text:
For years, I've wondered how dollar stores could survive this deep discount tactic never realizing how many there were. On Monday, it became clear just how profitable these stores can be when Dollar Tree agreed to buy Family Dollar for the cost of 8.5 million items in its stores...not including tax. ... More >>
One of the best ways to increase corporate profits is to layoff people. The cutting of salary increases profits by lowering expenses and is usually met with praise from investors who see such moves as a sign the company is streamlining and becoming more efficient. On the other hand, if you are one o ... More >>
Reading all the recent praise that has been heaped on Houston for our economy, gay mayor, food and whatever else people can dream up has made me a little nervous. From Hellhole to City of the Future in just a few years? How can that be? Well, according to The Atlantic, it's because we are an unstop ... More >>
Mitt Romney's years at Bain represent everything you hate about capitalism.
Pool's closed today, and all summerEight swimming pool pools and seven community centers won't open this summer and about 750 city employees will be laid off under the new budget proposed by Mayor Annise Parker today.The fire and police departments avoided layoffs. "Developing this budget h ... More >>
For sale or lease: HPD HQHouston will look to sell or lease the downtown police headquarters as part of a deal that will keep HPD from having to lay off 273 jailers, Mayor Annise Parker announced today. The city and the HPD pension plan also agreed to allow the city to defer payment of $17 m ... More >>
HISDPaula Harris gets tough with fellow board members.In a lengthy and sometimes tense board meeting that brought Houston ISD trustee Juliet Stipeche to tears, trustee Carol Mims Galloway to call for a tax increase and announce that all was not hunky dory with the board, and board President P ... More >>
Voices shall be heard.Egypt, Libya: They got nothing on the Katy school district. Katy ISD's Days of Rage continued today, as Morton Ranch High temporarily went on lockdown and McMeans Middle School had its own uprising. Of course, "uprising" may be overstating it, but students at the schoo ... More >>
According to the Times: "Collins Metu Engagement photos of Carrie Feibel and Eric Kayne at the Menil in Houston, Texas" The lusty, throbbing crucible of lust that is the Houston Chronicle was exposed in The New York Times Sunday, as a bodice-ripping tale of love at first sight, layoffs and ... More >>
Houston's Todd Kelly sues Halliburton againWe've written a lot about lawsuits against Halliburton/KBR, mistly involving horrow stories coming from employees in Iraq. But the latest is from a Dallas woman, Lynda Darden, who is suing because, she says, the company fired her for getting pregnant ... More >>
Today's installment of Young & Recessioned features Dave, a manager at the Gold Cup gentleman's club, who says stripping is a great part-time gig when the economy gets tight. With the economy being down and men being laid off, a lot of women have had to pick up the slack. And this is an i ... More >>
Today's installment of Young & Recessioned features Lauren McCabe, a 25-year-old living in New Orleans who went from being unemployed to teaching how not to do it. I went to school at Columbia in New York City. I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do. And even people who say they do, ... More >>
Today's installment of Young & Recessioned features Jason Jeansonne, a 24-year-old Texas A&M grad whose engineering job didn't work out as planned. I got this job at an engineering company back in October of 2008. That was before any of the real bad financial stuff happened. I got hir ... More >>
The Big Recession may have hit the rest of America harder than it has Houston, but that doesn't mean we're not feeling the effects. Especially the youngest people in the job market -- whether it's twentysomethings trying to start their dreamed-of career or teens looking to begin making money on t ... More >>
It wasn't quite like this at last night's HISD board meeting, but it was closeIn a lengthy and tumultuous school board meeting Thursday night, trustees voted 8-1 to fire Principal Mable Caleb and five other administrators and teachers from the Key/Kashmere mess, approved another 170 employe ... More >>
The TexAgs political message board is probably not the best place to go for nuanced, sophisticated discussion of the day's issues, unless you think Fox News is fair and balanced.But things can get lively. Like recently, when a poster named dermdoc put up an item headed "Laid off my first Obama vo ... More >>
Photo by Margaret DowningBoth the local AFL-CIO chapter and the Houston Federation of Teachers are urging a huge turnout at Thursday night's Houston ISD board meeting to protest planned layoffs of teachers and other district employees in an attempt to stop what one union leader calls "this insane ... More >>
Also wanted to direct Pampers ads.
The Houston ISD is heading out to California (and later to Louisiana, Michigan and Florida!) to recruit teachers, its press office announced today.Specifically, it is looking for bilingual, secondary math and science teachers and cash-strapped California -- where reportedly more than 20,000 teach ... More >>
Just when it looked like UTMB might leave Galveston forever, local legislators saved it.
Photo by Daniel KramerMaybe you heard, but Hurricane Ike smashed up Kemah pretty badly, and things aren't looking too good for the city these days.Sure, the vaunted boardwalk is coming back, and the local Wal-Mart is scheduled to reopen today, but the city has reported about a $400,000 loss in ... More >>
Photo by alex-sThe Houston Chronicle bannered a headline Saturday over a story about federal inspectors criticizing the Harris County Jail: "County Jail Fails Feds' Probe."The story outlined the results of the inspection, saying "poor access to health care and life-threatening conditions" at the jai ... More >>
In the category of good news/bad news, we have a journalism item for you. Five employees of The Houston Chronicle won first place recognition over the weekend in the annual Texas Associated Press Managing Editors journalism competition, the most ballyhooed in-state contest in the insular, self-congr ... More >>
The Black-and-White Blues
The layoff tales are spreading from 801 Texas, home of the Houston Chronicle. Here's one. A former copy editor relates her day: my favorite part of the whole experience was being greeted with an offhand joke about copy editors by the bigwig who told me my copy editing job was being eliminated. ... More >>
Photo by Lori Greig On Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle laid off a whole bunch of writers and reporters, including Michael Murphy, MK Bower, and Terrance Harris, the beat writers for the University of Houston, Rice, and TSU. On Wednesday, while they were laying off people over on the advertising and ... More >>
On Tuesday, the Houston Chronicle laid off a whole bunch of writers and reporters, including Michael Murphy, MK Bower, and Terrance Harris, the beat writers for the University of Houston, Rice, and TSU. On Wednesday, while they were laying off people over on the advertising and sales side of the pa ... More >>
(Note: For a while, this item was posted with the wrong byline -- it's by Steve Olafson, not Richard Connelly, and always has been. Thanks, and sorry.)The layoffs at the Houston Chronicle cut much deeper into the editorial side of the newspaper than the announced company-wide 12 percent reduction th ... More >>
It's been an excruciating five-week wait for employees of Houston's only daily newspaper who are scheduled to learn today and tomorrow if they still have jobs. As one nervous reporter described it on Twitter a few days ago, "Out working on plans B-through-F. Anything to take mind off impending Tue ... More >>
The Houston Chronicle is having problems, like most big-city dailies, but it might get a whole lot worse. One of the latest rumors sweeping the San Francisco Chronicle would have the deskies in Houston handling headline writing, copy editing and layout for their ailing sister paper by The Bay. The o ... More >>
Sneakily timing things to get overshadowed by the Inauguration, media giant Clear Channel is implementing what are expected to be big layoffs at its many radio stations across the country.A tipster tells us the ax has started falling in Houston, where 15 people have reportedly been let go, and there ... More >>
Yesterday we relayed the news that the Houston Chronicle would be getting rid of five to six percent of its current full-time staff. Romenesko has a copy of the full memo from Publisher Jack Sweeney. We've included it after the jump, but we'd like to take a quick second to say we've always thought ... More >>
Back in July we wrote about how staffers at the Houston Chronicle were walking on eggshells over rumors of cuts and layoffs. Well, if the devil you know is better than the one you don't, then they could be feeling better. But not by much. The numbers are in -- publisher Jack Sweeney sent a letter ... More >>
The carnage continues over at the Houston Chronicle. Besides the names we mentioned yesterday, folks who have either taken a buyout or been laid off include (and by "include" we mean these are the names culled from various sources; if you are erroneously included, our congratulations and please ... More >>
Have a Nice Day with some ´80s heartthrobs
One of Ken Lay's many legacies: the families whose lives were disrupted by the fall
Sheila Jackson Lee's verbosity leads to a jackpot
When the cash-flush MFAH vows no layoffs, don't believe it
For 14 workers of the struggling opera, the fat lady sings
It's rerun time with the Chronicle's Enron coverage
Economic woes hit the Chronicle, and job cuts are coming
Jim Edwards quickly built a long-distance-dialing empire. But he couldn't keep the distress calls on hold. Then the line went dead.
A court victory for laid-off Latino workers spotlights the harsh conditions in Houston's surplus of small plastics plants
Beset by budget problems, bereft of substantive local programming, Channel 8 finds itself at a crossroads. Perhaps it's time to put the "public" back into Houston Public Television.
Two former HL&P workers took revenge against the Light Company, but say the city settled for "chump change"


text:
|About UBS
|UBS Vision and Core Purpose
|Give Us Feedback
Lehigh University Bookstore Hosts
'Go the F--- to Sleep' Author
On Monday evening, best-selling author Adam Mansbach visited the Lehigh University Bookstore's café for a book reading and signing. Lynn Olanoff of The Express-Times was at the event and shares her perspective below.
'Go the F--- to Sleep' author speaks at Lehigh University in Bethlehem
Published: Thursday, September 22, 2011, 4:34 AM Updated: Thursday, September 22, 2011, 7:04 AM
By Lynn Olanoff | The Express-Times
Most of the crowd inside Lehigh University's bookstore Monday didn't have any kids, but they still laughed along anyway at Adam Mansbach's struggles of putting his 2-year-old daughter to bed.
"I'll read you one very last book if you swear you'll go the f--- to sleep," Mansbach read from his bestselling book "Go the F--- to Sleep."
"I don't think I read the book as well as Samuel L. Jackson," Mansbach said of the bestselling audio version. "The audio book was probably his best work since 'Pulp Fiction.'"
Lehigh University Director of Africana Studies Program James Peterson is a longtime friend of Mansbach's and brought him to the Bethlehem school to speak to his "Autobiography in Hip-Hop Culture" class. Mansbach's "Angry Black White Boy" is one of the best of the genre, Peterson said, but most at Monday's presentation were interested in the book that made Mansbach famous, a short illustrated book he describes as a children's book for adults.
It started as a joke, Mansbach said. After a particularly tough night putting his 2-year-old daughter to bed, Mansbach posted on Facebook, "Look out for my forthcoming children's book," and tapped out the title. The status was a hit with his friends and he started thinking such a book could be a hit, too.
At the time, Mansbach had published three novels, one book of poetry and had edited an anthology of short stories, but none had really made it big. He was able to get a publisher for F-bomb-filled book but he wasn't expecting much from it, either.
Then the book was leaked online by a suspected bookseller and it became viral, Mansbach said. Instead of being released this October, the book was rushed for a release in time for Father's Day. It instantly became a No. 1 bestseller.
Several parents at Monday's reading thanked Mansbach for his book. "I love your book — I am a mother of a set of 2-year-old twins and a 3-year-old, so every night, it's like 'hmph,'" said Clara Buie, an Easton resident who works in Lehigh's English as a Second Language Department.
Bethlehem resident Grace Wong, who works in Lehigh's Women's Studies Department, said while her children are 10 and 16 years old, the book is still relevant to her.
"Thanks for putting it into words on what it's like to put to your child to bed," she said. A colleague in her department wanted Mansbach's opinion on if he thought his book would have been a hit if written by a woman, Wong said. Mansbach said he felt it probably would have been a harder sell. While some readers have knocked his parenting ability, Mansbach said a female author probably would have received even harsher criticism.
"I think it would be harder for a woman to get away with this — there are higher standards for mothers out there," he said.
Most of the feedback he gets on the book is from mothers, however, he said, which shows who largely puts children to bed.
"My partner likes to point out I still only put my kids to bed like 23 percent of the time," Mansbach said.
The book has changed Mansbach's life tremendously, he said. At the time he wrote it, he was finishing a two-year teaching stint at Rutgers University in Camden and wasn't sure what the next step in his life would be. Now he lives in California and gets to write full-time — he said he just sold the movie rights for the book, as well as a television show on fatherhood and another novel.
"I'm trying to capitalize on the success of this book — I would be silly not to," he said. Mansbach said while there is an appetite for a sequel, he's not going to write a book for every step in childhood.
"I'm not going to do, 'Please F------ Do Your Homework,'" he said. "It's diminishing."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Paris (France) : Théâtre du Palais-Royal - 26-04-1994Metteur en scène : Jean-Michel Ribes
The Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) is an international authority file. It is a joint project of several national libraries
ISNI is an international certified number (ISO 27729) that uniquely identifies persons and organisations.
DBpedia is a project aiming to extract structured content from the information created as part of the Wikipedia project.


text:
More 2010 Action Figures Revealed
Forbidden Planet have announced more new additions to the 2010 Doctor Who action figure range.
The new range, pictured below, feature 5" figures from Series 5 including Underhenge Stone Cyberman, Underhenge Roman Auton, Silurian Warrior Alaya and Silurian General Restac.
They are priced RRP £8.99 each and provisionally set for release on December 1st 2010. Check out more details on Forbidden Planet's website.
Step back in time...
COMMENT GUIDELINESPlease be civil and keep article comments relevant and on topic. Flag and report any offensive/trolling behavior, or contact us with details.
Please do not post SPOILERS including anything from leaked episodes! Your account could be banned. For complete details on our comment policy please read.


text:
Do You Ever Feel Like Nothing Can Come Close?
We had apple pie at the Apple Pie Bakery at the CIA. It was the absolute best apple pie that my husband and I ever had. We still talk about it. And whenever I taste another apple pie, I immediately think of that apple pie. And even if the pie is good....nothing has come close.
Same thing after having croissants in Paris. Most of the time I think "why waste the calories" cause I know it isn't going to be as good.
Does anyone else feel this way about a dish that they've had?
Absolutely. I think there's something also about eating it at a particular time and place that adds to the dish itself.
An assiette de fruits de mer in Calais
Pizza at a little backstreet place in Bardolino.
Fish & chips at the Magpie Cafe in Whitby
Braised turbot, as part of a tasting menu, at Seasalter.
These were plates of food that define how I now think of the dish.
re: Harters
Fish and chips at Magpie is the best on the planet (or at least in my books)! Well worth the wait (although last time we were there in shoulder season which was better).
re: chefathome
Amazing how such a simple thing can be done so badly. My favourites are from the Anstruther Fish Bar. There's another one in Musselbrugh near the race course but I can never remember its name. You'll recognise it from the constant queue at teatime.
re: stilldontknow
Oh and it needs to be haddock.
re: iluvcookies
I'm so glad to hear that someone else feels the same way about that pie! For the last two years I've called to see if they would ship one for Thanksgiving, but they won't. I've got to have that pie again!
For our wedding cake, we had a carrot cake that was incredible. It was so good that I didn't even care that I had specified NO PINK FLOWERS and, of course, that is exactly what they covered it in. I have made carrot cakes, bought carrot cakes, and been given carrot cakes and yet not one has come close to that cake. Everyone agreed it was phenomenal. No raisins, no nuts, just moist carrot & spice flavors.
I can count about three things that I feel this way about. I try to keep it in perspective and look at it as a specific event in time. I've actually gone back to the same place for the same thing and been let down. I wonder sometimes if it's just a case of our minds glorifying the actual experience beyond any kind of realistic expectation.
re: ladybugthepug
We were in Paris about 2 years ago and went to Gerard Mulot. This is considered one of the best pastry shops in Paris. I had a peach tart and it was so incredible that the next day we went again and I had my husband take a photo of it to hang in our kitchen. 6 months ago we were able to stop in Paris just for a few nights. Again we went to Gerard Mulot for that peach tart and it was just as incredible as I had remembered.
If I was on the show, "the Best Thing I've Ever Tasted", the peach tart from Gerard Mulot would be featured.
re: Perilagu Khan
Wahoo, cooked on an open fire on a beach in coastal Cuba. Cooked by locals who really knew the value and taste of just caught fresh fish.
re: ospreycove
Imagine what they could do with a boat. Nice of you to share your catch.
re: ospreycove
that reminds me of the time I was 16 working part time at a small town cafe in Rural Alberta (Canada). My boss, a little old, Ukrainian man would go out ice fishing the day he knew his family was coming into town. We'd close the cafe a little early (bitterly cold with no one coming in) and he'd fry fresh perch in a pan loaded with butter and sauteed onions and invite me to eat with his family. My gawd if it wasn't the best fish I'd ever had. Miss that man. RIP, Cassey. <3
re: Perilagu Khan
That is precisely how I feel about my grandmother's cooking. I will never taste it again, and I will miss it forever.
Pretty much this is the way I feel about everything my mother ever made, but there are some things that have stood the test of time. My brother, who had probably cooked one or two things in his life woke up one morning when he was about 15 and told my mother he wanted to make a pecan pie. she bought all the ingredients and he started making it. The funniest thing was he doesn't like pecan pie and didn't even eat it. It was hands down the best pie, let alone pecan pie, I've ever tasted. To this day I compare all pies with that one. That pie and a porterhouse from Peter Luger are the two things that I always compare the contenders to.
re: jhopp217
That is so sweet! Does your brother know this? Does he still make pecan pie?
re: DaisyM
He made it one more time for me during Christmas and he nailed it again!
re: jhopp217
You have to tell him! I bet he'll be thrilled to know you are still thinking about his pie.
re: jhopp217
That brought a smile to my face. We must have the answers to Daisy M.'s Questions.
re: buttertart
as i was scrolling down this thread the one thing that came to mind was a cassis sorbet at Berthillon! like ruby jewels in my mouth.
re: mariacarmen
The sour cherry one, the passion fruit, the Armagnac and prune ice cream. the fraises des bois (pic) (oh let me go back soon pls pls)...
re: mariacarmen
Cassis sorbet at Berthillon is a standout memory for me, too.
re: Caitlin McGrath
Oh yeah. Sour cherry too.
re: buttertart
oh that pic, BT! yes, let's make it a mantra: let us go back let us go back let us go back ommmmmmmmmmmmmm....
re: mariacarmen
I know, brings tears to your eyes, doesn't it? I had it as my computer wallpaper last spring. Gooo baaaack soooonnnn....
re: mariacarmen
If you like their cassis, you must try their passionfruit. You'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
re: StevenFro
You are absolutely right. But I think the most stunning is the raspberry and rose.
re: buttertart
I've been to Berthillon and the ice cream is spectacular.
A few weeks ago we were in DC and upon hill food's rec went Michel Richard's Central and had his "faux gras" which is made with chicken liver. It was amazing. When the ramekin was empty I still ran my finger around the inside to make doubly sure there wasn't a morsel left. So subtly flavored and absolutely silken. We had it with really cold Plymouth gin martinis (hey, we were on vacation). It was heaven. There's an online recipe for it but hill food thinks they held something back. I might try to make it but I just know it wouldn't be as good. But I can think about it and smile.
re: tatamagouche
As usual, you are quite eloquent. Thanks.
re: tatamagouche
tatamagouche, my grandfather was born in Siracusa, and I feel this disappointment every time I have octopus after having it in a little restaurant on one of those little cobbled side streets not too far from the water-front in SIracusa
re: greygarious
Now THAT is a really good idea. Never thought of that one.
In 1971 I had ginger crab in a hole in the wall Chinese restaurant in London. I can still taste it ( in a good way). I have eaten this dish 100 times since in many excellent restaurants but nothing compares.
Sechuan shredded beef from Chung King restaurant on Spadina Rd in Toronto, just south of UofT.
I've had sechuan beef at other places, but it never tastes like that - and I live in a Chinese country now!
re: tastesgoodwhatisit
When my daughter came back from a trip to Israel, I was about to give her a bowl of (store bought) hummus, which she always loved. She said, "I just can't eat that anymore, now that I tasted what it really is suppose to be." And when I went to Israel and had the hummus I completely understood.
re: DaisyM
A friend of mine is going to med school in Israel and told me I should come just for the hummus. I've had it at top notch middle eastern restaurants and can't imagine it being better. I wanna go!
re: jhopp217
Seriously, the hummus is just amazing in Israel. And it isn't like you have to go to one specific place....it was amazing everywhere we had it. And don't even get me started about the breakfast buffet at the Inbal hotel! Beyond belief smoked fish, salads, fruit, and the best bagels I've ever had. Okay....we need to plan another trip!
re: DaisyM
This happened to me. We had a restaurant here in town a few years ago that was essentially Palestinian home cooking. I cannot eat hummus any more after eating that woman's hummus. It completely ruined other versions for me.
re: Naco
I'm glad you know what I mean! The hummus in Israel tasted more fresh, creamy, and light then even the homemade hummus I had previously had. We went to Israel for the history and sites. We were so surprised that this tiny little country has some of the most delicious food we had ever had. For example, the chocolate rugalach at Marzipan Bakery (really just a little stall) at the Shouk is hands down the best rugalach I've ever had. It is one of those things you have to eat to believe. And every morning I couldn't wait to have the breakfast buffet at the Inbal. The dairy products had a freshness and creaminess that I've never had before.
re: DaisyM
My friend said they use hummus almost as a condiment in some dishes and then its the star of others. Silly question, because I am pretty sure it's going to be amazing, but what is the baba ganoush like?
re: jhopp217
Delicious, as were the array of salads that come with every meal as an appetizer. I think at least part of it is that the fruit and vegetables seemed so much more flavorful then what we get in the US. We had pitchers of lemonade with fresh mint at lunch every day and it is something that also tasted more flavorful. We were talking to a cab driver one day and he was telling us how much he loves visiting the U.S., but he misses the fruit and vegetables in Israel. We completely understood what he meant.
re: DaisyM
Curious to know what made the houmous so good, as Israel is a country I'm most unlikely to ever visit. Was it the spicing, a texture thing or just eating it in its home region. Have had very good stuff elsewhere in the eastern Mediterranean, notably Cyprus, where I reckon they use more lemon than we get at home.
re: DaisyM
+1 for the hummus in Israel..it's been 27 years and i can *still* remember just how perfect it was. that and the Jaffa oranges.
re: goodhealthgourmet
Jaffa oranges were available in supermarkets in London, Ont., where I grew up (may still be, I haven't been back in several years) - even as imported items they were great.
re: buttertart
they're really hard to find...and even when i do, it's just not the same as enjoying one to quench your thirst in the heat of the Israeli desert :)
Back in the 80s there used to be a Thai resto in Lubbock called Chow Thai. They made a dish called gai ga pao (hot and spicy chicken). It was a seemingly simple dish: diced chicken breast, diced chile pepper, various seasonings and fresh mint poured over a bed of rice. But, Gott im Himmel! It was sublime. Spectacular. I would always order it extra hot and spicy and get wonton soup and a glass of iced tea. The ultimate hangover-killer, too.
At any rate, I've managed to retro-engineer this dish, and it's pretty close to the original, but not quite the same!
re: Perilagu Khan
How about sharing your recipe?
re: DaisyM
I'll try to post it tonight.
re: DaisyM
Here ya' go, Daisy.
6 serranos or Thai peppers
4 cloves garlic
2 T. peanut oil
2 T. sesame oil
Dash cayenne
1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast, medium dice
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 cup mint leaves
3 T. soy sauce
1 T. Worcestershire
1 inch piece ginger
1 t. sugar
1. Place peppers, garlic and ginger in food processor and process until minced finely.
2. Combine peanut and sesame oils, and add cayenne
3. Heat two T. of the oil mixture over high heat in skillet and saute shicken about one minute. Remove from skillet.
4. Add remaining oil mixture to skillet and saute pepper/garlic/giner combination for 30 seconds.
5. Add stock, sugar, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and heat through.
6. Return chickent to skillet and cook until done.
7. Add mint leaves and cook 30 seconds.
8. Serve over rice.
re: Perilagu Khan
Yumm-ina yumm-ina. Sounds good!
re: Perilagu Khan
oh wow, hotsy totsy! i'm going to try that one.
re: mariacarmen
buttertart and maria,
The soy and Worcestershire is in lieu of fish sauce, which, I suspect, was an ingredient in the original dish. But I've got a thing about fish sauce, so there ya' go. But if you want to throw some fish sauce in there, go for it.
re: Perilagu Khan
Fish sauce heap tasty, my man, plus there is anchovy essence in Worcestireshire after all. But whatever floats your boat. Lead the way! Sounds super anyway.
People probably are getting tired of my mentioning this, but the barbeque sauce that Merle and Grady Nash produced for their Hickory Pit (Gravois Mills, MO.) in the '50's and 60's was without equal and will never be reproduced.
re: SonyBob
Is that pronounced gra-VO-eess the way Versailles is pronounced ver-SAYLZ?
re: Perilagu Khan
who says versaylz? who? show me them! now!
re: mariacarmen
I point you in the direction of the Show-Me State. There is a Versailles, Missouri, but the natives sure don't pronounce it the the way The Sun King would have.
re: Perilagu Khan
re: mariacarmen
go talk to the brits about the way they pronounce beauchamp place in london.
re: mariacarmen
Go to Kentucky. There is a town near Lexington called Versailles and a main road through Lexington called Versailles Road. When I first moved there I answered a job ad for a company on Versailles Road. I made a wrong turn somewhere so I pulled into a gas station and asked where 1234 Versailles Road was, using the ver-SI pronunciation. They looked at me like I was nuts. I repeated myself. Still the WTF stare. I showed them the ad and their eyes lit up. "Oh! You mean ver-SAILS!"
More Kentucky pronunication goodness--there's a town called Athens. Pronounced AY-thens.
Kentucky is a strange place.
re: MandalayVA
re: MandalayVA
I would go with "charming" or "quirky," rather than strange. After all, New Orleans has much of the same phenomena with pronunciation of place names, but well, maybe you think NOLA is strange, too...we won't go there, okay? <wink>
re: mariacarmen
There's a street in Beverly Hills, CA called Charleville. Everyone pronounces it "Charlie-Vill". No "Shar-Vee" here! And then there's Detroit...
re: aching
Duh Detroit! never thought about that.
re: aching
i used to live just off Charleville in BH, and could never bring myself to adopt the local pronunciation. having studied French for 7 years, it goes against everything i know!
re: Perilagu Khan
Yes, except there's no "s"sound at the end and the emphasis is on the first syllable. GRA-voy. You're spot on re: Versailles.
My grandma's biscuits, Tom Kha soup at my favorite Thai restaurant, and my momma's mashed potatoes. Absolutely.
Do You Ever Feel Like Nothing Can Come Close?
Goodness yes. Our favorite restaurant had the most incredible cheese plates. No matter where we go or what we buy, we cannot find cheeses that compare.
My dad's theory is the setting and state of mind trick our memories when it comes to great tastes/meals.
re: cleobeach
I totally agree with that theory. I think that's also why everything I've ever eaten while camping has tasted so amazing.
re: aching
I definitely agree. The best steak that I've ever eaten was on an elk hunting trip in the Steens in eastern Oregon. My late husband & I took rib-eyes & grilled them over a sage brush fire. I don't think that I'll ever have another steak as good as that one was.
re: threadsofchoice
My ex used to collect sagebrush every time we were East of the Cascades in Oregon or Washington to add to his barbecuing.
Oh, yes! I have always compared Thai food to the first Thai restaurant I ate at when I was 8 years old!! And, all Indian restaurants are compared to my first three favourite Indian restaurants from...you guessed it, when I was 8 and 9 years old. It was a good time for me and my taste buds as there was a lot of experimentation going on in my family with eating out.
No deli has come close to Junior's and no pickles can top the ones they used to (and probably still) keep on the tables. Every single potato pancake has been less than a Junior's potato pancake.
Falafel? You call this a falafel? It is no where near as good as the Falafel King from when I was, what , 8 and older!
As far as sorbet is concerned, that came along when I was maybe ten or so. There was an ice cream shop down the street from my parents' hair salon and I would walk down there to have sorbet. I think it was called "Dutch Homemade Ice Cream" but I'm not sure that is right. They were in Santa Monica on Montana Avenue...west of 14th and east of 7th but I forget the exact block. Anyway, they had the best sorbet ever. There were lots of flavours but all I can remember is that I ordered everything berry coloured. If you ordered one scoop, the owner would top your scoop with a spoonful of the flavour you wanted to sample. And, if you were a polite child, he would put an even smaller sample of the flavour of his choice on top of the spoonful. Sometimes, I'd walk out of there with quite a few teeny tiny colourful samples balanced on top of what I went in for. Oh, it was the best. They had great white chocolate ice cream, too.
Real Italian wood-fired oven pizza, preferably in Napoli. The fresh basil and tomatoes and cheese all seem to taste better there somehow (not to mention the charred crust, of course).
Nothing compares to the pizza I once had in the Old North End of Boston in the late sixties . I've eaten zillions of slices since then, but nothing compares to that luscious tomato, cheese and olive oil dripping down my arm and I still think about it.
Also, orange bread at a bakery on Rue Alphone Karr in Nice, France--not cake, not muffin, not quick bread, just a little bit of heaven.
re: noodlepoodle
I take it you were at Pizzeria Regina.
re: tatamagouche
I think that sounds right. I wonder if it's still there.
Soup dumplings at the Sui Yuan in Taipei in the early '80's. The size of a quarter and full to bursting with broth. Gossamer skins. Nothing has ever come close to those.
all the time
Mostly because of ingredients I cant get my hands on or techniques and secret recipes that were perfected after a lot of time and effort.
Generally true at all of my favorite restaurants for my favorite foods.
But I can recreate the McRib with astounding accuracy! LOL!
I could go on about the perfect Hippocras liqueure at Ristorante Mastroguerata in Lanciano, Italy. Christmas in a glass...
Or the fish and chips eaten from the newspaper on a park bench outside the fryer in Lossiemouth, Scotland.
Or the cod au gratin from the Glyn Mill Inn in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada.
But what I really, really miss is the Orange Cake with Butter Frosting from Sara Lee in the 70`s....maybe it is still available somewhere but not in Canada for many, many years. (I know, I know it doesn`t rank with all these high-minded memories, but I have dreams about this cake!)
re: MinkeyMonkey
I think the Sara Lee banana cake was nearly as good and I didn't know it still existed. Now, next time I visit the States, I willl have to look for it and I will have to eat the whole thing all at once because we are not supposed to bring any 'fruit' back across the border...oh, the things we sacrifice to maintain the world's longest undefended border.
re: LJS
LJS, buttertart is right. the restrictions on fruit have to do with fresh, whole fruit, not baked goods that contain fruit. they're in place to prevent you from transporting any new or different organisms or agricultural pests that could be potentially harmful to the indigenous food supply...not really a concern with a preservative-laden packaged cake ;)
re: goodhealthgourmet
It used to be that if it didn't grow in Canada you could bring it in (oranges, whatnot).
re: buttertart
So what you are all saying is that I don't have to eat the cake at a picnic table at the side of the road, all by myself, but instead must take it home and share it with my family like a sane and nutritionally-wise adult??? you spoiled all my fun!!!!
re: LJS
No, I'm pretty sure it means "cake made with fruit or fruit flavor"!! Ahh, at least, it does to you...
We had brought grapefruits on our drive to Canada and had to finish them before the border, just in case. I think they were the Texas reds...so yummy!
I kind of want to try the new banana cake but I think it just comes in a small pouch rather than a whole cake pan...I'll have to go look online now...
Well, I can't tell for sure but it looks like they still sell the banana, orange/poppyseed, chocolate and carrot in the regular sized containers.
And, now I'm having banana cake cravings!!
re: MinkeyMonkey
Yes, I will check out Sara Lee online, too.
A long time ago, I worked on the SL account at an ad agency in Toronto...think half-way between Mad Men and today. Come Christmastime, the client made up a whole bunch oftheir sourcream topped cheesecakes in red and green for us to have at one of those office parties that they (mercifully, wisely) don't encourage these days.
I remember going in to the office the next day to find the receptionist trying desparately to pick cheesecake out from between the keys of her type-writer...someone had been tap-dancing on her desk with cheesecake wedgies on her stiletto's.
Sara Lee has a lot to answer for...
Growing up, we got to have special meals at the Chinese food restaurant in my tiny, tiny town. When I crave Chinese food, that's the food I'm thinking of. I've had much better Chinese food in my life, but I still compare everything to that little hole in the wall.
I knew an old lady (she's gone now) that lived im my neighborhood that made pecan pie with chocolate chips that was so rich and gooey. It was the best pie I had ever eaten, and she always brought a few pieces over when she made it. I'm not really a sweets person, but dear god, this was perfection.
I think partially it tasted so good because she was such a delight--a total hoot. She always wore her favorite team's ice hockey jersey and would ask for a beer when you offered something to drink, even at like noon. Who wouldn't like pie from a gal like that?
I have the "why waste the calories" thought a lot after eating with friends or family, because so few of them really have experienced wonderful food, or perhaps have so little appreciation for it. I'm inclined not to spend money eating out unless the food is going to be at least worthwhile. I don't think of it as snobby to know what one likes, as long as we remain open minded to new experiences. So, well, I do try places new to me, but I'm not inclined to eat mediocre food twice the way some people will. This not to say a place shouldn't have an off day, but well, I'm among chowhounds, so I'm sure you all know what I mean...a lot of times, I'd rather just make it myself, living where I do. sigh Not to bash KC, because there are lots of special foods and wonderful places to eat, but some things just cannot be had really well done. Probably true of many places.
re: amyzan
I feel exactly the same way.
re: chefathome
I've never been to Italy but I've had some pretty tasty gelato. One almost embarrassing moment was the gelato I had just this year (I only have ice cream/gelato once to twice a year). I tasted several flavours then picked one. When I was finished, the server asked how my frozen yoghurt was. I was shocked and horrified! Frozen yoghurt, I said, I thought it was gelato. Oh, most of them are, but the ones on this end...etc.
yeah, I must be a real expert!
Pistachio is one of my absolute favourites.
re: MinkeyMonkey
Cute story! Isn't pistachio wonderful? I forgot one of my favourite gelato flavours ever - roasted chestnut. Wow.
re: chefathome
If I ever see roasted chestnut gelato, I'm going to give it a try as I love roasting chestnuts. yum!
re: MinkeyMonkey
Yes, do. It is sublime.
I have to say that every time I see the title of this thread I'm tempted to just write: "Yes."
Croissants at PB Boulangerie in Wellfleet might do it for you. Amazing - took me back to holidays in France. Which reminds me of the bread so good you eat it straight, the boudin noir, tender and spicy and dark, the fish soup (with the aoli-covered croutons). Gosh...
several years ago... well more than that now.... I was in a little japanese restaurant in Hilo Hawaii (no longer in business) The friend I was with had never eaten raw fish, so I asked for an order of sushi as an appetizer. Absolute perfection. If you opened the dictionary, a picture of that plate of sushi would be there. Never had anything close since, including from a guy down the hallway who used to bring me pieces of his fresh catch. Doubt I will ever have anything that good again. When we tried to order a second plate the waitress told us that they were only letting a table have one plate each, and the employees were only allowed one piece each.
If you cannot tell by my profile: CAKE.
I love cake. I wish there was a list somewhere that I could get on... for people who had extra cake and no one to eat it. Especially wedding cake--I have not been to a wedding since I was a toddler, and I am very VERY curious just how good wedding cake might taste.
I should clarify.. by cake. I mean frosting. 84.65% of the time, I just eat the frosting with enough of the 'cake' to get a taste.
re: GraceW
Heh, if I had the cupcake in your avatar, I would scrape off about 80% of the frosting before I ate it. I never want the corner piece of a sheet cake - too much oversweet frosting.
re: Caitlin McGrath
I should go the same events you go to and eat that troublesome corner piece..as long as GraceW wasn't also there!
re: GraceW
I swear the only true "there are two kinds of people in the world" statement involves cake-eaters and frosting-eaters. I'm the latter too...and that includes storebought sheet cake. In fact ghetto icing might be my favorite.
re: tatamagouche
Is "ghetto icing" the kind made with shortening, butter/margarine and as much icing sugar as it will hold? if so, it is what I know as "Newfie Frosting" (God and all my fellow Newfoundlanders forgive me for putting that in print) .
I freely admit I am addicted to that slathered on a sheet cake...preferably with Happy Regatta Day iced on top, in blue...corner piece, here I come!
re: tatamagouche
I am a cake person AND a frosting person. I love it all. Good cake, bad cake, gorgeous buttercream, ghetto icing... all of it. Scraping off frosting is an abomination to me. I want the (large) corner piece with the rose on it thankyouverymuch. And when I'm done... I might go back for seconds. It's so shameful. I have no self control, so I try to stay far, far away.
re: charmedgirl
Just don't ever find yourself snowed in with a working oven and icing sugar in good supply...its going to take me another month to get the weight off!
This is embarrassing after reading of all the exiqusite food memories from around the world...
but for me, something that I will never experience again, and continue to crave...is....Butoni Toast-R-Pizza.
You know - those frozen round things you put in the toaster filled with chemicals and tomato sauce and fake cheese?
God they were good!
And nothing can ever or will ever come close to them.
I can still remember the cracker like crust and the exact taste of the sauce/cheese.....mmmmmmmm


text:
Personal injury news by Daytona motorcycle crash lawyers
A DeLand man was killed Wednesday after his motorcycle was hit by Ford truck.
Daytona Beach, FL (JusticeNewsFlash.com)–The Orlando Sentinel reported on Friday, David Crider, a 33 year-old DeLand man, was killed in a motorcycle crash while riding east on Old Daytona Road in Volusia County. The fatal motorcycle vs. pickup truck wreck happened at about 9:30 p.m. according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Homicide traffic detectives, investigating the fatal crash, say Crider was riding on his bike when a Ford pickup truck driver was turning onto Amelia Avenue cutting him off. The biker was pronounced at the scene and FHP continues to investigate the bike wreck fatality. No information on the pickup truck driver or his injuries has been released.
Personal injury news by Daytona motorcycle crash lawyers by JusticeNewsFlash.com.Online Justice News Flash Legal News Distribution - JusticeNewsFlash.com
Other News / Press Releases
- Dean McDermott claims relationship with Spelling improving
- Brother of Jamie-Lynn Sigler dies of brain hemorrhage
- Wal-mart truck driver requests delay in Tracy Morgan lawsuit
- LivingSocial announces launch of new merchant toolkit
- Sue Ann Hamm to appeal $1 billion divorce award
- First statement released by Bill Cosby's attorney following rape accusations
- Kim Kardashian to make guest appearance on India's Bigg Boss
- Wrongly accused man files lawsuit against Nancy Grace
- Kendall Jenner announced as new Estée Lauder Spokesperson
- Bill Cosby rape accuser questions why no one listened before


text:
Southside FFA Rodeo scheduled
SOUTHSIDE — The Southside FFA Rodeo has been set for Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Pleasant Plains Outdoor Arena, according to a news release which proclaims "event for all ages." Cash will be awarded to first-place winners …
Calico Rock couple win multiple awards
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Jim Spencer won the highest writing honor at the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association's annual conference held recently in Johnson City, Tenn., according to a news release. The Sharon Rushton Award is for excellence in writing about youth in outdoor activities. Spencer's …
News of Other Days
Editor's note: This column ran previously in the Guard on April 27, 1993.
Courthouses to close
The Independence and Sharp County Courthouses will be closed Monday in observance of the Columbus Day holiday, officials announced.
Concord council has light agenda
CONCORD — The Concord City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the city hall for a routine monthly business session, said Recorder-treasurer Jayne Pettit. The aldermen will hear departmental reports and review current bills.
Blevins to speak
Former Lyon College professor Dr. Brooks Blevins will speak about the history of Lyon College and the new permanent photo exhibit of Lyon/Arkansas College photos at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Mabee-Simpson Library on campus. The presentation is hosted by the Friends of the Library. …
Airport to give update
The Batesville Airport Commission will present an update on the upcoming construction at the airport, said Darren Wilkes, manager. The work includes new security and wildlife management fencing, along with earthwork to reshape the airport property along the east-west runway and taxiway areas. This work …
Trooper recognized for role in 2011 incident
David Jones never knows what he'll be facing from day to day, whether his goodbye kiss to his family will be his last. One night last November, he came face to face with that possibility. Jones, a corporal with the Arkansas State Police, was named …
Parade to kick off festival in Evening Shade Saturday
EVENING SHADE — The Evening Shade Fall Round-up — the community's annual festival — will be from 1-10 p.m. Saturday, offering entertainment, craft vendors, food vendors, a car show, a tractor show, a dunking booth, street dance and a parade, said spokesperson Kimberly Graddy. Registration …
Shoplifting team arrested
A man/woman shoplifting team was arrested at the Batesville Walmart store around noon Tuesday when store employees confronted them about items taken from packages and concealed in shopping bags. Independence County Reserve Deputy Jordan Turner said he responded to the incident and spoke with the …
Bark in the Park to be Saturday
This weekend, Batesville's Riverside Park will be going to the dogs. The Humane Society of Independence County is hosting its fourth annual "Bark in the Park," a fundraiser that benefits shelter animals, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the amphitheater at the park. …
Taxes due Oct. 15
Independence County residents have until Oct. 15 to pay their personal and property taxes and avoid a penalty fee. Taxes must be paid on Monday or postmarked on Monday, according to the Independence County tax collector's office. Residents may also pay online at www.ark.org/independencecounty/index.php. Independence …


text:
Michel Piccoli
Michel Piccoli
Armin Mueller-Stahl
Alec Baldwin
Gerard Depardieu
Harris Yullin
- - - Updated - - -
More Gerard Depardieu
Armin Mueller-Stahl, Jim Beaver and Ben Kingsley didn't show up. There's a "no hotlinking" sign on them.
BTW, Chris Bauer (Andy Bellefleur) FINALLY showed his butt on the Season 5 premiere of True Blood last night. I'll try to post some pictures today if someone else doesn't do it. I've heard good things about it, apparently he's been to the gym a lot since last season.
Silvio Berlusconi
Chris Bauer (Andy Bellefleur) on True Blood Season 5, Ep 1. I luurrrv him...
Been turning random thoughts into something insightful and meaningful since 1987.
I wouldn't say I love him, he is definitely cute and it was a nice surprise to see him naked on T.B.
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover-Peter Greenaway
A Room With A View
Steam of Life
OZ - s05e01
OZ - s04e06
Ian Holm-Joe's Gould Secret
Are you sure that is Ian Holm in that last picture? It looks like someone else. Ian seems shorter than that. Nice pics anyway, especially from Steam of Life and The Cook.
Ian Holm is the third guy in line, just peaking over that guy's shoulder.
I found that Finnish documentary Steam of Life, but MFing thing was censored, so it must have been from an airing on US TV, blah. Netflix doesn't have it, of course.
This isn't naked, but I always enjoy looking at Bryan Cranston. Breaking Bad Season 5 starts next month and I'll get my Walter White fix! I hope there will be nudity, but somehow I doubt it given that the show's nudity has died out since Seasons 1 & 2. The first two pics are from the season premiere.
Gary Sweet - Gettin' Square.
Tim Thomerson
Help me make this thread huge!!! and
Where are those Tim Thomerson pictures from? I would love to be the hands on his chest...
Silk Standings )
Anders Ahlbom from The Girl Who Played With Fire.
Silk Stalkings sry man )
What movie is this that features Gary basaraba
What films are these of Sir Hopkins?
I've thought Tim Thomerson was hot since seeing him on an episode of Golden Girls years ago. These photos are awesome! His nipples alone could provide me with hours of fun.
of that Silk Stalkings scene.
Thomerson is so sexy, too bad he didn't do some softcore stuff with nudity. What a waste especially with that hairy gray chest...
I remember Tim Thomerson from a Golden Girls episode- he was a baseball player dating Blanche who she made wear women's underwear- ala Bull Durham, by the end- he was, by his own choice, wearing a dress.
Where's the 4th image from?
Sven Ole Thorsen
Valentin Gaft(1)
Valentin Gaft(2)
Yevgeni Lazarev
OMG this guy.
He's done nudity in The Model Couple and Lemming.
Nude Male Celebs | André Dussollier Nude & Sexy Reviews | CNdb.com
I don't sorry,Although he looks so freaking hot with that mustache. ))
Thanks, questionabl! He has a nice dick, too bad he wasn't older in that scene.
Rolf Herricht
Last edited by Arekouas; July 1st, 2012 at 08:46 AM.
Tomasz Zaród


text:
More rain may fall on the Upper Plains as people from Wisconsin to Missouri struggle with what's already on the ground.
The National Weather Service says it could mean higher crests than expected along the Mississippi River.
Cities and towns bordering rivers that drain into the Mississippi are coping, for the most part, with the floodwaters from earlier rains. Sandbagging has been successful in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and levees are holding in nearby Waterloo. But much of Vinton, Iowa, is flooded forcing evacuation of the county jail.
Elsewhere in the region, people are keeping a nervous eye on dams and levees. One levee gave way in Indiana flooding a vast stretch of farmland.
It's feared the flooding along the Mississippi could be the worst in 15 years.


text:
Photos and Description of this 6 bedroom holiday villa in Ban Tai beach - Bantai Residence
6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, Sleeps 12
Koh Samui is a tropical island paradise in the Gulf of Siam. A hilly, jungle interior of spectacular views and waterfalls sweeps down to perfect white sand beaches and azure blue water. Sunny skies and calm seas prevail for most months of the year. The Island remains unspoiled, with the tallest buildings rising no higher than the tallest palm tree.
There is an excellent golf course and every activity you would expect in a relaxed island resort next to a Marine National Park: snorkelling, fishing, mountain biking, horse-riding, sea-canoeing, nature walks and more.
The uniquely designed international airport connects directly with Bangkok (70 minutes) and Singapore (90 minutes), giving easy access from all points of Asia.
The island's many attractions include the towns of Chaweng and Lamai, with their craft shops and lively nightlife. The beautiful Ang Thong Marine Park is on the doorstep. Other local sights include the towering Big Buddha and the island's exotic jungle interior, noted for its impressive waterfalls. Even the hill-top golf course enjoys spectacular views.
The neighbouring islands of Koh Tao and Koh Pangan can be visited by boat then why not take a boat to an outlying island beach for lunch.
All prices are NET and includes Airport Transfers, Welcome Pack (beer, water, soft drinks, fresh fruits and flowers), cleaning every 3 days, and 50% discount on Sunset Boat Cruise.
Details for holiday villa Villa Tawan and Villa Chok, 6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12, 6 Bathrooms
- Suitability:
- Events Allowed
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- children welcome
- pets considered
About Nick
My name is Nick and I am the villa manager on behalf of the owner.
Nick purchased this villa in 2013
Why Nick chose Ban Tai beach
We are the only Villa near the beach with 3m outdoor cinema next to the pool.
What makes this villa unique
Luxury Villas with luxury customer service


text:
Congestive heart failure - right-sided
Heart failure requires periodic monitoring by your health care provider. The goals of treatment include controlling the symptoms, reducing the heart's workload, and improving your heart's ability to function. Any underlying disorders and causes should be treated, if possible.
The most common therapy for right-sided heart failure is treating left-sided heart failure.
Valve replacements and procedures such as...Read more
If I have right knee osteoarthritis, do I have to work out my left side as well? I was recently asked by a patient why he had to work... Read more »
The list of tips for sore feet is not complete without mentioning the butt muscles. This group of muscles may be the laziest in the entire... Read more »
My daughter-in-law is 26 and 5 months pregnant. They just discovered that her heart is on the right side of her body. The only complaint... Read more »
Yoga is an excellent form of exercise. Excellent for stretching muscles and joints. Excellent for physical and mental relaxation. ... Read more »
Full Question: Is joint and muscle pain a common side affect of Imitrex?For treatment of 4-5 migraines a week, I have been taking Imitrex... Read more »
Source: eOrthopod
Predicting success after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) isn't always easy. Patients want to know what to expect and how long it will take to recover.... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Muscle function loss is when a muscle doesn't work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.Alternative... Read more »


text:
Belgrade, MT Auto Sales
Snyder's Auto Sales
Snyder's Auto Sales is the name you can trust in providing quality pre-owned automobiles in Belgrade, MT. We have the best selection of used cars with the best customer service in Belgrade. We offer a Guaranteed Credit Approval and we finance everyone! Cars and trucks sold with warrantees on all vehicles. Let us put our experience and expertise to help you with the automobile purchase of your choice.
Learn More About Snyder's Auto Sales:
- Cars and trucks sold at wholesale prices
- Buy from the source
- Warranty on all cars
- Used auto sales
- Full service auto repair
- We finance everyone
We are known for our best rates in the State of Montana. Our services are insured and licensed. We pay you top dollar for your vehicles, major motor work needed or not. We buy them.
Contact Snyder's Auto Sales today at 406-781-0458.
Contact Information


text:
You must log in to access this feature. Sign in with Twellow or Facebook to get started.
By signing in to Twellow, you indicate your agreement to our terms of service.
Simply connect with Facebook and kiss those password blues away,
or go here to reset your password.
Spin Doctor-Word Assassinator-Idea Generator-Concept Creator. Agent of radical change and champion for liberty & justice.


text:
|Rogationist College Parañaque opens
|Wednesday, June 25 2008 09:41
Twenty Five vivacious boys and girls made it to the first! They are the PIONEERS of a new institution that will mark a milestone in the history of the Rogationist of the Sacred Heart in the Philippines. The new school can simply be called RCP! - (Rogationist College-Paranaque).At the opening mass it is mentioned: "This day, in the life of each one marks a new story, part of our own personal history…"; June 16, 2008, a date that will truly be remembered, kept in the memory of all those present, most especially the children, the bearer of the RCP torch of which flame will be kept alight through the years.
This first and historic School year was officially opened with the Parents Orientation Program. The major superior, Fr. Bruno Rampazzo, RCJ was the main celebrant of the Holy mass and with him were Fr. John Lucas, RCJ School Board Member and Fr. Eric Raveza III, RCJ, the President of RCP.The whole morning affair focussed mainly in the presentation of RCP Vision – Mission – Goals, the Course program (Pre-school and Grade School), the presentation of the School Board, Administrators, Faculty and staff.
Fr. Eric Raveza, in his opening remarks brought into light the figure of St. Hannibal Mary di Francia and the spirit that animates the community of the Rogationists: the passion for the ROGATE and the love for the underprivileged children.
Three special programs in the curriculum were highlighted through short presentation from each of the instructor in-charge: Music, Mandarin and Taekwondo.
RCP Curriculum highlights three major programs. The academics program as mandated by the DepEd, the culture enhancement program and the values formation program. Each is a complimentary to the other and these three make up the whole ROGATE Education Program.The Parent Orientation Program concluded with the campus tour where everyone enjoyed and marvelled at the beauty and harmony of the whole building. The joyful atmosphere that was created around, through the lively and tiny voices of the children, truly manifested that each of the PIONEERS has found a home. Truly, one can think at the end, that RCP was providentially built with the particular touch of Mary that makes everyone feels at home.
|Fr. Hannibal Formation Center - ManilaSt. Hannibal Formation Center - CebuSt. Hannibal Rogate CenterRogationist NovitiateFr. Di Francia Center of StudiesRogationist Discernment CenterOur Lady of the Most Holy Rosary ParishSt. Francis Xavier ParishOur Lady of the Pillar ParishSaint Catherine of Siena ParishSaint Lawrence the Deacon ParishSt. Anthony's Boys Village - CaviteSt. Anthony's Boys Village - DavaoSt. Hannibal Empowerment Center
|Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus - KoreaKongregasi Rogationis Hati Yesus-IndonesiaRogationist - Sideia Mission Center


text: Since launching her solo career, Cheryl Cole's personal style has evolved ten fold. While we were once used to seeing her in little other than a pretty skater dress and towering Louboutin heels, recently she's been opting for something, well, more alternative. Here she is yesterday wearing a monochrome tailored coat over black lace tights (with an unusually large seam) paired with colour-popping pink heels. The Jury's out on this one, and that's where you come in! So let us know if Cheryl gets your vote and as always, the most constructive comment will make it into next week's issue of Grazia! Plus, while you're here, why not check out the rest of this week's contenders?


text:
No, our headline isn't giving the title of J.K. Rowling's surprise follow-up to her final installment of the Harry Potter series—it's a quote from Bill O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor." As the eagle-eyed folks at Media Matters note, Fox's cuddliest pundit seems to be having a hard time with the idea of a gay Dumbledore.
Check out the clip on Media Matters.
A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion Publisher, Zuade Kaufman Editor, Robert Scheer
© 2014 Truthdig, LLC. All rights reserved.


text:
by Nancy Campbell from Above Rubies Because God is a Creator, He loves to create. He delights in creating each new baby that is born. And every human being God creates is unique, different, and special--a new divine creation that has never been created before. … [Read more...]
Quoting Quiverfull: Hindering the Creator?
But Bruce, Don't Women CHOOSE to Stay in Fundamentalism?
by Bruce GerencserIt's not that simple.We all tend to think it is just a matter of choice or an act of the will when we see people enmeshed in Fundamentalist religions or bizarre ideologies that we have no personal experience with. … [Read more...]
The Supposed Myth of Teenaged Adolescence
by SamanthaI've talked a lot about the fundamentalist cult I was raised in, but something I don't very frequently talk about here is my experience with the conservative religious homeschooling movement. For many people, the conservative religious homeschooling movement … [Read more...]
Quoting Quiverfull: Laboring Not in Vain?
by Michelle Kauenhofen of Above Rubies Womens Daily Devotionals DEAR FELLOW MOTHER,When you feel worn out, exhausted, taken advantage of, under appreciated and not acknowledged, remember this. … [Read more...]
This is NOT Homeschooling: Is HSLDA Part of a "Bible-Based Cult"?
by Heather DoneyThis may be the most important and most scary post on homeschooling that I have ever written. It feels like something out of a Margaret Atwood novel and I am numb as I write this, so please bear with me. The title of this post is not rhetorical. It is a question I am actively pondering at the moment. … [Read more...]
Quoting Quiverfull: True Love Waits is Satanic?
by Vaughn Ohlman from Perservero News A friend passed me on a link to an incredibly popular post on marriage… knowing that I write on such things. And I read it, and wanted to cry (It's Ok. I didn't actually cry. … [Read more...]
Quoting Quiverfull: Homeschooling Videos?
by Blimey Cow on YoutubeNot sure if these videos are supposed to be serious or comical but someone knows way too much about homeschooling. What do you think? … [Read more...]
CTBHHM: Be Afraid, Very Afraid
by Libby AnneCreated To Be His Help Meet, pp. 57-58As I've been making my way through Debi's Created To Be His Help Meet, one question I've gotten from readers pretty regularly is "why do women buy into this?" … [Read more...]
Quoting Quiverfull: A Loving God Brings Cancer to Show the Condition of the Heart?
by Jay Younts from Shepherds Press. God has chosen to display his faithfulness in the form of cancer in the life of my wife, Ruth. In God's gracious plan for Ruth, three years ago he brought the most lethal type of brain cancer Into her life – Glioblastoma Multiforme. … [Read more...]
Adoptees: Human and Animal
by CaluluA few weekends ago Vyckie forwarded to me a link from Mother Jones magazine involving a book written by Kathryn Joyce. Her new book is about the adopt craze among the evangelical churches and is titled "The Child Catchers: Rescue, Trafficking and the New Gospel of Adoption" … [Read more...]


text:
Limit selections to see more properties
Property 079
Blue Macaw
564 Coral Circle
Fabulous 3 bedroom beach cottage just a block from beach access.
Weekly Rates
Off Season: $1,570.00Summer Season: $1,885.00Shoulder Season: $1,885.00Peak Season: $2,995.00
Note: Rates posted are weekly and do not include sales
taxes. Rates may be slightly different based on amount of people staying in the
Just Recently Listed PropertiesBRAND NEW TO THE RENTAL PROGRAM AND JUST COMPLETELY REMODELED LIKE NEW!
Features:3 Bedrooms1. Master King Bed with bath and flat screen tv. Access to porch2. Queen Bed with flat screen tv and access to porch3. Twin Beds
North Pointe Beach House4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 10 occupants maximum, DSL connectionBrand new professionally designed and decorated four bedroom home right on the beach with fantastic water views from every room, swimming pool and spa and fantastic sunsets. Two Golf carts included
Click here for more information
Sea Breeze4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 8 occupants maximum, DSL connectionLuxury gulf front home overlooking the beach and the aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Serendipity4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 10 occupants maximum, DSL connection, screened poolEnjoy North Captiva Island's Best vacation home offered. Serendipity is a fabulous 4 bedroom home with incredible Gulf of Mexico views!.
Casa La De Da5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 12 occupants maximum, DSL connectionThis lovely 5 bedroom upside down home is situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of space for a large family or two families.
Captiva Isles3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 7 occupants max, DSL connectionCaptiva Isles is a beautiful beach cottage located less than 200 feet from the Gulf of Mexico. There are fantastic water
views from the upstairs porches that are both screened and un-screened. Our location, just steps from the beach, offers an incredible location with great sunsets and views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Blue Macaw3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 occupants maximum, DSL connectionFabulous 3 bedroom beach cottage just a block from beach access.
Hidden Harmony4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 occupants maximum, DSL connection, screened poolFantastic 4000 Square foot home with private pool just a block from the beach!


text:
19281 Players currently online!
Man vs. Machine - good luck!
Turn-based games at any time!
Vote for the best move to win!
Do you have what it takes?
Sharpen your tactical vision!
Get advice and game insights!
Learn from top players & pros!
View millions of master games!
Your virtual chess coach!
Perfect your opening moves!
Test your skills vs. computer!
Find the right private coach!
Can you solve it each day?
Bring it all together!
Beginners, start here!
Make friends & play team games!
News from the world of chess!
Search all Chess.com members!
Find local clubs & events!
Who's the best of your friends?
Read what members are saying!
First I must make a disclaimer. The following list is based on nearly thirty years of playing and grinding my way up through the ranks as well as coaching chess to players in these ranks for nearly twenty years. The list is still highly subjective; in chess one size does not fit all. Chess players develop at different rates and usually jump past one of these rating categories and learn some of the skills at different times in their progression. For example I recently showed a basic triangulation ending to a young near GM level player and he did not know it while there are many players in the 1800-2100 range who are well versed in endgame theory.
In the end the true measure of practical ability it is not knowledge as much as it is your ability to solve and create problems over the board. But, the more you know the easier it is to solve and create those problems for your opponent.
An important note to keep in mind, I make a distinction between knowledge, competance and mastery of a skill or concept.
The Knowledge of Chess Players by rank.
The Rules of the game.
The Values of the pieces.
How to checkmate with two rooks, A Queen and a Rook.
Basic understanding of the principals of opening play (Center, Develop, Castle)
Queen and King, King and Rook checkmate within 25 Moves (Ending).
How to meet the four move checkmate.(Opening)
Knowledge of all the one move tactics (Fork, Pin, Skewer.)
How to draw with a lone King vs. a King and pawn. (Ending)
The 3 vs. 3 pawn breakthrough (Ending/Tactics)
The terms for "bad" pawns (isolated, doubled and backward pawns)
Can solve mate in ones with competence (at or above 60%)
Drops pieces less often (once every 20 moves) but still falls for checkmates in one move.
Knowledge of all the drawn basic endings without pawns (R vs B, R vs N) AND the strategy or ideal placement of the pieces (not perfection, but awareness of the basic defensive concepts). (Ending)
Ability to win with Queen and King vs lone minor piece and a King.(Ending)
Knowledge of opposition and how it relates to basic king and pawn endings.
Square of the Pawn.(Ending)
Knowledge of the various KP rook pawn draws.(Ending)
Ability to checkmate with 2 bishops vs king within 50 moves.(Ending)
Can solve simple checkmate in 2s with competence (a 60% score on chesstempo)
Is familiar with at least one classic game, such as the Opera House game. Should memorize.(Culture)
Can demonstrate a number of opening traps such as Fried Liver Attack, Legals Mate, and various pin traps. (Openings/Tactics)
Can score a respectable %50 on basic chess tactics on tactics trainer.(Tactics)
Is aware of the names of many openings and the first 3-5 moves of play.
Can tell you when it is not safe to 0-0-0 in a given position.(Strategy)
Can beat a chess master with queen odds. (!? I am not sure about this one as the level of chess masters varies greatly as well as the confidence level of novice players)
Further knowledge of king and pawn endings, Trebuchet, Jettison and basic Triangulation skills.
"Two pawns on the 6th beat a rook"
Knight or Bishop vs pawn positions
Attacking ability has improved. Can demonstrate the classic bishop sacrifice. Smothering mate combinations. (See the Art of the Checkmate or How to Beat Your Dad at Chess)
Has scored miniature games with tactical knockouts.
Can now solve mate 3s and higher with competence (%60 on chesstempo)
Understands the positional terms: Outpost, Pawn Chain, Pawn Break.
Has an appreciation for how a Bishop dominates a Knight in many endings.
Has an appreciation for how a Knight can dominate a Bishop in the same
With work, can solve basic endgame studies 3-5 moves in length, ditto on "easy" mate #2 compositions (Polgar book).
Can show you basic middlegame plans in Open, Closed, and Semi Open Structures.
Knowledge of classic and modern examples has grown manifold; to the point where some of their games are attempts at emulation of master chess or at least they are thinking about the principals during their games as well as positional factors.(Culture,Strategy)
Knowledge of Rook and Pawn endings, Lucena and Philidor
Importance of activity in rook and pawn endings, "Rook belongs behind pawn".
A budding appreciation of the initiative in the middlegame and endgame.
Quickly spots basic tactics and rarely drops pieces.
Has opening rep somewhat nailed down (this varies wildly from player to player) and may have developed some "theories" of opening play himself.
Has started to specialize in some area of chess, an area where they may be playing at a much higher level than the others (endings, openings, tactics, psychology).
Has selected a favorite player or book and has studied it in earnest. Can perhaps quote sections, concepts or entire games from said book.
Further knowledge of opening traps/attack schemes such as Domiano's gambit and the Double Bishop sacrifice (Openings/Tactics).
Understands the race to connect the rooks vs. the value of a pawn (Opening).
Understands the term prophylaxis and has a budding appreciation for the term (Strategy).
Knowledge of Minor piece endings.
Knowledge of the rules for Queen vs Pawn races (Endgame).
Has growing knowledge of Rook vs Pawn endings (rook pawn draws, Capablanca- Yates)
Can checkmate with KQ, or KR blindfolded (Endgame/Cognitive Skills).
Can play most openings and into middlegame blindfolded (16-25 moves)
In games has a deeper appreciation for how to play against the king and attack in general. They have put in time understanding the tempo of attack and in their games they can actively play for the initiative.
Knows of or has memorized games from some of the world champions. Usually limited to an awareness, but can see the moves in their head and have a conversation about the classic games. (Culture/Cognitive Skills)
Has a definite style and preference for types of middle games in chess (Psychology).
Openings continue to build based on the experience of actual tournament encounters.
Is ready to begin mastering KQ vs KR (Ending).
On occasion can beat a chess master with knight odds or even pawn odds.
Can save games against weaker players when down a piece by using endgame knowledge.
Has mastered basic to intermediate king and pawn endings. Coordinating squares, triangulation etc.
Opposite colored bishops dynamics are well in hand (Endgame)
Further knowledge of bishop vs. knight and a growing prowess for using the two bishops. (Endgame/Positional)
Has now read classic texts such as My System and can implement big strategic ideas in their games such as Blockade, Pawn Storms, the d5 break in the Isolated Queen Pawn, h4-h5 in the Dragon, Sicillian Exchange Sacrifices (Strategy,Positional,Culture,Cognitive).
With effort can play an entire game blindfolded or "read" a game from a book. (Cognitive skills)
They understand what it means to truly complicate a position and attempt to induce chaos when worse or losing. (Strategy)
They have developed a tactical "flair" and seek to create their own ideal of beauty on the chess board (Tactics/Strategy).
Has read entire books on tactics and can easily and quickly solve all types of tactical puzzles with competence. (60%-75%).
Knows how to sterilize a game and "play for a draw". (Strategy)
Can beat a chess master with pawn odds (some of the time).
In some areas their opening knowledge will be equal to a master, knowledge of a few lines deep, past move 12-15 and understanding of the middle game plans.
Continued education of classic games.
A growing appreciation for long term compensation and how to combine intuitive and analytical chess thinking. (Strategy/Psychology)
Is actively using prophylaxis in games and trying to stop the other players plan.
Usually has put in time annotating their own games and thinking about their own process.
And the list goes on...
I do look forward to the responses I will recieve to see if this list matches up with your own experience.
If you are interested in a quality, yet afforadable online coach I can help you on your journey. Check out www.OhioChessAcademy.com to learn more about my chess enrichment services.
Chess.com should buy your study plan, because it is much better than what they offer in the Learn section.
This is a superb list!!
I've been working my way through it, finding (too many) gaps in my knowledge. I was stunned to learn about 'opposition', how could I have missed such a basic technique?
Some people here are getting hung up on the ratings you've given to this or that idea, but they're missing the point, just go through it all methodically and learn the stuff you don't know.
Many thanks.
great article
wonderful article ! Now I know what to focus on if I belong to a particular ranking category.
Yashsadani : "in the third point you have made a mistake in writing instead of prowess it should be process"
You're completely wrong.
most of 1800-2000 rank's knowledge is 2200-2400
I'm around 2000 and never work the lucena and the philidor which are in 1400-1600 rank
Excellent article! Its given me some ideas on what to focus on to become stronger in my rating range and do some prep to move up to the next rating range
This is an excellent guide for coaches with entire classes to cater to. Obviously, assuming any single list is an exhaustive narative on coaching or a "cure-all to self-improvment" is just sophomoric.
This list allows a coach short on time or experience to develop a curriculem in a realatively short period of time by simply scouring games in Chessgames.com and drawing comparisons to this list for each class strength.
More pertinent to this forum is clearly the aspiring Chess player that is self-educated[ing] and working their way up the ladder of rating and skill...
at which time the ability to fathom and correctly pinpoint weaknesses in their own skill will just begin to develop. Around 1800 this guide truly becomes valuable; for only once you have realised that an expert knows the many theorems in Chess while a Master posesses knowledge of the few exceptions to those established postulates, can you transcend the 2200 mark.
Its a fair assumption that any given 1200-2100 player will be exposed to parts of this list, a master of other parts and completely unaware of others (I'm sure at least one 2000+ said " ...trey-boo-whaaaaa?" but totally understand the endgame concept of King manouvres in relation to tempo - regardless of their lacking in knowledge of French linguistics and antiquitous military technology); yet, each of these individuals will have material to study from this list, making them a fundamentally more solid Chess player.
This list is like any other: with a bit of IQ and practical coaching experience (coaching yourself or others will suffice), it is a useful resource and a credit to its author. However, in the hands of a putz... its totally useless. That being said, that same clown is useless with or without this list and thus I conclude this assessment.
Thanks for an excellent classroom tool, Boor! I look forward to meeting you at one of these tournaments some day and swapping coaching ideas. :)
Excellent article. Thank you.
The best teachers put emphasis on the endgame. A player needs to feel comfortable simplyfying positions as well as being able to play into a favorable endgame.
I own all the <1000 knowledge and none of the >1000 knowledge.
I stand at 1003.
Spot on.
I really enjoyed this article! Puts things into perspective.
you can't take any such lists as granted. It is certain assumption. You can compare two similar ratings or so. For example in my first tournament that I have shared first place, actually according to all those SB etc I finished second. My opponent had 1 loss 1 draw 8 wins. I had 7 wins 3 draws. We received same rating for that tournament and same grade.
We became friends and you can tell our strenght differed quite a bit. Whilst I was all around player, mostly strategically oriented, my opponents style was purely based on tactical attacking style.
Main difference in later stages of our development was, that he became stagnant in around 1600-1750 area, whilst I was still progressing due to my systematic approach. I was 2100+ whilst he was still struggling in those lower 1700s.
It only shows that you really need to study endings, middle game (strategy and tactics) and openings. Emphasizing that order like 55% endings, 35% middle game and rest openings.
People who start emphasizing on Openings or just tactics early in their career are likely to get stuck or have little or no understanding of what is most important :)
And yeah. I have to completely agree with FM Boorchess. Hardwork is the key, even if you have exeptional talent :)
i am in the 1400 1600 ranking in this list. a very nice article by you fm boorchess keep up the good work and in the 1800 to 2000 category in the third point you have made a mistake in writing instead of prowess it should be process ,anyway a nice article
my standart is to be 2000-2500. but now I am only just 1600
ps my standard is 1200+
according to you im in the 500s or something
one thing that is hard to agree with is this 0-1000 stuff. With all respect, we are talking about monkeys here :) I remember this computer whose strenght couldn't be knocked below 600 yet it was such a bad pawn mover and time waster, that it was unbelievable. Playing him will give nothing to anyone apart from pleasure of winning blindfolded.
When I started playing chess some 17 years ago, we didn't even have anything as bad as 1250 rating, was the lowest.. We had classes V-I, where class III represented about 1550 rating. You had to have IIIrd class in order to receive your first rating or something like that.
Those were good times. I was actually quite frightened once I saw rating equal to 800 for the first time, some years later..
Also to achieve ratings up to 1250 shouldn't be problem with nice structuralised book for beginners. Unfortunately many beginners books have it wrong. I remember beginner book from some GM Lloyd or something. It would rather discourage me to play chess, than promote my will to learn further..
My rating is 1400 something and it's mosty right with some 1600-1900 knowledge. Then again, I only learned the 3 vs 3-pawn break about a year ago.
by JoseDiaz
13 hours ago
by GM Gserper
25 hours ago
by GM DanielNaroditsky
3 days ago
by NM brucepandolfini
by batgirl
4 days ago
Home |
Why Join | Chess Topics |
About |
FAQs |
Help & Support |
Site Map
Privacy Policy |
Legal |
© 2014 Chess.com
• Chess - English
We are working hard to make Chess.com available in over 70 languages. Check back over the year as we develop the technology to add more, and we will try our best to notify you when your language is ready for translating!


text:
1.This One Police Department Shot 92 Dogs in Three Years. One of the Officers Has Killed 25 By Himself
2.Tennessee Drug Interdiction Officers Stomp All Over Traveling Couples' Rights En Route To Seizing Nothing At All
3.Casino Can Steal NJ Man's Home Through Eminent Domain For No Specific Reason, Judge Rules
4.Texas Cop Indicted For Stealing Cash Out Of People's Wallets After Asking For ID
5.No Charges For Speeding Cop Not Responding To Emergency Who Killed 5-Year-Old In Crash
6.Deputy Tries Using Civil Asset Forfeiture On DVD From Convenience Store, Loses Job
7.Cops Assault And Arrest Woman for No Reason, Leave Her Cuffed and Naked in Public for 30 Minutes
8.When the Rustlers Wear Badges
9.2-Year-Old Hospitalized After Police Raid Wrong Home, Threw Grenade into His Bedroom
10.SWAT Team Collapses House With Explosives During Standoff
Obama Insults Our Intelligence on Civil LibertiesBy Anthony Gregory
In last night's state of the union, an uncharacteristically boring speech climaxing in a bipartisan tribute to sacrificial militarism, the president had very little to say about civil liberties, one of the main focuses of his campaign in 2008. He uttered less than a paragraph. And with every word, he treated us like we're all idiots. He spoke so little about human rights in respect to the war on terror, I might as well go through each line, including his preceding sentences when he declares he has pushed for restraint:
"So, even as we aggressively pursue terrorist networks--through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign partners--America must move off a permanent war footing."
This sounds good. But he has said this before, such as when he ended the "war on terror" in August 2009 and again in May 2010. And yet on the fundamentals of detention policy, drones, and his escalation of the war in Afghanistan, he has pretty much maintained this permanent war footing for five long years. If he finally does ratchet the war effort back, it will still mean he spent half a decade exercising ghastly powers and shredding liberties in a war that began seven years before he took office.
"That's why I've imposed prudent limits on the use of drones -- for we will not be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries without regard for the consequence."
He's being vague here. He has in fact vastly expanded the use of drones abroad. Obama has killed about 2,400 people in his drone attacks, and the administration has long defined a terrorist pretty much as any male of military age killed by an attack.
And meanwhile, the militarization of law enforcement at home, from the local governments up to federal agencies, has continued, including in its use of drones. Amazing, federal immigration officials assisted local and federal law enforcement with drone missions over 700 times between 2010 and 2012. They are collecting evidence to be used in normal legal proceedings. Is this prudent? We can debate that, but for Obama to suggest that he's limiting a trend that began in earnest after he took office is a little disingenuous. Obama is very good at taking credit for making things better than they were under Obama.
Now for the biggest insult to our intelligence:
"That's why, working with this Congress, I will reform our surveillance programs -- because the vital work of our intelligence community depends on public confidence, here and abroad, that the privacy of ordinary people is not being violated."
This is almost not worth criticizing, it is so ludicrous. The NSA surveillance state was in full swing when Obama took power, but it has considerably expanded on his watch. The administration has been building a facility it Utah able to store more telecommunications data than is currently on the entire internet. One of Obama's own useless task forces has concluded large swaths of the program is illegal--and the White House officially disagrees
--and even the Republican National Committee sound like civil libertarians compared to the administration on this.
One more terrible insult:
"And with the Afghan war ending, this needs to be the year Congress lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the prison at Guantanamo Bay -- because we counter terrorism not just through intelligence and military action, but by remaining true to our Constitutional ideals, and setting an example for the rest of the world."
So, it's true that Congress, back when it was ruled by Democrats, inconvenienced Obama's release of prisoners. But there is so much he could have done to close the prison base down by now.
Here he is, claiming the executive authority to bypass Congress on basic domestic policy, and yet he claims that, as commander in chief, he can't simply order these prisoner transfers? But of course this is a lie. Keep in mind that he has been releasing prisoners--just as Bush released prisoners. He could have released the majority of them who were innocent five years ago. He could have issued executive pardons or used his authority as commander in chief over detention policy, the same authority Bush used to set these programs up in the first place. And if you argue that that authority was illegitimate, then surely a president unilaterally discontinuing the policy that's illegitimate must be legitimate.
Obama's task force on this issue also embarrassed him when it cleared many prisoners for release, a number of them also judicially cleared by judges during both Bush's and Obama's administration. The Obama administration actively appealed and blocked these releases, resulting in the prolonged torture and even death of inmates. Obama also effected the prolonged mistreatment of Chelsea Manning and the awful military trial of Omar Khadr, captured as a wounded child soldier in Afghanistan.
If there's any more disgusting joke than Obama's attempts to deny responsibility for the human rights abuses perpetrated by his own executive branch, a joke compounded in its awfulness by his constant attempts to butt in to areas he has much less business in. As with the NSA, he claims he needs Congress to rein in civil liberties abuses, and yet these are some of the easiest problems in government for him to snap his fingers and end this afternoon.
With the Obama presidency, we have seen civil liberties continue to suffer violence while, because of politics, fewer people seem to care. Progressives have softened their vigilance on these issues, and Republicans can criticize the abuses on the periphery, appearing hypocritical given their past in defending Bush.
On the kill list, on detention policy, on surveillance, on the TSA, on most areas of the war on terror that touch on civil liberties, matters have stayed the same or gotten worse under Obama. The few areas that have seen improvement were largely symbolic, as such policies as black sites and official torture ended at the end of the Bush years.
Watch this page for more critical analysis of his speech. I watched the whole thing. If you didn't, and want a good rundown, Cato has one:
|Add Comment


text:
You must log in to access this feature. Sign in with Twellow or Facebook to get started.
By signing in to Twellow, you indicate your agreement to our terms of service.
Simply connect with Facebook and kiss those password blues away,
or go here to reset your password.
Happify is turning the latest innovations in the science of happiness into fun activities and games that help you lead a more fulfilling life.


text:
Oceans of blood, purple syrup, and pounding bass pervade every monstrous track by Three Six Mafia, currently touring as Da Mafia 6ix. Straight outta Memphis and thuggin', DJ Paul's notorious crew of head smashers are a riotous force to be reckoned with. And like any great high-speed chase, you eith ... More >>
Ashley Jones, known as Treasure Fingers, is a man, not a lady. Like the Ashley in Gone With The Wind, Jones is also from Atlanta. But unlike the guy in the book with Scarlett O'Hara, he's a highly coveted disco house DJ and producer who spends much of his life on the road. He was once part of th ... More >>
Yes, this is a graphic design homage to NWA!Much talk is being made in local hip-hop circles of the "new Miami," a widening circle of not necessarily similar-sounding, but similarly minded hungry local MCs. Among some of these diverse rising artists are Phresh James, Ghostwridah, LMS, Dynas, Sahe ... More >>
We know you've been wondering: How exactly did Marco Rubio stir the conservative fire in his belly before jumping onstage during the campaign? Reading George Will? Watching O'Reilly grill some hapless liberals?Nope: Straight-up gangsta rap. Rubio liked to crank Tupac and NWA before his speeches, ... More >>
Jose FloresDâm-Funk The Vagabond Thursday, September 23, 2010 Better Than: Getting the high score on Miss Pac-Man while listening to Purple Rain. In an alternate universe, James Brown is John Lennon, Parliament Funkadelic is Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson is still making songs like "Rock With Y ... More >>
A few months ago I wrote about the new anti-tether law that Joe Sanchez got approved in Miami-Dade County this past March. That was a step in the right direction to protect who can't speak for themselves. That was real progress. Which is why I'm even more pissed off, in contrast, at the return of ... More >>
The events that happen in childhood shape us, haunt us and turn us into the men and women that will lead the world. It's sociological science fact. When I borrowed a taped copy of Appetite for Destruction from Enrique Fernandez at age nine, I had no idea that 2 Live Crew and NWA were on side 2. I li ... More >>
David Banner is a thug intellectual in a world of crunk
The air might be a little hazy, but Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's voice is clear
As half of the local rap duo Young & Restless, Charles Trahan is talented and popular. But he isn't bulletproof.


text:
In case the lawsuit drags on, Dean Poll has picked a temporary name for Tavern on the Green. According to Crain's, its Tavern in the Park (we wouldve suggested Tavern on Dean but its already taken). Well played, NYC youve done Chinatown counterfeiters proud! No doubt Jennifer LeRoy is consulting her live-in lawyers about this.
Back-up name chosen for Tavern on the Green [Crain's NY]


text:
When Ruth Reichl spoke at the 92nd Street Y on April 20, she offered strategic praise of New Yorks locavore movement: Whats happening in New York now is pretty extraordinary. You can eat locally all year round. Its probably more interesting than in California, she says. You have to be a more creative cook. Watch the video to learn why Reichl blames (and thanks) her mother for her indomitable palate.
Related: Ruth Reichls New York Diet


text:
The debate over Ursuline's soccer field jumped the shark a dozen years ago when an outcry from the school's Preston Hollow neighbors convinced the City Council to reject the school's request to install lights. The defeat sent Ursuline back to the drawing board. Last May, it unveiled a new, more mode ... More >>
Say it is so. And, I'll be damned, it is. Taking three of four at Fenway for the first time in 15 years is impressive and acquiring Cliff Lee is intriguing, but the Texas Rangers luring Mark Cuban as a potential new owner is down right life-changing. (All I had to do was go on vacation and a ... More >>
I raised the white flag a while back. Apparently you guys finally gave up, um, last night. With the Texas Rangers in the middle of a pennant race for only the fourth time in their 37-year history and Cy Young candidate Scott Feldman pitching against a very beatable opponent, a ... More >>
Flickr user: Pete ProdoehlOn Monday afternoon, a Chicago man named Dennis Sneyer found a bag filled with a camera and thousands of digitally stored photos lying in the middle of a busy intersection. After a little sleuthing -- which is to say, going through some pics and finding amongst the popular ... More >>
Both Leslie Brenner and I hammered the kitchen at Nick & Sam's Grill. But there's no denying the restaurant's popularity. Some people rank Mi Cocina amongst the city's top ten restaurants while others--myself included--consider it mediocre at best. Again, it turns out, those who favor the local ... More >>
Philly Connection6334 Gaston Ave., Dallas214-828-9070Promised delivery time: "Around 8"Actual delivery time: 8:10Flawless execution of the scheduled delivery: 20Would not deliver beer, so I had to leave the house after all ("I'm sorry, they don't let me do that."): 0Genu-wine Philly-made Tastykakes: ... More >>
I never claimed to be a great writer. Even a worse photographer.Nonetheless, armed with an iPhone and a life's worth of memories, I'd be honored if you'd allow me to take you on a tour of Texas Stadium's final night. Follow me. Right this way. Here it is. The house that Tex Schramm built and Tom Lan ... More >>
Over the weekend, Jan Hubbard found plenty of Chicago Cubs praying Mark Cuban will become the team's next owner -- unless I misunderstood first baseman Derrek Lee's pronouncement, "I hope he gets the team." John Cusack was a little more skeptical: "I think what he has to do is convince Chicago that ... More >>
Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander exchanged a few e-mails yesterday with Mark Cuban, one of three finalists still in the running to acquire, for more than $1 billion, both the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. Cuban wouldn't tell Telander how much he thinks the Cubbies are worth -- the ... More >>
With their best team since the '90s dynasty, the Cowboys can stop merely flirting with a championship
At the bottom of this bad-news story concerning cutbacks, on staff and actual news, at Tribune Company-owned newspapers, among them The Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune , it also mentions the Trib's impending sale of the Chicago Cubs. It notes that the books will be sent to prospective owne ... More >>
Don't worry, even if Tony dumps Jessica I'll still find some excuse to run her pics. Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson are officially broken up. Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson are officially still together. But really, as long as he limits his jumping on stage with Metal Skool and curtails d ... More >>
Mark Cuban went to Wrigley Field last night, sat in the right-field bleachers and spent part of the game text-messagng Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti. The writer insists Cubs fans want Cuban to buy their team, and from the tone of his love letter to Cuban -- not to mention their back-and-f ... More >>
At this moment, 836 people want Mark Cuban to own the Chicago Cubs; it's science, you can look it up. Now you can add to that list Alan Schwarz of The New York Times, who this morning goes where Radar Online's has gone before: to the Cuban's buying the Chicago Cubs well. See, yesterday the Tribune C ... More >>
Can the Rangers' oldest rookie leave his diva days behind and deliver?
Some of the best music of 2006 wasn't exactly officially released (wink, wink)
The career of Dallas sportswriter Jim Dent was skyrocketing, then booze and bad behavior caused a hard landing
When Reid Ryan wanted Round Rock voters to build a stadium for his minor-league baseball team, he turned to the one pitchman no good Texan could refuse -- his dad, Nolan
Long before the Texas Rangers, major-league baseball was played in Dallas by a minor-league team called the Dallas Eagles
Buckle your seat belts, Dallas: NASCAR is coming


text:
Most of the photos on this site were extracted from reference images (high-resolution tiffs, 20 to 200 megabytes in size) from the Library of Congress research archive. (To query the database click here.) Many were digitized by LOC contractors using a Sinar studio back. They are adjusted by your webmaster for contrast and color in Photoshop before being downsized and turned into the jpegs you see here.
Vintage photos of:
March 1943. "Activity in the Santa Fe R.R. yard, Los Angeles, Calif. All switch lights, headlights and lamps have been shaded from above in accordance with blackout regulations. The heavy light streaks are caused by paths of locomotive headlights and the thin lines by lamps of switchmen working in the yard. Santa Fe R.R. trip." View full size. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by Jack Delano, who seems to have been among the earliest photographers of light trails in color.
October 1935. "Rural rehabilitation clients. Boone County, Arkansas." 35mm negative by Ben Shahn for the Resettlement Administration. View full size.
"Yale-Colgate Football." New Haven, Oct. 23, 1954, with Ralph, Dan and Richie, a few months after Richie (standing) graduated from Colgate U. View full size.
October 1935. "One of the few remaining inhabitants of Zinc, Arkansas, deserted mining town." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Ben Shahn.
April 1943. Proviso Yards of the Chicago & North Western Railroad. Joseph Klesken washing up after a day's work on the rip tracks. View full size. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by Jack Delano for the Office of War Information.
Washington, D.C. Navy airship "Los Angeles" at the Hoover inauguration, March 1929. View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
This was a portrait of my late Uncle Charles "Sonny" Haile taken around 1949 at the age of 17. (That's right, 17 years of age, he falsified records to get in the Navy). EDIT: I have since found out he did not falsify records, actually my Mother signed the papers to allow him into the Navy.


text:
Manchester United midfielder Davide Petrucci has agreed a loan move to Championship side Charlton Athletic until the end of the season.
The Italian has already had one loan stint this season, in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, but he returned to United to skipper Warren Joyce's Under-21 side recently and add his creative influence in the middle of the park.
After previously representing Peterborough United in the Championship last term, the 22-year-old will be keen to parade his talents at first-team level again and aid Charlton in their bid to avoid relegation from English football's second tier.
Jose Riga has replaced Chris Powell as the Addicks' manager with a weekend trip to Derby County next on the agenda. Petrucci is eligible to make his debut for his new club at the iPro Stadium.
More: Loans - Bebe strikes again | Andreas Pereira making progress