text:
Weekly Questions and
Answers, 12/03/2003
This week's questions/topics:
Q #323: Why does the Course use the term "Son" of God?.
Q #324: Any peace I see seems to be temporary. Why?
Q #325: Isn't looking at our egos the same as "analyzing the darkness"?
Q #326: Have any Course students achieved the holy instant ?.
Q #327: How can oneness be compatible with individual beings?
Q #328: If everything is illusion, how can the Course exist?
Q #329: Is marriage a special relationship?
Q #330: What are "Iambic Pentameters"?
Look up a specific question by date or question no.
Q #323:In talking about A Course in Miracles I tell people that we are all children of God. Why is Son of God always used and not the unisex child of God. The term Son of God is not so familiar to the daughters of God, whereas child of God is for us all. If the Course comes from God, why exclude half of the human race?
A: It is important to clarify, first of all, that A Course in Miracles does not come from God. It comes from Jesus who symbolizes the part of the mind of the Sonship that remembers God, and knows our true identity as innocent Sons of God. God does not know about the world or our illusory separation from Him.
For a complete answer to your question regarding the use of masculine language in the Course please see Question #5.
Q #324: I sometimes feel that choosing to see peace, for me, is a kind of denial. I know I can look at a situation and choose to see peace. And often I do, and the tension alleviates and my thought of peace brings a peaceful feeling. But sometimes I am surprised by an onslaught of fear and anger and guilt feelings in an ongoing difficult situation that I thought was close to being healed, and then I feel like I had just been denying those feelings in seeing peace. It seems to me that to heal them I have to be in the feelings for a while, not try to see peace but really feel the fear and be un-peaceful for a while. I feel if I try to see peace the instant I feel anxious, I will just be covering up the fear and will not be clear about just what I am bringing to the light to be healed. I am not at the point where I can really look at the fear and be peaceful at the same time. Is this in keeping with the path of A Course in Miracles?
A: A very honest, thoughtful question. It is true that our egos can fool us at times into believing we have made a choice for peace when all that has really happened is that we have discovered how to get our own way. Nevertheless, you dont want to dismiss all your moments of peace as fraudulent, simply because they are not yet permanent. As a result of our fear of what genuine peace brings with it -- a disidentification with the self we think we are -- we will vacillate between peace and conflict as our learning proceeds. The fact that the fear in a particular, recurring, difficult situation seems as intense as ever does not invalidate any experience of peace we may have had in a similar situation in the past.
Each thought system -- the egos and the Holy Spirits -- is total, and whichever one we choose, when we have chosen it, in that moment we are completely identified with it, regardless of our choices in the past, and we may experience the full range of feelings that accompany that choice. It is helpful to remember also that it is never the external situation that causes our loss of peace -- the situation is nothing more than a symbol onto which we choose to project our buried guilt. So the fear is really coming from a perception from within that we are sinful and guilty for attacking God and deserve to be punished. Any external situation can become the screen onto which we project that thought -- some are simply more powerful, forgiveness-resistant symbols!
Now having said all that, it is important to add that, yes, we do need to look honestly at our guilt and fear before we can release them to the light. Choosing peace is not simply a formula to be chanted whenever our guilt and fear come close to the surface in order to push the feelings back down. And the truth is, there remains a part of us that does not want peace so long as we are identified with the ego. Jesus makes this very clear in the opening lines to Lesson 185: "I want the peace of God. To say these words is nothing. But to mean these words is everything" (W.185.1.h,1,2). We learn to want peace by looking at what we have chosen instead and acknowledging the cost. And over time, as we allow ourselves to look honestly at what we have chosen without judging ourselves for that choice, the real alternative will become increasingly desirable.
Q #325: On page 172 of the text of A Course in Miracles (T.9.V.6:3) Jesus states: "Can you find light by analyzing the darkness..." My question is: If we are to look at our egos as a process, isn't that the same thing as finding light by analyzing darkness?
A: The context of that statement is the unhealed healer who sees the darkness as real and not as a defense against the light, an expression of the only "sin" in the Course: making the error real. As Jesus tells us in the "Song of Prayer": "Do not see error. Do not make it real" (S.2.I.3:3,4). In the section in the text to which you refer, Jesus is pointing out the limitations and mistakes of therapists and theologians who attempt to heal others without first having seen their own mistakes and brought them to the healing presence in their right minds. They therefore know nothing of that true corrective process, and as a result they wind up having their egos direct them as they attempt to heal others. If you know that the egos darkness (the wrong mind) is simply a defense against the Holy Spirits light (the right mind) and that we can choose between these states, then analyzing the darkness can be helpful in identifying the choices we make. We can then reconsider our decisions. But if we are unaware of the light and the decision-making capacity of our minds, then analyzing the darkness would be fruitless, ultimately. There may be some relief from the pain, but there would be no true healing. In that sense, you cannot find light by analyzing the darkness.
Q #326: Do you know of people who in the year of taking A Course in Miracles have achieved the experience of the holy instant?
A: We direct you to Questions #26 and #104, which address this topic. The essence of the experience is recognizing and accepting the love of Jesus as the only reality in your mind. This comes about through choosing against the egos way of perceiving, which always emphasizes differences and separation, and instead seeing your interests and needs as the same as everyone elses. It is a choice made in the mind, and of course can occur at any time. In the manual for teachers, Jesus speaks about different levels of relationships, the first level being "... what seems to be very casual encounters; a chance meeting of two apparent strangers in an elevator, a child who is not looking where he is going running into an adult by chance, two students happening to walk home together.... Perhaps the seeming strangers in the elevator will smile to one another, perhaps the adult will not scold the child for bumping into him; perhaps the students will become friends. Even at the level of the most casual encounter, it is possible for two people to lose sight of separate interests, if only for a moment" (M.3.2:2,5,6). The holy instant is that moment. There are many other expressions of it as well. It may occur at any time during ones spiritual process, and one need not be a student of the Course in order to have this experience. Many, many students have done so.
Finally, even though there are 365 lessons and the Course is presented as a one-year program, it is important to take note of what Jesus tells us in the very first sentence after the last lesson: "This course is a beginning, not an end" (M.ep.1:1). The training is completed when the holy instant becomes our only experience. We no longer see any value in choosing the ego rather than the love of Jesus in our minds. We go back and forth that way until we have let go entirely of all belief in the reality of separation, and sin, guilt, and fear.
Q #327: I would appreciate some clarification of the concept of oneness and the following excerpt from the text of A Course in Miracles: "God, Who encompasses all being, created beings who have everything individually" (W.4.VII.5:1).
A: Jesus is simply using the words of our symbolic, dualistic thought system to reassure us that releasing our investment and identification with the ego will not result in any real or meaningful loss. The concept of a hologram can be helpful here, for Jesus in essence is saying that the whole is contained in every part. In reality, any experience of oneness must be beyond all concepts we may employ to attempt to describe it. It is simply an experience of total love that knows no limits, no differences, no perception of an other. That it does not encompass individuality in any real sense becomes clear in Jesus words later in the Course:
"Oneness is simply the idea God is. And in His Being, He encompasses all things. No mind holds anything but Him. We say "God is," and then we cease to speak, for in that knowledge words are meaningless. There are no lips to speak them, and no part of mind sufficiently distinct to feel that it is now aware of something not itself. It has united with its Source. And like its Source Itself, it merely is" (W.pI.169.5).
But Jesus is also aware of our desperate desire to cling to a sense of a separate identity, and so he reassures us, "Fear not that you will be abruptly lifted up and hurled into reality" (T.16.VI.8:1). In other words, any shift towards releasing the ego is completely our choice. If it were not, we would be a victims of forces beyond our control, a situation totally antithetical to the Courses gentle teachings on forgiveness.
See Question #17 for a related discussion on releasing our sense of individuality.
Q #328: Two questions dealing with existence:
i I was recently introduced to A Course in Miracles by a friend, but remain confused by statements, i.e., "the entire physical universe is an illusion." If true, then the Course doesn't exist, and if it doesn't exist, then no one could study the Course or be helped by it. But if it does exist, then the Course is incorrect because something in the entire physical universe is not an illusion. Does A Course in Miracles exist?
ii Since God does not know of our existence in our current state, why then does prayer to Him do anything? Further, if the Holy Spirit was created to take care of this challenge, then the existence must have been known.
A: The answer to these questions lies in understanding what the Course teaches regarding reality and illusion. Reality refers to God and the life we share with God as His one Son in Heaven. Only that is real and only that truly exists. The metaphysics of the Course tells us that: "Into eternity, where all is one, there crept a tiny, mad idea, at which the Son of God remembered not to laugh" (T.27.VIII.8:6). The "tiny mad idea" is the thought that the one Son can be separate from God. Choosing this thought results in what we are experiencing as our lives as bodies in the physical universe. The Course tells us it is an illusion, a dream: "You are at home in God, dreaming of exile but perfectly capable of awakening to reality"(T.10.I.2:1). This is the Courses "explanation" for the seeming existence of the physical universe; this is the illusion. Yet, because the Son cannot be separate from the Father, he carries with him into the dream the memory of God in his mind. The thought of separation and the memory of God are the two parts of the split mind of the dreaming Sonship. It is very important to remember that this is all part of the dream. It is therefore not real and does not truly exist. Although we have chosen to identify with our bodies there is a part of our mind that remembers who we truly are. The Course refers to this part of the mind of the Sonship as the right mind. Since we have dissociated ourselves from our minds altogether our right mind is symbolized in the Course by Jesus or the Holy Spirit. They are our teachers in the dream and A Course in Miracles is Their curriculum that we may "Learn that even the darkest nightmare that disturbs the mind of God's sleeping Son holds no power over him. He will learn the lesson of awaking" (T.13.XI.9:5, 6). So, although A Course in Miracles does not exist in reality and is part of the illusion, its message reflects the memory of our reality and leads us to our awakening from the dream of separation.
The prayers in the Course that address God the Father are beautiful expressions of the content of the part of our minds that remembers God. They are formulated in a way that helps us to remember God, and to learn that in spite of our belief in the separation we have not truly left our Source. You are correct in saying that God does not actually hear these prayers. They are gentle reminders to ourselves in a form that comforts us, because we need to know that God has not forgotten us though we seem to have wandered off and forgotten Him.
Q #329: I'm having a difficult time understanding how marriage isn't considered a special relationship, or that you could truly have a sacred relationship with someone.
A: Most marriages start out as special relationships, but they need not remain on that level. The specialness resides in the purpose or the content, as opposed to the form; and the purpose or content comes from the teacher we have chosen in our minds -- either the ego or Jesus. That is the key. Thus you can be married to one person and spend most of your time with that one person, but if the content behind the form is rooted in the healing love of Jesus in your right mind, then you would be excluding no one from your love, or from your kindness, generosity, caring, etc. This obviously does not mean that you have to include everyone else in the world at your dinner table, or in your bedroom, or at the bank when you cash your paycheck. It is important to remember always that relationships are in the mind, and that we cannot usually discern the content just by observing the form. The relationship is made "sacred" by shifting from the egos purpose for the relationship to the Holy Spirits purpose, and your partner does not even have to be aware of this. The egos purpose is to reinforce separation and specialness, and the Holy Spirits purpose is to undo all of that.
Marriage, thus, can be an excellent classroom for learning how to relate without a sense of exclusion or specialness. The form might not change at all, but your motivation and interpretations would. You would still do all the same things, have the same intimacy and the same focus on family, or whatever, but you would ask for help to shift from the egos purpose to the Holy Spirits. You would then look with the love of Jesus next to you at all of the manipulation, the specialness, the guilt, and the victimization that are a normal part of relationships in the egos world. And when you look at all of that without judgment, your mind then would be freed to let the love of Jesus flow through you as the content of all your thoughts; and then these thoughts would direct all of your interactions.
Q #330: Please explain and demonstrate "Iambic Pentameter" as used in A Course in Miracles.
A: Iambic pentameter is a way of positioning the sounds of syllables in a rhythmical pattern, and is the most common of all meters in English poetry.
This poetry form groups five "iams" together for a total of ten syllables per line, putting stress on the second syllable, and every other one after that (i.e., weak STRONG weak STRONG weak STRONG weak STRONG weak STRONG). An "iam" is one of the "weak STRONG" units, and "Penta" means five (as in the Pentagon, which has five sides). It breaks into five "feet," like this: weak STRONG / weak STRONG / weak STRONG / weak STRONG / weak STRONG. A foot is one of the repeating segments that is used to build a line of poetry. In the case of iambic pentameter, one iamb = one foot.
Much of A Course in Miracles is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, and this is called blank verse. Examples include the following:
This will / not tempt / me to / de lay / myself.
The world / I see / holds noth / ing that / I want (W.pI.128.8:3,4).
God is / but Love, / and there / fore so / am I (W.pI.rvV.10:8).
In joyous welcome is my hand outstretched to every brother who would join with me in reaching past temptation, and who looks with fixed determination toward the light that shines beyond in perfect constancy (T.31.8.11).
In joy / ous wel / come is / my hand / out stretched
to ev / ery broth / er who / would join / with me
in reach / ing past / temp ta / tion, and / who looks
with fixed / de ter / min a / tion toward / the light
that shines / be yond / in per / fect con / stan cy.


text:
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Transcript
|Presenter: Commander, NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal
|February 04, 2010
Q General, can you give us an update Marja offensive, the plans? Have the operations begun? Where does that stand?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: What we're doing in the Helmand River valley writ large, we really started last summer increasing security in a number of areas. You saw where the Marines went in. And British forces, Danish forces, Estonian forces went in.
And they started to create a series of secure -- bubble security zones -- pretty classic counterinsurgency. But they were not contiguous, not connected. So what we're doing is, we're expanding that, increasing the areas that will be under government of Afghanistan control.
The big thing that I am most happy about where we are now is the progress with Afghan national security forces being in the lead. I probably misspoke there, because it's more than Afghan national security forces. It's Afghan government.
So the planning that we've gone for here has actually been led by the governor, supported by the aligned ministries. And they started from rear to front, in terms of operation.
They started with the build, planned the build, planned the hold, planned the clear and then the shape, which is actually the way you need to think through, so you don't get partway.
So the planning is in great shape. I went through a number of recent planning events with them. And I'm very confident and very impressed with where they are, particularly the partnership.
Q And any more timeline on this? I mean, are you still just saying operations will take place very soon?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yeah, that's as specific as I'd want to be. But it's going to be relatively soon.
Q General, why speak so publicly about this? It is somewhat unusual to be so open? And what's the thinking behind that?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Well, there's inevitability that is associated with the growth of security here: the growth of Afghan national security forces, both in number and quality, the improvement of Afghan government capacity, which has got a long way to go, but we're growing that, and then the growth of coalition force capacity with the forces that -- additional coalition forces that have been approved recently.
What we're doing is we're trying to signal to the Afghan people that we are expanding security where they live. We are trying also to signal to the insurgents, the Taliban primarily in this area and the narcotraffickers, that it's about to change.
If they want to fight, then obviously that will have to be an outcome. But if they don't want to fight, that's fine too. If they want to reintegrate into the government and what-not, because as you've heard us talk before, we're not interested in how many Taliban we kill.
We'd much rather have them see the inevitability that things are changing and just accept that. And we think we can give them that opportunity. And that's why it is a little unconventional to do it this way.
But I think it gives everybody a chance to think through what they're going to do before suddenly in the dark of night, they're hit with an offensive and they may not have thought through what they want to do.
Q And if I could follow up, how important a test case, for your strategy that you've developed and for the president's larger strategy, is this offensive? I mean, is this the first real test of your theories?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I think we've actually been operating the doctrine already. And we're seeing a lot of good cases of it.
I think this is the next example of the evolution and I guess the maturation of the capacity, the maturation of coalition forces as we get better at it but also the maturation and development of the government of Afghanistan and their forces.
So I don't consider it a test case. I consider it the next step as we go forward.
Q Just following up too, can you talk a bit about the risk factors in announcing ahead of time, particularly the IED threat? Because obviously even if the guys do run, they've had this opportunity now for several weeks to lay the IEDs.
How concerned are you about that as a problem going forward?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Anything that is a threat to our forces is something I worry a lot about. Obviously one of the risks of being more overt about an operation is they can make the kinds of preparations, particularly IEDs.
And so we're taking great care to put ourselves in a position where we can deal with those. So yeah, it's a concern.
Q Are you able to say at this point the extent to which you have seen fighters flee the area or are starting to see them try to cut deals in the Marja area, or what's your sense of what is happening ahead of the actual event?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I'm really not comfortable going into detail on it, but we are seeing a lot and we're talking to a lot of people inside the area.
Q You're talking to more people, or the Afghans are talking to each other about this, or --
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Afghans and coalition are talking to people that are inside Marja all the time. So there's a very healthy dialogue, and I think that's good.
Q Sir, you said -- you underscored the importance of ANSF (Afghanistan National Security Force) being, you know, in the lead here. Can you talk a little bit about, you know, progress you've seen since you took command? And also a theme of the talks here at NATO are to get the allies -- (inaudible) -- the rest of the trainers that you're looking for. So both progress you've seen and the gaps that will be overcome.
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yeah. Certainly. And when I talk ANSF, I'll be talking Afghan National Army and police. They're a little different, but many of the same things apply.
What we've done -- and we have increased -- we've recommended a faster growth rate, and we just got approval for the 2011 targets for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. So we've got a growth -- (inaudible) -- by the fall of 2011. What that demands of the Afghans is to take a number of steps forward; to increase their recruiting, which they -- in the last about 2-1/2 months they've increased it dramatically. It also requires them to decrease things like their attrition. And they are working that. It's not yet what they want it to be or what we want it to be, but they're working that hard.
We've seen improvements in the training performance. But as we -- as we were able to recruit more together, we've also found that our capacity to train the numbers that we need requires more trainers. Now, we've always been under-resourced in trainers. What has happened is, as we were able to speed up the growth of the force, it highlighted how much under-resourced and the gap between where we need to be for just the initial entry training and whatnot.
Probably the best part of this though is -- and we've talked about it -- is the partnering aspect, which is a bit different than we have done in the past, and that is marrying units together really at every level. And they do as much as possible together. It's a little different in every area. But in some cases they literally live in tents right next to each other, they eat together, they train together, they plan together, they operate together, they grow together. And it marries the strengths of each together.
So as you know in any army, most of the soldiers' training and development actually happens after their training. They go out into the profession and it's the leaders that build. So the next thing we're trying to work with our Afghan partners is on leader development -- noncommissioned officers, officers. That, of course, is a big -- big requirement. But Lieutenant General Bill Caldwell, who's running NTM-A/ CSTC-A (NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan / Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan) now has really got a focus on leader development. Some of that takes a long time.
I would highlight -- we've got some things that are less known. The military academy just is going to -- very quickly -- is going to graduate another class, a four-year class. The police academy just graduated, I think it was about 500 police officers who finished a three-year training program. So there are a number of things that have been in train a while but are actually producing now, which we think, of course, will help mature the force.
Q General, as you increase these trainers, do you also have the logistical capacity and the facilities to manage this additional training? And as you get deeper into this recruiting pool, can you talk about some of the obstacles, such as literacy?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Sure. Right now we have the facilities required for -- in the near term as we get additional trainers. As that expands more, there are certainly some more facilities and improvement of some facilities that we need to do for the long term as we have regional training facilities in the regional command areas. So that will take a constant maturation.
For the police, we've got more to do than we did for the army because frankly, the army had a greater focus on it in early years than the police has had. So we've got to do more. We're just standing up a -- the Afghans are standing up a police training command to run their initial training.
I flew down here today with Minister Atmar, who I spend a lot of time with. Well, we talked an awful lot about his desires to increase leadership training in police and development. And that's -- I think he's absolutely right. Along with growth in size, we need to do -- professionalization, I think you could call it.
And it gets to your point about what are some of the challenges. Clearly, literacy is a -- is a challenge. And as I remind people, literacy -- being illiterate does not mean you're not smart. The Taliban's illiterate. So -- it means you haven't had a chance to learn to read. And so the problem with that is it is harder to train someone, particularly on modern equipment and things, who doesn't have literacy. A policeman who can't read license plates has a harder time being effective.
So we know that we need to build programs both to try to recruit more people who have the skills, but also a number of programs we've already instituted to create literacy inside the force.
We're also working to get a better geographic representation in the army and police. As you know, it's very difficult to recruit in areas under Taliban control. And someone could say, well, why doesn't a young person just come outside Taliban control and join the army? Well, if his family's in an area under Taliban control, it's difficult.
So as we increase security areas, we'll be focused to try to get a better -- not just an ethnic balance, because actually the ethnic balance in the -- particularly the army, is not far off. But the geographic balance, having people from every geographic part of the country, is something that the Afghan leadership is very interested in improving.
Q And there was a significant pay raise, as I well remember in '09 for both the army and police. And as a consequence, apparently, the recruitment rate went up. Has this trend confirmed, or was it just a peak and then it stabilized?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: It has stayed high. We're only about two-and-a-half months into that. I don't think it was all the pay raise. I think the pay raise was part of it; but I also think that Ramadan came and went, the election period came and went, and I think that the leadership in the Afghan security forces gave renewed focus on it, a lot more energy on it.
So I think the pay raise helped, because it clearly got them closer to what I would call a living wage. But I don't think this is really about money. And I don't think retaining soldiers is about money. I think it's their quality of life. It's do we give them a decent place to live, do we give them opportunities. And I think that's something that -- I know that's something that the ANSF are focused on across the board.
Q General, we heard earlier today that -- 2010 described as the year of maximum effort in Afghanistan for NATO. How much of a reduction in future effort do you expect after 2010? Or do you think the maximum effort will have to be sustained for some years?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I haven't heard that term before. I think 2010's going to be -- I would describe it as a(n) exceptionally important year, because the Afghan people, after all the years of war, are very interested in coming to a conclusion. And I think that's true in the insurgency, as well. And that puts pressure on us to make progress, but it also offers opportunity, because they are just not interested in doing things that are going to extend this.
So I think that we are going to have to be very focused this year but we'll have to obviously base future years on what happens this year.
Q Well, what's your sense of -- you know, this transition has to start July 11, maybe a small withdrawal. What's -- what's your sense? Is that a sort of a year-and-a-half, two-year process? Is it a five-year kind of a line? What's your sense?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yeah, I don't have a sense for that right now. What I do look at is the increase in coalition forces and the Afghan security force growth means that when we get at the end of 2010, we've got significantly more ANSF. By July 2011, which the discussion is on, we've actually got very significant ANSF growth.
So if we start a -- we will start a withdrawal of at least American forces at that point. I don't know the rate that that will occur. President Obama says it'll be based on conditions. That's what he told me. And I absolutely think that we'll look at that and make recommendations to him based on that.
But I think that Afghan capacity will have grown to the point where that will be an option without a reduction in the ability to provide security. I think that's the key point.
Q Can you address the front end of this, though? There's been a lot of sort of hand-wringing in Washington about the extent to which forces are arriving at a rate that you would like, some discussions of actually perhaps a particularly the Army not getting -- as fast as you would like. Can you address that and how that's been going over the next few months?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yeah, I want to address that, because, I'll tell you, I spend a lot of time on this, and the services are working miracles. And so the surge -- the forces are arriving. We've already got -- I think it's three battalions; the force on the ground, it's some thousands. They have done extraordinary work getting forces in, and they are absolutely moving as fast as physically possible. And "physically possible" means you need to have facilities, in some cases, bases; you need to have airfields that can accommodate it. You need to have aircraft the rate at which you can move that. So I think this is actually extraordinarily impressive.
I would remind everybody that this is much harder than many other places, like Iraq, because we don't have Kuwait next to us. You can't bring forces in, stage and then drive up. Here you're coming in through ground lines of communication through Pakistan air lines of communications; you're coming through northern routes as well. So it's a more complex process. But I'm very comfortable with the rate in which they're moving.
Q Can I follow up and ask -- about the allies? We've heard again earlier today about -- we'd like the allies to match our effort, to try to get them to the theater as fast as possible. Can you talk a bit about the non-U.S. NATO allies and how they're -- how rapidly they're getting to field?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yes. Still being worked out --
Q Okay.
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: -- so I don't have the specifics on that, but I'm very comfortable they're going to make that push to do it.
Q Can we go back to the partnership? In Washington we've heard a little bit that there's been some problems with that, that it's not as -- the reality on the ground is not as close as the sort of model you've laid out, and I wonder if you could speak to that, and if there is any difference between U.S. forces and NATO forces, if you're trying to push NATO to be -- make a tighter partnership with the Afghan security forces.
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I'm trying to get our entire force to partner as closely as possible, not just the Army but with the police elements as well. It is different in every spot. Sometimes it's the relative maturity of the Afghan force. Sometimes it's the coalition force and where we disperse. Sometimes it's cultures of organizations. Different forces have different cultures or reasons that they don't -- they have not pushed as far ahead on partnering.
There are some facilities issues, where you've built it not this way and then suddenly you want to put forces together, you got to build some things, you got to move some stuff.
Part of this is all maturation of the force, and when I say "maturation of the force," it's not just Afghan forces, it's all of us. And it varies across every different nationality. All the American forces aren't the same. All the Brit forces aren't the same. So it's commanders.
But we're moving in that direction. It'll be a process. It'll be something that takes us a while.
Q What's your -- what's your goal? Is it by the end of this year to get a fuller partnership, or is there any way to quantify the timetable, I guess.
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: There's not, but I am -- and David Rodriguez particularly -- is just pushing as hard as we can. And where we see it done well, we see just extraordinarily good results.
Q And --
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: And so that reinforces --
Q And in the offensive that's about to happen, is it -- is -- how tight is the partnership there?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Very tight. In fact, anecdotally, we took some Afghan units with the Marine units that arrived in to -- here recently, that will be supporting the Afghan force, and we married them together for training and preparation for the operation. And the Afghan forces all have Marine haircuts right now.
Q (Chuckles.)
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: So, you know, it's building relationships. I mean, we talk about partnering. It's not just something that's mechanical. It's a cultural thing. You're going to go out and rely on somebody and fight with him and pull him out of harm's way when they're wounded. And so the degree that we build that and we see that in places, it's the magic.
Q General, can I ask you question about --
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yeah.
Q -- there was a NATO official today that told reporters he'd describe the situation in Afghanistan as explosive and catastrophically deteriorating.
Would you agree with that assessment? And then also to get back to the importance of 2010, it sounds like you see it as kind of a make-or-break year for the U.S. Is that right?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: The -- back to the characterization, I still will tell you that I believe the situation in Afghanistan is serious. I do not say now that I think it's deteriorating. I think -- and I said that last summer, and I believe that that was correct. I feel differently now. I am not prepared to say that we have turned the corner. So I'm saying that the situation is serious, but I think we have made significant progress in setting conditions in 2009 and beginning some progress, and that we'll make real progress in 2010. I wouldn't characterize 2010 as anything other than a very important year. I think that what happens can affect -- you know, what happens in years past. But we're going to be very focused this year to try to make as much of a shift in the momentum, as much progress as we can.
And the biggest thing is convincing the Afghan people. This is all a war of perceptions. This is not a physical war, in terms of how many people we kill or how much ground you capture, how many bridges you blow up. This is all in the minds of the participants. And I mean, the Afghan people are the most important, but the insurgents are another one. You're just convincing people. And, of course, part of what we've had to do is convince ourselves and our Afghan partners that we can do this. And I think we're --
Q What changed your mind, though, from --
Q Yeah, what changed? Why now is it not deteriorating?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Well, we've done a number of things. We've implemented a number of things inside ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) command. We have partnered with our Afghan brothers. From the ministries on down, we have a closer relationship than we used to. We have done a civilian uplift that has brought a number of civilian(s) with a lot of expertise, and we've put them out on the ground in different places -- and then a lot of soldiers from across the coalition, Afghan security forces, and from all of our countries, and fought hard. And we've lost a lot of very good people. We have -- I mean, we've paid for progress we've made and for what we've accomplished. And we've paid for it individual by individual. So I think -- I think we've earned where we are.
Q But, sir --
Q But, sir, those are inputs. What -- can you point to some outputs that tell you that the momentum has at least stopped from where it was last summer?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Yeah; they are more intuitive, now, than the kinds of metrics that I would tell you "x numbers of this." But I will tell you, I took a trip down to Helmand with President Karzai, and we walked through the bazaar in Nawa. And even some months ago, when I was there -- I was there right after the Marines went in -- the place was all shot up, nothing was open, the Marines were literally fighting every day to hold it. President Karzai, with nobody armoring him, walked through the bazaar, talked to people, had tea. He told me he had not been in a bazaar like that for -- we were there about 40 minutes. He hadn't been in a bazaar that long since he's been in power, so -- or at least for several years.
So when you see that, or when you sit with a shura and you talk to the leaders and they tell you things are much better -- I was up in the Arghandab two or three weeks ago, and that area had had a lot of challenges for the last couple of years. And already the local leaders are saying we got a big improvement. Again, I'm not prepared to draw it on a map; I'm not prepared to give you numbers. But I'm prepared to tell you that what I see and what I feel gives me that sense.
Q But --
STAFF: We have five minutes now, please.
Q Yeah, just, sir, what you were just describing, is it in contradiction with the statement by the chairman of Joint Chief(s) of Staff, who said yesterday or two days ago that the Taliban were actually gaining more influence right now?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I didn't hear the -- I didn't see the chairman's statement. What I will tell you is, I think that the Taliban are making a significant effort to expand their influence. So is the government of Afghanistan now, and I think that -- aided by us. So I think that there is a -- significant room to believe.
And I'm not prepared to say that we are winning; I'm prepared to say we are -- we are very much engaged. And I'm confident we're going to see serious progress this year.
Q How's it going connecting the government with the -- (word inaudible) -- convincing them that a centralized government will be working to benefit them?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Varies place to place, but it is -- it is one of the most significant challenges. After 30 years of war and different methods of governance and disappointment with governance and some -- in some cases some very brutal situations for some of the people, they're cautious. And in an area where security is not yet complete, the coercion of the insurgents can threaten the people from reaching out to the government. So the government not only has to provide security to allow the people the freedom to choose; the government then has to deliver on basic expectations of the people. And that's a tall order. That's much more than the insurgent has to do.
But the government works through it. And in places, it's very difficult, and the progress is slow. In other places, it's very heartening. It's the harder part of this.
Q General, do you have any concerns about the quality of some of the trainers in this big push to get some of the trainers in there at one time? Are you worried that there are trainers that may end up in these positions who don't have any experience doing that before, and what are you doing about that?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: Well, we'll certainly -- we'll try to get the best people we can. Any group of anybody you get is going to have a range of experience and expertise for the mission. What we'll try to do and I'm sure what General Caldwell will try to do is match expertise to the role the people do.
What I've seen so far out -- and people who are doing the training now; we just put another U.S. battalion against it -- is very good. It's more -- right now, it's been an issue of numbers, not quality. But it's something we've got to watch.
Q A small question and sort of a larger one: Do you have a sense of how many insurgents there are in the Marja region where you're going into? And then the bigger question is, we all spent many hours on Monday for the rollout of the budget and the QDR (Quadrennial Defense Review) -- big emphasis on ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). Obviously you could use more, but are you satisfied you can carry out the mission now with the ISR supplies that you have?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: We've actually been given an awful lot of ISR. As I told Secretary Gates some months back, though, I am genetically incapable of saying that I have enough, because I just believe it in so much. And in fact, he's just allocated more to us.
So we have -- we have a significant amount of ISR, and we're going to be very effective with it. We can always use more. It is just -- in this kind of warfare, it is so valuable.
And on the numbers of Taliban in the area, I'm really just not prepared to cover it here.
Q What about roadside bombs? Can you say anything about the sharing with NATO allies; what Gates is thinking; what you would like to see happen?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I certainly believe that our partners are -- Afghan partners and our coalition partners, everything we can share. It's one fight. We're one team. So I'm hopeful as much as we can share, expertise, equipment, you name it, that we should do that.
STAFF: The last question, please.
Q General, I'd like to throw one in. A couple of weeks ago in Pakistan the military said that they had their hands full in South Waziristan and Swat, you know, and -- (inaudible) -- going into North Waziristan -- (inaudible) -- months. What's your assessment of the current threat coming across the border, and how much of a problem is that?
GEN. MCCHRYSTAL: I think the Pakistani military is doing some extraordinary work. And all people who looked at it, I think they've got to step back and give them some credit for some costly but also some very good operations. So we don't see huge numbers of people moving across the border at this time, but as I deal with the Pakistani leadership, with whom I have a very good relationship, we both realize that there are problems on both sides of the border. And you really need to solve both of them before you can have real security on either side. And so it's the -- it's the ability to work together that is my biggest priority.
STAFF: Thanks.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
I just not my new computer (Win. 7 Home Basic) and have been using it great for the past 2 weeks, then, my internet decided to stop working. I traced it to my drivers corrupting for some reason. After re-installing the drivers, my Dchp, and DPS service
will not start, getting errors of Access Denied.
I am logged into an admin account, using regedit I've set permissions, but no luck...
Anyone have some advice?
Error-3 means the system cannot find the path specified. Regarding thsi issue, you shuold post your even log first.
Then you can restart your comupter in Last Known Good Config mode to try if the problem be resolved.
Anyway, I need your event log.
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From Sicily, Reds Worth the Hunt, Eric AsimovAugust 09, 2013
The transformation of the world of wine in the last 20 years has been simply astounding. Consumers have been blessed with a profusion of wonderful wines from sources that few would have predicted as recently as the turn of the century. Case in point: Sicily


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Medici porcelain, first European soft-paste porcelain, made in Florence between about 1575 and 1587 in workshops under the patronage of Francis I (Francesco de' Medici). It is thought that the body of Medici porcelain consists of glass, powdered rock crystal, and sand, as well as clay from Vicenza and white earth from Faenza. The ware, heavily potted, was covered with a rather cloudy, bubble-pitted glaze. Production was probably limited; most of the wares were made as gifts for European princes. The rare surviving examples (about 60) include utilitarian objects such as flasks, jugs, bowls, and plates, in addition to purely decorative ones such as plaques. Medici porcelain reflects the influence of Persian pottery, Chinese porcelain, and indigenous maiolica. The decoration is generally blue and white, but occasionally manganese is added. The mark of Medici porcelain, which is blue, represents the dome of the cathedral of Florence, with the letter F below.
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Late Beauchamp in Braves' minds
A mentor to many on club, former coach honored with patches
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
"You'd better do something good," Francoeur said, attempting to imitate the gruff coaching voice that Beauchamp used when talking to many of the Braves' top players and prospects during the past two decades.
When the Braves began the 2008 regular season against the Nationals at new Nationals Park on Sunday night, many of the players and coaches were thinking about Beauchamp, who lost his long battle with leukemia in December.
At the same time, they were showing ESPN's national television audience how much Beauchamp meant to them and the organization. On their left sleeves was a patch that simply read "Beach" to honor their lost friend. They'll wear these patches throughout the season.
"It means a lot," said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who spent some time with Beauchamp just before he died. "Everybody knew him as Beach, so that's why we are using that for his name. His name pops up at least once a day among the players and coaches."
Beauchamp was Cox's bench coach in Atlanta from 1991-98. He served as a roving Minor League instructor from 1999-2006 and during that time mentored Francoeur, Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson and many of the other younger players on the current Braves roster.
"He was very influential," Francoeur said. "I don't think a day has gone by during Spring Training when I didn't think about him at some point. It will be cool tonight to start the game with him on our shoulders."
Braves bench coach Chino Cadahia, who was very close with Beauchamp, believed his good friend would have an eye on what the Braves did at the new Nationals Park on Sunday night.
"I know he'll be watching," Cadahia said. "I just hope we make him proud."
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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There's plenty of hay being cut in the Top End of the Northern Territory right now, but selling it is proving difficult.
The slow down in the live cattle trade out of Darwin is really hurting the Territory's hay producers.
Dave Gray from NT Quality Hay, says a lot of Top End cattle are being trucked south, rather than to export yards for shipping which has traditionally been his biggest customer.
"We've taken a fair knock over the last couple of years and most of us are well down on our percentages... I'm down to 35 per cent of what I was doing three or four years ago," he said.
"So from about 12,000 bales a year, I'm down to 3,500 to 4,000 bales a year... the product is here but trying to move it on is our biggest problem,
"The price is very competitive at the moment, there's not a lot in it, I'm just creating a job for myself really."


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9/27: Idol rewind season 2, Reba no. 1!
By: Rodney Ho | September 26, 2007, 9:14PM EST
Brace yourself Clay and Ruben fans. The syndicated weekly show "American Idol Rewind" is back, airing season two starting this weekend (6 p.m. on WATL-TV Saturdays and Sundays and at 5 p.m. Saturday on WGN-TV). They have fresh interviews with almost all the finalists and semifinalists— including Frenchie Davis and the biggest loser Corey Clark.
Ruben will be hosting and Clay will help out, too. This was a fun season, the one that solidified "Idol" as a true phenomenon and we'll get to see Atlanta's own Vanessa Olivarez, too! (I just spoke with her and will post another entry about her whereabouts.)
American Idol Blog | 9/27: Idol rewind season 2, Reba no. 1!


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The Mind/Body Institute of
Applied Psychophysiology
West Chester University
Ed Mackey, MSN, CRNA, PhD
222N Sturzebecker HSC
West Chester, PA 19383
This course teaches participants self-hypnotic techniques. Hypnosis is a natural state of altered consciousness. The state of hypnosis allows for profound relaxation and stress reduction. Hypnosis can effect physical and mental positive changes driven by the use of positive suggestion. Learning self- hypnosis provides a method to deliberately induce the state of hypnosis in you.
Learning to access the self-hypnotic state can enhance your healthy living lifestyle, assist in moderating discomfort, effect personal change, mood, relationships and many more. During this class the participant will learn and practice two methods of inducing self-hypnotic states. An overview of hypnosis will be provided as well as details on the hypnosis services offered at West Chester University through the Mind-Body Institute of Applied Psychophysiology. The class format will be discussion, experiential, and question and answer. Handouts as well as iInformation concerning the availability of hypnosis and hypnotherapy practice here at the University will be provided.
Faculty: Dr. Edward F. Mackey Director of the Mind-Body Institute of Applied Psychophysiology at West Chester University. Dr. Mackey holds a doctorate in psychology as well as graduate degrees in Nurse Anesthesia and Public Health Nursing. Dr. Mackey is an Approved Consultant for the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and is a Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association.
Cost for class: $150 Click here for registration form


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Buzzwords: We hear the terms all the time and rarely do we think of ourselves over using certain terms when we sell or converse with others. I feel like pulling my hair out each time I hear someone say, "customer centric" because I wonder if said person actually knows what that buzzword really means.So, here is my top five to stop using today:
Here is a bonus: 'Directionally accurate' is to me another way of saying, "I don't my know my ass from a hole in the water or the answer to boot, but boy did that just sound good!" It is also important to note that many customers you come into contact with do research prior to your call with them. They are haters of the term "directionally accurate" because what it really means, "I can't back this up at all, I still know I'm right though." Oh, and BTW, stop using BRB and BTW via instant message.
Carpe Diem My Friends
CruiseOne® Participates in #GiveThem20 Challenge to Raise Awareness for Military Veteran Employment
Home-based travel...


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Minnesotans want independent, nonpartisan redistricting, LWV survey reports
A survey commissioned by the League of Women Voters shows that Minnesotans want changes in the redistricting process so that the decisions are made in an independent, nonpartisan way.
Said Laura Fredrick Wang, executive director of the League of Women Voters, Minnesota:
"For the past five censuses the Minnesota legislature has not completed its constitutional responsibility to redraw political lines. Each time the state or federal courts have had to step in to ensure fair representation. A strong majority of Minnesotans want to see the process improved, and across the board they place the most trust in a nonpartisan system."
LWV officials said that most Minnesotans trust the work judges have done on redistricting, but 61 percent "believe that a different redistricting process would give people more confidence in government."
The group said citizen-led systems like those in California and Iowa received higher marks than the current efforts in Minnesota.
Those responding listed these redistricting principles as ones they considered most important:
- Preserving city and county boundaries
- Not intentionally protecting or defeating incumbents
- Ensuring fair minority representation
- Protecting communities of interest, such as American Indian reservations, agricultural communities and the Iron Range
Wang said:
"People of all political beliefs, ages and geographic location support redesigning our redistricting process by greater than a two-to-one margin. Now is the time to start this conversation. We shouldn't wait until 2020 to find out again that the legislature needs to shift the responsibility of redrawing the maps to the courts."
The poll was conducted Feb. 7-14; a state court panel released the new redistricting maps on Feb. 21.
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As many of us were still basking in the afterglow of Pope Benedict's visit, the two Democratic contenders for their party's presidential nomination squared off in a crucial Pennsylvania primary that has major ramifications for this summer's national convention in Denver, for the presidency of the United States and for the cause of life.
What was especially interesting about the April 22 showdown was that Pennsylvania is an unusual state. Its Democrats tend to be much more traditional, Catholic and even pro-life than Democrats in other states. One can usually find a number of pro-life Democrats running for offices throughout the state.
This fact is crucial, given that both Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., are, by far, the most extreme advocates for legalized abortion ever to get this close to the presidency.
Both, too, were seeking the votes of millions of pro-life Catholics throughout Pennsylvania. Both candidates pushed hard to win over those voters.
Sadly, but predictably, pro-life Catholic politicians in the statewide Democratic Party did their part as well, stumping tirelessly for the two abortion extremists.
Obama, who as a member of the Illinois Legislature twice voted against and once blocked from the Senate floor bills that would require that unsuccessfully aborted babies receive medical care, was enthusiastically endorsed by Pennsylvania's pro-life Catholic Sen. Bob Casey Jr.
Likewise, Clinton got a nice boost: an invitation from Mercyhurst College, a Catholic college in Erie.
Such gestures are troubling for the pro-life cause. They are symptomatic of what is happening all over the country, as pro-life Catholics like former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn (a Clinton endorser) and Doug Kmiec (an Obama endorser) — to name only two — line up to throw their support behind these candidates, and as Catholic colleges host their political rallies. Here, I would like to focus on the college situation — namely, Mercyhurst — a real problem that continues to persist.
The controversy began when Mercyhurst sent invitations to all the presidential candidates to speak at the school, with Clinton quickly responding and accepting for April 1.
Just as quickly, moral equivalency reared its head as campus proponents began justifying Clinton's appearance.
Mercyhurst's president said that the college looked forward "to engaging in conversations about the most authentic way for Mercyhurst to meet both its religious and its educational obligations." The college's vice president of student life stressed the need to "go beyond single-issue politics" — an ostensible plea to not obsess over Clinton's views on abortion.
In that spirit, a sophomore English major, quoted in the Erie Times, proclaimed that "the top three issues [in this election] are economics, international policy and the environment."
Just as the Mercyhurst invitation scoffed at Church policy — the "Catholics in Political Life" document approved by the American bishops states that public figures who violate Catholic principles "should not be given awards, honors or platforms" at Catholic colleges — so did this line of reasoning.
In the last year especially, the bishops have consistently addressed this twisted logic, admonishing the faithful against moral equivalency in their voting — i.e., equating issues like an increase in the minimum wage or carbon emissions with far more consequential, literal life-or-death issues like abortion.
The folks at Mercyhurst apparently don't get it — a moral confusion that appears to filter into the classroom.
Someone who did get it was Erie Bishop Donald Trautman.
He issued a written statement, stating, among other things, that he will boycott this year's graduation ceremony at the college, which he attends every year. The bishop has long been consistent — and certainly non-partisan — on this matter, a few years back objecting to (and rejecting) a speaking invitation by Gannon University, another Erie Catholic college, to Gov. Tom Ridge, a Republican.
Ridge was a native son, a local Erie boy who had done well in public life, but who was diametrically opposed to his Church on abortion. Bishop Trautman reminded Gannon of that fact and stood on principle.
As a member of the Erie Diocese myself, I can report that the reaction to the bishop's decision ranged from ecstatic by pro-lifers — the Erie Times quoted an e-mailer as writing, "God bless you, Bishop Trautman!" — to angry disapproval by others.
How did Mercyhurst react?
The college president said in a written statement: "While we respect Bishop Trautman's decision, we are saddened by it and will deeply miss his presence at graduation."
This was a nice way of saying, essentially: We will do what we want, and if the bishop is unhappy with our decision, he can stay home.
When Pope Benedict XVI addressed Catholic universities on April 16, he stressed that this kind of response misses the point.
"Teachers and administrators, whether in universities or schools, have the duty and privilege to ensure that students receive instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice," he said. "This requires that public witness to the way of Christ, as found in the Gospel and upheld by the Church's magisterium, shapes all aspects of an institution's life, both inside and outside the classroom. Divergence from this vision weakens Catholic identity and, far from advancing freedom, inevitably leads to confusion, whether moral, intellectual or spiritual."
He should know. When he was going to school he also had to grapple with a political party that didn't respect the right to life trying to co-opt his own education.
For her part, Clinton was thrilled. Trailing Obama in delegates, she desperately needed Mercyhurst's Catholics in this political life-or-death swing state. Her campaign tried to mollify the bishop's criticism, issuing a statement saying that Clinton "greatly respect[s] the bishop's point of view on the subject."
Alas, that is hard to believe. Clinton not only wants abortion to remain legal, she has put herself on the line to protect the barbaric practice of partial-birth abortion, which her predecessor, Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, called "infanticide."
Last year, she criticized the Supreme Court for upholding the ban of the fatal procedure. If she's elected president, she plans to force taxpayers to pay for abortion-on-demand at all stages of fetal development.
Clinton went to their campus to talk "social justice" in the hopes of wooing them for their votes despite her radical abortion agenda. She was not about to bring up abortion because it would cost her at the ballot box. She wished for a quiet compromise — silence on abortion — that best serves her bid for the White House.
If she makes it that far, Clinton will pay back Mercyhurst's pro-life Catholics with at least two pro-choice Supreme Court judges that will ensure at least a few more decades of Roe v. Wade and at least one million elective abortions annually.
As she addressed a rally of 2,500 at the campus athletic center, Clinton must have grinned as she spoke of the economy, education, Iraq and "healthcare" — the latter of which, by her definition, includes taxpayer-funded abortions, though she certainly did not raise that point before the crowd.
No matter, Mercyhurst's Catholics roared their approval: Clinton, after all, was talking "healthcare."
The naiveté of this group was regrettable, in stark contrast to, say, the NARAL group in Jan. 2004, which had harbored no illusions; nor had the crowd that Clinton addressed in March 2004 at the March for Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., where the attendees hoisted placards that lamented "The Pope's Mother Had No Choice," and "Pro-Life is to Christianity as Al Qaeda is to Islam."
Clinton's campaign was probably amazed — though pleasantly so — that she could somehow appeal to both young women in Washington who wished that Pope John Paul II's mother had aborted him and young women in Erie who admired the late Pope. Hey, she'll take it!
Unfortunately, none of this is new.
For Clinton, Mercyhurst is the latest Catholic college to provide her with a political rally on her way to the White House and in her crusade for unfettered abortion. Others in the past have included Canisius College in Buffalo (January 2005), Marymount Manhattan College (May 2005) and, more recently, St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis. (February 2008) and St. Mary's University in San Antonio (February 2008).
Clinton won the Catholic vote April 22, and gained ground on Obama. In so doing, she has continued to redefine the template: Let's talk social justice — economics, the environment, and free "healthcare."
As she does, more Catholics will keep rolling out the carpet, perhaps long enough to lead her all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. She is more than happy to have their support as she seeks to expand abortion to new heights.
Paul Kengor is the author of God and Hillary Clinton (HarperCollins, 2007), and, most recently, The Judge: William P. Clark, Ronald Reagan's Top Hand
(Ignatius Press, 2007).


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Erik Karlsson's injury will likely be felt by every fantasy owner with an Ottawa Senator -- and that includes goalkeeper Craig Anderson -- in his or her lineup.
It's not unlike the impact Nicklas Lidstrom's retirement is having on the Red Wings, who are scoring fewer goals this season and allowing more. Lidstrom, like Karlsson, spent nearly half the game on the ice, always seemed to have the puck on his stick and was the guy who got the offence rolling from the back end, either with a quick first pass or by deftly skating it out himself. Without him, coach Mike Babcock said recently, the forwards now have to come back deeper into their own zone and can't break out on attack as quickly.
"The game is real simple," he said. "The more time you spend in your zone, the less time you spend in their zone."
The Wings have maintained a winning record by simplifying their game, though they still have Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk to create scoring chances. The Sens, how


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Artist description:
who will guess first? X3 hint: his name starts with P.. the anime's name starts with K.. and.. he looks hawt *W*
Java Draw Created Oct 04, 2009 470 x 338px Unless noted Copyright 2009 Sue-chan.
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Post a comment
PLUTO!^ ^ the hotness from BLACK BUTLER!!!
pluto ^_^
nice draw of pluto.. i love kuroshistuji ^^
wait, its spelled puru xD and the anime is kuro*****suji O.o xD
Puro Puro! xD
OMG PLUTO FROM KUR*****SUJI drew him perfectly couldn't be better 11/5
ugh damn plutooooooo . luf chur art! :] all cute
it's it's PLUTO worf worf!!!! kurusutuji? the naked pluto lolx
i forgot his name but isnt he the dog-person frum kuro*****suji that the maid used to take care of???
dah e misto tipul dar l-a enervat pe grell intr-un episod....XD


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Nissan has launched in Japan the Nissan e-NV200 compact commercial van, its second EV installation of four. The e-NV200 will be available for the Japanese public in October 2014, with prices ranging from JPY3.88 million ($37,900) to JPY4.79 million ($46,700).
The carmaker plans monthly sales of around 500 e-NV200s in Japan, where it is eligible for up to JPY850,000 ($8,295) in incentives. Nissan is building the e-NV200 at its Barcelona site in Spain and will start selling the compact commercial van this month in Europe.
The e-NV200 is essentially a NV200 van powered by the electric drivetrain of the Nissan Leaf. According to Chief Planning Officer Andy Palmer, the e-NV200 is now on trial runs with fleet customers in the US and Canada, but there are still some issues with the range and charging infrastructure.
He said that since US fleet vehicles typically travel longer distances than delivery trucks in other markets, the range of the e-NV200 is a concern. Palmer remarked that denser urban populations in Europe and well-developed vehicle charging infrastructure in Japan has made the e-NV200 suitable for those markets.
The e-NV200 is many notches above its gasoline counterpart. First, its 80kW motor allows it to accelerate faster and smoother. Also, it boasts of better handling as it has a lower center of gravity and stiffer suspension.
Its 24kWh battery can be recharged using just a standard outlet. On the other hand, the e-NV200 has a price that its also many notches above its gasoline counterpart.
But according to the Japanese carmaker, e-NV200's lower overall running costs make it a good match for fleets, breaking even with its gasoline counterparts when it reach 51,000 miles or around five years.


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"TIGER'S VOYAGE," by Colleen Houck, Sterling Publishing, $17.95, 543 pages (f)
Collen Houck does it again.
"Tiger's Voyage," the third book in the Tiger's series, comes packed with adventure, imagination and romance.
"Voyage" is full of details and descriptions that make the story vivid and easy to imagine. Possibly an indicator to her previous profession as a sign language interpreter, Houck crafts each scenario with words that show and tell. Houck's attention to detail truly transports the reader into the sights, smells and sounds of each moment.
Characters Kelsey, Ren and Kishan journey this time by sea to break the Tiger's curse, and restore Ren and Kishan to their full human state. The trio encounter five different dragons, each with a challenge of their own in order to break another part of the curse.
Because Ren has forgotten who Kelsey is, and their previous love, another romance blossoms between Kishan and Kelsey. Kelsey is determined to stay with Kishan to prove that she is committed to her choice to be with him. But when Ren regains his memory suddenly everything becomes complicated and confusing for everyone.
Even though this story is about a romance, readers will find that "Voyage" offers much more than a love story. Houck uses Indian mythology, legend and culture to add depth and variety to her story.
The Tiger's series is a teen appropriate action-packed romance novel. Battle scenes are not malicious and the romantic scenes are mild. Some comments are mildly suggestive.Comment on this story
"Voyage" will leave readers speculating and dying to know the fate of each character. Houck, who served a Mormon mission, leaves just enough hints to make readers wonder but never sure. The final two books in the Tiger's series cannot come fast enough.
What: Colleen Houck book signing
When: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com
'Tiger's Curse' author trades job as sign language interpreter for book series
'Tiger's Curse' not typical teen romance


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Coming June 9, 2016, Here & Now listeners and visitors will experience our stories and journalism online in a whole new way.
The Obama administration is planning a large, long term effort to understand and map the human brain, according to a report by The New York Times.
We've all heard that if you're having a heart attack, you should take aspirin. But is it always appropriate to take aspirin for heart disease? And who should never take it?
One month after the boyfriend of country star Mindy McCready is believed to have committed suicide, McCready herself apparently has taken her own life.
Advocacy groups say continually checking in on a partner and demanding to know what he or she is doing is a type of dating abuse – something that one in four teens has experienced.
On this President's Day, we look at how the role of the First Lady has changed dramatically, depending on the woman in the office and the times in which she served.
From The Horrors to Oliver Nelson.


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The Green River College Small Business Center is designed to provide technical assistance to small businesses in South King County and North Pierce County areas.
The SBDC offers assessment, referral services and business counseling at no charge as well as hands-on training to small business owners and managers.
Orientation Sessions
Attend a Small Business Start-Up Orientation to learn more about the steps to starting a new business and resources available. There is NO cost to attend these sessions. Advanced registration required.
SBDC Working In The Community
Counseling sessions are at no cost to the client. Workshops and classes are available at a low cost to the participant. Lending options are available for those clients needing capital.
The mission of the Small Business Center is to improve the profitability of independent businesses, thereby stimulating economic growth in our community.
Check out a list of our classes and our facebook page for the latest news and information.
Small Business Development Center
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense
The center also receives funding from the following cities: Auburn, Covington, Enumclaw and Kent.
Meet the Staff
Deanna Burnett-Keener
Darrell Sundell
|Jeremy Mauck
Contact Us
Auburn Center Small Business Assistance Center
Phone: 253-520-6260
Fax: 253-288-3469
1221 D Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Enumclaw Small Business Assistance Center
Phone: 253-520-6260
Fax: 253-520-6265
1414 Griffin Ave.
Enumclaw, WA 98022
Kent Campus Small Business Assistance Center
Phone: 253-520-6260
Fax: 253-520-6265
417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112
Kent, WA 98032


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Travelling in Seattle
Taxi cabs (including wheelchair accessible taxis), town cars and limousine transportation services are available at SeaTac Airport across the concourse in the parking lot. There are signs directing people to the transportation services.
Costs: about $40 - $50 to the Sheraton Seattle DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC by meter and
$32.00 flat rate return to the airport from downtown (fuel surcharges may be added).
Taxis (including wheelchair accessible taxis) are available 24 hours in front of the Sheraton Seattle.
No reservations are needed; see the doorman or valet when you are ready to depart.
We request reservations as soon as you know when you need one; at least 2 hours prior to secure a driver. Cancellation is 24 hours prior to the pick-up. Reservations can be made with a credit card through the concierge at (206) 621-9000 ext. 5207 or e-mail:
Costs from the airport: Town cars are $81.60 (for international flights add $20); 6-passenger limos are $143.55. Both rates are inclusive of fuel surcharges and driver gratuity. The driver meets the guest in baggage claim with a sign.
Van and motor coach services are available by reservation. Costs vary by type of vehicle, number of people and charter company that would be available. Contact the concierge (206) 621-9000 ext. 5207 or email email@example.com. This mode of transportation usually would be less expensive and more convenient for groups of six or more.
The DOWNTOWN AIRPORTER is located at the SeaTac Airport Parking structure Island 2. Contact www.downtownairporter.com or call 1.855.566.3300. Allow 45 minutes for the ride. They do not take reservations.
DOWNTOWN AIRPORTER TRANSFERS – $12.50 pp, each way with a roundtrip!
Direct airport service 24 hours a day to the following hotels: Renaissance, Crowne Plaza, Fairmont Olympic, Hilton, Sheraton, Grand Hyatt, Westin and Warwick. Departs from SeaTac Airport and hotels approximately every 30 minutes, 5 am – 9 pm, with on demand service 9 pm – 5 am.
Don't see your hotel? Or prefer sedan service? We serve every other location with our door-to-door Share Ride or private services, 24 hours a day.
How to find us at SeaTac Airport:
From Baggage Claim, cross a sky bridge to the Airport Parking Garage. Go to the 3rd floor and follow the Ground Transportation signs. Our check-in booth is located in the CENTER of the garage, near the purple elevator banks, next to the airport's Ground Transportation office.
You will not need a car to get around Seattle unless you are traveling outside of the downtown area. Parking charges are $40 per day plus tax (valet only). It is recommended to reserve a car in advance. If you would like to rent a car, the concierge can assist in making reservations, and some agencies have a special hotel guest rate when making reservations through the concierge. Hertz, Alamo/National, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar and Avis rental agencies are within the downtown area (listed by closest to the Sheraton).
Car rental agencies are open from 7am – 6pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday – Sunday. Some agencies allow a pick-up in downtown and drop-off at SeaTac airport without additional charge. Some agencies will accept a car downtown after picking up at the airport.
Departs a quarter mile walk from the Airport Terminal (follow signs) to and from the Westlake Bus Tunnel (2 blocks from the Sheraton) every 10 to 15 minutes. Cost is $2.50 each way and tickets must be purchased in advance at the designated vending machines located in the Tunnel. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.


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Artist description:
crystalmoon inpired XD
Java Draw Created Feb 25, 2011 640 x 460px Unless noted Copyright 2011 rei_619.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
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this is cool~ :D i really like how you blended the colours~
beautiful job,,... • • ----
I love abstracts. This one is very unique and original. I for one would like to see more of these. This is just my opinion but an abstract is much more "artistic" than anime. Please do not beat me up for saying that..:)
You know whats great about these kind of pictures? Each person sees something different. I see a hand submerged in water with fishes swimming around it! Really cool! 5h + Faves
amazing abstract indeed! 5/5
Unusual abstraction,well done
Quite interesting... Somehow, I seem to see cats.
that COOL!!
This looks awesome, I lover ett


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What is a Master Gardener?
Master Gardeners are volunteer representatives of the University of Maryland who are trained to educate citizens about effective and sustainable horticultural practices. Master Gardeners offer landscaping problem-solving through demonstration projects, partnerships with other organizations, and public outreach activities.
Participants earn the title of Master Gardener by completing 40 hours of training by University of Maryland Extension professionals and 40 volunteer hours.
To apply for Master Gardener training, complete the Master Gardener Volunteer Application and mail it to the Anne Arundel County Extension office. For more information about the program or to request an application form, please phone the Anne Arundel County Extension office at 410-222-3906.
Next Training Program
The Anne Arundel County Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2017 training program. Applications must be received by August 1, 2017. The 2017 training will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 12-November 2, 2017 at the Anne Arundel County Extension Office. The cost is $275.
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.


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Not all battles are fought with swords and shields, some are fought with axes and sticks. Not all battles are fought in open fields, some are fought in high school auditoriums. Not all battles are won through bravery, some are won through tasty jams and tireless chops. Whether it's winning bragging rights or the affection of a crush, these on-screen music melees are simply awesome.
9. Bass Vs. Treble — One Man Band
This Pixar short premiered with the theatrical release of Cars and was even nominated for an Academy Award. Told through pantomime and music, this charming story pits two busking musicians against each other — one, the bellowing brass player known as "Bass" and the other, a suave string player called "Treble." While both performances are entertaining, little Tippy is the true showstopper of this film.
8. Dave Grohl Vs. Animal — The Muppets
These two rock gods have been banging on the drums for decades. Grohl got his start in 1987 with grunge band Nirvana, while Animal began his frenzied antics with Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem way back in 1975. This clash was a long time coming, as Grohl menaces to his opponent that "he's been waiting years for this." To which Animal replies, "Now we see who best!"
7. Scott Pilgrim Vs. Todd Ingram — Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World showed us the world through the eyes of slacker musician Scott, effectively turning every situation into an epic musical battle of video game proportions. Complete with flying notes and comic book cutaways, this gut-busting bass battle proves to be one of Scott's toughest challenges.
6. Eugene Vs. Jack — Crossroads
There's no better setting for an '80s head-cutting guitar duel than a dimly lit bar filled with snappy dressers, Ralph Macchio in a two-sizes-too-big sport coat and Steve Vai rocking a pair of too-tight leather pants. The tension is as thick as the sweat rolling down Vai's face as the two guitarists attempt to out solo each other to win back their souls from eternal damnation.
The best part? Immediately after defeating his nemesis, Macchio launches into a crowd-pleasing riff that inspires an ensemble dance number. Long live the '80s.
5. Marcus Vs. Myran Vs. Anders Vs. Johannes — The Sound Of Noise
This scene is less of a battle and more of an all-out war. Swedish film The Sound of Noise tells the story of rogue percussionists attempting to evade capture while creating a racket everywhere they can. After the drummers have been assembled, they must decide who among them gets the first solo. Three hours of percussion madness ensues.
4. Sex Bob-omb Vs. The Katayanagi Twins — Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
What made Scott Pilgrim vs. The World such a fantastic film was its ability to reach into the comic realm and pull out some over-the-top moments. Not content with a simple amp versus amp battle of the bands, this scene turns it up by manifesting the bands' sound into massive battling monsters reminiscent of something out of a kaiju movie. Now this is a real battle of the bands!
3. Toki Vs. Skwisgaar — Metalocalypse
Metalocalypse isn't afraid to push the stereotypes of metal into sheer absurdity and chaos, and this origin story about how Toki joined Dethklok is no exception. Told in the style of an ancient epic, the battle between the Scandinavian axe men plays on the greatest tropes of metal music, including:
- A Body Counter
- Pitch Harmonics
- Mythical Creatures
- Energy Beams
- A polite interlude featuring two upper-class country gentleman
2. Atlanta A&T University Vs. Morris Brown College — Drumline
This Nick Cannon gem from 2002 showed us the intimate side of collegiate marching bands, where school spirit and glory come together for 15 minutes of halftime fame. It's only fitting that the final battle between Cannon's A&T drumline and his Morris Brown rivals was executed with dramatic fanfare. The lone spotlight on the turf, the shoulder-to-shoulder battle formations and the thousand-yard stares between the two bands make this snare showdown a truly epic moment.
1. Drew Vs. Lonnie — Deliverance
No other musical duel in the history of cinema can claim the same level of recognition as "Dueling Banjos." This string versus string showdown first twanged into fame back in 1972 and has remained one of the greatest musical duels in the history of film.
Pretty sure it goes without saying that these battles would destroy your local high school talent show.
What other on-screen music battles should be on this list?


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"There's no way not to suffer. But you try all kinds of ways to keep from drowning in it."
The men and women in these eight short fictions grasp this truth on an elemental level, and their stories, as told by James Baldwin, detail the ingenious and often desperate ways in which they try to keep their heads above water. It may be the heroin that a down-and-out jazz pianist uses to face the terror of pouring his life into an inanimate instrument. It may be the brittle piety of a father who can never forgive his son for his illegitimacy. Or it may be the screen of bigotry that a redneck deputy has raised to blunt the awful childhood memory of the day his parents took him to watch a black man being murdered by a gleeful mob.
©1957, 1958, 1960, 1965 James Baldwin (P)2012 AudioGO
"Punch in the gut"
I gave this book four stars only because it is difficult in these compilations to tell when one story ends and another begins. Still, the inspiration gets are amazing and disturbing. The last short story is a powerful portrayal of a lynching party. That one in particular will bother me for a while.
"Amazing, eye opening"
A must read, especially for white people like me who didn't live through Jim Crow. The narrator does different accents and was perfect for the book.
"A Blast From The Past - Read This in High School"
An awesome writer as he carefully and eloquently paints the canvas with colorful and direct to the core. His words bring you right there as if, you were present at that very moment experiencing whatever was going on.
Exceptional at its best.
"Intriguing and insightful stories "
I've never read this book before, but I've known it is a collection of different stories compiled into one book.
This audio made no mention of what story was being orated which kinda threw me off at times, so I had to keep going back to find where the stories bagan and ended.
I had a hard time listening to the narrator, because even though he has a great voice his way of emphasizing the characters, just wasn't consistent.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


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Ann Wauters Out With Stress Fracture
The 6-4 fourth year player was averaging 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per contest.
In the midst of a five-game homestand, the Liberty play host to New York native Chamique Holdsclaw and the Washington Mystics tonight at 8:00 p.m., broadcast live on ESPN2. The Liberty return to action on Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. with a matchup against the WNBA's 2004 top draft pick Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury, also broadcast live on ESPN2.
The New York Liberty basketball team, in its eighth year of operation with the 2004 season, is part of the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Cablevision Systems Corporation owns a controlling interest in the MSG L.P., which also include the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the Hartford Wolfpack (American Hockey League), the MSG Network, Fox Sports of the New York metropolitan area.


text: After a search, I was surprised to see no threads on Acadia on NE. Fremont. Any Chowhounds eaten there recently? I went there a couple years ago and had a massive porkchop that was good. Just wondering if it still a good spot? I went to Roux on Killingsworth in December and that was good, although not very authentic Cajun. Thank you for your thoughts.


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Campagnolo Chorus Bicycle Chain - 11 speed
This Campagnolo chain will fit right in with your 11 speed system, and performs smooth too. Campagnolo have invested time and resource into making sure that this chain runs and shifts silently and efficiently. With the heritage behind the brand and the classic styling, the Campagnolo Chorus is a bicycle chain you can't go wrong with. - T.H
If ordered before 8pm, delivered by courier next working day. Available on orders placed before 8pm (2pm weekends and Bank Holidays) for delivery next business day. Applies to most delivery addresses within mainland UK.
Please remember to add postal time (2-3 working days) to obtain a complete estimate of delivery to your door.
You will receive an email to confirm when your item has been sent.
You can also check the status of your order and individual items by accessing My Account details and following the prompts.
Please allow 10 working days from dispatch of your order before notifying us of any late deliveries.
It may be advisable to check with your neighbours to see if a parcel has been left with them, check any outhouses you might have where it may be left if it cannot fit through your letterbox and contact your local sorting office to see if the item has been returned to the depot as undelivered and awaiting collection.
Please see our returns policy.
Campagnolo Chorus 11 Speed Rear Derailleur - Short Cage
Campagnolo Power Torque Integrated BB Cups - BB 386 86.5 x 46
Campagnolo Record 11 Speed Ultra-Link Chain
Campagnolo 11 Speed Ultra Link Chain Pins
Where reviews refer to foods or cosmetic products, results may vary from person to person. Customer reviews are independent and do not represent the views of The Hut Group.
(1 review)
High quality for a reasonable price. Campag chains take a lot of punishment yet last for a good period of time.
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Megan Fox, Brian Austin Green Welcome Baby BoyThe actress announced to fans that she and husband Brian Austin Green welcomed a baby boy three weeks ago.
Harry Potter Star Tops List of Most Dangerous Web CelebsMcAfee released their annual report of the Most Dangerous Web Celebrities this year. Find out which Harry Potter topped the list, and why Justin Bieber should be worried!
Shia LeBeouf's Affair Confession Damaging Megan Fox's Marriage
Megan Fox's New Ad For Emporio Armani


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1) Project Details: (be as specific as possible):
Hi guys, I need to take this template and turn it into a fully functioning VB4 website. The forum page, blog page, etc will have to be modded to fit the rest of the site. CMS factors will need to be arranged and Google Adsense implemented. Any plugins will need to be added too. Can you help, and how much will you charge? V bulletin 4 experience would be an advantage.
2) Payment Amount: not sure
3) Payment method/ details (Paypal, check? Timeline?): Paypal


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Late Strauss and early Schoenberg make a piquant pairing – Strauss's glorious rekindling of the dying embers of tonality alongside the very music that had undermined the tonal system 30 years earlier. And in the four works that Vladimir Jurowski and instrumentalists from the London Philharmonic selected, the two composers combined to create a wonderful programme, intelligently planned and superbly executed.
Strauss framed the evening. The LPO strings started off with a supple, burnished account of the sextet prelude to his final opera, Capriccio, and the concert ended with the Four Last Songs, sung by Soile Isokoski with a reduced scoring for 14 players. Schoenberg provided the meat in the sandwich. Jurowski conducted a pungent account of the First Chamber Symphony, underlining the way the music makes an expressive virtue of the confines of its single-movement form, and an equally deft one of Pierrot Lunaire. The soloist was Allison Bell, who made such an impression in Peter Eötös's opera at Glyndebourne two years ago; her performance was superbly judged, achieving a much more equal balance between speech and song in Schoenberg's sprechgesang than is usual.
Yet balance in the Wigmore Hall was problematic. Jurowski positioned the soloists behind the instrumentalists; it more or less worked in Pierrot Lunaire, where the voice is sometimes one strand of the instrumental argument, but not in the Four Last Songs. Too often, Isokoski's gloriously golden tone was obscured by the overloaded textures of James Ledger's arrangement, which never let enough air into the songs.


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(Harrisburg) -- In the wake of a release of a report detailing the effects of climate change, Donald Brown, a visiting professor at Widener University's Environmental Law Center in Harrisburg, says the issue is about more than economics.
Brown studies sustainability ethics and law. He's tried to make the case that money shouldn't drive decisions about climate change.
"We've gotta see our moral obligations. The economic impacts of this are obviously important. But this is a kind of problem, you can't only think about self interests, you have to think about obligations to the rest of the world, said Brown on WITF's Smart Talk.
The National Climate Assessment details the impacts of climate change on every region of the US.
It says between 1958 and 2010, the Northeast saw a greater increase in extreme precipitation than any other region in the country.
"It's a moral problem. To think about it in terms of our economic self interests, ethics and morality wouldn't let you do that," says Brown.
"You can't only think about this in terms of economic interests. You have to think about the justice dimensions."
The report proclaims climate change is no longer a distant concept, the authors say its here and affecting every part of the country.
Few scientists question whether climate change exists, but many Republican lawmakers have highlighted the little doubt in the scientific community to question the theory as a whole.
Today's report also warns inland areas in the Northeast are vulnerable to hurricanes, but doesn't address whether they're expected to increase in the region.
Hear the full interview on the Smart Talk page.
Published in News
Tagged under climate changeback to top
I think this is a matter of social interest and not economical.The way we are using natural resources that cause adverse effect on climate can be a matter of concern.
Read more about it
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text: We just returned from our first stay at POFQ. We've stayed at almost all of the other Disney resorts except for the values, just Pop in that category. I went with the assumption that it would be OK, that we were only there for a short 6 night stay and we could go back to our favorites next time. Well, we absolutely loved it!!! After staying at some of the largest Disney resorts, we found the size of this resort to be perfect. The word that kept coming to mind was quaint. The narrow streets, all the ironwork, the various colors on the buildings, it was a very pleasant surprise. I had requested building 5 and we looked out onto the area they play the nightly movies, room 5343. This was a wonderful location, close to everything. My DH would go down to get coffee every morning and round trip from our door and back was 4 minutes! The boat ride to DTD was a perk we enjoyed when we stayed at POR, and used it 3 times. One evening we went over to Riverside to see Bob Jackson. We saw him a few years back and he seemed even more energetic this trip. I really don't know how he keeps that level, but he is absolutely great entertainer! I can't wait to plan our next trip to POFQ!!!


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During the numerous theoretical waves of music and its major influences, the annals of music's scrolls have recorded many activists of the art of sound which have risen to become the statesperson of their chosen pulpit. Rock and roll had the Beatles, Nirvana, and Elvis taking front stage; the classics waltzed in Brahms, Beethoven, and Chopin; however jazz has eclipsed some of the most divinely unique and innovative conductors to have ever dueled with a music sheet. That said Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is affording serious listeners an encouraging collection of push-n-plays for the holiday season. This year they are announcing a diverse mixture of celebrated artists from a vast array of genres under the marketing umbrella called... The Complete Columbia Albums Collections! One such artist with an ability to shift the tectonic plates of any level of listenership with his horn's, is the purist of smooth spins forever known as saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.; the man whose diverse appeal to this day still embraces generations.
If I may be so rationally direct, music collections during the holiday season or for that matter...anytime... are as engaging to me as a root canal with an ice cube chaser however this Legacy effort has its virtues and stands alone with a "heavy in quality format" presentation, from a number of yesteryears efforts by other labels. Never has a statement been more confirmed than in this Columbia collection of Grover Washington JR's classic horn appeal.
From first spin; a rare yet polarizing album know as "A Room Full Of Love/ Music from the Bill Cosby Show" to the deliciously enchanting horn- heavy showcase known as "Aria," one enters into a narcotic haze of nostalgic streams of fusion with a heavy smooth jazz addiction. This collection petitions a vast array of audiences, defines classic fusion and smooth perceptions, and defies mediocrity amidst the holiday clutter. Grover Washington JR's collection concedes his earned immortality with strategic selections and precise resonance!
If there was one issue with the set it would be that more information (Historical) on Mr. Washington was available in the booklet insert, with that noted the musical (Album) information afforded the listener is outstanding.
Some critics believe that Mr. Washington's music was simplistic by the textbook culture; I stand in disagreement, and I am not alone in this, for his sound never shapes itself in a softened fashion, for the hidden complexities of his textures in such smooth journeys as Strawberry Moon, Time Out Of Mind, Next Exit, and Soulful Strut are filled with restless and demanding arraignments that define the classic methodology of jazz. Take his song "Overjoyed" for as you analyze it... it romances the jazz purist's mentality with and educated ease, at the same time, injects knowledge of the Washington craft within the jazz newborn. This was Mr. Washington's mystique and most important, what this new collection unmasks.
The straight ahead veins of Mr. Washington are also brought front stage in this dynamic project with spins, "Then and Now" and "All My Tomorrows."Showcased in these offerings are bassist Ron Carter, pianists Herbie Hancock, Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan, trumpeter Eddie Henderson and singer Freddy Cole, all whom have notable pasts and intricate design in their own fields. The intensity in Mr. Washington's straight-ahead pieces is in his mastery over his instrument; manipulating the sound, thus pushing the envelope of his potential and the others around him on stage.
This project , Grover Washington JR. "The Complete Columbia Albums Collection," is much more than a holiday offering, it is an experience in the art of an iconic master whose mind took jazz , as a genre, away from a world of underdeveloped melodies and rhythms. Thus navigating young musicians on each of their individual voyages and allowing new compass headings to those already in motion...as his works became a template. A legacy shortened by illness but rejuvenated by the sound that is forever underestimated and a talent that is still igniting sparks today through the efforts of others and Sony.
Note: This collection impacted my time to such a degree that I am embarking on examining another in the Sony set; The Complete Weather Report / The Jaco Years. These collections have altered my impression of collection creditability....


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@chance_lbdr reppin the flame logo on his new #njks. Day one of the Catalina Island Classic is a wrap! #cic2014 @catalinaislandclassic