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Friday, July 4, 2014
ISAAC ASIMOV on THE FOUR STANZAS OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
I have a weakness--I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem.
The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time. I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem--all four stanzas. This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting.
"Thanks, Herb," I said.
"That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before--or had never really listened. I got a standing ovation. But it was not me; it was the anthem.
More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not me. So now let me tell you how it came to be written.
In 1812, the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country. Great Britain was in a life and death struggle with Napoleon. In fact, just as the United States declared war, Napoleon marched off to invade Russia. If he won, as everyone expected, he would control Europe, and Great Britain would be isolated. It was no time for her to be involved in an American war.
At first, our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard Perry, sent the message "We have met the enemy and they are ours." However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened secession. Meanwhile, Napoleon was beaten in Russia and in 1814 was forced to abdicate. Great Britain now turned its attention to the United States, launching a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong was to head for the mid-Atlantic states and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York. If Baltimore was taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.
The British reached the American coast, and on August 24, 1814, took Washington, D. C. Then they moved up the Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12, they arrived and found 1000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort. On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was willing, but the two Americans would have to wait.
It was now the night of September 13, and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets. They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying. But toward morning the bombardment ceased, and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.
As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the physician must have asked each other over and over, "Can you see the flag?" After it was all finished, Key wrote a four stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defence of Fort M'Henry," it was published in newspapers and swept the nation. Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called "To Anacreon in Heaven"--a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the official anthem of the United States.
Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key:
Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
"Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort. The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen
thro' the mist of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host
in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze,
o'er the towering steep.
As it fitfully blows,
half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam
of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected,
now shines on the stream
'Tis the star-spangled banner.
Oh! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure.
In the third stanza, I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise. During World War II, when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n - rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause is just,
And this be our motto--"In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. And don't let them ever take it away.
Isaac Asimov, March 1991
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 7/04/2014 11:47:00 AM No comments: Links to this post
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Inkwell Awards 2014 Winners and Hall Of Fame
Inkwell Awards Announces Their 2014 Winners And Hall Of Fame Recipients
(New Bedford, MA/USA—June 21, 2013): The Inkwell Awards ("The Inkwells"), a non-profit advocacy for comic-book inking and inkers, has announced the results of its seventh annual awards for excellence in the art form in 2013.
After nominees were chosen by a separate and independent Nomination Committee, voting via live ballot at their website ran from April 15-30 with almost 2,000 ballots being turned in. One winner was chosen in each of five categories targeting the exceptional work of ink artists from American-based interior comic book work cover-dated 2013. Separately, the Inkwells internally selected the two recipients of the annual Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award. All recipients were contacted May 1st and some invited artists attended the fourth live awards ceremony at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC on Saturday, June 21st. The winners and categories are:
FAVORITE INKER AWARD: Norm Rapmund (Action Comics, Ravagers, Teen Titans, Justice League of America, Nightwing, Superman).
Rapmund took the winner's slot with 46% of the vote to runner-up Wade von Grawbadger (All-New X-men, Green Lantern, Legion Lost), who finished with 14%. Norm was a 2010 Most-Adaptable Award runner-up nominee and in 2008 he was a runner-up nominee in both the FAVORITE INKER (MODERN) and FAVORITE EMBELLISHER/FINISHER (MODERN) categories.
MOST-ADAPTABLE AWARD: Walden Wong (Wolverine & the X-Men, Batwoman, Catwoman, Scarlet Spider, Wolverine Max, X-Treme X-Men).
Wong had never even been a nominee on previous Inkwell Awards ballots, but this year he took 53% of the vote, besting the 13% for three-time recipient Scott Hanna (Avengers Assemble, Green Lantern Corp, Iron Man, Team 7, Supergirl, Teen Titans, X-men, Legion Lost).
PROPS AWARD (inker deserving of more attention): Walden Wong pulled far ahead of the competition with 49%, beating Richard Friend (Forever Evil, Justice League of America, Green Lantern, Legion Lost) who finished second with 18%.
The S.P.A.M.I. AWARD (Small Press And Mainstream Independent): Andrew Pepoy (Simpsons Comics, Simpsons Illustrated, Simpsons One-Shot Wonders, Danger Girl: Trinity).
Pepoy emerged from an initial three-way tie with 21%, edging out Stefano Gaudiano (Walking Dead, Bloodshot, Lazarus) with 20% and Cliff Rathburn (Invincible, Super Dinosaur, Walking Dead) with 17%. Andrew was also a 2009 PROPS AWARD nominee.
ALL-IN-ONE AWARD (artist who pencils and inks their own work): Stan Sakai (47 Ronin, DHP, Mouse Guard).
Sakai was in the lead by a wide margin throughout the race, ending with 27% of the votes. Runners-up were Chris Samnee (Adventures of Superman, Batman Black & White, Daredevil) with 20% and Fiona Staples (Batman Beyond, Saga), who fell only five votes shy of second place to finish third.
THE JOE SINNOTT HALL OF FAME AWARD: Joe Simon and Tom Palmer (with Frank Giacoia as runner-up).
Following last year's change in protocol, this award was again handled internally by the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee, made up of core committee members, former committee members, contributors, ambassadors and other HoF award recipients. The other nominees chosen were Dan Adkins, Violet Barclay (aka Valerie Smith), John Beatty, Tony Dezuniga, Frank Giacoia, Bob McLeod, Mike Royer, Josef Rubenstein, and Bernie Wrightson. The late Joe Simon (Captain America Comics, Adventure Comics, Boy Commandos, Black Magic, Young Romance, Boys' Ranch, Fighting American, Adventures Of The Fly, Prez, Sick magazine) was a Hall of Fame nominee for the last three years and Tom Palmer (Doctor Strange, Daredevil, Tomb Of Dracula, The Avengers, X-Men, Kick Ass, Marvel Zombies) both a runner-up nominee for the last three years and a nominee in 2009.
Joe Sinnott, the award's namesake and first recipient, made the following statement: "I couldn't have been more pleased when I learned that we had elected Joe Simon and Tom Palmer as our selections to the 2014 Inkwell Awards Hall Of Fame.
"Joe of course was a favorite of mine way back in the early 1940s when I was just about 14 and an early fan of what was something new, comic books. Joe really enhanced Kirby's pencils whether it was on the Boy Commandos, Captain America or even the great romance books that they did. I only regret that Joe, who passed away in 2011 won't be with us to accept his well-deserved award.
"As for Tom Palmer, I can't say enough about him. We all know what a great artist he is in his own right and someone I would want to ink my pencils if I was still penciling. Like all great inkers, he not only pleases the penciller but he makes their great work even better than it really is.
"Again, what a combo to be entering our Hall of Fame together - Joe and Tom, truly two of the greats."
Tom Palmer said in a statement, "I want to express my gratitude to the Inkwell membership and staff along with the many fans who voted for me this year. I sincerely appreciate their recognition...It is indeed an honor receiving such a prestigious award, having the name of one of my heroes attached to it only makes it much more rewarding."
Writer/editor Steve Saffel spoke for the Joe Simon Estate and accepted Simon's posthumous award on their behalf. Writer Ron Garney spoke for Tom Palmer who could not attend and accepted his trophy for him.
Eisner-award-winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz was the awards ceremony's Guest of Honor. Inkwell Awards founder and director Bob Almond served as ceremony host, aided by spokesmodel Ms. Inkwell, portrayed this year by both Anna White and Laura Beihl, who served as co-hostesses. 2012 S.P.A.M.I. award recipient Dexter Vines acted as Presenter and Saffel and Garney were the guest speakers. Retired committee members Jim Tournas and Sarah L. Covert were each presented with a Silver Inkwell Award for their time served. Mike Hoskin received the same for five years of service on the Nomination Committee.
More details such as other nominees and the winners' acceptance speeches can be found at the Inkwell Awards website.
The Inkwell Awards is an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Now in its seventh year, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and numerous contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 6/24/2014 10:37:00 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Steve Ditko is Alive and Well and...
I've had those reactions for years and years, when all I ever did was have a correspondence with the venerable and clearly legendary artist. And then I saw that same reaction today when discussing Ditko with artist Bob Wiacek, who clearly knows Steve better than I do. Only this time, it was my jaw that unhinged.
So, anyway, I called Steve this afternoon to say hello, and it was a brief conversation but rewarding. His mind is sharp and he's fascinating and we didn't even talk about Ayn Rand.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 6/12/2014 02:59:00 PM 2 comments: Links to this post
Labels: Steve Ditko
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Chuck Dixon Bemoans the Liberal Blacklist. And Tony Isabella.
|Chuck Dixon
Is their outcry an attempt to get right-wing readers to purchase their recent adaptation of Amity Shlaes' The Forgotten Man? Sure. Why not? And if that's the case, is their argument any less valid?
Tony Isabella thinks so.
"Chuck Dixon is being willfully dishonest in his attempt to plug his new book," writes Isabella in a post entitled "Dishonest Dixon" over at Harlan Ellison's website.
As people have pointed out elsewhere, there are a lot of reasons why comics' writers (and artists) find themselves without work or as much work as they'd like or the kind of work they'd like.
If there were an overwhelming anti-conservative bias in comics, Bill Willingham and Ethan Van Scriver would not be two of the most sought-after creators in comics...and Dixon's liberal counterparts like myself and Mike W. Barr would have more work than they could handle.
A significant portion of Dixon's work on DC and Marvel heroes violates the very morality whose lack he decries in his whiny little essay. I don't put much stock in his claims. But, then, facts do have a well-known liberal bias.
For those of you unfamiliar with their accomplishments, Chuck Dixon was among the better Batman writers of the last quarter century (see his work on Detective Comics). Chuck and artist Graham Nolan co-created the villain Bane, too, while his Marvel work included long, impressive runs on The Punisher and Savage Sword of Conan.
|Tony Isabella
"Was Tony ever told he should not send in pitches because of his political beliefs?" Chuck responded in an email to me. "Were editors ever threatened with termination for putting his name on a proposal? Was he ever denied work because he refused to apologize to an editor over a political disagreement?
"My experience is my experience," Chuck continues. "I cannot explain why Bill [Willingham] and Ethan [Van Scriver] continue to get work. I only know why I was denied work."
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 6/11/2014 04:11:00 PM 2 comments: Links to this post
Labels: Chuck Dixon, Tony Isabella
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Aardwolf Publishing to release Dave Cockrum's Final FUTURIANS
|Contributed art from Ray Lago
Pre-order the hard copy graphic novel now and receive the expanded digital version FREE. You will also have exclusive opportunities to purchase inexpensive original art and signed bookplates from our all-star team--as well as Dave's personal items (his pen, his sword, his personal file copy of X-Men #94).
U.S. Price for THE FUTURIANS RETURN is $25.00 (customers outside of the U.S. will be billed for additional shipping). You can even ask Aardwolf to reserve the book for just $10.00. Are we good guys or what?
To participate in this special pre-Kickstarter offer, PayPal your reserve money to firstname.lastname@example.com and note "Futurians Reserve."
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 6/10/2014 04:38:00 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: Dave Cockrum, Futurians, Ray Lago
Monday, May 26, 2014
Harlan Ellison At 80 Is...
…still the guy I turn to in a pinch, still the finest writer many of you have never read because of the evanescent nature of popular culture (so hop to it!), and still the finest writer *I* have ever read after a half century of plodding about on this planet reading everything.
…the man who said, "The chief commodity a writer has to sell is his courage. And if he has none, he is more than a coward. He is a sell-out and a fink and a heretic, because writing is a holy chore."
...a singular force of nature, the consummate bar raiser, Kryptonite to the forces of Bullshit, and my friend.
All love and respect on your 80th birthday, sensei.
…the man who said, "The chief commodity a writer has to sell is his courage. And if he has none, he is more than a coward. He is a sell-out and a fink and a heretic, because writing is a holy chore."
...a singular force of nature, the consummate bar raiser, Kryptonite to the forces of Bullshit, and my friend.
All love and respect on your 80th birthday, sensei.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 5/26/2014 11:38:00 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: Harlan Ellison
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Dillashaw Beats Barao Like a Rented Mule
|T.J. Dillashaw plants Renan Barao
But this was no ordinary win.
All fight fans understand that when you're up four rounds to nothing in a five-round outing, you really don't have to do much more than survive the 5th. But Dillashaw's the real deal. He continued to take chances. This was a fight to the finish, and that's what we saw.
Barao (who was 32-1 in his MMA career, and 7-0 in his UFC career) has been called the current, best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. So what does that make T.J., who beat him like a rented mule?
|Standing or on the ground, Dillashaw dominated Barao
Ready for a change of pace? See my recent post on the amazing Oneta Bobbett who is helping abuse victims.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 5/25/2014 09:05:00 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Oneta Bobbett, Renan Barao, T.J. Dillashaw
Friday, May 23, 2014
Oneta Bobbett: Rebuilding the Abused
|Oneta Bobbett: Committed to helping others.
I'm delighted to know Oneta Bobbett, a courageous and dedicated advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Ten years ago, Onetta helped found Jaden's Ladder to assist victims with life-enhancing programs and the kind of support that builds confidence in former victims while fostering self-reliance.
A former beauty pageant winner, Oneta says was thrilled to represent the State of New Hampshire, where she was raised, in the Mrs. United States pageant. But today, it's all about her family and helping others.
"I named Jaden's Ladder after my son Jaden," Oneta told me. "The name Jaden means 'God has heard.' He hears when we cry out and we have to hear those crying out. It's important to maintain a commitment to mankind—especially those in trouble—and to help people in the times of their greatest needs."
Oneta's commitment to others comes from personal experiences. On her website, she explains that she had once found herself in an abusive relationship. The experience left her with filled with doubt and confusion, asking herself what she had done wrong to land her in such a situation.
Eventually her boyfriend and long-time friend became her worst enemy. Her abuser, the man she thought she loved, beat and choked her. It was then that she believed she'd lose her life to his hands. Luckily, on that day, Oneta's sister was anxiously trying to contact her and sent police to her house when she felt "something was wrong". From that day on, Oneta vowed to get stronger and make better choices in life.
Oneta Bobbett's commitment 10 years ago has made a difference in people's lives ever since. And that's what it's all about.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Seth's Son Wants Daddy to Live Forever. Let's Help.
Please take the 10 minutes to register as a bone marrow donor. I did. It was painless, effortless and one day I might get the call allowing me to save someone's parent... or child.
I know Seth. He's a good guy. We have to save him. And by registering you're increasing the chances for all Lukemia victims.
Share this message please. People from the same background as Seth will have the greatest likelihood of being a match.
I know Seth. He's a good guy. We have to save him. And by registering you're increasing the chances for all Lukemia victims.
Share this message please. People from the same background as Seth will have the greatest likelihood of being a match.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 5/22/2014 02:41:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Seth Kushner
Thursday, May 8, 2014
What's Stan Lee Really Worth? Neal Adams?
I contacted Stan Lee this morning.
Websites and magazine writers often to speculate regarding
celebrity bank accounts. There are people who like to count other people's
money. Go figure.
I was reaching out because the artist Dick Ayers passed away on Sunday and another very fine artist and friend Neal Adams called me this morning out of concern. I hope he won't mind my mentioning this.
"Do you know Dick's widow's situation?" Neal asked. I told him I didn't. And when we hung up I thought about how genuine and special Neal is. He has a busy studio to run and deadlines to meet and his own family concerns, and he avoids funerals like one would the Third Pandemic. But he's always the first to inquire regarding the welfare of the widow and the family—and the first to organize help if needed.
I didn't know Dick Ayers. I was a fan, of course, and I purchased several drawings from him over the years, which I treasure. He was a nice man, a happy man, and a fine artist. Dick and I would sit and chat at conventions, but we weren't pals. But Neal's example has been kicking me into action for most of my adult life. So I made some inquiries.
Stan Lee was the first to reply. I received a return email within moments of my query to him (at 7:30 California time).
What's the big deal? Lots of folks are up early and return email and phone messages. Nearly 23% do it within a reasonable amount of time, according to a study never conducted at the University of Michigan.
Stan will be 92 in December. And he has more going on than most three people you know. And he's wealthier than the 20 richest people you've ever known all together. But he always responds immediately, and he's always been available to help with matters big and small when I've asked. And I've asked plenty.
Call it solid time management. Call it three-quarters of a century of professionalism. Or maybe Stan's parents just raised him right.
|Neal Adams and Stan Lee.
As for Dick Ayer's widow, Stan didn't know her situation either. But if she's in trouble, there's people who will help.
So what's Stan Lee worth? Neal Adams? It has nothing to do with money.
So what's Stan Lee worth? Neal Adams? It has nothing to do with money.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 5/08/2014 11:56:00 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Neal Adams, Stan Lee
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Voting Opens for The Inkwell Awards
The following press release is courtesy of artist Bob Almond, director of the Inkwell Awards. Want to participate? Visit http://www.inkwellawards.com Bob can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
(New Bedford, MA/USA—April 14, 2013) The Inkwell Awards, a non-profit organization devoted to educating and promoting the art of inking, invites the public to vote for the industry's best of the past year. The official public ballot will be available on the Inkwell Awards' homepage from April 15 through April 30. Voting is open to everyone, whether fans or professional peers. The winners will be announced at the live awards ceremony at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC June 20-22 on Saturday the 21st at 12:30 pm.
As with last year, the ballot will still list the nominees for the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame lifetime achievement award, which were chosen by the internal and separate Hall of Fame Nomination Committee (made up of the core committee, former committee members, ambassadors, contributors and existing Hall of Fame award recipients). To avoid a "popularity contest" where recent names have more influence than past masters, the two winners have been chosen by the HoF Nomination Committee rather than the public and will be announced at the ceremony. Current nominees are listed as a courtesy. Past Hall of Fame award recipients include Joe Sinnott, Terry Austin & Dick Giordano, Klaus Janson & Al Williamson, Wallace Wood & Kevin Nowlan, Mark McKenna & Scott Williams, and last year, Dick Ayers & Murphy Anderson.
"We're so excited for this event, where everyone's hard work will pay off and the best of the best ink artists and their work will be recognized," said Bob Almond, founder and director of The Inkwell Awards (AKA "The Inkwells"). "Inkers have their own fans and followers, and often go unsung or glossed over in traditional awards events. Ours caters specifically to ink artists and allows several to be recognized and appreciated in various categories."
Ballots and instructions can be viewed at The Inkwells' web site beginning on tax day, April 15. A direct link will additionally be posted on their Facebook group page, where people may also ask any questions.
The Inkwell Awards is an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Now in its seventh year, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and numerous contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 4/13/2014 07:48:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
The Gift that Keeps Giving from Artie Simek
Sensei Carlos Varon—my long-distance dobro from Legend Shotokan (thanks to our shared O'Sensei Richard Lenchus)—recently contacted me with a generous gift of comics and related books. When I asked him how he stumbled upon this little treasure trove, he told me they were once a gift from Artie Simek.
Sadly, you have to be a certain age, and a certain type of fan, to get goose flesh when the name Artie Simek is mentioned. But I certainly did.
Born on January 6, 1916, Arthur "Artie" Simek was what folks once called a calligrapher and what comics jargon calls a letterer. Starting with Timely (Marvel's precursor) in the 1940's, Artie didn't receive his first confirmed credits until years later on both a 12-page Batman-Superman story in World's Finest #91 as well as in Batman #112 (both in 1957). He went on to letter DC's Showcase and House of Secrets, then shows up in 1959 on Marvel's Kid Colt, Outlaw.
Along with Sam Rosen, Artie was one of Marvel's two principal letterers: The two hand lettered the word balloons and sound effects in nearly every seminal Marvel title, and likely designed many logos. If you ever hold a Fantastic Four #1 in your hands, those are Artie's letters. His last lettering job was on Giant-Size Defenders #5 (July 1975). He died while working on the book.
Sensei Carlos Varon grew up in Elmhurst, Queens, NY. One Halloween, he and a few of his friends knocked on a door and shouted "trick or treat!" "Imagine my surprise to get a comic book," write Carlos. "How cool was that?" The other kids seemed a little disappointed in getting a book and not candy, but Carlos was thrilled—and Artie Simek saw that in his face. "He invited me into his home," said Carlos, who was instantly amazed to see the many drawings and an active art board. "I can still recall the pile of comics and storyboards on display. He told me he worked on Marvel Comics as a letterer and I was not sure about that, but he took the time to explain and even offered me a few of his full-size storyboards. As a dumb, young kid, I said no thank you. Boy was I naïve!"
But over time, Simek gave young Carlos a number of books that he had worked on. "My collection really grew from that visit," says Sensei Varon.
And now mine has, thanks to Carlos' generous gift.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Artie, but my friend Gene Colan once described him as "a real Norman Rockwell character. Artie Simek could play the spoons. He'd have two spoons in his hand, and he would flip them around, they would bop up against each other, and before you knew it, there was a melody there. He was wonderful."
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 4/09/2014 04:42:00 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Harlan Ellison Gives Comic Book Babylon a Rave Review
On a certain level, I've been waiting 35 years for the letter I received last week from Harlan Ellison regarding my latest book. He writes (and I am ossified to read):
If you haven't ordered COMIC BOOK BABYLON yet, I urge you to do so. AardwolfPublishing continues to offer the hardcopy with a guarantee of delighted or your money back. It's also selling fairly well via Amazon for the Kindle, but I make pennies on that and, let's be honest: holding a book in your hands is nicer than holding a Kindle.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 4/06/2014 10:53:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
He Created the X-Men… And You Can Have *His* Comics
Dave Cockrum's personal X-Men comics are being offered to the public. Have a look.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 3/11/2014 12:49:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
Friday, March 7, 2014
It's Will Eisner's Birthday.
Mark Ellis, the excellent writer of modern pulp fiction and come-back quips, who I've grown fond of, summed it up (and brought the date to my attention) on his Facebook post:
WILL EISNER [was] a man who was just as influential in both the art and business of comics as Jack Kirby. Although he was justly famous as the creator of THE SPIRIT, Will was a a true pioneer...he continued to explore and expand the parameters of comics storytelling. He's credited with creating the term of "graphic novel".Me? I touched Will several times. The first occasion was a chance meeting in San Diego, where famed bookseller Bud Plant introduced us. The next time was when Harlan Ellison put us together on the phone because Aardwolf was seeking the perfect cover artist for a project.
According to Will, he coined the term on the fly, and had no idea he was basically creating a new publishing category.
I have no anecdotes beyond some very strange things that occurred later at Will's memorial service (which I've detailed in "Four Days at the Races" in my book ComicBook Babylon). I was just grateful to know Will for the the five or six total minutes that I received. You'd have been, too.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 3/07/2014 11:42:00 AM No comments: Links to this post
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
When Will People Start Dropping *My* Name?
Adam-Troy Castro, the excellent writer of numerous Hugo-, Nebula- and Stoker-nominated SF and horror tales (to say nothing of four Spider-Man novels) has a review of my ComicBook Babylon in the forthcoming issue of SCI FI (out in about 60 days). He was kind enough to share the generous review with me which said, among other things:
Much of [Meth's book] deals with the shameful neglect many of the four-color field's most important creators experienced when health or fashion no longer smiled on them… There are many illustrations by Michael Netzer, who manages to capture not just the physical appearances, but also the personalities, of the luminaries under discussion.If you haven't ordered the book yet, Aardwolf Publishing now has signed physical copies. And Amazon is still
Meth… doesn't mince words. If he admires somebody, he is unsparing in his praise; if he considers somebody a jackass or a momser or a shnorrer, he puts his mockery on the page.
In other news, Michael Netzer and I are teaming up again for a 5-page story in the forthcoming Jewish Comix Anthology. The project will also include work from Robert Crumb, Joe Kubert, Harvey Pekar, Art Spiegelman, and Will Eisner. It was a genuine honor to be invited into this prestigious collection. If you'd like to take a look at or participate in their Kickstarter (and I hope you do), click here.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 2/21/2014 11:24:00 AM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: ComicBook Babylon
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Worst Good Rats' Show I Ever Attended
|Mickey could play and chew gum at the same time.
Nearly four decades later, I've stopped counting how many Rats' shows I've been to. It's like trying to remember all of your kid's birthdays. Blame it on good living. And the worst Good Rats' show I've ever attended? No such animal. They were all primal events. This is a family affair, boys and girls, as in Manson meets Adams.
What am I talking about? Come see for yourself. My pal Peppi sings with the angels now but his boy Stefan is still doing it and rumor has it brother Gene Marchello will be guest soaring on lead guitar and dueling vocals at the upcoming show at the Tap Room at the Somerset Hills Hotel, 200 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ, on March 21.
Double your money back if not satisfied. Just take it up with the management.
What am I talking about? Come see for yourself. My pal Peppi sings with the angels now but his boy Stefan is still doing it and rumor has it brother Gene Marchello will be guest soaring on lead guitar and dueling vocals at the upcoming show at the Tap Room at the Somerset Hills Hotel, 200 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ, on March 21.
Double your money back if not satisfied. Just take it up with the management.
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 1/28/2014 12:07:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Comics' Soft White Underbelly
clicking here.
The physical paperback can be purchased from Aardwolf Publishing. Visit the Aardwolf site if you'd like one. There are still signed/#'d copies available.
This blog entry will be a repository of links for press about the book. Thus:
The Real Heroes and Villains in Comic Books is an in-depth review from the excellent writer Bob Duggan at BigThink.com
You Might Come to Comic Book Babylon for the scandal, but you'll stay for the people is an insightful review from Jack Abramowitz on ComicsBulletin.com
Bob Layton on Meth is an interview courtesy of Westfield Comics.
Dan Jurgens on Meth is an interview courtesy of BleedingCool.com
Pop Culture Hounding Cliff Meth is a podcast on BleedingCool via Chris Thompson - a long and fun broadcast interview
The Comic Book Babylon Facebook page (join us!)
Booksteve Reviews Comic Book Bablyon
Observing Comic Book Babylon: Cliff Meth Speaks for the Old Guard (courtesy of FanboyPlanet.com)
Review of Comic Book Babylon at MyReviewer.com
LibraryThing Review of Comic Book Babylon
The physical paperback can be purchased from Aardwolf Publishing. Visit the Aardwolf site if you'd like one. There are still signed/#'d copies available.
This blog entry will be a repository of links for press about the book. Thus:
The Real Heroes and Villains in Comic Books is an in-depth review from the excellent writer Bob Duggan at BigThink.com
You Might Come to Comic Book Babylon for the scandal, but you'll stay for the people is an insightful review from Jack Abramowitz on ComicsBulletin.com
Bob Layton on Meth is an interview courtesy of Westfield Comics.
Dan Jurgens on Meth is an interview courtesy of BleedingCool.com
Pop Culture Hounding Cliff Meth is a podcast on BleedingCool via Chris Thompson - a long and fun broadcast interview
The Comic Book Babylon Facebook page (join us!)
Booksteve Reviews Comic Book Bablyon
Observing Comic Book Babylon: Cliff Meth Speaks for the Old Guard (courtesy of FanboyPlanet.com)
Review of Comic Book Babylon at MyReviewer.com
LibraryThing Review of Comic Book Babylon
Posted by CLIFFORD METH at 1/22/2014 03:36:00 PM No comments: Links to this post
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Just two weeks shy of their 23rd wedding anniversary, designer Vera Wang and husband Arthur Becker have announced their divorce.
The designer, who is renowned for her wedding gown collections, married computer executive Arthur in 1989 and the pair have two daughters - Cecilia, 21, and 19-year-old Josephine.
"They remain devoted parents to their two daughters," Vera's company president said in a statement.
After helping Vera turn her fashion label into a multimillion-dollar business, Arthur became increasingly involved in the day-to-day runnings of the company.
But their split, reportedly, will not affect the hugely successful label.
"They will not let this impact the running of the company," said a source close to the couple. "They have worked too hard to build it up."

subset: commoncrawl


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Speakers Corner
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Identification Longshot and Talking Point 756
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Posted October 26, 2012 at 10:02PM
Good Evening All.
By heck, we are fairly whizzing through them tonight! Pick the bones out of this one.
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Posted October 26, 2012 at 11:01PM
Yes nice one Woolwell
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1 cup (150g) plain flour
1/2 cup self- raising flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
125g melted and cooled butter
3 whisked eggs
2 ripe bananas
preheat oven 180C, grease and line 11x21x6 loaf tin.
combine flours, sugar, cinnamon in large bowl. Add whisked eggs and butter into bowl, mix until combined. Add cut/ mashed banana. Pour mixture into tin and smooth surface. Bake for 35-45 mins or until skewer comes out clean.
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Reporting from Fairfax, Calif. — Pacific Gas & Electric Co.'s plan to install 'smart meters' in this affluent Bay Area community of eco-friendly homes, yoga studios and organic restaurants has unleashed a torrent of anger among customers who fear the devices will expose them to hazardous pulses of electromagnetic radiation.
Hundreds of Fairfax residents have posted red-and-white "Smart meter not here" signs beside their mechanical meters as a warning to PG&E technicians. A few have secured their spinning-dial meters with gates, cages and padlocks.


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By Kate Helm
As manager of an assessment of environmental threats in Russia, Sarah Lowery '02 focused on the country's slow progress in energy efficiency and its vulnerability to climate change. She wrote the report's biodiversity chapter. She has also analyzed energy sectors in four nations for clean energy proposals for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
As a senior associate at the international development firm ECODIT LLC, based in Washington, D.C., Lowery manages the firm's environmental projects.
"I am passionate about environmentally sustainable economic development," says Lowery, who earned an MBA from Yale School of Management and a master's degree in environmental management from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in 2010. "I want to enable people in developing countries to provide for their families and to conserve valuable natural resources, which will sustain development in the long term."
A career in environmental protection is a far cry from her original goal of making millions as a stockbroker—a plan diverted when she saw how applied economics can be used to improve the lives of the poor through an EXCEL Scholars project as a Lafayette student.
Lowery collaborated with Gladstone Hutchinson, associate professor of economics, to document examples of applied non-Keynesian economic theory and to analyze public expenditures of the Jamaican government. In April 2001, she and Harsh Agrawal '01 traveled to Jamaica with Hutchinson to present their research to senior government officials.
Because of her collaboration with her faculty mentor, she imagined greater possibilities for her future.
"Dr. Hutchinson inspired me, challenged me, and believed in me, and thus, I believed in myself," she says. "He really had a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally."
Lowery, who majored in economics & business and Japanese studies, also studied abroad in Australia and went to China and Japan as a Marquis Scholar. "My time at Lafayette opened up a world of possibilities, especially to travel," she says.
So, upon graduation, Lowery headed to Belize as a Peace Corps volunteer.
While there, she worked with the Belize Audubon Society, which managed a protected area near her village. She collaborated with the organization on outreach programs that trained villagers to be tour guides, which increased their incomes and reduced the need to poach plants and animals from the park.
"[That was when] I realized my interest and passion for environmental conservation could actually be a career," says Lowery.
"I saw that economic development needed to take into account environmental concerns and, perhaps more important, that development and conservation goals are not mutually exclusive," she says. "For example, ecotourism is a great way to increase income for local people and conserve the environment, if it's done right."
The Peace Corps also required her to expand her personal boundaries.
For example, when Lowery first arrived in Belize, she was uncomfortable speaking Spanish. So she made a conscious effort to interact and speak in Spanish with local villagers. She now is fluent in the language.
"At first, I didn't know what to talk about. I had to force myself to make small talk about the weather or food," she says. "I made friends by asking people to teach me how to make Belizean dishes. Once quite shy, I became more outgoing and comfortable talking to almost anyone."
Her social lessons paid huge dividends, not only for Lowery but also for the people of that country.
Modeling the mentoring relationship she found with Hutchinson, Lowery showed the young women in Belize a path to greater possibilities. For example, by helping one woman improve her computer and typing skills, Lowery aided her in obtaining a highly coveted government job. She also tutored another girl who wanted to be a nurse in science.
Lowery believes that it was the gift of her time—more than her knowledge—that made the real difference for these women.
"My presence as an educated, unmarried female who had the time to help these women was one of the most important things I could give them—a different example of who they could be," she says. "I showed them that they could choose to pursue education, for example, instead of, or in addition to, a family."


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Amara Studio Boutique is your go-to place in the Champaign-Urbana area for yoga clothes, gear, books, and gifts! Located in our studio lobby. Our outside entrance is located on the Vine Street side of Lincoln Square next to the Great Impasta.
Our studio boutique is open before and after every class or by appointment: email us at email@example.com.


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Review for You Don't Know a Thing About My Sins
You Don't Know a Thing About My Sins
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Democracy and Elections in the Middle East
Since its inception, the Center for Democracy and Election Management has given considerable attention to the challenges of democratization in the Middle East.
CDEM Hosts Regional Conference for Gulf Election Officials in Kuwait, Prepares for Follow-on Study Tour to India
In response to a need identified by election officials and election partners in the Gulf region, American University's Center for Democracy and Election Management (CDEM) convened a conference in Kuwait on February 15 and 16, 2009, to explore establishment of a regional association of Gulf election officials .
Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Middle East Partnership Initiative, the conference provided an opportunity for wide-ranging discussions on regional electoral cooperation that could serve as a platform for improved professional development, networking, data sharing and promotion of electoral best practices and procedures.
Following from the conference, CDEM has begun preliminary work to coordinate a week-long study tour to India during that nation's upcoming national elections which will span a period of several weeks during April-May 2009.
For more information about the conference, please contact CDEM Associate Director, Tihana B. Blanc at firstname.lastname@example.com.
To see a copy of CDEM's press release, click here
Election Management Training Institute, Summer 2008
American University's Center for Democracy and Election Management (CDEM) will conduct an Election Management Training Institute for a group of about 25 representatives from the Persian Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Yemen. The training is sponsored by the U.S. State Department's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and will take place between June 16 and 26, 2008. Sessions will be held at American University and other locations in Washington, DC.
The participants are members of parliament, election practitioners, and representatives from civil society and the media. The Institute will bring participants together with election experts--scholars and practitioners--to shed light on best practices in election management. It will examine the full range of experiences and challenges in administering elections. The Institute will use hands-on group work sessions to facilitate the sharing and application of comparative ideas and experiences.
View: Agenda | Speaker bios
Election Management Institute, Winter 2007
In the Winter of 2007, CDEM organized a week-long institute on democracy and elections for twenty election practitioners from Yemen, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain with a grant from the U.S. State Department's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). This MEPI grant is part of a long term effort by CDEM to work in electoral reform in the U.S. and abroad. The Institute drew upon experiences in U.S. election reform (notably through the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform) and the many experiences we have had internationally in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our Institute on Election Management in the Summer of 2006 served as a model, but we prepared for the 2007 Institute with an extended visit to four countries in the Persian Gulf in July 2006.
View: Final Report
Democracy Conference at American University of Cairo
AU has been collaborating with the American University of Cairo (AUC) in exchanging students and developing a major conference examining the strenghts and weaknesses of democracy in the Middle East. The conference will be co-sponsored by AU and AUC and will be held in Cairo on November 3-5, 2007.
Transitions to Democracy in the Middle East and North Africa: Lessons from Other Regions
CDEM has been collaborating with the Council for a Community of Democracies on a project on democratic transitions.
The conference held on March 9th, 2007, served the purpose of preparing the agenda for a major three-day conference which will be held in Budapest in November 2007. The framework of the subsequent conference will ask the questions, "What are the barriers to Democracy in the Middle East?" and what can be learned from transitions in Europe and Africa.
View: agenda | American Weekly story
CDEM Election Management Summer Institute
In the Summer of 2006, CDEM organized an institute on democracy and elections for thirty two officials from thirteen countries and of which ten came from the Middle East.
View: website | final report
Conference: 2003 Palestinian and Israeli Dialogue in Jerusalem
In the Fall of 2003 and January 2003, CDEM organized a conference among
Palestinians and Israelis in Washington, Jerusalem, and Ramallah to seek points of consensus among distinguished Palestinian and Israeli leaders on the conditions that could permit genuine elections in the West Bank and Gaza.
A group of 18 Palestinians, 16 Israelis, and 8 international advisors committed themselves to participate in a Conference on January 7-9, 2003.
View: website


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Dr. Robin Downing shares her secrets to being a successful female veterinarian. Hint: She considers herself a businessperson.
One of the profession's most successful doctors comments on women's contributions.
We've been talking a lot here about how women talk.
The gender earnings gap: It's difficult to talk about. But talking—with authority—is what female vets must do to earn more.
Men use banter, joking, and playful put downs to establish authority. Women try to maintain an appearance of equality, downplaying their own authority while taking the other person's reactions into account. These rituals play out with both positive and negative outcomes for veterinarians.
Do you see yourself—or your boss—in these findings about male and female owners of family businesses?
CLEVELAND—Almost half of women associates surveyed cite an interest in practice ownership/partnership despite speculative fear that the next generation will avoid the management headaches.
When Dr. Peter Eyre graduated from veterinary college in 1960, three
of his classmates were female.


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Players' rating: 4.5 / 5
Pearl Shooter
Puzzles | Only for VIP | 1 player online
Pearl Shooter is a relaxed submarine adventure. You need to fire pearls with tactical ingenuity so that the pearls do not get to the bottom. Try to see how big combos you can make and if you can collect the pearls necessary to get to the tresure hunt!
Play now!
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- Bonus spin 150 XP
- Treasurespin 250 XP


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Class web pages
Course catalog
Peter Z. Qin
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Physical Chemistry / Biochemistry
Research in the Qin group focuses on understanding the structure/function relationship on nucleic acids. We are utilizing a unique biophysical tool, called site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), for studying nucleic acids. At USC, we have developed new SDSL methodologies driven by specific questions related to DNA and RNA, and these expanded SDSL tools have provided information where other methods have failed. The SDSL method, in combination of other biochemical and biophysical approaches, are being utilized to investigate specific DNA and RNA molecules that function in fundamental biological processes. These studies are aimed at revealing detailed information regarding the conformations of the molecules, as well as unveiling the links between structure, dynamics and function. The information will aid in understanding basic biological processes, deciphering causes of human diseases, and developing novel nano-scale devices. Currently, major areas of research focus include:
Site-directed spin labeling studies of nucleic acids.
In SDSL, a stable nitroxide radical attached to a specific site is utilized to provide local structural and dynamic information via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. SDSL has been established as a tool for investigating solution structure and dynamics of proteins, especially for those systems that are difficult to study by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. SDSL studies of nucleic acids, although having shown great potentials, lag behind the more mature protein SDSL applications. We are among the first group of researchers to use SDSL to study folded RNAs, and we are continuing SDSL developments as driven by specific biological problems.
Our current work focuses primarily on a family of nitroxides, called the R5-series, which are covalently attached to the backbone of a target nucleotide within an arbitrary DNA or RNA sequence. We have reported R5 labeling methods that are simple, efficient, and cost-effective both in terms of time and expense. With these advantages, we can "scan" the nitroxide through a given nucleic acid sequence. This is advantageous for obtaining comprehensive information regarding the target macromolecule.
We have reported a R5-based SDSL tool-kit for unrestricted mapping global structures of nucleic acids. It allows one to use state-of-the-art pulse EPR techniques to measure nanometer distances (20 – 50 Å) between a pair of R5's attached in DNA and RNA molecules. The measure distances are then correlated to the parent nucleic acid structure using an efficient, web-accessible program, called NASNOX (linked via our group site http://pzqin.usc.edu/pzqhome/). We are currently applying this tool-kit to probe global structures of nucleic acids and protein/nucleic acid complexes.
Another area of investigation focuses on probing nucleic acids via monitoring the dynamics (i.e., rotational motion) of a singly-attached nitroxide (e.g., R5). Using this approach, we are probing nanosecond dynamics in large folded RNA molecules (e.g., a 400-nucleotide group I intron), as well as investigating local structural and dynamic features in DNAs.
Structure and function of the packaging RNA, an essential component in the strongest known biological motor.
The pRNA is an essential component of the phi29 bacteriophage DNA packaging motor, which condenses the linear DNA genome inside a capsid utilizing forces that are 2 ~ 8 fold higher than other motors such as myosin and RNA polymerase. Multiple copies of pRNA form a ring-shape complex that is essential in the motor ATPase activity. Information on pRNA structure and function is limited. This has hindered the studies of the phi29 motor, which is believed to share the same mechanism as other double-stranded DNA viruses, including human pathogens such as herpes simplex viruses.
At USC we have carried out biochemical analyses of a pRNA closed dimer, which is the simplest functionally relevant pRNA ring-shaped complex. The results have revealed a modular architecture in the pRNA, and led to a "rigid body motion" model, where ATP dependent movements within a pRNA monomer sequentially activate each monomer and drive DNA packaging. To test the "rigid body motion" model, structure, assembly, and motion of pRNA are being investigated with a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods. SDSL methods, particularly the R5-tool kit, are the major component in these investigations.
As a component of a nano-motor evolved by nature, pRNA provides a framework for constructing novel, artificial nano-machines. Our work on pRNA structure and interaction will aid in these developments.
Non-canonical nucleic acid structures probed via SDSL.
A particular interest is non-B DNA conformations, which associate either with key gene expression and/or regulation events or with human diseases. Studies on non-B conformations in solution are generally hampered by the large size of the target molecules and the co-existence of B and non-B conformations. SDSL is capable of probing heterogeneous high-molecular weight systems, and is being used to test specific hypotheses regarding non-B conformations in a human sequence. The studies use a combination of methods, including EPR spectral measurement, EPR spectral simulations, molecular dynamics simulations, and mutagenesis, to establish rules for correlating the nitroxide dynamics to the local nucleic acid environment. Using these rules, observed nitroxide spectra are analyzed to assess the conformations of the molecule as well as to monitor conformational changes.
Selected publications 1Qin, P.Z., Dieckmann, T., (2004) "Application of NMR and EPR methods to the study of RNA." Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol., 14, 350-9
2Fang, Y., Cai, Q., Qin, P.Z., (2005) "The procapsid binding domain of phi29 packaging RNA has a modular architecture and requires 2'-hydroxyl groups in packaging RNA interaction." Biochemistry, 44, 9348-58
3Qin, P.Z., Feigon, J., Hubbell, W. L., (2005) "Site-directed spin labeling studies reveal solution conformational changes in a GAAA tetraloop receptor upon Mg2+-dependent docking of a GAAA tetraloop." J Mol Biol, 351, 1-8
4Cai, Q., Kusnetzow, A.K., Hubbell, W.L., Haworth, I.S., Gacho, G.P.C., Van Eps, N., Hideg, K., Chambers, E.J., Qin, P.Z., (2006) "Site-directed spin labeling measurements of nanometer distances in nucleic acids using a sequence-independent nitroxide probe." Nucl. Acids Res., 34, 4722-4734
5Qin, P.Z., Jennifer, I., Oki, A., (2006) "A model system for investigating lineshape/structure correlations in RNA site-directed spin labeling." Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 343, 117-124
6Cai, Qi, Kusnetzow, Ana Karin, Hideg, Kalman, Price, Eric A., Haworth, Ian S., Qin, Peter Z., (2007) "Nanometer Distance Measurements in RNA Using Site-Directed Spin Labeling." Biophys. J., 93, 2110-2117
7Grant, Gian Paola G., Qin, Peter Z., (2007) "A facile method for attaching nitroxide spin labels at the 5' terminus of nucleic acids." Nucl. Acids Res., 35, e77
8Price, Eric A., Sutch, Brian T., Cai, Qi , Qin, Peter Z., Haworth, Ian S., (2007) "Computation of nitroxide-nitroxide distances for spin-labeled DNA duplexes." Biopolymers, 87, 40-50
9Qin, Peter Z, Haworth, Ian S, Cai, Qi, Kusnetzow, Ana K, Grant, Gian Paola G, Price, Eric A, Sowa, Glenna Z, Popova, Anna, Herreros, Bruno, He, Honghang, (2007) "Measuring nanometer distances in nucleic acids using a sequence-independent nitroxide probe" Nat. Protocols, 2, 2354-2365
10Fang, Yun, Shu, Dan, Xiao, Feng, Guo, Peixuan, Qin, Peter Z., (2008) "Modular assembly of chimeric phi29 packaging RNAs that support DNA packaging" Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 372, 589-594
11Grant, Gian Paola G., Popova, Anna, Qin, Peter Z., (2008) "Diastereomer characterizations of nitroxide-labeled nucleic acids" Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 371, 451-455
12Sowa, Glenna Z., Qin, Peter Z., (2008) "Site-directed spin labeling studies on nucleic acid structure and dynamics." Prog. Nucleic Acids Res. Mol. Biol., 82, 147-197
13Grant, Gian Paola G., Boyd, Nathan, Herschlag, Daniel, Qin, Peter Z., (2009) "Motions of the Substrate Recognition Duplex in a Group I Intron Assessed by Site-Directed Spin Labeling" J. Am. Chem. Soc., 131, 3136-3137
14Popova, Anna M., K�lai, Tam�s, Hideg, K�lm�n, Qin, Peter Z., (2009) "Site-Specific DNA Structural and Dynamic Features Revealed by Nucleotide-Independent Nitroxide Probes" Biochemistry, 48, 8540-8550
15Zhang, Xiaojun, Cekan, Pavol, Sigurdsson, Snorri Th., Qin, Peter Z., (2009) "Studying RNA using site-directed spin-labeling and continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy." Method Enzymol., 469, 303-328
16Popova, Anna M., Qin, Peter Z., (2010) "A nucleotide-independent nitroxide probe reports on site-specific stereomeric environment in DNA." Biophysical Journal, 99, 2180-2189
17Zhang, Xiaojun, Lee, Sang Won, Zhao, Liang, Xia, Tianbing, Qin, Peter Z. , (2010) "Conformational distributions at the N-peptide/boxB RNA interface studied using site-directed spin labeling." RNA, 16, 2474-2483
18Phuong Nguyen, Peter Z. Qin, (2012) "RNA dynamics: perspectives from spin labels." WIREs: RNA, 3, 62-72
19Anna M. Popova, Ma?mon M. Hatmal, Maria Frushicheva, Eric A. Price, Peter Z. Qin, Ian S. Haworth, (2012) "Nitroxide Sensing of a DNA Microenvironment: Mechanistic Insights from EPR Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulations" J. Phys. Chem. B, 116, 6387−6396
20Zhang, Xiaojun, Qin, Peter Z, (2012) "Studying RNA Folding Using Site-Directed Spin Labeling." Biophysics of RNA folding, in press, in press
21Zhang, Xiaojun, Tung, Chang-Shung, Sowa, Glenna Z., Hatmal, Ma'mon M., Haworth, Ian S., Qin, Peter Z., (2012) "Global structure of a three-way junction in a phi29 packaging RNA dimer determined using site-directed spin labeling" J. Am. Chem. Soc., 134, 2644–2652
Chemistry Dept., USC
College of Letters, Arts & Sciences


text:
Dedicated hosting service is a premium type of web hosting where the client leases an actual physical server that is not shared with any other of the hosting company's clients. There are clear benefits to having a dedicated server, the primary one being that burst of traffic on other person's site will have no effect on yours. Just as with shared or even free web hosting you can host multiple (even hundreds) of websites on a single dedicated hosting service.
A clear drawback to using a dedicated server is that in almost every case you will need to purchase more capability, more power, than you currently need to allow for the highs and lows of traffic that comes from social media, advertising campaigns, and a newsletter mailing. If your server can't handle the traffic it will simply crash and all of your visitors (along with your advertising investment) will be lost.
For this reason, more and more online businesses are opting for grid or cloud-based hosting that provides robust hosting when you need it. Standard service for normal traffic days and powerful, dynamic hosting for those large burst of traffic that everyone dreams of (or dreads – depending on the type of hosting).
Examples of Dedicated Hosting Providers
Tip: It is important to take your time as you choose your hosting service. While dedicated hosting is a powerful choice, maybe all you need is a cheap host to get started - and upgrade later, as your traffic builds.


text:
Reading and responding
Each topic contains a series of responses. A response, or post, is a single comment in the discussion. Responses are posted chronologically, one after another, like dialog in a play. Read together, the responses are an ongoing conversation.
Response separator information
Each response in a discussion is separated from the other responses by identifying information:
When you arrive in the middle of a conversation, you will find that just above the first response displayed to you, there are links to earlier posts in the discussion. Use these links to move to any point in the discussion.
Tip: If the input box is left empty, the Jump! button refreshes (reloads) the page to display the latest responses, including those posted since you started reading the topic. In a fast reading topic, this lets you refresh after reading a long segment.
Suppose you want to temporarily remove a topic from the list you see when you enter a conference:
To remember a topic you have previously forgotten, click Forgotten in the Browse Bar above your topic list in a conference to see the topics you have removed from your list. Open a topic you wish to put back on your list. Click Remember or Remember everywhere at the top of the page. Click Recent in the Browse Bar to return to display in your topic list in the conference.
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The rent at The Terraces Apartments ranges from $870 for a one bedroom to a $1,305 three bedroom. Apartments in this building are about 10% less expensive than the Hillsboro average. This is a pet-friendly apartment.
This apartment is in Hillsboro. Nearby parks include Evergreen Park, Somerset West Swim Center/Park and Magnolia Park.
The Terraces Apartments has a Walk Score of 71 out of 100. This location is Very Walkable so most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Nearby schools include Little Stars Montessori At The Fantastic Umbrella, Ymca - Amber Glenn and Rock Creek Elementary School.
The closest grocery stores are Trader Joe's, Safeway and Jacksons.
Nearby coffee shops include Starbucks, Starbucks and Postal Works. There are 48 restaurants within a 15 minute walk including The Bistro - Eat. Drink. Connect.®, The Old Spaghetti Factory and Mod Pizza.
The Terraces Apartments is near Evergreen Park, Magnolia Park and Rock Creek Greenway.
The Terraces is located right off Evergreen Parkway near NW 185th Ave in Hillsboro, OR. Close to US-26, numerous area parks and Streets of Tanasbourne. Only 5 miles from Portland Hillsboro Airport. Please call for an appointment today.


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Categories > Original > Fantasy > Sleeping Sun
Chapter 30 Reviews
I was sitting on my bed in my room staring aimlessly at the wall when I had my thoughts interrupted when Alex burst through the door.
'Your father wants you, well he didn't send me to go and get you but he had your face in his mind along with a lot of impatience,' he said quickly.
'Sit down, if he needs me then he will send a servant,' I replied as Alex sat down besides me.
'I wouldn't be so sure about that, last I saw of your servants they were running away from him. If I were you I would go down and see what he wants,' he said. I reluctantly agreed with him and led the way down stairs, sure enough there were plenty of people walking away from the throne room then there were walking towards it. I walked through one of the side doors that led to the balcony that was at the back of the throne room.
There was a vampire kneeling in front of the throne looking somewhat scared while my father sat on the throne fuming.
'You are telling me that the vampire lord is there now?' father glared down at the vampire.
'Yes sir. But only in his human form,' I looked on at the vampire in surprise as he spoke our language with little trouble. Another thought struck me and I made a mental not to ask Alex about it later. I watched as father sat back with a thoughtful expression on his face.
'You,' he pointed to one of the guards. 'Send for my son and the vampire known as Alexander and tell him he is leaving early. And you,' this time he pointed at the messenger. 'You can go with them, go, now!' I watched as the guard did his best not to run out of the building and was closely followed by the vampire. I signalled to Alex to follow me and led the way into one of the corridors where the guard near enough ran straight into me.
He bowed hastily. 'Sir, your father has sent me to tell you that you are to leave immediately accompanied by another messenger.' I nodded and he walked off briskly back towards the throne room.
'Ok, so back to my room for a second so we can think this through,' I suggested to which Alex nodded enthusiastically.
Once we were back in my room I immediately hunted around for the rest of my gear and all of the herbs and poisons. Alex was talking to the other vampire quietly and quickly while I continued going through my room and picking up anything that may be of use. After looking under my bed and through all of the junk under there I found my set of spare arrows and throwing knifes.
'You know, you could get searched and all of those taken off of you,' the vampire commented. I looked at him and nodded.
'I know, but I can easily go to a blacksmith or something or make some new ones. All of my gear is temporary anyway and how I understand it, there are not many searches going on for people who they cannot see,' I replied the vampire rolled his eyes and wandered around my room.
After I had gathered all that I needed I turned to look at the two vampires. 'Ok, first question. Anyone know what we are actually going to do when we get there?'
Alex looked at the other vampire and nodded. 'Ok first off, this is Daran. He has just told me that the lord is near where one of the main cities, Gardeth. As luck has it, one of our generals has given us a load of money so that we have enough to get started.'
'Wait a second,' I interrupted him. He looked at me questioningly. 'Do you mind if we stop off in one of the forests first? It will help me relax. That and I want to see what herbs you have there.' Alexander nodded. 'Great, now when you are ready I can get someone to send us over there.' They nodded and followed me to one of the portal guardians. Alex and Daran were talking to each other again while I took no notice of what they were saying. By the time we had reached the portals Alex and Daran and lapsed into silence and were instead staring at the portals in wonder which made me curious as to how they got here in the first place.
One of the guardians bowed to me and led us to the portal on the far right. The portal is nothing special and you cannot even see it all that well. We stood before a raised platform where the air above it was distorted and shifted and manipulated the air around it. I looked at the guardian and they signalled for us to stand on the platform. I led Daran and Alexander onto it whom were looking somewhat uncomfortable.
I felt a strange pulling sensation as the sight of the dungeons and the other portals shifted and dissolved into one filled with greenery. The solid base of the platform changed to the softer form of grass. As soon as the transition was complete I fell to the ground in exhaustion.
'Ah no place like home,' Alex grinned as I pulled myself to my feet. I looked over to Daran who had recovered from the portals effects within seconds. 'We should set up camp around here somewhere. Lewis will need sleep and food.' Alex continued on talking to Daran who nodded in agreement. I followed them taking in the surroundings. The forest was different than it is back home in that it was no where near as dense. At home the only way you could get through the forest fast was through the trees while here there are tracks where their horses have walked down. The pair stopped in a little clearing, a little way out of the way from the roads and spread out to find some wood for a fire while I continued my observation of the human world.
I walked up to one of the trees and began to climb it to the top. Once at the top of the tree I looked out over the landscape. To be honest it is not too different from home apart from the villages are smaller than ours. Mainly because my people tend to either stay in the city or a town or go out on their own or smaller groups. I could see the nearby road run through a village and to a city in the distance. I sat on the branch I was standing on and stared up at the sky. Everything about this place feels wrong, like I don't belong here. I am not looking forwards to when we reach the city plus as I remember, they do not really agree with magic or anything like that and even the vampires avoid the humans to avoid a fuss. Yeah the humans know about them but if they leave them alone then they will do the same.
I looked back down through the branches to see that Alex and Daran had finished with the fire and climbed swiftly back down to join them. I walked over to sit besides the crackling fire as day quickly was turning into night.
'Ok, so we need to set up somewhere to stay which is near Gardeth but not actually in it,' Alex started I nodded in agreement and pulled my travelling cloak around me tighter.
'I will set out in the morning to determine his exact location. You two stay here,' Daran demanded I nodded again, not in any position to be contradicting him, it is his planet after all. I yawned, like I said, the portals have various side effects, one of which leaves you very, very tired.
Alex giggled, 'maybe you should get some sleep Lewis, don't worry I'll watch over you.' I nodded having no choice but to trust him. I lay on my side and drifted off into a restless sleep, worrying about the challenges that will come with my new life.


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Pages tagged with Melting
While most of the world experiences only four seasons annually, we here in the Northland encounter a strange phenomenon every year at this time: a fifth season, caught on the boundary between winter and spring. We in the Northland affectionately call it "Mud Season," as the following ...
Recent studies have revealed that over a TRILLION tons - that is 1000X a BILLION - of greenhouse methane, alongside carbon dioxide, could be released into the atmosphere as a result, with potentially devastating consequences.
Humanity is on the edge of one of the most pivotal moments in environmental history - loss of sea ice will cause raising global temperatures - impacting on human ability to grow food as extreme weather becomes more commonplace around the world.
The ice is quite clearly thinning considerably around the edges, altering the overall ice mass of Greenland as warming ocean waters eat away at the ice
In 2011, the global population is estimated at between 20,000 to 25,000 Polar Bears, divided into 19 sub-populations, eight of which are thought to be declining, concern now being expressed that species' survival is now threatened by climate change temperature rises.
Polar Bears are not necessarily a doomed species, because most scientists believe that enough ice will remain around the north-west of Greenland and the north-east of Canada to support a reasonable population.
This takes a look at how a person feels when faced with having to struggle to get his or her lover to any kind of emotion. I further looks into what the reaction is and how the person deals with such a dilemma.
Many are possibly unaware that ice in the Arctic region has a vital role to play in regulating the climate of the planet.
Over the past 70 years, research has revealed that species of plankton, normally only found in the Pacific have now become common in the Atlantic, moving through an Arctic sea-ice passage that has opened up.
This radical re-appraisal of Asian ice melting came about via data from two new satellites called Grace, measuring tiny changes in the Earth's gravitational pull, which weakens when ice is lost
Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice-capped. Sea level rise is caused by the melting ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica, as suggested by global warming alarmists.


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Introducing the NEW
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Stay current with APSA and pediatric surgery news.
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Join the El Rincon Booster Club for a night out at Shakey's with the family.
The school fundraising event will take place on Thurs. March 7. at Shakey's from 5-8 p.m. on its Culver City premises at 5604 Sepulveda Blvd.
Simply drop your receipt (for either dining in or taking out) in the fundraiser box. Twenty-five percent of your sale will go to the El Rincon Booster Club to benefit the school.
Be sure to like Culver City Patch on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our free daily newsletter for email updates.


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But if "anyone can gain access" to the network, and none of these actions could be logged or audited, then it's entirely possible that "anyone" -- not necessarily Childs -- could have accessed the network at any time and made any number of changes to network devices, before Childs' arrest or while he was in jail.
Where Terry Childs seems to have gone off course
As questionable as many of the city's claims are, many of Terry Childs' actions also raise legitimate red flags.
For example, the city's court filings claim that police found an ID badge and access card of one of Childs' colleagues in his house, and that Childs had lists of usernames and passwords of other city employees, including his direct supervisor, Herb Tong. Childs' having these materials may be difficult to justify, if true. Some of the city's statements on Childs' network configurations indicate that his approach to network security bordered on raw paranoia.
From all accounts, Childs believed San Francisco's FiberWAN network was his baby, and that refusing to allow others to access the inner sanctum was in the best interests of the city, the citizens, and perhaps most important, himself. That belief may have led him astray.
No clear winner, but a clear loser: San Francisco
Despite all the uncertainties and questionable claims one thing has become apparent: There was obviously a tremendous lack of oversight in San Francisco's IT department. There was also a lack of support for DTIS employees. With staffing reductions, it seems that they were operating with less staff than they needed, and less skilled staff as well. This is the likely cause of Childs' position as the sole administrator to the FiberWAN network.
Only Childs knows for sure, but those who claim to know him indicate that Childs put up with political games, staff reductions, incompetent coworkers, and a hostile work environment for as long as he could, and then tried to get away from it as best he could. He very well may have been insubordinate in doing so, but based on the public evidence so far, it is hard to believe that he actually intended to orchestrate the destruction of the city network. And a CCIE-level network administrator has far more insidious ways to cause a network to fail than simply erasing the startup configurations.
A former supervisor and the current systems manager for San Francisco's human resources department provided affidavits in Childs' bail hearing, supporting Childs. "All he wanted to do is protect the system," wrote former supervisor Dana Hom. "I do not believe he would do anything to compromise the safety and performance of the network to which he has dedicated his life," wrote HR systems manager Peter Stokes.
What's happened since indicates that Childs' apparent concerns about the city damaging the network if it had access may not have been so far off base.
Read more about data management in InfoWorld's Data Management Channel.


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You are here: Home >> Tasting articles >> Bordeaux 2007 - St-Émilion
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Bordeaux 2007 - St-Émilion
To find other Bordeaux 2007 tasting notes, click here . Here are our notes on 140 wines from the extensive St-Émilion appellation and a few from the satellites Montagne- and Lussac-St-Émilion. Most of these wines were tasted blind, some of them as many as four times. As usual in this large and very geologically varied area (see the new map on page 111 of the 6th edition of The World Atlas of Wine) there is a bit of everything in here, not least some very drying oak tannins. The most successful wines were those with real juice in the middle. And one or two managed more than juice: Pavie...
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Summary | Excerpt | Reading Guide | Reviews | Readalikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio
Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!
Suggested Reading
Sholem Asch, The Nazarene; Jim Crace, Quarantine; Anita Diamant, The Red Tent; Fyodor Dostoyevsky, "The Grand Inquisitor" (in The Brothers Karamazov); Lloyd C. Douglas, The Robe; Robert Graves, King Jesus; Nikos Kazantzakis, The Last Temptation of Christ; Norman Mailer, The Gospel According to the Son; David Maine, Fallen; Nino Ricci, Testament; José Saramago, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ.
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
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of publication. See what they think
in First Impressions!
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The Angel of Losses
"Family saga, mystery, and myth intersect in Feldman's debut novel." - Booklist
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Books thatinspire you.Handpicked.
Books you'll stay up all night reading; books that will whisk you to faraway places and times, books that will expand your mind and inspire you -- the kinds of books you just can't wait to tell your friends about.


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Avoid These Car-Dealership Sales Tricks
Follow these road signs to steer clear of deceptive sales strategies.
The process of buying a new car can be both financially and mentally straining. Aside from a limited number of sellers such as CarMax, dealerships that offer fixed prices on new cars are hard to come by. On top of that, the industry is rife with deceptive sales strategies that consumers need to be aware of so they can get the best price on a new ride.
Problems with new-car dealers consistently rank near the top of the Better Business Bureau's list of consumer complaints. Many dealers are armed with salespeople trained to tack on as many unnecessary costs as possible, such as extended warranties that offer minimal coverage and add-ons (such as a GPS) that are already installed. It's an issue that affects everyone from cash-strapped consumers in the market for an economy car to families in search of a middle-of-the-road van, all the way to those looking for a new sports car. Across the board, people who don't do their homework before hitting the dealership are most susceptible to being taken advantage of.
Some sly sales tactics are more common than others, but that doesn't mean they're any less egregious. U.S. News spoke to industry experts for advice on how to recognize and avoid five of the biggest tricks:
The old "bait-and-switch." Due to its effectiveness, this type of hustle has been around for a while and also takes place in real estate and other industries. Buyers are often enticed by an advertisement for a certain vehicle, but when the arrive at the dealership, they're told the car is no longer available. It's important to remember that there are a large number of models in a dealer's new-car inventory. Consequently, if a salesperson says the advertised car no longer exists—that it was "just sold"—that's usually a sign of a shady dealership, says Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of cars.com. He recommends contacting the seller to inquire about a particular vehicle before stepping onto the lot.
[Read: Protect Yourself From 10 Menacing Financial Scams.]
"It's time for a new one." Many times, the first words a new-car buyer hears are, "What brings you in today?" Sure, it may sound friendly and innocent, but that's not always the case. Instead of simply asking what customers are looking for, salespeople are also hoping to find out what's happened to their current vehicle. If the owner lets on that the car has been damaged or is at the end of its life, the salesperson may try to pressure the person to make a purchase. However, consumers should keep in mind that there's room to negotiate. "Saying you just cracked up your only car and can't get to work the next day without one isn't going to work in your favor," Wiesenfelder says.
Also worth noting: Car salespeople aren't mechanics, so you shouldn't take their word for what shape your car is in.
"Come on in and we'll talk." The dealership may be down the street, but that doesn't mean you have to drive there to talk business. Gregg Fidan, creator of the peer-to-peer car-buying resource RealCarTips.com, says buyers should negotiate the price by phone or email—not at the dealership. "If you go to a dealership to negotiate, they have the upper hand," Fidan says. "You've taken the time to go there, which means you're in a controlled environment, in which they'll try to wear you down until you agree to their price."
Keep in mind that a salesperson's job is to close the deal as soon as possible, so don't be fooled by the claim that an offer is only good that day. "Technically, a dealer can sell any car at any price at any time, regardless of whether there's a 'tent sale' ongoing," Wiesenfelder says.
[Read: How to Bargain for a New Car]
"Yo-yo financing." Prospective car buyers with poor credit are especially vulnerable to this trick. It's a basic scheme: The dealer sells you the vehicle on the spot—before the financing is complete. They'll then give you a call a few days later saying your loan application fell through and you have to come back in and sign one at a higher interest rate.


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does not include shipping and tax
List Price $12.75 Save $1.30 (10%)
Want it delivered 07-28-2014?
Order it in the next 1 hr and 39 min and choose Next Day Air Morning at checkout. Details
Average Customer Review4.5 (104 reviews)
Create an online reviewand share your thoughts with other customers
Things I liked:average shooting
Things I would have changed:Make it heavier
What others should know:Heavier pellets shot better in the RWS 34
Things I liked:I have had good luck using these pellets for dispatch. I've dispatched gray squirrels, red squirrels, chipmunks, pill bottles, h2o bottles, bees sitting on apples, lots of things. They seem to work well in my HW50 and in my P17.
Things I would have changed:nothing
What others should know:just can't use them in many leagues or ranges because they are not wad cutters
Things I liked:I shoot a Beeman HW97K .20 and an old BSA Meteor .22 and in those the corresponding JSB exact pellets are by far the best ammo, but in my HW30 .177 these Superdomes come out of nowhere and consistently group slightly better than the JSB and H&N pellets I've tried.
Things I would have changed:n/a
What others should know:Fortunately one of our local hardware stores with a small gun shop stocks these from time to time, otherwise I wouldn't have come across them. Definitely give them a try in your .177. It may turn out to be the right pellet for your gun.
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Compatible with RWS Superdome .177 Cal, 8.3 Grains, Domed, 500ct


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David Shea, Michael Fairlie (ACMI Collections expert and video artist) and Kristi Monfries (video and visual artist), 2004
Renowned international composer David Shea is back at ACMI with evocative new electronic collages of sound and image.
A slice of the development of erotic imagery - from the decadent 20s and the burlesque of the 50s, to the development of free love movements and the birth of 70s porn.
A tribute to the little-known 60s and 70s Canadian experiemental filmmaker Arthur Lipsett, whose work mixes found footage, with photos, shot footage and interviews.
Based on a section of the Ramayana cycle, this work focuses on how Sita, the goddess of the Earth, proves her purity by walking through a wall of fire.
Drawing from educational, industrial and commercial films, this look at social conditioning considers how images fill our lives with meaning, from birth to death.
David Shea


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IMP Awards > Intl > China > 2011 Movie Poster Gallery > A Chinese Fairy Tale Poster #2
Alternate designs (click on thumbnails for larger version)
A Chinese Fairy Tale (2011)
TRAILERS | IMDB | AMAZON | added: Apr 5th, 2011
WANT TO BUY THE POSTER? Try these links:
Internet Movie Poster Awards - Featuring one of the largest collections of movie poster images on the web.
Site Design by Face3media


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NJIT Faculty Receives Excellent Teacher Award
Howard Kimmel, PhD, professor of chemical engineering and executive director of New Jersey Institute of Technology's (NJIT) Center for Pre-College Programs, received the NJIT Foundation Overseers Public and Institute Service Award.
Kimmel, of East Brunswick, was given the award during an NJIT annual awards ceremony known as university convocation. The award recognizes those with a long record of extraordinary service to the university and the community.
Under Kimmel's leadership, the Center for Pre-College Programs has gained national recognition for excellence and innovation. With a small program that began in the early 1970s serving a handful of students, the Pre-College Program now serves nearly 5,000 students as well as their teachers, counselors and parents. The benefits to the community from Kimmel's vision, labor and energy are incalculable.
In the late 1990s, Kimmel played an important role getting the New Jersey core curriculum content standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Kimmel has been active in many professional organizations; he has mentored many students, both at the pre-college and college levels. He has also been a special mentor to junior faculty, especially in helping them prepare research grant applications to the National Science Foundation.


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New York residents: join AANMA in supporting Senate Bill 2210 and Assembly Bill 2566 to permit students to carry and self-administer prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors during the school day.
Current proposed legislation in New York state, if passed, would make New York the 50th state to protect students' rights to carry and self-administer their prescribed anaphylaxis medication. AANMA applauds Senators Michael H. Ranzenhofer and George D. Maziarz, authors of S2210, and Assembly Members Félix Oritz, Sandy Galef, William F. Boyland, Jr., and Linda B. Rosenthal, authors of A2566, for their leadership in introducing this legislation.
AANMA supports Senate Bill 2210 and Assembly Bill 2566, which would permit students to carry and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine during the school day.
Data shows death from anaphylaxis happens more often when the individual is away from home and there is either a delay before epinephrine can be administered or it is not given at all. Immediate access to lifesaving medications makes the difference.
In 2004, AANMA, working with 28 stakeholder groups, supported federal legislation that encouraged states to protect rights of students to carry and self-administer their lifesaving inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine throughout the school day. Today, 50 states protect students' rights to carry their inhalers and 49 protect students' rights to carry auto-injectable epinephrine.
New York's proposed legislation will ensure every student's right to carry and self-administer prescribed lifesaving medications is protected across the nation.
We urge all New York legislators to support S2210 and A2566 and join the national movement so students can get on with the business of learning while confident their right to breathe and access to lifesaving medications during the school day is protected.
Please contact both of your legislators by phone or email and urge them to vote "YES" on S2210 and A2566. Find your Assembly and Senate representative at http://assembly.state.ny.us and http://www.nysenate.gov.
It is your voice that will make the difference for students at risk of anaphylaxis living in New York. For more information, please contact email@example.com or 800-878-4403. Thank you for your help!


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In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh was given permission by Queen Elizabeth I to colonize Virginia. He dispatched an expedition to the East Coast of North America. Between 1585 and 1587, two groups of colonists were left on Roanoke Island to establish the settlement. Sir Raleigh returned from the trip with two American Indians and samples of animals and plants.
After fights with local tribes, the first colony was low on food and men to defend the settlement. When Sir Francis Drake visited after a raid in the Caribbean, he offered to take the people of the settlement back to England. They accepted and left.
In 1587, 150 new colonists arrived and found the local natives (the Croatans) to be friendly. The group tried to befriend some of the other tribes that the previous colonists had fought with. This resulted in the death of one of the settlers – he was killed by the Croatans. The remaining members of the group convinced the leader, Governor White, to return to England for help. They returned to England, but left behind ninety men, seventeen women, and eleven children.
When White returned in August 1590, the settlement was deserted. There were no signs of a struggle and no remains were found at all. The only clue was the word "Croatoan" carved into a post of the fort and "Cro" carved into a nearby tree.
The settlement became known as the Lost Colony and no members were ever seen again.
Hypotheses about their disappearance include cannibalism, starvation or that the people became lost at sea. But the most supported theory is that the colony joined the Croatan tribe.
What do you think happened to this colony?