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Losing weight is among the most common goals of people when it comes to correcting their madness about ailments and complications.
Obviously, when you accumulate too much weight, which includes excess fat and calories, you will also be suffering from complications due to the inhibition of normal functions of your body.
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However, the right option for your weight loss is certainly difficult to select. Due to this, you are now looking for another option that will give you the right diet solution.
If you want a good solution to try out, you can then consider HCG drops. The drops are among the most effective solutions considered to be helpful in keeping the dieters' plan maintained.
In order to give you a good solution to try, you can consider NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution.
Here are few of the product reviews:
- NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution Overview
This is among the best solutions for dieters who want to lose weight using a single ingredient. The formula of the product is available in a liquid form, which is made up of HCG hormone.
You can assure that with the drops, you will be able to replace the HCG hormones in your body with the support of your low calorie diet. As a result, you will definitely have weight loss in no time.
- The Best Support Possible
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- The Formula of NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution
NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution will give you a full spectrum of human chorionic gonadotropin amino acid, which is relatively free from hormones and is approved by GMP or the Good Manufacturing Practices.
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- The Features of NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution
NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution will give you the weight loss you need by having increases in fat burning and suppression of appetite.
Furthermore, this product is more convenient than taking the supplements for weight loss. This solution will give you the protection against starvation mode, which results in the normal process of metabolism in your body.
The above reviews of NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution will give you the real reason to try out what HCG drops can give you.
This will help you understand that with NiGen Biotech The HCG Solution, you will have the weight loss you have been aiming for.


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Kelley has been at Belle Meade Animal Hospital since 1999. Her special interests in veterinary medicine include surgery and dentistry, and she is one of our head surgery technicians.
She lives nearby with her husband James, their two dogs W. and Yogi, and their cat Landry. In her free time, she enjoys singing, traditional bow hunting, gardening, and watching NFL games. She is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan!
I have been a registered veterinary technician since 1977 and an employee at Chagrin Valley Veterinary Clinic for 30 years.
I enjoy hiking with my dog, horseback riding, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Kathy Manning has worked at BMAH since 2007. Her special interests in veterinary medicine are surgery, clinical pathology and parasitology.She has three grown children (Katherine, Charles and Robert), and four grandchildren (Georgia, Annabel, Benjamin and Caroline).
She lives nearby with her five cats (Old Hickory, Rachel, Jackson, Matthew and Tater). In her spare time, Kathy enjoys hiking, wildflower photography, counted cross stitch, antiquing and cheering on the Florida Gators and the Ole Miss Rebels.
Vikki has been at Belle Meade Animal Hospital since 1997. She enjoys helping owners take better care of their pets, and also enjoys counseling owners through both the happy and stressful times. She lives nearby with her husband Jeff, and has two grown children, Brittany and Nick.
Vikki and Jeff live with their 3 dogs, Magnolia Petals, Dilly, and Frankie Joe Dirt, their orange tabby cat Muay Thai, their turtle Daniel, their gerbil Dean, and many tanks full of fish. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, gardening, and cooking.
Connie joined the Belle Meade Animal Hospital team as a receptionist in the spring of 2011. She has one daughter, and one granddaughter who is 6 years old. She lives with her 15 year old dog Aries, and her 5 cats, Chloe, Sadie, Smudge, Grizz, and Ruth Ann.
In her spare time, she enjoys taking care of her animals, and playing with her granddaughter.
Amanda Crouch, has worked at Belle Meade Animal Hospital since 2000. She has taken over the responsibility of stocking and keeping track of the many medications and supplies that we have in our hospital.
She lives with her husband Josh and their two Dachshunds Bosco and Pauli, but her orange tabby The General rules the house! In her spare time, she enjoys beer and wine tasting, gardening and watching UT and Titans football games.
Ally has been in Nashville for the past four years while attending MTSU to obtain a degree in Agribusiness. She likes to spend her free time at the barn with her horse Thunder and her dog Miller.
She enjoys trail riding with Thunder and going on long hikes with Miller. Her long term goal is to work with animals while continuing her support for animal rescues.
Chelsea lives in Kingston Springs with her husband, Jamison. She has two children, Lilly and Gage. She has six cats (Apollo, Wednesday, Han Solo, Shiner, Peaches and Mittens), four dogs (Belle, Freyja, River, and Storm) and several reptiles and a chinchilla.
She has worked in photography and landscaping. She is a Certified Fitness Instructor. Chelsea volunteered at the Memphis Zoo for seven years and helped her grandparents with their horses (they raised Appaloosas). She has always had a strong passion and interest for animals of all sorts. She enjoys journaling, gardening, reading a variety of books, caring for animals, being outdoors and in nature, fishing, cheering on the Denver Broncos and off roading in their Jeep.
Jenny is a native to Nashville who has worked in the pet industry for 14 years. She is a busy mom of two active boys, Hugo and Vincent and a rowdy Chihuahua, Senora Speedy Gonzales.
In her free time, she enjoys the beauty of nature and attending arts and cultural events which inspires her passion for photography.
Lauren is a recent resident of Nashville from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU with a biology degree in hopes to attend veterinary school. She loves Nashville because there are such a large variety of things to do.
One of her favorite activities is going to the park with her dog Charlie. They love hiking on the trails where Charlie can enjoy a dip in the river after a long walk. Charlie is the best thing that has come into Lauren's life and a huge reason she decided to peruse veterinary medicine. Her experience in Nashville has been wonderful so far, and she can't wait to see what the future has in store for her!
Sam started at BMAH seasonally in 2011 while she was a student, but began working full time in 2016 after obtaining her veterinary technician license. She graduated from Murray State University with a B. S. in Agriculture with an area in Veterinary Technology. Her interests include nursing care of patients and anesthesia.
Sam was born and raised in Nashville. She has one dog named Cricket and one cat named O'Malley. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her family and friends and go on walks with Cricket.
Lauren started working part-time at Belle Meade Animal Hospital back in October, 2016. Originally from Kingsport, TN, she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Dietetics. She moved to Nashville last fall to work on her Masters in Exercise and Nutrition Science at Lipscomb University. She has a yellow lab named Allie and a cat named Mariah back home and loves being around the animals here at BMAH. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, being outdoors, and hanging out with friends.
Becky is a 24 year old animal lover who lives in Dickson, TN with her 2 dogs, Keyla and Kova. She loves all animals but her passion for dogs is what drove her to work with animals. She grew up on a farm in Louisiana with her parents, 4 older sisters, and many different types of animals. Her hobbies outside of work include, loving on her fur babies, being outdoors, listening to live music, photography, and spending time with her big family. Her goal is to become a certified vet tech and continue learning all she can about veterinary medicine!
Coming soon!
Marlena started at BMAH in 2017. She graduated Columbia state community college and has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2013. Her interests are ophthalmology and critical care. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outside with her many pets, including chickens!
McCall recently moved to Nashville from Colorado where she worked on a guest ranch as a kid's horseback riding trail guide. She is originally from Georgia, and graduated from The University of Mississippi in 2017. She has a Siberian Husky named Flo and a horse named Powell. In her free time she enjoys hiking with Flo, hanging out with friends, and horseback riding.
Shannon joined BMAH this summer and is absolutely loving it! She is a Nashville native and Franklin High School graduate. Shannon has spent most of her life on her toes - literally! She studied and danced with Centennial Youth Ballet and Nashville Ballet. When she's not dancing she enjoys performing in local theatre productions, spending special time with her baby nephew, Jackson, and loving on her two sweet kitties, Ace and Ally.

subset: commoncrawl


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top conservative lawyers here in Washington are optimistic that President Bush will nominate a solid conservative judge with a track record, and accept the fight this will bring. The name I hear most is Samuel Alito of the Third Circuit.
If Bush wants to pick a solid conservative whose confirmation fight will be less bloody, along the lines of John Roberts, his options are quite limited. Ted Olson's name is being mentioned, and he fits that description, I think. His only drawback is his age, 65.


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In the slums of Port Harcourt, the troops are out on the streets.
Dozens were killed and many more wounded, most of them bystanders caught in the crossfire.
The authorities claim the poor areas of the city are havens for the gangs in Rivers state that not only run criminal rackets and carry out many kidnappings, but have also been used by local politicians as hired muscle to rig elections.
Patrick Naagbanton, a journalist and activist who monitors the gang scene, believes the gangs persist because they are linked to some of the most powerful people in the state.
"They were created by politicians and in every election these guys are always used by the politicians.
"And after the elections (in April) the politicians did not settle them well. So there was this resurgence in violence."
The response, amid growing pressure from the central government, was to send in the army.
"We do not want a situation where we withdraw today, and tomorrow lawless elements come on major streets and unleash terror on innocent members of the public," insists Maj Sagir Musa, a spokesman for the army's Joint Task Force in Port Harcourt.
Business blow
Many in Port Harcourt seem to welcome their presence.
But some say the solution is superficial and only temporary.
"They can stop them for now, but they cannot do much. They need to uproot it," says one young woman who works in a Port Harcourt office.
"I think the problem is the police system, because the police force is not working in this country. The kidnappers are always there, but they don't want to curtail them, they don't want to arrest or investigate or look for these people. That's why things have gotten so out of control."
Demolition plan
Still more controversial are the plans to demolish more than 20 poor areas of the city, home to at least 100,000 people, built next to the creeks and rivers which surround Port Harcourt.
The authorities said the waterfronts were havens for criminals, and needed radical redevelopment.
"My store is here, my husband's store is here, our house is here. Where does he (the government) want us to go?
"Most of us have just paid our rent and now he wants to destroy the place. What hope do we have?"
Building promise
Glory rejects the official argument that the waterfront areas were a haven for gangsters.
"This community is a decent place. The militants are not from here, they have nothing to do with us - we have nothing to do with them. "
The waterfront areas of Port Harcourt are poor, lacking in basic amenities. Many who live there reclaimed the land from the river themselves.
Marine Base is crowded, the houses are closely packed together along sandy alleys, and there is a lot of refuse. But here at least the houses here are made of concrete, with corrugated tin roofs, and the people don't want to move.
"The governor is talking about development. I wonder what kind of development he is talking about," says local resident Ebenezar Gibson.
"Displacing us from our place here, to another place as development, I don't know. This is our land. "
"They should work with the community leaders to fish out the bad boys."
The government says it will build at least 6,000 houses to rehouse the residents before its starts any demolitions.
Clean sweep
"The silent majority of the people there want a change, not the vocal minority," says Okwu-Worlu Chidiebere, the Rivers State Commissioner for Housing, in his office in a tower block that overlooks the busy city streets.
"The issue is about giving them a better living condition."
Residents are sceptical. A few years ago, the previous state government cleared other waterfront areas - citing the same reasons - but many residents were not compensated, and the land was often sold off to friends of the administration or left empty.
"When you do not have a roof over your head, no sense of belonging, no sense of society, you become an element that is out there to be recruited as a gangster. And if you move more of this population out, you will be creating more havoc in this society. "
Many in Port Harcourt believe that the problem of gangs needs a solution from central government more radical than big guns or bulldozers.
"It needs to be a clean sweep," said one local mechanic.
"They should get rid of the current administration, clean things up, then hand power back."
Patrick Naagbanton also believes military involvement is no solution to the crisis.
"We are talking about the whole emerging gang and gun culture and its very difficult to eliminate it - because the politicians are still patronising them, the drug business is still there, the oil bunkering (smuggling) business is still there.
"And all this is helping the emergence of the gangs who are fighting for control and supremacy and recognition by the government of the day."
What are these?
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


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Discussions abound on this topic, but this is not a good fork to trail. The next ting we know, we'll be coding for screen readers and when someone goes to print the page, they'll be getting all kinds of errors. Let the screen readers take care of themselves. Johnnie Apple Seed ----- Original Message ----- From: "Janet Russeau" <firstname.lastname@example.com> To: <email@example.com> Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 8:29 AM Subject: Re: Copywriting for Screenreaders (was Alt text for URL's) At 04:57 AM 2/14/2005, you wrote: >snip... >So I was wondering if anybody has written or come across any "Copywriting >guidelines for screeenreaders"? If not, I'd really like to know any other >copywriting tips/recommendations people have. e.g. Making sure alt text >has full stops (periods) at the end of each sentence. > >Something like that could be really useful, especially for the vast legion >of web developers out there who don't have access to their own copy of >JAWS/Window Eyes. > >Andy ...snip I would also be interested in a similar resource. I have worked as a technical writer/editor for printed projects in the past and found the many resources priceless. It sure would be helpful to have something for web projects, although I would really like to have a significant amount of the information come from individuals that actually use screenreaders and other alternative browsing devices. My boss is willing to purchase copies of JAWS and Window Eyes for me, but since I am a sighted user and don't know enough about each product, I wouldn't have a clue where to begin setting up options or using it like someone with a vision impairment. Just thought I'd throw my $0.02 into the mix. Thanks, Janet RusseauReceived on Monday, 14 February 2005 13:41:29 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 13 October 2015 16:21:31 UTC


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Opposite of legitimate word list. Here are a variety of words whose meaning is nearly the opposite of legitimate.
- illegitimate
Hope the above listing of antonyms for legitimate is useful. This page may interest people looking for the opposite of legitimate and legitimate opposite.Popular phrases for this post include, opposite of legitimate, legitimate opposite, what is the opposite of legitimate, The opposite meaning in legitimate, opposite word of legitimate, The opposite of legitimate, legitimate antonym.


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As threatened, here is the second part of my E.J. Kahn-like series on squash at The New Yorker. At this point, it's customary for the clued-in writer to make some snide remarks about Kahn's over-long series on grain as emblematic of the decline of the William Shawn-era magazine. I won't be making those remarks 1. because Kahn's son Joe is a friend of mine and 2. because Kahn was a squash player.
Yes! Squash writer James Zug jokingly lumps Kahn, a fixture at Boston's Harvard Club who doubtless swung a racket with club pro "Mo" Khan, in with the subcontinental Khans:
"Although Kahn never wrote about the game for the magazine like Herbert Warren Wind, he did mention squash a couple of times in his famously dishy memoir About The New Yorker & Me: A Sentimental Journey (G.P. Putnam, 1979). Kahn talked about playing doubles with John McPhee at a court in New Jersey (either Princeton or Sea Bright?). He said that McPhee, the great nonfiction writer, had a solid game, straightforward and first-rate.'"
When I issued my previous, calling-all-points entry on The New Yorker squash ladder of the early 1980s, Mark Singer helpfully replied:
"When I moved to NY, a friend of mine who happened to be gay (and who sold a short story to The New Yorker when he was still an undergraduate) and I used to play occasionally at the Yale Club. We kept score, barely sweated, and scored about as many aerobic points as we hit memorable shots.
"Then one day we went to the gallery to watch some other players and realized that they were actually playing squash—with marvelous speed, agility, etc.—a bonafide sport. Whatever we had been occupied with—dinking around with our racquets and those far-less-lively-than-a- handball balls—was decidedly not squash. At which point I more or less quit. I did have a running one-wall racquetball rivalry with Bud Trillin—we played in a park on St. Luke's Place, in the West Village—and he explained to me that what I'd been playing at the Yale Club was a game called 'poofter squash.' He's quite an accomplished cultural anthropologist.
"Micro-scoop: Gardner Botsford, the coolest guy ever to work at the magazine, used to play regularly with the cartoonist and writer James Stevenson (maybe the second coolest). At Botsford's memorial service at the Century Club a few years ago, Stevenson's wonderfully funny remarks were largely about squash. Subsequently Janet Malcolm, Botsford's widow, gave him Gardner's racquet."
"I'm touching it at this very moment," Stevenson said to me, speaking from his kitchen in Cos Cob, Connecticut, where the racket hangs next to another improbable souvenir—a pair of tap shoes. (Don't ask.) "It's an old-fashioned wooden racket, a Donnay in the shape of a crushed circle."
So what did he say at Botsford's funeral? "I didn't really talk so much as try to convey what it was like to play him in squash," Stevenson said. "It was a sort of performance imitating his style, how he would hit the ball and what his attitude was. I just acted it out with a little narration."
I had heard that Botsford was quite the gentleman. And on the squash court? Stevenson laughed. "I don't think so!" he replied. "He was kind of wild. He pretended to be very excited about winning a point, but actually he didn't give a damn. He would try some impossible shots by careful twisting of his racket and if he did manage to pull one off, he would practically fling his racket in glee. He was wonderfully exuberant and a great guy."
Because I belong to the empty-the-wastebasket school of blogging—is there another school I should know about?—I'll end with my attempt to identify current New Yorker writers who play squash. What Ken Auletta would call "an unimpeachable source" assured me that Nick Paumgarten and Tad Friend both play. But when my lissome, modishly dressed, Princeton-educated fact-checker reached them, well …
"I'm more of a tennis geek," Paumgarten wrote in an e-mail. "I played squash a little growing up, during that craze, but I was, like, 11. Now I play maybe once a year and suffer for it. I have tennis strokes that do me little good and a big gallumphing stride. You're reminding me, by the way, that I miss doing what I did last year during the US Open, and that is write a US Open tennis blog. I know Tad Friend plays squash a lot."
Friend does play squash, but not with Paumgarten. "There seems to be a bigger golf constituency [ugh] at the magazine these days" than squash," he writes. "There's no ladder here that I'm aware of, and no legendary friendly/vicious rivalries, either."


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We are delighted to welcome Crossflags BMW as our first ever corporate partner. The deal is a welcome addition to the club.
Each month there will be various competitions and members promotions through our newsletter.
There will also be a various members events where a member can drive off in the latest BMW car (for the weekend!) so keep your eye's peeled!
Watch out for various corporate activities throughout the year.
Finally, If you are in the market for a new motor or anything car related give Grant and his team a call and mention you are a member at Dumfries & County Golf Club for some preferential treatment!
click here to visit Crossflags website


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Today is Ben's first birthday! We had the family over for a barbecue and even though it rained most of the day, it was a good time. As we had cake, I showed this video of Ben growing up. Now you can see it. But you can't have cake.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
New Play Cole Animation!
The videos are back on figures.com! With Hellboy II: the Golden Army premiering July 11, I thought it would be a good time to see more Hellboy. So I made this.
Here's "A Day in the Life of Hellboy":
Here's "A Day in the Life of Hellboy":
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New NewsGroper article!
Newsgroper treats me better than any other website. I wrote this piece and they had it up in an hour.
Read what Arnold Schwarzennegar thinks of Salman Rushdie's Knighthood
Read what Arnold Schwarzennegar thinks of Salman Rushdie's Knighthood
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Roland Micro Cube
I've got a week in North Carolina with my family coming up. Renee suggested I bring my guitar for my own mental health. Last time we did this trip, I brought a Martin 12string and it didn't work out too well. So this year I'm taking my new strat and a Roland Micro Cube.
The Micro Cube has everything. It's about seven pounds and eight inches high with a 5" speaker. It's quiet enough for the bedroom and loud enough for the studio. It can even run on batteries so you can take it outside.
But what really makes it shine are the sounds. Thanks to expanding digital technology, this tiny amp can sound like ANYTHING. There are six settings; acoustic, JC 120, Fender Twin, VOX, Marshall and MESA/Boogie. Each are convincing and rich. Chorus, phaser, flanger, tremelo, reverb and digital delay are all on board. And with a headphone jack and an mp3 player input, you can sit right inside the song while shutting the world out.
I first saw one of these a few years ago in Guitar Center. I wanted to get one for the living room but Renee wouldn't let me. Now that I have a better reason (and $125), I picked one up.
When I was growing up there were two types of practice amps; plastic Marshall and Fenders, which sounded terrible and the Pignose which was too clean and too loud. Guitar technology has come a long way. Even though I'll never give up my 50 watt tube Marshall, the Micro Cube can get me close to that sound outside of my office. It might even keep me sane in North Carolina.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The 25 Worst Sitcoms Ever
Carlin personified great comedy. Even though his sitcom only ran 25 episodes, he'd never make this list.
Check it out.
Can't argue with any of it. Especially number 1.
Check it out.
Can't argue with any of it. Especially number 1.
Monday, June 23, 2008
George Carlin
George Carlin has passed away at the age of 71.
I'm stunned. I've seen Carlin once at the Museum of Television and Radio in a Q&A session but never saw him perform. Now I won't get the chance. He toured constantly (his last performance was only a week ago) and part of me just figured he'd live forever.
Saying Carlin is an influence on me is like saying the Beatles are an influence on a musician. My parents told me never to watch him but by the time I got to high school, I snuck in an HBO special and was hooked. From then on, I grabbed up every record I could find and was always there when a new special premiered. My first six months on stage, whenever I was stuck I would think, "What would Carlin do?"
I doubt we'll ever see a more consummate stand-up comedian. He was so good at it he was never successful at anything else. He did movies, tv, books but they never had the impact of his stage persona. I don't think a week goes by where we don't talk about him. Even though I've never met the man face to face, I feel like a friend is gone.
Leave a comment if you loved George Carlin.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ben Week 50 & 51
Thursday, June 19, 2008
NewsGroper Again!
Twice in one week. They must like me or something.
Here's Bill O'Reilly talking about the severed foot found in Canada.
Here's Bill O'Reilly talking about the severed foot found in Canada.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Now that is a rock n' roll band.
In my late twenties, when I climbed out of poverty, I made a list of all the bands I'd always wanted to see. Last night, my list was complete. After much futzing to find a babysitter, Renee and I went to MSG to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Petty songs are so deceptively simple, humble and personal that you forget how big he is. But the stadium was full well before he went on. Steve Winwood opened and alternately thrilled the audience with hits and bored them with new stuff. Once Petty hit the stage, the crowd was jubilant. It was the warmest feeling I'd ever gotten at a rock show.
It's odd to see a solid band with a leader. Most solo artists have session guys behind them who never sound like a unit. And a great band has no clear frontman. The Heartbreakers have both. They may be billed behind Tom but he is in there, always ready to become just the rhythm guitarist in the combo. And they gave as good as they got. It seemed to be a good show even for the band. Petty thanked the crowd profusely for every applause break and called MSG "the best room in the world for rock".
And the set list! You love these songs. You love at least thirty of these songs. I haven't been to a show with that much singing since Springsteen. The songs were eclectic but centered on Petty's high-water mark, from 1989's Full Moon Fever to 1994's Wildflowers. Not many artists peak in their third decade but the broad ages of the crowd proved just how long Petty has been vital.
It took me 20 years but I finally saw all the bands I needed to see live. I guess I should start thinking about who I want to see twice. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers just made that list.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Stan Winston
Stan Winston has passed away at the age of 62.
Stan's work with special effects has left an indelible mark on the history of film. From Terminator to Predator to Jurassic Park to Edward Scissorhands, most of what still rings in our imagination came from Winston. He will be missed.
Monday, June 16, 2008
I'm Back on NewsGroper!
You've read my thoughts on Frank Darabont's script. You've heard Frank's. But you haven't heard Mr. T's.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Darabont Talks About His Indy Script
Here's a few words from the man himself:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods
I admit "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is getting mixed reviews. And most of the criticism is leveled at David Koepp's script. If you'd been keeping up with the development of the film you know that Frank Darabont wrote a script that Speilberg called "the best since Raiders."
Steven loved it, Harrison loved it, George hated it. Which proves how good it is. Koepp's script feels like a comprimise and it shows in the final film. I was hoping to see Darabont's script someday, maybe adapted as a Dark Horse comic or synopsized in an article.
But now I don't have to. Because it's online as a pdf. I doubt it will be up for long so if you want to see what might have been, go here.
UPDATE: Just finished it. It reads like a first draft of Crystal Skull. Many of the big set pieces are there and one huge plane chase that didn't make it. The sci-fi angle is just as strong, if not stronger. References to the other movies, Casablanca and Hitchcock are rampant. And no Mutt.
It's a stronger story in terms of the Indy/ Marion relationship. There's a love triangle that helps push the story along and Marion really feels like she did in "Raiders". And the Yuri character is stronger than Mac. But it's missing the elderly Indy feeling, the son relationship, the traps and the bombast of Crystal Skull. Overall, it's smarter but not as much fun. I'm actually glad we got the movie we got.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bush Impeached?
Dennis Kucinich just introduced a resolution to impeach Bush. I'm surprised it took this long. I've often said that if we could impeach Clinton for getting a blow job, Bush should have been executed long ago.
Doesn't look like it will pass though. Bush only has six months left to serve and Nacy Pelosi said she won't support an impeachment. Besides, it's Kucinich. Not exactly a voice that inspires millions to follow.
By the way, Cheney has two resolutions to impeach him.
Doesn't look like it will pass though. Bush only has six months left to serve and Nacy Pelosi said she won't support an impeachment. Besides, it's Kucinich. Not exactly a voice that inspires millions to follow.
By the way, Cheney has two resolutions to impeach him.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Superman V. Darkseid
I'm still sick and watching "Smallville". Superman's never been my favorite superhero but you have to respect him for coming first. Here's what I consider his shining moment; fighting Darkseid in the final episode of Justice League Unlimited. If you don't know who Darkseid is, just watch him beat up Batman in 15 seconds.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Ben Week 49
Ben and Renee went to Chicago last week. They came back sick and now I'm sick. So Ben and I are both in the house sick during a heat wave. We're both cranky. And not posting very much.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
I'm On NewsGroper!
NewsGroper read my last piece on Yankee Pot Roast and asked if I would write something for them. I did. No byline on this but I can tell you it's me.
Read "Five Reasons Why William Shatner Is Better Than Sliced Bread".
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Obama Clinches It
I haven't talked much about politics lately, but I'm pretty happy Obama got the nomination. Hilary still hasn't given up but now she's saying she'll take a VP slot. And for once, I agree with Jimmy Carter.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
A Joke I Can Use For the Next 10 Days
Harvey Korman died this week. The cast of "The Carol Burnett Show" gathered to say a few words, but they just kept cracking each other up.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Star Wars review at figures.com!
While I was waiting for Indiana Jones to hit, I picked up some of the new Star Wars figures. This set is from Revenge of the Sith, the prequel that's almost good.
Read the review.
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Arrival - January 22 - Avalanche, ship, 1,160 tons, Thomas Bishop, from
London, with 260 immigrants.
Departure - January 23 -Avalanche, fine iron clipper ship, for Wellington.
The ship 'Avalanche,' Captain Bishop, made the offing early yesterday morning, dropping anchor in the roadstead about 7 o'clock. This is the first immigrant ship that has visited the port for nearly twenty years, and the event is one of great importance to the Province. No sooner was the vessel signalled, than active preparations were made for landing the passengers. The Health Officer (Dr. O'Carroll) and Mr. Hulke, the Immigration Agent, went on board, and having inspected the immigrants, the single women were placed in the boats and brought ashore first, after which the remainder of the passengers were landed as fast as the boats could pass to and from the ship. By the time the first cargo boat reached the shore, a large number of persons had assembled on the beach, which had a lively appearance throughout the day. The passengers together with their luggage were landed carefully and expeditiously, and Messrs. Boswell & Co. deserve every credit for the manner they carried out the work.
The 'Avalanche' was built under the immediate superintendence of Captain Bishop, in the well known yards of Messrs. Alexander Hall & Co., of Aberdeen. Her length is 215 feet; beam, 30 feet, with a depth of hold, 21 feet; net tonnage, 1,100 tons, but she will carry nearly 2,500 tons, her registered measurement being 1,210 tons. She is an iron ship of the highest class; her. lower masts are tubular iron, being made out of boiler plate ; her fore and main yards and lower fore and main topsail yards are also iron. She is calculated to carry 350 adult immigrants. She has nine patent ventilators through her decks, besides hatchways and side lights. She is fitted according to " Lloyd's" specification in every respect and has on board a steam winch and steam windlass for weighing the anchors. She was built expressly to the order of Messrs. Shaw, Saville, & Co., and intended for the New Zealand trade.
The 'Avalanche' was christened by Mrs. Bishop, the captain's wife; and the name was suggested by Mr. Temple, of the Alpine Club, one of the partners of the firm of Shaw, Saville, and Co. She was launched on the 29th August last. Her saloons are admirably fitted; the side cabins are fitted with standing berths, under which are placed drawers for passengers, and all the conveniences which tend to mitigate the dreariness of a sea voyage. The walls are lined with polished bird's-eye maple, inlaid with teak ; the ceilings are pure white, with gold mouldings. The captain's cabin is very spacious, and furnished with polished walnut fittings. The chief saloon has no mast .running through it, and is very spacious. The side hand-rails are teak (polished), with electro-plated mounts. The partitions, &c, are all polished bird's-eye maple, inlaid with teak. At the entrance is a curved sideboard, of white marble; around which runs a handsome brass railing. A large looking-glass, surmounted by a clock, runs the length of this, and forms a handsome ornament to the saloon, which is well lighted' by a clerestory skylight, glazed with bent ornamental matted glass. The ceiling is painted pure white, and ornamented with gilt mouldings. On each side of the various passages leading to the cabins, arc small brackets gilt, picked out with blue and vermillion. The seats are provided with reversible backs padded, with velvet covers and carved ends. The general effect on entering the cabin, is that it is very light and cheerful, and the fittings resemble those of a yacht, more than of a trader. Evidently, Messrs. Shaw, Saville, and Co. have an eye to preserving their laurels, and prevent them being w rested from them by the New Zealand Shipping Company. Her decks are spacious; there are four deck-houses for the men, besides accommodation for twenty-seven more in the forecastle Adjoining the deck-houses is a well-arranged galley and cook-house; and next this the donkey engine, for working the steam winch and windlass. Between decks , she has seven feet of head-room ; and, although lumbered with the passengers' luggage, &c, appeared very spacious. The department for the single women is divided off, and inaccessible except from the poop, behind the saloon. No intermingling of the passengers has been allowed during the passage. The married people occupied the middle of the 'tween decks; while the single men were forward, and during the passage were not allowed further aft than the mainmast, and could communicate with the other ends of the vessel by signal only. In every respect she may be looked upon as a model for emigrant ships. The passengers, nem. con., express themselves very well pleased with the treatment received on board — with the one exception of being on short allowance of food, the scale not being sufficiently large to meet the demands of a healthy, sea appetite.
The 'Avalanche' has on board a silver cup for the Wellington Regatta, presented by Messrs. Shaw, Saville, & Co.
From the log we take the following extracts — "The 'Avalanche' left Gravesend on the 22nd October, 1874, and lost sight of the Lizard Point, on the 27th October ; sighted San Antonio, one of the Cape de Verd Islands on the 13th November; crossed the live on the 25th, thirty-four days after leaving Gravesend, but made too ninch westing, and got becalmed off the Brazilian Coast while crossing the S.E. trades. Sighted the Croizettes, Hog Island, and the Twelve Apostles commenced running eastwards about the 17th December. From this date to the 1 7 January, both days inclusive she made 7,636 nautical miles,-her quickest days work having been 300 miles, whilst her daily average during this time was 13½ knots an hour; for thirty-two days she averaged 238½ miles daily. During the voyage only two vessels were spoken, both bound for Melbourne,—the 'Benvovrick' and the 'Romanouff' (the family name of the Duchess of Edinburgh). This latter ship was built alongside the 'Avalanche' and was launched the day previous, and sailed from Gravesend two days after the 'Avalanche,' and was spoken on the 5th January, 1875, in longitude 46 °S. and 87ºE. latitude. The first land sighted was Mount Egmont on the 21st instant, and anchored yesterday morning in the roadstead. On the whole she has had a very fair passage. At first she experienced head winds and calms, afterwards very fine, when she commenced her easting."
She brings 258 immigrants on this trip, equal to 320 souls and 8 cabin passengers. She carries on 59 immigrants to Wellington, including the crew she had 371 souls on board. She has room for 30 first-class cabin passengers. Three births have taken place during the voyage, and five deaths. This is her first trip, and Captain Bishop reports that owing to light winds he has not had a fair opportunity of trying what the ship could do, and had he not been becalmed would have made the passage in less than 80 days.
Captain Bishop (formerly of the 'Wild Duck' and 'Haloione') expressed very
great surprise at the easiness with which though anchorage was approached, and
still more at the rapid despatch with which the emigrants were landed. He says
the roadstead, hag been very much traduced, and he would not hesitate to bring a much larger vessel into
the roadstead. He thought Captain Holford was only chaffing him when he said the
' Avalanche' would be able to sail for Wellington the same night, but there is
the fact accomplished; he has come in, landed his passengers, and sailed — all
within twelve hours. The following testimonial was presented to Captain Bishop
and Dr. Doyle, previous to the passengers leaving the vessel : —
Ship 'Avalanche,' January 22, 1875.
To Messrs. Bishop and Doyle, —
Gentlemen, — We the emigrants on hoard the 'Avalanche,' at the termination of our voyage of ninety-one days fifteen hours' duration, feel called on to express the high opinion we entertain of your professional skill, and to thank you for the courtesy and kindness you manifested iv your daily intercourse with us.
The captain (Mr. Bishop) has always shown himself most watchful of our welfare, and in the discharge of his onerous duties has displayed such firmness tempered with kindness as to win the ready cooperation of all on board, and to make us feel we were under the guidance of a perfectly competent seaman and gentleman.
Of the surgeon (Mr. Doyle) we can say he was most affable and courteous, whilst he always displayed the greatest anxiety and watchfulness not only over his patients, but also over all the passengers. He was ever ready, day and night, to hear our complaints and to minister to our wants ; and the absence of any serious or infectious disease, is, in a great measure, due to his attention and skill. To both gentlemen we tender our heartfelt gratitude for having landed us in safety, after such a long and perilous journey.
We cannot let this opportunity pass without bearing witness to the great professional skill and untiring exertions displayed by the first and second officers (Messrs. Bolin and Woods), and to thank them also for the courtesy and kindness they showed to make us feel contented and happy. We trust in our separation that all will carry away with them grateful remembrances of the days spent on hoard the 'Avalanche,' and that the shortcomings of any offender may be forgotten, so that a bitter thought may not arise out of the voyage. To carry out this wish, if any have misbehaved or offended, we strongly recommend them not only to lenity but to mercy, for
"The quality of mercy is not strained,
It droppeth like the gentle rain from heaven on the place beneath
It is twice blessed, it blessed him that gives and him that takes,
It is mightiest in the mighty and becomes the throned monarch better than his crown."
In conclusion, we have only to wish the captain and officers a safe voyage home to the bosom of their families and friends, and to all and each a happy and prosperous future. Frances Dunne (schoolmaster on board); Henry Hollis (constable) ; John Hughes (constable) ; Edward Cooke, William Neal, Henry Florey, Charles Burnham, Charles Hodgkins, Raymond Smith, James Wallis, Thomas Sands, John Barrett, John Holmes, Stephen Billings, Robert Mathews, George Lewis, Thomas Bottin, James Miles, James Gill, John Clarke, George Startup, Herbert Waters, Ann Eliza Waters, Stephen Hughes, James Atkins, Fred G. Joiner, Henry McMillen, Thomas Christian, Frank Howes, Sarah Howes, Caroline Sands, Sarah Hughes, Edward Jeffrey, Catherine Barrett, Louisa Jeffrey, Edward Brophy, Ellen Brophy, Charlotte Joiner, Mary Jane Christian, Margaret M. Lewis, Eliza Hollis, James Lee, Fanny Neal, Thomas Simpson, Caroline Hodgkins, Mr. and Mrs. Surrey, Cecilia Wallis, Mrs. Florey, Patrick Neary, Betsy Fernie (matron), Margaret Dunne, Arabella Dunne, Mary Ann Josephine Dunne, Bridget F. Dunne, Mary Nash, Rose Nash, Mary Hogan, Caroline Turner, Sarah Drury, Kate Fennell, Ellen Mahoney, Ellen Barrett, Mary I. Barrett, Susan Barrett, Elizabeth Barrett, Mary Raven, Alice Raven, Eliza Pearson, Caroline Harvey, Jane Jeffrey, Mary Jane Mariu, Margaret Bartholomew, Jane Millgate, Emily M. Wetherell, Annie Pope, Sarah Smith, Ellen Fissenden, Kate Duffield, Louisa Busby, Kate Bottin, Ann Busby, Dan Tucker and wife, Mary Graham, Mary Burnham, Elizabeth Dunne, Elizabeth Clarke, Mary Ann Bourne, Johanna Dunne, Margaret Semarrk, Elizabeth Crawford, Henry Swoud, Mary Ann Stroud, William Jarvis, Henry Rattenbury, Samuel J. Clarke, James Hall, Joseph Busby, William Semark, Henry Clark, Charles Coombe, Stephen Whatson, Obadiah Douch, Francis Fernie, Alexander Fernie, W. Semark, jun., S. Haskill, F. Durtnell, James Hodges, Alfred Johnson, Frederick Cawell, George Bishop, John Laugridge, Henry Fown, Patrick Nash, George H. Box, E. Reeves, Alfred Pett, John Hodges, John Martin, W. Crooke, W. Bullock, William Bishop, Matthew Rowe, William Cole, Lewis Farley, Walter Laukstead, Joseph Cautell, Thomas Giles, Alfred Weller, H. Funge, Thomas Reece, F. Thome, Richard Bond, Enoch Bishop, James Gilchrist, Thomas Ellenn, H. Cummings, Thomas Jones, S. Burghe, E. Lepper, Stephen Hughes, E. Coulter, E. Jeffrey, William Miles, Patrick Joseph Dnnne, Edward Taylor, J. Harness, Emma Harvey, Peter Raven, Catherine Matthews, Henry Billinghurst, Maria Billinghurst, Sarah Ann Smith, Martha Knowles, Marian Holmes, Catherine McMillen, James C. Windsor, Kate Neill, Jane Miles, Rhoda Miles, David Graham, Henry Knowles, J. Fissenden, J. Hodges,
another list
The following is a corrected list of the passengers by the ship ' Avalanche' : —
Barrett, John, 40; Catherine, 40; Ellen, 19; Mary, 16; Susan, 14; Elizabeth, 13; Alfred John, 9; James, 7 Sarah, 3; Richard, 1.
Bennett, George, 38 ; Martha, 28 ; Frederick, 6 ; George, 5 ; Alfred, 2 ; Charles, 1I— Kent,
Billinghearst Henry, 37; Martha, 34 ; William, 9.
Bishop, William, 21 (single): George, 17 (single) ; Enoch, 14 (single).
Bond, Richard, 21 (single).
Bottin, Thomas, 43; Sarah, 43; Catherine. 19 ; Thomas, 9 ; Emma, 7 ; Peter, 5.
Box, George Henry, 20 (single).
Bourne, Mary Ann, 39 (single).
Bullock, Walter, 20 (single)
Buirghe, Samuel, 26 (single).
Burnham, Charles, 30; Mary, 31; Hannah, 13; Walter, 8; Charlotte, 5; Elizabeth, 2; Alfred, 1.
Bushy, Jason, 38 ; Sophia A., 38 ; Louisa, 17 ; Joseph, 14; Matilda, 11; Emma, 9; Henry, 7; Annie, i.
Coulter, Edward, 13 (single).
Campbell, Joseph, 16 (single)
Carvell, Fred J., 19 (single).
Christian, Thomas, 32; Mary, 23; Julia, 4; Alfred, 3 ; Thomas, 1.
Clark, .Samuel J., 32 (single).
Clark, John, 30; Elizabeth, 31 ; Henry, 11.
Coombes, Charles, 28 (single)
Cole, William, 22 (single)
Crook, William, 21 (single)
Cummings, Herbert, 20 (single)
Dunne, Francis, 40; Eliza, 89; Mary Ann, 18; Johanna, 16, Margaret Bridget, 15; Arabella, 14; Patrick, 12; Edmund, 10; Eliza, 7; Francis, 1
Daney, Sarah, 28 (single)
Douch, George, 25,Phillis, 21 ; Eleanor,
Duffield, Kate, 18 (single)
Durtnell, John, 37 (single)
Divitnell, John, 37.
Ellenn, Thomas, 36 (single)
Faubney, Lewis, 21 (single)
Fernie, Francis, 33; Alexander, 26; Betsie, 28 ; Cuthbert W., infant.
Florey, Henry, 32; Elizabeth, 30; Henry, 11 ; Edwin, 1.
Fiseenden, John, 25 (single) ; Ellen, 19 (single).
Funge, Henry, 2C (single).
Giles, Thomas, 19 (single).
Gilchrist, James, 21.
Hall, George H., 23 ; Margaret, 21.
Hall, James M., 21 (single).
Harding William, 27; Maria, 24.
Harrison, George, 20 (single)
Haskell, Samuel, 24 (single)
Hayhow, William, 27 ; Eliza, 26 ; Henry, 1 ; Martha, 4; William, 2; Eliza, 11.
Hewitt, Alfred, 22; Hannah, 27; Elizabeth, 2 ; Emma, 1.
Hodges, James, 19 (single).
Hodges, Jose, 24 (single).
Hodge, John, 23 (single).
Hodgkin, Charles, 30; Caroline. 29; Nunine, 6; Rose, 1.
Hogan, Mary, 19 (single).
Hollis, Henry, 34 ; Eliza, 38 ; George, 8 ; Richard, 5 ; Mary, 3 ; Hannah, 2.
Holmes, John, 22; Maria, 22; Emily, 2; John, 1.
Hughes, Stephen, 36 ; Eliza, 32; Stephen, 13; Thomas, 9 ; John, 7 ; William, 4 ; George, 2.
Jeffery, Edward, 33 ; Louisa, 34 ; Jane, 16, Edward, 12; Alice, 10; Sarah, 8.
Johnston, Alfred, 22 (single)
Jones, Thomas, 40 (single).
King, Phillip, 31; Sarah, 30; Emily, 9; George, 7 ; Alice, 6 ; Rose, 5.
Knowler, Henry, 25 ; Martha, 20 ; Henry, 1 ; Richard, 1.
Lankstead, Walter, 18 (single).
Landgridge, John, 22 (single).
Lawrence, William, 29 ; Elizabeth, 26 ; Albert, 9 ; William, 7 ; Kate, 5 ; Walter, 2.
Lepper, Charles, 19, (single).
Marin, Mary J., 17 (single).
Martin, John, 28 (single).
Mathews, Robert, 25; Catherine, 30 ; George, 3.
Miller, Alfred, 18 (single).
Miles, James, 45 ; Jane, 38 ; James, 12
Miles, Rhoda, 17 (single).
Miles, William, 15 (single).
Millgate, Jane, 46 (single).
Neary, Patrick, 33 ; Margaret, 28 ; Mary, 5.
Neill, James, 36 ; Catherine, 21.
Pearson, Elizabeth, 16 (single).
Pett, Alfred, 22 (single).
Pope, Annie, 30 (single).
Radden, David, 23 (single).
Raven, John, 40; Charlotte, 30; Mary, 16; Alice, 13; Peter, 13; Elizabeth, 11, Hannah, 8 ; Emily, 6 ; Henry, 4 ; Florence, 1.
Rattenbury, Henry, 35 (single).
Recce, Thomas, 23 (single).
Reeves, Edward, 21 (single).
Roe, Matthew, 21 (single).
Sands, Thomas, 23; Caroline, 26; Sarah, 2; Ambrose, 1.
Seamark, Margaret, 15 (single).
Seamark, William, 39 (single) ; William, 15 (single).
Singerson, Thomas, 33 ; Sarah, 33.
Smith, Sarah 23 (single).
Smith, Raymond, 30 ; Sarah, 25 ; Charles, 5 ; James, 3 ; Emma, 1.
Stroud, Henry, 31 ; Mary Ann, 29 ; Henry, 7; John, 5.
Surrey, Isaac, 34; Mary, 26; Robert, 9; Alfred, 8 ; Percy, 6 ; Louisa, 3.
Swinerd. Humphrey, 36 ; Francis, 32 ; Humphrey, 13; Charles, 11; Fanny, 10; Arthur, 8; Martha, 6; Ellen, 4; Ebenezer, 21.
Taylor, William, 34 ; Emma, 33 ; John, 9 ; Walter, 6; Esther, 3; Eliza, 1.
Taylor, Edward, 19 (single).
Tepper, Charles, 19 (single).
Thornc, Frederick, 19 (single).
Tissenden, John, 25 (single).
Tissenden, Ellen, 19 (single).
Tucker, Dennis, 30 ; Jane, 24.
Weller, Alfred W., 18, (single).
Wallis, James, 22 ; Celia, 20.
Wheatson, Stephen, 28 (single).
Wealherell, Emily, 20 (single).
Wood, Joe, 26 ; Alice, 25.
The ' Cospatrick.' — We notice that the wife of the late Captain Elmslie was on board the lost ship ' Cospatrick,' and was therefore drowned. We see from Sydney newspapers to hand, that the three survivors of the 'Cospatrick' were landed at Singapore, the steamer 'British Sceptre' by which the were picked up having been bound from Liverpool to the East.
Taranaki Herald, 27 January 1875, Page 2
The Immigrants by the 'Avalanche.' — Most of the immigrants that arrived by this vessel have found employment. Out of fifty seven single men who entered the depot, only twenty-one now remain. More than half that number have been engaged privately, at rates varying from six shillings to eight shillings per day — the greater number engaged by the day being at eight shillings. Fifteen families have been engaged by the Government. They will be employed in felling and clearing bush, about three chains wide, along the line of branch roads in front of the sections which will shortly be put up for sale. Three families started for the Moa Block yesterday morning, and twelve single men have agreed to go out too. Several of the single girls have been engaged, and there are a few heads of families left who prefer seeking employment in town.
Those who visited the 'Avalance' on Friday last, and made enquiries on the subject, were informed by Captain Bishop that he was unable to broach his Taranaki cargo, although it was lying immediately under the hatches, on the top of that destined for Wellington; as if he were to do so not only would his insurance be vitiated but he would be rendered liable to an action for undue detention on his arrival in Wellington, aud expressed his regret for having to carry on goods destined for this place, but he had no alternative. Owing to the condition of the roadstead having been so grossly misrepresented, shipowners are exceedingly chary of sending vessels to this place, and Captain Bishop assured our informant that it was only on Wednesday last that he finally made up his mind that he would try what the New Plymouth roadstead was, and see and judge for himself. He has done so ; his vessel, one of the largest in the New Zealand trade, has visited and anchored in the roadstead, and in the short space of six working hours landed 260 immigrants, together with their effects. So pleased was he with the despatch used in conveying the people ashore, that he said he should have no hesitation in coming here in any ordinary weather. We trust that Captain Bishop will give a faithful report of the transaction, and that it will receive the attention it deserves at the hands of those interested, coming, as it does, from an old and much respected trader to New Zealand, and one who is capable of judging of what dangers (?) exist in our roadstead. Many of these are imaginary, but those who are well acquainted with our shores, say that no weather that we have here could affect a ship as large as the 'Avalanche' when properly anchored, and that she could ride out in safety any of our north westerly gales. How well an anchor can hold off Now Plymouth was proved last winter, when, during a very severe gale the 'Eliza Mary,' a new vessel visiting this port for the first time, rode out the storm with only a single anchor. We trust our new Harbour Board will lose no time, but push on the works as rapidly as possible, so that the settlement may not suffer by our trade being interrupted in this manner. Storekeepers and merchants feel it very much that their goods arrive at their destination in safety, but owing to legal formalities they must see them depart, undergo further risks, incur fresh expense, and at length return after an indefinite period to be delivered to them. Unfortunately in the present case there is no remedy. We must patiently await the erection of the first portion of our harbour, and by that time the Waitara and Wanganui railway will, be complete and the facilities then offered for shipping wool and other produce direct from New Plymouth, will be sufficient inducement for vessels to enter boldly and trade with us. As much wool as would enable a vessel of moderate size to fill up with, can be furnished at the present time, were a ready means of transit from the southern end of the Province available our only hope for freedom from the annoyances consequent upon such a system as exists at present, lies in the speedy construction of the harbour and the less delay experienced in commencing the works the better for the whole Province.
26th January. The 'Avalanche' arrived off the Heads yesterday, but could not get in on account of unfavourable winds. The 'Phoebe' has now gone but to tow her in.
The ship 'Humboldt' is signalled as outside the Heads, with about 400 immigrants. She made the passage the 100 days.
Several cases of scarlatina amongst 'Berar's' passengers are of a very malignant type. Detention in quarantine is likely to be longer than originally expected.
The ship 'Berar,' Captain High, has arrived from London with Government immigrants after a passage of eighty nine days from land to land. Scarlet fever broke out on the very next day after leaving port. There were three hundred and sixty immigrants. Twenty died on the passage, and twenty cases are still under treatment, several cases looking very suspicious.
Captain Mitchell, who recently came from Otago, and took charge of the 'Jessie Readman,' died suddenly in his cabin this morning. He has been many years trading to New Zealand, and was well known.
January 23. Arrived yesterday, the 'Michael Angelo,' 91 days from the Downs, 292 immigrants, no disease. One adult and five infants died on the passage. Captain Luckie was found dead in his cabin last night from heart disease. A seaman named Will Henry fell overboard and was drowned. Weather fine all the way. The ship was beautifully clean.
The 'Waimate' has arrived at Lyttelton. She was 89 days out from Gravesend, and brings - 363 immigrants. There were three births and eight deaths. The single girls were landed on Monday.
The 'Lady Jocelyn' has arrived and the immigrants have been landed. She has made the run in eighty days from Plymouth, and brings 559 immigrants and 38 saloon passengers. There were four births and 19 deaths, one being an adult.
Taranaki Herald, 30 January 1875, Page 2
A Curious leak in the Crusader — A diver has found a curious leak in the ship Crusader, now lying in Lyttelton Harbour. The tap bolt at the bottom had fallen out and the hole had partly filled with seaweed.
Taranaki Herald, 3 February 1875, Page 3
AUCKLAND. Ship 'Inverno' arrived from London with 208 immigrants, all well, 90 days from Falmouth.
Another telegram, re 'Cospatrick,' says; — The fire broke out on the night of the 17th November. Two boats, containing thirty persons each got away, but remained alongside the ship until nine o'clock, when the vessel sank. They then steered for land together for two days, when a gale separated them. The boat picked up by the 'Sceptre,' at the time contained five persons. Two died before the vessel reached St. Helena.
West Coast Times, 17 September 1875, Page 2
Ships arrived Home from Lyttelton.—
Pleiades, sailed from Lyttelton, April 2, arrived at Gravesend July 13, being 97 days passage.
Waimate, sailed April 15, arrived in Channel on 10th and Gravesend July 11; 89 days passage.
Avalanche, sailed April 23, arrived in Channel on 24th and Gravesend July 26; 91 days passage.
Mallard, arrived June 30.
Langstone, July 2.
Daily Southern Cross, 24 April 1875, Page 2
Telegraphic — April 23.
Lyttelton. —Sailed : Avalanche, for London, with 2,770 bales wool, 9,322 sacks wheat value £65,000, and a passenger ; Mary King, for Nelson, with produce.
Otago Witness, 1 May 1875, Page 13
Lyttelton, April 23rd. The Avalanche has sailed for London with. 2779 bales of wool and 9322 bushels of wheat, valued at £65,000. She takes 21; passengers.
The Star 23 April 1875, Page 2
Sailed April 23 - passengers -
Mrs St. Hill, 4 children and servant
Mr and Mrs Barraud and 3 children
Miss Cassen
Miss Lucona
Mr Haines
Mr Lewis
Mr Jeffery
Mr Renall
Masters Izard (2)
Dr Kemp
Mrs Kemp and child
She will sail for London on the first fair wind. The vessel is in excellent trim, and will no doubt make a rapid passage home.
Wanganui Herald, 28 January 1876, Page 2
The Post understands that Mr W. Gibson, the well known ironmonger of Wellington, has disposed of his business, and intends going home with his family by the Avalanche.
Evening Post, 2 March 1876, Page 2
As Mr. and Mrs. W. Gibson are about to leave the colony in the Avalanche on a visit to Great Britain, a few of their friends propose entertaining them at a ball, to be held in the Odd Fellows' Hall on Monday evening, the 6th instant.
Evening Post, 24 November 1875, Page 2
The following is a list of the immigrants expected to arrive by the ship Avalanche : — Married couples without .children — 2 painters, 3 carpenters, 2 laborers, 1 farm laborer, 1 shoemaker, 1 platelayer, 1 gardener. Married couples with children — 3 laborers, 1 painter, 1 carver, 5 carpenters, 1 sawyer, 1 chairmaker, 9 farm laborers, 1 turner, 1 miller. ' Single Men— 8 laborers, 1 gardener, 1 painter, 3 carpenters, 1 cooper, 6 lads, 1 bricklayer, 3 draymen, 4 blacksmiths, 14 farm laborers, 1 woodman, 1 plasterer. 1 Single : Women : — 10 general servants, 3 nurses, 3 housemaids, 1 dairymaid, 1 cook, 6 young girls, 1 nursemaid.
Evening Post, 3 December 1875, Page 2
Port of Wellington Arrivals
December 3 - Avalanche, ship, 1,161 tons, Williams, from London.
Messrs. Shaw, Saville & Co.'s ship Avalanche, from London, was signalled this morning, and in the afternoon telegraphed all well. The Government steamer Lana went out about 2 o'clock to tow her in. She is 93 days out, and brings the following passengers :— Cabin — Miss S. S. Turrell, Miss H. Boweling. Doctor, and Matron; Government immigrants, equal to 180 adults. Messrs. Levin & Co. are her agents.
Evening Post, 4 December 1875, Page 2
The fine ship Avalanche arrived lost evening from London, making a good passage of 89 days. She experienced very light winds until after leaving the S.E. trades, when she encountered several heavy gale 3 from N.W. and S.W., with high seas, and lost her starboard lifeboat. Made Cape Farewell Light on Thursday evening, and arrived at the Heads at 10 a.m. yesterday. Spoke the ship Cape Wealth, from Glasgow bound to Ceylon, on 21st October, and was in company with her for three weeks. Sighted a brig-rigged steamer standing to northward on 22nd October. Passed an iceberg in latitude 46deg. 46min. S, and longitude & 32deg. 5min. East. The Avalanche brings Government immigrants, numbering 180 adults. The health has-been excellent. Only two deaths occurred — both of infants. There were no births. The ship is remarkably clean, and the system of management during the voyage appears to have been most admirable, especially the arrangements in the event of fire.
Evening Post, 15 December 1876, Page 2
Last evening Captain Williams, of the Avalanche, was presented by the saloon passengers with a very handsome silver waiter, which was purchased from Mr. B. Cohen, of Willis-street. The presentation was made by one of the passengers on behalf of the others in, an appropriate speech. Captain Williams made a suitable reply, expressing- his gratification at receiving such a token of their esteem.
The passengers by the Avalanche, determined to let their Wellington friends see what pleasant evenings they spent during their recent voyage to this port, issued a few invitations for last evening to the " Avalanche Private Theatricals," when two of the pieces, which were written on board, were played. They were (1) "Love v. Money," a comedy in one act. by Dr. Claridge, the ship's doctor, and (2) "Beating to Windward, or how to keep your luff (love)," a farce by Captain Williams, the commander of the Avalanche. Both pieces were exceedingly creditable to amateurs, both in construction and execution. The authors and performers were loudly and deservedly applauded. The saloon was most tastefully decorated with evergreens, &c, and skilfully arranged for the performance, a stage being cleverly extemporized, with appropriate scenery. The entertainment over, refreshments were served, and the affair concluded with three cheers for Captain Williams, who seems to have made himself a marvellous favorite with all on board. It is easy to imagine that the voyage must have been exceptionally enjoyable.
Tuapeka Times, 25 March 1891, Page 6
The following notions are from 'Lloyd's Weekly' of January 25:—
Sarah, wife of Thomas Simpson, on September 20, 1875, left the East India Docks, Poplar, on the Avalanche, for New Zealand, and her sister Charlotte has not heard of her since.
Elizabeth Harvey (nee O'Reilly) Matron on board the ship, Avalanche,
accompanied by her six youngest children. The family settled in Wellington with
the head of the household William Harvey, a baker (he was not on the ship as a
Mary E Age 19
Sarah Age 17
Margaret Age 15
Alfred Age 11
Arthur Age 9
Jessie Age 4
Evening Post, 24 October 1904, Page 5
The death of Mr. C. B. Izard, which' took place yesterday, removes from among us one who has been a colonist since the 'sixties, and an eminent colonist, not only in his profession of law, but in educational matters and public life. In May, 1860, he arrived in Auckland in the ship Avalanche, but was soon, within the same year, attracted to Wellington, owing to this city's central position. Here a successful legal career opened up to him.
Evening Post, 8 February 1877, Page 2
The Regatta Committee have resolved upon doing an appropriate act of courtesy and gratitude by presenting to Mr. Matthew Gibson, chief officer of the Jessie Headman, a handsome album, with an inscribed address expressing acknowledgement of his conduct and that of those who were with him when he rescued men belonging to steamer Agnes and ship Avalanche. Similar gifts have been made to those who were with him, accompanied by a delicately dictated letter from the secretary, Mr. Ellaby.


text:
A key U.S. Democratic senator says his party cannot pass a health care reform bill in the Senate without support from minority Republicans.
Senate budget committee chairman Kent Conrad said Sunday on U.S. television network ABC Democrats do not have the votes to pass a bill despite holding a 60-seat majority in the 100-member assembly.
Some Democrats in the Senate and the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives have expressed concern about the cost of the Obama administration's health care reform plan.
Republicans in both chambers have slammed the proposals as an expensive step toward a government takeover of health care. Republican Senator Jim DeMint said Sunday Congress could agree on a plan in a few weeks it the goal of reform is not a takeover.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the Obama administration and Congress have agreed on about 80 percent of the health care legislation and are working on the remaining issues.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is confident that a bill will pass in her chamber when she brings it to a vote.
U.S. President Barack Obama initially gave Congress a deadline of approving health care reform before lawmakers begin their August recess. He dropped the deadline this past week but has repeatedly pledged to get the laws passed by the end of this year.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.


text:
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thank You, Masked Man...For Nothing
Who was that masked man? I wanted to smack him upside the head.
I had just about forgotten this swine flu business this morning when a guy walked by me on Broadway wearing a mask.
This clown was done up like Jesse James, so either he was planning to knock over a bank or he's actually a bigger hypochondriac than I am.
This was right outside my office and if it had been a few seconds either way, I wouldn't have seen guy and would have probably been a little less stressed. But I did and now I'm not.
I was tempted to yank the mask clean off his face and yell at him for overreacting, but I didn't want to catch any of his germs. So off he went, leaving behind paranoia like the Long Ranger dropping off silver bullets.
I've had a lot of trouble with my health over the years so talk of germs, bugs, infections, outbursts, pandemics, plagues and imminent death tend to make me a little nervous.
When I started reading the news about the swine flu, I, of course, hit the panic button with both hands.
Clearly, I'm not the only one. As I write this, Reuters is reporting that "panicked sellers fled investments in air, land and sea on Monday as fears of a flu pandemic rekindled memories of the Asian SARS crisis that caused widespread industry turmoil six years ago."
Reuters said that investors wiped $5 billion off the value of leading U.S. airlines in just 10 minutes of trading, with all of the carriers most heavily exposed to Mexico racking up double-digit losses.
Meanwhile, top EU health official urged Europeans on Monday to postpone nonessential travel to parts of the United States and Mexico because of the swine flu virus. And the Daily News is reporting that New York business people are worried that swine flu could keep tourists away from the city.
The News quoted a CDC doctor who urged Americans to wash their hands frequently, avoid crowds if possible and stop "giving that little kiss of greeting right now." He also said masks are not needed…yet.
I was working at Goldman Sachs during the SARS outbreak and one our tech guys, in a lame attempt to be funny, said "I have SARS" when I asked him about a project he had forgotten.
People in Hong Kong wore masks all the time during the SARS outbreak and some of them actually were decorated with elaborate designs, proving that there's no need to give up on style just because you're terrified.
Maybe I could wear those Mexican wrestler type masks and adopt a germ-fighting alter ego as I put a hammerlock on disease.
Nothing to Sneeze At
Of course worrying about a problem does absolutely nothing to solve it, and in this case, it'll probably make matters worse by weakening my immune system. And that makes me worry even more.
I ride the subway to work, which is kind of like a biohazard on wheels. People cough, sneeze, spit, scratch their privates, relieve themselves, and probably do a whole hell of a lot more stuff that I don't even want to think about.
I almost laughed when a news story offering tips about the flu advised staying six feet away from other people. Stand six feet away from other people on the subway—during rush hour? You're lucky to if you can stand six inches away.
I'd have to be the motorman to get that kind of privacy. (What's that job pay, anyway? I'll do it if they give me a mask.)
All morning long I've had that Police song "Don't Stand So Close to Me," playing through my head as I moved away from anyone who so much as sniffles in my general vicinity.
I've often been tempted to wear surgical gloves on the subway since so many diseases are spread by touch.
It wouldn't be as obvious as a mask, particularly the desperado special that clown outside my building was wearing, but I could still get some protection.
However, I know that if I start wearing gloves, in no time at all I'll be wearing a face mask, then a hazmat suit, and then a deep sea diver's outfit, and pretty soon I'll be done up like Neil Armstrong stepping onto the lunar surface, which is kind of overdoing it for the R train.
I've always been good at washing my hands regularly, but now every time I touch a doorknob or a banister, I picture billions of icky little germs waiting to pounce on to me skin. And they're all wearing masks.
I pressed the button on the elevator--ack! I used the ATM across the street from my office--ack! Where's my space suit?
When I'm ill, I warn my friends and family to keep their distance and do my best to stay away from the rest of the population. It seems like everybody else walks around coughing and choking without the slightest regard for anyone around them.
I know people are frightened about losing their jobs, but a couple days away from the office will help you to recover faster and make me breathe a lot easier. So if you're not concerned about your own health, the least you could do is worry about mine.
This morning I cough a few times and made a superhuman effort not to freak out. You're just clearing your throat, I told myself, as my blood pressure rose. No need to be alarmed.
Okay. So we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Worldwide problems call for worldwide action, so we have to present a united front.
Now let's all pull together and beat this thing. And if you cough on me I'll beat your brains out.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Grim Anniversaries
This is a week for dark memories. Sunday was the 14th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and 16th anniversary of the Waco raid, (thanks, Jen) and it was 10 years ago today that the Columbine massacre had us shaking our heads and wondering what the world was coming to.
I was a reporter in Pennsylvania when the Waco seige was going on and after the final assault, a TV station in Allentown interviewed some genius who listed all the ways the FBI had done it wrong. It was a waste of videotape, frankly, and it taught me to be careful about the people to whom you give time and newsprint.
I did some kind of local angle story myself, but a state trooper I often worked with assured me that no cop would second guess the assault on the record.
I was working at the Waterbury Republican-American when we got news of Oklahoma City. The city editor saw it on the AP wire and told everyone in the news room. And I was working at CNN when the Columbine shootings happened.
On all three occassions there was the usual shock and disbelief. There were wild rumors and speculation at first, followed by funerals and investigations.
Each time one of these nightmares happen you like to think that we as a society will learn something. And each time we're wrong. Since these two incidents, we've had 9/11and God alone knows how many mass shootings. The first quarter of 2009 alone has seen one massacre after another.
What we haven't had is any call for gun control; the NRA terroirsts have seen to that. Anti-government rage continues to surge as the conservative media stokes fear and paranoia among the militia types.
So we mourn the victims and pray for their families and pretend that things will be better from here on in. Until the next time.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Make Mine A Double
Say, is it my imagination or are there a lot of Bernie Madoff lookalikes walking around town?
It seems like every time I turn around I see a guy who is the spitting image of the man everyone wants to spit on.
A guy walked by me on Broadway the other day who looked so much like the Ponzi scumwad that I was afraid people were going to run up and punch him.
Granted I work on Wall Street, the barely-beating heart of the financial district, and I live on earth--most of the time--so I probably have Bernie on the brain.
And, yes, it doesn't take much to do the Bernie: white hair, colorless skin, beady eyes, and evil to the bone. A lot of people do fit that basic profile, but even so, the numbers seem staggering.
This is like cloning, which is far too scary to even think about. Maybe Bernie's has a bunch of doubles running around so he can get out of jail free.
Hitler had a double named Gustav Weler, which turned out to be a tough gig, seeing as he was shot in the head by Soviet troops. However, there are numerous Web sites who claim it was actually the double who bought it in the bunker, while the real Fuhrer was far, far away.
Winston Churchill, concerned about Nazi assassination attempts, had at least one double, who stayed at Churchill's home and even made personal appearances in the role of the PM. This guy presumably turned out better than his Nazi counterpart.
When I was growing up, just about TV show had one episode where the hero is plauged by an evil double. It usually ran right after the episode where the hero suffers from amensia or is wrongly accused of murder.
Now if you had an episode where the hero suffers from amnesia while being plauged by an evil double who is wrongly accused of murder, then you'd have something. I don't know what, but you'd have it. And better you than me.
Anyway, whenever a TV show hero faced off with the evil double, there would always be the moment when the hero's closest friends couldn't figure out who was who. They'd ask questions of both characters to see which one was the right one.
The old Superman show had episodes where criminals impersonated both Jimmy Olsen and the big guy himself. The shows gave the actors a chance to play crooked versions of their characters before being clobbered by the Man of Steel in under 30 minutes and thrown into prison.
There was one epside called "The Clown Who Cried," where an evil clown--I'll leave it to you to decide if that's redundant or not--named Crackers impersonates a good clown named Rollo to rip off some charity gig. (Finish this sentence: "The only good clown is...")
Look! Up in the Sky!
The two clowns duke it on top of a building, where many bloodthirsty clown battles take place, and no one can tell who's Crackers, who's Rollo and who cares. But suddenly one clown shoves the other off the roof and then tumbles after him.
Now it's raining clowns and Superman makes the snap decision that only an evil clown would toss a colleague off the roof, so he flies up to rescue Rollo while leaving Crackers to crash to the concrete and crumble like a stale Ritz.
Since this was Superman's show, his choice was the right one and Crackers curls up his floppy toes while Rollo gets all Pagliacci and sheds the tears of a clown.
I recall my mother being particularly interested in this episode of Superman , because of her fascination with the name Crackers and her fear of clowns, though, as far as I know, she never threw one off a building.
I once knew a woman who worked at children's parties as a "Christian clown." I never caught her act, thank God, but I always wondered if it involved squirting people with holy seltzer water and slapping Satan in the mug with the Great Cream Pie of Jesus.
I don't think she ever fought to the death with clowns of other faiths, which could lead to a clown crusade or a clown jihad with suicide clowns blowing themselves to little squeaky bits.
George Bush was a Christian and a clown, though nobody was laughing and I doubt even Gustav Weler would want to be a double for him.
It seemed that every comic book or TV villian who was a master of disguise was always, and I mean, always called "The Chameleon." I know about the whole color-changing thing, but couldn't they come up with any other handle?
When I was a kid, I recall at least two TV shows that featured creepy chameleons who were tripped up in their impersonations because they always wore the same distinctive ring no matter what identity they assumed.
So you change your face, your voice, your body, just about everything about you, but you still wear the same piece of jewelry, whether you're impersonating Steve McQueen, Butterfly McQueen or the Queen of England? Yeah, that's real believable. Has anyone checked Bernie Madoff for a ring?
Ernst Stavro Blofeld, James Bond's hairless heavy, had his share of doubles. Even his cat had a double in Diamonds are Forever, which Bond discovers when he stomps on the bad kitty's tale in an attempt to determine its true owner.
I lost track how many times Bond actually killed that guy, but it took several actors and a number of sequels to finally blow Blofeld away. Bernie Madoff could be a good Bond bad guy. You can picture him stroking a felonious feline in his secret lair while plotting the downfall of the economy.
I notice that I have the same hairdo as Blofeld, or at least two versions of him. I can only hope no one mistakes me for the Bond nemesis because Roger Moore wound up tossing him off a helicopter and right into a smoke stack.
I wouldn't wish that on anyone, not even Bernie Madoff. Well, then again....
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Resurrection Day
"The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." ~Robert Flatt
I can't believe I'm hearing the words "wind chill factor" on Easter Sunday, but I'm willing to overlook that and think good thoughts on this day on rebirth and renewal.
I'm feeling kind of rundown after running around in the rain yesterday to do my Saturday chores. I hope I'm not coming down with anything; but if so, well, this, too will pass.
I just watched televangelist Joel Osteen (yes, I did, actually), who spoke about being planted versus being buried.
You bury a corpse, he said, but you plant a seed and stand back to watch it grow. I like that, especially given my often (constant?) negative attitudes.
I went to my usual weekly service this week at Trinity Church, or as I like to call it, "Sanity Church," since the people there help keep me from flipping my lid.
I wasn't going to go on this particular day because I was running late for the 12:05 pm service, but I knew that I wouldn't be able to make any other service this week, so off I went. I'm glad I made the effort.
I missed the opening hymn and caught the tail end of the prayer for confession and forgiveness of sins, but fortunately I was in time for a fabulous sermon by Rev. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones.
I have to be honest: I love this guy. His sermons are so honest and moving that some days I swear he wrote them specifically for me. He's intelligent, compassionate, and selflessly dedicated to his congregation. We need many more like him.
This particular sermon was so good that I started taking notes as this were a news event that I was covering. It felt a little strange taking notes in church, but I liked what I was hearing. Now I wish I had brought a tape recorder to get his exact words.
This was on Spy Wednesday, the day that Judas betrayed Jesus. Rev. Jones read from the Gospel of John that describes how after Jesus gives Judas the piece of dipped bread, "Satan entered into him." Then Jesus told Judas, "what you are going to do, do quickly" and Judas went into the night.
Rev. Jones talked about how we are like Judas when we turn away from God. He noted that John's Gospel makes several references to light and asked us do we want to live in darkness, like Judas or do we want to live in the light.
As I was leaving the church, I made a point of thanking Rev. Jones for his sermon and he gave me a hearty "you're welcome!" I do feel welcome there, thanks to him and the other people at Trinity.
Planting seeds…living in the light…I think I get the message here. It's about something so powerful that even a driving rain or the wind chill factor can't slow it down.
Happy Easter.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Perchance to Scream
I've had a series of dreams recently that were so bizarre they could make you long for insomnia.
In the last two weeks, I dreamed I was a gun-toting killer, the victim of a nasty poltergeist, and an extremely reluctant member of a police SWAT team.
I like to describe dreams as the funhouse mirror reflection of your mind and these latest gems could easily serve as Exhibits A, B, and C of that theory.
The SWAT dream was the most recent, occurring two nights ago. It starts off with me as a cop approaching a traffic jam and telling my fellow officers that I'll take care of the situation.
Only I don't do such a good job and a female officer asks me sarcastically, "that was your plan?" I'm not sure what that was, but it clearly doesn't impress anybody. And it did nothing to clear the traffic.
I am about to respond when an armored vehicle roars up and a senior officer shouts, "get in the truck!"
I protest, but he was very insistent, so I climb aboard and off we went. I remember thinking that, I don't do raids; I'm a theory guy. But then I realize that theory guys aren't much help when the fertilizer strikes the air conditioning unit.
The dream fizzled from there, but I'm certain it originated from a news story I read about the three police officers who were gunned down in Pittsburgh.
You might have trouble recalling this particular massacre, since we've had so many in this country in the last few weeks—California, North Carolina, Alabama, and most recently, Binghamton, NY.
But it's not like we need tougher gun laws or anything else. Just ask the NRA, or as I like to call it, Murder Inc.
In my second dream, I'm arguing with a friend of mine who is giving me a hard time for all the things I didn't do with my life. It gets very heated and we finally stop talking to each other.
I go to bed and this ghost that looks like a little girl in a long dress who is running around my room raising all kinds of hell.
At one point I look up while she's going bump in the night and I spot her by the closet covering her eyes like some old Three Stooges bit.
"I can see you!" I shout as she runs from place to place like a shooting gallery duck. "I can see you!"
I think I was angry because I didn't think any self-respecting ghost would do such a lame job of being invisible.
I somehow know this ghost is a spiritual reflection of my friend and I go to the next room, where my buddy is residing in the back of deep, dark closet and tell her to help me out. But she refuses.
I literally woke up screaming from this little scenario. I mean, I actually heard myself shouting. I guess I don't appreciate people criticizing my life, especially since I do that so well myself.
Trigger Man
The final and most disturbing dream had me as a cold-heart killer.
I was standing in the lobby of an apartment building late at night when two men come out of the building and I promptly take a pistol out of my pocket and start firing.
I don't recall being threatened by these people. I wasn't enraged and I don't know if I even spoke to them before I opened fire. I just shot them.
One of my victims—God, that sounds so creepy-- was older, with a full beard and I referred to him as the Rabbi. The younger one's features were a blur, possibly obscured by shadows.
As soon as they hit the floor, a young man comes out of the building, looks down at the two corpses and then turns to me.
He has this weird smile as he asks me what happened. I keep saying that I didn't know, that I hadn't done anything, but the man just rolls his eyes in disbelief.
The scene shifts to this huge cluttered office and the editor of the publication I work for told me I have to interview the county coroner.
The county's office is located on the same floor as my publication—this was a dream, after all—and when I walk over to interview him, I'm told he's too busy.
I notice two bodies covered in sheets outside the coroner's office and realize they are my victims, which explains why the coroner is so backed up.
Only then do I realize that I am in big trouble and I begin telling myself that I did nothing wrong, over and over again.
While this is disturbing, death and killing in a dream doesn't always mean death and killing. If you "kill"someone in a dream, yes, you may actually harbor murderous thoughts toward them, but it also could mean you want to end your relationship them.
I'm pretty sure that the bearded man—the Rabbi—is my therapist. We've been together for some time now and I had been speaking with him recently about moving on.
I'd like to free up that particular night, save myself the hassle of going uptown, and, of course, save some money. I'm not saying that I'm cured or that, God forbid, I'm "normal."
I'm just interested in other disciplines—mediation, chi gong, Tai chi, primal therapy, chakras, who the hell knows?
The other man—the one I couldn't identify—was probably me, or one version of myself that I want to kill off.
By shooting these two figures I was "ending" this particular connection. As far as the leering man in the hallway, I think that was my conscience in full guilt mode, leering and mocking at my own misdeeds.
I told my shrink about this dream and he seemed to take it very well, considering I had assassinated him in my dreams.
I have to confess that it was pretty awkward sitting across from someone and telling him that you dreamed you murdered him. I'm sure shrinks hear this and much worse, but it was still a bit weird.
So what's causing all this? I think of Ebenezer Scrooge with that "bit of underdone potato" line and wonder if my diet is behind these nocturnal hallucinations.
I've heard it said that creative people are subject to nightmares. But then so are lunatics. I'm still thinking about moving on from my shrink, but with all these nutty dreams, maybe I should stick with him just a little bit longer.
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