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We have been working hard behind-the-scenes here at Ryantown HQ building our new website and we are excited to announce that the site is now live!
The website features a full archive of Robs work, studio images, details of forthcoming events and so much more! From now onwards this blog will be relocated to the new website so please read all about the latest Ryantown happenings there.
We now have our own online shop where you can easily buy direct from us! The shop will be selling all of our products, including screenprints, lasercuts, studio ceramics, textiles and books too. You can visit the shop website here.
Louise Renforth
Studio Assistant


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11 Night The Atlantic Coast (Ft. Lauderdale To Montreal)
671 Photos
More About Zaandam
9 yrs agoRefurbished
1432Total Passengers
2.33Crew to Passenger Ratio
11Number of Decks
716Total Cabins
62Cabin Categories
Explore Cabins
Zaandam has 716 cabins and 62 cabin categories. See what each category has to offer and read cabin reviews from the community.
Avg. Size: 230 sq. ft.
Avg. Cost: $129 per night
Avg. Size: 270 sq. ft.
Avg. Cost: $147 per night
Avg. Size: 528 sq. ft.
Avg. Cost: $322 per night
Zaandam Features
Explore all 37 on board venues and features.
Basketball Court
Don''t let that cross-over get rusty. Hit the top deck for a little pick up among ship mates.
Art Gallery
Step into the Art Gallery, lovingly tended by a knowledgeable curator, and discover pieces that flirt with your imagination.
Spin the wheel, roll the dice, and make a date with Lady Luck in the lively casino.
Passengers can browse the onboard boutiques for souvenirs, luxury goods, clothing, and accessories.

subset: commoncrawl


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World Languages and Literatures
Galina Bakhtiarova, Chair
Berkshire Hall 215D, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8734
(203) 837-8912 (fax)
TBA, Department Secretary
Berkshire Hall 120B, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8250
(203) 837-8912 (fax)
|G. Bakhtiarova, Chair
|D. Aguado
|S. A. Skar
Adjunct Faculty
|E. Fabrizio-Garcia
|P. Farina
|R. Ludanyi
|J. Matranga
|S. Moudden
|M. Oliveira
|S. Pena
|B. Roos
|Y. Toma
|M. Vazquez
|K. Weller
The Department of World Languages and Literature creates a strong foundation for learning a variety of languages, both in our courses and through study abroad opportunities.
Major programs in the bachelor of arts degree in Spanish, and education programs in elementary or secondary education with a concentration in Spanish, offer students a curriculum that is balanced between the study of language, cultures, and literary traditions from Spain and Latin America, as well as a greater awareness of the vital connections between global and local Hispanic communities.
In advanced courses for majors and minors, our curriculum retains the strengths of traditional linguistic analysis, and adds a cutting-edge cultural studies focus to the study of literature and civilizations. Students at all levels develop language proficiency, in addition to critical thinking and problem solving skills, oral communication, and writing abilities, which are all key competencies for a variety of professional careers.
The Department of World Languages & Literature opens doors to the 21st century global economy with the continued growing demand for language skills for business, government, community groups, and international organizations.
In our language programs, students are encouraged to be critical thinking citizens and leaders of our increasingly interdependent world community. Our students learn to view the world from diverse perspectives, and to cross borders through effective communication based on an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Through the study of language, culture, translation, and great works, students gain access to professional opportunities: travel, promotions, and an edge in our increasingly competitive employment market. Language and culture proficiency gives students the power to think quickly from diverse viewpoints to make proposals, solve problems, and interact with diverse local and international populations, students, or clients. Even when bilingualism is not the deciding factor for initial employment, evidence confirms that language skills can enhance mobility and aid in admission to graduate study and job promotion.
Degree Programs in World Languages
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Elementary Education: Spanish
Secondary Education: Spanish
Minor Programs
Foreign Language Requirements
All students enrolled in B.A. programs and secondary education majors must fulfill the foreign language requirement in one of the following ways:
1. By completing through the third year of one foreign language in high school with an overall "C" average.
2. By studying a total of three years of two foreign languages in high school with an overall "B" average.
3. By successfully completing a foreign language proficiency examination, or by providing the necessary documentation outlined in the language waiver policy in this catalog.
4. By successfully completing a language immersion experience of one semester abroad. Consult the Department of World Languages and Literature or Western's International Center.
5. By successfully completing the specified language courses at WCSU. Students may fulfill the foreign language requirement by successfully completing an Introductory II second-semester course in languages offered in the Department of World Languages and Literature, or any one semester of a language course at the intermediate level or above that is taught in the target language, not in English.
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (B.A.)
Students must complete all general education requirements, the courses and credits listed below and additional free electives to total a minimum of 122 semester hours, including exercise science.
Choose one from below:
SPA 203: Conversation and Composition: Film
SPA 204: Conversation and Composition: Essay
Choose one fom below:
SPA 207: Introduction to Analysis: Fiction
SPA 208: Introduction to Analysis: Poetry
Choose three from below:
SPA 221: Cultures of Spain
SPA 222: Cultures of Spanish America
SPA 224: Trans-Atlantic Hispanic Cultures
SPA 225: Hispanic Cultures: Connecticut
SPA 226: Global Immersion Spain
Choose six 300-level literature courses from below:
SPA 320: The Poetry of Spain and Latin America
SPA 330: Representative Authors: Spain
SPA 331: Representative Authors: Spanish America
SPA 336: Theater in Spain and Latin America
SPA 337: Modern Spanish Novel
SPA 360: Readings on The Arts in Spain and Latin America
SPA 361: Gender & Sexuality in Spanish America
SPA 365: Revolution, Testimony, and Memory in Spanish America
SPA 367: Colonial Spanish America
SPA 370: US Latina/Latino Literature
SPA 371: Spanish-Caribbean Identities
SPA 375: The Picaresque in Spanish Literature
One linguistics course:
SPA 400 Linguistics
Choose an elective: Any Spanish course from the 200-, 300- or 400-level
Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education–Spanish (B.S.)
Requirements: See the Department of Education and Educational Psychology within the School of Professional Studies.
Learning Outcomes
The Department of World Languages & Literatures at Western Connecticut State University adheres to national standards for foreign language learning determined by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) for language proficiency and cultural competency through the 5 C's: Communication, Cultures, Comparisons, Connections, and Communities.
The ACTFL proficiency scale from 2012 established guidelines for language proficiency at the following levels:
- Novice (Low, Mid, High)
- Intermediate (Low, Mid, High)
- Advanced (Low, Mid, High)
- Superior
- Distinguished
Students who complete the second semester of an introductory language sequence at WCSU achieve a minimum level of Novice Mid as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale in the following courses or their equivalents: French 164, German 164, Italian 164, Portuguese 164, and Spanish 164. Students who complete the second semester of an introductory language sequence achieve a minimum level of Novice Low as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale in oral and writing proficiency in the following courses or their equivalents: Arabic 102 and Chinese 164. Assessment at this level is conducted by faculty teaching the course in a final exam or project at the end of the semester.
Students who complete a minor in Spanish achieve a minimum level of Intermediate Mid as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale in a total of 18 credits at the Intermediate Level (Spanish 196) or above. Spanish majors and minors are assessed annually for oral and writing proficiency as part of an internal program assessment through a final exam or project during at least one 200-level and one 300-level Spanish course on cultural and/or literary topics.
Students who complete a major in Spanish (B.A. Spanish, B.S. Spanish-Elementary Ed., B.S. in Spanish-Secondary Ed.) achieve a minimum level of Advanced Low as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale. Spanish majors and minors are assessed annually for oral and writing proficiency as part of an internal program assessment through a final exam or project during at least one 200-level and one 300-level Spanish course on cultural and/or literary topics.
Students admitted to the professional semester for the B.S. in Spanish-Secondary Education achieve a minimum level of Advanced Low as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale. In addition to assessment of cultural competency of students in final exams and projects in culture and literature courses, candidates for teacher certification demonstrate oral proficiency and writing proficiency through the following external assessments:
- OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) Language Testing International
- WPT (Writing Proficiency Interview) Language Testing International
Minor in Spanish
Eighteen semester hours of Spanish courses above Spanish 164. Courses in Spanish for Professions (i.e. SPA 170) shall not be accepted for credit for this minor.


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A high-ranking AEG executive testified Tuesday that he had known for years that Michael Jackson was taking painkillers but wasn't aware he was abusing them until the pop singer abruptly canceled his Dangerous world tour in the early 1990s to enter rehab.
Paul Gongaware, the co-chief executive of AEG Live's touring division Concerts West, testified that although he was the manager of the Dangerous tour and knew Jackson was being given painkillers, he didn't know how serious the problem was until the singer made a public announcement during the tour about his decision to check into rehab.
Gongaware is a defendant along with AEG in a wrongful death suit filed by Jackson's mother and three children that accuses the concert promotion company of negligently hiring and controlling Dr. Conrad Murray, who gave the singer a fatal dose of the surgical anesthetic propofol and is now serving jail time for involuntary manslaughter.
Leaning back casually in his chair as he answered questions from the Jackson family attorney, Gongaware said he knew a doctor was medicating Jackson during the Dangerous tour but did not find out why the tour was eventually cut short.
"Didn't have time," Gongaware said. "I was just dealing with what was in front of me."
Gongaware, expected to be on the stand for several days, began working at Concerts West about 1976, before it was a subsidiary of AEG Live. He worked on Elvis Presley's final tour, which ended with the performer's death.
"So you knew what to expect when Michael Jackson passed away, is that right, sir?" Brian Panish asked.
"I kind of knew what was going to happen, yes," Gongaware answered.
Before Tuesday's court session began, the appearance of Janet Jackson sent a murmur through the small crowd gathered in the hallway. The singer hugged her mother, Katherine, as fans watched and called out, "Janet, you're beautiful."
Attorneys for AEG objected to the high-profile performer sitting inside the courtroom along with her sister Rebbie.
Judge Yvette Palazuelos ruled earlier that Katherine Jackson — who has attended nearly every day since the trial began four weeks ago — is allowed only one supporter at the trial since most of her family members are on the witness list.
Palazuelos said the issue would be addressed later.


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Fiscal cliff overshadows Qatar talks
On the agenda at global climate change talks in Doha, Qatar: the fate of the planet. But here in Washington, there's no time for that.
While thousands of delegates from across the globe hash out the groundwork for an international treaty to address climate change, the White House and Congress are consumed with the fiscal cliff. And amid the heated battle to avert massive spending cuts and tax increases, the Doha climate talks have become an afterthought.
Story Continued Below
Meanwhile, the Doha talks have taken on new urgency amid mounting scientific data that the planet faces devastating effects from climate change. A study released Sunday in the journal Nature Climate Change said the planet is careening toward a 2-degree Celsius average temperature increase or more, which scientists say would result in sea-level rise, droughts and other catastrophes.
"It's impossible to deny that it really hasn't been a priority, and now with the fiscal issues all pending and a fairly immediate horizon for solving that, either now or in the first quarter of the year, I think that displaces these other issues," Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) told POLITICO.
Whitehouse, a vocal advocate of measures to address climate change, is trying to keep the issue in the public eye. He sought to tack on an amendment to the defense authorization bill aimed at forcing lawmakers to go on the record about climate change for the first time since Hurricane Sandy. But the amendment was deemed not germane to the bill.
"The test of whether we're serious about this is whether we go to it afterwards, and that is what we should be judged on," he said.
Almost 7,000 miles away, Todd Stern, the United States' lead climate negotiator, is working with other delegates to craft a binding international climate agreement by 2015. The agreement, which would go into effect in 2020, faces an uphill battle amid a years-old fight between developed and developing countries over who should bear the brunt of emissions cuts.
But this year, climate change talks are receiving less attention than ever, and the list of U.S. officials attending the summit is dwindling. Not a single U.S. lawmaker planned to make the trek. Neither are top officials at the Environmental Protection Agency or the Energy Department.


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CM/Spotlight: Floor Care — Celebrate Earth Day With Green Floor Care
By Lance Brown
Please Go To; http://www.janiservu.com/ for related postings!!
Advantage Cleaning Services Does Janitorial Services In Corning, N.Y. 14836!!!
On April 22, 2009, people throughout the world will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a day developed to bring awareness to issues surrounding sustainability and the protection of the Earth''s natural resources.
The first Earth Day celebration was very effective at changing attitudes toward environmental issues.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "Public opinion polls indicate that a permanent change in national priorities followed Earth Day 1970. When polled in May 1971, 25 percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2,500 percent increase over 1969."
Since then, the movement has reached its tipping point in many countries.
Individuals and organizations have become increasingly aware of the broader implications of their actions and their potential affect on future generations.
No one knows this better than managers and directors of cleaning departments who face increased pressure to green their cleaning operations.
To meet this demand, manufacturers are offering "green" products, some of which do not have any less impact on the environment.
While chances are good that you''ve already implemented at least one green cleaning process or product into your overall operations, floor care is one area you can focus on starting this Earth Day.
There are several simple strategies you can use to green your hard floor care program, beginning with the process of floor finishing.
In addition to helping improve the sustainability of your operations, these strategies can also save you money.
Old Techniques, Old Problems
For many cleaning professionals, "sustainability" means using equipment and chemicals that limit the impact of cleaning on the environment.
However, cleaning professionals should also consider products and processes that limit impact on workers and building occupants.
When someone''s health is adversely affected, it reduces his or her activity, thereby limiting the product''s sustainability.
Occupant Impact
Some traditional finishing methods can have a negative impact on building occupants.
For instance, the mop-and-bucket method is considered an open system that can release more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the indoor environment than closed systems.
As a result, building occupants are exposed to strong odors that often result in complaints.
Resource Waste
Cleaning professionals often attempt to eliminate the impact of cleaning on building occupants by closing down areas or scheduling floor finishing for evening hours.
Night cleaning increases energy costs in facilities that are not open 24 hours because it requires additional use of lights and heating/cooling units.
In addition to energy waste, some traditional floor maintenance programs result in water and product waste.
Traditional mop-and-bucket methods require significantly more water and chemicals compared to newer application methods, much of which is wasted in the process.
Traditional mop heads absorb floor finish, leaving chemical in mop fibers after a project is complete.
Also, studies have shown that employees often pour too much finish for the job, wasting the leftover chemical or even washing it down drains.
Staff Injury
According to the most recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 42,000 occupational injuries requiring time away from work in the janitorial industry in 2000.
Of these, 15,200 were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) requiring a median of seven days away from work.
Traditional floor finishing methods that require repeated lifting of heavy buckets, applicator units or backpacks increase the risk of back and neck injuries.
In addition, use of straight mop handles without ergonomic features in mop-and-bucket or flat-mop systems can increase risk of MSDs or other occupational-related injuries.
You can avoid costly expenses such as workers'' compensation claims, loss of productivity, complaints, waste disposal and shipping costs by implementing a green hard floor care program.
Give Your Floors A Green Sheen
To find the most sustainable way to apply floor finish, look for new systems that reduce the possible ill effects of the floor finishing process on staff, building occupants and the environment.
Tip #1: Get a grip on it
Look for new ergonomic designs that reduce the impact of applying finish on the user''s hands, arms, shoulders and back.
In addition, tools should fit users of all heights so bending is not required.
Ergonomically-designed products reduce injury and costs, enhancing worker productivity and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Tip #2: Pay attention to the wrap
Sustainable containers reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and the fuel needed for transportation while also allowing for easy storage.
In addition, when you use systems with bag-in-box (BIB) packaging, you can
easily reseal them after use, reducing the opportunity for contamination and potential waste.
Tip #3: Look for closed-dispensing systems
Look for systems that do not require finish to be transferred from the original package to a secondary package.
The benefit of this type of system is that it reduces the opportunity for spills.
In addition, the system reduces the exposure of floor finish and VOCs to the indoor environment, improving indoor air quality (IAQ).
Tip #4: Don''t trash it
Innovations in floor care have eliminated the need for water while reducing chemical waste.
Look for environmentally preferable floor care systems that automatically dispense finish onto the floor, eliminating any guesswork.
After applying finish to the surface, you should easily be able to reseal the finish container so leftover finish can be used later.
Tip #5: Look at the literature
By using products with low VOC content, not only are you making the indoor environment better for staff and building occupants, you are reducing the environmental impact because these products also contain fewer volatile contaminates.
While there are many sustainable initiatives you can take throughout your cleaning operations, use Earth Day as the starting point for greening your hard floor maintenance program.
By incorporating closed, ergonomic floor finishing systems that do not require cleaning, you can reduce impact on staff workers, the environment and your bottom line.
Lance Brown is an innovation leader of floor care for JohnsonDiversey. For more information, visit www.johnsondiversey.com/prospeed or call (262) 631-4001.


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Denny's N Date St
For a Limited Time at Your Denny's N Date St
Special Promotions at Denny's N Date St
Celebrate your birthday with a FREE BUILD YOUR OWN GRAND SLAM®!
*Restrictions may apply
Kids Eat Free
Tuesdays 4PM to 10PM. Ask your server for details. Restrictions may apply.
Denny's is proud to participate in Kids LiveWell®. See our menu items that have been verified by the National Restaurant Association and Healthy Dining to meet specific nutritional criteria.
*Restrictions may apply. Offers are valid at participating locations only. Offers are subject to change and may vary by location.
About Denny's N Date St
For over 65 years Denny's has been bringing people together over great food. It's the place where people can relax and be themselves; where they can enjoy classic American comfort food and everyday value 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Denny's is a place where you can order the usual or try something new - like our brand new, authentic French Crepes in delicious new flavors like Banana Berry Caramel, Banana Chocolate Hazelnut and Strawberry Vanilla. And when it comes to value, the new Meat Lovers Slam can't be beat. It's 2 eggs, 3 sausage links, 3 strips of bacon and 2 buttermilk pancakes all for a great low price. And while the restaurants have been updated and the menu changed, Denny's still kept all your favorites like Moons Over My Hammy,® Sizzlin' Skillets, hand-dipped Milk Shakes, 100% Beef Burgers and the world-famous Build Your Own Grand Slam®. Whether it's appetizers, breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, we pride ourselves on an expansive menu featuring delicious, innovative options that cater to the taste and dietary requirements of every guest that walks in the door. So friends and family can come in, sit down and connect in the place that's made for it. See you at Denny's.
At This Location
- ●Round-the-clock breakfast
- ●Lunch & Dinner
- ●Walk-ins welcome
- ●Good for groups
- ●Good for kids
- ●Take out
- ●Kids eat for free everyday from 4pm to 10pm see store for details


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What a wonderful week we have had! Christmas was fantastic and very busy and the past week has just flown by far too quickly. I can't believe this is the last day of 2007!!!
The house has gotten back to normal today, the decorations have all been taken down and stored away for next year, and I have decided to take a cue from a few of the blogs that I have had time to take a peek at and do my own WIP review.
No New Year's resolutions for me this time around, except I have decided that next year is time to finish a few things. Of course I will always need to make room for some new starts, but I'm going to try to keep them on the small side, so they don't end up collecting dust like some of the ones I dug out today.
So here they are, although I do think I have forgotten one or two UFO's that haven't seen the light of day for far too long. Sorry for the not so great pictures, what sunlight we get these days seems very dull......eh, winter!
Sampler Gameboard by Drawn Thread, on 32 ct Willow Green linen. This is such a fun piece to work on, I wondered when I laid out the fabric to take the picture why did I stop working on this one?
Sampler 4 Saisons by Anagram Diffusion, on 32 ct Antique Cream linen. This one is so pretty and I'm using Gloriana silks, a different colour for each season. I love working on the seasons themselves, but the tree really got to me......
Houses of Hawk Run Hollow on 40 ct LL Pearled Barley. Again, I really love working on this, but I have no set goal in mind, so its doubtful the end of 2008 will see this one finished off.
Carriage House Samplings Alphabet Sampler on 40 ct Cream Linen. Now this one I really would like to complete in the next year. I think I should work out a schedule to keep myself on track with this one.
And my poor Chatelaine MysteryX. I think I finally finished up the 3rd month, which was horrific and really put me off track. It took me months to get through it all, so by that point I was so far behind the group, I thought what was the point? I have sneaked a peek at the finished design though and it is stunning. I really need to get back to this one and play again with all those lovely silks.
But what's the new year without a new start?
Long Dog Sampler's Paradigm Lost....scheduled restart on January 2nd, with my brand new fat 1/2 on 40 ct Light Sand linen.
And I have to sneak in my latest obsession with Little House Needleworks. I bought the Home of a Needleworker pattern at the Toronto Creative Festival in the fall and its just begging to start. So I have a lovely piece of 32 ct cream Belfast and some very pretty GAST threads, waiting for the first few stitches tomorrow.
Hubby is calling as we're headed off to an early dinner. Happy New Year everyone!!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
WIP Confession Time
What a wonderful week we have had! Christmas was fantastic and very busy and the past week has just flown by far too quickly. I can't believe this is the last day of 2007!!!
Posted by Wendy at 5:48 pm 16 comments
Labels: WIP's
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
I finally got caught up on all my shopping, the gifts were finally all wrapped, and ready to go under the tree...or nearby as its become quite crowded. Kelly and Chris arrived safely on Saturday evening, and we are all headed out shortly to enjoy Christmas Eve dinner at Carrie and JF's place.
I haven't had a chance to update my blog but I did want to get in my wishes to everyone for a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by Wendy at 3:05 pm 22 comments
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Spirit of Christmas
I can't believe I forgot to get this picture out and hang it up on the wall! I was thinking something was missing around the house after we had finished decorating and it took me 2 weeks to finally remember. And it was ~ one of my favourite Christmas pieces ~ Spirit of Christmas! So hubby dug him out of hiding for me and now he is hanging on the wall. I feel embarrassed to have left him hidden away for so long because I truly love this Santa. I had him framed with a red suede mat, so it really brings out the gorgeous reds in the Santa.
Only 1 week left until Christmas! I finally started my present wrapping on Sunday but was very uninspired to get much done. We were in the middle of a blizzard which poor hubby spent the better part of the day trying to dig us out from. And I finally came up with the most amazing Christmas gift for him - a snowblower! But he's not impressed. Its as if admitting that he needs a snowblower is a blow to his manhood, admitting that he no longer has the strength or vivre to do his manly duty and dig his family out from under tons of snow. We'll see how far I can get with my cajoling....
Posted by Wendy at 8:39 am 29 comments
Labels: Christmas stitching
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas ornament and an almost finish
My package from the SBEBB ornament exchange arrived and wow - I was thrilled to see the lovely little stocking stitched by Donna of Daisy Stitches. I need to find her blog/e-mail so that I can thank her personally for all the wonderful goodies she put into this package. It made opening it up feel like Christmas! She also included a Just Nan chart called 'Tie One On' with the Whimzi frame (first time I have seen one of these in person and they are wonderful) and a Bent Creek chart called 'Sleigh Ride' with the fabric to stitch it on, as well as a package of tea and chocolate and a beautiful handmade card. Thank you Donna! Please leave me a comment so I can trace you back to your blog!!
My PL fabric arrived and I am in love with the colour - no more tea-dying needed here - but I decided to hold off on a fresh start until the New Year. And I am so close to finishing my little Prairie Schooler christmas sampler, I want to keep at it. Its looking like a finish might be in the works for this weekend and then I might try to finish it into a pillow. All that's left is for Santa and his sleigh!
My Christmas cards went out in the mail - yeah, one thing off my list. Packages have yet to be wrapped though. And I'm still wondering what on earth am I going to get hubby for Christmas? I have asked him so many times and he doesn't even know what he wants, other than the usual month long vacation some place warm, which is a little out of our reach at the moment.
Physiotherapy is going for the shoulder....or should I say torture sessions? Because it is unbelievable to me that my shoulder stopped doing all kinds of things without me realizing, and now the therapist is trying to make it go into these positions again. I'm doing stretches at home 4 times a day, to try to maintain some of the gains she makes. But on the upside, it actually is feeling better the rest of the time, not nearly as painful as it was. And stitching is much more comfortable again :-D I better not let hubby know that, or he'll make me start doing all the grocery shopping on my own again!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by Wendy at 8:38 am 17 comments
Labels: Prairie Schooler, SBEBB
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas Ornament Exchange
Julianne let me know that she received her Christmas ornament for the SBEBB exchange. I stitched the Quaker Reindeer, a design from The Workbasket from the 2006 JCS ornament issue. This was the first thing I had stitched from this issue! I used my 36/40 ct tea-dyed linen so the poor reindeer may be a little too fat or a little too tall, depending on which way the count went. Luckily sweet Julianne is happy with this slightly off reindeer anyways.
I love this time of year with Christmas so quickly approaching....but I also hate it because the days are so short. I mean really, its 4:30 in the afternoon and its so dark that we have to turn all our lights on! And we haven't even hit the winter solstice yet. And should I mention that I'm feeling a little Christmas-stressed? Hubby and I did a lot of our Christmas shopping on the weekend which is great, although our bank account is much much lighter and emptier as a result. And the pile of gifts waiting to be wrapped has increased significantly. Christmas cards are waiting to be written and addressed. And Christmas baking.... well I shudder to even think about it. But I did manage to finish off a couple of ornaments that are also waiting to be packaged up and mailed.
And I almost forgot....my PL fabric arrived...finally!!!!
Posted by Wendy at 4:35 pm 18 comments
Labels: SBEBB
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
December is here!
December is here and already speeding along! Hubby and I decorated our house on Sunday, and everything looks very festive and cheery. I love decorating for Christmas. It makes me wish I had done more Xmas stitching!
Still no PL fabric in the mail for me....although I have been diligently checking every day! That is when I can get my mail box open. Winter seems to think its time to arrive and we have been hit with ice storms and snow....brrrr! It seems awfully early to look outside and see so much white, and have to bundle up with boots, scarf, gloves and hat to go out! Of course Nick is loving it as that means money to be made shovelling snow from driveways for him and of course snowboarding season has opened.
Not much stitching to show from me except a Prairie Schooler piece I have been working on a piece of Fiddler's cloth. Its from Christmas Samplers Book 63 and I'm hoping to be able to stitch it before Christmas. Stitching is slow these days as my shoulder has been troubling me a lot. I finally gave in and and saw my doctor and have started seeing a physiotherapist for a 'frozen shoulder'. I'm sure its from work, nah, couldn't be from stitching or quilting at all! But unfortunately I can't stop working .... :-(
Posted by Wendy at 8:34 am 22 comments
Labels: Christmas stitching


text: So I bought the Best Buy Exclusive version of The Hunger Games, and normally I ignore the Digital Copy Version for a while because I make my own digital copies by ripping the Blu-ray and encoding whatever files I need. However, I felt like getting the Digital Copy immediately for some reason and to my surprise, when I redeemed it, it started downloading the HD version! Is this the first movie that's doing this at the moment? It's unfortunately downloading in 720p, I didn't realize that it was set up like that in my preferences, but since it's in the Cloud, I'm sure I'll be able to download the 1080p version in future. This is neat.


text:
Dominate the show floor with the bold, industrial look of the toolless Orbital Express System. The Atlas 20x20 trade show exhibit features media-ready monitor mounts, counters, circular tower, and a center discovery feature that can double as a semi-private meeting space.
The template(s) listed below are intended to be downloaded and then opened in Adobe Illustrator or placed in Adobe Photoshop or Indesign.
TIP: By default the templates will open in your browser. Once the template is opened click the download button in the upper right corner. (template how to video)
Modular lengths and junctions connect to create a myriad of options. Made of durable steel construction, this heavy-duty display is versatile and customizable. Graphic panels are printed onto 8oz Oxford cloth using the highest quality dye sublimation print process to create lightweight yet vibrant graphics. Each panel's finishing is done by hand by the highly skilled sewing staff. The Orbital Truss system includes a collection of reconfigurable exhibit backwalls and counters that feature a fixed number or parts and connectors. No tools are required. Simply twist and lock the connectors in place. Quality crafted hardware and graphics are manufactured in the USA.
• 240"w x 139.75"h x 240"d
• Weight: 1000 lbs
• Max tabeltop weight: 25 lbs
• Monitor mount: 13"-39"
• Monitor max weight 50lbs
• Truss hardware can also make- Luna-1
Shipping Cases
• 5 - OCF2 (51"l x 51"h x 23"d)
• Lumina7 LED Spotlight
• 12 Watts Each
• Projects cool white light
• Goose-neck Arm
• 10' cord
• Includes Universal Light Clamp Kit
• 51"l x 51"h x 23"d
• 1000 lbs
• Ships from Illinois or Nevada
• Truss Shipping Cases are made to be shipped via LTL Freight and therefore, may require special handling with a forklift or other machinery.


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- River Island Design Forum "London Fashion Week" - Sarah Chatfield -
Since its launch in 2008, bicoastal/international Station Film has quickly established itself as one of the industry's top creative shops. Its roster of award-winning directors excels at cross-platform storytelling - from film, television, and music videos to VR/AR and digital creation. Station Film's partners are Stephen Orent and Caroline Gibney.
Managing Partner
Executive Producer
Partner / Executive Producer
Jamie Scalera
Sasha Stern
Julie Margilaj
+1 917.237.6532
Siobhan McCafferty
Nikolai Giefer
+1 323.666.6030
Matthew Bucher
+1 630.659.6543
Alyson Griffith
+1 214.288.2813
Simon Elborne
+44 207.636.6666


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If you are familiar with the story of the Tower of Babel, you're aware of the potential power behind a commonly understood language. When everyone accepts definitions in the same way, the chance of confusion is eliminated and time can be spent more efficiently in progressing forward rather than having to consistently translate various interpretations. Digital Video In-Stream Metrics serve this exact purpose for buyers and sellers of digital video in-stream advertising, and have played an important role in maturing the industry and supporting its evolution.
Digital video is a fast moving marketing channel undergoing a large amount of innovation and technical functionality, so the industry will need to periodically review and revise standards to reflect the needs of current practice. The last update to the metrics was in 2008, so IAB convened a working group to modernize the metrics but we found during comment periods that there were some prevailing questions that we chose to address outside of the document.
We hosted the webinar, Digital Video Metrics Modernized to provide an overview of the document and addressed those questions, and as an added layer of clarity we have outlined them in an FAQ. Ultimately, our goal is to enable growth in the industry. We do this by building and maintaining consensus around the use of these metrics and concepts so that buyers understand sellers and transparency is established.
FAQ Digital Video In-Stream Metric Definitions
Why not combine the metric definitions with the Impression Measurement Guidelines?
IAB Impression Measurement Guidelines, which have been developed for display, mobile and digital video, describe technical details for how an ad impression should be counted in each of the specified contexts. Each of the Impression Measurement Guidelines documents is used in the industry to establish sound measurement practices for ad impressions.
In contrast, the Digital Video In-Stream Metric Definition document, simply describe a baseline of interactive metrics that companies can voluntarily track in digital video. No technical guidelines are imposed for how each metric is measured, allowing companies make the best use of their technology while offering the Industry a common definition for select interactive digital video metrics.
Why isn't viewability covered in the update to metric definitions for digital in-stream video?
Viewability in digital video is a more complex issue than simply defining a term. The 2014 Digital In-Stream Video Metric Definitions only defines a baseline set of interactive metrics that the industry can use as a common lexicon. However, establishing common measurement practices for determining whether an ad is in view requires a process that identifies and addresses technical and operational challenges. The Make Measurements Make Sense (3MS) initiative is leading the efforts toward more effective impression measurements. As a standard becomes adopted in the industry, these metric definitions may be updated to reflect relevant changes.
We serve video ads into 300×250 placements on websites. Why is this being excluded from the definition for digital video in-stream video ads?
The format of an ad does not make it a digital video in-stream video ad; the context into which the ad is served defines digital in-stream video ads. The technology for receiving and executing ads is different and requires different resources when the ad is served into a webpage and when served into a video player. Video ads that are served into a webpage are commonly known as in-banner video ads and are executed by the browser. Separately, ads served into a player are received and executed by the playereach of which may be built using proprietary code. Therefore, only ads served to a player (video or otherwise), constitute a digital in-stream video ad.
What constitutes a "player?"
In the context of digital in-stream video, a player is a browser-based computer program that executes videos, animation, or games that streams publisher content.
One advertising strategy we use is to stream short clips of content along with ads into a display placement on a publisher's webpage. Our ads are played before, during, or after the content we serve, and they're served into a player. Are our ads considered digital in-stream video ads?
If the content being streamed belongs to the same publisher that also owns the webpage content into which you are serving the clips and ads, then yes. For example, a news publisher may post several short news clips in the sidebar of their page. Ads served into these news clips are considered digital in-stream video ads.
However, if the content belongs to publishers other than the one who owns the page content, and especially if that content is served to a display ad placement on the page, the content is a form of advertising. In this case, the content, as well as the ads served with it, are being served to the webpage and classified as in-page, or in-banner video ads.
Is mobile covered in this metric definition update?
Ads served into browser-based players that stream publisher content are considered digital in-stream ads, regardless of the device in which they play. However, mobile devices present some challenges to tracking ad interactions. Native players in mobile devices are capable of playing content while offline and therefore lack the persistent connection required for communicating ad interactions in real time. For now, the 2014 Digital In-Stream Video Metric Definitions are restricted to the context of live streaming content. However, to the extent possible, these metric definitions may be applied to native digital players in mobile.
Are the ads we serve into games considered digital in-stream video ads?
Yes, game publishers may sell ad inventory that is served into their browser-based game players. Ads served into these players are considered digital in-stream video ads.


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Home >> Course Descriptions >> College of Education
Foundations of Educational Research
Three semester hours.
This course provides the competencies required for a critical understanding, evaluation, and utilization of published educational research. The course covers quantitative as well as qualitative research methods. Topics include problem formulation and refinement; research design, sampling; measurement and data collection, data analysis techniques, and the inference process. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.
Home - General Information - Student Services -
Academic Undergraduate Regulations -
Undergraduate Degrees - Academic Graduate Regulations -
Graduate Degrees - Course Descriptions - Faculty -
Appendix A - Appendix B - Appendix C - Appendix D


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Red Velvet Cupcakes
1 1/2 c butter, soft
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1 t salt
2 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 c sugar
1 fluid oz red food coloring
2 T cocoa
1 c buttermilk
1 T vanilla
1 t baking soda
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Fill cupcake tins about half way and bake at 350 for approximately 17 minutes.
Wondering what this new icon below is? It's time for another Iron Chef Challenge by Ott,A! Since June is dairy month, it's time to link up all your recipes using milk on A Latte With Ott,A!
Now, it's time to link up some of those great dishes you make from scratch!
Here are the rules:
1. You can link up as many posts as you'd like.
2. My only content rule is it has to be made from scratch.
3. If you want to put my button somewhere, that'd be cool. You can grab the code for the Made From Scratch Tuesday button on the top right of my sidebar.
Make sure to vote on your favorite link up by clicking the "like" button! We may have some giveaways in the future for the recipe with the most likes!


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Well Hello Yall!
I guess you can say that I am from the South and love it.
I have been in the south most of my adult life except for a three year
stint in Michigan when I started to work for the Federal Railroad
Administration. Yeah, I do have a day J.O.B. and that is what puts
food on the table and keeps Phyllis (my loving wife) and me dry and
I said adult life, because I grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma. I really
hated Merle Haggard after he sang that song but I now like country
music more than anything else.
I spend quite a lot of time in front of my computer screen for no real
reason. I guess I am addicted to squinting! I would hope that some
day I could say it is because I am busy making money. What a concept
that would be!
So, Brad, I made it over here and I am now neckid like you!


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(Corrects to fix spelling of Edwin Groshans' name.)
The payday lending industry was put under pressure Tuesday as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said over 80% of payday loans are rolled over or followed by another loan within 14 days. That's a key finding since the industry's high interest rates are often justified on the basis that borrowers aren't continually tapping such lenders on a regular basis, making the alternative of going to a payday lender more palatable than the various fees banks charge on overdrafts and the like.
The study also showed that 15% of new loans are followed by a loan sequence at least 10 loans long. Another interesting finding is that states with waiting periods have much lower same-day renewal rates but pretty similar seven-day and 14-day renewal rates.
Edwin Groshans, an analyst at Height Analytics, said the study points the way to a rule proposal in the next two to three months, and possibly one at the later "notice of proposed rulemaking" stage given the data the CFPB has collected on the industry.
He also noted that not all of the data reflect poorly on the industry -- for instance, 78% of payday loans have a duration of six loan sequences or fewer.
Shares of the largest publicly traded payday lender by revenue, Cash America International , slipped over 2%, though another provider, Ezcorp , rose by 2%.
The CFPB report comes a day ahead of a Senate Banking Committee hearing asking if alternative financial products are serving consumers.
-- Steve Goldstein
Follow Steve on Twitter @mktwgoldstein
Follow Capitol Report @capitolreport
More news from MarketWatch
Consumer confidence hits highest in more than 6 years
Kellner: Borrow now before rates go up


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The Athenaeum Art Collection
The Chapel of St. Gregory the Great at The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary's Seminary and its narthex houses a significant collection of artwork including seven original Vatican Studio mosaics produced in Rome circa 1910 along with two significant oil paintings.
The two oils are: Liberation of St. Peter by Juan de Roelas (1558-1625) and Christ's Entry into Jerusalem by Benjamin Robert Haydon (1786-1846).
The Vatican mosaics, bequeathed to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in the 1950s by Capuchin priest Father Lorenzo Capitani of Tivoli, Italy, were part of the priest's art collection when he came to America in 1910. They have not been specifically dated.
The six Vatican mosaics include: The Blessed Virgin with the Infant Christ; the Pieta; two mosaics of the Crucifixion; St. Patrick; and Ecce Homo (Christ with crown of thorns). A seventh mosaic -- of St. Joseph - and part of the Capitani collection is not a Vatican Studios work but thought to be the work of a Venetian artist of the same period.
The collection also holds Salvadore Dali prints displayed in the Eugene H. Maly Memorial Library, works by commissioned artists as well as an array of works from around the world displayed throughout the building.


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Acer KA220HQ
|Screen size
|Video Output
Display Port, HDMI, VGA
Creative IT offer a first class delivery service. We work hard with An Post as our delivery partners to bring you your order on a 24 hour to 48 hours delivery service anywhere in Ireland. (If the item is in stock). Shipping is free.
Dispatch Processing Time: 24-48 Hours
Once your order has been shipped we will send you your tracking number via email. Your goods will be shipped from Mullingar, Ireland.
An Post will attempt delivery 3 times during the day – If you are not available to accept your parcel An Post will leave a note to collect it at the nearest post office.
Goods normally take
Ireland 1 to 3 working days
UK 2 – 7 working days
Rest of the World 10 to 21 working days
All of our products come with a 12 month warranty. In the unlikely event there is an issue with your product within the first 28 days of you receiving it – we will collect and return your item after repair or replace free of charge with zero fuss. After the 28 days the warranty is RTB (Return To Base) which means you must send it back to us and we will pay for return shipping.
What does the warranty cover?
- If it breaks, we'll fix it
- If it can't be fixed, we'll replace it
- Dedicated Irish help line
What is not covered under warranty?
- Product must be returned in the same condition it was supplied
- Accidental damage (including liquid damage) will void your warranty
For full warranty information please follow this link
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1 Year Warranty
All of our equipment comes with a 1 year warranty from Creative IT. Just like a brand new product!
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We offer free shipping on orders over €100 to the UK and Ireland.
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Pay with confidence using our online payments partners, Global Payments or Paypal. Bank transfer is also accepted.
Technical Support
Our heldesk team are available 10-5 Monday to Friday in the event that you need support with your product.


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Taryn Renee Mayfield and Derek Alan Burgan were united in marriage June 7, in an outdoor ceremony at Eberly Farm in Wichita with Derek Mayfield, brother of the bride, officiating.
Parents of the couple are Dale and Lisa Mayfield of Hillsboro and Mike and Diane Burgan of St. John. Grandparents of the couple are Karon Hess of Marion, Gib and Kay Burgan of Moundridge, and Allen and Karlene Pauls of Hutchinson.
The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father. She wore a white and pewter slim line Maggie Sottero "Reece" gown with gossamer chiffon ruched toward an extraordinarily beaded, deep v-neckline. The high glamour encrusted halter straps transformed into a sensation bar back treatment.
The matron of honor was Lauryn Unruh, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Tessa Mayfield, sister-in-law of the bride, Mieka Serene, friend of the bride, and Brooke Burgan, sister of the groom.
The best man was Trey Burgan, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Travis Neidig, Ted Regehr, and Brett Williams, friends of the groom.
Flower girls were Jaleigh Burgan, niece of the groom, and Collyns Unruh, niece of the bride. Taten Mayfield, nephew of the bride, was ring bearer.
Ushers were Kale Arnold, Grady and Trevor Pauls, cousins of the groom, Bryce Garner, friend of the groom, and Corey Unruh, brother-in-law of the bride.
Guest book and gift attendants were Kassidi Luthi and Allie Faul, friends of the bride. Program attendants were Kori Arnold, cousin of the groom, and Macy, Kelli and Erika Hess, cousins of the bride.
Derek Mayfield, accompanying himself on guitar, provided special music during the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, a reception, with dinner and dance, was held inside Eberly Farm. Reception hosts and hostesses were Todd and Sandy Arnold, uncle and aunt of the groom, and Bryan and Melanie Ellison, uncle and aunt of the bride. Reception attendants were Angie McCarty and Jennifer Hess, aunts of the bride, Kristin Burgan, sister-in-law of the groom, Shannon Pauls, aunt of the groom, and Angela Albin, friend of the bride.
The rehearsal dinner, with the groom's parents as hosts, was June 6 at the Fox and Hound Restaurant in Wichita.
The bride is a graduate of Hillsboro High School and attended Brown Mackie Veterinary Technical School in Salina. She is employed at McPherson Veterinary Clinic.
The groom is a graduate of St. John High School and Kansas State University. He is a finance manager at Midway Motors in McPherson.
The couple honeymooned in south Texas, and resides in McPherson.


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President Barack Obama is such a soaringly eloquent occupant of the bully pulpit that it was easy to overlook just how lacking in substantial proposals last week's State of the Union address really was.
California, however, has much at stake in the two concrete issues the chief executive did raise — an increase in the federal minimum wage and a rekindling of hope for at least incremental reform of our broken immigration system.
Clearly, the president hopes to redefine success in his second term, recalibrating according to a reduced set of public expectations. Many of the most difficult foreign policy questions currently pressing themselves on Washington went unmentioned Tuesday, or were marked only in passing. Perhaps that's because his administration sees no plausible solution to any of them — including the appalling civil war in Syria, where the Assad regime seems to be welshing on promises to come clean about its chemical weapons stocks; the alarming deterioration of the security situation in Iraq; the reimposition of authoritarian military rule in Egypt, and the uncertainties over Afghan disengagement.
On the domestic front, Obama also appears bent on dialing down public expectations. His decision to issue an executive order raising the hourly minimum wage to $10.10 for workers employed by federal contractors is a welcome step, as is his decision to support a proposal currently working its way through Congress to incrementally increase the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 to $10.10 by 2016. A 40 percent raise in a period of stagnant wages and incomes is not inconsequential, but we also need to be realistic about what it can accomplish.
The question over whether minimum wage increases are, in fact, job killers is a contentious one that divides even scrupulous economists. The current weight of scholarly opinion, though, seems to be such raises don't depress employment, at least not here in the United States. On the other hand, it's also clear that the benefits of such raises are felt mostly at the margins. In part, that's because outside the agricultural sector, 46 percent of minimum wage earners work only part time and more than half in such positions remain at that pay level for six months or less before moving on or receiving some increase from their employers.
Moreover, even if you assume that a worker receiving $10.10 an hour is employed full time, the increase translates into an annual income of $21,008. That still leaves a family of four below the official federal poverty level of $23,550.
That said, any reasonable increase is a matter of great significance to both California and its largest city, Los Angeles. That's because, for all the robust size and variety of the state's economy, we also have the country's largest population living below the poverty level. One in four Californians is poor. In Los Angeles, the actual poverty rate is about 30 percent, but more than three-quarters of those living at or below the official poverty level are members of "the working poor" — that is, they reside in households where one or more of the residents is employed. Many are concentrated in sectors like the culinary industry, where an average wage is $9.28 an hour or are service workers whose hourly pay hovers at or below $10. Doing something for them and for the state's agricultural workers, most of whom make the current federal minimum of $7.25, is nothing to sneeze at, though it's surely not enough.
Any fight over increasing the minimum wage — however modestly — is bound to be long, bitter and fraught with misinformation, but one thing to keep in mind is this: When you adjust for inflation, even boosting the federal minimum to $10.10 still leaves it well below what it was in 1965. Necessary it may be, but generous or even adequate it isn't.
Similarly, even if House Speaker John Boehner is able to convince the recalcitrant members of his caucus that they ought to sign on to at least piecemeal immigration reform, it will fall well short of the comprehensive overhaul that is so desperately needed and which the last two presidents have sought.
Even so, some sort of legalization for those immigrants in the country without papers, even if it doesn't include the path to citizenship that it should, would be welcome in California. So, too, would a carefully regulated guest worker program for agriculture, which currently undergoes seasonal and costly labor shortages. It's easy to see why: Of the 25 percent to 30 percent of Californians currently living in poverty, a majority are Latinos, many of them recent immigrants or their American-born children.
About 40 million immigrants now reside in the United States, one in four of them in California. Somewhere between 2.4 million and 2.8 million of these foreign-born Californians are without papers, which means that 24 percent of the nation's estimated 11.7 undocumented immigrants live in this state, about 900,000 of them in Los Angeles County alone. In the Inland Empire, 8 percent of the adults are undocumented immigrants, and 14 percent of all children have a parent without papers.
As has been pointed out previously in this column, forcing them to continue living in the shadows imposes burdensome legal costs. Because so many reside in households where some family members, particularly small children and students, are U.S. citizens, hundreds of thousands of California families live with the constant anxiety that some minor brush with the authorities will send fathers or mothers back to their native countries. Make no mistake, there has been nothing "soft" about the Obama administration's approach to enforcing the existing immigration statutes. Deportations, many of which tragically sunder families, have proceeded at a record pace under this president. Immigration lawyers say that the only reason more people aren't being expelled from the country is that officials simply can't process a greater number of cases than they are now.
By the most conservative estimates, making legal status available to our undocumented immigrants would generate an additional $1.5 billion in annual economic activity in L.A. County alone; statewide, the yearly gain would be $4.6 billion. That's why overwhelming majorities of Californians of all backgrounds tell pollsters they favor a path to citizenship for the undocumented, though given the composition of this Congress that may remain beyond reach.
When it comes to both the minimum wage and immigration reform, what's currently on offer in Washington isn't nearly up to California's needs, nor to those of the nation as a whole. The human tragedies inflicted by doing nothing about these situations, however, dictate that even less than half a loaf is better than nothing.
Tim Rutten is a columnist for the Los Angeles News Group. firstname.lastname@example.com.


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WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Two U.S. warships are being deployed to the Black Sea as backup security during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, officials said Saturday.
The USS Mount Whitney, a command ship and the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, left Gaeta, Italy, its home port, Saturday morning, ABC News reported. A frigate, the USS Taylor, was scheduled to leave Italy Saturday as well.
The Department of Defense told ABC Italy the Whitney is "to conduct scheduled maritime security operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations."
The most likely use for the two vessels would be to evacuate U.S. citizens in the event of trouble at the games, officials say.
Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian general staff, made an informal request for assistance at a meeting last week with Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff -- with technology to be used against improvised explosive devices, a military official told ABC.
Russia plans tight security for the games, which begin Feb. 7.


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THE CEMETERY CLUB Opens 2/22 at Vagabond Players
The Vagabond Players continues its 97th season with Ivan Menchell's The Cemetery Club, directed by Roy Hammond. The laughter-filled, bittersweet comedy runs February 22 through March 24.
This is a delightfully funny, yet poignant, view of three best-friends-forever, dealing with differing stages of their widowhood. Naturally, they go in diverse directions, but no matter what happens, their bond of friendship will not be broken. If we haven't already been there, we will be. Hopefully, it will be with the same great humor and love. The dynamic cast features Joan Crooks, Carol Conley Evans, Janise Whalen, Denis L. Latkowski and Ann Mainolfi.
Located at 806 S. Broadway, the Vagabond Theatre is easily accessible to patrons.
Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8:00; Sunday at 2:00
Tickets can be purchased online at www.vagabondplayers.org
Poster by Sherrione Brown
Photo credit: (photography by Tom Lauer)
Photo: Carol Conley Evans, Joan Crooks and Janise Whalen, the three feisty widows in
The Cemetery Club


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Still Obsessed
Why yes, I do eat strawberries daily. The obsession lives on!! For brekkie I had a big bowl of cereal with some Mareblu Almond Crunch, bananas, and strawberries. It was pretty dang filling!
I just realized that this lunch is kind of small...*scolds ED*...I'll pack better next time.
This was one of the increasingly rare occasions that my parents allow me to have a meat-free dinner (I've been going to a nutrition again, just every so often - and let me tell ya, my mom is obsessed with protein now!) Believe, I would be vegan all the way if they'd let me. Anywho, I had some creamy hummus, raw broccoli, carrots, and falafel.
And dessert! A Colossal Chocolate Chip Cookie from the Alternative Baking Co. - review coming soon! Also, some Unsweetened Original Living Harvest Hemp Milk review coming soon! Is there an echo in here? I think there is.


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23andMe Halts Genetic Health Reports
The Google-backed company had been rebuked by the FDA
The Google-backed company had been rebuked by the FDA
After a two-day hunt, a stolen truck containing the lethal radioactive material cobalt 60 was found in the rural Mexican town of Hueypoxtla. Mexican nuclear safety authorities suspect the carjackers likely did not know they were absconding with the deadly material, but will probably pay for it with their lives. The cobalt 60 had been …
Experts don't recognize the term, but say episodes of microsleep are potentially dangerous
Health officials say the situation is "serious" after a domestic worker was hospitalized in November.
Plan B's European version, Norlevo, is getting an alert that warns the emergency contraceptive may not be as effective in heavier women.
If anyone is eager to turn the page on 2013, its Anne Wojcicki.
Warning to five companies, including a Google-backed firm
As if the new cholesterol guidelines needed more controversy, the BMJ reported that the chair of the panel responsible for the new advice, which many see as favorable to the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, had …
The American Heart Association (AHA) is used to damage control, but its focus has generally been on protecting hearts, not its reputation. Ever since the organization of heart professionals, along with the American College of …
Last week, a new heart risk calculator was launched with great fanfare. This week, it's under fire.
The latest version is called H6N1, and represents the first time that this strain of bird flu has jumped from birds to people.
After natural disasters, human beings are inherently altruistic, and want to help their fellow man, right? Well, it turns out to be a little more complicated than that.
New guidelines would double the number of Americans on cholesterol-lowering drugs.


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Sensei Fumio Nagaishi asked me if I heard the story of the Karate Sensei who was saved by a pair of tonfa? I told him that I had not.
Nagaishi Sensei said that near the end of the war as American troops advanced through a village (I believe it was Awase Village), a military pastor stopped in front of a house and looked in. On the wall was a pair of tonfa, mounted back to back with the handles on the upper side. Can you visualize this? You might have seen tonfa hanging like this in various dojo.
To the pastor, the tonfa looked like the Christian cross and he raised his hands to pray.
This was the house of Sensei Shosei Kina. Nagaishi Sensei learned kobudo from Kina Sensei's student, Sensei Shinyei Kyan (the Okinawan politician and a senior who taught in Sensei Shoshin Nagamine's dojo). Nagaishi Sensei also met Kina Sensei, who lived to be 100.
I do not think that Kina Sensei intended for the tonfa to look like a Christian cross, but you never know. Kina Sensei was in fact a Christian as were many of the villagers in Awase.
I found an interesting article online that mentions Shosei Kina and his remarkable path to Christianity. See: The Village That Lived By The Bible. I also wrote about Kina Sensei in Emphasize Peace.
Nagaishi Sensei, who is now in his 80s, lived in Okinawa for 30 years before returning home to Hawaii. He practiced both Karate (under Chosin Chibana) and Kobudo (under Shinyei Kyan and Shinken Taira) in Okinawa and taught Kobudo here in Hawaii.
Charles C. Goodin
Saved By Tonfa
Sensei Fumio Nagaishi asked me if I heard the story of the Karate Sensei who was saved by a pair of tonfa? I told him that I had not.
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, September 25, 2008


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All Things Apple
27 Sep
It's officially fall and it's the perfect time to pick apples. We've also "picked" our favorite apple related products at The Stationery Studio to share with you (just in case you can't get enough of the real thing!).
Picking apples is a great excuse to make caramel apples. They also make great wedding and party favors, too! These personalized boxes make it easy to gift!
Having an apple picking party? Then you'll love these adorable die-cut invites.
Bring your apples with you … the handy notes you can take on the go!
Beautiful apple stationery you can "pick" year round.


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The Rez is a comedy/drama that focuses upon a group of young characters living on the Kidabanesee Reserve in Ontario, created by W.P. Kinsella for his short story collection/movie "Dance Me Outside". Among the youths are the awkward Silas Crow (Ryan Black), who dreams of becoming a writer; his girlfriend Sadie (Jennifer Podemski), a fiery young woman who takes up native issues with admirable commitment; Silas' party-loving best friend Frank (Darrell Dennis), who when not playing table hockey at the local bar is thinking of pick-up lines to use on the women of the reserve; and Lucy (Tamara Podemski), Frank's on-again-off-again girlfriend, whose goal is to become a singer on Broadway.
Add this episode to your queue to receive more information about
14 and we will let you know when it becomes available.


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Just like the lady herself, Elizabeth Taylor perfumes exude classic glamour and elegance. Romantic, sophisticated and endlessly charming, if this is what you pine to be, then you are the perfect fit for these scents.
Elizabeth Taylor
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White Diamonds perfume by Elizabeth Taylor is just as sought after as diamonds themselves. Enjoy this enticing fragrance along with the rest of her impressive collection.


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Large Vent Brush
Large bristles brush suitable for all hair types. Read More
Item No: 7604
Product Actions
- Made with ball-tip bristles to give the flexibility to create everything from curls and waves to straight styles or maximum-volume hair
- Suitable for all hair types
* Remove loose hair regularly. Wash in warm soapy water. Air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. Split bristles can damage hair, so invest in a new Lady Jayne brush when bristles begin to show signs of wear and tear.


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White River's Blueway designation prompts backlash
Amid a public backlash, several conservation groups and state agencies no longer want the White River to be part of a new federal program that recognizes conservation and recreation efforts along waterways.
They say concerns that the National Blueway designation for the 700-plus-mile river that flows through southern Missouri and parts of Arkansas could lead to new regulations are unfounded, but still plan to send letters this coming week to the Interior Department asking that it be taken away.
Groups on both side of the issue agree that it's the right thing to do. Opponents say the designation, given in January, could lead to new regulations or land seizures, while one-time backers say the controversy could make landowners resistant to voluntarily cooperating with conservation efforts.
"Too many people are upset," said David Casaletto, president and executive director for Kimberling City, Mo.-based Ozark Water Watch. "This was like getting a gold star if you did a good job. It was recognition. If people are upset and don't want it, let's get rid of it."
The National Blueways System was created in 2012 and is part of President Barack Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative, a program intended to promote outdoor recreation in national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands. The designation doesn't bring a protective status or enforce regulations.
The White River, popular for fishing and boating, was the second waterway to be named a National Blueway; the 410-mile long Connecticut River was the first. The designation includes the entire river as well as its watershed – 17.9 million acres for the White River.
Casaletto acknowledged that there had been communication missteps. A group in the lower part of the White River basin had initially pursued the designation.
"The political people – the local county-level, state-level, even some of the federal level people – didn't know about it, and certainly not the man on the street," he said. "There were no public meetings. Even a lot of the watershed environmental groups, a lot of them didn't know what it was about."
Backers had also hoped it would position the river to be first in line for federal grants, thought it doesn't automatically bring in new money.
"So the downside of the drama and the controversy is if this designation doesn't stick, this basin in Arkansas and Missouri will lose out on opportunities for funding for good projects to happen," said Todd Sampsell, the Missouri state director for the nonprofit Nature Conservancy.
Conservative group Secure Arkansas was among those that raised concerns about the designation after the fact.
Jeannie Burlsworth, the group's founder and chairwoman, said the initial application sets conservation goals for the area, such as restoring forestland near the river. She said there also were concerns that the designation would lead to stricter enforcement of existing laws.
"There were just many things that alarmed everybody," she said.
Concerns also have cropped up in Wyoming, where the state's congressional delegation said that if the Yellowstone River were named a Blueway, the designation could limit the river's use.
In response to the White River pushback, a coalition of Republican U.S. senators and representatives from Missouri and Arkansas sent a letter Wednesday to the Interior Department expressing concerns and asking about the process for revoking the designation.
"We're working together to do what we can to reverse this new creation by the Department of Interior that is not legislatively created, never been designate anywhere before, until this administration decided that we can have National Blueway that they say won't have any impact," Missouri U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt said Thursday during a conference call with reporters. "If they won't have any impact, why are we doing this?"
At an Arkansas legislative hearing Wednesday, several state agencies said the Blueway designation could make it more difficult to engage in conservation efforts with landowners. Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Executive Director Randy Young said he would ask the Interior Department to lift the designation, at least until landowners can be satisfied that their interests won't be harmed.
Nancy Ledbetter, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said Friday that her agency and five other Arkansas agencies were signing onto a letter that would be sent Monday to the U.S. Interior Department.
And Casaletto said non-governmental organizations who once backed the Blueway designation also are putting together a letter.
Interior Department spokeswoman Jessica Kershaw said in an email that the agency was aware that the agencies and groups that nominated the White River intend to ask that the Blueway designation be stripped.
"If that request is received, Interior will act expeditiously upon it," she wrote.


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Super: Page 92Posted: February 1st, 2011 | Author: aarondietz | Filed under: Super Blog Posts | No Comments »
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Media company 21st Century Fox's fiscal second-quarter profit dropped 12%, largely because big-ticket feature films landed with a thud at the box office and singing competitions on the Fox TV network have been hitting sour notes.
Fox's once-formidable "American Idol" no longer is invincible. The softer "Idol" ratings, and thus lower ad sales, contributed to Fox executives warning Wall Street on Thursday that its full-year earnings would not be as robust as initially thought. Weakness at Los Angeles film studio 20th Century Fox has put an even bigger drag on the company's bottom line.
For the quarter that ended Dec. 31, the Rupert Murdoch-controlled company produced profit of $1.21 billion, or 53 cents a share, down from $2.38 billion, or $1.01 a share, a year earlier.
The large drop in profit primarily was the result of an accounting change. In the previous second quarter, publishing operations were part of the company and contributed $1.3 billion in income. At the end of June, Murdoch divided his corporate empire into two companies, and the publishing businesses now make up a slimmed-down News Corp.
When comparing the same assets, Fox's profit declined 12%.
On the bright side: Fox revenue was up 15% to $8.16 billion.
"We were encouraged by the overall revenue strength, particularly in the important cable segment where affiliate and advertising were surprisingly strong," Marci Ryvicker, media analyst with Wells Fargo Securities, wrote in a Thursday research note.
The film studio had a lackluster quarter. It suffered from higher costs to promote two December releases, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" with Ben Stiller and "Walking With Dinosaurs." Both failed to produce blockbuster ticket sales.
"The Counselor" — directed by Ridley Scott and featuring an A-list cast, including Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt — was another stinker, grossing just $60 million worldwide.
The filmed entertainment division, which includes the 20th Century Fox movie and television studios, generated revenue of $2.48 billion, an increase of 6.5%. But operating income fell 20% to $337 million.
"Our film company has had a difficult first half of the [fiscal] year. We're disappointed," Fox Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey told analysts. "But with this business, it will always have its ups and downs, and we are energized about a number of key releases over the next six months."
Carey said that the Fox broadcast network was continuing its uphill slog. The just-ended quarter suffered because the television show "The X-Factor" stumbled in the ratings.
The broadcast television unit produced $1.63 billion in revenue, a nearly 6% increase from a year earlier. But operating income slipped 11% to $218 million.
Fox's star performer has been its cable television unit, which generated $2.96 billion in revenue, a 14% jump because pay TV operators are paying more to carry Fox's channels, including FX, Fox News Channel and the Fox regional sports networks. Affiliate fee revenue grew 15%.
But the revenue growth in cable was largely offset by a 22% increase in programming costs. Fox News Channel also brought in lower revenue because of tough comparisons with the year-earlier period, when the channel was awash in political spending on the 2012 general election.
A big chunk of the company's overall growth came from a $605-million increase from the company's satellite television unit because of the inclusion of revenue from German pay-TV system Sky Deutschland.
Fox also disclosed that it agreed to pay $680 million to increase its stake in the New York Yankees' YES television network. Fox agreed to shell out an additional $160 million for programming and marketing costs for YES.
The YES deal was announced last month. When the transaction closes, Fox will own 80% of the YES network.


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The weather experts may be calling it a mild drought, but it's major if you're trying to push a corn or cotton crop into hard, dry ground. That was the situation being faced by many lower Southeastern growers during the last week in April.
Georgia State Climatologist David Stooksbury declared in late April that "mild" drought conditions had returned to the state. "An unusually dry period from October 2003 through March 2004 has led to dry soils and low stream flows across the state," said Stooksbury.
Dry conditions also were hampering spring planting in parts of Alabama and Florida.
In the cool season — October through March — normal rainfall is able to recharge soil moisture, streams, groundwater, lakes and reservoirs," explains Stooksbury. "Because of the dry, cool season, the soil moisture hasn't been adequately recharged. This is causing low stream flows and dropping water tables across Georgia."
Low soil moisture is most critical south of the north Georgia mountains and north of an Albany-to-Macon-to-Lincolnton line, said Stooksbury. "In this region, soil moisture is lower than we would expect in late April in 19 out of 20 years. Soil moisture in the mountains and along the coast are at a level we would expect in one of five years in late April," he said.
United States Geological Survey stream gauges were showing extremely low flows across the southern three-fourths of the state. Several places have stream flows that are 25 to 50 percent of normal for late April.
"Based on USGS data, groundwater levels were showing good recharge in February 2004," said Stooksbury. "However, with record to near-record dryness in March through mid-April, groundwater levels are beginning to drop."
The normal recharge season for groundwater is over, he says, so groundwater levels are expected to keep dropping through summer into fall.
"Because of abundant rainfall from September 2002 through June 2003, the state's major reservoirs are in good shape. However, smaller lakes and farm ponds are beginning to show mild drought impacts. Reservoir levels will begin to drop, too, without adequate rainfall soon," he said.
Through the end of February, the state moisture conditions were in relatively good shape, thanks to a wet early 2003. After the dry March through mid-April, though, conditions began to turn dry fast.
There is little hope for short-term recovery, notes Stooksbury.
Now that we've entered late April, soil moisture loss through evaporation and transpiration (plant water use) is normally greater than rainfall. So, even with normal rainfall, the soils will keep drying out through early October."
At least mild drought conditions are expected to continue through summer, so growers are advised to take extra measures to conserve water. Water conservation suggestions are available from your local University of Georgia Extension Service office.
Comprehensive updated drought information may be found at www.georgiadrought.org. Real-time weather conditions, including soil moisture balance, may be found at www.georgiaweather.net.
In some areas of Georgia, farmers were reporting that soil was too hard and dry to plow, and supplemental hay feeding continued. Land preparation for cotton, tobacco and peanuts was behind schedule. Irrigated corn and wheat appeared in good condition, according to the state's agricultural statistics service.
Soil moisture in most areas of Georgia was rated short to very short in late April.
Very little planting was reported in the Florida Panhandle during the last week in April. Corn and soybean planting had slowed, according to the state's agricultural statistics service, due to cold, dry soils. Many farmers were delaying peanut planting until the second week in May, to reduce the risk of tomato spotted wilt virus in their fields. North Florida's corn crop looked good where growers had irrigation, but overall the crop needed moisture. Some cotton had been dusted in, according to the report.
Soil moisture was reported to be short to very short throughout most of Florida, with Polk and Highlands counties being the exceptions with adequate moisture.
In the Panhandle, some squash was being harvested in late April, while watermelons and cantaloupes under irrigation were in very good condition. Vegetable planting was reported to be behind schedule due to cool nighttime temperatures.
Pastures in the Panhandle were short and regrowth was slow due to drought and cool nighttime temperatures.
Dry conditions also were playing havoc with spring planting in Alabama. Top soil moisture was rated from very short to adequate in most areas of the state.
In Houston County in southeast Alabama, county Extension agents reported that the lack of rainfall had forced cattle producers to continue feeding hay. In addition, low soil moisture levels were delaying row crop plantings. "Farmers face the critical situation of waiting to receive adequate rainfall while the spring planting clock ticks down," reported agents.