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It's not easy being orange
By Jackson Murphy
The United States has upgraded its terrorism threat meter to the dreaded orange level. I am not sure that I'll ever be able to watch cable news again. Now the stock markets are ticking beside the graphic for terrorism while CNN's Wolf Blitzer or whomever MSNBC has dragged off the local weather beat from Tacoma, Washington talk about it. But at least we are off yellow.
Perhaps the color-coded terror system is too complicated for everyone-what changes about your life when you go from yellow to orange? It wouldn't surprise me, considering that some people think the television show Alias is too complicated. Jodi Kantor, writing in Slate, suggests that, "viewers were having trouble doing the constant double agent math. So in the space of that one post-game hour, Sydney dismantled SD-6 in a single graceful bound, fell ardently into the arms of her cute CIA handler, and unearthed grave new problems to be solved."
What's to get? Jennifer Garner who plays high kicking spy Sydney Bristow as a sexy combination of James Bond and a Playmate. I smell ratings gold, and yet it has been ranked around 65th in the ratings field. The show isn't so bad, Jennifer Garner aside, but it gives into the same temptations that most spy stories and perceptions of spies that have haunted us for years.
They give the impression that that a single spy can actually save the world. Let me put it this way: James Bond would have been dead years ago if he was a real spy. Why? The guy doesn't do much spying-he usually blows stuff up, gets together with women, and drives fancy cars. Sure those cool gadgets, like laser watches, are fun but when the C.I.A. can use remote controlled airplanes equipped with hellfire missiles, who needs a watch?
Besides Jennifer Garner in all her beauty is really unsuited for tackling al-Qaida. She spends large portions of the show in lingerie or poolside in a bikini-and don't get me wrong, there ain't nothing wrong with that. Except that the chances she would be able to put those assets' to work on Osama and his women hating thugs are slim at best.
I saw the newest spy movie The Recruit this week. What do they teach people in Hollywood? How is it exactly that at a time when spying has returned from a lengthy cold spell, and for good reasons, that no one knows how to make that era invoking story anymore?
David Edelstein, Slate's film critic, thinks a timely and more compelling movie would be a, "thriller that would explore, in the manner of Graham Greene or the pre-perestroika John Le Carré, the psychology of people with a fanatical dedication to keeping their country safe but a readiness to learn from the mistakes (both tactical and moral) of the Cold War. And there's something obscene about the way, on the eve of war, The Recruit exploits our urgent curiosity about the modern art of intelligence gathering, then high-tails it to Stupidvilleto a world of crosses and double-crosses that exists only in the minds of studio heads and whorish screenwriters."
I pity the day when a studio head green lights a movie involving a protagonist that works in the Department of Homeland Security. It is just too much to contemplate. "Mr. Ridge, what color today sir?" I am on the edge of my seat already.
What is most interesting about the current climate on the home front? That as the terror threat rises, and war looks inevitable the general emotions of the people are steady-apprehensive to be sure, but steady. The Columbia shuttle disaster was the first post 9/11 tragedy and it was absorbed quickly and we are moving forward.
How else can you explain the pop phenomenon of Joe Millionaire, The Bachelorette, The Surreal Life, and, American Idol? These popular shows are escapists to be sure, but if I was Saddam or Osama I would be afraid that on the brink of a second war (the war on terror being one) the American people are watching comfort television. The American street is calm and well entertained.
Take American Idol specifically. It is basically The Gong Show with extremely cutting analysis. Imagine if after a United Nations Security Council meeting Simon Cowell, the bitter British judge from American Idol, gave France a piece of his mind? "My advice to you, France, if you want to pursue a career in international diplomacy is, don't." "Appalling. You represent everything I loathe about Europe." "Did you go to University? Get a lawyer and sue that institution and get your money back." Or better still if Simon was one of the weapons inspectors.
The terror threat code is orange,
and life goes on.
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CHILDREN OF BODOM's 'Halo Of Blood', the bands eighth studio album, will be released on June 11th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. Artwork was created by artist Sam Saramäki, known for his classic COB album covers for 'Follow the Reaper' (2001), 'Hate Crew Deathroll' (2003), and 'Are You Dead Yet?' (2005).
Here is the premiere of the music video of the first single out of COB's upcoming record! Entitled "Transference".
You can now purchase the song via iTunes HERE!
To support 'Halo Of Blood', CHILDREN OF BODOM will be one of the featured acts on the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. COB will perform alongside Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Mastodon, Amon Amarth and others across the United States. Launching on June 29th in San Bernardino, California, the 5-week trek will run through August 4th in Dallas, Texas.
Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour dates for 2013 are as follows:
- 06/29/13: San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA
- 06/30/13: Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA
- 07/02/13: Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa, ID
- 07/03/13: White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA
- 07/05/13: Desert Sky Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
- 07/06/13: Isleta Amphitheater in Albuquerque, NM
- 07/07/13: Fiddler's Green Amphitheater in Englewood, CO
- 07/10/13: Molson Canadian Amphitheater in Toronto, ON– CANADA
- 07/12/13: First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
- 07/13/13: Susquehana Bank Center in Camden, NJ
- 07/14/13: Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, NY
- 07/16/13: Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA
- 07/17/13: Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, ME
- 07/19/13: Toyota Pavilion in Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA
- 07/20/13: Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
- 07/21/13: The Comcast Theatre in Hartford, CT
- 07/23/13: PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
- 07/24/13: Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA
- 07/26/13: Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, IN
- 07/27/13: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL
- 07/28/13: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI
- 07/30/13: Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, GA
- 07/31/13: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater in Tampa, FL
- 08/02/13: Tower Amphitheater in Austin, TX
- 08/03/13: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX
- 08/04/13: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, TX
CHILDREN OF BODOM, and AMON AMARTH have announced that they will be bringing the U.S. headbangers a few Mayhem Fest off dates. This off dates will feature the following artists (lineup varies from city to city as mentioned below):
ROB ZOMBIE, MACHINE HEAD, BEHEMOTH, JOB FOR A COWBOY, BATTLECROSS, EMMURE and HUNTRESS. Here is the confirmed list of tour dates.
- 7/9: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection (w/ Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, Battlecross & Huntress)
- 7/29: Louisville, KY @ Expo 5 (w/ Behemoth, Emmure, Job For A Cowboy, Huntress & Battlecross)
- 8/5: Bonner Springs, KS @ Cricket Wireless Ampitheater (w/ Rob Zombie & Machine Head)
- 8/7: St. Louis, MO @ Pop's (w/ Battlecross & Huntress)
- 8/8: Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works (w/ Huntress & Battlecross)-
- 8/9: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's (w/ Battlecross & Huntress)
Related links:
Children Of Bodom

subset: commoncrawl


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Download iCalendar file (compatible with most calendaring software)
Web site: http://www.therisingwinds.com/
Email: NiceGuyJoell (at) Gmail.Com (Address obscured to fight spam. Replace (at) with @ for real address.)
Category: Workshop
Rules: Game system not specified
Cost: $8.00
Duration: 1 hour
Host: unknown (Amtgard)
Age requirement: Everyone (6+)
Experience requirement: None (You've never played before)
Are materials provided: Yes
Location: Indiana Convention Center, room Hall C, table Foam Workshops
Tickets: 36 out of 40 are available (as of 1:30 AM Saturday August 25th, 2012, but this information may be out of date.)
Official site: Check the official site for the most up to date information and to purchase tickets. You must be logged in at the official site for this to work.
Time slot: Sat Aug 18 11:00 am - noon
Event added: Wed May 23 2:34 pm
Come build and take home a 3 ft safe foam sword that can last for years of use. You can come anytime throughout the day. This sword is built to the safety standards for the LARP game Amtgard.


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Seven fashionable ladies all wearing bonnets with ribbon ties under the chin. Skirts go right down to the floor with only the tip of their shoes showing.
Date: 1848
Size: A4
This plate does NOT feature in the book, "Nineteenth-Century Women's Fashion" by Felicity J Warnes
A brief history of the fashion 'plate'
Fashion plates were produced as early as the 18th Century but became particularly popular during the nineteenth century, mainly due to advances in technology. The word 'plates' originates from the technology used in the early days of printing where flat metal plates – or pieces – were etched with a design; these were then inked and could be printed from over and over again. The plates were printed in linear form only, then coloured by hand. There were a few distinguished artists who designed the illustrations, including Jules David, who always signed his work. The illustrators were superb artists and were truly the first "fashion illustrators".
The fashion plates were inserted into contemporary magazines of the time, with usually just one or two plates per issue, as a way of advertising the latest fashions to their readers. These early fashion magazines were only available to the middle and upper classes – those who could afford to buy them, and perhaps have the outfits made.
By the end of the nineteenth century, technology had advanced so much that there was no longer any need to design and produce the fashion plates by the original methods. To this day they are invaluable as a resource in researching the history of costume and fashion illustration.
About these prints
These A4 sized prints have been produced from original, hand-coloured fashion plates. They are high quality Giclée prints, made using fade-resistant inks. Many of these images can be found in the book Nineteenth Century Women's Fashion, by Felicity J Warnes.


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Long before Zach Britton was a major league baseball player, and well before the left-handed pitcher used his devastating power sinker to emerge as one of the few bright spots for the Orioles in an already-challenging 2011 season, he was a California teenager who nearly paralyzed himself running full speed into a stadium light support because he refused to stop chasing a meaningless batting-practice foul ball.
The Britton family could tell countless stories about Zach's hyper-competitive nature growing up. As the youngest of three brothers, Britton grew to hate losing so much, he would occasionally storm into the house on the verge of tears, vowing to his parents that his elder siblings, Clay and Buck, would never beat him at anything again. Ever. He didn't care that they were older, stronger and faster. Losing - it didn't matter whether it was in basketball, baseball, football or motorcycle racing - drove him a little bit insane.
But the day he smashed into that light support during an otherwise forgettable baseball practice in Santa Clarita, Calif., is probably the most telling example of why Britton made it to the big leagues. Along the way, there were other kids who might have had more talent, but none was quite as fearless or competitive as Britton.
"It was really one of the worst days of our lives," said Greg Britton, Zach's father. "When we were in the hospital, the doctors showed us his scans, and he had a bubble on his brain about the size of a quarter. They told us: 'If this doesn't go down in a day or so, we're going to have to drill through his skull to relieve the pressure. And if we do that, it may affect his motor skills.' At that point, you just drop to your knees and start praying."
To this day, Britton, 23, remembers very little about what happened, but he does have a very specific memory of lying in his hospital bed and overhearing the doctors tell his parents that his brain was bleeding.
"When you're young like that, you really have no idea how serious things are," Britton said. "I just wanted to get out of the [intensive care unit] so I could play that next week."
When the swelling subsided after a day and Britton was allowed to go home, he waited a few days, then told his baseball coaches he had been medically cleared to play - something that was not true - and he expected to see action again. His family was not amused when his coaches called to verify what he was saying.
"He's scared us a few times with his intensity," Greg Britton said.
Without that intensity, though, Britton isn't sure what kind of pitcher he would be. He certainly wouldn't be the guy who is 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA as a rookie. He's scheduled to take the mound tonight against the Boston Red Sox, trying to help the Orioles halt a three-game losing streak.
"Kennie Steenstra, my pitching coach [at Double-A Bowie], he always told me that what made me successful on the mound is that I really wanted it more than anyone," Britton said. "I wasn't going to stand for anything other than being successful."
Explaining Britton's success, however, requires a technical explanation as well as an emotional one. Because as far as he's concerned, it has a lot to do with both. If you want to understand why Britton looks like the kind of pitcher who could anchor the Orioles' staff for years to come, you need to hear the story of the accidental sinker, and also the one about Sandi Stephens.
Fortuitous find
From the technical side of things, Britton was obviously a good pitcher in high school, especially when you consider how rare it is to find a left-hander who can hit the mid-90s on the radar gun.
His family moved from California to Texas when he was 16, and, in time, he fit right in on the Weatherford High baseball team, one of the state's best programs. But it's probably a stretch to say he was a great pitcher. All he really knew how to throw was a fastball. He was actually a better outfielder, and that's what he planned to primarily play at Texas A&M, which offered him a scholarship his senior year.
"I don't think anybody expected me to be in the big leagues early on," Britton said. "There's no chance. I was just playing to get a scholarship."
The Orioles decided to roll the dice with Britton, grabbing him in the third round of the 2006 draft and handing him a $435,000 signing bonus to keep him from playing for the Aggies. But it initially didn't look like the wisest investment when Britton got smacked around in Rookie ball, going 0-4 with a 5.29 ERA in 11 starts for Bluefield.
He acknowledges now that he didn't handle it well. His anger got the best of him. He wanted to smash water coolers after every bad start. Even when he did rein in his temper, he sulked instead.
By the time he got to short-season Single-A Aberdeen the following year, his confidence was a little shaken, to say the least. But one day during a bullpen session, while experimenting with a cut fastball, one of baseball's great accidents just happened to unfold. IronBirds pitching coach Calvin Maduro noticed that instead of cutting, Britton's pitches were sinking like an anchor tossed into the ocean. Britton had just stumbled into throwing a power sinker, one of the toughest pitches to hit.
"Obviously I had no idea how to throw one," Britton said. "At the time, I was just looking for a something that, as a pitcher, gave me confidence. Something I could throw in situations where, in the past, if I had guys on base, I would give up those runs. That pitch was able to get me out of those situations."
Even though he has been throwing it for years, Britton still isn't sure why it works for him. When he throws the pitch, he grips it almost as if he's throwing a curveball. He tries to put as much pressure on his middle finger as possible and lets his pointer finger serve only as a guide. Experimenting with different pressure points was a bit like playing with a chemistry set and creating a new element more or less on instinct.
"Is it really as good as people say it is? I don't know," Britton said. "I throw it, and I don't see it move or anything. I just go by what people tell me. I just feel like I can get out of any situation. ... I really think it was a fluke. I've tried to show other people the grip, and they can't throw it."
As Britton's velocity increased, and as he added a slider and a changeup to his arsenal, he became a gigantic headache for hitters. In the minor leagues, nearly 65 percent of the balls put into play against him were ground balls, a percentage that's almost unheard-of. That, combined with being left-handed and able to throw in the mid-90s consistently, makes Britton unlike anyone else in baseball.
"I asked all our coaches the question in spring training: 'Who is he comparable to?' " Orioles pitching coach Mark Connor said. "No one could remember one. The only guy who comes close is Mike Hampton, but I don't think he threw with that velocity. If Zach gets the ball anywhere below the belt, more times than not, you're going to hit the top of the ball and it's going to be a ground ball.
"If I could sit here and tell you I could teach that pitch, I could make a lot of money. When he gets control of his sinker and can throw it when he's behind in the count, you're not going to see too many balls hit hard off him."
Even when Britton doesn't have total control of his sinker - which he didn't in his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 3 - it often doesn't matter.
"He wasn't able to locate his sinker for strikes, but [Tampa Bay] still had to respect it," catcher Matt Wieters said. "It still had good movement. ... I've been really impressed with his preparation and just being able to calm the nerves out there. You like to see the fire out there. Fire is not a bad thing. I don't mind a guy getting [ticked] off when he makes a bad pitch out there, that's for sure. He does it in a way where he's not taking away from pitches later in the game."
There's a reason Britton is calmer in the heat of the moment than he once was, and it's also a story about an accident. But not the good kind. It's the story of Sandi Stephens, and the day she died.
Calming presence
The Stephens and Britton families were so tight when Britton was growing up, he more or less considered Sandi Stephens a sister. Their families went to the same church in California, they were close in age, she also had two brothers, and she, too, was fearless, eager to keep up with the large pack of boys when they were pretending to be soldiers or playing cowboys and Indians. Sandi liked show horses and cheerleading, but what she loved most was people.
"She was really outgoing, and as we got older, she really liked helping people in the community," Britton said. "She loved kids. She was just a really good person from a good Christian family."
Even when the Brittons moved to Texas and the Stephenses moved to Oklahoma, they kept in touch. When Britton was drafted by the Orioles, he joked that when he made it to the majors, he already had plans to leave tickets for Sandi and her family to come to his first game.
On Memorial Day in 2007, Britton was at extended spring training with the Orioles, learning a pitch that would alter the course of his career. Sandi and her fiance were coming home from a going-away party in Tulsa, Okla., for Sandi's younger brother, a soldier who was headed to Iraq. Sandi was six months' pregnant with a girl.
When Britton's mother, Martha, called him the next morning to tell him that Sandi had been killed by a drunken driver, and that her unborn child had also died, he was in shock. It took several hours for it to sink in, and when it did, he was devastated.
"I think that's probably the first experience with loss that Zach really went through," Greg Britton said. "It was the first time I think he began to understand that life is not permanent."
Drawing has always helped Britton clear his head. He owns an easel, and he likes to sketch versions of pictures he finds in books or on the Internet. He drew a picture of Sandi riding a horse not long after she died, then took it to a business in Dallas that put the picture, along with Sandi's name, birth date and the day she died, on an Under Armour T-shirt. He wears it under his jersey every time he pitches.
The day Britton made his first major league start against Tampa Bay - an outing in which he would give up just three hits and one run over six innings - he texted his mom a few hours before the first pitch. She was already at the ballpark with the rest of the family, taking pictures.
'This is for Sandi'
"This is for Sandi, Mom. She's on my back today."
"I cried," Martha Britton said. "Here it is, his big day, and he's thinking of Sandi. I'm more proud of his character than I am of the fact that he's in the major leagues."
There are moments, even now, when Britton still gets angry with himself. When he gave up a homer to the Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner in his third start, his only loss, he wanted to scream. And there will likely be rough patches this year for him, regardless of how nasty his stuff can be.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter has been quick to remind people how young Britton is, and how quickly things can change in the big leagues.
But when he's on the mound and struggling to calm himself, Britton thinks about Sandi Stephens a lot.
"In a weird way, or a spiritual way, she was there with me [in Tampa]," Britton said.
"Ever since I've worn that shirt, I've had success. There have been times on the mound when I've thought about everything. I feel like I have a connection there. I'm able to calm down in certain situations because of her. It's kind of unique when I'm out there. I don't feel it anywhere else."
Long before Zach Britton was a major league baseball player, and well before the left-handed pitcher used his devastating power sinker to emerge as one of the few bright spots for the Orioles in an already-challenging 2011 season, he was a California teenager who nearly paralyzed himself running full speed into a stadium light support because he refused to stop chasing a meaningless batting-practice foul ball.


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Energy Efficient Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages
Examining Energy Efficient Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages
Energy efficient windows are designed to keep cold air out and warm air in. These types of windows are multiple-glazed and they have low-E coatings. High quality edge spacers and frames are also commom with energy efficient windows. The advantages of energy efficient windows outweigh the disadvantages, but the downside to energy efficient windows is still worth mentioning.
The advantages of energy efficient windows are:
- Energy cost savings. Energy efficient windows reduce energy costs by eliminating the need to overcompensate for air leakage and entry during both the summer and winter months. Possible savings in climates with a significant heating season range from 11 to 24 percent. Savings depend on the condition of the window and type. Savings in climates that mainly require cooling range from 7 to 31 percent.
- Less condensation. Low-E glass is protected by a thin layer of metal. This type of glass repels condensation that can cause frost to build up on windows. When frost collects on windows, the room feels colder, which will require extra heating.
- Better comfort. Energy efficient windows are constructed to eliminate drafts. Drafty windows are one of the most common complaints when it comes to older, non-energy efficient windows. Cold glass creates uncomfortable drafts as air next to the window cools and drops to the floor. This creates a movement pattern that feels drafty and increases heat loss.
- Lower HVAC costs. By protecting the home against leaks, drafts, and condensation, energy efficient windows help reduce peak heating and cooling loads. This allows homeowners to install smaller heating and cooling systems, which cost less.
- Increased light and views. Energy efficient windows don't require tinting in order to perform. Tinting can reduce visible light and obstruct views.
- Less damage to furniture. The sun's harmful rays can fade artwork, paper, fabric, carpet, and wood. Energy efficient coatings on glass reduce ultraviolet (UV) rays by up to 75 percent.
By purchasing energy efficient windows, you are doing your part to help save the environment. Improving energy efficiency reduces greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.
The only disadvantage of energy efficient windows is cost. Energy efficient windows cost more than other windows initially. However, the amount saved on heating and air conditioning bills will offset the cost in four to six years.
Check out our other useful sites for home remodeling:
Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies


text: Surveillance cameras have become an important tool in law enforcement and have enabled us to solve an unprecedented 30% of cases for which video surveillance evidence is recovered. With that said, the popularity of surveillance cameras increasing and prices dropping we reached out to Ellen Arndt of VideoSurveillance.com. Here are her recommendations for how and where to install cameras in a typical Philadelphia rowhome.


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Matthew Perry is getting a little help from his friend, Lauren Graham, on his new NBC comedy.
The Parenthood star is set to guest-star on an upcoming episode of Go On as a college friend and an ex-co-worker of Perry's grieving sportscaster Ryan King, Entertainment Weekly reports. There is no airdate yet for the episode.
Fall TV Popularity Contest: Will you go on with Go On?
Go On follows Ryan when he joins a support group to help cope with his wife's recent death. Graham and Perry last shared the screen when she played herself on an episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
Go On airs Tuesdays at 9/8c, and Parenthood airs Tuesdays at 10/9c, both on NBC.


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Festival to be held Saturday
PINK HILL � The second annual Pink Hill Rose Festival will be held Saturday at the Pink Hill Wellness and Education Center.
Hosted by the Pink Hill Area Preservation and Development Committee, an all-volunteer organization, the festival celebrates Pink Hill�s heritage and the proceeds support the Wellness Center.
�Not all small towns can supply a fitness center affordable and beneficial for all age groups,� Jennifer Murphy, chairwoman of publicity and sponsorship, said. �With our Wellness Center, we provide educational opportunities along with wellness classes and equipment in one convenient location.�
The festival, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., will include a 5K run/walk, chili cook-off, Rose Court crowning, antique tractor and car show and dance and Zumba demonstrations. There will also be co-ed softball, golf and cornhole tournaments.
Barbecue lunch plates will be sold by the Pink Hill Fire Department.
Inflatables, children�s games, live musical performances, food, vendors and health screenings by local physicians and area hospitals will be available throughout the day. The event will conclude with a public dance.
�We provide fun for all ages,� Murphy said, �whether it�s playing, eating or shopping, our festival has it.�
Entry fee for the softball tournament is $200 per team. For information, contact Megan McMahon at 910-372-3469.
Chili cook-off teams need to check in by 2 p.m. Ingredients may be prepared offsite, but the cooking must be done at the festival site. Cooking may begin upon arrival.
Teams must provide their own ingredients, cooking gas, utensils and table presentations. Bowls, spoons, napkins and crackers will be supplied. The cooking pot should hold at least 12 quarts of chili.
Tasting will be held from 4:30-6:30 pm. Trophies will be presented for first and second place, based upon popular vote for taste and presentation, and overall by a team of judges.
Rose Courtwinners will be announced prior to the dance Saturday evening at the Pink Hill gym. There are a number of categories for contestants. For information, call Yvonne Deatherage at 252-560-4073.
The festival was the brainchild of Alice Scott, president of the Preservation and Development Committee. The committee organized the first festival last year to help fund the Wellness Center, built in 1999 at the historic Pink Hill Elementary School.
�It was a community effort,� Scott said. �� It was an opportunity to bring the community together and to raise some funds for our Wellness and Education Center.�
Area hospitals, Lenoir Community College and Lenoir County Cooperative Extension partner with the Wellness Center to provide a variety of programs, including Zumba, computer, karate and pharmacy tech classes.
Scott said last year�s festival grossed more than $12,000, but she is expecting more this year because there are more sponsors. The proceeds support the Wellness Center�s operational expenses, as well as educational materials and supplies, she said.
The preservation committee hopes to renovate the former 7,000-square-foot media and administrative building, as well as a 1949 two-story classroom building, at the site. Plans are to turn the admin into a community center, Scott said.
The committee also plans to open the community marketplace again this season, she said.
Applications are available for the 5K walk/run, Pink Hill princess/prince and golf, cornhole and softball tournaments. Vendor space is still available.
For more information, contact the Wellness Center at www.pinkhillrosefestival.com, firstname.lastname@example.com or 252-568-2425.
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.
What: Pink Hill Rose Festival
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday
Where: Pink Hill Wellness and Education Center, 301 S. Pine St., Pink Hill
For information about the softball tournament, call Megan McMahon, 910-372-3469
For information about the Rose Court competition,call Yvonne Deatherage, 252-560-4073
For information about the festival or to sign up as a vendor, visit www.pinkhillrosefestival.com, email firstname.lastname@example.com or contact the Wellness Center at 252-568-2425


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From Venezuela to Vuvuzela
I proudly retell the story of the time my brothers hassled Manny Ramirez so much at Comerica Park that he finally looked up into the stands and practically begged them to stop. Maybe it runs in the family because even when we were little and sitting way up in the upper deck of old Tiger Stadium, that didn't stop us from keeping up a steady chant of "Hey batta' batta' batta', swing." Baseball lets you get close enough to the players that you can actually get inside their heads if they let you.
And this is probably the one area where soccer fails by comparison to baseball. Sure, the fans are up there in the stands cheering on their team. And sometimes they'll try to get involved by starting racist chants (if you're in Italy) or throwing objects at the opposing players. They even try to help with the rhythm by singing songs and banging drums.
However, at this point it seems that soccer fans are best known for blowing those goddamn vuvuzelas all game long. Seriously, I'm pretty sure the buzzing is still bouncing around my head from the games I watched this past weekend. This leads me to wonder what the long term effects will be on the players who had to listen to them for the entirety of at least three matches. Will they suffer permanent disabilities?
Well, if animal testing is any proof, the answer is yes:
If the vuvuzela can drive a dog to that, what will it do to the internal wiring of a human? But more importantly, if a plastic toy can have that effect, what happened to Manny after my brothers' heckling? I'm sure the guy is housebroken but so was that dog.


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Visit Best's News and Analysis site for the complete list of
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for this company and its AM Best Group.
Uncover the true costs of providing insurance with thousands of insurers' annual expense statements in 38 lines of business and 21 popular line combinations available only from A.M. Best (available online via BestLink).
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Monday, February 27, 2012
Broccoli Cheese Soup in Bread Bowls
This has always been my favorite soup! So creamy and "healthy", okay maybe not so healthy but it sure is creamy and cheesy. It is starting to look like Spring on Beaty's Creek but I still think old man Winter is going to come a knocking. I made this soup on the last cold spell that we had and everyone thought I was a boss, yes, a Boss! Email me and I can tell you why this is funny. Raine liked dipping her bread and Raven ate her bread bowl up before her second bowl. Give this a try before Spring has sprung and soup will be the last thing you want until next Fall. This is What's Cookin on Beaty's Creek!
1 stick butter
2 cloves garlic-smashed
1 small onion-chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups half-and-half
6 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
8 cups broccoli florets (about 2 heads)
2 large carrots-diced
4 cups cheddar cheese-grated
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Now add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook until just golden, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Now add bay leaves , salt and pepper. Add the broccoli and carrot to the broth mixture and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Take out the bay leaves. Puree the soup in the pot with a immersion blender until smooth, you'll still have flecks of carrot and broccoli. Now add the cheese and half and half to the soup and whisk over medium heat until melted and the consistency you want . Add up to 3/4 cup water if the soup is too thick. Serve in bread bowls. Recipe for bread bowls follows.
Bread Bowls
2 T yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
2 t salt
2 T canola oil
7 cups flour
Mix yeast, salt, and warm water together in your Kitchen Aid Mixer. Let sit for 3 minutes. Now add in your oil and begin adding in your flour a cup at a time. Now knead in your mixer for 10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. Once double in size cut dough in to 8 equal pieces of dough. Roll into balls and place in a parchment lined baking sheet. Let them rise for 30 minutes. Place in a 400' oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly and then cut top off and scoop out some of the bread so you can fill with soup. Enjoy!
By What's Cookin Stacey?? at February 27, 2012 1 comments
Labels: Breads, Copycat, Kid Friendly, Lunch Ideas, Soup
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text:
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I like them in Pink...Details here.
I like them in black...
And I really love them in RED!
So tonight I used my red polka dot plates, and bowls.
The bowls are from CTS and were marked down to $1.00
The runners are from Pottery Barn Outlet, an after Christmas bargain a few years ago. The polka dot salad plates are from PB Outlet too.
I love these red square plates with a wavy edge. I got them on line from Pfaltzgraff during one of their Dollar Day Sales, and yes, they were $1.00. I had bought the salad plates during the summer for 1.00, so when I saw the dinner plates, I jumped on it! I ordered 24, as I thought they would be great for a Christmas buffet, and July 4th.
Unfortunately, 4 of them arrived broken, and more unfortunately, Pfaltzgraff didn't reserve any to replace damages. Not good!
A white charger from Noritake, and a small white plate from the Gibson sets so many of us have.
White flatware from Walmart.
A little pail filled with carnations is the centerpiece, perched on a polka dot cake stand from CTS. It had a little missing paint which I fixed. I paid .29 for it!
These polka dot casserole dishes were one of my extreme scores at Cmas Tree Shops. They were in clearance, just put out, 90 % off.
You don't want to know what I paid! You do??? 59 cents, in perfect condition. I got squares too.
The candlesticks are by Villeroy and Boch, stems by Dansk, and bread plate hearts are from Michael's, marked down to .25
I still have another dotty table brewing.
I think I will wait for Spring for that one!
Jacqueline at Purple Chocolate posted the cutest little cupcake baked in a silicone cupcake mold that came with a saucer. They are adorable!
I googled where to get them, but decided it was too pricey for as often as I would use it.
I thought about the cups that came with the Cambridge set, and I figured I would give it a try.
Make your batter, whatever recipe you like, or even a box mix. Pour it IN the greased cup, don't fill too high, it will rise.
Bake it at 350.
After it cooled I piled fresh strawberries on top of the cake.
I whipped some heavy cream, and piped it on top.
DH was very happy to try my experiment!
I think these would be lovely to serve at a luncheon. Or a chicken pot pie baked in them too.
DH said he would eat it again, isn't he a sport? :)
Pick up that spoon and dig in!
Thanks for visiting. If you would be so kind to take the button on my sidebar, for the 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl, I would appreciate it! ♣
Joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Diann for Thrifty Friday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
Cozy Homes Scenes
75 comments:
Oh my, I had just done a post on polka dots yesterday. Nothing like yours of course but oh how beautiful they are. Your post is amazing and your blog is lovely.ReplyDelete
I love all of your polka dots. They are all fabulous in all of the colors. You really did find some unreal bargains. The little cake in the cup, how fun is that. Need to give that a try. Hugs, MartyReplyDelete
I LOVE your polka dots!!! Those tablescapes are adorable, and that dessert you made is just as cute and delicious looking! I really like your blog here.ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for visiting my cozy kitchen and leaving me a nice comment on the bars. Hope you'll come back!
I was wearing a black and white polka dot top yesterday. I would have fit right in at your table and would have happily tried your experiment too.ReplyDelete
The dots just make me smile and the prices you are getting make me smile even more.
Ah...such a wonderful array of polka dots! Each setting is so fun and different.ReplyDelete
Question about the teacup cupcake, you baked the cupcake in the teacup? I wouldn't think the teacup could withstand the heat of the oven???
- The Tablescaper
oh my word you're in polka dot heaven! I love polka dots too, think it goes back to my childhood when an Aunt made me a polka dot dress LOLReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 26, 2012 at 6:49 AM
Love all these dots Kathleen!ReplyDelete
I love the polka dots like crazy! So much fun. I'm a little jealous of your bargains. Ok, a lot. Have a great day anyway ;)ReplyDelete
I love, love, love your polka dots. Great tables!!! I cannot believe your deal on those casseroles at CTS. WOW! Bravo to you hubby for "suffering it out" and trying your dessert!!! ;0)))ReplyDelete
Love, love, love all your dots! I am now your newest follower :) Gotta watch you to find the good sales and see all the great dotty tables! Can't wait to attempt the cupcake. So pretty, thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
Love your polka dots (the green color is going to be gorgeous!) and that tea cup cake looks mighty good. xoReplyDelete
Such a cheerful, happy table...love it! You always find the BEST deals on dishes...ReplyDelete
I'm having chest pain...seriously! This is polka-dot HEAVEN!!!!!!!! I am sooooo jealous of all the wonderful bargains you find, Kathleen. Can I just give you my credit card number & have you shop for me????? Too bad shipping is so dang expensive.ReplyDelete
I love every single INCH...no, make that DOT of this post!
Too cute! Great job! Love the centerpiece! I love polka dots too but I sure never find deals like you did! What is CTS? I love you idea for the cups and cake! You did a wonderful job on those! Those are "real cupcakes" !!ReplyDelete
You put the cup in the oven?!??!?!! Seriously?!??!! And it didn't break? Wow....just....wow!!! I would NEVER have thought of that! I would just assume that it would crack or break into flames or something. Wow!!! CUTE table, and just so you know, I am going to inbox you my address so you can send me ALL the pink table stuff. I want the tablecloth and the plates and the placemats and the napkins...everything!!!ReplyDelete
Hi Kathleen,ReplyDelete
I adore this table!! I have always loved polka dots, even in clothes. :)
Years ago, when I was young and slim, I had a favorite dress that I wore to work. Your tables reminded me of it. It was soft gray with pale pink polka dots with a small round collar and matching belt. My friend said it looked like an "I Love Lucy" dress. :)
I love all the polka dot elements on your table, but for some reason, my favorite is the white napkins tied up with the red and white dotted ribbon.
Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Denise at Forest Manor
Kathleen, I'd be happy to sit at any of your polka-dotted tables! The red and white one is just so adorable! I also loved Jacqueline's teacup dessert -- brilliant idea to use oven-safe teacups! Your version turned out so pretty -- and sounds like it was tasty, too!ReplyDelete
Hey Kathleen...fixing one of the recipes for supper tonight....the quiche I think. I adore all your polka dots. Have always loved "dots"! And your tablescape is fabulous!! It never occurred to me to bake something in a teacup. What a fabulous idea to utilize if you are having a tea party especially for little girls. Putting that one in my files. oxReplyDelete
This entry brought to mind a polka dot tale from my childhood. Oh, the drama, of which I'll spare you.ReplyDelete
As always, you continue to create beautiful tablescapes! Bringing smiles to your readers, as well as to Pfaltzgraff and other outlet stores.
I love your polka dots! Nothing like fun little dots to brighten a chilly winter day. Have you seen the polka dots by Temptations on QVC...fabulous!ReplyDelete
I agree, when I saw how much the silicone cups were, I was surprised that I had paid that much, but I was on vacation! (That's my excuse and I am sticking to it!) But this works just as well. I used my bakeable cups a while back for a flourless chocolate cake too. I can't believe how cute yours look! There is something magical about individual serving sizes isn't there?ReplyDelete
I adore the red polka dot runners and I can't believe you got the bowls for such a bargain. I love polka dots too, but don't have any red and they are fabulous!
I love all your polka dots! A very happy table!ReplyDelete
Like the idea of baking in a cup...my luck the cup would break. lol
Have a Happy Polka Dot Day!
Blessings My Friend,
Love Love Love the polka dots! I have a tablescape listed today with orange and white polka dot plates. So fun! Your idea of baking in the tea cup is fabulous!! Great ideas all the way around.ReplyDelete
Karin :)
I love the polka dots!! The dessert looks yummy, too. I recently posted chocolate cups that I put in teacups. I love your CTS bargains, too.ReplyDelete
I also love polka dots...I kept scrolling thru this post over and over just to look again! EVERY on of the table settings is lovely, my favorite is the red (or maybe the pink!) Just beautiful!!ReplyDelete
Oh- I LOVE your polka dot table setting and all your pieces. You did a beautiful job and I can't wait to see your Spring green one.ReplyDelete
That little CUPcake is just adorable! xo Diana
Your table is darling and I love seeing the past tables, especially the 1st pink one! Very cute.ReplyDelete
I have to try the cupcake in a teacup...I am sure hubby would love that over his nightly banana split (he thinks the banana makes it healthy!). Thanks, Kathleen!
Love the Polka Dots Kathleen.I would not have passed them up either..Thank goodness that store is 3 hrs away..Or is it? I miss t:)ReplyDelete
The cup cake is cute cute too.
so very festive! Love the cup and saucer idea!!ReplyDelete
Love the polka dot table and those cupcakes in the tea cup are adorable. You always set such a fun and pretty table. hugs, LindaReplyDelete
Kathleen, you have the most wonderful assortment of china...the polka dots are just so fun and yet can be so elegant in the setting that you have...ReplyDelete
i have always been afraid to place my china in the oven..but makes sense when the temps are higher when they are produced. I am definitely going to try those teacup cupcakes..a great idea for my granddaughters upcoming tea party!!..
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!
Dots! Oh I love dots and I love this tablescape!ReplyDelete
Lovin' all the polka dots K! My fav has to be the little cake plate-too cute! Points to hubby for being such a good taste testing sport:@)ReplyDelete
A whimsical creation with those dots. Lovin them but my favorite is the cup cake. Very creative! Aren't those hubbys just the best taste tasters?!ReplyDelete
What a great polka dot collection you have! And those dots go with everything! I love them all but my favorite is the yellow and black. You get the greatest deals at CTS. How often do you go? Do you have an "in" with the markdown people? Thanks for sharing and showing us a wonderful table done on a budget!ReplyDelete
Robin Flies South
One set of polka dot dishes--GREAT; THREE sets?! and more--out of this world!! What a fun, fun, fun post! I immediately fell in love with the pink and I would love it best, but...no...there was more beautiful fun stuff! Love it all, Kathleen! What a fun collection of dishes you have, and I love your sharing the bargain prices! My mother has always said that if people don't have nice things to set a table it's because they don't want it, not because they can't afford it--you've proven that point!! Thanks for a really fun post! And baking in the teacup?! Where, oh where do you get your ideas/nerve?! I've served dessert in teacups but would never have tried baking in them! Will now! :) Thanks! ~ZuniReplyDelete
This is darling.. I too love polka dots.. i think Hobby Lobby has black chargers with white dots right now! You scored some treasures for 1 dollar or less. lucky you.. Great table, so fun! xo marlisReplyDelete
I don't know which polka dot I like best, but the pink is lovely and the red is so festive! I love the dessert in a cup. It's so unique, what a fun thing to do for Valentines Day!ReplyDelete
I love polka dots! What great finds. Love those casserole dishes - what a wonderful deal you got on those!ReplyDelete
I love polka dots as you know, and my favorite is lime green with dots. Boy did you get some nice polka dot bargains! Love all your tables Kathleen.ReplyDelete
Kathleen, love seeing all your dots! I'm one who is crazy for dots, stripes, and plaids. ;-)ReplyDelete
I have those little cupcake cups, but wish I had thought to use a real cup. Didn't realize I could bake in one.
Thanks for sharing these tables. Fun, fun, fun. ~ Sarah
Pokla dots always remind me of spring which is a good thought! Love all of those dots!ReplyDelete
There is nothing as fun as polka dots! And, you are obviously the Queen of Polka Dots! They are all so pretty! Can't wait to see more for spring!ReplyDelete
Creating Wonderful Spaces
- AnonymousJanuary 26, 2012 at 7:03 PM
You are in style with your polka dots. I was out and about yesterday, and I can't tell you how many things I saw that were either dots or stripes. I'm loving your red!ReplyDelete
I'm seeing spots before my eyes!!! In a good way, though! Love all those different polka dots! Of course, the black and yellow are my favorite, but the soft pink is also tugging at my heart!ReplyDelete
I've had those silicone cups for about two years and never did a TT with them, now two people have beat me to it! :-(
Great job!
Wow, Kathleen! You just made me a fun of DOTS! All lovely! I want some now... Thanks for the incentive to start hunting again for great plates!ReplyDelete
Did a search for your red square wavy plate...didn't find it, but I'll keep my eyes open. I've told you previously how much I adore your world of polka dots...and the cupcake in the cup is amazing! I must give that a try. DId you put the cup on a cookie sheet while it was in the oven? This is one of my favorite ideas in a long time! Thank you for inviting us to the table. Cherry KayReplyDelete
Wow, I just love those spots!!! When can I come shopping with you -you seem to find THE best bargains!ReplyDelete
Such fun,
What a steal on those dotted dishes, Kathleen. I have blue and white ones but I sure paid a lot more than that. Lucky you for having CTS by you. Your tables are all so pretty. My favorite is the pink one, so sweet!...ChristineReplyDelete
I forgot to mention about the dessert. It looks so good and so pretty..ChristineReplyDelete
Forgot to mention that I love your tea cup dessert. I have the silicone ones, and my rationale for buying them was they "matched" my white Vietri dishes that Joe got me for Christmas this year.ReplyDelete
It's hard for me to make time to comment on Thursday evenings since you know I take my mom to choir practice. And since I work all day, I preferred being able to link up to TT on Wednesday evening and get some comments posted. I'll have to figure this out!
Yes, Ma'am, you are THE Queen of Cheap Shopping, indeed. You just blow my mind with your scores.ReplyDelete
I've heard of cooking a little cake in a cup in the microwave but you used an oven and a tea cup?? Uhhhhh.......?Did I read it all right??
WOW! and I mean WOW! What great deals you found.ReplyDelete
I'm looking for a few more heart shaped items (maybe salad plates) for next year, and I haven't been able to find any. I cannot believe the deal you found at Michael's. I don't think I shop enough. I am going to check them out after Valentine's this year though.
Thank you for sharing your super adorable tables. I came by after you left a great comment on our blog. I see we did similar things to make breakfast more Valentine's-y. Great minds, right?
We are following you now. Looking forward to more of your posts.
Eldarose of http://RE-inventedstyle.blogspot.com
Your post is just great, I love everything I see. I am your newest follower. So glad I found your site.ReplyDelete
Hi lovely lady.ReplyDelete
Your Tablescapes are beautiful with the red and white !! I love your Gorgeous dishes and the way you have put this all together.Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my 2011 Tablescape for Valentine's day. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend. I'am going to put a new Tablescape on this Sunday for Valentine's hope you come see me.
XXOO Diane
Very clever idea! I believe your tablescape has me seeing dots and the red and white colors are perfect for Valentine's. All the different places you found your great dot dishes and accessories wow at such a bargain. We will be looking forward to the next dots this Spring for the green color. A very Happy Table and a Happy Happy Tablescape to you! PamReplyDelete
Girl...you are killing me with these sales. I love the polka dots....and Please, pass me a cup of yumminess!!ReplyDelete
I love polka dots as well...along with checks, plaids and stripes....Your CTS buys are killing me that we don't have one here in Atlanta..ofcourse I would go broke and how many bowls do you really need....Wait, you can never have too many bowls!!ReplyDelete
I just saw those silicone tea cups and your right too pricey...I think they were $20 for 4....that's a bit much....I like your idea much better..have a great weekend...
I'm seeing spots before my eyes!ReplyDelete
Love the dots, I like the color of the green for the spring, I'm sure it;ll be a lovely table. Cool cupcakes! My luck the teacups wouldn't be oven proof.
Love all the refreshing polka dots in all the waysReplyDelete
Well, isn't that just about the cheeriest table ever -- you know me and red! Love polka dots too, they just make me happy. Just want to say that you are a BRAGGART -- you get the "bestest" deals! Love the little polka dot casserole dishes and also the wavy red plates -- so fun and different and all for one dollar. Fun! JoniReplyDelete
Absolutely love all the polka dots, you have the coolest pieces and everything melds together perfectly. Great idea of the cupcake in the cup..makes it look so much prettier for a dessert presentation.ReplyDelete
love the polka dots! So whimsical!ReplyDelete
I love polka dots now, the table looks amazing as always, I love to read your posts for inspirationReplyDelete
Red and white polka dots are adorable! I love the entire look of this table. You were in the right place at the right time when CTS marked down those dishes, Kathleen!ReplyDelete
I like the cupcake in a tea cup idea ..fun for Valentine's Day or a tea party.
Love your polka dots, Kathleen! And the cupcake in a cup...very yummy-looking and clever! Have a great week!...hugs...DebbieReplyDelete
I'm just getting here. Nothing like being late. I love this red polka dot table in a huge way, and I'm definitely going to try that teacup cake. That's a marvelous idea. I am next up to host my luncheon club so I might try it then. If not, I think I will figure out a small recipe and make it for the husband for a treat.ReplyDelete
Hope he'll be a sport like yours is!
You are the queen of polka dots, Kathleen! I absolutely love the pink! I just don't see the big bargains at our CTS, Evah! maybe I should start weekly visits- they're next door to Tar-jay, one of my favorite stores. and I'm there often enough. LOL.ReplyDelete
I have a muffin recipe that I microwave in coffee mugs. Not quite as attractive as your yummy looking cupcakes, though! Ha ha
I LOVE this red and white polka dot table! I have a few of the CTS polka dot casserole dishes as well. (clearanced of course!). And I would have bought those red square plates in a heart beat too! I need to check out the online Pfaltzgraff! thank you for joining TTF and have a great week!ReplyDelete
I always know when I visit you that I am in for a special treat. Today's dots are perfect, and the strawberry desert, yummy! Thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
Kathleen, you set an excellent table. I think my comment about layers and layers works equally well for setting a table that looks this lovely. You really scored big with so many of your finds. I visit the Christmas Tree Shop at least twice a year and have never seen the polka dotted casserole dishes. ;>ReplyDelete
What a great idea for serving an individual strawberry shortcake!! Your husband is a sport for checking those out for us!
You asked how I'm enjoying the oven, come and see. I've got to give up the baking that's all I can say...
Hi Kathleen - you never fail to amaze me with your decorating style and your ability to find the most awesome deals!ReplyDelete
Polka dots always make me smile because they are such a happy and fun design. All your table settings are pretty, but being a pink girl, the pink table is my favorite. You got some really great deals on all your new polka dot dishes.ReplyDelete
I should not have looked at this post when I was hungry, because your dessert in the cup made my mouth water!
Thanks so much for sharing this at my party. I appreciate you participating each week!
Boy, that was a treat. So many beautiful tables in one post. Great eye candy for us dish addicts.ReplyDelete
I especially loved the red one with the wavy salad plates. BTW I wish we had a Christmas Tree Store.
Did you actually bake the cake in the tea cup? I guess one would have to make sure it was oven proof. It turned out so pretty.
Blessings, Ginger
I'm seeing dots and I love all of them, and that dessert is beautiful with your piped cream on top! laurieReplyDelete


text:
I was playing with PVS-Studio static analysis tool recently, and it suggested me to replace passing of const std::shared_ptr<type> arg to const std::shared_ptr<type>& arg.
I perfectly understand that it is a good way to optimize performance as when I pass shared_ptrs by value there are increments / decrements of reference counters which are interlocked operations.
So the question is - is there any reason I should not do such optimization? Is there any corner case I did not consider?
I'm now trying to see it is makes sense to optimize this way one heavily-used interface, so would appreciate comments.


text:
On this day all the way back in 1932, a little company we now know as Lego was born.
It's come a long way; what began as a small outfit building traditional wooden toys has transformed into one of the most popular and iconic brands in the world today, its trademark plastic bricks playing a big role in the childhoods of, well, just about everybody.
The video below is a cute little recap of the history of the company, posted today by LEGO in honour of the celebrations.
Also, in case you didn't know, we actually have a little section here on Kotaku devoted entirely to Lego. You can check it out here.


text:
Relationships with
Photo Credit: Barrett Blade's picture is courtesy of SearchExtreme. Photographic illustrations of Barrett Blade are copyright © by their respective holders. The images are published with permission or as allowed by the copyright law's fair use or quotation provisions. If any copyright holder objects to an image being included, please notify us and it will be removed immediately.
Disclaimer: This information about Barrett Blade is derived from astrological interpretation of Barrett Blade's date, time, and place of birth.


text:
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For all those who think that Peacemaking is a Utopian idea, this is the place for discussion. Peace is a wacky concept mostly because everyone has his or her own idea of what peace means. So, this is the place to share your concepts of peacebuilding. Welcome to the wacky world of peacemaking
Showing posts from 2016


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Some of Steve Jobs' most public moments are now available for public consumption on iTunes -- for free.
Veteran Silicon Valley reporters Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher of All Things D announced Thursday that they would release six lengthy interviews they conducted with the late Apple co-founder between 2003 and 2010.
"In these onstage conversations, Jobs explained his — and Apple's — evolving philosophy of where the digital world was heading, and of business itself," Mossberg and Swisher wrote Thursday. "He discussed competitors, controversies and his own sense of what matters most. He stressed the importance of building products for their actual users, not "orifices" like corporate IT departments or cellphone carriers. He explained why it was often more important to decide what products and features not to build than to pick the ones that were built. He even appeared jointly in a historic conversation with his lifelong rival, Bill Gates."
The two recently sat down with Jobs' hand-chosen successor Tim Cook to talk about Job's legacy and helping steer Apple forward in his absence.
All Things D worked with Apple to release the latest videos and to ensure that they would all be available for free and in high quality.


text:
The baby is getting married.
The husband has been copying photographs putting together a video for the reception. He made a wonderful pairing of two photographs. In the picture on the left, she is 10-years-old wearing my mother's old wedding gown playing dress-up and I am adjusting her veil. In the picture on the right, she is standing in her real wedding gown and I am kneeling on the floor pinning where fasteners will go for the bustle.
A quarter inch of space is all that separates 16 years. The time went exactly that fast.
She's about to take the plunge. Every marriage has an element of jumping off a cliff. You know the other person as well as you can, that he loathes tomatoes and you like them. You do the pre-marital counseling, read the communication books, then close your eyes and leap. The act of marriage takes grit and courage.
Marrying someone is not the same as living with someone. Living together is test driving the car. Marriage is having the guts to buy the car knowing it is still yours even after the 5-year/ 50,000 mile warranty has expired.
Marriage is a public commitment, a legal contract and covenant of faith, in which a bride and groom vow before God and witnesses to uphold a life-long exclusive faithfulness.
It is mildly nerve wracking knowing that the model of marriage your offspring knows best is your very own. This is why many people work with a bridal store franchise when arranging their wedding so the day can be perfect.
Did she see that marriage is the most important relationship she will ever nurture?
Did she see that the cornerstone of marriage is courtesy? Tone of voice, dear. Ask, don't tell. Suggest, don't demand. The world outside is rough, so be tender.
I hope she heard me say at least once that women do not have to be first responders. Often it's better not to say the first thing that comes into your mind. Or even the second.
I hope she knows I married her father because he's a good man. She's marrying a good man, too. Respect him by speaking well of him, both to him and to others.
I hope she saw the power of the mundane – that the shared laughs, small surprises, kitchen disasters and everyday routine and monotony are what cement you as a couple. Even the crises and catastrophes become part of the memories that build your history.
Our daughter and her fiancé will be glowing on their wedding day. I pray they enjoy every moment of the day. I also pray that they will weather all the seasons of marriage, and that one day in the distant future they find themselves with a few extra pounds, salt and pepper hair, a thousand inside jokes and still enjoying one another.
Robert Browning said it well: "Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be – the last of life for which the first was made."


text:
|December 22, 1995
|119 minutes
|Renny Harlin
|Written by
| Michael Frost Beckner, James Gorman, Bruce A. Evans & Raynold Gideon (story)
Robert King and Marc Norman (screenplay)
|John Debney
Cutthroat Island is a tongue-in-cheek pirate swashbuckler, focusing on the daring lady pirate Morgan Adams and her quest to recover the map pieces leading to the titular island. Jim Henson's Creature Shop supplied animatronic animals, primarily substituting for real animals in stunt scenes, such as an animatronic snake that's cut in half.
- Geena Davis as Morgan Adams
- Matthew Modine as William Shaw
- Frank Langella as Dawg Brown
- Maury Chaykin as John Reed
- Patrick Malahide as Governor Ainslee
- Harris Yulin as Black Harry
- Peter Geeves as Fiddler Pirate
Creature Shop
- Animatronic General Visual Supervisor: John Stephenson
- Animatronic Creative Project Supervisor: Verner Gresty
- Animatronic Model Designers: Vincent Abbott, Joe Scott
- Art Finishers: Denise Basely, John Cormican, Ray Scott
- Sculptor: John Coppinger
- Mould Shop Supervisor: Kenny Wilson
- Foam Shop Supervisor: Marie Fraser
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


text:
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director John Arway formally presented the agency's 2012 Annual Report to the House Game and Fisheries Committee today. In his remarks, Arway reiterated that one of the agency's top goals is to identify alternative funding sources in order to sustain the agency.
"Although the Commission is an independent, administrative agency of state government and we often advocate
the user pay, user benefit model, we are not immune from the debt challenges that lie ahead of us," Arway said. "All state agencies have been told that we should prepare to absorb increases in employee pension and medical costs in the near future. Combine these costs with increases in employee wages and salaries, rising operating costs, and a flat or declining customer base, and we could have our own fiscal cliff to contend with if we don't immediately live up to our fiduciary responsibilities."
Arway explained that the agency must reallocate more than $9 million of revenue over the next four years and every year thereafter to cover the projected costs. Approximately $6.7 million is needed for future employee health care and retirement benefits, and $2.3 million is needed for infrastructure needs, such as maintenance and repairs at remaining hatcheries, other facilities, and boating access areas.
The PFBC in January took the first steps in its long-term plan to reduce costs by announcing that two hatcheries would be closed by the end of 2014 – Bellefonte in Centre County and Oswayo in Potter County – resulting in an annual savings of approximately $2 million. Additionally, the PFBC said it would not run a new class of waterways conservation officers. These cuts amount to about $3 million of the $9 million total that must be saved.
"The other $6 million will need to come from the rest of the agency's operations, and all options for reducing spending will be on the table," Arway added.
Because the PFBC's other hatcheries are at capacity, the trout lost from the Oswayo and Bellefonte hatcheries will not be replaced by other hatcheries. However, Arway explained that stocking will continue in the counties surrounding and previously stocked by these two hatcheries.
"Beginning last year, the PFBC started to implement stocking changes across the state as part of a comprehensive plan to improve the efficiency and reduce costs of our stocked trout program," he said. "These changes preceded the analysis that led to the Oswayo and Bellefonte decisions. We developed a strategic approach to guide future program changes, including both additions and reductions."
For anglers, the changes mean that some streams will receive fewer trout and others will be dropped from the stocking lists. These will be ones that have low angler use or have residency problems with trout.
While securing the PFBC's financial future is a top priority, Arway said the agency remains committed to fulfilling other strategic goals, including protecting and conserving aquatic resources and habitats, including the Susquehanna River.
"One of the highest profile resource issues in 2012 was the ongoing state of decline of the smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River," Arway said. "Once considered a world-class bass fishery, the Susquehanna River continued to be plagued with disease in 2012 that has been killing young smallmouth bass for almost a decade and has most recently resulted in unsightly lesions and open sores on adult bass."
"Throughout 2012, the Commission publicly made the case that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) needs to acknowledge the facts and add the river to the federal list of impaired waters," he added. "Adding the Susquehanna River to the list as a 'high priority' impaired water would trigger a two-year timeline under federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for DEP to develop a comprehensive plan to clean up the river."
"Sadly, the DEP did not list the Susquehanna River as an impaired waterway in its January report," Arway added.
Arway noted that the plan does not become final until approved by the EPA and said that the PFBC was asking members of Congress within the Susquehanna Watershed to contact the EPA and demand that a plan is put in place to fix the Susquehanna River.
Arway concluded his testimony by sharing with legislators various options the PFBC is examining as ways to raise revenue. He continued to advocate for a consumptive use and degradation of water fee as one of the most sustainable sources of long-term funding, with the revenue being reinvested in conservation programs like those of the PFBC. He also raised the possibility of the PFBC receiving funding from any proposal which would uncap the oil company franchise tax.
"Depending on the will of the committee members and others in the legislature to allocate a portion of an uncapped oil company franchise tax, this could present a multi-million dollar opportunity for sustaining programs for our waterways and spurring reinvestments in your districts," he said. "We welcome the chance to be a part of the conversation this spring."
The PFBC 2012 Annual Report can be found on the agency's website at: http://fishandboat.com/reports_annual.htm.
Arway gives state-of-the-PFBC to Pa. House committee
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text: McGeorge is committed to providing an environment free of sexual harassment and harassment because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or any other basis made unlawful by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. This policy applies to all persons attending or involved in the operations of McGeorge. Prohibited harassment in any form, including verbal, physical, and visual conduct, threats, demands, and retaliation in unlawful and will not be tolerated. A publication, "Prohibited Harassment," provides further information about policies and procedures.


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Massachusetts may be seen as the nation's leader in student achievement but students in many of our communities are suffering as their schools grapple with both academic and financial issues. Despite our accomplishments, we face an urgent need to improve if we are serious about helping every student achieve proficiency.
For Monday release. Massachusetts may be seen as the nation's leader in student achievement but students in many of our communities are suffering as their schools grapple with both academic and financial issues. Despite our accomplishments, we face an urgent need to improve if we are serious about helping every student achieve proficiency. The Board of Education has already taken steps in the right direction while consistently raising expectations: Last year the board raised the MCAS English and math standard for high school graduation to the level of proficiency, and added science to the graduation standard beginning with the class of 2010. We are encouraging districts to strengthen teaching and learning at all levels and to add more Advanced Placement courses. At the national level, the federal No Child Left Behind Act demands proficiency for all students by 2014. Educational outcomes and standards have been the focus for much of the past decade, in the nationwide quest for excellence and equity in public education. However, policymakers should not become so focused on outcomes that we lose sight of the resources and strategies needed to achieve the ambitious goals we have set. In too many districts, financial issues have led to cuts in services, resulting in academic declines. Randolph is one such community. This South Shore district of nearly 3,500 students is suffering from severe financial distress and clearly related academic problems. Escalating costs and uneven state aid in recent years have together forced Randolph officials to take drastic measures. More than 75 teaching positions have been cut. Class sizes are up. One school has been closed. Foreign languages were cut at the middle school and Spanish is the only foreign language offered at the high school. And as a last resort, officials cut busing this year, saving the district nearly $500,000. Not surprisingly, Randolph's problems go beyond financial challenges. The Educational Management Audit Council (EMAC) and the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA) have recommended that the Board of Education declare the district to be underperforming. Randolph is also listed as "in need of improvement" for subgroup performance on both the English and math MCAS exams. Local authorities say that the cuts they have made, while drastic, were necessary to keep the district afloat. Since 2003, three attempts to pass Proposition 2½ overrides have failed. At the same time their total spending has grown by 6.6 percent since FY02 to more than $38.4 million each year. Why? Put simply, costs are rising, even as student enrollment is declining. Everything costs more than it did a decade ago, from health insurance to salaries to electricity to tuition for students with severe special needs. In most communities, these additional costs can be offset by local contributions and state aid. But in places like Randolph, where the money is going out the door faster than it's coming in, something is wrong. State aid and local support have, for a variety of reasons, been unable to keep pace with rising costs and as a result, educational services have suffered. If left unattended, these conditions may create a serious impediment to the high achievement that is vital to every student's future. We need to pay attention. This is precisely why the Board of Education is holding its meeting Tuesday at Randolph High School. We, as a Board, want to shine a spotlight on this community's school finance situation. As stewards of the state's accountability system, we are concerned about the impact these cutbacks will have on the educational achievement of the children of Randolph, as well as those in similarly struggling communities. We have important questions to ask. Let me be clear: Financial distress does not absolve any community of accountability requirements; their schools still must improve. But the board does have an obligation to scrutinize this situation, ask tough questions and report on what we find. We have also asked the Department of Education to do a broader investigation into other distressed communities across the state to determine what is going wrong and how to rectify these situations. Research shows that more money does not always equal better performance in education. At the same time, it would be naïve for those operating a potent accountability system not to recognize the importance of maintaining basic services as a foundation for the achievement of high expectations for all. If we are to hold our educators and school systems accountable for achieving appropriately high standards for all students, we must ensure they have the capacity to meet these goals. This is a moral and educational obligation we cannot ignore. All children, regardless of where they live or what their background is, deserve a high quality education. When there is evidence that some children are being shortchanged in the classroom, we, as citizens, educators, parents, community, business and labor leaders, must pay attention. Paul Reville is chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Education The Patriot Ledger


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This three-part series features my students' responses to Faulkner's Stockholm Address (The Faulkner Reader) and to Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (Questioning, 137-58). When asking the class to read both nonfiction works, I explained that they would find in both pieces continued emphasis on our theme of "Justice and Injustice," as reflected in the quotation from King's letter on the first page of their syllabus: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Further, noting that they would hear in King's letter his passionate concern with our other theme, families and the pursuit of the "American Dream," I encouraged students to listen in both pieces for a challenge to look beyond selfish interests in pursuing justice and the "Dream," a challenge, in Faulkner's words, to "prevail" as individuals and as a nation by learning to "sacrifice."
After the students submitted their final versions of their papers on Gaines's novel, I asked them whether or not they would agree that A Lesson before Dying represents precisely the kind of fiction that Faulkner called for when he urged writers to write novels that 'lift our hearts,' that help us to "endure and prevail" by showing us evidence of humanity's capacity for "courage…compassion…and sacrifice." The verdict came in swiftly and unanimously in Gaines's favor, with students citing Jefferson's courage as he walked to his death like a man, Grant's compassion at the end, inspired by the triumph of his student, and Emma's sacrifice.
Stating my hearty agreement with their view of Lesson, I said that I wanted them to appreciate not only what Faulkner says about the "duty" of writers but also how he says it. Referring the class to the terminology on the board, I reminded them that we had already spoken briefly in the Research class about the elements of persuasion—ethos, the credible persona; logos, the evidence logically arranged in support of a claim; and pathos, the word choice and sentence structure that color logic with passion. In this class, I continued, when we had used Aristotle's communication triangle to define critical approaches to literature, we had talked about the varying aims of fiction—to create a unified work of beauty, to express the writer's feelings, to mirror the real world, to persuade the reader to engage with a myth and its implications for our lives. But we had said nothing to date, I admitted, about the aims of nonfiction when it rises to the heights of literature; Faulkner and King, I assured them, give us occasion to do so.
The Rhetoric of Faulkner's Stockholm Address
April 21, 2012
To begin our analysis, I read Faulkner's speech aloud and then wrote on the board the two claims Faulkner makes to prepare for his conclusion about the writer's duty: we fear being "blown up," and therefore young writers write visions of despair, not "truths of the heart." "Did you notice," I asked, "that Faulkner provides no logos, no evidence to support these claims? Why not?" Waiting patiently for an answer that never came, I finally pointed to another term on the board, ceremonial discourse, and explained that when audiences come to public ceremonies—memorial services, inaugural addresses, presentations of high awards—they come to hear a speaker who has already established his or her ethos or credibility. Faulkner himself, I noted, says he has reached a "pinnacle" by receiving the Nobel Prize, the highest "acclaim" in literature, so no one expects him to provide evidence to support his claims or to describe the horror resulting from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki five years before, the cause of the universal fear of getting blown up. "His ethos, in other words, can rise no higher. But the audience," I said, "does expect eloquence, passionate language that pursues the aims of ceremonial discourse, praising the honorable and blaming the dishonorable. In this case, he praises the power of literature to uplift us and of young writers with the skills to do so, but he blames those same young writers who have allowed their despair to distract them from their duty to 'lift our hearts.'"
Pointing then to the definition of "pathos" on the board, I asked the students if they could cite some examples of powerful "diction" and emphatic "parallel sentence structures" that created the emotional appeal of Faulkner's speech. To provide a nudge, I asked why Faulkner uses such formal diction in the first paragraph, why he describes his life-time of writing in "the agony and sweat of the human spirit" instead of 'on the pain of human life'; or why he says he will find a "dedication" for the money "commensurate with" its "origin" instead of saying a 'use' for the money that 'suits' its 'beginning'; or why he speaks of young writers as dedicated to "the same anguish and travail" that he has experienced instead to saying 'the same pain and hard work.' Gezim responded that my revisions sound too informal for such a high occasion. "Right," I said; "Faulkner speaks as a learned, passionate writer speaking to other learned people; he needs to use language that matches his tuxedo, metaphorical language that underscores the seriousness of his challenge to young writers to become "pillars" to help readers "endure and prevail."
"What about sentence rhythms?" I asked. "Where to you see and hear Faulkner setting up a beat that underscores his passion?" Dafina then read the charge in paragraph two that young writers have "forgotten the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat." I congratulated Dafina on her keen eye and ear, noting the parallel "worth" phrases stressing the heart-conflicts that writers feel compelled to explore, as we had recently seen in the poems about parents, in Gaines's novel about Grant's inner struggles, and in Willy Loman's inner anguish. I then referred students to two other rhetorical schemes in paragraph three: Faulkner's use of polysyndeton, the unexpected repetition of "and" to define the range of "compassion and sacrifice" that must fill the writer's "workshop"; and his use of "antithesis" to contrast writing of "love" with writing of "lust," writing of "the heart" with writing of "the glands." When I asked for examples of antithesis in the final paragraph, Edita referred to Faulkner's definition of "man" as "immortal" not because of his "inexhaustible voice" but because of his "soul"; and Besa pointed to the last sentence, contrasting writers who provide the "record of man" with writers who provide the "props" and "pillars" that sustain readers.


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