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Latest News
Entrenched interests enslave Mexicans in cycle of hopelessness
At a modern factory set amid cactus fields in this central Mexican city, workers wielding pneumatic tools carefully attach rudders, elevators and horizontal stabilizers to the aft fuselages of state-of-the-art jets.
The plant, owned by Canada's Bombardier Aerospace, the world's third-largest civil aircraft manufacturer, embodies Mexico's growing industrial prowess and a vision of its future – prosperous and modern, where workers and their families enjoy a standard of living befitting one of the world's most populous countries, sitting next door to the world's largest economic power.
But the image is far from the Mexico of today, and many here now wonder if it will ever be the Mexico of tomorrow.
Twelve years ago, Mexicans thought their country had been given a fresh start when, for the first time in seven decades, the political party that had been identified with a do-nothing bureaucracy, crony capitalism and a corrupt government lost its hold on the presidency. The defeat of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, known here as the PRI, opened the door, many hoped, to better government, fairer distribution of the country's wealth, and a real start toward remaking Mexico into a booming nation of middle-class consumers, instead of its long-standing role as a source of cheap and often illegal migrant labor.
When Mexican voters go to the polls July 1, however, the PRI's candidate is all but certain to win, exiling from power the business-friendly National Action Party, the PAN, whose two terms in the presidency ushered in scant beneficial change. Instead, the optimism that pervaded Mexico when Coca-Cola executive Vicente Fox took power in 2000 has turned into a persistent malaise, where a drug war filled with public executions and horrific beheadings is the overriding image.
Why this resource-rich nation has become trapped in low growth is a story of political paralysis where entrenched monopolies remain in control, the schools fail to educate, and the development policies all but enslave workers in a cycle of poverty that threatens to trap future generations as well.
For the United States, Mexico's future is more than just an idle curiosity. A booming Mexico could be an enormous boon for the United States as well. Its citizens would buy more U.S. products and services, demand better governance from their own leaders and not flee their country looking for better prospects north of the border.
"Compared to the rest of the world, Mexico has essentially been at a standstill during the past 30 years," said a report issued in April, "A New Vision for Mexico 2042: Achieving Prosperity for All," produced by Centennial Group International, a strategic consulting firm in Washington, and Mexico Evalua, a public policy think tank in Mexico City.
If Mexico takes bold steps to unleash its potential, striving to match the growth of successful Asian nations, the report said, it could aspire "to become a country with an average per-capita income equivalent to that of Germany or France."
That means elevating per-capita annual output from $13,800 today to around $50,000 in 2042 in constant dollars, the report said. If Mexico muddles through with the kind of recent subpar growth that has been the norm, its per-capita output will reach a little less than $30,000, it added.
But getting there will require a complete retooling of the way Mexico operates, emphasizing opportunity for the 52 million of Mexico's 113 million people who live in poverty, instead of policies that enforce inequality and the lack of social mobility.
"You end up in the social strata where you were born," said Alejandro Hope, an analyst at the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness, a nonpartisan think tank. "People need to believe they can make it to the top. Right now, they don't think they can."
Mexico's malaise comes despite conditions that ought to foster a boom. The market economy is open and stable. A champion of global commerce, Mexico has free-trade agreements with 43 countries, among the most of any country on Earth. The autonomous Banco de Mexico keeps a tight lid on inflation. Mexico's beaches and Mayan ruins draw a steady flow of tourists despite crime elsewhere in the nation. The country has also made decisive steps toward the sharing of power. Indeed, Mexico today is what it never really was before – a democracy.
But analysts say Mexico lacks a sense of purpose and is torn by the seeming relentlessness of the drug war, which has been the dominant feature of the current government, led by the PAN's Felipe Calderon.
"There seems to be in Mexico today a nostalgia for a Mexico that no longer exists and that we fought against, and at the same time a disappointment in the democratic Mexico we now have and that we fought for," Arturo Sarukhan, the Mexican ambassador to Washington, said in a talk in early April.
Sarukhan said Mexico needs a clearer vision and sense of purpose, and a map with a path to follow.
"Where do we want to be in 20 years? What do we want to look like?" Sarukhan asked. "And how do we get there?"
Mexico "carries a chronic culture of lawlessness and impunity and faces a grave crisis of public security, with a political system that is often the obstacle rather than the solution," said Gerardo Gutierrez Candiani, head of the Business Coordinating Council, a business umbrella group.
An array of powerful interests with a stake in the status quo have kept the economy from expanding more than a paltry average 2.4 percent a year for three decades, Gutierrez said. He asked why it couldn't grow at double or more that pace.
Nearly everyone cites the drug violence as a major drag on Mexico's economic and political hopes. Under Calderon, who took office in late 2006, crime gangs embraced ever-more terrifying tactics – beheading rivals and hanging slain enemies from bridges. The death toll surged from 2,826 in 2007 to an estimated 12,539 in 2011. Calderon will leave office Dec. 1 with well over 50,000 homicides on his watch.
But experts say the crime problem may sort itself out. Cocaine use is falling in the United States – White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske recently said the number of cocaine users had dropped by 40 percent in recent years – and Mexican authorities are better trained than they were in the past.
"My guess is that drug trafficking will decline over the next 10 to 15 years," Hope said.
More intractable are the political forces that block reforms. They include political parties, trade unions, private-sector monopolies in areas such as telecommunications, banking and transportation, and, perhaps surprisingly, state governors.
Santiago Levy, an economist who is a former chief of Mexico's social security institute, said these forces have formed a "sturdy political equilibrium."
Political parties and trade unions receive huge sums of money funneled through federal and state coffers and use the cash freely to protect their interests. Under decentralization efforts dating to 1997, state governors receive revenue from Mexico City for which they barely have to account. They do not raise state taxes and thus do not make promises to voters about services they will offer.
"The governors control the local media. They have a great deal of influence over the local election boards, (and) a lot of influence over state legislatures and state judicial systems," said Joy Langston Hawkes, a political scientist at the Center for Research and Teaching in Economics, a Mexico City think tank.
"You need stronger institutions at the state level to act as a brake on the powers of the governors," she added.
Monopolistic companies avoid competition and charge Mexicans premium prices, exacting a surcharge on the poorest citizens, experts say.
"The greatest tragedy of the PAN's 12 years (in power) was not taking on public and private monopolies," Langston said.
Lack of competition is partly why Mexico scores lowly on the most recent Global Competitiveness Report, landing at No. 58 behind Brazil, Panama and Chile.
Those who thrive on Mexico's status quo – through privilege, corruption or by living off state largesse – betray the hopes of the majority of Mexicans who would work harder if given a fair shake.
"There is a sense of complacency in some segments of Mexican society, where people are not trying harder. People are not hungry," said Harinder Kohli, a former senior World Bank official who co-authored the "New Vision for Mexico" report. "That is a big difference with Asia."
Mexico also scores poorly in rankings of corruption, languishing at No. 100 of 183 nations in the nonprofit group Transparency International's latest survey.
"Mexico is worse than the Latin American average in terms of perceived corruption in the executive branch, judiciary, and military, ranking 10th out of 12 Latin American countries in overall corruption," the report said.
The roadblocks have made some Mexicans feel as if they are running in place or, worse, even falling behind.
"In the 1970s, we teachers were well paid. Now we are paid as if we are unskilled workers," said Carlos Dorantes, a sociologist at the Jesuit-run Iberoamericana University on the outskirts of Mexico City, adding that professors earn an average of $1,600 a month. "We call ourselves 'taxi professors,' because we go from one place to another trying to earn extra money."
To unleash private enterprise, experts say, policymakers should harness the energy of Mexicans – who long ago left the "siesta" behind – and set free the armies of semi-hidden, informal businesses embedded in the economy.
About half of the labor force toils in informal jobs – a high rate for a semi-developed country like Mexico – at businesses that stay small to avoid being noticed, adapt late to technology, shun credit and offer little training to employees.
Informal businesses also avoid taxes. In all of Latin America, only Guatemala to Mexico's south collects a lower percentage of taxes on economic activity, meaning officials have less money to build roads, improve schools and retool the economy.
Despite the problems, pockets of manufacturing strength dot the country. Mexico this year will become the globe's fifth biggest exporter of automobiles, topping 3 million units. Production of medical diagnostic equipment also soars.
The Bombardier plant here in Queretaro shows what can be accomplished if the will exists. To woo Bombardier, Queretaro built an aeronautical university to provide engineers and helped promote an industrial center for the company's suppliers. Bombardier's Queretaro operations now employ 1,800 engineers and technical people working on Learjet 85s and Global Express long-range aircraft.
"Mexico has developed very quickly in the aerospace industry for many reasons," said Real Gervais, a vice president for Bombardier Aerospace at its Mexican manufacturing center.
And behind companies like Bombardier, the aerospace sector booms. Mexico now tallies 249 companies in five major clusters making parts or engines for aircraft. Exports hit $4.3 billion last year.
"If Mexico can make airplanes, what can't it make?" asked Manuel Sandoval Rios, head of the business intelligence unit at ProMexico, an export promotion agency.


text: Is it good UX to provide a favorite button/icon to save a returned result? Let's say I'm searching for a home. I get a bunch of results, some of which I'm highly interested in. I don't see myself clicking on the favorite button/icon if I want to save the result. I'd rather right click on the result and open it in a new tab. Do other users with less computer experience act the same?

subset: commoncrawl


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Fox Ignores Revenue's Historic Low In Attacking Deficit Reduction Plan
Fox's Bill Hemmer attacked the notion that the federal government needs additional revenue, suggesting that current budget issues are solely due to spending. In reality, economists agree that federal revenue is necessary to reduce the deficit and is at a historic low as a share of the economy.
During an interview with Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) about his budget proposal that seeks to generate more revenue through capping deductions, America's Newsroom host Bill Hemmer asked Corker, "Why do you want to go after revenue at all?"
Hemmer downplayed the need for additional revenue, claiming that any new taxes collected will be spent. In doing so, he ignored the fact that additional revenue would greatly contribute to cutting future deficits. In an analysis of President Obama's 2013 budget proposal, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that 46 percent of the $3.8 trillion in deficit reduction is attributable to increased revenue.
Indeed, economists agree that additional revenue through tax increases should be included as part of any deficit reduction plan, an idea that is shared by a plurality of 45 percent of Americans.
Hemmer also failed to acknowledge the current state of dwindling federal revenues. According to the Tax Policy Center, federal revenue as a percentage of GDP stood at 15.4 percent in 2011. While this figure is up from 2009 and 2010, federal revenue has not dipped to such a low percentage of the economy since 1950, and is well below the post-World War II average of 18.1 percent.
Of course, Hemmer's statements were in line with Fox's history of dismissing revenue needs when approaching deficits.


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The Art Of Racing - Dirt Sports GalleryPosted in News on May 15, 2014
Carlos Sainz blasts through the shockingly green Argentinian countryside in the early stages of the 2014 Dakar.
The massive crowds of Argentinian spectators knew how to keep cool in the brutal heat during the 2014 running of the Dakar.
King of the Hammers veteran JT Taylor heads through the rocks before roaring out into the desert in his eighth KOH start.
While Parker isn't necessarily known for huge silt beds like Baja, there is still plenty of loose dirt that requires tons of horsepower to plow through.
Only Johnson Valley, California, can combine the high speed of vast desert sections with some of the most technical terrain on the planet.
The King of the Motos starts and mayhem ensues during one of the toughest moto races on the planet.
Jason Voss blasts through the rough in his Jimco Trophy Truck on the way to an overall win at the Best in the Desert Parker 425.
Scott Whipple and the Canidae Trophy Truck at maximum attack at the Best in the Desert Parker 425.
The Kamaz team celebrates their win at the finish of the 2014 Dakar in Valparaiso, Chile, after nearly 6,000 miles of racing.


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omeyocan necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 46 diseños de 19 diseñadores freelance.
Cercom will be handing out certifications for certified technicians and sales reps of other companies. Cercom will handle the certification process and wants to assure to third parties that Cercom certified people are who they say they are + make sure that they are qualified for the job. The brand must inforce the feeling of trust/reassurance that the person you are talking to is a Cercom qualified person and thus fit for the job.
Cercom customers (having their personnel certified by Cercom) AND Cercom certified professionals.
These are requirements we have in mind:
- must fit nicely with the logo + logo colors
- fixed width +/- 980px (max usage of a 1024px estate)
- top part has place for large message (be it an eye-catching picture or a large slogan). This 'banner' style box optionally has tabs for switching to a next slogan or image.
- menu has 4-5 items, could grow to 7-8 in the future
- a login link or small form somewhere
- a part of the page should have multiple smaller blocks where we can place small bits of info, like links to subpages or a news feed. Disabling these blocks will not make the design look more poor or empty.
- design should make it quite easy to re-arrange items once navigating to subpages for example. Header and footer will stay in place, but other items may be switched on/off, depending of the content on the subpage.
- enough place for some text (2 - 3 paragraphs)
Style: original, professional, light background, preferrably white, but you can always try to surprise us.
XHTML sliced would be nice, but if you can't make it to that point, we can handle that ourselves too.


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Women with gum disease are almost three times more likely to give birth prematurely than those with healthy gums, according to more than a decade of research. But scientists are still uncertain how significant a risk dental bacteria is to healthy pregnancies – or how to save foetuses from potentially deadly exposure.
Because of hormonal changes, women are prone to develop gum disease – generally treatable – during pregnancy. "The old wives' tale about losing a tooth for each baby – we have shown how with periodontal [gum] disease and other underlying conditions [mother's health], you may lose more than just the tooth, but also the baby," Yiping Han, a periodontics researcher at US-based Case Western Reserve University, told IRIN.
Gum bleeding can carry bacteria to the placenta – which it can penetrate and kill the foetus if the mother's immune system does not fight back, according to recent research Han conducted of a woman who had severe gingivitis during her pregnancy. "The mother delivered her full-term baby dead at 39 weeks," Han told IRIN. The researcher found the same bacteria in the mother's dental plaque as was in the baby's infected lungs and stomach.
Even if dental germs do not result in death, they can contribute to delivery complications and long-term health problems for the child, said Steven Offenbacher, director of Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases at the University of North Carolina. "Forty percent of foetuses are exposed to dental bacteria… These babies are three times more likely to be born early, to spend more time in neonatal units and to have long-term disability," he told IRIN.
Countries with high rates of premature births also tend to have a high prevalence of gum disease, Han told IRIN. "Oral health care is typically seen as a luxury in poor countries, when in fact, it is the gateway to overall health. The closed mouth hides the often overlooked threat of oral bacteria on a pregnancy."
Each year an estimated 13 million babies – mostly in sub-Saharan Africa – are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy; one million of these die, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). More than three million full-term stillbirths occur annually worldwide.
A 2007 analysis by dental epidemiologists from Toulouse, France, of 17 studies dating to 1996 on periodontal disease and preterm births – tracking more than 7,000 pregnant women – found a "likely association" between gum disease and preterm births, but concluded that more research is needed.
Offenbacher said preterm deliveries and stillbirths have many causes and it is difficult to isolate one risk from another.
But there is mounting research that successful periodontal treatment can reduce premature births, according to the University of Pennsylvania, which recently presented its study of 872 pregnant women with and without the disease.
Twenty-three percent of those with gum disease delivered before 35 weeks versus 7 percent without the condition. Those who received treatment had a medically "significant" lower incidence of preterm births, lead researcher, Marjorie Jeffcoat, told IRIN. "We believe the results would be applicable to babies worldwide and would be happy to work with any doctor who would like to study this effect in their country."
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, which has one of the world's highest infant mortality rates – 159 for every 1,000 live births based on the most recent government data from 2006 – the Health Ministry has not considered periodontal disease a major risk in pregnancy. S.A.S. Kargbo , the ministry's reproductive health specialist, said the association between periodontal disease and pregnancy complications is a "hypothesis" and he does not know of any cases.
But without epidemiological studies or enough human resources, it is hard to prove the link between gum disease and pregnancy complications, researcher Han told IRIN. "And without that data in hand, it is hard to convince countries to devote more resources to periodontal care in an effort to reduce their infant mortality rate."
Sierra Leone had five dentists – about one for every one million residents – in 2004, according to the most recently available government records.
"If a country is determined to bring down its infant mortality rate, periodontal disease is a well-documented risk that can derail a healthy pregnancy and deserves further examination," Han said.
Dental care or die?
Women with gum disease are almost three times more likely to give birth prematurely than those with healthy gums, according to more than a decade of research. But scientists are still uncertain how significant a risk dental bacteria is to healthy pregnancies – or how to save foetuses from potentially deadly exposure.


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Monday, March 29, 2010
Giveaway, peanuts and Laura Bennett
And that was my first email from Laura Bennett.
Who is Laura Bennett, you ask? If you don't watch Project Runway (that was tough to type, people. I mean, how can you NOT watch PR? I will need your reason, in writing, so that I may point out the huge gaping maw in your life), then you might not have heard of her. But if you are a watcher, think back to Season 3.
Tall red head? Pregnant? Outspoken architect who was a better designer than most of them? Finished second? You'd kill to have her design an evening dress for you?
Yes, THAT Laura Bennett.
She has a new book coming out called, "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday? A Mother's Guide to Sanity in Stilettos." It's mostly about her family - she has six kids. SIX! - and her irreverent take on parenthood, with a few style pointers and a little dish about PR thrown in (keep reading this post to find out how you can win an autographed copy!). It's less a guide and more of a momoir and how she's managed to stay so fab amid the chaos.
I couldn't wait to read it. (I mean, I loved her first email to me!) She was my favorite contestant that season and the book was what you'd expect: funny, sarcastic and clearly, she's not entirely serious about a lot of stuff, so don't get your knickers all in a twist. I don't think she is, anyway. Because I'm sure she (or someone) does feed her kids more than once a week, and she seems sane, even if she lets her tortoise have free range of their two-bedroom Manhattan loft.
I'm reading, smiling, reading and then WHOMP.
My knickers were BEYOND twisted.
She went there.
Peanut allergy.
If you've read this blog for awhile, you know that's a topic I feel passionately about, as Sawyer has a severe allergy to peanuts and tree nuts (you can read about it here and here).
Laura talks about Munchausen's by Peanut, where "faker" moms invent an allergy in their children to get attention. She writes about how the allergy wasn't around when we were kids (true, I mean, I never heard of anyone having it when I was growing up), and that technically there are more people with shrimp allergy. She also writes "Ironically, science shows that exposure to peanuts in school-age children actually reduces the risk of allergies. Avoiding nuts out of fear becomes a self-fulfilling snack-time prophecy."
I can tell you that science does NOT conclusively show this, other than one study that, while interesting and optimistic, is not exactly scientific.
So I crafted an email. I couldn't in good conscience blog about her book - or give one or two away - without calling her on it. Frankly, I was pissed. She has a child with learning disability. She should know better than to question the validity of another - in this case, potentially life-threatening - disability!
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I mean, she's not one to mince words. She's the mom you'd be totally intimidated by if her child was at your school. You know, the one who's always put together, in awesome Manolo Blahniks and carrying a fab Birkin bag. Who NEVER has spit-up on her shoulder or chocolate fingerprints on her impeccably tailored trousers.
Then again, you might never see her: she has nannies and even a manny who help shuttle five of her kids around New York City. You'd pee your pants if she asked you out for a drink (you'd of course go, after nine wardrobe changes, and you'd find out she's actually a lot of fun).
I pulled on my Big Girl britches and pressed "send."
And you know what? She was lovely. And classy. We might not completely agree on stuff, but I appreciated her taking time to respond.
Here's my email:
I wanted to love this book - I really did! And for the most part, it was just as I thought it would be.
But then, well, the peanut allergy thing. Now I know you love to be controversial and I'm sure the way you've written it is meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek and clever and all that. At least I hope so, anyway.
Thing is, it's painful for those mothers, like myself, who live in fear that every time they send their child to school, they may not see them again. Every time. Can you imagine that life?
We live it every day. My kid is 6 and he's been hospitalized twice after accidentally eating something with peanuts. He will have to deal with this allergy the rest of his life.
And tho I guess technically more people are allergic to shrimp, most elementary school kids aren't bringing shrimp salad sandwiches for lunch. You don't see toddlers downing a shrimp cocktail up on the playground equipment at the park and then smearing their grubby hands everywhere. And most stuff isn't made on shared equipment with shrimp.
Actually, the most deaths from food allergy occur between ages 15-35, so the danger only gets worse.
We all know a "crazy allergy mom" who's invented something for their child. But that shouldn't diminish the reality of a child - like mine - who really has a life-threatening allergy to something that doesn't need to be in our schools (I would LOVE a peanut-free school, but unfortunately, too many parents complain about the Right to Eat Jiff for our district to act on it).
You have a child with a disability (FYI, peanut allergy is covered by the Federal Disability Act). How would you feel if people - other moms, in particular - laughed and said it wasn't a big deal? That therapy was just the mother looking for attention? Now add to it that he could die without certain precautions, and you have some idea of what it's like.
Anyway. I'd love to talk about your book on my blog. I found it smart and sarcastic and fun. But it'd be disingenuous of me not to mention the part about the peanuts - or to promote a book that propagated such hurtful misinformation. There's already enough of it out there, believe me.
And Laura? She encouraged me to speak my truth. And here was her response:
I do know that life threatening food allergies exist in children. I once saw a classmate of my son's sit on a paper bag that had been used for a peanut butter sandwich. His eyes were swollen shut within a matter of minutes and he began to have alarmingly labored breathing. We were in the playground after school and his mother was able to get him to the hospital immediately. Ironically, his father is one of New York's top Thai chefs, a cuisine more laden with peanuts than any other in the world. I also know of a wonderful, funny little boy who has a terrible wheat allergy. At social gatherings he likes to embarrass his mom by saying, "Hey Mom, remember the time you tried to kill me on my birthday?" She mistook regular flour for a wheat-free product she usually bakes with. So I have seen food allergies first hand.
That said, I have also seen faker moms first hand. In my book I call it Munchausen's by Peanut. Moms who stand up at class meetings and ask that no one in the class bring peanut butter sandwiches, but when asked for more details, because we are concerned and want to help, find out that granola bars are OK. Well is there an allergy or not?
I have a child with a learning disability. He goes to a school that specializes in his particular flavor, among several others. The school is publicly funded, so while there are children there who come from wealthy families, most are from families of more moderate means. One little boy had Leukemia at an early age and the extensive chemotherapy has left him with developmental disabilities. Another child was the unlucky twin in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. There are children with brain function speech delays, and braces on their little tortured limbs. In this school, where the parents have real medical and financial concerns, miraculously, there is not a single peanut allergy. In my other children's fancy private school armies of moms run screaming in the halls posting Peanut Free Zone posters.
I think the worst crime committed by the faker moms is not frightening their children about ghost allergies, but the fact that they de-sensitize the mom population. Hearing about peanut allergies has become a kind of white noise, and when a child comes along with a legitimate allergy, one that is truly life threatening, where the parents have had to take great measures and make real sacrifices to ensure the safety of their child, everyone questions whether this one is for real.
And I hope I never again have to see proof that an allergy exists.
I'm really sad - and scared - that some mothers see peanut allergy as "white noise" because some other mothers have no idea what they're talking about (there actually are "safe" granola bars, but in general, they're not okay).
Thing is, peanut allergy IS real. I flip into Mama Bear mode when I feel my child is being threatened. That is, when unsafe foods are being served in his kindergarten class. When another mother suggests he can "eat a cracker" when all the other kids are getting cookies. When I see the eye rolls when I bring up my concerns over the menu for the school party.
I will get in your face if I have to. You can call me Crazy Peanut Mom if you want. And then I'll show you the pictures of Sawyer, when he was just 2, in the hospital with IVs in his arm, bravely smiling at the camera.
What really bugs me? When mothers dismiss other mothers as being hysterical. Because ultimately, we're all trying to protect our kids.
Mostly, it's a matter of education. And looking out for each other.
I know Laura and I agree on that.
Now, there was a part of her book that really spoke to me (aside from where she gives wardrobe tips, because Lord knows I desperately need to get out of Frumpy Mom Mode). In the beginning, she talks about being on a plane and, while trying to contain the mess that comes with traveling with a passel of kids, she hears the flight attendant talking about how you need to put your own oxygen mask on first - before helping your child.
That struck a nerve.
She writes in her book:
"I always take care of myself, and I parent my children my way, not the way others expect me to. I get my oxygen first. When I stop and think about it, I often find that my worst days are in direct proportion to how far I let myself drift away from that yellow plastic mask."
It's a great reminder, because what mom doesn't sometimes lose herself in the daily (sometimes minute-to-minute) struggle of taking care of her kids?
The book is a glimpse into a very different life than mine, but in the end, we're all the same, trying to do what's best for our family. Even if some of us (me) are doing it in ancient running shoes instead of skyscraping stilettos.
How cute are her kids, by the way? Seriously! But five boys? Gah!
Anyway. This brings me to my very first giveaway! Two lucky winners will get a copy of "Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?" personally inscribed by Laura! Because despite the peanut part (which I know you will cover with a black Sharpie) it was a good time.
What do you have to do? I'll make it easy. You don't have to follow, tweet it, Facebook it or make out with it. But I'd sure love it if you would. Except for maybe the making out part.
You DO have to leave a comment, with either your favorite style tip or your best "how to look like I've got it all together even when I, you know, don't but you'd never know it" advice.
That's it! I'll randomly select two winners Sunday, April 4th.
This is my first contest, so don't let me down! Enter!
44 comments:
- Queenie T said...
I'm no fashionista by any stretch, and comfort is definitely way more important (which is good since they don't really want us fatties gettin' all uppity anyway). A couple of things I find make me feel pretty (oh, so pretty) is my fave lipstick as well as one of my favorite, sexy bras. Two sorta random things, but they really do perk me up. (Pun TOTALLY intended.)
- Sarah said...
Great post Cheryl! The book sounds fun. My best how to look like I have it all together tip? Remain calm... I hear this from people every day; "For all that you do, you're so calm". I guess that makes me look a little more put together.
I'll post a comment! Unfortunately I have NO style tips as I am a complete mess myself. What a timely post for me. I cannot wait to get back to my old self. I have almost been pregnant and disgusting for 2 years straight. UGH!!! The one thing I do try to do is put mascara on when I go out and meet with other humans - I think it makes me look less tired but don't let that fool you, I am still wearing my stained mommy shirt!
I am glad she addressed the peanut allergy concern. I have never heard of a mom faking it so I cannot relate to what she is saying but I am glad she addressed your concerns.
Ok - first - I love her! Her work was amazing!
Second - so glad that you read the book and took the time to discuss it with her!
Finally, Feeling put together isn't a feeling I have a lot, but I would have to say that my tip is to get some exercise Before youvgetvdresses (going for a rum always makes me feel better - after) and then throw on your favorite pair of pants with a pair of stilettos. Heels always make me feel pulled together and if I'm wearing my favorite pants nothing can go wrong!
- galena said...
Good morning Crazy Peanut Mom!
Thank you for this post. Thankfully, my children don't have any allergies that could have them die on a playground, but your post was really insightfull.
I really appreciate that you didn't just bash Laura's opinion but offered an insightful look into the "other side".
As for the tip, I try to invest in smart accesories, interesting brooches and "looking more expensive than they really are" scarves. I found that even if I'm wearing sneackers, jeans and basic tank top adding a scarf or an interesting brooch lifts it up a notch.
Thanks again
- Jen C said...
Cheryl, this is brilliant! Congrats on making your first contest so smart, thoughtful and hilarious.
I have to say I too loved Laura on PR. It's the only reality show that's ever held my attention.
Okay so as far as my style tip I don't have one. As a matter of fact I met up with a friend the other day for breakfast. She told me that she ran into someone while en route to breakfast. When she told this person she was meeting up with me, this person said, "oh yeah, does she have short dark hair and is very stylish?" It shocked me. Clearly she has the wrong person.
I mean, as you've witness, my hair sometimes channels 80s brat packer hair. Seriously, now.
Perhaps this is why I need Laura's book?
- Simply Lovely Gifts said...
No style tips but as far as making it look like I have it together - I do my hair & make-up every morning. Just makes me feel somewhat sane/put together, plus I don't scare the kids ;-)
- Sandy said...
Just found you. Very interesting stuff! With a sense of humor.
My tip. Don't let a day go by that you don't do SOMETHING for you!! Even if it's putting on lipstick!
- Michelle said...
I am a frumpy, old spit-up stained shirt, no make-up, flip flop wearing mom - who has one kid with a peanut allergy, and another with a speech delay. I was a little put off by the peanut nonsense. Oh well. I totally need to get her book - if for nothing else, I need to see how she does it.
I love Laura, and am an PR nut. I enjoyed her season the most - anyone who could do all that pregnant won my respect. I could barely get out of the bed when I was pregnant. Wasn't it her season when they had to design a look from a peanut sack?
Anyway, I love your blog. I don't blog (I have one, but man, is it out of date), or I would blog about your blog post. I don't tweet either, but I do FB. Thanks for offering a giveaway!
**fingers crossed**
I can not claim to be the most stylish person most days. Frankly some days I am lucky to take a shower. On "good" days I try to at least put on tinted moisturizer and mascara, because I have blond eyelashes that disappear.
On "really good" days there is nothing better than dark jeans, boots, and a flat iron to make you feel a little less like a mommy mess.
Mascara and lipstick. and real jeans that give you a great butt.
and I love how you responded to Laura Bennett AND that she responded so thoughtfully back. What a real person.
- Cheryl said...
Tonya - after a year-plus of nursing, I totally need "perking" up!!
Sarah - The book IS fun! Love your mantra. I may have to use it today, especially after spending this morning as a short-order cook for the kiddos! lol
Janine - Please. I've seen your pictures. You always look FAB!
Andrea - Ah, heels! Haven't seen those in ages!
Galena- Accessories! That's where I totally have no clue. I always admire those women who are good at it!
Jen - Please! Aside from that ONE DAY with Andrew McCarthy hair, you always look fab!
Leslie - You do your hair and makeup every morning? Really? I feel great if I get both contacts in!
Sandy - Glad you found me! And you're right - even doing something small is important!
- Cheryl said...
Michelle - Are we twins? My daughter had speech delay! And I also couldn't believe Laura got through that season PG - if I wasn't eating, I was sleeping during the first trimester! Thanks for stopping by!
456Eleven - Oh yes. The flat iron. When I straighten this mop of hair I feel, well, almost human!
Julie - My guess is you're ALWAYS put together!
- MiniMe Mom said...
Looks like an interesting read, and I loved her on PR.
My hubby is a teacher, and has seen firsthand about peanut allergies. One student touched a desk after eating a peanut butter sandwich, and then the boy with the peanut allergy touched it much later, and had to be rushed to the ER because he wasn't breathing. Scary stuff.
I have also seen the other side- a parent that freaked out because of peanut allergies, and then later in the year gave their kid a Peanut Butter cup. Huh?
Style tip--man, that is tough. I would say the best tip I have is a little bit of bronzer. I am so pale naturally that I look half dead without it! :-)
- terry said...
my style tip is easy- no matter what you are wearing, underdressed, overdressed, anything- confidence is the best thing you can add. confidence and self esteem can help carry off any outfit, no matter how dirty the jeans.
on laura- i had three of her boys in my pre k class (not at the same time obviously) and have to say she is not at all intimidating in person- she is sweet and cordial, and a funny good hearted person. of course next to her i always felt like i was dressed in garbage bags...
re. the peanut thing- as a teacher i always take it very seriously and constantly question the parent about food choices, even call them a work during snack. that being said, i had a peanut mom in my class who let her child eat things packaged on the same equipment, granola bars etc, said it was no big deal as she handed me the epi pen; at the end of the year i come to discover that "we aren't sure she's allergic, we need to do the testing.." needless to say my undies bunched. all my time, effort and concern and, really?! even those mom's are few and far between, but unfortunately, they are out there, and should be tagged like wildlife so we know who they are.
- caroline said...
Cheryl - loved reading your review! I didn't discover PR until after her season, but it seems like an interesting/entertaining read. As far as fashion tips go... HA! But I will say sunglasses are my MUST, and a snazzy scarf can always hide the fact that I **may** be still in my PJ's in the school drop-off line!
- Cheryl said...
Jamie - I am also on the "death warmed over" skin color palette. And that's so odd about the peanut butter cup!
Terry - You are so right! Momfidence! I believe you that Laura is lovely - how fun that you had three of her boys! And I'm 100 percent behind you on the wildlife tagging of these moms. How does she even GET an epi-pen? That seriously steams me.
- Cheryl said...
Hey Caroline! The important thing is you're watching pr NOW! Yes - sunglasses are a must, especially out here. I believe my lack of a good pair has led me to those annoying lines above my nose. I wish I could channel my inner Orange County Housewife and go get Botox!
- kirsten said...
So what's wrong with Andrew McCarthy hair??
And here is why I don't watch Project Runway: I DON'T HAVE CABLE. or the time, but that's a whole 'nother....
There is tremendous photographic documentation on my lack of style, and as such I don't pretend to offer advice. Except this: buy Frye boots. Forever and always Amen.
great giveaway!
- Kat @ www.TodaysCliche.com said...
I so agree. Love PR, but really, no one without professional medical experience should be casting off a serious topic like a peanut allergy like that, especially in a book that could reach a lot of people. WRONG message to send, Laura. Yikes!
- Mandy P said...
Holy cow, where to start? First off, I totally feel for you with your son's peanut allergy. How rude for another mom to suggest Sawyer can "eat a cracker" while everyone else enjoys cookies. That got my dander up when I read that. My oldest starts kindergarten in a few months...and I am kicking and screaming all the way. I'm just not ready. 5 years is NOT enough time for me to have him exclusively. When you think about it, after this--he's NEVER going to be mine all mine ever again. I'm tearing up as I write this (and I don't care how many eye rolls are taking place by others reading this!)
How do I hold it together? Well, not very well by my above comments! But, when I feel like my head could seriously pop off my shoulders, I try to smile, take a deep breath, and tell myself that this will be a blur. They will grow up so quickly and I'll be left wanting this time back. As hard as that might be to believe sometimes, it usually does the trick--enough to calm me down anyway!
- mrs.notouching said...
Well, I love me some big hat to hide that fact that I don't don't always get a chance to shower and a big purse that makes my postpartum ass look just a leeetle less gigantic.
To all the girls who already posted, - Thank you for the laughs and tips.
I thank my sister for getting me hooked on PR. It's getting good now they're down to less than 10 designers.
My tip? When I'm having a bad hair day (i.e. I don't have time to wash it,) I put on a hat. Not a baseball or running hat, but a stylish newsboy.
Pick me!
I think good grooming is key. As in, regular good haircuts and color (if applicable). Also take care of your skin and have a good natural-looking daily makeup "look." I invested in a lesson with a professional makeup artist (not associated with a particular brand) last year, and it helped a lot. Now if I could just make it to the salon to touch up my nasty roots and to the makeup store to replenish that good makeup! :)
- Cheryl said...
Kirsten - I don't even know what to say about the lack of cable thing. Your tv is back on, tho, right?
Kat - I agree. Sigh.
Mandy - Ah, the "this too shall pass" posture. I love it! As for kindergarten, just wait. You'll love that HE loves it!
Kris - You ALWAYS look fab.
Holly - It is true about makeup. But then I run out and I can't get to the mall, so I end up scraping together a few assorted colors. Not. Pretty!
I have a Sawyer too! Peanut allergies are serious business, I am a kindergarten teacher and they scare the shit out of me. The more education the better!
- Stesha said...
My favorite style tip. Always keep a great pair of ballet flats on hand. They make any outfit look stylish. Is this a style tip or a fashion tip?
Hugs and Mocha,
- Lucy said...
I'm all about an accessory to doll up my jeans and sweaters.
- Cheryl said...
Mombshell - You have a Sawyer too? How exciting! Peanut allergy IS scary, for reals!
Stesha - Ballet flats! Love it! That's a shoe i can totally see myself in. Great tip!
- Maki said...
What a great post!!! I know one girl in my daughter's kindergarten has a severe peanut allergy that the students of all classes have to wipe their hands after they eat so there's no cross contamination... I know it exists.. But I also understand what Laura was trying to say... Either way, you're awesome to fight for your child!!
When I'm at the beach I feel the prettiest - I grew up in Hawaii and being under the sun makes me happiest and prettiest!
- The Mayor! said...
Seriously, you crack me up LOL! And I'm with you, if it was MY kid, I'd be fighting tooth & nail to protect them also....I think by now we should all be used to this anyways?? Don't know about you guys, but up here in Ontario, Canada, there is not a single school board or recreational program that allows nuts of any kind, for years now....it's not white noise, it's just habit after all these years! My kids have NEVER taken a PB sandwich or granola bar out of this house, & any bar type snacks are specifically labelled as to being nut free/made in a nut free facility....if we want to pack them, we just know it must have that label. My son has a boy in his class, & my daughter has a friend at cheer with severe nut allergies...all I ever think is, what if it were MY kid?? But seriously, here, it's just the way it's been for so long now, it never even comes up...no nuts outside of your house. Except me...& my rug rats....we're nutty enough!
- Cheryl said...
Lucy - I am seriously accessory challenged!!
Maki - Wiping hands - it's not so hard, is it, if it helps keep another child safe? ANd I'm jealous you grew up in Hawaii! My husband was born there, at Tripler.
Mayor - Really?? Do I need to move to Canada? That's awesome! It's amazing kids can survive without peanut butter sandwiches every day at school! lol
Awesome giveaway, Cheryl!
My style tip- which I've learned since I started working for Shobha (myshobha.com) is keep the eyebrows groomed. It really makes a difference in the way that your whole face looks. Oh, and get them threaded- not waxed. Waxing pulls delicate skin around the eyes too much. ;)
- Amy said...
Cheryl ... You know I read your blog all the time and love your writing style. I have laughed and cried many times while visiting your little address on the www. Loved this post and review. I loved Laura on PR ... I am an admitted PR junkie! I am looking forward to reading the book and I promise to hold that black sharpie in my hand poised to strike!
I wish I had some brilliant style tips, but I found the other morning when attending a preschool field trip that I am severely lacking in this area of my life even today. That morning and I had washed my hair and dry rolled it with a round brush ... I wore make up ... I got compliments like I haven't heard in years, which although should have made me feel great ... actually made me think what a mess I must look like daily ... LOL
Now that it is warming up here in Minnesota, I will never be without my high heel black sandals ... jeans look so much better with them, no matter what my hair looks like ... ((Hugs))
- Candice said...
My tip is this: any outfit can look good with a great pair of shoes. Stop buying those black flats and venture out to the turquoise wedges. They'll spice up that jeans and t-shirt look we all love.
- Cheryl said...
Dawn - Really? Threading? I'm a wax girl. Does the threading hurt?
Amy - OMG. I totally know what you mean! I also get those comments when I put on makeup, fix up my hair and wear something other than my Frumpy Mom clothes! And thanks for your sweet words about my blog!
Candice - Oh! Turquoise wedges! Love that!
- Adelle @ ready...GO!...get set said...
I have come to realize that a great, fun pair of shoes can make a slightly-frumpy outfit look hot.
Leopard-print flats, red patent leather, gold gladiators...edgy shoes are my mainstay for a boring mommy wardrobe of khakis and cardis.
That's my two cents! The book sounds fun!
- Elle said...
Excellent book review and giveaway! I really enjoyed reading your post. To be honest, I have never personally known anyone with a peanut allergy and have literally lived off peanut butter my whole life. Dealing with school rules on peanuts is all new to me - but I trust you know what you're talking about! :)
Regarding fashion tips, I prefer a cute, sporty appearance over 'fashion'. Yet, clean, well-fitting and attractive appearance nonetheless. I do wear make up daily and manage to shave my legs at least once a week. lol. My main focus is exercise and maintaining a lean physique.
- Elle said...
Excellent book review and giveaway! I really enjoyed reading your post. To be honest, I have never personally known anyone with a peanut allergy and have literally lived off peanut butter my whole life. Dealing with school rules on peanuts is all new to me - but I trust you know what you're talking about! :)
Regarding fashion tips, I prefer a cute, sporty appearance over 'fashion'. Yet, clean, well-fitting and attractive appearance nonetheless. I do wear make up daily and manage to shave my legs at least once a week. lol. My main focus is exercise and maintaining a lean physique.
- Cheryl said...
Adelle - Great tip! I so need some new shoe!
Elle - Well, you know ME, so you know my son by association! And once your kids are in school they will definitely encounter peanut allergic kids. There were nine in the second grade here last year.
Sounds like a great book. If I don't win it, I will definitely be buying it. As far as tips, first off, staying healthy and fit makes me happy and confident. That carries over into how I present myself. Fashion wise, I always wear clothes that I feel good in. Even when I only going to Target or the school. I don't always dress up but I always wear clothes that I love. I don't own sweats and if my clothes get a stain, I get rid of them. I used to "save" my clothes for special occasions or outings and would wear frumpy, boring stuff everyday. What a waste of money if the clothes just sit there.
- Hagler Happenings said...
How did I miss this post until now? I LOVE PR!! I do remember her. How exciting for you.
I am THE LAST person to give any kind of fashion tips. This is how lazy I've gotten: I recently vowed never to leave the house in anything more casual than jeans.
- Kat @ TCHNetwork.com said...
Wow. I wish I had balls like you sometimes (to write to someone who I was nervous would tear me apart).
However, and as I've mentioned, my Sawyer went into Anaphylaxis Shock from ingesting egg at 13 months. I am SOOOO passionate about food allergies... and it does peeve me when someone says their child's allergic to "so and so", and then when I see them give it to them anyway, they say, "Well he really wanted it... he'll just sneeze alot". UMM... THAT IS NOT A FOOD ALLERGY and DO NOT CATEGORIZE your child with mine b/c YOU HAVE NOOOO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!
Ah... that felt good!
I love your blog! As for my tips...hmm... I guess my best tip is great lipgloss & a cute hat so that I don't have to do my hair.
I love that you emailed her about the peanut allergy part of the book. I'm sure that there are some crazy type A moms out there, but in my experience, I have found that most parents aren't educated on peanut allergies AT ALL. Its not so much that they are jaded moms, but most don't seem to take it seriously due to ignorance. We had a peanut allergy in DS' preschool class last year & a mom brought in a craft to make a bird feeder - with peanut butter. She said she didn't realize that the child couldn't be around peanut butter AT ALL. Thank goodness the teacher took out the craft supplies before allowing the mom to get started! I can't imagine the fear that you must feel sending your child out in the world & good for you for standing up to anyone who thinks otherwise!


text:
US President Barack Obama has now signed his name to the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act (H.R. 347) - a bill that makes it a federal offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, to protest anywhere the Secret Service might be guarding someone.
This law strikes a blow against freedom of assembly, freedom of protest, and freedom of speech - rights guaranteed to Americans in the US Constitution. In the name of ensuring public order and protecting the security of people in power, H.R. 347 throttles unpopular opinion and discriminates against disfavored speakers.
Last year, when the US House of Representatives first voted in favor of H.R. 347, only you three lawmakers opposed it. We ask that you use your influence to bring this undemocratic bill back up for debate during the next legislative session.
Global Revolution
This petition closed almost 5 years ago
On it's face, it may seem that H.R. 347 doesn't change a whole lot. The law purports to update an old law - Section 1752 of Title 18 of the United States Code - that restricted areas around the ...
On it's face, it may seem that H.R. 347 doesn't change a whole lot. The law purports to update an old law - Section 1752 of Title 18 of the United States Code - that restricted areas around the president, vice president, or any others under the protection of the Secret Service. The old law made it a federal offense to "willfully and knowingly" enter a restricted space. Now prosecutors need only show that you did it "knowingly"—that you knew the area was restricted - even if you didn't know it was illegal to enter the space.
Just a small tweak you say? Actually, this change impacts the free speech of everyone.
Because secret service agents are now dispatched at sporting events, state funerals, inaugural addresses, and NATO and G-8 Summits, this law criminalizes dissent in the United States at a broad range of venues. Additionally, it's almost impossible to predict what constitutes "disorderly or disruptive conduct" or what sorts of conduct authorities deem to "impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions."
Supporters of H.R. 347 would like you to
believe that demonstrators are
not truly being silenced; they are merely being denied access to the location of their
choice and the opportunity to deliver their message in the same forum and at the same time as the speaker they oppose.
But that is exactly why we should care.
Whatever protestors have come to say, the presence of
dissenters at these events carries a powerful message in and of itself that cannot be delivered as powerfully in
any other place.
Protests disrupt the constructed, patriotic image that media will capture of the event, and replace it with the reality of a divided country where individuals have the right to freely express their opinions - whether politician or average citizen.


text:
Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Bob Burns
- Allen Collins
- Steve Gaines
- Ed King
- Gary Rossington
- Billy Powell
- Artimus Pyle
- Ronnie Van Zant and Leon Wilkeson
Inductee Ed King's guitar was the note you heard first and what stuck out in a song.
From co-writing "Incense and Peppermints" to the signature opening of "Sweet Home Alabama," King's riffs and arrangements completed Lynyrd Skynyrd's distinct sound and continue to influence generations of guitarists.
Lynyrd Skynyrd—the hard rocking, tough-as-nails band that defined Southern rock.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is the grittier counterpart to the Allman Brothers' bluesier sound. Their three-guitar lineup set them apart and gave us "Free Bird," featuring one of the greatest and most memorable guitar solos of all time.
Mention the term "Southern rock" and two bands instantly leap to mind: the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
They defined the genre in its Seventies heyday and beyond, and both bands are still active entities.
But whereas the Allmans were deeply steeped in blues and jazz, Lynyrd Skynyrd more freely embraced rock. Their three-guitar lineup gave them an uncommon musical muscle, while their down-to-earth songs spoke plainly and honestly from a working-class Southerner's perspective.
Theirs is one of the most dramatic tales in rock history. The saga of Lynyrd Skynyrd has unfolded in an almost mythical series of ups and downs, from being in the vanguard of a musical movement to the tragic 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of three band members. From the ashes, the survivors re-formed a decade later, and what started as a tribute turned into a full-fledged renaissance.
It all began in Jacksonville, Florida, where a teenaged Ronnie Van Zant got turned on to several kinds of music: black country blues, which he learned from a neighbor; Merle Haggard-style hard country, which would play on the radio in his father's truck; and the rocking sounds of the British Invasion that were in the air. He was floored by the Rolling Stones, vowing to form a group that would be their American equivalent. From the start Lynyrd Skynyrd has been a standard-bearer for Southern rock, but their biggest early influences were British—the Stones, the Yardbirds, Cream, Free and Led Zeppelin—and some of those bands' controlled frenzy seeped into even their most Dixie-fied material.
In 1965 Van Zant assembled the Noble Five, which included guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, drummer Bob Burns and bassist Larry Junstrom (later of .38 Special). Having grown their hair long, they were given school suspensions and endless grief by a high-school gym teacher named Leonard Skinner. They solved the problem by dropping out and moving to a cabin in Green Cove Springs, south of Jacksonville. There they wrote songs, learned how to play together, and changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd—an intentionally misspelled reference to their old nemesis.
By 1970, Lynyrd Skynyrd was a veteran bar band with a pile of original songs but had no recording contract. They cut some demos at producer Quin Ivy's studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and returned in 1971 to make a proper album at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. By this time, bassist Leon Wilkeson had replaced Junstrom in the group. The album was rejected by numerous labels. By then they'd begun playing regularly in Atlanta, where producer Al Kooper signed them to his Sounds of the South label (an MCA subsidiary) in 1972. Some personnel shuffles ensued: Wilkeson left for a half-year and was replaced by Ed King (late of Strawberry Alarm Clark), who moved from bass back to guitar when Wilkeson rejoined. Billy Powell, their piano-playing roadie, had become a full-fledged member, too. Now Lynyrd Skynyrd was a seven-man monster with three guitarists.
Kooper produced their first three albums: Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd (1973), Second Helping (1974) and Nuthin' Fancy (1975). Kooper's innate musicality and studio know-how helped capture the seemingly incongruous elements in Lynyrd Skynyrd's sound. They were raucous but tight, rowdy but smart, and down-home Southern with a twist of bluesy British rock. Having cut their teeth in rough Jacksonville bars, they were a red-hot, jukin' rock band. Pete Townshend was sufficiently impressed to offer Lynyrd Skynyrd the opening slot on the Who's Quadrophenia tour.
Though their debut album had just been released, Lynyrd Skynyrd was a veteran band ready for bigger stages. Fame came quickly, propelling them to the status of headliners and establishing Southern rock as the Seventies' hottest musical trend. The movement also included such fellow travelers as Wet Willie, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, the Outlaws and Molly Hatchet.
Each of Lynyrd Skynyrd's first three albums contains its share of classics. From Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd came "Down South Jukin'," "Gimme Three Steps," "Simple Man," "Tuesday's Gone" and the immortal "Free Bird." The last of these had been a fixture of Skynyrd's live repertoire, and they had recorded a demo version as far back as October 1970. The song was initially conceived as a tribute to Duane Allman, and onstage they would dedicate it to the late guitarist. After the death of Ronnie Van Zant, the song served as an homage to Van Zant himself.
Second Helping, an album that was every bit as solid as the debut, yielded "Sweet Home Alabama," "Workin' for MCA," "Call Me the Breeze," "Swamp Music," "Don't Ask Me No Questions" and "The Ballad of Curtis Lowe." Nuthin' Fancy, the third album in a row produced by Kooper, contained the classics "Saturday Night Special" and "Whiskey Rock-A-Roller."
In its own way, the uncompromising lyrical stance of vocalist Van Zant was as much a band signature as their three-guitar attack. As John Swenson wrote, "Many of Van Zant's lyrics were about betrayal, paranoia and the certainty of evil. He articulated the never-forgotten rage of a beaten South. Violence and death walked constantly through his writing." What redeemed it all was the unified show of power by the band, who rivaled rock's very best in concert. As Rolling Stone would observe some years later, "In matters of unpretentiousness, power and invention, the best hard-rock band in America during the first half of the 1970s might well have been Lynyrd Skynyrd."
And yet some chinks were appearing in Lynyrd Skynyrd's seemingly impenetrable armor. Exhausted by touring, drummer Bob Burns dropped out prior to Nuthin' Fancy, replaced by Artimus Pyle. This lineup embarked on the "Torture Tour," a grueling three-month outing during which the band members' drug and alcohol intake accelerated. bolstering their reputation as the rowdiest of all Southern rockers. Ed King left midway through the tour, and he was not initially replaced, as guitarists Rossington and Collins divided up his parts. Gimme Back My Bullets (1976), Lynyrd Skynyrd's fourth album, was cut as a six-piece. It also found them working with producer Tom Dowd, whose disciplined approach helped the band regain its focus.
The addition of guitarist Steve Gaines restored Lynyrd Skynyrd to a three-guitar lineup and lit a fire under the band. They played some of their hottest shows on the 1976 tour, which was documented on the live double album One More from the Road (1976). This revitalized lineup cut Street Survivors (1977), which was their strongest studio album since Second Helping. It contained a brace of instant classics: "What's Your Name," "You Got That Right," "I Know a Little" and the eerily prescient "That Smell." The last of these was a cautionary song about fast living, hard drugs and the aura of death, hinging on the line "The smell of death surrounds you."
Three days after the release of Street Survivors, on October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's tour plane—a 1947 Convair 240 turbo-prop plane that they'd nicknamed Free Bird—ran out of gas due to an engine malfunction and crashed in rural Mississippi. Three band members (Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines) were killed, as was their road manager and the two pilots. Twenty others on the plane survived with injuries of varying severity. After the survivors recovered, a number of them regrouped as the Rossington-Collins Band.
The surviving members came together for a one-time performance at Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam in 1979. In 1987, on the tenth anniversary of the plane crash, they reunited again for a full tour, calling themselves the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band. Ronnie Van Zant's place was taken by brother Johnny, and Ed King rejoined on guitar. Randall Hall replaced a disabled Allen Collins, who was confined to a wheelchair after a car wreck the previous year. (Collins died in 1990.) The tribute tour did so well that they reprised it the next two years. Then came a studio album, Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991, their first set of new material since Street Survivors. Released on Atlantic Records, the album reunited Lynyrd Skynyrd with producer Tom Dowd and mixer Kevin Olsen, who'd been the group's soundman on tour in the Seventies.
Having returned to active duty, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded prolifically in the Nineties. Their output included The Last Rebel (1993) and the all-acoustic Endangered Species (1994). The latter appeared on the Capricorn label, which had been home to the Allman Brothers and other Southern rock groups in the Seventies. Twenty (1997) and Edge of Forever (1999), along with the concert album Lyve from Steel Town (1998), were released on CMC International. Along with their new works came a flood of compilations and reissues, including a box set, a single-disc of greatest hits, a two-CD set of rarities, expanded editions of several of the classic early albums, a Christmas album, and the double disc Thyrty: The Thirtieth Anniversary Collection.
By 2001 only two original members, Gary Rossington and Billy Powell, were left in Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, they'd become a virtual Southern-rock supergroup with the addition of guitarists Ricky Medlocke (Blackfoot) and Hughie Thomason (Outlaws). Medlocke had been a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd back in the beginning (albeit as a drummer), while Thomason's Outlaws had frequently opened for Skynyrd in the Seventies. Johnny Van Zant's continued involvement kept it all in the family. Still waving the rebel flag, Lynyrd Skynyrd released Vicious Cycle in 2003. Thirty years had passed since the release of their debut album, and Lynyrd Skynyrd was, despite incalculable setbacks, still making music.
Inductees: Bob Burns (drums; born November 24, 1950, died April 3, 2015), Allen Collins (guitar; born July 19, 1952, died January 23, 1990), Steve Gaines (guitar; born September 14, 1949, died October 20, 1977), Ed King (guitar, bass; born September 14, 1949, died August 22, 2018), Billy Powell (keyboard; born June 3, 1952, died January 28, 2009), Artimus Pyle (drums; born July 15, 1948), Gary Rossington (guitar; born December 4, 1951), Ronnie Van Zant (vocals; born January 15, 1948, died October 20, 1977), Leon Wilkeson (bass; born April 2, 1952, died July 27, 2001)


text:
TBIRD10646 necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 49 diseños de 19 diseñadores freelance.
I already have a website, which is in dire need of a facelift. What I need is a banner designed, and for the theme of that design to be transferred throughout the site.
Tom Bird Seminars Inc.
See below - you will get a good feel for who I am, what I want and what I need from you from the description below and from the info housed on the mock up of my site
- Item 1... Click on www.alpsfs.com/sites/Tom-Bird/index.php to see the current mock up of my site. I want my banner redesigned for my site, with my logo and any other copy taken out and replaced by the title Transform from an Aspiring Writer to a Published Author. Really highlight the words Published Author. As part of the banner, I want my photo placed in the left had portion - which brands not only me but the site. As a point of reference, I want it to carry the same style as the site designed by my good buddy who owns automaticbestseller.com (you can go there to check out what he has done), and I would like to focus all design around three colors - purple, gold and white. Please note that I am asking for first my site to be redesigned and then for the four sales pages attached to that site to be redesigned along the lines of what is done on automaticbestseller.com, and then I will have them posted separately. Since I am asking for basically one design to be shared with five separate entities - my site and then the four pages - this should not be much of a challenge for the right person. It is important that all backgrounds for text be white and that the letters for all banners be in 3D Gold Block. All headlines need to be in Veranda and all text be in Arial. Space on the site needs to be left in the center for a video of me. Here again is a link to the mock up of my site -www.alpsfs.com/sites/Tom-Bird/index.php
Item 2 ...Once a design has been established for my site, I will then need for you to transfer that same basic design to four separate, stand alone sales pages. The copy for the first of these sales pages can be found by clicking on the above site. On the lefthand side you will see a button which reads Write Your Book in Eight Days..... The copy I need for this stand alone sales page is already there. How it is presented though needs to be vastly changed. You will note some notes by me in the text to the person I had setting up the page. His name is David. Follow my instructions to a tee. I want this page, wider margins included, to replicate the feel and style of the sales page automaticbestseller.com. Don't worry about borrowing anything from this page. The owner of the site is a very close friend of mine and has told me that it is fine with him for us to take whatever designs we want. So my page needs to look like his. Please note that, when clicked on, my page should increase to widened margins and immediately become void of all the distracting info, with the exception of the About Tom button, that is housed on my site.Item 3...The same steps performed in Item 2 then need to be replicated for the text linked to the buttons on my site Find the Perfect Literary Agent for You; A Simple, Fast, Easy way to write a book; and Join a Mastermind Group. I want them all to have the same feel look and design. Please note though that the copy linked to A Simple, Fast, Easy is not finished copy. So here is what I need you to do. While you are getting to work on this, I will be rewriting some of the copy that needs touched up. Offer me your ideas for the design of the homepage of my site, my the site in general and the first of the four sales pages. Once you work is then accepted, I will give you the go ahead but I will need this work completed pronto! I am already behind and I need to get my site and sales pages launched yesterday. Thank you for you interest. I am looking forward to potentially working with you. I hope this is the beginning of a very long term, fertile relationship....Tom Bird
- I feel that what I want has been opening and clearly stated above. So anything that would vary from that, unless approved by me in advance, would be contrary to what I want.


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Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sundays in February are Terrible
Holy cripes was today ever a wasteland for TV sports viewing. It was EXACTLY the kind of afternoon that should have been filled with baseball games. I can't watch golf. It's dreadful.
You can tell it's time for the season to start, because we've re-hashed all the exact same questions about the Blue Jays nine or ten times over. There is nothing left to discuss. Of this I am convinced.
But hey, no sense letting that stop me, right? Let's talk about the outfield some more.
Of the Blue Jays position battles to take place this spring, the most scrutiny is likely to be given to the outfield. The Jays are heading into camp with Jose Bautista, Colby Rasmus, Travis Snider, Eric Thames, Rajai Davis and Ben Francisco, set to fight it out for three full-time spots. Realistically, though, the battle is between Davis, Francisco, Snider and Thames for left field and a bench spot as a fourth outfielder. Drilling down even further, the focus for many is the Snider vs. Thames question.
But what happens with the bench, and the resulting impact on the bullpen, is potentially intriguing. Alex Anthopoulos has indicated a willingness to carry five outfielders, which is a configuration we haven't often seen with the Jays in recent years.
Presumably, carrying an extra outfielder would come at the expense of the bullpen, which in turn might have an impact on the types of relief pitchers the team carries. That is, with one fewer reliever on the roster, it might be a good idea to carry bullpen arms that can log more innings. Carlos Villanueva fits that bill, and so does Jesse Litsch, and so does Luis Perez – all three have starting experience.
And then there's the question of options. Perez is out of them.
If they keep five outfielders (with Davis and Francisco on the bench, and one of Snider or Thames in AAA), they can keep only seven relievers. Six of them are going to be Sergio Santos, Casey Janssen, Darren Oliver, Jason Frasor, Francisco Cordero and Carlos Villanueva. The seventh will be one of Litsch or Perez. It's hard to think Perez doesn't have a leg up, given the fact that he's a lefty and is out of options.
From where I sit, keeping five outfielders is going to keep Jesse Litsch off the 25-man roster, although given the not-terrible performance he delivered once he became a reliever late last season, he's not a bad security blanket to have available to call upon in case of injury.
I still have trouble sorting out exactly how Ben Francisco fits into the Blue Jays' plans this season. But the five-outfielder situation does give Anthopoulos a certain amount of the flexibility he so values. Having a surplus of viable major league relievers and outfielders may seem out of place in April, but it can be a nice problem to have later in the summer. It's a long season. On the field, guys struggle and get hurt. Off the field, as we've seen, players like these can be the stuff of important transactions.
Posted by Anonymous at 9:38 PM
2 comments:
- DaveC said...
The Jays having eight relievers at times last year annoyed me. Any more than seven is bizarre, given how few bench spots they'd have already.
I'd say the fifth outfielder would affect their bench configuration (two outfielders/one infielder/one catcher) more than their bullpen, but I liked the breakdown you had there on the 'pen anyway.
- February 12, 2012 at 9:59 PM
Love you, man.
- February 18, 2012 at 12:07 AM
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One year ago, ColinResponse and his band won Talent Quest in Cognac.What happened this passed year?
Known for its sense of electro-clash performance, the independent band Pet Conspiracy released the full scope of its decibels during a Secret Session in Hong Kong organised by Hennessy. In the eclectic spirit of Chai Wan nights, the five members of the band from Beijing got the party started at one of the most popular Art Basel evenings in Hong Kong.
The Hennessy Artistry 2013 campaign officially kicked off with Nigerian star, D'banj.
In just a few notes, the synthetic groove laid down by the trio made up of Budamunk, Takumi Kaneko and Mimismooth ignited the multicolored interior of the Spes-Lab art gallery, during a Secret Session organized in Tokyo.
Since the release of his first album in 2004, cleverly entitled "Mood", Robert Glasper has been blending rhythmic experimentation and new sound tones. This reflector of metaphors and harmonies is an extraodinary jazz pianist and gave an outstanding performance at 446 Broadway with his trio during a Home Session by Hennessy.
Invited by Hennessy to play an acoustic jam session in the barrel-making factory, Colin, lead singer of the band ColinResponse, chose to sing "Irresistible"
The Japanese singer Yohei Miyake met the senegalian artist Latyr Sy for an incredible acoustic performance.
On Friday, April 12, 2013, Hennessy V.S hosted the ultra-exclusive Hennessy V.S presents DETAILS @ Midnight event held at the beautiful Thatcher Estate in Bermunda Dunes, CA.
Multi-faceted artist, Saul Williams beats the clichés since the release of his first album Amethyst Rock Star. Invited by Hennessy at the Blues Passions Festival in 2012, the master of alternative Hip Hop performed an exceptional concert. Back on this journey immersed in the world of the Maison.
An apartment; a get-together; a jam session. Hennessy presents a "Home Session" for a very private journey with the artist Rover.
He reveals himself in a few words.
Lilly Wood & The Prick celebrate during a Hennesy home session, the release of their new album: The Flight. Their lodge, improvised by using the terrace overlooking the Parisien rooftops tell the story of an intimate moment spent in close company.
The French singer Imany met the Barbados-born members of NexCyx on July 8, 2012.
Five very different people. An eclectic mix of music traditions. NexCyx's intriguing blend helped them win Hennessy's 1st edition of its talent quest: "Chase the Music. Own the Stage."
Mayer Hawthorne plays with soul in a new context.
Hennessy artistry
Naeto C and M.I to combine their talents for a Hennessy experience
Samon Kawamura creates the perfect modern musical mix.
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Watch Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) : Full Movie Online Free Disaster strikes when a criminal mastermind reveals the identities of all active undercover agents in Britain. The secret service can now rely on only one man - Johnny English. Currently teaching at a minor prep school, Johnny springs back into action to find the mysterious hacker. For this mission to succeed, he'll need all of his skills - what few he has - as the man with yesterday's analogue methods faces off against tomorrow's digital technology.
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Johnny EnglishRowan Atkinson
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Nokia has been pushing out a few backend updates for their Windows Phone 8 Lumias. The latest two come today with another one happening earlier in the week.
Unfortunately, we cannot tell you what has changed, as the updates have no change log. Neither can we share with you the direct store links, since these are system apps. But here are the new version numbers...
- Feedback to Nokia – 188.8.131.52
- Network+ - 22.214.171.124
- Extras + Info – 126.96.36.199
We imagine that Nokia is tidying up a few things here and there with these updates. For instance, the Extras + Info can deal with the Super Sensitive Touch display switch or the Dolby Headphones/Equalizer settings in addition to network configuration files.
Some have mistakenly confused this update with the ability to "keep Wi-Fi on" when the screen is locked, but we would know if that was there as it would be an option. So far, we can't see anything new but we're sure something got better somewhere for someone. Thanks to all who sent this tip in!


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I am going to Riga, Latvia for two days in few days.
Out of your experience, what should I go look at and where should I eat.
Any suggestions?
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I am going to Riga, Latvia for two days in few days.
Out of your experience, what should I go look at and where should I eat.
Any suggestions?
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I was in Riga this summer. There are some interesting sights there. First I would recommend just strolling around the beautiful old town. It isn't too big, but there are a lot of small restaurants, cafes, and bars, where you can have a drink.
Unfortunately, it can happen that there are a lot of English stag parties that are sometimes a little bit annoying, especially if they are heavily drunk.
Worth a visit is the cathedral, particularly because it is possible to ascend to a platform from which you have a superb view over the whole old town and also most parts of the newer parts of Riga.
Next to the cathedral there is a square, surrounded by some beautiful old buildings.
Just on the other side of this square there is a museum that explains the occupation of Latvia. In Latvian it is called
Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs. As a plus, the entry is for free.
On the other side of the old town, there is a freedom monument, that is also worth a visit if you're interested in history. It commemorates the day Latvia became independent of Russia (after WW1 and not in the 1990s). Exactly, it was built to mark the 17th anniversary of Latvia's declaration of independence. This monument also marks the border between the old town and the city center. Usually it is surrounded by red and white flowers. This is because in the Soviet area, flowers were banned!
Next to this freedom monument there is also a nice park in which you can chill and hang around.
If you're an architect, I would also recommend to go to the Swedbank headquarters. It is the first skyskraper that was built in Latvia (2004). Although there is a cafe on top of the tower, you can't go in there if you don't have a friend that is working at Swedbank.
A little bit outside of the old town there is a TV tower. It looks a little bit like the Eiffel tower and it is the tallest building in all Baltic states. There is also a platform for visitors with a 360 degree panorama.
If you're interested in old Soviet style buildings, I would go to take a look at the academy of sciences. The local population is not keen on this building, because it was built by a Russian architect and it was a gift from the Soviets to mark the western bounds of their empire.
I also thought that the market place is a very interesting place to visit. It is located in two huge old halls where airships were built. It used to be one of the most modern and largest markets in 1930s. Today it is still very impressive, and you will also be able to cover your second question there, i.e. there is a lot of food available.
Some very famous buildings are the houses of the three brothers.
And also the Orthodox cathedral is worth a visit.
And last but not least, you have to try the Black Balsam, a traditional liqueur.
All images are from Wikipedia.


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Photography by Flor de Maria Rivera. Tune into Flor's blog flordemariafashion.com for more coverage of Fashion Week. Flor will also be contributing to the CFL Fashion Week Blog!


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Ro Home Shop
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About The Shop
Ró offers a curated selection of danish inspired furniture as well as reclaimed furniture made here in Buffalo NY, Scandinavian dishware, original artwork, and specialty home goods from innovative design firms. Our passion for worldly culture and strong connection to ethical design practices is reflected in our product choices. We strive to introduce our customers to beautiful items that promote a peaceful environment and last a lifetime.
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With an impeccable eye for color, texture, and scale, our stylists go beyond traditional decorating to create unexpected moments that pique the imagination and emanate beauty.
The services we offer are as follows:
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Roderick "Rod" Ball Jr. was 6 when the first tingling pain began in his leg. Although the MRIs and X-rays showed perfectly healthy legs, his pain got worse.
By the time he was 7, the pain started in his back, and doctors discovered a benign tumor growing on his spine. By fifth grade, his legs became so weak he needed crutches, then a wheelchair.
Finally, one May 2009 night in an emergency room in his hometown of Atlanta, Rod's pain became so severe that doctors could only suggest rendering him unconscious.
"They can sedate you to the point where they just put you out, and that's what they wanted to do," Roderick Ball Sr. said.
He remembered that Saturday night, feeling helpless in the face of his son's pain.
Doctors at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite had not wanted to operate on the tumor, called a schwannoma, which grows on the sheath of tissue that surrounds nerves,
Ball said.
"There's nothing you can do," he said. "I guess this was just God's intervention. I just started surfing the Web, and I found Dr. Belzberg."
Through his parents' perseverance, 11-year-old Rod now has a second chance at walking. Ball had found a surgeon who specialized in schwannomas at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
"I e-mailed him, and in 15 minutes, he e-mailed me back," Ball said. "I couldn't even believe it."
Specialists at Johns Hopkins believe Rod has a rare condition called schwannomatosis, which affects 1 in 40,000 people.
It took two separate surgeries -- the first lasted 12 hours -- to remove the basketball size mass that was pressing on Rod's spine and displacing his organs.
"He's the worst one I've seen, in terms of just sheer tumor load," said Dr. Allan Belzberg, who operated on Rod in November.
Belzberg is the director of the Peripheral Nerve Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
"Having said that, we see patients who have schwannomatosis and these are just terrible conditions," he said.
Schwannoma Tumors Cause Numbness, Weakness and Pain
Dr. Amanda Peltier of the American Academy of Neurology said that schwannomas form on the outside of periphery nerves "like your sciatic nerve, or your funny bone." Most often they form at the first nerves leaving the skull near the ear and can cause hearing loss and balance problems.
Peltier said benign schwannomas such as Rod's won't grow into the nerve, but they can grow so big that they crush the nerve.
"So, for example, a schwannoma of the sciatic nerve would cause weakness of the leg so you wouldn't be able to pick up your foot or bend your leg, and the back of your leg would feel numb," she said.
Rod's Condition Is Rare Among Rare Conditions
Experts say it's rare to develop a schwannoma at Rod's age.
"A typical age for developing a schwannoma would be between 20 and 50 years old," Dr. Nicole Ullrich, a neurooncologist at Children's Hospital Boston, said.
Even if doctors had caught Rod's schwannoma at age 7, Ullrich said, any delay in surgery might do long-lasting damage to the nerves.
"The concern with the delay in the surgery is how much function he's going to recover," she said.
Belzberg said Rod's condition is rare, even among people with schwannomas.
Often schwannomas are caused by a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis II, where schwannoma tumors can grow all over the body. But Rod's tumors seem to be confined to his spine and abdomen.
"It's more likely he's going to have something called schwannomatosis, and segmental schwannomatosis because it's isolated to a certain area of the body," Belzberg said.
In Rod's case, Belzberg said, a random mutation caused the tumors.
"Schwannomatosis, if that's what he has, is quite rare," Belzberg said. "It's somewhere on the order of 1 in 40,000 people. He will probably grow these tumors in this segment of his body for the rest of his life."
Belzberg said Rod's first tumor had pressed so long on his spine that pieces of his vertebrae eroded away.
Tumor Cause Unbearable Pain, Possible Damage
"It was horrid," Belzberg said. "When he presented, he was just in agony and very medicated for pain and even with very high doses of narcotics he was just in horrible pain."
During the first operation, another surgeon had to place titanium rods along Rod's spine to support the areas eroded by the tumor. A second surgery removed most of the tumor in his abdomen that pushed on Rod's organs.
But some damage had been done to Rod's legs during the time he could not walk. His muscles contracted, and his spine had curved. Ball said the family tried physical therapy to straighten out Rod's legs, but after months the family and doctors could see it was not working.
Belzberg said, "To put him in a better position, it was easier to break his bones surgically and to realign things."
Rod will be able to walk again after he heals, Belzberg said.
The boy's father said, "He's in braces right now … you can wear shoes in them and it allows him to stand up. The prognosis is he will be walking, there's no doubt about it. How well, we don't know."
Rod said, "I've learned to cope with the pain. I've learned that sometimes when you have pain, you just have to work through."
The family has made arrangements for him to fly back to Baltimore four times a year for tests. Rod will likely have to have four MRIs a year for the rest of his life to makes sure his tumors aren't growing out of control.
Researchers are looking for medications to treat schwannomas, Belzberg said, but watchful waiting and surgery are the only treatments.
Boy Has Chance to Walk Again
"I have to say I feel a lot better after the surgery," said Rod, who said it still hurts sometimes. "But I'm a lot more mobile, and I've been able to do some things that I wanted to."
For now, Rod said, he's happy to just invite friends over again, to go to school or to play with his two sisters, ages 13 and 8.
"They like to run around and play with my dog, chase her and let my dog chase us," he said.


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Innov8iv necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 105 diseños de 18 diseñadores freelance.
Nicole Rigato
Nicole Rigato is an Energy Healer who works with people to identify and draw on the energy that is within them to enable change in their health and their lives. Nicole works with people from many backgrounds including Mothers that are having problems conceiving and Corporate Executives who are struggling with the pressure of their work. Nicole's work is not linked to any religion but it is grounded in spirituality.
We would like the logo to be an ORIGINAL logo design that is inspired by the following artwork:
We want the logo design to appear above the name "nicole rigato" written in a modern sans serif font (for example Century Gothic, or something similar).
Nicole needs a logo that incorporates her name and the concept of a heart that is radiating energy and connecting with other hearts so that they too can radiate energy. I have attached an image that Nicole likes that represents the sort of look she is wanting for the symbolism of the hearts radiating energy.
Nicole has summarised what she hopes her clients will achieve by using her services as follows:
- an experience of freedom and expansion that comes from a place of alignment and expression of their inner truth.
a sense of feeling the interconnectedness of all of existence, hence no longer feeling alone, unsupported and powerless to create change in their life.
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- To wake up with a sense of excitement about their life and the endless possibilities and opportunities that are there for everyone!
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You, Martin Bryan, wrote: ++ ++ At 20:22 16/10/96 +0100, Bert Bos wrote: ++ ++ >The next version of HTML will have a CLASS attribute on (nearly) all ++ >elements, as described in several documents ([1], [2], [3], [4]). The ++ >intention is to allow authors to attach semantic information to ++ >element ++ ... ++ ++ >So it appears that case-conversions are language dependent. That's ++ >why, for example, there is setlocale() in POSIX. But is it practical ++ >to make the case rules for CLASS dependent on the language? Where ++ >would you get the language from? ++ > ++ >Or do we change the interpretation of CLASS, and say that it is just a ++ >code (class=xyz12, class=p-89x), that doesn't have to be ++ >human-readable? In that case ASCII is all we need. ++ > ++ >What do people think? ++ ++ There is another side to this problem as well. Suppose I put ++ class=name as an attribute and a Frenchman puts class=nom. ++ Sematically these are the same, but there is no way that case conversion ++ will help to determine this. ++ ++ What we really need is something, like the RFCs relating to REV and REL, ++ which suggest a set of useful class names that could be applied by anyone, ++ irrespective of their country of origin. Admittedly most people would not ++ then be able to use their native language to name such transportable ++ classes, but the up-side would be that they would be able to identify ++ information of the class they require without having to search for all the ++ possible names for the class. Indeed. Having a uniform set of names is in my opinion more useful than using class names in a native language. (One can always do that for author-defined classes). After all, the element and attribute names are in English too, aren't they? AbigailReceived on Thursday, 17 October 1996 12:38:54 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Wednesday, 21 September 2016 22:37:16 UTC


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