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Topic: Bulgarian Style Training (Read 25963 times)
Steve Gough
WE Hero
Posts: 70
Bulgarian Style Training
Reply #32 on:
Apr 22, 2005, 11:42 AM »
John (and Glenn)
Your responses this a.m. have been heartfelt, sincere and loaded with hope for the future. If you add up all those lately who have added to this mix you might conclude that there are a considerable number out there in usa weightliftingland with the same vision... and will. Good things can happen from this. I would hope that the "powers to be" would take note and deign to join. Let us keep the ball rolling. Work with each other like we've never done before.
Steve Gough
WE Hero
Posts: 70
Bulgarian Style Training
Reply #33 on:
May 15, 2005, 04:28 PM »
Here we go again with... "the chicken vs the egg." Recruiting, yes! In the meantime what do we tell those who now have a chance? Sorry, we have to wait until we attract Chinese-like numbers. Never will happen. But produce results with the numbers we have and watch us grow. If not, at least we'll have far greater satisfaction than we now possess.
As for the training philosophy, again I disagree. I wish that someone who can really explain the concept of the "nervous system" that the Bulgarian training system addresses would step forward and make it understood so that all get it. It has nothing to do with countries or ethnic background or whatever... it has to do with the human-animal within us. It has to do with adaptation, total adaptation to the movements we contest... the snatch and the C&J. If you/we/anyone comes up with a better system, then fine, let's go for it. In the meantime we need to create some enertia... in a direction that has proven results.
WE Hero
Posts: 47
bulgarian system explained
Reply #34 on:
May 16, 2005, 06:21 PM »
steve, let me take a stab as best i can, to explain what i think are the differences between the bulgarian and russian systems and their effect on the body.
in my opinion, it all boils down to a trade-off between overload and specificity.
overload of course is doing something you are not used to doing, something you are not adapted to, that then causes the body to change to accomodate it... if you do LOTS of different things, it stands to reason that you can better overload the body. you simply have a much easier time coming into a training session and doing something new and unusual enough to elicit an adaptation, whether it is an unusual load or exercise or anything else.
on first glance, this would seem to mean more variety is better, but thats not quite the whole story. adaptations are specific... if you adapt to doing a pull, how much of that adaptation will carry over to the clean? 50%? more or less? we can agree that there is some carry-over, but it is not 100% i think.
a more specific program, with less variety, will make it much harder to continue to overload the body, because of the constant use of the same type of training stimulus... however, if all one ever does is 100% snatches, then it would stand to reason that although after time and adaptation it is hard to continue to overload the body with this type of work, and the overall overload and adaptation is smaller, 100% of the adaptation is applicable to doing 100% snatches.
so to fastforward a little, you have a choice of two things if you want to be at either extreme... a workout that gives a LOT of overall physical adaptation, but a small percentage of it applicable to 100% snatches, or a workout that gives a smaller overall adaptation but a very high percentage of it applicable to 100% snatches.
given this, its easy to see why a lifter trained on the soviet system might appear more muscular and overall more athletic, but a lifter trained on a bulgarian system might get more weight on the snatch out of smaller muscles and less total physical ability/adaptation.
the adaptations of the body to a weightlifting type of load are numerous. take the nervous system adaptations... these are mostly specific, very specific to the work done. more motor unit recruitment during a specific trained task, and better cooperation between muscles and muscle groups during a specific task... such as muscles relaxing when they should, differing muscle groups supplying the correct amount of force at the correct time, etc. i think its obvious that the bulgarian type of system operates mostly at the neural level, training the body to deliver its force more perfectly for the competitive exercises.
when it comes to "building muscle", there are a lot of different things that can go on inside a muscle to make it bigger. the simple explanation would include the difference between hypertrophy of the sarcomere and hypertrophy of the sarcolema, which is part of what i think abajiev was getting at in the famous tape most of us have seen. in simple terms, not everything inside of a muscle contracts, there are also blood vessels, organells which supply energy, etc. adaptation is specific. if you demand great force output but little else, the muslce adapts to supply more force. if you demand endurance, a totally different set of adaptations take place. if you look at a muslce biopsy under a microscope, you could tell the difference between the adaptation to 20 rep squat workouts and singles on the clean and jerk.
of course it is all much more complicated than this, i really dont know what is appropriate on this type of forum. i hope i dont sound like i am talking down to people, im just trying to make sense to someone with no physiology background.
my own personal opinion is that an athlete should do both work that is specific and work that is more general, going more toward the former as the career progresses.
WE Hero
Posts: 47
well darn
Reply #35 on:
May 16, 2005, 11:16 PM »
well darn if i had read that i wouldnt have posted. obviously he covered it better.
but one thing he did leave out, it seems to me, is the differences between the two systems when it comes to exercise variety. i think this is a lot more important than the differences in loading style.
Steve Gough
WE Hero
Posts: 70
Bulgarian Style Training
Reply #36 on:
May 17, 2005, 07:34 AM »
Excellent! This is more or less what I was asking for and you have answered it with deft clarity. I defer to your obvious grasp.
As for combinations in any form of the two (Russian and Bulgarian) I can only reason that Abajiev experimented with all combinations imaginable (at least the ones that made sense) to finally reach the results his lifters accomplished and the system we now discuss.
Then the question to me becomes, why waste time and effort on something already "hashed out", tried and rejected? Do we use what little resources (ie the best talent we have currently) to findout, thereby possibly limiting not only their results, but their time in which to do it? Abajiev in that tape definitely states that one must do the complete system in order for it to work. (my words). On that I would defer to his experiences and findings.
I should state a caveat which I seem to always omit, when I refer to this system and why I support it I am always talking about employing in a timely manner when each individual exhibits readiness (physically and mentally). What to do with beginners, intermediates may be a different story entirely. Though I tend to head in that direction from the gitgo.
As for your explaination comparing the different muscle sizes,etc, between Russian and Bulgarian lifters, does this have anything to do with what Abajiev refers to as "the quality of muscle?" If so, are we too fascinated/taken in by size over said-quality?
Again, great job on the explanations.
WE Hero
Posts: 47
quality of muscle
Reply #37 on:
May 17, 2005, 08:12 AM »
well i cant read his mind... and i wasnt all that impressed with the tape to tell you the truth. i thought he put forth some pretty basic muscle phys and then drew conclusions from it which were a pretty huge stretch... and that does NOT mean i dont like him or his system, just that i dont think that one thing follows another quite as easily as the tape made it seem.
look, we all know the same basic things about human and muscle phys... the russians, the bulgarians, the americans. if it were as simple as that we could just go to someone like dr. kilgore (or stone?) and ask him how to train.
quality of muscle... the most obvious or logical thing this could mean in this context is how much actual myosin and actin you have per pound of muslce, what proportion of the cross section is myofillaments what proportion is not.
Steve Gough
WE Hero
Posts: 70
Bulgarian Style Training
Reply #38 on:
May 17, 2005, 10:19 AM »
"We could go to someone like Dr. Kilgore (or Stone) and ask him how to train."
Well, why haven't we? And if so, where are the results? Correct on paper, but paper is not where its at. An old military axiom states that "battle plans are out the window as soon as the first shot is fired." And that I believe is where in our sport "true" coaching comes in.
The truth of the matter is that we only have two examples (currently) of World Champions in this country to cite... Oscar and Cheryl. Both from Savannah, though I dare say both a product of different coaching. One, by Michael Cohen, and the other ??? Oscar, himself, either entirely or mostly unless otherwise corrected. Both equally obvious were given great foundations in which to begin with, but gut feeling tells me that one of them took it from there to another level of which only he has reached thus far.
Each unique without a doubt. Though, I would say that Oscar's championship was by far the bigger nut to crack. He has led the way for the rest of us. Amazing to me that we really know next to nothing of his training career, methods, thoughts, etc etc. As for someone at the OTC taking credit... please, let us not insult our intelligence. It's hard enough to swallow, what, 23rd in the World, without having to sugarcoat our standings when no one really believes it.
The Abajiev interview really clarifies (at least to me) what you see of Abajiev (the old man) in the tape... a man, maybe with failing health, a man at the end of his career, for better or worse, unappreciated by some, admired by others. All the while totally glossing over the accomplishments by the "what-are-you-doing-for-me-lately crowd." He may not impress you now (or ever), but what they did under his watch is literally epic in scope and a goal for us to shoot for even if only on a limited basis.
Putting egos aside, what if anything is to be learned? Do we just build a better mouse trap? or just do as good or better a job using the simplelest of methods which just happen to have recorded the best of results?
WE Hero
Posts: 47
the old rocking chair...
Reply #39 on:
May 17, 2005, 10:35 AM »
well, i dont think hes off his rocker at all (assuming that this comment wasnt directed at ME?)... but here is what i think. ivan (arent we on a first name basis by now?) had theories and ideas about training that WORKED. thats all there is to it. he applied his ideas and they were successfull. but not everyone wants to listen.
so, he goes back to muscle phys and tries to justify what hes doing with science... the problem is, any decent grad student could come up with a good way to justify, using accepted science, the bulgarian, the russian, or any one of many other training systems equally well. really, we simply dont know enough about all the 1 million variables involved to write out sets and reps and plans by reading a physiology text.
one example that i always thought was interesting. greg hauff (sp?) published an paper on "cluster sets" that i think is available on this website. as i remember, the premise of the paper was that when using cluster sets, you could keep the speed and tempo and power generation of the exercise closer to the values attained in a "fresh" state for longer, and do a greater volume of work without the values mentioned deteriorating. the conclusion was then made that since average power generation values were higher, these type of sets would be better for the development of power.
now, this is interesting, except for the fact that a LOT of assumpions are made in order to conclude this in my opinion, i think a person could have taken the same data and concluded the total opposite depending on his or her particular personal feelings... for example, doesnt zatsiorsky (who is as respected as anyone in the field) say that when using the repeated efforts method, it is in fact FATIGUE and going to FAILURE (and when you think about it, failure presupposed a slowing down and reduction in power production) is neccessary to get the best results...
i think that two different authors, with two different mindsets, could take the data that was gathered in this particular study, and written two entirely different conclusions using two entirely different reference lists, both of which could be convincing and could be pretty much supported by relevent scientific literature.
now this all doesnt mean that i dont like cluster sets or that i disagree completely with greg. it just means that i sometimes read studies, and look at any assumptions, or how the data is presented, and play devils advocate.
in fact, the 20 singles in 20 minutes that is westside (or mills, depending i guess on where you got the idea) inspired and that we use, is kind of similar to a "cluster set". we have had good success with kids using this type of work, and chris wilkes got the idea from us and has used it in the training of his lifters, a couple of whom have set american records.
but what strikes me is that my "explanation" of why i think it works is entirely different from that of greg and his study! in my opinion, the type of fatigue, the slow onset of fatigue (as opposed to say, doing a set of 5 all at once) FORCES you (or allows you) to perfect your technique more and more as the workout goes on. you can see, as the fatigue slowly sets in rep after rep, the kids not pulling the bar as high or as fast, but pulling it straighter, getting under faster, etc. the body just slowly adapts over the 20 minutes to do whatever it takes to complete rep after rep, requiring better and better and more and more effecient technique as the power diminishes. its not uncommon to see kids be able to build the weight up over the last 5 reps to hit new personal records even though there is obvious fatigue and loss of power.
so there you have two different explanations, both quite different, as to why the same type of training works. and no, the training is not really the same, greg used pulls, his emphasis was on power production and he did not do 20 reps with 45 sec rest between each... while i used snatches and clean and jerks and the emphasis was on technique and weight lifted... but both protocols have some important things in common, that of a number of submaximal lifts done with short rests between, instead of the normal way of doing 3-5 reps in a row, then a long rest, then another 3-5 reps in row, etc. in fact id say that the defining factor for this type of training, and the defining factor used in his paper to differentiate the studied protocol ffrom more normal protocols was the short rests interspersed throughout the reps.... and yet two people not only have two different explanations as to why they work, one explanation centers on the elimination or reduction of fatigue, the other explanation centers on how the fatigue produced actually is part and parcel of the reason for success!
im not anti-science, im not anti-research. if i was i wouldnt have gone through the trouble of getting my masters degree and doing my own research on over-reaching and the effect that manipulations of homones has on the training effect. i think science is good and there is a lot to learn from it and that any coach should read it and learn and that some scientific knowledge is really required to be the best coach you can be. i am hopefull that in the future there will be much more to learn from science about training, and that this knowledge will help all coaches to be more effecient...
but an often quoted saying is "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" which i think means basically that if you know only a little about a subject you are more likely to figuratively put your foot in your mouth than if you know nothing. i think that right now we know "a little" about the bodies response to training and all the variables involved. we know enough to draw conclusions, but not to be assured that these are the correct conclusions. we know just enough, i think, to draw any conclusion we want if we are creative enough.
studies like the cluster set study and many others will help us know more, are worthwhile, and i think actually immensly valuable. but we should be carefull about the breadth and depth of the conclusions we draw from studies. certainly conclusions can be drawn, things can be learned, but maybe not quite as much as some people would like. the first doctors had some strange ideas, but upon the foundations of bloodletting was built penicillan and MRI machines and the washing of the doctors hands between surgeries...
where did all this start? oh yeah, bulgarian training and its basis in muscle phys and science. to summarize my feelings, the training works, but it is not a forgon conclusion based that should be reached after reading a physiology text.
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bump to a car I would LOVE to trade for
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2000 UniBlack Jetta vr6, millage is around 155xxx will go up
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Intrested in trade ?
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subset: commoncrawl


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hollywooda wrote:I understand what your saying Eli, and you have a good point and its something in games I find annoying.
But because Arkham isn't a succession of levels, *example jungle, sewer, city street. Arkham is really just one very large level that mutates as the story evolves.
When new areas open up from a power up or a development from the story, it feels more of an organic process rather than retreading old ground.
Basically unless you are hunting all of the riddlers items from the very get go, then there is always a purpose to areas being locked at that given point.
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As a super hero licence AA is untouchable but there were just things that let it down for me. All Rocksteady had to do was jetison the question mark collectibles and add more puzzle solving riddles bringing The Riddler more into game. One of those where faults are made more prominent by the rest being done so well.


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I have been teaching for eleven years in the same school district and I have taught honors classes for the last six years.
With my high level honors students I use the Socratic method, as well as project based learning. I tend to integrate quite a bit of technology into my lessons. I like to make my handouts fun by adding some elements of humor. It tends to wake them up!
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BA in English Dickinson College 1993, MA Lehigh University 2002
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Lior Levin asked me today if it's possible to create a Firefox extension, that will block Facebook part of the time. As a result, I created a Firefox extension (a compiled Greasemonkey) that blocks Facebook for 45 minutes each hour (form :16 to :59), i.e. blocking Facebook for 75% of your time.
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Will be glad to hear if you're using it, and what you think of it.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Is Martin McDonagh Irish Enough?
69 comments:
I don't see a lot of fillums, but the other day I got an email from a mate ordering me to see In Bruges. So I guess I will.
Great post about Irishness. I wasn't aware of any of that stuff. I of course am Irish, although I've spent about 140 years out of the country (returned for 2 weeks in 1979). My brother's done the family history and spent much time in Ireland. He tracked down the house of my great great grandparents in County Kilkenny, and took a picture to prove our Irishness. I'm sure this is of great interest to everyone. - February 10, 2009 at 12:50 AM
- Brian O'Rourke said...
Adrian -
Very interesting post, especially about the genetic argument. I'm probably what you would call a "plastic paddy," an American who traces half his lineage back to Ireland, drinks Guinness whenever he can, and tells everybody he's "Irish." I'll bet everybody born in Ireland loves to hear that. But hey, it's what we do in America. We don't say "I'm American" to each other. We say "I'm Italian...German..Irish.. etc."
In my defense, I don't adopt any delightfully cute sayings or expressions from The Quiet Man. For instance, I don't say "me" when I'm really saying "my."
All I know is that my great-great grandfather left Ireland "under suspicious circumstances." Don't know if he was a Fenian or part of some other group (there were a lot and sometimes I have trouble keeping track of all them to be honest).
But back to McDonagh. I don't care where he's from. He wrote and directed a damned good film. In Bruges should have garnered a few more nominations, like Best Picture and even a supporting actor nod for Ralph Fiennes who nearly stole the film. Not that the Oscars mean much when you come right down to it, but I do hope McDonagh nabs the award. In Bruges is a lot of fun--the wife and I have probably watched it at least ten times now.
I pretty much piss myself every time Gleeson and Fiennes are on the phone discussing Bruges and whether Farrell is enjoying his time there. Classic. - February 10, 2009 at 1:16 AM
- John McFetridge said...
Last week I was getting my eyes tested and when the doctor wrote down my name he said, in a heavy Indian accent, "Is that Irish?" I said yes and he said, "I went to school in Dublin." Then he paused and said, "But I am not Irish," and I said, neither am I.
He said, "Yes, right, we're all Canadians now." I think he was happy about it.
But if you're going to start making trades.... - February 10, 2009 at 6:31 AM
If you have Irish blood, you have Irish blood, no matter where you were born. Why should it be such a ploy for commercialism to consider yourself Irish over English? Maybe I just don't understand the UK enough, but when I tell people I'm Irish-American, note that the Irish always comes before the American. Same thing for American with Irish blood. And that's no ploy at anything, for sure.
Great example is Vinnie Jones in "Johnny Was." He was an Irishman with an English accent, and I really don't think it's because Vinnie can't speak the Irish lilt. Even though born in England, his name was Johnny Doyle and throughout the film he was called a paddy and a mick. He was still considered Irish, even though he was born in England. Let the naysayers learn a little something from Bullet-tooth Tony and if they oppose, he'll just grap a handful of their twig and berries like he did as a footballer.
By the way, In Bruges was one of my favs of last year as well. "Shortarse!" - February 10, 2009 at 7:22 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Impressive Nrn Irn accent there. Fillums. Nice picture too.
You should go back more often though, let me tell that direct 19 hour flight is a real treat. - February 10, 2009 at 8:07 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
I have no problem with anyone from America calling themselves Irish. Its totally fine by me, and it makes sense in the US context. I just get a bit sniffy when some Southie creep tells me I'm not really Irish cos I'm from Belfast.
Its also fine by me if second genners call themselves something else other than Irish. I think we dodged a bullet with the Gallagher Brothers for example. - February 10, 2009 at 8:10 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Why cant you be both? I'm not a spy but I've got a British and a US passport. If I wanted I could get an Irish passport and if we stay here long enough I could have an Australian passport too.
I like the idea of nested identities. - February 10, 2009 at 8:13 AM
- marco said...
I wonder if I am the only one commenting on this blog who hasn't got a single drop of Irish blood.
Though I suppose I can't be entirely sure.
and both the Northern Irish and Republic of Ireland football teams sensibly apply the grandmother rule: if your granny (or granda) was born in Ireland then you're Irish and that's an end to it.
If I remember correctly, when there was the need grandmothers were invented.
Of course in our national team we've had second or third generation Italian-Argentinians who could barely speak Italian. - February 10, 2009 at 8:16 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Yes, precisely and Vinnie played for Wales didnt he? (Supposedly because he wasnt good enough to play for England, but I think it was more a personality conflict thing). Ryan Giggs also plays for Wales and both are very English.
I think its totally fine, but try to tell it to the ultra nationalist freaks and you'll be in for a boring two hour reply. - February 10, 2009 at 8:18 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
You may not be Irish but the Irish are all really from the Basque country if you believe Stephen Oppenheimer and I do. - February 10, 2009 at 8:24 AM
- John McFetridge said...
Oh lots of people are both. My wife's family think of themselves as Irish, though by now they may have been in Canada longer than they were ever in Ireland.
I suppose that's what this discussion started out with, people glomming onto ancestral Irishness and how far back can that go? - February 10, 2009 at 8:45 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
I say whatever floats your boat. I just dont understand why Canadians dont take rugby seriously. They're the exception in the Commonwealth. - February 10, 2009 at 8:55 AM
- John McFetridge said...
It was either rugby or hockey and what with the long winters and all, we went for the ice.
- February 10, 2009 at 10:57 AM
- seanag said...
You might be a spy, though. I don't say you are, but you might be. Although I'm not sure for who, exactly.
Of course, any of us might be. I mean, I wouldn't be, because apart from the fact that I deplore the whole idea of them, I would find it too tedious for words. I know that at some point I would just say, 'screw this' and cast off the whole fake role and everything. It seems a terrible way to live.
I am going to make a big overgeneralization here, but I think ethnic identity kind of changes in America as you move west. I say this only on the basis of my experience of being basically a Californian, and going back to see my dad's Illinois family from time to time. I think of them as a big Irish-Catholic clan, but in fact the interesting thing is that although that is what my dad and his siblings grew up as, most of them them married outside of their ethnic identity--married Polish-Americans and Lithuanian-Americans and Croatian-Americans and German-Americans, even though their spouses families still are buried in separate--but equal--parts of the same cemetary. My dad actually took it a step further and married a Protestant of Quaker descent, and, as I may have mentioned here before, didn't even bring her home to meet his mother till I was about seven years old, because he was so terrified to tell her that she wasn't Catholic. Luckily, my mom made a good impression, though I think my grandmother had some sorrow that she and my sisters and I were all basically going to hell after this mortal life was over.
I remember going back there and while we were out to dinner, hearing my aunt and uncle's worries over the fact that my cousin was dating black men, and that my other cousin had married one. It was a racist worry, I guess, but it wasn't that they found the men morally objectionable, it was that they didn't know how such a couple and their children would get along in a racist culture. We just kind of sat there in stunned silence, because, though California has it's own share of racism, it just wouldn't have occured to us that this was any reason not to date who you liked, or really, for that matter, do what you liked. Family, in short exerted a powerful fascination back there, which we were intrigued by, but didn't really feel.
Anyway, to bring this back to the topic, I certainly have some Irish blood in me, but I don't think it would ever occur to me to identify as Irish-American, partly because that's certainly not the whole story. It can be interesting to realize that there are some remnants of cultural traits. But I think I identify as Californian more than anything else. Not because it's glamorous, but because it does represent a certain distinct if hard to define point of view. - February 10, 2009 at 3:10 PM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
Ye gods, do people think Shane McGowan is exploiting a certain Irish persona for economic gain? That would be method acting to an extreme, I'd say.
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/ - February 10, 2009 at 7:42 PM
- marco said...
Rugby on ice, now that's a good idea...
- February 10, 2009 at 8:02 PM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
Rugby on ice, with each team doing a haka before the game.
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/ - February 10, 2009 at 8:09 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
Did you ever see A Chump at Oxford. Stanley gets bonked on the head and he finds out that he's a genius with an English accent. Same deal with Shane McGowan, when the cameras arent rolling the teeth go in and he's playing chess down at the Reform Club. - February 10, 2009 at 8:43 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
Marco, John, Peter
Thank you once again for giving me an opportunity to show this ridiculous spectacle:
the ice haka - February 10, 2009 at 8:46 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
I have noticed that about California, its an excellent place to reinvent yourself or rediscover yourself as you will.
I dont think Australia's quite like that yet, but its definitely getting there. Melbourne has a 40 percent foreign born population, which is huge when you think about it. - February 10, 2009 at 8:48 PM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
So everyone was in on this Shane McGowan scam, from the guys in the Pogues who "kicked him out" because of his "drinking" to Sinnead O'Connor, who "turned him in" to the "cops" to force him off "heroin"?
Genius! - February 10, 2009 at 8:58 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
You know Sinead has a full head of hair and sings with the Vatican choir? Tell ya they're scamming us left and right.
- February 10, 2009 at 9:10 PM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
You know, I detect a certain affinity between you and Flann O'Brian. I don't think he had much use for professional Irishmen either.
- February 10, 2009 at 9:58 PM
- Gerard Brennan said...
Adrian - Great topic. I had no idea McDonagh was considered English by critics. I assumed he was raised over here, because I read The Beauty Queen of Leenane not so long ago, and assumed it was written by a boy raised in the Irish sticks. My grandmother lives in Omeath, and I thought the situation in the play was very believable. Didn't think it was particularly Oirish for the sake of it either. I'd like to see it on stage some time. And In Bruges knocked my socks off. I might watch it again tonight. I don't care where he was raised, I'll go with your grandfather rule as a way of claiming Irishness, but even if McDonagh was third generation Eton alumni, I still couldn't fault his writing.
Marco - Tony Casgarino wrote a decent enough book on that very same granny-inventing thing you alluded to. You probably knew that, but I'm vying for another back pat.
gb - February 10, 2009 at 10:54 PM
- marco said...
I didn't know the specifics. That's an interesting case, because he was indeed eligible through adoption after all.
His surname betrays an Italian origin ,so maybe he could have been eligible for us too.
Consider yourself back-patted. - February 10, 2009 at 11:45 PM
having just left the college world I can say with certainty that its considered "cool" to identify yourself as Irish-American. I'm guessing the drinking appeals to most of my fellow students. That said, it was a bit funny to me to see a bunch of Italian-American kids in their green "Fuck Me I'm Irish" t-shirts on St. Paddy's day raving about watching "The Boondock Saints" for the 4,000th time.
I look at it this way, if your parents aren't from anywhere but the US and your grandparents were born and raised here as well then your as American as apple pie and slavery. No use in pretending otherwise. - February 11, 2009 at 1:36 AM
- col2910 said...
speaking personally, I was borm in Dublin and my parents moved over in 66 when I was 3....growing up in Luton, attending Catholic schools and churches regularly in a town with about 30000 Irish I always felt Irish, until I went back there on holidays, where I never felt I fitted in.......as the cousin from England.
over 40 years later, I'm still Irish at heart though I've not been back for over 20 years,
am I a plastic paddy or the real McCoy?
hat-tip to Ger.....Cascarino's book was one of the best sports books I've ever read
Colman - February 11, 2009 at 3:46 AM
- seanag said...
I forgot that the beginning of this was all about whether someone was Irish or English. Speaking strictly for my own part of the world, I would say that both identities would have a certain cachet. We love accents, because we feel we don't have any.
Provincial, I know. - February 11, 2009 at 5:09 AM
- drabux said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 11, 2009 at 7:25 AM
- drabux said...
Just getting the hang of this. Apologies for the deletion.
Well, another of your fans joins the fold.
Adrian: I've loved all of your books. The wit and intelligence in your books has enabled me to laugh in the face of the grey skies of southern England.
My partner lives in the north of Scotland, 500 miles away from me, and you may be glad to know that Audible has distributed parts of your books all over the UK as I've listened to your books while driving to be with her.
If you want proof, long sections of your books can be found at the M5/M6 interchange where I've sat for ages in traffic jams.
Your blog I see as a regular injection of that wit and intelligence I need. Fifty Grand will be a booster, I'm sure.
Is that enough sickly-sweet praise? I can do more...
Back to the topic: I'm a catholic of Irish descent, brought up in a tight catholic-Irish community in Essex. I never believed in Jesus, Mary or Joseph for a second and, to be entirely honest, I blamed all that shite on the backwardness of the Paddy mentality. My nan - from Waterford - seemed to work over-time to confirm all of this.
The result is that Ireland and religion can never be separated in my mind and, for that reason, I run from the idea of an Irish identity as fast as I would if someone were to try to stuff some Rosary beads in my hand.
I also run from the idea of an Essex identity, but that's another story.
Alan - February 11, 2009 at 7:29 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Well Flann OBrian is a genius and I'm not. But apart from that we both have Ulster accents and like bicycling. - February 11, 2009 at 7:55 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Excellent linkage if I may say so. Maybe this is the place to mention that I'm in favour of an all Ireland football team? I've been to Windsor Park many many times and I love the classic 80's team but they've no hope of getting to the World Cup now unlike the all Ireland rugby team which plays at the highest level. - February 11, 2009 at 7:58 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
I know of which you speak. Encountered many Irish Americans in my time in New York, Boston and even Denver. I dont mind em at all. Everyone's got to come from somewhere, but I draw the line when they start talking about the brave boys in the Ra and how Adams etc are selling out the "true cause". Its beyond tedious.
But at least we Micks have a parade, I've always wanted exactly you do if you're a German American or Scots American? - February 11, 2009 at 8:01 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
I think you can be both English and Irish quite happily, right? When England are playing for the Ashes, fair enough, English and then when David Cameron becomes PM, Irish. Make sense? - February 11, 2009 at 8:09 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
The RP English accent has A LOT of cachet in America. You can get away with a hell of a lot. Christoper Hitchens for example. Yes he's intelligent but because of that accent everyone thinks he's a genius. I know a lot of guys who think Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Kate Beckinsale and some actresses whose name doesnt begin with K are incredibly sexy, all because of that cut glass accent. I'm partial to Scottish myself but thats another story. - February 11, 2009 at 8:12 AM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
"Well Flann OBrian is a genius and I'm not. But apart from that we both have Ulster accents and like bicycling."
An interesting guy he must have been, poking such fun at the Celtic renaissance, yet writing in Irish himself as well as in English.
The big news here, though, is that a colleague has just returned from a trip to Ireland that included two days in Carrickfergus. He stayed at the Premiere (sp?) Inn and tried to get a discount at a place called Springsteen's on the ground that he's from New Jersey.
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/ - February 11, 2009 at 8:19 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Ahh I used to know the M6 very well back in my Coventry days. It was pretty terrible if I remember rightly. It got so complicated in Brum I used to get panic attacks... I hated the M4 too especially those last 10 miles into London...ah I could go on all day about my least favourite motorway junctions.
And thanks for the hup ya, I appreciate it.
I dont have a problem with Essex. I kind of like mockney to be honest and its spead out of Essex to cover a huge area now - Kate Nash and Lily Allen mockney is very pleasing to my ears. Jamie Oliver is ok too, but that Guy Ritchie is a bit hard to take.
Do people still talk about Essex girls they way they talk about Jersey Girls or has that died a death? - February 11, 2009 at 8:22 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
The Quality Inn perhaps?
Springsteens - hilarious. Thats where 16 year old boys take their girlfriends for a first date. they do good breakfasts though. Still he should have gone to my sister's pub only a couple of hundred yards away from there.
Carrick in February - what a crazy idea for a vacation. Takes all sorts I suppose. - February 11, 2009 at 8:26 AM
- drabux said...
A question: why do so many of your blogs appear to be posted at precisely 12.01am? Is it because you adore routine?
Forsythe would be suspicious.
Alan - February 11, 2009 at 9:01 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Well observed. My problem is that I want to go to bed early so that I wont be so bloody tired all day long, so I'll write a blog post and set the post option for 12:01 am which is the first available slot for the next day thinking that I'll go to bed at 11 pm or something and sleep. It hasnt worked once, though. I'm usually still up at 1 or even 2 am, so I could just have posted at any old time. - February 11, 2009 at 9:08 AM
- Gerard Brennan said...
Marco - If I remember right it was Italy that squashed our world cup dreams the year Casgarino was on top form. Was that Italia 90?
Colman - I don't read many sports books, but the bro-in-law thrust that one on me, and I did enjoy it.
Adrian - All Ireland team... yeah, I think both sides would benefit from an amalgamation and a bit of natural selection. But I'm far from an authority on the topic. Always been more of a boxing fan, and I've little enough time for that these days.
gb - February 11, 2009 at 9:25 AM
- Patrick said...
Ah, Mr. McKinty, first let me say I have been really, really, enjoying yer lit children pertaining to young Michael and his lovely foot and poor taste in women and his seeming inability to embrace the all de 'tings we all know are best for the human heart and its yearnings for love and salvation. So much more entertaining to bathe in blood and alienation and witness the writhing of a pitiable poor creature who scares the livin bejesus outa us!
As to the big-time playwright turned movie-man, he's goin that Chicago boy one extra around the track, would not you say? I mean, to be straightforward, that I could watch three times and still enjoy In Bruges, while Redbelt melted down at the climactic fight finale, limper than a post-coital prick.
Anyone who thinks that The Beauty Queen is less than sincere doesn't know much about Ireland, that's sure.
Thank you for your books...I'm going to keep right on reading them until I run out, and just let you try to keep up. Perhaps I'll send you a complimentary copy of mine (still in production), to be entitled "An Emerald Cursed." It starts out in Pere LaChaise in Paris and moves to an old house on Clew Bay in 1969, where 'tings get wierd. It's a fictionalized memoir, touched with grace, lies, hitchhiking and wishful thinking.
I pray to God, with no sense of shame, that it measures arguably to the achievements of yourself and the playwright in question.
PKL - February 11, 2009 at 2:04 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
Dont get me started on the state of boxing. Its a disgrace. Remember when there used to be 1 heavy weight champ or maybe two. Now there's about six WBC, WBA, IBF, etc. Its ridiculous. - February 11, 2009 at 5:23 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
Good to have you on board too. You'll have to go steerage though mate, cos you're a scurvy mick, is that ok? Dont worry a bit of fiddle music and you'll be dancing those blues away.
PLC eh? Jim or Oscar?
A... - February 11, 2009 at 5:25 PM
- marco said...
Marco - If I remember right it was Italy that squashed our world cup dreams the year Casgarino was on top form. Was that Italia 90?
Northern Ireland however did eliminate us in the qualification for the 1958 World Cup, only time we didn't make it to the final stage, and one of the great national tragedies along with the 0-1 to North Korea in 1966.
Boxing, Kung-fu...you really are one for combat sports. - February 11, 2009 at 8:22 PM
- col2910 said...
1990 Toto fuckin' Scillacci what a tosser,
re Irish rugby, sound start at the weekend, but I still think they'll come up short this season.....probably not as badly as the dire world cup showing - February 11, 2009 at 11:19 PM
- Brian O'Rourke said...
Pat -
Ah I see the Redbelt ending didn't work for you, huh? I'll admit it was out of this world far-fetched, but it worked for me. I've wondered a few times whether that final scene,
where the Professor offers the redbelt to Chiwetel, didn't actually happen and was meant to be symbolic. - February 12, 2009 at 1:27 AM
I'm pretty certain you aren't the only one lacking Irish blood around here. I've got nothing but Dane in my background but since that was 4 generations ago and I hold true to my previously mentioned code I would never claim to be a Danish-American.
The wife on the other hand is an Argentine who tries to be an Italian so what can ya do. - February 12, 2009 at 2:44 AM
You're married? Seems yesterday you were putting ads on craigslist from your mother's basement ;) - February 12, 2009 at 5:26 AM
lol! how do you think I got married? The response was overwhelming. - February 12, 2009 at 6:05 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
Be careful what you say. Marco remembers all!
I like the Danes. They're a lot like the Irish, but slightly better looking. - February 12, 2009 at 8:29 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
I have high hopes for this season. They beat France, thats the first time in what 10 years or something? - February 12, 2009 at 8:30 AM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
"I like the Danes. They're a lot like the Irish, but slightly better looking."
The Danes liked Ireland so much that they founded Dublin.
Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/ - February 12, 2009 at 8:57 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
and Waterford, Wexford, Limerick etc. etc.
I hope when they make that Brian Boru movie it shows the Danes living in cities, reading books, using money etc and the Irish living in mud soaked hovels in the countryside filled with genocidal rage.
Somehow though I think they'll do the Braveheart treatment. - February 12, 2009 at 9:03 AM
- Peter Rozovsky said...
And the Normans found Kilkenny and other cities, I think. The Irish founded not one city, according to Sean O'Faolain, though he tends to write more about yearning for pastoral glory than about homicidal rages.
I'd like to see a movie based on the Icelandic sagas, complete with scenes of amateur lawyers hanging around and suing each other. - February 12, 2009 at 9:10 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
I like those right wing Irish nuts complaining about Poles, Gypsies etc. ruining Irishness. 1000 years ago Ireland was a merry hodgepodge of Danes, Northumbrians, Scots, Icelanders, Manx, Anglo Saxons, Bretons and who knows what else. - February 12, 2009 at 12:55 PM
- theohuxxx said...
Saw this last year in a small theater and thought it was hilarious. Bought it on dvd when it came out and the bonus feature of all the swear words in 5 minutes is pretty funny too..."I do want the guy dead, I want him fucking crucified but it don't change the fact that he stitched you up like a blind little gay boy, does it? "
- February 12, 2009 at 1:23 PM
- seanag said...
I remember sitting down in his office with my Yorkshire born, Oxford educated Celticly interested professor at some point, where he felt painfully obliged to inform me that my last name, Graham, indicated that I was not so much Irish as derived from a clan of Scottish sheep stealers.
I'm not sure how they ended up Catholic, then, but I suppose that it comes under the raping and pillaging department.
Bogus first name, dubious last name--yeah, it pretty much fits the profile. - February 12, 2009 at 4:19 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
Hows Mr Hux BTW? Yeah its great on DVD, all the extras and the making of - good little package that. - February 12, 2009 at 9:09 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
The Grahams were famous for (this is not a lie) spelling their name backwards and assuming other identities.
Ever read Kidnapped by RLS? If not stop what you're doing right now and read it. Very nice insights into the whole highland - lowland Prod-Catholic Engliah-Gaelic thing. Never been bettered.
Is Kidnapped the greatest YA novel of all time? Without a doubt, yes. - February 12, 2009 at 9:12 PM
- Clare said...
I told Leah ages ago that you would love in Bruges but she said that you were not a Colin Farrell fan!
I am loving fifty grand, am about 50 pages in and finding it extremely engrossing. The only other one I have read is Dead I may well be, and I really enjoyed the literary qualities of that one, some really breath taking prose that was highly allusive and evocative. Fifty grand, in my humble opinion, is way sharper and more pacy...and although I miss the meditations of the other book, I am so enjoying the roller coaster of this one, it it is just so spare and consequently a little more existential and precise... sorry, enought talk! Clare - February 13, 2009 at 11:45 AM
- adrian mckinty said...
No I like CF. He's been great in a lot of things. Did you see Minority Report? - he stole the show in that one if you ask me. I liked the one in the phone booth and I liked Miami Vice. And In Bruges was a standout, should have gotten a BAFTA at least.
My only beef with CF was that back in 2005 when it looked like there could be a movie version of DIWMB, the project went to CF and although he (or possibly his agents) said they liked the book they didn't like the script/budget/director etc. so the project died and has no chance of ever coming back. So he did kind of kill any Hollywood career I might have had and now DIWMB is out of print in the US so thats, er, dead too.
Glad you're liking Fitty G though. - February 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM
- seanag said...
Is Colin too old to play MF now, do you think? Because something tells me he is going to have reason to regret that decision.
Clare, ever since I heard about the recent fires in Australia, I've been wondering if that house (with library) out in the bush that you were so kind as to offer Adrian and his family is still in tact. I assume it must be if you have the enthusiasm here to be commenting on things such as In Bruges. I ask, because as you may remember, we all for some reason started in about fire worries regarding that cabin back then.
I think it's high time that I reveal that my real name is Aneas MaHarg. Yes, I descend from that infamous black sheep side of the Graham clan that got in so much trouble AFTER they changed their identities that they had to resort to that time honored clan tradition of reversing their names AGAIN, so I masquerade here, and everywhere as Seana Graham. What a laugh.
Seriously, though, or sort of, the Grahams thought spelling their names backwards would conceal their identity? I'm thinking that they might have profitted from a little trip up to Larne to consort with the McFetridges, as at least their descendent has proved pretty savvy in covering up identities, judging by Dirty Sweet. Or maybe just more savvy than the Grahams, which probably isn't all that hard.
Were they covering up shame or crime, though?
Adrian, I can imagine you were a pretty persuasive bookseller during your time at it. I did read Kidnapping as a kid, but seeing as I was, well, a kid, a lot of the history stuff sailed right over my head. I can remember it being there, but that's about all. So I'm adding it to my ever growing reading pile.
I will say to Clare and anyone else who liked the lyric parts of DIWMB, there is lyricism in 50G too. Less, I think, but it's effective. - February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
- seanag said...
Oh, I meant to add, so you think Kidnapped--sorry, there was some sort of weird Freudian slip in the last post-- is even better than Twilight???
No--I jest. - February 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
Dont know if Clare will check in again (we're not all skiving off in Saint Kilda Public Library like me) so just to reassure you, the cabin is still intact. I believe that area (NW of Melbourne) is largely unscathed unlike much of eastern and north eastern Victoria.
Seana I'm glad you didnt tell Clare that Mercado from 50 G is really a ghost that only 1 little boy can see...
oops thats torn it.
Yeah and maybe you're right, maybe CF is too old now to play MF. Still bites though and my god he would have been amazing. - February 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
- seanag said...
Wait a minute--I thought there were two ghosts. Oh, right, the girl ghost actually turned out to be a whirling dervish, didn't she? Or at least that's what I gathered from the Rumi-esque poetry portion of the book. Talk about your lyrical... Oh, shoot. It's just so damn easy to give it all away.
I'm glad that the fire didn't reach Clare's family's area.
Re Mr. Farrell, judging from In Bruges, I think it could still be worked out. He would indeed be a perfect Michael Forsythe. Colin? Come on. We know you're skiving off right about now too. Though probably not in a library. - February 13, 2009 at 3:21 PM
I'm not a great reader of YA fiction, but I've seen Colman liked the Lighthouse Land.
Since I arrived fourth in the competition for three copies of the final Lighthouse book a few months ago (as They Might Be Giants would say, the nicest of the damned) I'd be interested to know a bit more about them.
What was the inspiration, what Adrian tried to do, his models for the story,etc.
Maybe a future post? - February 13, 2009 at 10:38 PM
- adrian mckinty said...
No real mystery there to be honest. I like the conventions of genre fiction but I knew that the idea of a boy dealing with grief and getting a chance to turn his life around and then rejecting that chance for other reasons was more appropriate in a YA format than in a crime novel. I also had what I thought was a pretty good idea for a third book with the same characters and then when I had written 1 and 3, I came up with an idea for 2. Thats about it really.
Also it gave me a chance to write in 3rd person and have a bit more fun jumping around into other peoples heads. - February 13, 2009 at 11:06 PM
- Patrick said...
Mister Mc:
PLC setting has nothing to do with either deceased. After all there are a couple of thousand other reasons to visit Pere LeChaise, including that the dear thing with me that morning in Paree finds graveyards sexy. So, as men we must oblige.
Also, although I act the stage Mick, I'm actually a Silicon Valley
exec whose ancestry is only about 1/2 Stab City, the other half being German/Dutch, out of Spier.
My surname will be found on no Irish names map. But one hundred years to the day before I was born, on May 23, 1850, young Michael Broderick brought his 6 brothers and sisters with him off the Brig Acadian at Boston harbor, planting my lineage on American soil. Like you give a shite.
PKL - February 26, 2009 at 2:31 PM


text:
Robert Whitlow's gripping legal thrillers have won him a Christy Award and favorable comparisons to John Grisham. Higher Hope, the second novel in his Tides of Truth series, follows Savannah law clerk Tami Taylor as she assists on a case against a preacher who has been defaming a businessman with so-called prophecies from God. Though her firm wants to prove these prophecies are nothing more than slander, Tami can't help but wonder if the preacher is, in fact, telling the truth.
©2009 Robert Whitlow (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC
"Good read. Good reader. Inspiring."
Great story about a young lady who is trying to do the right thing and does not judge people too soon. I loved it and want my daughter to read it.
"Great Series!"
Yes! Not only a great story, but also gives great examples of how we can apply our Christian faith to our work and our life!
"A sequel that equals its predecessor"
The characters and plot flowed well from the its predecessor. The book was interesting and believable without being overly intense. The book was a pleasant listen.
The characters and story were believable, and the story was written within a Christian framework without being preachy.
"Great Story ... stretch your faith"
Hey, if you are a believer, this is a great story to raise your faith and belief that God is still at work and speaks to his people
"Very slow"
The narrator wasn't bad, but the, story read like a school-aged child wrote it.
I was anticipating a court drama that circled around religious issues. The story started off ok, but then dragged through boring descriptions of this conservative family.
After a while her voice became annoying. Maybe it has to do with the flat read.


text:
Wings investment in goalie Jonas Gustavsson paying off
DETROIT – The Wings went right after backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson once free agency started this past offseason for a reason.
On Thursday night in San Jose, their investment in him finally started to pay off.
Gustavsson made 25 saves, in regulation and overtime, and then kept the Sharks scoreless in the shootout as Detroit skated away with the extra point after its 2-1 win.
"You play because you want to win, that's the best feeling you can have," Gustavsson said after the game. "I'm really happy with the win and how the guys performed. They helped me a lot, they made it easier for me."
The start was Gustavsson's first with the Wings and just his third appearance all season.
"I felt pretty good," Gustavsson said. "Of course, it was a while since I played at this level. The guys made it easier for me. I could see most of the shots. I don't think they had a scoring chance on a rebound."
After taking over for Jimmy Howard in the season opener in St. Louis, Gustavsson re-aggravated his groin and didn't dress the next 13 games.
Gustavsson's next appearance came in relief of Jimmy Howard in Nashville and led the Wings to an overtime loss.
However, last Sunday Gustavsson, who signed a two-year deal worth $1.5 million a season, suffered a minor setback with his groin and couldn't backup Howard in a win against the Vancouver Canucks.
"Of course that's probably not the best situation but that's the way it is," Gustavsson said when asked if it's tough to join a new team and immediately get injured. "Through your career you're going to have different challenges. You've just got to find a way to handle them and stay positive. For me that (injury) is in the past and I'm just trying to look forward to the game tonight." Continued...
Howard has started all but two games this season.
"Obviously it wouldn't hurt to see him play and I think it's important that your starting goalie doesn't have to play every night," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "The other thing about it is it's a real good opportunity for him. We need a win on the road and he's capable of doing that so get in there and play like you can."
Prior to Thursday, Gustavsson had played just over 68 minutes this season.
"He hasn't played," Babcock said. "When you've been here this much time and you're injured all the time it's probably hard on you mentally as well. What I liked about him is he earned himself more time in net. The other thing is it never hurts to have competition and people pushing each other. The season's a grind.
"Howie needs a breather every once in a while," Babcock added. "Howie will go against Chicago and Gus will be ready to go right away."
Gustavsson has had his fair share of health concerns, more specifically relating to his heart.
His heart issues were originally noticed on the first day of training camp his first season in Toronto. An ablation surgery process needed to be performed on his heart.
In 2009, he had a heart murmur, which led to a second ablation surgery.
In 2011, he was pulled from a conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies due to an accelerated heart beat and two days later he had a third minor heart ablation surgery.
"I've been feeling good, shouldn't be any problems," Gustavsson said. "I feel ready to go. Continued...
Gustavsson played his first three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs where he went 39-45-8 and had a 2.98 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.
The Leafs traded his rights to the Winnipeg Jets for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2013 prior to the draft.
The two-year deal gives the Wings a bit of an insurance policy if they have trouble signing Howard, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason if a new deal isn't reached. Howard will make $2.25 million this season.
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text:
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Ombre Wall
Reactions: |
30 comments:
- Life, Crafts and Whatever said...
That's awesome! I was totally expecting turquoise or pink, but the purple is a great change up!
- March 15, 2012 at 5:21 PM
- Samantha {Moody Mama} said...
This is AWESOME! I love the new wall!!! I will definitely have to keep this in mind for Second Munchkin's room. With the right colors a boy or girl would LOVE it. ;) Hmm maybe Punkin's room too?!
- March 15, 2012 at 5:22 PM
- Carol-Anne (Use the Good Dishes!) said...
Wow! It really looks amazing!
- March 15, 2012 at 5:25 PM
- Cassie @ Primitive & Proper said...
how fun! i love this idea! and your blog is so perfectly you!
- March 15, 2012 at 5:42 PM
- Rita said...
I love it but don't get how you got the bottom of each stripe to go lighter. It looks like it fades down on each stripe. Regardless you are great at your walls!
- March 15, 2012 at 5:44 PM
- Megan said...
Fun!!! Enjoy your vacation!
- March 15, 2012 at 5:59 PM
- Amy said...
You go, momma!!! It looks soooooo good!!!!! And I love your new blog design! We have very similar taste! Loves it :)
- March 15, 2012 at 6:56 PM
- Mama Laughlin said...
Àhhhhh I love it!!!!
One question, how the hell do you get your husband to agree to all these girly colors? ?
My husband would NOT let me paint anything purple in this house!!
Ombre = great on walls, NOT on brandis hair. Womp womp - March 15, 2012 at 7:49 PM
- Our Little Corner said...
Have fun at Sea World!!
The wall looks awesome! Love it!! - March 15, 2012 at 8:57 PM
- Chris said...
Hi Megan, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/ - March 15, 2012 at 10:01 PM
- Lynsey said...
Looks great but I don't think I have the patience for something like that. Have a great weekend!
- March 16, 2012 at 5:04 AM
- LoLy said...
WOW, amazing..
- March 16, 2012 at 2:11 PM
- Shiloh said...
Oh my goodness! I absolutely love it! If I can manage to ever get hubby to agree, I want to do one just like this!
- March 16, 2012 at 4:32 PM
- Vicky said...
Do you whip these things up in minutes? I can't believe how much you get done, how great it looks, and how quickly you do it. You are quickly becoming a hero of mine.
- March 17, 2012 at 7:18 AM
- Deidre said...
You are so totally a brave soul:) great job on the wall!Enjoy:) Deidre~ http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com
- March 17, 2012 at 11:47 AM
- Our Pinteresting Family said...
The purple looks fantastic! I also love the look of your blog. Thanks for stopping by our blog earlier. :) Megan
- March 18, 2012 at 4:24 PM
- Amanda @ The Little Giggler said...
That looks awesome!! You're so creative! I'm lovin' the new look by the way. :) Thanks for linking up at The Little Giggler!
- March 20, 2012 at 9:22 AM
- Jennifer said...
Such an amazing accent wall!! I will be doing this in the future for sure!
- March 20, 2012 at 11:55 AM
- the cape on the corner said...
how fun! love that you chose ombre, too.
- March 21, 2012 at 8:07 AM
- Unknown said...
I just moved and our house is SO beige, I love this idea!
- March 21, 2012 at 9:23 AM
- Chrystal - Adorn on a Shoestring said...
Very nice! I'm thinking of doing a chevron ombre wall in my laundry room, but I still need to decide on a colour. Thanks for sharing!
www.adornonashoestring.com - March 21, 2012 at 10:28 AM
- Katie J. said...
How amazing is that wall!?! I just love it!
Katie @ Little Becky Homecky - March 22, 2012 at 4:45 AM
- Jill @Two Yellow Birds Decor said...
That wall is GORGEOUS!!! I love it! You did an awesome job!
I currently have a link party going and would love for you to share this and anything else you would like!
Jill - March 22, 2012 at 6:57 AM
- Danielle said...
love your blog layout. too cute and love that wall. So pretty! I am having a linky party today and would love for you to link this up to my Feature friday Linky Party.
Danielle Blissful and Domestic - March 22, 2012 at 3:44 PM
- Sugarr2518 said...
I'm loving purple too! That's the color that we have in our bedroom too:) I can see why it took you so long to finish this. It looks like quite the project, but it definitely was worth it because it looks awsome:)
- March 22, 2012 at 8:44 PM
- Katie Goldsworthy said...
This wall is so awesome! I haven't seen a wall in ombre yet. Way to be the trend setter!!! You daughter is just too adorable!
Thanks for linking it up @ Creatively Living!
--Katie - March 24, 2012 at 12:35 AM
- Stephanie said...
Megan the wall is awesome! Love the colors, and your new blog layout, so you. Oh and can I say you are looking SOOOO good, you should be proud of yourself.
- March 25, 2012 at 7:33 AM
- LC said...
LOVEEEEE the wall colors!!!
- March 26, 2012 at 4:55 PM
- Amanda @ The Little Giggler said...
You were featured at The Little Giggler today! :) http://www.thelittlegiggler.com/2012/03/love-it-and-link-it-up-2.html
- March 27, 2012 at 9:19 AM
- Joanne said...
OMG! I love that wall!
- April 10, 2012 at 11:56 AM


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Niles lantern-making workshop adds traditional Christmas touch
Artist Fred DeAsis instructs how to make a parol, a traditional Christmas lantern from the Philippines, during the 7th annual parol festival at St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: February 4, 2013 1:16AM
NILES — A large bag filled with colorful, sparkling decorations sat on the table before Tina Velasco and her two young children, Mateo and Sofia.
The family members, of Chicago, were ready to participate in a parol-making workshop at St. John Brebeuf parish in Niles, an activity that has become a family tradition.
Parols are star-shaped Christmas lanterns from the Philippines made out of bamboo and colored paper. Fred DeAsis, a Filipino artist, has been holding parol-making workshops at St. John Brebeuf for the past seven years. He said that it is a great way for families to carry on a significant Filipino tradition and make new friends at the same time.
Some of the people who attend the workshop only see each other during the once-a-year event, DeAsis said, so it serves as a reunion for them, as well as a way to prepare for the upcoming holiday.
"It's a symbol of getting ready for Christmas," said DeAsis.
Velasco's son, Mateo, was excited to make an "Angry Bird" parol this year. The family has been participating in the parol workshop at St. John Brebeuf for the past few years.
Velasco said her children are Filipino and Latino and she participates in the parol workshop so that they stay connected with their Filipino culture.
"It's just fun, too," Velasco said of parol-making.
Parols are often hung inside the windows of homes or outside the home. In the Philippines, parols can be very extravagant — even electronic with lights — and it is not unusual for an artist to spend several months making a parol so it is bigger and better than the previous year's decoration.
Centuries ago, the parol lanterns were used to light the way to the local church on Christmas.
During the Nov. 18 workshop DeAsis taught participants how to make the star-shaped frame of the parol using five bamboo sticks. Then participants used colored paper and vibrant decorations, including glitter, snowflakes and bells, to finish off the lantern. The parols also feature two large tassels that hang from the bottom of the star.
DeAsis said he encourages people to bring photographs of their children or pets to use for the parols and make them more personalized.
The hope is that families will keep the tradition alive and teach family members and friends how to make the parols once they learn how.
"It's a great way for her to be exposed to the Filipino culture," said Patricia Reyes, who brought her six-year-old daughter, Amanda, to the event.
Reyes, of Des Plaines, said that when she was younger she remembers seeing parols displayed at her grandparents' home in the Philippines.
"It's nice for her to be able to have the same experience," Reyes said of her daughter.
Reyes added that it is also good for her daughter to spend time with other children who share a common heritage.
"It's an experience for them that they can relate to and pass along to their kids," noted DeAsis.
DeAsis said he was happy with the turnout at this year's event. He also gives similar workshops at other churches in the area and teaches Filipino writing classes as well.
St. John Brebeuf, he said, is a good, centralized location for members of the greater Filipino community to attend the parol-making workshop.


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MNN's Hannah Strauel speaks with Stan Patyrak of Living Water International, who visited a Kenyan community where they installed a well 16 years ago. Today, clean water and Christ have transformed the community.
MNN's Elisa Talmage speaks with Eric Holmer from Greek IV (a division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) about reaching out to fraternities and sororities this year.


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"Nutritious and convenient travel food!"
Liz Flanagan on 9/19/2011 9:04:31 PM
Review: Vital Choice pouched sockeye salmon is a nutritious and hearty take-along food when traveling by plane, train, car, horse or foot. This sockeye salmon provides both healthy and delicious protein on these occasions. I have eaten this salmon straight from the bag while flying to Europe (bring a lemon or ask for a lemon slice from the flight attendant and add a squeeze!) and I've made sandwiches using gluten free bread and avocado (no refrigeration needed) when traveling by car or train and when st... More details


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Foster Care
The Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit is responsible for the formulation and monitoring of policies in relation to foster care.
Foster care is the main form of alternative care provided by the HSE for children in need of care and protection who cannot remain in their own homes. In 2011, the HSE reported that at 31st December 2011 there were 6,160 children in care with just over 90% (no=5, 564) placed in foster care. The HSE provided information at the end of January 2013 that there were 639 young people aged 18 years and over in foster care.
More data regarding children in foster care
Snap shot quarterly data on children in foster care
Relative Foster Care
When a child cannot live with his or her parents either on a short or long-term basis, the HSE will, in the first instance, seek a suitable relative or person known to the child to provide relative care. Relative foster carers go through an assessment and approval, in a similar way to general foster carers. A small number of children in care are placed abroad with relatives who live outside the country.
Of the 5,568 children living in foster care in 2011, the HSE reported that just over 30% (no=1,780) were living with relative foster carers.
More data regarding children in foster care.
Access snap shot quarterly data on children in foster care
General Foster Care
Where the HSE cannot find a suitable relative or person known to the child to provide relative care, the HSE where possible, will place a child in foster care. Many children living in foster care have been living with their foster families for most of their lives. Others have shorter placements, for instance if placed in care in an emergency, while a care plan is being developed with long term plans
Interested in Becoming a Foster Carer
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer click here.
Categories of Foster Care
The Foster Care Panel may approve a foster for one or more of the following categories of foster care;
• Short Term
• Long Term
• Sibling Group
• Respite
Foster Care Allowance
The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week per child under 12 and €352 per week per child of twelve and over.
The foster care allowance is exempt from taxation under the Finance Act 2005. The foster care allowance is currently not reckonable as income in relation to eligibility for the medical card, disability allowance, disability benefit, unemployment assistance and unemployment assistance. Please see Foster Care Regulations 1995 for more information.
Increased Autonomy of Foster Carers
The Child Care (Amendment) Act, 2007 was commenced on the 23rd July 2007. Section 4 of the Act inserts new sections 43A and 43B into the Act of 1991 to provide that a foster parent or a relative who has had a child in their care for a continuous period of five years, may apply for a court order for increased autonomy in relation to the care of the child.
The order gives such foster carers increased autonomy in relation to issues including consenting to medical treatment and the issue of passports and other day to day care issues, e.g., giving permission for children or young people to go on a school tour or attend a concert. The Executive continues to have a statutory role in the care of children in respect of whom the new court orders are granted, as set out in the Child Care Act, 1991 and the Child Care Regulations, 1995.
The HSE must give consent before the Court grants an order. The child's parent(s) or a person acting in loco parentis must be notified and/or must give consent as appropriate.
An order granted under Section 4 of this Act, may be varied or discharged on application to the court. An order granted under Section 4 of the Act, ceases to have effect, if the child is no longer in the care of the Health Service Executive, if the child is removed from the care of the foster parents, on the request of the foster parent, and on the child's 18th birthday.
The Report of the Working Group on Foster Care published in 2001 'Foster Care: A Child-Centred Partnership' set the overarching policy for foster care and looked at the following issues:
- meeting the needs of children in foster care;
- meeting the needs of children with additional needs in foster care;
- helping foster carers meet the children's needs;
- placement of children with relative foster carers;
- providing safe care for children in foster care; and
- future organisation and management of the foster care service.
In line with a key recommendation of the above report, the National Standards for Foster Care and an accompanying children's version that were published by the Department of Health have a major role to play in clearly setting out how foster care placements should be supported and that children in foster care are receiving the best possible care. Every foster carer and child in foster care should be provided with a copy of the Standards from the HSE.
Please note foster care is regulated by Child Care Regulations, 1995.
Inspections of Foster Care Services
The Health Information and Quality Authority Social Services Inspectorate undertakes inspections of foster care services against national standards. The inspection reports are published on the HIQA website.
Irish Foster Care Association
The Irish Foster Care Association(IFCA) offers support and information to its members and keeps them up to date with regard to changes in practice in relation to foster care. IFCA has developed training programmes for the training of prospective foster carers and training modules for the in-service training of active fostering families, social workers, child care workers and other HSE personnel. For more information on the role of IFCA please visit www.ifce.ie.


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Teacup Potholder Crochet Pattern
You'll enjoy this new addition to Maggie's old fashioned potholder collection. This cute potholder is made with sport-weight cotton yarn. The double thickness makes it useful to pick up hot pans, and the clever design makes it fun to hang in your kitchen.
Original Teacup Potholder Crochet Pattern Design By: Maggie Weldon
Skill Level: Easy
Easy Potholder Crochet Pattern for your kitchen decor!!!
This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 01 January, 2008.
Welcome to Maggie's Crochet Discover everything you need for your crochet hobby. Free Crochet Patterns Maggie Weldon Designs Vintage Crochet Baby Crochet Holiday Crochet How-To Crochet Learn To Crochet Yarn & Supplies Crochet Tutorials Crochet Videos


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Last year, Shelby Lynne released her 13th studio album Revelation Road and went on tour in support of the disc. Lynne, who is performing at the World Café Live in Philadelphia on Nov. 27, recorded the album alone -- playing all the instruments herself.
I made the whole record myself so why should I bring other musicians along on tour, said Lynne, during a recent phone interview. All my songs usually have their start with just me playing my guitar.
After years of dealing with record labels, Lynne decided to form her own record label called Everso as an avenue to release her music without outside influence. Revelation Road Deluxe Edition is her new release on Everso that came out on Oct. 16.
In addition to Revelation Road, which was awarded four stars by American Songwriter and MOJO, the deluxe edition includes Lynnes first-ever live album Live At McCabes, plus a Live in London DVD (shot at Union Chapel, London in February), a DVD containing Jason Harters documentary, one limited edition picture postcard and five bonus acoustic tracks.
The Deluxe Edition was more about putting out something live, said Lynne. All these years, Ive never put out any live recordings. With doing the acoustic thing the last few years, I decided it would be a good time to record it. I never wanted to do a live LP with a band because its something I cant control.
With the solo shows, it was an opportunity to do something Ive never done in my career. I was able to just stand there and sing songs like an old bluesman -- which is what Id like to be. (Solo) has its good points -- more intimacy. Its about the music and the audience.
These shows that got recorded were definitely more intimate. I did them at McCabes Guitar Shop, which is a usual stop on my tours. It has a 200 person capacity so I did two nights. I just chose the one that sounded best. You get what you pay for. I wasnt going to pick and choose or do any fixing.
I also had this live DVD from London. It wasnt audio-perfect but I just put it in the collection as is. You hear the room and my voice. Instead of a studio recording, you hear a real live show.
If you want to hear Lynnes music in its purest form, now is the time.
Im only doing five shows this time, said Lynne. In addition to my music, Im going to play a little documentary I made. And, Ill do Q&A for 20 or 30 minutes -- just for these dates.
Next year, Im going out with a group. Im sure that at some point in my career Ill do solo again. But, I have no idea when. My fans always know to expect something different. And, they know not to call out for songs. I dont do that. Im not a karaoke act.
Shelby Lynne will perform Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. at the World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400,philly.worldcafelive.com). Tickets are $35.


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Bring your child and enjoy lunch with Mr. Bunny. There will be pictures, games, crafts, food and fun for participating children age 7 and under. After lunch and activities, there will be an egg hunt for participants. Pre-registration is required since seating is limited. Registration fee is $5.00 per child and $2.00 per adult. Two sessions are available.
Course #743 Session 1 Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Course #744 Session 2 Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.
JEvents v1.4.2 Copyright © 2006-2007


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Can this game be 2 player (lik - Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dawn of Destiny Questions for XBox
Can this game be 2 player (like battling someone on your own box against each other?)
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Author/Gardener Amy Stewart and reader Coleen Marlo have followed up Wicked Plants with a new audiobook detailing the sinister elements that could be lurking in floral bouquets, backyard gardens, or even that plate of vegetables on the dinner table. Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities continues in the vein of Wicked Bugs, giving a brief history of known botanical problems: poison ivy, hemlock, oleander, etc., but also adding tidbits about obscure plants to be assiduously avoided. While Coleen Marlo's playful tone makes the most of Stewart's creative descriptions, both the text and the reader continually emphasize the need for safety and easy access to the phone number for Poison Control when reaction to a plant is ever in question.
Marlo clearly enjoys herself as she reads through "Death by Lawn", "Weeds of Mass Destruction", and "Vegetable Wickedness". It is the little things that are the most interesting, though, such as Marlo's presentation of "ordeal beans", which, for a while in Nigeria became a Monty Python-esque method of determining innocence or guilt through the ingesting the toxic calabar bean. Or how simply passing by a henbane plant could cause folks to swoon, which is why ancient Romans attempted to use the plant as an anesthesia.
Stewart's research encompasses plants that strangle, sicken, sting, cause hives, and in general irritate through their seeds, leaves, fragrance, and oils. Marlo's delivery brings forth the irony and/or humor inherent in plants with names from "vomitwort" and "corpse flower". There are fascinating facts as Stewart details and Marlo presents the sometimes fine line between plant as healer - castor oil from castor beans - to plant as murderer - the horrific poison, ricin, is an extract from that same castor bean plant. There is malevolence to be found in the book from unstoppable water hyacinth vines, fast-growing bushes of purple loosestrife, and the pestilence of killer algae in our oceans. Wicked Plants tells of a world pretty much taken over by insidious plant life, perhaps increasing its sinister control while a human population is distracted by smartphones, computer screens, and iPads. Fortunately for the audiobook aficionados, listeners can remain alert to the encroaching kudzu while enjoying Amy Stewart's highly entertaining writing and Coleen Marlo's enthusiastic descriptions in Wicked Plants. Oh, and remember to avoid exploding plants! Carole Chouinard
Beware! The sordid lives of plants behaving badly. A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. Amy Stewart, best-selling author of Flower Confidential, takes on over 200 of Mother Nature's most appalling creations in an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend.
Stewart renders a vivid portrait of evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, enlighten, and alarm even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.
©2009 Amy Stewart (P)2011 Tantor
"Culling legend and citing science, Stewart's fact-filled, A-Z compendium of nature's worst offenders offers practical and tantalizing composite views of toxic, irritating, prickly, and all-around ill-mannered plants." (Booklist)
"How did they do it???"
Amy Stewart has accomplished a remarkable feat! She has made what essentially should be a field guide to noxious weeds into an interesting audible book! The book gives a lot of botanical facts - interspersed with a lot of personal stories about the effect of the various weeds on people . . . as well as habitat. What really impressed me, however, was Coleen Marlo's impeccable Latin! She lets those compliccated botanical names roll off her tongue like a true native! Interesting read/listen - but I'm still not convinced that this is the best format to truly appreciate this work!
"Wonderful book. Informative and entertaining."
This is another book I can listen to over and over. Amy Stewart is one of my favorite non-fiction authors. And Coleen Marlo is one of my favorite 'readers' too...very expressive, she holds my attention through the entire book. This is a great book.
"Maybe a good book...but a horrible audiobook"
Nothing. It's not a book that is meant for audio.
The main theme in this book, to me, seems to be quantity over quality. There are endless plants (and fungi) that are described, but the explanations for each one are so short - a lot of them taught me nothing I hadn't already known. I guess if you know exactly nothing about plants you would probably learn more than I did.
She was given a bad book to read, so maybe it's not her fault. Just didn't like anything about this.
This book was very annoying as an audiobook. I should've looked it up on Amazon first to see how the book was laid out. It might be a good book to keep around (in paper form) for reference, but it is ridiculous to put it to audio. It's like listening to an encyclopedia. Encyclopedia's are good books, but you don't sit and read it cover to cover. You refer to it. Why someone decided this should be an audiobook baffles me. I couldn't even listen to half of it...and any of my friends will tell you I am a bit obsessed with plants, so I (of all people) should've loved this book.
Hate to turn people away from a book about plants. If you really want to get the most out of this, buy a paper copy.
"Buy the Book"
i would highly recommend you purchase the printed version of this book. the text is interesting, but it reads like an encyclopedia.
Nature, animals, sociobiology, science, spirituality art, travel, healthy cooking are my main interests. I love a great novel but don't enjoy works where there is no real point just one description of people after another. I wont read Steven King anymore because of one scene in his book that put an experience in my head I didn't need to have.
"great information but"
it is just to hard without pictures this is one book that would have really benefited from a pdf readalong file. It also got a bit discounterting to hear over and over "meet the realitives"
still well worth the listen and great information. It could save your life to know not to cook marshmellows on a daphne stick! I think that alone makes it worth getting.
Ardent Audible listener with a long commute!
"Grows on You Like Kudzu"
Amy Stewart just published the already much referenced "The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World's Great Drinks" (2013)." I knew when I finished "The Drunken Botanist" I'd never settle for a badly made cocktail. Just yesterday, I was annoyed to see a "martini" menu at a well known chain restaurant (whose name resembles The Cheesecake Factory) listing only "vodka martinis". Thanks to Stewart's help, I made sure I got a real martini – made with gin.
"Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities" (2009) is much shorter than "The Drunken Botanist", and not quite as fun. There are no drink recipes in this one, but plenty of advice on what NOT to eat or drink.
In Stewart's hands, each 'wicked plant' takes on a distinct personality. Some are bullying newcomers, like Japanese-native kudzu, which was imported for erosion control but is invading the American south. Some plants are deceptive, like foxglove. Used correctly, it produces the life saving digitalis. Used incorrectly, foxglove kills. It turns out the ubiquitous but much-maligned poinsettia plant is an irritant, not a poison.
I realized – and was quite disconcerted – that I am surrounded by poisonous plants. There are beautiful but poisonous oleander trees in my yard, I'm pretty sure I've seen hemlock in my yard, and, thinking back on it – as much as I loved pulling up and eating raw rhubarb as a child, I'm very lucky I'm here.
"Wicked Plants", like Stewart's "Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon's Army and Other Diabolical Insects" (2011), is an A to Z encyclopedia of the bad boys of the natural world.
I wondered if I might have been better off with "Wicked Plants" in print so that I could see what Stewart was describing. I thought about it, and realized that if I had done that, I wouldn't have had Colleen Marlo's narration to tell me how to pronounce the names.
I'm not sure that I'll buy "Wicked Plants" in text (I will buy "The Drunken Botanist" on paper for the recipes!), but it was definitely worth the listen.
[If you found this review helpful, please let me know by hitting the 'helpful' button! Thanks.]
"Sleep inducing"
The information is interesting if you can stay awake long enough to get to it. This is, in essence, a dictionary. Not a good audible experience!
"Very average."
There were some interesting anecdotes spread throughout the book.
It didn't really increase my interest in the subject matter.
No, she does not.
When narrating the taxonomy, her voice sounded like an automated message.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks.
"For the Casual Nerd"
This is an enjoyable book for those who also like to read tidbits of trivia, in this case about poisonous plants. I listened to this while I ran on the treadmill during my workout. Lots of neat stuff to learn about without being too weighed down with specific scientific speak. For the casual nerd who doesn't necessarily have to be into plants.
"A dictionary of scary plants"
This is not a book for plant lovers who enjoy celebrating nature by reading sympathetic and personal relationships with flora such as the works of Michael Pollan or "Weeds" by Richard Mabey. It is simply a compilation of brief descriptions of plants that are harmful to people, their economy or pets. The personal and social notes accompanying the often scary facts appear to be more in service of accentuating the shock value than in in elucidating the natural or social history of the plant in question.
On the other hand, It does cover a wide range of plants throughout the word and provides the botanical names for each species, which is very useful if you want to seek more information about the plant. After listening to the audiobook I ordered a hard copy as a reference book, but it's not on my night table.