text:
Jun 22 2011
Walter's getting bigger. He's a teenager now.
At a quick glance, he looks like Charlie.
But he's really very, very different.
Oh, he has the same ape-like lips…
He uses Pearl Drops.
Not really, but Pearl Drops? Talk about a memory from the deepest recesses of my gray matter. I haven't thought of it since around 1978. I used to use it because I thought it would make me look like Farrah Fawcett, rest her beautiful soul. And really, but for my red hair, white, freckled skin, flat chest, and crooked teeth, I was a dead ringer for Farrah in 1978. People used to tell me that all the time in my mind.
And anyway, Farrah did Ultra Brite commercials, but Pearl Drops fell into the same category.
Ultra Brite
Pearl Drops
Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific
Love's Baby Soft
Where are they now?
Again, on the surface he does look like Charlie.
But I'm his mama. I can tell he's different.
Thicker neck
More hectic expression
Longer ears
Less droopy eyes
Louder howl
Bays when I sing. Not sure if he's singing along or in pain.
Slightly lighter fur color
Larger paws
Charlie's a little weird, yes. But Walt's a little weirder.
312 Comments and 58 Replies
Teri On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:18 pm
I would love to visit your ranch just to see Walter & Charlie. Too adorable
shawna On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:24 pm
Please share with us what makes him so unique. His little idiosyncrasies…. He seems like quite a special fella.
Melissa Jo On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:27 pm
Sooo cute! Enjoy your blog so much. There is always something on here that makes me chuckle. I haven't thought about the Pearl Drops commercial in years. Remember how the lady in the commercial would like their teeth and say "MMMMMMMMMM." Melissa
Marian (Sweetopia) On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:41 pm
He's super adorable, that Walter! That pic is so funny no matter how you look at it ;-D
Elise On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:43 pm
I admit, it took me a little while to get used to another basset. But now? I. Am. In. Love. He's such a sweetheart!
Sandy ;) On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:44 pm
Good grief… he's so adorable! Always love your "pooch" posts!
Molly On Wednesday, June 22 at 8:49 pm
I absolutely love his come hither expression in the last picture
Tina On Wednesday, June 22 at 9:14 pm
What I wouldn't give for a bottle of "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific". Just to smell it one more time! And Yes! Pearl Drops! I miss the products of my youth!
Robin from Kent WA On Wednesday, June 22 at 9:21 pm
omg he is so cute i take it he loves getting his pics takes he a cam ham
Cindi B. On Wednesday, June 22 at 9:22 pm
I still wear Love's Baby Soft cologne!
Kelly On Wednesday, June 22 at 9:22 pm
You can still get Sweet Honesty from Avon!
Kathy On Thursday, June 23 at 10:03 am
Sweet Honesty was my favourite! Now I'm gonna have to go troll the Avon website.
monica On Wednesday, June 22 at 9:39 pm
oh my goodness those are such adorable pics you took! I absolutely love dogs! I want two dogs but hubby won';t let me. I love when you say, I'm his momma, I can tell he's different. Too cute!
Brooke On Wednesday, June 22 at 9:53 pm
Love that Walter is a Libertarian!!
Lynette Smith On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:03 pm
Love's Baby Soft is still around…My teenage daughter wears it…and it still smells sooooo clean and cute…
J On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:03 pm
Totally remember Pearl Drops – only because you mentioned it, though!
MaryBeth On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:10 pm
LOL!!! You are too funny!!! You never fail to cheer me up after a long, bad day.
What about "Beer on Tap" Shampoo? The Bay City Rollers, The Bee Gees, and Magnum PI? Ummmm…. Tom Selleck.
I would love to curl up with either Charlie or Walter and hug them for awhile. My cat, Callie, thinks it's beneath her…
I thought I looked like Jaclyn Smith back then. Now I'm looking more like KATE Smith.
Kelly H. On Thursday, June 23 at 3:27 pm
Too funny, because we have a single of the Bay City Rollers Saturday Night! I love that song! (My mom let me have her record/8 track player in my room when I was 15, and I loved it!) It didn't hurt that I loved/love most of the same music she does. I wore out her Grass Roots 8 track!
Virginia Tadrzynski On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:12 pm
to add to your list:
Love's BABY SOFT and last but not least Wind Song, by Prince Matchabelli ………and the Andre Cold Duck commercials played only at Christmas…..alas, a child of the 70's (grad. '79)…..
debbie On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:26 pm
what a cutie pie, keeper for sure!
shay On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:32 pm
OH, that Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific…what memories different scents invoke. My son bought me a bottle last Christmas from Vermont Country Store……made me hearken back to the 70's ,even though I can no longer sit on my long blonde hair—it is still blonde though, just a lot of work and expense to get it that color . for my mom, the scents that bring back sweet memories are Evening In Paris cologne which my Daddy sent her while he was stationed in Korea, and the smell of Rosebud Salve, from her days of growing up poor in the great(?) depression.
Kristina C On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:35 pm
I coulda sworn you almost said Jean Nate.
Melanie On Wednesday, June 22 at 10:47 pm
I love how in every picture we can see a smudge of the white of his eyes… hilarious!
Also I hadn't thought of Pearl Drops in ages, too funny! I loved, Loves Baby Soft, such a great scent! Wish I could find it.
Lisa S On Wednesday, June 22 at 11:06 pm
PEARL DROPS?! OMG. I wish you could have heard the rapper scratch/rewind noise my brain made when I read that. Hilarious!!! Walter and Charlie are funny too.
Beth On Wednesday, June 22 at 11:29 pm
My mom LOVES gee your hair smells terrific and finally found it at the vermont country store. It was her most favorite shampoo ever!
Lori On Wednesday, June 22 at 11:31 pm
Ree: If you really want to relive your Farrah-wanna-be teen years…you can purchase Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific through the Vermont Country Store website. You can purchase Ultra Brite, Pearl Drops, Camay, and Love's Baby Soft cologne through Amazon.com. The great products of our youth live on, through the magic of the Internet!
mamahut5 On Wednesday, June 22 at 11:32 pm
So glad you love your doggy children so much!
Debbie On Wednesday, June 22 at 11:34 pm
I totally forgot about Love's baby soft. That was my first perfume!
Margi On Thursday, June 23 at 1:23 am
Blast from the past hair products: LemonUp shampoo. Came with a cool, funky lemon shape on the cap. How about Sun-In? Spray it on your hair, go out in the sun and come in with a lovely shade of brassy orangey/yellow. Ha! Those were the days!
Rossana On Thursday, June 23 at 1:49 am
Ahhh. . .Love's Baby Soft. I loved, loved, loved that scent. You have good memory.
Peace L. On Thursday, June 23 at 2:00 am
Ha! I still wear Loves Babysoft, and use Prell shampoo. I had to switch to Dove with moisurizers for bar soap though…lol
pw/mt On Thursday, June 23 at 2:07 am
Some of the named products can be purchased through The Vermont Country Store & Caralog. I loved the Honey & Wheat Germ shampoo by Fabrege. VCS has a similar product. I'm still trying to get them to find 10-0-Six.
Ginny On Thursday, June 23 at 2:35 am
Charlie and Walter are too cute for words! They earn their keep just by being cute.
BTW, remember when everyone wore the cologne, Charlie? I never liked it as it was so strong! I still buy Prell shampoo once in a while. I still use Dove bar soap. Every teenage girl wore Sweet Honesty at one time or another. I also remember the original scent of Herbal Essence shampoo by Clairol. Somewhere in some storage boxes I have old 8 track tapes and vinyl records of The Eagles, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Carpenters, Carol King, James Taylor, John Denver, The Supremes and too many others to mention. Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end….
E lisabeth On Thursday, June 23 at 5:41 am
Dippity Doo…it was a hair setting gel that came in a large tub…ok at least it looked large to me when I was a child. But then again…. weren't twinkies bigger when we were kids??!!
Ginny On Thursday, June 23 at 2:39 pm
How could I forget Dippity Doo ~ the green gel we always rolled our hair with!
Jelena On Thursday, June 23 at 5:47 am
you don't have camay over there? here in croatia we have unlimited amount so when i go to usa i'll bring you a box
Mah Mahs On Thursday, June 23 at 6:54 am
Love that he's gracing your flower bed with his cuteness!
I have "pot sitters" — bantam chickens that like sitting, scratching,
resting, cooling, preening, bug hunting in my large pots/planters of flowers.
Marilou in Ohio On Thursday, June 23 at 7:08 am
I have a basset hound of my own also her name is Isabella and she would love to meet the boys. LOL Basset Hounds are just a breed apart from other dogs, My husband calls her "Goofy Lou" and she answers to it! LOL I see lot of the same expression on her face too. A face only a Mother could love to quote my hubby, but her secretly loves her too. shhh
Betsy On Thursday, June 23 at 7:11 am
I still use Love's Baby Soft. Nearly fainted when I saw the body spray at CVS. Shamefully, I bought all that they had that day. I'm a little pathetic.
Anyone remember the perfume Ciara? My sister used to use that all the time.
OH and CHIC jeans!!
Sheila On Thursday, June 23 at 7:24 am
I loved GYHST and would shake my long but not featherd like Farrah's hair to get whiffs of it. I sent away to get a Love's Baby Soft tshirt that I looked hot in with my Levi's (yeah, they were a 28″ waist, those were the days). I got a cool book for hubby for Father's Day called Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops, by Gael Faschingbauer Cooper. It tells about a lot of products and toys from the 70s and 80s. It's a fun book!
Nanette On Thursday, June 23 at 7:26 am
Candies shoes, now they have clothes too! I didn't have loves baby soft, but I had sweet honesty from Avon, one time it actually came in a bottle shaped like a basset hound, I probably have that silly thing somewhere packed, I save the strangest stuff. haha
But what would we do without our dogs? All my pugs have very different personalities:
Pickle = old stoner, laid back "hey it's ok"
Petunia = the diva Miss Piggy it's all about ME
Bamm Bamm = looking to rustle up some trouble or get into something, just a puppy still
Pebbles = snuggler, always in someone's arms on or a lap (she is tiny)
Sister Mary Rose = (mom picked the name…) terrorist but shy around new people.
Rene' Foust On Thursday, June 23 at 7:30 am
I just love their abandon!!!
Shari B. On Thursday, June 23 at 7:30 am
Oh, Ree! Thanks for the smile…again.
Shari B. On Thursday, June 23 at 7:32 am
Oh, and your trip down Memory Lane reminded me of the shampoo, "Short and Sassy."
I used it on a regular basis.
Because I was.
vetmed On Thursday, June 23 at 7:44 am
You know, you can still get "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific" at the Vermont Country Store website. I loved that stuff when I was little, but then I hear the jingles and see the shiny toys and it is off to the next thing.
Just think, children born of this generation have never known a world without computers and cell phones yet my gran had to haul water as a youngster, what will the world be like in two more generations?
I our grandparents day most dogs had to earn their keep by hunting with us or protecting our property. What will their lives be like with our grand and great-grandchildren?
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh On Thursday, June 23 at 7:58 am
What a sweet lil nugget!
Ahh Pearl Drops….licks teeth…"Mmm, its a great feeling!" Yep sadly I didn't even need to YouTube that one! LOL
Meghann On Thursday, June 23 at 8:15 am
I love seeing how much people care for their pets. Charlie and Walter are, undoubtedly, the luckiest dogs for miles to have your family loving and caring for them
VictoriaDoubleU On Thursday, June 23 at 8:31 am
So glad you posted about Walter! I was wondering how he was doing. What's he like behavior-wise compared to Charlie? Lazier? More alert? Looking forward to seeing & hearing more about him.
tracy On Thursday, June 23 at 8:43 am
Pearl Drops…remember the commercial? That lady ran her tongue over her teeth and thoroughly enjoyed it? he he Don't forget Herbal Essence shampoo (the dark green stuff) and Enjoli…."I can bring home the bacon…."
rosie On Thursday, June 23 at 8:43 am
Libertarian…I love that, too funny! I love all the expressions you captured on Walter, hope Charlie doesn't get jealous!
thunja On Thursday, June 23 at 9:13 am
I kept a sray bottle of Loves Baby Soft in my locker. I'm talkin' circa 1977. You could never find this girl without her Bonnie Bell lipsmakers rootbeer flavor. Walter? well it is easy to see that he is coco for cocoa puffs.
Terri On Thursday, June 23 at 9:19 am
I miss Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific! shampoo! People used to ask me what perfume I was wearing when I would walk in front of them. I didn't use perfurme at that age so it was defintely the shampoo!
esavvymom On Thursday, June 23 at 9:26 am
He's got the "Capt. Jack Sparrow" look down with that weird eye!
Nikki On Thursday, June 23 at 9:33 am
I love Walter =] And Charlie. They are the cutest little things ever and I wish I had a goofy basset hound to watch lop around all day
Beki - TheRustedChain On Thursday, June 23 at 9:33 am
In the 90's I was sure I had Jhirmack Bounce Back Beautiful Hair.
And Love's Baby Soft is back! My tween girl wears it!
Lynn On Thursday, June 23 at 9:42 am
What happened to the stray Beagle that graced your porch a couple of weeks back? I keep wondering if he found his old home or found your new one. Love Charlie and Walter!
Nancy On Thursday, June 23 at 9:43 am
What a cute pup!!
Oh, and don't forget … Psssssst!! "The dry shampoo"
Michelle On Thursday, June 23 at 9:53 am
Thank you, I needed that Walter fix this morning!! Adorable!!
mspamela On Thursday, June 23 at 9:55 am
And Sun-In and Yardley's of London.
Mary Lee On Thursday, June 23 at 9:55 am
Aren't bassets the best?
Andrea On Thursday, June 23 at 9:57 am
Haha wow! I'm loving that second to last photo, and I thought my dogs were special.
Kathy On Thursday, June 23 at 10:01 am
Love his spotted belly.
JoL - Amazon freak-a-zoid On Thursday, June 23 at 10:07 am
and they all have to be a little weird for them to love us weirdos back =)
carolinaheartstrings On Thursday, June 23 at 10:17 am
My best friend used to have a basset hound named Cleo. She would have fit right in with Walter and Charlie. Too cute!
Fran n VA On Thursday, June 23 at 11:06 am
For those folks looking for the "products from the past"…… check out….
It has lots of wonderful products that we grew up with. Yes, you can get camay and "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific"….. Enjoy!
kate frost On Thursday, June 23 at 11:13 am
OH MY GOODNESS! PEARL DROPS!! I used that product and hadn't thought of it in at least two decades. Still have some Love's Baby Soft, though….
Jacque On Thursday, June 23 at 11:19 am
Completely in love with your blog and your dogs.
While I am absolutely seething with jealousy over your Charlie book, I can't help but love it all the same. For 6 years now, I have had stories about my beagle Charlie developing in my mind and on paper, but have not done anything with them. When I saw your book I felt sick, but I couldn't help but smile. It's a beautiful book, and he and his mama are just amazing. Congrats on all of your success!
Carrie On Thursday, June 23 at 11:27 am
I like the taste of Pearl Drops.
Rachelle Wells On Thursday, June 23 at 11:31 am
What an adorable, goofy dog! I am aching for a dog of my own
Lisa On Thursday, June 23 at 11:31 am
Beautiful pets! I love the droopy eyes.
Kelley Girl On Thursday, June 23 at 11:44 am
Hectic expression. Yup, I've noticed that too. Makes you wonder what's going on in his head. With Charlie you can be pretty sure he's thinking about a nap or bacon or imagining how indespensible he is on the ranch. With Walter, he looks more like he's up to something or like he's expecting something. Animals are so enjoyable; I love observing their personalities. Much better than anything on tv if you ask me.
Carol On Thursday, June 23 at 11:58 am
if you keep posting these pics of Walter & Charlie…I am going to end up with a Bassett Hound at my house!
Cindy On Thursday, June 23 at 12:00 pm
He looks so well-loved, and sooo happy to be living on your ranch!
Linda On Thursday, June 23 at 12:23 pm
No doubt about it, you win your own funny face photography contest. Walter is the funniest dog face I've ever seen. I can easily see why you picked that subject for your next contest. I want a Walter too!
Jennifer T in Tennessee On Thursday, June 23 at 1:25 pm
If you want to see some blasts from the past, check out the following website:
You'll love it! They've got things on there that I'VE never heard of!
Stacy On Thursday, June 23 at 1:28 pm
Charlie is very cute, but I'm wondering about kitty kitty. I am a cat person and loved the pictures of him.
Diane On Thursday, June 23 at 1:31 pm
Love your sense of humor – you always make me smile, Ree. Pearl Drops – yeah, that WAS a blast from the past!
Jack On Thursday, June 23 at 1:32 pm
Good to see the mutt back in focus again, would like to see them both together. Why are those teeth so white?
Karen W. On Thursday, June 23 at 1:33 pm
My bassett's name is Walter. I could write a book about Walter. I cherish your childrens book cause it reminds me so much of my dog.
Michelle On Thursday, June 23 at 1:42 pm
I need a basset hound!
keepad1949 On Thursday, June 23 at 1:51 pm
Whatever happened to the barbed wire and tetnus shot you were going to tell us about? My grandfather actually survived tetnus (or as his doctor called it, lock-jaw) at the age of 80. He lived another 14 years and just plain wore out at the ripe old age of 94. Glad whoever got involved with the barbed wire was smart enough to get the shot. Tetnus is a mean son of a gun!
Donna in KC On Thursday, June 23 at 2:10 pm
Makes me miss my basset Jacob. He and I were buds for 14 years. He's now playing fetch with God (ok, he's probably sleeping on his back . Yes, he would do little short bursts of running as IF he would "fetch" but catch, then lay down and go to sleep – he never, ever brought anything back to the thrower).
Andrea On Thursday, June 23 at 2:17 pm
Walter is awesome and all, but I still love Charlie. I think there need to be more Walter posts so we can get to know him better, like we do Charlie and Kitty Kitty.
Ginger On Thursday, June 23 at 2:18 pm
Ree, I just perused your 16 minute recipes and copied off a few of them for my family as we spend a week in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Thank you!
Sort of a funny dog story: We have an 18 month old German Shorthair Pointer, and a 5 year old Chihuahua. We took them to a doggy "camp" to see if this would be a suitable option for while we are on vacation. They were expelled!! It seems the GSP wouldn't quit running around (Scout runs around for the shear joy of it, and if there is a quail involved…watch out!) and Jasmine rolled over and peed on herself when they tried to pick her up…Oh brother!! But I believe all things work together for good, so we asked a young adult male from our kids Bible study to come over and house sit. We told him to leave Jasmine(chihuahua) alone, she hates everyone but us. Well…Jasmine LOVED Eddie, Eddie LOVED the extra $$, and with the extra cash asked one of the girls from said Bible study out on a date!! Who knew??
sheilah On Thursday, June 23 at 2:39 pm
I loooooved Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific. It really made you hair smell…well, TERRIFIC.
I miss that.
Kate On Thursday, June 23 at 2:45 pm
What about "No More Tangles" and "Pssssssssssst"?????
Donna On Thursday, June 23 at 2:52 pm
Wookit that face! Such a wubbly face! I just wuv that weirdness and cuteness!
Barefootcookingirl On Thursday, June 23 at 3:45 pm
Hilarious! I can see you scrunchin his face up in your hands if you could…
Kathy Ambrosi On Thursday, June 23 at 2:56 pm
Such cute puppies but I have to say the comments about the Love's baby soft, teeth whitener and looking like Farrah Fawcett make me Laugh and think of some good memories. I too am a red head and use to have the Farrah hair cut. Now don't laugh too hard. I spilt an entire bottle of Love's Baby soft in my 1971 Mercury Montego back in 1978. My friends and I probably smelled that perfume for the next year! Needless to say I NEVER wore Love's baby soft again. Thank you for making me smile about my teenage years today.
Barefootcookingirl On Thursday, June 23 at 3:42 pm
Enjoli perfume and Jean Nate bath splash…I must have smelled weird….
Still keep Love's Baby Soft next to my bed to spritz on the pillows….and I'm only 45
Catherine Johnson On Thursday, June 23 at 4:19 pm
What a lovely dog!
Kirsten M On Thursday, June 23 at 4:21 pm
I'll tell two friends, and they'll tell two friends….
kiki On Thursday, June 23 at 6:34 pm
just saw Love's Baby Soft yesterday at the drugstore…still one of my favorites!
Lisa@Advent's Adventures On Thursday, June 23 at 6:54 pm
Don't hold being a Libertarian against him. . . . my son's one too. He's 19 ~ I like him anyway.
patricia gamble On Thursday, June 23 at 7:56 pm
Walter should get an Oscar for his many expressions …. he's a real natural.
LadyLauraKay On Thursday, June 23 at 8:35 pm
Did you know that you can get Gee Your Hair smells terriffic shampoo and Love's Baby Soft from the Vermont Country Store? I used the shampoo as a teenager and guys always comments on how great my hair smelled.
Cynthia On Thursday, June 23 at 8:44 pm
I haven't thought about or heard of some of those old name brands in a LONG time! Thanks for bringing back those memories.
Carla On Thursday, June 23 at 9:04 pm
I was glad someone remembered PSSSSST – I remember using that…it had like this powdery effect, cut the oils in your hair, etc. So weird when you think about it.
We drenched in Charlie perfume and another, that I still use called Skin by Bonnie Bell. It's the best smell!!
Brenda L.W. On Thursday, June 23 at 9:49 pm
Oh, the memories!
Body on Tap ( I used to think I was sooo mature using it). I loved "Loves Baby Soft" do you remember the year that you could buy the matching pink t-shirt? Bonne Bell Lip Smacker in 7-up was my favorite. Until that really gooey roll-on lip gloss came out, I can't remember the name of it but it was in a clear glass bottle and it came in different flavors. Anyone remember that? I would use so much of it to get the wet lip look ;0
Brianna, the Bishop's Wife On Thursday, June 23 at 10:13 pm
So cute!!! love it.
Laurie On Friday, June 24 at 4:21 am
Vermont Country Store-the website is amazing-stuff you haven seen in years
Joni On Friday, June 24 at 4:59 am
Do you have issues with shedding? My basset hound is killing me with his shedding. He should be bald by now but isn't.
Mama L On Friday, June 24 at 8:09 am
They still make Love's Baby Soft!!! We just bought some online for our daughter's first perfume!
Andrea On Friday, June 24 at 10:42 am
Oh I loved 'Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific' and it DID make your hair smell TERRIFIC! And 'Love's Baby Soft' – I wore that too and it was So romantic! to me at least! And Farrah – didn't we all try to look like Farrah? Memories!
Sing on Girlfriend! They don't write songs like they used to!!!


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The Wax Adam: Historical, Biographical, Archetypal, or Literary?
The history of interpretation of Adam from Genesis to the 1st Century reveals a bold and astonishing diversity in which the authors made of Adam what they needed of Adam.
"Natural" and "Supernatural" are Modern Categories, Not Biblical Ones
When we make distinctions between natural and supernatural activity in Scripture, not only do we push our modern categories into the Bible, but we also limit God's action.
Series: "Lost World of Genesis One" Book Club (7 entries)
Companion series to the spring 2015 book club featuring "The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate" by John Walton.
All is Dust and DNA
Jim Stump explores the meaning of the Lenten season from the perspective of evolutionary creation.
Series: The "Cosmogonic" Form of Genesis 1 (7 entries)
Series adapted from the article "The Narrative Form of Genesis 1: Cosmogonic, Yes; Scientific, No", originally published in 1984 in the Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation (now Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith). It is reprinted with permission. The ideas in this essay are drawn by Hyers' excellent book The Meaning of Creation: Genesis and Modern Science.
Evolution in the Holy Land
All creation is the doings of God's hands, no matter how he did it. When I look at a painting, I can connect somehow with the painter, and the same goes with the universe and God.
Saturday Science Links: October 18, 2014
Collection of the best articles of the past several weeks on science (and faith) from around the web.
Evolution and the Christian, part 2: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Some of the Christian objections to evolutionary creation come from a misunderstanding of what the Bible means when it says "God created".
Series: "Origins" Book Club (6 entries)
Responses to David Barash on God and Evolution in the Classroom
Here are some of the best responses from around the web to David's Barash's controversial editorial about God and Evolution in the New York Times.
The Tradition of Wisdom for Today: a Relational Theology of Science
If discussions of science and religion sometimes get bogged down in Genesis, perhaps that is because they have not made the preparatory journey through the rich material of the Wisdom books.
Interview with Ronald Osborn
We must press beyond the various creation narratives in the Hebrew Bible, including the final chapters of Job, to the picture of God revealed in the New Testament—the Creator who does not rationally explain away the scandal of suffering but who instead enters into it.
BioLogos Basics Video #3: What about the Bible?
What we do learn from scripture is that there is only one Creator and that there's a clear distinction between God and the created world. And that we who are created in the image of God are able to investigate a creation that is remarkably tuned for our discovery.
Not All Doctrines Are Equal—Configuring Adam and Eve
Sometimes, out of fear or some sense of being required to defend our position, Church leaders and teachers have hastily set up a boundary marker around some doctrinal theory which they have confused as a core doctrinal issue.
Why the Church Needs Multiple Theories of Original Sin
"It's tempting to think that the church needs to decide quickly which of these [original sin] scenarios is right, and which ones must be wrong. I believe the church is better served by taking its time, holding several different scenarios in tension for a while as we think through the implications of each."
God's Extravagant Love in Creation
Critics of Christianity look to evolution to show how the emergence of human life on earth demanded enormous ruin and ravage, billions of years of apparent waste and futility, species extermination and organism road kill. Not only was the massive dying off rampant, it's mandatory too.
Belief in God in an Age of Science: John Polkinghorne, Part Three
The gift of Love must be the gift of freedom, the gift of a degree of letting-be, and this can be expected to be true of all creatures to the extent that is appropriate to their proper character. It is in the nature of dense snow fields that they will sometimes slip with the destructive force of an avalanche. It is the nature of lions that they will seek their prey. It is the nature of cells that they will mutate, sometimes producing new forms of life, sometimes grievous disabilities, sometimes cancers.
Series: Excerpts from "Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design" (7 entries)
These excerpts from Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design, written by BioLogos president Deborah Haarsma and her husband Loren Haarsma, offer a sampling of the book's many topics, from exploring our disagreements and agreements on origins as Christians to explaining scientific processes to looking at how we read Genesis.
Denis Alexander on Understanding Creation Theology
In this video Conversation, Denis Alexander asserts that contemporary Christians are not taking the early chapters of Genesis seriously enough.


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Innocent Spouse
Relief from Joint and Several Liability § 6015
Married taxpayers who file a joint return under § 6013 are jointly and severally liable for any tax, interest and penalties due as shown on the return and also any additional tax liability the IRS determines to be due. § 6013(d)(3). This is true even if the taxpayers later divorce or if the other spouse earned all the income. Relief from joint and several liability may be available under IRC § 6015. These rules should not be confused with the injured spouse rules (discussed below) that provide for an allocation of an overpayment using Form 8379.
Three forms of relief from joint and several liability are available:
- Innocent Spouse Relief – § 6015(b)
- Separation of Liability – § 6015(c)
- Equitable Relief – § 6015(f)
If relief is requested under § 6015 (b) or (c) and it is denied, the IRS may consider relief under § 6015(f).
Guidance on the administrative appeals rights for the non-requesting spouse is contained in Rev. Proc. 2003-19.
Innocent Spouse Relief § 6015(b)
To receive "innocent spouse relief" the taxpayer must:
- File a joint return that had an "understatement" (not an underpayment) of tax due to "erroneous items" of one of the spouses.
- Establish that at the time he signed the joint return he did not know, and had no reason to know, that there was an understatement of tax;
- Prove that taking into account the facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold the taxpayer liable for the understatement of tax, and
- Elect relief no later than two years after collection activity begins with respect to the requesting spouse.
If it is established that the taxpayer signed a joint return under duress, then a joint return has not been filed. In this situation, there is no joint and several liability.
An understatement of tax is generally the difference between the total tax liability that should have been shown on the return and the amount that was actually shown on the return. § 6662(d)(2)(A). This is to be contrasted with an underpayment of tax. An underpayment of tax is an amount of tax the taxpayer properly reported on the return but did not pay. For example, a joint 2014 return shows that the taxpayer and his spouse owe $5,000 but the IRS determines that they owe $6,000. They paid $2,000 with the return and in tax withholding. They have an have an underpayment of $3,000 and an understatement of $1,000.
A taxpayer may qualify for partial relief if, under § 6015(b), at the time she filed her return, she knew or had reason to know that there was an understatement of tax due to her spouse's erroneous items, but she did not know how large the understatement was. She will be relieved of the understatement to the extent she can prove that she did not know and had no reason to know about a portion of the understatement. Refunds are permitted under § 6015(b)
The term "erroneous item" is broadly defined as:
- Any gross income item received by the spouse that is not reported.
- Any improper deduction, credit, or property basis claimed on the return.
The following are examples of erroneous items:
- The expense for which the deduction is taken was never paid or incurred. For example, the non-requesting spouse, a cash-basis taxpayer, deducted $10,000 of advertising expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040), but never paid for any advertising.
- The expense does not qualify as a deductible expense. For example, the spouse claimed a deduction of $10,000 for the payment of state fines. Fines are not deductible.
- No factual argument can be made to support the deductibility of the expense. For example, the non-requesting spouse claimed $4,000 for security costs related to a home office, which were actually veterinary and food costs for the family's two dogs.
When requesting relief both the clients' knowledge and whether it is unfair to hold the taxpayer liable should be specifically addressed.
Regulation § 1.6015-2(c) states that a requesting spouse has knowledge or reason to know of an understatement if he or she actually knew of the understatement, or if a reasonable person in similar circumstances would have known of the understatement. Facts and circumstances considered in determining whether a requesting spouse had reason to know of an understatement include, but are not limited to:
- The nature of the erroneous item and the amount of the erroneous item relative to other items;
- The couple's financial situation;
- The requesting spouse's educational background and business experience;
- The extent of the requesting spouse's participation in the activity that resulted in the erroneous item;
- Whether the requesting spouse failed to inquire, at or before the time the return was signed, about items on the return or omitted from the return that a reasonable person would question; and
- Whether the erroneous item represented a departure for a recurring pattern reflected in prior years' returns.
The IRS will consider all of the facts and circumstances of the case in order to determine whether it is unfair to hold the taxpayer responsible for the understatement. Two indicators the IRS may use in deciding that it is unfair to hold the taxpayer responsible are whether she:
- Received any significant benefit from the understatement of tax,
- Taxpayer can receive significant benefit either directly or indirectly. For example, if the spouse did not report $10,000 of income on the joint return, the taxpayer can benefit directly if the spouse shares that $10,000 with her. She can benefit indirectly from the unreported income if the spouse uses it to pay extraordinary household expenses.
- The taxpayer does not have to receive a benefit immediately for it to be significant. For example, money the spouse gives the taxpayer several years after he received it or amounts inherited from the spouse (or former spouse) can be a significant benefit.
- Support payments that the taxpayer receives as a result of a divorce proceeding are not a significant benefit.
- Was later divorced from or deserted by the spouse.
Relief By Separation of Liability § 6015(c)
Under this type of relief, a taxpayer may elect allocation of the understated tax (plus interest and penalties) on the joint return between the taxpayer and the spouse (or former spouse). This type of relief is not available for an underpayment of tax. Also, refunds are not granted when there is separation of liability relief granted. When relief is granted, the understatement of tax allocated to the taxpayer is generally the amount he or she is responsible for. Taxpayers may request this type of relief in addition to innocent spouse relief.
To request separation of liability relief, a taxpayer must have filed a joint return and the request for relief must be filed no later than 2 years from when collection activities began with respect to the requesting spouse. The taxpayer also must meet one of the following requirements at the time he or she files the request for relief on Form 8857:
- The taxpayer must no longer be married to, or is legally separated from, the spouse with whom the joint return was filed from which relief is requested. Under this rule, a taxpayer is no longer married if he is widowed. Marital status is determined as of the date the election is filed. See § 7703 for purposes of determining marital status. If it is established that the taxpayer signed the joint return under duress, then it is not a joint return, and the taxpayer is not liable for amounts from that return. However, the taxpayer may be required to file a separate return for that tax year, or
- Taxpayer must not be a member of the same household as the spouse with whom the joint return was filed at any time during the 12-month period ending on the date he files Form 8857. Even if the taxpayer meets these two requirements, a request for separation of liability will not be granted in the following situations:
- The IRS proves that the taxpayer and her spouse transferred assets to third parties as part of a fraudulent scheme.
- The IRS proves that at the time the taxpayer signed the joint return, she had actual knowledge of any items giving rise to the deficiency that were allocable to the spouse. (For a discussion of what constitutes "actual knowledge" Reg. § 1.6015-3(c)(2) and see IRS Publication 971.)
- The spouse (or former spouse) transferred property to the taxpayer to avoid tax or the payment of tax. If the spouse transfers property to the taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax or payment of tax, the tax liability allocated to the taxpayer will be increased by the value of the property transferred. A transfer will be presumed to have as its main purpose the avoidance of tax or payment of tax if the transfer is made after the date that is one year before the date on which the IRS sent its first letter of proposed deficiency allowing the taxpayer an opportunity for a meeting in the IRS Appeals Office. This presumption will not apply if the transfer was made under a divorce decree, separate maintenance agreement, or a written instrument incident to such an agreement. The presumption will also not apply if the taxpayer establishes that the transfer did not have as its main purpose the avoidance of tax or payment of tax.
Equitable Relief § 6015(f)
If the taxpayer does not qualify for innocent spouse relief or relief by separation of liability, the taxpayer may still be relieved of joint and several liability if the taxpayer qualifies for equitable relief. If a taxpayer requests equitable relief and it is denied, the IRS may not considers relief under § § 6015 (b) or (c) unless the taxpayer affirmatively elects relief under one or both of those provisions.
The taxpayer may qualify for equitable relief if all of the following conditions are met:
- The taxpayer is not eligible for innocent spouse relief, relief by separation of liability, or relief from separate return liability for community income,
- The taxpayer and the spouse did not transfer assets to one another as a part of a fraudulent scheme,
- The spouse did not transfer assets to the taxpayer for the main purpose of avoiding tax or the payment of tax,
- The taxpayer did not file the return with the intent to commit fraud, and
- The taxpayer establishes that, taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold the taxpayer liable for the tax.
Unlike innocent spouse relief or separation of liability, the taxpayer may obtain equitable relief from both an understatement of tax or an underpayment of tax (defined earlier under Innocent Spouse Relief).
The IRS will consider all of the facts and circumstances in order to determine whether it is unfair to hold the taxpayer responsible for the understatement or underpayment of tax. In doing so, it will examine both positive and negative factors. When requesting relief under this ground, each of the positive and negative factors should be addressed.
Positive factors
The following are examples of factors that weigh in favor of equitable relief:
- Taxpayer is separated (whether legally or not) or divorced from the spouse.
- Taxpayer would suffer economic hardship and would not be able to pay reasonable basic living expenses if relief is not granted.
- Taxpayer was abused by the other spouse, but the abuse did not amount to duress.
- Taxpayer did not know and had no reason to know about the items causing the understatement or that the tax would not be paid
- The taxpayer's spouse or ex-spouse has a legal obligation under a divorce decree or agreement to pay the tax. This will not be a positive factor if the taxpayer knew, or had reason to know, at the time the divorce decree or agreement was entered into, that the spouse would not pay the tax.
- The tax for which the taxpayer is requesting relief is attributable to the spouse.
Negative factors
The following are examples of factors that weigh against equitable relief:
- Taxpayer will not suffer economic hardship if relief is not granted.
- Taxpayer knew, or had reason to know, about the items causing the understatement or that the tax would be unpaid at the time she signed the return.
- Taxpayer received a significant benefit from the unpaid tax or items causing the understatement.
- Taxpayer has not made a good faith effort to comply with Federal income tax laws for the tax year for which she is requesting relief or the following years.
- Taxpayer has a legal obligation under a divorce decree or agreement to pay the tax.
- The tax for which taxpayer is requesting relief is attributable to her.
How To Request Relief
To request for Innocent Spouse Relief, Separation of Liability, or Equitable Relief, the IRS requires taxpayer to complete and file IRS Form 8857. Before the form is completed, the Regulations under § 6015 should be reviewed. They contain several examples illustrating the application of § 6015. The taxpayer only needs to file one Form 8857, even if she is requesting relief for more than one tax year. The taxpayer must attach a brief (see example below) to Form 8857 explaining why she believes she qualifies for relief and attach thereto supporting exhibits. She must also provide certain information for each type of relief she is requesting. The instructions for Form 8857 contain more information pertaining to the required information. The request is accompanied by a cover letter to the IRS addressed to their office in Covington, Kentucky, the brief, applicable exhibits and the originally signed Innocent Spouse relief form 8857.
The IRS is required to inform the spouse (or former spouse) if taxpayer requests innocent spouse relief or separation of liability and to allow the spouse (or former spouse) to participate in the determination of the amount of relief from liability. You should inform your client that the IRS will attempt to contact her former spouse and advise him of the request for relief. To protect victims of domestic abuse, the IRS has adopted several measures. You should consult the IRS web site in this situation and write on the top of Form 8857 "Potential Domestic Abuse Case."
Tax Court Review of Request
The client can challenge joint and several liability in the Tax Court in two ways. First, within 90 days after the IRS mails the taxpayer a negative final determination notice indicating that the IRS denied relief from joint and several liability, the client may petition the U.S. Tax Court to review the denial. This is a statutory period of time that may not be extended. If taxpayer does not file a petition, or files it late, the Tax Court cannot review the request for relief.
An appeal of an IRS denial of spousal relief may be conducted under the small tax case procedures only if the amount of relief sought, including accrued but unassessed interest and penalties, does not exceed $50,000 on the date the petition is filed. Otherwise, the petition for review of the IRS' denial of relief must be filed under the regular U.S. Tax Court procedure.
A taxpayer may also file a petition in U.S. Tax Court if she has not received a final determination notice from the IRS within 6 months from the date he or she filed Form 8857.
The second way the innocent spouse relief can be raised in U.S. Tax Court is as a defense. If the IRS examines a joint return, a spouse may petition the U.S. Tax Court and raise innocent spouse as a defense to the assertion of the deficiency in addition to asserting other defenses to the deficiency. If the Form 8857 has not previously been prepared, the form, with an original signature, should be included with the notebook.
In either case in Tax Court, a cover letter and brief, with applicable exhibits should be prepared. The notebook should be addressed to either the appeals officer assigned or Chief Counsel attorney assigned the case depending on where jurisdiction resides.
Refund possibility
Under limited circumstances refunds of tax are permitted if relief from joint and several liability under § 6015 is granted, as follows:
- A refund is available if relief is granted under § 6015(b);
- No refunds are available if relief is granted under § 6015(c);
- Limited refunds are available if relief is granted under § 6015(f). Refunds are only permitted for amounts paid between July 22, 1998 and April 15, 1999 and amounts paid under an installment agreement after the Form 8857, is filed.
When Request May be Filed
A request for relief under § 6015(b) and (c) but not (f) must be filed no later than 2 years from when collection activity first begins after July 22, 1998. § 6015(b)(1)(E), (c)(3)(B);
Reg. § 6015-5(b) currently provides that the 2 year limit on relief applies to relief requested under § 6015(f); however, Notice 2011-70 (see link below) revokes so much of the above regulation as limits § 6015(f) claims to a 2 year period.
Collection activity
Collection activity for this purpose, begins when the requesting spouse receives:
- A § 6330 "Notice of Intent to Levy";
- A § 6042 offset of an over-payment of the requesting spouse against the liability; or
- The filing of a claim by the federal government in a court proceeding in which the requesting spouse is a party or which involves property of the requesting spouse.
Collection activity does not include:
- A § 6212 "Notice of Deficiency",
- A § 6303 "Notice and Demand for Payment", or
- A § 6320 "Notice of Lien"
Relief at a Glance Chart.pdf
Innocent Spouse Brief.doc
Innocent Spouse Questionnaire.doc
Internal Revenue Service Innocent Spouse Checklist.pdf
Innocent Spouse Relief Request Cover Letter.doc
Information on IRS.gov
Chief Counsel Notice 2013-011, Litigating Cases that Involve Claims for Relief From Joint and Several Liability Under Section 6015
CC-2011-17, Change in Litigating Position on the Two-Year Deadline to Request Section 6015(f) Equitable Relief
IR-2011-80, Two-Year Limit No Longer Applies to Many Innocent Spouse Requests
Notice 2011-70, Equitable Relief under Section 6015(f) – August 8, 2011
Revenue Procedure 2003-61.pdf, New rules for applying for Innocent Spouse Relief (Scroll to page 296)
Chief Counsel Advice.pdf Grant of Innocent Spouse Relief Does Not 'Abate' Tax Liability
IRS Publication 971.pdf, Innocent Spouse Relief
Form 8857.pdf, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief Form
IRS Publication 3212.pdf, Innocent Spouse Relief Brochure
Form 12508.pdf, Innocent Spouse Request for Information
2013 – TNT-115-13, IRS Standard of Review
Internal Revenue Code
IRC §66(c) Treatment of community income: Spouse relieved of liability in certain other cases
IRC §6013 Old section of code relating to Innocent Spouse relief
IRC §6015 Relief from joint and several liability on joint return


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We've got a talk that's been accepted for IBM Connect -> Creating a Client Centric Hub for Our Sellers with IBM Connections - Joe Russo, Erika Varga
where you can learn about what we've been doing to explore ways to meet real goals of our sales teams in IBM through the use of Connections. We done some work extending things and some very exploratory work that's beyond those areas. Our goal is to show you the kinds of things you can do, or could do and get your feedback about directions, ideas and interest in pushing the limits here.


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This high capacity shell increases the total capacity to 250 balls. Just add your top carrier and lid and your ready to go. Clear side windows included.
Punishers Paintball Supply © 2003-
All Rights Reserved.
All photography and text on this site is the original work of Punishers Paintball Supply and manufacturers.
Contents may not be used for any commercial or non-commercial purpose without prior written consent from www.punisherspb.com.
eCommerce Hosting by Resposio


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Book your room at Best Western Plus Embassy Hotel
Standard Double or Twin RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 1 infant)
Double Room Single UseMax Occupancy: 2 guests (up to 1 child, 1 infant)
Economy RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 1 infant)
Deluxe RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 1 infant)
Triple RoomMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 1 infant)
Junior SuiteMax Occupancy: 4 guests (up to 3 children, 1 infant)
SuiteMax Occupancy: 3 guests (up to 3 children, 1 infant)
Get an overview of this hotel4-star Athens hotel in Kolonaki, near Hellenic Parliament
Collect 200 points
Simply enter your Nectar card number when prompted. Your points will be credited 30 days after you return from your trip.*Offers may apply
Located in Kolonaki, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mavili Square, Mount Lycabettus, and Lycabettus Theater. Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma Square are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Hotel Features
This hotel features a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, and a snack bar/deli. Free buffet breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Other amenities include a 24-hour business center, coffee/tea in the lobby, and a meeting room.
Room Amenities
All 31 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and Tempur-Pedic beds. Conveniences include sitting areas and coffee makers, and guests will appreciate thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Dining options at the hotel include a coffee shop/café and a snack bar/deli. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Business amenities at this 4-star property consist of a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and a meeting room. This Athens hotel also offers tour/ticket assistance, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in the lobby. Parking is available onsite for a surcharge. The property may provide extended parking privileges to guests after check-out (surcharge).
Best Western Plus Embassy Hotel has designated areas for smoking.
- Conference space size (meters) - 72
- Year Built 1967
- 24-hour business center
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Laundry facilities
- Television in lobby
- Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
- Snack bar/deli
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Designated smoking areas
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Multilingual staff
- Free breakfast
- Coffee shop or café
- Number of floors - 7
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Total number of rooms - 31
- One meeting room
- Luggage storage
- Concierge services
- Bar/lounge
- Elevator/lift
- 24-hour front desk
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
Family Friendly Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Soundproofed rooms
- Snack bar/deli
- Laundry facilities
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge), Offsite parking discounted rates available
Room Amenities
- Tempur-Pedic mattress
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Separate sitting area
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Slippers
- Bathtub only
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- Bathrobes
- Hair dryer
- Premium bedding
- Private bathroom
- Television
- Air conditioning
- Soundproofed rooms
- Phone
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- In-room safe
- Daily housekeeping
- Free toiletries
- Desk
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Flat-panel TV
- Free WiFi
Where to Eat
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Nearby Things to Do
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Segway rental/tour nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
No pets or service animals allowed
Hotel Registry Number - 0206K014A0267700
- Resort fee
- Self parking fee: EUR 10 per day
- Rollaway bed fee: EUR 30 per day
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1500, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation. A resort fee is included in the total price displayed. One child 2 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
National Rating
For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.


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Do you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen?
Thanks! I'll have dear hubby check it out, techno-idiot that I am.
Thanks! I'll have dear hubby check it out, techno-idiot that I am.
I think it's a definite tie-in to different cultures, which is an automatic tie-in to family dynamics, etc., etc.
I do also know that for me at least it's also highly suggestive. There are few Mafia flicks I can watch without automatically getting a hankering for Italian food. My husband knows that if there's a "Godfather" marathon going on, or "Goodfellas" is on (LOVE Paul Sorvino razor-blade-slicing the garlic in prison), there's a better-than-excellent chance that I'll be making something Italian for dinner - lol!
Oh, & yes - I also keep both baking soda & a large box of kosher/coarse salt near my electric range in case something stray should ignite. Also a small spray bottle of water.
I know this makes it sound like I regularly set fire to things - lol - but it's more a matter of wanting to be safe rather than sorry, since I do LOVE to cook.
Yes, I do have one in the kitchen, but it's been there for 15 years, so am thinking I may have to toss it & buy another. Do they expire?
Thanks for the explanation!! The recipe as is just sort of stymied me re: the name - lol!
Apart from the usual Margaritas, salsa, & guacamole to start, I'll be making an adapted Martha Stewart recipe that we enjoy which is a sort of "Enchiladas Suiza" - basically poached shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, Monterey Jack &/or White Cheddar cheese, jalapenos, onions, green tomatillo sauce, & sour cream in flour tortillas. Will serve with spicy refried beans & a green salad.
"Mock Lobster"??? I just read through that recipe & can't even remotely figure out how it got that name. Usually anything called "mock" anything at least bears a minor resemblance to the original product. All this is is ground beef shaped like a lobster?
I would make a lovely free-form (as in formed into a long oval in a large baking dish or pan instead of in a mold) meatloaf. Any recipe that appeals to you.
Have what you want for Meal #1, then slice up the rest, individually wrap each slice in cling-wrap, pop the wrapped slices into a Ziploc bag, & into the freezer. They'll last for several months without any loss of quality, & you can easily pull out what you need for another meal (or an impromptu meatloaf sandwich), run each slice under warm tap water to loosen the wrap, then defrost & reheat in the microwave. They're just as delicious for followup meals as they were on Day 1. I do this all the time.
Yes Beavis - I totally agree. It's a real pain in the ass to report spam or an inappropriate post.
One would think that a website like this would have a super-easy way to do this. Websites far, far less upscale have this sort of reporting in place.
So WHAT GIVES Serious Eats???
I agree that it not only depends on the item, but also your ability to evaluate the quality.
On the other hand, the inexpensive carbon-steel wok that my mother gifted me with from a tiny little local Long Islane, NY, Chinese grocery store back in 1974 is still going strong & getting weekly use in my kitchen.
I fully agree with Tipsy. Freezing the chicken minus any dairy will result in a product closest to non-frozen after thawing. Dairy tends to throw a serious monkey wrench into freezing stuff.
I don't mind or go mental over making a few impulse purchases - especially if they're snacks for my hard-working husband. And even for him is favorite snacks are relatively healthy.
But really, for everyday living, I really believe that you have to sit down & make a weekly PLAN. It's not written in stone, but it helps to avoid making purchases that end up in the trash because you didn't use them.
In my case, I LOVE our local farmers market (which just opened for the season this past weekend), but tend to buy more fresh produce than I know what to do with within a weeks time or before it starts getting skanky.
I'm trying (yeah, right - lol!) to figure out what I'm most likely to find at the market + what I'm most likely to use in the following week. Otherwise, many of my purchases will be toast.
Sounds good, so long as the recipes are YOUR OWN & not just unauthorized copies of others. Because from the gist of your post, it sounds like you're looking to post recipes from other published sources. Which, frankly, I don't think is allowed on this site.
While I do make a weekly meal plan based on weekly sales flyers at our local supermarkets (+ now produce from our local farmers market & our own garden), I have enough cooking expertise to up the ante if I come across an unadvertised sale & be able to thus pick up appropriate condiments &/or sides to complement that purchase.
Really - planning is key, as is the ability to change gears if necessary. This means a well-stocked pantry & freezer.
Daily works fine for me.
Actually, the time spent opening & decided whether to save or delete a "daily" is pretty much the exact time (or even less) perusing the weekly & deciding which recipes to save or delete. Pretty much zero difference.
Wow. So I guess the fact that I sprinkle cornmeal on my baking stone AND flour on my pizza peel, & produce gorgeous non-sticking pizzas on neither peel nor stone & no cornmeal or flour burning must be because I'm somehow blessed by God? LOL!!!!!! Just wondering.
Actually, I meant the term "Neanderthal" to apply to ANYONE who feels the need to make someone else feel small because they don't agree with their particular food preferences. Not "meat guy" in particular. But then, if the shoe fits. . . .
Exactly, bleu!!
I just find it Neanderthal for someone to make someone else's tastes/preferences appear substandard. Like or dislike what I like or dislike, but don't try to make me or anyone else feel like a lesser person because of our choices please.
Oh - that's my point. That personal opinions ARE part of the discussions here. Making disparaging remarks about other's personal opinions is not.
By bleu: "Since I have never met a pizza, that I didn't like (unless it was raw or burnt) I cannot relate to turkey pepperoni. I am not too sure that I have ever eaten it. Nor, for that matter, I have not eaten cardboard nor feathers. However, I do enjoy Meat Guys posts as they are light-hearted and amusing. That does not mean that I necessarily agree with him at all times, but I do enjoy his "take" on things."
Well, when someone mentions that they enjoy something, & someone comes on & states that that something not only tastes like "feathers/cardboard" & also strongly implies that anyone liking that item must be deficient as far as their palate, sorry, but I don't find that "lighthearted" or "amusing". I find it pompous & rude.
@Meat guy - Well aren't you just SO special. Not. Bully for you & your impeccable taste buds - all the more power to you both.
But AGAIN - good food that one enjoys is PERSONAL PREFERENCE. Has nothing to do with pompous people spouting how pork (or any other food product) rules - & according to God, no less. Good friggin' grief.
(Wishing we had a "rolling eyes" icon here....)
Meat guy: "Turkey pepperoni is an abomination in the eyes of the pizza gods, pepperoni is pork, not turkey, it tastes like old feathers."
Actually not true. I don't know how long it's been since you've tried a good turkey pepperoni, but these days it's not only delicious, but is literally indistinguishable from pork. Have tried several brands side-by-side with pork.
However, realizing that food is very much a matter of personal preference, that's your call. But it would be nice if you didn't proselytize your feelings. Turkey Pepperoni these days is far, FAR from an "abomination".
Thanks guys! Love Burrata cheese & love avocado - great ideas!
It depends. I shop at least twice a week, & do have certain stores that I stop at when I need certain things.
For instance, we've been buying our toilet paper, paper towels, & cat litter from Costco for decades now. Also large jugs of extra-virgin olive oil (my "go to" for nearly all my cooking) & Kikkoman soy sauce. Also hubby's (& our cockatoo's) favorite pistachio nuts, large jars of marinated artichoke hearts, & large containers of certain spices. Some frequently-used cheeses as well (think Boursain at 3 for $8.99 when the supermarkets sell 1 for $5). Prices are beyond excellent for these items & everything purchased gets used in a timely fashion.
For regular kitchen paper goods like foil, Ziplocs, etc., organic chicken, smoked turkey drumsticks (Edy's brand - FABULOUS), pasta, & other canned goods, Walmart has been the best price-wise.
For seafood, I go the markets that have the best prices for the freshest items that particular week (we eat seafood at least twice a week). Freshest produce comes from our local Martins supermarket &/or our local farmers market (which opens tomorrow - yay!) or from my own garden. And even though pricey, we have a local artisanal butcher who has fabulous house-made chicken sausages & baguettes. Quality is worth the $$.
Now when/if I'm cooking for a holiday or special occasion, it's "prices be damned" & I buy what I want where I want or where I happen to be - especially if I'm on a timetable & don't have the time to make a lot of different stops.
Well, if you'd like an Asian bent & have/can get the ingredients, this is a hands-down easy favorite around here:
Breezycooking Spicy Asian Cod
1 pound of Cod filet (or other firm white fish filets)
2 tablespoons Chinese Black Bean Sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese Chili-Garlic Sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Thinly-sliced scallions for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine bean sauce, chili-garlic sauce, & soy sauce in a small bowl. Lightly oil a baking dish & place fish filet(s). Spread sauce mixture over fish, & bake on center rack of preheated oven for 30 minutes. (Timing is for thick cod filets; thinner filets will most likely only need 20 minutes.) Plate & garnish with sliced scallions, if using.
This recipe will work with other white fish filets - just adjust cooking time to thickness.
I usually serve this with a side of brown or Jasmine rice & a green veg (sliced asparagus, broccoli, sugar snap peas, snow peas, or a "medley") simply boiled or steamed & tossed with a little sesame oil (hot or regular) & sesame seeds.
Anyone besides me enjoy pizza toppings that aren't the norm in the grand scheme of pizza?
My husband is your basic tomato/cheese/basil "Margherita", turkey pepperoni, or mushrooms lover. The most unusual pizza he enjoys is a white one with chopped clams (it was/is a favorite from our hometown on Long Island, NY).
While I also enjoy the above, I do also enjoy topping combinations like "anchovies & onions", "shrimp & broccoli raab", "goat cheese & arugula", which the very thought of makes hubby gag.
Am I alone?
Anyone tried it? Just for fun I purchased 3 jars of it that I've yet to open: "Wasabi", "Chili", & "Balsamico".
While I know that it's not perishable like fish roe (supposedly has a fridge shelf life akin to pickles), I've been hesitant to pop open a jar because I'm frankly at a loss as to what to use them on apart from baked potato &/or canapé garnishes.
Any other ideas?
All other boards I visit have an "alert" button to report spam, etc.
How does one report this stuff on Serious Eats? I may be missing it, but don't see any easy way to do it.
I haven't been a member for very long, but is it normal for there to be SO very little forum activity on SE? I see questions/topics that I know would garner dozens of answers on other food websites, yet just DIE here.
For example - someone asked for home rotisserie suggestions back on 2/18. Here it is a week later & I was the only responder. If this soul had posted that question on, say (gasp) "Chowhound", he'd have enough recommendations to fill a book & then some.
SE seems to have more than enough advertising to attract more subscribers.
Any input as to why the majority of threads seem to die such quick deaths?
Although I CAN suggest one reason - that one can NEVER tell when a new post has been posted to a thread. Why don't threads with new posts NOT move up in the queu?? There seems to be (unless I'm missing it) ZERO way to tell if a new post has been added to a thread. Unless one has the memory of Kreskin & can recall the number of responses in the thread queu. This really has to be the ONLY website I visit where there is absolutely NO easy way to tell if new replies have been posted to topics.
Is this website really that backward?
While I didn't buy it often, I did enjoy it once in awhile, & it just occurred to me that I probably haven't seen it in any supermarket for almost a decade now.
Each pristine blanched little head used to be wrapped in deep blue paper in the lettuce area of the produce department.
Can't remember the last time I've seen it. Anyone know why it disappeared? Although now that I think of it, I haven't seen much frilly chicory or flat-leaf escarole much either lately. I thought "bitter" greens were somewhat in vogue these days.
Anything weird? Funny? Run out of candy? Have two bags left unopened? Did you make anything? Try any new candy bars? What were you? Discuss!... More


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What does the Guided Investigation look
The groups begin by measuring out and beating their foam based
on the recipe in the instructions.
Bowl A is beaten 200 strokes...
Bowl B is beaten 600 strokes...
A tower from the 200 stroke batch...
and a tower from the 600 stroke batch...
After looking at the two foams to observe any differences, each
pair attempts to build the highest tower they can from
the two batches:
When placed side by side, it's apparent that the less-beaten
foam, which has lighter, larger bubbles, build a higher tower
Next, each pair builds a tower of foam four inches high from
each batch to see what is the longest sharpened dowel that
will stand up in in each.
The 200-stroke batch:
the 5" dowel stands up
but the 7" dowel falls over
The 600-stroke batch:
the 12" dowel falls over
but the 9" dowel stands up
Both batches placed side by side. It looks like the 600-stroke
foam has smaller, denser bubbles that hold up objects better
than the 200-stroke foam, which has larger, fluffier bubbles.


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Lexington. The EVPR is responsible for grant and contract oversight, including technology transfer and evaluation of conflicts of interest. She also spent three decades at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), completing her service as the deputy director for extramural research, a program that represents more than 80 percent of the NIH budget and that applies conflict of interest policies for researchers who receive NIH funds. Dr. Baldwin, who is a social demographer, has served on the National Research Council Committees on Assessing Behavioral and Social Science Research on Aging and Assessing Interactions Among Social, Behavioral, and Genetic Factors in Health.
Lisa Bellini, M.D., is associate dean for graduate medical education and is also vice chair for education in the Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Her primary responsibilities revolve around directing educational programs for residents and fellows. She is the program director of the Internal Medicine Residency program, which has 150 residents. In her role as vice chair, she is also responsible for overseeing all of the subspecialty fellowship programs. She spends a large portion of her time teaching trainees at all levels. Given the concentration of her teaching experiences on inpatient services, Dr. Bellini is responsible for the organization and maintenance of inpatient medicine services for over 220 beds and 15,000 admissions per year. In 2005, she assumed responsibility for all of the graduate medical education for the health system. As associate dean, she oversees the education and training of over 850 residents across 61 different programs. Her primary research interests involve the design, implementation, and evaluation of new educational initiatives. Current interests involve issues related to quality of life for the house staff, including sleep deprivation, depression, burnout, and empathy. Her clinical interests include general pulmonary medicine, particularly advanced lung disease.
Lisa A. Bero, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Institute for Health Policy Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She is vice chair in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and chair of the UCSF Conflict of Interest Committee. She is also a member of the UCSF Academic Senate Vendor Relations Task Force and has served on numerous institutional and international committees related to conflicts of interest. In addition, Dr. Bero is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines Committee and has participated in advising on guidelines related to conflict of interest disclosure for the WHO guidelines development process. She is codirector of the San Francisco Branch of the U.S. Cochrane Center; a member of the Steering Group of the Cochrane Collaboration; and editor for the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Group, which


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'The Exorcist' Goes to Geffen Playhouse
July 6, 2012 by Staff
Filed under Entertainment, Events, Film & TV, News
Ever craved watching an adaptation of horror- cult classic "The Exorcist" onstage as a live theatrical event? It is happening now at the Geffen Playhouse, and it's nothing like Rocky Horror.
"We're not going to throw up all over the audience," noted actor Richard Chamberlain while on a recent rehearsal break at the Geffen Playhouse in LA's Westwood Village.
Chamberlain is one of the stars of the Geffen's new stage adaptation of the 1971 William Peter Blatty novel about a girl who may be possessed by Satan, the girl's distraught mother, and the senior and junior priests charged to save the day.
The book was a phenomenon. And yet for many, its memory is overshadowed by the 1973 William Friedkin film, which provided visceral thrills aplenty, including Linda Blair's famous head-spinning scene.
The Geffen production, running through Aug. 12, reaches back to Blatty's decidedly more cerebral treatment: scaring up a serious discussion of psychology, faith, love and evil.
Little wonder bringing "The Exorcist" to the stage appealed to playwright John Pielmeier. He explored similar territory with his Broadway breakthrough, the 1982 hit "Agnes of God," about a psychologist at odds with a mother superior over a nun's claim she experienced a virgin birth.
"('The Exorcist') is very much the bookend to my writing career," noted Pielmeier. "If `Agnes' was the one end of it; this is toward the end of the other end."
There are also ties that bind "The Exorcist" to earlier works by the director, John Doyle, whose credits include daring revivals of two Stephen Sondheim favorites: "Company" and "Sweeney Todd."
"You're always going to get audience members who are wanting to get what they first saw," Doyle said of "Exorcist"-film fans who give the stage version a shot. "My job is to tell the story as if it's never been told before."
Beyond Chamberlain, the other well-known cast member is Brooke Shields, who plays the mother. While she has stage experience, it's as a replacement for leads in musicals.
Shields said "The Exorcist" returns her to her pubescent days, working with such revered directors as Louis Malle ("Pretty Baby") and Franco Zeffirelli ("Endless Love"). "And, basically, (with) Louis and Zeffirelli, I got spoiled," Shields admitted. "Everything has paled in comparison in between (then and working with Doyle), to be honest."
So is "The Exorcist" on stage heading to the Great White Way?
"You always want to do it on Broadway," said actor David Wilson Barnes, who portrays the younger priest. But he warned that such thoughts could be counterproductive, at least at this stage. "Because you start making it into a Broadway thing, as opposed to the thing that it wants to be," he explained. "And if the thing that it wants to be then becomes the Broadway thing, that's fantastic."


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Filmed from multiple angles, an empty Boeing 727 has been deliberately crashed in a remote Mexican desert as the centrepiece of a documentary on air safety.
The aircraft was piloted to the crash location before the pilot ejected, and the trijet then descended in a level attitude - guided remotely by a chase aircraft - before impacting hard and breaking up.
Video footage of the experiment shows the jet's forward fuselage breaking off before the 727 comes to a halt.
The crash took place in the Sonoran desert of Baja California, Mexico, for a television programme being made by the UK's Dragonfly Film and Television Produtions, in association with the US Discovery Channel, as well as Germany's Pro Sieben and the UK's Channel 4.
In a statement the producers say the crash "went according to plan and there were no injuries or damage to property".
Discussions over a deliberate crash had emerged a couple of years ago when the original plan was to seek a 300-seat widebody aircraft.
The 727 was carrying scientific measuring instruments, several cameras - including one on the pilot's helmet - and crash-test dummies, to record the effects on the airframe and passengers.
"For safety reasons, an exclusion zone at the crash site was manned by security teams, as well as the Mexican military and police," the statement adds.
"Ahead of the crash, a full safety review of the project was undertaken by the highly-qualified pilots and commanders as well as the Mexican authorities which concluded that it was safe for all concerned."
The aircraft will be salvaged, it says, and an "extensive" clean-up performed following the experiment on 27 April.
NASA deliberately crashed a Boeing 720 in December 1984 to test a fuel additive designed to suppress fire - a test which did not go according to plan, because the aircraft impacted with a different attitude from that intended.
While the 727, like the 720, is a 1960s-era design, the producers of the new documentary claim that improvements in cameras and other technology justified revisiting the crash-test scenario.
"It's never been safer to fly, but we want to use this as an opportunity to provide scientific data that might help to improve passenger safety in those extremely rare cases when a catastrophic aircraft accident does occur," says Dragonfly executive producer Sanjay Singhal.
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From the very beginning, Apple's Apple's retail stores were intended to both be a showcase for the company's products and a place where communities would form. But until now, we've only known about the success of the former goal, and not the latter. Indeed, the retail stores generated $4 billion in profits on sales of $20.2 billion during fiscal 2013. But how many of the stores' 395 million visitors during the year were actually paying customers? During an appearance last month at a speaker series organized by Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, former Sr. VP Retail Ron Johnson answered that question, and discussed his early career, the birth of Apple's retail stores, and his ill-fated time as J.C. Penney's chief executive.
Johnson appeared for 50 minutes as part of Stanford's "View From The Top" speaker series that's included Oprah Winfrey, retired U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal and General Motors president Mary Barra. He was modest about attending Stanford, and admitted to being a better athlete than student. He attended Harvard Business School, where he became fascinated by the retail case studies presented in classes. After graduation Johnson briefly worked for an investment firm, but then joined retailer Mervyns. He turned down an offer to work in a headquarters office, instead taking a loading dock job to better learn how every level of the company operated.
In 1990 he transferred to the company's newly-formed Target Target stores, and in 2000 was recruited by Steve Jobs to create a retail operation for Apple. He became close friends with Jobs, and said his enduring business lesson from the relationship was, "You have to be willing to start again." Johnson retold the story of how, at the last minute, Jobs tossed out the final store design at Johnson's suggestion, because it didn't encompass the "digital hub" concept Apple was promoting at the time.
Johnson said being completely in charge of the retail store project—and being trusted by Jobs—brought out his creative talents, which had been hidden until then. "Everyone is a creator," he told the audience, "and everyone is creative."
From the beginning, Johnson wanted the stores to be located where people were already walking and shopping. That meant leasing spaces at the most up-scale and high-rent shopping malls. He then wanted to attract people inside the stores using a combination of broadband Internet access, rare in 2001, and an on-going schedule of in-store activities. Visitors could check their email and surf the Web at the then-blazing speed of 1.5 Mpbs. They could also take classes, attend presentations, receive Genius Bar technical help or just hang out with fellow Apple enthusiasts. Even today, Johnson said, people go to the stores, "just to go. They don't go to buy. There are so many reasons to come."
In fact, Johnson revealed for the first time that just one of every 100 visitors to an Apple store makes a purchase. The other 99 are presumably heading to the Genius Bar, checking out new products, retrieving their email, tagging along with friends or relatives, or attending a training session or live music event.
For those who follow Apple's financials, that 1:100 ratio is even more amazing. Based on that figure, just 3.95 million visitors were paying customers during fiscal 2013 and, incredibly, their average purchase was $5,114. Now, that figure is skewed upward by a combination of non-visitor sales, including those made from the store-specific Web sites, business purchase orders and other sources of orders. Nevertheless, that's a rather small, loyal group of Apple store customers and an amazingly high per-purchase average.
Both figures—Apple store visitors and paying customers—are completely illustrative of the company's command of retail. The stores have created communities of enthusiasts for the stores everything that technology empowers, including art, music, writing, games and social networking. But the stores have also created buyers who appreciate being able to see, handle and use the company's products before handing over their money. It's a combination that few other retailers have been able to duplicate.
Watch Ron Johnson's complete Stanford appearance video.
Want to contribute revenue to the retail segment or your favorite Apple store, but also want to make your purchase on-line? Just surf to the store's individual on-line Web page. The URL is constructed:
See the list of stores to find the official store names.


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Geek Speak
Geek Speak is where the world of Geekdom comes alive.
Yearly Archive for 2007
René A. Guzman: 'The DM of the Rings' is the funniest, cleverest D&D campaign Web comic in the history of ever
Twenty Sided It's that exceptional occasion when you stumble across a work of pure genius, a rare gem so shimmering with shrewd intellect and innovative art that it just makes you a better person for having experienced it. And it fills your geek heart. "The DM of the Rings" is such geeky glory. Its coolness […] [Read More]
René A. Guzman: The Hulk in 'The Incredible Hulk' looks, well, incredible
Superhero Hype! has a cool 'Incredible Hulk' pic that shows the jade giant in all his jaded glory. Go there now for more smashing details. (Glad I spotted this via Digg.) "The Incredible Hulk" drops June 13, 2008. [Read More]
René A. Guzman: Portrait of Patrick Stewart as a young man
Trekmania.net Talk about boldly going where no one has gone before. Like maybe a baccarat table in Blackpool. Or Morrissey's School of Serious Outdoor Poses. Or Jean-Luc Picard's shoe box of memorable well-coiffed snapshots. (The photo has Trekmania.net on it, so shall we link to that site? Make it so.) [Read More]
René A. Guzman: Pics of Sylar as Spock and reality-biting news about who'll play Spock's mom
JFX Online "Heroes" star Zachary Quinto as Spock always sounded like a no-brainer for the new "Star Trek" film. Now JFX Online spy photos like the one above prove it's a stroke of casting genius on par with Teri Garr as Phoebe's birth mother on "Friends." Only cooler. And with pointy ears. (Spock pics spotted […] [Read More]
René A. Guzman: My comic pulls and reviews for the week of Nov. 14
Not a bad bunch in the pull box this week, what with the end of "World War Hulk" and two second issues that don't disappoint. Let's play. "Simon Dark" No. 2 The first "Simon Dark" made for a murky but decent read — pretty much what you'd expect from the guy behind "30 Days of […] [Read More]
René A. Guzman: Marvel unleashes online comic subscriptions with Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited
Ever wanted to read Marvel titles till your eyes bugged out but didn't have the deep pockets or closet space? The House of Ideas has hatched Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, a subscription service so you can now read tons of Marvel-ous works online. Chris sent me a Bloomberg report about the news and I started […] [Read More]
René A. Guzman: Dig the cool 'Umbrella Academy' swag
Dark Horse I do love "Umbrella Academy." I especially love that there are some cool "Umbrella" goodies on the way. Bet you'll love them, too. Because this post is all about the love. [Read More]
Chris Quinn: More Force Unleashed goodness
Images courtesy of Wizards of the Coast If you read the post below and were excited then get a sniff of this, the next set in the Star Wars Miniatures Game, "The Force Unleashed" will be hitting stores this month. The set is based off the video game of the same name that is supposed […] [Read More]
Chris Quinn: Star Wars: Force Unleashed video preview
Damn it's been a while. I have been busier than Tasslehoff Burfoot in a jewelry store. But in between making doll videos, other work and getting ready for my first kid, I have neglected my Geek Speak duties. Thank God for Guzman pulling all our weight around here with his postings. And between Sean and […] [Read More]
René A. Guzman: Some of my comic pulls and reviews for the week of Nov. 7
The Josster keeps on sliding while the Vaughanster keeps on rising, but all in all some good reads this week. On to those reviews. "New Avengers: Illuminati" No. 5 The Skrull invasion is so on. And if it's as compelling as the story Brian Bendis and Brian Reed weave in this ish of "New Avengers: […] [Read More]
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Pakistan: Heavy rains bringing devastation
Friday, August 12, 2011
Monsoon rains are pouring down across Sindh province, southeast Pakistan, submerging houses, destroying crops and forcing families out of homes and off land.
More than 700 villages are isolated and residents trapped after roads were washed away. Roofs of houses have collapsed, resulting in injuries and deaths. Media reports say up to 18 people have died, with more injured.
Hundreds have been forced to evacuate houses, with many sleeping under open skies. Media say 30 relief camps have been set up and an emergency imposed in Badin district where residents are being evacuated.
Forecast rains threaten to worsen the situation with high alerts issued for three districts in the next 36 hours.
Isolated heavy falls are expected across other parts of the country. Water levels are rising in water channels of southern Punjab province, where forecasts indicate that rains could also provoke flash-floods.
Staff of ACT member Church World Service have been the first to reach some remote villages whose residents reported families fleeing with their belongings. The CWS disaster response team is contacting local partner organisations and suppliers of food, tents and other relief goods.
Residents of some areas of Pakistan have barely begun recovering from last year's flooding, with fears these rains could lead to further devastation.


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To the Editor:
The letter from Lorraine Kovarovic of Schroon Lake asks why do responsible gun owners get more laws? No one can argue that criminals that use guns should be treated harshly by our legal system! This being said I would like to know why a background check of any honest person would violate their rights as defined in the Second Amendment!
Ms. Kovarovic also asks why is there no outcry when people are killed by drunk drivers, or blunt objects such as baseball bats or tire irons! I have to ask where has she been as there has certainly been outcries about these types of deaths! Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) has been responsible for making law enforcement more vigilant against people who would harm others by driving drunk and crimes involving weapons are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!
She goes on to say "Before you ask for our guns let me ask you to take a breath and think!" I have to ask who is asking her or anyone else for his or her guns? I own four pistols, four rifles and three shotguns! With this I also own a collection of antique firearms! I have had a Concealed Carry Permit for 50 years and had to undergo a complete background check! I fail to understand why a responsible gun owner would object to this!
Even the fools at the NRA want people with mental problems as well as those with criminal backgrounds to be stopped from getting their hands on guns! It is unfortunate that there is an element in our society that wants to arm themselves with assault weapons because they are insecure!
As a sportsman and a hunter I have no need for anything resembling an assault weapon or a gun with a high capacity magazine! Assault type weapons belong in the hands of those in our military and law enforcement! I can assure Ms. Kovarovic there is an outcry from men and women all across this country and the children who died at Newtown, Conn., will be remembered! The sad note is that it took the lives of these innocents to wake the American public!
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Lam says tightening global labor market good for American workers
Johnston says e-cigs may reverse two-decades of progress on smoking reduction
Mueller-Smith finds incarceration increases the likelihood of committing more, and more serious, crimes
Bob Willis awarded 2015 Jacob Mincer Award for Lifetime Contributions to the Field of Labor Economics
David Lam is new director of Institute for Social Research
Elizabeth Bruch wins Robert Merton Prize for paper in analytic sociology
Elizabeth Bruch wins ASA award for paper in mathematical sociology
PSC Brown Bags will be back fall 2015
a PSC In The News reference, 2007
"How To Make More Babies. What can governments do to make fertility rates go up?" - Slate. 09/13/2007.


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|Amanda Hall
The Wildcats will be looking to improve on last season's sixth-place finish in last year's meet and will be looking to earn an EAGL title for the first time since UNH won it as the host team in Durham in 2003.
Competing in the meet in addition to UNH will be the likes of such powerhouse programs as North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina State, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and George Washington.
In past years the score that UNH received at EAGLs went a long way in determining if the team would receive a bid to compete at the NCAA Regionals. This year is somewhat different as the high scores the Wildcats posted this past weekend on the road have all but clinched UNH a spot in the Northeast Regionals at the University of Michigan on Sat., April 8. The official announcement will be made by the NCAA next week.
UNH has had several standout gymnasts this season, but senior all-arounder Amanda Hall (Bremerton, Wash.) has been tremendous once again.
The 2005 EAGL Gymnast of the Year, Hall is ranked first in the region in the vault and is fourth in the all-around in the Northeast with an RQS of 39.01. Hall has been named the EAGL Gymast of the Week three times this season. Hall is also ranked 21st in the nation in the floor exercise and 14th in the nation in vault.
Also standing out among the region's top gymnasts has been specialist Mariana Pena Trestini (Valencia, Venezuela). She is ranked fourth in the region in bars, ninth on beam and fourth on floor.


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John Paul Cook Assistant Professor of Mathematics
John Paul Cook
Dr. John Paul Cook joined the USAO faculty in Fall 2012. His mathematical research interests include algebraic number theory and the representation theory of finite groups.
Dr. Cook maintains an active research program devoted to researching and developing high-quality methods of instruction for advanced mathematics courses. Two of his research papers have been accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals in the past year. Dr. Cook has been invited by members of his research field to give a featured address on one of these papers at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in January, and recently received a grant from the Educational Advancement Foundation to support his research endeavors.
The USAO News Bureau recently wrote a feature story on Dr. Cook's research (you can read it here: /news/research-yields-prime-conference-spot-publication).
Dr. Cook's wife, Regina, is a Ph.D. student in public health. They have two children.
For more information (including more information about Dr. Cook's research interests), please visit: www.johnpaulcook.com
Courses taught:
- Modern Algebra I (group theory)
- Modern Algebra II (ring theory)
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus I-IV
- Trigonometry
- Mathematics in the Modern World
Ph.D, Mathematics, University of Oklahoma, 2012
Favorite Quotes
"Students are most likely to learn when they see a need for what we intend to teach them." -Guershon Harel
"Simply put, the best teachers believe that learning involves both personal and intellectual development and that neither the ability to think nor the qualities of being a mature human are immutable. People can change, and those changes -- not just the accumulation of information -- represent true learning." -- Ken Bain