text:
Mar 11 2011
Baby Petunia
I was about to post a big re-cap of my embarrassing car wreck from a few days ago, and had started putting together some photos from the last couple of days of my adventures with Marlboro Man and our two male children…but there's something about the news from Japan that makes it all seem a little unimportant today.
So I'll post these two photos I noticed on my desktop this morning.
This was the first one I noticed. I've posted it here before. Because I've been away from her for 48 hours, I opened it as soon as I saw the thumbnail. "Awww," I thought. "My little Petunia." And I bit my lip because we're a little symbiotic and I miss her.
And then the worst happened.
I saw this.
It was the final blow:
Then I died, picked up the phone and called her at her grandma's house, and told her how much I loved and missed her and how cute her little legs are.
"Mama," she said. "I'm trying to do my math."
"But I miss your wittle wegs!" I cried.
Then she handed the phone to my mother-in-law and said, "Here. Maybe you'll have better luck."
Okay, so the symbiosis might just be one-directional these days.
Old photos…they're dangerous for me.
Dangerous and painful…
And oh, so very, very wonderful.
297 Comments and 31 Replies
Kris On Friday, March 11 at 11:33 am
I too get a little emotional looking at old pictures. I have one go to college this fall and found myself sitting on the floor in a pile of old pictures crying. Your daughter is beautiful.
Valerie @ Life 4 me by me On Friday, March 11 at 12:00 pm
Oh my goodness, those little thighs are adorable. Same little expression. So sweet.
MOV On Sunday, March 13 at 5:55 am
I agree with Kris, nostaligia/ memories/ emotions can definintely be photo-induced! Although I absolutely adore my two young sons, sometimes I have a different sort of nostalgia: Nostalgia for when I could fit into my size 6 jeans. Sigh.
Always an inspiration!
mnheather On Friday, March 11 at 11:34 am
Ree, is that you with the Teva's and socks?
Jo in RI On Friday, March 11 at 11:40 am
I'm guessing not, but I was wondering who in the world it was!!
Claire On Friday, March 11 at 11:50 am
Haha! I have never commented before on a post like this, but I just HAD to ask Ree if she was rockin the socks and Tevas look. Glad to know we are safe from that mishap and can continue trusting your sage fashion advice
strawberry CAKE On Friday, March 11 at 12:21 pm
Too funny, I thought the same thing….I couldn't imagine you wearing sandals with socks either! Oh those leggies. Just want to eat UM!
Kirsten is Comfortably Domestic On Friday, March 11 at 1:02 pm
Ha! I noticed the socks & sandals combo, too! Not for long though, because those sweet little baby legs are the star attraction!
KJ On Friday, March 11 at 1:31 pm
I was thinking the same thing…uh…socks and sandals?!! Glad to know it wasn't our Ree!
Mary On Friday, March 11 at 2:22 pm
Those feet with socks and sandals jumped out at me! My DH does this! Not with Teva's but with Nike soccer-flip-flops. Black with white socks!!! Even black on black somedays. So embarrassing, I tell ya! Ree, if you want to run a photo contest for "socks and sandals" nerds, then have at it. I am prepared!!!!
Carol Cheyne On Friday, March 11 at 7:26 pm
Those teva's and sandals are saying 'Grandma' loud and clear! Good to have confirmation that it's not PW, though.
Love the thighs on that little one! Spectacular!!!
Diana R On Friday, March 11 at 10:01 pm
Oh, I gather the socks & sandal combo is something I shouldn't be doing then. I'll make a note
My thighs look like that too, but some how it is just not a cute!
mnheather On Saturday, March 12 at 9:23 am
I failed to confess before – that I used to sport my Birkenstocks with some sweet rag-wool socks… ah the nineties…
Merrell McGinness On Saturday, March 12 at 9:49 am
I missed the socks and sandals because I was too busy looking at those precious chunky thighs and squishy cheeks!!!! Beautiful baby and beautiful girl Ree! Mine will be a year next month and I can't believe it. Never knew a year could be so beautiful, and difficult and wonderful and heartbreaking and fun…
Joyce On Sunday, March 13 at 2:44 pm
So what do you search in the cooking section? MM's mother's tan hands?
Lindie On Friday, March 11 at 11:34 am
I love looking at old pictures of my babies too. The days went too fast!
Abby On Friday, March 11 at 11:35 am
Ree- Those are the cutest baby legs ever! And the toes……oh……I love baby toes.
Megaen G On Friday, March 11 at 12:47 pm
Seriously….Is the Michelin Man in your ancestry?! Those legs are AWESOME!!!! Thanks for the smile!!
jane On Friday, March 11 at 1:54 pm
those legs look just like mine!!!!
JulieJ On Saturday, March 12 at 3:48 pm
Those little shar-pei legs are to die for!! Loved meeting you (and MM and your boys) in Atlanta last night Safe travels back home!
JulieJ On Sunday, March 13 at 3:45 pm
BTW, I posted about the book signing on my blog if you ever get bored and need something to do for a few minutes
Debby On Friday, March 11 at 11:36 am
Love P!
Heidi On Friday, March 11 at 11:36 am
But her eyes are amazing!
[email protected] On Friday, March 11 at 7:11 pm
I thought the same thing, Heidi– big, beautiful eyes from her wee little days to now!
cathyb.@brightbakes On Friday, March 11 at 11:36 am
those legs? What about those EYES!!! Gracious, they are beautiful….
cathy b.
Debbie in WA On Friday, March 11 at 11:38 am
Love chubby baby legs and arms!
Lisa McCully On Friday, March 11 at 11:39 am
I totally understand She's beautiful both then and now.
I have done the same with my 21 year old son, I called him and he called my husband after to ask if I was having a breakdown.
bonnie On Friday, March 11 at 6:38 pm
Laura from PA On Friday, March 11 at 11:39 am
She's so beautiful! And those legs…WOW!!! hahaha
Ms Bon On Friday, March 11 at 11:42 am
Such a sad day for so many…………..thanks for sharing one of God's Blessings……….don't ya just want to kiss those cheeks!
Cheryl Barker On Friday, March 11 at 11:42 am
You're so right, Ree. When we hear of what's happening in Japan, what's truly important becomes pretty clear. And you've got such beautiful photos of what's important to you. Now I may have to go find my girls' baby pictures
Abi On Friday, March 11 at 11:42 am
Oh my goodness, look at those sausage legs!!!! She was such a cute baby!!!
Cheryl On Friday, March 11 at 11:42 am
OMG! You and MM have THE cutest kids!
Rachel On Friday, March 11 at 11:43 am
Oh my gravy!!! Those sweet little gams!
Daddy Scratches On Friday, March 11 at 11:43 am
I hear ya. I get all choked up with I see pics of mine when they were babies/toddlers.
Then I remember how hard it was taking care of babies/toddlers, and I get over it.
Robin On Friday, March 11 at 12:07 pm
Emily H. On Friday, March 11 at 11:44 am
I understand how watching the footage of Japan can change the outlook of your day. My brother just arrived in Okinawa for a standard deployment yesterday afternoon. So terrifying. Thank God all the military has been accounted for.
DanaKitt On Friday, March 11 at 1:14 pm
Our oldest is over there till May, then back to Hawaii. But, his girlfriend is in Hawaii! Luckily we have heard from both & they are doing fine.
Jenette Marie On Friday, March 11 at 11:45 am
hehehe soo cute!
Bren On Friday, March 11 at 11:46 am
Oh I hear you!!! I see pics of DS when he was a smallie-do and I practically want to reach through and lick his little ears!!! UGH! There is NOTHING sweeter – or more painful! – than looking at your gangling legged, gigantic footed, mustache sprouting, manjaw growing son and seeing instead the little fat armies and the little toothless grin and the baby monkey hair and the little starfish hands………………
::::::thud:::::::: Now I've gone and done it to myself……
Frances On Friday, March 11 at 11:47 am
Oh how beautiful these pics are of your little darlin ! I love a mom's heart and how you love your children. Makes my heart feel full. Thanks Ree. You are an awesome mom. I love being a mom and wouldn't trade it for the world. I have 2 girls and 2 boys, in their 20's now but I love them so so much too. I miss those years when they all were all little and as sweet as sugar.
Lisa L On Friday, March 11 at 11:47 am
I am right in it with you, my babies are all grown and I love the old photos!! My heart gets sad & happy all at once!!
Jackie On Friday, March 11 at 11:47 am
She's so adorable and precious! (then and now)
But we'll still get to hear about the car wreck (thank God no one was hurt) and see pictures of your adventure with MM and your darling boys, yes??? Pretty please!!!
I'm have been keeping Japan and the other places that could be affected in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to them!
I'm still trying to figure out a way to see you and get 'FHHTW" signed. You signed your amazing cookbook for me last May in Orlando and I cannot tell you enough what a joy it was to meet you! I want to see you again!
Lisa On Friday, March 11 at 11:48 am
Oh sheesh, you're making me tear up and I HAVE a baby… 8 months old and not quite to the super chubby stage where you want to take a bite out of their thighs.
Thanks for sharing… And thinking of everyone in Japan. My husband was supposed to be on a business trip there this month. We're… grateful and sad all at the same time.
Nana On Friday, March 11 at 11:49 am
My granddaughter is 20 months old and has the cutest fat rolls on her legs. They look like the fat rolls on my legs. Not so cute on me.
Sharon in NJ On Saturday, March 12 at 8:47 am
Exactly my thoughts! So cute and squishy on a baby – not so cute on me. Need to dust off the exercycle!
Vicki On Friday, March 11 at 11:51 am
Oh Ree I know exactly how you feel. It drives my kids crazy. I talk baby talk to them, becuase they will always be my babies… I pinch my 12 year olds hinney, he hates it. But secretly I think he waits for me to do it. Or thta's what I am telling myslef:)
Heather :) :) :) On Friday, March 11 at 11:52 am
Oh, me oh my, those kid photos are so precious I don't have kids of my own..yet, but I do enjoy looking at photos of my dad as a baby…it's cute and funny
Those time are precious!!!
I'm praying for Japan, too!!!
Have a good weekend. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather
Meme On Friday, March 11 at 11:52 am
Awwww how cute!!! Pray for everyone around the coastlines
FarmGirlJo On Friday, March 11 at 11:54 am
Oh, gosh, I'm old enough to be your mother, crying, and they aren't even my little chubby legs! Worthy of tears, my dear.
My daughter's beloved is in Tokyo, is safe at the moment, and my daughter is in Vancouver, British Columbia, also safe at the moment. All we want is all our chicks tucked safely under our wings.
Beverley Scherdin On Friday, March 11 at 11:54 am
But you're in Savannah with Paula! How awesome is that.
A On Friday, March 11 at 11:56 am
Aw, so sweet!
I agree, something about the news of Japan just makes all my little complaints seem… not quite worth it.
Although, I must say, I am looking forward to hearing about your mishap…
Rene Foust On Friday, March 11 at 11:56 am
Chunky legs like that would make me emotional too!!! Prayers for everyone being effected by the earthquake and tsunami; it definitely puts all things into perspective.
Heidi @ Food Doodles On Friday, March 11 at 11:57 am
Those are the best chubby little baby wegs ever! I get all emotional looking at my kids baby photos too, and my kids are only 3.5 and 16 months
Erin Elise On Friday, March 11 at 11:57 am
It's pictures like this that make it difficult to stick to my resolve and not have any more kids. Must chant mantra- "Babies puke and poop, they take away your sleep. Babies puke and poop, they take away your sleep…"
Mindy On Friday, March 11 at 11:59 am
I love baby rolls!! Baby pictures make me mush.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is On Friday, March 11 at 12:00 pm
Those little legs just make me cry. Love them.
Ctrlaltshelby On Friday, March 11 at 12:04 pm
I couldn't agree more!
Chubby baby rolls are possibly the cutest things in the universe.
cheri On Friday, March 11 at 12:01 pm
OMG she totally smiles the same!!!
Look she cocks her head a little to the left- lifting up the right side of her smile and even her lips are smiling the same very very happy loved child smile. WAY CUTE!
Diane Johns On Friday, March 11 at 12:01 pm
Two of the cutest pics I've ever seen……and those feelings being one-sided??? They're not….they're there in here little heart….she just hasn't learned yet how to bring them out without sounding (to herself) like her Mama!!!!!!!! What a wonderful Mama you are!!!!
Snohomish County Blog Girl On Friday, March 11 at 12:02 pm
What a little Pumpkin Pie! How cute!
karen Sparks On Friday, March 11 at 12:03 pm
Oh that baby picture is soooo cute!!!!!!!!! She looks like a little doll and look at those toes!
Jen On Friday, March 11 at 12:03 pm
Seriously, Ree. You are making me tear up and I've only been away from mine for a few hours. Now I want to rush home and sniff her head and kiss her chubby baby cheeks. Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by today's tragedy.
WebSavvyMom On Friday, March 11 at 12:03 pm
–>When you see them every day it's hard to remember how little they once were. My son is four and I get nostalgic looking at pictures once a week.
Ade On Friday, March 11 at 12:06 pm
Beautiful eyes! and those baby legs are adorable…
Kim in Oklahoma On Friday, March 11 at 12:07 pm
Oh my! Too cute
marina mott On Friday, March 11 at 12:08 pm
Great post! Great pics!!c Adorable kid!! xx
Rina On Friday, March 11 at 12:09 pm
Love old photo's. I was just looking at my kids today. Petunia's legs are just to cute. She looks like a little cabbage patch kid
Holly On Friday, March 11 at 12:10 pm
Those are some serious cute wegs!
Britta On Friday, March 11 at 12:10 pm
People don't seem to understand why I keep reading the stories and watching the news.. but the fact that that could happen at any time to anyone; that nature has it's own way of dealing with things… make the precious moments we have and remember the most important.
Thanks for showing us one of your important moments…. cutest Michelin Man legs ever!
Sarah On Friday, March 11 at 3:45 pm
I was thinking sharpei puppy legs! Yes, so very adorable and kissable!
Angela B. On Friday, March 11 at 12:11 pm
Be careful when looking at pictures of your kids when they were babies! It has been know to override all common sense and tempt women into having more…..or is that just me?
CC in NJ On Friday, March 11 at 12:15 pm
I understand what you mean, we try and go about our regular day, meanwhile Japan is suffering….how horrible…our prayers are with them and all that are effected with this tragic news.
Your pictures are wonderful!
Tonya On Friday, March 11 at 12:15 pm
I did the SAME thing the other day! Nothing like big baby eyes looking up at ya… melts a mama's heart! *sigh*
MyCreativeEscapes On Friday, March 11 at 12:16 pm
They grow up to fast don't they! I have three – and my oldest is only 4.5 – and everyday I look at her – she is that much older. It's great to reflect on the good things – isn't it! I just wrote today about stopping and enjoying the little ones more!
Love your blog – you are a true inspiration!
Peggy McKita On Friday, March 11 at 12:17 pm
Just love her little legs…………..looks something my not so little ones now.
mickdess On Friday, March 11 at 12:18 pm
We've gone from Thunder Thighs to Chicken Legs at our house too.
Marie On Friday, March 11 at 12:19 pm
Those are the cutest baby legs EVAH !!! Don't you wish you could shrink them back ? Cause teenagers make you wonder what ever happened to your darling baby !
Andrea On Friday, March 11 at 12:19 pm
Those are adorable pictures! Cute cute legs!! I couldn't believe how tall she was at the book signing in Norman. Such a gorgous girl (you both are!!)
Victoria KP On Friday, March 11 at 12:22 pm
Oh my goodness! When my babies were… well when they were actual babies and my siblings (whose children are all older than mine) would comment on how they missed those chubby legs I thought they were NUTS. Now my babies are all skinny and I MISS THOSE CHUBBY LEGS!
cath c On Friday, March 11 at 12:22 pm
those sweet baby eyes! those edible legs!
lauren in arkansas On Friday, March 11 at 12:23 pm
Sues2u2 On Friday, March 11 at 12:23 pm
Yep, I know exactly what you mean. I'm trying to scan all of my photos & have run into a snag. The thought of not having those photos for future generations is horrifying! What if no one can see the darling dimples on my darling kiddos? ACK!
Tammy On Friday, March 11 at 12:24 pm
Ok, I know you taped with Paula Deen. I am going nuts trying to find the air date.. Ree, help me!!! Two of my favoirite people in the same kitchen.. Although, I have met Paula a couple of times.. I cruise with her and her family.. Great people. I want to meet you!!!! Please let us know the air date.. I been all over foodnetwork and can't find it???
Mary On Friday, March 11 at 2:18 pm
Fill us in on the cruises you and your family take with Paula Deen!!!!!! Sounds so fun. Where to get info on the next one? You have pics to share? If I find any news on an airdate, I will return and post it here!
Anne H On Friday, March 11 at 12:25 pm
I LOVE chubby baby thighs! It's the one time in your life where it's cute. <3
Debbie S.S. On Friday, March 11 at 12:25 pm
My thighs look JUST like your little Petunia's, yet NO ONE gushes over my "wittle wegs" like that!! All I usually get is, "Can you not cover those things up?" as they hide their eyes and run away! **sigh** I guess 54 year-old legs (and thighs) are just not as cute
Seriously, you make BEAUTIFUL babies!
And, I love how you love your babies!
Karen On Friday, March 11 at 12:26 pm
Ree, you are blessed. Your family is beautiful, your husband loves you- heck, you even get along with your in-laws! Thank you for sharing part of your life with us; it's heartwarming to see a loving REAL family especially with things like Japan happening.
I cried for Japan, then I went straight for the baby legs for a good chuckle. Thanks.
Beth On Friday, March 11 at 12:26 pm
My 4 year old has suddenly gone from Michelin Man chubby legs to long lanky pider legs. I don't know when it happened but it has totally knocked me off balance. Thank goodness the 1 year old still has those rolls, but even those have gone from 5 to 3 and it makes me sad. I want those chubby wubby legs back.
Beki@The Good Girl On Friday, March 11 at 12:29 pm
Oh, the aching ovaries! I get that, too, though with mine skidding into age 17 with the devil on his back and an evil glint in his eyes, I'm actually looking forward to some years of peaceful idleness before all the grandkids start arriving.
Jennifer On Friday, March 11 at 12:30 pm
M. Whimsy On Friday, March 11 at 12:34 pm
Oh, the baby picture killed me!! SO. ADORABLE. Makes me want to have one too.
Courtney K. On Friday, March 11 at 12:36 pm
I get all kinds of emotional like that when I look at pictures of our son. He's only [almost] three, but I'm trying to figure out where the HECK the last few years have gone. They grow up too fast don't they?
Martha On Friday, March 11 at 12:37 pm
Only little girl's can have legs that look like that and be called cute!!! Oh, to be young again, thanks for sharing.
Carla P On Friday, March 11 at 12:37 pm
My legs look exactly like that………how come they are not so cute?
On the other hand, praying for Japan, Hawaii, and just got news Calfornia hit at Crescent City…….God be with all.
Leah C On Friday, March 11 at 12:37 pm
OH MY GOODNESS! Her baby picture looks just like my little baby Paisley who turns one today!
Melissa in Florida On Friday, March 11 at 12:38 pm
Oh..she is just too precious with that bald head and chunky legs…..I love bald chunky babies..lucky for me my David was a bald chunky monkey.;)
Regan On Friday, March 11 at 12:40 pm
Her little legs are so fat, rolly-polly and I love it! Awesome.
And to all the people in Japan and elsewhere who are suffering, I keep you in my thoughts!
Rachel On Friday, March 11 at 12:42 pm
Believe it or not in the baby pic she looks incredibly like my almost 6 mo old lil girl! Wow, that was weird! She's a beautiful baby and a lovely girl! You are blessed!
Teressa On Friday, March 11 at 12:42 pm
I don't even know your children, but I got all teary-eyed myself when I scrolled down and saw the baby picture of your daughter. You're right….oh so precious.
Mary Connealy On Friday, March 11 at 12:42 pm
Those adorable babies. They're like a drug. And one grows up a little and we want another one.
I'm soooooo hooked.
Of course I finally got on a twelve step program (called Teenagers Anonymous, cured me right away)
Now I've got grandbabies and I'm all hooked again.
Melissa Lewis - Midwest Magnolia On Friday, March 11 at 12:43 pm
Oh my, those little legs are just too cute. My little turkey is long and lean, no fat on my guy. But I so know what you mean. They tell you it goes by fast, but oh my word, I just can't believe it. You blink your eyes and a whole month has gone by.
Marie On Friday, March 11 at 12:45 pm
I especially love the strings you tied around her wrists!
Oooh! Chubby widdle BeeBees!
I just want to eat them up with kisses! (Sorry! My best friend just became a Grandma for the first time, with twins no less! I'm a little hormonal as my ovaries cry out to my daughter for GRANDBABIES!!!)
Natalie M. On Friday, March 11 at 12:46 pm
I do love a bald baby…a lot.
PS…trying to call out Ree on the teva/sock combo…love that she just wouldn't have it. Too funny.
jodi On Friday, March 11 at 12:49 pm
just last night I compiled a collage of photos of my grandchildren in their various stages of cuteness to hang on my wall. mind you, its 24×30! I had a hard time narrowing the selection I love all four of my "baby" girls and I love all six of my "baby" grandkids! that is what makes my life complete!
Jan C. On Friday, March 11 at 12:50 pm
I just went through several boxes of old photos-not only of my babies (who are now grown) but also found many photos of my parents as children and in the early years of their marriage. There were also love letters from my dad to my mom. Both parents are gone now so these finds were especially precious!
Michelle On Friday, March 11 at 12:51 pm
The legs, yes. And the CHEEKS! Oh the cheeks. I miss my babies and their cheeks.
Stephanie On Friday, March 11 at 12:59 pm
I totally know what you mean – and my two kids are only 8 months and 2 1/2!!! I already start to cry when I look at their "baby" pictures. I will be a reck when they are say 10 years old! —I also do this with old photos of our dogs…and my prebaby body!
Stephanie On Friday, March 11 at 1:02 pm
I totally know what you mean – and my two kids are only 8 months and 2 1/2!!! I already start to cry when I look at their "baby" pictures. I will be a wreck when they are say 10 years old! —I also do this with old photos of our dogs…and my prebaby body!
JoL On Friday, March 11 at 1:02 pm
oh my – those legs! and those eyes!
and the expression – it carries across both of the pictures
almost contentment, like she has a total belief that everything is going to be just fine
Rebecca On Friday, March 11 at 1:02 pm
Such adorable sweetness….
Megan @ Red Dirt and Crazy On Friday, March 11 at 1:08 pm
I've been thinking along the same lines today. Don't much feel like being funny!
Love those chunky monkey baby legs though…doesn't help me fight off the baby fever Ree…not at all!! I won't let myself look at Q-Tip's baby pictures right now…I might not be able to bear it.
kary d On Friday, March 11 at 1:09 pm
Ree, you are a stronger person than I. Looking at baby pictures is too much. I think you should paper a wall with that picture.
Candi On Friday, March 11 at 1:09 pm
Awwwwwww, wook at those wittle wegs. I wove them!
I too talk to my oldest daughter like this, it is special to me but dreadful for her. She will understand one day!
Caryn Diane On Friday, March 11 at 1:12 pm
I found a huge bag of 35 mm film strips a couple of weeks ago…remember those? Wait…remember FILM??? Also found this little gadget that converts the slide to a JPEG image. So I sat on the couch for like 4 hours converting them. I about wet my pants from laughing. My hair-do's alone were enough to push me over the edge…so sad. There were photos from late 80's, high school, college, time in the Army etc. I gotta tell you though…there were quite a few people who I had NO clue who they were. Good times none the less – at least you know who the people are in your photos!! HA!
Cindy On Friday, March 11 at 1:13 pm
Wow! She has amazing eyes then and now!
Angie On Friday, March 11 at 1:13 pm
Oh those wittle chubby legs!!!! Her eyes are absolutely beautiful, and the sweet baby chubs on her legs make me want another baby! My two babies had skinny bird legs. (like momma AND daddy…poor kids and destined to be lanky, tall, and akward.) Maybe the third one would have some rolls for me to adore! Your children are all so beautiful! I'm sure I'm stating the obvious to you!
Kiran On Friday, March 11 at 1:15 pm
I applaud your sense of humor and affection for the children.
Casie On Friday, March 11 at 1:15 pm
Thank you Jesus for our babies.
Renea On Friday, March 11 at 1:16 pm
Seriously Sweet!!
Christina On Friday, March 11 at 1:18 pm
Wow you found my doppleganger! I too have the exact same chubby thighs that show when I wear my bathing suit.(I'm 46)
Joyce On Sunday, March 13 at 2:39 pm
Judy in West TX On Friday, March 11 at 1:19 pm
I do love those beautiful eyes, and look how sweet that mona lisa smile is….don't you just love it & the freckles ( nice ), the baby pic is precious…a lovely pink petunia!
cmalderman On Friday, March 11 at 1:22 pm
I'm right there with you, Ree. My baby – my one and only – turned 20 yesterday. While I'm proud of the man he has become, I do miss those chunky monkey days. You and Marlboro Man are experts in the beautiful babies department.
I Live in an Antbed On Friday, March 11 at 1:25 pm
Oh my goodness! That baby picture is precious!!!!! Those legs!!!!!
Amanda On Saturday, March 12 at 12:33 am
And the fat baby cheeks too! You could get lost in the cheeks!
Shea On Friday, March 11 at 1:25 pm
Loving the wittle wegs!!! When I see pics of my baby girls I get teary eyed too. So tiny and sweet. Thank you for sharing such great photos!


text:
The winners of the "Run Jack Run" LOGO Contest for the upcoming July 4th race have been selected.
From a wonderful array of logos submissions, the finalists were chosen from Ms. Peg Verdi's Graphics classes at Falmouth High School.
Congratulations to
First prize winners: Bailey Snow and Lily Pariseault and Honorable Mention to Lauren Adams.
For more information on the race, visit www.RunJackRunFalmouth.blogspot.com
There is also an exhibit of some other entries in the Falmouth High School Library Media Center.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Circus MaximusPaperback
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- Publisher: BIBLIOASIS
- Format: Paperback | 96 pages
- Dimensions: 130mm x 206mm x 10mm | 91g
- Publication date: 25 April 2013
- Publication City/Country: Emeryville
- Illustrations note: B&W illustrations throughout
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What would the Son-of-Man get up to in present-day Rome? Would he wander the Galleria Borghese, loiter outside nightclubs, ride trams, tip accordionists? How would Keats feel about the neon Dior sign that flashes away above the Spanish Steps? Are there ways to avoid Vespas on the sidewalks? Rules for carving a Pieta? And exactly which painter is responsible for the ugliest Jesus in the history of Western Art? A tour of Rome like no other, the poems of Circus Maximus ask these questions and more. Join David Starkey as he shines a torch on the sights, sounds, mysteries and metaphors of the Eternal City. David Starkey is the former Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara, a senior Fulbright scholar, and a six-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize. His latest volume of poetry is A Few Things You Should Know About the Weasel (Biblioasis, 2010).
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David Starkey is the former Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara, California, and Director of the Creative Writing program at Santa Barbara City College. Among his poetry collections are Adventures of the Minor Poet (Artamo Press, 2007), Ways of Being Dead: New and Selected Poems (Artamo, 2006), David Starkey's Greatest Hits (Pudding House, 2002), and A Few Things You Should Know About the Weasel (Biblioasis, 2010). A senior Fulbright scholar and six-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, Starkey is also the author of Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief.
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"In Circus Maximus, David Starkey wanders through contemporary Rome to be arrested time and again by the intensities of vision and faith of its Catholic art. We have here ... moments of the extraordinary hidden within the hurly-burly of the ephemeral everyday. And this he renders with great charm, alertness and silken intelligence." --Irving Feldman "In clean skillfully written stanzas, the poet shows us what he can do with language that is as precise as it is suggestive ... David Starkey is our knowing, reliable, astute guide--not just to the enduring metropolis that is Rome--but to the eternal city of imagination and art." --Kurt Brown "Spiritual yet visceral, aware of the isolation inherent in being human, Starkey reminds us we must live without closure. Yet in this complex collection, 'nothing ever really douses hope.'" --Vivian Shipley "Eloquent, evocative, richly detailed ... a rewarding, memorable read." --David O'Meara


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We were pleased to host Guy Kawasaki as the opening keynote at the TAP! 2013 Conference. Guy is the author of What the Plus!, Enchantment, and ten other books. Guy is also the co-founder of Alltop.com, an online magazine rack of popular topics on the web. Previously, he was the chief evangelist of Apple. Guy…Read More
It looks like European Union regulators will end the antitrust probe over e-book pricing. Apple and four publishers made an offer which Amazon accepted to ease price restrictions. This agreement allows Amazon to sell books cheaper than other outlets if they choose (even below cost as a loss leader). For the full story, head over to Reuters….Read More
The use of digital textbooks in the classroom continue to increase. The challenge of course is to find the balance between costs, multi-platform distribution, and performance. An emerging platform to look at is from Yudu Education. The platform supports many modules including in-book testing, teacher management and customisation that allow teachers to edit notes within the…Read More
So you want to sell an PDF/e-book/iBook. Guess what you need more than great content? You need an ISBN number. ISBNs are linked to essential information allowing book-sellers, and readers, to know what book they are buying, what the book is about, and who the author is. ISBNs are the global standard for identifying titles…Read More
Here's how to make a valid ePUB file with Apple Pages. Download this template file – http://images.apple.com/support/pages/docs/ePub_Best_Practices_EN.zip Open the file and fill in your content on a Mac. Be sure to use the styles drawer to use proper formatting. Add photos or media files (such as audio or video). Stick with iPad compatible formats like…Read More


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Shawn is the most down to earth, humble, honest and one of the funniest people I have ever met. I am slightly biased I grant you, as all things HBK are just the best for me, but without a doubt the way in which HBK conducts himself as a human being is top rate.
Shawn doesn't preach his faith, but has a wonderful way of explaining his actions in life and how the journey he has been through has been guided by someone that "obviously wasn't me."
HBK talked about Daniel Bryan, and how Bryan was ready for a WWE job a few years before he got one. Daniel felt that WWE was not right for him yet. He called Daniel an artist who created, but said that after a while the artist needs to get paid, and WWE can do that. HBK asked everyone not to believe what they read on the Internet, and he laughed off reports that he was going to work with Bryan.
The chemistry between HBK and Chris Jericho was so good that Jericho, Shawn and Vince McMahon realized right away that there was something special there. This was in 2003, not their epic 2008 feud.
Shawn talked about the CM Punk situation, and said that while the money and the title reigns are great, if you are not happy, then it is best to walk away.
Shawn talked at length about his return in 2002 and how great it was, but at first he thought it was just one match. Then Vince had the idea of a feel good moment with the 2002 Elimination Chamber and HBK winning, and then 8 years later he was still wrestling.
Shawn told some stories about his days on the road with the Kliq.
When asked about the DX days, HBK said that the early stuff was very racy, but the older stuff was funnier in a dorky way. He said he was paid well to be an idiot.
The event I attend organised by PSI events was extremely well conducted, the most professional experience I have ever had. PSI Events have two shows with Chris Jericho in June in London. Please check out psievents.co.uk for more details. I cannot recommend this professional, flexible and amazing company enough!
For part one from Michaels' Q&A, including HBK revealing the text message that Undertaker sent to him after the streak ended, WrestleMania 14 controversies, Bret Hart and more, click here.
Click here for part two from Michaels' Q&A, where he discussed his feud with Hulk Hogan and how it changed, his last words To Ultimate Warrior, his relationship with Vince McMahon, who he originally wanted for his bodyguard and more.
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Paige Names Her New Divas Stable, More RAW Opening Segment Video, Jack Swagger On WWE Superstars
WWE's Roddy Piper Tribute Video, Photo And Clip From Tonight's Ten-Bell Salute At RAW
Huge Title Match Set For WWE SummerSlam
** SPOILERS ** WWE Superstars Results For This Week
Big Angle With Paul Heyman And Brock Lesnar On RAW
Stone Cold Arrives In San Jose, WWE Hypes Brock Lesnar, NXT - Samoa Joe Preview
Roddy Piper Tribute Confirmed For Tonight's WWE RAW, Big Six-Man Match Announced
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Undertaker Rumor Killer, Early Brock Lesnar Vs. Undertaker Betting Odds, Mascot No-Sells Kevin Nash
Bret Hart Reacts To "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's Death
UFC 190: Rousey Vs. Correia Recap: Ronda Rousey Continues To Make History


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Agreed Don. The Big East would not have invited all of those other members until SU, Pitt and WVU left - because they were complacent and could not make any moves with the basketball/football member split. It took the loss of 3 marquee members to spur the Big East into expansion.
To finish my thought -
SU and Pitt merely acted to protect (and improve) themselves when the inevitable happened. Think about it - should you be blamed if your employer was in serious danger of going under and you left for a new job?
Yes Savonarola - it is all about money. However, whether we like it or not, change was inevitable. Pitt and SU may have been the first shot in this wave (actually, Texas A&M really was - and will happen sooner or later), the impending change was going to come and affect SU and the Big East whether we wanted it to or not. Sooner or later, Rutgers would have gone to the Big 10, or WVU would have gone to the SEC or some other change would have inevitably happened. My biggest fear was that SU would not have a seat in an automatic BCS qualifier when the music stopped.
While I have mixed feelings about the move, SU was proactive to protect itself, rather than being reactionary and dealing from a position of weakness (see Baylor and K State). As a result, I don't agree with people pointing the finger at SU and Pitt - they mereLy act
While I don't like losing a local NY player any more than anyone else, saying Schiano engaged in impermissable behavior without further evidence to back it up is wrong. I am not a Schiano fan, but as indicated above, success on the football field trumps a lot of other things for recruits, apparently including going to one of the top communication schools in the country.
Airbornesf - I was right with you until you started speaking about Coach P. Coach P was given a chance, and things were going downhill - so he was deservedly fired. Also, Coach P is no Coach Paterno, and to argue that he should have been allowed to struggle for 4 yrs like Coach Paterno is absurd. Perhaps if Coach P had also had 40 successful years behind him, like Coach Paterno, he would have been given a longer period to reverse his several year downward spiral.
I believe the ax will fall either after the September 27th game against Pitt or the October 18th game against South Florida, as there is no game the following week, giving Mitch Browning two weeks to prepare the team for the next game. Of course, it also could be announced that GRob won't return, but allow him to finish out the year. In either case, at least the new coaching search will begin early, and hopefully can be concluded shortly after the season ends. This will hopefully allow the new coach some time to recruit and perhaps pull a rabbit out of the hat.


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Remo Vs Evans THE FINAL SHOWDOWN!
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Re: Remo Vs Evans THE FINAL SHOWDOWN!
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Trip McNealy
I have Mapex Saturns also and Remo heads are better on them. I use Vintage Emperors over regular Ambassadors.
I started my stave kit (which admittedly has less 'interpretation' of its sound from the drumheads, if you know what I mean- more consistent across different types) with a graduated set of Evans- G1 on the 10", G12 on the 12", and G14 on the 15" with Genera Resos on the top two and G12 reso on the 15" (all clear). I found this a really neat combo, but last week I put on clear Vintage Emperors on the 12" and 15" and found the sound much improved for my metal-ish tastes. They have more presence, more punch, and more control. I probably won't go back to the Evans stuff (though I might get coated G12s/G14s sometime since I found coated ambassadors don't work super well with the kit). I also am going to switch to Aquarian's Classic Clear resos at some point. If only they made 12 or 14mil heads, I'd probably use them primarily.
Maybe I should compare some clear Super-2s to my Vintage Emperors sometime.
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Spring Fever
The sun is shining, birds are chirping in the trees, and I've got a bad case of spring fever! I can't say our winter here in CA has been horrible, but it's been a bit unusual. Lots of fog and rain have made for many a gray, dreary day, but things are beginning to look sunny once again.
Trees are beginning to bloom, creatures are starting to emerge from their wintry slumber, and although my seasonal allergies will probably pay me a visit, I'm so ready for spring to begin! It's time to think about what to plant in the garden, what junk to donate or recycle, and what new spring DIY projects we want to tackle.
I love the promise of new beginnings and rebirth that spring brings into the world. It's hard to feel low in spirit when there's such beauty, promise, and hope to be found right out your front door. Nature is such a miraculous, wonderful creation. A true blessing and mercy from God the All-Mighty.
Here are ten fantastically green DIY projects to get you ready for a wonderful spring season! Enjoy!
- Mason Jar Garden I love the beauty and simplicity of this project. It's all about bringing the outdoors into your living space, plus it's a great way to reuse your old glass containers and jars. Love it!
- Make new candles out of left over candle wax This is a project I've been putting off for far too long. I've been saving my used jar candles specifically for this purpose (wax and all), but have been lazy about acquiring the needed wicks. I'm hoping to remedy that this spring, and this recycled candle tutorial will surely come in handy when I'm good and ready.
- DIY recycled planner/agenda I still love to use good old fashioned pen and paper when it comes to organizing my schedule. Let's face it, technology isn't perfect, and I really don't want to miss any important dates or appointments. This project not only feeds my need for some hard copy, but it also helps shrink my pile of paper recycling too. I totally love that!
- Pine cone bird feeders I've been on a bird watching frenzy lately, so this bird feeder project will definitely come in handy. I'll get more face time with my fine-feathered friends, and get a little good karma from feeding them too. Very green, and very easy to do – cool!
- Got cardboard? Make a shelf! This project is a useful way to reuse that pesky cardboard that seems to collect during the year. My son is always coming up with different ways to re-purpose old cardboard boxes and containers, so I think he'd love to give this project a try. It's a good way to keep small items organized, and less trash in the landfills.
- DIY Natural Laundry Soap Dirty laundry will never cease to exist, but you can get your wash clean without the use of harsh, toxic chemicals. Make your laundry chores greener and healthier with this non-toxic natural laundry soap recipe. Did I mention it's totally easy and inexpensive too?
- Organic All-Purpose Cleaner Two ingredients make this organic all-purpose cleaner a winner in my house. It's so natural you could even brush your teeth with it!
- DIY Bronzer/Face Powder Love a healthy glow but don't want the nasty chemicals? Make your own bronzer! It's easy, cheap, and totally works.
- Garden-Themed Charm Bracelet Spring always gets my creative jewelry-making juices flowing. I love creating pieces that remind me of nature and all that I love about it. This project is an easy way to turn your love of the great outdoors into a pretty, wearable reminder.
- Easy Homemade Trail Mix Spring is the perfect time to get outside and start taking nature walks with the family. Don't let hunger kill your natural nature high, be prepared with some delicious homemade trail mix!
Have something to say? Let us know by leaving a comment below.


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An optical communications terminal employs two retrodirective reflective elements, one of which is modulated along the optical beam axis. The unmodulated return beam provides a reference for comparison with the modulated beam to enable heterodyne demodulation. If the primary source is a dual-polarization laser having a controlled frequency offset between the orthogonally polarized outputs, polarizing optics can be employed at the terminal to separate the primary beams. Each beam can be applied to a separate retroreflector so that one reflected beam is modulated with respect to the other. The two beams are returned back to the source where they can be heterodyned in a photodetector and demodulated using conventional FM or PM receiver techniques. This provides a communications system having a passive terminal and a high degree of immunity to noise and path turbulence interference.
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Description (Le texte OCR peut contenir des erreurs.)
PDJbll FIP3106 Xi AU Z55 lzX Jan. 28, 1975 l l DIFFERENTIAL RETROCOMMUNICATOR [75] Inventors: Walter M. Doyle, Utica. N.Y.;
Matthew B. White, Newport Beach, Calif.
[73] Assignee: Philco-Ford Corporation,
Philadelphia, Pa.
[22] Filed: Jan. 3, 1972 211 App]. No.:2l4,617
[52] U.S. Cl. 250/199, 325/15 [51] Int. Cl. 331 94.5, H0413 9/00 [58] Field of Search 250/199; 325/15; 331/945 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,175,088 3/1965 Herriott 250/l99 Primary Examiner-Benjamin R. Padgett Assistant Examiner-P. A. Nelson Attorney. Agent. or Firm-Robert D. Sanborn; Gail W. Woodward [57] ABSTRACT An optical communications terminal employs two retrodirective reflective elements, one of which is modulated along the optical beam axis. The unmodulated return beam provides a reference for comparison with the modulated beam to enable heterodyne demodulation. 11 the primary source is a dual-polarization laser having a controlled frequency offset between the orthogonally polarized outputs, polarizing optics can be employed at the terminal to separate the primary beams. Each beam can be applied to a separate retroreflector so that one reflected beam is modulated with respect to the other. The two beams are returned back to the source where they can be hetcrodyned in a photodetector and demodulated using conventional FM or PM receiver techniques. This provides a communications system having a passive terminal and a high degree of immunity to noise and path turbulence interference.
10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures I Q 3 g !6 If 5221611 42 EZECTR/t'AA Q E g IOU/{CE AWN/7' Y o Q Q f3 [4 f! 95, 2 flicfM-fl/V/MA 14/001444 70/? Moor/247:0
1 DIFFERENTIAL RETROCOMMUNICATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A simple communications system involves two terminals, each having a transmitter and a receiver to provide two-way contact. Both terminals are considered active because each can transmit by means of a local power source. In a retrocommunication terminal the received signal is merely reflected back to its source so that only one terminal need be active. The passive terminal may include a receiver to extract information from the input signal and provision is made to modulate the reflected signal so that two way communication is possible, but the passive terminal does not have a separate transmitter.
Optical retrocommunications systems have long been recognized as useful in situations where it is not practical to provide a full complement of equipment at one of the terminals. This can be the case where the terminal is to be located in a dangerous or inaccessable region. Also, where weight or power supply limitations are imposed, it can be very advantageous to employ a retrocommunicator.
The simplest reflecting device is a flat mirror oriented to return the transmitted beam to its source. However such a device must be precisely oriented a requirement that makes a single flat mirror virtually useless as a retroreflector.
Typically an optical retroreflector is composed of three mirrors arranged to form the corner of a cube. The mirrors must be precisely oriented and the assembly is called a corner-cube reflector. Alternatively it can be made by grinding an actual corner cube from a solid piece of glass, the surfaces of which are polished. The three surfaces forming the corner are made reflective as by silvering. The fourth face, the one opposite the corner, is polished flat and, if desired, provided with an antireflective coating. Such a device will reflect an incoming beam of light back along its arrival axis and will act as an efficient reflector that does not require precise orientation. The reflected light can be modulated by means of a shutter located in front of the transparent face. This enables information to be superimposed on the light beam at the retrodirective terminal.
The main advantage of a retrocommunications system is that virtually all of the equipment is located at one terminal where weight, power, and complexity problems are not serious factors. In one early proposal for use in trench warfare, the retrocommunicator was to be located in front line trenches for communicating with rear trenches. Obviously the front line equipment must be simple, portable, light weight, and reliable. More recently it has been proposed to locate the retrocommunicator in a satellite for communications with a ground station. A ground based laser source directs a light beam at the satellite and the reflected beam, sensed by a receiver using suitable optics, can carry information applied by a simple modulation arrangement carried by the retrocommunicator on the satellite. In still another application it has been proposed to air-drop or otherwise install modulatable retrocommunicating reflectors in enemy held territory for gathering intelligence data. Such communications points can be surveyed by suitably equipped high-flying aircraft.
Prior art retrocommunicators have operated by modulation systems that produce amplitude modulation of the reflected light beam. Such systems are useful but they suffer from noise pickup and in particular are very 5 subject to noise induced by atmospheric turbulence.
While such considerations are not a problem in space, ground based or atmospheric systems will be acutely susceptible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a retrodirective reflector having at least two reflected signals so that noise and path turbulence effects can be minimized.
It is a further object to employ such a reflector with a dual polarization laser source in which the orthogonal outputs are applied to separate reflector elements.
It is a feature of the invention to provide for modulation of the reflected signals in differential fashion so 20 that one beam acts as a reference with respect to the other.
These and other objects and features are achieved by incorporating two retrodirective reflectors into a single housing. One of the reflectors is modulated along the 25 optic axis with respect to the other so that its output is Doppler or phase modulated. The two reflected signals are heterodyned at the receiver and frequency or phase demodulation is employed to recover the intelligence applied at the modulator.
In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter source is a dual polarization laser with the frequency offset adjusted to some convenient value. At the retroreflecting terminal the two polarizations are separated and one is applied to one reflector while the orthogonal polariza- 35 tion is applied to the other reflector. When one reflector is modulated along the optical axis. the related reflected beam is Doppler or phase modulated with re spect to the other or reference beam. At the receiver the two reflected beams are heterodyned in a photode- 4O tector, the output of which is fed to a conventional FM or PM demodulator tuned to the offset frequency of the dual polarization laser. If FM is employed, a large modulation index can be achieved and a considerable noise immunity can be made available. More importantly, since both the modulated and reference beams traverse the same optical path, turbulence and other path induced effects cancel at the receiver. Thus a great deal of noise immunity can be achieved in such a system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows the essential elements of invention. At the base terminal a source of light, preferably coherent such as a laser 1, emits a narrow beam of energy that is directed toward a remote terminal by means of two 45front-surface mirrors 2 and 3. At the remote terminal a beam splitter 4 having a transmission of about 50 percent splits the incoming beam into two components and directs them to a pair of corner cube reflectors 5 and 6. Reflector 5 is rigidly mounted on the remote terminal housing 7 while reflector 6 is secured to a diaphragm 8 that will move in accordance with ambient sound signals. In the absence of any sound, the two light beams are reflected unmodulated back along the arrival axis. Since corner cube reflectors are used, the housing 7 does not have to be precisely aimed at the base terminal. An approximate orientation is all that is required.
The return beam is picked up at the base terminal with an optical system having a relatively large aperture. A telescope comprising objective lens 9 and eyepiece lens 10 is collimated with the laser transmission path so that any reflected light will be directed onto photodetector 11. In the absence of modulation, the photodetector will produce a direct current output. When diaphragm 8 is vibrated by a sound input, reflector 6 will move along the optical axis thereby producing phase modulation of the reflected light. Since photodetector 11 is a nonlinear transducer, the optical signals it receives from reflectors 5 and 6 will be heterodyned and the electrical output will contain a component with amplitude proportional to the phase difference of these optical signals. The output of demodulator 12 thereby reproduces the input at diaphragm 8 in terms ofa signal voltage.
While such a system could be useful under certain conditions it produces considerable distortion and would in general be unsuitable for voice or music reproduction. For example the excursions of diaphragm 8 will produce the same output at demodulator 12 regardless of which direction it moves. Therefore all sounds are doubled in frequency and would require considerable electronic processing to avoid distortion.
HO. 2 shows a preferred system using a dual polarization laser 13 as the transmitter. Details of this device are disclosed in our US. Pat. No. 3,500,233. Laser 13 provides two output beams that are mutually orthogonal and is adjusted to provide beams having a convenient frequency difference. At the remote terminal Wollaston prism 14 causes the orthogonally polarized signals from transmitter 13 to diverge. Corner cube reflectors 15 and 16 are located to intercept the diverged beams. Reflector 16 is shown mounted on transducer 17 which is similar to the voice coil driver mechanism in a conventional permanent magnet loudspeaker. Electrical input at leads 18 will cause the reflector 16 to move along the optical input axis. After reflection the beams from reflectors 15 and 16 will again traverse the Wollaston prism 14 which reconverges them. They then return back to the base terminal along the same optical path. Large aperture receiver telescope comprising lenses 9 and 10 applies the return beams from the remote terminal to photomixer 11. However polarizer l9, oriented at about 45 with respect to the polarization of the return beams is required because orthogonally polarized beams will not heterodyne in a photomixer directly.
In the absence of modulation at leads 18, photomixer 11 will produce a signal having a frequency equal to the separation of the beams emitted by transmitter 13. This constitutes a carrier signal. When modulation is applied to leads 18 the beam returned from reflector 16 will be Doppler or phase modulated with respect to the beam returned from reflector 15. At the output of photomixer 11 this modulation is in the form of frequency or phase modulation of the carrier that is detected by re- 5 ceiver 20 which is tuned to the above mentioned carrier.
ln an actual system using a l.l5 micron Helium-Neon dual polarization laser. the separation was adjusted to about lOO MHz. The receiver 20 was a conventional portable FM radio. Transducer 17 was a conventional l2 inch radio speaker with the cone removed and reflector l6 cemented to the voice coil. At 400 Hz modulation an input of 2mw produced 50 kHz deviation. The system was easily capable of transmitting conventional audio information.
In the showing of FIG. 2 only one reflector is shown as being modulated. However, a second transducer could be employed to modulate reflector 15. ln this event the input connections would be polarized so that the transducers are driven out of phase in order to produce differential beam modulation. This would double the modulation sensitivity.
While FIG. 1 and 2 both show co-axial optical systems, the device could be mounted side by side where the separation between terminals is large. This also ap' plies to the transmitter and receiving telescope optics. In such a system the laser transmitter l or 13 would be mounted adjacent the receiving telescope objective 9 and the axes aligned. Reflectors 2 and 3 would be omitted. The retroreflectors 5 and 6 of FIG. 1 would be mounted side by side facing the transmitter and close enough together to both be within the transmitter beam. In the FIG. 2 showing, the Wollaston prism 14 would be eliminated and polarizing filters located in front of the side by side mounted retroreflectors. These polarizers would be orthogonally positioned to conform with the laser beam polarities.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show the use of corner cube reflector elements. Clearly other forms of retrodirective reflector could be used. FIG. 3 shows an alternative known as the cats eye retroreflector. A sphere of suitable optically transparent material is mounted in an opaque base 26. The surface of the sphere in contact with the base is preferably provided with a reflective coating 27. If the optical material has a refractive index of 2, a light beam striking the surface of the sphere will be focussed on the far side of the sphere and be reflected so as to reemerge back along the incident path. The action can be enhanced if the exposed face is provided with an anti-reflective coating. If the optical material is of an index other than 2, the device should include a lens in front of the sphere.
FlG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment for a simple sound powered retrocommunicator having polarization selection. Housing has a lens 31 at one end and a metallized diaphragm 32 closes the other end of the housing and is located at the focus of lens 31. The housing also contains a flat mirror 33 perpendicular to diaphragm 32. Crossed polarizers 34 and 35 are located in front of mirror 33 and diaphragm 32 so that the orthogonal input beams will be selectively reflected from one or the other. A 50 percent rear surface beam splitter 36 and compensating plate 37 are mounted inside the housing 30 so that light from lens 31 equally illuminates reflector 33 and diaphragm 32. In operation the device is oriented so that it points generally toward the transmitter and so that polarizers 34 and 35 are approximately aligned with transmitter polarization. Diaphragm motion due to impinging sound will be translated to differential phase modulation of one reflected beam and will provide a suitable remote terminal for the system of FIG. 2.
To show how the device will not require critical alignment two ray paths are shown. On-axis ray 38 is refracted by lens 31 and one half, 38a, is passed to diaphragm 32 where it is reflected as shown. Half of this signal 38b is passed to lens 31 where it is refracted appearing as 380 back along the input axis. Off-axis beam 39 is refracted by lens 31 and one half, 39a, passed to diaphragm 32 where it is reflected. Half of this signal, 3%, is passed back to lens 31 to be refracted back as 390 along the original non-axial path. Thus the device is tolerant of considerable angular misalignment.
FIG. 5 shows still another possible version of a structure suitable for use as the remote terminal in the FIG. 2 showing. This device is capable of much larger modulation frequencies because it is non-mechanical. A rear surface 50 percent beam splitter 50 and compensating plate 51 apply equal fractions of the optical input to electro-optical modulator crystals 52 and 53. The axes of crystals 52 and 53 are oriented to accommodate one polarization state each of the dual polarization input. That is crystals 52 and 53 are orthogonally oriented. Each crystal has a lens 54 and reflector 55 to provide retroreflective action. To achieve modulation, at least one of the crystals is electrically modulated by well known means 56 which provides suitable bias and modulation from an electrical input signal. This will vary the refractive index of the crystal and thereby phase modulate the associated optical transmission. For example. depending upon the nature of the crystal, it can be modulated by an electrostatic field or a magnetic field. Furthermore. the crystal could be modulated with a radio frequency field, that is, in turn, modulated with the electrical input signal. If desired both crystals can be modulated in push pull fashion to increase modulation sensitivity. Since electro'optical crystals can be modulated very rapidly, they are capable of producing very large optical modulation bandwidths.
While only two systems and several equivalent devices have been shown and described, numerous alternatives will occur to any person skilled in the art. it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the following claims.
We claim:
1. An improved remote terminal intended for use in an optical retrocommunications system, said system having, in addition to said remote terminal, a base terminal comprising an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, said transmitter emitting optical energy directed at said remote terminal and said optical receiver receiving optical energy reflected from said remote terminal to recover information impressed on said optical energy at said remote terminal, wherein said improve- .ment comprises:
a. two retrodirective reflectors, each capable of receiving a portion of said emitted optical energy from said optical transmitter and returning a portion of said emitted optical energy to said receiver, and
b. means for phase modulating the reflection of one of said reflectors relative to the reflection of the other of said reflectors.
2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said two retrodirective reflectors are modulated differentially.
3. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said reflectors comprise corner cubes and said means for modulating includes means for moving at least one reflector in a direction parallel to the optical path.
4. The improvement of claim I wherein said reflectors comprise cats eyes and said means for modulating includes means for moving at least one reflector in a direction parallel to the optical path.
5. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said means for modulating comprise at least one electro-optical crystal.
6. The system of claim I wherein said transmitter is further characterized as being of the dual-polarization laser type, said dual polarization laser having two orthogonally polarized outputs, said two retrodirective reflectors include further means for making each reflector responsive to a preferred light polarization orthogonally oriented with respect to the preferred light polarization of other reflector, and said receiver includes means for heterodyning orthogonally polarized input signals.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said dualpolarization laser is adjusted to have a predetermined frequency difference between said two outputs, and said receiver includes a demodulator tuned to said frequency difference.
8. An optical retrocommunications system comprising:
a. a base terminal having an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, said transmitter producing at least two optical output beams orthogonally polarized with respect to each other, said two beams having a predetermined optical frequency difference, said receiver having optical input means capable of heterodyning said two beams to produce an electrical signal having a frequency equal to said optical frequency difference, said receiver including demodulator means tuned to said electrical signal, and
a. a remote terminal having means for separately retroreflecting said two beams and means for varying the phase of reflection of one optical beam with respect to the phase of the other optical beam.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein said remote terminal comprises two retroreflectors, and said means for varying the phase of reflection includes means for moving at least one of said retroreflectors in accordance with a desired information signal.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein said remote termi' nal comprises two retroreflectors, and said means for varying the phase of reflection includes an electro optical device having the capability of varying the optical
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Audio Extractor/De-Embedder - HDMI has Digital Audio encoded within the signal, so what do you do if you need to connect a device that doesn't support HDMI? You need to split out the audio into either Digital (Coax or Toslink) Audio or Analog (Stereo Left/Right)
Audio Delay - "Lip Sync" errors require adjustable Delay so that what you see fits with what you hear.
Audio Inserter - Replace the Audio in your HDMI signal with a different Audio Source
Audio Leveler - Free yourself from those horrible loud commercials, keep from waking the whole house when loud events suddenly happen in a movie.


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"Circles" - Documentary on Native American practices of restorative justice"Circles" - Documentary on Native American practices of restorative justicehttp://www.haverford.edu/calendar/details/186091Stokes Multicultural Center2011-09-30T16:15:002011-09-30T18:00:00
September 30,2011 4:15PM–6:00PM
Stokes Multicultural Center
A film about justice and community healing, Circles is an inside look at sentencing circles- an alternative approach to sentencing offenders in the Yukon. By bringing together the perpetrator of crime, his or her victims, peers and elders, sentencing circles focus on finding ways to heal the offender, the victim and the community, instead of simply punishment. For many Aboriginal men in the North, going to jail was a natural extension of attending residential schools run by missionaries. For some, circle sentencing is a way to re-connect with their spiritual traditions and to break away from the cycle of crime, court, prison.
Researched and directed by Shanti Thakur
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada
Event held in conjunction with the visit of the Iroquois Lacrosse Program team.
Link: http://www.shantithakur.com/circles.html
For More Info
Theresa Tensuan


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Concealed Weapon Permit Classes
Whether you are a brand new shooter interested in basic firearms handling and safety, or an experienced shooter looking for defensive pistol training or a concealed firearm permit, we have the training you need. More information can be found on these pages. Please contact us by e-mail or phone if you have questions.
We are concerned for your personal safety and the safety of your family. We have the security for our family and want you to have that same security for yours.
Adventure Tactical Training, LLC is servicing central Illinois. We are located in Farmer City, IL which makes us easy access to Champaign/Urbana, Bloomington/Normal, Decatur, Rantoul and many other communities in between. We offer classes to groups with group rates. You can set up group training and rates for your friends, employees, church groups, community groups or basically any other group out there.
Adventure Tactical Training, LLC


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Chuck Landon: Spring ball brings more excitement than usual
Usually, spring football is about as interesting as watching steel beams being hung for new luxury boxes.
But this spring practice was different.
Marshall's spring drills that culminated in the Green defeating the White, 55-38, Saturday at Edwards Stadium actually were meaningful.
It was informative, insightful and posed some questions to be pondered during the off-season.
n When is Marshall's offense going to play a true spread with two legitimate slot receivers?
That wasn't an issue in 2012 because the lone slot, Tommy Shuler, caught 110 passes and tight end Gator Hoskins, lining up in the other slot, caught 10 touchdown passes.
However, the Herd didn't have Devon "Moo-Moo" Smith last season. Now, it does. And Smith has a chance to be the most electrifying player on the field.
But, first, the 5-foot-7, 150-pound slot receiver has to be in the game.
Not once during spring practice did Shuler line up in one slot and Smith in the other. Instead, it was Shuler or Smith and a tight end. No offense, but Shuler and Smith together in the slots are much more dangerous. Imagine the havoc the duo could create for defenses.
This move definitely needs to be made.
n How is Marshall's defense going to get a pass rush off the edge?
The answer is ... smoke and mirrors.
New defensive coordinator Chuck Heater will have to manufacture pressure on opposing quarterbacks because the Herd lacks a pass-rushing defensive end in the mold of Vinny Curry, Albert McClellan or Johnathan Goddard.
So, look for Heater to create pressure by utilizing blitzes and different formations.
Formation-wise, besides the base 4-3 scheme the Herd will play a lot of nickel coverage with five defensive backs and only two linebackers. But don't be surprised to see some 3-3-5, as well.
The nickel will allow Corey Tindal to blitz from his nickelback position, but it also opens up the possibility for the occasional corner blitz, too. As for the 3-3-5, strong-side linebacker Stefan Houston could morph into a standup defensive end and rush from the edge.
The defense will have to do a lot of mixing and matching to generate a pass rush.
n Will Marshall really utilize backup quarterback Blake Frohnapfel's running ability during a few possessions each game as a change-of-pace?
It remains to be seen, but head coach Doc Holliday insists it will happen.
"It's great to have Fro there and we're going to do some more things with him, too," said Holliday. "We'll have a package for him because he deserves to play and he will play."
Let's hope so because Frohnapfel's performance against East Carolina last season proved he can radically change a game.
n Will the Herd's offense be able to improve its downfield passing game?
That's a necessity.
MU struggled with downfield passing last season, as evidenced by Aaron Dobson's touchdown receptions dropping from 12 in 2011 to only three in 2012. Those struggles continued throughout spring practice as very few deep balls were completed.
That problem has to be fixed or opposing defenses will crowd the line of scrimmage to combat MU's myriad of screens and underneath routes.
And, now, that spring practice wasn't like watching FieldTurf grow?
We can look forward to some answers.
Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Contact him at 304-526-2827 or email@example.com.
The Herald-Dispatch welcomes your comments on this article, but please be civil. Avoid profanity, obscenity, personal attacks, accusations of criminal activity, name-calling or insults to the other posters. Herald-dispatch.com does not control or monitor comments as they are posted, but if you find a comment offensive or uncivil, hover your mouse over the comment and click the X that appears in the upper right of the comment. If you do not want your comment to post to your personal Facebook page, uncheck the box below the comment.


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Learn how to shoot and edit green screen footage and images.
Capture footage of everyday objects and combine it with effects in popular postproduction tools like After Effects and Premiere Pro, resulting in rich, abstract backdrops for your project.
Demonstrates creating refined lower thirds for Premiere Pro using After Effects.
"Your training goes way more in-depth than most classes at my school, and you can pause and rewind it if you don't follow it the first time." —Jared L.
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text: Defense attorneys want the governor's report on Atlanta Public Schools cheating thrown out. They say educators were threatened to cooperate with investigators or lose their jobs.The defense has been hammering away at the prosecution's case against 35 educators indicted for cheating on standardized tests. They are trying to get the state report by investigators Mike Bowers and Bob Wilson thrown out because they say educators were forced to cooperate or lose their jobs.Former DeKalb District Attorney J. Tom Morgan, who is now a defense attorney and represents former Superintendent Beverly Hall, took the stand on Tuesday.Defense attorney Brian Steel turned his attention to a memo Dr. Hall wrote ordering everyone to cooperate or be fired. Morgan agreed that the memo threatened termination to employees that did not cooperate with investigators. But during cross examination, the state pointed out that Morgan has changed his spots. Originally, when Morgan was hired by APS, he wrote a memo stating employees could hire attorneys and didn't have to cooperate if they didn't want to. Now Morgan says he was wrong. "I made mistakes before. I was wrong," said Morgan. A ruling is expected in the coming days.


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Here's What's Not Going on with BioLogos
Cornelius Hunter's claim that BioLogos advances the "Warfare Thesis" between science and religion is wholly unfounded.
The Resource Finder has powerful filtering features — check out the tutorial to learn more.
Cornelius Hunter's claim that BioLogos advances the "Warfare Thesis" between science and religion is wholly unfounded.
Ninety years is a long time, and so much has changed all over the world. But have the cultural perceptions about science and religion changed since the Scopes Trial in 1925?
American thinking about religion and science before the Civil War was substantially informed by the powerful "concordist" metaphor of God as the "author" of two "books," nature and Scripture, which ultimately must agree.
I am growing in my appreciation for a diversity of ears to hear Scripture and a diversity of cultures to interpret God's call on our lives.
In none of these cases was Newton inserting God into a "gap" into our knowledge that science would someday fill. Rather, his prior belief in God helped him arrive at attitudes and ideas that have unquestionably advanced our understanding of nature.
Historian Peter Harrison argues that harmony between faith and science is not as simple as it seems, and some versions of "harmony" can do damage to the Christian faith.
Jim Stump explores the meaning of the Lenten season from the perspective of evolutionary creation.
By getting rid of the miracle stories in the Bible, Bultmann and his followers hoped to make the Christian story more palatable to modern man. Although I recognize the emotional weight of this sentiment, I am not convinced that it is an intellectually coherent approach, mainly for reasons of self-consistency.
John Calvin really believed that the sun revolved around the earth, but we shouldn't dismiss the rest of his theology because of this error.
Wright reminds us that robust Christian faith takes evidence on board, but fuses reason with faith, hope and love.
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.
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.
God invites us to understand his power and nature through studying what has been made.
Conflicts occur when people argue one worldview against another. They may be arguing Atheism versus Monotheism, then pull out science as a weapon saying, "science proves I'm right because of this or that..." In my view, science is rather more limited than this. Science has a lot of interesting resonances with the big questions, and can inform them, but I don't believe it can answer them.
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.
We now take for granted an understanding of the Christian story that was largely worked out by Paul and later theologians. Even though the Gospels were composed after Paul's letters, they were concerned to tell the story itself in all its strangeness as it had been preserved by the first generation of Christians. And what we find in the stories themselves is the shock and wonder and surprise that the resurrection caused.


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Wrap-around image.
Originally an ink and acrylic piece displayed at a George Herriman-derived gallery show. That version was published in "Sex, Rock & Optical Illusions" (Fantagraphics, 2005). This story is somewhat altered from that original version.
Text article with illustrations and black and white photos.
Jam sequence with characters from their respective creators. The Robert Williams-drawn panel was reprinted in "Hysteria in Remission" (Fantagraphics, 2002).