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Earn points toward FREE PIZZA with Piece of the Pie Rewards
More About Domino's Near 77022
Destination? Delicious Pizza Near 77022
When you're craving a heavenly slice of cheesy, meaty, veggie-loaded goodness, we know your tastebuds don't want just any old pizza near 77022. You're looking for a delectable pizza with freshly made tomato sauce, generous heaps of mozzarella and asiago, expertly diced pepperoni, and a crust that's both crunchy and chewy—all at the same time. You want pizza, perfected. You want Domino's.
At Domino's near 77022, it's never been easier to get the fast and fresh pizza you want. Order your pizza online or over the phone, or stop by and place a carryout order at the Domino's nearest you.
Start off by picking from our menu of crusts. Choose a fluffy, hand-tossed crust that's dusted with garlic seasonings and buttery flavor, a pan crust featuring two colossal layers of cheese, a crunchy thin crust, or even a gluten-free pizza crust! Then, choose a sauce and pile on as many or as few pizza toppings as you want. Whether you're a freak for sausage and mushrooms or love sweet pineapple and tangy feta cheese, you can count on your nearby Domino's to deliver.
With millions of different ways to craft a single Domino's pizza (yes, we said millions and we mean it), you can be sure we have a slice that suits your tastes. Build your own pizza from bottom to top or select one of our many crowd-pleasing specialty pizzas, like the popular MeatZZa™, Honolulu Hawaiian, or Memphis BBQ Chicken, and have it delivered to your door today, fast!
Pizza Delivery Near 77022: Deliciousness at Your Door
When you order from your Domino's near 77022, you'll see that we're pretty serious about pizza delivery. In fact, we promise your pizza will arrive hot and fresh at your door, right out of our oven. Stay up to date with the status of your order using our custom made TrackerⓇ. Enter in your phone number online and follow the progress of your pizza order from the moment you place it until it arrives at your door... and do your best not to drool on your computer's keyboard in the meantime.
Wings, Sandwiches, Desserts & Pizza Takeout Near 77022
You've probably already experienced our speedy pizza delivery skills, but did you know we're experts at pizza takeout near 77022 too? You can order from our pizza menu or step outside the pizza box and try something different (but equally delicious). Satisfy everyone's cravings with one of our handcrafted sandwiches, oven-baked pastas, tasty bread bites, fresh salads, and even dangerously decadent desserts. Add a cookie brownie, lava cake, or warm bunch of Cinna StixⓇ to your order and satisfy your sweet tooth.
With more than 12,000 stores in 80 plus countries, we know quality and customer service. We make it our mission to be the best pizza delivery company in Houston, and everything from our money-saving pizza coupons to our considerate delivery drivers reflects this commitment. Use your mobile phone to place an order via our free app, order online, or call your local Domino's restaurant near 77022 for quick and delicious pizza delivery and carryout today! We aren't like every other pizza restaurant. We're your favorite pizza place near 77022!


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Mr. Grant Harms is the Vice President Kurdistan of WZR. He brings over 35 years of domestic and international experience that includes technical, managerial and executive positions with Murphy Oil, Koch Exploration Canada, Bow Valley Energy, Hurricane Hydrocarbons and Niko Resources.
Mr. Harms extensive background includes nineteen years of domestic oil and gas engineering, operations and business development and seventeen years of highly challenging international oil and gas experience in six countries. He has built and managed international teams that drilled wells and built and operated production facilities resulting in production increases from 3,000 to 8,000 bbl/d in Canada, from 30,000 to 55,000 bbl/d in Russia and 55,000 to 100,000 bbl/d in Kazakhstan, and most recently, from 5,000 to 30,000 bbl/d in Kurdistan. Through these efforts he has successfully managed complex relations with partners and international governments.
Mr. Harms holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a Professional Engineer in Alberta.

subset: commoncrawl


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We now offer a formed Fiberglass Insulator with Heat Reflective top surface. The insulation rests on the edge of the tile that it is sitting on to keep the weight off the tiles. It is a rigid formed fiberglass material with a domed shape; water will simply run off of it keeping it dry. The top is a heat reflective material that also serves to limit water penetration through the product.
Ships in box of 4; product fits into standard 2′ x 2′ grid.
For more information and how to buy click:


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Based on our research and expertise, we know that the majority of those who bully are men. We also know that men are actively discouraged from opening up about their emotions and instead, often respond with aggression.
To tackle this, we are supporting AXE's mission to show guys there's no one way to "be a man" and thus quite literally ditch the labels that hold them back. Our partnership of more than a year is focused on giving young guys the tools and resources they need to say a huge, big, fat no to bullying and be comfortable with who they are – without the pressures and limits of traditional masculinity.
We know guys spend a lot of their time online, so we've created an easy to use platform for the UK, US and Mexico, housing everything guys need to get rid of limiting labels and reduce bullying. This platform is powered by AXE and its Find Your Magic Initiative, and includes communities, chats and trained mentors.
We're aiming to help at least 474k people through our partnership with Axe. We're confident that we will get more young people talking about bullying and the labels that guys suffer under - and this is something we are very proud of.
Is It OK to Troll a 'Troll'?
Here at Ditch the Label, we know that bullying is a behavior and like all behaviors, it will continue to evolve and adapt to any new environment it finds itself in unless it is challenged in a responsible way. Trolling is not OK… Troll …
What To Do When You're Angry 😡
Anger is something that every single person will experience at varying levels. It's completely normal to feel anger, it's an acceptable emotion and there are healthy ways of expressing it and some not so healthy ways too. So, instead …
Also By Our Collaboration
It's Time to #AXEpressYourself…
#AXEpressYourself The way we all express ourselves – from the clothes we wear to the way we style our hair – is quite often related to how confident we're feeling. Our friends at AXE share our passion for helping guys feel their most confident …Read More It's Time to #AXEpressYourself…
We live in a world where it is a rebellion to be yourself. Where people are ostracized and bullied because of attitudes towards how they look, who they love, the color of their skin or pretty much anything that makes them unique. We say enough …Read More THE ANTHEM
How to Approach your Crush on Valentine's Day
Whether it's online or IRL, it can be seriously hard to tell someone that you actually 'like' them. Ditch The Label put their heads together with Axe to come up with the ultimate do's and don'ts when it comes to V-day dating… 1. Keep it …Read More How to Approach your Crush on Valentine's Day
7 Signs You're Addicted to Social Media
…Are you addicted? 1 in 3 people say they use social media constantly and 60% of people say they can't go more than a day without using it. But what are the warning signs that you're addicted? Ditch the Label teamed up with Axe …Read More 7 Signs You're Addicted to Social Media
Is It OK For Guys…?
Ever been told to 'grow a pair' or 'be a real man'…? Ditch the Label are supporting Axe in their mission to get guys to ditch the labels holding them back. With 57% of guys being told that real men should behave a …Read More Is It OK For Guys…?
"Guys Don't Cry" – The Myths & Truths
Masculinity Myth #1 – Guys don't cry. Our research shows that people associate masculine behaviours with strong and powerful characters. With 71% choosing 'strong' as a descriptor for masculinity, its no wonder guys think …Read More "Guys Don't Cry" – The Myths & Truths


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Can I tell you about Asthma?
A guide for friends, family and professionals
Meet Alfie - a young boy with asthma. Alfie invites readers to learn about asthma from his perspective, describing how it feels to have an asthma attack and what the common triggers are. He talks about the challenges of having asthma and how important it is that his friends and the people around him can recognise the signs when he starts feeling short of breath and know how to help. Alfie also gives simple instructions on using asthma inhalers and other medical treatments.
This illustrated book is full of useful information and will be an ideal introduction for young people, aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and nurses. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.
This is a book that should be in each school and will be invaluable for parents too. – Healthy Books
Lesley Mills offers a medically accurate, age appropriate and accessible way for children, parents and teachers to learn more about asthma. With Rosy Salaman's delightful illustrations, young Alfie comes alive as our guide and teacher. As Alfie says so well, "I think most people would like to help, but they just don't know the right thing to do." Lesley Mills generously shares her wisdom through Alfie, so that we will all know the right things to do and to say when it comes to asthma. I highly recommend this resource to everyone on both sides of the Atlantic. – Robert Oliphant, President, Asthma Society of Canada
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Chris joins us with seven years software & account management experience - an industry expert you could say. Prior to committing to the computer/software industry, Chris was a professional Tennis umpire, covering seven Wimbledons, the French and Australian open!
Chris will be assigned to new and
existing clients and we are happy to hear that he is on
the ball and been in touch
with some of you already. Welcome Chris!
A few of you may have called and spoken to her already but Dani takes on the role of receptionist and accounts administer for Studio 2 Online, and has already made a huge impact!
brings with her years of experience from agencies and the service
sector, and we welcome her with a triumphant roar. So
next time you call, say hello to Dani, don't wait for
her to call you!
Due to the increased amount of work in the studio, we have employed another developer, Krutant, to help with the work load and to further his knowledge in the industry. Krutant is fresh from his BSC at DeMontfort University, but with a little commercial experience we are certain he will quickly become an invaluable part of our studio family.
Industry News - European Commission will overhaul consumer
law to boost e-commerce
New Projects
MJ Blinds and Awnings Ltd are online specialists in
just that. They produce high quality products online
and will be working with Studio 2 to produce an updated
version of their existing site.
Evergreens UK are established specialists in artificial grass for the domestic and display market and have selected Studio 2 to design and build their new website.
"I chose Studio 2 Online as first impressions indicated a bright, forward thinking organisation with a sense of humour. I enjoy doing business with people that like to work hard and have a lust for life.
After meeting with Giles, I was pleased to find my first impressions were correct and after tooing and frowing with various comprehensive website options, decided on the most expensive! I am looking forward to beginning the project over the coming weeks."
Andy Driver, Evergreens UK
Please note the mailbox this newsletter is sent from is non-responsive, hence please don't click reply to send us feedback. All feedback and enquiries should be sent to email@example.com
Studio 2 Online Ltd
Cathedral Chambers
2 Peacock Lane
0116 242 5811
0116 293 8090


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September is just around the corner and with the slightly cooler temperatures come new experiences to enjoy around Orange County. Concerts, musicals, new exhibits, walking tours, and whale tours….all waiting for you! We're here to make sure your time spent in Orange County is nothing short of memorable. Call ahead to reserve a cab (714-999-9999), use our new smartphone app, or hail one of our taxis on the go! Let's get you there!
Irvine Meadows August ConcertsVarious dates and Times @ Irvine Meadows Amphitheater
Schedule your Irvine Taxi and let's get you there!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame September 16 - October 9, 2016 @ La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
This brand new musical is the only stage collaboration from two masters of American musical theatre, Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin). With a lush, emotionally rich score and beautiful choral arrangements, it's a dramatic retelling of the epic but tragic Victor Hugo novel. Darker than the Disney film, closer in plot to the novel, the musical showcases the film's Oscar-nominated score and introduces stunning new songs. Parental discretion is advised.
Menopause The Musical August 31 - September 11, 2016 @ Laguna Playhouse
Set in a department store, four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra on sale, come to find they have more to share than ever imagined. The cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer The Silent Passage, but a stage in every woman's life that is perfectly normal!
Schedule your Laguna Beach Taxi and let's get you there!
Super Powers: New Exhibit Daily until September 18, 2016 @ Pretend City Children's Museum
Discover your inner hero and unlock your super powers in this interactive and kid-sized super power training ground. Fly, scale, zip and smash your way through a real-life comic book city. Build your body and your bravery as you tackle challenges and complete missions throughout the exhibit with gadgets and gizmos that enhance your powers. Smash your way into Super Powers at Pretend City!
Free Guided Walking Tour of Laguna Beach Multiple Days @ 9:30 AM - Meet in front of the Pageant of the Masters
If you are interested in finding out about the history of Laguna Beach or just want a leisurely walk through this art colony, then ours is the tour for you. The 1.5 mile, two hour stroll through the heart of Laguna Beach will take you back in time and bring you up to date on this beautiful coastal community. Our tour begins in front of the Pageant of the Masters / Festival of the Arts and weaves its way south towards the eucalyptus tree lined Forest Avenue. We'll head further south towards the White House and Peppertree Lane before crossing Pacific Coast Highway and heading north towards the unprecedented gift of Brown's Park. Continuing on past Greeter's Corner and Main Beach, we'll finish our tour after a few interesting stops in Heisler Park with a picturesque view of the ocean and possibly, if the sky is clear, a panorama of the elusive Catalina Island.
Whale WatchingAll Year LongDana Point and Newport Beach
It's a bird... it's a plane... no, it's a WHALE! The Gray Whales have migrated just a few miles off the coast, and there are a ton of popular, fun, and simple, day cruises ready to take you on a whale watching adventure! See cruise dates and times for Dana Point and Newport!
Schedule your Dana Point Taxi or Newport Beach Taxi and let's get you there!
Copyright © 2015 | Yellow Cab Company | 714.999.9999 Orange County | Get a Cab


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from Waitrose 25cm (10) non-stick loose base spring form cake tin25cm
You have 0 of this in your trolley
Quantity of from Waitrose 25cm (10) non-stick loose base spring form cake tin in trolley 0
- 25cm / 10"
- Do not use metal tools as this may damage the non-stick coating
- Do not cut on the tray
- Do not use on direct heat source
- Do not use in microwave
- Always use an oven glove when handling hot oven ware
- Oven safe to 230C/ 450F/Gas Mark 8
- Dishwasher SafeWash before first use
- Avoid the use of harsh / abrasive cleaners and scourers
- To remove dried on food, soak in hot water before washing
- Do not immerse hot oven ware in cold water
- Waitrose own label
Please note that while we take every care to make sure the product information displayed on our website is correct, product recipes are regularly changed. This may affect nutrition and allergen information therefore you should always check product labels and not rely solely on the information presented here.
If you require specific advice on any Waitrose branded product, please contact our Customer Care Team. For all other products, please contact the manufacturer.
This information is supplied for personal use only. It may not be reproduced in any way whatsoever without the prior consent of Waitrose Limited nor without due acknowledgement.


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September 19, 2009
New Exhibit at Versailles
6 comments:
- Absolutely Ladylike said...
Oh I would love to be there :-) So beautiful!
Hope everything is ok with you dear Miss Kris...
I missed your posts.
Cheers: Evi
- September 19, 2009 at 8:08 PM
- debra@dustjacket said...
Hi there,
It is so different, so striking.
- September 20, 2009 at 2:26 AM
- A Gift Wrapped Life said...
Now this would stop me in my tracks.....so unique. Thanks for sharing so I can go see a bit more via the web.
- September 20, 2009 at 12:41 PM
- Trouvais said...
Bonjour Miss Kris..I just posted some British House and Garden photos of Le Mas de Baraquet today and then found your interior shots...included a link. I thought I was a magazine hoarder, but at 1999...you have me beat. Thrilled to be able to catch glimpse onside, thanks. Trish
- September 23, 2009 at 2:00 PM
- Sherri Blum said...
Hi Kris,
Yes, this is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing! When life gets a bit crazy, I can always count on a visit to your blog to see something beautiful and inspiring.
I've been away from the internet, blogs and the daily grind for a while to get my personal life back on track and will likely be "gone" for a few more months while I get settled into my new home and newly expanded family. But during that time,I have occasionally found opportunity to visit your lovely blog for a pick-me-up. You're a class act...I'll be coming back for more!
- September 23, 2009 at 3:27 PM
- Draffin Bears said...
Hi Miss Kris,
Beautiful work and I saw this the other night on EuroMaxx.
It would be wonderful to go and see this Art event.
I hope that you are well.
- September 23, 2009 at 7:56 PM


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Computer Labs
- No food and drinks are allowed in the computer rooms.
- Students must save all documents on portable devices such as USB drive/Floppy. We are not responsible for any loss of documents stored on the computer's hard drive.
- Computer games are not allowed.
- No loud group conversations or music (you must wear headphones).
- Take your call outside the computer lab.
- Printing limits to our Polsci students. If you are Polsci students cannot print, please email your username and class schedule to email@example.com
- Report any technical of computer problems to firstname.lastname@example.com
We have the authority to require individuals to leave computer rooms and/or report persons for violating any of the above policies. Your computer account will use suspsend in Polsci lab.
Social Sciences Data Lab (PGH 446, Graduate Students only)
Undergraduate Computing Lab (PGH 391, Political Science students only)


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(Date: 20.1.2014 – 24.1.2014)
Another week with preparations for the evaluation in Karlsruhe. I spend it wholly with correcting my poster in different iterations.
An Friday I seem to be ready with the most intensive part and I start preparing my talk for the PhD physics seminar next Thursday. CP violation, again. I already forgot next to everything :/.
Week #118
(Date: 20.1.2014 – 24.1.2014)


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As always, Get it Scrapped! has some great new course options this month!! The Fall Sweet Treats is just in time for Halloween and is a self-guided class. Perfect to fit it in when it works for you!
As for guided courses, they've got Your Kids Captured Through the Lens starting October 12, Even More Mad Digital Skillz starting October 13, and Art Journaling 301 starting on October 27.
Check out all their current and upcoming class offerings here!
Nicole is an amazing artist and every month she's got some great new custom designed die-cuts in her etsy shop.
Here's one new one that caught my eye on my last visit (and, yes, I've already got Halloween on the brain...we've already started shopping for the perfect costume this year!).
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.


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Namco Bandai have shared a second trailer for their next anime fighting game developed by CyberConnect2, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle, based on the manga series by Hirohiko Araki. The new trailer shows off some more of the game's cast, and you can watch it below:
Characters confirmed for All Star Battle so far include: Jotaro Kujo, Joseph Joestar, Wham, Gyro Zeppeli, Jonathan Joestar, Johnny Joestar, Jolyne Kujo, Josuke Higashikata, Giorno Giovanna, and Guido Mista.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle will be released for the PlayStation 3 in 2013. CyberConnect 2 have said that the number of fighters in the game will be on par with other fighters, so there are probably more to be revealed.


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Basic information about the Koi Princess slot machine:
Koi Princess slot is a 5-reel, 3-lines and 20 paylines online slot machine with several bonus games and free spins. Its big advantage is that the players can increase their chances of winning with a single click. This cannot be told about all slot machines. Players only need to activate the PLUS EXTRA BONUS feature by clicking the BONUS BET button on the right.
Online Casinos with Koi Princess slot machine:
|Online Casinos:
|Welcome bonus:
Unfortunately, the bet is doubled this way but it's proven that there are bigger chances of winning any bonus game or free spins during playing. In practice, if we want to spin with a €5 bet, a spin will cost €10 when the bonus is activated but we can win free spins or bonus games much more times.
How to use the BONUS BET FEATURE on Koi Princess slot machine?
This is because the player will renounce the possibility of bigger winning chances. We can use it for our benefit if the reels start spinning after clicking on the spin button, like our Internet connection is lost and the 3 fish symbols appear below the reels. We need to choose one which can be a BONUS game or other extra prize.
According to our experiences, in this case the best thing is when we win a BONUS game or WILD REELS spin. In the case of the BONUS game, we can obtain SURE WIN SPINS (10 free spins with Wilds), WILD REELS SPINS (10 free spins with Wilds that will cover entire reels), BONUS WHEEL (cash prize and bonus game) or COIN WINS, i.e. coin prizes. However, in case of WILD REELS, we'll get only one spin with at least 2 but not more than 5 reels entirely covered with Wild symbols.
Is it easier to win with immediately stopping on Koi Princess slot machine?
We believe that BONUS games or other coin prizes can be won more times with the activated BONUS BET FEATURE if we use the immediate stop method. Right after we clicked on the spin button, we immediately click on it again so we won't wait for the slot machine to slowly show us the caimed prizes on the reels.
According to our statistics, we can win with this 5-10, maximum of 20, if not BONUS game but extra games by BONUS BET FEATURE. This can be up to the bet, obviously so if it doesn't met our expectations after 20 spins, it's worth playing with a higher or a lower bet.
Which bet should we place to try our luck on Koi Princess slot machine?
Everyone who can afford it, we recommend the maximum bet which is €400 with the activated BONUS BET FEATURE but it's possible to win nice sums with a €10 bet as well on Koi Princess slot machine. Of course, we can have luck with lower bets sometimes but the best bets are the ones we have recommended.
Anyways, if we think about it a little more, based on the examples above, we can win any BONUS game or free spin with a €200 deposit and €10 bet, which can mean thousands of euros if we're lucky.


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Watch Online
Watch on DVD
Get the Book
Rethinking Cancer, by Ruth Sackman, is an excellent companion book to the film. Learn More
Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy
Non-Toxic Biological Approaches to the Theories, Treatments and Prevention of Cancer
The Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy (FACT) founded in 1971, is a federally approved 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds from donations, sale of the DVD, and the books Triumph Over Cancer, Rethinking Cancer, and Detoxification are tax deductible. Your contributions help to fund FACT's educational efforts.
More About FACT
Visit the new
FACT Product Guide
Bruce Fishkin has cancer lymphoma to be exact. After almost a year of chemotherapy in 1986, doctors told him the treatment was having no effect. The 51-year-old marketing consultant from Redding, CT, got his affairs in order. Then he read a book that changed his life.
"The premise was that your state of mind contributed to the initiation of the disease by lowering your immune system," he says. "I'm a pretty conventional guy. But something in that book rang true. And I decided if my mental state had contributed to my getting cancer, then maybe my mind could help strengthen my defenses."
Like thousands of other cancer patients around the country, Fishkin sought out a "wellness" program hoping to control, if not conquer, his disease. He joined the "E-CAP" (Exceptional Cancer Patient) program in New Haven, run by Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of the best seller Love, Medicine and Miracles, and a surgeon at the Yale-New Haven Medical Center. The E-CAP program includes group counseling, meditation and relaxation exercises, and guided imagery, where patients concentrate on positive mental images such as cells fighting off disease or peaceful landscapes.
"I have patients who are alive and well today who should be dead, according to their pathology reports," Dr. Siegel says. "I don't say we have cured their disease. But I do believe you can alter the course of disease by helping your brain to send healing chemical messages to receptive sites around the body."
A new breed of scientists, called "psychoneuro-immunologists," is trying to find out if the brain can do that and how.
Among them is Nicholas Hall, biochemistry professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. "There is solid evidence that the brain and the immune system do communicate with each other," says Dr. Hall. "Chemical hormones controlled by the brain have been shown to influence the activity of key cells involved with disease and disease fighting."
While there's no definitive proof yet, Dr. Hall says recent studies have shown links between state of mind and our ability to fight illness or pain. Among the findings:
"We have proven that eliciting the "relaxation response" in the body reduces blood pressure, heart rate and rate of breathing," says Dr. Herbert Benson, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of behavioral medicine at the New England Deaconess Hospital. "There's nothing mysterious about it. You simply close yours eyes, keep repeating a word or phrase, shut out everyday thoughts and your body automatically relaxes. The same thing happens during prayer or hypnosis."
The mind may be able to trigger other physical responses in the body, says Dr. Benson, author of Your Maximum Mind. He cites Buddhist monks in the Himalayas, who were able to generate enough body heat to meditate in subzero temperatures without shivering, frost bite or showing any signs of cold. He believes they did it by using the power of the mind.
Dr. Benson believes that same power could be tapped by sick people wanting to be well and healthy people wanting to stay that way.
Meanwhile, wellness groups continue to win supporters. In addition to Dr. Siegel's E-CAP program is The Wellness Community in Santa Monica, CA, a non-profit group aimed at helping cancer patients fight the disease. One of its most famous participants was Gilda Radner, diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
A main feature of the Wellness Community and the E-CAP program is group counseling, allowing cancer patients to talk about their fears and experiences, help each other cope and give each other love and hope.
And for now, while scientists try to prove the mind can heal the body, this may be the best medicine of all.
Bruce Fishkin agrees. "The biggest benefit of E-CAP for me has been getting outside of myself and helping other people," he says.
Fishkin also sees a psychic healer, but says he has "no illusions about making my cancer disappear.
"I don't look for miracles. I don't look for cures," he says. "I do look for increased longevity and a better quality of life. I think. those are realistic goals if you put your mind to it."
Reprinted from the Daily News
Rethinking Cancer, by Ruth Sackman, is an excellent companion book to the film. Learn More


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Join us for our FREE monthly film series featuring films centering on food, farms and justice.
Bring a friend or a snack to share and earn cowries for attending!
December 13, 2015, 3-5 pm
Intersect Art Center
3630 Ohio Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
This month we feature: Planeat: The story of three men's life-long search for a diet which is good for our health, the environment and the future of our planet – showcasing some of the best food you have ever seen. Planeat is a 2010 British documentary film by Or Shlomi and Shelley Lee Davies. The film discusses the possible nutritional and environmental benefits of adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet based on the research of T. Colin Campbell, Caldwell Esselstyn and Gidon Eshel.


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Research at the Map & Education Center
Our collections are open to anyone with a Boston Public Library card. Library cards are available to any resident of Massachusetts. More information about getting a BPL library card can be found on the BPL's website.
Non-Massachusetts residents can apply for a research card for the purpose of using Research Library materials (in-library use only). This can be obtained with photo identification that shows your name and address, and has your signature. The easiest form of ID is a driver's license or State ID card showing your current address.
Research Hours:
Monday: 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday: 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am-5 pm
Thursday: 10 am-7 pm
Friday: 10 am-5 pm


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The tragic phenomenon goes by various names — wandering, elopement, bolting — and about half of autistic children are prone to it....
August 11, 2013
"They're fast, they're quiet. They can disappear in an instant."
4 comments:
- Deirdre Mundy said...
I think a big problem is that it's now socially unacceptable to intervene when you see a young kid wandering into dangerous territory.
We've adopted this attitude of 'it's not my kid' because if you scold or stop a wandering child in a public place, you're evil, creepy, or (depending on the race of the child) racist. So you can no longer count on strange adults to intervene when your kid is running towards the pond or into traffic.
The problem is worse for Autistic kids, because they don't LOOK different from other kids (unlike, say, Downs kids) so..... is it a developmentally disabled 8 year old wandering in traffic, or a perfectly normal kid whose mom will curse you out if you try to stop him?
Heck, even calling the police when you spot an unattended kid in a dangerous situation can get you branded a crazy racist.....
- Indigo Red said...
A cousin has an autistic daughter we call Miss D. She is a bolter, a fire starter, a cutter, a destroyer, an exhibitionist, and a thrower. Miss D is also a very loving, funny, caring, young woman who knows, but doesn't understand.
- MathMom said...
Dierdre is right - that's the problem w/my son. He looks fine, and sounds fine for a little while, then people start to see the difference. Some people think he's just a jerk. They just don't understand the cord doesn't go all the way to the wall. If he had a Down Syndrome face, people would be patient with him. As it is, once I got there just before a policeman drew a gun on him. He was bouncing up and down outside a video store - the cop thought he looked nervous and was waiting for accomplices. I had to tell him he is just autistic.
As to the attitude of it being socially unacceptable to intervene - I used to live in Saudi Arabia and those horrid young Saudi bucks who were ferried around by Filippina nannies were absolutely intolerable at the pool. They were bullies, shoved little kids away from the slide, stood at the edge of the pool and pee'd into it...you get the idea.
A nanny would try to get the boys to get out of the pool and go home, but they would just ignore her. One day I had been watching one who was probably 14 and taller than me, taking advantage of the lack of authority given to the nanny. The little shit was about to jump into the pool again after many requests by the nanny to get out. I walked up to the young bastard and grabbed his arm, told him if he didn't go with his nanny I would rip his hair out.
He was so shocked at being threatened a blonde-haired blue-eyed infidel he went with the nanny. It felt WONDERFUL.
- Carl said...
I think a big problem is that it's now socially unacceptable to intervene when you see a young kid wandering into dangerous territory.
I think that's the symptom. The cause is (1) we only have 1 or 2 kids, instead of 4 or 5, so we can expect to keep an eye on all of them, and (2) we don't consider children a necessity, like a college degree, but more of an art hobby project.
And if you go to the lower-income working Hispanic neighborhood in LA, you see what our mothers were like in 1960. Mothers are bouncing babies on their knee while they visit the DMV, shop, fathers are keeping half an eye on them while they cut the grass or change the oil in the car. Kids run out in the street and neighbors holler at them. The prevailing white middle class attitude is by no means universal.


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Nerf Firevision: The Best Nighttime Techno-Football Of All Time
I've got to give credit to Hasbro's Nerf division, as they always end up innovating surprisingly novel ways for kids to blast, slap and throw to each other toys made with soft Nerf foam. This year's cool new Nerf sport involves their Firevision tech, which literally places the football in an all new light.
Unless you're wearing a pair of Firevision glasses, the football will seem to blink a pulsating white light, but anyone with the shades will see the ball glow a bright crimson or neon lime glow up to 100 feet away for the ultimate sundown showdown. It's a neat concept, and the blinking red or green Firevision shades clearly sets players into opposing teams, while remaining clearly visible when it gets dark outside.
Although the Nerf Firevision series also includes an indoor basketball set and a rather cool looking flying disc, the football set that comes with a pair of shades has the most appeal as an outdoor toy that the entire family could enjoy all year. I'm especially impressed with how far Nerf went to make these toys highly noticeable from a distance for both active players and observers, but make sure that you clean up the yard before you decide to host the first family "Backyard Super Bowl." Safety first! While I'd prefer playing on Team Firestorm Green, if this innovative toy tech takes off, maybe Nerf will start releasing other popular Firevision Frame colors, like blue, yellow and orange… Only time will tell, but in the meantime, I've got my fingers crossed for purple and teal!


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Spectacular!!! My husband was first to read this book. He came to me and shared that he thought it was quite amazing. For him to enjoy a book its gotta be beyond superb.
So, I picked it up and literally didn't want to put it down until I was finished. That usually doesn't happen with non-fiction. Now with a great fiction read I can read for hours at a time, so for this to hold my attention and be so intriguing with truths and Biblical wisdom, I can share with you without a doubt that this is one book every Christian needs to read. One book we need to pass on to all our friends, believer in Christ or yet to know Him.
Powerful and poignant. Dr. Jeremiah is very straight forward. There is no being afraid to offend. He speaks Biblical truth without hesitation.
We can watch mainstream media and think all is fine. Mercy, let us look outside mainstream media for the truths of today's reality and let us look to God for tomorrrow's.
This book is splint into two parts. The first Dr. Jeremiah speaks about the end of America, with chapters such as; The Age of Anything Goes, The Bleeding of Our Borders, The Increase of Intolerance, The Apathy of America, and The Remedy of Revival. The second portion of this book is focused on the world with chapters such as; The Isolation of Israel, The Insurgency of ISIS, The Resurrection of Russia, The Rapture of the Redeemed, and Translated Before the Tribulation. Do any of those topics hit home? They all do, right? This is a book that doesn't just touch on those subjects, but Jeremiah spends a lot of time going deep and bringing to light what is going on in our American and our world. One can see that he did an abundant amount of research.
Here are a few of Dr. Jeremiah's words:
"To most of us, it is clear that things cannot go on as they are, and we wonder, is everything we have known coming to an end? Is it too late to save our nation? Our world? Where can we go to find a realistic reason for hope? These are questions I will address in this book. But to avoid the possible accusation that I am promising more than I can deliver, let me be quick to say that some of the answers we seek are hidden in the mind of God. Only He knows whether the flickering ember of America's flame can be fanned back to life. And only He knows the timetable for Christ's return."
"We do not know whether American will soon fall. We do not know when the Lord will return. But we do know that whatever our circumstances, God's desire for us is to live without anxiety and with hope. He offers you "thoughts of peace and not of evil", and He wants "to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11)."
"In this book I will show you how to find that hope. It is a hope that is not dependent on whether America falls or recovers or whether world order stabilizes or disintegrates. It is a hope that rises above trouble and chaos, enabling you to keep your focus on your future reward and endure whatever comes, whether good or evil, with grace and equanimity."
This is one of those books that will not only leave you pondering, but praying, seeking God in all this mess we live in today. Most of all, I find myself digging deeper within within the Word. That is what I love about Dr. Jeremiah. These are not just his thoughts. They are Biblical and he brings everything to the the Word of God.
In our day when everyone wants to be politically correct it is refreshing to find such a trustworthy teacher, a man of God, who wants nothing more than to lead us to Christ, giving us the wisdom and tools to help us along this unknown journey.
This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you.
Dr. David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point, an international ministry committed to providing Christians with sound Bible teaching through radio and television, the internet, live events, and resource materials and books. He is the author of more than fifty books, including Captured by Grace, Angels: Who They Are and How They Help, What in the World Is Going On?, and Agents of the Apocalypse.


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Happy New Year all. Marathon runner here. Sometimes I think I am overdoing it with the intense workouts, like with intervals in particular, especially if I do them the same week as a challenging hill run. I often feel very exhausted and a little too sore by the end of a week like this, almost to the point that I come close to injuring myself.
This leaves me wondering if hill runs, in particular, hill sprints, can replace interval runs done on a flat surface? Do hill sprints(run up hill at max or near max speed for 10 to 12 sec, walk down hill during rest, rest for a minute) have the same benefits as interval runs performed on flat areas? I used to do intervals for about 15 minutes, 30 sec fast/30 sec rest. Hill repeats I often do for 20 minutes as part of a longer run(though not a "long" run).
I'm thinking of replacing flat intervals with hill sprints once a week, plus hill repeats once a week(or alternatively, a long run through a hilly area). Is this a good idea? Any recommendations?


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Welcome to the Amira-Avizo Software Use Case Gallery
Below you will find a collection of use cases of our 3D data visualization and analysis software. These use cases include scientific publications, articles, papers, posters, presentations or even videos that show how is used to address various scientific and industrial research topics.
Use the Domain selector to filter by main application area, and use the Search box to enter keywords related to specific topics you are interested in.
Metal-organic frameworks tailor the properties of aluminum nanocrystals
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal nanoparticles are two classes of materials that have received considerable recent attention, each for controlling chemical reactivities, albeit in very different ways. Here, we report the growth of MOF shell layers surrounding aluminum nanocrystals (Al NCs), an Earth-abundant metal with energetic, plasmonic, and photocatalytic properties. The MOF shell growth proceeds by means of dissolution-and-growth chemistry that uses the intrinsic surface oxide o... Read more
Hossein Robatjazi, Daniel Weinberg, Dayne F. Swearer, Christian Jacobson, Ming Zhang, Shu Tian, Linan Zhou, Peter Nordlander, Naomi J. Halas
Aging of a Pt/Al2O3 exhaust gas catalyst monitored by quasi in situ X-ray micro computed tomography
Catalyst aging effects were analyzed using X-ray absorption micro-computed tomography in combination with conventional characterization methods on various length scales ranging from nm to μm to gain insight into deactivation mechanisms.
For this purpose, a 4 wt% Pt/Al2O3 model exhaust gas catalyst was coated on a cordierite honeycomb and subjected to sequential thermal aging in static air at 950 °C for 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours. The ag... Read more
Georg Hofmann, Amélie Rochet, Elen Ogel, Maria Casapu, Stephan Ritter, Malte Ogurreck and Jan-Dierk Grunwaldt
Characterization of the Interface Between Coating and Fibrous Layers of Paper
Coated paper is an example of a multi-layer porous medium, involving a coating layer along the two surfaces of the paper and a fibrous layer in the interior of the paper. The interface between these two media needs to be characterized in order to develop relevant modeling tools. After careful cutting of the paper, a cross section was imaged using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The resulting image was analyzed to characterize the coating layer and its transition to the fibrous ... Read more
H. Aslannejad, S. M. Hassanizadeh, M. A. Celia
High-Resolution 3D FIB-SEM Image Analysis and Validation of Numerical Simulations of Nanometre-Scale Porous Ceramic with Comparisons to Experimental Results
The development of focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) techniques has allowed high-resolution 3D imaging of nanometre-scale porous materials. These systems are of important interest to the oil and gas sector, as well as for the safe long-term storage of carbon and nuclear waste. This work focuses on validating the accurate representation of sample pore space in FIB-SEM-reconstructed volumes and the predicted permeability of these systems from subsequent single-phase flow s... Read more
Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar Carbonates and Carbon Storage Research Centre, Imperial College London | Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge University
Anomalous metal segregation in lithium-rich material provides design rules for stable cathode in lithium-ion battery
Despite the importance of studying the instability of delithiated cathode materials, it remains difficult to underpin the degradation mechanism of lithium-rich cathode materials due to the complication of combined chemical and structural evolutions. Herein, we use state-of-the-art electron microscopy tools, in conjunction with synchrotron X-ray techniques and first-principle calculations to study a 4d-element-containing compound, Li2Ru0.5Mn0.5O3. We find surprisingly, after cycling, ruthenium... Read more
Lin, Ruoqian AU - Hu, Enyuan AU - Liu, Mingjie AU - Wang, Yi AU - Cheng, Hao AU - Wu, Jinpeng AU - Zheng, Jin-Cheng AU - Wu, Qin AU - Bak, Seongmin AU - Tong, Xiao AU - Zhang, Rui AU - Yang, Wanli AU - Persson, Kristin A. AU - Yu, Xiqian AU - Yang, Xiao-Qing AU - Xin, Huolin L. PY
Visualizing the Carbon Binder Phase of Battery Electrodes in Three Dimensions
This study presents a technique to directly characterize the carbon and binder domain (CBD) in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery electrodes in three dimensions and use it to determine the effective transport properties of a LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 (NMC) electrode. X-ray nanocomputed tomography (nano-CT) is used to image an electrode composed solely of carbon and binder, whereas focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy is used to analyze cross-sect... Read more
Sohrab R. Daemi, Chun Tan, Tobias Volkenandt, Samuel J. Cooper, Anna Palacios-Padros, James Cookson, Dan J. L. Brett, and Paul R. Shearing
Spatially resolved ultrasound diagnostics of Li-ion battery electrodes
The importance of reliable battery diagnostic systems has grown substantially in recent years as a result of the use of high power Li-ion battery packs in an increasingly diverse range of applications. Here, spatially resolved ultrasound acoustic measurements are used to analyse the condition of Li-ion electrodes. Ultrasonic measurements are performed on a commercial mobile phone battery over the full operating voltage window with the lithiation and delithiation of electrodes o... Read more
James B. Robinson, Maximilian Maier , George Alster , Tomos Compton , Dan J. L. Brett and Paul R. Shearing
Structure of the Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposon capsid and the evolution of retroviruses
Retroviruses evolved from long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons by acquisition of envelope functions, and subsequently reinvaded host genomes. Together, endogenous retroviruses and LTR retrotransposons represent major components of animal, plant, and fungal genomes. Sequences from these elements have been exapted to perform essential host functions, including placental development, synaptic communication, and transcriptional regulation. They encode a Gag polypeptide, the capsid domains ... Read more
Svetlana O. Dodonova, Simone Prinz, Virginia Bilanchone, Suzanne Sandmeyer, and John A. G. Briggs
Differentiation and Characterization of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses by Cryo-electron Tomography and Correlative Microscopy
As key functional units in neural circuits, different types of neuronal synapses play distinct roles in brain information processing, learning, and memory. Synaptic abnormalities are believed to underlie various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, by combining cryo-electron tomography and cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy, we distinguished intact excitatory and inhibitory synapses of cultured hippocampal neurons, and visualized the in situ 3D organization of ... Read more
Chang-Lu Tao, Yun-Tao Liu, Rong Sun, Bin Zhang, Lei Qi, Sakar Shivakoti, Chong-Li Tian, Peijun Zhang, Pak-Ming Lau, Z. Hong Zhou and Guo-Qiang Bi
Cerebral Corpora amylacea are dense membranous labyrinths containing structurally preserved cell organelles
Corpora amylacea are cell-derived structures that appear physiologically in the aged human brain. While their histological identification is straightforward, their ultrastructural composition and microenvironment at the nanoscale have remained unclear so far, as has their relevance to aging and certain disease states that involve the sequestration of toxic cellular metabolites. Here, we apply correlative serial block-face scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron tomograp... Read more
Paula P. Navarro, Christel Genoud, Daniel Castaño-Díez, Alexandra Graff-Meyer, Amanda J. Lewis, Yvonne de Gier, Matthias E. Lauer, Markus Britschgi, Bernd Bohrmann, Stephan Frank, Jürgen Hench, Gabriel Schweighauser, Annemieke J. M. Rozemuller, Wilma D. J. van de Berg, Henning Stahlberg & Sarah H. Shahmoradian
Novel Sulfolobus Virus with an Exceptional Capsid Architecture
A novel archaeal virus, denoted Sulfolobus ellipsoid virus 1 (SEV1), was isolated from an acidic hot spring in Costa Rica. The morphologically unique virion of SEV1 contains a protein capsid with 16 regularly spaced striations and an 11-nm-thick envelope. The capsid exhibits an unusual architecture in which the viral DNA, probably in the form of a nucleoprotein filament, wraps around the longitudinal axis of the virion in... Read more
Haina Wang, Zhenqian Guo, Hongli Feng, Yufei Chen, Xiuqiang Chen, Zhimeng Li, Walter Hernández-Ascencio, Xin Dai, Zhenfeng Zhang, Xiaowei Zheng, Marielos Mora-López, Yu Fu, Chuanlun Zhang, Ping Zhu, Li Huang
3D visualization and deep-learning reveal complex parasite networks in behaviorally manipulated ants
Microbial parasites may behave collectively to manipulate their host's behavior. We examine adaptations of a microbial parasite in its natural environment: the body of its coevolved and manipulated host.
Electron microscopy and 3D reconstructions of host and parasite tissues reveal that this fungus invades muscle fibers throughout the ant's body but leaves the brain intact, and that the fungal cells connect to form extensive networks.Read more
Maridel A. Fredericksena, Yizhe Zhangb, Missy L. Hazenc, Raquel G. Loretoa,d, Colleen A. Mangoldd,e, Danny Z. Chenb, and David P. Hughes, Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University
Deep nuclear invaginations are linked to cytoskeletal filaments – integrated bioimaging of epithelial cells in 3D culture
The importance of context in regulation of gene expression is now an accepted principle; yet the mechanism by which the microenvironment communicates with the nucleus and chromatin in healthy tissues is poorly understood. A functional role for nuclear and cytoskeletal architecture is suggested by the phenotypic differences observed between epithelial and mesenchymal cells…Read more
Danielle M. Jorgens, Jamie L. Inman, Michal Wojcik, Claire Robertson, Hildur Palsdottir, Wen-Ting Tsai, Haina Huang, Alexandre Bruni-Cardoso, Claudia S. López, Mina J. Bissell, Ke Xu, Manfred Auer
Macropinosomes are key players in early shigella invasion and vacuolar escape in epithelial cells
Intracellular pathogens include all viruses, many bacteria and parasites capable of invading and surviving within host cells. Key to survival is the subversion of host cell pathways by the pathogen for the purpose of propagation and evading the immune system. The intracellular bacterium Shigella flexneri, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery, invades host cells in a vacuole that is subsequently ruptured to allow growth of the pathogen within the host cytoplasm…Read more
Allon Weiner , Nora Mellouk , Noelia Lopez-Montero , Yuen-Yan Chang, Célia Souque, Christine Schmitt, Jost Enninga
Determining the bacterial cell biology of planctomycetes
Bacteria of the phylum Planctomycetes have been previously reported to possess several features that are typical of eukaryotes, such as cytosolic compartmentalization and endocytosis-like macromolecule uptake. However, recent evidence points towards a Gram-negative cell plan for Planctomycetes, although in-depth experimental analysis has been hampered by insufficient genetic tools…Read more
Christian Boedeker, Margarete Schüler, Greta Reintjes, Olga Jeske, Muriel C. F. van Teeseling et al.
Three-dimensional imaging of the intracellular assembly of a functional viral RNA replicase complex
Positive-strand RNA viruses, which can be devastating pathogens in humans, animals and plants, replicate their genomes on intracellular membranes. Here, we describe the three-dimensional ultrastructural organization of a tombusvirus replicase in yeast, a valuable model for exploring virus–host interactions…Read more
Isabel Fernández de Castro, José J. Fernández, Daniel Barajas, Peter D. Nagy, Cristina Risco
Fast and precise targeting of single tumor cells in vivo by multimodal correlative microscopy
Intravital microscopy provides dynamic understanding of multiple cell biological processes, but its limited resolution has so far precluded structural analysis. Because it is difficult to capture rare and transient events, only a few attempts have been made to observe specific developmental and pathological processes in animal models using electron microscopy. The multimodal correlative approach that we propose here combines intravital microscopy, microscopic X-ray computed tomography and thr... Read more
Matthia A. Karreman, Luc Mercier, Nicole L. Schieber, Gergely Solecki, Guillaume Allio, Frank Winkler, Bernhard Ruthensteiner, Jacky G. Goetz, Yannick Schwab
Chromosome segregation occurs by microtubule pushing in oocytes
During cell division, spindle microtubules ensure an equal repartition of chromosomes between the two daughter cells. While the kinetochore-dependent mechanisms that drive mitotic chromosome segregation are well understood, in oocytes of most species atypical spindles assembled in absence of centrosomes entail poorly understood mechanisms of chromosome segregation. In particular, the structure(s) responsible for force generation during meiotic chromosome separation in oocytes is unclear. Usin... Read more
Kimberley Laband, Rémi Le Borgne, Frances Edwards, Marine Stefanutti, Julie C. Canman, Jean-Marc Verbavatz, Julien Dumont
High-resolution structures of HIV-1 Gag cleavage mutants determine structural switch for virus maturation
HIV-1 maturation occurs via multiple proteolytic cleavages of the Gag polyprotein, causing rearrangement of the virus particle required for infectivity. (…) How individual cleavages contribute to changes in protein structure and interactions, and how the mature, conical capsid forms, are poorly understood. Here, we employed cryoelectron tomography to determine morphology and high-resolution CA lattice structures for HIV1 derivatives in which Gag cleavage sites are mutated. These analyse... Read more
Simone Mattei, Aaron Tan, Barbel Glass, Barbara Muller, Hans-Georg Krausslich, and John A. G. Briggs
Ultrastructural Characterization of Flashing Mitochondria
Mitochondria undergo spontaneous transient elevations in matrix pH associated with drops in mitochondrial membrane potential. These mitopHlashes require a functional respiratory chain and the profusion protein optic atrophy 1, but their mechanistic basis is unclear. To gain insight on the origin of these dynamic events, we resolved the ultrastructure of flashing mitochondria by correlative light and electron microscopy. HeLa cells expressing the matrix-targeted pH probe mitoSypHer were screen... Read more
Manon Rosselin, Paula Nunes-Hasler, and Nicolas Demaurex
High-resolution ultramicroscopy of the developing and adult nervous system in optically cleared Drosophila melanogaster
The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an important experimental model to address central questions in neuroscience at an organismic level. However, imaging of neural circuits in intact fruit flies is limited due to structural properties of the cuticle. Here we present a novel approach combining tissue clearing, ultramicroscopy, and data analysis that enables the visualisation of neuronal networks with single-cell resolution from the larval stage up to the adult Drosophila. (…) This... Read more
Marko Pende, Klaus Becker, Martina Wanis, Saiedeh Saghafi, Rashmit Kaur, Christian Hahn, Nika Pende, Massih Foroughipour, Thomas Hummel & Hans-Ulrich Dodt


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News item: Someone stole copies of the student newspaper at Christopher Newport University.
Naw, that's old news. Happened last September.
Wait a minute. You mean it happened again?
Last fall, a student allegedly trashed 700 copies of the paper, The Captain's Log, because she was angry about a story that the paper published.
The school administration's response: They squelched their student journalists' right to complain then buried the incident in a murky, secret, faculty-run discipline system (See editorial, "A Teaching Moment at CNU," Oct. 24, 2011).
Now the staff at The Captain's Log has endured another paper-snatching episode, although this time the culprit was an employee of the administration. Really.
Here's what went down on April 4 at the Newport News school, according to Emily Cole, the editor-in-chief of The Captain's Log:
On Wednesdays, CNU gives tours to prospective students. Every college in America provides this service – it allows the prospect to get a sense of the place and the school gets to strut its stuff.
The Captain's Log is published on Wednesday mornings and distributed free in racks throughout campus. The April 4 issue featured a page-one story about a suspected meth lab that had been discovered in a dorm on campus; two students were banned from school.
Drugs and crime on campus – not the kind of student life the administration might want to show high-school kids and their parents. So someone wanted to hide the story. Literally.
Emily Cole, the paper's editor-in-chief, confronted a "University Fellow" who was seen carting off copies of the paper. "Fellows" are recent alums who work for the school. He said that he was "told by the administration" to remove the papers. That way, the embarrassing story wouldn't be available to the would-be students.
"They told us to put them back after the tours," he added.
Cole went to complain to the dean of admissions, who said he didn't know anything about it. He said he'd make some calls. Papers miraculously reappeared in a rack. Back at the school welcome center, Cole discovered an admissions coordinator and another Fellow, each with 200 copies of the paper.
"I caught them black-handed, with ink on their hands," Cole said. They offered to return the copies to the racks, but Cole did it herself.
The paper-snatching plan was "calculated and methodical," Cole said. Papers were taken only from racks that were along the campus tour route.
Cole contacted the Student Press Resource Center in Arlington, which helped her draft a protest letter to CNU President Paul Trible. She called the Daily Press, where she interned last summer. The controversy wouldn't go away. On April 10, Trible sent an email to all students in which he "expressly condemned" the taking of the papers.
"This action was taken by young employees who love CNU and were concerned that a newspaper article would create a bad impression for visiting prospective students," Trible said.
He said there would be discipline but he said nothing more, since it was a personnel issue.
Trible added the statement the student journalists have been waiting to hear ever since the paper-trashing incident last fall: "The Captain's Log is free to write anything it pleases and CNU fully respects the freedom of the press."
Memo to the staff of The Captain's Log: Hold Trible to that last statement. Etch it in stone somewhere. Remind him he said that when the next episode occurs.
But scapegoating nameless junior staffers or overzealous "young employees" for this incident? Sorry, President Trible, that rings hollow. You must not realize how bad this looks for your university.
It's going to get worse, because this story, as they say in the news business, has legs. The day I talked to Cole, she already had been interviewed by the Daily Press, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and local TV stations. Right after our talk, she had an appointment with a Washington Post reporter.
Give Cole the last word: By trying to hide the papers, "they've done more damage [to CNU] than the meth lab story ever did."


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Gekijouhan Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon S; Animated fantasy romance, Japan, 1994; D: Hiroki Shibata, S: Kotono Mitsuishi, Keiko Han, Masami Kikuchi, Megumi Hayashibara, Aya Hisakawa
The Earth is again threatened by the mysterious Snow Queen from space, who wants to cower the whole planet with ice. But she needs to find a piece of her comet to do so, which was discovered and picked up by astronomer Kakeru who lives in his observatory. He also picks up cat Luna, who had fever, and helps her turn healthy again. She falls in love with him and tells that to Usagi Tsukino. However, Kakeru is often imagining that "Princess Kaguya" lives on the Moon, which is why he is misunderstood by his girlfriend, astronaut Himeko who leaves him. When the Snow Queen takes away the Comet piece and attacks the world, Sailor Moon and the sailor senshi stop her, and they also transform Luna into a human form for a few minutes to comfort Kakeru and bring him back to Himeko.The 2nd out of 3 feature length anime films set in the "Sailor Moon" Universe, "Sailor Moon S: Hearts in Ice" is a gentle romance film, appropriately dreamy and mystical for its fantasy genre, establishing quite an unusual love story: the one between astronomer Kakeru and Luna - a talking cat. Despite top-notch animation and crispy-clear cinematography, "Ice" can't be considered the equivalent to the anime series, or the most representative of all "Sailor Moon" anime films for that matter, due to a rather sappy story that isn't especially subtle when it tries to bring its message across, the one of a scientist who also has faith in some things outside science, symbolically present in astronomer Kakeru who believes in "Princess Kaguya on the Moon". The special manga side story by Naoko Takeuchi, "The Lover of Princess Kaguya", wasn't the best of the "Sailor Moon" side stories (many consider it to be "Casablanca Memories"), and logically the movie wasn't the best: the new villain, a Snow Queen from space, comes across as standard-cliched, looking more as if it seems that she is just there because she has to be for the plot sake than as if she is there for a reason, and the Outer senshi lack screen time this time, though for a 60-minute film the story flows smoothly, has charm and humor whereas the direction by Hiroki Shibata is competent. Despite some sentimental-melodramatic scenes, the film has at least two perfect romantic moments: the one where Luna asks Usagi to explain her feelings for Mamoru and she does that by keeping her palms together, while both her ring and little-finger keep stroking each other bashfully, and the other one is when Luna kisses Kakeru and then runs across the meadow in happiness.


text: Alumni Mission Immersion Trip Iona in Mission will once again be partnering with the Edmund Rice Justice Desk of South Central Africa to offer an exciting immersion experience for young alumni in Cape Town, South Africa. Dates: September 6-15, 2019 Highlights of the Immersion: Experience a passionate community of young adults living the Edmund Rice charism and working for justice. Service projects with: township communities living in extreme poverty, the Umoya Project celebrating people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, schools, orphanage and other community partners and non-governmental organizations. Shadowing day with South Africans in your profession. Human rights and advocacy training workshops. Daily reflections at our beautiful accommodations at the Christian Brothers' Eco-Spirituality Center. Cultural immersion activities: Robben Island tour and reflection, Cape Town sites, restaurants and wine tasting, Game park visit. Estimated cost: $2,700 Price includes airfare estimate, room and board, meals, transportation and most in-country costs. Price excludes any vaccinations or travel medicines and passport fees. There are no required vaccinations, but Hepatitis A and/or Typhoid are recommended. Please see the Center for Disease Control's information on travel risks for South Africa. Trip Application For more information, contact: Faith Krefft, Iona in Mission Coordinator firstname.lastname@example.com (914) 633-2340


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I sit in a sofa looking around listlessly. A little away from me, sitting at the head of her dining table, the Tamil teacher presides over a small group of 10 year olds. There are two girls reciting Thirukkural loudly and a boy who is copying down answers from his open text book.
And there's my son, sitting there bewildered..
The girls voices raise in competing with each other. The boy stops writing to check something with the teacher. Suddenly the teacher's grandson who has been playing in the drawing room screams. Before anybody could react, one of the Thirukkural girls runs towards him and picks him up. "Auntie! He has done su-su!" She wrinkles up her nose. The teacher immediately gathers the boy from her and heads to the restroom, shouting instructions to the children over her shoulder.
Oblivious to all this, the teacher's mother-in-law sits near me in another sofa, her head thrown backwards and is snoring softly.
The teachers comes back to her seat, settling her grandson on her lap and continues her lessons with my son.
"What day is it today? How do you say this in Tamil?' She asks him.
My son stares at his toes. "Come on! Tell me!" She prompts him. He sinks lower in his chair. "Take a guess." She cajoles him. "I'll not mind even if you give me the wrong answer. Don't feel shy!" She laughs. My son cringes some more.
"Indru enna kizhamai!" She booms the answer. "You repeat what I just said!" He mumbles something inaudible. "Come on! Louder!" She encourages him.
Then she looks at me across the room. "Ennamma idhu? (What's this?) Your son has no comprehension of the language. And he's born and brought up in Chennai!" She clucks.
Before you judge me, let me assure you that I'm certainly not one of those hoity-toity moms who thinks it's uncool to let her child learn his mother tongue.
But as Murphy's law would have it, especially when it comes to children, you end up doing the exact opposite of what you had planned.
Before I had my son, I always looked at parents of misbehaving kids with diasdain. 'How could they let their kids get away with such behaviour?' I used to wonder. 'I'll never be like that when I have my own!' I used to resolve to myself, in my blissful ignorance.
Of course, once my son was born, I just had to add pepper & salt to my words and gobble them all up.
Tantrums in the mall, check. Screaming in the theatres, check. Making another child cry in a restaurant, Check.
By the time he turned 5, I'd been there and done all that and more.
Anyway, I swore to myself that my son will never be one of those snooty kids who spoke only in English and think it's infra dig to talk in their own language. I spoke to him only in Tamil and urged the father to do the same in Telugu. Though he played along most of the time, my husband invariably reverted to English after the first sentence.
But I plodded on. A friend still remembers when my son was around two, I got palpitations when I heard her talk to him in English, . "How you yelled at me!" She recalls even now. "Like I slapped him or something!"
And I was very happy his baby-talk was all in Tamil.
"Amma! Menaam!" He used to scream when he didn't want something.
'Inniyum' meant another. "Biyam' meant he was scared.
Our initial ecstacy over his utterences soon turned to worry when we realised he hadn't graduated beyond his one word sentences at three, when my friend's son who was a few months younger was belting out full sentences like an adult.
I panicked as usual. He had just started play-school and there were so many more to compare him to.
One friend suggested it was because we were confusing him with too many languages. "He just doesn't know which one to communicate with. Just stick to one language and see the difference. I've seen the same thing happen to so many kids".
It made sense to us and that was the end of Tamil & Telugu for him. We conversed with him only in English and lo and behold, he was talking nineteen to a dozen in a month.
Cut to present.
At ten, my son has made me eat my words all over again with a lot more pepper & salt. Since English is the only language he uses for communication and thanks to the All-American entertainment he gets from Disney channel, he is snooty and refuses to talk in Tamil.
And when he utterly has to, he sounds exactly like M.R.R. Vasu in an old Tamil film playing a Marwari money-lender.
I still would have shamelessly shrugged, blamed it on TV and went on with life. But trouble brewed when I had to choose Tamil for his second language. Only other choice was Hindi and my knowledge of that language ends with the sporadic bollywood movies I watch.
Last year I realised the gap between his textbook and his actual understanding of Tamil was greater than the widest of oceans.
So I now sit in this drawing room three days a week amidst a cacaphony of voices which strangely reminds me of a 80s Bhagyaraj film set and giggle shamelessly at my son saying things like "naan en amma veedu ponaan" (Which is supposed to mean I went home with my mother.)
When I asked him why I should wait there instead of running some errands he replied, "Because it's all your fault Amma! You did the crime, so you do the time!"
Serves me right.


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Trees with a view, a photo by mama2mice on Flickr.
This is an example of how to create a basic social studies project (remember, it can be a group project with up to 3 members) based on a local tragedy -
In 2010, teens from 2 families drowned in the Red River while trying to save each other. Six young people were lost to a sinkhole at the edge of the river.
Projects begin with a question, such as:
In 2010, six teens drowned in the Red River. How much can the city of Shreveport do to safeguard people using the waters of the Red River for recreation?
Hypothesis -
The city may have increased efforts to teach teens to swim. Yet the city can do more in regards education on the hazards associated with playing in the Red River.
Gathering of evidence -
Calling or emailing city officials with questions about city efforts in regards swim lessons and education.
- Mayor
- Chief of Police
- Chief of Fire/Rescue
- Media / reporters or editors
- River experts from LSUS and other agencies.
- Web search for articles associated with changes following the drownings.
Conclusion -
Based on the quotes and additional materials collected, would you say the city is making effective efforts?
Bibliography -
A listing of names of interviewees and articles read.
The 20 pt Social Studies project, due Nov 30:
Social Studies Fair Project -
* submitted via image-based report, Powerpoint-style.
* purpose is to show fluency with the Scientific Method.
* student articulates . . .
- social problem
- hypothesis for solution to problem
- review of literature (find sources, read the articles and choose the part(s) that are relevant to your paper) that addresses the problem. The list of all articles read becomes your bibliography.
- conclusion drawn from literature review.
- bibliography.
- abstract, or half-page summary of entire project.improvement.
- grammar, spelling and construction.
- student need not build traditional backboard display unless teacher and student agree on an entry into the social studies fair.
- students may work solo, in a duo or a 3-person team. And, yes, there will be bonus points for those who can devise an international team


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Please click on the PICTURE to learn more!!
King Chulalongkorn V was one of the greatest Thai kings. I have chosen to write about him because he was responsible for making Siam modern. He did this by making many important changes and improvements. He thought education was important, so he opened schools and gave all children equall chance to have an education. He opened hospitals and gave modern treatment and medicine to people who only had old treatments that did not always work. He improved education by starting post and telegraph services. He also ordered railroads to be constructed. He introduced baht as the currency to improve trade. He cancelled slavery and made sure that Thailand never came under any western countries. Even though he was the King and could do anything he wanted, he worked hard to make Siam a better and more modern country. The people of Thailand today have a lot to thank him for.


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Mango and Coconut Cake
1 1/4 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 mango, cubed
3/4 cup nondairy milk (I use soy)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
coconut, for topping
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a round baking pan. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and ginger. Mix thoroughly and create a well in the center.
2. Place the milk, oil, mango, and vanilla in the well and mix gently till homogeneous.
3. Pour into prepared baking pan and top with coconut. Bake for 27 to 30 minutes.
Enjoy with coffee, tea, or soy milk!
Source of recipe: I created this recipe. http://thewitchykitchen.blogspot.com/
Easy and very moist. The coconut and mango combination is really good. I was tempted to add some cardamom and I'm glad I didn't because it's a nice, simple fruit cake. I was going to serve it as a dessert after Thai take-out but we were too full so I brought it to work. Mine didn't turn out as golden brown on top but I think it's my oven's fault because it kind of sucks.
This was pretty good. I added cranberries instead of mango because I didn't have any. I also subbed some of the oil with apple sauce which worked well; it was still very moist. The only thing is, I think there may be too much baking soda, there is a distinct bitter after taste of the baking soda so much so that my boyfriend couldn't eat it. I'm not sure if I mis-measured or if there is simply too much. I will try again with maybe a 1/2tsp less. Oh, and I also added cinnamon and nutmeg instead of ginger 'cause ginger makes me sssooooo ill...kind of a bummer. Thanks for the recipe, I'm gonna try to make cupcakes with it too.
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Women With Disabilities International Leadership Forum
In 1997, Glenda Lee represented Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) at the Women With Disabilities International Leadership Forum held at the Hyatt Hotel, Bethesda, Maryland, USA 15-20 June 1997. This is Glenda's report from the Forum. Copyright WWDA 1997.
This report will give my perspective and overview of the Women With Disabilities International Leadership Forum held at the Hyatt Hotel, Bethesda, Maryland just outside of Washington DC. The Forum was organised as a follow up to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. The Leadership Forum was sponsored by the United Nations, the International Labor Office, Rehabilitation international, Disabled People's International, the United States Government and various private organisations. The organisers were the World Institute on Disability, Rehabilitation International and Mobility International USA.
I was chosen to represent Women With Disabilities Australia and was funded through the Office of Disability (Department of Health and Family Services, Canberra). My work in the disability area involves employment at the Disability Complaints Service, South Australia; President of the Physical Disabilities Council of South Australia; membership of the Physical Disability Council of Australia; and membership of and involvement in, Women With Disabilities Australia and South Australia. I have a physical disability.
Six hundred and fourteen women with disabilities from eighty two countries attended and all continents were represented. The forum was held in a venue that was very accommodating of the needs of people with disabilities and well staffed. The program focussed on Speakers in the mornings, Workshops in the afternoons, various special sessions and meetings in the early evenings, and site visits, talent night, films and farewell party in the evenings.
The main topics covered by the Forum and addressed on separate days were:
- Aspects of leadership
- Education and Development Assistance
- Health and Family Issues
- Employment Strategies
- Communication and Technology.
I will address each topic in turn.
Aspects of Leadership
Many assertive and inspirational women spoke on this day about their experience in becoming and being a leader. The speakers and Workshop leaders included:
- Maria Rantho – Member of the South African Parliament;
- Judith Heumann – Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation USA;
- Susan Daniels – Associate Commissioner for Disability of the US Social Security Administration, and
- Venus Ilagan – Director National Rehabilitation Project for children in the Philippines.
Laura Liswood, USA, showed her film on 15 women Presidents and prime Ministers from various countries. The importance of role models was heavily emphasised. Another focus was that disability rights and women's rights are human rights and they should not be allowed to be made separate. Maria Rantho informed us that the South African Constitution is the world's first to outlaw discrimination based on disability.
Education and Development Assistance
Richard Riley, Secretary US Department of Education spoke about the recently re-authorised (first authorised 22 years ago) Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which ensures free and appropriate educational services to all children and youth with disabilities. Judith Heumann spoke about her own experience of education as a student and her fight to become a teacher in the face of disability discrimination.
The importance of role models and peer mentoring for girls with disabilities was heavily emphasised during this day. Girls with severe disabilities and girls in special schools were seen as at the greatest risk of disempowerment and disadvantage. Children with disabilities must not have their self-esteem and self-worth taken away from them. Children without disabilities must be educated about disability very early to ensure that negative attitudes and false ideas about disability are averted. Women with disabilities must be employed at high levels in government positions and in policy making areas. Close links need to be forged between the mainstream women's movement and the women with disabilities movement. This can best be done by one to one contact.
Health and Family Issues
The main areas spoken about were:
- the lack of access to mainstream women's health services and information;
- reproductive issues (especially in relation to ethical and genetic issues regarding childbearing); and
- the lack of knowledge and understanding of disability by the medical profession, especially doctors.
Junko Sakaiya from Japan spoke about their fight against the Reproductive Law regarding the sterilisation of people with disabilities. Marsha Saxton, member of the Working Group of the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of the US Human Genome Initiative spoke about her work.
Over the whole day, there was a strong voice against abortion purely on the basis of possible disability of the foetus. The pressure or assumption that a woman would or should abort if genetic testing showed possible disability was seen as disability discrimination. It was felt that this whole process led to huge devaluing of people with disabilities and shaped society's negative attitudes towards disability. Concern was also voiced about the perceived 'thin edge of the wedge' of voluntary euthanasia.
I was told by another woman that the 'Ask the Doctor' sessions in the evenings often found the doctors floundering and unable to answer questions put to them.
Employment Strategies
Shirley Wilcher, deputy Assistant Director, US Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs spoke on the law, section 503, regarding Affirmative action in relation to employment of people with disabilities. Any business with a budget over $50,000 must implement Affirmative Action.
Pauline Winters, New Zealand, Chief Executive Officer of Workbridge (a training and employment organisation for people with disabilities) spoke about her organisation and its success especially with doubly disadvantaged people such as Maori people. She spoke about the excellence of technology in relation to disability in New Zealand.
Susan Daniels said that 70% of people with disability are unemployed in the United States. In 1987 there were 5 million people with disability out of work. Ten years later the figure has risen to 10 million! She asked why this is the case considering all the advances in technology, education, civil rights, etc. Susan said that civil rights are not enough. Anti Disability Discrimination Law is the key to unlock the door but then the effort is needed to push the door open. Susan used a simple exercise to show how the needs of non-disabled people are automatically accommodated with no questions asked about the cost. She then made the point that this is how it must be for all people.
Communication and Technology
This day focused on the representation of people with disabilities in the media and society's perceptions of people with disabilities.
Rina Gill, UNICEF, Bangladesh, spoke of her work to help UNICEF improve their audio-visual and print communications about women and children with disabilities. She talked about a research project which concerned itself with the best way to encourage immunisation of children. This research showed that it is best to show images of people (including children) with disabilities talking for themselves and informing others about the consequences of not immunising than showing non-disabled people talking about the sorry spectacle of the disabled child and tut tutting about the lack of immunisation.
Images of people need to be positive, neither heroic and brave nor pathetic and helpless. People with disabilities must be included in all media including tourism promotion.
Deborah Kaplin, USA, spoke on her work in relation to legislation incorporating the needs of people with disabilities into Federal Standards and requirements for new communication and information technology. Deborah especially spoke about the concept of 'universal design' which is design that works for everyone.
Much of the Forum was spent in celebration of women with disabilities. Celebration of our particular talents and abilities. Women from South Africa and South America brought some of their work to sell. A group called 'Whirlwind Women' gave a celebration of their wheelchair building. A talent night was held on Tuesday night with poetry, recital, dance, comedy and music. Interviews were held with individual women for an anthology and some were videotaped. These will be available later.
Lizzie Mamvura from Zimbabwe told us how she manages with no funding, to coordinate, visit, and support a network of pressure groups which are spread across a vast area of land. These groups, which also act as support groups, meet at least once a month and more often if there are special issues that require action. Train the Trainer groups are organised so that women can train people in their area. Children with disabilities (3-5 years) are actively integrated with non-disabled children. AIDS education for women with disabilities is prominent in Lizzie's work because they are especially at risk. Men believe that women with disabilities will be free of the disease because no-one would want them and consequently these women are taken advantage of. Sometimes men with AIDS are advised by witch doctors to have sex with girls aged 5-10 years as this will cure them of the disease!
The Media Workshop I attended was very interesting and informative. Barbara Kolucki, Rehabilitation International, who has worked on the Sesame Street Program, was also involved in a project for UNICEF in Nepal. In this project they tried to create a 'culture of media for children' representing all children so that children could see themselves. The three components were:
- media about children which taught early childhood development;
- communications for children which portrayed their own culture and their country's culture, incorporating two messages: 'I am important (self-esteem) and 'I can help others, I can learn' (respect for others);
- communications by children.
Barbara stressed the need to ensure that attitude development must be attended to very early. It is much easier to create a positive attitude than to eradicate a negative one.
Sian Vasey works in the Disability Programs Unit of the BBC which has many disability related programs. Fatima Matsuri of Pakistan who has worked in media for 37 years said that all media must have 'disability policies and that people with disabilities must be proportionally represented in the media. There needs to be collaboration between disability organisations and government for projects such as paying ordinary people with disabilities to go to schools to talk and to educate children.
Due to the large number of women attending and the full program it was difficult to seek out or form particular interest groups. The Workshop on Advocacy that I had booked into was cancelled. I attended an Internet workshop and explored the Net for the first time myself. From my short experience and talking with other women it seems that the Internet is well used by the disability movement. Most organisations see email as an essential and efficient part of communication today.
The Forum was an excellent opportunity for women with disabilities from different political and economic cultures to exchange information and ideas. We discovered that our experience as women with disabilities are common to us all. We agreed that we are definitely doubly disadvantaged and must share knowledge and skills with each other and women without disabilities to eradicate that disadvantage. There was a strong and consistent voice throughout the Forum that role modelling and peer mentoring is essential for the growth of women with disabilities and especially girls with disabilities. It was agreed that people with disabilities must be the ones to educate about disability. Finally, that people with disability are a normal part of society and must be accepted, included, appreciated and allowed to contribute fully so that society is whole.


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Garden Variety Raw Sweatshirt
Introducing our new favourite style: the raw sweatshirt. Made in Toronto, Canada by the same manufacturers as our unisex sweatshirts, this style boasts the same soft, substantial feel and great fit but we've omitted the waistband so that it hangs straight down instead of hugging you at the hips. Note that because this garment has a raw edge, it's normal for the bottom to curl slightly when washed. To minimize the curl, follow the care instructions (wash cold, lay flat to dry)! & don't fret - despite the raw hem, this material will not fray.
This is a forest green sweatshirt with bubblegum pink and black "Garden Variety" print.
Unisex sizing - women may want to size down one.
In these photos: Geneviève (5'6") wears a size 2XL, typically wears a women's 2XL-3XL. Kaïa (5'8") wears a size small, typically wears a women's small.


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The Near Normal after Brain Injury
Brain Injury Blog by Nancy Ludowese
May 7, 2013
The Near Normal after Brain Injury
Four years ago, I survived two Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, one from a car accident in which I was broadsided while idling at a stoplight. My driver's side and curtain airbags deployed. Contre Coup. Less than a week later, I slipped and fell on the sidewalk at work; ice disguised beneath the snow, and hit the back of my head. I coined the term, "the near normal," instead of "the new normal," in relationship to the way in which I function today, four years later.
I had suffered a multiple of injuries, some were obvious at the time, however, other injuries remained a mystery, until discovered one to three years later. I knew that some things were different, and I didn't understand why I would cry for no reason and why I couldn't stop. Or, I asked myself, how could I be so tired after driving for an hour and have to take a nap. If I planned on driving to a location other than work or church, I would have to think about the route, instead of just driving there. I couldn't read for long periods of time without getting tired. I would miss lines or words on a page. Music seemed so loud in stores and restaurants. Fluorescent lights seemed so much brighter. I found it difficult to follow the steps of a recipe. I isolated myself from people. I had difficulty retaining information that I read or that was spoken to me. I wanted to name just a few. At the time, I thought I was going crazy. After much rehab, as well as my own research, I began to understand why. I recognize that I have improved since 2009; however, some things will remain the same. The key for me is self acceptance of my "near normal." Perhaps you know what I mean.


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Last week, I was on the receiving end of an act of unprovoked kindness. It was done by a friend, and it affected my whole family. Although I am in the very fortunate position of having people do nice and thoughtful things for me often, this one caught me off guard by the sheer non-necessity of it: it was generosity and thoughtfulness far out of proportion to what the situation or our relationship called for.
It made me uncomfortable. That isn't to say that I and my family didn't receive this with gladness and gratitude. We did. Our friend had arranged for an incredible take-out Thai food feast to be delivered to our door on a tired Friday night, and that food could not have tasted better or been enjoyed more. The discomfort I was feeling was further out to the edges of my thoughts and activities—the last thought before falling asleep at night, hovering just around my prayer time, a shadow beside me when out running.
At the core of this lingering discomfort is a response that is pure, trustworthy. Human beings have the innate capacity to respond to the kindnesses we receive, and I needed to determine the appropriate response in this situation. I said thank you. I wrote a note of gratitude. And I wondered, not necessarily how I could do something in kind for this friend, but rather how I could look for my own opportunities to surprise someone else with an unwarranted offering. Our own experiences of goodness can awaken in us our ability to be grateful and generous people.
And then there is the version of this response that gets warped by what the church has always referred to as human sin. I don't deserve this. And, intimately related to that, what debt do I owe? Acts of cruelty and harm can degrade human life and can leave individuals with a crippled sense of self-worth. How interesting and foolish and sad that an act of kindness can also touch off that guilty and doubting side of us. We don't want to be beholden. And we count ourselves fundamentally unworthy. It is the basic state of affairs for the modern individual: to pride ourselves on being self-made… and to deep down consider ourselves fundamentally inadequate.
Desmond Tutu, in his book In God's Hands, reflects on how typical it can be to have difficulty in receiving what might be offered to us:
If we have been brought up in an environment that values achievement at any cost, over and above the worth of simply being human, we find it extremely difficult to be comfortable with the ethos of grace—of sheer gift. …I accept that it must be enormously difficult to be open to receiving when one seems to lack for nothing, and that is perhaps why so many who come from affluent societies do not easily understand the wonder of grace, freely bestowed by a deeply generous God.
Our Lenten Scripture readings have led us into the heart of what Gift is and what it means. We have wrestled with the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father's arms inexplicably open to the child who so completely disrespected and exploited him. We have wondered at Mary of Bethany's foolish wastefulness, funnelling every spare resource she could glean into the silliness and fleetingness of a perfumed ointment for feet that will be dirty and sweaty and dry again tomorrow.
And now we are heading toward the cross.
Even the ones who would sentence Jesus would name him as innocent. Even the criminal hanging on the cross beside him could see that he had done no wrong. And he is whipped and stripped and hung up for all the world to see his shameful and painful gasping and dying. Because of the way the Gospel narratives are structured, and because we have the perspective of two thousand years of Christian history, there is a sense of inevitability about Jesus' death. This is what he was born to do.
And yet, his death is also totally unnecessary. There were numerous escape hatches along the way—he didn't have to go to Jerusalem, he didn't have to challenge the authorities so publicly when he got there, he could have escaped on that Thursday night when he saw his friend Judas slipping off into the night, he could have begged Pilate or Herod for mercy. He ignored each of these 'outs.' He is the recipient of unprovoked violence, he becomes a lightning rod for the fear and violence and anger and hatred of the world in which he lives. But he is also an agent. He makes his choices. And in that respect, he is more than just innocent.
He is an agent of unprovoked kindness. He makes visible the suffering of the world's poor and maligned, claiming an inherent value to human lives that have long and forever been judged as worthless. In response to one request for mercy from the barbaric criminal beside him on the cross, he opens up the gates of paradise. He anoints an unrepentant world with forgiveness in his dying breath. And his raised life is not given over to righting the wrongs that have been done to him, bringing the evil and hatred that has been inflicted on him home to roost in punishing those who have their just desserts coming to them. Rather it is wasted at barbeques and supper tables, in cryptic questions of love and a gentle invitation to touch and to believe.
The risen Lord doesn't immediately inspire joy in his followers. The last chapters of Matthew, Luke and John describe Jesus' Resurrection as, in part, a time of healing for his disciples. There are a series of meals and searching conversations which create space for Jesus to quell the fear and discomfort of his friends, friends who know they have let their teacher down tremendously, who expect to be called out for what they have done… what they have failed to do. We can imagine eyes furtively looking away, not meeting Jesus' own gaze, on that first Sunday night appearance in the locked upper room. I am going to be made to pay for what I've done. They have to learn how to be humble enough to receive the forgiveness and love on offer, how to then be confident enough to allow their lives to be shaped by what they have received into people who can become offerings for others.
Gifts can be more complicated when they involve people who don't happen to be Messiah and Lord. We do oftentimes give something expecting to receive praise or favour in return. We can hurt one another in ways that require that amends be made. Sometimes it is necessary for there to be a clear sign of changing ways before forgiveness can be granted.
And, as Desmond Tutu notes in an earlier point in his book, we are created in the image of God, created to be God's viceroys, God's stand-ins. Every now and then, we will be bowed down by an encounter with God's unprovoked kindness, offered to us through another flesh-and-blood human being. We will be asked to dwell in the non-necessity of another person's generosity toward us.
Just as the church has and continues to be formed by our encounters with the unwarranted, unmerited blessing of the risen Christ, may these moments of kindness we receive from another shake us and shape us as agents of God's unnecessary love.


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Lighthouse Day Cafe (groups) - September 2019
Sales Have Ended
Sales Have Ended
The Lighthouse Café is a welcoming community café providing free breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as support to people from all walks of life, especially those living on the margins of society.
The Café sees a range of different people accessing the service, including people who suffer from drug and alcohol addictions, mental health and general health issues, homelessness, living in boarding houses and rooming houses, asylum seekers and even international students. The Café is open to everyone and is there to provide support and a sense of community to anyone in need.
The Café's primary purpose is about building relationships. Melbourne Project 614 offers crisis support and intervention, information, practical assistance and importantly, ongoing support for people in crisis.
A volunteering day in the Cafe commences at 8.15am with a briefing, and finishes at 2pm.
This event is best served by 10 - 15 volunteers.