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Self-care is one of those things that you know you need to stay on top of, but when life gets busy and overwhelming, it's the first thing to get shoved to the back of your list of priorities. However, doing so can be detrimental to your mental health. Self-care prevents the feeling that makes you want to give up entirely, as well as reduces the negative impact that stress can have on your mind and body. Plus, it's a good way to refocus, relax, and recharge. Even better, there are simple ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.
Work on Saying "No"
We have this innate urge to help others and go above and beyond even though we are stretched to the limit. However, one of the most important aspects of self-care is learning when to simply say "no" and put your needs first. Perhaps you have a lot going on at work, you're feeling drained, or you feel as though your mind is running a million miles a minute; this is the time when it's okay to say no. It could mean saying no or asking for help on a work project, turning down plans with family and friends, or turning down requests for commitments in other areas or organizations you are involved with. Keep in mind that if you've already said "yes," it's okay to reverse your answer. There's nothing wrong with canceling plans to prioritize your self-care or admitting to a co-worker or boss that after much thought, you have too much on your plate to give 100 percent at this time.
Clean Up
Cleaning may seem like more of a chore than an act of self-care, but don't write it off yet. A clean home has a long list of mental and physical health benefits, from stress reduction to reduced allergy symptoms. Little things, like less clutter and clean indoor air, have more impact on your well-being than you probably realize. So, in addition to your daily tidying, consider hiring a maid service to come deep clean once a month. Before you hire, be sure to ask a friend or use online review sites to find a trustworthy, capable service near you. You may also want to invest in an air purifier to remove toxins from the air you and your family breathe. Use an online buying guide to compare units based on type, features, and price before you buy.
Spend Time with Your Pet
Chances are, you probably already have a really good stress reliever (and four-legged therapist) living under your roof. Most dog owners understand that their pooch can help alleviate stress and anxiety like no one else, so why not take advantage of it? If you're feeling a little out of sorts and need to unwind, take some time to hang out with your dog. Not only will you feel better for it, but you'll also strengthen the bond between you and your best friend.
Go to Bed
How important can sleep really be? Sure, if you don't get enough, you feel cranky and irritable, but what's the big deal? Well, you might not realize just how hard your brain works while you are snoozing. While you sleep, your brain works overtime to sift through memories, including emotional, procedural (how to tie your shoes), and declarative memories (what you had for dinner). In addition, sleep enables your brain to perform housekeeping and flush your brain of toxins. All this has you thinking about how important sleep is, but what if you just can't drift off to sleep at night? Consider whether your mattress could be the culprit (if it's been between seven and 10 years since you've purchased a new one, it might be time to do so), as well as your curtains, bedding, and even the temperature of the room. Take a look at your habits as well. Caffeinated drinks before bed are a bad idea, as well as watching TV or playing with your phone, as the blue light tricks your brain into thinking it's time to wake up.
Get Social
As we get older, it becomes all too easy to let friends and family become distant. However, according to the New York Times, the "emotional support provided by social connections helps to reduce the damaging effects of stress." Socializing with others can also reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness, and well as improve your self-esteem and give you a support system to turn to when life gets tough. These connections give you a sense of purpose and can be helpful in all areas of your life, including personal and professional. It never hurts to have someone in your corner to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.
Work Your Body and Your Brain
When you think about the benefits of regular exercise, your mind likely goes to the physical benefits such as strength, weight management, and heart health. What you might not realize is that exercise is the key to your mental health too. Once you get moving, your brain releases feel-good endorphins, giving you a sense of happiness and alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety. The accompanying energy boost can be exactly what you need to power through the day and get more done. Sweating it out will also be helpful if you struggle to fall asleep at night, putting you in a tired, yet relaxed state.
By making self-care a priority, you are making yourself a priority, including your mental health. You might be running low on free time, but self-care doesn't require a lot. There are many overlooked ways to put yourself first, such as saying "no," getting enough sleep, socializing with others, and exercising. Once you get in the habit, it'll be as easy as breathing.


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Post office shooting: Man went after supervisor
No injuries reported
Federal investigators are trying to find out why an Albuquerque U.S. Postal Service employee brought a gun to work Monday.
The man shot the gun once at the downtown post office near Broadway and Lomas, according to police. He allegedly went after a supervisor with the firearm, but investigators said he missed.
No injuries were reported.
The man was arrested after the incident, which occurred at about 6 a.m.
Police first received the 911 call from employees in the vehicle maintenance facility. It's unclear if the suspect worked in that part of the post office or not. Police did say the shooting occurred inside a fenced off area.
The employee will face a federal charge of possessing a firearm. That comes with a fine and up to one year in jail.
The man's name has not been released.
The case has been taken over by the FBI.

subset: commoncrawl


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Happy New Year! A while back, I posted about a kale recipe that I cannot get enough of. Well, here is a great way to incorporate it into an amazing recipe that is loaded with flavor. This recipe takes some time, but is worth it and you should have leftovers. We enjoyed it on NewContinue reading "white beans with grilled kale and roasted tomatoes"
Category Archives: greens
game changing grilled kale
I cannot stress enough how much I love this stuff. Dress it up or eat it straight off the stems with your hands, oil dripping down your chin. I don't really want to eat kale any other way these days. This recipe's chewy, smoky, juiciness satisfies me at a very primal level. Plan onContinue reading "game changing grilled kale"
avocado-grapefruit smoothie
This is surprisingly good! And there are only four ingredients. The creamy, fatty consistency of the avocado cuts through the grapefruit. Basically a deconstruction of the classic avocado, grapefruit, and greens salad, I was sure that it would be delicious before I even made it. And it was. I've made this twice in two days,Continue reading "avocado-grapefruit smoothie"
papad with spinach paneer spread
Hi there! It's been quite a while. My blog presence has shifted to the art world. I am still eating, cooking and traveling and have even felt a twinge of guilt from time to time for neglecting the veggie voyager. Can't promise to post all the time….but I'll try to be better. Me (inContinue reading "papad with spinach paneer spread"
V-10 Juice: Hangover Helper?
I'd like to apologize for not being a super blogger lately. Although off to a good start, with no plans of slowing down, it is difficult for me in these last days of preparing for my next veggie voyage to cook, take notes, photograph food, etc. Or even to find time to write about myContinue reading "V-10 Juice: Hangover Helper?"
Nkatiekonto & Omotuo (Groundnut Soup & Riceballs)
groundnut soup & riceballs: veggie voyager style Here is a favorite recipe from Ghana. It is one of the more famous foods of the region, with good reason: it's delicious! Nkatiekonto is most commonly found on Sundays at chop bars (small street-side restaurants), especially in the bigger towns and cities. It is also prepared frequentlyContinue reading "Nkatiekonto & Omotuo (Groundnut Soup & Riceballs)"
Penne Rosé
The unabbreviated title of this dish might be "Vegan, Gluten & Soy Free Penne Rosé with Mushrooms, Cauliflower & Chard". For me, it is the pinnacle of comfort food. I am eating it as I write and it is deeeeelicious. About two years ago, I deduced that I am allergic to most soy products. PriorContinue reading "Penne Rosé"
Green Lemonade
While I am on the subject of 'getting your greens', here is a drink that feels and tastes like an elixir for youth and vitality. The recipe belongs to Natalia Rose, author of "The Raw Food Detox Diet". This book is a great introductory read into the whys and hows of the raw food diet.Continue reading "Green Lemonade"


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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Screw This
Forgive me my pique, Gentle Reader, but Dang! He's only a frickin' entertainer. It ain't like Ghandi or JFK died. As the title sez: screw this. I'm gonna mix up a G&T and go sit outside with a cigar, heat or no.
RIP Michael and thanks for all the great tunes.
16 comments:
It'll be wall-to-wall for days I'm sure.ReplyDelete
That said - he was an icon who changed he face of pop music. It's just so sad that he became more famous for being a caricature of himself rather than for his enormous talent.
I'm sure I'll burn in hell for this (and a list of other reasons too), but good riddance. As Kris says, he became a caricature of himself. He was a sad man who was no longer famous for his talent, but for his lack of maturity and restraint. The sad thing is that we will be bombarded with news about him for weeks.ReplyDelete
Now, Farrah Fawcett, on the other hand...we have a lost a classy lady. May she rest in peace.
When I heard about it I knew I had to come here and give you my condolences.
Not many people know you were in the dance chorus in the Thriller video. It's got to be an especially personal loss for you.
I am with you on this Buck, the reaction over this despicable humans death is unreal!! I did not like his music and if he had kept his hands off all the little boys I wouldn't care one way or the other (same with the Catholic Church) but, come on if he was NOT a pedophile he was at the very least a creep!!ReplyDelete
Now if there was a nearby gathering of fans for Farrah I would show up in a flash!!
BT: Jimmy T sends.
Oh, BTW - I am back from the UAE. Nice place, very hot there and the culture is nothing what I had in mind going into the place. If every Arab/Muslim country was like the UAE the world would be a much different place. All for the good I might add!!ReplyDelete
BT: Jimmy T sends.
Rick over Brutally Honest has a great post that I'm sure you'll agree with concerning ths topic.
Ghoulish attention paid to a ghoulish person. I wonder if the Gubmint Media is using MJ death as a smokescreen to cover the nefarious happenings at the Swamp.ReplyDelete
Put me with JimmyT, Farrah seemed like a genuinely nice person who suffered greatly.
I'll be at the Barco... alone.
I almost forgot; What will Weird Al Yancovic do now???ReplyDelete
I heard about it on the radio at work yesterday, between massages. The truly sad thing to me is, I really didn't CARE. I liked his music when I was a kid, but that's it.ReplyDelete
You have the dubious distinction of being the first blogger within the sphere of my limited attention to put up the oh-so-inevitable "Enough Already!!" post about MJ's passing.ReplyDelete
I always knew there was something I liked about ya.
My head is going to explode with this coverage....ReplyDelete
Kris: "Wall-to-wall" doesn't even come CLOSE. I was up into the wee, wee smalls and even CNBC was prattling on, in between coverage of the Euro and Asian markets.ReplyDelete
Buckskins, Jimmy, and Darryl: Agree with you all on Farrah!
Gordon: Wrong. I was in "Beat It."
Darryl: Weird Al did/does more than MJ, thank the gods.
Christina: Lex feels the same way.
Jimmy: SN1 liked the UAE a LOT. The pics he brought back a few years ago showed a pretty amazing place!
Morgan: I was well and truly pissed last evening. With SO much else happening, how can the news outlets justify TOTAL coverage? McNeil/Lehrer got it about right: five minutes.
Cynthia: I hear ya, Girl. OH, how I hear ya!
Completes the troika of long-established superstition (death comes in threes): Ed McMahon, Farrah, MJ.ReplyDelete
Toby and I turned on the news yesterday morning and watched a bit. I remarked that all the media coverage over MJ's death seemed way out of proportion and really said something about us as a country.ReplyDelete


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It was a big transition to move from horse to tractor. Here are pictures of Pete Peterson plowing in Ohop Valley first with his horses, and later with a 1920's Case tractor.
My grandfather (Louie Mettler Sr. ) used to talk about having to hook the team of horses up to the tractor at times.
Tractor Wars
During 1923 a so-called Tractor war ensued, a four-way struggle between Ford, John Deere, Case, and IHC. Ford, with a massive advantage in manufacturing capacity and distribution, had the upper hand, producing an estimated 73% of all American tractors, with Case-IHC in a far away second place at 9%, and several other companies sharing the rest of the percentages. (per Wikipedia)
Photos courtesy of Linda Lewis.
Click on images to enlarge.


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Happy Friday my friends- we made it!! It's a chilly day here in Chicago, but a sunny one so i'll take it. As you can see, my obsession with fun flirty florals continues. I'm loving this romper from Zara and how great are those earrings. Hope you're up to something fab this weekend!
romper//cold-shoulder top//feather earrings//sunnies//cutout tee


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Prague is fabulous. But its also super touristy. And super congested,, especially around its main tourist sites, such as the Old Town Square and Hradčany castle. While I loved Prague, there were definitely more than a few times when I just wanted to lose the tourist hoards and enjoy the city.
Cue Nový Svet. Nový Svet is a charming neighborhood in Prague behind Hradčany Castle. For whatever reason, Nový Svet lacks the crazy crowds in most of Prague, yet retains loads of classic European charm. We ended up in Nový Svet somewhat on a whim – I had read about a "local" coffee shop there by the same name, and Nový Svet was recommended by our tour guide in Ceský Krumlov. We ended up fitting in a stop on our past day in Prague.


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A Guide to Making Great Iced Coffee
One of the best things about summer is the abundance of iced coffee. While it?s lovely year-round, iced coffee is magically refreshing in the summer, and provides that nice kick of caffeine to boot! Sadly, if you coffee habit is anything like ours, it?s going to get pretty expensive having to buy your iced coffee from a coffee shop every day. That?s why we?ve looked into the best ways to make iced coffee at home, and we?re willing to share our secrets with you.
Brewing Style: There are 3 main ways to brew iced coffee, each having its own merits and faults.
- The Japanese Pour-Over method involves brewing pour-over coffee directly onto ice. This results in instant cooling and best preserves the true flavor of the coffee.
- Cold brewing involves brewing the coffee in cold water, and letting it steep overnight.?
- ?Diner Style?, which is coffee that?s brewed hot and then chilled in the fridge overnight.?
The Japanese Pour-Over is best if you?re drinking your coffee straight ? it has the truest coffee flavor. Unfortunately it doesn?t mix as well with dairy. The cold-brew and Diner Style methods aren?t recommended for drinking black, but mix much better with dairy and sugar. Ultimately though, it?s a matter of personal preference.
Preparation: Once you?ve perfected your brew, all you really need to do is stick it in a cup full of ice and add whatever flavoring you want. If you?re really serious though, a little extra prep goes a long way! Instead of regular ice, freeze some coffee in ice cube trays. This will keep your coffee from getting watered down as the ice melts.?
Flavor: Again, personal preference is king, but we recommend using syrups instead of straight sugar. Since this is cold coffee, sugar will take a lot more effort to dissolve evenly than syrup will. If you want to add a little extra oomph, try using a mixture of creamer/milk with a dollop of sweetened condensed milk ? Vietnamese iced coffee without the air fare!?


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REANNZ announced that its high-speed network and video conferencing services are available free to anyone affected by the Christchurch earthquake:
"KAREN Video Conferencing Service is open and free to use for anyone affected by the Christchurch earthquake. The service is operational and available for people to link to and from Christchurch from any national and international point to help and assist with the Christchurch earthquake and to assist with any meetings that need to get transferred to video conference.
For new users, the KVCS enables multiple parties to link together via a free desktop application for windows and mac computers. This can be downloaded at http://sds.karen.net.nz. The bridge can support broadband connections to enable users who may need to connect from their homes."
Well done REANNZ.
Learn more: karen.net.nz
Categories: Culture & Competency


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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 122,972 times.
If you've noticed your dog is packing on the pounds, don't be surprised. Many dogs slowly gain weight over a long period of time. While this might seem like a simple cosmetic problem, obesity, or carrying extra weight, can mean health problems for your pet including strain on the joints, heart, lungs, and shorter life expectancy. [1] X Research source To help your dog lose weight, reduce his caloric intake and increase his exercise level.
Reducing Your Dog's Caloric Intake
1Consult with a veterinarian. Before you start your dog on a diet, check with the vet. Many clinics run a dog weight loss program where your pet is weighed and you can get specific instructions about how much to feed your dog. These regular weigh-ins, firm target, and moral support can make you more likely to succeed in putting your dog on an effective diet. Your vet may recommend one of the following diets:
- High Fiber/Low-Fat Diet: These contain fiber which expand in your dog's stomach, making him feel full. The package instructions should clearly state how much to feed your dog based on a target (goal) weight.
- Metabolic diets: These are more high tech and feed the genes that improve your dog's metabolism. Increasing metabolism can make your dog burn more calories, causing him to lose weight.
2Determine how much food your dog eats a day. Pay attention to how much you're currently feeding your dog. If your dog is fed twice a day, weigh out the total amount so you know how much he's eating. However, if your dog has food constantly available, it's harder to determine how much he's eating. This makes it more difficult to know how much to cut down. If this is the case, look at the food package and see how much it advises feeding a dog at your dog's target rate.
- For most dogs, the package will advise a weight range. For example, 300 to 350 grams of food a day. You'd want to choose the lower amount of 300 grams.[2] X Research source
3Reduce the amount of food you feed. Once you've determined how much your dog needs to eat a day, reduce the amount by 5 to 10%. For example, if you are feeding 300g of kibble a day, 10% of this is 30g, so the new amount is 270g. Feed this reduced amount for one or two weeks and weigh your dog. Hopefully, he loses weight, but if he hasn't, deduct another 5 to 10% from his daily food amount. Weigh your dog again after feeding the reduced amount for another week or two.[3] X Research source
- Don't be upset or worried if the portion size looks small or your dog pesters you for food. This is a normal concern when putting a dog on a diet. If you're really unsettled, you may want to feed a prescription weight loss diet instead.
4Offer healthy treats occasionally. Since you'll be cutting back on your dog's food and increasing exercise, you'll need to offer positive encourage every so often. While you can praise your dog, you can also give him the rare treat. Just be sure to offer something healthy that will also make him feel full and satisfied. Some good options include:
- Bran or grated vegetable mixed with his food
- French or runner beans, raw
- Apples (in moderation)
- Bananas (in moderation)
5Make your dog work for food. Get your dog involved in earning his food, rather than just set it out in front of him. Buy a puzzle or activity feeder that you can fill with food. Your dog then moves shapes around or rolls balls around to get the food inside to fall out. This can make your dog more active and mentally engaged. Try to prevent boredom while your dog's on a diet. Keeping his mind occupied will prevent him from thinking about food.[4] X Research source
- Training is also a great way to keep a dog active and prevent boredom. Of course training depends heavily on rewards, so take some of his dinner kibble and set it aside for rewards or give him lots of praising.
6Monitor your dog's weight loss. Weigh your dog once every week or two so you can track any weight loss. This will also indicate whether your diet and routine are working. If he isn't losing, then you can reevaluate what you're doing. Make sure your goals are reasonable and that you're consistent with the regimen. Don't expect sudden drops in weight. Instead, look for slow and steady weight loss which is more sustainable. Smaller dogs should aim to lose no more than four ounces a week while larger dogs can aim for one pound per week.[5] X Research source
- If you have a large dog or do not have access to scales, use a tape measure. Chose a point on the dog such as his girth or his waist and measure around it. Make a note of any landmarks the tape passes over, such as a particular pattern or spot, so you place the tape in the same place each time.
Exercising Your Dog
1Create an exercise routine. While it may seem like you can simply start exercising your dog, you should make personalized exercise routine. Overweight dogs need to be gradually introduced to exercise if they were previously inactive. Jumping straight into a daily walking regimen can cause joint pain or injury instead of weight loss. Talk with your vet about what level of activity you should start your dog on.[6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
- If your dog is inactive, start by putting small amounts of his food at opposite ends of the room and make him walk back and forth to eat it. You can also play simple games like rolling a ball across the floor and asking him to fetch it. When he drops the ball, reward him with some of the kibble taken from his dinner allowance.[7] X Research source
2Introduce moderate walking. Gentle lead walks are a great way to begin exercising any unfit dog. Take your dog for a walk on his leash as far as he can comfortably walk. Make a note of how long it took him to get that far. Then, you can gradually increase the distance by adding 5 minutes to each walk once a week.
- For example, if your dog can only walk for 5 minutes in the first week, increase his walk to 10 minutes in the second week, 15 minutes in the third week, and so forth. If the walks are very short, take him out two or three times a day in order to build up stamina and fitness.
- Make sure your dog is actually walking during your outings, not just spending most of his time sniffing.
3Increase the dog's exercise level. Increasing the duration, frequency, and intensity of your dog's walking regimen will maximize weight loss and overall health. However, you probably want to add other activities to keep your dog interested in exercising. Once your dog is walking more comfortably, introduce one of the following exercises:
- Cycling: Once your dog has a good level of fitness, train your dog to run alongside your bicycle. This can be a fun way for both of you to get exercise, but ensure that your dog doesn't become a danger on the road or to you.[8] X Research source
- Swimming: Let your dog swim for short periods and gradually increase swim time. Swimming is excellent exercise for an overweight dog since it is non-weight bearing and won't strain the joints. However, make sure he wears a life vest because he may tire suddenly and there is a risk of drowning.[9] X Research source
- Playing with toys: Pick up several active dog toys. Any kind of fetch toys are great for your dog like balls, flying discs, or plush toys. Pick your favorite and throw repeatedly until your dog is worn out. If you have back problems, buy a toy retrieval product to make picking up toys easier.
4Use positive reinforcement. Be sure to praise your dog verbally and physically before, during, and after exercise. For example, you can pet your dog or rub his ears or say, "Good boy!" Being positive will make exercise more enjoyable for your dog. You want him to associate exercise with reward. Your dog will be motivated, making exercise easier.[10] X Research source
- Be patient with any exercise program. It may take a few months for your dog to meet the weight loss goals you've set for him, but it is possible if it's been organized and well thought out.
Expert Q&A
- ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets
- ↑ http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-lose-weight/
- ↑ http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-lose-weight/
- ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets
- ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/exercise-dogs
- ↑ http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-lose-weight/
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_biking_with_your_dog_safely
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_how_to_teach_your_dog_how_to_swim
About This Article
Before you put your dog on a diet, consult your vet to see if it's necessary. If it is, reduce the amount of food you give it daily by 10 percent. Then, reduce it by a further 5-10 percent after 2 weeks if your dog hasn't lost any weight. You can still give your dog treats as long as they're healthy, like runner beans or grated vegetables mixed with its food. To take your dog's mind off having less food, use a puzzle feeder to keep it mentally active while eating. Additionally, weigh your dog once a week during the diet to check progress. For tips on how to talk to your vet about your dog's diet, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"I have an overweight pugalier. She is 8, and seems like she has been gaining more now that she is older. She is spoiled when it comes to food. I need to start feeding her less and walking her more. Thanks for the info. "..." more


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Image Courtesy of Shutterstock
There's something deliciously marvelous about being distracted – it can be a fun new project, the promise of a vacation somewhere fabulous or of course that skin tingling sensation of a powerful personal connection. As someone who's pretty much always busy – I've been told my resting state vibrates somewhere comfortably around Mach 2 – the very act of being still and present can be a challenge. It's something on which I constantly focus – endeavoring to still my mind and my body to allow more creativity to flow, not to mention let myself rest. A consistent meditation practice and regular exercise definitely help.
What I've found in the last year or so, which is no surprise considering that's the time period during which I've been building The Hydrant Club, is that even when I'm solidly set in my meditation type stillness, when I allow the enormity of the to do list to get to me it's all too easy to get distracted … by anything.
Just the other day a friend called to say that he wasn't able to join me to go see a show we'd planned to see together. He felt terrible. The tickets were purchased and we'd had the plans in place for a couple of weeks. But he's in the middle of a super intense school program and just couldn't extract himself enough from the work he had to do to justify an evening out. As I listened to the piano-wire tautness of his voice, the rapid-fire staccato recitation of the things he had to get done … I saw myself. And as is so often the case when it is far easier to proffer advice than take it oneself, I found myself telling him that he should not focus on the entirety of the thing, but rather make a list, focus on the next thing on the list, get it done and then move to the next. It was that whole, how do you eat an elephant thing.
The key is that in those moments when you find your mind drifting to those things that you really have no business thinking about, that's the time to pull the list back out, refocus your attention and get down to business.
So I guess that means I should end this blog post now and get back to work…


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Schwarzenegger's Thal
I don't know if his fans from around the world do this as well. But it is not unusual for a Viennese to now and then pack a picnic, board a train or bus, or drive down to Thal, the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
That visitors want to travel to Thal is not at all surprising. Thal is a dream valley in the southern part of Styria, one of Austria's four provinces. A tiny forest village from the 10th century, Thal is breathtakingly beautiful for its picturesque lake, a 13th century castle and an 18th century church that has been recently renovated in psychedelic style.
For Schwarzenegger fans, however, none of this matters. It is enough for them that the former governor of California was born here 65 years ago. They come to Thal to walk on the same earth and in the same steps of their beloved hero who is a former Mr Universe and Mr Olympia bodybuilding champion. According to a recent poll, Schwarzenegger is Austria's most influential personality. He won 58 per cent votes beating Bruno Kreisky, the charismatic socialist head of state in post war Austria.
When Schwarzenegger's double-floor home in Thal opened as a museum last year there was a stampede despite the autumnal chill and rainfall. The visitors flock to look at Schwarzenegger's first bar bell amidst a thousand other memorabilia displayed at the museum. His metal bed from his teen years is there and also a dark wood desk from the time when he was the governor of California. Also very photographed is a bronze statue of the Hollywood actor.
When Schwarzenegger was back in Thal recently to shoot a documentary on his life, he delighted his fans by confessing that he was jailed for escaping his mandatory training in the Austrian army. He was 18 and had run away to Germany to take part in the junior Mr Europe contest. He made his young fans laugh when he said that his mother suspected him of being gay. Unlike other boys, she noticed that her son had pasted posters only of men around the walls of his room.
The documentary film, and Total Recall, an autobiography, will be released in October. On my visit to Thal, I could not help but admire the way Austria uses money, time and energy in maintaining so many museums. Keeping the past alive is to know where you come from -- this is the motto in Europe.
There are so many beautiful monuments and museums in Austria that it seems archeological sites and archives outnumber the population of about eight million people. In comparison, Indians seem disinterested in documenting the past. Whatever archives, libraries, museums and monuments we have today seem more in imitation of the western way of life than a result of our own passion. Only till a few decades ago much of our history was written by non-South Asian scholars. Are our dusty, moth-eaten, neglected collection of files and books a testimony to our indifference towards history?
Perhaps cultures that bury their dead are able to preserve their past better. Museums and monuments are a result of those who value the past and hold the previous precious. There are cultures that believe that this life holds meaning only if it is spent in preparing for another life sometime and somewhere in the future. These cultures preserve the past as a lesson taught by ancestors on how they can best prepare themselves in this life for an even more happy and prosperous life in some next life.
In South Asia, the tradition is to cremate the dead and to scatter the identity of the individual into air, water and earth. The general attitude is that the only moment that matters is here and now. What we were before our birth we do not know and where we will go after death is also unknown. Both history and matters of the future are reduced to little more than a smirk. That is why perhaps there is the Indian Standard Time reputation enjoyed by Indians around the world. There is belief in and praxis of a certain timelessness in South Asia even as many adorn watches and try to live according to the dictates of a clock.
Does that explain our lukewarm attitude towards our past, our history and the utter neglect of our archives, libraries and museums? You tell me.


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I have listed a new property at 1 Rural Address in Corman Park.
PAVEMENT TO THE DIRVEWAY of this light filled, roomy character home is in excellent condition. Set on a new basement in 1998 the home features custom cabinets in the kitchen, wood floors with borders throughout the main and upper levels, triple glaze, low maintenance windows that allow natural light to flood into the home. TREATED WATER FOR THE HOUSE with a well for outside use. Fenced and cross fenced with a mature shelter belt. 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, heated garage that can park 4 vehicles and houses the mechanical for the in-floor heat and the water storage tank. Call your real estate professional to view.


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Love is…
Love is passion, emotion. Love is a kiss, love is holding hands as you walk. Love is a caress on the shoulder when things have not gone well. Love is a gentle squeeze of the arm when it is a perfect night, sitting on a blanket, relaxing under the stars, thinking of nothing, experiencing the peace of time together.
Love is a kiss, soft as the warm summer breeze, lifting the fall of hair from off your temple. Love is the weight of the world's cares fading into the background of the cicadas, as you stare at your lover's eyes and wish you could dive into and never return. Love is temporary, but powerful. Love is the way you think about another, not only how you act, and not only how you think but how you talk. How you breathe. How you lie still.
Love is waiting. Love is caution. Love is tentative steps forward, as you wonder just what it is you've gotten yourself into. Love is hoping; praying? Demanding, begging. Pleading. Asking, and waiting for an answer.
Love is accepting that answer, even when it is not the one you want to hear. Especially when it is not the one you wanted to hear.
Love is asking again. And hearing the same answer. And asking yet again, and hearing even more of the same. Love is perseverance, faithfulness. Love is patience. As much as it is a virtue, at times it is a burden, too. Move on? Not from love. Forget about her? Never, with love. Pretend you are better off without him? Impossible once love has reared its head between you two.
Love is a dance. Occasionally you lead – you direct the path of the other. At times you follow – she knows how to navigate the paths surrounding. Most of the time, though, there is a mutual uncertainty, a parallel discovering of what might be – what was – what we wish would never be again. Most of the time, it is this trepidation, this fear, this unknown and unknowable that leads both into the maze of emotion, of feeling, of give and take, of, frankly, heartbreak.
Love is there. It is here. It is invisible and impossible to ignore at the once. It is inviolable and irrefutable and ignorant and naive and bullheaded and wistful and selfish and destructive and violent and soft, gentle, a rain on a daisy. Love is true, and false. Love is patient and impulsive. Love rushes forward, and then hits the brakes hard. Love tears down, builds up, encourages and demeans. Love is in all, and through all, and absent from the void. Love is…
Love is not. It is the great everything and the miniscule nothing. Love is? No. We are. We are. We may love, but love is not. We are. We. Us.


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US president Donald Trump has abandoned Dealz on Strand Street after criticising it for months.
It's the latest shock from POTUS, who's quit deals on climate change and Iran's nuclear programme in the past year.
It's thought the company upset him by naming itself after the title of his book "The Art of the Deal".
He's also reportedly been confused by a pound shop where everything costs more than a pound.


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Every important Facebook Insights term — popular and obscure — in one infographic, broken down into Reach and Impressions, Engagement and Fan Data.
Facebook Advertising: 6 Ways to Split Test Like a Pro [Infographic]
Have your Facebook advertising efforts failed? Chances are it's because you haven't properly split tested. Here's your split testing checklist to success.
Most Efficient Facebook Ads Target Women, India [Infographic]
I stumbled on some terrific infographics this week — so many that I had to feature three. But the winner had some terrific and surprising stats on Facebook ads.
22 Tips for New Blog Post Ideas [Infographic]
This week on Infographic Saturday, I feature a terrific graphic by CopyBlogger that highlights tips on how to come up with blog topic ideas.
The 4 Reasons Your Facebook Advertising Fails [Infographic]
Your Facebook ads didn't work? Don't tell me. Chances are good that I can guess the reason is one of these four things…


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We've released a new application for BlackBerry® 10: Camera Scanner for PDF! This handy app allows you to take a phot of anything and output it as a PDF file. Ideal when you have tho deal with paperwork like restaurant bills, rental receipts and what more. Unique about Camera Scanner for PDF is the option to protect your created PDF files with a password! No need to save those up in your wallet, scan it, convert it and save it within one application! Best of all, this app is available for FREE.
- Beautiful, intuitive user interface.
- Export to PDF.
- Protect scanned documents with a password.
Camera Scanner for PDF is compatible with BlackBerry® 10.
|Camera Scanner for PDF


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If you are not able to generate a "High Quality Print" PDF, we also accept the following software generated file formats.
The best printing results are achieved when the resolution of the images are between 150-300DPI at final print size (full size). Images submitted at higher than 300 DPI will create larger file sizes without any visible gain in print quality.
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From: George Courtenay [mailto:email@example.com] Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 1:33 PM
Cc: Neil Clark; email@example.com
Subject: Neil Clark sources
I see you have published an opinion article by Neil Clark today. That's all good to print a range of views but you may be interested that Oliver Kamm of the London Times has been investigating Mr. Clark's use of sources.
Mr.Clark doesn't say the same thing in his new article but as he's lied to other editors I'm bringing it to your attention.
G. Courtenay
Who exactly was 'George Courtenay?'
Further investigation revealed that 'George Courtenay' has been involved in disputes involving Oliver Kamm at least twice before.
In fact, the only time Mr Courtenay seems willing to enter in to any debate in cyberspace, is when Oliver Kamm is involved: I could find no trace of him commenting on any other issue. I wrote to Mr Courtenay's email address to ask if he could provide a full postal address and proof of his identity, but several months on, I'm still waiting for a reply.
'George Courtenay's' intervention was not an isolated occurence. Each time, the pattern has been the same: Kamm makes untrue and libellous allegations, which are then promptly cced, and sent to an editor, under various aliases, or even anonymously. At the same time, my wikipedia entry has been repeatedly maliciously edited by a certain 'elena zamm', who has only edited (this time favourably) two other sites: Oliver Kamm's and Anthea Bell's. Who's Anthea Bell, I hear you ask? Why she's no other than Oliver Kamm's mother.
Back in December, I wrote:
The ball is firmly in Oliver Kamm's court. I very much hope that he decides to ends this dispute exactly 365 days after it started. But if, as I unfortunately suspect, he and and his supporters decide to carry on their vendetta in 2007, they should be aware that I will use any means, within the law, to defend myself and my reputation.
Unfortunately, my suspicions have proved correct. Instead of ending his vendetta, Kamm has carried on, on several occasions repeating defamatory allegations about me on his website. Today, 'staele 64', left the following comment after a piece of mine on the Guardian Comment is Free website:
"Ericfromm4ever was exposed as a sockpuppet of Neil Clark more than a year ago. http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/neil_clark/2006/04/democracy_timothy_gartonash_st.html#comment-8628
That's a serious abuse of CIF and I'll bring it to the attention of the editors, Neil. You must remember this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Siegel
Fans of Stephen Pollard's old blog will remember when Neil called himself Green Goddess to post comments to praise himself. Funny how you vanished as soon as Pollard exposed you, Neil. "
Once again, the pattern is the same: false and libellous allegations are made, the pseudonymous commenter threatens to report me to those who employ me, and a link to a recent post by Oliver Kamm about me(in this case one written yesterday) is included.
Is Oliver Kamm the kind of man who, out of spite, would deliberately try to destroy someone's livelihood? The answer is most emphatically yes. His blogpost of 1st January 2006, with its aside about the editor of The Times and other editors who employ me was clearly designed to stop me writing again(and in the case of The Times, process provide more freelance opportunities for himself). And in this respect, it's not just me who has been the target of Kamm's malice. Here's another example of Kamm's modus operandi.
It's tempting to take the line that Kamm is a obsessive crank, "a very, very small man" (to use the words of Ernest Fuentes), who is best left ignored. But Kamm and his pseudonymous associates means real harm and this affair has already gone on for far too long.
Will I be resorting to High Court action against Kamm? Will I bring charges against him for criminal harassment? I keep both actions open. But in the meantime, the more people that know about this tawdry affair the better. And that includes Scotland Yard.


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1980's, 80's, bishop, british, carp, chris, fishing, holder, old, record, richard, school, skool, walker, yates
This was my era when I became a fanatical angler and an obsession for carp was born. It is considered that the era of the 1950's to the 1970's was the 'golden age' with the likes of Richard Walker and later on in the 70's, anglers like Rod Hutchinson were developing new tackle and technique like multiple rods and electronic alarm to make the capture of carp more intentional and less of a freak occurrence . So without shocking those out there who think I am some old fuddy-duddy stuck in the 1950's with an old wooden stick in my hand and an old tweed jacket slung over my back, here is my account of my own golden age of carp fishing that took place in the 1980's, memories of early (almost) matching carbon rods, tutti-fruitti boilies, hair-rigs and monkey climbers.
Back in 1981 when I was eleven years old I had just started to fish, mainly with the help of some hand-me-down tackle and a small how-to fishing book, the journey was slow the results were insignificant but catching small gudgeon and the occasional chub on the Sussex Ouse ignited the spark that made me become a life long angler. For me it was spectacular in a unspectacular way, modest catches but most memorable.
Around that time an un-known face to me came onto the angling scene, wearing an old Barbour Jacket, floppy hat (looking not un-like a young Ian Anderson) he was pictured in all of the angling press cradling a 51 lbs 8 oz carp, his name was Chris Yates and in his arms was a creature of unimaginable size, especially to an eleven year old boy. It was caught by means considered unconventional by early 1980's standards, using a cane rod, a knob of Plasticine and three grains of sweetcorn. In years to come Chris Yates would become one of the most influential anglers in Britain just by his use of simple back to basic techniques and of course his love of old fishing tackle.
Up until the capture of the Bishop I perceived carp fisherman to be a secretive bunch and generally shy of any publicity especially in the angling press, perhaps they feared that their exposure would reveal the waters they fished and more importantly the carp that swam in those waters. Richard Walker who was officially* the carp record holder at that time, came from the old school set of the 1950's, mystery men with access to private pools like Redmire, these carp and waters were too far away from reality to a teenager like myself living in Mid Sussex in the 80's.
On various bicycle reconnoissance trips to lakes around Sussex I came across the odd lone angler, normally dressed in camouflage and more often than not lying low between small breaks in the reeds or hidden behind large expanses of Himalayan Balsam. They stood apart from everyday anglers, their kit was different, no keep-nets, no seat boxes to perch on and normally two matching rods, on one occasion I saw three! If approached they would give you a look that made you feel un-comfartable…these fishermen wanted to be alone, nine times out of ten I did just that, but I was intrigued by them, their tackle and their quarry.
Around the same time Pete Mohans' Cypry the Carp was serialised in the Anglers Mail. He told a tale of a young lad called Andy who grew up in search of a particular carp called Cypry, reading this at the back of the classroom during double chemistry on a Wednesday morning is still a very vivid memory of my teenage years and fired my desire even further to pursue and catch a carp, at this point it seemed a far off goal, no commercials to get on the specimen carp ladder, just old farm ponds to seek out and fish or take an even bigger step and financial investment…join a local club.
It was hard finding waters that held carp that I could fish so I finally decided to join the Haywards Heath & District Angling Society the local club to where I was living. At the same time I also had access to a little pond that lay in an old ladies garden in Horsted Keynes through a school friend of mine, Mark (one of the Horsted Lads). He had managed to get permission to fish it whenever we wanted including at night and I knew that he had already caught some carp from this little half-acre pond but I now had concerns about my kit not being up to the huge battle one had heard about in double chemistry or read about in the Anglers Mail. At that time my basic kit consisted of a Shakespeare Strike match rod and an Intrepid Black Prince reel, both horrible bits of kit. So with a little nagging, a paper round and an early birthday present I became the owner of a Marco 10′ fibreglass carp rod and a Mitchell 3330z reel, the Mitchell 300A or the Abu Cardinal 55 was the carp fisherman's reel of choice but they were out of my financial reach for now.
One of the first ponds I started to fish in the guise of a 'specimen hunter' was a HHDAS water set just outside of a village called Ansty. It was a good forty minutes bike ride which when laden down with fishing gear was quite a trek but soon became a regular haunt as I could see evidence of carp cruising up one end of the pond by a reed bed. After a few visits I finally hooked my first carp a strong fighting 2 lb beauty, elated but committed to catching a bigger one I continued to fish for carp over the summer of 1982 through to 1983. While catching these smaller carp I noticed that as I was leaving at dusk the bigger residents would arrive, unfortunately I had to leave and under-go my forty minute bike ride before darkness set in. I had to fish a night session, it was time to put the finishing touches to my specimen hunters kit so that I could do a night on the pond.
Night fishing introduced two problems, bite indication and staying warm and dry. The first problem was solved by attaching a swing tip to my carp rod with a Starlight taped to the end making sure that the swing tip didn't enter the water or the tape would un-ravel and the Starlight would drift away causing panic and a potential fish-less night. The second problem was solved by using my fathers old World War II army pup tent which had the added advantage of being open all along the length for more milder nights and allowing easy access to the rods. With a few added extras like a camping stove and an Army surplus jacket I was feeling pretty much like a 'proper' specimen hunter rather than a run-of-the-mill 'pleasure' angler.
Next time the monkey climber years and my first 'double'…
* Richard Walker was the British Carp record holder from 1952 to 1995 when Roddy Porter caught a 53lb 15oz specimen . Chris Yates 51 lb 8 oz carp was never recognised as an official British record although most specimen groups including NASA did recognise Chris Yates record carp.


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The following is an excerpt from John Wesley's sermon, The Repentance of Believers. In this season of Lent, where so many are focusing on practices to take on and to give up, this word from Wesley is a stark reminder that even attending to the "means of grace", as important as that can be, will ultimately yield nothing by way of increased love or holiness of heart and life unless the Lord alone gives the increase. Take special note of the repetition in paragraph #19, where Wesley challenges any who believe different to experiment over and over again with this to see if they discover anything to the contrary.
As has often been noted, Wesley clearly shared John Calvin's theology in at least one respect: total depravity. Human beings are utterly helpless to do anything to change, transform, or grow in holiness on their own. Such transformation is only because of God's gift of grace – period.
For the full text of this sermon, click here.
17. A conviction of their utter helplessness is yet another branch of this repentance. I mean hereby two things: first, that they are no more able now of themselves to think one good thought, to form one good desire, to speak one good word, or do one good work, than before they were justified; that they have still no kind or degree of strength of their own; no power either to do good, or resist evil; no ability to conquer or even withstand the world, the devil, or their own evil nature. They can, it is certain, do all these things; but it is not by their own strength. They have power to overcome all these enemies; for "sin hath no more dominion over them;" but it is not from nature, either in whole or in part; it is the mere gift of God: nor is it given all at once, as if they had a stock laid up for many years; but from moment to moment.
18. By this helplessness I mean, Secondly, an absolute inability to deliver ourselves from that guiltiness or desert of punishment whereof we are still conscious; yea, and an inability to remove, by all the grace we have (to say nothing of our natural powers,) either the pride, self-will, love of the world, anger, and general proneness to depart from God, which we experimentally know to remain in the heart, even of them that are regenerate; or the evil which, in spite of all our endeavours, cleaves to all our words and actions. Add to this, an utter inability wholly to avoid uncharitable, and, much more, unprofitable, conversation: and an inability to avoid sins of omission, or to supply the numberless defects we are convinced of; especially the want of love, and other right tempers both to God and man.
19. If any man is not satisfied of this, if any believes that whoever is justified is able to remove these sins out of his heart and life, let him make the experiment. Let him try whether, by the grace he has already received, he can expel pride, self-will, or inbred sin in general. Let him try whether he can cleanse his words and actions from all mixture of evil; whether he can avoid all uncharitable and unprofitable conversation, with all sins of omission; and, lastly, whether he can supply the numberless defects which he still finds in himself. Let him not be discouraged by one or two experiments, but repeat the trial again and again; and the longer he tries, the more deeply will he be convinced of his utter helplessness in all these respects.


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They Love It As Much As I Do
And, I love watching it through their eyes.
And, I love watching it through their eyes.
Posted by Sarah
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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Category: Jack, Max, Memories, Motherhood
My kids loved that one too - and so do I!ReplyDelete
Admission time...I've never seen the movie in its entirety - and my kids haven't seen it at all. I will put this on our must-view list - LOL!
So glad the boys enjoyed one of your favs along with you!!!
"when you're with a sweep your in glad company"
Now that will be stuck in my head for the night.
The girls just watched that a few weekends ago when it was on TV. Anna's comment to me was, "That was a GOOD Mommy and Daddy movie" (i.e. anything other than a cartoon). So what is your favorite part? Mine is when they tidy up the nursery - of course!ReplyDelete
One of my favorite movies - and my girls like it too. :)ReplyDelete
i love this more as an adult than as a child. landon loved this movie. we may have to watch it again -very soon!ReplyDelete
Um...I haven't seen the whole thing!! All I remember is the spoonful of sugar part. I may need to rent this for my kids (and me!!) I hope I like it as much as you.ReplyDelete
Funny, we just rented that from the library last week. I was hesitant because it wasn't a cartoon, and the beginning is a little slow, but Kyra loved it!! On to Wizard of OZ.ReplyDelete
Oh, this was my favorite movie growing up. I was in PM kindergarten, so when my big sister got up in the morning for second grade, I would watch Mary Poppins every morning, then go to school in the afternoon. :)
Happy Thursday! I tagged you today! :-DReplyDelete
Oh, that's SUCH a good movie. I'd never watched the whole thing until I had kids. We've just discovered ET and Annie. *Big Sigh* When did they grow up?ReplyDelete
One of my favorites.ReplyDelete
Oldie but definitely goodie! We love that one. Also, Music Man and Sound of Music. I know they are long and have a slow part or two, but the music is what always drew Jules in. Glad your boys liked it!ReplyDelete
definitely one of my favorites. i actually saw this for the first time in a theater - i know, i'm showing my age.
unfortunately, i had my kids watch it when they were a little too old and they didn't like it. the older they get, the more action they want. i'm glad your boys enjoyed it.
It is a good one; one of our favorites too!ReplyDelete
I LOVE Mary Poppins!! One of my all time favorites for sure. My little one is really loving it right now, too. He watched it at least twice last week!ReplyDelete


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5 Foolproof Ways To Reverse Holiday Weight Gain
With all the seasonal pressure coming up, indulging on good food may be a difficult temptation to avoid. And although the holiday season may not be the best time to lose weight, these 5 steps could easily help you maintain your current weight or even end up weighing less without the stress.
Flush away bloat
Some of the weight we gain throughout the holiday season is just because we feel bloated.
By staying hydrated, you can easily flush some of the extra sodium and bloat from the body, and avoid getting false hunger cues.
Incorporate fresh plants to your meal
Start your day with veggies and eggs, have a salad at lunch, or at least eat one vegetable for dinner.
Incorporating veggies throughout the day is really important, as it'll keep you full and satiated. Vegetables are high in fiber and very low in calories!
Focus on complex carbs
Stay away from items that have low nutritional value like cookies, cakes, bagels, baked goods, cereals, syrups, and soda. Instead, focus on brown foods like whole wheat, farro, quinoa, and brown rice.
Keep your drinks "clean"
All those festive holiday coffee drinks and cocktails contain a lot of sugar! Cutting alcohol is also a great way to reduce calories.
Snack smarter
Snacking throughout the day can help keep your energy up, and your blood sugar levels steady. However, skip the processed and packaged snacks as these have a lot of sugar, salt, and additives.
Plan snacks ahead of time and choose fresh or dried fruits, cheese, raw vegetables, nuts or nut butter, hard-boiled eggs, whole grain crackers, and hummus.
For more tips on reversing holiday weight gain, speak to our slimming experts on 04 343 7987.
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To come in for a consultation, feel free to get in touch!


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Maker's Mark celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, and the distillery is about to undergo a $70 million dollar expansion that will increase capacity by 50% to meet future demands, along with changes to make it easier for distillery workers and thousands of visitors to get around the complex. Maker's Mark President Rob Samuels explains the project and plans for marking the anniversary on this week's WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, there are more distillery projects planned in Scotland, details on the third Orphan Barrel Bourbon, and a new Scotch whisky from The Last Drop. We'll also answer a listener question about the history of Speyside distilleries, and this week's tasting notes include the new 25th Anniversary edition of Booker's Bourbon.
Links: Maker's Mark | Speyburn | George Dickel | Classic Malts | Arran | Last Drop Distillers | Domain Name Journal | Whisky.com | D&M Liquors Lombard Springbank


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Interesting article by the WSJ for your perusal:
Diversity Delusions at North Carolina: Like Harvard, the school has trouble defending an admissions policy that ill-serves minority students.
By Heather Mac Donald
Harvard isn't the only university defending its discriminatory admissions policies in court. Its nonprofit adversary, Students for Fair Admissions, filed a similar complaint against the University of North Carolina in 2014. UNC's initial defense, submitted last month, is a case study in the willful ignorance underlying the racial-preference regime in higher education. Above all, schools like Harvard and UNC have deliberately ignored the negative effects of preferences on their supposed beneficiaries.
UNC told the court it needs to employ racial double standards in admissions because "certain classes, fields, or areas of campus" lack black and Hispanic students. Though UNC didn't elaborate, the subjects deficient in underrepresented minorities undoubtedly include science, technology, engineering and math—the so-called STEM fields.
UNC has it backward: Racial preferences aren't the solution to black and Hispanic underrepresentation in STEM, they are a cause of it. Admitting students with academic qualifications significantly below those of their peers puts them at a disadvantage, whatever their race. Students who are catapulted by preferences into schools for which they are academically mismatched struggle to keep up in classrooms where the teaching is pitched above their level of preparation. Studies have shown that African-American and Hispanic freshmen in preference-practicing schools who intend to major in STEM switch into softer majors at a high rate once they realize their fellow students are much better prepared to do the work. Had those students enrolled in schools that matched their level of preparation, they would be more likely to graduate with a STEM degree.
One part of the UNC administrative brain dimly perceives the pernicious effect of preferences on academic success. A UNC Retention Task Force convened to address low minority graduation rates concluded that outcomes "differed significantly by level of academic preparation at the time of entry to Carolina." Yet the only solution UNC's bureaucrats can think of to the underrepresentation of blacks and Hispanics in STEM is to double down on a counterproductive policy.
Given the size of the school's racial preferences, that strategy is guaranteed to continue failing. The average African-American admitted to UNC has combined SAT scores 200 points (on a 1,600-point scale) below those of the average admitted Asian-American student—over a standard deviation of difference. Students for Fair Admissions retained Duke economist Peter Arcidiacono to analyze UNC's admissions data. An in-state Asian-American male applicant whose test scores and grade-point average give him only a 25% chance of admission would have a 90% chance of admission if he were black, according to Mr. Arcidiacono. An out-of-state Asian male applicant with a 25% chance of admission would see his odds rise to 99% if he were black.
Paternalism animates such lowered expectations. One UNC admissions officer quoted in Students for Fair Admissions' preliminary motion recommended: "If its [sic] brown and above a 1300 [SAT] put them in for [the] merit [scholarship]." Another functionary explained her decision to admit an applicant with an extremely low ACT score as a way to "give these brown babies a shot at these merit $$." A third admissions officer expressed disappointment that an applicant with perfect test scores was Asian and not "Brown."
Preferences are the cause of two other problems that UNC claims requires preferences to solve. Minority students report "feelings of isolation and unfair pressure to represent their race or ethnicity," the school tells the court. The university asserts it needs to continue using preferences to overcome those feelings. But the Supreme Court's rationale for racial preferences in Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) is precisely that minority students will represent their race or ethnicity to white students by providing what Justice Sandra Day O'Connor called a "critical mass" that would produce "educational benefits . . . including cross-racial understanding and the breaking down of racial stereotypes."
It's an unfair burden to place on minority students, but one can't embrace the logic of "diversity" admissions and repudiate its consequences. As for feelings of isolation, the self-segregation of black and Hispanic students on virtually every selective campus across the country is a response to the academic handicap imposed on them by different admission standards. Ironically, when diversity is engineered through lowered admission standards, any stereotypes that students may have about the academic capacities of various racial groups are confirmed, not refuted.
Racial preferences may not help their alleged beneficiaries, but they are an unequivocal boon to the diversity bureaucracy. The greater the academic struggle and alienation on the part of preference beneficiaries, the greater the purported need for an ever-expanding diversity infrastructure to fight "microaggressions" and "implicit bias."
Either the Harvard or UNC case, or both, is likely to reach the Supreme Court. The justices should finally seize the opportunity to discard their incoherent "diversity" jurisprudence and replace it with a recognition that preferences are not just discriminatory, they undermine their stated goals.
Ms. Mac Donald is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of "The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture."


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Fleeing suspect crashes into building after high-speed chase in Thibodaux
A man crashed into a building in an attempt to evade police in a high-speed chase in Thibodaux, police said.
Trales Lewis, 26, of Donaldsonville, was arrested on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer, hit-and-run and a warrant from Ascension Parish.
Police said that at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday, officers approached a silver Nissan Altima that was in a local park after closing.
Lewis sped away as officers were approaching the vehicle and nearly struck one of the police vehicles as Lewis sped away down a one-way street, police said.
"Officers pursued the fleeing vehicle, with Lewis travelling in excess of 75 mph on East 7thStreet," authorities said in a news release. "The Nissan that Lewis was driving crashed into a building on the corner of West 7th and Canal Blvd. Lewis then fled on foot, and a female passenger, Sharonta Thomas, fled on foot as well."
Thomas was taken into custody near the scene. Lewis was located shortly after the crash, police said.
Thomas, who police said complained of injury, was taken to a hospital after she was issued a citation for resisting an officer.
During the investigation, officers found a stolen handgun that Lewis threw out of the window as the vehicle pursuit began, investigators said.
Lewis is being held at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on an $82,000 bond.


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I've been on retreat, "an act of moving back or withdrawing," or "a place of privacy or safety." Retreating, or creating an actual retreat in the midst of every day life, is a powerful way to get creative priorities back in line. Or back to the beginning of the line.
When I left the Coalition almost two years ago, I'd imagined a life with writing as the organizing force, the central focus of what I had to do. Everything else would fit in around it. That has been so totally not true. Valuing writing, valuing spending time expressing my creative impulses whether or not that expression ever leads to publication, or praise, or whatever it is that might make it somehow count, is still unexpectedly difficult.
But at least I'm spending more time with other writers who all struggle to some extent with the difficulty of getting to the desk and getting words on paper. I have lots of sympathy for my constant battle to push back the dailiness which can easily fill a life — grocery shopping, cooking, gardening, hanging photos and paintings up in the kitchen and hallway we had painted a year ago, visiting friends and family, training for the next tri, answering email, cleaning the old running shoes out of the bottom of my closet, a task I'd thought would be done within a week of leaving my job — and put my writing first. "Writing is my job," a novelist I met last summer told me. "It comes first, every day, then I get to the other things that need attention." Good for her, but how do I do that?
Last week a group of my writer friends and I went on a writing retreat. One of the women has a sister with a second home in Manchester, Vermont, who was happy to have us use it as a writing base. After an afternoon and morning of more concentration on writing than I thought I could possibly muster, I said to one of my friends, "This is such a good reminder that going away to write, making space for that, getting to a place where all I have to do is write, really makes a difference for me." "It makes a difference for all of us," she said. "That's why so many writers do it."
Of course. I keep thinking there isn't any reason I can't just sit down at my desk for four hours, or three hours, or five hours, or even 15 minutes, every single day. But really, there are literally hundreds of reasons to keep me from doing that, every single day.
Sitting in a screened gazebo on a deck overlooking pastures sweeping down to the Battenkill River and up the Equinox Mt. ridge, I spent hours and hours last week, working on poetry. I woke early the first morning we were there, after an afternoon of writing, and had to get out of bed and get to work. I couldn't wait to get to my poems.
Now I've been home a week and I've still been writing at least a bit every day, some days quite a lot. Retreating at home is harder, but not impossible. And one thing I fit in this week was making plans for the next actual retreat.


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So sadly, today we pulled the plug on the KickStarter campaign that we'd been working so hard for the past year to create. Though it was a hell of a ride to get that point, it is kind of sad to see it go. But, not all is a loss as the experiences we gained through this will stick with me forever and hopefully open up a few doors in the future.
With that said, I'd just like to say thank you to all the supporters of the project and those who wanted to see it succeed as much as we did. Maybe in the future something will come of this but for now, we'll put it on the shelf of interesting items and see how we can refine the theory into something people will crave!


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Whether you're searching for seasonal dishes, vegetarian recipes or connoisseur classics, our information to recipes has you lined from breakfast via dessert (and lots in between). And in case you really feel like cooking and eating out, you may just have tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't throw your broth away that you just cooked your chicken in as a result of we will use this to cook dinner the rice. I shared the recipe on my weblog, with a hyperlink to your weblog, along some pictures I took.
Whether or not it's rapidly getting ready proteins in a slow cooker or getting dinner on the desk in underneath 30 minutes, these dishes are certain to please any taco-loving crowd. Dates could be eaten contemporary, barely sun-dried (whereas still on the tree), semidry (often deglet Noors) and completely dry (bread identified so far).
Before my grandmother died, she gave a few of her most treasured recipes to my mom who eventually shared them with my older sister and I. Hahahaha, i have been so tempted earlier than to check out recipes from mystery novels… like joanna fluke's. Put together one for a delicious family lunch or tasty dinner for associates gathering.
Now, if I may simply find a recipe for crunchy peanut butter cookies, he'd be in heaven. I've a new recipe that is a little bigger amount however I find it works effectively and it is simple to remember: 3 cups flour, 6 eggs, drizzle of oil.
Till I can discover a recipe that has been proven to yield each scrumptious and yet wholesome cookies, it stays as a problem, and requires some cautious balancing act (I can't help for the pun!) to decide on the proper snacks for my rising up child. Beneath is the favorite recipe of my household, but you possibly can serve your loved ones likes and dislikes that winds its conventional recipe.


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Completely Subjective: Anne Carson's "Wildly Constant"
Anne Carson was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1950. She lived in Montreal for several years and now teaches ancient Greek for a living. Carson has written books like "Glass", "Irony", "God", "Men in the off hours (Knopf, 2010), and "The Beauty of the Husband" . She has a great career of teaching at McGill University, University of Michigan and Princeton University. "Wildly Constant" was written in the town of Stykkisholmur in Iceland, at an installation called "The Library of Water", built by Roni Horn.
I think the poem reflects on the woman's, that could be Anne Carson's inner thoughts during a marriage. It seems almost like she is reflecting on whether or not she should stay in this possible broken marriage. She talks about how they are not happy monogamous. Which means having a relationship with only one person. Then they are suddenly happy "duagomous", which i guess means having an affair. The symbol "egg" is used in the poem. She describes it as something opposite of incompetence. The intense incompetence she feels the most when she is in Stykkisholmur. That makes me think that the "eggs" is the idea of "something better". The poem ends with the women waking up her husband, asking him to make her some eggs. So I guess she is trying to go back to the way it used to be, "monogamous", but try to make it better.
Anne Carson's writing is not just interesting because of the complex way she writes, but also because I can relate quite personally to the poem. I have chosen to focus on parts of the poem where I can relate most of my life experiences and still be able to understand the poem as a whole.
The woman in the poem moved to Stykkisholmur, this is a town in Iceland and considering i'm from Norway, both being a part of Scandinavia, it was extremely easy to connect this poem with certain aspects of my life. Trying to find connections within poems can sometimes be hard, but because I have such a connection towards Scandinavia, a poem about Iceland actually made it a bit easier to read.
Although the location was part of the reason I was able to comprehend and relate to this poem, it was not the only reason, quite frankly, not the most important one either
Marriage is a central theme throughout poem, it is extremely personal to me because recently over the summer I witnessed my father getting married to his new wife. Wildly Constant reflects on the spirit of marriage. Something I haven't experienced myself, but having had a close connection with a broken marriage for quite some time allowed this poem to trigger my heart, therefore, creating a better understanding of the poem overall.


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Far South Egans Wilderness
In the Far South Egans Wilderness
The 36,384 acres of the Far South Egans Wilderness tend to be wild and extremely rugged with sheer rock cliffs rising above deep-cut canyons. The west side of the mountain range features multicolored strata running through a series of rugged limestone cliffs. Below Shingle Pass, those cliffs rise to as much as 4,500' above the valleys below.
The east side of the Egan Range is less rugged and sports a lot of dense pinon/juniper forest with the occasional Ponderosa pine thrown in. On the western side is a mix of Ponderosa and bristlecone pine. There are also a few hidden caves and shelters in these mountains. This is excellent habitat for elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lion and various raptors such as red-tailed hawks and golden eagles.
On the west side of the Far South Egans Wilderness is Whipple Cave, a limestone-solution cave with about 1,000' of explored passages. Getting into the cave requires a 70' technical descent but once you're in, you'll find some great draperies, rimstone dams and a 30-foot-tall column.
A historic element in the Far South Egans Wilderness is the rehabilitated area around a former logging operation in Sawmill Canyon. This area is an excellent example of how a wilderness area can reclaim itself from the depradations of humans over time. On the other hand, this area of the Egan Range probably had many more Ponderosa pines before that logging operation began. Access to the Far South Egans Wilderness is via State Highway 318, about 50 miles south of Ely near the settlement of Sunnyside.
The Egan Range
Far South Egans Wilderness map
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Soursop or Graviola originated from the Amazon Rainforest; a small tree grows up to 15 feet (5 meter) and is much sought because of her delicious fruit. However, the Graviola bark, leaves, roots and fruits are also being used for centuries as traditional medicine in South America.
There is constant cancer research regarding this plant and the specific phytochemicals (annona – like acetoginins) which seem to have found anti – cancerous and anti – viral properties.
We deliver a mix of the Annona Muricata (ordinary or cultivated) and the Annona Montana (boszuurzak) (rainforest soursop).
You can prepare the tea by making 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in a mug or cup adding boiling hot water (203 degrees F) and let set for 5-10 minutes.


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Story by
Carrie Cousins
Carrie Cousins is a design contributor at UXPin, where she coauthored the free ebook Web Design Trends 2015-2016. She has over a decade of e Carrie Cousins is a design contributor at UXPin, where she coauthored the free ebook Web Design Trends 2015-2016. She has over a decade of experience in the media industry, including web design, editing, and writing for print and online publications.
If you have been remotely listening to the Web design conversation in the past five years, one phrase keeps coming up – responsive Web design. By now, you are probably designing every one of your site outlines with a responsive framework.
But some of the talk is shifting to adaptive Web design. The conversation has been out there for a little while, but Google and Apple have really helped bring it back to the forefront. Is adaptive a concept we really need to think about when designing for the modern user?
What is Adaptive UI?
The discussion starts with a primer on adaptive Web design, or AWD. Like responsive design, adaptive is rooted in trying to create a better user experience across a number of different devices.
Photo credit: Lufthansa
While responsive design is often one design that has slight variances from device to device – for an overall universal look and feel – adaptive design is a little different. With adaptive design the "magic" is in that the device and device-specific features are detected and a website is served to the user based on that information. The result is a website custom-made for the user's device, but it can sometimes result in a less consistent cross-device experience than with responsive design.
An adaptive UI is not always something you can actually see. And as we've said in the free e-book Interaction Design Best Practices, the best interfaces are where the users doesn't feel the hand of the designer.
Much of the difference between the responsive and adaptive design occurs in how an adaptive website works. That's not to say it can't – or won't – look different, but it does not always have to.
How is Adaptive Different than Responsive?
While the ideas behind adaptive and responsive design are similar, they are not the same thing. Much of what's different is in the HTML and CSS, and how that information is served to users.
Photo credit: Engineers Without Borders
Garrett Goodman of The Huffington Post might have the simplest explanation:
"Responsive design is client-side, meaning the whole page is delivered to the device browser (the client), and the browser then changes how the page appears in relation to the dimensions of the browser window.
"Adaptive design is server-side, meaning before the page is even delivered, the server (where the site is hosted) detects the attributes of the device, and loads a version of the site that is optimized for its dimensions and native features."
So the difference is who does the heavy-lifting. For adaptive, it's the server working hard to deliver an optimized page. For responsive, it's the device who's beholden to media queries.
Photo credit: unifi
There are other differences between AWD and RWD as well. The amount of information downloaded on the user end is different, making adaptive websites a little quicker to load. In the build itself, adaptive design uses multiple templates for a "single website" whereas responsive design uses a flexible framework with a single template. Some designers argue that adaptive sites are easier to build because they can be based on an existing site.
The pros and cons for either have a lot to do with the individual design and development team.
But it all boils down to: What's best for your users?
That's a question that's best answered with plenty of research on the front end of the design build.
Weighing the Benefits of AWD
Users of adaptive design cite a handful of distinct benefits for using this type of design outline. (And their arguments make a lot of sense.)
Photo credit: Spire
- Better performance: Because of the way the website is served, it renders faster and more efficiently for users.
- Increased flexibility: You can make changes where they are needed in the code without impacting the entire site. So if a button does not work for iOS users, you can make that adjustment without potentially breaking something that does work for an Android user.
- It makes you think about content strategy: Because your website is actually designed specifically for different devices, you can design functionality in great detail. How do you want something to work? How do you want users to engage with your website? You can make it happen in a way that is unique to the user and device with an almost personalized experience.
Design Thinking With Adaptive
Changing your website design strategy from one where you build responsive websites to adaptive websites requires changes in the way you think about the design process. You really are building multiple versions of a site.
Photo credit: Google Ideas
While the design method is fairly unique to the designer, Google's Material Design documentation has a good breakdown of how to think about the adaptive process and create a website in that manner.
Photo credit: Google Material Design
From Google:
"This adaptive UI guidance includes a flexible grid that ensures consistency across layouts, breakpoint details about how content reflows on different screens, and a description of how an app can scale from small to extra-large screens."
- Breakpoints: Layouts should work at the following widths 480, 600, 840, 960, 1,280, 1,440 and 1,600 pixels. Knowing these widths allows you to quickly prototype for various devices, using tools such as UXPin.
- Grid: A 12-column framework is preferred with consistent margin and gutter widths that align to a baseline grid. Grids can be full-width or centered.
- Surface behaviors: The UI should adapt based on screen size in specific ways – visibility, width and descriptions – and Google offers details for each of these adaptations.
- Patterns: User action behaviors and patterns – reveal, transform, divide, reflow and expand – are based on screen size. To see today's most popular and effective mobile patterns, check out the free e-book Mobile UI Design Patterns.
When it comes down to the actual design, you'll need a few new sets of rules.
This includes a set of templates for different devices. (At a minimum this includes three templates – desktop, tablet and mobile.) You'll also need a set of guidelines for how you plan to use breakpoints and grids and what adaptations will occur at what points. Finally, comes the discussion about how much difference between device designs is acceptable. Ask yourself: are you OK with a website having multiple aesthetic outlines?
Should You Use Adaptive Design?
So it all comes back down to the big question: Should you use adaptive design?
If you are looking for a universal solution, you are not going to be happy with this answer. The type of design interface you choose really depends on the needs of the project and the users that you serve.
Photo credit: Mission Impossible
There are some instances where a more clear solution can arise. Consider using adaptive design if:
- Device-specific experiences are a necessity.
- You can actually create different experiences for each of these devices.
- You can handle and maintain adaptive templates and resources.
- Your user base is accessing your information on a lot of different devices (if analytics show 70 percent of users are on a single device, an adaptive UI might not be worth your time).
It really comes down to one thing in the end. Are you using adaptive UI to create a better experience for users or because you want to try something different? Always create common and desired experiences that users want to be a part of.
For more advice on designing the best web experiences, check out the free e-book Web UI Design Best Practices. Across 109 pages, you'll find 33 design teardowns of top companies so you can learn from the best examples.
Read Next: Why micro-interactions are the secret to great design
Image credit: Shutterstock
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If you're a woman who appreciates finely crafted clothes, contemporary design and quality materials, it's time you visit Virgule, an impeccably curated designer boutique in Claremont. Owner Marinda Lakhnati has a penchant for edgy design and European taste. CTE.com chats to her about her covetable clothing store.
When did Virgule start and what inspired it?
Virgule is a dream realised. It was an idea, then a dream and today a reality. We opened at the end of April 2014. I was born with a passion for design, and having lived in the heart of Europe I admired the stylish culture of the Europeans. The way they dress effortlessly, with an individual style that is a way of life. There was an enormous choice of designer products across the board, with a choice of quality, craftsmanship and styles. Returning to South Africa, I was tempted to start something and utilise my experiences, so I decided to live, work and play my passion.
What is the style you hope to achieve?
At Virgule we have created a universe that reflects l'Esprit du Temps – an ever changing present. Women should dress from their feet up and have a refreshing access to worldly fashion, so we have created a stage where anything can happen and where your heart and senses take the leading role.
I will strive to take them through a refreshing experience by providing them with globally and responsibly sourced high-end designer footwear and coup de Coeur accessories – while never departing from functional essence.
How do you curate your shoes/products?
I will be working with a renewed base of carefully researched and selected niche and edgy upcoming designers. Virgule is a playful space with charismatic and unique combinations of goods for the multi-faceted shopper, who is looking for an unforgettable shopping experience. Fashion, art and design mirror where we culturally are or where we are going. One has to feel the mood and respond. We need to be in context. And this is part of what drives the search for products.
What makes this boutique unique?
The brief was to create a retail space that can change constantly to ensure it remains interesting. It had to be original, honest and unorthodox – think out of the box and create a space with attitude! The materials used will oxidise and change colour over time. This all fits with the philosophy of Virgule.
The concept allows change to the store configuration, but also re-using the entire space by presenting a visual arts gallery, a space for a photo-shoot or a Virgule dinner. Last but not least, the space is not in a large shopping mall, but it stands alone and has an identity, something fresh in the heart of concrete.
Do you have a favourite item?
I have an eclectic mix of designer handbags, shoes and jewellery. A recently acquired pair of black Dior pumps with an amazing heel – that comes to mind.
Where 14 Cavendish Street, Claremont
Trading hours Monday to Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm
Contact +27 21 671 1423, www.virgule.co.za
Photography Kendall-Leigh Nash/HSMimages.co.za