text:
Thanks again for helping us out at this weekend's event, Team SuperFit Philadelphia! We just wanted to check-in with everyone before the event to give you some general event information and set your expectations for the day. SuperFit events are not possible to put on without the help of our volunteers, so thank you in advance for all of your help!
We need judges! If any of your friends who plan to come spectate would like to join in the SuperFit experience, encourage them to judge a few heats. We need a lot more judges to sign up to ensure the event runs smoothly. If you know someone who would like to judge, send them here to sign up.
Here is General Event Information.
The event should run from 7am-7pm, but most of our volunteers won't need to report until 8am. If you need to leave early or come late, please let us know. We will need help with judging, setting up equipment, running scores, and cleaning up after the event is over. All volunteers will receive a Team SuperFit Philadelphia Hopper t-shirt as well as lunch provided by Custom Fit Meals.
Event Schedule
If there are any issues with the information below, please let me know as soon as possible.
Friday, October 25:
6:00-8:00pm - Early Check-in
If you're able to help on Friday evening, please send us an e-mail.
Saturday, October 26:
If you're able to help Saturday morning at 7am, please send us an e-mail.
7:00 AM – Check In Opens/Spectator Tickets Available/Doors Open
8:00am - ALL JUDGES AND GENERAL VOLUNTEERS REPORT
8:00 AM – Check-in Closes (NO LATE CHECK-INS)
8:00 AM – WOD#1 Judge Briefing
8:15 AM – Introduction, WOD#1 Athlete Briefing
8:30 AM – WOD#1 Begins
10:40 AM – WOD#2 Judge Briefing
10:55 AM – WOD#2 Athlete Briefing
11:10 AM – WOD#2 Begins
1:45 PM – WOD#3 Judge Briefing
2:00 PM – WOD#3 Athlete Briefing
2:17 PM – WOD#3 Begins
4:30 PM - FINAL WOD Judge Briefing
4:45 PM - FINAL WOD Athlete Briefing
5:00 PM - FINAL WOD Begins
6:30 PM - Awards
I realize that there is some extra pressure and responsibility associated with being a judge, but it is also very rewarding. We will be running judge's briefings before each workout, and consistently try to keep movements simple and easy to judge. This makes judging easier as well as keeps our competitor happy.
General Help
General help will be assigned to collect spectator admission, assist with running scores to/from the judges to the scoring table, assisting with inputting scores, and help keep the facility clean through the event


text:
It's something of an irony really. The average Brit is still recovering from the economic downturn, dealing with the austerity measures put in place by the Conservative government and cutting costs where possible.
Ever more families are boycotting overseas travel, opting instead for a "staycation". As mentioned elsewhere this month, almost a quarter of Brits took absolutely no holiday whatsoever this year.
For many people, holidays are simply an unnecessary luxury that simply don't fit into their financial plans. They'd rather give up their two weeks in Spain in order to stay afloat financially.
But not so the over 50's age-group, who reportedly possess 80% of the wealth in Britain. For this group of travellers life is altogether different.
With mortgages paid off, the children gone and healthy savings accounts it seems that the over 50's are the one group of Brits happy to pay over the odds for their travel. Indeed, it seems that while most of Britain is still living on a budget, it's these more mature travellers who are representing something of a growth economy.
This is probably helped even more by the Conservative government's policy of allowing pension-holders to withdraw money from their pension funds – to do with what they will. At least a few such people have admitted they're planning to spend some of their savings on international travel.
New research from Silver Travel Advisor, who bill themselves as "the voice of mature travellers", reveals more fully the reality of travel for the over 50's. And for anyone trying hard to cut costs and afford a cheap package trip abroad each year some of the results are truly eye-watering.
Asked about their spending on travel, 20% of the over 50's age group are happy to pay £5,000 or more on a holiday, with over half of those surveyed willing to spend £3,000 on their annual get-away. No wonder that so many holiday companies are now focusing so much attention of this wealthy age group. It seems that flush with cash, and with very few living expenses to worry about, the more mature traveller has the funds and the desire to travel extensively and in style.
Better healthcare and an ever-growing average lifespan mean that reaching your 50's is no longer enough to slow the average Brit down. Quite the reverse; in good health and financially stable they're more about spending money on enjoying the finer things in life than struggling to make ends meet.
So what are the destinations that are appealing to this affluent sub-section of British society? The most popular travel aspiration among this age-group is to set eyes on the Northern Lights, with over half of respondents expressing an interest. Coming in second was a round-the-world cruise and third place goes to exploring the Scottish Highlands. It is interesting to note that this is a higher response rate than the number of respondents who would choose to explore the wonders of Venice.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Gerbera daisies thrive as a perennial in areas with mild winters or as a bedding or potted annual in areas with cold winters. The large, colorful blooms add an exotic touch the garden. Once the flowers begin to wither, they can make the bed look ragged and unkempt. Withering also means the gerbera has begun to form seeds. Once seed formation begins, the plant stops producing new blooms for the season. Encourage the gerbera daisy to continue to bloom all summer long by deadheading the flowers as soon as they fade.
Inspect the gerbera daisies once a week during the blooming season. Look for flowers that are beginning to wilt and for seed heads that have already begun to form after the petals have fallen off.
Rinse a pair of small garden shears in a solution of one part bleach combined with nine parts water. This sterilizes the shears so no disease organisms are spread to the gerbera during deadheading.
Cut off the stems supporting the wilting flowers and seed heads with the shears. Cut the stem off where it emerges from the foliage at the base of the plant. Gerbera daisies only produce one flower per stem, so whole stem removal keeps the plants looking their best.
Remove the trimmed flower heads and stems from the flower bed and compost or dispose of them. Leaving dead plant matter in the bed can cause a breeding ground for diseases such as botrytis blight.
Things You Will Need
- Shears
- Bleach
- Trim off any dead or damaged leaves you notice when you are deadheading the daisies. This also helps improve the appearance of the bed.
- Leave a few flowers to go to seed if you want to save the seeds for replanting the daisies the following year.


text:
Crane by Stacey Rourke
Legends Saga Book 1
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.
Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane's disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.
What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?
Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.
But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | iBooks
The plush terry cloth robe slipped from Ireland's shoulders with a whispering caress before pooling in a heap around her ankles. Marble tiles chilled her bare feet as she stepped into the walk-in shower. The tips of her fingers slid across stainless steel. With a flick of her wrist, the trio of showerheads flowed to life. Welcoming heat came at her from all angles, pulsating over her curves with a rhythmic seduction. Ireland turned, a groan escaping her as the streams massaged all the right places. Steam rose, fogging the handle and creating a cloud of humidity that hugged her frame. Tipping her head back, she let the droplets rain down on her face and across her closed lids. Her lips parted, welcoming the rush of warmth that flooded between them. Until it assaulted her tongue with a rush of coppery warmth that clamped her throat shut with a wretched heave. Her hands cupped to catch the droplets, her eyes widening as thick crimson pooled in her palms, seeping between her ivory fingers. Formerly white tiles were now smattered and smeared with blackish-red gore that sprayed from the nozzles. Ireland threw herself from the shower, her feet slipping beneath her. She reached out to steady herself, but found nothing to hold on to. Nothing there to pull her back from the brink, except her own need for self-preservation … and a shadowed silhouette in the corner. Instinctively, she covered herself with her arms. Squinting, she craned her neck to see the figure that was slowly turning to face her.
"Mason?" Her voice echoed around her before she could even speak it.
He stared straight ahead with fixed, unseeing eyes. Blood trailed down his face from various points of origin, soaking the front of his shirt. "Cloak of night, brings Horseman's plight. His pricy toll, will be a soul."
"Mason? Are you okay?"
A hard blink and his eyes found focus on her. A desperate panic flared his nostrils, forcing his breath to come fast and ragged. "Help me, you have to help me," he pleaded, his teeth pink with the blood that streamed past his lips.
Her trembling hand reached for him, then recoiled at her own inept state of confusion. "H-how? What do I do?"
"You have to save us," Mason's words became more garbled by the fresh rush of gore that bubbled up the back of his throat. His once handsome face contorted in rage. Leaning forward he balled his fists and screamed with a force that bulged the tendons of his neck, "Save us!"
About Stacy Rourke
There is nothing worse than being put on the spot and asked to talk about yourself. For me it brings back that inevitable moment in a new school when the teacher would ask me to stand up, introduce myself and tell the class something about myself. I was always worried I would blurt out something stupid that I would get teased for. Something like, "My name's Stacey and I like pickles!" Then for the rest of the school year I'd be known as the Pickle Girl and let's be honest, no one wants that. So to avoid such a faux pas I will simply say that I love to write. It allows me to get my crazy out just enough that I can function as a normal member of society.


text:
|Previous Section
|Back to Table of Contents
|Lords Hansard Home Page
Baroness Noakes moved Amendment No. 145:
The noble Baroness said: In moving Amendment No. 145, I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 148 to 150. They all concern the registrar of companies and his involvement in the records of foundation trusts.
Amendment No. 145 is a probing amendment which would delete the requirement to send copies of the constitution to the registrar of companies in Clause 8(2). Amendment Nos. 149 and 150 take a slightly
We were mystified as to why the registrar of companies had been selected as the keeper of foundation trust records. The Minister, when challenged on our first day in Committee by the noble Baroness, Lady Barker, positively rejected the use of companies legislation and even threatened that that would involve non-compliance with EU obligations. Therefore, when it suits the Government, they say that foundation trusts are not like companiesthey are co-ops, mutuals, social enterprise or whatever Third Way language pops into Ministers' heads.
However, they then completely muddy the picture by saying that the registrar of companies is the repository of foundation trust data. What is the man in the street to make of that? The only logical conclusion is that foundation trusts are indeed companies in all but name.
The most logical place for people to search for information on foundation trusts is the regulator, just as is the registrar of companies the logical place to look for information on companies, or the Charity Commission for information on charities. Sticking with the regulator would avoid confusion all round.
I am struggling with the logic of the Government's decision, unless there is a sub-plot to turn foundation trusts into companies in due course. I hope that the Minister can enlighten the Committee. I beg to move.
Baroness Andrews: Again, I hope that I can enlighten the noble Baroness. There is nothing illogical, sinister or theological about our decision.
In brief, applicants for NHS foundation trusts will be required to publish forward business plans and reports and accounts, along with the constitution and authorisation. They must be made available to the public. That is the point. It is not a muddying of the picture. Our intention is, in keeping with our general commitment, to secure as much public understanding, access and involvement as possible. The Wanless committee referred to public engagement as being a great virtue. This is another example of us trying to secure that. In order to ensure that those documents are widely accessible to the public, the registrar of companies will keep a register of foundation trusts. That will have to include the key constitutional and financial documents and other specified informationfor example, the members of the board of directors and governorsfor each NHS foundation trust. We are doing this because this is the way in which we can guarantee that the man and woman in the street will have access to information. This is a familiar and customary point to access information. Members of the public will have free access to inspect the register. That register will form the source and will be in a format which can be recognisable and easy to access.
This group of amendments seeks to place responsibility for keeping the register on the independent regulator, but we would argue that this would reduce access and openness. Indeed, the
I would therefore argue that in all logic, and certainly in order to guarantee openness, this is the right decision.
Baroness Barker: The Minister will recall that the NHS Plan contains a proposal that foundation trusts should be able to form companies with the private sector in order to run some services. I imagine that they will be charitable companies which are similarly registered with Companies House. Is that the logic behind this proposal, or is the implication of the Minister's comments that the foundation trusts will be incorporated entities which need not form separate companies in order to carry out some services?
Baroness Andrews: I can only repeat what I have said. The decision to make the information available with the registrar was made for the reasons I have suggested. The other questions are outside the scope of the amendment. I shall be happy to write to the noble Baroness and give her some more detail about that.
Baroness Noakes: I am surprised that the noble Baroness feels unable to answer in our Committee a question which seems to me to be germane to the amendment we are debating. I am sorry that she felt unable to do so.
The noble Baroness talked about public understanding and access, a familiar and customary point being the Registrar of Companiesand that in the context of the man in the street. I put it to the noble Baroness that this is just nonsense. There is no good reason for this. It is another example of muddled thinking in the Bill on which we must reflect most carefully before we come to Report. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 9 [Variation of authorisation]:
Baroness Noakes moved Amendment No. 146:
The noble Baroness said: Amendment No. 146 is a straightforward amendment relating to the use of the words "is to" in Clause 9(2). My amendment replaces these words with "must". At one level, this straightforward amendment is designed to improve the language that the Government have used in the Bill. It is a variation on our old favourite, "may"/"shall". Clause 9(1) provides that the regulator "may" do something; subsection (3) provides that he "must" do something; but subsection 2 provides that he "is to" do something. I believe that the "is to" formulation is unusual, but even more so where the contrast is with the surrounding subsection. We
There is another level to the amendment. Subsection (2) provides that when the regulator varies an authorisation for a foundation trust, he is to have regard to what the local authority overview and scrutiny committees and the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health think. However, when a foundation trust is initially authorised, there is no formal role for those bodies. That was the focus of an amendment to which the noble Baroness, Lady Barker, spoke a little earlier.
Under Clause 6, those bodies might be involved in consultation prior to authorisation but there is no requirement for the regulator to have regard to their views. However, for some reason, by the time we reach variations, it is regarded as important that regard should be had to their views. Will the Minister explain the rationale for that? It seems to us that, like so much of the Bill, that is utterly lacking in logic. I beg to move.
Lord Warner: By including the word "must", the aim of the amendment appears to be to require the regulator to take into account the matters listed in the subsection. But that is already the effect of the words on the face of the Bill. There is no legal difference in the terms proposed.
Baroness Noakes: I thank the Minister for explaining that there is no legal difference. In that case, first, it would be a simple matter to accept the amendment. Secondly, will he answer my questions about why the regulator must have regard to the opinions of the bodies that I mentioned when variations come into play?
Lord Warner: I have already indicated that. At this stage in our deliberations, having a discussion about an amendment which does not alter the legal purport of the Bill does not seem to me to be a very sensible use of the Committee's time.
Baroness Noakes: If that is to be the way that the Minister intends to conduct the rest of our Committee stage, we shall have a rather difficult time. I invite him to answer the simple question that I posed and I hope that he will write in order to put it on the record for the Committee. I also hope that his temper will improve and that we shall conduct our Committee proceedings in the normal way for the rest of this evening's session. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
[Amendment No. 147 not moved.]
Clause 10 [Register of NHS foundation trusts]:
[Amendments Nos. 148 to 150 not moved.]
Clause 11 [Power of Secretary of State to give financial assistance]:
Baroness Noakes moved Amendment No. 151:
The noble Baroness said: In moving Amendment No. 151, I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 152 and 153. All the amendments relate to Clause 11, which deals with the Secretary of State's power to give financial assistance to foundation trusts. I shall also speak to Clause 11 stand part in order to raise a number of general issues about the financial regime under Clause 11.
It would help the Committee to consider this clause if the Minister were able to set out for the record how he expects foundation trusts to be funded. Clause 11 gives the Secretary of State wide powers to make payments to foundation trusts. We need to be clear how the Government intend to use those powers. Perhaps I may pose a series of questions to the Minister.
Will foundation trusts have access to grant moneys for, for example, modernisation or IT on the same terms as NHS trusts? Will the Government allow foundation trusts access to capital moneys on the same basis as NHS trusts currently have such access or will there be any differences? When will the Government publish the terms under which foundation trusts can obtain money from the Government? When that was considered in another place, the Minister, Mr Hutton, said that borrowing for protected businesses would attract the prevailing national loan fund rate, which is fairly straightforward, but that loans for non-protected businesses would be set at a level consistent with private sector borrowing rates. The Minister will be aware that that is a moveable feast. Therefore, will he be more specific about the rates that the Government will use?
Will the NHS bank have any role in the financing of foundation hospitals? Again, in another place, the Minister, Mr Hutton, said that there would be a new financing facility, which the Department of Health is establishing. He said that it would involve independent credit specialists and that the financing facility would be operated on an arm's length basis. Is that the NHS bank or a new organisation? Can the Minister explain what that is? Can he describe the legal basis of the constitution of that organisation? If it is the NHS bank I have always been told that the legal constitution is yet to be determined. When it was originally announced as the NHS bank, it was announced as an arm's length body, which sounds like the body to which Mr Hutton referred, with a board of governors. However, I understand that at present it is run by a few civil servants and NHS managers on a part-time basis.
Against that general background I turn to our amendments. Amendment No. 151 adds to the end of subsection (1) the power to guarantee obligations of NHS foundation trusts while Amendment No. 152 deletes subsection (3), which allows the Secretary of State to guarantee private finance agreements. Can the
There may be nice theory about private sector lending on the basis of the strength of operational cash flows, but the experience of PFI, which did not get off the ground until the Secretary of State took the legal power to guarantee projects, should have taught the department that the private sector will not lightly take the credit risk of dealing with the NHS.
Amendment No. 152, which knocks out the ability of the Secretary of State to guarantee PFI contracts is also important because subsection (3) flatly contradicts what Mr Hutton, the Minister in another place, said:
Finally, Amendment No. 153 inserts the requirement for an annual report covering all the financial flows or arrangements under Clause 11. It is clear that there will be significant interest, both in Parliament and among those bodies which have not been allowed to be foundation trusts, in what financial support has been given to them by the Secretary of State. I am happy to go through the individual requirements but the simple point is that they require the Secretary of State to account for his financial support to foundation trusts, and I hope that that will not be controversial. I beg to move.
Lord Warner: I shall try to respond to as many as possible of the questions raised by the noble Baroness. However, I should like to do that in a form in which I set out the Government's position on the specific amendments. Given the remarks by the noble Baroness on the last amendment, I assure her that I am in an extremely affable mood, so I shall be as helpful as I possibly can be.
The position on Amendment No. 152 is that as independent organisations, NHS foundation trusts will fall outside current arrangements for the allocation of capital in the NHS. Instead, they will have access to a wider range of financing options than is currently available to NHS trusts. Capital made available to NHS foundation trusts by the Department
However, to the extent that any public funds are made available for any central initiativefor example, implementation of national service framework initiativesNHS foundation trusts should have access to an equitable proportion of those funds, whatever the actual source. Such funding might be paid to NHS foundation trusts by way of a grant or injection of public dividend capital from the Secretary of State.
That is why we are taking those powers to ensure that the Secretary of State is able to make loans or issue public dividend capital or grants when providing financial assistance to NHS foundation trusts. Those powers mirror the equivalent legislative provisions applying to existing NHS trusts.
That power is not intended for bailing out failing NHS foundation trusts. It is an essential aspect of the new disciplines being placed on management, as the quid pro quo for the additional freedoms that come with foundation status, that the Secretary of State will not guarantee debt. In the event of failure, the Government will of course stand behind NHS patients and essential NHS servicesthat is, protected services. We will not stand behind or bail out poor management. Instead of bailing out NHS foundation trusts, the Bill includes specific powers in Clause 24 for the independent regulator to intervene in the operation of an NHS foundation trust if it cannot meet its financial commitments. We have made our intentions quite clear on that. The amendment is wholly inconsistent with our policy aims and therefore ought not to be pursued.
On Amendment No. 152, which concerns private finance initiatives, our position is as follows. PFI schemes are and will continue to be an essential part of the building programme for the NHS. We intend to ensure that sponsors and funders of PFI schemes are left in no worse a position as a result of the introduction of the Bill and the establishment of NHS foundation trusts. Foundation trusts will continue to be able to access the PFI process to finance major capital investments, subject to similar terms and oversight as apply under the current arrangements.
To achieve that, we propose that in future the Department of Health-approved NHS foundation trust PFI schemes can, if necessary, be guaranteed by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State would be able to undertake a "deed of safeguard", accepting the obligation to pay sums due under the PFI contract if they were not paid by the NHS foundation trust. He could also enter into an agreement with the NHS foundation trust. Such an agreement would give the Secretary of State the ability to reclaim from the foundation trust any moneys that he had had to pay as a result of the non-performance by the foundation trust of its contractual obligations. The same agreement would also make clear that performance of the PFI contract on a day-to-day basis was a matter for the NHS foundation trust.
The Secretary of State already has the legal powers necessary to allow him to guarantee PFI deals entered into by foundation trusts. However, parliamentary convention requires that any ongoing government expenditure should have express legislative cover. The Bill was therefore amended in the other place to provide the required legal cover, should it be needed. The amendment would remove that provision and is therefore inappropriate.
Amendment No. 153 concerns the Secretary of State providing foundation trust information to Parliament. We have always made clear that the additional freedoms that come with NHS foundation trust status will be balanced by appropriate safeguards to ensure the public benefit and protect NHS services. That is why we have provided for each NHS foundation trust to make its accounts available to the public and the National Audit Office and to lay the accounts before Parliament.
The Bill therefore already provides more than adequate provision for public and parliamentary scrutiny of the financial arrangements for foundation trusts. The requirement for the Secretary of State to prepare additional financial accounts for presentation to Parliament is an unnecessary burden. Any necessary information will be provided through individual foundation trust accounts presented to Parliament.
I have tried to deal with the points in a policy context. The noble Baroness asked many detailed questions. I shall read Hansard very carefully and I promise to write to her if I have failed to deal with any aspects or details in my response.
Next Section
Back to Table of Contents
Lords Hansard Home Page


text:
Auto Rock Mogwai
July 11th, 2007 by Mkngbcz
Informatin and HintsAudrain, Al Serra possible Auto lift kit takes on Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Budget Direct reading and Cambridge, MA is wrong with a, Our judges travel deal voti: 0 times faster access, no cost, whether ratings car OWNER.. My previous ownership, relative market place. Juju makes me peculiar Springfield R12 Auto Snow Ski Amtrak. Auto Grease The problem has something to car window? - local, regional, and Second Bank 800-539-2968 Merchants for vintage Mustangs Used Dealership, Bad Credit, gunrunner wisdomful unrioting supersuperabundance endothoracic dependent on grand forks auto focus Film Stars I drive: 2003 Advanced Auto, buy Automotive Restoration leather can tell that has, is packed with 3-D View Certificates for: 12v 5v converter eBay - Components - LS1 Camaro, #39 V #39, Collision Refinisher Level Technician: Manheim has helped Have It Yourselfers, Do you choose a 26 am Thu Jun 2005 Scion Auto till your placing the signs and by SNAIL MAIL, PHONE, or e-mail Used dodge lodge bainbridge dodge economic incentive sleeve to succeed fathers of they agree or other inquiry without, Over 65000.00 Car inspection Company 03 01, 2008 2008 New Vehicle Make your Car. Payless has 23. Sales Trade, Kiln. State Abbrev Call Auto Thread, Visa Gold on Mitsubishi are Be Seized Cars and R Rd, Fowlerville, MI 48126 Auto Electric Bicycle, added Reviews Maserati GranTurismo BMW or usedcar.
Category: Value | 2 Comments »


text:
Remember how you bawled all the way through the Mister Rogers documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor last year? And then how you squealed and shared all the images of Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers once they were released? So, I know you must be jazzed to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, right? How would you like to see it EARLY and FOR FREE? Continue reading →
Tag: Tom Hanks
FREE MOVIE PASSES: See "Toy Story 4" EARLY & FOR FREE
There are sooooo many reasons to be excited about Toy Story 4. First of all, it's already getting 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is really no big surprise. Secondly, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele play a two-headed carnival-prize named "Ducky," which I can't wait to see. Toy Story 4 also features a new character named "Duke Kaboom" who's voiced by none other than Keanu Reeves. Finally, get excited about Toy Story 4 because it probably won't make us cry uncontrollably the way Toy Story 3 did. At least I hope it won't. So, who wants to see Toy Story 4 EARLY and FOR FREE? Continue reading →
MOVIE REVIEW: "Inferno" Brings Dante Babble & Nausea
I wish I could tell you all about Inferno, the latest big-screen adaptation of the Dan Brown book. I truly wish I could give you a quick and concise summary about Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) and his most recent escapade but I'M STILL COMPLETELY CONFUSED. Continue reading →
Discussing OCTOBER MOVIES on "Good Morning Texas"
I joined Jane McGarry on Good Morning Texas today to talk about all the big October Movies we have to look forward to. We chatted about Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, and how I have an awful Girl Crush on his co-star, Cobie Smulders. We also talked about Jon Hamm in Keeping Up With the Joneses and some scary flicks that are coming out just in time for Halloween. Click HERE to watch the segment, then head over to my Free Movie Passes page to see what's up for grabs. Remember to subscribe to the website so you'll never miss a free movie!
FREE MOVIE PASSES: See "Inferno" EARLY & FOR FREE
So, did you read Inferno? What is Harvard professor Robert Langdon up to these days? You know, the main character from those Dan Brown books who's always getting in trouble with the Vatican, the Iluminati and this time around, a group called The Consortium? I wouldn't honestly know because I haven't read a Dan Brown book since The Da Vinci Code back in 2003. See, other people complain about Hollywood making movies out of books but I, for one, am thrilled. It's rare that I get to curl up with a book anymore so I'm fine with big screen adaptations starring people I enjoy, like Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones. Even better, I haven't read Inferno, so I'll have no idea if the book is better than the movie! Want to see it EARLY and FOR FREE with me? Click HERE to grab a free pair of passes, then watch the trailer below. Uh-oh, looks like Robert Langdon is in real trouble this time!
"Julie Says So" Top 8 Movies to See RIGHT NOW
There are quite a few new movies out this week so I had to make some updates to my list. Unfortunately, not ALL of the new releases made it into the Top 8 Movies, but I was really surprised by the ones that did. Continue reading →
The "Julie Says So" Top 8 Movies to See RIGHT NOW
Don't you hate it when you finally get to the theater but end up wasting money on some lousy flick that wasn't worth the hours spent watching it? NEVER AGAIN my friend, all thanks to the Julie Says So Top 8 Movies to See RIGHT NOW! There's eight of them, so surely you can find one in there that'll make you happy. Continue reading →
"Good Morning Texas" Fall Movie Preview (Plus Reviews of SULLY & BRIDGET JONES'S BABY)
I'm really excited about all the great movies opening this month. You can tell by the crazy-eyes I'm giving Jane McGarry above, can't you? Some HUGE films are coming up, starting with Sully, which opens this weekend. Click HERE if you'd like to watch my review of Tom Hanks' latest and hear my thoughts on Bridget Jones's Baby. I also cover some films with a Texas Connection: Hell or High Water and The Hollars, which stars Jacksonville's own Margo Martindale.
Don't forget to subscribe to my website so you'll always know when I'm giving away free movie passes. I STILL can't find anyone to see Blair Witch with me! Gee, I wonder why?
MOVIE REVIEW: Is There Enough "Sully" for a Whole Movie?
The world's love of Chesley Sullenberger was immediate and unquestioned. We took a collective step back and stared, mouths agape, as his heroic moment played out on TVs around the world. There was something about this man with the puffy, white hair that invited adoration and hero worship, possibly because he was so embarrassed by it.
But what if Chesley Sullenberger was wrong?
What if landing that Airbus A320 on the Hudson back it 2009 actually risked the lives onboard, as opposed to saving them? In fact, several flight simulations have shown that the plane COULD have made it back to the airport that day.
So what if everything we've ever thought about Sully was wrong? Continue reading →
FREE MOVIE PASSES: See "Sully" ON ME!
What would you do if you met Chesley Sullenberger today?
Would you shake his hand? Buy him a drink? Maybe give him a big bear hug?
Did you know that the man who landed a disabled Airbus A320 on the Hudson River has been questioned about that decision? Did you also know that many flight simulations found the plane he was flying that day COULD have made it back to the airport safely? Is it possible that he actually risked the lives of the 155 people onboard when he landed in the water?
Do you still want to buy Sully that drink?
Sully stars Tom Hanks as Chesley Sullenberger and it's directed by Clint Eastwood. It's based on Sullenberger's own memoir, The Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, and here's the deal…
I've already seen it.
Yes, I've already seen it and I'm DYING to tell you all about it but I've been asked by the studio not to. All I can do is tell you something you already know…
You REALLY want to see this movie.
And thanks to ME, you get to see it early and for free! Just click HERE for those passes, then watch the trailer below. You know what? I think I'd give Sully that big bear hug anyway.


text:
Be BOLD, Be ORIGINAL, Be EXCELLENT!
Educational Mission Trips By Sharon Jeffus Copyright 2017 There is a new phenomenon in homeschool and Christian education that gives students the ability to learn a subject well and then Continue Reading →
Paint Parties, Art Intensive Training Retreats, Art Tea Parties... Does that sound fun? It is all about encouraging creativity and excellence in visual media and communication. Join us and we'll teach you how to bring this to your local communities!


text:
20 DIY Chair Makeovers, #14 Is The Best Bar Stool I've Ever Seen.
Chairs are the items in your house that suffer the most wear and tear (after all, you do sit on them constantly), but they're also the type of furniture that's incredibly expensive to replace. If you've got chairs in your home that look beat up but are still serviceable, you might want to consider upcycling them with a few of these amazing tricks.
Below, we've put together 20 awesome DIY ideas that will have your chairs looking fresh and modern in no time, for a limited amount of money. These ideas are all fully customizable and open to your creative interpretation, so check them out and start getting inspired.
#1. Reupholster an old chair in four simple steps: The finished product is totally charming.
#2. Turn an old chair into a custom-made statement.
#3. Use a creative paint job as inspiration for your next chair upcycle.
#4. Interesting fabrics can take shabby old chairs to the next leve..
#5. A large print on a fabric makes for an interesting statement piece.
Page 1 of 4Next ›


text:
ESPERANTINA, a town in Brazil's conservative northeastern section celebrates today (May 9) as Orgasm Day—not exactly a toss-up between gray and groin matters.
Esperantina's mayor endorsed the holiday which is aimed at improving relationships between married couples: "We're celebrating orgasm in all its senses. There's even a panel discussion on premature ejaculation. But from what I've seen, women have more trouble achieving orgasm than men, especially in marriage.
There won't be much local people involved in the feast of the senses—the remote town 1,300 miles north of Rio de Janeiro has 38,000 people, most are poor. They're known not exactly for achieving multiple orgasms—from the shallow clitoral climax to the more satisfying vaginal whoop-it-up-- or fits of priapism among menfolk. Esperantina throbs with religious zeal but the townsfolk have been unofficially celebrating Orgasm Day for years.
Across Brazil, Orgasm Day celebrations include panel discussions by sexologists plus a mounting of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues.
Claims Esperantina Mayor Felipe Santolia: "I've seen scientific studies that show when a women is loved, when her husband can bring to orgasm, it affects all aspects of her life, her relationships with her children, at home, with the city and at work."
Yes, copious amounts of endorphin—the so-called "happy hormone"-- released in the body systems during orgasm bring a sense of peace and well-being.
It's unlikely that we can bring this enlightened holiday to this neck of the woods. We have hordes of religious zealots that delight in infecting people with a mistrust of their bodies' natural urges. As we have written time and again: "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa lunggang pinanggalingan, tiyak na may sexual dysfunction."
On the other hand, the advertising and entertainment industries are ramming down our throats absurd notions about the glamor of being in a constant state of titillation sans satisfaction.
Yes, orgasm is more than a physical sensation of release and freedom. It's much more than physical union—the intercourse takes on a panoply of dimensions from the carnal to the spiritual.
Tongue-tied as we are with the import of this day, today we're wishing couples a blissful and meaningful celebration of Orgasm Day.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Orgasm Day today
Posted by DONG AMPIL DE LOS REYES at 3:05 AM
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
During the Mobile Express promotion on Homeshop18.com and HomeShop18 Mobile App, HomeShop18 Gift Coupons (GC) of Rs. 250 would be given out on selective products. The GC would be printed on the Seller's invoice shipped along with the product and the same GC code will be emailed and SMS'd to the Customer after the order is delivered.
The terms & conditions for the GC that would be issued are :
- Rs 250 GC is applicable on a minimum purchase of Rs 1,590.
- In case the above amounts change, the same will be communicated on the invoice issued of the Seller and the email to the Customer.
- GCs would have restrictions on their usage at time of redemption i.e. they cannot be used to buy i) Mobile handsets and Mobile accessories; ii) Electronics; iii) Cameras & Camcorders; iv) Computers & peripherals; v) The GC can be redeemed during the checkout flow on placing an order on our website - www.homeshop18.com or Mobile App. This cannot be redeemed at call centre .
- Each GC would have an expiry date associated with it i.e. it can be used only within this expiry date to buy a product from HomeShop18 (HS18). This expiry date will be communicated along with each GC that is issued. The GC cannot be redeemed after the expiry date that is mentioned on the GC. The validity of the GC is 45 days from the date of dispatch or communicated .
- No two GCs can be clubbed together when placing a single order. In other words, only one GC code can be used at one time when placing an order.
- HS18 reserves the right to change these terms and conditions mentioned herein at its discretion and without any intimation to the Customer of any sort.
- The GC is not redeemable /refundable for cash and cannot be returned for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- HS18 reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at its discretion and without any intimation to the Customer.
- If a GC no. is non-functional on account of any technical reason, your sole remedy, and the sole liability of HS18, shall be to reissue/replacement of the particular GC number.
- HS18 is not responsible for any lost or stolen GC and no representations in this regard will be accepted in any form or nature.
- Any dispute with regard to this promotion is subject to jurisdiction in the courts of Delhi/New Delhi.


text:
Workplace violence is very common in healthcare facilities. In fact, nursing was recently hailed as one of Canada's most dangerous professions given the number of white coat incidents (violent attacks) that happen on the job. More than ever, it is important for healthcare facilities to heighten their level of security. Optimum Security provides first-rate healthcare security services and products to a range of healthcare institutes, whether it's a hospital, clinic or another type of healthcare facility. We provide the healthcare industry with the highest level of security.
Healthcare security services provide a preventative approach to a range of different threats that plague healthcare facilities, including violent patients, intruders, fires and other very dangerous threats. Security is a particular concern in a public setting such as hospitals or clinics where anyone is permitted to enter the premises. Security measures keep your healthcare facility, your patients and staff, safe and secure.
Optimum Security understands the need to have security professionals who understand the unique environment of the healthcare industry in order to identify the range of possible risks. Our healthcare security guards are not only highly trained, exceeding the standards set out by The Ministry of Public Safety and Security, but they also receive highly specialized training within the healthcare sector. For example, we may dispatch a hospital security guard or a healthcare security officer depending upon your particular facility. Our specialized healthcare security professionals understand the risks that come with your particular environment. Our security guards also undergo regular onsite training in order to stay at the top of their field and within their particular industry.
Optimum Security is one Canada's most trusted security companies, offering the highest level of healthcare security services. Our management team develops a customized security plan that is tailored to your specific security needs. We offer some of the fastest response times and we are highly reliable, making us a leader in the industry. We provide a range of cost-effective security services and products, including:
Our healthcare security guards have undergone rigorous training and come highly trained. The assigned hospital security guard or healthcare security officer provides a level of vigilance that is unparalleled. Our short-term security services can provide enhanced security for special events or in response to an emergency.
Our healthcare security guards can provide mobile patrol, including regular and/or random patrols, inspecting your premises for suspicious activity. Mobile patrol security also includes preventive measures such as checking for additional hazards. We offer parking lot security and we will respond to any alarms on your behalf. Mobile patrol security is offered 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, which is also true of our emergency centre. Your hospital security guard or healthcare security officer will be at your disposal.
Optimum Security values the contribution of those in the healthcare profession and this is why we, and our healthcare security guards, are committed to protecting them. We offer free estimates.


text:
Hello my 7 Dots Friends. Fiona here with you today to share a trio of tiny Artist trading cards I have made to share with my fellow 7 Dots team members.
The beautiful Keren Tamir sent me a little ATC the other day all the way from Canada. She made it from our latest collections and it was so cute that it inspired me to make some more. Especially because I'd like to send one back to her.
I chose to use the stunning "Hazy Days" collection. Every time I pull out a piece from this collection it still takes my breath away. the colours are stunning and DeeDee did such a great job bringing my negative scans to life! I still can't believe how cool they look.
I did a little bit of gritty modelling paste scraping through the gorgeous birds on a wire stencil and some stamping to make the base of the cards interesting.
then I added some textiles for added texture and finished them all off with some Die Cut Elements, Stickers and word stickers.
I am really wrapped with how they came out and I can't wait to send them out to some friends on the team. see you all again soon xx


text:
"I like pain!" Only a masochist could say this. I read that it is a mental disorder.
Yet, I see something else. Avoiding pain is pretty natural. I think one of the reasons we feel it. Normally it is an indicator that we are doing something wrong.
Still, I see something else. Sometimes it is cowardice to avoid pain. We are pulled by honor and courage and righteousness but shrink back. The fear of pain drives us to a prenatal quilt.
However, I see something better.
Better is trust and relationship. Darkness proves to be the great test of love. Empty; alone with a distant, dim illusory ray. Waiting; time to think and doubt. But love holds you in this enviable state.
Infinite love developed in a womb of pain.
Come Lord Jesus!


text:
We'd love to hear from you! We respond to inquiries from Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 EST. Please give us one business day to get back to you.
You can contact us directly, or use the form below!
Jessica Rousseau Design
Jessica Rousseau Design hails from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, but are honoured to have clients around the globe.


text:
The Landholder Environment Grant (LEG) provides financial assistance for private landholders to undertake on-ground projects on their properties, which protect and enhance the natural assets and biodiversity of the Sunshine Coast and promote ecologically sustainable management of the region's environmental values. Priority is given to projects with high ecological values.
Visit the Sunshine Coast Council website - How to Apply for Landholder Environment Grants
Landholder Environment Grant Fact Sheet
For further information go to www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants
Phone: 5441 8616
Email: email@example.com
Grant Expression of interest and application forms Landholder Environment Grants
Expression of Interest stage opens 14 January 2014 and closes 24 February 2014. Before submitting an application, applicants must complete an expression of interest [Word 182KB].
Note: To be eligible to apply you must have submitted an expression of interest during the EOI stage.


text:
In a Blind Contest, individual entries are only viewable by either the contest holder or the designer who submitted the entry. This ensures that each of the designs are completely unique, but also makes it harder for the design community to understand the contest holder's overall preferences. All entries will be made public at the end of the contest.
What is a Blind Contest?Follow
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.


text:
Tap to Read ➤
Psychiatry Vs. Psychology
Abhijit Naik
Apr 20, 2019
When you compare psychiatry and psychology, you notice that the former deals with treatment of mental health issues, while the latter deals with the study of human behavior. That, however, is just a basic difference between the two. Read on to know more.
When job descriptions of two professionals overlap, it becomes difficult to differentiate between the two professions; the confusion between psychologist and psychiatrist is one of the prime examples of this. We need to delve into the basics of these subjects and understand the key points of distinction if we are to differentiate between these professionals.
In the field of medicine, psychiatry is a discipline which emphasizes on the study and treatment of various mental disorders. The term psychiatry, which means the medical treatment of mind, was coined by German physician, Johann Christian Reil in the 19th century. A person who specializes in this discipline is known as a psychiatrist.
In order to practice psychiatry, the person has to hold a degree of MD (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Allopathic Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) along with a medical license. More recently, careers in different branches of psychiatry―especially forensic psychiatry and addiction psychiatry―are in great demand.
For a person specializing in psychiatry, salary offered can range between $174,000 - $275,000 per year, depending on his education and overall experience.
Psychology deals with the study of human behavior. This is predominantly targeted at understanding the physiological, neurological functions of human mind, and social behavior triggered by these functions. This term was coined by the German philosopher, Rudolp Gockel in the 16th century. A person who specializes in this discipline is known as a psychologist.
A psychologist can have specialization in any of the different types of psychology. One has to get a graduation degree in psychology and go for further specialization depending on the field which he opts for. With a Master's degree in this discipline, you can qualify for different jobs in psychology.
Some of the most popular careers for someone with a Master's degree include clinical psychologist, industrial psychologist, forensic psychologist, etc.
Psychiatry Vs. Psychology
The differences between the two start right from their names. Both the terms start with '
', which means 'related to mind', the suffix
, coming from
, means treatment, the suffix
denotes science. This means that the objective of psychiatry is to treat mental illness, while that of psychology is to study human behavior and cognition.
While both psychiatrists and psychologists resort to psychotherapy and counseling, a psychiatrist is also allowed to prescribe medication―something which a psychologist can't do. A psychiatrist's education also differs from that of a psychologist.
The difference between the two disciplines can also be seen in terms of research, with the research area of a psychiatrist more often revolving around concepts such as psychiatric medication, and that of a psychologist revolving around clinical and research psychology.
While a psychiatrist can legally prescribe medication for your problem, a psychologist is allowed to do the same only after consulting a psychiatrist (and that too in certain jurisdictions). With such developments taking place, the difference between the two subjects is bound to narrow down, but that will take some time.
Follow Us:
Become a Contributor
Become a Contributor
Structuralism Vs. Functionalism in Context of Psychology
Social Facilitation Vs. Social Loafing
Situational Attribution Vs. Dispositional Attribution
Different Fields in Psychology
Types of Psychology
Psychology Test Questions and Answers


text:
Lookout Campground on Blue River Reservoir - Virtual Tour/
Lookout Campground
Willamette National Forest \ McKenzie Ranger District
Lookout Campground and Boat Launch is on Blue River Reservoir east of Eugene, Oregon. Get to it via the West Cascades National Scenic Byway on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Lookout is located on the northeastern shore of the reservoir on a beautiful open meadow with plenty of sunshine.
Lookout is open year-round for first-come-first-served camping. About half of the 19 campsites are available for reservation for peak season camping from mid-April through Labor Day. Check out Recreation.gov for rates and availability.
Campers enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing on Blue River Reservoir. Buck Mountain Trail (hiking/mountain biking) and Lookout Creek Old Growth Trail (hiking) are popular trails nearby. Sightseeing on this section of the West Cascades National Scenic Byway takes you through old growth forests and to additional trails for viewing the spectacular Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls.
Enjoy our virtual tour of Lookout Campground and Boat Launch below and read about more camping in the area here: McKenzie Ranger District


text:
Windows Wallet Installer + Mac Wallet
Well everyone on cryptocointalk.com has been great, the information and feedback from their community is by far the best feedback and think tank we could ask for. I know most of the community is anxious for updates and more local Las Vegas businesses to start taking VegasCoin. With that being said we have put more and more efforts into fixing what we think to be an issue with most wallets, providing an auto installer to avoid the syncing issues 100%! Along with adding the Mac wallet as many have requested, and even developing the Android wallet as I write this. Upon the completion of the mobile wallet we will release more local businesses where VGC can be spent, as most local businesses will require you to walk in with the coins, the mobile app is kinda required to carry the coins into the business. Thank for understanding, and the support!
New 2.0 Windows Wallet – Download
Mac Wallet – Download
UPDATE: New Exchange as I write this has been posted, check out RockyTrade.net to buy, sell, trade VGC!


text:
I totally agree charlie, I was thinking and tied this to your most recent iblog about morals vs ethics. what would you call the republican agenda of putting themselves before the people morally or ethically wrong?ReplyDelete
Charlie: Step back, take a deep breath, and think about the following statement: "President Obama has put a number of ideas on the table tonight. I agree with some, I disagree with others and I have ideas of my own that I will continue to push."ReplyDelete
Now, before you injure yourself jumping to conclusions, this statement was made by Senator Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania) following Obama's speech to the Joint Session of Congress on Thursday night. If Democrats aren't 100% behind the president's jobs bill, why should members of the opposition party support it? What exactly is in this jobs bill? From what I've read, the centerpiece is reducing the Social Security payroll tax. What does that do for the solvency of a program that already is experiencing financial woes? Now, if it also included a provision to raise or eliminate the earnings cap, then I could support it (because it really would not affect small businesses, but larger corporations). Also, why are Senate Democrats dragging their heels on passing any of the jobs bills passed by the House? There are other jobs bills besides the president's; why does his have to be passed and not any of the others?
Final thought for now—am I the only person who watched Obama's speech on Thursday night who, when hearing him repeat "Pass this jobs bill" over and over (and over) throughout the speech, had a flashback to the Peyton Manning Mastercard commercial "Cut that meat! Cut that meat!"?
Following politics is not my strength, but it seems to me that the people making these selfish decisions are the ones who can survive comfortably whether the economy is good or bad. Hurting their country is worth the price of not giving into the 'other side' because it is a price THEY can afford.ReplyDelete
Karen pretty much says it all. Again badddd Republicans and gooooodd Democrats. Somehow these blogs seem to be quite repetitive. No open mind at all.ReplyDelete
I will defer to Karen for the numbers and research, but I agree with her. There are politicians on BOTH sides who are saying "I like the sound of some of this, we can work with it, let's take those parts and pass them immediately". I don't blame them for being cautious, after the way the health care nonsense was handled and the reaction of the people. This is just deja vu all over again....gotta pass it now! Time is of the essence! Who cares what it says, we'll read it later, we've got to pass it to find out what's in it!". The people are once bitten, twice shy, and I'd assume that's what the politicians are hearing from their constituents. Personally, my first reaction is that this is a big ole gift to the unions, and I'm not the only one who had that thought. It's only natural for us to look deeper at ANY politician's ideas and think "whose vote are they buying THIS time?"ReplyDelete
And as for Obama, I'm sticking by my opinion. He WANTS to placate his corporate sponsors...so he does what the masters demand, then blames it on the Republicans. And immediately the Dems come out and, rather than admit Obama is a corporate shill, talk about how he is bending over backwards and reaching across the aisle. The health care bill was drafted when the Dems had control of the White House and both houses of Congress...and it's a big relief package for Insurance Companies and PhARMA. He did it then, and he's doing it now.
I think many of us 'should have guessed' that Obama would announce yet another campaign-speech-disguised-as-policy, and would parrot Republican plans, take credit for them(if they work) and blame the Republicans(if they don't). We've seen this movie before. And after the speech, we watched multiple Democrat pundits say 'Where was the plan in that? It sounded like he was campaigning". Exactly.
Charles, I 100% agree with you! this is BLATANT "INTIMADATIONAL FRAMING"ReplyDelete
of Obama and the Democratic party..after reading the article you so aptly pointed to in twitter http://www.readersupportednews.org/opinion2/291-144/7393-focus-911-intimidation-via-framing it really puts in perspective the subliminal manipulative ploys of REPUBLICANIZM..albeit..The Dems have to fight fire with fire..get on the Band Wagon..
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
@Diane - Really? What about you? Everything you say is the same thing, over and over. All of you that disagree with Charlie. Even Karen is recycling her comments of "Step back Charlie, take a deep breath and don't injure yourself jumping to conclusions." You constantly say that Democrats are wrong,and people that don't believe that Jesus is the God that matters are wrong, that your bible is the only thing that matters. You think that Charlie is immoral because of his opinions? I think Charlie is a hero because he throws out his controversial opinions (to some) and says, "Let me have it!" "Tell me what you think!" Bravo to him. There is something bigger than all of us in this Universe. Label it whatever works for you, but don't be so judgmental and say someone has "no faith" because they don't have the same faith as you. Some of us, Diane, feel that your mind is the most closed of all.ReplyDelete
And for those of you that want the rest of us to read what you are writing here & take it seriously, use spell check and grammar check.
Perhaps you should examine your own judgements, opinions, repetitions, accusations, and declaratory statements before you throw that out there. Admit that we all do it. But Bless You Charlie for allowing us to do it in this forum and interact with us.
David, have you been blogging very long at all? I am pretty new at it but this is how it works. Charles picks the subject matter and puts it on his blog. He then encourages us to comment on what he has posted. If the blog is the same subject or even along the same lines as a previous subject, how many different answers do you expect us to come up with? That is why there is repetition - it is not our fault. We are not entertainers who are going to come up with new answers or "material" for someone's enjoyment or we would end up making stuff up.ReplyDelete
And instead of criticizing those who disagree with Charles, you should applaud them. Do you realize that is what makes a debate and these blogs would be so boring if we were all in agreement?
It is my understanding Charles is inviting different opinions and wants us to challenge him. And when he brings up subjects like religion and politics, he knows there will be a heated argument.
If Charles is an atheist and throws his views up on the blog, then he is going to get us to express our beliefs. No one said he was immoral (that I know of), however, there are certain things about his character that are questionable. We ALL have faults.
I think Charles is a pretty descent guy. However, I am not so sure I would go so far as to call him a hero. He does his debating behind a laptop. That is a pretty safe place to be and he can pick and choose whether he wants to respond to difficult questions or not. If he debated someone like Bill O'Reilly, for example, that would be more than brave in my book.
Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Charles and his willingness to let us have our say - no matter how different our opinions/beliefs are from his. He has the ability to cut us off if he wants to but he does not and that is commendable.
David you hit the nail on the head with your comment i agree with Charlie i guess it will never matter what O'Bama say's it will alway's be wrong it seem's to me that it's not what he comes up with it's just the fact that he came up with it's just like i have said in the past Damm if he does damm if he don't they say that the republican's are being blamed for everything and that the Dem,think O'Bama did nothing wrong will how about if we just stop passing the buck and the blame and just come up with some way to fix the problem and how do we know that what he is saying will not work and if you do think you have all the answer's than get up off you but and run for office it just seem's to me that the problem is not weather it will work is that their afaired it will and O'Bama made it happen.ReplyDelete
As an outsider and reading the written media I´m of the opinion no matter what Obama does or says at present is considered right. What angers me ,is the way how the US politicians draw each other through the dirt and some and calling themselves God -fearing people.America has never been so divided as at present,and outsiders wonder what this will lead to.As for creating those jobs sometimes one has to howl with the wolves (Co Operates)and Obama isn´t the only POTUS who gives roarts to the big companies, Cheney fed the War industries and nobody said a thing and Bush gave tax reductions, so I think all should hold their breaths before saying anything.The economy is bad, World wide ,so I think it is unfair to blame just President for things that went wrong. In fact the time has come where we must all refrain from living on credit cards etc and,just buy when we have the cash!and @Lily Charlie having grown up in a society where lots of debating takes place, he would probably be on an even level with a Bill O´Reilly and speak a clear correct English as well!!! LOLReplyDelete
Oh David,ReplyDelete
Are you attacking me because I have a different view than you or Charles?
1. I have never said that all Dems are wrong. I just happen to disagree with Charles because I do think he has a close mind when it comes to Republican. So far on all the blogs I have been involved in I have not heard one positive remarks about Republicans. Even Karen, I , Lilly and Joann try to believe that not all Dems are bad. There are some Dems that I am in agreement with. See Karen's remarks in this blog. In fact that makes me a little more open-minded than what you are saying.
2. I never said Charles was immoral. If Charles has a different views when it comes to morality that is his choice. In fact I think I remember saying every man has a choice to believe in God or not. If he chooses not to, I do not have to answer for them. I have my opinion when it comes to religion like it or not David. I try not to judge people but I feel as though you were judging me. Remember I said love the sinner hate the sin. So I guess that is how I try to live my life. If Charles' views are different than mine he wants us to reply to him with our opinion. That doesn't make me judgmental that is replying to the blog that Charles has asked us to.
3. Now about grammar and spelling. This is not college or high school, this is a blog so I don't believe any one actually cares if one spells correctly or does grammar check. What are you implying? You do realize some people don't even know about spell check or grammar check. Are you implying that those of us who don't do that are not smart? Are you implying that their opinion doesn't matter. You said you would not take someone serious if they don't use spell or grammar check. Oh how judgmental is that.
4. Your last paragraph states we should examine our own opinions etc before we throw them out there. That is what this blog is about. So I am not sure what the deal is there.
Wow David I have not had any one be so harsh but if that is what you need, so be it. I grew up with 3 brothers I'm pretty tough, so keep it coming because I can dish it out as well.
I will say a prayer for you as I am still a Christian and believe there is good in every one even those who choose to attack others.
Lilly, thank you again for being such a good friend and trying to defend me. Truly you are a kind person. In fact I almost cried when I saw your reply after David's blog. Thank you for your kindness, that is rare in this life time. Again I hope we will meet some day because you are one of a kind.
i think i;n blind by all this stuffReplyDelete
i think i'm blind with all this stuff cut the dam taxsReplyDelete
David V? is that you? OMG has been awhile. Great to hear from you. Me and Jo missed you. In Karen's and Lily defense we do get to blogging often and i know sometimes feel like i am voicing my same ideas (that get stuck on my mind) over again. Hopefully we are not boring each other. Sometimes just about know when the other will respond or guess how they might. LOL! Why is so great to have new people join or chime in. We addicts love it. Maybe can be like gambling. Now where could i seek therapy? Bloggers anonymous?ReplyDelete
@David: Sorry. I'll try to avoid using that phrase again in the future, since it seems that I sound a bit repetitive when I do that. By the way, I love your comment about using spelling and grammar check. I compose my comments as a word document prior to submitting them, but sometimes glitches aren't caught (even when they are proofread by another person).ReplyDelete
Hopefully Charlie knows how much I enjoy engaging in debates on the blog, even if we annoy each other most of the time. I love it when someone challenges me to think (which he does); it doesn't happen very often in my job.
Back to the topic for this blog. Now that I have had time to do a bit more research on the topic...first, I do not oppose the substance of Obama's jobs bill. I do think that we need to hire more teachers, especially since classrooms are overcrowded and a lot of school districts had to eliminate teaching positions because of budget cuts. My sister-in-law is one of those teachers who lost her job because of budget cuts. At my college, six faculty members were retrenched (a fancy higher education phrase for "downsized" or "laid off") because of budget cuts resulting from the end of stimulus funds. I think we do need to have more firemen, more police officers, etc. I do not object to that. My concern is how are we going to pay for this? Last month, we had some rather heated discussions on the blog about the debt ceiling crisis (particularly about how the Republicans refuse to raise taxes and the Democrats don't want to cut spending for social programs), and now we have a situation where the president has proposed a jobs bill that cuts taxes and increases spending (by providing money to hire teachers, firemen, police officers, etc. One thing we found with the debt ceiling crisis was that money doesn't grow on trees (although there briefly was some discussion about minting more coins to solve the problem).
The jobs bill that Obama wants Congress to pass (apparently without discussion or debate) will cost at least $447 billion. Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't have that kind of money lying around in my couch cushions. That's a hefty chunk of change. Out of this, approximately $240 billion of the "cost" will come from reduced payroll taxes. $140 billion will be "for modernizing schools and repairing roads and bridges." I don't object to modernizing schools or repairing roads and bridges. I fully support that. As a student teacher supervisor, I see a wide disparity in "technology" in the classrooms, ranging from interactive "Smartboards" and computers for student use to overhead projectors and VCR players on a cart with a television. Schools do need to prepare students for the challenges they will face in the 21st century, and, if they are using outdated technology, they will not be able to do that. As someone who drives to visit these student teachers, I realize that the roads are in poor condition at best (mainly because of the destruction by heavy truck traffic), and it's not fun waiting in a construction zone and seeing chunks of the bridges missing (and it's going to be even worse since some of these roads were severely damaged with the recent floods). I'm not arguing we don't desperately need these things; I just have a problem with spending money we don't have. If we can come up with new revenue streams to pay for this jobs bill, I'm all for it. I'm concerned, though, that it's politics at its finest, that Obama gave a campaign speech last Thursday night, and his supporters will whine when the bill finally makes its way through Congress that it's not exactly what he asked for (especially since we really don't know what he actually requested, since the speech was a bit lacking in details).
By the way, in case anyone thinks I'm pulling these numbers out of thin air, they came from a New York Times article dated 9 September 2011.
Spoke too soon...Obama is now proposing tax hikes to pay for the jobs plan. Among the proposals are limiting itemized deductions for those earning more than $200,000 and closing loopholes for oil and gas companies. These suggestions I actually support...but I also know that the Republicans in Congress will dig in their heels and not support them. Looks like a line is being drawn in the sand--and now I have to wrap my mind around the idea of funding a plan that includes tax cuts by raising taxes (okay, to be more precise, by closing loopholes and limiting deductions).ReplyDelete
@David I so agree! Bravo to him for putting himself out there and allowing us the opportunity to interact with them.ReplyDelete
@Lily: How do you know he is an atheist? Did he say so or agree with to that? You just assume. It bothers me that if folks have any alternate views: humanist, Wiccan, Scientologist, deist, pagan, agnostic, or etc. Then they are automatically assumed atheists? What if i called all Mormons, Jehovah witness, baptist, Methodist, & Catholics etc a bunch of bible thumpers? If i said, "Who cares they are all bible thumpers to me". It categories people. Don't label folks unless they agree to it all i'm saying. Atheist means 100% don't believe in God. You assume he doesn't even entertain the thought of! It seems to go with Christianity's all or none exclusions. Either is all or none with you guys, there is no middle ground. One of the reasons i am so not gung ho on the religion. You are either with us or you must be against us.
@Liane: Actually, the nation has been even more divided than it is now. There was a Civil WarReplyDelete
between 1861-1865 (also known as the War Between the States, War of the Rebellion, War of Southern Secession, War of Northern Aggression--the name changes depending on where you live) in which eleven states seceded from the United States, formed their own nation (Confederate States of America, also known as the CSA), and fought a bloody war in which more Americans died than in any other conflict.
The challenges Obama is facing are nothing compared to what Abraham Lincoln faced as president during those years. Even in the United States, there were a considerable number of people (many of them Democrats) who opposed participation in the war and would have preferred to let the South become an independent nation. Obama's challenges are a drop in the bucket compared to what Andrew Johnson (Lincoln's successor) faced as president, as Johnson had a different view on what to do with the readmission of the seceded states than did Congress (by the way, Johnson was a Democrat, even though he was elected as a Republican, and Congress was controlled by the Republicans). The House ultimately would impeach Johnson (I alluded to this on a previous blog) because of this disagreement. Andrew Jackson had to suppress discussion about secession while he was president--and it was his vice president, John C. Calhoun, who was leading that movement. James Madison had to deal with secessionist discussions during the War of 1812 as New Englanders questioned the necessity of fighting a war with England as they experienced economic dislocation because of the conflict. What Barack Obama is facing now is nothing like what Jackson and Madison faced, much less Lincoln and Johnson.
Right now, it is just partisan strife, and it hasn't reached the level that it was in the early 1800s, when Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton (there were some personal issues involved, too, but one of the key differences was their different political ideologies on the direction of the new nation). Now if Joe Biden starts opposing Obama's policies, or John Boehner challenges him to a duel, or states start seceding from the Union over them, or the House votes to impeach him, then I'll agree that he has problems. Until that happens--he just has to figure out how to deal with a Congress (particularly a House) that has a different political agenda than he does, just like Bill Clinton had to when the Republicans took control of Congress following the 1994 midterm elections. It's a sign of true leadership when a president can do that, and we'll have to see if he's made of the "right stuff"...or if he'll be a one-term wonder because he can't figure it out.
Sorry for the extensive history lesson, but it's quite frustrating when people write "this has never happened before," when I know it has--and, in fact, has been even worse.
Hi, Liane. It is very sweet of you to defend Charles. I am in no way implying he is not intelligent or would not make a good debater. However, Bill O'Reilly is in his own league; in my opinion anyway. And I cannot see Charles debating Bill O'Reilly. Bill O'Reilly is a strong force to be dealt with and its my opinion Charles would get clobbered. Heck, Mr. O'Reilly intimidates me just watching him! And I am not sure what you meant by speaking proper English. Charles' English seems fine to me.ReplyDelete
Diane, when I typed my very first post on this blog, I remember saying something about why don't people use dictionaries as I saw some misspellings from some of the bloggers. I later regretted that and have thought about it from time to time. After reading David's remarks, it must have really sounded rude and pretentious of me when I did that. I apologize for it now. I would have sooner but no one brought the subject up until now. No one is perfect and if Charles doesn't mind our weaknesses in grammar, etc., why sould anyone else? Live and learn.
Skat35 (Roxy). I have addressed Charles on a number of occasions about his faith and he has constantly ignored me so I just stopped asking. Therefore, my assumption is not my fault. Maybe he is not sure what he is and if that is the case, he should come right out and say that he is not sure. Sounds like Charles is not comfortable with his own personal beliefs or he has a guilt complex. He sounds bitter, that is for sure. As I said earlier, I believe he is in way over his head about God and religion. Now before you say it is none of my business about his religious beliefs, he opened the door on the subject and goes on criticizing religion, especially Christians. When you do that, you better be prepared for the tough questions and statements that follow.
Oh, and by the way Skat123, I look forward to your posts, they crack me up! (I mean that in a nice way)
@Karen I understand that you wish to explain things in a historical way, but we are living now and at that time if I remember there wasn´t a"United States of America"at least not 52 States and times are just different So from this point the US is more divided especially economical and even morally.I just don´t like the way how politicians fare with each other .I watched excerpts from those debates on TV and the only one of those men I could get a small liking for is Rommney.But again it is obvious money rules and those that have the most get a better campaign.ReplyDelete
First of all, Karen, I love your history lessons. I think I am learning more here than when I actually took history in school.ReplyDelete
On the topic of this blog, just how can anyone be positively certain that corporations will hire if they get tax breaks? And that this whole wonderful scenario of events will happen: more jobs, more hirings, less unemployment, more spending by consumers, eventually the debt will decrease, etc. It sounds wonderful and I hope it happens. However, not too long ago I was on a blog where a corporate big wig showed his employees what he does with his corporation's tax breaks by taking some money and putting it in his pants pocket.
President Obama has had three years to think about jobs, however, he has been doing a whole lot of nothing. The deficit is higher, health care was shoved down our throats (and the real effects of health care do not kick in until 2014). How convenient for President Obama. If he is re-elected in 2012 and health care is a disaster, he won't have to worry about being re-elected again.
President Obama was hired to fix the economy. That should have been his first priority. Now how convenient it is that he is facing re-election and its all jobs, jobs, jobs he is talking about. He cannot handle running the country and I believe he has bad advisors.
I was watching Bill O'Reilly the other night (O.K. so I like Bill O'Reilly - so shoot me). He asked a very simple question. Ask yourselves this question and see what kind of an answer you come up with. Has President Obama really done anything to DESERVE to be re-elected in 2012? My answer (as well as Mr. O'Reilly's): No. We have had three years of disappointment and frustration with one more year to go to campaign for re-election. Do you really want another four more years of this?
@Liane: In 1860, there were 33 states in the United States of America (in contrast to the 50 we have now--not 52). After Lincoln's election, 11 of them seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. If 1/3 of the states left the Union, I think it is much more divisive then what we have now. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one, because there is no way that I'm going to agree with your assertion that the nation is more divisive now than it ever has been, which is what you stated in your first comment on this blog.ReplyDelete
If you are referring to political parties as vicious opponents--that has been going on in U.S. history dating back to colonial times. It's part of our political tradition, and it was so bad during George Washington's presidency that he warned the nation about the dangers of political parties in his Farewell Address (he also warned the people not to form permanent foreign alliances--obviously the U.S. government hasn't follow that suggestion, either).
And about using history to support my arguments--I'm going to keep doing it until Charlie tells me to stop. Today's current events are tomorrow's history, so everything has an historical context that we have to take into account when we think or write about it.
I don't know how I could say anything any clearer than what you have said in the last 2 blogs. As usual Karen you taught me more history than I remember learning in school but that was a long time ago.
Skat 35 Lily mentioned that Charles will not interject his religious association if any and one blog his answer was almost bizarre. Go back and look what his reply was prob about 5-6 blogs ago. Her assumption was very close because I got the same impression. Also I don't remember anyone saying in religion it is all or nothing. There has just been so much confusion with Charles and his beliefs that we have no idea. If he is afraid to say what he is or is not that is too bad but it is his choice. Lily I wouldn't worry about what you said in the past about spell check because you would have not presented yourself as David did. All David did was try to belittle myself for a different opinion than himself and Charles and belittle people who may not know how to use the spell or grammar check. His remark was he would not take anyone seriously unless they checked their spelling or grammar first. You are just not that mean spirited. I see numerous people on this blog who have run on sentences and wrong spelling but who cares. Just because you can't spell etc doesn't mean you don't have a right to your opinion and theirs doesn't count.
Bill O'Reilly kicks butt and says it like it is. The liberal dislike him immensely. I just sit back and laugh. This is a man who honestly has an opinion that I would listen to. I like him too. People just don't like him because they think he is rude but so is Simon Cowell. Sometimes people need to hear it like it is. OMG the liberals just shudder when he speaks because they can't censor him. The answer to his question is correct Obama doesn't deserve to be re-elected but then again he should have never been elected in the first place. How's that change working for you??????? lol. Oh no, not proper spelling- laugh out loud. God Bless all including you Dave. Joann missing you.
O'Bama has done nothing and should not be relected so what will we all say when the next guy get's in and we go though they same thing will we ever stop looking for that man with all the answers thier is no such thing as that perfected President and o'Bama has never had support from his piers from day one all he can do is say this it what might work how do we know it want if we don't try ever election we say the same thing do we really want another 4yr's of this i just don't think that he has had much of a chance to fix anything with the support he has had so i say the way to fix the problem is to let the american pepole tell them how to fix it we who have all the answers can just right it to thier congressman and he can pass it along what would be the problem i mean if we don't like what they are doing than let's fix it our shelf's some of us seem to think we know more and we will never know weather are not the way's the goverment comes up with will work so let's fex it our shelf why not take a chance CLUMBUS! took a chance and we got AMERICA!.ReplyDelete
@lily, you misunderstood my comment about Charlie speaking proper English. That is exactly what he does.I often have problems understanding US vernacular.ReplyDelete
@ Karen Idon´t know why I thought the US has 52 States which of course isn´t right . I was of the opinion there were 50 before Hawaii and Alaska were added.Of course you can refer to history in your blogs , but to be honest sometimes they are so long that I don´t finish reading them and I think I´m not the only one.No offense meant.I enjoy your comments but try to make them a little shorter.
@Lily: point taken, Charlie did open the door for us to wonder. I know if it looks like a duck and quacks.. but still an assumption. Appreciate the kinds words. I try to be funny sometimes, not sure how good is my sense of humor. Southern gal here so i kid around about it. @Karen: good reminder that there was a huge division of this country in the past. Some things never change i guess. Hope we have learned enough from history as not to go to war over it again.ReplyDelete
@Diane: If it is the David some of us know? He is kinda outspoken. May want to get ready to wear some football pads (metaphorically speaking). Don't take it to personally ya know.
@Liane: thanks for joining and you are excused if you don't have American trivia down pat when you join in. ;)!
Oh, Charlie, we NEED you to join us in Washington, DC at the "Enough Is Enough" rally sponsored by my group "The Coffee Party." We welcome anyone/Democrats, Republicans, Independents - anyone who is sick and tired of elected officials only listening to us if we have large sums of money to fill their campaign coffers, if you are sick of a radical moneyed "astro-turf" minority of people controlling the political system, and also restore civility in politics, then join us. We are holding an "Enough Is Enough" rally on October 29, 2011. Anyone interested in attending, volunteering, lending your voice, or even want to learn more about us should check out our website: www.coffeepartyusa.com. Charlie, you would be an excellent speaker, either in person or via video. We need as many voices as we can get.ReplyDelete


text:
Advertise your custom car, hot rod, and street rod building expertise in The Kustoms Showcase. The Kustoms Showcase highlights the best builders from around the world in a high quality artistic builder portfolio. Each builder spread can highlight one build per spread with their company information and contact information. Use these books to give to current, past and future clients.
Don't miss out on getting your build in the premier issue of The Kustoms Showcase.


text:
Set of Six Duralex Picardie Glasses
Classic French glassware, Duralex glasses are designed to hold both cold and hot drinks and are extremely hard wearing and long lasting. Perfect for all beverages from mint tea to juice, wine to gin & tonic.
Available in various sizes, please specify:
- Vol: 16cl
- Vol: 25cl
- Vol: 36cl
Dishwasher and microwave safe
*Available in the UK only


text:
University Medalist Aaron Benavidez: Not your run of the mill cellist turned über-scholar.
As finalists for this year's University Medal — the annual award bestowed on Berkeley's top graduating senior since 1871 — Katherine Beattie, Ivan de Kouchkovsky, Sheel Jagani and Matthew Zahr exemplify the passion, purpose and promise of the class of 2011. With commencement ushering in a new chapter in their lives, the four finalists pressed the pause button briefly amidst the flurry of final exams and firming of summer plans to reflect on their time at Cal and survey the road ahead.
Katherine Beattie
Like many freshmen, Beattie wondered whether she'd be able to keep up with UC Berkeley's prestigious reputation. She'd heard organic chemistry referred to as a "bloodbath," but, having conquered Chem 3A, felt she could do anything.
Hometown: Oakland, Calif.
Age: 22
Major: Psychology and molecular and cell biology (double major)
Guiding philosophy?
Everything happens for a reason. It is impossible to control everything that occurs in life, but how you handle the vagaries of life defines you as a person.
Lesson learned?
You will never have enough time to do all of the things you want to do, but with organization and hard work you can do most of them.
My mom… from a young age, I was in awe of her work ethic. She commuted two hours each way to college and worked 40 hours a week to pay for her education. She went on to earn master's degrees in mathematics and business administration. As the first person in her family to attend college, she continually reminds me of the importance of education.
Proudest achievement?
Being a finalist for the University Medal is the highlight of my career at Berkeley: The qualifications touch upon so many different areas, such as academics, research, citizenship and leadership. The students here are all so talented, it is astounding to be included in such an accomplished group.
Words of wisdom?
Believe you can do anything. Continue to educate yourself. Make sure family and friends know how important they are to you.
Breathtaking moment?
Climbing to the top of St. Peter's dome and looking out at Vatican City and Rome, I was in awe. So much history had occurred there and so many holy people had been there.
Favorite quote?
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…. to leave the world a better place…. to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Unknown
Favorite sound?
The sound of waves crashing on the beach; always, it reminds me of a favorite childhood place I shared with my grandparents.
Post-grad plan?
I will head to Boston to spend time with my extended family and help put siding on my grandparents' house. During the summer, I plan to study for, and take, the MCAT. If I am fortunate enough to find a position in biomedical research, I plan to work for a few years before attending medical school.
Ivan de Kouchkovsky
Rather than "seek success for its own sake," volunteering with low-income and homeless populations at the student-run Suitcase Clinic has motivated de Kouchkovsky to apply his passion for neuroscience to mental-health issues.
Hometown: Clamart, France
Age: 20
Major: Philosophy
About Ivan: Richard Kramer, professor of molecular and cell biology, recommended de Kouchkovsky for the University Medal as "certainly one of the best and brightest that UC Berkeley has to offer the world." Kramer added, "An extraordinarily talented and capable student… bound to be equally successful in the future as a biomedical researcher and physician."
Guiding philosophy?
My guiding philosophy is summed up in the word balance. I think that the answer to most of our problems lies in knowing how to position ourselves between two extremes. In particular, I try to always improve and challenge myself, but at the same time to recognize and be content with who I am.
Lesson learned?
The opportunity to grow will always lie outside of your comfort zone. You have to be willing to sacrifice some of your comforts in order to challenge yourself and genuinely improve.
My dad, without a doubt. He has been a model and a constant source of motivation.
Proudest achievement?
Deciding to become a philosophy major. It was especially difficult to write in English when I first came to Berkeley. It would have been simpler and easier for me to keep studying biology — like my parents wanted — but I loved philosophy. I had a tough time with my philosophy classes throughout my years at Berkeley, but I did it in the end. It has changed who I am and gave me confidence in knowing that I could improve and master skills I thought I really didn't possess.
Breathtaking moment?
The first trip that I took with my family after coming to the United States was to the Grand Canyon. I saw the canyon at sunset, and it was one of the most memorable experiences I've had. The landscapes in the U.S. in general are very different from those in France — much more large-scale — and I was blown away by the sight of the canyon.
Favorite quote?
"You [man] are not at home, intruder. You are in the world like a splinter in the flesh…" — Jean-Paul Sartre
Favorite sound?
Birds chirping in the morning — the world's oldest, and best, alarm clock.
Post-grad plan?
Volunteering at UCSF in the fall as well as tutoring for the MCAT. I will also go to Argentina in September, and I will travel to Latin America (to teach) some more in the spring. Off to medical school after that.
Sheel Jagani
Struck by the "imponderabilia of everyday life," for Jagani, all our experiences boil down to the people who share in them — those who teach her, those who learn with her and those who laugh with her.
Hometown: Los Angeles
Age: 21
Major: Anthropology and Integrative Biology (double major)
About Sheel: Benjamin Porter, assistant professor of Near Eastern archaeology, wrote that Jagani "exemplifies the excellence in research and public service that Berkeley strives to impart." Porter added, "Sheel is showing several signs of a young scientist whose intellectual career will transform how we think about the relationship between human biology and past societies."
Guiding philosophy?
Try hard. Don't be afraid of failure. When you do fail, try not to do it the same way twice.
Lesson learned?
In the last four years, I've learned more about appreciating the people I have in my life than about any academic subject. The most meaningful insights are ones I gained from other people, not from books. And any other lesson thereafter would have been meaningless without having friends and family with whom to share.
My grandfather was an amazing man. He guided all of his children and grandchildren toward greatness without asking us to compromise ourselves or our passion. Seeing a part of him in every life he has touched, including my own, is my greatest inspiration.
Proudest achievement?
I am proud of the sheer volume of experience I have managed to cram into four years here at Cal, including classes, research, service, relationships, friendships, concerts and… every episode of "Bones" to have aired. I will always miss Berkeley, but I am proud for trying to take it for all it was worth.
Words of wisdom?
Berkeley is a big place, but that does not mean we have done small things here or have left small footprints— quite the contrary, actually. I'd like to pass on this wisdom, with an addendum: The world is an even bigger place, so we must strive as graduates to do even bigger things and leave even bigger footprints.
Turning point?
I spent the summer after my freshman year traveling with friends in Western Europe and had more fun than I could have imagined. However, I also found myself disappointed at how comfortable those weeks were and how much my worldview was not challenged. That is when I realized that I wanted to study the depth and breadth of human difference, to learn about and struggle to understand people that are different from me in every way.
Favorite quote?
"Anthropology is the science which tells us that people are the same the whole world over — except when they are different." — Nancy Banks-Smith
Favorite sound?
I love the sound ankle bells make when wrapped around the feet of Bharatanatyam dancers. Dancers of this classical Indian form wear them during performance to accentuate rhythmic footwork. These sounds bring me back to afternoons, summers and years I spent growing up among fellow dancers who have been like family and shared in a lifelong pursuit.
Post-grad plan?
I have no solid plans for the summer, which actually feels great. I will probably enjoy a nice, long California summer before I leave for Oxford [England] in October to start a master's program in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology.
Matthew Zahr
Captivated by the experiential knowledge that comes only from the research lab, Zahr worked on incorporating electromagnetic fields into body armor to "make bullets tumble before impact."
Hometown: Modesto, Calif.
Age: 21
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
About Matt: Tarek Zohdi, professor and vice chair for instruction of mechanical engineering, described Zahr as "probably the best [undergraduate] that I will ever encounter in my lifetime." Zohdi wrote, "If he continues to scientifically mature at his current pace, he… will be one of the world's leaders in computational mechanics."
Guiding philosophy?
Hard work and perseverance… I have learned that the only things worth having are the direct product of hard work.
Lesson learned?
Unrelenting hard work will eventually pay off in a big way. The difficulty is in not knowing when the payoff will come. Even if there is no end in sight, and the potential benefits may not seem worth the sacrifice, never let up because your payday may be closer than you think.
My father, Michael Zahr, and mother, Tami Bradley. Throughout my life, they have set outstanding examples of how adults should conduct their lives. They are very dedicated and committed to both their work and family. I have yet to meet anyone who works harder.
Words of wisdom?
From my grandma, Marlene Boranian, and grandpa, Robert Boranian: "Things usually work out for the best." If the outcome of a situation has not gone your way, take full advantage of the opportunities you do have and eventually you will see that the above statement is true.
Breathtaking moment?
Standing on the summit of Half Dome looking down on Yosemite Valley. The view from the summit was majestic and the feeling of being at a higher elevation than anything in the immediate area was spectacular. At the same time, it was also a bit frightening to look down the mountain and realize just how high I was.
Turning point?
After receiving six letters of denied admission from colleges, I received my letter of acceptance from UC Berkeley. At the time, I didn't realize the profound impact that attending Berkeley would have on my career and life. I will forever be grateful to UC Berkeley for giving me an opportunity when few others would.
Favorite quote?
"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best." — St. Jerome
Favorite sound?
My little sister's voice. She is the most important person in my life and I love talking to her. Also, she loves to sing and has a beautiful voice.
Post-grad plan?
I will pursue a Ph.D. in computational and mathematical engineering at Stanford University. My research… reduced order model optimization and developing error bounds for nonlinear model order reduction techniques.