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Last Updated: 1st Jan 2014

Capital: Vaduz

Currency: Swiss Franc (official) Euro (unofficial)

Language: German (dialect)

Visas: Travel Visa Information

Contiki Tours that travel to Liechtenstein >

This tiny Principality is sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria and is the forth smallest country in the world. Lichtenstein is nowhere near as well known as the other tiny European nations of the Vatican, Monaco and San Marino and there is good reason for this lack of recognition.

In past decades the country's the main claims to fame have been that they are the world biggest producer of false teeth and that they use unique printing process when producing their stamps, a fame that spread as far as dentists and philatelists.

The current ruler (and heir to the throne), Prince Alois, is trying to encourage a more high-profile image for the country through international investment and is patronage of modern art. Although they have hostel the UEFA Junior Football Championships, Lichtenstein is still not know for any major international events.

The Capital 'city' is Vaduz and this is a lunch stop on many Contiki Tours passing through the region and for most people it is an opportunity to get your passport stamped with one of the most obscure stamps in the world (it will cost you however), grab a bite to eat, check out the 12th Century castle that is home to the Royals and maybe change some Swiss Franc.

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Sudan nabs Israeli 'spy' vulture
Roi Kais
1. Still after birds?
How dumb can they get.
2. During Cultural Revolution in China
Communists have killed virtually all sparrows, with an idea, that those birds eat too much grains. then they were stuck with too many bugs, that destroyed harvest. Luckely sparrows in China were not equiped with Israel GPS devices, otherwise Israel would be blamed for both: too many birds and too many bugs Wise Sudanees, probaly, took lesson from Mao himself and decided, that Israel in fact using birds (forget about satellites) pose a national danger to their country. Interesting, is there an end to their stupidity?
Oleg ,
3. A spy?
Did they kill it and drag it through the streets?
Robert ,
4. Top secret sub-micro devices
I hope the Sudanese don't find the scores of genetically altered wasps dropped off at the Port Sudan area that are carrying the prototype IL8TLV ver. 2c sub-micro video/gps devices. It would be a disaster for Israel if they found these wasps and discovered the capabilities of the super-secret/advanced Israeli micro spy technology.
5. They were actually looking for Dinasours
Mike ,
6. These are the kind of morons Israel has to deal with
Fantasies - these people are something else. Israel and Jews could all cease to exist - but there will NEVER be peace with a mentality like this. NEVER. They are crazy , hate-filled imbeciles.
7. Haha! Opposition in Sudan
"How is it possible that the regime was able to detect one vulture, but was unable to detect the jets that bombed the arms facility?" Ha! I love to see people actually use their sense of humor & deductive reasoning! Just when the Sudanese government thought they couldn't look any more stupid.
Amichai ,
Huntsville, US
8. Don't expect them to understand science
The goals of science are way too complex for the fearful Israel haters of the Sudan to understand.
Korem ,
9. Mossad hiding as vulture
Yea but the ants escaped without detection...
Rhonda ,
Chicago, USA
10. sudan is bloody nuts along with the rest of them
sudan is nuts along with some other countries, backwards, medival, the only ones who could be swayed by cults and religious indoctrination. South sudan will settle scores down the road big time. This is who erdogan considers education and moral, the scumbags of sudan.
11. Bird spys
Glad they put this spy "nest" to bed! Hope they wasted a LOT of money on this thorough investigation! !
Larry Gutter ,
Orlando, FL 32701 US
12. Amazing!
Spying Vultures !!!!! They feed of of dead flesh.......... Better hide and take cover!!!
Filipe ,
Leiria, Portugal
13. sudanese are birdbrains.
Bunnie Meyer ,
Los Angeles, CA USA
14. last time
the arab media reported on a cow in Gaza that killed a palestian that wanted to kill it for I do not know which moslem festival. before that was the story of the shark in Sharm El Sheik, and the bird in Iran.. they are so affraid of spyes that the arab world is going to kill any suspect animal... I think its time the Audubon society, or any other animal ong start defending the poor animals.. By the way... do they say: its a zionist bird??? lol
15. wait till they find out about sammy the preying mantis uzzi
the shark. better not leave their homes. who knows they might be shit up by oscar the hawk.
16. Analfabets, what to expect??
They cannot see and understand different kind of electronics. But they know how a TV, Radio and a mobile-phone looks like.... Bye the way, nobody has told them that the teeths in the crocodiles contain cameras?? They should put in their heads and see!!. If it is getting dark, then obvious something strange has happened.
Beary White ,
17. Is there something in the water there
That makes them all retarded?
steve from raleigh
18. I hope they didn't hurt the bird...
... I suspect they found it guilty of spying for an enemy state and executed it... ...I hope I'm wrong
Mark ,
Lodz, Poland
19. Dumb Depths
The depths of their dumbness cannot be measured.....and so it goes.... Jenny
Jenny ,
Brooklyn USA
20. It wasn't a spy......
It was a bomber. I hope he hit his target before he was captured. I might add that I hope he doesn't sing like a canary and blow his cover.
Eaglebeak ,
Left Coast, USA
21. what's to be done?
Will sudan execute the bird, or keep him around for future prisoner swaps with Israel. Under any prisoner exchange, if Israel can get the bird back they would be getting the better part of the deal
daze ,
22. Next Sudan will clone the bird and use it against Israel
Robert ,
New Jersey, USA
23. Sudanese Birdbrains
Do you honestly think Israel would send a "spy bird" tagged with the name "Israel" on it? I think you're all paranoid and insane.
Cheryl ,
Chicago, IL
24. Sounds like quite a 'flap'
That bird was up to something 'fowl' Sorry; couldn't resist.
Josh ,
25. Oh my 6_d!, they got agent Pretty Boy
...secret agent member of the 'Operation Featherbeak' .....
26. Sudan learned nothing from "Mossad vulture" caught in SA
It was only a year or two ago that Saudi authorities announced the capture of the "Mossad vulture", which included a similar migration tag. Acting like fools, they were treated as fools. Now the idiots in Sudan have exhibited a similar dread of those nefarious "Zionists". It's no wonder their civilizations are in the crapper.
Raymond in DC ,
Washington, USA
27. It works because it is propaganda!
It's not that the Sudanese are stupid, it's useful propaganda aimed at the ignorant. It becomes part of a diatribe against Israel and Jews that is welcomed in the Muslim world and Europe. It succeeds because of media bias and the fact that Jews and Israeli's do not do a good enough job at countering it with a good PR push. For instance, I cannot tell you how many people I have met in the US think that Israel is a desert. They have no Idea that Northern Israel reminds many Northern Californians of home. Israel does not do a good job of letting people around the world know of the technological and medical breakthroughs that occur there and how they provide a positive impact on the lives of people around the world. When many people think of Israel, all they see are wars and conflict. We must do a better PR job than our enemies.
Shlomo ,
28. "unprecedented achievement",lol
Iran had spy squirrels and aids infected melons...something else too,can't recall..this goes beyond stupid,intended for the ignorant arab street.
Malone ,
29. 17 Steve
yes, there is.....its called Islam
alsky ,
30. Believe it or not
This vulture should be displayed in the Guinness believe it or not museum, alongside the shark that the Mossad employed to spy upon Egypt.
Rick ,
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May 5, 2016
A judge is postponing Pennsylvania's tough new voter identification requirement, ordering that it not be enforced in the presidential election.
Tuesday's ruling comes just five weeks before the election. An appeal is possible. The 6-month-old law requires each voter to show a valid photo ID.
Democrats and groups including the AARP and NAACP mounted a furious opposition to a law Republicans say is necessary to prevent election fraud. Critics have accused Republicans of using old-fashioned Jim Crow tactics to steal the White House and have highlighted stories of registered voters struggling to get a state photo ID.
The law was already a partisan lightning rod when a top Republican lawmaker boasted that it'd allow GOP nominee Mitt Romney to beat Democratic President Barack Obama in Pennsylvania.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
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Google has said that a billion apps are now being downloaded every single month and that the download rate is still accelerating.
Google claims state that the first 1 billion app installs took nearly 20 months from the Android Market and then the second billion took five months, the third billion took just 2 months, and so on. There is now more than half a million Android phones activated worldwide every day.
Google has since put more effort into apps and downloads by adding extra's like movie rentals and redesigning the Android Market to better rival Apple's App Store. The Apple App store has amassed 18 billion downloads in the three years that it has been open, and in the App Store's first two years it was already up to 5 billion downloads. Google is advancing so quick due to a large number of manufacturers now using its open-source Android operating system..
Google will also make a number of apps available for 10p for 10 days. The company said "Starting today for the next 10 days, we'll have a new set of awesome apps available each day for only 10 pence each. Today, we are starting with Asphalt 6 HD, Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro, Fieldrunners HD, Great Little War Game, Minecraft, Paper Camera, Sketchbook Mobile, Soundhound Infinity and Swiftkey X."


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About 5 miles offshore, the Coast Guardsmen encountered a ship's boat with seventeen men, one of whom identified himself as the master of the British tanker MIRLO. He reported that two other boats had been lowered, of which one had capsized with the probable loss of all its occupants. Keeper Midgett directed him to pull inshore but not to attempt a landing through the surf, and then headed his surfboat for the MIRLO, which by this time was a blazing wreck surrounded by a flaming sea. As the boat approached, the smoke and flames cleared momentarily, revealing the bottom of a capsized boat with six men clinging to it as the heavy swell surged over them. Running his surfboat "through the smoke, floating wreckage, and burning gas and oil," Midgett rescued these men, all of whom were burned slightly, and then sought others who had been in the boat. Finding no trace of these, the chief steered downwind in search of the third of MIRLO's boats. When sighted, this boat was drifting before the wind and sea, so overcrowded with nineteen men that it could not be rowed. The surfboat took it in tow and headed inshore toward the Chicamacomico station, but the wind had begun to freshen and night had fallen, so Midgett decided to land through the surf 2 miles south of the station. Anchoring the MIRLO's boats just outside the surf zone, he ferried her men, ten or eleven at a time, through the surf to the beach. Personnel and horses from his own station and from Station no. 180, Gull Shoal, were waiting to assist the survivors as they were landed, and on the fourth and final trip, Keeper Midgett had his surfmen bring the two ship's boats to the shore as well. By the time the boats had been hauled up on the beach and the survivors had been fed and had their burns treated, it was 11:00 p.m., just six and a half hours since the first explosion. Ten of the MIRLO's men had been lost; had it not been for Midgett and his surfmen -- all but one of whom were also Midgetts! -- the toll might well have reached fifty-two. The members of the boat crew received gold lifesaving medals -- in 1924!
Nine of the twelve Coast Guard High Endurance Cutters are named for Secretaries of the Treasury and the other three for Coast Guard heroes, David H. Jarvis of Point Barrow relief expedition (1897-98) fame, John A. Midgett and Douglas A. Munro (the Coast Guard's only Medal of Honor recipient).
Chief Boatswains Mate
Donald H. Horsley, USCG
The 11 service stripes on the left sleeve of his uniform symbolized a Coast Guard career of more than 44 years, practically all of them spent at sea.
And quite appropriately, during Veterans Day ceremonies, the ashes of Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Donald H. "Boats" Horsley were scattered on the Pacific Ocean from the Coast Guard Cutter MORGENTHAU.
Horsley died of Cancer Aug 24th 1987 at the age of 62. He served on active duty for 44 years, four months, and 27 days. His career spanned three wars, and saw service on board 34 vessels.
A few weeks before his death, Horsley said, "I regret that I won't be around to help fight the next war." His Coast Guard career began August 4th, 1942 (Coast Guard Day). In World War II, he served in the European and Pacific theaters on board CEPHEUS, an assault cargo vessel.
Following the war, Horsley had successive tours on board six cutters. After a tour of duty ashore at Loran Station ULITHI, he served at sea on board five more cutters, and had a return tour on board the seagoing tender PLANETREE.
In August 1956, Horsley was promoted to Chief Boatswains Mate; in 1962, to Senior Chief; and two years later, to Master Chief. When he retired in January 1987, Horsley had served more than 22 years as a Master Chief.
During the Vietnam War, he was the senior petty officer assigned to Division 13, a Coast Guard squadron of five patrol boats whose main mission was to stop Viet Cong re-supply of troops by sea. He served on two occasions there for 41 months, while earning himself a Bronze Star Medal with a Combat "V".
Of his Vietnam experience, Horsley once recalled: "We usually worked with the Navy swiftboats, usually in close to the shore; later we started operating mostly in the rivers."
"It seems to me, if they planned an operation in Headquarters, the Viet Cong had either cleared out or they were waiting for us," he said. "I think our codes were compromised the day they were printed. Either you weren't going to see anything or they were there to greet you with open arms."
After Vietnam, Horsley served throughout the Pacific, including assignments on board the seagoing tender BASSWOOD and as the Officer in Charge of the Coast Guard Buoy Depot on Guam.
In 1976, he was assigned as the Officer in Charge on board river tender WYACONDA, out of Dubuque, Iowa. He returned to sea on board the cutter SHERMAN and was transferred to MORGENTHAU when SHERMAN was decommissioned in early 1986.
At his retirement ceremony in January of 1987, Horsley received the Meritorious Service Medal, and recalled: "I look back and I feel that I was about as fortunate as anybody who joined this outfit. I've seen an era after World War II and Korea that will probably never be seen again."
"I was fortunate because I was able to spend most of my time at sea with most of my time in the Pacific. I had more fun and raised more hell in a 20 year period than most people do in a lifetime."
The cutters' mission on this occasion -- rescuing survivors of torpedoed vessels -- was completed by the end of the month, the NORTHLAND having found none while the MODOC removed the crew of a sinking ship and transferred it to a Norwegian freighter. The GENERAL GREENE, whose Chief Boatswain Chester L. Jordan joined the search without orders and rescued thirty-nine men from two boats of the torpedoed SS MARCONI.
The first five weeks of the patrol passed uneventfully except for the horrible North Atlantic weather. On February 14, 1943, U-606 was met by a supply U-boat, and took aboard oil, bread, potatoes and other rations. Admiral Doenitz was not calling a boat off patrol when she still had a full load of torpedoes remaining. On February 22nd, she at last sighted a convoy, ON-166, and that night closed in on the surface and torpedoed three ships. The attack was well executed, but her luck was fleeting, and now she was down deep, harassed by a determined and hard hitting Polish Destroyer BURZA.
When the engineering officer burst into the control room, reporting the dire condition of the boat, Oberleutnant Hans Dohler did not hesitate. All tanks were blown, exhausting all the high-pressure air flasks in the process, and U-606 started up at a steep angle. On the way to the surface, one officer, according to some survivors, attempted to escape through the galley hatch, but was forcibly restrained by the skipper.
After reaching the surface, the diesel engines were still functioning and interior lights were burning. Being now somewhat calmer, the engineering officer revised his estimate and decided that the boat could live for another two hours. His optimism was premature; it was soon discovered that the listening hydrophone was no longer working, and that the tremendous water pressure below 600 feet had caused the conning tower hatch to become jammed fast. U-606 was running on the surface both blind and deaf, with Allied warships all around!
The nearest was CGC CAMPBELL, only two miles away, and when U-606 broke surface, she promptly made radar contact. The manner in which she did was one more indication of the U-boat's continuing misfortune. CAMPBELL's radar had been out of commission for the entire day, and Chief Radarman Benjamin Stelmasczyk had been working feverishly to get it back in commission, for the ocean was "alive with U-boats." At 1955, he hopefully switched the set on, and minutes later picked up the convoy at a range of 13,000 yards. The Chief continued his final adjustments on the set, and at 2010, only 15 minutes after the gear was turned on, picked up a small target at 4,600 yards.
"It is a small target. Looks like a sub," he reported to the bridge.
CAMPBELL heeled over under full rudder while the general alarm was sounding, and increased speed to 18 knots, homing on the target. It was her fifth attack of the day. T he range closed rapidly, and radar contact was lost in the sea return at 800 yards. The racing cutter started a turn to starboard and at 400 yards Commander Hirshfield saw the U-boat broad on the bow and shouted across the bridge to the conning officer, Lieutenant Commander B. H. Brallier, to come right faster. No 3 gun opened fire, and on the starboard wing, Chief Yeoman Pastrich opened up with a light .30 caliber machine gun that had been jury-mounted on the bridge wing combing. The submarine moved rapidly under the bow, and Hirshfield ordered two depth charges dropped from the stern racks. Before they could be rolled over, the U-boat hit the CAMPBELL a glancing blow under the bridge, then dragged along the side. Its hydroplanes cutting a 15 foot gash in the cutter's engine room below the waterline. Then the two depth charges went off lifting the U-boat about four feet.
Alex Haley, author of "ROOTS" and "THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOM X", and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, continued to be an active supporter of the Coast Guard until his death.


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BLOOMINGTON — Indiana coach Tom Crean must have given his team a simple instruction when it faced North Carolina on Tuesday night at Assembly Hall: attack.
From the opening tap to the final buzzer, the Hoosiers went full-speed ahead at the powerful Tar Heels, who couldn't keep Crean's players from driving into the paint. Indiana's 83-59 victory in front of a rocking, sold-out crowd of 17,472 was verification of its No. 1 ranking, and it was accomplished against a team many expect to be in the top 10 by season's end.
North Carolina (5-2) simply couldn't match Indiana's aggressiveness and passion.
At the 4:14 mark of the first half, the game was tied at 31-31. Then, with sophomore Cody Zeller leading the charge, the Hoosiers (7-0) went on a 32-8 tear that carried into the second half and left North Carolina coach Roy Williams searching for answers.
On this night, he had none. Indiana continued to heap misery on the visitors with the crowd making it impossible to hear with an airplane-engine noise level.
By the time Christian Watford drove past two Tar Heels in the paint for a tomahawk, one-handed slam, it was 80-49. Indiana was treating North Carolina as if it was Indiana Wesleyan or Bryant, earlier season opponents that had been destroyed at Assembly Hall.
With two of the nation's top players on display, Zeller and North Carolina forward James Michael McAdoo, it was Zeller who couldn't be denied. McAdoo had just 10 points and wasn't a factor after halftime.
Zeller, on the other hand, was all-world. Four times he beat everyone down the court to take a pass and dunk. He finished with 20 points. But it wasn't just his offensive game that made the difference.
Before the contest, Crean said that Indiana needed to be at its best rebounding and getting back on defense if it wanted to beat fast-breaking North Carolina. Zeller was dominant in the paint, blocking four shots and finishing with eight rebounds.
It was North Carolina that couldn't get back to defend the Hoosiers, who were facing their first ranked team of the season. With Indiana having such a powerful game in the paint, it opened up the perimeter as North Carolina's defense collapsed to help. Indiana guard Jordan Hulls finished with 13 points and three 3-pointers.
Indiana forward scored 19 points as did guard Victor Oladipo.
The first 20 minutes set the tone for the Hoosiers, who took every possession right at North Carolina. Indiana led 46-37 at intermission, and it would have been more if the Hoosiers had finished better.
They shot 46.3 percent in the first half, but it should have been an even higher percentage as they missed several driving layups. Even so, they established an aggression that had Williams calling time outs to figure out a strategy.
{/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"} {/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"}Williams couldn't have been happy that three times in the first half, Zeller beat his defenders down the court for a breakaway dunk. That's the type of game North Carolina was supposed to play.{/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"} {/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"}Indiana made it tough for the Tar Heels to get their own break running as it won the first-half rebounding battle 22-17.{/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"} {/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"}Zeller had a monster half with 13 points, four rebounds and three blocks. He was a force in the paint on every possession that he played. Knowing that he needed Zeller's legs fresh in the second half, Crean even sat him for a four-minute stretch.{/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"} {/div} {div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"}The other force in the opening half was Indiana freshman point guard Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell. Ferrell had four of his six assists in the first half, and Indiana was at its aggressive best when he was leading the charge. Time after time, Ferrell drove and lane and then dished the ball to open players.{/div} {/div}


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Blue Skies - In Memory Of
Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Nov 5, 2004, 9:54 PM
Post #101 of 135 (5176 views)
Re: [chaoskitty] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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I've met Chris a few times long ago, altho I didn't know him that well, from what I hear is that he was a great guy.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Nov 5, 2004, 10:12 PM
Post #102 of 135 (5170 views)
Re: [Deuce] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Those are great pictures from you and Chuck, and the ones in Russia. He was so stoked about that trip and he had a great time.
holy shit you guys..
Nov 6, 2004, 8:04 PM
Post #103 of 135 (5113 views)
Re: [sangiro] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Hi, everybody on dz.com. The last week has been very difficult for me. Needless to say, losing your best friend in the world is not something easy to cope with. We had a wonderful memorial service for Chris today at Tennessee Skydiving Center. Both biological and skydiving families were there and we honored him in a way that I know he would have approved of. I was asked to speak at the service and also to participate in the ash dive which followed. My wife Tracie and I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and concern that you all have shown to Chris and his family. As difficult as it was for me, I somehow found the stregth to say this about my friend, companion, brother, earlier today...
"I first met Chris in the very early 90s when I was making test jumps for Precision, and I would come up here to the dz on weekdays to make jumps out of 42 Bravo. As I spent many an afternoon with just him, we got to know each other quite well in a short period of time. What first struck me about Chris was what a smart guy he was. Chris had a very keen wit, and many of the things he would joke about would go right over most peoples heads.
As the years went by, my friend began to work with me at Precision. As it was only a handful of guys in a factory full of the ladies (as we have always fondly referred to them), we spent our working hours together, ate lunch together, made test jumps after work until dark, then jumped together at the dz on weekends, and spent a lot of time on the road together. Needless to say, when youre around someone 7 days a week, and sometimes 24 hours a day for several years, you get to know that person quite well. Chris was the kind of person that I could actually still stand to be around even after years of such close contact. The more I was around Chris; the more he rubbed off on me now thats a scary thought!
We had many conversations about some of the serious sides of life, many of those late at night when Chris was feeling particularly philosophical. While Chris is certainly remembered most for his off-the-wall sense of humor, he did have many serious thoughts and views of life. The single most important of those more serious sides of Chris was his devotion to his wife Kristi and his daughters Haley and Annabelle. I can tell you with utmost certainty that nothing meant more to Chris than his family. Im sure that all of us that were close to Chris already know that, and Kristi you certainly know that, but I feel it important to say it now so that anybody here who may not have realized what a devoted family man Chris was, will come to a better understanding of the real Chris Martin. I came to love Chris Martin as my brother and thats what makes his family forever mine as well.
Chris was the kind of guy that didnt waste time getting to the task at hand. When something needed to be done, he was always first to roll up his sleeves and get with it. He wasnt afraid to get his hands dirty, whether it be turning wrenches on an airplane, fixing the mechanical or electronic systems at Precision, the sewing machines, whatever And if he didnt know what was needed to get something working, he figured it out quickly. I was amazed many times at the stuff he dared to tear apart; and when it went back together, it worked. He was an incredibly smart and talented guy.
We ate lunch together every day for a long, long time just Chris, George, and me. And every day, we would flip coins to see who had the privilege of picking up the tab. Somehow, George seemed to buy more often than either of us. Chris and I were often accused of rigging the coin toss to make sure George bought lunch. Now, really, would we do something like that? Dont worry Chris, Ill never tell. Hey George, you want to flip for lunch!!
Chris was a unique individual. He was zany, fun loving, witty, and a hell of a good friend and companion. He has left an indelible mark on me, and the fond memories of our years together as friends will never fade. Sometimes I wanted to absolutely choke him; he loved getting my goat and found great delight in getting under my skin. One thing he always did that just really got me was this: I celebrate my birthday at the WFFC. My lovely wife Tracie is the best birthday present shopper Ive ever known. She has always surprised me with great toys for my birthday. And every year, without fail, as Im opening a wonderful new gift, be it a remote control airplane, a scooter, a PDA, or what-have-you, Chris sneaks in the box while Im ooo-ing and aah-ing the new gizmo, and takes the manual and wont let me have it Real men dont need no stinkin manual. I am one of the exceptions, I guess, because I want to read the book! Chris wouldnt hear of it, and the madder I got at him about it, the funnier he always thought it was. So typical Chris
Some of the memories I have of times spent with Chris are the best times Ive had in my life. He was always a little envious of some of the darker sides of my younger days, and he loved to get me to tell him stories. But whenever I could see his wheels begin to turn, and hed say stuff like so, do you still know any of those people down there or anything like that, Id stop him right there and say something like an older brother would say to stop little brother from doing something stupid. Chris had a sense of adventure that few have. Thank goodness for his sake we werent friends in the early 80s.
We had some great adventures together, traveling to many places together, even road trips as far as the west coast. That can be a long time in the cab of a truck together. I never got tired of being around Chris; my only problem is I couldnt come close to keeping up with him! If I ever said, man, Im tired, I think Im going to bed. Weve got a big day tomorrow or anything like that, then he would somehow have that ability to get me to stay for just one more nightcap.
And then there was the time we were on our way to the WFFC and Precisions RV burned to a crisp on the shoulder of I 57- THAT was pretty rich. I cant go into that story now, but believe me; we had quite an experience on that trip. When Tracie went into labor, he posted on dropzone.com a contest to guess the time of our daughters birth to win a free canopy. Tracie got so angry with him for calling telling her to cross her legs, it wasnt time yet, or What is she doing? Tell her to hurry up and push. My time is an hour from now. She wanted to post a contest to see how many miles will Beezy and Chris get out of Dunlap before breaking down? Chris didnt think that was nearly as funny. And speaking of the WFFC, Chris Martin was known throughout the land as the last one to bed and, amazingly, the first one up in the morning, not just once, or twice, but night after night after night. Surely he slept for a couple of days solid when we would get home from the convention.
A few of the things Chris said have jumped out at me, as Ive been thinking about my friend in the last few days. Heres a good one he called one night, and when I answered the phone he just said, what does 2 lines on the EPT mean? Well, Chris, what it means is, H A L E Y ! Tracie and I have laughed about that phone call many times. Heres another of Chris famous lines that Im sure many people here know all too well No, the weather is clear here, were flying loads right now. Get your butt to the drop zone!
I could go on and on with so many stories about my friend that are dear to my heart, and all of the things that made him so special. I know you all could too, and thats what makes Chris Martin so memorable. So Im going to close with one of my fondest memories, and one that I know Chris would say himself if he only could be here now; Like Ive said about what an energetic life-of-the-party guy he could be, every day at a boogie, and I mean EVERY day at a boogie, Chris would come up to me with that familiar twinkle in his eye, that look of child-like mischief, and say kind of quietly, You know I hear tonights going to be a party night.
(D License)
Nov 7, 2004, 12:05 AM
Post #104 of 135 (5098 views)
Re: [beezyshaw] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Thank you Beezy.
Wish I could have been there.
Nov 7, 2004, 9:46 AM
Post #105 of 135 (5068 views)
Re: [beezyshaw] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
The service was beautiful and Chris could not have
on us more.
I wish I had taken better photos, but
here they are.
Some are from Friday when we were getting the dz ready for the service, and the rest are from Saturday.
It was a party night *indeed*! But out of respect for those who were running around naked in a canoe full of ice cold beer.. I can't post those pics..
(This post was
by chaoskitty on Nov 7, 2004, 9:58 AM)
Nov 7, 2004, 1:20 PM
Post #106 of 135 (5038 views)
Re: [beezyshaw] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
many many great things were said about chris on saturday......thanks for posting yours here Beezy
(B License)
Nov 8, 2004, 8:59 AM
Post #107 of 135 (4929 views)
Re: [chaoskitty] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
The Sun was Beautiful..Awesome day.
With all Friends and Family. Wow...
We had a Spread of Food Galore.
Just the way Chris would have wanted it..
Nov 8, 2004, 11:45 AM
Post #108 of 135 (4889 views)
Re: [beezyshaw] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
I was unable to attend but Kristi asked that I write something. This is what I wrote:
I may not have known Chris as well or as long as some of you here, but then again Chris could make you feel like you had known him your whole life in a matter of 5 minutes.
Like every person here today, Chris was not perfect but he had many qualities that we all recognized and came to love. Chris had a positive energy around him that made people want to be around him. Chris loved to socialize with everybody and with his steel blue eyes and his big grin was always easy to spot, although some would claim it was his Hawaiian shirts and flip flops that made him easy to spot.
Chris shared with people, no matter what it was or how long he had known you. He was always willing to talk to you or give you some of his time. We all saw something in Chris that made him special to us. For me, it was his enthusiasm and passion about skydiving, especially when it came to flying his BirdMan suit.
Chris could make people smile, he made me and Im sure everyone here smile. Think back on those moments, Im sure there are many of them. Chris lived life, he stood on the edge and really lived life which is why we all loved him so. We all saw qualities in Chris that we liked for one reason or another. All of those good Chris qualities that I could list, and there are many, those are what you and I should try to live up to. Chris is my friend and my bro, I will miss him, but instead of focusing on the sorrow, I will remember all the good times we had together. I am sure thats how Chris would of wanted it.
Scott Campos
Nov 9, 2004, 7:42 AM
Post #109 of 135 (4798 views)
Re: [sangiro] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
A few pictures, taken by Jason Waller, of our skydive on Saturday at Chris' memorial service...
Nov 9, 2004, 7:51 AM
Post #110 of 135 (4786 views)
Re: [beezyshaw] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Thanks Beezy. From the ground, that was the most beautiful and heartbreaking thing I have ever seen in my life. I can't imagine how it felt to be up there with him.
Dec 3, 2004, 9:25 PM
Post #111 of 135 (4632 views)
Re: [beezyshaw] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Hi everyone. Most of you don't know me, but I knew Chris. He did my tandem training in '94 and my AFF later that same year. He and Gino Leon had a huge impact on me getting the skydive bug back then. For several years, Chris, Gino, Denny Collins, and Kent Stephens were my "family." I've not been in the sport for some time now, mostly due to my kids being so young. That makes Chris' death particularly hard, knowing that Haley and Annabelle now have to live with his absence.
I'd come down to the DZ all the time and just hang out, wanting to learn whatever I could. Chris was always willing to teach. And joke. And poke fun. And loan me smokes. And bribe me into buying beer, even when I didn't owe any. And we'd fly the Lear Jet on flightsim when the weather sucked. And he would talk me into dipping my hand in AvGas to help him clean the dirty Twin-Bo he used to have. And he'd get pissed off at my clumsiness and yell at me but after I'd stay away for awhile, he'd call and invite me back, saying I was family. That meant tons to me, being new to TN and not knowing many people. And he would let me fly his stunt kite on windy days. And we laughed our heads off at the tandem he took up, the poor student had sinus problems and in freefall had snot all over his face. Chris did everything he could to avoid getting the shit all over himself!
One load just off of AFF and trying to get my 200 lb ass out the Cessna door, he got impatient with me, roled the plane to the right and kicked me in the ass. Out I tumbled, onto my back. I could see him clearly, laughing his ass off. I flipped him off and he just laughed more.
He was always safety conscious. I remember him landing out on numerous occasions if the wind was causing turbulance off the hangars at the DZ. He'd rather walk the long way back than take an unecessary risk. And he always had an AAD, at least as far as I knew. That is why his death makes me angry as well as deeply sad. Why didn't he have an AAD? Why such a small canopy? I don't understand and it makes me angry. But I do know that he died doing what he loved. That is somehow strangely consoling and inspiring to me. But the cost seems too high. I don't know. The man had passion, that's for sure. I hope that helps his family in their grief.
My favorite memory of him is this... many of you who have been to his DZ might recall the picture that was on his office door for years. I came down in April of '03 and made a few jumps, and the pic was still there. It's Chris on the step of the Cessna, ready to jump. Strapped to his chest is a small teady bear. Here's the story of that pic... at that time my wife was a gradeschool teacher in Nashville. She had received that bear in the mail from a student in another state, a boy who was ill and wanted to send that bear across the country and see where it ended up before returning to him.
Well, I thought it would be cool to ask Chris to jump with it and he agreed to it. I gave a cheapo disposable camera to the pilot, and viola, there's the pic. Chris was so happy to do this seemingly small deed for a sick kid. I sent the bear back w/ a copy of the pic to the kid. I never heard from him, but just imagine the grin on that kids face, knowing that his bear went jumping with a generous man, a skydiver, in Tennessee! I'll never forget that kindness Chris showed.
Man, I'm bummed. Even though my relationship with Chris was from the past, his death still leaves a hole in me. And to read on this thread that Kent Stephens is gone too? I hadn't heard that and it makes me even more sad. Kent did my first tandem! He was down to earth and was very kind to me.
Even though I'm not part of the jumping community anymore, I still grieve with you all. Chris was always the life of the party and he'll be missed. My prayers go out to him, Kristi, Haley, Kelly and Annabelle.
michael dudek
Apr 10, 2005, 9:29 PM
Post #112 of 135 (4510 views)
Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Holy shit....I have been out of the sport for a while now due to an injury, and was recently trying to get in touch with Chris....when I found this post. I have read through all the replies, but I still can't believe it. Chris was the one that hooked me up with my first x-braced canopy, and helped me learn to fly it effectively. He volunteered his time, jumps, and even HIS CANOPY to help me. Chris and I made a few wingsuit jumps together, too...
I'm sure this is quite a blast from the past for all of you, and I'm sorry if it brings up bad memories....but this is the first I knew of this. RIP Chris...BSBD, dude.
Apr 11, 2005, 9:01 PM
Post #113 of 135 (4354 views)
Re: [Aviatrr] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
I'm sorry you are just now hearing of this. Life has not been the same without Chris.
His family is healing, and doing well. His daughter is growing and is as adorable as ever.
I love to talk about Chris and share memories. If it would help you, you are more than welcome to get in touch with me.
Apr 11, 2005, 9:10 PM
Post #114 of 135 (4337 views)
Re: [Aviatrr] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Can't Post
Hey, Mike.
I didn't hear about your injury.
I hope you are OK.
Please PM me, when you have time.
Oct 29, 2007, 10:00 PM
Post #115 of 135 (3991 views)
Re: [LouDiamond] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Gone but not forgotten bro. Sadly, two others who posted in this thread are now also gone, both fantastic people in many ways. Hopefully all of you are hanging out together telling lies to one another and sipping a cold one. I raise my glass to you all.
RIP: Chris Martin, Beezy Shaw, JP Kelly (aka Deuce).
(D License)
Oct 30, 2007, 4:52 AM
Post #116 of 135 (3913 views)
Re: [LouDiamond] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Still missing you, Chris. You all better be partying up there.
Oct 30, 2007, 6:30 AM
Post #117 of 135 (3869 views)
Re: [LouDiamond] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
I met Chris' wife yesterday at Beezys memorial service. I never met Chris. a friend of mine tried to get me to go up there a few times but I never made it. I thought there would always be time.
Oct 30, 2007, 11:47 AM
Post #118 of 135 (3758 views)
Re: [CSpenceFLY] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Losing Beezy has definitley reopened some wounds. Being around Beezy was, in a sense, like being around Chris. It would have felt the same if time had turned around and we lost Beezy before Chris. Its going to be hard to find a way to let them both go.
Love and healing prayers to all who loved them.
Oct 30, 2007, 9:16 PM
Post #119 of 135 (3652 views)
Re: [chaoskitty] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
In reply to:
Losing Beezy has definitley reopened some wounds. Being around Beezy was, in a sense, like being around Chris. It would have felt the same if time had turned around and we lost Beezy before Chris. Its going to be hard to find a way to let them both go.
Love and healing prayers to all who loved them.
You said it girl. I just heard about beezy from krisanne about an hour ago. <heavy sigh> Gonna miss beezy. Still miss chris.
Sometimes it gets easier. Sometimes it doesn't.
Jan 12, 2008, 11:33 AM
Post #120 of 135 (3306 views)
Re: [sangiro] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
Even though it's been over 3 years, I just found out Chris is gone a couple weeks ago when I ran into another of our old skydiving buddies in Wal-Mart. I'm just now going through what the rest of you went through back then.
Believe it or not, but I actually trained Chris for his first jump back in the good ole' days of the Golden Eagle Sport Parachute Club at Tennessee Tech in the mid '80's. Something that stands out in my mind is how he would so casually outdo me. I'd been doing this stuff for over a year (PLF, suspended harness, etc.). I had lots of students I had to spend extra time with. I would show Chris something one time and he would do it better than me and then grin at me like he knew I knew it, and I did. In a matter of months, we traded places and he became one of my RW instructors. And he was a good one, too.
Even when I landed feeling like crap because I thought I blew the jump, he always had something positive and constructive to offer.
Chris was there for some of the best days of my life. We'd jump all day at White County Airport, then when it got dark we'd go stash our gear in the football stadium at Tech, then off to Grady's, our (un)official clubhouse for refreshments and tall tales.
I haven't jumped since about '90 but I'm starting to feel froggy again. I've also been thinking about Chris alot lately. Spring's around the corner. I'm hoping for a spiritual convergence to happen here. Maybe.
For years I kept telling myself I would cruise down to Tullahoma and drop in in him and for years I never did. Now I'm kicking myself hard.
Love you, buddy, and I miss you.
Randy Goolsby[reply]
Sep 9, 2009, 7:36 AM
Post #121 of 135 (3047 views)
Re: Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Chris's birthday was last week, and its hard to believe its coming up on five years since we lost him. I think it would have been his 50th.
Life has changed a lot but I'll never forget the good times. Still miss you, Chris Martin!
Sep 11, 2009, 12:12 AM
Post #122 of 135 (2893 views)
Re: [chaoskitty] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
In reply to
Can't Post
English John and I were remembering Chris this past weekend at Couchfreaks. It isn't quite the same without him. Sharing family photos, talking about our kids and skydiving. Another year he should have been there with us...
(D License)
Sep 11, 2009, 5:29 PM
Post #123 of 135 (2782 views)
Re: [chaoskitty] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Can't Post
Every time I hear someone talking in that distinctive TN accent, I think about and miss Chris. So glad I got the chance to be a friend of his.
Oct 11, 2009, 7:09 PM
Post #124 of 135 (2592 views)
Re: [MrHixxx] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Hi, MrHixxx & Everybody-
I'm sitting here in Baghdad & for me the month of October has been a terrible time of the year since 2004. First, we lost Chris five years ago, then Beezy too soon afterward. I just received my October 09 Parachutist (mail is truly in the "snail" mode here) and found out that we lost SGM Harry Parrish out at West Point, VA in August of this year. Too many good friends and mentors leaving us too soon! This is truly a bad month. I miss my friends and they're always on my mind even after these years.
I'd posted my respects for both Chris and Beezy on this website years ago, but I think that I screwed up and they were never displayed. I'm not good with computers, anyway (and now the irony with that-I started my MBA online.....I've got my hands full).
I met Chris in McMinnville, TN back in the late 80s when I returned from being stationed in Korea. I saw a USPA sticker on his vehicle & flagged him down; it was one of the best impulsive things I've ever done with my life. I thank God that I was given the gift and honor of calling Chris "friend".
I was on leave from the Army at the time; Chris & I got some intel that there was some heavy skydiving going on in Jenkinsburg, GA. So we decided to do a road trip down there in separate vehicles; I was to follow Chris. Yeah, right!!
Chris drove like the proverbial "bat out of hell" and I lost him almost immediately near the TN-GA state line when we started hitting the hills. We managed to link up later & made it in one piece to J-burg, where Billy Roades was running the DZ. They had either a King or Queen Air & I was ecstatic! I'd only jumped military helicopters with maybe a couple hundred of Cessna jumps at that time. When we were dirt diving, Chris asked me if I wanted to be front float and I eagerly replied "Hell, Yeah!!" Then I paused and asked Chris what a front float was. He just shook his head & smiled, then tolerantly explained what I had to do.
Chris was always patient & a great mentor. Every jump I made with him, whether in J-Burg or at the grass runway in Carr,TN (with King Morton flying the Cessna) or at T-homa, was a gift.
When I was about to hit 1,000 jumps in Hawaii, I waited until I came back to Tennessee because I wanted to do #1,000 at Tullahoma with Chris. We did a 2 way on the last lift of the day; it was going to be a "cat" with Chris on the tail. He threw out my pilot chute at about 9,000 ft; I still remember his smirk as my canopy deployed. Chris nailed me with a pie as soon as I landed. Afterward, a huge t-storm moved in and all of us got trashed on some of Chris' moonshine. What a day!!!
I was on shift as a deputy at the Cannon County Sheriff's Dept on that terrible night that I heard about Chris. My wife kept crying and was having trouble telling me what happened; she thought the world of Chris like everyone else. When she finally told me, I had to pull over because I could barely see to drive. The closest place to park was a small church in the back area of the county; that seemed fitting somehow. I staggered out of my patrol car (the reserve deputy riding with me thought I'd gone nuts) and I didn't think the tears would ever stop.
I hadn't gotten that much of a chance to be around Chris when I retired from the Army and became a cop, and it tore me up when I realized I'd never see my friend's smile or hear him joke around with me ever again. I will regret that lost time with Chris for the rest of my life. You just don't make friends like him everyday. One of the beautiful things about are sport is the special friendships that you make with exceptional people like Chris.
When Kristi allowed me to both speak at the memorial service for Chris and make that final jump with Beezy, Dave Nye, and Chris, I could never articulate the special gratitude that I owe to her. Those moments were some of the most difficult and emotional, yet honorable things that I've ever done in my life. No words are eloquent enough to articulate, and I'm forever grateful to Kristi for allowing me to be a part of it.
My thoughts and prayers are frequently with Kristi, Haley, Anabelle, and all of the family and friends that knew and loved Chris.
Mr. Hixxx-Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you and everyone else. I agree with you.....it isn't quite the same without Chris.
Mike Hainey
(B License)
Oct 15, 2009, 4:41 PM
Post #125 of 135 (2423 views)
Re: [chaoskitty] Condolences for Chris Martin (GroundZero)
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Can't Post
Hey Bra, Sure miss the Fun times down here in Tullahoma. Hope your having a good time up there. I know you and Beezy are keeping things on the cooler. Damn I miss ya both. Tullahoma will never be the same.
Peace my Friends! Thinking of ya. Doug W. Aka (Toby).
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text:
Ghana: Whether females can be appointed or ascend to the position of chief in the Asante (Asanti/Ashanti/Ashante) subgroup of the Akan, in particular the Aduana lineage; circumstances under which this could happen
|Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
|Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada
|Publication Date
|1 September 2000
|Citation / Document Symbol
|Cite as
|Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ghana: Whether females can be appointed or ascend to the position of chief in the Asante (Asanti/Ashanti/Ashante) subgroup of the Akan, in particular the Aduana lineage; circumstances under which this could happen, 1 September 2000, GHA35158.E, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4be330.html [accessed 6 May 2016]
|This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
In "Asante Queen Mothers: A Study in Female Authority," Beverly Stoeltje writes
The Asante Chieftancy system incorporates change in a wide variety of forms and exhibits a wide range of variation in the actual performance of authority. The office of queen mother reflects this flexibility in the wide variation in style we see from one queen mother to another Perhaps the widest variation possible takes place when a woman becomes chief. Although, not usual, such an instance is not uncommon and is not new. Most often a woman occupies a chief's stool until a specific individual male is prepared to assume it himself. He may be too young, or finishing a degree out of the country, or a number of other circumstances may prevent him from taking the stool. At such a point a royal female such as his mother or sister will occupy the stool, work closely with the elders and administer the affairs until such time as the selected male is prepared to take the stool himself. There are other circumstances, however, in which a woman becomes the chief, sometimes because there is no qualified male available or simply because she is more qualified and prepared to commit herself to the stool than any royal males. Most often a female chief was not a queen mother before becoming chief, but occasionally this is the case (1997, 60-1).
Stoeltje's work is based on a review of relevant literature and nine-months field work in the Ashanti region from 1989-1990.
Some of this information was corroborated in a 31 August 2000 telephone interview with an Associate Professor of Government at Clarke University who has worked on Ghana. This professor stated that "theoretically it is possible" for a female to be appointed to or ascend to the position of chief among the Asante, however she was unaware of any instances of female chieftancy in recent Ghanaian history. The professor stated that women who have achieved success in another area of their lives, including, for example, economic success, would be more likely to ascend to the position of chief.
The professor was not able to speak to the Aduana lineage of the Asante and information specific to chieftancy in the Aduana could not be found among the sources consulted by the Resource Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
Clarke University, Massachusetts. 31 August 2000. Telephone interview with Associate Professor of Government.
Stoeltje, Beverly J. 1997. "Asante Queen Mothers: A Study in Female Authority." Queens, Queen Mothers, Priestesses, and Power. Edited by Flora Edouwaye S. Kaplan. New York, NY: The New York Academy of Sciences.
Additional Sources Consulted
Christine Oppong and Katherine Abu. Seven Roles of Women: Impact of Education, Migration and Employment on Ghanaian Mother. 1987.
Ernest Obeng. Ancient Ashanti Chieftaincy. 1986.
George Ayittey. Indigenous African Institutions. 1991.
Ghana Country File, Resource Centre. February 1998 – August 2000.
IRB Databases
K. A. Busia. The Position of the Chief in the Modern Political System of Ashanti. 1968.
West Africa [London]. January 1998 – August 2000.
World News Connection
Internet Sites including:
Asante History, The Otumfuo Education Fund North America
African Proverbs Project
Anthropology Explorer
Art and Life in Africa Online: Akan Information, Asante Information
Ghana – A Country Study, AREA Handbook Series
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Non-documentary sources:
Unsuccessful attempts to obtain information from two non-documentary sources.


text:
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text:
American Concrete Institute names ACI University Award winners
| May 27, 2011 |
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announces the winners of the new ACI University Award program, designed to recognize universities whose students and faculty are active in ACI and other concrete-related activities.
Throughout 2010, students and faculty from universities participated in ACI-related activities to earn points towards achieving ACI University Award status. Some eligible activities included student ACI membership, participation in ACI student competitions, attendance at ACI conventions, presence of an active ACI student chapter at the university, and participation in ACI technical, educational, and certification committees.
Universities earning 12 or more points during 2010 were recognized for the ACI Excellent University Award. Those universities included the following:
•Arizona State University
•Florida International University
•Middle Tennessee State University
•Missouri S&T University
•North Carolina State University
•Purdue University
•Texas State University – San Marcos
•Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
•University of Arkansas
•University of Kansas
•University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
•University of Texas at Austin
Universities earning 6-11 points during 2010 were recognized for the ACI Outstanding University Award. Those universities included the following:
•British Columbia Institute of Technology
•Instituto Tecnologico de la Paz
•Iowa State University
•New Jersey Institute of Technology
•North Dakota State University
•Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
•Ryerson University
•Tennessee Technological University
•Texas A&M University
•Universidad Rafael Landivar Quetzaltenango
•University of Colorado Denver
•University of Michigan
•University of Minnesota, Duluth
•University of Toronto
•Villanova University
Universities earning ACI University Awards were recognized during the ACI Spring 2011 Convention in Tampa, Fla. in April.
Universities are invited to begin the application process for the 2011 year, for activities completed Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2011.
For more information on eligible activities and their respective point values and entry forms, go to www.UniversityAward.concrete.org.
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Home >> United Tribes News >> Story
United Tribes NewsDRAGONFLY TALES
'Think in the Box Gardening'
By Colette Wolf, UTTC Agro-Ecology Extension Educator
1 October 2013
Rosebud Lee is our first 'Think in the Box Gardener.' Rosebud is a member of the Cheyenne River Tribe and a student nearing graduation from UTTC's Nutrition Program. This year was her second season gardening in the on-campus garden box.
What is a garden box?
Introduced in spring 2012, the "Think in the Box" garden is our first waist-high, wooden, garden box. It was built by Construction Technology students to introduce gardening in a way that is easy to reach and easy to maintain. The box is 8' long by 4' wide and 3' high, making it perfect for a first time gardening experience.
"A lot of what I'm doing is new to me," said Rosebud at harvest time. "Part of the nutrition program is learning how to design simple gardens and become familiar with garden vegetables. I was inspired to try gardening to improve my health and incorporate more fresh vegetables into my family's meals."
Rosebud says gardening has turned out to be a fun activity with her kids.
"We started the first spring with an empty box. Land Grant provided the soil, seeds and live plants, which really helped. The kids were able to see each step: planting seeds, watering and watching everything grow. Now I have Jurassic Park in the box!"
She says they enjoy gardening as a family, take regular pictures and share their experience on Facebook.
"I tell my kids, talk to the plants. They touch the squash and say, 'You are doing good, thank you!'"
After starting with little knowledge, in just two years she knows much more about soil, beneficial insects, pollinators and companion plants.
"At first, I was so tempted to buy Miracle Grow, but I'm glad I stayed with learning about organic gardening," said Rosebud. "This year I planted marigold flowers in each corner because it helps protect the plants. All are very healthy."
And the harvest this year was very rewarding.
"We harvested probably about three pounds of basil, lots of onions and around eight zucchini with more to come. I also have tomatoes, which I plan to preserve as stewed tomatoes and tomato juice, and peppers and squash. I recently discovered my favorite new magazine called 'Mother Earth News.' It is full of great ideas on gardening and preserving. I've learned how to freeze basil as ice cubes and store them in baggies in the freezer. It's lots of fun to make salsa with the kids and give it away to the aunties. We share in the memory that we grew everything together."
For Rosebud, being a 'Think in the Box Gardener' has turned out well.
"I had a difficult time bending down and the waist-high box made it possible for me to garden with ease," she said. "And it's been a fun project with the kids. We grow a lot of food, preserve it, reduce the grocery bill and even grow enough to share. Now, when I do go to the store, I plan my meals around vegetables. Not only is it healthy but it actually saves money."
Land Grant plans to build additional boxes for next season. The one on campus is in the Anne Kuyper Community Garden. If you wish to build your own, contact me for the plans: 701-255-3285 x 1426, firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Press Release from XYZ
San Francisco, CA -- April 20, 2009 -- XYZ Graphics, a leading creative services, image creation and post-production studio, today announced its appointment of Lawson Owen as Head of CG Production for XYZ's network of creative studios. A seasoned producer with more than 15 years of visual effects commercial and feature production experience, Owen will be responsible for building and managing the pipeline for XYZ's CG group, which produces synthetic imagery and creative content utilizing the latest in 2D and 3D computer graphics technology as well as motion graphics.
"A critical part of XYZ's mission is to expand the breadth of its creative support service offering for print and broadcast," said Steve Waterloo, President of XYZ. "Lawson Owen's deep expertise in CG will accelerate our capabilities and enable us to expand our presence in this space."
Lawson Owen comes to XYZ from The Orphanage, where he served as Visual Effects Producer and played an integral role in producing photorealistic CG environments and characters for world-class brands including Disney, GlaxoSmithKline, HP and Xbox 360, among others. Prior to that, Owen was with ESC Entertainment in the role of Digital Effects Producer for the Siege team on The Matrix Reloaded & The Matrix Revolutions. Prior to that, and he worked with ILM Commercial Productions on clients such as Pepsi, Intel and First Union Bank.
"XYZ has built a strong reputation as an industry pioneer in creative support services," said Owen. "I'm honored by this opportunity to work with the company's outstanding creative team to further develop its offerings in 3D computer graphics."
Owen holds a BA in Rhetoric & Communication from University of California Davis.
About XYZ:XYZ is an image creation company that collaborates with visual communication leaders worldwide to enhance their brands using state of the art creative technologies. Founded in 2001 by Steve Waterloo and Sean McGlynn, the company has become the go-to solution for those who believe the creative process doesn't stop until their brand is in front of the public. The company has a client roster of award-winning advertising agencies and brands such as: Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Crispin Porter Bogusky, Draftfcb, BBDO West, Saatchi & Saatchi, Deutsch, Cisco, Williams Sonoma among others. XYZ has studios in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boulder, CO. Additional information can be found at www.xyzgraphics.com.


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Elementary principal scores
On Tuesday, a letter came home from Floranada Elementary school informing us that our son Ryan had been selected to attend FCAT camp for a month of Saturdays beginning in February.
At dinner that night, our fifth-grader announced that he wasn't going. (My husband Dan and I assured him that he would be attending and explained that extra help to prepare for the FCAT test was a good thing.)
Ryan disagreed. Being asked to give up three hours every Saturday was outrageous, he said, considering he spends Monday through Friday "working myself to death." Not.
Then something amazing happened.
At dinner Wednesday night, Ryan excitedly told us how the new principal, Keith Peters, had come to class that day and invited him and several other kids to eat lunch in his office. Ryan described Mr. Peters' big, ultra smooth desk, and told how he was a Yankee fan (I knew I liked this guy) and that he really loved hockey and the Florida Panthers. Then he said Mr. Peters took a few minutes to talk to the kids as they ate about the Saturday FCAT camp.
We asked Ryan if he wanted to go. "I sure do. Mr. Peters told us it was a good idea so I'm going to do it." (He was going anyway.)
We're impressed. Not only did Ryan feel special by getting to eat lunch in Mr. Peters' office, but now he feels like a partner in his own academic success.
Clearly, Mr. Peters understands that a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down. His lunch invitation was inventive and refreshing and saved us from having to use our usual top-down approach to education. But best of all, Ryan now feels really special, he wants to please his new principal and he's looking forward to going FCAT camp on Saturdays.
Nice hat trick, Mr. Peters.
-- Doreen Christensen


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Preschool Games - Little Puzzles Toys
by Innovative Investments Limited
Developer Notes
★★★★★ Finally a great puzzles app for kids - even toddlers!
Little Puzzles helps your child develop critical thinking and mental reasoning skills thus expanding a very important part of their mind. Plus, even adults will have fun playing with this app at the more advanced levels. :-)
Preschool Games — A great way to learn words. Look at the picture. Hear the name of the animal or object and put the letters in the correct place.


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in Garden design
Well, Jess is distraught as I have just dismantled her outdoor playhouse so I can do something with this area, but what??
It is mainly slabs, but next to the fence is mainly dirt/rubble/weeds.
Has anyone any ideas what I can put up this area (obviously after a good tidy up and top soil added to the border bit) as it only receives sun until about 1-2pm at the moment, then it's just shade.
I would love to concrete over the lot and build a dividing wall between grass and patio, but not possible at the moment.
Any patio pictures of raised beds/containers would be most welcome for inspiration.
Becks. x
Or should I just apply to one of those gardening make-over shows!
Yes-but don't bank on getting accepted
You need help -those slabs look like they need relaying-do you want to keep the grass?how much space is there that we can't see?
This is the other half Geoff, where I was standing to take the photo, obviously pointing the other way at the house.
And this is the whole view.
The stone building on the right is two outhouses I keep my tools in. But I'm out there digging now, and I have just uncovered a section of white tiles (on the right of the pic above). Just normal house tiles??? Why, I don't know. I have also found a garden tool, which you can see leaning up against the wall by the chair. It's a half moon shaped thing. I haven't a clue what else I'm going to dig up!
Sorry, on the left. The tiles that is.
Well I'm wondering if you could crowbar up the slabs to the left of the concrete post and put them on their edges to make a raised bed. The white tiles I would suggest you get rid of, but there is something very satisfying about weilding a lump hammer! Over the years I've unearthed a lot of weird and sometimes wonderful stuff in my garden, the best of which (victorian pottery, tiny glass bottles, a butler sink...) I've kept as decoration or reused. The half-moon tool is probably a lawn edger.
I guess the area you're going to revamp is just outside your kitchen. In terms of planting, might it be possible to put training wires horizontally on the fence posts? Even though the area doesn't get full sun, herbs like parsley and mint (latter in containers) and probably sage would do OK there, and you might think about soft fruits at the back. Or a climber - honeysuckle would be happy. I would also suggest you think about painting the fence in a lighter colour, which would match in with the lighter areas on the back wall of your house.
By the by, the half moon shaped thing you dug up is probably a lawn edger - something you may not necessarily want, but if you do, a good clean and sharpen would make it as good as new.
Ooh Figrat, don't get me started on that concrete post! I hate it. I presume it was the previous owners washing line, but I don't use it, and have no way of getting the thing out.
I like the idea of the raised beds on the left. Yes, that is the kitchen. That is sort of what I had in mind for that side. But I have just come accross a layer of housebricks right in the top corner. I might be able to build that wall after all!
I like the soft fruits idea as well.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Thankyou Bookertoo! I think that is what it is. It's not so much half moon now I've looked at it. It's like a spearhead shape, with two flat bits either end.
Oh figrat, that is just genius! I have a spare large pot! I could cut the bottom out of it, slip it over the top of the post to the bottom, so it looks like it is growing out of it, fill with compost and do the climbers up it!
Yes, I will. I'm going to take up all those slabs on the left side of the post anyway, and use that area for raised beds I've decided now.
Hi Becks,
Thanks for the pictures. What I am learing is that gardening is a long term thing.
Do little things at a time. I would clear out the patio area, so you can see the area. You will be surprised when all the clutter has been cleared away at how big the area is.
Then I would kill all the weeds, growing through the slabs, the weedkillers that you can dilute, paint on with a small brush.
I'd paint the fence, a dark colour.
Towards the end of your garden, you have some lovely beds. Bedding plants are increduley cheap at the moment.Would look lovely with some crocus daffs, tulips.in the spring time.
I would sow wallflower and forget me not seeds for flowers next year.
Hi Hollie-Hock!
Thanks for your suggestions. I've actually been looking at fence paint colours on the B & Q website. Quite like the dark red shades.
Those beds in the picture actually had just been planted with veg seeds, so there is brocolli, cabbage and onions coming up there now. The picture is a couple of months old. It was just that corner I need to fill where I'm going to lift the slabs and put raised beds, although I might want to put some more veg in them as well. But if it's shady from afternoon onwards, not sure they'd do well.
I'm with holly-hock on this. Making a garden is not an overnight job, contrary the impressions given by TV makeover shows. I wouldn't bother trying to shift heavy slabs, or do anything like that to begin with.Just tidy up; remove the weeds in the paving; and plant some pretty annuals to make the place look nice for the rest of this Summer. HH mentioned several flowers (bedding, wallflowers, forget-me-nots) and didn't mention vegetables. Personally, I'd have a lot more flowers than veg. In my experience, it's more economical to buy vegetables from a grocers. This is especially true if you haven't grown veg from seed before. The success rate may be low. But that's up to you. I also agree with HH in saying that there should be plenty of bedding annuals for sale in garden centres right now, or quite soon, simply because garden centres have not sold a lot of bedding, due to the very poor weather and absence of customers. They simply have to get rid of bedding, and reducing prices is the best way.I'd also reinstate the playhouse somewhere. Catering for your little girl and making her happy has to be one of your garden's main purposes.
And speaking of holly-hocks, I wonder if it's not to late to sow some holly-hock and foxglove seeds in little trays (to be potted up to flower next year). They're both tall and colourful flowers, and might look nice growing against the fencing, if they would grow there (holly-hocks like some sun).
Hi insomnia, just seen your photos and noticed the slabs your going to take up, had them in my garden, they are solid, the square ones are heavy, the larger ones, the rectangle ones, and i see at least one, weigh at ton, if your going to move it "walk it",
ps, dont do it with your girl in the garden, in case it falls
Before you go for the red paint.....it will make your garden seem smaller and not very relaxed. Think about the paler blues and greens. They will expand and brighten your plot. They also show off theplants that you grow in front of them.
Thanks for all your plant suggestions! I have wrote them all down next to me here on my pad. I agree that it all takes time, but I see such wonderful pictures of what everyone else has done, and I get a bit carried away. Time to put my realistic head on.
Gary, when you say 'sow some holly-hock and foxglove seeds in little trays (to be potted up to flower next year)' do you mean indoors, or to start off outdoors, as I have no greenhouse, and it would be a windowsill job? And Jess has now decided she no longer wants to keep her playhouse as it gets too many spiders in it!!
pash, I only lifted 2 today, the smaller square ones, and I did 'walk' them. Much easier. They weren't too bad actually. I put them right in the corner and moved my 're-potting' table up there.
Joe, not sure about green, as some parts have gone green anyway, and I'm not keen, but hadn't thought of blue. Hmm.
I'm a huge lover of roses, which I'm sure some sorts do well in the shade. How easy are they to maintain?
Been tidying up out there most the day between visitors (they never come when it's tipping down with rain), and got it looking a bit more workable. Next jobs are tackling the weeds and de-rubble all the soil.


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in The potting shed
Have suggested he uses dough hook on mixer, too noisy he says.
Might show him up tomorrow, Just hope I still have the knack and don't get a red face!
My sympathies, bjay, my OH has moods when he's determined nothing will be right. (To be honest, so do I occasionally!)Maybe these would help. Includes handy visor to protect the baker from flying gobbets of dough ;- )
In despair just sorted out receipt, found we got a 3 year warraty with bread maker PROBLEM its with Comet
Bjay- try contacting the actual manufacturer of it, since the retailer no longer 'around'. Hope your warranty wasnt with Comet though..... J.
I've just had crumpets-half with butter half with marmite-other spreads are available
What is it with this bread making?-sounds like a lot of hard work and lots of matrimonial tension
I am looking for la dolce vita
Now there's a thought. I have a breadmaker in the utility room which has been redundant for about a year, it also doubles as a cake maker and jam maker. Think I may make a loaf tomorrow, These gizmos always seem like a good idea at the time
Becks. lovely photos
Geoff. will you be buying a sombrero ?
Checked out new menu in cafe whilst scoffing full english and found a spelling mistake - no r in garlic. My friend is not impressed as they've only just had them printed.
No sign of the sparrowhawk since I assaulted his eardrums with the pan lids Just fed the birds and put some more fatballs out so will keep an eye.
Geoff, Could this be you one day ?
Could be Jean,could be
We bought a juicer once -that is a cupboard somewhere along with all sort of gizmos-it is the faffing about and the cleaning up afterwards is when you realise what a rubbish idea
On a side note -from TV this morning-all Comer warranties are covered by an unconnected company and will continue to be valid.
Ok, engineers gone & am about to redo their cleaning up!
OH & me had a quick instruction on use & we are now both confused!
I may be gone some time........ J.
Wa- Hay Does that mean i can take bread maker back and get a replacement. Tried their web site earlier - not available.
Would save a lot of - well - tension. trouble is closest comet is about 45 mins away!
We had a couple of Nuthatch in garden yesterday. Never seen one till we moved here.
Hope you are warm now Jo and not too much mess!
Web site is down-that was reported as well-they will not be going into administration till next week and you are also advised to spend any gift -vouchers before then
Dreams is the next one -so if you have a bed on order....................
Christmas cake in oven, Thought that last year I had done all the C stuff then looked at date. This time last year had op on shoulder so arm was out of action for weeks.
Hi Forkers & Hola Geofredo. Lovely & sunny here today but at 5 a.m. we had thunder, lightening & a hail storm.
Jean - glad I'm not the only one who does crazy things to scare off sparrowhawks. I know that it is part of the food chain but I'm not fattening up all my little garden birds for his benefit! He can go elsewhere to do that sorry.
Jo - good to hear that progress is being made and at least you've been warm. Becks - glad the cake was so well received - who wouldn't be pleased with all Jess' decorations.
Jo - Glad to hear you are at last now warm!
Jean - Sad to hear you are not gunna be!
Beck's - I missed an early finish due to road works! Does that count?
Am eating biscuits & sort of listening to GQT, good job repeated on Sunday though.
Have quickly put a wee bit of washinbg out to blow away probably, it's that bad out there! It is actually raining in the wind, but who cares?
OH just had coughing fit & has set me off!
Dyson awaits again, J.
Who is Dyson-the butler?
Dean -you look like a walking wasp-is that a good look?
Geoff! Thinking maybe not!
Was a huge box of large resin Santa's, Snowmen n other Christmas characters on my arrival this morning!
I was really tempted to lay them out in a group and get a shot sat in the centre of them all, but with a lot of top brass still hanging about! Thought better of it!
Hi everyone.
Just catching up with all the carrying ons.
Geoff, do you really want to go to live in Spain
All those expats with nothing to do all day but stroll around in the sun and sip Sangria?
I have got a bread maker, one of those you just sling everything into and about 2hrs later you get some sort of bread. To be honest I'm not that impressed, it never seems to taste a good as bread made the traditional way, so it's in the cupboard with all the other gadgets that I thought I couldn't manage without..
We have 3 walls emulsioned, Oh is still muttering about the cost of paint. I thought he would have a heart attack when we had to pay for it yesterday, it's certainly gone up in price since we last decorated. £39 for a 5 ltr tin. He was going to do the bedrooms, but is now rethinking
I'm not cooking tea tonight. We are having an Indian takeaway to see what it's like before OH birthday do, having a few people round for that so want to make sure it's okay. Any excuse.
Catch you all later,
I know Chris- it does sound like a nightmare- all that boring sunshine, swimming pool warm blue sea,full of foreigners................................
Take-away sounds like a nice idea-have a poppadom on me
Dean-where is the Christmas spirit?
My daughter lived in Spain for a fewmonths. Found the ex-pats very helpful especially when she had a medical problem. Did text me once asking what to do about jelly fish stings. Me noe a clue, directed her to pharmacy
Just had a thought wedding receptions often have fireworks now and it is November. We'll have to grin and bear it, It's explaining them to Oscar (dog) that is the problem
Hello to everyone who has just joined in today


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Meatless Mondays: Will Los Angeles and the Rest of the Nation Go For It?
Many believe the program is a step in the right direction, others believe it hurts farmers
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Who doesn't like a nice piece of steak every now and then? According to recent statistics a lot of people don't.
A study conducted by the Vegetarian Times shows there are 7.3 million people in the United States who are vegetarians and there's 22.8 million people in the country that who vegetarian-based diets.
Apparently, the city of Los Angeles wants to add to that high number, as officials want residents there to join Meatless Monday--a global initiative that asks people to forego meat one day each week.
Those involved with the program hope it inspires residents to decrease their meat consumption and lower the amount of illnesses associated with heavy meat eating.
For those who attempt the challenge, they should remember a few key things.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) a vegetarian diet should include a strong focus on calcium and iron, as well as protein, and vitamin B12 consumption.
The USDA also says meals should be built around sources of low-fat protein and include such foods as rice, beans and lentils.
The government agency also warns against using high-fat cheeses to make up for the lack of meat protein, since cheeses and other high cholesterol foods can easily undo the health benefits associated with eating vegetarian.
Mind games
What's hardest for many people to do when it comes to cutting down their meat intake is dealing with the huge psychological component.
A lot of meat eaters don't avoid going vegetarian because they dislike eating vegetables, it's just that their minds are so used to associating a complete meal with a piece of meat, that eating veggies with a side of rice and beans seems horribly incomplete.
Meat eaters who share this belief should opt for soy-based products like imitation ground beef, veggie burgers and mock chicken, which are made by popular companies like Morning Star Farms, and Boca.
Although there are a countless number of artificial meat brands, Morning Star and Boca are probably the easiest to find and are the cheapest in price depending on where you live.
Nearly real
Out of the two mock meat companies, Morning Star seems to make products that will be easier for the meat eater to handle, as the company's selections are much closer to meat in texture than the other brands I've tried. And with just the right amount of seasoning and cooking methods, soy based meats can actually come pretty close to the real thing.
But close is the operative word here, so meat eaters will definitely taste a difference right off the bat, but that difference should become less noticeable the more the artificial meat is eaten.
Los Angeles is the largest city in the United States to take the Meatless Monday challenge, and Councilwoman Jan Perry along with Councilman Ed Reyes believe the weekly meat fast could lower the amount of future heart disease and cancer cases.
Many health experts around the globe attribute these ailments to heavy meat consumption.
"We can reduce saturated fats and reduce the risk of heart disease by 19 percent," said Councilwoman Perry in a statement. "While this is a symbolic gesture, it is asking people to think about the food choices they make. Eating less meat can reverse some of our nation's most common illnesses."
Harvard study
The Meatless Monday program pointed to a recent Harvard study that showed that by lowering the amount of fat-rich foods like meat and high-fat dairy, and going with foods high in polyunsaturated fat, people can lower the chances of developing heart disease by 19 percent, which was a key point made in the announcement of the program.
Polyunsaturated fat can be found in many leafy green foods, as well as in fish, seeds and nuts.
Although there may be a little pressure from Los Angeles officials to join the program, residents shouldn't worry about being hand-cuffed the next time they're caught eating a hamburger on a Monday. The meatless initiative is only a suggested one, and officials hope the program not only grows in popularity, but also leads to other lifestyle changes when it comes to health and diet.
"The issue is, how does a local municipality engage in this and how do we create change," asked Councilman Reyes, while discussing the initiative. "If we do it one plate at a time, one meal, one day, we are ratcheting down the impact on our environment. We start with one day a week and then who knows, maybe we can change our habits for a lifetime."
Stay out of Dodge
But not everyone is pleased about U.S. cities going meatless one day a week.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said the program is hurting the farming community by telling residents to abstain from meat, and instead of putting pressure on residents to go vegetarian--which many believe is based more on a belief system than anything else--the USDA should be helping out farmers.
"Never in my life would I have expected USDA to be opposed to farmers and ranchers," said Sen. Moran earlier this year in an interview.
"American farmers and ranchers deserve a USDA that will pursue supportive policies rather than seek their further harm. With extreme drought conditions plaguing much of the United States, the USDA should be more concerned about helping drought-stricken producers rather than demonizing an industry reeling from the lack of rain."
Although health experts have linked vegetarianism to better health, others have concluded that as long as meat is eaten moderately and properly balanced with other food groups, one can still maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Just Plain Fancy Story
The Story (From Leah Polacco)
Just Plain Fancy is the story of a young Amish girl, Naomi who longs to have something fancy in her life. One day as she and her sister are searching the field for eggs, they stumble upon a peculiar-looking one. The girls slip the egg into the nest and when it hatches, they name the "chick" Fancy. As Fancy grows he certainly lives up to his name, and Naomi is frightened that the Amish community will shun the beautiful creature. During the frolic the next morning, Fancy unexpectedly escapes the henhouse, and runs toward the elders
"At that moment, pleased with all the attention, Fancy ruffles his feathers and did for the guests what he had done for the girls in the henhouse the day before. Those who weren't speechless were stunned!"
Just Plain Fancy is a charming story about learning to appreciate what God has provided, His "handiwork," and the "just plain fancy" miracles of life.
"Polacco's warm story and sensitive illustrations
offer a fresh, balanced perspective on Amish life."
-Publishers Weekly
Patricia Polacco in her art and story gives us all things spare and strange, a poetry of plainness, a passion for order, a profuse beauty."
-The Five Owls
"Just plain wonderful!"
-School Library Journal
The Artwork
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Activity Ideas
The Faculty Lounge for October 22
Just Plain Fancy
< Go the the Question of the Week
Just Plain Fancy is the story of a young Amish girl, Naomi who longs to have something fancy in her life. This story can best be used in collaboration with a study about the Amish way of life; however, there are other avenues to take when considering a lesson plan for Just Plain Fancy. The following only touches on the latter, and focusses primarily on the Amish culture as a lesson plan for students.
Amish Q&A in reference to "Just Plain Fancy" (Discussion Questions for your students):
At one point in the story, Naomi overhears her mother use the word shunned (to avoid somebody or something intentionally), and therefore is fearful that if Fancy is discovered, the Amish community will reject him.
1. Why does the Amish community shun or reject fancy things?
They choose this way of life to:
1. Follow their interpretation of teachings of the Bible. * Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. I John 2:15
In other words, ?worldly? things (possessions) such as telephones, automobiles, etc., the Amish consider to be ?fancy? or elaborate and excessive.
2. Retain the solidarity of their community. *
In other words, the Amish have lived by these principles for hundreds of years. If someone were to stray from the Amish way of life, they would be shunned in order to maintain harmony within the community.
2. When Fancy was discovered, why wasn't he shunned? This question is answered in the story itself. The Amish elders do not reject Fancy because he was created by God to be a beautiful bird. Amish men and women do not reject things of natural beauty; they merely chose to live and dress simply and modestly.
Here are some other facts your students might find interesting! *
The Dress Code
Amish people dress in very simple style, avoiding all but the most basic ornamentation. Dark colors form the basis of the wardrobe; colored shirts with no pattern may be worn by both genders. Young girls often wear pastel dresses. Adult men may wear beards, but not mustaches, most likely due to the European military practice of wearing mustaches. Only married women may wear aprons, which must be white during church.
Amish people are forbidden to take photographs. They believe that photos lead to pride, which threatens the community by making individuals stand out.
School Matters
Formal education ends with the eighth grade. After this, Amish boys begin an apprenticeship to learn their trade, while Amish girls are taught the skills necessary to maintain the home.
At Work
The Amish people are skilled farmers; however, the notion that all Amish people are farmers is a misconception. In fact, the majority of Amish men work in local factories or in cottage industries. Adolescent girls and women often work on retail trade or in area restaurants.
It Starts at Home
The home is the center of Amish life, hosting everything from church services to funerals, courtships to weddings. As might be expected, decor is simple, with an emphasis on cleanliness and functionality. Many Amish homes have additions or smaller detached houses, called "Dawdy Houses, to house several generations in one home. Amish homes are usually painted white.
Courtship and Marriage
When Amish boys turn 16, they are given a courting buggy, which they use to attend chaperoned gatherings of young people. Courtships usually begin at these events, and continue as young men escort eligible young ladies to church, singings, and other festivities. The actual wedding day begins at 9am with hymns, followed by a full sermon. The marriage vows take place after the sermon; there are no special wedding clothes for the bride and groom. The day concludes with merrymaking; up to 500 guests may be on hand to eat foods prepared the day before. Marriage is for life; divorce is virtually unheard of in Amish society.
Growing and Strong
The Amish population in Northern Indiana doubles about every 20 years. This rate of growth is primarily due to the Amish practice of having large families. It is not unusual to have over 10 children.
A Brief History
The Amish and Mennonite peoples can trace their religious origins to the Protestant Reformation. In 1525, the Anabaptist movement began, ultimately spreading through central and Western Europe. In Holland, a Catholic priest who left the faith to pursue his Anabaptist beliefs gave his name, Menno Simons, to the Mennonite movement. Near the end of the 17th century, a faction led by minister Jakob Ammon broke away, laying the groundwork for the Amish faith. The Amish people of Elkhart and LaGrange counties, one of the largest concentration of Amish people in the United States, are descendants of Swiss Amish who left Europe, as early as 1727, to escape persecution.
For other Question and Answers, as well as information about the Amish way of life, please visit: http://www.amish-heartland.com/aboutamishq.html.
*This information was contributed by http://www.amishcountry.org
Activity Ideas:
1. Break your students up into groups of three or four. Assign each group one of the aforementioned topics about the Amish (Dress Code, Marriage, etc.) to research. Designate an Amish Celebration Day in your class, on which, each group will orally present their discoveries.
2. Choose an Amish recipe such as Pumpkin Spice Cake or Little Honey Cakes to make for your class on Amish Celebration Day or any day!
Pumpkin Spice Cake: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/4207/pmpknspccak.html
Little Honey Cakes: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/4207/lilhoneys.html
Other Amish recipes: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/4207/amish.html
Other possibilities for "Amish Celebration Day" activties:
Have your students draw, color, or paint pictures reflecting the aspect of the Amish lifestyle they researched;
Have your students dress in traditional Amish attire and/or draw and color pictures of the differences in trends between their clothing styles and those of Amish children their ages;
Invite an Amish man or woman (or someone familiar with the Amish culture) to talk to your class about the Amish way of life and/or for a question/answer period;
Divide your class up according to gender. Give the boys a brief lesson in a traditional Amish "trade" and the girls, a lesson in maintaining the home. As a class, have your students reflect on what they learned, and talk about what some of their individual goals and dreams are, and how they compare to Amish boys and girls their ages.
Designate bulletin board space for "Facts" and/or "Myths" about the Amish culture, research information, and/or pictures the students have colored.
3. Circle the room and have each student talk about a pet they own (or have owned) and why that pet is important to them (See the Question of the Week). Talk about why Fancy was important to Naomi in Just Plain Fancy. Have your students draw or color a picture of their pet.
4. Have your students write a letter to Naomi describing what they found interesting, or what they like best about her culture.
5. Have your students talk about some of the beliefs and traditions they celebrate in their homes, and how they compare to the Amish way of life. Suggest that your students bring in items that represent their cultural beliefs for a "Show and Tell" period.
6. Have your students create peacocks out of construction paper and feathers.
7. Test your students knowledge of the book with the "Just Plain Fancy" quiz.
A Note to Teachers: The information and links provided about the Amish culture are only meant to assist you in collecting data for your lesson plans. Please be sure to thoroughly research the Amish culture before presenting it to your students.