text:
Definition of toastie in English:
toastieLine breaks: toastie
Pronunciation: /ˈtəʊsti /
nounBritish informal
A toasted sandwich or snack.
More example sentences
- Sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes, home-made lasagne were there for the asking.
- Besides, sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes and light bites, hot dishes were available but were mainly outside our budget as was the roast of the day.
- This upstairs café offers a conventional menu of sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes etc and suitable fare for children.
Get more from Oxford Dictionaries
Subscribe to remove adverts and access premium resources
Word of the day oleaginous
Pronunciation: ˌəʊlɪˈadʒɪnəs
rich in, covered with, or producing oil; oily


text:
* Voice chat____________v1.02 Changes* Added DLC
support* Added multi-GPU support (Crossfire/SLI)* Added ATI
Eyefinity support* Fixed graphic glitches when running in low visual
quality* Fixed Microsoft Wireless X360 controller not being detected
properly with some drivers* Fixed many disconnection problems in
coop modes* Fixed interaction buttons overlapping in certain
resolutions/aspect ratios* Low-end video card optimizations*
Various minor fixes
Press | Ubisoft Corporate | Careers |
Terms of Use |
Legal Info |
Contact Us |
Privacy Policy
© 2013 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, Ubi.com and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
McKee Road
Cars Damaged By BB Or Pellet Gun In San Jose Highway Shootings
The California Highway Patrol is looking for the suspect or suspects involved in a shooting spree during commute hours on Highway 101 in San Jose on Wednesday night.
Car Passenger Crushed To Death In San Jose 680 Big Rig Crash
One person died Thursday morning in an accident involving an overturned big-rig on an on-ramp to northbound Interstate Highway 680 in San Jose, a California Highway Patrol officer said.
Suspect Arrested After South Bay Chase, Deadly Crash
A San Jose man was fatally crushed between two vehicles when a driver fleeing from the California Highway Patrol struck a parked car, San Jose police said Friday.


text:
28 2 / 2013
19 2 / 2013
12 Questions
I recently posted a piece on my website about what its like to be a parent of adult adoptees…my two girls are in their twenties, and the issues are just different..their friends are getting married and having babies, and the implications of what parenthood means are staring them in the face. Strangely enough, they are no longer coming to Mommy to sort out their mixed up feelings.
Letting go of your grown kids is always tricky, I know, but we adoptive parents can be a even more fiercely protective than the average bereft parent. Stepping back can feel almost like plunging off a cliff, all fingers crossed.
So, as usual, humor helps. Here's a link that made us laugh:
03 12 / 2012
Promise: Waterproof Mascara in Our Christmas Stockings this year!
Oh, the things you learn when you share a blog with your daughter. I did not know about the baby shower from hell, for example. Although I have witnessed my share of running mascara crises, both my own and my daughters' over the years.
But I do remember well how perilous those baby showers were for me. Good friends would be conflicted about sending me an invitation to theirs, knowing how uncomfortable I might be as I struggled for all those years through infertility. Their distress distressed me.
And when the time came that I was "matched" (what a fraught word) with my babies, it seemed even more scary. I both deeply wanted to celebrate with a shower and deeply feared that it would jinx the whole adoption by pretending it was a sure thing. After all, there was no guarantee that the birth parents would ultimately decide to place, even weeks after Laura and Julia were born. I so wanted the support and celebration a shower seemed to promise (also the toys, "onesies" and advice would have come in handy). Not having one seemed at the time to be yet another indication that I was a second class and unreal and inauthentic Mom.
Amazing how with the passage of years; the trips to the emergency room; the sleepless nights worrying over playground slights, the Halloween costumes, the fun and the challenges every single day brings, the laughs and tears (see, above, the running mascara events)…you learn that baby shower or not, you are a real Mom.
10 11 / 2012
The Horrific Baby Shower of Doom and Despair
Hey everyone, I have so much to tell you all. I've been digesting a lot of thoughts these past few months, which is why you haven't heard from me. I also work in production and therefore have no life for months at a time. Oh, and my personal zoo (cats, dog, horse) have kept me busy in my down time.
I had some crazy events go down with my birth family and I wanted to really think before I wrote about it. My knee jerk reaction/s shocked me, and the realizations are still coming to me. The more friends I share the journey with, the more encourage me to post about my feelings - and if anyone out there is looking to connect with their birth families or can relate to the re connection then the aftershock, I want them to see this and feel like they're not alone.
A little back story of emotions: My senior year of college, my friend at my part time job was pregnant. We all went to her baby shower and brought cupcakes, baby wipes, baby clothes, etc. My two very good friends Shannon and Lindsey were with me. We all sat around in a circle - mothers spoke of how their babies took 72 hours and they shat all over the doctor; daughters spoke of how they were born on the kitchen floor before the ambulance came.
We were exchanging these cute family stories and out of nowhere I started to wonder if my birth mother had ever had a baby shower for me, and I realized that probably, no, that wouldn't make sense. Then I wondered if my Mom had a shower for me before they knew I was born, and I realized that no, that probably hadn't happened. (Don't worry, they worshiped me once I got there.) I'd never even thought about this possibility. I just sat there in a circle of other women who were giving this cute pregnant girl diaper genies - and I couldn't breathe anymore.
There was a sick dizzy shock running through my stomach and a loud buzzing in my ears, and I ran to the porch to hysterically sob. It was really attractive, so my friends came out to make sure my mascara didn't need touching up, as it was RUNNING DOWN MY CHEEKS LIKE THAT GUY FROM THE CURE.
(How I looked at the baby shower.)
Shannon and Lindsey politely excused me - they are trained professionals in pulling me out of parties - and we got out of there. I think I ran for the elevator. It was a very mature reaction. I have great friends.
I've since had such strong reactions to strange feelings about my adoption rearing up out of nowhere, but when went something CRAZY went down earlier this year, and my stomach was falling out of my ass, I remembered I had lived through it before and now I had a hilarious story. I remembered to let the emotion happen, then to file it away.
My crazy realization was: No matter what your feelings are, have been, or the random scary ones that flare up at inappropriate moments - it's okay. It's "normal." And when you look like that dude from The Cure, your good friends will pull you out of the party.
09 10 / 2012
Nature or Nurture
Nature or Nurture
So it goes without saying as a family comprised of two halves…my husband's "next boat after the Mayflower" Yankee story against my Irish American Mom with two adopted kids story- we are obsessed with the nature/nurture question in this house.
I recently read that adopters generally adhere to the nurture side of the argument until their kids reach teenager-hood, at which point, we adopting parents agree: the genes definitely take over.
But a few weekends ago, lying on a hotel bed in CA next to my oldest while we watched the Emmys, it occurred to me exactly how powerful inborn temperament and talent is. My major claims to fame as a child were good penmanship and spelling, whereas Laura exhausted me all through her childhood with her devotion to making up plays, assembling casts, assigning costumes, decorating sets, writing scripts, and directing. Today, she is a production coordinator in Hollywood. In other words, she managed to find a job that allows her to continue to be that kid she was. It took some seriously crappy jobs, some living in hovels, some humiliation, long days and nights, but she did it.
But then..my own long days and nights and humiliation came as I worked and paid my way through law school, determined to find a way to be independent and to defy the low expectations my parents had for me.
So I guess stubbornness is one natural characteristic we share. But if you ever get a thank you note from her, please understand…that is 100% nurture.
09 8 / 2012
theirs, hers, his or ours?
So hi there I'm Laura's Mom. Laura and I just LOVE to share Lifetime TV adoption movie titles like "Adopting Terror" or "Orphan". The only thing better is sharing the popcorn and wine watching these "films" together. So imagine my skeptical reaction when Oxygen network announced it's new series "I'm Having Their Baby". I had my outrage gun loaded. But surprise, it's not bad, other than the title of course. Actual birthmothers are followed through the decision-making and placement process and are treated with respect as are the adopters. So far at least, the series is actually an accurate prortrayal (smack dab in the reality tv genre) of U.S. domestic newborn adoption, and doesn't seem staged or too heavily weighted toward the popular adoption-is-a-scary-and-unnatural-and-totally-weird-nightmare theme. Just wish I had my daughter here to see it with me.
Paula is an adoption attorney and adoptive Mom who provides advice, opinion and commentary at www.adoptionwrites.com
20 7 / 2012
16 Things My Mother Taught Me
1. Be nice to your sisters, someday they will be your best friends.
2. Always write a thank you note.*
3. Say who you are when you call for someone on the phone.
4. You don't have to agree with everyone, different opinions are what make horse races…read more
20 7 / 2012


text: yoginlove-deactivated20120707 blogilates: New printable! How to get an inner thigh gap in 4 easy moves! This is one of the most highly requested things I am asked about, so here you go! Print, share, and sweat! I'm going to the beach now to film this. Video coming soon!!! <3 Cassey yoginlove-deactivated20120707 Source: blogilates blogilates printable cassey ho inner thigh gap pilates workout


text:
Tag: LacieLacinemaPlay
Ask TUAW: Key remapping in Boot Camp, iPad tethering, file-sharing with a media extender, and more
Welcome back to Ask TUAW, our weekly troubleshooting Q&A column. This week we deal with some technical issues on our production Mac before turning to questions about Windows key remapping in Boot Camp, sharing files with a LaCie media extender, downloading images in Safari, recovering from a...
Subscribe to Newsletter
Software Updatesmore updates
- Dropbox adds support for TouchID
- YouTube for iOS gets updated with full support for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iOS 8.0.1 update now available (Updated -- Don't update!)
- NFL Mobile updated for 2014 Season with new Fantasy Football features, NFL Now integration
- Yahoo Mail improves email inbox searching with new filtering options
- Ember for Mac gains 'hugely-requested' screen recording feature


text:
My Home Finance services in Hereford, Northfield, Wolverhampton and Worcester are moving.
Click 'Find us' below and follow the 'More details' link for each branch to discover when and where you will be able to reach us.
About Us
My Home Finance is a social enterprise. This means all profits are put back into the business so that we can help more people. We want to help those who can't access high street lending and who have to rely on loans from doorstep lenders and loan sharks who charge extortionate interest rates.
Read More..
We can provide loans for any purpose - for example, school uniforms, furniture, a new washing machine or cooker. Being unemployed and on benefits won't affect your ability to get a loan we count benefits as income. Anyone aged 18 or over can apply.
Read More..
Bank Accounts
Without a bank account you can't access loans at reasonable prices. You would be limited to 'cash loans' with repayments collected in cash from your doorstep. Generally, this type of credit - often called 'home credit' - costs around £246 for every £300 borrowed.
Read More..
At My Home Finance we encourage all our customers to save alongside their loan. This reduces the need to borrow for 'predictable' events – for example many customers may want to use their savings account for Christmas, birthdays and planned holidays and It builds up an "emergency fund" to cover the unexpected.
Read More..


text:
Faith seeking understanding
|Sandra Schneiders, I.H.M.
Sandra Schneiders, I.H.M, says the issue of the Resurrection is often skirted in theology, and yet it's arguably the most central tenet of the Christian faith.
How do Christians understand the Resurrection—and how does that understanding serve as a source of motivation for world transformation? Scholar Sandra Schneiders, I.H.M., says the issue of the Resurrection is often skirted in theology because it's very difficult to imagine, and yet, the Resurrection is arguably the most central tenet of the Christian faith.
In 2011–12 Schneiders, a professor at the Jesuit School of Theology who has taught at the school since 1976, will be at work on a project that addresses that question. As the recipient of a Henry Luce III Fellowship, she will be taking a year off from teaching to write the monograph Risen Jesus, Cosmic Christ: Biblical Spirituality in the Gospel of John.
The Luce Fellowship is awarded to scholars who make innovative contributions to theological studies and strengthen the link between higher education and religious communities.
This June, Schneiders joined Teresa Pleins M.A. '94, an alumna of SCU's graduate program in pastoral ministries, for a panel presentation at the meeting of the Catholic Theological Society of America held on the Mission Campus. Schneiders and Pleins, who serves as chaplain to the Catholic community at Stanford University, discussed the hopes, challenges, and vocation of today's theologian. For centuries, Schneiders reflected, to study theology meant passing on the same body of static doctrine. Now, "No longer are we only learning or teaching theology, but now we are doing theology," she says. "We are not merely trying to master a prescribed and limited body of knowledge, but we are engaged in the adventure of 'faith seeking understanding.'"
Summer 2014
Table of contents
A day with the Dalai Lama
High-spirited and hushed moments from Feb. 24: a day to talk about business, ethics, compassion.
The Catholic writer today
Poet and former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Dana Gioia argues that Catholic writers must renovate and reoccupy their own tradition.
Our stories and the theatre of awe
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Marilynne Robinson speaks about grace, discernment, and being a modern believer.
Mission Matters
What would the next generation say?
Hossam Baghat, one of Egypt's leading human rights activists, was awarded the 2014 Katharine and George Alexander Law Prize for his work defending human rights.
Breaking records on the maplewood
Scoring 40 points in one game. And besting Steve Nash's freshman year.
How's the water?
A lab on a chip helps provide the answer—which is a matter of life and death when the question is whether drinking water contains arsenic.


text:
Welfare's New Rules: A Pox on Children
New restrictions will increase the number of extremely poor families and put the very youngest children at risk.
Six decades of guaranteed government aid for economically deprived children ended on August 22, 1996, when President Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act. The law eliminated the open-ended federal entitlement program Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). In its place, it provided block grants to states under the new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Two vocal camps have already boldly predicted the act's consequences. Proponents say that new time limits on the receipt of cash assistance and sanctions for failure to comply with work and other requirements will propel welfare mothers into the labor force and produce abundant benefits. These include higher family income; more regular family routines; greater maternal self-esteem; more positive role models for children; and, in the longer run, declining out-of-wedlock teen births as children learn that welfare no longer provides a viable alternative to marriage.
Opponents are convinced that time limits and sanctions will alter the source but not increase the average level of family income. They predict increased stress on single mothers; lower quality of care of younger children; a reduction in the ability of mothers to monitor the activities of adolescents; and, for the many women likely to be unable to find and hold jobs, deepened family poverty to the point that even basic needs cannot be met, with attendant increases in homelessness, hunger, foster care, and health problems.
There is little scientific basis for either set of predictions. Rigorous random-assignment welfare-to-work experiments were conducted during the 1980s. Some featured sanctions for noncompliant behavior, but none imposed time limits, and few looked beyond work and welfare receipt to evaluate the impact of maternal employment on family process and child development. Also, it will be a few years before we have meaningful analysis from research projects funded by the legislation itself.
Recent declines in the number of welfare recipients, coupled with media accounts of hopeful mothers beginning to work after years on welfare, have created a kind of euphoria over welfare reform. Some think that few if any recipients will ever hit the new five-year time limit. More than a decade of research, however, suggests otherwise.
Families use welfare in disparate ways, and the majority of women who have received AFDC assistance are neither extremely long-term or shorter-term recipients. The current declines in welfare recipients undoubtedly reflect transitions off welfare by the more work-ready, short-term segment of welfare recipients. However, substantial numbers of longer-term recipient families remain, and it is unrealistic to believe that most will not have benefits cut off by the time limits. Still others will face benefit reductions or will lose benefits altogether because of sanctions.
Reform will indeed spur a substantial number of welfare-to-work transitions. Just as certainly, it will increase the depth of the poverty among families in which mothers cannot make successful transitions to full-time work. In other words, the 1996 legislation will have a much bigger impact on the distribution than on the average level of the economic well-being of children. Even if the total number of children living in low-income families does not increase dramatically, the gap between the family incomes of the poorest and better-off low-income children almost certainly will.
Recent studies suggest that such deepening poverty, especially if it occurs early in childhood, can have detrimental effects on the cognitive development of children. This is our greatest concern about the changes in the welfare system. However, we believe that various policy changes, such as gearing assistance programs to the needs of the youngest children, could help minimize the negative effects of welfare reform on children.
Sweeping change
In addition to eliminating AFDC, the new welfare law made changes affecting child care, the Food Stamp program, Supplemental Security Income for children, benefits for legal immigrants, and the Child Support Enforcement program. Also, it offers states numerous options, such as capping benefits so payments do not increase to recipients who have more children and denying assistance to unmarried teen parents and their children.
Another major provision has implications for the well-being of children and youth. Parents must engage in work or work-related activities to receive TANF. Those not participating in their state's work requirements face reduction or termination of benefits. The legislation introduced two provisions linked to the length of welfare receipt. First, after 24 months, it requires recipients to participate in "allowable work activities" or face sanctions or penalties. Second, it sets a 60-month lifetime limit, regardless of work effort. This limit applies to the entire household and to all forms of federal assistance. States can impose shorter time limits on total receipt, and nearly half have already done so. For families currently receiving assistance, the five-year clock started when their state of residence implemented the federal block grant.
Early returns on the new state-designed welfare reforms appear to be stunningly positive. Caseloads have fallen dramatically in the past couple of years, by as much as 80 percent in some Wisconsin counties. Some pundits and politicians assure us that the five-year time limit will not, as some fear, deprive the least-able welfare recipients of their basic needs, because safeguards allow states to exempt up to one-fifth of their familes from these limits for reasons of hardship. By and large, they say, the cutoff threat provides just the jolt many welfare recipients need to get their acts together.
Much of the euphoria over welfare reform is unfounded. Specifically, the number of welfare recipients started to fall well before the legislation took effect. In fact, a 25-year look at U.S. welfare recipients shows little change, except for a rise in the 1990s. The drop in the past three years followed a period of soaring welfare rolls and actually represents a return to more typical levels. In Wisconsin, whose economy began booming earlier than most other states, the number of welfare recipients has indeed fallen dramatically. However, the typical state reductions are more modest.
Research by one of the authors of this article (Duncan) and colleagues Kathleen Harris and Johanne Boisjoly indicates that states should prepare for almost half of their welfare families to hit the five-year benefit cutoff within eight years. These estimates suggest that nearly two million families and four million children will accumulate five years of welfare receipt-more than twice as many as states can exempt for hardship. And although some affected families will make successful transitions into the labor force, many will not.
Photographs of former welfare mothers now hard at work make wonderful copy, but the truth is that there have always been hundreds of thousands of women making successful exits from the welfare rolls every year. Numerous studies have shown that typical periods of AFDC receipt are often quite short, lasting less than two years. For many, welfare provides short-term insurance against the economic consequences of a divorce, nonmarital birth, or job loss. The booming economy of recent years has made the transition back to work that much easier and faster.
Eclipsed by the optimistic predictions are the long-term welfare recipients, the families least likely to be able to support themselves and most likely to reach the welfare time limits. Profiles of recipients most likely to hit the five-year time limits are very similar to those drawn by earlier studies of long-term recipients: Two-thirds lack high school diplomas; a majority lack work experience; two-thirds were age 21 or younger when they started receiving benefits; and most have low levels of cognitive skills.
Iowa's experience may illustrate the likely events. Beginning in 1993, welfare recipients there had to help formulate and then follow a "Family Investment Agreement." Failure to comply led to a series of sanctions, including a six-month cutoff from all cash benefits. A follow-up study of sanctioned families found an almost equal split between those working immediately after the cash benefits ended and those not working. Nearly half of those sanctioned enjoyed monthly income increases averaging $500, but fully half suffered drops averaging nearly $400. As with welfare recipients in general, the heterogeneity of these Iowa families is key to understanding the consequences of sanctions and time limits. Roughly half of recipients may indeed respond quite successfully to sanctions but the other half will not.
It is far too early to tell exactly how children's family incomes will be affected by welfare reforms. Much will depend on how states use their new-found freedom to design replacement programs as well as on the economic fortunes of the nation and individual regions. From the point of view of children, the most important aspects of the new legislation are the various provisions that render families ineligible for receiving benefits, including time limits and sanctions for families that do not abide by the work requirements and other rules.
Consequences of child poverty
Although the literature on the effects of poverty on children is large, it has major shortcomings. Information on some topics is old or from studies narrowly focused on local communities, or it is of limited usefulness because children's circumstances or outcomes are measured imprecisely. For example, although income and social class are far from synonymous, some studies used variables such as occupation, single-parenthood, or low maternal education to infer family income. Because family incomes are surprisingly volatile, there are only modest correlations between economic deprivation and typical measures of socioeconomic background.
Several longitudinal data sources do collect the requisite information, making it possible to distinguish between the effects on child development of income poverty and of its correlated events and conditions. The distinction is crucial, both conceptually and because welfare reform has a much bigger impact on family income than on correlates of poverty such as low levels of schooling or lone-parent family structure.
Research focused on isolating the impact of poverty as such suggests that family income has at times large but rather selective effects on children's development. Most noteworthy is the importance of the type of outcome being considered. To the extent that family income influences children's development, most affected are children's ability and achievement rather than behavior, mental health, or physical health. Also important is the childhood stage. Family economic conditions in early childhood appear to be far more important in shaping ability and achievement than they are later.
A forthcoming study by Duncan and colleagues illustrates this. Controlling for income later in childhood as well as for demographic characteristics of households, it estimates that a $10,000 increment to income averaged over the first five years of life for children in low-income families is associated with a 0.81-year increment in completed schooling and a 2.9-fold increase in the odds of finishing high school. These were much larger than the effects of income measured later in childhood. Moreover, a similar picture of income effects emerges in a comparison of sibling differences in family income and completed schooling. This suggests that income differences, rather than unmeasured persistent family characteristics, cause the achievement differences.
Other studies have found associations between income and school-related outcomes prior to high school, including children's achievement and cognitive and verbal ability test scores. They controlled for conditions such as maternal education, maternal age at child's birth, single parenthood, and employment. Although transient poverty has effects, the most pronounced effects were for children who were persistently poor over multiple years, even though effects of transient poverty were also seen. Also, the lowest scores were for extremely poor children (50 percent of the poverty threshold). Early cognitive, verbal, and achievement test scores strongly predict completed levels of schooling. The few studies of this show that poverty exerts much of its influence upon high school completion through its effect upon early test scores.
How poverty acts
Four key aspects or pathways illustrate how income affects children and where policy intervention may be effective: quality of the home environment, school readiness, parental health, and neighborhood. In the home, warmth of mother-child interactions, the physical condition of the home, and especially opportunities for learning account for much of the effects of family income on cognitive outcomes in young children. Differences in the home learning environments of higher- and lower-income children account for up to half of the effect of income on the cognitive development of preschool children and between one-quarter and one-third of the effect of income on the achievement scores of elementary school children. These findings are based on several large and in one case nationally representative samples of children and their families. The learning environment includes such factors as access to a library card, the practice of reading to the children, availability of learning-oriented toys and experiences, and use of developmentally appropriate activities.
School readiness depends also on the quality of the care children receive outside the home. High-quality developmentally appropriate early childhood education in the toddler and preschool years is associated with enhanced school readiness for poor and middle-income children alike. In addition, early childhood education programs for poor children increase verbal ability and reasoning skills through the early elementary years. Such programs may also decrease behavior problems and increase persistence and enthusiasm for learning.
For adolescents, family economic pressure can lead to conflict with parents, resulting in lower school grades, reduced emotional health, and impaired social relationships. Indeed, studies suggest this conflict may result from income loss or economic uncertainty due to unemployment, underemployment, and unstable work conditions, rather than from poverty or low income per se. In addition, parents who are poor are likely to be less emotionally and physically healthy. Parental mental health accounts for some of the effect of economic circumstances on child health and behavior and is associated with impaired parent-child interactions and fewer learning experiences in the home.
Finally, neighborhoods affect child and adolescent test scores and high school completion independent of family income. Poor parents are constrained in their choice of neighborhoods and schools. Low income may lead to residence in extremely poor neighborhoods characterized by social disorganization (crime, many unemployed adults, and neighbors who do not monitor the behavior of adolescents) and few resources for child development (playgrounds, child care, health care facilities, parks, and after-school programs). Families with preschoolers in poor neighborhoods tend to have fewer learning experiences, over and above the links seen between family income and learning experiences.
Judicious exemptions
Most worrisome among welfare reform provisions are time limits, sanctions for noncompliant behavior, and categorical restrictions on eligibility that drop cash assistance to zero. Some families hitting the limits or losing benefits when sanctioned for not following program rules will replace the lost welfare payments with income from work and other sources. Others, perhaps as many as half, will see their incomes fall well below the poverty line. State-specific provisions that deny cash assistance to children born to underage, unmarried women also lower dramatically the incomes of a subset of affected families.
When viewed with the welfare of young children in mind, time limits pose less of a threat than sanctions and categorical restrictions, especially in states that opt for the full five-year time limits. In those states, mothers are not likely to have young children in their households after the 60 months, unless they have additional children during that period. In contrast, sanctions and many of the categorical provisions are much more likely to deny benefits to families with very young children. Not only do young children appear to be most vulnerable to the consequences of deep poverty, but mothers with very young children are least able to support themselves.
An obvious recommendation is that states exempt families with young children from time limits, sanctions, and categorical restrictions. Some states now exempt families for up to a year after a child's birth. Granting exemptions until a child's second or third birthday would be far preferable. States could also establish more universal programs, such as a child allowance or refundable tax credits geared to children's ages. Those who fear that such policies create incentives for mothers to bear additional children should be aware that evidence suggests at most weak links between fertility and the generosity of welfare benefits.
Several European countries gear time-limited benefits to the age of children in their assistance programs. In Germany, a modest parental allowance is available to a mother working fewer than 20 hours per week until her child is 18 months old. France guarantees a modest minimum income to most of its citizens, including families with children of all ages. Supplementing this basic support is the Allocation de Parent Isolé (API) program targeted at lone parents. Eligibility for generous income-tested API payments to families with children is limited to the period between the child's birth and third birthday, even if low-income status persists beyond that point. In effect, API acknowledges a special need for income support during this period, especially if a parent wishes to care for very young children and forgo income from work. The elaborate state-funded system in France for providing child care beginning at age 3 lessens the problems associated with the parent's transition into the labor force.
Yet another strategy is to liberate long-term recipients from welfare through a combination of cost-effective job-training and other skill-building programs. Also important are efforts to make work pay by increasing the after-tax family incomes of women who take low-wage jobs and by funding work-for-welfare jobs of last resort for those who are unable, despite effort, to find an employer.
If the goal is to promote the healthy development of children, we must go beyond cash transfer to service-delivery programs such as nutrition education and nutritional supplements, medical care, early childhood education, and housing. Existing programs in these areas could be expanded. The case for giving preference to such programs over income transfers is strongest for those addressing health and behavior, because there is little evidence that outcomes in these domains are responsive to improvements in family living standards.
Because of the relationship of home environment to cognitive ability, interventions might profitably focus on working with parents. An example is the Learningames curriculum, developed by Joseph Sparling and Isabelle Lewis at the Frank Porter Graham Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the curriculum, parents receive instruction, materials, and role-playing practice in providing learning experiences. Programs that focus on teaching parenting skills and on encouraging and modeling reading skills alter parenting behavior as well as child language and school readiness. To be effective, home visits focusing on parenting skills have to be frequent (at least several times per month) and extensive (several years in duration) and have specific curricula focused on behaviors and interactions. More generally, economic logic requires a cost/benefit comparison of the various development, income transfer, and service delivery programs.
It will be years before we have a definitive accounting of the long-run effects of the 1996 welfare reforms. These reforms will almost certainly increase both the number of successful transitions from welfare to work and the number of severely economically disadvantaged children. Recent research shows that economic deprivation early in children's lives is most harmful to their chances for achievement. Policies aimed at preventing either economic deprivation itself or its effects are likely to constitute profitable social investments.
Recommended reading
Bane, Mary Jo and Ellwood, David, Welfare Realities, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1994.
Center for the Future of Children, The Future of Children, Special issue on: Children and Poverty, Volume 7, No. 2, Summer/Fall, 1997.
Chase-Lansdale, P. Lindsay and Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne (eds.) Escape From Poverty: What Makes a Difference for Children? New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Duncan, Greg J. and Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne, Consequences of Growing Up Poor, New York: Russell Sage, 1997.
Duncan, Greg J. and Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne, Wei-Jun J. Yeung, and Judith Smith "How Much Does Childhood Poverty Affect the Life Chances of Children?") American Sociological Review, forthcoming.
Duncan, Greg J., Harris, Kathleen Mullan, and Boisjoly, Johanne, "Time Limits and Welfare Reform: New Estimates of the Number and Characteristics of Affected Families" http://www.spc.uchicago.edu/PovertyCenter/
Gueron, Judith M. and Pauly, Edward, From Welfare to Work, New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 1991.
Mayer, Susan, What Money Can't Buy: The Effect of Parental Income on Children's Outcomes, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997.
Greg J. Duncan is professor of education and social policy and faculty associate at the Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University. Jeanne Brooks-Gunn is Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Child Development and Education at Teachers College Columbia University. They are coeditors of Consequences of Growing up Poor (Russell Sage Foundation, 1997).


text:
Tupac Shakur Biopic Project by Director John Singleton – Coming Soon
Not only will Tupac grace the playbill of Broadway theaters this summer, the late hip-hop artist will soon be on the silver screen neat you as well. According to an exclusive report by industry trade publication Variety, movie director John Singleton just signed a deal to produce … READ MORE
Tupac Shakur "Holler If Ya Hear Me" Musical Coming to Broadway NYC
With the current revival of "Annie" coming to a close, another musical about a hard knock life will take its place at New York City's Palace Theater this summer. Centers on several fictional characters and their often tumultuous lives in the inner city, the new musical "Holler … READ MORE
2012 Coachella – Tupac Hologram performing with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
No, you're not seeing things. That's really Tupac Shakur on stage with Snoop. Well, a hologram of the late rapper, but Tupac was back. Resurrected in front of a roaring crowd on the Coachella stage, the bare-chested Tupac performed a few of his top songs alongside Snoop and Dr. … READ MORE


text:
Loading ...
The chefs at The Best Windy City Hot Dogs have the classic Chicago dog down to an art. With each order, they carefully ensconce a single oversized frank in a poppy-seed bun before layering on pickle spears, sport peppers, tomatoes, relish onions, and a thin line of mustard. The all-natural casings of their classic and Polish dogs allow the complementary flavors of the condiments to shine through, creating a savory balance with the aromas of chili- and cheese-soaked fries and the sounds of neglected ketchup bottles pounding at the door. Not to be defined by its hot-dog offerings, the menu spans a range of dishes that showcase America's melting-pot history, offering Italian-beef sandwiches alongside tzatziki-drizzled lamb gyros and locally made tamales. A range of cool drinks and ice-cream treats wash down the hearty meals, and delivery or dine-in service allows guests to enjoy their treats wherever they wish without installing a franchise in the back of their car.
Head chef and Chicagoland native Jason Korinek dedicates his kitchen to crafting contemporary versions of familiar Italian dishes with seasonal ingredients. A wood-fired oven bakes sandwiches and Neapolitan pizzas to a golden crisp, and the chefs add homestyle flavors to the menu by making italian sausage, pesto, and ricotta gnocchi in-house. Aside from these traditional approaches to Italian cuisine, the chefs also adopt a more modern stance by grilling salmon on cedar planks and creating fiber-optic strands of linguini.
The rustic and contemporary influences extend to the bold decor, which echoes the ambience of a faux cottage. A wrought-iron chandelier dangles from the vaulted ceiling and eclectic patches of exposed brickwork poke through the walls.
Landry's, Inc. operates more than 40 restaurant brands with only two main goals: good food and good memories. Thankfully, each of their venues has a signature element that's hard to forget, whether the Oceanaire's fresh seafood?flown in daily?or Rainforest Cafe's animatronic wildlife that's almost as realistic as the Amazon's wind-up monkeys. Steak and seafood spots feature prominently on the list of Landry's locations, including Morton's The Steakhouse, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks. But there are standouts in other genres, too, such as the Italian trattoria known as Grotto.
In 1988, Auntie Anne's founders Anne and Jonas Beiler purchased a Pennsylvania farmers'-market stand, where they experimented with dough until they created a pretzel that seemed to strike the perfect chord with their customers. Today, at their more than 1,350 locations worldwide, the pretzel makers still hand roll the original recipe but have added to the menu with inventive options such as the eight signature dipping sauces. The team constantly explores new uses for the pretzel dough, such as wrapping it around hot dogs and slicing it into bite-size nuggets. To transform the snack into a meal, they accompany it with specialty drinks, including frozen-lemonade desserts.
When not twisting dough, Auntie Anne's team partners with the national charitable organization Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which raises funds to fight childhood cancer. Auntie Anne's also reaches out to the community through fundraising opportunities.
We are an environmentally and socially conscious kind of place. Don't worry - we are not overbearing - we do it behind the scenes.
Our food is comfort food with a twist. Organic and locally grown whenever possible.
Our business started with 3 people and a dream. To have a comfy place that offers excellent food!


text:
- Age / Gender:
- 30, Male
- Location:
- Veghel(Holland(Eu rope))
- Joined:
- 5/11/03
- All Stats >
Lazy animator.
User Statshot
- Community Stats
Level 11 Blank Slate
Normal Whistle
Ranked as Town Watch
Contact Info / Websites
Latest Movies
Sonic 06 in O6 minutes Rated Stars The most popular and well rceived Sonic game ever get's the "in minutes" treatment. Comedy - Parody Sonic lost world in minut Rated Stars Spoof of Sonic lost world. Comedy - Parody Kingdumb Hearts Derpencer Rated Stars Second half of my Kingdom hearts dream drop distance spoof. Comedy - Parody Kingdumb Hearts Derpence Rated Stars Sora and Riku are sent to the dreamworld in order to gibberish vagueness something. Comedy - Parody
Latest Games
Favorite Movies
Manga-Gaga 100 Omake Rated 3.9689 Stars Music video thing with loads of random stuff in it. Yay. Comedy - Parody PowerPuff Girls D Rated 3.7620 Stars A flash movie for a friend of mine. Music Video Metal Gear Solid: Movie Rated 3.7558 Stars What would happen if they made a MGS movie? Comedy - Parody


text:
DJ Scratch Pays Tribute to James Brown With 'The Big Payback'
DJ Scratch honors the Godfather of Soul with a brand new mix featuring some classic James Brown tracks.
Kevin Gates Talks Newfound Success, 'Bread Winners' and 'By Any Means' [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
Kevin Gates has seen his renown skyrocket over the past few years, but it should come as no surprise that his artistry has finally resonated with a wider audience.
The Baton Rouge, La., rapper's natural songwriting ability, pen
Trae Tha Truth & Snoop Dogg Ride in an 'Old School' in New Video
Trae Tha Truth is no stranger to boasting about his slab and does so once again in the video for his single 'Old School' featuring Snoop Dogg. Trae and the Doggfather show off their respective rides while the smoot
Lil Boosie Released From Prison
After months of speculation, Lil Boosie is finally a free man. The Baton Rouge, La., rapper has been released from the Angola State Penitentiary.


text:
What's On
Edinburgh Map
Edinburgh Castle
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh Festival
Edinburgh Tattoo
Photo Gallery
History of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Hotels
What's On
Photos of Edinburgh
Map of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Christmas In Edinburgh
End of November 2014 - January 2015
Dates to be confirmed.
Edinburgh's Christmas Markets
It all starts on Light Night! The Highland Market, Ice Rink and rides will be open for the during of Edinburgh's Christmas, from the end of November to the start of January 2015.
Circus Sensation LIMBO
23 November 2013 - Sunday 5 January 2014
Venue: St Andrew's Square
Featuring international circus sensation LIMBO, Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs and Little Red Riding Hood.
Paradiso Spiegeltent will be at the heart of this years Christmas celebrations, situated in St Andrew's Square from 23 November to 5 January. And winter in Edinburgh is about to get hotter as we welcome our international hit show: Limbo!
A high-octane blend of dance, circus, sideshow and live music"
-Observer. LIMBO! is an exotic, illogical world of mind-bending illusions, breathless dance and soaring live music from a coterie of highly skilled international performers. A truly unique experience for Christmas, suitable for all ages from 12+
Sensational, defies both expectations and genre pigeonholing.
The Paradiso Spiegeltent will also feature some of the finest family entertainment to be had this Christmas in Edinburgh, including: Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs from
Nov 23 Dec 15
and Red Riding Hood from
Dec 17 Jan 5
. Tickets for all the Christmas events at edinburghschristmas.com or by calling into the Christmas Box Office at The Fringe Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Ethical Christmas Fair
Saturday 7 - Sunday 15 December 2013
Location: Castle Street. The Ethical Christmas Fair is well established as the place to be this Christmas for fair trade, ethical, environmental businesses. Jewellery, crafts, home-wares, foods and drinks, scarves and hats, music and much more.
The Real Scottish Christmas Fair
30 November - 5 December 2013
Where: Castle Street/Princes Street, Edinburgh
A huge event during the lead up to Christmas on one of the UK's busiest shopping streets. Housed in a marquee on Princes Street/Castle Street, this event is ideal for experienced exhibitors looking to sell and promote Scottish crafts, jewellery, fashion, arts, foods & drinks.
Christmas Fair
Fair rides include The Edinburgh Wheel, The Snow Globe and The Flying Carousel start from the end of November.
Edinburgh Ice Rink
End of November 2013 Start of January 2014
East Princes Street Gardens - by the Scott Monument.
Edinburghs Ice Rink is one of Europes largest outside Christmas Ice Rinks.
Santas Arrival: December 2013
The Great Edinburgh Santa Run
December 2013
Arrival Date
-- No. of nights --
1 Night
2 Nights
3 Nights
4 Nights
5 Nights
6 Nights
7 Nights
-- Room Sleeps --
1 person
2 people
2 + 1 child
2 + 2 children
2 + 3 children
3 people
4 people
5 people
6 people
7 people
Most Viewed This Week
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Hogmanay Edinburgh
Edinburgh Walks
Edinburgh Art Fair 2014
Theatre In Edinburgh
Live Music In Edinburgh
» View All
Page Top
What's On In Edinburgh
What's On In Liverpool
What's On In Bath
What's On In London
What's On In Chester
What's On In York
© Edinburgh 360, All Rights Reserved


text:
It is expected that 2.4 billion British Pounds will be spent in the UK on smart home energy management devices in the next 5 years, according tot IMS Research. These devices range from the smart meters themselves, which most UK homes are scheduled to get by 2019, to devices in the home that communicate with the meters.
Smart meters going into UK homes allow two-way communication home utility meters and the utility companies, using an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. While some small-scale deployments have happened, it is expected that the mass rollout will start in the second half of 2014.
The firm expects the first benefit seen to consumers in the UK will be the end of estimated billing. UK regulations will call for in-home displays (IHDs), installed with the smart meters, to give consumers the ability to monitor and manage energy use. The research firm sees potential revenues to IHD makers in the UK of 400 million British Pounds in the next five years.
The smart meters will also allow for time-of-day energy pricing incentives, giving consumers cost savings for using more energy at non-peak hours. This, in turn, can enable reduction in the use of the most expensive electric power plants, which are often back-up power generation plants employed only needed and often producing the most of pollution.
In households belonging to the time-of-day price incentive programs, local utilities will have the capability to temporarily reduce the power consumption of certain specific in-home smart appliances. When demand crosses certain thresholds, for example, water heater power may be temporarily limited. In-home thermostats may be adjusted to their most efficient levels for quarter-hour increments.
It has been posited in the United States that success of similar Smart Grid strategies will hinge upon providing homeowners with the freedom to choose whether or not to participate in such pricing incentive programs and even to have the ability to override these temporary adjustments. Use models suggest that many such adjustments (such as 15 minutes of more efficient air-conditioner operation on a hot afternoon) will go unnoticed by home occupants.
However, the impact on energy use of coordinated control of energy use can be significant - and can even avert the need to build new peak-power generation plants.
to Daily News
Daily News
Oct 23, 2014: Whirlpool Corporation to Showcase Resource-Efficient Technologies at Greenbuild
Oct 23, 2014: CWIEME Chicago exhibition had record attendees
Oct 22, 2014: Middleby to add U-Line to residential appliance business
Oct 22, 2014: iRobot's 3Q exceeds expectations, driven by Home Robots growth
Oct 22, 2014: Whirlpool Canada named 2014 Energy Star Manufacturer of the Year
Daily News>>
September 2014: Appliance Industry Focus: HVAC
June 2014: Appliance Magazine Market Insight: April 2014
May 2014: Appliance Magazine Market Insight: March 2014
April 2014: Appliance Magazine Market Insight: February 2014


text:
You worked on your manuscript for weeks, but it screeched to a halt and now you're stalled. It may be tempting to throw it in a drawer, but that's not what professionals do. Try some of these ideas to get your novel rolling again.
- Just keep writing, even poorly, and fix it later.
- Write about anything you want. Describe something and watch what happens.
- Play the What If… game. What if your character goes spelunking? What if they lose what they most love? Get what they most want? Are stalked by a sibling? Are allergic to seafood? Have a crush on a bull rider? Get a mysterious text?
- Read an advice column but don't read the answer, just use the problem.
- Make up a wild title and write to the title like Bill Myers's My Life As a Smashed Burrito with Extra Hot Sauce.
- Weave in something from your own life: The cat that slept in your fiddle case, the goose you took home from the pond, your most embarrassing moment.
- Put the character in a new setting: On a dog sled, at the South Pole, on a movie lot, in a factory that makes plastic doggie doo-doo.
- Research a weird fact and add it to your story.
- Write a prologue (or epilogue) to your story. For Jerry Jenkins, that developed into several prequels for the Left Behind series.
- Write an intriguing line.
- "You ever killed anything?" (Dean Koontz)
- "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…" (Charles Dickens)
- "Marley was dead: to begin with." (Charles Dickens)
- Add a unique occupation. A modern sheep shearer. A sequin maker. A farrier who moonlights as a tattoo artist.
- Ask your character questions.
- DiAnn Mills recommends recalling your most painful experience. How did that event look, smell, taste, sound, feel? Plunge your character into a situation that evokes those strong emotions.
- DiAnn also forces her characters to choose between two wrongs.
- Have fun. Be outrageous.
Be encouraged. Stalling happens. But it's no excuse to give up. Your readers will never know you had a rough patch.
PeggySue Wells is the author of a dozen titles including What To Do When You're Scared To Death, and Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After.


text:
Celebrity News
Movie News
TV News
Music News
November 07, 2013
TV News
Original Series Based on Marvel Characters Being Developed
November 07, 2013 15:04:54 GMT
Disney and Netflix are teaming up to stream at least four original series based on Marvel characters such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. These shows will start streaming in 2015.
In a joint announcement released Thursday, November 7, Disney and Netflix revealed that the four thirteen-episode series will culminate in a miniseries titled "
The Defenders
". Apt to its title, the miniseries "reimagines a dream team of self-sacrificing, heroic characters."
Read Full Story
Music News
Eminem Equals The Beatles in Gaining Billboard Hot 100 Honor
1 comment(s)
November 07, 2013 14:43:28 GMT
makes a history in his music career as he catches up with
The Beatles
in having four simultaneous songs in the Top 20 of Billboard Hot 100 chart. His latest single "The Monster", which is featuring
, has debuted at number 3 in the chart, followed by "Bezerk", "Survival" and "Rap God" at number 15, 16, and 17 respectively.
The Beatles made a record in 1964, having six songs in the Top 20 for two weeks in April. Eminem may be the sixth act to ever place at least four songs in the Top 20 but he's the first artist since Beatles to chart as lead artist. The other acts like
50 Cent
Lil Wayne
(2008) and
(2010) included featured billings.
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Female Fan Filmed Justin Bieber Sleeping While in Brazil
1 comment(s)
November 07, 2013 14:00:59 GMT
Justin Bieber
's recent stay in Brazil once again makes the headlines as a video surfaces on YouTube of him sleeping in a hotel room. The 15-second video showed a young man, believed to be Bieber, unaware that he was being filmed by a girl.
In the video, which authenticity is still questionable, Bieber is seen lying on bed sleeping with his signature red hat by his side. The girl who filmed him then took a brief shot of herself and blew him a kiss before leaving the room.
Read Full Story
Music News
Lorde Refuses to Collaborate With David Guetta: 'He's So Gross'
1 comment(s)
November 07, 2013 09:11:32 GMT
New Zealand-born singer
is not interested in collaborating with
David Guetta
. In a recent interview with Australia's FasterLouder, the singer whose real name is Ella Yelich-O'Connor made it clear that she had no intention to work with the "gross" French DJ, who has created many hits with artists like
Nicki Minaj
Chris Brown
Kelly Rowland
According to the site, Lorde's manager Scott Maclachlan told the 16-year-old singer that Guetta had expressed desire to feature her in his next studio album. "No," the Kiwi singer/songwriter replied. "F**k no. He's so gross."
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
'Goonies' Star Robert Davi's Wife Files for Divorce After 23 Years of Marriage
November 07, 2013 09:07:47 GMT
Robert Davi, who played Jake Fratelli in 1985's movie "The Goonies", is separating from his wife Christine Bolster. According to a TMZ report, Bolster has submitted documents in Los Angeles County Superior Court to legally end their marriage.
The documents cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason of their separation. According to the documents, Bolster wants legal and physical custody of their minor children, Isabella and Nicholas. Davi is allowed to make visitations.
Read Full Story
TV News
'American Horror Story' 3.06 Preview: Spirit Board and Professional Witch Hunter
November 07, 2013 09:06:31 GMT
Zoe finds a spirit board, or "more like it found" her as she says, in the next episode of "
American Horror Story
: Coven". She, Queenie and Nan apparently make contact with a dark spirit trapped in the Academy with the tool, and it may have something to do with their survival as Queenie tells Zoe to find out whom she's talking to.
Cordelia's new power brings on a heartbreaking revelation as she now sees things she couldn't see before, which could lead her to make a fateful decision about her mother. A preview for the upcoming outing sees her getting terrified by something.
Read Full Story
TV News
New 'American Idol' Season 13 Promo Gives First Look at the Auditions
November 07, 2013 08:30:47 GMT
American Idol
" may feature less arguments and more friendly banter among the judges in season 13. In a new promo that gives a look at the judges during the auditions,
Jennifer Lopez
Keith Urban
Harry Connick Jr.
appear to be in sync.
On the talent side, a boy who declares to be a fan of Urban and a girl with a good sense of humor wow the judges during the auditions in Detroit. The judges get a good laugh when a contestant does a silly dance and Connick Jr. is accused of being harsh by another "Idol" hopeful.
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
DJ Pauly D Meets Daughter for the First Time Since Birth
November 07, 2013 08:16:19 GMT
DJ Pauly D
finally is able to see his 5-month-old daughter for the first time since she was born. The baby's mother Amanda Markert reportedly has agreed to let him see their daughter on Wednesday, November 6. The meeting took place in a neutral place near Amanda's house in New Jersey.
A source told Radar Online of the meeting, saying that the "
Jersey Shore
" star bought many toys and clothes for his daughter. "He flew home early from Vegas and hasn't stopped talking about how she's the first girl to steal his heart. He's overjoyed!" the source said.
Read Full Story
Music News
Demi Lovato Debuts 'Neon Lights' Lyric Video
November 07, 2013 08:15:19 GMT
Demi Lovato
has unveiled the lyric video for her newest single, "Neon Lights". The new video is simple but hot. Appearing in front of a dark-colored background, the lyrics of the song are written in bright pink, green, blue and purple neon.
"You're all I see in all these places/ You're all I see in all these faces/ So let's pretend we're running of time," the judge of "
The X Factor (US)
" sings. "Baby, when they look up at the sky/ We'll be shooting stars just passing by/ You'll be coming home with me tonight/ And we'll be burning up like neon lights."
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Katy Perry and John Mayer's Engagement Is 'Inevitable', Says Source
November 07, 2013 07:38:32 GMT
Katy Perry
might walk down the aisle in near future. A source tells E! News that the "Walking on Air" singer and her boyfriend
John Mayer
will get engaged.
"It's inevitable," the source says, adding that Katy and John are "very serious." According to the source, people close to the couple think that they are meant to be together. "Everyone wants them to get engaged. They are so perfect together," the source adds.
Read Full Story
Music News
Kanye West Cancels More Shows as 'Yeezus' Tour Resumes
November 07, 2013 07:31:25 GMT
Earlier this month,
Kanye West
announced that he postponed his "Yeezus" tour indefinitely due to a truck accident that damaged the property of his concert. Now, the tour is set to resume with some dates being rescheduled and some others being canceled.
"The Yeezus Tour will resume its scheduled routing on Saturday, November 16th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA," reads a statement posted on the rapper's website. "The Chicago, Toronto, and Detroit dates have been rescheduled."
Read Full Story
TV News
'CONAN' Fined by FCC for Using Emergency Alert Sounds in Old Promo
November 07, 2013 07:26:14 GMT
" lands in trouble over an old promo. The show is facing a $25,000 fine from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for using emergency alert sounds in a 2012 promotional clip.
FCC has noticed the cable network about the fine for "the transmission of false distress signals," unless it can dissuade the commission within 30 days. FCC detailed that the video "used the emergency weather tones to gain attention for a commercial regarding
Jack Black
being on the show for April 26, 2012."
Read Full Story
Movie News
'The Raid 2: Berandal' Teaser Trailer: Iko Uwais Throws Mean Punches
November 07, 2013 07:02:10 GMT
The first taste at the sequel to bone-crunching film "
The Raid: Redemption
" has just landed online. In the teaser trailer of "
The Raid 2: Berandal
", Rama (Iko Uwais) lets out his frustration in his cell by repeatedly punching the wall. While he's attacking the concrete, flashes of scenes from outside the jail teases a handful of bigger action scenes from the bloody hand-to-hand combats to gang shoot-outs and car stunts.
Picking up where the 2011 film left off after a rundown apartment building in Jakarta was conquered, the sequel will follow Rama going undercover and infiltrating the ranks of a ruthless crime syndicate in the capital city of Indonesia to uncover the corruption in his own police force. The martial arts movie will be released sometime in 2014 with Sony Pictures and Stage 6 Films securing the distribution rights in North America.
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Justin Bieber Investigated Over Graffiti in Brazil
November 07, 2013 06:42:15 GMT
Justin Bieber
is under investigation over allegation that he sprayed graffiti on a wall when he was in Brazil. As quoted by Associated Press, O Globo newspaper reports that photographers took photos of him and his entourage spray-painting a wall outside a hotel at Sao Conrado neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday morning, November 5.
According to the newspaper, the police went to Bieber's rented mansion to ask about the matter, but he was not in the building. In Brazil, defacing buildings is crime. Offenders may spend up to one year in jail and pay a fine. In a statement, a spokesperson for the police said that they had interviewed Bieber's representative and were gathering more details of the alleged incident. Bieber reportedly already left Brazil on Wednesday afternoon for a show in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Read Full Story
TV News
Damon Wayans Jr.'s Coach Stays on 'New Girl' for the Rest of the Season
November 07, 2013 06:40:50 GMT
Damon Wayans Jr.
has extended his stay on "
New Girl
". The actor was initially tapped to recur in four episodes of the hit comedy series, but now has inked a deal to appear as a special guest star for the rest of the season.
Wayans Jr. was cast as Coach in "New Girl" pilot but could not continue on the show when his sitcom "
Happy Endings
" scored an unlikely renewal from ABC. After "Happy Endings" was canceled in May, Wayans Jr. booked a trip back to the FOX series, reprising his role as the gruff roommate of Schmidt and Nick.
Read Full Story
Music News
Lady GaGa to Perform in Outer Space in 2015
November 07, 2013 06:07:13 GMT
Lady GaGa
has decided that her next big performance will be held in outer space. According to Us Weekly, the Mother Monster is set to blast off in a Virgin Galactic spaceship and perform one song during the Zero G Colony high-tech musical festival in 2015.
Zero G Colony is a three-day music festival that will take place at Spaceport America in New Mexico. GaGa's performance in space will take place on the third day at dawn, six months after the first Virgin Galactic commercial flight.
Read Full Story
Movie News
Colin Farrell Lost in Time in 'Winter's Tale' First Trailer
November 07, 2013 06:03:55 GMT
Akiva Goldsman's directorial debut "
Winter's Tale
" releases its first trailer. It previews a love story set in the early 1900s between a thief named Peter Lake and a dying girl, Beverly Penn, who lives in one of the houses he attempted to rob.
Colin Farrell
Jessica Brown Findlay
play the on-screen couple.
While caught up in a doomed relationship with the girl of his dreams, Peter has to constantly dodge a gangster named Pearly Soames (
Russell Crowe
) and his gang of thugs. Halfway through the trailer, it shows the robber mysteriously sent to the present day of Manhattan where he can't even remember his own name.
Read Full Story
TV News
New Promo for Frank Darabont's 'Mob City': Let's Decapitate the Mob
1 comment(s)
November 07, 2013 04:59:17 GMT
Less than a month before the "
Mob City
" premiere, TNT releases a new promo for its new show from former "
The Walking Dead
" showrunner Frank Darabont. The video gives a preview of a police officer declaring a war against mobsters in Los Angeles as a gangland kingpin rises to the top of L.A.'s criminal world and takes over the city.
Jeremy Luke stars as Mickey Cohen, a former boxer who turns into the most dangerous mobster in L.A., while Neal McDonough plays William H. Parker, the chief of the L.A.P.D. bent on taken down Cohen. Caught in the conflict between Parker and Cohen is Joe Teague, a marine turned police officer, portrayed by former "Walking Dead" star
Jon Bernthal
Read Full Story
Movie News
Emilia Clarke and Garrett Hedlund Among Candidates to Join 'Terminator 5'
November 07, 2013 04:50:40 GMT
A shortlist of actors considered to take on the key human roles in the upcoming fifth installment of "Terminator" movie franchise has been revealed.
Emilia Clarke
is reportedly eyed to play Sarah Connor and
Garrett Hedlund
is rumored circling the part of her son John.
According to Schmoes Know, "
Game of Thrones
" actress Clarke is facing competition from
Brie Larson
21 Jump Street
") and
Margot Robbie
The Wolf of Wall Street
"). Meanwhile, "
Tron: Legacy
" actor Hedlund is allegedly facing off Boyd Holbrook ("
The Host
Read Full Story
Music News
Taylor Swift Joined by Alison Krauss and More to Perform 'Red' at CMA Awards
November 07, 2013 04:25:18 GMT
Taylor Swift
graced the stage at the 2013 Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday, November 6. The 23-year-old star delivered a special live rendition of "Red", a track which is taken from her chart-topping album of the same title, "
Swift formed a mini orchestra for her performance at the annual event, which was broadcast live on ABC from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Playing her guitar, she was joined by
Alison Krauss
Vince Gill
to sing the sweet tune. Bassist Edgar Meyer and percussionist Eric Darken were also there for the stunning performance.
Read Full Story
Music News
CMA Awards 2013 Full Winner List: Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Are Vocalists of the Year
November 07, 2013 04:24:28 GMT
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
as one of the winners at the 2013 Country Music Association Awards. The
Pistol Annies
member and her husband paired the Female and Male Vocalists of the Year awards.
Lambert defeated other female vocalists
Kelly Clarkson
Kacey Musgraves
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
, while Shelton edged out
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Keith Urban
in the male department. Earlier that night, Shelton had won Album of the Year for his eigth studio album "
Based on a True Story...
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Jennifer Lawrence Debuts Blonde Pixie Cut
November 07, 2013 04:21:50 GMT
Jennifer Lawrence
is the new addition to Hollywood celebrities who recently opted for shorter hairdo. The Katniss Everdeen of "
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
" showed off her new cut in a photo uploaded on her Facebook page on Wednesday, November 6.
In the cute photo, she can be seen sitting in a plane. Wearing a white top and black blazer, Lawrence flashes huge smile to the camera. The photo was shared prior to a global fan question-and-answer event for "Catching Fire" which was streamed live on Google. "Headed up north for #GLOBALFANDAY with The Hunger Games Catching Fire cast. Follow this page all day for updates!" she captioned the snap.
Read Full Story
Movie News
'Star Wars Episode 7' Possibly Due in Winter 2015
November 07, 2013 04:05:50 GMT
A Disney executive accidentally posted a tweet which seemed to give a hint at when "Star Wars Episode 7" would be released. "Saw today some awesome first features/plans of new Star Wars 7 movie coming end 2015," wrote Dennis Barbie, the director of retail for Disney in the Netherlands, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Barbie added, "At this moment [release] is planned for end of CY15 but in the entertainment business you will never know. Might be some changes there." Both tweets were quickly deleted with Barbie backtracking, "OMG didn't think my post would be picked up like this. Was just guessing period I have no real info on Star Wars."
Read Full Story
Movie News
Jennifer Lawrence Bursts Into Tears in 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire' First Clip
November 07, 2013 03:29:18 GMT
The first clip for "
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
" sees Katniss panicking. "I never meant for anyone to get killed, he has to know that," she sobs, before explaining to a confused Haymitch, "[President] Snow. He came to see me. He's worried about rebellion in the districts."
Peta who was also clueless frustratedly says, "You should have told me that before I went out there and tried to give these people their money," to which Katniss tearfully replies, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do." She then turns to her mentor and pleads, "Please, just help me get through this trip."
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Judge Says Charlie Sheen Will Go to Jail If He Violates Gag Order
November 07, 2013 03:25:47 GMT
Charlie Sheen
, who is in custody war against his ex-wife
Brooke Mueller
, has been warned not to talk about the case in public or he will go to jail. Previously, Sheen ranted about custody battle of his sons in a candid interview with TMZ, saying that the judge handling the case was a "douchebag" if he sent him to jail for "telling the truth."
Sources told TMZ that the judge was upset and told him, "Don't forget, I'm Italian!" at one point. In the court session, the judge issued a temporary restraining order against the "
Anger Management
" star, ordering him to stay at least 200 yards from Mueller. He was also not allowed to contact Mueller, to which he reportedly replied, "Thank you."
Read Full Story
Music News
Miley Cyrus Announces 'Bangerz' Tour Dates
November 07, 2013 03:15:27 GMT
Last month,
Miley Cyrus
made a brief appearance on "
Saturday Night Live
" to announce that she would hit the road in support of her newest album, "
". Now, the 20-year-old singer has unveiled the dates for the upcoming tour.
The 38-date trek will kick off in Vancouver on February 14, 2014. The former Disney star will then bring the tour to other arenas in cities across the U.S., including Las Vegas, Chicago, Dallas, Denver and Brooklyn.
Read Full Story
Music News
CMA Awards 2013: Blake Shelton Wins Album of the Year, Kacey Musgraves Is Best New Artist
November 07, 2013 03:00:28 GMT
Blake Shelton
has got his glorious moment at the 2013 Country Music Association Awards. After losing to
Tim McGraw
in both Music Video and Musical Event of the Year categories, he finally nabbed his first award that night for Album of the Year.
His eigth studio album "
Based on a True Story...
" blocked
Carrie Underwood
's "
Blown Away
Taylor Swift
's "
Kacey Musgraves
' "
Same Trailer Different Park
" and
Little Big Town
's "
" from taking the coveted prize.
Read Full Story
Movie News
Marvel Introduces Muslim Female Superheroine Kamala Khan
November 07, 2013 02:51:06 GMT
Ms. Marvel is reinvented as a 16-year-old Muslim named Kamala Khan, in the studio's effort to reflect the growing diversity among its reader. The series is written by multi-Eisner nominated novelist G. Willow Wilson ("Air", "Alif the Unseen") and illustrated by Adrian Alphona ("Runaways", "Uncanny X-Force").
Slated to launch in February 2014, it will follow Kamala as a young girl from New Jersey who discovers extraordinary body-morphing powers. She decides to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Captain Marvel a.k.a. Carol Danvers, and take the name Carol used in her early superhero career to become the new Ms. Marvel.
Read Full Story
Music News
CMA Awards 2013: Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line Among Early Winners
November 07, 2013 02:16:32 GMT
Tim McGraw
took home the first two trophies from the 47th Annual Country Music Association Awards. The "It's Your Love" hitmaker won Music Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year awards which were announced by Robin Roberts on "
Good Morning America
" on Wednesday morning, November 6, hours before the CMAs kicked off.
McGraw nabbed those two prizes for his single "Highway Don't Care" off his latest album "
Two Lanes of Freedom
", sharing the awards with his collaborators
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban
. He beat out
Blake Shelton
Pistol Annies
whose collaboration "Boys 'Round Here" was also nominated in those two categories.
Read Full Story
Music News
Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor' Lands at Billboard 200's No. 1
November 07, 2013 02:11:08 GMT
Arcade Fire
has their newest album, "
", landed at No. 1 on Billboard 200. Nielsen SoundScan reports that the Canadian rock band's fourth studio album has sold 140,000 copies in its first week.
"Reflektor" marks the band's second No. 1 album. Win Butler and his bandmates previously entered the chart's top slot with the album's predecessor, 2010's "
The Suburbs
", which opened with 156,000 copies.
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
ABC's Elizabeth Vargas Enters Rehab for Alcohol Abuse
November 07, 2013 01:54:49 GMT
ABC News reporter Elizabeth Vargas has checked into rehab to seek treatment for alcohol problems. The news is confirmed by the network on Wednesday, November 6. Vargas was last seen on "20/20" in October.
"We are proud of the steps Elizabeth has taken and are pulling for her recovery. We look forward to having her back home at ABC News, where she has done so much distinguished work over the years. Elizabeth is a member of our family and we will support her in every way we can," a spokesperson for ABC, Jeffrey Schneider, says in a statement.
Read Full Story
Movie News
Robert Pattinson to Join Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The Lost City of Z'
November 07, 2013 01:43:17 GMT
Robert Pattinson
is on board to join a true-story adventure film "
The Lost City of Z
". The "
" star is set to join "
The Fifth Estate
" actor
Benedict Cumberbatch
in the project which will be directed by James Gray.
An adaptation of David Grann's nonfiction book of the same title, the film will follow British soldier-turned-explorer Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett who was lost in the Amazon while searching for an ancient lost city with his son in a self-funded expedition in the 1920s.
Read Full Story
TV News
'American Horror Story' Is Renewed for Fourth Season, Jessica Lange Returns
November 07, 2013 01:40:05 GMT
American Horror Story
" will return with another haunting tale. FX has picked up the Ryan Murphy-created anthology series for a fourth season consisting of another 13 episodes set to debut in 2014.
FX CEO John Landgraf says in a statement, "Put simply, Ryan Murphy is a master television producer. Time and time again he reinvents the form. What he, co-creator Brad Falchuk... and the entire production team and cast responsible for the 'American Horror Story' franchise have done is nothing short of extraordinary."
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
CMA Awards 2013: Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood Glam Up Red Carpet
November 07, 2013 01:22:12 GMT
Country music stars stepped out to attend the 2013 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee Wednesday night, October 6.
Taylor Swift
looked gorgeous in her Elie Saab red gown with a plunging back and a voluminous skirt. She matched it with Jimmy Choo shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.
Carrie Underwood
, who was set to reprise her last year's duty as a host, was equally stunning in a nude gold gown with v-neckline and a sheer bottom half. She paired it with a gold clutch and half swept back her long blonde locks. "I don't know if I'm going to be allowed to change my clothes so much this year, but I will try," she joked.
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Will Smith and Margot Robbie's Intimate Pictures Surface
November 06, 2013 23:42:58 GMT
Racy photos of
Will Smith
and his "
" co-star
Margot Robbie
triggered split rumors between Will and wife
Jada Pinkett Smith
once again. The 45-year-old actor was seen in several photo booth pictures cavorting with the 23-year-old actress.
The pictures, printed in this week's issue of Star magazine, were taken during a party in New Orleans last month. Will and Margot were seen lifting up their shirts and pressed their body against each other. Margot revealed her lacy white bra as she pouted her lips and looked up at Will. In another picture, Will pulled her from behind and their face were pressed against each other.
Read Full Story
Celebrity Gossip
Jennifer Aniston 'Trying Hard' to Love Her New Hair Cut
November 06, 2013 23:02:23 GMT
Jennifer Aniston
's hair becomes talk of the town once again as she changed the style into a dramatic short cut. However, the former "Friends" star confessed that she is not too sure herself whether she loves the new do.
Aniston mentioned about the reason she had a new look in an interview with ELLEuk.com. "It wasn't for a role. My hair went through a phase - I did this thing called a Brazilian and my hair did not react really well to it. It's about two inches above my shoulders now." But Aniston is struggling to get used to it. "The minute I cut my hair I want it back. Always. It's a guarantee. I'm trying really hard to love this one," she said.
Read Full Story
Older Posts
Newer Posts
Lady Antebellum Releases 'Freestyle' Music Video Starring Nathan Barnatt
Eminem's 'ShadyXV' Tracklist
Coen Brothers' 'Hail Caesar' Gets Release Date
Amanda Bynes Is Back Under Conservatorship
Ricki Lake Divorcing Second Husband Christian Evans
'Terminator Genisys' First Look and Major Plot Revealed
'Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1' Unleashes Final Trailer
Slipknot Tops Billboard 200
Suge Knight and Katt Williams Arrested for Alleged Robbery
'Richie Rich' Gets Live-Action Series for 2015 Debut
First Promo of 'Marvel's Agent Carter'
Florida Georgia Line's 'Sun Daze' Music Video
'Avengers: Age of Ultron' Clip and New Trailer
Dr. Luke Sues Kesha's Mom
First Trailer for Netflix's New Series 'Marco Polo'
Lorraine Toussaint's Vee NOT Returning to 'OITNB' Season 3
October 2014
Amanda Bynes
Brad Pitt
Bruce Jenner
Casey Wilson
Chrissy Teigen
Conan O'Brien
Emma Watson
Howard Stern
Jay Leno
Jessica Simpson
Kaley Cuoco
Kevin Hart
Keyshia Cole
Lake Bell
Matthew McConaughey
Meagan Good
Missy Elliott
Nina Dobrev
Renee Zellweger
Rich Homie Quan
Robin Williams
Rod Stewart
Tim McGraw
Viola Davis
Whoopi Goldberg
Back to Top
Terms of Use, Copyright, and Privacy Policy © 2005-2014 ACESHOWBIZ.com


text:
See top homes from the Doory Awards.
Visit Jennifer Aniston and boyfriend's former home.
Sleep here: See our top 36 bedrooms from coast to coast.
Go small: Tour 10 adorable tiny houses on wheels.
Discover the most popular home styles.
See our favorite Cool Houses on the water.
Think you know HGTV's Property Brothers?
Swim in 25 spectacular celebrity pools.
See where rocker Cher lived in Miami.
Go country on Faith and Tim's Tennessee Farm.
Tour Shakira's Miami Beach mansion.
You'll love Venus' Hollywood Hills hideout.
Find New York homes near famous parks.
Tour modern marvels in sunny Palm Springs.
Browse 10 great neighborhoods in Chicago.
Drink in Nashville's top Honky Tonks.
Uncover Miami's sites, sounds and favorite celebs.
What's the buzz in the ATL?
See top Cool Houses for sell through the years.
Get curb appeal tips from HGTV's John Gidding.
Find practical info for buying a home.
See winners of the 2014 Doory Awards.
What's selling in Trendy Tribeca?
Find out if Nashville is right for you.
After 13 talented singers were
selected from thousands of auditioners, the top contestants for American Idol season 10
moved into this opulent mansion in Beverly Hills. Although the estate boasts a sparkling pool, lush landscaping and spectacular views,
its former residents claim the house has one major flaw: It's haunted. The Idol hopefuls reported
strange activity throughout the home, including flickering lights, a spider infestation
and a bed sheet floating down a hallway on its own. The contestants moved into
hotel in March to finish out the season, so the lavish home is now listed for
$12 million.
Sign up for the FrontDoor newsletter!


text:
Annika is tube-free! Hooray! Chicago gave the OK for her PICC line to be pulled today, and our kind nurse from home health care came right over to take it out. Annika was so excited, she gave the nurse a big smile and said, "Thank you!" So she can have her first bath since early January. Finally, and just in time as she has been getting herself really dirty outside lately. Her labs are still off (by quite a bit), but they have decided to give her a bit of a break and wait two weeks before redrawing her labs. It is still worrisome that her labs are still so bad (showing that her liver is still being injured). They have added yet another med to her routine, bringing her up to 11 pills 4 times a day, in an attempt to improve her liver functioning. However, she is feeling pretty good most of the time. And just extremely happy to be free of the constraints of the PICC. Last weekend, Joerg brought home a little gift for her--a new little pony to add to her playhouse stable. We have been working on manners with her, so after she opened it, he asked her, "What do you say when someone gives you a gift?" She widened her big, blue eyes and replied enthusiastically, "Holy Smokes!" I have planted a lot of new flowers in the yard this Spring. In order to save them from Anni's attentive ministrations, we have designated the purple petunias that her grandpa got her as "Anni's flowers." They are the ones that she takes care of, while I take care of all the rest of them. She has drowned those flowers, watering them repeatedly as often as she can. She has "fed" them with sand from her sandbox. She has given them I.V.'s and N.G. tubes (the tubes that go in your nose down to your stomach). She presents most of the blossoms to me before going inside. But those silly flowers look perfectly happy! So I guess gardening and preschoolers really do go together... Anni is so disappointed that she can't pick up Frankie, and she tries pretty frequently (although that's not allowed). It's shocking to realize that Frankie doesn't weigh that much less than Annika at this point. Frankie seems to enjoy her sister's attentions even more now. Frequently, I'm about to tell Anni to leave Frankie alone when she's grabbing her arms to "dance" or using her hands to pucker up Frankie's face into a fish mouth or something that would seem to be similarly annoying, but then I look at Frankie and see that she's grinning. So they are still getting on spectacularly. Annika's been working with me to get Frankie to speak. Frankie's favorite syllable lately is, "Wah." So she will babble "wahwahwahwah!" and then look to us for a response. Anni will always "wahwahwahwah" right back to her, much to her sister's delight. Frankie's now the proud owner of 3 teeth, and she's been trying to pull herself up. Anni's looking forward to Frankie going mobile. Well, actually she already is mobile. I put her down on the floor and go to get a drink and, magically, 10 seconds later she is in a completely different part of the room. However, she does it all with only a combination of roll and scoot. Anyway, we are crossing our fingers that we can stay out of the hospital now that Anni will need an I.V. placed if she's readmitted. No more hospital!!!
Monday, May 24, 2004
Friday, May 14, 2004
Today I am having one of those "Gee, time flies and I am really getting old" kind of days. It all started because we just got a new computer with DSL. I am loving the radio feature, which allows me to listen in to all the cool internet stations. Quite frankly, all the radio stations here in town are just awful and I have really missed hearing new music since I'm not really getting out all too much anymore. So again I have the chance to explore genres as I did in my younger days. However, I have discovered that I have not heard of lots and lots of the artists. Sigh. I used to have at least passing acquaintance with music across a really broad spectrum. The next thing I did was go to the iTunes store to check out what was available, not that I was actually going to buy something (remember that we just bought the computer I am currently pounding away on). One very fun feature was the collection of iMixes--mix CDs created by users of the site. Reading through them (and there are just tons of them), it struck me that creating a mix CD has just become de rigueur among the mostly college-aged users. Oy! I still remember when CDs were an exotic luxury. I remember vividly the sense of splurging I got when I bought myself a CD player for my sophomore year of college. As recently as my first year of graduate school, I was still giving and getting mix tapes. OK, so none of this is all that profound, but I guess that this is the first major shift in technology that I feel that I am behind, rather than following along with it--growing up with it, as it were. Of course, a large part of this is just now being a parent. It really does make your perception of time completely different. One of Joerg's colleagues has 2 sons, the oldest of which was just graduating high school when we moved here. He is now entering his second year of graduate school. The idea that 5 years has passed just like that is astounding. The years that I spent in college felt like such a long time, like an entire epoch in my life. I entered one person, and emerged a completely different creature. That progression lent those years weight. These years since moving here, while incredibly eventful and life-changing, have seen more subtle changes in me. I feel like the time is passing too quickly when everyday I wake up and I swear I can see my girls changing from day to day, while I seem to be only becoming more and more mommy-like. No dramatic changes for me at this point, I guess. Thus time is speeding past me, while I realize that I am now becoming spectator to those still blissfully unaware of its passage. OK, so enough of the navel-gazing. You'd think I'd have gotten enough of that in my teen years. So I guess I'm not too terribly old just yet... More things to make me feel old: Annika, at 3 1/2, is already showing signs of the teenager to come. She adores chatting on the phone with her Grandma and Grandpa Bond, especially as my mom will patiently "talk" with her for quite a long time. Today when I offered her the phone to talk to Grandma, she said, "Thank you, Mama." And then she headed upstairs. When I followed her up the stairs to her room, she took the phone away from her ear long enough to tell me, "Go back down stairs!" and shut the door emphatically behind me. And so it begins... Today we went to the mall. We were actually planning on going to the Childrens' Discovery Museum here in town, but when I pulled up I saw that there were three huge buses in the parking lot and the museum was packed with kids, so decided that might not be the best place to bring my immunosuppressed toddler. It was raining, so the park didn't seem a good option. That left the mall, which has a merry-go-round that she loves and does give her a good chance to walk around and get some exercise. Lately, her favorite store has been Old Navy. She loves going in there and poking around. I finally figured out that the attraction is that they always have really fun, upbeat music played at pretty high levels. Today in her explorations she picked out a jelly clutch handbag that I have to admit matched her outfit perfectly. She also found herself a pair of very sparkly flip-flops, which she promptly put on her feet. Then she found a mirror and stood in front of it dancing. She yelled, "Come on, Mom! Dance with me! These are my dancing shoes!" And so help me, I danced with her. I can only say again, Oy! Then, in Sears, she found a gigantic pink suitcase filled with makeup that she really insisted upon having. I explained to her that she was too young for makeup, but every time I turned my back, she snuck one of those darn makeup suitcases into the bottom of the stroller (they had the things everywhere throughout the store--what were they thinking??!) So we managed to get out without the giant makeup collection, but as soon as we got home she began her non-stop campaign to have some makeup. In the end I went and got her some lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush and let her go wild in front of a mirror. Once again, Oy! Annika's imagination has also been a source of great amusement lately. She makes up stories non-stop during the day. Today, she came to me dragging her play cash register along behind her. "Look, Mommy! It's my brand new plastic, pet doggy! Do you want to pet it?" Sure, I said. "OK, now it's time to feed him. We feed him credit cards." And she got out her play credit card and swiped it along the cash register. So today was a day of phones, insistence on privacy, makeup, accessorizing, and credit cards for Anni. No wonder I'm feeling old. I have a 3-year-old teenager. Frankie, meanwhile, has decided to show me up completely in the abdominal fitness arena. For some reason, this child has always done these mini-crunches whenever you lay her down on her back. She's done them since she was just a few weeks old. Well, today I discovered that she finally has enough abdominal strength to come to a sitting position from her back using only her own belly (not pulling up with her arms). Of course, I discovered this while I was in the midst of changing a gigantic hugely poopy diaper. So there I was trying to get the poop cleaned off her legs, where it had exploded, when suddenly she was sitting up reaching for the pooped-up wipes. Quite disconcerting, and more than a bit messy... OK, old women need their sleep so off to bed...
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
We are back home. Actually, we've been home for a few days, but have been busy trying desperately to catch up again. Joerg's preparing for a class he's teaching at Indiana University next month, and I had big plans for our poor neglected landscape this Spring. Oh, well. So here's what happened: We went to clinic, and Anni spiked a very high fever. So we were admitted, much to our surprise as Anni had given no sign of coming down with something. Her fever finally came down that night, but they decided to do a liver biopsy, as it didn't really look like she had a simple viral infection and rejection can cause fever. Amazingly, they scheduled it for 9 a.m. and actually stuck to the schedule, which meant that we had the results back by that afternoon. The biopsy still showed signs of rejection, but Dr. Emerick said that her liver actually looked much better than her lab numbers would have suggested. They decided to hit her with another round of high-dose IV steroids to try to finally get rid of the smoldering rejection. As you may remember from my updates during Anni's last round of mega-steroids, it is not much fun for her (or her parents, either). The steroids make it very difficult for her to sleep, give her nightmares, and generally send her into wild mood-swings, and most of the moods are not very pretty. Again, though, with both of us there with her she did pretty well. The next day, they decided to do another CT to check on the status of her lymph nodes. This has been Anni's least favorite procedure because she has always had to get an NG-tube (the tube that goes into her nose down to her stomach) to get the contrast solution needed for a good picture. She just always stubbornly refused to drink the stuff. This time, she finally "got it" that if she would only drink it, even though she didn't like the taste, that she wouldn't have to get the tube. Hooray for finally developing the reasoning that allows her to choose the lesser of two evils! So she drank it all up, not without protest, of course, but she got it down. She was a little nervous about going downstairs to the CT suite, and kept announcing to all she passed that she was NOT going to get a tube down her nose. In the end it all went well. The CT results were that there has been absolutely no change again. I think that the docs are beginning to think that maybe those silly lymph nodes are just going to be there, just hanging out in her abdomen. I'm not sure how closely we're going to have to monitor them. They put Anni on pretty powerful IV antibiotics the very first night she was in the hospital. She had another fever the next morning, but after the third round of antibiotics, the fever went away, not to return for the rest of our hospital stay. We continued the antibiotics for 48 hours, and did 3 days of the steroids. After the last round of steroids, we headed home. Of course, the very next morning, Anni woke up with another high fever. Again, she didn't have a runny nose or diarrhea, or any other symptoms of being sick. Unexplained fevers really really freak me out. Especially when they come back soon after stopping antibiotics. If you remember, Anni had super bad terrible problems with many many bacterial infections before her first transplant. So anytime a high fever shows up without the usual accompanying symptoms, I get very nervous. We called her docs in Chicago, but they decided to send her for labs before having her come back to Chicago. We took her to our local hospital, and had the blood drawn. We were only home a few hours when the docs in Chicago called back to tell us that her potassium was critically low (very low levels of potassium can cause heart problems). So she had to head into the ER to get a 4-hour infusion of IV potassium. No more fevers, and after she got the potassium she felt much better. She seems to be back to normal now, although she has moments of true grouchiness (being on mega-steroids is hard, but I've been told that you feel absolutely awful when you come off them, too). Frankie was none too happy about going to the hospital, interrupting her little routine that she's intent on developing. She expressed her displeasure by refusing to nurse, which was pretty uncomfortable for me, not to mention worrying me that something was wrong with her. However, as soon as we got back home, she was back to her usual voracious self. And she celebrated the return to her crib by sleeping through the night for the first time ever! That only lasted for one night, though... Frankie has added to her repertoire of communicative skills. She now growls. A really really loud growl. She's turning into a pretty noisy baby, actually. I remember that my niece, Darcy, also growled quite a bit as a baby. However, it was pretty funny on Darcy because she had this really loud, menacing growl sound going on, but she was such a tiny, delicate, cute little baby. It's funny on Frankie, too, but in a baby that ate Manhattan kind of way. She is just so darn big. Frankie has also discovered paper with a vengeance. We really have to watch closely that she doesn't snag some as she always always always tries to eat it. She now reaches for anything and everything within sight, and she has really good aim. I'm amazed at how easily she gets things. Her big sister also loved paper. My parents gave me a subscription to Newsweek around the time that Anni was born, and I remember joking with them about what a good present it was, as I read the magazine during my long, sleepless newborn nights to keep me awake while nursing. Then, as Anni got older, she enjoyed tearing the pages out of the magazine just as fast as I could read them. Rather than eating the pages, though, Anni liked to crumple them into little balls, which she let fall all over the floor. This, in turn, provided hours of entertainment for the cats. So the magazine was fun for all members of the household. Family recycling. Well, this is already too long, so I'll call it quits. Just wanted to let you all know that we're back home... Friday, May 7, 2004 Just a quick note to let you know that we are back in Chicago. We have no idea what is up. We came in for clinic on Thursday morning, expecting to be back home that night. Anni had other ideas, though, as she spiked a gigantic fever just as the doctor came in to examine her. So we were admitted, and they did a biopsy this morning (her labs continued to worsen this week). She has no signs of illness, though, so the fevers (she had another during the night) are completely a mystery. We'll let you all know what they find out. It could be an infection in her PICC line (her semi-permanent IV)... We should know something by tomorrow at least. OK, Frankie's upset, so I need to go. Enjoy your weekend!


text:
- Home
In the Households section
- Water meters
- Your water supply
- Waste water & sewers
- Pipes, leaks & drains
- Find a plumber
- Altering your property or supply
Manage your account online
- Businesses
- Developers
Leisure & learning
In the Leisure & learning section
- My account
Reservoir locations
Enter a postcode or place name to find your nearest reservoir
- Your location
- Attractions
Filter by activity
Select one or more activities from the list below
Get the most out of your day trip
- Information on birdwatching at our reservoirs
- Water sports at our reservoirs
- Our reservoirs are full of trails and walks suitable for all ages and abilities.
You may also be interested in...
- Visiting our sites makes for a full, enjoyable and fun-packed day out. We have lots of activities so there is something for everyone.
- Search the calender to find fun activties for you and your family to enjoy.