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Jasmin Bambur (left) and Melanie Schwartz are both two-time Paralympians but are competing with the U.S. Paralympic Team for the first time in Sochi, Russia.
Among the 26 U.S. athletes and four guides nominated to the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Alpine Skiing Team, two of the athletes have previous Paralympic experience — for other countries. Jasmin Bambur (formerly of Serbia) and Melanie Schwartz (Canada) will suit up for Team USA at the Paralympic Winter Games, March 7-16 in Sochi.
Jasmin Bambur Always Liked To Go Fast
|Jasmin Bambur competes in January 2014 at a world cup in Copper Mountain, Colo.
In 1991, Bambur's parents, concerned about the unstable wartime environment in Bosnia, moved their family to northern Serbia. However, after only a few short years the hostilities had spread, and Bambur was sent to live and attend high school in the United States.
"Serbia was kind of crazy, but it was still my home," said Bambur, who was granted U.S. citizenship in 2010 and joined the U.S. Paralympics alpine skiing program in 2012. "Being war-torn and unstable, you kind of get used to that. Then you come here (the United States) and everything is nice and the stores have full shelves. It was kind of overwhelming at first."
A devastating automobile accident in early January 2000 left Bambur with a severe spinal cord injury. He is a paraplegic.
While recovering at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Bambur, a former world-class handball player, set his sights on the Paralympic Games and, within nine months, he was on skis.
Bambur had skied as a child in Bosnia and Serbia, with his father acting as his coach. Learning to ski on a mono-ski was a challenge, however in a few short months, he was keeping up with able-bodied athletes on the slopes.
"I was always looking for a way to go fast out of my wheelchair," Bambur said. "I was always going too fast and out of control on the slopes. Finally, one day, one of the ski patrol guys asked me, 'If you like to go so fast, why don't you just go race?'"
In 2010, Bambur became the first Serbian to compete at the Paralympic Winter Games and, with his top-10 finish, set his sights on competing in 2014.
"Serbia is a great country, but the funding for Paralympic sports is so limited, and I just couldn't find support," Bambur said. "I was granted dual Serbian and American citizenship in 2011, and decided that I was going to compete for the United States and take my career to the next level."
Bambur plans to compete in all five alpine events — downhill, super-G, super combined, slalom and giant slalom — in Sochi, and is excited to represent his "second home" at the Games.
"Winning a medal would be a dream come true," Bambur said. "I'm so grateful to the U.S. and my coaches who have given me the chance to compete for them. I'm going to do everything in my power to bring a medal home."
Melanie Schwartz Followed A Facebook Lead
Melanie Schwartz won the slalom title at the 2013 world cup in Queenstown, New Zealand.
What started as a joking Facebook post turned into a second Paralympic Winter Games experience for Schwartz, who placed 10th in the super combined in Vancouver.
"One day on Facebook, kind of half joking, half serious, I asked Kevin Jardine (the U.S. Paralympics high performance director for alpine skiing and snowboarding), who happens to be a dual citizen himself: 'If I get my U.S. citizenship, can I be on your team?'" Schwartz, who was born in Toronto, said. "And he said yes!"
Although her father was born and raised in New York, Schwartz said he was never really sure if he retained his U.S. citizenship after being granted Canadian citizenship.
"My sisters and I would ask him, and he always said he didn't know," Schwartz recalled. "It would make us crazy, we were always saying, 'It's not that hard, dad, either you are or you aren't.' It never really occurred to me that I could have dual citizenship, because truthfully, we never really knew if my dad was still American or not."
Although she participated in several sports as a child, she didn't take up skiing until she was an adult.
"When I was a kid, I did all sorts of sports, but I wasn't able to go as fast as everyone else," she said. "All sports — soccer, basketball, baseball — they all involve running. I wanted to participate in a sport where not having a leg wasn't a disadvantage."
Skiing, Schwartz said, allowed her to experience the speed that she never could as a child. As a congenital leg amputee who is also missing most of her right hip, she races on one ski with two outriggers, which are similar to poles with ski tips at the bottom.
Now a full-time Paralympic alpine skiing athlete, Schwartz transitioned to the U.S. program in 2012 and now lives in Aspen, Colo., where she trains with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club.
"Not only do I have big mountains to train in, the ski season is a lot longer," she said. "In Canada, the season is only about two or three months long. Here, I'm pretty much on snow for six months out of the year. The coaching here is incredible, and the training is superior."
"I'm so grateful that I was able to go to the 2010 Games as a Canadian," Schwartz continued. "But I'm really thrilled to be going to Sochi with the American team."
Scottie Bibb is a writer from Colorado. She is a freelance contributor for TeamUSA.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.


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My research interests focus in two distinct areas. The first is that of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and enteropathy. This research program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, focuses on clinical epidemiology of celiac disease, the role of genetics in predicting disease, the development of animal models for the disease and its associated dermatologic condition, and dermatitis herpetiformis. These studies are done in collaboration with the Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. These studies encompass complications of celiac disease including small bowel cancer and intersect with programs in the Mayo Comprehensive Clinical Cancer Center and the Clinical Research Unit (CRU). This comprehensive research program compliments the clinical celiac disease clinic activity.
Research focus number two revolves around esophageal disorders, particularly esophageal functional disorders, particularly reflux, and the detection of atypical reflux. This focuses on the use of novel methods for studying esophageal function such as heat impedance and, in particular, the methods for correlating reflux symptoms with actual reflux. Another esophageal focus is that of the condition of esosinophilic esophagitis, specifically translational research looking at the association between allergic disorders and that of eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus.
Review this investigator's areas of expertise, accomplishments, grants and outputs on Pure Experts.
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This tree was more than I expected. It is awesome! Very easy to set up, full and beautiful. I would recommend not only this tree but also Treetopia.
—Molly from White Pigeon, MI
Just like the simple silver bracelet that completes your favorite outfit, the Silver Stardust Tinsel Tree™ adds just the right amount of sparkle to your Christmas décor. This elegant artificial tinsel Christmas tree with clear, hand-strung lights will match any of your ornaments and complement them beautifully.
Stay simple with your decorations or deck this tree out from head to toe with multi-colored ornaments. Our designers chose a matching silver-grey stand to complete this monochromatic beauty. This shimmering, versatile tree is sure to become a dazzling canvas for your creativity.
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A developer and publisher of video games that was founded in 1979.Capcom is one of the biggest software companies in the world.Their early games were mostly arcade games like 1942 & 1943.In the late 80's & early 90's they started to make beat'em up games such as Final Fight,Captain Commando,& The Punisher.When the beat'em up games started to evolve they got into fighting games like Street Fighter 2,Darkstalkers & X-Men:Children of The Atom.In the 90's,fighting games were extremely popular and they make many sequels and spinoffs.They also crossed over X-Men characters with Street Fighter characters and made X-Men Vs. Street Fighter.Later they added more characters and made Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.In 1996,Capcom also created the survival horror series,Resident Evil.It was a huge hit and they are still making sequels to this big franchise.They have many different types of games like Dead Rising,Mega Man,Devil May Cry,Dino Crisis,Darkstalkers,Breathe of Fire,Street Fighter,& many others.
"Street Fighter Alpha 3 is one of the greatest Capcom fighting games to come out."
"Don't bother me I'm playing some great Capcom games on my Sega Saturn."
Great games made by Capcom:
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Street Fighter 3: Third Strike
Street Fighter 2: Champion's Edition
Vampire Savior
Resident Evil 1 & 2
Dino Crisis
Final Fight
The Punisher
Captain Commando
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2
Capcom Vs. Snk 2
X-Men: Children of The Atom
"Don't bother me I'm playing some great Capcom games on my Sega Saturn."
Great games made by Capcom:
Street Fighter Alpha 3
Street Fighter 3: Third Strike
Street Fighter 2: Champion's Edition
Vampire Savior
Resident Evil 1 & 2
Dino Crisis
Final Fight
The Punisher
Captain Commando
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2
Capcom Vs. Snk 2
X-Men: Children of The Atom
by DH85 May 03, 2009
Frenemy has a family tragedy. "Thoughts and prayers."
Amusement arcade Front-runner in the time when platform and shooting games, in 2D, were the bread and butter of the games industry. Noted primarily for the very standards of their in-game artwork, titles such as Black Tiger (1987), Strider (1989), Willow (1989) and Midnight Wanderers (1991) set the benchmark of the day for playability, innovation and their oft imitated visual style.
See also: Ghosts'n'Goblins, Ghouls and Ghosts, Side Arms and the mighty Truxton.
See also: Ghosts'n'Goblins, Ghouls and Ghosts, Side Arms and the mighty Truxton.
Has anybody else noticed that when Capcom were great a mysterious programmer called Blbon was credited as their lead programmer in those titles? You can't find Anything about this person on the Internet. Also, for those video game history freaks out there, like me, he was rumoured to have left Capcom for SNK.
by bad.iron October 07, 2007
A Japanese video game company. Known for classic titles such as Mega Man, Street Fighter, and Resident Evil. You know... Capcom is a lot like Elvis. Awesome and revolutionary in its younger years... but then it got old and fat and lazy and is eventually gonna die in the crapper. Also has plenty of impersonators.
Capcom sure did make some awesome games... still does every once in a while...
by DrZaius July 04, 2004
Once innovative video game company who attracted people to amusement arcades long before the fighting franchises began, with games like: Commando, Ghosts'n'Goblins, Strider, Black Tiger, Mercs, Mega Twins, Vulgus, Willow, Three Wonders, 1942 and Mega Man. Then suddenly and inexplicably ceased to be innovative in 1991 with everything since Street Fighter II.
by Jon January 13, 2004
Hey Capcom, I know Street Fighter and <insert company here> vs. Capcom games are very popular and they're the reason why you have a massive fanbase, but how about making a sequel to 1944: The Loop Master?
by dj gs68 January 17, 2004
a videogame publisher/developer based in Osaka, Japan. Their popular franchises such as: Street Fighter, Megaman, and Resident Evil, are among one of the games that brought innovation and creativity to the fighting, platform and survival-horror genres. In addition, Capcom is the most contributing game developer for many platforms, giving ALL people a chance to play their exclusive title(s) on many game systems. Capcom doesn't have a 'loyalty' pledgementship (like say Squaresoft, Nintendo...etc.), just good affiliations to other companies in the videogame industry.
Capcom makes games for all game systems there are. So that many people has access to their games even if they don't have a specific game console in which the game is exclusive onto.
by anjiro February 29, 2004
Oct 22 trending
- 1. Watermelon Sugar
- 2. Ghetto Spread
- 3. Girls who eat carrots
- 4. sorority squat
- 5. Durk
- 6. Momala
- 7. knocking
- 8. Dog shot
- 9. sputnik
- 10. guvy
- 11. knockin'
- 12. nuke the fridge
- 13. obnoxion
- 14. Eee-o eleven
- 15. edward 40 hands
- 16. heels up
- 17. columbus
- 18. ain't got
- 19. UrbDic
- 20. yak shaving
- 21. Rush B Cyka Blyat
- 22. Pimp Nails
- 23. Backpedaling
- 24. Anol
- 25. got that
- 26. by the way
- 27. Wetter than an otter's pocket
- 28. soy face
- 30. georgia rose


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About Akrapovic
Akrapovic is a pioneer in the innovative use of titanium and super-alloys. The brand is at the forefront of carbon-fiber component development and production. Akrapovic exhaust systems are renowned for increasing performance, unmistakable sound, innovative design, lightweight technology, quality workmanship, and durability.
Founded in Slovenia by former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovic , the aftermarket muffler and exhaust pipe brand has grown to international prominence, winning major world championship titles and setting the highest design standards, which have led to multiple Red Dot awards (for outstanding international product design and communication).
A pioneer in its field, Akrapovic is widely recognized as a highly innovative materials technology company. The brand is synonymous with the highest level of design, performance enhancement and the creation of an unmistakable deeply resonant exhaust sound. The company's aftermarket mufflers and exhaust pipes are designed and manufactured for motorcycles and performance cars by a passionate and highly-skilled workforce of over 1000 employees using the latest technology, processes and finest materials. The Racing R&D department works with dozens of racing teams. Over 100 world champions have already relied on Akrapovic exhaust systems. And this is just the beginning of a long exciting ride. Shop below for Akrapovic mufflers, exhausts, sound kits and tail pipe sets.
Racing has always been the lifeblood of Akrapovic and, as the company reached its 25thanniversary in 2016, it also celebrated its 100th world championship title, a feat achieved when Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) won the MotoGP championship in 2015. The technical ability and support Akrapovic provides to teams competing in MotoGP, EWC, WorldSBK, MXGP, Enduro, Supercross, Dakar rally, DTM, and FIA WEC give them the competitive edge, which follows the same heritage and know-how that is transferred into road and off-road systems.
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The company operates from state-of-the-art production facilities and technologically advanced R&D facilities in Slovenia, which include an in-house titanium foundry, a metallurgical laboratory, several motorcycle and car dynamometers, and high-tech production machinery. Akrapovic has over 1000 employees and markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Akrapovic Materials
The company made a great leap forward in 2009, when it opened its own in-house cutting-edge titanium foundry; it is still the only exhaust system supplier with its own in-house foundry. The titanium foundry facility participates in all phases of the investment casting process, from wax injection to the final inspection of the cast parts with X-ray radioscopy and other control procedures, such as chemical analyses, mechanical properties, and dimensional accuracy.
Akrapovic has a fully equipped metallurgical laboratory for testing the material properties and quality of products. The company believes that metallography is a great tool for understanding the limits of exhaust systems and materials. They achieve all of this using exclusive in-house knowledge and technologies, and more than twenty years of experience in processing special materials for exhaust systems.
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The family of nickel-based superalloys that are alloyed with chrome, molybdenum, and niobium are also commercially known as Inconel alloys. These kinds of alloys have exceptional mechanical properties at extremely low and high temperatures. They are also extremely resistant to corrosion and corrosive acids (both surface resistance and at the crystal level) and have very high oxidation resistance.
These are some of the items you can find at LMPerformance for your BMW
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Another very popular choice by BMW enthusiasts are the B&B (Billy Boat) exhausts which are made right here in the U.S. in Arizona. They feature 304 mandrel bent Stainless steel and come in several muffler styles such as the Bullets, PRT, and Fusion. B&B tunes each muffler to match its application for the best possible performance gain and sound quality combination. Billy Boat recently started to incorporate the PRT technology into all of their muffler systems. PRT Technology allows true straight through exhaust passage under aggressive driving, though a mellow sound is emitted at cruising speed thanks to the unique Purge Chamber. The use of two distinct packing materials and several S.C.C.'S inside the BILLY BOAT muffler enable them to create a harmonious sound that will have heads turning when you drive by.


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Famed Galapagos tortoise Lonesome George to be embalmed
(AP) QUITO, Ecuador - The beloved Galapagos Islands giant tortoise known as Lonesome George will remain a tourist attraction even in death.
Ecuador's environment minister says the reptile that became a symbol of disappearing species will be embalmed and placed on display on Santa Cruz island.
Minister Marcela Aguinaga told reporters Tuesday that an autopsy determined that Lonesome George died of old age. He was believed to be about 100 years old.
Watch a video below about Lonesome George's death:
Lonesome George was the last of the Pinta Island giant tortoise subspecies, and he failed to leave offspring despite the best efforts of conservationists.
He was discovered in 1972 discovery on Pinta Island and became an ambassador of sorts for the archipelago off Ecuador's coast whose unique flora and fauna helped inspire Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution.


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- Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist
- Exhibition
- "This exhibition is the largest ever of Leonardo da Vincis studies of the human body. Leonardo has long been recognised as one of the great artists of the Renaissance, but he was also a pioneer in the understanding of human anatomy. He intended to publish his ground-breaking work in a treatise on anatomy, and had he done so his discoveries would have transformed European knowledge of the subject. But on Leonardos death in 1519 the drawings remained a mass of undigested material among his private papers and their significance was effectively lost to the world for almost 400 years. Today they are among the Royal Collection's greatest treasures."


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Julia Spalding
Spalding's first job out of Ball State University was with Indianapolis Monthly. She spent 11 happy years on the editorial staff before moving to southern California, where she penned freelance articles for a variety of magazines; co-wrote The Encyclopedia of Guilty Pleasures: 1,001 Things You Love to Hate and The Complete Excuses Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Avoiding Blame and Shirking Responsibility for All Your Own Miserable Failings and Sloppy Mistakes. She also contributed to the travel guide Moon Metro Los Angeles, wrote copy for an online marketing company, and served as the staff writer/editor at a San Diego book publisher. After getting all of that out of her system, Spalding returned to Indy and the Monthly in 2007.
Follow her on Twitter @SpaldingJulia and email her at [email protected].


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Classic sports car proportions also make the Mercedes-AMG GT C an extremely alluring spectacle. From the expressive AMG Panamericana grille through the long, muscular bonnet to the wide rear end, the two-seater exudes all the promise of a pure sports car experience even while still stationary.
The interior design continues the special design idiom of the exterior. The accentuated wide look of the dashboard has the appearance of a powerful wing. The high beltlines, the concave door panelling, the dynamically rising, V8-styled centre console and the low seating position help integrate the driver perfectly into the cockpit. The outstanding quality of materials is another defining feature of the Mercedes-AMG GT C. The look and feel exude a hand-crafted character. The high-quality standard equipment positions the Mercedes-AMG GT C as the sporty top-of-the-range model.
The Mercedes-AMG GT C is a high-performance sports car featuring fascinating technology. The basis for its sophisticated lightweight design is provided by the aluminium spaceframe body. Another highlight is the boot lid consisting of ultra-light SMC plastic (Sheet Moulding Compound) and steel reinforcement underneath. The Mercedes-AMG GT C also incorporates a lithium-ion battery, saving approx. 10 kilograms in weight compared with a conventional starter battery.Learn more


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This guide to Microsoft Office 2010 offers a thorough guide to learning to get the best out of these applications and aims to take a new look at how it can be used to simplify and enlighten our lives. Knowing how to use Microsoft Office well is an essential tool for college students and it will simplify your work and study. This introductory guide will enlighten you on all the functions, shortcuts, and troubleshooting that you could possibly need to know. Find cheap Microsoft Office 2010 guides and manuals through our marketplace either by purchasing outright or renting for a semester or more. Kathy T. Finnegan is the author of 'New Perspectives on Microsoft Office 2010, First Course (Microsoft Office 2010 Print Solutions)', published 2010 under ISBN 9780538746533 and ISBN 053874653X.[read more]
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|With my sister Gwen, by our tent trailer. I'm the one wearing the groovy pants.
|Paul, Gwen, Beth and Joyce Baker
|With my sister Gwen, by our tent trailer. I'm the one wearing the groovy pants.
|Paul, Gwen, Beth and Joyce Baker
What a fun glimpse into your childhood. I'm quite jealous. My travel as a child was not very exciting.
I haven't been on your blog in a while- took a little blogging break over the summer- and I have to tell you, I love the new design!
Thanks, Tasha! You've had good reasons to take a blogging break this summer! Looking forward to catching up with you and your family.
What a lovely post! It's no wonder that you like to travel so often.
And what a gorgeous family (even those awesome pants!) :D
What beautiful memories, Beth. I would love to visit Anne's house and Louisa May Alcott's. What a fun trip!
Awwww! I love those photos! Thanks for sharing travel info about your parents and how it influenced your globe-trotting ways. My family had a station-wagon, and we drove that thing around across the country...Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon. I was always in the very backseat with the dog (back when they allowed a seat to face the rear, so I always had to stare at the car behind us in drive-through lines the rare times we'd get fast food). Good memories :)
What great family photos!
Fun to read. I had to laugh because I just finished writing a post for Saturday's blog entitled How I Spent My Summer Vacation...lol. Once again, that "Baker" in us keeps us connected! In the process of sorting photos for it of graduation, swim meets, birthday, college send-off, etc. so I need until Saturday to get those photos figured out! You were so dang cute! Love the pants and the dress!!
I really like the rule that you have to visit something that each member of the family will like. While the contrast between the doll museum and the Hall of Fame is a bit broader than most, I think in most circumstances, everyone in the family is pleasantly surprised by what they find.
Oh, I loved your old family photos, Beth! I grew up camping across the western US and Canada....I saw some amazing places my parents were unable to afford unless we did it that way. I have great memories of those times with my 3 sisters :)
So fortunate to have those travel memories - broaden the mind and the spirit. Those photographers are awesome!
What great photos! One of my favorite things about a trip is all of the planning!!
I know a bunch of girls who would love to see the Anne of Green Gables house. You lucky duck!
What a fantastic childhood memory Beth. I know I definitely picked up my "itchy feet" from my dad. He loved road trips and even though we couldn't afford overseas travel back then, he'd drive us far and wide :) I'd love to visit the Anne of Green gables house one day.
Great post. My family loves to travel too. We take off in our motor home as much as possible...
Oh I love your photos! My family loves to travel together!
Oh Beth - those sweet photos, those memories that brought you up - that's all part of your DNA now. Lovely.
A wonderful childhood memory! Love the photo of you and your sister.
Beautiful memories and love thes epics, I have similars, love of you and your sister, x gloria
Awww, what sweet memories, Beth. When I was growing up, my own family traveled with our trailer one summer, from California to Massachusetts and back. It was not so joyous but provides humorous memories now:)
Your parents sound like very special people to have created such wonderful memories for you. I love travelling with my family and seeing new places. What I like most is that we are together:)
Love this post. We have many of the same memories in our family, travelling up and down the East coast with our tent trailer too!
suggestion: Go to places where people usually don't go. Like these small villages. You get to learn a lot.


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- Date
- 30 Jan 2014
- Tags
- Sochi 2014 , IOC News , Cross Country Skiing , Poland
Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland's cross-country trailblazer
After becoming the first ever Polish Olympic cross-country ski champion by winning the 30km classical at Vancouver 2010, Justyna Kowalczyk has continued to shine over the past four years, and will be a serious contender in all the individual cross-country events in Sochi.
On 27 February 2010, the penultimate day of competition at the Vancouver Games, Polish cross-country skier Justyna Kowalczyk and Marit Björgen of Norway pulled away from the pack with 8km to go in the 30km classical event. The two then produced a dramatic finale that delighted an appreciative crowd at Whistler Olympic Park.
Björgen then led for much of their duel, but Kowalczyk, who had finished second in the individual sprint and third in the 15km individual pursuit, made her move in the closing stages of their 91-minute race, edging ahead and then holding off a determined sprint finish from her Norwegian rival to claim Poland's first ever Olympic cross-country gold by three tenths of a second. The Limanowa native's margin of victory was the closest in Olympic history over that distance.
A Pole apart
Ever since her international career took off during season 2008-2009, Kowalczyk has continued to set new benchmarks for Polish sport. Her four Olympic medals (including a bronze acquired during the 30km event at Turin 2006), represent the sum total won by Polish cross-country skiers at the Games. She is also the only female athlete from her country to have secured a FIS World Cup win, a feat she had achieved no fewer than 28 times as of 15 December 2013. Those successes have contributed to four triumphs in the overall standings (in 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011 and 2012-2013) and four small crystal globes.
In addition, Kowalczyk is the only cross-country specialist in the world to have landed four consecutive FIS Tour de Ski titles (2010 to 2013), and she boasts seven World Championship medals, including two golds earned in Liberec (CZE) in 2009 in the 30km and 2 x 7.5km pursuit events.
Named Polish Sports Personality of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Kowalczyk is unique in being able to celebrate her birthday twice; her actual birthdate was 19 January 1983, but thanks to an error her birthday was registered as 23 January, and still features on all of her personal documentation to this day.
As Sochi 2014 draws ever closer, the 31-year-old is in determined mood. "The Olympic Games are only held once every four years. When you're at the starting line, you realise that you need to give your very best, whether you're taking part in a 10km classical or a team sprint. You're representing your country and you need to be at the peak of your powers. I'm well prepared. I'm ready to compete strongly at every Olympic discipline, be it in a sprint or over a longer distance," she confirms confidently.
Follow Justyna Kowalczyk on the Athlete's Hub:


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MC Frontalot's song "Spoiler Alert" is all about giving away the plot to your favorite movies (and real life), so it's hilarious that the song's brilliant video is spoiler-proof. There's no way to explain this story of bears with jetpacks.
I seriously have no idea what the storyline of this video is, but that just makes it a million times better. And really, the video is the perfect counterpart to the song — not only should we care less about spoilers, we should demand storylines worth spoiling! Preferably involving genetically engineered bears with jetpacks eating ice cream and battling fighter jets. Because nerdcore hip hop demands it. [via BoingBoing]


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There's nothing better than having a good feud with colorful characters with colorful names like "Poker Tom." The following story is a little over 100 years old from the Baxter Bulletin with meanness on the Missouri / Arkansas state-line.
Feud above the Line.
The imaginary line between Baxter County and Ozark County, Missouri, saved a lot of expense last week in connection with the shooting and cutting affair they had up there. Last Thursday Isaac Crawford and father were with Tom White, better known as "Poker Tom," on their way to do some work for White. They met Dru Smith in the road, and a quarrel arose. Isaac Crawford was armed with a rifle and Dru Smith carried a double barrel shotgun. According to Smith's story, Isaac Crawford attempted to shoot him with the rifle, but the weapon snapped, then Smith shot Crawford through the hand as he was holding the gun in position to shoot and the shot tore away Crawford's chin and knocked out his teeth and plowed through his tongue and neck. Smith turned on Nick Crawford, the older man, and was going to shoot him, but when Crawford begged for mercy and told him that he got his man, Smith lowered his gun. The elder Crawford watched his chance and at an opportune moment grappled with Smith. In the scuffle, Smith dropped the gun, which White quickly secured, taking the lead out of the weapon. Smith and the elder Crawford pounded each other until both men tried to get out their knives. Crawford got his into play and stabbed Smith several times, once very badly in the back, breaking the blade of the knife. Then Smith got away from the elder Crawford and drew a revolver he had in his hip pocket. He shot at Crawford who stumbled and fell. Believing that he also killed the elder Crawford, Smith started to run away. Isaac Crawford, with blood streaming down his face, had in the meantime arose to his feet, and securing a large rock, hit Smith in the head, knocking him down. Before Smith got up, Isaac Crawford was after him with more rocks. Smith turned his pistol on Isaac Crawford, but the weapon failed to explode and Smith then made his escape. White, who had witnessed the whole affair, got possession of both rifle and shotgun and no further shooting was done. Isaac Crawford died Tuesday night from the wounds he received. Up until Wednesday, Smith had not been arrested.
Work Cited:
"Feud Above the Line." Baxter Bulletin 7.09 (06 Mar. 1908) 1-1. Baxter County Microfilm Archive. Baxter County Library, Mountain Home, AR. 1 Nov. 2009


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To all Avila Therapeutics website visitors:
Celgene Corporation closed its acquisition of Avila Therapeutics on March 7th 2012. As a result, Avila Therapeutics is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Celgene Corporation. The transaction brings to Celgene a highly-selective Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (Btk) inhibitor, currently in phase I clinical development, as well as a unique discovery platform for developing targeted covalent drugs that treat diseases through protein silencing.
To access relevant information on the Btk inhibitor program and Avilomics™, please continue to www.celgene.com or use the relevant links below:


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I have two SSDs Kingston SH103S3240G plugged on SATA ports of my Intel Server Board S3000AH. The SSDs apear like a PATA device (hdx instead of sdx) on my CentOS 5.9.
I'm having problems related to high iowait. Does this have something related?
On motherboard setup the
SATA mode are


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In your answer to the meaning of "orthodox" in the OPC's name (see Meaning of Orthodox), you rightly say that it (generally) means "correct doctrine". However, your etymology of the word is not quite correct. The Greek word "doxa" means "worship" as in "correct worship." Clearly there's a relation between the two (the "regulative principle" applies to doctrine as well as worship) but there's a difference also.
Thanks for your note. What you say is partly correct. "Orthodox" can mean (at least theoretically) "correct worship" as well as "correct doctrine" (or at least some people have suggested that), but note the following points (for which I will provide documentation shortly):
(1) Almost all reference works when tracing the etymology of "orthodox" (from "ortho" + "doxa") give the original meaning (and current meaning) as "correct doctrine" or "straight opinion" or "right belief" rather than as "correct worship."
(2) Of those that mention "correct worship" as a possible meaning, most (a) also mention "correct doctrine" as correct and (b) are written from the standpoint of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which has a tradition of giving more attention to worship than to doctrine.
(3) So far as the context of the late 1930's is concerned, I think most people would agree that the focus was not upon "correct worship" (in contrast to the "incorrect worship" of Liberal Protestantism), but upon "correct doctrine" (in contrast to the "incorrect doctrine" of Liberal Protestantism).
Let's take those points, one by one.
(1) Almost all reference works when tracing the etymology of "orthodox" (from ortho" + "doxa") give the original meaning (and current meaning) as "correct doctrine" or "straight opinion" or "right belief" rather than "correct worship".
orthodoxy ... 1. authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice .... The quality of conforming to such theories, doctrines, or practices.... ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: via late Latin from late Greek orthodoxia 'sound doctrine,' from orthodoxos (see ORTHODOX)....
orthodox ... 1. (of a person or their views, esp. religious or political ones, or other beliefs or practices) conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true.... ORIGIN late Middle English from Greek orthodoxos (probably via ecclesiastical Latin), from orthos 'straight or right' + doxa 'opinion'."
--The New Oxford American Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 2001), p. 1209.
orthodox ... 1. of, pertaining to, or conforming to the approved form of any doctrine, philosophy, ideology, etc... [1575-85: < LL orthodoxus, right in religion < LGk orthodoxos, equiv. to ortho- [see] ORTHO- + dox(a) belief, opinion + -os adj. suffix]"
--Random House Unabridged Dictionary (Random House, 1999), p. 1368.
orthodox ... Adj [MF or LL; MF orthodoxe, fr. LL orthodoxus, fr. LGk orhodoxos, fr. Gk orthodoxein to have the right opinion, fr. ortho- straight, right, true + -doxein (fr. doxa opinion, belief, reputation)... 1: marked by conformity to doctrines or practices esp. in religion that are held as right or true by some authority, standard, or tradition..."
--Merriam-Webster Third New International Dictionary (G. and C. Merriam Company, 1976), p. 1594.
Note that "doxa" here in these examples is always taken in the sense of "opinion" or "belief" and never as "worship." I think you'll find the same to be true of various standard etymological dictionaries. Here's one example:
orthodox ... according with accepted opinion XVI .... - ecclL. orthodoxus - Gr. orthodoxos, f. orthos, straight, right ... + doxa opinion, f. base of dokein...."
--Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology (Oxford University Press, 1966), p. 634.
Doxa thus comes from dokein, to think or believe, from which we also get our word dogma (as in Reformed dogmatics).
The ultimate meaning of a word is determined more by its usage than by its etymology, but it is interesting that both etymology and historic usage support the primary idea of "sound doctrine," "true belief," of "right opinion" rather than the idea of "correct worship" (although, of course, correct worship is founded upon sound doctrine, true belief, and right opinion).
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church also values correct worship highly (thus the emphasis upon the "regulative principle of worship"), but the word "orthodox" in its name refers primarily to "sound doctrine," i.e., beliefs founded upon the infallible revelation of God Himself as "inscripturated" in the Bible. This emphasis was true of the early history of the OPC, and it continues to be true today.
(Coming up: more on "correct doctrine" and "correct worship" and the early history of the OPC.)
"Questions and Answers" is a weekly feature of the OPC website. The answers come from individual ministers in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressing their own convictions and do not necessarily represent an "official" position of the Church, especially in areas where the Standards of the Church (the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms) are silent.
The questions come from individuals like yourself. If you have questions about biblical and theological matters, you are invited to send them by e-mail by using the "Pose a Question" link on the OPC home page or by clicking here.
At least one new question is posted each week, so there should always be something new here for you to read. (For those people who would like to look at previous questions and answers, they will continue to be available as well.)
The purpose of the OPC website's "Questions and Answers" is to respond to biblical and theological questions. Matters of church discipline, disputes, or debates go beyond the scope of our work. We recommend that you present your concerns in these areas to the appropriate judicatory. In most cases this will be to a local pastor, elder, or session. We do not want the website to replace personal involvement in, or commitment to, the local, visible church.
While we will respond to every serious questioner, we are not bound to give a substantive answer to every question, should we deem the question to be beyond the scope of our purpose or our own ability to answer.
You will receive an answer by e-mail. Please be patient as many of our respondents are busy pastors. The response to your question may take up to two (2) weeks. Some of the questions submitted will be chosen to be posted here, along with the corresponding answers.
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|© 2020 The Orthodox Presbyterian Church
Chaplains and Military Personnel


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PM 9711 Roller Conveyor with Pallet Drive
The roller conveyor is suited for horizontal transport of full and empty pallets. Tensioning of the chains is not required because of the chain transmission from roller to roller. At the same time, the rigid frame profile serves as side guide. Floor irregularities can easily be compensated with adjustable supports. The use of the Interroll Pallet Drive allows a compact design. Since the drive is located within the side profiles, the individual modules can be installed very close to each other. Together with MultiControl and PalletControl, it is very easy to implement a zero-pressure accumulation conveyor.


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The US Grand Prix could be run within spitting distance of New York City according to the president of Monticello Motor Club, who says Formula One is considering his new track in the Catskills.
Formula One's expressed interest in adding a US track to the global series after a long absence, but recent attempts to secure one have faltered. Monticello Motor Club president Ari Strauss thinks his track in upstate New York might have what it takes.
In a letter widely and predictably leaked by club members, Strauss says Formula One's chief engineer spent time taking measurements of the 4.1-mile circuit after a successful meeting between the club and F1 maestro Bernie Ecclestone. The track was pronounced suitable, should a few "minor" modifications be made. Monticello now joins the running for a 10-year exclusive contract for the race, a contest Strauss describes as "like winning the Olympics."
Located about 90 minutes' drive north of the city, Monticello is a private track for wealthy car enthusiasts. It's a huge, varied track with 20 corners and three straights totalaling 1.5 miles on their own. If a Cadillac CTS-V can reach 170 MPH on the back straight, imagine the speeds F1 cars would reach. The only problem is a complete and utter lack of spectating areas (really, there's none), something likely to be addressed if the track is awarded the contract.
Here's the letter in full:
Dear member,
Within the next day, you may read that Formula 1 (F1) is planning a return to the United States and has their sights on a special location in New York: Monticello Motor Club.
A few months ago, Bill McMichael and I met with Bernie Ecclestone, President/CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), and discussed the terms for an exclusive 10-year United States Grand Prix to be hosted at MMC. Shortly thereafter, Hermann Tilke, the chief engineer and circuit designer for F1, spent time at MMC and confirmed that our track and surrounding properties, with some expansion and minor track modifications, is an excellent location for a Grand Prix. Since receiving a letter of understanding from FOM confirming their hope to bring the US Grand Prix to Monticello, Bill and I have continued to secure the backing and support of local, state, and federal politicians and organizations.


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Why indeed? We often preach the gospel of consistent, frequent flight lessons because research says that's what works best.
But for some of us, it just isn't possible. Take Bill Adams, whose travel for work conflicts with a regular flying schedule. But he hasn't let that stop him. Here's what Bill says has worked for him:
Why be normal? My job takes me all over the country for short periods of time. So, my instruction cannot be normal. I have to take what I can get. In my case it turned out to be better than normal.
By the time I soloed, I had flown six different airplanes and had about half my time in tri-gear and half my time in tailwheel. I have flown high wing and low wing, tandem and side-by-side, a glass panel and a plane with no electrical system that had to be hand-propped (my personal favorite). I just completed my first solo in a taildragger at a tower-controlled airport—a 1940s-era Aeronca Champ at Livermore Municipal in Livermore, California. My instructor was Pete Eltgroth, with Red Sky Aviation. I had just as much fun (or more) as the person soloing in a tri-gear at an uncontrolled airport.
While all these differences did extend the length of my training a little, so far, they have also provided a more comprehensive (and more fun) learning experience. And, I am much farther along than if I had waited for more ideal circumstances.
To which we say, "Congratulations!" Because, at the end of the day, whatever works to get you into the sky.—Jill W. Tallman
Are you interested in learning to fly? Sign up for a free student trial membership in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and receive six issues of Flight Training magazine plus lots of training tools and resources for student pilots. Click here for more information.


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text: Team FastEddy entered the hobby business in 1999 as a major supplier of ball bearings to other hobby companies and manufacturers. Chances are you may be using our bearings and not even know it. As our hobby interests grew so did our product lines. In 2006 we started using our own brand name "Team FastEddy" for out 5th scale products and are now one of the world's leading manufacturers of High performance products for the HPI Baja and other 5th scale R/Cs. You can find our products in hobby stores worldwide.


text: This February, Frank Castle"s one-man-war on crime continues in an all-new THE PUNISHER #1 – from the explosive creative team of Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads! For years, the Punisher has called New York City his home – keeping a watchful eye on the city through the sight of a gun. But when a lead on a major source of drugs, weapons, and more leads Frank out west – he sets his sights on Los Angeles. And the City of Angels isn"t ready for a devil like the Punisher! But not everything is as it appears, and Frank will soon find himself toe-to-toe with a highly trained military strike force known only as the 131! Who are the mysterious 131? And why are they out for the Punisher"s head? Find out when the high-octane new series kicks off this February in THE PUNISHER #1!


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Any quotes are returned in a timely manner and at competitive prices. Any queries are dealt with swiftly and explained clearly and in detail. NCAVM make what could be a hard process into an easy and painless process. more


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OshKosh B'gosh was founded in 1895 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin as a manufacturer of hickory-striped denim bib overalls for railroad workers and farmers. It was the brilliant idea of designing a pint-size version for the children of these customers that gave OshKosh B'gosh its true meaning and purpose.
The World's Best Overalls embody the hopes, dreams and pride of every parent for their kids. More than just a clothing company, OshKosh B'gosh is an emotional connection between generations.
As we grew to offer style-conscious kids everything from casual playwear to special occasion dresses, we've stayed true to our roots in quality, durability and craftsmanship... things worth holding on to.
After 117 years, we've decided we may never grow up. We're fine with growing old. We're just not fine with forgetting where we came from. So we're staying true to our original recipe: build great products, put the customer first and provide honest value every day.
In 2005, OshKosh B'gosh joined the Carter's family of brands. Together, OshKosh B'gosh and Carter's are two of the oldest, largest and most-recognized brands of baby and children's apparel in the world. That's a lot of history — connections binding families, and lasting relationships forged with customers and tales of timeless quality.
History has earned OshKosh B'gosh the trust of generations of families, and that's history we intend to repeat.


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The youngest among the top law schools in the nation, UCLA School of Law is a dynamic and forward-looking institution committed to training students to be leaders both in practice and in the community. Our students benefit from a rich and expansive curriculum, cutting-edge centers and programs, a long tradition of interdisciplinary thought and study, and an extensive selection of clinical and experiential courses that enable students to shape their own professional identities.
Juris Doctor Program
UCLA School of Law offers students a rigorous and engaging J.D. program. From the innovative design of our first-year curriculum, to the demanding capstone courses of the advanced curriculum, UCLA Law offers students a dynamic start to their professional life.
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Currently we offer seven official specializations for the Juris Doctor.
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The Motorola Droid Bionic was easily one of the most hyped devices of 2011. Unfortunately, when the Bionic was finally released almost three months ago, the sales did not match the hype. So what's Verizon to do? How about chip a hundred dollars off the on-contract price?
When the Bionic first released on September 8, 2011, it cost a hefty $ 299.99 on-contract. Not that the Bionic isn't worth $ 300 along with two years of your mobile freedom, but up until this year, $ 200 with a two-year contract was the industry standard for a high-end smartphone. Which is exactly what Verizon has officially moved the Bionic to if purchased with a two-year contract.
The original high price, competing phones that launched around the same time, and the threat of bigger and better phones on the horizon all undoubtedly attributed to the $ 100 price drop. It's not unusual to see a device go down in price once it's been out for awhile, but three months seems slightly early. At the absolute most, early adopters have had their Bionic for under three months now, and all they have to show for it is an extra $ 100 dent in their pocketbook.
Still, it's nice to see yet another one of Verizon's amazing devices become a little bit more affordable. Now that the Bionic has gone down in price, will you consider picking one up?
« Sprint and HTC subcontractor accused of logging user data in non-secure, invasive manner [Video] AT&T: T-Mobile's spectrum will be ours, one way or another »


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I am very pleased to have a guest blogger for this post: Grace Walker-Stevenson. Grace graduated from The Center School High School last week, class of 2012. At Center, each Senior must complete and present a senior project as part of their Citizenship/Social Justice (teacher Jon Greenberg's version of Language Arts/Humanities) class requirements. This is a year-long project, the final phase of which must involve at least 30 working hours towards a final product. The goal of this product is to inspire or enlighten others regarding a social injustice. I attended Center's "Senior Celebration" this year, where I was fortunate enough to hear Grace give the following presentation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
There's this gracious intangible thing with lots of names like "Peace," "Love," "God," "Salvation," "Happiness," "Equanimity." Call it anything ya wanna call it, but everybody – whether they admit it or not – wants it. It doesn't speak or move or invade or deny or convince. It just is, like air. Exactly like air. Whenever I find I've trailed off too far from my awareness of it, I know that I can write my way back inside. It's why I write. You are reading the words of a sucker, a sucker for solution, and catharsis, and clarity, revival, redemption, and release. Taking the time to write my way back Home, through any given space that might slip between me and Happiness, is my life's work. And for a moody guy like me, there is much work to be done. – Buddy Wakefield
As a poet, artist, neurotic social justice advocate, student, and above all else; human being, I've discovered that there are a great number of people living in poverty. Financial poverty often scares society into the type of poverty I'd like to discuss, which is poverty of spirit. I would posit that there is a great number of office workers who dream of the theater, lawyers who wake up in the night with inspiration for more creative things than case work. The closet poets, the sometimes painters, the sculptors that try to release their craft as surgeons or architects. Those hum-drum office workers in search of keeping an "honorable" career path while they tuck their dreams deep inside themselves. Now, of course not all scientists want to be ballerinas, and as well they shouldn't. A lot of fulfillment can be found in the realm of math and science, no one would argue that they do an incredible amount for society. However, there is a problem inherent in how our society accredits intelligence to those that do not choose the conventional career paths.
I'd like you to put yourself in the shoes of an artist for a minute, even if you aren't one. Now I'd like you to imagine relying on art as your only means of income in your adult life. If you're pulling out your hair in reaction to the stress of that reality, or sighing in relief because you majored in engineering, well, you're probably right. Within the American capitalist system, and probably throughout the rest of the world, artistic intelligence is conventionally disrespected. This happens throughout the educational system and is reflected in the working world. The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently reported that "the median salary of math, science, and computer science majors' first jobs rose five times as quickly as the median salary of humanities and science majors' first jobs in 2012." Because the working world is predicated on the idea that the highest qualifying jobs theoretically earn the highest pay, this data is a bit of a wake up call. The Huffington Post released an article on this growing wage inequality as well. They echoed a similarly disparaging statistic that workers who "start our at a lower salary will likely be making less money for the rest of their lives. Workers that majored in math, economics, biology, and engineering make between forty and fifty dollars per hour on average in 2012." This wouldn't be so disturbing if not for "workers that majored in nearly anything else make less than forty dollars per hour on average." Often the higher paid college majors make nearly twice as much their lower paid counterparts.
After reading these statistics, and hearing the stories of many "would-be" artists, I found that I have stumbled upon yet another social injustice to grumble about. My personal connection to this topic isn't incredibly unique, but once I reflected upon it, I found that poverty of spirit was all around me.
I was the child with the enormous forehead. My parents shoved me into every movie audition, ballet lesson, neighborhood music camp and child orchestra in the greater Seattle area. One of my mother's first and most telling life lessons was "if you're going to make it, you'll have to start now." With that, I was off. Trying to learn as much as I could about artistic expression in order to attempt to excel at it. Somehow, I thought if I could get the movie role or learn the pirouette perfectly, I would buck the odds and actually find a stable career in the arts. Needless to say: privilege can't buy talent. If you don't believe me, go turn on MTV. I wasn't built for those dreams and quickly I found myself taking the practical advice of my kindergarten teacher and sought out more "respectable" dreams for the next decade. My story is not only cliché' but it's probably hereditary. Closeted artists are littered across my family tree. My grandfather was kicked out of art college, and quickly became an engineer under the Reagan administration. He helped to build bombs and satellites, and they became his legacy, although his art went totally unrecognized. My father is an oil painter and an ex-actor who now works for a school district. Of course, building schools and satellite systems are incredibly valuable, but I've also sensed the ache for something different. I couldn't help but think that if all budding artists had the privilege of receiving artistic education in a supportive community, they might thrive and fully realize their potential.
Kurt Vonnegut once compared artists to canaries in the coal mines of society, they support the organism by keeping it honest and in check. When the artists start dropping dead or producing alarming works, we're forced to pay attention. And we do pay attention, media is everywhere constantly. But as it's funded largely by the system, it often does not criticize the system. However, if honest reaction to the status quo isn't valuable, I don't know what is. Sir Ken Robinson gave a speech on a similar topic to the Dali Lama Foundation earlier this year.
Now our education system is predicated on the idea of academic ability. And there's a reason. The whole system was invented around the world, really, during the 19th century. They all came into being to meet the needs of industrialism. So the hierarchy is rooted on two ideas. Number one, that the most useful subjects for work are at the top. So you were probably steered benignly away from things at school when you were a kid, things you liked, on the grounds that you would never get a job doing that. Is that right? Don't do music, you're not going to be a musician; don't do art, you won't be an artist. Benign advice – now, profoundly mistaken. The whole world is engulfed in a revolution. The second is academic ability, which has really come to dominate our view of intelligence, because the universities designed the system in their image. If you think of it, the whole system of public education around the world is a protracted process of university entrance. And the consequence is that many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they're not, because the thing they were good at in school wasn't valued, or was actually stigmatized. I think we can't afford to go on that way.
(Actual poster from the mid-50's issued by Senator Joseph McCarthy at the height of the Red Scare. All artists were suspect.)
Generally, being an artist usually comes from a place of privilege. If you have the financial privilege, as well as the luck and talent, to be one of the few who make it famous, or make it published, or get recorded assuming that is your goal, it is probably because you relied on your privileges at least somewhat to do so. That's class privilege but class privilege encompasses a lot of race and gender politics. I mean, just look at the wealthy in this country. If old white men decide who is intelligent, shockingly, mostly old white men will be rewarded as intelligent.
I think this is a problem, so I set out to even the score. To make art and arts education more portable, accessible and well-funded. I believe that arts education should be available to everyone. So, I gathered some beautiful and utterly talented individuals and decided to put on an event to benefit a local arts non-profit that had recently gotten a large percentage of their funding cut – they're called 4Culture, so the name of the event became Arts4Culture, naturally enough. You probably didn't know they existed, and well I didn't either. But they do fund The Center School, Fremont Abbey my event venue, as well as a bunch of other really cool, arts-friendly spaces around Seattle. The process took weeks of work, calling emailing, advertising, and trying to corral all of my performers into one space so we could plan. I definitely did at least 30 hours of work, but the final product was really worth it. Roughly seventy people came, and we filled our entire space pretty nicely. We raised a total of five hundred dollars in donations, and another two hundred in order to pay for all of our expenses. We served cupcakes and entertained people. We played music, recited poetry and set up a live painting auction. It was great, really. I found that creating supportive spaces for artists is easier than I thought, and I take this as a sign of societal progress. Or perhaps so many people came because the snacks were delicious, either way, I found that I made a small impact. Even small triumphs feel powerful in a system that leaves artists often feeling powerless.
In the spirit of "unconventional" expression, I'll leave you with the poem I performed to close the event.
In the beginning there is always darkness, the shaking in the closet, the monster under the bed, the nameless and forever absent heroes. Childhood unfurling in shadows and fear. But I do remember laying out in the garden. Cupping soil with my tiny hands and learning about the magic of seeds, how entire worlds can grow from hope and a few small ideas. I painted constellations on my ceiling that winter, so I could learn the stars even through the clouds of snow and city lights. Black holes and comet rocks taught me that deep within the overcast sky, past the satellites and frozen air, some people claim the truth lives up there. Now, I've never been much for absolutes or believing in things I couldn't see, gods and ghosts just move too quickly. But there is a fire flickering inside all of us, caught sometimes in the static before the song, the peeling paint chips, the sunburnt photographs. I've made my throat either a chimney or a fire escape and all that love down in there is going to burn its way out. Like cigarettes smoldering the cheapness of receipts, my paper is getting thinner and easier to see right through. I'm not the only one, please no, I'm not the only one. The girl vomiting up sparks on to paper. The colorblind boy who paints with his eyes closed, he knows every line too well already. The hermit man who claims that every flower holds the face of his beloved, so he writes her name in the soil, pours the seeds in the ground, and waits. In this place littered with hot, bright ugliness, at least we know how to find beauty. It's rusty and it's flickering but it's still there. Still right there. Still "three chords and the truth, they call it." You'll find us there, making beauty as we dream, as we learn that pens are mightier than swords because war could never really write a good ending. The sun is climbing its way into the worn out bomb craters, grass is growing in the sidewalk cracks of cities that would have otherwise known nothing of oxygen. Creation for some, is like oxygen. Take that away, America, and what have you got left? The canaries in your coal mines are getting back up from their perched deathbeds, learning to scream poison because casualties have never dissuaded you, but noise, that ought to. This poem is for the factory worker learning to paint in his own chemical blood. The five-year old girl pouring her soul into sidewalk chalk and piano lessons. For the starving artists and the fat cats of wall street. For bridging the income gap. Writing a rain too heavy for apathy to swallow, so it's forced to down. Finally, this is for painting over the monsters, swallowing them up and most importantly – teaching the world to listen again.
Thank you.
– Grace Walker- Stevenson, age 18, Seattle


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Yes, if you want to say 'scissors' in the Manx language, it's 'cab ry cheilley'. Cab ry cheilley is #Manx #Gaelg for the English word scissors.
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There will be 14,000 or so Manx/English word or phrase pairs on this site by the time it's fully populated. I'm grateful to Phil Kelly for the words and meanings


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A book club doesn't have to have a name - but choosing a name is fun and brings with it a feeling of belonging. Below are some of the names of the groups BookBrowse has interviewed over the past couple of years. You can read their Q&As at http://bookbrowse.com/featured-bookclubs/archives/
Book It
The Tortoises & the Hares (fast and slow readers in one group)
The Living Poets Society Poetry Bookclub
Great Expectations Book Club
The Chick Lit Book Club
The Scandalous Book Club (who read only salacious books!)
The Nights at the Round Table
Wine Not Read
Novel Ideas book club
The Secret Bookers
What's your book club called and why did you choose the name?


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My mother told me something when I was ten years old. We were visiting her biological mother (long story of why I am calling her "biological") in Virginia. One day during the trip my Mom pointed out the car window and said, "Do you see those cows on that big hill?" I looked and said, "Yes". She then said, "How do those cows walk around that big hill when one set of their feet are longer than the ones on the other side?"
I had to sit and look and think about that. It was obvious that these cows wanted to get to the top of the hill and it didn't look very easy to do because of their obvious impediment of one half of their legs being longer than the other side. Momma then said that they must walk around and around the mountains in order to get to the top of the mountain and wasn't it just a shame that they couldn't just walk up or down the hill like everyone else.
I completely believed my parents for YEARS and thought that mountain cows and goats had smaller legs on one side of their bodies that they used to go around hills and mountains because they couldn't go up them.
When really, the cows and goats have fine standing bones to cavort around in and really I am the twerp with the misconception. My mother got such a laugh and thrill telling everyone how I believed those long years ago that I thought their legs were shorter and then everyone would call me "gullible", "naive", "green behind the ears", and any type of expression they could find.
On another note, I have been experiencing great difficulty sleeping lately once again. I just popped an Ambien to help me rest prior to laying down with my laptop to try and say .... something..... anything.
Writing with Ambien is quite difficult and at the same time quite nice because I don't have the normal fear of who will read what. I found out that one person found my blog that I never expected would (and you know who you are). It really freaks me out because this blog is a place I can say anything on my mind and feel the freedom while doing it. I don't feel as free anymore. I feel I have to censor certain things, which doesn't go along with the life and intent of this blog.
I don't feel as comfortable blogging because of it.
I have actually thought about deleting this blog and starting anew somewhere else where no one will know me. I will miss my blogging friends a lot, though.
I just don't know what to do.
I think that I'll sleep now...Thankfully the Ambien is starting to kick in.
Good night, my friends. Please pray for me. I am desperately trying to change my life and don't know where to start. I feel so ADD and overwhelmed when I think about all that I need to do and all that I need to face, and conquer once and for all.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I am SOOOO Gullible
My mother told me something when I was ten years old. We were visiting her biological mother (long story of why I am calling her "biological") in Virginia. One day during the trip my Mom pointed out the car window and said, "Do you see those cows on that big hill?" I looked and said, "Yes". She then said, "How do those cows walk around that big hill when one set of their feet are longer than the ones on the other side?"
Posted by Chunks of Reality at 10:00 PM 6 comments
Labels: Agitated, Frustrated, Memories, Mindlessly Blogging, Parents, Sleeping, Tired
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
And the Statistics Gods Smiled Down On Me
I've been studying and completing work for my final statistics exam. It has been grueling to say the least. I was up this past Sunday night until 2:00am studying for statistics. I also got my business proposal and PowerPoint for it completed this weekend as well and turned it in on time for my other class.
While studying Sunday my daughter peeked over my shoulder and said, "So, you studying for statistics?". I said, "Yes, my final exam is tomorrow night." She said, "I hope that you make a 93". I said, "What do you mean? Why?" She said, "You always make 100's and for once I wish you would make a 93. You're like Einstein or something." I said, "Honey, if I was Einstein, I wouldn't still be in school trying to get my degree at 36 years of age!"
Monday night I took the final exam. It was a killer. Over four hours of gut-wrenching, mind-blowing problems to answer. All I can say is WOW. I took my test to the professor while walking out the door and he said, "Is that another 100?" I said, "Not this time, I don't think."
I was worried to death. I felt that I blew it.
Yesterday I called my professor because I couldn't wait to find out. He answered the phone and the following is the conversation:
Me: Hi!
Prof: Hello!
Me: I hate to bother you, but I am curious if you have had the opportunity to grade the exam.
Prof: Yes, just finished.
Me: And?
Prof: I was very mad with you! I can't believe you only made a 96!
Me: *sigh of relief* Well, do you know what the final grade is for the class?
Prof: Yes.
Me: And?
Prof: What is your expectation?
Me: What?
Prof: What do you think that your final grade in my class is?
Me: *silence*
Prof: An "F"?
Me: No...
Prof: "C"?
Me: No...
Prof: You made a "B-".
Me: OMG! Are you sure?? (He knows my quest for keeping the 4.0 GPA.)
Prof: *cackling*, No, I'm not sure...you made an "A"! You are very smart and you shouldn't believe that you aren't. You have the highest grade in the class. The others didn't do so well.
Me: I wouldn't have done that well if it wasn't for you. (and that is the TRUTH...he helped me a lot last week)
All I can say is...Thank God! I am so very grateful.
Last night I shared my grade with my daughter. Before I even began she said that she KNEW that I had made a 100. I said, "No, you jinxed me! I made a 96". She proceeded to dance around the house yelling, "YAY! She made a 96!! She didn't make a 100!". I said, "Hey..that isn't very nice! Don't you want me to do well?" She said, "Of course I do, but I'm sick of the 100's."
Posted by Chunks of Reality at 7:49 PM 4 comments
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Joy of Finals
Due to preparing for final exams at school I haven't been able to blog. I also haven't been able to check out my favorite blogs, either! Last night I was at the university until 10:00pm working on statistics with a fellow classmate of mine. Do you know when you get so tired that you become silly? Doing statistics for a long period of time can also make you feel that way. We had been working on it for four hours straight and got to the point where we finally solved a very difficult problem after countless tries. When we FINALLY got it right, we actually both jumped up and started dancing around the computer lab. It was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing. I told him that it's amazing how two grown adults (he is 43 while I am 36) can get so damn excited about solving a statistics problem. I never thought that this would happen.
As we walked to our cars for the night I told him that I cannot believe that I didn't just get my degree years ago when I was in school instead of joining the Navy. I told him that I could just kick myself every day. If only I knew then what I know now, I would have stayed in school with straight A's back then. ugh.
I so very much hope that my daughter learns from me and goes to college right after high school graduation and STAYS in until she earns her degree. I talk with her about it all the time and just hope that it sinks in. I sincerely don't want her to make the mistakes in life that I have.
This weekend I have to finish statistics homework to turn in this Monday night, and write the eight to ten page business proposal that is due Sunday. I've been working so much on statistics that I haven't yet had time to work on the proposal. I also have to create a PowerPoint presentation with at least ten slides that goes with the proposal. Saturday will be full during the day because my husband is teaching an all day oil painting workshop using the "Alla Prima" technique. Alla Prima is a style of painting where, instead of building colors up with layers, the painting is done in one session while the paint is still wet. From the Italian word which literally means "at once" (got the definition from about.com). Nine people signed up for it and I am going to attend as well. It will be my first stab at oil painting and should be interesting. I am also going to help him that day because we are serving lunch.
This Monday night is the final exam for statistics. Tuesday night I am getting my hair done and Wednesday night I have the final exam for the business communications class. Then...I AM DONE!!!!!
I was registered for classes that begin a week after the current classes end, but I unregistered from them. Frankly, I need a break. It will be nice to be off school for the next three months. I am literally at my breaking point and at least I know enough about myself to know when to stop and take a break from school. Previously I would have charged ahead until I fell to the floor having a nervous breakdown. I think taking a break will be very good for me.
During the break I will be able to have time to blog more, read more blogs, walk around the neighborhood with my family and HoneyBunny (the dog), relax, read a good book, travel a bit and just GET OUT AND HAVE FUN. I haven't done that in ages, which is probably half of the problem. We have a digital camera and I want to start taking more pictures and posting them in my blog. I have several projects as well that I want to complete.
Posted by Chunks of Reality at 1:55 PM 4 comments
Friday, March 7, 2008
4x4 Meme
I was tagged for a meme that I am gratefully doing. She thought that I may not feel like completing it due to my recent posts, but I am happily doing it because at least it gets my mind off my own shit. (Excuse my language John.....LOL). (Go read John's post to get the joke.)
Anyway, on to the meme.
Four Jobs I Have Had
- I used to be in the Navy years ago. Are you shocked? Ask me what I did....I'm waiting...I bet you couldn't guess if you tried. Most are shocked and start howling with laughter when I tell them. I was a Mineman (or "MN"). It was a specialist rate ("rate" means job in the Navy) and there were only about 400 in the entire Navy, which isn't a lot of people (which means you have to wait for someone to retire or die off to get promoted). Minemen built underwater explosives. Back then I worked on eight different systems. The oldest system was the old Mark 6, which is the one in the picture and the ones you see floating around the old Hollywood movies. Building and configuring mines was an interesting experience. How did I get into it? My recruiter lied. (Why did I even join the Navy? I'll have to write an entire new post to explain that one.) When joining the Navy I wanted to do underwater diving. The recruiter said being a Mineman was full of diving and even said I would be working with dolphins. Needless to say, I never stepped into a diving suit nor swam with Flipper. I went to Boot Camp in Orlando, FL, school in Charleston, SC and my first base was in Scotland (loved it).
- I worked in a nursing home while living in England. I have to say that it was the most enjoyable job in my entire life. Why I'm in technology and not in nursing is due to fate. I always wish that I was a nurse instead. There are oodles of stories about that experience as well. I hope to remember to write about them in future posts.
- I worked in a pub while living in England. I was paid more money to help people get pissed (drunk) than I was helping people live in the nursing home. It was a blast, though. Very busy and a lot of laughs. The nights would fly by (unless you poured Guiness all night and then you were stuck waiting..I'm being facetious here).
- I was actually hired for being American while living in England. It was a short term contract where a married couple opened a sandwich shop. It was a new concept for the small town. They wanted to know how American sandwich shops did it and so I gave them my extensive knowledge of Subway. One big thing I remember telling them was to not charge for beverage refills. For some reason they charge for refills in the UK (maybe they have changed that by now...I hope so) and I told them that their customers would love the fact that they didn't. They decided to try it though they were scared the local school of boys would siphon their restaurant whole and guess what? They are still in existence today (14 years later!). I'm sure it's not because they hired me, but it is pretty neat that they are still around considering how many small businesses opened in that town and never made it.
- I attended my first musical concert while a teenager with my parents. They were huge Kenny Rogers fans and off we went. It was country music, which I'm not a fan of, but it was still neat to go to a concert for the first time.
- While in the Navy and living in Scotland, I was fortunate enough to see The Cure in concert. I've loved The Cure since I was 13 years old. It was a small tour prior to their "Wish" tour in Glasgow, Scotland and only about 400 tickets were sold. It was in a small venue and I stood only five feet away from Robert Smith (the lead singer)! I never knew what type of Cure fan I would be when watching them live. Would I sing along, scream, cry, faint, or all of the above? I remember just standing there in awe and being filled with the music. The music danced around me, beside me and inside me. I was mesmerized. They played for over three hours...it was a GREAT show.
- My daughter's father is from England (which is why I worked in England...we moved to England after I got out of the Navy). I met him while stationed in Scotland on a Royal Navy Submarine Base. He was in the British Navy at the time. We went to London after marrying and attended a theater show called "The Woman in Black". I don't remember a thing about it except for feeling lucky to be there. I just looked it up and can't believe that it's still going. It says that it's the 15th year that it's been live which means I watched it in its first year.
- A beautiful ballet to watch is "The Nutcracker". I've always loved the music and it is an event that always gets me in the mood for Christmas.
- My first car was an old, dark blue Chevrolet Citation. I have no idea what year it was. I just know that it was old and rusted through. That car and I got hit by a train (and yes, I was still inside), and that was the end of that.
- My biggest ride was an Oldsmobile 98 Regency. It looks just like the picture in the link. I had it back in the early 90's after my daughter was born because we had no money and my Dad sold it to us for a charitable price. It was a massive car and rode like a dream. It was like riding on a cloud. You never heard anything outside of the car and though it was the cheesiest car ever, it was highly comfortable and felt safe while driving.
- My fastest ride was a dark red Mitsibushi Eclipse Spyder. It was my only V7 and only convertible. It was SO much fun to drive! We went on quite a few trips with that car.
- I also used to drive a Volkswagen Beetle. It was a lot of fun and reminded me of driving a go-cart. It had two-tone leather inside (red and black). The red leather had black stitching while the black leather had red stitching. It was just so cute.
- Creme Brulee! What can I say? The sugary, hard top that you have to crack like an egg to get to the soft, creamy and dreamy center is irresistible.
- Anything with cilantro. I just love cilantro for the taste of it. My husband makes a lot of Moroccan food with cilantro mixed in.
- Hummus. A nice hummus with hot pita bread is too good to pass up. Don't leave out a dab of olive oil planted firmly in the middle of the hummus spread that looks like a small lake! In fact, throw some cilantro on it as well to make it even better.
- My friends lasagna. It is the cheesiest, most lovely lasagna in the world. She is Italian and it's just to die for.
Posted by Chunks of Reality at 4:07 AM 3 comments
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sing Me to Sleep
I am typing this from my cellphone, so the spelling and grammar won't be the best.
When I was 13 years old my favorite song was a song by "The Smiths" called "Sing Me to Sleep". For some reason the song has been sliding through my mind like an oiled serpent these past few days. Verses such as:
"Sing me to sleep. Sing me to sleep. I'm tired and I want to go to bed. Sing to me...Sing to me...And then leave me alone. Don't try to wake me in the morning 'cause I will be gone. Don't feel bad for me. I want you to know that deep in the cell of my heart I will feel so glad to go. There is another world. There is a better world. Aaahhh there must be....aaaahhhh there must be."
The jaws of depression are ever wider as they beckon me to the darkness and sleep that I crave.
I realize that my period visiting is causing a lot of this hormonal upheaval. I've been in so much physical pain as well. It is so very debilitating and I can't stand much more.
If this is life as we know it, I don't want to be included.
I'm in so much pain with no way out and I hate myself so very much.
Will it ever end or do I need to end it?
John, you asked what my values are. I have pondered this question over and over to no avail. All I know right now is that I want this all-encompassing pain to go away. I want to stop being afraid. I want the demons to be set free...they must be so very bored with me...I want to stop thinking about me. It's so selfish to do and accomplishes nothing.
I've had values my whole life and I have stuck by them such as being good to others, self-sacrifice, hard work, raising a peaceful and confident and sweet child. working hard for a good marriage, working hard to get somewhere in life and bettering yourself, no stealing or lying is permissible. Be real...stand strong...help others and never judge.
I want to be strong yet feel so weak.
When I have lucid moments of wanting Dr. Phil to knock on my front door, I feel so weak because it's times like this when I am fully aware of my desperation.
Posted by Chunks of Reality at 10:12 PM 4 comments
Labels: Depression, Despair, Suicide