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WOMEN of ACTION™
World Women of Peace
Peace Women From Our Past now includes of oral histories of our peace sisters, excerpted from Judith Porter Adams, Peacework: Oral Histories of Women Peace Activists (Twayne Publishers, Boston: 1990). The page numbers are included in each entry. Currently, we are displaying oral histories of Elise Hansen Boulding, and Enola Maxwell. Check back regularly for new oral histories.
Elise Hansen Boulding
I had a very strong feeling, from the earliest I can remember, that if there should ever be a war, I knew a way to be secure and safe, and that was to go and hide in the mountains of Norway…. [When] Norway was invaded…my dream of the safe, secure place…was shattered…. I came to realize that only way to have safety and security was to have it for the whole world and that led me to the peace movement.
We were in no way an activist-oriented household, so I didn't have sense of appropriate action….
The end of my first year out of college I joined the Friends Meeting and that gave me all kinds of avenues into peace action….
After Pearl Harbor my husband and I drew up a letter to our friends asking them not to support the war, that war was not going to solve the problems of the world. He had to resign from his position at the League of Nations because he had made a statement on a political matter, which officials were not allowed to do. We were practically thrown out of our Friends Meeting because they were not prepared to support our action….
I had joined WILPF during my homemaking period in the late fifties or early sixties. I became involved with a group of mothers who wanted their children to be pacifists. I had been involved in the YWCA and the League of Women Voters; neither of those organizations dealt with how you raised pacifists and WILPF did….
…I took very seriously the basic notion, which now looks like a very traditional notion, that women had something special to offer. I felt that women had a special responsibility for peace….
I began to appreciate WILPF members in a way that I hadn't before because WILPF members had been there all along and they never got carried away by … narrow concerns.They were always looking at a broader picture of economic and social structures and opportunities for everyone. I felt there was an enormous difference in the human style of WILPF that seemed so much better than much of the women's movement. I would hope that when the history of the women's movement is written that what WILPF stood for comes out quite clearly. I think it's very important the way WILPF has found a balance….
But Vietnam is what really pushed me into direct political activism, to get the United States to withdraw from Vietnam….
After the Vietnam War… something became clear to me that had not been clear to me before: most of the young people who came to the Vietnam movement were not pacifists…. I learned something from their view about oppression and victimization and the evils of the state that had not been part of my earlier view. But what saddened me was that many of them did not have a strong commitment to peacemaking and nonviolence…. I was beginning to teach peace studies here on campus and developed a program in answer to these concerns.
The word empowerment wasn't a word we used then, but I was trying to empower women by showing them that what they understood and the skills they built in the community and family work they did were relevant to making peace in the community at large and dealing with social problems. They knew more than they thought they knew, and they had skills in mediation and conflict resolution which men often didn't have…. I always used WILPF as an example of how women worked for peace in the family, school, community, nation, and the international scene. WILPF was a model that I carried with me wherever I was….
My major mediation role has been between peace researchers and peace activists, each of whom think the other is failing to address the real needs of our time. Activists are impatient with looking at the long haul and evaluating implications of their actions…. Peace researchers have too little respect for the understanding of humans in action, which activists have; they underestimate the value of their intuitions and the significance of emotional focusing they provide. They are not interested in providing the nitty-gritty kinds of information activists need. My goal has been to initiate a dialogue between the action and research perspectives, allowing each to be teacher-learner in relation to the other.
[excerpts from pp. 186-191]
Enola Maxwell
Enola Maxwell, shown with her trademark hat, was active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s and became the first female lay minister in the Presbyterian Church. She ministered from pulpits throughout the Bay Area while earning her living as a postal clerk. "I couldn't give up Christianity, because I had been a Christian all my life. So I had to give up poverty," she says. Chronicle photo by Katy Raddatz Credit: KATY RADDATZ
I grew up in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, where black people were constantly out there fighting for their rights through the NAACP and the Baptist church…. My family was involved in these things. My grandmother was really liberated woman. I was never so proud of anybody in my whole life this woman….she had dignity and pride.…
When I came to San Francisco I found that black people were looking for dignity and pride, but you know I had dignity and pride all my life…I grew up with it…. My grandmother, this woman couldn't read and write her own name, but the pride and dignity she had! I didn't understand all this at the time, but later I did….
Before we left Baton Rouge it was really a struggle keeping the freedom and keeping from this hate business.…But it wasn't easy. We had not ridden public transportation much because my son, when he was about four years old, couldn't sit where he wanted–you know, the back of the bus business. If Dr. King had done no more than bring us from the back of the bus, the man would have achieved true greatness….
I was not going to live in poverty. I told the Lord that something else had to be done because I refused to say Jesus Christ and God is my father and He is rich in powers and in land and I'm living in poverty. So I decided not to be poor, not to have the poverty mentality….
In 1967 I became a lay preacher and elder at the Olivette Presbyterian Church. I was the second black woman elder, and our church was the only church that had women elders, period…. By that time the Presbyterians were quite involved in the civil rights movement…. I was living in a Haight Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco where a lot of the peace people were. We went on the march in Washington in 1963 with Dr. King. Then Dr. King made his anti-Vietnam speech. Our church considered Dr. King to be a moral leader of the church. The seminaries supported him and went to Montgomery and built the tents for the march. My church sponsored me to Montgomery.
Peace and civil rights were not always connected for me; most blacks got involved in civil rights way before peace work…. At that time
I joined Women [Strike] for Peace and WILPF. We were doing the demonstrations against the Vietnam War and marches and leafletting. In my capacity as lay preacher I was doing draft counseling and counseling for conscientious objectors….
I've always been in groups that stood for nonviolence. I got elected as a spiritual advisor for the Black Panthers, and I thought that was really something. I was so proud of that that I didn't know what to do. I got up and announced it right in the church…. Everybody, of course, was scared of the Panthers. I was going to their meetings, and I was encouraging them not to use violence. You can't win with guns. I was a Martin Luther King person.
…Let me say some things about women in peace groups… I like the sisterhood. …. So many times I see some young person trying to start some coalition or something, and they swear their ideas are new and have never been tried before. These women will just sit there and listen. I've learned a lot from them. They knew we tried that idea ten or fifteen years ago and it didn't work, but it may work this time. They patiently teach that you need coalitions and need to work on more than one issue….
I value freedom and I value freedom more than anything else in the world. If the day comes when I can't speak for freedom and justice, I've lived long enough. That's all there is to it…. I'll tell you what is so dear to me about all these good women who work for peace: it is that they have been there all of these years. They're going to be there until they die. They never gave up. They never stopped. We lost a lot of women; they died and the peace movement didn't. The peace movement goes on and on. Nobody can say anything that has not been said by these women.
[excerpts from pp. 108-114]
Käthe Kollwitz: Peace through Art
[Note: this essay is adapted from a course paper for a Wellesley College Peace & Justice Studies course.]
Käthe Kollwitz's artwork is subtle, but it is never simple. Upon close inspection, the viewer finds deep and chilling statements about the inhumanity of war and poverty. A progressive peacemaker, Kollwitz promoted nonviolence by weaving her political ideals and maternal experiences directly into her artwork.
Käthe Kollwitz (née Schmidt) was born on July 8th, 1867, in Königsberg, East Prussia. In a society where girls were not encouraged to pursue any interests beyond being mothers and wives, Kollwitz had a rare upbringing. She started taking art lessons when she was 14 years old, finding that she was especially talented in etching, sculpture, and printmaking. Though it was unusual for a woman who did not have connections with the art world to pursue art as a career, her father saw her artistic talents and eagerly helped her develop her abilities.
Kollwitz was particularly passionate about the idea of "woman as revolutionary" (Kearns 83). She was able to see the potential in women, just as her father was able to see the potential in her. Through her artistic depictions of women, she challenged the common notions of feminine beauty; her female subjects have strong bodies that are capable of endurance and physical labor. She emphasized their physical qualities while deemphasizing their sexuality, rejecting the ideals of women as sexual objects (Kearns 105).
War was a prominent presence in Kollwitz's life, as she lived during both World War I and World War II. In confronting these issues, her peacemaking efforts varied. During wartime, she remained more focused on addressing the immediate effects of violence. She promoted negative peace by putting her art aside in order to work as a cook and server for destitute women and children. Kollwitz felt that her art was secondary to the children's urgent needs (Kearns 133). During periods of "peace," in which no wars were occurring, citizens were still suffering from the aftereffects of war; Kollwitz promoted positive peace during these periods by creating posters and leaflets. The works, enhanced by her emotional depictions of the proletariat, protested against those who were profiting from postwar inflation (Lippard, x).
Ultimately, Kollwitz wanted to see the end of war; without war, the proletariat, who were most affected by war, would suffer less. As a pacifist, she believed that a strict adherence to nonviolence was the only way to prevent war; she sought to transform the conflicts that surrounded her by promoting Pacifism through her artwork.
Though she was always passionate about voicing her views through her artwork, she did not find her work's true purpose until her son Peter died in combat during World War I. She saw no justification for Peter's or any soldier's death. Peter became her strongest inspiration; she became even more determined to use her artwork to promote peace.
Kollwitz's work unapologetically grabs the viewer's attention with its dark and mesmerizing imagery, depicting the devastating realities of war and poverty. For example, one woodcut from her War series, The Parents, portraying a man and a woman grieving over the death of their child, is reflective of her own grief over Peter's death (Kollwitz). Their faces are hidden from the viewer; the man covers his face with his hand as the woman collapses against him in despair.
The obstruction of their faces suggests that they have lost their identities in succumbing to grief. Their black figures look darker against the lighter background, emphasizing that they are in a deep despair that isolates them from the world. Kollwitz's messages were more accessible and ultimately more memorable for the viewers because they were enhanced by her haunting artwork. On the subject of her work, she once wrote, "I am content that my art should have purposes outside itself. I would like to exert influence in these times when human beings are so perplexed and in need of help" (Kearns 173).
Käthe Kollwitz died on April 22, 1945. She displayed resilience in her final years, refusing to leave the country even when her home in Berlin was bombed (Kearns 223). In spite of the conflicts that surrounded her, Kollwitz remained hopeful about the future. Shortly before her death, she told her granddaughter, "One day, a new idea will arise and there will be an end to all wars. I die convinced of this. It will need much work, but it will be achieved" (Lippard, ix). Käthe Kollwitz's artwork will surely continue to inspire those on the path to peace.- Carter Rice, Wellesley College.
Crystal Eastman
Crystal Eastman was a central actor in some of the most epochal social movements of the twentieth century – labor, feminism, civil rights, free speech, peace. By the time she co-founded the Woman's Peace Party, helping to recruit Jane Addams to head the national organization while she remained Executive Director of the New York branch, she had already written the nation's first serious workers' compensation law and helped to co-found the National Woman's Party. After it, she joined with Lillian Wald and others to co-found the internationalist American Union Against Militarism (AUAM) and co-published the Liberator magazine. And in the interim, she coordinated the founding of the ACLU.
Eastman was a policy innovator, an early media activist, an organizer, operative, executive and exceptional voice in the debates, both public and private, that shaped her world—and ours. Her work on industrial accidents in 1910 shifted the legal logic from liability only in cases of employer negligence toward a more collective, no-fault distribution of risk and loss shared by workers, businesses and consumers. It eventually became a model around the country. She was the first person to join with Alice Paul and Lucy Burns to launch what would become the National Woman's Party; in December, 1912, it was Eastman and Burns, friends since Vassar, who approached the National American Woman Suffrage Association to propose a Congressional Committee to pursue a federal amendment. As the U.S. marched toward the Great War, the AUAM and WPPNY rallied gender, class and race arguments against the military build-up and innovated new strategies for shaping public opinion and government policy toward international cooperation beginning with a negotiated peace.
After the Espionage Act effectively silenced The Masses magazine, edited by her brother Max Eastman, she joined with him in 1918 to co-publish its successor, the Liberator, whose reach would exceed its better-known predecessor; the magazine achieved 60,000 in circulation within its first year and brought out work by Sherwood Anderson, Amy Lowell, William Carlos Williams, Djuana Barnes, Jean Toomer, e.e. cummings, Claude McKay, John Dos Passos, Edmund Wilson, Carl Sandburg – voices that came to define the post-war literature of the American left.
Eastman was also a vanguard voice in the politics of private life. Divorced in 1916, she refused alimony, living her belief in absolute equality between the sexes. As a speaker for the National Birth Control League, she added an unorthodox argument to the prevailing mix by advocates – women's desire. "Feminists are not nuns," she declared in 1918. "And we want our love to be joyous and free – not clouded with ignorance and fear." Later, she proposed a "National Motherhood Endowment," a federal fund to remunerate women for their maternal service to the nation.
Eastman was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2000.
– Dr. Amy Aronson, Fordham University, New York, NY
Emily Greene Balch
In her almost century-long life, Emily Greene Balch (1867-1961) participated in a spectrum of social reform activities and authored a long list of publications. She attained notoriety during her lifetime as a social reformer, professor, and international peace leader. She helped to found one of Boston's first settlement houses (Denison House). She became a professor and later dean at Wellesley College, and was widely recognized as a published scholar on American immigration. In her middle age, she emerged as an international peace leader. A cofounder of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Balch served in many roles for the organization. Perhaps most notably, she set up and organized the WILPF's international office in Geneva. Her dedication to internationalism culminated with her receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946.
In 1922, Balch issued a call to women of all countries to reach beyond national allegiances and develop a new human identity. She declared the emergence of a new generation of women, writing: "Lovers of our own lands, we are citizens of the world, conscious partakers in the sacrament of all human life" ("Our Call," Bulletin of WILPF, February 1922). On a personal level, she embraced a global identity, recording, "Deeply and happily I feel myself a citizen of the world. I am at home wherever there are people" ("The Earth is My Home").
Balch's personal and public declarations of global citizenship were the product of a lifetime of learning the necessity of cooperation across borders and nationalistic loyalties. As a social reformer on local, national and international levels, Balch came to understand the need to stress human similarities over national differences. Over the course of Balch's life, through her professional work and scholarly writings, she continually advanced the concept of global citizenship as the path to peace. This idea remained a constant driving force in her life and is a central element of her legacy.
Kristen E. Gwinn, Emily Greene Balch: The Long Road to Internationalism (University of Illinois Press, December 2010).
Mercedes Randall, Improper Bostonian: Emily Greene Balch, Nobel Peace Laureate, 1946 (Twayne Publishers, 1964).
Monica McWilliams: Activist for Peace & Gender Equality in Northern Ireland
[Note: this essay is adapted from a course paper for a Wellesley College Peace & Justice Studies course.]
Monica McWilliams has been a driving force in the approaches to peace in Northern Ireland. She is most widely known for co-founding the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition in 1998, and spending her life fighting for women's inclusion in peacemaking processes. McWilliams was born on April 28, 1954 to a Catholic family in Kilrea, County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Growing up during "the Troubles," she was subjected to violence and oppression by nationalist paramilitary forces. McWilliams also witnessed firsthand the poor treatment of women in Northern Ireland, and this had a particularly strong impact on her. It is likely that her dedication to ending domestic violence and helping female victims was spawned by what she saw as a child.
Monica McWilliams's had previously worked foremost as a politician. After the publication of the Framework Document by the British and Irish governments in 1995, she organized a conference designed to pull together women's reactions to the plan laid out in that work. The attendees all agreed that women must be included in the peace and policy-making process. McWilliams brought the idea of a women's coalition to the British government, simply to see if they would accept the group as a political party. They obliged her proposal, and McWilliams registered the women under the name "Northern Ireland Women's Coalition," or NIWC. The women were able to gain enough support to win two seats in ensuing Peace Talks, held by the British and Irish governments.
McWilliams identified sectarian views as the systemic force driving the conflict in Northern Ireland, so the NIWC refused to take a unionist or nationalist opinion. Rather, they chose to remain nonpartisan and made a commitment only to the restoration of peace, equality, human rights, and the inclusion of women in the process. The party included members who identified with both groups and used this to their advantage in human rights campaigns, showing that an independent approach was possible. McWilliams emphasized dialogue within her party and at the negotiating table. Her philosophy was that communication between opposing sides must occur in order to better understand the conflict. She also pushed the continuation of dialogue between opposing actors even after agreements had been reached.
Because of her willingness to abandon unionist and nationalist labels, she recognized the importance of integrating communities and schools. She stressed integration as a means of promoting positive peace at the community level. Educating Catholic and Protestant children together would promote religious tolerance and understanding, which was, in her view, at the heart of Northern Ireland's conflict.
McWilliams is committed to nonviolence, and therefore stresses the decommissioning of weapons. She poses a unique argument for this: women are living in an armed patriarchy, and weapons could be used for domestic violence, not just combat. She sees violence in the household as one of the underlying causes of the disempowerment of women; their voices were suppressed in a more systemic way due to the cultural acceptance of domestic violence.
Though Monica McWilliams and the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition met with success in the end, they went through quite a struggle to earn respect from other parties. McWilliams herself is a respected woman with a trustworthy, nonpartisan reputation, but when she came to the table with a feminist platform, she was not well received by the male-dominated group. She endured sexual harassment on a regular basis; the men would boo as she spoke, insulting her and other party members, and refer to her as a dog and a cow. The women of the NIWC quickly learned that they needed to work much harder than any other party in order to prove themselves and gain respect.
McWilliams and the others rose to the occasion, working efficiently and always arriving to meetings prepared. They were soon recognized as the only party to consistently do its assignments, and the men began to see merit in their negotiating skills. NIWC's success at the peace table showed the British and Irish governments that women must not be overlooked in the peace process, for their input is vital to the complete transformation of conflict.
– Emily L. Gell, Wellesley College.
Madeleine Rees
Note: this biography is borrowed from the Peacewomen web site. See the original biography by clicking here.
Madeleine qualified as a lawyer in 1990 and became a partner in a large law firm in the UK in 1994 specializing in discrimination law, particularly in the area of employment, and public and administrative law and she did work on behalf of both the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission mainly on developing strategies to establish rights under domestic law through the identification of test cases to be brought before the courts. Madeleine brought cases both to the European Court of Human Rights and The European Court in Luxembourg. She was cited as one of the leading lawyers in the field of discrimination in the Chambers directory of British lawyers.
In 1998 she began working for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as the gender expert and Head of Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that capacity she worked extensively on the rule of law, gender and post conflict, transitional justice and the protection of social and economic rights. The Office in Bosnia was the first to take a case of rendition to Guantanamo before a court. The OHCHR office dealt extensively with the issue of trafficking and Madeleine was a member of the expert coordination group of the trafficking task force of the Stability Pact, thence the Alliance against Trafficking.
From September 2006 to April 2010 she was the head of the Women`s rights and gender unit. For the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, focusing on using law to describe the different experiences of men and women, particularly post conflict. The aim was to better understand and interpret the concept of Security using human rights law as complementary to humanitarian law and how to make the human rights machinery more responsive and therefore more effective from a gender perspective.
Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai
Note: this biography is borrowed from a fantastic web site, the Nobel Women's Initiative. See the original biography by clicking here.
"Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her actions to promote sustainable development, democracy and peace. She is the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree, Prof. Maathai was an active member of the National Council of Women of Kenya from 1976 to 1987 and served as its chairman from 1981 to 1987. In 1976 she introduced the idea of community-based tree planting. She continued to develop this idea into a broad-based grassroots organization whose main focus is poverty reduction and environmental conservation through tree planting. The organization eventually became known as the Green Belt Movement (GBM), and to-date has assisted women in planting more than 40 million trees on community lands including farms, schools and church compounds.
In December 2002, Prof. Maathai was elected to Kenya's parliament with an overwhelming 98 percent of the vote. Until 2007, she represented the Tetu constituency, Nyeri district in central Kenya (her home region). From 2003 to 2007 Prof. Maathai served as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources in Kenya's ninth parliament.
In September 1998, Prof. Maathai launched and become co-chair of the Jubilee 2000 Africa Campaign, which advocates for canceling the debts of poor African countries. Her recent campaign against land grabbing (illegal appropriation of public lands by developers) and the rapacious re-allocation of forest land has received much attention in Kenya and the region.
In June of 2008 the Congo Basin Forest Fund was launched. The fund protects the forests of the Congo Basin by supporting projects that make the forest worth more as a living resource, than it would be cut down. Prof. Maathai acts as co-chair and goodwill ambassador for the initiative.
Prof. Maathai has addressed the United Nations on several occasions and spoke on behalf of women at special sessions of the General Assembly for the five-year review of the 1992 Earth Summit. In March 2005, she was elected as the first president of the African Union's Economic, Social and Cultural Council.
She is the author of three books; an autobiography, Unbowed, and an explanation of her organizational method, The Green Belt Movement: Sharing the Approach and the Experience. Her newest book, The Challenge for Africa was released in April 2009."
About This Web Site Project
This web site is a component of the Advancing Women as Peacemakers Project (AWP) of the U.S. Section of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), and is dedicated to providing sound historical information relating to Jane Addams and the history of American women and peace from her time through the adoption of United Nations Security Resolution 1325 in 2000. A core commitment of the AWP is to "educate the public about the history of women peacemakers." This web site was born from this concept. Scholars, students, teachers, and activists can utilize this web site to learn where to find primary source information about the history of women as peacemakers (see Links). This site also highlights new scholarship on Jane Addams, American women and peace, and SCR 1325 (see our discussion forum). It further showcases original content, such as Louise W. Knight's comprehensive chronology of Jane Addams's life, and an historical chart that demonstrates the continuity themes between the WILPF's 1915 and 1919 resolutions and those concerns articulated in SCR 1325.
This web site was developed and is maintained by a committee of historians, all of whom belong to the JA1325 working group. This committee agreed with the concept that there was a need to develop a space on the internet dedicated to providing accurate historical information about the history of women and peace work, from Jane Addams to the present. The committee of historians stands behind the information displayed on these pages. We hope it is useful to scholars and activists alike. We are all continuing to build on the legacy of peace history in the United States and internationally. Keeping informed current peace work, as well as understanding our peace heritage, is critical.
Those individuals who serve on the Committee of Historians are listed below.
Harriet Alonso
Cyndy Bittinger
Catia Confortini
Kristen Gwinn
Louise W. Knight
Robin Lloyd
Laura Roskos
Ellen Schwartz
For more information about this committee or to contribute to this website, please contact our web manager.
A Celebration of Women
sends our blessings and celebrates the work for PEACE
of these WOMEN of ACTION through this Tribute.
Brava Ladies of PEACE!!!
Source: Nobel Womens Initiative.org


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So, one of my favorite things to have with me when I am writing or feeling unwell is tea. I keep a glass jar filled with loose-leaf tea in my kitchen. You know, next to the all-important coffee and pasta. For those of you who need something calming, here is my favorite recipe:
Equal Parts of Each:
Peppermint: Dried peppermint is amazing. It settles your spirit and your stomach and it smells amazing.
Chamomile: This is actually a pretty classic combination for stomach upset, but as we all know, chamomile is the best floral for relaxing.
Now, here are some recommended additions (not all at once– just pick the ones you like):
Raspberry Leaf: Extremely earthy tasting and smelling, but great for period cramps, anxiety, pregnancy, and all-around uterine health
Ginger: Who doesn't love a good spicy tea? Plus, ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Passion Flower: Half floral/half earthy. Will help soothe an anxious mind and also lull you to sleep.
Of course, these are just suggestions, if you are interested. If you don't want to deal with shopping loose leaf, I really enjoy Mighty Leaf teas. They are pre-packaged (although, admittedly, with too much packaging) and still whole-leaf.

subset: commoncrawl


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Otto "Vinnie Fever" Gentile
In Ring Handler Coach
Best known as Can-Am Wrestling's "Vinnie Fever", Otto has been Wrestling & Promoting for Over 30 Years. Trained by Steve "Dr Hannibal" Gillespie, he has worked for many Canadian Independent Wrestling Promotions such as ECCW, CWF, UWN & the NWA.
In 1996, Otto "Vinnie Fever" Gentile Co-Founded Can-Am Wrestling Federation with Steve "Dr Hannible" Gillespie and went on to win several titles with the various promotion including Can-Am Commonwealth Championship & Can-Am Heavyweight Championship Titles. He also held the Can-Am Tag Team Championship Title alongside partner Keith Hart & the Ultimate Wrestling Nation Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Otto's wealth of knowledge, love for the sport and dedication to the success of our students makes him an invaluable addition to the Pro Fitness Wrestling Academy Team.
Otto has wrestled well known superstars such as NJPW Japanese Legends Leather Face & Juggernaut, WWE/WCW's Lance Storm, AEW/WWE & WCW's Chris Jericho, WWE 2nd Razor Ramon, WWE's Kurgan, Stampede Wrestling's Cuban Assassin & WWF & Impact Wrestling's "The Great" Gama Singh.
- 1991 Southern Alberta 2nd Place
- 1991 Alberta's 8th Place
- Co Editor Can-Am Wrestling Magazine
Drug & Alcohol Work Shops
- Keynote Speaker for Over 2,000 Can-Am (Constantly Against Narcotic & Alcohol Misuse) Youth Workshops across Canada
- Can-Am Mid Heavyweight Championship (1997)
- Can-Am Heavyweight Champion (1998)
- Can-Am Tag Team Champion (1998) with Keith Hart
- Can-Am Commonwealth Champion (1999-2000)
- UWN Heavyweight Champion of the World (2008)


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This interview is a part of a series, Life Lessons You Want to Know from Successful Single Moms
I am thrilled to introduce you to Kristina Foster. She is a 41-year-old single mom by choice, hard worker, and network marketer by accident. She delights in helping people get healthy and reach their goals. Kristina is a devoted mom who lives life to the fullest and is happy to share these life lessons with you.
What was one of the most difficult times in your life as a single mom? What made that time challenging?
There have been so many difficult times. If I had to pick just one, I would have to say it was when my hours were cut back at work and my bonuses were taken away from me. I had just moved my daughter Morgan (she was two then) and I into a condo six months earlier and I was already robbing Peter to pay Paul. When payday came around, I would pay my bills and literally have $15 to my name for the next two weeks. I couldn't take Morgan to birthday parties or even to the zoo. And the gas it would take us to get anywhere was another problem. I had to make sure I had enough gas just to get to and from work.
We did fun stuff like go to the park and take walks, but my friends stopped contacting me because I always said no when they invited me out. I was too proud to let anyone know what was going on. So not only was I stressing about money and how I was going to keep a roof over our heads, I lost most of my support system. I didn't even share with my struggles with my parents because I did not want them to worry about me.
I believe that every challenge gives us an opportunity to learn and grow. What important life lessons did you learn from that time in your life?
- I learned that I needed to build a nest egg. I had zero savings when I left Morgan's dad. I should have listened to my parents when they told me to save.
- I learned to ask for help, even if it's just for emotional support. It's okay to reach out and it isn't a sign of weakness.
- I learned to choose my friends wisely.
- I learned to support myself. I became positive and put the law of attraction to good use. I was such a negative person three years ago.
What did you do to overcome those challenges?
I realized that I was going to have to get a second job. The only thing I could think of was waiting tables at night. I dreaded having to do that because it was going to take my time away from my daughter and I didn't have the money for more child care. I was also taking three courses online to finish my degree. I was already exhausted and I knew I would be even more exhausted when I added more work to my plate.
A friend of mine kept posting on her Facebook page about Plexus and how it gave her energy. I was desperate. I took the last $200 I had left on my credit card and I signed up as a Plexus ambassador because it was the most inexpensive way I could get my products and I could get three months' worth. I remember waking up the next morning thinking to myself, "What the heck did I just do?" That was my last available credit. I hoped for the best. At the time, I knew nothing about the business side of it. Three years later, I'm still going strong, helping people, and building an empire of residual income.
How are you financially supporting your family and how does that fulfill your mission or calling in life?
I have managed to work my way up working for Dr. Ben Hugo. I started at the front desk and I'm now the practice manager.
Once I got my Plexus products and started drinking the Slim (aka Pink Drink), I noticed an increase in my energy and my body was changing drastically. I felt better and healthier. I contacted the girl I signed up under and she talked to me about the business opportunity, so I did a Facebook post about it. Before I knew it, I was gaining customers left and right. My first paycheck was $500. I thought to myself, "Wow! I just got my investment back and I have a little bit of extra money now!" As a celebration, we went to the zoo and bought ice cream. The look on my daughter's face when I told her we were going to the zoo was priceless. I will never forget that moment. I continued sharing information about Plexus products and the next month my paycheck covered my rent.
I was never quite sure what my calling was. I always wondered what my purpose was. I remember going to sleep at night asking God, "Why am I here? What is my purpose?" Looking back, I realize that I am a caretaker. Nothing gives me more joy than helping others achieve their goals. I always put everyone else first and neglect myself.
Have you changed what you do for work or how you do your work since becoming a single mom?
I have always had a very strong work ethic because that is how I was brought up. With my job at the plastic surgeon's office, I learned as much as I could. I always asked questions, spoke with patients, assisted the doctor any chance I could, and asked to learn about new parts of the practice.
I'm incredibly thankful that I did all of that because when the time came for me to take over the office there were many challenges. I dove right in and stayed positive. It's funny because the doctor I work for always tells me that I saved his practice and I always tell him we all did it as a team. He's constantly telling me how fun it's been to watch me grow over the last six and a half years.
I became a network marketer with Plexus Worldwide by accident. Never in one million years did I think I would be successful in network marketing. I had several people approach me about different businesses, but as soon as I heard "multilevel marketing," I would turn around and run. I thought that stuff never worked, I didn't want to have to buy a bunch of inventory, and I didn't want to have to host parties.
So much changed for me financially when I started sharing Plexus, but I also grew as a person. I was suddenly surrounded by the most positive influences in my life. I started reading self-help books and became a very positive person. I learned to use the law of attraction. I was very negative before I started my Plexus business. It helped me to love myself, believe in myself, and gain self-confidence. Throughout all of those victories, I also lost more than 60 pounds. I became a product of the product.
Leigh Clopton lives in Texas. I had never met this woman, but I started talking to her through Messenger and on Zoom trainings. She helped me tremendously with my business but she also helped me with my life in general. I find myself reaching out to her now when I am at a crossroads in my life or just need some encouragement. We don't talk every day but it's kind of comical because it seems like any time I am struggling, I get a message from her. I always say to her, "Bet you regret sending me a message," and she always replies "Not at all!" She's my guardian angel and I call her my Plexus mama. She helped me become who I am now and made me realize that I am a leader and anything is possible if you believe.
My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders and my Dad has told me the same thing for years, sometimes hearing it from someone else just makes it "click".
What advice do you have for women who are in the beginning stages of separation and divorce?
I was with Morgan's dad for six years. Don't second-guess yourself and your decision. You know what is best for you and your family. There are going to be tough times, but as long as you believe in yourself and stay positive you will soar.
Everyone always told me God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I always thought that was a load of crap, but now I realize it's true. You will come out of this stronger and learn so much about yourself along the way. Sure, it's probably going to hurt like hell in the beginning. I cried myself to sleep several nights. When I look back, I see that I am in a much better place now. Anything is possible. You just have to have belief. Take it one day at a time. And as mad as I would get at people for saying this, time heals all wounds. It really does.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you buy a suggested product I will earn a small commission. Read the full disclosure policy here.
What are you reading or what would you recommend?
The best book I ever read was You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. Wow, just Wow! If you don't love yourself or know your worth, read this!!
I'm currently reading How to Talk to Anyone, 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes. I am an introvert and it has helped me embrace my inner extrovert
What quote inspires you and why?
I have two:
"If you don't stand up for something, you will fall for anything! You can be a lighthouse or you can be a weathervane. You can be a solid guiding light as constant as the north star. Or you can be tossed to and fro by all the winds that come your way. Choose to be the lighthouse. Be Solid. Be Steady. Be the one constant your people can always rely on. Stand up for what you believe and do not waiver." John Addison
I read this quote often. It's printed out on my fridge, dream board, and my office wall. I want to always be solid and help anyone I can. I know what it's like to struggle emotionally and financially and want to give up. No one can kick me off my journey, I have my beliefs and they won't change no matter how hard you try and drag me down. I will always be as steady as a lighthouse and shine my light so others can find their way.
The Plexus Worldwide motto:
"When you are blessed, be a blessing."
I have certainly been blessed. I like to give back as often as I can. I've donated half my Plexus pay to Alex's Lemonade Stand in honor of a sweet one-year-old fighting Cancer.
I also encourage my daughter to share her blessings. My daughter donated thirteen inches of her hair to Wigs for Kids and raised $2,000 to go along with it.
What question do you wish I would have asked and what is the answer?
Do you regret your choice to become a single mom?
Not at all. The best thing I can do for my daughter is love and teach her. I want her to have everything. Her dad never beat me, and we didn't argue, he was just never present. I didn't want her to think that is what a loving relationship, marriage, or family life was.
I focus on her and myself at the moment.
What I am doing is teaching her. She watches me. She is going to be a strong and independent leader. She is not going to settle. She is learning that hard work pays off.
I'm providing her with the best life that I can. And it's only going to get better.
Visit Kristina's Plexus page at: www.shopmyplexus.com/kryssyf
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As a member of the Empowered Single Moms community, I believe you can stop carrying the weight of the world alone and build a life you love. Join my mailing list and get 5 Keys to Single Mom Success.


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Hoorah, a site update
After a couple of years of having possibly the worst site in recorded history (and yes, I've seen lingscars.com), digitalquery is stampeding into the 21st century with a new look, a new feel, a couple of photos, and an incrediblytrendy parallax home page.
Woot, I hear you all say. Woot indeed.
It's just an interim effort, and will be replaced by a proper custom built site soon (for values of soon that range between a few months and never). I may even blog a little bit more now. Really.
Anyway, welcome to the new digitalquery site. Do get in touch if you need some social strategy consulting, some WordPress development, or a brand new community or subscription site.


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PADF Meets with CDB to Share Information on Caribbean Programmes
Published on
On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the Pan American Development Foundation's (PADF), Deputy Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Judith Hermanson, paid an official visit to Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to meet with CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith and other senior staff. Dr. Hermanson shared information on PADF's community-based development work in Haiti, as well as programmes being implemented by the Foundation in the Caribbean. CDB has funded several community-driven development projects in Haiti being carried out by the PADF. The other senior members of staff attending the meeting were Vice President (Operations), Dr. Carla Barnett and Director, Projects Department, Mrs. Tessa Williams-Robertson. CAPTION (L-R): PADF Deputy Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Judith Hermanson shares information on the Foundation with CDB President Dr. Warren Smith and Vice President (Operations), Dr. Carla Barnett.


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Ex-JPMorgan research head stops sector coverage after Mifid II
Lazarus Partnership to focus on macroeconomic analysis following departure of head of sector research Edmund Reid
A consultancy launched by a former head of investment research at JPMorgan has stopped covering specific sectors due to the "harsh" economics for independent firms under new European trading rules.
The move by Lazarus Partnership follows the departure of its head of sector research Edmund Reid, who joined energy firm Centrica in February. Reid previously worked in the energy and utilities research team at JPMorgan.


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The Frisco Enterprise Star, TX, reports that earlier this year, participants from across the country were invited to the White House to attend the White House Summit on Environmental Education, where they presented their ideas on environmental education and received the President's Environmental Youth Award. Frisco resident Ainsley Campbell was one of those participants.
The 18 year old was invited to the summit for her eco-friendly initiative to decrease the large number of disease-carrying insects at a local park. The initiative, Bringing Bats to Beavers Bend, earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award. Campbell, 18, was awarded the presidential award for her work creating an environmentally friendly way to decrease the number of disease-carrying insects at a local park. Photo courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.
When Campbell was brainstorming ideas for her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she knew she wanted to do something to help the environment and help combat the increasing mosquito problem in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
"I have always been interested in biology and environmental science, so when I was brainstorming for my Girl Scout Gold Award, I went to talk to Jeremy Starritt, the environmental services manager for the city of Frisco, about needs that our city had," said Campbell, an alumna of Frisco High School.
After discussing different ideas with Starritt and hearing about the numerous cases of West Nile virus found in the DFW area, Campbell decided to bring bat houses to Frisco's Beavers Bend Park in hopes of reducing the number of insects that can carry diseases such as West Nile virus.
"The bat houses that I built are a form of sustainable insect control," Campbell said. "They reduce the number of pesticides and chemicals used in the environment, which have negative long-term effects. Since bats eat thousands of insects each day, their presence reduces the number of insects like mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus."
By building the bat houses at Beavers Bend Park, Campbell also hoped to increase the bat population in Frisco while reducing the number of disease-carrying insects. Campbell was presented with the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project by Colleen Walker, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.
"I could not be more proud of her accomplishments," Walker said. "The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn and I am always amazed at the incredible ways our girls choose to add value to their communities. Her project was proactive, creative and sustainable all while benefiting her entire community."
For her achievement, Campbell was invited to the White House to attend the White House Summit on Environmental Education, where she gave a presentation on her project and was awarded the President's Environmental Youth Award.
Each year, the President's Environmental Youth Awards program grants 10 regional awards. Campbell won the regional award for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
When Walker learned that Campbell would be representing the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas at the White House for winning the regional award, she was thrilled.


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Concept & Detail _ HP-H36
After counts of design experiments and fabric changes, we decide to exclude the pure black fabric with its dust-magnet problem. We also abandoned the instability of man-made fibers. It's becausee we found a new luster within the dark ground, " No more pure black, Dark Brown is like the dawn in the abyss." Dark Brown series collection show a better fabric composition, up to 80% of breathable cotton and 5% of elastic fiber, which also combined with a distinct washed texture.
HP-H36 Elastic 3-pockets Shorts
A "Dark Brown" collection, it is designed with three 45° oblique pockets, including an extra measured hidden pocket which you can put your mobile phone or other stuffs. At the back there is a full elastic band with adjusting function. It has 5% elasticity fiber that enhance the size selection range and effectively improve the durability.


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A man was shot and killed while attending his younger brother's funeral Wednesday afternoon, according to police.
Police say 32-year-old Maurice Brown of the 300 block of Lyndhurst Street was the one who was shot and killed at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
RELATED: One dead, one injured in Lansdowne funeral shooting
The other person shot, a 25-year-old man, remains in critical condition and police have not released his name at this time.
The shooting happened just before 1 p.m. at 3900 Hollins Ferry Road during the funeral of Marcus Brown, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed in the 1400 block of North Mount Street. Police say Maurice Brown is the older brother of Marcus Brown.
A new look at surveillance video from shooting appears to show a group separating from funeral service, an exchange happens, shots are fired & man falls to the ground as people start running away. Man talking in background is speculating what happened,he owns the video @WMAR2News pic.twitter.com/k9zV3J02kv
— Abby Isaacs WMAR (@AbbyIsaacsNews) September 13, 2018
Baltimore County Police say they are continuing to investigate the shooting as they figure out how many suspects and weapons were involved and why this targeted attack happened.
Detectives are at the cemetary collecting evidence after the funeral double shooting. They are focusing on the area around a large tombstone a little bit away from the grave site @WMAR2News pic.twitter.com/72yvwaL70H
— Abby Isaacs WMAR (@AbbyIsaacsNews) September 13, 2018
Click the picture below to see more from the scene:


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Helge makes Lent music 7/40February 27, 2007 at 7:36 am | Posted in Comedy, Culture, Entertainment, Film, Food, German, Lent, Posts in German | 8 Comments
Tags: Cheese
Today I propose a combined Lent & Life post in which I declare Helge Schneider the perfect composer and performer of Lent music. Those who keep regular contact to the German language sphere will certainly know his hit single "Möhrchen" (Little Carrot) from 2003. In this song, he proposes to abstain from drugs and to have carrots instead, using the following memorable lines:
Mariejohanna is nich gut
Mariejohanna is nichte gutta
Mariejohanna is nich gut
Makt dir auch die Futte kaputt
Tuma lieba die Möhrchen
Tuma lieba die Möhrchen Mama
Mama lieba die Möhrchen
die Möhrchen aus dem Glas.*
I also love the video, for its low budget production and Helge's acting:
The Lenten lifestyle is further propagated in his latest hit, Käsebrot (cheese sandwich), featuring a German Käsebrot, which has very little to do with a cheese sandwich actually, even though that is probably the best translation. Just like bread from the UK or US has very little to do with German bread. That's one good thing about being German: We may not have humour, but definitely absolutely the best bread ever. Some lyrics to accompany the video (and no meat, sugar or alcohol in these either):
Käsebrot ist ein gutes Brot
Käsebrot ist ein gutes Brot
Käsebrot, Kä-Kä-Kä-Käsebrot
Sexy Sexy Popäsebrot
Liegen auf dem Tisch
Doch ein Stückchen Käse
Schmeckt auch gut zu Fisch**
I'm not so sure whether Helge Schneider is also the suitable ambassador to propagate German humour, but I cherish the idea that he is something like a weirder Weird Al Yankovich. Anyway, Helge is beyond argueing for me. Earlier this year, he played Hitler in Dani Levy's Mein Führer: The Truly Truest Truth About Adolf Hitler which met with great expectations which it apparently didn't meet (mainly for not being able to decide between a comic and a moralist approach). I did not see it, although my spontaneous reponse was that, if anybody could play Hitler, it would be Helge, the muttering comedian (think of Charlie Chaplin's gibberish when he played Adenoid Hynkel in The Great Dictator). Helge also has the reputation of a top notch musician, playing the piano, saxophon, vibraphone, accordion, guitar, bass, violin, ukulele, recorder, drums, trumpet, Hammond organ, church organ and cello (and probably more. he keeps adding). I guess that also doesn't quite come across in the examples of music above.
Maryjane isn't good (3 times),
it ruins your brain too (or your feet, depending on the interpretation).
Rather get the carrots,
get the carrots, Mama,
Mama rather the carrots,
the carrots from the jar.
Cheese sandwich is a good sandwich (2 times)
Cheese sandwich, Che-Che-Che-Cheesesandwich
Sexy Sexy Shmeesesandwich
Lying on the table
But a piece of cheese
Goes also well with fish
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Match report: Man City 0-0 Wolves AET (4-1 on penalties)
- City through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals
- Tough result to take for Wolves and their 6,000 travelling fans as Claudio Bravo's heroics see City scrape through
Manchester City are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup following their penalty shoot-out victory against a valiant Wolverhampton Wanderers side.
Despite the victory, it was far from plain sailing for City with extra-time and penalties needed for them to finally see off the Championship's table toppers. Wanderers and their strong travelling contingent of over 6,000 fans will have been left thinking what could have been after they fluffed several good chances which could have seen them through in normal time.
As was expected, City enjoyed the bulk of the game's possession but Wolves always looked a threat on the counter-attack. Both sides were far from full strength on the night but Pep Guardiola still managed to squeeze a few of City's big guns into his starting line-up, including the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and Yaya Toure.
Aguero looked as busy as ever and enjoyed the first good chance of the game when he hit a rasping shot from just outside the area only to be denied well by Wolves' keeper Will Norris. Unusually Aguero struggled to find his shooting boots on the night and missed a couple more chances just a few minutes later. The Argentinian striker first put the ball wide after being played in by Raheem Sterling and shortly after blazed a shot over the bar after connecting with a powerful volley from the edge of the box.
While City were enjoying sustained pressure, Wolves were still giving as good as they got when given the opportunity to attack. Defender Ryan Bennett was the first Wolves player to test the gloves of Claudio Bravo - a man who would later prove to be City's hero on the night - when he tried to convert home with his head but was denied.
Bright Enobakhare was one of several Wolves players to cause City's defence problems but like Aguero and the Manchester City attack, he could not quite find the finishing touch needed to see the ball into the back of the net.
City continued to press after the half-time break but Wolves and their proverbial brick wall of a defence remained strong. Chances came and went for both sides and as the game wore on it looked increasingly likely that either side could snatch it with a solitary goal.
Like City, Wolves themselves continued to look increasingly dangerous and gradually came into the game more and more backed by their vocal away support which seemed to get louder and louder as the game progressed. Helder Costa came close on 65 minutes but was denied by City's last line of defence, Bravo.
The final chance of the game fell to Wolves' Enobakhare in injury time but once again, to the agony of the Wolves fans, Bravo saved well.
Extra time was a similar story to normal time with the introductions of Leroy Sane and Kyle Walker unable to change anything for the Premier League hosts. The likes of Aguero, Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne continued to pepper Wolves' goal but they stood tall and forced the game to penalties.
It was City who came out on top 4-1 in the shootout as they converted every penalty they took and Bravo saved, first from Alfred N'Diaye and then Conor Coady. Despite not being able to score within normal time, Aguero got the final say as his cool 'Panenka' penalty won the game for City and saw them through to the quarter-finals.
The result could have been very different had Wolves taken their three or four good chances within the game and defeat will be a little bit of a bitter pill to swallow. However, they go out of the Carabao Cup with their heads held high after not conceding a goal in the competition and after a spirited performance which saw them become the first team this season to stop Man City scoring in a game.
As for City it was far from convincing but they are now 14 games unbeaten this season and are just are two games away from the Carabao Cup final as they go into the hat for Thursday's quarter-final draw.


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VST Buzz has launched a sale on Diversion, offering over 60% off on the versatile, multi-genre synthesizer instrument by Dmitry Sches.
Diversion takes the full advantage of modern processors to bring you the perfect sound quality that fits standards of hardware synthesizers.
"Diversion" is a unique synthesizer plugin that in it's most basic form is a subtractive synthesizer but also offers elements of FM (frequency modulation), granular synthesis, and RM (ring modulation). It has 4 oscillators with a wide range of different waveforms with a near to zero level of aliasing.
Whether you're looking to create lush pads and beautiful atmospheres or face-melting leads and epic arpeggiated sequences, Diversion is more than capable!
With over 200 presets included, and many, many more available, you'll find a use for this stunning synth in all of your tracks, no matter what the style or genre!
Diversion features
- 4 oscillators with a wide range of different waveforms.
- Synthesis techniques include FM, RM, wave shaping and filtering.
- Wavetable Editor – Edit waveforms both in time and frequency space as well as apply different effects.
- Two bus processors – Transform the oscillators' output into a wide variety of possible sounds.
- Two flexible FX lines – Up to 8 effect instances can be stacked in one FX line
- Modulation – 4 LFOs, 4 ADSR Envelopes, 4 MSEGs and one XY-controller, called Master Morph
- Arpeggiator and Trance Gate – 32-step Arpeggiator / Sequencer and a 16-step Trance Gate module
- MIDI Learn – Many of Diversion's features can be mapped to hardware controllers.
Diversion (VST/AU) is on sale for just 54 EUR until December 19th, 2017 (regular 142.99 EUR).


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By Lavjay Butani
A battle lost or won is easily described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it.
-Frederick Douglass
One of the greatest moments in anybody's developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is.
-Norman Vincent Peale
Reflection can be defined as the deliberate process of analyzing and reframing an event using multiple perspectives (including your own) and viewpoints with the purpose of self growth ('forward motion' so to speak). It is, in a way, a deeper form of 'listening'- to yourself and to others.
Reflection in action then is reflecting while in 'action'- that is in real time, during our day to day interactions with others.
We all reflect, don't we? After all, it's a natural gift and tendency that humans have-we think and think and think ad nauseum. About life, about where we are, where we were and where we are going (or not). About the day that lies ahead, the moments that just passed; our trials and tribulations, the miseries of life and oh yes, sometimes, but rarely so, about how fortunate we are. We still have our jobs, a roof above our heads, our families and loved ones, a plethora of help and a modicum of health. But what do we 'do' with those 'pseudo-reflections?'
All too often-zippo! Empathic, appreciative and sometimes condescending statements come out of our mouth and the very next moment are forgotten and lost in the great unknown, never to be recalled or critically analyzed and acted upon. It is this very last step, the 'action' step that is so lacking. Whether due to inertia or the convenient lack of energy or time or because of the universally expounded excuse of 'what can I, a mere mortal do?' Some of us, like I myself, are of an 'intuitive' personality type-we love to think about and dream of future possibilities and theoretical constructs and cogitate on the fascinating facets of life, but we don't spend time of what we will actually do.
Critical reflection is defined most, in my opinion, by how we use the reflective process to develop a framework to act differently from how we have in the past, based on our feelings after an event or experience. It is the action towards personal growth, the forward motion that defines those of us who make a difference.
One small but easily observed manifestation of how effective our reflections are can be the words we use when we make resolutions after we contemplate a disturbing of fascinating event, book, movie or conversation. If you see yourself using the word 'we should' or 'they should' rather that 'I will' chances are that your engagement with the event has not been deep enough and the connection not personal enough to move you to action. It may be time to step back and re-think, more deeply, more intensely, exploring different perspectives, and then develop an action oriented plan for yourself. For as Gandhi reminds us: 'Be the change you want to see.' Develop an internal locus of control, rather than looking to the environment and blaming it for what is happening. It all begins with you. Between a stimulus and your response to it, there is nothing but free and independent will, your will. Even in times of suffering, as Victor Frankl in 'Man's Search for Meaning' reminds us, we can be worthy of our sufferings and not let our sorrows and our pain dehumanize us. Yes, it takes a lot of courage and resolve, but then what doesn't.
Feel energized and move towards the righteous path that your soul leads you towards. As Walt Whitman so eloquently states:
'Henceforth I ask not good fortune, I myself am good fortune
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing.
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms
Strong and content I travel the open road.'
'Reflect in action' but beware of reflection 'inaction'.


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Study: More Sleep for Doctors Doesn't Increase Patient Deaths
Well-rested resident doctors, not increased patient deaths, have been the result of new limits on the hours residents work, according to two studies.
Cutting the hours that resident doctors work has not increased patient deaths, and two recent studies suggest the reason why might be fairly simple: Residents are getting more sleep.
In 2003, new regulations cut the number of hours that resident doctors could work each week from 120 to 80. Some feared the reduced work hours might increase patient deaths, since more residents would treat a single patient, leading to the possibility of miscommunication among residents.
Residents are newly licensed physicians who are receiving in-depth training in a specific branch of medicine.
Two recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined death rates after the reduced work hours began. Researchers reviewed data on more than 8 million Medicare patients and more than 300,000 Veteran Affairs patients.
"What we found was that there was no catastrophe. There was not an increased number of deaths," said study co-author Dr. Jeffrey Silber, with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Researchers found that more well-rested residents performed better.
"As a patient, you should be glad that the residents who are caring for you are probably better rested, because on average, they're working fewer hours than they used to work before work hours were regulated," said study lead author Dr. Kevin Volpp, with the Philadelphia Veteran Affairs Medical Center.
VA patients actually experienced a decrease in their death rate, according to the studies. Volpp attributed that drop to a new electronic health-records system, which provides better information for different doctors treating the same patient.
Volpp urged more refinement of rules regarding residents' work schedules and the care they provide.
"We need to continue working to try to develop better models of work-hour regulation that may lead to further improvements in outcomes," he said.
Residents agreed that lighter work schedules could improve patient care.
"Really, the goal should be to try to decrease the amount of fatigue and to provide safe options, so we can continue to take good care of our patients," resident Dr. Meredith Pugh said.


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Ticket holders receive email regarding rescheduled "Mike & Micky Show" concert in New Jersey
Thanks to Ed Reilly for sharing an email he received earlier this afternoon from Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey:
Originally scheduled for June 25th, THE MONKEES PRESENT THE MIKE & MICKY SHOW is now rescheduled for March 5, 2019 at 8PM.
Tickets for the original date will be honored on March 5th.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to seeing you at the Basie!
If you have any questions please call the Box Office at 732-842-9000.
Please remember that there has been no official announcement regarding the rescheduling of dates for "The Mike & Micky Show" tour that were ultimately postponed, but this email indicates information is forthcoming. Stay tuned to The Monkees Live Almanac for future updates!
Last evening, Micky Dolenz headlined the 18th Annual Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square in Manhattan. Joining him onstage were Coco Dolenz, Wayne Avers, Dave Alexander, John Billings, and Rich Dart. Thanks to Fred Velez for sharing this video with the Live Almanac!
Nez with the Monkeemobile at Chiller
Peter Tork makes first live concert appearance of 2017; Micky & Nez share stage in Beverly Hills
Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues performed live in concert last evening in Westbury, New York at NYCB Theatre. The group opened an evening of entertainment dubbed "Hot Autumn Nights" on a bill that included Peter Noone, The Grass Roots, and The Buckinghams. This marked Peter's first concert appearance since the conclusion of The Monkees' 50th Anniversary Tour last December, and his first public event since early May, where he took part in Wizard World Comic Con in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Peter and the band performed the following songs:
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
Bring It With You
Cross Cut Saw
I'm a Believer (with Peter Noone)
Pleasant Valley Sunday
Jennifer Winkle was in attendance and shared her photos on Facebook, along with audio of Peter's set:
Peter Noone made a surprise appearance and performed "I'm a Believer" with Peter:
And here's more footage from Westbury courtesy of YouTube:
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Micky Dolenz welcomed Michael Nesmith and friends back to the stage during his concert at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. Previously on Friday night, Nez had joined Micky at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, California for their first concert appearance together since September 2016.
Jodi Ritzen shared video from the show on Facebook, which includes the duo's performance of "Me & Magdalena" and the encore selections of "Listen to the Band" and "I'm a Believer."
Kiefo Nilsson, son of Harry, once again joined Micky for "Good Times" just as he had during Friday night's debut of the song at the Agoura Hills show.
Mary Cherry posted this video of "I'm a Believer" and final bows:
Micky Dolenz welcomes Michael Nesmith and friends at Agoura Hills, California concert
Last night at the The Canyon in Agoura Hills, California, Micky Dolenz took the stage with his sister Coco and special guests Michael Nesmith, Christian Nesmith, Circe Link, and Kiefo Nilsson. Micky and Nez performed "Me & Magdalena," a highlight from The Monkees' 2016 album, Good Times!, and later sang both "Listen to the Band" and "I'm a Believer" during the encore.
Jeffrey Sherman posted video of Micky, Michael, Christian, and the band performing "Me & Magdalena":
Joining everyone onstage was Micky's longtime touring group, who have also backed The Monkees in concert since 2012: Wayne Avers (guitar/musical director), Rich Dart (drums), John Billings (bass), Dave Alexander (keyboards), and Coco Dolenz (backing vocals).
Davy Jones' daughters Talia Jones Roston, Sarah Jones, and Annabel Jones, along with Davy's first wife Linda Haines Jones, were also in attendance.
April Hayes shared her photos from the concert on Facebook:
And Rolling Stone contributing editor David Wild posted this photo on Twitter of Michael and Micky singing "I'm a Believer":
Family members of Micky's longtime friend Harry Nilsson were also present, and Harry's son, Kiefo, accompanied Micky for the debut live performance of "Good Times." The song, originally demoed by Harry Nilsson for The Monkees in the late '60s, was revived last year after Micky added his vocal to the track, allowing for a modern day duet that ultimately inspired the name of The Monkees' 2016 album. You can watch Kiefo join Micky in the video below, courtesy of Dyana Levinson:
Kiefo Nilsson commented about his guest appearance with Micky on Facebook and posted a picture of the two onstage:
"Had the great privilege of getting to sing my dad's part to 'Good Times' alongside Micky Dolenz tonight at the Canyon in Agoura Hills. Will be doing it again tomorrow at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills — come hang if you can!"
Thanks to Andrew Sandoval for sharing a photo of the set list with The Monkees Live Almanac:
Videoranch3D on Facebook posted photos and a few short videos of Michael with fans during the post-show meet and greet session. A portion of the proceeds collected from the meet and greet is being donated to the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Fund.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember that Micky, Michael, and company will be doing it all again at this evening's show in Beverly Hills, California at the Saban Theatre!
Yesterday, Micky Dolenz sat with Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols (who covered "Steppin' Stone") on 95.5 KLOS-FM in Southern California:
The forthcoming weekend is a busy one for the individual Monkees. Micky Dolenz will welcome special guest Michael Nesmith during two performances in California, and on Saturday evening, Peter Tork will appear at NYCB Theatre in Westbury, New York as part of the "Hot Autumn Nights" concert series. Joining Peter on the bill are Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone, The Grass Roots, and The Buckinghams. To date, this is Peter's only announced solo concert for 2017.
Michael Nesmith to join Micky Dolenz at upcoming Dolenz solo concerts (UPDATED X2)
Just announced! Michael Nesmith will be making a guest appearance with Micky Dolenz at two of Micky's upcoming solo shows while also taking part in meet and greet activities after each event. You can see the duo together this Friday, October 20 at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, California and on Saturday, October 21 at Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. Tickets for the meet and greet session after the shows are also available, but quantities are limited and to participate, you must have a ticket to the concert that night. A portion of the proceeds collected from the meet and greets will be donated to the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Fund.
If you are planning on attending these special shows, please feel free to share your pictures and reviews with the Live Almanac!
UPDATE 10/16/2017: Nez talked about the upcoming appearances with Micky earlier today on Facebook.
UPDATE #2 10/17/17: Members of the Monkees family will be present with Micky and Michael at the California shows, including Christian Nesmith and Circe Link, Ami Dolenz, Davy's daughters Talia Jones Roston, Sarah Jones, and Annabel Jones, Davy's first wife Linda Haines Jones, along with members of Harry Nilsson' s family.
Michael served as a Trustee at the American Film Institute for twelve years and will be in conversation with Jean Picker Firstenberg, former President and CEO of the AFI, who has published a new book, Becoming AFI: 50 Years Inside the American Film Institute.
September 2 & 3 only: Dead Man's Curve Wild Hot Rod Weekend 2017 / Mahwah Sheraton, Mahwah, New Jersey
This past weekend, Micky Dolenz (and the Monkeemobile) appeared at Northeast Comic Con & Collectibles Extravaganza in Hanover, Massachusetts. Thanks to Scott Catton for submitting photographs from the event!
Micky Dolenz Live
Available Now
Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart returns
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September 2022


text:
For Malaysian Goverment Agencies can refer to MAMPU Guideline
More About Evaluating Web Sources
Evaluating Information Found on the Internet http://www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating
An excellent series of pages on this subject (from the Milton Library at Johns Hopkins University).
For annotated descriptions of many other good guides to evaluating web pages, search the subject "Evaluation of Internet Resources" in the Librarians' Internet Index <http://lii.org>.
Elements of Good Design
Fonts and Typography
How to Use Color
Graphics and Images
Web Layout Basics
Tackling Web Navigation
Accessibility and Usability
Web Design Software
Five criteria for evaluating Web pages
Evaluation of Web documents
1. Accuracy of Web Documents
Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?
Is this person qualified to write this document?
How to interpret the basics
1. Accuracy
Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number.
Know the distinction between author and Webmaster.
Evaluation of Web documents
2. Authority of Web Documents
Who published the document and is it separate from the "Webmaster?"
Check the domain of the document, what institution publishes this document?
Does the publisher list his or her qualifications?
How to interpret the basics
2. Authority
What credentials are listed for the authors)?
Where is the document published? Check URL domain.
Evaluation of Web documents
3. Objectivity of Web Documents
What goals/objectives does this page meet?
How detailed is the information?
What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author?
How to interpret the basics
Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased.
View any Web page as you would an infommercial on television. Ask yourself why was this written and for whom?
Evaluation of Web documents
4. Currency of Web Documents
When was it produced?
When was it updated'
How up-to-date are the links (if any)?
How to interpret the basics
How many dead links are on the page?
Are the links current or updated regularly?
Is the information on the page outdated?
Evaluation of Web documents
5. Coverage of the Web Documents
Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents' theme?
Is it all images or a balance of text and images?
Is the information presented cited correctly?
How to interpret the basics
5. Coverage
If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don't have the software?
Is it free or is there a fee, to obtain the information?
Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing?
Putting it all together
Accuracy. If your page lists the author and institution that published the page and provides a way of contacting him/her and . . .
Authority. If your page lists the author credentials and its domain is preferred (.edu, .gov, .org, or .net), and, . .
Objectivity. If your page provides accurate information with limited advertising and it is objective in presenting the information, and . . .
Currency. If your page is current and updated regularly (as stated on the page) and the links (if any) are also up-to-date, and . . .
Coverage. If you can view the information properly--not limited to fees, browser technology, or software requirement, then . . .
You may have a Web page that could be of value to your research!
FROM: Kapoun, Jim. "Teaching undergrads WEB evaluation: A guide for library instruction." C&RL News (July/August 1998): 522-523.
How To Evaluate A Web Site
By LaJean Humphries, Published on December 2, 2002
LaJean Humphries is the library manager for Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, a multi-service, regional law firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Her firm was one of several beta sites for a new software product from LexisNexis developed to validate a firm's client matter numbers and improve online cost recovery. She regularly provides Internet training for attorneys and staff.
I was very fortunate to be asked to be a contributing author to the book, Web of Deception: Misinformation on the Internet. This is a digest of the chapter I authored and the story of how it came about. It didn't take long after first stepping on the Information Highway to realize that it was important to evaluate Internet sites. Attorneys may be very sophisticated but occasionally one still shows up in the librarian's office, confused and dismayed, saying "But, I found it on the Internet" as if the Internet somehow bestowed accuracy on a piece of misinformation. The library mantra became, "You don't believe everything you read in the newspaper so don't believe everything you read or see on the Web."
Once everyone in our firm had web access, the library started a regular program of Internet training classes. We covered practice areas as well as general reference and incorporated evaluation of web sites into practically every class. Eventually, we developed an entire class on evaluation. Soon there was an article in Searcher and next the chapter, How to Evaluate a Web Site, in Web of Deception: Misinformation on the Internet.
Even the most highly skilled and skeptical librarian can still learn new tricks. Web of Deception covers web hoaxes, counterfeit sites, and other spurious information, medical misinformation, corporate misinformation, privacy risks, charity scams, the dark side of e-commerce and email fraud, legal advice, searching quagmires, how search engines work, and remedies for intentional misinformation, as well as how to evaluate web sites. There are many factors to consider when evaluating web sites and there are many sites that provide checklists and tutorials to help you with evaluation. "How to Evaluate a Web Site" doesn't cover technical issues; see useit.com and other sites for technical evaluations.
Sites to Help You Evaluate Web Sites
Many of the following sites are self-explanatory. All links were good in November 2002 but as we know, Web pages are fluid. They can be here today and gone tomorrow.
Bibliography on Evaluating Internet Resources
Nicole J. Auer, with Virginia Tech Libraries, maintains this excellent bibliography which includes Internet resources, sample evaluation forms, web site examples, print resources, useful listservs, and books.
Brandt, D. Scott. Evaluating Information on the Internet
Professor Brandt, Technology Training Librarian at Purdue University Libraries in West Lafayette, IN, discusses filtering and assessment in this relevant article.
Criteria for Evaluation of Internet Information Resources, http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~agsmith/evaln/index.htm
Alastair Smith, VUW Department of Library and Information Studies, New Zealand, "provides a 'toolbox' of criteria that enable Internet information sources to be evaluated for use in libraries, e.g. for inclusion in resource guides, and helping users evaluate information found."
Evaluating a Site
This Canadian site from 2Learn.ca was designed by and for teachers and includes many useful evaluation tools for students, particularly elementary through high school.
The Effects of Margins on Legislative Drafting
Attendees of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) 1997 pre-conference The Compleat Internet Researcher: Advanced Strategies and Techniques will recognize this page created by Elliot Chabot, an attorney in Washington, D.C., and for many years head of the automated legal support team of the House Information Resources staff of the U.S. House of Representatives. It demonstrates the ease with which text may appear differently on different computers. See the multi-million dollar difference in the meaning of the text that a few spaces can make.
Evaluating Internet Sites
Marilyn O'Callaghan, Educational Technologist, Teaching with Technology Initiative in Fargo ND, provides a colorful webpage with five guidelines and sites to evaluate.
Evaluating Quality on the Net
Hope Tillman, Director of Libraries, Babson College, and Special Libraries Association president, 2001-2002, put this excellent article on the web in 1995 and it continually evolves and updates. Tillman covers relevance of existing criteria for other formats, looking at the continuum of information on the net, generic criteria for evaluation, the current state of evaluation tools on the net, and her own key indicators of quality.
Evaluating the Quality of Information on the Internet http://www.virtualchase.com/quality/index.html
Genie Tyburski, research librarian at Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, maintains The Virtual Chase, A Research Site for Legal Professionals http://www.virtualchase.com/index.shtml. Visit her section on Evaluating the Quality of Information on the Internet for checklists, interactive tutorial, guidelines, webliography, and more.
Evaluating Web Resources
Jan Alexander & Marsha Ann Tate, Wolfgram Memorial Library, Widener University, Chester, PA, provide materials to assist in teaching how to evaluate the informational content of Web resources and a bibliography of materials on applying critical thinking techniques to Web resources.
Evaluating Web Sites
Lake Forest College Library provides a "good example" and a "questionable example" for each of the primary criteria for evaluating web sites.
Evaluating Web Sites: Criteria and Tools
Michael Engle, Information Services, Cornell University Library, covers context, evaluation criteria, web reviews and rankings, and a webliography.
Evaluation of information sources
Another excellent site from Alastair Smith. See Criteria for Evaluation of Internet Information Resources above.
Free Pint
Free Pint is an email newsletter, "packed with tips on using the Internet for serious research, twice a month. Free Pint was founded and first published in November 1997 by William Hann."
Evaluating Web Sites
Lake Forest College Library provides a "good example" and a "questionable example" for each of the primary criteria for evaluating web sites.
How to Evaluate a Web Page
Associate Professor and Reference Librarian at Morgan Library, Colorado State University,
Naomi Lederer has created both a summary and detailed version of "How to Evaluate a Web Page" and starts by asking what is the purpose of the web site you are viewing?
ICYouSee: T is for Thinking
John R. Henderson, Ithaca College Library, frequently updates this colorful site which includes a quiz and three exercises that instructors may use for teaching users to evaluate web sites.
Librarians' Index to the Internet
Surely every librarian is familiar with Listowner and Coordinator Karen G. Schneider's "Librarians' Index to the Internet - Information You Can Trust!"
Schrock, Kathleen.
Evaluation of World Wide Web Sites: An Annotated Bibliography
ERIC Digests are in the public domain and may be freely reproduced and disseminated.
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly or, Why It's a Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources
Susan E. Beck, Head, Reference & Research Services Department, New Mexico State University Library, maintains this site of examples, criteria, suggestions, and bibliography.
The Scout Report
The Scout Report, available on the web and as an email subscription, provides interesting, high-quality reports about the Internet. This excellent resource from the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison also provides archives and various toolkits.
Usable Web
Keith Instone's Usable Web is a collection of links about information architecture, human factors, user interface issues, and usable design specific to the World Wide Web.
useit.com: Jakob Nielsen's Website
Dr. Nielsen is undoubtedly one of the leading experts on web page usability. It is no longer enough to have a web site that looks pretty. It has to be highly usable or people will go elsewhere.
Who Wrote It? Who Published It?
"How to Evaluate a Web Site" and most of the web sites mentioned above list author and publisher as criteria to be considered when evaluating an Internet site. The book chapter goes into detail about verifying author credentials. A casual glance at the above sites shows that many of them are published or sponsored by educational institutions. That's not an accident. Educational institutions and government agencies have a vested interest in presenting high-quality, accurate information.
Is the information current, accurate and complete?
Currency – sometimes it matters and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the information found on the Internet is accurate as of the date it was written but is not accurate now. Know when currency is important. If the issue is legal, you probably want to be sure the information is current. Sometimes information is current and accurate but not complete. Make sure you have complete information before making critical decisions.
Is the information unbiased?
There is nothing wrong with commercial, advertising, advocacy, educational, marketing, or personal Internet sites. However, all sites should make clear their purpose and bias. It should not be hard to determine the goal or purpose. If you can't figure it out, be wary.
Quality of writing
The author of a web site may not be a Twain or a Hemingway but the writing on a web site should be grammatically correct, free from spelling errors, and at least of fairly high quality. High quality writing conveys the meaning of the text clearly and easily.1
Training Attorneys and Staff and Yourself
You can use many of the sites mentioned above when presenting Internet classes to your attorneys and staff. Have them compare the University of Santa Anita site with the CDC site (ICYou See: T is for Thinking mentioned above). Read aloud some of the names; this will guarantee some laughs. After reviewing some of the sites specifically designed for teaching, encourage users to evaluate other web sites.
What do you do when an attorney asks you about a new web-based service? T. R. Halvorson has done some excellent reviews on LLRX. See his section, "Here Comes the Judge: Law Librarians Evaluate Online Services" Program J-6 in the AALL 2002 Educational Program Handouts, pp. 153-166, and his articles, "Searcher Responsibility for Quality in the Web World," Searcher, vol. 6 no. 9, October 1998, pp. 12-20, and "Checklist of Questions: SCOUG-Inspired Review of an Online Legal Information Service," for more details. See also Susan B. Hersch's "Inundated with Offers for Legal Research Services on the Internet? Sorting out the Good, the Bad and the Ugly," published May 1, 2001.
You can evaluate web sites and teach others to do so as well. Use the numerous resources available as well as your own common sense and good judgment. " Question, compare, and verify. Do not believe everything you see!" 2
1 "How to Evaluate an Internet Site" Web of Deception: Misinformation on the Internet. Information Today, 2002.
2 Idib.
Evaluating Website Content
The strength of criticism lies in the weakness of the thing criticized.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, English
I. The Problem
The Internet is a relatively new and untested information and communication medium. As such, we need to evaluate, expand, and adapt existing criteria for evaluating content, as well as develop new techniques.
The Internet is a ubiquitous medium: aside from questions of affordability, it is very pervasive in both authorship and audience. A web address is now an international information and persuasion medium
The Internet can very well be an unregulated and un-regulatable medium. As such, it is the visitor to a website who must have both tools and responsibility to discern quality websites.
II.. Examples of the problem
Have you been to New Hartford, Minnesota? (Probably only virtually...)
What do you think of the distinguished academic study "Feline Reactions to Bearded Men" by Catherine Maloney, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, Sarah J. Lichtblau, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois Nadya Karpook,
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida Carolyn Chou, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anthony Arena-DeRosa, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts?
III. Eight basic types of website purposes:
- Personal with biographic data, often called "vanity pages"
- Promotional to sell a product
- "Current" to provide extremely up-to-date information, as for newspapers' sites
- Informational to share information on a particular topic or hobby
- Advocacy/persuasive as propaganda to convert you to particular point of view
- Instructional to teach a unit or course of study;
- Registrational to register for courses, information, and/or products, accumulate a database of, and simplify communication with, registrants
- Entertainment!
Characteristics of 5 types (outside links):
Jan Alexander and Marsha Tate,
Wolfgram Memorial Library,
Widener University
IV. Contexts of website evaluation:
header * body * footer * navigation
V. Five evaluative guidelines from the School of Journalism & Library Science:
Authority Who is responsible for the page?
What are their qualifications and associations, and can you verify them?
Check the footer
for name of the web page author, his/her credentials and title, organizational affiliation. Is the information verifiable?
Currency Are dates clear when the website was first created and edited?
Check the footer
for when the website was created, and when last edited.
Check the content
for news items, indications that the site is actively maintained, acknowledgements/responses to visitors
CoverageWhat is the focus of the site? Are there clear headings to illustrate an outline of the content? Is the navigation within the website clear?
Check the header
for a clear title and web site description
Check the content
for headings and keywords
Check the navigation
to reflect content outline within the web site
Objectivity Are biases clearly stated? Are affiliations clear?
Check the content
for statement of purpose,
to determine the type of web site and potential audience
for outside links for information external to the website
for graphics and cues for affiliations
Check the header/footer and URL/domain (.gov .com .edu)
to determine organizational source of website and how this reflects on content type
Accuracy Are sources of information and factual data listed, and available for cross-checking
Check the content
for accuracy of spelling, grammar, facts(!), and consistency within website
Check content for a bibliographic
variety of websites (external links), of electronic media (electronic databases of references, established (print & on-line) journals, of electronic indexes (ERIC), and of books for comparative/evaluative purposes
VI. Bibliography (Author, web site, date last visited) related to evaluation:
(Widener University) Jan Alexander & Marsha Tate
Original Web Evaluation Materials (5 January, 2006)
Includes a link to a Powerpoint presentation for teaching materials
(Western Illinois University) Bruce Leland
Evaluating Web Sites: A Guide for Writers (5 January, 2006)
(Babson College) Hope Tillman
Evaluating Quality on the Net (5 January, 2006)
(Saint Louis University) Craig Branham
Evaluating Web pages for relevance (5 January, 2006)
Well developed website with sections on Anatomy of a page, Page types, Web search strategies, and Glossary.
More About Evaluating Web Sources
Evaluating Information Found on the Internet http://www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating
An excellent series of pages on this subject (from the Milton Library at Johns Hopkins University).
For annotated descriptions of many other good guides to evaluating web pages, search the subject "Evaluation of Internet Resources" in the Librarians' Internet Index <http://lii.org>.


text:
For many immigrant children in the United States, Saturday mornings are spent in school learning the native language of their parents. In suburban Los Angeles, where Asian-American children are learning Chinese.
They attend about 20 Saturday-only schools in the Los Angeles suburbs of Monterey Park, San Gabriel and here in San Marino. These neighborhoods are all at least half Asian.
Grow Lee, a native of Taiwan, is principal of the San Marino Chinese School. It is the largest in the area, with 1000 students.
"We have a lot of different types of students," he said. "The majority of them are what we call ABC [American-born Chinese]."
There are also the children of mixed Asian-Caucasian couples.
"We have Korean, Japanese, because we are the biggest school," he added. "We also have kids from mainland China, too."
He added that many parents believe that speaking Chinese will help their children in business when they get older. That is what 14-year-old Christine Feng has heard from her mother.
"My mom told me that it is easier to get a job, if you do know Chinese," she said. "You can go to China and get a really good job there."
That is one of the reasons this mother sends her son to Chinese school.
"I think it is going to be good for his future, because China is going to be a big market," said the mother. "It is developing economically and maybe speaking Chinese would be good for him professionally."
She added that she wants her son to be able to speak with his grandparents in China and they do not speak much English.
"These youngsters are learning Chinese reading, writing and grammar and are also studying Chinese culture," she said. "Christine Feng is reciting a work by Chinese poet Li Bai."
"It is about a guy who's traveling down the mountain to visit some friends," Christine Feng said. "Basically, they get drunk and they are having a good time."
Pei Pei Chain, 13, said that she has a good time with her friends at Chinese school. "Yeah, it is pretty fun, but the test is pretty hard, though," she said.
Learning Chinese written characters is not easy or exciting, said 12-year-old Jocelyn Liang. "It is sort of boring," she added.
Teacher Yulin Hong said she hears that from many students. "Some of them, they do not like to come to the Chinese school," she said.
She added that 90 percent of the students are forced by their parents to study, but she believes that learning Chinese is good for them.
Christine Feng speaks Chinese at home, but wanted to improve her command of the language.
"I am learning it because I was not born here and I would feel kind of stupid, if I did not learn Chinese and I am Taiwanese," she said. "So, yeah, I am learning it."