text:
The power of hindsight: 7 things I'll do differently next time
Since she became a first-time Mum, Stephanie Hope has learned a lot ... especially about what she'll do differently with her next baby. She shares 7 things she'll change with baby number two - what would you change if you had a do-over?
As a new mum, I felt like I was constantly floundering, struggling to meet the needs of my young son while following all the advice I was receiving from midwives, doctors and well-meaning friends and family. It's only now, 15 months into my parenthood journey, that I can look back with a degree of perspective.
Here's what I've learned: there is A LOT of advice out there, and not all of it will apply to you and your child.
For every little stumbling block you may hit along the way – whether it's to do with feeding, settling, wind, reflux, rashes, developmental delays (the list goes on) – there will be a plethora of solutions available to you. And while it would be nice to just be given the magical answer, you really do have to go through a process of trial and error until you find the right option for you… and then two weeks later it won't work any more, and you'll have to start all over again. Oh, the joys of parenting!
I'm hoping with my next child, things will come a lot more easily to me (well, it sounds good in theory). And having learned some valuable lessons the first time around, there's already a few things that I know I definitely WON'T be doing again.
7 things I'll do differently with my next baby
1. I will not be scared of the bottle
It sounds daft, right? What's so scary about a bottle? Well, let me explain. As a new mum, I found there was a big emphasis on breastfeeding. Breast milk is full of nutrients essential to baby's growth and development, the World Health Organisation recommends it for the first six months of a child's life, it's free, you can do it anywhere. I understood the benefits and was lucky enough that my milk came through on schedule and there were no big hurdles.
At a breastfeeding class run by my local hospital, we were warned about 'nipple confusion' – where if you give your baby a bottle too soon, they may get confused between your nipples and the bottle teats, and end up preferring the teat, as the milk tends to flow faster. I took this to mean that I should delay introducing a bottle for as long as possible, so my son had time to learn the difference.
Big mistake. I waited around nine weeks and ended up missing the bottle boat completely. We tried techniques like giving Mitchell the bottle while he was half asleep or while I was in another room, and we spent a fortune on different brands, hoping we'd find one that he liked. He flat out refused. And while I was happy to continue breastfeeding until he was old enough to do without, I found it quite limiting. I couldn't go out for long periods of time without the baby in tow. On a night out with my mother's group, I nursed a soft drink while the other girls got stuck into the wine, and I felt sad that my partner wasn't able to get involved with the milk feeds.
So with my next child, the plan is to express one milk feed a day and give it to him or her in a bottle (or my husband can do it) from day one! It might not work; they may share their brother's aversion to the bottle. But having seen numerous friends successfully give their children bottles while still breastfeeding, I know it can be done and I'm determined to make it work.
2. I will stop being a martyr and just try the dummy
Once again, I allowed myself to be swayed by the experts on this one. I understand that dummies can be problematic – they have a tendency of falling out, you have to sterilise them, children can become dependent on them.
I never really had any strong thoughts on whether or not we would use dummies in our household, until a family member told me it was 'only a matter of time' before I caved and resorted to the dummy. Of course, I took that as a challenge and did my darnedest to prove them wrong, putting away all the dummies we'd been given, only to be used in an emergency. There were definitely some nights when I held a screaming, wriggling baby in my arms and wished for the soothing properties of a dummy. But as with the bottle, there came a point when there was no going back – any dummies that came near my son's mouth were spat unceremoniously on the floor.
So here's my revised plan for baby number two: cut myself some slack and have some sterilised dummies on hand for those moments when nothing else works. I will be wary of relying on one completely, but I will keep that option open. I figure with two children, I won't have the same patience levels and a quick fix will certainly be preferable to a night of zero sleep.
3. I will use the carrier that I paid good money for
For reasons I will never entirely understand, I purchased a Baby Bjorn carrier before my baby was born and ended up hanging it on a hook to gather dust. It could have something to do with my pram, which I loved with every fibre of my being. It may have also been the fear of the unknown – I knew my son was comfortable in the pram and would SLEEP in the pram. Why run the risk of ruining that by switching him to a carrier, which he might hate? Now I have passed it onto a better home, where it gets daily usage and gathers dust no more.
But in the event of a second child joining our nest, I will definitely give it another crack. I hear you can get housework done with a sleeping babe strapped to your chest! My inner multitasker loves the sound of that.
4. I will not buy 50 cute and tiny outfits that they'll only wear once
Babies grow quickly – I knew this going in and yet I succumbed to the irresistible forces of cuteness that drew me into every baby clothing store within a 20km radius. I have some adorable photos of my bubba wearing animal themed suits, slogan onesies and miniature overalls. But more often than not, those outfits were for special occasions only, and a plain blue onesie was my favoured outfit of choice.
I didn't realise I had a problem until my dad remarked one day that he didn't think he'd seen my little boy in the same outfit twice. Meanwhile, I was donning the same vomit-stained jumper and jeans for at least three days straight. Who was I trying to impress with this bottomless wardrobe?
I have since learned to curb my spending. The speed at which Mitchell grows has also slowed down somewhat, so I manage to get good mileage out of the same few T-shirts and shorts. I promise to show more restraint next time. Unless it's a girl…
5. I will avoid comparing my child to the other babies in mother's group
Look, it's easier than it sounds. Even after I made the conscious decision not to be a competitive mum and measure my own baby's development against that of others, it was hard not to feel a little pang of envy (failure, even?) when someone else's child crawled, walked or said 'mama' before mine. It would eat away at me and I wondered if it was a reflection on my abilities as a mum. Why did my son have less words than another little boy – should I be talking to him more? Little Johnny was three kilos heavier than Mitchell – was it something to do with my cooking? All the other children played happily on the mat while mine seemed permanently glued to my leg – had I encouraged this clinginess by spending too much time with him?
The only thing Mitch seemed to excel at was growing teeth – and I couldn't take any credit for that!
But in the end, it all evened out. He did some things earlier than others, and sometimes he was the last in the group to master a new skill. But he did master them. It's true that children develop in their own time, and while it's good to be mindful of when they might be ready for certain milestones, sometimes you just need to chillax and let them work it out for themselves. That's my plan for round two, anyway.
6. I will read less
There are plenty of resources available to new mums and it's certainly worthwhile turning to them whenever you're feeling a bit lost. God knows I did – the poor midwives at the early childhood centre were hearing from me on a daily basis at one point, and my copy of Robyn Barker's Baby Love is now dog-eared from repeated use. But I've come to realise that the blogs, forums, baby guides and pamphlets can only tell you so much – at the end of the day, you are the expert when it comes to your child, and sometimes you just need to do what feels best.
I wasted a lot of time 'trying things' that I knew deep down wouldn't work, or attempting to define the reasons behind my baby's 'challenging' stages rather than just dealing with them. I hope that with experience comes some degree of knowledge, and I will be able to simplify things with my second child by just going with my gut.
7. I will ask for (and accept) help
I wouldn't call myself a proud person, but despite numerous offers of assistance over the past 15 months, I have rarely accepted them. I think I just thought I was supposed to do everything myself, or maybe my perfectionist tendencies made me believe that no-one else would be able to take care of my child as well as I did. Regardless, it's actually exhausting doing everything on your own, and I don't believe Mitchell is any better off for it.
I've come to realise that new places and new faces are the best thing for a child, not to mention exposing him to different foods, new toys, getting him used to sleeping in a different room. Whenever I hear of a friend who drops the kids off at her mum's place so she can get her hair cut or go for a run, I kick myself for not doing the same. Things will be different next time; "yes please" will be a regular part of my vocab.
Tell us, what would you do differently if you could have a do-over with your first baby?
Related reading on Kidspot:
- Life lessons my newborn has taught me
- Dear Clueless: A letter to myself as a new mum
- Model mum: How being a model helped prepare me for motherhood
Read more:
- 9 things I'll do differently with my next baby from Babble.com
- First child vs second child: Things mums do differently from Huffington Post
- 10 things I learned as a new mum from Modern Mom


text:
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Merry Autumn - Poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar
IT's all a farce, — these tales they tell
About the breezes sighing,
And moans astir o'er field and dell,
Because the year is dying.
Such principles are most absurd, —
I care not who first taught 'em;
There's nothing known to beast or bird
To make a solemn autumn.
In solemn times, when grief holds sway
With countenance distressing,
You'll note the more of black and gray
Will then be used in dressing.
Now purple tints are all around;
The sky is blue and mellow;
And e'en the grasses turn the ground
From modest green to yellow.
The seed burrs all with laughter crack
On featherweed and jimson;
And leaves that should be dressed in black
Are all decked out in crimson.
A butterfly goes winging by;
A singing bird comes after;
And Nature, all from earth to sky,
Is bubbling o'er with laughter.
The ripples wimple on the rills,
Like sparkling little lasses;
The sunlight runs along the hills,
And laughs among the grasses.
The earth is just so full of fun
It really can't contain it;
And streams of mirth so freely run
The heavens seem to rain it.
Don't talk to me of solemn days
In autumn's time of splendor,
Because the sun shows fewer rays,
And these grow slant and slender.
Why, it's the climax of the year,—
The highest time of living!—
Till naturally its bursting cheer
Just melts into thanksgiving.
Comments about Merry Autumn by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Read this poem in other languages
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem »
Paul Laurence Dunbar's Other Poems
Famous Poems
Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou
Still I Rise
Maya Angelou
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
If You Forget Me
Pablo Neruda
Langston Hughes
Annabel Lee
Edgar Allan Poe
Caged Bird
Maya Angelou
Rudyard Kipling
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Robert Frost
A Dream Within A Dream
Edgar Allan Poe

subset: commoncrawl


text: Touché ! Regards, George On Jan 25, 2012, at 11:19, Dennis Lawrence <denlaw at gojade.org> wrote: > Esteemed GDG Member Contributes: > >> Down here you can't get out of fifth grade unless you can recite it from memory. > Hello, > > Along with the Gettysburg address? > > Take Care > > Dennis > > > >>>>>>>>> > You can't just pick and choose which laws to follow. Sure I'd like to tape a baseball game without the express written consent of Major League Baseball, but that's just not the way it works. Hank Hill ----------------http://www.arthes.com/mailman/listinfo/gettysburg_arthes.com -to unsubscribe > http://arthes.com/pipermail/gettysburg_arthes.com/ for Archives


text:
The F#CK YOUR SWAG Tank by Capital | Karmaloop.com - Global Concrete Culture
We know not everybody is a fan of the "Swag" movement. We also know that a lot of these cats running around claiming to have swag, have none at all. So we flipped "Swag" on its back to make a visual point, reenforcing it with the subliminal words "F#CK YOUR" lingering above. Red 1" CPTL button included. Athletic cut, runs true to size. Model Anthony is wearing a Medium for a slightly fitted look.


text: Keltricity News 2010-12-17T12:56:58+01:00 text/html Thomas Family Winery http://www.keltricity.com/index.php?news&nid=19 We just love the way winery's have opened their doors to provide wine-lovers and music-lovers alike with a way to combine their passions into one unique and memorable evening. <br /> text/html Naturally Phenomenal http://www.keltricity.com/index.php?news&nid=18 The luck of the Irish must have still been with us as St. Patrick's week spun down because we sure felt that way looking out at the gorgeous scenery from our balcony at the Hemlock Lodge in Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Resort Park. text/html Pub-licized http://www.keltricity.com/index.php?news&nid=17 Keltricity did their part in helping spread cheer, while the pubs served their green beer, to capacity crowds on St. Patrick's day… and week. text/html Luck of the Horseshoe http://www.keltricity.com/index.php?news&nid=16 Patrons of Horseshoe Casino in Southern Indiana who were enjoying their Irish-themed buffet dinner on St. Patrick's Eve also got a big serving of the sounds of Keltricity.


text:
Firestone's Request for a Defect Investigation on the
of Ford Explorers After a Rear Tire Tread Separation
Kenneth N. Weinstein
Associate Administrator for Safety Assurance
Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D.
On May 31, 2001, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. (Firestone) submitted a "request" that NHTSA open a safety defect investigation regarding the handling and control characteristics of Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles (SUV) following a tread separation on a rear tire. The request was filed shortly after Ford Motor Company (Ford) announced on May 22, 2001 that it would provide free replacements for all Firestone Wilderness AT tires on Ford vehicles. It was part of Firestone's effort to argue that the crashes (many of which involved rollovers) that occurred in Explorers following tread separations of Firestone ATX and Wilderness AT tires were to a large extent due to the design of the Explorer rather than a defect in the tires.
Under 49 U.S.C. 30162 and 49 CFR Part 552, any person may "petition" NHTSA to open a defect investigation. Firestone purposely elected not to file such a "petition" and characterized its document as a "request." Nevertheless, the agency promptly stated that it would analyze the issues raised by Firestone as though they had been raised in a petition. The analysis of those issues (copy attached) was primarily prepared by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) with input from the Office of Research and Development (both at NHTSA headquarters and at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio), the Office of Safety Performance Standards, and independent experts on vehicle dynamics issues hired by ODI.
The Firestone request is based almost totally on test data compiled and analyzed by Dr. Dennis A. Guenther, a vehicle dynamics consultant hired by Firestone. At the time of the original request, Dr. Guenther had tested two Explorer models and two other SUVs. Firestone advised ODI that Dr. Guenther had not completed his testing and that he intended to complete that testing by the end of July 2001. In fact, however, Firestone submitted supplemental test data on August 22 and September 24, and it did not submit its completed test data until December 4, 2001. Although ODI began to review the available test data and to consider the issues raised by the Firestone request during the summer of 2001, it had to wait to complete its analysis until all of the Firestone data was received.
The Firestone request involves numerous complex issues in the field of vehicle dynamics. ODI's analysis of that request addresses those issues and contains an Appendix that provides a discussion of the most relevant terms and concepts, which will not be repeated here.
There are two primary sets of "findings" underlying the Firestone request. The first set involves the levels of "linear range understeer" exhibited by various vehicle models. Firestone asserts that (1) at least some Explorer models have a significantly lower amount of "linear range understeer" than the "other SUVs [Dr. Guenther] has evaluated;" (2) the Explorers lose much of their "understeer" when fully loaded, while the other tested SUVs do not; and (3) at least some Explorer models, unlike the other SUVs tested, lose all of their "understeer" and become "oversteer" following a tread separation on a rear tire. The second set of "findings" relates to the controllability of an "oversteer" vehicle. Firestone asserts that a vehicle that exhibits "linear range oversteer" is "extremely difficult for most drivers to control, particularly at interstate highway speeds" and that at or above "critical speed," such a vehicle is "not controllable by any driver."
Firestone concludes, based on these "findings," "…that the Explorer is defectively designed in that it has an inadequate margin of control, due to insufficient understeer, in the foreseeable circumstance of tread separation during normal highway driving in most load and turning circumstances." While Firestone initially contended that this conclusion applied to almost all Explorer models, in its final December 4, 2001 submission, it limited its applicability to the "1995 model year and later 2WD Explorers tested," noting that the "pre-1994 Explorers tested and the 4WD Explorer tested appear to have understeer characteristics closer to" the other SUV models that Dr. Guenther tested.
In evaluating these Firestone findings and conclusions, ODI reviewed Dr. Guenther's test results, as well as relevant linear range understeer data developed by VRTC in the late 1990s during its evaluation of various dynamic rollover test procedures, as well as data submitted by Ford based on tests it performed on numerous SUVs and a few other light duty vehicles. For some of these vehicles, Ford also provided understeer data with respect to vehicle performance with a rear tire whose outer tread had been removed. ODI did not perform any new testing to evaluate the Firestone request.
As explained in detail in the analysis, based upon its consideration of all of this data, ODI found that the tests conducted by Dr. Guenther were objective and performed under acceptably controlled conditions, that his measurements were made with an acceptable level of accuracy, and that his results were objectively reduced and analyzed. However, ODI also found that, due to the many sources of variability in measuring understeer, unless differences of at least 1°/g are found when comparing the measured level of understeer of different vehicle models, one cannot confidently state that the vehicles truly have different levels of understeer.
With respect to Firestone's "findings," ODI found that Dr. Guenther's test data indicate that the model year (MY) 1995 and later 2WD Explorers have less understeer than the other Explorers he tested and than the peer SUVs he tested. Thus, Firestone's first "finding" is literally accurate. However, data reflecting tests of a more representative sample of SUVs by VRTC and Ford show that the level of understeer of these Explorer models is greater than or similar to those of many other contemporaneous SUVs.
With respect to Firestone's second "finding," ODI concluded that the available data do not support Firestone's assertion that the Explorer loses much of its understeer when fully loaded. Moreover, the data indicate that the reductions in understeer for the Explorer models tested by Dr. Guenther are not as great as those for the other SUVs he tested, as well as those of many other SUVs tested by Ford.
With respect to Firestone's third "finding," the data indicate that Explorers are not unique among SUVs in exhibiting linear range oversteer characteristics following a rear tire tread separation. Twenty of the 25 SUVs tested by Ford, as well as one passenger car and two minivans tested by Ford, exhibit linear range oversteer characteristics following a rear tire tread separation.
With respect to Firestone's "findings" about the controllability of vehicles with linear range oversteer, NHTSA's analysis found that such vehicles are more difficult for drivers to control than understeer vehicles. However, they are generally not impossible to control. Whether or not a driver is able to adequately control an oversteer vehicle depends not only on the level of oversteer, but also on factors such as the vehicle's speed, the complexity of the tasks facing the driver, and the driver's experience, knowledge, and alertness.
Moreover, there are other vehicle-related factors in addition to linear range oversteer that can affect controllability following a tread separation. This is reflected by the fact that a substantial number of MY 1991-1994 Explorers (which Dr. Guenther found do not become oversteer following a rear tire tread separation) were involved in loss of control crashes following rear tire tread separations of Firestone ATX or Wilderness AT tires. Conversely, Ford has presented videotapes of tests that it conducted of Explorers and other SUVs with a rear tire tread separation being driven at high speeds, in some cases significantly higher than their critical speeds, without a loss of control or stability. Moreover, data developed during the agency's defect investigation of Firestone tires demonstrate that the vast majority of tread separations, including many that occurred at highway speeds, did not result in crashes. For these reasons, ODI believes that whether a vehicle becomes oversteer in the linear range does not provide a sufficient measure for evaluating the risk of a loss of control in the event of a rear tire tread separation.
Finally, the analysis references work done by ODI during its defect investigation of Firestone tires, noting that there is no significant difference between the rate of crashes per 100 tread separation claims for Explorers and the rate for other SUVs.
Based upon the extensive analysis summarized above, ODI has decided not to grant Firestone's request that it open a defect investigation into the handling and controllability of Explorers following a tread separation on a rear tire. We concur that a vehicle that exhibits linear range oversteer is more difficult for a driver to control than an understeer vehicle. In addition, the many crashes following tread separations of tires on SUVs that are documented in the Firestone claims database and that have been reported to ODI by consumers and others demonstrate that a tread separation on such a vehicle can lead to loss of control, particularly when it is a rear tire that fails and the vehicle is being driven at high speed. However, the data does not support Firestone's contention that Explorers in general, or even MY 1995 and later 2WD Explorers in particular, are more likely to exhibit linear range oversteer characteristics following a rear tire tread separation than many of their peers. Moreover, a vehicle cannot be found to contain a safety-related defect under our statute solely because it has not been designed to preclude linear range oversteer following an unexpected, catastrophic event such as a tread separation.


text:
ultrasonic calls of bats of an unknown species passing, filtered to remove every signal in the non-ultrasonic band. Pitch is in the range 20-22 KHz (and hence inaudible; sorry, effect gatherers), but I'm uploading as a curiosity and to see how Freesound preview handles it. I would appreciate if someone could suggest a way to process the sample to make it audible to humans. RodeNT4>ShureFP24>iRiverH120 (rockbox firmware). /ultrasonidos producidos por murciélagos. Si alguien sabe alguna manera para hacer esto audible para las personas se lo agradeceré.
haha... i can hear this its very faint but it is there... i kind of high pitch yip every so often!
I tried to make it audible
2 comments
Please log in to comment


text:
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.
Arroyo Grande, Calif. (PRWEB) June 27, 2014
Jean Quintana's new book "Soul Therapy: A Game of Intuition" (published by AuthorHouse) is not only a book, but also a game designed to help readers increase their intuition.
Albert Einstein once said, "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant."
It is the sacred gift Einstein mentions that Quintana hopes to help readers improve.
An excerpt from "Soul Therapy":
"Everyone is intuitive. Why not learn to understand that part of you which can provide you with an immediate and instinctive perception of the truth; direct understanding without reasoning. Why not take full advantage of your inherited gifts?"
"Soul Therapy" is a game and a viable tool which aims to improve readers' intuitive skills whether they play for fun or with purpose.
"It's only a simple game, or is it?" Quintana asks. "You be the judge."
"Soul Therapy"
By Jean Quintana
Softcover | 8.5 x 8.5 in | 100 pages | ISBN 9781477256589
E-Book | ISBN 9781477263358
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Cambridge's "Who's Who" recognized Jean Quintana as an EP of the year, listed in the Registry of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs for 2010-2011. She is a multimedia artist, award-winning published poet, children's illustrator and author. Quintana attended and later taught at The Behavior Science Research and Education Center under the caring guidance of Dr. Richard Johnson.
AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industry's only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrated 15 years of service to authors in Sept. 2011. For more information or to publish a book, visit authorhouse.com or call 1-888-519-5121. For the latest, follow @authorhouse on Twitter.


text:
Today is Thursday, March 14, the 73rd day of 2013. There are 292 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
On March 14, 1923, President Warren G. Harding became the first chief executive to file an income tax return, paying a tax of $17,990 on his $75,000 salary.
On this date:
In 1743, a memorial service was held at Faneuil Hall in Boston honoring Peter Faneuil, who had donated the building bearing his name.
In 1794, Eli Whitney received a patent for his cotton gin, an invention that revolutionized America's cotton industry.
In 1885, the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera "The Mikado" premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London.
In 1900, Congress ratified the Gold Standard Act.
In 1932, photography pioneer George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Co., died by his own hand at age 77 in Rochester, N.Y.
In 1939, the republic of Czechoslovakia was dissolved, opening the way for Nazi occupation of Czech areas and the separation of Slovakia.
In 1951, during the Korean War, United Nations forces recaptured Seoul.
In 1962, Democrat Edward M. Kennedy officially launched in Boston his successful candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts once held by his brother, President John F. Kennedy. (Edward Kennedy served in the Senate for nearly 47 years.)
In 1964, a jury in Dallas found Jack Ruby guilty of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, and sentenced him to death. (Both the conviction and death sentence were later overturned, but Ruby died before he could be retried.)
In 1967, the body of President John F. Kennedy was moved from a temporary grave to a permanent memorial site at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1980, a LOT Polish Airlines jet crashed while attempting to land in Warsaw, killing all 87 people aboard, including 22 members of a U.S. amateur boxing team.
In 1991, a British court overturned the wrongful convictions of the "Birmingham Six," who had spent 16 years in prison for a 1974 Irish Republican Army bombing, and ordered them released.
Ten years ago: Actor Robert Blake was released from jail on $1.5 million bail, 11 months after he was arrested on charges of murdering his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. (Blake was later acquitted at trial.)
Five years ago: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama denounced inflammatory remarks from his pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
One year ago: President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, hosted a White House state dinner for British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha. Earlier, the two leaders announced that NATO forces would hand over the lead combat role in Afghanistan to Afghan forces in 2013 as the U.S. and its allies aimed to get out by the end of 2014.
Today's Birthdays: Singer Phil Phillips is 82. Actor Michael Caine is 80. Composer-conductor Quincy Jones is 80. Former astronaut Eugene Cernan is 79. Comedian Billy Crystal is 65. Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, is 55. Producer-director-writer Kevin Williamson is 48. Actor Jake Fogelnest is 34. Actor Chris Klein is 34. Singer-musician Taylor Hanson (Hanson) is 30.
Thought for Today: "The man who does his work, any work, conscientiously, must always be in one sense a great man." -- Dinah Maria Mulock Craik, English novelist (1826-1887).


text:
Sandra Beasley [2] is the author of I Was the Jukebox [3], winner of the 2009 Barnard Women Poets Prize, selected by Joy Harjo and published by W. W. Norton. This podcast, "A Public Space," is an audio essay by poet Dana Burchfield, on the occasion of reading Beasley's book.
Sandra Beasley's debut collection, Theories of Falling [4], was selected by Marie Howe as the winner of the 2007 New Issues Poetry Prize (New Issues Poetry and Prose, 2008). Beasley is also an essayist whose work has been featured in the Washington Post Magazine, and her nonfiction book, Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life, is forthcoming from Crown. (See this [5] beautiful little clip.) When Sandra had gotten the contract for Birthday Girl, she did a guest post here [6] on quitting her day job and living the dream.)
Dana Burchfield got her MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Center: A Journal of the Literary Arts, Crab Orchard Review, cream city review, The Journal, and Marginalia, where she was winner of the 2008 Marginalia College Contest. She has served on the editorial staffs of Quick Fiction and Ninth Letter, and she was interim editor for Hunger Mountain. She lives in Vermont.
Click here to listen [7] to "A Public Space."
If you're at the conference, see Sandra Beasley tomorrow morning, Friday, 9-10:15 a.m., Diplomat Ballroom, Omni Shoreham Hotel, West Lobby, F117A, in the "Potomac Review Celebrates Best of 50." Or catch her off-site, Friday night, at the Copper Nickel Issue 15 Release Reading [8] at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, 7 p.m.


text:
Memorial services and inurnment for retired Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis N. Snelling Sr., of Copperas Cove, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen with full military honors.
Mr. Snelling died April 5, 2014, in Austin. He was born Aug. 7, 1945, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to the late Charles and Pauline Leedom Snelling. He joined the U.S. Army in 1963 and retired after 30 years of service.
Survivors include his wife, Ulrike Parker Snelling; son, Dennis N. Snelling Jr.; daughters, Sabrina Snelling and Heather Untied; sisters, Elizabeth Phillips and Linnea Reid; five grandchildren, Ashlyn Hughes, Barrett Untied, Evan Snelling, Leah Snelling and Cody Snelling.
Scott's Funeral Home in Copperas Cove is in charge of arrangements.


text:
Thank you for your interest to be a Partner in ITEX 2017.
Kindly be informed that our sales representative will be in touch with you soon. If you have any enquiries, please do feel free to email us.
ITEX is on social! Follow us for the latest news and announcements:


text:
Oyster aquaculture on Eta-Jima Island. Oysters growing on scallop shells.
100 yen coin is approximately size of quarter.
Image ID: nerr0990, NOAA's Estuarine Research Reserve Collection
Location: Japan, Eta-Jima
Photo Date: 1987 March
Photographer: Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NMFS/OPR
• High Resolution Photo Available
of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Adminstration (NOAA),
NOAA Central Library
NOAA Privacy Policy
| NOAA Disclaimer
Last Updated:
June 10, 2016


text:
By Mike Lopresti, Gannett
What's the statute of limitations for missing a free throw? Or even four of them in the last 11 seconds, as a game in the NBA Finals slips away?
Back in Orlando, amid basketball fever, one of the original Magic wonders, 14 years later.
"People still bring it up," Nick Anderson said over the phone, as the resigned owner of an indelible slice of NBA infamy. "I've answered the questions and I'm willing to. I'll take them on."
He understands that with the Orlando Magic in their second Finals, memories of their first will be refreshed. That means June 7, 1995, will be taken out of deep freeze storage and reheated, to be served warm to anyone who has forgotten.
That was the night he became known, for those choosing to reduce a long and honorable career to a catchy sobriquet, as Nick the Brick.
Final 11 seconds of Game 1 of the 1995 Finals between Orlando and the Houston Rockets. The Magic, ahead 20 in the first half at home, were desperately holding onto a three-point lead.
At the line was Anderson, the first draft pick the Orlando franchise made in 1989, a reliable player and a 70-percent free throw shooter. The Magic crowd eagerly waited to celebrate leading 1-0 in the Finals.
But he missed.
Then missed again. Somehow he got the rebound and was fouled. Two more to shoot. One would do the job.
He missed both.
Fate was ready with brass knuckles. Kenny Smith's three-pointer for Houston forced overtime, where Hakeem Olajuwon's last-second tip gave the Rockets a 120-118 victory. They went on to win three more games and sweep the Magic.
When those finals are reviewed, no one seems to remember the 20-point lead squandered or the Olajuwon tip or the next three games. They remember Nick Anderson.
"I couldn't accept it for awhile," he said. "They forgot it was a seven-game series, and not a one-game elimination. I do think about that sometimes."
He learned that some bad nights never die. "Constant ridicule," is his memory of the long shadow afterward. Two seasons later, Anderson made only 40.4% of his free throws.
"I started to believe maybe I can't make free throws. Maybe I can't shoot," he said. "I started losing my aggressiveness."
He said it took nearly three years to recover, but he eventually put in 10 seasons for Orlando, then three more with Sacramento and Memphis. A man who plays 800 NBA games and averages 14.4 points, he shouldn't have to apologize for 11 seconds.
But how often does that happen, fairly or not, where one instant turns into a giant cumulonimbus cloud over an athlete's legacy?
Anderson's rehab from a broken spirit was boosted by unflagging support from some in the Magic hierarchy, he said. Most of all, Chuck Daly, who became coach in 1997.
Daly died of cancer three weeks ago.
"It tore me apart," Anderson said. "I just loved that man."
Anderson has played more games in an Orlando uniform than anyone else, taken more shots, scored more points, made more steals. He's third in free throws made.
He now is active in the organization's community relations, spreading the good word of how this young and athletic team reminds him so much of the 1995 Magic.
He watched in joy as Orlando finished off Cleveland last week, noting that LeBron James did not shake the champions' hands afterward and left without speaking to the media. In 1995, Nick Anderson – designated goat – shook every hand and answered every question.
"I faced the media like I was supposed to," he said. "I'm a LeBron James fan. I'm not going to look at him any different. But you kind of send a mixed message when you do that. You only shake hands when you win?"
A Magic title would mean the world to him, maybe even change the way people remember. Bill Buckner's error did not echo so loudly in Boston, once the Red Sox won the World Series.
Whatever happens, he has learned to live with June 7, 1995. All he need do is look at his body of work — and hope others will, too.
"I'm not going to let one moment," he said, "define my career."
Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.


text:
UMD Afternoon Commencement
Good afternoon.
What a great day to be in Duluth and what an honor it is for me to be a part of this commencement for the UMD Class of 2013.
I am so glad we had this 3 o'clock start. Like all of you, I topped my Friday evening off with a warm glass of milk, put on my Bulldog pajamas, tucked myself in around 9 o'clock, and got a great night's sleep.
This morning, around 8 or so, I went for a walk on campus, and was having a wonderful time listening to Trampled by Turtles on my headphones.
Then something really bad happened, and I panicked.
I couldn't find my way out of the maze of tunnels and hallways! It was like a bad science fiction movie. I escaped just minutes ago.
I'd give you guys diplomas just for figuring out the tunnels!
Congrats and honors
Seriously, congratulations to you, graduates of UMD's College of Education and Human Service Professions, College of Liberal Arts and School of Fine Arts. On behalf of the entire University of Minnesota community, we are so proud of you.
I'd like to acknowledge the presence of 1983 UMD graduate and one of my bosses, University of Minnesota David McMillan. Thank you Regent McMillan for your leadership and your diligent advocacy for UMD.
I also want to thank Chancellor Lynn Black. I pointed this out this morning to the business and economics, and science and engineering students, but I really want to emphasize this to you graduates of these three colleges this afternoon. Chancellor Black was an English major and has a master's and Ph.D. in theater.
You hear that parents?!
He also, over the past three years, has become an expert in climate change. That is, working successfully to change the climate and culture here at UMD, and leading this campus towards an ambitious future. He has courageously tackled head-on the very important issue of equity, diversity, social justice and tolerance. Lynn, you are a trusted colleague, and the perfect leader at the right time for UMD, and I thank you.
Value of a degree
Now, let me turn to a very hot topic making the rounds in higher education, and, more importantly, around dinner tables across Minnesota, and the nation. And it particularly applies to some of you liberal arts, social sciences, and fine arts students. It is an assertion by some misguided "experts" that there is limited, or no, value to a college education these days, and, especially, to a four-year college degree like the one you are all receiving here today.
That really frustrates me. It is hogwash, and I'm being kind.
Here's an example of one expert's bold idea. Last December, Florida's governor suggested that students should pay more for an English degree than to earn an engineering degree.
Here's the theory behind that, as best as I understand it: His state aims to encourage more students to study engineering (for example) because humanities and liberal arts graduates simply won't bring as much "strategic" value to employers.
I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.
Every day, Minnesota CEOs tell me that they need college graduates who are critical thinkers, clear writers, and are multilingual. They tell me to compete in an increasingly diverse state and rapidly changing economy, employers need to hire young people who can:
- communicate well,
- work effectively in groups and across cultures,
- have global experience,
- who can bring an interdisciplinary perspective to solving critically important problems, and
- and who can add value to the culture and vibrancy of our state, which is a beacon for the arts in the Midwest and the nation.
Now, I know that tuition and debt have become real burdens, and lessening that burden has been a priority of mine since I became President two years ago.
In fact, we are just days away — I hope — from achieving a major victory in the Minnesota Legislature of renewing our partnership with the state and achieving a two-year tuition freeze for all Minnesota resident undergraduates. That could happen by Monday. I know you won't benefit — sorry about that! — but it is a start for the next generation of UMD students.
And I know that with the rise of student debt, and the very difficult job market — especially for liberal arts students — over the past five years, people have wondered, "Why college? What's it really worth?"
First — and, parents, bear with me — preparing students to get a job isn't the only reason to go to college or the only reason UMD is here. We are preparing leaders here. Regent McMillan happens to have been an economics and history major here at UMD, not a scientist. He's now an energy executive now.
We're preparing students to be engaged citizens, working to solve problems and do good in your communities. We're here to enable you to love learning today and for the next 10 decades of your life.
Still, we know that being in a position to have a meaningful life of work and family, of being able to support yourself, requires an occupation that makes a difference in the world. And in your pocketbook. I get that.
As Chancellor Black told you, I'm a chemical engineer, so let me pull out some data.
I'll start with the Georgetown University Jobs Study, an analysis of the work force needs across the nation. By 2018, just five years from now and as your careers will really start to blossom, 70 percent of all jobs in this state will require some post-secondary schooling.
In Minnesota, the demand for four-year college graduates is one of the highest in the nation. Out of all 50 states, Minnesota sits behind only Washington, D.C., Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey in its demand for four-year college graduates. Fact is, in this region, if you want a good job, in seven out of ten openings, you've got to have a four-year degree. That's the baseline.
Now, at UMD, our record is very strong. In all three of the colleges here this afternoon, more than 92 percent of all of our graduates two years ago — the last year for which we have solid data — were employed within one year of getting their degrees. For those in Liberal Arts and Fine arts, about 60 percent were in related fields, but more than 80 percent of our CEHS grads got jobs in their fields. Not perfect — but in the worst recession in nearly a century — pretty darn good.
One more data point: During the recession, employment for college graduates nationally has actually increased by 9 percent, while remaining stagnant or dropping for all other educational levels.
I know it's been disappointing for some of you if you haven't gotten the exact job you want right now. But I promise you, your UMD degree and the relationships you developed here, will, in the long run, serve you well.
One other thing that's annoying: and that's the questioning of the public good that higher ed produces.
I look at you all, and I say: Wait, here are hundreds of the best prepared, most energetic young people on the planet, a talent force filled with hopes and dreams that will make Minnesota a better place to live and work for the next generation. Isn't that a great public good for this state's economy and future?
But just as important is this: more data tells us that more than 25 percent of you in these three colleges are first generation college graduates. I'm a first generation college graduate. So was a fellow named Brian Kobilka, a 1977 UMD grad who happened to win the Nobel Prize in chemistry last fall.
We at the University are doing what public education is supposed to do. We are helping to level the economic and success playing field. That is, in my opinion, a profound societal good.
With that, I'd like to turn to memories.
As you know, we are the only research University in the state of Minnesota. As President of the University, every once in a while I get to do my own research.
So, I've come up with a Top Ten list of memories for you, the UMD class of 2013.
You ready?!
Number Ten: Laying out in the sun in Lester Park, wearing shorts, on the first day of above 40-degree weather, with snow all around you.
Number Nine: 35-cent wings night at Burrito Union.
Number Eight: Pushing friends cars up the hill in winter, then shouting, "Dude, you should have four-wheel drive!"
Number Seven: Being able to identify freshmen because they're the ones in the tunnels wearing their pajamas while walking to class in their slippers.
Number Six: You're hungry, it's 2 a.m., this must be the McDonald's line.
Number Five: The football team and women's hockey team both winning NCAA titles in your freshman year.
Number Four: Clearly influenced by Chancellor Black's theatrical sensibilities — and great acting tradition here at UMD — a whole bunch of you acted your way to honors at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
Number Three: Right here in this arena, the men's NCAA national title celebration, when you were sophomores, and the craziness afterwards.
Number Two: This year, as a mature, hungry senior, you begging freshmen for their One-Fifty meal plan cards to get a free dinner, even though you used to complain about the DC when you were a freshman.
And Number One: Drum roll, please: Snow days in April!!!
In closing, commencement speeches are required to end with quotations from a great philosopher, someone who deeply understands the heart and soul of the human spirit.
As for many of you, for me that insightful thought leader of the 21st Century is Stephen Colbert. Since he couldn't make it here today, Stephen asked me to share his words with you. A few years ago, speaking to graduates at another university, Colbert stopped kidding around for a moment. And I want to, also.
Here's what he said:
"In my experience, you will truly serve only what you love, because service is love made visible.
"If you love friends, you will serve your friends.
"If you love community, you will serve your community.
"If you love money, you will serve your money.
"And if you love only yourself, you will only serve yourself.
"And you will only have yourself."
Service …
Love …
Those are three words that I urge you to embrace as you march proudly onto your next chapter, what ever it is, where ever it is, always with UMD's rugged spirit, its lessons and your passion in your hearts.
And then there are two other words — three indelible syllables — that I also urge you to forever embrace.
Thank you, Class of 2013, you have made your families, your friends and all of us at the University of Minnesota proud.


text:
Young NZers call for parties to act on children's rights
UNICEF NZ (UN Children's Fund)
Media Release
14 July 2014
Young New Zealanders call for political parties to take action on children's rights
Fifty young people (aged 15-18 years) who attended the UNICEF NZ Youth Congress in Christchurch at the weekend, have called on political parties to address six priority issues including youth unemployment, poverty and mental health.
The theme of this year's congress was 'Shape Your World', with delegates learning about ways to participate in their communities and in politics to create the world they want. The Congress developed a short political communiqué (included below) for political parties and presented it to the MP for Christchurch Central, Hon Nicky Wagner and the MP for Wigram, Megan Woods. The recommendations identified by the young people are:
1. Create and support avenues for effective child and youth participation in decision-making (Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
2. Implement child rights education as an integral strand in the school curriculum
3. Ensure adequate funding for schools and encourage the development of schools as focal points or community hubs
4. Take immediate action to build the mental health of young New Zealanders
5. Create a more equal society and improve the standard of living of children and families living in poverty
6. Youth unemployment as an issue requiring priority action
UNICEF NZ National Advocacy manager, Deborah Morris-Travers said, "When the young people started talking about the issues that matter to them there was a high level of consensus about priorities for action. They understand that all New Zealanders have a responsibility to take positive action for children but also identified the need for bold political leadership to ensure equitable investment in children and youth."
The communiqué acknowledges current Government and community efforts to improve the lives of children and youth, but reminds the Government of its responsibility to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and challenges all political parties to do more for children and youth.
The Congress identified youth unemployment as an urgent priority and expressed support for continuing education. Many of the delegates are in their final years of school, or at university, and they are concerned that young people are disproportionately affected by unemployment.
"It was also clear from the discussions that delegates are concerned about the large proportion of Kiwi kids who are living in poverty, going without the basic things needed for health and education. They called for more equality and a standard of living that enables every child to participate in our society and economy.
"Another big concern for delegates was youth mental health. The Congress called for immediate action to build and support the mental health of young New Zealanders by ensuring the best possible childhoods and acknowledging children and youth as valued members of our society. The delegates talked about the need for good quality mental health services and the need for professionals to be well trained to respond to trauma in children and youth," Ms Morris-Travers added.
Other recommendations referred to the need for better child and youth participation in decision-making; child rights and citizenship education; and for schools to serve as community hubs in the provision of health and other social services.
"UNICEF NZ is sending the communiqué to all political parties today, requesting a formal response so that we can share the parties' responses with the youth delegates. We hope all parties will hear what these young people have to say and incorporate those views into their policy," concluded Ms Morris-Travers.
Notes to editors
17 year old Brad Olsen, a UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassador, is available to speak with media via Laura Gibbons at UNICEF NZ (contact details below).


text:
Healthy number: A thyroid-stimulating hormone level under 4.0 mIU/L.
Produced by the pituitary gland, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) directs the thyroid gland in your neck to secrete the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Besides helping regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate, these hormones affect skin, hair, muscle strength, mood, and mental functioning. If your TSH level is high, above 4.5 mIU/L (or milli–international units of TSH per liter of blood), your thyroid isn't producing enough hormones to help your body function efficiently.
Have yours checked: Starting at age 35. Hypothyroidism is a condition that is fairly common among women and can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lead to heart problems and depression. If your TSH level is high, your doctor may prescribe a thyroid replacement medication. If it is normal, recheck it every five years.


text:
This dresser is to. die. for! Great job Tia!
Check out this changing table transformation by Megan:
Megan refinished this dresser for her sister! She transformed this bad boy into a changing table! Man….what a sista!!!
After: Perfection!
This $5.00 night stand was refinished by Cicelie Keller
What a cute idea to choose a contrasting color for the hardware! FUN!
The next Feature Friday goes to Angel Lindsey and her sister for redoing a $20.00 hutch they found at their local Goodwill!
Do you have a project to submit for my Feature Fridays? Send it to me at allthingsthrifty at gmail dot com. Make sure to add the subject "Feature Friday" in the subject. Check out my tips at my How to get Featured post. 🙂


text: Sign inNot A Member? Join now! Find A Grave - Round Rock Browse by City: Round Rock 4 records foundFilter by fame level: All Famous NamesSomewhat FamousVery FamousAttention:You are browsing our famous burial locations. If you arelooking for a non-famous grave, please start from our home page. Barbette (Broadway) (Vander Clyde) b. December 19, 1899 d. August 5, 1973Actor, Trapeze Artist. At a young age he left home to become an acrobat. Later he formed a partnership with a woman trapeze artist assuming the role of her twin sister, who had died. As a solo-trapeze and wire-walker artist, he continued to dress as a woman, and in the mid-1920s he went to perform in Europe. He achieved great success in Paris, France, and was a friend of Jean Cocteau. In the early 1930s he posed for a series of photographs by artist Man Ray, who put into a book called, "Le Sang...[Read More] (Bio by: K)Round Rock Cemetery, Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas, USAPlot: Section C, Row 2, Stone, 3 Barnes, Seaborn b. June 2, 1854 d. July 19, 1878Train and Bank Robber. The "Lieutenant" of the Sam Bass Gang. Called "Seab" or "Nubbin's Colt", he was born in Cass County, Texas. His father died when Seaborn was an infant and his widowed mother took her 5 children to Handley, near Fort Worth, to raise them near her relatives. He worked as a cowboy in his early teens. He was considered illiterate as he never went to school and could not hold his liquor, becoming involved in many barroom fights. He served a year in jail when he was 17 over a...[Read More] (Bio by: H M G)Round Rock Cemetery, Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas, USA Bass, Sam b. July 21, 1851 d. July 21, 1878Western Outlaw. Born on a farm near Mitchell, Indiana, he was orphaned before he was thirteen and spent five years at the home of an uncle. In 1870, he arrived in Denton, Texas, handled horses in the stables and became interested in horse racing. Acquiring a fleet mount, he won most of his races when he with Joel Collins gathered a small herd of longhorn cattle, drove them north and sold them in Deadwood, South Dakota. There Bass and Collins tried working in freighting and without success, then...[Read More] (Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith)Cause of death: He was mortally wounded by a Texas Ranger named George Harrell on July 19, 1878, just moments after Bass and one of his gang, Seaborn Barnes, had shot and disabled Morris Moore, a one-time Texas RangerRound Rock Cemetery, Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas, USAPlot: West Side, Near FenceGPS coordinates: 30.6211338, -97.6977463 (hddd.dddd) Grimes, Ahijah W. 'Caige' b. July 5, 1850 d. July 19, 1878Deputy Sheriff and former Texas Ranger. He was killed in a gunfight with the Sam Bass gang, 19 July 1878. It is difficult to fathom why on that Friday afternoon Ahijah A. GrimesĀchallenged the three strangers who were approaching the general store. Ostensibly, it was due to the deputy sheriff he was with having told him he thought he had seen a pistol on one of the three, and since carrying such a weapon was illegal in Round Rock, Grimes was going to question them. Yet, not too many hours...[Read More] (Bio by: Lone Star Time Traveler)Cause of death: Shot down in the line of dutyĀby the Sam Bass GangRound Rock Cemetery, Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas, USAPlot: Northeast CornerGPS coordinates: 30.5183506, 97.6969070 (hddd.dddd) 4 records found Privacy Statement and Terms of Service


text:
Another University of Arizona fraternity has been felled by one party too many.
The local chapter of Pi Kappa Phi had been in trouble 14 times since 2010 for incidents including hazing and underage booze bashes that ended with students being hospitalized for excessive alcohol consumption, UA officials said
In the hazing incidents, new fraternity members were deprived of proper food and sleep, they said.
After repeated fines, warnings and stints on probation, the chapter recently was shut down after dual investigations by the UA and the fraternity's national headquarters.
Local members of the fraternity could not be reached for comment.
The closure marks the fourth time in 15 months that a UA fraternity has been shut down for chronic troublemaking.


text:
Library Services
The Marine Science Library resources are accessed onsite and online by users at the Marine Science Institute, in Austin, in regional and local areas, and in foreign countries world-wide. The library is open to the general public with in-house use only. Note: some restricted resources are through UT EID only.
FOR: faculty, staff, grads, undergrads.
HELP - Get help, connection problems, etc.
Troubleshooting Access Issues - List of common problems and some possible solutions
Scholarly Publishing - Texas ScholarWorks, Author rights, Copyright, Impact metrics, etc.
Circulation - Load periods, Renewals, Recalls.
RENEW, Recalls and other Requests
Reference - Information, Useful Reference Sites, Instruction, Ask a Librarian.
Reserves - course reserves at MSI.
InterLibrary Services (ILS) - Interlibrary loan requests, Get A Scan, FAQ
Equipment/Study Areas - Computers, Copier, Copyright restrictions, Carrels, Floor Plan.


text:
January 11
1965—The extraordinarily talented author and dramatist Lorraine Hansberry dies. Deeply committed to the Black struggle, Hansberry's brilliant career was cut short by cancer. She was only 35. Her primary works included "A Raisin In The Sun" and "To Be Young, Gifted and Black." "A Raisin In The Sun" became the first play written by a young Black woman to be produced on Broadway.
1971—Popular R&B singer Mary J. Blige is born on this day in the Bronx, N.Y. She is said to be currently working on a movie about the legendary career of songstress Nina Simone.
1988—Scientists (paleo-anthropologists) announce the discovery of the "African Eve"—the mother of all humankind. Based on research in East African involving mitochondrial DNA, the researchers from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in Oxford, England, conclude that the original woman evolved in East Africa approximately 200,000 years ago and that all of humanity can ultimately trace their ancestry to this woman. However, some more recent studies suggest that humankind first evolved in Southern Africa.
January 12
1890—Educator Mordecai Wyatt Johnson is born in Paris, Texas. Johnson became the first Black president of Howard University and presided over the prestigious Black institution for more than 30 years. He died in 1976.
1920—Civil rights leader James Farmer is born on this day in Marshal, Texas. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s he was among the top three or four most prominent civil rights leaders. He helped organize the "Freedom Rides" to help desegregate public transportation and founded the Congress of Racial Equality. He died in 1999.
1944—Boxer Joe Frazier is born in Beauford, S.C. His fights with the legendary Muhammad Ali have become boxing classics.
1971—The Congressional Black Caucus is first organized on this day in 1971.
« Previous page 1 2 3 4 Next page »


text:
Shannon Noll's cover of Moving Pictures' What About Me has debuted on top of the Australian singles chart this week after selling 99,884 units.
The single had a more than comfortable lead over Kelis' Milkshake in at No. 2 on 11,818 sales.
Last week's top single, Outkast's Hey Ya, drops two spots to three while British songstress Jamelia breaks into the top 10, climbing seven places to ninth with Superstar.
Guy Sebastian's Angels Brought Me Here has dropped right off and out of the Top 40 this week. It sold 1,125.
The other new pop band in the chart is Mercury 4. Their single 5 Years From Now sold 3,071 copies this week, and moved up from No.20 to No.16. Last week, they debuted after selling 2,448 singles. To date, nationally, 5 Years From Now has sold 5,519 singles.
The number 40 song belonged to Heli Simpson. Don't Ask Me sold 1,193 copies this week while the No. 100 single by Busta Rhymes Light Your Ass On Fire sold 156 units.
The Black Eyed Peas' Elephunk is banging on the door of number one in the albums chart, climbing two rungs to second with Evanescence's Fallen holding the coveted top spot.
Australian singles chart
1(-) What About Me - Shannon Noll (BMG)
Australian albums chart
1(1) Fallen - Evanescence (EPI/SONY)
National | World | Opinion | Business | Technology | Sport | Entertainment | Multimedia
|text | handheld (how to)
membership |
conditions |
Copyright © 2004. The Sydney Morning Herald.
|advertise | contact us


text:
Tablets a Hot Topic at FeneTech User Conference
Meetings & Events
Last year, attendees at the annual FeneTech User Conference were holding their breath waiting for the economy to improve. This year, companies are plotting how to get tablet devices like the iPad into the hands of sales, delivery and production staff, many report.
The three-day event, held this year at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Cleveland, gathered 75 people from 45 window manufacturers and glass fabricating companies, as well as two dozen supporting vendors and sponsors. Designed for users of FeneTech's FeneVision ERP software, the conference added a first-ever high-level session for company owners and managers this year.
|The conference gathered 75 people from 45 window and glass fabricating companies using FeneTech's software.
FeneTech officials report that overall, attendees remain cautious on the economy, but more companies are focused on growth and adding capabilities this year. Troy Johnson, a vice president at glass fabricator Sigco, Inc., in Westbrook, Maine, said his company is introducing new products, buying new machinery and expanding geographic coverage. "We're very busy." Like many, he said he attends the user conference to see what's new, request enhancements to the software and share knowledge on using the software with other participants.
Nearly a third of the attendances participated in the session on using tablets in window and door and glass fabrication companies. Some are already using them, and about a fourth of those on-hand indicated their companies would be adding them within the next 12 months. Participants mentioned sales and tracking applications most often.
Geoff Roise of Lindsey Windows in Minnesota has 10 iPads in use on his production floor. "It's so portable and convenient. People can look things up or enter them on the spot. I can't quantify the benefit, but I know I might risk physical harm if I tried to take them back."
"Customers are wowed when your sales people present with an iPad," said one manager. An IT manager from a Midwest company said a tablet PC has more overall utility than flat tablets like the iPad. But fast boot up, lightweight and customer appeal are sparking requests for iPads from his salespeople, he noted.
Ron Crowl, FeneTech president, told attendees his company is working to extend additional capabilities in FeneVision ERP to meet these demands. That includes developments to enhance the power and portability of the system on devices like tablets and smart phones.
The other notable focus at the user conference is on increasing sales. Sessions on enhancements to the web estimating and order entry module in FeneVision ERP had standing room only crowds.
The user conference, which includes a variety of educational sessions, workshops and social events, ends today.


text:
Our Mansion Ballroom, Cape Cod's largest luxury ballroom featuring 4,500 square feet of meeting or ballroom space. Consider our historic Mansion and Carriage House, with turn-of-the-century charm and intimacy perfect for board meetings or smaller groups. Many Mansion & Carriage House meeting rooms have great views of Cape Cod Bay. If you prefer a more casual meeting, the Linx Pavilion overlooks the 18th hole of our own Nicklaus Design Golf Course.
The Mansion Ballroom accommodates up to 300 guests for dinner and dancing.
Click here for floorplans and room specifications.
Funky, but sophisticated in a South Beach way, the Rooftop Terrace, features a swanky outdoor bar and seating and dining areas with breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay and Provincetown on a clear day. A perfect place to break out of session, begin the party or wind down after a long day. Seasonal.
Click here for floorplans and room specifications.
The 2,500 square foot Linx Pavilion is a unique venue for a more casual feeling. Completed in the summer of 2008, the Linx Pavilion houses a 2,500-square-foot transparent room and canopy. In the daytime this venue offers a sweeping view of the Nicklaus Design golf course's 18th hole. Lighting and décor can easily be changed to suit the venue.
The Linx Pavilion accommodates up to 120 guests for dinner. Available April through November.
Click here for floorplans and room specifications.
This poolside pavilion is ideal for meetings and seminars. Its cozy, relaxed poolside setting provides a great break out or cocktail area and backdrop.
The Bay Pines Pavilion accommodates 250 guests until 10pm. Available April through November.
Click here for floorplans and room specifications.
Once the summer home of the Nickerson family, this historic building is the crown jewel of Ocean Edge, and many rooms have magnificent and sweeping views of Cape Cod Bay. Private rooms located on the Mansion second floor, many with walk out balconies overlooking Cape Cod Bay.
The Mansion room can accommodate up to 50 guests for dinner and dancing.
Click here for floorplans and room specifications.
Like the Mansion, the Addie Nickerson Room in the historic Carriage House is an ideal venue for meetings that need use of a number of larger rooms simultaneously. Break out or cocktails can be served in stable room with soaring ceilings, or outdoors, where a large open space gives way to a canopied terrace with a magnificent view of Cape Cod Bay.
Accommodating 120 guests for dinner and dancing.


text:
A Fake Subway Sign That (Sadly) Should Be Real
You'd think that it'd be pretty obvious: clipping your nails in a public place, especially a crowded subway car, is a bad idea. Not just a bad idea, but also a very unhygienic one. And yet! People still feel totally comfortable doing things they should probably only ever do in the privacy of their own homes, under the veil of anonymity on public transportation. Some fed-up soul put up this subway etiquette poster reminding commuters that, no, clipping your rotting toenails is not appropriate public transportation behavior. As the sign notes, "it's crazy that this even has to be mentioned," and yet, unfortunately, it really does. [Twitter]


text:
Tim Leiweke stood before all of the Air Canada Centre staff on Monday afternoon, delivering some of his first words to the on-the-ground employees just before the Toronto Maple Leafs preseason home opener.
The new president and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment wanted it known this was a new era for the organization, one the 56-year-old St. Louis native intends to be much more fruitful on the ice than any in recent memory.
"Strange," Leiweke said of the feeling sitting in the ACC's platinum seats behind the Leafs bench for the first time. "I was 19 years in LA and this is the first home game. I'm just learning my way around the arena and experiencing it.
"When you're in hockey, no matter what team you're with, you look at the Leafs and you look at that sweater and you understand the history and the tradition here. So it's a little strange to be sitting here and realizing I'm a part of this team now.
"It makes me understand the pressure here."
Leiweke enters the picture with expectations sky high for the organization, as the Leafs are coming off their first playoff appearance in nine years and made several big bets (David Clarkson, Jonathan Bernier, etc.) in the off-season.
He admitted to feeling odd in the spotlight at the ACC – even for an exhibition game where the stands were half empty – as he realized just how highly visible he'll be to the organization's most well-heeled followers each night.
With the Los Angeles Kings, Leiweke had put his own money up for season seats in the corner of the Staples Center, where he faithfully watched games tucked away with a group of friends he'd convinced to buy into hockey in California.
The sell job in Toronto is remarkably different, and now, as the replacement for the often unpopular Richard Peddie, he is one of the celebrities for fans to catch a glimpse of.
"Sitting that close to the bench, I'm not used to that," Leiweke said. "Being here, sitting where I'm sitting, is a little weird because there's no hiding here. With the pressure and the accountability, I guess I understand why they put those seats where they are: Everyone knows where to come and yell at me if it's not going well."
One key change he already has an eye on is ensuring fans in his area of the arena get back to their seats when the intermissions end, as the swaths of empty seats behind the home team's bench that appear on Hockey Night in Canada each week have become a running joke in the rest of the country.
Leiweke wants to see that particular tradition end, even if it means needling those paying $400 a night to become more invested in what's taking place on the ice instead of their catered suites under the stands.
"One thing I'll do is get back out there," he said. "Out of respect. That's one thing we're trying to tell everyone. I think it's hard for these guys when they come out and the seats are all empty. From my standpoint, I'll probably be more focused on the environment we're creating for the team and maybe that'll be a good thing."
Even though Monday night was only one preseason game, Leiweke said he already can tell he is a long way from Los Angeles, where he had a hand in building a Cup winner in a market with its attention spread in so many other directions.
In Toronto, the Leafs are once again the city's focal point, and by extension, he'll have to get used to sitting front and centre, win or lose, in the best seats in the house.
"It's very, very different," Leiweke said. "But it's exciting and thrilling."Report Typo/Error
Follow @mirtleon Twitter:


text:
Here's how you can download the Glide - Video Texting app free for your iPad, iPhone, iPad mini or iPod Touch.
1. Go to the Glide - Video Texting app preview page in iTunes (or tap the link on your iOS device to install the app directly).
2. Click the View in iTunes button.
3. Click the Free button to download the app.
4. Sync your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad mini with iTunes to install the app.
Glide - Video Texting lets you send and receive private video messages. You can go one on one or video chat in a group. You can send video messages to your friends even if they are not online. Your messages are stored in the cloud, so they don't take up space on your iOS device.
This article is published as part of the IDG Contributor Network. Want to Join?


text:
CONTACT: Jeff Foley (518) 629-8085
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Tuesday, June 4, 2002 http://www.hvcc.edu
Hudson Valley Community College Athletics Director
Drew Marrochello announced today the hiring of three new coaches. Matt Alvey
of Troy was named head hockey coach. John Meehan of Poestenkill, who
serves as head coach of Hudson Valley's men's soccer team, was given the
additional responsibility of coaching the college's lacrosse team. And Sandy
Wimmer of Troy was named head coach of the women's tennis team.
Alvey will take over for Ron Kuhl, who led Hudson
Valley to the 2001 national junior college title. Alvey played college hockey at
Lake Superior State University, where he was a member of the 1994 squad that won
the NCAA Division I national title. A defenseman, he was a second-round draft
pick of the NHL's Boston Bruins in 1993, and he played five years of
minor-league hockey.
"We're excited to put a coach of Matt Alvey's
caliber in charge of our hockey program," Marrochello said. "He should pick up
right where Ron Kuhl left off. Throughout his playing career, he's been exposed
to some great coaches, and our players should benefit from his experiences."
Meehan was recently named Coach of the Year at
Hudson Valley for the 2001-02 academic year. He led Hudson Valley's soccer team
to a No. 5 national ranking and 13-4 record, garnering him Mountain Valley
Conference Coach of the Year and Region III Coach of the Year honors. After
fulfilling his soccer obligations, he took over coaching Hudson Valley's
lacrosse team in mid-season, guiding the team to two of its three wins.
"John Meehan is a proven winner," Marrochello said.
"He gets players to come together as a team, and they always enjoy playing for
Wimmer is a full-time member of Hudson Valley's
physical education staff. A former supervisor of athletics and recreation at the
college, she now teaches physical education classes. She has received the "Who's
Who in Teaching" award.
"Sandy Wimmer has been a valuable member of the
athletic and physical education departments for 15 years now," Marrochello said.
"She will bring stability to our tennis program."


text:
Sydney Roosters last week managed to highlight a defensive deficiency in South Sydney's game that could threaten the club's premiership assault.
The Rabbitohs are being kicked while they're down, unable to fight their way back from opposition teams' one-two punch.
The Roosters scored two tries in three minutes in each half of last Friday night's victory against their arch-rivals at ANZ Stadium – a six-minute period that consequently cost South Sydney the minor premiership. But it is not the first time the Rabbitohs' inability to halt opposition teams' momentum has cost them this season, with Michael Maguire's men conceding back-to-back tries within three minutes of each other a staggering eight times already this year.
In fact, they've conceded three tries within 11 minutes on three separate occasions – a major concern heading into Friday night's showdown against one of the competition's most potent attacking sides, Melbourne.
"We see it in their body language that they are a different team when they are playing with confidence to when they are playing with their backs against the wall," former South Sydney hooker Sean Garlick said. "Defence is largely attitude and I've always had the belief that it is psychological more than physical. Those situations of conceding back-to-back tries are very much a case of switching off. It's something I'm sure Michael Maguire has recognised and is working on this week in particular."
In the pressure-cooker environment of finals football, the Rabbitohs can ill afford to concede points in quick succession.
In round 25 against the lowly ranked Wests Tigers, the Bunnies conceded three tries in seven minutes, but stormed back in the second half to secure victory.
South Sydney were blown out of the water the last time they clashed with Melbourne only a month ago, conceding two tries in three minutes to be down 12-0 after eight minutes – a scoreline they couldn't recover from, losing 26-8.
"They have to be very careful, especially against the Storm who thrive and capitalise on any luck or success they've had," Garlick said. "It's paramount they get a good set in following the concession of any try. With Billy Slater getting back to his best, he in particular can hurt you when you're scrambling.
"A lot has been said of Souths' relative inexperience in big games compared to the likes of Melbourne or Manly. Everybody knows when you get a try scored against you your heart gets broken, but it's your ability to get over that and move on [that counts]."
One of the South Sydney players who is likely to come under fire from the Storm big three is winger Nathan Merritt. However, Merritt insists he won't carry any scars into Friday's semi-final despite facing off against the architects of his State of Origin demise.
Merritt was dumped after one game at Origin level for a number of defensive misreads that led to Queensland tries.
The Rabbitohs' flyer, who needs one more try to equal the club record 144 tries set by Benny Wearing between 1921 and 1933, said he wasn't burdened by the criticism he copped after Origin II.
"I'm old enough to get over things pretty quick, I'm not a kid any more," Merritt said.
"I don't let things bother me. If you're going to do that it's going to affect your football, and you can't let it affect your football, otherwise you won't be playing.
"It was a different time and a different side of the field. I'm not on the right side like I was in Origin, I'm on the left side. It was different structures and different game plans. Origin has come and gone now and I'm over it."
Statistics provided by Sportsdata show that Merritt's left edge is the better of the two South Sydney edges in regards to defence.
The Rabbitohs have conceded 23 tries down their left edge compared to 31 on the right side of the field, and they also have more success in attack down the left side, with 40 tries compared to 29 on the right.
Rabbitohs centre Bryson Goodwin, who plays inside of Merritt on the left flank, insists teams aren't targeting their edge because of Merritt's nightmare Origin debut.
"Maybe it's just been highlighted more because of what happened in Origin, but they've been attacking our side all year," Goodwin said.
"I think people look at it a bit more now because of what did happen in Origin. People are noticing it now, but it's been the same all year. Laurie Daley told him to do that [rush in] and he was doing his job. A few people wouldn't have known that and would've judged by what they saw on the TV.
"Merro has been excellent this year and is going awesome. We think saving tries is just as important as scoring them. We try to not let any in and do our best every week to stop them."


text:
"I'm somewhat puzzled as to how much hoopla this has created," Rep. Rodney Alexander said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday.
Alexander, whose last-minute switch to the GOP on Friday virtually assured it control of the 5th District seat, described himself as "pro-life, pro-guns and pro-business."
He said his Republican-leaning votes in Congress — on the Iraq war and on abortion, for example — had left him out in the cold in his own party.
"It's been increasingly harder for me to maintain my consistent voting record," Alexander said. "It became apparent to me that I was alienating those in my own party."
Democrats were incensed because the late switch effectively prevented the party from fielding a strong candidate in north-central Louisiana, which gave George W. Bush a 17-point margin in 2000.
Party leaders and officials have called him a "traitor," "confused" and a "coward," with the last charge stinging, Alexander said Tuesday.
"It hurt like the dickens," the first-term congressman said. "I wasn't a coward. That took a lot of courage to do that."
His explanation of the switch has shifted somewhat.
On Friday, he declared: "I'm ashamed of some of the things the Democratic Party stands for."
On Tuesday, he suggested a political calculation was at the root of his decision. He said he had become worried about "erosion" in his base of support, after another Democrat, a politically unknown black woman, qualified to run against him.
Alexander insisted no deals had been made with GOP leaders for making the change.
"I did not have contact with any of the leadership prior to making that decision on Friday," he said. "I didn't even tell my own children."
Alexander said he would "return every penny that was given to me by my colleagues in the Democratic leadership," though not necessarily all individual contributions, which he maintained had been given to him on a personal basis.
He will get full financial backing from his new party, spokesman Carl Forti of the National Republican Congressional Committee said — with a $10,000 check already in the bank and more on the way.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Democratic Party says it will try to have Alexander disqualified from the Nov. 2 ballot or recalled if he wins re-election. Officials said they were looking into a possible court challenge to Alexander's presence on the ballot; the deadline for filing the challenge is Friday.


text:
Precisely squared 3'x3' panels feature tongue and groove panel trim imbedded into the 3/4" solid plywood core. Panel trim is precision formed anodized extruded aluminum. Maintenance free and easy to clean premium luxury vinyl is bonded to core with environmentally compatible commercial grade adhesive. Panel backs are spray sealed with GatorBackTM coating providing traction and moisture resistance for protection against slippage and outdoor elements.
All panels are exactly the same and interchangeable for fast, easy floor assembly.
Perimeter Trim
Anodized extruded aluminum precision formed to fit Panel trim. The 4.25" wide perimeter is ribbed and features an 11° slope allowing safe and easy access to floor surface.
Constructed into each tongue panel and perimeter trim are Cam-Locks. The provided T-handle hex key wrench is used to lock and unlock the panels and perimeter trim for maximum safety.


text:
We Met At Night in Silence…
Another thing I hope for when I hope.
I went to the One to listen to some blues guitar & to get out of the cold night & to watch the ladies dancing. The beautiful sexy ladies of all shapes & sizes & colors & ways. And looked out for anyone I might know. Didn't see any familiar faces tonight. There seemed to be a group in town staying at the Toll House practically next door.
Being tired—getting over the last of a cold—I put on a half-smile, not wanting to appear totally unfriendly, & avoided giving off or receiving direct lascivious looks promising performances & pleasures that the flesh is heir to. Needs must be met. That's only natural & healthy. But there was also shame & guilt holding over, no matter how forceful the worthy erotic intentions of the emancipated adult, so the faster the gyrations the more violently those old shadowy puritan spirits were exorcised & dispatched.
I ordered a Coca-Cola. The place was probably more crowded than I'd seen it for a long while. Usually the crowds came with the warm & hot weather & the cool of the evenings when the mountains went dark quickly as the sun went down. But this was winter. Cold to freezing. Black ice & flurries up the hill & in town weren't unheard of. By & large it had so far been a relatively mild season. The rains came & that was good. The Lexington filled closer to the brim its waters to be distributed throughout the valley, quickening its streams.
I stayed at the One for a few songs, standing room only. My back & legs were holding up but I was a bit uncomfortable due to my old injuries & the residual pains that never really went away even when I took a fair amount of pain-killers. Although there were extended periods of time—perhaps 30 minutes to an hour—when pain subsided & elation replaced ordinary flat consciousness. Suddenly I knew exactly where I stood.
There was a bench at the Los Gatos P.O. across the street. One of my familiar haunts. A place to rest while waiting for rides or to otherwise connect. To which I made a beeline, backpack—with laptop books jackknife in sheath scissors clippers water some canned & tinned food crackers earth-friendly eating utensils change of clothes underwear socks soap toothpaste first-aid supplies, passport wallet US Merchant Seaman's Document & other items, etc.—strapped securely behind me. When I traveled down the mountain for the day I never really knew where I'd end up or what the day would bring, so I came to life prepared; hoping for the best, sending out those love-vibes which whether they found their mark or not was an affirmative act I couldn't allow the heart to ignore.
This would not happen tonight. But I hoped that in some future sometime before the sloughing off of mortal coils it might.
I'd be sitting at the bench. Staring into the night. Friends had seen me at particular places. She knew where I hung out, what cafes & clubs, what parks street-corners…I sat silent. Music wafted across the night from the One across the road.
I wasn't startled. Few things did that to me anymore. And what I fantasized often eventually did come to pass in some saving shape or wayward form.
She appeared. She'd been immanent all along. Perhaps had observed me for some time. I knew she asked after me. I just found it so hard to deal with things. Not her fault. Nobody's fault. This unusual shakiness on my part had to do with things & events having nothing to do with her. Unaccountably imprinted stagefright making its uncalled visitation from a past of doubts & fears. My courage these days was either automatic or non-existent. I still had to work at it. No Siegfried I, no matter how much I wanted to be. How could I be worthy then of this Brunhilde in my midst? An old story.
She stood before me. I just wanted to bury my face in her belly. Smell her delta loam. Kiss her covered abdomen & wet her clothes with my tears. I wanted her to hold me, caress my head, console me. I was grateful beyond my ability to express. But she knew. There was nothing I could say or do at that moment by which she would have been taken off guard. She knew almost all I had suffered. Perhaps needlessly. (Even so there was beauty produced from that pain the experience of which I would exchange for nothing.) Taking a lighthearted remark like a serious kick to the solar plexus.
Tears welled u[p in her own eyes. When I first laid eyes on her she was crying. Actors were often perplexed by their confluence of confusing emotions. I wanted to, needed to help her. That had been my first instinct. It was only after a number of weeks of working as her sound-man at the Saratoga café that I realized how much I was in love with her. There'd been not exactly a vision—I wouldn't know exactly what that was—but rather the emergence of an image of generational expanse, passionate togetherness, collaboration, & if not extreme perpetual happiness then a contentment
She was holy. She is sacred to me still. That kind of thing can be frightening for a younger person not prepared to be worshiped by an older man held in thrall to her inner & outward beauty. One might critique that such pedestals were patently unfair. That all we are, are people. But that is not all we are. Who can define us?
Her voice enticed the ear. It was like no other voice. It sounded familiar as if I'd heard it all my life from a great memorial distance. Her smile made the heart melt. She seduced the world. She needed it. She added to it. Made it all the larger & more exciting. She seduced my soul. I became her property without noticing how my autonomy had been gladly expunged. I'd give my life. All my seed was hers. All others were ruined for me.
In a supposedly cynical age like ours how could such romantic idealism persist? I'd been around. I knew the realities of land sea & air. I knew the aromas of flesh & sex. I'd tasted woman & loved her for it.
--Please sit down next to me.
--You didn't have to ask. I was going to anyway.
She sat. Her scent was intoxicating. Better than pain-killer. But also potentially pain-inducing.
--I won't ask why you finally came to me. I'm just so happy you did.
--You never came to me.
--In time. I always planned to visit you.
--It never would've happened. The longer the time that passed the greater the gap & we know what happens then. People lose each other.
--I didn't know whether you ever really wanted me to come around.
--What did I tell you? I asked you to come see me, didn't I?
--Yes. But please please let's not do this. I don't want to make you angry at me. If I could've come to you I would have. I just couldn't.
--I know…
We were both silent. I didn't know what I was thinking but that was okay. It didn't matter.
--We don't have to say anything. Its just so great that you came here tonight. I don't really have any right to expect this. Its been so long a time. Almost a year.
--The better part.
--Are you happy?
--I'm okay. Are you happy?
--Without you I'm nothing.
--That's not fair to put that kind of thing on me.
--Of course its not fair. I'm not trying to be fair. I'm trying to pierce your heart. As always.
--I understand. I'm sorry I told you what I did. I wasn't trying to hurt you.
--You just didn't know your own strength.
We laughed together.
--I know I can win you if I can keep making you laugh like that."
I expected her to tell me she was with somebody now, or being pursued by half-a-dozen wild-eyed admirers. A woman like her was always in demand.
--That said. I really don't want to crowd you.
--I've heard that one before. How many times did you use that on me?
--I meant it. I always wanted to seduce & abduct you. But softly. To keep you & hold you exclusively, not against your will, but in keeping with it. I'd be your sole audience. But I know how absurd that is. I'm not generally a jealous kind of guy. I've no rights on you or anybody but myself. But I wanted you so much. I became flustered. I was cool. I shut up. But you saw right through it. You went to my poetry & emails & that was just more evidence. Then you confronted me…
--Like I said, I didn't realize how hard you'd take it. I never intended anything to damage you. Just maybe…I was scared, okay?
--I'm sorry.
--I haven't had an easy life despite what you might think. Pretty girl from a Midwest family. Normal. Reasonably well off. Well educated. Talented. Pretty. Sexy even, like you told me.
--Did you act that smile you gave me when I said that, to be polite; I know how nice you people are—just don't mess with them, they used to be berserkers…
--We still are when wronged.
--I never meant to wrong you or disrespect you. I wrote you that you're entitled to all kindness & courtesy & that I'd try not to behave like a horse's ass. Or did I elicit that response spontaneously? Were you excited by my having said such a thing? Was it too crude? Too puppy dog? You don't have to answer that. You're not under oath. I'd never…
--I was scared, that's all. I'm not a child despite what you might think. I'm over 30 & as you might yourself remember, there's plenty of accumulated experience by that time. Baggage. Damage.
--I love you. I can't help it. Never ever tell me how I feel about you ever again. And if you walk away tonight & we never see one another again, please, I beg of you & I'm not afraid of begging you. Or humiliated by it. I have to share my heart with you. But …never tell me how I feel. That's something no one knows about but me.
--I'm sorry. Like I said, I was afraid & was pushing back a little. But it wasn't a slap in the face. It was a tickle under your chin. A pinch on the cheek. You were adorable…
--Then why? Why didn't you just take me home? That was the trajectory. We were supposed to go out. I was going to ply you with martinis, tell you I wanted to sleep with you & go from there…
--Was there something wrong with that?
--Too fast. It was all happening too fast & there were other things going on in my life that had nothing to do with you—just like there are, were things going on with you that had nothing or little to do with me…
--I tried unloving you. I did okay for a long time. The more I forgot about you, didn't look at your pictures, hear your voice. The longer I stayed away the better it was. But how long could I fool myself? I needed you. I need you now.
--You have me for now. I'm here.
--I know. I'm being an idiot again. I'm just going to leave it all up to you.
--Again, that's unfair.
--I want you to rule me…I'm still the man but sometimes I don't want to be expected to be in control. You're strong, vital. So what's wrong with that?
--Nothing. Nothing. I have to admit I was always attracted & interested in you. I didn't want you to just disappear. That's why I kept asking you back.
--Toying with my gray bearded emotions…? But that's okay. I didn't mind that at all. I just needed things to've worked out the way I wanted & needed them to. If I had a chance at happiness. Life is so short. We go back into the dark all too soon.
She looked like she was going to cry. I suspected she cried a lot. And while I didn't want to be the cause of any unhappiness on her part, I'd make her cry if that would work for me.
--I need you to read my mind. But since we can't just read my hand. Please take it. We need to touch. To feel each others heat.
I wanted to tell her I loved her so much. But didn't want to sound maudlin. I never stopped being in love with her but how many times could I say it without making her want to throw up?
--I don't want to hear about how much in love with me you are. I need you to show it. Patiently. That's all I meant back then. I was testing you. Maybe I was torturing you but I swear I never meant it like that. I'm not perfect.
--Neither am I.
--We're not perfect.
--How does it go? "We're neither pure nor wise nor good. We'll do the best we know. We'll build our house & chop our wood & make our garden grow…?" Bernstein's & Sondheim's Candide.
--"And we will try before we die to make some sense of life…"
--O life. Its so terribly wonderful, isn't it?
Silence. Silence. Both sitting staring straight ahead. I turned & gazed but she was turned away. When she turned to look at me again I saw the tears. And she saw mine. We laughed & cried at the same time. Laughing at ourselves. Crying for each other?
--At least we can…still feel, that is…
Silence. Silence. Silence.
--In a little while I want you to get up & walk away.
--I don't want you to but this is just an idea of how we either get out of it, end it, or continue somehow. Start building something new between us. Less confusing.
--You want me to get up & go now…?
--No. Not yet. But soon. Because otherwise all this is going to hurt way, way too much. Both of us.
--I know…
--You get up & walk away but I'll be watching you. Longing for you. Watching. And as you go maybe 10 or 20 paces away you think about what you want & go with your instincts as far as us making a life together. Do you think it possible?
--Do you?
--Yes. I do. But this isn't all about me.
--You're right, of course.
--And if it's the end, you keep walking. You don't turn around. No goodbyes.
--And what do I do if I don't want to end it?
--Then you turn around, & smile & come back here to me. And we'll cut a swath in this wasteland…"
She takes my hand. It is warm
--You're cold.
--Yeah. But I'm alright.
She takes the hand & puts it between her legs. She's wearing jeans tonight. Not the more usual skirt. She has on a lovely dark brown leather jacket with a white wool fringe. Her shortish swept blond hair contrasts with the dark animal skin.
--O god…
[to be continued]
* Note: Background music by which to read the above work in progress:
From the album "Revelator" 2011.Studio version of the song.
Court and Spark written by Joni Mitchell
Norah Jones: vocals
Herbie Hancock: piano


text:
Moving Expenses (ASL) - YouTube video text script
Hi, I'm Thomas, and I work for the IRS.
Have you recently moved because of a change in your job location?
If so, you may be able to deduct certain expenses from your income and lower your tax bill.
These include the cost of transporting your belongings and the cost of traveling from your old home to your new one.
You can deduct moving expenses if they were incurred within one year from the date you first reported to work at the new job, and the distance from your new home must be shorter than the distance from your old home to the new job.
Also, your new job must be at least 50 miles farther than your old job was from your old home.
In other words, moving across the state or across the country will usually qualify.
But a cross-town move usually will not.
Finally, you must meet a time test.
That means you must work a minimum of 39 weeks in the first year after you moved to your new location.
Different rules apply to members of the armed forces, retirees or survivors of someone who was working outside of the United States, and who are now moving back.
For more details on moving expenses, check out our Publication 521.
You can find it on our website at IRS.gov