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Remember this?
We received our tickets today! They were delivered to Ane's office by Ms. Lorna herself. We only got the balcony seats reasoning that RCBC theater isn't that big and we only need to listen to the music and the dialogues, hehe (actually, we just couldn't part with precious money now that we are being faced with something really big).
We also welcomed the 10% discount. We love discounts! The E's were happy we got P50 off the original Balcony price. The discount scheme, I came across Anton Diaz's blog but I never tried calling Ms. Lorna thinking that it's only for P&G employees. When I called Atlantis, I was referred directly to Ms. Lorna as she is the show buyer for our preferred playdate, Sept 15 2pm. :)
We are (I am!) so excited. I read in the Atlantis website that Rachel Alejandro will play Kate and Lucy, Aiza Seguerra as Gary Coleman, Frenchie Dy as Christmas Eve, and Felix Rivera as Princeton. I can hear the songs in my head!
I think Ms. Lorna still has tickets for the Sept. 15 2pm show, and gives early-bird discounts. Visit this. For other playdates, tickets are available at Ticketworld at National Bookstore branches or call Atlantis. :)


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It is an ancient art. Now it has a modern twist. Together they bring it to new heights.
She has a whole range of exotic skills at her fingertips. For his delight she brings every one of them to bear on him. She has something special for every inch of his impressive manhood. Slowly and subtly she works on his pride. He looks invincible but her feminine wiles will bring him down.
He cannot hold out forever. When she triumphs she gets everything from him that she wants.
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subset: commoncrawl


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A sad weekend, and shocking news Sunday morning. I was out running errands when I checked email and found out a friend had been killed in a plane crash on Saturday afternoon. He was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, someone who I have gotten to know quite well, our kids have played together, and we've camped at various events together, sharing lots of cooking duties and conversations. He was one of the people I know very well from Scouts. My heart goes out to his family, who were present at the airfield when the plane crashed. I couldn't imagine being there to see my spouse die.
I was in a bit of a daze yesterday morning, and tired to work through the day, helping them to enjoy an Easter holiday, but it was hard. Tia and I talked about it quite a bit, and were both grateful and thankful for all we have.
A few days earlier, I had watched this short piece from a man that survived the Hudson River crash last year. It's worth 5 minutes of your life, and it resonates with me, more so than it did last week.
My wife and I have talked bout dying a few times, and being prepared. I have lived a great life, and I'm comfortable with experiencing and achieving so much in my 43 years on Earth. I don't want to die, and I'd like to see my kids grow up and have families, but I think I've had a great life so far with few regrets.
I'd like to do more things in my life, and I'd like to go places and experience new things. I invest for the future, in different parts of my life, but I seek to enjoy myself as much as I can each day. I strive for a balance.
My editorial today talked about my loss, and tried to remind people that life is short. We should look for that balance, and enjoy our lives as much as we can. As mentioned in the video, don't try to be right as often as you try to be happy. If you want to improve a part of your life, whether that's family, career, or something else, start taking the steps to make that improvement. It might take time, but today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it's a good time to start going in the direction you want to go.


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Super is an ultra-violent superhero comedy by Slither's James Gunn that stars Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Kevin Bacon, and Nathan Fillion. They say it's "an effed up, low-rent Watchmen," and what we saw lived up to all that incredible promise.
The movie focuses on Frank, a small town sad sack played by Rainn Wilson. His marriage to his wife Sarah (Liv Tyler) falls apart when she gets hooked on drugs and falls into the clutch of the local rich sleazeball, played by Kevin Bacon. In a desperate attempt to get her back, he assumes the identity of the Crimson Bolt, a superhero who might not have any powers but is very, very willing to get violent and kick some seriously lethal ass. (The trailer ends with a guy getting blown up with a stick of dynamite.) He reluctantly brings on the young Libby (Ellen Page) in his quest for justice, who becomes his sidekick Bolty. Michael Rooker and Nathan Fillion are also in the film, although we didn't see a lot of them in the trailer - Fillion's appearance was limited to one very awesome, sly-looking wink.
After the trailer, we were also shown an unfinished scene from the movie. Rainn Wilson's character is in a long line for a movie, and a random jerk cuts in front of him in line. He loudly yells "No butts!" to remind him of the famous rules of line etiquette, but the guy just brushes him off. He then very conspicuously goes to his car and changes into his Crimson Bolt uniform, showing off his very unflattering white underpants. This seemingly harmless (if creepy) moment falls apart quickly when the Crimson Bolt goes up to the man, repeats the "No butts!" command, and then splits his skull open with a hammer. (Oh yes, this very is definitely a James Gunn movie.)
James Gunn said he's been working on this movie for about seven or eight years, and it's a very personal film for him. He said that it's intended to be a funny movie with lots of violence and gore, but it's also got very human, dramatic elements that really make you feel that this is a movie about actual people, no matter how crazed they might be. He added that this is a labor of love for everyone involved. They made it for nearly no money, and all the actors worked for the absolute lowest amount the Screen Actor's Guild would let them. Rainn Wilson came aboard a couple years ago, and then it was a question of finding the right actors to join the cast.
The two explained that they got people for the movie that they never dreamed they could actually get. Gunn said, "Ellen Page was at the very top of our list to play Libby and Liv Tyler was at the very top of our list to play Sarah." And Wilson added, "We literally had this discussion where we said we need an Ellen Page type and a Liv Tyler type, and at a certain point we just said, 'Why don't we send them the fucking script?'"
On her role as Libby, who becomes the Crimson Bolt's sidekick Bolty, Page explained:
She's a lunatic and Libby definitely has got some issues. She's definitely a sociopath hinging on psychopath. Unlike [my] character in Hard Candy who's definitely terrifying because she sees something wrong to do with the world and is willing to do something about it, whereas Libby is ready to kill someone because they maybe keyed their friend's cars.
Rainn Wilson mentioned that the two share a scene that is creepily close:
We had a very special scene where Ellen and I were intimate somewhat against my will. Let's just say her character LIbby has her way with my character Frank. And it's kind of awesome and kind of icky.
Gunn quipped, "Mostly icky."
Michael Rooker jokingly said he was so disappointed that he didn't get to kill anyone in this movie that he went home and cried. He didn't even work with Ellen Page, although he claimed he "watched her from afar." He said he plays a sad character who doesn't do much except eat lots of Good n' Plenty.
And Nathan Fillion? We only saw a single shot of him in the trailer, but he explained that his long-haired superhero is the Holy Avenger, with the power of "charisma" - that's with a "ch" like "church," because he combines a magnetic personality with church-like holiness. In the movie, he's a character on a TV show who appears to Rainn Wilson in visions and becomes his "mentor." Finally, when asked the all-important question, the original Captain Tightpants confirmed that in this movie: "The pants...the tightest."
Super looks completely terrific, and we'd honestly expect nothing less from the guy who made Slither, working with a cast that's this amazing. Consider this an official declaration: We cannot wait to see this movie.
(Unfortunately, there aren't any images out yet for Super, so we went with the last Rainn Wilson/Ellen Page movie, Juno, for our top image.)


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Article excerpted from a 10/2/2013 article by Matthew Dolan (WSJ.com)
Auto makers have used crash-test dummies to simulate stresses and strains on human forms from big men to tiny women. Now, it's Fido's turn.
The nonprofit Center for Pet Safety in Reston, Va., has teamed up with auto maker Subaru to run preliminary tests on 11 pet safety belts.
The goal: To figure out which pet restraints work well enough to earn a seal of approval from pet-advocacy groups, which the center hopes will one day set national safety standards.
This summer at a private product-testing lab in Virginia, seven of the 11 pet harnesses underwent crash testing. The center designed some of the world's first crash-test dogs, simulating a 25-pound terrier mix, a 45-pound border collie and a 75-pound golden retriever.
The final results, expected to be released this week, weren't encouraging. Sleepypod's Clickit three-point safety harness was the only restraint that consistently kept a dog from launching off the seat. It was also the only one judged to offer substantial protection to all passengers, dog included, in the event of an accident.
Subaru says it will soon offer Sleepypod's Clickit Utility Harness as an accessory in its vehicles.
The Center for Pet Safety, which says it doesn't receive any funding or free products from the pet-device industry, is in the first stages of trying to establish a uniform standard to judge all pet restraints.
"It establishes a good baseline," said Sean Kane, a noted auto-safety researcher with Safety Research & Strategies, who reviewed the study at The Wall Street Journal's request. The variations in test-dummy size were particularly important, he noted, since larger dogs consistently fared worse in the tests.
An untethered pet can create a safety hazard. Pet advocacy group Bark Buckle Up argues that unrestrained pets act like missiles in accidents, endangering passengers and themselves. In one calculation by motorist-advocacy group AAA, even a 10-pound unrestrained dog in a crash at only 30 miles an hour will exert roughly 300 pounds of force.
Law-enforcement groups say an injured or disoriented pet thrown from a car crash can turn violent or impede rescue efforts.
Several pet-restraint manufacturers say consumers should be cautious of these early test results. The firms say they crash-test their products at accredited facilities. The devices, however, aren't tested by the American Pet Products Association, the federal government, traffic-safety groups or other product-safety groups.
"Our members are continuously striving to develop products that enhance the lives, health and safety of pets," says Bob Vetere, chief executive of the American Pet Products Association, who says he hopes consumers will continue using pet restraints.
Nearly 90% of U.S. pet owners say they travel with their pets, but few strap them in, despite recommendations from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and others. Some 17% of drivers surveyed in a 2011 AAA study admitted driving with a pet on their lap.


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- Natalie Portman for Dior
- Badgley Mischka Pumps
- Beautiful Pink Details
- Valentine's Day Post
- Bow Inspired
- Sweet Reminder
- Little Blue Dream
- Merry Christmas
- Thoughtfully...
- Hairstyle Inspirations
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- The Last Sitting with Marilyn
- Miss Spacerider
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- Miu Miu Love
- Vogue Archive Collection
- Beauty Infusion
- A Bit of Glamour
- Maria Lucia Hohan Atelier
- Valentino Haute Couture Fall
- Summer & Wine
- A Tiny Summer Cottage
- A Summer Afternoon Nap
- Marianne Taylor Wedding Photography
- Macaron Love
- Kaftan Love
- Very Monroe
- Bathroom Bliss
- Thoughtfully...
- Welcome June
- Beautiful Ballet
- My Birthday Post
- Chateau Mcely dream destination
- Monday Flowerbomb
- Carrie On...
- For Mom
- Jamie Nelson Photography
- White Inspired
- Wonderland of Dora Abodi
- Paris Breakfasts
- Viktor & Rolf Floral Platforms
- H & M Home
- Happy Easter
- Happy Valentine's Day
- Blumarine Dream
- Nina Ricci Spring 2010 Spring Campaign
- Early Valentine
- Beautiful Reminder
- Hairy Tale
- Joanna Kustra Photography
- Get Cozy...
- Badgley Mischka Pink Satin Dream
- The Final Masterpiece
- Happy New Year
- Hairess
- Loving Norway
- Christmas Chic
- Holiday Glam
- The Beauty of December
- Friday Night Inspiration
- 100th Post
- Broken Embraces
- Eniko Mihalik
- Beautiful Monday
- Little Things That Make Me Happy
- Dior Haute Couture Fall 2009
- Light and Fantastic
- My Dirty Laundry
- Definitely want these...
- I Love May
- My Birthday
- Lovely Arts from Etsy
- Weekend Bunny
- Pirelli Calendar 2008
- Mamma Mia - for Mother's Day
- My Mom
- Hair, hair, hair
- Sex and the City
- Hong Kong Shopping
- My Weekend Wish
- Vanity Fair's Year in Pictures 2008
- Beautiful Morning Coffee
- Thursday Chic
- Barbie turned 50
- The Vanities Girls
- Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura
- Will Ferrell - Heidi Klum
- Valentine's Day is coming
- The first one...
Please respect intellectual property rights by providing links, citing sources, and crediting inspiration where appropriate: all of the images on Absolutely Ladylike were sourced, edited & formatted specifically for this site. Please do not use anything without linking back to Absolutely Ladylike
Thursday, March 3, 2011
6:44 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Sometimes I wonder: will I ever get tired of pink? While this lovely color provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love you have to be careful with pink when it comes to home decor. I adore these delicate pink details, especially the smart and pretty laundry room. What do you think?
I hope your Thursday is fabulous.
All images via shelterness.com
Labels: Beautiful Home, Mademoiselle Pink | 221 comments
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
8:10 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
I almost don't believe those cold winter days are finally over and the time of awakening is upon us. While it's still pretty cold here in China and I'm celebrating these first days of March with a little flue, I've found out Michelangelo, Frederik Chopin, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Strauss and Albert Einsten were all born in this wonderful month...
...along with these very talented and inspirational ladies such as Liza Minnelli,Chaka Khan,Aretha Franklin,Diana Ross,Celine Dion and Glenn Close. I love them all! Do you?
I hope your week is going smoothly...
Images: Samantha & Kristina by Amber Gray for Marie Claire China February 2011 via here
Friday, February 25, 2011
11:43 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Thank you so much for stopping by on Absolutely Ladylike this week. It's been a great week for me and I enjoyed so much getting back to my regular blogging habits, visiting your pages and reading your kind comments. May your weekend be filled with love, tulle and macaroons and don't forget that weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless...
Happy Weekend and see you Monday.
Two beautiful bride inspired post: Vera Wang Bridal Collection, Backstage at Monique Lhuillier. A great DIY post for tea lovers: High Tea Inspiration. A chic post inspired by the 50s Fashion and a beautiful sketch from Danny Roberts.
Labels: Candy Shop, Daily Inspirations, Mademoiselle Pink | 46 comments
Thursday, February 24, 2011
9:59 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Badgley Mischka satin peep toe pumps discovered via The Cinderella Project
Labels: J'adore, Shoooes | 30 comments
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
1:57 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Jimmy Choo has launched its first fragrance early this year, imagine femininity, luxury, and style...bottled. I had no chance to try this perfume yet but it contains Tiger Orchid, sweet Toffee and Indonesian Patchouli which sounds heavenly to me and so far I love the stylish bottle which has been inspired by the opulence of Murano glass. Any thoughts or experience on this one?
I hope your week is going smoothly dear ladies.
Jimmy Choo sale here
Labels: Beauty, The List | 22 comments
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
11:26 AM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Don't you just adore these pretty and feminine details from the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2011 catalogue? That dress on the first image is pure perfection and oh so ladylike...
Check out more images from this campaign here.
My favorites from Guess with lovely bow details: Guess - Signature Kisslock Clasp Frame Bag, Guess - Small Satchel Bag, Guess - Small Patent Tote. Two classy and fabulous choice: David & Scotti - Medium Leather and Suede Zip Top Tote Bag, Coccinelle - Pleated Patent Canvas Tote Bag. A unique and exciting one: David & Scotti - Knit Raffia and Nylon Shoulder Bag. A dramatic ruby red: L.A.P.A. - Ruby Red Patent Leather Tote Bag and a timelessly elegant one: Bric's - Tan & Cream Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag.
Images: Anne Vyalitsyna by Mark Segal via here.
Labels: Bag Envy, Fashion, The List | 38 comments
Monday, February 21, 2011
3:32 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
I've arrived safely to China on Friday. My flight was nice and I just had a delightful weekend in Shanghai. Yesterday I reached my final destination Ningbo and now I can't wait to catching up with you. I hope you had a nice and relaxing weekend. Don't forget, the first days of spring is just a month away...
I hope you love this flowery editorial from Harper's Bazaar China. Much love: Evi
Images: Cecilia Cheung for Harper's Bazaar China February 2011 by Feng Hai via here
Labels: Daily Flowerbomb, Mademoiselle Pink, My Stuff | 21 comments
Thursday, February 17, 2011
9:38 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
I discovered this gorgeous pink lotus leaf collar wool coat via the lovely Lace & Tea. I'm happy winter is soon over but I wouldn't mind investing in a piece like this...
S I D E N O T E : Thank you so much for the nice Valentine's Day messages, I am traveling to China today and will catch up with you next week!
Discovered via Lace & Tea
Labels: Dangerously Gorgeous, Fashion, J'adore, Mademoiselle Pink | 45 comments
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
3:11 AM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Hello Angels. I hope you had/you're having a lovely Valentine's Day. Don't you just love this delicate dress on Olivia Palermo? Does anyone know the brand of the dress? I would say it's Lanvin but I'm not sure...and of course it's a Valentino dress...on Valentine's Day...I just couldn't plan this any more perfect.
A dramatic white silk-satin gown by Rachel Gilbert and a fun and feminine dress with an oversized bow by Sonia Rykiel. I'm absolutely in love with this beautiful sheer cream lace dress from Leaves of Grass and with this elegant black dress from Notte by Marchesa. Check out this fun feather silk - faille dress from Jason Wu and this gorgeous silk dress with an exciting open back from Alberta Ferretti.
Image: Olivia Palermo for Vanidad via The Vogue Diaries
and thanks to Little Rus for fill me in with the details about the dress.
Labels: Dangerously Gorgeous, Fashion, Mademoiselle Pink, The List | 38 comments
Sunday, February 13, 2011
5:18 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Instead of a juicy quote about love I wishing you Happy Valentine's Weekend with this beautiful editorial from 2004 featuring Natalia Vodianova. I will celebrate Valentine's Day next weekend when I'm back in China and I'm planning to seduce myself & Him with this stunning raspberry cream cheese pan crepes - thanks to Martina.
Any romantic plans for tomorrow?
Images: Natalia Vodianova by Glen Luchford via here
Saturday, January 29, 2011
5:39 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
May your weekend be filled with little pink bows, lots of love and hot chocolates /do you think pink chocolate will ever be invented?/. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such nice thoughts on this page, you are truly sweetening my days dear friends.
Be happy, be safe and think pretty. See you next week.
Check out Angelina Jolie's exquisite wardrobe in The Tourist. A beautiful Paris Wedding Inspiration & a lovely Think Pink post. Don't miss out on the prettiest and most delicious Raspberry Hearts ever & a glamorous ad campaign with Scarlett Johansson.
First image David Oldham via Lisa Eldridge.com other images via We ♥ It
Friday, January 28, 2011
6:33 AM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
I adore this ad campaign with the beautiful Natalie Portman, she look so innocent and cute. Have you seen her in Black Swan? What an intoxicatingly beautiful story, it's definitely a must see. I hope your week was going smoothly my dears, the weekend is almost here and I miss you greatly!
Image: Natalie Portman by Tim Walker via here
Sunday, January 23, 2011
3:04 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.
Happy Weekend Darlings!
Images via The Alternative Wife.
Labels: Daily Inspirations, Fabulous Quotes, For Fun | 33 comments
Saturday, January 22, 2011
6:19 AM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
White lace...hmmm...can you go wrong with it? Yes, you absolutely can but obviously it's not the situation in this case. When I first discovered this beautiful editorial with Constance Jablonski "I couldn't help but wonder": exactly how many days we have left until spring is officially here? Cause I just can't wait...
...and thank God there is only 58 days to go...
Images: Constance Jablonski for Vogue Spain, February 2011 via here
Friday, January 21, 2011
2:04 AM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
"What could be more beautiful than a dear old lady growing wise with age? Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it. " B R I G I T T E B A R D O T
S I D E N O T E S : I'm sorry for the lack of posts. I'm so busy, but this period will be over in a couple of weeks and then I'll update Absolutely Ladylike more often. Until then I'll try my best with the updates, thanks for understanding it and thanks for the sweet comments. I miss you greatly and I can't wait to catching up with you. Much love: Evi
Images via here
Labels: A Cup of Grace, Fabulous Quotes, Famous and Fabulous | 24 comments
Thursday, January 13, 2011
7:50 PM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
My favorite Hungarian designer Makany Marta recently released a book called: Eskuvo /Wedding/ and I just attended on its press conference yesterday. The beautiful book is a wonderful guide for every bride, contains great advices from the designer about how to pick the perfect wedding dress. The event was stylish and lovely just like Marta's creations /and Marta herself/ and I've got my precious copy signed by the designer. I'm happy to announce that Makany Marta and Absolutely Ladylike will have several collaboration in the future and we have some fabulous surprises for you - including a giveaway.
Check out my other posts about Makany Marta here & here. I hope you're having a great week, I'm busy and excited and I can't wait to catch up with you.
Images: Photography by Peter Lang images courtesy of Makany Marta
Labels: Fashion, Hungarian Essences, J'adore, My Stuff | 53 comments
Sunday, January 9, 2011
5:06 AM | Posted by Absolutely Ladylike | Edit Post
...bubble bath, a good book, cozy fire place, these are the things I'm currently dreaming of...and this weekend I painted my dreams blue. Thank you so much for stopping by and warm welcome to new readers. You left some seriously nice messages and I just want you to know that I'm incredibly grateful and happy for those.
Have a lovely weekend and see you soon. Cheers: Evi
I love the Top Newcomers Spring 2011 Series from Danny Roberts and I adore this beautiful maternity shot from Hajni Nagy photographer. At last a gorgeous editorial from Yuval Hen photographer. Enjoy.
Images: First image by Robert Erdmann via Lisa Eldridge. Second image via Layla Grayce. Third image via We ♥ It. Fourth and last image via The Alternative Wife.
Labels: Daily Inspirations | 50 comments
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Like the idea of the ROUSH Propane-powered Ford F-150 and F-250 but need better compatibility with playgrounds and free candy? We give you the ROUSH Propane-Powered Ford E-250. Prepare to jam Econoline with propane.
Just like the F-150 and ROUSH F-250 Propane, the E-250 uses Ford's 5.4-liter V8 and a retrofitted propane tank. Running the van on propane results in 18% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 20% less nitrous oxide, 60% less carbon monoxide and no performance compromises. Of course, none of that matters if you're running a fleet of work vehicles and just want to cash in on cheap propane. We also hear young girls dig environmentally friendly vehicles, just sayin'. You know, if they don't want the candy.
The conversion carries a $8,995 premium, but qualifies for a $4,500 federal tax credit. Propane is typically cheaper than gas, especially if your fleet is buying it in bulk and fleet users can qualify for a further 50 cents per gallon tax credit on that fuel. Check out our review of the ROUSH F-150 Propane for full details on how all this works.
The press release follows:
ROUSH and PERC Shift Focus to Existing Green Technology to Make Biggest Impact Now
ROUSH® Performance, with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), today introduced two new alternative fuel vehicles available through Ford dealers in the United States and Canada.
The 2010 ROUSH propane-powered Ford F-250 and 2010 ROUSH propane-powered Ford E-250 both achieve lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions due to the use of propane as an engine fuel. On average, propane fleet vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent; create 20 percent less nitrous oxide; produce up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide; and fewer particulate emissions, compared to conventional gasoline. These vehicles follow the introduction of the ROUSH propane Ford F-150 in 2007.
In development for three years, the new low-carbon, propane-powered vehicles will meet strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications, ensuring availability in all 50 states.
The introductions put ROUSH at the front of the "green-collar revolution" in Detroit, namely because of the decision to focus on propane which, as an alternate fuel, is available right here, right now.
"By focusing on propane, ROUSH has been able to engineer green technology that is proven to reduce emissions now," said Jack Roush, chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. "And the upside is that we are hoping to add nearly 100 new green-collar jobs."
According to PERC CEO and President Roy Willis, propane is already the most widely used alternative fuel on roads today, powering 10 million vehicles around the world. "Of all available alternative fuels," said Willis, "propane offers the best mix of vehicle range, durability, and performance. And the nationwide propane infrastructure can readily and affordably be expanded to provide easy access to refueling stations for fleets and the public."
The Ford F-150, F-250 and E-250 are based on the 5.4L, 3-valve Ford V-8 powertrain, each using a ROUSH liquid propane injection fuel system, including new fuel rail assembly and fuel injectors. The propane trucks sustain no loss of horsepower, torque, or towing capacity as compared to a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
With F-250 deliveries anticipated to start in the third quarter, ROUSH will make this vehicle available in two forms. Customers can choose either a complete ROUSH-assembled 2010 F-250 with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty or conversion kit that fits the 2009 and 2010 trucks. The additional cost for a ROUSH-assembled F-250 is $8,995 and qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $4,500. At the pump, propane prices per gallon are normally lower than gasoline or diesel, and with the proper infrastructure in place, a fleet user can qualify for a 50-cent tax credit per gallon consumed.


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This is not an offer for credit and should be used for estimation purposes only based on the information you provided. You should not base your decision on this estimate alone. Title, registration, tax and other fees, and personal circumstances such as employment status and personal credit history, were not considered in the calculations.
Our Dyna kit takes the legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycle and adds a beautifully integrated Champion Trike conversion. In just a few weeks, freedom is within your reach. With enhanced stability, and a far greater carrying capacity, this Champion Conversion is the only option when it comes to converting your motorcycle into a trike.
Kit prices may vary depending on your vehicle model.


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Jimenez, Torres growing, learning with Cubs
Teenage top prospects work on English, baseball at instructional league
MESA, Ariz. -- When Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres return home from the Cubs' instructional league, the two prospects will have a better understanding of what to expect in professional baseball and know how to ask for a glass of water in English at a restaurant.
Jimenez and Torres are both 16 years old, and were ranked No. 1 and 3 on MLB.com's list of top 30 international prospects. Both signed this summer with the Cubs, part of the team's international shopping spree.Jimenez is a 6-foot-4, right-handed-hitting outfielder from the Dominican Republic who agreed to a $2.8 million deal; Torres, a shortstop, was the top prospect out of Venezuela, and signed for $1.7 million.
Players included on the instructional league roster are either recent Draft picks or international signees, such as 19-year-old Taiwanese pitcher Jen-Ho Tseng, or players whom the Cubs' staff felt needed more at-bats and innings. They conducted drills, played games, fine-tuned their defensive and hitting skills, while also climbing mountains together and holding their own "American Idol" competition and a mini-Olympics. The Cubs' camp ends Saturday at Fitch Park.
Jimenez and Torres have both played in top junior programs in their countries, but the month-long instructional league was their first taste of life in the U.S. as a professional baseball player.
"They're not raw in their physical abilities, it's just being raw to the United States, how things are run," said Anthony Iapoce, the Cubs' Minor League hitting coordinator. "As far as the way they play the game, they're pretty advanced for 16 years old. They're not raw as far as their tools. Their tools are in place."
Jimenez had been to the U.S. for baseball tournaments, but this was Torres' first visit. It is the longest both teens have been away from home, and it's Ray Fuentes' job to help them assimilate and learn how to survive. The Latin players take half-hour English classes every day after practice at the hotel, which Fuentes monitors as the coordinator of culture programs for the Cubs. Both Jimenez and Torres said baseball is far easier to learn than English.
Fuentes works not only on their language skills, but he also teaches what can best be described as coaches' speak.
"We sit together in games, and we do kind of a play-by-play announcing of the game in English so they can learn phrases and the words," said Fuentes, who a few coaches called the "MVP" of the instructional league. "I'll take them to eat sometimes, and they have to order and learn how to ask for a menu, ask for water."
Jimenez and Torres do not room together; the Cubs made an effort to pair a Latin player with one from the U.S., which benefits both. They can learn about each other's music, food preferences and clothing styles as well as baseball.
"Their talent is incredible," Fuentes said of Jimenez and Torres. "We were taking batting practice the other day, and one of the American players, who is probably 22 or 23 [years old], [was watching] I believe it was Gleybar hitting, and the kid said, 'At 16 years old, I was a sophomore in high school and I was going to geometry class, and this kid is in professional baseball and outhitting some of us.' It's amazing what they're doing."
Jimenez is an impressive athlete. He started playing baseball when he was 9 years old in the Dominican. He loves basketball and was playing both sports, but he began to focus primarily on baseball when he was 12 or 13, he said.
"God blessed me with the talent to play baseball," Jimenez said.
One of the Cubs' area scouts, Carlos Reyes, told Jose Serra, the director of the team's Dominican Republic operations, about Jimenez, and then the bidding began. Jimenez said three or four teams had a strong interest in him.
"I followed the Cubs and grew up with the Cubs," said Jimenez, who was a fan of fellow Dominican countrymen Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou.
Torres started playing baseball when he was 4 years old, and his role model was Venezuelan shortstop Omar Vizquel. They have met a few times, but Torres didn't have much of a chance to speak to the 11-time Gold Glove Award winner. Torres is about six feet, but still growing. So is Jimenez.
"Sitting next to [Jimenez], I'm like, 'This guy is really strong for 16 years old,'" Iapoce said. "Their swings are clean and short and direct to the ball. They're very balanced in their setup and their swing. It's just a matter of getting them accustomed to the organization and expectations as far as what we have for every player who is with the Chicago Cubs. We just have to get them in as many game situations as possible, because the only way they can get experience is by playing."
Fuentes is Cuban, but was born and raised in Miami. He knows how difficult it is to adjust to the U.S., especially with language challenges.
"I played baseball at a young age, and Spanish was my first language," Fuentes said. "When I was growing up, my mother barely spoke English, and my grandmother, who was living with us, didn't speak any English."
He hasn't talked to the two teens about their past.
"I try to teach them along with English, how they can make a life here in the United States," Fuentes said. "I tell them, 'Never forget where you're from, never forget your country, but you don't have to live that lifestyle. You can live here, bring your family.'"
Jimenez was one of the fortunate kids in the Dominican, and he had a glove to use while growing up. He has many friends who had to cut off milk cartons, because that was all that was available.
"Thank God I had a great family that provided for me," Jimenez said. "With the help and grace of God, hopefully, in the future, I can eliminate some of that [poverty] in the Dominican."
Playing in the Major Leagues is a dream both Jimenez and Torres share with the 50 other players in instructional league this fall. How soon do the teens think they'll be playing at Wrigley Field?
"With God leading the way, I have a goal," Jimenez said. "If I can be there in three and four years, it would be great."
Torres' answer was similar.
"When God wants me to be there, I'll be playing there, and hopefully, it's sometime in the next four years," he said.
Both teens smile easily and laugh. They are humble and talented, and the Cubs are banking on both having bright futures.
"It still comes down to a guy working and wanting to be good at something," Iapoce said, "and at 16 years old, when their English is starting to get better already, it's a good sign that they're pretty good workers and they're learners. That's what I've noticed about these two guys. For such a young age, they're learners. They want to get better at everything, and not just baseball."
That's good news for the Cubs.


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Venue: Rising Silo Farm Brewery, Blacksburg
Organizations: Mist on the Mountain
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Time: 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Event Types: Music
Cost: Free
Rising Silo Farm Brewery presents an Irish Jam with Mist on the Mountain & Friends on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
Join us for a monthly jam session with Mist on the Mountain and friends filling your soul with traditional music of the Scots-Irish emigrants who settled the New River Valley and influenced the history of the Appalachian and bluegrass tunes you know today.
Sit-ins welcome, bring your instrument, your open ears and tapping toes.
Mist on the Mountain is an Irish Traditional Music group based in the New River Valley of southwest Virginia. From lively jigs and reels to heartbreaking laments and rollicking ballads, Mist on the Mountain provides great Irish music for any occasion.
• http://www.irishinthenrv.org/mist-on-the-mountain/
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mist-on-the-Mountain/319482284761876
Note: There will also be a Square Dance from 5:00-7:00 pm at Rising Silo.
Relax on the patio of Blacksburg's only farm brewery to the taste of craft local brews and kombucha.
A warm and hearty meal prepared by the farm kitchen, Tabula Rasa, is available by cash donation, and supplied by products of Glade Road Growing, Strong Earth Farm and Hoof Hearted Farm LLC and all your favorite local growers and crafters!
Tips encouraged for musicians, there is no cover fee.
Rising Silo Brewery is a family-friendly, dog friendly vibe and all are welcome.
For more information, visit: http://www.risingsilobrewery.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/risingsilobrewery or call 540-750-0796.
Want to hear the latest on what's happening with local events in the New River Valley?
Click here to Sign-up for our Email Newsletter.
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Giants ink Colvin to Minor League deal
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Looking to bolster their outfield depth and increase competition, the Giants signed Tyler Colvin to a Minor League contract Saturday. Colvin is expected in big league camp Sunday.
Colvin hit 20 home runs for the Cubs in 2011, his first full season in the Majors, and 18 with an .858 OPS in just 420 at-bats for the Rockies in '12.
"I've always liked his bat and the pop from it," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's an experienced player with a good bat. We're glad to have him here to give us some depth. He'll be in the mix."
Colvin fell on hard times last season, when he spent most of the year in Triple-A or on the disabled list. The left-handed hitter had a .160 average in 27 games with Colorado.
Colvin, 28, agreed to a Major League deal with the Orioles on Jan. 15. But Baltimore backed off after a physical apparently revealed back issues.
Tightness in his back cut short Colvin's 2013 season, but he said he feels good now.
"I know how my body feels. For somebody to tell me otherwise ... I'm ready to go," Colvin said. "I hurt it in Triple-A. Honestly, I just didn't stretch after a long rain delay. I got healed up and played one game, and that's when I got designated [for assignment]."
Colvin will wear No. 88 during Spring Training, a reminder of the work left to do.
"It definitely gives me something to work for," Colvin said. "Being No. 88 in camp is motivation to make the team and not [just] get noticed, but get back to where I was."


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Part Number: CVS12S10
10-inch reduced-size vacuum/squeegee head for hard to reach tight and narrow areas.
This optional reduced size squeegee head is designed for wet vacuuming in hard to reach tight and narrow areas. The 10' width is perfect for cleaning stair treads. And, it fits easily behind tight hard to reach restroom and kitchen fixtures.
Many users have found that its narrow size works great on countertops, partitions and other flat surfaces. Using it is as easy as removing the existing squeegee head and replacing it with this tool.
- Provides instant access to heavy duty bristled floor brush when wet vacuuming floors.
- Ideal for cleaning trouble spots on restroom and kitchen floors.
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10-inch reduced-size vacuum/squeegee head for hard to reach tight and narrow areas.
The 28-inch wide squeegee head with bristled floor brushes on the back side eliminates time wasted changing tools while cleaning floors. It's perfect for high-speed cleaning of kitchens, dining areas, hallways and other large floor spaces. Using the brush is as simple as flipping the swivel head to instantly access the heavy duty bristles. In addition, the swivel head makes it easy to reach under low obstacles to clean hard to reach areas. And, the sturdy, robust aluminum wand provides extra strength for bearing down when needed.
The patented 28-inch wide-area squeegee head is designed for high-speed wet vacuuming of large floor areas, like kitchens, hallways, lobbies, big restrooms, gyms, fitness facilities, athletic mats and more.
Instantly transform your standard Kaivac vacuum wand into a carpet and matting extraction tool.
Kaivac's quick-connecting stainless steel extraction wand instantly transforms a No-Touch Cleaning system into a CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) Silver-rated carpet extractor. It includes dual spray nozzles for deep industrial carpet cleaning and water removal. Now, users can clean carpets and tight areas without a dedicated extraction machine.
This wide-area dry vacuum tool eliminates the need for dust mopping and improves indoor air quality.
Kaivac's innovative new DryVac accessory makes No-Touch Cleaning even more convenient and cost-effective, eliminating the need to purchase or transport an additional vacuum cleaner.
Low-Cost high-speed rotary nozzle delivers the power of a truck mount on a portable 500 psi Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning system.
Optional spray gun featuring an extended lance and specialized nozzle for a powerful rotary spray pattern for 500 psi systems. Perfect for blasting tough soils at point-blank range.
Optional spray gun featuring a specialized nozzle for a powerful rotary spray pattern for 500 psi Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning system. Makes the chemical-free process even faster.
This portable dolly can turn your KaiVac 2150 into a janitor's cart on wheels. It's even capable of holding two Slim Jim cans or a 40 gallon square Brute can for added space.
Blast ground in dirt from grout lines and more with this tool.
Air-driven beater bar powered by vacuum airflow, not electricity.
Lightweight in-line bristled brush designed for spotting grout lines while wet vacuuming.
This patented tool provides instant chemical injection, making No-Touch Cleaning very practical and fast in small and mid-size restrooms.
Squeegee head with bristled floor brush on the back side eliminates time wasted changing tools while cleaning floors. *Does not include vacuum wand.
Large capacity, heavy duty bag carries tools and supplies. Holds up to two dozen standard rolls of toilet paper.
This quick connecting upholstery tool features stainless steel construction and allows you to spot clean irregular upholstered surfaces such as furniture and carpets. It's also great on certain hard surfaces like desktops, cafeteria chairs and tables.
Kai-leidoscope Newsletter SubscriptionClose


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Review: 2013 Ford Fusion gets a major reboot in style, tech arenas
Mid-size sedans aren't exactly a sexy segment of the automobile market.
But with their redesigned 2013 Fusion, Ford definitely is trying to make a move away from the ho-hum and expand the appeal of this type of vehicle.
I recently tested a Fusion, and am back with a full report, on everything from the design upgrades to the bevy of technology improvements that it sports.
If you're seen previous Fusions, it's a safe bet this one won't be very recognizable in comparison. There's an overall more sleek look to the vehicle, the grille looks flashier, and it didn't look or feel like your usual grocery-getter vehicle.
It's been a while since the Fusion was overhauled. The most recent change came in 2010, when they added a hybrid version to the Fusion lineup. But this new model goes far beyond that.
Samantha Hoyt, Fusion brand manager, said this 2013 model is "a clean sheet of paper," which the only carry-over being one of the engine options.
"The 2013 Fusion is all new," Hoyt said. "Our designers worked together to come up with what we thought would be an exciting design for the mid-size segment; which has been a little bit boring. You often get features, but not design, or the reverse. There was no reason you couldn't have both. Fusion was going to be one of the main features of our product line revolution"
The inside of the Fusion was spacious and comfortably designed.
My test vehicle featured leather seats, which is an upgrade from the base model. (For those on a budget, the Fusion starts off at about $22,000 for a model with automatic transmission and cloth seats).
The trim levels offered start at S, which is your basic trim level with no frills.
Then you reach the SE level, where you can begin to choose from all the powertrain options, can add leather and more technology options. (The only feature not available at this level is all-wheel drive).
The top level offered is the Titanium level, which is a more sporty package. Here, you can get all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels; There is a Sony sound system offered, plus HD Radio, reverse sensing (standard); rear camera (standard); an available spoiler; aluminum brake and accelerator pedals and more.
The base version of the Fusion comes with 16-inch wheels. On SE level, you get 17-inch wheels but can option up to 18-inch wheels. And on Titanium, you start at 18 and can move up to 19.
There are 8 powertrain options to choose from on the Fusion, and 9 different wheel packages.
This is one area where the Fusion makes giant steps in its new version. Fusions before this model did not have the MyFordTouch option, just the basic Sync program.
Now, in all Fusions, Sync is standard but you can upgrade to MyFordTouch.
Here's the difference, for those who haven't used these systems. With the Sync only, you can make phone calls via voice and control your music with your voice. But you're not going to have all the other features that come with MyFordTouch. For example, Sync features something called SyncServices, which will send directions to your car, but you won't get the full detailed map like you would with MyFordTouch. With Sync only, you don't get the large center screen that serves as the hub of your in-vehicle experience with MyFordTouch.
MyFordTouch lets you control more things with your voice (climate, navigation), and it adds the large touchscreen in the centerstack, which also can serve as the place you'll view your rear camera. Navigation will be shown in detail on the screen, and it's overall a very well set-up program.
You can even see and hear texts from your phone with MyFord Touch if you have a compatible phone.
You won't find any physical buttons here. You'll either be using the touchscreen or the embedded buttons below it, which are responsive to the touch.
There has been some bad press in recent years about MyFordTouch from prominent publications, but my experiences with the system has been largely positive. Sure, it doesn't always work perfect, but in the grand scheme of in-car vehicles that I've tested, while it may be the absolute best it's definitely nowhere near the worst. Just like any system people first try out, it takes some getting used to, but the learning curve is pretty swift.
The Fusion features 2 configurable 4.2-inch clusters that will show you all the info you want to know about the vehicle and how it's operating. You can get your mpg information, trip details, and much more.
On the hybrid version of the Fusion, you get a brake coach, which helps you figure out how to drive more fuel-efficiently.
One area where Ford maybe went a little too far, by their own admission, is in the overhead lighting on the Fusion. It has capacitive windows instead of physical buttons, so if you barely touch them they switch on the lights. There have been some concerns about oversensitivity, so there will likely be a return to physical buttons on future versions of the Fusion.
There are more sensors on the vehicle, allowing for better driver assistance technologies.
Among the most notable options is the Lane Keeping System, which will help steer the vehicle into your lane if you are about to go into the next lane accidentally.
The vehicle monitors your driving, and if the car senses you are driving impaired or drowsy, it suggests you stop for a cup of coffee; So how does this work?
"The car uses a forward-looking camera mounted just below the rear-view camera, which sees like a human sees, looking for the lane markers," Hoyt said. "When it feels like you're leaving the lane without a turn signal, if you drift, you'll get haptic feedback by a rumbling of the steering wheel. If you have it set to AID, it will steer itself gently back into the lane. If you slowly change lanes without a turn signal, car will resist you."
This is by no means a unique or new technology in the grand scheme of car tech, but it's a welcome addition to the Fusion lineup, and isn't a feature that you'll find offered on every vehicle out there. It's very helpful, and technology of this nature no doubt will prevent a lot of accidents on our roadways as it becomes more prevalent in new vehicles.
One feature offered on the Fusion is start/stop technology, which will help improve your fuel mileage in cities by turning off the car as you sit at stop lights.
There are times this won't happen, because there's no A/C or heat when it shuts down. So if it's colder than 40 degrees or hotter than 80 degrees, this won't happen. But between 40 and 80, it's gonna happen.
It will save you up to 10 percent in fuel costs, according to Ford. Even if it's only half that, that's not too bad.
Speaking of fuel mileage, the numbers here are good but not great.
I got about 25 mpg in my time with the vehicle, which was mostly in the city. That's in line with the company's numbers (combined 28; 24 city; 37 highway)
If you're really interested in mpg, you'll want the hybrid version of the Fusion, which lists at 47 MPG.
You get AM/FM radio on the Fusion, plus 6 months free satellite radio offered (monthly fee after, but I'm a fan of satellite due to lack of commercials and bigger variety). Satellite is offered only on SE and Titanium trim levels.
You can also listen to music via the USB and SD card slots on the Fusion, and if you attach your phone wirelessly you can stream Bluetooth music to the Fusion.
In case of emergency, Sync has standard 911 assist. This means that if your phone is paired if you have an accident, the car will call 911 and use GPS to find you even if you can't talk to the police. The car will also put on hazards in this scenario.
The Fusion I tested featured a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine with 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
The ride in my test Fusion was smooth and responsive, and while it wasn't the most powerful engine out there, I wouldn't call it low on power either. It was a happy medium, fitting for a mid-size car.
In addition to the voice commands, the Fusion steering wheel features the standard gauntlet of controls on the steering wheel that you can use to keep your hands on the wheel -- including the voice button; volume controls, radio station controls and cruise control..
One common refrain heard from Ford lately is EcoBoost, but what exactly does it mean for their engine program?
Hoyt explained: "All of the auto manufacturers are being pushed more and more to increase fuel economy. There are improvements we can make on the regular gas engine. EcoBoost means you downsize the engine, give it more air, get it to give out comparable power and torque but also get better fuel economy. We have EcoBoost engines from F-150 down to the Fiesta."
When you see the side mirrors on the Fusion, you'll notice a little mirror within the mirror to help you see your blind spots. This is a standard feature on the Fusion.
There are 8 airbags in the Fusion, a standard alarm system, emergency brake assist (which prevents 'runaway car' issues, overriding accelerator if it's out of control); and adaptive cruise control -- which means the brakes are ready to go full force if you get cut off.
Sales have been swift so far for the 2013 Fusion, particularly in Detroit, but who is the target audience?
Hoyt said that this is the type of vehicle that doesn't necessarily have to have one kind of customer.
"Fusion was designed with everyone in mind, but we want to appeal to people who have a real sense of style, someone who likes great brands but doesn't want premium prices, who wants quality and value."
Hoyt said the hybrids are particularly popular, selling in about 10 days. Also, coming this month will be the Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid version of the Fusion.
A new demographic is being targeted, too, Hoyt said.
"We want it to appeal to everyone, but the technology is bringing in a younger buyer -- average age has dropped by about 4 years, which is good, as we need to appeal to a wider demographic."
The base version of the Fusion comes in around $22,000, but if you go the Titanium route and deck it out with all the trimmings, you'll be topping $32,000 for your total price.
It's not the most powerful mid-size vehicle or the best on gas mileage, but Ford still has presented a strong and affordable option with the Fusion, which features impressive technology offerings inside and a sleek new design that makes it not-your-average mid-size vehicle.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea, as there is some strong competition in this segment from both domestic and foreign automakers, but if you're in the market for a mid-size ride, the Fusion is definitely worth a spot on your list of vehicles to test-drive.
For more information on the 2013 Ford Fusion, visit www.ford.com.
Matt Myftiu can be reached at email@example.com or 248-745-4617. Follow him on Twitter @MattMyftiu or become a fan of the Facebook page "OPTechTime".
Check out his blog at realtechtime.blogspot.com.


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The Northeast's Endless Winter
Jersey Shore
From June to November of last year, this stretch of New Jersey coast was packed with beach goers and sweating wannabes. There also was barely a wave over chest high. But being the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde surf spot, it's been going off every week through this frigid winter.
Sam Hammer
Sam Hammer surfed for the East Coast in Mexico the last time the X Games featured surfing. This winter he's had far more tubes than that trip to Puerto Escondido, of course, the water temp isn't nearly as warm. There's always a price to pay.
Maine Peak
Normally, you'd rush to get one or two before the crowd. During this winter in Maine, that won't likely be a problem.
Fisher Heverly
Fisher Heverly would have had to fight the crowd for days at Pipe to get a wave like this. As it was on the Outer Banks, he only had to wrestle with his wetsuit (and sanity).
Jersey Illuminated
It's not all black, white, and gray. Sunset in New Jersey can be grand ... then it goes back to black, white, and gray.
Surf, Walk, Repeat
Paddle, surf, drift, walk, repeat. New Jersey's Rob Kelly, Ryan Mack, and Andrew Gesler doing laps.
Maine Local
It's not like you see people flying from Florida or California for these epic swells in the northeast. The only interlopers this year are from way north.
Another Day At The Beach
This photo says it all. Air temp: 29, Water temp: 33, Wind: West at 40 knots. Conditions: Moderate to heavy snow. Almost sounds like a ski report.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Leave it to tourists to miss out on the most beautiful day of the year at Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Mike Gleason
"I don't mind the cold. As long as there is surf, it doesn't bother me. I actually prefer it, because like big surf, the cold is crowd control," says Mike Gleason, seen here pulling into New Jersey's version of Backdoor Pipeline.
Maine Surf Check
Yes, people surf in these conditions.
Danny Callahan
This drop would be far more pleasant if the water didn't look like chocolate milk and Danny Callahan wasn't wearing five millimeters of rubber. But he'd also be wondering if he was dropping in on someone, while having someone drop in on him. Cold water does have its benefits.
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Ten Ways to Make a Difference
Excerpted from Ethics into Action, Oxford, 1998, pp. 184-192
The whole forward thrust of the movement Henry has created rests on his shoulders. If Henry disappears tomorrow, there's an interesting question as to how much of it will survive, how much will be nipped in the bud, how much will be lost by there not being some mechanism in place for someone else to pick up that mantle. In the time that I have talked to Henry, he has never come to grips with the issue of who is going to carry on in his footsteps and continue fighting the fight the way he fought it. [1]
This comment was made by Barnaby Feder, who profiled Henry for the New York Times Magazine. But Henry doesn't see the continuation of his work in terms of grooming individuals to take over from him. In many interviews, and in articles he has written himself. Henry has described the methods he has used to bring about change. His methods are what count, not who uses them. The following key points are, therefore, set out here so that others can continue to fight as he has done, whether for animals or for the oppressed and exploited more generally. [2]
1. Try to understand the public's current thinking and where it could he encouraged to go tomorrow. Above all, keep in touch with reality.
Too many activists mix only with other activists and imagine that everyone else thinks as they do. They start to believe in their own propaganda and lose their feel for what the average person in the street might think. They no longer know what is achievable and what is a fantasy that has grown out of their own intense conviction of the need for change. Henry saw this in the Socialist Workers Party, where members were so used to the Marxist- Trotskyist framework that they all accepted that they lost contact with the real world in which they were trying to make a revolution. As Henry put it: "You need to have a crap detector rotating all the time."
Henry grabs every opportunity to talk to people outside the animal movement. He'll start up a conversation with the person sitting next to him on a bus or train, mention an issue he is concerned about, and listen to their responses. How do they react? Can they feel themselves in the place of the victim? Are they outraged? What in particular do they focus on?
2. Select a target on the basis of vulnerabilities to public opinion, the intensity of suffering, and the opportunities for change.
Target selection is crucial. Henry knows that he can run an effective campaign when he feels sure that, as he said about the New York state law allowing laboratories to take dogs and cats from shelters, "it just defies common sense that the average guy in the street would say, 'Hey, that's a real neat thing to do.'"
You know that you have a good target if, by merely stating the issue, you put your adversary on the defensive. During the museum campaign, for example. Henry could ask the public: "Do you want your tax monies spent to mutilate cats in order to observe the sexual performance of crippled felines?" The museum was immediately in a very awkward position. Cosmetic testing made another good target, because you only had to ask, "Is another shampoo worth blinding rabbits?" to put Revlon officials on the defensive.
Keeping in touch with reality is a prerequisite for selecting the right target: If you don't know what the public currently thinks, you won't know what they will find acceptable and what will revolt them.
The other elements of point 2 suggest a balance between the good that the campaign can do and its likelihood of success. When Henry selected the cat experiments at the American Museum of Natural History as his first target, he knew that he would directly affect, at best, about sixty cats a year—a tiny number compared to many other possible targets. But the opportunity for change was great because of the nature of the experiments themselves and the location and vulnerability of the institution carrying out the experiments. In 1976, it was vital for the animal movement to have a victory, no matter how small, to encourage its own supporters to believe in the possibility of change and to gain some credibility with the wider world. With that victory gained, Henry began to give more weight, in choosing his targets, to the amount of suffering involved. Even so, that was never the dominant consideration. If you multiply x by y, but y = 0, then no matter how large x may be, the product will also be 0. So, too, no target should be chosen without considering both the amount of suffering and the opportunities for change.
3. Set goals that are achievable. Bring about meaningful change one step at a time. Raising awareness is not enough.
When Henry first took an interest in opposing animal experimentation, the antivivisection movement had no goal other than the abolition of vivisection and no strategy for achieving this goal other than "raising awareness"—that is, mailing out literature filled with pictures and descriptions of the horrors of vivisection. This was the strategy of a movement that talked mainly to itself. It had no idea how to get a hold on the levers of change, or even where those levers might be located. It seemed unaware of its own image as a bunch of ineffective cranks and did not know how to make vivisection an issue that would be picked up by the media. Henry's background in the civil rights movement told him that this was not the way to succeed:
One of the first things that I learned in earlier movements was that nothing is ever an all-or-nothing issue. It's not a one-day process, it's a long process. You need to see the world—including individuals and institutions—as not being static but in constant change, with change occurring one step at a time. It's incremental. It's almost like organic development. You might say, for instance, that a couple of blacks demanding to be seated at a lunch counter really doesn't make a hell of a lot of difference because most of them don't even have the money to buy anything at a lunch counter. But it did make a difference, it was a first step. Once you take that first step and you have that same first step in a number of places, you integrate a number of lunch counters, you set a whole pattern, and it's one of the steps that would generate the least amount of resistance. It's something that's winnable, but it encourages the black struggle and it clearly leads to the next step and the next step. I think that no movement has ever won on the basis of all or none. [3]
Some activists think that accepting less than, say, the total abolition of vivisection is a form of compromise that reduces their chances of a more complete victory. Henry's view is: "I want to abolish the use of animals as much as anybody else, but I say, let's do what we can do today and then do more tomorrow." [4] That is why he was willing to support moves to replace the LD50 with tests like the approximate lethal dose test, which still uses animals, but far fewer of them.
Look for targets that are not only winnable in themselves, but where winning will have expanding ripple effects. Ask yourself if success in one campaign will be a stepping stone toward still-bigger targets and more significant victories. The campaign against Revlon is an example: Because it made research into alternatives respectable, its most important effects have been felt beyond Revlon and even beyond the cosmetics industry as a whole.
While raising awareness is essential if we are to bring about change, Henry does not usually work directly at raising awareness. (His advertisements against meat are an exception.) Awareness follows a successful campaign, and a successful campaign will have achievable goals.
4. Establish credible sources of information and documentation. Never assume anything. Never deceive the media or the public. Maintain credibility, don't exaggerate or hype the issue.
Before starting a new campaign. Henry spends several months gathering information. Freedom of information legislation has helped enormously, but a lot of information is already out there, in the public domain. Experimenters report their experiments in scientific journals that are available in major libraries, and valuable data about corporations may also be a matter of public record. Henry is never content simply to quote from the leaflets of animal rights groups, or other opponents of the institution or corporation that he is targeting. He always goes to the source, which is preferably a publication of the target itself, or else a government document. Newspapers like the New York Times have been prepared to run Henry's advertisements making very specific allegations of wrongdoing against people like Frank Perdue because every allegation has been meticulously checked.
Some organizations describing experiments will conveniently omit details that make the experiments less shocking than they would otherwise appear. They may, for example, neglect to tell their readers that the animals were anesthetized at the time. But those who do this eventually lose credibility. Henry's credibility is extraordinarily high, both within the animal movement and with its opponents, because he regards it as his most important asset. It is therefore never to be sacrificed for a short-term gain, no matter how tempting that may be at the time.
5. Don't divide the world into saints and sinners.
When Henry wants to get someone—a scientist, a corporate executive, a legislator, or a government official—to do something differently, he puts himself in the position of that person:
[The question to ask yourself is:] If I were that person, what would make me want to change my behavior? If you accuse them of being a bunch of sadistic bastards, these people are not going to figure, "Hey, what is it I could do that's going to be different and make those people happy?" That's not the way the real world works.
Being personally hostile to an opponent may be a good way of letting off steam, but it doesn't win people over. When Henry wanted to persuade scientists working for corporations like Procter & Gamble to develop nonanimal alternatives, he saw their situation as similar to that of people who eat animals:
How do you change these people's behavior best? By saying you've never made a conscious decision to harm those animals. Basically you've been programmed from being a kid: "Be nice to cat and doggy, and eat meat." And I think some of these researchers, that's how they were taught, that's how they were programmed. And you want to reprogram them, and you're not going to reprogram them by saying we're saints and you're sinners, and we're going to clobber you with a two-by-four in order to educate you.
As Susan Fowler, editor of the trade magazine Lab Animal at the time of the Revlon campaign, put it:
There is no sense in Henry's campaign of: "Well, this is Revlon, and no one in Revlon is going to be interested in what we are doing, they're all the enemy." Rather ... he looks for—and kind of waits for, I think— someone to step out of the group and say: "Well, I understand what you're saying." [5]
Without this attitude, when Roger Shelley came along ready to listen to what Henry wanted Revlon to do, the opportunity to change the company's approach could easily have been missed.
Not dividing the world into saints and sinners isn't just sound tactics, it is also the way Henry thinks. "People can change, " he says. "I used to eat animals and I never considered myself a cannibal." [6]
6. Seek dialogue and attempt to work together to solve problems. Position issues as problems with solutions. This is best done by presenting realistic alternatives.
Because he doesn't think of his opponents as evil. Henry has no preconceptions about whether they will or will not work with him to reduce animal suffering. So he opens every campaign with a polite letter to the target organization—whether the American Museum of Natural History, Amnesty International, Revlon, Frank Perdue, or a meatpacker—inviting them to discuss the concerns he has. Sometimes Henry's invitations have been ignored, sometimes they have received an equally polite response from a person skilled in public relations who has no intention of doing anything, and sometimes they have led directly to the change he wanted without any public campaigning at all. But the fact that he suggests sitting down to talk about the problem before he does any public campaigning shows that he isn't just stirring up trouble for the fun of it, or as a way of raising funds for his organization.
Henry puts considerable thought into how the person or organization he is approaching could achieve its goals while eliminating or substantially reducing the suffering now being caused. The classic example of an imaginative solution was Henry's proposal to Revlon and other cosmetics manufacturers that they should fund research into alternatives to the Draize eye test. For more than a year before his campaign went public, Henry had been seeking a collaborative, rather than a confrontational, approach with Revlon. In the end, after the campaign finally did go public, Revlon accepted his proposal and, together with other companies, found that for a very small expenditure, relative to their income, they could develop an alternative that enabled them to have a more precise, cheaper form of product safety testing that did not involve animals at all.
Having a realistic solution to offer means that it is possible to accentuate the positive, instead of running a purely negative campaign. In interviews and leaflets about the Draize test, for example. Henry always emphasized that in vitro testing methods offered the prospect of quicker, cheaper, more reliable, and more elegant ways of testing the safety of new products.
It is always possible to find a positive side if you look hard enough, though it may not be one that will appeal to everyone involved on the other side. There was nothing Henry could propose that would appeal to the cat researcher Lester Aronson, who had spent decades mutilating animals and was too near the end of his career to try something different. But Aronson could not continue to experiment without the support of the American Museum of Natural History and the National Institutes of Health. The interests of the museum and of the NIH were not the same as Aronson's. Henry sought to split his adversaries by arguing that the pointless cruelty of the cat research was actually turning sensitive young people away from the life sciences. Closing Aronson's lab would be an opportunity to put the museum's research funds into something creative and respectful of life, which could inspire people to choose a career in biology. The problem was to convince the museum and the NIH that this really was a better outcome. To do so, Henry had to generate problems for them. For the museum, those turned out to be the prospect of continuing bad publicity and threats to its public funding. For the NIH, it was pressure from Congress that could have had an impact on its overall budget. With such negatives in the offing, the previously spurned positive solution of closing the lab and funding different kinds of research started to look more attractive.
In terms of offering a positive outcome, the difference between the campaigns against the cat experiments and those against the Draize test was one of degree, not kind. If your tube of toothpaste is blocked, whether you will be able to get any toothpaste out of it will depend on how badly blocked the tube is and on how much pressure is exerted on it. So, too, whether an institution or corporation will adopt an alternative will depend on how negatively it views the alternative and how much pressure it is under. The more realistic the alternative is, the less pressure will be needed to see it adopted.
7. Be ready for confrontation if your target remains unresponsive. If accepted channels don't work, prepare an escalating public awareness campaign to place your adversary on the defensive.
If point 6 is about making it easy for the toothpaste to come out of the tube, point 7 is about increasing the pressure if it still won't come. A public awareness campaign may take various forms. At the American Museum of Natural History, it started with an article in a local newspaper, then it was kept up by pickets and demonstrations, and finally it spread through the national media and specialist journals like Science. The Revlon campaign went public with a dramatic full-page advertisement in the New York Times, which itself generated more publicity. The campaign continued with demonstrations outside Revlon's offices. The Perdue and face-branding campaigns relied much more heavily on advertising and the use of the media. Advertising takes money, on which, see point 8.
8. Avoid bureaucracy.
Anyone who has been frustrated by lengthy committee meetings that absorb time and energy will sympathize with Henry's desire to get things done rather than spend time on organizational tangles. Worse still, bureaucratic structures all too often divert energy into making the organization grow, rather than getting results for the cause. Then when the organization grows, it needs staff and an office. So you get a situation in which people who want to make a difference for animals (or for street kids, or for rain forests, or for whatever cause) spend 80 percent of their time raising money just to keep the organization going. Most of the time is spent ensuring that everyone in the organization gets along with one another, feels appreciated, and is not upset because he or she expected to be promoted to a more responsible position or given an office with more windows.
Henry has been able to avoid such obstacles by working, essentially, on his own. That isn't a style that will suit everyone, but it has worked well for Henry. Animal Rights International has no members. It has a long list of advisers and its board consists of trusted close friends whom Henry can rely upon for support without hassles. Henry doesn't need a lot of money, but he does need some. He has been fortunate in finding two donors who support him regularly because they like to see their money making a difference.
When Henry needs more clout, he puts a coalition together—as he did on the repeal of the Metcalf-Hatch Act, in fighting against the Draize and LD50 tests, and now, to persuade McDonald's to take a leading role in improving the welfare of farm animals. Since his early success at the American Museum of Natural History, other organizations have been eager to join his coalitions. At their height, these coalitions have included hundreds of organizations, with memberships in the millions. Here, too, though, Henry keeps hassles to a minimum. Organizations are welcome to participate at whatever level they wish. Some get their supporters out to demonstrate or march, while others don't. Some pay for full-page advertisements, and others ask them to write letters to newspapers, where they may reach millions without spending a cent. What no organization can do is dictate policy. Henry consults widely, but in the end, he makes his own decisions, thus avoiding the time-consuming and sometimes divisive process of elections and committee meetings. Clearly, in the case of major disagreements, organizations have the option of leaving; but if the coalition is making progress, organizations will generally swallow the disagreements in order to be part of a successful team.
9. Don't assume that only legislation or legal action can solve the problem.
Henry has used elected representatives in his campaigns to put pressure on government agencies and to gain publicity. But the only campaign in which he achieved his aim through legislation was the repeal of the Metcalf-Hatch Act. Here, since bad legislation was the target of the campaign, he had no choice. Otherwise, as far as he can. Henry stays out of conventional political processes and keeps away from the courts: "No congressional bill, no legal gimmickry, by itself, will save the animals." No doubt there are other situations, and other issues, on which legislation will make a difference. But on the whole, Henry sees laws as maintaining the status quo. They will be changed only in order to keep disturbance at a minimum. The danger of getting deeply involved in the political process is that it often deflects struggles into what Henry calls "political gabbery." There is a lot of talk, but nothing happens. Political lobbying or legal maneuvering becomes a substitute for action.
10. Ask yourself: "Will it work?"
All of the preceding points are directed toward this last one. Before you launch a campaign, or continue with a campaign already begun, ask yourself if it will work. If you can't give a realistic account of the ways in which your plans will achieve your objectives, you need to change your plans. Keeping in touch with what the public is thinking, selecting a target, setting an achievable goal, getting accurate information, maintaining credibility, suggesting alternative solutions, being ready to talk to adversaries or to confront them if they will not talk—all of these are directed toward creating a campaign that is a practical means of making a difference. The overriding question is always: Will it work?
1. Barnaby Feder, videotaped interview with John Swindells, Chicago, November 1996.
2. The ten points that follow draw on Henry Spira, "Fighting for Animal Rights: Issues and Strategies," in Harlan B. Miller and William H. Williams, eds., Ethics and Animals (Clifton, NJ: Humana Press, 1983), pp. 373-377, and Henry Spira, Strategies for Activists: From the Campaign Files of Henry Spira (New York: Animal Rights International, privately circulated in 1996), esp. p. 3.
3. "Singer Speaks with Spira," Animal Liberation, January-March 1989, p. 5.
4. Ibid., p. 6.
5. Susan Fowler, videotaped interview with author. New York, December 1996.
6. "Singer Speaks with Spira," p. 5.
Utilitarian Philosophers :: Peter Singer :: 'Ten Ways to Make a Difference'


text:
A European crossroads between the Vosges and the Rhine
Between the Germanic and Latin worlds, Alsace is a mosaic of hills, mountains and plains, dotted with castles, vineyards and traditional villages like Riquewihr and Hunspach. The Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges is perfect for hiking, as is the Regional Natural Park of North Vosges.
A region passionate about its history
Alsace is firmly anchored in modern Europe. The region has a number of towns full of character, which are among the most beautiful in all of France and have preserve a strong identity based on a particular way of life.
In the charming city of Strasbourg, which is home to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, lovers may stroll along the banks of the river in the Petite France neighborhood, while culture buffs may explore the many museums including the Strasbourg Fine Arts Museum.
The city of Colmar also promises a trip that is filled with discoveries, from the cultural wealth of the Unterlinden Museum to the picturesque charm of the town of Little Venice, and the medieval 16th-century Maison Pfister.
There is also the city of Mulhouse, which hosts the National Automobile Museum, Train City railway museum and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Alsace recounts the ups and downs of its history within the Vauban Museum, the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, the Hohlandsbourg Castle, as well as at the Mont Sainte-Odile Monastery.
Alsace specialties
The Alsace region is also the home of gourmet specialties, one more appetizing than the next. The history of gingerbread is the focus of the Museum of Ginger Bread and Folk Art as well as the Ginger Bread Palace. The winstubs (Alsatian restaurants), particularly those awarded Alsace Stars, offer traditional menus with dishes like the kouglof, the baeckeofe, the tarte flambée, (flammekueche) and dishes made with the famous Munster cheese. The Alsace Wine Route along with the Museum of Vineyards and Alsatian Wines reveals the secrets and flavors of the sylvaner, pinot blanc, noir or gris, riesling and gewürztraminer, Not forgetting the beer and brasseries.
A medley of events
The region's traditions of gastronomy and craft-making are often on display at one of the many outdoor fairs: The Alsace Wine Fair, The Mulhouse Fair, and the Strasbourg European Fair. This rich medley of events culminates with the grand Strasbourg Christmas Market, the oldest in France. In fact, during the Advent, the magic of Christmas takes over all of Alsace under Saint Nicolas' tutelage.
Passionate about art and culture? The International Festival of Colmar, Léz'arts scéniques, or Pisteurs d'étoiles will thrill you. Alsace is also ideal for family outings: the Eagle Park or Monkey Mountain appeal to both children and adults.
Unique gastronomy, world famous wines, charming villages, wonderful hospitality: Alsace has the very best to offer, all within a beautiful setting.
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© Shigeru Ban Architects Europe et Jean de Gastines Architectes, avec Philip Gumuchdjian pour la conception du projet lauréat du concours / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Philippe Gisselbrecht
Rendez-vous at Centre Pompidou-Metz
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Point of interest
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Rendez-vous in The Vaisseau
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The Alsace vineyard
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Vignobles & Découvertes: Coeur d'Alsace
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Rendez vous at the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle


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"By teens, for teens," the 5,000-square-foot Teen Central is located on the 4th floor of Burton Barr Central Library.
Reserved for teens between the ages of 12 and 18, Teen Central offers high-speed Internet-accessible computers, areas for reading and study, a "living room" with a drop-down screen where movies are shown, an art gallery and a great collection of books, CDs and DVDs.
The Library Teen Council meets regularly to discuss issues, plan events and help shape library service for teens.
Teen Central also offers workshops for teens, ranging from poetry slams to web design.


text:
Ted Kennedy And Baseball
Just a quick trip back in time, to 1964, after the late Senator had broken his back in a plane crash, in route to accepting his nomination for his first full term. Two of these figures are instantly recognizable – the one at the far left has chops particularly relevant here… try to ID them all before reading the caption below.
Got him yet?
One more line and the quiz ends, regardless.
Johnny Pesky – just before or just after his two-year tenure as Red Sox manager ended; legendary Celtic star and then announcer Tom Heinsohn, coach-GM Red Auerbach, coach-GM (and 20-year star center) Milt Schmidt of the Bruins, and Heinsohn's teammates Bill Russell and Bob Cousy.
Russell – who basically does not do interviews unless he truly wants to – came on with us after the Kennedy Funeral service in Boston, which is not at all a tribute to the interviewers, but rather to the man whose funeral he attended this morning and early afternoon – who just happened to have thrown out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park this April. And that is baseball history, too. Kennedy's grandfather, Mayor John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald threw out the first pitch at the first Red Sox opening day ever at Fenway, in 1912.
4 Comments
Supposedly Senator Kennedy did a terrific imitation of Honey Fitz, that if you were a Kennedy boy, you HAD to be able to do it. I read that he said the most nervous he had been in years was when he got to throw out the first pitch on opening day at Fenway this year.
It used to be that members of Congress would go to Washington Senators games together. They would actually talk. That's one of the reasons that Kennedy was a successful legislator–and I don't mean that as a political comment because this blog is not for politics; I mean that he got things passed, and the same could be said of people on both sides of the aisle. Maybe if we could make these guys sit and watch ball games together, they would get a little more done! There's nothing like baseball to fix what ails you.
I saw your interview with Bill Russell today and it blew me away. As a kid, I knew the name Bill Russell before I knew the name Ted Williams or Carl Yastrzemski. Bill Russell. He was the first sports figure I ever heard about as a child. My biggest regret is never having seen him play. I turned a corner in my office lobby about 2 years ago and there standing in front of me was Russell. I had heard that he wasn't too friendly so I decided not to say anything to him. Well, he looked down at me, smiled and said hello. I will never forget it.
And your interview with him today, what a surprise to see him come on the screen. I had no idea about his relationship with Ted Kennedy. It bowled me over.
Your coverage these last fews days has been so gracious. I can't help think of the Ted Kennedy know one bothered to get to know. By 1968, Ted had lost 3 brothers, 1 sister and his father had suffered a stroke. After Bobby died, it all fell to Ted. He was just 36 years old. So for all his frailties and joys, Ted was a man who had never forgotten his roots – he had learned from a very young age through his mother, father and grandfather the prejudices so prevalent in our society, but especially right here in Boston. So he carried the torch not for his brothers, but instead for those who had no one to lead them, whether they be immigrants, veterans, the poor, the working class and minorities. He knew instinctively his responsibility as a Senator. Someone nailed it perfectly today – we learned through Ted that life isn't about perfection, it's about growing and reaching out to people. That life is not Camelot. Ted knew that life was full of pain and suffering and prejudices. And so he never walked away. He never gave in. He stayed to the very end, facing head on each and every uphill battle. And we are today are better country because of him. May Senator Kennedy RIP. He will be greatly missed.
Ted Kennedy and Bill Russell. Very poignant.
I agree with 1948Braves. Your coverage of Ted Kennedy's passing was gracious, and eloquent. Your compassion comes through very clearly when you speak.
I love hearing about the history of the game, and when you talked about Christy Mathewson recently, I almost felt like I was there – and I wanted to be. I'd love to tour the Baseball Hall of Fame someday, but I think it would be far more interesting if you were my tour guide. 🙂 You have a way of bringing things to life.
Thank you.
One would imagine that Mayor Fitzgerald has heard a lot about the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox from his grandson. Hopefully that news will inspire the Mayor and the other Royal Rooters to sing a few choruses of "Tessie".


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ALFRED — The defense and the judge aren't happy with delays in the trial of the business partner in a prostitution scandal at a Zumba studio. Prosecutors aren't happy, either, after the judge dismissed 46 of 59 charges.
But the unhappiest group of all may the remaining members of the jury pool, who were hidden away in the courthouse basement over four days of proceedings last week.
"They hate waiting," said jury expert Valerie Hans of Cornell University Law School. "I'm thinking jurors would rather be in a courtroom listening to really challenging and difficult testimony rather than just waiting around."
The four-day jury selection in the trial of Mark Strong Sr. moved in fits and starts last week with delays caused by a pair of appeals to the state supreme court. It was unclear whether the process would resume for a fifth day on Monday.
Strong's lawyers pleaded with the judge to speed things along Friday after prosecutors appealed the judge's decision to dismiss 46 charges. They feared that the jurors could make Strong the target of their frustration when the trial gets under way in earnest.
"There's no doubt they could take it out on him," defense lawyer Tina Nadeau told the judge in York County Superior Court.
Strong, 57, of Thomaston, was originally charged with 59 misdemeanor counts including conspiring with dance instructor Alexis Wright who's accused of using her Kennebunk dance studio as a prostitution front.
Prosecutors say prostitution clients were videotaped without their knowledge, and the dismissed charges related to invasion of privacy. The remaining 13 counts focus on prostitution.
The first delay came Thursday when the Portland Press Herald sued over the judge's closed-door questioning of more than 140 potential jurors. The state supreme court ordered the judge to conduct the process in open court.
Remaining members of the jury pool reported back to duty Friday, only to be sent home again because of the state's appeal of the dismissal of charges.
It was unclear when, or if, the state supreme court planned to schedule arguments on the latest appeal. Until then, the jury selection remains on hold.
Hans, a Cornell law school professor who has surveyed jurors on their experiences, said the judge in such cases can appease prospective jurors by keeping them updated on the proceedings, and explaining the importance of their job.
Even then, prospective jurors and jurors have limits to their patience, though she said there's no research to suggest that they'd punish a defendant for wasting their time.
As for the prospective jurors, they're off-limits to reporters, so no one really knows what they're thinking.
Strong, a married insurance agent, has acknowledged having a physical relationship with Wright after helping her launch her Pura Vida fitness studio by co-signing her lease and loaning her money that she repaid with interest. He said he never paid her for sex and was unaware of any prostitution.
Police said Wright videotaped many of the encounters without clients' knowledge and kept records suggesting the sex acts generated $150,000 over 18 months.
Wright faces 106 counts including prostitution and invasion of privacy for acts performed in her dance studio and in a rented office. She'll be tried later.
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