text:
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Rest Breaks for Book Writers--Feeding the Artist
December rolled around with all of these symptoms, for me. I'd just finished up a four-month teaching marathon at three different writing schools plus a new online class. All were amazing, wonderful, and inspiring, but I gave
so much to each group, holding the creative space for them and their books when they couldn't see it. At the same time, I was finishing the final editing of my forthcoming book on book-writing, Your Book Starts Here, working with wonderful editor and typesetter and publishing house. Plus some creative opportunities came my way that I just couldn't pass up, including making a video to help book writers storyboard their manuscripts. One day when the manuscript was finally out of my hands, the students signed off from the class, the video in the hands of the editor, I sat on the couch and stared at the mountains outside my living room window, wondering where I was.
More important, who I was. I couldn't tell anymore.
Crying jags often accompany this, for me. Wails of "Who am I?" or "I'll never write again" sometimes come too. It's normal to dive even deeper as the tension releases and the stress lessens, as both body and emotions come forward with long-ignored needs. Don't get me wrong: I eat healthily, I exercise regularly, I sleep reasonable hours, and I have good family and friends support. I'm living a good life. But in the realm of manifestation and creativity, which is what my work is all about, I had been stretched to the max these past months. I didn't know any other gear to drive than Intense. I didn't know how to get back to the "necessary boredom" that Dorothy Allison talks about, the place where my own creativity bubbles up.
Somehow, though, I'd managed to carve out three weeks in my calendar. My spouse started a new job about that time, my son was visiting friends for the holidays, so I was alone.
Blissfully, frightfully alone, with nothing to do. Or, let me rephrase, nothing anyone else was asking me to do.
So what next? How do I make use of this nothing, and let it heal me, fill me up again? I hadn't a clue how to begin.
Taking a Creative Retreat for the Inner Artist
I have a wonderful book for these occasions: The Woman's Retreat Book by Jennifer Louden. It's packed with ways to disengage and reacquaint yourself with yourself. I found it on a back shelf, went back to my spot on the couch near the mountain view. I closed my eyes and opened the book at random. Of course, it opened to this section "Feeding the Artist." I read the first line: "If there is one cosmic law I know the consequences of ignoring, it is this one: you cannot create from an empty well."
Duh. Why didn't I see this before I had my meltdown? Well, obviously, when one is empty, it's hard to see that. Many of us keep running anyway, fueled by adrenaline, and the joy of life gets dimmer and dimmer. We lose track of where we are, who we are. We get swept up with other people's lives (and creative needs--if you're a teacher). It's all good, it's all important. I love my work. But there's a moment to say, "Stop!" Let yourself go back to yourself.
I decided I would ignore both calendar and lists for these three weeks, as much as I could. Even my visioning lists went into a nice blue folder and into my desk drawer. I began to putter, to play.
The first day I cooked two soups. I love to cook, and two soups in one day seemed lovely and extravagant. Besides, the vegetable drawer was foreign territory and I could use up a dangerous-looking butternut squash (fine with the dangerous part cut off). I took a walk and went to bed by 9. The next day I listened to Christmas carols and wrapped a few gifts then read a lovely novel (Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann) and let myself nap. Day three I got out the card table and started a jigsaw puzzle. I cleaned out my clothes closet. I took myself to lunch.
You get the idea.
One of Jennifer Louden's most important directives in this chapter on "Feeding the Artist" is not to create while you're filling the well. Stop working on your project, stop trying to manifest anything. Ugh, that was hard. I hadn't had enough time to work on my novel-in-progress, so these three weeks were planned as full immersion. But when I took out the manuscript and my editing pen, I froze up. It all looked terrible--a sure sign of the Inner Critic's negative notions surfacing--and I couldn't bring myself to do anything. Reading Louden's advice felt like a reprieve.
Funny thing. As I began to fill up again, new ideas started coming. I would be watching a movie or marveling at McCann's amazing prose, and I would find myself thinking very lightly about my own creative projects. Images would come. An idea of how to solve a sticky plot problem in the novel. A place to get information I needed. I didn't pursue these, just took notes.
I'm letting the creative tension build for another week. It's getting fun. I look forward to my empty days, I no long dread the thought of moving so slowly.
This Week's Writing Exercise
1. Take stock. Do you need to feed the artist? Is she or he starving from too much output and not enough input these past busy months?
2. If the answer is yes, can you carve out time for a rest break? Even five hours in a day when nothing is needed of you is amazing and precious.
Posted by Mary Carroll Moore at 12:46 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State George Shultz urged the Kremlin on Sunday to talk less in public and more in private if it seriously seeks to make progress on arms control and other U.S.-Soviet issues.
''It is a measure of the kind of lack of progress recently that all the action is through press statements . . . coming through publicly rather than privately,'' he said.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Define Self-Regard…
Self Regard is the extent that someone has a positive self-image, is satisfied with who they are as a person, and tends to be self-assured and optimistic. It is the degree to which someone is content, secure and cheerful.
In terms of workplace behavior, Self Regard is disposition/likelihood/enjoyment for:
- Accepting criticism and feedback from coworkers.
- Dealing positively with obstacles and failures.
- Ability to work in constant and close collaboration with others; shares responsibility for direction and performance of the team.
- Establishing and maintaining effective workplace relations.
- Working closely with one or more coworkers on a long term basis, day-in and day-out.
- Taking responsibility for one's own actions, even when they result in errors.
- Using intuition and experience to complement data.
- Soliciting customer feedback to improve service.


text:
Pop Up Rentals In Providence Rhode Island
Top Rated Pop Up Camper Rentals In Providence, RI
Rent a Pop Up in Providence
Search and compare Providence Rhode Island pop up camper rental prices, reviews, and photos. Get the best deal on pop up camper trailers for rent in Providence. RVshare has the largest selection of pop up camper rentals in the Providence area so you're guaranteed to find the perfect pop up for your next camping trip with the family.
Providence Rhode Island Pop Up Rental Reviews
This is a great camper. Fit 3 adults easily, got definitely fit 4 adults and 2 children. This camper was a breeze to setup with only two adults. Well worth the rental fee! Hosts where very helpful in pickup and drop-off, They where super flexible which was great because our tow vehicle had some issues at our original pickup time, but pickup still went very smooth after new vehicle arrived. Host where very patient and friendly!
Leandro is such a nice person! Very responsive to our questions and accommodating about pick up and drop off times. He even took us to a local store to try to get an adaptor for the electrical connection. The camper was super clean, comfortable, and easy to set up and take down.
Owners were accommodating in letting me move my booking around, and flexable with my pick up and drop off times, but overall, the unit was not clean; I had to clean it at my house before I would take my young family in it. The grill that comes with it wasn't cleaned in who knows how long. The fridge was gross. In terms of functionality, the pop-up worked, but I had to duct tape the door shut and put fasteners underneath so my kids wouldn't fall out of the pop up when it was up.
Unit is a gently used tent trailer. Tows well, set up was easy as was take down. Refrigerator worked well. Did not use the stove or sink.


text:
Cast On, Rip Out, Start Over
8 comments:
- Corinne Roffler10/7/14, 12:57 PM
ouch! that must have been quite a shock! I like that orange colour too though, so it seems it was for the greater good ;-)ReplyDelete
- Woollen Wilderness10/8/14, 6:09 AM
Oh what a nightmare to see the yarn like that, it must've been quite the shock. But maybe Pearl knew you secretly wanted to rip it and start over, and she was just helping you make the decision!ReplyDelete
- Evelyn10/8/14, 1:34 PM
We love our kitties but they can definitely conflict with our other love (knitting, that is). Your new version is beautiful.ReplyDelete
- IrishJenn10/13/14, 10:10 AM
I love both of those colors! They're very autumnal.ReplyDelete
Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but I'm just not a very good knitter. So, instead of the M1Ls & M1Rs on each end, you're simply KFB instead? That seems like it would be a lot easier.
Yes, that's exactly right! I think it's easier, too, plus I'm finding that it creates a looser edge without loosing the crescent shape. If you look through the projects on Ravelry, it's a modification that it seems a lot of knitters have made, and after doing it myself I see why!ReplyDelete
Thank you! Those silly kitties... :)ReplyDelete
Haha!! I think you might be right - I should give her more credit!ReplyDelete
Thanks Corinne - I think it was for the greater good too!ReplyDelete


text:
Project information
Passion Fruit Project
Every summer, Young & Inspired run a two-week residential holiday for disadvantaged teens in Hackney and surrounding areas.
August 2014 - August 2016
Charity information: Young And Inspired
Children and teens growing up in low-income, dysfunctional homes are severely disadvantaged, and have less opportunities to their peers. During the summer, when their peers head off to the mountains or sea, they stay behind in the city, with nothing to do- other than stew in their resentment.
As a result, when their classmates return to school refreshed from their holiday and ready to learn, they start school with a load of anger and resentment, impeding their education and relationships
Passion Fruit Project gives the children everything-in one holiday. Exciting trips, interesting workshops, vital life skills, new friends-at Passion Fruit, they get it all. The young people experience new things every day- and go home changed, new people. We are not just providing them with summer occupation- we provide them with a project designed to teach them vital life skills, learn new things, develop new relationships and change them for the better.
Aim 1
Enhance the lives of our users through the project, setting them up for success in life.
Activities» -Run important educational workshops, including time management, budgeting, personal health and hygiene, and so on.
» -Provide the young people with exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities they would never have otherwise, including theme park trips, etc.
» -Build up their confidence and self-esteem, and enable them to reach their potential socially, emotionally and physically.
What success will look like
Success will be: enabling 120 young people and 30 young adults to participate in the project, and enjoy a fulfilling and life altering summer.
Through the project, the young people will see improved academic success, have healthier self-image and self-esteem, and increased confidence. They will make and keep more friends,
There is a risk that we won't manage to raise enough funds for the projects- we will ensure this isn't so by raising funds the entire year. Risks such as lack of accommodation, coaches, trips, food, staff etc have all been mitigated by thorough planning in advance, and having necessary risk assessment policies in place.
We will report to donors at the completion of the Passion Fruit Project, at the end of August. We will also send out quarterly newsletters to all donors, letting them know how the participants are doing, after the project has come to an end.
Budget - Project Cost: £141,950Loading graph....
Amount Heading Description £40,000 Premises Hire Renting suitable accomodation in the countryside for 2 weeks. £34,000 Food and Disposable 3 meals daily £20,000 Transportation Coaches to and from the camp, outings £12,000 Outings Entrance Fees £11,000 Staff and Volunteer Expenses 2 x project managers, volunteer expenses £8,000 Activities, Materials, etc Activities, Materials, Music System, Entertainment £16,950 Disposables, Security, Insuran Cutlery and dishes 2 meals x 14 days
Hackney has one of the highest levels of child poverty in the UK. This means that over half of all children growing up in Hackney will be living below the poverty line. Therefore, children in Hackney do not have equal opportunities to their peers. Young & Inspired provide out of hours activities to children in Hackney- children that might not have a garden to play in, children that might not eat breakfast on a daily basis, or children who are struggling at school yet can't afford help.
Children and teens living in Hackney rarely have opportunities for fun and leisure activities. Local children and teens, as well as young adult volunteers will benefit from the project, by accessing quality leisure-time activities in the summer, when they would otherwise sit at home and have nothing to do.
Why Us?
Why Us?
Through the several projects that we run, we work with over 800 children and teens in Hackney. As a result, we know the issues that the children face, and we know their needs. We also know what does and doesn't work. In addition, we have carried out our Passion Fruit Project for several years now, and have the knowledge and expertise to put together a great project, and ensure that every single participant enjoys it to their utmost, and reaches their full potential.
Read more about the Charity running this project.
Mrs Tanza Perl
Tanza is the director of the project. She does all the
Mrs Pearl Guttman
Pearl assists Tanza Friedman in running the project.


text:
- TUF 17 Finale
Demetrious Johnson to defend belt against Moraga
NEW: ESPN Fantasy Fighter - enter now and you could win a range of fantastic UFC prizes.
Demetrious Johnson's next UFC flyweight title defence will take place against John Moraga in the TUF 17 Finale main event.
Johnson, who outpointed John Dodson in his last outing, will return to the Octagon on April 13 to meet a man who is red hot in the 125lb division.
Boasting a 13-1 MMA record, he is unbeaten in three years, finishing both his UFC bouts to date. He enters the title showdown off a submission win over Chris Cariaso.
Also confirmed by the UFC is a heavyweight clash between Gabriel Gonzaga and Travis Browne, plus a women's bantamweight contest involving Miesha Tate and Cat Zingano.


text:
This is the SIXTH in a new series of Floral and Ephemera Collage Papers. Be sure and check out my other listings to see the other sets offered in the series! They measure 12" x 12" each, and are rendered as 300 DPI JPG files.
How Do I Use This Set?
How Do I Use This Set?
- Backgrounds
- Digital Paper
- Clip them to shapes, elements and alphas
- Layer them with existing photos or compositions to add textural interest
- Make your own embellishments with them


text: I had a thought. I remembered something I saw a while back on some other forum. And then it came to fruition. (Except I made it as a "forum" rather than a link in the navbar. It's sorta crowded up there.) You should now see an "Unanswered Threads" forum in the Community section. As it states, you have to be logged in to use. It lists all unanswered threads within the past week. As the site grows the most busy forums will be fully capable of pushing an unanswered thread to page X with other hot topics taking over. Sure, the 'new posts' link could still be used for this - but this makes it a little easier to keep track of who still needs assistance, for those interested. One day if we assemble a "ensure everyone gets some sort of response" team, this will be a valuable tool for them as well. Thanks.


text:
I think this is my third or fourth website I've developed for Richard Eaton of AlphaBio Centrix. … read more about BioEnergyShop.com
Video Tutorial: Installing a Theme On WordPress
Yesterday I posted a video on how to install WordPress through your HostGator cPanel. Once it's installed it automatically uses a theme (template) that comes bundled with WordPress.
Changing the Look and Feel
Most likely you'll want to improve the look of the website. If you're just looking for a platform that you can pen your thoughts and you don't really care about how the site looks, the default theme may work just fine for you.
However, if this site is for your business you're probably going to want the look and feel of the site to be a little more impressive. If your customers visit your site, you want them to be inspired to do business with you. An impressive looking site can help with that. (not trying to downplay the value of good content, but you know what I mean here)
WordPress Themes
The theme is the template that provides the look and feel for your website. You can change the theme by installing a different them. That can change everything! The colors, the background, the graphics – everything.
Free Themes
There are a lot of free themes out there. Where do you find them? You could start with a Google search of "Free WordPress Themes." A great place to look is on WordPress.org. There you can find free themes that they endorse.
Free themes are great for one reason… THEIR FREE! But often, as with many things, you get what you pay for. It's a free theme so you can't really get mad at anyone if falls apart on you or is just using bad coding. (this can really hurt your chances with Google.)
Premium Themes
Premium themes means you pay for them. Prices vary, but hopefully you'll have a better coded site. Paying for a theme doesn't guarantee that you're getting a quality product. It just means someone has put a price on it and is selling it. But hopefully it does mean that you'll get support if something does go wrong. (although, there's no guarantee of that either) You just need to be careful, do your research, see what others have to say about themes and what they recommend.
My Recommendation
If you're doing all this on your own, I would recommend you take a look at the themes at StudioPress.com. (affiliate link) These guys are fantastic coders, they offer awesome support and their themes look great! Another thing I like is they actually create "child themes" which run on their Genesis Framework. That means you can really play around with the child them without having to mess with the code that makes the site function. All of my custom designed themes run on their Genesis Framework.
Okay, you get the popcorn, I'll start the Movie!
I've talked way more about themes than I had planned, but if you're new to all this you might find it somewhat helpful. Enjoy the show!
Need Help?
Custom Web Design
If you decide this is not your cup-o-tea and would like me to do a custom design for you, I'd be happy to help you with that.
WordPress Training
I'm also available to work with you, one-on-one to show you as much, or as little as you want to learn about setting up and running your own WordPress site. Use the form below if you have any questions about this.


text:
Cecilia Navarro takes her two daughters grocery shopping every Wednesday afternoon. Being a good mom and homemaker, she thinks it's important that Elisabeth, 18, and even three-year-old Katherina learn how to shop for food.
She explained this (through her daughter/translator) recently when she stopped by the meat case at her favorite store — the Mega supermarket in Mexico City, Mexico.
Navarro's attention to food preparation is not abnormal activity in this Latin American country where food and meals are often the nucleus of family unity. Mexican women in all social levels tend to be very careful and studious shoppers.
Watching as she browsed through the meat case, it was evident that Navarro prefers U.S. beef. But, when asked why she prefers meat products from the U.S., her immediate response was simply, "Because I know it's safe."
That might sound surprising in light of the news and rhetoric surrounding the beef industry following last year's discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. And, Navarro knew that the Mexican government had responded with a ban on U.S. beef and beef products.
On March 3 though, after double-barreled pressure from consumers and meat merchandisers, Mexico re-opened its border to boneless beef originating from animals less than 30 months of age. Like many other Mexican consumers, Navarro was happy to see the ban lifted — at least partially. At this time, the Mexican market still remains closed to bone-in beef and beef variety meats.
But don't believe for one minute that the border reopened solely because the Mexican government wants to be neighborly. Cecilia Navarro, along with millions of other Mexican consumers, is able to enjoy an adequate, affordable supply of U.S. meat primarily because the U.S. Meat Export Federation (MEF) is working to keep beef flowing into Mexican diets. The MEF works on many different fronts:
Keeping political pressure on the Mexican government to resume normal trading relationships.
Building a positive and credible consumer perception of U.S. beef — both at the retail and food service levels.
Monitoring trade rules and regulations, and assisting in cross-border business relationships.
Following The U.S. Lead
For 10 years, Mexico has been a rising star in the sphere of U.S. beef promotion efforts. Beef and variety meat exports to Mexico have risen from 80,000 metric tons (mt) in 1993 to 336,000 mt last year. The value of U.S. beef exports to Mexico peaked in 2002 at $854 million.
The MEF has two offices in Mexico. The retail, food service and consumer marketing programs are conducted out of Mexico City. The Monterrey office focuses more on border and trade issues.
Their work has been cut out for them lately. The Mexican export picture was looking to set new records in 2004 — and possibly surpass Japan as America's top beef export destination. That was until the industry hit the BSE snag in December.
"There were some interesting times after that — but we're getting back on track very quickly," says Homero Recio. He's MEF vice president for Western Hemisphere operations.
"We have some more things to work on before we get back to full-speed, but we're up to the challenge on all fronts," he adds. "There are a lot of politics involved."
He credits the Mexican government's animal health officials at the operational level for taking a scientific approach to animal health issues like BSE.
He stresses that in dealing with the Mexicans and the impacts of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), he's gained an understanding that, contrary to what many people want to believe, we truly are in a North American beef market.
"The Mexican government has said time and again with regard to BSE that they'll follow the lead that the U.S. takes with Canada," Recio explains. "The longer it takes to normalize the beef trade between the U.S. and Canada, the longer it will take for the U.S. to restore a full trading relationship with Mexico."
Ironically, he says, the rebound in U.S. beef exports to Mexico is being slowed by larger shipments from Canada to Mexico.
The Mexican Ministry of Agriculture was subjected to tremendous pressure by Mexican cattlemen to use the BSE case to keep U.S. beef out of Mexico for as long as possible, says Bruce Zanin, director of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Mexico City.
"But, with 84% of Mexico's ag exports ending up in the U.S., the government needed to show good faith in moving quickly to reopen beef trade," he explains. "The key is that there was no consumer reaction to the BSE case in the U.S."
Disparities In Trade?
Of course, most Mexican ranchers would prefer to keep their border closed to imports.
"But, the fact is Mexican producers simply can't supply enough beef to satisfy the country's beef demand," says Gilberto Lozano, MEF director general for Mexico. He says today Mexico is only about 82% self-sufficient in beef production.
"Plus, there just isn't anywhere near the supply domestically of the quality beef that's increasingly wanted in the higher-end markets — both at home and in food service," Lozano adds.
While Mexico's cattle-savvy politicians generally state that the domestic industry is being harmed by U.S. beef imports, they also recognize the importance of the live cattle trade between Mexico and the U.S. Last year, 1,239,000 head of cattle — most feeder steers — were exported to the U.S. from Mexico.
In the same breath, Mexican politicos lament that the Mexican pork industry has been devastated by U.S. producers "dumping" cheap, subsidized pork into Mexico. Mexican producers say they can compete with their U.S. counterparts, but the Mexican treasury cannot compete with the U.S. treasury.
They blame, in part, direct and indirect subsidies paid to U.S. pork and beef producers on much of the disparities in meat trade between the two countries.
Mexican producers have suffered from a decline in borrowing capability. Production loans are nearly non-existent — with ag lending in general dropping 77% between 1994 and 2001, says Zanin.
"You can't be in this business long without realizing trade is a two-way street — the bottom line is that the Mexican consumer is better off with NAFTA," says Recio. "That's why we are here — to help U.S. producers gain international markets and to help people in this country have access to U.S. meat."
Life's A Lot Easier
The MEF predicts a growing Mexican consumer demand for meat protein in general. Demand and per capita consumption are growing rapidly in the middle and upper classes where there is more disposable income.
As incomes increase, Mexicans tend to increase fresh beef consumption over other proteins. Typically, beef variety meat consumption declines as incomes increase.
Meanwhile, at a Tok's Restaurante, in Mexico City, Gustavo Pérez, is celebrating having U.S. beef — mainly steak cuts — back in his stores. He's director of food purchasing for the 42 Tok's restaurants scattered around Mexico.
"My life has been a lot easier since the Mexican border was reopened to U.S. beef imports," he says. "It would have been devastating to us if the ban would have persisted."
Pérez says his supply of U.S. beef all but dried up for one month after he exhausted beef he had put into storage prior to Dec. 23. As supplies dwindled, many of his 1 million/month, middle-class customers complained of the taste, toughness and lack of consistency of the substitutes for U.S. beef, he says.
While Pérez chooses to label entrees featuring U.S. beef and pork (with the "checkoff" logos) on his menus, he was so confident the border would reopen again that he didn't print new menus. Pérez is now waiting for the day when he can again feature bone-in beef products from the U.S.
"You can tell your American ranchers that we will continue to pressure our politicians who must recognize how much we need your beef," Pérez concludes. "It's our best choice for many reasons — but mostly because our customers keep yelling at us to keep U.S. meat on our menu."
The Future For Mexico
The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the future for U.S. beef exports to Mexico appears quite rosy for several reasons:
The Mexican population, currently at 105 million, is growing strong at a rate of 1.8%/year. And, the population is young — 50% are under 25 years old.
Mexico's economic growth is closely correlated with that of the U.S. U.S. economic growth in 2003 was near 3.2% and should reach 4.6% in 2004.
Mexican cattle numbers dropped 5% last year due to a stagnant calf crop and continued drought conditions in the northern regions.
Domestic beef production is expected decline in 2004 as cattlemen are discouraged by low profitability, foreign imports and a lack of credit.
Most of the cattle raised in Mexico are grass-fed as many independent cattlemen and feedlot operators cannot afford imported feedstuffs.
Mexico's self-sufficiency rate in beef is estimated at 82%, not including variety meats.
Mexico's Angélica Loves U.S. Meat
Mother's Day is a huge celebration in Mexico. This year, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (MEF) teamed up with one of Mexico's premier contemporary entertainers — 28-year-old Angélica Valé — for the second annual Mother's Day Appreciation Celebration in Mexico City. Angelica's performance before nearly 3,000 adoring fans capped a daylong program of cooking and nutritional seminars designed to promote beef and pork in today's balanced family diet.
Several MEF representatives and a group of U.S. ag journalists were on hand as part of a week-long informational tour. The trip was hosted by the MEF, but the United Soybean Board (USB) picked up the tab as part of an effort to forge a stronger alliance between livestock and soybean producers.


text:
The Secret of Ten-shou (The Conversion of Power to Technique)
Ten-shou is the form which symbolizes softness as to San-chin is the representation of the hardness among the karate forms. Practitioners practice San-chin in order to build their bodies which strengthen their muscles and tendons. Meanwhile、Ten-shou loosens the body like a flexible whip so that the practitioners can execute higher performance by converting energy effectively. The well trained body creates the greater gap of the energy between the tension and relaxation of these muscle and tendon which heighten his performance.
In Seibukai Karate, we train Sanchin upon the purpose of establishing unified body and how to utilize the body. When the power of each individual is the same level, the powers eliminate each other. In this manner, overpowering with a bigger power against the opponent is called "Gou" as roughness. Utilizing smaller power to overcome bigger opponent is called "Jyu" which is symbolized softness. Jyu is sophisticated techniques that enable to overcome bigger opponents with smaller power by advanced skills that unbalance of the opponent's center axis and his center of gravity. When the technique utilized effectively, small power can overwhelms bigger power: this is called "Jyu-ka" which means "softening" in Seibukai Karate.
In order to break opponent's center and his core, either push or pull the target of the body; however, these straight forces which against each others are confrontational. Meanwhile, Tenshou enables to unbalance opponent by the circular movement with incorporating pushing and pulling forces. This concept of the technique is similar to those of Aikido and Jyu-jitsu (grappling). In addition, even when the opponent became forceful, it is possible to defeat him with incorporating the power of Sanchin that is the power of Kung-fu.
In martial arts, the power is classified as two ways. One is the power generated by the skeletal muscles which is forceful and confrontational against the force of the opponent. Another one is penetrating force whose energy is created by Sanchin. This is called `Kei-ryoku that is explosive force. Generally muscle power depends on the skeletal structure and its joints. Thus, the energy diminishes as they are transferred throughout the structures of the body. The followings are comparison of the muscular power vs. Kei-ryoku.
l Muscle power is visible as it moves. Kei-ryoku is invisible and does not form.
l Muscle power is rigid. Kei-ryoku is flexible.
l Muscle power is slow. Kei-ryoku is fast.
l Muscle power is dreary. Kei-ryoku is intense.
When the practitioner does not recognize these differences in two distinctive forces, he would waste his time to train muscles that eventually weakens by aging based on the sport science.
In karate, the practitioners train external parts of their bodies as a beginning stage of the practice. This is similar to the other sport athletes who build their muscles. However, as a lifelong martial arts, the completeness of the training will not be achieved without the unification of training muscles, bones and tendons by utilizing Ki (life force) and blood. Aging occurs due to the weakening of Ki and blood. Majority of karate practitioners do not know about this higher level of the training. Thus, they do not develop their skills beyond the beginning level of martial arts training. I believe that karate training should be considered as martial way based on development of Ki energy that deepens Sanchin-kata training. When the practitioners recognize this difference between sport and the martial way, the true training of martial way begins.
The basic of karate is based on punches and kicks which is built upon the main mechanism of transferring energy to the opponent that attributes awareness of the center axis and Tanden (the center of gravity) in the body. The center and the core exist in his awareness of the body. Thus, when the individual has no awareness of them, they do not exist. The center locates the straight line which connects his head through anus. Tanden is locates in the center of abdomen where you feel the vibration in the stomach when you jump up and down with heels. Monkeys enable to maneuver from tree to tree by alternating their arms which transfer their center of gravity. Human began to walk by alternating legs and arms. This crossing line of arms and legs is the center, and thus human are able to generate their power from this twisting motions.
Therefore, the technique to unbalance or break opponent's center axis and its core enable to weaken opponent's attack. Tenshou kata is based on this theory which control opponent's center by circular motion. These techniques allow small energy overcome bigger power as softness overcome hardness. Roundhouse block with knife hands and reverse punch from circular block are the example of the technique.
The nature of the universe consists of circular movements or oval shapes such as movements or shapes of trees, rivers, mountains, planets in the sky, or even four seasons. The movement of circle is balanced without distortion. It is continual motion that has no beginning or ending; therefore, the technique of circular motion is smooth and continuum. Of course, there are different techniques which incorporate with the circular motion. These subtle techniques are called Nen (sticking your body to the opponent' body) and Sou (synchronizing your speed to the opponent's speed). Combining these techniques such as triangle steps (positioning to the opponent's blind spot) and Sanchin power, the practitioner enables to advanced opponent's force with unbalancing opponent's center and overcome his force.
Generally, people think that bigger and stronger is better. However, this concept does not apply to the martial arts because the concept of martial arts is to control the opponent without being confrontational rather than being forceful by facing against each others. For example, when the opponent grabs your wrist, you should not be tensed because your power and opponent's power fight against each others, and bigger power wins. However, it is possible to control opponent's force by manipulating situation with taking his blind spot and executing throw.
Upon the execution of these techniques, there are two issues. One is too much hardness yet, too little softness. Another is too much softness and too little hardness. The concept is contradictory; however, the relationship between hardness and softness become co-exist and helping each other which is the fundamental concept of Seibukai Karate, and it became the symbol of Seibukai.
The followings are the summary of the concepts of Seibukai Karate:
1. To obtain stability of center and the center of gravity through basic exercise, steps and kata practices.
2. Position of your own to find an advantage against the opponent with finding his blind spot.
3. To utilize the circular motion and movement in order to control the opponent's balanced force.
4. To overcome opponent's force by transferring energy created by Sanchin power.
Eventually, the training will become more internal from external practice of the body. The center and the center of the gravity do not exist as an organ in the human body. These are awareness of one's own sense. Throughout daily training, the practitioner becomes aware of the specific senses built upon his body by awaking hidden senses suddenly.
With this simple repetitive training, the practitioner reaches the ultimate state of being whose attention begins to communicate your own body rather than fighting externally against the opponent. At this stage, the practitioner begins to feel the changes of heightening the internal energy with the spiritual enlightenment by refining the awareness of the center and Tanden.
As this stage progress, the defense against opponents becomes defense against disease. The martial arts become the method of reaching the completeness of life. As the result, the 50s and 60s practitioners exceed beyond the strengths and stamina of 20s and 30s young practitioners.
Seibukai thinks that "the fist is a human," in which means that martial arts is a part of humanity. Throughout hard training, the practitioners are going through fear and negativities. The practitioners build strength by changing from negative attitude to positive mind with patience and perseverance. Hopefully, reaching to his goals and accomplishments with his strong will, that is lifelong martial way.In modern day, the sport science and western training methods contributed the development and flourishing of sport karate by integrating sport medicine. I do neither intend to deny the other karate groups and organization nor aspect of the sport karate; however, karate is originally martial arts based on the oriental philosophy and its culture. I would appreciate if you could take part in my idea that represents the philosophy of Seibukai Karate as we conserve the way of martial arts.


text:
Been going through some YouTube vida for the past few hours of old school hip-hop. Souls of mischief, tribe, camp Lo, pharcyde, Keith murry. I miss music like this. Who were some of your favorites. Post vids, discuss, Let's remember what was real. No fighting. I think ready to die and southernplayalisticcadillacmusik are my 2 favorite albums of all time.
This is probably my favorite song.


text:
Cape Town – The Mother City is breathing a collective sigh of relief as Chippa United have decided to continue playing out of Cape Town rather than relocate to Port Elizabeth.
The Philippi-based club won promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this season after winning the National First Division.
Club boss Siviwe "Chippa" Mpengesi subsequently broke the news that he was thinking about moving his club to PE to make it more "commercially viable".
Yesterday, though, Mpengesi said the club would be staying in the Cape – for now.
"We will no longer be relocating the team to Port Elizabeth," said Mpengesi.
"Our proposal was appealing to the people of the Eastern Cape, who had an interest in seeing us playing at Nelson Mandela Stadium. We were motivated by their interest and have the development of football in the Eastern Cape at heart.
"But we will not be lost to the Eastern Cape… there are plans of bringing the club to that province – one way or another.
"We are committed to expanding our footprint to the Eastern Cape," added Mpengesi who is from that region, but moved to the Cape in 1996.
Mpengesi's announcement was certainly good news for the other Cape club in the PSL, Ajax Cape Town.
"Chippa staying in Cape Town is a good thing," said Ajax's public relations officer Shooz Mekuto. "We are desperate to have two or three teams in the Cape. It makes the interest in the sport bigger and better.
"At the moment, everything is focused on Gauteng, because most of the clubs come from there. In the PSL, you are recognised based on the concentration, and contribution, of clubs in a province.
"As you can see, in recent times, with the Cape having only one PSL team, many local players have left to play up north, because that is where the opportunities are.
"Let me add, if there were more teams in Cape Town, I doubt that the league winner would come from Gauteng as often as it does at the moment."
At the time when Chippa were contemplating relocation, there was much discussion about the lack of support from the Cape metro and the city's many corporates.
Safa-CT president Norman Arendse, though, says football clubs need to do a lot more to establish themselves as brands that people want to follow.
"The city already provides football venues for clubs to play," said Arendse.
"It costs money to maintain, as well as the safety and security measures, metro and traffic police during games, and so on. And if the clubs are not happy with the support they are getting, they have to approach the Mayor's Office with these issues.
"But football clubs have to do a lot more in terms of marketing and |promotion. It's all about brand |awareness… look at the Stormers, they are not doing too well this season, but there are still 20 000 people at the stadium."
Arendse added: "We welcome Chippa's decision to stay, we would have been disappointed if they had decided to relocate. They are a Cape-based club, with their fan base in Philippi… and they now have the opportunity to expand their base to other communities in Cape Town."
Mpengesi's immediate plan for his club is to ensure that they don't drop to the lower tier again, as they did the last time they got to the PSL. "We are now focusing on our preparations for next season," he said. "Our objective is to be competitive and to be a force to be reckoned with in the PSL.
"We are also focused on re-building Philippi Stadium and intend to make it our fortress this coming season and, hopefully, for many years to come. We would like to see the stadium |hosting no less than 20 000 fans in the near future."
Additional reporting by Kieran Legg
Cape Argus
Article source: http://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/chippa-will-stay-in-the-cape-1.1691059


text:
Bahrain GP 2010
Race Notes - Alonso wins Bahrain GP in Ferrari 1-2
Fernando Alonso won the Bahrain Grand Prix today on his debut as a Ferrari driver, leading home his team mate Felipe Massa by 16.099 seconds to take a one-two finish for the Italian team.
Sebastian Vettel led for most of the race in his Red Bull-Renault, pulling out a five second lead over Alonso before the pitstops, but on lap 34 his engine lost power, and the German limped to the flag to finish fourth, his car later being diagnosed as having an exhaust problem.
Alonso had taken second place from his team mate Massa at the start into the first corner and then after the pit stops started to close on Vettel by taking on fresh tyres one lap earlier, and then worked his way to just a second and a half behind the leader, but Vettel seemed to have enough speed to keep the Spaniard behind him until he slowed on lap 34.
Lewis Hamilton benefitted from Vettel's troubles and finished in his McLaren-Mercedes on the podium in third, 23.182 seconds behind the winner. Early on in the race Hamilton ran fifth behind Nico Rosberg, but got past the German on the pit stop, and then took third from Vettel with 11 laps remaining.
The win his Alonso's first since the Japanese GP in 2008 and is the 22nd win in his career.
The Mercedes GP's of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher finished fifth and sixth. Schumacher running a few seconds behind his team mate during his comeback race, and was closing followed throughout by Jenson Button in his McLaren-Mercedes and Mark Webber in his Red Bull-Renault (Button getting past the Australian at the pitstops on lap 19), to finish seventh and eighth.


text:
Somer is an artist and donates art to fundraisers for Cystic Fibrosis all over the country. Her talents have raised hundreds if not thousands of dollars for CF research. She is an icon in the CF community and brings compassion, humor, and light to the issues we face in a way that we can all relate to. She is beloved and I feel so grateful to have her as one of my best friends.
This is Somer's latest creation. It is called Sharlie's Angels. She is auctioning it off to raise money for the Sharlie's Angels medical fund. When I saw it, I fell in love. I feel like it epitomizes the miracle I am praying for!
If you want a beautiful original piece of art in your home or would like a unique Christmas gift, visit Somer's blog to find out more information! The auction is open for a few more days!!
Somer, you are such a blessing to me and so many! Thank you for this amazing gift!


text:
Change My Heart is a change collection and paper icon campaign aimed at helping kids. It's a fun and easy way to raise much needed funds and awareness for research on Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs). Your spare change can make a BIG difference in the lives of heart warriors. The money you collect will help scientists and doctors conduct life-saving CHD research.
Dates: February 1-29, 2016 (CHD Awareness Month) or any time throughout the year!
Why: The Children's Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization solely committed to funding life-saving Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) research. CHDs are the #1 birth defect in the US, affecting nearly 1 out of every 100 babies born. CHF's mission is to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs. The money you collect will help CHF fund life-saving CHD research.
How: Contact CHF Michigan to let us know you are doing the fundraiser at [email protected] or 248-385-2430. Then, collect spare change in a collection container(s) to help fund CHD Research. Any amount of change is enough— no amount is too small.
Another way is to sell paper icons for a donation (we recommend $1) on which donors can write their names. The paper hearts can be hung on a wall, bulletin board, storefront, or wherever. This is a great way to spread awareness of CHD and to show your support for the CHF Michigan Chapter!
Where: Schools, churches, stores, restaurants, local businesses—anywhere a collection jar can be placed and/or paper hearts can be sold.
Get Started: Get complete directions, ideas, and downloadable templates to start your campaign today at this link: Change My Heart Info Page. Contact us if you want to add more CHF literature, bracelets, or pens!
Fund CHD Research: At the end of your event, contact CHF Michigan to drop off your coins at 248-385-2430 or [email protected], mail a check made out to "The Children's Heart Foundation – Michigan Chapter" at PO Box 1808, Troy, Michigan 48099, or simply donate at this link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CMHMichigan. The money you collect will help fund CHD research!


text:
Survival and Scavenger map based on a deserted island with cliffs, caves and a lighthouse.
Version 1.4 - Removed old maps. - Changed the names of maps and divided into two maps. - Some fix in the maps and in the nav mesh.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


text:
Just showing off the progress on my blanket. As a reminder, I am doing a year long project using the 365 knitting stitches a year calendar I got for Christmas.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Blanket Progress
Posted by Julie Huston at 4:54 AM
9 comments:
Very impressive, it's a huge undertaking!ReplyDelete
Love this. So colorful. Visiting from Creative Friday.ReplyDelete
Love your blanket!ReplyDelete
Wow, that's really a treasure. Lovely and colorful.ReplyDelete
Thanks for dropping by, happy weekend :)
Wow, fabulous. thanks for sharingReplyDelete
Wow! This is impressive!ReplyDelete
Big project, good luck with it.ReplyDelete
Here's my FO: http://mibruno.com/terminado-osito/
I love making blankets but sometimes I bite off more than I can chew! I made matching baseball blankets for my boys and ended up taking about a year for those too and they were just squares! It looks great :) Krista @ A Handful of EverythingReplyDelete
Looking good. I like sampler blankets.ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Employers can now have locally grown meat, produce and other "outer aisle" goodies delivered to their offices by the farmers themselves. By "Adopting a Farm", employers can increase participation rates and deepen community ties by helping employees reconnect with their farming roots. Through the Azoti Wellness Integration program, we can drive material wellness outcomes by providing a Farm-to-Fork…READ MORE +
Unity Wellness Group™ LLC is an innovative wellness company focused on helping companies bring the health-transforming benefits of wellness programs to their employees resulting in optimized health, less stress and more productivity. Unity also offers work programs that help improve mindfulness on the job and optimize mental capacities to enhance creativity, concentration, brain function and…READ MORE +
US Corporate Wellness, Inc. was launched at the kitchen table in a small home in the foothills of Colorado. It was founded on the idea that focusing on the individual would have a significant ripple effect. Not only would the employee's life be enhanced, but so would the lives of those around her. As a…READ MORE +
Snap Fitness – The world's fastest-growing franchisor of compact, state-of-the-art, 24/7 fitness centers that emphasizes fast, convenient, affordable workouts and offers members the same equipment and workout experience as big box clubs, in a comfortable, non-threatening environment. Its customer-focused business extends beyond close proximity and low member dues to include a host of value-added products…READ MORE +
KMM has been providing corporate wellness programs for over 16-years. Services such as on-site blood work, biometric screenings, health and wellness fairs, corporate wellness lectures conducted by a doctor, nurse, or specialist, Vitamin Shot Clinics, flu shots, corporate chair massage days, fitness and health assessments, and much more! We have a great employer / employee…READ MORE +
D'fine Sculpting & Nutrition is dedicated to the health needs of today's businesses with our unique and mobile three component approach to corporate wellness. Most companies will offer invasive blood draw testing or physical fitness aspects to wellness, but why settle when you can have a true comprehensive wellness program for your employees! At D'fine…READ MORE +
Hubbub Health is the simple instant-on solution for companies looking to improve their employees' overall health and productivity. Using the latest technology and social gaming methods, Hubbub inspires and motivates employees to have fun and be healthy. Early results show engaged players move more, have at least 52 friends supporting them, and lost an average…READ MORE +


text:
Garber Hardware
Please go to our new link for Garber Hardware.
To hell with design, what you need is a good hardware store!" This morning I went to Garber, and it was gone. One of the best, perhaps THE BEST hardware stores in the city, gone! Luckily, I discovered it had only moved around the corner. If you are looking for anything that a real hardware store should have, Garber's got it: massive big hooks, roller blinds, chains, electrical components, flashlights, tape, tools, a real straw broom. And not only will they help you, they are friendly. This is rare. They even have a website for questions like this one: "DO YOU SELL JAR OPENERS? I HAVE A JAR THAT IS REALLY STUCK TIGHT. I DESPERATELY WANT TO EAT A PICKLE, BUT I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE RIGHT GRIP." If you are looking for something a little hard to find, call Garber or check out their new website. Go there first. It is worth the trip. MGR


text: St. Petersburg, FL – Brand new visuals from Skroodle, off CH2: Cross 9, which was hosted by DJ Winn. Skroodle is well respected in Tampa Bay because he is always about "Real Shit" as the song and video suggest. When you wrap up here, go ahead and check out the mixtape. Now, press play and catch the vibe: #NowWatching #RealShit #Visuals by @Skroodle_, from #CertifiedHood2 #Cross9 → Click To Tweet Related


text:
1) Education. Seeks to inform seekers as to what is happening between Palestinians and Israelis, issues and personalities and positions 2) Advocacy. Urges seekers to share information with their world, advocate with political figures, locally, regionally, nationally 3) Action. Uges support of those institutions, agencies, persons and entities who are working toward addressing the problems, working toward reconciliation and shalom/salaam/peace.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
It's TIME for Palestine! (Kairos that is)
Friends Cindy Holder-Rich and Don Wagner have combined to send us a powerful document. (Don writes the article; Cindy provides the venue on www.ecclesio.com
I'm bringing you the last part of it for a careful read. For the complete document, click on the link for "ecclesio.com" on the bottom of this post. For access to the complete Kairos Palestine document (which I will be exploring with the class April 15, 22 and 29, 10:15 a.m in the Chapel at Christ Memorial Church), go to www.kairospalestine.ps
A Western Michigan Kairos USA chapter is envisioned with participants from Holland, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo for starters.
Thank you Don Wagner, Cindy Holder-Rich, Mark Braverman, the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the PCUSA and many, many others, for your efforts to bring about wrenching but needed change in Israel/Palestine. JRK
". . . Palestinian Christians have been appealing to the world for nearly five decades concerning the rapid decline of Christianity in the occupied Palestinian territories. Few have listened. It is no mere coincidence that when Israel's military occupation began in June 1967, Palestinian Christians were 13% of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip population. Today they are a meager 1.1 to 1.2% and well below 1% if you factor in 500,000 Jewish settlers now living in illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories. Some church leaders fear that at this rate there will be no Christians left in these parts of the Holy Land within a generation, unless something dramatic causes Israel to change its intransigence.
Palestinian Christians have stepped up their appeals to the world in recent years, culminating in the December, 2009 Kairos-Palestine Document. The statement is modeled after the 1985 Kairos South Africa document that awakened the global church and peace movement concerning the evils of the white South African Apartheid system and declared Apartheid a "sin." Kairos-Palestine pinpoints the Israeli military occupation in the same way, a "sin" that has in fact become a racist apartheid system, privileging Jewish settlers and exploiting Palestinians within their own territories.
Like Kairos-South Africa, Kairos-Palestine is a prophetic cry to the global church and civil society, calling for an immediate response and courageous, prophetic actions. The authors of Kairos-Palestine summarized the essence of their message in a postscript to the Declaration: "In this historic document, we Palestinian Christians declare that the military occupation of our land is a sin against God and humanity, and that any theology that legitimizes the occupation is far from Christian teachings because true Christian theology is a theology of love and solidarity with the oppressed, a call to justice and equality among peoples."5 Echoes of Martin Luther King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" are unmistakable.
In one of its most controversial sections, the authors invoke non-violent strategies, like those conducted during the struggle for civil rights and opposition to Apartheid in South Africa. No one in the pro-Israel community complained when these methods were used in those cases, and Israel used the boycott strategy in a number of cases. But when Palestinians call for divestment or boycotts, and their friends follow their lead, everything is different.
Kairos-Palestine argues that endless peace conferences, dialogue, and diplomacy have only brought more suffering to the Palestinian people. Now it is time for other methods, and they choose to follow the ethics of Jesus: "Christ our Lord has left us an example we must imitate. We must resist evil, but he taught us that we cannot resist evil with evil. This is a difficult commandment, particularly when the enemy is determined to impose himself and deny our right to remain here in our land…(Therefore) Palestinian civil organizations, as well as international organizations, NGOs and certain religious institutions call on individuals, companies and states to engage in divestment and in an economic and commercial boycott of everything produced by the occupation. We understand this to integrate the logic of peaceful resistance. These advocacy campaigns must be carried out with courage, openly and sincerely proclaiming that their object is not revenge but rather to put an end to the existing evil, liberating both the perpetrators and the victims of injustice."6
Inspired by Kairos-Palestine, a group of U. S. clergy, theologians, and laity met recently to consider "a bold, prophetic stand for justice in the Holy Land." They added: "In acknowledging this Kairos moment, we call on the U.S. churches to take up the challenge. There is an urgent need to support nonviolent resistance to oppression on the part of Palestinian and Israeli civil society and to continue to build the growing international grassroots movement that will break the current political log-jam."7
"Kairos-Palestine: A US Response" plans to bridge the divide among U.S. Evangelicals, mainline Protestant, Roman Catholic, and African-American denominations, as all were represented at the organizing meeting. Among the programmatic goals of this response are calls for pilgrimages to Israel/Palestine; dissemination of a "Call to Action" with accompanying study materials for churches, universities, and community organizations; convening a summit on the theology of the land, peoplehood, and prophetic justice; and connecting U.S. churches, synagogues, and mosques to civil society in Israel and Palestine, as well as to Kairos Palestine movements around the globe.
The timing of these efforts could not be more relevant as at least two major U.S. Protestant denominations will consider resolutions on morally responsible investment in the coming months. In late April 2012, the United Methodist Church will consider such a resolution at their international assembly in Tampa, Florida, followed by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in July 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA at its General Assembly. Both resolutions are responses to the call from their sister churches in Israel and the Occupied Territories. The churches are applying the same ethical principles for morally responsible investment as they have applied in previous cases such as Apartheid in South Africa, Sudan ethnic cleansing in Darfur, and divesting from corporations producing weapons or instruments that destroy lives or the livelihood of civilians.
Perhaps it is ironic that the global church, and particularly churches in the United States, are being challenged by a courageous, prophetic "call" from a small but courageous community, their sisters and brothers in the very lands where the Christian message was first heard. These sisters and brothers are hoping and praying that the global church will not let them down in their hour of need and will begin to embody prophetic consciousness.
1. Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination, Augsburg Fortress Publications: (2012, Kindle Edition).
2. Luke 4: 24 (English Standard Version; read Luke 4:14-30 for the whole incident).
3. "Christian Palestinians: Israel 'manipulating facts' by claiming we are welcome," Amira Hass. Ha'aretz (March 26, 2012) (www.haaretz.com. accessed March 26, 2012)
4. Ibid.
5. Kairos-Palestine, www.kairospalestine.ps
6. Ibid.
7. "Kairos-Palestine: A US Response" will provide theological analysis and resources starting with a "US Document"; please address requests to firstname.lastname@example.com
Rev. Dr. Don Wagner is the National Program Director of FOSNA, Friends of Sabeel–North America, working closely with faith based communities in the US and Canada to promote a just peace in Israel/Palestine. Previously he was a Professor of Middle East Studies and Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at North Park University in Chicago. He is an ordained PC(USA) clergyman.
2 comments:
- Mark CoffmAN said...
Just read the kairopalestine home page declaration,WOW! More anti- Israel vitriol and erroneous claims.
Israel "occupies" their land? Sorry but the Arabs are squatters on land Deeded to Israel by God himself.
If these individuals were truly "Christians" and not some off shoot of Replacement Theology the they would realize their manifesto is wrong, and an affront to the Holy God of All.
If these people were truly followers of The Messiah they would realize that they are provoking a very negative response from God Himself.
I pray that these people and the organizations they represent, delve into their bible, and repent of their Hostility toward the "apple of His eye".
This goes for anyone that supports this anti-Israel organization and others like it.
- April 23, 2012 at 9:31 AM
- Mark CoffmAN said...
Just read the kairopalestine home page declaration,WOW! More anti- Israel vitriol and erroneous claims.
Israel "occupies" their land? Sorry but the Arabs are squatters on land Deeded to Israel by God himself.
If these individuals were truly "Christians" and not some off shoot of Replacement Theology the they would realize their manifesto is wrong, and an affront to the Holy God of All.
If these people were truly followers of The Messiah they would realize that they are provoking a very negative response from God Himself.
I pray that these people and the organizations they represent, delve into their bible, and repent of their Hostility toward the "apple of His eye".
This goes for anyone that supports this anti-Israel organization and others like it.
- April 23, 2012 at 9:31 AM


text:
Contractors to custom build a kitchen island can be found from local contractor directories or online from websites such as Home Advisor. The Home Advisor website offers users the ability to browse local contractors based on the desired service and local ZIP code, and includes contact information and consumer reviews of each contractor. The professional local businesses are pre-screened.
In order to find a professional contractor, ask for referrals and check their credentials. Having an idea of previous work and what licenses and certifications the contractor holds can have an impact on deciding on the best one for a specific job. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has a website with questions to ask potential contractors. Above all, check references and get everything in writing, recommends Home Advisor.


text:
My favourite thing this week is the Pioneer Woman's new cookbook!! I picked up a copy last Friday and flipped through the pages all last weekend!!
The first thing I decided to make are these amazing Chicken Taco's. Mine didn't look as pretty as Ree's so I didn't bother take a picture, but here they are! YUM!
Then I came across my all time favourite pasta! I live for this stuff! I am so glad it made it into the book. I make it all the time, I even blogged about it forever ago!!
Her pictures are beautiful and there are so many AMAZING recipes. It is gonna be hard to decide what to make next.
I am leaning toward these... mmmm doughnuts!!
Thank you PW, I can't wait to eat my way through your cookbook!!
Happy Friday Everyone!!


text:
Rebecca was at her wit's end. Her relationship with her 17-year old son, Michael, was becoming stranger and stranger. What had happened to him? Michael had recently become reclusive and silent at home. He would come and go rather like a ghost. He would leave early in the morning hardly saying goodbye and then return home after his after-school activities much the same. If he could get away with it, he would come in the door and walk through the house without saying the word, then go to his room and close the door. Rebecca was getting more and more frustrated. She felt so disconnected... (Read More ...)
Relationship Problems: Are you Hoping He'll Change? Are you frustrated with your significant other? Have you been together so long that you know exactly what they're going to say and how they're going to react? Has the thrill that used to be in your relationship been replaced with the doldrums? And is your answer to all your relationship problems that you're HOPING HE'LL CHANGE? Are you ready to take an honest look at what's going on in the relationship that you call the most important one in your life? It's all too easy to look outside yourself and, with your... (Read More ...)
With the speed that you're operating at in today's world, racing from one thing to the next, hardly catching your breath, it's rare to experience this wonderful thing called appreciation. You're so focused on getting the job done, completing tasks, getting the kids to the next activity, and checking items off your to-do list. And you're rushing through it all. However, you're losing a certain quality in life–and that is appreciating those you love and care about. And imagine not only experiencing life that way, but also expressing your appreciation out loud! There's... (Read More ...)
Tracy was near the end of her rope. At work everything was going really great—her business was thriving and now there was interest from an investor in buying it. But at home, she was feeling nothing but pressure. This was the last thing she needed right now. Tracy had been married for almost 20 years, and for most of that time, their relationship had been going really well. She could hardly remember what life was like before meeting him. For some reason recently he had been acting stranger and stranger—not at all like himself. For the life of her she couldn't understand where his... (Read More ...)
Have you ever thought about doing something for someone, then changed your mind, saying to yourself, "What difference will that make?" In other words, you talked yourself out of it and squished your great idea! It can be so tempting to keep playing it safe, to stay in your comfort zone when contributing to another. When you do this, you avoid seeing and truly experiencing the HUGE difference you make! Avoidance in life isn't the most effective strategy. It's like living life on hold, keeping it status quo and even keel — in other words mediocre. However if you're... (Read More ...)
Here is the last article in this relationship series, and the answer to Where Do Relationship Problems Start? Pt.2 And now here's the final 'episode': How Can You Solve Relationship Problems? Pt. 2 6. Being focused more on yourself How to solve this issue is to learn how to put the other ahead of yourself and then be willing to operate this way more often than not. That doesn't mean becoming superhuman and never being "selfish." However, when you're able to put the other person first, and learn what it means to truly serve them and contribute to their well-being,... (Read More ...)
Elaine was so hard on herself. In fact, no one could be harder on her than she was. The strange thing was that she wasn't like this with anyone else. Elaine was really great with her employees. She was careful to give words of appreciation and acknowledge them for even the smallest thing that they did for her. Elaine was equally generous with her friends. Since she was so good to others, she had gathered around herself many great friends over the years, and they just loved her. She truly sucked the joy out of her life! Elaine was completely confused as to why life felt so hard and... (Read More ...)
We started the relationship series with "Where Do Relationship Problems Start? Pt.1" which covered the first five most common causes of relationship problems. Let's now focus on the solutions. As you've probably experienced, it's all too easy to slip into problems, but how to get yourself out of them is the challenge. In fact, the burning question is: "Is it even possible?!" The answer is: YES! it's always possible to solve relationship problems—even if they've been going on for some time! Yes, always, so long as certain key elements are at play: You... (Read More ...)
Barbara was at her wit's end. She had created her business because she had a real passion for it. Now, all these years later, she had a team of twenty-five employees – and she couldn't get anything done. Every day they would come to her with problems and complaints. She had no idea how to handle it. How did it get this bad? She was starting to hate her life. Barbara had no idea how to use effective communication, so instead she was hiding out in her office to avoid dealing with them. There were even days where she found herself staying away from the office just to be able... (Read More ...)
How do you handle it when people say wonderful things to you? Often, you're so ready with the next thing that you have to say, that you'll speed right by and BARELY NOTICE the wonderful words of appreciation that someone has just given you! Or, you simply brush it off and hardly give those beautiful words a nod before hurrying forward. The more extreme version of this is to just DISMISS what the other says to you! Let's say you're being acknowledged for some special skill that you have, or some amazing thing that you did for somebody, and you dismiss it by saying, "Well,... (Read More ...)


text:
State antlerless deer herds get scrutiny
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists want to maintain deer herds at existing levels across most of Pennsylvania this fall.
Chris Rosenberry, head of the commission's deer management section, presented the board with recommendations for antlerless license allocations for the 2013-14 hunting seasons in a work session Monday.
The goal is to reduce the deer herd in wildlife management units 3C and 3D in northeastern Pennsylvania, where deer impacts on forests are still too high, and in units 4A, 5A and 5B, where chronic wasting disease has been found, he said. Everywhere else across the state, the goal is to maintain stable deer populations.
Rosenberry gave board members two options for achieving those goals.
He and his staff would like the commission to return to having two weeks of concurrent buck and doe hunting statewide. He presented the board with a recommendation doe license allocation for each unit based on having such seasons.
The board hasn't chosen to go that way in a while, but things might change eventually, even if not this year. A couple of commissioners, including Ralph Martone of New Castle and Ron Weaner of Adams County, said they prefer concurrent seasons and are leaning that way eventually.
"I'm getting closer to that decision," Martone said.
But the board hasn't gone that way yet — it proposed 11 units with concurrent season and 11 with split seasons again for this fall — and isn't expected to do so this spring. Rosenberry also presented the board with recommendations for the number of doe tags needed if there are split seasons in places.
They are largely comparable to what was proposed in the past.
Commissioners may tweak them, however. That's what they did last April, when they set allocations different from the recommendations of biologists based on what they said were social factors.
Biologists last year recommended 65,000 doe tags for unit 2B, which surrounds Pittsburgh, for example. Commissioners approved only 59,000.
Commissioner Jay Delaney of Luzerne County has already said he, at least, likely will suggest some changes again this time around.
Bob Frye is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com or via Twitter @bobfryeoutdoors.


text:
Daniel Bryan had an incredible run as the WWE heavyweight champion and the yes movement. Even though I've never been a real big Daniel Bryan fan you have to give him a lot of credit. Unlike so many other athletes and people in general he maximized his opportunity until he unfortunately got hurt. In the wrestling business you usually work yourself up to a certain level and then typically compete and are utilized at that level for a while. Unfortunately for Daniel it seems like he's been very much demoted since his injury to his neck.
The top brass at WWE now has him competing for the Intercontinental championship belt. So far I have read numerous theories, rumors and conspiracies about this. Some people say it is a form of punishment for him for going hurt in the first place. People say he works to stiff in the ring for his own good. There are rumors that certain people at the top management never liked him and are very happy to downgrade him as much as possible. Their feelings were such a small man in comparison to the other athletes can never truly be the face of a wrestling company especially in the WWE. It is said that Vince McMahon and triple H only want to truly promote big hulking bodybuilding type of wrestlers.
And according to this philosophy there is no chance in hell that a guy Daniel size could beat an athlete such as Brock Lesnar whatsoever. However the prevalent theory right now is that since he is not in the heavyweight picture anymore he is being used to elevate Intercontinental championship to a new level. Even so this might be true and like I said before I was never the biggest Daniel Bryan fan it's still very weird seeing him involved in his current storyline.
It's weird seeing him in the current storyline and I know he's still living his dream wrestling in the biggest company in the world but it still seems like it should been put in a better position heading into WrestleMania this year. I truly believe this year the brass at WWE have completely messed up WrestleMania! The only thing appealing to me WrestleMania this year is Sting and triple h and if Brock Lesnar will be renewing his contract with the WWE or go back to mma.
Ever since I was a very young kid I've been watching professional wrestling. As a kid it was a form of escapism for me and then I started watching it with my dear grandmother until she passed away. I've considered wrestling as a special bond between me and my grandmother so I have always continued watching professional wrestling throughout the years into adulthood. However these days it's not so much the wrestling but the business side of things that keep me entertained these days. The business side of wrestling is pretty cutthroat and can be just as entertaining if not more than actual wrestling these days. Oh how I miss the old days of the WWE/WWF and especially ECW, those were the glory years of true wrestling.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Random Thoughts Daniel Bryan
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
As Andrew Ross Sorkin noted in his NY Times Dealbook column, the Galleon trial is "a suspenseful, complex financial version of Law & Order".
As the defense lawyers argue that Rajaratnam was just doing his job, what I find most fascinating are the characters in this story. If I were to write the Law and Order episode (fictional, of course) here's how I would profile the leading characters:
There's the femme fatale, inspired by Danielle Chiesi, who fools herself into thinking that she's made a career using her brains. It's really her talent at seeking out highly successful male executives and using her super-powers to get them to spill their company's confidential secrets that gets her ahead. I would cast Sharon Stone in this role.
Next we have the cooperating witnesses. Most of them are still wearing two-thousand-dollar suits, but they are tired and worn down and wondering how they could have possibly gotten themselves in this mess after working so hard to make it to the positions they've now been fired from. These characters could be played by Bill Paxton and Chris Noth, among others.
Finally, the lead male character would have to be inspired by Raj Rajaratnam. This character is a self-made billionaire, who truly believes that all he was doing was chasing after the American Dream. He also believes he is above it all, and that his financial status will shield him. Despite his extreme arrogance, he has an uncanny ability to self-destruct. I am having difficulty casting the actor for this role. Perhaps Mel Gibson? Or maybe we need to go with an unknown actor.
Unlike the real-life story, in my fictional story, the Rajaratnam character would have to take the stand, believing that if he could just speak to the jury he could convince them that he is innocent.
As the real-life trial draws to a close, will there be a cliffhanger ending as Sorkin suggests? What do you think?


text:
Zippia did a breakdown of what the most successful states might be. Might they be states containing the most successful cities? Are these states doing something better than yours is? And is good ice cream a key to their success?
The answers? No, Probably, and most definitely. But we'll get to methodology in a moment (ice cream was not one of our criteria…) First, here are the 10 most successful states:
- New Hampshire
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Hawaii
- Wyoming
- Alaska
- Virginia
- Utah
- Massachusetts
Of all the states we looked at (which would be… all of them…) Virginia had the eighth highest median income. Residents here were also the ninth least impoverished, overall, and the 14th least likely to be unemployed. Congrats, Old Dominion!
How We Determined the Most Successful States in America
The first thing that comes to most capitalist minds in terms of success is—money. After all, rich people must be successful, right?
Meh. Maybe. But we think there's a bit more that goes into it than that. So we looked at this set of criteria from the 2010-2014 American Community Survey:
- Poverty Level
- Median Household Income
- Unemployment Rate
Median household income is the most digestible way to understand how wealthy a place really is. The unemployment rate tries to capture the prospects for more people to become rich. And finally, if more people are employed, the brighter (and more successful) that place's future looks.
After we collected the data for all 50 states, we ranked each from 1 to 50 for each of the criteria, with 1 being the most successful.
We then averaged all the rankings for a place into a "Success Score" with the state having the lowest overall Success Score crowned the "Most Successful State in America."
As you saw, Virginia came in number 8. For information on apartments in Glen Allen, VA contact The Gardens Apartments.


text:
Came out to the "Speak Your Piece" reading at New Age Dine and Dance tonight, to see Alan Reese do his poetry thing. Alan, a fine and formidable poet, was my middle school English teacher, and the man responsible for my introductions to Mark Twain, zazen, Howard the Duck, and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
A few years after I moved back to Baltimore, I was doing an open mic reading at the original Minas Gallery in Fells Point. They had a shelf of local poets, and I found a chapbook, Reports From Shadowland, written by some guy named Alan Reese. Huh, that's funny, I thought, I had a teacher named Alan Reese, ain't that a coincidence. Then I read the author bio, and saw he used to be a teacher in the Baltimore County school system...so I sent him a quick note and got back in touch, and we see each other around in the poetry scene from time to time. (He runs a small press these days, and I'm hoping to get some advice on the book from him.)
Hanging out now at the comedy hour that follows the poetry reading. It's interesting to try to figure out the structure of a comedy routine, the relationship between poetry/spoken word and comedy.


text:
The fake Santas and the fraudsters with empty gas cans are relatively easy to spot, as I mentioned last week. But what about the businesses that scam you "legally"?
Oh, they're out there.
In this world, there are two kinds of scams – the "lowercase" ones that are obviously criminal in nature (think pyramid scheme, confidence trick and common swindles) and the "uppercase" scams perpetrated by established businesses.
Those are the worst. Why? Because there's no law that can protect you from them.
And at no time are you in more danger of falling for one than right now, at the height of the holiday shopping season. American consumers are recklessly spending their money during the next few weeks. Yeah, even in this economy.
Here's what you could fall for:
The gift card
What could be more practical than giving a gift card for the holidays? Americans give $90 billion worth of gift cards every year, according to a recent study by Plastic Jungle — most of it during the holidays. But up to 7 percent of the cards go unredeemed- often because of very short expiration dates that render the cards difficult to use. That's more than $6 billion of your money that companies know they will be able to keep. Might as well throw the cash on the old Yule Log. A new federal law prohibits short expiration dates on store credit and limits certain fees, but that's unlikely to change the fact that on balance, gift cards are a completely legitimate scam that have probably cost you hundreds of dollars. Worse, you might not even know about it.
You're better off buying a present or giving money. Even a pre-paid card, like a Visa Gift Card, is preferable – and has fewer restrictions – than the average gift card.
The fake liquidation sale
At a time when the economy is sluggish, and several businesses in your neighborhood may be liquidating – or saying they're liquidating, be on the lookout for this scam. First, know this: When a big business goes under, the final sale is handled by a liquidator whose job it is to get the most from the remaining merchandise. So when you show up at the old Borders store that's about to close, bear in mind that the prices could be marked up – not down – from their normal prices. (During a Linens'n'Things liquidation, for example, mystery shoppers discovered items marked up by as much as 14 percent).
Why do we fall for it? Easy. We see the words "going out of business" and "sale" which lowers our defenses and it's also the holidays, so there's a sense of urgency to the purchase – a winning combination, if you're a professional liquidator. What's more, marking up items and calling it a sale is perfectly legal. Watch out!
The Christmas toy craze
Remember Cabbage Patch Kids? How about Tickle Me Elmo? Or Beanie Babies, Furby or Pokemon? Absolutely legal, all of them. And a one-way ticket to scam-ville, if you fell for them. In the 21st century, fad toys (that what they're called) "sell out" quickly and are only available at a steep markup from select stores or online. I've always been wary of these "must-have" items, but they're highly susceptible to artificial shortages – retailers claiming these are the last ones, a high-pressure sales tactic that forces you to make a buying decision right now.
How do you tell if the toy is part of a legal scam? If you've received several spam messages offering the "last" Pogs at a discount, chances are you're wading into the dark waters of a scam. Their claim is unverifiable and meaningless, but worse, it there's no law protecting you against it. Plus, the business is preying on you at a time when you're at your most vulnerable: during the holidays.
The takeaway, my friends, is this: The legal, "uppercase" scams await you all year, but they are especially bad now.
Be on your guard. Think before you buy. Because these swindles happen in broad daylight – and you could be an easy mark.
Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate who blogs about getting better customer service at On Your Side. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook or send him your questions at by email.


text:
Reminiscent of a harp, this lovely Edwardian style brooch pendant from the 1930's is set with diamonds that sparkle and dance, as if vibrating on string's lightly plucked by a musician's hands. This platinum topped 18k gold brooch is set with just over one carat total weight of brilliant-cut diamonds. Open and elegant, this piece emanates a wonderful light and airy feeling. The design is harmonious and well balanced, with the lower two articulated pieces capturing light as they move. Textured, yellow gold vertical bars add interest and contrast. Measuring 2 3/16" from the top diamond to the bottom diamond and 1 1/2" at the widest point, this piece has a substantial, yet graceful presence. The weight is 12.7 grams and condition is excellent. There are no marks to note, but the metals have been assayed as platinum and 18k gold. Versatile in that it can be worn both as a brooch or a pendant, suspended either from a yellow gold chain or a platinum and diamond one, this piece offers the wearer many options. Although made at a later time, this luminous and feminine vintage jewel captures the essence of the Edwardian period. The lovely sparkle of these diamonds is best viewed in a video, which can be seen by pasting this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/YusmD0hf6JA .
36 other shoppers are interested in this item
From Apriori Antique Jewelry - Selective Antique and Estate Jewelry and Objets d'Art
Unique Antique and Estate Jewelry!


text:
Your shopping cart is empty!
This insecticide is for amateur use againstspiders and other crawling and flying insects. The Insecto Super flea Destroyer is formulated to stop an insect problem quickly, whilst leaving behind an active residual that will control spiders and other insect pests for a number of weeks thereafter. Simply spray directly at fleas and insects, or where they appear / congregate and it will kill them after its use.


text:
When is a schnitzel not a Wiener schnitzel? When you make it Holstein-style!
Published in Wolfgang Puck
Food lovers talk a lot about "secret menus" at their favorite restaurants (usually fast-food places) that clue people in on all sorts of special variations they order -- only if they know about them. But even at fine restaurants, like my original Spago in Beverly Hills, there are secret items that anyone with the inside knowledge can ask for. One of the biggest secrets is the fact that, whether it happens to be on the day's menu or not, you can get a Wiener schnitzel, the thin, crisply breaded and deep-fried veal cutlet that's a specialty of Austria's capital, Vienna (or Wien in my native language).
I find it interesting, though, when people refer to the dish simply as a schnitzel, because that word is too broad to refer to the Viennese favorite alone. When translated, schnitzel means "little slice." And in meaning it's no different from the most common English equivalent: "cutlet." Like cutlets, schnitzels can be made from a wide variety of meats beyond veal, including pork, chicken and turkey; in fact, growing up, my mother and grandmother usually made them for us with pork, far less expensive than veal.
The variety doesn't end there, either. There are also so many different styles of schnitzel recipes across Austria and Germany. Depending on the restaurant and the region, you might find dishes like zigeuner (gypsy-style) schnitzel sauteed with tomatoes, peppers, and onions; Munchner (Munich-style) schnitzel lightly spread with horseradish or mustard underneath its breadcrumb coating; Jager (hunter-style) schnitzel, smaller slices sauteed and served with a woodland mushroom sauce; and so many more.
One of my favorite schnitzels, however, is a Holsteiner version. It was first created in a Berlin restaurant in the late 19th century for an important customer, German statesman Friedrich von Holstein. It appears he liked rich, piquant flavors, for his schnitzel was first lightly floured and then sauteed in both butter and oil; then, the pan drippings were transformed into a sauce with chicken stock, concentrated veal stock (for which I substitute a little barbecue sauce), lemon juice and capers; and finally served topped with a fried egg and garnish of anchovy fillets (which you can certainly omit if you aren't a fan).
I know this may all seem unusual at first. But think about it and you might suddenly realize that your mouth begins to water. Mine does. It's a delicious combination of flavors. It's also much easier to make than a Wiener schnitzel, requiring no deep frying. I haven't yet added it to any secret menus in my restaurants. But you never know...
Serves 4
4 boneless slices veal or pork cut from the leg or loin, each 6 to 7 ounces (185 to 215 g)
1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
About 3/4 cup (185 mL) vegetable oil
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 large eggs
Sponsored Video Stories from LifeZette
2 cups (500 mL) good-quality low-sodium store-bought chicken stock or broth
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tablespoons good-quality bottled barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons drained capers
1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh Italian parsley
16 anchovy fillets, patted dry with paper towels, optional
First, pound and flatten the meat: Place a veal or pork slice in a large, heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Close the bag loosely. With the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the meat to a thin, even cutlet about 1/8-inch (3-mm) thick. Repeat with the remaining meat.
Spread the flour on a large plate. Working with one cutlet at a time, season on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge both sides of each cutlet in flour, coating completely and then tapping off excess flour.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300 F (150 C). Place a rack on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter. With tongs, add a cutlet. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook the other side. Transfer to the baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Cook the remaining 3 cutlets the same way, using a little more oil and butter as needed.
When you've finished cooking the meat, fry the eggs. Heat the remaining oil and all but 4 tablespoons of the remaining butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, swirling to blend. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. When the butter foams, break each egg one at a time into a bowl and then slide it into the pan, spacing them apart. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still soft, 2 to 3 minutes, basting the tops of the eggs with the hot butter and oil as they cook.
Meanwhile, pour off and discard the fat from the skillet in which you cooked the cutlets. Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and add the chicken stock, lemon juice and barbecue sauce, whisking to deglaze the pan deposits. Whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the capers and season to taste with pepper. Swirl in the parsley. Remove the skillet from the heat.
To serve, transfer the cutlets to individual serving plates. Top each with a fried egg, including some butter from the pan. Spoon the pan sauce and capers over and around each serving. Arrange the anchovies on top. Serve immediately.(c) 2017 WOLFGANG PUCK WORLDWIDE, INC. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.


text:
|By Jeremy Geelan
Article Rating:
|January 28, 2011 08:45 AM EST
On the day when the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 12,000 for the first time since June 2008, it was impossible not to correlate the eloquence and optimism of President Obama's "State of the Union" speech on Tuesday night with the restoration of a sense of perspective and hope in the USA about the future.
Obama grasped the nettle full-on. "We are poised for progress," he declared, adding:
"Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back. Corporate profits are up. The economy is growing."
As one blogger expressed it, though - and he is a former Goldman Sachs trader called Tyler Durden, so he ought to know wheref he speaks:
"There was a massive pink elephant in the room called reality though."
Durden's gripe is with what he deems to be the unreality of Obama's praising Google and Facebook so highly in an America where 26 million people are unemployed or underemployed. It is with Obama's failure to address that while the salaries of U.S. CEOs are up, the average median employee salary on a comparative basis is stuck somewhere in the 1970s.
"This is our generation's Sputnik moment," Obama said, in the most-quoted sentence of the entire address. America, in other words, needs to enter an Education Race akin to the Space Race that it entered in 1958.
What role will New Media activities play in all of this? Facebook may be many things, but a tool for better education is not one of them. Google stands a better chance in that regard. But Twitter? Can tweeting really help restore America's lost position in the world?
Those who live by new media die by new media. The 44th President of the United States of America needs to be careful when hitching the wagon of his presidency to stock prices and IPOs...can we all really have already forgotten the Dot-com bubble, which peaked in March 2000, when the NASDAQ lost nearly nine percent of its value in just six days and many dot-coms began to run out of capital and were acquired or liquidated?
What do you think? Is the 'Sputnik moment' a metaphor that can help re-boot America? What web-based organizations instil more hope in you, commercial giants like Facebook and Google...or non-commercial minnows like Wikipedia? How can we best preserve a World Wide Web in which there is room for both?
- 1 in 4 IT Jobs Going Offshore, Says Gartner; One Major "Offshoring Failure" in 2004 Predicted
- Offshore Outsourcing: Magic Bullet or Dirty Word?
- CIA was Headed to an Enterprise Cloud All Along: Jill Tummler Singer
- i-Technology Opinion: Outsourcing...to Students
- Seven Strategies for Surviving Outsourcing
- Another Brick in the Wall
- IT Trends: "Intelligent Computing" is Greater Threat than Outsourcing
- Saturday Essay: Why Outsourcing is a "Tremendous Opportunity" for US Economy
- Outsourcing "Has Been Going On Forever" - Intel's CEO
- Unisys: A Clear Vision for Cloud Computing


text:
Excellent viewfinder, Fast 6.2fps shooting
Vastly improved autofocus in low-light shooting
Image quality is excellent
Solid build, Ease of use, Decent sensor
Very good high ISO performance
Grip is large and accommodating, offering great control
Image quality is excellent, producing noise-free images
Stabilised sensor, Detail-rich images
Very compact, Excellent access to manual controls
Clever industrial design
Lot easier to use, Handgrip a definite improvement
Reasonable price, Compact size, Good build
ReviewGist helps you find the best products to buy by making sense of online reviews.
We are currently aggregating 376,500 reviews
covering over 29,483 products.
© 2019 ReviewGist.com. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Dems sell benefits of health reform
The Obama administration Tuesday night gave more shape to its health reform selling strategy: Focus on the early roll-out of tangible benefits and, if all goes as planned, win over a skeptical public more than any argument ever could.
Two leaders from the White House Office of Health Reform, Nancy-Ann DeParle and Stephanie Cutter, briefed the House Democratic Caucus on the soon-to-be implemented reforms. They focused the conversation on consumer-friendly provisions including extending coverage for dependents through age 26, implementing high-risk pools for Americans with pre-existing conditions and supplementing insurance for early retirees.
Story Continued Below
The programs all have one thing in common: They set a foundation for Democrats to build a strong entitlement program — one that, once implemented, history suggests will be incredibly difficult to knock down.
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) also debuted a health reform calculator House members could put on their websites, which would allow constituents to see how the new law would impact them.
"We were talking about implementing health care and implementing it actively," said Sander Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. "That means making sure everybody knows what's in it, whether it's kids under 26 [remaining on their parents insurance] or ending rescissions, we just need to bring home how this bill has an immediate impact on health care in the United States. That's what the White House was talking about."
The meeting followed a letter Monday to congressional leadership from the Obama administration touting the "significant progress" that had been made in implementing numerous, consumer-friendly provisions. "This landmark new law…will give the American people control over their own health insurance by holding insurance companies accountable, bringing down costs, and giving Americans more insurance choices," Sebelius wrote.
A similar theme of individual impact ran throughout the officials' discussion with House Democrats. They spoke extensively about the impact of reform for various groups of Americans and how to make that understandable for the average citizen, who may only be familiar with the bruising political fight that dominated airwaves for the better part of a year.


text:
Peninsula Hotel
Located in the heart of Jakarta, Peninsula Hotel boasts a restaurant and air-conditioned room with en suite bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all areas and free parking spaces are provided on site.
Peninsula Hotel is 4km away from the Presidential Palace and 5.7 km away from National Monument, the city??s landmark. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is an hour??s drive from the property.
Accessible by an elevator, all rooms are decorated with brown tones and bathed in warm light. A flat-screen satellite TV, electric kettle and a seating area are a standard across all rooms. Each private bathroom includes hot shower facilities and free toiletries.
Luggage storage and safety deposit boxes are available at the 24-hour front desk. Staff can assist with laundry and car rental services.
Serving breakfast buffet daily, the hotel??s restaurant offers international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy meals in the comfort of their rooms.