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She's certainly one of the most amazing crafters on the planet, but she's also super fun, inspiring, and, well…adorable. (We're pretty sure you'll agree after you read our interview.) You may remember her as the woman behind Martha Stewart Kids—luckily for us she has just written a book, Candy Aisle Crafts, which, as obvious by its name, uses easily accessible supplies for crafting away. We're buying this in bulk for holiday gifts, and for the birthday present closet.
Give us a little background on yourself/what you do/how you came to it. How much did becoming a parent shape what your business is?
When I look back at my childhood I realize that my path in the craft and lifestyle world was pretty much set from the start! I loved making things and was always hoarding cardboard and other materials for crafts, planning parties and decorating for holidays. I pored over every women's or lifestyle magazine that my mom bought and made a series of tiny, strange fashion and food magazines. I was totally obsessed with my mom's vintage Betty Crocker cookbooks with all the food-shaped-like-things. I studied painting at RISD and loved trying everything I could while I was there…metalsmithing, woodworking, printmaking, etc.
After school I worked briefly for ESPRIT doing display and then became a craft editor for Martha Stewart Living. I was there for over 19 years (!). Such an amazing adventure and I learned so much. I held a bunch of different positions and eventually became the Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Kids and Martha Stewart Baby.
After giving birth to Lionel and going part-time, I did product design for Martha Stewart Crafts and started work on my first craft book (with my friend and photographer Amy Gropp Forbes) Candy Aisle Crafts. The book features all edible crafts (I channeled my Betty Crocker memories). Our partnership, called Supermakeit, is all about projects using accessible supermarket edible and non-edible materials. Now I'm working on getting our blog started along with some videos and freelance crafting. Our second book, which comes out in August 2015, features crafts using non-edible supermarket materials like coffee filters, paper towel tubes, and balloons.
(Editor's note: see our post here to get the how-to on the Triangle Tree Pops.)
I'm not sure that becoming a parent shaped my choice of work; I always loved creating crafts for kids and pushed for doing the kids magazine at Martha Stewart way before I had kids. I do, however, think that the ideas that I came up with after becoming a parent, whether for kid's crafts, birthday parties or recipes, were much much simpler!
How old are your kids?
I have two boys: Sammy 11, and Lionel 8.
Where do you live?
We live in Brooklyn in Park Slope.
Do you work in a home office, and if you do, how do you deal with working from home?
My studio is the apartment below ours so there is a sort of separation (though I can hear my kid's pitter patter when they're home). It's hard, because even though I have a babysitter a couple days a week I like to come up and see them when they get home from school and I lose work time and get out of my groove. It's a tradeoff, I love being so close but it also means that I will go down there and work late into the night and on weekend. The other thing about working at home is that I sometimes have trouble going down into my studio if there is a sink full of dishes or unmade beds. Sometimes I need to force myself to ignore it…when you work at an office you have no choice but to bolt in the mornings and ignore all that. I'll do a bunch of household things and then won't get started until 11 AM or so and then I end up mad at myself and working at night after the kids go to bed.
What would you say is your "mom uniform"?
Funny, I do kind of have a uniform. I am usually hiding under an apron in my studio so unless I'm going to a meeting, I'm in some kind of comfy or stretchy clothes. I've loved this t-shirt dress from American Apparel and I think I have about 10 of them in different colors! They retired it briefly and I was glad that I'd be forced to come up with a new look but now they're selling it again… so I'm off the hook! I usually wear it with leggings and a big necklace. I'm kind of addicted to big necklaces and make them for myself out of ribbons and cords. Even working alone in the studio I don't feel right without one!
In cold weather I love my toasty No. 6 shearling-lined clog boots though it may be time for this new update!
Do you cook much–if you don't, what are your ways around not cooking, and if you do, what are your go-tos–both for yourself, and for your kid?
I like to cook vegetarian food, and that's what I taught myself during my college and single years (my roommates and I had one cookbook, Molly Katzen's Moosewood Cookbook!). Now it's a little tricky because I don't eat red meat but my boys are serious carnivores! Recently I've had much more luck getting them to try new things by learning to cook meat. I'll make pulled pork, ribs, pasta carbonara, and they love it, but I still haven't tried any of it. For his birthday I gave my husband a cooking class that we're going to take together where we'll learn how to make tagines and curries so we can add to our meat repertoire. On the weekends when it's cooler I love to make soups. I make myself pureed vegetable soups (using a stick blender makes it so easy!). This green soup is SO yummy!!
Weeknight dinner is a work in progress. Our staples are pasta or chicken. Often I am working right until dinner so I need speedy solutions. For now I use a lot of shortcuts and insta-dinners. I use Maya Kaimal or Trader Joe's Tikka Masala or Korma simmer sauce and throw in chicken and some chickpeas and potatoes and make some rice or buttered (store-bought) naan to go with it. My kids love the roast chicken at Union Market. Whole Foods sells containers of pulled pork and prepared uncooked meatballs that I keep in the freezer. Next plan: I just bought Jenny Rosentratch's new book Dinner: The Playbook and I am going to follow it to the letter! I loved the recipes in her first book but I'm excited for the strategies in this one! I already made her Korean Short Ribs and they were a hit with my boys.
How do you celebrate your child's birthdays?
Our inspiration for their parties has always been whatever it is that they're into at the time whether it's planets, music, science, origami, Pee Wee Herman, DIY marshmallow shooters, etc… We will usually make a homemade paper mache piñata to go with the theme.
My husband and I love coming up with kooky activities; they don't have to relate to the theme other than with a silly name. For my younger son's Muppet-themed birthday party we had a Kermit and Miss Piggy piggy-pie-eating contest in the backyard. It related (very tenuously) to a scene in the original Muppet Movie. The kids loved it and we followed it with a water balloon toss (a.k.a. a fight) so they could clean off the pie.
I'm always on a soapbox about cutting the plastic junk out of party favors. I try to give something useful, usually a book. There's a book out there to match the theme of any party. As an example, for the Muppet Party we gave out kid-level Jim Henson biographies. I'll wrap each book up with a lollipop, or something sweet, so the kids don't think I'm a total killjoy!
Best kid purchase/bang for your buck?
Our Vitamix blender! Not exclusively a kid purchase but it helps us get more fruit (and some veggies) into their diet. We made them before in our old blender but the kids really noticed/protested when we threw something like baby spinach in there. The Vitamix blender makes much smoother smoothies. The bang-for-your-buck here is that I accidentally discovered that they sell reconditioned blenders on their site. I got one for half the price of the one I was originally looking at and they had the color (white) that we wanted. It looked brand new when it arrived and has been fantastic!
Any rules about TV/screens?
My husband and I went to a panel discussion called "Parenting in the Digital Age" at The Greene Space (you can read about it here) thinking we'd leave with a strategy for how to deal with it all. It was an excellent panel but we left feeling like everybody is still figuring it out.
We have a no-screens-during-the-week policy, but until recently we had a bunch of "except when"s…certain play dates, "family show night" (like when the Cosmos series was on…we were big fans!). My kids really like doing math games and programming exercises on Khan Academy. It's hard to say no to that. Or if they want to make a stop motion film with their Lego guys using an app on the iPad. But when the weekday no-screen policy was that loosey-goosey it was hard because there was always a lot of debating so we do better now with a strict policy. They are starting to ask less and less which has been a relief. The weekends are pretty much open though—probably too open!
What websites inspire you and for which parts of your life?
So many! I'm sure I'm forgetting something…
For recipes:
eclectic mom
Dinner: A Love Story
smitten kitchen
For inspiration:
David Stark Sketchbook
Handmade Charlotte
Momfilter (of course!)
Oh Happy Day
Say Yes
The Indigo Bunting
for everything:
NY Times
always streaming in the studio:
Preferred social media is….?
Pinterest…I wish I didn't get sucked in as often as I do!
Any personal/parenting "a-ha" tips?
I read somewhere that during family dinner Obama and his kids play "roses and thorns" and share the good and the challenging parts of their day. We've done it ever since. Also, for another dinner table conversation starter, I just printed out that "Do You Know" scale.
You feel your best when?
I feel best when I've had a decent night's sleep and I've "worked out". I do the Seven Minute Workout almost every day and I LOVE it! Friends who really exercise make fun of me but if I don't do that, I pretty much won't exercise. I know I should do more but at least I'm doing that! The NY Times has a free app and a new advanced 7 minute workout.
Also, I feel best when I stand while I work, whether I'm crafting or working at my computer. I don't have an official standing desk but the work table in my studio is standing height.
Best parenting advice you ever got?
The common thread through much of my favorite parenting advice is to really listen and let your kids know that they are heard. I'm certainly not great at it all the time but I am trying. A few books have really helped. Early on we loved The Happiest Toddler in the Block by Harvey Karp. Our older son was prone to terrible unsoothable tantrums and his book really helped us tame those with mirroring and other listening techniques.
Sometimes I feel like I could use a script to get through certain trying moments with my kids and the classic book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish provided creative ways to let them know that they are heard.


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21st Century Skills
A really interesting post on the idea of teaching 21st Century skills - http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2011/11/21st-century-skills-are-so-last-century.html plus my submission to the 'Beauty of a Second' video competition below.
Pulling in two directions (at least)?
There appear to be at least two themes running through the development of educational technology at the moment: the move towards a more programming-focused, 'computer science' type curriculum and the increasing use of mobile, handheld technology in the classroom and beyond, e.g. smartphones. I have now heard about several local schools who have invested in iPads as a means of harnessing technology across the curriculum. Are these two themes pulling ICT in different directions or are they linked? Maybe this app provides a clue? Or this one?
Curriculum news or is it?
Although Mr. Gove has been quiet on the subject so far, the move to a more 'computer science' focused technology curriculum in the UK was strengthened by the government's response to an 'independent review' by two leaders in the games industry. The Guardian reported that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said on Monday 'that classes in computing – known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – are "insufficiently rigorous" and in need of reform'. The BBC headlined with 'Government backs call for classroom coding'. And suggested that computer coding is the new Latin - now that is really going to get children interested!
So what might this look like in primary schools? Simon Haughton provided some timely support on 26th November: 'Teaching Control Programming with 2Go' from 2Simple. I will be introducing PGCE Primary students to MicroWorlds JR later this week - can't wait?!
More understated inspiration from Steve Jobs .....
I have come across a range of new resources recently - mainly, but not entirely via Twitter!
Its that time of year when people come up with 'Best of the Year' lists and this blog post contains some really interesting links that I wasn't aware of.
Paper Rater seems a really useful tool for checking written work before submitting for assessment at almost any level - from the top of primary school to Masters Level!
Loose Leaves is a tool for sharing writing online - great for blogging, if you don't want the bother of setting a blog up.
Free Math Animations are just that - free animations to help explain mathematical ideas and concepts on an interactive whiteboard.
As you can see from the the box on the right (at the moment, its orange, but I may get bored and change the colour), I have started 'tweeting'. I'll be using Twitter to share quick updates, new videos and software plus links about Global Learning. You can find me @TonyPickford1.
ICT Policy
This article by Bob Harrison provides some useful insights into government policy in relation to ICT in education. Unsurprisingly the focus seems to be on schools 'helping each other' with limited (or non-existent) support and/or funding from DfE. An interesting quote: '... the last BECTA ICT research, the OFSTED report on ICT in schools, and a more recent BESA schools survey suggest that "some schools know better than others" but the effective use of ICT across all sectors in education is extremely variable. The challenge is how do we reduce the variation in provision and avoid a "digital divide" which may exacerbate other existing divisions and obviously raises issues of equity and equality of opportunity ...'
And More Animations
Some new animations are on the YouTube page including this response to the theme of 'Changes'. All were made by PGCE Early Years students. You will also find my first attempt at using iMovie on the iPad - 'Feed the Birds'.
Using Mobiles
A fascinating blog post about the use of mobiles in the classroom - http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/11/09/don%E2%80%99t-ban-mobile-phones-in-schools-let-students-use-them-all-the-time
Although NOT for classroom use (the site's open-ness has obvious e-safety implications), the Quora website has a growing community which offers answers to almost any question. This page provides some interesting responses to the question: 'What are good examples of Web 2.0 applications in education?'. As a footnote to my post on 8th October, this page explains how Steve Jobs's Stanford speech was written.
Tony Pickford is a tutor and writer on primary education.
January 2018

subset: commoncrawl


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Posted by Editoress on 02/18/09
`Cross Worlds Slide Show
Normon Thibault has loaded a slide show from 'Cross Worlds onto Wendy's blog
Go towendysimms.blogspot.com
First Race of 2009 for the Victoria Cycling League
The first Victoria Cycling League race of 2009, is just about upon us! The Schwalbe Cycling Club's first race will be at Caleb Pike on Sunday, March 29th. It will start at 10:00 AM.
Please bring racing licence, or proof of club or team afflition with you at registration. Also, please leave yourselves plenty of time for sign up and signing of waiver forms.
|Return to Canadian Cyclist homepage | Back to Top


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New horror The Cured to open in Irish cinemas on 20th April
Upcoming Irish-made horror The Cured has received a release date on these shores it was announced today. A new take on zombie horror that will also be screening at this year's Audi Dublin International Film Festival, The Cured will get a general release for Irish audiences this Spring.
The smart and scary horror The Cured starring Oscar-nominated Ellen Page (Juno, Inception) along with Irish acting talent Sam Keeley (Anthropoid, What Richard Did) and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (The Infiltrator, Love/Hate) will open in Irish cinemas on Friday 20th April.
The film, which is Irish writer/director David Freyne's feature debut, is set in the aftermath of a world ravaged for years with a devastating virus that turned the infected into zombie-like cannibals. While a cure is found, the wrenching process of reintegrating the survivors back into society begins. Among the formerly afflicted is Senan (Keeley), a young man haunted by the horrific acts he committed while infected. Welcomed back into the family of his widowed sister-in-law (Page) he attempts to restart his life – but is society ready to forgive him and those like him? Or will fear and prejudice once again tear the world apart?
Since its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, The Cured has gone on to win the Best Horror award at Fantastic Fest and screen at the BFI London Film Festival and Glasgow Film Festival. Irish audiences will get a chance to see the horror later this month when it will have its Irish premiere at the sold-out screening at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival on 25th February.
The film was produced by Rachael O'Kane, Rory Dungan and Ellen Page for Tilted Pictures, Bac Films Production and Bounder And Cad in association with Savage Productions and Yellow Moon Post Production with funding from The Irish Film Board / Bord Scannán na hÉireann, The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.
Wildcard Distribution will be releasing The Cured in cinemas across Ireland on behalf of Arrow Films from Friday 20th April.
Press release courtesy of Limelight PR
- February 15, 2018
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- 2018, ADIFF 2018, April, Audi Dublin International Film Festival, BFI, David Freyne, Ellen Page, Horror, Irish Film, Sam Keeley, The Cured, TIFF, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Wildcard Distribution


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"Every step is a blessing"
I signed up months ago for the OTHTC High Desert 50K, which takes place in the Mojave Desert outside of Ridgecrest, CA. I didn't tell too many people of my plans, simply because I didn't feel like "jinxing" myself. It seems like every time I've signed up for a race, or told people about my race plans, that I've gotten injured. Call me superstitious, but I didn't want to risk anything this time. I just wanted to train and to stay healthy, mentally and physically, leading up to the event.
Training was going well for the past several months. I had about 2 solid, consistent months of over 50 miles/week. Doesn't sound like that much, but you have to take into account that my long runs are almost always on tough trails; it's not like I run these distances on flat roads. I had already completed the 50K distance once in training, when I paced my friend Deborah at the Javelina Jundred over Halloween weekend (she finished in about 27 hours, by the way. Great job!). So, I knew the distance was hardly going to be a problem. For me, the challenge always seems to be getting to the starting line.
And wouldn't you know it – about four weeks out from the race, "life" started happening. My mother was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after passing out in the garage, right before I was supposed to leave for JJ100 with my friends. She was very, very ill, and obviously, I've been incredibly worried about her. Also, my beloved pet cat, Pooky, fell ill as well. He lost about half of his body weight and no longer could keep any food down. Right before Thanksgiving, we received the news from his vet that he has lymphoma of the small intestine. It's a fatal condition – we can treat it for a while with chemotherapy (which we've chosen to do, simply because there aren't any real side effects for cats, unlike people), but eventually the medication will stop working. This has been completely heart-breaking for me; anyone who knows me well knows what an animal person I am! I'm incredibly attached to my cat – I've had him for almost twelve years, which is basically my entire adult life, and we've been through a lot of changes together. I still have a hard time even talking about his condition without starting to cry. To add insult to injury, my truck broke down yet again, necessitating the purchase of a new vehicle, one we can't really afford at the moment because, like the rest of the country, we're suffering from financial difficulties due to this lovely omnipresent economic downturn.
In short, the past month or so has been complete insanity.
About the same time that all of these things started happening, I began to notice an achy feeling in my right hip. It didn't really feel painful, just tight. I tried everything you could possibly think of to heal this – acupuncture, massage, taking anti-inflammatories, hot baths with Epsom salts, taking over a WEEK off from training – and NOTHING helped. I firmly believe that the mind and body are linked; any stress that is unresolved in your daily life somehow makes it into your physical body in some way, often through illness or injury. So, I wasn't surprised that "something" weird happened with my running.
For the two weeks before the race, I barely trained at all. Just a few miles here and there, interspersed with light weight training and cross-training on the elliptical at the gym. I even took a full week off over the Thanksgiving holiday, but even without any exercise, the ache in my hip persisted.
The Wednesday of race week, I went for a short, 10K run. When I completed the run, my hip hurt badly. I was so achy and sore the next day that I had a bit of an emotional breakdown. "Why does this keep happening to me? Why is it that as soon as I get my mileage back up that I get hurt, and always right before a race that means a lot to me?" My poor husband had to listen to me bemoaning this issues over the phone – I swear, one day they're going to make the guy a saint for putting up with my drama. I'm admittedly not an easy person to live with!
I was in serious doubts that I would be able to run my planned race. However, I decided that I would at least go to Ridgecrest for the weekend; I had pre-paid for my hotel room and race registration so I didn't want to completely waste money. It's a beautiful area out in the desert, and if I couldn't run, I would just head up to the Lone Pine area, have a nice meal, and maybe do a little light hiking in the Alabama Hills if the weather cooperated. I certainly needed the time away from everything, some quality time alone.
I had a lovely drive up the 395 to Ridgecrest on Saturday, listening to my favorite music in my new SUV (just LOVE Loretta Lynn!). After checking into the hotel, I headed over to race headquarters to pick up my race number. I didn't know anyone running the race, so I just waited in line quietly, not really being social. When I got to the front of the line, a man was helped point people to an available helper who would give us our race numbers and race goodie bags. The man looked really familiar. Where did I know him from?
He said to me, "Where are you from?" I replied I was from San Diego, and he questioningly said, "Steph?" Immediately, I knew who this was…I replied, "Jay?" Big hugs followed.
I met Jay at my very FIRST ultra several years ago – the Montana de Oro 50K in Los Osos. It's an incredibly challenging course, with very technical terrain and a lot of elevation gain/loss over steep, decomposing granite trail. On my second trip up Valencia Peak, I was completely fried and broke down. Jay was right behind me; he helped motivate me up to the top of the peak where we both choked down and dry heaved on our Clif gels. There's no better bonding experience than nearly puking at the top of a mountain with a complete stranger. We ended up finishing the race together – dead last (or DFL in ultra language!) in 8:50. I never would have finished the race without his motivation. Ultrarunning is such a mental sport, and there's no substitute for experience to help you make it through tough patches. I was such a rookie that I didn't realize that EVERYONE feels like hell at a certain point – Jay helped me push through that. So when I ran into him again at race check-in, I took it as a sign to run the next day. I committed myself then that I would run the full 50K distance.
On race morning, I woke up a little before 4 am, ate my breakfast and drank a little bit of the dreadful hotel room decaf. I headed out to the start around 6. It was freezing cold! The weather at the race start was only 27 degrees, according to the Weather Channel in my hotel room. Brrr! To add insult to injury, high winds were expected – a precursor to the first winter storm of the season which was supposed to hit that night, with snowfall down to the 1000 foot elevation point (the race was mainly run over 3000 feet of elevation). During the race, we experience 15-25 mph sustained winds, with gusts over 40 mph. It was enough at time, during a headwind, where I seriously felt like I was going to get blown over.
I started the race conservatively, trying to stick to about a 12 minute per mile pace. Yes, that sounds slow, but over the course of an ultra that's run completely off-road, it's actually not, especially if you are able to hold that pace consistently. And consistent was my plan. It's a challenge at the start of these events, particularly at a relatively short event like a 50K. People take off like rabbits at the start, like at a 10K or something! Starting at a 12 minute pace meant that I was basically at the very back of the pack. You just can't let yourself get discouraged by something like that.
Things felt easy for the first hour or so, until around the 6 mile mark when my hip started to ache. At that point, I did something that I never do – kids, don't try this at home! I popped an Advil. Generally, this isn't a good idea during an endurance event because it can lead to stomach bleeding, but for me, I knew I wasn't going to make it through if I didn't take something. Also, at that point, the course started up a long, steady incline. I was glad my friend Jill had advised me to practice actually running gradual ascents. Everyone else around me was walking at this point, while I stuck to my even, but slow, pace.
Things were pretty uneventful during this time. I kept up my steady running, stopped for aid when needed (which I didn't need often because I wore a hydration pack), ate and drank regularly…and started to pass a LOT of people who were obviously suffering after starting out too fast. I did meet some interesting people along the way, including Shannon Farrar-Griefer, who owns the Moeben sleeve company. She took a great picture of me on the trail!
The winds really picked up about 20 miles into the race. The steady headwind, along with the continuous incline on the trail, started getting a little bit discouraging, but I knew there was a nice long descent coming up once we would hit 26-27 miles. At about 21 miles, I caught up with a woman with whom I'd been leap-frogging for a while. She started a conversation with me about how much the weather sucked. (It did, but what could you do?) Apparently, she'd trained really hard for the race, and had even hired Karl Meltzer to coach her – for those of you who don't know the name, he's a very famous ultrarunner with a lot of wins to his credit; he specializes in tough, technical mountain terrain. One of the things I love about ultrarunning is meeting interesting people on the trail, but the conversation got a little bit weird when the woman started saying things like "I'm doing so badly today, I'm just not good at this." Of course, she didn't quite realize what she was saying, being so wrapped up in her own discomfort and frustration at the moment, so I wasn't offended. I just said, "Hey, if you're not doing well, what does that make me?" Then, I told her, "You know, my story is this: just about six months ago, my doctor told me that I'd probably never run again because of a bad injury. And here I am today! Every step to me right now is a blessing. I'm just grateful to be out here today." I think that story changed her perspective a bit. I took off down the trail.
At the 26 mile aid station, I ran into my old friend Jay again, where he was volunteering. He gave me a hug despite my stinky condition and told me I was looking good. He asked how I was feeling, and I said that I was hurting but that I could deal with it. I scarfed down some potato chips and downed a cup of Coke – for a girl that doesn't do caffeine, that stuff is like rocket fuel during a race. I was wired for hours afterward!
At that point, the race goes down an extended descent through some truly beautiful terrain. You can see the snow-capped Sierras in the distance, while running through a desert lunar landscape. Gorgeous! Finally, I could see the college gym where the finish line was located and picked up my pace. No more walking breaks for me!
I finished the race in 6:22, a PR for me by nearly an hour and a half. My best 50K time up until this point was 7:45, but that was on a really tough course. Comparatively, the HD50K is on a pretty easy course! But hey, I'll take a PR when I can get one…
My finishing stats: 145 out of 226 finishers, 34 out of 73 women. Not bad. I'm typically last or near last…not anymore!


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We're in Nawlins baby! There are drums, and voodoo and fog and someone running and SURPRISE CAMEO
That someone running turns out to be the reporter Jim Nash, and running did not help him – he was hacked to death with a machete, the fourth victim in three months. There are signs of voodoo at the body but Detective Alex Tibideaux thinks it's a ruse and Jim's colleagues at the paper Tom McCray and Cynthia Broussard say Jim was investigating links between the murders and organized crime.
You know what I'd like to organize? A whole lot of beignets in my mouth. And maybe some gumbo. And a cocktail or two.
Detective Tibideaux's next stop is the last notation on Nash's planner, which was to pick up JB Fletcher and take her to dinner. Nash was helping JB with research for her newest book; voodoo, illegal gambling, jazz, all the good stuff. Detective Tibideaux warns her that New Orleans also has the highest murder rate in America, but I mean has he been to Cabot Cove?
Jessica is staying at the home of her friend Emily Broussard, newly married to former Senator Brent Renwyck (aka Greg's dad from Dharma and Greg) who has swapped senate-ing for opening a jazz bar. While JB chats with their housekeeper Yvette Dauphin, Emily has a quiet word with Brent before he heads out the door. Apparently one of their bank accounts was mysteriously empty but Brett explains he had emergency repairs down the club, he's totes sorry he forgot to tell her about it.
Jess heads off to a voodoo shop where she finds some dude called Ralph Danton roughing up sales assistant Vera Welles. Vera was friends with the dead reporter and Ralph's just discovered she's planning to leave town which he's aggressively against. He backs off when JB wanders in and walks away with a smile. Jess is actually looking for the owner, Kelly, but alas she died six months ago and the shop has new owners. Kelly was going to take JB to the Gula Ruines for St Johns Eve festivities and to educate JB on a poisonous plant JB heard about in Jamaica. Vera doesn't like to get involved in that stuff but agrees to take JB to the ruins.
Down at Brent's jazz bar, Priscilla Dauphin (daughter of Yvette) is rehearsing for the grand opening. Brent wants to tell her how happy it's going to make Emily and Yvette but she gives him the brush off and calls Emily, demanding to see her. Yvette overhears the conversation and looks worried. Meanwhile, Brett has a meeting with local crime boss Frank Roussel, nightclub host Mal Carter and Ralph – Brett's an idiot who got financing from Roussel and now he's signing paperwork that will give the club to Mal if anything should happen to him. Ralph spots Tom McCray out the window, and Roussel orders Ralph to tail him.
Back at the Broussard house, Jessica finds an old photo of Emily with her father and Yvette. Cynthia Broussard (who is Emily's daughter don'tcha know) arrives with an envelope addressed to JB that they found in Jim Nash's office and a message from Tom to meet JB at 3pm so he can explain what the documents are.
When they meet, they aren't alone – Ralph is keeping an eye on them. Jess has discovered notes in Jim's file that suggest he had a last minute change of plans to go and meet someone before meeting Jess. Jessica spots Ralph and suggests that Tom gets going, she'll put Ralph off – which she does by blocking his exit and demanding the waiter call the police, causing Ralph to scarper.
Back at the Broussard residence, Priscilla confronts Emily with an anonymous letter she received declaring Emily's father is also her father and that he paid for her schooling at Julliard as a result. Emily is aghast, and when she asks Priscilla about it she confirms it. Yvette says she wants her money or she's suing.
That night
Jessica and Vera arrive at the Gula Ruins for the voodoo festival and spot Ralph in the crowd. He sees them, and they make a hasty exit leaving just enough time for Ralph to laugh creepily.
Back at the club, Mal Carter overhears Tom interviewing Brett. Tom's picking up Jim's story and tells the senator all about how Jim found out that Brett had blown Emily's money and ended up with a magical last-minute partner with just enough money to get the club going. Tom knows Mal Carter is fronting for Frank Roussel but Brett is giving nothing away. Also, it's totally awkward because Tom went after Brett while he was a senator, and he's also dating his step-daughter. Like I said, awks.
Mal watches Tom leave and calls Frank to report trouble.
The next day Jessica has coffee with Emily and explains that she called her friend at Julliard (because Our Heroine has friends EVERYWHERE) and he confirmed that Emily's father paid for Priscilla's schooling. Jessica suggests a DNA test but Emily's father was cremated. Emily is a hot mess but Jess says not to worry – the letter is odd but there's more to it than they know just yet.
Emily fills Brett in on the letter situation and he hits the roof, doubly so when he finds out that she's going to audit the businesses in case she has to give money to Priscilla but she's adamant. Brett runs into Priscilla and tells her she won't get away with her scheme.
The club opens that night and everything appears to go swimmingly. Mal tells Brett to cheer up. Cynthia arrives and is not thrilled about Aunt Priscilla.
Back at home, Yvette is embracing some KonMarie voodoo and a Senator shaped voodoo doll.
Brett calls Roussel, who is getting a status update on things from Ralph. Brett explains Emily's audit plans and Roussel tells him to shut that down. Brett tells him there's no way to stop the DA from finding out about their little arrangement if Emily knows about what's going on. Roussel calls Mal Carter and tells him to follow Brett, as he asks Emily to go home with him. Priscilla finishes her set and says she's going to get some air.
At nine o'clock that night, Brett is having a cheeky whisky when someone wanders over to him and kills him. Jess and Cynthia arrive home a short time later just in time to find Emily screaming over the body, a voodoo doll on the floor next to it.
Ah yes. That old chestnut.
Detective Tibideaux arrives on the scene in double quick time, and tells them that it appears to be a heart attack – the only physical thing they can see wrong with Brett is a cut on his hand, which Emily says was from a splinter he caught a couple of days earlier. Yvette is missing, and Cynthia sends Emily off to bed. Jess asks Detective Tibideaux if all the homicide squad are in attendance because of the voodoo doll and he says yes – there's a habit for voodoo to take the fall for the bad guy. Tom arrives just as Jessica spots a familiar looking petal on the ground that looks a lot like those Priscilla was wearing on her head.
On the scent of a clue, Jessica pops down the club and finds Charlie the piano player, who has just heard about what happened. Priscilla is shaken and admits she followed Emily and Brent home, but by the time she got there he was already dead so she hightailed it out of there. She swears that the voodoo doll wasn't there when she left, which means someone else was there in between Emily leaving the room and coming back in and Jess has a good idea of who and where she might be now.
Sure enough, Yvette is down at the Guila Ruins doing a bit more voodoo. Jess tells her Priscilla has gone to the police and Yvette says she only left the doll there to throw suspicion away from Priscilla, she didn't want her daughter getting caught up in it all. Over at the voodoo shop, Vera is packing up for the night when she sees Ralph coming. She hides, he breaks in and she only gets away after conking him on the head.
The next morning Detective Tibideaux arrives to take Yvette in for questioning. Vera returns home from grocery shopping to find Ralph loitering outside her apartment so she gets on the pay phone (naw!) and calls the only person who can help.
Tom arrives a short time later with the news that the call that lured Jim to his death came from a rando dentist office, that had other calls to Frank Roussel's cell phone. Vera tells them that Ralph is skilled in the art of cloning phone numbers onto illegal mobile phones (LOL WHAT). Tom has also learned that Brett owed money to Emily and to Frank Roussel and a comment about left and right hands sends Jessica off on a reverie and she asks Vera about the poison from Jamaica. A call to the detective reveals that Brett had puncture marks on both hands but neither showed up anything poisonous.
A horseshoe ring and a memory later, Jess is back at the club to talk to Charlie the piano player – who is Priscilla's real father and the former chauffeur for the Broussard's. He and Yvette admit to cooking up the scheme together, without Priscilla's knowledge. Neither of them was involved in the murder but Jessica already knows that.
Vera got the poisonous plant for them, and they whacked Brett to get ownership of the club. Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme beauty and the beasttttttt.


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Welcome, Earthlets, to the 2000 AD all-ages takeover issue for Prog 2130!
In an unusual act, Tharg has handed over the reins for this issue to his nephew – Joko-Jargo – who you might remember from last year's Free Comic Book Day issue, along with the zarjaz strips aimed at readers of every generation. He's back, and he's got forty-eight zarjaz pages of scrotnig stories to thrill your circuits with!
Cadet Dredd returns, thanks to Chris Weston, with clone brother Rico in tow for an epic monster mash as he tangles with the awesome Grudzilla! Elswhere there's more Mega-City mayhem as Psi-Judge Anderson tackles a dangerous videogame called Spellcraft, brought to you by the mids of Alec Worley and PJ Holden.
There's also action on Nu-Earth for Rogue Trooper, by Cavan Scott and Nick Roche, a one-off Future Shock from Karl Stock and Brett Parson, and no less than TWO brand-new stories – Full Tilt Boogie by Alex De Campi and Eduardo Ocaña, and Finder & Keeper by Leah Moore, John Reppion and Davide Tinto.
Already finished your helping of this week's zarjaz Prog? Let us know what you think over on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
2000 AD Prog 2130 is out now from all good newsagents and comic book stores, plus digitally from our webshop and apps! Don't forget that if you buy an issue of 2000 AD in the first week of its release then postage in the UK is free!
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Finder & Keeper » Finder & Keeper
Somewhere in the UK, 2019. Meera Hundal and Eliot Hunter are a pair of friends at the local Stonecroft school. Although essentially good kids, they find themselves in trouble more often than they'd like thanks to their inability to walk away from a fight. Strong-willed and not afraid to speak their minds, their latest escapade has landed them with community clean-up chores as a punishment — and this particular job they're not going to forget in a hurry…
You can also read a little interview with Moore & Reppion about Finder & Keeper at https://2000ad.com/post/5348


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UPDATE: This isn't a bug after all. Aspect provided documtation of what is actually occuring.
It's a feature since pentium pro computers to do 'fast string' or block operations. A block operation (eg, movb) of 64 bytes is performeed if ecx >= 64, if edi is aligned to 8 an byte boundary, and if esi and edi are not both in the same cachline (64 byte block). Otherwise, it performs a single operations.
This seems to have resolved my emulation problems 🙂
While unpacking MEW in my emulator, I came across an interesting bug. single stepping through rep movsb with ecx=65 completes the instruction in 2 steps.
movsb copies a byte from the memory pointed to by esi, into the memory pointed to be edi. the rep part of the instruction, repeats the movsb ecx times. It does this by iteratively decrementing the ecx register until it is 0.
On my computer, an old P4, single stepping rep movsb with ecx 65, single steps from ecx=65 to ecx=1. This is incorrect (I presume), it should single step through every decrement of ecx.
nemo courteously tested this bug on his own PC, and reported that it single stepped through every decrement of ecx. This bug is probably specific to my CPU type.


text: Volume 15.47 | Dec 1 Newsletter Issue Issue 15.47 December 1, 2014 Publications | Reviews | Science | Policy | Business | NIH | CBER | Regulatory | Events | Jobs TOP STORY Protein Predicts Response to New Immunotherapy Drug The presence of an immune-suppressing protein in non-cancerous immune cells may predict how patients with different types of cancer respond to treatment, a multi-center Phase I study using an investigational immune therapy drug has found. [Press release from Yale University discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release | Abstract PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal) Human COL7A1-Corrected Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Researchers generated patient-derived COL7A1-corrected epithelial keratinocyte sheets for autologous grafting. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived keratinocytes were produced with minimal heterogeneity, and these cells secreted wild-type type VII collagen, resulting in stratified epidermis in vitro in organotypic cultures and in vivo in mice. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release Silk-Based Resorbable Electronic Devices for Remotely Controlled Therapy and In Vivo Infection Abatement Researchers present a fully degradable, remotely controlled, implantable therapeutic device operating in vivo to counter a Staphylococcus aureus infection that disappears once its function is complete. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract Bystander Immunotherapy as a Strategy to Control Allergen-Driven Airway Inflammation Allergen-specific immunotherapy is unsuitable for plurisensitized patients, and highly immunogenic allergens cannot be used. To overcome these hurdles, investigators sought to induce regulatory CD4+ T cells specific to an exogenous antigen that could be later activated as needed in vivo to control allergic responses. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract Derivation and High Engraftment of Patient-Specific Cardiomyocyte-Sheet Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated from Adult Cardiac Fibroblast Researchers show that human cardiac induced pluripotent stem cells (hciPSCs) can be generated from cardiac fibroblasts and subsequently differentiated into exceptionally pure sheets of cardiomyocytes (CMs). When using the fibrin gel enhanced delivery of hciPSC-CM sheets at the site of injury in infarcted mouse hearts, the engraftment rate was 31.91% at day 28 post transplantation. [Circ Heart Fail] Abstract Serial In Vivo Imaging Using a Fluorescence Probe Allows Identification of Tumor Early Response to Cetuximab Immunotherapy Scientists investigated whether near-infrared fluorescence imaging of tumor vascular endothelial growth factor expression could be a biomarker for tumor early response to cetuximab therapy in preclinical wild-type and mutant tumor models of the KRAS gene. [Mol Pharm] Abstract | Graphical Abstract AAV-Mediated and Pharmacological Induction of Hsp70 Expression Stimulates Survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells following Axonal Injury Scientists show that a single intravitreal injection of 17-AAG (17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin) results in an increased survival of optic nerve crush-injured retinal ganglion cells by approximately 49% compared with the vehicle-treated animals. [Gene Ther] Abstract Employing a Gain-of-Function Factor IX Variant R338L to Advance the Efficacy and Safety of Hemophilia B Human Gene Therapy: Preclinical Evaluation Supporting an Ongoing AAV Clinical Trial Investigators used a scalable manufacturing process to produce GMP grade AAV8 expressing the factor IX (FIX)R338L gain-of-function variant with minimal empty capsid and performed comprehensive dose/response, bio-distribution and safety evaluations in clinically-relevant hemophilia models. [Hum Gene Ther] Abstract RNA Interference Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α via a Novel Multifunctional Surfactant Attenuates Glioma Growth in an Intracranial Mouse Model Using an orthotopic mouse model with U87-LucNeo cells, the authors used RNA interference to knock down hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in vivo. Stereotactic injection was used to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) locally through a guide-screw system, and delivery/uptake was verified by imaging of fluorescently labeled siRNA. [J Neurosurg] Abstract Precise Correction of the Dystrophin Gene in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patient Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by TALEN and CRISPR-Cas9 To restore dystrophin protein, scientists performed three correction methods (exon skipping, frameshifting, and exon knockin) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy-patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, and found that exon knockin was the most effective approach. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release REVIEWS The New Frontier of Genome Engineering with CRISPR-Cas9 The authors review the history of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat) biology from its initial discovery through the elucidation of the CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme mechanism, which has set the stage for remarkable developments using this technology to modify, regulate, or mark genomic loci in a wide variety of cells and organisms from all three domains of life. [Science] Abstract | Press Release Aerosol Gene Delivery Using Viral Vectors and Cationic Carriers for In Vivo Lung Cancer Therapy Aerosol delivery is a noninvasive method for gene delivery to the lungs, although efficient and biocompatible vectors need to be developed for lung cancer therapy. This review summarizes recent advances in airway gene delivery for lung cancer treatment in animal models using viral vectors or cationic polymers. [Expert Opin Drug Deliv] Abstract Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the cell, gene and immunotherapy research field. SCIENCE NEWS In Landmark Study of Cell Therapy for Heart Attack, More Cells Make a Difference Patients who receive more cells get significant benefits. Doctors treated heart attack patients with their own bone marrow cells, selected for their healing potential and then reinjected into the heart, in an effort to improve the heart's recovery. [Press release from Emory University discussing research presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2014, Chicago] Press Release High-Dose Interleukin-2 Effective in mRCC Pre-Treated with VEGF-Targeted Therapies High-dose interleukin-2 can be effective in selected metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) patients pre-treated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted agents. [Press release from The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) discussing research presented at the ESMO Symposium on Immuno-Oncology, Geneva] Press Release From our sponsor: Learn About Groundbreaking Applications for Feeder-Free hESC & hiPSC Culture. Watch Webinar Now POLICY Germany Poised to Say Yes to €1.1 Million a Patient Gene Therapy Drug The western world's first gene therapy drug is set to go on sale in Germany, with a price tag that could amount to an £870,000 cost to treat a single patient. Glybera, a treatment for the rare genetic condition lipoprotein lipase deficiency, which clogs the blood with fat, has been developed by Dutch biotech firm UniQure and Italian marketing partner Chiesi. [Guardian News and Media Limited] Editorial E.U. Commission Wants to Divert Horizon 2020 Money into New Investment Fund The new boss of the European Commission has sparked criticism with plans to raid the European Union's science budget to fodder a new investment fund aimed at boosting Europe's sluggish economy and creating new jobs. [ScienceInsdier] Editorial BUSINESS OncoSec Medical and Plexxikon Collaborate to Explore Combination Immunotherapy in Preclinical Tumor Studies OncoSec Medical Inc. announced a preclinical collaboration with Plexxikon Inc. to test the combination of Plexxikon's selective CSF-1R inhibitor with OncoSec's Immunopulse pIL-12. [OncoSec Medical Inc.] Press Release UC San Francisco and OncoSec Medical Collaborate to Evaluate Investigational Combination of ImmunoPulse and Anti-PD-1 Treatment OncoSec Medical Inc. has entered a clinical collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the combination of KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, and OncoSec's ImmunoPulse (intratumoral IL-12) in metastatic melanoma. [OncoSec Medical Inc.] Press Release Amgen and AstraZeneca Announce Positive Results from Third and Final Pivotal Phase III Study of Brodalumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis Amgen and AstraZeneca announced that AMAGINE-2TM, a pivotal, multi-arm Phase III trial evaluating two doses of brodalumab in more than 1,800 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, met its primary endpoints when compared with both Stelara® (ustekinumab) and placebo at week 12. [Amgen Inc.] Press Release Regulatory Update on Transaction with Novartis The US Federal Trade Commission has voted to approve GlaxoSmithKline plc. (GSK)'s proposed acquisition of Novartis's vaccines business (excluding influenza vaccines) and the proposed creation of a consumer healthcare joint venture between GSK and Novartis. [GlaxoSmithKline plc.] Press Release Unum Therapeutics Announces Start of First Phase I Clinical Trial of Cellular Immunotherapy Targeting CD20+ Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Unum Therapeutics announced that recruitment has begun in the first clinical trial of the ATTCK20 therapy. The Phase I study will examine the feasibility, safety and potential efficacy of infusing the ATTCK20 combination therapy in patients with B-cell malignancies and persistent disease following standard therapy. [Unum Therapeutics] Press Release Pluristem Granted Patent in Singapore for its 3D Cell Expansion Technology Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. announced it has been granted a patent in Singapore titled "Methods for Cell Expansion and Uses of Cells and Conditioned Media Produced Thereby for Therapy." [Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release New IMBRUVICA® (Ibrutinib) Application Accepted by European Medicines Agency for Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Pharmacyclics, Inc. announced the acceptance of a Type II variation application for IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) by the European Medicines Agency. This submission represents a potential label expansion for IMBRUVICA in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a rare type of B-cell lymphoma for which treatment options are limited in the EU. [Pharmacyclics, Inc.] Press Release CPRIT Awards UTSW Faculty $22.5 Million for Recruitment and Research in Liver Cancer, Leukemia, and Immunotherapy UT Southwestern Medical Center faculty was awarded seven grants totaling more than $22 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) for investigations into leukemia, liver cancer, and immunotherapy, as well as to recruit new faculty. [UT Southwestern Medical Center] Press Release City of Hope Researchers Unlock the Potential of the Immune System to Fight Cancer City of Hope is using chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR-T cell therapy, in clinical trials for leukemia, lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies. [City of Hope] Press Release NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Notice of Closed Meeting (FR Doc. No: 2014-27666) CBER Approval History, Letters, Reviews, and Related Documents – TRUMENBA REGULATORY Food and Drug Administration (United States) The Drug Supply Chain Security Act Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs: How To Exchange Product Tracing Information; Availability (FR Doc. No: 2014-28085) New Clinical Trials Demographic Data; Availability for Comment (FR Doc. No: 2014-27732) EVENTS NEW Gordon Research Conference: Stem Cells & Cancer February 15-20, 2015Ventura, United States NEW 4th Annual Cell Line Engineering & Development Asia May 19-22, 2015Shanghai, China Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community. JOB OPPORTUNITIES NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell Based Therapy for ALS (University of Warmia and Mazury) Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Laboratory Technician (California Cryobank) Clinical Laboratory Scientist – Umbilical Cord Blood Processing (California Cryobank) Postdoctoral Researcher – Chromatin and Epigenetic Regulation (Van Andel Research Institute) Animal Surgery – Regenerative Medicine for Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Disease (Duke University) Head of Cellular and Molecular Therapies Laboratory (NHS Blood & Transplant) Postdoctoral Fellow – Collaborative Training Program in Musculoskeletal Health Research (Western University) Postdoctoral Position – Muscle Cell Therapy (I-Stem) Graduate Student – Pediatric Cancers (University of Calgary) Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.) Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.) Scientist – Liver Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.) Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.) Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization's career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost. SUBSCRIBER TOOLS: Profile Center | Connexon Publications | Article Submission | Contact Us


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IEC 61850 Application and Testing
The IEC 61850 Application and Testing (DP 100) course is designed to provide a basic overview of the IEC 61850 standard by testing IEDs that are IEC 61850 compliant.
The IEC 61850 standard is gaining popularity in US and Canada after having established a decent following in rest of the world. There are two basic components to IEC 61850 standard: station bus and process bus. The station bus refers to binary inputs and outputs that are placed on a local area network commonly referred to as the "station bus." The process bus is the local area network that contains digitized samples obtained by converting the analog voltage and current signals from conventional CTs and VTs.
In addition to the course's theoretical offerings, there is a practical demonstration of using IEDs and test sets to perform testing of protective features contain in IEC 61850 compliant IEDs.
Who Should Attend
This course is greatly beneficial to personnel with no familiarity with the standard as well as for those who wish to build upon a preliminary knowledge of this standard.
> Read the Agenda
Dates and Locations
Please contact Doble Events at firstname.lastname@example.com if you are interested in scheduling this training.
Registration Fee
The cost to attend this course is $1200 USD per student. Minimum of 8 students are required for this course to be conducted.
Continuing Education
This course is eligible for 12 NETA Continuing Technical Development Credits (CTDs) and 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).


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I was in Newcastle on Friday and popped into the Hatton Gallery .
There were several exhibitions open including Elements Abstract Art from the Hatton gallery's own collection, a one room show of abstract art.
There were some fabulous pieces including 2 screen prints by Victor Pasmore, prints by Antoni Tapies as well as painting by Derek Hirst, Ian Stephenson and prints by Michael Brick.
Abstract work such as this was what inspired me to go to art college back in the early 1980's and it was refreshing to see a room of this work looking both energetic and current.
The works were juxtapositioned next to an exhibition by artist Helen Petts Throw Them Up and Let Them Sing a digital film installation that explores Kurt Schwitters' journey to Ambleside via a remote island in Norway.
It was an interesting positioning of works and ideologies between the two exhibitions and one that suggested a continuity of ideas.


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RAGS to screen in competition at Huesca and Oxford International Film Festivals
RAGS to screen in competition at Huesca and Oxford International Film Festivals
Co-produced by Partizan, Size 9 Productions and Blonde to Black Pictures, RAGS was written and directed by award winning director and photographer Tom Beard. The film has recently been accepted as the only UK entrant in the prestigious 'International Short Film Contest' at one of the world's pre-eminent short film festivals taking place in June in Huesca, Spain.
RAGS is an unflinching, powerful visualization of one young girl's life, where revelations of sexual abuse are unravelled and shown to be perpetrated by the hand of the very person meant to protect her.
A hard-hitting but sensitively portrayed story, RAGS was shot with the help of The Big House charity, who work with care leavers at a high risk of social exclusion, and provide a platform for them to participate in drama, and to have their voices heard.
We were immensely proud that RAGS sold out two acclaimed screenings at the world-famous Prince Charles Cinema in London's Leicester Square, was selected for the 2015 London Short Film Festival, and has since starting gaining attention on the international film festival circuit.
With that in mind we're really excited to announce that RAGS has been accepted into the International Short Film Contest at Huesca International Film Festival. In its 44th year the Academy recognised 'Festival Internacional de Cine de Huesca' aims to promote cinematographic culture through innovative work in the short film field.
The world-renowned festival is described by Variety as "Spain's top short film festival…placing a special emphasis on new talent," it has a longstanding affinity with Latin America cinema and independent European filmmaking. ScreenDaily goes onto note the festival reflects the enduring "importance of the short film format as a calling card for young talents," a point emphasised by the fact that the winners in the main categories are automatically qualified to enter the Short Film contest at the Oscars. We'll be keeping everything crossed.
Before that however, RAGS will be screened as part of the official selection of another international film festival closer to home – the inaugural Oxford International Film Festival. Film-News calls it an "intimate and eloquent filmmaker festival," while Film FreeWay explains OXIFF is clearly "ambitious and striving to become a world renowned event on the film making calendar," to this end they have carefully curated a mix of local and international film produced by a vast array of talent such as Bryan Singer, Stephen Fry and Sir Derek Jacobi – so RAGS writer/director Tom Beard finds himself in good company!
London-born Tom spent his formative years snapping record covers for Florence and The Machine, Jamie T and Adele, More recently he has been garnering plaudits as an emerging young filmmaking talent, writing and directing 2012's darkly comic DINOSAURS FULL THROTTLE, followed by ALBERT CAMUS: THE SEA CLOSE BY, and the Raindance Festival selected GENERATION OF VIPERS.
RAGS stars Daniel Mays, the award-winning actor who has worked with a veritable who's who of British independent cinema and TV, such as Mike Leigh, Neil Jordan, Antonia Bird and Jimmy Mcgovern; alongside JANE EYRE's Amelia Clarkson and HARRY POTTER's Abby Ford.
RAGS will be screened at the Phoenix Picture House in Oxford, on Sunday 29th at 17:45. The 44th Huesca International Film Festival takes place between the 17th and 25th June.


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Fun in the Slow Lane: Carless in Rural Maine
by Stephen Morris
As my wife and I pulled into our film school's parking lot in Rockport, Maine, a passing student said, "Your car is smoking." We got out of our little red Subaru, nodded, and smiled. At the time we didn't realize this was the beginning of the end. Of course we knew the car had been steaming a little and there was a hint of oil in the air, but this had been going on for weeks. We'd get it checked out once we were back home.
But the car didn't wait. As we drove back, a giant spray of bright green liquid told us that we no longer had a radiator.
No problem for a couple of die-hard greens, right? We hated everything about the car: the pollution, the insurance, the gas, the fact that we killed frogs when we drove on rainy nights. This should have been the part of the story where we simply threw the keys away and laughed.
Except I was afraid, very afraid. Too afraid to give up the car. Like most Americans, I unconsciously equated a car with freedom. Freedom to work, freedom to move, freedom to chase my dreams.
We lived in rural Maine. To me, not having a car seemed like voluntary serfdom. We would become part of an untouchable poor class, never able escape the poverty of the vehicle less. Our dreams would die. I'd never be able to save enough money to try a writing career.
So my wife and I spent more than a thousand dollars trying to fix something we hated.
But the gods of social change must have been smiling at us, or laughing, because the mechanics could never get the car to work right. And after a month of trying, even a car addict like myself had to walk away.
Later, in a fevered near-midnight sale, I agreed to sell the car to a financially irresponsible teenager on a payment plan.
It was the best deal I ever made. Walking in the dark back toward my house, I felt an overwhelming lightness of being. The physical absence of a car in my life made me feel as if I could fly.
Now carless for a year and a half, I am happy to report that my wife and I are neither homeless nor destitute. If we are earning less money than before, it is only by the slightest of margins. But we're also working at our dream jobs. No longer able to commute twenty miles to substitute-teaching and child-care jobs, we finally seriously tried the careers we've always wanted. My wife landed her first, second, and third jobs as a professional actress, and I'm now a successful freelance writer. I don't think the timing is coincidental.
Transportation didn't turn out to be a big issue. It's only six miles to town, which is an easy biking distance in three seasons. When that fails, walking takes only an hour and a half. It's not only doable, it's enjoyable.
And often, almost too often, we don't need to do either. Family or friends are always going into town. Or for a hike at the national park. Or to Nova Scotia. When all else fails, my wife and I hitchhike together (cue to the "Don't Try This at Home" disclaimer now), and it usually works. A recent National Geographic article pointed out that there are 774 vehicles for every 1,000 people in the United States. Invariably, one of those cars is going our way.
It's true that our nighttime activities have been somewhat curtailed, but we were never night owls anyway. For longer trips, I have a nice chat with Gracie, the Greyhound virtual-travel consultant. We've also rented cars twice, when we absolutely, positively needed to be somewhere. The experience and accompanying sticker shock has helped us remember that cars aren't cheap or easy.
Maybe we'll always be carless, maybe we won't. We might have children someday, and travel might become more of an issue. (Then again, do I really want to be away from my children because I'm working to afford a car?) And I'll be the first to admit that I salivate at the new hybrids hovering around town. But right now, I can't imagine trading in this life.
As I write this, we're back in Rockport, acting for our room and board. During a break yesterday, my wife and I took a walk to where there was a beautiful panoramic view of sparkling water, green islands, and swooping seabirds.
Just then, a huge, flat ship came into view. It was as long as one of the islands.
"Oil tanker," my wife said.
I silently prayed that it wouldn't strike a rock. And then I thanked God for my relative independence.
Craig Idlebrook is a Maine-based freelance writer. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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David J. Winters is the manager of Wintergreen Fund, which was established in 2005. Before setting up this fund, Mr. Winters served as CEO, president, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC. He also led the Mutual Series group of domestic equity value funds and served as portfolio manager of the Mutual Discovery Fund. Mr. Winters has been a member of the management team of the Mutual Series since 1987. He was named director of research in 2000, and was promoted to president and chief investment officer in 2001.
Winters is considered a value investor. He follows the long-term strategy and prefers to invest in solid companies that he thinks will perform well in all market conditions.
Generally, the Fund invests in equity securities that the Fund believes are interesting as they are below the stock value. To identify such opportunities, the Fund analyzes the relationship of book value to market value, cash flow and earnings. If the Fund takes an active role in the company it invests in, it will try to gain control of management or have certain influence in it. The Fund also profits from arbitrage opportunities, which generally involve securities of companies under restructuring procedures or companies that are attractive in price vis-vis another company.
The Fund may also engage in other currency transactions such as currency futures contracts, currency swaps, options on currencies, or options on currency futures or in the sale of exchange-listed and OTC put and call options on securities and the purchase and sale of financial and other futures contracts and options on them.
Here are some of David Winters top yields:
Reynolds American Inc (NYSE:RAI): RAI is engaged in the cigarette manufacturing industry. It operates through several segments. One of them, Conwood, the smokeless tobacco segment has provided important growth levels and has improved profitability without being engaged in any litigation like the cigarette industry has. RAI is committed to building and maintaining a portfolio of profitable brands. It carries out marketing programs to strengthen its image, customers loyalty and brand awareness. Moreover, it has launched a retail pricing strategy to apply discounts and defend brands shares of markets against competition. For example, Reynolds launched the Camel SNUS Pleasure Switch Challenge promotion. 63% of its portfolio is focused on the more profitable premium sector.
To stimulate demand, the company has launched new products. They include two new Camel SNUS styles, SNUS mint and Frost Large, all of which have encouraged results. The purpose is to attract adult consumers to these new products. Camel Crush and Camel Crush Bold offer adult smokers the option of choosing the way of enjoying their smoking experience.
There is no doubt David Winters felt attracted to this portfolio due to Reynolds permanent actions to improve its performance and remain a leader in the cigarette industry. Furthermore, quarter results have shown the company is worth picking up. In October 2011, quarterly cash dividend rose to $0.56 per share, a 5.7% increase, which led to an overall increase of 14.3% during the year. Most importantly, although it has not launched a repurchase program it plans to make significant capital investments in 2012. Reynolds has also reduced its SKUs by 85% and is increasing its economies of scale. Last but not least, operating margin grew 1.4% points, to 31.2%.
Philip Morris International, Inc. (NYSE:PM): PM is the world's second-largest cigarette manufacturer, behind China National Tobacco. Furthermore, it operates one of the most important brands as to cigarette brands: Marlboro.
In the last period, PM has not been performing very well. Its shares significantly dropped after analysts reported downgrades. Citigroup decided to lower PMs EPS estimates and set a price of $75 per share. Citigroup may have downgraded PMs EPS estimate because PMs 30% of revenue came from the European Union, where the euro has severely weakened against the dollar. Goldman Sachs also reduced PMs ranking from a buy into a neutral maintaining an $80 price target.
Today, PM trades at $74, its dividend payout ratio stands at $3.08, the company has engaged in share repurchases and sales are still growing. Most importantly, PM is trading in developing countries with focus on its premium products and has seen significant improvements in the last period as regards revenues. Furthermore, operating margins sit at 40%, thus outperforming its peers.
Winters decided to invest in PM because despite any headwind the company may face, it has a strong balance sheet and cash flows. In addition, it is a solid company whose brands are well known across the 160 countries where it operates. Most importantly, it is now making endeavors to access other developing markets such as India and Vietnam.
As it has been mentioned above, the company has many advantages. Last but not least, it has entered into joint ventures in China, with National Tobacco to market Marlboro and with Swedish Match to market snus in the European Union. PM is still uniquely positioned to continue expanding.
Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO): The beverage company is one of the most recognized firms across the world. Although it is present in almost all the countries, it is making great efforts to evolve in emerging markets.
The latest news revealed that Coke was marketing an orange juice used in two of its products that supposedly was sprayed with fungicide in Brazil, an illegal product in the United States. The FDA stopped the shipment of said juice from overseas but decided not to remove the products currently on sale because the level of fungicide has been reported as low.
Financially speaking, Cokes stock has been weak, the same happened with Pepsico, Cokes primary rival. From a shareholder standpoint, yields are up though. Coke is considered the favorite company among analysts carrying most of the recommendations. Most importantly its average price target is on the right track. Now, why did Winters choose it? First of all, it holds the best net margins vis-vis competitors. In 2011 only, it stood at 19.49% and its three segments were able to maintain it. Secondly, it is the company with the highest flexibility. It is the company that reported only 59.38 cents of liabilities for every dollar of assets. With more flexibility, Coke can borrow at low rates and buy back shares. Thirdly, Coke has still room to continue expanding. Although it is a well-recognized brand across the world, it still launches initiatives to continue improving.
McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD): MCD is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants with a leading position in all the markets where it operates. Most importantly, it is permanently considering new expansion opportunities.
The company has recently invested large amounts of money to restore existing restaurants and launch new ones. MCD has carried out marketing campaigns, it has extended hours of work, has improved free Internet access and has introduced new products. Furthermore, premium products such as the Angus Third Pounder hamburger and the McCafe specialty coffee menu have been well received. In terms of prices, the company has increased the price by 1% at the beginning of 2011 but later on, it applied a further increase of 1.4%. There is no doubt it will continue increasing prices due to inflation. Management, indeed, forecasted that 2012 will start with a 3% pricing with the possibility of applying new increases during the year.
MCD is an interesting pick and Winters felt attracted to it because it is always producing stable cash flow even during hard times. The ability to produce stable cash flows can be attributed to long-term franchisee royalty and rent payments. Most importantly, McDonalds has been paying dividends for the last 30 years, as well as repurchasing shares. In 2010 for instance it returned $5.1 billion to shareholders.
In terms of growth, the company has launched a Plan to Win program, which started in 2003 to boost growth. This plan aims at increasing restaurant visits, providing everyday value, improving menus and keeping MCD image through marketing campaigns. Management is also taking steps to change the refranchising strategy. 80% of MCD restaurants operate under a franchise. This strategy will boost EPS and ROE.
In terms of quarter results, store sales rose 5.0%. More specifically, the US accounted for an increase of 4.4%, Europe up 4.9%, and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) up 3.4%. The improvement of sales has been benefitted by the changes in menu, products innovation, McCafe premium beverage and many other changes. Quarterly earnings per share stood at $0.08.
In terms of future expectations, MCD is expecting to continue with the investments in restaurants. The idea is to refresh the companys image. Management also expects to open new restaurants in emerging markets, such as China.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC): NSC is a railroad company operating in the
Eastern United States. Lately Norfolk has started to apply cost control measures to boost growth. Anyway, it remains cautious about fuel price increases and their impact on cost structure. Now, the company is replacing old locomotives with new ones. These new fuel-efficient locomotives will certainly reduce fleet age, will lower maintenance expenses and improve costs.
In the last five years NSC has reported a significant free cash flow and a strong operating ratio that have surpassed those of peers in the railroad industry. Most importantly, Norfolk pays a dividend ratio that is higher than the one paid in other companies. It now stands at 33%. In addition, Norfolk will definitely benefit from the strong pricing momentum supported by the growing market demand. Pricing improvements and productivity gains will offset inflation, improve margin and earnings growth.
Management is optimistic about the coal segment, especially due to the growth in the export of coal and the increasing demand of steel in markets such as Asia, Europe and South America. The 5% increase in global steel production will support strong demand. As regards agricultural products, the company will benefit from the growth in ethanol network and the shipment of grains. To support such growth in volume, management purchased new grain hoppers. In the automotive category, a projected gain of 14% in light vehicle production will boost automotive production to approximately 14 million vehicles in 2011.
David Winters decided to invest in Norfolk because it is one of the largest railroad companies that are permanently investing to boost sales and improve growth. Furthermore it holds a strong free cash flow and permanently reports high returns. Most importantly, it is committed to shareholders. It is constantly paying dividends and repurchasing shares. Indeed, in the last period, dividend ratio rose by 11 percent to $0.40 per share and then by another 3% to sit at $0.43. This involves an annual increase of 19%. Last but not least, Norfolk authorized the repurchase of 22 million shares till 2014. Most importantly, the company is planning to reduce its debt, which stands at $6,782 million.
David J. Winters is the manager of Wintergreen Fund, which was established in 2005. Before setting up this fund, Mr. Winters served as CEO, president, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC. He also led the Mutual Series group of domestic equity value funds and served as portfolio manager of the Mutual Discovery Fund. Mr. Winters has been a member of the management team of the Mutual Series since 1987. He was named director of research in 2000, and was promoted to president and chief investment officer in 2001.


text: Rachoni lays about 4 km away from the coast in the inner island. Believing the legend, the first inhabitants settled down, as a blind Bulgarian woman kneed down at a river source, and sprinkled water in her eyes. Beginning from this moment she could see again. Above the river source the church Panagia was built. Round the church open channels are leading the water down till Skala Rachoni. The first inhabitants settled down round the church. All over the years, Rachoni kept his originality. One Reason is, that not many tourist are coming to Rachoni. In this quiet village, you can experience the Greek lifestyle. Men are standing in cafe bars and the smell of the typical Greek food is coming out of the kitchens.


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-Went to the Ashland Community Hospital ER yesterday morning to get checked for possible swine flu. The test consisted of saline being put up my nose and then sucked out by a tube.
Not the best way to spend a Tuesday morning.
The good news is that while I have a bug, I don't have the bug. The test came back negative for influenza which means I can walk around in public without subjecting my friends and neighbors to Captain Tripps 2.0.
In the meantime, the W.H.O. has raised the pandemic alert to level 4 and are providing updates here. And the number of cases can be tracked by Google Maps. (H/T to "Leverage" writer Amy Berg for for sending this link along via her Twitter feed.)
And remember, wash your hands and if you have to sneeze or cough, use your sleeve.
-Meanwhile, guess what Arlen Spector decided to give Obama for his hundred day in office anniversary. A sixtieth Senate Seat for the Dems.
Yeah, I know. He's another old white guy trying to hang on to what little power he has left. And he's not a sure thing as far as getting progressive policies passed.
But damn, watching the GOP squeal like Ned Beatty in "Deliverance" is making me do the happy dance!
"You know, I'm glad my way too hot for me girlfriend dumped me. I was getting sick of those daily blowjobs. You know what? Blowjobs are overrated!"
Watching the GOP these days is like watching someone juice a dead frog with an electrical current. You can see the leg twitching but you know there's no real life left.
-And this is even better news! (H/T to Compound F at Daily Kos.)
Holder Letter 042809 Holder Letter 042809 Stephen C. Webster
Game on, bitches! Game on!
More later.


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My friend Richard's sister has had a little baby girl Lilly, she is absolutely gorgeous. As I made his other sisters baby, Ivy a cushion he asked me if I could make one for Lilly.
I love the Somebunny cross stitch designs, so I decided on one of those. It also gave me something to work on in the evenings.
I don't like just sitting watching the TV it seems such a waste of valuable crafting time to me.
I don't know if anyone else agrees?
I really like it and now it's done I don't want to part with it, but it's going to a good home so I don't mind really.
It's going to be a busy afternoon as I have to take my Lily for new school shoes and the last few bits of uniform.
I love having her at home, but I will enjoy the peace when they go back on the 8th September.
More time for sewing!


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text:
My friend, Vitya, asked me to come photograph some of his offerings at his knitwear store. He is building a website and needed to add photos of women's apparel. I agreed gladly, glad that I could help him out, glad that I could spend some time with him, glad to be doing something new. Man, was I glad! So I hopped in his ride, and we went downtown to the Central Trading Center, which is something like a mall, only it is full of scads of little stores. The majority of these stores sell women's apparel, and if you are looking for short skirts or high heels, you have hit the jackpot!
Vitya, like so many of my friends here in Irkutsk, has recovered from heroin addiction. He was studying to be a doctor before his foray into the drug world, which is why he has the nickname "Doctor". He is married with one son and another child on the way, and he is supporting his family through this apparel store and by traveling to different points in Irkutsk where he sets up a mobile store to sell bedding.
Vitya's family is pretty representative of a young family trying to make their way here in Irkutsk. His family lives with his Mother-in-law. They have been trying to get a loan, so they could buy a place of their own, but no loan is forthcoming. Here in Russia housing prices are astronomical when compared with a young families income. In fact, as I think about it, most of the young couples we know live with their parents or grandparents. They dream of a place to call their own. Dream, dream, dream. Vitya said to me while we drove downtown, "Russia is hard to understand, we have more land than any other country! It should be easy for me to buy land and build a house, but it is like pulling teeth." He echoes the thoughts of young couples all across this immense land.
I confess, I am somewhat of an artist. I can get carried away with imagining how fabulous a project could be. We could really make his website compelling with some captivating photos of bathrobes, pajamas and summer dresses. So here is an excerpt of our conversation, in which we figured out how we were gonna photograph the outfits, or I should say, how I imagine the conversation now. Actually it was in Russian, and I am lacking some basic words when it comes to the fashion and apparel industry. For fun, let's imagine my Russian is perfect.
"Vitya, if we put someone IN the clothing, it will sell itself! Maybe we should get a model, no?"
"No, that would be too fancy for my site."
"Oh, OK, well let's get some really nice white material, which will set off the colors of the clothing for a background."
"We don't have any white material, how about this furry, cream colored blanket we are selling?"
"Really Vitya, you want summer dresses on a furry background???"
"Alex, I don't need anything fancy, people just need to get an idea of what they can find at my store. Don't try too hard, keep it simple."
So we hung up the fur, hung the dresses over it with the help of Lena, Vitya's employee, and click, click, click, sun dresses, frocks, chemises, bathrobes, housecoats, I shot them all.
I really admire Vitya and all the young men and ladies who took a turn down a really dark road, but found the Hand of Hope reaching to them in their despair. They are making a go of it, walking in faith, and it is beautiful to witness.


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The Jubilee of Rocamadour
Rocamadour celebrates a thousand years of pilgrimage
Rocamadour will celebrate its Jubilee as and from March 25th. Over this holy year, up to 50 events will mark a thousand years of pilgrimage to the Black Madonna and the 100th anniversary of its Basilica. In 2013, pilgrims of Rocamadour will be given "Plenary Indulgence", granted by the Pope.
1000 years of a historical pilgrimage
In the Southwest of France, the shrine of Rocamadour shelters the statue of Our Lady of Rocamadour. The 12th century wooden statue wearing a golden-incrusted tiara is reputed for her miracles. Since the Middle Ages, thousands of pilgrims have visited the shrine, including notable people such as Henry II of England, King St. Louis, St. Dominic, St. Bernard, St. Anthony of Padua…
The origins of Rocamadour date back to the 5th century, after the Council of Ephesus, when a first ancient sanctuary was built. In 1166, the perfectly preserved body of the Christian hermit St. Amadour was discovered. From the 11th century on, the sanctuary was considered the 4th Christian holy place after Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela.
The town has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1979. It is perched on a cliff on the right bank of the river Alzou. For a thousand years now, pilgrims have climbed up the 216 stairs to reach the shrine.
A year of celebrations to give thanks to the Black Madonna
From the 25th of March, the sanctuary will celebrate the 6th Jubilee of its history. The theme is "Nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1, 37). These words by the Virgin Mary during the Annuciation suit the incredibly built shrine where miracles continue to happen every day.
During this holy year in Rocamadour, the Christian faithful will be given "Plenary Indulgence". This specific grace was granted by Pope Benedict XVI. During this year, the St. Saviour's Basilica will be advanced to the position of "Major Basilica", a hundred years after its dedication as a Basilica by Pope Pius X.
From March 25th to December 8th, up to 50 events will mark this Jubilee Year. The "Jubilee Route" will guide the pilgrims on the "Holy Road" to the Chapel of the Black Madonna. Rocamadour is a pilgrimage site in its own right and a stage on the historical route to Santiago de Compostela. The Rocastella, certificate of completion of the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Rocamadour, will be given to pilgrims converging to Rocamadour on August 15th, 2013.
5 Great Events
- March 25th: Inauguration of the "Jubilee Route" and Opening of the Holy Door, chaired by Bp. Norbert Turini, Bishop of Cahors
- June 8th and 9th: First Centenary of the dedication of the St. Saviour's Basilica, chaired by Cardinal Philippe BARBARIN, Archbishop of Lyon, Primate of the Gauls
- August 13th to August 15th: Solemnity of the Assumption, chaired by Cardinal Marc OUELLET, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops
- September 8th to September 15th: Marian Week, chaired by Bp. Norbert Turini, Bishop of Cahors
- December 8th: Closing Ceremony of the Jubilee, chaired by Archbishop Luigi Ventura, Apostolic Nuncio to France
More information
Related videos
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Things to see
© C. Méravilles / Grand Rodez
Soulages Museum in Rodez
© Dominique VIET - CRT Midi-Pyrénées
Viaduc de Millau
© Cité du Vin - Casson Mann
Cité du Vin in Bordeaux
© Shigeru Ban Architects Europe et Jean de Gastines Architectes, avec Philip Gumuchdjian pour la conception du projet lauréat du concours / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Roland halbe
Centre Pompidou Metz
© CRT Midi-Pyrénées / Dominique VIET
Canal du Midi
© CRT Midi-Pyrénées / Dominique VIET
Canal du Midi
© Atout France/Catherine Bibollet
Pic du Midi
Point of interest
© Mathieu Anglada - Office de Tourisme Sarlat Périgord Noir
Rendez-vous at Sainte Marie's Church in Sarlat-la-Canéda
© Dominique Reperant - Office de Tourisme Sarlat Périgord Noir
Rendez-vous in la Roque-Gageac
© Semitour
Rendez-vous at Lascaux, in Montignac


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Here's a rather lengthy (OK, very lengthy) article on agriculture and human history.
Agriculture: Unsustainable Resource Depletion Began 10,000 Years Ago
I've been of the belief for quite a few years now that agriculture has been very bad for humanity. It is true that it allowed increased specialization into scientists and slaves, kings and serfs, executives and janitors, etc.
However, I would note that long before agriculture was invented, people were already producing impressive art in places like Lascaux. So, clearly, even at a time when there were far fewer humans on the planet, people were capable of some impressive culture.
Overall, has agriculture really been good for the individual members of the human species?
For some, certainly. But, on average? I don't think so. Here are a few good quotes from the article.
Read and Leblanc (2003) suggest that humans, in areas of low resource density, tend to maintain generally stable populations, while high resource density, such as that produced by agriculture, decreases the spacing of births more rapidly than the increase in resource density, which results in repeating cycles of carrying capacity overshoot and population collapse.
Even though intensive cultivation agriculture did produce more food than subsistence food production on a specific area, severe local food shortages were not eliminated by the development of these techniques. Famine was caused by cyclic drought, climate cooling episodes and the natural propensity of humans to increase population numbers to meet then surpass any elevation of carrying capacity during benign conditions (Hopfenberg 2003).
Societies grew and prospered until soils were exhausted or as long as there was new land to cultivate, but they declined when they ran out of fertile soil options (Montgomery 2007). Temporary overshoot of carrying capacity has caused human numbers to fall back precipitously with some regularity throughout history (Stanton 2003), while less regular complete collapses of societies have been the norm since the advent of agriculture (Costanza et al. 2005).
I'm thinking we're long overdue for another precipitous drop or complete collapse. I'm not saying I want this, merely that I'm worried it may happen very soon. Perhaps the global economic collapse that is in progress will be a large contributing factor. Let's hope not.
Thomas Malthus (1826) predicted that agricultural production increases would not be able to meet the requirements of a steadily growing human population. However he was not aware that the depletion of soils by the agriculture, that was feeding less than one billion humans in the 1700s, was already unsustainable in the long term.
The Green Revolution produced the last major improvement in food production during the latter decades of the twentieth century as new crop varieties were created by plant breeders. These new varieties depended on large inputs of fossil-fuel dependent fertilizers, irrigation, insecticides and herbicides. William Paddock (1970) warned, at the time of the beginning of the Green Revolution, that the increased agricultural productivity would simply produce more malnourished poor people if curbs were not applied to the increase in human numbers that would result from increased food availability. Global population growth since the beginning of the Green Revolution has borne out the futility of increasing food availability in the absence of measures to control human fertility (Diamond 2002).
There's lot's more than this in the lengthy article. I hope at least a few people will read it in it's entirety.
Please note that I expect to be in the minority here, but am really curious for other opinions. Also, if you have read the entire article, please say so.
Thanks to my friend Brendan for the link.


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Things That Run Fast
May 8, 2015
May 7, 2015
Sharp Top Hike: Part Two
May 7, 2015
Bruce and Kathy
May 7, 2015
Sharp Top Hike: Part One
May 7, 2015
Bruce and Kathy
March 17, 2014
December 29, 2012
December 27, 2012
"The fire. The odor of burning juniper is the sweetest fragrance on the face of the earth, in my honest judgment; I doubt if all the smoking censers of Dante's paradise could equal it. One breath of juniper smoke, like the perfume of sagebrush after rain, evokes in magical catalysis, like certain music, the space and light and clarity and piercing strangeness of the American West. Long may it burn."
― Edward Abbey


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Product Description
Throat Chakra Birthstone Necklace is hand engraved with the Fifth Chakra symbol, representing the Chakra of communication. Set with a brilliant-cut sparkly birthstone in a Victoriana star style setting.
The Fifth Chakra is at the base of the neck, the throat. Said to be the Chakra of communication, dreaming, artistic expression, creativity, sound judgement, self-belief, wisdom, truthfulness and self-expression. The Throat Chakra can remain in good balance by listening to good music, singing, going for walks, watching our breath, looking at the sky and meditating outside. The colour of the Fifth Chakra, turquoise or blue is a reminder of cooling calming qualities and emotions. Chakra Throat Necklace ideal for those who love to chat and dream.
The word Chakra originates from the ancient Indian language known as Sanskrit. Chakras are the essential centres of spiritual power in the human body and are circles of energy which balance the energies of life all through our body, that assist in the running of our body, mind and soul. The seven chakras begin at the base of the spine and move upwards to the final Chakra, which is found at the crown of the head.
Read more about the meaning of the Fifth Chakra on our blog. And discover more about your special birthstone here.
Every piece of jewellery is hand-made with love and care in London. Inspired by that moment when you give a gift of meaning. And the thought that the recipient can carry that sentiment with them forever.
This necklace is available in all precious metals, Sterling Silver or 18ct Yellow Vermeil.
Throat Chakra Birthstone Necklace Disc measures approximately 1.8cm by 1.8cm.
With a depth of 1.3mm. Available in the following chain lengths: 16″ (40.64 cm) 18″ (45.72cm) or 20″ (50.8 cm)
Your Throat Chakra Birthstone Necklace comes on a curb chain with a pretty hand-tied Freshwater Pearl by the clasp. Hallmarked with our maker's mark, the Assay office, the date and purity of the Silver or Gold.
We love gift giving – please see the packaging tab above for more on how we will package your Throat Fifth Charka Birthstone Necklace.
Please note these pieces are made to order and can take up to three weeks. Email us with any special requests, and we will always do our best (firstname.lastname@example.com)


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Something amazing happened recently. I asked one of the sixth graders I tutor to tell me what she was interested in...and what she asked to get for Christmas.
Her question: Why is everything that is made for girls pink and glittery?
Her answer: I want Goldiblox. What exactly is that, you ask? Watch the videos to find out.
This is your brain on engineering
Inspiring the next generation of female engineers - Debbie Sterling, creator of Goldiblox
We did some research and she not only learned that females across the world tend to make less than their male counterparts in the same position, are more likely to be illiterate and less likely to graduate high school. They also are a lot less likely to become engineers or take jobs in STEM / STEAM fields.
One way to combat this? Encourage females. Educate males. Challenge gender roles.
Another way to help out? Instead of buying girls play food and dress up clothes, try out Goldiblox. They also have an interactive website to play around with.
Goldiblox website
Next, get girls involved with coding. This year, my students participated in The Hour of Code sponsored by Code.org.
Watch the video (can you spot the celebrities?)
Try it - Code with Anna and Elsa!
Finally, consider enrolling your girls in Girl Scouts or join / create a Girls on the Run club.