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It is difficult to imagine a single play resulting in a higher production of justified finger-pointing and warranted blame than what occurred during Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game between the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions.
When something happens that is considered contentious, the controversy typically arises out of differing perspectives. What seems obvious to me is anything but for someone else. What's so remarkable about the hullabaloo that erupted out of last week's 81-yard touchdown run by Texans running back Justin Forsett is the lack of disagreement over the sequence of events.
Down by ten points, more than half way through the third quarter, Houston quarterback Matt Schaub handed the ball off to Forsett on second down with ten yards to go. The running back was granted a hole by his offensive line as devastating as a wound in need of suture. However, six yards after the line of scrimmage he was tackled by Lions safeties Erik Coleman and Louis Delmas.
Despite a knee and an elbow both touching turf, Forsett popped up in one continuous motion, in a manner that only the supremely athletic would even attempt, and ran 75 additional yards into the end zone through a why-bother Detroit defense.
Somehow, this was called a touchdown by the non-replacement officials. Of course, this being the National Football League, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz responded to the scoring play by throwing a challenge flag onto the field, and requesting a review of the play that should've been blown dead. However, in the NFL, all scoring plays and turnovers are automatically reviewed, and so Schwartz's redundant actions earned a 15-yard penalty for delaying the game.
Such a punishment seems adequate given that a head coach might use the redundant challenge to speak to an official about something other than what immediately happened on the field. However, the penalty for an over-eager request does not stop there. According to the NFL rule book, in addition to the 15-yard sentence, the play that was automatically reviewable is no longer reviewed at all.
Touchdown Texans! Avoiding butterfly effect analysis, Houston went on to eventually win the game in overtime 34-31, thanks in no small part to the imposter touchdown being accepted as the genuine article. The play single-handedly doubled the team's win probability.
To label this as an embarrassment would be an understatement. The NFL, in its attempt to dodge criticism of its officials and rules neglected to attach a video highlight of the play in its online box score, despite providing links to every other scoring play from the game.
However, what makes this incident such a enormous embarrassment isn't the sad attempt from the league to avoid documentation, but rather the astounding failure on three different levels that combined to produce a massive malfunction of reason.
The Referees
There can be little doubt that officiating a football game at the highest level is difficult. We need no further evidence of this than the inadvertent tragic-comedies presented by the replacement referees in the early weeks of the 2012-2013 season. It is almost impossible to imagine that the distressing hilarity that resulted because of a labor disagreement was the product of the second-best officials taking the place of the best. There may be no greater gap on Earth than the one between elite referees and the merely very good.
Typically, reasonable fans will have an understanding that things happening in real-time aren't as easy to observe and judge as they are to us at home, the audience that's granted multiple opportunities through replay to refer to referees as idiots. Nonetheless, Forsett's knee and forearm touching the ground after being tackled by the combined efforts of Detroit's secondary was so routine as to be monumentally obvious.
The only abnormality was the running back's refusal to accept the truth that had been knocked into him. He simply kept going, and instead of judging the play on the actual facts in front of them, the seven officials working the game allowed it to continue because of Forsett's reaction, or lack thereof, to being tackled. It's the equivalent of judging a field goal based on the enthusiasm of the kicker's celebration.
The Head Coach
From here, we have Schwartz's unforgivable decision to throw his challenge flag on a play that would have been automatically reviewed. It seems fitting that the Lions coach should be responsible for this awful oversight given his actions of more than year ago, infamously yelling at officials during the end of his team's overtime victory against the Minnesota Vikings to "learn the fucking rules."
I knew the rule — you can't challenge on a turnover or a scoring play — but I was so mad that I overreacted. I had the flag in my hand before he even scored because he was obviously down.
While the decisions that we make require some degree of emotion – otherwise we would merely spend an infinite amount of time considering rational options – the key that Schwartz missed is to find the happy medium sweet spot that includes both the emotional and rational.
In order to act quickly, Schwartz's brain prioritized the factors to be considered, unfortunately leaving out the most important one. The urgency of the matter affected the coach's problem analysis, essentially blocking an imperative aspect of his decision making from consideration. He was aware of the rule, but in the immediacy of the event, he acted as though he wasn't.
The end result was a drastic mistake.
The NFL
However, the mistake is only drastic because of the existence of a rule only in place for the sake of its own creation. The rule in question states that if a coach challenges an automatically reviewable call on the field of, it not only results in a 15-yard penalty for delaying the game, but also a negation of the review.
Imagine if you really wanted a raise in your salary. During your performance review, you asked your boss for that raise, even though it was made clear ahead of time that this was not the time to ask for such things. Now, imagine that your boss informs you that you were going to receive a raise, but now that you asked for it, he had to not only deny your raise, but also reduce your income by 15% for your next pay period.
This rule relates specifically to replay. The purpose of replay is to get calls made on the field right. However, the punishment for breaking this one rule, which would not exist without replay, results in no contemplation whatsoever devoted to getting the call right. As soon as the challenge flag is thrown, what is right and wrong no longer matters.
We can fully admit that sports need rules. Anarchy in athletics would be especially disastrous, robbing the entire spectacle of its entertainment value. We watch sports to witness exploits supremely managed by athletes operating under restrictions. The overcoming of hindrances is the point of the performance.
However, this rule, which the NFL will now considering amending mid-season, goes beyond merely placing a restriction for the purpose of enhancing entertainment. It brings about a punishment that is in complete contradiction to what is supposed to be meant by the integrity of the game, which is completely dependent on ensuring that the game is played according to the other rules.
The failure on top of failure on top of failure would make the Keystone Cops look competent by comparison. While it is the dirty business of human nature to demand a scapegoat for wrong doing, slaying only a single representative of the wrong done in this case would be both inaccurate and unhelpful. There were mistakes made at almost every level imaginable that combined to form a moment in the regularly well-manicured NFL that should not be soon forgotten: a moment in which the integrity of the game, represented by that which actually occurred on the field of play, was overlooked for the sake of the language of a poorly-formed rule, thanks to ghastly officiating and poor decision-making.
The Influence of Urgency On Decision by A.J. Reddi and R.H.S. Carpenter.
How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer.
GameCenter Play By Play. [NFL.com]
Texans Top Lions. [The Globe And Mail]
NFL To Revisit Challenge Rule. [ESPN]


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The Global Intelligence Files,
files released so far...
Index pages
by Date of Document
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The Global Intelligence Files
On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
[OS] US/LIBYA-Divisions delay Senate work on Libya resolution
Released on 2012-10-18 17:00 GMT
Email-ID | 1392453 |
Date | 2011-06-07 23:13:38 |
From | email@example.com |
To | firstname.lastname@example.com |
List-Name | email@example.com |
WASHINGTON a** The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has postponed action
on a resolution backing the U.S. military operation in Libya amid
uncertainty and divisions over the next step.
The panel had planned a session Thursday to work on the resolution that
would have sent a strong signal backing President Barack Obama. Sens. John
Kerry of Massachusetts, John McCain of Arizona and several others had
introduced the measure last month supporting the U.S. military role in the
NATO-led operation.
The committee said Tuesday the session has been postponed.
After the House voted last week rebuking Obama on Libya, consensus proved
elusive in the Senate. Sens. Jim Webb of Virginia and Bob Corker of
Tennessee were weighing a resolution challenging the operation. Senate
Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated he could bring up a resolution.
Reginald Thompson
Cell: (011) 504 8990-7741


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Man Meets Mat: Two Favorite Things Together
By Nora Isaacs
Learn how to make your partner realize what's good for him—and that will be good for you, too
As we know, your guy doesn't always know what's good for him. If he resists your not-so-subtle suggestions to try yoga, try these tips to get him on the mat. Once you get him there, we have a feeling he'll keep coming back for more.
1. "Carmelo Anthony does yoga."
Sometimes men need a little proof that yoga isn't just for women and new age wimps. Tell him super-jock Anthony is a mat man; in fact, his entire Denver Nuggets team (we're talking pro basketball, in case you're not up on this) practices together with a private teacher. So do the Tennessee Titans (pro football), as well as college sports teams at Georgia Tech and the University of Colorado. The NBA's Kevin Garnett is another good name to drop, along with hockey's Sean Burke, and too many PGA golfers to mention.
2. "You can't handle it."
Watch his competitiveness—and manly instinct to prove you wrong—kick in. Chances are he'll leave his first class sore and sheepish. But like most men who want a challenge, he'll keep coming back so he can be the best in the class.
07 Oct 2008, 14:26
06 Aug 2008, 08:20


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found a new home!
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Find a pet to adopt |
My name is Tripp!
Facts about Tripp
- Breed: Boxer Mix
- Color: Brown/Chocolate - With Tan
- Age: Puppy
- Size: Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
- Sex: Male
Tripp's Info...
I am good with kids, good with dogs, and good with cats.
**Please Note** This animal is currently in Tennessee. There is a $125 transport fee payable to the transporter upon delivery, that is not included in the adoption fee.
Tail is docked and dew claws have been removed.
Tripp is a 6 week old male Boxer mix. He is a happy boy who is eager to please! He is a fast learner and will be trained easily. He has had his first vet visit and vaccinations, all he needs now is a forever home! Are you the family he is thinking of?
Our adoption process:
Return the completed application and contract
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**Please Note** This animal is currently in Tennessee. There is a $125 transport fee payable to the transporter upon delivery, that is not included in the adoption fee.
We use Alpha Dog Transport company, here is a link to their website as well as a list of the stops that they make.
(We schedule the transportation, this link is provided for your review only)
Haggerstown MD
Harrisburg PA
Parsipany NJ
Brattleboro VT
How quickly you could have him/her in your home depends on how quickly you complete the adoption process. Transport runs every week, and they fill up on a first come first serve basis.
**Please note—due to their age, these puppies have only had their first set of vaccinations. You will be required to finish their vaccinations after adoption.
The adoption fee of $200 covers the cost of micro chipping, all vaccinations and wormer, up to date according with the age. As well as a thorough vet check up prior to leaving us, and the issuing of a USDA health certificate needed to cross state lines (if transporting). Our animals are current on heart worm and flea prevention.
Please let me know if you have any other questions that I can answer.
Other Pets at Disney's Dog Rescue
Why Adoption is a Great Option
Tripp, a Kittery Boxer puppy was adopted! Here's how you can benefit by looking at adoption as an option to buying a Boxer for sale in Kittery, or seeking a Boxer puppy from a breeder in Kittery.
- Rescues and shelter volunteers in Kittery already know the personality and tendencies of their pets. This means they can match you with the right pet. That will makes it much easier transition to owning a pet for yourself and your new pet.
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- You will become a hero, and give a needy dog or cat a loving home. In fact, there are even Boxer breeders who help with Boxer rescue. One puppy or kitten adopted in Kittery paves the way for another one to be saved.


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Smuggler charged with abandoning children.
POSTED: Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 7:50am
UPDATED: Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 11:33am
In Hidalgo county, sheriff investigators charged a man they believe abandoned two toddlers in a field this weekend.
Adan Hernandez is charged with two counts of abandoning and endangering a child. Authorities say the children's mother gave her children to Hernandez so he could take them to Houston. Police caught him Wednesday after a chase that ended in Willacy county and his bond was set at $150,000 dollars. The children are now with their mother, but could be facing deportation back to El Salvador.


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Director Tony Scott, who, in August, jumped to his death from a bridge, has left his estate to wife Donna W. Smith and their 12-year-old twin boys, Max and Frank.
TMZ obtained a copy of Scott's will, which was filed in probate court in L.A. County earlier this week. It stated the "Top Gun" director's estate was worth $1.2 million in personal property.
It's likely Scott was worth much more, and these assets have already been made part of the family trust.
Scott's brother, Ridley, was the original executor of the will, which was drawn up in 2004, but in 2011, he amended to make attorney R. Dennis Luderer the sole executor and Ridley the first alternate executor.


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Posted by Autumn Jordon Feb 6 2014, 12:05 am in Autumn Jordon, Closet Writers, inspirtional, Movitation, writer's journey, writer's life, Writer's Support, writing
Closet writers break my heart. Any reason a writer keeps their writing a secret is just wrong, unless the writing is extremely personal and not meant for other's eyes. I was a closet writer.
There are many reasons why writers remain in the closet and the Rubies have had discussions concerning them. At some time or another, many of us have faced the road-blocks that kept us from being us.
Some writers think they haven't read enough books to be considered a writing expert. In their minds, if people find out they write, they must've read every single book ever published. I'm here to tell you that I've never read Huck Finn, War and Peace, Fifty Shades Of Gray or a zillion other classic or best-selling books. Does that confession make me less of a writer? I think not.
Being shy, it can take years for some people to join a writer's group. A long, long time ago, when the internet was young and a thing called dial-up was used to connect to it, writers actually went to public meetings to connect with those of like minds. Walking into a meeting can be daunting to a wall flower. I know because I'm an introvert. The internet and the ambiguity it provides, has made it easier for some writers to connect to others, but not all. They remain in the background, unsure of themselves. To them, I say, "it's always the quiet ones who make the biggest impression when they're ready." Rest assured most writers are genuinely nice and more than willing to help other writers in any way they can. You only need to be serious about the craft to be considered a writer by them.
A closet writer might feel they don't know enough about the craft and until they know all there is to know they remain in seclusion. I'm not sure if there is anyone out there who knows it all. Well, maybe King, Patterson or Nora. Only they can answer that question. The point being, the majority of writers will openly admit that they don't know everything and that they learn something new all the time. Join the club that strives to be better at their craft.
My writing sucks. It very well could, but are you the best judge? You've read and studied and wrote and edited. Now it's time to trust yourself and share your work. If a critique offers constructive advice, weigh it, and then accept it or not. In the end, it's your story. There is no greater joy for a writer than when a reader enjoys your work. The only way to know that joy is to share your gift.
There are those who really, really want to be a writer but struggle to do the work required. Writing is hard work and takes a huge amount of time. Completing a work is possible a word at a time. Commit to the work, or perhaps another hobby would be better for you.
I'm fortunate. I'm a writer who has had the support of family and friends for many years, but that wasn't always the case. I once was a closet writer. I was told that my dreams of becoming a published writer were stupid and thus I hid my passion. Now, when I read the notebooks I filled during that time, I cringe at the darkness that shadowed my life.
One day, I finally broke and said to myself, "This is my life and I don't want to look back and wonder what if I'd taken one step. Would my dreams have come true?" That was a year of change for me on many levels. It was a hard trial but through it I learned I had the support of many family members. I read craft books. I joined a writer's group. I wrote and wrote and wrote. I attended conferences and workshops. I found more support through my writer friends. I met the man of my dreams and he became my biggest supporter. I will love him forever for letting me be me.
Life doesn't give us do-overs, but it does give us second chances. Take the step toward being you.
33 Comments
Posted by Tina Joyce Beckett Dec 11 2013, 2:01 am in craft, writer's journey, writing tools
So I've had this love affair with grammar ever since I can remember. In school, I relished writing research papers and making sure the punctuation and sentence structure were just right. I cherished being able to tell the difference between an adjective and an adverb. I loved the way sentence diagrams looked laid out on the page. How orderly my little world seemed. Everything had its place. I made good grades, because I always tried to follow the rules. If I wasn't sure of something, I could go to my trusty little grammar book and look it up.
Then I started writing for fun. I wrote manuscripts, entered contests, and picked up six critique partners along the way. And almost overnight, my world became a messy place. Why? Because the rules that once governed my writing, no longer applied—at least not as rigidly as they once did. So I'm here to mourn the loss of seven of my favorite rules:
So that's my list. How about you? Are there any grammar rules you've left behind and wished you hadn't? Or do you find ways to have your cake and eat it too? Don't get me wrong, I don't think breaking the rules should be an excuse for sloppy writing. As the old saying goes…you have to know the rules before you can break them. I admit I do miss the days when everything was cut and dried. I still tend to be a rule follower in real life, which creates a dilemma for me when I write. But <insert evil laugh at conjunction usage> I now tend to just shrug and move on to my next sentence fragment.
29 Comments
Posted by Dani Wade Apr 30 2013, 1:34 am in Dani Wade, Finding Her Rhythm, inspiration, muse, romantic suspense, Ruby Release, taking risks, writer's journey
One of the joys of my Indie-publishing endeavors is being able to write a book how it wants to be written– let the characters lead me and follow them without restraints (or into restraints, if that's where they want to go). My editors have led my Harlequin books in great directions, strengthening them and my skills. But there are just certain things Harlequin books don't do. So Indie publishing lets me explore different aspects of my creativity.
In this case, I was able to follow the leading of my hero – my rock star hero.
When I first envisionsed Michael Korvello, little voices nagged at me. There's a long-held rumor that editors don't want Rock Stars. They aren't popular enough. But still he hung around – that bad boy, brooding rocker attracted to the anti-thesis of his high profile lifestyle, his nanny.
I just couldn't get him out of my mind, and before long, despite the push and pull of my first print release and new proposals, I had the full-blown story of a man who was lonely but afraid of revealing his true nature. And a woman so battered by life that trust had been all but obliterated – especially for a first rate performer.
So I chose to follow my characters and discovered a world beneath a world. The performer who wants to be seen and loved as a real man. A family who misses him. A woman who learns to trust him to protect her. A brother who teases and torments him, but who always has his back – on and off the road.
They took me on a journey and I enjoyed every minute! (Well, until I reached revisions.) A journey of a family trying to find each other again, and a man hell bent on using his sexual talents to teach a woman everything that she's capable of, and everything they can be together.
So let's celebrate those fun journeys we get to take when we follow wherever our characters lead! Share the last "fun" discovery you made about your book/characters while writing!
One commenter will win a giftie! An Amazon or B&N giftcard for a new journey of discovery.
Posted by Dani Wade Apr 19 2013, 12:01 am in balance, Day Jobs, taking risks, writer's advice, writer's journey, writer's life
When I first joined RWA, I read time and again: when people ask what you do, tell them you're an author. Own it and be proud of yourself. I do and I am. It's a lot easier when I can follow up with "and my first book will be on the shelves in August 2013," but I've become very comfortable talking with others about my writing. Readers and non-readers.
But I recently ran into a situation that made me think twice.
From the time I started writing, I've had to work up the courage to tell people I was an author. I still vividly remember the nervous churning in my stomach when I told my husband I wanted to write my first book. I'm a lucky woman. He was supportive of me as so many people have been along the way. Being outed as a romance writer at a church women's retreat broke me of a lot of worry, since having 40 people take turns asking, "What do you write?" creates a bit of a thick skin.
But I've now found myself actively deciding to keep my authordom a secret. Only in one place – my new day job. I work in an office with six women, but only 2 of them know I write. Why keep it a secret? An upper management boss who only proves more and more how much of a problem this would be with her. She's extremely conservative and holds to an old-school level of professionalism. She finds something to criticize, no matter how small. That shirt's a little too low in the front. Those shoes aren't professional enough. That subject is too personal for the office. While I wouldn't lie if asked directly, I'm not going out of my way to "share".
As more time passes, I realize how much of my true self I'm hiding each day. I'm living a double life and not very happy about it. So much of myself is tied up in my writing. I find it very hard not to share my writing triumphs with my fellow workers. To not mention when my characters are giving me a hard time while everyone talks about their rough days. I even have to keep mum about my plans for the weekends, since "writing, writing, and more writing" might raise some eyebrows. But I draw the line at hiding my writing on my lunch break. I usually have a notebook or laptop and what I'm doing on my time is no one's business – and no one has asked directly yet. Much to my surprise. That particular boss has caught me in the break room and asked questions about my laptop, but draws short of questioning what I'm actually working on.
I haven't decided exactly what I'll say when she asks. Not because I'm ashamed of my writing, or what I write, but because I don't want to be hassled over something that's none of her business.
So my question for all of you is: When do you tell? When do you not? Are there certain situations you avoid, or have you become comfortable enough to share indiscriminently?
I'll check in on my lunch break and after work! Another thing I'm not allowed at this job is personal use of the internet, which I understand a lot more but is very hard when I'd like to be playing with all of you!!!
Posted by Vanessa Barneveld Apr 12 2013, 12:01 am in perseverance, writer's journey, writer's life
Are you, like me, sitting by the telephone waiting for that special editor to woo you with a three-book deal? Wondering if your ears are burning not because you have a medical condition but because an entire acquisitions committee is discussing your stellar publishing future? Four of my manuscripts have done the rounds of New York, so I know it's hard not to obsess over that life-changing Call. I find a watched pot never boils, and similarly, a watched phone does not ring. (Actually, my phone did once ring when I happened to be staring at it, but the caller was a telemarketer asking if I was happy with my mobile service.) So how do you cope with submission obsession? The key is to keep busy. I know a few tricks to help you productively pass the time while you're on Call waiting.
Plot your next book (and, hey, write it, too) – This trick is self-explanatory, but so important because plotting, researching and writing a new manuscript keeps you very busy. Not only that, you learn from every book you write. And the more books you write, the more chances you have of selling.
Write short stories – A friend once told me the best way to keep your skills sharp is to write short stories because it teaches you to right tight. Short stories are…um, short. So if you're between books, this is the perfect time to develop a short story. You could submit to the magazine market, or self-publish an anthology by yourself or with a band of authors.
Figure out your place in the cyber world and build your brand – A web presence is essential these days. Agents, publishers, readers – they all want to find you online in some capacity. Do you want a website? Can you keep up a regular blog? Gather a Twitter following? Choose an option that will best suit your personality, available time, and financial position.
Get organised – Tidy up your workspace. Get your files in order. Stock up on stationery. Draw up a submissions spreadsheet. Ask yourself if your method of writing is really working for you. Do you need to try a new M.O. for your next project?
Choices, choices – There's more than one way to get published. Ever looked into going indie? Self-publishing may suit your next book or your current book. Or maybe a book from your past that can be updated and readied for the e-marketplace.
Brush up with a writing course – Need help with characterisation? Plotting? Members of Romance Writers of America can "attend" RWA University. Some classes are free. You can also participate in online/offline chapter courses and short courses offered by community colleges.
Get a new hobby – If you're writing for publication, then consider it your job, not your hobby. Someone smart once said you have to experience life in order to write fiction. Keep yourself refreshed and well rounded by immersing yourself in another activity. One of my favourite new pastimes is baking cakes for friends and colleagues. Cake-eating is making me incredibly well rounded, if you know what I mean. I guess I have to be careful not to let the baking and eating take precedence over writing.
Forgetaboutit! Once my agent sends a book out to editors, I trick myself into forgetting all about it. I have a memory like a sieve, so this is easier for me than it is for most people. One thing you do have to remember is that the book is out of your hands now. You've worked hard to make it shiny and marketable and the best it can be. Let your work speak for itself. In the meantime, see trick number one – plot and write your next book!
This song is dedicated to all of you patient authors out there waiting for the call — Call Me by Blondie.
How do you cope with being on submission? If you're a published author, how do you pass the time when you're waiting for word from your editor or agent?
My infamous "low cake." I'm working on improvements while I wait for The Call.
Chocolate Frangelico brownies
67 Comments
Posted by Dani Wade Jan 8 2013, 1:00 am in craft, inspiration, reading, writer's advice, writer's journey, writer's life
How many times have you stood in a group of writers and heard this:
"I never have time to read anymore."
"It's been a year since I've read anything besides my own work."
"I don't read because (insert reason here). But that's okay."
Um, no. It isn't.
I've heard statements like these aplenty through the years and they've always made me a little sad. It wasn't until I found myself in the same boat that I started to examine this phenomenon. There are so many excuses for us, as writers, to not read, and the majority of them boil down to one basic reason: TIME.
But I've begun to question: Will our writing/creativity suffer if we don't read?
Reading for pleasure should be a treasured gift to writers. After all, the majority of us came to writing through reading. But it also allows writers to:
1. Re-experience what its like for a reader to get "lost in a book". We all have memories of this magical phenomena, but the more distant the recollection, the less the potency. Reaffirm your own wish for your readers by returning to your reading roots.
2. Absorb new techniques – not by "studying/dissecting" the written word, but through effortless osmosis. Just like we did before we ever started writing. Later, after you come out the other side of the story, you can ask yourself why you loved the characters or what kept you turning the page. But relax and let your writer's eye take knowledge in while your reader's brain is fully engaged.
3. Doing anything you enjoy, sparking your imagination, refills the creative well that gets drained with every project you invest yourself in. It relaxes you, opens your creativity to possibilities, and generally brings us to that peaceful place where we can create without straining or overburdening ourselves.
4. Being a writer doesn't mean forsaking those things we enjoy. If we do, then our writing suffers. This quote from NYT bestselling author Linda Howard explains this very well:
The fact is, being a writer doesn't mean you have no life other than writing, any more than being a schoolteacher means you live in the classroom and do nothing else. Our lives are just like everyone else's, other than the writing part. We still have dentist appointments, need flu shots, have fender-benders and children (not sure there's a difference <G>). Those things — normal as they are — are stressful enough without throwing in the added stress of feeling frantic because they're taking away from our writing time. We still need to enjoy ourselves. We're driven by some weird internal chemistry, but we need to give ourselves a break.
Life happens to everyone. It's here for us to live, and we should live it, because otherwise we've thrown away the most precious part of our writing. If we give up doing what we enjoy, whether it's reading or taking long walks or anything else, we've given away a precious spark that makes us more human. Yeah, you may write a more technically perfect manuscript if you devote every free hour to it, but if you really live, you'll be able to write a more vital, human manuscript — and, as a reader, I can tell you that I'd rather read a book where the characters come alive, than one that's technically perfect but is as limp as uncooked bacon.
That about says it all…don't you think?
While I know all of this is true, TIME is still an issue. Believe me, as a writer with a full-time day job and a family, I know this is true. So let me share some strategies for fitting reading into a very busy life.
1. Read a little each night before bed or to unwind after work. If you're the type of reader who can string out a good book, twenty minutes a day would work well for you. Give you a little boost at the end of a long day.
2. Another option for this type of reader is to carry a book in your purse and read while waiting in line, out to eat, etc. Fill those little pockets of time with the yumminess of good characters and thrilling plots.
3. I, unfortunately, can't read a short time and put an interesting book down. I'm more of a binge reader, so I've set up a reward day (or weekends for big projects) when I give myself permission to indulge. Some reward-worthy tasks include finishing a rough draft, after revisions, after completing a writing challenge, or after a set period of strenuous writing. Then I can dip into a new book guilt-free (mostly) and come back to my own writing refreshed.
4. Set up a regular date night – just yourself and your new favorite book. Whether its once a week, every two weeks, or one weekend a month, mark your calendar for a regular reading time as a reminder that its important (and essential to your creative function) to enjoy some downtime.
So as a writer, do you still read? Let's talk about the whys, the why nots…and how you work reading into your writing schedule.
34 Comments
Posted by Autumn Jordon Sep 20 2012, 12:01 am in Autumn Jordon, characterization, craft, golden heart, inspiration, Movitation, muse, Point Of View, Seasonings, Seasons, writer's advice, writer's journey, writer's life, writing romance, writing tips, writing tools
If you're thinking this blog is about setting, you're totally wrong. Maybe I should've changed the title so you wouldn't have thought so, but after I started brainstorming ideas for a blog it actually fit.
My original idea was to write about two lessons I learned many years ago from my creative writing professor which, yes, would've pertained to setting, but then two of my Ruby sisters had also mentioned on our private loop that they planned blogs about the subject. Although I knew we'd approach the subject matter from different angles, I kind of figured our readers would say enough already. So I'll save my thoughts on setting for another time.
Anyway, going back to my creative writing classes— since I know you're all dying to know what they were—the first one was free writing. We all know what that is, right? You just write whatever comes to mind without stopping for a length of time and the writing doesn't need to follow rhythm or reason. It's a way of freeing your muse. Thinking about that lesson helped me put a twist on the second lecture, which was setting sense and had to do with experiencing your world, and 'Wala' I think I came up with unique tutorial for our awesome followers.
41 Comments
Posted by Hope Ramsay Aug 7 2012, 12:01 am in craft, inspiration, writer's advice, writer's journey, writing romance, writing tips, writing tools
In the middle of May, I took some time off from my hellish work schedule for a retreat, up in the mountains of North Carolina. The occasion was a weekend hosted by singer-songwriter David Wilcox. As always, listening to David's music recharges my batteries. But I have to say that the most surprising and inspiring moments of this year's retreat came during a workshop for songwriters given by Laura Hope-Gill, a North Carolina poet. (http://laurahopegill.blogspot.com/)
Laura spoke of the alchemy of the writing process. And her discussion of alchemy has led me on an interesting writer's journey.
28 Comments
Posted by Sara Ramsey Mar 29 2012, 12:01 am in craft, ebook, Ruby Release, writer's journey
Today was supposed to be my release day for SCOTSMEN PREFER BLONDES. Yay! Except…it's not. It's awesome that a self-published author can get a book out quickly, but I'm still learning how to estimate publication dates so that I don't overpromise and underdeliver (as I did in this case, sigh). I'm currently waiting to get the book back from my formatter, so it should be up in the next two weeks. And there will be much rejoicing throughout the land (or at least my apartment) when that happens!
In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to share my writing process for this book. Or lack of process – it depends on what you think 'process' should be. If you've had a book turn into a nightmare of rewrites and revisions, read on – we can commiserate together. Here's a brief timeline:
November 2004: I started a NaNoWriMo project about a woman whose mother arranges for her to marry a Scottish earl. I got ~10000 words into the story before life (in the form of Thanksgiving dinner for forty people) intervened.
2005-2007: I kept working on this project in fits and starts, but I spent six months in India and three months in Ireland for work, and life kept getting in the way. Excuses, excuses…but I knew that the story was about a woman who secretly wrote Gothic romances, and her fear that marriage would prevent her from ever writing again. Malcolm and Amelia's characters were pretty set at this point, even if my feelings about the plot were "who needs plot when you have long, endless banter!" Ha.
2008: I took a leave of absence from the day job and finished the book (then called AN INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE) in time to enter it in the 2009 Golden Heart contest. Then I started querying like mad and overmedicating myself with coffee/chocolate/wine while I waited to hear back.
2009: I finaled in the Golden Heart and became a Ruby!! (which, to be honest, was one of the best parts of this whole journey). I also signed with a fabulous agent shortly after finaling, and eventually went on to win the Regency category.
2010: We heard back from the last editor who had the book, and even though she'd taken it to the acquisitions team, they declined it. I wailed and gnashed my teeth and tore my garments (or, rather, drank wine and had a surly NCIS marathon). Then I wrote ONE NIGHT TO SCANDAL, which eventually became the book that came out two months ago (HEIRESS WITHOUT A CAUSE).
2011: HEIRESS WITHOUT A CAUSE finaled in the Golden Heart (yay!) but didn't sell to a publishing house (boo!). So my agent and I agreed that I would self-publish. I blithely said I would release HEIRESS and SCOTSMEN back to back, since they were already done. Stupid. Here's what really happened:
October 2011: Oooh! I can't wait to revisit SCOTSMEN and fix a few little things!
November 2011: There are more things to fix than I thought there were [note my utter disregard of plot when I first wrote it]…but I think I can salvage almost all of it.
December 2011: I'll rewrite the first half and salvage the second. And I'll numb the pain by watching several seasons of "Doctor Who" and eating every Midwestern delicacy my mother can feed me over Christmas.
January 2012: Maybe I'll rewrite the second half too…
February 2012: What the %*#& have I done?! Is this a Frankenstein's monster? Or is it actually better? I don't know anymore – I can't see the manuscript anymore through my tangled, unwashed hair. It's at this point that I hired a freelance editor who worked at HQN/MIRA for several years, and she assured me that it wasn't a monster (although she might have felt differently if she'd seen my hair).
March 2012: I finished the rewrite! Yay! I estimate I kept ~5% of the original book. But it's way better, and there's actually a plot, which is kind of exciting. Then I sent it off to the formatter, and as soon as I get it back from them, it will be up on Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Kobo.
This whole process was painful, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. However, I'm certainly glad that I did it. I could have taken the shortcut and just fixed a few continuity details before putting the book up – and I'll admit I was tempted. But even though speed and prolific output is important when self-publishing, it was important to me to put out the best book possible. That's why I hired a book formatter rather than doing it myself; I could have done it myself, and the book would have come out on time, but the formatter will produce something better and prettier and more professional than what I'm currently capable of.
I'm also coming to realize and accept that writing a whole book, and then tearing it apart and rewriting it, may be my process. I don't want to admit that — I want to be the writer who can write a book once, do a couple of editing passes, and be done. But I think that I'm just enough of a pantser that I have to feel my way through the book on the first draft, and then rewrite it all once I have a better view of where the characters are going.
I could go on endlessly about process, but I'll spare you. If you do want to hear more, though, I recently did an Authors@Google talk in which the interviewer asked me about process, self-publishing, and leaving the day job – you can watch it here:
Do you have any projects sitting under your bed that you want to revisit? Have you rewritten something you wrote years ago? Or is your process totally different? I would love to hear about your projects – and a lucky commenter will win a copy of SCOTSMEN PREFER BLONDES (any available format) as soon as it comes out!
Sara Ramsey writes fun, feisty Regency historical romance. Her first book in the Muses of Mayfair series, HEIRESS WITHOUT A CAUSE, is out now on Amazon, Nook, and Kobo. Her second book, SCOTSMEN PREFER BLONDES, will release in early April. You can find more information about her writing (and participate in her current contest for chances to win books, gift cards, etc.) at www.sararamsey.com.
40 Comments
Posted by Anne Marie Becker Nov 16 2011, 12:01 am in Anne Marie Becker, attitude, writer's journey, writer's life
One of my Facebook friends posts almost daily about how grateful he is for his life. He calls it "LIG'g it." Translation: Living in Gratitude. I find his attitude infectious. What's more, I want to spread the infection and make the whole world one big love fest, populated by people with a genuine joie de vivre. Especially at this time of year.
With Thanksgiving so close, I've been thinking how to spread this "Living in Gratitude" attitude into other areas of my life. Each day, I try to consider what I'm grateful for in my everyday life. I'm fortunate that it's a long list, but the basics are:
Then, I thought about what it means to be a grateful writer. Sure, we deal with rejection and criticism (sometimes the sharpest knife is the self-criticism – wield it with care). Yes, we must steel ourselves against the negatives, but how often do we think about the positives of being a writer?
The Creative Stuff:
The Practical Stuff:
I am grateful for all of the above. And I believe that giving thanks and finding appreciation on a regular basis is what keeps inspiration alive within us. After all, what is the journey worth if we're not stopping to enjoy the ride?
In honor of the season of Thanksgiving, let's start a love fest… what are you grateful for as a writer and/or reader?
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| Email | Full Article (TrendHunter.com/id/67343) |
Rihanna shows off her catty style as she sports Jeremy Scott's Snow Leopard Hoodie. The hoodie isn't only clad in an all-over animal print, but it also has little ears on the hood and even a tail in the back to really bring out your wild side.
Rihanna definitely looks like she has having fun with the Snow Leopard Hoodie while she was promoting her latest album in Seoul, Korea. Check out the princess of hip-hop rocking her ferocious hoodie in the gallery above!


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Editors' Top PicksSee All
In an age where gadgets grow even more complicated, it's comforting to know that you can buy a cell phone that's just a phone. Every once in a while, AT&T quietly rolls out a basic handset for its Go Phone prepaid service that eschews most high-end features and is all about making calls. One of its latest models is the LG CG180. Exceedingly simple in form and function, the CG180 does exactly what a phone should do while offering a speakerphone, a Web browser, and simple organizer applications. We had a few quibbles with its design but we could find few faults with its call quality. The LG CG180 is just $39.99, but you can get it for as low as $19.99 with a mail-in rebate.
The CG180's design takes us back to an earlier time when cell phones were nothing but rectangles with a display and keypad. With its blue color scheme, internal antenna, and clean lines the CG180 doesn't call attention to itself; however, you know right away that it's a phone. It's compact (3.91 inches by 1.77 inches by 0.58 inch) and extremely lightweight (2.37 ounces). Yet we have to say that the plastic casing feels a tad flimsy. Though we know that the CG180 is designed to be an inexpensive, simple handset, it doesn't have the sturdiest feel. What's more, the battery cover is difficult to remove. The external speaker sits on the rear face of the phone, and the left spine holds the headset port/charger jack.
On the upside, the CG180 is extremely easy to use. The 65,000-color display isn't the largest (1.51 inches) or the most vibrant (128x128 pixels) screen around, but it's perfectly serviceable. The menu interface is easy, and we liked that you could adjust the backlighting time and the contrast. The font size is rather small and can't be changed, so users with visual impairments should test the phone before buying.


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Ranger debuts website for its aluminum boats
Posted on Written by Michael LaBellaRanger Boats recently launched RangerAluminum.com, a website devoted solely to the brand's all-new lineup of aluminum boats.
The new site will initially cover the Tournament Series. In the coming weeks subsequent pages will focus on the Apache Series. The new designs can be accessed directly at www.rangeraluminum.com or through links on Ranger's primary home page, www.rangerboats.com.
Ranger said the aluminum-boat website offers an in-depth look at the features and configuration options for each model. In addition to overhead photography, interior details and a complete listing of all specs and standard equipment, the site will also feature entertaining and educational videos and product reviews.
Boat buyers will be able to outfit and price their boats by selecting from a list of custom options and multiple outboard power configurations.
"So many anglers enter the boating lifestyle by purchasing an aluminum fishing boat," Keith Daffron, Ranger vice president of sales, said in a statement. "We're excited to offer these customers an affordable, durable product paired with the Ranger name and the long list of 5-Star advantages that come with it."
Click here for the full release.
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Articles tagged with: How to
Dropbox "Has Not Been Hacked" But They Urge You to Change Your Passwords Anyway.
Many iPhoneographers use cloud-based storage service Dropbox to store, transfer, and share photos. 7,000,000 Dropbox passwords may have been breached. Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your data.
Updating to iOS 7: An iPhoneographer's Guide
Life In LoFi's hands-on guide to upgrading to iOS 7. More than any previous iOS update, iOS 7 will break things that you may depend on. I took the plunge early. Here's what you need to know.
Cool Link: Perspective Correction – A short guide to perspective distortion and correction in photography.
"Why are my buildings falling over?" iPhoneographer Misho Baranovic explains perspective, linear distortion, and more — and how to correct it.
Cool Link: Create Your Own iPhone Photo Filter Library Using Hipstamatic, by Geri Centonze
Over at our friends iPhone Life Magazine, iPhoneographer Geri Centonze shares a way to use Hipstamatic to create iPhone photo filters for other apps.
iPhone 101: Easy (and Free) iPhone Remote Shutter Release
Every iPhone and iPad sold comes with a remote shutter release for the camera. This is a basic iPhone photo tip, but if you haven't seen it before it's a great one.
Black & White 101, by Sid Peña
There is something magical about a great black & white photograph. The tools have simplified the process but knowing when to process for color or for black and white isn't always apparent. Photographer Sid Peña's tutorial on shooting black and white photographs and getting the best results.
Cool Tip: Using LensFlare Studio With Photoshop
Here's a cool tip recently posted to the LensFlare Studio Facebook page. It's a quick and slick tip for using LensFlare Studio to add great-looking lens aberrations with Photoshop.
Firm Favourites: Getting the most out of your Hipstamatic, by Fiona Christian
It's no secret that Hipstamatic app has many thousands of happy users the world over. Many of them however, are a little mystified by some of its features. The 'Favourites' feature is perhaps, the most useful and yet the most under-used of all. Here's how to get the most out of it.
Cool Link: Dilshad's Story
iPhoneographer Dilshad Corleone is featured in this great, inspirational, well-shot video with some great advice for shooting, composing and telling a story with an image.
A Photographer's View of Jailbreaking IOS6 Devices
If you want super quick access to your iPhone camera, to add amazing spot metering to the generic camera or to take pictures without anyone knowing, as well as some cool non-photographic tweaks, then 'Jailbreaking' your iPhone or other device may be for you.
What Exactly Does Cortex Camera Do?
We get questions. "What exactly does Cortex Camera do?" Cortex Camera is actually a pretty cool app to have in certain situations, including low-light situations and others where reduced noise is desirable.
IncrediBooth Outside the Booth, by Fiona Christian
The rapid-fire, four image strip was designed for facial portraiture. However, for photographers who think outside the booth, some forethought can produce interesting results.


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More reviews by one_life_lover
I love this mascara, it was super cheap & easy to apply. My lashes are fuller & separate but it does nothing for the length. I would but this again without a second thought. I love that it has black on one end & shimmer on the other--I haven't used the shimmer very often because I'm not into the glittery lashes but it is subtle enough for those who don't like the flashly look of glitter in their makeup.
I paid $1 during the Sephora after holidays sale and after using it I understand why they sold it so cheaply. One side is a black mascara and the other side is a shimmery, glitter mascara in either gold or silver. It is a terrible mascara. It smears, rubs off, and flakes. The shimmery side does not even show up at all. I tossed it in the trash.
I got this on sale at Sephora.com for $1. I figured for that price, I could deal with a dud. However, I really like it! The mascara is a normal black, but seems to really lengthen my lashes and goes on without clumping. The silver glitter applies better when the black is completely dry, and really, it isn't a dramatic look. It is a very subtle shimmer in your lashes. However, several people noticed and complimented me on my shimmery lashes! The silver topcoat does seem to compromise the lenght of your lashes, however. All that length I got from just the black was gone. This mascara wears well without scattering glitter over your cheeks. The packagine is honestly pretty generic.I've seen higher quality from really low-end drugstore brands. Overall, though, I was pleased and if it's available I will purchase this product again.
Horrible purchase. Mascara is poor and the glitter doesn't show up at all. Do not buy!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I bought this in the silver/black combo. It is a double-ended mascara tube with black mascara on one side and a glittery silver mascara on the other side. For about $14 I was suckered in by the promise of shimmery silver lashes. But not only was the black mascara nothing to write home about, the silver never showed up, no matter how many times I applied. This gimmick mascara doesn't work--skip it.


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EA has released a new Dead Space 3 trailer showing off the ways you'll be able to tackle the latest entry in Visceral's action horror series.
Dubbed Two Ways to Play, it shows how events differ depending on whether you play the game solo or with a co-op partner.
Once you've checked it out, you can read our latest hands-on impressions with the game (and Kinect) in this newly published Dead Space 3 preview.
EA has confirmed a Dead Space 3 release date of February 5, 2013 in North America and February 8, 2013 in Europe.
Pre-orders net users a copy of the Dead Space 3 Limited Edition, which includes a number of bonus items.


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Fri, Jul 25, 14 at 20:20
Its size and shape is similar to that of a mature, flowering heuchera, and it has spiky balls with each spike a separate seed. |
Follow-Up Postings:
Geum canadense |
Native perennial, not a shrub. |
- Posted by Guinnevtra 7 (My Page) on Sat, Jul 26, 14 at 8:25
Thanks!! It is growing in my mother in laws pots, and Ive been collecting seeds. The leaf shapes are lovely! |
You may want to rethink the seed collection. Although it is native it is considered a weed in gardens by many people since it self seeds so widely. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Geum canadense
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text: Whitney Mountain Chapel Ozarks Region Calculate Trip Save to foursquare Get Directions Overview:Located on Oak Ridge Drive, off Lodge Drive, in Lost Bridge Village; open for visitation every day noon to 4 p.m., May through October. Weddings and special groups welcome. Address: Whitney Mountain Chapel 12598 Lodge Drive Garfield, AR 72732-9709 Phone: 479-359-3892 GPS: N36.4062000 W93.9188000 Miscellaneous No Smoking On or Near: Beaver Lake


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You can purchase a 'non-owners' SR-22 insurance policy.
You will need the insurance company to file this with the state of Tennessee. An SR-22 insurance policy is generally a motor vehicle Liability insurance policy required for reinstatement after your driver's license has been suspended or revoked. SR-22 insurance is uniquely suited for these situations, because it requires the insurance company to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles if the policy is canceled, terminated, or lapses. If any of these things happen, your license will typically be suspended until the policy is brought current or reinstated. Under the laws of most states, you must carry SR-22 insurance for a certain period (often three years) after the end of your suspension or revocation.
Non-owners insurance is meant to give coverage to a motorist liability protection for when they are at fault in an accident but do not own a vehicle. Non-owners policies can typically include Liability, Medical Payments, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverages.
Non owner policies generally do not include Comprehensive, Collision, Towing Reimbursement, or Rental Reimbursement coverage. A non-owner's policy of a driver would normally be secondary to the insurance put on the vehicle by the owner. This means the car owner of the vehicle you are borrowing would be primary and your non owner's policy would only be used if their limits were exceeded and your insurance was needed as secondary or excess insurance.
If you do not own a car nor is there a vehicle owned by anyone in your household that you could use to obtain insurance on and want to get a non-owners policy, you first will need to find an auto insurance carrier that offers this type of policy. Then you will need to meet the underwriting criteria of that insurance provider.
You can obtain a FREE insurance quote here to see how much it will cost you to get an SR-22 for Tennessee.


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Small warning, the first bullet talks about church, etc., but it's not really about "religion"
• Modern Christianity: He and I were discussing his class from church. They learned of the end days, those written about in Revelations. When he got to the part of the people who weren't God's chosen, those receiving a "mark", he told me, those people would get a microchip implanted. • We were walking and talking at the grocery store, until he stopped at the bin filled with watermelons. I assume he was searching for the ever forbidden ice he likes to play in. I leaned over and asked him what he was doing. He said, "Looking for the holes." "Holes? What holes?" "You know, how they get the seeds out." I explained how they cross-pollinated over and over until they produced seedless watermelons, and he understood it, but I sure am laughing at the little guy! Yes, truly at. I sure do love him! |
Follow-Up Postings:
He has a droll way to look at things, hasn't he? |
- Posted by west_gardener (My Page) on Mon, Aug 23, 10 at 21:30
Interesting, about a new way of Modern Christianity. Sigh, so the church is still teaching about " God's chosen ones". Wow, microchip implanted. It used to be a scarlet letter etc. We have to listen to LF, he is our future and I don't know where he is getting all this "new" stuff. |
No, no! :) that wasn't the church. It was totally LF's way of solving the problem. He is a big science fiction fan. |
Sometimes "words of wisdom" truly come from little children. LF sounds as if he's already a thinker! |
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Mon, Jun 9, 14 at 14:27
Hi and thank you for the advise! I live in Central Oregon, elevation 3000ft., high desert. I have a clump aspen and another single aspen next to it (different stock). They are about 10 year old and 20-30 ft tall. My clump aspen is unhealthy and the single aspen is in great shape. Last year aphids attacked the clump, I treated it and hoped it would pull out this year; no such luck. I treated it again about a month ago with Baer tree and shrub insect control, but the leaves are small, pale green to yellow, brown. Many of the leaves, although not all, have sticky sap dots on them. I'm watering it more now because I was concerned it wasn't getting enough water and I additionally pounded in some miracle grow tree stakes around drip line of tree. Long story short; do you think the aspen has any other issues besides aphids and why would they attack one tree but not another? I don't see any aphids on the leaves by the way, so I'm hoping the sap is just leftovers, although the tree(s) is not springing back. Does anyone have recommendations to improve health? Thank you so very much, great site!!! Suzi |
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- Posted by ken_adrian MI z5 (My Page) on Mon, Jun 9, 14 at 17:28
based on the pic provided.. i am stymied ... having used a systemic.. there is NOTHING you can do, chem wise .. for upwards of a year ... ken |
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Mo-Ranch (http://moranch.com), near San Antonio, Texas, USA
Participant Categories & Dates
Senior Youth (ages 18-35): August 1 to August 7
Adults (ages 18+) & Junior Youth (ages 5-17): August 3 to August 7
General Registration
After May 1, 2013
Senior Youth (USD 325), Adults (USD 300), Junior Youth (USD 275)
Early Registration
Before April 30, 2013, 12:00 AM Central Time
Senior Youth (USD 275), Adults (USD 250), Junior Youth (USD 225)
We considered online payments, but the processing fees were too much! Based on your location, we are accepting checks as mentioned below:
- USA: Payable to AW Gayatri Pariwar, Houston at 19515 Cisco Court, Cypress TX 77433 USA
- Canada: Payable to Gayatri Pariwar- Yugnirman, Canada at 28 Cassis Dr, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9V4Z6 Canada
Registration Forms
- [Closed] Submit Online. Save a tree, avoid delays and fat fingers. OR
- Print and Send (PDF, 208 KB). Email completed scanned forms to email@example.com or mail it with the payment.
Day Pass
If you can't attend the camp for its entire duration, you can choose to participate on a daily basis. Please review the Day Pass details carefully and confirm your spot.
Collective Sadhana
As you know, tons of hard work goes in organizing an event like this. We've got uber dedicated volunteers engaged already but kindly request your positive energy for making this camp memorable! Please join us from Vasant Panchami (February 15) to Guru Purnima (July 22) in the following initiatives:
- Write Surya Gayatri Mantra: 16 Mantras daily, for a total of 2400.
- Chant Gayatri Mantra with Param Pujya Gurudev: 24 times (13 minutes 34 seconds) daily. Download MP3 (2.32 MB) or Windows Media Audio (12.4 MB) formats.
Please review the detailed explanation about this campaign, including the Mantra page template, and a pledge form.
Awaken the Eternal Energy Within!
Each of us has been endowed with immense strength, courage, determination, curiosity, optimism, discipline and conscientiousness. These qualities are essential to succeed in every aspect of life, be it personal, professional or spiritual, and yet, they lie deep within us, dormant - the goal is to awaken them. On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary, let's respond to his clarion call – "Arise! Awake! Stop not till the goal is achieved!" Join us to learn, practice and experience the art and science of awakening that dormant inner energy, that divinity within, which will help us manifest our full potential in every aspect of our lives.
Promotional Material
- Flyer – A4 size PDF 495 KB
- Video – YouTube, Windows Media Video 199 MB
- Souvenir Advertisement Pricing - PDF 38 KB
Frequent Asked Questions
- Done with registration already! How do I get to the camp site? We encourage road trips but if that's not your thing, we will transport you from and to, San Antonio International airport (SAT) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). South West Airlines will most likely be your best option for flights and they have great advance booking rates. Specific travel details will be coordinated and finalized after registrations are completed. Here are some preliminary guidelines for your flight booking:
- Arrival: On Aug 1 and Aug 3, we plan to leave for Mo-Ranch from Austin/San Antonio airports at 2 pm Central.
- Departure: On Aug 7, plan on flights from Austin/San Antonio airports departing after 4 pm Central.
- How can I help? Glad you asked!
- Complete and confirm your registration!
- Let us know what you are good at and we will loop you in!
- Join us in Collective Sadhana (details above)!
- How many people are you expecting? At least your family and friends! We have committed for 100 Senior Youth and 200 Adults & Junior Youth, but would love a challenge to accommodate a lot more.
- Isn't it HOT in Texas? Sure is, but don't worry, we will help you keep your tan!
- I've other commitments. I'll go to the other event instead. We understand but you already know this – there is nothing quite like this camp for several reasons:
- Gracious company and personal guidance of Respected Dr. Pranav Pandya & Respected Jiji, Respected Saints & Scholars. Ask the previous attendees about their unforgettable and life changing memories.
- Catch up with your family & friends! It's been a while!
- Rocking recreational activities!
- Southern hospitality (beats the previous camps hands down!). We are committed to you!
- See Day Pass information above, if you can't attend the entire duration.
- I really want to participate but the overall cost is too much! Let's talk, we are sure we can work something out! Also, please see Day Pass information above, if you can't attend the entire duration.
Contact Us
USA: Puneet 318.880.4055, Chaitanya 213.361.5211, Parag 469.586.6568
Canada: Jitesh 647.893.6335, Vartika 289.244.7770, Sharvil 647.200.0067


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Submitted by notquitesane on
About This Project
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Yigal Azrouël's woven skirt with cutout details is described as "a perfect style staple for the busy urbanite" and I could not agree more. I think it works beautifully with a sheer chiffon shirt for work and a chic leather jacket for a edgier weekend look.
for work: pair with a chiffon top, delicate accessories and a nude heel 1) Topshop chiffon top 2) Marc by Marc Jacobs watch 4) Kendra Scott ring 5) Gorjana necklace 6) F21 earrings 7) See by Chloe satchel 8) Yigal Azrouel skirt 9) Rebecca Minkoff heels
for weekend: pair with a leather jacket, punchy pop of color and cap toe flats 1) Rick Owens leather jacket (LUST!) 2) Kate Spade earrings 3) Gorjana ring 4) Topshop knit sweater 5) Rebecca Minkoff MAC clutch (love the ostrich effect) 6) Yigal Azrouel skirt 7) Topshop flats


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Title: | King David Lodge, No. 24, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Collection |
Creator: | King David Lodge No. 24 (Prince Hall) Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Kinston, North Carolina. |
Repository: | ECU Manuscript Collection |
Languages: | English |
Abstract: | F.W. Fisher's ledger 1901- 1909 of receipts, expenses, dues, and officer's reports of King's David Lodge No. 24 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Kinston, Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States. Anonymous Donor. |
Extent: | 0.1 Cubic feet, 5 items , financial documents and ephemera |
October 23, 2003, 6 items, 0.1 cubic feet; Financial Secretary W. W. Fisher's ledger (1901-1909, 1919) of receipts, expenses, dues, officers reports, and election returns of King David Lodge No. 24, A. F. & A. M. [Ancient Free and Accepted Masons], Kinston, Lenoir County, NC. Donor: Anonymous
No restrictions
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.
King David Lodge, No. 24, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Collection (#966), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Encoded by Mark Custer, March 26, 2008
Processed by: Brandon Zimmerman, April 2008 Dale Sauter 2008
King David Lodge No. 24 is an African American (Prince Hall) Masonic Lodge located in Kinston, NC. Listed officers of Lodge No. 24 for 1901-1909 include John Suggs, Spencer Smith, F.J. Jones, G.O. Morine, G. Bell, Mac Harris, Dr. C.H. Bynum, S.f., J.G. Bariton, J.O. Clark, R.C. Creech, L.J. Milican and F.I. Jones. Unfortunately, at this time, we have no complete history of the lodge. According to online sources the lodge still exists today.
Prince Hall is considered the founder of Black Masonry in the United States. Though concrete details do not exist, it is believed Hall was born in Barbados in 1748. Prince Hall and fourteen other free black men were initiated into Lodge # 441, Irish Constitution, attached to the 38th Regiment of Foot, British Army Garrisoned at Castle Williams (now Fort Independence) Boston Harbor on March 6, 1775. When the British Army left Boston, Hall and his brethren were granted authority to meet as a lodge, to go in procession on Saints John Day, and as a lodge to bury their dead. However, they could not confer degrees, and were not allowed perform any other Masonic activities. These members possessed these limited privileges for the next nine years. After petitioning the Grand Lodge of England for a charter, one was finally granted on September 29, 1784, under the name of African Lodge, # 459 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England by authority of then Grand Master, the Duke of Cumberland, delivered in Boston on April 29, 1787, by Captain James Scott, brother-in-law of John Hancock and Master of the Neptune. Prince Hall was appointed Grand Master, serving in this capacity until his death in 1807. In 1946, the Grand Lodge of England again extended recognition to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge but withdrew it the same year. In 1994, the Grand Lodge of England finally accepted a petition for recognition by Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Currently, there are over 4,500 Prince Hall lodges worldwide, consisting of over 300,000 members.
Source: http://www.mindspring.com/~johnsonx/whoisph.htm
The collection consists of Secretary F. W. Fisher's handwritten financial ledger and documents the membership of King David Lodge No. 24, a Prince Hall Masonic lodge in Kinston, NC. It records monthly dues paid from 1901-1905 (pgs 2-28). It also includes less detailed accounts of member's dues scattered between a few blank pages. The dues roll of members for each year range from 38 to 58 members, and also available are balancing figures for cash in hand of the treasurer to be deposited. Also included are four other related items inside the ledger. One of these items is a small ledger book (printed by C.F. Claytons Print, Tarboro, NC) entitled "Returns to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina" containing the names of all 60 lodge members. This book also identifies names of recently inducted masons, suspended and expelled members, those that have recently died, Masons recently moved to the area and non-members attending meetings. Also included in the ledger is a handwritten receipt from F.W Fisher's store documenting a purchase of canned corn beef, a dues card for member Theodore Brown, and a portion of a report (torn) documenting a collection of 50 cents from "I.O. order of Giddings."
Online access to this finding aid is supported with funds created through the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). These funds come through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services which is administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. This grant is part of the North Carolina ECHO, Exploring Cultural Heritage Online, Digitization Grant Program.


text:
Car Forums / Audi / Audi A8
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
High End Luxury Cars
topspin628 Posts: 373I know of 2 people who also had to resort to lemon law on the early new 7 series due to electronic issues. I'm surprised that BMW couldn't fix these issues. That said, I think they make an outstanding product. I owned an 01 330i that was great. Cars are so much more reliable today that even if they trail the Lexus in problems per car, that may translate into one trip to the service center vs none for the Lexus. I had to take my 3er in for a sticky gas pedal fix that a TSB was issued for.
It was done very quickly and I was back driving with a smile. My LS on the other hand has had 0 issues. Whatever car you decide to go for in the luxury sector, you should be fine on reliability (I think that 7 was really an aberration). In my opinion you should get the one that makes you happiest while driving.
While it is great security to know that the Lexus is "bullet proof", that aspect usually won't put a smile on your face while you are driving or when you get into the car. I don't think you could go wrong on the reliability front with any of the cars discussed in this forum-I think even the latest 7 series are OK now.
Keep us posted on your decision.
Good luck. -
shop123 Posts: 15thanks - I feel as if I have to make make a decision that will involve sacrifice somewhere. Either in performance or my wallet.
But, as far as the BMW is concerned it was not a unique situation. I know three other 7 series owners in the same boat. I was even warned before I purchased the beast. I was naive and thought the same as most in this discussion. However, in the long and arduous lemon process, BMW said they could NOT fix the bugs. Hence, I received a refund in lieu of a replacement vehicle. I would advise all to avoid BMW like the plague. -
dewey Posts: 5,243Hence, I received a refund in lieu of a replacement vehicle. I would advise all to avoid BMW like the plague.
Thanks but no thanks. I currently love being afflicted with that pestilence called the BMW plague and wouldn't have it any other way. In fact there are no two cars on this earth that provides the value of my BMW335i or my wife's BMW 5 series Touring. NONE whatsoever. And I intend to replace my 335i with a new generation M5 ( the third best value car on this planet earth). -
houdini1 Kansas City areaPosts: 6,103
esf Posts: 1,020I might sound biased, but I would go for the S550. The LS simply does not offer that all-around luxury car experience. It has no sporting pretensions- and having owned a BMW, I assume you'd like to have a car that can take a beating.
Mercedes dealers are hit-and-miss. I was looking at an E350 4Matic for my wife (though she wasn't with me that day), and my son and I waited twenty minutes until a service personell finally walked by us (the rest were in their cubicles, not noticing us, the only customers in the entire dealership), and my son grabbed them as he saw them walk by. The E350 was competent, but not the dealer. I know there's also some superb customer service at other dealers. As it turns out, I'm buying her an A8. Perfect for her- no hideously annoying last-generation COMAND system, AWD, backup camera (she has it on the RX now), intriguing air suspension, etc...
But the LS is nice, and I can see why you'd get it. But at this level, the S-Class is the only way to go. Why am I not getting it for her, then?
1. She doesn't really appreciate the design of the new Benz, and two of her friends just got them (both blk/blk, one of them 4Matic). It has to be an exclusive car, you know.
2. It's too big. I'm getting her a SWB A8. The car is half a foot shorter than the S-Class, which is only sold in LWB in the US.
3. It's too expensive. I'm not in the mood to spend almost $100K this year on a car she won't necessarily love.
4. It's too powerful. She's not exactly a skilled driver, and she might get herself killed in an S-Class, no matter how many high-tech safety features it may have. The A8 can be driven both like a Buick and like an M5, only with 150 less horsepower.
5. Finally, it's too feature-laden. I would sure appreciate some of the features this car packs, but she would never know how to use it.
Just my opinion.
Also- if you're getting an S, you must get the AMG bodykit. It's ridiculously priced ($6,000), but it makes the car that much more beautiful.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330 -
hpowders Posts: 4,269"I would advise all to avoid BMW like the plague."
Thanks for the warning. I was considering getting the 335i coupe next year, but since it would probably explode or at the very least, fall apart between the showroom and driving it to my chateau, I have crossed it off my list.
Always willing to listen to fine advice. You may have saved my life. Thanks again!
BMW's? How can anyone actually drive those things? Don't they know the risks? It takes all kinds, I guess. -
jcoby Posts: 140Of course it is a chink in Toyota's armor; I do not dispute this. However, it is quite a jump to say that Toyota and Lexus make more unsafe vehicles than any other manufacturer when that statement is not supported by the official IIHS press release or through an analysis of the data presented to the public via the IIHS database. The test in question is a rear-end protection test that many competing European models ALSO performed poorly in. The vehicle test pool alluded to in the official press release is far smaller than the universe of currently available models for 2007; if a vehicle performed poorly in any other IIHS tests, it was not even mentioned. The vehicles in question all have "Good" crash test ratings in every other measure by the IIHS. The vehicles in question actually received partial praise by even being included in the press release, but they simply did not make the cut of the coveted "Top Safety Pick" award.
The IIHS has not tested every currently available model and so any conjecture that Toyota and Lexus make more unsafe vehicles than any other manufacturer (without qualification) is not correct because not every model currently on the market has been tested.
Having said that, I do believe that the IIHS data would support the conjecture that Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes all make very safe vehicles overall -
tagman Malibu, CaliforniaPosts: 8,441First we ourselves are accused as spin masters and now Reuters/Bloomberg or whoever printed that story are also anti-TMC spin masters.
I hope this does not go to the World Court. I declare that I am innocent until proven guilty
Man, this forum sure lit up today. We need more studies for that day we all go to World Court... especially those studies that bring TMC down a notch in OVERALL ratings.
BTW, is it my imagination or did winter make an early sneak appearance this week?
TagMan -
houdini1 Kansas City areaPosts: 6,103Snow,10 degrees, 25 mph wind. I think it just stopped snowing. What a wierd storm. Total snow from 1 inch on the north side of KC to over a foot on the south side. About 6 inches at my house. Brrrr...
Look out, the storm is heading north and east.2013 LX 570 2010 LS 460 2002 Tacoma 4x4
jcoby Posts: 140Funny
I don't think that the media has much of any anti-TMC bias. I would have also been offended if the same spin had been written about Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. None of these makes performed perfectly across-the-board in the IIHS tests, but the overall scores for each manufacturer are quite good.
link title
link title
(Vehicles are listed in order of performance in crash tests)
According to the IIHS, the BMW 3-series and Mercedes E-Class also appear to be inches away from earning a "Top Safety Pick" award; but their scores are no better than the competing Lexus models that also just missed the mark.