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Tuesday's Tip – Knit and Crochet Easily with Coned Yarn
Coned yarns aren't just for weaving! Yarns wound onto a cone are wonderful to knit and crochet with. They generally come in fairly large quantities, which means fewer joins and weaving in ends. The only tricky part can be getting the yarn off the cone easily while you're working with it. You could put the cone on the floor, but your seat may not be high enough to be effective. A great solution is to run the yarn over a tall object so it glides off the cone easily.
Here, I used a tall computer monitor, but a desk lamp would work really well too. If you haven't worked with coned yarns before, you can try the Valley Yarns 496 Greenway Shawl knit in Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel (Colrain Lace) and Valley Yarns 456 Sumac Berry Shawl crocheted in Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk.
- Tuesday's Tip – Keeping Track of Alternate Increase Rounds - March 25, 2014
- Tuesday's Crochet Tip – Finger Crochet - March 18, 2014
- Tuesday's Crochet Tip – Turn a Doily Pattern into a Rug - March 11, 2014
Tags: crochet tips, knitting tips, Tuesday's Tip, yarn, yarn tips


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Benefits for professional members
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the professional member. This interaction between the culinary professional and non-professional is what distinguishes the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs from other organizations.
The professional Plaque
To signify Professional membership in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and to provide immediate recognition of an establishment of exceptional quality and excellence, selected Professional members display our prestigious brass plaque.
It serves to distinguish the Chaîne as a leading international gastronomic society and to respect the values on which our society is based.
Publicity and promotional opportunities
In the Revue Internationale de la Chaîne, the society's annual magazine with a 21,000 copy print run circulated to the worldwide membership.
Professional ranks
In keeping with the traditions of the ancient Guild of Rôtisseurs, our society has established a series of distinctive titles and decorations. The titles bestowed upon incoming culinary professionals depend upon their current role in their organization.

subset: commoncrawl


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After accumulating evidence via the Freedom of Information Act that showed the Environmental Protection Agency conducted disturbing experiments that exposed humans to inhalable particulates the agency has said are deadly, sound science advocate Steven Milloy has sued the federal government.
The trials, which were carried out at EPA's Human Studies Facility at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, exposed subjects to fine particulate matter (called "PM2.5") at extremely elevated levels for up to two hours at a time. EPA's Web site on particulate matter and its 2009 "Summary of PM2.5 Risk Estimates," stated, "an examination of cause-specific risk estimates found that PM2.5 risk estimates for cardiovascular deaths are similar to those for all-cause deaths…." Also, in July 2011 EPA stated in the Federal Register announcement of its Cross-State Air Pollution Rule that "a recent EPA analysis estimated that 2005 levels of PM2.5 and ozone were responsible for between 130,000 and 320,000 PM2.5-related and 4,700 ozone-related premature deaths…."
And to cap it all, last September EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, "Particulate matter causes death. It doesn't make you sick. It's directly causal to dying sooner than you should."
But in descriptions more tangible than statistical, the experiments conducted by EPA's North Carolina doctors sound like something out of World War II-era Germany.
"EPA obtained their PM2.5 from a diesel truck," explained Dr. David Schnare, a former EPA litigator who is now director of American Tradition Institute's Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit in Virginia. "It is difficult to overstate the atrocity of this research.
"EPA parked a truck's exhaust pipe directly beneath an intake pipe on the side of a building. The exhaust was sucked into the pipe, mixed with some additional air and then piped directly into the lungs of the human subjects. EPA actually has pictures of this gas chamber, a clear plastic pipe stuck into the mouth of a subject, his lips sealing it to his face, diesel fumes inhaled straight into his lungs."
Among other things, the lawsuit demands that:
· EPA to be barred from conducting illegal life-and health-threatening experiments
· A formal investigation of EPA's human experiments
· Regulations based on the illegal experiments to be suspended pending an investigation
"In the context of rules established after scientific horrors of World War II and the Tuskegee syphilis experiments," Milloy said in a press release announcing the lawsuit, "the notion that EPA would pipe high levels of PM2.5 and diesel exhaust into the lungs of unhealthy people to see what would happen is simply appalling."
In June Milloy filed a complaint with the North Carolina Medical Board that accused three doctors in the state – two employed by EPA (Dr. Andrew Ghio and Dr. Wayne Cascio) and one by the University of North Carolina (Dr. Eugene Chung) – of intentionally exposing test subjects to PM2.5. In his letter he outlined the details of EPA's outrageous activities to the board's president.
"During these experiments," Milloy wrote, "the study subjects were intentionally exposed to airborne fine particulate matter ("PM2.5") at levels ranging from 41.54 micrograms per cubic meter to 750.83 micrograms per cubic meter for periods of up to two hours."
Milloy alleged the three doctors violated EPA standards of conduct in human research as well as the Hippocratic Oath. Based upon information he obtained via FOIA, Milloy learned that experiments were conducted on 41 subjects. Of those, one experienced atrial fibrillation – a 58-year-old obese woman with a history of health problems and family history of heart disease – and another developed an elevated heart rate. Both returned to normal breathing and heartbeat function within two hours, according to an EPA report.
Among the requirements established by EPA, researchers must minimize risk to subjects and risks must be reasonable compared to anticipated benefits. Since EPA has already determined that PM2.5 is lethal and can cause death within hours of breathing it from the diesel truck's exhaust pipe, no apparent benefit could have been derived from the research. Test subjects must be fully informed of the risks involved, and studies with "risk of substantial injury to a human subject" are not to be approved except in extremely rare cases that are approved by higher agency authorities. Milloy – who received 3,500 pages of documents responsive to his FOIA request – alleges the test subjects were never told that their health, or lives, were imperiled.
Milloy, who publishes the Web site Junkscience.com, has created a special Internet site for the case called EPAHumanTesting.com. The site archives extensive details, which include historical context about the legal and proper conduct of scientific experiments on human beings, in addition to copies of the documents he received and correspondence with government officials about the case.
"That EPA administrator Lisa Jackson permitted this heinous experimentation to occur under her watch shocks the conscience," said Milloy.
Paul Chesser is an associate fellow for the National Legal and Policy Center and publishes CarolinaPlottHound.com, an aggregator of North Carolina news. He was also director of communications last year, and a senior fellow for part of this year, for the American Tradition Institute, which filed the lawsuit representing Steve Milloy.


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- Related Links
- Student Life Contacts
- Counseling Center
- Facilities
- Student Health
Taylor University is a community of Christians intentionally joined together for academic progress, personal development, and spiritual growth. Taylor's mission is to develop servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ's redemptive love, grace, and truth to a world in need. Together we seek to honor Him by integrating biblical faith and learning while our hearts and lives embrace the process of maturing in Christ.
The Taylor community consists of those who, in furtherance of our mission, are living together in intentional, voluntary fellowship, aware that we are called to live our lives before a watching world. Although primarily centered on the Upland campus, this community is not defined by geography, but rather by active engagement in the Taylor educational mission.
The Life Together Covenant (LTC) identifies the expectations for living in community as we seek to fulfill our mission. It is impossible to create a community with expectations totally acceptable to every member. Nevertheless, certain responsibilities and expectations must be specified to assure orderly community life. When individuals join the Taylor community, they freely and willingly choose to take upon themselves the responsibilities and expectations outlined in this covenant. The University Expectations are not intended to measure spirituality or to promote legalism. Nevertheless, Galatians 5:13–14 reminds us that while we were called to be free, our freedom is best used when we serve one another in love. (Romans 14:1–23; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13, 10:23–33)
A foundational support for the Life Together Covenant is the Taylor University Statement of Faith. The Statement of Faith affirms that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative word of God, and it provides the essential teachings and principles for personal and community conduct. The Statement of Faith also affirms the presence of the Holy Spirit in every believer; God, through the Holy Spirit, places in every believer the inner resources and attributes to minister to others through supportive relationships.
We glorify God by loving and obeying Him. Because we are commanded to love one another, relationships and behaviors which reflect such love confirm our allegiance to God and are glorifying to Him. (Matthew 22:36–40; John 15:11–14; Romans 15:5–6)
Living in daily fellowship with other Christians is a privilege and an expression of God's will and grace. In recognition of this privilege, great value is placed on the quality of relationships in our community. We acknowledge that we are living in a fellowship where we are dependent on and accountable to one another. The New Testament word for fellowship is koinonia, which is translated as a close mutual relationship, participation, sharing, partnership, contribution, or gift. Members, therefore, are encouraged to seek opportunities to demonstrate koinonia. (1 Corinthians 12:12–31; Ephesians 4:1–6)
All persons are created in the image of God, and each person is known by God and knit together in the womb with intentional design. God's attention to creative detail is uniquely applied in each person in whom is given the capacity to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. The commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves reminds us of our potential to minister to others while at the same time recognizing our own need for care and support. (Psalm 139:13–14; Mark 12:29–31; 1 Corinthians 6:19)
Within our community, the greatest expression of fellowship and the highest principle for relationships is love. Since God first loved us, we ought to demonstrate love toward one another. (1 John 3:11, 16, 18; 4:7–21) For the purpose of our community, we have identified the following specific expressions of love as being among the most desirable.
Building Up One Another: We expect each member of the community to strive consciously to maintain relationships that support, encourage, and build up one another. (Romans 15:1–2)
Making Allowance for One Another: Because of our fallenness, difficulties in relationships do occur. In such cases, we are to respond with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, making allowance for each other and forgiving one another. (Colossians 3:12–13)
Caring for One Another: We are responsible to come alongside those experiencing grief, discouragement, illness, tragedy, or other personal trials. Expressions of bearing one another's burdens include comfort, encouragement, consolation, and intercession. (Galatians 6:2)
Respecting One Another: Because of the God-given worth and dignity of persons, each member of the community is expected to be sensitive to the image of God created in every person. Therefore, discrimination against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, gender, or disability is not acceptable. Any kind of demeaning gesture, symbol, communication, threat, or act of violence directed toward another person will not be tolerated. (Colossians 3:11–14; 1 John 3:14–18)
Speaking the Truth in Love: A community such as ours can be strengthened by speaking the truth to each other with love. Problems in relationships and behavior can be resolved constructively by confronting one another in an appropriate spirit. If the welfare of the one being confronted is paramount and if the confronter is motivated by and acting in love, the process can produce growth. (Ephesians 4:15)
Reconciliation, Restoration, and Restitution: Healing broken relationships is necessary for a healthy community. When relationships have been harmed, regardless of the reason, individuals are expected to reach out to one another, forgive one another, restore relationships, and make restitution. (Matthew 5:23–24; 18:15–17)
Attributes of the Heart: Scripture gives us mandates for daily living through the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. (Exodus 20:2–17; Matthew 5–7) In addition, Scripture teaches that certain attributes are available to individuals through the Holy Spirit. These attributes include: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22–24 NIV) This "fruit of the Spirit" is to be sought, encouraged, and demonstrated in our relationships. We are also called to live lives characterized by peace and holiness. (Hebrews 12:14)
In contrast to encouraging these positive attributes of the heart, Scripture condemns injustice and attitudes such as greed, jealousy, pride, lust, prejudice, and hatred. Although these attitudes are sometimes difficult to discern, they can hinder relationships with God and others and lead to unacceptable behavior. (Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 4:31; Micah 6:8)
Prohibited Behaviors: Certain behaviors are expressly prohibited in Scripture and therefore are to be avoided by all members of the community. They include theft, lying, dishonesty, gossip, slander, backbiting, profanity, vulgarity, crude language, sexual immorality (including adultery, homosexual behavior, premarital sex, and involvement with pornography in any form), drunkenness, immodesty of dress, and occult practice. (Mark 7:20–23; Romans 13:12–14; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11)
Academic Integrity and Truthfulness: As a Christ-centered University community, we apply biblical responsibilities for honesty to all forms of academic integrity. Plagiarism is forbidden; we expect truthfulness and fidelity to be expressed in every learning context. (Luke 16:10; Ephesians 4:25)
Submission to Civil Authority: In keeping with scriptural admonitions to bring ourselves under the authority of government, members of the Taylor community are expected to uphold the laws of the local community, the state, and the nation. An exception would be those rare occasions in which obedience to civil authorities would require behavior that conflicts with the teaching of Scripture. On such occasions, each individual would submit voluntarily to the penalty for his or her behavior. (Romans 13:1–7) Behavior resulting in arrest on or off campus is subject to review within the University's disciplinary procedures.
In addition to subscribing to the section on Biblical Responsibilities, members of the Taylor University community voluntarily commit themselves to the following expectations of behavior. This commitment results from the conviction that these expectations serve the common good of the individual and the institution. These expectations are not set forth as an index of Christian spirituality, but rather as values and standards of the Taylor community and guidelines that serve to preserve the ethos of the campus community. Furthermore, they reflect our commitment to helping each member of the community grow in maturity and in the ability to make wise choices. Because of the importance of trust and responsibility to one another, violations of these expectations are regarded as a serious breach of integrity within the community. The following expectations apply to all members of the campus community: the faculty, staff, and students of Taylor University.
Worship: Corporate worship, prayer, fellowship, and instruction are essential for our community. Therefore, students, faculty, and administrators are expected to attend chapel. Faithful participation is understood as a mature response to our community goals. We expect that individual honor and commitment to the Taylor community will motivate us to attend chapel. In addition, members of the community are encouraged to participate in the life of a local church.
Lord's Day: Members of the community are to observe this day as set apart primarily for worship, fellowship, ministry, and rest. While activities such as recreation, exercise, and study may be a part of the day, "business as usual" relative to University programs and services will not be sanctioned or encouraged.
Entertainment and Recreation: The University expects its members to use discretion and discernment in their choices of entertainment and recreation (some examples include media, Internet usage, and games). Each year, Student Development may sponsor a limited number of on-campus dances for the campus community. The University also considers the following forms of dance as acceptable for the campus community: sanctioned folk dances, dances that are designed to worship God, dancing at weddings, and the use of appropriate choreography in drama, musical productions, and athletic events. In order to preserve and enhance our intentional community, other social dancing is not permitted on or away from campus. Activities and entertainment that are of questionable value or diminish a person's moral sensitivity should be avoided. Consideration for others and standards of good taste are important, and all activities should be guided by this principle.
Illegal and Legal Substances: Taylor University prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances and the abuse or illegal use of legal substances, including prescription and over-the-counter medication.
Tobacco: Recognizing that the use of tobacco is injurious to one's physical health, members of the campus communities will not possess, use, or distribute tobacco in any form on or off campus. In addition, our campuses are smoke free.
Alcoholic Beverages: The community recognizes the potential risk to one's physical and psychological well-being in the use of alcoholic beverages. It also recognizes that use of alcoholic beverages can significantly and negatively impact the community. Accordingly, faculty, staff, and students will refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not served at any University functions or programs on or off campus.
Gambling: Gambling (the exchange of money or goods by betting or wagering) is viewed as an unwise use of God-given resources and is not acceptable in any form.
Respect for the Property of Others: Members of the community are expected to respect the property of others, including University property, private property on and off campus, and public property. The intellectual property of others is also to be respected.
Policies and Procedures: Compliance with day-to-day policies and procedures of the community is expected from members. These routine items are listed in the Student Life Handbook, the Master Policy Manual, and the University catalog.
The University affirms that the Biblical Responsibilities and University Expectations outlined herein lead to responsible citizenship and positive and healthy lifestyle, and they support the fulfillment of the University mission. While members of the community are encouraged to follow the principles of this LTC throughout the year, it is specifically applicable for students while they are actively engaged in the educational mission (Fall Semester, Interterm, Spring Semester, and Summer Term, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks) or are representing Taylor in any off-campus events. For employees, it is specifically applicable during the periods of their service or employment contracts.
The book of Colossians provides an appropriate summary of the goals for our community:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another . . . And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:12–17 TNIV)
Approved by the Taylor University Board of Trustees 02/05/2013.


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Insurance Tucson
Insurance Marana
Insurance Tucson Insurance Prescott
Insurance Prescott
VIP Insurance Prescott
Auto Insurance 86301 86303 86305 86314
"The peace of mind to pursue your life."
Tucson: 520-333-4323
Prescott: 928-327-1314
Phoenix: 480-712-3346
What does collision coverage do?
Collision (COLL) covers your insured vehicle for physical damage that your car sustains when it hits, or is hit by, another vehicle, or another object. Collision also covers the upset of your vehicle, such as the unintentionally rolling or flipping of your vehicle.
Your property damage liability coverage does not cover your vehicle in any way; it only covers those that you hit. For auto accident damages to your vehicle to be covered by your auto policy, collision coverage is needed.
Collision coverage allows you to file a claim with your car insurance company and have it pay, minus your deductible amount, for damages received in most auto accidents. Collision will pay out, according to the terms and conditions of your policy, if the other driver is uninsured, underinsured, or unknown -- or even if you are at fault.
Collision doesn't cover any and all damages that your vehicle may receive. To have "full coverage" on your car you would also need to carry comprehensive coverage, which covers your car if it is stolen or damaged by vandalism, flood, fire, or animals.
Keep in mind, not every issue with your vehicle is covered by collision or comprehensive insurance. For instance, damages caused by wear and tear, freezing or mechanical breakdown are not covered by either coverage -- or any other portion of an auto insurance policy.
When receiving a quote for collision coverage, you will need to choose a deductible amount. A deductible is the portion of a claim that you're responsible for paying before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Is collision coverage mandatory?
Collision insurance is not required by any state. Most states require property damage liability so that your insurer will pay (up to your limits) if you damage other people's vehicles or property, but states do not mandates that you carry coverage to pay for damages to your own car.
However, if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, then your lienholder can (and usually will) require that you carry this coverage and may mandate the specific deductible amount you have to select.
If want to lower your insurance premium by raising your deductible, while your car is still financed, be sure to check with your lienholder to see if they will allow a higher deductible than what you are currently carrying.
What is the recommended deductible?
Collision coverage does not come with limits; instead, the most it will pay you is the actual cash value of your car, minus your deductible, if it is declared totaled. Experts typically recommend a $500 deductible unless you have substantial savings to tap. If you have put a minimal down payment on a car, you should consider gap insurance.
Typically, the range you can choose for your collision deductible is anywhere from $100 to $2,500 (deductible choices vary according to state laws and insurance company guidelines). Most car owners choose a deductible of between $250 and $1,000.
In general, the higher the deductible the less expensive your premium and the lower your deductible the higher your collision premium – since the insurer is taking on more risk. So, a higher deductible can substantially lower the cost of insurance premiums, but you'll have more to pay out-of-pocket before your collision benefits kick in.
When picking a deductible amount, find the right balance for your finances. For example, if you set your deductible at $1,000 and your car sustains damages totaling $1,500, you will pay $1,000 and your insurance company will pay $500. Deductibles are due per incident, so you will have your deductible amount due each time a collision claim is made.
What happens if I don't have collision coverage?
Without collision coverage, you may be left to pay out of your own pocket for your car's repairs unless there is someone else found liable for the damages, such as an at-fault driver who has property damage liability coverage with which you can make a claim through. Or if you are hit by an uninsured motorist and have uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage under which you can make a claim.
With a newer, high valued car, you will normally want this added protection for your vehicle, whether you have financed it or not. Without collision coverage, you could end up in a situation where you would not need to pay for repairs, but instead need to replace your car due to it being totaled out, and that's a lot of money to be out for even a moderate valued vehicle.
If you have an older car with a low value (without a lease or loan on it), you may not want to pay for collision coverage since if your car is damaged, or totaled, the low amount of compensation you'd receive from your auto insurance company may not be worth the premium paid out.
Knowing how much your vehicle is worth can certainly help you determine if collision coverage is worth the price. Find out the current value of your car by using appraisal tools offered on sites such as Kelley Blue Book (KBB), NADAguides, and Edmunds.


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Every week, I ask my 83-year-old grandma and a random teen to answer a question about dating. Then I weigh in with my own horrible Generation Y opinion. Having trouble navigating the Gitmo prison yard that is modern dating? Find out what three different generations have to say.
The Question: What do you do if you have an amazing date with a guy, you totally click, and
then weeks go by and you don't hear a word. Do you send a text? Do you get in touch? Or do you let the dream die?
The Granny: Shirley Cozen is 83 years old, has been married for over 50 years, and raised four kids. She has been proposed to three times, started dating when she was 12, and has been a ridiculous babe her entire life. She knows a thing or two about a thing or two.
She Says: "I'd give it up because I don't want any pain. It's been my experience that if you're pursuing somebody that has not demonstrated any interest in continuing, then you might be able to have a few more encounters but it sounds like there is gonna be some pain for you. I'm not interested in feeling tortured.
More From Cosmopolitan
I never was so madly in love with someone where I needed to pursue them. With grandpa, he intrigued me, I was interested, all of the externals were there. It was only as I got to know him that I fell in love with him. Because he wasn't a splashy kind of guy. You had to spend some time to see how sweet and deep he was."
The Teen: Amy is a bubbly blond 17-year-old living in Lincoln, Michigan who loves all things fashion and style. An aspiring magazine writer with plenty of boy experience, she describes herself as "usually in a relationship."
She Says: "If I were in that situation, I would definitely make an attempt to get in touch with him first. I'd call maybe once or twice to see if he was still interested. I would reach out because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Something may happened or maybe he lost my number."
The Millennial: I'm a 29 years-young lady who has finally learned to stop dating musicians and bartenders. Hurray! Dating is like riding a bike—it's easy and fun but also you could die.
There is nothing more confusing than having a fabulous time with someone and then never hearing back from them. It makes you question everything. Should I change careers? Who am I? Do I even look good in bangs?
The point is that next to "the goatee" and vajazzling, getting the brush off is society's most confounding dilemma.
Having been in this exact situation before, my advice is if a guy isn't reaching out to you after a date, no matter how much fun you had, DO NOT contact him. Trust me. There is no secret reason that he's isn't calling; his phone isn't broken, his family is not in town, he didn't break his texting fingers in a karate accident. The bottom line is, "He's just not that into you."
I am a feminist, but I'm also a realist. And one thing I've learned is that if a guy likes you, he will do something about it. When I was younger and just beginning to date, I had a Sally Bowles "anything goes" philosophy. If you like a guy, ask them out! If you want to call them, call them! Who cares! No rules! Hakuna Matata!
But actual life experience and years of dating have taught me otherwise. It is (almost) always better when the guy comes to you. I hate to admit it, it sounds so traditional, and archaic and lame, but it's true.
Do yourself a favor, only let people in your life that really want to be there. You deserve someone who is dying to see you, not someone you need to convince to hang out. To quote myself, "Next!"
Cosmo babes, what would you do in this situation? Also, we are dying to hear from YOU! Send all your dating and relationship queries to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Want more musings from Rose? Follow her on Twitter.


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Get ready take a mind-numbing aerial tour of the mansions of 10 of today's biggest rap stars. If you were a famous rapper with a $100 million in the bank, where would you live? How many rooms and what other luxuious amenities would your mansion feature? Would you have a tennis court? 10 car garage? Helicopter pad, night club, private lake…??? Would your dream house be in your hometown or would you move to some place exotic? In case you've ever wanted to see the amazing mansions that some of today's richest and most famous rappers live in, you're in luck. Today we'll take an aerial tour at the homes of the following rappers: Eminem's house in Michigan, 50 Cent's house in Connecticut, Dr. Dre's mansion in Woodland Hills California, Nelly's palace in Missouri, Snoop Dogg's house in Diamond Bar, Birdman's house in New Orleans, two of Diddy's NY mansions and finally, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z's Florida mansions. Who do you think lives in the dopest crib? Which house would you buy if you had the money?
- Related Rapper Articles:
- Richest Rappers
- Highest Paid Rappers of 2011
- How Much do Rappers Make Per Concert?


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This is the first time in many years that I have put pen to paper for a lengthy letter, so please forgive my misspellings, poor handwriting or any other errors. I will probably do this in one go and be finished with it. I won't need much of this new notebook. It's a nice room, desk and chair, but really, no computer? I just wish they would stop the hammering outside. I need to focus in order to write well.
No one person could possibly expect to know the full truth about such a complex history, so near to its time. But I know what I know, saw what I saw, and heard what I heard. Now it's time to set the record straight, at least about what transpired between some of the key players in the lead up to the recent events.
What I have heard called "the plan" began as idle office chat, nothing more. (Of course, not much chat is ever truly idle at the very highest levels of power, between senior presidential advisors.) The first time I heard it mentioned was over lunch with Dennis in the White House Mess, down in the basement next to the situation room. We were at a quiet corner table of the wood-paneled dining room, tossing ideas for the next talking points back and forth. Routine.
One of right-wing hate radio's loudest and most poisonous voices was conducting an embarrassing public feud with our press secretary. The President had trapped himself in a seeming contradiction. The video and audio were both damning, and one must admit, very funny—if one's goal was to make the President look and sound like a liar and a fool. The Youtube videos were getting millions of hits; the TV comics were not letting it go. We had been knocked completely off message, the optics were horrible, and our favorability ratings were collapsing at a crucial moment. (It seems like an ice-age ago when such trivialities actually mattered to me.)


text: [Apologies for multiple copies] ======================================================================== JOURNAL OF APPLIED LOGIC Special Issue on Automated Specification and Verification of Web Systems http://www.risc.uni-linz.ac.at/people/tkutsia/jal-wwv.html ======================================================================== SCOPE ----- This special issue of the Journal of Applied Logic is related to the topics of the workshop WWV'10: Automated Specification and Verification of Web Systems, which took place in Vienna on July 30-31, 2010. Both participants of the workshop and other authors are invited to submit contributions. The increased complexity of Web sites and the explosive growth of Web-based applications has turned their design and construction into a challenging problem. Nowadays, many companies have diverted their Web sites into interactive, completely-automated, Web-based applications (such as Amazon, on-line banking, or travel agencies) with a high complexity that requires appropriate specification and verification techniques and tools. Systematic, formal approaches to the analysis and verification can address the problems of this particular domain with automated and reliable tools that also incorporate semantic aspects. We solicit original papers on logic-based methods and techniques applied to Web sites, Web services or Web-based applications, such as: * Rule-based approaches to Web systems analysis, certification, specification, verification, and optimization * Algebraic methods for verification and certification of Web systems * Formal models for describing and reasoning about Web systems * Model-checking, synthesis and debugging of Web systems * Abstract interpretation and program transformation applied to the semantic Web * Intelligent tutoring and advisory systems for Web specifications authoring * Web quality and Web metrics * Web usability and accessibility * Testing and evaluation of Web systems and applications SUBMISSION ---------- We expect original articles (typically 15-25 pages; submission of larger papers will be evaluated depending on editorial constraints) that present high-quality contributions that have not been previously published and that must not be simultaneously submitted for publication elsewhere. Submissions must comply with JAL's author guidelines. They must be written in English and should be prepared using the Elsevier LaTeX package. Submissions are encouraged via the EasyChair submission system: http://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=jalwwv2010. IMPORTANT DATES --------------- * Submission of papers: March 7, 2011. * Notification: June 6, 2011. GUEST EDITORS -------------- * Laura Kovács (Vienna University of Technology) * Temur Kutsia (RISC, Johannes Kepler University Linz)


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Barring 'Innocence' Would Be Barring Freedom
The "Innocence of Muslims" trailer that has sparked deadly protests overseas is crass, intentionally offensive, and grossly inappropriate. That much is clear.
As crude as the video may be, however, Google did the right thing in not removing it from YouTube because its content is not, in itself, what the law would call an "incitement to violence." Its message did not urge others to participate in violent conduct, but was used by a violent and irresponsible faction as an excuse for more violence.
Furthermore, new media giants like Google, Facebook or Apple should not censor content on their platforms because of pressure from the government, or because of groups that might be offended by controversial yet lawful viewpoints.
A free marketplace of ideas will always serve a free republic best. It should alarm us all when new media giants like Google and Facebook begin tolean in a direction and have the kind of influence where they will have an adverse impact in the free marketplace of ideas.
Though these new media giants are not "state actors" and therefore not required to apply the First Amendment to their efforts to moderate their platforms, they should not arrogate to themselves the right to arbitrarily shut down communications of citizens because they or others disagree with their view or values.
If you look at the history of free speech, it is almost always governments that abridge speech. It is rarely, though not without precedent, that private enterprise becomes a major factor in constraining free speech. That, however, could very well happen in America if new media giants place themselves in the role of arbiter.
Already, there have been instances where new media giants have been accused of constraining speech. Take, for instance, Apple's removal of the Manhattan Declaration and Exodus International apps from its iTunes App Store in 2010: Both were removed after protesters decried the faith-based apps as "anti-gay" and potentially "harmful" or "hateful," though their creators and supporters have insisted otherwise.
Even after the app creators made efforts to modify their apps, Apple would not let them back in.
However well-intentioned the practices and policies of new media companies may be, they should not limit or prohibit expression because a viewpoint or opinion is deemed to constitute "hate speech" or is considered to be "hateful," or is thought to be unacceptable under any similar formulation.
The hecklers in this culture and around the world should not be dictating what speech is permitted on social media platforms. Neither should new media giants, though they are free to do so.
New media censorship is a slippery slope, and one that could lead to a tyranny over ideas on web-based platforms.
These U.S.-based companies would do well to embrace and enact policies and practices that are consistent with the principles upon which this nation was founded – one of the first being the freedom of speech.
They should be willing to establish free speech standards for their citizen users that aspire to the highest levels of expressive liberty, as proposed in the Free Speech Charter for the Internet recently released by NRB's John Milton Project for Religious Free Speech. They should be willing to afford their citizen users nothing less than the free speech and free exercise of religion rights that are embodied in the First Amendment and as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.
And while we can certainly understand their desire to enforce some rules of civility and decorum regarding the manner in which content is communicated – e.g., "no personal attacks or ad-hominem rebukes" – new media companies should not use those rules as a pretext for viewpoint censorship.
Rather than emasculating free speech, efforts should be focused on barring the conduct of those persons who commit violence, mayhem and murder in response to ideas they either despise or believe.


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Evil Never Sleeps
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Rush Limbaugh fielded a phone call the other day that even he couldn't answer.
"What's happened to the country I live in?" asked the frustrated woman. "And what do we do now?"
The Great Rushbo was understandably flustered.
Coming up with a cure for what ails America after five years of Barack Obama and decades of bigger and stupider and meaner Big Government in D.C. is not something you can do off the top of your head.
The woman's question reminded me of a question Newt Gingrich posed to me about five years ago.
"Mike," he said, "how is it that our side can elect great conservatives like your father and Margaret Thatcher but then after we win those elections everything seems to fall apart?"
What Newt said about conservatives squandering their biggest victories is true. My father's glorious conservative revolution of 1980 is largely undone today, washed away by 30 years of higher taxes, more regulations and a weak-kneed foreign policy.
Even Newt himself is an example of the problem conservatives have had in not being able to take full advantage of their greatest victories.
He was able to foment his own mini-revolution in Congress in 1994. For a while, as Republicans took control of the House for the first time since the Korean War, it looked like half a century of executive power and federal over-reach were finally going to be checked, if not rolled back.
But then Newt's historic and inspiring conservative resurrection fizzled.
The 54 new Republican rebels who helped Newt "take over" the House, as the liberal media liked to say, forced Clinton to reform welfare and kept federal spending in check — at least until Congress let Bush II and Obama open the floodgates and drown us and our grandchildren's grandchildren in debt.
I think I've figured out what the problem with conservatives is. We don't understand the rules of the political power game. We think after we win big elections or defeat the Soviet Union, we can go home and savor our victories.
We think after we win our big fights, it's the end of the game. Welfare reform passes — game over. Berlin Wall falls — game over. We won, you lost — game over.
But liberals and progressives understand the power game. They know it never really ends. What conservatives see as a victorious ending — the takeover of the House or the election of George W. Bush — liberals and progressives see as just the beginning.
The other side never stops fighting. When Scott Brown won that special U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts to fill Ted Kennedy's seat in 2010, conservatives were dancing in the streets because they had won their 60th vote to stop Obamacare.
Conservatives thought Brown's shocking win was the end and went home. The liberals knew it was just the beginning of a tough fight. What did we get in the end? Obamacare. Plus U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
If we conservatives want to win the day and prevent liberals and progressives from undermining our way of life, sinking us in a sea of debt and turning us into a socialist Banana Republic, we have to never stop fighting.
Evil never sleeps. Nor do its practitioners in Washington and in our state capitals. If we want good to triumph over evil in the long run, we have to learn to see our big victories not as the end of the fight but the beginning of the rest of the battle.
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Business as Editor: A Talk on Twitter
November 6, 2009 at 4:36 pm Amy 1 comment
I had the opportunity to go listen to Jack Dorsey, one of the creators of Twitter, talk the other night at The College of New Jersey. Janie Hermann found out about it and let me know it was happening, and we met up with Julie (Strange Librarian) there for the hour long talk. The talk was recorded by TCNJ and the video is posted here: http://www.tcnj.edu/~pa/video/twitter09/ .
I definitely recommend you take a look at the video and listen to Jack for yourself. Below are just a few of the things that stood out for me.
A soft-spoken guy, Jack talked about how he had the idea for what today is Twitter since he was 15. He said that when starting something the hardest thing to do is TO START, and I think we can all relate to that! He spoke about getting your ideas out of your head, onto paper and into discussions with others so you can find out if there really is something to the idea or not. If you don't get the idea out of your head and start sharing and playing with it, then you'll not only never know if that idea is anything, but it will be difficult to move on with the next thing, the next idea, that might be something!
This relates to the transparency and openness that Jack talked about a lot. Communication and fostering a community where ideas (and even mistakes and problems) are shared is really important to how Twitter has been able to grow and to become so successful. The best lesson he said he could offer is to start from a place of transparency and to be open to criticism and suggestions. Some of the best features of Twitter did NOT come from the company. The "@" replies feature, the retweet (RT), the hashtags, and even the concept of each update as a "tweet," all came from the USERS! The awesomeness of Twitter today is all because they went out with an idea and said this is what we have. We're not sure what it's good for, but we think you'll know! As a result, today Twitter is something they couldn't have even imagined when they started it.
These days Twitter receives thousands of suggestions and ideas every day. As a company, their challenge is deciding which ideas to say no to, and then to actually say no to those things. Based on all of the input how do you decide? Jack said he realized that the business had to become a good editor. Company as editor.
As a business, Twitter has to choose what suggestions might add to the value and usefulness of Twitter. They would like to say yes to ideas that speak to 80% of the users and that sustain the technology and the company. They have to edit out those ideas and suggestions that will not improve Twitter. He also spoke about the business as editor when it comes to who works there – how do you choose who to hire and how do you decide when the relationship is no longer beneficial and it's time to part ways? It's all about editing.
He also said he isn't interested in what market is using Twitter when a question came from the audience about how teens are (supposedly) not using Twitter. Jack said he wasn't worried about what market uses Twitter, but about building a great product people love to use.
We also got a glimpse into what might be coming in the future when Jack talked about being really interested in immediacy and transparency and the health care and finance industries. He spoke about the fact that health and health care, especially one's own health, is probably one of the most important things to and for us. However, most of us don't understand what's going on with health care. It is similar with global finance. This has a huge impact on all of our lives, but there are very few people who understand any of it. He said that health care and finance are two huge areas that he feels could really benefit from immediacy and transparency. I wonder what he has in mind!?
Check out some photos and more info here: https://www.tcnj.edu/~business/Twitter.html
You can also see the TCNJ press release for the event here: http://www.tcnj.edu/~pa/news/2009/dorsey.htm
Do take a look at the video – I would love to hear what you all think of his talk!
– Amy
Entry filed under: Technology, Twitter. Tags: Amy Kearns.
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[…] I was already in town having spoken at the Princeton Public Library with Amy Kearns on Twitter. Thank goodness i checked my email before i fell asleep that night or i'd have gotten up early, headed back to Maryland and then kicked myself when i found out about it later. Amy blogged about the event over at Library Garden. […]


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NAIROBI (Reuters) - Standard Chartered Plc
will start offering Islamic banking in Kenya as a springboard into the rest of Africa and it may expand services in Indonesia, its global head of Islamic consumer banking said on Wednesday.
Shariah-compliant banking makes up two percent of Kenya's banking industry, split between two Islamic lenders and conventional banks with Shariah-compliant products, like Barclays Kenya
"We are looking at Africa as the next frontier for the Islamic banking sector," Wasim Saifi told reporters in the Kenyan capital, where he attended an Islamic finance conference.
He said the bank would offer the services through its Islamic banking brand, Standard Chartered Saadiq, targeting the country's official Muslim population of 4 million people, 10 percent of the total, as well as non-Muslims.
"One of the main reasons for doing that is primarily because the local market place for Islamic banking is already well developed," he said.
The two Islamic banks operating in Kenya, Gulf African Bank and First Community Bank, were licensed in 2008. A Takaful insurance company has also begun operating in the past two years.
Saifi said the new products will first be launched in Kenya, then in other countries in east Africa and west Africa, as well as further afield.
"We are looking at numerous countries for extending our Islamic banking footprint. One market that excites us a lot is Indonesia," he said.
Standard Chartered currently offers Islamic banking in Indonesia through associate Bank Permata
With the biggest Muslim population in the world, the country has a five percent penetration rate for Islamic finance, which is set to triple or quadruple in the next five-ten years, Saifi said.
(7 News / 04 July 2013)
Alfalah Consulting - Kuala Lumpur: www.alfalahconsulting.com
Consultant-Speaker-Motivator: www.ahmad-sanusi-husain.com
Islamic Investment Malaysia: www.islamic-invest-malaysia.com


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modern transparent acrylic clear wedding invites with gold foil envelope CWIA71
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"Bidding to Build the Dream," live and silent auction, entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar; benefits expansion project; Sanford Springvale YMCA, Sanford. $25 in advance; $30 day of benefit. sanfordymca.org. 6 p.m. Saturday.
"Champagne on the Sheepscot," benefit for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association with live music and hors d'oeuvres along the banks of the Sheepscot River in Edgecomb, Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, Newcastle. $40 to $125. sheepscot.org. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
"Wild Nite," cocktails and hors d'ouevres, karaoke and Soul Clap Dance Party with Jonathan Toubin; fundraiser for programming at gallery; Space Gallery, Portland. $50; 21-plus. space538.org. 7 p.m. Saturday.
"Sandsations," sand-sculpting contest," benefit for Birth Roots Perinatal Resource Center, Pine Point Beach, Scarborough. sandsations.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Falmouth Antique Appraisal Day, appraisals done by Foreside Antiques; benefits Falmouth Historical Society; Falmouth Heritage Museum. $5 per item. 781-2351. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Our Shared History Chowder Festival, benefits the Brick Store Museum and Kennebunk Free Library; Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk. $5. brickstoremuseum.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Sixth Annual Eco Appetito, Chef Lee Skawinski creates a menu using food items donated by local vendors; benefits Ferry Beach Ecology School and its Food for Thought program; Vignola Cinque Terre, Portland. $45 in advance; $55 day of event. ecoappetito.org. Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Capriccio, two-week festival of the arts with music, lectures, readings, performances and special events, various locations, Ogunquit. Various prices. ogunquit.org. Continues Thursday to Saturday.
Oxford County Fair, livestock shows, animal-pulling events, midway, crafts, exhibits, harness racing and live entertainment, Oxford Fairgrounds. $5 to $10; free for ages 5 and younger. oxfordcountyfair.com. Continues Thursday to Saturday.
Crossroads International Celtic Festival, music, dance and storytelling performances in several locations, western Maine. Various prices. Schedule at crossroadscelticfestival.com. Continues Thursday to Sunday.
New Portland Lions Fair, midway, pulling events, crafts and exhibits, Fairgrounds, North New Portland. $5; $15 per family. 628-2916. Friday to Sunday.
Shaker Hill Apple Festival, arts and crafts fair, wagon rides, Shaker Museum exhibits, children's activities, antique car rides and music, Brothers of Christian Instruction, Shaker Village, Alfred. Free admission. yorkcountyshelterprograms.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Open Lighthouse Day, many state lighthouses open to the public statewide, Maine. www.lighthouseday.com. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Eastern Cemetery Tours, guided walking tour with history of those buried, history of the grounds and the type of stones, Eastern Cemetery, Portland. $7; $4 for seniors and students; free for children under age 12. spiritsalive.org. 10:30 a.m. Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday. Through Oct. 13.
BubbleMania!, blend of the latest in bubble wizardry with music and comedy, Freeport Theater of Awesome. $12 in advance, $15 day of show Saturday matinee and Sunday; $17 in advance, $20 day of show Saturday evening. awesometheater.com. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
David Stone: The Johnny Cash Experience, tribute show, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn. $22. laclt.com. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Seanachie Nights: Spoken Word and Music, tales of "The Feline Race" with Lynne Cullen, Janet Lynch and Kurt Kish, Bull Feeney's, Portland. $9/donation. 253-0288. 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.
Tour of Seguin Island Light, tour Maine's highest lighthouse, the keeper's house and Seguin Island, Maine Maritime Museum, Bath. $50; $25 for children under 17. mainemaritimemuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19.
"How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?" (2010), documentary traces the rise of Norman Foster, one of the world's premier architects, Space Gallery, Portland. $8. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
"Social Life of Small Urban Spaces" (1988), documentary analyzes the success and failures of urban spaces, Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library. Free. portlandlibrary.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Global Lens Film Series, international movie series, "Youzhong" (China, 2012), Bates College, Olin Arts Center, Lewiston. Free. bates.edu. 7:30 p.m. Monday.
"The Motherhood Archives" (2013), haunting and lyrical essay film excavating hidden histories of childbirth in the 20th century, with filmmaker Irene Lusztig, Bowdoin College, Searles Science Building, Brunswick. Free. 725-3834. 7 p.m. Tuesday.
"The Act of Killing" (2013), documentary about killers in 1960s Indonesia recalling reign of terror, Space Gallery, Portland. $8. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"Show People" (1928), silent comedy starring William Haines with live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, Leavitt Theatre, Ogunquit. $10. leavittheatre.com. 8 p.m. Sept. 19.
"Best Kept Secret" (2013), documentary about autism class in Newark, N.J., Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library. Free. portlandlibrary.com. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19.
Sandra Palmer, author and illustrator of "Peace by Peace," Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. $4/donation. harlowgallery.org. 6 p.m. Thursday.
Richard de Villers Seymour, author of "Beyond Popham Colony," Gulf of Maine Books, Brunswick. 729-5083. 7 p.m. Friday.
Poet William Ayot, reading from English poet living in Wales, Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. $3/donation. harlowgallery.org. 7 p.m. Friday.
Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett, authors of "A House in the Sky," Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library. portlandlibrary.com. 6:30 p.m. Friday.
June O'Donal, author of "The Fryeburg Chronicles," Hiram Historical Society. 625-4762. 1 p.m. Saturday.
Gordon Thomas Ward, author of "Tracing Infinity: Bridging the Gap between Earth and Heaven," Bath Book Shop. 443-9338. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Poetry Evening, bring poems to share, either your own or favorite poems by someone else; facilitated by Priscilla Cookson; York Public Library. www.york.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Monica Wood, author of "When We Were the Kennedys," Patten Free Library, Bath. patten.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Richard Rubin, author of "The Last of the Doughboys," Maine Historical Society, Portland. mainehistory.org. Noon Sept. 19.
Folk Dance Brunswick, world music and dance from the Balkans, Israel, northern Europe and around the globe, no partner needed, People Plus, Brunswick. $8; $5 for students and seniors. 200-7577. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Contra Dance, live music by Steampacket with caller Dugan Murphy, Topsham Grange. $10; $7 for seniors and students; $4 for family dance. 233-4325. 6 p.m. family dance; 7 p.m. food potluck; 7:30 p.m. beginner session; 8 p.m. dance Saturday.
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"The Many Facets of Effective Immigration Reform" (2010)
"The United States needs a new immigration policy that is based less on wishful thinking and more on realism. Spending vast sums of money trying to enforce arbitrary numerical limits on immigration that bear no relationship to economic reality is a fool's errand. لعبه بوكر We need flexible limits on immigration that rise and fall with U. العاب خيول عبر الانترنت S. labor demand, coupled with strict enforcement of tough wage and labor laws that protect all workers, regardless of where they were born. We need to respect the natural human desire for family reunification, while recognizing that even family-based immigrants are unlikely to come here if jobs are not available. And we need to create a pathway to legal status for unauthorized immigrants who are already here so that they can no longer be exploited by unscrupulous employers who hang the threat of deportation over their heads…"


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In honor of the Memorial Art Gallery's centennial, we offer five timelines exploring the stories of art & artists in the greater Rochester area from the first explorers and settlers to the present day. Given in trust to the University of Rochester, the Memorial Art Gallery is one of the few university-affiliated art museums in the country that also serve as community art museums. Why that happened, and how the Gallery became Rochester's fine art museum, is part of the history explored here.
The Memorial Art Gallery's centennial year was presented by Lynne Lovejoy, with additional support from Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull, ESL Charitable Foundation and Nocon & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
When I came to Rochester in 1990 and accepted the directorship of the Charlotte Whitney Allen Library, one of my first tasks was to acquaint myself with the history of the Gallery and of art in Rochester, first through processing Gallery archival material, secondly by reading as widely as possible, and thirdly by consulting colleagues knowledgeable in local history. Over the years, Karl Kabelac and Nancy Martin of the River Campus Libraries Rare Books & Special Collections Department have guided my forays into Rochesteriana.
These timelines could not have been created without the work of many historians and colleagues. First credit goes to Betsy Brayer, whose 1988 MAGnum Opus: the Story of the Memorial Art Gallery first told many of the stories included here. The Gallery's Archives is the fortunate repository of interview tapes Betsy made while researching MAGnum Opus. Rochester historians Clifford Ulp, Blake McKelvey and their successors also documented much of the early history of art in Rochester, in publications including Rochester History and the Rochester Historical Society's Publication Fund Series. MAG colleague Shirley Wersinger added many stories in Gallery publications MAGazine and ARTiculate.
For visual resources I am indebted to retired Gallery Visual Resources Coordinator Susan Nurse, for several years work supervising volunteers in scanning images and newspaper clippings from the Gallery's Archives, for her knowledge of the architectural history of the Prince Street Campus, and for her incredible memory for images. The Rochester Images database hosted by Rochester Public Library, has been an invaluable resource for local images. Lastly, thanks to the Rochester Regional Library Council for its support to member libraries in providing access to CONTENTdm, an image cataloging database that has enabled us to put Gallery archival materials online at the New York Heritage website.
Images shown on this timeline are from the archives and/or permanent collection of the Memorial Art Gallery unless otherwise noted. I have made every attempt to credit non-Gallery sources of images and quotes. Any errors or omissions are my own responsibility, and will be corrected if brought to my attention.
Lu Harper
Charlotte Whitney Allen Library
The Memorial Art Gallery's centennial year was presented by Lynne Lovejoy, with additional support from Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull, ESL Charitable Foundation and Nocon & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.


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Will "ObamaCare" kill jobs? The new Affordable Care Act healthcare reform law is modeled after the Massachusetts healthcare law, "RomneyCare," and the Urban Institute recently studied the situation there. So has RomneyCare killed jobs in Massachusetts?
"Will the Affordable Care Act Be a Job Killer?" Lisa Dubay, John Holahan, Sharon K. Long, and Emily Lawton, Urban Institute Health Policy Center
But beware. ObamaCare will affect your job if your boss is a lunatic, right-wing, GOP ideologue:


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Josh Charles fans devastated by his shocking Good Wife death might remember that he's been breaking hearts since the '90s. The 42-year-old actor, who charmed audiences as Good Wife's Will Gardner, was equally charming as sports anchor Dan Rydell on Aaron Sorkin's beloved-but-canceled series Sports Night.
Presumably now that he's got more time on his hands, Charles showed up on Keith Olbermann's ESPN2 show over the weekend in character as Rydell.
"I thought you were dead," Olbermann said, after Charles read though a series of sports highlights -- just like Rydell would have.
[H/T Zap2It]


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Art Lives Here, Red, Black, Blue, Calder
Sculpture, Milwaukee Art Museum,
Wisconsin, May 2008, photo © 2008
by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
art lives in the flesh
holds riddles, true colors show
Calder painted planes
-posted on red Ravine, Saturday, May 31st, 2008
-related to posts, spinner haiku, haiku (one-a-day)


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I know this blog is supposed to be about the cottage…but we haven't been spending much time there of late. We've been trying to plant the sign in the yard of the city house. And until you sell a house, I don't think anyone has a clue how much Time, Intensity, Money, and Energy is expended on a house that you are leaving…
It is emotionally (and financially) draining. Unless, of course, the house you live in is perfect, in which case you just sign on with the realtor, la di da. No worries about
- that imperfect room you just lived with,
- the plumber who never gave you the inspection paperwork for the new sewer system he put in,
- the basement ceiling tile that looks moldy and might be made of asbestos tile, (thankfully, it isn't!)
- the tree in the backyard that you hope doesn't fall on the power lines while you're waiting for the tree guy to show up, or
- all Mr.H.C's junk — never mind about mine; it isn't junk.
Lately I've been cleaning up and painting my old sewing room in the city house.
It was just my sewing room, crafting room, storage room, so the coordinating yellow country wallpaper put over masonite (probably in the seventies) uh, you know, didn't matter to me. I didn't care about the fluorescent light in the ceiling; it was good for working. The faded teal carpet didn't matter either. Bleach spills? Paint stains? No matter.
Apparently it will matter to potential buyers.
So I was tasked with turning it into a charming little attic bedroom for a child. Or a garret for an angst-filled teenaged poet. Or another sewing room for a mom who just wants some time alone in a freshly cleaned and painted space.
I used oil-based primer over the wallpaper, and then painted the whole room creamy white. I guess it will be up to the new owner to give it personality with color. I couldn't imagine that the carpet would clean up, but I rented an R2D2-look-alike carpet cleaner and used my new favorite product to clean the carpet. It looks good, which is also good for the pocketbook.
And the wonderful new product? Folex.
Sister Nancy told me about it several years ago when she was regularly cleaning up after a new puppy. I've had a bottle forever, because it goes a long way, unless you are pouring it into R2D2…
At the risk of sounding like an infomercial, I Love The Stuff! It is a miracle cleaner. Non-toxic, no smell, rub it in with your fingers if you want, and watch the stain on your carpet disappear! It's amazing. It actually works better this way, than it does diluted in the rug machine. I did go around the entire edge of the carpet with my spray bottle and a rag. The edge of the carpet, which was black, is now bluish green again. (Folex has not paid me for this blog — they don't even know I exist.) Although I should probably write them — in the past three weeks I've bought six bottles. It costs $5.78 at Home Depot.
That's $34.68 + $30 to rent the carpet cleaner. I also cleaned the carpet in the master bedroom as well, and we couldn't have bought new carpet for two bedrooms for $64. And believe me, that was a worry!
And just to prove to you, it isn't a fluke, here is the downstairs rug that I spot-cleaned:
And now, I have to go tear down moldy ceiling tiles in the basement and secretly throw away some of Mr. H.C's junk in the bottom of a new garbage bag. Anyone want a vintage cigarette holder/music box that Uncle John brought back from London?
No summer vacation here until the sign is in the yard.


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Veno (Master P's Son) - More Than Friends [R&B]
Hollywood reports "The Next Generation of R&B and Pop. Look for VENO on his national High school and College Tour. "
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Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
VA Releases New Version of the GI Bill® Comparison Tool
Aug. 28, 2014, 08:00:00 AM
Online Resource Provides Student Veterans with Key Education and Benefits Information
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched an improved version of the GI Bill® Comparison Tool, which was first launched in February 2014. The GI Bill Comparison Tool is designed to make it easier for Veterans, Servicemembers, and dependents to estimate their GI Bill education benefits and learn more about VA's approved college, university, and other education and training programs across the country. It also provides key information about college affordability and value so beneficiaries can choose the best education program to meet their needs.
In the past 6 months, nearly 350,000 people have accessed the tool on VA's GI Bill website. The top schools searched by users include: American Public University, Harvard, University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, and University of Washington.
"We are excited to see how Veterans respond to the wealth of information now available on the updated GI Bill Comparison Tool" said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. "We're grateful for the chance to work with our partners at the departments of Defense and Education (ED) to ensure beneficiaries are informed education consumers."
The updated version of the GI Bill Comparison Tool has new functionality, including a more robust GI Bill benefits calculator and additional information pertinent to the Veteran population (e.g., identifies schools with student Veteran groups, VetSuccess on Campus program, and those that have agreed to the 8 Keys to Success). The GI Bill calculator provides a personalized estimate of Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fee, housing allowance, and book stipend benefits that would potentially be paid to the student. The calculator prepopulates the tuition and fee estimates from the ED's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The Veteran indicator section now contains new information on schools' student Veterans groups, VetSuccess on Campus program and Yellow Ribbon agreement status.
The GI Bill Comparison Tool is one item in a series of resources VA has launched in response to the President's Executive Order 13607, signed April 27, 2012, which directs agencies to implement and promote "Principles of Excellence" for educational institutions that interact with Veterans, Servicemembers and their families; and to ensure beneficiaries have the information they need to make informed choices about VA education benefits and approved programs. As students return to school this fall, VA is committed to providing the support and information they need to succeed.
Since April 2012, VA has deployed the GI Bill Comparison Tool, the GI Bill Feedback System, and offered a free academic-readiness tool online. In addition, VA, the Department of Education and Department of Defense have agreed to new Veteran-specific outcome measures and signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange information, which will ensure greater compliance from schools receiving military and Federal education benefits. VA successfully trademarked GI Bill to prevent its fraudulent use for recruiting purposes and to protect this publicly-owned intellectual property.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a comprehensive education benefit created by Congress in 2008. Veterans and Servicemembers who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001 are eligible for the benefit. The Veterans Benefits Administration, which administers the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, has distributed more than $43 billion in the form of tuition and other education-related payments to more than one million Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families; and to the universities, colleges, and trade schools they attend. The GI Bill Comparison Tool can be found at: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison
Disclaimer of Hyperlinks
The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included by emailing email@example.com.
People wishing to receive e-mail from VA with the latest news releases and updated fact sheets can subscribe to the
VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List.


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Is your vivo Y53's screen frozen and your touch screen is not responding? Do you want to do a Soft Reset or Force Restart on your vivo Y53 without deleting any data on your smartphone or tablet?
The Soft Reset procedure is used to reboot the Y53 in situations where the device needs to be rebooted without losing any personal data or when it's not powering on. It works most of the time to fix Rebooting, Overheating, Lagging, or Crashing issues on your Vivo smartphone. Let's learn how.
Name: Vivo Y53
Also read: Tutorials for vivo Y53
How To Soft Reset your vivo Y53
- To soft reset Y53, Press and hold the Power / Sleep button for seconds.
- You will feel haptic feedback or vibration on your Vivo smartphone and it will show the shutdown and the restart options screen. Click on the Power Off & Restart Option.
- If the screen is unresponsive, then press and hold the Power button until it restarts.
- Leave both the buttons when your Vivo device restarts.
- This will do a Soft Reset on your Vivo without deleting any of your data on your device.
- That's it, you have successfully done a soft reset procedure on your Y53 device.
Also, read more vivo Y53 tutorials.
How To Force Restart your vivo Y53?
If you want to force restart or force shutdown a crashed or frozen vivo Y53 device follow the below steps.
- Make sure you have charged your Vivo device for at least 3% to 5% before doing the force restart.
- To force restart Press and Hold down the Power / Sleep button along with the Volume Up button together for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Your Y53 device will vibrate and will start the restart process.
- Now leave both the buttons when your Vivo device's screen restarts.
- If you have entered Recovery mode by mistake, then use the Volume button to choose the Restart Option and press the Power button to confirm.
- The Vivo force restart process is completed.
That's it you have successfully completed the Soft Reset or Force Restart procedure on vivo Y53.
Hope this tutorial was helpful in fixing your unresponsive Y53. Kindly leave your valuable comments below.
Also, don't forget to share this Y53 article on social media if you found it helpful.
Gowtham V is a tech blogger and founder of HowToDoNinja.com who is an expert in Technology & Software and writes awesome How-To Tutorials to help people online. He has 5 years of experience in creating websites and writing content. He uses a Windows PC, a Macbook Pro, and an Android phone. Check out more about our website and our writers on our About US page. Also follow me on Twitter page and Linkedin.


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CHS - Charleston Airport Limo & Car Service
Compare free quotes from the best CHS airport limo services.
Welcome to the most respected source for affordable ground transportation to and from Charleston Airport. A few clicks and you'll receive instant price quotes for the best limo services for Charleston Airport.


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It is written: If you want to fight a battle on the internet—like, say, "sexism is bad"—no matter how many times that battle has been fought before, you're going to have to spend a few million preliminary hours bashing your head against faux-incredulous gaslighting morons. "How can I be sexist when I love my mom?" "How can sexism be bad when it's not even real?" "How can sexism be real when HILLARY CLINTON???" "How can hurr durr de durr when HURR DURR DUR DA DURRRR!!?!??" Love your work, internet. Keep it up.
So much of these things that we yell about all day exist in weird, invisible spaces—subtle systemic inequalities, exploitation dressed up as feminism, just a feeling we have that something is fucked. That's why it's so satisfying to see evidence that stuff is definitely fucked. Like this paper, "Marriage Structure and Resistance to the Gender Revolution in the Workplace," from researchers out of Harvard (that is like the Yale of universities, you guys!!!), NYU, and the University of Utah, which finds that it is nearly impossible for men in "traditional" marriages (i.e. men whose wives don't work) to treat women equally in the workplace. No matter how well-meaning they are, no matter how much they love their moms, no matter how much they think they believe in gender equality, men who opt to live in antiquated gender paradigms are part of what the researchers call "a pocket of resistance to the revolution":
We found that employed husbands in traditional marriages, compared to those in modern marriages, tend to (a) view the presence of women in the workplace unfavorably, (b) perceive that organizations with higher numbers of female employees are operating less smoothly, (c) find organizations with female leaders as relatively unattractive, and (d) deny, more frequently, qualified female employees opportunities for promotion.
They presented male employers with identical job applicants—same experience, same qualifications, same resume—except one was named Dave and the other Diane. Then men in traditional marriages rated "Diane" significantly lower than Dave. Because, you know, vagina. Every woman has felt that—that moment when you can see a man's engagement switch off, and realize that he will never take you as seriously as he would if you came back with a chest-merkin and a handlebar mustache. But it's an almost impossible feeling to quantify, and an even harder one to communicate to people who have never felt it. An argument that can be vaporized with an emphatic enough "nu uh!" is a difficult argument to win.
It's not like there's some malicious, openly sexist douche brigade running around slapping laser pointers out of women's hands. That would be way easier to fight. But a lot of these men would probably consider themselves liberal, and friendly toward women's rights. As Gayle Tzemach-Lemmon at the Atlantic writes:
"One of the reasons why there aren't as many women at the top is perhaps men at the top tend to be benevolent sexists who tend to see women as people who should be shielded from danger and risks," says Desai. "They are probably thinking of women as fragile beings who need to be taken care of, that want to stay at home and raise kids and don't want to take risks and move to the top."
Desai notes that so many of the attitudes her work unveils are of an "unconscious nature," which makes beating them back particularly difficult. She says male leaders may think they are elevating women, not stifling them.
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Essentially, these men are taking their most immediate models of womanhood—their private lives with their wives—and applying that model to the public future of every woman they meet. Now, obviously this isn't a causal relationship. If I became a housewife tomorrow, it's not like my boyfriend would instantly throw his dirty socks in my face and tell me to get him a beer sandwich. The problem is that men who seek out these types of relationships do so for a reason, and that reason is a deeply internalized belief of how a woman "should" be. There is nothing objectively wrong with being a housewife. The idea is to get to the point where any woman can choose to be a housewife without feeding into this system that stifles the success of other women.
Because this is how patriarchy fucks up people's lives. Antiquated gender roles aren't hurting the women who choose to participate in them (i.e. happy housewives)—they're hurting everyone else: Unhappy housewives who were never told they could be doctors. Professional, capable women who drag themselves tooth and nail to the top of their fields and still get treated like housewives by colleagues, superiors, and even subordinates. Male employers and team builders who, subconsciously or not, reduce their pool of potential applicants by half based on some arbitrary bullshit. Nobody wins.
So, women, if you can take a quick break from shower-crying and not being able to open jars, I think we should all embroider the following on a pillow: That feeling you have? The one you can't quite put your finger on? That's real. You are not crazy. YOU ARE NOT CRAZY. Girl power and stuff.
Illustration by Jim Cooke, source photo via Yuri Arcurs/Shutterstock.


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ABC Releases Alleged Virginia Gunman's 23-Page List of Grievances
Just two hours after he allegedly shot two journalists on live television, Vester Lee Flanagan (aka Bryce Williams) contacted ABC News and faxed them a 23-page document. ABC initially declined to release the material, instead handing it over to authorities to investigate. But now that Flanagan has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the news station has published the pages.


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Tioga Road is scheduled to be opened to Avalanche Trained Administrative Traffic - as conditions permit
Beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2009, Tioga Road is scheduled to be opened to Administrative traffic, but only for
those authorized employees with current avalanche training certification and fully equipped per "Tioga Pass Road Opening
and Closing Plan". These authorized employees should be personnel who are essential for the preparation of infrastructure
such as Buildings and Grounds and Utilities. Three Mandatory Radio Call Through Zones remain between Olmstead Point and
Tuolumne Meadows and are signed accordingly. In addition, Dana Meadows is anticipated to be a designated
Mandatory Radio Call Through Zone.
All authorized avalanche trained personnel entering the Tioga Road, where gated, will contact the designated Access
Coordinator or their designee. Bob Brantley will be the coordinator Monday thru Wednesday. Bob's radio call number is
#261. Ed Appling will be the coordinator Thursday thru Saturday. His radio call number is #360. For Sunday, the access
coordinator will be designated by the Mather District Ranger. Park dispatch will be informed of who is the designated
Access Coordinator each day.
All personnel entering a designated Mandatory Radio Call Through Zone will contact another vehicle in their convoy
(partner vehicle) prior to and when exiting Mandatory Radio Call Through Zones.
All personnel entering the Tioga Road will adhere to the daily schedule for exiting through the Mandatory Radio Call
Through Zones as established by the Avalanche Team and implemented by the designated Access Coordinator. This
means personnel must exit the Tioga Road each day at the time established by the access coordinator or remain overnight.
No exceptions. All persons granted administrative access must be prepared for the possibility of remaining in place
overnight and have sufficient clothing, food and other equipment in the event changing conditions prohibit return travel
through the avalanche zones. These restrictions and procedures will be in effect untill all Mandatory Radio Call Through
zones have been rescinded.
All authorized personnel need to be aware of ongoing snow removal operations, tree removal operations, sign maintenance
operations and other administrative functions. Be aware of black ice, snow and ice debris and vegetation encroaching into
the roadway. Please drive with the utmost caution and observe the 25 MPH speed limit in effect throughout the Tioga
Road opening. (T. Ludington - 5/8/09)


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Maybe the NHL should shoot for a lockout-shortened hockey season every year?
Soon after the NHL ended its 100+-day lockout, the discussion turned to how fans would react. Specifically, team and arena owners worried about the possibility that fans would be so bitter about the lockout that they wouldn't show up for games, dollars in hand.
When the shortened season schedule was announced, NHL teams rolled out deals on tickets and concessions to try to make nice with the fans and draw them back to arenas. Opening-night tickets were sold at 50% off, family ticket deals offered free seats for a child with a paying adult, and arena concessions and team merchandise were discounted or given away during promotional events.
Apparently, the promotions did the trick. Either that or fans would have supported their teams no matter what. In any event, a little over a month into the lockout-shortened season, the NHL is boasting solid average attendance at games—up 1.42% over last season. The Bleacher Report reported that the increase, while modest, means the NHL is on pace for the third year in a row of rising average per-game attendance.
(MORE: Pay Less for Sporting Event Tickets — After You've Already Bought Them)
A Boston Globe Magazine article published in late January noted that we shouldn't be surprised by how quickly fans seem to have let bygones be bygones:
As Globe hockey columnist Kevin Paul Dupont wrote, NHL fans "have always acted as the enablers in the lockout dynamic." After the league returned from the canceled 2004-05 season, attendance increased for 25 of 30 teams, including the Bruins. The NHL set records for total attendance (20,854,169) and average game attendance (16,955). Those numbers are very good — by hockey standards.
According to ESPN data, average game attendance thus far in 2013 is around 17,700.
Nonetheless, teams are trying to send the message that they don't take fan support for granted, and the charm offensive is still in effect in many hockey towns. The Detroit Red Wings recently sent season ticketholders booklets of coupons good for free team merchandise, $1 sodas, and $3 beers at the arena—beers that normally run around $9 a pop, according to the Detroit News.
In the same way that NBA teams offer cheap ticket deals at arenas that struggle to draw fans, flailing NHL squads are rolling out all sorts of ticket deals to keep locals coming through the turnstiles. For instance, the Phoenix Coyotes—dead last in the NHL in terms of average home game attendance—introduced the GOALden ticket package. The promotion should attract gamblers and fans alike: For $100, you get seats for up to 10 home games, or until opposing teams score a total of five goals against the Coyotes, whichever comes first.
(MORE: Snowboarding May Have Reached Its Peak)
The Florida Panthers, meanwhile, are trying to boost season ticket numbers by including free concerts from the likes of Larry the Cable Guy and Daughtry with seat packages. The Colorado Avalanche and other teams are selling packages that bundle tickets and refreshments—$99 for four tickets, four meals, and four drinks, for example.
While there seem to be plenty of inexpensive ticket promotions around the NHL, per the Fan Cost Index, the price of attending an NHL game actually went up this year. The average regular season ticket now costs $61.01, up nearly 6% from last year, and the average price to bring a family of four to a game (including tickets, drinks, food, parking, and souvenirs) is up to $354.82, a rise of nearly 8%.
And why wouldn't teams raise prices? After all, attendance is rising.


text: "My art is inspired by the death of the printed word. Books and newspapers are becoming artifacts of the 21st century. As a society we're shifting away from print consumption and heading straight towards full digital lives. My sculptures are products of their environment —both literally and figuratively. As often as I can, I use local newspapers to add authenticity, and the form the sculpture takes is a reflection of the personal connection I feel to that particular city." Nick Georgiou


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Dying in America is expensive. The average cost of a funeral, from the flowers to the plot, has grown to $9,000. With almost 1.8 million buried every year, that amounts to a $15 billion-a-year business.
The death industry, including funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries, is a tale of two economies. Most of the 19,500 funeral homes in America are small operations, passed down through families over the generations. But a few large companies, many of them publicly traded (including Wal-Mart and Amazon), control the business. Those are the firms that we studied in this analysis of the death industry.
The established death industry is under siege from two forces: cremation and the Web. First, cremation has grown in popularity, due perhaps to the rising cost of burials, public concerns about overcrowded graveyards, and personal considerations. John Ross, the executive director of the Cremations Association of North America, claims that a crematory fee is $1,400 -- a sixth the cost of an average funeral. One in three bodies are cremated, according to Bob Fells, acting CEO of the International Cemetery and Cremation Funeral Association. But he expects that number to rise to one in two by 2025. If Americans continue to move toward cremation, it could spell doom for funeral homes.
Second, death has been changed by the Internet. Wal-Mart and Amazon sell caskets online at a discount, sometimes as much as two-thirds of their retail prices. This competition drags down the price of funeral is another factor that will erode the margins of the traditional funeral industry.
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It's been too long. I've had it in my mind to write this post since I published my first 50 Things I'm Grateful For… post last year. I kept finding cool things to blog about, and before I knew it, more than a year had passed. So here goes…
I'm grateful for (take 2)…
- my toolbox
- walking around in my bare feet (like I am right now)
- Metro Parks, Serving Summit County
- Christmas in July
- a safe community
- my home sweet home
- a warm bed
- Akron-Summit County Public Library
- fictional characters
- live music
- Big Red gum
- stopping to smell the celosia
- growing up in Timbuktu
- POTUS (the office & that anyone even wants the job anymore)
- swinging at a playground
- a freshly mowed lawn
- my gadgets (How did we live before smartphones and tablets?!)
- festivals & street fairs
- running shoes
- books, books and more books
- classic & muscle cars
- watermelon
- freedom
- trails
- notebooks (and cool felt tip pens)
- green olives
- green smoothies
- owning my own business
- a cold margarita and…
- hot espresso
- dazzling design
- tennis balls (Wilson, pictured above — my friend and idea generator)
- leg lamp cookies
- siblings
- Italian ice
- my strong platelet count
- being colorful
- fireworks
- paying it forward (and having it paid forward)
- water (fresh, salt, chlorinated or bath)
- peanut butter (straight out of the jar)
- logic puzzles (I love to think!)
- my name, no matter how many times its misspelled 🙂
- things that make me laugh
- a Friday night at the drag strip
- good times
- my parents
- playing in the mud
- MacGyver
- figuring out who I am (again and again and again)
Alright, so there's my second list of 50 things I'm grateful for. (If you want to browse the first list, here you go.)
Now it's your turn. I would love to hear about what you're grateful for! No matter how tough life gets, we can all be grateful for something. Share your list (however big or small) in the comments below, hit me up on a social network or tag me in your blog post. Cheers!
Grateful & blessed,