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Subject: I have found a DVD that I think you would enjoy
|Anvil The Story of Anvil
Actors: Robb Reiner, Steve 'Lips' Kudlow, Tiziana Arrigoni, Kevin Goocher, Glenn Gyorffy
Director: Sacha Gervasi
Genres: Music Video & Concerts, Documentary
NR 2009 1hr 20min
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Movie Reviews
Anvil: The Band That Didn't Make It, But Should...
Jym Cherry | Wheaton, IL United States | 10/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Story of Anvil is a Rock 'n' Roll cautionary tale for those of us living out our Rock 'n' Roll dreams. You can be an innovative band, have the respect of your peers, and have the same access to fans but still not make it into big time Rock 'n' Roll. The story of Anvil is also a story of hope, friendship and following your artistic vision to create something that not only do you like but will be there after you're gone.
Anvil is a Heavy Metal band created by childhood friends Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner. They've been together as a band for almost 30 years and while bassists have come and gone they still share a dream to make it to the big time. Their belief in themselves isn't unrealistic, as proved by interviews by such Heavy Metal luminaries as Lars Ullrich, Lemmy (from Motorhead), and Slash attest to. They credit Anvil with being Heavy Metal innovators not only in their music such as songs like Metal On Metal, which Ullrich says other bands used and borrowed without ever looking back, but in stage appearance such as Lips early penchant for wearing bondage outfits onstage, and using dildos as a guitar slide.
There is a pathos present too. As the band embarks on a European tour that was managed by an amateur promoter, they played bars where the band almost out number the patrons, or a bar owner that tries to rip them off. There's also the family and friends who are shown and they understand and support the dreams and ambitions of Reiner and Kudlow. A sister of Kudlow going so far as to front money for Anvil to record with Heavy Metal producer Chris Tsangarides (Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy).
Why didn't Anvil make it? The movie isn't about that, although, Lips and Robb wrestle with it a little. Lips seems to think it's because in 25 years of Rock `n' Roll they never had good management. Another reason that might explain why they didn't make it goes uncommented on by either the filmmaker or the band themselves. It may be the reason they didn't rise in the Rock `n' Roll world is the band members themselves. During a recording session, which they shelled out 13,000 pounds to producer Chris Tsangarides and for reasons not clear at first, Lips blows up at Reiner and even goes so far as to say Reiner is "fired." After an impromptu therapy session run by Tsangarides, Lips and Reiner make up. How much of this played into their not making it to the big time? The movie doesn't delve into that aspect at all, and keeps the focus on their struggles of the present.
Some reviewers and critics argue that Anvil just wasn't as good as other bands they were contemporaries with, such as The Scorpions, Bon Jovi, Metallica. I'm not much of an expert on Heavy Metal but both in the vintage footage of them playing in Japan and in hearing songs off their new album This Is Thirteen they sound as good as any other band in the oeuvre. Their music has moments where the music has something of interest, but my only complaint is the same I have for any other Heavy/Speed Metal band, is they blow past those moments too fast looking for the next interesting phrase.
The movie seems to elicit Spinal Tap comparisons. Maybe it's because the format resembles Spinal Tap so much. We can't leave out the coincidence that the drummer and founding member of Anvil is Robb Reiner. But there are some Spinal Tap moments in the movie such as when the band is recording and the producer turns up a volume control that you quite clearly can see goes to 11! There is also Reiner's painting of a giant anvil in the middle of a park. Other paintings of his are quite good, reminiscent of Edward Hooper. There are moments the band itself seems cognizant of being like Spinal Tap, such as when the band is being lead to the stage and Lips is delivering a monologue about them being lost backstage.
One question I asked myself while watching this movie is, it's very cool to have all those heavy hitting, heavy metal rockers saying how cool and innovative Anvil is, but couldn't they ask Anvil to open for them? That might get them the exposure they need. Hopefully, this film will bring Anvil a larger audience."
Great documentary! Must-see for even non-metal fans!
C. E. Hoskins | Ellicott City, MD United States | 08/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie was great, my boyfriend is a big fan of theirs and he showed me a YouTube clip of the movie. The clip almost brought me to tears, these guys really are endearing, so we went to see the movie and it was GREAT! You see their high's and lows (mostly lows!), and you're rooting for them throughout the whole movie. The band was big in the 80s' when metal was real popular. Then once the metal craze died down things started going sour for them...they had to get "real" jobs but they still had thier dream of playing in front of huge crowds. The ending was great (and fairly predictable!) but you really do grow fond of the guys in the group because they are trying SO HARD to make it again in the music industy. The bond between Lips and Rob is a true testament to friendship and it's a huge part of the movie. Rock on Anvil! You've got a new fan!
Never Give Up
Daniel A. Modell | 01/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anvil: the Story of Anvil chronicles the journey of the band from near fame to near obscurity and back again in the unyielding pursuit of a dream. The band battles through a series of uproariously funny events, maddeningly frustrating encounters, and, finally, agonizingly poignant exchanges. Their story, expressed in the crunch of distorted guitars, the abandon of the stage and the rebelliousness of leather and long hair will excite a very pleasant nostalgia for those steeped in the ethos of 80's metal music. But the incomparable glory of this documentary is that, in the deepest sense, it is not about music at all. Music is simply the means through which deeper themes are voiced. In the end, The Story of Anvil is about loyalty, friendship and perseverence: the single-minded perseverance to follow your deepest aspirations, unbowed, in the teeth of any and all opposition."
You don't have be a metal fan to love this story
M. Sady | Krakow, Poland | 08/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't say enough about just how much I enjoyed this film. I wasn't an Anvil fan before, but I sure as hell am now. This is a story about how two friends started a band and would absolutely not take "no" for an answer until they made their dreams come true. A concert "festival" promised to have "thousands" of fans draws fewer than 200? An almost 1:1 ratio of band members to audience members at a club show? Nothing is enough to discourage these guys to keep rocking and the life lessons for everyone are clear and touching as they maintain the attitude and the desire to keep it all going. Back in the 80's they inspired bands like Metallica, Slayer and others & they will inspire you to keep focused on your dreams no matter what bumps you might face along the road. You can't help but cheer them on & the ending is....well, just watch it yourself"


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This trio sounded great! Some of the best saw music I've seen.
Hood ornaments are always cool. Kind of wish we had them today...
Still to be posted, a few pictures of two vehicles at the event that were not in such excellent condition, but had a wonderful character.
[New to me: (#9) attended Tucson's Dillinger Days for the first time, (#10) ate at Maynard's Kitchen for the first time -- nice meal.]

subset: commoncrawl


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The EGE wrote:That's the only thing that remains of the six previous stations, to my knowledge.
NealG wrote:The EGE wrote:That's the only thing that remains of the six previous stations, to my knowledge.
I believe that the locomotive relief keystone remains as well on the exhaust stack on Clarendon St as well. I wonder what will happen to it if and when that area is redeveloped.
Some of the relief rescued from the old station was reinstalled on the walls between the tracks and the streets that dead end off of Chandler St as well. Cazenove St, and St Charles St.
BandA wrote:How much is Boston Properties paying the MBTA for the development rights at BBY? Why was the existing lack of ventilation allowed to be built, and why wasn't the inadequate ventilation system maintained? And why didn't the health department require the station to be closed.
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Bringing together a panel of speakers from Australia Post, O'Brien Glass, Tyco ADT and IBM, Blackbay's Mobility Forum will focus on the challenges and business issues facing organisations when considering mobility.
The event will be held on May 30, at the North Sydney Club in Sydney.
The event will involve two breakout sessions with case study presentations from key speakers:
- Geoff Cook - Messenger Post & Mailroom Solutions General Manager, Australia Post
- Doug Robinson - Partner Services, T&L, IBM
Field Service Management:
- Peter Herring - IT Manager, O'Brien Glass
- Tyco ADT
- Dave Ffowcs Williams, Director, Blackbay
The speakers in each session will present their experiences with mobile technology within their respective markets. Topics covered within the presentations include:
- What were the underlying reasons for considering mobility
- How has mobility affected their business
- What went well during and after the mobility implementation
- What did not go well
- What has been the impact of real-time data on their business
- Question and answer sessions with the speakers
This is an opportunity to learn from businesses that have successfully implemented mobility solutions and network with your peers in the industry.


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While I was on vacation, I made this outfit modeled somewhat after Anne's schoolteacher outfit. (See my last post) The vest and skirt are of a different color scheme (more of a brown/gold) than the one from the movie, but I got the basic idea. :) I photographed the outfit at the shore...
Recognize the flyaway story pages? :)
The inspiration for this outfit came from the movie Anne of Green Gables the Sequel, in the beginning, when she is at the seashore. Though the color scheme is a bit different than the costume worn by Megan Follows in the film, it has the basic cut and look. I even included her little portfolio enclosing her handwritten "story" (can be seen under her arm in the last photo) The skirt has elastic on the back, giving it the body in the back like it should for the period. The vest is very tailored, has tucks in the back, and hook-and-eye closures up the front. The blouse is made in a light white cotton with pretty pintucks down the front, a stand-up collar, and a prim bow at the neck. Included underneath the skirt is a white cotton petticoat, to give it body.
This outfit is for sale in my etsy shop here!
All the best,


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Liam M.
Lesson Details
Liam teaches
- Teaches students:
- Ages 10+
- Teaching since:
- May 2005
Liam is a certified Tai Chi instructor by Master Jesse Tsao (12th Generation Chen style lineage) of Tai Chi HealthWays, San Diego CA. Liam is a certified Qi Gong instructor by Master Tina Zhang of Wu Tang Physical Culture Association. He is also a certified Yoga instructor and author of the book Qigong for Beginners: Three Full Workouts for Strength and Balance, New York: Create Space, 2017.
He has studied Tai Chi and Qigong with Sifu Yu Guo Shun, Sifu Frank Allen, Sifu Tina Zhang and Sifu Damo Mitchell.
MA - HistoryAug 2003 - Jul 2005
BA - HistoryAug 2000 - Jul 2003
Yoga InstructorJul 2015
Liam is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor by Dr. Paul Jerard of Aura Wellness Center.
Qigong InstructorApr 2014
Liam is a certified Qigong instructor by Master Tina Zhang of Wu Tang Physical Culture Associatio
Tai Chi InstructorJan 2013
Liam is a certified Tai Chi instructor by Master Jesse Tsao (12th Generation Chen style lineage) of Tai Chi HealthWays, San Diego CA.
Photos & Videos
5 ReviewsWrite a Review
Liam is very good
Did an excellent job explaining the movements. Made sure not to exceed the student's capabilities.
I have been taking Liam's Tai Chi/ Qi Gong class for nearly two years now. He is a dynamic teacher that is sensitive to different types of learning paces and styles (both eastern and western) and employs both in his classes. His explanations are simple and he always relates the movement back to its origin as a martial arts defense/offensive move which helps one establish the intention behind the movement. I have learned yang short form and chen style short form from him. I would highly recommend that you take his class if you are interested in beginning or continuing a tai chi practice. Through my practice I have found a healthy way to manage stress and anxiety.+ Read More
Great music and a lovely fusion of yoga/tai chi! Liam is a down to earth teacher with genuine passion and wisdom of martial arts, yoga and eastern culture!
I have taken many lessons with Liam for a year and a half now. He is an instructor who cares about the well being and overall health of his students. He is knowledgeable and is always careful to have students work within their limits. He taught me about 'wu wei,' or 'effortless effort,' a Chinese philosophy about accomplishing things without straining yourself. I always get something out of his classes.+ Read More


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Glenice Koth
Glenice Koth, 82, of Holstein and formerly of Marcus and Storm Lake, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at Good Samaritan Center in Holstein.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.


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Alternative Titles
Synonyms: NTR2, Netorare x Netorare
Japanese: NTR²
Type: Manga
Volumes: 1
Chapters: 7
Status: Finished
Published: Apr 26, 2013 to Apr 26, 2014
Genres: Hentai
Authors: Namonashi (Story & Art)
Serialization: Comic X-Eros
Score: 6.761 (scored by 79 users)
1 indicates a weighted score. Please note that 'Not yet published' titles are excluded.
Ranked: N/A2
2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #20018
Members: 190
Favorites: 4


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Avaaz, based off of the Persian word "avaz," which, when translated, means voice or musical composition, is a online political activism platform that operates globally. Avaaz is widely considered by most mainstream news outlets as the single largest and most potent and impactful activist website currently on the web. The websites number of active contributors tends to back up this claim as they have approximately 45 million + members all across the globe, and that number is only rising and quite rapidly and what Avaaz knows.
One of the things which makes Avaaz so unique as a political activism platform is the fact that it is completely independent from corporate or foundation interests which might otherwise sway the site's campaigns in particularly self-serving ways. Rather than utilize the resources of already financially solvent political powers, Avaaz instead opts to keep everything completely grassroots, with all of their power and influence stemming from their vociferous and dedicated member base of regular individuals who are opposed to political corruption. Given that the organization is strongly dedicated to democratic reforms and the idea that a government should serve its people rather than the other way around, they operate by a egalitarian model of census taking utilizing email newsletters and sampling polls to vote on which issues the site should focus in on and their Linkedin.
What this means is that, even though most of the Avaaz membership has no direct control over what is put on the site itself, every member has a say in what should be prioritized and how the group should move forward with any given issue. It is this democratic census taking that remains one of the centerpieces to Avaaz's commitment to it's principals of democratic majority rule, and thus, their tremendous success and more information click here.
More Visit: http://www.ngo-monitor.org/ngos/avaaz/


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What new functionality we are looking for
Where do I begin with this question? Anything would be better than what we have now but there are certainly specific items that we would like for our website. For starters we would like a page just for victims to access with information about sexual assault with a quick and easy way to email us directly. We would like to provide links to other resources in the community that would be helpful to someone. Next we would like to have a page where people from the community could get involved with our agency, including ways they could donate to us and sign up for our E-Letter. An event page that we could update ourselves would be great along with pictures from events held previously. Lastly, we would like a private access point for volunteers so we can post the on-call schedule and other pertinent documents so we could communicate more efficiently with them.
Overall, our vision for the website is to provide clear and easily accessable information for not only victims but also community members, service providers, and volunteers.


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A Social Laboratory for Modern France: The Musee Social and the Rise of the Welfare StateBy: Janet R. Horne (author)Paperback
Special OrderSpecial Order item not currently available. We'll try and order for you.
DescriptionAs a nineteenth-century think tank that sought answers to France's pressing "social question," the Musee Social reached across political lines to forge a reformist alliance founded on an optimistic faith in social science. In A Social Laboratory for Modern France Janet R. Horne presents the story of this institution, offering a nuanced explanation of how, despite centuries of deep ideological division, the French came to agree on the basic premises of their welfare state. Horne explains how Musee founders believed-and convinced others to believe-that the Third Republic would carry out the social mission of the French Revolution and create a new social contract for modern France, one based on the rights of citizenship and that assumed collective responsibility for the victims of social change. Challenging the persistent notion of the Third Republic as the stagnant backwater of European social reform, Horne instead depicts the intellectually sophisticated and progressive political culture of a generation that laid the groundwork for the rise of a hybrid welfare system, characterized by a partnership between private agencies and government. With a focus on the cultural origins of turn-of-the-century thought-including religion, republicanism, liberalism, solidarism, and early sociology-A Social Laboratory for Modern France demonstrates how French reformers grappled with social problems that are still of the utmost relevance today and how they initiated a process that gave the welfare state the task of achieving social cohesion within an industrializing republic.
About AuthorJanet R. Horne is Associate Professor of French at the University of Virginia.
ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Part One. Rhetoric of Reform 1. The Modern Sphinx: Debating the Social Question in Nineteenth- Century France 2. Inventing a Social Museum Part Two. Networking for Reform 3. A Genealogy of Republican Reform 4. A Laboratory for Social Reform Part Three. Implementing Reform 5. Voluntary Associations and the Republican Ideal 6. The Modernity of Hygiene: Interventions in the City Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index
Product Details
- publication date: 11/01/2002
- Format: Paperback
- Number Of Pages: 344
Delivery Information
- Saver Delivery: Yes
- 1st Class Delivery: Yes
- Courier Delivery: Yes
- Store Delivery: Yes


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I just watched a replay of Mike's speech in Indianola at Signatures Grill. And he was on message. He understands issues facing middle America. That kids need to be educated. That we don't mind paying taxes if we get the benefit from them – better roads, schools, services – but are not oppressive and prevent growth. That we don't want to punish those who earn more. I am on the edge of a 6 figure income. I worked hard to get there. I know I make a good living, but, I don't feel like I'm one of the wealthiest Americans. Why should I work so hard if you are going to take it from me?
So, remind your friends that Mike is the candidate that doesn't attack his opponents with 1/2 truths. He has solid principles and doesn't run from his religion.
If you haven't donated, go to Mike's Website to help Mike make one more push before the Iowa Caucus.


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What happened
Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CARA), a clinical-stage biotech developing treatments for pain and chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (itching), gave investors an absolutely wild ride last month. After surging higher following positive clinical updates for its lead drug candidate, CR845, in both post-operative pain and pruritis, the company's shares ultimately gave back all of these gains to end the month down by 11.3%, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Continue Reading Below
The cause of this abrupt about-face was the mixed top-line data readout from the phase 2b trial assessing an oral formulation of CR845 in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip near the end of the month.
So what
Cara's lofty goal is to transform CR845 into a disruptive new medicine for both chronic and acute pain. These disappointing mid-stage results, though, suggest that the drug may have a much tougher time than expected breaking into the multibillion-dollar chronic pain setting. So, in that sense, this double-digit pullback is arguably a fairly reasonable reaction by investors. If anything, Cara's stock seems to have gotten ahead of itself based on the litany of previous failures for experimental drugs attempting to displace problematic opioids, such as morphine and hydrocodone, as the go-to pain meds.
Now what
Despite this unimpressive outcome that only produced a mildly significant result in a small subset of patients -- those with osteoarthritis of the hip receiving the highest dose, 5 mg, in the study, Cara remains undeterred. Specifically, the company is now planning an adaptive mid-stage trial assessing even higher doses of CR845 (10mg) and emphasizing hip patients. Whether Cara is throwing good money after bad remains to be seen, but it does appear to be on to something at least with the drug's other lead indications.
Just yesterday, for example, the biotech reported positive early-stage results for the oral formulation of CR845 in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. So, at a minimum, CR845 appears to be on the right track for its itching indication in chronic kidney disease patients -- a condition that feasibly could haul in upwards of $300 million in sales at its peak.
In the final analysis, Cara is undoubtedly a speculative biotech, but it does offer a fairly compelling risk-reward ratio because of CR845's diverse clinical program that gives the company multiple shots at eventually transforming into a commercial-stage operation.
10 stocks we like better than Cara TherapeuticsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*
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George Budwell has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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David Mueller, the former DJ accused of groping Taylor Swift, just mailed her the $1 she won after going to trial.
The 27-year-old "Look What You Made Me Do" singer won her court case back in August. David just sent her a Sacajawea $1 coin at the end of November, according to the AP.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Taylor Swift
David originally sued Taylor, claiming she falsely accused him of groping her at a meet-and-greet back in 2013. She then counter-sued – for $1 – hoping to serve as an example to other women publicly decrying sexual harassment.
"I figured that if he would be brazen enough to assault me under these risky circumstances and high stakes, imagine what he might do to a vulnerable, young artist if given the chance," Taylor told Time.


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Painter and Material Art Space founder Hamlett Dobbins has been spent the last several months in Italy, having been selected for a prestigious fellowship at the American Academy in Rome.
Tonight, Dobbins' "The Attendant," which includes he's created during the fellowship, opens at David Lusk Gallery.
Dobbins took the time to discuss his work and the fellowship with Exhibit M.
It seems as you went from working in a largely curatorial role in Memphis to being able to totally focus on your own work in Rome. How has this been for you? What are you working on? What are you looking forward to?
I've always been a person who has done a number of things: running Material Art Space, curating and teaching at Rhodes, being a parent and a painter. I'm not a parent who teaches or a curator who paints; I see all these things as one practice. I am just doing what I need to do to be a whole person living a full life in art.
That said, this time has been interesting to just focus on painting. I spend my other time with the brilliant and generous Rome Prize Fellows who are here with me. This is a magical place, it really is. I haven't made any huge changes to the work I do in the studio, aside from savoring this amazing gift of time. It allows me to take more chances, re-investigate old paths while exploring new ones. I'm looking forward to seeing the two dozen new paintings in the space there at David Lusk Gallery and seeing how they interact with one another.
For a painter as concerned with color, and a certain balance of colors, as you are, does being in a different country, where the light and the buildings and the countryside are different colors, affect what you are making? How has your practice changed in Rome?
It's very odd. I'm never really conscious of changes as they happen. Usually, it takes months or years for me to notice the subtle ebb and flow of what is happening in the studio. A few years ago, I started making acrylic drawings on paper — I think the combination of that and the light here in Rome has somehow pushed my colors into a slightly brighter, more intense spectrum. I also notice what I see as a layering that you get in European cities with narrow streets and lots of history. It seems like you're always looking through something to see another thing. That might be creeping into the work as well. Again, I'll be curious to see how they look in the gallery.
Likewise, your statements often make reference to American childhood, and an otherwise very American sensibility. What is it like making work very far away?
The hardest part is being away from my family and friends. I have always drawn on my experiences with friends and family as the fodder for my paintings. I don't really know about me as an American or Southern even. That's interesting, I'll have to think about that more.
There are a few place in the world that geographically are just powerful — Vermont, Northern California, the American Southwest. I think Rome is like that. There is a mojo here that you can't seem to identify, but it is real and it is powerful and I just try to savor it.
Can you tell me about your upcoming show at David Lusk?
It will be a strange mix of larger paintings that I did before I left and then a collection of drawings and paintings I've made in the last six months here in Rome.
The work is so new and still feels a little gooey and embryonic to me. I am mostly a visual thinker and often it takes months or years for me to assign words to particular experiences or feelings. I feel like this batch is more connected but at the same time more disparate than my collections of paintings usually are. I feel like I am giving myself the liberty to wander, being able to paint full time has been a wonderful opportunity and I am savoring every moment of it. I know I will never have it this good again.
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Current Newswire:
Project Chess spied on you long before Microsoft acquired SkypeJun 22, 2013, 16:00 (0 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by finid)
Long before Edward Snowden told us about a govt privacy-abusing spy operation called PRISM or Prism, Skype had its own collaborative project with the govt that was code-named Project Chess.
That was going on while Skype executives were denying any such activity was taken place.
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On pensions, Dallas is a big spender.
So when the much-desired retirement plans get in trouble, as in recent years, it's only right that workers become part of the fix.
That happened in 2011 with the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System. Members agreed to extend the retirement age and reduce the payout formulas for new hires. They also required new contributions for a deferred retirement plan.
Another cut will be proposed soon, probably to reduce the interest rate guarantee on the deferred plan. Leaders believe the change will pass because members won't put the onus on taxpayers.
"The way I look at it, the city is pretty generous with their contribution," said George Tomasovic, trustee chairman and a battalion chief for Dallas Fire-Rescue. "We don't want to ask for more. We're going to make it work."
That's a good starting point, given that Dallas already throws in a hefty 27.5 percent of payroll for their retirement. The rate is twice the average contribution for public pensions nationwide, and it's among the highest rates in Texas.
It's also much richer than what the private sector usually offers. Companies typically contribute about 9 percent of pay for a worker's retirement, including their share of Social Security and a 401(k) match.
Like police and firefighters, civilian workers in Dallas get a large pension contribution from taxpayers — 22.2 percent of payroll. That's among the most in the state for nonuniform workers.
Dallas puts more than $160 million a year into the separate plans, including debt service for the bonds that shored up the civilian pension a decade ago. Together, the plans have more than 23,000 workers, retirees and beneficiaries.
It's important to note that city workers do not participate in Social Security, so their pensions may be their sole safety net. Nationwide, about 7 in 10 public workers have both a pension and Social Security, so comparing costs can be difficult.
Pensions are attractive because they pay a monthly amount for life, often with cost-of-living adjustments. But they should be evaluated as part of a total pay package, experts said.
'Too generous?'
Two years ago, Dallas officials looked at pay trends in 27 cities. The study concluded that employees here were paid about 9 percent less than the median for the group.
Retirement benefits stood out, however. Police and firefighters were in the top quartile for that measure, while civilian employees were near the middle, the study found.
"Are public pensions too generous?" asked Richard Johnson, senior fellow at The Urban Institute. "Without a doubt, public workers get a greater share of pay in retirement benefits. But when you add in everything, their pay is only a bit higher than in the private sector."
Pensions around the country have threatened public budgets because the gap between benefits and liabilities has climbed to a combined $1 trillion. Some cities, such as Detroit, have filed for bankruptcy and cited their pensions.
Detroit is cutting benefits, increasing employee contributions and setting up "levers" to trigger more employee payments if their reworked pension doesn't meet funding standards.
The Dallas pensions have been aggressive in dealing with shortfalls, sometimes at the behest of the state. While police and firefighters have made cuts in benefits, civilian workers have ponied up a lot more money. In 2004, voters approved a $535 million bond package to put the Dallas Employees' Retirement Fund on solid footing.
That deal called for a variable contribution from civilian employees and the city, based on the value of the pension. The city covers a little less than two-thirds of the total contribution, including the share going to bond debt.
Twice as much
Employees are currently contributing almost 13.1 percent of their pay to the plan. That's twice as much as before the bond sale. The rate declined slightly in 2007, when the stock market was still strong, but that was unusual. The rate was increased last October for the fifth consecutive year.
The pension is still affected by the economic meltdown of 2008, when it lost 30 percent of its investment. Although it has regained all that ground, results are "smoothed out" over a five-year period, so increases or reductions are more gradual.
In 2013, the fund earned a return of 16.9 percent, which followed a double-digit increase in 2012. The results are well ahead of the assumed rate of return, but the plan has 900 fewer active members than a decade ago, said Cheryl Alston, executive director.
That's another complicating factor. While workers won't face another increase in October, she said, they're still paying about twice as much to hold on to the same benefits.
"We have not changed the benefits structure in 21 years," Alston said.
That reveals much about the true cost of a pension, and its appeal. The fund regularly surveys its members, and Alston said, "They always say, 'We'll pay more to keep it.'"
That's the only way it should be.
Follow Mitchell Schnurman on Twitter at @mitchschnurman.


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Brands exist to meet the needs, desires, opportunities, and vulnerabilities that exist in the world, the fulfillment of which results in human gratification. However, the habitat that brands and businesses exist in is visibly and rapidly transforming. The strategy of navigating the market turf is not easy even in normal circumstances, and when the environment is unstructured and ambiguous, brands often struggle to come to grips with a unifying strategy. The need for a universal approach, which provides options for the diverse stages of a brand's lifecycle, situations ranging from combative markets to crises, one that works just as well for startups and mature organizations, is perhaps a greater imperative than any other intellectual input needed by the world of brands today.
However, to work universally, such a universal 'String Theory' of brand strategy must be founded in the elemental ingredients of the brand so that it can address the diverse range of circumstances that the brand encounters. Trust is the fundamental substrate on which all exchanges take place and require different types of 'exchange' to nourish them, much as humans require air, water, and food. Trust is the force that binds brands to their ecosystem, helping shape its identity and building relationships with all known and unknown stakeholders. Without building, maintaining, or refurbishing trust constantly, brands will invariably weaken, wither, or fade. Trust erosion in brands occurs as naturally as the death of cells in living things. Some brands face this trust erosion noticeably fast, and the more diligent ones among them seek innovative and dramatic solutions, often reaching out to trust as their answer. In other brands, the trust attrition is slower, frequently unnoticeable due to the numerous other eco-changes that distract the brand custodians. In the best of such cases, brands tend to use the tried-and-tested strategy that reeks of paradigm blindness, and in the worst of cases they employ loosely-put-together plans that play pretend.
Brands are as precious to the world as they are to the custodians. They are, after all, a tangible manifestation of ideas. Custodians must constantly observe the trust their brands command. They must know, understand and analyze the trust quotient of their brand to be able to enhance it with their customers, employees, investors, and all those others who impact the brand's life. A platform needs to be created to generate different thought processes on trust from industry leaders. This will help initiate a long-awaited conversation around trust.


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Oh no, the event has ended. Don't miss out again, get the latest sales via our newsletter, Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed!
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To Do List
1) Haunted Films In Haunted Places
Date: October 17 -Sunday at 7:30
Movie: "House on Haunted Hill" (1999)
Location: A real Haunted Hospital
I'll be there to talk about the history and "ghosts" of this reputedly haunted location! Come bring me some candy! Please?
GHOULA is working with the EPFC's Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings every Sunday in October at a different haunted site. Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair.)
(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)
2)Wicked Literature: A Halloween Theatre Festival
This looks like a great alternative to the incredible productions they used to do each Halloween at the Huntington Library!
The annual event features world premiere stage adaptations of classic gothic literature performed in alternative venues. This year's festival will take place October 21-30, 2010 (7 performances only) at the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery in Altadena, CA (2400 Fair Oaks Avenue). The evening of short works will be comprised of Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado, H. P. Lovecraft's The Unnamable and Charles Dickens' The Chimes.
3) River Cities Paranormal Society - Southern California's Paranormal Dinner At Hunter Steakhouse
Saturday, October 30 at 9:30pm - October 31 at 4:30am - $50
Meal seating to begin 9:30 PM. There will be a 4 course dinner, champagne and wine.
RCPS Southern California paranormal team will take you through how they investigate the haunted Hunter Steakhouse and tell you the chilling history of the location.
4) Nightmare Before Christmas - in 4D!
El Capitan Theatre October 21-31st and Danny Elfman will be introducing the film on the 21st
So what does the 4D movie experience involve? According to FirstShowing.net, "they'll have special effects in the theater itself, such as wind and fog" to coordinate with scenes in the movie.
This makes me a little giddy.
5) Walk Among The Dead - Tour Of Linda Vista Hospital
Boyle Heights Paranormal Project brings you yet another great event inside historic, haunted hospital Linda Vista.
Friday, October 29 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm - $25 donation
RSVP on their Facebook page
6) Seeing Things : Ghost Polaroids
drkrm gallery
Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm; Sunday 1pm - 4pm & by appointment
Special Halloween hours Oct 31 - 7 p.m. - Midnight
Most paranormal enthusiasts know the story behind the series of polaroids taken at the house in Mt. Washington and most recently profiled (and deemed probably authentic), on Fact Or Faked . Here is your chance to see them in person.
7)Haunts of Angelino Heights Scavenger Hunt
October 23 and 24th, 4pm to 6:30 $30
Are you familiar with the "evil of the thriller" house? Perhaps you prefer to be "charmed" by the ghosts of this Victorian neighborhood. Grab some friends and a flashlight and join us for some spooky fun (and prizes) in one of Los Angeles' oldest neighborhoods.
8)All Hallows Eve Ball at The Edison
108 W. Second St. #101
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Edison presents goblins, phantoms, apparitions and demons at their finest. Helios Jive, Stilt Circus, contortionists and dancers on hand for your entertainment.
9)Haunted Midnights at The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store has been long renown for being one of the most Haunted places in Hollywood. This October, get a behind the scenes look at all the creepy stuff that has happened at the Comedy Store. See the results of our paranormal researchers, see a live seance to draw out the spirits that may reside in The Store, hear first hand accounts from Comedy Store staff of hauntings by "Gus" and "The Lady In White". We will also screen rare documentary footage about the hauntings in the Comedy Store and we will culminate the evening with a super scary flashlight tour of The Comedy Store with a visit to our notorious basement the blue door and other haunted spots. This is an opportunity for a ghostly tour unlike anything available in Los Angeles or this in this life.
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Daily Winter Rates: December through April (Click here Rooms & Rates to view photos of our newly renovated rooms & suites!)
Very soon you will be able to book your rooms online – until then you may email us or give us a call at 906-575-3557!
|Room Type
|Standard Rooms: Two new queen size beds, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, flatscreen and a view of Lake Gogebic.
|2 persons*
|The Mallard: Two bedroom lakeview unit with full kitchen. Can accommodate up to 10.
|4 persons
|The Northern: Fireplace suite w/ full kitchen, (bedroom w/ 2 queen beds,(set of bunks in living room and pullout sofa). Can accommodate up to 8.
|4 Persons*
|The Walleye: Fireplace kitchenette (bedroom w/2 full beds, 2 sets of bunks in living room & pullout sofa). Can accommodate up to 10.
|4 Persons*
|Lakeview Kitchenette: 2 queens in one room; sofa sleeper (new), full fridge, sink, cooking utensils in other room. Can accommodate up to 6.
|2 Persons*
|Eagle's Nest: Two Bedroom; full kitchen and deck overlooking the lake. New sofa sleeper in living room. Can accommodate up to 6.
|2 Persons*
|Bears Den: This full kitchen unit can sleep up to 10 and features a beautiful stone fireplace and an adjoining "Great Room" which provides additional space. *The Bears Den may be expanded to include the Great Room with dining and extra sleeping. When fully occupied, the Bears Den can sleep up to 16 people in individual beds.
|6 Persons*
Children 16 and under 1/2 price; 10 and under free
Pets Let us know, we can cover couches. $10/night/petmax. $30/per stay/per pet
In accordance with Michigan State law, all Rooms are 100% Smoke Free.
Reservation Policies
In order to guarantee your reservation we require a deposit equal to the rate of one nights stay or $100, whichever is greater.
Any cancellation made before 30 days of arrival will receive the full deposit refunded by check.
Cancellations made with less than 30 days notice will be billed to your credit card unless we are able to re-book your room.
Call the Lodge to get a cancellation number at 906-575-3557. No reservation will be considered canceled without this number.Your charge card number will be used to confirm your room. Full payment will be charged to your card upon check-in unless you make other arrangements.
Cash or check is preferred. A 3% fee will be added to all credit card reservations.
Large hotels and motels often overbook to cover late cancellations. Because we're a small lodge, we don't do this. Therefore, we must have a Policy to ensure you that your room(s) will be ready upon your checkin, and, assure us that your room is sold as well. We reserve the right to change your room to an equal or better location without notification. We try not to change rooms, but sometimes it's necessary for us to do so. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and we always keep our guests needs in mind if and when we do need to make a change.
Breakdowns of your equipment, are not our responsibility and therefore not a reason for cancellation.
Weather conditions are not a reason for cancellation when snow and trail conditions are reported to be good. Cancellations due to trail conditions will be applied as a credit to a future reservation.
We also reserve the right to cancel a reservation at our discretion.
Early checkouts will be required to pay for the total days reserved.
Rates subject to change without notice.


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Nobody could fail to have been impressed by his instant impact since arriving at Anfield, but Philippe Coutinho believes he 'knows nothing' about football yet.
Two goals, two assists and a string of impressive performances over the course of his five appearances since swapping Milan for Merseyside in January have won the acclaim of both fans and teammates alike.
Despite still being just 20 years of age, in moving to the Barclays Premier League, England became the fourth country Coutinho has plied his trade in following Brazil, Italy and Spain.
This, he feels, has been a factor in helping him acclimatize to life in Red, though he's eager to stress his belief that he has much more to learn.
"I think it has been very positive for me as I already have some experience, even though I am young," Coutinho told Liverpoolfc.com. "I don't know anything about football yet — I am still learning but playing in different countries has been important and it has helped.
"I played in Spain and football is played faster there than in Brazil. In Italy, it's a bit more like here and I think that has helped me, too."
Coutinho was just 16 when Inter Milan agreed a deal with Vasco da Gama for his services in 2008.
He remained in his homeland until the age of 18 before packing his bags to begin his European adventure at the San Siro.
"Every player wants to come to Europe," he considers. "It has the best players in the world, the best clubs, and this is where the big championships are played. Every player dreams about playing in Europe and it was the same with me. I was bought by Inter when I was 16, I was a young lad but I don't regret anything.
"The language is different and football is very different from Italy to Brazil and so that was difficult. I had played all my life — for 11, 12 or 13 years — in Brazil and to move all of a sudden to a new country is very difficult. It was a new culture and to be away from my friends was difficult, but in time I got used to it and now I am here [at Liverpool]."
Upon arriving at Inter, chairman Massimo Moratti is believed to have described him as 'the future' of the club.
So does Coutinho feel unrealistic expectations are placed on the shoulders of young players in the modern game?
"I don't think so," he said. "When I first arrived they had great expectations, but I think this is normal in football nowadays and it is even good for the player, so that he can feel confident. He feels that people have put confidence in his work.
"Unfortunately it didn't work there, but today I am very happy here. I hope I can give my best for Liverpool and be happy."
Though by his own admission his time at Inter did not go as he would have hoped, Brendan Rodgers showed no hesitation in swooping to sign Coutinho during the January transfer window.
The No.10 feels indebted to the boss for the faith he's shown in his talents.
"When I found out about Liverpool's interest I was very happy as it is very good to know that people are watching and appreciate your work," he stated. "I am grateful for that. As soon as I arrived here, not just the manager but everybody at the club has been very nice and it's helped to relax me.
"It is a great club and like a big family — that is very important for a young player that has just arrived. It leaves me at ease to do the thing I love most, which is to play football."
That settling process has been greatly assisted by the presence of a South American contingent at Melwood — including compatriot Lucas Leiva.
For a man still getting to grips with the language, the presence of Coutinho's fellow Brazilian — as well as South Americans Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates — has been invaluable.
"It has been a great help," he said. "I don't speak English and I can only speak and understand a little bit of Spanish. Lucas speaks Portuguese and has helped me a lot. He has been like a father to me and that has helped me a lot.
"Suarez and Seba [Coates] have also helped me. If somebody wants to tell me something, when they are around they can help me understand, so it has been very important their presence here for me."
Now living in the city with his wife, Coutinho is relishing the latest chapter in his footballing journey.
In particular, the forward admits to being bowled over by the heritage and culture of Liverpool FC — and, of course, the support of the fans.
"Anfield is a great stadium — another great stadium where I am having the opportunity to play for a club with a great history," he concluded. "The fans are great and always giving their support. It makes me very happy. I was very moved [by 'You'll Never Walk Alone'].
"Here it is very different from Brazil and Italy. In every match the fans are there, the stadium is full and the fans shouting. In Brazil, it is not like this and in Italy even less so. It is very moving to see the stadium full and everybody singing. It is great."
Photo via Liverpoolfc.com
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
for Shaikha: Pompadour and Circumstance
16 comments:
- Ayan said...
Intresting artcle I was wondered the history behind this style.
Personally, I dislike this style. I don't find it stylish nor practical. Plus, it's extra weight I just don't need.
- June 11, 2009 at 8:59 AM
- NeverEver said...
I think the last picture looks a bit like the coneheads.
To each their own I guess...
- June 11, 2009 at 2:01 PM
- TurkishGiRL said...
Guess it's hard not have a 'camel bump' when you have long hair such as myself.
- June 11, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Camel hump...thats all i gotta say
- June 11, 2009 at 7:22 PM
- Pixie said...
Turkish Girl: Any of us with hair (myself included) get a bit of a bump when we hair our hair in buns or don't tuck it into our clothes. That's not the hijab-bump for vanity or social status bump, that's for sure:d That's a reason we shouldn't judge. I remember sisters accused Aalia from chasing jannah of wearing clips (and she never had---you can't get them in Canada) and I got to see under her hijab all the time. It was just her long hair. My hair is getting long enough now it is starting to make a bump. But it isn't the same KIND of bump as the clip bump worn on top of the hair bump.
- June 11, 2009 at 8:36 PM
- Aalia said...
them girlies just be jealous *lol*
im not ashamed to say that i wear a flower puff over here in UAE -- it's the "in" thing and as long as it's not one of those nasty-looking "Brain" puffs that are on the market, why not?
plus, i'd like to remind everyone that the hadith describes the clothed-yet-naked women in hell with heads leaning to the one SIDE of their heads...
i honestly do not see the harm or haraam in wearing a flower puff :-)
- June 12, 2009 at 4:35 AM
- Pixie said...
Aalia: LOL, you know me, I'm not jealous. The style is meant to identify a national from a non-national so yes, it is still a status symbol (aren't non-national likes maids and workers still treated like lesser beings at times?) so I'll avoid it, but the way you wear it (you didn't wear clip in Vic), lower and not high and cone shaped, just makes your gashwa drape with more air for the neck, it isn't all about the bump. I'm sure it is halal.
Um, and sorry, but do you mind telling me HOW the hadith says to the side of the head? Just email me the hadith in arabic and I'll get Y to read it to me, lol, then you'll have me convinced. No translation says that, so I would like to be certain.
- June 12, 2009 at 7:45 AM
- Stacy aka Fahiima said...
Some of those really high bumps are just ridiculous looking. It seems like you would always be misjudging the height of your head and bumping into doorways and such. The things women do for style.
- June 12, 2009 at 10:09 AM
- Aalia said...
Asalaamu `alaikum :-)
I am gonna do a post about the issue, and I did find the hadith but I have to wait for M. to come home and look up the Arabic version, including Hadith # inshaa'Allah...
BTW I also found daleel that says we *can* wear kohl!!
G2G, my son is acting crazy lol
- June 13, 2009 at 1:47 AM
- Pixie said...
Aalia: yay! Please do. You know mroe on the subject of kohl than me:D
- June 16, 2009 at 12:44 PM
- Madiha M.K said...
As a Hijab Stylist, I've become aware of the one amazing benefit of this style, is having a high pony tail. I'm not talking about how they wrap extra fabric around on top, but some gulf women wear really high pony tails and i think it lifts the face and makes you look balances, given it's not above the level on your crown.
High pony tail = Restoring volume to your hair once you've let it down after taking the scarf off.
I've tried it many times. Always works for me. Great for a wife who feels down about her flat hair after coming home to her husband! :)
- June 18, 2009 at 5:44 AM
I've actually wondered what to do if you have really long hair, to conceal it under a hijab. Seems to me these hats are a good way to do that...
- July 14, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Salam girlies
Aalia - i have to say im a non- arab living in the UK. I adopted the flower puff, because it looks great and it keeps me cool in the summer days, it also just gives the abaya a much dressier look than a frumpy covered up women as the west so often imagine us to be like. However i have to ask what do u mean by brain puffs?
And do get back to us on the khol issue?
- September 6, 2009 at 2:26 PM
I do think they look very silly. I mean even Amy Winehouse looks silly with her crazy beehive. All it does is draw attention which (for me)is counter to what hijab should do. I had a woman come into work the other day who I had to do a height and weight check for, her Hijab was nearly six inches higher than her head!
- October 29, 2009 at 8:08 AM
- MrsN said...
Salaam, considering all the comments, i was wondering if hair dos like the following are permissble??
- August 20, 2010 at 7:34 AM
I think it's also important to consider what a persons intention is; if you're making your head look big in order to give the impression that you have more hair, than this is wrong. However, if you're intentions are absolutely innocent (I wrap 2 scarf's around my head because it keeps my hair in place, stops my bun from sliding down; so, consequently, stops me nipping to the ladies room 3 times a day to tie it all up again, and was completely dumbfounded when someone brought to light the hadith and suggested that I might want to create the illusion that I have more hair! [I have enough! if I had more i'd have a mane!:P]) I don't see anything wrong with adding a little volume. The hadith talks about women with their heads leaning to one side and naked... surely this means women that dress immodestly and create for themselves hairstyles that resemble camel humps? Surely there's more important things that we could be perfecting in our deen? Anyway, this "camel hump" issue is really ambiguous and it's been playing on my mind quite abit, I'd really appreciate it if someone could shed some light, if there is any more light to be shed on this issue :)
- November 25, 2010 at 11:19 AM


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Dramatic Play: Garage (auto repair)
Our dramatic play: Garage began with a natural interest in cars and vehicles. Like many used vehicles ours also fell into disrepair. We were experiencing this with some of our indoor and outdoor vehicles. Some kinders asked if the educators would fix the vehicles. As we believe are early learners are capable of complex thinking we would ask them… Read More Dramatic Play: Garage (auto repair)


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In World War II a B-17 bomber had been on a mission over a German city named Kassel. It took quite a bit of flak by Nazi antiaircraft guns, but miraculously it kept flying and made it back to base.
Going through the plane the Air Force pilots couldn't believe their own eyes, a total of 11 shells had hit their gas tanks and yet the plane had not exploded!
Taking the 11 intact shells carefully from the tanks they were sent down to have them defused. What they found in defusing them explained their miracle. All 11 shells were completely empty!
One shell contained a handwritten note in the Czech language that read, "This is all we can do for you now." They had no powder to put in the shells, So they had no power to destroy. They failed to take down their enemy because they were just empty shells.
This is just like me when I try to fight Satan without supernatural power from God!
How successful am I in fighting against sin and Satan? How well is the church fighting? How well are those around me fighting?
What we need is an old fashioned Pentecostal revival!! LET THE FIRE FALL LORD!
In the Bonds of Calvary,


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Well, I don't know about you, but I certainly felt the Sun going into Aries a few days ago (20th March). It was rather like spending time in a dreamy forest of the imagination (Pisces), only to be woken up by the direct and fiery gaze of a warrior telling me to get moving! A jolt of directive energy and the willingness to surrender can now transport us into the next chapter of our lives.
As I sit here and write the Moon is in Virgo (March 25) Venus, Mars and Uranus accompany the Sun on its Aries path. So it is a productive time, Earth and Fire combinations get things done.
The Sun, Venus and Mars are all approaching a conjunction with Uranus in Aries on 28th March, which should bring a few days of unexpectedly stimulating excitement within relationships and creative endeavors. Allow the light of Uranus' energy to rouse you and energize new creative ideas or new ways of relating.
On Saturday (23rd March) while we sat down for our candle-lit Earth Hour dinner, Mars was conjunct Uranus, and people reported that they could feel the vibrant electrical energy of this stimulating conjunction, a quickening and the feeling of being fully present in the NOW. And then there were those who let off some steam, felt irritable, complaining about how badly people drive these days, or how their internet connection kept faltering when they were trying to do their banking.
The most important event this month is that Saturn goes retrograde on April 1, and won't be going forward again until July 8th. Any unfinished business gets to go through the wringer again, the scrutinizing Saturn glance which sees through any flimsy or unsustainable structures, practices or things you might be fooling yourself about. Especially with Saturn going retrograde in Scorpio! It is really best to take responsibility for what is yours. Discriminate between what you can change and what you can't. Build on the strengths of inner discipline to create a routine within your life which will support you thoroughly, as the continuing influence from the square of Uranus and Pluto over the next few years shakes us all into being more awake and engaged with a new world. We are being pushed to throw off the shackles of outmoded belief systems, a status quo that no longer serves us as well as powerful evolutionary forces.
Saturn retrograde can assist us to look deeply into ourselves and ask: "is it true…REALly?" Saturn retrograde in Scorpio cuts to the quick, unearthing all that is superfluous or isn't of service to the deeper truth. Saturn in Scorpio can be quite ruthless, and what better place to take that ruthlessness than into our own psyche, where we often hide from the truth or fool ourselves to protect our fragile egos.
The Waite Rider Card shown above is Nine Wands and shows someone who has been in a struggle which is giving him the foresight to prepare for the ongoing pressures of a soul's desire to grow and evolve.
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Candida van Rood, aka Candy vR, (or Candy Spender).
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December 2018


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Pilgrim in the Garden: Growing your own food helps build thankfulness for the food system web
Janice Leach | Contributor
During the seven years we lived in Toronto, we happily celebrated two Thanksgivings each fall. Canadian Thanksgiving, which falls on the first Monday of October, opened the fall holiday season, and we followed it up in November by hosting our own American Thanksgiving dinner. Our exasperated then-6-year-old son noted, "This holiday is just about food!" Our guests and our family were fond enough of turkey and fixings that we enjoyed the meal, even if there were no presents involved.
Moving to Toronto to go to graduate school is the closest I've come to moving to a new land. In spite of being "just next door," the experience of relocating to Canada was chock-full of studies in cultural differences and national identity, but still nothing like the changes and surprises that must have awaited the pilgrims.
I tend to think of our pilgrims as already arrived in the New Land. In my mind, they are not travelers, but householders — people with meals to prepare, tables to fill and chairs to sit in.
More accurately, however, a pilgrim is someone on a pilgrimage, usually a long journey with spiritual or moral significance. In the neat way that global human experience overlaps, the history and practice of many religious traditions have included pilgrimages.
No where in my life am I more of a pilgrim than in the garden. Gardening is never a destination ("Look! A finished and perfect garden!") but an ongoing process. I'm always learning, trying to grow a new plant, moving something thats not thriving to another spot, attempting a different technique, becoming familiar with a particular weed or flower.
I encounter changes and surprises. A garden may not be a place of spiritual reflection for everyone; at the best times, however, our garden gives me the space to ponder the wonders of growing things and the mysteries of creation.
Living in a time and place when the basic human needs — food, clothing, shelter — can be met almost instantly, I find the garden to be one spot where I can get in touch with my inner pilgrim. Gardening slows time down. Nothing happens fast and, for the most part, nothing can be sped up to satisfy more quickly. It is what it is.
Sometimes when I'm out in the garden, I look around and imagine what if I were a settler and this was my food source, my cupboard? How would we eat? In the bounteous days of summer, I like to think we'd eat pretty well. We'd have a salad with all sorts of greens and lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cook some broccoli or green beans.
Could we get a whole meal out of the garden? We occasionally do and, more often, feel quite celebratory when we get at least half of our meal from our yard, like eggplant parmesan (our tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, peppers) or pesto (our basil, garlic). But we like our breads and grains and meat and cheese, and our limited space, time, and skills (and local laws) prevent us from completely feeding ourselves.
The truth of the matter is we don't need too. We live in the land of plenty and, although our resources are modest, they've never been inadequate for keeping our larder well stocked and our table holding a meal. We celebrate harvest at this time of year, even though we live well year-round.
Gardening reminds me that the simplest of human endeavors — sitting down for a meal together — is a long process that starts with soil and seed. Effort, if not mine, then someone's, combined with sun and rain and lots of time to result much later in the food I am blessed to enjoy.
Gardening as one on a journey gives me a frame to appreciate the web of relationships and systems that keep us fed. Gardening as a pilgrim helps me practice thankfulness.
Janice and Jim Leach tend a backyard plot in downtown Ann Arbor, where they try to grow as many vegetables and other plants as possible. For the last four years, they've published gardening tips, photos and stories at their 20 Minute Garden website.


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Cramping TiVo Users' Style
You may use this content (better still, argue with me!), but please cite my ideas as (c) 2005, Dr. Bruce Klopfenstein.
Thanks to UGA student, Charles Kirchner, for bringing this to my attention. Thanks, too, to Boing Boing for posting this: "TiVo has added several anti-features to its PVR. Now, some shows can't be saved forever, or moved using TiVo2Go."
I have TiVo and will be watching for this. I'll also check in with tivocommunity.com to see if they're on this.
OK, I'm back. There is discussion on this topic at http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=259169. I'm not sure if you have to be a member to read this (because I am a member). Another TiVo user reported that a program s/he recorded could not be saved: "The 'higher-value content' which had restrictions on my TiVo was a 2 year old King of the Hill for Pete's sake! I could maybe in some small way understand it if it were for some PPV boxing fight or something, but for crap like that?"
In addition, the story was picked up on news.com: "TiVo execs said the technology was supposed to be used only for pay-per-view, video-on-demand, DVD or VHS content, and showed up on other content as a mistake."


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It is a debate that has taken place throughout the ages. It remains, still, one of the most common discussions in philosophical circles. A person can rarely debate religion or theology without the subject quickly arising.
Morality. Where does it come from? Does it actually exist? Is it objective, subjective, or relative? Can we have morality without the existence of a god or gods?
This will be the focus of this article. As this is a subject that could fill volumes upon volumes of books, I will be splitting my own thoughts on the matter into 2 parts. In this, part 1 of the article, I will be examining whether or not a god is necessary for morality to exist. It is my position (as you may be able to guess) that a god is not the answer, and I will be highlighting the problems with the arguments that claim otherwise. In part 2, I will move into a discussion on the nature of secular morality, and my defense of "objective moral values", independent of any appeal to the divine.
Good without God?
While the position of morality depending on god has been around for thousands of years, the most prominent contemporary proponent of this argument is likely the christian apologist, Dr. William Lane Craig. In his article on the subject, The Indispensability of Theological Meta-Ethical Foundations for Morality, Dr. Craig lays out his case. He argues that "if God exists, then the objectivity of moral values, moral duties, and moral accountability is secured, but that in the absence of God, that is, if God does not exist, then morality is just a human convention, that is to say, morality is wholly subjective and non-binding".
Dr. Craig essentially offers a version of divine command theory. In his model, God is the ultimate source of moral values, and his commandments serve as instructions for moral behavior. As Craig puts it, "God's own holy and perfectly good nature supplies the absolute standard against which all actions and decisions are measured…God's moral nature is expressed in relation to us in the form of divine commands which constitute our moral duties or obligations."
At first glance, this appears to be a sound case. This reasoning seems rather intuitive, especially to anyone who already accepts the existence of a God. One of the most common defenses of religious belief, perhaps for this reason, remains the idea that these beliefs provide the world with morality. So what's the problem with this? Why the age-old debate? Haven't we solved the great mystery?
Not So Fast
The above reasoning, however intuitive it may feel, is horrendously problematic. It contains crucial assumptions that are unfounded, premises that are unsupported, and reasoning that is outright fallacious. Objections have been raised, throughout the centuries, that remain unanswered. Overall, the problems and inconsistencies render the very argument, itself, to be invalid. Let's examine a few key problems, beginning with an objection that was raised over 2000 years ago by Plato.
The Euthyphro Dilemma
In Plato's famous dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro, Socrates poses a question that sets up a dilemma for god-based morality. To paraphrase, he essentially asks "Is what God commands good because it is commanded by God, or does God command what he does because it is good?" Which is the case? Does anything God commands become good, simply because God commanded it? Or does God only command that which is good, because he is God? The implications of accepting either proposition are problematic to god-based morality.
Accepting the first scenario, that "good" means "anything commanded by God", leads to strict divine command. By this philosophy, ANYTHING commanded by God would become moral. It is an authoritarian viewpoint, that reduces morality to mere obedience. If God commands theft, murder, or rape, then these actions become morally good, because they have been commanded by God. While this takes all of the complicated decision making out of the picture, it clearly reduces morality to being a meaningless word. Under this framework, there would be no "right" and no "wrong". Instead, there would simply be "obedient" and "disobedient". Most people, theists and atheists alike, reject such a simplistic view of morality, and for good reason. In this scenario, objective morality does not actually exist. We are simply serfs, living under the reign of a cosmic overlord, and expected to carry out the master's bidding.
This leaves option 2, that God commands what he does BECAUSE it is good. In this scenario, both good and evil exist, and God is able to convey to us which actions are which, presumably because of his ability to recognize and appreciate good. Problem here is, God is now no longer the grounding for good OR evil. Instead, he is an interpreter, a middleman, and entirely superfluous to the core of the matter. If God is merely evaluating actions, and deciding to command those that are good, then it follows that morality is a reasoning process. God is simply doing the work for us, but in theory, we could apply the very same method to reach conclusions on moral actions. In this scenario, God is not the basis for morality, but rather an instructor who is attempting to steer us towards independently existent moral truths. This scenario necessarily comes with the confession that morality is independent of God. If God did not exist, these moral truths would still be out there to be discovered.
It is also a peculiar viewpoint when combined with the idea of a perfect, and an omnipotent God. In the above option, God is not only separate from moral truths, but actually bound by them. God would not be free to act in any manner that was contrary to moral truth, as such actions would render him immoral. This calls into question either his omnipotence, or his perfection.
False Dilemma
In fairness, many theistic philosophers, including Augustine, Aquinas, and the afore mentioned Dr. Craig, have responded to Euthyphro by calling it a false dilemma. Specifically, Dr. Craig argues that "God's moral nature is what Plato called the "Good." He is the locus and source of moral value. He is by nature loving, generous, just, faithful, kind, and so forth". In essence, Craig asserts that neither of the above options are accurate, as God's very nature is what "good" is. Basically, what God commands is good, and he will only command good things because that is the way he is. God is "the greatest imaginable being, and any being that doesn't meet this description is not God".
This response, too, is very problematic. For starters, it is essentially a complete dodge of the dilemma. More importantly, however, it commits the logical fallacies of "begging the question" and "special pleading". God is asserted to be loving, faithful, kind, generous, etc, as well as the "greatest imaginable being". This raises many concerns.
1. Loving, faithful, kind, and generous are all value judgements. What sense does it make to state that god is these things, if we are unable to make these judgements without the existence of god? This argument begs the question. It asserts that the above listed words have value and meaning because they are consistent with god's nature. This requires god to exist, AND be all of these things, for it to be true. How would we evaluate the claim that god is moral, if the word moral is rooted in god? The conclusion that values are rooted in god's moral nature presupposes a moral nature inate in god. And again, as pointed out by scenario 1 of the Euthyphro dilemma, to state that god's nature = morality, is to render morality meaningless. Clearly, in order to even make a judgement as to God's nature, we need a value system that is independent of God himself.
2. The ontological argument that "god is the greatest imaginable being" is a gross example of special pleading. Only a being that meets Dr. Craig's criteria for "greatest imaginable" is a being that can be called God. The problem is, not every imagination is the same. Indeed, there are NUMEROUS different god concepts on offer, all across the world. Many contain different properties, values, and priorities. MOST are considered the "greatest imaginable being". I am quite certain that Dr. Craig does not consider Allah to be the greatest imaginable being, despite the fact that muslims are certain that he is. To call your OWN concept of God the "greatest", and dismiss all others as "less great", is either an example of special pleading, or it is a claim that is made based on evidence and argument. If it is the former, it is fallacious. If it is the latter, than we must have criteria for evaluating the "greatness" of an idea. When the idea is, itself, a god concept, the criteria cannot be rooted in the nature of a god, and we are once again left in a position where we need a value system that is independent of a god.
3. Where is the evidence? Anytime a claim is made, it is important to support the claim with evidence, reason, and justification. Dr. Craig appears to be baldly asserting God's nature to be good. How does he know this? What support can he offer? Craig's philosophical support is, at best, unsatisfactory. His statements require support that does not collapse under critical scrutiny and, thus far, I don't see it.
Say what now?
Ok, for argument's sake, suppose we put aside all of the above problems. Suppose that we granted that morality must be tied to following God's commandments. What now? Should we sit back and wait for God to speak up and command us? Where are these commandments found? How do we learn what is commanded of us? Generally speaking, when a person claims to hear the voice of God in their head, they are immediately advised to seek psychological help. Clearly, we now are in a position of needing a source for God's commands, otherwise acting on them will be rather impossible. Once again, a couple of serious problems arise.
1. For starters, which source? It may come as a shock to some, but there is more than ONE book that is claimed to be the "word of god". Ask a Muslim where to find God's instructions, and you may be directed to the Qu'ran. Ask a Jew, and you will likely be directed to the Torah. Ask a Christian, and you will likely be handed a Bible (though which version will depend on the denomination of christianity). And these are just the three books of the most prominent monotheistic traditions. What about the book of Mormon? What about the many texts of lesser-known religions? What of the religious doctrines of the many religions, throughout history, that have now gone either endangered, or extinct? You need not read very far into each of the above listed texts before realizing that they are not the same book. Many make mutually exclusive claims. If objective moral values are grounded in God, and if behaving morally is dependent on following this God's commands, then clearly we better pick the RIGHT source. Otherwise, we will be acting immorally, and never know it! So why is this a problem?
The largest religion in the world, at present, is Christianity. Putting aside the various differences in the denominations, and counting all of them as one group, christians account for ~2 billion people. Pretty impressive right? Unless, of course, you consider that this makes over 5 billion people NOT christians. If, for example, the Bible was the source of God's commands, then less than 29% of the world has access to the proper code of morality. This renders over 70% of the world as vulnerable to immorality and depravity of all kinds. If objective moral values depend on God, and moral behavior depends on listening to God, then MOST of the planet is going to be objectively immoral. The figures are even worse for every other religion on offer, as they represent even smaller portions of the world's population. This paints a picture where moral truths are accessible to only a minority of the world's people, while the majority are doomed to walk in darkness. Sure, they may stumble upon the moral truths contained in the correct source, but any occasion where they do so will be accidental and unfounded, as only the word of the correct God can properly ground moral decisions. This, I hope is clear, is simply not the reality of morality in the world.
2. Interpretation becomes a major issue. Let's say that, despite the odds, we manage to hitch our wagons to the correct source of God's commands. For argument's sake, let's select the source to which Dr. Craig subscribes: The Bible. We are in great luck now! The Bible, as the word of God, will be a very clear instruction manual on moral behavior. It will present a clear, unified, and consistent message. It will be profoundly insightful, and it's teachings will be undeniable by anyone with a sense for morality. So reading through the Bible, this is what we find…right? Unfortunately, no. This is hardly what we find. Instead, we have a book that is wrought with inconsistency, direct contradictions, and commandments that are either entirely irrelevant in today's society, or commands that appear overtly immoral in civilized circles. Sure, there is undoubtedly some very good advice inside, and to deny this would be silly. But, as the source of objective morality, shouldn't there ONLY be very good advice inside?
Now, a discussion on the teachings of the Bible is a topic that, itself, could fill many blog articles. It is a discussion that could quickly derail the original topic of this post. For this reason, I will, against my normal nature, avoid getting deep into specifics. The details of this debate are for another day, and I will certainly be addressing the subject more thoroughly in future posts. For the purposes of this discussion, however, consider the following questions. Is it considered immoral to work on the sabbath? Is it considered moral to stone unruly children to death? Is it immoral to not honor your mother or father, if they are abusive or dysfunctional parents? Is the institution of slavery moral? Do you view homosexuality as immoral? Is it immoral for a woman to have equal status in a relationship?
If you answered no to any of the above questions, by what criteria did you do so? You can find passages in the Bible that appear to explicitly endorse, if not outright command, many actions that are dismissed as immoral today. This is a very real problem. If God's commands are expressions of a perfectly moral code, then under what reasoning are they not ALL followed to the letter? Could it be that the commands of the Bible are being filtered through a separate screen? A screen of moral sensibility that exists independent of what is written down in the text?
Now, it is argued that, for every seemingly evil teaching found in the Bible, a passage can be found that contradicts, or overturns it. I fail to see how this helps the Bible's case. Arguing that your book is not actually immoral, but instead merely inconsistent, hardly speaks volumes of it's ability to serve as the source of objective moral values. Being wrong, and being contradictory, are BOTH problematic. Again, in the face of an inconsistent message, we now must decide which passages to emphasize. This decision process will be independent of biblical instruction, calling into serious question the idea that the Bible is, itself, the source of values, much less objective morality.
To claim that morality stems from a person's ability to follow God's objectively moral commands is, it should seem, a claim that is problematic on many levels. But all of the above complaints, all of the above problems with the reasoning of Dr. Craig and company, all of the issues with grounding objective morality in God, all of them pale in comparision to the very basic problem with god-based morality. The problem that is so obvious, it almost needn't be stated.
Stating the Obvious Anyway
The main problem with basing morality on God? It presumes that God exists in the first place. This entire discussion is almost irrelevant if the basic existence of God cannot be demonstrated. In fairness, there aren't many theists that don't willingly acknowledge this very point. But the problem remains nonetheless. If morality becomes "grounded" when we simply base it on a perfectly moral God, we must establish that such a God exists FIRST. Without step 1, you might as well ground objective morality on ANY imaginary concept.
Now, while nearly every theist accepts and acknowledges this obvious fact, I raise the point to illustrate a key problem in Dr. Craig's position. Dr. Craig uses the existence of "objective moral values" as evidence of the existence of God. The issue here is that this clashes violently with his argument that "objective moral values" exist. Dr. Craig argues that moral values are objective, because they are grounded in God's perfectly moral nature. He then argues that objective moral values serve as evidence for the existence of God? How can this be? This reasoning is entirely circular! In essence, it is the position that morality exists because god exists, and god exists because morality exists. Objective moral values cannot be offered as evidence for the existence of God in any system where God, himself, is being proposed as the source of, and explanation for, objective moral values. Demonstrating the existence of God, then, would have to be done without appealing to moral values, as long as God is proposed to be the ontology of moral values in the first place.
So what now?
It is, for all of the reasons above, simply inadequate to claim God as the source of objective moral values. So where does this leave us? Is Dr. Craig correct that morality is now a human convention? Is the entire realm of morality illusory? Are we reduced to living in a world of moral relativism? Do the words "right' and "wrong" now become effectively meaningless?
In short, the answer to EACH of the above questions is NO. In part 2 of this article, I will be arguing that objective moral values do in fact exist, independent of any appeals to the divine. It is a position that is actually rather controversial amongst non-believers, so I wanted to dedicate at least an entire post to properly explaining my stance.
God is not the answer, but the answers ARE out there. Stay tuned……
- God and Goodness (freethoughtblogs.com)
- More on the Source of Morality: Is God preferable to the Devil? (fensel.net)
Why I am an Atheist: Secular Morality vs. Divine Command (skepticalseeker.com)
http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/meta-eth.html (William Lane Craig's article)


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Welcome to ACHO
Celebrating 30 years of service to the Crystal Healing Community.
ACHO was formed in 1988 by a group of Crystal Healing schools to promote professional standards in training and competence for Crystal Healing and to act as a nationally recognised representative body for Crystal Healing.
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ACHO maintains a Practitioner Register of qualified crystal healers. Listed Practitioners must have completed either an accredited ACHO Foundation course, an ACHO Certificate course, or a full ACHO Diploma course.


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Army Sergeant First Class Darrell R. McNealy, 40, was previously assigned to the 4th Battalion,
58th Aviation Regiment, Camp Humphrey, ROK. He died during a training exercise while attending Warrant Officer
Candidate School. SFC McNealy's family resides in Connecticut and his son is a Folds of
Honor Children's Fund Scholarship Recipient.


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frangipani tart
Had the urge to bake tonight after seeing Matt Moran's raspberry frangipani tart in this month's Delicious Magazine. And it's one of those rare nights when I dont have anything scheduled! *gasp*
I've never made a 'tart' before - but it was super easy (it is written up as 'foolproof' - my kind of recipe haha)
and i was suckered in coz it's called a frangipani tart!(no there are no flowers in it). And yeah i know you all love it when i use the word 'TART'.
PS. Clearly my tart is the one on the right - supersized and without a dusting of icing sugar.


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New Delhi, Feb 28: Calling education an area of priority, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Thursday announced an increase of 17 percent in the budget allocated to this sector to Rs.65,867 crore ($12,285 million).
"My idea is to provide opportunities for youth to acquire education, skills, decent jobs and live with their families in a safe environment," the finance minister said, presenting the budget 2013-14.
The flagship midday meal scheme at government schools got an allocation of Rs.13,215 crore ($ 2,464 million).
Chidmabaram said that thousands of scholarships would be given to girl students, and those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
"I propose to allocate Rs.5,284 crore ($985 million) to the various ministries for the purpose," he said.
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for providing education to all was allocated Rs.27,258 crore ($5,084 million).
"The SSA and Right to Education Act are firmly in place," he said.
The minister also said investment in the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) cannot be postponed any longer.
"Hence, I propose to provide Rs.3,983 crore ($742 million) for RMSA, which is an increase of 25.6 percent over the revised estimates of the current year," he said.
The minister also informed that reconstruction of the Nalanda University has gathered momentum.
"The government is committed to the creation of Nalanda University as a centre of educational excellence," he said.


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I hope enjoy the photo and thanks for dropping by. As always, click here to see the high-res version of the final image.
If you would like to purchase a print or digital copy of this image or any other, please contact me or visit my on-line gallery.
Exif data:
Camera - Fujifilm X-T1
Lens - Fujinon XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
Focal Length - 55mm
Aperture - f11
Exposure - 1/420
Metering mode - Multi-segment
Exposure program - Manual
ISO speed - 200
Exposure bias - 0 EV
Tripod - No
HDR - No
# of brackets - NA


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Today I've been quilting a do. Good Stitches quilt. My month to collect blocks was April (hey, I'm only 3 months late!) and I chose a yellow, aqua and coral color scheme. The block is from Sew Mama Sew's Modern Block of the Month. A really fun block, although I kinda wish I had gone with a scrappier color scheme. It's still looking very happy so that makes me happy and I hope it will bring a smile to a recipient in Hospice.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July tomorrow!


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Soundtrack: Starry Eyed, Ellie Goulding
My bedroom door creaked open, but I ignored it and brushed my mascara wand across my eyelashes one more time before tucking it back in the tube.
"Oh-em-gee, Katie, you look amazing! Like a real faerie princess," Maya came to my side at the vanity mirror and gingerly fingered the gauzy shimmer lace layered over my silk bodice. Her aquamarine mermaid costume, complete with matching demi-mask, was equally as shimmery and far more revealing than my own silver and lace, floor-length gown. The sea-inspired blue color was a perfect complement to her olive skin tone and waist-length, auburn curls. Her look was exotic where mine was fair, and our personalities were just as polar as our looks.
Maya had been my closest friend since we were babies, and I was thrilled to have her at my party, and helping me to get ready for it, too. But, even after all these years, it still drove me a little nuts when she started a conversation with oh-em-gee.
"Thanks. You look great, too." I stood up from the vanity and made for my walk-in closet to grab my shoes. The clear heels coated with a light dusting of silver glitter had been a last minute, but much needed addition to my costume. I claimed them from the top shelf of my shoe rack and carefully slipped my feet into them. "Ready?" I asked Maya as I emerged from my closet.
"Ready," she agreed and linked her arm in mine. On my way to the door, I reached out with my free hand and grabbed my mask from the vanity. The shimmery, silver number was barely big enough to cover my eyes and would do nothing to hide my identity. It was purely for show. I couldn't attend my own masquerade party without a mask. With Maya's arm still looped through mine, I managed to tie the ribbons together behind my head, securing the mask in place over my eyes without even messing up my hair.
By the time we made it to the landing at the top of the stairs, my arm was starting to sweat where Maya's touched it, and I was trying to think of a polite way to extricate myself from her hold. "This is going to be so much fun," I told her, pulling my arm out of hers and clapping my hands together. Then I set both hands on the banister and leaned over to survey the foyer below.
At the bottom of the stairs, partygoers were already milling about, moving from one downstairs room to another, exploring. Still more guests were arriving—some servant, or caterer, or whatever, I didn't recognize was opening the door every few seconds it seemed like, to allow another group to enter.
"Hey hey, beautiful!" Brad's voice sounded from somewhere behind me.
I closed my eyes and counted to three, hoping that when I opened them and turned around, Brad wouldn't be there. Maybe if I wished hard enough, he wouldn't even be here at the party. Inviting him had been a mistake. I knew that when I did it, but even if I hadn't invited him, he would have come anyway. Brad was like that, too cocky to realize when he wasn't wanted. And he definitely wasn't wanted. If I could have been rid of him completely when we broke up however many months ago, I would have been perfectly happy. But I just couldn't seem to shake him.
Sure enough, when I turned around, there he stood, dressed as a vampire, complete with fake blood at the corners of his mouth. "Brad. You do know it's a masquerade right?"
"Chyeah, totally. That's why I'm wearing this costume." He posed proudly, voguing the way he must think a vampire would with hands on hips, feet askance, and fangs showing.
What did I ever see in him?
"Ooh, who is that?" Maya's question drew my attention away from my mistake of an ex-boyfriend and toward the front door. The guy standing in my foyer hadn't drawn only Maya's attention, but also the attention of several of the other kids loitering in the entryway. And with good reason. He was dressed head to toe in black, from his scuffed motorcycle boots to his black denim pants to his black T-shirt under a black leather jacket. And he'd topped it all with a black motorcycle helmet, aviator sunglasses, and a black half-mask over his mouth. He was impossibly tall and lanky, but his lean build didn't make him any less imposing. His look, his whole countenance was both alluring and dangerous at the same time.
"So, babe, when's the music going to start? I'm saving my best dance moves for you."
Ugh. Brad.
"Yeah, yeah. Later." I waved him off like a pesky mosquito and made for the stairs, making sure to place each step carefully, with purpose. A few minutes ago, my heels had seemed so perfect; now they seemed ridiculous because they were keeping me from getting downstairs to figure out who this mysterious bad boy was.
I kept my eyes glued to him as I descended, and my heart sank when he started toward the great-room-turned-temporary-ballroom. A quick scan of the room ahead of him proved that it was already overcrowded. If he made it in there before I could get to him, it would take me quite some time to find him again. I picked up the pace, practically racing down the final few steps. On the last one, my right heel caught in the hem of my gown. I grabbed tight to the banister and lifted my foot to remove my heel from my dress.
By the time I'd extricated my foot from the lace, my mystery guest had disappeared into the crowd beyond the foyer.
"Hey, Katie! Great party," Amanda Simpkins sidled up to me and wrapped me in a hug. Her too-large nest of teased red curls tickled my nose in an unpleasant way, smothering me with the scent of too much hair product. "Happy birthday, Bestie!"
Bestie? We were barely friends. She must have been trying to impress whoever she was with. I didn't bother trying to figure out who she was trying to dazzle. Instead, I pulled out of her hug, patted her on the shoulder and took off for the ballroom, dodging other partiers on my way there.
The room was even more crowded than I'd thought; I realized that as soon as I stepped through the arched entry. I skirted friends and acquaintances, stretching to see over their heads. Anything to possibly catch a glimpse of my mysterious biker. When did I start thinking of him as my biker?
It didn't matter. I'd lost him.
I gave up my search and wove my way through the mob of dancing teenagers toward the edge of the room. They were suffocatingly close, and I needed space right then. The party had only just started, and already I needed fresh air. When I turned back to face the room, I spotted Brad and Maya both standing at the doorway to the foyer scanning the room for me.
I ducked out onto the terrace before they spied me.