacks
- December 4, 2008 at 7:39 AM
- Rosa's Yummy Yums said...
Wow, what a marvelous recipe! Those filled cookies look incredibly good!
- December 4, 2008 at 7:59 AM
- Rosie said...
This is one gorgeous recipe! It was lovely to read you were able to spend time baking with your mum :)
Rosie x
- December 4, 2008 at 8:16 AM
- Ivy said...
The cookies are great and thanks for sharing all the tips your mum gave you.
- December 4, 2008 at 9:03 AM
- Manggy said...
Oh oh oh! It's like a really fat fig newton, except filled with stuff I love and not the weird fig things! :D`` Yum! I can't wait to see the rest of Mom+Susan's bakes ;)
- December 4, 2008 at 9:16 AM
- Maria said...
It is so much fun to bake with someone else. I am glad my husband enjoys being in the kitchen. We have a ton of fun. Your mom's cookies look wonderful!
- December 4, 2008 at 9:18 AM
- glamah16 said...
Those cookies llok fantastic. What a wonderful rich hoilday treat!
- December 4, 2008 at 9:19 AM
- Bellini Valli said...
These filled cookies are what memories are made of Susan. Can you beleive I haven't even started to do any Christmas baking so that is why I haven't sent any recipes your way...yet:D
- December 4, 2008 at 9:32 AM
- Karen said...
These sound (and look!) so good. Susan - try mincemeat once again! I never used to like it but now it's one of my favorites! Do what I do... don't call it mince'meat'... just call it "mince pie" :)
- December 4, 2008 at 9:39 AM
- Simona said...
Beautiful cookies! I hope to be able to send you something for your event.
- December 4, 2008 at 12:14 PM
- Lisa said...
Very nice. They kind of remind me of cookie strombolis:)
- December 4, 2008 at 12:15 PM
- Michelle said...
Mincemeat does sound awful. I like these--they remind me of fig newtons as well. I never get to bake with my mom any more and it's shame because she's so much better than i am. We make the same repertoire of cookies every year in our family, the same kind my grandma would make. Now of course I am thinking, should I use spelt flour instead? Agave? Healthy these suckers up a bit? Sigh...
- December 4, 2008 at 12:17 PM
- sunita said...
Those filled cookies look so good, Susan :-)
- December 4, 2008 at 2:20 PM
- Peter G said...
Way better than mince meat pies! I too have issues with the name. This one's a real winner Susan!
- December 4, 2008 at 2:35 PM
- Heather said...
mmmm those look good! Cooking with Moms is always fun :)
ps - glad you enjoyed the bergers :) they're always best on a bad day!
- December 4, 2008 at 2:43 PM
What a sweet story. Most of the time my mom sits at the kitchen island and chats about the latest gossip going around the town.
- December 4, 2008 at 3:13 PM
- Rita said...
Those look nice, not your regular cookie.
My mom had never baked anything, believe it or not! Not even a siple cake....
- December 4, 2008 at 3:51 PM
- We Are Not Martha said...
I love baking cookies with my mom too :) These ones look fabulous...might have to add them in this year!
- December 4, 2008 at 6:11 PM
- Bharti said...
Such a sweet post! I love baking/cooking with my mom too as does my daughter with her mom. The cookies look lovely.
- December 4, 2008 at 7:50 PM
- Aparna said...
True, nothing quite like it.
I made some cookies like these sometime back, but filled them with dates. :)
- December 4, 2008 at 11:11 PM
- nicisme said...
How wonderful! I would like one of those hot with some custard, mmmm...
- December 5, 2008 at 3:22 AM
Hi Susan!
What a wonderful treat to bake with your mom, does she travel to other families within RI? We have a basement to assemble the cookie trays in...
Oh, and here's a request (because I'm sure you have loads of time, this time of year). How about the recipe for your Mom's Lemon Egg Biscuits (or could you point me to it)? I know plenty of recipes exist online for them, but I would love to have you family's because I know it will be good (and authentic Italian RI) Thanks for sharing your recipes and happy holidays!
Chris in RI
Chris is RI
- December 5, 2008 at 5:40 AM
- Susan from Food Blogga said...
happycook-Darn. At least you'll have this for next year. :)
stacey-That sounds like a plan. :)
rosa-They taste incredibly good too. :)
rosie-It was so much fun.
ivy-My pleasure!
mark-You're so sweet. Thank you.
maria-That is so wonderful that you bake with your husband.
glamah16-We only make them at xmas time, so they are special.
val-No worries. "Mince pie." I'll have to remember that. ;)
karen-That's what I'll do! Thanks.
simona-That would be lovely.
lisa-Cookie strombolis? Mmm....
michelle-We make mostly family cookies too. But then again, that's what makes them special, right? I think my mom would freak out if I said, "Let's try agave nectar in our cookies this year." ;)
peter-I'm so glad you like them.
heather-You can say that again. :)
cory-That's fun too!
rita-No baking? Egads! You had better start the tradition then! :)
wanm-They're really good.
bharti-It's a special tradition, isn't it?
aparna-Oh, I love anything with dates. :)
nic-Hot with some custard? Oh, my, so would I!
chris-Hey fellow Rhodie! I'm so glad you found me. I'd be happy to share the recipe for the lemon egg biscuits. Just email me at foodblogga {at} yahoo {dot} com.
I'm going to be writing an article about xmas cookies for NPR's Kitchen Window, which we be published in a couple of weeks. It will include the egg biscuits, so check it out!
- December 5, 2008 at 6:01 AM
- Grace said...
my first thought was that they're reminiscent of a fig newton, but clearly about 187 times better. and your title speaks the truth. :)
- December 5, 2008 at 6:27 AM
- ChichaJo said...
I don't know if I could keep from eating all the filling before while making those cookies!
- December 5, 2008 at 7:55 AM
You brought up such good memories for me with these cookies, Susan! My grandma called these "Fruit Dreams" and I save a newspaper clipping of her holding a plate of these in her hands. They are very very Italian and although I disliked them as a kid, I now appreciate them with my whole heart. Thanks :)
- December 5, 2008 at 7:57 AM
- MyKitchenInHalfCups said...
Oh Susan I know I shouldn't but I know my Gorn will absolutely love these!
You are so lucky to have your mom to bake with.
- December 5, 2008 at 9:10 AM
- The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
Those are really beautiful.
I have to think of doing Christmas cookies myself soon. I have a lot of sweet gifts I want to give as thank yous to people in my life who have helped me throughout the year. I plan to do what I did over the summer and get my recipes from the blogs because I always find the best recipes in the blogsphere.
- December 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM
- Arfi Binsted said...
I assume that everybody is into cooking for Christmas now. How lovely to think about getting together as a family and doing things in the kitchen in preparation of big gathering day. I always love the image of it.
- December 5, 2008 at 3:24 PM
- Jeanne said...
What wonderful cookies! And it reminde me of how my mom and I used to schedule a day of baking together in the run-up to Christmas every year. I really miss our bake-ins.
By the way, there is something for you on my blog:
- December 5, 2008 at 4:43 PM
- silverdot said...
I love baking with my Mom. That brings back wonderful memories. The recipes sound great.
- December 5, 2008 at 4:53 PM
- Foodista Fan said...
Just like Rita my mom never baked anything, but she liked to cook. My 9yo son however likes to help out when I try to bake him cookies :)We will definitely try this recipe.
If you have time do drop by at Foodista ? We are building an online food and cooking encyclopedia ala wikipedia
Thanks for sharing!
- December 5, 2008 at 7:25 PM
- Peter M said...
My mom has been my greatest influence in the kitchen and it's no coincidence the best recipes are mom's - like these jammy goodies.
- December 6, 2008 at 9:38 AM
- Snooky doodle said...
these look nice and yummy. surely better than the traditional mince pies :)
- December 6, 2008 at 10:53 AM
- linda said...
Delicious, love the filling!
- December 6, 2008 at 10:59 AM
- Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...
You are so lucky -- I don't remember my mother ever baking a single thing (and no doubt this is where my own distaste for baking comes from)!
- December 6, 2008 at 7:29 PM
- michelle of bleeding espresso said...
Your mom and my mom would be *so* dangerous together. YUM!
- December 7, 2008 at 10:14 AM
- Mandy said...
lucky you! The cookies look absolutely delicious. I just wish I am your mom's neighbor.
- December 7, 2008 at 12:38 PM
- Jaime said...
i love baking w/my mom too :)
those look scrumptious...i love anything with fruit filling :)
btw - the last photo in the post is not appearing...
- December 11, 2008 at 9:51 PM
I made this with leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving (that's mostly applesauce with pecans) it was very good with the cranberry, too.
- December 17, 2008 at 11:51 AM
- Susan from Food Blogga said...
grace-May even 188. ;)
joey-It isn't easy.;)
maryann-You do appreciate them as you get older. I love that you have the newspaper clipping. That is so special.
tanna-I am lucky.
sdoc-You're so right. The variety is endless.
arfi-It's better than any material gift you could give.
jeanne-I know what you mean. It's the together time that is so special.
silverdot-I'm so glad to hear that.
ffan-I hope you like it then! I will definitely check it out.
peterm-Moms and grandmoms are the best.:)
sd-Surely. :)
lydia-None? Oh. :(
michelle-I know they would! ;)
mandy-Lots of people do. :)
jaime-Fruity filling gets my vote too. Thanks!
anonymous-I'm so happy you liked it. And using leftover cranberry sauce was a great idea. I'll have to remember that.
- December 17, 2008 at 1:57 PM
- ejm said...
I waltzed over here from Tanna's site and wandered around a tiny bit to see that you are doing the Eat Christmas Cookies event again. STOP IT!! These filled cookies look fantastic. I will just have to imagine eating them though - I daren't add yet another kind of cookie to our cookie tin.
- December 18, 2008 at 8:18 AM


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Local auto dealers: Our growth mirrors national double-digit jump in 2012
2012 was a good year to be an automaker.
Nearly every manufacturer saw a significant new-car sales increase last year as the industry posted a 13.4 percent increase in the U.S. compared to 2011, according to New Jersey-based Autodata Corp.
There were about 14.5 million new cars sold in 2012. The seasonally adjusted annual rate in the U.S. was about 15.4 million, according to Autodata.
Volkswagen posted a 35 percent sales increase for both December and the year; Chrysler was up about 21 percent for the year.
"Our dealership echoes the national trend as far as an increase in volume," said Daniel Sunderland, vice president of Silver Spring Township-based Sun Motor Cars Inc., a dealer for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Audi.
All four brands posted double-digit gains nationally as well as locally. Sunderland cited annual sale increases of 10.4 percent at the company's Mercedes-Benz dealership, 11 percent at the Porsche and Audi facility and 13.6 percent at BMW.
Sunderland said the industry is still ramping back up from a very poor period caused by the recession. He also credits the product lines that his brands have put out in recent years.
Sun saw a 45 percent increase in its Sprinter commercial vehicles in 2012. That brand has continued to grow since the company became a dealer three years ago, he said.
The dealer is currently spending $1 million to double the size of its drive-thru service area for Sprinter. It will add six service bays, Sunderland said, expecting a 25 percent increase in 2013 on the commercial vehicles.
"I know we're going to have growth (in 2013)," he said. "I don't know if it will be double-digit growth again."
In Swatara Township, Faulkner Subaru was up about 30 percent compared with 2011, said Matt Smith, president of the company's Subaru and Mazda dealerships.
"We've grown just as the manufacturer has grown," he said.
In fact, with 800 new car sales in 2012 and anticipated growth moving forward, the Subaru dealership is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, Smith said.
"We have to keep up with the volume we're doing," he said.
The Subaru brand posted a 26 percent sales increase in 2012 with 336,441 vehicles sold, an all-time record.
"We're the only manufacturer who can say they've had a sales increase over the past five years," Smith said.
Faulkner Subaru is optimistic the momentum will carry over to 2013, he said.
"I think we're going to do even better here this year," said John Devlin, president of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association. "I think there is still a lot of pent-up demand."
The industry saw a significant slowdown in 2008 and 2009. It started to recover in 2010.
"There were a couple of really lean years," Devlin said.
For much of the decade leading up to 2008, automakers sold 16 million to 17 million vehicles annually. With the financial fallout from the housing and stock market collapse, auto sales plunged to 13.2 million in 2008 and to 10.4 million in 2009, the lowest since 1982.
Like the housing market, which also was rocked hard by the recession, the auto industry has been rebounding — only faster.
"We've come out first. It's not as big of a purchase compared to a home," he said. "I think we pulled out of it. We've really been the bright spot in the economy in 2011 and 2012."
Mitsubishi, Saab and Suzuki were the only three brands to record U.S. sales declines in 2012, according to Autodata.


text:
A parade for nerds seems like a stretch of the imagination even for a geek fest like Snowdown 2013.
Aren't nerds supposed to be too cerebral to appreciate politicians waving from a platform or catching a piece of hard candy thrown from a float? Aren't socially awkward nerds more at home in front of a computer than mingling on a crowded sidewalk?
Friday proved that even a nerd can love a parade.
The Snowdown Light Parade is traditionally Durango's only nighttime parade. People took to this year's theme of "Get Your Geek On."
The theme from the "Revenge of the Nerds" movie had people dancing in the street.
Parade-goers were fully decked out in the nerd-wear of taped-up glasses, high water pants and suspenders that pulled their waist line above the belly button. Others dressed up in the costumes of Darth Vader, Supergirl and the regulation Starfleet uniforms of "Star Trek."
Matt Socci from the Fort Lewis College drama club wore his "Star Wars" Boba Fett rocket backpack, which is actually functional for carrying books, too.
"I love to dress up," Socci said.
The Marines marching in the Snowdown Light Parade looked conspicuously normal compared to characters on the sidewalk like Richard Speegle, who wore a bow tie on a plaid shirt, suspenders and horned-rimmed glasses with a piece of tape in the middle.
But his costume was not as complete as he might have wished.
"Do you know there are cosmetic braces now? Kids in South Korea wear them (on their teeth) for the look," Speegle said. "I looked online for them, but could not find them."
His 9-year-old son, Roman, came dressed in the astronaut suit he got at Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., last summer.
The staff of First National Bank posed as mad scientists in white lab coats. The bank ordered 50 propeller hats to wear for the nerd fest.
"We're all pretty geeked out," said Melissa Zureich, the bank's chief credit counselor.
The bank's float was a rocket with a pointy tip so it would look like a rocket and nothing else.
She was once skeptical of the geek theme. "I was like, 'Really?' But people really got their creative on."
The bank is doing well this Snowdown since First National President Mark Daigle won the beard-growing contest.
Zureich is looking forward to next year's theme of "Safari So Good ..." because the bank has a wall of mounted animal heads.
"We've got the animals," she said.


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Moderators: Kommander Ken, Elmagnifico, Duerer, BrickSyd
piltogg wrote:rather than simply ignoring "impossible" orders, have the player's figs attempt to do whatever it was that they were ordered to do even though they can't actually do it. (I.E. for the ninjas, they give up their movements to sprint to complete as much of their orders as possible. For the self destruct thing, the figs search around the field for some explosives so that they can build their own self-destruct function.) This way, the players will end up less angry at you for "ignoring their orders", while at the same time making the game rather humorous as we all watch them fail miserably. 2 cents has been given.
Tzan wrote:Semaj Nagirrac wrote:Well, I took some land without checking if it was owned by a faction or not. I'm not going to be banned, am I? I can destroy everything if need be.
That's what Hitler said,
in 1938.
mgb519 wrote:Yeah, I wasn't really paying attention to just how far the tank was. My bad.
I'd have fewer problems if people would stop doing my orders before I can, though.
Warhead wrote:my head burns with War.
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Couple things to get out of the way before we begin. I've received a lot of e-mails and comments lately expressing concern for my financial situation. I'm sorry to have made anyone worry. But, really, my financial situation is just fine for now. I'm trying to get rid of stuff because I have way too much*, not because I need the money. I am still employed. For the time being anyway. And if/when that finishes I'll find another job.
Lately in my Zazen I've been watching my brain invent amazing scenarios based on the most trivial of stimuli. Some idea will pop into my noggin from God only knows where and all of a sudden whole worlds of mental stuff are formed. Sorta like the Big Bang. I've even watched myself start to engage in wholly imaginary arguments over wholly imaginary things. This happens at a subconscious level so that I cannot even comment on the nature and topic of these arguments and what-not because they seem to have none. It's only after they form that anything specific can be assigned to them, more or less arbitrarily. It's just a kind of habitual reaction carried out at a very deep level. So I shouldn't be surprised when people invent vast fictional scenarios about my life based on a couple random sentences in a blog. But, much as I thank you for your concern, there really isn't any need for it.
My new favorite book is The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animalby Desmond Morris. I found it at an outdoor bookstall in Greenwich Village. I knew the book by reputation as one of those classic books that are supposed to be real good. But that was all I knew.
I just finished it about half an hour ago and I think it's amazing. It would be far better for people interested in Buddhism to read books like The Naked Apethan just about any of the dodgy pieces of muddle-headed philosophizing in the "spiritual" section of your local McBookbarn.
The author, Desmond Morris, is a British zoologist who turned his zoologist's eye on human beings. The book examines humans as animals, a brainy and carnivorous subspecies of nearly hairless primates. His conclusions, for the most part, seem to be almost completely valid. He articulates very clearly a lot of the things I've come across in my own practice. A lot of people were apparently very uncomfortable with the book when it was first published in 1967, and it's easy to see why. Instead of presenting humanity as lofty spiritual beings encumbered with unsightly material bodies it shows us as we truly are, a very successful species of ape.
Of course, in the Buddhist view, humans aren't just animals. But that doesn't mean we're not animals at all. Only that we are something rather different from the other animals. But then again elephants are different from all other animals and so are sea slugs and scorpions and any other creature. Like all other creatures we have a material as well as an immaterial side. But, again deferring to the Buddhist view, these sides are actually one and the same. The fact that we are highly successful primates -- with bigger wangs and boobies than any of our primate cousins, by the way -- is part of our spiritual nature. Get stuck into that one!
Morris' chapter on fighting is especially relevant. Virtually everything I said in my latest article for Suicide Girls comes from the same point of view he expresses there**. He even explains the workings of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in much the same way Gudo Nishijima talks about them. Nishijima's view is that the practice of Zazen works to balance these two oppositional halves of our autonomic nervous system and that the "dropping off off body and mind" Dogen talks about is actually the equalization of our autonomic nervous system. Morris never mentions Zazen, of course. I don't even imagine he knows anything about it.
The chapter on comfort is also really interesting. Morris compares the development of medicine in human beings to the grooming instinct present in other primates. Most of our diseases, he says, emerge not from real injuries or germs, but from the deep-seated need to be groomed by our fellow naked apes. I've often thought this myself, but wasn't ever really able to articulate it as well as Morris does. This isn't to say that there are no real physical diseases. There are. But we would do well to look carefully into their origins.
Anyway, it's a good book. So go get it.
Check the entry below to where I'll be next week and remember your attendence is required. Seriously. Please don't imagine I get zillions of people at these things whether you show up or not and use that as an excuse not to show up. I don't get that many. If you like what I do, please support it. OK?
*Even though I seem to have generally far less than most people I know my age. I think it's because of the nature of my stuff that it seems like more. My friend Bob, who also has loads of monster toys and things says of his own situation, "My apartment looks like a 13 year old won the lottery" -- which is pretty much what mine looks like too.
**Though I wrote that piece long before I got the book. And how come so few of the people who posted comments noticed that I said it was extremely unfortunate that we still need vast armies to potect our freedoms? This fact must change if we are to survive as a species. But it won't change if we can't own up to it. Anyway, I guess pacifists like to get pissed off about things and fight against those who disagree with them... ***
*** Ironical, isn't it?


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Fan Pocket Mirror / Brass
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