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Tons of new books, including a new Shadows/Bean book by Orson Scott Card and a much-hyped debut YA paranormal. The Utah Arts Council Original Writing competition winners were announced, and the LDS Film Festival begins today. Sorry to be a few days late with this. Please send any suggestions or announcements to mormonlit AT gmail DOT com.
News and announcements
The Utah Arts Council Original Writing Competition winners were announced late last year. I list those winners who appear to have a Mormon connection below. They are all unpublished works.
Biography/Autobiography: 1st Place – Lance E. Larsen, Provo, Seventeen Ways to Float. Larsen is on the BYU faculty.
Collection of Short Stories: 1st Place – Larkin G. Weyand, Lehi, All the Pennsylvania Left to See. Weyand is a teacher at American Fork High School, also a UVU English department adjunct instructor. He graduated from BYU, then a MFA from University of Maryland. Two of his recently published stories are "Kissy Kissy" in Blinking Cursor Literary Magazine, Summer 2011 and "No Child Left Behind" in Blood Lotus #21. Aug. 2011.
Honorable Mention – Larry Menlove, Payson, Fur or Feathers, the Teeth or Venom.
Young Adult Book: 2nd Place – Erin R. Jackson, Provo, Banyan Trees. Jackson is a BYU MFA graduate, and adjunct faculty in the BYU English Department.
Poetry: 1st Place – Danielle Beazer Dubrasky, Cedar City, "The Sand Man". On the faculty of Southern Utah University.
2nd Place - N. Colwell Snell, Salt Lake City, "Withdrawal" Snell (AKA Ned Snell) was named the 2007 Utah State Poetry Society Poet of the Year. His manuscript, Hand Me My Shadow, won the 2007 Pearle M. Olsen Book Award, the 2007 City Weekly Artys for Best Poetry Collection. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2005. Both Dubrasky and Snell have poems in the recent Fire in the Pasture anthology.
Short Story: 1st Place – Lance E. Larsen, Provo, "Ode to Milk" (see above)
Honorable Mention – Eirene R. Henderson, Provo, "Burnt Offering".
Essay: 1st Place – Erin R. Jackson, Provo, "Amputations" (see above).
Honorable Mention – Mikey Stephenson, Murray, "Waiting for the Morning Sun to Rise".
The Utah State Poetry Society named Lee Snell "Poet of the Year 2011″ and awarded him publication of a hard-cover book of his poetry, called "Night Wind Home." Snell, age 71, lives in Highland, UT, and is the brother of noted Utah poet Ned Snell (who won the same award in 2007). He only began writing poetry ten years ago. Snell and his wife served as senior missionaries in Canada in 2003-04.
Matthew J. Kirby's middle-grade novel Icefall, set in ancient Viking lands, was nominated for an Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Juvenile Mystery, from the Mystery Writers of America. The winners will be announced at a gala banquet on April 26 in New York.
The Salt Lake Weekly 2011 ARTY Awards were announced on Oct. 20, 2011. Here are some with Mormon connections.
Readers' Choice
- Best Individual Performance – Kirt Bateman, Borderlands
- Best Local Production – Borderlands, produced by Plan-B Theatre Company
- Best Original Play – Borderlands, by Eric Samuelsen
- Best Fiction – I Don't Want to Kill You, by Dan Wells
- Best Painting Exhibition – Trevor Southey for Reconciliation at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Staff Choice
- Best First-Love Heartbreak – Back When You Were Easier to Love, by Emily Wing Smith
- Best Local Dystopia – Matched, by Ally Condie
- Best Environmental Writing—Melchizedek Priesthood Division – Home Waters: A Year of Recompenses on the Provo River, by George B. Handley[8]
The Sunstone Symposium West will be held February 3-4, at Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, UT. Panels will include:
"I Took it To Mean": Javen Tanner's "Eden" and a Poetics of Desire. TYLER CHADWICK. Respondent: THERIC JEPSON.
Monsters and Mormons: Reclaiming Pulp Fiction Mormons from Comic Cliches and Stock Villains. Brian Gibson, THeric Jepson, Erik Peterson. Respondent: Patrick Q. Mason.
Poetry Reading/Panel: Contributing Poets read their work from Fire in the Pasture: Twenty-first Century Mormon Poets. Neil Aitkin, Tyler Chadwick, Theric Jepson, Karen Kelsay, Elisa Pulido, Laura Stott, and Holly Welker.
A Whitney Academy membership invitation: Josi Kiplack, who is the Whitney Awards President, asked me to publish this. "We are building our Academy list for The Whitney Awards, which is the group who reads the finalists and casts their ballots. Anyone who meets the criteria as an Academy member and would like to be included can then contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com and be added to the Academy list. They can then read the finalists in any and all of the categories and cast their votes. The Whitney Academy is comprised of industry professionals, including members of LDStorymakers, authors, retailers, bloggers, critics, publishers, and other individuals and organizations involved and invested in the LDS writing community. For more information about the Whitney Academy, please see the Official Rules."
There is a new Steven L. Peck short story "Do I Tell Her?" at Daily Science Fiction.
Blog posts and interviews
At A Motley Vision, Theric is continuing his series of analyses of each of the stories in the seminal Bright Angels & Familiars Mormon short story anthology, including "The Weekend" by Donald R. Marshall, the mysterious "The People Who Were Not There" by Lewis Horne (and a guest analysis by Lee Allred with his own diagrammed explanation of the story), "Sayso or Sense" by Eileen Gibbons Kump (which generated a lot of discussion, including a lengthy and welcome visit from Thomas Rogers). This is a wonderful opportunity for some group reading and discussion.
Also at A Motley Vision, Kent Larsen continues his Sunday Lit Crit Sermon with W. W. Phelps on Sacred Poetry, George Reynolds on "Outside Literature", and Brigham Young on evil. And an interview with E. M. Tippets/Emily Mah about her self-published LDS-themed novel Paint Me True, her reasons for self-publishing, and working in both the LDS and speculative fiction markets.
Scott Hales at The Low-Tech World talks about Finding Teachable Stories from the anthology Dispensation: Latter-day Stories in his college "American Religious Landscapes" class. He focuses on his concerns with the ability of students to understand the temple imagery in Lisa Torcasso Downing's "Clothing Esther." He also creates a fun mock entry from Mitt Romney to the Mormon Lit Blitz, in which Romney and Hunstman superhero dopplergangers "The Iron Rod" and "Liahona" discuss their troubles.
Meanwhile at Mormon Artist they are publishing descriptions of the Semi-Finalists for the Mormon Blitz contest.
"Writing Towards The Atonement", by Jake Clayson at Ships of Hagoth. Jake discusses Stephen Carter's essay "Writing as Repentance", analyses a dream, and talks about literature leading readers towards the atonement.
LDS Publisher is holding her Third Annual Book Cover Contest. Nominations will be accepted until midnight on January 26th.
Doug Thayer was interviewed on KBYU Radio's talk show Thinking Aloud about his new story collection Wasatch: Mormon Stories and a Novella. He talks about a violent story about mid-19th century trapper, and the lost art of writing with a strong sense of place.
Blair Hodges looks at Nephi Anderson's 1898 novel Added Upon in two posts at By Common Consent. In "The War in Heaven from Nephi Anderson's 'Added Upon,'" Hodges talks about Anderson's take on Satan's plan of salvation in the pre-existence. "Rather than depicting Lucifer as offering to save everyone by force, thus depriving God's children of their agency (a la evil contemporary government programs and socialism and evil communism), Anderson took a different approach . . . The argument seems to be that people will be forgiven regardless of their decisions. That the consequences for sins would be overlooked." In "'To wander at will in the garden of the Lord,' or: an apologia for 'Added Upon'" he talks about the power of the book in shaping generations of Mormons'theology.
Kent Larsen continues to mine for poetry gold in 19th century Mormon publications, with his Literary Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine series. #4 On the Latter-day Dispensation, #5 Trials.
An interview with James Gough at the Wired blog "Geek Dad".
New Books and their reviews
Brodi Ashton, Everneath. Balzer & Bray (Harper Collins), January 24. YA paranormal romance, the first in a trilogy. Ashton is a debut author, and has a master's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics. Based on the Greek myth of Persephone with a dash of Egyptian mythology: a 17-year-old who's been banished to the underworld escapes to her former earthly existence with her family and boyfriend. The catch is that she only has six months in the real world before being sent back to Hades, this time forever. Ashton is part of The Six, a SLC writing group which includes Emily Wing-Smith and Bree Despain.
Publishers Weekly: "Jumping frequently between Nikki's time before and after her capture, this dark romance, Ashton's debut, is complex and intriguing. Drawing inspiration from such myths as Osiris, Orpheus, and Persephone, it explores the nature of loss and longing and what it means to be alive."
Kirkus Reviews: "Ashton's debut is a melancholy, modern retelling of Greek underworld myths . . . The intense prose is slow-motion grieving mixed with mythology, awakening hope and redemption—a mix ideal for angst connoisseurs."
VOYA (Starred review): "The author brings a fresh, innovative concept to young adult fiction with well-developed characters and a fantastic plot line …. Libraries are advised to buy multiple copies-this one will fly off the shelves."
Deseret News review. "Dealing with a dark storyline, Ashton is a master of description. While other young adult books have clear villains and heroes, Ashton blurs the line with her characters. The reader will have sympathy for all the characters, despite their actions. They will not know whom to root for. This adds substance and complexity to the overall plot. Its conservative themes are what are most striking about the book. Ashton echoes Stephenie Meyer in her attempt to keep her characters clean and graceful . . . Though the storyline of the book is suspenseful, it tends to be overly dramatic at times. Nonetheless, the reader is able to overlook these moments because of the plot twists and turns." Also a review at Fire and Ice (4 stars).
Anna Jones Buttimore. No Escape. Walnut Springs, January. Suspense/romance. New York policeman moves to Wales, meets a woman who is in trouble with drug dealers.
Orson Scott Card, Shadows in Flight. Tor, January 17. Fifth novel in the Ender's Shadow science fiction series. One of Card's shorter novels, at 240 pages. Card says: "It introduces Bean's brilliant children – the ones with the same short-life giantism that gives them savant-like abilities in every area. There's no ebook for a year, but there'll be an "enhanced ebook" for Kindle and Nook within a couple of weeks, fully illustrated by Nick Greenwood." Card is currently in the first residency of an MFA program at Queens University. He has been pretty negative about University writing programs in the past, but he seems to be happy with his current experience.
Publisher's Weekly: "Card's fifth novel narrated by Julian "Bean" Delphiki mingles transcendent strangeness and didacticism. On a spaceship cut off from the rest of civilization, Julian is raising his three remarkable children, doomed to die young by the engineered genes that also make them inhumanly brilliant. Triplets Cincinnatus, Carlotta, and Ender are only six years old and already smarter than nearly any adult, but just as emotionally immature as any children. Bean tries setting them up as an incestuously reproducing super-race who will be parents at age eight and dead at 22, but when an unidentified alien ship appears, the children eagerly embrace a less depressing way to prove themselves. Bean's endless lectures make him appear a mouthpiece for the author; his children's snarky resentment of being talked down to will similarly ring true for readers."
Kirkus Reviews: "Bean has secretly steered [his children] towards a surprising, not altogether unexpected but certainly intriguing confrontation . . . The author has always superbly written about children, and here he's in top form. The original Ender, still roaming the galaxy in search of redemption, rarely gets a mention: bad news for Enders, good news for leguminotes. If you still prefer Ender to Bean after this, you're really hardcore."
Deseret News. "Card has demonstrated a remarkable ability to take the reader inside the heads of the brilliant children that populate these books. In "Shadows in Flight," the author does a masterful job of creating three children with distinct personalities. He also accomplishes the difficult task of developing a believable set of family dynamics that might develop in a group of four individuals living in cramped quarters for four years — and demonstrates a keen understanding of human nature in the process. "Shadows in Flight" is a positive look at the power of a father's love, and the strength of family bonds."
Joyce DiPastena, Dangerous Favor. Walnut Springs Press, January 17. "Sweet" historical romance, set in medieval Europe. Third novel.
Sarah M. Eden. Friends & Foes. Covenant, January 6. Regency romance. Features characters who previously appeared in Kiss of a Stranger. Previously self-published in 2008 under the title Affectations.
Fire and Ice. 4 stars. "This is the fourth book I've read by Sarah M . Eden and I can say she is one of my favorite writers of clean Regency romance . . . This is such a fun, clean read! Overall I was highly entertained. My only little peeve was the overuse of the word "lud" by Phillip and the fact that the book is very main character driven. The reader doesn't get a deep sense of any of the side characters or resolution of sub plots that are previously explored."
M. L. Forman. Albrek's Tomb. Shadow Mountain, January 24. Adventurer's Wanted series, Book 3. Middle Grade Fantasy. The adventurers meet dwarves and a paladin.
K. C. Grant, Venom. Covenant, January 6. Suspense. Set in Mexico City, an intern realizes her advertising agency employers are involved in something dangerous. Grant's third novel, after two Book of Mormon historical fiction novels.
John Gubbins. Profound River. Sweetwater/Cedar Fort, January 8. Historical. About a British nun who wrote the first book on fly fishing in 1450. [I do not know if Gubbins is Mormon or not.]
Marie Higgins. Secrets After Dark. Walnut Springs, January 6. Paranormal Romantic Suspense. A family curse turns a man into a werewolf.
Review by Tristi Pinkston (AML). "I would consider [the style of this book to be a] Gothic paranormal romance rather than a historical. It captures the hallmarks that make the Gothic genre what it is — beautiful woman comes to a house filled with danger, she is warned away, but in the end, she is the one who can solve the mystery . . . As the story unfolds, I enjoyed the plot line and the twists and turns, but I felt it all moved too quickly. I would have enjoyed seeing more details, more characterization — and I felt that the denouement moved way too quickly, with too much information being presented all at once. I also felt that the tone of the story was inconsistent — one moment, the language was just right for the era and genre, and other times, it was too casual, as though I was reading a contemporary book rather than a historical. That said, I did like the book, and don't mean to sound overly negative. I did feel it could have been stronger in some ways, but I enjoyed the read. What's perhaps most interesting to me is the author herself. Her first novel was a contemporary chick lit, her second was a historical western, her third was a historical ghost story, and now we have a Gothic paranormal. I think it's great when an author can explore her many facets and not feel confined to any one particular genre, and I can't wait to see what Marie Higgins writes next."
Krista Lynne Jensen. Of Grace and Chocolate. Covenant, January 6. Romance. Debut novel. A woman's carefully controlled world is thrown into flux by a long-lost sister and a new man in the ward.
Aaron Jordan. Insanity. Sweetwater/Cedar Fort, January 8. Dystopian science fiction/suspence. Set in a world a millennium from now in a post-apocalyptic future. A medical student tries to discover the secret behind a genetic-based insanity that has nearly destroyed humanity. Second novel.
Lynn Kurland. Gift of Magic. Berkley Trade, January 3.The Nine Kingdoms series, vol. 6. Medieval fantasy.
Rebecca Winters. The SEAL's Promise. Harlequin, January 3. Romance.
Holly J. Wood. Invaluable. Deseret Book, December 27. Young Adult/doctrinal. Debut novel. 16-year old girl with family and romance trouble, begins getting visits from her great-grandmother in her dreams, and she sees eight stories which teach her the Young Womens values, which give her the courage she needs to face her challenges.
Reviews of Older Books
Cold River, by Liz Adair (Deseret News). ""Cold River" is a light read, with emphasis on romantic entanglements and small-town politics. The dangers Mandy faces are real but easily addressed. She's never in so much danger that there isn't someone immediately available to render assistance or explanation . . . Readers expecting a complex thriller or a dark suspense book may be disappointed with "Cold River," but those looking for light afternoon entertainment will enjoy it. The content is family friendly."
What of the Night?, by Stephen Carter (Theric Jepson at A Motley Vision). "Stephen Carter's 2010 essay collection, as you might expect, provides plenty stellar examples of the form . . . As Stephen writes in 'Writing as Repentance,' 'In order to really finish any of my essays, I had to forgo the satisfaction of an answer, promised at the top of either mountain. Instead, I had to forge into the canyon, filled though it was with mist and darkness. Because that was the only place not already built. It was the only place I could create myself without the dominance of one mountain or the other'. This is a good time to quote Joseph Smith: "By proving contraries, truth is made manifest." Often we would rather be safe, repeating rote stories rather than making Truth manifest. Stephen instead is plumbing the shadowy depths of the canyon between stories, and I wish him godspeed, with a note of thanks for sending us these postcards from his travels."
Death of a Disco Dancer, by David Clark (Theric Jepson at A Motley Vision). "Zarahemla Books is, in my opinion, the most valuable brand in Mormon letters today. I can't think of another publisher (of any type) whose books I'm as likely to pick up just because of who them . . . Zarahemla keeps proving my faith in them well placed. They're the Pixar of MoLit! . . . The Death of a Disco Dancer is a brilliant book. I was lucky that I started reading it the same day my classes had to take a mandated test, freeing me from teaching responsibilities. Before I was a quarter of the way through, I had disturbed my students with merry snorts—and had had to hide my teary eyes—as I tore through the pages in utter glee, trying to read as much as I could before I had to collect their work. In the end, I finished the book in two calendar days. Which is just not something I do anymore . . . But what are this book's strengths? Let's start at the end, shall we? Clark has the fortitude to end the story where he should and not ten steps later when all the reader's question could have reached a more tidy resolution. He has captured a time and place so perfectly it feels like documentary footage of 1981 Scarsdale, Arizona. He's funny. He drew tears without being the least sentimental. Both the laffs and the tears are fully earned by real characters engaging in real life. He knows the power and the value of a good tangent (with the exception of the bear story, every digression is just the right length and helps us understand Who What and Why with elegance). He engages with the ambiguity of all things stereotypically good (religion) and bad (darn teenagers!). He never drives a joke into the ground until it is no longer funny yet still rising from the grave. He deals with topics heavy (with lightness but not undue lightness—for instance the pathos of dementia with its uncomfortable humor) and light (without ignoring their own little gravities) . . . Highly recommended."
Static!, by Michael R. Collings (Tales from the Bookworm's Lair). "I give this horror novel a strong 4.5 stars out of five . . . There are points, especially in the first half (which I found marginally stronger than the second), where I'd almost have sworn I was reading a Stephen King novel. I mean that in the best possible way, as I'm a fan of King's and think there are few better modern American storytellers. Had STATIC! replaced a few of the literary and film references (which were just a tad metatextual for my liking at times) with pop cultural references and been just a bit more profane, I think we'd have something very much like King's work."
Nightingale, by Dave Farland (Deseret News). ""Nightingale" is an thrilling fantasy novel filled with characters that are both real and well beyond imagination. The author does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to characters with unique abilities and real-life problems . . . Reading this book as an e-book offers the reader a unique experience that feels almost like a motion picture."
Tuesdays at the Castle, by Jessica Day George (Bloggin' 'bout Books). B+. "It is just as fun and magical as it sounds. With humor, originality and lighthearted prose, it's simply an enjoyable read. I bought the book for my 9-year-old daughter as a Christmas present, but I loved the story just as much as she did. If my boys could get over the princess thing long enough to give Tuesdays at the Castle a chance, I think they would really enjoy it, too. It's that appealing."
A Sense of Order and Other Stories, by Jack Harrell, and Mormon Fairy Tales, by Johnny Townsend (Theric Jepson at A Motley Vision). Theric loved Harrell's 2010 collection and disliked Townsend's 2011 collection. "I did not like Townsend's book enough to finish it . . . Essentially, every story in the book . . . has the same two-part moral . . . 1. the proper attitude toward Mormonism is the breaking free of its shackles, [or] 2. Mormons aren't as good as they'd have us believe (often evidenced by the fact that they would have us believe they are good) . . . I suppose it's handy for Townsend to turn the Church into nothing more than a boogeyman, but it's cheap and dishonest shortcut-storytelling . . . The real problem (besides everything listed above) is that these stories allow no room for ambiguity. Townsend never lets the reader escape a story without being told exactly what to think. I hate that at the best of times. Doesn't everyone? Isn't that the complaint people are always throwing at Jack Weyland? And that's all you need to know. Mormon Fairy Tales is like a weaker Weyland collection only with a generous seasoning of sex and different politics. Ambiguity is, however, practically an article of faith in Jack Harrell's Sense of Order, which you'll know if you, like me, have drooled over "Calling and Election" . . . it's a pretty great book and, by my judgment, the second best book of Mormon fiction I read in 2011 . . . The way the stories overlap and refer to each other (the Adam and Eve imagery, for instance) is notable, and a story like "Godsight"—which I could easily describe to you in language that would make you certain it must be a vile antiMormon tract, is in fact a beautiful meditation on Gethsemene. I kid you not. And that's what fiction can do. It can be something other than what it seems to be. I don't care what side of which line you're on. If your fiction tells me what to think and leaves no room for ambiguity, no thank you. But if your fiction leads me see the world as more beautiful because more complex, then you're doing something right. A Sense of Order provides just such an effect."
Pride and Popularity, by Jenni James (Tristi Pinkston, AML). "What this story has – a lot of personality, a way to introduce today's teens to the wonderfulness that is Jane Austen, a clean read appropriate for a reader of any age level, and many moments that made my heart go pitty-pat. What I wished this story had – I felt that the Mr. Collins portion of the story could have been played up just a little bit more, and I would have liked more foreshadowing of the younger sister running off with the scurrilous Wickham. Both these instances, which were very central to the plot of the original 'Pride and Prejudice,' were somewhat skimmed over in 'Pride and Popularity.' That said, it's easy for me to see why this book, and Jenni James, are becoming overnight sensations."
In God Is Our Trust, by L. C. Lewis (Jennie Hansen, Meridian Magazine). "Some readers of this series have been disappointed in sections that seem to drag with too much explanation of the times and background of the story. Others have been delighted by the enriching trivia. Through the series there has been great growth in the major characters and the overall plot has been satisfying, but I've felt some disappointment that other characters have not been developed more, and though there have been interesting subplots, not all have been fleshed out as much as I would have liked. Overall I have enjoyed this series and am sorry to see it conclude."
Identity, by Betsy Love (Deseret News). "While ostensibly a book written for Latter-day Saints, "Identity" can be enjoyed by all who love a good mystery. This book packs a punch that can seldom be found in the works of most first-time writers. Love uses the lives of regular LDS people to tell a story that will be exciting, engaging and inspiring."
Monsters and Mormons, edited by Wm Morris and Theric Jepson (Michael Collings). "Perhaps the most intriguing thing that comes to mind upon reading Monsters & Mormons is the extraordinary range of ideas, themes, images, and tales that fit underneath the general umbrella of "Mormon." . . . In all, Monsters & Mormons generally lives up to its title. Most of the tales could stand on their own in any anthology of horror or science fiction, regardless of their Mormon content; many are first-rate, truly exceptional examples of contemporary storytelling. A few venture perhaps a bit too close to the boundary between imagination and reality as they configure worlds in which priesthood powers and demons intersect—I had a couple moments of feeling distinctly uncomfortable—but most of the 500+ pages proved entertaining, intriguing, occasionally enlightening, always thought-provoking. Strongly recommended."
The Scholar of Moab, by Stephen L. Peck (Adam Miller at Times and Seasons). "The Scholar of Moab: Inderviduality," about messy irreducibility and the existence of independent "brains" outside of our own that can colonize us, such as the Book of Mormon, and "The Scholar of Moab: Believing Bees" about the characters' opposing faith and scientific doubt.
No Angel, by Theresa Sneed (Tristi Pinkston, AML). "I enjoyed this read. I appreciated the explanation of how angels and demons have opposite goals for us – although couched in fiction, it helped me visualize the battle that really is taking place for our souls. I liked the touches of humor and the creativity that went into the creation of the story. It was a paranormal without being too dark. It talked about the premortal life in a way that's easily recognized by LDS readers, but written in such a way that readers of every Christian faith will appreciate. This is the first in a series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next instalment."
The Shaken Earth, by Toni Sorenson (Jennie Hanson, Meridian Magazine). 5 stars. "If I were naming the best books of 2011 this book, The Shaken Earth by Toni Sorenson, would hold a place of honor on that list. There are only a handful of other books published this past year that impressed me as deeply as did this one. The author was one of the earliest humanitarian aid workers to arrive in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010. From that perspective, her many years working in Africa, and her intense research into the history of the island nation, she developed the story of Yolisha . . . Though The Shaken Earth is filled with tragedy, sad events, unfairness, and so many negative events, the book is not a wallow in depression. It is a story of hope and faith. Yolisha's story is told in a simple, straight forward style that captivates the reader and keeps the reader turning pages and staying up late to read 'just one more page.' Yolisha's life is in many ways a metaphor of her country. Though beaten down and facing terrible odds, she presses on believing she can make a difference and that there are better times ahead. Sorenson has a gift for storytelling. She creates a seemingly simple story that is layered with metaphors that only those "with eyes to see" catch beneath the surface. Without preaching or cramming religion or history down the readers' throats she educates on both a spiritual and literary level."
The Shaken Earth, by Toni Sorenson (Deseret News). "The author skillfully weaves together several threads, including Haiti's culture and customs, snippets of Haiti's history, the effects of the earthquake on Haiti's people and Yolisha's introduction to the LDS Church."
Just Shy of Paradise, by Carole Thayne Warburton (Tristi Pinkston, AML). "I really enjoyed this novel. I learned a lot about the history of Cache Valley and the Shoshone Indians who lived in that area. I loved how the author wove history into her contemporary story and looked at it from different angles to present a multifaceted story. I also very much appreciated the unique story line, with a fishing pole at its center."
CSI: Provo—Decaffeinated DNA, by Ben E. Millet. Deseret Star Playhouse, Murray, Utah. Through March 24. Comic crime show parody, about an investigation of a murder on BYU campus. Deseret News review. ""CSI: Provo — Decaffeinated DNA" follows a forgetful UVU science-professor-turned-crime-scene-investigator as he navigates through his first big case and upcoming wedding. Although the storyline itself is simple and somewhat predictable, recurring references to Provo, Mormon and general Utah stereotypes keep the audience interested and laughing from beginning to end . . . With well-meaning cracks at high council Sunday, ward basketball, the "Good News Minute" and an unexpected appearance by "Kurt Bestor," the audience is likely to experience moments of hysterical laughter and have an overall enjoyable time."
Utah Theater Bloggers Review. "Visually, I thought that this show was delightful. The backdrops were beautifully drawn and I loved the set piece that represented the BYU campus bell tower . . . The story is extremely simple and Ben E. Millet—who wrote the script—shoehorned every joke possible into the 60-minute show. The story and the humor is clearly aimed at an LDS population; anyone who hasn't spent time in Utah County would probably be perplexed at a few of the jokes. But all the old standbys are there: church basketball, scrapbooking, caffeine, the BYU honor code, etc. (It's all done affectionately and nothing sacred is ridiculed.) If you've been an LDS Church member your entire life, you've probably heard many of these. But there is quite a bit of original humor, and I found myself laughing pretty hard, especially in the second act. The night was capped off with the olio, a music and comedy performance that is a tradition at Desert Star. I found the olio to be the highlight of the evening and more enjoyable than the actual show itself . . . Desert Star has clearly mastered their formula for an evening's entertainment. If you're looking for a life-changing evening of theatre, you won't find it. But if you want to laugh and forget your worries for an hour and a half, Desert Star is the place to be."
Mahonri Stewart's Rings of the Tree: A Multimedia Play will be produced on Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, February 4 at the Off Broadway Theater in Salt Lake City; as well as Thursday, February 9, Friday the 10th, and Monday the 13th, at the Grove Theater in Pleasant Grove. Mahonri talks generally about the production at A Motley Vision and about the trend in theatre towards using digital technology like video and multimedia, as this play does, in this blog.
The Little Brown Theater in Springville, UT, and the Zion Theatre Company, will hold a joint fundraiser on Friday, January 27, 2012 and Saturday, January 28, 2012, both from 7:00 to 9:00. There will be staged readings of two new plays written by Mahonri Stewart. "Evening Eucalyptus" on Friday, and "A Roof Overhead" on Saturday. Little Brown Theater, 248 S. Main St, Springville, UT 84663.
The film adaption of Ender's Game is in full swing. Gavin Hood ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine") is directing from his own script, adapted from Orson Scott Card's novel. Summit Entertainment is co-financing and is scheduled to release the film in the U.S. on March 15, 2013. Asa Butterfield ("Hugo") will play Ender, Harrison Ford will play Colonel Hyram Graff, Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") will play Valentine Wiggin, Hailee Steinfeld ("True Grit") will play Petra Arkanian, and Ben Kingsley will play Mazer Rackham. Details at Deseret News, Variety, and IMDB.
The 2012 LDS Film Festival will be taking place January 25th through the 28th at the SCERA theater in Orem, Utah. The primary schedule is available at the official site. Deseret News feature story on the LDS Film Festival.
Kevin Burtt picks some of what he expects to be the highlights: Redemption — a drama about a lawman and a prisoner, set on the western frontier in 1862. Directed by Tom Russell and starring John Freeman, Margot Kidder, and Barry Corbin. AKA For Robbing the Dead. Stand Strong — a drama about a family in crisis who learns what success is really about. Directed by Amy and Shawn Kenney. The Last Eagle Scout — satirical drama/comedy about a future society without Scouting where one young man tries to finish his Eagle before time runs out. Written and directed by Kels Goodman. Corianton: A Story of Unholy Love — the 1931 black & white film adaptation of the Brigham H. Roberts novella (based on the story of Corianton, son of Alma, from the Book of Mormon). The Measure of a Man — a true story of an orphan in the Great Depression era who travels from Oklahoma to California and ends up raising a large posterity. Directed by Elizabeth and Andrew Waite. The Letter Writer — latest from LDS Film Festival head Christian Vuissa, a drama about a rebellious teenager who becomes the apprentice to an old writer of life-affirming letters.
Other films of note:
Unicorn City. Director: Bryan Lefler. Comedy about LARP enthusiasts. Set for a late February theatrical release. Sweetwater. Director: Brian Skiba. The story of two childhood friends who have grown apart and are suddenly thrust back into each other's lives when a parent develops cancer. The cast includes William Katt, Dean Cain (Lois & Clark, September Dawn) and John Savage. Two Brothers. Director: Rick Stevenson. A documentary by a Protestant about two Mormon boys. Elizabeth's Gift. Director: Rob Diamond.
Unitards premieres this weekend, opening in 20 theaters in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. It was directed, written, and produced by Scott Featherstone, who has previously created lots of advertisements, the direct-to-DVD films Same River Twice (1996) and Return to the Secret Garden (2000), documentaries and LDS Church films (Love Thy Neighbor). It stars his son Sam Featherstone and several other Featherstones. It is being distributed by Excel Entertainment. "Lewis Grady just won the student-body elections at Skyline High School and Vice Principal Spooner has big plans for the goof-off high school senior. Three odd-ball seniors are charged with the unenviable task of instilling school spirit back into their high school. They devise a plan to create an all-men's dance team comprised of misfits and losers and call themselves UNITARDS." KSL feature story about the film.
Kevin Burtt at LDS Cinema Online re-reviews the film Rescued and its re-edited, retitled Christian market version Island of Grace. Brian Brough's SunWorld/Candlelight media have repackaged three of their LDS films for the Christian market. Kevin looks at the differences between the two films (both of which appear to be pretty bad). He concludes, "Wouldn't the ideal future of LDS film be where an "Island of Grace" version never exists? Can LDS film reach a point where each film stands on its own, inside and outside the Church, without needing tweaks to be considered "Christian"?"
Review of Shooting Star/Heber Holiday by Randy Astle. Still a bad movie.
A Deseret News feature story on Shannon Hale and the making of the Austenland movie.
New York Times Bestseller lists, January 15th, 22nd, and 29th (I also note where the books are on the USA Today bestseller list, which lumps all books, hardcover, paperback, fiction, non-fiction, into one 150 book list.)
Hardcover Fiction
#31, x THE SNOW ANGEL, by Glenn Beck (11th week). Down from #20, and then off the list.
Trade Fiction Paperback
#17, #23, #20 HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, by Jamie Ford (73rd week on the main list [above #20]).
Mass Market Paperback
#2, #4, #7 SPIRIT BOUND, by Christine Feehan (3rd week). Sisters of the Heart, vol. 2. On the USA Today list for 4 weeks, peaking at #18.
ENDER'S GAME and THE LOST GATE by Orson Scott Card fell both fell off the list
Children's Chapter
#6, #6, x CROSSED, by Ally Condie (7th week). Back on the list after being off for 3 weeks, and then off again.
Children's Paperback
#2, #3, #4 MATCHED, by Ally Condie (17th week). Up from #5.
ENTWINED, by Heather Dixon. Off the USA Today list after being #134 for 1 week.
Children's Series
#10, #8, #7 THE TWILIGHT SAGA, by Stephenie Meyer (203rd week). Down from #5.
x, x, #10 THE MAZE RUNNER TRILOGY, by James Dashner (6th week). Back on the list after a couple of months.
Hardcover Graphic books
#5, #5, #4 TWILIGHT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOL. 2 by Stephenie Meyer and Young C. Kim (14th week). Up from #8.
Deseret Book bestselling fiction
1 Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett ↔
2 Friends and Foes by Sarah M. Eden NEW
3 Shadows of Brierley, Vol. 4: In the Valley of the Mountains by Anita Stansfield ↑
4 The Great and Terrible Six-Volume Set by Chris Stewart ↔
5 Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears ↓
6 Sadie by Rebecca Belliston ↔
7 Enduring Light by Carla Kelly NEW
8 The Promised Land, Vol. 5: The Compass of God by David G. Woolley ↓
9 Whisper Hollow: A Novel by Carol Warburton ↑
10 Shadows of Brierley, Vol. 3: A Distant Shore by Anita Stansfield ↑
11 The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice ↑


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I see them as a way to relax and have fun with digital postprocessing. I like to browse through the pages of stock photos at Stock.XCHNG and pick a picture that catches my inspiration, then turn it into something different by working on the colours, filters, and textures. That's it. I focus on the result, not on the editing process - as simple or as complicated as it may be - and I aim for something that is pleasing to the eye, no matter how real or unreal it may seem, at the same time keeping in mind that any work of photomanipulation is simply not real.
Thank you for looking! ♥ And thanks to all the awesome stock providers out there!
• Polaroid Frame by
• 'Tree autumn, otoño' by David Vives Coll on Stock.XCHNG
• Rain Texture by *incolor16
• GiddeHand Font by ~Gidde

subset: commoncrawl


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Time to Focus
Rather than getting my hands dirty in my studio once my son goes to sleep I often find myself wandering. It is what happens when you have a young son I suppose. I find when I have things written down I accomplish more. I need it in small chunks, almost daily but not quite. I searched online for some free task worksheets only to find myself not exactly motivated by the options.
Of course I created my own…
Feel free to use for free (just right click and save as…). If you decide to share it please provide proper credit. Thanks for understanding!


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In 2014-2015, we've got several fun, convenient, and informative days for you and your family to choose from. CU Fridays are designed to let you get a first-hand experience of all that Cedarville University has to offer. You'll enjoy a day full of activities, make new friends, and find out if Cedarville is the place for you.
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text: How MIT could help you pour ketchupBy Brandon Griggs, CNNUpdated 1707 GMT (0007 HKT) May 30, 2012Just WatchedIs era of slapping ketchup bottle over?replayMore Videos ...Is era of slapping ketchup bottle over? 02:34Story highlightsMIT professor and his students invent nonstick coating that makes ketchup slide out of the bottleLiquiGlide is made from edible, nontoxic materials that can be sprayed into food containersA YouTube video of the ketchup bottle in action has been viewed more than 125,000 timesThe video is as short as it is surprising. A hand tilts a glass bottle containing a red glob of ketchup, which -- instead of oozing out in slow motion or getting stuck -- slides out easily, leaving the bottle nearly spotless.Posted last week, the 20-second clip has been viewed more than 125,000 times on YouTube, prompting dozens of news stories and brightening the spirits of impatient ketchup lovers everywhere.But it's not exactly what Kripa Varanasi had in mind when he and his students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology set out to develop a new kind of slippery coating that would help de-ice planes, or keep water droplets from sticking to steam turbines in power plants."I never thought a ketchup bottle would make us this famous," said Varanasi, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT. "We were all focused on [solving] the big problems, like water and energy."But one of the goals of Varanasi's MIT lab is to develop potential commercial products, not just publish research in academic journals. The coating, which he and his graduate students call LiquiGlide, seemed more immediately viable as a food-packaging product, he said.LiquiGlide is made from a secret cocktail of edible, nontoxic materials that can be sprayed into bottles or other food containers. Videos on the LiquiGlide site show it working its slippery magic on plastic bottles of jelly and mustard, too."You could literally scratch it off and eat it," Varanasi told CNN in an interview. "It's that safe."LiquiGlide first gained attention earlier this month at MIT's $100K Entrepreneurship Competition, an annual forum for launching academic projects into the commercial marketplace, where it won an Audience Award. Now Varanasi and his students are fielding interview requests, talking to bottling companies, filing for patents and planning to launch a startup this summer. An MIT grad student, Dave Smith, will serve as CEO, Varanasi said.As Varanasi sees it, LiquiGlide offers several benefits: It's more convenient for consumers, and it makes recycling easier because the bottles are clean. It also wastes less food, because people won't be tossing out bottles coated with mustard that they can't squeeze out.He also believes LiquiGlide has practical applications beyond condiments, such as high-end cosmetics. Who wants to waste precious drops of $50 hand lotion because they can't get the stuff out of the bottle?"It works on everything we've tried so far," Smith told CNN.Varanasi and his students hope to have their product on supermarket shelves within two years. Right now they have momentum on their side, thanks to a deceptively simple idea, a niche nobody realized needed filling -- and a little video."It just went viral," Varanasi said. "The video sold it."More from tech9 billion years later, see star explodeDresses defy gender stereotypesWill.i.am apuesta por la moda sosteniblePowered by Livefyre


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.!. PHOBO$ [ad 2008]CREDITS:
Phobos (Ancient Greek Φόβος, "Fear") is the embodiment of fear and horror in Greek mythology.
Take another look
At yourself what do you see?
You drift alone in circles
And you can't reach the sun
Are you a prisoner
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Or trapped in sadness
You can't reach the sun by Demons and Wizards.
DETAILS: [link]


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The Achievements of Vasco da Gama: 13 Facts – Part 1 By Yona Williams 12/20/08
When it comes to Portuguese explorers, does Vasco da Gama (~1460-1524) ring a bell? This man discovered an ocean route from Portugal to the East; and participated in many journeys on the sea. In the end, Vasco da Gama earned the title of one of the most successful in the European Age of Discovery. He also took the position of commander of the first ships to voyage directly from Europe to India. In this article, you will find 13 facts regarding the life and achievements of Vasco da Gama. 1) At the time of Vasco da Gama's main achievements, the public thought that it was nearly impossible to sail where he ventured because they believed that the Indian Ocean did not possess a connection to any other bodies of water of its kind. 2) Da Gama's patron was King Manuel I of Portugal. He sent de Gama on an expedition to India (between 1502 and 1503) when he held the position of Admiral. After the King's death, King John III took the place of directing de Gama on his next exploits, including another adventure to India. De Gama was put into the position of Portuguese viceroy (the King's representative in India) under the new King's rule. 3) It is believed that da Gama was born in either 1460 or 1469 on the southwest coast of Portugal. Some say that he was born in a house located close to the church of Nossa Senhora das Salas. His hometown of Sines was one of the few seaports situated on the Alentejo coast, which was mostly inhabited by fishermen and cottages furnished with red tile. 4) Vasco da Gama's father was named Estevao de Gama and during the 1460s, he served as a knight in the household of the Duke of Viseu, Dom Fernando. Over time, his father was appointed to the position of Alcaide-Mor or Civil Governor of Sines, which allowed him to earn a minimal revenue from the taxes associated with soap making in Estremoz. 5) da Gama's mother was Dona Isabel Sodre – the daughter of Joao Sodre. This side of the family was of English descent. The bloodline also included links to the household of Prince Diogo. 6) In 1492, King John II of Portugal sent Gama to the port of Setubal (located south of Lisbon). Another mission was also to travel to Algarve to lay claim to French ships as part of a retaliation assignment. Da Gama was successful in performing this task and completed quite fast as well. 7) da Gama's first voyage took place on July 8th, 1497 with a fleet that consisted of four ships and a crew of 170 men. When he left Lisbon, he traveled with the following vessels: The Sao Gabrie (commanded by Vasco da Gama); the Sao Rafael (commanded by his brother Paulo da Gama); the caravel Berrio (commanded by Nicolau Coelho); and an unnamed storage ship (commanded by Gonçalo Nunes). Later on, the storage ship lost its way close to the Bay of Sao Bras – about the east coast of Africa.
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I don't think I'll survive the week if I have to go through my life without this $2,010 Jil Sander raincoat. Just knowing it's out there…haunting me…is enough to drive your boy to the edge of the Ben Franklin. Just look at this thing. We're talking 100% transparent Polyurethane super-swagger. Bitches will literally be trying to suck your dick through the jacket. Easily the best two grand you can spend. Sure, you COULD sponsor a starving child and give them food and water for almost 6 years with the money you spend on this see-through raincoat, but why would those kids even want money from a broke scrub who can't even afford transparent outerwear? I sure as hell wouldn't.
Buy it for me HERE.


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Tuesday 3 Mar 2015
Increasingly porous geopolitical boundaries and the ever-more cosmopolitan background of artists are allowing contemporary curators to make bold choices in Venice's national pavilions. At this year's Biennale, France and Germany are swapping buildings. Christine Macel, the French curator, and her German counterpart, Susanne Gaensheimer, say the idea had been discussed as far back as ten years ago, but this year is the 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, or Treaty of Friendship, between the two countries, and therefore a fitting occasion for the gesture.
Germany Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
Macel believes "a new global culture has emerged within the art world thanks to globalisation". But are they suggesting the national pavilion model is outdated or even embarrassing? Gaensheimer says not, "as long as you think of national identity as a chance to represent the complexities of a country". Accordingly, of the four artists representing Germany, only Romuald Karmakar is German, while the other three, Ai Weiwei, Santu Mofokeng and Dayanita Singh, are not, although they "all have a strong relationship to Germany", says Gaensheimer.
French Pavilion. Courtesy of 'the life of h. ernest chen"
Anri Sala, who has both Albanian and French nationality and is partly based in Berlin, is representing France. The Institut Français, which commissioned the pavilion, says Sala's double nationality was of little importance, but that "the quality of his work took precedence". Similarly, only one out of 12 artists in the Kenyan pavilion is a Kenyan national, while the Syrian pavilion, in disarray, counts at least ten Italian artists out of a total of 16, one of whom is Giorgio de Chirico. Meanwhile, Tuvalu, which is taking part for the first time, is represented by the Taiwanese artist Vincent Huang.
Anri Sala (right) and Maribel Verdú during the presentation of the MACBA Collection
Published Fri, 24 May 2013 10:03:00 GMT
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The Bordeaux International School of Population Health Sciences provides short courses covering topics around population health studies. The School is initiated and organized by the Excellence Initiative (IdEx) of the University of Bordeaux and associated with the Bordeaux School of Public Health (ISPED).
The second one-week program will be held from June 29 to July 3 2015 in Bordeaux, France. It covers important and innovative methodological aspects of population health studies and their communication, offering formal lectures paired with practical work.
The curriculum is designed specifically for health professionals, scientists, students and others who are interested in population studies, prevention, public health, drug and medical device industry, health policy, management, and health communication.
In this second edition, we offer 4 courses:
- Introduction to principles and methods of population health studies/epidemiology
- Social Determinants of health
- Health Communication
- Medicines post-marketing evaluation
The working language of the courses and all related material will be English. Further details on the courses can be found sound on this webpage. A summary in French can be found here.
We are excited that internationally renowned experts in population studies, medical editing, population genetics, and communication have agreed to serve as faculty for this first short program and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Bordeaux.
Tobias Kurth, MD, ScD
Director, Bordeaux International School of Population Health Sciences


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quote:I would love to still be paying my EBR tax bill. Ascension is crazy high
quote:If it makes you feel any better, I saw an almost full bus the other day.
quote:My personal residence is $238 to cats
quote:The only thing that would make me feel better is if that almost full bus drove off a cliff....
quote:I hate taxes as much as anybody and probably more than most, but at least here in Ascension we are getting a return on investment
quote:no CATS for Zachary


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quote:What that really mean when you aren't aligning it with SOS? Lots of losers in the top 1/2 of that category, fwiw. Let them play SEC schedules and see where they land
quote:2006 we averaged 6.6 yards per play on offense. 7th in the country. 2011 we averaged around ~5.6 yards per play lower than 50th in the country. So there is one mighty big difference there. And to say 3 yards difference in starting field position is not a big deal is misleading. Especially when those three yards mean you are top 10 ranked or 70th ranked in the country.
quote:In addition, you can't simply ignore the 5 yard difference in where the kickoffs occured in 06 vs 11. Given that 11 had an average per play of 5.6, there's no reason to think they wouldn't have scored on the majority of their scoring drives if they were 3 yards longer.
quote:My point was special teams/defense made it easier to score for the 2011 team than other LSU teams of the past.
quote: IMO, you two need to agree on what metrics show an O's functionality and go from there. Have no idea how you can quantify "clutch"
quote:this is only a stats debate. The argument, set forth by unknown, et. al, was that Chavis and special teams were the primary factor in 2011's offensive production. The numbers don't support that argument, although that was certainly a huge asset for the team and a big reason all but 2 games weren't in doubt.
quote: My point would be that some of the numbers included in the data pool don't shed any substantial light on how (dys)functional our O really is.
quote:So what is the issue....
quote:I think you are over analyzing the problems. Fact of the matter is the offense is not pulling its weight. Even last year with what you have said was a good offense we struggled against the really good defenses. 9 points in 8 quarters against Bama is crap!
quote:The D and ST scored a bunch. Compare that with the 06 D and ST.


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As a marketer, this past year has been an exciting journey for me. We created and launched a dynamic marketing strategy for Master Specialization. We've created digital, social and demand generation strategies along with compelling content, to help you develop a strong and memorable brand for your company. We want to help you create an image of sturdiness, credibility and a high level of confidence with your customers as they embark on high risk or complex business projects.
You may have heard about our heightened focus and continued commitment to our Master Specialized partners at Partner Summit back in March. Also, you may have recently read about the Master Specialization history, business benefits and the dedicated marketing campaign designed just for you in Steve Benvenuto's blog.
If you are not yet aware, here are 5 key elements that you can immediately take advantage of to build the awareness for your Master expertise and boost your sales:
1) Market Yourself: Subscribe to our Resources and Tools
The heart of your business success lies in your marketing. Seth Godin, a top marketer, in his TED talk professes that marketing is less about the actual product, and more about whether you can get your ideas to spread. Our Master Specialization website on Cisco Partner Central and Learning Center hosted on CRN offer valuable nuggets of knowledge: videos, success stories, Q&As, informational guides, presentations to name a few, collectively and individually on Master Collaboration, Master Security, and Master Cloud Builder. Download these assets, read through the valuable information, and share the stories, along with your own. Set the groundwork for long term business relationships by raising awareness through marketing. Read More »
Tags: Cisco, gamification, master runner, master specialization, partner, smita dave


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NWKLS keeps a small stock of library supplies on hand, which can be purchased by member libraries at cost. Member libraries can also order items through NWKLS that are not readily stocked.
Supplies will be shipped via mail, courier, rotation van, or through other arrangements.
If you would like to order supplies, complete the form below by entering quantities in the space next to the item name. Once the form is complete, click the "Submit" Button at the bottom of the page.


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Not believing in God is like not shaving.
'Oh you're growing a beard' people say.
'No, I'm just not shaving.'
I really enjoyed the Ingersoll comment and this simple one as well! :)
If by the word "God" is meant the alleged deity of the Abrahamic religions or the more general polymodal Godhead of the many Hindu religions, then the question of what not believing in God is like can be answered with a declaration of mental freedom. When I first realized I no longer believed, I was delighted to be rid of the guilt, fear and sense of worthlessness that attended from my involvement in Protestant Christianity. I went through my daily work routine with a wide grin for a month. Finally, I could read science literature without a guilty consciousness. It was wonderful and still is. I will go where ever the evidence leads.
(Note to religious apologists: If you wish to attack human cognition by claiming inductive reasoning is intrinsically flawed because existence is incoherent and random at a quantum scale, then you are implicitly asserting your god cannot know results of its activities by calculation. That would then infer your god's omniscience must be a magical brute fact. Both of those positions are fatal to the notion of an all knowing omniscient being. The former by virtue of rendering omniscience incoherent; imagine a god that must have faith it is god because it cannot know its miracles are efficacious and cannot know it it omniscient and thereby god. The later by destroying your god notion through the problem of evil related to natural disasters such as Gamma Ray Bursts from Super Nova explosions that destroy all life on any planet in range and on path of the GRB beam. No morally sufficient reason can obtain to justify your god from charges of overt evil by configuring reality with advance foreknowledge of death of an entire planet thriving with life and perhaps civilizations.)
No disrespect intended, but WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY? I think you said, "I felt good", but I'm not sure. If so, ditto!
Ah, yes, what Robert said. I am still laughing at Scott's response - brilliant - Oh, yes Robert, we Atheists need you even just to bamboozle xians - luv it - Between the likes of Robert and archaeopteryx, we've got it made :D
What Atheism and Christopher Hitchens has done for me, is give me a backbone - plus no fear - Brilliant place to be.
I've heard some Christians--who believe the universe is as big and as old as it actually is--blithely assert that the whole thing was created just to get ONE planet with intelligent life on it, so he could pick that barren part where two large landmasses come together, and as Hitchens puts it, send his people to the only part of that region where there is no oil.
So your gamma ray burst example would be dismissed out of hand. There can be bursts elsewhere but they don't matter, this is the key part in doG's plan.
OK, that's enough of parroting someone's Bravo Sierra for one post.
Speaking of omniscience, Robert, have you noticed that that of the god of Genesis seems to wax and wane? When given reports of the Tower of Babel, he must come down to see for himself, yet he knows what Sarai is thinking, even though she doesn't speak her thoughts. I'd have to call that situational omniscience - depending entirely on the point the author d'jour was trying to make. (I should probably not say that too loudly, as there may still be those out there who believe Moses actually wrote Genesis, just because the Bible says so, and I would no sooner spoil it for them, than I'd ever tell a child the Easter Bunny really doesn't boil and hide chicken eggs!)
pax vobiscum,
It's a blessing and a curse! ;)
I feel so liberated... have gained confidence because I don't have to keep reminding myself what a piece of shit I am, I am excited to experience and learn new things and not be confined to what is not forbidden, there's no demons lurking in the shadows... I really felt like the world, and my life, opened up. It was like I was born again! (haha)
But it does sadden me that some of my relationships have suffered.
I feel very similar. The loss of some friends/relationships saddens me but I am better for it.
I absolutely identify with not being a piece of shit anymore. I never understood christians who did whateverthehell they felt like without any thought about it whatsoever. I was forever trying to measure up to christ. I took WWJD literally. Now I know there is not "holy spirit" to convict them. That's why they can do whateverthehell they feel like. I however, am free of my invisible prison of perfection! Free at last! Free at last! Thank G...oh, wait...never mind (hehehe)
not believing in god is like smoking weed
both cost you in some way and some people look down on you for doing so but it leaves you with happyness with your short life and lets you enjoy the small things in life
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HOUSTON -- Houston rapper Lil' Flip is vowing to fight recent drug and weapons charges.
The rapper, whose real name is Wesley Weston, arrested Christmas night after he was pulled over for speeding.
He claims the AR-15 assault rifle found in his car in Louisiana is legal, and denies having pot in the car.
Flip said he only had cigars and cigarettes.
He was released from jail after posting $3,500 bond.


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Stampeders hold off the Eskimos
Stampeders hold off the Eskimos | |
Jon Cornish rushed for 131 yards on Friday night as the Calgary Stampeders topped the Edmonton Eskimos by a final score of 22-12. The Stampeders managed to cover the 3-point spread on the road in this contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (56.5). Mike Reilly passed for 194 yards in the losing cause for the Eskimos. |


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Great survey report from Goodshop, an online retailer that donates a percentage of purchases to the buyer's favorite charity (more than $11 million to date). Full information below, but looks like a combined 88% of survey respondents will give the same or more than last year. And animals top the list of a most popular category for donation.
When you think of Colonial Williamsburg and the area around it, you may be thinking historic battlefields and war re-enactments. But there's something much "lighter" going on this holiday season, and we wanted to share some of the information around their Christmas Town programs. Here's their "411" on the celebration now through December 31 where you can have a fun winter adventure:
Guests can feel the warmth of the holidays while strolling along paths lit by more than eight million twinkling lights.
True to its European heritage, Busch Gardens pulls out the stops for its annual Christmas event with idealized representations of the world's best Christmas traditions.
Scrooge No More! ™, is coming to Busch Gardens' Globe Theatre for Christmas Town. Join Scrooge live on stage in an all-new musical at the Globe Theatre as he is swept away by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who teach him the importance of family and friends being together at Christmas.
Guests can create their own Christmas Town holiday traditions with a $32 Christmas Town Fun Card that offers unlimited admission for the 2014 Christmas season.
Annual pass members can save even more with an exclusive offer designed just for them. Active annual pass members can purchase a Christmas Town pass for $25 and receive unlimited admission to Christmas Town for the 2014 season along with regular pass member benefits like free parking and discounts on park purchases. Visit www.bgwpass.com for complete details.
Visit christmastown.com for complete Christmas Town details, including ticket information and an operating schedule. While there, sign up for Busch Gardens' email updates and be the first to know about upcoming special offers on Christmas Town tickets and other exclusive holiday deals.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and compensation was provided.
For the 7th year in a row, Macy's annual Believe campaign invites customers to write "Letters to Santa at the North Pole" in stores and now online. For each letter collected, Macy's will donate $1 up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish, helping to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. And this year, Macy's is aiming to earn the Guinness World Records title for the "longest wish list to Santa" (therefore, the adorable picture at the top of this post). We've seen the magic this campaign creates and have been touched by how powerful the "star treatment" is for the kids battling serious illnesses. It gives them a short but valuable break from the exhaustion and stress of doctor's offices, tests, scans, and the kind of days kids just shouldn't have to endure.
I hope Macy's wish, and many wishes of many Make-A-Wish kids come true this holiday season.
Letters are being collected through December 24th. You can find a Macy's store near you at this link.
Full disclosure: Macy's is a client of our PR firm, Write Ideas, Inc., but this is such a wonderful, family-friendly message, I love to share it at MomTini as well.
In a recent Thanksgiving post, I mentioned that I've always loved the breakdown of the word, "thanks" and "giving." So this was the perfect time to stumble upon this book, and I wanted to share some of its tips for teaching gratitude to kids. The book, the newest member of our MomTastic Bookshelf, encourages kids to listen to their intuition, which is such a powerful lesson. The author, Kathy Walsh, along with her company, joyohboy, teaches parents to raise peaceful kids, which is such an important charge in our society today. We can definitely mold the headlines of the future by teaching kids today (and every day) how to value peace.
In her book, Gratitude is a Funny Thing, Walsh suggests…
There's lots more, I just loved these tools and wanted to pass along. Check out the joyohboy blog with more articles on mindful parenting. Here's a link to the book on Amazon.
How do you think we can teach kids more about gratitude?
Comment on this post with anything useful for families for Thanksgiving (a tip, a recipe secret, anything to make the holiday special), and you will be entered to win a $25 Food Lion Gift Card (winners to be randomly chosen on December 15, 2014).
We recently shopped Food Lion as a Mom Blog assignment, and wanted to share some of our findings here at The Lounge. Our local store was definitely well-stocked, easy to shop, and reasonably priced throughout the store. In particular, we found the frozen section to have TONS of kid-friendly foods. Our boys are in a constant state of motion or refueling, so we like to keep lots of after school snacks "at the ready." And snacks aren't just pretzels, it's really more like a 4th meal. Plus, with kids, you never know when you'll have 1 or 10 showing up, ready to eat.
Some of the best finds at our store beyond the frozen section are the private label spices – they had tons on hand, and very well-priced. Plus, the produce section is huge, and they had lots of variety. I found some treasures on their site to share with you as you gear up for holiday get togethers:
So, if you'd like to win a $25 Gift Card to shop Food Lion for the holidays, comment on this post, and we'll select winners at random on 12/15/14.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided in exchange for this post, but the ideas, as always, are all my own!
Many thanks to Washington Family Magazine for sharing my article, "Leave Your Cell Phone Out of the Cranberry Sauce." Timeless tips for a tech-free Thanksgiving. Here's a quick roundup of some of my Thanksgiving favorites from The Lounge…
And finally, here are some fresh stats hot off the Washington Family Magazine's digital press on Thanksgiving. Check out their gobble-ishious Thanksgiving infographic here, on what makes this holiday so incredible…Maybe this can be material for Thanksgiving trivia at your family table. Did you know…
Have a happy, healthy, and wonderful Thanksgiving!
Many thanks to Julie D., Mom since 1998 (MS'98) for sharing this chilling video created by NAPCAN, an Australia-based organization aimed at preventing child abuse. The video, "Children See, Children Do," is 60 seconds, is an unbelievable, powerful tool that demonstrates how critical a parent's ACTIONS are in teaching his/her child. So many times, we find ourselves flustered and reactive, without realizing the impact our actions have on our kids and on those around us. Kudos to NAPCAN for developing this public service campaign, and I hope you'll consider sharing with your own friends. While some of the examples may seem extreme, the message is clear…
Keeping the house clean & organized is like grabbing spaghetti out of a hot pan and thinking you might actually hold onto a few strands. Especially for Type-A parents like myself who achieve calm and balance when the house is in some kind of order, cleaning seems like an insurmountable hurdle at times.
We're constantly wondering how the kids can be more involved, and have tried a multitude of systems and chore charts over the years. Let's just say we make some progress, but that this "chore" is in a constant state of evolution.
I love this guest post from My Job Chart Founder Gregg Murset, where he shares some inside knowledge on when and how we can get the kids on board. I wanted to share a great line from Gregg's description of why he developed My Job Chart: "Currently there are numerous studies saying the same thing — kids may not know how to work, kids spend too much watching TV and playing video games, and kids don't understand the basic fundamentals of managing money. Now My Job Chart can help reverse these trends by parents and kids working together to turn teachable moments into productive work and smart money decisions."
When and How to Start Chores
By Gregg Murset
You Can Feel It … Most parents get "the feeling" when their children are capable of learning something new or taking on a task. It's no different with picking up responsibilities around the house. Don't ignore your gut and begin recognizing that your kids can be a get help to you.
Start Them Young … The basic rule is – if your children are old enough to take toys out to play, then they are old enough to put them away. The same goes with most other things around the house, even clothes, dishes, video games or items used out at the pool.
It's Your Call … Don't let so-called experts put an age range on particular jobs your kids could be doing. While it might not make sense to someone living in big city why a 10-year old would ever run lawnmower, in America's heartland, it's not uncommon for a 10-year old handling equipment on the farm. If you know they can complete harder chores safely, maybe you should let them try. It's your call.
Understand Why It's Important To Have Kids Do Chores & Receive Rewards … Using chores & rewards to teach our kids about responsibility, accountability and money has been around for decades. It's easy, effective and can change as your child grows. Kids need structure and providing them with a daily routine or responsibilities, only help them later in life.
Be Consistent … When it comes to kids doing chores around the house, often there is only one thing stopping the kids – parents. Whether it's because we get busy and forgot, get tried of nagging or just find it quicker to do it ourselves, parents are often the reason kids stop doing chores. Parents need to be consistent, demanding and set proper expectations when it comes to chores.
Be Fair … Kids understand right and wrong or fair and unfair. Separate the chores evenly or rotate them so the worst chores aren't always with one child. If you are rewarding your children for jobs well done, don't be afraid to compensate one child more than another if the chores they handle are more difficult or are less attractive.
Don't Let Other Things Get In The Way … Dance practice, music lessons, football games, baseball practice and homework are just a few things your child has on their plate each day. As a parent, teach your child from an early age how to manage time and set priorities, by doing all these things plus the daily chores. There are life lessons in everything, don't drop off things around the house because outside activities make life busy. We certainly can't do that as adults, can we?
Stress Saving & Sharing … If you provide a reward for your kids, make sure to stress saving and sharing. Everyone knows how to spend … it's like breathing … you just do it. Saving and sharing takes practice, a plan and often some research. In the long run, however, your kids will see the benefits and continue to do these things as adults. It's like riding a bike – learn it early in life and you can always do it again later. Learn it later in life and it's more difficult.
About the Guest Author
Gregg Murset, CFP, is Founder & CEO of My Job Chart, and the father of six kids. His company tagline, "where kids, work and reward click," describes the apps he has developed to help families increase accountability, responsibility, and problem solving.
Photo provided by My Job Chart showing Gregg's own kids in action!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and while this anti-bullying book is written for kids, there are some timeless lessons that aren't restricted to kids. In fact, I just finished a post for my PR Firm website for today's 2nd Annual Snark Free Day that talks about workplace bullying, so the topic spans from the playground to the boardroom.
Thanks to Bli Marston Dugi, M-PAC, author of "The Principle Gang," a book series on anti-bullying for kids aged 4-11, for this guest post. Dugi says that school is stressful enough without worrying about "that mean kid," and that according to the National Education Agency, 160,000 students stay home from school everyday due to bullying.
He shares some powerful ways that parents can be part of the solution by being present, setting good examples, and being brave themselves. Here's his story…
It is paramount for parents to take an active role in their child's education. Take part in regular conversations pertaining to school at home and interact as much as possible on school campuses. This active role is the first step parents can take to bully proof their children.
A parental presence is the number one deterrent for childhood bullies. Bullies prefer to be sneaky most of the time. It is very easy for parents and teachers to identify the kid that is mean to everyone, but it is very difficult to identify the kid that is quietly mean to just one person. This "quietly mean" child can be the one who causes the most damage. Psychological abuse in the form of damaging words can leave life-long scars that far surpass any physical abuse that one may encounter. If your child has a "best friend" but still seems to be withdrawn or unhappy, evaluate this friendship immediately. Ask what games are being played at school. Ask your child whom they are sitting with at lunch. Ask more than "how was your day?" When you ask more, you decrease the chances of having the "it was fine" or the one answer "good" become another day that a potential problem was ignored.
Mean parents raise mean children. As parents, you need to be aware of those "mean parents" that you may encounter. It is a no-brainer that behavior is modeled, so the unfortunate result is the development of mean kids. Don't spend every day of the school year in the pick-up or drop-off line. Walk your child into school once a week to reinforce a parental presence. Make it a priority to attend a school-sponsored field trip, and attend at least 2 class parties throughout the year. By engaging in conversation with other parents and teachers, parents make themselves "available" to discuss any problems that may be occurring. During this interaction, be on the look out for those mean parents that seem to have a bad attitude every time you encounter them and guide your child's choice of friends accordingly.
Don't be afraid to shake up your social circle. Parents have to be able to openly discuss the difficult issues that arise with each other without taking offense. Children are not emotionally mature enough to always act appropriately, but parents should be. Undoubtedly, problems can and will arise between children of the same social circle that need to be addressed by parents. The key is to deal with these problems directly with the parent whose child is involved and leave out the uninvolved families. Often times, parents are quick to complain to a third party, as they are worried about upsetting their "social circle". Parents must stand together or a greater degree of division will occur between the children.
There are very important tips to share with children to keep them from either becoming a bully or becoming the victim of a bully. These critical messages are very simple and should be reinforced throughout the school year.\
Kids need to be able to RECOGNIZE what "mean" is: hurtful words, pushing/shoving/kicking, alienation, exclusion, facial reactions, etc…
Once a child recognizes this type of behavior, he/she needs to be given the okay to REPORT this behavior to a parent/teacher/counselor/principal, etc. Stop labeling children as "tattle-tales". Tattle –tales save lives.
After an incident has been reported, it is now time to REACT. A child needs to know that the nicer they are to all children, the less chance they have of being bullied. Encourage your child to be the one that reaches out to the child who has no friends.
There are No Bullies Allowed in The Principle Gang, a six-book series that teaches kids (ages 4-11) three anti-bullying principles: 1) Don't be mean, 2) Tell your teacher, and 3) Be a friend. Questions at the end of each book encourage kids and parents/caregivers to engage in thought-provoking conversations about family, friendship, community and fairness. Book 1, Don't Judge a Lizard by His Scales, released in August, and Book 2, Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway, releases this month.
Dr. Dan and Bli Dugi have a combined 50 years experience as a physician and physician assistant team. With The Principle Gang series, they have created a way to connect with young children outside of the exam room. They live in Cuero, Texas, with their daughter, Emmy. Find them online at The Principle Gang.
Editor's Note: I am happy to share that I recently accepted a volunteer Board of Directors position with PEP, the Parent Encouragement Program, and am chairing their marketing committee to help their incredible team find new ways to reach even more parents than the 11,000 they've served to date. For years, I have been a PEP student and fan and have happily promoted PEP's value to fellow parents. I'm very excited to be more involved, and look forward to bringing MomTini readers more "tips and tools for the business of motherhood" through my new role at PEP. I've always been a firm believer that parenting education is mom & dad's way to "hit the reset button" and learn new ways to parent and share ways we can connect more closely to our wonderful children.
I joined a teleconference with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, best-selling author and PEP's Noted Author Speaker this year. Bryson is co-author (with Dan Siegel) of "No-Drama Discipline: The Whole Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" and "The Whole-Brain Child: Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture your Child's Developing Mind." A researcher, parenting educator, and psychotherapist, Bryson has studied the theory and science of how brains work so that parents can understand how to most effectively work with their kids. In business terms, it's understanding the mindset of our client. We wouldn't storm into a boardroom making all kinds of new demands if our team was focused on tomorrow's presentation. Yet we expect our kids to be "at the ready" for our messages 24/7. I remember growing up myself and advising my siblings to consider "aperture" when asking for things…it's so much more than the "ask" – it's how and when you ask for something, and most importantly, as I see in Bryson's research, the state of mind of your audience.
Here are some highlights from our conversation at the PEP office with Dr. Bryson.
She insists that discipline's goal is to teach, and that in order to learn, our child's brain must be in the "receptive state." By contrast, the "reactive state" isn't productive to teaching/discipline, and if we insist on forcing communication, it's like "poking the lizard." Imagine the interaction, and think twice. So how we get our kids' brains into this wonderful "receptive state" so we can have a productive dialogue? Bryson recommends that we "connect & redirect." Calm/soothe our child, and show empathy, and take care of ourselves so we can be more effective. If we're in the red zone ourselves, we need our own time out, and she says we shouldn't be afraid to take it. In fact, by telling our kids what we're doing, we're modeling healthy conflict resolution.
Bryson also shared a "golden nugget" that has been incredibly successful with her patients: Kneel below your child's eye level and say, "I'm right here." She said that towering above a child is threatening and intimidating, and that by shifting our stance physically, we send a message that we're ready to problem-solve.
She said that any physical discipline (spanking, etc.) has a host of issues, not to mention that research doesn't show it to be effective. Further, since her perspective is brain development, she added that inflicting pain on a child creates confusion. "Our biological instinct is to go to our caregiver when something hurts. If the parent is the source of that pain, it creates confusion for the child," she explained.
This is just the tip of the iceberg – she's got lots to share, and I hope you'll join me in this valuable chapter of "continuing education for parents."
For my DC/MD/VA friends, don't miss this unique opportunity to hear Dr. Bryson speak on how to use what we know about brain development to be more effective parents:
For our out of town friends, here is a link to her latest book, "No-Drama Discipline," the newest entry on our #MomTastic Bookshelf.
And check out our related post with contest information to win free tickets to Thursday's event.
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, 2014 PEP Noted Author Speaker
For my DC/MD/VA friends looking for some parenting inspiration, here's a chance to earn a pair of FREE tickets ($56 value) to Thursday November 13th's PEP's Annual Noted Author Talk. Simply comment to this post or to our Facebook post or to my expanded article on Dr. Bryson, and a winner will be selected at random and announced on October 30. Each year, PEP brings in a headline act, a parenting author who has the same encouraging and positive approach to everyday challenges as PEP, and hundreds of parents leave with new ideas and a fresh perspective to bring home. I had the unique opportunity to meet Dr. Bryson at a recent teleconference (see related post), and I can't wait to hear more on November 13 and 14. Here's the "411" on the talk – comment now for your chance to win!
Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, will give a talk for parents about managing strong emotions on Thursday, Nov. 13, 7:30-9 p.m., at Bullis School in Potomac; and a talk about no-drama discipline on Friday, Nov. 14, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Woman's Club of Chevy Chase. For registration and information, visit PEPparent.org or call 301-929-8824.
*Note – this contest will award tickets for Thursday's event, "Managing Strong Emotions: Revolutionary Strategies to Connect and Thrive with Your Child, Tween or Teen." There's a second event as well Friday morning November 14, "No-Drama Discipline: Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind."
Provocative book title, huh? Thanks to Author Deborah Gilboa, M.D., a family physician, mom of 4, and parenting expert, who developed the "3 R's of Parenting" to empower parents to raise respectful, responsible, and resilient kids. Her book, Get the Behavior You Want, Without Being the Parent You Hate, will be available Sept. 10, and she's provided an advance excerpt of some of her wonderful tips for The Lounge…
Gilboa provides some great intel on several different ages and stages…
6 Things Parents Can Stop Doing Today
1. Have a toddler? You can stop trying to fix every problem.
Our toddlers have some stress in their lives! And about half the time we have no idea what the problem is. Instead of driving yourself up a wall trying to guess what's wrong and solve it, just show your little one a little empathy. Feelings – even stress – help kids change and learn. You don't have to smooth each obstacle as long as she knows you're there and you care about her feelings.
2. Have a preschooler? You can stop tripping over toys in your own bedroom.
Your bedroom is your sanctuary. You might invite your kids in, but that doesn't mean it's a playroom or second kitchen. Make a couple of museum-like rules for your bedroom, like kids may not:
This will teach your kids that your bedroom is special, and should be treated with respect – just like you.
3. Have a 5-7 year old? You can stop carrying stuff in from the car.
Most of what you bring into your home from your car benefits the whole family. Groceries, packages, bags, even your work stuff, all are necessary for your home to function. Give a call when you're headed home and let the minions know you have loads for them to carry inside. Yes, they'll have to stop what they're doing to help, and that is a great lesson – we all pitch in when there's work to be done
4. Have a 8-10 year old? You can stop doing the family's laundry.
What?! Yes! Your 3rd grader can do the laundry.* All of the necessary gross motor skills have been mastered, and this is not a complicated task, just a long and boring one. Did you know there are universities using academic time to teach this skill? Laundry is a great challenge for a child, and a wonderful task to take off your own list so that you can do other things. How do I know that kids this age can handle carrying, sorting, washing, drying and folding? Because I did, and now my kids do. Trust me, you'll love it!
*Go ahead and keep your delicates out.
5. Have a tween? You can stop waking them up for school.
The skill of setting an alarm clock (and getting up when it rings) takes time to learn. Start now! And make the advantages of doing so really clear: a ride to school instead of walking, or extra time in the evening after homework before bed. Of course, that means walking to school if they oversleep or going to bed early – because obviously if they're too tired to get up in the morning, they need your help to get extra sleep.
6. Have kids of any age? You can stop trying to make them happy!
Happiness is lovely, and often a part of childhood. It's also your child's responsibility. It is not:
I know this sounds crazy. But think about it. Our goal as parents is not to furnish a fleeting sense of satisfaction to our children. Instead, our goal as parents is to raise our kids to find and create their own happiness. What if, instead of asking ourselves "Is my child happy?" we start asking, "Is my child learning and growing?"
About the Author: Parenting expert, Deborah Gilboa, M.D. aka "Doctor G" is a family physician, mom of 4, international speaker, author and TV personality. She developed the "3 R's of Parenting" to empower parents to raise respectful, responsible, and resilient kids. Her book, Get the Behavior You Want, Without Being the Parent You Hate will be released September 10, 2014 and is available on Amazon.com.
This infographic really caught my eye. Thanks to Tara Heath, journalist, and Teen Safe for sharing this amazing infographic, illustrating how and where our kids are connected, and how we can use this information to stay more connected to our kids.
First, some background from Tara…
Today, 78% of teens own a smartphone and they are attached to it all day long. In a recent survey taken by Bank of America, nearly half of all Americans say they wouldn't last one day without their smartphones, and that includes teenagers. But the question is – what do these social butterflies occupy their time with on that device of theirs?
The infographic below, provided by Teen Safe, gives us a little peak into the social life of the app-addicted teen. From the moment they wake up to the last thing they look at before falling asleep, smartphones dictate how many teens spend their day. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, and Vine all have a huge teen following and make it easy to stay glued to the screen for hours on end.
As a parent, you might feel a little bit out of tune Read more
This week's #MomTatic find is a new book on the comedy and drama of motherhood. Can you imagine if motherhood was this easy…kids complying "because we said so" …. Thought provoking for sure!
Here's a quick note on a new book that may add some humor to your day, with some thoughtful stories along the way…
"But whyyyy?"
"Because I said so."
It's the answer that rolls off the tongues of mamas from all over. In Because I Said So: Life In The Mom Zone, veteran mom Annie Oeth tells of the worries, laughter and sheer terror of being a mother.
Trips to the emergency room, college graduations and the dangerous combination of teenagers and fireworks are all fair game in this romp through southern motherhood. Spilling the (jelly)beans on Easter egg hunts, Santa Claus and frogs in mailboxes, Annie Oeth writes of life, love and raising children while hanging on to her sense of humor.
From stories of laughter to tales of tears shed, she remembers her own growing-up years in small-town Mississippi, her parents' 44-year romance and her own children's travels on their way to adulthood, crafting stories that will touch hearts and funny bones.
Anyone who's ever rocked a baby, worried over a teenager or seen family game night degenerate into a knock-down, drag-out can relate to these life lessons, straight from The Mom Zone.
Mamas are tender-hearted, but don't mistake their kindness for an absence of backbone. In these stories, the love, strength, humor and super powers of mothers are hailed for the wonders that they are. Whether you're a mama to sons who have an affection for reptiles and bottle rockets or a daughter who thinks you're wrong just when you've figured out your own mother was right, you'll love yourself, your kids and your life more after this read.
"Because I Said So."
About the Author:
A lifelong Mississippian, Annie Oeth is a graduate of Mississippi University for Women. She currently works as a features editor for The Clarion-Ledger, the state's largest daily newspaper. She writes about family and fun and The Mom Zone blog. Annie is the author of Because I Said So: Life in The Mom Zone, which was published in April 2014. She is a solo mom to four, and currently resides in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Connect with Annie on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks to An Apple Per Day's Kaitlin Gardner for this guest post on pool safety. So timely given the summer heat and pool season…
Have the pool inspected. Have a professional check out the pool equipment, to make sure it's all in proper working order. Verify there are no exposed wires in the electrical wiring and outlets. Make sure the decking doesn't have chipped tiles that could stub a young toe. Does the pump system have a safety vacuum release system? This makes the pump system shut down if there is a blockage on the drain. Here are some resources I found that gave more details:
Install a fence. Make sure it is at least 4 feet high, with a gate and locking mechanism.
Secure pool chemicals. For example, a shed behind it with a lock on it can be used to store pool chemicals. Make sure chemicals aren't accessible by the children.
Establish pool rules. Discuss safety rules for kids such as only swimming when an adult is supervising, "no running," and continue to reinforce and even post the rules where kids will see them.
A set of rules for Mom and Dad. The most important rule – no unsupervised swimming – means that kids aren't allowed to swim unless their parents are with them. But that doesn't mean a parent is in the backyard, texting friends while the kids are swimming. When an adult is supervising, that should be the only focus. It doesn't take long for a child to gulp some water, get into a panic, and find themselves in trouble. Take CPR lessons, in case of an emergency.
Swimming lessons for the kids. Research shows that children greatly reduce their chances of drowning, if they have had formal swimming lessons, which can start around age 4.
Kaitlin Gardner started AnApplePerDay.com to further her passion for a family friendly, green living lifestyle. She just started her first book about living an eco-friendly, healthy, natural lifestyle.


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T-Bone & Israel Houghton Set To Hit The Road Again To Promote New Movie
Meet The Cast & Crew On The I'm In Love With A Church Girl Movie Tour
Coming to a city near you before the movie releases in theaters.
The PROMO TOUR will begins in early September and lasts for eight-weeks, traveling to more than 25 cities to bring you closer to the movie and music.
Hear performances by Israel & New Breed and T-Bone. Meet some of the cast including, Ja Rule, Adrienne Bailon, and Stephen Baldwin. Win official movie prizes. See exclusive clips from the movie. And hear the powerful stories of how God brought this story from the prison cell to the big screen.
2 Responses to T-Bone & Israel Houghton Set To Hit The Road Again To Promote New Movie
Bertha Romandia says:
Hello! T-Bone I thank God that your still going strong and doing that anointed gift of rap. I have about 5,of your albums, and your my favorite rapper, because you keep real and your message is postive and my grand children can listen to them,because its the word and your testimony. Also the fact that it's also postive for there young minds amd there spirit, and I also raised my children listing to your music and also my neices and nephews, and because of the influence of your music they're all serving the Lord, anyway brother stay strong and keep on keeping on, and I can't wait to see your movie ……much love ….Bertha Romandia
Cia says:
I like your music and i spend my time with my girlfriend dancing to your beats
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