text:
General News of Sunday, 16 December 2012
Source: UN News Centre
.... on holding of peaceful presidential elections
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulates the people of Ghana on the peaceful holding of their presidential and parliamentary elections, according to his spokesperson.
"He extends his congratulations to President Mahama and all presidential candidates for their exemplary conduct throughout the campaign period, and for their commitment to maintaining peace, especially as shown in their signing of the Kumasi Declaration," the spokesperson added in a statement, referring to an agreement made by presidential candidates against electoral violence.
According to media reports, Ghana's electoral authorities announced on Sunday that the incumbent, John Dramani Mahama, won a new term as president. Mr. Mahama – who replaced former President John Atta Mills after his death in July – reportedly won 50.7 percent of the ballots cast.
The Secretary-General's spokesperson said that Mr. Ban takes note of the declaration of the final results by the Electoral Commission, which he commends for its continued commitment to the professional and transparent organization of elections.
"He encourages the concerned parties to continue to use legal means to resolve all disputes and he emphasizes that all actions taken in this critical period should contribute to preserving peace and stability in Ghana," the spokesperson added.


text:
Detroit Files Chapter 9 Bankruptcy; Oakland, LA, Others on Deck; Pension Promises vs. Bondholders in Spotlight; The Bright Side
Mish Moved to MishTalk.Com Click to Visit.
In an inevitable, anticlimactic decision today, Detroit files for bankruptcy.
Detroit became the largest US city to ever file for bankruptcy on Thursday, seeking protection from its creditors as it restructures more than $18bn in debt.Welcome to Chapter 9, Detroit
Richard Snyder, Michigan's Republican governor, said in a letter included in the filing.
"Detroit simply cannot raise enough revenue to meet its current obligations and that is a situation that is only projected to get worse absent a bankruptcy filing.
Kevyn Orr, who Mr Snyder appointed in March to serve as Detroit's emergency manager, has stirred controversy by putting the claims of holders of general obligation bonds – which are backed by taxes – on the same footing as those of pension funds and retirees.
Holders of the general obligation bonds argue that they should be paid before other unsecured claimants. Pension funds maintain that their rights are constitutionally protected and should have priority.
"To treat holders of general obligation bonds backed by the full faith and credit of a sovereign entity as unsecured and impaired has implications for the municipal market," said Peter Hayes, head of municipal bonds at BlackRock, which owns $25m of Detroit's debt.
Mr Orr said the city's total debt was at least $18bn and could be as much as $20bn – $11bn of which is unsecured. The remaining $9bn that is secured will probably be paid back at 100 cents on the dollar.
FT Alphaville says Welcome to Chapter 9, Detroit
Beyond the list of derelict buildings and brownfield sites owned by the city — you'll want to read the approval letter by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, in Exhibit A.
Here is a link to Detroit's Bankruptcy Filing
Amusing Flashback of the Day
The amusing flashback of the day with a hat tip to ZeroHedge goes to a CBS news headline from October 13, 2012 Obama: I "refused to let Detroit go bankrupt".
Gut Kick
Bloomberg says Detroit 'Gut Kick' Poses New Test for Long Suffering City
The move was inevitable, said Steven Rattner, a New York financier who headed President Barack Obama's auto-industry task force in 2009 that put the predecessors of General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC into bankruptcy reorganizations.10 Pages of Bankruptcy References on This Blog
"This will be much messier than the auto companies," he said. "This will go on for a long time."
"You're going to have much bigger haircuts for the workers and that's going to mean much more pain than the workers for the auto companies were asked to bear," Rattner said.
Michel Soucisse, manager of Mudgie's Deli on Porter Street, shares her concern.
"I really fear that Detroit will be cut apart by its creditors and some of our assets will start to be sold off willy-nilly," he said in an interview. "I really hope it means that we get to keep our assets and get help at the same time."
I have 10 pages of Detroit Bankruptcy References on this blog. The earliest is in regards to GM and is from 2005.
Here are a few examples:
- LA Mayor Says "No Question You'll See Some Cities Default"; Mayor Daley Says "I wouldn't doubt it"; NY Mayor Goes After Public Pensions
- Detroit Loses $400 Million on $800 Million of Bonds; Detroit's Easy Solution
- City of Houston is Bankrupt (So are California, Oregon, and Pension Plans in General)
Clearly this is not a surprise. Nor did the stock market treat it like a surprise.
What's going to be a surprise (but not to Mish readers) is when Oakland, LA, Houston, Baltimore, and numerous other cities declare bankruptcy to escape untenable pension and health-care promises.
The Bright Side
Taxpayers should be fed up with ever-escalating property taxes, sales taxes, and fees to pay ridiculous retirement plans for unappreciative public union employees, especially police, fire, and teachers' unions.
So, look on the bright side.
The Detroit bankruptcy is a good thing, and it will be even better when numerous other cities, bankrupted by public union greed, do exactly the same thing.
If you are desperate for yield and holding questionable municipal bonds, especially long-term municipal bonds, you may wish to reconsider.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Published in 1833, this story predates even Edgar Allan Poe's SF
works. And most of the tale takes place earlier still--in the 1500s, an
unusual setting for sci-fi!
July 16, 1833.--today is my 323rd birthday!
The Wandering Jew?--certainly not. More than 18 centuries have passed over his head. Compared to him, I am a very young Immortal.
Am I, then, immortal? This I have asked myself day and night for 303 years; yet I cannot answer. I found a gray hair amid my brown locks this very day. Yet it may have remained concealed there for 300 years. Some 20-year-olds are whiteheaded.
You may judge for me. I will tell my story, and pass some few hours of a long and wearisome eternity. To live forever! Can it be? I have heard of enchantments that plunged the victims into deep sleep, to wake, after 100 years, fresh as ever; I have heard of the Seven Sleepers--thus to be immortal would not be so burdensome: but, oh! the weight of neverending time--the tedious passage of the still-succeeding hours! But to my task.
I was then very young, very poor, and very much in love. I had been for about a year the pupil of Cornelius, though I was absent when this accident occured. On my return, my friends told me the dire tale, imploring me not to return to the alchemist's abode. I required no second warning; when Cornelius came and offered me a purse of gold if I would remain under his roof, I felt as if Satan himself tempted me. My teeth chattered; my hair stood on end. I fled as fast as my trembling knees would permit.
My failing steps were directed whither for two years they had every evening been attracted: a bubbling spring of pure living waters, beside which lingered a dark-haired girl, whose beaming eyes were fixed on the path I was accustomed each night to tread. I cannot remember a time when I did not love Bertha; we had been neighbors and playmates from infancy. Her parents, like mine, were of humble life, yet respectable; our attachment had been a source of pleasure to them. But a malignant fever had carried off both her father and mother, making Bertha an orphan. She would have found a home with us, but, unfortunately, the old lady of the near castle, rich, childless, and solitary, adopted her. Henceforth Bertha was highly favored by fortune. But in her new situation among new associates, Bertha remained true to the friend of her humbler days; she often visited my father's cottage, and when forbidden to go thither, she would meet me beside that shady fountain in the neightboring wood.
She often declared that she owed no duty to her new protectress equal in sanctity to that which bound us. Yet I remained too poor to marry, and she grew weary of being tormented on my account. She had a haughty, impatient spirit, and grew angry at the obstacles preventing our union. We met now after an absence, and she had been sorely beset while I was away; she complained bitterly, and almost reproached me for being poor.
I replied hastily, "I am honest, if I am poor! Were I not, I might soon become rich!"
This exclamation produced a thousand questions. I feared to shock her, but she drew the story from me. Then, with disdain, she said, "You pretend to love, yet you fear to face the Devil for my sake!"
Thus goaded, and led on by love and hope, I returned to accept the alchemist's offer, and was instantly installed in my office.
A year passed. My savings grew even as my fears dwindled. Despite my vigilance, I never detected a trace of a cloven foot, nor was the studious silence of our abode ever disturbed by demonic howls. I continued my stolen interviews with Bertha, and Hope dawned on me--but not perfect joy, for Bertha, though true of heart, was somewhat a coquette, and I was jealous as a Turk. She slighted me in a thousand ways, yet would never admit she was in the wrong. She would drive me mad with anger, then force me to beg her pardon. Sometimes, fancying I was not sufficiently submissive, she told some story of a rival, favored by her protectress. She was surrounded by rich, cheerful, silk-clad youths; what chance had the sad-robed scholar of Cornelius?
Once, the philosopher became engaged in some mighty work, and I was forced to remain, day and night, feeding his furnaces and watching his chemical preparations. Bertha waited for me in vain at the fountain. Her haughty spirit fired at this neglect; and when at last I stole out during the few short minutes alloted me for slumber, hoping to be consoled by her, she received me with disdain, dismissed me in scorn, and vowed that any man should possess her hand rather than he who could not be in two places at once for her sake. She would be revenged!--And truly she was. In my dingy retreat I heard she had been hunting, attended by Albert Hoffer. Hoffer was favored by her protectress, and the three passed in cavalcade before my smoky window. Methought I heard my name--followed by a derisive laugh, as her dark eyes glanced contemptuously toward my abode.
All the venom and misery of jealousy entered my breast. Now, I shed a torrent of tears, to think that I should never call her mine; anon, I cursed her inconstancy. Yet, still I must stir the fires of the alchemist, still attend the changes of his unintelligible medicines.
Cornelius had watched for three days and nights, nor closed his eyes. The progress of his alembics was slow. Despite his anxiety, sleep weighed on his eyelids. Again and again he threw off drowsiness with superhuman energy; again and again it stole away his senses. He eyed his crucibles wistfully. "Not ready yet," he murmured; "will another night pass before the work is accomplished? Winzy, my boy, you are vigilant and faithful--you slept last night. Look at that glass vessel. The liquid it contains has a soft rose-color; the moment it begins to change, awaken me--till then I may close my eyes. First, it will turn white, then emit golden flashes; but wait not till then; when the rose-color fades, rouse me." I scarcely heard the last words, muttered, as they were, in sleep. Even then he did not quite yield to nature. "Winzy, my boy," he again said, "touch not the vessel--do not put it to your lips; it is a philter to--to cure love; lest you cease loving your Bertha--beware to drink!"
And he slept. His venerable head sunk on his breast, and I scarce heard his regular breathing--for he had reminded me of Bertha. Serpents and adders filled my heart. False, cruel girl! Nevermore would she smile on me as that evening she smiled on Albert. Oh, how I wished them both dead! I despised her--and loved her. Yes, it was love that held me in hopeless, abject thrall to Bertha. Could I but regard her with indifference--forget her and love instead someone fairer and truer--that would be victory!
A bright flash darted before my eyes. I had forgotten the adept's medicine! I gazed on it with wonder: flashes of admirable beauty, brighter than the gleams of a sunlit diamond, glanced from the surface of the liquid; the most fragrant and graceful odor stole over my sense; the vessel seemed one globe of living radiance, lovely to the eye, and irresistible to the taste. My first instinctive thought: I must drink! I raised the vessel to my lips. "It will cure me of love--of torture!" I had quaffed half of the most delicious liquor ever tasted by the palate of man, when the philosopher stirred. I started--dropped the glass--and the fluid flamed and spread along the floor, while Cornelius gripped my throat, shrieking, "Wretch! You have destroyed my lifework!"
The philosopher was unaware I had drunk any portion of his drug. He assumed I had raised the vessel from curiosity, and, frighted at its intense flashes, let it fall. I never undeceived him. The medicine's fire was quenched; its fragrance dissipated; he grew calm, as a philosopher should under the heaviest trials, and dismissed me to rest.
I cannot describe the sleep of glory and bliss which bathed my soul in paradise that memorable night. Words would be faint echoes of the gladness that possessed my bosom when I woke. I trod air; Earth appeared heaven, and my inheritance on it was to be one trance of delight. "This it is to be cured of love," I thought; "I will see Bertha today, and she will find her lover cold and regardless; too happy to be disdainful, yet utterly indifferent to her!"
The hours danced away. The philosopher, encouraged by his near-success, began concocting the same medicine once more. He was shut up with his books and drugs, and I had a holiday. I dressed carefully; looking in a mirror, I thought my good looks had wonderfully improved. I hurried beyond the precincts of the town, my soul joyous, the beauty of heaven and earth around me. I turned toward the castle; I could look on its lofty turrets with lightness of heart, for I was cured of love. My Bertha saw me afar off, as I strode up the avenue. I know not what sudden impulse animated her bosom, but at the sight, she sprang with a light fawnlike bound down the marble steps, and hastened toward me. But the old highborn hag, her protectress--nay, her tyrant!--had seen me also; she hobbled, panting, up the terrace; a page, as ugly as herself, held up her train, and fanned her as she hurried along, and stopped my fair girl with a "How, now, my bold mistress? Whither so fast? Back to your cage--hawks are abroad!"
Bertha clasped her hands, eyes still bent on my approaching figure. I saw the contest, and abhorred the old crone who checked the kind impulses of my Bertha's softening heart. Hitherto, respect for her rank had caused me to avoid the lady of the castle; now I disdained such trivial considerations. Cured of love, lifted above human fears, I hastened forward, and reached the terrace. How lovely Bertha looked--eyes flashing fire, cheeks glowing with impatience and anger. She was a thousand times more graceful and charming than ever. I no longer loved--Oh! no, I adored--worshipped--idolized her!
She had that morning been given an ultimatum: should she refuse immediate marriage with my rival, she would be cast out in disgrace and shame. Her proud spirit rose in arms at the threat; but when she remembered the scorn she had heaped upon me, and how, perhaps, she had thus lost her only true friend, she wept with remorse and rage. At that moment I appeared. "O, Winzy!" she exclaimed, "take me to your mother's cottage, away from the detested luxuries and wretchedness of this noble dwelling--take me to poverty and happiness."
I clasped her in my arms with transport. The old lady was speechless, and broke forth into furious invective only when we were far on the road. My mother received the fair fugitive, escaped from a gilt cage to nature and liberty; it was a day of rejoicing, which did not need the alchemist's celestial potion to steep me in delight.
I soon became Bertha's husband. I ceased to be the scholar of Cornelius, but continued his friend. I always felt grateful to him for that delicious draught of divine elixir, which, instead of curing me of love (sad cure! solitary and joyless remedy for evils which seem blessings now), had inspired me with the courage and resolution to win an inestimable treasure: my Bertha.
The invigorating, blissful effects of Cornelius' drink faded by degrees, yet lingered long--and painted life in hues of splendor. Bertha often wondered at my lightness of heart and unaccustomed gaiety; for, before, my disposition had been serious--even sad. She loved me the better for my cheerfulness, and our days were winged with joy.
Five years afterward I was unexpectedly summoned to the bedside of the dying Cornelius. I found him stretched enfeebled on his pallet; all of life that yet remained animated his piercing eyes, and they were fixed on a glass vessel full of roseate liquid.
"Behold," he said, in a broken, inward voice, "the vanity of human wishes! a second time my hopes are about to be crowned--and destroyed. Look at that liquor--five years ago I prepared the same, with the same success. Then, as now, my thirsting lips expected to taste the immortal elixir. You dashed it from me! and at present it is too late."
He spoke with difficulty, and fell back on his pillow. I could not help saying,--
"How, revered master, can a cure for love restore you to life?"
A faint smile gleamed across his face as I listened earnestly to his scarcely audible answer.
"A cure for love and for all things--the Elixir of Immortality. Ah! if now I might drink, I should live forever!"
As he spoke, a golden flash gleamed from the fluid; a well-remembered fragrance stole over the air; he raised himself, weak as he was--strength seemed miraculously to reenter his frame--he stretched forth his hand--a loud explosion startled me--a ray of fire shot up from the elixir, and the glass vessel containing it shivered to atoms! The philosopher fell back, eyes glassy, features rigid. He was dead!
But I lived and would live forever! So said the unfortunate alchemist, and for a few days I believed. I remembered the glorious drunkenness following my stolen draught, that bounding elasticity of frame and bouyant lightness of soul. I surveyed myself in a mirror, and could perceive no change in my features during the five years which had elapsed. I remembered the radiant hues and grateful scent of that delicious beverage--worthy of the gift it could bestow----I was, then, IMMORTAL!
I soon laughed at my credulity, however. The adage, "A prophet is least regarded in his own country," was true of me and my defunct master. I loved him as a man and respected him as a sage, but derided the notion that he could command the powers of darkness, and laughed at the superstitious fears with which vulgar folk regarded him. His science was simply human; and human science, I persuaded myself, could never conquer nature's laws so far as to imprison the soul forever within its carnal habitation. Cornelius had brewed a soul-refreshing drink--more inebriating than wine--sweeter and more fragrant than any fruit; it probably possessed strong medicinal powers, imparting gladness to the heart and vigor to the limbs; but its effects would wear off; already were they diminished. I was lucky to have quaffed health and joyous spirits, and perhaps long life, at my master's hands, but my good fortune ended there: longevity was far different from immortality.
Thus, for many years, I believed I would meet the fate of all the children of Adam at my appointed time--a little late, but still at a natural age. Yet I certainly retained a wonderfully youthful look. I was laughed at for my vanity in consulting the mirror so often, but I consulted it in vain--my brow was untrenched--my cheeks--my eyes--my whole person continued as untarnished as in my 20th year.
I grew troubled. I looked at Bertha's faded beauty--I seemed more like her son. And Bertha herself grew uneasy. She became jealous and peevish, and at length began to question me. We had no children; we were in all to each other; and though, as she grew older, her vivacious spirit became a little ill-tempered, and her beauty sadly diminished, I cherished her in my heart as the mistress I had idolized, the wife I had sought and won with perfect love.
But some obstacles love cannot overcome. Our neighbors became suspicious, calling me the "Scholar Bewitched" and spreading rumors that I had kept up an iniquitous acquaintance with some of my former master's supposed friends. I was regarded with horror and detestation, while poor Bertha was pitied, but deserted. I was forced to journey 20 miles, to some place where I was unknown, just to sell my farm's produce.
Finally we sat by our lonely fireside--the old-hearted youth and his antiquated wife. Again Bertha insisted on knowing the truth; she recapitulated all she had ever heard about me, and added her own observations. She entreated me to cast off the spell; she described how much more comely gray hairs were than my chestnut locks; she descanted on the reverence and respect due age. And could the despicable gifts of youth and good looks outweigh disgrace, hatred, and scorn? Nay, in the end I should be burnt as a dealer in the black art, while she might be stoned as my accomplice. At length she insinuated that I must share my secret with her, and bestow on her like benefits to those I myself enjoyed, or she would denounce me--then she burst into tears.
Thus beset, methought it best to tell the truth. I revealed it as tenderly as I could, and spoke only of very long life, not immortality. When I ended, I rose and said,
"And now, my Bertha, will you denounce the lover of your youth? You will not, I know. But you should suffer no more from my ill-luck and the accursed arts of Cornelius. I will leave you--you have wealth enough saved away, and friends will return in my absence. Young as I seem, and strong as I am, I can work and gain my bread among strangers, unsuspected and unknown. I loved you in youth; God is my witness that I would not desert you in age, but that your safety and happiness require it."
I took my cap and moved toward the door; in a moment Bertha's arms were around my neck and her lips pressed to mine. "No, my husband, my Winzy," she said, "you shall not go alone--take me with you. As you say, among strangers we shall be unsuspected and safe. I am not so very old as quite to shame you, my Winzy; and I dare say the charm will soon wear off, and, with the blessing of God, you will age as is fitting; you shall not leave me."
Thus we prepared secretly for our emigration. We made great pecuniary sacrifices--it could not be helped. We realized a sum sufficient, at least, to maintain us while Bertha lived; and, without saying adieu to anyone, quitted our native country to take refuge in a remote part of western France.
It was cruel to transport poor Bertha from her native village, and the friends of her youth, to a new country, new language, new customs. The strange secret of my destiny rendered this removal immaterial to me; but I compassioned her deeply, and was glad to perceive that she found compensation for her misfortunes in a variety of little ridiculous circumstances. She sought to decrease the apparent disparity of our ages by a thousand feminine arts--rouge, youthful dress, and assumed juvenility of manner. I grieved deeply when I remembered that this was my Bertha, whom I had loved so fondly--the dark-eyed, dark-haired girl, of enchanting smile and fawnlike step--this mincing, simpering, jealous old woman. I should have revered her gray locks and withered cheeks; but thus!--It was my fault, I knew; but I nonetheless deplored this type of human weakness.
Her jealousy never slept. Her chief occupation was to discover that, in spite of outward appearances, I was growing old. The poor soul loved me truly in her heart, but she had a tormenting way of showing it. She would discern wrinkles in my face and decrepitude in my walk, while I bounded along in youthful vigor, the youngest looking of 20 youths. I never dared address another woman; one time, fancying that the village belle regarded me with favoring eyes, she brought me a gray wig. Her constant discourse among her acquaintances was that though I looked so young, there was ruin at work within my frame; and she affirmed that the worst symptom about me was my apparent health. My youth was a disease, she said, and I ought always to prepare, if not for sudden and awful death, at least to awake some morning white-headed, and bowed down with the marks of advanced years. I let her talk--I ofted joined in her conjectures. Her warnings chimed in with my never-ceasing speculations concerning my state, and I took an earnest, though painful, interest in listening to all that her quick wit and excited imagination could say on the subject.
Why dwell on these minute circumstances? We lived on for many long years. Bertha became bedrid and paralytic: I nursed her as a mother might a child. She grew peevish, and still harped on one string--of how long I should survive her. It has ever been a source of consolation to me that I performed my duty scrupulously toward her. She had been mine in youth, she was mine in age, and at last, when I heaped the sod over her corpse, I wept because I had lost all that really bound me to humanity.
Since then how many have been my cares and woes, how few and empty my enjoyments! I pause here in my history--I will pursue it no further. A sailor without rudder or compass, tossed on a stormy sea--a traveler lost on a widespread heath, without landmark or stone to guide him--such have I been: more lost, more hopeless than either. A nearing ship, a gleam from some far cot, may save them; but I have no beacon except the hope of death.
Death! mysterious, ill-visaged friend of weak humanity! Why alone of all mortals have you cast me from your sheltering fold? O, for the peace of the grave! the deep silence of the iron-bound tomb! that thought would cease to work in my brain, and my heart beat no more with emotions varied only by new forms of sadness!
Am I immortal? I return to my first question. Is it not more probable that the alchemist's beverage was fraught rather with longevity than eternal life? Such is my hope. And remember that I only drank half the potion. Was not the whole necessary to complete the charm? To have drained half the Elixir of Immortality is but to be half immortal.
But again, infinity halved is still infinity.
Sometimes I fancy age advancing on me. One gray hair I have found. Fool! do I lament? Yes, the fear of age and death often creeps coldly into my heart, and the more I live, the more I dread death, even while I abhor life. Such a paradox is man--born to perish--when he wars, as I do, against the established laws of nature.
But for this fear surely I might die: the medicine of the alchemist would not be proof against fire, sword, and the strangling waters. I have gazed into the blue depths of placid lakes, and the tumultuous rushing of mighty rivers, and have said, peace inhabits those waters; yet I turned away, to live yet another day. I have pondered whether suicide would be a crime in one to whom thus only the portals of the other world could be opened. I have done all, except becoming a soldier or duelist, an object of destruction to my--no, not my fellow-mortals, and therefore I have shrunk away. They are not my fellows. The inextinguishable power of life in my frame, and their ephemeral existence, places us wide as the poles asunder. I could not raise a hand against the humblest or most powerful among them.
Thus I have lived on for many years--alone, and weary of myself--desiring death, yet never dying--a mortal immortal. Neither ambition nor avarice can enter my mind, and the ardent love that gnaws at my heart, never to be returned--never to find an equal on which to expend itself--lives there only to torment me.
Before I go, a miserable vanity has caused me to pen these pages. I would
not die, and leave no name behind. Three centuries have passed since I
quaffed the fatal beverage; another year shall not elapse before,
encountering gigantic dangers--warring with the powers of frost in their
home--beset by famine, toil, and tempest--I yield this body, too tenacious
a cage for the soul which thirsts for freedom, to the destructive elements
of air and water--or, if I survive, my name shall be recorded among the
most famous of the sons of men; and, my task achieved, I shall adopt more
resolute means, and, by scattering and annihilating the atoms that compose
my frame, set at liberty the life imprisoned within, and so cruelly
prevented from soaring from this dim Earth to a sphere more congenial to its
immortal essence.
to the Free Sci-Fi Classics table of contents
to The World of the Wondersmith


text:
io9 wants to encourage mad scientists in every field, but especially in the area of synthetic biology. That's because synthetic biologists are the people who are going to build new life forms, like ligers and unicorns and people with claws and glowing eyes. OK, they might build bacteria that can clean up oil spills and repair damaged kidneys too. The point is, building new lifeforms is the science of the future and therefore you can never have too many garage laboratories and mad scientists devoted to it. That's why io9 is sponsoring a contest to find two of the best synthetic life forms you can design for us. The winners in our two categories will get either an all-expenses-paid trip to the kickass Synthetic Biology Conference in Hong Kong this October, or $1000 and a chance to have their creature drawn by a cool comic book artist. Find out more below.
There are two categories in the contest, each with their own prize. The important thing to remember is that this contest is about creating cool new lifeforms that are also, in some way, entertaining. So each entry will be judged for plausibility (i.e. whether it is scientifically justifiable), creativity, usefulness, and entertainment value.
Our esteemed judges include synthetic biologist Drew Endy (MIT), evolutionary biologist and PLoS co-founder Michael Eisen (UC Berkeley), Spore game developer Jason Shankel (EA/Maxis), and biology researcher/io9 "ask a biogeek" columnist Terry Johnson (UC Berkeley).
Category One: BioBricks Lifeform
Using the BioBricks registry of standard biological parts, propose a lifeform design that you could conceivably create in a lab. Must include a complete description of how you would make the lifeform, what it would do, and what possible hazards might be involved in creating it. You may design this creature with a team, but only one of you can claim the prize. You may enter lifeforms that you have entered in other contests, but you must state in your entry which contest(s) you've already entered. Your entry should be in the form of a short scientific paper (no more than 3000 words), with illustrations. More points given if you've actually got a working organism.
Prize: All travel and hotel expenses paid trip to the Synthetic Biology Conference in Hong Kong in October, as well as the chance to present your research there.
Apple MacBook Air Laptop
Powerful performance
The M1 chip delivers 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation all while using way less power. Get up to 18 hours of battery life.
Category Two: General Synthetic Lifeform
This lifeform can be more creative. Propose a scientifically justifiable lifeform, which could conceivably be created using current technology. Explain how you would create it, what it would do, and hazards involved. Unlike the BioBricks lifeform, this lifeform can be more speculative. It should be science fictional, but must remain scientifically plausible. Your entry should be less than 3,000 words, please. Illustrations and diagrams are a good idea.
Prize: $1000, plus a cool comic book artist will draw your lifeform and you'll get a signed copy of the original art.
General Rules
1. Send queries and completed entries to email@example.com.
2. On entries, please include your full name, an email and phone number where we can reach you, plus any information about other contests you may have entered your lifeform in.
3. Winners will be announced September 8.
4. All general Gawker contest rules apply.


text:
CONCORD — From the Pac-12 to the Ivy League, De La Salle High is sending another large contingent of football players to colleges across the country.
Five members of the Spartans' 2013 team, which went 14-1 and reached the Open Division state final, made their college choices official during National Signing Day on Feb. 5.
Sumner Houston (Oregon State), Das Tautalatasi (Arizona State), Kevin Griffin (Washington State) and Larry Ross (Portland State) inked letters of intent while Larry Allen III signed commitment papers with Harvard, as the Ivy League does not offer athletic scholarships.
A sixth member of the football team, Marquis Morris, signed a track scholarship with USC. The Spartans' top receiving option last season is the defending state champion in the 110 high hurdles.
As has become tradition, the football players signed their letters together during an early morning breakfast at a local restaurant before faxing in their letters at school.
"It's great to have signing day with them, my best friends," Houston said.
At lunch, the school also honored cross country standout Blair Hurlock (Stanford) and soccer player Kash Choudhary (Whitworth).
Griffin, Houston and Tautalatasi all made De La Salle's varsity team as sophomores and helped anchor some exceptionally strong defenses ever since. All three made their commitments to Pac-12 schools last summer and didn't waver.
Houston, who is 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, earned East Bay Defensive Player of the Year honors as a defensive tackle, but will likely play defensive end at Oregon State.
He'll be joining former Spartans Dylan Wynn, Terron Ward and Tyler Anderson in Corvallis.
"I like the atmosphere, I like the position that the team is in," Houston said. "It's a great fit for me. I like their style of play and just everything about it, I just fell in love. I'm really happy with where I'm going."
Griffin, a cornerback, wasn't the only one in his family to make his college choice official last week. His stepbrother, D.J. Calhoun, became official at Arizona State. The El Cerrito linebacker graduated early and is already enrolled in Tempe.
"I wish I could have signed next to him, that was one of my dreams, too," Griffin said. "But everything happens for a reason. I'm just proud of both of us."
Tautalatasi is headed to Arizona State along with several other Bay Area recruits. He's especially close with Monte Vista tight end Brendan Landman.
"I played with him in Pop Warner football," Tautalatasi said. "It's pretty cool how we grew up playing on the same team and we'll play on the same team again."
Tautalatasi expects to play safety in the desert. He was also a solid running back at De La Salle for multiple seasons before dislocating his elbow last fall. He was limited to defense when he returned from the injury.
Allen III, a 6-3, 285-pound offensive lineman, turned down offers from the Pac-12 to play at Harvard next year.
Ross, a defensive end, parlayed a stellar senior year into a scholarship at Portland State, a FCS school that competes in the Big Sky.


text:
New horizons for your measurements... The optical measurement chain from HBM
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Optical strain gages enable you to test the fatigue strength of your components. Stress testing can be conducted even in materials with high levels of strain, and with high numbers of load cycles. You get consistent and accurate test results even in adverse ambient conditions, for example, in high-voltage systems.
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FAQs: Frequently asked questions about optical strain gages
应用报告Application Reports
DB Minden is testing optical strain gages from HBM
Many tests and inspections are mandatory for approval of new railway vehicles. These include test runs with wheelsets enabling the forces between wheel and rail to be measured. At present, DB Systemtechnik in Minden, Germany, an...
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Efficiently generating electric power without polluting the environment becomes increasingly important in times of high commodity prices and growing environmental awareness among consumers.
Optical sensors for lightweights
Modern lightweight materials are increasingly being used in aerospace applications and in other branches, such as traffic and construction engineering, mechanical engineering and the energy business. Fiber composite technology in...
技术文章Technical Articles
Early warning of damage to wind turbine rotor blades
Suitable sensor technology must be employed to detect the damage to wind turbine rotor blades early enough, and minimize the economic consequences. The sensors must be able to withstand tough ambient conditions and must...
Sensing of Surface Strain with Flexible Fiber Bragg Strain Gages
From now on we will inform you regularly with articles from the 'Sensing of Surface Strain with Flexible Bragg Strain Gages' series.
A comparison: electrical or optical strain gages
The present paper provides a comparison of the characteristics of electrical and optical strain gages and is to provide orientation for finding the optimal solution to different measurement problems.
Strain Measurement with Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
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The EasyOptics module in catman®AP enables you to accomplish professional data acquisition using optical strain gages.


text:
Status: Passed, as amended
Issue: MAKE-PACKAGE-USE-DEFAULT
References: MAKE-PACKAGE, CLtL p183
"USER" package, CLtL p181
Related issues: PACKAGE-CLUTTER
Category: CHANGE
Edit history: JonL White, 6-Oct-88 (version 1)
Masinter, 8-Oct-88 (version 2)
Masinter, 16-Mar-89, Version 3 (make amendments
per Jan 89 X3J13)
Problem description:
The proposal in the issue PACKAGE-CLUTTER would specify that
implementation-specific extensions are not in the LISP package.
With that restriction, access to implementation-specific features
is awkward; it is necessary to always name the vendor-specific
extensions in the :USE list of MAKE-PACKAGE or (if the proposal
in DEFPACKAGE is adopted) in DEFPACKAGE.
This forces users of a specific implementation to always have
to type something to get the default set of features for that
implementation, even if they have no intention of writing portable
Proposal MAKE-PACKAGE-USE-DEFAULT:IMPLEMENTATION-DEPENDENT
Change the specification of MAKE-PACKAGE (and DEFPACKAGE, if
adopted, and IN-PACKAGE, if IN-PACKAGE-FUNCTIONALITY is not
adopted) so that the default for the :USE keyword is
undefined. Normally, the default will include
the packages containing the implementation-specific features.
Portable programs should instead always specify :USE '("LISP")
(package-use-list (make-package "SOME-USER"))
(package-use-list "USER")
Test Cases:
(subsetp `(,(find-package "LISP"))
(package-use-list (or (find-package "SOME-USER")
(make-package "SOME-USER")))))
Every implementation either already does the equivalent of this, or
else has a confusing assymetry about the USER package (i.e., their
extensions are "available" in USER, but not in SOME-USER).
Current practice:
TI and Lucid's 3.0 versions "implement" this proposal in that they set
the default :USE argument to be a list of the LISP package and the
implementation-specific package.
In VAXLISP the LISP package is the implementation-specific
package, which contains the 775 symbols supposed to be in the LISP packge
along with all the extensions; the package named COMMON-LISP
has only the 775. Thus this implements the proposal in the sense that
the inheritance of a package made with a default :USE list contains
all the implementation-specific symbols -- not just the 775 "LISP" ones.
Symbolics release 7, and Lucid's 2.1 release use only '("LISP") for the
default MAKE-PACKAGE use list, but have the aforementioned assymetry
about the USER package.
Cost to Implementors:
None; this relaxes a constraint imposed by CLtL.
Cost to Users:
In theory, every user porting code from one vendor to another would
have to ensure that every package definition, via IN-PACKAGE or
MAKE-PACKAGE, had an explicit :USE list. This is probably at most
a 5-minute text editor search. But in fact this imposition is moot,
since virtually every such user has *already* supplied explicit
:USE lists; given the current practice, he has had no alternative.
Cost of non-adoption:
There will continue to be a lack of clear standardization in this area,
especially since vendors are more willing to violate this apparently
unuseful mandate from CLtL than they are to give up a minor bias towards
their customer base.
Performance impact:
This new default behaviour for package creation will permit
documented extensions to appear on equal footing with the basic facilities
in the LISP package. It appears as though the _majority_ of any
users are developing and running their code totally within the
enviornment provided by that one vendor; hence it seems reasonable for
implementations to bias their default use list towards those making
frequent use of their specific extensions to Common Lisp.
Some feel that fewer implementation-dependent loopholes in the language
is preferable, even when the practical import is virtually moot.
Lucid "exposes" the default :use list as the value of the special
variable *DEFAULT-MAKE-PACKAGE-USE-LIST*, so that at site-configuration
time, one could do
(setq *DEFAULT-MAKE-PACKAGE-USE-LIST* '("LISP"))
to return to the 1984 CLtL behaviour. [This is not being proposed
at this time.]
----- Additional Comments -----
" I don't like this proposal, but I made a note to myself about another
reason that just occurred to me: There is no syntax for getting the default
(ie, system-dependent) package included if you want to -also- use some other
- - - - - -
"MAKE-PACKAGE-USE-DEFAULT:IMPLEMENTATION-DEPENDENT is okay with me.
I think it might be better to strengthen it and say that the
default for :USE is identical to the use list of the USER package.
Does anyone agree?
In response to Kent's remarks, the issue is whether the default should
be a portable way to get the local extensions, or a portable way to
get the portable language without the extensions. I think either of
those choices is portable and reasonable, it just depends on what you
want to make easier, which probably depends on whether a package is
being set up for use only by a predefined program or for use by user
typein and/or user-written programs, either of which are likely to
expect the local extensions.
Hence I would also accept a proposal to make the default for :USE
continue to be the LISP package, rather than incompatibly changing it,
and add a portable name for the local extensions."
- - - - - -
"re: I think it might be better to strengthen it and say that the
default for :USE is identical to the use list of the USER package.
Does anyone agree?
I agree, sort of. Especially since one of the motivating factors for
this proposal was that some Lucid 2.1 user's were complaining that
"things" look a lot different from the USER package than from a
user-created package.
The only question is whether or not you really want the default to be
sensitive to subsequent alterations of USER's :use list. As mentioned
in the Discussion section of the proposal, Lucid's implementation
exposes the default as the value of a global variable, which happens
to be a copy of the initial :use list of USER; but subsequent changes
to USER have no affect on this global variable."
- - - - - -
"The point: non-portable programs should declare that intent up-front.
This is a virtue of the current situation: if the program uses a
non-portable package, they have to state that at the head of the file. Us
poor losers who try to load it into the wrong environment get a error
before we've gotten on with the load."


text:
Thisilyn Milk Thistle Capsules are a traditional herbal product which is used to relieve pain from indigestion and an upset stomach due to overeating.
Thisilyn Milk Thistle Capsules are a traditional herbal product which is used to relieve pain from...
Thisilyn Milk Thistle Capsules are a traditional herbal product which is used to relieve pain from indigestion and an upset stomach due to overeating.
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text:
New to forum. Bought original 1968 AMX 390 automatic 2 years ago. Finally working on the 'refresh'.
Front completely redone. Car has torque thruster rims. Always felt real snug regarding clearance between caliper housing and rim. When i put the remanufactured calipers on, there is literally no space and rim rubs against caliper when tire is mounted and centered. Backspacer plate is fine. Car did have spare 14" Rally rim so when that is on, there is enough clearance for wheel to spin freely though not much.
If I purchase new 14 rims will I have same issue or am I better off moving up to 15# which would give me 1/2 clearance. If I go up in rim size what other factors should I be concerned with or consider?
I look forward to the advice


text:
Reading Instruction & Assessment
Best selling, research-based resources for effective reading instruction and assessment.
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Assessments — Speech/Language
Normed on Spanish-Bilingual individuals
Author: Nancy A. Martin, PhD
Bilingual VocabularyIndividual AdministrationAges 2 through 70+Norm-Referenced (1,200+ U.S. Spanish-bilingual individuals)Administration and scoring time: 20-25 minutesQualification Level B
DescriptionNow with expanded norms (ages 2-0 through 70+), this edition is intended for use with and was normed on a bilingual population of individuals who speak Spanish and English with varying levels of proficiency. Because examinees are permitted to respond in either language, the test measures total acquired vocabulary; it is not a test of language proficiency, since language includes grammar and syntax, as well as vocabulary. Norms are separate from the English 4th edition of the EOWPVT. The Spanish-bilingual edition (SBE) tests are co-normed, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of a person's naming abilities.Administration and ScoringThe Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test-4: Spanish-Bilingual Edition can be administered in either Spanish or English or both languages, and the individual is given the opportunity to respond in either language. 180 color pictures are presented singly to the examinee, who is asked to name what is shown (picture, object, concept). As with the EOWPVT-4 (English version), the EOWPVT-4: SBE retains the use of prompts and cues (shown on the Record Form) to ensure that examinees will attend to relevant aspects of each illustration. Age-related starting points and ceilings (reached when the examinee makes a set number of consecutive errors) ensure that only a subset of items is administered, allowing testing to usually be completed in 20 to 25 minutes. Scoring is easy and straightforward, and generally takes about 5 minutes. Raw scores are reported as standard scores, percentile ranks, and (if necessary) age equivalents.Examiners must be fluent in both languages or be assisted by someone fluent in the language not spoken by the principal examiner, in order to understand whether any dialectical variants should be counted as correct.What's new in this edition?Words have been added both at the lower end for younger children and at the upper end for adults. The order of the 180 test plates is different from that used in the English editions, reflecting the developmental word usage patterns specific to this population, and simplifying both the administration and scoring of the test; all of the words were derived from the English-language 4th edition of this test. Each edition (English and Spanish) now uses its own set of test plates.IMPORTANT: Test components of the Expressive Spanish-Bilingual 4th Edition are not interchangeable with components of the Expressive English 4th Edition (2011).SPECIAL OFFER: Save $50 when purchasing EOWPVT-4:SBE and ROWPVT-4:SBE test kits. See Special Offers below.
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Spanish Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test-3
Oral and Written Language Scales-II (OWLS-II)
Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test 2 (Fluharty-2)
©2018 Academic Therapy Publications. All rights reserved worldwide. | TopSpecialists in Diagnostic Assessments, High Interest/Low Level Readers, and Special Education Products since 1965
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text:
- Home
- (Nano) Najwa Sport Hijab - Finale
NAJWA SPORT Collection with NANOTECHNOLOGY
Made of quick-drying poly spandex jersey, this lightweight and breathable collection keep you comfortable rain or shine. Now improved with antimicrobial nanotechnology for odour-free antibacterial comfort. Get moving and stay active with our new and improved line of sports hijabs.
Close-fitting instant hijab for more rigorous activities, or when you need to tuck the hijab into your outfit.
- Longer curve cut front for coverage and shorter back for better ventilation.
- Sporty cut for a better fit.
- Reflective trim on front and back for low-light activities.
- Mini awning to allow air circulation around your forehead.
- Comes with attached inner
- Face Opening: ~ 8.5 inch
- Front Length: ~ 11.5 inch
- Back Drape: ~ 18 inch
Care instructions :
Opacity: Level 5
Note :
Level 1: Totally see-through that needs an inner to cover the neck.
Level 2: See-through that might need an inner to cover the neck depending on the colour.
Level 3: Semi see-through that needs a double layer to cover the neck.
Level 4: Almost opaque and does not need a double layer to cover the neck.
Level 5: Totally opaque.
Bear in mind that all the photos are captured in a photography studio with bright lights from all angles. The colours are made to the most similar possible. The colours might vary from each computer settings.


text: Warning: This website is only suitable for viewing by persons aged 18 or above, and entry under the age of 18 is prohibited! Piracy is illegal, don't try it yourself! The content of this site must not be sold, rented, given or lent to persons under the age of 18 or shown, played or shown to persons under the age of 18, if you find that certain content on this site does not appropriate, or some content infringes your copyright, please contact us.


text:
Holliday helps Cardinals rally past Cubs
ST. LOUIS – Matt Holliday doesn't get too technical about what he tries to do at the plate for the Cardinals.
Holliday hit his third home run in two games and broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run single, rallying St. Louis past the Chicago Cubs 9-6 on Sunday.
"I just try to hit the ball to the middle of the field," said Holliday, who has five homers against the Cubs this season and 20 in his career. "Trying to hit a single up the middle is a good approach."
Holliday finished with three hits and four RBIs for the Cardinals, who pulled into a tie for first place with Milwaukee in the NL Central.
The performance pleased St. Louis manager Mike Matheny.
"I love it when guys do what they've always done and people seem to forget year after year," Matheny said. "He's an elite player. He continues to figure out ways to get it done no matter what. It was a big game and we needed it."
St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong homered but left in the top of the eighth after falling backward when he tried to catch a popup in short right field. He appeared to hurt his head and shoulder, and was replaced by Pete Kozma.
Wong said he was fighting the sun trying to catch the popup and fell. He underwent concussion tests.
"I felt really dizzy," Wong said. "I'm not in any pain and I don't have any headaches."
Kozma, in his third stint with St. Louis this season, led off the bottom half with a double. It was his second hit in four at-bats this year.
After failing to get down two bunt attempts, Daniel Descalso got the third one down and beat Carlos Villanueva's throw to first for a single. With the bases loaded and two outs, Holliday singled off Villanueva (5-7) to drive in two runs.
The ball appeared to hit Villanueva's foot, but the reliever said it actually struck the rubber and caromed into short left field.
Jhonny Peralta's third single scored the final run in a three-run eighth.
Pat Neshek (7-1) earned the win with one inning of work. Trevor Rosenthal got his 40th save in 45 chances with a scoreless ninth.
The Cardinals trailed 5-0 but rallied to tie it at 6 with two runs in the seventh. With two outs and two on, Peralta and Yadier Molina each hit a run-scoring single off Pedro Strop.
John Lackey pitched 6 1/3 innings in his sixth start for St. Louis since coming over from Boston on July 31. The right-hander allowed five runs, two earned, and nine hits.
"We've got a bunch of grinders," Holliday said. "We haven't had the best offensive season. Lackey gave us a chance. He shut them down after the second and gave us a chance to get a couple here and a couple there. Next thing you know you're within a run and with a big hit, you have a chance to win the game."
Lackey issued a leadoff walk in the second and made a throwing error that allowed a run to score. Chris Coghlan hit a two-run single and Luis Valbuena, who had three hits, added a two-run homer to make it 5-0.
"I definitely would have liked to not let that inning get as far out of hand as it did and try to cut it to maybe two or three runs," Lackey said. "But I was able to make some adjustments after that and you've got to give the offense all the credit in the world today the way they came back, especially Matt, who's swinging the bat so well. It just was a big comeback win for us."
Holliday hit his 16th homer in the fourth, and St. Louis scored three in the fifth. Wong hit a leadoff homer, and Matt Carpenter's RBI double glanced off the glove of center fielder Arismendy Alcantara at the warning track. Holliday's run-scoring double off the left-field fence chased starter Travis Wood. Holliday is 13 for 37 (.351) against Wood with four home runs.
"They got a couple of pitches to hit out of the ballpark and they kept plugging away," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "That's what happens when you play against good clubs. That's the beauty of the Central Division. I'll still take my club against their club any day, and we'll keep battling."
Alcantara gave the Cubs a 6-4 edge with a solo homer off reliever Randy Choate.


text:
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text:
Detailed plot synopsis reviews of One Way Out
Chapter Analysis of One Way Out
Click on a plot link to find similar books!
Plot & ThemesTime/era of story - 2000+ (Present Day) Action/suspense subplot? - Yes Action: - searching for a treasure Lovers are competitors - Yes competing in - business arena
Main Male CharacterProfession/status: - teacher Age/status: - 20's-30's
Main Female Character- 20's-30's Profession/status: - small businessman
SettingUnited States - Yes
Writing StyleAccounts of torture and death? - no torture/death What % of story is romance related? - 70% Focus of story - equally on him and her How much dialog - significantly more dialog than descript
Books with storylines, themes & endings like One Way Out
|Heart of Fire by Linda Howard
|The Treasure of St. Paul by Karla Brandenburg
|A.K.A. Goddess by Evelyn Vaughn
|The Waiting Game by Jayne Ann Krentz
|Playing the Odds by Nora Roberts


text:
"It's been an incredible journey. I have stories that will make one laugh or cry from every event I have been to. Every event, there are two or three people that will stay with me the rest of my life. The people I have met and shared the journey with are incredible. The 90-year old walker that completes all 60 miles like it was nothing; the walkers that battle blisters and heat and fatigue for miles at a time; the 35-year survivor that tells her story for the first time ever; every participant has a story and I've been honored to hear quite a few. (And for better or worse, I am sure that there are walkers from around the country that can include me in their 3-Day stories!) I don't walk the event as quickly as possible; just the opposite. It's the people in the middle and back of the pack that I enjoy spending time with, just strolling the event, doing what I can to help others and enjoying the journey. Sometimes just walking next to someone and listening to their stories it all they need to continue their journey. Conversation and laughter and even tears make the miles pass easier."
What does the 3-Day® offer you and the community you've met along the way? (Besides you offering so much to other people?)
"The 'bubble' that is a 3-Day is very much how I wish the rest of the year would be, and how I try to live the rest of the year. Everyone is looking out for everyone else and sharing stories and laughing and even being open and vulnerable with each other. It is a magical time. If there is one take away–the 3-Day is the epitome of "it is the journey, not the destination." Don't rush it. Enjoy the time and even the hardships. Look around, meet people and talk and share and laugh and cry. The destination will be there when you get there."
Hands together for Matthew today as he heads into camp for his dedication and extraordinary efforts in finding a cure for breast cancer!


text:
Queen Marie of Romania
3 Favorite Vintage Beauty Products
Take a peek into Jennifer's medicine cabinet as she shares her three favorite old-time beauty products: items that have been around for decades, even centuries.
If you'd prefer to read rather than listen, scroll down to find the episode transcript.
Show notes:
Inspirational Historical Romance Contest, April 8-17, 2019.
Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap
"The Christmas Robe" is one of the stories included in Songbird and Other Stories
The Sparkling Vintage Ladies' Reading Circle
Jennifer's fiction:
Jennifer's blog and newsletter sign-up
Episode 9 Transcript:
Today's topic is vintage cosmetics. Specifically, I'm going to tell you about three old-fashioned beauty products that Grandma and Great-Grandma might have used, and that I still use just about every day.
This topic came up because I've recently finished writing a novel about the rise of a fictional cosmetics tycoon in the 20th century. The working title is Moondrop Miracle. Moondrop Miracle the name of a skin tonic that my main character from very humble beginnings expands into an international cosmetics empire. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but in doing research for this novel I investigated a lot of beauty products and their histories. I thought you might like to hear about three of my longtime favorites that have a storied past.
But first, here's what's going on in my writing life. The novel that I just mentioned, Moondrop Miracle, is currently with my agent and making the rounds of publishers. I've yet to hear any feedback on that. Hopefully there will be some nibbles soon. I made progress this week on the 1930s Hollywood novel–still writing the first draft of that one. Starting April 8 through the 17th, You're the Cream in My Coffee will be included in a promotion of Inspirational Historical Romance books through BookSweeps. If you enter that contest, you'll have a chance win a set of over 20 inspirational historical romance e-books, and even a brand new new eReader. I'll put the link in the show notes and you can check out that contest.
And now, on to today's topic. Before I begin, I need to remind you that this show is for entertainment purposes only. I'm not dermatologist or a medical professional of any kind, and this information should not be taken as medical advice. Take what works and leave the rest. Also, I am not paid to endorse any of these products. I'm only telling you about them because I like them and have used them with good results.
Okay, let's start with Pond's Cold Cream. I use this every single day. Every evening I smooth it all over my face, and I wipe it off with a warm, wet washcloth. Some people tissue it off, but I prefer a washcloth. I should also state that you do need a washcloth or tissue or abrasive of some kind. It won't just rinse off with water.
I looked into Ponds and learned that it was invented in 1846 by an American pharmacist, Theron T. Pond. He discovered that extract of witch hazel could heal small cuts. This was called "Pond's Extract." A company was formed, and by 1910 both "Pond's Vanishing Cream" and "Pond's Cold Cream" were created. The cold cream was for cleansing and the vanishing cream was for moisturizing, so-called because it vanished into the skin and was undetectable.
In the 1920s, Queen Marie of Romania toured the United States. Alert readers might remember that Queen Marie's tour played a role in my story "The Christmas Robe." Anyway, Queen Marie loved the Pond's products so much that she gave them great publicity. In 1955 Pond's merged with Chesebrough Manufacturing Company–I hope I'm pronouncing that correctly–which became Chesebrough-Ponds. And today it's part of the international Unilever brand. Interestingly, while you don't hear much about Pond's these days in the U.S., it has a big market in Japan, India, and Thailand.
I don't know if those of you watching the video or looking at a photograph me can tell, but I have rosacea, which is a hereditary skin condition that makes the skin appear quite ruddy and red. I find Pond's Cold Cream soothing and comforting to my skin. I don't know if it's actually reduced the rosacea breakouts, but it certainly hasn't hurt, and I love the way it feels on irritated skin. It also removes makeup very well and my skin feels soft and smooth. So that's my little unpaid endorsement for Pond's Cold Cream.
The second product I love is old-fashioned cake mascara. I remember my mother using cake mascara from Maybelline that came in a little red case. Mine is made by Besame Cosmetics in California. I'll put a link in the show notes. What's great about cake mascara is, not only is it vintage, which right there makes it cool in my book, but it can be used as both mascara and eyeliner. I use this little stiff brush, dampen it, run it over the cake, and apply it to my lashes. Or I use this eyeliner brush, dampen it, run it over the cake, and use it as eyeliner. I like that it goes on very subtly, more subtly than most eyeliners I've tried. You can add more coats to build it up if you want. I've also heard it can be used to darken eyebrows, although I haven't tried it for that yet. Cake mascara is more expensive than some tube mascaras, but if it's three products in one, that's a bargain. It's also paraben-free and cruelty-free and good for sensitive eyes, and has a longer shelf life than tube mascara.
I've saved the best story for last. The third old-fashioned product I like very much is Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap. The story behind this soap is really interesting. In 1929 a third-generation German-Jewish soapmaker named Emmanuel Heilbronner immigrated to the U.S. Sadly, his parents remained in Germany and perished in the Holocaust. He dropped the "heil" from the name, "Heilbronner," because of its association with Hitler. He was also not a medical doctor, but a spiritualist. He developed his own spiritual ideology, sort of a unitarian-humanist philosophy about unifying Spaceship Earth. One day he was preaching about his philosophy at the University of Chicago and was arrested for speaking without a permit. Somehow, this incident led to his being incarcerated in the Elgin Mental Hospital in Illinois. Interestingly, I used to drive past that facility almost every day on my way to work when I lived in Illinois, but I never realized its connection to the soap I like so much. Anyway, after his stint at Elgin, he founded his soap company and printed various writings about his faith on labels of his products. Today Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is a for-profit company run by some of Emmanuel's descendents. I love the smell of this soap, minty but not overpowering. It's full of good-for-you things like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, and sea salt, and it's certified fair trade. It's something I feel good about using, and, I must admit, I find its history fascinating. It's amazing what you can find out about ordinary, everyday things if you just scratch the surface a little.
So there you have it. Three old-fashioned products that I still use today. Do you have any oldies-but-goodies in your medicine cabinet that you would swear by? Drop me at email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Today's Grace Note is VICTORIA magazine. If you appreciate the grace and elegance of earlier eras, you must take a look. I've been reading this magazine since the 1990s, and it's one of the few that I still insist on subscribing to in the print edition. It's filled with the most gorgeous photography, home interiors, flowers, profiles of women running colorful, creative businesses, and great travel features. They tour castles and formal gardens and all the things that are dear to my vintage-loving heart, and maybe yours too. In an age of minimalism when so many fashionable trend seem cold, hard-edged, and gray, Victoria offers a breath of color and light. I'll provide a link in the show notes, which you'll find at sparklingvintagelife.com/podcast under Episode Nine. You can also leave a comment. You can sign up for my newsletter there as well. As always, I'd love it if you'd subscribe and leave a review at iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.
And I'll be back next week with another topic in A Sparkling Vintage Life.


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Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee
O Lord, Thou didst reproach the Pharisee when he justified himself, boasting of his deeds; and justified the Publican when he approached humbly, seeking forgiveness with sighs; for Thou dost not draw near to arrogant thoughts, nor turn away contrite hearts. Wherefore, we also kneel before Thee meekly, O Thou Who didst suffer for our sakes. Grant us forgiveness and the Great Mercy.
--Doxasticon from Orthros, Tone 8
When the Pharisee went down with empty glory, and the publican bowed himself in repentance, they came to Thee alone, O Master. But the one through boasting lost his reward, and the other by his silence deserved gifts. Wherefore, by those sighs confirm me, O Christ God, since Thou art the Lover of mankind.
--from the Praises at Orthros, Tone 1


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Morning Minutes: Feb. 6
Morning Minutes: Feb. 6
Word of the Day, Website of the Day, Number to Know, This Day in History, Today's Featured Birthday and Daily Quote.
Word of the Day
Sojourn soh-JUHRN (verb) To stay for a time in a place; live temporarily - dictionary.com
Website of the Day
Summer Reading with Tom Brokaw
Tom Brokaw tells you what he read last summer.
Number to Know
29: Number of honorary degrees Tom Brokaw has been awarded by various colleges
This Day in History
Feb. 6, 1998: Mary Kay Letourneau's suspended sentence is reinstated after she is found in a car with former student, Villi Fualaau, then 14. Letourneau was originally arrested when her relationship with Fualaau, which began when he was 12, was discovered. She would spend seven years in jail and later married Fualaau after her release.
Today's Featured Birthday
News anchor Tom Brokaw (73)
Daily Quote
"It takes a great man to give sound advice tactfully, but a greater to accept it graciously." - Logan P. Smith


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