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SPAWNews is packed with writing, editing, illustrating, and publishing information. Each month you receive market opportunities, events, and articles you can use now! Not sure? Check out back issues of SPAWNews on our blog, or in the older SPAWNews archives)
Wendy Dager, Editor
For contributions to the newsletter and Letters to the Editor, please e-mail the editor of SPAWNews: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Those of you who are SPAWN members, be sure to go to the first page of the site, http://www.spawn.org and click on the "Visit Member Area" button. You will be asked to log in.
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Table of Contents
- Editor's Note
- Market Update
- Los Angeles Times Festival Report
- Fry Visits Dubai
- Book Reviews
- Ask the Book Doctor
- Member News
- Opportunities
- Contests
- Events and More
Editor's Note
By Wendy Dager
Back in April, I told you I'd decided I was going to enter more writing contests, having been inspired by my first-place win in a short story competition last November. When I wrote my April editor's note, I had entered three contests—one with my unpublished novel, another with a short memoir and a third with some of my previously published newspaper columns.
I'm still waiting on news about the novel and the memoir, but the column contest's May 1st winners' notification deadline came and went. This was kind of a bummer for me, as opinion writing has always been my bread-and-butter—albeit an odd career choice for someone who never quite developed the necessary thick skin to deflect some readers' angry responses. Still, I love the challenge of writing for a newspaper, even though I'm always trying to extend myself creatively.
In mid-April, I did something really silly. I entered USA Network's Show Us Your Character competition. Some of you may have seen the recent television commercials featuring a ventriloquist, snake charmer, lawnmower racer and other "characters." Along with these professionally-produced promos—which were created to encourage viewers to join USA Network's new online community—the network held the aforementioned contest. Grand prize was an Internet reality show, TV commercial, video camera and computer. There were five first-place video cameras and ten second-place iPods, as well as a $1,000 Viewer's Choice Award, where America could vote online for its favorite character.
Imagine my surprise when my grainy, poorly-lit, homemade video was a top 30 finalist out of "thousands" of entries. I'd billed myself as a professional freelance writer and vintage clothing collector. Like the fictional characters that appear on USA Network's TV shows, I have an unusual job, I deal with people/circumstances/issues that often aren't what they seem, and I always think/dress/behave the way I do on my video. I don't have a talent like most of the other finalists. I don't do voices or sing or dress up in costumes. I was just being me—the oft-criticized opinion columnist who's also a '50s circle skirt and vintage sweater-clad goofball.
My hope was that just being me would be a good marketing gimmick for my career, as I certainly wasn't going to win one of the seventeen prizes.
Or was I?
At the time of this writing, I had no idea. You'll have to read next month's SPAWNews to find out. But, even if I didn't snag a prize, it's still nice to know that someone other than my mom thinks I'm a character.
–Wendy Dager is editor of SPAWNews. Visit her Web site at http://www.gorgeousandbrilliant.com.
Market Update
By Patricia Fry
This month's SPAWN Market Update has nearly 20 opportunities for book promotion, authors, freelance writers and screenwriters, and includes two interviews with publishers and a publishers' survey. As authors frequently ask me the most important part of a book proposal, I asked some publishers. SPAWN members might be surprised by the answers.
In addition, you'll find tips for getting your book reviewed. Don't miss this enlightening article!
And there's more. Find out:
The Market Update is available to SPAWN members only. Every month SPAWN members receive the latest password for the SPAWN Member Area holding the Market Update.
If you are not yet a member of SPAWN and would like to access Market Update and enjoy other benefits of membership, join now online at http://www.spawn.org. Just click on the Join SPAWN Now button in the upper left corner of the page!
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Report
By Patricia Fry, SPAWN President
SPAWN had another successful weekend at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which was held April 29-30. We had one booth and managed to accommodate five member/authors and their books (two members were co-authors of one book). Of course, SPAWN executive director Virginia Lawrence and I were there. We displayed about a dozen member books. As usual, the SPAWN booth was alive with budding authors who came to learn more about the organization and to ask, "What can you do for me?" We were also visited by hundreds of readers looking for good books to buy. We gave away over 170 copies of our SPAWN Catalog of Members' Books and Services and sold approximately 40 books.
Probably the best part of the weekend was the residual effect that each of us experienced--the bonuses you don't expect. Some made promising professional contacts. Most experienced the joy of giving through our books. There's nothing quite like positive feedback.
Patricia Alexander, co-author of a lovely book called, "The Book of Comforts," described several joyful moments. One involved a 14-year-old boy who gleefully purchased her book—at a discounted price—as a Mother's Day gift for his mom. She also told us about a very sad woman who looked slowly through the book and then raised her eyes, looked at Patricia and said, "I need to buy this book...for me."
The weekend was a mix of hard work, high energy, excitement and camaraderie. The element that I treasured most was the fun and the laughter we shared as we offered one another encouragement and support.
We're already talking about next year. We hope to have at least two booths and many more members involved. Mark your calendar for the last weekend in April 2007 and watch for notices to appear in SPAWNews around December. If you have a book to sell, you'll definitely want to join us in the SPAWN booth at the 2007 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
From Freelance Writer to World Traveler
Dubai, Here I Come
I was working on a client's manuscript one afternoon in February when I decided to take an e-mail break. There was the usual accumulation of bulk e-mail, a few writers' newsletters, comments from colleagues and clients, some chatty e-mails from friends and…what's this? Hmmm…something from a foreign country. Must be spam. But wait, there's my name in the subject line: "This is a mail for Patricia L. Fry."
I opened it and read the message. "I introduce myself as Madam Toastmaster, Jaya Mahalingam from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I enjoy reading your articles in The Toastmaster Magazine."
Ms. Mahalingam went on to explain that the Toastmasters' district conference was coming up and I was invited to be the first woman ever to give the keynote address for the event. While they couldn't compensate me, they would pay all of my expenses including business class travel and accommodations in a five-star hotel. Jaya also suggested I bring my books to sell during the conference.
Feeling a little dazed, I walked down the hall and into my husband Dennis's office. I said, "Hey, do you know where Dubai is? What's the United Arab Emirates?"
"It's in the Middle East," he said. "Why?"
"Well, I've just been invited to go there and give the keynote address before a group of 800 Toastmasters," I told him, still not quite believing what I was saying.
I mean, me in the Middle East? Isn't there a war going on over there? Is it safe for an American to travel to Dubai? But then I thought about the offer to fly business class and stay in a five-star hotel and I suggested that we turn to the Internet to conduct a little research.
That's when I knew I would go. According to the Internet, the city of Dubai is beautiful and futuristic. The architecture is amazing and inventive. All indications are that it is a safe place to travel. In fact, this rather new financial hub of the world is becoming quite a popular vacation spot for westerners. I was suddenly eager for adventure and I emailed Jaya that afternoon to accept the invitation. The date of my departure would be May 8, 2006.
I had two months to prepare an hour-long talk. My topic: "How to Present a More Creative Speech." I spent many days writing and fine-tuning the speech and then I began to become familiar with it. I studied the speech every day during my walk. I rewrote and refined it over and over again until it felt just right. I rehearsed in front of a mirror. I practiced it in my head and I recited it out loud. My goal was to know the speech so well that I could give it without actually memorizing it. I wanted to present it from the heart not the head.
I've been a Toastmaster off and on for about fifteen years, so I am familiar with the concept of public speaking, and I've been promoting my books through workshops and other presentations for the last twenty-five years. What I wasn't familiar with was the Middle East. What sort of people would make up my audience? I researched and I studied, but I was not prepared for what I encountered once I arrived in Dubai.
First, let me tell you about flying business class. While they separate the first class and the business class passengers, I cannot imagine that those in first class are pampered to any greater degree than I experienced in business class. It is such a luxurious way to fly that, despite the fact that I was in travel mode for 30 solid hours both coming and going--17 hours in the sky each way--I did not suffer a moment of jetlag at either end of my trip.
The seats are roomy and comfortable. There is way more legroom than I needed and the seats lie down flat so that you can actually sleep in flight. Passengers are given a toiletry kit which includes slipper socks, toothbrush and paste and so forth. They periodically bring hot wash cloths so you can freshen up before meals. The drinks come nonstop—and I mean any kind of drink you want. The food is served in courses on actual dishes with cloth napkins and real silverware. It was good, too. I especially enjoyed the cream puff and shortbread cookie with my coffee prior to landing in London just before dawn.
Each passenger has his own TV set with a wide variety of movies and other programs to watch. I enjoyed watching the map showing the plane's exact route and position at any given time during the trip. It was a little spooky, however, when I watched us fly right over Baghdad. Yikes!
I was greeted at the Dubai airport by a lovely young woman from a meet-and-greet service. It was quite an experience to see my name on a sign as I came off the airplane. I also saw a sign with Tommy Hilfiger's name on it. I learned later that he was in Dubai opening 25 new stores in the gulf.
English is the common language in Dubai and all signs are in both Arabic and English. I probably would have been able to find my way to the baggage claim, but it was wonderful having guidance with a smile. We went through a security check at every turn. Security is heavy in Dubai—in fact, most stores in the many large shopping malls have security guards. Crime is almost nonexistent there. I didn't even see graffiti anywhere in Dubai.
Once outside the terminal, I was greeted by several Toastmaster dignitaries, including the conference chairman and the head of education. I was ready for my first cultural lesson. One thing I learned is that a woman does not extend her hand to a man or a woman unless they extend theirs first. Immediately, each of my hosts and hostesses reached out to shake my hand. They were all wonderfully cordial and gracious. I didn't feel quite so far away from home.
Once at the five-star Marriott Hotel, where the convention was being held, I met other Toastmaster dignitaries. Each of them greeted me with a handshake and a warm smile.
I was on the docket to speak on the second day of the two-day conference, so I had time to observe the people and how they responded to speakers before my performance.
At a Toastmaster District Conference, Toastmasters from the various divisions come to participate in speech contests and to support their fellow Toastmasters who are competing. There were Toastmasters present from clubs in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. They were all so cordial and warm. Many people of varying cultures and religious beliefs went out of their way to greet me—most of them with a handshake and welcoming words in English. I became so used to shaking hands that when one man wearing a white robe and a traditional Arab headpiece introduced himself with a slight bow, I reached my hand out to shake his. He graciously withdrew his hand and placed it on his chest—all the while smiling warmly at me. Uh oh—a faux pas. I bowed in response to express my understanding. We carried on our conversation from there.
On the first day of the conference, I was led to one of four large sofas that had been placed in front of the tables where delegates sat throughout the room. I had a front row seat on a sofa with the dignitaries. I was a celebrity.
I was glad to have a full day to observe people and how they responded to the speakers. By the time I spoke, I felt as though I was speaking to friends, not strangers in a far away foreign country.
The diversity was impossible to miss. The large ballroom was filled with people of varying ethnic groups, cultures and religions. Toastmasters dressed in western garb interacted comfortably and genially with Toastmasters wearing traditional long black robes and burqas. There were men and women wearing clothing reflecting India and men wearing the traditional Middle Eastern robe and headdresses. Some of the Muslim women covered their hair with scarves. There was diversity in dress and obviously in cultures, but there seemed to be no division among the people.
One of the most unusual things I witnessed during this event was a young woman wearing the long black dress and head-covering as well as a burqa—with only her eyes visible through a small slit—participating in a humorous speech contest. She also posed for pictures with the other contestants. How rare it is to get photos of the men and women in these cultures.
I met some fascinating people throughout my stay in Dubai, including a group of women from Jordan who invited me to speak at their senior group. I spoke with several people who are in the process of writing books. A librarian from Dubai came up to me and said that she was glad to finally meet me. She said that she has been checking my books into the library for years. My books are in the library in Dubai? Amazing! It never occurred to me to promote my books outside of the U.S. But now I'm thinking that maybe I should contact other predominantly English-speaking countries and see about getting my books into their libraries and bookstores. The librarian said they have a very large budget for buying books.
Dubai is quite a place to see. I had a little time for touring and made a point of seeing practically all of the things mentioned and pictured in the June 2006 issue of Vanity Fair and other magazines, Web sites, newspapers and on TV. I photographed the amazing seven-star Burj al Arab Hotel, the huge areas of construction going on in the city, the building of the Palm Island with its twenty-four five-star hotels in progress, the manmade ski slope in the largest shopping mall in the world, the sites where they're building the tallest hotel in the world and the largest manmade harbor in the world.
One thing that surprised me—other than the warmth of the people—was that their water costs more than gasoline. Gas is only around $1.00 gallon. They desalinate eighty percent of their water and use a lot of it to encourage the growth of tropical vegetation. I expected a dry heat, but it was a tropical climate with high humidity. I was surprised to see plumeria trees thriving, large stands of cannas and bougainvilleas in every color. And I was surprised that I traveled so well and enjoyed it so much. The only negative for me was the food. I had a problem with the flavor, aroma and texture of some of the food. I was happy to find an Italian place one night where I chowed down on ravioli.
It was certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that, perhaps, I would have rejected in years past. I would have thought up all sorts of reasons why I shouldn't go. Actually, my mother had several of her own as to why I shouldn't go. She was not too happy to see me fly off to a foreign country halfway around the world. But that's a mother for you. I was a nervous wreck when my daughter went on a mission in India and when my granddaughter went to Fiji on a mission.
My daughters and grandchildren, however, were supportive of my decision to go to Dubai and excited for me, as were many of my friends. And heaven knows I certainly have something to write about in my Christmas letter this year.
So what is the message in this rather unusual article? If you want to experience some of the unique and exotic things that life has to offer, I urge you to keep putting yourself out there through your writing and promotion. Be open to the opportunities that come your way and take steps to make things happen. Continue to hone your writing and speaking skills. And say yes more often, despite your insecurities. Embrace this philosophy and you may soon be going off on an exciting, exotic adventure.
Book Review
Dan Poynter's Book Publishing Encyclopedia
A-Z Tips and Resources for Authors and Publishers
by Dan Poynter
Para Publishing (2006)
Paper $19.95
Dan Poynter has produced another helpful book for authors, and this one comes in seven different forms—soft cover, large print and several digital variations. When I first saw this book, I wondered why we needed a stand-alone tips and resources guide taking up space on our shelves or in our computers when we have his "Self-Publishing Manual." All versions of his publishing bible include resources and tips for authors and publishers. But then I took a look at the newest edition of the Manual (an advance review copy of the 15th edition). I compared it to Poynter's Encyclopedia and found some important differences.
To read the full review of "Dan Poynter's Book Publishing Encyclopedia: A-Z Tips and Resources for Authors and Publishers," go to http://www.spawn.org/books/books_pub_publishingencyclopedia.htm.
By Sandra J Murphy
The Right Way To Write, Publish and Sell Your Book
by Patricia L. Fry
Available at bookstores, Amazon.com and through http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.
It is estimated that six million people are shopping manuscripts to 80,000 publishers, who publish just 175,000 books a year. That's one in thirty-four! How can you be one of the lucky few? Patricia L. Fry's newest book, "The Right Way To Write, Publish and Sell Your Book," can help strengthen the odds as she dispels old ideas, offers a slap on the head reality check, and explains publishing in a clear readable style.
To read the full review of "The Right Way To Write, Publish and Sell Your Book," go to http://www.spawn.org/books/books_pub_therightway.htm.
Ask the Book Doctor: Deer Editer, Do I Need a Editer?
By Bobbie Christmas
To read about this and other interesting topics, go to http://www.spawn.org/editing/askthebookdoctor17.htm.
Member News
Note: To have your announcements included in this section, you must be a paid member of SPAWN. Please e-mail your news to email@example.com.
If you're a writer who likes to write about what you know best--writing--you'll be interested in member Erika Dreifus's latest e-book, "Writers' Markets: Where To Sell What You Write When You Write About Writing." Since 2003 Erika has published more than 130 writing-related articles, essays, and book reviews in print and online publications including "The Writer," "Writer's Digest," and "Poets & Writers." Download a free preview with sample market listings (Erika lists only paying markets): http://www.practicing-writer.com or http://www.lulu.com/erika-dreifus.
Paul Daniel of Bear Cave Press announces that "Anna's Wish" received an Honorable Mention for Best Fiction Regional/Midwest at this year's Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY). For more information, http://www.bearcavepress.com.
Sandra Murphy's article "12 Tips for Living With Cancer in Your Animal Companion" appears in the June/July issue of Animal Wellness magazine.
Note: SPAWNews advises "caveat emptor" when dealing with venues, contests or promotions unknown to you.
St. Louis Writers Guild has launched a writing project to involve the public in writing a tongue-in-cheek book about the Mississippi River--what it's REALLY like! It's an anthology of brief recollections, observations, laments, celebrations, humor, and soapbox tirades--all aimed at revealing aspects of life on the Big Muddy. The working title is "MIGHTY OR MUDDY? Reflections on the Mississippi River by Those Who Know it Well." Publication is planned for October 2006, after which the original submissions binder (with autographed submissions) will be raffled or auctioned off. This is a St. Louis literary, historical event. For more information: http://www.stlwritersguild.org. Deadline is August 31, 2006. The address to send submissions is St. Louis Writers Guild, Collaborative Book Project, POB 771765, St. Louis, MO 63177, or fax: 314-821-3823.
Read about the latest contests at http://www.spawn.org/contests.htm.
Events and More
Please note: Although SPAWNews does its best to filter announcements and press releases for various events, seminars, and classes, we cannot guarantee a successful experience for all who attend.
Read about the coming events at http://www.spawn.org/events.htm.
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Donations are tax deductible.
Join SPAWN now and receive one FREE book by Patricia Fry. See the selection from which you can choose your book at the Member Benefits page. As a member, you can enjoy the benefits of the Members Only Area. There you will find:
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To promote the literary arts and provide education, information, resources and a supportive networking environment for artists, writers, and other creative people interested in the publishing process.
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Whitney Allen conducted research with Dr. Jodi Kamps at the Autism Center at Chlidren's Hospital and interned with both Global Green and Senator Shelia James Keuhl's office. Through the CPS's Public Service Fellows program, she worked with Upward Bound and Dr. Szechter.
Xiao Bai coordinated and advised Tulane's Habitat for Humanity project. He also served as the Community Action Council of Tulane University Student's Vice Chair for Finance.
Katherine Behnke volunteered with the Louisiana SPCA as a general volunteer, a small animal care intern, and an animal foster parent. She also worked with the World Vets International Veterinary Medicine Program in Nicaragua.
Ilyse Blazar served with A's & Aces's, the Louisiana Latino Health Coalition and the Miracle League. During her senior year, she worked with Dr. Beth Wee's neuroscience courses as a Public Service Fellow.
Rachel Brown worked as a crisis hotline operator and medical advocate with the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children and a project coordinator for Raintree Children and Family Services. She interned with Covenant House, the Silver Spring International Rescue Committee and Self Help Initiative Support Services in Accra, Ghana.
Alex Byo, in addition to representing Tulane as a pitcher for the baseball team, worked as a Public Service Fellow with Dr. Beretta Smith-Shomade and volunteered at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.
Amelia Conrad volunteered with the Rosa Keller Library as an ESL tutor and rewrote the program's curriculum. While is Peru, she taught self-empowerment workshops for abused & abandoned girls. She has been involved with the Newcomb Scholars program, RESULTS, and Mortarboard.
Maggie Downes has interned with the Recovery School District's Achievement office and the Tulane Debate Society. She mentored students at Sophie B. Wright Charter School in public speaking, critical reasoning, and formal debate.
Michael Eisenstatt served as the Executive Vice Chair and Chair of CACTUS. He worked on the leadership team for Outreach Tulane Day of Service and volunteered with numerous New Orleans non-profit organizations through Tulane Jewish Leaders and the Community Service Scholars program.
Claire Galley founded Tulane's Global Service League and has led advocacy campaigns, service events, and fundraisers. She has volunteered with the Gulf Restoration Network, Children's Hospital, Oxfam, and IN Exchange. In Bangalore, India, she taught at the Shanti Bhavan Children's Project.
Melissa Herman served asPresident of the Tulane University Neuroscience Association and incorporated community service into the organization's mission by developing Neuroscience focused event for public school children. She also conducted public service research on stroke hotspots in New Orleans with the Tulane Stroke Program.
Rebecca Jacob volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Alliance for Affordable Energy, and Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. She served as a project coordinator for both Outreach Tulane and MLK Day of Service.
Michelle Liu has been an active member and leader within CACTUS, volunteering with Swim4Success, Hope House Community Center and Roots of Music. Because of her special interest in senior care, she worked with Unity Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, New Orleans Dream Center HealthREACH Clinic, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
Elayna Napoli has worked as the Community Service Assistant in the CPS office. She is a founding member of the Tulane University Community Advancement Network and served as its president. In Morocco, she taught English for the Maison de l' Avenir (Dar Al-Mustaqbel) Cancer Association.
Jolia Raymond has been a leader with the Tulane University Community Advancement Network, CACTUS, Outreach Tulane and MLK Day of Service. She received the UGL Services Community Service Scholarship to support her work with the NFL Youth Education Town Center.. She has also served as a Public Service Fellow and a volunteer with Save Charity Hospital.
Katherine Ryan volunteered with the NOLA Edible Schoolyard, the Horse Empowered Learning Program, Roots of Music, John McDonogh High School, Dr. T's Equine Clinic, the Forest Creek Animal Hospital, and the Ride One Center for Kids.
Tanvi Shah has worked to empower New Orleans youth through her work with Swim 4 Success, A's & Aces, Kids Rethink New Orleans and the Newcomb-Tulane College Summer Transition Program. She was volunteered with Project Grandpeople and Tulane Alternative Breaks. While in France, she worked with Accueil et Aide aux Personnes Agees.
Meghan Stanger served as the Executive Director for Swim 4 Success, interned for Beacon of Hope and Fair Trade University, mentored Benjamin Banneker students in debate, and worked with girls at the The Raintree House. In Peru, she volunteered with the Workers Rights Syndicate and taught English to elementary school students.
Samuel Tabachnik has worked as a tutor and classroom aide with Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and KIPP Believe College Preparatory. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Latino Farmer's Cooperative.
Fabienne van Wambeke served as a Public Service Fellow with MediaNOLA.org, creating walking tours of New Orleans and developing a smartphone application. She has also volunteered as a tutor at Lusher Charter School.
Santhosh Velaga has volunteered with Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, Le Chateau De Notre Dame Nursing Home, Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, St. Margaret's Nursing Home, Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Cardiovascular Medicine department, and A's & Aces.
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118 - Some photos courtesy of the Peace Corps - firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Ready, steady, go. Battery Energy Drink kicks it up a notch in Sweden.
Published on 04.9.2012 7:23Battery Energy Drink kicks it up a notch in Sweden by increasing the availability of the Original and Sugarfree 33cl cans in selected stores of the food chains ICA, COOP and AXFOOD nationwide.
The good news just keep on coming, since the Battery product family is also growing by a new member, the Battery Original 40cl bottle.


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Publication Types
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This report illustrates the results of a cross-national study based on in-depth interviews from both experts and average Americans on Sexual Violence. This study, supported by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center comprises the following three components: 1) an analysis of the discourse on sexual violence from expert interviews, 2) one-on-one cognitive interviews with Americans, and 3) a comparative analysis that "maps the gaps" between expert and lay understandings of this topic. The report concludes with a set of recommendations that will improve communications practice around this issue and inform future research.
Read more about the partnership between NSVRC and Frameworks Institute.
FrameWorks Institute


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Russell Crowe Starring in Darren Aronofsky's 'Noah' (UPDATE: First Look)
[UPDATE #9] Check out our first official look at Russell Crowe in Darren Aronofsky's Noah, after the jump.
[UPDATE #8] Madison Davenport (Shameless) has been added as Na'el in Aronofsky's Noah. "In the Bible, Na'eltama'uk is the wife of Ham (Logan Lerman), one of Noah's sons."
[UPDATE #7] Darren Aronofsky has added his Cain & Abel to Noah with unknown Icelandic actors Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson ("Reykjavik-Rotterdam") and Arnar Dan. For those not fresh on their Old Testament: "Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve, with Cain killing his brother after he grew jealous when God took Abel's offerings instead of his own. He was given a mark, warning others of God's vengeance that awaited those who commited murder, and he was forced to wander the Earth in punishment."
[UPDATE #6] Marton Csokas (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, The Bourne Supremacy) is joining in a supporting role for Darren Aronofsky's Noah. He'll be joined by Kevin Durand (Cosmopolis) and Dakota Goyo (Real Steel).
[UPDATE #5] Anthony Hopkins is getting biblical as Methuselah, who's "the oldest person whose age is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Extra-biblical tradition maintains that he died on the 11th of Cheshvan of the year 1656, at the age of 969, seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood. Methuselah was grandfather to Noah." Aronofsky confirmed the casting of Hopkins on Twitter: "I'm honored to be working with the great sir anthony hopkins. we just added him to the stellar cast of #Noah. #methuselahlives."
[UPDATE #4] Looks like Aronofsky has found his villain for Noah in Ray Winstone (Snow White and the Huntsman). No details has been offered on the role, but the director has always wanted an actor who can play "grit and size to be convincing as he goes head to head against Crowe's Noah." Liam Neeson and Val Kilmer were at one point in contention for the role. Production begins this summer with a scheduled release date on March 28, 2014.
[UPDATE #3] Here's another big casting coup for Aronofsky's Noah Emma Watson has won the role of "Ila, a young woman who develops a close relationship with Noah's son, Shem." Also, Liev Schreiber is "a leading contender" for the antagonist and that Julianna Moore is being considered for the role of Noah's wife, and not the oft-rumored Jennifer Connelly.
[UPDATE #2] Aronofsky has just added two new young faces and sons to Noah with Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth, who'll be playing brothers Ham (the eldest) and Shem (the youngest) respectively. It's also been mentioned that Liam Neeson was to play Noah's nemesis and finally, will not be appearing in the film. Jennifer Connelly is still in contention to play Noah's wife.
Here's an official description of the film:
NOAH is a close adaptation of the Biblical story of Noah's Ark. In a world ravaged by human sin, Noah is given a divine mission: to build an Ark to save creation from the coming flood. The screenplay was written by Aronofsky and Ari Handel and revised by Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter John Logan (GLADIATOR, HUGO).
[UPDATE #1] April 27, 2012 – Looks like some of those rumors of Jennifer Connelly teaming back up with Darren Aronofksy aren't so far off. They worked together on Requiem for a Dream and Paramount Film Group President Adam Goodman spilled the beans that Connelly, joined by Saoirse Ronan will be in the film. Read his comment after the jump. [Indiewire]
Here's what Goodman had to say:
"It will be a big, robust production and will have tremendous scale. It's the perfect combination of casting and a remarkable adventure," Goodman explained. "This isn't what you think of when you think of Darren, but it will be very true to him as a filmmaker. It will be PG-13 and will likely cost around $125 million."
Russell Crowe will indeed be donning a beard and ancient robes to play the part of Patriarch Noah in Darren Aronofsky's Noah. Aronofsky has said that his take won't be religious-centric, but how can it not? Crowe also wasn't Aronofsky's first choice. Christian Bale was to star before he signed onto Terrence Malick's directing resurgence.
The AV Club succinctly said that Crowe's casting could be the best choice:
"Judging by the general Internet reaction to the film so far, Noah is likely to spark a prolonged, irritatingly circular theological debate over whether the story represents fact or fable, and nothing shuts down a debate like the look on Russell Crowe's face."
Aronofsky has been adamnant to make a "big event film" especially after leaving another "big" film, The Wolverine. The director has previously stated:
"I don't think it's a very religious story… I think it's a great fable that's part of so many different religions and spiritual practices."
Noah is expected to begin production in July and you can expect more casting updates in the next few weeks.
Source: Deadline & The AV Club
UPDATE: Deadline, /Film, First Showing, Joblo, Indiewire, Deadline, Movie News


text:
I've had Fussy & Gussie for about 2 years now...they've seemed fine until today.
They're acting normal...very happy little guys...or girls...LOL But today when I was doing a water change, I noticed that Fussy's tail looks chewed. Then I noticed what looks like a tiny white 'ball' or bubble-like piece of fin. These are not the best pics, but they don't stay still fer nuttin'! LOL *Notice the white bubble-like 'thing' on his tail! Fussy
Also, Gussie looks to have one or two tiny white spots on him as well. Would anyone venture a guess as to what's going on? Unfortunately, I'm flying out of state tomorrow and will be gone for 4 days. Can treatment for 'what-ever-it-is' wait until Saturday? Thank you folks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
water parameters? Size of tank? The frayed/ragged/chewed-like tail could be the beginnings of fin rot. Changing water often can stop this and clean water allows things to heal naturally. As your goldies are growing over these years, it's possible they're outgrowing their tank? Thus water changes need to be increased and/or larger tank required. With my fancy goldfish, I tend to veer away from chemical meds and increase salt (pond/aquarium salt) in the water. |
- Posted by SandyWestTexas z7 west TX (My Page) on Wed, Jul 27, 05 at 23:26
I agree salt and a good water change are the best your fish look good. Maybe someone is nipping or they have snagged themselves on the hard looking coral with all those edges. I would do a good water change and take a water sample to the pet store they will do a free test. also add aquarium salt. let them go four days without food do not feed or care for them for the time you are gone just let them heal in the salt water. They will survive. |
LOL...the coral does look real, doesn't it? Actually...it's the backdrop/paper...☺ Although.....the damage could have come from the one artificial plant I have in there...(they're so ugly and have rough edges!) The smaller one actually chases and nudges the bigger one around the tank. I have well water with a water softener that uses salt as the filter medium...wouldn't that be enough salt or need I add it. About them out-growing their tank...Gussie, who's about 7" long makes me believe you're right. He's/She's grown so big so fast! Fussy's still small...about 5 inches in length. |
After doing some research online, I found this photo from another site. They call it a 'blister'...but what would it be from? Here's my poor fish's 'blister'...which is now gone, but it appears he has tail rot. |
I'm not sure specifically about the blister and its causes, but poor water conditions can do all sorts of damage - great and small. What are your water parameters? What sized tank? Water changes will definitely help to heal finrot, but pond/aquarium salt is also helpful. |
Thanks Skygee...I've been doing the salt-thing for 3 water changes now. It's only been a couple of weeks...the 'every-3-days' water changes alone haven't seemed to make a difference on Fussy's tail, so with the addition of salt teatments, I'm hoping he'll heal. |
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Please don't use the word "Proof," or make a statement that sounds like you have some if you don't have any real evidence.
Submitted by Séamusín on Sun, 04/21/2013 - 22:37Look I am just as skeptical as the next guy, and I am very interested to find out the truth. Its just hard with so many conflicting reports, all sporting the Proof tag.
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Here is a real idea
If we're all truly libertarians, and also not just full of BS when it comes conspiracy theories, why don't we all chip in to hire some real investigators?
Ron Paul - Intellectual hero
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I have incontrovertable proof of an interviewer called
Anderson Pooper a little known journalist who mysteriously disappeared right after this secret interview with Smudge Pot.
The real question now is WHERE IS ANDERSON POOPER?
Most of those who think so actually don't and most of those who think sew actually rip.
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I may have proof that using the word PROOF in a tag line will gather more clicks. Look at how upset people get when they keep getting fooled by that sneaky headliner!
I don't appreciate it as much as the next guy, but if their marketing works, what gives them any reason to stop doing it?
It comes down to the consumer learning how to avoid it, or someone educating the public to the point that it dies out as a device altogether. Considering the importance of this weighed against literally anything else you may want to accomplish, I'd go with the learn how to avoid it crowd.
People just need to learn how to register these posts like they do when they see an ad that tells you that you can double your income or the size of your....
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Yes. One piece of
Yes. One piece of circumstantial evidence is not proof and I'm tired of exaggerated headlines.
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i have a few more to add (re videos)
"MUST SEE!": My ass. Not only did I not need to see 99.9% of these so-called "MUST SEE!" videos, I'd have preferred not to have seen them at all.
"Owned": I have rarely (if ever) seen an exchange in which someone truly got owned. Instead, these videos generally feature an intelligent person attempting to teach a pig (which only annoys the pig).
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"Eye of the beholder" stuff.
People see something, it is the last straw for them. I consider the undeniable destruction of a crime scene where there was arson with fatalities proof of a government cover up. I honestly do not see how a rational person could see it otherwise, to me it is absolute proof. However, those who cannot begin to believe their government does evil will not take anything but a confession as "proof" and they are not the type to confess....
I hear you, I understand your point, but I think a lot of people see things that is "proof" to them, while others cannot or will not see what they see.
I guess I am in favor of free speech, even the word "proof."
Love or fear? Choose again with every breath.
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but, I don't believe the corporatist govt got your note!
Now, only if the corporatist govt would exercise the same standard, not to mention, the masses apply such equal skepticism and scrutiny vs. the corporatist govt and their dutiful MSM mouthpieces, whenever they claim they have manufacture 'evidence.'
How come most people aren't as eager to want to apply the same scrutiny vs. govt/corporatists and MSM??
This is simply us 'policing' ourselves.
Have you seen them offer any evidence in the Boston Massacre, or any other case, have you?
Pictures of faces in various places, MA State PoliceState chopper infrared images don't equate guilt, it just means a person has been caught in their surveillance grid.
Having the public's cellphone/smartphone video recording of audio of automatic gunshot firing don't equate to a 'firefight.' The cops could be shooting into an empty space, or be shooting at unarmed suspect. That's a one way massacre, not a 'firefight.' If the cops are trained to lie, and even continue to assert "stop resisting" or "stop" as they're trained to do, does that actually mean a suspect is resisting, or not stopping? After the advent and wide availability of audio recording devices, to aid their 'innocence' in court cases, the police academy began training them to say that even as they are assaulting an unarmed suspect, or now, tasing immobile suspects. So just because a jury hears audio only of "stop resisting" out of view of dashcam, but nevertheless ON a dashcam, does not automatically equate guilt.
It's like, would you give the benefit of the doubt to a rapist shouting "stop resisting!" to the woman he's raping, even as he is clearly raping her, in front of you??
Why DO rapists and murderers always play the victim? Worse, why do people, who are nice on the most part, accept the cries of the assaulters/rapists/murderers, and not of the actual victims' ??
Why does the public continue to value words and claims of govt functionaries more than their own fellow man?
This is a full-on Exhibit A) of the Vox Populi Lobotomy: the Magical Alchemy of Uniform, and the autonomic acceptance of anything coming out of the mouths of those who say "Hello, I work for the government," but not those from mere 'peons,' the 'mundanes.'
They already lied about initially 'catching a suspect,' when they didn't.
They already lied about, and instantly alluded to 'TeaParty Jihadist' as culprit, with no evidence.
They already lied about the brothers committing the 7-Eleven robbery, when they didn't.
They already lied about the younger brother running over and dragging the older one, when alleged witnesses (as if they're any worse or better than a cop or a bureaucrat claiming they have evidence or saw something) stated that in fact, it was the cops who ran the older one over, and dragged him.
They already lied about the FBI NOT knowing about the brothers, when later they were forced to clarify by CBS of all places, when confronted with the assertion by the mother and the aunt that the brothers, especially the older one, have already been contacted, tracked, and most likely 'handled' by the FBI.
Yet, it's still more natural for the public to assume 'of course, the families would assume innocence,' but not natural for the populace as a default, to assume govt to be 'GUILTY until proven innocent,' when frankly at this juncture in history, they literally have ZERO credibility, whatsoever.
So...given such, since WHEN do known liars and murderers have any credibility, when they've been proven to lie constantly, historically, and factually??
Seriously, again, I'd like to ask, WHEN, does the 'brand' government become synonymous with a degenerate sociopathic guild of assaulters, kidnappers, entrappers, pedophiles, rapists, torturers, and murderers?
Where is a law in the universe that states that govt/public servants should be held to any different moral standards than the rest of the 'peons,' well...unless you are a member of the Ruling Class or their dutiful Pavlovian Praetorian Guard lapdogs?
I'd love nothing more than the masses apply the same skepticism vs their public servant employees. Until that day comes, people will still feel the guilt, and the need to clarify or assert upon others, that THEY 'need' to not claim or say that they have 'evidence' or proof, when they don't.
This, is an unnecessary guilt projection, from a good hearted person.
But, you'll see no such empathy from them, as they've proven, they're more than willing to convict, jail, and murder innocent citizenry, repeatedly, often with NO "evidence" whatsoever. Even when caught lying, instead of admitting guilt, they'd rather keep that citizen locked up, or deny retrial, or dismissal, or expunge records.
But I 'get' it: most people do not understand the mind of sociopaths, because they themselves are nice people, and cannot imagine or fathom that there are others in the world who really don't give a fcuk about niceties, or fairness, or equal application of morality.
That, is precisely what the socipathic controlfreak nerd guild are counting on. No?
But suppose this will continue, as long as people still don't get an image of a degenerate sociopathic guild of assaulters, kidnappers, entrappers, pedophiles, rapists, torturers, and murderers, whenever they hear the term "government."
I pray, that the people wake up soon. We don't have much time...
Predictions in due Time...
"Let it not be said that no one cared, that no one objected once it's realized that our liberties and wealth are in jeopardy." - Dr. Ronald Ernest Paul
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Seamusin is right
People post what they think is some inconsistency and then leap to the conclusion that it must be a government conspiracy. Not that I don't think government conspiracies are real, but seriously.
If you guys want people to take you seriously, maybe somebody needs to do some real investigation. I'm talking real police work, not just circling some pictures and claiming it as proof.
Ron Paul - Intellectual hero
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Send this request to the
Send this request to the government
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the truth the whole truth and
the truth
the whole truth
and nothing but the truth
so help me god!
a mantra to live by
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So nobody swiped a swab of bloody looking liquid.
Or stepped in it?
Uploaded content is not immune to tampering by privileged perps.
Chain of custody must be established for information to be used as evidence and not mere hearsay.
Free includes debt-free!
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I have
a bunch of idiots who are yelling at me saying "what other proof do you need". And I reply back saying, " There is NONE!!". I swear people just listen to CNN and expect it is a 100 percent true. It drives me NUTS!
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For truth
Lord Acton, Lord Chief Justice of England, 1875 - "The issue which has swept down the centuries and which will have to be fought sooner or later is the People v. The Banks."
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Thank you.
I thought the animals had completely taken over the zoo.
Check out the Laissez-Faire Journal at LFJournal.com
"The State is a gang of thieves writ large." - Murray Rothbard
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There's a swarm of folks here
There's a swarm of folks here who don't know the different between evidence, proof, and golly-geez-that-fits-with-what-so-and-so-says-and-plus-it-gives-me-tingly-feelings-of-immense-power-and-total-doom-all-at-once.
We can only hope they are teens, playing off game-boy mode for a spell. When adults play the fool, well...it makes one glad we're a Constitutional Republic.
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I wonder why? Maybe because
I wonder why? Maybe because all the Feds crawling around here starting stories of fake blood, fake bombs and what else to further cover up what really happened...
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Made me spit beer on my monitor!
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I know. I was always spewing
I know. I was always spewing wine on my keyboard after reading my own or others' big-hyphenated-monstrosities....UNTIL! my husband built a spew-guard for me. It's like one of those plexiglass hoods over the salad bar, but low-down over the keyboard so you can snake your hands inside and just type and read without spewing-fear
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that's funny
very cleaver contraption!! Keyboard Spew Sheild
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If you think it's bad here.........
go to the comments on the yahoo news articles.
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You know...
I guess we have a tendency to forget how lost the rest of the country is. The most ignorant post on this board is light years ahead of anything on:
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It took me a little while to figure it out but,
I think this is what is going on.
So here's a comment that I'm posting of all those threads:
Are you people from the Pentagon still here? All the E1's at SMISC raise your hand.
What's your agenda this time?
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"it makes one glad we're a
"it makes one glad we're a Constitutional Republic." Boy, are you ever the wishfulthinker!
"It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere".
It's hard not to be a menace to society when half the population is happy on their knees. - unknown
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We are. A Constitutional
We are. A Constitutional Republic.
This is not wistful. It's just true.
When folks mock this foundation, they give up. Declare their impotence. And what good are they -- you -- then?
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May I suggest you go speak
May I suggest you go speak truth to power at a town hall meeting, make sure you give 'em your name and address, then get back to me with your righteous indignation.
"It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere".
It's hard not to be a menace to society when half the population is happy on their knees. - unknown
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talk about righteous indignation
I have NO PROBLEM going to town hall, city council, board of supervisors, variosu state committee meetings, state parks, local building, demolition, envitonmental, mental health, sheriff and local police meetings, events, fire department, I have no problem going into a court house, city building, county building, state or federal building, or any office.. writing a letter, making a phone call and leaving a business card with my contact or standing up, introducing myself, going to the microphone and telling them the "truth to power".
Why is it so hard for you to speak the truth to power?
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It isn't hard for me bad
It isn't hard for me bad speller The Granger. It's how I know we don't have a constitutional Republic anymore. I have two federal lawsuits right now because tptb didn't like my words and they illegally arrested and jailed me while at Town Hall.
"It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere".
It's hard not to be a menace to society when half the population is happy on their knees. - unknown
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Words are good
Words are (can be) used in a slang-type fashion *oftentimes bein' (done in) fun but not always readily understood.
Well, words do lose meaning or seemingly even if for a season (but for a season).
Being in an open forum you're not gonna (going to) be able to conform the mass.
Does my music system shake your walls o' neighbor one?
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Tell that to people that post
Tell that to people that post threads like :"CBS Oct. 28, 1993: World Trade Ctr. Bombing was a FBI Inside Job! Yes, You read correctly: CBS!"
When all Dan Rather did say was there MIGHT be some evidence to suggest the suspect was involved with the FBI.
I hate the hyperbolic "I have proof" and/or "this time it's over for one person/or a group like Fox News etc."
I, and other have corrected so many thread headlines over the years its ridiculous.
If you disagree with me on anything you are not a real libertarian...
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text:
Press Release
Dawn Knepp, Public Affairs Specialist, (717) 237-2286
USDA Rural Development Announces $125, 773 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant to UPMC
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4, 2011 – Thomas P. Williams, USDA Rural Development State Director, announced that UPMC in Pittsburgh received a $125,773 grant award to enable patients at eight rural medical facilities in north central Pennsylvania to link directly to UPMC specialists at two primary UPMC hubs to acquire surgical assessments and physician consultations. Rural physicians and healthcare providers will be able to connect directly to specialists for consultation and to take part in medical seminars and training.
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program provides access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas. "This funding is critical to connecting rural hospitals in Western Pennsylvania to new technology and educational resources and will ultimately improve health care services for residents," said Williams.
Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.
USDA, through its national Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
For more information on programs offered by USDA Rural Development, contact the Pennsylvania State Office at (717) 237-2299 or visit its website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.


text:
Travel Guide Africa Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in central Africa that has endured a troubled past marked by human rights atrocities, political corruption and the current AIDS epidemic.
Still, there's much for travellers to enjoy in Uganda. Its lush, arable land is unusual in this part of the world, while Bwindi National Park is home to half the world's population of mountain gorillas. Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks are two more parks boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, adventurous travellers can go white water rafting down the Nile in Jinja.
Warning: Despite some improvement in the country's political landscape over the past decade, travel in Uganda is not without its risks. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid northern Uganda and anywhere near the borders with Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rest of the country is more secure, but still make sure you're aware of any major developments.
The inhabitants of Uganda were hunter-gatherers until 1,700 to 2,300 years ago. Bantu-speaking populations, who were probably from central and western Africa, migrated to the southern parts of the country.
Arab traders moved inland from the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa in the 1830s. They were followed in the 1860s by British explorers searching for the source of the Nile. Protestant missionaries entered the country in 1877, followed by Catholic missionaries in 1879. The United Kingdom placed the area under the charter of the British East Africa Company in 1888, and ruled it as a protectorate from 1894. As several other territories and chiefdoms were integrated, the final protectorate called Uganda took shape in 1914.
Idi Amin (1925–2003) seized power in 1971, ruling the country with the military for the next eight years. His regime was armed by Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi who saw Amin as a promising fellow Muslim, until the Soviet Union became the primary partner. Amin's rule cost an estimated 300,000 Ugandans' lives. He forcibly removed the entrepreneurial Indian minority from Uganda. The Ugandan economy was devastated. Amin's reign was ended after the Uganda-Tanzania War in 1979 in which Tanzanian forces aided by Ugandan exiles invaded Uganda.
Museveni has been in power since 1986. In the mid to late 1990s, he was lauded by the West as part of a new generation of African leaders. His presidency has included involvement in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other conflicts in the Great Lakes region, as well as the civil war against the Lord's Resistance Army, which has been guilty of numerous crimes against humanity including child slavery and mass murder. Conflict in northern Uganda has killed thousands and displaced millions. In 2007, Uganda deployed soldiers to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
Uganda is located in Eastern Africa, west of Kenya, south of South Sudan and east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It covers around 236,000 square kilometres, of which around 200,000 is land. The country is located on the East African plateau, lying mostly between latitudes 4°N and 2°S, and longitudes 29° and 35°E. It averages about 1,100 metres above sea level. Uganda lies almost completely within the Nile basin. Although landlocked, Uganda contains many large lakes; besides Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, there are Lake Albert, Lake Edward and the smaller Lake George. However, much of the south is poorly drained, while the centre is dominated by Lake Kyoga, which is also surrounded by extensive marshy areas. Uganda lies almost completely within the Nile basin. The Victoria Nile drains from the lake into Lake Kyoga and thence into Lake Albert on the Congolese border. It then runs northwards into South Sudan. One small area on the eastern edge of Uganda is drained by the Turkwel River, part of the internal drainage basin of Lake Turkana. Lake Kyoga serves as a rough boundary between Bantu speakers in the south and Nilotic and Central Sudanic language speakers in the north.
Uganda's 80 districts are spread across 4 administrative regions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the prime spot in Uganda to go on a trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas. The park is located in the southwestern corner of the country and apart from gorillas offers a wide range of monkey, birds, butterflies and other wildlife to view upclose. A gorilla permit is expensive though, around US$500 and as this is the most favorite spot in Africa to go on a trekking, the permits sell out quickly, especially by tour groups who buy them well in advance. As an independent traveller, you might be more lucky in Rwanda to get a permit within several days.
Kibale Forest National Park is located in the west of the country, not far from Fort Portal and is famous for its chimpanzee tracking and bird watching.
Murchison Falls National Park is known for its waterfalls, where the Nile drops down for over 40 metres, making it one of the most powerful waterfalls in Africa. A boat ride will take you past hippos and crocodiles and other wildlife in the park, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard and many species of antelope and birds.
The park is only accessible by a tour, or by private vehicle, as the actual falls are far from the gates, and walking alone is not permitted. The hike up to the top of the falls is a short walk, but steep uphill, but does afford fantastic views over the falls.
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers another option to go on a safari, with great wildlife viewing between Lake Edward and Lake George and on top of that the Kasinga Channel has the largest concentration of hippos in the world! Also, the endemic Ugandan Kob, a species of antelope, lives here.
As one of the sources of the Nile is in Uganda, the country offers fantastic white-water rafting. The centre of the activity is in Jinja, conviniently on the route between Kampala and the border to Kenya. There are several tour operators in town, offering full-and half-day packages with various options. Usually, the full-day means about five hours on the river, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner - sometimes the accommodation for the night after as well. The rapids are between grades one and five, so expect the boat to tip over at least once! Prices start from about US$75 for a full day - however, it is worth checking the company's safety records before committing as new companies seem to come and go. One of the tour operators also offers a bungy jump over the river (dipping into water optional).
Note that there is bilharzia in the still parts of the river.
Uganda has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year. There are two dry seasons, the cool and long from June to September, and the warm and short from December to February. From March to May is the long rainy season, with heavy rain possible for days on end.
From October to early December is the short rainy season with showers at the end of the day but most of the time it is dry. Daytime temperatures usually hoover around 30 °C, but a bit lower from June to September. Some parts in the north are warmer though and temperatures over 35 °C are not uncommon. Night temperatures are typically around 20 °C. In the mountains in the west temperatures at night can become rather chilly though.
Air Uganda is the national airline of the country and only started flights in 2007. It is based at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) near Entebbe, not far from the capital Kampala. International destinations are Nairobi, Mombasa, Khartoum, Kilimanjaro/Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Other airlines serving the country are mainly African airlines serving a number of destinations in East and Central Africa. South Africa Airways flies to Johannesburg, Brussels Airlines to Brussels, British Airways to London and KLM to Amsterdam. Eagle Air has many charter flights to lots of African countries only.
Back in the old days, trains from Mombasa continued all the way to Kampala, but for know there are no plans to reinstall this great journey.
Most border crossings are open to cars as well, including those with Kenya and Rwanda which are relatively straightforward. Travelling to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo is not recommended.
International bus connections include those to Kigali in Rwanda (8 hours, some continuing to Bujumbura in Burundi), Nairobi (12 hours) in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. You can also cross from Uganda directly to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, although it's quicker and safer from Rwanda. You can also travel in stages by minibus if you want to stop in other places like Eldoret in Kenya.
There used to be passenger service across Lake Victoria to Tanzania, but services were suspended. You might be able to book a passage on a cargo ferry (operated by Tanzanian Railways) to Mwanza though. Most boats start at Port Bell near the capital Kampala.
Eagle Air probably has the most domestic flights, flying between Entebbe (near Kampala) to most major towns. Several other smaller charter airlines have flights as well, including those to small airstrips in or near national parks.
There is no internal train service. For now, the international train link with Nairobi is out of order as well, although this is worth checking, as the situation seems to change often.
Renting a car in Uganda is very expensive, as is fuel. Add to that the absence of road signs and the occasional rough roads, and you start to realize how hard it can be to drive in Uganda. Hard, but certainly not impossible.
Hiring a car is possible with international companies at the airport in Entebbe and in Kampala and major towns near the national parks. You can ask for a car with a driver as well, for a few more dollars. If driving yourself, be sure to have an international driving permit. Driving is on the left.
Buses connect most major towns on at least a daily basis. Many buses originate in Kampala. The Ugandan postal service has minibuses travelling from Kampala to all major centres several times a week as well, usually being cheaper as well as faster and more reliable.
Minibuses, matatus, are an essential part of life in Uganda. Regular minibuses travel between Kampala and Entebbe, and many other towns, such as Masindi in the north, and Jinja in the east. Minibuses do not have set schedules, but depart when they are full; be aware that sometimes you might be waiting up to two hours. Most matatus in Kampala depart from either the New Taxi Park, or the Old Taxi Park, located about 300 metres apart. Note that matatus are sometimes called Taxis in Uganda, and buses simply mean the large, inter-city buses, which have a set time table.
Local boat services link Entebbe to the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria. There is no boat service to Tanzania.
Biking around Uganda is dead easy. The country is well enough populated to ensure that you never have to carry more than half a day's worth of food, but not overpopulated, so peace and tranquility is occasionally stumbled upon. The south is hilly and relitively cool (but still high 20 °Cs mid afternoon).
Guesthouses (not all top quality) abound and food is cheap so you could probably leave your tent and stove at home.
Most national need a visa, but these can be obtained at most major ports of entry. Visa fees are generally $50 for single entry and a massive $200 for multiple entry.
People from the following countries do not need a visa:
Angola, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
East Africa might get a single tourist visa in 2010 and the East African Community (EAC) is working towards a plan to implement this visa, which basically is one visa which is valid in five countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. The trial phase would be available for tourists from Germany, France, the US, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Africa, the UK, Netherlands, Belgium and the Scandinavian countries.
See also Money Matters
Like a lot of African currencies, the Ugandan shilling floats against other currencies, and it is therefore a good idea to check the correct rate before exchanging money. There are plenty of bureaus de change in Kampala, as well as plenty of ATM's. Most machines accepts Visa; the Barclays in town centre also allows you to withdraw with foreign debit cards.
When crossing over from Kenya, there is an ATM right at the border, as well as money changers. Try and carry small notes with you, as change is usually hard to come by. Ask your money changer to give you small notes.
It is possible to pay with US dollars at some hostels/guesthouses, and for some activities; however, they usually offer a much poorer exchange rate than the exchange bureaus.
There are about 32 tribes each with their own culture and language. These can be grouped into bantu and nilotic languages. In fact, in the west of Uganda, the languages spoken are collectively known as Runyakitara and have a lot of similar words.
However, as Uganda was a British Colony, English is the official language, and so you are more likely to find English speakers. Also Swahili is spoken in the north of Uganda and borders with Kenya and Tanzania.
Bananas are the main staple in most parts of Uganda. There are different types of bananas. Large bananas called bogoya ; thick finger sized bananas called sukari because of their intense sweet flavour; then there is roasting bananas called gonja usually sold at road side stalls. Green bananas known as matooke are usually steamed in leaves and served with savoury sauce.
The diet of most Ugandans is vegetarian and consists of starchy foods like sweet potatoes, cassava (manioc or yukka), white potatoes, yams, bread made from ground maize flour called ugali or posho and also bread made from a combination of ground millet and cassava, pumpkin. These are served with sauces made from legumes like peas, kidney beans, chickpeas, sauce made from groundnuts (peanuts) which is similar to satay.
Ugandan cuisine has been influenced by Indian settlers and so you'll find chapatis (flat bread made from wheat flour). Sometimes this is rolled up and stuffed and is nicknamed rolex. Another influence from India is chillies kamurari. Ugandan food is traditionally not chilli.
Meat is eaten once a week. The rich can afford to have it every day. Chicken is for very special occasions or special guests. Roast pork and goat muchomo are popular in drinking establishments.
Fish - large Tilapia is grilled whole. You will also find smoked fish sold in the markets. This is normally cooked in peanut sauce. Uganda has a wide choice of delicious fruit and availability depends on the season - large sweet pineapples, mangoes, oranges (with green skin but very sweet), tangerines, jackfruit, passion fruit, papaya (called pawpaw) sugar cane, coconut etc.
See also Travel Health
There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Uganda. There are two exceptions though. You have to have a cholera stamp (prove of the fact that you don't have that desease) when entering Uganda overland. And you need a yellow fever vaccination if you have travelled to a country (7 days or less before entering Uganda) where that disease is widely prevalent. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended anyway.
Still, it's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Uganda. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.
If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. When staying longer than 6 months, vaccination against meningitis might be recommended, depending on your contact with other people.
Like most African countries south of the Sahara, Malaria is prevalent in the country. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.
Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS. Also note that Southern Africa and thus Uganda as well has a high percentage of people with AIDS.
as well as kimbugs (11%), dr.pepper (9%), Ofelia (7%), Peter (4%), robandpol (1%)
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Ask Aremik a question about UgandaIam a promoter of several genuine tour operators in Uganda offering safaris and tours in East Africa including gorilla trekking, birding tours, tours to cultural and historical sites, white water rafting, camping safaris and tailored safaris to suit your needs.
Ask mara85 a question about UgandaTravelled a lot in Uganda and have a lot of friends over there.
Could help with adviisng people on place to stay, to visit, routes to take. Also did a lot of selfdrive East Africa. Thnk I could help givng some advise
Ask AfricaGO a question about UgandaIam Ugandan by birth. Pursued my studies right from elementary level to tertiary and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Tourism from my birth country. Iam willing to assist all those interested in Uganda. I have read extensively about the history, culture, people and all relevant issues pertaining to social, economic and political aspects. By virtue of my profession, Tour and Safari Specialist i have a wealthy of information relating to leisure,travel and tourism. Iam comprehensively on ground when it comes to this industry.
Ask Lady Irene a question about UgandaHi,
I have lived in Uganda almost all my life, I have travelled too many countries but what is so special with Uganda is the natural beauty, wildlife, hospitality(social life) of the people, culture, all year sun, fresh fruits and foods, just make a wish!. I have assisted many students from Norway while visiting and studying in Uganda and trust me they all agree that Uganda is the Pearl of Africa as Sir Churchhill Winston described Uganda.
Trust me you will live and love it especially in the central part (very Peacefull).
We can assist you as I give information as an Insider and my husband as an outsider.
Ask Hakwa a question about UgandaI am well traveled within Uganda and I have been to all of Uganda's national parks and other tourist attractions. I am available to offer help on any issues, tour operators, hotels, best tourist attractions, how best to enjoy your trip to Uganda, weather and even politics. Just ask me and I will give you the answers.
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Lawrence History Center Academic Symposium April 2012
The Lawrence History Center will be hosting an academic symposium on the Bread & Roses Strike of 1912, April 27-28, 2012 in Lawrence, MA. Submissions have been received and proposals are no longer being accepted.
The symposium will feature a concert on Friday night April 27th at the Everett Mill (15 Union St.) on the 6th floor in the exhibit space. Saturday the 28th will be a full day of panel presentations, music, artwork, and walking tours. Click Here to download the schedule for Saturday April 28th
The symposium venues are the 6th and 5th floors of the Everett Mill (15 Union St), The Essex Art Center (56 Island St), and the Lawrence Heritage State Park 3rd floor (1 Jackson St.). All of these locations are within walking distance of each other. Each panel session will last 75 minutes. The panel sessions have been grouped categorically by content and subject.
REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE all presenters and symposium attendees must register. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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Pearls of Wisdom
Wedding project ideas and style how-tos for brides, bridal jewelry designers and wedding planners.
Use these money-saving tips to stretch your bridal budget.* From selecting your venue to planning your table décor, there are many ways to keep the dollars in your pocketbook.
Timing is Everything
Wedding venues charge the most on Saturdays between May and October, as well as on romantic holidays like Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve. Reserving your location on a Sunday or weekday during late fall through early spring can cut costs in half.
Know Your Venue
When deciding where to hold your ceremony and reception, consider how much you'll spend on decorating. While a simple venue may cost less to book, you may end up spending more on decorating costs than you would in a more elaborate atmosphere, especially for winter weddings where the venue may already be decorated for the holidays. Check for hidden charges such as uncorking champagne or cutting your cake before saying ''I do'' to your wedding locale. Holding your ceremony and reception in the same location will cut transportation costs and save you and your guests travel time.
Rethinking Tradition
This is your day and it's important to make it that way. Ask yourself what you really want--it may not be a traditional cake and four bridesmaids. Skipping certain formalities can free up funds for other areas that are truly important to you and your groom.
- Consider emailing save the dates, invitations and thank you letters rather than printing and mailing them.
- Instead of a traditional wedding cake, make a tiered cupcake cake. Enlist the help of relatives for baking and frosting. Rent cake stands and serving utensils from your local party supply store. Also, if friends and family have special skills and talents you can utilize, ask for their services in lieu of a gift.
- Set up your own bridal party ''salon'' in your home or dressing room. Invite the girls over well in advance and do each other's hair, nails and makeup. Have everyone bring their own makeup, hot rollers and flat irons. Set up makeup and hair stations. Ask friends and family to help with the application and up-dos. Serve champagne and strawberries along with cheese and crackers, put on your favorite music and pamper yourself in comfort--for next-to-nothing cost.
- Instead of hiring a live band, compare the costs of hiring a DJ or creating compilation CDs with you and your groom's favorite songs. Or, rent a karaoke machine and let your guests provide the entertainment.
- Go for bridesmaid dresses that they will want to wear again. Choose a timeless style in a classic, neutral color. When shopping for your dress, bridal boutiques will often sell dress samples at a fraction of their original cost. This is worth looking into, remembering to budget costs for alterations.
With vintage style emerging as a key bridal direction, don't be afraid to shop consignment, thrift and antique shops for your wedding gown. Your reinvented dress is not only an eco-friendly alternative to buying new, it can save you hundreds of dollars on a dress you're most likely only going to wear once. That said, more and more brides are choosing wedding attire they will wear again, opting for calf and tea lengths in year-round shades of off-white, oyster, mimosa yellow, black and white, gold or silver they can keep in their closets for formal occasions and special nights out. |
Keeping it Simple
Managing the Guest ListThe bigger your guest list, the greater the cost. Every guest equals another meal and drink allowance, for every table are more place settings and table and chair rentals. Pare your guest list down to close friends and family, keeping in mind immediate friends may bring a guest, families may bring their children, etc. Many couples are limiting their weddings to immediate family and one bridesmaid/groomsmen, and having a small reception and local destination wedding, then throwing a wedding party at home for friends and family who were not in attendance at the destination.
Setting the Bar
While every guest loves an open bar, not every budget can support one. Opt for a wine and beer bar, with perhaps a signature cocktail made with well-brand liquor. Price compare beer kegs with bottles in your area. Ask your favorite winery for a bulk-rate discount. Tell suppliers you're on a tight budget and be prepared to go elsewhere if you're not satisfied with their prices. Let guests raise the glasses they already have for the wedding toast, or make paper cones filled with rose petals or confetti for the guests to raise and toss in the air towards the bride and groom.
Building the Menu
Opt for a cold buffet over a sit-down meal. Buffets are easier to manage and cheaper to produce. They also require fewer catering staff. Serving locally sourced food and offering only one main course can cut costs and eliminate waste.
Floral Flourish
Keep bouquets and centerpieces simple, using only a few flowers with more foliage, and one single flower for the bridesmaids. Use wildflowers and pick them the day of your wedding (NOTE: this can be a great photo op for your wedding album).
Centerpiece Options
- Buy potted flowers from your local greenhouse and wrap in newsprint, craft paper or recycled gift wrap and tie with raffia or ribbon. Double the centerpieces as wedding favors.
- Scour thrift shops for mismatched tea cups, glass mason jars or glass bowls. Place one or two blooms in each, or for large bowls use several different blossoms per centerpiece, and incorporate with your tablescape.
- Fill the bottoms of clear glassware, vases and mismatched dessert glasses with beach glass or solid-color glass bead assortments to brighten floral centerpieces.
- Mini terra cotta and enamel pots can be purchased for pennies a piece, the drainage hole corked, filled with water and used to hold individual blooms. Arrange collectively in heart shapes on the guest tables and individually as accents to the cake table. An alternative is to use potting soil and plant lavender or fragrant herbs such as thyme, sage, mint and rosemary that can also serve as favors for your guests.
- Ask friends and family to save their empty canned goods containers. Cover the cans with contact paper and use as flower vases or planters.
Use local greenery, including shrubs and branches, whenever possible. Place large branches in pots filled with sand or plaster (depending on the weight of the branch and size of the pot) to add volume to the room. Incorporate smaller versions for the tablescape. Hang crystals or faceted acrylic beads from the branches that can also serve as favors for your guests. |
DIY table décor and wedding favors
When considering your table décor, keep in mind less is more. While the guest tables may seem as if they call for elaborate centerpieces, once the place settings and stemware are in place, you'll be surprised at how little room is left for décor. Set up a sample table with settings to determine how much space you'll have per table for adornment.
Smoke and Mirrors
Candles and mirrors make an easy and elegant centerpiece for evening weddings that can be tailored to fit your color scheme and theme. Round, square and rectangular mirrors, minus a fancy frame, can be inexpensively purchased at home improvement stores. Visit your local discount shops for deals on candles in your wedding colors (use white for the bridal party table). Place the candles onto the mirrors and scatter a mix of crystal beads and components around the base. When lit, the flickering glow of the flame dances off the crystals and reflects onto the mirror for a spectacular light show. Invite your guests to bring the crystals home. They can transform the beads into pendant dangles and earrings, or mix with gemstone beads for stretch bracelets and as necklace accents.
Floating Panels
''Crystal'' and ''pearl'' panels are another affordably elegant accent to your décor. Use faceted acrylic beads or glass pearls, in clear and/or colors of your wedding palette, and string in long, floor-to-ceiling strands suspended from dowels that hover a foot or so above the floor and below the ceiling. Use beading wire to crimp the strands onto the dowel (or drill tiny holes and use cord, adding a small bead at the top to hold the knot) and FireLine® to hang from ceiling.
Natural Touches
River rock and driftwood are inexpensive accents to beach weddings and outdoor receptions, especially when paired with crisp white linen table dressings. Fill large clear glass vases with river rock and driftwood. Stick bare, slender branches into the vases. Scatter more river rock around the base of the vase. Embellish some of the rocks with handwritten affirmations. Use permanent marker to calligraphy inspirational, wedding-related words such as joy, love, hope, cherish, forever, eternity and trust onto individual rocks and place next to each table setting as wedding favors for your guests. River rocks can also be used as place cards for seating by scripting the names of your guests onto the rocks and leaving at each table setting.
Crystal Votives and Charming Napkin Rings
Use colorful flat back crystal components and cabochons to decorate glass votive holders that can dual as table décor and wedding favors. Use the same flat back components to decorate clear acrylic or metal napkin rings. Sterling silver or pewter affirmation charms can be made into beautiful napkin rings by knotting onto sheer organza or velvet ribbon and tying in a bow around a rolled cloth napkin. Guests can keep the charms as favors.
Design with ...
- Solid-color glass bead assortments
- Flat back crystal components
- Crystal beads and components
- Faceted acrylic beads
- Glass pearls
- Riverstone
- Gemstone and mother-of-pearl.cabochons
- Affirmation charms
- Velvet and organza ribbon
- Wedding Gown Embellishment with Beads and Components
- Bridesmaid Gifts in Under 15 Minutes
- Do-it-Yourself-for-Less Wedding Headbands
*Tips taken in part from Cosmopolitan Bride magazine.
If you have a question or feedback on this Pearls of Wisdom article, or would like to share your own wedding project idea, please contact us here.


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I've provided a fair amount of information on how to identify a reputable Realtor as part of your home sell or purchase process. However, though not as common, it is possible for someone to hire a Buyer's Agent vs. a Realtor when it comes to purchasing a home. With that being said, I thought it might be helpful to shed some light on the differences and similarities between the two.
Both, a Realtor and Buyer's Agent, typically:
- Represent the buyer as part of a Real Estate property purchase transaction.
- Owe fiduciary responsibilities to the buyer in a purchase transaction.
- Provide guidance to the buyer (offer development, pricing, property visits and walk-throughs, negotiations, etc.)
Some of the differences between a Buyer's Agent vs. a Realtor include:
- A Realtor may also represent an individual selling a home, where a Buyer's Agent does not.
- A Realtor will traditionally be a member of the National Association of Realtors, whereas a Buyer's Agent might not be a member.
- The compensation agreement may be different between the two:
- Realtors work for a 'Broker' who pays the Realtor. Generally, the Broker will receive 5-6% commission from a home sale and split that commission with the Realtor.
- A Buyer's agent can be compensated through a set fee negotiated with the buyer; or, depending on the state where the transaction is taking place, the commission may be split between the buyer and seller, or paid by the seller, based on the selling price of the property.
Whether you're choosing to work with a Realtor or Buyer's Agent, you want to do your homework and choose a reputable resource in your area.
Please don't hesitate to give me a call so I can provide you with more information and a list of reputable resources in your area.


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Audio recordings of past Festival of Ideas events are now available on SoundCloud. There are currently over 380 tracks to listen to dating from May 2007. These include sessions from the Festival of Economics. Some of most popular tracks include the debate between Peter Hitchens and Howard Marks on legalising drugs; Peter Hitchens' debate with Linda Grant on what feminisim has achieved; Will Storr on the enemies of science; Juan Gabriel Vásquez on his novel The Sound of Things Falling; Mark Rowlands on meaning and morality; John Gray on progress; and Catherine Heymans on dark matter in the universe. The tracks are grouped by year in sets: click HERE for the set lists. We post links on the Festival of Ideas blog when new material is added. You can also click on the links below to access a selection of some of our older audio files here.
Interviews from 2010
To listen to these recordings please click on the relevant audio players below.
Lectures from 2010
To listen to these recordings please click on the relevant audio players below.
Interviews by George Miller and Andrew Kelly.


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Marriage amendment headed to vote, despite warnings
BY CHRISTIN NANCE LAZERUS email@example.com January 26, 2014 3:18PM
A hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana drew protesters to the Indiana Statehouse last week. | Associated Press
Article Extras
Updated: February 28, 2014 6:22AM
Indiana legislators listened to the impact of a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage for nearly four hours on Wednesday and the stories ran the gamut.
A gay woman with lung cancer detailed how her partner isn't treated as her wife when she has to go to the hospital.
A physician emphasized the importance of a mother and a father in raising children.
Officials from Eli Lilly and Co. and Cummins Engine Co. detailed how the ban would hurt their efforts to recruit the best and brightest to work in Indiana.
An Indiana University official warned it could prevent domestic partners from receiving health insurance and other benefits.
In the end, the Indiana House Elections committee voted 9-3 to send House Joint Resolution 3 to the floor, and the vote fell along party lines, despite concerns about how this might impact gay residents' personal, religious, legal and business lives.
Amy Sandler, who lives in Munster with her wife Niki Quasney and two children, said the stories told during the hearing were heartbreaking.
"Honestly, this is getting old," Sandler wrote in an e-mail. "Why would anyone want to push a resolution through that will take away rights and make lives harder for families? Anyone that votes in favor of this resolution is selfish, heartless and not looking out for Indiana families. History has proven that there are certain issues, particularly those protected by the United States Constitution, that should not be left to single-minded voters."
Indiana banned same-sex marriage in 1986, and in 1997 it refused to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. But same-sex marriage opponents have pushed for enshrining the ban in the state constitution in recent years.
After passing by large margins in 2011, the constitutional amendment, with the exact same wording, must pass in a subsequent session, and then be approved in a voter referendum, to become part of the state constitution.
Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, sits on the committee and voted for its passage. It passed in its first and second readings this week and will likely come up for final passage early next week.
"I have gay friends," Soliday said. "But we've got to make sure citizens determine what are rights and what are privileges. It's a religious and cultural issue. But I was turned off when someone said that businesses won't move here because we're simply debating the issue."
Sandler was particularly peeved that Gov. Mike Pence appeared this week at an event sponsored by the Indiana Family Institute, which has been a driving force behind the amendment.
"It's incredibly sad that our leaders cannot separate religious fears from human issues," Sandler said. "They are sending a very clear message that my family is not welcome in Indiana. I'm sure one day some of our children's friends will ask them how their parents are married in a state that doesn't permit same-sex marriage. We'll just refer them to Mike Pence or (House Speaker) Brian Bosma."
Two local mayors — Hammond's Thomas McDermott and Valparaiso's Jon Costas — have indicated their opposition to the measure.
McDermott and Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, were critical of the move by House Speaker Brian Bosma, D-Indianapolis, who put House Joint Resolution 3 in the hands of the Elections committee when it got bogged down in the Judiciary committee.
"Changing the constitution is not supposed to be easy," McDermott said. "It's supposed to be an arduous process."
Brown said it's the first time he can think of that a bill changed committees after the first committee held a hearing and heard testimony.
"It's really something unique and bizarre, and it makes a mockery of the entire legislative process," Brown said. "You have to look at the real underlying purpose for this move, and it's major fundraising tool for his caucus. That's the main reason for getting it out there."
The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce indicated its opposition to the proposed amendment last fall, but local chambers have stayed mum.
South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Speros Batistatos said he doesn't think it would negatively impact tourism in Northwest Indiana since it doesn't specifically focus advertising toward the GLBT community
"We serve all people who walk through our doors, visit our website or call us, equally, and with respect and compassion," Batistatos said.
More importantly, Batistatos believes voters may not be clear about the measure that's being voted on.
"It troubles me greatly, but the average voter thinks that this process is the right to say if marriage is legal or not in Indiana," Batistatos said. "They are about to meddle with the constitution when there are a lot of misconceptions out there."
Brown has noted confusion among people who call his office in support of the amendment, saying they want a chance to vote on it.
"Those in favor of the amendment have friends and allies calling us, saying they want a chance to vote on this, and they're not even aware already a law banning same-sex marriage in the state," Brown said.
The proposed amendment reads: "Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized."
Soliday said the second line in the amendment is causing some consternation among fellow Republicans, but they can't amend any part of the language. A companion bill — House Bill 1163 — seeks to assuage concerns that the amendment could bar employers from providing benefits to same-sex partners of employees, but it could spark a legal challenge.
"I think it deserves public debate," Soliday said. "Who knows what will happen when it comes on the floor or when the Senate gets it? We're not monolithic in the Republican Party on this issue at all. The strongest feeling is, people have a right to vote on this.
"I think you've got to be blind and deaf to not be able to tell that the culture is changing on this issue. Regardless, it will probably be decided by the federal courts, and we're not going to avoid litigation."