text:
NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partners. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Thyroid Diseases
Lump in Neck
I have lump in my neck for more than a month now. I have done regular blood test and test for thyroid profile and both tests are normal. Do these tests confirm that thyroid function is normal? What could be the other causes of the lump in the neck?
It's hard to be specific about what the lump might be without knowing exactly where it is. However, the most common cause of a lump in the neck would be a lump in the thyroid gland. Most lumps in the thyroid gland are benign, but about 5-10% of them are thyroid cancers, so this needs to get checked out.
Your doctor will probably recommend a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid, probably guided by an ultrasound. This test is not a big deal - they numb up the area, and they use a needle smaller than the one they use to draw blood from you with. This test will tell if there is anything in the lump to worry about. Blood tests can't tell you if this is a cancer or not - only the fine needle aspiration will do that.
Incidentally, if it does come back as a thyroid cancer, you should know that thyroid cancer isn't like other cancers. It is very slow growing and usually responds very well to treatments that are not particularly bad. It does not, however, respond very well to being ignored.
Thomas A Murphy, MD, FACP, FACE
Associate Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University


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Blogger: Craig Roth
The U.S. SharePoint launch was held yesterday morning at Saturday Night Live's studio at 30 Rock, NY, NY. It was an appropriate location as they put on a good show that was webcast as it happened to many more locations (Tuesday Morning Live?).
We have a quite a few reports coming out on SharePoint 2010 and Office 2010 so I won't go through even a brief analysis here. There will be one each on the BPOS, portal, content management, social software, and security aspects of SharePoint from the Garter IT Practitioners (née Burton Group) analysts and much more from the classic Gartner analysts including a First Look. And one on co-authoring.
But I can say that 1) Microsoft is right about the tons of great enhancements they've made to SP2010 and 2) I'm hard pressed to find any of these enhancements that weren't in competing products for years already. I know - but now it's all in one package, or with a familiar UI information workers trust, or leverages the synergy of other aspects of the Office suite. Whether it is operational improvements (more ability to spread services across servers, sandboxing), content management (metadata-based policy management), social software (real wikis, social "wall"s), or co-authoring, one should ask anyone interested in them "if those features are so cool and useful why you didn't pick them off the shelf from other vendors years ago"?
Still, SharePoint is growing up and that's good for organizations of all sizes that are implementing it. Better stability, multi-tenancy, scaling architecture, automated compliance features, and reporting all point to a more mature environment. And having all these new features under a single umbrella means no separate business cases, ROI calculations, evaluations, and purchasing approvals that would prove difficult for cool services whose exact usage and value is difficult to predict.
I don't think any vendor or product is capable of ushering in a new age of collaboration and productivity. Rather it is something that happens by fits and starts. The same technology needs to be re-wrapped and re-presented several times before it finally hits an audience that is receptive and ready to adopt it. This takes time and trial-and-error. Maybe SP 2010 will be that re-wrapping and re-packaging needed to capture the interest of frazzled information workers that need to collaborate. If so, it won't be a killer feature of the new release, but resignation to the idea that it's finally time to let go of e-mail, shared folders, and solo authoring and accept a new collaborative interaction model in its place.

subset: commoncrawl


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Slow Cooking without a Slow Cooker?
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Joined: 18 May 2006
Posts: 94
Location: Worldwide
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:18 pm
Post subject: Slow Cooking without a Slow Cooker?
Is it possible to follow slow cooker recipes without a slow cooker? If so, what kind of method do you use?
I ask this because I don't really want another kitchen appliance, but I do sometimes want that fall-off-the-bone meat tenderness and sauce.
Tell a friend about
. Explains everything newbies need to know when dining out on a new foreign cuisine.
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Joined: 23 Nov 2004
Posts: 450
Location: a Dutchie in HongKong
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:33 pm
Post subject:
just use your 'cocotte' either on the stove on a very low fire or in the oven and slowcook the most wonderful stews and so on...
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Joined: 18 Oct 2004
Posts: 1654
Location: Within view of Elliot Bay, The Olympics and every ship in the Sound
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:31 pm
Post subject:
The method I use the most is the sear and braise. On Friday I made a roast version of steak au poivre using that method. It was wonderful!
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."
"It's hot ham water."
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Joined: 29 Sep 2004
Posts: 2498
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 6:17 pm
Post subject:
Glad to see swan and Erin have given you two methods. I started doing our Christmas roast at 200 degrees F after I read Shirley O. Corriher's recommendation and its been wonderful, moist and flavorful ever since.
I'm thinking you're not in the US, Franca, so you may not know Shirley O. Corriher but she wrote a wonderful book called
that explains much of the science of cooking. She's become better known since she started making appearances on a cooking show here in the US. But
is a fantastic book that I have found very helpful.
God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor
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Joined: 13 Nov 2004
Posts: 899
Location: Gold Coast Australia
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 8:49 pm
Post subject:
I made Gretchen's Pulled Pork yesterday. 8 hours at 120C. It was brilliant.
Here is the link
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Joined: 16 Nov 2006
Posts: 22
Location: california
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:58 am
Post subject: slow cooking
"Slow Cookers" were designed for people who do not cook much or for people who do not have the conventional equipment to cook with, if you find any recipe in escoffier that uses one please let me know, in truth all you need to do to get that fall off the bone tender deliciousness is cook at low temp for long time in liquid, also to maximize the power and result you will get with this technique pick the cheap cuts of meat that are full of conective tissue also if you want to yeild a delicuos jus or sauce from the liquid you are braising in it is best to use cuts that have bones in them such as chicken shortribs lamb shanks etc, if you are not using any bones you could add some stock to braise with or just add bones. Generally follow this Marinade meat, lighty season, heavily sear, take out meat, deglaze with mirepoix tomatoe paste and stock or wine(great place to add slab bacon) add meat back in and cover with liquid wine or stock prefered, if cooking on stove keep low and stir occasionaly to keep from burning bottom but for easy way just get a deep casarole dish or dutchoven and cook in oven around 200-400 depending on how long you can cook it.
you have any other questions about slow cooking pls let me know it is my favorite way to cook. ^-^
don't worry be happy
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Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Posts: 6
Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 2:43 am
Post subject:
I use a cast iron Dutch oven in the oven at low heat. I find it easier to regulate the temperature that way than on the stovetop.
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Joined: 18 Dec 2006
Posts: 9
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:08 pm
Post subject:
Ducksauce is probably right, that slow cookers were designed for people who don't know too much about cooking. I did buy one (they're not that expensive), and have used it a few times, but it is just as easy and probably better to cook on the oven or stove top at low heat. In fact, my biggest complaint about the slow cooker is that it cooks too fast! I was hoping I could put stuff in it in the morning, and come home in the evening after work (about 8-10 hours) to a lovely stew, but it is usually way over cooked by then. I was able to make a pulled pork without marinating it first within 5 hours in the slow cooker even though the recipie said I was suppose to marinate overnight and then cook for 8 hours (it was fully cooked, no food poisoning!).
It's much easier to regulate temperature on the oven or stove because there is more range of heat settings than a slow cooker, but I suppose if your oven and stove in already fully in use, the slow cooker could be useful.
Ferrari 166 S history
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Whether the famous ascent up to the Madonna of Ghisallo, the dreaded Wall of Sormano or enjoying the sunset near Nesso; racing cyclists like to come to Lake Como in Italy.
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I hope you love nature, because today I'm going to create using a natural substrate. I chose to work with a tree bark. At the beginning, I didn't have any idea of what the result should be, but I got the idea from a little cast I made not so long ago and I went for it! The overall idea for my project is the famous quote by Sophocles:
"He who throws away a friend is as bad as he throws away his life."
To recreate this, you'll need:
tree bark
cast or resin
white gesso
black gesso
white crackle paste
soft matte gel
sprays to add colour
alcohol inks
mica flakes
metal embellishments
cast or resin
white gesso
black gesso
white crackle paste
soft matte gel
sprays to add colour
alcohol inks
mica flakes
metal embellishments
How to:
1. Use a mould to create a relic and cover in white gesso
2. Add black gesso to the inner part of the tree bark and allow to dry
3. Add white crackle paste using a spatula and allow to dry naturally (ideally over night). You will end up with gorgeous crackle. Wherever you added a thinner layer you'll end up with smaller cracks and the areas with more of the paste will have bigger and deeper cracks.
4. Use a spatula or a brush to add soft matte gel here and there and sprinkle these areas with beads and mica
5. One everything is dry, use the white gesso to highlight raised areas of the added elements. Make sure that everything is dry before adding a bit colour using sprays. I used a yellow spray by Studio Calico and an alcohol ink Adirondack, Rusty.
6. Add a more vibrant colour, in my case Adirondack, Aqua, add a rub-on to the right hand side bottom and glue metal embellishments. I altered the metal plate using alcohol inks. These are great for altering metals.
7. Adhere the relic with the wire using a strong glue.
More photos:
I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial! Have fun exploring the mixed media world! There are 10 more days to join our challenge 'Glam Grunge' so join the fun!
We also have a new FB Group that you can join HERE.
Take care!


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Monday, December 31, 2012
Downton Abbey Mystery Knit-A-Long-- Here we go!
Wow, first, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you who joined this Knit-A-Long (KAL for short). December was an especially exciting month this year because of this KAL. Back in early November, my co-worker Rachel and I were thinking about the December Lorna's Limited Edition color and what on earth we were going to do with it. We had this gorgeous color picked out but it needed a name. And soon. We had to send all of the info off to Lorna's to be dyed and it had to have a name. I kept looking at this gorgeous color with it's muted holiday hues and seeing Downton Abbey and late Edwardian fashion. I just couldn't get it out of my head. I mentioned it to Rachel and she agreed it was the perfect color for Downton. So, in that moment, "Christmas at Downton" was born.
Shortly after we ordered the yarn, I got to thinking about how fun it would be to design something with the yarn and do a KAL with it to coincide with the show. I mean, how much fun is that, right? I figured if I would participate in something like that, I could get 100 or so people on board, right? Rachel excitedly agreed and I started planning this KAL. Little did I know that not only would 100 people want to participate, but the KAL would shoot to #1 on Ravelry and over 1,700 people would "favorite" it! There are currently 780 confirmed projects on Ravelry for this KAL but over 4,000 people have visited the Jimmy Beans Ravelry Group Thread and we pre-sold over 3,000 skeins of the Sportmate yarn in "Christmas at Downton" color. Simply AMAZING, and we couldn't have done it without all of you fellow Downton fans out there!
**Note** We had do a final cut off on this color and it is no longer available. Please feel free to choose another color of the gorgeous Sportmate yarn instead if you are just now joining us.
In fact, we've sold more of this color than any other yarn in any other color in our 10 year existence. EVER. We actually had to call in a special favor with Lorna's Laces, who along with us, did not expect this to be so popular. We have never done a Mystery KAL like this before, so we truly didn't expect that many people to want to participate, let alone want to use the exact yarn we did. It's been wonderfully overwhelming and exciting. Lorna's Laces has been dyeing the skeins for us as fast as their little hands will allow. (Did you know that they only have 2 full time dyers and they hand-dye each and every skein?! I didn't until recently, and now I know exactly why their colors are so awesome and worth the extra wait time for.) We kept over-estimating how many more we would need, ordering it, and then selling out of it before we could blink, and then ordering more. Seriously, if you've never worked in the knitting industry, this is absolute crazy-sauce! This kind of thing definitely doesn't happen everyday!
Luckily, most people should be getting their yarn in time for the KAL to start on Sunday, the 6th. Even if you didn't order early, it will get there in time for Week 2 and you should have plenty of time to be all caught up by Week 3. This is so very exciting and I can't stress enough how amazing and supportive you all have been this month! Your energy has been so amazing and I am thrilled to be leading you all into the great unknown... (commence eye twinkling and mischievous smile)
So this brings us to the start of the KAL. Today I intend to cover some of the FAQ's I've been getting and give you the important info you've all been waiting for: Gauge! Has anyone ever been more excited to gauge swatch in their life? I know I was super excited to cast on with this scrumptious yarn so I imagine many of you are too! But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves here. We should start with the basics:
How do I sign up?
First, there is no sign up for this KAL. What? No sign up? Yep, that's right. We are super informal here at JBW (for example, every Wednesday is pajama day) and we like to keep things casual and comfortable like you would be with a group of your closest friends or family. In an effort to bring that same feel to our KAL, we like to keep an open forum going and be available for questions at all times. I encourage you all to read through the group threads on Ravelry and all of the comments on the KAL. If you have a question, chances are it's been answered on there already, and if not, you are more than welcome to message us directly on Ravelry and we are happy to get back to you. Our casualness doesn't mean that we don't take our responsibility to you very seriously. I check that inbox every day except Sunday, and always respond to all questions or concerns. I don't like to leave anyone hanging. :)
The same goes for customer service too so please don't hesitate to call our toll free #: (877) 529-5648 if you have questions about your order. I know that many of you are new customers to Jimmy Beans and we always want to make sure that things are right with your orders as well! :)
If there is no sign up, how can I participate?
Join in the conversation on the Raverly Group! We've had tons of fun conversations happening over there and it's like being part of a very large knitting circle-- chaotic, enthusiastic, and fun. Even if you've never joined Ravelry before and you only do so to participate in the KAL, it's worth your time to head over there and join the conversation. That is the most community oriented part of the whole KAL and is a great way to meet knitter's all over the world who share your interest in both knitting and Downton Abbey!
You'll notice that there are many thread topics in the Jimmy Beans Group. If you click on any that have Downton Abbey Mystery KAL in the title, you are on the right track! If you want to start a project and link it to the group, you must first join the group (by clicking the join button when you look at the group page). Then, start your project adding in the appropriate tags for the Downton Abbey Mystery KAL and searching for and selecting the KAL as the "pattern" you are using when creating the project. You can also right click on the image from the KAL to save it to your desktop then upload it as the profile picture for your project until you have an actual project photo to include. Finally, you can "share" this project with the Jimmy Beans Wool group by selecting the group in the drop down bar in the "Share with Group" section. Ravelry's system for uploading projects is done step by step and should be pretty easy to figure out even if you've never done it before but feel free to send questions my way if you get stuck. They (Ravelry) also have an awesome online help-chat you can go to anytime. :)
There are also some other fun ways you can participate. If you happen to be lucky enough to have some knitting buddies in your area, why not get them involved too? You could do weekly knitting groups while you watch Downton and knit this project together. What fun! Several of the gals at the shop have been talking about knitting this together as well, and we've heard many folks say that their entire knitting circle is getting on board. The great thing about online KAL's is that they can really be open for all kinds of community interaction.
What are we going to be knitting?
Mystery KAL's are really fun in that, you don't always know what you are going to knit before hand. Sometimes, depending on the designer you'll at least know that you are knitting a shawl or socks or something like that. I left this open to guessing as I figure that would be more fun. I have given a few clues as to what we are knitting here. Here they are so far:
1) It is not a hat or socks.
2) It is knit in the round.
3) It is an accessory.
4) It is inspired by a garment that my favorite character on the show wears frequently.
5) This character has quite a feisty and opinionated personality. :)
For those concerned about whether or not to participate because you aren't sure if you'll like the design--please, still participate! If you don't want to use your Downton yarn on something you are unsure of then try using something else. In the end, if you aren't in love with the project, you could always give it as a gift or rip it out. The best part of the KAL is the experience. I'm sure you won't regret participating either way, and maybe you'll learn something new in the process! :)
Also, it sounds like there are a lot of first-time KAL participants here! Bravo and thank you for choosing us to be your first! It will be a lot of fun, and we don't bite. Promise! The biggest tip for enjoying your first KAL is to participate actively. Even if you are shy don't want to comment, at least read the threads and comments. It will help you feel like you are part of the action!
How do I get the pattern?
Each Sunday morning starting on the 6th, I will release a little bit of the pattern on this blog for you to knit while you watch that evening. (For those who don't know, the 3rd season of Downton Abbey begins in the US on Jan 6th, on PBS. Check your local listings for exact time.) You will have enough pattern for at least a couple of hours worth of knitting, plenty to get you through until the next clue. Many people will want to have other project going as well as I expect most people will not need more than a few hours to complete each section. However, everyone works at their own pace, and if you don't work at the same speed as someone else, please don't get discouraged. It's not a race and we are all here to help support you if you get stuck! :)
On that first week, I will provide some video resources with the first clue blog for learning to do the cast-on and would encourage all of you who haven't done this type of cast-on before to practice a bit before hand or cast on before the show so you are ready to knit while the show is airing. Allowing yourself plenty of time for this will ensure you have an easy start.
How will I know if I can manage this pattern's difficulty level?
I would consider this pattern to be an advanced beginner level pattern. The skills you will need to be able to successfully knit this pattern are:
-increases such as: yo and k1f&b
-decreases such as: ssk, k2tog, and k3tog
-other stitches such as: sl st and psso
-Knitting in the round
-Crochet provisional cast-on (a couple of different methods are out there and if you want to get a jump start, you can do a google search to find some tutorials)
Most of these are part of the lace panel. The lace panel is quite simple and is considered advanced beginner or intermediate lace work. You can simplify the pattern entirely by omitting this lace section if you'd like. I will release the entire lace instructions at once so that you can knit it and try it before committing to it as well.
I am confident that any knitter who has done the above skills at least once prior to the KAL start, should be able to read and understand the pattern and complete their project. If you are unsure of what any of the above terms mean KnittingHelp.com is a great resource and so is Google as well. :)
What supplies do we need to participate?
-200-270 yards of a sportweight yarn
-US size 3 needles for knitting in the round (I am using DPNs but you are welcome to do the magic loop or two-circular method)
-A crochet hook and waste yarn for your provisional cast on. (Gauge isn't super important for this part but I find using a slightly larger gauge of yarn than what I am using for the project works best for me. I used a US size H hook and a worsted weight yarn.)
-Other handy tools: A darning needle for finishing, scissors, a ruler or something to check gauge, a row counter, pencil and paper.
I'm ready to swatch! What is the gauge?
Ok knitters, here is the moment you've been waiting for! The gauge for this project is: 26 sts and 36 rows to 4" in stockinette stitch. I knit my gauge swatch flat so this gauge will be accurate if you also knit yours flat. Gauge will change slightly when knit in the round, and the pattern accounts for this. Swatch away my friends, and prepare for the fun to begin on Sunday!!!
Once again, thank you all so much for participating in what is sure to be a super fun KAL. I am so excited to take this journey with you! If I didn't answer all of your questions above, and you have remaining questions for me (that don't include asking me to reveal what we are knitting) then please feel free to send me a direct message on Ravelry via "Jimmy Beans Wool" or on my personal profile "Marinade". (Feel free to friend me, or "favorite" the KAL while you are at it, or any of my other designs too. Shameless plug, I know.) If you don't use Ravelry, you can e-mail me directly at: kristen(at)jimmybeanswool(dot)com. I am here for you and more than happy to help!
Happy knitting everyone!
PS. Some of the folks on the Ravelry thread have been taking this fun quiz: What Downton Abbey Character are you? I thought I would provide the link here in case you wanted to take it as well:
PPS. And for those who want to know, I am Anna Smith. ;)
51 comments:
ok perhaps the first stupid question of the day? when you say ' knit flat' for the gauge, do you just mean knit a row, purl the next, then repeat rows 1&2? thanks!ReplyDeleteReplies
I have the same question...Delete
i'm still on season 2-i don't get television-will there be spoilers?????ReplyDelete
P.S. i'm John BatesReplyDelete
Frances and Karen P- Yes, when you knit stockinette stitch "flat" and not "in the round" you knit a row, then purl a row. When you knit it in the round, you'll knit every row.ReplyDelete
Wooly Daisy- PBS will be posting the show on their website to watch every Monday after it airs on Sunday evening. Or at least they did last year... That's how we watch it as well. (I also don't have a TV. We watch everything on our computers.) If you have computer and the internet, you should be able to watch it the next day. Also, I saw season 3 on DVD available to purchase already on Amazon. If you are only watching on DVD, you might consider that route. :)
Hey, can we get into Guinness as the largest MKAL ever?ReplyDelete
I plan to knit this on DPNs, but my 3s are only about 4 inches long. I assume I will need something more like the 7 inchers, right?ReplyDelete
Candace- I think 4" is a bit short. I think you'll want at least 6". Mine are 6" and they are just long enough. :)ReplyDelete
I have never knit on Dpn's, so was thinking about teaching myself the magic loop on circulars. do you recommend it for a newbie?ReplyDelete
- Laura G.December 31, 2012 at 1:48 PM
I'm Anna too! I'm really looking forward to this. :)ReplyDelete
I discovered Downton Abbey this summer and have anxiously been awaiting the beginning of season 3. I would love to participate in your KAL, but I don't know how to knit. Do you offer a crochet project that I could do as substitution? Thanks!ReplyDelete
Frances- Personally, I think DPNs are easier to learn in the round knitting on. However, some might disagree with me. You might try watching videos online of both and seeing what you think makes the most sense.ReplyDelete
Amy J- Thank you so much for your interest in the KAL! I wish I had advanced enough crochet skills to be able to convert this over. Perhaps after the KAL I can get someone who does have the skills to interpret the pattern for me as I would love to be able to offer a crochet version. I really appreciate the support and you are welcome to join us either way and do a different pattern of your choosing! :)
- AnonymousDecember 31, 2012 at 3:27 PM
I was among the first to order and got Shepherd Sock weight Christmas at Downton instead of Sportmate; adjustments?ReplyDelete
Hi Kristen. thanks for your response. I actually prefer knitting in the round, and have been doing it almost exclusively for my last few projects, but am thinking that maybe it is time to learn to use DPNs! :-) I have to go get longer ones this week.ReplyDelete
Also, a question about the swatch. what is the difference between doing a swatch in the round vs. flat? does it really make a difference in terms of sizing?
thanks, and Happy New Year!
- AnonymousDecember 31, 2012 at 4:50 PM
If we are using circulars, what length do you suggest?ReplyDelete
Kristen I am so proud of you and everyone else I saw the project today (not finished) and it is AMAZING!!! I am swatching this week!!! Woot woot!!ReplyDelete
- PhyllisDecember 31, 2012 at 9:09 PM
I am so excited to be a part of this! I agree that it feels like I have joined a really huge knitting circle and will be meeting lots of new friends! I am Lady Sybil!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 31, 2012 at 10:29 PM
I'm Ana Smith! Love her!ReplyDelete
Congratulations on the great success of the MKAL. I know that it captured my imagination as soon as I saw the beautiful yarn. The yarn colors and the thought of knitting with it during one of the most interesting shows on TV is what made me sign up. My yarn is waiting for me to pick it up at the post office, only they are closed today. RATS!ReplyDelete
I took the quiz and I am Matthew Crawley! Am I upset that I am a man? No, not really because I am the heir to Downton. It guess the test got it right, because when Matthew and I are not thinking about how to spend all that money, we are both solicitors in our day jobs.
I am excited to get started!! And, my quiz said I am Lady Sybil Crawley!!ReplyDelete
Thanks, Kristen! I'm swatching today. I'm SO excited!! Oh, and I'm Anna, too. :)ReplyDelete
I am searching, too! I don't consider myself a loose knitter, but I believe I am going to have to move down to 2.75 needle!ReplyDelete
Make that 'swatching'! Hate that auto correct feature!ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for your hard work on this pattern - I know even writing this blog post was a lot of time! Just thank you thank you thank you - I'm so excited! I was Lady Sybil on the quiz. Didn't find out about the KAL in time to get the special yarn but I've picked something that I think will work out nicely. Did I say I'm So Excited?!!! :)ReplyDelete
I am so excited about this. I love the yarn, and I'm a KAL newbie (after one completely failed attmept). Thank you for your hard work on this. All this takes a lot of time and effort on your part, and I wanted you to know it's really appreciated!ReplyDelete
I did my swatch tonight. I am only 25 stitches to 4" so I'm wondering if I should switch to Size 2 needles. What do you think?
I'm trying to decide if I'll work on two circulars or on DPNs. I've never worked on DPN's and am with Laura....maybe it's time to learn.....
I am interested in your answer to the question of how long the circulars should be if we do go that route.
Thanks again for all your time and efforts on our behalf!
Mama Pea, I had 24 stitches to 4 inches, so I moved down to 2.75 size needles which seems to work for me.ReplyDelete
- aabel98January 2, 2013 at 4:38 AM
Will we need to un-ravel the swatch to have enough yarn to complete the project? I am using an odd, hand-dyed, unlabelled skein of sportweight wool that weighs in at 115 grams, and hoping for the best--so I'm wondering how close to the end of the complete 100 gram skein of Lorna's Laces wool does this project get?ReplyDelete
- CCPeachesJanuary 2, 2013 at 8:59 AM
I'm ready for Sunday---Can't wait!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 2, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Dear Kristen, your star is shining very bright with this idea, thank you in advance for this fun ride through season 3 of Downton Abbey.... Judy M. Cape Cod, MAReplyDelete
Frances- Sorry for my late reply on this. Basically, the only difference in swatching in the round vs flat is that if your gauge varies when you purl, your row count can be a little different.ReplyDelete
aabel98- No, you shouldn't need to rip out your swatch. You should have enough yarn without it. :)
thank you Kristen! I found DPNs and a circular at my LYS so hoping I will be ok. Still not sure which method I want to use! Thank you for making January fun!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for this mystery KAL. I'm so excited to start. This is my first KAL and I have always thought Downton Abbey was one of the best shows on the Telly! I took the quiz and ended up being Matthew Crawley.... Hope I have slightly better skills with knitting than I'd imagine he would have..... Downton is about to be invaded by American relations and I'll be on the edge of my seat with my DPNs poised.... Kristen this is sooo much fun, thank you thank you thank you! You have made January 6th something to look forward too here in Westport,MA. Anyway as the heir to Lord Grantham could you be bribed to give us more hints? It was worth a shot.....lol. Did anyone end up being Lady Mary? Or the Dowager Countess?ReplyDelete
I, too, am Matthew Crawley!ReplyDelete
- aabel98January 2, 2013 at 5:02 PM
It seems that I am Violet, the Dowager Duchess... Guess I should learn what a "weekend" isReplyDelete
Thanks for your response to my question. Can't wait to get started!
Thank you for putting this KAL together. Swatching...but having trouble. Down to size 0 DPN. Feels odd to have my gauge so far off from what is recommended. Guess it is what it is. I too tested out as the Dowager Duchess! I loved it...she gets the best lines. LOL.ReplyDelete
Is the gauge measurement blocked or not?
- AnonymousJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Still trying to find out the recommended length for the circular needle. Is 16" too short? Is 29" too long?ReplyDelete
I think if you are going to do Magic Loop you will need 40" or more, but she is suggesting using two circular needles also. So why don't you use both the 16" and the 29" and put half the stitches on each needle and let them hang while you work the stitches on the other needle. Have you tried that before? I'm sure their has to be a tutorial of this technique online somewhere. Good luck :-))Delete
Woohoo !! I got gauge :-). I measured gauge blocked on 3.25 mm DPNs and it came out great.ReplyDelete
What fun! The LL yarn is so yummy. The quiz said I'm Lord Grantham. We're so cuddly. Tee hee.ReplyDelete
I am John Bates, but secretly wish I was the Dowager Countess.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 6, 2013 at 5:00 AM
Can't find the pattern. Am I in the wrong place to find it?ReplyDelete
I can't find it either.ReplyDelete
- DomtarVickieJanuary 6, 2013 at 11:01 AM
she said she would post at noon . Does anyone know her time zone?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 7, 2013 at 9:58 AM
Finally, my worlds collide! Brilliant, beyond brilliant idea!ReplyDelete
this is beautiful ,the costume in the downton abbey season 4 dvd box set also looks like elegant ,fashion and gorgers.ReplyDelete
thakns for share...ReplyDelete
Downton Abbey season 4 dvd
I'm Sybil. I'm actually a late comer to this show and am watching on Netflix . Just completed season 1. I'm also a late comer to The Good Wife b/c my husband likes to watch detective shows so I have to sneak in my Netflix.ReplyDelete
Ok you're sold out of the original color. What would be your second choice? I Love blues, turquoise and purples. Darn, I just received a huge order from Beans before seeing this KAL.
Going to a Beans now to check out colors and then Rav to check out chatter!ReplyDelete
Still working on Rowan's Kaffe Fassett MKAL. Boring b/ c every square is the same but in a different color. But I love Kaffe's designs so I'm sure I'll be pleased with the bed result. Thank you a beans for getting all my wool to me in time to start with the group even though I fell behind making Christmas gifts.
Hi Debbie!ReplyDelete
I'm afraid you've found a post for the first Downton KAL we did over two years ago! To find out about the new one, head over to my personal blog:
The folks at JBW can also help you get sorted out!


text:
Steven Colbert
Steven Colbert, right, with Vice President Joe Biden, is one of several former cast members to use their stint on the "The Daily Show" as a springboard for their careers. His own series "The Colbert Report" runs in the timeslot following "The Daily Show" and has twisted the fake-news concept by creating a satirical character modeled after prominent right-wing media figures. While "The Colbert Report" is probably the best written comedy/talk show on television, it's sometimes hard to differentiate between what's real and what's parody. Colbert's best segment: "The Word" a well-crafted commentary that skewers perceptions of select issues.
Scott Gries / Picturegroup / Comedy Central
Copyright © 2018, Los Angeles Times


text:
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text:
Lightning sets house ablaze in BedfordBy SUSAN CLARK
Union Leader Correspondent
September 12. 2013 3:07PM
BEDFORD – Lightning hit a tree and traveled underground, setting a Reed Drive home ablaze Thursday.
Bedford called in mutual aid to fight the two-plus alarm fire at 21 Reed Drive at about noon. Manchester, Amherst, Merrimack, New Boston and Merrimack responded. It took about 30 minutes to control the fire.
"It appears to be a tree in the backyard that was struck by a lightning bolt and traveled underground to utility meters on the outside of the building. Lightning follows the roots and utility wires," said Fire Chief Scott Wiggin. "The fire spread to the owners' living space, into the garage and up through the attic."
Pointing to a nearby pool, Wiggin said the neighbor was lucky it did not follow that path. Wiggin could not place a value on the damage, but said, "It's not a total loss."
One Bedford firefighter was injured and transported to the hospital for observation, Wiggin said. He could not release the firefighter's name at the scene.
According to the online assessor's database, the semi-detached condo is owned by Robert and Karen Morris. The owners would not comment at the scene.
Patty Vilela of Kensington Lane heard a crack and saw white smoke and smelled a burning odor.
"My son Dylan (age 9) said, 'Look, Mom, smoke. We should get in the car over there to make sure everyone is OK."
Neighbor Dan Ugolini said he saw a white flash and a crack.
"I knew lightning had hit something," he said, adding his computer made a cracking noise. "It was definitely a power surge."


text:
Contact: Margaret, Tel. 321-500-1000, Toll Free 888-735-3448, ext. 251
Date: February 24, 2009
Staten Island, NY – Fr. Frank Pavone's "Defending Life" television and radio
series begins its 14th season Friday, March 6.
Televised every Friday at 10:00 PM Eastern and again every Saturday at 2:30 AM
on the EWTN Network, the 13-episode series will each week feature new
developments in the battle for the Culture of Life. The March 6 debut program
will feature Priests for Life's "Is This What You Mean?" project, which uses
diagrams and abortionists' own words to challenge "pro-choice" advocates to
acknowledge exactly what it is they support.
Also broadcast over EWTN radio on Fridays at 1:00 AM Eastern, Saturdays at 6:30
PM, and Sundays at 5:00 AM, each episode will feature an Action Segment with
ideas for viewers to use in spreading the pro-life message. Fr. Pavone will
respond to audience questions in the "Ask Fr. Frank" portion of the show.
Coming episodes of "Defending Life" will present an interview with a former
radical feminist who has joined the pro-life cause; scenes from the baptism of
babies saved from abortion by sidewalk counselors; the compelling account of a
woman who was told to abort her child to save her eyesight, but chose life; and
the story of aborted babies found in the trash, finally given proper burials.
For more details on the new episodes see
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit
More Press Releases


text:
WESTWOOD – Motorists navigating through the Sepulveda Pass will have less room to maneuver starting today as construction work narrows a section of Sepulveda Boulevard next to the San Diego (405) Freeway.
Contractors working on the $1 billion-plus freeway reconstruction and widening effort need to re-grade Sepulveda Boulevard between Montana and Church avenues, the stretch of road generally north of the Los Angeles National Cemetery and below the Sunset Boulevard overpass.
Beginning at 9 a.m. today and lasting for seven days, Sepulveda will lose half its capacity as workers limit it to just one lane in each direction.
And even those remaining two lanes of Sepulveda will be closed to all traffic between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., starting tonight.
The adjacent 405 Freeway lanes are the nearest detour. "Head for the 405, or head for the hills," said Kim Upton of Metro.
"Dump trucks and excavation equipment will be used, and some vibration may occur during the use of compaction rollers," Metro advised. That warning included the overnight hours.
The new Sepulveda Boulevard alignment slices through a hill east of the freeway, where a large retaining wall has been built.
Moving Sepulveda to the east and changing its grade allows Metro to build a new carpool lane and auxiliary exit lanes on the northbound 405 as nearly all of the 50-year-old freeway is rebuilt.
Once Sepulveda is relocated, workers will build the new northbound lanes, Metro officials said.


text:
PRE-WEEK 1 THU., August 9 7:30 PM ET
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$500,000 is probably a good figure for where I live. I also disagree with you on the "if it isn't the top 10, it won't be worth it". Look at the last recession. The UE rate was 3x higher for non college grads than for college grads. Not that college is the end all and be all. I get that. I think college is important for certain fields. Trade schools for others or none at all if you are part of the .001% who can create without the need for education. I actually think college is more important today than ever before. However, it is too expensive for many reasons.
This article still applies:
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I'm thinking about 18 years from now, not so much now.
It's great your son is going to Penn State and he'll probably have a great time. Congratulations!
I don't even know if going to college 18 years from now to any school, even Harvard, is worthwhile b/c I'm questioning its use now in the post:
santoni Boots 11647 leather polished lambskin OPRoZ9
Please elaborate why you think college is more important now than ever.
JM says
Hi Sam,
Could you elaborate on your decision to save $700/month in a 529 plan? I'm investing a similar amount for my two children and was wondering what your thought process was behind that amount.
Thanks, JM
I superfunded my son's 529 plan in 2017 to the tune of $70,000. Then my wife is contributing $15,000 (max) for 2018, and the max each year until the plan is maxed out. We did it this way b/c we felt that the market was a little toppy at the end of 2017 and we didn't want to use all our bullets.
Related: Everything To Know About The 529 College Savings Plan
I base our 529 level based off the max state tax deductible amount. In our state (VA) this is $8k. Each parent can deduct $4k per child on a joint return.


text:
Andy Van Hekken has declined contracts from the Astros and A's to play for the Nexen Heroes in Korea.
Van Hekken:
"I'm working to get back to the major leagues, and I think I'm as close as I've ever been. My agent and my wife and I talked about my desire to come back to the majors, that it's still a goal. There will still be a need a year from now for a left-handed pitcher."
Van Hekken threw 129.2IP for OKC in 2011, allowing 152H/49ER, 111K:47BB, for a 3.40 ERA/1.54 WHIP. He has a career 122-86 record in 14 minor league seasons, with a 3.94 ERA/1.35 WHIP, and a 2.51 K:BB ratio.
I'm honestly sorry to see him go.
Still, it frees up a rotation spot at OKC, so we'll see where the rosters shake out, but it could bode well for Cosart, Oberholtzer, Clemens, etc.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Andy Van Hekken will play in Korea
2 comments:
- OremLK said...
That'll be fun for him. Korea is a neat place to live.
- December 9, 2011 at 11:12 AM
- Reuben said...
I'm guessing Aneury will be ticketed for the OKC rotation as well. He seems to me like he's still got decent potential, and in fact, looking at his stats, he pitched much better than his 5.27 ERA (and 1-6 record): 1.35 WHIP, 2-to-1 K to BB ratio, fewer hits than IP. He was just a little homer-prone, and unlucky. Definitely not bad for a rookie Rule 5 pick.
- December 9, 2011 at 9:57 PM
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text:
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text:
Muslim Complaints Get Modern Warfare 2 Map Pulled
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Wait... what? How does an individual, who calmly makes a justified, relevant, accurate and logical complaint (a far cry from what normally happens in this world, I should point out, just look at hazabaza1's quoted Youtube comments if you don't believe me), NOT put the Muslim world in a good light?
Because it caused a game company to take a map off a game?
Wow, you have some serious priority issues here.
Free-speech and freedom of expression does NOT give people a carte-blanche to do anything they want, damn the consequences. You have to take responsibility for what you say (The phrase "don't write cheques your body can't cash" comes to mind), and unfortunately, its stuff like this, given the current global situation, that can quite possibly lead to people DYING.
Activision did the right thing by taking the map down, and shows great responsibility.
I don't like political correctness as much as the next person, but at least I have the common sense to understand that when you poke a hornets nest, you're going to get stung. The muslim world right now is a Powder-keg waiting to go off, and its things like what was pointed out in the video that will set it off.
Yeah, because Islam is real different.....
Also, Christians protesting gay marriage and Muslims protesting some words in a texture are completely different things. I'm not getting into that debate.
As multiple riots indeed have proved: right now the Muslim world is extremely volatile when it comes to perceived slights. There's a veritable plethora of issues, slights (real or imagined), and complaints, and it just takes one spark to set it off.
Quite frankly I'd say they can stuff it on some of the major issues - equality and freedom from persecution are a tad more important than religious sensitivities. This, however, is hardly important, and the last thing we'd want is a doodad texture in a video game causing riots.
As a militant athiest, I'm offended by the lack of mockery of organized religion in my video games. Not only do I protest this being removed, but it should be optional in each game to turn on a "blasphemy mode" which swaps the in game textures to images of Muhammed with a bomb turban, Jesus having homosexual relations with an uncircumcised Moses and Buddha eating a deep fried Hindi god with obvious enjoyment. Did I miss anyone?
You forgot Atheists, who in my opinion are more annoying.
For the record, that would be offensive- not some writing on a frame. Sounds more like a description of "Postal" though!
NLP is without doubt magick (note, not magic).
What does it matter which language I read the Koran in (or if I even have or ever will), it bears no relevance to your burden of proof.
What evidence do you have?
Im not fussed in the slightest over this but i did expect there to of been protests like we saw over that trailer in multiple countries when i clicked on the thread as to why it was changed.
i did have a random thought I wonder what the reaction would be to a RPG based on the life of mohammed would go down. also would it honestly even get past censors? due to the depictions of sex?
Why was this even in the game in the first place? I don't see the point in taking the time to make that in a bathroom wall.
People ask for a more culturally senstitive approach. Other side responds positively. But internet goes mad. I am disapoint people. You all talk about tolerance and love and respect all day but then you bitch about this?
You know what you are right. Why make a video requesting for something when you can blow the shit out of them. It is after all human way
hate to burst your bubble, but 'magick' is the old english spelling of Magic, they mean the same, are essentially the same...
*flies away*
But Christians have gone on all kinds of crusades against video games. Jack Thompson was one such Christian.
Christians have indeed sunk "that low" many times before, just as many religions have.
Yet another example of people cowtowing to muslims. What a bunch of garbage.
The problem was not the mere presence of the texture, but it being in a bathroom, which is quite disrespectful.
And no matter how ridiculous the complaint is: you can always hold dick-waving contests over insignificant doodads whenever there aren't people going to die if the whole issue blows up. If you're going to have a confrontation with a highly volatile social powderkegg, then at least do it over something important.
When it comes to the larger picture: I don't think anyone has any real answers. Islam probably will come out of the medieval mindset they've dug themselves into, but it won't go smoothly. Expect a few more wars, and tens of thousands to die before that blows over.
They've got a library of doodad textures of all sorts, and use them to decorate the houses. Basic things like clocks, paintings, wallpaper, chairs, tables, etc. - they don't design them separately for every single house, but keep using the appropriate library of textures and objects.
Oh...gosh this is stupid. Is it okay that I kind of want to punch this kid. Cause that was my first reaction to this.
I was initially reminded of South Park in that they have Jesus pop in as a character every couple of episodes but when it came to showing Muhamud, everyone shit their pants in fright and Trey and Matt decided against doing it. When something involves the muslim faith it's suddenly off limits and we have to be extra careful about offending them.
And this wasn't even trying to be offensive. It was a miniscule detail in a map within a game that is otherwise letting players kill Muslim avatars. Why is this the thing that tipped the scales?
...I am so tired of religious excuses used to keep everyone else from enjoying something because it "offends people".
This bullshit really has to stop. Ah, who am I kidding, it won't stop. Some sort of disaster has to happen before people learn to stop being sensitive to the religious desires of others, and I don't really want that.
So I guess I'll just have to deal with it and learn to live in a world where people are too diplomatic.
Hey look guys, sanity. Might want to take a leaf from this guy's book.
Activision did this voluntarily yet you all seem to assume they have taken down this map out of fear. Perhaps the guys at Activision simply understood that to many Muslims, whom I gather are a rather sizable and devout community, this could be interpreted as rather offensive, and as such thought it prudent to make this minor change so as to be kind to part of its user base.
The only consequence of this is that Favela will be unavailable for a small time, don't blow this too much out of proportion.
I'll quite enjoy bursting your bubble but the second part of your statement is completely incorrect, they do not mean the same thing at all.
I do magic tricks with my deck of cards, I do magick tricks with my mind.
One refers to a form of entertainment, whilst the other refers to the esoteric, metaphysics and general messiness. It's a handy way of not confusing the two in the written word. Would you prefer it if I used the word, "majik" or something similar instead?
Que Fox News "apologist" shitstorm.
So what I'm getting is that this is another bout of "They slandered my religion by doing X inane bullshit and we're pissed about it"?
Grow the fuck up and play your game, or better yet, stop playing games if you've got the time to be reading picture frames through your sniper scope.
Disclaimer: I don't hate religious people until they think that their religion makes them a special case, shit like this makes me want to wallpaper a bathroom in Islamic text just to tell them to fuck off, I'd do the same for any other religion, but there isn't one that gets worked up over every inane fucking thing quite like the Muslim community.
This is such a tiny thing, with so much tension around it. It really is impressive.
NLP is magic only to those who lack self-awareness to realize that they are being manipulated.
Also from your answer I take you haven't read Koran?
P.S. It might be due to translation, but I'm reading both russian and english translations, so I'm fairly sure, that it isn't side effect of translation.
I have absolutely no idea why there would be an Muhammad quote on a bathroom in freakin' rio de janeiro.
Brazil has like, less than 1% of islamics or something like that. Quotes from the bible? Sure, that could happen.
But from Muhammad? Damn infinity, get your facts straight.
Wrong again, Magick IS the old-English spelling of the modern-day word of Magic (you're arguing with an English major here). One is the root origin of the other, and while culture may have attributed different meanings to the two words, their base meanings remain the same (the use/cause/means of illusion, trickery, misdirection or supernatural/paranormal means to perform an act).
The only real difference (which doesn't change the meaning of the word regardless), is that one is attributed to Wicca/Wiccan culture, the other is not.
I completely agree with this statement my friend but seriously, give us some examples please otherwise you'll just end up looking like some loon shouting nonsense with no substance whatsoever.
While I agree that extremists in any field are bad, including Atheists, key figures in the big two religions constantly tell people why they are "wrong". Christianity is still a massive power player in both America and the UK, and Islam leads a dictatorial regime in the middle east.
For a start, the Christian Church continuously lobby against gay marriage, and before that it was civil partnerships. I'm not the one telling gay couples that their way of life is sinful and wrong, or that it taints the sanctity of people already married. I may argue that their religion makes no sense and I think it's mental to believe it these days, but I'm not attempting to dictate what they can and can't do in their private life.
Extremist Muslims also berate the entirety of the western world, cause riots and dish out hate speech against the on a regular basis. In fact we're currently fighting a WAR in certain areas of the middle east /because/ they bombed several key western places, because they feel the west is evil. (Yes there are other reasons, for both the west and the east, as well as conspirisy theories, but lets just take this at face value for arguments sake)
Atheists and religious people talk smack about each other all the time, it's not limited to us who don't worship some form of Dogma.
The thing that annoys me about certain relgious people complaining about stuff like this, is that it not only paints the normal theists in a bad light, but to me, it just makes them look like they're shaky about whether they believe in it or not. If they're so sure that what they believe is real, they should just be able to laugh of something so trivial as "Allah loves you all" (or whatever it was) without it bothering them.
There are many many cases of religions trying to ban or control things, but far less cases of Atheists trying to do the same.
Now just as a disclamer,(because apparently that's necessary because otherwise some dick jumps on you for "GENERALISATION" when we know that they're on about the dicks)I know full well that most theists are the same as you or me, an every day man that just happens to (or not) believe in some sort of "God" figure. It's the dicks that ruin it for everyone else.
Remember, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me, this is what we teach children for fuck sake".
Remove map.......................................................................... until you can edit it out...
fuck sake you incompetant people just open the texture on ms pain and get rid of it...
I mean, corporations insecure sense of reality just... do what you need to do.
Even better... stealthily remove it.
captcha: deep thought
Puh-lease. They were getting the same so-called "special treatment" before the riots, and it's "special treatment" in name only. They're the only Abrahamic tradition in the US that gets shat on constantly, and when they do get a little consideration it's almost always called "special treatment" or "political correctness."
Hell, in the states we have dozens of laws pushing Christian morals on people, and you can't be a political candidate if you don't universally support Israel's actions. But Islam? try and build a mosque and we'll try and stop you. Hell, we ran campaigns against the current President using "Muslim" as a slur.
Yeah, it's special treatment. We treat them especially bad. They're almost as bad as atheists.
Yeah, know your audience.
In this case, know your audience is too immature to handle the temporary removal of a map in a game and will cause a shitstorm that will embarrass most five year olds.
An English major who fails to understand the English language, or so it seems. Where did I claim that "magick" was not the old-English spelling of "magic"?
So after all you concede that I am indeed correct and the words currently have two different meanings.
Now you're wrong again I'm afraid. The popular definition of "Magick" is attributed to one Alistair Crowley, rather than Gerald Gardner whom pretty much invented and popularised Wicca at a later date.
I think you've missed the point I was trying to make; I will try and make it a little clearer.
I have no problem with the maker of the video complaining for something they feel is wrong (as I said in my initial comment) nor do I have a problem with Activision's response; however, as many people have already said, this is a game which is 5 years old - and nobody has had a problem with it until someone noticed the text. They then believed it was appropriate to make a youtube video speaking on behalf of the Muslim gaming community about this issue. If I can quote you here:
"The muslim world right now is a Powder-keg waiting to go off, and its things like what was pointed out in the video that will set it off."
Exactly, things that were 'pointed-out' in the video - highlighting this in such a public way seems deliberately provocative when it could have been handled as a private matter between Activision and the individual (or community) - The very direct way of bringing this issue into the public eye, considering recent events seems to be poor judgement. This was what my original comment was related to. I hope that clears things up for you.
It is not something I can show with few citations.
P.S. And I'm not afraid to look like a loon, because occasionally there are things I notice, but don't know exactly how to explain
If only they were offended by One Man Army Noob Tubes.
Now there's something to be annoyed about! Little bastards...can't move 3 fecking feet without explosions *grumble grumble*
Anyway, personally, I believe it's a bit oversensitive to be offended by this, but it was probably wise for Activision to take it down before it turned into a possible shitstorm.
He didn't just ask them nicely to remove it he also demanded an apology. When you demand something you are considered hostile. If this offended any other religion IW wouldn't give too shits because there isn't a threat of violence.
There are many people who benefit from religion, it helps communities, and helps millions of people in their day to day lives. However, when you threaten violence and kill because people don't agree with your beliefs which is a direct contradiction to the prophet they love so much, your religion has failed you. That is how I see these people at the moment.
*double post*
|Pages PREV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 NEXT


text:
It all started with a phone call while I was on the way to my deer lease in Brownwood, Texas. The call was from good friend Steven Marksberry. Him and his son Luke were at the lease, trying to get Luke his first deer.
Hunting had been tough all season, and that seemed to be continuing on this hunt. I told him that we would all pile in my pop up blind that evening, as I was sure we would have some action. I had only been to this blind one time without seeing a deer. He agreed, and the plan was made.
I arrived just after noon, and we sat around camp discussing the tough hunting we had encountered this season. Later that afternoon we headed to the blind.
The small blind was cramped, but we maneuvered ourselves into position. As it got darker, I began to feel anxious. We had yet to see a deer, and Luke was getting very jittery. The evening ended without a single sighting of a deer. I felt terrible!
That evening, we cooked dinner and discussed the game plan for the next morning. Even after the uneventful evening, Luke decided he wanted to go with me back to the blind. His dad was going to go to another blind, and see if he could fill his tag as well.
The next morning, we all woke up, got dressed, and headed to the blind.
Luke and I arrived at the blind well before light, and had a ball discussing what would happen if a deer came to our set up. At first light, I got Luke's shooting stick set up, and the wait began. We sat there for an uneventful couple of hours, and I was beginning to get nervous.
The weather was cool, the wind calm and the rain misting. It should be great weather for deer movement, I thought.
The Deer Arrive
Just as we began to give up hope, I caught movement to the left of the blind. I put up the binoculars and saw a young buck with four does.
I told Luke to get his gun up, and about the time he did, the deer trotted off.
I told him to keep his gun up, in case they came back in. Sure enough, the four does snuck back in from the left. "There they are, Luke!" I whispered. The excitement grew.
But Luke had a problem: he couldn't find the deer in the scope! I said they are right there, in the big opening! Now three of the deer trotted down the hill. Oh no, I thought. They are going to get away, I said to myself.
Patience Pays Off
As the last and largest doe began to leave, Luke said, "There she is!" I said, "shoot her!" Luke put the .243's crosshairs on the doe's shoulder, and dropped her in her tracks.
I immediately grabbed him, and said, "you got her!" He gave me a high-five, and was ready to tear the blind down getting out. I told him to give her about 5 more minutes, just to be safe. After five minutes, (what must have seemed like an hour to Luke), we got out and headed to the doe.
In his excitement, he tried to call his dad on the cell phone in the other blind, but accidentally called his mom, and woke her up. He told her the story, and we headed to the doe.
When we got up to her, she was laying right where she had stood. The look on Luke's face was priceless. I was so proud of him, and so proud to get to share this with him.
I set up my camera and tripod, and took some pictures of Luke with his first deer. He was the happiest hunter on earth.
We headed back to camp, and on the way, his dad called and asked if we had shot. Luke proudly told him the story, and we planned to wait on him to go pick up Luke's trophy.
We went and picked up the deer, and both Steven and Luke had proud looks on their faces. I was so happy for them. This was one of those moments we all dream of as hunters.
To see Luke's face after taking his deer, reminded me of why deer hunting is so special. We ended the trip with very few deer sightings, but the trip could not have been any better.
There is nothing better than spending several days in the outdoors with good friends. I know this deer hunt will remain as one of my favorites of all time, and will be forever carved into Luke's memory as well.
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Peter Young, MD
We've all heard the expression "a healthy tan." In fact, it was only one or two generations ago that people lived with the misunderstanding that sunbathing was indeed healthy. Sure, a golden tan is still considered attractive in today's society, but it is now well known that too much long-term sun exposure and bad sunburns cause the vast majority of skin cancers.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in both men and women, and has reached epidemic proportions in the United States over the past several years. In fact, skin cancers represent fifty percent of all new cancers. Approximately one out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of his or her lifetime. There were over one million new cases of skin cancer detected in 1998. Alarmingly, the rate of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is doubling every eight to ten years. Rarely a day goes by in my own dermatology practice that I don't diagnose a patient with skin cancer.
Aside from overexposure to sunlight, other risk factors for skin cancer include light skin, light eyes (blue or green), and light hair (blond or red). Greater than ninety percent of all skin cancers develop on areas of the body exposed to the sun, including the face, ears, neck, hands, and forearms. However, skin cancer can develop on any area of your skin.
Prevention And Early Detection
There are several measures you can take to protect yourself from the sun without having to avoid it outright.
Stay out of the hot sun: Try to stay out of the midday sun (between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM) when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
Cover up: Stay covered up as much as possible. This includes wearing long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a hat or visor with a wide brim to protect your face and neck. You should also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Use sunscreen: Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) every day, even during the winter months. I tell my patients to make sunscreen application a part of their daily morning routine, just like brushing their teeth. Use sunscreens with an SPF rating of at least 15. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours while you are out in the sun, more frequently after swimming or sweating, even if it is waterproof. Don't forget to protect your lips as well. There are several commercially available lip balms that contain sunscreen.
Use sunscreen on your child: You should begin using sunscreen on your children when they reach the age of six months. Prior to this, they should be kept out of direct sunlight, in the shade. This can be accomplished by placing an umbrella over their stroller. The earlier you start practicing sun precautions, the better off you and your kids will be.
Avoid tanning parlors: Stay away from tanning parlors, tanning booths, and sunlamps. These artificial sources of ultraviolet light can be as dangerous, and sometimes even more dangerous, than the sun's rays.
Do self-examinations: Early detection of skin cancer is important, and may even be lifesaving. I recommend that you perform monthly skin self-examinations to check for any abnormal growths or moles. Your doctor can teach you the best way to do this. If you notice any new or changing skin lesions or moles, consult your doctor.
Pay particular attention to changes in size, shape, or color of your moles. Although these changes don't necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, a doctor should certainly check them out to be sure.
Get annual doctor-exams: I also advise that older, fair-skinned individuals have an annual skin examination by a doctor as part of their routine physical check-up. Keep in mind that expedient removal of an early melanoma/skin cancer is usually curative.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, representing about eighty percent of all skin cancers detected in this country. Fortunately, it is also the least aggressive form of skin cancer. Older people with fair skin, blond or red hair and blue or green eyes are at the highest risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Symptoms and medical outlook
These tumors of the skin usually appear as small, fleshy, shiny or pearly bumps or nodules, generally on sun-exposed areas of the body (face, ears, neck, arms, and hands). They commonly occur as sores on the skin that won't heal. Fortunately, basal cell carcinomas grow very slowly and almost never metastasize (spread to other vital organs). The cure rate is over 95 percent if detected and treated early. However, left untreated, they can cause considerable local damage and disfigurement.
There are several treatment options available for basal cell carcinoma, depending on the size and location of the cancer as well as the individual needs of the patient. These include surgery, freezing the cancer with a very cold substance known as liquid nitrogen, or a procedure called electrodesiccation and curettage (scraping the skin cancer with a curette device followed by burning the cancer with an electric needle). Your doctor will discuss these various treatment options with you.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, accounting for sixteen percent of all skin cancers.
Symptoms and medical outlook
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is found predominantly on sun-exposed regions of the body, again in people with light skin, light hair, and light eyes. These tumors may appear as red, scaly patches or as raised, crusty growths. The cure rate is over 95 percent with early diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, without proper treatment they can metastasize and even be deadly.
If detected early, the same treatment options are available for squamous cell carcinomas as previously mentioned for basal cell carcinomas. However, if the cancer has spread, radiation therapy or other more aggressive therapies may be necessary. Again, it is important to discuss all of the treatment options with your doctor first.
Also known as "malignant" melanoma, this is the least common, but most deadly type of skin cancer. The chances of developing a melanoma are about one in eighty. Although it represents only about four percent of all skin cancers, someone dies of melanoma about every hour in the United States. Fortunately, due to earlier detection, the death rate from melanoma is on the decline.
Risk factors
Similar to basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, excessive sun exposure is a definite risk factor for melanoma, particularly among fair-skinned people. There is a strong association of melanoma with severe blistering childhood sunburns. People with a family history of melanoma also run an increased risk of getting melanoma, even if they haven't had an excessive amount of sun exposure. In addition, atypical moles, which may be hereditary, are often markers indicating an increased risk of melanoma either within these moles or on other areas of the skin. If you have a history of excessive sun exposure or severe sunburns, a family history of melanoma, or lots of unusual looking moles, make sure to have a complete skin check by your doctor every year.
The group at highest risk for developing melanoma is men over the age of fifty, but it can affect anyone of any age. The most commonly involved sites are the chest and abdomen in men, the lower legs in women, and the upper back in both genders. Persons of dark skin color, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, although less likely to get melanoma, are certainly not immune. Interestingly, when a black person develops melanoma, it often occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails, all areas with very limited sun exposure.
Symptoms and medical outlook
A melanoma may spontaneously appear on previously normal skin or it may arise from a preexisting mole. It usually appears as an asymmetric dark brown or black mole-like growth with irregular edges. It may be multiple colors, including mixed shades of red, blue, tan, and white. Other warning signs include:
changes in the surface of a mole (raised areas, bleeding, or crusting).
pain or itching within a mole.
spread of pigment, or color, from the edge of a mole into neighboring skin.
If you notice any of these changes, it is important that you notify your doctor. Keep in mind that early detection and treatment of a melanoma is usually curative, but if a melanoma goes unnoticed, it can spread to other parts of the body and be deadly.
Melanomas are treated by excision (surgical removal). The earlier the cancer is detected the less invasive the surgery that will be required. If the cancer has already spread, additional treatments may be necessary, including radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Many studies involving new treatments as well as melanoma vaccines are currently underway, and offer hope for further advances in the prevention and treatment of this most aggressive form of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and has reached epidemic proportions. Excessive sun exposure is the single most important risk factor for developing skin cancer. Therefore, your best defense against skin cancer is to minimize contact with the sun during peak hours and through liberal use of sunscreen and other protective measures.
The three common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be locally destructive, but these forms of skin cancer rarely spread. They carry a 95 percent cure rate if caught and treated early. Melanoma is the least common, but most aggressive type of skin cancer. If it goes undiagnosed, it can spread to other organs and be fatal. Remember, early detection and treatment of skin cancer carries a very high cure rate. If you are unsure about a mark on your skin, consult your doctor.


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posted by Thom Holwerda on Sat 24th Sep 2005 19:32 UTC, submitted by Disposable
"Writing a tips article is tricky. Especially for such a hallowed and 'hardcore' distribution as Slackware. Veteran users want incredibly good tips. New users considering giving Slack a whirl, and who may be afraid of the BSD-style and command line mystique, want tips that bring accessibility and understanding to Slackware. Find that balance here. From simple bash techniques, to assuring your anonynimity on public Wi-Fi, this article will walk you through the Slackware tips most valuable to you."


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Joey's Dystopia: 'Hunger Games' Archery Lesson
Hey guys! Welcome to the latest episode of Joey's Dystopia. This week, it's a super special episode because I get an archery lesson from Khatuna Lorig aka the women who trained Jennifer Lawrence in archery for The Hunger Games! It's even the same bow Jennifer used while training! No big deal! So, I channeled my inner-Katniss and mess around with a bow and arrow. First, she fits me up with a special guard on my arm, so shooting isn't painful. I also asked her a few Hunger Games-related questions, and much more! I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed with my archery skills after this lesson! Lol!
Watch the video above and make sure you subscribe to Teen on YouTube so you don't miss any new episodes of Joey's Dystopia, every Tuesday at 5 PM EST/2 PM PST!


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Brief SummaryRead full entry
The Passeriformes is the largest and most diverse commonly recognized clade of birds. The Passeriformes (or 'passerine' birds) are synonymous with what are commonly known as "perching birds"; this group also contains within it a major radiation commonly known as songbirds (oscine Passerines or Passeri). Of the 10,000 or so extant species of birds, over half (~5,300) are perching birds.
Perching birds have a worldwide distribution, with representatives on all continents except Antarctica, and reaching their greatest diversity in the tropics. Body sizes of passerines vary from about 1.4 kg in northern populations of Ravens (Corvus corax) to just a few grams. Perching birds include some of the most colorful and mysterious of all birds, such as birds of paradise from New Guinea and the bright orange Cock of the Rock from tropical South America. Because of their high diversity, generally small body size and relative ease of observation, collection and field study, perching birds have historically attracted the attention of a wide range of descriptive and experimental biologists, including systematists, behavioral ecologists, and evolutionary biologists.


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Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe
- Expired
- Midtown
- American (Traditional), Pubs
As the owner, Randy, describes, "At night, Carolyn's is somewhere between a sports bar and an Irish pub." Translation: it's a happy place.Jammed in traffic? Of course. We all are. (Good 'ol ATL.) Well, sir (or madam!), have I got an eat for you. Push, pull or drag - but preferably drive your car into the free (!) lot behind Carolyn's Gourmet Cafe in Midtown. Soak up the rarity of Midtown parking, head on in to hunker down with the best of your buds and wait out the 5 o'clock vehicular storm. This snug joint is already hopping during lunch, but also offers a veritable spread of solid, homemade pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers and beers for your dining delights. Isn't it time to acknowledge the elephant in your commute? I know the cheerful 1920's-era brick building had always piqued the interest of my rush-hour belly rumblers. Carolyn's, henceforth referred to as "your new hangout", has a light, rustic, homey feel. But not so homey you have to use your inside voice. And not so rustic you'll wish you brought a moist towelette to sanitize the glasses. Nope - not here. It's hard to put your fork on what makes this ten-years-young establishment so inviting. As owner, Randy, describes, "At night, Carolyn's is somewhere between a sports bar and an Irish pub." Translation: it's a happy place.
After witnessing some first-daters, and regulars sharing chortles over a bucket of beer, I had to agree. Heck, the menu chalkboard declares: "The Key to Success is Positive Thinking", and the sandwiches boast encouraging names, like "Motivation" (Turkey Melt). Your new hangout is the type of oasis you schlep into after a rough day, kick back and order up a "Champion" (chicken salad sandwich) or "Nacho Mountain" (mountain of nachos). Your buddies trickle in to join you and maybe, just maybe, you feel a little better about the world when you leave. As one of the lads at the bar felt moved to exclaim, "Man, I love this bar." And who wouldn't feel a satisfied smirk sneaking up on them? Skip out on rush hour(s), score free parking and scarf down some positivity (and a brew or two) – you'll be hard pressed to keep that grin in check, too.
Menu Highlights:
Nacho Mountain, $7.99
Steakhouse Burger, $7.99
Domestic Beers, $3.25
BBQ Chicken Pizza (Large), $18.00
Fish Tacos, $7.99
Homemade Lasagna, Side Salad, & Garlic Bread, $12.99
Bud Light, Mich Ultra, & Budweiser, $2.00
Monday - Friday: 11:00 - 3:00
Saturday (seasonally) 11:00 - 3:00
Tuesday - Friday 4:00 - 11:00
Saturday (seasonally) 4:00 - 11:00


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February 22, 2012
By -, -
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Adam Godwin of Oklahoma Baptist has been named the NAIA National Men's Indoor Track Athlete of the Week and Herbert Gary of Indiana Tech has been tabbed as the NAIA National Men's Indoor Field Athlete of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. Godwin and Gary were selected based on their performances from Feb. 13 – 19. Both athletes have earned the award for the first time in their careers.
Godwin, a native of Edmond, Okla., shined at the Nebraska Last Chance Tune-Up at the University of Nebraska on Feb. 17. The sophomore set a new NAIA best this season in the one-mile run with a time of 4:03.92 on the way to a first-place finish amongst a field of 24 competitors. Godwin also finished first in the 1,000-meter run, clocking in at 2:28.05 – the third best mark in the NAIA in 2012.
Gary, an Indianapolis, Ind., native, proved to be the conference's top high jumper at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) championships on Feb. 18. The freshman's high jump of 7 – 0 ¼ placed him first in the field of 10 and gave him the top high jump mark in the NAIA this season. For that effort, Gary earned the Outstanding Performer award at the event and landed himself on the WHAC All-Conference team.
For a complete listing of all the national event leaders, click here.
Track Nominees: Justin Jones, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.); Matt Fideler, Dakota State (S.D.); Spencer Kamoni, Jamestown (N.D.); Brendan Kelly, Cumberlands (Ky.); David McWilliams, Oklahoma Christian; Nicholas Hestand, Evangel (Mo.); Keith Brown, Iowa Wesleyan; Matthew Clowes, Concordia (Ore.); Edwin Ronoh, Doane (Neb.); Brian Bragg, Eastern Oregon; Adam Yost, St. Francis (Ill.); Joseph Herber, Huntington (Ind.); Andy Lipiec, Indiana Wesleyan; Gabriel Green, William Penn (Iowa); Pj Randles, Campbellsville (Ky.); Ka'imi Scott, Warner Pacific (Ore.); Remontay McClain, Azusa Pacific (Calif.); Rick Avila, Concordia (Calif.); Travis Price, Great Falls (Mont.).
Field Nominees: Jeff Lewis, Oklahoma Baptist; Lucas Limberg, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.); Cj Davis, Davenport (Mich.); Michael Piatt, Southern Nazarene (Okla.); Emmanuel Panchol, Ashford (Iowa); Joe Dauscha, Cumberlands (Ky.); Brandon Jackson, Oklahoma Christian; Eric Whalen, Concordia (Ore.); Rob Keeney, Doane (Neb.); Jalen Wilson, William Penn (Iowa); Robbie Haynie, Eastern Oregon; Cody Weber, Hastings (Neb.); James Schortgen, Indiana Wesleyan; Pj Randles, Campbellsville (Ky.); Kiefer Smith, Central Methodist (Mo.); Jacob Connealy, Benedictine (Kan.); Anthony Stockton, William Woods (Mo.).
2012 Composite Award Winners (Track & Field)
Week 1: Edwin Ronoh, Doane (Neb.); Rob Keeney, Doane (Neb.)
Week 2: Monte Larsen, Morningside (Iowa); Raheem Cowan, Briar Cliff (Iowa)
Week 3: B.J. Lawrence, Doane (Neb.); Gabe Wickham, Hastings (Neb.)
Week 4: Matthew Clowes, Concordia (Ore.); Robbie Haynie, Eastern Oregon
Week 5: Kennedy Kithuka, Wayland Baptist; Gabe Wickham, Hastings (Neb.)
Week 6: Clarence Anderson, Ottawa (Kan.); Ethan DeJongh, Fresno Pacific (Calif.)
Week 7: Adam Godwin, Oklahoma Baptist; Herbert Gary, Indiana Tech


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Raising kids is like managing a career: One turn of events can have a big impact on your performance rating. I was reminded of this when we replaced our family-room carpet -- and banished all toys to the basement. Our stock with the kids took a huge hit.
But we also moved the old carpet downstairs to cover what had been bare concrete. Suddenly, Jordan, 8, and Marissa, 6, had a large, soft play space unencumbered by good-carpet rules. We had lots of room for "Dad games": body-slamming into big, cushy pillows; attacking each other with large, spongy tubes; and playing a tussled baseball-football combo.
Within weeks, Marissa reported to my wife that her love for me had grown "from this much" (spreading her hands a bit wider than shoulder width) to "this much" (hands at full wingspan) -- an improvement of at least 35 percent.
In business, I'd get a raise. But at home, I reaped a different benefit: My wife stopped fretting about somebody getting hurt (admittedly, it happens) and chiding me for getting the kids all worked up. She saw that through horseplay, I was bonding with them in a loving, important way.
Richard Laliberte, a former senior writer at Men's Health, has written extensively about fatherhood and children's health.
A Clash of Styles
"Many mothers complain that dads will rev kids up too much, aren't as concerned if they get tired or dirty, and don't watch them as carefully as they should," says Henry Biller, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of Rhode Island. The broader translation: Dads can be irresponsible, uncaring, and even irrelevant, especially since many aren't able to spend as much time with their children as mothers do. In the early 1990s, researchers surveyed studies on family relationships and childhood development and found that in 50 percent of them, fathers weren't even mentioned.
But the parenting landscape is changing rapidly:
- Baby-boomer dads spend one-third more time with their kids than their fathers did with them, and younger dads are spending an even greater amount of time with their children.
- Although the number of fathers who stay home to raise children is small (0.8 percent, compared with 21 percent of mothers), the rate nearly doubled between 1991 and 1996.
- Households headed by single fathers are the fastest-growing type of family -- up 25 percent between 1995 and 1998 -- in part, experts speculate, because courts are awarding custody to dads in divorce cases more often.
- Since the early 1990s, the federal government has instituted such programs as the Unwed Fathers Project and the Responsible Fatherhood Demonstration Project, and continued to fund studies to better understand the role of fathers in families.
What's becoming clear is that "although men may take a different approach, the essence of good parenting -- sharing and sacrificing yourself emotionally, spiritually, materially, and intellectually -- has nothing to do with gender," says Kyle Pruett, M.D., a professor of childhood development at Yale University, and author of Fatherneed: Why Father Care Is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child.Experts now realize that neither a mom's way nor a dad's way is better, and both ways work to a child's benefit.
But the mere presence of a father isn't as important as "emotional paternity" -- a special bond that children share with their dads or other caring men, says Dr. Pruett. This crucial connection can be established when fathers spend time playing, disciplining, and helping to care for their children. Here, the most important ways dads help raise kids right.
1. Turning Work Into Child's Play
Even during mundane chores like changing diapers, giving a bath, or supervising toothbrushing, dads tend to be physically playful. They'll pick up a child by her feet or splash water on her head when she doesn't expect it. Fathers are often more unpredictable, surprising (and, truth be told, disruptive) than moms, who tend to stick with calm, familiar routines. Babies notice the difference early on: When a 2-month-old senses that her dad is approaching, she'll scrunch up her shoulders, open her eyes wide, and breathe more quickly, anticipating excitement. (With her mom, she'll tend to relax her shoulders and lower her eyelids.)
As their kids get older, dads are apt to rely less on board games or toys during playtime than to create spontaneous fun. "When I get home from work, my son is just waiting for me to chase after him," says Jim McAllister, of Springvale, ME. "I'll make a quick move toward him, and he'll crack up and take off down the hall." Says Curtis Cooper, of Apple Valley, MN, "My wife usually reads to our 6-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, but I typically let them jump on me."
Research shows that babies and toddlers who bond with their fathers feel more secure and curious, and get less frustrated by problems than those who don't have a lot of one-on-one time. The benefits can be seen early on: "A child who's starting to crawl, for instance, is more likely to push and pull at an obstacle, or back up and try a different route, rather than cry for help," says Dr. Pruett.
Fooling around can also teach kids to be compassionate in emotionally charged or stressful situations. "A dad is more likely than a mom to get physical with the kids, but if someone gets hurt, he'll immediately calm everyone down so that the conflict doesn't escalate further," says Brenda Volling, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. "While he's making sure everyone's OK, his children earn to put their own fun on hold to help others. His compassion teaches them how to empathize."
2. Inspiring Sibling Love
It's natural for the dad to spend extra time with an older sibling when the mom is caring for a new baby. But Volling's research finds that this can have benefits beyond giving a tired mom a break: In older kids, it may foster a willingness to share with and teach their younger siblings -- years later.
"When our second child, Emily, was born, she became 'Mommy's girl,' and our 3-year-old, Allison, became 'Daddy's girl,' " says Stephen Emick, of Allentown, PA. "Allison and I were always close, but now she really enjoys doing things with just me. But she's also willing to share her toys and play teacher with Emily."
"When a baby is being smothered with attention, it's important to make an older child feel she's special too," says Volling. "By being the center of her father's attention, the older child thinks she's getting a more equal distribution of love."
3. Teaching Kids to Cope
Whether his child is learning to ride a bike, solve a puzzle, or decide what to play with a friend, a father will often encourage her to work through a problem, even if it causes a tear or two. "When Haleigh, who's 5, is perched on the edge of a platform at the playground and afraid to come down, I don't carry her off," says her dad, Steven Klem, of Cocoa Beach, FL, who moderates a chat room for at-home dads on America Online. "I say, 'You can do this. Find a way to get down on your own.' It doesn't help her if she always has to rely on me."
Dads also teach their children that every action has a consequence. In our house, Jordan loves to dawdle before getting ready for bed. But I let him manage his own time -- and if his pajamas aren't on, and his teeth aren't brushed by 9 P.M., I just won't read him a bedtime story. My wife, on the other hand, is more inclined to update him continually with reminders to get moving -- and then will let things slide if he doesn't make the deadline.
Stepping back or making kids live with their choices can seem harsh to moms, who tend to be quick to comfort a child before he becomes upset. But studies find a dad's hands-off approach can help a child build confidence and keep cool in the face of difficulties. A preschooler, for example, may be more willing to try out a new set of monkey bars or take turns on a slide; by grade school, he may be better able to withstand the pressure of exams and cliques than those who lack a nurturing father.
4. Introducing Children to the Real World
It may take a village to raise a child, but in most cultures, it's a father's job to show his son and daughter what real life is like. And dads do this from the start: Once their babies are old enough, fathers like to carry them facing outward, says Dr. Pruett. As their kids get older, dads are quick to offer constructive criticism. "When a child misbehaves, a man is more likely to say, 'If you keep acting like that, you won't have any friends,'; or 'You won't be successful,' " says Dr. Pruett. Mothers, however, may focus on soothing their child's feelings.
"Haleigh is very emotional and falls apart easily," says Klem. "If she gets upset over being teased, I tell her that it happens because she shows her emotions and cries right away. If she stayed calm and stood up for herself more, it wouldn't be such a fun game for the other kids."
Their ease in detaching themselves emotionally may even make fathers more effective disciplinarians, says Dr. Pruett. "Children realize that crying or complaining won't help them get their way."
McAllister, for instance, expects courteous behavior from his 18-month-old son: "Liam can be rough and boisterous," he says, "but when he's around a friend's 8-month-old daughter, I make it clear that he has to be careful with her. I act as if he can understand me, even if he really doesn't." And, surprisingly, Liam usually lives up to his father's wishes. "He respects her space. He won't quickly run up to her like he will to children his own age, and will only touch her gently," says McAllister.
Dads can also set a good example of how men and women should interact in everyday life, says Volling. "Without a positive male role model, girls in particular may not learn how to relate with boys or men."
5. Boosting Language Skills
Research has shown that the more a dad reads to his child, the better she becomes at expressing her ideas and feelings. Certainly, reading with a mom is also beneficial. But the way men speak to kids -- using playful voices, bigger words, and less baby talk than moms do -- piques and holds their interest and helps teach them how to communicate.
"I talk to my son like a grown-up, not a toddler," says McAllister. "My wife calls his bottle a 'bubba,' because that's what he calls it. I call it a bottle, because that's its real name." While both a mom's style of imitating and a dad's way of speaking can boost language skills early on, researchers believe the combination also helps children perform better in school. Girls, in particular, are less likely "to give up on math and science once they hit the fourth or fifth grade," says Dr. Pruett.
Kids have a beneficial effect on their dads as well: Studies find that fathers who are close to their children tend to be more compassionate, easygoing, and responsible. They also tend to have stronger marriages -- even after the kids have flown the coop.
And fatherhood simply has its own pleasures. I didn't institute "Dad games" out of premeditated concern for my kids' social and intellectual development. We started playing because it was fun -- for me as much as for them.
Isn't that the essence of being a good father? You can be the stern disciplinarian when it's necessary, and you may disappoint your kids in innumerable ways, but when it comes down to it, what they'll remember most are the times you were just happy to be there.


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Director of Alumni Relations Harrell Queen and President Michael Stewart are traveling the Southeast in 2011 to host dinners for EC Alumni Chapters. So far their travels have taken them on a tour of Florida and Georgia. Look for them to visit a chapter area near you soon. They are headed up to South Carolina next to attend The Gathering in Charleston March 24-27.
Check out these photos from a few of the January and February Alumni Dinners to see if you spot any familiar faces:
Daytona Beach, FL
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Clubhouse Restaurant
Lakeland, FL
Monday, January 24, 2011
Louie Macks
Tallahassee, FL
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Christian Heritage Church
Moultrie/Macon, GA
Friday, February 25, 2011
Ole Time Buffet
Athens, GA
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Holiday Inn, E. Broad Street