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A sealing ring for clamping a watthour meter to a meter socket box includes a permanent locking mechanism mounted on the ends of a clamping band. A catch assembly includes a detent carried within a shielding enclosure on one band end. A latching assembly carried on the second band end has an extending latching member insertable into the enclosure for fixed and irremovable engagement by the detent within the enclosure.
1. An electric meter sealing ring for permanently clamping the circular mounting base of an electric watthour meter assembly to a circular mounting flange of a meter socket box, said sealing ring comprising:
a circular clamping band having a U-shaped cross section and first and second ends being separable for initial positioning of the inner side of said band in a circumferentially clamping relationship over both said meter base flange and said mounting flange;
a shielding enclosure integrally mounted on said clamping band adjacent said first end, the enclosure defining a wholly enclosed protective chamber excepting a restricted entrance opening facing said second end and offset a predetermined distance from said band;
yieldable detent means carried within said protective chamber so as to be aligned with said entrance opening; and
an integral latching member having a series of notch portions projecting from said second end of said band and toward said first end in offset relationship thereto so as to be receivable by said entrance opening in close fitting relationship to the periphery thereof, said notch portions of said latching member being further receivable in a one-way and irremovable locking relationship with said detent means as the notch portions are progressively engaged thereby when said first and second ends of said band are pressed together in mutually aligned relationship to contract said band into a permanent and nonreusable close clamping fit over the mutually aligned base of said watthour meter assembly and said flange of said meter socket box.
2. An electric meter sealing ring as claimed in claim 1 wherein said detent means includes at least one spring strip being fixedly attached for projecting into the entering path of said latching member upon insertion thereof into said protective chamber through said entrance opening.
3. An electric meter sealing ring as claimed in claim 2 wherein said latching member includes a thin tongue having serrations formed in at least one edge thereof so that said spring strip resiliently engages the one edge between the serrations thereof to form a permanent locking relationship therewith.
4. An electric meter sealing ring as claimed in claim 3 wherein said shielding enclosure has an open box configuration with the open portion thereof being closed by being mounted against said band adjacent said first end and wherein said spring strip is carried by a side wall of the enclosure box configuration.
5. An electric motor sealing ring as claimed in claim 4 wherein the tongue latching member and said spring strip are made of a thin hardened steel ribbon material.
6. An electric meter sealing ring as claimed in claim 5 wherein said detent means includes two spring strips mounted on opposite side walls of the enclosure box configuration and including converging angular sides terminating so as to be spaced closer than the width of said tongue, and further wherein the tongue latching member has serrations formed in both edges thereof defining said notch portions for permanent locking engagement by said two spring strips.
This invention relates to sealing rings for watthour meter mountings and more particularly to a permanent and tamperproof locking arrangement for such sealing rings.
In the field of electric utility metering, watthour meters are universally used for billing a customer's consumption of electric energy. In addition to forming a measuring function, the meters provide a connecting function by being pluggable into a meter socket box. The meter interconnects the customer's electrical wiring and the utility company's distribution power lines. Accordingly, the mounting boxes and meters are usually at open and accessible locations. These locations are necessary to permit installation of the meter mounting box wiring, detachable mounting of the meter and periodic reading of the meter dials. Due to the exposed locations many unauthorized attempts are made at tampering of the meters. Meter tampering often includes removing the meter from the meter socket box and then reattaching with the meter being altered so as to indicate a lower than actual consumption of the electric energy.
Examples of prior art watthour meters having tamperproof or unauthorized alteration preventing features are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,969,499, 3,928,788, 4,034,290 and 4,039,943 all assigned to the assignee of this invention. The aforementioned patents are all directed to permanently sealed watthour meter housings for preventing meter tampering after it has been removed from a meter socket box.
It is desirable to prevent or to provide easy detection of any unauthorized removal of a watthour meter from its socket box. A conventional manner of retaining the meter in the socket box is by a sealing ring which clamps the outer periphery of the meter housing base to the box. After the meter is installed in the socket terminals of the socket box, the sealing ring is contracted by closing the ends, releasably interconnecting the ends, and affixing a frangible wire seal which can be easily broken to release the sealing ring. Often the easily broken wire seal can be replaced and realigned so that only very close examination will reveal that it has been broken, even though it is exposed for inspection to indicate any unauthorized meter removal. An example of a prior art sealing ring is described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 1,969,499 and further examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,893,177 and 2,795,449.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,636,498 and 3,996,501 disclose locking arrangements for watthour meters which are mounted in a so-called bottom-connected type of socket box. The meter is mounted so that a clip is installed in locking engagement with a meter housing part and extends inside or behind a meter mounting box enclosure so that the locking clip or tab is inaccessible for removal externally of the box.
An example of providing a locking arrangement for a watthour meter which prevents access to the sealing ring is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,440,330. In the latter patent, the sealing ring is first applied in a conventional manner and a separate locking plate is mounted over the sealing ring. A further keeper assembly is provided for extending through the locking plate and for receiving a still further padlock device for preventing access and removal of the watthour meter.
In accordance with the present invention, a tamperproof sealing ring for watthour meters includes a circular clamping band which terminates at first and second ends carrying a permanent locking mechanism. A catch assembly is mounted on the first end and includes a detent protected within a shielding enclosure. A small restricted opening is provided in the enclosure in facing relationship to the second end. A latch assembly including latching member is carried on the second end so that the latching member is insertable into the enclosure and into interlocking fitting relationship with the detent.
In a preferred form of this invention, the latching member is formed by a thin tongue part having notched and serrated edges. The detent is formed by a pair of spring strips attached to the inside side walls of a shielding enclosure having a box shape. The detent strips are angularly oriented so as to permit the tongue serrations to move irremovably past the strips during contraction of the clamping band. The edges of the strips fall into the notches of the tongue blocking withdrawal from the detent unless the tongue latching member is broken apart or the tooth parts of the tongue or the spring strips are broken. The shielding enclosure prevents access to the locking engagement between the latching member and the detent. Prevention of attempts to release the latching and detenting parts is thereby provided. Breaking and fracture of the locking mechanism prevents reconnection of the clamping band ends. Attempts to reuse a broken sealing ring of this invention is readily recognizable since the sealing ring will be ineffective in clamping and securing a watthour meter to a socket box.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made in connection with the drawings which are briefly described hereinafter.
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, with parts thereof in section, of a watthour meter mounted with the sealing ring of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view with parts broken away of a permanent locking mechanism included in the sealing ring shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along the axis III--III and looking in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along the axis IV--IV and looking in the direction of the arrows; and
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the ends of the sealing ring shown in FIG. 1 with the ends being in a separated and unlocked condition prior to being locked together as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1 there is shown an electric utility meter formed by a watthour meter assembly 10 in an operative mounted condition as it is attached to a meter socket box 12 by means of a sealing ring 14 made in accordance with the present invention. The meter assembly 10 is of a conventional and universally used type including an attached two part housing formed by a base 16 and a transparent cup-shaped cover 20 sealed to an outer flange of the base 16 at a radial flange of the cover 20 the rear open end thereof. A circular mounting base 18 of the meter assembly 10 includes the outer flanges of base 16 and cover 20 being secured by a locking rim 21. One example of a watthour meter housing for the meter assembly 10 is further described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,846,677, issued Nov. 5, 1974 and assignee of this invention. A watthour meter movement 22 is carried on the base 16 and within a sealed protective chamber formed by the cover 20 and the base 16.
The meter socket box 12 includes a terminal block assembly 24 having contact jaw terminals 26 connected in series between an electric utility's distribution power lines and a customer's wiring and electrical loads. Blade terminals 28 extend through the base 16 to provide external connections to the meter movement 22 when the meter is attached to jaw terminals of the socket box 12.
The meter socket box 12 typically includes a circular opening 29 formed by a collar 30 terminating at a radially outward extending meter mounting flange 32. When the meter assembly 10 is inserted into the meter socket box 12, the opening 29 first receives the terminal blades 28 which are moved further and pressed into the jaw terminals 26. The outer periphery of the meter mounting base 18 is then aligned in adjacent relationship with the mounting flange 32 as shown in the upper broken away portion of FIG. 1.
The sealing ring 14 includes a substantially circular clamping band 36 having a U-shaped cross-section as shown in FIG. 1. The band 36 overlaps the rearward surface of the collar flange 32 and the forward radially outward flange portion of the meter mounting base 18 to clamp the base 18 to the collar flange 32. The meter assembly 10 is sealed in place in the socket box 12 by sealing ring 14 when the ends are locked together in accordance with this invention. Without the sealing ring 14 only the frictional engagement between the blade and jaw terminals 28 and 26 hold the meter 10.
The band 36 includes first and second terminal ends 38 and 40, respectively, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The band is expandable by separation of the ends 38 and 40 as shown in FIG. 5 to permit mounting of the band 36 over the meter base and flange 32 and then is contracted by closing the ends 38 and 40 and locking the ends together with a permanent locking mechanism 42 made in accordance with the present invention and described hereinafter.
The locking mechanism 42 includes a catch assembly 44 mounted on the outside of the band 36 adjacent the first end 38 and a latch assembly 46 mounted on the outside periphery of the band 36 adjacent the second end 40 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. The assembly 44 includes a detent means formed by spaced and facing spring strips 48 and 50 which are substantially identical and are made of a hardened steel ribbon material each having an angular top and bottom cross-section as shown in FIG. 3. Flat straight sides of the spring strips 48 and 50 extend parallel to each other and to the sides of the band 36 and the flat angled sides extend away from the end 38 and toward each other to form resilient pawl-like projections.
The catch assembly 44 further includes a shielding enclosure 52 mounted to the band 36 adjacent the first end 38 and has opposite mounting flanges 54 and 56 integral therewith. In one preferred form, rivets 58 secure the enclosure 52 to the outside of the bottom of the band 36. The enclosure 52 is made of a metal such as aluminum having an open box configuration for encasing the spring strips 48 and 50 within a protective chamber 60. The flat straight sides of the spring strips are secured to opposite side walls 66 and 68 of the enclosure 52 by means of rivets 64. The spring strips 48 and 50 are thus attached to the first end portion of the band 36.
The box-like shielding enclosure 52 has a solid bottom 70 and ends 72 and 74 which carry the outwardly extending flanges 54 and 56, respectively, at the open top thereof. The end 72 includes a restricted entrance opening 76 defined by a narrow horizontal slit facing the second end 40 for receiving an extending portion of the latch assembly 46 as described hereinbelow. The angled sides of the detent strips project from the enclosure side walls to overlap the opposite edges of the entrance opening 76. With the bottom of the band 36 covering the top opening of the enclosure 52, the spring strips 48 and 50 are substantially enclosed and secure from any tampering thereto.
The latch assembly 46 includes a mounting block 80 and a latching member formed by a projecting tongue 82. One end of the projection 82 is mounted on the block 80 and affixed to the band second end portion adjacent the end 40 by suitable means such as rivets 84. The tongue 82 of the latch assembly 46 extends beyond the terminal end 40 of the second end portion of the band 36 in overlapping relationship with the first end portion when the band is contracted in the meter socket box and meter clamping position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The tongue 82 is formed of a hardened steel ribbon material having notches formed by teeth or serrations 86 and 88 on opposite edges of the free and projecting end of the tongue 82. The tongue 82 has a fixed end attached to the bottom of the block 80 by the rivets 84 so it is attached to the band 36 in spaced and cantilevered fashion. The height of the block 80 positions the tongue 82 away from the band 36 so that it is aligned for passing through the entrance opening 76 and into the protected chamber 60 of the enclosure 52. The detent spring strips 48 and 50 are resiliently biased into the notches or interdental spaces between the teeth 86 and 88 respectively as the first band end 38 and second band end 40 are pressed together with the tongue 82 inserted into the slit opening 76. The free and gripping ends of the spring strips 48 and 50 are spaced closer than the width of teeth 86 and 88 and are resilient so that the tapered surfaces of the teeth 86 and 88 spread the ends of the strips 48 and 50 apart by the camming action of the tapered surfaces of the teeth 86 and 88. The ends of the strips 48 and 50 return to the unbiased position as shown in FIG. 3 within the notches between the teeth 86 and 88, respectively. The arrangement described permits only one-way locking insertion of the tongue.
The ends 38 and 40 of the band 36 are permanently held together by the interlocking relationship of the spring strips 48 and 50 and the teeth 86 and 88 of the tongue 82. The shielding enclosure 52 prevents any external access to the interlocking relationship between the strips 48 and 50 and the teeth 86 and 88. The entrance opening 76 is closely sized to the flat cross-section of the tongue 82 so that only a sliding fit is provided between the peripheries of the tongue 82 and opening 76. The only manner of releasing and separating the locking mechanism 42 is by destruction and breaking of the teeth 86 and 88 or the spring strips 48 and 50 by forcibly separating the band ends 38 and 40 to withdraw the tongue 82 from the enclosure 52. The tongue 82 can be cut at the middle portion overlapping the ends 38 and 40. Cutting is somewhat difficult since the tongue 82 is made of a hardened steel material.
In operation of the sealing ring 14 made in accordance with the present invention, the meter 10 is installed in the meter socket box 12 so that the terminal blades 28 are received by the jaw terminals 26 in the box. The installed meter has the outer part of the mounting base 18 thereof positioned adjacent the annular collar mounting flange 32 of the box. The ends 38 and 40 of the clamping band 36 are initially spread apart as shown in FIG. 5 so as to pass the band over the watthour meter cover 20 and to be positioned radially outwardly of the outer flange of the meter mounting base 18 and the box collar flange 32. The band 36 is contracted to draw the ends 38 and 40 together so that the latch assembly 46 moves in the direction of the directional arrow 98 so that the tongue latching member 82 is aligned and enters the entrance opening 76 of the catch assembly enclosure 52. The teeth 86 and 88, as shown in FIG. 3, engage and pass the spring strips 48 and 50 so that the ends of the detent strips are biased into the interdental spaces between the teeth to lock and prevent separation of the ends 38 and 40 of the band 36 in a direction opposite from the directional arrow 98. As the band ends are drawn together and locked, the bottom band 36 tightly covers the outer peripheries of meter base 18 and the box mounting flange 32 with the sides of the U-shaped band sealing the meter base to the box 12.
Accordingly, the meter 10 is permanently clamped to the socket box 12 since the sealing ring 14 is permanently positioned in the circumferential clamping relationship over the meter base 18 and the mounting flange 32. Attempts at tampering with the watthour meter 10 are prevented by the shielding enclosure 52 providing a protective chamber 60 surrounding the interlocking relationship of the detent spring strips 48 and 50 and the latching member teeth 86 and 88 as described hereinabove. Unauthorized removal of the watthour meter 10 from the box 12 is easily noticed and detected since the band 36 and locking mechanism 42 cannot be replaced after the locking mechanism has been broken to release the sealing ring 14 from the meter and mounting box.
While the embodiment of the sealing ring 14 and permanent locking arrangement 42 described hereinabove constitute preferred forms, it is to be noted that other modifications and embodiments may be made within the spirit and scope of our invention.
Citas de patentes
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Jan 18th
Nintendo 3DS Game Demos – Heading To Nintendo eShop
Sign Of The Times
Who'd have thought that the concept of demos would be 'news' in 2012. Well they are because Nintendo is finally letting gamers try before they buy with a selection of free demos available from the Nintendo eShop. Starting tomorrow, Nintendo 3DS owners wil be able to download demos for Resident Evil Revelations and Cooking Mama 4.
The Nintendo eShop will be periodically updated with new game demos in the future, including a Nintendo 3DS demo for Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Rhythm Thief & The Emperor's Treasure.
Don't forget that in addition to Nintendo 3DS demos, the Nintendo eShop also lets you download an array of original Nintendo 3DS Download Software, 3D Classics, Virtual Console and Nintendo DSiWare games directly to your Nintendo 3DS system.

subset: commoncrawl


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Comic Vine interviews writer of the 'Lucid' comic and 'True Blood' actor!
It is pretty awesome to see actors crossing over into comic books, such as Michael McMillian ('True Blood') has done with his upcoming project for Archaia Comics, 'Lucid.' We were able to catch up with Michael who discussed some of the major themes that can be found in his upcoming book, as well as all the research that he had to do to create the incredible universe that is 'Lucid.' Oh, and did I mention he also does a fantastic South-West American accent?


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Florida pulled off a splendid version of the 'ol hidden ball trick against the College of Charleston in an NCAA baseball tournament game Friday night in Gainesville.
While Gators pitcher Logan Shore pretended to tie his shoe away from the mound, the Cougars' Nick Pappas stepped off second base not knowing shortstop Richie Martin had the ball.
The play made the "SportsCenter" top 10 Saturday.
But the last laugh was best: The College of Charleston, a No. 4 seed, held on to a 3-2 victory over host Florida, the No. 2 national seed.
Follow Gene Sapakoff on Twitter @sapakoff
- Keywords
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Theme Party Ideas
Give your party a theme for an event everyone will love! From a Mexican fiesta to a black & white party, we've got all kinds of themes to inspire your next event.
The Queen of Hearts may have been the most gruesome character in Alice in Wonderland, but in this fun and festive theme party, this queen is anything but. Reds, whites, and hearts are the backbone to this romantic theme - perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or even just a spontaneous night of romance! »
Theme parties make entertaining easier, more organized and simple to put together. The... READ MORE
Mad Men is back March 25th and if you're having some friends over to watch the premiere,... READ MORE
Celebrations Expert created a magical Candyland theme for a wedding. Take a look at the... READ MORE
Halloween will be here before you know it and as the holiday is a big party, count on... READ MORE
Join Walt and Jesse on their final journey with these Breaking Bad theme party ideas!... READ MORE
If you like the idea of Hollywood theme parties or award night theme parties, but just... READ MORE


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Profit From a Poker Bot 0
Poker Software And Poker Bots
Poker Online And Poker Software
Poker online over the past few years is becoming increasinly popular and a great method to make some extra cash. There are many different types of software that can give a player an edge over the opponents such as things like poker indicators which let you understand your chances of winning, also database software which helps you understand what opponents play style is. This article talks about a differnt type of software called poker bot which is a poker robot which plays poker on its own.


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New mag costs £1.79 a month and comes stacked with content.
The Daily might be the iPad paper that's got tongues wagging. But Richard Branson has ensured that he at least gets some of the iPad limelight, with his much-touted Project magazine landing in the UK App Store last night.
The new mag, which features Jeff Bridges on the cover, will cost £1.79 an issue, including "updating content", which should make it relevant right up until the next issue hits virtual shelves.
You'll need to download a free reader app to get going, and there's no word on whether this will be subject to the hotly-tipped new subscription system which Apple is said to be readying for The Daily. Word is Steve Jobs and Rupert Murdoch will share a stage next week to unveil their plans.
For now though, you'll have to content yourself with Project. Let us know what you think of it, and whether it can see off Apple and News Corp's joint challenge, over on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Link: iTunes


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Oct 08 2008
A Weighty Responsibility
Today I'm feeling splintered, discombobulated, scatterbrained, lost, forlorn, and jittery. I just heard two-thirds of you say, "What else is new?" You think I don't hear you, but I do. I hear your cries. Anyway, this state I'm in may or may not be due to a deficiency within my body of a certain legalized substance known as Diet Dr. Pepper, which I gave up 48 hours ago, and which I had vivid dreams I was drinking all last night. I woke up and burped. It was memorable.
This is one of those days—lots of racing thoughts, followed by no thoughts at all, followed by burps. So I'll be posting random, unrelated vignettes here throughout the day, followed by a through-the-night contest for my friends who are a) nocturnal, or b) live in other countries. I want everyone to know that I'm here for them, no matter what side of the International Date Line they reside on.
All of this will keep me off the streets, and give me something to do with my hands that doesn't involve starting my vehicle and driving to town to buy one, just one cold, fizzy, refreshing, and caffeine-infused Diet Dr. Pepper. I just love it when it fizzes. It feels…it feels so good when it fizzes.
We've been shipping cattle; this could be contributing to my inability to focus. Getting out of bed before five a.m. for almost two straight weeks can do that to a middle child. As a matter of fact, my giving up Diet Dr. Pepper couldn't have been more poorly timed…but then, there's never a better time to kick an addiction than during a time when you need the addiction the most. I believe it was Confucius who first espoused that great truth. Or maybe it was Madonna. I confuse them sometimes.
Speaking of shipping cattle…
Shipping cattle means weighing cattle.
Groups of cattle are ushered onto the blue scale (scales?) outside the Scale House, then the gates are closed on either side, and they're weighed. Then, my girl trepidatiously opens the gate to release the weighed cows, hopping hurriedly out of the way so as not to get trampled.
I love watching her get out of the way. She's always been on the fretful side.
Unlike her mother, who's the bravest in the county.
Now comes the fun part: my girl counts the cattle, two-by-two because it's easiest that way, so Marlboro Man and the cattle buyer (inside the Scale House) can determine the average weight of that group.
Cattle are sold by weight. So this part is rather important.
As soon as the last steer is off the scale (scales?), my girl hurries to shut the gate…
…So the cowboy on the other side of the scale (scales?) can let in another group.
Opening and closing the scale gate…is a weighty responsibility.
But only sometimes.
It really is an important job, though.
Because if she gets the count wrong—too high or too low—it can throw off the whole balance.
Balance. There I go again.
All I can say is, it's a good thing we homeschool this kid.
Because otherwise, how would she EVER have learned to count by twos?
She needs me. She really, really does.
Oh. We weren't speaking of chaps?
Sorry. It's the Diet Dr. Pepper withdrawal.
396 Comments
Debbie from GA On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:39 pm
I'm liking the vintage look of your pictures in this post. Also like those chaps… yep I do.
sheilah On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:40 pm
heh…you just wanted to post a picture of your man's behind. Admit it, you did.
…not that I mind…
ann On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:40 pm
And you're giving up Diet Dr. Pepper because….?
katie On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:40 pm
I think there must be a reason to give up diet Dr. Pepper. The only time I give up Dr. Pepper or Coffee is when I'm expecting. Hummmmmmmmmmmmm.
Hopeful On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:41 pm
So you never said WHY you were giving up Diet P? Is it the caffeine? Is it the soda? Fresca (no caffeine) and Diet Lipton Green Tea for no carbonation is good. Try it!!! Of course you should always try to drink 2 glasses of water in the morning afternoon night and evening….keep those kidneys workin! As always LOVE those chaps!!
Amy from Steeler Country On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:42 pm
and you're giving up Dr. Pepper, WHY? if it's the caffeine, maybe you should switch to diet pepsi, caffeine free…it won't be the same, but at least it'll be SOMETHING. Wow, I couldn't do it…it'd be like trying to give up coffee for me–I couldn't do it…I know I couldn't. I did, when I was pregnant with my second, but only because the smell made me vomit. With my third, my OB said I could have up to 2 cups a day and I did! Your girl did a wonderful job with the cattle weighing and counting–you did your homeschooling job well. And to end your post with the chaps, oh bless your heart!
patricia On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:46 pm
Hi Ree, good day! I just had to find out why cowboys wear chaps and why spurs are needed on their boots, Wikipedia had all the answers. Good luck on your giving up Dr Pepper…..
Fishing Around On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:47 pm
We can always talk about chaps.
Ash On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:48 pm
Yeah from your readers in Heidelberg, Germany!!!! We love you and we love giveaways. But mostly, we love you and we love your stories….and chaps!
Robin On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:50 pm
The question shouldn't be "Were we speaking about chaps?" but rather "Why weren't we speaking about chaps?" Especially with the kind of day we both seem to be having. + chaps =
Robin On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:51 pm
(see I was homeschooled so I can do complicated math problems too!)
Helen G. On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:51 pm
I'll give up my Diet Pepsi when they pry my dead cold fingers from around the can…… I think I borrowed that phrase, or part of it, from an NRA commercial, but that is about how I feel this morning. And it could very well be the fizz of the carbonation that you are missing, even more than the taste of the D.P.
#1 is getting taller every day. And the chap in the chaps…hotter…. And no, I'm not too old to notice those things.
Cathy On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:55 pm
Good luch with the DP. I agree it's heavenly and have at least cut myself down to one a day (but I'd be better off without it).
Love the chaps!!
Sophie On Wednesday, October 8 at 12:56 pm
Because I'm British my addiction is tea, and because tea is supposed to be good for you I don't hold back.
Hence the hideous withdrawl symptoms I get if I am trapped somewhere without a kettle for more than a couple of hours.
I feel your pain
(mmm, tea….)
lidia On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:00 pm
Chaps can be a lovely distraction!
Angela On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:01 pm
I think we are always speaking of chaps, we can speak of chaps in every post!
Swampy in CO On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:02 pm
Don't be drinking ANYTHING with artificial sweetner !
I would end up in the ER if I drank a diet soda…seems I have no problems with beer though.
coolskool On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:02 pm
a great homeschool lesson, counting by two, quick movements = p.e., you could even have do the averaging for math lessons.
Woody On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:04 pm
I,m glad you gave up that nasty diet D.P. habit…
That stuff should be banned; there is no excuse not to drink the real thing…DR. PEPPER!
the only thing to replace real DP is of course cup-o-chino
Susan Bowers On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:05 pm
please – feel free – speak on chaps; do an entire vignette on chaps; won't bother me none; well – maybe abit around the collar; but I have a fan… and cold showers.
SarahK On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:05 pm
I go into Diet Coke rehab every year or so, I switch to ice water or iced tea. But I am an addict so I always slip back into my old behaviors! I try to limit to one a day and realize that it's my only vice so I don't worry about it.
Ness On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:07 pm
Oh, console yourself..we don't even *GET* Dr Pepper here, diet or any other kind. It's a dog eat dog third world we're in!
Stacy On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:11 pm
The mere thought of having to give up soft drinks just "chaps" my…..chaps?! Did somebody say chaps? Where? Ahhhhhh there! Thanks for talking about chaps Ree!
Melinda V On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:30 pm
Is it just me, or does it seem like your oldest daughter has grown about a foot this past year. My, how fast they grow!! Love the actions on the photos.
bethy On Wednesday, October 8 at 1:56 pm
I NEED to get my guy into a pair of chaps. That's it – he's going to have to be a cowboy for Halloween…
Shel Franz On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:00 pm
And you are giving up nature's most perfect beverage why??? (I ask as I take a healthy swig from the bottle of diet dp sitting on my desk). Ree, honey, there are a limit to the amount of things one can give up without sending yourself into deprivation overload. Giving up diet dp is just NOT healthy!
Michelle S. On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:12 pm
I am not much of a soda drinker. I hve it when we go out to eat, but rarely at home. BUT I hve to ask, why are you giving it up? OKAY…
Jensamom On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:15 pm
Love when you talk about chaps.
Michelle S. On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:17 pm
ARE YOU pREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNAT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT? ARE YOU PREGNANT?
jUST WONDERING…..ARE YOU PREGNANT? OR DO YOU JUST WANT TO BE HEALTHY?? i GUESS WE WILL KNOW THE ANSWER IF YOU GIVE UP BUTTER NEXT!! OH GOOD GRACIOUS, WHT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?
Cutzi On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:30 pm
So what are the point of chaps anyway? Not that I don't appreciate them. Justin askin'.
Cutzi On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:30 pm
Oops. "Just" askin'. My husband's name is Justin so I always manage to type "Justin" instead of "just."
Julie On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:30 pm
My love for diet Dr. Pepper pales only in comparison to my love for frozen Coke, or large Cokes on heaps of ice. I can't stand diet Coke, but I loove Coke. But, listen, not too much, because of the caffeine and calories. So when I'm too mindful of my health I swig a diet Dr. Pepper – so zippy and fizzy! Why do you have to deprive yourself of delicious, non-caloric diet Dr. Pepper? Did you know people in South Africa don't understand why we need ice with our soda? (Or if your from Michigan, our 'pop')
AnnabelleLee On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:33 pm
I thought we WERE talking about chaps!
Love this series of pictures….I want to be as talented as you are in photoshop….it takes me days – literally d.a.y.s. – to get ONE picture the way I want it, and it's usually not EXACTLY the way I want it, but I willing to settle for it. *sigh*
Carin On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:45 pm
I feel your pain I gave up diet Coke about 3 months ago and thought I was going to die!
Elizabeth On Wednesday, October 8 at 2:50 pm
I love my diet dr pepper. I enjoy it every morning with my oatmeal. And every noon with my lean cuisine. And at 2:00 to get me through the rest of the day. How can you give it up?
Linda from Vegas On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:06 pm
If you only knew how much damage soda does to your liver and the rest of your body, you could give it up quick. It takes 8 glasses of water to undo the damage one soda does to your body. I drink unsugared iced tea all year long. Lots of good stuff in tea!
LizKs On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:09 pm
There's no way I'm givin" up my diet pop addiction! Life's too short!
Hey Ree, how come MM always has his back to you in your pics?
Nae On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:12 pm
Oh, man. Where do I begin? I was reading your post on washable nursing pads (I use them after my milk has adjusted to my baby, otherwise there isn't a dam in Kansas that can hold it in)…anyhoo, the cig. smoke made me so sick that I quit too! Uh! I can't stand the taste or smell. But now that my second boy has arrived and my mom spent 6 weeks here with us (that should be enough said right there) I started walking A LOT and taking a swisher sweet with me. So, now, I'm quitting those and dedicating myself to the treadmill when our now 4 mo. old takes naps with our 2 yr old. I've lost all but 2 lbs of the last baby but have that, plus 4 lbs, from the first one to lose. I love a Dr. Pepper every once in a while. For some reason I haven't been addicted to it even though when as a one-on-one para 6 yrs ago to a violent 7 yr old I drank a 32 ouncer every day as lunch. One DP every blue moon does me good for a while. I love the fiz but the sweetness really gets me (although i have no problem with sweets-in fact-that would probably be classified as my addiction-hence the treadmill and not being able to lose the rest of the weight). Now that I've gone 24 hrs. without a swisher the thought of it makes me want to puke. For which I'm glad!!! I'm gonna do it! You're gonna do it! Look at all these guys that have already done it!! (yeah, I need the encouragement myself) HA!! Here's to us!!
make art every day On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:30 pm
WAIT! aren't those *chinks* and not *chaps*?
Alissa On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:31 pm
I really hate to admit this to you in your current state but I just happened to be drinking a Dr. Pepper when I read this post (so sorry) and when you said that little bit about the fizzies, I noticed them and oh boy, you were right. (again, so sorry). It was really wonderful and refreshing on this blazing hot S.Cal day. Well, and the chaps helps too. Thanks!
Melanie On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:32 pm
You are so not going to believe this, but I quit DIET DR. PEPPER on Sunday. You're fizzy, cold statement did not help! I am in serious pain and wondering just why I felt I needed to quit. I am not sure it was worth it. I had the worst headache Monday, yesterday was okay and today the headache is back. I had the thought today–I am probably going to just replace it with something worse. BAD thought.
tina On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:33 pm
Just because you love laundry soooo much… i will say MM always has on the whitest shirt for a cowboy..or are you really that good at photoshop? I think let's credit the laundry…that's solid proof my lovely laundress!
Lorrie On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:34 pm
Chaps are foreign to me. Keep talking about them though.
Joy Gross On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:35 pm
Love those photos of your female punk working …. such a cutie… and speaking of chaps… love the photo on the front of your blog. wooo hoooo
Deb On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:43 pm
Chaps or Chinks? Up in the Northern reaches of the old West (the ones MM is wearing) are called chinks! Chaps go all the way down, down, down to the ground, ground, ground. Sorry-stupid little rhyme Not enough Code Red Mt. Dew
Misty On Wednesday, October 8 at 3:52 pm
Your daughter is a great gate-opener!! Love the pics s usual!
cara Fitzgerald On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:02 pm
Soooo, if you aren't pregnant DON'T QUIT!!! I stopped drinking diet mountain dew for 2 weeks once and it was the worst decision of my life. I was such a grump and so much happier now that I have an excuse to leave the house when my husband gets home from work. I love my fizzy yellow goodness. Has to be fountain for me..
ms ellie On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:07 pm
"Chaps"………the mere word makes me happy.
But a picture to go along with it……oh yeah, Baby!
Mamabee On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:08 pm
Dear Ree, I just gave up Coke Zero a month and a half ago. Well, I will have one as an occasional treat, but I don't have any in the house anymore. I know it's hard, but I don't crave them as much as I used too – it does get easier! And if you ever do a little research about aspartame (not too mention all the other crap in there), you will realize what a favor you are doing for yourself!
P.S. I have 2 loaves of pumpkin bread in the oven right now! My mouth was watering as I read your pumpkin posts this morning. Keep 'em coming!
Andi On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:16 pm
I empathize. I've off caffeine for the moment – ugh, is all I can say.
Poppy On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:22 pm
Just to rub it in I happen to be drinking a Dr Pepper right now as I am reading this. I go for the real stuff, though, none of that pansy diet stuff!
Jeanie On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:25 pm
You're giving up soda??? Why? is the first response that comes to mind but that's only because I am also a soda-holic. I tried to give it up once. Oh sure, I gave it up while I was pregnant but went right back to the dark side as soon as I could. Wow, I wish you much luck!! (Better luck than I had!) The mere thought of it makes me nervous… and that scares me!
Melanie On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:25 pm
I gave up caffeinated beverages all together when I got engaged. Thanks to loving suggestions by my future MM who had never tasted a caffeinated beverage in his LIFE. The things you do for that tingling in your backside…
KSinOhio On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:34 pm
MmmmMmmmm chapssssss…
sweepea On Wednesday, October 8 at 4:46 pm
you SURE you're not knocked-up, REE?
Susan On Wednesday, October 8 at 5:10 pm
I love what you did with the pictures, Ree. What action was that anyway? Or was it an action? They really look balanced. LOL.
Jennifer On Wednesday, October 8 at 5:13 pm
Please end each post with chaps. Please?
Terri Cook On Wednesday, October 8 at 5:20 pm
hmmm… I thought DDP was included in one of the 6 basic food groups (fruits and veggies, grains, dairy, meat, chocolate and soda (or pop)!!
Seriously, I gave a horrible Mountain Dew habit (2 liters minimum per day) a few years back. The headache dang near killed me. he he he…no I drink a limited amount of Dr Pepper (the real stuff). My doctor said to skip the diet drinks, your body reacts the same to the fake sugar as real sugar and the chemicals are awful on your insides. So I comfort myself that I'm following doctor's orders with every sip I take.
Now, if there is a pressing reason for the cessation of this habit…….like a baby? Then by all means continue with the deprivation. Otherwise, git yourself to town to buy a cold one!!
Lynn Jones On Wednesday, October 8 at 5:36 pm
I know what you are going through. I have had a diet coke addiction for most of 20 years. I decided it interferred with my sleep so I quit this summer. I replaced it with iced tea, which I know you don't care for, but it made it easier. Now I can have one when I want and I don't even really like it.
I hope you don't have too bad of a time.
Scott Roeben On Wednesday, October 8 at 5:47 pm
I have two questions. One, what do chaps actually do? Two, do the kids want to do these kinds of chores, or is it just expected that they will? I find the whole lifestyle fascinating, especially since I was a kid I had innumerable battles with my father about the fact that I hated to do this rugged chore we called "setting the table" even once a week, much less getting up before sunrise to wrassle big, smelly critters.
Truly-Jen On Wednesday, October 8 at 6:15 pm
"…substance known as Diet Dr. Pepper, which I gave up 48 hours ago",
Good for you, any soda is horrible for you. I bet you get a n awful headache. Temporary though.
Tiffany On Wednesday, October 8 at 6:19 pm
You very possibly could be saving yourself from getting cancer. I have read research that says if you drink 16oz. of soda per day you have a 50% HIGHER chance of getting cancer!! Does that help with the motivation?
Caroline On Wednesday, October 8 at 6:25 pm
You can talk about chaps anytime…really it won't bother me. Kudos for giving up the Diet Dr. Pepper- you are a better woman than I!
Marcie On Wednesday, October 8 at 6:50 pm
Oh my gosh! I haven't been looking at your site a lot recently because we have been busy recovering from Hurricane Ike, but when I saw your word DISCOMBOBULATED! I was floored. That was my Hurricane word. At the time I wasn't even sure if it was a real word but then found out later that it was. My co-workers are probably tired of hearing me say it so I have tried to cut myself down to once a day, this week. It just seemed like the perfect word to describe what we have been through! Everything is slowly getting back to normal and the kids are back in school and most of the debris is starting to go away. I just love that word and it really felt good to hear you use it! Have a great discombobulated day!
Marcie Wirick
Dayton, Texas
pentastarr On Wednesday, October 8 at 6:52 pm
I had NO idea there were that many people addicted to Diet DP!!!! I start at 5am….and drink it will my head hits the pillow! I LOVE it….tried the caffeine free..had an after taste…and it is not easy to find above the Mason Dixon Line…have loved it every since I was a kid…switched to diet to make myself feel good! There ARE worse addictions!
michelle On Wednesday, October 8 at 7:01 pm
I'm glad you homeschool your children!
joanser22 On Wednesday, October 8 at 7:08 pm
Dear, Dear Ree–Here is how Diet Dr. Pepper saved my life, and I say this with great solemnity and sense of purpose. I taught high school choir and my choral colleague was a fello of tremendous humor and never failed to diffuse any tension during the day with his sharp wit. To unwind after a hard day of herding high school boys who thought they belonged on American Idol, my colleague, Jody, and I would shut ourselves in our office, drink DDPs and BURP to one another. It was the best therapy I've ever experienced. We'd laugh until it ran out our noses. Dang! I am retired now, but I miss that guy, Jody, and our burping sessions EVERY SINGLE DAY! I totally get the Diet Dr. P. "thang".
joanser22 On Wednesday, October 8 at 7:08 pm
that would be "felloW"
Rachel On Wednesday, October 8 at 7:22 pm
does he turn away from the camera on purpose???
Debb On Wednesday, October 8 at 7:29 pm
What can I say; but, nice chaps.
jeanie On Wednesday, October 8 at 8:13 pm
I don't. No cola for me – but I am partnered to an addict of the stuff.
Our dad taught us that you count their legs and divide by 4 – so much more effective than counting their ears and dividing by 2 because sometimes dingoes can put your maths out of whack.
emma in Ft. Worth On Wednesday, October 8 at 8:57 pm
Should've weaned yourself off of the DDP slowly…I used to drink it alot – but now it burns my stomach when I do. That can't be good…. ya think?? (are you pregnant?????)
Thanks for the chaps fix – I've been needing to see some chaps and rear Wrangler pockets……sigh…
Kay on the farm in Neb On Wednesday, October 8 at 9:04 pm
That girl of yours is getting so tall and long-legged. You'll be beating cowboys away from the ranch-house before too long.
We know she has the "good looks" genes.
Sharyn Lieth On Wednesday, October 8 at 9:22 pm
I LOVE Diet Dr. Pepper!
Amy E. On Wednesday, October 8 at 9:33 pm
AHHH!!! No Diet DP???!!! I just don't think I could do it!!
I allow myself ONE a day..at school…it helps me to deal with the Heathens!! ha
Let me know how bad the withdrawals are..maybe I will then give it a try!!
PJ On Wednesday, October 8 at 9:34 pm
Why, oh why give up Diet Dr. Pepper? You live in the back of beyond and deserve SOME modern conveniences. Yep. Diet Dr. Pepper is VERY convenient!! And …It's still a very good Pepper-Upper!!! And Friendly!
Sarah On Wednesday, October 8 at 10:04 pm
How does he keep his shirt so white when he's working with cattle?
andrea in ut On Wednesday, October 8 at 10:05 pm
Giving it up?! Oh man, I am so sorry. Just thinking about that makes me sad. I'll go have one for you.
Emily On Wednesday, October 8 at 11:50 pm
You're not really giving up Diet DP are you? You're just on a fast for a few days right? Seriously, this is a sad thing. That's my favorite soda in the world. I agree with commenter #380. I want to go have one for you so you can telepathically drink it or something. As for your other pictures, how heavy is that gate?
Andi the desert rat On Thursday, October 9 at 12:30 am
It's okay… let's talk about chaps….
Bree On Thursday, October 9 at 12:36 am
Totally feel ya on the Diet Dr. Pepper withdrawl. I'm currently trying to abstain (poorly) from the stuff.
Brenda On Thursday, October 9 at 1:45 am
I have to tell you, when I first moved to Puerto Vallarta, I was jonesing for Diet Dr. Pepper. I would see a TV commercial for it and my taste buds would start spurting out the "OMG" juices.
About a year ago, they started selling it here. I'll never forget when I spotted the first can at the grocery store.
My eyes bugged out in disbelief. I ran to the cans, grabbed one and……………kissed it!
Then I ran and grabbed a cart, threw in a bunch of cans, paid for them and then ran home and put two in the freezer to cool them off.
I couldn't even wait more than five minutes, so I cracked one open and guzzeled that puppy in a few seconds.
The second one I savoured.
Now I am simply an addict.
I may need to go to the Doctor
Bush Babe On Thursday, October 9 at 2:36 am
Righto… lets just understand that you seem fixated on a certain cowboys chaps with OR without Dr Pepper. Just sayin'. Not that I blame you. I get fixated on a certain stockman's fine denim-clad derriere on occasion. And I don;t drink Dr Pepper. Go figure.
I don't understand the shipping thing… I thought shipping was actually MOVING something (we call that 'trucking'). I so fail the whole American language thing. *sigh*
Alyssa in Minnesota On Thursday, October 9 at 2:56 am
Oh man, I gave up caffeine last October and my drug of choice was Diet Dr. Pepper. I think I was drinking on average 3 20oz bottles a day sometimes up to 5! It was really out of hand. I started drinking clear pop since it is usually always caffeine-free and because I was living in a small town that actually stopped selling Caffeine-free DDP around the time I gave up caffeine. I was saddened by that. Anyway, now that I moved back to the 'burbs, I drink CF DDP and water mostly.
Fastfingers UK On Thursday, October 9 at 3:45 am
Is that the ghost of cowboys past in the second picture, right over there on the right? Spooky.
R.C. On Thursday, October 9 at 4:30 am
I love soda! I can't imagine giving it up!
andrea On Thursday, October 9 at 6:26 am
I have a question Ms. Ree…. How does MM keep his shirts so clean while working??? In your photos he is always, clearly working hard, but his shirts always look so fresh clean & (dare I say) pressed. I am so in awe of his ability to keep shirts fresh. Shoot I can't wear light colors with out, breakfast, lunch, coffee… whatever decorating the front!
Joanna On Thursday, October 9 at 6:54 am
SO glad you're giving up the DDP … it's up there with all the other things on this list
Good luck with it
Debra Welch On Thursday, October 9 at 7:15 am
The economy has my huspand and I very worried. We are in construction and are hoping it won't slow down. Our retirement is in money market accounts so we are very worried about that as we have taken a hard hit these last few days. We are in our fifties and had hoped to retire soon but doesn't look like that will happen now. Our son also started his own construction company 3 years ago. He has a wife and 2 kids to support. But we have our health, our faith, and good friends. I know there are others in a lot worse shape than us. We will survive, have before in tough situations. Hang in there everyone!
stevie77001 On Thursday, October 9 at 10:41 am
Ok so if 16 oz of soda gives me 50% more chance of cancer, then if I drink 32 oz of soda I suppose that gives me 100% chance? In that case, there's no way I'm wasting my time cleaning my house this weekend. Sounds rather alarmist to me. Just sayin is all.
Lynne On Thursday, October 9 at 12:44 pm
I just gave up Dr. Pepper because, well…because I really needed to. It was ridiculous. I find myself fantasizing about Dr. Pepper.
It's bad.
J Norris On Thursday, October 9 at 4:59 pm
If you ever have a down fall try Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper. Can't live without it.
Robin On Thursday, October 9 at 10:47 pm
I've tried giving up diet dp too many times to count. Good luck.
Kara On Friday, October 10 at 7:11 am
"Speaking of chaps"
ahhhhh hahha, oh Ree.
Peachy On Friday, October 10 at 7:46 am
Love to see the kids working.
Love to see the chaps working.


text:
"Dick Cheney watches television": The four previously unseen 9/11 photos that will make you hate the evil VP all over again
Topics: The Simpsons, Rupert Murdoch, Entertainment News
Before proceeding to the informational portion of this essay, please take a moment to complete the following questionnaire:
1) Are you disillusioned?
2) Disappointed?
3) Disgusted?
4) Disagreeably damp and jittery?
5) Are you worried you might have accidentally minimized your potential?
6) Are you trapped in a loveless cubicle?
7) Do you question authority when authority is out of earshot?
8) Does this fill you with shame and guilt and cheese puffs?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, you are probably a fan of Matt Groening. If you answered no, you are also probably a fan of Matt Groening. Bush family aside, who is not a fan of Matt Groening? Ever since his syndicated comic strip "Life in Hell" — that series of nihilistic but cuddly dispatches from the epicenter of gloom — first appeared in 1980, Groening has been raising the dampened spirits of the fashionably alienated by dunking Binky, his rabbity, buck-toothed proxy, into a weekly bog of self-pity, anxiety and existential despair. As Flaubert might have said, "Binky, c'est tout le monde." But mainly, he is Matt Groening.
Or rather, he is the struggling, penurious pre-"Simpsons" Matt Groening. "I judge my life by how miserable it used to be," Groening told an interviewer last year, speaking of his early days as a lowly alternative cartoonist. "If I could pay my rent, I was deliriously happy. Now I'm deliriously happy all the time."
But before delirium set in, Groening spun a lingering bad mood and an "accidental" cartooning career into a billion-dollar print, broadcast, merchandising and licensing empire. Some seven years after Binky and his one-eared son, Bongo, first began delving into their epic disaffection, and the heroically insecure (but enterprising) gay twins Akbar and Jeff opened the first of their reprobate money-making "huts," "The Simpsons," the first animated series to hit prime time in 20 years, made its television debut.
His mission, Groening has said, was to create a sofa-centric sitcom about a typical American family and turn it upside down in retaliation for all the bad TV he watched as a kid. The message? "That your moral authorities don't always have your best interests in mind," he told Mother Jones magazine. "Teachers, principals, clergymen, politicians — for the Simpsons, they're all goofballs, and I think that's a great message for kids." (Statements like these, of course, set off fits of right-wing apoplexy, much to the amusement and delight of everyone else. George Bush once famously regaled the nation with the suggestion that American families should aspire to be "more like the Waltons and less like the Simpsons," prompting Bart to retort, "But we're just like the Waltons — we're both praying for an end to the depression.")
"The Simpsons" premiered in 1990, and eventually became the most popular, most widely broadcast and one of the longest-running shows in television history. "The Simpsons" has earned Fox's parent company, Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., well over a billion dollars, and its role in the network's growth has been incalculable. The show is watched by more than 60 million people weekly in more than 60 countries around the world — beating out even the lowest-common-denominator friendly "Baywatch" as the world's most-watched show.
"Simpsons" executive producer Mike Scully, who took over as show runner, or head writer, in 1996, has said that in order to write for "The Simpsons," a writer must have "a healthy disrespect for everything Americans hold dear." And judging from the success of "The Simpsons," what Americans hold most dear is disrespect itself. Nowadays, you can't throw a rock at a TV set without hitting an irreverent animated social satire. But for a few brief moments in the early '90s, the idea that anything "alternative" could suddenly overtake the mainstream was still surprising. In 1991, the newly wealthy Groening still seemed to struggle with the central paradox of his career. "I'm a fan of counterculture — of which there is very little right now," he told Fortune magazine. "What's happened is that mainstream culture has gotten so good at marketing pseudo-hipness that it overwhelms other choices that are out there."
Ten years later, at the age of 46, Groening is responsible for a comic strip syndicated in 250 newspapers, more than 25 books, two prime-time animated series and untold containers full of valuable merchandise. And for a guy whose career has been dedicated to skewering television, crass commercialism, "evil billionaire tyrants" (how boss Rupert Murdoch described himself in a cameo on "The Simpsons") and brainless consumers, Groening sure does love his merchandise. Images of "The Simpsons" have been licensed to sell everything from T-shirts to toys to potato chips to cheese, suggesting that mainstream culture has gotten pretty good at marketing genuine hipness as well.
Twenty-four years ago, Groening was just another unrecognized genius driving to Los Angeles in a crummy car with a coat hanger for a radio antenna. Sometime after midnight on the day of his arrival, his car stalled in the fast lane of the Hollywood Freeway in 100 degree heat. On the radio, a drunken DJ wept a final farewell to his job. It was Groening's first day in hell. So the story goes, and it has, as they say, legs. The broken-down car has alternately been described as a '63 Dodge Dart and a '72 Datsun. The details may vary, but the story, like most of the stories Groening tells about the defining moments in his life, reads like a fairy tale. This one is a Cinderella story: humble beginings, the insidious discouragement of petty authority figures, the unexpected intervention by fairy godproducer James L. Brooks and the eventual (stormy) marriage to a wealthy potentate (Rupert Murdoch's Fox network).
Groening grew up in Portland, Ore., with a father named Homer, a mother named Marge and sisters named Maggie and Lisa. In high school, he drew cartoons for the school newspaper until he was kicked off the staff. He ran for student body president on the "Teens for Decency" ("If You're Against Decency, What Are You For?") platform, and regretted his victory immediately. Later, Groening attended Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., which was known for its extremely liberal (no grades, no core requirements) liberal arts program. He befriended fellow cartoonist Lynda Barry and, finding no real authority to rebel against, he turned to cartooning in earnest.
Choosing Los Angeles because it was the place where a writer was most likely to be overpaid, Groening answered a "writer/chauffeur wanted" ad in the L.A. Times. Soon, he was driving an 88-year-old movie director around by day and ghost-writing his autobiography by night while living upstairs from a nocturnal rock lover (whose ceiling light he eventually dislodged with a plunging cinderblock). After graduating to a job at a record store called Licorice Pizza, whose gimmick it was to give away licorice to its customers (but whose employees often found themselves providing free licorice meals to the indigent instead), Groening began drawing "Life in Hell," a self-published, xeroxed comic book starring Binky, a lonely, alienated rabbit living in low-income Hollywood hell. Groening started sending the comic back home to friends in Portland in lieu of doleful letters about his miserable life. By installment No. 6, the list of recipients had grown from 20 to 500. "Life in Hell" was also sold in the punk corner of the store, where the punks sometimes ripped them up.
"I showed it to the editor of the Los Angeles Reader," he once told an interviewer, "and he hired me immediately — to deliver newspapers." Groening worked at the Reader for six years, as a typesetter, editor, paste-up artist and rock critic. The paper offered him a cartoon strip in 1980, and, surprised, Groening accepted. "I never saw anything as crude as my stuff getting published," he has said.
Six years later, after Groening penned an angry letter to the editor over the dismissal of a writer, the paper fired him by replacing his strip with another cartoonist's work while Groening was out of town on a book-signing tour for "Work Is Hell." Groening found out the way everybody else did, by picking up the paper. By then, however, "Life in Hell" was running in several other alternative weeklies, and soon the L.A. Weekly brought him on board. In 1987, Groening married fellow Weekly staffer Deborah Caplan. A few years earlier they had set up their own syndicate, ACME Features, to distribute the strip. A self-published anthology of "Love Is Hell" led to a deal with Pantheon Books, and eventually Caplan began running Life In Hell Inc. The goal of the company, she told Newsweek, was to "keep the machine of Matt going." (After 13 years of marriage, Caplan filed for divorce in March 1999, the same month as Groening's second show, "Futurama," premiered. They have two sons, Homer and Abe, now 13 and 10.)
In the mid '80s, renowned producer James L. Brooks approached Groening about using the characters from "Life in Hell" on a new show he was developing for comedian Tracey Ullman. Groening knew this would have meant losing ownership rights to his characters, so he decided to start from scratch. As Groening told Spin magazine. "Who knew if this TV thing would pan out?" Needless to say, it panned out.
Groening's success owes as much to his own work as it does to the work of a slew of others, including co-creators James Brooks and Sam Simon, and "The Simpsons'" writing staff. Though Groening has continued to churn out his comic strip every week, it's been about a decade since he wrote an episode of "The Simpsons." The daily task of writing the show is left to a team of writers, whom he calls his "Harvard-grad-brainiac-bastard-eggheads." In fact, when "Simpsons" writers wax elegaic, they tend to do so about George Meyer, a writer who first became involved with the show late in 1989, a few months before its Fox premiere. Executive producer and show runner Mike Scully once told the New Yorker, "People are always asking why 'The Simpsons' is still so good after all these years, and, at the risk of pissing off all the other writers, I think I'd have to say that the main reason is probably George." Ian Maxtone-Graham, another writer on the show, has said in an interview, "I would rather make George Meyer laugh than get an Emmy." Groening has said that due to his limited drawing ability, it's unlikely he could get a job as an animator on "The Simpsons" today. Perhaps, were he to walk in off the street, he could get a job as a writer on the show. But in any case, Groening allowed the series to evolve under the tutelage of his writers, the undisputed champions of television comedy.
Brooks' and Simon's hand in shaping the show was significant. It was thanks to Brooks' reputation that "The Simpsons" was granted a level of autonomy not normally given to television shows — especially one as risky as "The Simpsons" seemed at the time. Simon was also responsible for hiring the writing staff, who shaped the characters into what they are today.
In the 10 years since the debut of "The Simpsons," however, Groening had gone from semifamous alternative cartoonist to iconic powerhouse. A fan of science fiction, he had been thinking about creating a show about the future for some time. And the idea of creating a show on his own appealed to him. "I think Matt likes the fact that this is more his baby," Rich Moore, supervising director of Rough Draft, the company that animates "Futurama," told Spin magazine. "That there's no Jim Brooks around. I think he kind of wants to prove, maybe to no one but himself, that he can do it without those guys."
"Futurama" moved away from the family sitcom structure and into dysfunctional workplace territory, a subject that had long inspired Groening. A thousand years in the future — a wry, bleak version of a future where suicide booths and celebrity heads preserved in jars are part of the landscape — work is still hell. The show centers on Fry, a pizza-delivery man who is accidentally frozen in a cryogenics lab and defrosted 1,000 years later. He winds up working for an intergalactic delivery service, with a crew of misfits including Leela, the ship's one-eyed alien captain and Bender, a corrupt, vice-addled, disgruntled robot. Needless to say, the life-affirming executives at Fox worried that the show was too dark and negative.
Despite the unprecedented success of "The Simpsons," the process of getting "Futurama" on the air has been described by Groening as "the worst experience of my adult life." When he and former "Simpsons" show runner David X. Cohen (now the show runner on "Futurama") first approached Fox with the new idea, the network went into instant paroxysms of ecstasy. Then, no sooner had they ordered 13 episodes than the doubts set in. The network resisted giving Groening the autonomy he needed and plied him with notes. As to the autonomy he'd enjoyed with "The Simpsons," Groening was told, "We don't do business like that anymore."
Not that Fox isn't grateful: "If you go back 10 years ago, we didn't have a lot of successful shows on the air," 20th Century Fox Television co-president Gary Newman told Daily Variety in January 2000, about nine months after the debut of "Futurama." "To many divisions of this company, 'The Simpsons' was the shining light that kept us motivated and believing that our division would grow. What may never happen again is another show that comes along and had the overall importance to a particular company like 'The Simpsons' has had for News Corp."
Groening was outspoken about his criticisms of Fox's business practices and its inexplicably shabby treatment of him and his new show. "I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, because this is how everyone is treated [in Hollywood]," he told Mother Jones. "But I thought I would have a little bit more leeway since I made Fox so much money with 'The Simpsons.'"
Sharing one inane series of meetings, he told the magazine, "I said, 'Look, I told you "Futurama" is not going to be bland and boring like "The Jetsons." And it's not going to be dark and drippy like "Blade Runner." And they said, 'Don't make it like "Blade Runner"!' I said, 'It's not going to be like "Blade Runner."' They said, 'Make it like "The Jetsons"! You know, "Meet George Jetson. His son Leroy."' And I said, 'I think it's Elroy.' They said, 'It doesn't make any difference!'"
The pilot episode of "Futurama" was scheduled to air in the coveted slot between "The Simpsons" and "The X-Files" on Sunday night, and was watched by 19 million viewers. Then Fox moved "Futurama" to Tuesday night, and audiences fell to about 8 million. The show, according to Groening, was "buried." Eventually, it was moved to Sundays at 8 p.m., but although Fox recently ordered 18 more episodes for next season, Groening, thinking like the businessman that he is, still feels the show could benefit from more aggressive promotion and a better time slot.
Still, it's clear that Groening's satire feeds on frustration and the stupidity of others. Were it not for the clueless executives, the inane network decisions, the petty betrayals at the hands of people who benefit from his success, he might have stagnated by now. Despite his status as an ultimate insider, Groening's writing has always been that of an outsider. In interview after interview, he has recalled his youthful vow never to forget what childhood was like — a gauntlet of petty rules and restrictions that exist only to be broken. When he's not telling the Cinderella story, the story Groening tells about himself is a David and Goliath story; and the older and more powerful he becomes, the bigger and more powerful the lumbering naysayers standing in his way. From teachers who forced him to rip up his cartoons in front of the class, to the petty tyranny of bosses ("I was told that I would never get a job in the Pacific Northwest in journalism after my disgraceful stewardship of the Cooper Point Journal," Groening told the graduating class in a commencement address at his alma mater, Evergreen State College. "Hey, they were right!"), to the narrow mentality of newspaper editors (even "alternative" newpaper editors "hated" his approach to obscure rock criticism) to the "timidness" of network executives trying to subject him to "corporate deflavorizer," to his famous battles with network censors, Groening's life reads like a series of epic adventures more Quixotic than Homeric in their details. He casts himself as the avenging underdog tilting at windmills, but, in the end, he always returns the conquering hero.
Groening's position is an interesting one for a satirist to find himself in. He made a name exploring his own alienation and a fortune exposing the absurdities and hypocrisies of our culture, and nowadays, Groening is as powerful an insider as they come. Groening is a guy who lunches with Rupert Murdoch and finds him congenial. And yet he speaks like the kid who just made it big, who still can't believe his luck. "Do people who don't have cockroaches and can afford their rent, are they happier?" he said in a Mother Jones interview. "I wake up every morning thinking how lucky I am."
When asked by Mother Jones if he has ever considered funding "noncommercial enterprises," he responds, "I knock myself out as a commercial artist, and people come to me all the time with proposals for money-losing endeavors … I like the idea of trying to be successful on some level, at least reaching an audience enough so that you can sustain it and keep on going." As to his position on the "Simpsons" voice actors' recent contract negotiations, he told Mother Jones, "I have sympathy. They are incredibly talented, and they deserve a chance to be as rich and miserable as anyone else in Hollywood … Hold out for as much money as you can get, but make the deal."
Groening himself has always made the deal. "The success of the show," he has said, "has gone beyond my wildest dreams and worst nightmares."
Dick Cheney watches television


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Mondial Relay API
Mondial Relay (trans. Global Relay) is a shipping company that delivers parcels to individuals. They have over 6000 Relay Points in four countries and, thanks to their partnership with Hermes Logistik, more than 22,000 Relay Points throughout Europe. Package recipients can select the Relay Point closest to their home or workplace and receive notification via email or SMS when their shipment arrives. Meanwhile, customers can follow the progress of a parcel in real time from the Mondial Relay website. Mondial Relay's API lets users access site functions programmatically. They can create shipping labels, search for Relay Points, create expedited shipments, and more. This API relies on SOAP calls issued in XML format. The Mondial Relay website is only provided in French. However, the company also has a website for Spain that is given in Spanish and a website for Belgium that is given in French and Dutch.
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SHREWSBURY, Mass. - Shrewsbury police have released their incident report for Jan. 23-25. Four people were arrested:
Two Worcester men were arrested at 9 p.m. Jan. 23 at 87 Boston Turnpike on drug charges. Richibert Alexander, 27, and Israel Gonzalez, 26, both were charged with conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws and possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute.
On Jan. 25 at 1 a.m., a Marlborough woman was arrested at the intersection of Boston Turnpike and Lake View Avenue and charged with operating under the influence of liquor and marked lanes violation.
On Jan. 25 at 2 a.m., a Milford man was arrested at 152 Hartford Turnpike and charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle and a plate violation.
Download the complete incident report at the link below.
Attached: Shrewsbury Police Log Jan. 23-25 (shrewsbury_police_incident_log_01.24.13-01.25.13.pdf)Get Breaking News In Your Inbox


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- Filed Under
Republican Nick Spano, a 20-year veteran of the state Senate, today finally conceded to Democrat Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who again celebrated a win she declared on Election Night.
In a press conference outside state Supreme Court in White Plains this afternoon, Stewart-Cousins said she had been "cautiously optimistic" since her "apparent" victory on Election Day. But with recanvassing of voting machines completed yesterday and her lead at 1,800 votes, Spano conceded this afternoon, making the "apparent" go away, she said.
"I'm happy to say we've multiplied that 18 one thousand ...


text:
Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more
Dual Therapy
Formulations of AMOXIL contain amoxicillin, a semisynthetic antibiotic, an analog of ampicillin, with a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.
AMOXIL is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY (beta)-lactamase-negative) strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions listed below:
Infections of the ear, nose, and throat --due to
spp. ((alpha)- and (beta)-hemolytic strains only), S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus
spp., or
H. influenzae.
Infections of the genitourinary tract --due to
E. coli, P. mirabilis, or
E. faecalis.
Infections of the skin and skin structure --due to
spp. ((alpha)- and (beta)-hemolytic strains only), Staphylococcus
spp., or
E. coli.
Infections of the lower respiratory tract --due to
spp. ((alpha)- and (beta)-hemolytic strains only), S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus
spp., or
H. influenzae.
Gonorrhea, acute uncomplicated (ano-genital and urethral infections) --due to
N. gonorrhoeae
(males and females).
H. pylori
eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence
Triple Therapy: AMOXIL/clarithromycin/lansoprazole
AMOXIL, in combination with clarithromycin plus lansoprazole as triple therapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with
H. pylori
infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or 1-year history of a duodenal ulcer) to eradicate
H. pylori. Eradication of
H. pylori
has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. (See CLINICAL STUDIES and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
Dual Therapy: AMOXIL/lansoprazole
AMOXIL, in combination with lansoprazole delayed-release capsules as dual therapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with
H. pylori
infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or 1-year history of a duodenal ulcer) who are either allergic or intolerant to clarithromycin or in whom resistance to clarithromycin is known or suspected. (See the clarithromycin package insert, MICROBIOLOGY.) Eradication of
H. pylori
has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. (See CLINICAL STUDIES and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of AMOXIL and other antibacterial drugs, AMOXIL should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. Indicated surgical procedures should be performed.
Response of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers to amoxicillin
trihydrate-clavulanate potassium therapy: a randomized, double-blind
placebo-controlled prospective study. [2012]In this study, we evaluated the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip
ulcers with amoxicillin trihydrate-potassium clavulanate (Clavamox(®); Pfizer
Animal Health). Nineteen cats with clinical and cytological findings consistent
with eosinophilic plaques and/or lip ulcers were enrolled...
Clinical and microbiological benefits of metronidazole alone or with amoxicillin as adjuncts in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. [2011.09]AIM: To evaluate the effects of the adjunctive use of metronidazole (MTZ) or MTZ+amoxicillin (AMX) in the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis (ChP)... CONCLUSION: The adjunctive use of MTZ+AMX offers short-term clinical and microbiological benefits, over SRP alone, in the treatment of non-smokers subjects with generalized ChP. The added benefits of MTZ were less evident. (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Efficacy of amoxicillin treatment in preventing postoperative complications in patients undergoing third molar surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study. [2011.06]PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the occurrence of postoperative complications in patients receiving either pre- or postoperative amoxicillin versus placebo after third molar surgery... CONCLUSION: Amoxicillin administered pre- or postoperatively demonstrated greater efficacy than placebo in preventing postoperative complications in patients undergoing third molar surgery. The best results were obtained using the postoperative protocol. Copyright (c) 2011 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with once-daily amoxicillin versus intramuscular benzathine penicillin G in low-resource settings: a randomized controlled trial. [2011.06]BACKGROUND: Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever is achieved by proper antibiotic treatment of group A beta -hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis... CONCLUSION: If compliance is a major issue, a single dose of IM BPG may be preferable for treatment of GAS pharyngitis.
Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid versus appendicectomy for treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis: an open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial. [2011.05.07]BACKGROUND: Researchers have suggested that antibiotics could cure acute appendicitis. We assessed the efficacy of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid by comparison with emergency appendicectomy for treatment of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis... INTERPRETATION: Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid was not non-inferior to emergency appendicectomy for treatment of acute appendicitis. Identification of predictive markers on CT scans might enable improved targeting of antibiotic treatment. FUNDING: French Ministry of Health, Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique 2002. Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Trial of Standard vs Half Dose Rabeprazole, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole and Amoxicillin in the Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infection [Recruiting]
The proposed study will test the hypothesis that H. pylori can be eradicated successfully
(>85%) using half-or full-dose "concomitant" non-bismuth quadruple therapy regimen:
rabeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole twice daily for 7 days in
patients with peptic ulcers and H. pylori related gastritis.
Two hundred patients from the outpatient department and the endoscopy unit at AUBMC will be
enrolled in this open-label trial. Patients with positive CLO tests or urea breath tests,
documenting H. pylori infection, will be randomized into one of two groups: Full dose or half
dose the concomitant regimen, with 100 patients in each group. Compliance and side effects
will be assessed, and a urea breath test will be done for all patients after 4 weeks of
therapy completion to evaluate eradication rates. Success of therapy will be evaluated
according to intent-to treat and per-protocol analyses.
Pediatric Taste Test Study of Cefdinir (Omnicef) Versus Amoxicillin Antibiotic Suspension Medications [Completed]
To compare the taste and smell acceptability scores of cefdinir (Omnicef) versus amoxicillin
oral antibiotic suspension medications in pediatric subjects. It was designed to determine if
Omnicef or amoxicillin is preferred to the other with regard to taste or smell.
A Comparative, Single-Center, Pediatric Taste Test Study of Omnicef Versus Amoxicillin Antibiotic Suspension Medications [Completed]
To compare the taste and smell acceptability scores of cefdinir (Omnicef) versus amoxicillin
oral antibiotic suspension medications in pediatric subjects. It is designed to determine if
Omnicef or amoxicillin is preferred to the other with regard to taste or smell.
Short Course of Amoxicillin for Erysipelas [Not yet recruiting]
The propose of this study is to determine whether a 6-day duration of oral amoxicillin
treatment of erysipelas is non-inferior to a 14-day standard duration intravenous then oral
amoxicillin regimen. This trial will be open but evaluation will be perform by a blind
Amoxicillin-clavulanate in Treating Acute Otitis Media Evaluated by Daily Tympanometry [Recruiting]
The purpose of the study is to assess the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanate in treating
acute otitis media in children. The primary end point is time to disappearance of middle ear
effusion which monitored by daily tympanometry performed by families and study physicians.
Nasopharyngitis (2),
Respiratory Disorder (2),
Malaise (2),
Blood Pressure Increased (2),
Angioedema (2),
Asthenia (2),
Skin Exfoliation (1),
Dermatitis Bullous (1),
Drug Dispensing Error (1),
Vomiting (1), more >>
All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2015


text:
Just a quick opinion poll, do you prefer dressage over jumping?
I personally love the excitement of jumping and sometimes find the technical elements of dressage a bit boring. But, if you're a dressage fanatic, I'm more than happy to listen to you go off as to the million reasons why you think dressage is better than jumping. And, if you say that dressage is beautiful to watch, I will be the first person to agree with you. It's just that riding with so much precision and perfection I often find difficult and therefore don't consider it very highly on my favourite things.
Is there anyone out there who thinks that they have a way to make dressage and flatwork more fun and exciting? I'm all ears.
Please leave your opinion in the poll too.


text:
Below is the poem entitled The Unknown Gardener which was written by poet
freeman. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.
Read Poems by
John Freeman
"I'm the unknown gardener my name is mentioned in the bible, but no one need honor me.
Just a pauper, I was in the garden that day, but my only contribution to grace works was filthy
Hearing a rumbling it seemed from deep inside the ground, I looked toward a tomb which had a
huge stone place over it's mouth. As I looked I saw a steady lighting flashing, so bright it
dimmed my sight, emitting from the tomb around the rock's edges.
The lighting stopped as suddenly as it had began, as once more I heard a scrubbing noise and
saw two celestial beings in shining apparel, as they rolled the huge stone away from the mouth
of the sepulcher. I was amazed, made weak in the knees, my countenance was overcome.
One of the celestial being said, "Fear not I am Michael, the archangel, I came to attend the
Master. This day thou also hath somewhat to offer unto him." I wondered, amazed within myself
as I pondered in my feeble mind, 'What on earth could a meager pauper have of worth to
A beautiful being stepped forth from the tomb, such the like I have never before seen or after!
When he spoke his voice was as the sound of many waters, such as a gently rushing water
fall. He said, "Behold I am the first, and the last, I was alive and was dead, and now I am alive
for evermore. It is finished!"…The two angels, I saw no more.
"Thy name is called Ishmael, born after the flesh, I have heard thy afflictions. This day it
behooves thee to be a signet necessity of my Father's will, representing all of mankind,
for their righteousness of concepts be as fifty rags. Give unto me thy clothes and I will
cleans them for thy are metaphoric of the fleshly unrighteousness of all humankind."
I gave him my clothes and I understood not, but I felt amazingly clean. He clothed
himself with my clothes and said, "Remember this day, for flesh will prophesy this truth in the
last days. In an inspirational writing that I will give thee utterance to write. You will entitle
it, 'The Unknown Gardener' then you will understand the signet!"
With this, He vanished from my presence. This same day has became know as Easter morning, the day of resurrection.
And the fleshly concepts of sin as the casting off of filthy rags! My natural senses returned and I arose from the vision.
I was astonished for seven days. At the end of which I wrote the understanding of the vision. This is what Easter means to me!
For and in Honor of Gwendolen Rix
And Contest: What Easter Means to me!


text:
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Nicholas A. Bisogno Sr.
HENDERSON — Nicholas Anthony "Nick" Bisogno Sr., age 75, a resident of 3008 Old County Home Road, died Saturday, July 19, 2014, at his home.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Antonio Bisogno and Stella Sofin Bisogno.
He was a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. Nicholas began his military career in October of 1957, serving with the 82nd Airborne and Communications.
Nick was owner and president of Nick & Sons Truck Repair Service and was a member of St. James Catholic Church.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church by Father James Gillespie. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the church cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Faye Faircloth Bisogno of the home; two daughters, Carol B. Eber of Forest, Virginia, and Karen B. Short of Henderson; two sons, Nicholas A. Bisogno Jr. of Winnbow and Charles A. Bisogno of Wake Forest; seven grandchildren, Laura Knott, Jennifer Short, Brian Bisogno, Leah Eber, Macy Bisogno, Sarah Short and Max Bisogno; one great-grandchild, Alex Knott; one brother, Anthony Bisogno of Auburn, New York; and three sisters, Lee B. Meyers of Union Springs, New York, Marilyn B. Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mary B. Sawdey of Auburn, New York.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Esther Ruth Cannady Bisogno; one granddaughter, Kara Grace Bisogno; and one sister, Carol Ann Bisogno.
The family will receive friends Wednesday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at J.M. White Funeral Home. At other times, they will be at his home at 3008 Old County Home Road.
Serving as active pall bearers will be Bruce Stevenson Jr., Richard Gurrant, Mark Kelly, Larry Bullock, Dave Eber and Jennifer Short.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 914, Henderson, NC 27536.
Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral home.
Jose M. Grave de Peralta
HENDERSON — Jose Miguel Grave de Peralta, age 89, a resident of 65 Pine View Road, died Friday, July 18, 2014, at his home.
Born in Holguin, Cuba, on May 8, 1925, he was the son of the late Candido S. Grave de Peralta and Luz Sofia Gomez Grave de Peralta. He was a retired teacher, having taught high school in Vance County, as well as courses at Vance-Granville Community College and the University of Valencia in Spain. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and Opus Dei.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, July 24, at 4 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church by Father John Gillespie.
He is survived by a daughter, Ana P. Cobb of Raleigh; four sons, Carlos E. Grave de Peralta of San Diego, California, Raul J. Grave de Peralta of Trinity, Jose M. Grave de Peralta Jr. of Thomasville, Georgia, and Jesus I. Grave de Peralta of Henderson; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Berta Grave de Peralta Dovale of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The family will receive friends following the service at St. James Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979.
The family would like to thank Dr. Franklin Mills and his hospice nurses, Cara and Jamie, for the loving and compassionate care given to Jose.
Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.
Hazel L. Hobgood
HENDERSON — Hazel Lynch Hobgood, age 88, a resident of 119 White Oak Drive, died Saturday, July 19, 2014, at Maria Parham Medical Center.
Born in Warren County on March 18, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Fred Baird Lynch and Alma Taylor Lynch and was the widow of Lucius Howard Hobgood Sr.
Hazel was a retired cafeteria manager at Kerr-Vance Academy and was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held today, July 22, at 11:30 a.m. in the J.M. White Funeral Home Chapel by Dr. Ronald S. Cava. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
She is survived by one daughter, Pat H. Hughes and husband Tony of Henderson; three sons, Bill Hobgood and wife Kathy of Henderson, Ronnie Hobgood of Leesburg, Florida, and Howard Hobgood and wife Heidi of St. Marteen; 10 grandchildren, William Hobgood, David Hobgood, Brooke Hobgood, Lindsey H. Holmes, Brandon Hughes, Thomas Hobgood, Lauren Hobgood, Oliver Hobgood, Daniel Hobgood, and Harrison Hobgood; and six great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends today, July 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at J.M. White Funeral Home. At other times they will be at the home of Pat and Tony Hughes at 72 Eileen Court, off U.S. 158 Bypass.
Serving as active pallbearers will be William Hobgood, David Hobgood, Thomas Hobgood, Brandon Hughes, Mike Stainback, Donald Seifert and R.G. "Chick" Young Jr.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 914, Henderson, NC 27536.
"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."
Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.
Alvin E. Oakes
HENDERSON — Alvin Eugene Oakes, age 78, a resident of 328 Oak St., died Sunday, July 20, 2014, at Maria Parham Medical Center.
Born on April 19, 1936, in Granville County, he was the son of the late William Belt Oakes and Beatrice Hall Oakes, and was the widower of Farrel Wheeler Oakes.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of Tabbs Creek Baptist Church.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Gardens by the Rev. Frank Sossamon.
He is survived by one son, Craig Oakes and wife Virginia of Henderson; two grandsons, Justin Oakes and wife C.J. of Greenville and Tyler Oakes of Henderson; two sisters, Betty O. White and Lucy O. Mantas of Henderson; and a special friend, Ann McIntyre of Henderson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Julian Beverly Oakes and William Hunter Oakes.
The family will receive friends tonight, July 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at J.M. White Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.
Roy N. Bullock
DURHAM — Roy N. Bullock, 74, of 4625 Redwood Road, died Friday, July 18, 2014, at the Duke Regional Hospital.
A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. today, July 22, at Synama Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Linwood Timberlake. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service.
Arrangements are by Betts and Son Funeral Home in Oxford, which accepts online condolences at bettsandsonfuneralhome.com.


text:
Karin blogs for Sweden
Karin Ericson
Hej! I'm Karin, your guide to a truly Malmö lifestyle. Stay up to date with me and experience how to #LiveMalmo like a real 'Skåning'. You can find me on the VisitSweden UK Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr channels.
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