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Musical Events - Playing Opportunities
Here is a running list of orchestras, bands, ensembles, choirs, etc which forum members are already involved with, so that new members can more easily access playing opportunities in their local area.
If anyone wants me to add their orchestra, course, etc to the running list, if you could please post some information on the thread and then I can update the list when I have time. If I can, I will also try and pick up on any other threads which are started.
Thanks to polkadot who spent time originally compiling this list. She has agreed for me to take over the running of this thread.
Aberdeen - Grampian Concert Orchestra, grade 6+ - Tori flute
Aberdeen - Grampian Youth Orchestra, grade 7+ - Tori flute
Aberdeen - The Garioch Fiddlers - Tori flute
Aberdeen - Concordia - String Orchestra - Tori flute
Aberdeen - Chamber Orchestra - Tori flute
Aberdeen - Granite City Brass - Tori flute
Aberdeen - Bon Accord Silver Band - Tori flute
Inverurie - Inverurie Orchestra, quite amateur - Tori flute
Inverurie - Inverurie Wind Band - Brucea
Aberdeen University - Tori flute
- AU Symphony Orchestra (By Audition)
- AU Concert Band (link)
- AU Big Band
- AU Jazz Band
- AU Choral Society
- Viol Consort
- Baroque ensemble
- Cantores ad Portam (Recorder ensemble)
South Skye - Skye and Lochalsh Orchestra - gummidge
Padworth (between Reading and Newbury) - DA CAPO (Do All Come And Play Orchestra) - dacapo
Cambridge - Choirs
Whittlesey (nr Peterborough) - Whittlesey Wind Ensemble, open to Grade 3+ - dmortimer
Barnton - Mid-Cheshire Amateur Operatic Society
Macclesfield - Macclesfield Oriana Choir
Macclesfield - Macclesfield Music Society
Wilmslow - Victorian Opera Northwest
Co Durham
Darlington - Darlington Orchestra - Trumpet Ben
Durham - Durham Amateur Pianists, open to all adult learners - ejw21
Chesterfield - Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra - janexxx
Heanor - Full House Orchestra (web link) (forum link) - Thomas Coxon .TMEABRSM
Long Eaton - Friesland Orchestral Society (web link) (forum link), Friday 7pm-9pm; no public performances - eastmidspiano
nr Matlock - Wirksworth Area Community Orchestra - Nicia-Clarinet-Flute
Exeter - Devon SRP - Aeolienne
Exeter - Exeter Recorder Orchestra - Aeolienne
South West Early Music Forum - Aeolienne
nr Colchester - West Bergholt Concert Band and Training Band - Katy_Clarinet
Rayleigh - Harmonie Concert Band, open to all - fastgirl
Gloucester - Concert/wind band - Trumpeter
South West Early Music Forum - Aeolienne
Greater Manchester
Crumpsall - Crumpsall Concert Band - WoodyBCR
Long Millgate - Chetham's Piano Summer School - Keron
Eccles - Lowry Strings - LittleMo
Mossley - Abney Orchestra - sbhoa
Alton - daytime wind band, all abilities welcome - dacapo / pianocelloflute
Andover - Andover Light Orchestra (web link) (forum link) - A.U.K, boneman
Hertford - Hertford Symphony Orchestra - fsharpminor
Bolton - Opera 74 (web link) (forum link) - LittleMo
Chorley - El Desperados, open to all adult learners - El Desperados
Fleetwood - Pheonix Strings - STRINGMUM
Liverpool (Sefton Park) - Just Midnight - Cheshire Kate
Preston - Preston Opera
Preston - wanted - leader for string ensemble, beginners and intermediate adults - agapanthus
Charnwood - Charnwood Concert Bands
Hugglescote, nr Coalville - Coalville Light Orchestra - eastmidspiano
Leicester - Second wind
Leicester - Leicester Schools Symphony Orchestra - Scurra
Loughborough - Loughborough Concert Band
Shepshed, nr Loughborough (J23 M1) - Chamber music group, usually Wednesday evenings and weekends; no public performances - eastmidspiano
Lincoln - Lincoln Symphony Orchestra - willobie
RAF Cranwell, nr Sleaford - Lincoln Philharmonia Orchestra - willobie
Blackheath Conservatoire - Chamber Music - oboe d'amore
Blackheath Conservatoire - Baroque Ensemble - oboe d'amore & Swisscello
Blackheath Conservatoire - Flute Choir (web link) (forum link) - TSax
Blackheath Conservatoire - Jazz Group - TSax
Blackheath - Greenwich Meantime Jazz Orchestra - TSax
Bloomsbury - Mary Ward Centre - onion
Brixton/Stockwell - Lambeth Orchestra - Violin Hero
Euston - The Learning Orchestra - onion
Herne Hill - Southwark Concert Band - Tinselworm
High Barnet - String Octet - Professional coaching provided, G4-8, evenings, twice a month - margaret
Highbury/Islington - Highbury Strings (and woodwind) - onion
Kensington - West London Strings - Jake
Marylebone - The Learning Orchestra - onion
Mile End - East London Late Starters Strings Orchestra - ChrisWalsh
Morden - Wimbledon Community Orchestra, rehearsals on Saturdays 10:30-12:30, no auditions, open to Grade 4+ - Rob K
Wimbledon - Music Meetups - open to pianists Grade 6+ - mikesouthlondon
Northampton - Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) - OboeKate
Alnwick - Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band - mrmusic
Beeston - Boots Orchestra - willobie
Southwell - Southwell Orchestral Society, no auditions, open to all - willobie
Banbury - Banbury District Youth Orchestra - Rosemary7391
Taunton - Taunton Concert Band - Flute diva
Abbots Bromley - Staffordshire Piano Group - Grade 5+ - tonypianofan
Bury St. Edmunds - Choirs
Chiddingfold, nr Godalming - Flute Choir, all abilities - fluteroot
Godalming - Godalming Youth Orchestra (web link) (forum link)
Kingston upon Thames - Kingston U3A Orchestra - Suepea
Kingston upon Thames - Thames Youth Orchestra - Violin Hero
Leatherhead - Leatherhead Orchestra, no auditions, open to all - pianophrase
Woking - Surrey Youth Orchestra - Violin Hero
Tyne & Wear
Newcastle - Let's Play The Piano - ejw21
West Midlands
Harborne - Harborne Orchestra - The Old Lady
Solihull - Solihull Symphony Orchestra - 1stviolin
Warwick - Warwick Community Band, practises once a month, no auditions, open to all levels & wind instruments - balu114
Marlborough - Malborough Concert Orchestra (web link) (facebook link), Grade 5+ - A.U.K
Salisbury - Salisbury Concert Band - Flute diva
Birkenhead - The Wirral Cooperative Orchestra - fsharpminor
Evesham - Ladies Barbershop Chorus - Leahdon_uk
Fladbury (twixt Evesham/Pershore) - Mens Barbershop Chorus - Leahdon_uk
M5/Junction 6 - Express Yourself Community Choir (link 1) (link 2) - ExpressYourself
Worcester - The Film Orchestra, large amateur orchestra, Grade 6+, (web link) (facebook link) - ChristopherO
Worcester - The Film Orchestra Concert Band, amateur wind band, Grade 6+ (web link) (facebook link) - ChristopherO
Yorkshire (North)
Huby (nr Harrogate) - White Rose Concert Band - louise1712
Killinghall (nr Harrogate) - Adult String Orchestra - louise1712
Northallerton - Adult Learner Wind Group - ChrisH
Scarborough - Scarborough Library Music Group - oldnotes
Selby - Selby Music Centre
York - Cobweb Orchestra - phantasmagoriana
York - York Concert Band - DawnF
York - York Light Orchestra - DawnF
Yorkshire (West)
Leeds - Yorkshire Late Starters Strings - celloholic
Sheffield - Steel City Concert Band, no auditions (web link) (forum link) - allegretto
UK LINKS (Orchestras, bands, choirs etc not necessarily affiliated to forum members)
LAMNET (Local Amateur Music Network)
Amateur Orchestras
Amateur Musician
Choirs (British Choirs on the Net)
Choirs (gerontius.net)
Wind Bands
Flute Choirs
Music and the City (London)
There are many music courses at residential colleges throughout the UK, offering playing/learning opportunities and also courses related to music appreciation.
ARCA (Adult Residential Courses Association)
Benslow Music Trust
Pro Corda
Time to Learn
Blackheath, London - various instrumental courses - oboe d'amore
North of England (Co Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland, Teesside, Tyneside, York) - Cobweb Orchestras, all levels
Suffolk - piano and woodwind courses - www.procorda.com


text:
A collection of scholarly works about individual liberty and free markets. A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.
The Philosophical Works of David Hume. Including all the Essays, and exhibiting the more important Alterations and Corrections in the successive Editions by the Author. In Four Volumes. (Edinburgh: Adam Black and William Tait, 1826). Vol. 3.
|Available in the following formats:
|Facsimile PDF
|This is a facsimile or image-based PDF made from scans of the original book.
|Facsimile PDF small
|This is a compressed facsimile or image-based PDF made from scans of the original book.
An 1828 edition of the Essays, Moral, Political and Literary.
The text is in the public domain.
This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.

subset: commoncrawl


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Welcome to Olympic Casino
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The US Navy has denied it's missing any ScanEagle drones. But Iran claims to have evidence of the drone. An Iranian lawmaker suggests that maybe the CIA, instead of the Pentagon, is missing a spy drone.
Iran has material evidence to prove that it has captured an American unmanned aircraft, a prominent lawmaker in Tehran said Wednesday, rejecting U.S. Navy statements that none of its drones in the region was missing.
Tehran on Tuesday claimed to have captured a Boeing-designed ScanEagle drone after it entered Iranian airspace over the Persian Gulf, and even showed an image of the purportedly downed aircraft on state TV. The Islamic Republic trumpeted its possession of an allegedly intact U.S. drone as another prize in its growing showdown with Washington over surveillance of Iran's disputed nuclear program.
"We have material evidence to prove that the drone we captured belongs to the U.S.," Ismael Kowsari, the head of the Iranian parliament's defense committee, told The Associated Press. "The unmanned aircraft took off from a warship. The Americans will have no choice but to confirm that one of their drones is missing."
Kowsari did not say what proof the Islamic Republic has to back up his claims, but said Tehran will release more information on the aircraft soon.
The U.S. has White House press secretary Jay Carneysaid on Tuesday that "we have no evidence that the Iranian claims are true." Cmdr. Jason Salata, a spokesman for the U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, also said all U.S. drones in the region are "fully accounted for."
The conflicting accounts could put pressure on both sides for more details on U.S. reconnaissance and Iranian counter-measures in the countries' growing showdown over surveillance.
There is even the possibility the drone is authentic but was plucked from the sea after a past crash and unveiled for maximum effect amid escalating tensions over U.S. reconnaissance missions — including a Predator drone coming under fire from Iranian warplanes last month.
Kowsari dismissed suggestions that the drone could have belonged to other nations in the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, that have ScanEagle drones in service.
"The UAE doesn't dare to engage in such activities against us. We have sufficient evidence to prove it is American. The U.S. commanders may need to recount their drones," he said. "The capture of the drone demonstrates Iran's capability of bringing down such aircraft intact."
e accused the U.S. of stepping up its espionage activities in recent months against Iran as part of intensified Western efforts to force Tehran to abandon its uranium enrichment program, a key aspect of its disputed nuclear program. The U.S. its allies accuse Iran of trying to develop atomic weapons, a charge Tehran denies.
"The Americans have increased their spying activities including monitoring Iran's nuclear power plant inBushehr, Bandar Abbas port and oil facilities and export terminals," he said.
Iran believes the U.S. and its allies are seeking data about the flow of goods into Iran and the status of its oil exports after the 27-nation European Union imposed a total oil embargo against Iran July 1.
The International Energy Agency says Iran's oil exports plunged to 1 million barrels a day in July from 1.74 million barrels a day in June after an embargo by the 27-nation European Union, which accounted for around 18 percent of Iran's exports. Crude oil exports account for about 80 percent of the country's foreign revenue.
If true, the seizure of the ScanEagle drone would be the third reported incident involving Iran and U.S. drones in the past two years.
Last month, Iran claimed that a U.S. drone had violated its airspace. The Pentagon said the unmanned Predator aircraft came under fire — at least twice but was not hit — and that the drone was over international waters.
In late 2011, Iran claimed it brought down a CIA spy drone after it entered Iranian airspace from its eastern borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan. The RQ-170 Sentinel drone, which is equipped with stealth technology, was captured almost intact. Tehran later said it recovered data from the drone.
In the case of the Sentinel, after initially saying only that a drone had been lost near the Afghan-Iran border, American officials eventually confirmed it had been monitoring Iran's military and nuclear facilities. Washington asked for it back but Iran refused, and instead released photos of Iranian officials studying the aircraft.
Salata, spokesman for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, noted Tuesday that some ScanEagles operated by the U.S. Navy "have been lost into the water" over the years, but there is no "record of that occurring most recently."
Kowsari suggested that the drone may have belonged to the CIA if not the Pentagon but refused to go into details.
He said the Americans will eventually confirm the Iranian claims.
"When we captured RQ-170 Sentinel drone, the Americans initially refuted Iran's version," he said. "But later they had no choice but to admit it. The same will happen in the case of ScanEagle. It's not something they can refute."
By The Christian Science Monitor
The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.


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India: Music in Khairat
Elementary students in Khairat, India, have kept their attendance near 100% since their school received XOs. Their teachers run weekly workshops inviting other teachers to come work with their students and share new ideas.
India: Music in Khairat
Their favorite activities include drawing, programming in Etoys, and singing along to TamTam. One class created some new TamTam libraries to add local instruments, and they are working on their own compositions.


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Pizza Obsessives: Niki 'Lady Slice' Achitoff-Gray
Slice interviews with folks who are mad about pizza.
Editor's note: Earlier today, Serious Eats Overlord Ed Levine welcomed our new editor of Slice. You've probably seen her NYC Oyster Happy Hour Guide or read about her Meatopia-induced bliss. We think it's high time y'all get to know her a little better, so let's give a big, pizza-obsessed hello to Niki Achitoff-Gray.
Name: Niki Achitoff-Gray
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Spankin' new editor of Slice (a.k.a. Lady Slice!)
Websites: seriouseats.com/nikiag
So, what type of pizza do you prefer?
I'll preface this by saying that you'll be hard-pressed to find a well-executed pizza of any variety that I won't gleefully devour. But I'm definitely a thin, crispity crust girl at heart. I spent my college years in Connecticut, where I turned into a pretty rabid apizza fanatic. My school was about a 40 minute drive from New Haven (25 if your craving has a mind of its own, and that mind applies extra force to the gas pedal), and I carried out a lengthy love affair with Frank Pepe's white clam pies. A great Neapolitan pie also definitely hits the spot. But at the end of the day, I'm a born and raised Manhattanite. I grew up—and will forever remain—spoiled and enthralled by the classic New York slices that, for so many of us, define this city.
The Pizza Cognition Theory states that "the first slice of pizza a child sees and tastes ... becomes, for him, pizza." Do you remember your first slice? Where was it from, is the place still around, and if so, does it hold up? On that note, has your taste in pizza evolved over time?
I have a pretty strong conviction that if someone snatched away my first pizza encounter, a horrifying butterfly effect moment would ensue and instead of editing Slice, I'd find myself rocking back and forth in a corner, living in squalor. But I honestly can't recall my first slice. I guess I'll take that as a sign that my parents raised me right: immersed in consistently decent pizza from the moment I grew enough teeth to chew it.
I do know that my family spent a whole lot of time at a branch of John's Pizzeria, just a couple of blocks from our apartment on the Upper West Side. I remember standing slack-jawed, face pressed against the glass guard surrounding the counter, watching the pizzaoli at work. When the restaurant closed in the early 2000s, I was heartbroken. I was still in middle school, so my recollection of the pizza quality is on the foggy side. If it was anything like the original John's of Bleeker, then suffice it to say that I was one lucky kid.
What's your favorite topping or topping combination?
I'm very excitable when it comes to toppings and, when left to my own devices, I have a tendency to forget my ultimate goal of a great pizza and instead turn its surface into a blasphemous casseroley salad. So I usually have to take a few deep breaths and count to 10 before I place an order (or, in this case, answer your question). Okay.
I love artichoke on pizza, especially alongside prosciutto. Anything that crisps up nicely is a win—Brussels sprouts or basil, in particular. Super-soft roasted garlic and anchovies make me exceedingly happy. And when I'm picking up a non-descript NY corner slice, I have a childhood-induced soft spot for a combo of mushrooms and olives. At the end of the day, though, I'm often happiest when I forgo toppings altogether and embrace the plain.
Where do you go for pizza in your area?
I'm lucky enough to live a few blocks from Roberta's, which leaves little incentive to eat anywhere else in my neck of the woods. With one exception. When I don't feel like dealing with a long wait or a noisy crowd, I head over to Verde Coal Oven Pizza. The owners are almost always bustling around the dining room, delivering some major old-school Italian charm. They churn out super solid pies and it doesn't hurt that their oven has a heartwarming origin story - installed in the early 1900s, it sat walled up and forgotten for decades. Oh, also, it's BYOB. So, duh.
Do you make pizza at home? If so, how? What recipes do you use?
Nope! Unless you count melting cheese and toppings on store-bought flatbread. I'm completely intimidated by the process of turning a ball of dough into a kickass crust. I'm really envious of the amazing My Pie Monday contributors who execute such stunning pies each week. Hopefully one day I'll be able to join their ranks. I did begin a part-time culinary program a few months ago, so if all goes according to plan, I'll have a radically different answer for you by this time next year.
What's one thing should NEVER go on a pizza?
Um. Did I mention I'm excitable when it comes to toppings? I'm sure there's a good answer to this, but unless it's a sugary breakfast cereal, I'll probably try it. In fact, if enough of you tell me that "Pizza Challenge" should be a column, I will allow you, dear readers, to induce me to eat weird topping combos once a month. I propose that we begin with chicken liver, a personal favorite that I have yet to enjoy on a pizza.
Most unusual pizza you've ever eaten?
Man. This question is giving me a serious complex. I'm obsessed with eating "weird" food (live seafood, anyone? How about some human cheese?), but I have yet to encounter a truly bizarre pie. Pizza Challenge? Yes??
What's the farthest you've traveled for pizza?
I wish I had some epic pizza journeys up my sleeve, but I can't say that I've traveled more than an hour expressly for pizza. To be fair, though, I never learned how to drive,* which handicaps the capacity for pizza roving pretty severely. As the newly appointed Lady Slice, I'm definitely excited to pressure my parents/boyfriend/strangers into shuttling me around. Because, you know, eating pizza IS MY JOB.
This probably doesn't count, but now I'm feeling inadequate. Back in 2007, I spent a couple of months living in Senegal. The food there was great, but consistently...on the mushy side. I needed pizza. No question. I found myself ranging farther and farther through Dakar, trying to find something that came even remotely close to a NY Slice. In retrospect, the mission was complete madness. But I think I traversed most the city on foot fueled by little more than a pizza mirage.
* In response to the inevitable Slice'r who will question my reference to pressing gas pedals in my answer to question 1, I will simply say that my cravings were powerful enough to vicariously inflict said acceleration upon the driver.
Anything you'd like to get off your chest?
Until my late teens, I left behind crust on all slices (and sandwiches), no matter how well-executed. Also, when my pizza craving kicks in after a few beers, I have an embarrassing habit of quoting Zoombinis. What is Zoombinis, you ask? Only the best educational software of the 90's. But I'll let you decide:
Zoombinis - Make Me a Pizza!
Now: Who would *you* like to see interviewed next?
My favorite interviews are with our dedicated Slice'rs, but I wouldn't mind throwing some pros into the mix every now and then. I'd really love to get an official Paulie "Gee" Gianonne Pizza Obsessives up in here. But you'll learn soon enough who I'd like on the site...hows about you folks?
What do your family and/or friends think of your pizza madness?
They're pretty thrilled that it's translated into a paying job. Especially one they can mooch off of as much as they please.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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When I was living in Philadelphia, I used to take the bus up to New York once a week for classes, and I'd always bring two rice cakes topped with almond butter and raisins to snack on. I love the crunch rice cakes provide without being too dense. Sometimes I'll eat them with chili or crumble them on top of a stir-fry.
40 Rice Cake Topping Ideas
Let's be honest, here. By themselves, unflavored rice cakes aren't terribly exciting. However, they have some sterling qualities:
- They are gluten-free.
- They are vegan.
- You can buy them non-GMO, organic-certified.
- There are only 60 calories in a rice cake (some brands have fewer).
- The plain varieties contain no saturated or trans fats.
I like them because they are versatile, fairly inexpensive, and crunchy.
As a person who struggles with portion control, I'd like to remind you that it doesn't matter if you are eating a very healthy, 45-60-calorie gluten-free snack if you use too much of the topping. I noticed during one testing session that my cottage cheese layer was as thick as the rice cake. If I am making a meal out of one of these, I'd give myself a little leeway. However, if it's supposed to be a snack, I have to be careful about how much topping I am using. End of lecture. (See also: How to Lose Weight With Portion Control)
Back to their versatility, though. Below are forty suggestions for topping rice cakes.
Brown-Bagging It
I eat a lot of rice cakes at work, because I hate it when my sandwich bread gets mushy. Simply pack the toppings separately from the rice cakes, and assemble at lunchtime.
1. Egg Salad
Don't have an egg salad recipe? Now you have 12.
2. Tofu-Eggless Salad
I like tofu-eggless recipe. (See also: Frugal Organic Vegan Grocery Items)
3. Chicken Salad
When Mikey was coming up with his list of 25 Non-Sandwich lunches, he shared this chicken salad recipe from Neiman Marcus' cafe
4. Tuna Salad
Often made with mayonnaise, Max's favorite secret ingredient.
5. Ham and Swiss
I usually add a squirt of Dijon mustard.
6. Devilled Ham
I like mine with Dijon mustard and green onions, as in this devilled ham recipe (just use green onions instead of yellow).
7. Turkey and Muenster Cheese
With sprouts and some of that delicious spicy horseradish mustard … so good.
8. Holiday Turkey Sandwich
My new favorite "holiday sandwich" is this one: Turkey breast, cream cheese, red onion, sprouts, and cranberry relish. Instead of bread, rice cake! (See also: Creative Recipes for Leftover Turkey)
9. Quick Pizza
For a more Italian flavor, try salami or pepperoni with mozzarella , olives, and a tomato slice. I like to microwave that one briefly, just to melt the cheese. Emergency pizza!
10. Peanut or Almond Butter
There's nothing wrong with the basics.
11. Peanut or Almond Butter…
and honey, or jelly. An even better basic.
Appetizers Using Rice Cakes
When I get home from work, I usually have a snack. By keeping rice cakes handy, I can conjure up something delicious. Here are some of my favorites.
12. Tapenade
I could just eat tapenade with a spoon and be happy. A rice cake holds more tapenade than a spoon, so that makes me happier.
13. Salmon Spread
I'm still not tired of salmon, even after this post. Salmon spread is great on a rice cake!
14. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon with capers (drain them) is also delicious, albeit expensive.
15. Cream Cheese and Chives
I love cream cheese, but I use the low-fat version on rice cakes (and spread thinly). Sprinkle some chopped chives and just a little salt. (See also: Quick and Easy Cream Cheese Appetizers)
16. Pesto
Camilla has 21 uses for pesto, and I'd like to add #22, which is to spoon it over a rice cake.
17. DIY Veggie Spread
Veggie spreads? Mark Bittman of the New York Times has developed several variations. I particularly like the broccoli with parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil. Swoon.
18. White Bean Dip
White bean dip is a super-healthy, vegan option. I really like this recipe's combination of beans with lemon, garlic, parsley, and black pepper. (See also: 25+ Cheap and Delicious Bean Recipes)
19. Canned Bean Dip
I also like the bean dip that comes in a can, at the grocery store, by the tortilla chips section, on a rice cake. That works.
20. Hummus
While we're on legumes, don't forget about hummus. My daughter thinks the one with roasted red peppers is the best. If your store doesn't carry it, here's my favorite hummus recipe.
Liking this article? Pin it!
21. Pimento Cheese
Again, thin layer, folks: Pimento cheese. Yum!
22. Canned Cheese
If you just want instant gratification in a pimento-cheese like fashion, heck, you can get that cheese that squirts out of the can. Don't judge me.
23. Artichoke Dip
Turns out that rice cakes are an excellent vehicle for hot artichoke dip. They are sturdier than dumb ol' crackers. This stuff is dangerously good. I like to add a can of mild chiles for a little more zip.
24. Pears, Spinach, and Bleu Cheese
Slice up some pears, thinly, add to your rice cake along with some baby spinach, and sprinkle with bleu cheese.
25. Avocado, Salsa, and Cilantro
Let's try Mexican flavors: To a rice cake add sliced avocados, salsa, and cilantro.
26. Cottage Cheese
When I am starving, I just plop a tablespoon of low-fat cottage cheese onto a rice cake and call it good, because it is.
27. Chopped Avocado Salad
Combine chopped avocados, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil and garlic salt and try that on top. Delicious!
28. Sliced Avocados or Guacamole
We have an avocado tree. It's one of my favorite things in the whole world. My husband started it from a seed. They are delicious, so sometimes I just eat sliced avocados (or guacamole) on a rice cake.
Make a Meal of Rice Cakes
Why not? It's a low-calorie starch to round out any meal.
29. Rice Cakes and Chili
Cornbread with chili is great, but so are rice cakes, particularly if you get the cheesy ones. If your chili is really thick, just spoon it on top. I used a little low-fat sour cream on top of that combo.
30. Croutons
Gluten-free croutons! Just break a rice cake into pieces and float it on split-pea, tomato, or any creamy soup.
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato . . rice cakes? Sure, why not.
32. Peanut Sauce
Thai-inspired! Top a rice cake with a layer of peanut sauce. Add cooked, cleaned shrimp and chopped cilantro. (See also: Scrumptious Shrimp Recipes)
33. Ahi Poke
I live on the Island of Hawaii, and so I took some of my favorites and rice cake'd them: Spicy Ahi Poke with Cilantro.
34. Loco-Moco!
Caramelize sliced Spam in medium-heat frying pan with shoyu (soy sauce). While you are heating the Spam, fry an egg. Assemble in layers of rice cake, Spam, and fried egg. If I were really making it correctly, I'd add gravy on top.
35. California Roll
I had fun making this one. Mix crab (fresh or canned, drained and flaked) with mayonnaise. I added a few drops of Sriracha sauce to mine, but it's spicy, so be warned. Place crab mixture on rice cake and add some chopped avocado, a little grated carrot, a drizzle of sesame oil, and sprinkle with chopped nori (sushi wrapper).
For the Sweet Tooth
For a sweet snack or a light dessert, try these delicious toppings. (See also: 15 Super Quick Homemade Desserts)
36. Sliced Bananas and Peanut Butter
This really hits the spot. My daughter likes a drizzle of honey on that one, too.
37. Cinnamon Toast Cakes
My husband suggested we try "cinnamon toast" flavors — yum! Spread a thin layer of butter, and add a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar. I couldn't remember the last time I had had cinnamon toast.
38. Nutella
You were waiting for this one, I know. NUTELLA. That's all I have to write about that suggestion.
39. S'more Cakes
While we're on chocolate, you can make a S'more rice cake from the aforementioned Nutella. Add some mini-marshmallows. Devour.
40. Strawberries and Cream Cheese
Again with the light cream cheese — but this time, slice some strawberries and put those on top.
What do you like to top your rice cakes with?
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on my brown rice cake, i spread raw peanut butter on top, with half of a banana sliced on top of that. i add a lil bit of powdered cinnamon, and microwave either straw, rasp, blue, black or cranberries and pour that on top. it's super delicious, and real healthy.
Brilliant article on rice cake sandwiches, I've just given up bread, so this is just what I was looking for. Plus now I'm inspired to make Baba Ghanoush. Do you know, is it posible to BBQ the eggplant for BG? Thanks for a great blog.
No cream cheese and peanut butter, or did I somehow miss that? That's been my favorite combo since I was a kid.
Why even bother eating rice cakes if you're going to slather it in peanut butter, nutella, or canned cheese?
Just found your blog after I tried using plain rice cakes out of desperation as a bread substitute for my favorite snack - I (carefully and watchfully) crisped one up in my toaster oven, and topped with chopped orange bell pepper, a slice of low sodium american cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder. White pizza, of a sort :) Been my fav snack for decades on very thin bread but celiac left me sadly missing it.
I like eating them plain as a study snack :P I never thought of putting stuff on it since I like the rice flavour so much! Now I can have a bit of jam when I'm pushing out that essay~ Thanks for the post!
Toast it and spread on honey and peanut butter, put on banana slices, and top with some cinnamon --so satisfying.
I like to do a bit of cream cheese and some salted cucumbers for breakfast, or even just a snack. If you have time try adding sliced tomatoes and arugula on top as well. Delicious.


text: [i:Vibes] :: View topic - TIME WARP 2004 - now its over... forever... Guidelines FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Bookmarks Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Main Menu Frontpage News Reviews Interviews Party Reports Artist Profiles Label profiles Diaries Tutorials What is... Links Radio-info Interactive Forum User Stats Info FAQ Crew-info i:Vibes Info Site Updates TIME WARP 2004 - now its over... forever... [i:Vibes] Forum Index -> Party Reports View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message [i:Vibes] SystemSystem RoleVibes: 0.00Joined: 01 May 2001Member #: 6Posts: 8806 Post subject: TIME WARP 2004 - now its over... forever... Discuss this [i:Vibes] article here! [i][b]Article teaser:[/b][/i] A review of the last legendary Time Warp festival in germany, ten years of fun and happiness are finally over... Are they really??? Post rating: 0 Rate this post: Not logged in Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:19 pm Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First [i:Vibes] Forum Index -> Party Reports All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Spam----------------Spam posts Music----------------Music discussion (trance, techno, progressive and other genres)EquipmentArtist and Label NewsRadio BroadcastsMusic Production and DJ Mix PromotionClub Listings Non-music related----------------Other discussionBuy & Sell [i:Vibes]----------------Site Feedback and Help Content Discussion----------------News DiscussionReview DiscussionInterview DiscussionTutorial DiscussionWhat is...Party ReportsArtist ProfilesLabel Profiles You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou can delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forumYou cannot attach files in this forumYou can download files in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group


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President Barack Obama, in an unusual foray into patent law, on Thursday said U.S. patent reform needs to go farther to address the trend of companies that do not manufacture any products aggressively suing other companies for patent infringement.
High-tech companies in particular have complained to regulators about big patent licensing companies that manufacture nothing but sue long lists of firms, often using weak patents to do so. Many high-tech firms settle to avoid litigation risk but some, like Google, fight back.
The polite term for these firms is "non-practicing entities" but in private they are more rudely called "patent trolls."
After a years-long fight, Congress passed a patent reform in 2011 which did little to address the issue.
"Our efforts at patent reform only went halfway to the point where they need to go," said Obama during an online question and answer session, calling for "smarter patent laws."
Long focused on large corporations because of their deep pockets, these entities have recently turned their attention to start-ups which are not as established but have raised large amounts of money and often have substantial revenue.
"I'm an ardent believer that what's powerful about the Internet is its openness and the capacity for people to get out there and just introduce a new idea with low barriers to entry," Obama said. "We also want to make sure that people's intellectual property is protected."
The increase in patent lawsuits by these companies is so pronounced that they now constitute the majority of U.S. patent lawsuits, according to a study by Colleen Chien, a law professor at Santa Clara University and a patent expert.
She found that about 61 percent of all patent lawsuits filed through Dec. 1, were brought by patent-assertion entities, or individuals and companies that work aggressively and opportunistically to assert patents as a business model. That compares with 45 percent in 2011 and 23 percent five years ago.
These firms are asserting patents that were either originally awarded to them or that they acquired.
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Appearing in National Geographic Magazine in July 1937, the White Mountains of New Hampshire map highlights the scenic points of interest and outdoor activities to be enjoyed in this lovely region. The map's mountain relief and border of sketches make it a perfect wall-hanging.
Coverage Area: White Mountains of New Hampshire


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Indo Western Lehenga
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Indo Western Lehenga
It is the era of globalization, the time when the cultural practices of other countries have diffused across national borders and entered the lifestyle of Indians. This newly forming global culture is clearly reflected in the changing trends of Indian ethnic wear. These days not just youngsters but also middle-aged and older women have adapted to a wardrobe that has a mixture of Indian as well as western styles-commonly known as fusion wear.
Fusion Lehenga Cholis – Lehengas with Jackets and Capes
Traditional lehenga cholis have circular flares and are embellished with zari, thread, stone and bead work that form ethnic patterns. The choli is usually embroidered and has a simple neckline. However, due to the influence of the western culture, the traditionally India lehenga cholis are also now available with variants like off-shoulder blouses, jacket lehenga choli, cold-shoulder sets, fish-cut lehengas, peplum cholis and many more. The ongoing trends of ruffled styles, corsets, digital prints, asymmetrical hems and contemporary drapes have been creatively added to the category of lehenga-cholis, thus expanding the variety available in casual, festive and wedding wear collections. The stylish fusion trend of lehengas with crop tops has already become a rage among young girls and the fashion fraternity. Saree.com has the latest and trendy collection of contemporary and fusion lehenga sets. Our exclusive designer range caters to a global clientele of fashion-conscious women who always wish to have a unique wardrobe. Lehengas with ponchos and sheer cover ups are also becoming the new buzzword when it comes to blending Indian designs with Western separates. At saree.com, you can find all this and more – pick from either the stylish catalog collections, or ask for an exclusive screening for our designer store products with Video Calling service.
Fusion Colours:
When it comes to fusion wear, the colour palette conveniently breaks free from traditionally accepted colour combinations. These indo-western outfits are available in off-beat combinations like blue and mustard, pastel pink and black, mint green and grey, etc. You will find a number of appealing colour combinations for fusion-wear on saree.com
Styling Fusion-wear
Indo-western offbeat outfits look best when styled with offbeat jewelry. You can experiment with minimalism pieces, chunky jewelry or loud statement accessories depending on the occasion and your individual style. You can also capes, ponchos and shrugs with these styles. In fact, some gutsy girls can be seen styling their lehengas with biker jackets and denim blazers! Can you beat that?
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Online stores are the best places to check out when you want something really exclusive. It's easier to locate unique stuff on a website than strolling through endless malls and markets. Saree.com brings to you a classy range of designer fusion wear for casual, festive as well as wedding occasions at the best prices. The beautiful fusion wear and lehengas with jackets, capes and crop tops are the latest rage – all of which you can find on Saree.com. So, start shopping and get ready to rock every occasion with your unique style!


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Here at Footasylum, we have a huge range of men's bags from the biggest and best brands. With such a wide selection there is something for everyone. Whether you want a messenger bag, a man bag or a rucksack, we won't disappoint. We stock bags from Nike, adidas Originals, The North Face, Hype and many more.
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A special reading hour program is scheduled in Fayette Thursday during the library's after-school program, from 3 to 4 p.m. A guest reader will visit and eye health activities are planned.
The program is offered by Prevent Blindness Ohio, in conjunction with the eye health kiosk displayed in the library this month.
Each child attending the program will receive a gift bag containing the book "Arthur's Eyes," assorted eye health literature, and a pair of safety goggles.
Paul McDonald will serve as the guest reader to present a story to children.


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The market is ripe for services like that of Networked Insights, which mines data in social networks and discovers how companies' brands are being talked about by those sites' users and visitors, according to the company's CEO and founder Daniel Neely.
The situation is part of an overall trend in which companies are trying to squeeze customer insights out of megasites like MySpace or of their own social network implementations built with "white-label" products, he said.
"In 2008, companies are getting smart about it. ... We think we've cracked the code on helping you know what's going on across the social networking landscape," he said Wednesday.
The Madison, Wisconsin startup announced a set of upgrades on Wednesday to its Customer Insight Platform, which crunches social network data to draw insights into factors ranging from its customers' brand recognition and reputation -- or a competing one's -- to the relative "influence" of a given user.
The hosted offering works either in concert with Networked Insights' white-label social-networking platform or with data drawn from third-party sites such as MySpace. However, user data stored on Facebook, the world's second most popular social network, is unavailable to companies like Networked Insights.
Neely acknowledged that the inability to access Facebook data is a significant stumbling block. However, he asserted, "I think the pressure is going to be on Facebook to open up a piece of what they're doing." He also speculated on the possibility of a partnership with the company.
The update adds a redesigned interface through which users can tap analytics grouped around six focus areas: customer needs, content, competition, brand, product and customer loyalty. Another new feature is an "influence metric" given to each member of a community.
Networked Insights' software uses natural-language processing technologies developed in-house, which work together with its "interactivity algorithms" to serve up results, Neely said.
It is sophisticated enough to determine whether users are male or female, and avoid obviously incorrect data, he claimed. For example, he said, "[Listed user] ages that are way off the chart, we kick out."
A user's "influence" can be gleaned based on how they are engaging with other users, sharing information and other factors, he said.
Networked Insights has eight paying customers and is now representing 12 "major brands," which Neely said he could not yet name. The company has worked with the likes of Diageo, the major drinks manufacturer, on a pilot program.
The startup launched in May 2006 and recently completed its first major round of funding, raising $4 million, Neely said.
It has a fair amount of competition, however. Jeremiah Owyang, a Forrester Research analyst tracking the social-networking space, has lumped Networked Insights and several other companies, including Communispace and Passenger, into their own category.
These companies in turn are "not to be confused with companies that measure social media, influence, and brand," he writes, referring to yet another emerging category.
For his part, Neely said he views companies like SPSS, the predictive analytics vendor, as his main competitors.


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Donovan realizes UConn not a one-man team
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ARLINGTON, Texas -- One on five? It will not be the case when the UConn Huskies and Florida Gators tip off Saturday night in the Final Four, but it sure seems that way.
The Gators (36-2) arrived at AT&T Stadium billed as a complete team that has ridden a 30-game winning streak into the Final Four and is expected to emerge from their rematch with the Huskies (30-8) to play in the their first national championship since 2007.
On the flip side, UConn seems to be all about Shabazz Napier, with the national media hailing him as the new Kemba Walker and the Huskies' march being powered by one.
"Well, Shabazz is a great player and he gets a lot of attention and rightfully so," said Florida coach Billy Donovan, whose team last lost on Dec. 2 to UConn 65-64 at Gampel Pavilion. "But I think I said yesterday (Thursday) that it's not just a one-man team."
Not at all.
Napier might be the name on the back of No. 13's jersey, but the name UConn on the front of the uniform has found tournament success relying on much more. It could be Ryan Boatright's defense, DeAndre Daniels' 3-pointers or Niels Giffey's hustle.
Or how about freshman Amida Brimah's three-point play against Saint Joe's that led to overtime, or freshman Terrence Samuel stepping off the bench against Villanova with Napier in foul trouble?
Napier hit the game-winning, buzzer-beater shot to hand Florida that last loss but the Huskies have needed more than one player to reach their fifth Final Four.
"I just want to be at the Final Four, I don't care how I get here," UConn coach Kevin Ollie said. "It could be Ryan playing good, Bazz playing good. I think we have a complete team, too.
"I think you can't get here by one player."
Florida's success has been powered by four seniors and sophomore Michael Frazier II, with four of those players scoring in double figures. But no one on the roster has played for a national championship like Napier, Giffey and Tyler Olander did in 2011. The Gators had been stuck in the Elite Eight the last three seasons before finally breaking through with a 62-52 win over Dayton.
In the first meeting with UConn, the Gators also were not operating on full strength with two freshmen, guard Kasey Hill and 6-foot-10 forward Chris Walker, out of the lineup. The return of Hill from injury and paired with senior Scottie Wilbekin (13.4 ppg, 3.7 apg) gives Florida a comparable backcourt to UConn's duo of Boatright and Napier.
"Kasey, with his speed, his ability to make plays (is a problem)," Ollie said. "Scottie does the same thing, but gives them an opportunity, kind of like us where we can play two point guards at the same time. They didn't have that option when they played us the last time."
The Huskies have changed as well, with Samuel playing a more prominent role than earlier in the season when the team goes to three guards and Daniels being a much more confident player since tournament time.
The real question for UConn will be have Brimah and sophomore Phil Nolan matured enough to slow down 6-9, 240-pound senior beast Patrick Young, who had 17 points and seven rebounds in the first game.
"It definitely gives you confidence to know you can beat this team, but it's been a while and both teams (are different)," Giffey said. "It's going to be a whole different game. ¦ We're not going to approach this like this is a team we've already beat. It's just a Final Four game for us."
email@example.com; http://blog.ctnews.com/uconnbasketball


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If it's no coincidence that live is evil spelled backwards, and lived is devil spelled backwards? Why does love not mean anything spelled backwards?
More to the point? If santa is an anagram of satan, and saint is an anagram is satin and stain, why is it not just spelled forwards and backwards like live a lived?
WHy are some anagrams and not others?
You remind me of that math guy, and what I'd always tell him, is "why do you have no system for your operators?"


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Well, I don't like to be seen with bare toenails, and I'll do ridiculous things not to be seen with bare toenails. Case in point: before my anniversary dinner last week, even though I was running late, I still painted the two nails — just the two — on each foot that were going to be visible with the shoes I was wearing. And I used nude polish so no one could tell what a messy, fly-by-night job I did (because I wasn't wearing my glasses).
Truthfully, the reason is because I feel like my feet look like monkey paws on account of my freakishly long toes. 🙂
How about you? What's one of your weird beauty quirks?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,


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Types of Transport in LaosKirsty Turner
Laos has only been open to international visitors for little over a decade, so you cannot expect to find the spectrum of travel options available in some of the neighbouring countries. There is no rail service and although most of the roads are now paved vehicles can be old and unreliable. The secret to successful travel in Laos is to allow plenty of time and don't worry too much if things don't go exactly to plan. Just sit back and enjoy the journey as you watch the stunning scenery slide past.
This is of course the most convenient way to travel, although not necessarily the most rewarding and certainly not the cheapest. The national airline is Lao Aviation and there are regular domestic flights from most major towns and cities such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Pakse and Oudomsay. There are even weekly flights from smaller towns such as Luang Namtha, Sayaboury, Houeixay, Sam Neua, Saravane, Lak Xao, Muangkhong and Attapeu.
Mainly restricted to Vientiane, taxis can be both metered and unmetered. It is also possible to hire taxis for the day if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing.
Tuk-tuks and jumbos
The Lao answer to the taxi, these small and somewhat rickety motorized vehicles can be found all over Laos and are a good way to get around. Fares are generally negotiable, so make sure you agree the price with the driver before setting off.
Public buses run around large towns and cities between towns and villages throughout Laos. They tend to be rather small and cramped but quite reliable. There are also slightly larger tourist buses available for a slightly higher fee.
Mini Buses
These are a more comfortable way to travel if you are following the tourist trail between places such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.
The mighty Mekong River flows through Laos and travelling by slow boat is a great way to see the country, while speed boats race down the river, much to the delight of thrill seekers. Daily services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai.
A great way to explore the countryside is by hiring a bicycle at a tourist hub and simply cycling away.
Car hire
Although private car hire is possible, it is generally more trouble than it's worth. A better option is to hire a car with a driver, which can be done through most hotels or tourist agencies.


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Manure Spreading Advisory #3 for 2016: South Coast Region
Date: October 4, 2016
- Perennial grasses continue to benefit from fall manure applications when applied to meet crop nutrient needs.
- Manure applications for cover crops and newly seeded grasses should be based on a soil test and only applied if the cover crop will become well established to uptake nutrients prior to the end of the growing season. Manure applications on harvested or fallow fields are not recommended.
- Manure should not be applied within 8 meters of ditches or watercourses. Buffer width should be increased for slopes greater than 5% and/or if the potential for runoff exists.
- Consider wind speed and direction when applying manure and how it can have a negative impact on your neighbours. The wind can also increase ammonia loss and soil loss through erosion.
- Reminder that field-stored solid agricultural wastes (except vegetation waste) must be covered as of October 1.
Please read the entire advisory for details and important information regarding manure applications.
The Manure Spreading Advisory Committee (consisting of industry and government representatives) is advising careful manure application for select fields. The committee will monitor weather and soil conditions and will issue further advisories as conditions change.
This advisory is produced by government, in partnership with industry, to provide guidance to farmers regarding the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation and the Environmental Management Act. If a discrepancy arises between this document and the legislation, the legislation takes precedence. Following this advisory does not relieve anyone from their obligations under the legislation. The Province of British Columbia does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information referenced here from legislation, and in no event is the Province liable or responsible for damages of any kind arising out of its use.
For further information, please contact BC Ministry of Agriculture:
Jeff Nimmo, P.Ag. 604-556-3109
David Poon, P.Ag. 604-556-3098
For questions of a regulatory nature, please contact the BC Ministry of Environment:
To report a spill 1-800-663-3456
To report pollution 1-877-952-7277
Additional Information
Manure Storage
- Winter manure applications are not recommended. It is prudent to have enough manure storage to include the average expected precipitation plus account for unforeseen circumstances such as excessive precipitation.
- Plan manure applications to empty storage facilities before the rainy season. Manure applications are recommended only for forage grasses.
- Develop a contingency plan to outline an effective response in case of an emergency. The plan could include identification of nearby abandoned pits, contact information for vacuum trucks, and easy access to the provincial spill reporting hotline.
Harvested Annual Crops (including corn and vegetables)
- Manure applications are not acceptable on harvested fields.
Cover Crops
- Manure applications should only be considered if a fall soil test shows the need for nutrients and a winter cover crop has been or will be established before the end of the growing season.
- As the days get shorter and colder, cover crops are less able to take up nutrients. Also, as fall rains arrive, the risk of nutrient runoff and leaching increases.
- Residual nutrients from the summer crop may be present in the soil and in sufficient quantity to support the winter cover.
Perennial Grassland
- Manure application on perennial grasses is usually appropriate as long as crop growth and warmer weather patterns (greater than 5oC) continue; fields are trafficable; and precipitation does not create runoff.
- Application rates should meet crop nutrient requirements.
- Appropriate buffer widths should be maintained to minimize runoff risks.
Berry crops
- Fall manure applications for berry crops are not necessary or recommended. • If manure is used on fields that are being renovated for new plantings, a cover crop should also be planted. The cover crop should be planted in a timely manner such that it becomes well established prior to the end of the growing season. Consider the recommendations made for raspberries in the Berry Production Guide, http://productionguide.agrifoodbc.ca/guides/14
Additional Resources
- Agricultural Waste Control Regulation This is the legislation that applies to manure management in British Columbia. http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/10_131_92
- Canada-BC Environmental Farm Plan Program Trained Planning Advisors are available to assist producers with an Environmental Farm Plan. For more information contact the ARDCorp office in Abbotsford. toll free 1-866-522-3447 or 604-854-4483 http://www.bcac.bc.ca/ardcorp/program/environmental-farm-plan-program BC Environmental Farm Plan Reference Guide provides valuable information related to farm management practices that enhance environmental values
- B.C Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) The BC Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Guide can assist producers to implement food safety practices at the farm. It offers a whole-farm approach covering all aspects of crop and livestock production.


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On September 3rd 2012 fierce panda will be releasing 'Spirit Of Talk Talk', a double album which features 30 contemporary acts from around the globe re-interpreting many of Talk Talk's greatest moments. On Thursday September 6th there will be a similarly fragrant launch party with a pawful of the tributees paying respect and playing their Talk Talk covers in the midst of their full live sets, plus live visuals from original Talk Talk artwork designer James Marsh, and that party looks like this:
fierce panda & Club Fandango present...
TURIN BRAKES (10.00pm)
+ FYFE DANGERFIELD (9.30pm)
+ TALK TALK TRIBUTE IMPROV (9.05pm)
+ JAMES MARSH ART SHOW (8.45pm)
+ GOLDHEART ASSEMBLY (8.15pm)
+ THE TENFIVESIXTY (7.45pm)
+ SAM ZERO 7 (DJ SET) (11.00pm)
(229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN. 0207 323 7229)
ADVANCE TICKETS £12.00 from
The 'Spirit Of Talk Talk' launch party is a one-off event designed to highlight the release of the album and also the publication of the lush book with the same name. The twin CD opus comes swaddled in artwork by creative Talk Talk stalwart James Marsh and sees profits going to the Rare Bird Club. The finely-honed and impeccably toned 'Spirit Of Talk Talk' book will be published in September by Essential. An online hub has been launched at www.facebook.com/SpiritofTalkTalk and you can pre-order the album via
www.fiercepanda.co.uk right now.
Fittingly then, for one night only the whole of the 229 will be given over to many things Talk Talk-related. Of the acts confirmed alt.pop dreamers Goldheart Assembly (who cover 'Chameleon Day'), simmering boy/girl newcomers The TenFiveSixty (who get sultry with 'It's My Life') and Turin Brakes, who chose to revisit 'Ascension Day', will all play their Talk Talk choices along with a selection of their very own superhits.
The Talk Talk tribute band features Phil Ramacon (piano), Rupert Black (organ), John McKenzie (bass), Martin Ditcham (drums) and Gale Paridjanian from Turin Brakes on guitar. Several of these gentlemen played live in Talk Talks band back in the day. Together they will be reinterpreting a handful of Talk Talk songs, some in the company of Guillemots frontman Fyfe Dangerfield, who himself will be gracing us with a mini-acoustic set. Beyond the musical action there will be the live film from James Marsh, a merchandise stall selling both the album and book, 'Spirit Of Talk Talk' playback action and much more besides.
So it was 1982 when Mark Hollis and crew first soared into view with a slew of deceptively commercial hit singles. However by the time Talk Talk delivered the seminal 'The Colour Of Spring' album (their third) in 1986, which brilliantly merged pop instinct with experimental flair, they'd long since shed any hint of being mere also(duran du)rans. Whereupon Hollis turned his back on the mainstream completely and made three further albums (two as Talk Talk, one solo) of breathtaking scope and mindblowing minimalism before - obviously - fading from view. And yes, we appreciate the irony of putting on a tribute show to a band who virtually had to retire from touring because they admitted that everything they recorded after '86 was 'unplayable' live.
Still, some of these acts featured on the 'Spirit Of Talk Talk' album - notably King Creosote, White Lies, Zero 7, Joan As Police Woman and Linton Kwesi Johnson - will already be familiar to listeners. Many of the others are creeping out of the shadows of outfits such as The Verve (RIP), Arcade Fire, Grandaddy, Guillemots and Bon Iver - we'll let you work out who is who. One of them, Ian Curnow, even played keyboards for Talk Talk first time around.
'Spirit Of Talk Talk' then: 30 tracks. Two compact discs. One book. One launch party. Several labours of love. Perhaps even a notorious perfectionist such as Mark Hollis would appreciate the effort put into this project. Now, that's the spirit...
Compact Disc One BR>
1. Lone Wolf WEALTH www.facebook.com/lonewolfofficial
2. Zero 7 (feat Only Girl) THE COLOUR OF SPRING www.zero7.co.uk www.onlygirlmusic.com
3. S Carey (Bon Iver) I BELIEVE IN YOU www.scarey.org
4. Recoil (feat Shara Worden) DUM DUM GIRL
www.recoil.co.uk / www.mybrightestdiamond.com
5. Duncan Sheik LIFES WHAT YOU MAKE IT www.duncansheik.com
6. Thomas Feiner / Fyfe Dangerfield / Robbie Wilson THE RAINBOW
www.thomasfeiner.com / www.fyfedangerfield.com / www.facebook.com/autumnchorus
7. Halloween, Alaska AFTER THE FLOOD www.halloweenalaska.com
8. Nils Frahm / Peter Broderick / Davide Rossi ITS GETTING LATE IN THE EVENING www.nilsfrahm.de / www.peterbroderick.net
9. King Creosote GIVE IT UP www.kingcreosote.com
10. Lights (feat Darkstars) LIVING IN ANOTHER WORLD
www.iamlights.com / http://soundcloud.com/darkstars
11. Zelienople THE RAINBOW http://zelienopleband.com
12. Joan As Police Woman MYRRHMAN www.joanaspolicewoman.com
13. The Last Dinosaur RUNEII www.thelastdinosaur.co.uk
14. Jack Northover ? www.jacknorthover.com
Compact Disc Two
1. The TenFiveSixty ITS MY LIFE www.thetenfivesixty.com
2. Recoil (feat Linton Kwesi Johnson & Paul Marshall) INHERITANCE
3. Turin Brakes ASCENSION DAY www.turinbrakes.com
4. White Belt Yellow Tag TODAY www.whitebeltyellowtag.com
5. Ian Curnow (feat Human) I DONT BELIEVE IN YOU
www.eemusic.co.uk / www.myspace.com/24human
6. Goldheart Assembly CHAMELEON DAY www.goldheartassembly.com
7. Matthias Vogt Trio APRIL 5TH www.matthiasvogt.net
8. Do Make Say Think NEW GRASS www.domakesaythink.com
9. Jason Lytle TOMORROWS STARTED www.jasonlytle.com
10. White Lies GIVE IT UP www.whitelies.com
11. Lia Aces TIME IT'S TIME www.liaices.com
12. The Lovetones THE PARTYS OVER www.myspace.com/thelovetones
13. Thomas White CANDY www.electricsoftparade.co.uk
14. The Black Ships (feat Amelia Tucker) RENEE
www.facebook.com/blacksubmarine / www.ameliatucker.com
15. The Acorn TAPHEAD www.theacorn.ca
16. Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire) I BELIEVE IN YOU
1. Minerva Lions ASCENSION DAY
2. Mike Gill (feat Robert Owens) ITS MY LIFE
3. Kurran & The Wolfnotes EDEN


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Today we can bring a nice preview of the upcoming New Balance 576 English Pub Pack. New Balance had a nice setup at the Bright Tradeshow this past weekend, showcasing the pack. Consisting of 3 sneakers, each shoe was inspired by another English Pub. Details include premium leathers, contrasting linings, special tongue logos, inner soles inspired by the floors of the pubs and more. The shoes are called 'The King's Head', 'The Red Lion' and 'The Royal Oak' (all really common pub names) and they come packaged with a New Balance beer towel and beer mats. Overall a very nice pack, perfectly translating the characteristics of a pub onto a sneaker, while creating a good looking shoe at the same time. Look out for a release later this year.
Many more detailed images of the New Balance 576 English Pub Pack follow after the jump.
Pictures by Bright/Rufus Exton for Highsnobiety.com.


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Kenji Toma
A big, beautiful soufflé with a festive chestnut flavor. Youll need to bake the dessert right before serving, but you can make the soufflé base (minus the egg whites) two hours ahead, then fold in the whites up to one hour before baking.
- Yield
- Makes 8 servings
- 1 7.25-to 7.41-ounce jar whole steamed chestnuts or vacuum-packed roasted chestnuts*
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
- 1/4 cup sugar (for coating soufflé dish) plus 14 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 2 cups whole milk, divided
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Armagnac, Cognac, or other brandy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup egg whites (about 8 large)
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
- Blend chestnuts, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 tablespoon butter in processor until paste forms. Transfer mixture to small bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
- Coat inside of 14-cup soufflé dish (about 8 1/4 inches wide and 3 3/4 inches deep) with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle dish with 1/4 cup sugar and tilt to coat bottom and sides evenly.
- Whisk 1/4 cup milk, egg yolks, 4 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Bring remaining 13/4 cups milk and 4 tablespoons sugar to simmer in heavy large saucepan. Gradually whisk hot milk mixture into yolk mixture. Return custard to same pan. Stir over medium heat until custard thickens and boils, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chestnut paste, Armagnac, and vanilla and whisk to blend well (some small pieces of chestnut paste will remain). DO AHEAD: Soufflé base can be made 2 hours ahead. Press plastic wrap onto surface; let stand at room temperature.
- Position rack just below center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff but not dry. Fold whites into soufflé base in 3 additions. Transfer batter to prepared dish. Place souffléon small baking sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 hour ahead; let stand at room temperature. Bake soufflé until puffed and just firm to touch in center, about 50 minutes. Serve immediately with sauce.
- Peeled cooked chestnuts; sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
Test-kitchen tip:
To serve the soufflé, use a very large spoon to gently scoop up some of the saucy interior along with a bit of the firmer sides.


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PC piracy is a "huge concern", Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 producer David Silverman has warned.
Speaking to VideoGamer.com in an interview to be published later this week, Silverman, who also works as a presenter for C&C TV, said that a "different approach" that includes digital distribution and micro-transactions will help tackle piracy on the PC in the future.
He said: "In all honesty piracy is a huge concern. Luckily people haven't figured out an easy way to pirate on consoles, otherwise you'd be telling me, 'oh, the console market's dying!'. It's a big problem and it's hard because you've got people like Greg (Black, lead balance designer) and a lot of guys on the development team who have been spending countless hours and someone just goes to download on a torrent site and they get the game. It's an unfortunate likelihood and it's one of the penalties that broadband came out. But unlike the music industry which went about it in an interesting way, we're trying some new things and I think we'll be productive in the years to come."
PC piracy is one of the industry's current hot topics. Recently Lionhead boss told VideoGamer.com that the PC gamer market was in "tatters". LucasArts explained to us in an interview from earlier in the year that it wasn't doing a PC version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed because of the vast differences in power of PCs in people's homes and the lack of scalability of the game.
And Ubisoft Shanghai creative director Michael de Plater has told VG247 that a PC version of EndWar would most likely be shipping alongside the console SKUs if it wasn't for rampant PC piracy, and that copyright theft is essentially destroying the PC games market.
Silverman, however, believes that the PC gaming industry can tackle the problem of piracy by taking a different approach.
He said: "Things like digital distribution, things like doing micro-transactions, things like that really find a way to get people involved and then also keep them interested. It's also a challenging thing on our end to make the game more engaging to people. If you give people a reason to buy the game they'll buy it. It's what happens. I use the music analogy again. If I'm an artist and I have an album with 14 songs and only two of them are good, then my album is probably getting stolen, but if every one of the 14 songs is awesome and you keep releasing maybe a new song or what not for people who bought it, I guarantee people will be buying my album. So it's just a different approach and a different way in how we have to look at it in the future."
Also speaking to VideoGamer.com, C&C: RA3 lead balance designer Greg Black suggested online play, which requires authentication, as a primary weapon in the war against PC piracy.
"I think one of the best ways to fight piracy is to have a compelling online experience," said Black. "Because you have to authenticate your copy to get online, and that's something we've tried to do with (Red Alert 3's) cooperative campaign. If you really want to fully experience Red Alert 3, you want to jump online and play the campaign with a friend, and you're going to need a legit copy of the game to do that. So I feel on the creative side that the future for PC gaming is online and that's how we're going deal with the piracy problem."
While the PC version of RTS Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 was released on last Friday, the Xbox 360 version won't be out until November 14. A PS3 version is currently in the works but without a release date.


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Traps for sale, new traps for old....
by, 10-09-2012 at 12:06 AM (6026 Views)
A cat like me sees a lot of things sitting in odd corners. Few sentients pay attention to cats, unless we are making noise, or are trying to communicate on the move. Over the years, I have collected a number of interesting odds and ends. I once tried giving away a bunch of them, but it turned out that the operation of the various and sundry proved so complex, that it did not work out well for the poor recipient.
So I thought I would give some of them away one at a time. Drop me a line, my contact methods are listed in my profile. Give me an old tired trap, and I will give you an improved variant or a brand spanking new one in return.
Any takers?


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A record-breaking cold snap has left the remote town of Nome, Alaska, dangerously low on fuel. But the Russian tanker ship "Renda" is carrying 1.3 million gallons of gasoline and diesel through the frozen Bering Sea in a path carved by a Coast Guard icebreaker.
Yet the Renda may not make it to Nome before March, when fuel supplies in Nome, where temperatures have reached negative 40 degrees, are projected to be depleted.
According to the Times:
As of Monday, the Renda and the Healy were about 140 miles south of Nome, having made little progress from the night before. Wind, current and the brutal cold are causing complications with breaking what is known as first-year ice - the kind that forms each winter and melts in the summer as opposed to lasting year-round. As soon as the Healy breaks open a channel, ice closes in behind it, squeezing the Renda.
The Coast Guard has been among the most vocal government agencies in asking for more money and better equipment to deal with increased commercial activity in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. Admiral Ostebo said the Healy, a medium-duty icebreaker, was fully capable of making the trip to Nome but that using a heavy-duty polar icebreaker - the Coast Guard owns two: one is retired, the other under repair until at least 2014 - might have made a difference.
A New Race of Mercy to Nome, This Time Without Sled Dogs [NYTimes.com]


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The Empire
Tags: Managing Games / Battle Games / Strategy Games / Sword Fighting Games / War Games / Army Games / Horse Games / Archery Games / Medieval Games / Point and Click Games
Publisher: FreeOnlineGames.com
Video Walkthrough
The Empire is a highly strategic game. Your goal is to make sure you have a balanced army and defeat the enemy army by employing troops and using tactical manoeuvres. A strategy would be to put archers on hilltops so they can have a height advantage. Try to trick your opponents too with cavalry. Don't forget to build a cannon once in a while for good measure! Good Luck!
· Scroll The Screen = W,A,S,D Keys or Arrow Keys · Create Unit(s) = Use Mouse (click on the unit icon) · Select Unit(s) = Use Mouse (drag across the screen) · Deselect Unit(s) = Space Bar or Double Click
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Welcome to Juice Jam, the fun and colorful match-3 mobile game by the same creators of Cookie Jam!
Hop in the juice truck to make your way to dozens of colorful lands! Join Kiwi as she creates juices, satisfies sweet customers, and splatters cat bosses. Match and Flip fruit to trigger boosters and advance through hundreds of fun levels! Juice Jam is zero calories and 100% organic fun gaming! Download Juice Jam for free at the App Store or Google Play today!
Tons of juicy levels!
Brand new power-ups and ways to play!
Trek through whimsical worlds!
Defeat bosses and fulfill orders!
One of the most fun games for iPhone or Android!


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More than 30,000 photos of scientists and their work
We charge a usage fee per photo if the photo is published, reproduced in a product or publicly exhibited. This is not a license in the legal sense. As a non-profit institution, we do not make any money providing these photographs. It is only by assessing usage fees that we are able to cover the cost of providing publication quality copies of our photos, preserving the photograph collection according to archival standards, and providing access to the collection by maintaining an online image database. The copyright holder may charge a fee in addition to our service fee.
Images are for use in educational projects only and must be used in a respectful manner.


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Financial Services Executive Lee Kranefuss Joins Warburg Pincus As Executive-in-Residence
10 Dec, 2012, 07:06 GMT
- Former CEO of iShares to Identify and Evaluate Financial Services Investments
NEW YORK and LONDON, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing, today announced the appointment of Lee Kranefuss as an Executive-in-Residence (EIR). Mr. Kranefuss will work to help Warburg Pincus identify and evaluate investment opportunities in the areas of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index investing and asset management, particularly in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Mr. Kranefuss was the architect and Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of iShares, part of Barclays Global Investors (BGI), where he built the largest global ETF platform. Mr. Kranefuss oversaw the global expansion of iShares from launch in 2000 to over $600B in assets in 2010. While at BGI, Mr. Kranefuss was a member of the Executive Committee, and – in addition to running iShares - managed all of BGI's institutional indexing, money market, asset allocation, portfolio restructuring, securities lending and private equity businesses, which comprised total assets of more than $1.5 trillion. Subsequent to the acquisition of BGI by BlackRock, Mr. Kranefuss worked on post-merger integration and transition management before departing BlackRock in 2010.
Mr. Kranefuss commented, "I am pleased to join Warburg Pincus, a firm with a global track record and experience backing world-class management teams in the financial services sector. ETFs and passive investing are powerful investment tools globally, and continue to see long-term inflows. However this is a time of flux and opportunity in the ETF industry. The time is ripe to create a large-scale, global, and independent ETF provider that will provide the truly attractive and innovative product – and the support behind it – that ETF investors demand."
Cary J. Davis, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus added, "As one of the true leaders of the global ETF industry, Lee brings years of invaluable knowledge and experience and we are pleased to welcome him to Warburg Pincus as an EIR."
About Warburg Pincus
Warburg Pincus is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $30 billion in assets under management. Its active portfolio of more than 125 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 13 private equity funds that have invested more than $35 billion in over 650 companies in more than 30 countries.
Current and past financial sector investments include Arch Capital Group, Aeolus Re, DIME Bancorp, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra, Mellon Bank, National Penn Bancshares, Primerica, Renaissance Re, Sterling Financial, Santander Consumer USA, The Mutual Fund Store and Webster Financial.
The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mumbai, San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Shanghai. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com.
Media Contacts
Ed Trissel, Warburg Pincus, +1-212-878-9288, firstname.lastname@example.com
Jeffrey Smith, Warburg Pincus, +1-212-878-9205, email@example.com
Europe and United Kingdom
Sarah Gestetner, Warburg Pincus, +44-20-7306-0377, firstname.lastname@example.com
Mingxia Li, Warburg Pincus, +86-10-5923-2569, firstname.lastname@example.com
SOURCE Warburg Pincus


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Editors' note: Sounding Board is one person's take on a many-sided subject and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of U.S. Catholic, its editors, or the Claretians.
…for Vacation Bible School told me so. When school's out for the summer, the real learning begins—from the Baptists.
I grew up in the One True Church: Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, with Father Albert Henkel as my pastor. If you asked Father Henkel, all other churches were merely progressively lesser copies of the One True Church at Hinton Street and Central Avenue—beginning with Immaculate Conception about a mile and a half away, which, after all, was staffed by Paulists. The Baptists, Methodists, and other assorted Protestants were a further distance still.
Everyone who went to Holy Ghost agreed with Father Henkel that we went to the One True Church, but when summer came—despite the obvious danger to our souls— our good Catholic mothers still sent us to lesser churches for the religious equivalent of summer camp: Vacation Bible School, usually referred to simply as VBS. And it wasn't run by those zany Paulists at Immaculate Conception.
Every Protestant church in town had a VBS. My favorite was at Beaverbrook Baptist Church (best cookies and punch), but the Methodists and Presbyterians could stage a mean Bible camp themselves. And even though not a single one of them was held at a Catholic parish, I count those summer weeks as among the most important in my religious formation. In fact, I think every Catholic kid should go to VBS at least once in her life.
I will admit that my mom probably wasn't sending me to VBS for my spiritual health; it was, after all, a relatively inexpensive way to gain a summer week's worth of morning sanity, and a little extra church never hurts.
Where else could a Catholic kid learn things like the Pledge to the Christian Flag and the Pledge to the Bible? (I hadn't even known there was a Christian flag.) These were always included in the morning chapel service at Beaverbrook, along with a collection. (Southern Baptists start tithing early.)
I can hear Catholic parents objecting now: Baptists don't believe the same things as we do. My mom was well aware of that, which is why she told me every morning to say I was saved if asked (since I was when I was baptized, she said), and not to go down to the altar if they invited people to do so, which only happened once anyway.
Besides, comparing differences is a great way to learn, and if a Catholic goes to a Baptist Bible school, he's bound to experience differences. I came home almost every day with a new question for my parents, and I think they had to do a little brushing up on their own grasp of the faith to answer.
Thanks to VBS, from the time I was 7 years old I could explain to my Baptist friends that we Catholics don't worship Mary, we honor her, and that statues are just helpful reminders of the saints, not the "graven images" forbidden by the Ten Commandments.
What about the pope's funny hat? It's called a miter, I quickly learned to explain, and bishops have been wearing them for a long time. I even had a good answer for the "Are you saved?" question: "I hope so!" I used that one all the way through college, always with a smile.
To be honest, I think I learned a lot more from the Baptists than they learned from me. For one thing, no Catholic teacher of mine ever asked me to memorize a passage from scripture, but my VBS teacher at Smithwood Baptist Church expected us to learn five "memory verses" every day for a week—all really good ones, too, mostly from St. Paul.
I also had to learn the difference between major and minor Old Testament prophets (and put them all in proper order), how many books were in both Testaments (which meant I learned about our extra "Catholic" books, too), and all the letters of Paul. We got a special treat if we could name all the books of the Bible—in order. (I could.)
But I learned more than the contents of the Bible: If you know any evangelicals very well—and regardless of denomination, all these folks were garden-variety, biblical fundamentalist, born-again Christians—you know they speak very freely and easily about their "personal relationship" with Jesus. And for a Catholic kid accustomed to a more formal language for the human-divine relationship, it was an encouragement to think of God as someone who was really a part of my everyday life, someone who was interested in me individually, and who wanted me to be happy.
What's more, these Christians were happy to tell you how God was at work in their lives and were completely comfortable making up prayers all on their own.
That's not to say that there wasn't some difficulty involved. I remember getting the distinct impression that some of the teachers especially were just a little worried about my salvation, and as I got older, many of the kids wondered why I wasn't saved the way they were, which always included an intense emotional experience and often tears. At the same time, they couldn't deny that I had faith, too—especially when the Catholic boy whipped all the kids at Bible Baseball.
But even their concern for my salvation was a sign of love: They really believed they were going to heaven, and they wanted me to go there, too. They just weren't exactly sure a Catholic could pull it off. One kid, when I was in high school and not at VBS, told me that if I stood up at the Second Coming and told Jesus I wanted to be a Baptist, that would probably be OK.
Even if they weren't sure about my final destination, eternally speaking, they never made me feel unwelcome—in fact quite the opposite. One Monday of Bible school week, my teenage counselor, aware of my religious shortcomings, snuck me a dollar for the collection plate before it came around. She could see all the other kids had their dimes and nickels ready, while I was empty-handed, and she wanted to make sure I didn't feel left out or embarrassed. It was a kindness I still remember vividly 30 years later.
My summer vacations with the evangelicals kept paying dividends even when I aged out of VBS. Because I could speak their language, I always had friends across denominational boundaries, which meant that, even as many of my peers were less and less interested in church, I still had some who took their faith seriously.
Even their struggles helped me deepen my own Catholicism. Though the hard certainty of my evangelical friends was sometimes attractive, I also witnessed some of them fall apart when this or that element of their faith—their understanding of a passage of scripture, for example—got undermined by doubt.
Catholicism, on the other hand, seemed broad and flexible enough to withstand a certain amount of questioning, and I never really experienced the profound uncertainty many of my friends eventually did.
I felt this most poignantly as a camp counselor one summer (not a religious camp), when another counselor, who was Jewish, asked me to talk to one of his charges. The born-again teen, recently saved, had been sobbing for hours because his girlfriend was not, and he believed (mistakenly, it turns out) that the world was going to end around Labor Day that summer.
While I thought such a belief was completely crazy, I couldn't tell him that. I could call upon my evangelical vacations to talk sincerely about God's grace as one believer to another, to read the Bible with him for some hopeful passages, and to talk about how maybe God was at work in his girlfriend's life, guiding her in ways he wasn't able to see.
That moment summed up the gift that my mom inadvertently gave me when she sent me to VBS: an appreciation for the gifts of another brand of Christianity, an even greater appreciation of and curiosity about my own Catholic faith, and, above all, the ability to recognize a fellow disciple of Jesus, if one on a slightly different path.
So if there's a VBS in your neighborhood, go ahead, sign your kid up. You may be surprised by what she (and you) might learn.
"And the survey says…"
1. I have/would send my kids to another denomination's religious camp or program.
75% – Agree
20% – Disagree
5% – Other
2. I attended church/Sunday school/Vacation Bible School of another denomination as a child.
44% – Agree
49% – Disagree
7% – Other
3. I think children are too young to be exposed to other forms of Christian faith.
12% – Agree
79% – Disagree
9% – Other
4. I worry that born-again Christians would want to "convert" a Catholic child at VBS.
32% – Agree
55% – Disagree
13% – Other
Representative of "other":
"I would expect it but not worry about it, so I would prepare my child for the 'Have you been saved?' question."
5. Catholics can benefit spiritually from friendships with evangelical Christians.
94% – Agree
3% – Disagree
3% – Other
6. Catholic youth should participate in some program that increases their familiarity with the Bible, even if that means going to VBS at another church.
74% – Agree
17% – Disagree
9% – Other
7. Catholic parishes should start their own version of VBS.
88% – Agree
1% – Disagree
11% – Other
Representative of "other":
"I assumed that Catholics everywhere had gotten on the VBS bandwagon like they have in my neck of the woods. I've been involved with VBS in my own parish for about 10 years. At least one publisher of 'canned' VBS has a 'Catholic' version. It's pretty much the regular program with some side notes referring to the Catechism or church teaching."
This article appeared in the May 2011 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 76, No. 5, pages 23-27).
Image: Flickr photo cc by USAGYongan


text: Cats Protection used to ask for a donation – so why do you now ask for a fee? Asking for a fee rather than a donation means we can make the money we receive go further. We can do this by claiming back the VAT on the costs we incurred getting your cat ready to be rehomed. This money is used by our branches and centres to further their cat welfare work. Of course, should you feel able to make a donation on top of paying a fee it would be gratefully received and would help us claim back Gift Aid as well. All this means we can help cat after cat in the future. We know times can often be hard so thank you again for your decision to take a CP cat!


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Can it really be coincidence that Microsoft shaves $50 off the cost of a Zune the day before Apple gives another lesson in media manipulation? Nah. The Zune Insider blog announced the price cut Tuesday and said the move is "part of the normal product lifecycle, something we've had on the books for months." The cynical among us might say, "If it was on the books for months why did you wait until Apple Event Eve to announce it?"
Here's why. Microsoft knew the Apple event was coming and knew it would get fawning coverage no matter what color black T-shirt Steve Jobs wears. So how to time the Zune announcement for maximum effect? Release the news too soon and any legs the story might have get whacked by that other music player. Release too late and the announcement is lost amid cries of "are you kidding—have you seen the iPod Touch!?"
So really the best strategy is to casually let slip that it's time for another of the normal product lifecycle price cuts Microsoft is famous for—and did you notice that customer satisfaction with the 30GB Zune is around 94 percent? Then sit back and hope the media plays fair. Because if it does, every glowing piece on Apple and iPod will include a line or two about Microsoft and Zune and costs less. And while that's a long way from stealing Jobs's thunder, it's a small measure of comfort to Redmond.


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Kristen Stewart Leaving Yoga Class Pictures in LA
Kristen Stewart Unwinds With a Morning Yoga Session
Kristen Stewart arrived in skinny jeans and a knotted t-shirt for a vinyasa flow yoga class in LA today and later stepped out wearing a gray Make Believe tank and Under Armor leggings. The past two weeks have been relatively quiet for the actress since returning from a brief trip to London where Kristen hung out with On the Road costars Garrett Hedlund and Tom Sturridge. Kristen and the guys have a few more months before their American classic comes to life on the big screen, and before then she'll have her hands full promoting another highly anticipated project, Breaking Dawn Part I. We've already seen the first Breaking Dawn teaser — full of romance, a honeymoon surprise, and plenty of action — but we'll have to wait until November for Bella and Edward's big walk down the aisle. Until then the Twilight cast is working on other projects, Robert Pattinson's focusing on Cosmopolis, Taylor Lautner's prepping for the release of Abduction, and Kristen's getting into shape for her starring role in Snow White and the Huntsman.


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One of my favorite moments at Maker Faire Bay Are was getting to hang out with Super Awesome Sylvia and her entire family, including her grandparents! Turns out, they're ALL super awesome. I was sort of stunned when Sylvia asked me for my autograph. So stunned that I forgot to ask for hers. Here's the latest video that she and the family production team she press-gangs into service made. And she has a new website, too. Can't wait to see what new Mini Maker Shows she does for Make: Video next.
Playlist of Sylvia's Make: Video Mini Maker Shows.