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Topic Review (Newest First) |
Buggibub |
Confidence building helps as well. There are small things you can do such as lay a ladder out horizontally (or build one from PVC, which I did), and have the dog step through it, have them walk on leash and find things that would be "obstacles" like stairs, big rocks, weaving between pillars of a building or circling around mailboxes, etc. to help make Drexler feel more comfortable when he's out and about. I have a rather timid GSD that came to me as a 3 year old. Now he's almost 8, and his timidity has turned to occassional fear-based aggression. With lots of obedience work on leash, as well as our "obstacle walks," I've found that he focuses his attention on me and has gotten better at understanding that I am there to protect him, not the other way around. I think predisposed genetics play a critical factor here, and understand that there may be only so much that you can do, but if you are cognizant of Drexler's peripherals, you should be able to anticipate in enough time to prevent him from developing a fear-based response due to his shyness. |
MaggieRoseLee |
I would back off a bit with people approaching him, and just work on him being around people in general and able to cope. Have you been to positive dog classes? Have you clicker trained? Have you been able to use tons of treats and work with toy/engagement training? There are more timid pups but you can make them more comfortable by giving them confidence in YOU and your judgement as well as ability to take control of any situations and be their leader. So how YOU behave. How YOU take control of other people and take the stress away. You able to purchase and watch the DVD Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas? Huge help for you to learn to read your dog and deal early to help. Welcome to Dogwise.com |
Baillif |
I don't know if its confined spaces so much as he didn't like the proximity of the strangers and perhaps combined with his perceived lack of escape routes. Next time you are taking him somewhere like the situation you had been in at the cafe instead of just ignoring it and letting him be (which wasn't bad per se) go ahead and have treats on you. Also make sure he is hungry. **** don't feed him until hes in situations where strangers are near. Also make sure they are high value treats (think steak or slices of freshpet or something meaty.) Then when he showed that stress when the people sat near him you can take him to his threshold range where he eats food and play engagement games like this. Then gradually work him in closer over time. These are the kind of engagement exercises you will eventually work up to. Lots of movement with the food so that it triggers his prey drive and makes it fun. It combines food drive with prey drive and makes the food almost become like a toy. Just make sure you keep your hand flat and keep the food between your thumb and palm and then move your thumb away as he is pressing against your hand otherwise you might have him bite a finger on accident. The other good thing about this exercise is you can gradually increase your dogs ability to focus on you in different environments. Another video you should watch is this. Its about environmental stressors but engagement around strangers works the same way, and the theory behind it is the same. If when hes engaging with you near strangers is the only time he gets to eat guess what? When he sees strangers, and he's hungry, fear is probably not going to be his reaction for very much longer, and furthermore soon you will become his focus near strangers and not the strangers, as he will begin to look at you with the expectation that it is dinnertime. |
loveformygsd |
loveformygsd |
Thank You Means so much that I can seek sought out assitance. Drexler, is extremely loving. In a park, or very open ranges he's fine. Today, I took him to a cafe. No one patted him, no one looked at him and I was happy because I jsut wanted him to see that people mean no harm to him in public. He was fine, he actually fell asleep, woke up drank some water and chewed on his toy. When we got up to leave, a couple grabbed the seat nearby and three people walked past the cafe. He suddenly became really skittish and the tail ducked in between his legs. I didn't console him, I just let him be. Drexler, was fine after we had cleared that range. Everything is suggesting that Drexler is scared of confined spaces, is there anything else you could suggest in addition to what you've kindly already told me? Thanks again! xx |
Baillif |
There are several ways to help the dog with this. One I'd probably use is to find people who will cooperate with you that are strangers to the dog. Also don't feed the dog prior to working with him so that he is hungry. You would want the strangers not paying attention to the dog, no eye contact, no speaking to the dog and definitely no attempt to pet when the dog is fearful or tense, just have them go about talking to each other or whatever. Then you get your dog walking with you on leash and find the range at which the dog does not feel threatened and will take food (if he will not take food and is hungry you are too close). This varies per dog so you will need to do a little trial and error to find it. Once you find this range you begin to get engagement with the dog. Lure him around with food and play with him. Start to lure and reward him in the direction of the people and if he starts to show signs of stress or stops taking food go ahead and lure him back out further away. Use the leash just to keep him from running away from you. Don't tug him into a closer range than he wants. Don't keep tension on the leash. Use the food to lure him in by his nose. The idea here is you want him gradually having a positive experience around strange people, but don't have him actually interact with them. Don't let strangers just pet the dog or attempt to force themselves on the dog when it doesn't want it. A nervy dog that gets approached with the wrong energy can freak and there are very few people out there that know how to approach those kinds of dogs in a way that wont intimidate. In the house if a person has the dog uncomfortable you could try sitting on that person and see how the dog reacts to it. Some dogs become much less tense when they see their human sitting on the perceived threat and at ease. You are probably always going to have a nervy dog at this point. You can manage it, and you can mitigate, but it probably won't change. Doesn't mean he can't be a great dog. Some dogs are just sharp. How are his environmentals? Is he often fearful of strange noises or objects? You already said hes great with strange dogs, so maybe he just had bad experiences with strange humans because they came on a bit too strong at the wrong time. Have to be very careful with dogs and strange people coming up without rules laid out for how they approach ahead of time. I've had a puppy in a pet store who was sniffing at something and some random girl employee came up behind him when he wasn't watching and was like HEY PUPPY! and kinda pinched at the base of his tail, and his initial reaction was that of OH ****! He spent the rest of the time avoiding her and was friendly with everyone else. |
Ucdcrush |
You probably would have mentioned if you had another dog.. though it might not be practical for you, another dog who acts more confident could help through modeling, by providing "pack support" for your dog, and leading him towards things he's scared of. I would not recommend having people go up to him, at the same time, I would prevent him from running away. He needs to learn that he can be around people and not feel threatened or pressured by people coming up to him. For now, you might try blocking his escape route and you and your guests completely ignore him. At some point you can get him to move towards the people by throwing food, have them hold food (while sitting down) so that he comes towards them. You do not want people to approach and handle him if he's uncomfortable with it, you want him to want to come to people on his own. Hopefully others will chime in. Good luck. |
loveformygsd |
Thanks. The parents were very confident. The Mother and Father both stood there and watched me, approached me at first and the Male, wouldn't move back as I kept walking. How can I socialize him more? What do you recommend? |
cliffson1 | It sounds like the genetics of your dog is not as strong as it should be...there are things you can do to desensitize your dog to new environmental and people stimuli, ( extensive socialization and training), but these things will not turn him into a confident bold fellow, but over time it may limit the behaviors you see now as long as pressure or stress is not put on your dog. Good luck | |
loveformygsd |
Need help for my timid gsd! Hi All, My name is Alexandra, I'm from Portland. My male GSD is 8 months old. Drexler, since I first brought him home was a very shy and timid boy. I've tried many hours and constant socialisation aspect with him. He tends to run and hide near the backdoor when i have new guests come over and is very fearful of being near males. My partner is the only Male to who he is close with. He rather sits back and watch what is going on, however if someone tries to pat him or acknowledge him, he runs away. I've tried getting random Males mostly but also Females that see him to stroke him, hold him and give him treats but nothing seems to help. He is very friendly with other dogs. What can I do? I feel this is my second last resort before Cesar Milan Thank You, Alexandra |


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In the next decade, McDonald's fast food restaurants won't take pork from farms that pen sows up separately, the company announced Thursday.
McDonald's wants 100 percent of its suppliers to be rid of sow stalls commonly used during gestation. McDonald's wants pork producers to make the change during the next 10 years.
The National Pork Producers Council expressed disappointment with McDonalds decision. They said individual sow stalls are often best for female hogs.
The overwhelming majority of the countrys nearly 6 million sows spend some time in a stall during the gestation cycle, the pork producers group said.
At least the change won't be required overnight, the NPPC said.
McDonalds unlike other food companies did the research to find out how complex this issue is, said NPPC President R.C. Hunt, a pork producer from Wilson, N.C. At least it discussed its plans with the pork industry and has concerns with the available pork supply from stall-free operations and with the transition away from stalls that would be required of producers.
NPPC suggested other food companies consider the supply realities of the pork industry before making similar decisions.
Wed be glad to discuss with food companies challenges caused by a transition in production systems, Hunt said, but the bottom line is, regardless of any difficulties, the issue of sow housing is about providing the best care possible for our animals. Individual sow housing allows us an option to give that best care.
There is no science-based benefit to the welfare of sows who live in groups, the NPPC said. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians recognize gestation stalls and group housing as appropriate for providing for the well-being of sows during pregnancy.
The key factor that most affects animal well-being is husbandry skills that is, the care given to each animal, the NPPC said.
Because nearly all sows are kept in individual pens, any claims by food companies that some of their pork currently comes from stall-free operations are misleading and cannot be validated. Most pork packers do not segregate product by sow housing type, the NPPC said.
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Chapel Information
The purpose of Chapel is to bring together the entire campus in a shared spiritually enriching hour which allows us collectively to be challenged to explore the depths of God's truth and love. Chapel is structured as "the President's Class," and accordingly it is led by the President of the College, Dr. Roger Parrott. The Director of Student Leadership handles questions and issues regarding attendance. Satisfactory participation is required of all students for graduation.
Along with exposure to a variety of worship styles and traditions, Chapel brings top quality preachers to campus, as well as Christian speakers from the marketplace who share the opportunities and necessity of active Christian leadership in all sectors of society. Thus, during the semester, Chapel speakers may include preachers and leaders of service ministries, as well as those who speak from a Christ-centered perspective on education, the arts, business, government, science, the family, and various complex contemporary issues. While Chapel is most often structured as a worship service, the purpose of Chapel is somewhat different from the systematic spiritual development students receive from their local church. And thus, Chapel is purposefully designed never to take the place of a local church in a student's life.
Students' attendance in chapel is required because, within our Christian framework, we believe that all teaching of truth must be built on a foundation of God's truth. Thus, in the same way we require students to study the truth of physical science, the arts, and literature, there is no contradiction in requiring students to study God's truth. As the study of chemistry cannot be completed from a textbook alone, the study of God's truth also needs a "laboratory" for experiencing and understanding, for it is not enough to study the Bible without having exposure to the worship of God and an opportunity to understand the relationship offered to us in Christ.
The expectation for students during Chapel is to show respect by listening and not being disruptive. All cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off or set to silent. Students should be seated in the auditorium until after the Benediction verse has been completed. A current Belhaven ID card must be scanned when entering and exiting the Concert Hall to record attendance. It is the responsibility of the student to insure the ID card is current and functions properly when scanning in and out of Chapel.
Chapel Credit
As with any class, students should keep a record of their Chapel attendance. All questions regarding Chapel credit, both for the current semester and past semesters, should be sent to the Office of Student Leadership at email@example.com.
Students may also submit a written request for their Chapel record information in the Office of Student Leadership. Please allow five business days for responses to all submitted questions. Specific Chapel record information will not be provided on-demand in the Office of Student Leadership.
At these links, you may view the current Chapel schedule and download the Chapel exemption form (PDF). The complete Chapel policy may be viewed on pages 17-19 of The Kilt (PDF).If you need to perform community service in order to receive Chapel credit, be sure to read the entire community service Chapel credit packet prior to beginning your community service. Community service must be completed according to the guidelines on the first page of the packet.
All questions regarding Chapel should be directed to the Office of Student Leadership at email@example.com, at 601.968.8990, or in The Cube, Office 101.
Chapel is held every Tuesday morning from 11:00 to 11:50 in the Center for the Arts. All students who are not exempt from Chapel are required to attend a minimum of ten (10) sessions each semester they are enrolled at Belhaven. Additional opportunities for Chapel credit (other than the regularly scheduled Chapel hour) are noted in each semester's Chapel schedule and include events such as Campus Day of Learning; other opportunities will be publicized on campus. Chapel attendance is included in the student's transcript and is a requirement for graduation. As with any class, students should keep a record of their Chapel attendance. Exemptions from the Chapel requirement are available only for the following students when accompanied by supporting documentation:
a) Enrolled in less than twelve (12) hours
b) Employed full time (at least 35-40 hours per week)
c) Enrolled in the Aspire program
d) Taking 51% of their classes in the evening
e) Fulfilling a required student teaching assignment
Applications for exemption are granted by the Director of Student Leadership and are valid for one semester only. This means exempt students must submit and verify exemptions on a semester-by-semester basis. Exemption forms are available on Blazenet and in the Office of Student Leadership (The Cube, room 101).
It is the responsibility of each student to keep a record of his/her Chapel attendance. All questions regarding Chapel credit, both for the current and past semesters, must be submitted electronically by emailing email@example.com. Please allow five business days for responses to submitted questions and requests. Chapel credit information will not be available by phone or on-demand.
Chapel is non-academic credit, and an "S" (Satisfactory) or "U" (Unsatisfactory) will be entered on each student's transcript concerning the Chapel requirement. Until the Chapel requirement has been met, diplomas will be held, and the student will not be considered a graduate of Belhaven or be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Community Service
Students who have not attended the required number of Chapels during a semester may receive attendance credit by serving in the community with an approved organization. A list of approved organizations is attached and available on Blazenet.
Each service session of 2 hours equals one (1) Chapel attendance requirement. The guidelines for community service are as follows:
- Two hours of approved community service fulfills one Chapel attendance credit
- Community service must take place with an approved organization (list is available in the Office of Student Leadership).
- Community service must be properly documented with a report form.
- Community service is not granted for experiences such as mission trips, academic internships, employment, summer camp staffing and spring break projects.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the community service requirements prior to final exams, to be recorded on the current semester's grade report. All community service forms must be turned in to the Director of Student Leadership. This process must be followed to have a "U" in Chapel changed to a "S."
Chapel Questions
All questions regarding Chapel credit, both for the current and past semesters, must be submitted electronically by emailing email@example.com. Please allow five business days for responses to submitted questions and requests. Chapel credit information will not be available by phone or on-demand.


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"I took pain pills to get to sleep because I didn't want to go to work the next day exhausted."
There was a three hour differential in performances because the sponsor insisted it be done live for California. You would go on at 8 pm in New York but you would also have to go on at 8 p.m. in California. That meant coming back in to do the show at 11 p.m.
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I'd managed to bite a very large hole in the side of my tongue before they could pry my teeth apart. By all evidence, and there's no denying it, that thing I had on the set was a fit.
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I had done my first picture and I didn't have anything to do for awhile. I was asked to come back to New York and do Bus Stop in the role of the cowboy opposite Kim Stanley.
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Overall Dimensions: | 8 in. L |
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Item Weight (lbs.): | 0.4 |
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"Illuminated emancipation, freedom, unalloyed and untainted bliss await you, but you have to choose to embark on the Inward Journey to discover it. - B.K.S.Iyengar
Welcome to Samadhi...
Samadhi Yoga Studios are a haven of calm, a place where you can leave your life behind and immerse yourself in the joy of yoga.
We specialize in the strong physical styles of Ashtanga yoga, Hatha yoga, and Iyengar yoga. From experience we know that strong practice reaps strong rewards.
Not that we are adverse to relaxing, every yoga class ends with a heavy helping of relaxation in Savasana.
We have 2 yoga studios, one in the centre of Dublin looking onto a tranquil green courtyard in Temple Bar, and a beautiful airy high ceilinged room in a converted warehouse in Drogheda.
Click on the links below to enter the studio you want to visit.
"The yogi in Samadhi is not devoured by time, is not bound by karma, is invulnerable to any weapon and unassailable by any person
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika


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I'll be straight with you- I've been procrastinating writing this blog for a long time. Every time I think about it, I get a queasy feeling in my stomach. It's not because I don't think it's reasonable for you to discuss your pet's nutrition with your veterinarian. It's super easy for your vet to advise you when to transition from puppy/kitten formulas to adult foods, and if your pet is too fat or too thin and what to do about it. It's the question of what to feed your beloved four-legged fami [More]
At long last, here is a blog post that will appeal to those of you who love cats (although dog lovers will likely enjoy it as well). You have been such loyal fans in spite of the fact that I know you've felt slighted. We all hoped there would be a Talking for Tabby published on the heels of Speaking for Spot. No such luck! The publishers I've spoken with feel that medically oriented cat books don't sell well. Here's the good news – the medical advocacy principles presented in Speaking for S [More]
I wish I were a fiction writer and the details within this blog were simply a product of my imagination. Unfortunately dog auctions are a painful and despicable fact of life. As much as I dislike crafting blogs that are "downers" I've recognized the importance of educating as many people as I can about animal-related issues that undermine our humanity. Dog auctions certainly fit the bill. [More]
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Merrimack New Hampshire Educator and Actress: Marjorie "Maggi" Blanche Parker (1927-still living)
When I browsed the files of the Merrimack Historical Society a year ago, I found a yellowed newspaper clipping describing a remarkable woman whom I had never heard of. The people I write about on this blog are interesting in … Continue reading


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The latest addition to T-Mobiles Android family is the T-Mobile Prism. The cell phone will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, feature a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, a rear-facing 3.2-megapixel camera, and 600MHz Qualcomm processor. This 3G Android phone wont be the speediest or largest available, but it will definitely get the job done. The phone will cost well under $100 and can be used with a no annual contract T-Mobile Monthly4G plan or paired with a two-year T-Mobile Classic or Value plan. The smartphone will be available this month.


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Venus has first chance to impress Boro chief (From The Northern Echo)
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Venus has first chance to impress Boro chief
6:00am Thursday 24th October 2013 in Sport By Paul Fraser, Chief Football/Golf Writer
STEVE GIBSON will take his time to find the right man to succeed Tony Mowbray so caretaker boss Mark Venus could be in charge of Middlesbrough for longer than just one Championship game.
Gibson and Boro chief executive Neil Bausor have been inundated with applications for the manager's job at the Riverside Stadium, but any suggestion that a new permanent appointment is imminent is wide of the mark.
Ian Holloway, who left his post at Crystal Palace last night, and former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan have both seen their odds with the bookmakers tumble in the last 48 hours sparking claims they were set for the role.
Former England Under-21s boss Stuart Pearce, ex-Aston Villa managers Alex McLeish and Martin O'Neill as well as former Middlesbrough players Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Fabrizio Ravanelli are also thought to be interested. Former Derby County boss Nigel Clough, meanwhile, took over at Sheffield United yesterday.
The Northern Echo understands Gibson, whose strong links with the foreign game could lead to an overseas appointment, is merely assessing all of the available options and remains in no immediate rush to bring a new face in.
There has been a lot of talking, but there has not thought to have been any interviews conducted while Middlesbrough assess the merits of those to have been in contact about the job and any other candidates.
Such a situation means Venus has an opportunity to stake his own claim on a full-time basis. The Hartlepool-born former Ipswich and Wolves defender has been at Mowbray's side since stepping in to management at Hibernian in 2004 and he will be assisted by Under-21s coach Jamie Clapham as well as Mark Proctor and Stephen Pears.
But Gibson turned to Venus in the immediate aftermath of the manager's sacking on Monday afternoon to ask if he would fill the position on a short-term basis and he accepted.
The boyhood Middlesbrough supporter has been leading training this week and will be in charge for tomorrow night's visit of Doncaster Rovers to the Riverside.
Venus has never ruled out stepping in to frontline management and will hold his first press conference as caretaker boss at lunch-time today. He is yet to reveal whether he wants to be considered for the position on a full-time basis.
An indication of the early trust there is in the new man holding the reins from the boardroom was shown by Gibson's willingness to push through the deal for Daniel Ayala on the caretaker's say so yesterday.
In Venus' first meeting with Gibson on Monday he was asked what area needed immediate strengthening and he indicated the defence could do with a different option after leaking 21 goals in their last 12 league games.
Middlesbrough moved quickly to set up a deal for Ayala on Tuesday and a three-month loan was confirmed yesterday morning.
The 22-year-old has been a long-term target of the Mowbray regime and came highly recommended by Venus, who had watched the player play a number of times.
The centre-back joins former Norwich team-mates Jacob Butterfield and Kei Kamara on Teeside and has already trained with the rest of the Middlesbrough squad.
Ayala, a former Liverpool and Sevilla defender, has been close to signing for Middlesbrough a couple of times only for a deal to breakdown at the last minute.
He originally moved to Norwich in a £1m deal from Anfield in 2011 when Paul Lambert was strengthening his squad in the hope of turning the League One champions in to a capable Championship outfit.
Two injury-hit seasons, though, restricted Ayala's playing time and under Lambert's successor Chris Hughton he has found opportunities even more limited. He spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
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Our Scientists Say Thanks
Thanks to you we are protecting the most ecologically important places on the planet.
Alejandro Calvache, water funds specialist for the Conservancy
If petroleum is black gold and refined sugar is white gold, could crystal-clear fresh water be gold's newest look?
Global warming, deforestation, pollution and other environmental pressures are shrinking the planet's clean water supply, making people look at fresh water as they never have before: as a valuable good that is produced, sold and consumed and deserves our investment.
The Nature Conservancy is revolutionizing this approach by launching water funds across Latin America that pay for watershed protection and reforestation — thereby helping to provide fresh water today and into the future.
The Conservancy's and its partners growing portfolio of Water Funds now includes 32 Water Funds initiatives in various stages of development, which provide a steady source of funding for the conservation of more than 7 million acres of watersheds and secure drinking water for nearly 50 million people.
"People are really starting to appreciate water — not just figuratively, but literally," says Alejandro Calvache, a water funds specialist for the Conservancy. "We're learning to assess water according to a monetary value for the services it provides."
Water users pay into the funds in exchange for the product they receive — fresh, clean water. The funds, in turn, pay for forest conservation along rivers, streams and lakes, to ensure that safe drinking water flows out of users' faucets every time they turn on the tap.
Some Water Funds pay for community-wide reforestation projects in villages upstream from major urban centers, like Quito, Ecuador, and Bogotá, Colombia. In other cases, like in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, municipalities collect fees from water users and make direct payments to farmers and ranchers who protect and restore riverside forests on their land through water producer initiatives.
"These 'water producers,' as we call them, are being fairly compensated for a product they're providing to people downstream in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo: fresh water," explains Fernando Veiga, Fernando Veiga, Environmental Services Manager for the Conservancy's Atlantic Forest and Central Savannas Conservation Program in Brazil. "They're receiving $32 per acre, per year, for keeping their riverside forests standing."
The Water Producer concept was first developed by Brazil's National Water Agency (ANA), which has been partnering with the Conservancy in the implementation of the projects across Brazil.
And such Water Funds and Water Producer initiatives are paying for reforestation all across Latin America:
Nature springs to life in Nature Conservancy magazine. Read
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Did you pause today to remember & thank the soldiers who sacrificed their all?
Today is not only the end of a 3 day weekend, it's a holiday designated to give honor to those who died in wars for our country. It began at the end of the Civil War. As years have passed, it's also evolved into a day to remember all of our loved ones who have passed away. Many place flowers on graves. Some just talk about their family members & friends.
Blessings to our military! And remembrance to family & friends who are no longer w/us. I hope your day was filled w/parades, picnics and friends & family. Just wanted to mention the original meaning of this day.
Actually saw your question before, did I dream that? Anyway, it prompted a lovely conversation with my hubs, about relatives who served, and spun into a more general discussion about all that have done so and the sacrifices that they made. We also gave a moment to reflect upon what dangers they have protected us from, because it is so easy to be complacent about that, and we shouldn't be. Thanks for the reminder.
I spent the afternoon yesterday at a national cemetery with my Cub Scout son, putting flags on each gravesite. Over 4000 were there to remember and honor the heros who served. It was a great way to remind the next generation that our freedom has been won, and re-won, over the years by individuals doing their part to make sure the rest of us can live our lives.
@pickypickypicky: Errrr, yes I posted something similar. It was deleted today. I'm sure it was inadvertant. :-/ Did want to repost it again because it IS a special day. Sometimes we get caught up in the 3 day weekend thing. Or woot's new design. Or whatever. Glad that it started a conversation. :-) I've been reflecting on my late husband, my parents, grands, and way too many friends who are gone.
Yes, The battles we've fought and the hero's we've lost make me tear up for my pride of country and countrymen. As a vet and civilian serving with soldiers overseas currently I am proud. It is always humbling when a c-130 comes in to pick up the fallen.
I spoke briefly with an elderly veteran at a store, but didn't do what I should have to honor our Vets. Thanks for the reminder(s) of what the day is supposed to be about.
@belyndag: Today was the day to honor the fallen.
ANY day is a good day to thank a vet. You'd be surprised at the reaction when you do this. Next time you see someone wearing a hat, jacket, or shirt that indicates they're a veteran, go over at a time that isn't intrusive, and mention you saw they were a veteran, and you want to thank them for their service. Last time I did this was to a Vietnam vet in his late 60's eating dinner at Sizzler with his wife. The guy was shocked, and very grateful for the appreciation. It was a great learning experience for my 3 young kids as well.
@sskarstad: I applaud you for the time you spent with your son, instilling values that should be important to all of us.
To me, it was a day to honor not only those who have fallen, but also those who have served and survived. In particular, my Father and three Uncles who served during ww2. One Uncle a highly decorated flying ace, and another Uncle whose plane was shot down over the English Channel near the beginning of the war and spent a lot of time in a POW camp (the same camp that "The Great Escape" movie was based on). Proud of myself and a brother who enlisted during the Vietnam conflict (me, Army - him, Navy). Also proud of my baby brother who graduated from the Air Force Academy (and is now retired).
We marched in the parade.
A wonderful way to 'thank' or acknowledge a person in uniform....Place your hand over your heart & then extend that hand out towards them. It is a way of saying "Thank You" for your service. Have done this in airports. It is SO amazing & rewarding. Always understood. I always get a nod & a big smile. Heartwarming.
I always think of those who served the country in our armed forces on days like Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Independence Day. I didn't go to any events on Monday so I didn't thank them personally but I am sure I'll bump into some today as I return to work at a US Military facility.


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The efforts of the Obama regime to steal the 2012 election have kicked into full swing. Many states have passed laws to require ID to vote. Of course, the Obama regime needs voter fraud in order to win, so they are fighting voter ID laws tooth and nail.
From Fox News:
The Justice Department on Friday rejected South Carolina's law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls, saying it makes it harder for minorities to cast ballots. It was the first voter ID law to be refused by the Obama administration.
Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez said South Carolina's law didn't meet the burden under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminatory practices preventing blacks from voting. Perez said tens of thousands of minorities in South Carolina might not be able to cast ballots under South Carolina's law because they don't have the right photo ID.
South Carolina's new voter ID law requires people casting ballots to show poll workers a state-issued driver's license or ID card; a U.S. military ID or a U.S. passport.
South Carolina is among five states that passed laws this year requiring some form of ID at the polls, while such laws were already on the books in Indiana and Georgia, whose law received approval from President George W. Bush's Justice Department. Indiana's law, passed in 2005, was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008.
Those new laws also allow voters without the required photo ID to cast provisional ballots, but the voters must return to a specific location with that ID within a certain time limit for their ballots to count.
You cannot board an airplane, open a bank account, receive government benefits, even enter some government building, or buy alcohol without a proper ID.
Funny, the Obama regime and the party of voter fraud does not have a problem with any of those issues. It is only when the party of voter fraud needs to steal elections is this idea that ID is required becomes suddenly onerous.
If the Obama regime thinks it is discriminatory for people to be required to show ID's to vote, how about we all go to the airport and claim discrimination when the TSA wants to see an ID before boarding an airplane.
Harriet if the Tea Party did anything, your recommendation is priority.
The DemoRats would hire an attorney to stop this investigation into thousands of illegals voting, just like the fraud in the oval office. Whoever would investigate voter fraud would have death threats from the adminstration to stop or pay a price. Ask Donald Trump, or the Clintons what happens when you get to close to the truth. This is how Communists, gangs and thugs deal with this sitution, the same goes for this adminstration. Threats are ok from the top, its all protected.
So if they want to play dirty, how about we play dirty. Let's have millions of fake voter ID cards made up and all vote Republican. Now wouldn't that be nice. Play them at their own game.
Why not? I agree with you. All's fair in war.
Because the Press wont tolerate it. Democrats are the party of dishonesty and cheating. Everyone expects them to cheat, the ends justify the means. So the press gives them a free pass. If a Rep tries to cheat, this is not to be tolerated. This is a news story. The press expects Rep to follow the rules, not the progressives. After all, are not all progressives oppressed per the press, allowed to cheat for reporations, to make things more fair?
we dont play there game. but we should have our volunteers go thru and check every registered voter and address and see how many illegal registrations we can find. statewide. i bet a few thousand. and get them off the books before nov. voter ids are a terrible idea. dems cant commit voter fraud as easy and more might get caught. would that be just terrible to see thousands of dems nationally going to jail. lol....
I am just interested in the Washington election results that showed Romney a win with 70 or more percent is beyond my imagination. Just the numbers are a red flag in that if a State has an open primary than both Democrats and Republicians and Independents are allowed to vote. This would likely account for Dems voting on purpose for Romney but wait, it is likely a scam so that Romney will be ready when the national elections take place it will give Obama 4 more years than go crying. Does anyone have information on Washington State rules? The media is using the power of suggestion to Americans that Newt and Paul are "done" well maybe not. It is hard to believe that people don't have the sense to think if a governor/senator were voted out in a state how would they be able to run the country? Scary.
Four years we went thru this, you mean in four years people couldn't get a ID THIS IS BULL, the left is using this to make sure they win. I hope every state puts in effect a ID restriction, we need to make sure our elections reflect the peoples chose.
And state that will not put in this restriction is only selling out there citizens,.
Well, well, well--the hypocrites are at it again--don't need an ID to vote but you needed one to get in to BHO's lecture of lies speech today in Cleveland:
. . .Jessica Kershaw, the Obama campaign's Ohio Press Secretary, confirmed in a statement to BuzzFeed that the campaign checked every supporter's identification at the door.
"We checked every ID at the door to make sure it matched with the name on the ticket that supporters filled out," she said. "We did this for every person who came in."
. . ."The security of the president is as important as the security of a voters ballot," Rory Cooper, communications director at the conservative Heritage Foundation, told BuzzFeed. "Both are institutions that we need to protect. I wish the President and Attorney General agreed and would stop challenging common sense voter ID rules that ensure no vote is stolen."
© 2013 Created by Judson Phillips.


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Where once crosses burned stands Christ's cross; where once stood men of hatred, loving men and women now stand.
Read more...
Rachel Coggins' sojourn began in Kentwood, La., where she was raised. She grew up in the church and grew up loving God.
A fervent prayer that she would follow God's word and plans for her life lead to the Bible Study "God's Girl by Design."
The stars shine brightly over Navarre First Assembly of God as members perform their third annual Live Nativity event from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 20-22 at the church located at Whispering Pines and U.S. Highway 98.
Mandisa, a former "American Idol" contestant, will be opening for TobyMac on Dec. 13 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Several Navarre organizations have once again partnered with the FamiliesFirst Network to give the gift of Christmas to deserving foster children in the area.
For every five abused or neglected child, there is only one Guardian ad Litem volunteer in a four county area.
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In "U.S. Economy Has a ' Royal Straight Flush' - Jamie Dimon," CNNMoney reports that
when asked why, at a time of record profits, Corporate America isn't hiring more, [JP Morgan CEO Jamie] Dimon said American businesses had added 4 million jobs in the past two years."
What he failed to mention, however, was that Corporate America had shed 8 million jobs in the two years before that, based on data on total private payrolls from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (i.e., Series CES0500000001).
So, in reality, Corporate America has actually eliminated 4 million jobs over the past 48 months.
Could that be the real reason why Mr. Dimon is "overwhelmingly optimistic"?
Michael J. Panzner


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Movies & DVDs
Middle Earth More Thrilling Than Our Last Visit in Second "Hobbit" Installment
Less bloated, this second installment stands as a premium Hollywood production that can teach other major lit-franchises a thing or two.
Disney Does it Again - Doubly - with "Frozen"
Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" comes to life in a retelling that will have families laughing and singing, and hearts melting.
"Black Nativity's" Dream Team Tells Universal Story with Universal Message
I was moved. Black Nativity will bring people to tears, many to forgiveness, maybe even repentance, and inspire reconciliation.
Intensity Lights Up in "Hunger Games Catching Fire"
The country of Panem is a horrible place, and lots of horrible things go on in this story about it. But it's a fictional reality that serves as a backdrop for sacrifice and heroism.
"Thor 2" Swings The Hammer Again
Marvel's favorite blond Asgardian is back, this time confronting an evil elf who hopes to destroy the universe. Which means hammers will be swung and heroes will be heroic. But will the universe be saved? More importantly, will your family like it? Plugged In weighs in with this review!
"Free Birds" is Anything but Family Fun
I was expecting Chicken Run with a Thanksgiving twist. Instead, I got a mean-spirited tale that left a bad aftertaste.
"Ender's Game" is Beautiful, Beguiling and a Bit of a Headscratcher
Despite getting bogged down in details that don't always add up, one still can't ignore Ender's greatest strength, plenty of fascinating big ideas.
"I'm In Love With A Church Girl" is Rough Redemption
A drug dealer discovers the love of his life ... and then the greatest love in the world.
"Grace Unplugged" Reaches For The Stars
Follow your dreams, teens are told over and over again. But what happens when your dreams don't line up with God's heart? When reaching for the stars means burying your faith? PluggedIn gives us a review of Grace Unplugged.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Expands the Menu
It's still cloudy, but the chance for meatballs was last week's forecast. Now it's tacodiles, shrimpanzees and apple pie-thons! Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us this review!
Carefree "Baggage Claim" Showcases Patton's Range
While its formula and tone are excessively simplistic, it carries its canned comedy rather lightly on the shoulders of Paula Patton.
"Battle of the Year" Triumphs with Inspirational Story, Physical Feats
Contains likeable characters pulling off jaw-dropping physical feats while teaching some valuable lessons about teamwork, too.
Rebecca St. James Featured in "A Strange Brand of Happy"
Singer Rebecca St. James is featured in "A Strange Brand of Happy," a faith-based film coming this fall!
Cameron's "Unstoppable" Stops Short of Providing Promised Answers
May be lacking in many ways, but it does preach the Gospel and remind us that asking the tough questions is important to building faith.
"Getaway" Makes Sense as a Suggestion to Those Thinking of Going
Has a preposterous premise and action scenes that make the audience feel like they're playing a video game.
"One Direction: This is Us" is Safe, Sincere, Staged
In capturing a worldwide phenomenon, Morgan Spurlock clearly highlights the songs and what makes One Direction tick as people.
"Blue Jasmine" Introduces Woody Allen's Newfound Sense of Justice
Cate Blanchett's powerhouse performance as the titular character is what the accolade tour de force is reserved for.
Lee Daniel's "The Butler" Spans Time and Race
A fictional tale inspired by a real-life White House butler, this Lee Daniels movie steps not just into the racial divide of our country's last century, but also the relational divide between a father and son.
"Planes" Flies High in the Family-Friendly Skies
We've already seen chatting cars race like Lightning round and round on the ground. So now it's time to take to the Dusty sky, span the globe and see what's spinning up there.
Endless Exposition, Lack of Humor Doom "Percy Jackson" Sequel
So poorly executed that it's safe to say all comparisons between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter will come to a screeching halt.
"Smurfs 2" Will Leave You Blue
What is meant to be a family-friendly comedy sadly becomes a big blue blunder and waste of studio money.
"The Wolverine" is Another Slice of the Mutant's Life
Marvel's infamously ill-tempered, adamantium-clawed mutant slices through another section of his story—and through his enemies. Is it safe for your family? Check out the video review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
Bridges Breathes Life into "R.I.P.D."
Flawed, but it only takes one special element to set a film apart. Here, it's a loony performance from the great Jeff Bridges.
Cute "Turbo" Coulda Used More Torque
An impossibly cute but decidedly conventional story about striving for the seemingly impossible dream.
Nothing Grown Up - or Funny - about "Grown Ups 2"
What on earth did they do to earn their paychecks, sit around and drink beer all day until they came up with recurring plot points?
The Way, Way Back is Way, Way Overrated
The only distinguishing characteristic is that it doesn't have one. The writing and direction lack distinction; the young lead is bland
"Pacific Rim" is Long on Destruction, Short on Story
This Transformers-meets-Godzilla battler is long on apocalyptic mayhem ... but not short brave humans caught up in the carnage.
"Lone Ranger" Should Keep Riding Off into the Sunset
So how wild is the west in this adaptation of The Lone Ranger? And is it too wild for your little ones? Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us a review!
"Despicable Me 2" Delivers More Than Expected
Plain and simple, a kid's movie: lots of fun to watch, the colors are bright, the laughs are many.
"White House Down" Not Your Usual State Affair
Full of explosions, car chases, and high-caliber bullets, White House Down is the intersection of Die Hard meets Olympus Has Fallen.
We get a full video review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
"World War Z" Grades Much Higher in the Alphabet
Plenty of action, a few amusing moments, a lot of zombies, and a whole lot of Brad Pitt. There are certainly worse combinations.
" Monsters University": The Parental Guidance of Pixar Movies
Not even close to being on par with Pixar's Toy Story sequels, but a genial nature and thoroughgoing inoffensiveness make it palatable.
On DVD: "The Confession" is Beautiful But Bewildering
Tired Action Scenes Aside, "Man of Steel" is Serious, Substantial
When compared to most summer blockbusters and superhero movies, Man of Steel offers a superior balance of substance and style.
"Man of Steel" Gives Us a Superman for the Ages
he filmmakers of Man of Steel hope to bring Superman's story to a whole new generation of superhero fans who are accustomed to a more gritty kind of hero.
Don't Wait for Tomorrow to See "Not Today"
In a summer of bloated blockbusters, this is one of the few movies everyone should see because of the message it sends: slavery is real.
Lewd Humor Tarnishes "The Internship's" Underdog Story
If you can tear your eyes from the geeked-out Google campus long enough to ponder the plot, you'll realize you've seen this story before.
Clever 'Gotcha' Not Enough to See "Now You See Me"
Plays like a movie equivalent of a CBS procedural: high in concept, production artifice, and plot holes, while low in character depth.
Sixth Time Has Charm in "Fast & Furious" Series
For those who like to celebrate summer with a good action film, this is the place to start: humor, tension, non-stop action and more.
"Epic" Never Quite Lives Up to Its Name
With such a title, the bar is immediately set too high for what's a fairly conventional good vs. evil battle with spectacular visuals.
Ironically, "Into Darkness" is Too Light on Meaningful Ideas
There's enough action to enjoy it, but this new Star Trek installment continues to show unfulfilled promise and a lack of strong themes.
How Great is "The Great Gatsby?"
Some will find that this fresh-faced Baz Luhrmann/Leonardo DiCaprio movie infuses the classic book with new life. But is it a great Gatsby? Only our PluggedIn movie review team can tell you for sure!
Heart, Humor Converge in "Iron Man's" Best Chapter Yet
While some comic book movies become lazy and predictable, genuine surprises and character development keep Iron Man 3 from growing stale.
Love Theme Emerges Clear as "Mud"
Director Jeff Nichols effectively blends genres, numerous subplots and character dynamics – and does so with emotional weight and power.
As a Major Movie, "Oblivion" Fades
Here and there, we see the glimpse of a great movie that could have been, but nothing—beyond the visuals and Cruise himself— are truly memorable.
"Home Run" is a Grand Slam for Family Values
Addiction is messy business, but deliverance is possible for those who humble themselves and turn to God for help. That's the core message in Home Run, a baseball movie only in construct.
Catch the movie review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In.
"42" is a Home Run
42 is a compelling portrayal of the life and career of Jackie Robinson, who helped shatter America's color barrier.
"The Host" Feeds on Two Hours of Your Time
If this sci-fi/romance mash-up is representative of the current state of either genre, those genres are in big trouble.
Melodrama Hampers Anything Positive about "Temptation"
Good intentions aside, Temptation is a racy presentation (complete with marital fallout) of infidelity in marriage. Who in your family can see it? Find out more in our movie review!
"G.I. Joe: Retaliation" is a No Brainer - Literally
Mindless boomery and villainous cartoonery? G.I. Joe is back on the big screen, and Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis lend their brawn to boom this time around.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In has this review!
Fascinating "Admission" Makes the Grade
While most of the marketing suggests that it's a charming romantic comedy with two likeable leads, that's really only half of the story.
"The Croods" is Fun and Charming
You wouldn't want to live with the Croods. But spending a couple hours with them? That might actually make for a pretty nice visit.
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" Isn't
Unfortunately, this little comedy doesn't have a lot of incredible up its sleeves. Is it safe for your family? Find out with this review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
Money Saving Moment: Save BIG at the Movies!
Save BIG $ at the Movies! Save money on movie tickets and concessions, plus find out how you can get exclusive invitations to FREE movie screenings.
"Oz the Great and Powerful" is Not Grandma's Wizard of Oz
This is not your grandma's "Wizard of Oz"! That's the refrain being sung about this non-musical reimagining. But could there possibly be more to this one than there is to that one? And is that "more" most obvious in good ways...or bad?
"Snitch" Stretches Family Values
Dwayne Johnson turns in his "Tooth Fairy" wings to tackle the violent world of the underground drug trade...and the way our justice system interacts with it. Is this stretch for the actor family-friendly? Check out our review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
"Escape from Planet Earth" is Surprisingly Entertaining
The premise is well-worn and far from original, but the execution of this family-focused story has a few flashes of brilliance.
There's No "Safe Haven" from Poor Reviews
Nicholas Sparks stirs up the sweet and sinister in a story that morphs from sappy romance to taut thriller.
"Parental Guidance" Reflects Family Dynamic
We're all about parental guidance. Hollywood
typically isn't. So we were pretty curious about what would happen onscreen in
Parental Guidance, a Billy Crystal-Bette Midler comedy.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us this review.
Hugh Jackman and the Cast of Les Misérables Weighs in on Famous Line
Actors Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, and Samantha Barks discuss Les Miserables' most poignant line: 'to love another person is to see the face of God.'
"Les Mis" Tries Hard but Peaks Too Soon
If Crowe and Jackman's characters were allowed to communicate through dialogue, rather than song, it probably would've worked better.
3D Improves the Exceptional "Monsters, Inc."
The monsters are back in 3D this time, and it's good 3D. So what's not to love?
"Jack Reacher" a Victim of Really Bad Timing
Tom Cruise plays yet another action hero with panache, but the timing is awful for a film with so many gun-related fatalities early on.
"The Guilt Trip" is Not a Pleasant Journey
This mother-son road trip movie hits its share of potholes and almost swerves off the road a time or two. But what's that we spy on the horizon?
Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" Rings False
Likely to leave fans hesitant and uncertain about the upcoming films, while newbies will wonder why this story is so beloved
"Playing for Keeps" is a Kick
A charming, down-on-his luck former soccer star returns home to put his life back together. Focus on the Family's Plugged In tells us whether Playing for Keeps is good sport for your family!
"Rise of the Guardians" is Secular Holiday Mish-Mash
So, how do you weave Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost together to create something entertaining and moral? We asked Focus on the Family's Plugged In for a review!
"Lincoln" is One Stunning History Lesson
No stilted caricature, Spielberg humanizes this beloved leader without placing him on too high of a pedestal in the process.
"SkyFall" Resurrects Bond Brand
Bond, James Bond comes back from the "dead", buries the
hatchet with M and enlivens, once again, his lethal service to God and
After 50 years of Bond flicks, we know what to expect from 007. SkyFall is all that, but a bit grittier and scarred.
"Wreck It Ralph" Helps Build Values in Kids
The level-ups in this animated arcade game send-up are messages encouraging friendship, love, and self-sacrifice. But there are a few in-game "extras" that serve as obstacles along the way.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In reviews Wreck it Ralph
On DVD: "Secret of the Wings"
SECRET OF THE WINGS is a made for DVD fairy story featuring Tinker Bell meeting her winter fairy sister Periwinkle as the result of an act of disobedience. The beautifully-animated, G-rated movie has no foul language or violence but receives a caution for showing children's rebellion leading to long-term good.
Catch a Wave With "Chasing Mavericks"
The true story about young surfer Jay Moriarty tackling the mythical Mavericks surf break. Will this movie get you feeling amped, or leave you axed? Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us the scoop!
"Atlas Shrugged II" is Riveting Free Market Cinema
Fighting Government Tyranny, ATLAS SHRUGGED: PART II is a riveting potboiler promoting free market capitalism and liberty in the face of tyranny and corruption.
"Alex Cross" is a Gritty, Graphic Turn for Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry moves from playing the profane, overbearing grandma (Madea) to a leaner, meaner action star. But is the determined crime-buster he portrays in this gritty graphic thriller closer to Sherlock Holmes or Rambo? Find out if Alex Cross is safe for your family
"Here Comes The Boom" Has Big Fists and Big Heart
Kevin James gets pounded in this MMA-inspired comedy. But underneath all the flying feet and fists we see something else: a really-strong, good heart. Focus on the Family's Plugged In explains...
"Frankenweenie" Not for the Wee Ones
"Taken 2" - More Rescues, More Mayhem
Liam Neeson's back, but so are his foes. This time they take his ex-wife. So is this action thriller family friendly? Focus on the Family's Plugged In weighs in.
"Hotel Transylvania" Vacant of Value
There are much better animated stories about overcoming fears and superficial differences which are far more family-friendly.
"Won't Back Down" Celebrates Parental Courage
Two Women -- a parent and a teacher-- fight to turn their failing school around. Not everyone will like how they do it. But will your family like the movie?
"Unconditional" is Powerful Story of Healing
Samantha Crawford's life is a storybook life until her husband Billy is senselessly killed. But healing comes as Sam watches her friend Joe care for kids in his under-resourced neighborhood.
Catch this review from Focus on the Family's Plugged In!
"Last Ounce of Courage" Makes a Statement for Religious Freedom
Film uses melodrama to ponder the injustice of young soldiers sacrificing their lives overseas while our religious freedoms get flanked here at home.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us their take.
"The Words" Tries to Tell Too Many Tales
Wants to deliver a moral about choosing real life over living a lie, but the point comes across as tepid rather than deeply resonant.
The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure
From the man behind the "Teletubbies" comes an interactive
and whimsical and sometimes consternating live-action-meets-puppet movie aimed
directly at the ants-in-their-pants set.
Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us a review!
"Premium Rush" Yields Premium Action and Profanity
How many traffic close calls and bad words can you pack into one movie? "Premium Rush" tries to push the limit. Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us a review.
Dark but Imaginative "ParaNorman" is Outcast-Friendly
There's a relevant message tucked inside this piece of stop-motion animation, but it's more geared towards adults than kids.
See Jordin Sparks "Sparkle"
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"The Odd Life of Timothy Green" Grows on You
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"Hope Springs" for Marriages, Rom-Com Genre
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New "Total Recall" a Rare Worthy Remake
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"Bourne Legacy" Means Bourne Again Violence
There's a new super-assassin fighting and fleeing the government, with a new girl to help him. But none of that can keep this movie from feeling very Bourne again.
Find out more from Focus on the Family's Plugged In movie review.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" Stays True to Wimpy Legacy
School is out and Greg is ready for the days of summer, when all his plans go wrong. What on earth is he going to do all summer? Focus on the Family's Plugged In let's you know if his activities are family-friendly.
"Step Up Revolution" Has Max Moves
The Step Up dance card expands to flash mob scenes and community protests. Is it family friendly though? Focus on the Family's Plugged In gives us their take.
Now on DVD: Journey Transforms at the "Marigold Hotel"
A group of strangers—each at a personal crossroads—grows from taking a journey they never expected when they stay at this hotel.
Now on DVD: Marvel's "The Avengers" Is Old-Fashioned Fun
Marvel's The Avengers reminds that summer movies—even overstuffed ones—can still provide a heavy dose of good old-fashioned fun.
Now on DVD: "October Baby" Delivers Powerful Message that Life is Beautiful
October Baby deals with profound and deeply significant subjects: the inestimable value of human life and the horror of abortion, the difficulty parents have letting go, the importance of friendship, and the desperate need we all have to give and receive forgiveness.


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Six Pack: Will Presti Pick Harden or Ibaka?
HOOPSWORLD's Senior NBA Analyst Tommy Beer takes you through his most recent musings on the National Basketball Association in this latest installment of the NBA Six Pack:
1. Difficult Decisions Lie Ahead in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder have as bright a future as any organization in the NBA. Kevin Durant is the most potent scoring force in the entire league and is already a perennial MVP candidate. Oh, and he's 23 years old. Russell Westbrook is one of the most dynamic and explosive point guards to come into the league in very long time. Westbrook is one of just two players to average over 23 points and five assists this season (LeBron James was the other). And Westbrook is just 23 years old. These two young studs represent the true core and foundation of the Thunder franchise. Accordingly, both Durant and Westbrook are locked up via long-term extensions exceeding $80 million.
However, the extremely intriguing question is which other key pieces will Thunder general manager Sam Presti decide to pair with his two superstars long-term? In particular, will Presti be forced to choose between two of the NBA's more promising young players: Serge Ibaka and James Harden?
Both Ibaka and Harden can be offered contract extensions once free agency begins on July 1. However, if either player doesn't ink an extension, they will become restricted free agents in the summer of 2013. Obviously, the Thunder's preference would be to keep both in OKC, but that may not be a realistic possibility.
During the 2013-14 season, Durant will make $17.8 million. Westbrook will earn $15.6 million that year. Extending those two at max dollars was a no-brainer. However, the third highest-paid player on OKC is Kendrick Perkins. Presti signed Perkins to a $36 million contract extension in March of 2011, and while Presti has been an undeniably brilliant executive and team architect, that is one decision that may come back to bite him. Perkins is due $8.4 million in 2013-14, and $9.2 million the following season. Perk played 27 minutes a night for OKC during the regular season, yet averaged below seven rebounds a game for the first time since 2008 and also shot below 49 percent from the floor for just the second time in his career.
The salary cap this past season was set at $58.2 million and the cap is likely stay put next year. Assuming that number stays stable in the near future, the ramifications of three players accounting for nearly $42 million in cap space are significant.
If Harden or Ibaka are allowed to test the waters of free agency in July of 2013, rest assured they will receive immense interest and major offers from salivating suitors.
Harden is coming off the best season of his brief, but budding, career and was just named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year. He scored in double figures in all but four of his appearances this year and led all reserves in scoring, averaging 16.8 points. Like all great bench players, he was also incredibly efficient, posting a career-high in field-goal percentage (49.1 percent). Durant and Westbrook get the lion's share of national media attention, but Harden was often a true x-factor for Oklahoma City; the Thunder posted a 14-1 record in the 15 games Harden scored over 20 points. And how about this factoid (courtesy of Yahoo's Justin Phan): The only six guards to post a higher PER than James Harden in their age-22 season: Chris Paul, Oscar Robertson, Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose and Magic Johnson.
Although Ibaka will never be the equal of Harden offensively, the former brings unparalleled defense and rebounding to the table. Still raw and relatively inexperienced at 22 years of age, the sky is the limit for Ibaka's defensive prowess. Despite limited playing time, Ibaka led the NBA in blocks – averaging a full 1.5 more rejections than second-place finisher Dwight Howard. In fact, Ibaka averaged a mind-boggling 4.8 blocks per-36 minutes this season. For his career, his per-36 minutes averages are 12.6 points and 10.2 rebounds. He is also shooting 54 percent from the floor for his career, and 70 percent from the free-throw stripe. The upside is undeniable.
Even in today's NBA, where the new CBA is supposed to dampen spending, both Harden and Ibaka will likely fetch offers up to, and possibly exceeding, $10 million a year. Yes, the Thunder would have "Bird Rights" on both players, but even if Presti was able to pare down the roster (Eric Maynor will also become a RFA next summer and Cole Aldrich has a team option for $3.3 million for 2013) to create enough cap space before hitting the salary "apron," which essentially works as a hard cap of $74 million; it remains unknown if OKC ownership be willing be venture that far into luxury tax territory. Historically, few "small market" teams have been willing to wade into luxury tax territory.
If, in fact, OKC is forced to choose between Ibaka and Harden, it represents an incredibly intriguing quagmire. For my money, I think I'd lean towards Ibaka. Taking nothing away from Harden, the fact of the matter is Westbrook and Durant will always supply plenty of offense. In order for the Thunder to take that next step and become NBA champions, they'll need to get crucial, fourth-quarter stops. Losing the NBA's best young defensive big could be catastrophic.
Presti has been a nearly flawless in his decision making thus far, but his most important decision may be forthcoming. Stay tuned…
2. Melo Shouldn't Solely Shoulder the Blame
The Knicks wild, roller coaster 2011-12 NBA season came to an abrupt end Wednesday with a loss to the Miami HEAT. New York enters the offseason with an inordinate number of unanswered questions including – but not limited to – who will be the head coach and starting point guard on opening night in October? And while we will take our best shot at answering those questions as early as next week, and in depth over the next few months, I thought it made sense to spend a few paragraphs discussing the controversial Carmelo Anthony as we put a bow on another disappointing season in New York.
The 2011-12 campaign was a whirlwind for Melo. For the better of the last three months, he was barbecued by some in the press and branded, at various times, as selfish, lazy, out-of-shape and a coach-killer. During the height of Linsanity, it was implied by more than a few that the Knicks would actually be better off without Melo on the team. Anthony brought some of this on himself due to an inability to politic with the press, but much of the vitriol from the tabloids was misplaced disgust at the organization itself, not an individual player. Still, as the highest-paid player and face of the franchise, Anthony will always be in the crosshairs.
Even Melo's most ardent supporters would agree he has flaws as a basketball player. He is a sub-par defender, which is somewhat inexcusable given his length and athleticism. In addition, he doesn't see the floor all that well and can be an unwilling passer. And his body language often leaves a lot to be desired. I personally took Carmelo to task last season. However, pinning the Knicks recent postseason struggles on Melo's shoulders (as many have done) is simply unfair and unwarranted.
Melo has been buried in the NY papers as a selfish non-superstar who can't carry a good team. While Melo is obviously not in the same league as LeBron and a handful of other elite NBA players, Anthony is inarguably one of the league's best scorers and a dynamic talent. The Knicks' collective shortcomings inevitably impact the team's best player. Ignoring the lack of a supporting cast is incredibly shortsighted.
Consider this: During the nine playoff games Melo has played in a Knick uniform, you could make a legitimate argument that Anthony Carter was the most efficient/consistent point guard he has played with. Chauncey Billups lasted three quarters of one game last year before the injury bug bit. Toney Douglas replaced Billups as a starter in Games 2 and 3 versus Boston, but Melo led the team in assists in those contests. Anthony Carter led the Knicks with four assists in Game 4.
This year, with Jeremy Lin sidelined due to knee surgery, an aging Baron Davis tried valiantly to step up before his knee gave out. Going into the series, the hope was rookie Iman Shumpert would handle PG duties in crunch time, but Shump tore his ACL in Game 1 in Miami. With Baron on the shelf, Mike Bibby ended up starting Game 5 – the fourth different starting PG in the Knicks' nine postseason contests.
Shifting over to shooting guard, the production hasn't been pretty there either. Last year versus the Celtics, Landry Fields averaged 1.8 points per game, while shooting 20 percent from the floor, 16.7 percent from the free-throw stripe, and 0 percent from three-point land (0-for-4). Fields struggled again in the second half this season, and was generally a non-factor in the HEAT series. J.R. Smith was brought in mid-season, with the hopes that he would supply offensive fireworks off the bench. Unfortunately, Smith was a dud when the Knicks needed him most. Smith hoisted up an astonishing 28 three-pointers and connected on only five (17.9 percent). He finished the series with the same number of turnovers (11) as assists.
These are the shooters the Knicks needed to space the floor in order to create operation room for Melo to go to work. Without another consistent offensive threat, defenses are able to crowd Carmelo and force difficult looks. Without a point guard to penetrate into the paint, draw the defense and dish to open shooters, the disdained and disparaged "Iso-Offense" was often the only option. Without a offensive post presence to dump the ball into down low, Melo was forced to attempt to free himself from fronting defenders all series long (As an aside, Mike Woodson has to catch some criticism for continuously failing to counter James and Shane Battier's overzealous high-post fronting).
Tyson Chandler was a godsend for the Knicks and a defensive juggernaut, but he is obviously limited offensively. We know about the wild week Amar'e Stoudemire had. Stoudemire ended up with more stitches than field goals. And Steve Novak absolutely disappeared.
When James drove past his defender, he'd kick it out to Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh. Or even Mike Miller or Shane Battier, who both hit plenty of open threes in the series. Melo simply didn't have that luxury. Thus, pointing to Anthony's shot attempts or shooting percentage as proof of an incomplete or selfish player ignores reality.
Despite the aforementioned impediments to success, in the nine postseason games he has participated in as a Knick, Melo is still averaging 27.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Melo isn't the primary problem; in fact he's part of the solution. Surrounded by a more accomplished and competent supporting cast, the results might be different. The challenge for Glen Grunwald is figuring a way to add productive pieces despite limited cap space…
3. Quote of the Week:
Courtesy of the loquacious Kevin Garnett: "I don't know if you guys follow astrology and all the things with the moon and stuff, and I think the moon was the biggest that it's ever been the other day. I don't know where everybody lives here. On my side of town, I didn't really get to see it, but I do have pictures of it. When Ray missed a free throw the other day, it was like seeing that moon. It was like you couldn't believe it, because you see what he puts into his craft and you see why he is who he is and the reputation that he's earned." (hat tip to WEEI.com's Greenstreet blog)
4. Tweets of the Week:
- @BronXoo: Best part of this Amar'e .GIF is Battier reaching out for a hand, then grabbing STAT's shorts: http://bit.ly/KMZISF #CantStopWatching
- @si_vault: Larry Bird and Julius Erving choke eachother during a 1984 Celtics-Sixers game: http://t.co/OWHvub57
- @TheWurdsmith: Paul Pierce's beard looks like he put glue on his face & rolled around on a barber shop's floor
- @IAMAGM: James Harden, pink blazer w/ bow tie swag http://instagr.am/p/Kdcj6ytlSD/
- @KDonhoops: When Ray Allen was in the dunk contest I used Netscape.
5. Dunks of the Week:
* Ken Faried hammers it home:
[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnPfQDjNDc8"]
* D Wade shreds the Knicks interior defense:
[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq2V88If0bM"]
* McGee takes off from outside the paint:
[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUrp64BzyFI"]
* Great footage of this JR Smith Dunk on the HEAT:
[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UfF3zmr7uI"]
6. Elias Sports Bureau Stats of the Week:
From Elias: The 76ers defeated the Bulls, 79-78, and won their opening-round series in six games. Philadelphia was only 29-for-73 (.397) from the field and was out-rebounded, 56-33. No other team in NBA history won a playoff game in which it recorded a field-goal percentage under 40.0 percent and had at least 20 fewer rebounds than its opponent. It was the third game in the series in which the winning team scored fewer than 80 points, tying a shot clock-era record. There were also three such games in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals between the Pistons and Pacers, a series Detroit won in six games.
* Kevin Garnett had 28 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots on Thursday night, helping the Celtics eliminate the Hawks in the first round. Garnett was the first player to reach those three statistical levels in a series-clinching win since Shaquille O'Neal registered 28 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks for the Heat in Game Six of the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals versus the Pistons.
* Ty Lawson scored 32 points and handed out six assists in the Nuggets' win against the Lakers, his third game with 25 or more points and at least five assists in the series. The only other player since the 2004 playoffs who had three 25/5 (points/assists) games versus the Lakers in one postseason series was Deron Williams in the 2008 Western Conference Semifinals.
* LeBron James had 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists — all team highs — in the Heat's series-clinching win over the Knicks on Wednesday night. It was the 20th time in his pro career that James led his team outright in points, rebounds and assists in a playoff game. That's by far the highest such total for any player in NBA history. In fact the only other players who did that in at least 10 games are Larry Bird (13) and Tim Duncan (11).
* Darren Collison did not start a game for the Pacers in their just-concluded series win over the Magic, but he contributed 23 assists and only one turnover. The last player with 23 or more assists and no more than one turnover in a postseason series was John Paxson for the Bulls against the 76ers in the second round in 1990 (26 assists, 1 turnover).


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CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Penny Salad
This tasty side dish will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.By: Herald Staff Report,
This tasty side dish will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
Penny Salad
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
1 green bell pepper, chopped fine
1 large onion, chopped fine
1 10-ounce can tomato soup, undiluted
2/3 cup white or cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Boil carrots in water to cover until cooked but still firm; drain and set aside. Add remaining ingredients to pan, bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes. Return carrots to pan and stir to coat. Refrigerate, covered, in a nonreactive container for up to two weeks. Serve cold.
Yield: Serves 16.
Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 154 calories, 40 percent of calories from fat, 7 grams fat (0.9 grams saturated), no cholesterol, 1.1 grams protein, 22.4 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 179 milligrams sodium.
Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.
Tags: chef jeff, jeff tiedeman, one byte at a time, life, updates, food, recipes


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Loading... The Lacuna: A Novel (edition 2009)by Barbara Kingsolver
Work detailsThe Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. This is a hard book to review because I truly disliked the first 100+ pages and slogged through them only because I have liked Kingsolver's past work enough to give her the benefit of the doubt. So what do you do with a book where you hated about 20%, liked a good deal, and loved even more? I am going to opt for the 4 star, but it really is more a 3.5. So why was the beginning so insufferable? First and foremost much of it existed to buy into some ridiculous pure Freudian explanation for homosexuality. I truly said aloud within the first few pages, "ah, they are going to make him Gay." I was so hoping I was wrong. The whole Mother made me a homosexual line is appalling, outdated, and certainly not in keeping with Kingsolver's sterling liberal credentials. Second, a fair portion existed to introduce the lacunas (lacunae?) and define them for those like me who did not know the word. Sure this ends up being sort of important, but they could have been introduced in a single page when Harrison is already living with the Rivera/Kahlo's without taking away from anything. Do that, and tell us he learned to cook from a servant, and forget the (silly) roots of his sexual orientation and we knock out over 100 pages of unbelievably boring crap. Then we jump into the good stuff fresh and eager and unexhausted. The rest of the book is wonderful. The characters, the relationships, the historical observations and connections. Wonderful. I particularly loved the portion set in Mexico where Harrison developed his relationships with Frida Kahlo and Lev Trotsky, but the American years were compelling as well. There was a certain Forrest Gump quality to Harrison's journey which made him an unwitting participant in the early to mid century evolution of Communism, but it worked for me. And as always, it is worth noting that Kingsolver's prose is gorgeous. So...recommended with the caveat that if you skim the first 100 pages you will enjoy it more. One more caveat. Avoid the audiobook at all costs. Kingsolver is a great writer but a terrible, awful, horrible reader. If I can find audio versions of my books at the library I like to go back and forth between reading and listening so I can use my drive time well (Atlanta peeps know there is a lot of time spent behind the wheel.) For this book I returned the audio and kept to my good old paper book. In 100's of audiobook listenings I have only done that one other time, (with a Sarah Vowell book also read by the author.) So stick to print (or ereader) and skim the first 100 pages and it will be all good Barbara Kingsolver - I love you! Lush and gorgeous. I loved reading this book; definitely an "I can't put it down" novel. Kingsolver gets a little heavy-handed and starts to show her agenda a little toward the middle of the book (e.g., Harrison's response to news of the Japanese internment camps), but Violet and Harrison's very palpable helplessness and rage against the injustice of the McCarthy hearings were beautifully drawn. Also, this book makes me want to move to Mexico. "The Lacuna" is the story of Harrison Shepherd. When he is 12, his mother Salomé leaves his father, a bureaucrat in Washington DC, and follows the entrepreneur Enrique to Mexico in search of a more exciting life. As the story opens, they are living on Isla Pixol, and Shepherd has been befriended by the household cook, Leandro. One day, Shepherd notices a cave in a cliff just under the sea's surface. He watches it over several days as it disappears and reappears with changes in the tide. Leandro describes it as: "Not a cave exactly but an opening, like a mouth, that swallows things." When the cave reappears, Shepherd swims into it, and finds it opens into a small saltwater pool in a jungle with an ancient temple and human bones. He makes his way back through the hole and is sucked back into the open sea. In 1930, Shepherd goes to live in Mexico City with mother as she follows another man she hopes will be "Mr. Produce the Cash." One day in the market, he sees a servant girl with a birdcage strapped to her back "full of birds: green and yellow, flapping about like dreams trying to escape from a skull." The girl's mistress is an "Azteca queen with ferocious black eyes" – Frida Kahlo, who is married to the muralist Diego Rivera. Shepherd's ability to mix perfect dough for pan dulce (learned from Leandro) earns him a job in the artist's household mixing plaster for murals and cooking meals. By 1932, he's back in Washington, where his father enrolls him in the mediocre Potomac Academy to avoid dealing with him. There, he is befriended by Billy Boorzai ("Bull's Eye") who works in the kitchen and exerts a homoerotic effect on Shepherd. By 1935, Shepherd is back in the Rivera household, and more history crosses his path when the exiled Communist leader Leon Trotsky is granted asylum in Mexico and comes to live with Rivera and Kahlo. Despite elaborate precautions, Trotsky eventually is assassinated by Stalin's henchmen in 1940. Frida helps Shepherd escape back to the United States as a "shepherd" for some of her paintings, which are being shown at an exhibit in New York. Unbeknownst to Shepherd, Kahlo has hidden his journals inside one of the crates, thus preserving his story for posterity. In 1941, Shepherd finds himself in Asheville, North Carolina where he begins his career as a writer of action-packed, romantic novels of historical fiction depicting the clash of Aztec civilization with the Spanish conquistador Cortes. He continues his lifelong friendship with Frida through written correspondence. During this time, he also has an intermittent liaison with Tom Cuddy, who worked with him transporting works of art to safe places for the federal government during World War II. Toward the end of the story, Shepherd gets caught up in the web of the House Un-American Activities Committee when his connection to Trotsky is discovered and his books are considered subversive. All of this we learn from Shepherd's journal entries, which have been faithfully transcribed by his secretary Violet Brown (the mysterious "VB" whose initials appear below various entries early in the novel). She has managed to reconstruct his life from the journals, and tells his story even after he has vanished from it. Violet is a very likable, self-educated woman who was widowed early in life and never re-married. Going through Shepherd's things at the end of the book, Violet comes to realize how important she was to him: "With his legal testament was a letter he'd written to me. It contained certain instructions about his books, and personal things, appreciation for the years. Most of it need not be told here. But he said two things that shocked: first, that we'd had a great love. So he said, in those words. No one had been more important to him. And he said not to grieve. His sole regret was the stain his life and ways had put upon mine and he wanted me to be shed of all such worry. He said this is the happy ending everyone wanted." Shepherd repeatedly claimed that the most important thing about a person is the thing you don't know – the lacuna – the hole or missing part. In Shepherd's case, the lacuna seems to have been his homosexuality, about which few people knew. The book is beautifully written, and Frida Kahlo and Violet Brown are the strongest characters of the novel. Harrison Shepherd in contrast is portrayed as a timid observer of his own life. What transpires at the end of the book however is very uplifting and hopeful. The true ending will dawn on you shortly before it's revealed, and it will make you smile. Highly recommended reading. I did really enjoy the first half of this, when it was set in Mexico and the narrator was working for Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Trotsky. However, I struggled to remain interested after that, when the narrator ends up in the US. He isn't really a strong character, and at that point, he isn't hanging out with particularly strong characters either.
Kingsolver, at the top of her craft, builds pyramids of language and scenic highways through mountains of facts, while plotting a mostly tight course through the fictional premises that convey her writing's social conscience. In this book, pacifism, social justice, and free expression are the standards she shoulders. "The Lacuna" can be enjoyed sheerly for the music of its passages on nature, archaeology, food and friendship; or for its portraits of real and invented people; or for its harmonious choir of voices. But the fuller value of Kingsolver's novel lies in its call to conscience and connection. Barbara Kingsolver's new novel, "The Lacuna," is the most mature and ambitious one she's written during her celebrated 20-year career, but it's also her most demanding. Spanning three decades, the story comes to us as a collection of diary entries and memoir, punctuated by archivist's notes, newspaper articles, letters, book reviews and congressional transcripts involving some of the 20th century's most radical figures. The sweetness that leavened "The Bean Trees" and "Animal Dreams" has been burned away, and the lurid melodrama that enlivened "The Poisonwood Bible" has been replaced by the cool realism of a narrator who feels permanently alienated from the world. A serious problem with The Lacuna is telegraphed in its striking title. "Lacuna" refers to a gap or something that's absent. The motif of the crucial missing piece runs throughout the novel, but the thing unintentionally missing here is an engaging main character. Our hero, Harrison Shepherd, is an accidental onlooker to history buffeted by other people's plans and passions. Narrated in the form of letters, diary entries and newspaper clippings, the novel takes a while to get going, but once it does, it achieves a rare dramatic power that reaches its emotional peak when Harrison wittily and eloquently defends himself before the House Un-American Activities Committee (on the panel is a young Dick Nixon). Employed by the American imagination, is how one character describes Harrison, a term that could apply equally to Kingsolver as she masterfully resurrects a dark period in American history with the assured hand of a true literary artist.
No descriptions found. "The story of Harrison William Shepherd, a man caught between two worlds -- Mexico and the United States in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s -- and whose search for identity takes readers to the heart of the twentieth century's most tumultuous events"--Provided by publisher.… (more) (summary from another edition) |
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"Go There" Wednesdays: '80s Eyes at Derek Lam
There's nothing new about fashion's fascination with all things '80s, but the makeup at Derek Lam's insanely cute Spring/Summer 2010 show took it to another level. The models hit the catwalk wearing bold, sherbet-striped eyeshadow that struck a perfect balance between tribal chic and "How Will I Know"-era Whitney. We realize that layering on teal, purple, and pink eyeshadow at the same time might be a bit much, but why dust your lids with a sheer wash of violet shadow for girls' night out? Or hit the club rocking bright teal liner on your bottom lid? It's all about remixing trends to work in your everyday life, so go there!
Check out our gallery of the beauty looks at Derek Lam's Spring show, and the products you can use to get the look.
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