text:
Some thoughts on mutual correction in the Christian community
Author Archives: FrKenThorson
Whom you love….
Read for what it is worth the scripture of the binding of Isaac has got to be one of the scariest in the Bible. Beginning with the call to leave homeland, relatives and his father's house and ending with the call to sacrifice his dearest son as a burnt offering Abraham endured ten tests of faith in realizing his vocation. The first trials are met with questions and evasions but this the last is met with silent trusting obedience. But why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice the son through whom God's promise was predestined to be fulfilled? This is a riddle that shakes us to the core.
If God deals that way with Abraham, will God deal that way with me? What if I am asked to sacrifice what is most dear to me? There is no logical way to solve this riddle. What we need to do when we feel that we can't bear what we called to is to practise the silence and trust of Abraham.
Don't focus on the sacrifice. Focus on God. This story is meant to teach us that we must focus on God and put into practice the obedience of faith trusting that God is greater than our idea of God and that sometimes our fears, anger and shame are what need binding and burning up.
The following is an invitation to embody this scene in a practical way: Enter into prayer and consider what you most dread that God will call you to. In silence and in as much stillness as you can try to explore the feeling. Not with your mind but to try to feel it physically and emotionally. It will not be a pleasant feeling. Feel it anyway. You will want to get away from the feeling. Stay put and lean into the feeling you dread. As you sit the feeling will burn you, let it. Don't run away. Let your stillness be your altar. Your discomfort is the Ram of distortion being burnt up. You are becoming the promise. Keep this practice up and you will grow in freedom and peace and you will be a blessing to the Nations.
Fr. Mark Blom OMI
Discerning with Elijah on the mountain
I was preaching about our need to spend time in the cave in order to be able to walk across the stormy waters to Jesus on Sunday. I have found the story of Elijah in the cave a powerful expression of the different dimensions of our humanity where we relate to God. The great wind symbolizes the mind, the fire our hearts enflamed with passion and the earthquake, the most physical, our body's deep instinctual energy. "But the Lord was not in them… but after the fire the sound of a sheer silence." We begin to know, love and serve God by learning the behavior, sentiments and beliefs of our community. But the time comes when those fountains are too shallow for our thirst and we are ready for a more direct practice of communion. By withdrawing from thought, refraining from passion and stilling the body we create an inner and outer posture of complete attentiveness to the God who is always attentive to us. Silence is the medium of this most intimate exchange. More can come of this silence than from decades of learning, devotions and social justice. I invite people to consider the chair as their potential cave of encounter with the Lord.
Fr. Mark
Aix marks the spot!!!
There is a beautiful ancient city in the south of France called Aix-en-Provence (pronounced X.) It was founded in the year 123 before Christ and named for its famous springs of water by a Roman Consul. It is less famous for the birth of a child who came to be known as Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod and who founded the Oblates of Mary Immaculate an international order of Catholic Missionary Priests and Brothers. The culture, people and faith of Aix shaped Eugene to become one of the treasures in the Church's history of evangelization. Aix truly was the spot where a passion to evangelize those who were abandoned by religion infected others who carried the message of Jesus with a new compassion and zeal around the world. I am here for three weeks of reflection and training with members of the Oblate community from across the world who receive and form the young men who wish to enter our first level of formation: the pre-novitiate. As we share with one another we are feeling a common passion that links us all to our founder and which again wishes to spread the gentle power of Christ's love to all those who long to experience the promise of the Gospel.
Fr. Mark Blom OMI
"You are very Welcome."
Over my years of working with the Oblates, it has been a real pleasure and privilege to be invited into their various communities. Whether it was Oblate houses in Aix-en-Province, Rome, Ireland, San Antonio, or the various Canadian and US Oblate retreat centres, the Oblates have always been warm and gracious. As the Oblate director of the Anglo-Irish retreat centre said to a group of us, "You are very, very welcome here," and we truly felt that we were.
Oblates are noted for their hospitality. It's an integral aspect of their charism: they seek to 'draw near' to those among whom they minister. Their Founder, Eugene de Mazenod, even as Archbishop of a major diocese, maintained regular pastoral visits to the sick in the backstreet slums of Marseilles, joked with the fish wives in the open air markets, and held open office hours every morning in his offices. Forgoing the upper-class diction of the rich, he spoke in the patois of the common people, scandalizing his family and the Church hierarchy, but endearing himself to the people.
Today, the Oblates are still to be found among the people. Their mandate is to go where the church has not yet been 'planted' or, where it is present, to serve those whom the Church touches least. Thus you can find them establishing churches in mission countries, working with First Nations people in remote Northern missions, reaching out to people in inner city parishes, and ministering to HIV and AIDS sufferers, among other things. Their ministries are as diverse as the people who need them, and wherever they are, they will be saying, "You are very welcome here." And they mean it.
It's a very special thing to find a real welcome in this world of ours. Mother Teresa once said "We've forgotten we belong to each other." Oblate hospitality helps us remember.
Sandra Prather, HOMI
The Main Question
For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self… God alone possesses the secret of my identity, he alone can make me who I am or rather, He alone can make me who I will be when I at last fully begin to be… The secret of my identity is hidden in the love and mercy of God… The only One Who can teach me to find God, is God, Himself, Alone. Thomas Merton
St Eugene de Mazenod spent much of the first 20 years of his life searching in vain for his place; for his purpose in life. Then one Good Friday, while praying before the crucifix, Eugene became aware of God's deep love for him in spite of his sin. This experience transformed him, and he knew that no matter what, he was called to serve God as a priest to serve the poor.
How is God calling me to spend my life? What state of life will best allow me use the gifts God has given to me? Which career path will bring me true happiness and joy? Is there someone out there for me, or could it be that God is calling me to celibacy? These are the questions of discernment, and they are helpful questions that every Christian would do well to ask themselves, and yet, these are not the primary questions of vocation, because vocation starts in another place. The Christian journey, as revealed in all of Scripture, and in the lives of the saints, is not about the call of the individual Christian, but rather about the One who calls! And once we move our focus from what is God's plan for me to who is the God of the plan, the question of my place in God's plan often takes care of itself.
Fr Ken Thorson OMI
The Gift in the Silence
Last night, I experienced something of this same mystery of communion. The group sat in silence, Associates and Oblates together. Flickering blue and red vigil candles illuminated the Blessed Sacrament placed reverently on the small altar. The silence grew among us as we entered more deeply into it until it carried its own weight and became almost palpable.
Our evening together had been rich. A visiting Oblate missionary spoke to us about the Canadian supported Oblate mission in Kenya. His vibrant photos and lively story-telling brought the people of that country and the Oblates among them vividly alive. One of our Oblate Associates, a part-time prison chaplain, brought in a print of a wall mural that has been installed in the new remand centre in our area. The individual tiles of the mural were created by inmates at the centre. A professional artist arranged them into a composite picture of a person standing on a winding road, moving from darkness into light. It was a powerful message of spiritual hunger, coming from our incarcerated brothers and sisters.
Thus the presence of the world and the concerns of its people were present to all of us in that darkened room. Each carried their own inner prayers; together we carried each other's and the world's. Words were not necessary, needed or even wanted. Instead the silence itself carried our prayer. The sense of intimacy of being united with each other and Christ as He is found in the Blessed Sacrament grew as the silence lengthened. It said more than words could ever say.
Mystic Meister Ekhart wrote that there is nothing so like God in this world as silence. Last night, in the presence of my Oblate brothers and sisters, I experienced that deep communion, and I am profoundly grateful for it.
Sandra Prather, HOMI
A bishop for our times?
It's hard not to have a little hope. There's quite a few 'signs' if you are looking for them. There's the more visible and immediate ones: eschewing much of the pomp and ceremony of the position, the fancy capes, red shoes and elaborate pectoral crosses. His now renowned simplicity of life: riding the bus to work back home; refusing to live in the palatial papal apartments in favor or a room in the guest house. He has the common touch: phoning the newsstand guy back home to explain why he wouldn't be getting the paper anymore; paying his own hotel bill. He likes to wade into crowds, talk to ordinary people, often departs from his scripted remarks, has simplified the sometimes extravagant rituals of Roman liturgy. What's not to like about Pope Francis?
There's the deeper sensitivities too: an appealing humility when he asks people to pray for him; his gentle washing of the feet of the young offenders, including, shockingly for many, the feet of women and Muslims; his respectful acknowledgement at a meeting of journalists that he realized many of them were not Christians so his blessing would be in silence; his regard for inter-faith leaders as he made quick connections with many of them, including the chief Rabbi I Rome.
But most of all, there are his consistent messages: we must be a church for the poor and of the poor. The Church's consistent social justice message must become not only a preached reality but a lived one. Internal squabbles about protocol, prestige and position are destructive to our Christian witness. The Church of Christ must be a welcoming church, a church that reaches out in service to the poor, the disenfranchised and the oppressed.
Pope Francis reminds me a little of Bishop Eugene de Mazenod. Although Eugene's background was the aristocracy, he had a heart for the poor. His ministry was to those to whom the 'official' Church paid the least attention: the artisans, peasants and workers, the youth, the prisoners, and the rural parishioners. As bishop, his main floor office in Marseille was open to anyone who wanted to come and see him. He was familiar with both the backstreet slums and the fish markets and their denizens. He was often taken to task by the 'officials' of the church for his fervor, willingness to reach out to people and his impatience with any protocol that blocked peoples' access to God.
Eugene was a bishop for the people and he was well loved for it. Might Francis be a Pope cut from the same cloth? We can hope. . .
Sandra Prather HOMI
Will You Remain?
Good Friday approaches and the cross of Christ looms large over the world. It looms large in our hearts too: witness young Eugene on his knees before it. Bitter are his tears as he realizes that it is love which is pinning Christ to that cross. Arms outstretched, hands and feet nailed firmly in place, the innocent Jesus suffers the darkest and starkest experiences of human existence. Victim of our sin, subject to all our weakness, he enters and undergoes the darkness of abandonment and death.
The abandonment begins early: in the garden, while Jesus is at prayer, drowsing disciples are oblivious to the plight of their master. "Could you not stay awake even one hour with me?" Betrayal in the form of a kiss comes from one of his inner circle. He is arrested and imprisoned, as his companions flee and he faces his future alone. A few faithful women remain, but even they are at a distance. Jesus' loneliness culminates on the cross, as he 'takes on the sin of the world' and experiences the deepest abandonment of all: "My God, my God why have YOU abandoned me?"
Isolation, doubt, fear and pain: they are the outer boundaries of human experience and Jesus undergoes them and surrenders himself to them. "Into your hands, Father, I commit my spirit." Into the abyss of death, the unknown darkness, the terror of the night, he lets himself fall. Into the silence and the depths, he entrusts himself to his father's love.
It pierces Eugene to the heart, this realization of what Christ has endured for his sake. He feels the darkness, senses the depths into which Christ must plunge. At first, he is stricken with guilt, but, gracefully, gradually, as he gazes upon the pierced Body, it is replaced by gratitude. It floods in as Eugene realizes that God has undergone this for HIM, out of love for him, in order to pierce the darkness that surrounds his soul, in order to break the boundary of death that touches his life and all human life.
For Jesus' trust is not misplaced. As he lets himself go into the hands of God, the heavens seem closed. Three days pass by. Suddenly, shockingly, the silence of the tomb is shattered: resurrection. An atomic blast of love rolls away the stone. God's response to the Son's abandonment is new life – eternal life, transformed life. The temple veil, the barrier between heaven and earth, death and life, is torn in two and nothing is the same anymore. Death itself has died.
The cross becomes Eugene's centre. He feels himself embraced by love, bound no more by the burdens that weigh him down. Saved! Redeemed! Free! The words sing in his heart and he is impelled into a new fervor of faith and new mission. He simply must 'go and tell the others' – all the others – the Good News of Jesus Christ. His life's desire is to witness to the Love expressedon that Cross – Love's Depths, Love's Power and Love's Victory.
Eugene remains before the cross; he will not pass by. The question is, will we?
Sandra Prather HOMI
Lent this year begins exactly one month after Epiphany Sunday. The ashes of Lent have gifts differing than gold, frankincense and myrrh but no less important. In the Prophet Isaiah there is a compelling expression that can enliven our consideration of the Lenten journey which is a call to our true vocation:
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And riches hidden in secret places. Isaiah 45.3
St. John of the Cross once spoke of spiritual transformation as a descent into a darkness of the senses, the affections and the mind. In other words when our mind, emotions and bodily thinking calm down and become still and at peace in the sensory deprivation. In that deprivation the shallower parts of ourselves get desperate and panicky.
But if we can trust this stillness we will experience a deeper form of peace than comes when we are filled with ordinary light. We begin Lent reading that we are to fast, pray and give alms. That we are to go to our room and shut the door and pray to our Father who sees in secret and our Father who sees in secret will reward us. Fasting brings a darkness to the manifold craving of our appetite. Almsgiving brings a darkness to our desire for power and for more and better things. And prayer brings a darkness to the selfish part of ourselves that craves attention for itself. Prayer surrenders the attention, control and craving to God.
The truth is that this is what we most truly desire. In this darkness there are treasures beyond our thinking, feeling and wanting which is why they are like secrets: they cannot really be told or explained only known. But they are very real and they come to those who trust God to be in the darkness and who are willing to feel their way through the emptiness to a new form of abundance. Dear Friends, trust the way of the ashes this Lent, let them help you to find your own soul treasures, treasures that will never fade away.
Peace, Fr. Mark


text:
Birds of Prey Archives - Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources
Grumpy Old Fan | Necessity invented Black Canary's mother
(NOTE: I'm happy to acknowledge the hard work and obvious dedication of the blogger Count Drunkula, whose Black Canary fansite Flowers & Fishnets was a great resource in putting together this post.)
Recent developments on The CW's Arrow have gotten me thinking about the various twists and turns visited over the years upon DC Comics' Black Canary. The television series has come at the character from a few different directions, even splitting some of her characteristics among three players. It makes sense for an adaptation of Green Arrow to include at least a nod to his longtime love interest, as traditionally they've been one of DC's most prominent super-couples.
However, Black Canary didn't start out as part of Green Arrow's supporting cast, and even a cursory glimpse of her past invites some careful examination. Indeed, for a few years in the '80s, the history of Black Canary threatened to approach Hawkman levels of continuity complexity. Today we'll look back at that history, and specifically at how a shared-universe setting can both screw up and enrich a character.
For Gail Simone, an ending and (sort of) a beginning
[Editor's note: Each Sunday, Robot 6 contributors discuss the best in comics from the last seven days — from news and announcements to a great comic that came out to something cool creators or fans have done.]
Gail Simone brought to a close her tenure as Batgirl writer and helped kick off the digital-first Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman series this week. Both issues were well within her comfort zone, featuring large casts of characters locked in spirited combat a la Wonder Woman #600 and Secret Six #36. Both had callbacks to previous Simone successes, one of which pleased this longtime fan immeasurably. (No spoilers, but let's just say she's a Bird of Prey I didn't think I'd see in the New 52.) Perhaps most importantly, both showed their headliners fully in control of their respective situations. For Batgirl that came at the end of a long, somewhat depressing series of subplots, and in Sensation it was a well-executed rebuttal to anyone who thinks Wonder Woman can't be as hardcore as her gothic-avenger colleague.
Grumpy Old Fan | Summertime blues for DC in August
Considering that the July solicitations also previewed September's Futures End tie-ins, and the final issue of Forever Evil arrives this week after being scheduled originally for March, the August listings feel like just one more ingredient in a jumbled publishing stew. When it's all done, maybe we'll see that it's all worked together. Now, though, we might have to wait until the October solicits for a clearer picture of where DC's superhero line is going.
In the wake of the New 52's various revisions, the Grant Morrison-written The Multiversity miniseries seems like an artifact — if not a relic — from the pre-relaunch days. Like the Morrison-written Batman Incorporated, it was originally conceived in that environment, when legacy characters abounded and beloved Silver Age elements were reemerging. Of course, with Earth 2, Worlds' Finest, Forever Evil and Futures End, parallel worlds have hardly been absent from the New 52; so perhaps The Multiversity is meant to expand that storytelling device even further. I get the feeling that many things are about to change (again) for DC's shared superhero line, and if some Morrison-infused characters are going to be part of that, I hope they stick around for a while.
We missed out on a 'Birds of Prey' WW II story, with dog fights?
You might think you know about DC's Birds of Prey … but do you really? Created in 1995 by Chuck Dixon, Gary Frank and editor Jordan B. Gorfinkel, the team led by Oracle (and later Black Canary) is arguably the best-known female superhero team in comics. Although the short-lived live-action television series didn't do it any favors, the team — and the title — have gone on to become a staple in DC's superhero playbook. But in all those stories from Dixon to Gail Simone and on to the New 52 adventures, do you remember the time they fought in World War II? I didn't think so.
In 2001, Dixon worked with Argentine artist Lito Fernandez on a throwback issue depicting Babs and Dinah's life as a "WW2 Era aviation newspaper strip," the writer recalled. Paying homage to the likes of Milton Caniff and Frank Robbins, the issue was planned to be published similar to the WWII comic strips with black-and-white weekday serials and full-color "Sunday" sections. Created as an inventory issue to run in the Christmas season, for one reason or another it was never published, and Dixon left the series the next year.
This story seemed doomed to be lost in the sands of time, but Dixon posted the unlettered, uncolored pages Fernandez drew (they've been there for a while, apparently, but this is the first I've seen them). Here's a sample, but visit Dixon's site for the entire story.
Grumpy Old Fan | In a world …
So much time, money and creative effort is spent to bring comic-book superheroes to moving-picture life that it's almost backward to contemplate how those adapted environments could be translated back into comics form. Thanks to technology, live-action and animated adaptations are finding new ways to convince viewers they're seeing powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.
And yet, these adaptations only go so far. Movies trade spectacle for (relative) brevity, offering two-plus hours of adventure every two to three years. The reverse is true for television, which is more prolific but often less earth-shattering. Both have to deal with practical considerations such as running time, actor availability, and the streamlining of complicated backstories. Thus, to borrow a phrase from politics, adaptations are often exercises in "the art of the possible." By comparison, comics have much fewer limitations.
Therefore, comics versions of those adaptations must necessarily limit themselves, even if they only choose to work within some of those real-world limitations. Sometimes this is as simple as telling stories set within the adaptation's version of continuity. However, sometimes comics are the most practical way to "continue" a well-liked adaptation, and thereby perpetuate its visual and tonal appeal.
Grumpy Old Fan | DC TV 4 U N Me
What do we want out of a comic-based television series?
At this point in pop-culture history the corporate synergies are so closely aligned, and the fans so plugged in, that we can all come up with various ways to adapt our favorite comics into TV shows or movies. I mean, when I heard about the proposed Gotham drama — lots of Gordon, no Batman, some supervillains — it got me thinking about a half-dozen other DC features that would make passable TV series.
For example …
• Martian Manhunter: that detective's really an alien shapeshifter with all of Superman's powers, but he doesn't know his version of General Zod is also on Earth and looking for him!
• Challengers of the Unknown: living on borrowed time after inexplicably surviving a plane crash, four adventurers solve the world's weirdest mysteries!
• Adam Strange: it's Indiana Jones with a jetpack, as an Earth archaeologist finds himself on another planet!
Comics A.M. | Three IDW comics make their Madefire debut
Digital comics | IDW Publishing released its first batch of digital comics on the motion-comics platform Madefire this week. The selection includes partially animated My Little Pony, Star Trek and Transformers comics, which sell for $1.99 each. Jeff Webber, IDW's vice president of digital publishing, noted that because Madefire has a partnership with DeviantArt, the books are being exposed to "an incredibly broad network of illustration fans." To commemorate My Little Pony's Madefire debut, Dave Gibbons drew the image at right "to show that Friendship IS Magic!" `[Publishers Weekly]
Passings | Cartoonist Jack Matsuoka, who chronicled life in the Poston, Arizona, internment camp in his book Camp II, Block 211, has died at the age of 87. , Born in the United States to Japanese parents, Matsuoka was a teenager when his family was sent to internment camps in Salinas, California, and then Poston. After leaving the camp he was drafted and served as an interpreter for the U.S. Army in occupied Japan. He went to college on the G.I. Bill and worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for many years. Camp II, Block 211 was based on sketches he did while living in the camps and set aside for many years; his mother found them and encouraged him to share them with the public. They were put on exhibit in San Francisco and then collected into the book, which was first published in 1974. A revised edition was released in 2003. [The Rafu Shimpo]
Grumpy Old Fan | Unfolding DC's April solicitations
Occasionally I talk about how perfunctory the monthly solicitation ritual can be … but not so for April!
On the same day the solicitations were released, Comic Book Resources launched its new "B&B" column, featuring editors Bob Harras and Bobbie Chase, and chock-full o' factoids about various books. Moreover, the solicits were themselves packed with new story arcs, new creative teams, and an even more heightened feeling of coyness.
A big part of this coyness comes from April's cover gimmick. Actually, we readers can only see half of the gimmick — because while every New 52 book will sport a fold-out cover, the solicits only show the left side. (Makes me wish there were a retailers-only edition of Previews, as this is just the kind of thing which surely irritates them.) To add to the anticipation, every New 52 solicitation ends with a question. Accordingly, this month more than usual, the solicits are structured precisely to set up dire consequences and leave them unresolved. Suspenseful!
Ah, but that sort of thing only encourages me. Let's dive in, shall we?
Continue Reading »
Quote of the Day | 'Be extremely careful in doing business there'
"Seeing lots of 'that's how it is in this business,' stuff in regards to the day's news. It really isn't, and it certainly shouldn't be. To be a little more direct: the way DC treats a lot of their freelancers is absolutely abhorrent. When it happened to me on SUPERGIRL, I didn't say much, because I didn't want to dwell on the negative. But when you see it happen to so many good people, and the damage it does to their careers, their incomes, etc… it's just not okay. I don't understand the need for it, & I wish it were otherwise. I love DC, love the characters, & I know I did some of my best work there. And I'm VERY happy for my friends who have been successful there. But I would tell any creator — especially newer, younger ones — to be extremely careful in doing business there."
– Nick Spencer, who was abruptly removed from Supergirl in 2010, reacting to Monday's news that DC Comics had replaced newly announced writers Robert Venditti and Jim Zubkavich on Constantine and Birds of Prey, respectively, before their first issues had debuted
DC creator shuffles: Stormwatch, Constantine, Birds of Prey, more
With the launch of Comic Book Resources' new monthly feature with DC Comics Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras and Editorial Director Bobbie Chase arrives announcements of a slew of creative changes, including confirmation that Jim Starlin is the new writer of Stormwatch.
Best known for his work on Marvel's cosmic titles, Starlin has been teasing since early December that he would take the reins on an existing DC series beginning in April. Yvel Guichet joins him as artist. Other creative shifts in April include:
• Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes will write the newly launching Constantine, taking over Robert Venditti with Issue 2. "Robert came to us with a fantastic pitch for Constantine," Harras told CBR. "We really loved what Robert's doing — he's working on Demon Knights now, and he's also working on another project for us that I really can't go into which is a big deal for us. But at the end of the day, Robert and Dan [DiDio] and I spoke, and Constantine was, for him, one book too many. It was the one thing that we had to go, "If we want you to focus on this one project, maybe we should make a change on Constantine."
Grumpy Old Fan | DC's March solicitations come in like a lion
No small amount of drama accompanies the March solicitations, thanks to Gail Simone's unexpected dismissal from Batgirl. There's also turnover at Swamp Thing and Birds of Prey, potential clues to the end of "Death of the Family," and the usual I-remember-this! commentary on collections.
Ready? O-kay!
The big stories are the departures of Simone from Batgirl and Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette from Swamp Thing. It seems particularly odd in Simone's case because it leaves the fate of Batgirl's current antagonist in the hands of a different writer. Maybe that means Simone's original plans for him didn't go over particularly well with DC, or maybe it's something totally unrelated. Either way, looks like it'll be at least another month (in January's Issue 16, her last issue) before we learn anything significant. At any rate, Ray Fawkes writes two issues of Batgirl starting with Issue 18.
As of March, Jim Zubkavich is your new Birds of Prey writer, Andy Kubert draws the lead story in Batman #18, and Trevor McCarthy draws Batwoman #18. Also, in a move that threatens to have me try out Phantom Stranger, the very fine J.M. DeMatteis comes aboard as co-writer with Issue # (guest-drawn by the equally fine Gene Ha and Zander Cannon).
Birds of Prey #13: Which cover is better?
Sue at DC Women Kicking Ass points out that DC has changed the cover on Birds of Prey #13 from what was solicited. Ben Oliver created the artsy, solicited cover, while Trevor McCarthy drew the dynamic one that showed up with DC's preview of the issue. Both can be seen in all their glory below.
They're both attractive pieces of work, so this isn't about one of them being bad. What I'm interested in are the different purposes the two covers serve. Oliver's, as Sue points out, is eye-catching and "poster material." Rob Staeger notes in the comments, however, that McCarthy's cover, while busier, better communicates what's in the story.
My question for you is: Which do you prefer? Not just for this particular issue, but in general. Are you more likely to try a new comic with an artful, but interchangeable depiction of the main characters? Or with a powerful representation of what's going on in the story?
Grumpy Old Fan | Doubling down on the Darknight Detective
This week sees the print debut of Legends of the Dark Knight, the ongoing print version of DC's digital-first Batman anthology. By design it's not part of the regular Batman line, and therefore not counted as one of the New 52. However, it gives me an excuse to ask how many Bat-books DC Comics really needs.
Now, I don't mean that to be as dismissive as it sounds. The current Batman line is built on years, if not decades, of steady readership and fan attachments, and you don't just wave that away. Nevertheless, if there are only 52 slots in the main superhero line, must the Batman Family claim a quarter of them? The relaunch has made pruning these titles both easier and harder, and today I want to look at the opportunities it presents.
* * *
Women of Action | Black Canary and the Birds of Prey
I once attended a writing workshop by a popular, big-name comics writer in the 1990s who revealed a Dirty Secret that's haunted me ever since. I'm paraphrasing, but he admitted that writers of corporate-owned superheroes rely heavily on fans' pre-existing attachment to those characters. Obviously, the extent to which he was able to speak for his peers is questionable, but the implication was that he felt he could sneak sloppy work by readers, confident that their love for the characters would keep them buying the comics anyway.
Please please please don't think that I'm accusing Duane Swierczynski of that. I have no reason to think that he's doing anything less than his best work. It's just that that Dirty Secret occasionally pops back into my head as I'm reading comics I'm not enjoying about characters that I like. And the New 52 Birds of Prey is one of those comics.
I discovered Black Canary through Green Arrow. I've been a Robin Hood fan my whole life, so it was an easy jump to digging Green Arrow, but I admit that I didn't care for Black Canary at first. My intro to these characters was all post-Mike Grell, and all I knew about Canary was that – early in Grell's Green Arrow run – she accused Green Arrow of cheating on her and left him. At the time I was learning about this history, there was a huge debate among Green Arrow fans about how justified Black Canary's complaints were. But either way, Green Arrow's reputation as a philanderer stuck. Eventually, it became apparent to me that – whether or not he'd been that way before – Green Arrow's writers now considered commitment-phobia and infidelity to be important parts of his character. I began to lose interest in him and gave Black Canary a second look instead. I checked out Birds of Prey and dug it.
Artist shuffle: Saiz moves to Resurrection Man, Dagnino moves to Suicide Squad [Updated]
DC Comics announced they're reshuffling the deck a bit on the New 52, with Birds of Prey artist Jesus Saiz is moving to Resurrection Man and Resurrection Man artist Ferndando Dagnino moving to Suicide Squad. Both are effective with issue #9 of each series, which also happen to contain a crossover between the two titles.
"I'm going to miss Birds of Prey immensely, although it's also true that I was dying to work on the Dark line of books," Saiz told DC's The Source. "There's some very interesting stuff happening in these books, and I've always considered horror / creating dark settings are some of my stronger areas as an artist, and I really haven't had many chances to flex those muscles working in this genre during my career. So…I think I'm really going to enjoy working on Resurrection Man! Crrrrazy fun!"
"Call me insensitive but I must admit I've really enjoyed killing Mitch twice or thrice per issue," said Dagnino. "Nevertheless, it all falls into place knowing that he will be in Jesus' hands now. This run on Resurrection Man has REALLY been loads of fun but now I must confess I am even more excited to take over the responsibility of dealing with such a thrilling cast of characters as the Suicide Squad. Harley…I'm coming!"
No word yet on who will be drawing Birds of Prey after Saiz, but I wouldn't be surprised if we find out later today. The cover above, for Resurrection Man #9, is by Rafael Albuquerque.
Update: DC Comics has announced that Animal Man artist Travel Foreman is moving to Birds of Prey, and 1990s Animal Man artist Steve Pugh will return to draw the character in his current series.
"A big reason I love the Animal Man character so much is because of the work Steve did on the character back in the 90's with Jamie Delano," Animal Man writer Jeff Lemire posted on his blog. "In fact, I don't think it would be a stretch to say that I have been heavily influenced by a lot of the concepts Steve an Jamie created and represented them in my tenure on the book. So, to have Steve join colorist Lovern Kindzierski. letterer Jared K. Fletcher and I is a a dream come true for me. Steve is an incredibly talented illustrator as well as an extremely professional and reliable guy and with everything we have planned on Animal Man coming up, I know the Baker Family is in good hands!"

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Torres Strait
Torres Strait
Passage between the island of New Guinea and Australia's Cape York Peninsula. It connects the Coral Sea and the Arafura Sea. It was discovered in 1606 by Spanish navigator Luis Vaez de Torres. About 80 mi (130 km) wide, it has many reefs, shoals, and islands, including the Torres Strait Islands, and is treacherous to navigate.
This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise.
For the full entry on Torres Strait, visit Britannica.com.
Learn More About
Ask The Editor Videos
Seen & Heard
What made you look up Torres Strait? Please tell us what you were reading, watching or discussing that led you here.


text: COLELocated on State Highway 74B in McClain County, Cole is six miles southeast of Blanchard. From 1855 the area existed in the Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, with ranching a primary economic focus. In 1906 the Oklahoma Central Railway (OCR) laid tracks in the region. In 1912 surveyor H. Macklin and his associates from Chickasha platted the town near the railroad. The name honored Judge Preslie B. Cole, who had agricultural interests in the vicinity. The U.S. Post Office Department designated a Cole post office on April 2, 1912, with Sara Cunningham as the postmaster. Soon, a cotton gin was built, and O. A. Madden moved from Washington, Oklahoma, to establish a general store. In January 1913 the company of Haskins and Keltner, who already had a general store in Blanchard, opened a Cole franchise operated by Adrian Read. By 1918 the business was known as Keltner and Read, and eventually Read became the sole owner. In 1913 the town's estimated population stood at twenty-five, and by 1918 it was only thirty. The two general stores remained the primary business entities in the town's early history. In 1914 the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway acquired the OCR. In 1942 the railroad abandoned the tracks from Purcell to Chickasha, including the segment through Cole. In 1954 the post office discontinued. In 1962 the residents completed incorporation proceedings, but the town became inactive. In 1975 the town reorganized and held municipal elections, with E. J. Oglesby attaining the mayor's office. The 1970 population was 131, which climbed to 309 in 1980. In the mid-twentieth century a cooperative gin and gristmill operated, and for most of the century's latter half Bridwell Mill and Supply served the area residents, continuing into the twenty-first century. The 2000 population stood at 473. SEE ALSO: SETTLEMENT PATTERNS. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Blanchard (Oklahoma) Record, 11 July 1912, 25 July 1912, and 2 January 1913. Maurice H. Merrill, "The Oklahoma Central Railroad," The Chronicles of Oklahoma 59 (Winter 1981-82). Purcell (Oklahoma) Register, 17 April 1975, 24 April 1975, and 22 May 1975. Joyce Rex, ed., McClain County, Oklahoma: History and Heritage, Vol. 1 (Purcell, Okla.: McClain County Historical and Genealogical Society, 1986). Larry O'Dell © Oklahoma Historical Society |


text:
How do I keep the toggle bolts from just twirling and not fastening tight?
I can find the first stud that I can put at least two screws in on the left side of the grab bar. Drilling the holes on the right side of the left hand mounting plate will tell me if I still have stud or if I have only plaster and lathe wall. I don't know the distance between the studs, so if at the end of the 24 inch grab bar I don't have stud to screw in at least 2 screws can I use toggle bolts in at least 2 of the 4 screw holes in the mounting plate. Will this be sturdy enough for my 82 yr old Mother to use the grab bar? I have also posted this question on the bathroom board. |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by mike_kaiser (My Page) on Sat, Oct 3, 09 at 20:31
Typically studs are spaced 16" on center but that's a general rule that can change. It's hard to find studs behind tile as you're figured out. Assuming 16" OC you can angle the bar to hit both studs. You can use toggle bolts and they'll probably be strong enough. You need to apply some back pressure as you tighten the screw. In the case of several in the same bracket, you need to apply some pressure and tighten each screw a little at a time. They also make special holders for grab bars. Off hand I can't remember the name but their quite heavy duty and unfortunately rather expensive (although far less expensive than a fall and trip to the hospital). |
Pull back slightly on the screw while turning it with your fingers. When the toggle starts to make contact with the plaster, use a screwdriver for the last few turns. Make sure no one EVER grabs the bar and pulls (even for balance). The toggle will pull through pretty easily. A more solid installation is to open the plaster wall, put some 2x blocking in, then repair the plaster. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Old House Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here


text:
Amazon Flying Drones to Deliver Your Packages in 30 Minutes
by Dale WrightNo, it's not an out of season April Fools story, or something out of a sci-fi movie. Amazon has announced it's working on an Amazon Prime Air service, which would allow customers to get parcels delivered by flying robot drones.
The surprise development came in an interview with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on CBS' 60 Minutes show. Bezos confirmed that the online retailer is working on the unmanned drones, but they could take five years to develop.
Customers will be able to place their orders on Amazon.com, and have their package with them half an hour later. Obviously you wouldn't be able to order a flat screen TV and have it flown to you, but the flying drones will be able to deliver parcels weighing up to five pounds (2.3kg), which Bezos says accounts for 86% of Amazon's available products.
The drones will be called Octocopters, and the service will apparently only be available to Amazon Prime users. However, a lot of customers would probably be willing to pay out the yearly fee of £50 ($79) if they could get their packages flown to them half an hour after ordering. Amazon has put a video on its site demonstrating how the Amazon Prime Air service would work.
There are a few obvious problems with the flying drones service though. Users of social media have been commenting that the unmanned robots will be open to theft as they drop parcels off outside people's homes without leaving them in a safe place. Amazon says they're working through all security concerns, and that the Federal Aviation Administration is drawing up some unmanned vehicle rules, which will hopefully be in place by 2015.
So for now the Amazon Prime Air will remain in realms of science fiction, but that might not always be the case. On its official site, Amazon says: "One day, Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail trucks on the road today." We've got a few years to wait though.


text:
Oct 10, 2012 9:49 PM by Connie Tran, KSBY News
One San Luis Obispo California Highway Patrol officer is bidding farewell to the force after 30 years of service.
Officer Andy Kenny signed off, and gave the code 10-10 over his radio for the last time on Wednesday morning.
"I can go 10-10 on 10/10 at 10:10. What a cool thing!" said Kenny.
For him, going 10-10 and signing off, means retiring from the CHP department. He's worked for the San Luis Obispo office for 22 years, and the Santa Clarita office for 8 years.
Kenny said, "it's been a wonderful career."
It was a career which began in acting. After a small role in the hit musical film "Grease" and a rejection for a role in the popular show "Chips", Kenny said he decided to be a real CHP officer. He said he couldn't think of a better place to move to after working in Santa Clarita, than San Luis Obispo.
He said, "the community is so deserving. It's such a good community, and everybody you meet has a nice thing to say about you. It's not a very bad thing to be in law enforcement in this community."
The CHP team put together a farewell barbecue celebration for Kenny on Wednesday. Kenny's wife, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons were in attendance. Kenny's son is also a CHP officer in Santa Maria.
Kenny said he wants to volunteer his time with drug and alcohol prevention services, programs he's been passionate about for many years.
"I've been a part of something much bigger," said Kenny.
His wife, Shelley, was beaming with joy during her husband's send-off. She became emotional when he said 10-10 into his radio for the final time.
She ended, "it's more pride. It's a swelling of pride, that's why I teared up. And, the [California] Highway Patrol is a wonderful organization."
Offensive or inappropriate comments are subject to removal. To report a comment, please e-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com, and include the name of the story and information on the comment.
Thank you! KSBY.com
1 hour ago


text:
Kennebunkport + The Southern Beaches
White Barn Inn Restaurant
Kennebunkport, ME, 4043 , United States
The centerpiece of Maine's top-rated inn—its famed white barn with wide-plank floors and soaring exposed beams—is where Brit expat executive chef Jonathan Cartwright weaves a culinary tapestry of Maine-inspired American and European dishes. His seasonal prix fixe–only menu reads like sensorial poetry: asparagus crème, smoked potato foam, steamed lobster with Cognac coral butter sauce. The rustic, romance-inducing dining room, dressed in fine white linen and silver, glows after dark in candlelight (the staff has witnessed countless marriage proposals), and thanks to Cartwright's exquisite creations, the restaurant has given new definition to destination dining.
Note: Jackets (but not ties) are required for men in the evening.
Insider Tip:
The Guest Chef Series features culinary talent from other Relais & Châteaux and Relais Gourmand properties around the world; check the inn's Web site to see what top toques are joining forces with Cartwright.
Open / Closes- Dinner
- Full Bar
- Prix Fixe
- Romantic
- Reservations Required
Cuisine Type:: American Nouveau


text:
When THQ announced the sequel to office favourite Red Faction: Guerrilla, GamesMaster was a little nervous about possibly losing the red planet sandbox in favour of underground caverns.
Senior designer David Abzug put their mind at ease, however, and get them all excited about the forthcoming Armageddon sequel...
What's happened to the Red Faction since the end of Guerrilla?
With the Earth Defense Force kicked off Mars, the Red Faction has expanded to fill most of the roles that used to be covered by the EDF. They have basically become the colonist government. This is, of course, in addition to their role as the colonist military.
Will the move underground affect the gameplay in Armageddon?
It has increased the scale of destructibility. In RF:G there were buildings. Even some big buildings. But in Red Armageddon we have 360 degrees of destructibility; giant stalactites you can destroy, buildings hanging from the ceiling of huge caverns and facades that run up the side of caves. Everything around the player, including the floor he stands on, can be destroyed.
Can you travel to the surface of Mars in Armageddon?
Yes. You get to see the surface before it's devastated and after it becomes a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
What can you tell us about the new alien enemies?
The creatures you encounter in Armageddon have a variety of abilities. The ones we've shown can jump great distances and stick to walls. They have ranged weapons and huge scythe-like blades on their arms.
Is the Nano Forge weapon back? Has it been improved?
The Nano Forge has benefitted from two generations of experimentation. It can now repair any destroyed object in the world as well as having a host of other powers it conveys to Darius. We'll be revealing other abilities soon.
Apart from the new Magnet Gun, are there more weapons of mass destruction in Armageddon?
When we designed the weapons we had two goals in mind. The first was to pay homage to the weapons from Guerrilla. The second was to make them take advantage of the destruction engine. They needed to be fun to use but when mixed with destruction they become even cooler. The Magnet Gun is a perfect example. In Red Faction: Armageddon you get to rip the wall off a building and throw it at someone. The entire world becomes your ammo.
Can you tell us more about the new exo suits and vehicles?
We've taken advantage of the time gap since the last Red Faction to move the tech forward. You haven't seen the biggest weapon Darius shoots. And you haven't seen the biggest thing he'll drive either...
Any new online modes we can look forward to?
We've rebuilt multiplayer from the ground up to give a new experience to the player. We'll be revealing our multiplayer plans soon.


text:
We're sorry. We can't find the product you are looking for.
Please check the code you entered for accuracy (and re-enter if incorrect) or use the search feature above.
If the product you are searching for does not display, it may be that it is new and has not yet been added to our database. In this case, please call our Customer Service department at (800) 243-4664 and we'll be happy to place the order.
The Bob Gibson Framed Commemorative Photo is one of several photographs commemorating MLB's best players and will look great wherever you choose to display it.
4 Monthly Installments of $39.70


text:
TRI-TIP WITH ROASTED POTATOESFantastic dinner I threw some carrots, potatoes and onions on the side it was delicious the whole family loved it! — bayclan 1/8/2013 |
Baked Acorn Squash with Brown SugarI loved this it was so delicious! I will be making this very frequently, my four year old now loves squash! — RexBoyle 11/17/2012 |
Stuffed StrawberriesThese were a huge hit and easy to make, everybody loved them my only advice is make way more then you plan on needing! — IrieBeachChic 11/11/2012 |
Chocolate Pretzel BitesI made these for Christmas last year they were so delicious simple but delicious!!! They were a huge hit everyone was digging in and I made a huge bag of pretzels full of them so there were plenty to go around. — 11/7/2012 |
Egg in AvocadoI made these for breakfast and everyone spit it out like a 3 year old would it was awful :( — akmagenta 6/21/2012 |
Create A QuicheTurned out great I used Kale and Bacon it was delicious I added a lot of extra cheese and made two they were great big hit and super cheap to make. — jwedzee 6/21/2012 |
Pea and Crab Pasta SaladI used real crab and it was amazing took it to a BBQ huge hit. — srenea 5/29/2012 |
Chocolate Pretzel BitesI used Reese's pieces instead of M&Ms hugs melt faster then kisses watch out these are addictive!!! — 5/29/2012 |
Bacon wrapped chickenHuge hit I doubled this and they were gone so fast wish I would have tripled it. — jzopf 5/29/2012 |
Report spam on this page


text:
ahahahahahahaha clive rose just owned harris
ahahahahahahaha clive rose just owned harris
Indians can't bowl - Where has the rumour come from as I myself and many indian friends arwe competent fast bowlers ?
With the English bid I said: Let us be brief. If you give back the Falkland Islands, which belong to us, you will get my vote. They then became sad and left
South East Melbourne Magic vs Singapore Slingers imo.
Parmi | #1 draft pick | Jake King is **** | Big Bash League tipping champion of the universeCome and Paint Turtle
Rose wins it! Tassie the masters of winning the close one, amazing.
My Youtube cricket channels, thousands of gold old videos
XXXX Lold Lolsland Lols.
new prediction:
if jon holland takes one 5 wicket haul in shield cricket this season he will play a test in the next 6 months
he's already nailed on to play at the gabba
just read a stunning twitter exchange
i would probably die if it was really Lee Carseldine
~ Cribbertarian ~
Rejecting 'analysis by checklist' and 'skill absolutism' since Dec '09
Originally Posted by John Singleton
idk Invers definitely has a massive hard on for fawad and i think holland needs to take a few wickets to absolutely convince them hes the superior spinner
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


text:
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Jaguar XJL
Posts: 1
I recently bought a jaguar that has mechanical issue from the prior owner running out of gas. The car starts and runs, stalls out at times and has this knocking noise that seems to be coming from underneath the hood (center of engine area). I got a great deal on it, but I am unsure of what could be the problem to fix it. Any advice on what this could be would be HIGHLY appreciated it.
euphonium Great Northwest, West of the Cascades.Posts: 3,351IF your car has an electric fuel pump submerged in the bottom of the gas tank and when the car ran out of fuel, AIR got to the pump, causing rapid deterioration of the pump- - The pump would not operate satisfactorly and send a reduced amount of fuel needed by the engine causing pre ignition due to a lean fuel mixture which leads to a hotter combustion temperature causing the knocking under the hood.
coupeboi Posts: 1HI, I bought and XJ6 sport and driving it suffered severe motion sickness, so much so I had to ask the dealerhsip to take it back.
I dont think they beleived me , however did do me a deal on a small Jaguar without the air suspension and im fine in that.
Is it when your wife drives the car or is a passenger that she is effected?
This discussion has been closed.


text:
Having lived in VA I find it hard that they would elect a carpetbagging huckster like McAuliffe. That said they get what they deserve.
VA has a lot of nice safeguards built in, like it's not a party ticket. The Lt Governor is separate. and they tend to have a moderate legislature.
He can only last four years also. They only get one term, although a lot of damage can happen in four years.
I predict endless battles in Richmond, and ignominious term cut short by a Clinton run in 2016.
Panic in the McAuliffe Camp?
November 5th, 2013 - 7:18 am
Early Monday morning I got a mass email from Conservative Intel, highlighting a poll showing Cuccinelli just one point behind. I scoffed at it, because damn near every other poll showed McAuliffe taking the governor's mansion in a 6-10 point blowout.
But flat-out lying robocalls like these are the flop-sweat of political campaigns in last-minute trouble. Any guesses what ObamaCare is doing to McAuliffe's internal polls?
It's going to take a near-miracle for Cuccinelli to pull this one off, but yesterday I wouldn't have given him even miracle odds.


text:
Sat, Jul 10, 04 at 17:34
Actually, 2 months and 10 days...
Lots to like about being single. I can go for weeks without having to cook dinner. And no one complains. Nice. I can watch any movie/show I like, without grumbling from the other side of the couch. I've gotten back in touch with all the friends I lost contact with while being married. And I'm playing guitar again. Of course I have lots of time on my hands, so it's a good thing my computer is back up. (HI Tinmantu!) Fish |
Follow-Up Postings:
Hi Fish!!......sounds like you are settling into the single life just fine...the longer I am single the more selfish I get with my private time. That is cool that you are getting back into playing your guitar, it made me think of missing playing my trumpet...I got rid of it a few years back because I never played anymore and someone in my family could use it. Wish I had it back now. At any rate I ramble...glad to see you back online and posting. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Single Life Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here


text:
Pmr Bm Kertas 1 Set 1
Eye Lightening French Patent Doc SET 1
Books Set in Turkey - Five Novels to Read Before You Travel
CBSE class 12 political science question paper set 1
Different Categories of Books Available Online
Children Like Dense Neighborhoods : Orthographic Neighborhood Density Effects in Novel Readers
Book Set In Iran
Book Set In France
Book Set In England
To see more reviews, check out the item in its previous packaging (the content has not changed) by looking up ISBN 0439145449.
Bob Books come in 5 sets on 3 levels, and they cover the fundamentals of reading through about half of the Kindergarten level, which is lower than either of the other programs. Each set contains 8-12 books for the child to read, with a line or two of text per page.
Unlike many programs, there is little to no direction for the parent. However, they are carefully crafted to introduce the sounds in a systematic and maximally rewarding way, as well as carefully choosing sight words. The very first book requires that the child know the sounds of only four letters (M, A, S, T) and one sight word (on). The rest of the first set of 12 books (12 pages each) introduces the rest of the alphabet and short-vowel sounds, carefully reviewing everything learned, as well as a handful of high-utility sight words. The second set of 12 books (12 pages each)... read more
I have to admit, when I first got the Bob Books for my son, I was very excited about them. I thought the gradual pace of vowel and consonant introduction would make reading easier and give a natural progression. My 4-year old son read the first 3 or 4 books in the series, we were both excited, and all was well. I was thinking 4 or 5 stars.
Then within a week, my son refused to read the books. I knew that he could - he was certainly capable - but anytime I mentioned them, he would whine, complain and tell me that he didn't want to. This from the boy who is a book nut and would have me read to him 24-7 if possible! He would sit with me so I could read other books to him, and even try to read them himself, but wanted nothing to do with the Bob Books. This went on for months with the same response.
It wasn't until I started doing a bunch of literacy reading and research for my job that I realized the probable reason why the Bob Books are gathering dust on our... read more
I saw these books a few years ago and figured they were too easy, but I was running into a problem. I could not get my (then 5 year old) little girl to read books. She was reading all of her lessons with little if any trouble, but when I would try to get her to read the same words in a book she wanted nothing to do with it. I set these books in front of her and she read all 12. They didn't help her to learn to read, but they were a great help in getting her to read and to enjoy reading.
I am now teaching my second child to read. I LOVE THESE BOOKS!!!! They are really helping her figure out how to read.
Use coupon below to get discount at eCampus.com!
$3 off textbook orders over $75
$4 off textbook orders over $90
$5 off textbook orders over $100
Copy the coupon code before clicking the button!
Merchant | Format | Price | |
Amazon US | Paperback | $6.95 - $16.99 | |
eCampus | Paperback |
Scholastic s award-winning reading program is now available to pre-readers with the creation of My First Bob BooksTM. Expanding upon the Bob Books method and philosophy, these brand new sets offer ...
From the Best-Selling learning to read series, Bob Books, comes Sight Words: First GradeSight words are common words that appear again and again in your children's reading ...
Lad and the Fat Cat (Bob Books for Beginning Readers, Set 1, Book 11)
Samantha (More Bob Books for Young Readers, Set II, Book 5)
This Level 1 book is appropriate for children who are just beginning to read. Officer Ann Young and her partner drive their police car down the street. A little boy is lost. Can they help him? ...
Open Court Decodable Books Take Home: Level C, Set 1
Decodable Takehome Books: Open Court Reading, by McGraw-Hill, Level B, Set 1, Books 41-75
Instant Phonics Practice; Reproducible Games, Puzzles, and Mini-Books That Target the Key Phonics Skills Beginning Readers Need to Master
Jump start your early reading program with this BIG collection of kid-pleasing little books correlated with Guided Reading Level C. Inside the sturdy storage box, you'll find 100 full-color ...


text:
Study into effects of tidal turbines on wildlife
by Alan Harten
March 6, 2009
Turbines powered by tidal flows will be studied to establish their effect on protected marine creatures such as dolphins, whales and basking sharks.
Such research may help prevent the opposition to tidal power, which has delayed and hampered wind turbine schemes.
Tidal power is a recent development and so not much is known about its effect, on sea wildlife.
The RSPB strongly challenged a wind turbine farm on Lewis, which is safeguarded by European law, arguing that protected species could suffer from collisions and habitat intrusions.
The Scottish Government rejected the scheme over six years from first being proposed.
This three-year study will be done by a partnership of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Scot Mathieson, of SEPA said a reliable scientific foundation is needed to consider the possible effect of these schemes on the environment.
This study ought to aid the experts involved make sound decisions on renewable energy schemes overall and individual projects.
George Lees, for SNH, said that Scotland's renewable energy projects should be exploited for the environmental benefits they will bring, including marine.
However, it is important to acknowledge international environmental protection laws.
New research will help in facilitating both aims.
The development of infrastructure for renewable energy in Scotland is part of the government's plan to increase employment and reduce CO2 emissions.
The study will be carried out as a PhD thesis at the Scottish Association for Marine Science.
It will examine in detail whether sea mammals can detect noise from the turbines, so they can avoid colliding with them.
Dr Ben Wilson, a Marine ecologist, will be overseeing the study.
He said this is an exhilarating chance to assist the use of energy from the sea, as well as species preservation.
The results will enable the developments of turbines with the least impact on wildlife.
In case the study reveals potential risks from the turbines, project companies may need to change the design or locate the machines far from regions with high populations of protected mammals to cut collision risks.
Richard Lochhead, Secretary for the Environment, said this study would increase understanding of the effects of marine turbines on wildlife underwater and enable, the exploitation of the sea's major capability to create renewable power.
Discuss this in the Fair Home Forums
Related posts to "Study into effects of tidal turbines on wildlife":
- Tidal turbine ready to power 1000 homes
- Tidal electricity floods national grid
- Northern Ireland set to have tidal power
No Comments
No comments yet.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Previous: « Baltic Nations study pollution in their sea
Next: World Bank gives Brazil cash to stop logging »
Visited 4301 times, 2 so far today


text:
American Standard Version (ASV) | New International Version (NIV) |
2 which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying: | 2 So Jeremiah the prophet said to all the people of Judah and to all those living in Jerusalem: |
The American Standard Version is in the public domain. (The American Standard Version Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


text:
I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the services. . .
Zookbinders Revamps Customer Service, Rewards Loyalty
"We got pre-occupied with workflow innovation and improvement the last few years, and partially lost sight of our commitment to customer service," admits Mark Zucker, CEO & Founder. "Walking around our offices, I heard our colleagues explaining why we couldn't do certain things, when we should be talking about how we can provide solutions. We've worked hard for 16 years to garner a reputation for high quality products and service, but our service had room for an upgrade."
Zookbinders' team is delving into what photographers want and don't want, and examining how they like to do business. The company is finding new customized ways to help photographers be successful, like adapting its album design style to match an individual studio's distinctive style. In addition to the daily conversations with photographers about their needs, Zookbinders formed a sounding board of a dozen clients with varying specialties, years of experience and locales around the country. The Zookbinders Customer Advisory Board meets formally on a quarterly basis and provides constant feedback on how the company can reduce pain points and be a better business partner. View bios and photos of the Customer Advisory Board at www.zookbinders.com/special/CAB/CAB.html.
Live Chat – Zookbinders respects the value of each customer's time and understands the need to obtain info in a flash. The company now offers online Live Chat (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT Monday-Friday). This new tool is ideal for quick questions, confirmations and other tasks not requiring a phone conversation. Simply visit zookbinders.com, click on the "Live Chat" icon and enjoy assistance that's fast, friendly and free.
Flat Rate Shipping – Zookbinders' new flat rate shipping fee is $16 anywhere in the United States via FedEx Ground. For an additional $5, the album company drop-ships the order directly to the customer and sends the paperwork to the photographer. It's predictable, fair and another way of showing photographers how much Zookbinders appreciates their business.
Customer Loyalty Program – One of the many bright ideas emanating from Zookbinders' Customer Advisory Board is the creation of the Zook Rewards customer loyalty program. Although loyalty programs are common among photo labs, Zookbinders is a rarity among album manufacturers in offering this client benefit. "We not only value our loyal customers, we think that faithful patronage deserves to be rewarded," said Mark Zucker. The new points-for-purchases program launches in the 2nd Quarter of 2012 with rewards such as free shipping, free samples, free product upgrades and free design services.
Count on Zookbinders – Mark Zucker summed up the changes: "Any good vendor should be making the photographer's job easier. Pros can count on Zookbinders to help take away the workflow pain so they can focus on getting hired, shooting great images and pleasing clients. In 2012 and beyond we are committed to being a better, more full-service partner by anticipating needs and exceeding expectations."
To Learn More: Visit www.zookbinders.com, email, subscribe to Z-Blog at www.zookbinders.com/blog or call 888-895-3593.
Since the market is truly crowded with service providers, I find it fair enough for them to implement these rewards programs, because, to me, this is the only way have have in order to make the difference and climb the charts. I am saying this because I experienced how it is like to be a gold client, with the ones in Plano foundation repair services, when I remodeled my house.
Loyalty is a key word when we talk about the service providing field, when we talk about producers, consumers, markets and trends. Loyalty is somehow the constant that ensures build-up of solid brands, but in an interesting way, a key concept that requires rejuvenation and reconsideration all the time, because it does not come for granted. Just look how far things went, Industrial UPS Systems these days are the result of hard specialist work plus the loyalty of their customers that invested trust in their growth and innovative side.
As a Holzberg lawyer I am aware of how difficult is to work with people. Sometimes we need to face difficult situations in which people are aggressive and this affects our communication.


text:
The angelic Blue Angel spreads her heavenly love to every...
The angelic Blue Angel spreads her heavenly love to every willing soul, even for those who fell from grace long ago. The devilish Kristian Devil, on the other side, wants to prove Blue Angel that the real satisfaction and pleasures are coming from below. If you ever wondered where the truth lies, here is the chance to find out.
- Duration:
- 5m:00s
- Viewed:
- 3376
- Added:
- 2 years ago
- Comments:
- no comments for this video


text:
Today I baked oatmeal pecan white chocolate chip drop cookies. They're made with butter. I made them to serve at a party which will be held one week from today. I will be taking them on a flight with me. Should I just keep them in an airtight container until the party or should I package them up and freeze them so they'll be ready to go? |
Follow-Up Postings:
I definitely would freeze them. If we could start this conversation all over again and you asked the question without having already made the cookies, I would have suggested you make the dough when you had the time and freeze it in dollops. Bake the cookies as close to the time of departure as possible and not freeze the baked cookies. But unfortunately my time machine is in the shop getting repaired.... ;-) -Grainlady |
Have to agree completely with Grainlady. On freezing dough for later baking... freeze in a "log", rolled tightly in several layers of plastic wrap & then maybe foil. Back when I was making holiday cookies, froze a mini-log (maybe 6-8" long) of each type I was making... CC, peanut butter, gingerbread, oatmeal, etc. When I wanted cookies, would thaw in fridge over night. Could just slice & bake once thawed. |
I have four cups of frozen persimmon puree I am turning into cookies for this coming Friday night, so your advice is COMPLETELY timely for me! |
Thanks for your advice. I don't know why I didn't think of freezing the dough and baking later. Hopefully I'll remember to do that next time. |
No, you don't want to freeze them. Cookies, properly stored, will last at least a month at room temperature. I used to work at a VERY expensive bakery. The Christmas cookies were baked the Monday after Thanksgiving, put in cardboard box bottoms (only one flavor to a box), the boxes were slid into plastic bags and twist-tied shut. They were stored on shelves in a storeroom. They were still perfectly fresh Christmas week. Besides it not being necessary to freeze cookies to keep them nice for a week, freezing makes the fat in chocolate separate--the cookies will actually be of better quality if you don't put them through freezing. Just store them in an air-tight container, at cool room temperature. |
- Posted by publickman (My Page) on Tue, Apr 24, 12 at 11:44
I agree with Azzalea, and I also used to bake professionally, but at a very cheap, hippy restaurant in San Francisco in the mid 1970s. I mostly made coffee cakes and brownies but also cookies from time to time, and we were only allowed to use butter - never shortening. I would keep samples at home for up to a week at room temp (which in SF was admittedly a bit cool), and they were fine. To me, freezing is worse than putting them in the fridge. Lars |
Hmmmm. I guess that's why I never had a bakery cookie that I liked. Do bakeries add preservatives of some type to the dough? Most cookies I bake taste stale to me after about 3 days. The exceptions, of course, are things like biscotti and that 3 layer Neopolitan type that's supposed to sit and age for a month. I can think of a couple of others that improve with age, but only a few. I also freeze cookie dough for baking when I want. Any cookies in my house more than 3 or 4 days become crumbs for pie crust, no one in my family will eat them after that. Annie |
- Posted by publickman (My Page) on Tue, Apr 24, 12 at 15:12
If cookies are left out and are not sealed in an air-tight container, they will become stale faster, as they will absorb humidity from the ambient air. If you can keep them sealed in a container with no air, they will stay fresh longer. Of course they are better the fresher they are, and if you bake cookies on a regular basis, you will be more aware of the difference between a cookie that is three days old and one that is a week old. People who are not used to having freshly baked cookies will be less likely to notice the difference. The lacy cookies will go stale much faster than other types unless they are stored without air. If you freeze cookies, however, they tend to absorb more moisture during the defrosting period, which is why it is better not to freeze them. It is similar to the reason you do not freeze coffee beans. Ideally, she should have frozen the dough, but that option as past! Lars |
Yeah I guess I know now why I seldom like bakery cookies if that's true! Though I do occasionally buy from some local bakeries and I know they don't leave them sitting around for a month. In fairness, many good bakeries will be selling Christmas cookies a month before, but they're not month old cookies! LOL I do see some bakeries leaving their cookies sitting in the cases for a few days and even cake donuts are sometimes kept a couple days but usually they're starting with an inferior product anyway, in my book. Many have a "best if used by" date on them too. There's good bakeries and bad and this is proof that "expensive" does not mean "good" to say nothing of "better"! I too can tell cookies are getting stale after a few days to a week depending on the type. Fresh is definitely better. And no way is a month old cookie perfectly fresh in either definition or in taste, at least in my book. I understand how they get away with it. People don't know what they're supposed to taste like so they don't know what they are. But I'd venture a guess that few people would compare (side by side) a freshly baked one and a month old cookie and say they taste the same. Although what many of these "bakeries" call Christmas cookies... (shudder). Then you leave them sitting around another couple weeks? I think I'd rather have slice or break-n-bake! I tend to freeze some cookies and take out in batches unless they'll be consumed in a couple days, which usually they are. Again, frozen is not the same as fresh but certainly better than sit-arounds. Hard cookies will sit out better than soft cookies though, but even the crumbly peanut butter cookies are affected after 4 or 5 days. I would freeze them but they'd be edible if left out. Might just taste more like a bakery cookie than homemade! LOL |
I know the option to freeze the dough is past, Lars, but I'd freeze the cookies themselves. Like Cynic, I'd rather have one that had been frozen and thawed than one that's been sitting around for several days. I guess I didn't make that clear. Annie |
I freeze cookies in freezer bags all the time with no problem. As long as you get all of the air out of bag (who did I learn the 'suck the air out' trick from here?) the texture and taste is like fresh. And then there are some cookies that need to be refrigerated to be at their best - French Macarons - which are infinitely better after a day or two aged in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Bonnie |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Cooking Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here


text:
  <META NAME="Generator" CONTENT="Microsoft Word 97"> <TITLE>From: dougerskine@sympatico</TITLE>
Format: Crd.

Asus2 = 002200

[A] You don't [D] realize how much I [A] need [Asus2] you. [A] [Asus2]

[A] Love you all the [D] time and never [A] leave [Asus2] you. [A] [Asus2]

Please [F#m] come on back to [C#m] me. I'm [F#m] lonely as can [C#m]

I [A] need [Asus2] you.

[A] Said you had a [D] thing or two to [A] tell [Asus2] me. [A] [Asus2]

[A] How was I to [D] know, you would [A] upset [Asus2] me. [A] [Asus2]

I [F#m] didn't [C#m] realize, as [F#m] I looked in your [Bm] eye's.

You [A] told me.

Oh, yes you [D] told me, you [E7] don't want my loving [A] anymore.

That's when it [D] hurt me, and [E7] feeling like this,

I [Bm] just can't [D] go on [E] anymore. [E7]

[A] Please remember [D] how I feel [A] about [Asus2]. [A] [Asus2]

[A] I could never [D] really live [A] without [Asus2] you. [A] [Asus2]

So [F#m] come on back and [C#m] see. Just [F#m] what you mean to [Bm] me.

I [A] need you. I [F#m] need you. I [A] need you. [A] [Asus2] [A] [Asus2]
  Comments
Popular Beatles tabs & chords Song lyrics
↑ Back to top | Tablatures and chords are parodies/interpretations of the original songs. You may use it for private study, scholarship, research or language learning purposes only |


text:
From CA. Went to Wharton in PA. Left to help start Lore in NY. Then worked in India briefly. Now back at Penn to explore and finish my degree.
Always happy to connect: email@example.com
Veronica Belmont - about.me user since 2010
"First, customize your page. It's easy and fun to design!"
Hi! I'm currently living in (City), where I work at (Work Place) doing (Job Title). When I'm not working I like to (Hobby), (Interest) and (Passion). Connect with me!
"Next, connect services and send people to your page."
"That's it! Let about.me do all of the work for you."
Showcase a 360 degree view of who you are
Help people find and follow you on your social networks
Be found for new opportunities


text:
Winter 2010 in Europe: A cold extreme in a warming climate
Article first published online: 22 OCT 2010
Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.
Additional Information
How to Cite
2010), Winter 2010 in Europe: A cold extreme in a warming climate, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L20704, doi:10.1029/2010GL044613.
, , , , , and (Publication History
- Issue published online: 22 OCT 2010
- Article first published online: 22 OCT 2010
- Manuscript Accepted: 27 AUG 2010
- Manuscript Revised: 25 AUG 2010
- Manuscript Received: 7 JUL 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
- cold extreme;
- atmospheric dynamics;
- wintertime climate
[1] The winter of 2009/2010 was characterized by record persistence of the negative phase of the North-Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) which caused several severe cold spells over Northern and Western Europe. This somehow unusual winter with respect to the most recent ones arose concurrently with public debate on climate change, during and after the Copenhagen climate negotiations. We show however that the cold European temperature anomaly of winter 2010 was (i) not extreme relative to winters of the past six decades, and (ii) warmer than expected from its record-breaking seasonal circulation indices such as NAO or blocking frequency. Daily flow-analogues of winter 2010, taken in past winters, were associated with much colder temperatures. The winter 2010 thus provides a consistent picture of a regional cold event mitigated by long-term climate warming.


text:
Backpacker Studio 2013 Workshop Tour / Tag Along
New Workshop Dates:
Tampa * Miami * Atlanta * Dallas * LA * San Fransico * London * Amsterdam * Medellin * NYC
My events are unique in that I call each person attending personally to find out their goals and expectations. I then custom tailor an individual plan for each person prior to the event. I share my the tricks of the trade that most pros won't share when it comes to cinematic lighting, working with subjects and post production. This is an intimate, creative, fun, outside the box thinking workshop with a lot of ONE on ONE time.
If you want an opportunity to meet great people with common interest spent shooting while enhancing your photography goals, then this is an event for you. I also allow each attendee to bring their spouse at no extra charge. On top of all that, the workshop is 100% guaranteed (if you aren't happy by the end of the first day, no questions asked refund). Click for more details...
CLICK READ MORE FOR DETAILS and NEVER BEFORE SEEN VIDEOS
Pawn Stars Shoot and BTS of Lightenupandshoot Miami Workshop
Photography can take you down so many unpredictable paths; I had an awesome weekend in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami! While hanging in Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale I ran into the Pawn Star dudes and like the ham that I am, I had my photo taken with them. Drew Blood had his new Nikon D600 armed with a grip and 85mm 1.8. The following two days I gave my mentoring/workshop in Miami. The mentoring starts with a telephone conversation with me prior to the event. I discuss with each attendee their specific goals and go over expectations. The Lightenupandshoot Events aren't your standard workshop; there is a lot of one on one time and a lot of shooting over two days.
What does the workshop look like?
We meet the first day in a comfortable studio and nail down the technical aspects of lighting. If you have never picked up a light or you're a lighting expert you will learn my creative approach to light which will open up new doors in creativity. Then we cover how to approach models/subjects. My unique way of constantly moving and communicating with models to get "the shot." After lunch we go to an awesome location and shoot models/subjects that we meet during the workshop. In a typical day each attendee will approach and shoot about 20 people. Each time I will be there coaching you through various lighting techniques and exploring different creative ideas all while you direct the subject/assistant. It's fun and an intense experience.
Shoot me a line if you'd like to talk or sign up for one of the events near you: http://lightenupandshoot.com/photoshootogethers (limited space available at each event). Also, I have set up a Lightenupandshoot Event Group on Facebook. Here you can ask questions about hotel/airfare deals, which gear to bring and talk with other attendees (CLICK HERE)
Miami Tag Along BTS Video from Lightenupandshoot on Vimeo.
Photography Tips - Natural Light Chasing Technique by Lightenupandshoot
http://lightenupandshoot.com/photosho... - I have a limited number of creative photography workshops around the globe in 2013. It's more than just listening to me speak about light, it's a chance to spend a lot of one on one time with me before and during the event. Whether you want to learn how to light, work with models, develop your unique style or just have an adventure this is the opportunity.
Photography Tips - Natural Light Chasing Technique from Lightenupandshoot on Vimeo.
Enjoy the video that goes over one of my best secrets: starting with natural light gives me a chance to warm up and build chemistry with the model. Later I can break out the big lights once my model is comfortable and I have a better idea of the vision. It's also an exercise in learning how to better control the ambient light.
Posing and Light - Lightenupandshoot Style
Subtle changes in "Light" and "Pose" can give a totally different look and help build confidence with your subjects. One of my secrets in developing an "eye" is to explore light and posing possibilities. Let's explore further...
The shot of the left was the what I envisioned. I used a white fabric scrim instead of a reflector to just give a hint of fill and softer fill (I liked the contrast for this shot) and asked Vivi to "fix" her hair. I knew there would be some movement and I pulled the trigger when my "eye" saw the shot. Knowing when something looks good is the key; I see a lot of photographers just "spraying and praying" and not really thinking about the final outcome. I think the digital era is to blame for this. Film guys didn't have the luxury of looking at the view finder; they had to rely on their vision and instinct.
Instinctively I knew I had the shot but decided to shoot a few more for "safety." I asked her to do more of the hair playing thing but she lost the vibe after the first time I asked. Sometimes when you ask a model to do something a bit unnatural you may only have one go at it. I also had my assistant bring in a silver reflector (2nd shot on right) It was too polished looking for my taste and the vibe was gone. The hard light from the silver reflector changed the feel completely.
Sometimes you know you have a shot and trying to reproduce the same results doesn't always work. But, playing and experimenting with theses type of subtle techniques is what will separate you from mediocre photographers. In essence you're playing with your vision through experimentation. I'm never afraid to try new things; it keeps it "fresh" and also gives the model confidence that you are a pro.
These are the types of tips that I share while shooting with attendees during my events. There is lots of "one on one time" CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE
CLICK READ MORE for more images and notes
In Search of Gold - Adventure Photography - Lightenupandshoot
About 3 or 4 times a year I like to travel to exotic locations to quench my thirst for adventure and photography. My trips the past couple of years have taken me to the coast of Ireland, the islands surrounding Hong Kong, the jungles of the Amazon rain forest, the streets of medieval Europe, North American city tours of LA/NYC, and the coffee region of Colombia. I enjoy traveling in both the budget style of a backpacker and the lifestyle of Robin Leach's rich and famous...but what's most important is fulfilling my vision as a photographer.
My next Tag Along, January 2013, will be a luxury excursion in the historic Caribbean city, Cartagena (beaches, models, island hoping, underwater photography, and rain forest).
If you want to see the images and read more about the gear used, the techniques to achieve certain looks, and the creative vision behind the Supia adventure click: READ MORE
Andrew Litsch on Getting More Contrast w/ Lens-Hoods
Gear: Getting more contrast with a Lens-hood
Miami Workshop Guest Speaker: Andrew "Drew Blood" Litsch (check out his work)
Lens Hoods (Andrew recommends AGFA 77mm Rubber Lens Hood ($8.00 Amazon)):
I'm constantly evolving and working on my craft. Andrew "Drew Blood" Litsch and I met up in Ft. Lauderdale over the weekend to talk shop and catch up. While we were discussing our favorite lenses, he pointed out that using a lens-hood will give images more contrast. I've never been a big fan of lens-hoods because I often use flare and never really found the need in most instances. I never really thought blocking the available light would bring more contrast, but it makes complete sense to me. I'm sure the pixel peepers will give me a good lashing in the comments below; it just goes to show that even seasoned photographers can learn new tricks (trust me, I have a lot to learn and it's on going process).
I'm jumping on Ebay to purchase a few used hoods for my 50mm 1.4 and 80-200mm 2.8.
Andrew "Drew Blood" Litsch is going to grace his presence at the Miami workshop March 23-24 (click link for sign up...limited space)
The image below was shot without a lens-hood; it's obvious I wanted flare. I had to add a lot of contrast to bring out detail to the image. In fact, most of my available light shots require a lot of contrast and look "flat" before I start playing around in post. It's just another tip to add to my long list of effects, in this case: contrast or no contrast? There is no right or wrong...but it's good to know your options when breaking out the tools needed to get the job done.
Excited to shoot with Andrew end of this month!!! He's one talented MOFO.


text:
A Fickle Wind Blows
A preview of Sky Traders, the upcoming board game of aerial commerce |
Sky Traders | Published 11 April 2012 |
Every sky captain occasionally encounters times of good fortune, when a stiff wind blows and each business opportunity is profitable. But the winds of fate can be a burden as well as a boon, and at times, it seems like disaster lurks behind every cloud; the market violently shifts and trade goods lose all value, you're busted and outlawed for carrying illegal goods, or the Wind Pirates ruthlessly plunder valuable cargo.
As a captain of your very own sky ship, you'll experience all of this and more! Announced last month, Sky Traders is a board game of commerce and intrigue in which two to five players evade the ruthless Wind Pirates as they compete to collect influence with the powerful Sky Guild. As you set out for adventure and profit, you'll encounter all types of exciting challenges. Today, we'll take a closer look at the source of many of those trials: the Ill Wind deck.
A bittersweet breeze
Before a sky captain can set sail each turn, he must submit to the capricious whims of fate, represented by the Ill Wind deck. Ill Wind cards offer its share of advantages; perhaps you'll draw the Economic Boom card that increases the value of all trade goods, or the Treasure Map that allows you to immediately gain one legal good of your choice. You may even draw the Grog card and win the coveted grog guzzling competition!
On the other hand, the Ill Wind deck contains plenty of events to derail your quest for fortune. The Toxic Damage card causes damage to your ship's cargo holds if you are carrying sludge, the waste byproduct of phlogiston that captains sometimes haul out of cities and dump for profit. As a Captain, you may want to think twice about taking noxious sludge aboard, since the Toxic Damage Ill Wind card is one of the more common cards in the deck.
If you're a captain that prefers to operate on the edge of the law, you'll dread the Sky Patrol Ill Wind card. Authorities of the sky, the Sky Patrol will attack if your ship is carrying illegal grog or if you have a wanted token from committing an act of piracy, dumping sludge in a city, or defeating the Airmarshal Ill Wind card. We'll discuss wanted tokens and combat in a future preview.
Rob, steal, and plunder
Perhaps the biggest threat in the Ill Winds deck is the dreaded Wind Pirates. While some pirates are content to leave you be as long as you "share" some of your most valuable cargo, other pirates viciously attack any sky ship unfortunate enough to cross their path. The most unfortunate sky trader may even run across the Wind Pirate King! If you do, you'll have the opportunity to turn tail and run, but if you defeat this legend in combat, you'll receive a massive bounty.
The fickle Ill Winds deck adds surprises and challenges to your quest to grab the title of Master of the Sky Guild in Sky Traders. Check back for more previews of this board game of intrigue and adventure, and look for Sky Traders to dock at your local in the second quarter of 2012!
Launch your skyship into the clouds and experience adventure and intrigue in Sky Traders, a board game for two to five players. Players evade ruthless Wind Pirates, manipulate the commodities market, work with peers to create larger profits, or try to undermine their rivals. Trade your way to fortune and fame as you attempt to take control of the powerful Sky Guild!


text:
The Bible is void of emotional concepts that we call "feelings"; rather the early Church identified spiritual influences as the cause of ones countenance. For example Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness". Today most of this list is believed to be emotions that are not generally sourced from above.
When and why did this transition take place in Church History?


text:
Reviewed Creme De Menthe Brownies
Dec 26, 2010 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"These turned out great, my husband could have eaten the whole pan. These are VERY minty. I stuck to the recipe except for the mints on top. I would definitely suggest waiting until the brownies are cool before taking them out of the pan. I started to take the brownies out of the pan too early and they almost fell apart. After a couple of hours in..."
Reviewed Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
Dec 26, 2010 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"These were delicious! I will be using this base now for all my chocolate chip cookies.
I couldn't find the raspberry filled chocolate pieces, but I did find dark chocolate bars with a raspberry flavor that I was able to break into small pieces. My cookie came out like a double chocolate chip cookie with a hint of raspberry. I'll probably..."


text:
CBS 2 - Search Results
Cedar Rapids Church Rebuilds Today
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (CBS2/FOX28) - As we work to clean up from the recent storms hundreds of volunteers will converge on a single site to help a church rebuild from the floods of 2008.
Six years ago, the floods of 2008 destroyed the New Life Pentecostal Chuch in Cedar Rapids.
Since then, they've slowly been rebuilding.
But Friday and Saturday volunteers will meet at the church to step up the pace and finish the rest of the work.
The project is an adaptation of the Church In A Day program that builds churches around the country in 30-hours.
By midnight on Saturday, the 130-seat sanctuary and religious classrooms will be complete and leaders hope to hold their first service this Sunday.


text:
Use this Code for Facebook:
Use this BB Code for forums:
More Comments
- Hugs to You
- Hugs To You Friend!
- Hugs to You Teddy Picture
- Happy Valentines Day Hugs and Kisses to You!
- You Mean Everything to me I Love You Happy Birthday
- Sending you Wishes to say you Blossom up the World Around Me Happy Women's Day
- Free Hugs to Friends
- I want you addicted to me
- I want you addicted to me (2)
- Me to you Bear graphics
- Wild Hugs: Happy Hugs Day
- From Me To You! Glitter Scrap for Hi5
- I wanted you to fight for me
- Best Love Quote ~ You to Me Are Everything
- Happy Women's Day… From me to you !