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Over the course of the winter I learned that the road we arrived on was not the only one. It met up with another road, and went south the the channel that separated this land from Gaul, I was told.
"There's a seaside hamlet at the end of the road," Gavin's daughter, Elissa, explained. "It has a ford, which crosses over to Gaul, but I expect that no one will be using that until March."
"I see," I said, rubbing my arms in an attempt to warm up. I had taken to walking around Gavin's lands in order to familiarize myself with them. I couldn't say that I knew them like the back of my hand, but I did indeed know them well.
"Let's go back inside," she said, her teeth chattering.
"Alright," I said, following her. I had taken the liberties of getting to know Elissa, and I had found her to be delightful company, even though she was so much younger than I. Despite the fact that she looked very much like Leslie, she reminded me of Gavin in her behavior and manner of speech.
"Lady Morgan," she said, turning to face me suddenly. "Why do you like the outdoors so much, even in this horrid weather?"
I considered her question carefully. As long as I could remember the outdoors had been a safe, freeing place for me, but I had never though over why they were.
Suddenly the answer came to me, and I closed my eyes as the painful memories flooded back. The wind carressed my cheek, like it was trying to comfort me.
"When my father was in a rage, or when he was drunk, or when he was beating my mother, I would escape to the outside. I was always so afraid of him, afriad that I would be next, so I would hide in his fields. No one ever came to take me back in, though, and I would always go to the manor house after several hours of hiding," I explained, taking a deep breath.
Hot tears were stinging my eyes and I felt them leeking out. Ashamed, I raised a hand to brush them away.
"Oh," Elissa said, sounding a little uncertain as to how to react.
"My father was a hardened warrior and a strong king, but he was also a fear-inspiring father and a harsh husband," I said, opening my eyes and holding my head high.
"King?" Elissa asked. "Your father is a king?"
"He was a king," I said, walking towards the manor house. "He died not too long ago, I'm told."
"Who was he?" she asked, matching my pace. I glanced at her, a little surprised that Gavin had not told his children about my history.
"Uther Pendragon," I said. "Of Camelot."
"You're from Camelot?" she asked, her eyes wide. "What's it like there?"
"I haven't been there since I was ten," I said. "I'm sure that things have changed since then."
"Father says that the courts of Camelot are full of all sorts of sin and immorality, and that I am forbidden to ever go there," Elissa confided. "But everyone says that King Arthur is the handsomest man alive."
"I expect that your father is right," I said. "The courts of Camelot are no place for an innocent girl like you, even if the king is good looking."
"Why?" she asked, pushing the door to the manor's large kitchen open. The servants were already working on supper, and the crackling of the fire was welcoming after the bitter cold.
"Because the knights of Camelot are not as honorably as the minstrels claim," I said with a heavy sigh. "At least in general. Your uncle Cyric is a good man, and a knight of Camelot at the same time."
"I still say it's unfair," she said, pouting.
"It's only for your own protection," I told her, pushing the door to the servant's stairwell open. She hurried up the steps, sulking slightly.
Over the course of the next two months, until mid-March, we had several more conversations about Camelot and my family. She was extremely curious, and asked a lot of questions about my past. Above all of those questions, though, she kept asking me why I had left my father's lands.
"He wasn't a good father," I said, trying to explain. "Uther was no more than a tyrant to his wife and daughter. I pity Arthur's mother, for that reason. Though she succeeded in giving him a living male child."
The bitterness in my voice must have been obvious, because Elissa asked me no more questions about the subject for several weeks. It still hurt me deeply that my father had cast off my mother, and that he had disowned me. It stung that I hadn't been good enough for him.
Every evening during those horrid winter nights I spent several hours with Gavin, after Mordred had been put to bed. Some evenings we merely talked, while others we'd play games or read passages from the books he had given me. I enjoyed the time spent with him, and while I longed for him him to be my husband, I couldn't bring myself to accept his marriage proposal.
March rolled around, and the first of the boats crossing at the ford sent a carriage full of things to Gavin's lands. The entire household came to greet it, and I followed them curiously.
To my surprise, there was a woman with the carriage, who appeared to be about my age or a little younger, perched amidst the load of foriegn goods. She smiled flirtatiously at Gavin, who offered her a hand down.
"My lord, it is good to see you again," she said in heavily accented English. I pulled to an abrupt halt as she kissed Gavin on the cheek, stunned.
"How was your trip, madamoiselle?" Gavin asked, as Bartholomew directed the servants on how to unload and where to unload the things.
"Ach," she scoffed, rolling her eyes and taking a sharp breath. "It was long. There was a storm one night, and I thought that the inn would float away, with all the water!"
"Madamoiselle Blanchette, could you please tell me which of these is your trunk?" Bartholomew interupted politely.
"That one," the woman said, pointing to a large trunk carelessly.
"Why don't you come in and warm up while you tell me about your journey?" Gavin said, taking her by the elbow.
"Ah, but who's this?" the woman asked, catching sight of me.
"She's an old friend of mine. Morgan, this is Madamoiselle Blanchette. Blanchette, this is Lady Morgan," Gavin said by way of introduction, looking anxious to get away.
"Lady Morgan?"Blanchette repeated, taking me in. "It's a pleasure."
"The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure," I said, studying her coolly.
"If you'll excuse us," Gavin said, carefully avoiding my searching gaze. I watched as he led Blanchette away, feeling numb.
"She's back," the elderly woman that cooked for Gavin muttered to the other servants. "That floozy just can't stay away, can she?"
"Who is she?" I asked the cook.
"Trouble," she responded snappishly, reaching for the two baskets of exotic fruits and vegitation. "Come into the kitchen." I followed her, doing as I was told.
"Blanchette was hired to be Lady Leslie's maid about a year after they married," the cook told me, sorting through the vegetation in the basket. "She's from Gaul, and she wasn't very healthy when Gavin hired her. As near as any of us can figure, she had married an old Briton knight, who either left her or died. She won't say one way or the other."
"Poor girl," I murmured. "It must have been hard for her."
"Real hard," the cook snorted. "It wasn't long after Lady Leslie conceived Samuel that Gavin and Blanchette were caught in the act. Lady Leslie was heartbroken, but also determined that no one should hear about that."
Hurt and revulsion rose inside of me and I gasped, gripping the table as I felt all of the air leave me lungs. My knees felt week, but they didn't give way from under me.
"Lady Morgan, are you alright?" the cook asked, studying me. I sat down on the end of the bench by the servant's table, feeling ill.
"I'll be fine," I murmured. "Please, continue your story."


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subset: commoncrawl


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Hands and materials
The uniqueness of Marco Bicego's jewels is also dictated by the master craftsmen's hands who design the ancient techniques revisited in a modern way by hand. The diamonds and natural gems that cohabit with the 18 carat gold in his works of art are living materials. Marco looks for them in his trips, chooses them and gives them shape. They enclose the imperfections of nature and its chameleon-like beauty and for this reason they are versatile and timeless jewels.
The origin
The 18 carat gold comes from the banks. The natural gems come from several countries, but they are all cut in Jaipur.
The diamonds are from certified sources from the Kimberly Process and in accordance with the United Nations, in other words, conflict free.
The bulino
An ancient tool used by goldsmith masters to engrave gold by hand. This craftsmanship is what characterizes and has given notoriety to Marco Bicego's jewels.
The coil
Marco Bicego's exclusive coil is a distinctive element of some of his collections. It was created by chance. A machine broke down and as a result it created a golden spiral. The craftsman was about to melt it but Marco seized the idea.
Natural gems
All in different colours, they enclose a prism rich of personalities and are placed so as to create unique combinations. The amethyst, topaz, tourmaline, quartz and aquamarine meet craftsmanship and technology. It is the laser welding that refines the golden frame that embraces the gems.


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|International Space Station Imagery
high res (1.9 M) low res (71 K)
|ISS02-S-001 (January 2001) --- The International Space Station Expedition Two patch depicts the Space Station as it appears during the time the second crew will be on board. The Station flying over the Earth represents the overall reason for having a space station: to benefit the world through scientific research and international cooperation in space. The number 2 is for the second expedition and is enclosed in the Cyrillic MKS and Latin ISS which are the respective Russian and English abbreviations for the International Space Station. The United States and Russian flags show the nationalities of the crew indicating the joint nature of the program. When asked about the stars in the background, a crew spokesman said they "...represent the thousands of space workers throughout the ISS partnership who have contributed to the successful construction of our International Space Station." The insignia design for ISS flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and cosmonauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator and NASA's international partners may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.
Curator: JSC PAO Web Team | Responsible NASA Official: Amiko Kauderer | Updated: 10/30/2012


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Yunjin Kim has joined the cast of new ABC drama Mistresses.
The show is based on the well-known British series about a group of women struggling to deal with illicit relationships. The original series starred Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Shelley Conn, and Orla Brady.
Deadline reports that Kim has joined the programme as one of the four leads, with Rochelle Aytes and Jes Macallan already cast.
She will play Katie, a therapist who was having an affair with one of her patients before his death, and who later becomes romantically entangled with her late patient's son, played by Erik Stocklin.
Since Lost, Kim has married her longtime boyfriend Jeong Hyeok Park and starred in a handful of South Korean films.
This will be Kim's first return to television since the end of Lost, in which she played Sun-Hwa Kwon.
Mistresses is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2013.


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Mark drill holes and pre-drill. Insert anchors in the drill holes making sure they do not protrude. Screw clip in. Thanks to the elongated slots, the holder can be perfectly aligned so that it can be set close to the floor. We recommend using pan head screws. A clip should be fixed every 40 – 50 cm.
Cables can be inserted in the cable trap of the clip. The flexible safety bars help prevent the cables from springing back or from being damaged during assembly. A specialist should be called in for live wiring.
Start at the corner of a room and work in one direction. Please note: the accessories (interior and exterior corners, connecting pieces and end pieces) must be fitted on the aluminium skirting board before assembly. They must be mounted together with the board and cannot be retrofitted.
The bars of the aluminium skirting board are pushed at a 45 degree angle into the grooves of the mounting clips. The skirting board will be at an angle and slotted in progressively. Since the bars and the grooves on the clip are designed without indentation, the assembly can be done quickly and without a lot of effort.
Remove an end piece and the skirting board can then be easily lifted from the holders. Alternatively: carefully slide in a spatula on the floor under the skirting boards and lift up from the holders.


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Many schools are now adopting a teaching for mastery approach in mathematics. The starting point for a school on their mastery journey is usually Year 1 and then thought is given as to how the approach is built across KS1 and KS2. Schools naturally want to consider the teaching of mathematics in Reception and how the transition to Year 1 can best support children's learning.
The Work Groups in this project will start by exploring best practice in Early Years and how the principles might build a secure foundation in mathematics for transition into a teaching for mastery approach in Year 1. It will consider the curriculum - what children need to know and understand; approaches to planning and the inclusion of all children; and appropriate resources and contexts for effective learning.
There will be 2 separate Work Groups, one based in Lincolnshire and one in Nottinghamshire.
This project is aimed at schools who are already committed to teaching for mastery and have previously engaged in a Maths Hub Teaching for Mastery Work Group. A pair of teachers should attend from each school: a Reception teacher and the teacher leading on teaching for mastery within the school. One of the sessions will be aimed at senior leaders within school, and the headteacher or deputy head should attend this session.
There will be four, full day, face-to-face sessions across the academic year. Participants will also be expected to engage in research as part of their independent learning through the duration of the project. Specific gap tasks will be set, to allow participants to develop aspects of their learning in their own provision, enable sharing of practice, and allow for further developments to be made across the Work Group.
Early Years transition - Notts ticket
Course ticket - for all 4 dates.
2 available
School participation ticket - min1 teacher attending max 2 teachers attending per school (if 1 attendee from school select 1ticket, 1person; for 2 attendees = 1 ticket, 2 people)
Group ticket for 1-2 people


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Lifestyles of the Destitute and Obscure
dazzling and interesting on a shoestring
Category Archives: my life
Easter in the Park
April 29, 2014Posted by on
Yes, we celebrated Easter last week, complete with eggs, bunnies, chocolate and not least of all, our Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for us and was resurrected so that we might be able to live in loving relationship with Him in Heaven. That said, we went to church on Sunday morning, the little people dressed in bright dresses and Mom and Dad in comfortable shoes—the better to chase around said little people. Church for us is two blocks down the street at the park. Blessedly convenient and fun, too. There were coffee and pastries and fruit, and the obligatory Easter egg 'hunt,' which really consisted of laying (pun intended) out a hundred or so plastic eggs on the grass and then saying 'Go!' to the kids—an Easter egg dash, to be more specific.
Before church, there were Easter 'baskets' for all the kids. Since we can't really afford cheap and breakable colored baskets, and I abhor that Easter grass that gets everywhere and sticks to everything, we improvised. I used paper bags, some nifty alphabet stamps, a few ribbons left over from presents and boxes of chocolates, and a sheet of repurposed yellow tissue paper.
We bought small bunnies and a bag of chocolate eggs to split amongst the kids and called it done. Really, that's all they need. The chocolate will be nibbled at for the next few weeks, and the bunnies will be beloved for a week or so before they are added to the motley family of stuffed animals that grace the bed, or the toy basket or the futon in the twins' room.
And that was just in the morning.
In the afternoon, Dad went for a bike ride, Mom worked on a school paper (boo) and the kiddos napped and relaxed. We do this everyday in hopes that Mother will stay sane. Just before the small people woke up, I wandered down to our lovely apartment courtyard, where everything is in bloom, and 'hid' about 20 plastic eggs containing absolutely nothing.
The kids didn't care, or even, uh, notice. The hunt was the fun part. We met up with our neighbors, who just had to walk out their front door, and the smallest people wandered around looking confused, until a parent directed them to exactly where an egg perched in some foliage and then pointed to it.
'Hunt' isn't exactly an accurate description, but fun was had. We sat on some steps and scarfed popcorn, pretzels, cheddar bunnies and raisins (Destitute Style Chex Mix, without the Chex) and drank a bit of juice before the younger kids ran around chasing the big one and managed not to obliterate the landscaping.
I don't know what we feasted on for dinner, but it wasn't ham. I made a call up to the relatives, talked to my uncle and to my dad and wished everyone a Happy Easter. Daddy-O and I put the kids to bed and watched some totally unrelated-to-the-holiday-movie—'Catching Fire,' I think.
Happy Easter to all and to us!
Further Springtime fun:
Spring Cleaning
Birthday Cake and Baking Mistakes
Opening Day– Giants Baseball
April 15, 2014Posted by on
For Ms. Destitute, the sound of spring is the crack of the bat, the static of the AM radio and the voice of John Miller. Of course, we're not tailgaters with season tickets (though we do have family friends who are very generous about sharing their tickets—thanks Steve and Karen!) but we express our fanaticism in our own way.
On the San Francisco Giants' opening day last week, I dressed my smallest baseball fans in their Giants onesies to show their pride at the local playground. Oh, okay, so it's really me showing where my loyalties lie, and using my children as adorable accessories… but, really, aren't they adorable?
Since we don't have cable television, for reasons both of principle and money, we listen to the game on the radio. And since we're so strapped for cash, we don't even listen to it on the internet—you have to have a paid subscription to ALL the games in Major League Baseball. I don't care that much about any of the other teams to make it worth it, even if I did have the money.
So we listen to the radio talents of John Miller, Dave Fleming, Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow on KNBR.
Ahh, that to me says SPRING! It isn't just the score and the game being played that make my eyes tear up a bit (allergies not withstanding) but a touch of nostalgia as well.
I can remember lying in the back of my family's 1972 Buick station wagon (complete with brown naugahyde interior) and driving home from a family road trip with the sound of John Miller's voice coming through the single speaker. I was born in Virginia and lived there until I was almost seven, and in the early 80's, John Miller was the radio broadcaster for the Baltimore Orioles. I never became an Orioles' fan– that would have led to much disappointment and eventual disillusionment– but I've always been a fan of John Miller's voice. It lulled me to sleep in the back of the car, it was the soundtrack to my teenage days of (topless!) backyard sunbathing, and now it keeps me company in the kitchen during my favorite months of the year.
Here's hoping that the recent World Series champs will make it to the end again, not only because we love our local boys (when did pro athletes all become younger than me?) but because it gives us that much longer to turn on our trusty little transistor and listen to the guys in the broadcasting booth.
Happy baseball, everyone, and GO GIANTS!!
Other fun and Spring-y stuff:
Spring Cleaning
Herbs to Grow Yourself Part. 1
We Believe in Christmas
December 13, 2013Posted by on
How do the destitute celebrate Christmas? (That really depends on what they believe in.) At our house, we put up colored lights and decorate a Christmas tree. This year, it's a tiny tree, because it has to be out of reach of four eager, uncontrolled and mischievous little hands. It's festive, but not terribly fashionable. Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Ree Drummed nor Elle Décor had any influence on our choice of tree trimmings. Mine and my husband's childhoods had the most influence—Jim Henson, Kiwiana, the grunge era and a love of jazz and good bass players. There's nothing on my front door proclaiming, 'It's Christmastime and we know it!' You can't see our tree from the front window—in fact, you can barely see our tree from across the room. But we know it's there.
I like to put on Christmas music, because despite the fact that I believe in the original meaning of the celebration (a day, not necessarily historically accurate as the 25th of December, to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Son of God, who was eventually crucified and rose again to save me from my sins and allow me to spend all eternity in heaven with Him when I die) it's really the only time of year I listen to Christian music. That's due to musical taste, not an aversion to the message.
Here are a few of my favorite Christmas tunes:
'Ave Maria' by Chris Cornell and Eleven (from A Very Special Christmas Volume 3)
The tune is a familiar one, but the voice is unusual for what is usually sung in an operatic style. But being the grunge-child that I am, I love it. The song is a great tribute to the Virgin Mary, who is a minor star in this whole Christmas story, and being a mother, I cannot help but wonder at this young woman who gave birth to the Christ child in a stable, amidst rumors of scandal. What a woman. Chris Cornell's voice gives the song the kind of grittiness that I think goes properly with such a birth scene.
'Do You Hear What I Hear?' by Whitney Houston (from A Very Special Christmas Volume 1) This is Whitney Houston and modern gospel music at its finest. This was the kind of music she was born to sing, not sappy love songs for a scumbag like Bobby Brown. Brings tears to my eyes, not least of all because I will never be able to sing this great classic nearly as well.
'O Holy Night' by Tracy Chapman (from A Very Special Christmas Volume 3)
This is my favorite Christmas carol, regardless who sings it, or especially the red-headed woman named Anne who used to sing with the choir at church when I was growing up. If she sang this one at the Christmas Eve service, the whole evening was a hit. I love the lyrics to this song, by turns praising and in awe of such an event as the birth of Christ and then tender and sweet. Tracy Chapman's sweet smoky voice and a simple guitar is all it needs.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones Jingle All the Way
This is a family tradition that my husband and I adopted all our own, because who doesn't need a little throat-singing and banjo-playing to shake up the likes of Bing Crosby and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Give me Bela over those ol' stiffs any day.
John Denver and the Muppets, A Christmas Together
This album (and I mean LP, until it was replaced by a digital version in the new century, though we still have the slightly scratched vinyl edition) is a tradition from by mine and my husband's childhood. John Denver can't be beat for writing songs from the heart, and any time I hear 'A Baby Just Like You', I get all teary. Denver wrote it for his son, Zachary, thinking of Jesus as an infant and all that must have meant to both His father in heaven and to Joseph. It reminds me of my children and it reminds me of my brother, who was a baby when the song came out. My mother used to change the line Merry Christmas, Little Zachary to fit with her baby son's name. I insert any or all of my children's names, even if they're not so little anymore.
And on a lighter note, the asides of Miss Piggy in 'Christmas is Coming', 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' and 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' are hysterical.
What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Are they family traditions or ones you've started on your own?
What I Learned This Summer
September 18, 2013Posted by on
We were busy this summer. Here are a few of the things we did:
We went to a couple summer camps and had a few camp-like days at home—including Stalactite Experiment week (inspired by this awesome magazine called Alphabet Glue), Insect Experiment week, featuring ladybugs and pill bugs (and the gorgeous and rare albino praying mantis below), and Flower Experiment week, which just included lots of coloring.
I taught a belly dance class and managed to wait precisely four days after the last class to break my pinkie toe. And then I began class again in the fall just five weeks later, giving it just enough time to heal. I learned what it feels like to break a bone—my first. Like many things in life, it was painful, and then annoying, but I managed just fine and life went on as usual. Which, I might add, is different then the morbidly popular 'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.' Whatever it is could, however, leave you mangled, paralyzed or disfigured beyond recognition—let's not go looking for pain in search of strength or toughness, okay people? Pain will come to you as part of life—learn to cope and then move along with grace.
Anyhow, enough of the toe, and philosophies on pain.
I applied for yet another blogging job to add to these two and failed to get it due to technical issues that had nothing to do with my wit, charm, abilities or experience. So fear not, we still have both feet firmly rooted in both poverty and obscurity and these blog posts will keep on coming.
We learned that it is better to use a hair clip than scissors to rid ourselves of that pesky lock of hair. We learned to walk, and we learned that just because we're not walking doesn't mean we have hip dysplasia (thank God!).
We grew a few things on our balcony garden, learned to love nasturtiums and hate aphids (ladybugs to the rescue!) and ate pesto, strawberries and parsley-riddled spreads thanks to our miniscule garden.
We learned how to do more on our bike than just 'coast like toast' and now use our pedals, and we learned to put a book down and return it to the library when it sucks… oh no, wait, I'm still learning how to do that.
We learned new musical exercises to gain manual dexterity and musical flexibility as well as going to a few shows with new friends and old.
This summer we lost a dear friend too quickly, though she had a good run at life and in the end, she wasn't going to stick around and have people care for her. She cared for others all her life, people and plants alike, and now she's in a better place, tending a celestial garden and loving everyone there without judgment or fanfare. Now we are learning how it is we explain death to someone not yet six years old.
We're still learning how to drink out of a cup without sending it all down our chins, but at least we've decided to drink cow's milk, which makes it easier on mama.
We've spent quality time with imaginary creatures, furry and hairy, including Babe, Mercy Watson, Elmo, Chester Cricket, and Bunnicula and enjoyed their company. Thanks to the wide spacing of kids, some of them are on their second round of introductions and others will get reintroduced in a few years.
This summer was spent living and learning, and no doubt the fall will be full of more of the same. Summer is a wonderful season, and we are enjoying this season of our lives.
Okay, class—tell me what you learned this summer. Type your answer in the comments section below.
Birthday Cake and Baking Mistakes
May 28, 2013Posted by on
At our house, a cake baked is not just a receptacle for birthday candles, but a gift of love as well, and so, our birthday cakes are homemade ones. They usually taste pretty good, offer an activity for creative hands and often provide a few laughs. Who can say that about a bakery-bought birthday cake?
We used our tried-and-true 1-2-3-4 Cake Recipe from Alice Waters' Fanny at Chez Panisse, and as per my little helper's request, we mixed up some turquoise frosting—turquoise is fast replacing pink as the color of choice for… just about everything.
Humorously enough, I started this post, thinking that this cake would bake and get put together just as easily as the Thunder Cake we made last month. My cake, however, had other plans.
It mixed up just fine, thanks to the ol' Scovil hand mixer and seemed to fluff properly when I folded in the egg whites. In hindsight, however, I vaguely recall thinking that it might look a bit deflated. But I carried forth anyhow.
I planned to fill it with strawberry jam for the very specific reason that it was what we had in the house. At the end of April, even in Northern California, the local, in-season fruit selection is minimal. Strawberries are your best (almost only) option, if you don't want to be eating fruit that hopped on a plane to get to your local supermarket. Kiwis are an option, but I don't like them, so I feed them to everyone else in my family. Babies ate their first kiwi today, as a matter of fact. Fortunately, I loooooove strawberries. I eat them for lunch, breakfast, dinner, snack and with my bedtime nightcap (herbal tea). I try not to cry in July when they're really too pale and dry to be delicious. I am, however, easily placated by the arrival of peach season.
But anyhow, we made another cake. And this time, I was going to try and make it pretty, too. Not beauty pageant, high-maintenance gorgeous, but down-home pretty. Think more Emma Stone and less Kim Kardashian. Okay, great. Now imagine that they are both birthday cakes…
And then my oven limitations and my baking abilities got into the mix with my pretty Hollywood Starlet fantasies and I ended up with Franken-cake. For some reason, one of the cake pans decided not to cook her cake all the way through. The other decided to sink in the middle like the Titanic in a sea of icebergs (and Leo DiCaprio when he couldn't hold on to the wreckage). It was a sad, sorry sight. But I was not to be deterred. I don't toss food just because it's ugly—unless of course, it's ugly because of the gray-green fuzz growing on it. So I performed a bit of surgery. I cut off the good parts of the half-baked one and then cut the other in half, for a double half-layer cake—in other words, a single layer cake with jam in the middle.
Post-confectionary surgery, we needed to frost the cake. My trusty assistant determined that blue and just a bit of green to achieve the desired turquoise. Only we didn't have enough powdered sugar. As I said before, we were determined to make this cake—it was my birthday cake, darn it, and I was not going to let a simple lack of powdered sugar keep me from my frosting. Unfortunately, my neighbors are not the baking types, otherwise I would've had my five year-old trot over and beg a cup from them. The technique is fun and old-fashioned, almost always reciprocated and a great way to get to know people. But luckily, we now own a Vitamix (that's another birthday story for another time) and I made, yes, made powdered sugar.
Thank you Vitamix and thank you, Internet. Nifty, no? So, after my trusty assistant came back to the kitchen after the Vitamix was done making noise, we mixed a little bit of pink and a bit more turquoise, with the pre-determined amount of food coloring.
Together, we decorated it with pink flowers (of course) and had a mini spelling lesson—that's M-O-M-M-Y.
Migration Paths in Suburbia
April 11, 2013Posted by on
We may live in an apartment complex in an uninspiring section of suburbia, but we have a bit of nature here and there—landscaping notwithstanding, and there's a beautiful plenty of that around here. We have a wide variety of fowl species fluttering about, from the crows in the tops of the cypress trees in the courtyard (I have fantasies of having a stuffed one atop my bookcase over my desk, Edgar Allen Poe-'The Raven'-ish style) to the little sparrow-esque twitter-ers in the lower trees. The occasional hummingbird will zip over and check us out as we wait for the elevator down to the carpark, and from the sounds above in the early morning, it seems as if we live in a Canadian Goose flight path, going south in November and now heading back up north again in April.
The other day, this little darling duck made a stopover on her migration path to our pool. As I recall, she and her mate were here last year, too. Her drake, however, was nowhere in sight this visit. Has she been widowed? I hope not. My daughter and I were so glad to see her, that we galloped down the stairs and then tiptoed quietly to the fence to get a picture. The neighbors must have thought we were nuts. The feeling is mutual, but come on, it's not every day that a duck lands in your pool.
Winter Picnic in Suburbia
March 22, 2013Posted by on
As many of you might have noticed, I don't include my kids in my posts. That, however, is about to change—a little bit. I want to keep my little ones safe from creepy people. And because none of y'all are creepy, I'm going to post their pictures here and share with you about a little experimental picnic we had this winter.
Winter in Northern California can be a little chilly, windy and rainy, but no snow. Those of you in other parts of the country may scoff at us and call us softies, but occasionally, we do complain. This post is not a complaint. But, um, we were cold…
We are enrolled in afternoon preschool (thanks to a generous family scholarship fund) but my husband had a doctor's appointment scheduled an hour before drop-off. We have one car and two places to be. So the kiddos and I dropped dear ol' dad off at the doctor's and then cruised down the street into the old 'hood where I grew up. It's located right near a golf course and a gated community—to keep out the 'riff-raff' like us.
The sign here even says we're not technically welcome to picnic on this narrow patch of grass, but the neighbors walking their dogs didn't seem to mind— it helps to have a few cute kids with you.
So, anyhow, we brought a container of raspberries, water bottles, some string cheese, and a bag of pretzels and called it lunch. The little ones looked adorable in their matching hoodies (check out the 'ears' on top!) and the oldest did her best to keep warm and not lose the Frisbee in the gale that was blowing. We lasted about 20 minutes before we decided to pack everything back up in the car and wait for in the parking lot for Daddy to be done.
It wasn't a picture worthy of golden-memory status, but it's the sense of adventure that counts.


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My Nonprofit Reviews
411 profile views
1 reviews
Review for Common Ground For Conservation, Miami, FL, USA
I love this foundation because thier quality education about conservation of Florida Everglades Resources.
Thanks to Carlos and Mildred for their Graet Work!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Great experience
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help them to get more resources so they can do more for the community
Role: Professional with expertise in this field & when to the Florida Everglades.


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CloudPassage Looks to Lock Down Cloud Servers
The two-year-old startup provides a security platform to protect cloud users' virtual machines, targeting an area of cloud computing the firm says remains widely misunderstood.
The two-year-old startup provides a security platform to protect cloud users' virtual machines, targeting an area of cloud computing the firm says remains widely misunderstood.
The company's xStream platform is billed as a versatile solution for complex, large-scale deployments, offering support for public, private and hybrid clouds.
Thanks to an abstraction trick, this young startup is enabling enterprises to manage multiple virtualization platforms from a single console.
British firm seeks to spread its on-demand computing model to North America, touting cost and efficiency savings of virtual server offering.
Touting the unique challenges of managing performance in the virtualization era, company offers "cross-silo" tools to keep tabs on diverse virtual and physical assets.
Firm patterns server processor off of mobile phone architecture as it envisions a data center defined by specialized hardware.
Two-year-old startup offers automated disaster recovery testing for virtual environments that promise stronger compliance with RTO, RPO.
Data protection firm touts a unified approach for a variety of enterprise platforms, server and storage configurations.
With 10 Gig servers taking over the market, the volume of data traversing WANs continues to proliferate. Infineta has an answer that doesn't require more bandwidth.
Startup backs desktop virtualization approach that departs from traditional VDI deployments.
V-Commander product promises to help enterprises scale and manage virtual environments as well as support internal private clouds.
Firm's software seeks to help demystify storage complexities for server admins.
The four-year-old startup insists that the rise of virtual computing demands new virtual storage architecture.
Five-year-old firm looks to help enterprises improve security and lower costs while reducing VDI complexity.
Armed with a suite of low-cost management and monitoring tools, firm seeks to free up IT managers for more strategic pursuits.
Startup seeks to help businesses plug into the cloud to adapt to new apps and proliferation of mobile devices amid dramatic shifts in how people work.
Built on technology developed at NASA, this startup aims to 'democratize' large-scale cloud computing deployments.
Boca Raton-Fla.-based firm sets its sites on organizing mission-critical, unstructured data to help enterprises navigate through the chaos.
Firm touts its server monitoring tool as an easy-to-use solution to push out performance metrics and alerts ahead of critical events.
Startup firm's software makes enterprise flash available as a server-tier computing resource.
Virtualization startup looks to help administrators manage capacity as it prepares to take on industry heavyweights.
Billing itself as a low-cost, simplified alternative to heavyweights like IBM and HP, ScaleXtreme offers a unified, cloud-based console for systems management.
Virtualization backup and management firm Veeam Software this week took steps to double down on its commitment to become the leading provider of disaster recovery and management solutions for virtual data centers.
With its flagship offering, Pancetera Unite, a virtual appliance, the company aims to remove the mystery and complexities surrounding virtual machine backup.
This server load-balancing and application delivery control vendor is looking to bring its low-priced traffic management technology for SMBs to the enterprise.


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TomatoFest, the organic heirloom tomato seed catalog, has introduced a heart-shaped red tomato named after Anthony Bourdain.
Dubbed the "Anthony Bourdain Tomato," this cross between a Sungold and an Amish Paste produces a one-pound fruit with bold, complex, fruity-sweet flavors and good acidity. The mid-summer tomato, created by tomato breeder Jeff Dawson, was named by TomatoFest founder and "The Great Tomato Book" author Gary Ibsen as a tribute to the culinary star he never got to meet.
Bourdain died by suicide June 8, 2018, while working in France on an episode of his award-winning series "Parts Unknown."
"I was able to enjoy a long-term relationship with Julia Child many years prior but no Tony, other than in books and CNN like so many others," he said, responding to a question by email.
The "Anthony Bourdain Tomato" is one of more than 650 varieties available for the 2019 season in packs of 30 seeds. Find it for $4.50 at tomatofest.com.


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Category Archives: Spain← Older posts Newer posts →
Queen Letizia and Michelle Obama Promote 'Let Girls Learn' Program
After Liberia and Morocco, US First Lady Michelle Obama moved on to Spain today, where she and Queen Letizia attended a presentation on the 'Let Girls Learn' initiative Mrs Obama has put together to help girls worldwide receive the education they deserve. The two women both spoke at the presentation, with Queen Letizia saying that it is "clear that the education of girls transforms, protects, is productive and is inextricably … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Education, Michelle Obama, Queen Letizia of Spain, United States of America, Women's Rights | 2 Comments
Queen Letizia Attends 'Zero Hunger: It Is Possible' Conference at Complutense University
Spain's Queen Letizia was present at a conference focusing on the causes of world hunger at the University of Complutense's campus in San Lorenzo de El Escorial today. The conference was part of the University's summer course 'Zero Hunger: It Is Possible' which is being run in conjunction with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation. The Queen is a Special Ambassador for Nutrition for the FAO. Letizia wore a ombre-esque blazer … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Conference, Education, Nutrition, Patronage, Queen Letizia of Spain, United Nations | 1 Comment
Audiences at Zarzuela with Felipe and Letizia
The King and Queen of Spain today held an audience at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid for the Committee of the Spanish Foundation of the United World Colleges, of which they are Royal Patrons. Among those present was the Committee's president, Alberto Aza Arias, as well as representatives from Spanish organisations providing scholarships to students for 2016. United Wold Colleges works in over 125 countries worldwide to promote "peace through multicultural education". … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Audience, Education, Felipe VI of Spain, Patronage, Queen Letizia of Spain | 1 Comment
King Felipe Marks 50 Years of Helicopter Units in Spanish Military
The King of Spain has helped mark the 50th anniversary of helicopter units in the country's armed forces in a ceremony at the Coronel Maté Base in Madrid. Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (Airmobile Armed Forces – FAMET) was established on July 10, 1965 and has evolved since. After inspecting a guard of honour, King Felipe presented the Coronel Maté award to the Brotherhood of FAMET Veterans. He also viewed an … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Anniversary, Felipe VI of Spain, Military | Leave a comment
Spain's Two Queens Celebrate Drug Foundation's 30th Anniversary
The current and former Queens of Spain – Letizia and Sofia – today were helped mark the 30th anniversary of the Foundation for Help Against Drug Addiction (FAD) in a special ceremony in Madrid, which also honoured Queen Sofia's work for the charity over the years. Queen Letizia, who wore a simple pale pink skirt and matching blouse with black chiffon detailing, praised FAD for "supporting all without hurting, or … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Anniversary, Drug Prevention, Health, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain | 1 Comment
Letizia's Leather Culottes Make Yet Another Appearance
The King and Queen of Spain have received the Board of Trustees of the Princess of Asturias Foundation at Zarzuela Palace for the Foundation's annual meeting. And Queen Letizia decided that her Uterqüe leather culottes required another venture out of the wardrobe, this time pairing them with a fuchsia pink blouse. The pants have been seen several times this year, and to be honest – they're not a piece that gets … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Fashion, Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain | 6 Comments
Royals Offer Condolences After Shooting in Orlando, Florida
Following the horrific mass shooting in Orlando, Florida over the weekend, a number of European royals have sent their condolences to US President Barack Obama. 49 people were killed in the shooting at Pulse nightclub, while a further 53 were injured. A statement was released yesterday on behalf of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh: The Queen: "Prince Philip & I have been shocked by the events in Orlando. … Continue readingPosted in Denmark, Monaco, Norway, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom | Tagged Albert II of Monaco, Ambassador, Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Felipe VI of Spain, Harald V of Norway, Margrethe II of Denmark, Queen Letizia of Spain, Terrorism, The Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, United States of America | 4 Comments
Queen Letizia Hands Over New National Flag
Queen Letizia of Spain delivered the new National Flag to Speciality of Engineers Regiment Number 11 this morning in Salamanca, Spain. Embed from Getty Images The ceremony started with the National Anthem, Queen Letizia then reviews the the line of honors and then the old farewell flag ceremony took place. Queen Letizia then gave the new flag to Colonel chief of the Regiment. Queen Letizia gave a speech where she … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Military, Queen Letizia of Spain | 2 Comments
King Simeon Presents Spanish Edition of Autobiography 'A Single Destiny'
In the presence of his family and the former Kings of Spain, Bulgaria's last King – and a former Prime Minister – Simeon presented the Spanish translation of his autobiography Simeon II of Bulgaria: A Single Destiny at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid. At the conclusion of the presentation, King Simeon specifically thanked King Juan Carlos, his good friend for over five decades, for all his … Continue readingPosted in Bulgaria, Spain | Tagged Books, Infanta Pilar Duchess of Badajoz, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria, Prince Kubrat of Bulgaria, Princess Kalina of Bulgaria, Princess Miriam of Bulgaria, Queen Margarita of Bulgaria, Queen Sofia of Spain, Simeon II of Bulgaria | Leave a comment
Infanta Elena Receives Winners of Youth Painting Contest
In a surprisingly not-overwhelming outfit given the print on her pants, Infanta Elena has received the winners of the 25th edition of the Contest of Children and Youth Painting for National Heritage. Elena viewed the exhibition of artworks created by the students, which must include monuments or historic gardens of national heritage, or palaces and religious foundations with historical links to the Spanish Crown, before presenting them with their certificates. Her … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Awards, Infanta Elena Duchess of Lugo, The Arts | 1 Comment
A New Grandson for Infanta Pilar, Days After Son's Wedding
Hola! reports in their magazine this week that Infanta Pilar's youngest son, Fernando Gómez-Acebo, married his girlfriend Nadia Halamandari on May 31 in a small ceremony in the bride's native Greece. They also report that the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Nicolás, five days later on June 5. The infant weighed in at a health 3.7kg. He is the tenth grandchild of Infanta Pilar, sister of former King … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Birth, Fernando Gómez-Acebo, Wedding | Leave a comment
More Tax Trouble For Spanish Royals
The Spanish media reported that even more Spanish royals have some explaining to do. Four more royals have been added to the -long- list of Spanish royals that have been evading taxes. This time Infanta Alicia of Spain, Princess of the Two Sicilies, née Princess of Bourbon-Parma (98) is named. The princess is a great-aunt of king Felipe VI. Apart from Infanta Alicia also her son, the late infante Carlos, … Continue readingPosted in Italy, Spain | Tagged Carlos Duke of Calabria, Finances, House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Infanta Alicia Duchess of Calabria, The Duke of Calabria | Leave a comment
De Marichalar Children Join Grandfather At Charity Bullfight
Felipe and Victoria Federica de Marichalar accompanied their maternal grandfather, King Juan Carlos, to a charity bullfight at the La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid yesterday. The charity bullfight that is part of the Festival of San Isidro is one of the most important events in the bullfighting calendar, as it raises money for hospitals to help provide treatment for disadvantaged people. Also in the royal box was Infanta … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Felipe de Marichalar y Borbón, Infanta Elena Duchess of Lugo, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Victoria de Marichalar y Borbón | 3 Comments
Queen Letizia Recycles Plum Dress As She and Felipe Present National Culture Awards
Queen Letizia of Spain recycled one of her best day-time outfits for the presentation ceremony of the National Culture Awards for 2014 and 2015 in Palencia. She repeated the plum Felipe Varela dress that was first worn back in 2009 during a visit of then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Joined by King Felipe VI, the Queen helped to hand out the awards to 60 laureates that were selected by the Ministry of Education, … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Awards, Culture, Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain | 1 Comment
Princess Beatrix Opens An Exhibition In Madrid With King Felipe And Queen Letizia
Today, Monday May 30, Princess Beatrix was present at the opening of an exhibition at the Prado Museum in Madrid along with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Embed from Getty Images The exhibition called "El Bosco" was organized to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch painter born around 1450's. In the Prado Museum, major work of the Dutch painter from the Royal … Continue readingPosted in Spain, The Netherlands | Tagged Exhibition, Felipe VI of Spain, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain | 2 Comments
Camilla and Juan Carlos Watch On As Duke of Wellington's Daughter Marries in Spain
Lady Charlotte Wellesley, daughter of the Duke of Wellington and his wife Princess Antonia of Prussia, married Alejandro Santo Domingo yesterday in a ceremony held at the Church of the Incarnation in Granada, Spain. Todas las fotos de la boda del año: la de Alejandro Santo Domingo y Lady Charlotte Wellesley https://t.co/2xqM4xvjSP pic.twitter.com/dVE94bgEy9 — Vanity Fair España (@VanityFairSpain) May 29, 2016 Among the notable guest list was the Duchess of Cornwall, … Continue readingPosted in Monaco, Spain, The United Kingdom | Tagged Andrea Casiraghi, British Aristocracy, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Tatiana Casiraghi, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of Wellington, Wedding | 5 Comments
Spanish King and Queen Celebrate Armed Forces Day
The King and Queen of Spain today marked Armed Forces Day in Madrid with the traditional military parade by the Joint Battalion at the Plaza de la Lealtad before a reception at the Royal Palace. After being greeted by the Defence Minister, Pedro Morenes, King Felipe VI laid a wreath in honour of the servicemen and women killed in service to their country. The official party then watched the parade, … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Armed Forces Day, Felipe VI of Spain, Military, Queen Letizia of Spain | Leave a comment
Queen Letizia Opens Madrid Book Fair
Queen Letizia of Spain opened the 75th edition of the annual book fair held in Madrid. This years theme of the book fair is "Because I can not imagine in the air. For imagine having to do with do, can do", the quote used from the novel of Bethlehem Gopegui 'The cold side of the pillow'. Dressed in a tweed skirt, long sleeved blush top and pumps, Queen Letizia toured … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Queen Letizia of Spain | 1 Comment
You Couldn't Miss Her! Infanta Elena Mans Stall For 'Día de la Caridad'
Dressed in a bright red pant suit with a pink, green and yellow pattern, Infanta Elena was hard to miss as she spent the day helping out at the Cáritas stall as part of Día de la Caridad (Charity Day). This year the day's theme was 'Vive mercy. Make your mark' promoting solidarity and commitment to the fundamental human rights of the world's people, and how small actions can mean … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Infanta Elena Duchess of Lugo | Leave a comment
Queen Letizia Recognises Spanish Heritage
Queen Letizia of Spain went to the Colegio de Arquitectos in Madrid on Monday to open an exposition named 'Recognizing the Spanish Heritage in Europe'. The exposition focusses on the last 40 years of modern Spanish architecture in Europe. The Queen looked wonderful in a repeated charcoal baby doll dress with a peter pan colar and paired with pale pink details. She also curled her hair for the occassion. La … Continue readingPosted in Spain | Tagged Culture, Exhibition, Queen Letizia of Spain | 1 Comment


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"Elite level rounds in Australia will correspond to the Elite level at Championships, and Open level rounds will correspond to the Pre-Elite level at Championships."What about Stakes? Will they be included in the Elite division?Linda
Just throwing an idea up there, it could be really cool for runs on both side of the pond to be posted online somewhere so we can see how the other participants are running that same course. I have to imagine with the time changes that we would not be running simultaneously ... otherwise someone is pulling an all-nighter!


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Food Benefit Replacement for Participating Households
Albemarle County households may request a replacement for food that was purchased with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program) benefits and was subsequently destroyed in a household disaster.
The household may be entitled to a replacement. Important factors regarding a benefit replacement include:
• The power outage was at least four hours in duration and;
• The loss amount of food purchased with SNAP may not exceed the benefit amount for one month and;
• The DSS (Department of Social Services) must verify the household's disaster. Please allow DSS sufficient time to complete this process.
If you've suffered a loss of food purchased with SNAP and your power was out for at least four hours, you should:
• Contact Albemarle DSS at 434-972-4010 to request a Food Replacement form be mailed to you or you may pick one up at the agency or access it on line at the County of Albemarle website and;
• Sign the Food Replacement Request form attesting to the loss and return it to Albemarle DSS within 10 days of the reported loss.
In order to quickly serve our customers, we are requesting the Food Replacement form to be returned by July 15th. Benefits replacements will be processed as quickly as possible.
Return to Newsroom
ADA Compliance Request
Resident Service Request


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Are you a landlord with several properties? It is your responsibility to ensure your tenants have a safe gas boiler, and you need regular landlord safety certification. We can check and certificate your heating system to ensure you are fully covered.
As your heating system ages, it will naturally build up some debris from corrosion inside the pipes. This should be flushed out to enable your boiler to work more efficiently. Power flushing moves water through the system at high speeds to move this debris to a point where it can be discharged. Your heating system will then be able to operate more efficiently, lowering heating bills and also avoiding possible damage in the future.
• Reduces cold spots
• Lowers heating bills
• Removes debris from pipes
• Reduces the risk of breakdowns
You should only get your heating system flushed by a qualified engineer, and as Gas Safe and Viessmann registered experts, you can rely on us. There is no danger of damage to your heating system, and you'll get a more efficient running boiler.
Get your heating system working efficiently with power flushing, call:


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In the present day, when it comes to selecting furniture, you would be able to unfold a repertoire of furnishing styles and endless varieties.
With a flotilla of furniture varieties to select from, home owners are getting quite smitten by wrought iron furniture and lights. If you are opting for furniture's for your garden or outdoor area, then wrought iron would be a great option for you. It is indeed a cost-effective yet classy alternative to plastic, aluminum or even synthetic wicker. Visit this link http://eleganceiniron.com.au/wrought-iron/furniture/ for more info on wrought iron furniture in Melbourne.
Indeed good wrought iron lights and furniture pieces are the deal for the day. They come with a repertoire of benefits and would work best as outdoor fixtures and furnishings. We bring for you top 4 reasons as to why investing in these furniture pieces would prove to be beneficial for you and worth every penny.
Durability Factor
When it comes to durability factor, wrought iron will win the contest hands down. Damaging or breaking it, is impossible. If need be, you can go ahead and get it painted as this will help the furniture to get away from rusting. After the paint work is over, you need not work towards its maintenance and it would also get water resistant. All you need to go about with is minor maintenance and care and the furniture will stay in perfect shape for a lifetime.
Practical and Heavy
Wrought iron is a material which is quite heavy and this means if the weather gets stormy or if it starts to rain, the furniture will not blow away. Even if you bump into it, it will not scratch or get jarred easily. This material is quite tough and sturdy. The best part being, designers are getting extremely creative these days and providing weight-holding strength to the furniture.
Comfortable For Outdoor Area
Even though this material is quite tough and solid, it makes great furniture for the patio or garden section since it's high on comfort factor. You would never sense any sort of hard sitting experience. All that you would require is settle for good quality tablecloth which will work towards providing the table with a softer surface. The additional benefit is, they work beautifully as a decorative piece and enhances the beauty of the area they are placed at.
Creative Design and Shapes
One of the greatest points about this material is, you can easily twist and create a unique shape to wrought iron. This way artists and manufactures create exclusively designed shapes which look highly attractive and appealing. They turn out being more craftsman-like than the other set of options available in the market, which look too readymade at times.


text: As with most other websites, log files collect information such as your IP (internet protocal) address, your browser type/version, the time you visited, and which pages you visited. This web site does not use any cookies or web beacons. However, some third party ad servers (which provide revenue for this website) may use technology such as cookies and web beacons which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through their AdSense program) information including your IP address, the browser type/version, etc. You can chose to disable or selectively turn off these these third-party cookies in your browser settings. They may also use information from your visits to other web sites to customize those ads. You may opt out by visiting the ad provider's website.


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Univision, the largest American Spanish-language network, announced it won't televise Donald Trump's annual Miss USA pageant next month after the Republican candidate made some stinging comments on immigration during his 2016 presidential campaign launch speech last week.
Referring to Trump's "insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants," the broadcast network also severed its business ties with the Miss Universe Organization, which Trump partly owns, The Associated Press reported.
In a statement released to Entertainment Weekly, Univision wrote, "At Univision we see first-hand the work ethic, love for family, strong religious values and the important role Mexican immigrants and Mexican-Americans have had and will continue to have in building the future of our country. We will not be airing the Miss USA pageant on July 12 or working on any other projects tied to the Trump Organization."
When Trump announced his run for president last week, he suggested the erection of a "great wall" on the southern border to prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to the United States. He also said that Mexico should be forced to pay for it. Last but not least, he claimed Mexican immigrants bring drugs and crime to the US.
Surely, Univision didn't take his remarks lightly. The network is owned by Univision Communications, a company that takes pride in its Latino culture. "Our brand embodies the spirit and innate values of Hispanic culture: passion, courage, ingenuity, tenacity," Univision Communication wrote on its site. "We have a focus that resonates with the diverse Hispanic community – at UCI, in America and beyond."
Trump's comments kindled a backlash that will make it difficult for him to win over Latino voters and other immigrants who may have taken offense. Several Mexican-American immigrant groups criticized Trump, while both of the pageant's co-hosts pulled out of the show Thursday, the Associated Press reported. Colombian singer J Balvin also canceled a planned performance on the pageant.
Mexico's interior minister, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, wasn't impressed either. "The remarks by Donald Trump seem biased and absurd," he wrote in a statement. Many have turned to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to boast their Hispanic heritage and respond to Trump's claims with the hashtag #Iamnotacriminal.
Yet Trump keeps striking back, blaming the media for taking his comments out of context and claiming he was criticizing the US's existing immigration policies rather than Mexican immigrants themselves.


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Ben Meadows:
- Price:
- $63.95
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Head is made of 1/4" spring steel with a hardened tool steel tip. Wood handle.
We encourage our customers to let us know what experiences they have had with our products, whether good or bad. By submitting a review, you can share your experiences with others and also provide valuable feedback to us as well. With just a few simple steps, you can add your review of this product.
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Healthcare just got better.
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA, UNITED STATES, September 13, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — Far too often, patients receive healthcare services, hope their costs are covered, and are surprised by the bill that ends up in their hands. CashMD is launching its first-of-its-kind online healthcare platform (CashMD.com), with the conviction that it will eliminate surprise billing, and allow patients to better understand their financial responsibility, ahead of receiving services.
It is estimated that, in the United States, the average deductible is around $1500 for an individual and $2800 for a family. Additionally, 23% of families have deductibles $5000 or greater. Patients that may never reach these high deductibles can greatly benefit from a cash-pay model whereby they can pay a reduced fee for services – often at a discount of 30-80%. The platform, which fosters healthcare cost control through consumer empowerment, will be available to patients at no charge. Patients may go to CashMD.com now, to request early access, and will have full access to their platform in the Fall of 2019.
Additionally, CashMD will launch its iOS and Android Apps in Fall of 2019.
In addition to empowering patients, CashMD.com alleviates many of the frustrations experienced by healthcare providers. Healthcare providers long for autonomy in their treatment decision-making and expedience in reimbursement. The business model, facilitated by CashMD, enables healthcare providers to attract new patients, provide treatment according to their own discernment, and realize revenues in a more efficient manner. CashMD is offering providers, who register between now and October 31, 2019, one year's free membership to CashMD.com.
About CashMD
CashMD, a startup founded in 2017, brings patients and healthcare providers together more effectively and efficiently, by eliminating
unnecessary healthcare costs and restrictions.
Media Contact:
Avery Goldman
(888) 547-6796
Daniel Schroeder
Cash MD
+1 888-547-6796
email us here
Source: EIN Presswire


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B&N an Amazon ally? Many may not realize this fact; but B&N has helped Amazon succeed and Amazon should show a little respect!
B&N has had a recent spate of bad bumps caused by dings to themselves and the book industry in general — like the declining sales of Nook, the resignation of William Lynch as head of their tech side (due to a $177 million Nook loss), the big six downsizing to five with the Penguin/Random House merger and Apple losing it's agency pricing case in court.
But, believe it or not, B&N STILL has solid business fundamentals as demonstrated by a 16% increase in earnings (EBITDA) even as sales declined by 5% – 6%.
The possible hidden power of B&N lies in the ability of the re-crowned head of the company (and the one who initially built B&N to a major bookseller chain), 72-year-old Mr. Leonard Riggio — who also loves the physical book stores. He also has a genuine respect for the new digital tech. Point is, he knows how to run a store with ambiance and panache!
Mr. Riggio wants to buy back all the B&N stores and take them private again. I think this is a good start as he won't have to put up with a lot of investors and boards of directors that might not see his particular vision for the physical bookstore plus amenities that creates an intelligent respite from the cold, harsh world — You just can't get this kind of 'creation' from a tablet.
So, just how is B&N an ally of Amazon? People just love to browse physical artifacts in a warm, restful space (Homo sapiens can't live on-line ALL the time) — they look at books with neat covers, read the cover flaps and decide they want to buy — either in-store OR very often over their devices. B&N has probably acted as the catalyst for numerous digital buys!
Bookstores are 'lands of discovery', even for e-book readers.
So, B&N is still earning and publishers' net revenue grew $1 billion in 2012, upping their take to $15 billion — much of it due to the wide margins provided by e-books (no manufacturing, no shipping and no remaindering) — If only they could get over the fact that Amazon's concurrent growth makes them secondary characters in a business they used to control.
Really, there is room for everybody.
David Carr writes this for The New York Times:
Why Barnes & Noble Is Good for Amazon
On Thursday night in Clifton, N.J., Barnes & Noble was a way station, a third place between work and home where people sought respite and diversion. With its high ceilings, wide aisles and a large Starbucks, it is the kind of retail outlet that gives big-box stores a good name.
In one aisle, a father and daughter were having a spirited generational discussion over the side-by-side covers of "The Great Gatsby," one of which bore an image of Leonardo DiCaprio. For reasons I wasn't quite clear about but nonetheless found charming, an older couple used a book on vegetarian cooking to cover up a copy of "The Art of Seduction" on the shelf. Nearby, two apparent siblings, one sporting pink hair and the other purple, traded loud opinions over the True Crime display.
Watching the readers lounge in chairs with a view of Route 3, it was hard to reconcile the pageantry of retailing with the brutal recent headlines about the book business.
At the beginning of July, the Big Six publishers became the Big Five with the blending of Penguin and Random House. At the beginning of last week, the chief executive of Barnes & Noble left the company after a grim earnings report that highlighted a failed strategy to have the company's Nook device compete in the crowded tablet space.
Then on Thursday, Judge Denise L. Cote of United States District Court in Manhattan issued a withering decision against Apple, writing that the company had conspired with the major publishers to fix the price of e-books in an effort to thwart Amazon's momentum.
So far, what has been bad for the industry has not yet hit consumers directly. If they are among the many millions of people enthralled by CBS's "Under the Dome," and decide to read the giant Stephen King novel that inspired it, they can hop on Amazon and buy it with a click for $13.99. Or they could avoid its door-stopping heft and spend just $7.99 for the Kindle version.


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An interesting but non informative discussion about 'possibilities' for liability.
Brings to mind can a DRP be an "employee" of an insurer? Are insurers the predominate contributor or causation for poor repairs?
Is there evidence that a repairer has no real choice than go out of business, or follow the insurer's directives?
And what would the situation be called when you either adhere or toe the line, or destroy your investment?
Rather than fool around with whether a tech could be held accountable, why not look at the elephant in the room?
What is an employee? Simply a person that works for some other entity. Do corporations share that designation; do corporations and company have the same rights as an individual person? Can a company be an 'employee' of another company? Or would they be a "partner"? That sure does ring a bell........


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The Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) recognizes that boards of education have a legal obligation to evaluate superintendents annually. More importantly, ASBA realizes that it is one of the most important responsibilities of the school board. An effective performance evaluation helps drive school improvement and student achievement, promotes a positive relationship between the school board and superintendent, demonstrates accomplishments of the district and helps in setting annual priorities.
This comprehensive superintendent evaluation system is designed to help school board members and superintendents implement an effective, meaningful evaluation process that is focused on improving student achievement.
Below are the resources needed for completing the evaluation process. Click on the plus or minus signs (+ or -) to expand or close the boxes, then click on the individual links to open or download each file. For additional information or answers to questions, please contact Dr. Anne Butcher by email at email@example.com or by calling 501-492-4814.
Appendix B: Resources
B-1: Rubric for Assessment (pdf)
B-2: Rubric for Assessment – Expanded (pdf)
B-3: Examples of Evidence (pdf)
B-4: Board President's Form for Charting Individual Member Responses (pdf)
B-5: Guiding Questions for Board Members in the Superintendent Reflective Conversation (pdf)
B-6: Using a 360-Survey to Evaluate Your Superintendent (pdf)
Appendix C: Examples of Completed Forms
Example of Form A: Professional Growth Plan (Superintendent and Board) (pdf)
Example of Form B: Performance Rating on Goals and Standards (Superintendent Self-Assessment) (pdf)
Example of Form C: Individual Board Member Evaluation of Superintendent (pdf)
Example of Form D: Annual Summative Evaluation (pdf)
Example of Board President's Form for Charting Individual Member Responses (pdf)


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Market Structure, Strike Activity, and Union Wage Settlements
NBER Working Paper No. 2595
We attempt a synthesis of the industrial relations market structure hypothesis with the modern asymmetric information theory of wage and strike outcomes The industrial relations literature contains a variety of arguments indicating that wage settlements should be positively related to the degree of product market sales concentration and the degree of product market coverage by the union. An asymmetric information bargaining model is specified that relates these same variables to strike probabilities as well as wage settlements. Our empirical analysis is conducted for :he periods from 1970-1380 (strikes) and 1976-1980 (wages). We find that the relation between trade-adjusted sales concentration and wage settlements is positive at low levels of concentration but negative at high levels of concentration. The relation is always negative for strike probabilities. We also find that the relation between the trade-adjusted percent of the product market covered by the same union and the percentage covered by other union are positively related to both wage settlements and strike probabilities. Our empirical analysis includes a rich set of controls including unrestricted time and industry effects, which do not affect the major conclusions.
Machine-readable bibliographic record - MARC, RIS, BibTeX
Document Object Identifier (DOI): 10.3386/w2595
Published: Industrial Relations, vol.28, no.2 pp227-250, Spring 1989.
Users who downloaded this paper also downloaded* these:
Contact Us


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Hi. Thanks to everyone who stopped by at our blogs during our hop around the world. I hope you enjoyed reading about some new books and the locations of various authors. As you know, we gave away a Kindle Fire and a couple of book packs.
And Holly won the additional book pack.
For my personal giveaway,
And Jenn H and Geidre also won copies of my book.
~ Signing off and sending out cyber hugs.


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Fun Preschool Math Activity Ideas Using Pasta
Tri-Color Pasta
Obtaining a box of tri-color pasta gives you the ability to teach colors, sorting and measuring with preschool children. Begin with measuring cups, a bowl, spoon and three colors of pasta.
Measure the ingredients with your students, such as 1/2 cup red pasta, 1/3 cup green pasta, and 1/4 cup yellow pasta. Invite the children to put pasta in bowls and mix with spoons. Let them take out the pieces and sort them by color. Provide three containers with a color swatch and have the children put the correct colors into each vessel. Which container has more?
If you do not have colored pasta, you can dye it. In a zippered plastic bag, mix one teaspoon rubbing alcohol with a few drops of food coloring. Add dry pasta (whichever shape you choose). Zip the bag closed and invite children to shake the bag to make colorful pasta pieces. Spread the wet pasta on paper towels to dry.
Pasta Patterns
Preschoolers love to recreate patterns using different shapes of pasta. Create a guide strip with the pasta glued on or the shapes drawn with a marker. Give the child another cardboard strip and encourage them to copy the pattern. Provide each student with a plastic baggie full of the pasta shapes needed for this drill. Think shapes like rigatoni, bowties, wagon wheels, shells and elbow macaroni. Children develop matching skills with this activity.
Pasta Necklace
This activity not only challenges a child's cognitive skills, but it also sparks some creative thinking and serves as an art project.
You will need a variety of tubular pasta (ziti, rigatoni, penne, etc.), colored markers and yarn. Cut lengths of yarn that will fit over the children's heads after tying. Invite kids to create unique patterns for their necklaces, varying the shapes. Instruct them to string the shapes onto the necklace. When finished and tied (with an adult's help), the children can color the pasta with markers using solid color, stripes, and polka dots.
Pasta Plates
Use some disposable paper plates to make some unconventional flash cards with dry pasta, glue and markers. These flashcards can spotlight any operations (addition, subtraction, greater than, and less than) using pieces of pasta to represent the numbers. Start with writing 2 + 4 = ___, then glue two pasta shapes plus four shapes on the paper plate. The preschoolers can count the shapes for the answer to the equation. For < or >, use the same concept to make the pasta plates. The children can count each side of the symbol to see which side of the plate has more or less macaroni.
Some preschool children have learned the game of tic-tac-toe. Using this game, vary the playing pieces using bow ties and wagon wheel pasta. Make a playing board on poster board and laminate it for durability. Keep the board and playing pieces in zippered plastic bags. You will need five bow tie and five wagon wheel pasta shapes per game. The preschoolers can decorate their playing board as they wish. This is a nice project to make at school and send home for a game to play with family members. Who will be the first to get three in a row?


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My poor/fun attempt at feather nails inspired by Coral and Tusk!
1. It is really odd to me that every time I have done volunteer work, I have gotten stuck at some point partnering with a person who complains about what they are having to do. Is this your experience? Making PBJs for the homeless at Glide Memorial: the girl next to me was waxing whine-ic about the plastic bags they were using and how difficult they were to close THE ENTIRE FOUR HOURS! Lady Mary, do you think Glide's top concern is that the corners on the sandwich bags tuck in easily?? Tonight, volunteering for SCRAP, cleaning fabric shelves: oh, my little OCD companion, I totally understand your frustration with the lighting, it's true, HOW WILL WE TELL THE NAVIES FROM THE MIDNIGHTS???, but let's just keep that under wraps and try to finish washing off these cubbies, eh?
I can bond by complaining; don't get me wrong. Hm, actually, I mainly do this with my single girlfriends about dudes and I don't actually think it is helpful/healthy, so I am trying to stop. But I think it is nutty that nearly every time I have volunteered someone has harshed on my vibe with complaining. This is like, THE ONE TIME, you shouldn't complain. The whole point of volunteering is to GIVE of yourself. And I don't think it's so much to ask that in addition to (a) time, you give (b) a tolerance to inconvenience and imperfections, and (c) a sense of humor.
2. Related: One thing that is amazing and wonderful about sorting colored fabrics onto shelves with someone is getting to see how radically different your color sense is from another's. My drab green was this girl's grey, my certainly-that-is-grape was her navy. Really neat, and the leaf is the cause of the leaves.
3. Not related. I am working on compiling THE GREATEST "EARLY 2013 WORKOUT MIX OF SONGS PRIMARILY RELEASED IN 2012" KNOWN TO MAN. I have pulled some great songs from Design Sponge's New Year's Clean Slate cleaning mix, some from The Hairpin's list of just best songs of 2012 (awesome not only for its selections, but even more so it's method of selection), and some from my own collection, but can you help? I'm thinking fast tempo, upbeat/empowering, and fun. Ideas???
Also, FEED ME:


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Articles Under: Mara Teigen
- 16436
Catch Restaurant in Los Angeles must be really something to bring so many celebrities together, and almost all are braless. Just yesterday we had Pamela Anderson there and today we see Mara Teigen braless at the same spot! Isn't that something?! And these girls have really big, gorgeous boobs… Another bonus is Mara's see thru top that lets you check out her nips as well! She wore all black – leather boots and skirt and the see through top to the nipples mentioned above.
If you don't know her by her round boobs, you might recognize her permanent pout from Instagram… That's by a longer shot though since she started her "career†only three years ago. :D The 22 year old model has been said that looks very much like Angelina Jolie but I will let you compare and check Angie in our gallery here and have your say. Nonetheless both are smoking hot, while Jolie has experience under her belt, Mara has youth and willingness… Let me just say I'll keep an eye on both girls, hope you do the same!


text: It's been a while since I've found the time to write a blog post but I'm still here enjoying my home and my family. Life with two preschoolers and a little baby is very busy. There is hardly time for anything but my boys. It is the season of my life. Everything is done with a baby in my arms which means not a lot is done. But we are still having loads of fun. The big boys are still dressing up in there costumes everyday. Over the winter I made them super hero costumes that they love. Now that the weather is nice they've been playing outside everyday and we've started our vegetable garden. I have to get back to my mom life now. So I'll leave you with this Easter picture.


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Enhanced VINELink Lab
Karen Adams, Jared Beek
In collaboration with law enforcement agencies, Enhanced VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) leverages computer and mobile app technology to house incarceration data and service provider resources. This computer lab includes a hands-on demonstration of how to search for custody status information on offenders and provides the opportunity to Get Notified for real-time automated offender custody status and court case notifications. This lab will also instruct on how to navigate the "Guide Me" feature, which guides victims to the appropriate local and national service providers, based on interactive questionnaires, depending on their individual needs. Attendees will learn about VINE & its innovative technology that is equipping law enforcement, community service providers, and victims of crime with life-saving resources that empower and protect victims.
#howdoisearchthat: Searching Instagram
Justin Fitzsimmons, Lauren Wagner
This computer lab is restricted to law enforcement and prosecutors only. With 55 million photos being shared daily, Instagram is a major player in the social networking world. Participants will be shown three ways to search Instagram: using the Instagram search engine on the web, searching Instagram through Google advanced and Boolean operators, and third-party resources that can be used to search Instagram, all without having an Instagram account. Instagram searching for profiles, keywords, hashtags, and geographical information will all be covered, as well as techniques to search Instagram through the mobile app using an Android emulator.
Locating Victims Through Effective Sting Operations
Joseph Scaramucci
This lab is restricted to law enforcement. This computer lab will provide law enforcement with the understanding and tools needed to conduct cost-effective sting operations and follow-up investigations using minimal manpower. Attendees will learn how to locate potential victims of human trafficking, how to utilize victim-centered investigative techniques, and how to successfully rescue victims. Attendees will participate in simulated, online sting operations targeting the recovery of victims and the accountability of traffickers involved in street trafficking, online trafficking, and Illicit Massage Businesses.
Optimizing Your Investigative Tools & Techniques
Justin Fitzsimmons, Lauren Wagner
This computer lab is restricted to law enforcement and prosecutors only. The presenters will introduce the must-have software and methodologies that can be used by investigators to manipulate and save digital evidence. The presenters will explore the cutting-edge services and products SEARCH uses to aid investigators in crimes involving digital evidence.
Searching Facebook: Graph Search & URL Manipulations
Justin Fitzsimmons, Lauren Wagner
This computer lab is restricted to law enforcement and prosecutors only. Facebook is the largest worldwide social media website and contains a substantial amount of potential investigative information. This lab will uncover how Facebook information can be searched in separate and distinct ways. One method is to use Facebook graph search, which uses specific targeted terms that, when used correctly, can show investigative material. The presenters will demonstrate how graph search works, and explain how syntax is vital to a successful search. Another method is to use URL manipulations. Once a Facebook profile has been identified, these URL manipulations can show content from this target, such as photo comments, video likes, and comparisons with friends.
Twitter: An Under-Appreciated Investigative Tool
Justin Fitzsimmons, Lauren Wagner
This computer lab is restricted to law enforcement and prosecutors only. Twitter has quickly become the go-to medium for today's instant communication, proven by the fact that there are 5,000 tweets per second. This lab will demonstrate Twitter searching to allow searching for Twitter profiles, Tweet keywords and hashtags, and even searching for Tweets from a particular latitude and longitude. These Twitter searching techniques will include both standard and hidden Boolean operators, ensuring that investigators have access to the best possible evidence.
Understanding Geolocation Applications: What it Means for Investigations & Prosecutions
Justin Fitzsimmons, Lauren Wagner
People spend 92% of their time on mobile devices using applications. Billions of apps are downloaded from the Google Play and Apple Stores on a weekly basis. Many existing and newly-introduced apps offer users geolocation functionality. This lab will explain how the apps work to provide location data. The presenters will explain the different terminology, including geolocation and geo-tagging. The presenters will also discuss the benefits of using this type of data to help provide evidence and corroboration in investigations.


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Bonkers Britain
What Drives You Nuts about Modern Life
- Imprint: Summersdale
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 192
- Price: £9.99
- Publication date: 9 November 2017
About the book
Having a good old moan about little everyday frustrations is a quintessential part of being British, and when it comes to barmy bureaucracy we can really get our knickers in a twist! This book collects the most mind-boggling and side-splitting examples of potty political correctness, ridiculous red tape and well-intentioned (but ultimately wacky) warnings from across bonkers Britain today.
Discover the 'infallible logic' that inspired a toy manufacturer to point out to customers that its plastic broomstick doesn't really fly, the 'dutiful consideration' that led to sex being described as 'cooperative physical fitness', and the 'forward thinking' that resulted in a sign advising against hogging the middle lane being displayed on a two-lane motorway. But be warned: this book may induce bouts of uncontrollable laughter and should only be used by those properly trained in lifting books and turning pages.
'A perfect stocking filler for anyone who likes to berate our country and its sometimes crazy ways.'
The Sun


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Cool'n Classy!
Congratulations, I knew you would excel. Have a wonderful Holiday season, and keep me in your...
Congratulations Lia mol
Never had a single doubt! I know it was an intensely demanding and rewarding undertaking - CONGRATS!
Nancy, Congrats on your 20 years @ the Core!!!!
tus calificacines son buenas isistes buen trabajo mami goo jod
Congratulations on your promotion!!!! Next Research Associate! Or Analist - or PM - or CEO!
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!With all our Love Mom and Dad
Many ways to congratulate someone.
An ecard sure to put a smile on your friend's/ loved one's face!
Congratulate someone with this e-card.
A note of congratulations for your friends/ dear ones.
Send warm wishes to the grandma/ grandpa on their newly found happiness.
A formal ecard for your friends/ near ones.
A funny things-to-do list for the new parents.
Congratulate the parents with this e-card.
Wish the proud parents.
Congratulate someone on their new job with jumbo hugs...
Wish all the fun to the new mom/ dad with this cute wish.
Congratulate your friend/ loved one with this heartwarming message.
Congratulate on the new arrival.
Congratulate with this ecard.
Congratulate someone and express your happiness with this great interactive ecard.
Please wait...
Please wait...
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Read the latest newsletter or Editor Bob's Blog


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When I first started cooking food sous vide, one of the first foods I played around with was fois gras. Apart from the The Perfect Egg, fois gras was constantly referred to as the first foods in sous vide. This was because cooked traditionally, too much fat would be released causing the liver to shrink considerably in size. By cooking sous vide, the shrinkage would be reduced considerably and fat retained. I like foie gras cooked sous vide but do find it a bit too rich for my palate these days. So I tried Momofuku's shaved foe gras recipe a try. Turned out to be extremely light and melting in my mouth. I dressed it with some bitter melon purée and served them on top of some wonton wrappers.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Posted by Maureen Loh at 4:59 PM No comments:
Smoked prawns
It all started with smoking crabs. But crab is very messy to eat and although I prefer crabs over shrimps, it was difficult for me to get the same type of crab at the market within a week. So I decided to look into shrimps again.
Cantonese love their seafood fresh and simple. These finger long shrimp are always available at the market. Usually they are poached, peeled and devoured at the table. So after poaching them, I have them a hint of smoked and served them with some chilli soy sauce, just like at the seafood restaurants. They turned out really nice. Another item on the menu!
Posted by Maureen Loh at 4:50 PM No comments:
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Seafood marinara
In Hong Kong, there is the tendency to serve lots of imported foods in dishes to make them unique. I try to use local ingredients in my foods, especially seafood as it's live and fresh. I'm not a particular fan of imported chilled/frozen seafood.
I didn't want a Chinese dinner tonight and was looking for ideas on the internet. Seafood marinara... lovely...
I just bought local live clams and live shrimp. Fish , that's imported and I chose salmon, but just because my daughter likes salmon.
Everything else was local except for the anchovies and white wine. The flavours were great and well balanced. Now to see if my young food critic agrees with me.
Posted by Maureen Loh at 5:41 AM No comments:
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I wonder about Ophelia,
the wooded river bank she stepped from
to find her new home, water shrouding
her face as the great boughs of great trees
swung overhead as though to try
to pull her back up. What did the wolves
think? Wolves do not understand
suicide, they move together, they feed
together, they fight together to survive
at any cost. What did they make of this
packless body shackled in flowers sinking
slowly beneath the river's still surface?
I imagine them skulking the water's edge,
catching the scent of her despair, bitter
tang of madness banishing their appetites.
How peculiar this piece of flesh must have
seemed; was she, too, in search of food
on the green floor of the river? I imagine
the wolves standing sentry, awaiting
her return to the surface, pockets unloaded
with stones, clutching handfuls of fish,
thrashing with life, silver and prismatic
in the morning light.


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Anna Granias
Anna provides assistance on various stages of the research and evaluation process, including the collection, analysis, and reporting of quantitative and qualitative data. She works on a variety of projects related to education, health, and human services.
Anna's previous research experience includes an evaluation of a pilot program aimed at the promotion of bicycling for Nice Ride and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and an evaluation of an ordinance for the City of Minneapolis aimed at increasing access to healthy foods. She holds a master's in public health from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor's degree in sociology and women's studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Her passion is for building health equity and working to foster meaningful partnerships between research and communities. Additionally, she is interested in leveraging research to influence policy decisions.
Outside of work Anna is an avid city biker. You can often find her at farmers markets, running by the Mississippi River, or spending time with friends and family.