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I have read that during the first hundreds of thousands of years of human civilizations, people were hunters and gatherers. Prior to them settling down as farmers and building towns, were there markets that they built?
Thank you,
This is pretty much a question of what came first (the chicken or the egg?). When Homo sapiens was hunting and gathering, the sharing of whatever was caught, butchered or gathered was usually for immediate or extended family, and later within the clan. As farm communities were settled and then expanded into permanent towns, people could afford to be more specialized, depending on each one's talent, and start bartering their wares among each other. It was the economic stability made possible by farming and herding that led to the surpluses in food and other commodities that in turn made the forming of markets in the center of town—and later, the city— inevitable.
Jon Guttman
Research Director
World History
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Poker is really a game that's been enjoying a record high when it comes to recognition recently. People of every age group and all backgrounds happen to be bitten through the poker bug. Individuals glitz and glamor stars haven't been able to escape in the benefit of poker like a bet on entertainment. Lead actors […]Read More
Do you want to promote your online gambling site? For effective promotion of a gambling or casino website, you need to build a strong link index. There are many techniques which gambling webmasters are using to build their link network. If your casino site has a strong link network, then it will get more visibility […]Read More
Team development includes a dynamic that will help empower your tem within their personal lives. Allow me to illustrate. Someone once explained in regards to a funeral they'd attended. It had not been a lot they understood the lady, but she was mom of part of their team. Funeral songs were sang and also the […]Read More

subset: commoncrawl


text: Very interesting! Montana ranchers showing ranching work, trying, and succeeding, in saving some of the Montana landscape from development. I thought, "you go cowboys!!" Farmers in Nebraska and Kansas showing farming and crop work. Much of which I already knew and had done during my high school years. Of course, the equipment used today is by far more technical and advanced than in my years. Commercial fishermen showing what the do and legally battling regular fishermen concerning fishing "rights".


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Steve points out a pair of nice articles in the New York Post:
We get the sense that it'll all work out for Frances, which is comforting. But despite the indomitable Gerwigian charm the character is barely on the right side of cliché — a manic pixie dream girl twirling her way through youth.And:
A new Queen of Quirk is in town. Greta Gerwig is quickly conquering the indie film world with her laid-back look, goofy persona and Everygirl roles. She's also drawn comparisons to another of Hollywood's more oddball leading ladies, Diane Keaton.


text: In an age when user-uploaded porn is more accessible than fast food chains in the hood, watching a film featuring scantily-clad Hollywood actresses doesn't tingle our sexual fantasies as it did, say, 15 years ago when we sharpened our naked swords with Striptease. So if you're trawling for NSFW visuals in this Elektra Luxx trailer, we're sorry, but you'll be disappointed. However, keep your triple-X-rated goggles on, because an abundance of hot chicks, including Carla Gugino, Adrianne Palicki, Emmanuelle Chriqui, and Malin Akerman, roam in this sequel to 2009's Golden-Raspberry-worthy Women In Trouble. Although it'd be pleasant to witness all the aforementioned actresses engaging in verbs commonly applied in construction sites, we understand this low-budget sex comedy, directed by Sebastian Gutierrez, doesn't plan to go that low, literally. If you feel so inclined, mark your calendars for the movie's March 11 opening. Or, you can just wait a year or two like us, when TNT begins airing it after 3 a.m. on Friday nights.


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Roast Lamb & Rosemary Pie by Elizabeth's Kitchen Diaries
This Roast Lamb & Rosemary Pie recipe from Elizabeth's Kitchen Diaries includes a homemade pastry recipe that was her Grandmother's.…
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This Roast Lamb & Rosemary Pie recipe from Elizabeth's Kitchen Diaries includes a homemade pastry recipe that was her Grandmother's.…
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How is it possible we have never met any aliens yet?
Do you know what the Fermi paradox is? It states that the Universe is enormous, it's made of a trillion galaxies with 500 billion stars and planets each. Only a small fraction of planets are capable of bringing life, though! So, it is obvious that aliens don't just axist, but there probably are many different species of aliens…how is it possible that we have never met them or they have never found us, then?
The answer may be that the Universe is too expansive or that the intelligent life tends to destroy itself.
Given the fact that our planet is only 4,5 billion years old (quite young comparing to the rest of the Universe), it's plausible that most aliens are smarter that us. If that is true, would they ever notice the human race? Would you ever notice the trillions microbes in your body? No, unless they give you health problems.
We may suppose that every biological species would at some point evolve into machines and then into intelligent energy. The good news is that we are about to meet the best aliens out there that will school us somehow…why? Because the Universe is precious and the humans may be able to level the entire universe by conducting physics experiments. Aliens will let us know what it is that we can or can't do as soon as we mess with the real estate of the Universe.


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Exeter Chiefs are the Champions of England
It's a sentence that nobody pre-2015 expected to be written and yet Tony Rowe (Exeter's Chairman) has been planning for this moment for at least 10 years. In 2009 he saw an opportunity to follow through on his dream of creating a rugby dynasty and it was a moment in time that went under the radar for many rugby fans. Hardly a blip on the national seismometer was felt when an ex-player was chosen to coach his old team halfway through the regular season. However, in the quiet South West of England a rugby giant had been in slumber and they'd finally found the man who could wake it up.
We should all know the story of Exeter in some form or other, a Championship side come good, rising through the ranks to become champions of England. But this isn't a fairy-tale story out of the blue like Leicester City, this is a story of growth and positive trendlines on various graphs with smart transfers and fantastic coaching. Fans of Exeter will know that this club has always had these grand ambitions and I don't think Tony Rowe has ever tried to keep them quiet. My Grandad, a man who once played for Exeter and still lives in Devon, confidently assured me early on that not only was Tony Rowe a smart businessman but that he wanted Exeter to be the best in Europe one day. I nodded along in 2010 thinking that they had a long way to go unsure that they could ever compete with the big money now kicking about. However, there was a belief, even back then, in Devon that something special was happening and that the structures they were building would only get better.
The first step was the internal promotion of a phenomenon and a club man in Rob Baxter, win or lose he's unflappably honest and forthright with his observations. His press conferences and interviews aren't a particularly hard-line style that often gets praised in the sporting arena. Instead, he takes a completely genuine approach towards his love for the game and Exeter Rugby Club explaining things almost as if he were an outsider. But as soon as you scratch the surface of this perfect analyser you see nothing but his drive and love for the rugby club that he has devoted a large portion of his life towards. The ethos that he has created is probably going to be looked at in the future as, if not unobtainable then, unique. It's one that has ignored big money marquee signings and instead focused on precise roles that are required for Exeter to build a winning squad. Smart signings of players that don't appear in the limelight and in some cases are written off as ending their career. Be it for the personality of the individual off the pitch or the dynamics of their play on it, Baxter has found a way to create a team that is incredibly cohesive so much so they have taken on all comers and won.
This high level of squad depth is a huge part of Exeter's success and the fact that they have two top level 15s within their wider squad is incredibly powerful. Baxter has repeatedly cited this a major factor when setting up for big games. He can tell his other training players to play as Wasps would and these top tier players will then run the ball from anywhere and try and simulate Cipriani's hitchkick. If you have a squad of 30 top tier players you are able to train and prepare in a much more competent way than if you only have a top tier squad of 23. This is further backed up by the fact that Exeter have been repeatedly winning the A league with players like Campagnaro and Tom Johnson playing part roles. This is part of the development process and creates a club inclusivity that if you play at any level for Exeter you are part of something bigger. Imagine the squad that keeps Campagnaro out of it for so long that he has to get game time in the A league; it would have to be stacked, and it is – but not with big names. Now let's have a very brief history lesson.
Focused on Bristol being the likely winners of the championship the established big boys were happy that the world of rugby was business as usual. Big money spending was gradually increasing but overall it was a natural trend given the increased market and professionalism involved in the game. They, rightly, were focused on themselves, building their squads and skills for the coming season. Even so, it probably came as a small shock when they saw the news that it would be Exeter, not Bristol joining them in the Premiership next season. But, upsets happen in playoff rugby so the shock was neutered by the sense that they would go straight back down and in the media during pre-season Exeter were written off. Coming second in the Championship was not enough they were told and they would never survive at the higher premiership level.
Exeter started their campaign in 2010 unafraid with nothing to lose. Even to this day, Exeter have held onto the label of the underdog and never was it truer than in 2010. Predictions had Exeter getting relegated at worst to scraping past the drop on losing bonus points at best. Exeter finished 8th out of 12 a good 20 points clear of the drop and the fans started to understand that the Premiership was where they belonged.
A few years pass and Exeter have maintained their position within the premiership and wholly improved their image within rugby. In fact, in their second year they reach the lofty heights of 5th only just missing out on reaching the playoffs. It was a slow grind but the loyalties kept towards players that had brought Exeter so far were paying off. Hayes, Steenson, Dollman, Matt Jess and especially Scaysbrook were showing their class match after match. Scaysbrook was nominated for Aviva player of the season 2011-12 and it was extremely obvious that nobody could play this team expecting an easy win. This ability to cause upsets using bonus point rugby won them fans throughout the league.
Name brand talent and club spending are not the be all and end all for winning in rugby. This is not to say that Exeter players are not dripping with talent and ability, no. But it is to say that held up to individuals in other teams you might not make them your first pick. For example, you would probably not pick Luke Cowan Dickie (LCD) over Hartley or Schalk Brits. Or in the backs choose Dollman or Devoto over Le Roux, Beale or Watson and yet these players are the backbone of Exeter Chiefs success. With a squad depth that shows you don't need to run at a loss to be competitive Exeter are right now at the pinnacle of sporting achievement and are aiming higher still. They've proven that expansion and ambition don't need to come from purely external factors. But crucially that change started from within can be enough to snowball towards success.
The biggest examples that come to mind are in the forwards. Geoff Parling, Thomas Waldrom and Mitch Lees (special mention to J. Salvi). These names are unlikely to strike fear into the hearts of a traveling pack and at certain points in time have all been wrongly condemned to the scrap heap. Waldrom was touted as on a downward trend when he moved to Exeter in 2014 and at 31 it didn't seem a bad assessment. Parling also had a similar tag in 2015, dropped from the England squad and in no man's land career wise again at the age of 31. Baxter saw their potential and experience along with a desire to continue playing the game with ambition. As soon he gave them a glimpse of opportunity in a positive environment they grabbed on with both hands and refused to let go. This hunger and unity has helped create an awesome attacking maul and a secure lineout that is fundamental to Exeter's success.
Mitch Lees' acquisition to the Exeter forward pack is a bit different from Parling and Waldrom. Playing for London Welsh in 2014 he was snapped up before they achieved promotion. In what now looks like clairvoyance, Baxter and his team managed to acquire Lees in April pre the playoffs. As someone looking back I don't know the inner workings of this acquisition but it is obvious that Baxter is wholly confident in Championship players being able to perform in the Premiership under his tutelage. Mitch Lees has now gone on from playing in the championship to winning in the Premiership Final. For any other rugby team this would be a story unto itself but for Exeter, they have these in abundance.
Baxter's balance in the forwards has always been a strength especially the stability of their rolling maul. It is sometimes touted, even by the best coaches (looking at you Hansen), that anybody can have a good rolling maul and it is impossible to defend against. You buy some monstrous players get them low and you'll shunt the opposition ten yards backward with ease. The reality is somewhat different.
At the bare minimum you need an imperious lineout which even for the best hookers and locks in the business is no guarantee, just ask Rory Best. Then you need those eight monstrous players to get low and drive another set of monstrous players ten yards back to score with apparent ease. All without losing their feet or stalling too many times. Rob Baxter's Exeter is extremely good at those things and it serves as a lethal weapon. It is part of the reason that Thomas Waldrom was the top try scorer in the Premiership during the two previous seasons.
It is here at the end of discussing forwards that I want to mention a special player. One that doesn't get the highlight reels of Don Armand and may not have the awe-inspiring physical presence of Dave Ewers or the ball carrying flair of Luke Cowan Dickie. He is the heart of the forward pack and according to his Wikipedia page (that doesn't even prompt without specifying rugby), he has never played for another club apart from the Exeter Chiefs. A true club man born in Devon, who hasn't taken a step backwards since his debut in 2008 but has flown under the radar for far too long. An original brought up from the Championship and moulded by Baxter and co to start in the 2017 Premiership final and win.
Ben Moon take a bow.
In the backs, the signings of James Short and Olly Woodburn are now clearly the work of a genius. Both players provide the X factor out wide to an otherwise very reliable side that knows how to run through phases. James Short brought in across codes from Rugby League and Olly Woodburn brought in from the sidelines of Bath they were seen as risky acquisitions. But, as always with Rob Baxter he proves that he's got the measure of the men he brings in and both have been far beyond everybody's expectations.
The progression this team has made is phenomenal but it has been a measured approach. In the 2015/16 campaign, Exeter finished second in both the table and the overall results. Heading into the Final against Saracens Baxter accepted the underdog status happily but not in a secretive 'we can win' style most coaches would do. It was once again a genuine belief that whilst Exeter could win this year it was unlikely and it didn't come across as defeatist but realistic. Only Rob Baxter can pull this off without causing people to lose their mental edge. Sadly for fans in the stadium, myself included, Exeter were beaten in 2016. They only turned up for the second half of the game and by then it was too late and Saracens were in complete control. This, however, was a stepping stone once again to becoming winners and Baxter repeatedly reminded his players and fans that now they had experienced the occasion and the standard required they could come back next year and finish the job. This is exactly what they did.
In 2017 we saw a miracle happen at Sandy Park in a semi-final draw that Exeter had fought hard to avoid they had to play Saracens. With the game ebbing and flowing throughout Saracens pulled ahead near the end and appeared to crush Exeter's chances in a swift efficient manner that only Saracens can do. Up steps Henry Slade. With less than a minute on the clock and a try required the young superstar was given the chance to turn the game on its head. Exeter had won a penalty and Steenson hands the ball to Henry Slade his left boot more suited to swinging the ball into touch from the angle. He now has a shot out of hand from 60 metres in which he had to find the corner to give Exeter a remote chance of winning and reaching the final. With the breeze behind him and throwing caution to the wind you better believe that he found the corner. 60 metres downfield the touch judge raises his arm 5 metres out and the Exeter fans go mad. All the forwards could ever ask for had just been handed to them on a plate, the opportunity to create a driving maul 5 metres out. If you've watched a single Exeter game in the past five years you'll know that this is all they needed. The forwards claim the ball at the lineout set up and roll right over. Euphoria ensues and the belief rolled on to the final.
Over these years I've seen a radical physical change in certain players from their promotion into the Premiership to their current day stature. The backs, in particular, are becoming a different breed of player. Gone in part are the lightweight wings and fly halves. Baxter has taken a group of ball playing skill merchants and made them massive. Whatever diet and exercise routine they have them on in the South West appears to be working a treat. Gareth Steenson over the last few years has transformed himself into a muscle-bound defensive leader who leads the line much like Brad Barritt. Jack Nowell was by no means small but the power he generates from a standing start takes teams by surprise every single time. Ollie Devoto, one of Baxter's smart signings gutting a future player away from a rival and adding strings to his bow. Devoto is another prime example of seeing the potential in a young player and giving him the tools required to become a champion. He was always tall but now he's powerful and this combination of his footballing ability means he's a true threat nowadays.
With Watson, JJ, Tapuai, Fruean, Ford, and Homer playing for Bath Devoto was destined to sit on the bench for the foreseeable future. Baxter gave him an opportunity to seize his moment early and he has taken it by bulking up and growing into his potential. With the guiding hand of Whitten next to him, he has shown himself to be a fantastic addition to a fantastic squad. So much so he keeps the energetic livewire that is Campagnaro warming the bench for the first 60minutes of most games.
It does not always play out this way however.
Henry Slade.
This name comes up constantly as the star man for Exeter. A future England star with the potential to light the world up on a rugby pitch. It is a fair assessment.
When he's on form there are very few players better to watch than Henry Slade. Whether it's his balance on the ball or his kicking out of hand it's always exciting. There was a moment at the beginning of the season where it looked like Steenson's crown was going to be passed down to the younger more exciting apprentice. His use at 10 or 13 through the years has caused questions about his true position and this was prophesied by many, including myself, to be the year he moved permanently to fly-half.
This sadly was halted as Exeter got off to a bumpy start to the season losing their first two games in which Slade started at 10. This isn't to say that the fault lies squarely on the shoulders of Slade. In different interviews, Exeter players have pointed to a point early in the season where they all went into the sheds and had a big talk about what they wanted from this season and where they needed to improve. This talk is highlighted by players as when they rallied back towards taking the league by storm. It also appears to collide with the moment that Steenson resumes his regular leading role at 10 and the rest is history.
Baxter has given Slade a long time to become the player he wants before giving him this test. A premiership starter away at Wasps and at home vs Saracens Slade was asked to rise to the forefront of Exeter Chiefs and lead. As baptisms of fire go this one had a lot of preparation and investment behind it along with the knowledge that if all went tits up Steenson was waiting in the wings. A man with a backup plan and a steady hand on the tiller Baxter gives chances but he rarely squanders opportunities.
How Exeter use Slade and Campagnaro in the future will be wholly dependent on who starts to take their opportunities better. Right now the more consistent performer is Campagnaro but then the moments of magic like Slade's 60m touch finder in the Semi-Final come flooding back. I'm leaving this bit open because I am none the wiser on whether Slade will become the one true king.
The future of Exeter looks ridiculously bright. There is a mixture of young and old faces within this current squad each bringing something special to the table. As old heads leave others will replace them. Parling has decided to sign for the Melbourne Rebels in 2018. His job is done for Exeter and he can leave a Premiership Champion to enjoy the sunny shores of a new adventure abroad. Dave Lewis is leaving to join Harlequins and Haydn Thomas retires leaving a hole that needs filling at scrumhalf. In response to these now big name departures, Baxter has once again been smart.
They have signed a young winger in Tom O'Flaherty from the Ospreys and a player who appeared stuck in a rut at Gloucester in Matt Kvesic. There is also the big name signing of Nic White from Montpellier who should be a real asset with the young selection of scrum halves currently playing week in week out and the aforementioned hole in this position (Townsend and Maunder are still quality). On top of these savvy signings there is a promotion from the academy for Sam Simmonds and in Rob Baxter tradition he has signed two more players from the Championship. The first is Toby Salmon a lock from Rotherham the other is the Jersey captain James Freeman a very useful backrow forward. These transfers once again show ambition and a trust in the systems they have proven to work.
The aim is to become the best in Europe and with Baxter always building for the future, I wouldn't bet against them.
Disclaimer – There are swathes of stories and side stories that I have missed out on and I am very aware of most of them. This page will probably get longer and I might have to release it in a paperback format soon if I find my structure.


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Archive for Wednesday, October 24, 2012
39th District candidates clash on tax cuts, education
October 24, 2012
Question: If conservative Republicans are as bad for public education as their opponents contend and the Johnson County electorate is so overwhelmingly pro-education, how are so many local conservatives getting elected to the Kansas Legislature?
Republican Charles Macheers and Democrat Marlys Shulda, the political newcomers running for the vacant 39th District House seat, which represents western Shawnee, have strikingly different answers.
Shulda, who has worked with at-risk youth through positions with the Johnson County Department of Corrections and other agencies, said voters simply haven't yet seen the negative consequences that a conservative Republican governor teamed with a like-minded Legislature will have on education.
"Most voters don't get it," she said. While they've been "living their lives, paying their bills, going to their kids' games," the recession has ushered in an army of "Tea Party Republicans" with a scary collective mindset.
"It's a very simplistic mindset that sees government as evil, that sees taxation as evil, that believes the public education system is severely flawed and tends to believe any form of compromise as politically wrong."
"My primary goal is to be a voice of reason and pragmatism in Topeka as I fight to return education funding to sustainable levels," Shulda said.
Macheers, who owns his own law practice, said the sustainability of all state funding was threatened by the status quo a couple of years ago, when "Kansas was in last place, 50th out of 50 states, in private-sector job growth."
"Growth in the private sector is the key to expanding the tax base and the economic engine behind which our state will prosper," Macheers said.
That's why, if he is elected, he will defend the dramatic income-tax cuts approved by the Legislature last session, while Shulda said she would "strongly support efforts to pare back those tax breaks."
"As it stands," she said, "dramatic cuts to state services are going to be required, with as much as 40 percent of those cuts happening to our schools."
Macheers disputes that assessment. However, he agreed with Gov. Sam Brownback's recent assessment that the state sales tax might have to remain at 6.3 percent for another year, instead of being rolled back to 5.7 percent, to give the tax cuts time to generate their desired effects. One of those effects will be a broader tax base for financing schools, he said.
"I have to say Johnson County is a very Republican county, and that's why our schools are so excellent and so highly rated," Macheers said. "And I think it's very important to remember that the people of the 39th District have voted for the conservative Republican in the last three election cycles, and last summer in the primary, they voted for the conservative Republican in this race."
With a son preparing to enter the public school system next year, Macheers added, "I am not going to let anything happen to take Kansas public education in a backward direction."
Shulda said conservative Republicans including Owen Donahoe, who recruited Macheers to succeed him, have already headed in that direction.
Faced with a large budget surplus that would have allowed restoration of the $400 million cut from education spending during the previous two years, Shulda said, the Legislature last session restored only 10 percent of that amount while giving massive income tax breaks to businesses.
Proponents of the cuts have argued that economic growth will offset the cuts, which are projected to lead to state revenue shortfalls widening to $2.4 billion by 2018. But "in reality," Shulda said, "it would be necessary for every business owner in the state to double their number of employees in order to offset state revenue losses."
Macheers said he believes the revenue gap can be filled through the economic growth the tax cuts will spawn, more efficient state spending, and elimination of tax deductions, exemptions and credits.
"The state of Kansas did not undertake these tax changes because they didn't think it will work," Macheers said. "They think it will work and will work very well."
For precedent, he said, voters can look to the fact that nine of the 10 states with the best performing economies during the recent recession do not collect any income taxes. Macheers said he shares the conservative Republican goal of eventually zeroing out Kansas income taxes, too.
Critics have contended that states that have eliminated income taxes have fared well for other reasons, such as the oil industry in Texas and tourism in Florida. But according to Macheers, the entities that conducted the studies he has reviewed "took out variables like oil and tourism to make apples-to-apples comparisons."
"We have data from other states that have done this before us, so we do have proven results to go by," Macheers said.
He said also had received some "direct evidence right at the doorstep" that the tax cutting plan will work. While campaigning door-to-door recently, Macheers explained, he knocked at the door of a western Shawnee resident who said he was going to move his business, including hundreds of employees, to Kansas "solely based on the new tax policy."
Shulda, however, said the policy threatens to do a lot more harm than good.
The tax cutting bill signed by the governor last session "was so horrifying to moderate Republican senators and Democrats that it was nicknamed 'the nuclear option,'" she said.
More like this story
kac77 7 years, 9 months ago
The fact that Macheers just took the same mailer he used before and swapped opponent names proves he isn't even trying. He thinks that everyone in this state punches the Republican ticket because that's what has always happened. I agree with Shulda that the Republican party isn't the same as it was 4 or 5 years ago. We absolutely have to have more representation in our local government than just ONE side. Believe me, your Republican values are well represented! Why not vote for a few people willing to bring new ideas and challenge the status quo? It's not a democracy when you only have one side making the rules. Come on Shawnee - prove that we won't stand for this guy recycling generic rhetoric. Why not spend a little time telling us what YOU can do instead of twisting Shulda's words and taking them out of context. GO MARLYS SHULDA!
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Publication manual of the American Psychological Association.
6th ed.
Publication Information:
Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, c2010.
Physical Description:
xviii, 272 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
List of tables and figures -- Foreword -- Preface -- Introduction -- Organization of the sixth edition -- Specific changes in the sixth edition -- How to use the publication manual -- 1: Writing For The Behavioral And Social Sciences -- Types of Articles -- Empirical studies -- Literature reviews -- Theoretical articles -- Methodological articles -- Case studies -- Other types of articles -- Ethical and legal standards in publishing -- Ensuring the accuracy of scientific knowledge -- Ethical reporting of research results -- Data retention and sharing -- Duplicate and piecemeal publication of data -- Plagiarism and self-plagiarism -- Protection the rights and welfare of research participants -- Rights and confidentiality of research participants -- Conflict of interest -- Protecting intellectual property rights -- Publication credit -- Reviewers -- Author's copyright on an unpublished manuscript -- Planning for ethical compliance -- 2: Manuscript Structure And Content -- Journal article reporting standards -- Manuscript elements -- Title -- Author's name (byline) and institutional affiliation -- Author note -- Abstract -- Introduction -- Method -- Results -- Discussion -- Multiple experiments -- Meta-analyses -- References -- Footnotes -- Appendices and supplemental materials -- Sample papers -- 3: Writing Clearly And Concisely -- Organization -- Length -- Organizing a manuscript with headings -- Levels of heading -- Seriation -- Writing style -- Continuity in presentation of ideas -- Smoothness of expression -- Tone -- Economy of expression -- Precision and clarity -- Linguistic devices -- Strategies to improve writing style -- Reducing bias in language -- General guidelines for reducing bias -- Guideline 1: Describe at the appropriate level of specificity -- Guideline 2: Be sensitive to labels -- Guideline 3: Acknowledge participation -- Reducing bias by topic -- Gender -- Sexual orientation -- Racial and ethnic identity -- Disabilities -- Age -- Historical and interpretive inaccuracies -- Grammar and usages -- Verbs -- Agreement of subject and verb -- Pronouns -- Misplaced and dangling modifiers and use of adverbs -- Relative pronouns and subordinate conjunctions -- Parallel construction -- 4: Mechanics Of Style -- Punctuation -- Spacing after punctuation marks -- Period -- Comma -- Semicolon -- Colon -- Dash -- Quotation marks -- Double or single quotation marks -- Parentheses -- Brackets -- Slash -- Spelling -- Preferred spelling -- Hyphenation -- Capitalization -- Words beginning a sentence -- Major words in title and headings -- Proper nouns and trade names -- Nouns followed by numerals or letters -- Title of tests -- Names of conditions or groups in an experiment -- Names of factors, variables, and effects -- Italics -- Use of italics -- Abbreviations -- Use of abbreviations -- Explanation of abbreviations -- Abbreviations accepted as words -- Abbreviations used often in APA journals -- Latin abbreviations -- Scientific abbreviations -- Other abbreviations -- Plurals of abbreviations -- Abbreviations beginning a sentence -- Numbers -- Numbers expressed in numerals -- Numbers expressed in words -- Combining numerals and words to express numbers -- Ordinal numbers -- Decimal fractions -- Roman numerals -- Commas in numbers -- Plurals of numbers -- Metrication -- Policy on metrication -- Style for metric units -- Statistical and mathematical copy -- Selecting effective presentation -- References for statistics -- Formulas -- Statistics in text --Statistical symbols -- Spacing, alignment, and punctuation -- Equations -- Equations in text -- Displayed equations -- Preparing statistical and mathematical copy -- 5: Displaying Results -- General guidance on table and figures -- Purposes of data displays -- Design and preparation of a data display -- Graphical versus textual presentation -- Formatting tables and figures -- Table and figure numbers -- Permission to reproduce data displays -- Tables -- Conciseness in tables -- Table layout -- Standard forms -- Relation of tables and text -- Relation between tables -- Table titles -- Table headings -- Table body -- Continence intervals in tables -- Table notes -- Ruling of tables -- Presenting data in specific types of tables -- Table checklist -- Figures -- Principles of figure use and construction -- Types of figures -- Standards for figures -- Figure legends and captions -- Planning figures -- Preparation of figures -- Presenting electrophysiological, radiological, and other biological data -- Electrophysiological data -- Radiological (imaging) data -- Genetic data -- Photographs -- Figure checklist -- 6: Crediting Sources -- When to cite -- Plagiarism -- Self-plagiarism -- Quoting and paraphrasing -- Direct quotation of sources -- Paraphrasing material -- Direct quotations of online material without pagination -- Accuracy of quotations -- Changes from the source requiring no explanation -- changes from the source requiring explanation -- Citations within quotations -- Permission to quote, reprint, or adapt -- Citing references in text -- One work by one author -- One work by multiple authors -- Groups as authors -- Authors with the same surname -- Works with no identified author or with an anonymous author -- Two or more works within the same parentheses -- Secondary sources -- Classical works -- Citing specific parts of a source -- Personal communications -- Citations in parenthetical material -- Reference list -- Construction of an accurate and complete reference list -- Consistency -- Using the archival copy or version of record -- Order of references in the reference list -- References included in a meta-analysis -- Reference components -- Author and editor information -- Publication date -- Title -- Publication information -- Electronic sources and locator information -- providing publication data for electronic sources -- 7: Reference Examples -- Types and variations -- Examples of type -- Periodicals -- Books, reference books, and book chapters -- Technical and research reports -- Meetings and symposia -- Doctoral dissertations and master's theses -- Reviews and peer commentary -- Audiovisual media -- Data sets, software, measurement instruments, and apparatus -- Unpublished and informally published works -- Archival documents and collections -- Internet message boards, electronic mailing lists, and other online communities -- Appendix 7-1: References to legal materials -- General forms -- Text citations of legal materials -- Court decisions (bluebook rule) -- Statutes (bluebook rule 12) -- Legislative materials (bluebook rule 13) -- Administrative and executive materials (bluebook rule 14) -- Patents -- 8: Publication Process -- Editorial process -- Peer review -- Manuscript acceptance or rejection -- Author responsibilities -- Preparing the manuscript for submission -- Complying with ethical, legal, and policy requirements -- Publisher policy requirements -- Working with the publisher when the manuscript has been accepted -- Checklist for manuscript submission -- Appendix: Journal article reporting standards (JARS), Meta-analysis reporting standards (MARS), and flow of participants through each stage of an experiment or Quasi-experiment -- References -- Index.
From the Publisher: With millions of copies sold, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the style manual of choice for writers, editors, students, educators, and professionals in psychology, sociology, business, economics, nursing, social work, and justice administration, and other disciplines in which effective communication with words and data is fundamental. In addition to providing clear guidance on grammar, the mechanics of writing, and APA style, the Publication Manual offers an authoritative and easy-to-use reference and citation system and comprehensive coverage of the treatment of numbers, metrication, statistical and mathematical data, tables, and figures for use in writing, reports, or presentations. The new edition has been revised and updated to include: The latest guidelines and examples for referencing electronic and online sources; New and revised guidelines for submitting papers electronically; Improved guidelines for avoiding plagiarism; Simplified formatting guidelines for writers using up-to-date word-processing software; All new guidelines for presenting case studies; Improved guidelines for the construction of tables; Updates on copyright and permissions issues for writers. New reference examples for audiovisual media and patents; An expanded and improved index for quick and easy access; Writers, scholars, and professionals will also find: New guidelines on how to choose text, tables, or figures to present data; Guidelines for writing cover letters for submitting articles for publication, plus a sample letter; Expanded guidelines on the retention of raw data; New advice on establishing written agreements for the use of shared data; New information on the responsibilities of co-authors.
Subject Term:


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Students and teachers from public, private, and charter schools throughout southern Nevada are invited to attend matinee performances at The Smith Center. Throughout the school year, The Smith Center presents performances by local, regional, national, and international artists to inspire and engage students. Matinee performances represent a variety of arts disciplines and are specifically designed for young audiences of all ages. Supporting curriculum related materials are sent to participating teachers to prepare students for the performances.
Through these performances, we are cultivating the next generation's audience. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, participating schools are offered free admission to these performances.
Information about the student matinee performances is sent out to all CCSD schools through the School-Community Partnership Office at the beginning of each school year along with specific instructions for submitting a request to attend. Requests from schools are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are available.
Private, charter, and homeschool groups interested in attending student matinees may submit inquiries via email to email@example.com.


text: This is going to be fun. So, it's Urban X Award time again and as always, I wonder how many people are sitting behind their computers constantly nominating themselves on a daily basis. I wonder how many people that can't really afford to attend and are not really in the business like that will break their necks as well as bank accounts to fly out to California to attend an event that really does not support them or help further their Adult Internet presence. Now I know the Urban X Awards just popped back up on the scene and I know they have a few kinks to work out, BUT they can be doing a lot better, especially when it comes to their website. Now I do not profess to have the best-looking most fluid sites, but I will say I know how to outsource the work I need to be done to make it look presentable. I sent Urban X Awards a Tweet, as seen below, in which not only did I criticize their websites look, but I also gave them a few compliments on their promotional material and advertising. It took a day or so, but I was responded with the statement below, tell me do they seem mad or what lol. I have a smart mouth, but one thing I do not do is criticize without being able to either fix the problem or point you in the right direction. @UrbanXawards Like I said you need someone that is or will be dedicated to your internet presence and look year around not just a couple months before your money grabbing award show takes place. Also @UrbanXAwards if you don't want to be Criticized than don't be in the Public Eye.


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CLUTCH Featured on the Cover of This Month's Decibel Magazine
Two weeks from today, Clutch will be releasing their new album, Earth Rocker, Weathermaker Music. To celebrate the release of the album, Clutch is featured on the cover of this month's Decibel Magazine.
The magazine features an in-depth interview with the entire band, as well as a special column on craft beer from resident beer expert Jean-Paul Gaster. The issue has been sent to subscribers and is available on newsstands across the country. Copies of the issue can also be purchased here.
Clutch are also found on the back cover of Decibel magazine as part of Converse's ongoing campaign with Decibel Magazine. A 7-minute video of the Converse, Decibel, Clutch collaboration can be viewed below as well as at Decibel Magazine.
Clutch will kick off the first leg of the Earth Rocker North American tour March 8th in Cincinnati, OH and it runs through April 20th in Baltimore, MD. Support on the first leg will come from Orange Goblin, Lionize and Scorpion Child.
The band looks forward to their two SXSW Music Festival appearances in Austin, TX this year. They will play two official "SXSW" shows.
The first one is the indiemerchstore.com showcase Friday, March 15th at 1100 Warehouse. Doors open at 6:30 PM and Clutch will headline the show and take to the stage at 12:15 AM. Admission is free with SXSW Badge and Wristband holders. A limited number of tickets will be sold to fans at the door only.
The following day, Saturday, March 16th, Clutch will play at the Converse/Thrasher "Death Match 2013" event. This showcase takes place at The Scoot Inn and is free and open to the public. Fans are suggested to arrive early as the event is first come, first serve. The event starts at 12 Noon and Clutch plays on the Outside Stage at 5:00 PM.
The second leg of theEarth Rocker North American tour was recently announced and will kick off May 1st in Richmond, VA and runs through May 26th in San Antonio, TX. Support on this run comes from The Sword and Lionize.
Clutch's first ever lyric video for the song "Earth Rocker" is in and can be viewed here.
Earth Rocker is available for pre-order exclusively at the CLUTCH Merch Store
Fans can pre-order the record individually or partake in the special fan-friendly bundle packages that are being offered.


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By Bertiefox
Maine et Loire, France
What is this climber? I obtained this as a cutting last year. It has tiny little buds with fragrant white flowers.
- 28 Jun, 2010
Ooo Bertie this is very Virginia Creeper looking, the flower buds are very similar but I don't think the leaves are right.. not much help I know, sorry, interested in what it is though..
28 Jun, 2010
It does look like a very heavily dissected Parthenocissus quinquefolia Engelmannii..... Could it be a species of Cissus? It's not a genus I know very well, most of them being purely tropical plants....where did the cutting come from Bertie?
28 Jun, 2010
Hmmmm, it could be Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Porcelain Berry) a close relative of both those genera. The narrower leaflets look possible.
28 Jun, 2010
Thanks for the suggestions, gives me a start to do some looking at Google images.
I found it growing at a chateau called Valmer near Tours, where somehow a cutting mysteriously found its way into a plastic bag in my pocket... must have fallen in, I guess. There it was growing rampantly and was covered in bees, which is why I thought it would be good to grow.
Looks like the flowers will open soon which will should make identifying it easier.
Looking at the pics on Google, the porcelain berry looks very promising... I shall have to wait and see if it makes purple berries after flowering.
29 Jun, 2010
I think the arrangement of the long, narrow leaflets - almost completely separated from one another - is rather different from Ampelopsis brevipedunculata.... there is a more heavily dissected form:
but even in that the leaf is very much entire and not divided into leaflets.
Compare with Parthenocissus quinquefolia:
Please do keep us updated on this one Bertie!
29 Jun, 2010
If I still can't identify it when it flowers, I shall go back to the gardens, find a gardener and ask him/her. Thanks for the suggestions so far.
29 Jun, 2010
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text: Serina Kidd, left, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Hava Rohloff of the Park City Ski Team, Erika McCormick of Vail, Colorado, and Sophie Wood of the Park City Ski Team climb to the start of the Super G course on the Narrow Gauge Trail at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley on Tuesday. The athletes will compete during Wednesday's Super G on the first day of the Nature Valley 2015 U.S. Alpine Championships. Athletes were allowed to "free ski" the course on Tuesday. "This allows them to get a feel for the hill," said start referee Bear Bryant of Bethel.


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Low beach chairs – Enjoying life outdoors is an activity that the-best-chair – folding-for-camping many people love. Having the opportunity to explore new paths, discover beautiful places and at the same time share with friends and family is an experience that positively marks life. If you are an expert hiker or you want to start with this practice and make new routes, then you should know the best folding low beach chairs for camping or beach that will make your walks a more comfortable adventure. Many times we want to go to the beach and we only take a towel to lie down in the sand.
However, to the elderly or with reduced mobility, they have a hard time stooping so much and then having to stop again. Pay close attention as we will explain how to choose beach chairs. The first point that you must take into account is that first of all you should look for comfort. Since that is what it is about going to the beach to be comfortable. You want practicality and comfort? So, recommend that you choose a simple folding low beach chairs. This will give you versatility and lightness when traveling. If you are one of those who prefer maximum comfort you should buy a low beach chairs with umbrellas.
So, you can relax in the sand and even read a book without the discomfort of the sun's rays. Beach chairs are very light and easy to transport seats. Low beach chairs are very simple and very practical products. But that does not mean they do not have a great capacity to provide comfort. That is why you must choose the best and discard all alternative to buy second-hand beach chairs. To avoid that, Amazon has excellent options for beach chairs of the highest quality, and at affordable prices that fit your needs and possibilities.


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What do you think of when you hear the term "Indoor Air Quality?" Some Monmouth County homeowners are reminded of old buildings that make people sick. That falls in line with a new term, "Indoor Air Pollution." Other people think of those little ionizing machines. Those little gadgets are just gadgets, and they do not affect the entire indoor environment.
New research on indoor air quality reveals the startling fact that merely walking on your home's carpet can release potentially harmful particles into the air. These particles, when inhaled, lodge themselves in your lungs, potentially contributing to health problems like asthma. The most surprising finding of the research? That walking on carpet and sitting on furniture released as many fine particles as vacuuming. This research hints at a much larger problem: poor indoor air quality in the homes of most consumers. Most homes harbor an alarming assortment of potentially toxic chemicals and substances. Carpet particles, as mentioned in this research, are usually made from synthetic fibers derived from petroleum. Their impact on the lungs is largely unknown.
Every Monmouth County Home abounds with potential air quality risks. It is important to deal with these risks the intelligent way. The first step is to prevent the circulation of contaminants at their source. Your home environment is unique. Indoor air quality will depend on humidity, the age of your Monmouth County home, the type of heating, the choice of furnishing and insulation materials, the presence of pets or smokers, and so forth. Balanced management of your whole home environment is the constructive way to healthy living. Keep aware of the risk factors and avoid them where you can.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions We Offer, Include:


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It is my new mission to become re-obsessed with getting my body in shape. Trimming the fat. Cutting out the shit. Kicking myself up the arse. Why? Because I let myself go – I am a "before" picture. I weighed myself in New York in September of 2010 and then again in NZ back in January this year and I'd put on 12kgs. I was not happy. I knew I'd put on weight and I knew it wasn't even gradual over that time, it was more like the last six or seven months of that, after husband (then boyfriend) and I moved in together. Winter set in and I didn't feel like exercising because our apartment was a nice little dark and cosy cave I found solitude in. And the cupboards had snacks in them. Those naughty cupboards.
A few months ago (before husband arrived in NZ and I was dirt poor) I was starting to swim in my jeans (not actual swimming), my tummy was flattening and clothes were generally getting a bit looser – I could even buckle my belt a notch in, this same belt I used to buckle at the first notch when I first bought it. The reason this was happening was due to biking every day after work because I had no TV to watch and nothing better to do to kill the time before sleep. I also didn't have a lot in the house to eat so I was surviving on pumpkin soup, smoothies, rice and curries. No meat, hardly any dairy and certainly no treats.
Then I started to get paid after a few months of not working, husband arrived bringing a little bit of money with him, then he started working so money was a little more abundant and we could have things in our groceries like cheese and meat and the odd bag of chips, wine, candy and the rest. And a meal out! Usually Indian with rich curries, rice and naan bread AND onion bhajis…creamy, carby foods on a regular basis.
So, even though I was doing my best to keep biking every day after work, there was more food to be eating and the good tv (sky/cable) had been installed; there were less and less reasons to go outside to kill time. I had TV for that now. The biking went down from four to five times a week of 40mins to two or three times, to once and sometimes not at all. I did get sick for a couple of weeks as well as realising I was probably iron deficient which made me tired easily and, in general, I wasn't feeling up to doing much. Since then I have really become too lazy for my own good.
I started back up with my yoga practice a couple of weeks ago as mentioned in this post. It agitates my ribs a little bit but I can feel the improvement in my strength in my arms and am seeing some muscle definition. Now to lose the layer of chub that surrounds it and prevents me from looking like a goddess.
Summer is looming (as well as the NZ version of our wedding) and this body of mine is not in any condition to be seeing the sun in all it's glory, let alone being photographed a thousand times on the happiest day of my life. I was a chubby bride in Canada and I only like one photo because, to me, I looked like a sausage stuffed into a dress at the last minute in the rest of them. I am currently pasty, wobbly and a bit squishy. I am trying to train my brain to eat well, exercise more and to in-still good habits into my day. It's not even so much the junk that I eat, I don't eat a lot of junk. I just eat…a lot. And being gluten intolerant and non dairy friendly, I sometimes can't help myself when it comes to bread and cheese. Scott isn't intolerant of either of those things (just intolerant of me ;)…) so we still have bread and dairy in the house for his lunches.
I used to have the BEST self discipline! I'd say no to any kind of bad food offered to me at a friends house, I'd carry water eeeeverywhere (I still do) and I didn't eat out as often. I also wasn't that into cooking elaborate banquets for my dinner every night like I tend to want to do now. Now that I have a little bit more disposable income, all I want to do is eat out! I love food; I would consider myself an amateur foodie and one of my all time fave things to do is go out and eat. Or stay home and cook. Hang out with friends and cook and eat. And I'm mad at myself. Mad that I used to have a really nice body and I took it for granted and STILL wasn't happy with it. Mad that I've let myself get to this stage when I know what/how to keep the weight off yet I don't do it.
SO I've had enough. I'm at my wicks end. The camel's back hath been broken. I'm starting to take action and hopefully by writing this post, I'll be encouraged to continue with my new good habits. To help me, I've printed out some phrases to stick on the cupboards, fridge and doors of the apartment reminding me why I want to be good. They aren't the nicest phrases and are quite self deprecating but they need to be. I don't loathe myself, I am just disappointed, I WANT to get mad! Personal trainers don't help you lose weight by wrapping their clients in cotton wool and saying "ok, just two press ups and then let's go get ice-cream". No, they yell and they push and they push until the client gets mad and reaches breaking point. There is sweat and there is tears but, ultimately, there is action.
I can't afford a personal trainer and I don't like to be yelled at, so I am the motivator. I am moving in a couple of months so joining a gym is out of the question. The only thing standing in my way is me and maybe torrential rain. It's up to me to get myself on my bike and go for a ride everyday. Not every second day because I feel I deserve a rest – no, every day. With maybe a rest on Sunday – I'll have earned it by then anyway 🙂
As for the treats? Just say no. Just say no. Just say no….


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"Mars is my home world. It respects Irk. So, I hope Irk respects IT!!!!!" -Martin
Mars is a planet that came from the same system as Earth and is the home world of the Martians.
Mars is a red planet with many structures on it. These structures were built by the Martians and are just ancient buildings that are now useless. The Face on Mars is still functioning as a piloting structure for the planet.
Mars used to be located in the same solar system as Earth, but after Zim had to abandon the planet while riding it around trying to squish Earth, the planet flew into the far reaches of space. It is now orbiting a star close to Irk.
The original inhabitants of Mars were green skinned heads that float using special headbands. They were driven to extinction by making their planet into a navigable space vessel. The current inhabitants found the planet after theirs was destroyed, and claimed it as their home.
The current Martians are green-skinned humanoids with dark red eyes and roundish heads. The average Martian is about the same size as an Irken.
Irken ConquestEdit
There was a Martian named Martin who traveled to Planet Irk. He helped fight the Meekrobs, and befriended Lurk. Ever since then, the Martians have been allies of the Irken Empire.


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15 Things You Didn't Know About The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone has endured and enchanted for decades because its themes are timeless, its performances are iconic, and its eerie black and white cinematography transports viewers into, as creator and host Rod Serling famously said, "a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge."
Diehard fans of fantasy, science fiction, and horror who love concise tales with a twist ending have always been able to fall back on this beloved series whenever they're in the mood for a thrill ride. The behind-the-scenes history of The Twilight Zone is in many ways just as fascinating and unusual as the show's most famous episodes. With that in mind, here are fifteen factoids that you might not know about Serling's classic series.
It's impossible for any fan of The Twilight Zone to imagine the series narrated by anyone else than Rod Serling. But the series creator and head writer wasn't network brass' first choice. Wanting a star with a bigger cachet, CBS network trained their sights on actor and filmmaker Orson Welles, whose sonorous baritone freaked out listeners on his 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast.
Serling wasn't fond of Welles however, thinking his style too pompous and distracting. When the network discovered they couldn't afford Welles' services, Serling randomly suggested he'd like to try out for the job — a highly unusual request, given that showrunners and writers were rarely featured in the spotlight. But the network found that his style fit the tone of the series perfectly and history was made, making Serling one of the most recognizable television hosts next to another man equally famous in front of and behind the camera: Alfred Hitchcock.
The Twilight Zone's grand science fiction concepts of alien worlds and futuristic societies didn't have the advantage of the big budgets that premium cable genre shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld are afforded today. And for a show with only modest ratings at the time, certain episodes stretched their meager budget to the breaking point.
To help save costs, the production staff often used props from science fiction films, with Forbidden Planet being the most fruitful. The series used that film's flying saucer in the classic episode "To Serve Man", along with the haunting hour-long episode "Death Ship".
The wardrobe was also retrofitted for several occasions, most notably by the invading alien faction in "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street". Forbidden Planet's most recognizable character, Robbie the Robot, also made appearances in two Twilight Zone episodes, "Uncle Simon" and "The Brain Center at Whipples" (with modest redesigns of Robby's face)
Series producer William Froug was looking to save money on The Twilight Zone, which often went over-budget in its fifth (and final season). In an effort to cut costs, he bought the rights to the short French film, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, based off of Ambrose Bierce's short story of the same name.
It was an unusual move at the time, co-opting an Oscar and Cannes festival award-winning film, but it's dark and poetic twist ending made it a perfect fit, while adding a European flair that made it stand out from the rest.
But for many fans, "Owl Creek Bridge" is an elusive, forgotten episode, as it was never sold into syndication, depriving many viewers of one of the most distinctive entries in the series. In later years, this has been rectified, with the episode appearing on in both DVD and Blu-ray fifth season special edition box sets. It also aired for the first time on Syfy for the 2016 New Year's Marathon.
While The Twilight Zone was an anthology series with self-contained episodes and casts, Serling had something different in mind with "Cavender is Coming", a comedic episode starring Carol Burnett and Jesse White. Serling thought the episode could lay the groundwork for a successful sitcom.
White plays the title character, a bumbling guardian angel whose attempts at wish-fulfillment for theater worker Agnes (Burnett) continually backfire. In the end, he doesn't get his wings, but gets the go-ahead to help other subjects, just setting up the recurring premise for a new series.
The problem was that "Cavender is Coming" was a dud. Terribly unfunny and missing the sharpness of Rod Serling's best writing, the episode even features a laugh track, but it fails to be infectious. The end result not only killed its prospects of becoming a new series, but also being notable as one of the worst Twilight Zone episodes ever. Marc Scott Zicree, author of The Twilight Zone Companion, joked that episode should be called "Cadaver is Coming", and that's a pretty fitting description!
It's almost a Pavlovian response: the name Twilight Zone comes up in conversation and immediately the "do dee do do" notes of the theme song pops into your head. That avant-garde jazz theme was composed by Maurius Constant. However, this theme song wasn't introduced until the second season.
The original score came courtesy of Bernard Herrmann, the legendary film composer behind the scores of Psycho, North by Northwest, Cape Fear and Taxi Driver (to name a few). His moody, dark and mysterious score was for some reason considered a downer, and the decision was made to go for Constant's quirkier theme. This was also a way to save money: since Constant was French, the network didn't have to pay union fees for music created outside the United States.
Music was just as important as the visual elements of the series, with episodes being scored by composing greats like Jerry Goldsmith, Leonard Roseman, Fred Steiner and even Bernard Herrmann.
"The Silence" was one of the rare Twilight Zone episodes with no elements of the supernatural or science fiction. In it, smug country club member Archie Taylor (Franchot Tone) bets loudmouth fellow member Jamie Tennyson (Liam Sullivan) that he can't remain quiet for a year. When Tennyson takes him up on the offer, he's promised half a million dollars if he can stay silent while living in a glass room. This proves difficult, as Taylor taunts him relentlessly to make him lose the bet.
During shooting, the cast and crew became concerned when Tone didn't show up on set one day. They soon found out that he had an accident and ended up with one-half of his face scraped completely raw. The solution to shoot only the other half of Tone's face had an unexpected creative benefit. Many critics praised director Boris Sagal's creative choice, with Tone talking out of the side of his mouth making him extra cruel and manipulative as he chides and humiliates Tennyson (leading to one of the harshest twist endings of the series).
Rod Serling's workload for The Twilight Zone feels as fantastical as the series itself. Forever on the edge of burning out, Serling wrote a staggering 94 episodes. This output was virtually unheard of at the time (let alone now), especially when he was also the showrunner and narrator.
Wearing so many hats would eventually take their toll, which is why some episodes are stronger than others. His schedule became so harried that rather than use a typewriter to pump out his scripts he eventually just dictated his storylines into a dictaphone and had his secretary translate it into script format. Serling's workaholic tendencies would catch up with him, which, along with his chain-smoking and family history, resulted in dying from a heart attack at age 50.
But The Twilight Zone wasn't solely dependent on Serling as the creative engine, and he would reach out for help from other writers to balance the workload — which leads us to our next entry.
When Serling became overwhelmed with writing duties, he searched for new writers to help balance the workload. The two most notable contributors included Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, What Dreams May Come) and pulp horror writer Charles Beaumont, best known for the Twilight Zone episodes "The Howling Man", "Living Doll", "Long Live Walter Jameson", and "Number 12 Looks Just Like You".
Beaumont's wild persona and fervent imagination entertained all those who read his works or shared his company, but he became a tragic figure, dying at the age of 38 from a mysterious illness that made him look well beyond his ears, as well as mentally and physically feeble.
No official cause of his death has ever been claimed, but theories run from having Spinal Meningitis as a child, to Alzheimer's and Bromo-seltzer poisoning. Beaumont's son described his father's state in The Twilight Zone Companion, saying: "he looked ninety-five and was, in fact, ninety-five by every calendar except the one on your watch."
In this tragic way he resembled the rapidly aging character from "Long Live Walter Jameson", or as his former writing partner William Nolan reflected, "Like his character 'Walter Jameson,' Chuck just dusted away."
During the 1960's, syndication of television series was a pretty new concept, and after The Twilighcanceleds cancelled in 1964, Rod Serling gave little thought to what the future of The Twilight Zone would be in reruns on UHF stations, and later, cable (and Syfy).
So the creator behind the landmark series sold the rights to the series to CBS for one lump some — described as sizable, but miniscule in relation to the profits the series has made so many times over. Serling's wife Carol would explain that, in addition to her husband not seeing a future in syndication, "One reason that my husband sold out, was that the show often went over budget and CBS said they would never recoup the costs. Needles to say, they have, many, many times."
While Carol would retain the rights to his screenplays and written works, his family lost out in millions of future revenue after his death. For his part, Serling hated that reruns of Twilight Zone episodes had full scenes excised to make room for commercials (a problem that persists in Syfy marathons).
Sex was a topic rarely touched upon in 1960s television, with prudish censors doing everything they could to make sure programs were wholesome enough to gain the largest audience and most profitable sponsors.
This was obviously a source of frustration to the creative types in the industry, who often felt stifled with such silly constrictions. The Twilight Zone was not immune to this, and they delicately tackled sexuality on their fourth season hour-long episode, "The Parallel". The story revolved around astronaut Robert Gaines (Steve Forrest) who thinks he's arrived back on Earth — except everything is slightly different. He soon realizes he's in a parallel universe, and must try to find a way back home.
The episode employs several elements to show how Gaines isn't on home turf, with the most novel occurring when he tries to be intimate with his wife. As series producer Bert Granet explained in The Twilight Zone Companion: "Censorship was so strict at the time…we tried something that was a shade too subtle…the sexual habits were different…unless your'e looking for it I don't think you'll find it." Indeed, it's just a brief awkward embrace, but daring for the time.
The Twilight Zone has had several episodes that weren't included in syndication, such as the previously mentioned "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge", while others ("A Short Drink From A Certain Fountain", "Miniature", and "Sounds and Silences") were all held up by copyright lawsuits (which were resolved by 1984).
But "The Encounter" wasn't included in syndication for another reason entirely: it was deemed deeply offensive. The episode starred George Takei as Arthur, a Japanese American who knocks on the door of Fenton, a WWII veteran (Neville Brand) looking for work. But when they go converse in Fenton's attic, their conversation takes a turn for the worse when they begin a xenophobic argument that turns violent.
The episode was not well-received. Japanese American viewers were incensed about the backstory of Takei's character, which centered around him being the son of a Japanese spy involved in Pearl Harbor (based off a rumor that was never proved). As a result, the episode was removed from American syndication until the 2016 Syfy Twilight Zone New Year's Marathon (and earlier home video releases).
Serling refused to turn a blind eye to the prejudice and racism that was prevalent in the 1960s, as he was to so many social ills of the era (more on this in a bit). And on the episode "The Big Tall Wish" he took a big gamble: it was the first television episode in history to feature a predominantly black cast.
The episode, which focused on a boy's magical wish to help his down-on-his-luck boxer father, wasn't just revolutionary in its casting choices, but in the fact that the story never acknowledged their ethnicity as part of the plot. It was a small tale of normal people not mired in racial politics.
Regarding this creative decision by Serling, he made his progressive intentions clear: "Television, like its big sister, the motion picture, has been guilty of the sin of omission… Hungry for talent, desperate for the so-called 'new face,' constantly searching for a transfusion of new blood, it has overlooked a source of wondrous talent that resides under its nose. This is the Negro actor."
When one thinks of The Twilight Zone, the image of the infamous airplane Gremlin from the episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" usually comes to mind. It's beyond iconic, with the battle between William Shatner and the airplane-meddling creature having been referenced in countless films and television shows over the decades.
But episode writer Richard Matheson was not a fan of the furry monster displayed on the small screen: "I didn't think much of that thing on the wing. I had wished that Jacques Tourneur (Cat People) had directed it…Tourneur was going to put a dark suit on him and cover him with diamond dust so that you hardly saw what was out there. This thing looked like a panda bear."
That being said, the episode is still a chilling bit of TV theater. One reason for its success was the direction by Richard Donner (who would go on to feature film fame with Superman The Movie and The Omen). Even if his choice of Gremlin costume displeased Matheson, it has thrilled millions of fans the world over.
Early in his career, Rod Serling was known as "The angry young man of television." This moniker was earner for tackling social issues in teleplays like "Patterns", which dealt with cutthroat capitalism, or "Requiem for a Heavyweight", about a boxer trying to get back on the top.
Serling became demoralized by corporate censors, who watered down the racial commentary of "A Town Has Turned To Dust". He even had to take the Chrysler building out of another teleplay because the show was sponsored by Ford Motors. The writer was so disgusted he went on a rant in a 1959 interview with Mike Wallace: "I don't want to have to compromise all the time, which in essence is what a television writer does if he wants to put on controversial themes."
Wallace needled him on escaping to sci-fi and fantasy, but Serling never intended to leave his themes of social injustice behind. The Twilight Zone gave him leeway to speak out on fascism, prejudice, and religious zealotry by infusing his views into stories about aliens and post-apocalyptic worlds. As a result, viewers gained life lessons disguised as genre storytelling, and these ever-timely concerns are one reason the show has held up so strongly for decades.
The Twilight Zone wasn't just a groundbreaking show in terms of content: it was also notable for its onscreen talent, as it served as a launching pad for young actors before they became famous. The Twilight Zone was a destination visited by many notables, including Robert Redford ("Nothing in the Dark"), Burt Reynolds ("The Bard"), Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery ("Two"), Cloris Leachmen ("It's A Good Life"), Carol Burnett (the aforementioned "Cavender is Coming") and Dennis Hopper ("He's Alive").
Other performers of note include Martin Landau, Robert Duvall, Ron Howard, Jonathan Winters, Dennis Weaver, Dick York, Jack Klugman, and Peter Falk, to name but a few thespians that would go on to bigger fame and fortune,
There's also a strong connection between The Twilight Zone and Star Trek, with series regulars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan, and George Takei all getting early exposure on Serling's series. There was another behind-the-scenes Trek connection as well: Serling was good friends with creator Gene Roddenberry, who even gave the eulogy at Serling's memorial service.


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Parque del Retiro
Parque del Retiro is a beautiful park in the center of Madrid. The park was once royal property, but in the early 19th century, the Monarchy opened the park to the public. The park has dozens of beautiful fountains, statues, and gardens. I hope you enjoy the photographs and please use the share buttons below each photo to share on your social networks. Enjoy!Read More


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Welcome to Brown Bagging
Right after New Year's Day, many morning news shows fill spare air time with variations on the theme, New Year's Resolutions. In January Dr. Oz filled one of those slots on Good Morning America and listed the top ten things you can eat, or change about your eating habits, to be healthier this year. Number one on his list was "avoid saturated fats."
My weakness is salty, savory foods rather than sweets, and in particular I love French fries and potato chips. Going out to lunch, usually to a fast food joint, meant I was eating a lot of burgers and fries. My weight was also creeping up and add all that to the unexpected she-should-have-died heart attack my mom had two years ago and I decided it was time for me to make some changes.
I decided to start with Dr. Oz's "avoid saturated fats," primarily my favorites: French fries, greasy burgers and potato chips. But in order to do that, I needed to change my lunch routine without breaking the bank. The logical thing to do was to make my own lunch. So that's what I've been doing for more than a month.
Every single day.
In one month I've saved about $160, and lost one pant size. W00t!
Since I started brown bagging, I've had lots of salads, some soups, and a few sandwiches. I've had some leftovers: spaghetti, roast chicken and rice, things like that. I've also stocked my desk with filling, good-for-me snacks.
While I'm doing this to eat healthier, I'm also broke. It's much cheaper to buy at the grocery store than at a convenience store so I'm on a zero tolerance policy when it comes to "extra" spending. I take coffee from home. I buy milk by the gallon and liters or half-gallons of juice and take it to work in recycled bottles. I make my own "iced" herb tea to have with lunch.
I have some to-go salad containers with good lids I saved from my fast-food days that work great for salads. I do the final salad assembly at my desk to keep them crisp and fresh. The same with sandwiches. I heat the soups in the microwave and take the garnishes in separate containers.
I have another blog, Larrupin, with details and recipes—some good for brown bags, some not so much—but this one will be more how-to. I'll share the plans and lists and how I go about doing this every day. I'll also show you the bowls, containers, bottles and bags I use to get it there every day. That part is still a work in progress.
So far I've been eating at my desk, which is not much of a break. But now that I've established the habit of taking my lunch and the weather is improving, I'll take it to the park, just three blocks from my office, or eat at my desk and then take a walk.
What do you usually do for lunch? Where do you go to eat and how much do you spend? Do you eat healthy, or scarf down a fast lunch of burgers and fries? And if you're a fan of brown bags let me know how you do it and what your favorites are. And while you're at it, click the box to get email updates when I create a new post. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
2 Comments »
I am inspired! And the meals look awesome! I cut out sodas a week ago and have been trying to take lunch in more. Have you seen Julia Julie? I think you'd like it. Keep on writing. Looking forward the future updates.
Comment by Laural | April 18, 2010 |
Thanks Laural! No I haven't seen Julie Julia yet. It's on my list. I think my biggest change is no pop, and no French fries. I did make that key lime pie for my birthday, and you can see I garnish with bacon, but it's not like having fries and a Coke three days a week. I'll keep you posted. 🙂
Comment by Jan | April 18, 2010 |


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(as) thick as two planks(redirected from thick as planks)
(as) thick as two planks
Remarkably stupid, dimwitted, or obtuse. I smoked a lot of marijuana when I was in high school, so I turned out thick as two planks by the time I finally graduated. Jen's new girlfriend is very nice, but she's as thick as two planks.
thick as two planksor
thick as two short planksBRITISH, INFORMAL
If someone is as thick as two planks or as thick as two short planks, they are very stupid. His people regarded him as a great and wise king. In fact he was as thick as two planks.
thick as two (short) planksvery stupid. informal
Variants of this expression include thick as a plank and thick as a brick . There is a play on thick in its basic sense 'of relatively great depth from side to side' and its colloquial sense 'stupid'.


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Cabernet Vertical Tasting Brunch
Join us for a sit-down, small plates brunch, tent-casual, for Harvest Wine Weekend on Saturday October 20, 10am to noon. Winemaker Paul Hinschberger will guide you through a multi year vertical tasting of Rangeland Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, including a barrel sample. Each tasting will include at least five wines and be casually paired (let's not overthink this!) with farm fresh foods, including grass-fed meat, local charcuterie, eggs, chesse and, of course, something fresh baked and sweet from the oven. Limited seating, reserve your space early. $50 per person. Club discounts apply.


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A Brooklyn man was busted by the feds at Kennedy Airport for trying to smuggle 17 pounds of cocaine in bags of "Champion" branded baking powder—technically custard powder too. He arrived from Guyana and while going through customs, agents noticed that the bags were unusually heavy and smelled funny. So let that be a lesson to you mules. Smuggling white powder in white powder probably isn't the best drug trafficking technique.
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