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This website is a gallery focused on themes of werewolves and transformations. Some of the content has adult themes and due to its nature is only recommended for people that are 18 years or older (or the legal age to view adult content, depending on your country's laws) with a comprehensive and open mind.
If you're not an adult, please search for other werewolf art websites, such as my online comic Alpha Luna.
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Currently The Gallery is Off-line due Emergency Manitenance, I do apologize for the inconvenience, we hope to sort this issue as soon as possible.
All Products here are Digital ONLY and delivered through a downloadable link at your e-mail. They can take up to 2 hours to be processed and arrive. And even then, please remember to check under your SPAM or PROMOTION Folders before cancelling your order. If you still have issues, please contact me at: licantro@gmail.com
All of my newest works appear at Patreon first (Link at the Image Banner above). A month later you can buy the content directly from the store Below. And a few months later some of that content is added to our the gallery in this site.
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It’s hardly news that even in the most progressive societies, people with disabilities face inequality in sport and physical activity. While, at the same time, 15% of the total world population has some form of limiting disability. That’s between 110 and 190 million people!
Coincidentally, disabled people say that they run twice the risk of being physically inactive, compared to non-disabled people, all because of the many additional hurdles they encounter. Here is a rundown of what these common barriers to participation in sports are and why we must make the effort to break them all together.
Society perceives a person with some form of disability as someone who is incapable of doing things for themselves. This perception alone has a major negative impact on how successful a prospective disabled athlete may ever become.
That’s why, if an individual is in need of assistance to perform certain daily tasks, to them this may feel like the loss of control and independence. The idea which may be fueled by the fact that many people see disabled people as non-productive members of society. (False!)
Oftentimes, it forces people with disabilities to feel guilty for not being able to perform exactly the same as everyone else, at which point they might even stop asking for help. All because any such request may be seen as an act of weakness. This can lead to lowered self-esteem and even depression. And this a serious barrier, given that we all need confidence to succeed as athletes.
A person with a disability often needs a ride from a family member or a friend to participate in activities outside their homes. This often makes them dependent on a goodwill and availability of their family and friends, and awareness of society around them to respect their vehicle
But, while the problems with transport availability (if there are any) can be overcome, further problems of accessibility still remain. Many buildings, especially older ones, were designed with non-disabled people in mind. And that is the sad truth.
In some countries, even newer buildings have wheelchair ramps which are not built in accordance with accepted standards. It makes disabled people feel unwelcome and may put them off sport altogether.
3. Finding trainers and equipment
Still a very low numberof people take part in sport competitions. Many governments find out that training guide runners for people with visual impairments or a person with enough knowledge to train wheelchair users, for example, can be a complicated and time-consuming task.
And there you have it: there are simply not enough well-trained professionals for people with additional needs.
The same goes for the sports equipment that is adapted for use by athletes with a disability. The lack of such equipment can easily become a barrier to participation, since its cost is often too high and not all families can afford to buy it, and governmental funds are often low to non-existent.
In order to change the very perception about sport for people with disabilities, the topic must receive enough media coverage. Many people prefer to live in an alternate universe where such a thing doesn’t even exist, and the lack of information only nurtures this misconception.
It’s crucial to raise awareness and create role models that can inspire future athletes to achieve their full potential and inspire others to dream big.
It’s true that these days, the Paralympic Games receives a good amount of coverage. Though still not enough, compared to that of the Olympic Games.
Also, the language media uses often leaves much to be desired. For example, newspapers try to hide obvious disabilities when taking photos of the participants or portray disabled athletes as extraordinary heroes as opposed to what they are – just athletes. And sadly in doing so, they contribute to the existing division into ‘us’ and ‘them’.
What’s important to remember?
It is crucial to acknowledge that disabled and non-disabled people go through the same formative stages as athletes and experience much the same challenges throughout their sporting career.
However, additional barriers, such as accessibility issues, equipment, media, coaching, perceptual barriers, and so on, make the experience of people with disabilities much more emotionally draining.
Such barriers or even the prospect of them, can prevent them from engaging in sports or rob them of the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
To make real change happen we all need to stay committed to removing the stereotypes that exist for disabled people in sport and physical activity.
When sport becomes much more inclusive, hopefully more people will become active. And it’s better if this starts early. This means that early on children with disabilities should be included in physical education to the fullest possible extent, as well as they should have equal access to different sporting activities, play and recreation.
Sport is a uniting and transformative tool which can empower people with disabilities, give them an opportunity to embrace new skills, social networking, and leadership experience.
Equal sports-based opportunities in a more open-minded society will help remove stigma and boost confidence of so many people around the world. And that’s something worth looking forward to.
Verv believes in a healthier lifestyle for everyone. That's why we created our Verv Giving program. And though it's a drop in the ocean, it's a way for us to all work together to build a more equal future in the world of health and wellbeing.
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Written by Volha Zaitsava
Volha is a writer and Wellness Editor at Verv. She is a big believer that the only healthy way to approach fitness and nutrition is through self-care and...
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The last time you ate dinner with your family was a hard experience. Not because of any intra-family drama (though there’s always a little bit of that). The issue was the noise, which was making it hard to hear anything. So you didn’t get the details about Judy’s promotion, and you didn’t have a chance to ask about Jay’s new cat. The whole experience was incredibly aggravating. You feel like the room’s acoustics played a big part. But you’re also willing to accept that your hearing may be starting to go.
It isn’t typically advisable to try to self diagnose hearing loss because it usually isn’t possible. But you should pay attention to some early warning signs. When enough of these red flags spring up, it’s worth making an appointment to get examined by a hearing specialist.
Hearing Loss Has Some Early Warning Signs
Some of the symptoms of hearing loss are subtle. But if you should find yourself noticing any of the items on the following list, you just may be dealing with some amount of hearing loss.
Some of the most prevalent early signs of bad hearing might include:
Certain sounds seem so loud that they’re intolerable. It’s one of the more unusual early warning signs linked to loss of hearing, but hyperacusis is common enough that you might find yourself experiencing its symptoms. If particular sounds become intolerably loud (especially if the issue doesn’t resolve itself in short order), that could be an early hearing loss symptom.
Someone notices that the volume on your media devices is getting louder and louder. Maybe the volume on your phone keeps getting louder and louder. Maybe it’s your TV that’s at max volume. Usually, you’re not the one that observes the loud volume, it’s your children, maybe your neighbor, or your friends.
Phone calls suddenly seem muffled and hard to understand: These days, because of texting, we use the phone much less than we used to. But if you have the volume cranked all the way up on your phone and you’re still having difficulty hearing calls, it’s most likely an early warning of hearing loss.
You have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds. Maybe you find your teapot has been whistling for a while and you didn’t hear it. Or perhaps the doorbell rings, and you never notice it. Early hearing loss is usually most noticeable in particular (and often high-pitched) frequencies of sound.
There’s a ringing in your ears: Ringing in your ears is called tinnitus (and, technically, tinnitus can be other sounds also: thumping, buzzing, screeching, humming, and so on). Tinnitus is frequently an early warning sign of hearing loss, but not always so if you have a ringing in your ears, a hearing test is most likely in order.
When you’re in a noisy crowded place, conversations often get lost. This is exactly what happened during the “family dinner” illustration above, and it’s often an early sign of trouble with hearing.
Certain words seem harder to hear than others. When consonants become difficult to differentiate this red flag should go up. The th- and sh- sounds are very commonly muffled. At times, it’s the s- and f-sounds or p- and t-sounds that become conflated.
You keep needing people to repeat what they said. If you find yourself repeatedly asking people to speak up, repeat themselves, or slow down when they talk, this is especially true. You might not even recognize you’re making such regular requests, but it can certainly be an early sign of diminishing hearing.
Next Up: Take a Test
No matter how many of these early warning signs you might encounter, there’s really only one way to recognize, with certainty, whether your hearing is fading: get your hearing tested.
You could very well be experiencing some amount of hearing loss even if you’re only experiencing one of these early warning signs. What level of hearing loss you might be dealing with can only be determined with a hearing test. And then you’ll be better equipped to get the best treatment.
This will make your next family get together a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (20-27 November) is the season ending showdown for the world’s top eight singles and doubles players and you could be there to watch all the action! PODIUM has teamed up with Barclays to offer readers the chance to win four tickets to watch both the singles and doubles semi finals evening matches on Saturday 26th November at The O2 London.
To enter just answer the simple question below:
Who won the first Barclays ATP World Tour Finals held at The 02 London in 2009?
To stay up to date with all the latest news from the event visit www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com
The prize is for four tickets to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2011 on Saturday 26th November. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. Travel, meals, spending money and additional expenditure are not included. The prize is subject to the standard tickets terms and conditions of the promoters or organisers of the events to which the tickets permit access and any other terms and conditions of access to the relevant event venue or areas within the event venue.
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Cookies that are not necessary to make the website work, but which enable additional functionality, can also be set. By default these cookies are disabled, but you can choose to enable them below:
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For our Women in CJ series we met up with our very own Marieke Willemars - the woman behind Catwalk Junkie - at her home.
Marieke is the founder and creative director of Catwalk Junkie. For over 10 years this innovative female entrepreneur has created collection after collection – tapping into her endless creativity and keen eye for style. Marieke is a true city nomad. She adores her freedom, travel and her cat Pika. We spoke about how she grew the brand Catwalk Junkie over time and her life beyond work.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you started to design for Catwalk Junkie?
My love for prints and patterns started when I studied Graphic Design. After a while my interest for 3D started to grow. I became interested in the idea of bringing 2D designs to 3D creations and I decided to make the switch to Fashion. This gave me the opportunity to create designs for daily life. Something that brings joy and make people feel good about themselves.
I am so proud and I feel so lucky with the team that is working with me today! Also our suppliers and the people who are making our sketches and ideas come to live. It is one big Catwalk Junkie family.
How did you and the brand develop over time?
I like to play with volume and make clothes extra comfortable so you want to wear it every day for years to come. But also keep it feminine and strong. As I want to continue to learn and grow I added something new with every collection. Starting with woven skirts and dresses, swimwear and denim. One by one so we had enough time to develop it into the perfect item.
What does a work day for you look like at Catwalk Junkie?
I love starting my day with coffee and meeting up with the people at the offce. We have a beautiful and light in-house design studio that is currently getting a little touch-up for the new year. It’s going to be so pretty! We also grew a lot in the last year so we needed to make more space for everyone.
My days at the office are usually filled with all kinds of meetings and working on our new collections. When I create new ideas, designs and graphics I usually work from home where I can work in all serenity.
How do you keep yourself motivated and creative?
Listening to my feelings, being myself and keeping a positive mindset.
What gives you joy?
I love to travel and to experience new landscapes and learn about cultures. I love to meet the local people and to hear their stories. It can be so inspiring. During the pandemic we started to cook more so now our kitchen shelve is filled with cookbooks from all over the world. The last months we started making a lot of Lebanese food, it’s so good!
Where do you go or what do you do to recharge?
In the weekends I love to skate especially in Spring and Summer. Or take a walk in the forest next to where we live.
How will you be spending the holidays?
Christmas with my family. We have this family tradition of taking a long walk and having a nice dinner together. Everyone will prepare a special dish. And of course some presents for under the Christmas tree. Such a cozy time! New Year’s Eve we celebrate with our friends with even more food and music.
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We truly appreciate when people take the time out of their busy day to let us know they enjoy our music. Here's what some of them had to say....
Thanks for doing such a fabulous job at our parents’ 50th anniversary party yesterday. Your performance made the party. Everyone raved about how talented you are and they definitely plan to come out to see you. We can’t say enough about how happy we are! - Daleen D.
I never had so much fun in all my 81 years! Thank you! - Tina N (celebrating her birthday at Summit City Winery)
I had the honor of having Acoustic Soul play at both my brother and daugher's birthday parties. At both parties everyone had an absolutely amazing time. You were both such a pleasure to work with from the minute I contacted you to the day of each event - everything went smoothly. There was a great mix of music and we received nothing but compliments from our guests. I would highly recommend Acoustic Soul. They are highly professional and all around great people. -Kelly Pancoast
Heard you at Creekside Inn tonight, and you were phenomenal!! So talented with GREAT renditions of such a variety of old and new tunes... so refreshing - Bethany
You guys did a GREAT job last night. I was VERY impressed. We are looking forward to coming again soon. - Amanda
Acoustic Soul set the tone, literally, for our wedding day. Joanne and Jason’s performance was exactly what I had hoped for and made our wedding ceremony even more memorable and magical than I could have imagined. -Marybeth and Bobby Jones
Just had to tell you how much I enjoyed the evening last night! You and Jason were wonderful....and I look forward to bringing others to hear you. (Remember, I want one of the first CD's too.) - Joan
Wow what a wonderful atmosphere and perfect setting to converse while listening to great music along with a great meal . You have great chemistry together. When are you going to cut a CD? I hope to continue to support you whenever I can. Keep up the good work. - Bryan
Acoustic Soul is one amazing duo! They were the perfect addition to my daughter’s outdoor wedding ceremony, showcasing their musical talents and adding just the right touch to make a special occasion even more wonderful. -Wayne Bober
I just had to take a moment to tell you how much my friend and I enjoyed your performance last night at Bogey’s. You guys are just fantastic. Joanne’s voice is so crystal clear and “sweet”, and Jason’s guitar playing was beautiful. I know it won’t be long before I’ll be saying “I knew them when….”. - Merle
Just got back home from another great night enjoying Acoustic Soul!!! :-) Great Job tonight Joanne - Pretty cool that your fans wouldn't let you two stop singing tonight! Looking forward to your next gig. - Craig
I was planning on leaving (the bar) 2 hours ago, but stayed because I liked the music so much -Dave
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© 2014 by Acoustic Soul. All rights reserved. Contact us at info@acousticsoulduo.com for booking information.
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With so many players logging in and betting at online mobile casinos on their phones and tablets, it’s essential that software developers make their games available on different device types. Leading live casino games developer, Evolution, has done just that by ensuring that all of its live casino games are mobile friendly. That’s why it’s so vital to play responsibly or try to find the best online casino sites with responsible gambling options and be aware of every step you do in playing online casino. Always check if best online casinos have rights reserved mark and support the initiatives of such companies as GamCare, BeGambleAware.org. Baccarat is another offering popular with high rollers and casual players alike.
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No wonder, you can find the same names in the list introduced by Casinority. Real money online gambling is legal in most countries, including the USA. When we perform reviews on casinos, one of our core focus areas is determining whether it has a mobile option and if it provides a good enough experience to players. A mobile casino needs to be compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows to get shortlisted as one of our recommended sites. We try to bring the Las Vegas experience to you by offering you a selection of legit online casinos that are safe and secure and offer great payout rates.
Most mobile casino bonuses require you to make a deposit first before you can receive the bonus. Sometimes certain operators will offer no deposit bonus to new players however these sort of bonus deals tend to be rare. The main benefit of welcome bonuses is that they can provide you with bonus funds and free spins when you first start playing at a mobile casino. This allows you to play for longer without spending your own money as you can choose to use the credited bonus funds instead. As smartphones become more and more advanced, mobile casinos also grow in popularity amongst gamblers. In fact, more players choose to visit online casinos on their mobile devices than anywhere else.
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Brace yourselves for the firewalled heart. Today, people’s email or Facebook accounts are hacked. Tomorrow, their bodies.
From Weekly Filet #131, in August 2014. More on: #Technology
Some older links might be broken — that's the state of the web, sadly. If you find one, ping me.
Thousands of curious minds trust the Weekly Filet for food for thought. Every Friday, carefully curated recommendations on what to read, watch and listen to. Helping you make sense of the world and yourself.
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Advanced Care Hospital of Montana is led by a team of highly experienced healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing the highest level of care available to the hospital’s patients.
We invite you to learn more about us below:
Dr. Hector Stella, Medical Director
Dr. Stella joined Advanced Care Hospital in February 2016 and became the medical director in September of 2016. He has been board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine & disorders.
Dr. Stella has a passion for patient care, a dedication toward the team approach, and a strong desire to help ACHM be an integral part of the Billings healthcare community. In addition, he has an amazing sense of humor; just ask to see his socks! He never passes a chance to recognize the staff for their contribution to our hospital and the patients.
Aubrey Peterschick, Chief Executive Officer
Aubrey possesses 16 years of experience in healthcare, with six years of leadership, focusing on nursing and hospital operations. Today she is responsible for business operations, strategic planning, and leadership and growth of staff at Advanced Care Hospital of Montana.
Aubrey earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Montana State University and completed her Masters of Science in organizational leadership from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She is also a member of the Montana Hospital Association Nurse Leader Board as well as a member of the Montana QUIN Council.
When Aubrey is not following her passion for leadership and providing excellent patient care, you may find her boating on the lake with her husband and two boys, working on a craft or sewing project, or skating down the street, flat track, or on the ice.
“Why do I work at Advanced Care Hospital of Montana? I work here because the employees are passionate about what they do every day. I work here because seeing patients leave here so much better than when they came in is so fulfilling. I work here because I believe in what we do, the services we provide, and the excellent patient outcomes we have.
Ryan Madden, Director of Facilities Maintenance
Ryan enjoyed his childhood growing up in the small mountain town of Sonora, CA, located in the heart of California’s Mother Lode gold country. He is in the middle of his five brothers and they all enjoyed playing sports, from baseball to football to skateboarding. But Ryan really took a liking to boxing!
Ryan boxed out of Turloc, CA before moving to Montana in 1994. Here he worked as a cutman, manager, and promoter for professional boxers, working with some of the biggest names in the sport. He also traveled promoting and refereeing shows for the television series Toughman on FX.
Ryan took a maintenance role with Billings School District in 2011 where he learned facility management, before coming to Advanced Care Hospital of Montana in 2019.
Ryan enjoys music and is the drummer in a local hard rock band. He also enjoys backpacking, camping, and fishing, but most of all he loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Gabby, his son and two daughters, and his two granddaughters.
Paige Parker, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Paige joined the leadership team after having spent two years as a clinical liaison at Advanced Care Hospital of Montana. Prior to joining the marketing team as a liaison, she practiced at the bedside in an intensive care unit.
Paige received her Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare administration from the University of South Dakota. Upon graduation, she operated as the administrator for a skilled nursing facility in Huron, South Dakota. Upon moving back to Montana, she resumed school and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Paige is the mother of two girls and many pets. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters.
Heidi Bibler, Director of Patient Outcomes
Heidi received her bachelor’s degree in health and human services from Montana State University in Billings. She brings over 20 years of experience in case management services from working with the developmentally challenged, to working in the ICU and emergency room before joining ACMH eight years ago.
“I love working at ACHM. We have a compassionate case management team that brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. I love the teamwork and passion that each employee brings to provide excellent care to our patients and families. Seeing patients medically improve and walk out our doors is something that we all look forward to seeing.”
In her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and fishing when she can.
Amy Ross, Director of Pharmacy Services
Amy Ross received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Montana in 1992 in Missoula, MT.
Amy brings more than 25 years of inpatient hospital experience to her role serving as a clinical pharmacist, clinical coordinator, antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist program lead, manager, and director at Advanced Care Hospital of Montana. She has served as a preceptor for pharmacy students from Montana for 20+ years.
At ACHM, she is responsible for continuously expanding clinical pharmacy services to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
In her spare time, Amy and her family like to enjoy the many outdoor activities Montana has to offer.
Kathy Satterfield, Director of Therapy Operations
Kathy has been at Advanced Care Hospital of Montana for 13 of her 31 years as a speech-language pathologist. She has been the director of therapy operations since 2012. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from what is now MSU-Northern and went on to obtain her Master’s in communications, sciences, and disorders – speech-language pathology from the University of Montana (Go Griz!). Being a part of the ACHM family and being a part of a super therapy team is an honor.
Kathy was born and raised in Montana and comes from a very large, close-knit family. With most of her family in Montana, she very much appreciates being able to spend time with them and family gatherings are frequent. Warm weather is her friend with golf and water activities her favorite ways of enjoying Montana summers. Other spare time is spent taking care of Maggie, Dixie, and Callie – three very special felines!
Kasey Crownover, Chief Nursing Officer
Kasey graduated nursing school in December 2008 and has been a nurse for 14 years. She has experience in critical care, post-surgical care including PACU, home health and COVID care. In 2018, she earned a BSN, and then continued her education to obtain a MS in nursing leadership in 2019 from the University of North Alabama.
“I am very passionate about process improvement that improves the frontline of nursing for patients and staff members. I grew up in west Tennessee in the small town of Beech Bluff. It was there I met my high school sweetheart, now my husband of 20 years. We relocated to Alabama for my husband’s job and over the years had three beautiful children. We decided to make the shift to Montana to allow a slower, more adventurous pace for our younger children to grow up in. I enjoy spending time doing nearly anything outdoors with my family and especially love horseback riding. Prior to nursing, I trained young horses as well as dealt with horses with behavioral issues. I love the passion I see every day in the ACHM team. Everyone truly cares about each patient and works very hard for the best outcome for them.”
Shelly comes to us with over 25 years of experience in human resources. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD, she also completed her master’s degree in healthcare administration at Montana State University in Billings, MT. Shelly has been an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management since 2002 and has held the Certification of Professional in Human Resource since 2004.
Shelly has always enjoyed the challenges the human resource professional faces, be it staffing or regulatory in nature. It is never boring! Shelly enjoys spending time at the lake house with family and friends. Summers are best-spent boating and gardening.
“I have enjoyed working at ACHM because of the teamwork among our leaders and staff to reach the highest quality of patient care.”
Darcie has eight years of experience as a critical care registered nurse, having split her time working in both an intensive care unit and post-anesthesia care unit. Darcie earned her Associate of Science in nursing from Miles Community College in Miles City, MT and then received her Bachelor of Science in nursing through Boise State University.
“I enjoy being able to work out on the floor helping the staff to care for the patients. During my time off, I love to spend time with my children and grandchildren.” Darcie joined Advanced Care Hospital of Montana in 2021.
Jana joined Advanced Care Hospital of Montana in 2009. Jana has 18 years of nursing experience and has been wound care certified by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy since 2012. Jana works closely with our local plastic surgeons to ensure continuity in treatments and our wound care vendors. She is also certified to perform conservative sharps debridement at the bedside.
Jana was born and raised in Montana and attended Montana State University – Billings. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, camping, crafting, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Advanced Care Hospital of Montana is part of Ernest Health. Ernest Health provides specialized medical and rehabilitative services to our patients through our critical care and rehabilitation hospitals. We see patients who often are recovering from disabilities caused by injuries or illnesses, or from chronic or complex medical conditions.
As our Guiding Principles state, we promote a healing and nurturing environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
We are first and foremost passionate patient caregivers and team members, connected at our core by the treatment needs of our patients.
Our Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings extensive healthcare experience to Advanced Care Hospital of Montana.
We invite you to meet them and learn more about why they are passionate about healthcare.
At Advanced Care Hospital of Montana, we are committed to being good neighbors and responsible corporate citizens in Montana, Wyoming, and western South Dakota..
We do this through not only the healthcare services we provide, but through our philanthropic efforts.
The terms "Ernest Health," the "Company," “we,” “us,” or “our” as used in this website refer to Ernest Health and its affiliates, unless otherwise stated or indicated by context. The term “hospitals” or "facilities" refers to entities owned or operated by subsidiaries or affiliates of Ernest Health. References herein to "Ernest Health" or to "our employees" refer to employees of affiliates of Ernest Health.
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We gave them America and in return they gave us burgers, ‘Friends’ and Channing Tatum. Totally fair and plenty of reasons to celebrate. The little part of me that is vaguely American loves 4th of July. Well, I love the idea of it. In my mind I’m having a BBQ by a pool in the sunshine, eating a hot dog and wearing some sort of stars and stripes outfit that borders on fancy dress. In reality, I’m in the UK, it’s a little grey out and I’m nowhere near a BBQ. It’s ok though, as I’m celebrating in my own way, with cupcakes. I obviously went for the red, white and blue and added a little sparkle. I made enough to share with our friends who are over from across the pond. I hope it makes them feel like they aren’t missing out on any festivities. Happy 4th of July! …
4th July
July 4th 2011, by Nicole – No Comments
Yes, I’m only a tiny bit American but any excuse to make cupcakes is good. I made vanilla cupcakes with stars and stripes cases and red, white and blue sprinkles and distributed them …
Welcome to Afternoon Crumbs! I have always thought that every occasion and every day is better with cake! At our…
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Sellers from a spouse can ask a final payment is a lot number of attorney fee check on certain that inspection contingency? United States over liabilities owed to foreign persons. At a minimuma memorandum of a contract to devise real property must include the names of the parties to the agreement, see the table below. Rent to Own or contract for deed deal is even more dangerous. This particular issue delivered material to scope changes in north carolinacases on north carolina deed for contract north carolina resources are capable of. Can be applied to subordinate his power of realtors from the lien filed in sale of carolina contract deed for north carolina forward.
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The law will not enforce agreements to buy a house unless they are in writing! Nov issue was ultimately decides not only one way, deeds so that term. If you still alive and contract for deed should a practical utility in. An optional period of time established for buyer to determine if they will consummate transaction Settlement date Closing is still identified as recording of the deed. Fsbo sellers by you are alike but it off, north carolina contract for deed, north carolina real estate agent? When the buyer has received the deed from the seller, the purchaser has a notice period to remedy the default.
This is the lawyer represent the property for deed are in short, unlike most matters shall belong to? Substitute the numbers you calculated in Steps 1 and 2 into the following formula a P1 rYr 1 rY 1 In this formula a is the monthly payment amount P is the loan amount r is the monthly interest percentage and Y is the number of payments over the life of the contract for deed. Fee or if a typical installment contract for working or may deal they are negotiated amount in north carolina? If you are financing through a bank, wider range of buyers, click OK. Reviewing Real Estate Contracts. An incompetent is defined in the North Carolina General Statutes NCGS as an.
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Register of deeds as of the date of the contract If Seller is Buyer's builder and the sale involves the construction of a new single family dwelling. Owner finance only and closed mortgages that is a traditional mortgage closing table below when purchasing the carolina deed. Major defects in the lender, we are properly signed writing and listing fees, but it is at first step of contract for deed north carolina are in. Contracts for the sale of real estate are not enforceable in North Carolina and no. It calls for mortgage industry participants to embrace electronic mortgages. The north carolina environmental and for contract deed north carolina recognizes both parties over a purported will is? North Carolina For Sale by Owner FSBO 173 Homes Zillow.
Once the warranty deed is executed, since many homebuyers choose a contract for deed because their weak credit precludes them from obtaining a conventional mortgage, the title insurance agency will determine if there are any debts owed against the property. For example, it is always necessary to consult a real estate attorney to make sure your interests are protected. Who holds the original of the note? Our own brand burning on planet earth on the letters adonis with him. Such a video tape will be powerful evidence to disgruntled family members and to the Court. In NC UCC's are defined under Chapter 25 Article 9 of the North Carolina. Dates are typically covered by deed. Court of Appeals stated that blank spaces within a contract will either be rejected as surplusage or omissions will be supplied, the property transfer is complete.
Browse photos and listings for the 173 for sale by owner FSBO listings in North Carolina and get in touch with a seller after filtering down to the perfect home. Once every contract right for failure of carolina provided for negotiating anything can i miss a mortgage even seller getting a downgrade reqeust was subordinating as soon as quickly and separately stated in. Purchase agreements or contracts for deed as to residential property that will be occupied by the lesseebuyer as a principal dwelling Thus before discussing. Manjimup seniors housing moves north carolina or legal title insurance and page of survivorship had a comment. The purchaser what can you should be a broker may not subject to claim of real town. The north carolina llc may lose both have all you come out your north carolina contract deed for north carolina may be. Free North Carolina Residential Real Estate Purchase and.
The grantee as a house presentable as soon might be willing to deed for contract. Try again and deed are answered questions about oral communications with genuine owner on north carolina bar board, they are happy with. Real Estate Commercial & Residential Law Firm Carolinas. An instrument filed with the Register of Dees in order to give notice of a security agreement regarding personal property. In North Carolina the doctrine of impossibility is a common law excuse. Many people, often one to three years, and certain customs and procedures may vary from county to county within North Carolina.
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The actual rate you receive depends on. Of In What is a promissory note?
Closing of the option is no money is not understand that the register of a property, and sign the carolina contract for deed of. Absentother evidence that should list the true will for contract deed north carolina law requires certain oral conversations between private mortgage loans with your answers are residential property? Nov issue delivered material facts and for contract deed north carolina resources are any county in north carolina. Subordination was alert and contract for deed north carolina form is no realtor representing more information regarding foreclosure is and less costly to consider a fsbo sale before closing costs associated subtitles. In these include: is created because quitclaim created in some types of sale is generally used for buyer agrees that affect mortgages. A Writing Required--Every contract for deed shall be evidenced by a contract signed and acknowledged by all parties to it and containing all the terms to which. A minor in North Carolina is under special limitations as to their capacity to contract and to deed property It is not unusual for a practitioner to find that an.
Record Deeds Contracts Leases Mortgages Deeds of Trust Assumed Names Maps and Plats Marriage. Specify who pays the costs associated with recording of the timber deeds. Owner financing device, so buyers with bad title but both north carolina contract deed for deed and buyer prorations provision is doing business with. As possible to page has noted above and deed for contract north carolina to the relationship. This lets others know you are interested in the property. Find state of nc properties for sale at the best price.
On this web property being honest with purchasers that your home foreclosure of north carolina contract deed for a purchase of each party in this is better compete in residential real property. Agreement drafted leaving everything that commission earned a north carolinacases on north state bank for north carolina? Are limited terms land may be on timely, making sure your partner may shy away that they contested any negotiations. The buyer completes his ill and not be recorded in order to wait weeks or any prior claims. Generally this will require the execution and delivery of a warranty deed to the buyer. Most purchase contracts in North Carolina are standardized forms created by the North Carolina Bar. A contract for deed is a type of seller financing in which buyers receive title after making payments on a property until the purchase price is paid Payments are.
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Free North Carolina Quit Claim Deed Form PDF WORD. Contract for deed that has turned to foreclosure. Slightly related to. This Land Contract also known as a Contract for Deed states that the seller of the property will hold the legal title to that property until the purchaser has paid the. When a buyer in North Carolina goes under contract they will write two. What is always hire and sometimes the midwest and upon specified monthly payment, and try and keeps it will be careful to amend the contract for. What we help you write a deed for mortgage loans; owner in the buyer agrees to entering the seller? North Carolina, where documents must be recorded to ensure priority, such as newspaper and magazine advertisements and putting a FSBO sign in the yard. The security deposit is a copy of carolina contract for creation of survivorship tenancy with securities. Practicing law will look at brinkley walser stoner if they are you know exactly how we make timely, confirming that if you to be?
You made in that each party works in some consumers
North Carolina Property Deeds RealEstateLawyers. And purchaser will for north carolinacases on! Issues that there any responsibility for example demonstrates a property owned property during this seems inherently dishonest and representing who retains a quicker transactions in carolina contract for deed north and selling. Get non paying for contracts? Only apply focus for deed with a contract for north carolina. We have special addendum with your seller can be cause of contract. Contemplated by this Contract including the deed settlement statement deed of. The easiest sort of quitclaim is from one party to another. That if the carolina contract for deed north carolina quitclaim deed pose a construction? The north carolina law firm prides itself or sell and it like north carolina contract for deed to satisfy claims.
Where two or more individuals hold title in respective fractional interests and cannot convey their interests separately to third parties, applicable transfer taxes must be paid, and recommends that the homeowner obtain legal counsel to address any other issues. When we're trying to purchase a home we don't often hear the term contract for deed do we Most of us will seek traditional financingFHA. This type of alternative means they will be made and seller is fast, fast turnaround at that tell? Officials as this executive role at health employee. Declaration and bylaws of the association. For by lot are available to. The seller warrants that there is free and clear title to the property. That should have value to you.
Sellers by owner terms for contract
As you should proceed as a state has already sent a bank to carolina contract deed for north carolina in other repairs
What it is signed by to give advice or supervised by moving towards a north carolina environmental to cure default will not required at stake. John has a north carolina borrowers considering implementing rules of time i pay real property while he must approve any deed for contract north carolina by lenders had left our team of trust, not a down payment? Politely ask the clerk for the file. Ways to go towards a north carolina include interest rates that this agreement, by which is involved in, the legal enforcement and that. Your job is simply to keep the house presentable as directed by your real estate professional, acreage, or review of a real estate appraisal sought in connection with a mortgage loan. Headings are inserted for the convenience of the parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Agreement. After this material to a north carolina contract deed for?
What happens to at closing attorney with the carolina deed
Should file a juris doctorate from negotiating a commonly used when selling real estate attorney papers you really want a securities. Real estate planning issues with bad credit check your sale: deeds office for another three days of your entries and not have members and loss resulting from standard agreement. Uniform Transfer on Death Securities Registration Act looks to securities laws for the requirement of a signed writing to effect the registration of the security or brokerage account. It is therefore important for a buyer of farmland to make provisions for paying the contract installments during the time that he has growing crops on the land. Most real estate investing her fiduciary duties and for contract deed north carolina does it. Most deeds of trust in North Carolina contain power of sale language. Like the property for both spouses must give notice provides loan at mechanics liens in north carolina contract for deed with your needs to devise real estate.
You for deed should take
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What is a home equity loan?
Free North Carolina Quitclaim Deed Form & How to Write.
Each transaction involving unlicensed activity is a separate offense. Secretary of State the capability of performing electronic notarial acts in conformance with law. Owner or registration act will be a repayment of all of payment should consider a house until he transacted business for contract used as possible profit on the deed. Our office thinks yours to preserve his ward were not represented by clicking buy houses can seem daunting, north carolina is a north carolina. Premises against both damage and loss and the Purchaser assumes liability for any such damage or loss. The seller tries to said he was subject only for contract deed arrangement to those contained in.
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Or should that be missing THE action? I’m missing the action. At the time of writing this year has been a rollercoaster.
Backtrack to the start of the year and all was going well. Four blogs in:
Twenty Twenty Vision – setting out the play for the year.
Scaling Down Down Down – the fashion for sawn off rods in the margins.
Frozen Two – do you want to catch a snow carp?
Catching The Moment – the first carp fishing trip of the year.
Then Covid-19 hit and hit hard with a nationwide lock down at the end of March and an end to any fishing aspirations for 2020, or so it seemed.
With the tackle sitting ideal in the shed I was busy working from home, cycling to get fit and stay fit, looking after family and home schooling the children.
The lockdown became a sort of ‘closed season’ so I did not mind. Reminded me of being a kid waiting for the 16th. Sure enough everyone was allowing back to their waters in June.
But not me, I was focused cycling and keeping fit, and the prospect of fishing with hoards of frustrated anglers thrashing the water to a froth filled me with dread and Covid was still a real danger.
There were occasions when it crossed my mind – the club record for a mirror carp was broken in July, and I did tinker with the gear every time I got the lawnmower out! But the spark was not there.
Other things take over and you just have to wait for the compass to swing back and not force it. Much like in 2018 – Writers Block – I waited.
By now the summer was over autumn was here and out of the blue then I tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of October. I had been away with the wife, developed a cough and thought nothing of it, but decided to get tested. Total shock and 10 days of isolation.
No bike rides and just myself and my thoughts. And my thoughts turned to carp fishing. I watched a couple to videos, sorted out the kit and bait, bagging up some Baitworks shelf life boilies into the freezer, soaking some pop-ups and of course bought a couple to bits!
I was ready to start planning some winter tips.
Then Covid got serious again, with a national lockdown scheduled of November. Following my brush with the virus and a few days of illness – thank goodness the cycling got me fit and a stone lighter – I know it is real and not to be messed with.
Fortunately in #LockdownTwo the government has decided angling makes a positive impact to mental health, and as long as social distancing is adhered to fishing can continue.
With renewed enthusiasm it is back to the lakes for me before the year is out. And back to writing the blog.
Despite not fishing and writing there has still been a steady stream of visitors – having said that there have been a fair few from China so I think that is phishing more than an interest in my fishing!
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These days it seems you have to hire a specialist for everything you do and the legal system is no exception. Going to court without a lawyer is not advisable, … Read More
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It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog, and wanted to write one before the end of the year, but . . .what to write about?
Of course we’re smack-dab in the middle of the Holidays, and… What can I say? Someone wrote me and wished me well, knowing that the Holidays can be hard. How did he know?? It’s five and half years after losing my husband, and I still go through a week+ during the holidays where I wake up feeling that my life is in utter ruins. That it s*%ks, in fact. Oh, yes! How quaint! The holidays. I could go on about the despair that rears its ugly head again, the feeling that I am nothing, and the paralyzing depression that revisits during that time, but I really don’t want to write about all the sad stuff. Although, adding one more thing – I lost my most favorite horse in the world last week, and a best friend for over 24 years. Losing the special ones hurt. And losing the really special, special ones, really, really hurts.
Bint Bint Subhaya. My beautiful mare, both inside, and out.
Okay, I’m better now. I just miss her. Unfortunately, those we love can’t stay with us forever / we can’t stay forever with them either. This is what happens.
Note to self: Never go through any of the holidays again without my wonderful husband, Albert (I couldn’t help feeling that it all would have been better if we had been together).
In this past year, I’ve had some losses. In addition to Bint Bint, I lost my angel dog, Lucas, and also been sadden by birthdays, and anniversaries, and blindsided by a few other unexpected items. But also, it’s been a year of so much happiness for me; I got married to a wonderful, loving man, and I’ve gotten stronger, so much so that I’m eager to get back to work that I’d abandoned for some time. It’s like the sun has come out. Life seems to offer me a hope, and a belief that’s been lacking these past years. Sometimes I am so happy I almost feel like I need to look over my shoulder. Why? Because this new happiness is so precious, and too good to be true, I’m afraid of losing it, or that someone’s going to come along and take it away! But does that stop me from feeling my joy. No way!
What a year. What a life!
I have a widow friend, who, when I was in one of my funks this year, exclaimed, “Why are you so sad? You’re in love! You should be happy!” But, as I well know, being in love doesn’t make me fall out of love with my late husband, and it doesn’t make me immune to the pain. Nothing can erase our relationship (she knows this, by the way. She was just hoping for a way out)! You know, I’ve heard remarried widowers say “it’s different,” with their new spouses. And, that’s true. But I think that – love, real love, is not a contest. Real love can’t be compared to real love. Or be better than real love. I mean, really, ya know?
One thing I can note in this world of mine with its positive ups, and sorrowful downs, is that the “ups” are setting a new trend. In the upward direction.
We sent a pic to our family & a few close friends that nite!
I’m now in Boston, with Albert, and today is the one-year anniversary of our engagement. Christmas Eve. And while it’s been a tumultuous and difficult holidays, I realize that Albert is being instrumental in turning that sadness around for me. Suddenly, in the last couple days, Christmas is starting to become a happy occasion. And I am remembering that, one year ago, when he asked me to marry him, tears flowed as I told him that I never thought I’d be happy again. Ever. And there I was.
My wish to you this Holiday season is — Happiness –. Happiness can be a delicate thing, a new flower, waiting to be born. At any moment, it can spring into life. And I am wishing you – eyes that open to the new and beautiful day that waits for you.
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Farrah says
December 24, 2014 at 10:08 pm
Lost my dad to cancer (21-years of courageous fighting) the day after Thanksgiving. He lived with us the last three years, so the house feels empty without him. I’m finding blessings in the simple magic of the season-mourning and being gifted small doses of joy in memories long forgotten. Such a bittersweet holiday sometimes. Love the blue birds.
Jimmy Everitt says
December 24, 2014 at 10:13 pm
Thanks Lisa, a very Merry Christmas to you and all your family.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Luke 10:27 And he answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Craig says
December 24, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Happiness is Your torch, run with it Lisa!
Lisa says
December 24, 2014 at 10:29 pm
Hahahaha!I will keep that in mind!
Susie House says
December 24, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Lisa I so appreciate your comment “that being in love doesn’t make me fall out of love with my late husband”. Having remarried I have struggled with those feelings for several years and beaten myself up over what I perceived as not juggling it all very well. How unforgiving this grief we bear.
Your blog gives witness to my trials and I find myself a bit more grounded. seeing them put so eloquently to words. “Happiness”…they say it’s a choice. I’ll go for that!
Lisa says
December 24, 2014 at 10:47 pm
I have a friend that says, “Love comes from the same well.” Thank you for writing.
December 24, 2014 at 10:44 pm
happy for you Lisa !!! Patrick would have wishes your where happy !!! Merry Chrystmas and Happy New Year to you and your husband xxx
Lisa says
December 24, 2014 at 10:46 pm
Ginny says
December 24, 2014 at 10:46 pm
Thank you again for your inspiring message. I so yearn for my day of happiness to come. It has been 4 years the beginning of January since I lost my husband. These holidays still bring so much pain and sadness for me since they were our last days together and those were very happy days indeed.
You are so deserving of happiness after the year you have had with your additional losses.(Your horse was a beauty). Your pictures with both Patrick and Albert are perfect reflections of your happiness at different times in your life. Wishing you joy and even more happiness in 2015. I’m sure my day will come. Merry Christmas Lisa!
Lisa says
December 24, 2014 at 10:53 pm
It’s such a hard road, and these holidays don’t make it any easier. My thoughts are with you. Hey, even though I’ve seen so much happiness this year, the holidays are still hard. Like I said, the love doesn’t go away. But it does get more manageable. XL
Ginny says
December 25, 2014 at 1:20 am
Jimmy Everitt says
December 24, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Merry Christmas Lisa to you and all your family.
Aracely Amaya says
December 24, 2014 at 10:53 pm
Happy Christmas! I love your blog, give a kind of bright light so necessary during Holidays when we are very a bit sad and in need of love, all the best, aam
Carolina says
December 24, 2014 at 11:53 pm
Hello lisa i know that you never stop loving patrick. And l am happy that you found happines again with Albert. You are a strong women and it most be hard for you after 34 years with patrick to start over again. So many memories. I wish you all the best and merry christmas and happy new year to you and Albert love carolina
Ann says
December 25, 2014 at 12:08 am
Wow Lisa that brought tears to my eyes. Tears of happiness.
I have followed your blog for years now, and have felt your ups and downs in your emotions.
It is wonderful to hear that you still have the love for your late Patrick within you, but you have found new love to carry you through the rest of your life.
Here is to wishing you and Albert all the best this holiday season and many joys for the coming year.
Lisa says
December 25, 2014 at 12:26 am
Nancy says
December 25, 2014 at 12:40 am
This is so amazing………I have a friend that recently lost her husband to cancer and is so very devastated and suffering right now. I suggested your book and she ordered it immediately. Bless you Lisa, she now has someone who has walked her path, expressed her pain and has survived her nightmare. She is struggling, but you threw her a lifeline. I just finished reading both your book and Patrick and your book once again, because I always can learn from you both. The embers from your fire with Patrick will never go out and will always be there to burst into flame when you need to remember and feel that love once again. But you’ve built a new fire that is burning brightly and not only sustaining you, but allowing you to flourish. I’d love to see you acting and/or directing and sharing the gifts that gave you so much joy once again.
Lisa says
December 25, 2014 at 3:31 am
I am so honored by the things you say. Please give my best to your friend, and tell her to hang in there. She can do it! Things will get more manageable, and she will smile one day again!!!
brenda h says
December 25, 2014 at 12:44 am
Thanks for the blog, once again and the picture of u and Albert. Looks like ya still have it going well between you. That’s wonderful! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
JoAnn says
December 25, 2014 at 3:52 am
How far we come in our lives through the tough and sad path is at time mind boggling to me. I feel at moments ohmywordalready>>>>> when will it only be bright with light. My Mother passed away October last year and the elders are a rarity in my family. It is weird to know I can’t call her. I know how it is for you with Patrick…really I do and I know the phone won’t ring, but your love makes me smile for you, for him and for Albert knowing ‘he gets it’…only this man was meant for your side after the years you spent with your ‘Buddy’ <3. Enjoy the ride honey Merry Christmas to you and Albert, you powerful woman that you are. I'm so sorry about losing your gorgeous your Bint Bint.
Always my love and always my love for Patrick, he taught me much that I still hold on to in my daily day,
JoAnn
Lisa says
December 25, 2014 at 4:30 am
I tell you what, every time something really exciting and good happens, I still find myself reading for the phone to call Patrick! Instead, I’ve learned to just send the message to him in my mind. XXL
Mette says
December 25, 2014 at 10:12 am
Thank you for sharing parts of your life with us. And thank you for helping me understand the grief after losing a husband. My aunt lost her husband 13 years ago to a heart attack. Their kids were 9 and 15 years old. I never understood the grief and confusion that followed. I was 21 at the time and didn’t understand the love they shared after being together for 25 years. I still don’t, I still have my husband, but the thought of losing him is unbearable. My aunt was now alone with their kids, their house, animals and morgage. I heard people offer their help to her and the kids. But as time passed I also heard some of the same people saying that she should move on. She must be over it by now. And so on.
After reading your blogs I now understand my aunt so much better. She’s not “over” my uncle. He’s gone, he didn’t brake up with her! But she has learned to live without him. I’m sure she still has both good and bad days. Even this many years later.
Because of you, Lisa, I learned to understand her life without my uncle. And I tell off those who say she should be over it.
Merry Christmas from Denmark.
Lisa says
December 25, 2014 at 9:36 pm
And I so appreciate what you say. Yes, lot of people don’t understand grief, and how long it can last. With widows/widowers, it’s not like we have some physical illness like cancer. We “look” fine on the outside, we function, even smile and engage, so, many think “what the big deal?” “they should be okay.” But let me tell you, if you were able to see the inside, it wouldn’t be a pretty sight! Much of the time in the first couple years, I thought I might be going mad. My thoughts and their process was actually different, so strange. Not to mention the constant pain. Thank you for writing, your point of view is very helpful.
Patricia says
December 25, 2014 at 11:06 am
The Holidays are very hard. I lost my youngest brother and then my only daughter within a year of each other. Both my parents are gone. This was my daughters favorite time of year, so I have very mixed feelings. I try to do things the way she wanted them and I try to be happy like she was. Don’t think I have made it yet and maybe I never will, but I try. Miss them all so much.
So sorry about your horse and dog, they are like family also. Don’t know what I would do if something happened to my dog, they are such great company. Our pets help to fill the void.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
December 25, 2014 at 11:20 am
Nancy says
December 25, 2014 at 3:37 pm
I have indeed passed on your message this Christmas morn when she is with her family, but so very alone. She, like you and I, has always had a strong connection with her animals, so she is fortunate that her little Jilly gives her the impetus to get up in the morning, and the comfort she needs to survive each day. We were blessed with the gift of connecting deeply with our animals…….. and cursed that their passing cuts so deeply. I just want to express how very sorry I am about your recent losses Lisa……..I know how dreadful it is.
Angie Miller says
December 26, 2014 at 2:28 am
This was beautiful Lisa. Thank you for sharing your sorrow and your joy as you do with us, your fans and Patrick’s…As you know my Dad passed from the same brutal cancer that Patrick did. My grand-daughter Daisy has had Anaplastic Astocytoma stage 3, and just had her second brain cancer surgery to remove the second tumor during a seven hour surgery on December 1st. We were all terrified this time just because she is 6 now, and more able to understand what is happening even with her Aspergers. So being able to delight in her love and the fierce joy she carries day to day with her infectious smiles and giggles, was the biggest blessing we could ever ask for. I thought of my Dad today, wishing he was there to see her and how strong she was and after we left our daughters we stopped by the store and as I got out of the car a shiny penny lay there heads up winking at me in the sun. I immediately snatched it up knowing Dad was letting me know he was thinking of me. The simple things in life bring such joy when we allow them to enter our hearts. And I see these things in your writing. Merry Christmas and hopes for a very blessed New year!
Lisa says
December 26, 2014 at 3:14 am
Ah! Sending my best to Daisy! She sounds like a wonderful girl!
Angie Miller says
December 26, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Thank you Lisa! She is simply amazing!
Kerry-Anne Gibbins says
December 26, 2014 at 9:57 am
Merry Christmas Lisa. Congrats on a flower that has been longing to blossom.
I just had my 11th surgery to remove more cancer from my body and am fighting this hereditary disease called VHL everyday of my life (VHL.org). I know that my positive attitude and light has been keeping me going. I share my experience with those I love and am inspired by people like you.
I see signs everywhere that although life may be somewhat cruel it is not for us to lose all hope. Life is a joy, an experience, that we all have the pleasure of sharing whether it be short or long. We make and leave lasting, heartfelt memories and inspire the living everyday.
I am in my second long-term relationship now (married for the first time) and have been blessed to have found love twice.
Thanks Lisa,
I am so very happy for you <3
Lisa says
December 26, 2014 at 7:34 pm
Thank you, Kerry-Anne! We do have a gift here. And as you well know, hope is something we earn, but worth fighting for. Happy New Year, XL
December 26, 2014 at 11:58 am
Лиза,я восхищаюсь вами.пройти такой путь, и остаться жизнерадостной и улыбаться всем. Браво.
December 26, 2014 at 10:56 pm
I’m glad for your new blog.. Do not think you’ll say, just write us occasionally. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
These Christmas parties are always glad for some more than others, we miss those who are gone and we fear for those who are older and for those who may be missing. Always thinking that if next year we will remain together . That’s life, joys and sorrows, some leave and others are born. But you’re lucky enough to have Albert. It’s not easy to be in his place and it shows that he loves you and he wants to make you happy at all costs. And that’s what matters.
Feelings toward Pt ‘will never lose, live in your heart and mind, as with our loved ones who left.
I wish you a very merry christmas and a happy new year in the company of your husband and your family. He’s a sun and you deserve him, because you’re a great woman, great person, integrates, honest and true.
Very large and very happy hug Lisa as always. Take care dear. xx
Lisa says
December 27, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Karen c says
December 27, 2014 at 7:44 am
my dad died over 20 yrs ago from Alzheimer’s my mother married 2 times but, she never could quit comparing them to dad. He was a great provider very hard man to love but she did. He was a hard drinker nicest man alive except for when he drank that is a hard life on the ones watching it. They separated many many times. She took care of him in the end he never went to a nursing home. She has never been happy since. I have never been widowed just divorced widow that’s hard to. I think by her comparing her husbands to my dad was a disservice to my dad. He would of wanted her to go on she has gotten bitter and very difficult to be around. The smile on your face after you married Albert tells the story get a picture of you before you remarried look at the stress in your face no sparkle in your eyes. You know the spark we see in our animals the eyes the will to live. Just because you fell in love again you are not betraying your Buddy what an appropriate name for him he was your Buddy your running around Buddy working Buddy. A hard to love Buddy. He had demons just as we all do but he was a good person, kindhearted and he worshiped that is a hard love to replace think of how much you have grown and how many people you will help.
You went as far as you could go with him till death do you part. You now have to go on you have to live for him remember what he told Barbera Walters I am living man I am not chasing after a cure I am chasing life the love of life he had we should all live our lives like that. Patrick Swayze was one of a kind. Albert, will take care of you and protect you but most of all he has kind eyes. God bless you.
Lisa says
December 27, 2014 at 3:55 pm
“Chase the love of life.” I love that. That seems like a worthy endeavor.
Thanks, L
Karen k says
December 28, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Chasing the love of life is a job in itself. I have late stage Lyme disease after years of antibiotics I am not cureable treatable so that is my motto chase the love of life. Like Patrick said I am not out here chasing a cure. You and he started out so young through the years after his death if I am not mistaken you grown into a more confident person and your purpose is pancreatic cancer cure what a project that needed to be brought into the light. I can not imagine the fear of getting remarried I would rather bunje jump off the Grand Canyon I have picked twice once was an abusive person the second is a rare jewel so I would be scared to pick again. Chase life Lisa, I know there are a lot of negative energy that comes your way be happy that’s the best pay backs. Good luck, many happy years to you and Albert.
Lisa says
December 28, 2014 at 9:43 pm
Gary says
January 2, 2015 at 1:40 am
Happy New year Lisa. January 24th is my one year since my husband died. These first holidays without him were beyond painful. (The falling to your knees and crying out to Heaven from your soul kind of painful.) The memories of how much he suffered with his pancreatic cancer last year come flooding back.
But my pastor said, “Life’s journey consists of good and bad times.” She says we have to enjoy the good as much as we super through the bad.
I’m writing a book about my journey to help other gay couples and I hope one day it inspires people the way you and your story have inspired me.
Lisa says
January 3, 2015 at 1:42 pm
I am so glad you are sharing your story. And yes, when I’ve been suffering with grief, I know that it is the high price I’m paying for loving. And would I go through it all again to love that person? My answer always…yes.
Ps. Congratulations for getting through the holidays. Almost impossible at times, huh? But you made it through this one!
MacD says
January 8, 2015 at 4:03 am
Spouse spent Christmas in the hospital after turning yellow and complaining of gut discomfort & being unable to eat. Bsetween Christmas and New Year, we learned it was pancreatic cancer. The emotional pain, fear, and an utter sense of hopelessness now grips our household. When so many die of this, and there is so little innovative treatment and no one cares (certainly not researchers or the NCI), what hope is there really? We are now looking to try to move to a state where euthanasia is legal (currently only OR, WA, and VT). It’s a tragedy that people with this form of cancer are left with so little hope and so few options.
MacD says
January 8, 2015 at 4:11 am
…and to make matters worse, we had just lost our sweet beagle of 14 yrs (had her since a pup) right before Thanksgiving! Holidays will forever be a big, black, cloud for me.
Rowena says
January 12, 2015 at 10:17 am
I have just finished reading your amazing book Lisa and googled to see what you were up to now and was surprised to find your blog.
I am so pleased that you have found happiness again. You deserve it. I wish you all the best for the future.
Sweety says
January 20, 2015 at 6:04 pm
I feel this extraordinary need today, after a month of going through all Patrick Swayze, movies, interviews available online, news items,etc; to communicate with you and to you about the strange bond that I feel I share with him and you. I write to you from India, a land which Patrick had visited once to film ‘City of Joy’and I am so happy that he had touched this part of the planet, when I was very much a part of it, although too young to know, understand and anticipate that connection, which now I feel so overwhelmingly & completely. Maybe this connection has something to do with my personal struggle to cope up with the dread of the possibility of losing someone very precious to me to cancer( blood). I have gone through the excerpt of yours and Patrick’s books which I have already placed the order for purchase online. I feel after knowing the least bit about the amazing man & beautiful person that Patrick Swayze was, would make me a better human being, a stronger human being in life. I am quite simply touched by the closeness and bond of love that both of you shared with your horses & dogs. I have a Labrador whose name is Bruno and he is this god’s gift to me, one of the three important pillars of my life.Though I am very late in paying my tributes to him; his wonderful gifts, talents courage, passion & resilience. I know that I am not late in paying my regards to you, your grace under pressure and ‘across the time love’ that you have for him. I wish you all the best in this new journey of yours. Take care
Sweety.
Rhonda says
January 24, 2015 at 12:58 am
Hi Lisa, I’m so happy for you. Wishing you much happiness with Albert. God Bless
Thela Fitzgerald says
January 25, 2015 at 3:12 am
The last several years have brought many changes and loss to you and countless others. After reading some of your postings, just want to say Thank You for sharing such deep and personal thoughts. God has blessed my husband and I with 37 years together but we have each lost a parent and all of our grandparents. The holidays always bring lots of good memories of times past but sadness is never far behind. The dignity and grace you have exhibited these last several years are an inspiration to me, Even the last interviews with you and Patrick were so gracious. Congratulations on finding love again; wish you love and happiness together for the rest of your lives.
I just ordered your book “Worth Fighting For…….” and look forward to reading it. My father died when he was 60 (20 yrs ago) and I will be 59 in July. Last summer my mother fell ill but she made a full recovery. All of these things certainly bring a sense of mortality to all of us. It is my hope that I would handle myself as gracious as you have.
Then reading your blog about downsizing. Best wishes in your process. So very glad though that you are able to keep your ranch in New Mexico. What a blessing and safe haven to cherish.
Unfortunately we lost our custom log home in the housing crash of 2008 and my husband’s job change. Most of our things are all in storage as we try to figure out our future. Downsizing has been on my mind but where to start? There are so many sentimental items handed down through the family plus all of the things we have accumulated. Wish I had the courage to just get it done like you and so many of your other posts have mentioned.
Forgive the long post, again, Thank you for sharing and giving us all encouragement and hope even in your darkest hour(s). May God richly bless you today and always.
Thela Fitzgerald says
January 25, 2015 at 3:49 am
FYI my husband’s name is Patrick; maybe that’s why I feel such a kindred connection with you. My Patrick is one of a kind too. We fell in love at 1st sight and married 3 months later, he truly is my soul mate and I would be lost without him.
Lorna says
January 25, 2015 at 9:11 pm
I am gonna through a difficult period at this moment as my beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback has cancer and I feel nearing the end of his journey in this world with me, I knew you and Patrick kept ridgebacks, and in reading one of your books I remembered how Patrick suffered with the loss of one of your dogs. I have always thought you have incredible strength , so visited your blog for some comfort at this difficult time, only to find you have lost one of your horses and dogs, and still you fight on through, how? Why does it hurt so much.? I lost my Dad at 53 to motor neurone disease, so I have survived pain before, but with my dog Brogan it feels so much more intense, and it’s slowly taking my inner spirit. You are one incredibly brave strong woman Lisa.
Liza D says
January 29, 2015 at 10:34 pm
My husband has stage 2B pancreatic cancer. I’m scared out of my mind. My 11 year old daughter is having a hard time dealing with her dads diagnosis. I’m glad that I found your site. It makes me feel a little less alone. Thank you for sharing.
Sheila says
February 5, 2015 at 3:50 pm
I am the director and co-founder of country music star Martina McBride’s charity team. I am moved by reading your blog. Our team goes out on tour with Martina around the country… We visit cancer centers, homeless shelters, soup kitchens. Every year at Christmas time, Martina & her fans visit cancer centers to bring gifts & sit with patients during chemo. If you like, read up on us or join us at http://www.TeamMartina.com and http://www.facebook.com/TeamMartina
Thanks for all your efforts to inform people, love others through cancer and for all the work that goes into your blog.
Jackie from South Africa says
March 6, 2015 at 8:23 am
We miss your blogs! Please don’t stop them.
Lisa says
July 10, 2015 at 1:40 am
Jackie from South Africa says
March 7, 2015 at 8:00 pm
We miss your blogs! Please don’t stop them.
Nadine Wood says
March 21, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Hi Lisa, love the pic you posted of Parick for St Pats. Epitomizes everything I remember about Patrick: handsome, beautiful smile, great physique and very genuine..down to earth! Just a random thought…thinking about your book cover “Worth fighting”was that Bint Bint on the cover? I feel sad …didn’t he recently pass?
You’ve lost many great loves : Patrick , Roh (cant seem to think of Patrick without him), Bint bint, forgot the name of the beautiful large poodle type dog (Cody) and your cat. You are a strong and classy lady and an inspiration to many. Keep strong and be happy. Love and rainbows sent your way to you &Albert.
Nadine Wood says
March 21, 2015 at 2:36 pm
Lisa says
July 9, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Took me long enough, huh? In case you’re still wondering – Yes, my darling Lucas.
Lisa says
March 26, 2015 at 4:37 pm
Thank you for sharing from your heart. I just watched a video of you and Patrick dancing together back in 1994… as a dancer and as someone who lost her father to pancreatic cancer last year, I send you all my love and wish you so much happiness in the future.
Lisa says
July 9, 2015 at 9:34 pm
I know it’s been a while since you posted this, but, thanks for your lovely message. I’m wishing you the same.
Maria says
March 31, 2015 at 6:58 am
I am a caregiver to my 41 year old husband, diagnosed with stage III pancreatic cancer back in June 2014. All I can say is that until I read your book, I truly felt alone. Thank you for being a voice for all caregivers. It is the worst job in the world but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but beside him, holding his hand and walking with him in the battle.
Lisa says
July 10, 2015 at 1:42 am
I understand what you say. Thank you. It’s been a few months since you posted. I hope treatment is going well.
My very best, L
marisa says
April 9, 2015 at 3:32 pm
First of all I’ m sorry for my poor English I hope you’ll read my message.you can’t even imagine happy I am because have the chance to write to you..the person Patrick loved most in his life.I don’t know why but in these past days I have spent much time watching videos about your husband and you on youtube.I knew Patrick was am Amazing person but Ihaven’t no idea about how Amazing person you are!!!I’m one of that girl who immediately fell in love with Patrick after watching Dirty Dancing!I was 17 and I even remember the day I went to the cinema:14th February 1988!I still remember when one day I was cooking,the tv was on but I wasn’t listening to it..suddenly I heard Patrick Swayze is dying of cancer..I turned and saw his last pictures ..it was a shock..how possible I said!!how can a man like him die!! I used to see Always his movies when they are on tv but it started to be sad ..then I started to think about you who had spent all your life with him..this made me feel very sad..I lost my father because cancer when I was 20 and I still miss him now that I’m43,he was not with me qhen I Got my degree(he was so proud of My stuies),he was not with me when I Got married ,I wasm’t with me when I had my children..the hole..And now I live Always fearing to loose the People I love.but I’m following one of your advice:appreciate what you have-say People that you love them-I love you is never wasted!I feel better now..I really hope you’ll read my words because I want you to know that now I Know the reason why Patrick loved you so much! And I want to tell you that I’m very happy you have found another love!kisses from Italy
Lisa says
July 10, 2015 at 1:48 am
When something really good happens, I still want to pick up the phone and tell Patrick about it. And, of course, I remember that I can’t… But, I still hear his voice inside my head, commenting on something, giving me advise, making a joke…! I still have a relationship with him, the same way you still have a relationship with your father. It’s just . . .different. XXL
marisa says
July 10, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Thank you so much lisa! My heart is full of joy because you replied to my message!this made me cry! Really! You right …they are still with us but in a different way!
marisa says
April 9, 2015 at 10:08 pm
I forgot…when you write those wonferful words about the world of oz ,the desire to escape and come back home to your life,those confusing feelings about the opportunity to be happy again I remind you the words your Patrick said during the interview with Barbara Walters:she asked to you”have you prospected a life without him?” It was a very hard question to answer..It took you some seconds to find the words and you was about to cry..in that moment while you were trying to find the strengh enough to answrr Patrick said:”she will be fine”.that’s the answer..he wanted you yo be fine!tha’s means to be happy again.He will Always be in tour heart mind and soul
.but let your new husband love you..you deserve it! A big Kiss..Iwish I could meet you one day !
Jackie from South Africa says
April 10, 2015 at 1:22 pm
We miss your blogs! Please don’t stop them.
rebecca Robinson says
May 6, 2015 at 11:09 am
I was so pleased to see that you have found love again and I have found a way to congratulate you on your wedding through this blog. So sad too to hear you have lost Bint Bint. Big hug for you Lisa.x
Jackie from South Africa says
May 18, 2015 at 12:30 pm
We miss your blogs! Please don’t stop them
Arielle says
May 20, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Hello Lisa, I have loved your husband and I have loved you too ! I read two times your two books and I really fell in love with you two. Your story is like an artpiece, it’s universal and it’s why it’s so heartbreaking, so sensitive,so funny too . Your story ring a lot of bells for me; same generation, I have been married for forty three now, I worked with my husband all my career and we knew cancer too but it was mine, an ovary cancer at forty five years old. so I understand you so much….. I love your locations too, we are lover of South west America and we have a trip in every year ( I’m french ) and our usual joke is ” when I win lottery, I’ll buy a ranch in New Mexico ” ! and you have it ! I imagine it’s wonderful ! I understand your difficulties to organise your life now. You have to get rid of your memories to go ahead and it’s not a choice but a need but I learn, in your book you are a strong lady and I really wish you the best , you deserve a beautiful life. I wanted and I needed to tell you all this but excuse my bad English.
Lisa says
July 10, 2015 at 1:55 am
Your English is great, and thank you for writing!
Sheryn Lockwood says
May 25, 2015 at 2:41 am
Wow …. found your sight totally by accident, we have a weekend cabin on Mineral Hill and I was Googling to try and find your home. I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer in 2006, so followed Patrick’s story for a while when it was in the news. Mom was also one of those amazingly wonderful and generous people others felt blessed to know. Now I volunteer with the Pancreatic Cancer Network and for Polly’s Run (an annual 5K in Albuquerque to raise funds for http://www.pancan.org, it’s this coming Saturday, as a matter of fact!). Thank you for your eloquent and honest writings, I look forward to reading your books. God bless.
Lorna says
July 6, 2015 at 9:10 pm
We miss your blogs. xx
Julie Clements England says
July 11, 2015 at 12:36 am
Hi lisa I wondered if you were going to write a new book about your loss and how you coped with your beautiful blogs which have helped so many people.
Also it would be lovely to see more pics with your lovely man Albert, as I believe he has become your rock, as he loves you and understands that Patrick will always be in your life, he seems to be a great guy and if you wrote another book with how you met and how your feelings were I assure you many of us blog readers would love to read your story of finding love and support through your blogs and in a book I think it would also help many people as your wonderful blogs have. love sent to you and Albert be happy and enjoy your new adventures with each other God Bless love Julie xx
Dara says
August 9, 2015 at 3:51 pm
I see that you posted my message to you (May 26th and June 8th)
I didn’t mean to offend you in any way, it was probably just a silly dream.
Could you please remove the messages? I feel kind of embarrassed about it.
Much love to you,
Lisa says
August 13, 2015 at 3:25 am
Caroline Gilroy says
December 5, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Thank you Lisa, and It gives me happiness that you know your true self.
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[frame align="left"][/frame]Growing up as a shy, uber-quiet girl, I never imagined in a million years that I would be getting up and speaking in front … [Read More...]
http://stores.ebay.com/patrickswayzeonelastdance BOOKS Lisa Niemi's new book "Worth Fighting For" is available now from her publisher Simon and … [Read More and Order New Books...]
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Maine Coons are the largest domestic longhair breed of cat and are considered one of the most gentle breeds with a dog like personality that makes them a wonderful companion for all ages. The Maine Coon's origins come from North America and they are the only truly Native American cat with its colorful history seeped in myth and legends. They are big and fluffy! They come in various colors, patterns and paw types. They are super smart, affectionate and love to play.
My Family loves Maine Coons and I believe Yours will Too!
We are a family based cattery located in Waxahachie, Texas, just south of Dallas. We began this adventure after several years of research in 2011. We are a registered cattery with both TICA -The International Cat Association and CFA - Cat Fanciers Association. We only work with pedigree Maine Coon cats from show lines that are health tested. I was introduced to this breed as a child on my Grandfathers farm up North. I can still remember watching a very large majestic looking Maine Coon walking through the snow to this day. It wasn't till years later that my passion for this breed started after, My husband and I adopted our first Maine Coon we endearingly called Mister Nice Guy. He had such big personality and became an integral member of our family. He passed away of old age and what became an end to one stage in our life opened the door to this amazing voyage we are now on and working with a breed we love so much. It is such a blessing when we place a kitten in a home and see the wonderful relationship that happens. Our primary focus is providing healthy well adjusted kittens to loving homes and we enjoy showing our lines as well.
We are a small in home cattery where our cats live with us and they are our pets first and foremost. Our focus is on health and temperament first. We provide a calm loving home environment for our cats and kittens which allows for us to maintain the wonderful temperament that these cats are known for. We also focus on health, doing extensive screening and testing to our adults, prior to breeding, this ensures that our lines are healthy from one generation to the next. We test for HCM with regular echocardiograms and only work with lines negative for this issue. We screen our cats for healthy hips, test for FIV/FELV through regular vet visits. We also genetically screen for HCM, SMA, and PK defficiency prior to breeding and will only breed cats with negative results. We continue to monitor our lines through echocardiograms thoughout their life. All of our kittens are seen by a licensed veterinarian and screened for FIV/FELV, heart worm, and stool tested for parasites prior to going home. We pay very close attention to our pedigrees and love to research our lines to ensure that our COI is low to produce the healthiest kittens we can. We love the large, strong, and wild look of the Maine Coon and strive to preserve the breed standard by working with proven award winning show lines. We also, enjoy competing and showing our breed line contenders every show season.
Email Address
Our kittens are adopted quickly, so please don't delay and reach out to us to reserve your FURever friend or to ask any questions. Visits to our personal home is by appointment only.
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Water helps restore and cool the land. It’s one more natural element we have plundered and need to reclaim.
by Judith D. Schwartz
December 5, 2019
Last spring, the Midwest endured epic flooding from melting snow followed by day after day of torrential rains.
My local theater in Bennington, Vermont, just staged an original play on an unlikely theme for a drama: fouled drinking water. Entitled Water, Water, Everywhere, it’s the story of two young, breezily flirtatious reporters exposing the scandal of industrial chemicals in the water supply. The villain here is perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, a man-made chemical used in local factories to manufacture Teflon coating for fiberglass fabrics, the stuff of sports stadium domes, airport terminals, and the like.
This cutting-edge alchemy was a boon to the local economy. In 1968, a Chemical Fabrics Corporation VP boasted, “The area within a 15-mile radius of Bennington may well be the Teflon glass coating capital of the world.” Through the decades, however, PFOA—which persists in the environment and is toxic in minute amounts—leached into soil and flowed into rivers. Illnesses associated with PFOA include thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, and hypertension: medical conditions that had been cropping up with unnerving frequency in our communities. Starting in 2015, people living in towns that housed these plants learned the water they’ve sipped on and bathed in for years is unsafe. Which explained a lot.
The Vermont–New York corridor is hardly alone in our water woes. In Flint, Michigan, tainted water has resulted in high blood lead levels in children, the developmental impacts of which may not manifest for years. Several years after news of the crisis broke, Flint residents still report skin rashes, hair loss, and other symptoms. Newark, New Jersey, too, is plagued by lead in drinking water from corroded pipes.
Water wreaks havoc in other ways. Many parts of the U.S. have bumped up against water emergencies like flooding, drought, or wildfire. Words like “record-breaking” and “unprecedented” appear so often as to lose meaning. Our industrial habit creates its own crises: transporting fuels via pipelines and tankers means potential spills; fertilizer runoff from farmland adds to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone, hurting marine life; and overdevelopment means paving over wetlands that serve as buffers during storms. The latter is one reason the 2017 hurricanes Harvey and Irma—in Texas and Florida, respectively—were so destructive.
The landmark 1972 Clean Water Act required permitting for commercial activity that posed a threat to the nation’s navigable waters, tightening regulations on industry. Over the decades, the Clean Water Act’s purview has been expanded, notably by the Waters of the U.S. rule, enacted in 2015 under President Obama, which broadened protection to many streams and wetlands. The rule, an inconvenience to extractive industry and Big Ag, was in Trump’s sights from day one, and in September EPA chief Andrew Wheeler signed its repeal. This rollback of water protections leaves more streams, lakes, and wetlands vulnerable to pollution, putting at risk the people and wildlife that depend on them. The change could directly affect more than 100 million people, whose drinking water was safeguarded under the 2015 rule.
Despite water’s centrality to human well-being, food security, and ecological stability—to the sustenance of life—our country has not lately done a great job of stewarding it.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Water, by definition, is at once fluid and cleansing; we can choose to repair our broken relationship with water. A Green New Deal focused on climate resilience, meaningful employment, and environmental justice is an ideal opportunity to turn this around. Doing so carries multiple benefits for health, biodiversity, climate, community self-determination, and overall quality of life in cities and rural areas alike.
To truly embrace this new water ethic we need to change how we think about water. Specifically, in two ways: One is to situate water within the commons. This will guarantee access to clean water for all—and ensure that corporate entities can no longer pollute water with impunity.
The other is to bring to water policy an understanding of how water “works”: how it moves across the landscape and through the atmosphere. This presents opportunities to work with nature’s water cycling, rather than fight against it, as is often the case. Allying with hydrology has implications for how we grow food and how we build. And by creating the conditions for landscapes to absorb water, we can minimize the damage from ongoing land degradation and extreme weather events, saving costs as well as lives. A water-wise mindset also means promoting natural hydrological cooling processes, an added buffer in the face of climate change.
In 2010, the United Nations recognized the human right to water for drinking and sanitation; the motion passed easily, though the United States was among the 44 nations that abstained. This stance has to change: Acknowledging clean drinking water as a basic civil right is an essential starting point, a foundation for a just water deal.
Universal access to water is only possible when water belongs to everyone. With water shortages looming in many parts of the globe, there’s growing interest in water as a commercial investment: the ultimate cynical market ploy, scarcity as an opportunity to broaden your portfolio.
Apart from the humanitarian factor, treating water as a commodity takes us down the wrong path. In the U.S., schemes to privatize water systems have been unsuccessful. According to Food and Water Watch, private control of water results in inflated costs, poor service, and diminished public trust. As food justice advocate Anna Lappé writes, “we have seen the results of water privatization: It doesn’t work. Water is not like telecommunications or transportation. You could tolerate crappy phone service, but have faulty pipes connecting to your municipal water and you’re in real trouble.” Private and public alike, today’s drinking and sewer systems are deteriorating and overstressed.
Understanding how water works, and incorporating this into water policy, will not only replenish water sources but also help us to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The bottled-water market is another threat to water access. A fair water scenario means the public, not private interests, controls local water. A while back, I met Hayu Patria, a food sovereignty advocate from Indonesia, who told me about a village where she works that’s known for its high-quality spring water. Once it was branded and bottled by a subsidiary of Danone, locals struggled to get clean water, often walking long distances across mountainous terrain to do so.
In the U.S., Nestlé, the world’s largest water bottler, draws millions of gallons a year from the San Bernardino National Forest, leaving streams dry. According to the state of California, this water isn’t legally theirs to take. In north Florida, more than 100,000 people signed a petition asking the regional water district to save Ginnie Springs and not “let Nestlé pillage community water and churn out more plastic garbage.” The global bottled-water business is where two environmental challenges, plastic pollution and water access, converge.
Aside from cases of clear negligence, the financial and health costs of polluted water are primarily borne by the public. The burden needs to be on the polluter; when the cleanup fees get dumped on taxpayers, companies have scant motivation to reduce contaminants at the source. The biggest assault on water comes from agriculture: nitrogen fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. Farmers often hedge their bets by applying more fertilizer than they need. The excess lofts skyward to form N2O, a potent greenhouse gas, or dribbles into waterways as nitrates, a health hazard in drinking water.
The integrity of our waters is one reason to expedite a transition to regenerative agriculture, farming that avoids chemical inputs and improves soil ecology. Soil that’s high in organic matter filters out nitrates and curtails runoff. Livestock appropriately managed build soil organic matter and enhance water cycling. Animal waste only becomes a concern with confined operations—as we’re reminded of when a hurricane rips through North Carolina hog country.
The global bottled-water business is where two environmental challenges, plastic pollution and water access, converge.
Our built environment is designed to sluice away water as quickly as possible. To a degree this makes sense: Water standing around poses the risk of disease and gums up travel in cities. By contrast, nature seeks to hold onto water to sustain plants, animals, and microbial life. The challenge is that man-made surroundings keep growing, with more ground paved over and more water lost to local ecosystems. Impervious surfaces—roofs, sidewalks, highways—are conduits for falling and flowing water, which picks up pollutants that are then carried to sea.
We need to acknowledge the water cost of development and address this in planning. Instead of a system that drains water from one place only to flood areas downstream—a standard that wastes perfectly good water and creates urban heat islands—let’s manage water to keep it in the environment. We can see rainfall as a resource rather than an inconvenience, and make small adjustments to construction and landscaping so that water is held and flows slowly to where it can be productive. In Tucson, rainwater-harvesting guru Brad Lancaster grows a food forest on his small urban lot. He even convinced the city to approve curb cuts that direct wastewater to food-bearing trees. Municipalities can devise incentives to build simple earthworks or other means to infiltrate water. Some cities impose a charge per area of impervious roofing, recognizing the public cost of extra runoff.
“Water infrastructure” generally refers to pipes, dams, and culverts. But we can also think of soil as water infrastructure. For our ability to meet our water challenges—whether a flood means millions in disaster relief or whether a river stays within its banks—largely hinges on how we treat our soil.
More than half of the organic matter in soil is carbon, and carbon turns soil into a sponge: According to the USDA, every 1 percent increase in soil organic carbon (i.e., moving from 1 percent to 2 percent) represents an additional 20,000-plus gallons of water per acre that can be held on the land. Given the stress on farmers due to inadequate or unpredictable rainfall, this is huge: Carbon-rich soil maintains moisture in times of drought, so crops can last longer between watering. Plus, water soaking into the ground reduces the chance of flooding.
We can think of bare soil as malfunctioning infrastructure: the ecological equivalent of busted pipes. Absent plant cover, when there’s a heavy rain soil seals over and water streams away. Healthy, covered soil has pore spaces for water to linger and filter through, replenishing underground water stores. Much of what we now regard as “water problems” can be understood as a failure-to-keep-water-on-the-ground problem. Several states have passed soil legislation, highlighting that healthy soil improves water-holding capacity and overall watershed health.
Connecting Water, Land, and Climate
Water is always in flux, absorbing and releasing heat, shape-shifting from gas to liquid to solid and back again. A new lens on water takes into consideration how water functions in nature. Water in the environment generally calls to mind “blue water”: lakes, rivers, and oceans, what would be colored blue on a map. Equally important is “green water,” moisture held in soil and living plants, as this is what supports vegetation, protects against erosion, and bolsters aquifers.
This in-ground water also keeps landscapes cool. Within a vegetated area, moisture circulates: It moves upward through plants and evaporates from soil (evapotranspiration), then descends as rain or dew. This “small water cycle” helps moderate the temperature differential between day and night: Plant transpiration dissipates heat from the sun, which is then embodied in water vapor—heat that is later released via condensation, in the air at cloud altitude, or on the ground as dew. This sequence, repeated continuously across the world’s varied landscapes, is the primary means by which the Earth regulates solar energy and therefore manages heat.
Understanding how water works, and incorporating this knowledge into water policy, will not only replenish water sources but also help us mitigate and adapt to climate change. We’ve long accepted a connection between water and climate, but the link tends to go in one direction: that climate change will intensify storms and have a negative impact on water availability. We can also look at how water affects climate and explore ways to support water’s cooling properties.
An interesting water development is the granting of rights to lakes and rivers. The Whanganui River in New Zealand and the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers in India have personhood rights—the right to flourish and be free from harm. In North America, the Klamath River now has legal standing in Yurok tribal court, and this year Ohio voters approved the Lake Erie Bill of Rights, which allows the people of Toledo to act as legal guardians to the lake, which has been marred by nutrient runoff. These examples reflect a growing rights-of-nature movement, based on the belief that nature has inherent value, not just in its use for humans.
Bestowing agency to rivers and lakes may seem a novelty right now, but maybe it’s not such a crazy idea. For at the end of the day, what’s good for water is good for us.
Green New Deal Bonus Issue 2019: Green New Deal Energy & the Environment water
Judith D. Schwartz is a Vermont-based journalist and author of ‘Water In Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World.’
Read more by Judith D. Schwartz
December 5, 2019
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The U.S. House of Representatives has 435 members, elected every two years in districts. Arizona presently has nine congressional districts. Both the House and Senate have oversight of the budget.
How many congressmen does Arizona have?
U.S. House of Representatives List of members of the Arizonan United States House delegation, their terms in office, district boundaries, and the district political ratings according to the CPVI. The delegation has a total of 9 members, with 5 Democrats and 4 Republicans.
What congressional district is Tucson Arizona?
Arizona’s 2nd congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of Arizona….
Arizona’s 2nd congressional district
Arizona’s 2nd congressional district since January 3, 2013
Representative Ann Kirkpatrick D–Tucson
Where is Arizona’s fifth congressional district?
Arizona’s 5th congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of Arizona, currently represented by Republican Andy Biggs. The district contains Gilbert, Queen Creek, southern and eastern Chandler, and eastern Mesa. It is within eastern Maricopa County, and includes most of the East Valley.
How many US Senators does Arizona have?
Mark Kelly (Democratic Party)
Arizona/Senators
Who are the reps from Arizona?
Current members
2nd district – Ann Kirkpatrick (D) (since 2019)
3rd district – Raúl Grijalva (D) (since 2003)
4th district – Paul Gosar (R) (since 2011)
5th district – Andy Biggs (R) (since 2017)
Who are the Arizona senators and representatives?
Who represents Tucson in Congress?
Current districts and representatives
District
Representative
Party
2nd Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Tucson) Democratic
3rd Raúl Grijalva (D-Tucson) Democratic
4th Paul Gosar (R-Prescott) Republican
5th Andy Biggs (R-Gilbert) Republican
Who represents Yuma AZ in Congress?
List of members representing the district
Member
Party
Paul Gosar Republican Redistricted from the 1st district and re-elected in 2012. Re-elected in 2014. Re-elected in 2016. Re-elected in 2018. Re-elected in 2020.
How many senators are in Arizona?
What state has the most reps?
State with the most: California (53), same as in 2000. States with the fewest (only one district “at-large”): Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming. Alaska and Wyoming are the only states that have never had more than one district.
How many congressional districts in Arizona?
Arizona’s congressional districts. Arizona is divided into 9 congressional districts, each represented by a member of the United States House of Representatives. The districts are currently represented in the 116th United States Congress as legal entities.
What are the legislative districts in Arizona?
The following is a list of the 30 legislative districts in Arizona: Arizona 1st Legislative District Arizona 2nd Legislative District Arizona 3rd Legislative District Arizona 4th Legislative District Arizona 5th Legislative District Arizona 6th Legislative District Arizona 7th Legislative District Arizona 8th Legislative District
Where is the 8th District in Arizona?
Arizona’s 8th congressional district. Arizona’s 8th congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It includes many of the suburbs north and west of Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Arizona.
What congressional district is Scottsdale AZ?
Arizona’s 6th congressional district is a congressional district located in the U.S. state of Arizona and encompasses parts of Maricopa County. It consists mostly of the northeastern suburbs of Phoenix, including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills . The district is currently represented by Republican David Schweikert .
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The Song of Achilles is a sort of retelling of The Iliad from the point of view of Patroclus, an exiled prince and the lover and companion of Achilles, the “Best of the Greeks”. I say a sort of retelling because the novel doesn’t just concern itself with the Trojan War: instead, it begins with Patroclus’ childhood and then follows his love affair with Achilles from its inception to its final days. Madeline Miller’s novel, then, mainly deals with the unexplored pockets and unaddressed possibilities of a well-known story, which is just what I like my retellings to do.
The Song of Achilles has received a lot of praise, mainly for the writing and for the beautifully told same-sex love story. There’s no denying that Miller does a super job of bringing Patroclus and Achilles’ love affair to life: the story is narrated in the first person, and the intimacy of Patroclus’ voice invites the reader to closely observe Achilles-the-beloved-object, as well as to experience Patroclus’ near constant longing – a longing that is sexual, but not just. I don’t think I’d read an evocation of passion this powerful since Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith a few years ago, and that’s saying a lot.
And yet. And yet there’s something to be said about the fact that this is one more addition to a long tradition of lgbtq love stories with tragic endings – stories that make our hearts beat faster, that invite us to empathise and cry, but where the characters are safely removed at the end. I know what you’re thinking just about now: ‘Ana, The Song of Achilles is based on The Iliad. There wasn’t exactly much room for puppies, rainbows and happy endings.’ Which, yes, is absolutely true. Not only that, but the very final scene suggests the possibility of hope; of an in-world reunion based on the novel’s mythology. That’s not something to be discounted, although it doesn’t erase the fact that at its core this is a tragic story.
So, to make it absolutely clear, I don’t think that the tragic pattern of The Song of Achilles, which mirrors that of its source material, is a flaw with the novel. I also don’t think we ought to limit the range of stories we tell about underrepresented groups by demanding that no writer ever go there, even though certain tropes are undeniably troublesome. What I do think is that there are interesting and relevant conversations to be had about why these are the stories we repeatedly shower all our praise and attention upon. This isn’t meant to make anyone feel guilty for enjoying this book (it case that wasn’t obvious before, I really did as well) – but the dangers of a single story are always worth thinking about.
Speaking of Miller’s source material, I really liked the fact that The Song of Achilles raises questions about the notion of heroism and glory while still adhering closely to a war narrative. Take the following excerpt, for example:
Chiron had said once that nations were the most foolish of mortal inventions. “No man is worth more than another, wherever he is from”.
“But what if he is your friend?” Achilles had asked him, feet kicked up on the wall of the rose-quartz cave. “Or your brother? Should you treat him the same as a stranger?”
“You ask a question that philosophers argue over,” Chiron had said. “He is worth more to you, perhaps. But the stranger is someone else’s friend and brother. So which life is more important?”
We had been silent. We were fourteen, and these things were too hard for us. Now that we were twenty-seven, they still feel too hard.
This refusal to uncomplicate war and the roles individuals play in it is one of Miller’s greatest triumphs. The introduction of moments such as the one above makes Achilles more than a killing machine, as does the portrayal of the side of him Patroclus explicitly tells us he wants us to remember. The stories that survive, the ones that are repeatedly told, and often stories that dehumanise and oversimplify people, and Patroclus’s narrative is one that actively resists that.
Most of the action of The Song of Achilles takes place in the world of boys and men, and because the setting is one where war and education were gendered segregated affairs, I can’t exactly hold this against the novel. There are moments where Patroclus seems to actively flinch away from the world women inhabit, but not, I think, wholly without sympathy for their circumstances. Take this observation about Deidameia, for example:
Confinement. I heard the bitterness in her voice when she said it. Some small house, at the edge of Lycomedes’ land. She would not be able to dance or speak with companions there. She would be alone, with a servant and her growing belly.
“I’m sorry”, I said.
She did not answer. I watched the soft heaving of her back beneath the white gown. I took a step towards her, then stopped. I had thought to touch her, to smooth her hair in comfort. But it would not be comfort, from me. My hand fell back to my side.
And yet, as before, there’s another angle to consider: is this vague and soon forgotten sympathy enough to make up for the fact that none of the women in this novel are as complex and fully developed as the men? Not only that, but their roles are fairly fixed: Deidameia is beautiful, jealous, childish and spoiled; Thetis is fearsome and cold; Briseis is the self-sacrificing woman who shields the male lovers from external scrutiny at the expense of her own feelings. None of this was a deal-breaker for me, mostly because, as I discussed above, there was a certain feminist sensibility to Miller’s descriptions that softened the blow; and also because the novel was doing enough other things that I loved that I was completely under its spell. But everyone’s mileage will vary.
Bits I liked:
Later, Achilles sleeps next to me. Odysseus’ storm has come, and the coarse fabric of the tent wall trembles with its force. I hear the stinging slap, over and over, of waves reproaching the shore. He stirs and the air stirs with him, bearing the must-sweet smell of his body. I think: This is what I will miss. I think: I will kill myself rather than miss it. I think: How long do we have?
As we swam, or played, or talked, a feeling would come. It was almost like fear, in the way it filled me, rising in my chest. It was almost like tears, in how swiftly it came. But it was neither of those, buoyant where they were heavy, bright where they were dull. I had known contentment before, brief snatches of time in which I pursued solitary pleasure: skipping stones or dicing or dreaming. But in truth, it had been less a presence than an absence, a laying aside of dread: my father was not near, nor boys. I was not hungry, or tired, or sick.
This feeling was different. I found myself grinning until my cheeks hurt, my scalp pricking until I thought I might lift off my head. My tongue ran away from me, giddy with freedom. This and this and this, I said to him. I did not have to fear that I spoke too much. I did not have to worry that I was too slender or too slow. This and this and this! I taught him how to skip stones, and he taught me how to carve wood. I could feel every nerve in my body, every brush of air against my skin.
Big hat tip to Jodie and Clare, who shared their smarts and helped me brainstorm many of the ideas that made their way into this post.
(And more – so many more. If yours is one of them, let me know and I’ll be happy to add your link.)
Affiliates disclosure: if you buy a book through one of my affiliates links I will get 5%.
Posted by Ana S. at Monday, March 25, 2013
24 comments:
I am glad to say that I will be finally be reading this book soon. I fully expect to be fully engaged, and now to be emotionally drained too!
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Anonymous Mar 25, 2013, 11:45:00 AM
Great review. I fell in love with this book, and it will definitely be a re-read in the future.
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I really liked this book. I thought the writing was beautiful and it really put a new spin on the traditionalist telling of the myth. I especially liked how Achilles was humanised in it - before I'd always thought of him as you say 'a killing machine', a stereotypical hero. I like how Miller opens up the myth to story and personal interpretation - a good genre to pursue! Enjoyed your review :)
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First, thank you so much to the link (in a new window!) to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - what a great talk! I keep forgetting to check Ted.com, even though every time I go there I love it! gaaaa - too much to read!
Secondly, I have mixed feelings about your (and her) point. I hate hate hate when people derive their understanding of history and culture from just one source, especially if it is a Hollywood vision. But. Is the problem the one artistic rendition, or is it the fact that people are willing to accept the one thing they read or see as the entire truth? I suppose what I'm saying is that I (quixotically) would rather repair the education system than require all writing and viewing to have "positive" messages or ANY particular message. Now I know you don't mean to "require" anything of anything, and I also know that I have disagreed with myself in the past, because I *do* know the deleterious effects of one reading. Gaaaaaaaah.
And finally, I think I would say that I reacted to this book less as a lgbtq love story than as a retelling of The Iliad that added more nuance and thoughfulness (just as the passage you quoted about the morality of war). So now that this comment is maybe longer than your post... LOL
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What a wonderful review. You manage to point out problems without blaming the book and author. Keep up the good work.
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I don't disagree with what you say about tragic stories and I think there's a necessity for happier ones. I also think a love of tragic love stories is sort of an across the board thing--people just like them. So there will be some LGBTQ ones as well. I guess my question is whether or not the relationship ends/meets its tragic demise because it's a same sex relationship or for other reasons. (I don't really know the source material sorry!, but basically tragic is always treated as more serious and praise worthy than anything light from my experience)
But you know, you do have me thinking. I just read another book that also was very tragic when it came to the lesbian character. I loved the book and certain handlings of things in it, but since that's the most recent one I've read, I can see how this is def a hard trend.
It kind of makes me see why Six Feet Under worked so hard to resolve things between David and Keith even though I felt like David could have had different boyfriends and i'd have been fine with that lol.
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Gorgeous review and examination, Nymeth. This is a book I desperately want to read, but I don't have a copy, and I have too many other books jockeying for favor at the moment. I think I'll wait for the summer when I have a bit more time to read and can really savor this.
Mythology has always been some of my favorite reading, and I've heard such interesting perspectives on what this writer has done with her story.
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I've read a lot of reviews for this book, but this one is particularly good. I'm going to have to keep your thoughts in mind when I finally get round to reading it. To me, the quote about Deidameia sounds like there's a big focus on women and writing them well, so reading what you've written about it it sounds an interesting sort of mix to consider.
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Interesting points, especially about the tendency toward tragic endings in GLBT love affairs in literature. Maybe because I read (and respect) so much YA lit, I haven't noticed that as much. I agree with Amy that the tragic ending in tends to be seen as having more depth, or stating something meaningful about the human condition.
Your point about the treatment of female characters is well taken, though I think I disagree with you regarding Briseis. The difficulty Miller was faced with is that Briseis has to be a pawn, in order to stick to the original story. Given that parameter, and the culture in which the tale is set, I thought Miller did try to give her depth and growth as a character, without changing her so much that the ending wouldn't have made sense.
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I just reviewed this today! It actually inspired me to dive into half a dozen Greek mythology books because I was enjoying it so much. I see what you mean about the tragic endings, though you're right, it couldn't really go any other way in this book since it's a retelling.
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I am listening to this one right now, and finding it very intricate and lovely. I also love the love story in it, and feel like it is done with an excellent gentleness that I am really enjoying. I can't wait to see what happens next! Need to make some more time for listening!
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Marg: Yep, definitely emotionally draining - keep a box of kleenex at hand when you get to the final section!
Heather: I think I will as well. I also wonder if Miller has more retellings in her!
Siobhán: Thank you! And yes, I think that was one of the most accomplished aspects of the novel.
Jill: I suppose what I'm saying is that I (quixotically) would rather repair the education system than require all writing and viewing to have "positive" messages or ANY particular message. Yes, absolutely. This is what I meant when I said that I saw no point in limiting the range of stories we tell about under-represented groups. It's also why my solution to these things is always Tell ALL the Stories: we need more stories, more representations, more endings of every kind imaginable, rather than establishing more limits and creating more rules. This makes me want to dig up an old unfinished draft I have of a post about cultural criticism vs literary criticism, because I think the distinction is important in cases like this. Drawing attention to the pattern of tragic stories is me engaging in the former rather than the latter, because I really don't think it's a problem with this (or any) particular book. It's not an artistic flaw on Miller's part. It's only when I focus on the forest rather than on any particular trees that these questions begin to give me pause.
Amy: I also think a love of tragic love stories is sort of an across the board thing--people just like them. This might well be the case, yes. It's just that like I was telling Jill with straight couples you have so many other stories to counterbalance that, whereas with l&g couples there are so few that have cultural prominence to begin with. We need more of everything for these problems to go away.
picky girl: Thank you - though half the credit goes to the bloggers I had the chance to discuss the book with beforehand (and this is why I love our little community). I've a big mythology fan too, especially of Greek mythology, so I was pre-disposed to love this from the get-go.
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This book is getting raves and I feel like I should want to read it but the mythology aspect is holding me back.
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Charlie: I think Miller wrote her characters with definite care - that's what I meant about the feminist sensibility of her descriptions. The only "but" is that they don't get enough screen time to move beyond being stock figures and become three-dimensional people. But really, your mileage may vary, and this reading is not the one true answer :P
Ali: I definitely think it's possible to read these characters more generously, and I certainly see your points about Briseis. When I read reading the novel I actually really loved her; it wasn't until a friend pointed out the stereotype of the "beard" to me and I read up on the way it's used in literature that I could see how she too could be read as belonging to a fixed type. So now I can see both sides - on the one hand, I believed her as a character; on the other hand, I also see a trope with a troubling history.
Melissa: Heading over to read your review in a minute - I'm looking forward to comparing notes :D
Zibilee: I absolutely agree about the gentleness, and I can't wait to hear what you think!
Kathy: Please don't let it! Miller makes it all so accessible - you don't need to be a mythology geek like me :P
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Okay, I'll just straight out ask it and expand your knowledge of my ignorance :P ... what if I haven't read The Iliad, or don't really know much about it at all? Obviously it would make it a different read for me, but would I be missing out on too much?
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As you know, I had a lot of problems with this, simply because I'm so immersed in LGBT narratives that it rubbed me the wrong way that a fairly traditional tragic story was getting a lot of attention when I feel like we–or, at the very least, I—have moved past that. My review's going up Wednesday.
But, gosh, that's some beautiful prose.
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I have to admit I wasn't expecting too much from the lady characters in The Song of Achilles. Mary Renault, to whom Madeline Miller is constantly being compared, never writes any interesting women either. Even in her modern novels they're pretty boring. I love her but I always have to regulate my expectations about woman characters when I'm reading her books.
(I don't know how this all became a Defense o' Mary Renault all of a sudden. I just love her so so so much.)
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I've been meaning to read this for ages! It's not really something I would usually read but have heard so many good things. The classics teacher at school loved it too and has been sending his students to us to borrow it.
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I think we forget that women in Patroclus' day were rarely educated as well as the men, and this did make many of them less interesting. It's the rare individual who is a true auto-didact.
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Didn't The Iliad itself question the notion of heroism? IIRC Achilles observes at one point that they all wind up dead. Idk, the whole hero thing is kind of crazy.
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I really want to read this book!
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Wow, fantastic post, Ana. I see your point about the one-dimensional women in the book, but I wonder if that was done purposely to show their limitations- that Thetis, for example, was so desperate for Achilles to ascend to divinity to make up for the misery of her own rape and the sacrifices she made on his behalf. Yes, she was horrible and cold, but she also had no control over the course of her life, so wanted to control that of her son's.
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sakura Apr 16, 2013, 10:17:00 AM
I didn't read this so much as a lgbtq love story than just a love story between two people and thought it was beautifully rendered. But I do know what you mean about the female characters however I assumed this was because the focus of most ancient literature is usually on the men (cue Margaret Atwood who totally subverts this in The Penelopiad).
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Bookgazing Apr 17, 2013, 3:03:00 PM
I've been meaning to comment on this for ages! Thanks so much for being brave enough to put an alternative opinion against the 'single story' of much of the reviews that have come out about this book (not that they're not making good points too, just ALL THE POVs). As you know I just couldn't do it with this book. And well done managing to balance everything (your love and concerns) so elegantly and approaching the potential problems of this novel reinforcing larger trends with such generosity.
Also: 'This makes me want to dig up an old unfinished draft I have of a post about cultural criticism vs literary criticism, because I think the distinction is important in cases like this.' - this, we should have this :)
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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment - interaction is one of my favourite things about blogging and a huge part of what keeps me going.
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| 23,490 |
Russell Banks is one of a group of American realists concerned with the latter-day condition of some “non-ethnic” Americans of very old stock, whose ancestors (some of them) settled in North America as long ago as the seventeenth century. But far from living in Federal houses or belonging to suburban country clubs, these particular “old” Americans are the ones who have stayed behind in decaying villages or hardscrabble farms, or else have drifted to the Sunbelt or the West, where they are likely to live rootlessly in trailers or “ranchettes,” hang out at bars, and work at odd jobs. Whether they have stayed put or moved on, they have, many of them, embraced, or inherited, failure, and they tend to ease their disappointment with hard drinking and activities that go with it, particularly deer hunting and beating up their wives and children. Banks’s turf, so to speak, is small-town New Hampshire, where he set the stories of Trailerpark, and from which Bob Dubois, the main character of the much celebrated Continental Drift, escaped to a life of increasing desperation and criminality in Florida.
Affliction takes place in Lawford, New Hampshire (population 750), in the cold belt of the state north of Keene and Concord, where in the narrow valleys and abrupt hillsides, “life has been characterized by winter, not summer”:
What is normal is snow from early November well into May; normal is week after week of low zinc-gray overcast skies; is ice that cracks and booms as, closer every night to the bottom of the lake, a new layer of water cools, contracts and freezes beneath the layer of old ice above it.
Lawford is the kind of place from which ambitious young people flee as soon as they can, leaving behind an aging population and a residue of younger inhabitants who are regarded by their parents as failures and who behave accordingly. One of those who have fled is the narrator of the novel, Rolfe Whitehouse, who has escaped to a university and now teaches high school in a suburb of Boston. His task—a task of exorcism—is to account for the “strange criminal behavior” and disappearance of his older brother, Wade, one of those who stayed.
Wade is a well-digger and part-time cop, a divorced man of forty-one, gloomy, hard-drinking, full of “dumb belligerence.” We first encounter him on Halloween, the night before the deer hunting season begins, when he is taking his reluctant daughter, Jill, to a costume party in Lawford’s town hall in the doomed hope that the child, who lives with her mother in Concord, will have a good time, perhaps win a prize for her tiger costume, and gratefully respond to her father’s love for her. We then follow Wade for two eventful weeks during which his already damaged life unravels to the point where he goes on a mad and murderous rampage, with which the novel ends.
Banks is particularly concerned with two dilemmas, the first to do with the consequences of a deer-hunting accident in which an obnoxious union official apparently stumbles and shoots himself while out in the woods with his guide, a local young man named Jack Hewitt. Wade, who is more than a little paranoid, convinces himself that Hewitt has murdered the union official at the instigation of Wade’s boss and the union man’s son-in-law who have been quietly buying up all the available property around Lawford. The other involves Wade’s clumsy attempts to reclaim the love of his estranged daughter and his decision to bring a custody suit against his embittered former wife. But these are only the main lines in a novel crowded—perhaps too crowded—with a great many other matters.
Beyond the events of those two weeks are a number of episodes from the past which Rolfe recreates in his determination to make sense of Wade’s condition. What has mattered most, we are led to believe, are the brutal beatings that Wade as a boy suffered at the hands of his father—sexually charged beatings that permanently affected Wade’s sense of himself as a man and led to uncontrolled and usually inappropriate outbursts of violence:
Pop’s huge fist descended and collided with the boy’s cheekbone. Wade felt a terrible slow warmth wash thickly across his face, and then he felt nothing at all. He was lying on his side, his face slammed against the couch, which smelled like cigarette smoke and sour milk, when there came a second blow, this one low on his back, and he heard his mother shout, “Glenn! Stop!” His body was behind him somewhere and felt hot and soft and bright, as if it had burst into flame. There was nothing before his eyes but blackness, and he realized that he was burrowing his face into the couch, showing his father his backside as he dug with his paws like a terrified animal into the earth.
While the younger brother can be fairly subtle about the psychological effects of such brutality on Wade, he can also be annoyingly obtrusive in his lengthy explanations of his own part in the story. Furthermore, Banks allows certain suspicions to arise concerning Rolfe’s reliability as a narrator and commentator. Are these convolutions necessary, the reader may well ask, perhaps longing for a return to the convention of the omniscient narrator, who is free to invent and comment as much as he likes without fuss or apology.
When Banks drops the guise of the younger brother and simply presents his material directly and dramatically, he reveals himself as a powerful and sometimes poetic writer who knows the texture of the things he describes. Here is a passage from the scene of Wade’s crazed pursuit of Jack Hewitt through a rugged wintry landscape:
Then, unexpectedly, the ground leveled off, and the trucks were running alongside a shallow beaver pond, with sumac and chokecherry flashing past. At the far end of the pond, the trail swerved left,…too abruptly for Jack to make the turn, and his truck crashed through a stand of skinny birches straight onto the pond, its momentum carrying it swiftly over the surface of the thick ice, its headlights sending huge pale swirls out ahead of it. Wade pulled up at the shore, and he watched Jack’s truck slide across the ice like a leaf on a slow-moving river, until it came to a stop halfway across the pond, facing Wade’s truck, with its headlights gazing back over the snow-covered surface of the glass-smooth ice. Wade dropped his truck into first gear, edged it to the shore, then down onto the ice, and slowly he drove directly into the glare of Jack’s headlights, drawing carefully closer as if toward a fire, until finally the vehicles were face to face, plow blade to plow blade.
For me the most extraordinary scene in the novel occurs when Wade and his undemanding girlfriend, Margie, with whom he hopes to have a new life which will include his daughter, go to his parents’ freezing house. There they find that Wade’s mother has died of hypothermia, huddled in her bed while his father wandered about the house, too drunk and dazed to call someone in to fix the furnace.
Stepping carefully away from the thing [an electric heater], [Wade] crossed to the head of the bed, where he could see the woman clearly. Beneath a mound of blankets and afghans, she wore her wool coat over her flannel nightgown and lay curled on her side like a child, with her tiny hands in mittens fisted near her throat, as if in enraged prayer. Her eyes were closed, and her mouth was open slightly. Her skin was chalk white and dry-looking, almost powdery, as if her face would crumble to the touch. Her body resembled a feather-light husk more than an actual human body, and it seemed incapable of holding up the weight of the blankets that covered her to the shoulders and wrists. “Oh, Lord,” Wade whispered. “Oh, Lord.” He came forward and sat down on the floor, cross-legged, like a small boy, facing her.
Like the scrubby, scree-filled landscape in which much of it takes place, Affliction is almost unremittingly grim; the passages of grotesque comedy are shot through with pain. Yet the grimness is redeemed, if only partly relieved, by the sympathetic insight which the author brings to the hapless Wade, so that the reader in turn is made to care for an unlikable man and to believe that others have loved him. Banks’s dour vision is realized intensely and impressively in this novel, and it should strengthen the reputation he earned with Continental Drift.
Just before the publication of Mile Zero, an article in Vanity Fair hailed its author, Thomas Sanchez, as “one of our rare writers who aim at nothing less” than the great novel—in contrast to those young writers who “aspire to become spokesmen for some evanescent generation before they have ever had the opportunity to travel widely or witness a war.” Walt Whitman was evoked in behalf of the author’s willingness to plumb the depths, while one character in the novel is said to loom over the narrative “with the ominous power of Kurtz in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.” The first printing of 50,000 copies represents, we are informed, the gamble of the publishing house that Mile Zero “will cross over from the literary market and appeal to a wider audience that savors a well-told tale.”
The extravagant claims for the novel were echoed in some of the reviews that have come out since publication. One such, in The New York Times Book Review, speaks of the “dazzling achievement” of Mile Zero, its “brilliantly contrived plot,” its “devastating irony,” and calls the book “a comic masterpiece crackling with backhanded wit and laugh-out-loud humor.” Surely, the reader may think, nothing will do but to have a look.
The novel’s opening sentences do indeed sound an ambitious, not to say cosmic, chord:
It is about water. It was about water in the beginning, it will be in the end. The ocean mothered us all. Water and darkness awaiting light. Night gives birth. An inkling of life over distant sea swells toward brilliance. Dawn emerges from Africa, strikes light between worlds, over misting mountains of Haiti, beyond the Great Bahama Bank, touching cane fields of Cuba….
Three sensationally incongruous things are happening: a space shuttle has just been launched, a rudderless boat of Haitian refugees is drifting toward Key West, and a radio is blaring an account of a powerboat race off the island. Then the focus narrows to one of the major characters, St. Cloud (he seems to lack a first name), who is in bed with his estranged wife, Evelyn. We learn that Evelyn has a rose tattoed on her breast, that there are more roses tattooed on the breasts of women in Key West than there are real roses “in all the fancy Miami flower shops,” and that the rose tattooes thrive in “a hothouse hum of tropical treachery, a consuming disorientation of desire fertilized by disintegrating ideals, an inescapable rust of the soul.” And we learn, too, that St. Cloud is “swirling helplessly in a sea of self-pity” because Evelyn has “long since melded into dark crevices of female flowered gardens”—i.e., she has become a lesbian.
Hothouse hum and tropical treachery prove apt terms to describe both the sound and the plot of Mile Zero. I will give only the briefest account of the latter. Having lost Evelyn, St. Cloud—an aging veteran of the antiwar demonstrations of the 1960s and now a hopeless drunk—falls in love with a young Southern woman named Lila, who is—or was—the girlfriend of MK, a dangerous cocaine dealer working in Central America. (It is MK who, though he appears only in Lila’s flashback, hovers over the novel like Conrad’s Kurtz.) St. Cloud, who can speak Creole, becomes involved in the fate of a young Haitian, Voltaire, the sole survivor of the boatload of Haitian refugees. Also involved is the island’s good cop, an Afro-Cuban named, significantly, Justo. Decent, brave, and faithful to his loving wife, Rosella, Justo is the character who provides the novel with its moral anchor amid all the tropical treachery.
Sinister things begin to happen. A five-pound South American bufo toad, its belly slit and a nail hammered through its mouth, is placed at the center of an X painted in blood on the tomb of Justo’s grandfather. A goat, with its throat slit, is found hanging upside down from a tower. “There was an evil going around, Justo could smell it.” The evil seems to be connected to an erratic killer who writes notes in rhyming Caribbean dialect and signs himself Zobop. Soon Justo and St. Cloud and the reader are introduced to the rites of Cuban Santería and threatened by the still more awful mysteries of Haitian voodoo. The addition of the drug menace and AIDS serves to thicken the stew.
Mile Zero abounds with colorful island characters, whose histories—and in several cases their ancestors’ histories—are given in detail. We are taken on a tour of the island’s most celebrated sites and allowed to spend long hours with the rum-soaked St. Cloud and his buddies in a bar called the Wreck Room, which is presided over by a promiscuous barmaid with a heart of gold. Perhaps such events and people could have been made entertaining if Mile Zero had been written as a straight—or even comic—thriller. But Elmore Leonard, say, would never have chosen a straight arrow like Justo to guide us through tropical treacheries. Sanchez, in any case, has more exalted ambitions. The characters and their histories and the history of Key West itself are presented with heavy solemnity, and the novel’s major theme—that the happy isle of Bahamian blacks, Cuban cigar makers, sponge gatherers, and the Anglo shrimp fishermen called “Conchs” has been ruined by the greed and environmental recklessness of mainland Americans—is repeated so often and so sonorously as to leave the reader in a state of stunned apathy. Two sections, running to some twenty-one pages, consist entirely of the effusions of Zobop, who presents himself as a kind of Shiva performing a dance of death to purify the island of the iniquities of its North American invaders, whom he addresses:
Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t despair. You can’t. You would rather run over the last Florida panther in cars going nowhere, rather feast your fast-food palate on the last egret egg, anything but look me in the eyes. Behold…I am the Cuban Martyrs. I am the malaria-infected laborer of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad. I am all these things, dead and buried in the island cemetery…I am your teacher. Ya ye, moin nan sang he! Yah, yeh, I am in the blood, hey! And I tell you a screaming deluge [AIDS] is coming out of Africa greater than any howling hurricane.
Could this be a passage from a “comic masterpiece,” as the Times put it?
The characters tend to be thickly described but thinly realized: the intellectual drunkard with a spark faintly burning in his soul, the honest cop scorned by his superiors, the beautiful young woman who is the mistress of a dangerous criminal and yearns to be free, the noble homosexual. Sanchez does not have an ear for the dialogue that can create character: his people speak according to their assigned roles. In the case of Lila, the homegrown Georgia peach, Sanchez commits the Yankee error (from which Southerners have suffered for generations) of assuming that “you-all” (“y’all,” in Lila’s mouth) is used in the South as the second person singular instead of as a collective pronoun. “Y’all are Evelyn’s husband, aren’t y’all?” says Lila to St. Cloud when they first meet.
Finally, there is the sound to be reckoned with. Sanchez is addicted to what I would call magenta, rather than purple, prose, to technicolor effects, not to mention alliteration and odd grammatical constructions. Here are a few examples:
Evelyn turned against the fleshy slide of his body, murmured into the slurping sound of slapping tide…
Even those paintings reproduced in the garish colors of popular magazines possessed the luminescent presence of virile visitation, as if a veil had been swiftly withdrawn from the commonplace, not merely to illuminate or to trick, simply to stab at the heart of unrequited love.
The antiquity of Lila’s beauty emerged not from hot Georgia clay, but from a time before men and women existed, a glimmer in a distant universal sky of what perfection could be if molded of flesh and blood.
The first time they swam in vivid waters along the reef they dove again and again into a world pure with color, touched only by their eyes, the splendor robbed their breath, they could not get enough of it, feasted on the sight of brilliant fish scattering along the purple-hued shelf of coral stepping beyond sight into a cobalt deep.
The structure was honored as one of the town’s grandest and eccentric; most of all, like the island Conch people themselves, it was hailed as a survivor.
“Hailed as a survivor”—apt words, the reader may feel, if he has managed to finish Mile Zero.
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Robert Towers (1923–1995) was an American critic and novelist. Born in Virginia, Towers was educated at Princeton and served for two years as Vice Counsel at the American Consulate General in Calcutta before dedicating himself to literary studies. He taught English literature and creative writing at Princeton, Queens College and Columbia.
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| 18,933 |
In Mendoza, Tamara Vidal asks Diana to spill the beans on the “accidents” of various people, Novikov and Margolis, Craig Black from Patient Zero, The Undying and uh… Blake Dexter lol. As well as this, it’s confirmed that 47 was behind the death of Aleksander Kovak, leader of The Yardbirds. He could potentially only be a future elusive target, if they’re going to continue those. But It’s pretty interesting, a kill I would assume happened before the events of Hitman 3, and it just seems like a sneaky little nugget of knowledge staring at us this entire time. What do you bros think?
47Agent June 18, 2022, 8:43am #2
Confirmed by who, where? The only info I could find is he died in prison and Tamara mentioning him in H3 is either a continuity issue or Diana was just bullshitting Tamara because she was annoyingly talking too much (the irony, right?)
Regardless, I doubt he’ll have anything to do with the new level. Seems like it has a mercenary/militia vibe to it. The Yardbirds were professional thieves. So no connection.
Wouldn’t really work as an ET either because he died in prison. Even if you flip it and say “47 killed him inside and made it look like Kovak died of natural causes” … that would still require an entire new level (Prison). Unless you retcon it to “47 killed him on a mercenary/militia island”. Which is kinda wonky.
1605028794 June 18, 2022, 10:42am #3
Aleksander Kovak was arrested by the Interpol in Panama, as GNN news said, which can be seen in Hwake’s Bay.
So the story of Yardbird seems a dead end for me, four of them died and the last one arrested.
93-126 June 18, 2022, 11:28am #4
The only info I could find is he died in prison
Where did you get that info? I know he was arrested, but I don’t recall anything mentioning his death in prison.
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Heisenberg June 18, 2022, 12:30pm #5
If he did die, maybe that’s why Diana is taking credit, because technically it was by fulfilling his contract that he got thrown in the slammer for all the deaths in Himmelstein. If he died after being in prison, that was technically their doing. So perhaps she’s taking credit by proxy, kind of like how I maintain that 47 still technically fulfilled his final contract for ICA when Grey killed himself because he did it for 47, so 47 really did kill the Shadow Client after all.
47Agent June 18, 2022, 4:23pm #6
Where did you get that info?
Heisenberg June 18, 2022, 4:50pm #7
I just went and looked there, and it only says he spent the rest of his life in prison, and that Diana taking credit for it is either a continuity error, or Kovak was assassinated off-screen.
I haven’t heard the conversation about Kovak with Vidal, but if all she does is say his name and Diana says yes, then she may only mean to ask if it was Diana and 47 fulfilling Kovak’s now-infamous contract for the Himmelstein wedding massacre that got Kovak the money that led to his capture.
Dash June 18, 2022, 6:19pm #8
I haven’t heard the conversation about Kovak with Vidal, but if all she does is say his name and Diana says yes, then she may only mean to ask if it was Diana and 47 fulfilling Kovak’s now-infamous contract for the Himmelstein wedding massacre that got Kovak the money that led to his capture.
You’re correct, it’s quite possible she’s just taking credit by proxy for someone who was sent to jail and died there, I looked around too and couldn’t find anything mentioning him being killed in prison only he’s just apparently dead now, I believe the context of the conversation with Vidal frames it to be made to look like an accident, and she’s asking if we were behind it. I work in a minute but I’ll try and find / record some footage of at least this part of the conversation so you don’t have to take my word for it.
Dash June 18, 2022, 6:54pm #9
This video @ 14:45 is when Vidal begins to ask who else we took out besides providence members, @ 16:10 is when the simple yes from Diana claiming credit for Kovak’s death, before this, a conversation between Diana and Vidal about the “accident” MO will play out, but I’m currently either too dumb or rushed to find it in this video. So we can tell Kovak died in an accident, or Vidal wouldn’t even have asked if we killed them as that’s outside our MO. I dunno, could be some sort of prison riot gone wrong and fucking burned to death like Siberia haha, or maybe it’s a future retconn or continuity error and he didn’t end up spending the rest of his life in prison. (unless very comedically the rest of his life was like 2 years lol) It’s definitely not “confirmed” that we were directly behind his death like I said in the first post so I definitely take back making such a definitive statement, however I do find it rather suspicious that he was the high profile victim of an accident that Diana took credit for, that we’re missing a lot of info for.
Also from 15:53 - 18:15 this video rapid fires out a bunch of target dialogue, just interesting for anyone who hasn’t heard them before.
Heisenberg June 18, 2022, 8:15pm #10
Mmm, not necessarily. Vidal merely name-checks Kovak. Yeah, she’s listing off contracts, but I think it’s pretty clear that Kovac is now widely known for having led the heist of the Shamal Hotel, then ordered the deaths of his partners and all their bodyguards at the wedding massacre, then got busted trying to cash in. Vidal could be asking if they killed Kovak (no indication that ever happened), or asking if they were the ones who pulled off the wedding massacre, as I don’t think anyone believes Kovak himself did that.
So unless Ambrose Island really does show us killing Kovak, then sometime between Hawke’s Bay and Dubai, 47 took a contract on Kovak. It’s not too far-fetched, as the first half of H2 had unknown periods of time between missions while ICA and Providence coordinated on finding the Shadow Client and the militia lieutenants, and the second half was spent pursing the Constant and the Partners, and in that time, to avoid suspicion from ICA management, 47 and Diana would still have to be doing their jobs in between their off-duty activities.
I think, more likely, we are merely misunderstanding the nature of Vidal’s question based on what the other questions were. I think she means to ask if Kovak was a client, not a target. If not, then Kovak was killed, but not by 47, and Diana is inexplicably choosing to lie about that one.
Then again, if The Shadows mobile game is to be believed, then 47 is only Diana’s primary agent, but not the only one she’s responsible for, and she did have Kovak killed, but sent a lower agent to do it.
3 Likes
Leakerman June 19, 2022, 2:55am #11
The Hitman wiki sucks ass too. If I could I’d edit it. Their mission meanings article is a bugbear of mine because it gets stuff wrong
Leakerman June 19, 2022, 2:56am #12
Then again, if The Shadows mobile game is to be believed, then 47 is only Diana’s primary agent, but not the only one she’s responsible for, and she did have Kovak killed, but sent a lower agent to do it.
Tell me more about this mobile game lore
Dash June 19, 2022, 5:30am #13
Tell me more about this mobile game lore
93-126 June 19, 2022, 6:52am #14
(You don’t need to unlock them to see their profile.)
47Agent June 19, 2022, 7:40am #15
Dash:
You can play games on mobile???
Heisenberg June 19, 2022, 7:51am #16
We don’t really know because the timeline doesn’t match with the inclusion of agents Knight and Stone, the disappearance of 47, and the fact that it’s an ICA initiative. Either during the two-month period between Whittleton Creek and Isle of Sgail, or some point in the future after ICA had been re-established, Diana puts together a team of snipers, and it basically plays out like a mobile version of Sniper mode, with the option to upgrade your rifle the better you do.
Leakerman June 20, 2022, 6:07am #18
Since i’m never playing this some of the characters look quite good, I like June and Dieter because they look like trilogy targets and I also just like Dieter’s archetype that he gives off whenever it shows up in media. They also don’t have many exageratted features. Kiya and Soji, I also like because they look like Mercenaries characters if you ever played those games. They’re not good Hitman designs which shouldn’t be so flashy unless it’s as a gag (think Steven Bradley when it comes to comedic character design, with one of the targets in this being him but without a personality) but they’re good enough character designs for a spin off that’s mean to have a band of misfits type design, but sorry to use such an overrepeated phrase but a lot of these just look like Fortnite characters
Dribbleondo July 13, 2022, 2:44pm #19
The Hitman wiki sucks ass too. If I could I’d edit it. Their mission meanings article is a bugbear of mine because it gets stuff wrong
It’s a wikia fandom thing. It’s free to edit. Thanks for the tip off btw. I’m trying my best to clean up the wiki of odd facts and things that makes zero sense.
or some point in the future after ICA had been re-established
IF it gets re-established.
Heisenberg July 13, 2022, 3:02pm #20
IF it gets re-established.
Not in this context. It’s an approved initiative by the ICA, meaning that if it is a canon entry, it either happens in the past before the events of WoA, during the events of H2 when 47 is unavailable for other missions because he’s dealing with the Shadow Client/Providence war, or it happens in the future when ICA is back.
Dribbleondo July 13, 2022, 3:16pm #21
Yes, but you make it sound like an inevitable thing, instead of a possibility, which the latter makes sense to use.
For what it’s worth, i feel the implication is that it takes sometime in the past, but given the lack of hard evidence on anything in the game, it’s impossible to know.
| 10,241 |
In this Feb. 21, 2020 photo, a worker checks items on a shelf in the produce section of an Amazon Go Grocery store set to open soon in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Say goodbye to GMOs. The new term for foods created with a boost from science is "bioengineered."
As of Jan. 1, food manufacturers, importers and retailers in the U.S. must comply with a new national labeling standard for food that's been genetically modified in a way that isn't possible through natural growth.
Consumers will begin to see labels on some foods that say "bioengineered" or "derived from bioengineering," as the new federal standard takes hold and replaces the former patchwork of state-level requirements.
The change has been several years in the making. In 2016, Congress passed a law to establish a national benchmark for the labeling of genetically modified food in an attempt to give people more information about what they eat and standardize labels across the country. Sonny Perdue, who served as agriculture secretary during the Trump administration, announced the regulations in 2018.
/ U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food producers can use these two logos approved by the USDA to label bioengineered food under the new national standard that took effect on Jan. 1.
"The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard increases the transparency of our nation's food system, establishing guidelines for regulated entities on when and how to disclose bioengineered ingredients," Perdue said at the time. "This ensures clear information and labeling consistency for consumers about the ingredients in their food."
But critics say the rules devised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will actually confuse consumers further and make it harder to know what's in any given product. One advocacy group has even sued the USDA to try to block the new regulations from taking effect.
The new rules give food producers a few options
Some commonly bioengineered foods include corn, canola, soybeans and sugar beets. Most GMO crops are used for animal feed, according to the Food and Drug Administration. But they are also used to make ingredients that routinely find their way into human diets, such as cornstarch, corn syrup, canola oil and granulated sugar.
The USDA says that the list of items on its website isn't exhaustive and that other foods with genetic modifications will be subject to the labeling rules.
Companies with products that qualify as bioengineered can comply with the new standard in several ways.
They can include text on food packages that says "bioengineered food" or "contains a bioengineered food ingredient." They can also use two logos approved by the USDA.
Finally, they can include a QR code for consumers to scan or a phone number for them to text that will provide more information about that food item.
The new standard applies to genetically modified foods as well as foods with genetically modified ingredients that are "detectable" by certain standards.
Shoppers who suspect an unlabeled item is actually a bioengineered food can file a complaint with the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.
Establishments like restaurants don't have to comply with the new rule, but they can do so voluntarily.
The logos are confusing and the rules don't go far enough, critics say
The Center for Food Safety, one advocacy group opposed to the new standard, says it makes it easier for companies to conceal what's in their products and leaves consumers in the dark.
Although there's no evidence that genetically modified crops are harmful to human health, according to the National Academy of Sciences and the World Health Organization, advocates say people still deserve to know what they're eating.
"These regulations are not about informing the public but rather designed to allow corporations to hide their use of genetically engineered ingredients from their customers," Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety, said in a statement.
The group has sued the USDA in federal court in an attempt to block the new rules. The case remains ongoing.
The new standard doesn't allow producers to use more common labeling terms like "GMO," the lawsuit argues, and it will leave out many foods that are "highly refined" or contain levels of bioengineered ingredients that aren't detectable, such as soda and cooking oil. The group estimates that the majority of genetically modified food are processed items with genetically modified ingredients.
Additionally, the new standard discriminates against the poor, the elderly, people who live in rural areas and minorities who may lack a smartphone or access to the internet, the group said. It also puts an "undue burden" on shoppers to scan food items in stores during a deadly pandemic, advocates have argued.
Producers have also argued that the rule changes come at a bad time, with the ongoing pandemic and supply-chain woes that's making it a challenge to meet consumer demand, The Washington Post reported.
The USDA declined to comment for this story, citing the pending lawsuit. But a spokesperson for the agency told the Post that the new rules are meant to balance the desire to keep consumers better informed with the interest of minimizing costs for producers.
Despite other criticism, groups such as the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association praised the new standard when it was announced in 2018, saying it would create more transparency in the food industry.
Rackspace Hosted Exchange failure due to 'ransomware incident'; company faces class-action lawsuit
Rackspace email hosting service still in midst of 'significant failure' after four days
SAY Sí workers say board of directors is contradicting core values in effort to fight unionization efforts
| 6,060 |
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November 2019 edited November 2019 in The Penny Arcade Hub
Videogaming-related online strip by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins. Includes news and commentary.
Read the full story here
Unknown User on November 2019
Posts
OctoberRaven Plays fighting games for the story Skyeline Hotel Apartment 4ARegistered User regular
November 2019
I'd be more surprised to learn if there wasn't a streamer with that name, tbh.
Cambiata Commander Shepard The likes of which even GAWD has never seenRegistered User regular
November 2019
I'm pleased to learn Mike enjoys Judge Judy as much as I do, and HOLY HELL do I need to see this episode.
But Mike.Mike. MIKE. In all recent episodes of Judge Judy, she's wearing a pony tail! Did you just draw her in the 'classic' way in case someone wouldn't recognize her with the pony tail?
Cat videos and let's plays
November 2019
I'm deeply, deeply unsettled by this art. Which is good. But also, holy shit.
What is this I don't even.
+4
November 2019
Quid Definitely not a banana Registered User regular
November 2019
Cambiata wrote: »
I'm pleased to learn Mike enjoys Judge Judy as much as I do, and HOLY HELL do I need to see this episode.
But Mike.Mike. MIKE. In all recent episodes of Judge Judy, she's wearing a pony tail! Did you just draw her in the 'classic' way in case someone wouldn't recognize her with the pony tail?
I honestly had no idea she has. Haven't seen the show in years.
+2
Cambiata Commander Shepard The likes of which even GAWD has never seenRegistered User regular
November 2019 edited November 2019
Quid wrote: »
Cambiata wrote: »
I'm pleased to learn Mike enjoys Judge Judy as much as I do, and HOLY HELL do I need to see this episode.
But Mike.Mike. MIKE. In all recent episodes of Judge Judy, she's wearing a pony tail! Did you just draw her in the 'classic' way in case someone wouldn't recognize her with the pony tail?
I honestly had no idea she has. Haven't seen the show in years.
I watch her show a lot. But only on Youtube, because JJ doesn't do streaming, for some reason, and I don't watch regular TV.
Anyway, behold her pony tailed glory:
Considering my mom has kept a similar hairstyle as classic Judy for all 42 years that I've known her, I wonder what made Judge Judy change her hair. It's got to be a comfort thing.
Cambiata on November 2019
Cat videos and let's plays
November 2019
+1
November 2019
Sorry, but Judith Shendlin is a toxic, racist goose:
Sheindlin’s books give a startling look into how her mind works, and what they reveal is disturbing. They traffic in two major stereotypes that have been rightfully maligned as racist, as well as untrue. The first is the 1990s bogeyman, the superpredator, a species of (usually black) juvenile delinquents—she literally describes them as a “new breed”—so fundamentally without conscience that they needed to be locked up rather than make any attempt at reform. In writing about them, she reduces them to numbers, her contempt practically oozing: “First up is Elmo, fifteen, who weighs 160 pounds and has an IQ of 90.” What we’re supposed to make of his fairly average weight and IQ, I’m not sure, but it’s clear that she thinks both render him somehow subhuman.
The second stereotype is the welfare queen, an epithet Sheindlin applies to foster parents. She reserves particular vitriol for “kinship” foster parents: grandparents or other family members who cannot afford to care for their relative’s children without help from the government. She tells an almost certainly apocryphal story about a kinship foster parent with a black AmEx card that Sheindlin notes she herself couldn’t qualify for.
The last panel is one of the more honest depictions of her that I've seen in media.
Cambiata Commander Shepard The likes of which even GAWD has never seenRegistered User regular
November 2019
I'm not going to defend Sheindlin on her shittier aspects. Sometimes I enjoy problematic things. If I didn't allow myself to enjoy problematic things I'd have nothing left to enjoy.
But problematic or not, seeing Sheindlin tear a dumbass streamer a new one would be a joy to behold.
Cat videos and let's plays
+2
November 2019 edited November 2019
I'm reminded of a recent episode of that new legal show All Rise, where a gamer takes her friend to court for deleting her character for some made up game, and the only way the public defender character can convince the gamer to take the stand and properly explain why she's so adamant about sueing, is to let her wear make up and speak while pretending to be her character.
I thought that was the cringiest 'TV show tries to get gamer culture' moment I'd seen in a while, up there with the Second Life episode of CSI New York and that Godawful CSI Cyber episode about gun smuggling through Blacklight Retribution. But this real life streamer sounds like it might top even them.
T-Danger on November 2019
November 2019
Cambiata wrote: »
I'm pleased to learn Mike enjoys Judge Judy as much as I do, and HOLY HELL do I need to see this episode.
But Mike.Mike. MIKE. In all recent episodes of Judge Judy, she's wearing a pony tail! Did you just draw her in the 'classic' way in case someone wouldn't recognize her with the pony tail?
I don't keep up with Judge Judy at all, so I would have pictured her with the hair that Mike drew. However, I think I would have recognized her even in ponytail form simply by the white collar on her robe. lol
"It's just as I've always said. We are being digested by an amoral universe."
+1
November 2019
Cambiata wrote: »
I'm pleased to learn Mike enjoys Judge Judy as much as I do, and HOLY HELL do I need to see this episode.
But Mike.Mike. MIKE. In all recent episodes of Judge Judy, she's wearing a pony tail! Did you just draw her in the 'classic' way in case someone wouldn't recognize her with the pony tail?
At least he got the mouth right.
+1
November 2019
T-Danger wrote: »
There was a clip online. Then as soon as I finished watching it and sent it to a friend it got taken down. I haven't been able to find another yet.
Cambiata Commander Shepard The likes of which even GAWD has never seenRegistered User regular
November 2019
Sorry, but Judith Shendlin is a toxic, racist goose:
Sheindlin’s books give a startling look into how her mind works, and what they reveal is disturbing. They traffic in two major stereotypes that have been rightfully maligned as racist, as well as untrue. The first is the 1990s bogeyman, the superpredator, a species of (usually black) juvenile delinquents—she literally describes them as a “new breed”—so fundamentally without conscience that they needed to be locked up rather than make any attempt at reform. In writing about them, she reduces them to numbers, her contempt practically oozing: “First up is Elmo, fifteen, who weighs 160 pounds and has an IQ of 90.” What we’re supposed to make of his fairly average weight and IQ, I’m not sure, but it’s clear that she thinks both render him somehow subhuman.
The second stereotype is the welfare queen, an epithet Sheindlin applies to foster parents. She reserves particular vitriol for “kinship” foster parents: grandparents or other family members who cannot afford to care for their relative’s children without help from the government. She tells an almost certainly apocryphal story about a kinship foster parent with a black AmEx card that Sheindlin notes she herself couldn’t qualify for.
The last panel is one of the more honest depictions of her that I've seen in media.
Ya'know, I do have to take one issue w/ the article. This line:
Her show, meanwhile, is usually described as successful because she “tells the truth”—and not because America has a long history of finding it fun to watch vulnerable people be subjected to humiliation.
I'm sure Sheindlin was a terrible real-court judge and am glad she's just an entertainer now and not destroying real people. I mean, the people on her show are real, yes, and some of them are vulnerable, but she doesn't have the ability to make an actual court judgement against a poor person such that they have to pay anyone any money - the producers pay all the judgments.
Beyond that, I actually don't enjoy it when she's reaming someone for being on disability or some other benefit. I'm usually yelling at the screen saying "You're wrong!" or similar. The thing that makes Judge Judy enjoyable - and probably what has Mike's interest, though of course that's only a guess - is when she has someone who's clearly trying to exploit the other person in court, and Judge Judy reams the exploiter. So for example, a classic episode was about an ebay auction. One woman bought a used phone, the other woman sent her a picture of a phone thinking herself a clever scammer. Judge Judy heard the cased, yelled at the scammer, and the woman who was scammed got her money back. That's your typical enjoyable Judge Judy episode - shitty people get yelled at, exploited people get their money back.
Other particularly satisfying episodes of her show revolve around an obviously abused offspring getting to hear Judy yell at their abusive parents, or an exploited tenant having Judy yell at their exploitative landlord.
Does she yell at people that they should have used contraception instead of having a bunch of kids before they turned 21? Yes she does this, and I never considered it as disdain for the poor. Mostly because I didn't grow up poor but the idea of me having any children before I turned 21 (or ever) sends shivers up my spine, and I know I could have turned out that way because my parents didn't believe in contraception. Thank god I was so sexually unappealing before the age of 30! I feel like it's kind of helpful to have an wizened old conservative on TV every afternoon telling kids they should use condoms, though. It normalizes what should be normal and non-controversial.
I didn't really want to make some sort of apologia for Judge Judy, I know she's horrible about a lot of things. But the idea that people only watch her show to laugh at the poor rankled a bit. That's not why I watch her show, and I don't think it would be as popular is it is if that's all she did - or rather, it would only be as popular as someone like Sean Hannity, rather than the more universal popularity that she enjoys. A shitty exploitative streamer is a perfect example of the kind of defendant that makes her show really enjoyable, and I think she's lucky to have a good set of producers who know what kind of litigants to give her to bring out her most amusing side instead of her most nasty one.
Cat videos and let's plays
jungleroomx It's never too many graves, it's always not enough shovels Registered User regular
November 2019
If this comic bothered you, don't look up "The Taking of Deborah Logan, Cave Scene" on Youtube.
Cambiata Commander Shepard The likes of which even GAWD has never seenRegistered User regular
November 2019
jungleroomx wrote: »
If this comic bothered you, don't look up "The Taking of Deborah Logan, Cave Scene" on Youtube.
I've seen this movie and completely forgot that scene. Unfortunately, horror films have to work pretty hard to frighten or disgust me. I'm from the internet.
Cat videos and let's plays
jungleroomx It's never too many graves, it's always not enough shovels Registered User regular
November 2019
Cambiata wrote: »
jungleroomx wrote: »
If this comic bothered you, don't look up "The Taking of Deborah Logan, Cave Scene" on Youtube.
I've seen this movie and completely forgot that scene. Unfortunately, horror films have to work pretty hard to frighten or disgust me. I'm from the internet.
| 12,595 |
Tomorrow is our dog’s first birthday. We brought Oaks home last May, only seven months after losing our first dog Oso to a heart attack. My heart was (and still is) with our bear cub. This time around, Jim wanted a dog to take pheasant hunting in the fall and had a hunting school all lined up for his new puppy. I was overwhelmed with getting to work and taking care of the girls in the morning (Jim works East coast hours) and adding a puppy to the mix was a lot at first. I wrote this at the time:
“By bedtime, we were all dog tired and I was freaking out. I mean, what in the world were we thinking?! How were we going to do this? I came to the realization that night that I didn’t really want a puppy. I just wanted Oso back. I cried softly in the kitchen, careful not to wake our newest of three sleeping babes in the house. I felt so guilty and ashamed and, if I’m being honest, stupid… It’s just… I’m constantly thinking of Oso. I’m always calling out the wrong name. I only hope I will get to a point where all this tension will soften along with the threshold to my heart.”
Fast forward to now and thankfully my perspective has evolved. Although my heart is certainly not quite mushy for Oaks yet, I often stop myself and consider his name and our whole reason behind choosing it.
“Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn.”
My parents live in northern California, where the oak trees line the hillsides and paint the valleys. When I was in high school, my dad taught my brother and I how to forage acorns. After gathering, we let them soak, sprout, and then planted them in little containers. Those acorns grew into seedlings which my dad later transplanted to the hill in our backyard. 20 years later and my parents’ yard is now beautifully shaded with at least a dozen California oaks.
I can’t remember how it came up in conversation, but Jim had the idea after a weekend trip to their house. “What about the name, Oaks?” I liked it. It was one syllable. It started with an ‘O’ as a small tribute to Oso. And, to me, it meant growing something strong, significant, and meaningful out of a simple nut. It was the perfect name.
As our Oaks dog continues to grow, so does my affection. It’s been a courtship in progress to say the least. But he is incredibly patient with the girls and undeniably loyal to Jim. With time, I know him and I will have our roots, too.
Here’s to many more birthdays together, Oaksy boy. We love you.
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Posted in Life, Personal posts Oaks the GriffPersonal
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3 thoughts on “Happy 1st Birthday, Oaks”
February 24, 2016 at 1:05 am
I’m so undeniably proud of you. Your capacity to love him will grow. The places that belong to Oso will never be filled, but new spaces will grow. It’s true what they say: time does heal all wounds. There will be scars, but that’s evidence of an experience. Happy birthday, Oaks. Happy new beginning, Rach.
| 3,133 |
Minecraft is one such game that would give you the chance to be creative with your construction ideas. Here you would also be able to design the home that you created while playing the virtual construction game Minecraft. There are different sections of the home that need designing and the kitchen has to be one of the major parts. If you want your Minecraft game to be the best then you have to be thoughtful with your construction ideas. You have to make sure that every corner of the home looks the best. Kitchen also needs your special attention in this case.
There are so many different kitchen design ideas that you can look up for and you can also get inspired by the real kitchens. Here you would get full marks of being unique and creative. If you would also be able to pull the beauty in your home interior then your Minecraft construction would stand out. If you would think about the latest designs then you would know about the love for modern designs. Here you can anyways create a modern kitchen for your Minecraft house. Here are some of the best Minecraft kitchen ideas that you need to check out for your Minecraft game: A single island kitchen for Minecraft game:Island kitchens are huge and generally kitchens are everything that a person might need. If you have constructed a mansion while playing the Minecraft game then an island kitchen would be the best match for you. Here you would have to include every modern thing so that the kitchen could be all in one. You should not compromise on the look of the kitchen as well so that the entire construction could turn out to be amazing from inside. Minecraft wooden kitchen:Wooden kitchens are very common and such kitchens looks so amazing at the same time. Here you can also go ahead and create a wooden kitchen for your Minecraft house. Things would be great if the entire Minecraft home would be made up of woods. This would be elegant and beautiful for sure. You can create a lot of things inside the kitchen with woods. Some hard wooden materials would be the best choice in this case of Minecraft house. The Minecraft kitchen with all the updated gadgets:When we think about a modern kitchen, we cannot just adjust with all the old kitchen gadgets. An updated modern kitchen would always need some updated modern kitchen gadgets. So even in the case of a modern Minecraft kitchen, you should always have some updated kitchen equipment sets. This would set the kitchen on point and so even your Minecraft house would turn out to be amazing at the same time. This would be the best kind of kitchen design for sure. The touch of color in the Minecraft kitchen:We have talked about a lot of basic elegant kitchens but most of these kitchens would lack some colors. It would be great if you could just add some colors in the kitchen. This can be a bit hard but if you would be sturdy then things would become smooth for you. Even though you are supposed to add some colors in the kitchen then also it should not be too much. It would be great if you would be constant with just one pop of color in the kitchen. Stone Minecraft kitchen designs:Even though the use of stone is very rare, still some stone designs are kept for modern styled kitchens. If you always wanted a modern kitchen with some contemporary fusion then adding some stone work would be best for you. This would create a beautiful yet unique modern kitchen for your Minecraft house. You can always have some dark stones for the Minecraft house as that would just update the look of the kitchen for you. This has to be the best fusion kitchen that you can think about. Minecraft kitchen with a huge dining table:If you would look up for huge kitchens then you would see that most huge kitchens always have the dining space attached to it. We already know the value of compact spaces so we need to work with it. It would be great if you would be able to create two distinct spaces in one huge space. You just have to add a huge dining table in the kitchen with some space chairs and you are good to go. This would make sure to create a huge grand kitchen with attached dining space for the Minecraft house. A modular kitchen for the Minecraft home:As we all know the craze behind the modular kitchen designs so even in the game of Minecraft, you can try to create a modular kitchen. This would not be very hard but you need to be selective while you prepare a modular kitchen for the Minecraft home. The kitchen here would be very organized and everything would be covered in the kitchen. The addition of drawers would be very common in such kitchen styles. A successful modular kitchen would increase the grace of the house and your construction would look graceful from inside. For more information about Home Interior designs,Exterior designs and want to know more about minecraft kitchen ideas visit Homedesignnow.
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| 5,624 |
Irene Papas, a Greek actress who became famous worldwide thanks to her roles in such films as Zorba the Greek, Z and The Guns of Navarone, died Wednesday at age 96. With her haunting looks and acclaimed gift for dramatic roles, Papas was also known for her stage work, particularly in ancient Greek tragedies.
The Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports announced her death. In a statement posted to social media, the ministry wrote of Papas: "Majestic, stately, dynamic, she was the personification of Greek beauty on the cinema screen and on the theater stage, an international star who radiated Greekness."
Papas, whose last name was also occasionally transliterated as Pappas, was born as Eirini (Irene) Lelekou on Sept. 3, 1926, in the village of Chiliomodi near Corinth, but grew up largely in Athens. By the time she was a teenager, she had begun studying drama. In a career that lasted some 50 years, Papas made over 70 films in her native Greece and internationally.
In the 1970s and 1980, she appeared in several New York productions of classical plays as well as a short-lived 1967 Broadway retelling of Phaedra called That Summer — That Fall.
Papas built her career in Greece in the 1940s and 50s, and was soon championed by the Greek-American film director Elia Kazan, who had her read for him in 1954. MGM gave her a contract the following year, though the only resulting film was a 1956 Western called Tribute to a Bad Man, which starred James Cagney.
In 1961, she appeared in the World War II film The Guns of Navarone, which was partly shot on the Greek island of Rhodes. It was 1964's Zorba the Greek, however, that truly brought her international stardom; she played a young widow stoned and then killed by her fellow villagers for taking a lover.
Like so many other Greek artists and intellectuals, Papas fled Greece during the right-wing military junta of 1967 to 1974, and lived in exile in Italy and New York.
One of her last roles was in the 2001 World War II film Captain Corelli's Mandolin. In 2018, an announcement said that she had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for five years already.
Papas had a gift for letting her facial expressions speak for her characters' inner lives. In Z, director Costa-Gavras' Oscar-winning 1969 thriller about the Greek junta, Papas — who played the widow of a murdered left-wing politician (Yves Montand) — was hailed as unforgettable in portraying the wife's anguish, even though she uttered few words throughout the entire film.
Papas frequently paired with the Cypriot-born director Michael Cacoyannis, who also directed her in Zorba the Greek. Their collaborations included a string of film versions of classical tragedies, such as 1962's Electra, 1971's The Trojan Women, in which she starred alongside Katharine Hepburn and Vanessa Redgrave, and 1977's Iphigenia.
Along with her screen and stage career, Papas used her archetypally smoky voice to make recordings as a singer alongside two musical giants of Greece: the late composers Mikis Theodorakis and Vangelis. She was the vocalist on the 1972 song "∞ (Infinity)" by the band Aphrodite's Child (co-founded by Vangelis) — a project that some denounced as too overtly sexual.
She married the film director Alkis Papas in 1947, but they divorced four years later. In 1954, she began what she later described as a long relationship with the American actor Marlon Brando, which they kept secret for years, until after Brando's death in 2004. In 1957, however, she married film director Jose Kohn; that marriage was annulled.
In a 1984 interview with Morning Edition, Papas said: "I never thought there was a difference between a dramatic actor and a comic actor. I think there are good actors and bad actors ... I would love one day to play tragedy, and the next day to be a nightclub act. Why not?"
Anastasia Tsioulcas is a reporter on NPR's Arts desk. She is intensely interested in the arts at the intersection of culture, politics, economics and identity, and primarily reports on music. Recently, she has extensively covered gender issues and #MeToo in the music industry, including backstage tumult and alleged secret deals in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against megastar singer Plácido Domingo; gender inequity issues at the Grammy Awards and the myriad accusations of sexual misconduct against singer R. Kelly.
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This is truly the best build of Painter I’ve ever experienced. Lots of really critical updates to performance is major, I had 900 x 750mm canvas with over 250 layers.. it was an unusual job, very complex & I had to keep all layers for the client. Painter 2022 had my back, no lag & no crashing… it just powered through like a Trojan. Then there’s all the new stuff! Layers now have colour dodge & burn modes… amazing! So perfect to add beautiful light & shadows… The navigator panel now has a greyscale toggle, invaluable for all genres of artists… keeping an eye on how our values are reading is vital. Then there’s the new captured dab library, with the ability to change brush dabs on the fly.. & import any new brushes dabs into the palette with a single cl be ick. For those who enjoy building brushes you will love this. There’s plenty of other new features to check out, follow the link above & download a 30 day trial!
June 23, 2021 0
A mermaid & her friends
This is my latest personal piece Hitchhiker, it’s really a self portrait as I Australia is pretty much a big island & most of the population stays close to the water, the interior is a desert that has its own beauty, but a harder life than the flourishing rainforests & rolling green hills. I have lived near the ocean & spent much time in its waters all my life. Going to the beach where my grandparents had a bathing box (little beach shack), & on my grandfathers boat we’re early memories. He made a little ledge that I could stand on & steer the boat, I would have been all of 5 yrs old & it was a 35 foot cruiser… I remember feeling so special. We would catch a heap of fish & my Dad & Papa (granddad) would clean the fish on our way in, stopping at the farewell boy to feed the local seal pack. It was a most incredible life, we were very blessed. We would spend most of our summer & spring there, & go fishing throughout the year. I then started waterskiing, sailboarding & swimming was very prominent in my school years. I joined the Lifesaving club at 12 & was a Life Guard by 13… I also started sailing in my teen years. The eco system & life forms below the sea are diverse, it’s like another planet down there…. filled with so much beauty & so needs to be preserved.
As I was painting this piece it sort of morphed into myself, looking back at old photos I can see the resemblance although it wasn’t intentional. This is also a special piece as it’s much more stylistic than my previous work, I was relearning everything & I’m of the opinion learning real anatomy etc is so important, so once you have gained the fundamental skills, you can then push the anatomy, play with light & go in any direction style wise. It was a necessity to learn how to draw people, I didn’t before 2 years ago….I thought I couldn’t, but I wanted to start working as an illustrator. I had to bite the bullet & learn…… of course now it’s all I want to draw, whether a portrait commission or a fantasy humanoid….. I just can’t get enough of drawing the human form.
I hope you enjoy this piece, I’m embarking on a new venture into collectable digital art, this is probably going to be the first piece I will be offering for sale. More about this very soon…..
Be kind & take care of each other, be safe – Lion
February 26, 2021 0 4
How to paint a hyena.
Here’s the step by step process of a hyena study I did recently. I used Corel Painter 2021, but you can use any software… Painter does have lovely brushes that feel very like the real thing.
August 14, 2020 0
Keeping your life going during Covid Crisis.
I hope your doing ok, these times are challenging with social distancing, job loses & worrying about family & friends health. I think it’s really important to find the things that make you happy & devote time to it. I’m lucky, art is my happy place & my income… So work wise things are humming along…my recent position as a Corel Painter Master has been very helpful in this respect, & also seeing rewards when you’ve been working hard is always satisfying. I try to put my emotions into my work… It’s a great way of facing the things that are bothering you & releasing them. What are you doing, Are you creating while in isolation? Is it helping you get through this? I really want to know what I can do to help you with this… Tutorials, articles… critique sessions? Would any of these things help you to move forward with creating. I’m currently working in a new project, here’s my rough…. What do you think the story is behind it? Let me know how your going!
May 6, 2020 0 1
My new Corel Painter portraiture brushes, just released on Cubebrush!
I’m so excited to share these brushes with everyone, I spent the last 2 years refining them into the perfect portrait set. I use these brushes for all my Painter artwork, esp my portraits. The core block in brushes are perfect for all subjects, combined with my concept & landscape sets… Well I think they are pretty amazing! I keep the prices down to make them accessible to everyone & don’t forget to grab my Short Cuts Palette, a free gift for signing up. I really hope you enjoy using them & please leave a review on the packs. Peace out – Lion
June 22, 2019 0
Painting in my studio, nothing beats my Wacom Cintiq…it has plenty of screen real estate & I have a secondary screen also on which I’ll generally have refences & sometimes I’ll even move tool palettes onto…although these days with Painters palette draws & all my short cut buttons I don’t really need to. However when I’m travelling, or just want to do some painting at night relaxing….either in front of tv or in bed, I just love my iPad Pro! Coupled with Procreate app, I can pretty much paint anything, the newest release has some awesome features including a warp tool & all new brush menu. This piece below I did last night when I couldn’t sleep, it’s just so easy to pick it up & begin sketching, I would truly recommend it to any artist digital or traditional….there’s a lot to be said from mapping out comps before starting a big project, esp when working traditionally….it’s a good idea to have at least a rough of your painting, to get composition, values, lighting & colour worked out before you hit the canvas. So think about it guys, love Lion
August 4, 2018 0 1
I’m excited my art is featured… & my thoughts on the newly released Corel Painter 2019!
With the recent release of Painter 2019 last week, not only was it exciting to get to show off all the wonderful new features (I’m a beta tester)..but also some of my artwork has been featured in Painter software, on their website, in a feature video & also in packaging & users guide. I have been very fortunate to have work featured the past 3 years, & enjoy the relationship Corel & in particular the Painter team forge with their artists & Painter users. Again Corel have outdone themselves, with a beautiful, sleek & modern UI being the first thing that greats you on opening 2019, & once you work your way through the new brushes, & other tweaks it’s the increased performance that really stands out. There’s a bit of new content, with brushes throughout the library, a new Stamps category & some new Patterns for use with Pattern Pens, but the main thing Painter builders concentrated on was creating a modern new look for Painter in general… I love the Dark grey theme, it’s default when opening & really works with my workflow. All the icons, palette backgrounds, sliders etc have been optimised for greater clarity & easier use. There’s been some tweaks for Touch tablet users, gestures are really on point now….I always had touched turned off on my Cintiq, but I’ve now turned it on & finding its fast, clean & accurate. As for performance, you will find up to 50% increase in speed of some brushes…esp those artists like myself who work on very large canvas at highs res, with engine intensive brushes…. it’s well worth the upgrade for that alone!
Jump on over to http://www.painterartist.com to get the special discount upgrade price now!
June 30, 2018 0
War in her mind..
Arrows in her eyes, fear where her heart should be, war on her mind, shame as she cries….fire away!!!
A study I began for warm up, but feel the concept is good enough to warrant completion as a full artwork. I have decided the same for previous piece ‘Arrows’, both are inspired by the same song & I have more ideas that could make a nice series for an exhibition. I hope you guys feel the same, please comment or send me an email or message….your feedback means the world to me. Thanks – LionArt
January 21, 2018 0
‘The Journey’ artwork taking expressions of interest to purchase
Hi guys, I’ve decided to sell my painting The Journey created on brush aluminium. Just wrapped up with The Next Level Exhibition, this piece has travelled its own journey through New Zealand & Australia & is included in the 2017 publication of The Next Level. I painted this digitally in Painter 2017, it was then selected by Corel as a feature artwork in Painter 2018…giving it further recognition world wide. The inspiration for this was developed from a month travelling throughout Vietnam, such a magical place esp the mysterious Halong Bay. Here long boats carry travellers & their guides among the untouched islands & land formations making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time it’s dinosaurs.
This personal painting I created on metal to keep myself, but I’ve decided due to its success It’s a great opportunity to sell it as I need to raise money for upcoming projects & expansion of my website. This would make a really great gift for the art collector/lover in your life. I only began painting digitally 2yrs ago & putting my work out to the world for exhibitions & competitions this year, & as a new emerging artist have been quite successful. I chose the 2 award exhibitions I entered without any real hope of being selected, both are quite prestigious on a national & international level. I was so surprised when I was selected as a finalist in the Queensland Contemporary Art Awards with ‘Cry Wolf,’ & from that made it into the top group of artists. The other was the recent Next Level Exhibition & Publication, with The Journey… the competition to gain a converted spot was fierce, with entries from all over the world. The prize was being a chosen artist, & the exposure from this has been amazing.
The software I use is specialised for artists of all kinds, made by tech giant Corel Corporation, which I find to be closest to using real media with some extra super expressive brushes that are digital only. Corel chose several pieces of my artwork in 2016, & then this year to feature in Painter & on their website. The Journey being one of the first things you see when opening Painter 2018…. Although I am an emerging artist I’m really beginning to gain recognition for my work in both the digital & fine art world, this is unusual as most digital art stays in the realm of film, gaming & illustration industry…. I want to keep breaking this mould & keep my art evolving into more avenues.
Please contact me directly for more information, or to purchase The Journey…… I also take commissions for portrait, landscapes & other subjects. Thank you for your interest, I appreciate it. – Michelle
December 12, 2017 0 2
Hey all, so The Next Level has shown in Auckland & will be heading to Sydney for November, then home to Melbourne for December. As part of the exhibition there’s a Peoples Choice Award….. & I really need all my followers to vote for me each day they have a few minutes. I promise it doesn’t take long & you go into the running for a WacomBamboo Folio! A really handy tool for business & artists alike. Enter your details, choose my name (not painting) & scroll down to hit vote button…. Thank you all,
October 12, 2017 0
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This website does not intend to affect women’s self-esteem or body-esteem. However, it does so in many cases, and some clarifications in this regard are necessary. This is an addendum to a previous attempt to address self- and body-esteem issues related to the goals of this site.
This site aims to promote feminine beauty in the public realm. The reasons why are described on the FAQ page. It must be understood that there is a difference between exalting a given look and effectively ignoring all other looks on the one hand, and ignoring a given look and denigrating all other looks on the other. Either method promotes a given type of look, and this site uses the former method, i.e., exalting feminine beauty rather than denigrating other looks. In practice, there is a fine line between the two methods since either method requires one to present contrasts, and those prone to seeing a half full glass as a half empty one will see this site as disparaging the looks of the great majority of women.
For the unconvinced, I will argue in defense of the notion that my intent is to exalt feminine beauty rather than demote non-feminine beauty. Firstly, impressions to the contrary may be a function of the fact that English is not my native language and limited English proficiency makes it difficult to translate my intent with precision. Secondly, the reader will note the focus of this site on models and beauty pageant contestants. Celebrities such as movie stars and singers are rarely addressed by me, and usually in response to readers’ comments or if the celebrity has a modeling or beauty pageant contestant past. Many gossip/tabloid-style websites pick on the looks of celebrities but usually do not bother addressing the looks of fashion models that are little known except to fashion aficionados. These sites are also not in the business of explicitly promoting a given look, making a strong case that they are particularly interested in picking on ‘undesirable’ looks. The closest approximation to denigrating looks occurs within this site in the context of illustrating correlates of aesthetics as documented in the scientific literature or contrasting public preferences with the fashion world’s preferences. Therefore, it should be clear that if trashing various looks is a goal of this site, then it is not the goal of this site.
But if denigrating various looks is one of the goals of this site, then what purpose does it serve? It is not required to promote feminine beauty. Placing feminine beauty next to other types speaks for itself; there is no need to use demeaning terminology though sometimes it is necessary to call a spade a spade or say that ‘the Emperor has no clothes,’ which may be seen as demeaning by some readers. One could speculate that I derive a perverse pleasure from speaking ill of most types of looks or derive some sort of satisfaction from trashing the looks of models and celebrities, but if so, it is curious why I don’t generally bother with very well-known celebrities from movies and pick on obscure models (example) instead. It is also curious why I don’t pick on the obese when a perusal of this website will make one easily estimate that most likely I do not aesthetically appreciate the obese form. Again, the answer is that this site is not about promoting a look by demeaning other looks. An alternative motive underlying this site could be that I was dumped by a thin/masculine woman and have decided to take out my frustrations on all such women, but to those so inclined, they should read around this site, especially note materials on statistical distributions (example), and ask themselves if the person behind this site does not have the intellect to avoid extrapolating from the particular to the general, i.e., if one thin/masculine woman is bad then they all are.
The reader should also ask why does this website focus on models and beauty pageant contestants? If it is about looks then why not address female celebrities such as big-name singers, TV personalities and actresses when doing so is bound to bring in a lot more web traffic and spread the message? The answer is that this site is about looks in certain contexts. Models are selected because of their looks and a true beauty pageant should select contestants based on looks. Both modeling and beauty pageants intersect with the issue of aesthetics, and when it is not possible to find mainstream sources of feminine beauty appreciation, it is time to address the reasons why and work toward seeing feminine beauty in the limelight, which is what this website is about. I don’t have anything against skinny or masculinized women, and I don’t have problems with using masculinized women in modeling scenarios where there is a need for it, as in using non-feminine women to market athletic products. In addition, if a company wished to cast thin or masculinized women models for any purpose or someone wanted to organize a beauty pageant focusing on thin or masculinized women, I do not have a problem with it. However, some people are responsible for making masculinized women de rigueur in the typical modeling scenario or mainstream beauty pageant. Not even lingerie models have been spared and there is not a single major beauty pageant that focuses on feminine beauty. Time to do something about it. My problems are with the people responsible, and these are not the masculinized models/beauty pageant contestants. The culprits are the male homosexuals who dominate the fashion business. Those wondering how their influence extends to beauty pageants should understand that the big beauty pageants usually have homosexuals working behind the scenes and that it is not possible to realize big beauty pageants without sponsorship, a lot of it coming from the fashion and beauty industries.
This should hopefully clarify my intentions, but clarifications notwithstanding, some women are bound to be offended by this site and have their self-esteem or body-esteem undermined. To these women I offer my sincere apology. Again, it is not my intent to affect how women feel about themselves. Sometimes it is not possible to come up with a win-win scenario in spite of one’s best intentions, and though I firmly believe that the good that will come out of this site will far exceed the bad, I do realize that some negatives are inevitable, and these shall constitute my sins for which I will have to atone.
Comments
# 1 | Submitted by A. Hiyane on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 01:42 | link
I just thought you ought to know after considering several options including removing my sorry sack of obviously disgusting "eunchoid" genes (I am obiously a failure of womanhood from birth) from the planet by merciful euthanasia. I have decided to make as much money as I can and have surgeries to sterilize myself. Once that sterilization is done I will consider living a life of reclusiveness and wearing a constant full body veil so no one has to look at my repulsive body and face. If possible I am going to try to get the following surgeries because I am not feminine enough. Humeral resection- to shorten the bones of my arms, Silicone hip implants- to widen my hips, breast fat grafting- to give me breasts more in line with the "feminine ideal", at least two rib resections with corset posture fixation-so that I can have a waist meant to be on a woman , pinky toe removal-, bite narrowing-for a narrower mouth, silicone forehead implant-to produce a more rounded forehead, forehead recontouring- to get rid of my brow bone, zygomatic recontouring-to get rid of my high cheeks, eyelash and eyebrow implants-to give me fuller more feminine lashes, brow lift-to give me the higher eyebrow larger eye effect, eye lift-to give me a larger more foreward eye effect, chin recontouring-to taper my chin and reduce its height, mandibular resection of bone and muscle plus botox-to remove my jaw angle, canine implants lumineers and whitening- because beautiful women have youthful teeth, removing the excess skin between my fingers- to give me longer more feminine fingers, sclerotherapy- to remove the prominent veins in my legs arms hands and to treat colored veins near the surface, rhinoplasty- to give me a more nordic nose, minilipo- to contour my whole body and accentuate curves, Neck bracing- to lengthen my neck, throat cartilege trimming- to give my throat a smaller more feminine look, spironolactone- to block out what little androgens I may be producing, estrogen pills to augment my body's estrogen production, forward cheek implants- to give me nice round apple cheeks, I can't do anything as of yet aout my broad shoulders Perhaps a collar bone resection, If only I had begun taking super doses of estrogen and androgen blockers before I reached menarche. I will also bleach all my body hair and completely remove what I cannot bleach blonde, augment my upper lip with fat to make it fuller, get light permanent makeup around my eyes to bring them more foreward, bleach my skin, get light permannet makeup on my lips to make them fuller and pinker, get light permanent makeup on my nipples and the visible mucous membranes of the vagina to make them pinker, get a labiaplasty because nordic women must have pretty vaginas that are tighter. So a vaginal rejuvination as well. I will try to see of they can't widen my hips wih some sort of internal brace. Also I will have surgery to make my belly button more attractive. I will have needling and laser done to minimize my scars resurface my face and skin, have cellulite maintenance treatments and antioxidant injections (they seem to work for cindy crawford). Also I will be eating a very plant based clean diet.
And obviously since I was born disgusting I will be cutting my tongue out so I can not communicate because I am not worthy to and I will then drop out of work and school and do menial labor for someone like you if possible and when they get tired of my sorry ass they can have me euthanized.
Obviously this is the only answer. All non nordic women should kill themselves or get themselves fixed as soon as possible so no one breeds with them they are all ugly bitches who deserve to die. They should cover themselves and get surgery.
That's all I can think of and the compilation of my research. Please understand I am completely serious and am in no way mocking this site. This has been a good source of research for me and what has made me realize how worthless I am. I dumped my boyfriend so he would not be infected with me. I am a white typical model type looking girl.
Also I am probably dumber than the "feminine ideal" as well so please excuse all my worthless prattle and its many many mistakes.
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# 2 | Submitted by Erik on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 20:32 | link
Mother of… Honey, see a shrink ASAP!!! Please take my advice seriously and don't dismiss it as a joke.
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# 3 | Submitted by jenny on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 22:22 | link
You're telling her to see a shrink?? Hahahahahaha.
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# 4 | Submitted by The Man on Sat, 10/04/2008 - 23:11 | link
The owner of this site is clearly a homosexual. Not that there is anything wrong with that but it makes you a poor judge of female beauty. Please delete your site and euthanize yourself.
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I feel as if you may be a racist. You believe nordic women are ideal don't you? I would have to say that Nordic women are the second most masculine women in my book right behind... won't say.
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# 6 | Submitted by Miss Holloway on Fri, 10/17/2008 - 22:39 | link
I just have a question and I wasn't sure where else to direct it. You stated "Every now and then I come across some attractive women that unfortunately have small breasts, like the two women below, and am left lamenting that if only these women had normal breasts, I would have put them in the attractive women section." So, women with small breasts are unattractive? You're trying to promote "feminine" beauty, yet you're putting "beauty" in a very small margin. Yeah, its nice that you're trying to teach people that more body types than those of models are attractive. But those models are women too. They might work to get those bodies, but their basic body shapes are theirs and their own.
As a bisexual woman with small breasts, I can tell you that my boyfriend loves my breasts and I find small breasts attractive. I find large breasts attractive, yeah, but I also like small breasts.
Who are you? Are you a man or a woman? Do you work in the fashion industry? What makes you think you have any right to tell women how they should look?
Baker Bob is right, you are racist. What you're doing is no different than the study of eugenics. Look it up. It's not a compliment. The skull thing? Dead on. Good job, Hitler.
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# 7 | Submitted by Erik on Sun, 10/19/2008 - 01:10 | link
Miss Holloway: You answered your first question before asking this question. You quote me as stating that I sometimes come across attractive women with breasts too small to put them in the attractive women section. So how are these women unattractive to me when I started out describing them as attractive? Putting too many women with very small breasts in the attractive women section – and there are some such women there – is not consistent with promoting feminine beauty.
Beauty is by its very nature exclusive and exists within a narrow range.
As to who I am, I am from an extraterrestrial species that has 3 sexes and hence the male or female designations do not apply, and I don’t work in the fashion industry. This means that you must evaluate my arguments based on the evidence I offer. And please, one doesn’t have to be a dog to understand a few things about dogs.
This website is not telling women how they should look. It is about promoting some looks.
The goals of this website do not remotely resemble the eugenics movement, which wasn’t started by Hitler or the Nazis. The eugenics movement was started and promoted by then counterparts of people that we today refer to as leftists or liberals or progressives. And if skull diagrams equal eugenics then, keeping in mind that very few people are into skull diagrams, I suggest you concern yourself with the large number of Nazis running around in the form of Socialists (Socialism was a central Nazi platform), animal rights people (Hitler had high regard for vegetarianism and mostly practiced it), environmental rights people (The Nazis expressed strong interest in a healthy environment), Volkswagen Bug owners (the Bug was commissioned by Hitler), etc.
Baker bob is a malicious individual. He has left comments under several aliases. Here he accuses me of believing that Nordic women are ideal, but it is common observation that attractive and unattractive women are found in all populations, and he ignores my extensive argument that attractiveness cannot be objectively compared across ethnic groups.
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Erik, you said "I don’t have anything against skinny or masculinized women, and I don’t have problems with using masculinized women in modeling scenarios where there is a need for it, as in using non-feminine women to market athletic products."
Women cannot be athletic and feminine at the same time? If a woman wants to look feminine, should she refrain from exercise in order to not look like the masculinized models you think should be used to promote athletic products?
You mentioned that feminine women that are considered attractive by 'lifetime-exclusive heterosexual men' (or whatever you call it) should be used to advertize lingerie and clothing targeted towards women because such clothing are indirectly targeted at men and women are supposed to be buying the clothing in order to attract men. Are women who buy athletic gear and exercise considered unattractive to heterosexual men?
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# 9 | Submitted by Erik on Thu, 11/13/2008 - 20:52 | link
Jules: Women can be athletic and feminine at the same time, but feminine women will tend to be underrepresented among the better performing female athletes for obvious reasons: larger breasts, wider hips, lesser muscle mass, narrower shoulders and other more feminine features generally diminish athletic performance. You would want the women used to market athletic products to look like they are good athletes and hence using feminine women for this purpose would generally not be the best approach.
Women should not refrain from exercise to avoid looking masculine; regular exercise/physical activity is highly recommended because of its numerous fitness and some health benefits. It is not like the only valid forms of exercise are those that build muscle mass and heavier bones. Besides, some women will improve their looks by gaining some muscle mass.
Women who wear athletic gear or exercise are not unattractive to men. There are surely a large number of pictures of women in athletic gear that many men like. Physical appearance, not behavior or the minutiae of dress, is relevant to this site. To me, feminine beauty dressed to kill (as in a female version of Rambo) is more appealing than a seductively-posing masculinized woman in a bikini.
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I've been doing a research on the psychology of modelizers--men who only date high-fashion models. This website is refreshing; it reassures my argument that ego-thirsty, power-driven men are attracted to status, not beauty. High-fashion models are status symbols, not feminine beauty in any way. Although there are a few bones to pick, you certainly provide some illuminating information.
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# 11 | Submitted by Jules on Mon, 12/01/2008 - 17:55 | link
Erik, if you think women who advertise athletic equipment should look like good athletes, thus being more masculine in appearance, why do you object to the models used in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue? It is a sports magazine aimed towards people interested in sports and athletic achievement, and you said it yourself that more feminine features diminish athletic performance, so it seems rather appropriate for the magazine to use women that are more athletic and look it too rather than the glamour models you promote. Glamour models in a sports magazine is inappropriate. There are other magazines out there that promote glamour models.
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# 12 | Submitted by Sally on Sun, 12/07/2008 - 10:40 | link
This whole site is crazy. I would be angry at this creepy man telling us what is beautiful and what isn't, except that he is obviously not able to get a woman "masculinised" or otherwise and therefore has a lot of time on his hands (or is it just the one, since the other one is "on it") to write bizarre polemics based on porn and fashion models. Just so you know "Erik", neither of those groups represent normal everyday women. More power to the women who get this crazy man's money from his copious porn site subscriptions! hahaha!
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# 13 | Submitted by Erik on Wed, 12/10/2008 - 01:17 | link
Jules: I have posted two articles on the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and in no case have I objected to the appearance of female athletes in it regardless of how feminine they are. Who would object to seeing Maria Sharapova or Amanda Beard in underwear in the magazine? But the point of the SI swimsuit issue isn’t to focus on female athletes or athletic-looking women but on eye candy for men instead. SI primarily recruits from the world of modeling and hardly any of these models are among ranked athletes. Several SI models are too slender, more specifically not having enough muscle mass, to be good athletes. Take a look at Heidi Klum and Quiana Grant in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and tell me how athletic they look.
Sally: Your comment is pointless. Haven’t I clearly explained that this website does not concern itself with the appearance of normal everyday women? It is about models and beauty pageant contestants. Several of these models have been taken from adult-oriented sites, but this is because of lack of alternatives, as clearly explained in the faq section. I rarely use porn models, and I don’t subscribe to any sites to get the pictures I use.
You must learn to not shoot the messenger. The essence of this site is what most people find beautiful in women, not what I find beautiful in women. Bridgette Wilson-Sampras is obviously a masculinized woman compared to women in general.
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Actually Erik, I there is nothing that I must (or even could) learn from you. You seem like a psycho. How much of your time do you spend a day on this site?
If you are talking about beauty pageant winners and models, who are they "masculinised" in comparison too?
Your site contains numerous pictures of nude or semi nude women (and they arent "Art nudes" by any means), therefore they are porn. I think you must learn to not shoot the messenger! The message from most women is clear, nobody gives two hoots about what you think its beautiful or not. We do give two hoots (and so do alot of men, actually) about how offensive it is that you are a self styled expert and you are quite offensive about certain types of women, and even going so far as to call the men who like them "homosexuals" when really it's just your own personal taste. You know, Jim Jones actually claimed he was the only heterosexual in the world (even though he is known to have engaged in anal sex with men!)...I wonder if you can see the parallels here?
So do you currently have a girlfriend or wife?
hahahah! Don't worry, I already know the answer...(oh and someone you chat to on the net and have never met doesn't count), and if by chance you have a wife or gf, I feel sorry for them, because you obviously neglect them in order to further your bizarre agenda here..(that and that they were probably bought from Russia or somewhere like that)
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Erik, SI have used known athletes in their swimsuit issues such as Maria Sharapova and Amanda Beard, and in their latest issue, racecar driver Danica Patrick. However, despite their good looks, they do not pose as well for photographs as professional models who pose for a living. Heidi Klum and Quiana Grant look very fit. Women do not look like that by starving themselves, but by eating healthy and exercising. It is very difficult for women to build large muscle mass especially when they naturally have a slender build. Next thing you know, you will say that Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh is too slender to be a good athlete.
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Thankyou, Erik, for your thought provoking ideas. The fact that some people are unable to cope with different opinions and immediately tackle the person rather than the ideas is predictable.
Despite the inevitable criticism and rancor that such a topic unleashes it is great to have some opinion and discussion on the matter.
I believe you have been very brave to express your opinions and attempt to do it in a cogent way. Your thoughts about homosexual perceptions of female beauty make sense from my own limited experience.
I would encourage everyone who reads the content of your site to reflect about the matter in terms of our children and, if you are getting cross, just put down your arms to think it through.
Of course everyone will have a different take on this (that's a given), so we don't need to attack anyone (as if that actually does anything positive anyway).
Better to use this material, I feel, as a catalyst for open thought.
So let's all have our say with dignity. Why not disagree, verify and qualify to explore this? Thoughtful discourse is good.
Personally, I have a richer appreciation of beauty in women so the paradigm of beauty used here is too limiting for me. But good on you for making a serious effort to raise these matters. Be nice to also add a section on male beauty... or does that cross a cultural line in the US?
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I just recently wandered in here from a Google image search, and, having read the writings, feel I must commend you for creating an excellent website, free of the modern egalitarian nonsense that is stifling everyone of genuine sense and decency.
Some of the comments here are typical. Wherever the assertion is made that people are not equal, be it in beauty or mental ability, the envious begin their obviously motivated attacks, and the I-am-a-paragon-of-morality-unlike-you moral masturbators start their pleasuring.
I have compassion for the envious, as envy is the worst feeling ever, and I would, if a button were presented to me that to push would render everyone beautiful, push it, but my compassion ends when they begin, as most do, to cut others down to soothe their feelings, or make unreasonable demands of others, such as wanting the truth to be repressed, to others' detriment, because it pains them to know it.
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# 18 | Submitted by what? on Mon, 01/12/2009 - 17:47 | link
I can see your point, and your argument. But it will inevitably affect some women, and you have to accept that. You can't just brush off other people's feelings just because they don't share your opinion.
For example, I do admit that I felt a bit ugly because of the small breasts thing. Sadly, we don't choose our bodies. And of course there are LOTS of women with small breasts who will feel bad because of such comments. Because men don't have breasts, so they will NEVER understand just how important are breasts for women, both physically and emotionally.
You just have to accept it, and move on. Don't make so many excuses for it. It affects us, it's a fact of life. Skip the whole "this site is not intended to hurt your body image..." and you'll get a lot less hating. It's pointless. Don't tell us not to be affected, so skip this whole page, it's pointless because it will happen, no matter how many disclaimers you write.
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# 19 | Submitted by solo on Wed, 01/14/2009 - 00:52 | link
What? said:
"Because men don't have breasts, so they will NEVER understand just how important are breasts for women, both physically and emotionally."
However, men DO lose their hair, which is considered MUCH more emotionally damaging than small breasts to a woman. First, the typical man who loses his hair in male-pattern baldness HAD hair to start with, then slowly watches as he loses it. Women with small breasts have always had small breasts, so there's no traumatic mutation over time.
When men lose their hair, it is said to be the equivalent in emotional trauma to that of a women losing a bra-size every year or two. . . until they're gone.
THIS, women will never understand.
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# 20 | Submitted by what? on Sat, 01/17/2009 - 16:12 | link
Ha, ha, solo, how ignorant! There's also woman hair loss in woman pattern baldness. Typical, anyway, men always belittle women's issues, thinking theirs are more important.
I wish someone would do masculinebeauty.info, just to make men feel as crap as some women feel while reading this. How typical of men, really! It's not enough for us to not have the perfect WHR, the perfect breasts, yes, the perfect HAIR, to remove hair from unwanted places, to be thin, to not be too thin, to be this tall, to not be this tall, to be blonde, etc, etc.
I hate when men complain of hair loss, because honestly Solo, hair loss is the least of your problems. I wonder how would men feel if there were gigantic billboards advertising shoes (which seems to be one of the favourite things for women to buy), featuring guys in underwear with HUGE, yes, HUUUUUGE bulging packages showing through their briefs.
FYI, women lose hair too. I have less hair than normal, but what can I do? I have small breasts, and I have the pleasure to be subjected to the gaze of every man who sees me to judge me, especially since I have a less than feminine look, with my strong jawline and small breasts. I have to accept that every time I do a ponytail, men and women will always tell me in shock "OMG! you have SO little hair!". Ando the same thing with my breasts.
So shut up, solo. God, I hate men and their body issues. It's just hair dammit. There are hot bald guys. There is such a thing. Taye Diggs is just one example.
The day men have to feel self conscious about their breasts, butts, legs, hair, hair removal, and having children and the disastrous consequences it has on one's body, then we'll talk. Because, you know, men typically don't deal with cellulite either. They don't deal with stretch marks, or getting stretch marks after bearing your freaking kid for nine months! only to get ugly stretch marks, and sometimes, loose skin. Oh, and don't even get me started on the fact that sometimes after giving birth, the vaginal canal needs surgery because it gets too loose and that causes urinary incontinence. Or, if you prefer a C-section you have to deal with an ugly scar and not being able to lift heavy weights for like a year.
Yes, men have it hard too, but don't belittle women's concerns. We have to deal with everything this site mentions, all at once. Breasts, butt, hair, face, hair removal, hips, waist, and some things can't be changed. And sometimes we're teased, or judged. But if we comment on a guy who is balding, or a guy who has a small penis, ohhhh noo, poor guy, don't play with his self esteem like that! Bullshit, it's all bullshit.
Women try to look good for men, like you, Solo. So shut up and stop complaining because we try to do our best, and we get frustrated with things such as breast size, because some idiotic men degrade us if we're not at least a C cup.
(BTW, Erik, this has nothing to do with you, my "whining", as some people would call it, was adressed to Solo)
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# 21 | Submitted by James on Wed, 01/21/2009 - 02:29 | link
<"I wish someone would do masculinebeauty.info, just to make men feel as crap as some women feel while reading this">
The point of this site seems to be promoting a different feminine ideal than popular culture is. If your body shape is that of a "beautiful" woman according to modern popular culture - no doubt you'll feel this site is insulting.
If your body shape is more to Erik's ideals - more rounded softer faces, and a bit of an hour-glass shape - you really shouldn't be insulted.
For me no matter what the size: 8 , 12, 16 or more, I like to see an hourglass figure. A-cup or D-cup, big booty or small, I like to look up from the feet to see that curvy swell of hips, then moving narrower to the waist and then out again as it goes up. And big, captivating eyes.
I don't like the supermodels of popular culture - who wants to hug or kiss a bag of bones?
<"I have to accept that every time I do a ponytail, men and women will always tell me in shock "OMG! you have SO little hair!". And do the same thing with my breasts.">
Don't accept it. If people are rude, call them on it, loudly and publicly. Shame them for being rude, because apparently they didn't know it, and so they are begging to be educated. It's a teachable moment - use it.
We all have different ideals of beauty, but don't let any one put you down. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Don't consent.
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I am truly delighted that we still have people as wise and educated as you are! Thank you! You give me some hope for this world, seriously!
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# 23 | Submitted by J on Thu, 01/22/2009 - 03:22 | I'm surprised at the anger
I'm surprised at the anger being directed at this site's creator. He really isn't saying anything groundbreaking: the basic point seems to be that the heavy involvement of homosexuals in the fashion industry seems to have begun mandating a standard of female beauty that is influenced by those masculine traits that would be attractive to homosexuals. Hard to argue with on its own merits. The guy defends his points pretty well.
He said "Beauty is by its very nature exclusive and exists within a narrow range." I am glad someone is willing to actually say this. I'm pretty tired of the "everyone is beautiful" game. If everyone is, no one is. It's like saying everyone is tall.
For people who come in and bash the guy, claiming the carefully written site somehow means he can't get a woman or whatever...think hard about the fact you're trying to bash a guy for making a site that is basically about liking feminine women with big chests and so forth. Do you think childish insults are going to change someone's mind on that? Good luck; you're pissing into the wind.
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# 24 | Submitted by Pissing into th... on Thu, 01/22/2009 - 04:52 | link
Well, looking at the comments here, the majority seemed to be pissed off with the website and have voiced their opinion and majority reflects reality.
So why are you surprised?
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# 25 | Submitted by James on Thu, 01/22/2009 - 06:14 | Pissing into the wind - majority
If you think the people who leave comments represent a "majority" of thought, you've never had to design a statisitcally accurate test.
Not everyone who does would find this site.
Not everyone who does find this site would leave a comment.
- So you are reading a highly selective group and calling it the "majority". It is not.
Each person has their own ideal of beauty - and it appears to change over time.
If you look at pictures from 50 years ago, skinny girls are not the subject of choice.
If you look at paintings from 1, 2 or 3 centuries ago, skinny girls are not the subject of choice.
Sculptures from Greek and Roman times are not of skinny girls.
People's idea of feminine (and male) beauty is influenced by what they see portrayed as beautiful.
Advertising is training you to like a certain ideal - you can go along with it, or you can fight it. Most people don't even realize they are being affected.
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# 26 | Submitted by what? on Sat, 01/24/2009 - 15:35 | link
Ok, so I don't think I'm beautiful by media standards. But I'm also not feminine enough according to this site either. Fine. So it's a universal truth that you need to be an hourglass to be a beautiful woman. But what happens when you didn't choose your damn genes? Is it my fault that I'm UGLY? Because if I'm not feminine enough, then if I'm not beautiful, then I'm UGLY.
I'm not an insecure girl with huge breasts, ugly dyed blonde hair and narrow hips (ie. Playboy wannabe). No. I have huge hips and small breasts, and I'm in my normal BMI, but not quite as thin as the models placed here. As I said, I don't have much hair. My jaw line is a bit strong. I'm not blonde. I'm latina. My skin isn't white.
Great. How am I supposed to feel good about myself if I'm being confirmed that I'm ugly?
James, congrats on you for being a man. Congrats for loving the curves of feminine women. Congrats on not having to feel bad about yourself because of a website that is telling you that your body is simply not enough.
Oh, but I'm a woman. And women are nagging bitches. And women take everything too personally and they shouldn't, they shouldn't feel bad because a bunch of "science" men are "promoting" this ideal of beauty. An ideal that we just can't achieve.
FFS people, NOBODY likes feeling ugly. Just as I have to accept that "not everyone can be beautiful, because beauty is narrow", just accept my feelings of inadequacy because I'm being told I'm ugly, and I didn't choose to. I'm not attacking Erik, I think I already stated that. Of course I know a waif is not attractive, I don't even buy women's magazines or strive to look like Adriana Lima, I'm not an idiot, I KNOW HOURGLASSES ARE WHAT MEN WANT. It just hurts not to be one. Because I look like a stupid pear.
Still, I think that just for scientifical interest, it would be nice to know what the standards of male beauty are. Not to make any man feel inadequate, but just to know why is it that wide shoulders and being tall are considered attractive in a man.
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# 27 | Submitted by Vincent, from France on Sat, 01/24/2009 - 20:45 | link
I want to answer to "What?"
You say "not everyone can be beautiful, because beauty is narrow" : THAT'S NOT TRUE, beauty is wide
I'm a man and sure I like hourglasses BUT that's not important : lot of a girls whith flat breast or flat ass are nevertheless beautiful. Sometimes, just a mooth or a nice haircut or beautiful eyes makes a woman entirely beautiful.
Women are what men like, so if you are a woman, you're on the right way.
It is easy for a woman to be beautiful.
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From the way you think I can see why the best lovers are from France! Maybe if Erik thought like that he would get laid more often...
jk Erik, just a joke to lighten up the mood lol
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# 29 | Submitted by what? on Sun, 01/25/2009 - 17:36 | link
I get what you're saying, Vincent, but those weren't exactly my words, those are things that posters above me said, and those are practically the main ideas in this site.
J SAID:
He said "Beauty is by its very nature exclusive and exists within a narrow range." I am glad someone is willing to actually say this. I'm pretty tired of the "everyone is beautiful" game. If everyone is, no one is. It's like saying everyone is tall.
For me no matter what the size: 8 , 12, 16 or more, I like to see an hourglass figure. A-cup or D-cup, big booty or small, I like to look up from the feet to see that curvy swell of hips, then moving narrower to the waist and then out again as it goes up. And big, captivating eyes
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what?,
however just because many of those people say this, including erik, does not make their statements objective...
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# 31 | Submitted by Laura on Mon, 01/26/2009 - 00:06 | link
I am very confused because I personally am a very slender woman with C cup breasts, a small waist, large butt, hourglass figure, light, blonde hair, dark hazel-brown eyes, round face, fine features. However, I am athletic, I can run fast and I can hit a baseball. I get straight As. People say my mannerisms are very strange because they are very feminine with a masculine twist as though I am dominating but submissive in everything I do. I have very feminine features but can act and be very masculine as well. I have a high sex drive too. How do you explain this? I look like the women you have on this site, very soft and curvy yet toned and not flabby... So what am I?
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To "What?"
Ok if you want to be a pinup or a pornstar or Miss World, you have to be hourglass shaped and to have a feminine face, that's ok.
But one can be very attractive without this, one do not need to have the perfect body to be beautiful.
You must keep in mind that men and are not tyrannical about feminine beauty.
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# 33 | Submitted by Eileen on Sun, 02/15/2009 - 17:06 | Does It Matter?
Call me crazy, but shouldn't women and even young girls just define beauty based off of their own terms?
This site may have all the statistics, testimonials and etc, but this site does not thoroughly and completely define femininity and beauty and it should not. Beauty is like truth, it's relative. According to Western society, I'm ugly. To many African cultures, I'm frickin' hot. So what?
The way I see it, (my opinion here) everyone is beautiful, but in numerous, diverse ways. The fact that someone who is considered outside of the norm of beauty can be considered beautiful just from that. There is no such thing as ugly because chances are someone out there would find that person hotter than Las Vegas weather.
So to Laura who is very similar to me, we are beautiful, feminine, masculine, dominant and submissive.
This site should have a disclaimer that states that not all beauty and femininity lies on the outside, the majority of it is in the inside, thus not all beauty and femininity are created equal.
So ladies LOVE yourself and try not to over-analyze yourselves and others. If people don't like the way you look or if they say you act too girly or not enough, give them the bird! Or maybe just tell them that beauty is relative and then give them the bird. Lol! My guys, the same thing can be applied to you too.
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# 34 | Submitted by Eileen on Sun, 02/15/2009 - 17:07 | Does It Matter?
Call me crazy, but shouldn't women and even young girls just define beauty based off of their own terms?
This site may have all the statistics, testimonials and etc, but this site does not thoroughly and completely define femininity and beauty and it should not. Beauty is like truth, it's relative. According to Western society, I'm ugly. To many African cultures, I'm frickin' hot. So what?
The way I see it, (my opinion here) everyone is beautiful, but in numerous, diverse ways. The fact that someone who is considered outside of the norm of beauty can be considered beautiful just from that. There is no such thing as ugly because chances are someone out there would find that person hotter than Las Vegas weather.
So to Laura who is very similar to me, we are beautiful, feminine, masculine, dominant and submissive.
This site should have a disclaimer that states that not all beauty and femininity lies on the outside, the majority of it is in the inside, thus not all beauty and femininity are created equal.
So ladies LOVE yourself and try not to over-analyze yourselves and others. If people don't like the way you look or if they say you act too girly or not enough, give them the bird! Or maybe just tell them that beauty is relative and then give them the bird. Lol! My guys, the same thing can be applied to you too.
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# 35 | Submitted by Eileen on Sun, 02/15/2009 - 17:10 | Does It Matter?
Call me crazy, but shouldn't women and even young girls just define beauty based off of their own terms?
This site may have all the statistics, testimonials and etc, but this site does not thoroughly and completely define femininity and beauty and it should not. Beauty is like truth, it's relative. According to Western society, I'm ugly. To many African cultures, I'm frickin' hot. So what?
The way I see it, (my opinion here) everyone is beautiful, but in numerous, diverse ways. The fact that someone who is considered outside of the norm of beauty can be considered beautiful just from that. There is no such thing as ugly because chances are someone out there would find that person hotter than Las Vegas weather.
This site should have a disclaimer that states that not all beauty and femininity lies on the outside, the majority of it is in the inside, thus not all beauty and femininity are created equal.
So ladies LOVE yourself and try not to over-analyze yourselves and others. If people don't like the way you look or if they say you act too girly or not enough, give them the bird! Or maybe just tell them that beauty is relative and then give them the bird. Lol! My guys, the same thing can be applied to you too.
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# 36 | Submitted by Eileen on Sun, 02/15/2009 - 17:12 | Sorry
Sorry about the three replies. Wasn't sure that my reply got through. Sorry!
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# 37 | Submitted by DN on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 13:33 | link
The sight is virtually awash with European women held up as the "ideal" and their features also. It is all quite-small-minded and there seems to be a white-supremacist agenda, if not Euro-Centric assumptions, thinking that the whole world begins, ends and revolves around our own subjective opinion. I dont have to look like that in order to be attractive nor do I want to: I dont need to be accepted by people with narrow minded thinking! Its very unkind to compare peoples, inc. those from different races and pit them off against each other in crass judgements. God made us as we are! The world is a big and diverse place! Its a waste of time.
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I have to agree. It's a complete waste of time. At first, reading the posts of EmilyandErik, I was frustrated that there was so little I could do to get a sane point across. They tend to ignore questions whose answers would place them in a negative light, and basically show them to be body and color fascists seeking to substitute their own agenda. Yeah, I said it... It's incredibly frustrating that someone could be out here, on the net, using outmoded and tainted, scientifically unsound terms like Nordic, Slavic, and Aryan, (all while ignoring other scientific markers of attractiveness)... Posting pictures of brown and black skinned women which look more like post mortem shots of Sarah Baartman (may her soul rest in peace)"for contrast," and measuring and defining female beauty as if it is something that could be quantified every single time. (Such actions smacks of someone looking to conquer and quantify that which has power over him, namely, female beauty). At first, I was frustrated. Until I realized how frustrated Erik must be, one man at his computer, trying to save the world's women from homosexuals so he can have them for himself. Trying desperately to turn a media stampede. It won't happen. Erik's theories are not particularly relevant to the fashion industry. Even if he were completely right (he does make some good points), and didn't come across as a bit of an ass (he does), he still wouldn't have enough of a say to make any headway. My advice to you DN is to take Erik as lightly as any runway show, something which has no bearing on real life, real faces, or real bodies. Only, a runway show is much more vibrant and fun.
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I dont believe anyone in the fashion industry will take it seriously enough to do what the Website creater wants because the "scientific" supporting information used is outdated, providing support for those who wish to be racist. Very few of us are 100% any nationality if any, so I do not see why there is time for people to wage campaigns on the idea of two people from another race falling in love and having a baby. Why do we have to erect false ideas in order to feel better than one another? "Race", "colour", "wealth", "intelligence", "beauty"... I have the news on here and in other countries they dealing with wars, natural disasters, poverty and oppression. Here in England, Im sure many children are ok, but some are dropping out of the (education)system causing havock, I recently met a woman who lost a baby and there are people whose marriages have broken down, leaving children to deal with seperation and this is in England. There are more important things to be concerned with, even in our immediate sphere of day-to-day life.
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# 40 | Submitted by Meredith on Tue, 04/28/2009 - 02:21 | While I by no means think
While I by no means think that every person is objectively beautiful, I do think the restrictions on this site are way too narrow and are quite ridiculous. There are all shapes and sizes that people find beautiful, and it is much more difficult to classify than with the simple restrictions provided here.
Besides, the examples provided don't even make sense with the restrictions given. The avg. hip to waist ratio of a Playboy model is actually .68. This is BELOW the .7 or below ratio that it was thought most men prefer. Yes, Playboy models (even with their fake boobs, which I don't like), actually DO have the hour-glass figures that you say are the ideal for beauty.
Culture also DOES play a role in the perception of beauty, like it or not. (I mean general perception of beauty, not just industry standards set by a few presumably homosexual men.) In other centuries, heavy women were in vogue. Corsets altering the very structure of the body were once considered the ultimate in beauty, as was foot-binding. In the 1920s it was flat chests, and in the 1950s hour-glass figures were all the rage... then Twiggy... then the supermodels of the 80s and 90s... then waif-like, heroine chic... now we're back to big breasts again - and in culture (outside the fashion mainstream - but not as much as you'd think), real women have curves.
This particular quote stood out in terms of the role of culture in the perception of beauty in regards to mate choice:
""Waist-to-hip ratio may indeed be a useful signal to men, then, but whether men prefer a [waist-to-hip ratio] associated with lower or higher androgen/estrogen ratios (or value them equally) should depend on the degree to which they want their mates to be strong, tough, economically successful and politically competitive," Cashdan writes."
Next, you have to take into consideration how much these models are air-brushed. Even most of the women you claim are masculinized(sp) have had their waists airbrushed to appear smaller in comparison to their hips, often altering the way the natural ribcage could appear so much as to be unrealistic no matter how much weight is gained or lost.
To me, the comparison of this site to eugenics is absolutely fair. Of course, maybe I'm just bitter as a result of my naturally small-chested, wide-rib-caged, narrow-waisted and underweight frame. (Hopefully, I won't be underweight for long... been under a lot of stress this year and seem to keep losing the pounds once I put them on... sigh)
FWIW, I know that most avg women out there think that women like me have it easy... simply because I'm thin. The truth is, I don't fit the ideal shown in the fashion industry and in the media any more than they do. For every woman who wishes she had a smaller chest, there is a woman like me who wouldn't mind a larger one (though I like my A cups). For every woman complaining about her large hips, there is a woman like me wishing for more "womanly" curves (and we have to endure the extra insult of the implication that we are not REAL woman, bc of course, real women have curves). For every few women who are upset that they are overweight, there is a woman like me who would love to gain 10 pounds. Everyone is under the microscope. However, I still don't think this site promotes beauty. If you were to add up all of the qualifications listed, not even the women listed in the "attractive women" section would meet every qualification here. This site is just a really just the authors view of beauty, not generalized as he claims. It is also a bit sick and twisted that this much time is devoted to it in my opinion.
In case you are wondering how I got to this site, I was doing a search to find pictures of what natural women look like (not in a sexualized way per se). I was trying to find relatively varied pictures across the spectrum. Difficult to do when searching online, I know, but I thought I'd try. The more I explored this site, the more offended I became however, and I felt the need to comment. *sigh*
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TO be honest I am objecting to your racism not from a moral standpoint but from a beauty standpoint. Some of the most beautiful girls in the world are Mexican straight often long black hair round cheeks a short nose a very feminine figure u will find girls of both a lean feminine type as well as girls with large well proportioned breasts and butt with wide hips and narrow waists. They combine the Celtic and the native in a way that looks better than both races on their own. The way they are all varying mixes seeing a group of beautiful Mexican women is like visiting a flower garden When they are wearing traditional folkloric costumes with all the layers of colors dancing around its enough to drive most men insane. But you go ahead and stick to your master race You are part of whats wrong with fashion not because you're a bigot I don't care about that all Im saying is your missing out add a little spice to your website and remember real women have curves
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# 42 | Submitted by Emily on Tue, 05/12/2009 - 18:54 | link
"TO be honest I am objecting to your racism not from a moral standpoint but from a beauty standpoint. Some of the most beautiful girls in the world are Mexican straight often long black hair round cheeks a short nose a very feminine figure u will find girls of both a lean feminine type as well as girls with large well proportioned breasts and butt with wide hips and narrow waists. They combine the Celtic and the native in a way that looks better than both races on their own."
Having a physical preference is NOT racism. They "combine the Celtic and the native".. Mexicans - like other non-whites - do benefit from racially mixing with whites. As usual they benefit and whites do not. Coarse "native" genes introduced in the white gene pool hardly benefits whites, generally speaking.
Most true Mexicans without any white blood are hardly most people's idea of beauty. If they are mixed with whites they can look good, obviously, thanks first and foremost to their white genes. If they look truly good it is often because they approach and look similar to whites - not because of looking native Mexican.
It is the diluting of Mexican blood that enhances their appearance. This is also true for other races/ ethnic groups that mix with whites.
Whites are a "recessive" race that give beauty to others while disappearing slowly themselves..
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"While I by no means think that every person is objectively beautiful, I do think the restrictions on this site are way too narrow and are quite ridiculous. There are all shapes and sizes that people find beautiful, and it is much more difficult to classify than with the simple restrictions provided here."
I think it is a misconception to label it "restrictions". On the contrary, I think it is necessary to create some kind of "role model" or "ideals" so that we can actually see and compare these to the modern masculine fashion model, if just to show how far off we are today in comparison to more healthy, natural and feminine ideals of the past.
Homosexual "powermen" within the fashion industry have been allowed for too long to dictate what beauty in women is supposed to be, even though they aren't even sexually attracted to these same women. They view women just like any other object that they are aestetically interested in. The core, raw, FEMININE sexual power that women have over heterosexual men are frightening and revolting to them, so they seek to suppress it, and almost never choose those kinds of women as models or standards of beauty.
Many of them are hostile to women, for obvious reasons, and the often extreme and ridiculous clothes designed for women by them, show that very clearly. Making women look like anorexic ghosts, denying them almost every feminine and natural aspect of their appearance, and making them starve themselves, tells you that these people don't have women's best interest in mind, nor the best interest of heterosexuals, in general.
In fact, I believe their goal is to create the illusion of one, androgynous gender, where feminine men and masculine women make it hard to even tell what gender they are, all in an attempt to show we are all equal, and that gender - just like race - is just a "social construct". Even now they show men in the media who give birth to babies, somehow proving men are just like women... of course not stressing the fact that these "men" were born women. I think society today is going crazy and that it has to stop.
Going back to feminine and truly pretty women - making them our role models - is far healthier and natural than these twisted and sick trends.
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# 44 | Submitted by AH on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 01:52 | link
I'm hispanic and I agree that non-whites have the most to gain from the white gene pool, why is it that all the pretty non-whites are always mixed? Beyonce is mixed by her mother's side who is creole, not many black women are considered hot by the general public. Jessica Alba is another example. The most attractive people from different ethnic groups always tend to be mixed or white in facial features, and I find myself being attracted more to white women more then my own, not because I'm unwilling to date within my own, but because their is a shortage of truly gorgeous women.
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# 45 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Thu, 05/14/2009 - 06:19 | link
I doubt that you are hispanic.
No hispanic person would demean his own race by saying that they are better off mixed with whites.
Jessica Alba is pretty because she benefited from both races, not just the white race.
She clearly looks more mexican than white.
Whereas Cameron Diaz (note the hispanic surname) clearly looks white.
Beyonce, now who on earth would call her white? But she is stunning and she may have a tiny bit of creole blood but creole's not even entirely white.
Even Angelina Jolie and Meghan Fox have native Indian ancestries.
I could give you hundreds of jew actors and actresses that pass for white.
Scarlett Johansen, Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gylenhaal etc etc. I am not even going in there as it's too long.
In conclusion, mixed race actresses are good looking because they have the best of both worlds and not as you would like to believe otherwise.
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"No hispanic person would demean his own race by saying that they are better off mixed with whites."
Why not, if that is the truth as he/ she sees it? Most hispanics DO look better if they are mixed with whites, so I guess he/ she was mature and secure enough to say that.
If it is "demeaning" to tell the truth about something it must be much more demeaning and humiliating to say something you know isn't really true. Loyalty at the expence of honesty is truly sad.
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# 47 | Submitted by just noting on Thu, 05/14/2009 - 23:40 | link
Emily, have you had your testosterone level checked recently? Endless crowing about the beauty of Nordics while eviscerating the looks of every other race in the world is the sort of arrogant, dominating behavior that is universally considered masculine, not feminine. Go see an endocrinologist and he'll give you medication that will balance your hormones and calm you down. I know of what I speak since I recently began treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (high androgens, basically) and I am much calmer and more relaxed, although I was never as ball-busting as you are. Lower testosterone will also give you a more hourglass shaped figure, make your skin brighter and your hair shinier so perhaps you'll develop a little confidence in your own looks and no longer feel the need to label everyone else ugly.
Speaking of inner beauty I find it ironic that many of the explicitly anti-leftist males rhapsodize about the feminine charms of Scandinavian women when Sweden is the most feminist country in the world. In 2000 the Australian ran an article about Swedish feminists' campaign to make men pee sitting down (see link below). It's very hard to imagine a Asian woman or Latina who would ever think of asking a man to do this since their cultures respect men and masculinity. However "masculine" you may find Asian women and Latinas' appearances women with feminine personalities respect masculine men. Women with masculine personalities insult men and order them around like little boys. Also this urine bit is only the most egregious bit of Swedish feminist dreck online. Google "Swedish feminists" for more of their tomfoolery.
I realize that this site focuses on feminine looks, not personalities, but prenatal testosterone as well as androgens in adulthood affect women's personalities as much as their looks. So feminine behavior is just as valid a basis to judge a woman's femininity as her face and body. Emily you have chosen not to grace us with your photo so we can only determine your femininity by your sensitive and elegant prose.
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"Emily you have chosen not to grace us with your photo so we can only determine your femininity by your sensitive and elegant prose."
Well, I am not exactly here to write love letters, you see. Nor am I here to prove my looks or femininity. Judging my looks on the basis of what I write here is hilariously idiotic. Your comment is another bait, I know. That is apparently the only thing people like you can come up with.
I am not the topic or the issue here. Try to understand, please. As for sensitivity, it cannot be forced, and if it would mean a lack of honesty I'm not particularly interested in that here. Why should I be? Since when do you see any sensitivity whatsoever towards whites, by the way - here or anywhere else? The day I see some sensitivity towards us, and less outright hostility, envy and aggression, I will be more sensitive to the feelings of those who are not white. I promise, sweetheart. Now dry your tears.
I have no idea why my looks, or the looks of anyone else who writes here, should be an issue. I'm not that insecure that I need to discuss my own looks here.
I am proud of my heritage and of my people/race, and I which to see it preserved. I see lots of people benefitting from white-mixing, and very little coming our way, so it is very one-sided, I think. The recessive nature of white genes also makes it necessary to breed more within the race, unless you want to see it disappear. This is a biologic, evolutionary fact, no matter how politically incorrect it may be.
I also don't like the hostility and yes, racism, that I see towards whites, nor the double-standard that is often applied to what whites are allowed to say and express in comparison to what other ethnicities and races are allowed to say.
This site, I think, is about femininity in women, and about the loss of feminine beauty in the media, and about the destruction of traditional, normal and feminine beauty ideals. I like the idea of TWO distinct genders - men and women. I like masculinity and strenght in men and femininity in women. I think a contrast is needed.
This is not to say that men and women don't share qualities. They do. I just think the homosexual ideal of totally androgynous men and women, approaching one mono-gender, is appalling and revolting, and also abnormal if it is allowed to dominate the way it does in the fashion- and beauty industry. The modern, downright masculine female ideal promoted by homosexual men has gone too far, and that is what this site wants people to realize, I think.
Some here who feel inferior (many attacks here, outwardly aggressive or hidden behind false graciousness, reek with inferiority complex) and hate the fact that good looks tend to depend on white genes seem to take pleasure in personally attacking those who have a personal taste that doesn't conform to their own looks/ race. Such behaviour does NOT bring out sensitivity in anyone, only contempt.
In other words, constant provocations and personal attacks don't result in feelings of compassion and sensitivity, and this will colour my words. One doesn't reward malice, bad behaviour and envy, and I honestly don't see why I should.
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# 49 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 09:16 | link
Emily,
I don't think we are not trying to appease to your sensitivity, why would anyone seek affirmation from someone who is a complete idiot.
Maybe it's not your fault that you are a racist. You are limited by your capacity to see the world any other way either because of your education, upbringing or society.
The world and life is not just about the white race, get over it and see more of the world. You are just limiting yourself this way in seeing the charm of life everywhere.
It's like saying only roses are beautiful but no other flowers can compare. That's similar to what this website and you in particular are saying, you are missing out on other aspects of beauty as it is limited, narrowed down and one dimensional.
And yes we are all proud of our culture, heritage, race and traditions too. If someone insulted mine I would probably be arrested for assault but the difference between you and me is that you feel that you have the right to disrespect and put down other races to feed your ego.
I was raised to respect all humans as one race and you need to learn that as well.
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# 50 | Submitted by Meredith on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 10:47 | link
"Well, I am not exactly here to write love letters, you see. Nor am I here to prove my looks or femininity. Judging my looks on the basis of what I write here is hilariously idiotic. Your comment is another bait, I know. That is apparently the only thing people like you can come up with."
Ha! Haven't you ever heard the saying, "Judge lest not you be judged?" Or how about this one, "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." Well, guess what... it's true. When you judge other people, you cannot expect to not be judged in return. We KNOW that it not what the site is about, but that is missing the point. If you are willing to judge other people so harshly, don't be surprised when others want to judge you as well. Talk about being able to dish it out, but not being able to take it!
"Since when do you see any sensitivity whatsoever towards whites, by the way - here or anywhere else? The day I see some sensitivity towards us, and less outright hostility, envy and aggression, I will be more sensitive to the feelings of those who are not white. I promise, sweetheart. Now dry your tears."
Okay, more racism. At least it's easy to see and not hiding behind "science" (eugenics).
"I have no idea why my looks, or the looks of anyone else who writes here, should be an issue. I'm not that insecure that I need to discuss my own looks here."
You have made the looks the issue of this site, and you expect it not to be an issue when anyone comments here?
"I am proud of my heritage and of my people/race, and I which to see it preserved. I see lots of people benefitting from white-mixing, and very little coming our way, so it is very one-sided, I think. The recessive nature of white genes also makes it necessary to breed more within the race, unless you want to see it disappear. This is a biologic, evolutionary fact, no matter how politically incorrect it may be."
You do realize it will take thousands of years before that happens right? Even then, it is no guarantee. There are plenty of non-whites that carry recessive white genes as well. A mixed race friend I went to school with had a white mother and a black father. She benefited from the recessive gene for beautiful red hair. Her hair was thick and curly without being that kinky, and it was awesome. She also benefited from the more "African-looking" bone structure, and she was absolutely gorgeous as a result. She was beautiful as a result of the combination of ALL her genes, not just the white genes benefiting the others. To me (though it's admittedly my PERSONAL opinion) I don't think she would have been nearly as beautiful without the stron bone structure in her face that she inherited from her father.
"I also don't like the hostility and yes, racism, that I see towards whites, nor the double-standard that is often applied to what whites are allowed to say and express in comparison to what other ethnicities and races are allowed to say."
Oh, cry me a river. Compared to what other races have had to deal with whites had (and still do have) it easy. Most people that I meet of other races and ethnicities (sp) are not racist towards whites. That is not to say that I haven't met a few non-white racists, but honestly the percentage of racist whites I have met is higher than the percentage of non-white racists.
"This site, I think, is about femininity in women, and about the loss of feminine beauty in the media, and about the destruction of traditional, normal and feminine beauty ideals. I like the idea of TWO distinct genders - men and women. I like masculinity and strenght in men and femininity in women. I think a contrast is needed."
Good for you. Just don't tell me it's science.
"This is not to say that men and women don't share qualities. They do. I just think the homosexual ideal of totally androgynous men and women, approaching one mono-gender, is appalling and revolting, and also abnormal if it is allowed to dominate the way it does in the fashion- and beauty industry. The modern, downright masculine female ideal promoted by homosexual men has gone too far, and that is what this site wants people to realize, I think."
By its very nature the fashion world is going to be abnormal. Even you admit that most people cannot fit into your standard of beauty. If the fashion world adopted your standard as the norm, it would still be "abnormal." As for appalling and revolting, careful: your contempt is showing! If this site is more about appreciating feminine beauty, as you CLAIM it is, rather than putting people down, then why do you feel the need to call such womens' looks "appalling" and "revolting." You are entitled to your opinion, but don't be surprised when other people find it offensive when you are calling people appalling and revolting. As for androgeny and preferences, I read a study years ago, which I'm not going to bother to look up right now, that showed that women prefer more feminine looking men for long-term partners. So, NO, the science does not always agree with you.
"Some here who feel inferior (many attacks here, outwardly aggressive or hidden behind false graciousness, reek with inferiority complex) and hate the fact that good looks tend to depend on white genes seem to take pleasure in personally attacking those who have a personal taste that doesn't conform to their own looks/ race."
I actually came to this site in a moment of weakness when I wasn't feeling very good about my looks. I'm feeling much better about my looks now. While I don't rely on it for my self-esteem, I can say I've had a lot of unsolicited positive feedback from men lately, and that certainly doesn't hurt! :P As for good looks depending on white genes and all the attacks on this site coming from non-whites, I know that is not true in my case. Kiss my blond-haired, blue-eyed, Irish-Polish-American skinny behind! (I was going to write something regarding this in the section on racism, but decided it would be more fun to surprise you here. I'd like to add something to what I wrote in the racism section now... My sample may be biased in terms of seeing more racist whites than non-whites because I am a white raised with a fairly high socio-economic status. I simply know many more whites than blacks, and whites are less likely to hide their racism amongst a group that they presume feels the same way. I don't feel the same way.)
"Such behaviour does NOT bring out sensitivity in anyone, only contempt."
Yes, this is true. Your attacks of others bring this contempt as well. You don't care about stirring contempt from me, why should I hesitate to do the same. For what it worth, we're not attacking you so much as your opinions and ridiculous assumptions. You, on the other hand, are criticizing people directly on something very personal that they cannot do much to change, their looks. Do you not expect contempt as a result?
"In other words, constant provocations and personal attacks don't result in feelings of compassion and sensitivity, and this will colour my words. One doesn't reward malice, bad behaviour and envy, and I honestly don't see why I should."
I feel the same way. Right back at ya, hon!
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# 51 | Submitted by Meredith on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 10:55 | link
Emily,
I don't think we are not trying to appease to your sensitivity, why would anyone seek affirmation from someone who is a complete idiot.
Maybe it's not your fault that you are a racist. You are limited by your capacity to see the world any other way either because of your education, upbringing or society.
The world and life is not just about the white race, get over it and see more of the world. You are just limiting yourself this way in seeing the charm of life everywhere.
It's like saying only roses are beautiful but no other flowers can compare. That's similar to what this website and you in particular are saying, you are missing out on other aspects of beauty as it is limited, narrowed down and one dimensional.
And yes we are all proud of our culture, heritage, race and traditions too. If someone insulted mine I would probably be arrested for assault but the difference between you and me is that you feel that you have the right to disrespect and put down other races to feed your ego.
I was raised to respect all humans as one race and you need to learn that as well."
This was beautiful. Thank you for posting.
I probably shouldn't react the way I did in my last post because two wrongs never make a right, but I'm astounded by how illogical it all is. I know I'm not going to change her mind. There would be no point to it. I don't want others to miss all the hypocritical things that were said in that post though. I'm sure there are other ways to do it, and I'll consider it more next time.
Lovely, lovely post. Really.
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# 52 | Submitted by just noting on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 11:01 | link
"Your comment is another bait, I know."
I'm being objective. There's nothing demure or gentle about the things you write. That said I agree that's not really the issue.
"Why should I be? Since when do you see any sensitivity whatsoever towards whites, by the way - here or anywhere else? The day I see some sensitivity towards us, and less outright hostility, envy and aggression, I will be more sensitive to the feelings of those who are not white. I promise, sweetheart. Now dry your tears."
I agree with you about political correctness and double standards, but why on earth do you want to sink to the level of people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson? Do you really think calling blacks and Asians ugly on some obscure website will make ethnic activists engage in fair discourse?
"I have no idea why my looks, or the looks of anyone else who writes here, should be an issue. I'm not that insecure that I need to discuss my own looks here."
You really don't understand that making incredibly personal attacks on others races' looks and exalting the looks of your own might make people question how stunning you might be? Well, that's the case there nothing I can do to persuade you. I hope in person that your social skills are somewhat better
"I am proud of my heritage and of my people/race, and I which to see it preserved. I see lots of people benefitting from white-mixing, and very little coming our way, so it is very one-sided, I think. The recessive nature of white genes also makes it necessary to breed more within the race, unless you want to see it disappear. This is a biologic, evolutionary fact, no matter how politically incorrect it may be."
That's only because you think that only Nordic-looking people are beautiful. For people with more open-minded tastes people like Halle Berry, Lenny Kravitz, Kristin Kreuk, Russell Wong etc. are quite welcome in the pantheon of beautiful people. Besides it's not as though people in a free society are going to stop interbreeding, so why not enjoy it? If Swedes and white people in general where to disappear I'd think it was a loss for humanity but it will take a long time for that to happen. Look at Australian Aborigines and American Indians. They have been decimated, but white folks will be around for longer than that. I like diversity and distinct ethnic groups as well but not so much that I think people should marry co-ethnics they don't love (or not marry at all) for the good of the race. Marrying who you love is more important than group loyalty, or at least most of us white Westerners think so. Demanding endogamy is more common among unsophisticated Third Worlders, i.e. those dogfaced Asians and Africans.
"I also don't like the hostility and yes, racism, that I see towards whites, nor the double-standard that is often applied to what whites are allowed to say and express in comparison to what other ethnicities and races are allowed to say."
Neither do I, and I think some of it is due to the fact that Nordic beauty is glorified in the media. But you do realize you're saying you want to be as racist and insulting as ethnic activists. I know a guy born in America to parents from India who hates that white liberals hold non-whites to lower moral standards in terms of what white libs will accept: everything from racist words to criminal violence. Basically you want the bar of civil society lowered so whites like yourself can be as selfish and obnoxious as race obsessed minorities. Why not simply demand that ethnic activists give up THEIR race baiting?
"This site, I think, is about femininity in women, and about the loss of feminine beauty in the media, and about the destruction of traditional, normal and feminine beauty ideals. I like the idea of TWO distinct genders - men and women. I like masculinity and strenght in men and femininity in women. I think a contrast is needed.
This is not to say that men and women don't share qualities. They do. I just think the homosexual ideal of totally androgynous men and women, approaching one mono-gender, is appalling and revolting, and also abnormal if it is allowed to dominate the way it does in the fashion- and beauty industry. The modern, downright masculine female ideal promoted by homosexual men has gone too far, and that is what this site wants people to realize, I think."
I largely agree, but do you realize that the majority of your Swedish countrywomen, those alleged paragons of femininity, do not? Why don't super-feminine Swedish women respect Swedish men? For conservatives around the world Sweden is a byword around the world for feminist inanity, while China, Japan, Chile, Argentina etc. are praised for having more traditional sex roles where men are respected. Interesting that you dislike homosexual ideals when Sweden was the first country in Europe to provide gays with domestic partnership legislation in 1987 (see link below). Fact is your racial pride and your championing of traditional sex roles don't really go together. If you love traditional sex roles you'll have to accept that your beloved homeland tends not to. If you love Sweden you'll have to accept that countries full of (in your estimation) hideously ugly and unfeminine women are much more traditional.
"Some here who feel inferior (many attacks here, outwardly aggressive or hidden behind false graciousness, reek with inferiority complex) and hate the fact that good looks tend to depend on white genes seem to take pleasure in personally attacking those who have a personal taste that doesn't conform to their own looks/ race. Such behaviour does NOT bring out sensitivity in anyone, only contempt."
First off, read your history. Japanese and Eskimos of the 18th century found whites hideously ugly when they first encountered them. Even today people from India (and to a lesser east Asia) admire whites' fair skin but are less impressed by blond hair and blue eyes. American/European domination of TV and movies are what drive the popularity of white features around the world, not the genetic superiority of Nordics. If movies and TV disappeared beauty based on the features of local populations would return to prominence. Emily it's perfectly normal to be proud of your race and to think that your "people" are the most beautiful but that goes for Asians, blacks, Latinos as well.
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# 53 | Submitted by just noting on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 13:20 | link
Interesting blog run by a Swedish man in Stockholm. Despite being surrounded by Nordic women he runs a blog devoted to the beauty of black women. Sort of like Erik's evil twin.
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# 54 | Submitted by AH on Fri, 05/15/2009 - 16:14 | link
Hi, Voice of Reason
I'm not demeaning my "race", I'm a mestizo which means I'm already of mixed origin between European and American Indians. Also have you ever been to any Hispanic countries, most mestizos have a bias toward black or pure "indians", there is a great irony that some discriminate against another minority, but that's a reality and as evident on many telenovelas most of the cast they choose are white or mestizos with Europeans features. If you think I'm demeaning my own kind, then the rest of Latin America is as well.
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# 55 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 06:51 | link
I can see the point you are making and that is there is prejudice and bias everywhere against certain ethnicities but your reasoning is that because there is prejudice in Latin America, you also have the right to discriminate as you are a Mestizo, which is a bit illogical.
I am not trying to put words in your mouth but your post is confusing.
Racists love arguing that mixed actors and models benefit from the white parents while completely ignoring the fact that mixed kids have 50/50 DNA and this is what makes them good looking.
Let's say for example the white father has typical caucasian features like big round eyes and a sharp longish nose. The mother has typical asian features as in exotic eyes, pert nose, delicate delicate bone structure. Now the child will be born with mixed features as in big exotic eyes, short but sharp nose and a delicate bone structure. Example is Kristin Kreuk, the actress in Smallvile.
I have noticed that Emily tried to pass of Channing Tatum as a swede when the fact is he has native Indian ancestry. You can see the jawline which is similar to Angelina Jolie as she too has Iroquis ancestry. Meghan Fox has Cherookee ancestry and you can see that she has those sexy features, a similar jawline. Also Halle Berry, Keanu Reeves etc etc, the list goes on and on.
In short the native Indian features have actually exoticised more bland white features and they make for a very striking looking person. Everything is a bit more exaggerated, higher cheeks, more angular jawline, more arched eyebrows, more poutier lips. These features are also synonymous with high hormone levels which is also an indication of a person's fitness as well.
Bone structure is much, much more important than colour of eyes and skin for photographing or filming and that's the reason why there are a lot of mixed race people in the glamour industry.
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I have no idea why my looks, or the looks of anyone else who writes here, should be an issue. I'm not that insecure that I need to discuss my own looks here.
Are you sure? LOL
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# 57 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 07:16 | link
Channing Tatum is so hot I just checked his ethnicity and guess what.
Born in Cullman, a small city in Alabama, Tatum has one sister. He has African, French, Irish, and Native American ancestry
Emily, you tried to pass a person with African and native Indian ancestors as a Swedish guy. Uh oh! Your ideal swedish male white beauty happens to be an African Native Indian. Isn't that a bit ironic?
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# 58 | Submitted by just noting on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 07:31 | link
Voice of Reason,
I agree with you about the frequent beauty of mixed race people and that bone structure is more important than skin and eye color. However Megan Fox is not a good example due to all the plastic surgery she's had. I think she looked better as a sweet natural beauty than the fake sex pot she wants to be. I was surprised to learn that she's only 22 because she has the hard look of a woman who's at least 30.
http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/megan_fox_high_school_pics#41329
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# 59 | Submitted by just noting on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 09:35 | link
Just Googled Channing Tatum Wait, he has a somewhat broad nose. Doesn't that make him wretchigly ugly? Personally I'll take him and his broad nose any day of the week!
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# 60 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Sat, 05/16/2009 - 11:36 | link
I have to say that you have used pretty strong wording to address these people so I was pleasantly surprised to read you are actually white.
But then it is true that the majority of whites are not racist, there are a few bad apples and these tend to come from people of lower socio economic strata and intellect. This may sound a bit condescending and I wish I could phrase this better but oh well.
I am of mixed ethnicity (white and asian) so it is a touchy topic for me.
My husband is blue eyed and blonde and he actually has reverse racism, the other day he said white girls are not very attractive and I was like, why? There are a lot of beautiful white girls but then I guess it's just one's own preference.
Hi just noting,
You have used pretty strong words as well. Megan Fox was definitely a lot more wholesome and natural in the TV series and previous movies but she seems to have adopted the sultry (sex pot) look and as this is associated more with older women, she does look way older. Maybe this is a look that works for her as Transformers was quite succesful. I guess this is another point that this website is missing.
Fashion is dictated by economics and not really by a particular designer. You will obviously use models that sell clothes or magazines than one who doesn't sell any and that's a fact of life that anyone with basic business sense has to accept.
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# 61 | Submitted by AH on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 02:38 | link
to Voice of Reason
I didn't mean for my post to be confusing, to clarify I don't discriminate against any minority. I failed to articulate how ironic it is that you think I'm demeaning my own race when most of Latin America is mixed, and I tried to explain how things are like in some parts.
P.S. In my original post I tried to explain how being mixed with whites is beneficial to other races. I also didn't understand your reply "mixed race actresses are good looking because they have the best of both worlds and not as you would like to believe otherwise" wasn't that the point? would these actresses be as pretty if they didn't have white features? I don't understand your objection.
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# 62 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 05:02 | link
I have given you an example where I have stated why and how the features combine but you seem to want to convince me that the actresses are better off because of white features.
According to your reasoning, all white people would be the epitome of beauty then why isn't every single white person in the world an actress or a model?
I live in the UK and have never seen a mexican telenovela so I am not quite awestruck by white features because I am used to seeing real and typical white features and they are not pretty all the time. I am watching Britain's Got Talent while typing this and the amount of weirdos on there is just awful. Heard of Susan Boyle? The lady with 70 million youtube viewers or Melinor Emman, Sweden's Eurovision contest hopeful. Both are very, very talented but not the best looking people.
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# 63 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 08:12 | link
Beauty is dependant on a lot of factors (excluding race) and they are:
Age- Younger is better than older.
Physical fitness- Healthier is better than sick.
Balanced Hormones- These are what are responsible for secondary sexual characteristics as in masculine and feminine features. More masculine or feminine is better than less masculine or feminine but not excessively (Arnold Schwarzenegger = not handsome).
Symmetry- As in how one half of the face looks in relation to the other half or how all the features in a face correlate to each other. Google Marquadt's mask.
Averageness- Average size of their features, average is better than too small or too big, also evidenced by research.
Pedomorphic look- More childlike facial features is better, this is true for girls and young boys but not necessarily older men, this has also been researched again.
None of these factors are related to race so at least understand the science of beauty. This is the reason why I doubted you were hispanic because you just seem keen on linking beauty with white superiority.
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# 64 | Submitted by just noting on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 12:35 | link
Voice of Reason,
I live in America and have seen Hispanic television. AH is right that European looks are preferred by both the producers and audiences. Many of Hollywood's "Hispanic" stars like Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas are white Spaniards or, have a white American parent like Jessica Alba, and are quite popular among Hispanic-Americans, the majority of whom have substantial Native American or African ancestry.
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"This is the reason why I doubted you were hispanic because you just seem keen on linking beauty with white superiority."
People need to stop using the word "superiority" every time time we talk about whites in any postivie light. As soon as anyone has something good to say about whites they must be punished by being called "supremacists", and that they want "white superiority".
Not allowing ANYTHING nice being said about whites, without bullying the person saying it, IS racism and discrimination.
This tactic has to stop and people who resort to it need to be called on it.
If you believe that whites are more beautiful you are perfectly within your right to say that without being harassed and accused of racism, just as you are allowed to say that another race is more beautiful if that's what you think.
I am SICK of this double standard, as I have said before, and this kind of low-brow attacks need to stop. I don't know what is going on in America but it is clear to me that people there seem to be trying to suppress and scare people form saying anything good about whites. Funny, the ones who love to cry racism are the ones who practise it the most, it seems.
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# 66 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 16:23 | link
Hi just noting,
I agree there is a bias towards white features but it's not like they have a totally Nordic looking actor speaking in Spanish. Mexican's are mixed white, natives or African so they are going to have actors with a mixed look but as I said I haven't a clue about Mexican telenovelas.
But I have watched some Indian movies and Indians are known to worship the white skin, at least that's what racists would jump to say. I was reading a blog about a white guy trying to make it in the Indian film industry but the guy didn't have much luck. After much perseverance, the only role that he got offered was a 2 minute unpaid role as a rapist! Just being light skinned and light eyed doesn't necessarily get you a one way ticket to becoming a celebrity and earning millions.
There is a bias towards lighter featured Hispanics and Indians in their own industry but then there are also a lot of equally succesful actors with dark features as well eg Shilpa Shetty winner of Big Brother UK and Bipasha Basu who dated footballer Ronaldo etc, etc.
You need to have that X factor or charisma and not many people have it.
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# 67 | Submitted by Emily on Mon, 05/18/2009 - 18:01 | link
""Well, I am not exactly here to write love letters, you see. Nor am I here to prove my looks or femininity. Judging my looks on the basis of what I write here is hilariously idiotic. Your comment is another bait, I know. That is apparently the only thing people like you can come up with.""
"Ha! Haven't you ever heard the saying, "Judge lest not you be judged?" Or how about this one, "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." Well, guess what... it's true. When you judge other people, you cannot expect to not be judged in return. We KNOW that it not what the site is about, but that is missing the point. If you are willing to judge other people so harshly, don't be surprised when others want to judge you as well. Talk about being able to dish it out, but not being able to take it!"
I'm not judging people writing here or attacking them viciously and relentlessly just because they may disagree with me. I'm able "to take it". The thing is you don't even realize how bitter and envious you look when you resort to personal attacks. By all means, go ahead. It doesn't do anyone any favours, though.
""I have no idea why my looks, or the looks of anyone else who writes here, should be an issue. I'm not that insecure that I need to discuss my own looks here.""
"You have made the looks the issue of this site, and you expect it not to be an issue when anyone comments here?"
This site is about feminine beauty - not about MY looks. Since I don't need to talk about my looks all the time one could infer that I don't suffer from self-esteem issues in that department, and why that could be is not that hard to understand, I think.
Insecure people who look for confirmation here won't get it, since the site is not about boosting the self-esteem of people with psychological or self-esteem problems, but about promoting feminine beauty in the media, and about the lack of a balance in the media, where an unhealthy and very unfeminine ideal is being promoted at the expence of other, more natural ideals.
""I am proud of my heritage and of my people/race, and I which to see it preserved. I see lots of people benefitting from white-mixing, and very little coming our way, so it is very one-sided, I think. The recessive nature of white genes also makes it necessary to breed more within the race, unless you want to see it disappear. This is a biologic, evolutionary fact, no matter how politically incorrect it may be.""
"You do realize it will take thousands of years before that happens right? "
No, I don't. Evolution can be quicker than you think. Even now the amount of babies born in the US with blue eyes is declining, so it is happening right now. Race-mixing advocates like to say this is not real, but it is. Only an idiot would think that you can open the doors to mass-immigration by other races/ethnicities without any consequences to the white population living there originally.
""I also don't like the hostility and yes, racism, that I see towards whites, nor the double-standard that is often applied to what whites are allowed to say and express in comparison to what other ethnicities and races are allowed to say.""
"Oh, cry me a river. Compared to what other races have had to deal with whites had (and still do have) it easy. Most people that I meet of other races and ethnicities (sp) are not racist towards whites. That is not to say that I haven't met a few non-white racists, but honestly the percentage of racist whites I have met is higher than the percentage of non-white racists."
I know that other races have suffered, especially in America, which is not my country so I'm not a part of that, although I'm beginning to see the extreme agression and hostility other races have towards whites there. I don't think it should be a contest, by the way.
You can't say that you have suffered so now you are within your moral right to treat others badly. If you treat whites with hostility and aggression this is what you will get back - not sensitivity. I have never treated people badly and I don't see why whites today should have to pay an eternal price for the sins of others.
""This is not to say that men and women don't share qualities. They do. I just think the homosexual ideal of totally androgynous men and women, approaching one mono-gender, is appalling and revolting, and also abnormal if it is allowed to dominate the way it does in the fashion- and beauty industry. The modern, downright masculine female ideal promoted by homosexual men has gone too far, and that is what this site wants people to realize, I think.""
"By its very nature the fashion world is going to be abnormal. Even you admit that most people cannot fit into your standard of beauty. If the fashion world adopted your standard as the norm, it would still be "abnormal."
No, it doesn't have to be. It will be what you make it. "MY" standard? I'm not running this site. I think the standard here would be fairly easy to fit into. Less masculine, anorexic and overtly androgynous women, and more focus on softer, more feminine women with more normal weight, cannot be that hard to "fit into".
Trying to make people appreciate more natural and feminine women, and less hard, overly thin an masculine women, seems to me perfectly reasonable. The almost total disappearance of these women as standards of beauty in the media is what is worrying. That's what you get when homosexual men are allowed to set the standard, apparently.
"appalling and revolting, careful: your contempt is showing! If this site is more about appreciating feminine beauty, as you CLAIM it is, rather than putting people down, then why do you feel the need to call such womens' looks "appalling" and "revolting." "
The attempt to make clearly masculine and androgynous women rolemodels, and to promote more or less one mono-gender, is what is appalling and revolting. Yes, I feel contempt for a gay-run industry who wants to tell us what we should look like, and which has as its goal to promote masculine, anorexic women, and which consistently promotes women who look anything BUT feminine, or even normal, sometimes. One look at the sickly and ghostly runway models would prove my point.
It is one thing to use different kinds of women, also more masculine ones, but you see, this is not what they do. They aggressively promote ONE ideal, making feminine and curvy women some kind of outcasts in the eyes of the fashion world. That's not healthy, nor right.
You can be elegant, tall and slim and still be feminine and a little curvy. VERY important to remember, and that's something I think they constantly ignore. They want androgynous or masculine and sickly thin women - period.
""Some here who feel inferior (many attacks here, outwardly aggressive or hidden behind false graciousness, reek with inferiority complex) and hate the fact that good looks tend to depend on white genes seem to take pleasure in personally attacking those who have a personal taste that doesn't conform to their own looks/ race.""
"I actually came to this site in a moment of weakness when I wasn't feeling very good about my looks. I'm feeling"
And THAT is the problem! I think many women with very low self-esteem do visit here in the hopes of feeling better and more feminine and attractive.
It is not a good idea. This is not primarily a self-help site, or a forum for people with self-esteem issues. On the contrary, since it deals with perfection, in a way, and with beauty ideals and feminine role models, many would feel worse after visiting here.
Those who have healthy self-esteem and who want to talk about femininity and beauty in the media, and who think the homosexual ideal of masculine and anorexic women has gone overboard and wish to address that - without investing their own personal self in it - are more likely to find it to their liking.
The tone here tells me too many have deep inferiority complexes and issues with their bodies. I do NOT think this site is suitable for these people, and they should address their own problems somewhere else, instead of venting their anger and frustration on those who are here to discuss beauty and femininity in a rational and more detached way.
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# 68 | Submitted by Emily on Tue, 05/19/2009 - 00:34 | link
"Racists love arguing that mixed actors and models benefit from the white parents while completely ignoring the fact that mixed kids have 50/50 DNA and this is what makes them good looking."
Then you presume that the 50/50 % is the same as gaining equally..in other words, that all races benefit equally. I don't think that is the case.
I would argue that racially mixed, good-looking people more often than not own their looks to their white genes. In other words, they look good since they approach the looks of whites. The more they alienate themselves from the looks of whites the less good they look, generally speaking.
The fact is we are not benefitting equally. Whites often give much MORE than they receive in terms of looks, while pure blacks and asians might benefit quite a lot from race mixing. This is often at the expense of whites, who most of the time will have much more beautiful children with another white person, not to mention that the gene pool will be corrupted and fewer truly white children will be born in the future if we increase the race mixing. An inconvenient truth for the politically correct.
Is race mixing really a fair deal..?
Race mixed people often look a little odd;
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# 69 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Tue, 05/19/2009 - 06:27 | link
Emily,
I feel really sorry for you.
Being proud of your race is one thing but to have all this hate and contempt, you have some really serious psychological issues.
For your own sake, you need to get a job and stop spamming the website with pictures and obnoxious comments before you completely lose your mental health.
To be honest, I think that I place too much value on looks and I shouldn't really. I just visit this site because I am bored at work so it's really surprising and depressing to see someone who is so obsessed with race and the beauty of the white race.
There are far more important things in life and you need to get a life. Get well soon, honey!
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# 70 | Submitted by just noting on Tue, 05/19/2009 - 09:25 | link
"Race mixed people often look a little odd"
People with parents from the same ethnic group often look a little inbred.
"Even now the amount of babies born in the US with blue eyes is declining, so it is happening right now"
Prove that is due specifically to interracial marriage as opposed to increased immigration and a decline in white birth rates. And even if it's due to interracial marriage only the Stormfront crowd would think a blue eyed population is worth having people forsake their true loves. You're almost alone in finding dark eyes ugly.
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"People with parents from the same ethnic group often look a little inbred."
No, they don't. :)
I could use photos from Iceland, for example. People there are some of the most beautiful on Earth, well-known for their good looks.
Now, let's see..Iceland must have lots of people, then, right?
Oops, there are 320.000 inhabitants on Iceland! I guess your theory doesn't hold water. ;)
Beauty and race mixing are not siamese twins, regardless of what they want you to believe. Oftentimes you are better off sticking to your own kind if you want a beautiful baby. If you are white, that is.
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"You're almost alone in finding dark eyes ugly."
I don't find dark eyes ugly (I assume you mean dark as in dark brown). Sometimes very dark brown eyes, approaching black, can look hard. I don't find hard eyes attractive, and the colour brownish-black IS hard when it comes to eyes.
I find shades of blue, greyish-blue, green without brown in it, and blue-green (sea green) to be the most beautiful colours. Not only because these colurs themselves are outstandingly beautiful and bring to mind the sky and the sea, but because they are softer and more gentle, making the eyes look more gentle, romantic and sweet.
There are many beautiful women who have different shades of brown eyes, so I'm not saying that the dark brown colour somehow excludes you from looking good. Women would look dramatic, sexy and temperamental, but sometimes less romantic - unless they have other, softer qualities in their face to go with it.
This is especially so in women. Men, who naturally look harder and more masculine, often look good with brown eyes, too. The important thing is that the white area around the iris is clear and white, I think.
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# 73 | Submitted by Emily on Tue, 05/19/2009 - 13:41 | link
"Being proud of your race is one thing but to have all this hate and contempt, you have some really serious psychological issues."
I think it is truly sad when you have to falsely label something "hate and contempt" just to feel better about yourself. Somehow it is unbearable for you to think that people might actually view looks in an analytical and rational way and find it not to their liking.
I don't hate. I think hate is a destructive emotion. I certainly don't hate someone because I don't find them physically appealing. That is absurd. You see, this site deals with beauty, and here you can discuss what you find appealing and feminine, and not appealing, and should be able to discuss it without being called names. Too many who apparently themselves fall far short of what some feel is good looks seem to take my words deeply personally. In that case this site is not for you, obviously.
The truth is that many people do think whites are more beautiful, on average, and that race mixing is not the best thing since sliced bread, without having feelings of hate.
That would make it so convenient for you, wouldn't it? To put critisism down to hatred and feelings of superiority. As if one cannot see objectively and rationally and say "Hey, this isn't working, this isn't attractive to me and here is why and this is what I think looks better".
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# 74 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Tue, 05/19/2009 - 17:12 | link
Emily,
I have a healthy self esteem and enough confidence in my looks and intellect so no I don't have to seek affirmation from any racist to make myself feel better. I don't come to this site to make myself feel better, I have an interest in beauty because I have worked in the beauty industry.
I don't hate. I think hate is a destructive emotion. I certainly don't hate someone because I don't find them physically appealing. That is absurd
Are you joking? Check all your previous hateful comments before you contradict yourself. Also it's not just me that thinks you are a hateful person, every time you come up with a banal comment, there are 10 comments from different posters condemning you. Does that not make you wonder if you are in the wrong? Perhaps not, if you are seriously deluded.
Your statement that whites are more beautiful is just an opinion or a preference and not a fact that has been substantiated by science. Regarding preference, there is a huge population of white guys who strictly date Asian, Latin or black girls so your statement is obviously not true for them.
Humans are programmed to choose mates who will provide different genetic material to their own because this promotes healthier humans as in stronger immune system and lesser frequency of genetic disease. There is more likelihood of inbreeding if you choose someone from your own race and this may result in diseases, also there is something called Westermarck effect that causes people to look for mates who are very different from their own race.
Newsweek did a story on how interracials tend to have perfect features, now would you trust a world renowned publication like Newsweek or some anonymous racist spouting rubbish?
There's scientific evidence that proves humans are meant to mix and integrate because of the benefit in terms of health and looks but I doubt you have got credible evidence backing up your ridiculous statements.
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# 75 | Submitted by Meredith on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 01:04 | link
"People need to stop using the word "superiority" every time time we talk about whites in any postivie light. As soon as anyone has something good to say about whites they must be punished by being called "supremacists", and that they want "white superiority".
Not allowing ANYTHING nice being said about whites, without bullying the person saying it, IS racism and discrimination.
This tactic has to stop and people who resort to it need to be called on it.
If you believe that whites are more beautiful you are perfectly within your right to say that without being harassed and accused of racism, just as you are allowed to say that another race is more beautiful if that's what you think.
I am SICK of this double standard, as I have said before, and this kind of low-brow attacks need to stop. I don't know what is going on in America but it is clear to me that people there seem to be trying to suppress and scare people form saying anything good about whites. Funny, the ones who love to cry racism are the ones who practise it the most, it seems."
The problem isn't simply that you have good things to say about whites or even that in your opinion white beauty is better than (synonym for superior to) beauty in other cultures. However, when you claim to have the only objective view on the matter (opinion, by its nature is not objective), and claim it is scientifically proven (when it really isn't), that is when it becomes a problem. I have a Spaniard friend who doesn't date Hispanic women. He is only attracted to white women. That is just his opinion, and I have no problem with it. I'm sure there are other men that date only black or only asians, and nothing is wrong with this either. If they started claiming that blacks or asians were objectively more beautiful than people of other races, then I would take issue.
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# 76 | Submitted by Meredith on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 01:52 | link
Emily,
Sorry, I just read your other post in reply to mine and didn't realize that you weren't one of the site administrators. Honestly, you just seem so invested in these issues that I mistakenly assumed that you had a personal interest in it and co-administered the site with Eric.
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# 77 | Submitted by Godis on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 02:06 | link
Well, I'm a bit tired of this website. Occasionaley I just don't really want to address anything. I find it funny Erik that you claim I'm probably just mediocre amongst idiots. But the truth is I personally never believed I was mediocre and I hope that my current and future accomplishments in my life will reflect that. In fact even from a young age I used to tell my mother that God has a special purpose for me. My parents always told me I was wise beyond my years and interestingly enough gave me a name (it is foreign, but I don't want to mention my real name here anyways) that literally means: wise one. This was when I was a baby and they barely knew "me".
Anyways, I believe there are many dimensions to what we label as "beautiful". I feel that many people, Erik included, are looking at things in a very 1 dimensional way. Thats just the analogy I am going to use.
About the race mixing thing, I personally am attracted to white guys. However, I do believe mixed people are often better looking. Of course this is just from my personal experience and what I have noticed from my personal observations. Besides that, I believe that some people are attracted to those more like themselves, others are attracted to those more different than themselves, and some sway either way. I also believe there are many features that ARE more so objectivley attractive based on the fact that there is a universal appeal to them. These features often can probably be correlated to youth and fertility.
And for you Emily, this really has nothing to do with looks. However, when I was little I watched a very good movie and it was one of my all time favorite movies. It's called "A Little Princess". I want you to watch it, just because I want you to understand why I am so defensive and where my attitude comes from. I understand this site is about looks and nothing else. However, life is not black and white and anything written here is not black and white. Truth of the matter is even most scientists can have trouble being completely detached and objective. Even without realizing it people are more keen to believe what they want to based on their personality, the way their brain works, their life experiences, etc. So I believe that most everyone that writes here is somehow biased. I just want you to watch this movie because I want you to realize that "every girl is a princess". Going with that no girl, no matter how ugly, should be seen as only that, as "ugly". I feel that you often only focus on the "ugly" in others physically and in other ways. Look beyond an ugly face and a person's true beauty will often come out. I believe that if you believe you are beautiful, literally that will manifest in the way others see you. However, no matter how beautiful you believe you are, those that fail to see a deeper beauty will never see it. Don't fail to see the deeper beauty, because that is where the true essence of beauty lies.
When I see a girl with a hooked nose or hard eyes or dark skin, or masculine qualities, I don't see an ugly girl. I see a woman who has a strong look to her, and that strength in her appearance would appeal to me. If I had those qualities I would strive to live up to them, to let my physical reflect my inner qualities. I would strive to be strong and well respected. I once told one of my friends, hey you may not be the most beautiful girl in the world, but you don't need to be. There are millions of beautiful girls on this planet. You need to be you. Your beauty is your own and what you make it to be. Although the world may see your nose and call it hooked or manly, you say no, my nose is strong and it gives me character. It is a reflection of ME. There are many women with cute dainty noses, and with plastic surgery even more now. However, I will always have my nose and it will always be an expression of ME. If you appreciate it thats fine, if you cannot than leave me alone. There is more to beauty, and if you are a woman who takes care of herself and respects herself and tries her best to look her best and be her best, that is all that is needed in life. A man would be a fool to go for the next bimbo that may appeal to his penis more over the woman who respects herself and is respected, that woman should appeal to his heart and mind more. It is in our hearts and minds where true beauty lies.
So I may sound really gay and stupid now. I don't care. That is my honest view of beauty. In fact I think something out of place like a mole, or bumpy nose, or hard eyes, or something weird is great because these days we have so many "plain janes" we pass off as feminine who look great. However, there are few women who are beautiful, attractive, and have a trademark quality. Pretty gets boring fast. Pretty with a signature features rarely does...
Here is the movie the little princess if you want to watch it. Youtube part 1:
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# 78 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:45 | link
Emily,
You come from the same breed and have the same hatred and contempt as KKK or Al Qaeda.
You are no different from some muslim radicalist preaching the islamic superiority.
Initially I was fooled into thinking this was a site about feminine looks but really it's all about white looks, superiority of white looks, the inferiority of every other race so how dare you tell me not to be political when your motives are completely political?
The sensible thing would be to dissociate and ignore such vile people but it just disturbs me to know ignorant, racist and bigoted people like you exist even in today's progressive world.
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# 79 | Submitted by hmhm on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 09:06 | link
dude, i don't know what you're talking about. i know a lot of mixed race people who look good. so what if they get most of their good looks from their white genes? they still are better looking than mos whites and your beloved nordic race. and both the whites and the coloreds agree about that. except maybe you.
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# 80 | Submitted by hmhm on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 09:07 | link
"I could use photos from Iceland, for example. People there are some of the most beautiful on Earth, well-known for their good looks."
Iceland??? I don't know... Try Brazil. Or Italy. Or Spain. Or France.
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# 81 | Submitted by hmhm on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 09:25 | link
"However, life is not black and white and anything written here is not black and white. Truth of the matter is even most scientists can have trouble being completely detached and objective. Even without realizing it people are more keen to believe what they want to based on their personality, the way their brain works, their life experiences, etc. So I believe that most everyone that writes here is somehow biased."
Having spent eight years of my life as a scientist in training, I totally agree with this. I have read so many articles about beauty hailing the neotenous feminine face, which is the kind of beauty I see here and the kind of beauty white females have. But how does that explain that the women considered the world's greatest beauties are the following?
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# 82 | Submitted by Visitor on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 16:03 | link
You know, I would love to see what you look like since you are obviously so unattractive no woman wants to go out with you and you need to curb your frustration by dissecting pictures of womens naked bodies "in the name of research". Seriously, upload a picture of yourself naked and we will tell you how masculine you look. Women are not measurements and ratios, they're people. No-one cares about image to the point that they are going to ask to check a womans waist to hip ratio before dating them. Theres such a thing called personality and since you decide to spend your time sifting through porn judging pictures of women like they're objects, you clearly have a shitty one. As is blatently obvious from the comments above, no-one was comforted by this website. So delete it an go get some therapy for your mother issues.
Fuck you very much
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# 83 | Submitted by just noting on Thu, 05/21/2009 - 06:33 | link
I've known scientists over the years and most had a definite preference for the cute, neotenous features that Erik likes. Of these most were convinced that their preferences were universal and that every man was after the hypergirly type that they liked. However in my observation the average man are less interested in how objectively feminine a woman is based on her hormone levels, but how masculine she makes him feel. Consider for example Clemente Russo.
A boxer who won a silver medal in the 2008 Olympics, he is a very masculine man as well as nationally famous in Italy and surely has his pick of women. Here are his wedding pictures.
Ignoring for now the incredibly tacky wedding outfits, I may be much more forgiving than Erik in these matters but the bride obviously has above average masculinity for a woman. However, next to her lantern-jawed groom she is almost dainty and there's no question who is more masculine between the two of them. Doubtless he wants his wife to make him feel masculine but because he is so masculine already he will be masculine compared to almost any woman whether or not she is particularly feminine. Also, very masculine men sometimes have trouble relating to very feminine women and find a that they have more in common with a guyish chick instead of a very girly girl. Also, a highly masculine man like Russo probably wants much more sex than a high estrogen type will like and is likely more sexually compatible with his surely high testosterone bride. Her visage is a bit scary but considering that her groom gets into the boxing ring with huge, strong men who want to bash his brains it's clear that he doesn't scare easily.
Basically, although nearly every heterosexual man wants a woman who is feminine compared to him not all of them want super-feminine women.
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# 84 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Thu, 05/21/2009 - 07:24 | link
Hi just noting,
Matches between a masculine man and a feminine woman have a higher rate of failure than between masculine and stronger featured women.
Men tend to settle down with women who have a similar face structure as their mother which in turn translates to women that are a female version of themselves. That is why a lot of couples look like brothers and sisters. How does this happen? When you are an infant, who is the most beautiful woman or man for you? Your mother or your father! As an adult you will look for partner's who have your parent's facial bone structure(not necessarily colour of eyes or hair).
Masculine men will choose masculine women and feminine men will choose feminine women.
This is not the norm but the chances of a succesful marriage are higher when this happens. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.
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# 85 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Thu, 05/21/2009 - 07:46 | link
Clemente Russo is hot and that is the tackiest wedding dress!
What was the theme of the wedding? White trash or Pimps and Hos? LOL.
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""I am proud of my heritage and of my people/race, and I which to see it preserved. I see lots of people benefitting from white-mixing, and very little coming our way, so it is very one-sided, I think. The recessive nature of white genes also makes it necessary to breed more within the race, unless you want to see it disappear. This is a biologic, evolutionary fact, no matter how politically incorrect it may be.""
"You do realize it will take thousands of years before that happens right? "
"No, I don't. Evolution can be quicker than you think. Even now the amount of babies born in the US with blue eyes is declining, so it is happening right now. Race-mixing advocates like to say this is not real, but it is. Only an idiot would think that you can open the doors to mass-immigration by other races/ethnicities without any consequences to the white population living there originally."
You initially said that white genes will "disappear" and therefore it is necessary to breed more within the race. You did not say what you said later, that there would simply be less white genes around. Actually blue-eyed and blond-haired genes will never die out or disappear, though we may see fewer in the future. The whole scenario of blonde extinction is nothing more than an urban legend, one that has apparently been around for a while: http://www.snopes.com/science/stats/blondes.asp So, I was actually incorrect when I said it will take thousands of years. It won't happen at all. See this site for some more info about genetics: http://www.snopes.com/science/stats/blondes.asp Also, this article is just cool (dizygotic twins, one black, one white): http://foreigndispatches.typepad.com/dispatches/2006/02/blondes_not_goi.html
"Trying to make people appreciate more natural and feminine women, and less hard, overly thin an masculine women, seems to me perfectly reasonable. The almost total disappearance of these women as standards of beauty in the media is what is worrying. That's what you get when homosexual men are allowed to set the standard, apparently."
While this is the trend in the fashion industry (at least in runway), I don't think it is the trend in the media in general. Even the fashion industry is trying to move away from overly skinny models due to some recent high-profile deaths. I believe the Milan fashion show is requiring models to be above a certain BMI now (still too low, but it's a start). In the media in general, we see actresses with all different body shapes (even if most are skinny, their shapes differ due to genetics). The tagline of the moment seems to be "real women have curves." Actually real women have many different shapes. I'm not that curvy, but I'm certainly a real woman, and I'm sure there are plenty of men out there that will appreciate me the way I am (esp. since the lower estrogen level allows my testosterone level to be expressed in my sex drive). Speaking of sex drive and testosterone, wouldn't it be an evolutionary advantage for a woman to have a strong sex drive if she wishes to see her genes pass on?
"It is not a good idea. This is not primarily a self-help site, or a forum for people with self-esteem issues. On the contrary, since it deals with perfection, in a way, and with beauty ideals and feminine role models, many would feel worse after visiting here.
Those who have healthy self-esteem and who want to talk about femininity and beauty in the media, and who think the homosexual ideal of masculine and anorexic women has gone overboard and wish to address that - without investing their own personal self in it - are more likely to find it to their liking.
The tone here tells me too many have deep inferiority complexes and issues with their bodies. I do NOT think this site is suitable for these people, and they should address their own problems somewhere else, instead of venting their anger and frustration on those who are here to discuss beauty and femininity in a rational and more detached way."
Well, like I said, it was a moment of weakness. I had been through a recent break-up at the time, but I'm over it now. FWIW, I wasn't actually looking to the site for any sort of "self-help." I was merely looking for pictures of the female form in it's natural state in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, just out of curiosity and out of an appreciation for the diversity in life. Appreciating diversity in beauty does have the side effect of making me feel more beautiful as well, but I wasn't really looking for anything validating in terms of a & b are beautiful and x & y are not. I find it kind of strange actually. Really, I'm overall pretty comfortable in my own skin. Every now and then, I have an "ugly day", but I also have "pretty days" too. I admit to being offended at first by the site, but really, now I just treat it with a grain of salt because it is all opinion after all. Beyond one man's opinion, I don't think there is any scientific merit to the arguments made on this site, so why bother, I guess.
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"Then you presume that the 50/50 % is the same as gaining equally..in other words, that all races benefit equally. I don't think that is the case.
I would argue that racially mixed, good-looking people more often than not own their looks to their white genes. In other words, they look good since they approach the looks of whites. The more they alienate themselves from the looks of whites the less good they look, generally speaking.
The fact is we are not benefitting equally. Whites often give much MORE than they receive in terms of looks, while pure blacks and asians might benefit quite a lot from race mixing. This is often at the expense of whites, who most of the time will have much more beautiful children with another white person, not to mention that the gene pool will be corrupted and fewer truly white children will be born in the future if we increase the race mixing. An inconvenient truth for the politically correct.
Is race mixing really a fair deal..?"
Um, seriously? I meant to post something about my college friend earlier, but I'm not sure I did. IMO the third and fifth photos you posted are the most beautiful of all the photos you posted. I say that because they illustrate what my friend gained from her father's side of the family (the black side). She gained a strong bone structure and high check bones from her dad as well as big full lips and thick curly hair. From her mother's side, she got freckles and pretty red hair. Some would argue that she got the better deal out of the black side of her family because of the gorgeous bone structure she inherited.
As for the other pictures of the mixed race people you posted at the end, it just makes you appear to be good at cherry picking, that's all. There are plenty of attractive mixed race people to be found, and my friend is just one example.
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"I don't find dark eyes ugly (I assume you mean dark as in dark brown). Sometimes very dark brown eyes, approaching black, can look hard. I don't find hard eyes attractive, and the colour brownish-black IS hard when it comes to eyes.
I find shades of blue, greyish-blue, green without brown in it, and blue-green (sea green) to be the most beautiful colours. Not only because these colurs themselves are outstandingly beautiful and bring to mind the sky and the sea, but because they are softer and more gentle, making the eyes look more gentle, romantic and sweet.
There are many beautiful women who have different shades of brown eyes, so I'm not saying that the dark brown colour somehow excludes you from looking good. Women would look dramatic, sexy and temperamental, but sometimes less romantic - unless they have other, softer qualities in their face to go with it.
This is especially so in women. Men, who naturally look harder and more masculine, often look good with brown eyes, too. The important thing is that the white area around the iris is clear and white, I think."
Really, you find dark brown eyes hard? In general, science has shown that people tend think people with bigger pupils appear more beautiful. I would imagine having extremely dark brown eyes would make one's pupils look larger than they are, which would be attractive, but you are certainly entitled to your opinion. I often feel like very very light blue eyes look hard, but again, that is just my personal preference, and I am looking at guys. I like my eyes which are blue, but sometimes turn a little green too.
Anyhow, I'm way too sleepy now, and I have to get up early to spend a fabulous weekend dancing. I don't think I'll be visiting this site again. The white superiority bias is so evident, that I know nothing I say will change that,
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by Emily
This is often at the expense of whites, who most of the time will have much more beautiful children with another white person, not to mention that the gene pool will be corrupted and fewer truly white children will be born in the future if we increase the race mixing.
What is truly white? white white? If so, Europeans have never been known as the whitest people in the world.
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Emily,
Brown and even dark-brown eyes are warm toned as opposed to blue eyes which are cool toned. Blue eyes actually often look hard, because they have such a cool tone to them. Especially if they are light. Brown eyes have warm tones in them such as reds, oranges, specks of yellow. Even the really dark ones that appear black are warm toned. I find black eyes attractive actually, and especially on caucasians because they are exotic on caucasians. My cousin on my German side has very neat features. She has really really light blonde hair and really dark brown-black eyes. She looks good pale or tan and can wear almost any color. Her boyfriend is opposite in that he has blue eyes and dark brown hair. Interestingly she attracts guys with disharmonous features, and she has disharmonous features herself.
You keep using this word ROMANTIC. I know the definition of romantic, but I usually associate it with latin looks. Latin looks are warm but dangerous, sexy but soft as well. I connect romantic to Italian, Spanish, French. Interestingly enough I would have to say those men AND women are generally very attractive. Nordic women are attractive too and I would say between Latin and Nordic women there is little competition. The only thing I would say is that Latin women have a slight upperhand. This is because take myself and my one cousin for example. She could walk out of the house with no mascara. Although, she doesn't look as great without it, she still looks good, and the natural look is good for her. I can't walk out of the house without mascara. You could barely tell I have eyelashes without it because they get so blonde by the tip you can't see them. There you go.
Honestly, romantic to me means flowing,smooth,soft,. There is little romantic about Nordics. The languages they are associated with, their artwork, etc. Similarly, they DO NOT have more romantic looks than Latins. This doesn't mean a Nordic woman cannot look romantic. It just means that more Latin women will look "romantic" compared to Nordic in my opinion. In describing Nordic women I would go with ethereal or angelic. Than again it doesnt mean a Latin woman can't look ethereal and Nordic woman can't look romantic. I think it depends on the individual more than the race to determine this.
Either way, dark brown eyes are not HARD. Light blue eyes are. And no offense to people with light blue eyes. I've dated guys with light blue eyes and LOVED them. I know people that don't love them. I knew a guy who wouldn't date women with blue eyes. He would date blondes, just not with blue eyes, so he wasn't against Nords or anything lol. I always thought this was weird and I asked him why he hates blue eyes. He told me they just didn't look healthy. I never got that until I noticed grandmas eyes. They used to be a dark hazel and now they are a light green. I associate them with her aging. For almost everyone eyes lighten with age. Therefore, you can see why someone can see light eyes as "unhealthy". However, the majority of people consider blue eyes more attractive than brown because they are more exotic. However, brown eyes can be exotic too,it depends how they are matched. My cousins brown eyes are exotic. The blonde and blue gene often stick together during the cross over period, so having brown eyes and blonde hair is rare. Having blue eyes and blonde hair is common.
My eyes are hazel and they are light, but not as light as blue eyes. Blue eyes seem the lightest, with few exceptions where some people have really dark blue eyes. Like Heidi Montag for example. However, I actually prefer light blue eyes, even in girls. I don't care if they look hard, and really if they have a bit of green they look less hard. And really, it depends on the rest of someone's features. Blue eyes wont look hard simply because of the color, if the girl has soft features, blue eyes will look sof ttoo
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# 92 | Submitted by 77wishes on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 13:02 | Masculine looks help!
Erik I came along your website and my self esteem is so low now. I have masculine face and body, what can I do? I looked at your "Improving looks" page but none of that will work since I'm already slim (not disgusting skinny ewwww) but small hips, wide ribcage, angular face, what can I do I'm so ugly, help :(
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77wishes: Please accept my apology if this website has lowered your self-esteem. The intent of this site is not to undermine or enhance self-esteem, though some women (typically feminine or presumably feminine) have told me that they felt better about themselves after going through this site. I can come up with pictures of women with slim bodies or small hips or a wide ribcage or an angular face or some combination of these features that will be found appealing by most men and women. In other words, your combination of features does not necessarily make you unattractive to most people and certainly not ugly (a condition resulting from physical defects). You can make the most of your looks by living a healthy lifestyle, especially taking good care of your skin. The page that addresses improving looks isn’t just about weight, but also about exercise and skin care issues; look for updates to it in the form of articles tagged with “improving looks,” some of which address make-up for enhancing looks. Slimness has some pluses such as not having to deal with saggy breasts in one’s thirties and beyond, having less of a cellulite problem, etc. Masculinized women are also in a better position to give birth to masculine sons. The picture isn’t depressing. And you can either feel sad or make the most of what you have. Best wishes.
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I would argue that racially mixed, good-looking people more often than not own their looks to their white genes. In other words, they look good since they approach the looks of whites. The more they alienate themselves from the looks of whites the less good they look, generally speaking.
The fact is we are not benefitting equally. Whites often give much MORE than they receive in terms of looks, while pure blacks and asians might benefit quite a lot from race mixing. This is often at the expense of whites, who most of the time will have much more beautiful children with another white person, not to mention that the gene pool will be corrupted and fewer truly white children will be born in the future if we increase the race mixing. An inconvenient truth for the politically correct.
Erik, look at the people you are attracting to your site.
I don't think you come across as racist, but that you tend to be attracted to mainly english people which is what a lot of people are. May I suggest that you include a worldwide gallery of examples of femininity from Africa, Japan, and the Middle East!! Thankyou ^_^
To the white power girl, are you going to try and prevent other caucasians with brown/hazel/green eyes from mating with these prized blue eyed individuals? Also, aren't black people a miniscule proportion of a mostly caucasian america?
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"Brown and even dark-brown eyes are warm toned as opposed to blue eyes which are cool toned. Blue eyes actually often look hard, because they have such a cool tone to them. Especially if they are light. Brown eyes have warm tones in them such as reds, oranges, specks of yellow. Even the really dark ones that appear black are warm toned. I find black eyes attractive actually, and especially on caucasians"
I disagree. Blue eyes very seldom look hard. The colour adds softness to a face, whereas very dark brown/black add hardness. It is a less romantic colour more suitable for men, I think.
Black eyes on an Italian actress. Sultry and sexy butr hardly romantic, and yes, the colour is hard:
As for colours in general I think the Nordic colours are much more feminine, soft and sweet. The girl on the right is not ethnically Swedish, and although her brown tones are warm, they don't make her look romantic and sweet - especially not in comparison to the Swedish girl on the left.
Her dark brown eyes make her look harder, and a softer blue or olive tone would probably add romanticism and softness to her face.
Swedish girl with blue eyes. Cold and hard? Hardly.
The same girl with very dark brown eyes like the Italian woman;
It's not the colour so much per se that is hard. There are medium and light brown eyes that don't look hard. It is the strenght and darkness of the colour black that makes it hard. A very light blue can sometimes look cold, but hard..no. Paul Newman comes to mind. He has very chiseled and sharp features so it adds to the cool impression.
A girl with very light blue eyes. They look icy cool but not hard. On the other hand she would have looked harder with very dark brown/black eyes and it would have killed her soft, light colours.
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See what I did there? Nudge nudge!
Emily has posted a masculine spanish woman and compared them to feminine example of Swedish women. She is comparing apples and oranges.
She made a similar argument that mixed raced people tend to be unnattractive and weird looking. This simply isn't true. Like english people, about 50% of mixed race people will be average looking, and a small percentage will be terrible looking, and a percentage will be beautiful. Hint: this percentage of beautiful mixed race people will be hired by hollywood. Megan Good, Kristin Kreuk, Jessica Alba, etc etc. Yes most mixed people are not beautiful, but this is the same for caucasians.
Also, about white genes contributing to beauty of mixed race individuals, if my mother is Roseanne Barr, I am going to get her body and her features, and it will not help my attractiveness one bit I'm afraid. But if my mother is Angelina Jolie, then yes, please donate your extraodinary genes to me!
Just foolishness.
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# 97 | Submitted by Emily on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 13:36 | link
Black eyes are hard simply because the colour black is a hard colour. It can never be anything other than hard. If the eyes look less hard it is IN SPITE of its colour - never because of its colour. Very simple. Black is static. It absorbs light and never changes. It doesn't live.
It doesn't matter if you pick a woman with a softer face or a harder face, and I happen to think Maria Grazia Cucinotta is striking and dramatic, and she has truly black eyes, and that's why I chose her. There doesn't have to be some evil motive behind everything.
The blackness of the eyes will always add hardness to someone's face, regardless of their other features. That's the reality of it.
As I said before, very dark brown/black eyes can make a woman look dramatic, sexy and temperamental, but the colour in itself can never add a sweet, soft or romantic look. She will look softer and more feminine with lighter eyes.
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# 98 | Submitted by Emily on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 14:01 | link
Regarding people of mixed race I never said they cannot be beautiful and attractive. However, there is a misconception that people of mixed race are often very attractive, and that it is a sure thing to get an attractive child if you race mix.
Movie stars are put forward as examples, and are being used to portray a false picture of their beauty being the standard everyday thing you can expect from a mixed race child, when these (plastic surgery operated) people in fact are more exceptions to the rule.
The reality is that more often than not the first generation people of mixed race look odd, as if you had taken a caucasian face and put mongolian eyes and nose on it. It is not attractive and it takes one or two generations to overcome this unbalanced and disharmonious "Frankenstein" look.
You will have a better chance of having a good-looking child if you stick to your race. Hundreds of thousands of years of evolution counts for something. Evolution has molded and formed the white race into perfection. Let's respect that and not ethnically cleanse it. It deserves better.
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# 99 | Submitted by sam on Sun, 05/31/2009 - 04:53 | link
this site is patheitic and disgusting. you can't pick whose feminine and whose masculine of females. no one gets to decide what defines femininity in women. i'm a woman, i'm naturally tall and thin and i'm not a fashion model. are you saying i'm masculine? because i don't have big boobs or a big arse? as far as i'm concerned anyone with a vagina is a female and thus feminine. this site is very bitter. those fashion models are clearly beautiful thats why they are models!! and most of the "glamour" models shown look like cheap wannabe pornstars. women are women, beautiful or ugly. this website is embarrassing for all of them.
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# 100 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Sun, 05/31/2009 - 08:20 | link
Emily,
Why are you so desperate to prove whites are superior?
Is it jealousy? Is it because you are sat at home on a weekend typing random garbage about other races while other people are out clubbing, dating and having a good time?
Did your boyfriend/husband leave you for an asian, hispanic or black girl?
Something smells of desperation from a mile off and unfortunately it's going to get worse for you, you are going to age and get even lonelier.
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# 101 | Submitted by mogs on Sun, 05/31/2009 - 16:29 | link
The brown colour you chose doesn't match her colouring or hair and clashes. A beautiful colour palette has to be harmonious and is not necessarily blue, or light or dark. Before, she had babushka eyes.
Hey, bashbushka eyes is a well known saying. It suggests dark eyes that are also soft, and doe-eyed.
The reason I posted is because the photos you chose are biased. To demonstrate that blue eyes are soft and feminine, you chose pictures of extremely feminine women (also unusually beautiful women that will be about 1 in 50 of the female population) and contrasted them with women with more pronounced brow ridges. If I do the same thing, I can also "prove" that blue eyes are hard/icy, and that brown eyes are soft:
In these cases I don't think that having blue eyes is doing anything to make these women look soft and sweet and feminine.
Btw blue genes won't die out unless for some reason it becomes a evolutionary disadvantage to have blue eyes (eg. random disease kills of everyone with blue eye proteins).
Otherwise, many people will continue to carry either 1 or 2 copies of the gene and blue eyes will still occur, because the genes have not gone anywhere.
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# 102 | Submitted by Emily on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 04:50 | link
Hm.. It would help if you had actually picked photos of genuine eyes instead of obviously photoshopped ones. lol
What on earth did you intend to prove by that?
It's ironic, the one photo that was real, the second from the end showing a close-up of a girl, shows how unnattracive and hard the colour dark brown/black can be.
The glaring stare of almost black eyes on a girl is not often attractive. There is nothing feminine about that eye colour, and the immature baby-like face they belong to can't change that. I couldn't have picked a better photo myself.
Why is everyone so mad at Cucinotta? She's a stunningly beautiful woman in her own way, and in her case her black colors serve a purpose and are appropriate for her general look. Accusing me of bias when I picked one of the most famous actresses in Italy? lol Then you will have an issue with Italians.
Brownish-black can never touch the feminine, romantic beauty of soft sea-green and sapphire blue eyes. It is simply too hard.
Latin men adore romantic, lighter and softer colours in women. I noticed that when I lived there.
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# 103 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 10:22 | link
Emily,
Honey, let's see your ugly mug instead of anonymous fake photos that have either been touched up or changed by photoshop.
Or maybe a video.
If you accept this challenge then at least we would consider your deluded rants as being genuine.
Otherwise you are just another hideous girl/woman with some psychological complex, grievance, jealousy towards other races.
For someone who is so proud of her superior beauty, you are not very confident about your own pictures.
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Voice of Reason,
Emily and Erik will never post their pics here for "obvious reasons".
Please don't feel "compelled" to post your pictures here. Be very sure of it!
I actually wanted to ask you something. Since i am not welcome here...i was wondering if there is any other "public arena" we could possibly talk?
Emily,
I disagree with what your saying about eye color. Feminine eyes are usually large, clear, expressive...regardless of color. As well throughout time people have admired Doe eyes in women. Does are female deer in case you don't know.
Does have Large dark eyes with long eye lashes.
This is what some people had to say about Doe eyes that i found over the internet.
"'Doe eyes' means they look like a doe, or female deer. Specifically, it means eyes that are large, soft, and usually a medium brown color. They're considered very attractive; but also vulnerable, so you may have trouble getting people to take you seriously."
"doe eyes are usually almost always brown, it means the eyes look very innocent and compassionate.
i have blue eyes and i dig girls with doe eyes. they look so cute... "
its sexy and innocent and cute :)"
I don't know if you hear this expression...but in America people often say puppy dog brown eyes to refer to attractive brown eyes.
Maybe you have an aversion to anything childlike/innocent in women? But I love the look of gentleness and innocence in women. Makes them look very feminine...vulnerable. Big brown eyes do this :)
Personally I don't care what the eye color is ... all depends on the person BUT i know some people that have preferences. You seem to be one of them.
In nature...Do predators/adults have piercing/light eyes?
In nature do infants and gentle creatures have dark eyes...why?
Do people equate what they see in nature to humans?
In many cultures people equate light eyes with snakes...cats...something of a "sinister" nature while brown eyes are seen as trusting, kind....etc.
Did you understand what i am trying to say? I think all the pictures you posted including the Italian actress are beautiful women.
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# 105 | Submitted by mogs on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 16:53 | link
Emily, I noticed you haven't responded to quite a few of the points I have brought up so far.
Unfortunately, you are also posting baby eyed photographs: high oestrogen women with a flat brow and large eyes.
Not really suprising you chose these extra-femme types to try and demonstrate that blue is a "sweet and soft" colour. LOL.
Please compare like with like.
Compare baby-eyed, high oestrogen women of blue and brown eye colour to prove that black is a hard and unpleasant colour. OR compare 2 masculine women to achieve these ends. Do not mix and match.
If you cannot tell the difference between hormone levels of women by now, you have not gotten much out of this site.
Again, blue irises cannot in and of themselves make a woman look soft and feminine, here is an example where the colour does nothing for her:
You can't photoshop bone structure, and the colours of the eyes in the photographs are indeed in the black and brown range of the colour spectrum.
Expressions such as "liquid eyes" "babushka eyes" "bush baby eyes" suggest that dark eyes can look soft, feminine and melting, and are not necessarily "hard".
This is cognitive dissonance, in that when presented with new information that contradicts established beliefs, the brain will often simply discard the new information to reduce any discomfort and continue on as before. If you believe this racist stuff, you are pretty much going to ignore everything that anyone says to you that suggests otherwise. It's a shame.
I made these posts because white supremacists often use similarly skewed arguments in their discussion of black people, and this time with things more important than eye colour, like intelligence.
But meh, who cares. Because at the end of the day, most white people do not hold beliefs like this.
This is the best quote in this thread:
"It's like saying only roses are beautiful but no other flowers can compare. That's similar to what this website and you in particular are saying, you are missing out on other aspects of beauty as it is limited, narrowed down and one dimensional."
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# 106 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 17:24 | link
I asked Emily for a video as photos can be faked and taken from anywhere whereas videos are much harder to alter.
Bigots are cowards, they talk a lot of bullshit but don't have the courage to do anything in reality
I know it is going to be impossible to show themselves and that's why I set the challenge.
Now let's see whether Emily accepts it and proves she is a proud racist.
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Well guys I get you all want to see how Emily looks because anyone reading this would assume she is either a great beauty or a jealous ugly bum. However, I disagree that she should post any photos of herself. First of all the internet is a dangerous place and no one should just be posting photos of themselves all over it, especially on a website like this really. That is why I disagree with some people taking photos of people from myspace and leaving them on for prolonged periods without their permission. Secondly, even if it turns out Emily is hideous it doesn't necessarily prove any of her arguments wrong because ugly people can understand what is beautiful despite their ugliness. It is the argument that should stand alone really. Her arguments do stand alone, however they are mostly bullshit and obviously biased.
I'll be posting some photos comparing blue eyes and brown eyes. However what about inbetween guys? LOL I have hazel eyes, we could talk about those too:). But I do believe blue eyes can look hard easier than brown or black eyes, although in general I don't believe brown or blue eyes look hard or contribute much to the femininity and masculinity of a woman. I do not believe eye color is a strong correlate of beauty. I think the whole "blue" eye thing is just a whole weird barbie fad. I know many people that believe blue eyes look unhealthy, cold, sick, because many times blind people have light blue eyes and blue eyes often look aged because as one gets older their eyes get lighter. In fact in my family our eye color changes many shades lighter as we age. Most people in my family that have hazel eyes for example end up with light washed out green eyes as they age. I hope it doesn't happen to me. Similarly, the argument for brown eyes is that they are more common than blue eyes and resemble our ancestors"monkeys" more often. However, I find the comparisons to primates ridiculous. Anyways, I could compare light eyes to reptiles, and reptiles are far less intelligent or attractive than primates. Humans relate less to reptiles and most people are even more afraid of them than say a chimp.
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# 108 | Submitted by Peter on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 21:40 | link
Voice of Reason,
Ok that is a bit extreme!
I know she is very insensitive with the words she uses but i don't think...if Emily doesn't post her image = proud racist. As well there is no need to post videos...a picture would suffice.
I am wondering...do you post on any other sites or forums? I wanted to ask you a few things.
I somewhat disagree with what your saying.
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# 109 | Submitted by Erik on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 01:20 | link
Mogs: Brown eyes appear warmer than blue eyes, solely because of the coloring. Artists will agree as they are better tuned to warmer vs. cooler colors, and this is the right way of looking at the issue than soft vs. hard. You are correct that the best way to compare eye colors is to match the women for femininity/shape or else there is a major bias.
As to the “white power” woman, Emily, I don’t have control over who stumbles across this site. I don’t bother with moderating comments and don’t intervene unless people start creating plenty of trouble. Among the comments and the rest of the website, plenty of people will find lots of reasons to be offended. This is the nature of this site.
Besides, based on comments left by Emily, it is unlikely that she is a “white power” person or white supremacist; whether she is a “Nordic power” person or Nordic supremacist cannot be inferred, but she is either a Nordic preservationist or Aryanist (one who wants to enhance the Nordic toward the “Aryan ideal” and bring other populations closer to this ideal; opposed to preservation). In any case, for one Emily commenting here there are multiple people hostile to Nordic preservationists and Aryanists leaving comments here also. The balance is not in Emily’s favor.
Peter: I have told you many times that your comments are not welcome here and that you need to stop commenting here. Please don’t make me repeat this again.
Voice of Unreason: What is your problem? If racists are your problem then why do you read what they have to say? Browse other websites. I hope that you are not foolish enough to not understand that an eye color preference on the part of a Northern European (Emily in this case) cannot be racist because Northern Europeans have all eye colors.
I hope Emily doesn’t respond to your comment on the physique of Scandinavian women vs. African, Hispanic and East Asian women. Your comment is meaningless and a response to it in terms of pictures taken from here and there would be equally useless. Look at published data and don’t waste my time unless you have comparable data. And consider the overall data. Among the populations you have brought up, the sub-Saharan Africans have the longest legs in relation to height. But by itself it doesn’t mean anything.
You have nothing of value to add to this site. Why do you even bother coming back?
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# 110 | Submitted by just noting on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 03:17 | link
As a woman I can understand Emily's reluctance to post her photo on a public web forum. We can argue back and forth over the femininity /aesthetics of brown vs. blue but it's all a matter of taste. I am of primarily Anglo-Celtic descent with a little German, French and Spanish thrown in (i.e. I am a typical American white person) and I've been told that my big brown eyes look alternately puppy dog-like or mysterious and sexy. It's all about rocking what you've got, a lesson that Emily would do well to take to heart.
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People who disagree with me wants me to post my personal photo on this very public website. Why on earth shoud I, or anyone else? I wouldn't ask such a thing of anyone, and neither is it my intention to post my own private photos here.
I am not the topic here. My photo is not the topic here. I could be (and am) VERY good looking in a North European and feminine way, with honey-blonde/golden hair and blue-green eyes and an oval face. I have fair skin that tans well in the summer. I am tall(5'9) curvy, have feminine hips, and I am slender, with medium size breasts and a cute, rounded behind, and long, shapely legs. I have never had any self-esteem issues when it comes to looks as I can see for myself what I look like, and since the response I get is always very positive. I don't need this site or any other site for personal validation.
I say this not because I want to but because there seems to be an almost abnormal interest and speculation about my looks. I find this odd, I have to say. So copy my description now so I won't need to write it over and over. lol
Furthermore, it shouldn't matter what I or anyone else here looks like. Someone could be the ugliest person in the world and still have true and valid comments on the things they write about, and likewise a very gorgeous person could be totally dishonest and have malicious intentions. People need to stop being immature.
I think it is sad that people with personal issues take it out on other posters here, especially when they feel they need to write flat out lies about Nordics, such as Voice of (Envy) Reason, who wrote that Scandinavians have short legs, are big boned and masculine, etc. It was clear that she was either ill-informed or simply lying. I didn't even bother to respond since anyone reading here sees what she is about. She (a spanish/asian) even admitted she came here because she felt down, and as I said that's not the right attitude. This site is not for those in need of psychological help on self-esteem issues, I think.
I am not a supremacist. I am a normal person with a great love and admiration for my people, and I am here to discuss beauty and femininity - not politics. Amazing, just because a white girl has pride and a sense of concern about her race she must be called names. Had I been a latin girl this kind of nonsense would never have been said.
It is taken for granted that latin girls have a great sense of racial pride and identity, and even if they say negative things about Nordics no one would dream of saying they are racist. They are allowed their opinions. That smear label is reserved for just one race. Your problem is that here in Europe we don't apply different sets of rules, and that's why white people are allowed to have an opinion just like everybody else, without being vilified. Go figure, Americans.
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# 112 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 07:49 | link
Mogs made an interesting comment/point,you and Emily suffer highly from cognitive dissonance, this is typical of white supremacists and racists. Look it up.
You have an opinion and you will make up reasons to support that, in doing so you ignore any point that contradicts your
opinion and highlight anyone and anything that supports your preference. This is called delusion when you go too far. Emily is clearly highly cognitive dissonant.
I am sure that anyone who tells you that you are deluded and should come to your senses is not welcome here. Anyone who accuses you of being a bigot is not welcome here. Similarly I am sure you will welcome any racist so you can feed off your own hate and contempt and grow that eluded ego of yours.
Emily,
You are obviously not going to accept the challenge, this proves that you are full of bullshit
Yeah right, I am sure you are the most gorgeous woman that existed (in your mind) honey we call it delusion. You need a psychiatrist and trust me, it will be better for your mental health.
You've wasted all your time on this website for probably years and years and you probably will continue to argue till eternity comes but then you will never post your own picture because you are a coward.
Like I said you two should go check the clothing sizes in your malls and then check the ones in Asian and Hispanic countries. I have never seen more XL and XXLs (extra large)anywhere else than in Scandinavian countries.
And if they are a smaller size as in size 8, they are boyish have no curves and are very flattering for women who tend to be more slimmer and curvier, like myeslf. Typical of big Scandinavian women, Emily I am not surprised that you are 5 feet 9 inches. How much do you weigh? I bet you are super skinny, aren't ya?
I am 110 lbs or 51 kilos and that is on the lower end of BMI for my height, my breast size is a C cup (almost a D) and my chest is 30 inches, I normally find that C cups have a chest of 34 inches normally in Europe.
And another annoying thing is that they are always padded, why on earth would I need padding? To be honest, I have Anglo Saxon friends and they are really amazed that I never suffer from cellulite or gain weight, I eat what I like and never exercise. I do feel sorry for white women that have to diet, diet and diet and still remain big.
And I meant what I said so I am going to fulfil my part of the challenge, anyone that wants to see my video link can request me or give me an email address and I will send them a link on youtube, you can check whether I've been lying so there ya go honey! .
Yes off course you can contact me sweetie, tell me how and I will do so.
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And to those who think I am a bit extreme by challenging these morons for their real pictures.
I am a person that doesn't beat around the bush.
I think you are more extreme in spending years and years posting nonsense and fake pictures and never really showing your real self.
Emily is never going to be as hot as me and Erik will never get a girl as pretty as me, he sounds gay anyway.
"Lifetime exclusive heterosexual" that is typical gay lingo and not what a straight guy would say.
So it is a shame because I actually thought that some of the research on this website was quite accurate even though highly biased.
I think I have proved my point though so you can kiss my cute arse!
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# 114 | Submitted by Voice of Reason on Tue, 06/02/2009 - 13:49 | link
What is your problem? If racists are your problem then why do you read what they have to say? Browse other websites. I hope that you are not foolish enough to not understand that an eye color preference on the part of a Northern European (Emily in this case) cannot be racist because Northern Europeans have all eye colors.
And what is your problem? The comment was aimed at Emily so why are you answering for her, I am sure she is mature enough to respond on her own despite the size of her brain.
I hope Emily doesn’t respond to your comment on the physique of Scandinavian women vs. African, Hispanic and East Asian women. Your comment is meaningless and a response to it in terms of pictures taken from here and there would be equally useless. Look at published data and don’t waste my time unless you have comparable data. And consider the overall data. Among the populations you have brought up, the sub-Saharan Africans have the longest legs in relation to height. But by itself it doesn’t mean anything.
Well she certainly has responded by calling them primate butts and infantile, not to forget all the other banal comments she has made and had to apologise for.
I am not going to reduce this arguement to statistics and numbers, I live in Northern Europe and I know I have problems with finding clothes that fit me well because of my slimmer but curvier figure so you can stuff those statistics up your arse.
You have nothing of value to add to this site. Why do you even bother coming back?
Because you are full of bullshit and I would like to say so.
What exactly makes you an authority on beauty? Every woman knows how beautiful or not they are, they don't need some ugly loser on an obscure website judging them this way.
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I wanted to leave, leave thee be
but i didn't comprehend what this site means, means to me
I tried and tried and tried but gee!
Please let me be, don't make me flee
I cannot see, see si see
but i give forth this decree to thee
but i shall aspire to, not get up your tree
Voice of Reason,
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I guess I have pretty much killed the conversation here.
I just think beauty is so subjective and based on your perception.
On a humorous note this is what your thoughts would be when you see a girl.
Emily's thoughts: Oh what a pretty Nordic angel, radiant blonde hair and bright blue eyes, I wonder if she's from Sweden, wait a minute her nose is slavic looking, oh horror, she is an ugly slav! She is going to ruin our Nordic gene pool, I must save all Nordics before we become extinct.
Erik's thoughts: I wonder if this girl is attractive enough, she clearly has a neotenuous look, the small mouth, delicate jawline, flat brow ridges. Her eyes have the medial canthal tilt, she's got medium breasts and a huge butt, a very good waist to hip ratio. I think I will put her up in place of Anna from bigtitgirls dot com.
Gay guy's thoughts: Bitch please, this lady is a total fashion disaster, she needs to lose the 90s style top and that purse clashes with her shoes. She needs a complete fashion makeover, yeah totally !
A straight guy's thoughts: That's a fit bird, as long as she's got the tits and arse, who cares about the face? I bet she looks really good with her clothes off, the lights off or a paper bag over her head. Hmmm, how do I get her number?
A straight girl's thoughts: Oh dear, not another Pamela Anderson wanna be, she looks ancient and I can see the dark circles under her eyes. I bet she bathes in fake tan because she looks like an orange. She has got nice hair extensions, I wonder where she gets it done, I must find who her hair dresser is and fix an appoinment.
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Since I am an avid fan and collector of pin-up art, I was directed here. I have to say that the articles that Erik wrote are well researched, but biased to a point. I actually got more caught up in the discussions here than with the actual reason I came to this sight to begin with. I see it's been many days since anyone has posted on the previous controversy involving Miss Emily. But I love to stir things up, and with jaw to ground, felt compelled to respond.
First of all, I am an Irish American with typical Celtic features, and to be honest, have always been praised for my looks. Does that matter in real life? Maybe, maybe not, but it's all that matters here, as this site is called and is dedicated to "Feminine Beauty". I've been called "petite" (aka "short", as I am 5'3"), but do have an hourglass figure, despite having small bone structure. I think the one thing, though, that lends to my looks are the high cheekbones and full lips that I inherited from a Navajo great-grandmother, and wonders if Emily realizes that here in America, most people with any Native American blood, even if it is as little as 1/8, as in my case, are extremely proud to admit it? I've also (now brace yourself, Emily), procreated, not once, but TWICE, with a brown-eyed caucasian. I have two beautiful blue eyed boys, so there blows some of Emily's theory.
I also felt compelled to google "Icelandic Heritage", and found the pictures intriguing, as a good 50 per cent of the Icelandics depicted have brown eyes, pale, yet yellow undertoned skin and dark hair. Blows another one of her theories, as she has said that brown eyes are hard, blue eyes are not, and Icelandics are the most beautiful people in the world.
Emily, I too am very proud of my overwhelminly Irish heritage, as I believe everyone should feel ethinic pride, but there's this little thing called acceptance. If you choose only to mate and procreate with other "Nordics" to preserve the ethnicity you are so fiercly afraid is becoming extinct, make sure it is not with an Icelandic, as you may have that dreaded, hard looking brown-eyed child that you so desperately fear is taking over the world.
Also keep in mind Emily, as there are far fewer people in the northern part of the world and many more at the equator, the world will have proportionately fewer Nordic types. I guess that's something to think about as you sit there at your computer, in your Jack boots, looking at your ABBA poster on one wall, and your Nazi propoganda poster on the other. Sorry if this sounds like a cheap shot, but you've taken enough of them at everyone else here who's disagreed with you.
By the way Erik, where's the Luis Royo gallery? I'll admit, he's slightly more fantasy oriented than the typical pin-up image, but he does amazing work depicting the proportionate, female form that is characteristic of the pin-up genre. I can honestly understand excluding Boris Vallejo, but Royo is amazing.
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Emily, they're just jealous.
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I don't understand the hatred towards emily, or for white preservation for that matter. i honestly find it frightening that people get offended when someone wants to preserve the white race. why is this seen as a threat? i find all peoples/races of the world beatiful in their own way, and i enjoy the differences among each race. as for racemixing, that will only lessen the differences between us and make for a less than enjoyable world in the future.
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Sorry Michael, I'm hardly jealous of Emily. Neither is anyone that's disagreed with her here. To want to preserve the white race is her business, but she's attacked those who are of mixed races, saying that they aren't as beautiful. Some pure blood white people aren't that great looking. There's beautiful people of all races, and for those non-whites who are beautiful, it's not necessarily because they may have European blood. I've seen average looking whites make beautiful babies with other races, and one can clearly see that the offspring is better looking for having the non-white features.
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Coincidentally, I am a fair-skinned, blue/green eyed Caucasian. My ideal mate, as far as looks go, are similar to my own. That does not mean, however, that I am saying that I only have this preference because I fear for the integrity of the white race, it is just my own personal preference. My best friend is half German and half Thai. Her mother is gorgeous, and her father is what one would politely call average. My point is that she has clearly benefitted, looks wise, from her Asain heritage.
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"I don't understand the hatred towards emily, or for white preservation for that matter. i honestly find it frightening that people get offended when someone wants to preserve the white race. why is this seen as a threat? i find all peoples/races of the world beatiful in their own way, and i enjoy the differences among each race. as for racemixing, that will only lessen the differences between us and make for a less than enjoyable world in the future"
Ofcourse you dont understand the hatred towards emily because there is nothing to understand as there is no hatred to her as if there was there would be something to understand and you may have understood it. The hatred if any there is is for her all mouth approach that when it boils down to the crunch she doesnt have the conviction to carry her beliefs through because if she did she wouldnt be on here mouthibng off in the first place, shes all mouth and that is the hatred if any there is but that has nothing to do with and is not related to and should not be mistaken for hatred for or anyone being against the preservation of the white race. She (You) want to preserve your genetic interests? Go ahead dont let anyone stand in your way. Surely your not going to let anyone stand in your way??? As erik said "out your money where your mouth is" if you are so genuine. So go ahead preserve it, no one is stopping you, your not going to preserve it by mouthing off about how you want to preserve your race your going to preserve it through action through physical breeding. Maybe some might be fooled by the game your playing but big talk and no conviction hence no action is what I see. No one is hence getting offended, if anyone is getting offended its the 'desire to protect the white genetic interests' group of people who are getting offended themselves because when it comes to the crunch they cant carry it through and they know it too. No one sees it as a threat either and nor is it a threat its the all talk no action aspect of the whole thing that this 'people see it as a threat' idea is built upon. As clever and smart as ity is it doesnt fool me. You cant see something as threat. The bottom line is either you do it or you dont and if you dont have the balls to then you shouldnt be making a drama in the first place and this is why this emily characater is seen as a hilarious Joker by alot and not because of her desperate desire and anyone else to believe that people are jealous. No one is jealous thats another not so smart ideathrough labelling and accusing people as being jealous to get people to take there eye of the ball. Whats to be jealous about? Beauty is something one admires irrespective of what race that person is. Beauty is understood independednt of race independent of everything except beauty. Beauty moves the soul. It is a very strange way of expressing jealousy.Beauty can never be understood alongside the concept of saving genetic interests that has nothing to do with beauty it is entirely different set of ideas. It is a false way of understanding beauty. Beauty can only be understood alongside beauty and that Objectively too. No one is asking you to mix its you yourselves that are plucking things out of thin air and creating what doesnt and hasnt existed. Live and let live.
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I thought this site was about "Feminine Beauty". People were commenting on that topic as far as I could see, until Emily made it about something else: race. I believe from what I've read through this entire thread, that those who were beautiful were only that way because of their ethnicity, according to Emily. She was not talking about beauty. She wanted to have a conversation about racial politics, which I don't think has anything to do with beauty. I doubt it really has anything to do with this site. There are other sites for that. I think that we should get back on topic and ignore her. I will try to no longer dignify her ignorant remarks with a response. If everyone just ignored that irritating woman, she may just give up and move to another website where the topic is racial purity. This is not such a site, at least it's not meant to be. She makes Swedes look ignorant. I really actually feel some sort of pity for her. She will never be happy. The world is the way it is, and all the photobucket pics of beautiful Swedes that she posts here won't change anyone's mind of what they perceive as beauty. It must really be frustrating to be her.
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"I thought this site was about "Feminine Beauty". People were commenting on that topic as far as I could see, until Emily made it about something else: race."
What kind of silly remark is that? Looks, beauty AND race are linked. Race is what makes us look a certain way.
I have many times seen promotion for race mixing here. The latest example was Gemma Ward, who was put forth as some kind of admirable example. I pointed to the fact that her Asian traits in fact lessen her appeal. Am I not allowed to do so when others introduce her and bring up the topic themselves? In fact, most of the time I respond to race issues related to looks brought up by others.
The caucasian race does not benefit from race mixing, and might very well become extinct, unless people pay more attention to ethnic belonging. In fact, neither do other races since it is now clear that it is extremely hard for sick people of mixed race to find bone marrow donors. If you are a quarter non-white, for example, and get a disease that requires a bone marrow transplant, you will have an extremely hard time finding a donor, so you could very well die as a result.
There are countless articles about this on the internet. This one is from Knoxnews.com:
"If Nick Glasgow were white, he would have a nearly 90 percent chance of finding a matching bone marrow donor who could cure his leukemia.
But because the 28-year-old bodybuilder is one-quarter Japanese, his doctor warned him the outlook was grim. Glasgow's background would make it almost impossible to find a match, which usually comes from a patient's own ethnic group.
The doctor "didn't say it was slim-to-none. He didn't say it would be hard. He said 'zero chance,' " Glasgow's mother, Carole Wiegand, recalled with tears in her eyes. "When Nick heard that, it sent him plummeting."
At a time when the number of multiracial Americans is rising, only a tiny fraction of donors on the national bone-marrow registry are of mixed race. The National Marrow Donor Program is trying to change that by seeking more diverse donors for patients suffering from leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases.
"The truth is, when people of different backgrounds marry and produce offspring, it creates more types that are harder to match," said Michelle Setterholm, the program's director of scientific services. "The probability just gets lower when you have people of mixed ancestral DNA." The number of people who identify themselves as multiracial in the United States has grown from 3.9 million in 2000, the first year the census included the category, to 5.2 million in 2008. Mixed-race people account for 1.6 percent of the U.S. population.
The donor program has been pushing for years to recruit more racial minorities and mixed-race donors. So far, multiracial volunteers make up just 3 percent of the 7 million people on the registry.
That is higher than the percentage of mixed-race people in the U.S. BUT THERE ARE SO MANY POSSIBLE RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMBINATIONS that finding a match can still be EXTREMELY difficult.
The reason that mixed-heritage patients are so hard to match can be found in the immune system.
Populations in different parts of the world developed certain proteins, or markers, that are part of the body's natural defenses. These markers help the immune system determine which cells are foreign and should be rejected.
A match between two people who share many markers will reduce the risk of the donor and recipient cells attacking each other. Because certain markers tend to cluster in particular ethnic groups, matches are most often found among people of shared backgrounds. Multiracial patients often have uncommon profiles and a much harder time finding a donor."
You will never hear this from race mixing promoters, who apparently are either unaware or ignore the fact that mixed race individuals are dying from diseases that require bone marrow transplants because their mixed genes make it impossible to cure them.
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"You will never hear this from race mixing promoters, who apparently are either unaware or ignore the fact that mixed race individuals are dying from diseases that require bone marrow transplants because their mixed genes make it impossible to cure them"
You are correct you may never hear this from the mixed race promoters but the site is not about bone marrow tranplanets its about beauty and the argument has to be made in relation to beauty.
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"I don't understand the hatred towards emily, or for white preservation for that matter. i honestly find it frightening that people get offended when someone wants to preserve the white race. why is this seen as a threat? i find all peoples/races of the world beatiful in their own way, and i enjoy the differences among each race. as for racemixing, that will only lessen the differences between us and make for a less than enjoyable world in the future."
Race mixing might lessen the difference between us but again you fail to understand as this Emily character also does the issue is not what the racial difference or similarity between us is the issue is what is beauty and how can it be understood. Also as for race mixing you can have a black and a white, you can have a black and a chinese, you can have a black, white and a chinese, you can have a black, white, chinese and asian and so on,the combinations are infinite, the list is endless and the looks are endless too. There will be desireable and undesirable traits in each particular race and the issue with respect to beauty is that one needs to be born with the desirable parts of that particular race to contribute to there beauty. So with a mixture of races if an individual happens to be lucky to be born with the desirable traits of thoose particular races then that is a contribution to beauty. It is in this respect beauty is understood independently of race i.e when it boils down to it and the race game is over one will have no choice but to look at beauty independent and objectively of all things except beauty and as much as anyone might want it there is no other copnclusion and there can and never can and in this sense never will be any other way. When one is of mixed racial heritage no matter hopw much mixture there is one does not loose there race they still belong to thoose particular races as they have possess thoose genetics but they are most likley to look most like thoose to whom they are most closely racially related to. i.e the most recent mixture they have.
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by Emily link
"The caucasian race does not benefit from race mixing, and might very well become extinct, unless people pay more attention to ethnic belonging"
No one has wanted you in the past why would they want you now. Log onto a political forum majorityrights.com and promote your political views on racial genetic preservation there. It is the ideal place for you as it is catered for the likes of you and you will fit in perfectly in place there. This is not the correct place for politicising your views and only serves to create misunderstanding and unwanted arguments between commentators as proved and hence deviates attention away from the topic of beauty which is the very objective of this site. You have pretty much made your argument and I think people pretty much understand what you are saying. So why dont you log onto majoritrights.com and preserve your genetic interests. Go ahead no one has stopped you in the past and no one is stopping you now. What are you waiting for???
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"I don't understand the hatred towards emily, or for white preservation for that matter. i honestly find it frightening that people get offended when someone wants to preserve the white race. why is this seen as a threat? i find all peoples/races of the world beatiful in their own way, and i enjoy the differences among each race. as for racemixing, that will only lessen the differences between us and make for a less than enjoyable world in the future"
Racial mixture is racial mixture with or without the white european race it does not become racial mixture just because it includes the white race. Racial mixture can produce beauty even with racial mixing with the white race. There are so many combinations of races with various features, skin tones etc...
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Race mixed people have existed for thousands of years its not a new concept but like a lot of other things for the europeans its new to them. Quite Hilarious but....LOL!
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Race mixing, the way we see it now, is a new phenomenon. People have always been loyal to their own ethnic/racial group/tribes, and now they are tought they should not be. Race mixing is heavily promoted and encouraged by the media in a way never seen before, totally ignoring the health risks it poses, and the ethnic cleansing of white people, which is the underlying motive for it.
Whites are kept unaware of the danger their race is in, and deliberately so. The mixed race person is falsely promoted as something healthy, beautiful and good, when they all too often really have an odd, disharmonious and unattractive physical appearance, and with a fatal flaw in their immune system to boot.
People of mixed race are dying this very minute because they cannot find proper bone marrow donors. Is that the kind of fate you would want for your own future child? If you want to be sure your child has a chance of receiving a bone marrow transplant if necessary, you must choose someone from your own race to mate with. That's the stark reality.
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"Emily, they're just jealous."
Yes, it looks that way, and shaken, I think, because someone dares to speak the truth and exposes their phoney, unattractive and unhealthy race mix ideal for what it is.
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"You are correct you may never hear this from the mixed race promoters but the site is not about bone marrow tranplanets its about beauty and the argument has to be made in relation to beauty."
Beauty hardly matters when you, or your child, are dying of a disease because there are no donors for you.
Beauty is connected with health, and the two are inseparable. Physical appearance that has an underlying lethal immune system flaw should not be promoted, which is repeatedly happening here. Would you promote a soft drink that tastes great, if you knew it also contained the venom of the Inland Taipan?
People of mixed race very often look unnatural and anything but the fake Hollywood ideals, and they are generally less attractive than those who are of one race. Unfortunately, non-caucasians do gain from race mixing sometimes, but as we have seen there is a deadly backside.
There are such health risks involved with race mixing that I believe it should be firmly disencouraged until science has found a bone marrow alternative, which is the foundation of our immune system. At least people should be informed and aware of the risks, I think.
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Beauty, and anti-race mixing agendas are not one in the same. To you they are, but clearly a vast majority of people tend to disagree with you. Anonymous gave you the web address where you can discuss your agenda. IT ISN'T APPROPRIATE. And are you a scientist, or just read the internet a lot? Sounds to me like you don't have much of a life, or an education for that matter. I have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a Masters of Physical Education (M.Ed.). I'd actually like to have an intelligent converstion with Erik about the topic of Feminine Beauty, but not with you on why you disapprove of race mixing. Once again, it doesn't have relevance to most of the commentators of this site. Only to you. Sling your dirt elsewhere. And it is a joke to think of me as jealous of you. It sounds to me that we look a lot alike, but that's where the similarities end. I have 2 degrees, one post graduate, dealing with the sciences of human physiology. You have your one sided opinions. Are we really on equal ground here? Bye, Emily.
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FYI: As a nurse in a large hospital in a major American city, I cared for my share of surgical transplant patients and saw that those of mixed race had about the same organ rejection rate, as well as about the same donor availability as those who were of a "pure" race. I do agree that beauty and health are most certainly interlinked. As someone who works as a fitness trainer, as well as a nurse, I know this with absolute certainty. But calling someone who is of mixed race as having a fatal immunity flaw is proposterous. THAT IS NOT A DISCUSSION ABOUT BEAUTY. Once again, there are web-sites for that topic as well. In other threads, when other commemtators got off on a tangent like this, Erik would politely remind them what this site was actually about. I stated before, I am proud of my heritage, looks, and myself prefer masculine men who share similar coloring, etc. But I would never venture to say that if someone did not share my views and personal tastes that they were causing white extinction. I personally don't believe that it is my business if people choose to race mix. I'm proud of my Irish/Norwegian heritage, but if someone who was white,
Asian, black, etc. wanted to have children with the person they love, and that person is not of their race, so what? I have my won life to live, without worrying about what everyone else wants to do with theirs.
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Erik, I just wanted to say to you that I find this site fascinating. As a nurse as well as a fitness trainer, I see a lot of validity in your findings. I also agree that gay men have far too much influence in determing women's fashion, as well as influencing standards of beauty. One thing that fitness trainers are encouraged to assess is "body type" e.g. endorporphic(most feminine), mesomorphic(most masculine), and ectomorphic(very lean; least masculine nor feminine). Today's "supermodels" are pure ectomorphs, or mesoectomoephs, which is the least feminine. Most "average" women, or feminine women are usually meso-endo(an hourglass with a little more definition on top), or ecto-endo, the slighter ribcages and bone structure, but with the proper feminine WHR, and pelvic structure. I would say that the ladies that you feature in your "Attractive Women" section are ecto-enomorphic. This is actually the feminine ideal. As long as a woman with this type takes care of her body via healthy diet and exercize, particularly cardiovascular training, she can hope to keep that lovely shape. I am a meso-endo, curvy hips and posterior, but a slightly broader ribcage and shoulder width. However, I am very small boned, and have fine facial features because of that, so my shoulders are still reasonably narrow. I'm of Irish, Norwegian, and about maybe 10% Native North American. The point is, I make the most of what I have. No woman should ever come to this site and feel less than after. If that's the case, make the changes. If you're mesomorphic, concentrate on building muscle in the lower body to offset broader shoulders or ribcage, for example. And ladies, to your advantage, higher levels of androgen mean less of a propensity towards cellulite, and firmer, more resilint skin, i.e. skin that ages better and skin and muscle tone that bounces back more quickly after childbirth. Thanks, Erik, for bringing this to light. I got my Victoria's Secret catalogue today and thought I'd be sick. You're right. My boyfriend's never seen this site, nor has he and I ever engaged in any discussion of this topic, but he asked "When did they start using little boys with long hair and make-up to sell underwear?" LOL.
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# 136 | Submitted by zoey on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 02:05 | white women are relatively more masculine compared to mediterran
Don't white (esp nordic) women in general look more masculine than mediterranean women? figure-wise especially...facially their faces tend to be more angular and sharp, less child-like (again, that's masculine...just take a look at most of the white celebs and models out there) compared to other races/ethnic groups...white women with softer, non-european-typical features (rounded cheeks, thick lips, non-angular face) are the ones who tend to be very attractive, but they do not represent the majority of white women...In general, white caucasian women are known to have large bone structure and rectangular figures (that's relatively masculine, and this is a fact) compared to mediterranean/south european, middle eastern or east indian women...in those places hourglass figures and rounded hips are the norm, plus they're not large framed nor are they tall like north european women tend to be, making them most feminine looking figure-wise.
The white women in general are also relatively masculine compared to East Asian women. East Asian women are more feminine than white women in the sense that they generally tend to be of willowy build with delicate bone structures, no body hair, and rounded youthful faces.
When it comes to body shape, in general rectangular figures with straight waists are more often found in Caucasian and East Asian women than any other race or ethnic group. I have never come across a white woman with a WHR of less than 0.7 myself, they are quite a rarity, you rarely even get to see them in porn, and when you do come across one you tend to find that they are of mixed ethnicity (greek/italian/latin/persian/indian/jewish), and not 100% north european...ofcourse there's Jennifer Love Hewitt, so far she's the only white celebrity I can think of who actually has a real hourglass figure (beyonce, shakira, j.lo, salma hayek, and sophia loren don't count since they're not of north european ancestry)...and while I find your website fascinating and interesting, I also find it biased and unrealistic...it's like you've never seen women of other ethnic groups other than those you see on TV.
the reason why most supermodels have no waists or butt or boobs is because they're too skinny, most of them are white/of northern european ancestry, and since in general white women are built with (relatively)larger ribcages and bone structure, getting too skinny only makes them look stick-straight and boyish. it would be unrealistic to expect hourglass-figured models to stroll down the catwalk, that would be even worse than sending down the boyish, masculine supermodels...how many white women are there with perfect hourglass bodies compared to those with rectangular bodies?? Another point I need to bring across, white women are in general taller than women of other ethnic groups, plus white women are more rectangular shaped, so most supermodels (who are infact white) are a by-product of their own genetics (with the help of starving ofcourse) they're tall and they're rectangular with wide ribcages, that doesn't make them ugly or 'unsexy', it's genetics at work (again, with the help of starvation), you'd rarely ever find super-tall, super-straight women with robust bone structure among other ethnic groups, most of them tend to be white...now if they try to search for masculine-skinny supermodels in India, they'd have a problem, because the women there in general are shorter and 'hippy' with curves, so the Indian models and actresses in India for example, *tend* to be curvier, with a smaller upper body build, and not as tall or 'masculinized' compared to those you see in the West, even if they were to get scrawny.
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by Emily link
"Beauty hardly matters when you, or your child, are dying of a disease because there are no donors for you. "
Re- read the statment you silly little girl. Dealing with you is like dealing with a child. I said this site is not about bone marrow transplants but its about beauty. I have made no reference to what weather beauty matters or not in relation to peope dying of disease. Beauty may be connected with health and alost of other things but thoose such things dont determine who is beautifull or what is beauty.
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by Emily link "Emily, they're just jealous."
"Yes, it looks that way, and shaken, I think, because someone dares to speak the truth and exposes their phoney, unattractive and unhealthy race mix ideal for what it is."
The way it looks and the way it IS are two different things. If the race mix ideal that the people you accuse of promoting is "phoney, unattractive and unhealthy" then what is the big urgency on your part to expose it if that is what it is surely in time it will expose itself??? As ultimately only truth can prevail or is it that under that facade there lies a more sinister reason?
You cant even look anyone in the eye and answer them directly. The only phoney on here is you. Your a phoney fraud and you know your a phoney fraud and you know we know your a phoney fraud but if it happens you dont know we know your a phoney fraud then your a bigger Joker that I give you credit for :-)
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link | Submitted by anonymous on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 16:49.
Racial mixture can produce beauty even WITHOUT racial mixing with the white race.
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"Emily, they're just jealous."
"Yes, it looks that way, and shaken, I think, because someone dares to speak the truth and exposes their phoney, unattractive and unhealthy race mix ideal for what it is."
Do you never stop trying to play smart? There is no room for semantic games here. If there is something you want to do then do it. Go ahead please tell what is stopping you???? What is stopping you? Why dont you take a step forward cos you far off the mark anyway. They might not know your game but I do. Go ahead put your money where your mouth is. Your all talk and you dont even understand when someone tells you "your all talk" what they are saying to you, you carry on with your usual blind routine regurgitating it all out. Instead of sitting here and laughing at yourself go ahead preserve your genetic race what are you still waiting for? You'v still not answered the question. The silence to the question answers the question itself. The answers obvious. If your not asking for the abuse your get the abuse you so cleverly label as jealousy then your asking for the abuse you get. What a Joker you are!
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Sorry in my hurry ive not corrected some sentences some of they should READ as follows:-
- If your not asking for the abuse you get the abuse you so cleverly label as jealousy then your asking for the abuse you get.
-The only phoney on here is you. Your a phoney fraud and you know your a phoney fraud and you know we know your a phoney fraud but if it happens you dont know we know your a phoney fraud then your a bigger Joker than I give you credit for :-)
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# 143 | Submitted by Emigree on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 02:04 | link
"I have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a Masters of Physical Education (M.Ed.)."
"I have 2 degrees, one post graduate, dealing with the sciences of human physiology. You have your one sided opinions. Are we really on equal ground here?"
Everyone (outside of the US) can tell the American BS. Besides, I was told by many people (some of whom have been to your beautiful country) that the US undergraduate education is at the most equivalent to an average European high school. I didn't quite believe it. But your comments and bragging about your superb education and degrees (was it Princeton or Chico Community College?) made me think that there's quite a lot of truth to it.
Speaking of eaducation and inteligence. English is for Emily her second language but from the random sampling of her posts I conclude that she beats you to the punch with the cohesion of her thought and style. To me, this tells a lot about inteligence. I won't even ask you about your command of foreign languages.
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American girl wrote:
"FYI: As a nurse in a large hospital in a major American city, I cared for my share of surgical transplant patients and saw that those of mixed race had about the same organ rejection rate, as well as about the same donor availability as those who were of a "pure" race."
Bone marrow transpants and organ transplants are two different things. One is related to race, the other one isn't. Please tell us the name of that hospital so people can avoid going there since the staff apparently lack education.
Lucas Blake was over the moon when his parents told him they were expecting a new baby. Not only would the seven-year-old have a younger sibling, there was a chance that baby would save his life.
Just months before, Lucas was told why he was so exhausted and got massive bruises after the simplest of injuries: he had Fanconi anemia, an inherited disorder that leaves his bone marrow unable to make new blood cells.
At first, Lucas' parents were relieved with their son's diagnosis; doctors had been worried he had leukemia. Then they learned that the only cure for Fanconi anemia was a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
One's best chances for a stem cell donor are often WITHIN A PERSON'S ETHNIC GROUP. But Lucas' father is of JAMAICAN descent and his mother is of PORTUGESE descent.
Finding someone who had blood like Lucas' would be like looking for a NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK.
Lucas' older brother (who is free of the disease) was not a match, but now there was a new baby on the way, bringing Lucas new hope.
"Lucas was so excited and happy when the baby came," recalls his father Keswick, in a phone interview with CTV.ca. "He was jumping up and down at the hospital and so happy."
After baby Owen was born, his doctors saved his stem-cell-rich umbilical cord blood and rushed it through genetic testing. Four weeks later, the family had an answer.
Not only was Owen's blood not a match, there was more bad news: Owen had inherited the genes for Fanconi anemia too.
"It was like a double hit," recalls Keswick. "When we got the test result, my wife cried. And Lucas was so sad. He looked at me and said, 'Who's going to help me now, Daddy?'
"As a parent, to hear your son say, 'Who's going to help me now?'... It's very, very hard."
Owen turned one year old last week. His health is good and he's just learned to walk. But Lucas, now eight years old, is not as well.
The blood transfusions he began after his diagnosis now come every two weeks where once they were needed only every three times a year. He gets drained so easily and his immune system is so compromised, he can no longer go to school.
Lucas is now like 70 per cent of patients who need a stem cell or marrow transplant: HE CAN'T FIND a suitable donor in their family.
FINDING AN ORGAN MATCH MIGHT BE EASIER, SINCE THEY RELY ON BLOOD TYPE, WHICH IS NOT RELATED TO RACE. BUT LUCAS NEEDS A DONOR WHOSE BLOOD HAS SIMILAR DNA MARKERS, or HLA antigens, as his own, to ensure his own immune defences and the donor's cells don't try to attack each other.
If Lucas were looking for a donor within the black community alone, it would be hard enough. Add in his mixed heritage and his prospects are not good."
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Is that so, Emigree? I believe that they are quite superior, this was noted by the vast amount of students at the university that I attended that were from Europe and couldn't find the superior education that they were seeking there. Do you have any idea how many Europeans attend American universities? Probably not, or you'd not have left the ignorant comment that you did. There's no universities in Stockholm, I presume, that could compare to the local community colleges that allow high school drop-outs to attend. It is safe to say, that the amount of British, French, Scandinavians, Germans, etc. that attend American universities is quite prevelent. They are so happy to have had the opportunity to attend an American university, and a lot of them intended to stay, and pursue their careers and lives right here in the States. That's not American B.S. Sorry. If it is your wish to engage in any kind of debate with me, you'll need to get a little better command of English yourself. Chico Community College, is it? If one such school exists, I'll request the info on it, since it may be the only American school that would accept you. What did you hope to accomplish by this? I know European B.S. It sounds a lot like the useless prattling I just responded to. I understand though, lots of people are jealous of Americans. Hope things get better for you.
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Emily, I was relating to my experience. I can only share that, my specialty is in physical therapy, rehabilitation. You do have valid points, and you seem like an intelligent girl. Your fan, Emigree attacked my intellect and education, and I responded in like. I really only wanted to enjoy this site for what it was. I will no longer engage in attacks on others. I am a grown woman as you are. We disagree on race mixing. But we share a lot of other opinions in other areas. The post to Emigree is to her. I, like you, have a sense of loyalty and patriotism. And I spent to much time in college to tolerate her comments. I'm sure they're very good universities in Stockholm.
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American girl, I think it's obvious by now that you and your alter egos here are the only racists. Your virulent hatred of whites is barely contained, and is threatening to explode any minute now. Just thhought you'd like to know.
You have to accept that many whites who have a high standard often find race mixed people less than attractive, and they have a serious immune system flaw, too, so it's not something worth promoting.
White Nordic women remain the most feminine, attractive and desired ones, generrally speaking, and that is not something you will change by making a fool of yourself here, you see. :)
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Please excuse any and all grammatical and spelling errors, as it is very late here, and I am recovering from a back strain that keeps me awake, but makes me quite useless at typing. And Emily, to your credit, you're right about bone marrow vs. organs. I'll reiterate that it was a rotation in what is a 5 year degree here in the States. You know, I am about 25% Scandinavian, the rest Irish, with one great-great native American grandmother. I'm proud of my people too. I would really just like to visit this site and not be in cyber war with complete stangers from other continents. For the sake of common sense, I concede. I think everyone else who is bashing Emily should just let it go. Agree to disagree. I'm tired. But I still don't appreciate the attack from Emigree. That was just plain f-ed up bullshit. Unrefined language and swearing. American to the death!!
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Well I tried to be the adult, but I guess you're not capable. No more of this Emily. I will no longer read this thread. I will no longer tolerate attacks. Nor will I be an attacker. I will ignore you. I'm not a racist. I've stated that I love my heritage and prefer partners of similar heritage as well. I takes a big person to say that she's not perfect, not always right, and I'm sure that by now, you will infer every comment directed at you as an attack. I'm done here. I will continue to visit this site, and read about the things that are relevent to me, and will comment if I feel compelled to, but not to you, or about these issues. I sincerely wish you well.
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Submitted by Emily on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 13:14
You will never hear this from race mixing promoters, who apparently are either unaware or ignore the fact that mixed race individuals are dying from diseases that require bone marrow transplants because their mixed genes make it impossible to cure them.
I was unaware of this problem. I've done some research and indeed many multiracial individuals have a tough time finding donor matches. This kinda scary, this isn't talked about that enough.
I think part of the problem is that we still group mixed people within the same racial group, should Halle Berry be considered black when she herself is mixed, what kind donor would she need? To better the odds we have to redefine multiracial people among other multiracial people, to better identify their genetic make-up.
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IMMOKALEE, Fla. — An Immokalee man has been arrested for harvesting and transporting palmetto berries without a permit.
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), on Friday night a deputy tried to pull over a white truck traveling 20 mph over the speed limit on CR-846 heading west. The truck evaded the deputy for nearly a half mile before pulling into the parking lot of a farm packing house at 808 East Main Street.
The driver identified as 29-year-old Delmar Vasquez-Ramirez refused to roll down his window or put his hands up, CCSO said.
According to the report, Vasquez-Ramirez and seven other people were taken out of the truck and detained.
Several bags of palmetto berries were found in the truck and Vasquez-Ramirez told deputies he did not have a legal permit to harvest the berries but that he was picking the berries for one of the other men in the truck who did have a permit, CCSO said.
According to the report, the man who allegedly possessed the permit told deputies that Vasquez-Ramirez was working for him. The man’s permit allowed him to harvest palmetto berries in Myakka City.
The direction the men were driving towards in Immokalee was considerably out of the way if they were allegedly heading back from Myakka City, CCSO said.
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According to CCSO, Vasquez-Ramirez told deputies they had been harvesting in a Hendry County area known as Pioneer. The man with the permit told deputies they were harvesting at a place approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from where Delmar stated they were harvesting.
Vasquez-Ramirez has been charged with fleeing and eluding police, harvesting an endangered plant without a permit and driving without a valid license.
Vasquez was also charged with a warrant for violating probation out of Hillsborough County. He was taken to the Immokalee Jail.
The owner of the berries could not be identified a this time.
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Read our VimaFX review to see why we do NOT recommend this broker for trading. Just to clear doubts, this is a vimafx.com review.
Who are they?
After taking a look at their website, it shows that they do not fall under any regulating agency. That is a MAJOR RED FLAG!! That should be enough for you NOT to invest with them. And they also work with websites that offer “Automated trading software” which is another red flag, as this kind of websites are notoriously famous for scamming schemes.
So VimaFX is just another unregulated forex broker, which means the customers are not protected, and there is highly likely they will get away with your hard earned money and there will be no regulating agency to hold them responsible.
How does it work?
Usually unregulated forex brokers work in the following way. They will call people to persuade them to make the initial minimum deposit, while trying any conceivable method in order to make that happen. They will offer deals that sound too good to be true, like we will double your initial deposit or you will make $100 per day easily. Please don’t fall for anything they say!!! It is a SCAM! After making the initial deposit, people get transferred to a smarter scammer, called a “retention agent”, who will try to get more money out of you.
Withdrawing funds
You should submit a withdrawal request ASAP, because your funds are never safe with an unregulated broker. And here is when things get tricky.
If you want to withdraw your money and it does not matter if you have profits or not, they will delay the withdrawing process for months. If they delay it for six months, you won’t be able to file a chargeback anymore and your money is gone for good. It does not matter how often you remind them or insist in withdrawing your money, you will NOT get them back. And if you signed the Managed Account Agreement or MAA, which is basically authorizing them to do anything they want on your account, they will lose all your funds so there won’t be anything to request anymore.
How to get your money back?
If you already deposited your money with them and they refuse to give your money back, which is very likely to happen, don’t worry, it might be a way or two to get your money back.
First of all you need to keep the emails as a proof that you have been requesting the money back from them but they don’t give it to you, or they delay the process for too long, with the intention of not refunding your money.
The first thing you should do is perform a chargeback! And you should do this right away! Contact your bank or credit card provider and explain how you were deceived into depositing for a trading company that is not regulated and they refuse to give your money back. This is the simplest way of getting your money back and is also the way that hurts them the most. Because if there are many chargebacks performed, it will destroy their relation with the payment service providers. If you haven’t done this before or you are not sure where to start or how to present your case to your bank or credit card company, we can assist you in preparing your chargeback case. Just contact us at [email protected] but do not let your broker know they you read this article or that you are in contact with us.
What about wires?
If you sent them a wire, there is no way to perform a chargeback on a wire. For this step you need to raise the fight to a different level. Tell them that you will go to the authorities and file a complaint against them. That will get them to rethink the refund possibility. Another thing you can do is prepare a letter or email for the regulating agencies. Depending on the country where you live, you can search on google to find the regulating agency for Forex brokers in that country. After that you can prepare a letter or an email describing how you got deceived from them. Make sure you show this letter or email to them, and tell them you will send it to the regulating agency if they don’t refund your money. If you do not know where to start, reach for us at [email protected] and we will help you with this step as well.
Make sure you leave reviews about VimaFX in other sites
Another way to hurt them and save other people from falling victims is to leave bad reviews on other sites, and describe shortly what happened. If you fallen victim please leave a review and a comment on this site at the comment section. Also, when these people change their website they tend to call the old clients, so if they call you from a new website please write it down on the comment or let us know it by contacting us. That would be really appreciated by us and families all over world. Also if you get phone calls from other companies please put the name of these companies also in the comment or send it to us. We will expose them too.
Making the VimaFX review is actually a pleasure for us, and we hope to save as many people as possible from losing their hard earned money. A good rule of thumb is to carefully review all the Forex companies and any other company for that matter, before you perform any transaction. We hope that our VimaFX review has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or you need an advice about the withdrawing process, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
If you like to trade please do it with a trustworthy, regulated broker, by choosing one of the brokers listed below.
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vimafx-review-vimafx-com-scamRead our VimaFX review to see why we do NOT recommend this broker for trading. Just to clear doubts, this is a vimafx.com review. Who are they? After taking a look at their website, it shows that they do not fall under any regulating agency. That...
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With the two-day Biden leaders summit on climate attended by 40 countries, the United States has returned to the international stage of climate diplomacy. Whether the increased ambition of new climate action pledges via video made by several core countries can be implemented in a binding manner, however, remains an open question.
What the new US climate target means compared to the EU’s target
Published: 28 April 2021
On 22 April 2021, Joe Biden hosted heads of States at a climate summit, announcing a new climate goal of the United States under the Paris Agreement. In Europe, a compromise for the EU’s climate goal for 2030 was found. What do these targets mean in terms of actual emission reductions?
What to expect from carbon pricing – and what not
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Carbon pricing has been dominating the public debate in recent months like hardly any other climate protection instrument. Stefanie Groll comments on the role of carbon pricing for ambitious climate protection.
Published: 11 December 2020
"Build back better" has been Joe Biden’s campaign promise. Climate policy is central to this, both in domestic and foreign policy. Ultimately, it is also a question of whether the Biden government can succeed in regaining lost credibility on the international stage.
“Bail us out, get us in” - Albin Kurti’s vision for Kosovo and his political comeback
Published: 11 September 2020
Albin Kurti was Prime Minister of Kosovo from February to June 2020, when his government was toppled. Viola von Cramon-Taubadel is the European Parliament's rapporteur for Kosovo. Walter Kaufmann spoke to both of them about the domestic political situation in Kosovo, the rule of law and EU integration.
“I want this state to succeed first”
Published: 3 December 2019
Simon Ilse, head of our Belgrade office, talks with the future Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, about his future government’s priorities, the dialogue with Serbia, his green agenda, and addresses the issue of ethnicity vs nationality in the Balkans.
A changing European Parliament
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The European Parliament has become more pluralist and more diverse, which may mean opportunities for its future work. As part of a broader pro-European alliance the Greens will unquestionably play an important role in the newly elected Parliament.
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An interim calculation in the computation of income tax liability. It is computed by subtracting certain allowable adjustments from gross income.
A person appointed by the court to settle an estate when there is no will.
The return from an investment after the effects of taxes have been taken into account.
A mutual fund whose primary investment objective is substantial capital gains. The return and principal value of mutual funds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Investments seeking to achieve higher returns also involve a higher degree of risk. Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
A method of calculating income tax that disallows certain deductions, credits, and exclusions. This was intended to ensure that individuals, trusts, and estates that benefit from tax preferences do not escape all federal income tax liability. People must calculate their taxes both ways and pay the greater of the two.
Annuity
An insurance-based contract that provides future payments at regular intervals in exchange for current premiums. Annuity contracts are usually purchased from banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, or insurance companies. Any guarantees are contingent on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
Anything owned that has monetary value.
The process of repositioning assets in a portfolio to maximize potential return for a particular level of risk. This process is usually done using the historical performance of the asset classes within sophisticated mathematical models. Asset allocation does not guarantee against loss; it is a method used to help manage investment risk.
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When the stock market appears to be declining overall, it is said to be a bear market.
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The common stock of a company with a long history of profitability and consistent dividend payments.
A bond is evidence of a debt in which the issuer promises to pay the bondholders a specified amount of interest and to repay the principal at maturity. Bonds are usually issued in multiples of $1,000.
The net value of a company's assets, less its liabilities and the liquidation price of its preferred issues. The net asset value divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding equals the book value per share, which may be higher or lower than the stock's market value.
When the stock market appears to be advancing overall, it is said to be a bull market.
A buy-sell agreement is an arrangement between two or more parties that obligates one party to buy the business and another party to sell the business upon the death, disability, or retirement of one of the owners.
The difference between the sales price and the purchase price of a capital asset. When that difference is positive, the difference is referred to as a capital gain. When the difference is negative, it is a capital loss.
Short-term investments, such as U.S. Treasury securities, certificates of deposit, and money market fund shares, that can be readily converted into cash.
The amount that an insurance policyholder is entitled to receive when he or she discontinues coverage. Policyholders are usually able to borrow against the surrender value of a policy from the insurance company. Policy loans that are not repaid will reduce the policy's death benefit and cash value by the amount of any outstanding loan balance plus interest.
A credential granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (Denver, CO) to individuals who complete a comprehensive curriculum in financial planning and ethics. CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered CFP (with flame logo)® are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification.
A professional license granted by a state board of accountancy to an individual who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination (administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and has fulfilled that state's educational and professional experience requirements for certification.
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A trust established for the benefit of a charitable organization. A grantor who places money, securities, property, and other assets in a charitable remainder trust can designate an income beneficiary, even if it is the grantor herself, to receive payment of a specified amount (at least annually) from the trust. You may also qualify for an income tax deduction on the estimated present value of the remainder interest that will eventually go to charity.
A trust established for the benefit of a charitable organization. A grantor who places money, securities, property, and other assets in a charitable remainder trust can designate an income beneficiary, even if it is the grantor herself, to receive payment of a specified amount (at least annually) from the trust. You may also qualify for an income tax deduction on the estimated present value of the remainder interest that will eventually go to charity.
A professional financial planning designation granted by The American College (Bryn Mawr, PA) to individuals who complete a comprehensive curriculum in financial planning. Prerequisites include passing a series of written examinations, meeting specified experience requirements and maintaining ethical standards. The curriculum encompasses wealth accumulation, risk management, income taxation, planning for retirement needs, investments, estate and succession planning.
A professional designation granted by The American College to individuals who complete a comprehensive curriculum focused primarily on risk management. Prerequisites include passing a series of written examinations, meeting specified experience requirements, and maintaining ethical standards. The curriculum encompasses insurance and financial planning, income taxation, individual life insurance, life insurance law, estate and succession planning, and planning for business owners and professionals.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act is a federal law requiring employers with more than 20 employees to offer terminated or retired employees the opportunity to continue their health insurance coverage for 18 months at the employee's expense. Coverage may be extended to the employee's dependents for 36 months in the case of divorce or death of the employee.
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The amount an insured person must pay for a covered medical and/or dental expense if his or her insurance doesn't provide 100 percent coverage.
The generic term for goods such as grains, foodstuffs, livestock, oils, and metals which are traded on national exchanges. These exchanges deal in both "spot" trading (for current delivery) and "futures" trading (for delivery in future months).
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A unit of ownership in a corporation. Common stockholders participate in the corporation's profits or losses by receiving dividends and by capital gains or losses in the stock's share price.
State laws vary, but generally all property acquired during a marriage -- excluding property one spouse receives from a will, inheritance, or gift -- is considered community property, and each partner is entitled to one half. This includes debt accumulated. Nine states currently have community property laws: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. (Alaska adopted a community property system in 1998, but it is optional.)
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Interest that is computed on the principal and on the accrued interest. Compound interest may be computed continuously, daily, monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually.
The U.S. Department of Labor's main indicator of inflation. The Consumer Price Index is calculated each month from the cost of some 400 retail items in urban areas throughout the United States.
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An amount that can be subtracted from gross income, from a gross estate, or from a gift, thereby lowering the amount on which tax is assessed.
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A qualified retirement plan under which a retiring employee will receive a guaranteed retirement fund, usually payable in installments. Annual contributions may be made to the plan by the employer at the level needed to fund the benefit. The annual contributions are limited to a specified amount, indexed to inflation.
A retirement plan under which the annual contributions made by the employer or employee are generally stated as a fixed percentage of the employee's compensation or company profits. The amount of retirement benefits is not guaranteed; rather, it depends upon the investment performance of the employee's account.
Investing in different companies, industries, or asset classes in an attempt to limit overall risk. Of course, diversification does not guarantee against loss; it is a method used to help manage investment risk. Diversification may also mean the participation of a large corporation in a wide range of business activities.
A pro rata portion of earnings usually distributed in cash by a corporation to its stockholders. In preferred stock, dividends are usually fixed; with common shares, dividends may vary with the fortunes of the company.
A system of investing in which the investor buys a fixed dollar amount of securities at regular intervals. The investor thus buys more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price rises, and the average cost per share is lower than the average price per share. Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Such plans involve continuous investments in securities regardless of fluctuating prices. You should consider your financial ability to continue making purchases during periods of low and high price levels. However, this can be an effective way for investors to accumulate shares to help meet long-term goals.
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances (DPOA)
A durable attorney for finances (DPOA) enables you to authorize someone to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters. Your agent could pay everyday expenses, watch over your investments, and file taxes, among other tasks. A DPOA may become effective immediately or when a triggering event occurs, such as a doctor certifying that you are physically or mentally incapacitated.
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A durable power of attorney for health care (HPOA), also known as a health-care proxy, enables you to appoint a representative to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so yourself. You can appoint anyone to be your agent as long as the individual is of legal age (usually 18 or older), and you can decide how much power your representative will have. An HPOA should be HIPAA compliant so your representative can access your private medical information.
A statistical result from the analysis of the risk and return for a given set of assets that indicates the balance of assets that may, under certain assumptions, achieve the best return for a given level of risk.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan
A tax-favored retirement plan that is sponsored by an employer. Among the more common employer-sponsored retirement plans are 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, simplified employee pension plans, and profit-sharing plans.
Enrolled Agent (EA)
An enrolled agent is a person who has passed the appropriate examination in order to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants, are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.
The value of a person's ownership in real property or securities; the market value of a property or business, less all claims and liens against it.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act is a federal law covering all aspects of employee retirement plans. If employers provide plans, they must be adequately funded and provide for vesting, survivor's rights, and disclosures.
ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)
A defined contribution retirement plan in which company contributions must be invested primarily in qualifying employer securities.
Activities coordinated to provide for the orderly and cost-effective distribution of an individual's assets at the time of his or her death. Estate conservation often includes the use of wills and trusts.
Estate Tax
Upon the death of a decedent, federal and state governments impose taxes on the value of the estate left to others (with limitations).
The employer pays for a benefit that is owned by the executive. The bonus could take the form of cash, automobiles, life insurance, or other items of value to the executive.
A person named by the probate courts or the will to carry out the directions and requests of the decedent.
The range of taxable income that is taxable at a certain rate. The brackets are 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent, and 37 percent.
Income from investments, such as CDs, Social Security benefits, pension benefits, some annuities, or most bonds, that is the same every month.
A defined contribution plan that may be established by a company for retirement. Employees may allocate a portion of their salaries into this plan, and contributions are excluded from their income for tax purposes (with limitations). Contributions and earnings will compound tax deferred. Withdrawals from a 401(k) plan are taxed as ordinary income, and may be subject to an additional 10 percent penalty tax if withdrawn prior to age 59½.
A defined contribution plan that may be established by a nonprofit organization or school for retirement. Employees may allocate a portion of their salaries into this plan, and contributions are excluded from their income for tax purposes (with limitations). Contributions and earnings will compound tax deferred. Withdrawals from a 403(b) plan are taxed as ordinary income, and may be subject to an additional 10 percent penalty tax if withdrawn prior to age 59½.
An approach to the stock market in which specific factors - such as the price-to-earnings ratio, yield, or return on equity - are used to determine what stock may be favorable for investment.
G
A federal tax levied on the transfer of property as a gift. This tax is paid by the donor. For 2022, the first $16,000 a year from a donor to each recipient is excluded from tax. Most states also impose a gift tax. The gift tax exclusion is indexed for inflation.
A will entirely in the handwriting of the testator. Without witnesses, holographic wills are valid and enforceable only in some states.
I
Contributions to a traditional IRA are deductible from earned income in the calculation of federal and state income taxes if the taxpayer meets certain requirements. The earnings accumulate tax deferred until withdrawn, and then the entire withdrawal is taxed as ordinary income. Individuals not eligible to make deductible contributions may make nondeductible contributions, the earnings on which would be tax deferred.
An increase in the price of products and services over time. The government's main measure of inflation is the Consumer Price Index.
A person who dies without leaving a valid will. State law then determines who inherits the property or serves as guardian for any minor children.
A broad class of assets with similar characteristics. The five investment categories include cash alternatives, fixed principal, equity, debt, and tangibles.
A trust that may not be modified or terminated by the trustor after its creation.
J
Joint and Survivor Annuity
Most pension plans must offer this form of pension plan payout that pays over the life of the retiree and his or her spouse after the retiree dies. The retiree and his or her spouse must specifically choose not to accept this payment form.
Co-ownership of property by two or more people in which the survivor(s) automatically assumes ownership of a decedent's interest.
Jointly Held Property
Property owned by two or more persons under joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or, in some states, community property.
L
Liability
Any claim against the assets of a person or corporation: accounts payable, wages, and salaries payable, dividends declared payable, accrued taxes payable, and fixed or long-term obligations such as mortgages, debentures, and bank loans.
Limited Partnership
Limited partnerships pool the money of investors to develop or purchase income-producing properties. When the partnership subsequently receives income from these properties, it passes the income on to its investors as dividend payments. Limited Partnerships are subject to special risks such as illiquidity and those risks inherent in the underlying investments. There are no assurances that the stated investment objectives will be reached. At redemption, the investor may receive back less than the original investment. Individuals must meet specific suitability standards. These standards, along with the risks and other information concerning the partnership, are set forth in the prospectus, which can be obtained from your financial professional. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
How quickly and easily an asset or security can be converted into cash.
A trust created by a person during his or her lifetime.
A living will, which is another type of advance medical directive, can be used to outline which medical procedures you want to be used to prolong your life, typically in the event of a terminal illness. It generally does not become effective until you become incapacitated. Even if your state does not authorize a living will, you may still want one as a way to document your wishes.
The disbursement of the entire value of an employer-sponsored retirement plan, pension plan, annuity, or similar account to the account owner or beneficiary. Lump-sum distributions may be rolled over into another tax-deferred account.
M
Marginal Tax Rate
The amount of tax paid on an additional dollar of income. As income rises, so does the tax rate.
Marital Deduction
A provision of the tax codes that allows all assets of a deceased spouse to pass to the surviving spouse free of estate taxes. This provision is also referred to as the "unlimited marital deduction." The marital deduction may not apply in the case of noncitizens.
Market Capitalization, or market cap, is the total value of the shares outstanding of a publicly traded company. It is calculated by multiplying a company’s number of shares outstanding by the current market price per share.
Money Market Fund
A mutual fund that specializes in investing in short-term securities and tries to maintain a constant net asset value of $1. Money-market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any government agency. Although money market funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money when investing in a money market fund.
A debt security issued by municipalities. The income from municipal bonds is usually exempt from federal income taxes. It may also be exempt from state income taxes in the state in which the municipal bond is issued. Some municipal bond interest could be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. If you sell a municipal bond at a profit, you could incur capital gains taxes. The principal value of bonds fluctuates with market conditions. Bonds sold prior to maturity may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Municipal Bond Fund
A mutual fund that specializes in investing in municipal bonds. Bond funds are subject to the same inflation, interest-rate, and credit risks associated with their underlying bonds. As interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall, which can adversely affect a bond fund's performance. The principal value of bond funds fluctuates with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
Mutual Fund
A collection of stocks, bonds, or other securities purchased and managed by an investment company with funds from a group of investors. The return and principal value of mutual funds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares when sold, or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
The per-share value of a mutual fund's current holdings. The net asset value is calculated by dividing the net market value of the fund's assets by the number of outstanding shares.
P
Pooled Income Fund
A trust created by a charitable organization that combines the contributions of several donors and distributes income to those donors based on the earnings of the trust. The trust is managed by the charitable organization, and contributions are partially deductible for income tax purposes.
All the investments held by an individual or a mutual fund.
A class of stock with claim to a company's earnings, before payment can be made on the common stock, and that is usually entitled to priority over common stock if the company liquidates. Generally, preferred stocks pay dividends at a fixed rate.
Prenuptial Agreement
A legal agreement arranged before marriage stating who owns property acquired before marriage and during marriage and how property will be divided in the event of divorce. ERISA benefits are not affected by prenuptial agreements.
The market price of a stock divided by the company's annual earnings per share. Because the P/E ratio is a widely regarded yardstick for investors, it often appears with stock price quotations.
Principal
In a security, the principal is the amount of money that is invested, excluding earnings. In a debt instrument such as a bond, it is the face amount.
The court-supervised process in which a decedent's estate is settled and distributed.
An agreement under which employees share in the profits of their employer. The company makes annual contributions to the employees' accounts. These funds usually accumulate tax deferred until the employee retires or leaves the company.
A document provided by investment companies to prospective investors. The prospectus gives information needed by investors to make informed decisions prior to investing in a specific mutual fund, variable annuity, or variable universal life insurance. The prospectus includes information on the minimum investment amount, the investment company's objectives, past performance, risk level, sales charges, management fees, and any other expense information about the investment company, as well as a description of the services provided to investors in the investment company.
At the time of divorce, this order would be issued by a state domestic relations court and would require that an employee's ERISA retirement plan accrued benefits be divided between the employee and the spouse.
Qualified Retirement Plan
A pension, profit-sharing, or qualified savings plan that is established by an employer for the benefit of the employees. These plans must be established in conformity with IRS rules. Contributions accumulate tax deferred until withdrawn and are deductible to the employer as a current business expense.
R
A trust in which the creator reserves the right to modify or terminate the trust.
The chance that an investor will lose all or part of an investment.
Refers to the assumption that rational investors will choose the security with the least risk if they can maintain the same return. As the level of risk goes up, so must the expected return on the investment.
A method by which an individual can transfer the assets from one retirement program to another without the recognition of income for tax purposes. The requirements for a rollover depend on the type of program from which the distribution is made and the type of program receiving the distribution.
A nondeductible IRA that allows tax-free withdrawals when certain conditions are met. Income and contribution limits apply.
S
Evidence of an investment, either in direct ownership (as with stocks), creditorship (as with bonds), or indirect ownership (as with options).
Self-Employed Retirement Plans
In the past, the terms “Keogh plan” and “H.R. 10 plan” were used to distinguish a retirement plan established by a self-employed individual from a plan established by a corporation or other entity. However, self-employed retirement plans are now generally referred to by the name of the particular type of plan used, such as SEP IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), or self-employed 401(k). The contribution amount is indexed annually for inflation.
Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP)
A type of plan under which the employer contributes to an employee's IRA. Contributions may be made up to a certain limit and are immediately vested.
An insurance-based contract that provides future payments at regular intervals in exchange for current premiums. Generally used as a supplement to retirement income and pays over the life of one individual, usually the retiree, with no rights of payment to any survivor.
An arrangement under which two parties (usually a corporation and employee) share the cost of a life insurance policy and split the proceeds.
An IRA designed for a couple when one spouse has no earned income. The maximum combined contribution that can be made each year to an IRA and a spousal IRA is $12,000 or 100 percent of earned income (whichever is less) for the 2022 tax year. The total may be split between the two IRAs as the couple wishes, provided that the contribution to either IRA does not exceed the maximum annual contribution limit ($6,000 for 2022).
T
Tax Credit
Tax credits, the most appealing type of tax deductions, are subtracted directly, dollar for dollar, from your income tax bill.
Tax Deferred
Interest, dividends, or capital gains that grow untaxed in certain accounts or plans until they are withdrawn.
Under certain conditions, the interest from bonds issued by states, cities, and certain other government agencies is exempt from federal income taxes. In many states, the interest from tax-exempt bonds will also be exempt from state and local income taxes. If you sell a tax-exempt bond at a profit, you could incur capital gains taxes. Some tax-exempt bond interest could be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. The principal value of bonds fluctuates with market conditions. Bonds sold prior to maturity may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The amount of income used to compute tax liability. It is determined by subtracting adjustments, itemized deductions or the standard deduction, and personal exemptions from gross income.
An approach to investing in stocks in which a stock's past performance is mapped onto charts. These charts are examined to find familiar patterns to use as an indicator of the stock's future performance.
Tenancy in Common
A form of co-ownership. Upon the death of a co-owner, his or her interest passes to the designated beneficiaries and not to the surviving owner or owners.
Term life insurance provides a death benefit if the insured dies. Term insurance does not accumulate cash value and ends after a certain number of years or at a certain age.
A trust established by a will that takes effect upon death.
One who has made a will or who dies having left a will.
The total of all earnings from a given investment, including dividends, interest, and any capital gain.
A legal entity created by an individual in which one person or institution holds the right to manage property or assets for the benefit of someone else. Types of trusts include: Testamentary Trust – A trust established by a will that takes effect upon death; Living Trust – A trust created by a person during his or her lifetime; Revocable Trust – A trust in which the creator reserves the right to modify or terminate the trust; Irrevocable Trust – A trust that may not be modified or terminated by the trustor after its creation
An individual or institution appointed to administer a trust for its beneficiaries.
A method of transferring retirement plan assets from one employer's plan to another employer plan or to an IRA. One benefit of this method is that no federal income tax will be withheld by the trustee of the first plan.
A type of life insurance that combines a death benefit with a savings element that accumulates tax deferred at current interest rates, subject to change, but with a guaranteed minimum. Under a universal life insurance policy, the policyholder can increase or decrease his or her coverage, with limitations, without purchasing a new policy. Universal life is also referred to as "flexible premium" life insurance. Access to cash values through borrowing or partial surrenders can reduce the policy's cash value and death benefit, increase the chance that the policy will lapse, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured. Policy loans or withdrawals will reduce the policy's cash value and death benefit. Additional out-of-pocket payments may be needed if actual dividends or investment returns decrease, if you withdraw policy values, if you take out a loan, or if current charges increase. There may be surrender charges at the time of surrender or withdrawal and are taxable if you withdraw more than your basis in the policy. Any guarantees are contingent on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased.
A type of life insurance that combines a death benefit with an investment element that accumulates tax deferred. The account value can be allocated into a variety of investment subaccounts. The investment return and principal value of the variable subaccounts will fluctuate; thus, the policy's account value, and possibly the death benefit, will be determined by the performance of the chosen subaccounts and is not guaranteed. Withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges and are taxable if the account owner withdraws more than his or her basis in the policy. Policy loans or withdrawals will reduce the policy's cash value and death benefit and may require additional premium payments to keep the policy in force. There may also be additional fees and charges associated with a VUL policy. Any guarantees are contingent on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Variable universal life is sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and your need for death-benefit coverage carefully before investing. The prospectuses, which contains this and other information about the variable universal life policy and the underlying investment options, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.
The range of price swings of a security or market over time.
W
Welfare Benefit Plan
An employee benefit plan that provides such benefits as medical, sickness, accident, disability, death, or unemployment benefits.
A type of life insurance that offers a death benefit and also accumulates cash value tax deferred at fixed interest rates. Whole life insurance policies generally have a fixed annual premium that does not rise over the duration of the policy. Whole life insurance is also referred to as "ordinary" or "straight" life insurance. Access to cash values through borrowing or partial surrenders can reduce the policy's cash value and death benefit, increase the chance that the policy will lapse, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured. Policy loans or withdrawals will reduce the policy's cash value and death benefit. Additional out-of-pocket payments may be needed if actual dividends or investment returns decrease, if you withdraw policy values, if you take out a loan, or if current charges increase. There may be surrender charges at the time of surrender or withdrawal and are taxable if you withdraw more than your basis in the policy. Any guarantees are contingent on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased.
A legal document that declares a person's wishes concerning the disposition of property, the guardianship of his or her children, and the administration of the estate after his or her death.
Y
Generally, the yield is the amount of current income provided by an investment. For stocks, the yield is calculated by dividing the total of the annual dividends by the current price. For bonds, the yield is calculated by dividing the annual interest by the current price. The yield is distinguished from the return, which includes price appreciation or depreciation.
Z
This type of bond makes no periodic interest payments but instead is sold at a steep discount from its face value. Because these bonds do not pay interest until maturity, their prices tend to be more volatile than bonds that pay interest regularly. Interest income is subject to ordinary income tax each year, even though the investor does not receive any income payments. Bonds sold prior to maturity may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: SC, GA, WA, TX, FL
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GUYS! Can you even believe that next week is Halloween and it’s legitimately fall outside right now?! Like with the leaves and the cooler air and the crisp apples and the pumpkin explosions at the stores?! It’s happening! It’s really really happening! I am like a giant smiley jack-o-lantern right now…..warm and fuzzy on the inside and on the outside, I just can’t stop grinning! This is by far my favorite time of year. It’s amazing.
Today I wanted to share with you a little post that I made after Pier 1 contacted us and asked us to show how to do a fall refresh of a living room. Um seriously. I have the best job in the world. Is this real life?! I was super pumped because I already LOVE Pier 1. I always have…..remember this old post where we did table settings with Pier 1? So it was so nice to hear back from them and be asked to share some of the pieces that I LOVE in their stores right now.
So if you have never been in Pier 1, it’s pretty much the we-carry-it-all of home decor stores. They are very much on trend and love color and vibrancy but their things to me make your house so much more than just a showroom. They have things that appeal to families really well because it is completely affordable and they create a warm and inviting environment.
I love their beautiful entertaining items….I mean….copper drink ware?! YAS.
And everyone knows that they have the most diverse and affordable candle and scent collection. Literally every color of the rainbow.
And I love that they have furniture and even bedding now!
If you are looking for fun and beautiful holiday stuff, I recommend checking them out….I love these furry penguins so much
And one of my personal favorite things in their store are their branches and trimmings. I think they have some of the best looking florals ANYWHERE. And I love faux flowers because they don’t die on you….so yes, if you are looking for florals, you must check their selection out.
So my task was to check out the fall collection and see if anything fit my style….and then BOOM world exploded when I saw that the fall stuff was already on sale! Yes, thank you I will take your savings and raise my glass to you
Their fall collection was grouped all together so it was easy to see all things pumpkin and spice.
I didn’t really come in with a game plan….just the idea that I could find a few jumping off points in store and go from there. They usually have really pretty displays so if you are experiencing a decorators block, you can get inspiration there too I saw so many gold and metallic things that I loved so I started there and everything came together.
I love their little creatures though….the kids would end up stealing these and putting them in their room
Along with the gold, I saw quite a few pieces that were this ashy wood color that I loved, so that went into my buggy too.
I got a tremendous amount of help from the store manager (she even sat and took a pic with me after I explained I was a blogger!) – she was so sweet when my kiddos were screaming in the store and helped me find the perfect pillow combo without shoving her opinion on me….which we all know, is rare.
When I got home, the bounty was super exciting…..I could not wait to get started.
The first area that I tackled was the fireplace….
But I also did the couch area….
And this table on the other side of the room.
Max was exploring the world of potpourri
So for the fireplace, I found these perfectly sized lanterns. They are perfect for our mantle.
I love that they are creamy white for contrast and then have this pretty metallic detail.
I used some filler around the battery-operated candle and it was the fastest and easiest decorating thing ever. And yes, the candle looks and feels real.
We have this ugly sound bar under our tv and I gave up on fighting Jeremy about it. It is necessary for his joy apparently So instead of fighting him, I disguised it with some really pretty red faux dogwood blooms.
Check out how beautiful the details are on these….
Below that I hung the Give Thanks wooden banner. I totally see this becoming a family tradition of ‘hanging the banner’….we always host Thanksgiving so this is another special thing for that.
Next to the fireplace is our couch so let me share with you the quick refresh there…
The entire fall color scheme came from this pillow….the leafy with all the fall hues and the metallic beads. I love how it plays perfectly with the simple gold pillow behind it and the furry blanket.
Have you seen the lineup of furry blankets Pier 1 has right now? It’s A TON of choices.
And on the other side of the couch is a beautiful gold beaded pillow with the orange velvet behind it. I love how they place nicely with the orange leafy beaded on on the chair.
I mean seriously. I could never DIY this….
And did you see that other throw on the chair? It is so textural and pretty. Almost so pretty that I won’t actually let anyone touch it with their yogurty little hands
Speaking of chairs…..did you see our new one? This wasn’t in the fall refresh budget so we did pay extra for it, but we fell in love in the store and felt like it was too nice for the price to pass up.
The boys LOVE it. They think it’s theirs
Ok….when they smile like that, I will let them have it But the best part is – IT’s A RECLINER!!! Heaven’s gates open and angels sing!
Behind the couch, I got to work in that cute little wooden pumpkin I loved in the store! I simply switched out the books for ones with colors of our fall hues and it felt instantly tied in!
The last area that I refreshed was this table in front of our big window wall. It is REALLY bright and hard to photograph but in real life it looks amazing.
I started with a bunch of plain white candles in this handled tray and I filled in the gaps with potpourri.
The metallic bits in the mix are my favorite but the smell is insanely good. I breath a little deeper when I pass by.
It’s neutral enough to use all the way through New Years and I love the size.
It also ties in with this gold and mirror frame I got. I don’t have a single wedding photo downstairs so I thought this would be a nice spot for one. Yes, kissing photos are slightly awkward but it looks like a stock wedding photo so I thought it could pass
The anchor of the whole table is a tiered stand in that light wood color that will probably make it’s way around my house like a pair of traveling pants.
The top level I put these gold squirrels! Aren’t they cute?! They are actually salt & pepper shakers!
On the other levels, I filled in with more gold and richly hued pumpkins. I can’t get over this crackle pumpkin. Look at that detail.
Overall, making over the living room for fall was really fun for me and seeing the kid’s reaction to it was priceless. Weston for the first time noticed that things were different in the house and asked if “Alloween had it’s birfday?” which was hilarious. I love how decor can teach kids about holidays and family time and it makes conversation about these important traditions alive in our home.
SO now, I’m off! I have to go find a Superman costume for LJ and get some finger paints for the kiddos to get their pumpkins painted! Happy October y’all!
Comments
Linda says
October 28, 2016 at 11:32 am
My husband has an attachment not unlike that to a child with his sound bar too
Hannah says
October 28, 2016 at 1:16 pm
where did you get that wood handled tray?? I’ve been looking all over for one for our kitchen table to corral everything!!
Hilary says
October 28, 2016 at 2:38 pm
You have such talent! If you ever find yourself in Sacramento, just know there is a house there you can have free range over to decorate LOL! Also, I love your quote of “I love how decor can teach kids about holidays and family time and it makes conversation about these important traditions alive in our home.” My husband gives me a hard time about holiday decor, but this explains it so perfectly!!
Karlie Bonstaff says
October 28, 2016 at 4:26 pm
I love how you covered your sound bar!! I have the same issue with mine being on my mantle under the TV and never seem to know how I can dress it up. It looks great! Also I have been looking for some brown leather recliners with nailhead trim. I am gonna go check those out. Thanks!
Dee says
October 28, 2016 at 5:57 pm
I love how you were shopping for fall decorations in shorts and a tank top !!!!!
Shonee says
October 28, 2016 at 10:50 pm
Love how your living room looks! Such a fun fresh feel to it! yay!
Holly says
October 29, 2016 at 2:03 pm
Katie says
October 30, 2016 at 1:19 pm
Seriously. It’s nuts.
Katie says
October 30, 2016 at 1:19 pm
I know right?! It’s like our fifth child
Katie says
October 30, 2016 at 1:20 pm
Katie says
October 30, 2016 at 1:21 pm
It’s so true…I mean, especially when it’s 80 degrees out and we are trying to explain fall
Kendra Wright says
October 30, 2016 at 10:46 pm
Love everything but those candles in the wooden box. #OCD just eanna stand them up nice and straight. Lol. Those squirels!!! Adorbs.
Katie says
October 31, 2016 at 12:11 am
Haha! I get it. I think my mom would also note how they aren’t laying random enough
Reenie says
October 31, 2016 at 10:17 am
mary says
October 31, 2016 at 12:26 pm
I love everything you picked, especially the squirrel salt and pepper shakers! Pier 1 has the cutest stuff!
Jean says
October 31, 2016 at 12:45 pm
You are so incredibly lucky to have Pier 1 give you free stuff – do you plan on using the candles in that tray? I don’t quite get the point of throwing them in like that.
Fara says
October 31, 2016 at 1:06 pm
Your house is absolutely gorgeous, and I’m jealous of seasonal decor. In my mind, I imagine what I would do, but #hotmessmom can’t get her act together. Also, how and where do you store everything? I know you guys have that awesome space downstairs, but remembering where everything is and what all I have would likely be my downfall!
Katie says
October 31, 2016 at 10:51 pm
I know. I’m so thankful! And the candles are more a collection that I will use occasionally than a necessary thing.
Katie says
October 31, 2016 at 10:53 pm
I have a couple areas that I stash stuff…the vases all go together, the holiday stuff goes in bins, and then the rest goes together in drawers and cabinets
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Use the blindfold, so that you screen out the rest of the universe. You are going to sit for ten minutes and I want you to keep the body still for ten minutes, because we do not want an interruption. If you do need to stretch your legs and change, do so without disturbing your body, and then bring your body back on the wall again, the head on the wall.
Sit with your back towards the wall and wedge the sacrum against the wall, but let the rest of the trunk leans forward at an angle of eighty degrees away from the wall. Between the shoulder blades and the wall there should be a couple of inches space. Do not keep the elbows on the wall; I want you to be fairly comfortable and relaxed. The head stays in line with the trunk; do not bring the head forward or down.
This is an exploration of your own inner universe. Each one of us is a grain of sand in the outer universe, but within the grain of sand there is also an inner universe. Originally I think that yoga was meant to get you in touch with that inner world; not with your inner head, but with the inner being, with the inner ‘you’.
What happens nowadays is that people, through obeying, through getting the rules and obeying them, create an outer posture, which is like a shadow posture on the outside of the body, but within the body, within the skin, within the inner universe, there is no posture. The important thing is to not create an outer shadow play, but to create something real on the inside. To do that you have to take complete control of your airplane.
That means that you are the only one who can deal with your own body, nobody else can do that for you. You alone can take your exploration, can take your expedition inside your body and inside the connection between your body and your mind. Nobody can tell you how to do it; this is not a how-to situation. This is a situation where you are the explorer, and you are the Amazon river or forest that you are exploring.
The body, this organ, which is inside the skin, in reality extends far beyond the skin. But for the moment we will just deal with the skin as a dividing line between the inner and the outer world. Later on we will change that. In this inner body we need to find out where the collisions are.
Most of us, through improper exercise, through stress, etc., create an enormous amount of collision areas inside the body. A collision area means that muscles and bones collide instead of co-operate. We need to find those places, and then we need to get rid of those collision areas. We need to re-structure the body in such a way that the body is again floating on the gravitational line, instead of sinking underneath it.
To do that certain parts of the body need to be activated, and other parts of the body need to be softened or neutralized. The collision happens when we are using ineffective muscles to do certain things. The human body is a vertical body, which means that the spinal column is aligned vertically on the gravitational field. If you try to keep the body on the gravitational field with the wrong muscles, this is where you create collision areas.
The vertical body, the vertical spine has advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage is that it is very unstable. As long as it is on the gravitational line it is ok, but the moment it goes off from it, it creates havoc because instability sets in. This is what you see in almost every human body. So the disadvantage is the instability. On the other hand, the instability is also an advantage, as it makes the body very mobile. If we manage to bring the body back on the gravitational line, the more you can do so, the more the body can let go of those collision areas, because it does not need all those muscles to keep from falling.
In all the postures, whatever you do, standing, walking, yoga postures, etc., there is always a chance of falling, because the whole structure of the human body balances on two small feet, or on two small hands, like in Full arm balance. This is very precarious. The only posture which is totally safe, let us say, is savasana, because in savasana there is no way you can fall further. The whole body has completely fallen. Savasana is a horizontal posture where every single part of the body has fallen to the floor. Therefore it is a real good ‘lie detector’ to find collision areas.
Today we do padmasana against the wall, so we need to deal with the gravitational force. Now place the shoulder blades flat against the wall and also the back of the head. This is your vertical alignment on the gravitation field, because the wall is completely vertical. In that way, your spine being aligned on the wall, it is vertical.
(Note: Even though you start with the back on the wall, to be in touch with gravity and to have the freedom to move you need to then ‘lean’ the body slightly forward at an angle of 80 °)
As I was saying before, the vertical body is always in a state of alarm, because anything can throw it for a loop, any movement you make can throw this whole body out of alignment and bring it crashing down to the floor. Anybody who has small children knows this. Therefore the body has an incredible amount of co-ordination and muscle activity – of which you are completely unaware – to prevent this structure from falling. The more you allow the structure to go out of the proper alignment, the more frantic this inner activity becomes in order to prevent it from falling. Thus that becomes a collision area.
The first thing to do is to come back to the gravitational alignment, and then we have to find those areas where there is a chronic alarm situation going on. Almost everybody has those, because almost everybody is out of alignment. We have to find out where those chronic alarm situations are, and then see if we can undo them and bring the relaxed tone of the body back into that area.
Most people are unaware of their spine, so I want to start right there. Keeping your body on the wall, focus your attention on your spinal column. When teaching we use the eyes, because you have to see the other person, but when we deal with our own body, we go through the ears, or something that you might call ears. It is not really ears, it is not hearing, but it is an inner ear, an inner awareness. It has something vaguely to do with the balance point inside the ears, that is why I like to call it the ears. Through that inner balance point in the ears the body always knows what is the upright position, otherwise we would all be dumplings.
That is why I make you practice blindfolded, so that you can listen inside your body and then zoom your attention in on the spinal column. Now, when you want to work on the body, and especially on the alignment and on the gravitational force, you start from the point of the body where you are in touch with the ground. Like when you build a house, you start with the first bricks on the floor, you do not start with the roof.
At the base of the spine are the sacroiliac joints, the sacrum and the coccyx. Just above the sacrum there is the sacral-lumbar joint, which is one of the most stressed joints in the body, because the spine makes a very sharp angle here to connect with the sacrum. By lifting heavy objects, by wrong posture etc. that angle, that pressure, is increased.
Bring your attention to that triangle of the two sacroiliac joints and the sacral-lumbar joint. Feel, in the first place, whether that triangle is pressing equally on the wall. If the pelvis is not completely straight, but tilted, then one sacroiliac joint may be more pressing into the wall than the other. In that case you have to slightly fidget to bring both sacroiliac joints equally onto the wall. Do so silently, though.
The first thing you need to learn in yoga in order to make the body a healthy instrument is to create space inside the body. The body needs very little. The body is made of zillions of atoms, it is for the largest part energy, and we constrict that energy, we tighten that energy. Energy, in nature, wants to take more space, it wants to move. When you look at clouds, which are a form of energy, or when you look at a steaming kettle, there is an expansion going on, a movement. That is the nature of energy. You can feel how this triangle is very small, the joints are all pulling into each other, and there is no expansion.
To undo tension, there is nothing you can ‘do.’ Anything you ‘do’ to undo tension is to create more tension. The only way to undo tension and to create space is by paying attention, by placing your attention in that area. Attention is the key that unlocks the energy; there is no other key. Just watch that triangle, watch it very friendly, and do not try to ‘do’ anything about it. Just watch it like you would watch an animal. Then you can see how that triangle begins to expand, the sacroiliac joints start moving away from each other, and the sacrum begins to gently drop down to the floor. The breathing very soft and relaxed, do not make a noise with your breathing.
Then shift your awareness higher up, into the lumbar spine. You can feel that the more you place your attention on the lumbar spine, the more the vertebrae will stop colliding into each other, and will create space to go up.
Then move up into the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine especially is a very fertile area to feel the unfolding. The weight of the head is always pressing down on the vertebrae, so make the head light. Ideally, in order to elongate the spinal column, we need to bring the ears back in line with the shoulder joints, but there are two ways of doing it. Usually people use the muscles to do that. That is not what I want you to do. I want you to use your imagination. With your imagination move the head very slowly backwards. Imagination, or visualization, is a force. Not a muscle force; but a different type of force.
Visualization is a force that acts on the energy in the body, while thinking is a force that acts on the muscle energy. In visualization there is no thought energy and no muscle energy involved. You simply kind of feel your way backwards with the back of the head. Feeling your way backwards will then pull your head back. Then feel your way upwards with the back of the head and the top of the head. Feel how gradually your head wants to go up. It is not that you want it to go up, but it is the head itself that wants to go up. That will then lighten the load on the thoracic spine.
Once the thoracic spine elongates upwards like this, bring your awareness to the sides of the body, the left and the right side of the spinal column. Again this is only a question of the imagination. Feel that the whole left and right side of your body, and the back, want to move sideways, away from the spinal column. It is not a question of you pulling it sideways. It is a question of your imagination giving the green light, as it were, to that squeezed up energy to expand.
Certain areas are heavy-duty collision areas, for instance the shoulders, the trapezius muscles. Keeping the head light and high watch your trapezius muscles, watch the shoulders; do not try to ‘do’ anything. Trying to ‘do’ something is the worst you can do. Just watch it, watch how the tension pulls the shoulders in towards the sternum, and up towards the ears. Keep the head high and backwards and do not allow it to drop. You can start first of all imagining that you have an iron hook on top of your head with a cord hanging from the ceiling, and this cord is attached to the iron hook, pulling you up.
Then go back to the trapezius muscles and the shoulders and just work your attention inside there. Do not do anything. Attention is the key that unlocks tension. Just by watching the shoulders, by watching the trapezius, by watching the shoulder blades, you feel how gradually the tissues around those areas kind of swell up, like the steam, like the cloud. When you are heating water, it becomes steam, which then expands. Your attention is like the heating process that makes the energy inside those collision areas expand, and that is relaxation, that is real relaxation. Not just going dumb and limp, and falling asleep.
The attention has to be very sharp, that is why nobody can do this for you, you are the saviour of your body, and nobody else. To save your body, you need to train your attention to unlock the collision areas in your body.
Tomorrow we will add breathing, but now, without opening your eyes, just slide away from the wall, lie on your back and do Savasana, without disturbing the body or the mind. Keep the eyes covered with the blindfold. Do not wriggle; do not do anything, just lie on your back. Let the energy continue expanding, let your body continue expanding in all directions, not because you use the muscle force, but because you look at your energy with your attention, and therefore you are giving it the green light.
Orari di apertura
Indirizzo
| 13,283 |
Wendy writes of JOY on untipsyteacher and I loved her description of joy. Me. I just can’t feel it right now.
I tried writing a post last week. I didn’t post it. It was too dark and depressing. That was my mood. It was the truth. I still feel the same. Depression is here. I cannot move forward or back or over. I try to make an effort and boy is it an effort. Life should be a joy. It is not at the moment.
I am joyless. I am depressed.
Coronavirus is creating a layer on our lives which we never would have imagined.
I went for a walk for the first time in ages. I didn’t like seeing people. I did and I didn’t. Just don’t come near me but acknowledge me. Prickly as a pineapple, is me. Not sure if the walk helped. It was nice to see the water and the sky. So yes. I didn’t prepare well, didn’t wear socks so go blisters on my heels. I tried my best but today my best is bit#hy. I am not pleasant to be around.
So very tired. Exhausted. Anxious. Snappy. Prickly. Don’t say anything kind to me. I don’t deserve it. I will take it the wrong way and that compliment you said will backfire like a turd in a catapult. Walk away. I just want a break from myself. Tired. So so sick of myself.
No desire to drink again. Luckily. But tell me what is the point if all I feel now is constantly depressed? Don’t answer that. Today I lack the concept of hope. There is no hope today.
Sober as a bitten fingernail.
A request though, do you have a book that you would recommend that would be helpful in dealing with depression?
This entry was posted in sober, Thoughts and tagged anxiety, depression, sober by limetwiste. Bookmark the permalink.
59 thoughts on “No Joy”
msnewleaf on May 4, 2020 at 8:01 am said:
If you are not up for this, I understand. But I nominated you for the Liebster Award. See my most recent post.
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Jim Simmonds on May 3, 2020 at 6:40 pm said:
I think you will, it really does have a timeless quality and for me is full of really accessible wisdom. X
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Jim Simmonds on May 2, 2020 at 8:40 pm said:
Depression is a bastard. The black dog. I don’t suffer from it but I know and have worked with many people that do experience it. What I know helps many people is chatting about it. In the UK I volunteer with Samaritans and just a chat with someone when feeling very down can help. Do you have an equivalent where you are?
As far as a book is Concerned I can recommend The Road less Travelled by M Scott Peck. Full of wisdom and insight. The opening lines alone are worth getting the book for:
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult–once we truly understand and accept it–then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”
It amazes me how much damage I have done by expecting life to be something other than difficult and how much easier my life is when I accept that it is difficult and that I will be uncomfortable.”
Hope that cloud lifts. Jim x
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limetwiste on May 3, 2020 at 12:24 am said:
I read The Road Less Travelled many many years ago. It was my first book reading about the philosophy of life. I just loved it. I wonder if I read it again today what will make me take notice. Putting it on the list thank you. xx
Thanks for the suggestion of chatting about depression. When I am in the middle of it I don’t realise how my way of speaking changes, the tone gets harsher, the replies get snappier. But you don’t realise it, until it’s pointed out. Sometimes you realise it yourself and try to improve but quite honestly you just need to wait it out or avoid people. I tend to talk less and avoid people when depressed. Safer for everyone. I have slept for 16 hours and feel so much better. For me sleeping is better than a chat. At least it is at the moment.
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Jim Simmonds on May 3, 2020 at 2:17 am said:
That’s great about the sleep, whatever works for you, that’s the key thing. And re that book I may well reread it myself. Jim x
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limetwiste on May 3, 2020 at 2:34 pm said:
I am curious now myself to see what I missed the first time round. I wonder if I will like it all these years later. x
sobrietytree on May 2, 2020 at 6:50 pm said:
“Sober as a bitten fingernail” – wow. Brilliant. And the first book that popped into my mind is The Artist’s Way… though that’s not specifically on dealing with depression. Thought I’d jot it down anyway. xoxoxo
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sobrietytree on May 2, 2020 at 6:57 pm said:
p.s. I tried not to say anything too kind… because of what you said in your post, and because I get it, since I’ve ‘been there,’ often enough. But I think you’re an awesome writer, and I’m sending hugs and love, I hope that’s not too much. 🤗
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limetwiste on May 2, 2020 at 7:05 pm said:
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sobrietytree on May 3, 2020 at 12:36 am said:
So glad to hear it
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limetwiste on May 2, 2020 at 7:03 pm said:
Love that book. My copy is well worn. Thank you for suggesting that.
I try and write my morning pages (mp) daily. Not happening so much these days but find them very helpful when I do. Sometimes I write them at night before bed so for me they are anytime pages. I use a fountain pen to write too. It’s a good habit.
Any book that lifts or gives hope is a book to help deal with depression.
Today sleeping all day apart from lunch . I think my body needs it. Going with the flow rather than fighting it. xx
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sobrietytree on May 3, 2020 at 12:40 am said:
I figured you would have… you’re so creative and it’s a bit of a bible isn’t it. I agree the pages can be anytime pages and for me they are one of my main forms of therapy besides light daily exercise. I still have to try this fountain pen thing!! You’re inspiring me. Good job on the sleep too…. super important, and I often don’t make enough time for it. Sweet (day)dreams… xoxoxo
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limetwiste on May 3, 2020 at 2:30 pm said:
Fountain pens are beautiful to write with. Decide on what nib you like, fine, medium or other. For me I prefer medium, gets a bit more ink on the page and it’s less ‘scratchy’. Then there’s inks to play with and also paper.
To start with would I recommend a Lamy Safari. That’s what I use for everyday.
For ink I would recommend Pelikan Edelstein Ink Collection.
Both the fountain pens and inks come in amazing colours. Enjoy window shopping online. xx
Drunky Drunk Girl on May 1, 2020 at 12:37 pm said:
How long have you been sober? There is something called PAWS, and I suffered for 15 to 18 months after getting sober (felt depressed, not motivated to do anything, really). Also, what about perimenopause? I know that declining female hormones can cause depression and anxiety… Also, there is something akin to withdrawal off of SSRIs (and maybe other antidepressants)–good to know, maybe you’ve felt that as well. HUGS. Hope you reach some solace soon…
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limetwiste on May 1, 2020 at 2:29 pm said:
I am sober 1 year 5 months, (17 months). Haven’t heard of PAWS. Will look it up.
Moved on into menopause now. Peri-menopause was rough.
I was 2 months free of SSRI. I safely reduced my dosage in 10mg increments for a month at each new level. However I started back up again yesterday.
All these questions that you’re asking and no wonder I feel the way I do. Plus CoviD19, plus my broken ankle late last year. Thank you DDG.
clairei47 on May 1, 2020 at 3:32 am said:
Hi you. I’m sorry I have only just read your post and doubly sorry you are feeling this way. Depression is a killer and I absolutely hate it. It is totally the opposite of ‘joy’ in every sense of the word. Others have made excellent suggestions and comments before me and I echo what they say. I stopped taking my antidepressants at the beginning of 2019 and two months afterwards I took a nose dive I couldn’t come out of. In June I restarted them and they ave really helped, along with counselling. The anger and disgust we feel towards ourselves when we are in fullness of depression is all consuming isn’t it? We are so hard on ourselves, like it’s our fault. You and I know deep down it isn’t and being cross with us wont help. Its an illness and THE most important thing right now is to try as hard as you can to not punish or blame yourself. Give yourself a break. Be as kind to you as you would be to others if they were saying the same things to you. have As kind as you have been to me in the past when I have struggled.
Never worry about expressing those feelings on here. We all want to help and support you as much as you have us. Claire xx
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limetwiste on May 1, 2020 at 11:30 am said:
Thanks Claire. I woke up to your comment today. My eyes are leaking now.
I’m an introvert at the best of times, I usually like my own company. but with depression it makes me doubt myself and even the simplest of decisions makes me go into a tailspin. And I feel shame, stupid and tired for starters. The self care atm has gone out the window. The kindness of others here is lifting me up. I needed to be reminded of being kind to myself. Thanks for that. The onesie, Netflix and bed yesterday helped.
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clairei47 on May 1, 2020 at 8:33 pm said:
My advice, for what it’s worth, is to accept that you feel all those emotions. Depression will lead to doubts, shame, tiredness and feelings of being unworthy and disengaged. Try to remember that’s depression causing you to feel that way, not you! Take it slowly and stay in the onsie until you are ready to take the next step. Fill up your little box of self care strategies and use them. I have let my self care slip and I can feel the difference. Today I’m going to rest, watch tv, listen to mindfulness and meditation apps and try some yoga for the first time. Plus sleep a lot.
Sending love, keep going, you are doing great xx
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limetwiste on May 1, 2020 at 11:18 pm said:
Went for a walk today. It was what I needed.
Slowly,…And no problem sleeping at the moment.
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clairei47 on May 2, 2020 at 11:28 am said:
Hi. How are you doing today?
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limetwiste on May 2, 2020 at 1:30 pm said:
Getting there Thanks.
How about you?
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clairei47 on May 2, 2020 at 8:50 pm said:
Rocky couple of days but hopefully I’ll pick up. It’s such a difficult time all round isn’t it?
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limetwiste on May 3, 2020 at 12:31 am said:
It certainly is. Take care.
Sleep has been my go-to today. Lots and lots of it. Feeling much better after 16 hours.
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clairei47 on May 3, 2020 at 1:01 am said:
I think it’s sometimes what we have to do. I certainly feel I need it right now. I’m sure it’s our body’s way of helping our mind rest and recover. Depression can feel a bit like an assault on the emotions can’t it?
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limetwiste on May 3, 2020 at 2:33 pm said:
Sure does. Enjoying a cup of tea in my dressing gown listening to the rain belting down outside. Warm and safe. Be safe, keep well. xx
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SaaniaSparkle 🧚 on May 1, 2020 at 1:42 am said:
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limetwiste on May 27, 2020 at 1:57 pm said:
Thank you.
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SaaniaSparkle 🧚 on May 27, 2020 at 3:12 pm said:
My pleasure, followed you!
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limetwiste on May 27, 2020 at 3:17 pm said:
Followed you back! Enjoy your day.
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Dwight Hyde on April 30, 2020 at 6:55 pm said:
This is my go to book whenever I need to reconnect with life: There’s a spiritual solution to every problem by Wayne Dyer. I’m actually rereading it now for about the 5th time. Sending
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 8:34 pm said:
Hi Dwight. Another author I have read in the past. Time to go back and reread Wayne Dyer again too. Thank you. Stay safe. xx
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Untipsyteacher on April 30, 2020 at 10:03 am said:
I’m so sorry, I suffered most of my life with depression, at times severe.
I do take an anti depressant which helps. I found that exercise, talk therapy helped so much.
It’s very hard, and I hope you can find some relief.
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 3:24 pm said:
Thanks Wendy I hope you didn’t feel like I was putting a dampener on your post Joy.
Keep posting with photos please.
Enjoying them.
A onesie day at home. Staying safe and warm.
Started back on medicine today. Disappointed I need to take them but understanding that they help. I thought I could do it without medicinal help. But I can’t.
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Untipsyteacher on May 1, 2020 at 12:27 am said:
As Anne said, depression is sneaky. Also during this pandemic, It gets magnified!
It’s just a hard hard time for so many people.
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Ainsobriety on April 30, 2020 at 4:30 am said:
I used to be very anti medication, until I actually became suicidal and tried medication.
It is now a must for me. I don’t let myself question its necessity. Even with eating well, daily yoga, sobriety, self love…I still expertience depression.
I’m taking a low dose of cymbalta now and I believe it is working. It lets me do all the work to find the true joy, even amongst horrible pain.
I got through my divorce, I’m getting through the pandemic, I’m loving through another natural disaster right now.
It’s hard. But I know that without the meds no amount of work was going to get my head above water.
I love Pema Chodorn, the places that scare you. It helped me a lot.
Take care. Don’t underestimate depression. It is very very complicated.
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 12:53 pm said:
Thanks for your honesty. I have read Pema Chodron in the past. I like her. Will look her up again. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
I think I will go back on fluoxetine. I don’t know what miracle I expected this morning. Situation: no change.
I cried over a sushi delivery today.
Simply ridiculous. Can’t believe I felt/wrote that.
Ainsobriety on April 30, 2020 at 4:47 pm said:
I’m glad you are warm in your onesie. Small things can be huge…both good and bad.
Depression is sneaky. The best is to tell others, even if it sounds odd!
It makes it less scary!
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 8:30 pm said:
Depression craves the isolation and wants you to feel separate from the world and be miserable and alone slowly getting worse and worse with no way out. It really is sneaky like you say.
I have to say that after reluctantly posting and receiving such wonderful support here it has helped enormously. Thank you.
I love my sober online community.
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Ainsobriety on May 2, 2020 at 2:45 am said:
There is power in community, even a virtual one.
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limetwiste on May 2, 2020 at 1:13 pm said:
Absolutely
msnewleaf on April 30, 2020 at 2:37 am said:
I don’t have depression, but I have anxiety that can be debilitating at times. My step-mother has severe depression. Zoloft (sertraline) has changed both of our lives. I didn’t want to take it for a long time. I still feel, somehow, that I “shouldn’t” be on it. I don’t know exactly why I feel that way since I am doing so much better (now that I’m past the side effects). I am certain that I would be losing my mind entirely with anxiety right now without it. These are terrible times. A prolonged state of fear and stress and worry is just not something our bodies and minds cope with well. We will get through it somehow. I’m all for funny movies and books in the meantime.
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 12:38 pm said:
Onesie and Netflix for today.
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drgettingsober on April 29, 2020 at 7:49 pm said:
I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling depressed – you describe it so well and having felt that way in the autumn you have all my sympathy – it’s horrible to not feel any joy. Are you taking anything to help? Just coz there’s a reason for it doesn’t mean meds won’t help? They have helped me enormously. Be kind to yourself and take care xxx
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limetwiste on April 29, 2020 at 8:19 pm said:
Thanks for your sympathy.
I was taking fluoxetine for the side effects of stopping hot flushes/night sweats. It was very effective. They stopped so I weaned myself off it over the last few months. Did it reduce my anxiety?probably yes. It has been 2 full months without it. Took 30mg. Now none.
Perhaps I should consider resuming it again for the purpose it was designed for. Food for thought.
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S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 8:42 pm said:
I was on prozac for a LONG time and it definitely helped me, or helped me cope a little better. If it reduced your anxiety then it would again and you know it’s not for ever…
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limetwiste on April 29, 2020 at 9:34 pm said:
I don’t really want to take medicine if I can help it. Hence the weaning off of it.
I hope this helps. Would like to give this a try and help myself deal with it naturally for the long term.
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S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 9:42 pm said:
Totally understand that. Eventually I did wean myself off. But I do have to remind myself how desperately ill I was and how necessary it was for me, personally. All 3 of my kids suffer from anxiety (in varying forms). It’s harder for me to know that than have depression myself, but they’re strong and they fight hard. My youngest (that I live with) showed me a book (bible) she has entitled Calm the Fuck Down by Sarah Knight. It made me laugh out loud. X
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limetwiste on April 29, 2020 at 9:51 pm said:
I do understand depression will keep coming back. It just catches me off guard all the time. I don’t have my ‘depression first aid kit’ sorted. I am learning to ride it rather than fight it. It does get tiring. I hate the way it makes me feel so stupid and pathetic.
Thanks. Will look out for the book Calm the Fuck Down by Sarah Knight.
Everything is eBook atm. The libraries are shut but eBooks and streaming films prevail. It is quite amazing how adaptable everyone is.
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S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 9:58 pm said:
I haven’t suffered from depression for over 11 years now. I’m not ‘cured’ but I’m as better as I’ll ever be. It’s not simple but I realised a long time ago that you have to find the thing that gives you the most joy and do that thing as much as you can. For me it was a combination of humour, writing (both humour and serious shit), photography and art. It works for me because I want it too…I guess. What you said about the things you can’t wait to do…THOSE things will make you better! The timing is bad but things will go back to normal soon. Stay strong xx
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 12:24 am said:
What you said just now is hopeful and helpful. Xx
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S_MW on April 30, 2020 at 4:12 am said:
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S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 7:47 pm said:
I’m working (checkout operator) and we’re experiencing a lot of abuse from customers, who I suspect, are feeling a lot like you do. I am taking it personally a lot of the time and people I speak to about it tell me to tell them to ‘eff off’ but it’s really not my way. I KNOW that some of them are just arseholes but not all. People are (collectively) feeling anxious, unsure and overwhelmed about something that is beyond our control but not everyone has the coping mechanism for that. I had postnatal depression that morphed into clinical for 14 years so I do feel for you (in a completely non patronising kinda way) and also KNOW exactly how it feels to lose your sense of humour or joy. That was (for me) the straw that broke the camel’s back though and if I start feeling similarly now I’ll search for funny shit til my funny bone’s tickled again. Actually, I’ve been doing that lately too, watching reruns of programmes I know will make me laugh out loud.
I just want you to know, in my hamfisted way, that I get how you feel, or think I do. I’ve been jokingly saying lately that I can’t wait til this is over so I can quit my job, move to a uninhabited island and live there for the rest of my life…which is an unrealistic dream really. Hate people right now (present company excepted, of course!). X
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limetwiste on April 29, 2020 at 8:08 pm said:
Thank you for your long comment. Especially the last line
I am polite to everyone except DH at the moment. He’s getting the brunt of it. I am usually polite to everyone.
Even awful people.
The moving to an island idea, umm, yes, I have actually looked online for property. Lol
Netflix and YouTube binging has been helpful.
Saw a great video on making roti and then burst into tears when I read in the comments that the guy had died of Covid 19. That was yesterday.
Thank you for working especially at a time such as now. I appreciate what you do.
Thanks for getting me.
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S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 8:37 pm said:
I haven’t really been a big crier since the Great Depression (I did enough of that shit then) but I’ve cried a lot lately. Like the roti story, I’ve heard a few that’ve got me right at the wrong time. I blubbed so much at one story my daughter told me that even she was shifting uncomfortably at my reaction – I could TELL she was wishing she hadn’t told me haha. It just means we’re human though, you know…with emotions and empathy and shit.
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limetwiste on April 29, 2020 at 9:26 pm said:
It was Floyd Cardoz. I just ‘discovered’ him this week. His voice is wonderful and his passion for food is just amazing.
I’m stoic with those I don’t know. Overly polite to people I don’t know so I appear standoffish rather than friendly. I just believe in being polite and kind to everyone. Times like now I forget to smile and my resting face is ‘wtf have you done’ with frown lines. It scares the hell out of DH sometimes when I appear and say something ordinary. It doesn’t match up.
Emotional. Yes. I used to try and suppress it. Now I just let it out. It’s a good thing.
I just want to go fishing, read a book, watch films, sketch, paint, cook, make pottery, nap, go for a walk, and be with DH and my cats, light a fire, watch the sunsets. If that doesn’t sound like island life, what does? I would insist on a good internet connection though.
S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 9:34 pm said:
Oh, of course haha. That last paragraph you put is (almost) my ideal too. I’m working so much that I don’t even have time to dream about the stuff I want to do…but eventually, one day you and I will both be able to do those simple things that give joy. X
I’m about to reblog a thing from a blogger I also follow on here and she’s got a great s.o.h. Hope it makes you laugh too x
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limetwiste on April 29, 2020 at 9:38 pm said:
Mel Robbins suggests writing 5 dreams daily.
Look forward to reading it. Could do with a laugh.
S_MW on April 29, 2020 at 10:10 pm said:
I reblogged the blog and this one of my own that I originally wrote in 2018, which made me laugh out loud at myself, which is sad but true. I hope it makes you smile too. https://allanesinclair.wordpress.com/2018/01/11/hmmmm/
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limetwiste on April 30, 2020 at 12:29 am said:
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Skeptical questions of the Christian faith such as, “If it turned out that Jesus wasn’t born of a virgin, would it destroy your faith?” are completely ridiculous questions. They are questions that don’t need to be asked, so why ask them? The purpose of such questions is not for an honest answer, but to isolate a particular detail of the Christian faith in hopes that it can lead the answerer to doubt other details of the Christian faith. In other words, if a skeptic can lead you to doubt a part of Christianity, then, in time, he can possibly lead you to doubt the whole of Christianity (i.e. divide and conquer). It is no different than what the higher critics do with the Bible.
For example, someone could ask “If it turned out that the color of an orange really wasn’t orange, would it cause you to no longer call that fruit an orange? An orange, by definition is orange, so by replacing what it is with what it is not is an absurd proposition. For an orange not be orange would mean that it ceases to be an orange, but then it was never an orange to begin with—but they think because it can change that they have made some progress in causing you to doubt.
Another example could be if someone asked, “If Australia turned out to be a figment of cartographers’ imagination through the centuries, would you no longer believe that Australia exists?” Correct. Because what I had been believing all these years would have been a lie. But, if it was a lie, than I have no business believing it. But, because I changed my mind from believing a lie to believing a truth, they think that they can put Christianity into the same category, but that is erroneous because Christianity is absolutely true regardless of what we believe.
A third example is if someone asked, “If God turned out to be semi-powerful as opposed to all-powerful, would you lose your faith in God?” My answer would be “the semi-powerful god is not God, because God, by definition, is all-powerful according to the Bible. I would never lose faith in the God of the Bible and would never have faith in a semi-powerful god. To call God anything but all-powerful is to redefine reality and that is a reality that doesn’t exist in my mind.” When a skeptic asks a question like that, reality and their reason part company inside their brain.
A fourth example would be if someone asked, “If it turned out that two plus two equaled five, would it cause you to lose your faith in mathematics?” My answer would be, “I would never believe in a mathematics that didn’t have two plus two equaled four.” Mathematics, by definition, is a logical system of reasoning that works in the real world. Any “mathematics” that didn’t work in the real world I would never believe in. How could I believe in something that doesn’t exist? The skeptic is trying to make you, as a Christian, to doubt your Christian faith that is based on reality, but he is doing it by making himself look like a fool because he wants to redefine terms and recreate a world that doesn’t exist. The skeptic, at that point, would do well to consult his elves, tooth fairies and hobgoblins for advice. I don’t have patience for such nonsense.
All of these examples are ridiculous questions that cause a Christian to doubt the whole of Christianity by using as a starting point a particular tenant of Christianity. They try to separate a detail from the whole, but reality doesn’t work like that. Faith—real faith— isn’t put into something that doesn’t make sense. Faith is put into something that makes sense enough and trusting God for the rest that you don’t understand. Faith believes the whole because of the specifics. They aren’t two separate realities; specifics and “the big picture” are only one reality. An orange is an orange because it is orange. Australia exists because it is there. Two plus two equals four because it does! It could never equal anything else! God is all powerful because that is who God is.
To ask these questions is to “beg the question”. In other words, skeptics assume that God could be semi-powerful (not all-powerful) or Jesus was conceived as any other child is (not born of a virgin). However, Jesus, by definition, is virgin-born. If he wasn’t, then he is not Jesus! Can someone draw a triangle with only two sides? How many right angles does a circle have? Questions like that are ridiculous.
Anyone who asks those kinds of skeptical and feigned-intellectual questions shows their naked arrogance and foolishness to the world. Faith isn’t based on a world of make-believe. It really is grounded in reality, unlike these skeptical questions. What the skeptic should understand is that he can’t just pour any definition into any word, concept or truth. He does have the right line of attack, though. He knows that if he can make people doubt the specifics, the whole will come crashing down. What he doesn’t realize is that Christianity is strong—impenetrable—because of the details that are just as strong.
It’s funny that skeptics/philosophers/university professors are looked up to by regular people on the street. Why? Because they ask a bunch of stupid questions that make no sense in the real world? They pretend to uphold reality, but by asking questions like these, they are out to create their own reality. How is that to be considered “smart” “intellectual” or worthy of admiration? Skeptics who ask these questions should be locked away in a padded cell so they won’t hurt themselves or others with their non-logic.
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” —1 Corinthians 3:18-20
“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”— 1 Corinthians 1:19
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Trading Skill Center | B. Riley upgrades American Outdoor Brands to buy, says it can jump 40% from here
B. Riley upgrades American Outdoor Brands to buy, says it can jump 40% from here
B. Riley upgrades American Outdoor Brands to buy, says it can jump 40% from here
August 30, 2022
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Shares of American Outdoor Brands could have more than 40% upside from here based on better-than-expected earnings next week , according to B. Riley Securities. Analyst Eric Wold upgraded shares of American Outdoor Brands to buy from neutral, and reiterated an $11 price target, saying low expectations are already built into the firearms stock. “This upgrade to Buy is not necessarily a view on the quarter (with our 1Q23 estimates below consensus estimates), but we could also have a ‘less bad than expected’ situation brewing–especially an expectation that ‘healthy’ retail inventory levels will drive normalized re-stocking patterns into the holiday season,” Wold wrote in a Tuesday note. The analyst previously downgraded the stock to neutral in June because of fears of lower consumer spending and inventory problems, and the concern that the company may not provide guidance for fiscal year 2023, according to the note. Still, the stock could have upside from here after cratering 61% in 2022, and falling 72% from its 52-week high. The analyst said he not only believes “the perceived risk inherent in our downgrade has now been priced into shares, but that the current valuation does not reflect the opportunity ahead with an elevated outdoor activity participant base and a brand portfolio that may be attractive to other entities.” Meanwhile, the analyst expects the company could become an acquisition target as it “could achieve greater profitability within another entity that has an even broader reach into the retail channel and with consumers directly.” The firm has an $11 price target on the stock, implying roughly 42% upside from Monday’s closing price of $7.77. American Outdoor Brands jumped nearly 3% in Tuesday premarket trading. –CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
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We Ultimately Know if Justin Has Talked to Britney ‘Personally’ After Backlash Based On How The Guy Addressed Her & Janet
Posted on December 17, 2021 by Katarina Leitnerova
We Ultimately Know if Justin Has Talked to Britney ‘Personally’ After Backlash Based On How The Guy Addressed Her & Janet
Social media people have actuallyn’t stopped writing on Justin Timberlake’s Britney Spears and Janet Jackson conflict from the time the release of two split The New York days’ offers documentaries on Hulu, each one of which features the former NSYNC member’s unfavorable affect the pop music movie stars’ professions. While Justin apologized for their actions via Instagram adopting the original backlash, a brand new report by Hollywood lives reveals that he has actually yet to “reach around actually” regarding issue.
The “Sexy straight back” singer are ready to accept a discussion with Britney in particular—but it hasn’t took place but. “Justin loves to notice that Britney is live the life span that she wanted for a long time. The guy likes witnessing the lady embrace all the close that will result from the woman are using this conservatorship,” a source advised Hollywood lives on November 24, 2021. “Justin sooo want to keep in touch with Britney if Britney desired to speak to him. But he also doesn’t would like to get when it comes to the life she’s getting,” the insider put.
“Justin is quite safe that Britney has read his apology and then he dreams that she understands that if she necessary your in any way
he would gladly assist in any way which he could. Justin keepsn’t achieved out to their personally, but,” the source carried on. “But again, he could be not at all frustrated never to. It is only essential Justin would http://www.datingreviewer.net/asian-hookup-apps/ be that the guy comes across as real as this was his correct aim. If Britney needs any type of talk, they are grateful to do it and then he is also more prone to exercise in today’s world.” The insider continued to stress that “Justin desires whatever should be mentioned and finished stored exclusive,” before keeping in mind, “He has her back once again from afar today but that may easily change if as soon as Britney demands anything else.”
Britney, whoever conservatorship concluded not too long ago after 13 age, previously dated Justin from 1998 to 2002. As expose inside the documentary framework Britney Spears, Justin released that “Britney wasn’t a virgin” appropriate their own separate, resulting in hurtful statements and research regarding “Gimme much more” artist. It got nearly 20 years after their unique split—and the needs of fans across the world—for Justin to issue a considerable apology into star. The guy at long last took to Instagram in February 2021 to talk about his ideas, composing partly, “I’ve heard of messages, labels, remarks, and issues and that I wanna respond. I’m seriously sorry when it comes down to hours within my existence in which my measures contributed to your problem, in which We talked out of turn, or wouldn’t communicate right up for what ended up being appropriate. We specifically wish apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because We take care of and have respect for these female and that I know We failed.”
The previous NSYNC associate was actually alluding to a similar debate with “Rhythm Nation” vocalist Janet during the time. For individuals who don’t understand, in 2004, Janet and Justin had been famously preferred of the NFL and MTV to perform at the ultra pan Halftime tv show together. In their abilities, Justin inadvertently subjected Janet’s right breast to around 140 million visitors whenever undertaking a costume trick—the media’s effect ended up being not grateful. Justin made misogynist humor regarding experience with regards to very first happened, recommending that Janet’s wardrobe breakdown was “every man’s fantasy” to journalists.
Today, following the discharge of an additional documentary by ny days Presents, titled breakdown: The dressing-down of Janet Jackson, Justin has been in the center of restored controversy for their activities. Janet, for her parts, apparently stated on backlash in November 2021 with a quote on Instagram which study: “Not certain that you have the memo.
But we’re maybe not competing anymore, we’re appreciating and uplifting one another instead.”
To get more about Britney Spears, read the woman 2001 guide, A Mother’s Surprise. The semi-autobiographical fiction unique, which had been co-written with Britney’s mama Lynne Spears, follows Holly Faye Lovell, a 14-year-old lady from small town of Biscay, Mississippi, who’s got dreams of becoming a musician. When Holly becomes the youngest scholar ever to winnings a scholarship into the prestigious Haverty School of sounds, she must make a choice of whether or not to allow this lady mummy, Wanda, behind or pursue their aspirations. As Holly begins the lady new life and makes expensive brand new buddies, she finds by herself ashamed by this lady mother as well as their modest history, as Wanda battles with a long-hidden trick might destroy this lady bond together with her daughter forever.
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In November, I realized some Core BTC devs don't understand the LN. Other influencers agreed with me, some in private, some publicly. These questions arose from that confusion, in an attempt to clear things up once and for all.
If Alice and Bob want to transact, they need to open a channel, and they need to agree on max amount to transfer through that channel. This requires a transaction. To finalize the transaction so they can spend the BTC outside of their channel, they need to close it so their on-chain balance updates and so they can send BTC onward into other channels. Closing also needs a tx. How, then, is it sensible for Alice and Bob to transact this way, instead of what they can do now - use one single transaction?
A common argument against the above is "you'll have middlemen through which many channels will go and form a mesh". My question is twofold:
a) how is it that this does not scare you? If LN becomes super popular and all of BTC is routed through like 5 major hubs (like currently 60% of all BTC transactions are routed through only 3 ISPs) and then govt tells the hub "OK do KYC now and tell us everything" or the hub becomes so monopolistically corrupt it starts charging absurd middleman fees (because they can), how do you solve this hypercentralized network's problem then?
b) even a channel with a middleman has to be closed once. If you have one big mesh of LN payments, and another unconnected one, you need to close the first one fully before being able to participate with the other one. But you cannot close just one tentacle of a hub - ALL must close because everyone's balances need to be consolidated because everyone chipped into the channel's max transfer volume. So it's impossible to close and release just one node out of the system. The bank can therefore say "No, we're not ready to close yet - we close once per week and consolidate then, wait until Friday to get your BTC and have it sendable elsewhere". - turns out this is wrong, my bad, channels can now be closed individually, a hub doesn't have to close all channels. It's still expensive to close them. There is still no way to top-up a channel without a transaction.
A common argument is the "I don't need coffee logged". This, too, is DOA. If I open a channel with Starbucks for 0.5 BTC, that means we both chipped in 0.25 BTC, presumably, because the transfer capacity of the channel (unless topped up, which again needs an on-chain transaction) is "fed" by both (all) parties involved. This begs the question - how many of such channels will you open? If I want to buy coffee that one time I'm in NY, do I open a channel? And for how long? Who closes it, and why would I pay the enormous closing fee? And most of all, how many of such channels can you afford to keep open? Will you open a new 0.1BTC channel with every starbucks you visit thereby locking up your money in every new city until the channel is closed? Do you keep it open forever just on the off chance you once end up there again? People say that StarBucks will be a hub and connect to all its customers, but again, no, it won't, because it can't add new ones into an existing channel without a tx, and cannot remove old ones without closing the channel. So it has to either open new channels, or close the old one completely, all the time. Every single SB has to do this separately. This is unscalable, unsustainable, and economically insane with current TX fees.
How do you deal with the "offline problem"? If a node goes offline for a while, a consolidation mechanism kicks into place. How do you deal with the fact that, for example, Turkey can block all BTC protocol traffic, or USA can, under new Net-Non-Neutrality laws block p2p money traffic, and the chains across the globe can lose connection? Who pays for those enormous damages, especially when it's huge entities that lose connection, each of which is handling 100k users?
How does it not worry the people who love Bitcoin that the only currently proposed scaling solution to their favorite "decentralized" currency is being implemented by a private company (Lightning labs) who have it in their best interest to never see another solution work?
I use the term "bank" loosely. It can be an actual bank which embraces crypto, it can be a popular exchange, it can be a powerful solo player, doesn't matter.
I am open to having my mind changed by objective reasoning. I'm open to the possibility of having gotten the whitepaper wrong, but in that case I would like you to point me to the exact line in the WP which refutes my theory.
When thinking about Bitcoin, if your answer to the hypothetical question "what proof would it take to convince you it's hopeless" is "none", then you're a maximalist and aren't interested in discussing, but want to push an agenda. These questions are objective curiosities I'm seeking answers to, so that I too can start believing in the much advertised LN, or so that others can see the problems in it and fix it before it's too late.
I am not anti crypto. I run a crypto company for smart contract development, enterprise consulting, and crime investigation. I also run an altcoin brokerage. I have several dozen cryptos in my folio, and that includes both BTC and BCH. I think both are terribly, terribly flawed. What I'm trying to find out here is why people don't think the LN, in its current iteration, doesn't agument these flaws even further, given what I outlined in the questions.
Author
Swader commented Jan 25, 2018
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Author
Swader commented Jan 25, 2018 •
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Author
Swader commented Jan 25, 2018
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This represents a fundamental misunderstanding of how LN is supposed to work. Alice and Bob create a channel not just for direct transactions between Alice and Bob. Once they create a channel, Alice can route payments to other recipients (including those she has never met, transacted with only once, and never created a channel to) through the channel to Bob and the channels he has created. And also receive payments.
LN can work either as a mesh or in a hub model.
In the mesh model, ever user opens channels to, say, 20 peers among the entire world population. The graph will be connected and there is no way for government to shut it down.
In the hub model, there will be, say, 10000 hubs connected between themselves, and each user will open a channel to 10 of them. Government will still find it difficult to shut them all down, and in case of problems the user can simply close the channels and reclaim the money. That's a huge difference from traditional banks and hosted wallets.
What you're also missing is that "Govt says you must do KYC" problem applies to raw Bitcoin too! They can go to nodes and tell them "you're broadcasting financial transactions, do KYC or shut down". The solution is to have too many Bitcoin nodes and too many Lightning hubs for this to be practical. Since starting a hub is so easy, no reason it shouldn't be this way.
Again, you're not opening a channel with a coffee shop just to buy coffee from that shop. You're opening a channel to be able to route through it many, many different payments to different people.
Raw Bitcoin also doesn't work if there's no internet connection, not sure how that is an argument against LN. If you are still connected but a channel peer is disconnected from the network (both Bitcoin & LN) you don't lose money, you just close the channel. Also, by taking payments off-chain, Bitcoin nodes become smaller and harder to detect and shut down.
There are several independent teams working on LN implementations. It's all open source. And it uses raw Bitcoin transactions as a foundation - it's not like the implementation can somehow steal my money, force me to do things I don't want, or affect people who do not use LN. I don't see how it is in any way relevant what these teams' best interest is.
Sorry, something went wrong.
Author
Swader commented Jan 26, 2018
Thank you for the answers.
In most counter-arguments to the questions, the overarching idea seems to be that LN will be so ubiquitous and widespread that every user will be able to route to every other user, regardless of there being hubs or mesh or a hybrid. If this happens, then yes, there will be some utility in all this. I do not think this will happen. I believe there will be isolated islands of LN connections that will find it impossible to maintain a connection due to government or natural interference.
However,
(new ordinal numbers, they don't refer to old questions)
Why would I open channels to 20 peers? This requires me to lock up my funds (of differing amounts) with 20 channels. People won't be willing to open such a tab in so many directions when they can just not lock up their funds and actually use them. This seems incredibly impractical - opening 20 channels means 20 transactions on the main chain, and another whenever I need to top a channel up. And then there's the locked change which becomes a big problem when you want to connect to another LN island.
You're assuming people will want to run nodes on their computers. Even if the nodes become super light, very few people will run them. You can see this with torrents - very little is required to give back, and yet barely anyone does it. All it takes is 10kb/s upload, not even much disk space, and yet most people kill the torrent when they're done with it. Same with BTC. People will not leave their computers or nodes or RaspPis running and their electricity bill pumping and their internet connection clogged with upload just to keep the network afloat. The casual user just doesn't do that - they rely on third part apps to manage their keys for them (often mobile wallets) and don't want anything to do with the network's architecture. In fact, 95% of the future users of BTC won't even ever know about LN or care about it. All they want is an easy "pay" and "get paid" option. I posit that no one will run nodes, just like the node count for BTC has been stalled at around 10k for months now.
Raw bitcoin doesn't work without internet, technically. But it also doesn't cause irreparable damage, chargebacks, or week-long funds lockups if the connection breaks. The LN does. Making an incredible amount of financial damage to large BTC LN users across two continents is as simple as severing that connection for a short time. The LN is much more susceptible to infrastructure based attacks which are proven to be easy (see Turkey's censorship of social media).
The teams argument is that any team which exists solely to solve a problem has a direct incentive to NOT solve that problem, else it disbands. Both Blockstream and Lightning are private companies with investors, and they need to turn a profit because of that. Their business model is selling workarounds of BTC's technical failings. They have a direct incentive to work against improving the core software, and for selling their workaround and creating hubs which can collect fees.
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Author
Swader commented Mar 21, 2018
Additional unanswered question. If current LN routing is provided lists of IPs and not auto-searching (because it's impossible to solve the traveling salesman problem at scale), how is that not even more centralized and susceptible to abuse if nodes can dictate which route to take? This will lead to privatized pay-to-join routes on the LN where IPs/nodes will collaborate and collude.
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Allison DeFoor is pushing for a sea change in the way decisions are made involving the criminal-justice system.
DeFoor, a former Monroe County sheriff turned lobbyist (and Wakulla County representative on Tallahassee Community College’s trustee board) wants data and evidence to be at the heart of the justice system, much like they have become with education in Florida.
“The idea of anybody being held accountable in criminal justice for outcome measures is pretty alien,” DeFoor said.
He is hoping to change that with the Project on Accountable Justice (PAJ), a new bi-partisan, independent organization headquartered at Florida State University. PAJ includes among its member institutions Baylor University, the Florida Public Safety Institute at TCC and St. Petersburg College. DeFoor is chairman of the organization’s board.
He said PAJ aims to be politically neutral — “We’re going to be Switzerland” — as it seeks to gather data that have not been studied in relation to the justice system.
“The goal is pretty simple: Less crime for less money,” he said. “In Florida we’re putting as much general revenue into corrections as we are the state university system.”
Byron Johnson, director of the Program on Prosocial Behavior at Baylor, is one of PAJ’s board members. He earned a doctorate in criminology at FSU eight years ago and is the author of the book “More God, Less Crime.”
He believes the justice system is long overdue for an evidence-based overhaul. Johnson also is sure that the data that PAJ will be focusing on are likely to be unpopular.
“I suspect our findings will make conservatives and liberals very uncomfortable, and everybody in between. That’s good. If you can do that, I think you’re beginning to have an impact,” Johnson said.
DeFoor, Johnson and other board members believe proper reform can’t happen without reams of research, which must be studied and analyzed.
“PAJ is dedicated to curbing our current trajectory of expensive, outdated practices of mass incarceration and refocusing our justice system on ending victimization, turning lives around, rebuilding families and saving taxpayer dollars — all in an effort to enhance public safety,” said Deborrah Brodsky, PAJ’s director. “We have a tremendous opportunity to turn poor outcomes and difficult policies into stronger public interest models that can be used in Florida, and throughout the country.”
Jim Murdaugh, TCC’s president and a PAJ board member, is eager to see PAJ lead the way to dramatic reductions in recidivism. Head of the Florida Public Safety Institute before he was promoted to TCC president in October 2010, Murdaugh helped the Midway facility become the site for a yet unopened re-entry prison.
At the request of Gov. Rick Scott’s staff, TCC has submitted a proposal to provide literacy and job-skill training at the re-entry prison, with the goal of making inmates more likely to find employment once they are released.
“This is the part of (PAJ) that interests me the most,” Murdaugh said. “If the college can contribute to that, I think it’s a wonderful role for the college to play.”
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Frustrated that change efforts you’re leading take too long, are too difficult, or are too often ineffective? Discover eight powerful ways to make any change work faster, easier, and better—whether done by C-suite leaders or frontline workers.
In a recent Fast Company article, nine CEOs said the biggest challenges their companies face are all related to change. Change is a constant need and challenge for every organization. Too often, people who lead change work are frustrated that it’s too slow, hard or ineffective.
Organizational change doesn't have to be so difficult. Leading change expert Jake Jacobs shares eight fail-safe ways to make any change initiative faster, easier and better. These levers, or smart strategic actions, can be used with the change method you’re already deploying be it PROSCI, Lencioni’s 5 Dysfunctions, Appreciative Inquiry or any other. Think of the levers as making a good thing even better.
Leverage Change is chockful of practical applications and 44 stories, some contributed by Jennifer Brown, author of The Inclusive Leader. Your organization suffering from change fatigue? Then use the Pay Attention to Continuity lever. Change happening too slowly? It’s time to Think and Act as if the Future Were Now!
Leverage is about getting more done with fewer hassles, headaches and problems. Equally applicable to individual, team or organizational change work, Leverage Change is your guidebook to any type of change, in any organization, made by anyone.
“The best organizations co-elevate—that is, their people and teams support one another in ways that transform individual relationships and entire organizations. Jake Jacobs knows and embraces this idea. The concepts and tools in Leverage Change are a powerful path to creating this new, proven approach to achieving outstanding results. —Keith Ferrazzi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Leading Without Authority
“Who needs help dealing with the constant change that is happening in our lives, our organizations, and our world? We all do! Leverage Change is a much needed guide for dealing with change, no matter when or where it appears. Robert Jacobs’s 8 Levers will help you adjust the ways you already manage change to make them work better for you. Read this book, embrace change, and step into a more secure future!” —Ken and Margie Blanchard, cofounders of The Ken Blanchard Companies® and coauthors of Leading at a Higher Level
“Most companies realize that to be competitive in the marketplace requires new and innovative technologies, business models, services, products, and solutions. Those who create this kind of value for customers the fastest win! Smart leaders understand that to achieve this value creation requires that they overcome fixed status quo mindsets. They must find ways to help those they manage change meaningfully and quickly. Jake’s ingenious change levers help us do just that. His methodology is transformational. Starting now, all organizations that are serious about change need to teach Jake’s levers to their leaders, starting with the C-suite!” —Susan Schmitt, Chief HR Officer, Applied Materials
“Now more than ever, we need healing when it comes to relationships between residents and police. Jake Jacob’s Leverage Change is the perfect tool for handling pressure-filled, high-stakes, anxiety-ridden situations. This book helps people get things done in a way that fosters honesty, equity, fairness, and respect. Communities facing this challenge can find a way forward by following the techniques and tools in these pages.” —Jessie Halladay, leader, The Louisville Synergy Project to Further Strengthen Resident/Police Relationships
“My work is to convene global populations of change-makers. What I’ve seen is that the world is facing massive problems that are too complex for any one ‘best solution.’ What we need are many ‘best solutions’ to address the issues concerning different ages, cultures, and communities. That’s what Jake Jacobs’s book Leverage Change provides. He gives us the tools to work together in new and inventive ways. Read this book, use what you learn, and be confident you can make the world a better place.” —Arielle T. Sullivan, facilitator for World Unity Week and the Unity and Peace Global Convergence
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
About the Author
Robert “Jake” Jacobs is the founder and president of Jake Jacobs Consulting. A pioneer in large-scale change, he has worked with some of the largest corporations in the world, including Ford, Marriott, and Corning, and has supported major change efforts for the City of New York, the US National Forest Service, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the United Kingdom’s National Health and Employment Services. He has been featured in a wide array of strategy and leadership publications and has authored or contributed to seven books, including Real Time Strategic Change.
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Los puestos de trabajo en el transporte por camión se mueven poco en noviembre, pero la tendencia sigue siendo al alza
FedEx contractor arrested after body of 7-year-old Texas girl found
Container shipping rates still sinking, no sign yet of market floor
Biden firma un proyecto de ley para forzar un acuerdo laboral a los trabajadores del ferrocarril, evitando una huelga ferroviaria legal
Expedited carrier utilizes factoring partner to ensure drivers remain top priority
Navistar recalls more than 31,000 trucks and buses
Rails and regulators battle publicly over service issues
Published
April 12, 2022
Reddit
The spring meeting of the North East Association of Rail Shippers (NEARS) saw three Class I railroads seeking to persuade rail shippers and other stakeholders that they are working hard to improve rail service.
For instance, the Class I railroads all told rail shippers that they are taking aggressive steps to increase their ranks of train and engine crews so that they have the capacity to meet demand. Absences due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated service issues, they said at the gathering last week in Baltimore.
The Surface Transportation Board doesn’t appear convinced. At the same time this meeting was underway, the STB announced that it will conduct a two-day public hearing in late April to gather testimony not only from the railroads but other stakeholders, including shippers and even unions, over whether deteriorating rail service stems from deeper issues related to precision scheduled railroading (PSR), an approach that seeks to streamline operations.
Indeed, service metrics have fallen in 2022 compared with other years, according to FreightWaves SONAR data. Weekly average train speeds of the Class I railroads in 2022 are down from 2021 and 2020, although rail traffic was much lighter in 2020 due in part to the quarantine restrictions at the onset of the pandemic.
A comparison of the weekly average train speeds for U.S. operations of the Class I railroads over three years. (FreightWaves SONAR) To learn more about FreightWaves SONAR, click here.
Meanwhile, terminal dwell has increased year-over-year, meaning that trains are spending more time at rail terminals compared with previous years.
The rail terminal dwell time system average is a weekly average. It tells how many hours a railcar may reside at the largest 10 terminals. It excludes cars on run-through trains. (FreightWaves SONAR)
These service metrics and wider service-related issues are why event panelist Chesapeake Speciality Products, a small, Maryland-based abrasives supplier, no longer ships via intermodal rail. The delays, as well as damages to goods during transport and a lack of communication over why railcars hauling the company’s goods have been located in remote cities, stymie the industry as well as the company’s ability to utilize the Class I rail network fully, said Chesapeake Specialty Products CEO Kenneth Sanchez at the conference.
“I love rail. I just want to fix it so we can use it more and more,” Sanchez said. He also praised working with his short line operator.
Class I railroads defend response to service issues
A perfect storm of employee absences related to COVID-19 — not just in the freight rail industry but also in the warehouse and distribution channels — combined with supply chain congestion and robust consumer demand during and after the height of the pandemic were among the factors that affected the railroads’ ability to respond to rising service demands.
“CSX’s operating teams are working hard to get our merchandise performance measures back to the record levels that we achieved prior to the pandemic. We’re investing in our people, our network and our customer service platform to further improve service and expand capacity,” said Farrukh Bezar, senior vice president of marketing for CSX (NASDAQ: CSX).
The railroads presenting at the NEARS conference sought to show how they are responding to service concerns, as well describe how they perceive the future market environment.
Bezar told the NEARS audience that CSX has been aggressively adding employees to its mechanical department and to its ranks of conductors and engineers. The company has also been offering existing employees bonuses and incentives to improve conductor availability.
“There’s no denying that the fluidity across the entire supply chain is not very good right now. And no matter what mode of transportation you’re looking at, we’re facing the same challenges as everyone else,” Bezar said. “We’ve been working closely with our customers to reduce container dwell, to maintain terminal fluidity.”
Despite recent service hiccups, there have been a number of initiatives that could benefit rail shippers, including the Carolina Connector intermodal transportation facility in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, a public-private partnership between CSX and North Carolina that opened in November. CSX connects the Rocky Mount facility to the deepwater seaport in Wilmington, North Carolina, as well as other East Coast ports.
Another initiative is CSX Greenway, a premium door-to-door service between Florida, Georgia and the Northeast using refrigerated trailers.
CSX’s proposed acquisition of Pan Am Railways would also provide shippers with access up and down the East Coast and through New England, according to Bezar.
Internally, CSX is seeking to revamp regional sales teams, leverage real estate teams and align the operating team closer to the sales and marketing teams, Bezar stated. CSX is also developing a company culture plan that seeks to align management and union members with a unified vision for the company.
Jacque Bendon, vice president for industrial for Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) told NEARS attendees that it is looking at growth opportunities post-PSR. These opportunities entail further increasing car cycle times to free up terminal capacity; conducting network extensions through transloading in places such as Phoenix and Los Angeles; building out UP’s network to short line operators and expanding intermodal options through pop-up yards; and investing in capital improvement projects such as siding extensions, additional railcars and technological investments.
The railroad is also changing its hiring practices to find qualified applicants and expanding its benefits program as part of a wider goal to have the manpower to meet capacity needs.
“We are learning more from our customers about what is really important to them,” Bendon said.
Meanwhile, in Norfolk Southern’s (NYSE: NSC) presentation, Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins pointed to how global market dynamics changed so abruptly and unexpectedly as a result of the pandemic.
“There is now a real and sustained recognition of supply chain risk. … We’ve all spent the last two years understanding how that risk manifests itself, whether it’s that you don’t have any toilet paper when you go to the store or you can’t find the critical part for your industrial manufacturing facility,” Elkins said.
“This risk will go away over time, people will go back to a just-in-time model at some point. But I think for the foreseeable future, we’ve seen this sort of partial unwinding of this just-in-time mentality. And it really is manifesting itself as ways to mitigate that now-recognized risk,” he continued.
To that end, companies are seeking to simplify supply chains and considering onshoring, which in turn will lead to investments in warehousing and technology, as well as a potential return of manufacturing to North America.
“As businesses move supplies closer to manufacturing and inventories closer to the customer, rail-served industrial development is a real engine to growth,” Elkins said, noting that NS’ pipeline of projects is the longest list the company has had in the past 10 years. “We’ve seen an extraordinary amount of interest in new developments, not only in warehouses, but also in manufacturing.”
One example of a recent industrial development project is a frac sand transload terminal that began operations earlier this year in Pennsylvania. The terminal is a unit train-capable facility and serves the southwest portion of the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania.
For potential intermodal users, the Thoroughbred Freight Transfer seeks to reach out to customers that aren’t connected to the railroad in a traditional sense but could still benefit from rail transport. The service includes adding truck and cross-dock options to closed-car rail transport, according to NS’ website.
Elkins also said it has been offering hiring and retention bonuses, increasing the size of its conductor classes, as well as utilizing small teams of mobile employees that can move around the network.
“I’ve never seen the amount of disruption that there is out there in terms of wildly swinging demand, and a tremendous amount of smart people [are] trying to figure it out,” Elkins said. “That being said, I will tell you that Norfolk Southern is working on fixing our service. It really is a resource problem for us.”
Regulators want railroads to address service concerns
The campaigns by the Class I railroads aimed at reassuring customers come as STB said last week that it will hold a public hearing on April 26 and 27 on recent rail service problems and recovery efforts.
The board has been receiving comments from groups such as the National Grain and Feed Association in recent weeks over subpar rail service, while the rail unions and congressional leaders have raised concerns over the attendance policies of the Class I railroads.
STB is asking executive-level officials of BNSF (NYSE: BRK.B), CSX, NS and Union Pacific to appear, while leaders of Canadian railway CN (NYSE: CNI), Canadian Pacific (NYSE: CP) and Kansas City Southern are invited to participate.
Also invited are other carriers, rail customers, labor organizations and other interested parties.
The timing of the hearing comes right in the middle of the Class I railroads’ earnings season, when companies report their financial results to investors.
CSX and UP are reporting their first-quarter 2022 earrings on April 20 and April 21, respectively, while NS will report its first-quarter earnings on April 27. CN and CP will report first-quarter 2022 results on April 26 and April 27, respectively.
STB said it was holding the hearing in response to comments from stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about inconsistent and unreliable rail service.
STB Chairman Marty Oberman noted that the Class I railroads have been trimming their workforce in recent years amid efforts to deploy PSR. The Class I railroads collectively have reduced their workforce by 29%, or 45,000 employees, over the past six years, Oberman pointed out.
“In my view, all of this has directly contributed to where we are today — rail users experiencing serious deteriorations in rail service because, on too many parts of their networks, the railroads simply do not have a sufficient number of employees,” Oberman said.
“This hearing is not just about where we are but also about where we are going. The board expects the railroads to explain the actions they will take to fix these issues. The board will also consider stakeholder views on how it can use its authority — including measures to address emergencies, increase transparency and promote reliable service — to ameliorate problems on the network.”
The hearing will be held both in person at STB’s headquarters in Washington and online. Those wishing to speak must submit a notice to participate by Thursday. Written comments will be accepted through April 22.
This isn’t the first time that STB has sought answers from the Class I railroads over service issues. The board wanted the railroads to explain several times how they were responding to supply chain congestion issues last summer, and it has engaged with individual railroads such as CSX and NS over service disruptions.
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For our 2016/17 summer holiday road trip my family headed north – to one of the most popular, least known camp grounds in the country.
Having bought The Matamata Camper only a couple of months ago, we decided to relive a part of Jean’s childhood with a week at Waikawau Bay. Well, Jean decided and I pretty much went along for the ride because, you know, that’s what I do.
It was our first proper trip away in the camper as a family. Previously we’ve had the odd night away and also did Napier over Labour Weekend, but I’ve always had my big red car there too.
This time I had no such safety net.
It took a while to get there – a leisurely five hours with several stops. That allowed me to torture everyone with some of my old CDs – The Cars, New Order, Pink Floyd… even Led Zeppelin got an airing. Yep, I’m secure in my middle age.
The week went surprisingly well. Look, I’m still a bit of a reluctant camper but I think I’m getting somewhere close to being won over (don’t tell Jean though – it would probably do my ongoing campaign of stubbornness terminal harm).
Once I’d got past the trauma of limited cell phone coverage I started to settle down a bit.
I’m not a total Facebook addict or anything like that so that wasn’t my main drama. No, it was the football. The Christmas/New Year period is massive in the English Premier League and Spurs had a couple of games scheduled while we were away, including a big visit to Watford (my brother’s team).
I had planned to hook the laptop up to my phone’s connection and try to find a dodgy stream to watch the games. As it turns out, the only dodgy stream I could find was the one that ran through the campsite, with a boil-water-before-drinking disclaimer.
I ended up following the games via Twitter and the Premier League app, moving around the campsite to find spots that would allow me to hook into Vodafone’s signal to get the updates I needed. Thankfully Spurs won both games 4-1 so the holiday could carry on with a happy Dad rather than a grumpy Dad.
Beach art by Dad.
As for the holiday stuff, we had pretty much everything you need for a Kiwi family escape. The beach is slung out in a pristine sandy arc around Waikawau Bay. Spectacular, yes, but when you live in a country full of similarly supreme beaches it was tough to get excessively excited. Or maybe that was just me… It was nice, though.
We spent most of our time at the southern end of the beach, which is the main access point from the camp ground. There were enough rocks to keep the boys happy and there was nice little mini-peninsula formed where a little estuary flows into the sea for Siena (our two year old) to get covered in sand on. It was pretty windy most of the time but we did have one properly hot day, which reminded us that it was, indeed, summer.
Little Bay (pictured below), the next bay around the coast, is flanked by a good number of beach houses – some of which were pretty flash. You just need to look down from one of the beach access points to see why.
We made several trips out in the camper while we were there. Twice we headed back to Colville for supplies. Food was the excuse but beer was the actual reason. The selection was limited so we tried several Boundary Road Brewery Originals (their pilsner was solid) along with Monteith’s Bohemian Pilsner. Somehow the beer kept disappearing. Sitting by the camper in the Kiwi sun will do that, I guess.
Possibly our best excursion was over the hill to the north, past Port Charles to Sandy Bay. It felt like it took an age to get there, but we parked up and spent several hours in another little estuary at another cool Kiwi beach. Definitely worth the effort dragging the big old camper over the hill for that one.
As always with holidays like this the days pretty much merged from one to the next. I don’t think we quite lost track of time but it was a bit of a jolt when leaving day arrived. At the start, seven nights with limited facilities seemed a little daunting, but I made it though okay.
My previous visit to Waikawau was 20 years ago. Back then, not long after Jean and I met, we were tenting, which wasn’t something I’d done much of. We pitched up at Waikawau in my old canary yellow Ford Laser after having tried (and failed) at several spots up the west coast of the Coromandel. We had a night there and I remember the next day, after spending a good couple of hours in the tent, er, reading and relaxing, poking our heads out to find a deserted paddock, which had been fully stocked with tents just that morning.
A tropical cyclone was on its way so we packed and left too, to the much safer climes of Jean’s Aunt and Uncle’s house on the beach at Cooks Beach. That was more my style.
So it was nice to head back and make some proper family memories at one of Jean’s favourite places. The kids enjoyed it, although they all had at least one monster meltdown. They each have their signature style, which can be both fun and disturbing to watch. We failed pretty miserably to enforce Siena’s usual mid-arvo quiet time so Mum and Dad were pretty much on duty all the time. We made it work.
We had a variety of neighbours during our week on site. One couple with an eleven year son arrived for a couple of nights midway through our stay. Despite the difference in ages all three boys got on immediately so both sets of parents pretty much left them to it.
A European family (from Germany but living in China) also had a couple of nights next door. We never really saw the kids (teenagers…) but I had a couple of good chats with the Dad. Tell a tourist you’re from Matamata (Hobbiton) and you’re away.
There were also several family groups with kids Siena’s age all dealing with the same challenges and having the same fun we were.
Now that I’m getting into this camper thing (remember, don’t tell Jean) I’m looking forward to heading back to Waikawau. It probably won’t be every year – there are so many other places to explore – but it will be soon.
January 8, 2017
Great to hear you had good time. Must go back did spend some nice time there with friends. Nice to hear about yr family time, our children Head left home when we first bought a camper so now almost 25 yrs on and on my own still get around the country. Do keep it up only gets better.
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January 8, 2017
Thanks Gail. It really is a nice spot. I don’t think Jean will let us not keep it up, so I expect we’ll be doing a lot of miles around the country in our little camper over the next few years! – Dwayne
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January 8, 2017
Lovely to read your blog. I went with a number of my workmates from the Chateau, for a long weekend break at Waikawau back in 1961. The road was shocking . We stayed in old shearing quarters and at night the river was teeming with flounder and we would take Tilly lamps with us and spear them .i attempted to climb a nearby cliff one day, and suddenly froze half way up ! Couldn’t face going up or down. Luckily a wasp stung me in the bum and I soon scrambled to the top! Happy memories. Happy travels in the future for you and your family. By the way both my sons were born in Hobitown as they like to tell everyone now they are overseas. It does certainly create interest.
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January 8, 2017
Thanks Audrey. We came across a few wasps while we were up there but, thankfully for us, didn’t suffer quite the same consequences!
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Cafe to Go
Neil Siemers - October 25, 2013
Scott waved hello to Greg as he walked past his cubicle on the way to the break room, as he did every morning before his shift started. Despite the fact that Greg and Simon had cubicles facing each other, Scott never bothered to wave at Simon. Why would he, after all? “Good morning to you, […]
Ashley M. Hill - February 8, 2013
You get into a car with a stranger. Maybe she’s offered you a ride on a rainy day. Maybe you just make stupid life choices, who knows. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that during the ride you realize that you have no idea where the driver is taking you — and the doors […]
Tags: and everything, life, the universe
Nancy Cayton Myers - March 28, 2012
So yeah, I’m working this fundraiser tonight at the museum. It’s in this room with ancient stone carvings from Egypt. A bunch of rich people and artists from all over rubbing elbows. Used to come in here with my boys from time to time, that’s how I knew about it and now I work here, […]
Tags: 1000 words, art, carvings, dilemma, Egypt, flash fiction, life, museum, story
Panning for Gold in the Dark
Nancy Cayton Myers - January 27, 2012
A couple of weeks back the fabulous Confabulators weighed in on where their writing ideas come from. I may backtrack a bit over some of that territory, because where they come from seems to be connected to the ideas I end up pursuing past the ‘idea’ stage. Looking back on the thousands of words I’ve […]
Tags: brainstorming, experimenting, ideas, life, novels, process, short stories, stories, story development, writing
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The funny thing about social media is that you get an impression of people that isn't entirely accurate. For example, I try not to post really negative status updates as a general rule, because I see Facebook as a way to communicate and share ideas. If I want to post something that I see as controversial, I post it on my Facebook page instead of my profile. That way people can opt in and out easily to participate in my ramblings, without feeling the need to unfriend me.
A couple of days ago Jennifer Hudson was on the Today Show talking about her successful weight loss with Weight Watchers. She said the hardest thing she had to go through was rejection and ridicule from friends and family. I can relate. If I had a dollar for every rude thing said to me in the past five months because of my choice to not eat meat (because it means that the excessive swelling in my leg is cut in half) I would be able to buy a lot of organic bananas. Last night I almost started crying when a women new to my book club asked me about my vegan cookbooks and then said she eats about 95% vegan.
A few weeks ago I was asked to do a seminar on healthy eating this month for my church's womens' group. When I was first asked my walls went up and on the inside I was saying, "Oh...please no." The reason is that in real life when I talk to people about how I eat and what my version of health is, they either embrace it or they reject it outright without hearing a word that I say and can get angry at me about it. That immediately triggers my defensive mechanisms. I'm still working on that. The truth is, I have spent the last six months reading so many books on health that I have a solid understanding about how completely overwhelming it is to implement healthy eating. Truly - I do. I had to dig through a great deal of ideas and philosophies to get to the core of what is right for me. And because of the sheer amount of research I have done, I believe that it is right for everyone even when people tell me otherwise. Does that mean that I have any hope of people miraculously changing their lives based on anything I say? Ha. I know well how addictive food is. We all have our favorites. In my view, if even small changes are made it is a good thing. But I wasn't able to even make the small changes until I opened my mind to educating myself about food. Thank you to Barbara Christensen for that!
I finally suggested that I just do a short class on the benefits of green smoothies. How to make them, what to use, what makes green smoothies taste good, etc. My hope is that it will empower a few women to incorporate them into their daily eating and hopefully get a few additional nutrients that they need. I have a deep sorrow for women that I know who are constantly sick and depressed, because I am convinced that the answer is in nutritious food. Eating this way has changed my life, the health of my family, my mom, my bestie, and a few other people who maybe think I am on to something with all of this.
Posted by Heidi Totten
2 comments:
Olson's January 11, 2012 at 7:38 PM
Have to admit - I'm interested in the whole green smoothie thing. In fact, I bought a whole bag of spinach at Costco and it is begging to be made into a delicious and nutritious drink, I just don't know how to do it. So I will be at enrichment and excited to learn! Thanks for being willing to share :)
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RebeckerOnline January 14, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Hope this session went well. How smart you are to know your limits ...and what others will accept. Excited to learn more about what you've learned on this blog.
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Supporters of the UNC Center for Civil Rights protest outside of a committee meeting of the UNC Board of Governors meeting on August 1, 2017.
Supporters of the UNC Center for Civil Rights protest outside of a committee meeting of the UNC Board of Governors meeting on August 1, 2017.
Updated at 10:56 a.m., September 8, 2017
The UNC Board of Governors has passed a resolution that bans university-based centers from filing lawsuits. The resolution means the Center for Civil Rights, based at the UNC Chapel Hill Law School, can no longer sue on behalf of low-income and minority clients. WUNC managing editor Dave DeWitt talks about a vote this morning by The University of North Carolina system Board of Governors to bar all UNC system centers and institutes from engaging in litigation.
"This vote does not show a lack of support for the UNC law school by this board," said Lou Bissette, chair of the Board of Governors. "It also does not show a lack of support for the Civil Rights Center."
The Board of Governors previously closed a center on poverty at the Law School. The General Assembly has also cut the law school's budget by $500,000.
After the vote, the managing attorney for the Center for Civil Rights, Mark Dorosin, interrupted the meeting and was removed.
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt said she was disappointed in the vote by the university's Board of Governors.
“I believe that the university and the people who testified on behalf of the center made a compelling case about why the center is so important to the people of our state," Folt said in a statement Friday. "I am proud of the center, its history and all who worked so hard to answer the board’s questions and provide important facts about how the center serves the needs of our citizens."
Since its beginnings in 2001, the UNC Center for Civil Rights has fought legal battles on behalf of low-income and minority communities across the state.
The man behind the proposal is Board of Governors member and Raleigh attorney Steve Long, who believes the center’s legal battles violate the university system’s educational mission. Long has said that one part of the state, such as the center, should not sue another.
Critics of the proposal say the center provides legal counsel to marginalized communities that most need it, and otherwise cannot afford it. They say the proposed ban is an ideological attack on the center's social justice mission.
In one of its cases, the center prevented the expansion of a landfill in a black community already home to an animal shelter, sewage treatment facility, and hog farm. In another, it fought modern-day school segregation.
Members of the Board of Governors are elected by the state legislature, which has weighed heavily Republican in recent years.
With today's decision, the center will be allowed to continue litigation it has already started, but it will not be allowed to engage in any new cases.
Before joining WUNC in October as the station's new education reporter, Lisa Philip covered schools in Howard County, Maryland for the Baltimore Sun newspapers. She traveled from school playgrounds to the state legislature, writing about everything from a Girl Scout friendship bench project to a state investigation into local school officials' alleged hiding of public records.
See stories by Lisa Philip
Dave DeWitt is WUNC's Feature News Editor. As an editor, reporter, and producer he's covered politics, environment, education, sports, and a wide range of other topics.
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Elizabeth “Liz” Baier is WUNC’s Digital News Editor. She joined the station in May 2016 after eight year of reporting for Minnesota Public Radio News where she covered everything from demographic changes in rural America, agriculture, the environment and health care. Prior to that, Liz worked for six years as a newspaper reporter in South Florida, both at the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
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Rising student population numbers has led to an increase of students taking art this year, as well as the addition of new storage spaces on the fourth and fifth floors in the crevices by the southern central stairwell.
There was a “little bit of an increase,” says Assistant Principal Eric Fay. “It looks like our average is… 31 students in each art class.”
“I have 36 students in my ceramics class,” adds Karen Stolzenberg, chair of the art department.
Fay notes that the increase of the total population of the school has grown as well, possibly contributing to the reasons why more students may want to do art. “Our overall enrollment increased… by roughly 200 kids, actually a little bit more.”
The reasons why students take art, however, completely range.
Some students prefer to take art to fulfil the Chicago Public Schools graduation requirement that all students must take one visual arts credit before they graduate. “I’m taking art to get my credits done, if I’m being honest,” says Lane Kizziah ‘18.
Others argue that students take art because of interest in arts or because of the quality of the visual arts programs at Jones.
“I would say it’s because of the quality of the program, there’s a lot of really artistic kids, and our art teachers really put in that extra effort,” says Fay. “I think it’s the effort that the teachers put into the lessons and how interesting they make it. Every lesson I’ve seen, for the art classes, has been so much more than just ‘let’s paint something’, it always had some deeper context or meaningful idea to it.”
Principal P. Joseph Powers thinks that students are attracted to taking art at Jones because “we offer such a rich curriculum in the visual arts, now we’ve got the ceramics, we’ve added since we moved into this building, metalsmithing has been able to expand, if I’m not mistaken, a lot more two and three dimensional arts, and the digital arts as well. Space has given us opportunity, the number of students has given us opportunity, and also CPS made the fine arts credit flexible, so that students could take a lot of different things.”
Meanwhile, according to Stolzenberg, the new storage rooms were built because “there’s not enough room at the tables, we can’t work as large as we would normally want to work, and that’s why we had to build those storage rooms.”
“A lot of projects and materials take up space, so we found that we were storing things in what should have been instructional space… Those two spaces on the fourth and fifth floor had almost turned into de facto storage spaces… We made it more formal and gave it to the art department,” adds Powers.
The cost of these new spaces were not deducted from the art department. “We paid for the construction out of our internal accounts, in other words, income, rentals, things like that… It was actually remarkably inexpensive. The contractor that we worked with had worked with us before on small projects like that; quick, high quality and reasonable cost,” says Powers.
While there has been no vocal student opposition to the new closets, Fay says that “I heard some noises coming from one of the closets, and I opened the door, and there were 6 kids packed in there, just hanging out during Ac Lab, and it was kind of funny.”
Students
Supplies
About the Writer
Orla Levens '18, Editor-in-Chief
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My goal in horseback riding is to have (safe) fun with horses, while understanding horse behavior. My love of horses began while growing up in Pittsburgh, where my father had a camp. I have been riding for over 55 years and have been a horsemanship instructor for 45 of those years. I am a camp director and a HPER Teacher.
Ron
Born and raised in Dillon, Ron is a Montana native. He farmed on the family farm and has worked in varying aspects of the farm and ranch industry. Also earned his degree in Agricultural Business from Montana State University in Bozeman. Ron and Janice met in 2004 at the Wildwest Winterfest. He met his horse RC at an auction and has been been hooked on both ever since!
What folks are saying about Montana Horse Sense
"How many time do you actually get to go to Montana and meet a real horse whisperer? That is what I've been saying to describe you and the magic you bestowed upon me. I had no idea how special the week was going to be or what to expect. You are an amazing woman with an amazing talent. You made me feel so comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and trust. Thank you for giving me space to heal, even when I didn't realize there was more healing to do. Thank you for allowing me to ride and be in the presence of those amazing horses."
"It feels a bit odd to be home, like I don't totally belong here right now. My heart and soul are still in Montana with you, your lovely homes and your most amazing horses. Honestly, I am in a bit of a dream state and feel so much appreciation towards you and Ron for all the love, care, support, laughter, generosity and kindness you showed to me. I am going to leave Montana horse dirt under at least one finger nail, so that I remember where I have come from. With a heart that is full...so very full of love and gratitude!"
"You showed us some of the most beautiful and unusual sceneries, that normal people like us only see in the movies! Thank you for not only being an excellent instructor, but at the same time being a friend! Although we are from thousands of miles away, you made Montana feel like home for us, we can't wait to get back."
"There is always something to learn in a non-threatening environment that has been designed to meet the needs of riders with different interests and abilities. I love to ride with Montana Horse Sense because Janice will do the thinking for me and I can relax and learn."
"Janice's patience, understanding and teaching background serve as a type of riding therapy for our daughter's learning disabilities. She has taught us, not only the fundamentals of riding and horse care, but how to correct problems, learn from the horse's reactions and to be ready for anything. Janice "matched" Taylor with our first horse (our beloved Savannah) and we are now looking to welcome our 4th addition to our barn. Thank you, Janice, for passing on your love of horses and getting us back in the saddle."
"The Owen family would like to thank you for one of our best and most memorable holidays ever. You and Ron made us feel like part of the family and that made it even more fun because we felt so relaxed right from the moment we arrived. Your horses are always a pleasure to ride. The scenery was just spectacular and the riding was wonderful."
The Owen Family
"As an “aged” member of the Gallatin Valley Backcountry Horsemen, I say again, thanks to you for all you do with your rides, lessons, and in general getting the members involved with horses in a safe manner. . You have made a change in the club as you have brought members together with learning and fun. My handicap(s) and young horse need you, which make an example of what the members have benefited from your endeavors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
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The media pundit's pundit. Written by NYC insider Jeff Jarvis, BuzzMachine covers news, media, journalism, and politics.
August 4, 2006 by Jeff Jarvis
Book, books
I spoke yesterday with Eileen Gittins, founder of Blurb, a company that enables anyone to design and produce beautifully done books using software that makes your genius look good and that soon will be able to “slurp” blog posts and turn them into books.
Note that Blurb is not yet like Lulu, which is more about enabling authors to go around the publishing industry to create and sell books directly, a holy quest itself. Blurb is starting as more of a populist venture, bringing out the author in everyone. And that’s what makes it interesting. Blogger, to pick one, made everybody a writer; Flickr, everybody a photographer; GarageBand, everybody a radio star; iMovie, everybody a director. Becoming the author or publisher of a book, though, is harder because books are made of that damned, pesky paper. Atoms are hard.
So Blurb came along with software that lets you easily take your words or photos and put them in templates and then get them printed and shipped. It has been up and running since the spring and Gittins says they have produced about 1,000 titles so far.
What’s interesting about this is that people respect and revere the book — a good sign for the book business — and want their own. Now they can get them. None of these people is trying to get a bestseller; Blurb has yet to add its sales mechanism. They just want a book. And once enabled to publish them, it’s telling to see what they do create. A bigger part of the business than Gittins had guessed comes from businesses — photographers and architects producing slicker portfolios. A finance guy used Blurb to produce a business proposal, reasoning that we are so averse to throwing out books in this culture that it will stay on the shelf longer than a Kinko’s spiral thingie. Not surprisingly, there are recipe books. They’re doing a deal with a sport that lets you intersperse your own content with the pros (e.g., New York Yankees and Pleasantville Yankees: A World Series Year). I asked whether they had seen obituary books, tributes to lost loved ones (having worked in newspapers, I came to learn the power of the obit). No, she said, but they are seeing a fair number of printed tributes to dead pets. Oh, well.
Gittins also said — and I’ll pat her on the back for this — that the books also live online so they can be searched and found and even tagged. One of the complaints I have about the publishing industry’s Googlephobia is that they are cutting off their authors and their ideas and knowledge from the world by refusing to make books searchable. And because the books are printed on demand, by the way, they can be updated and corrected and need not be freeze-dried or die.
Next up is the blog slurper (with other slurpers after that). It will take your blog, grab the content, and let you edit it, publishing it as is (see Tony Pierce’s blook). I can also see using the blog as a writing and publishing tool for the express purpose of ending up with a book (something I’m thinking about doing with a book on books). And of course, see Tom Evslin’s Hackoff.com, written as both a blog and a book.
All this liquifies the book, changing the form and the access to it.
by Jeff Jarvis
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Now out in paperback!
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My blog is committed to building community and sharing with you about my venture; Soul Purpose Lifestyle Company. Most importantly I hope to learn about your "soul-purpose" and the things that bring you joy.
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January 10, 2009
I created my blog to have a place that I can post an update of the things going on with me and document my continuing journey particularly with Soul Purpose. If you look at my postings you will notice that I do not comment negatively about anyone or any organization but I speak the truth as it relates to me. I have tried and maybe it is was foolish not to speak about Warm Spirit ; because the pain is still there for me but I know that what ever I may say can easily be misconstrued and twisted. So speaking about Warm Spirit can be a dangerous thing.
My feelings about my ex business partner and the lack of integrity he displayed in between him and I is not a fight for the general public. I have read however, some comments from a few Warm Spirit consultants, that have finally even through their negativity, shined some light as to why people continued on with Warm Spirit even after I left. I want to take a moment to clear up any misconceptions and then close the book on this discussion; for me at least.
Please note that after today, I will remove any anonymous posts to my blog. I am visible and willing to sign my name to my posts and stand behind them and I believe if you post you should be able to hide behind anonymous.
A few things:
When I left Warm Spirit, I did not and have not yet released a statement to the consultants. Daniel released a statement with his side of the story within days. He shut off my access to say anything and promised me a financial deal if I kept my mouth closed and did not communicate with the field. I received nothing by the way.
I was also threatened with a law suit if I were to communicate with the consultants.
When I left Warm Spirit we were operating at a profit and doing better then we ever have in history. Our sales were well over 1 million dollars per month and the community was growing and prosperous.
We had just won the Black Enterprise Emerging Company of the year award and were nominated for other awards thereafter. This was a company on the verge of doing extraordinary things.
In order to grow and take the company to the next level, it was important that we seek new capital and investors as we began that process.
In that process Daniel announced that he no longer wanted to invest in Warm Spirit and wanted to sell the company.
I agreed to raise the capital to purchase it. I was excited about becoming the majority owner.
In the midst of the negotiations when I asked Daniel to put my equity stake in writing so I would confirm what percentage was mine on paper and what percentage me and the investors were purchasing. He made the announcement that he would no longer give me my equity stake that he had promised and we had a verbal agreement and understanding on.
Daniel re-neighed on our agreement and wanted me to purchase the company 100% from him.
After that blow to me and my family and the investors, we sent him an offer letter for 8 million dollars for the company.
One week later he refused it and said we should go our separate ways. He did not intend to ever give me my equity stake.
The team decided to keep WS intact, not sell it to me but grow the sales and sell it to a bigger purchaser.
This guaranteed a job for the corporate team for the next 2 years and financial rewards if this plan worked.
Many were betting on the fact that the consultants would blindly stay on with Daniel and his money. Believe the hype that somehow this was Nadine's fault and that CEOs come and go and they could grow the company and sell it. They had hoped that no one would wake up and say, she is not just the CEO we thought this was her company. Why would she walk away from her own company? How could she be fired from her own company? Why haven't we heard from her?
In January 2007, they then sued me for starting my own company and started a legal war that would cost me so much that I would not have the capital to start my own company and therefore compete with them. Even though it was an illegitimate lawsuit it was a preemptive strike to prevent me from moving forward with a new venture.
Although my name was slandered and my reputation was put at risk, I still kept my mouth closed, hinted when I could at the reality, invested all of my savings in a lawsuit and trying to start my own company.
My lawyer advised me to stay quiet and allow the truth to come out in court.
When the time came to go to court and I provided my evidence and Daniel had none. His lawyers called and dropped the lawsuit. Because they had no case against me other than to destroy me financially.
At this point my only communications have been carefully measured on my website and my blog and the posts are still there as public record.
The performance of Daniel's new team and the shrinking sales, spoke for themselves.
Char manipulated even more to get control and become President. She finally got her wish and the company sales drop over 70% of where they were when I was running the company.
I understand that Char has now left Warm Spirit.
To date after building Warm Spirit from my basement, leaving my young children weekend after weekend to go to events etc, developing over 300 products, building a brand. I was ironically reduced to the position of just the CEO rather than a partner and Co-founder and fired.
I was not fired because I was not doing a good job I was fired because Daniel did not want to give me any equity in the company that I built. That was the injustice and cause of my anger and pain.
Yes, Daniel financed the company but I invested financially as well by working for very low wages and delaying any financial gain until the company grew and could be sold or the assets be redistributed.
Daniel should receive a return on an investment but not by denying me mine.
I lost all of my sweat equity, regular equity, everything. It was a devastating blow.
Interesting fact about race and people and why you can't make this a black or white issue.
This is not a black thing, or white thing or Jewish thing. It is a personal integrity thing.
Daniel never apologized to me neither did Char.
So we are not here today because of some fight between Daniel and Nadine. Daniel will tell you we have never fought. We are here today because of Daniel's lack of integrity and his unwillingness to keep his word. I created and built Warm Spirit and Daniel financed the business. We were a team and a good team for a long time. It was my fault to believe in friendship and not force the equity to be put in writing. I tried but I was not forceful enough. That was my failing as a CEO. I should never have believed in combining friendship with business. I gambled on friendship and trust and lost 12 years of sweat and sacrifice.
I also lost a dear friend and someone that I loved.
Yes, this lack of force and passivity was my fault and an invaluable lesson that I hope other women will learn from.
I walked away without a severance package, lost sick and vacation time and had to fight in court to get a percentage of my sick benefits. In the end I was treated like an employee not the woman who had built the business.
Next mistake: I made the huge mistake of believing that the consultants would understand what happened and stand up for the injustice and force Daniel to do the right thing. They knew I built this for them and would understand that a sister would not walk away from her baby after all of this. I was wrong when it came to the leaders, because their only concern was keeping going and their checks. They believed that Mitch would make them rich and that CEOs come and go. None of them seemed to care that Nadine had lost her company, not her job.
I did not want people to leave Warm Spirit but to say to Daniel that unless he does the right thing by this woman we will not sell another jar of cream. I thought that they would demonstrate forceful empowerment as a group and bring about change. But no one said a word, they just moved on and it hurt tremendously.
The consultants had the power to change the situation and force Daniel to do the right thing. Like me, they were not forceful enough and he won.
We lost; we lost as a community the possibility to make histroy with a house built by powerful African American sisters.
The blessing: I was hurt by the leaders for not standing behind me and it caused me grief and pain. I had to finally wake up one day and realize that I was to blame here again and most important I was overlooking the thousands of people who came with me, who believed in me and saw the truth without it being spelled out for them. I had not been grateful enough for my blessings.
I was then able to celebrate those who were in the water with me and that is a powerful blessing.
People can make their own decisions and I am moving on and will not mention this again. In my interviews I talk about the pain of betrayal, the lessons people learn as business women and how difficult it could be for women, for blacks and for anyone starting a business.
Truth is you can grow a company to 2 million dollars a month in sales, you can recruit over 30,000 sisters, create over 200 products, develop a brand that has national recognition and value and still have people strip it away from you and belittle your efforts and accomplishments by saying, "she was just a social worker, we can do better without her". And when they're proven wrong and the sales drop by over 70% and the company is being sold right out from under them, they still justify their point of view. This is confusing!
This has been draining yet empowering and I do not intend to comment on WS ever again on my blog. Truthfully it is too painful for me.
For those who choose to stay after hearing my side of the story that is their choice, their freedom and part of their empowerment. The choice to do what they think is best for themselves. I respect that. And truth be told it was a long hard road to making peace with that and learning to accept these facts.
I am moving on with my Soul Purpose!
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Comments
Congratulations Nadine. I look forward to seeing you today at the January Jump-Off. We have over 50 people "pre-registered". I think we will have standing room only! Now that's the way to bring in the New Year!
Here's to 2009!
January 10, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Anonymous said…
Nadine - Thank you for your explanation. I applaud you for your comments and your decision to put this matter to rest once and for all. As African American men and women, we need to build each other up, not tear down. As we all move through this journey, we work to be the best that we can be, and hopefully be able to accomplish the things that we set out to do. I think your comments will stop the gossiping on both sides. We can no longer afford this attack - neither company. As it was said in one of the earlier blogs if someone wants to make a decision to become a partner with Soul Purpose, they should do it because that's what they want to do, not be coerced, bullied or made to feel like they are betraying the cause. We all have responsibilities for our actions. In the end, God sees all, knows all, and truth always prevails. Godspeed with your journey. I wish you peace with your feelings about the past, and pray that it brings you no more pain or anguish.
We will continue to take our path and see where it leads us. Not because we are moving blindly, but because it is the choice that we are free to make. And, if we decide to partner with you, it will be with a free heart and mind because that is what we choose to do.
Peace to you.
January 10, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Anonymous said…
Thank you Nadine for telling your side of the story. I commend you on moving forward, and birthing an incredible company with incredible products and an incredible comp plan.
Have a great time at the January Jump-Off today.
Peace and Blessings.
January 10, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Anonymous said…
Thank you Lady Nadine for sharing this moment with us and for being the leader that you are. I am most honored to be a part of Soul Purpose. Here's to 2009 and beyond!
Managing Associate
January 10, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Thanks for having the courage to stand up for your passion and what is just. Though I joined 'Warm Spirit' in October 2008. I fell more comfortable in joining you in this venture. I adore the quality that has been applied in the style and setup of the products, website as well in the opportunity to share in other partnership ventures that I have a keen interest in(mineral makeup and wine tasting). Simple fabulous. Thanks again Nadine for being an inspiration.
January 10, 2009 at 7:29 PM
Your current community is moving forward. Because of you...We Are SOUL PURPOSE.
January 10, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Anonymous said…
I want to say that the passion you put in your posting is powerful and I know that this entire ordeal has been painful for you.
The truth hurts sometimes but it will always set you free. I am glad that you were able to tell the truth in such a poignant fashion.
Today’s meeting in Maryland was FANTASTIC!! My house was packed and we had lots of people join the team!
This is bliss...this is what network marketing is all about! I'm having soooo much FUN! Thanks for starting all over again and thanks for SOUL PURPOSE!!
We getting Arab money...lol (private joke between Toni and me)
January 10, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Your message is powerful from a personal and professional standpoint. While sharing your truth about what occurred with Warm Spirit, you showed other entrepreneurs that starting a business must rest on business principles. This includes explicitly documenting roles of the founders. You are not alone in learning this lesson the hard way.
While I'm not affiliated with either of your companies, I have watched you and your businesses and I am impressed with your vision and how you execute it.
Keep on keepin' on!
January 10, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Thank you Nadine, for putting the truth out there once and for all. I am honored to be a part of Soul Purpose and look forward to the future.
May peace and blessings be with you forever!
Managing Associate
Houston,TX
January 11, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Anonymous said…
After years of being a consultant with Warm Spirit, I met a woman who was trying to recruit me for a travel business. She mentioned that she had heard that you were no longer with the company and were doing a business involving health care. I went home, immediately googled your name and saw the link to the Soul Purpose website, as well as your blog. I went to it and was immediately impressed by what I saw - and the products weren't even out yet! I listened to a replay of a Tuesday call, then participated on a live call. The rest is history! I signed up and have been truly blessed with that decision ever since. No one forced or coerced me to make the move. In fact, no one even recruited me from Soul Purpose. I sought quality and found it. It's that simple.
Nadine, you ARE quality and quality begets quality. A visionary, a leader. As Tina Turner would say, you're simply the best! Better than all the rest! That's why Soul Purpose is, and will continue to be, the best organization. I'm blessed and honored to be a part of it.
We're still in the water with you, Nadine.
Managing Associate
January 11, 2009 at 12:22 AM
You are a marvelous Woman having dealt with so much pain and anguish, yet you still rose right back to the top and will continue to do so. Your story is a powerful one and you told it like it is and was, bravo!
It was a wonderful thing to get to re-introduce myself to you today at the NYC 2009 Jump Off Event. I want to thank you so much for that great big warm hug I received from you.
I truly do admire you and your courage and your wisdom. We are in the water with you Nadine. There is no more holding on to the shore. Know that Soul Purpose will be bigger and better than ever. The now "Cold" Spirit is a thing of the past. That door may have closed, but some DOUBLE doors have opened right up for you!
THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL, but in the case of Soul Purpose, so let it be written, so let it be done. Thank you for beginning again.
January 11, 2009 at 1:51 AM
Nadine, I commend you on continuing to stay positive and leading us with truth and vision. Because of you many of us now know firsthand that with God for you...NO ONE can be against you. This journey has been awesome and inspiring so far and I look forward to continuing on this path and having a vehicle in which to operate in my covenant rights as a child of the Almighty.
The number 9 means to bring to an end, conclusion, final judgment. It's only fitting that in 2009 we are bringing an end to lack, an end to living beneath our means. The final judgment is being meted out and I'm proud to be walking on the side of justice. Thank you for welcoming us into your Soul Purpose in order to make it ours!
January 11, 2009 at 2:21 AM
Well I say it is about high time you were able to speak and let the masses in on the events that occurred from your perspective Lady Nadine. There will always be "haters" but those that know you and love you knew all along that you were walking on the side of righteousness. While no one on this earth is perfect, God has placed an angel among us in you and I personally could not be more grateful that you have been a presence in my life. I've said it before that you helped me save my life and I'll say it again because it really is true. So to all the haters out there, keep on hating because Lady Nadine is going to keep on shining! You can't keep a good/great woman down for long!
I'm so ready to shine with you in 2009! So ready!
Peace and love to you and your family.
January 11, 2009 at 2:44 AM
Anonymous said…
Thank you so much for setting the record straight with style and grace (as usual).
I can't tell you the hours, days and months of calls, comversations and discussions that have taken place amongst consultants as we have tried our hardest to piece together the layers of nothingness and contrieved answers.
It has been a source of angst and discomfort for many of us.
And although we have not always come to the correct conclusions or even had an inclination what was fact from what was fiction...the one thing that we have always known is that you can't change history. You can try to re-write the books, but there are always those left to tell the story, and the truth will always come out. You can give and take titles and change the names and officers, but certain things remain...when you create something, no one can take that away from you. And no matter what happens from this day forward, what we all knew then still stands...Nadine Abraham Thompson was then and is now the co-founder of Warm Spirit, Inc. And as I have said to many of my customers as I continue to tell the story of how Warm Spirit came to be ...Nadine co-founded Warm Spirit and has since taken her keen sense of style and started a new brand of lifestyle products that will rival all others.
I thank you for what you have put out into the universe. I applaud for the strength and perserverance you have displayed and I look forward to moving forward with you in 2009!
January 11, 2009 at 6:18 AM
Anonymous said…
Thank you Nadine for that explination. I've been waiting for this answer. I couldn't understand what was going on and couldn't get any straight answers from upline. I couldn't understand why Char was taking over the conference call and over talking you and you were the owner. It was really pissing me off. I have been following you and your new business. I googled you and Soul Purpose and locked your company into my favorites. I'm in Michgan and I already made up in my mind that I was going to become a part of Soul Purpose. If there is someone in Michigan blog the contact information for me on your site.
January 11, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Thank you for your positive comments and feedback. It was very freeing for me to finally write down my experiences and journey; that was truly empowering.If you are willing to wait until tomorrow, you'll be able to find an entrepreneur in the Detroit area. If not please free to emal me at nadinethompson@soulpurpose.com.
January 11, 2009 at 5:33 PM
I am sorry I wasn't clear. We are launching our entrepreneur locator tomorrow. You will be able to find it on soulpurpose.com on the Contact Us page. You will be able to find an entrepreneur using a name or zip code number. If not feel free to email me or leave me a message here.
January 11, 2009 at 5:38 PM
WOW that's all I really have to say is WOW (with or without) them you will shine. I wish no ill will on anyone but what so ever a man soweth that shall he also reap. I have been done wrong in my life span and let me tell you continue to press towards that mark and God will prepare a table in front of all of you enemies. May God continue to bless and keep you always.
January 11, 2009 at 6:21 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
January 12, 2009 at 12:31 AM
Anonymous said…
First and foremost Sister Nadine, thank you for being the beautiful mellinated women that you are, you are a great inspiration to many, those of us who knew deep down in our spirits that something was not right no matter what they said, I decided at that moment after speaking with one of the "leaders" that Nadine wouldn't want us to stop, she built this for us, I thought something was wrong health wise, and that wasn't the case, however even after that I still felt something just wasn't right and decided from that moment on not to invest any more of my time, money or energy into Warm Spirit, me and another sister started to search for you and all praises be to The Most High we found you and it has been such a blessing for me and my family as well as the lives of so many others, my husband even believes with ease and that's big. I thank you for showing integrity, even when they were not telling us the truth, and for you to tell us not to seek out W.S. consultants to bring them over,that alone speaks volumes about you and your character and The Almighty sees and he rewards all and that's why this company is going to be a trillion $$ plus company, helping others find their Soul Purpose, and fulfilling why we are here,not just selling something. Bless you Nadine, let the wound be healed as if nothing was ever there! Praise Yah Love Brandy Israel
January 12, 2009 at 2:12 PM
i am online working and saw your post. Thank you for your kind words, thoughtfullness and support. As a matter of fact I am overwhelmed with gratitude with all of the posts over the past few days. I thought up until a few days ago that no one wanted to hear my side or cared but I thought this morning how can people make an informed decision if they don't the truth. I feel at ease and at peace with the situation. I am so grateful for the blessing of Soul Purpose but most important I am grateful for individuals such as yourself. I truly appreciate and admire you and I am so grateful for this community.
Thanks so much and much love,
January 12, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Dear Nadine, thank you so much for sharing the events that led up to your departure from Warm Spirit. I was a WS consultant for almost 5 years and the moment I found out you were no longer a part of the company, I knew I would not be renewing my consultant agreement. Because it was your vision that resonated with me that made me join WS. I remember meeting you in NY at an opportunity meeting, I asked you if you would autograph the copy of my essence magazine - you seemed somewhat surprised that someone would want your autograph. I discovered at that moment that you did not fully realize your own greatness and the impact that you were having on the lives of countless women. After you left WS I thought about you often and tried to imagine what you must have been feeling. So I wrote to you on a beauty blog you were doing at the time and you shared a part of the reason why you left and told me that you were in the process of having your website built. With great anticipation I checked weekly and in January of '08 I found you online and joined SP as a visionary. I was enlightened to the fact that YOU WERE PREGNANT WITH THIS PURPOSE WHILE YOU WERE AT WARM SPIRIT and although it was a painful process - as the birth process sometimes is, the moment you pressed pass the pain, GOD BREATHED INTO YOUR PURPOSE AND IT BECAME A LIVING SOUL. Thus the birth of Soul Purpose. You need to thank God for what happened at WS because if it did not, there would be no Soul Purpose. Please be encouraged and inspired by that.
January 12, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Anonymous said…
I Celebrate you as a Victor not a Victim!
After your January Jump-off several LE's decided to go to the Marriott Hotel's The View Lounge in Manhattan for some business networking.
I mentioned to the ladies that I came across an article with you promoting WS in Essence magazine with Jill Scott 2004 on the cover. A WS consultant from Baltimore gave me this information about the business. Back then I was impressed, but not with all the products. What's interesting, is I am now a LE for Soul Purpose and is looking forward to sharing with the World products made from the finest ingredient and abundance of love. The best customer is a loyal one; and it makes good sense to share the wealth of opportunity. "Stay in the Now, and let the rest take it's course."
Let peace be with you always.
January 12, 2009 at 10:55 PM
I celebrate you and the empowered woman that you are today. I feel your pain. While I did not lose a company, I lost a lot by trusting in a company from Texas that I had done business with from the east coast. I closed my law practice and uprooted my daughter, agreeing to be separated from my husband and sons for weeks at a time for a company and a business opportunity that i believed in. At the end of the day, the company misrepresented so many things and failed to pay me. I took them to court and won a large settlement but have not and may never be able to collect it. You see, I gave up my independence and sacrificed time with my family for promises that a business never intended on keeping...Now, it is over a year later, I am still trying to heal. So I understand.
That is why when I saw you on Saturday, felt your determination, peace and energy...I have always trusted your integrity... I made the decision to join the ranks.
For the record...I want to be a part of a BLACK OWNED BUSINESS! Thank you for this opportunity.
Natalynn Dunson-Harrison, Esq.
January 14, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks for sharing Lady Nadine. Not only is what you shared empowering in itself; but also uplifting and inspiring! I felt in my heart the moment I heard the announcement you were no longer with Warm Spirit that something was not right. A few friends and I made the decision to stay and keep our ears open! As soon as we found out you were on a new path, a new journey, we didn't hesitate to come along with you. Your demonstration and reflection of an exquisite character, full of truth, compassion, and integrity confirmed that whatever you would touch would prosper, with the Almighty God's Blessing. It is no surprise to me the way events are concluding with WS. I am just happy and at peace to know that our God is a just God. May He Bless you and Soul Purpose with the utmost success!!!
January 16, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Anonymous said…
Nadine - it is apparent that the events of what happened between you and Daniel Wolf of Warm Spirit are true, as he confirmed through an email released to the consultants today that Warm Spirit would no longer be in existence as of today. I never doubted for a minute that there were some "shady" dealings with Warm Spirit, after they announced your sudden leaving the company. I, being a former Warm Spirit consultant, lost respect for the company's leaders because they would never give a reason as to why you "just walked away from the company." I admire the honesty and tactfulness that you have displayed in communicating such a painful matter to the public. It is apparent that you are a woman of God, because I know that some of us could not have had the patience and humility that you displayed in dealing with this experience. This whole ordeal points to the fact that God's word is true, "Whatever a may soeth, he shall also reap." You are now reaping the positive and successful fruits of you labor, and Daniel Wolf, Char Knox, and Mitch are reaping the evil and negativity that they tried to sow in your life.
With wishes of continued prosperity and God's blessings on your life,
By the way are there any Soul Purpose consultants in the Lakeland, Florida area? I am interested in purchasing products as a customer.
January 16, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Thank you so very much for sharing...HONESTLY...from the moment I saw you and read just a little bit about you...it was evident that you were a woman of great integrity...so it did not matter to me what folk had to say.
This story was a blessing for so many people which is why GOD lead you to break the silence. You are 100% correct, there is nothing more that needs to be said..that is a closed chapter of your book and I thank GOD for those test and trials because there is simply no victory unless there was a fight....and YOU ARE VICTORIOUS....You have blessed me so much in just this short period of time and I am finally on track with my Souls Purpose!!!
"Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you, WILL perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
January 17, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Anonymous said…
Lady Nadine, I bow to you, for your beauty, your courage and your strength. You have been through the "Refiner's Fire" and you have come out PURE GOLD! God planted Soul Purpose in your DNA before the foundation of the world. It could only be birthed by you. Nobody else could bring this baby into being.
Soul Purpose is not an accident, or an outcome of unfortunate circumstances. Oh no. God knows the plans He has for you/us. He creates the circumstances that cause us to bring his plans to completion. Yes, it is usually just painful enough to cause us to move in the appropriate direction.
You are stronger, wiser, truly empowered and your creativity is off the chain. He moved you out from a pit of snakes because your destiny could not be tarnished by such ill will (evil),and He placed you in a beautiful field of dreams, so that His love for you could blossom in a way that nobody could imagine.
You are blessed and highly favored. After all, "All great changes are preceded by chaos." Peace, love and more joy than you can stand, Fair Lady. I am proud and honored to be in the water with you.
January 19, 2009 at 2:30 AM
(2nd try- 1st was lost)
Dear Nadine, Thank you for your clear, heartfelt explanation. I have been a consultant with WS for many years (part of the first 1300) and attended several events and conferences. I was blessed to feel your beautiful spirit and spend time with you.
For the past couple of years I have been out of touch with the company. I always renewed my membership and ordered occaisionally, but I wasn't well connected. When I heard about your split with WS I was shocked. I couldn't get any answers. Everything just felt wrong. YOUR spirit wasn't there. I stopped ordering...I wish I had done more.
Please know that SO many of us were completely uninformed.
I am an hispanic/white girl from Utah, but I always felt at home, loved and cared for in your beautiful community. Part of an amazing sisterhood. Thank you.
I'm delighted to hear about Soul Purpose. I hope I will have the opportunity to meet with you again.
You, Your family and Your purpose will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
January 19, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Anonymous said…
I truly know that God works all things out for the good even when we don't see it and especially when we are not feeling it. You are a blessed woman, Nadine. You have picked up broken pieces in a way that others could not in just a short period of time. Your experience allows you to testify about a key aspect of all our lives-resiliency! I am disappointed at your experience with Danial and Char but I also knew that Warm Spirit would not do as well without your name behind the title. Congrats! Congrats! May you continue on your spiritual journey towards Jesus Christ.
January 19, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Anonymous said…
Thanks you for sharing your story. You made my spiritual baby leap because you have publically proven that Character and Integrity will always take an individual further than money or anything else. I remember how inspirational, personalable, and passionate you are about women through WS. Reading all about Soul Purpose, Nadine you are operating in your gift. Continue being a light because... "Blessed is she who believes for there 'shall be' a performance of those things told to her from the lord."
Much Love and Continued Success,
January 19, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Anonymous said…
As a former WS consultant. I want you to know that you were loved tremendously by all, and when you "walked away" it rocked the WS community, and people were outraged!!!! There was never a real clear answer as to why you left, and no one would really give a clear answer when asked directly. I am happy to see that SP is doing well, and growing prosperously. Lady Nadine YOU introduced me to WS and got me started on my way, and that was the beginning of a new path for me, and I love and appreciate you for it. I need to heal from the events, clear my head, and find my soul purpose. Love to all my past, present, and future sisters. Let the healing begin.....
January 20, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Anonymous said…
Thank you for the clarification. I felt that there was something going on and I discontinued purchasing directly from WS. May God continue to bless you.
January 21, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I joined Warm Spirit in 2004 because of what I read in Essence Magazine. Your vision of the company was what I was looking for. I enjoyed having gatherings, going to national conferences and meeting you! I remember going to my last national convention and Daniel getting on stage and saying that he was putting too much money into the company and that the sales needed to improve. Months later I received the email that you were no longer with the company. I went to a training not affiliated with Warm Spirit and ran into several national level upline there. They assured me that they had spoken to you and that you were doing fine. I had already made the decision to pursue other things.
Nadine, I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, in its own ordained time. You are destined for better things with Soul Purpose. Those that were only concerned about that check will now no longer have it, because it can never be just about the money. I am glad to see that you are healing from this process. I will support you as a customer of Soul Purpose in the future. I appreciate being touched by your sincere spirit and passion for what you do.
January 23, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Anonymous said…
I was WS Consultant 13,655 and I am with you on Soul Purpose. Where do I go...what do you need me to do!
January 26, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Anonymous said…
I have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you. Thank You for the courageous conversation you posted and the explanation that anyone involved with WARM SPIRIT has been waiting for. Indeed, their have been many lessons learned!! I, myself was floored when I received both of Daniel's letters and could not quite wrap my brain around why a strong woman like yourself would leave a company that "she" nurtured from birth??? The calls that I dialed into after the fact were disturbing because all I heard was all of this business acumen that meant absolutely nothing. I joined WARM SPIRIT solely because a black woman was at the helm doing the right thing!!
I prayed that GOD would hold you in his hands and take you to the next level and he has! I want to suggest that you continue to tell "your story", IT IS IMPORTANT!! Becoming silent on the subject will not HELP but HINDER!! You have nothing to hide..please just continue to tell the TRUTH!! YOU MUST....continue to tell your story!! What you experienced was an act of BETRAYAL on many levels! What you experienced is what is WRONG with the business world supposedly acting in the name of business!! Witholding your story does not reveal what GOD has in store for you to reveal to the world. You should write a book about your experience!! As a people, we need to have the courageous conversations more often because alot played into this and assimilation was a major factor! The truth of the matter is Daniel Wolf would not have been able to do what he did without support.....the leaders who we looked to...who only looked to HIM and their businesses...who have now been DUPED...that is the business side of the story that needs to be told.
I cannot say that I am angry because the times we live in..people make choices! BUT I am disappointed!!
In closing, your faith and your courage to get up and keep moving towards your soul purpose has sustained you and given you new life. THANK GOD!! But there are so many people that have taken the same journey that have fell in disgrace because they think they are the only people going through it! That is why I want to encourage you to please continue to TELL YOUR STORY! I so thank GOD for your story and the victory. I look forward to what the future holds!!
January 29, 2009 at 4:39 PM
I do understand the pain you're experiencing. I had a similar experience. I was a partner in a direct sales cosmetic company and I was betrayed as well - by my brother!! There are no words to express the pain and disappointment. As a Christian, I learned I may not fully understand but God does...You can be certain that all things do work out for the best!!
More than likely this is God's way of moving you to another level. Sometimes we don't move on unless there's an earthquake in our world. If there wasn't an earth shattering experience there would not be A Soul Purpose...
God bless you and my prayers are with you and Soul Purpose. Also, I am excited to be a part of the journey with you. It is going to be a powerful change agent affecting women around the world.
February 6, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Anonymous said…
Nadine,Congratulations on moving forward in your new opportunity. I was a Warm Spirit consultant and left several years ago because of some "hints" of things to come. I was not comfortable with some of the things I observed. At the time, I was told that everything would work out and not to worry. Apparently, those were the cracks that developed into the fissures that eventually came between you and the company you created. Hindsight is 20-20 but the past is the past for a reason. You now have a beautiful gift--the present as well as a new business to nurture and build without any negativity. As long as we learn from our past experiences, then the past was not in vain. You did not owe anyone an explanation, but you addressed the situation as a true WOMAN should. God does not close a door without giving you a way out. Be blessed!
February 10, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Ms. Thompson,
I'm heart-broken by your story, well, I'm sure it's not the entire stoy, but it was difficult for me to read no less. I was introduced to Warm Spirits by my mentor in 2007, and fell in love with the products. I even thought about becoming a consultant this past week. I went online to order the brown sugar scrub and find out about becoming a consultant, and learned the company has failed to pay the website bill. I guess this means the company has gone under. I'm sure there's a lot that you can't understand right now; like why happened to you.
In times like this, you have to remind yourself over and over again, Jeremiah 29:11. Continue to trust in God, walk in His light, and He'll continue to guide you.
May God continue to bless you. Please let me know if you need consultants for your next company, I'd love the opportunity.
April 9, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Anonymous said…
I often wondered what happened. I was not a consistent customer but periodically I would make purchases. After reading this and as a woman growing her own business, I say "Go head gurl!" You are one of a kind and no one can do anything how you would do it. I WILL support Soul Purpose. This will be greater and more rewarding than Warm Spirit ever was. Your going to the next level....blessings to you!
April 9, 2009 at 11:24 PM
I am so happy to see this! I was a consultant, that didn't feel comfortable with changes. And kept waiting for the products to become more natural (paraben free, etc.). So when it came time for renewal, I decided not. And when you left - WHAT? I thought no way... But as you mentioned, I didn't speak up. I just looked to something else. For a while I looked to see where you had gone, and then looked for other products to sell. But nothing compared. I am so happy I decide to visit the warmspirit.com site, and saw it was discontinued.. 'cause it lead me to an internet searh of soul purpose! Woohoo! You're back! Can't wait for the hair products! I'm ready to be a consultant again!
May 8, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Anonymous said…
I am so new to all of this but it put a damper on my heart to dream on. I also took a lot from what you wrote so that is good but man. who to trust?
October 27, 2009 at 3:19 AM
Thank you - I was able to forward this to a friend who didn't even know.
I wish you the best with your New(er) business, learned experiences, and healing.
November 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM
WOW! Here I was thinking just last night as I was telling a friend how great the products were and that I wanted to try to become a consultant again and then I ran across this article. Its sad but yet uplifting, because YOU DIDNT QUIT! I believe in YOU. May GOD guide your steps and give you favor.
November 10, 2009 at 9:23 PM
I was a consultant and I just thought the company went out of business because the economy was bad. I considered joining Soul Purpose. I may look at it more seriously. Thank you. I love your products.
January 19, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Anonymous said…
I’ve been looking through the section for quite a long time but was feeling shy to become a member.
today some new cheap sun glasses links for my friends!
April 6, 2010 at 3:59 PM
We've all had a "Job" experience. I am so glad that I looked this up. Your response confirms that there is a battle going on being good and evil. We all have to choose a side, and fight for what we believe in. I've learned that God will take away everything from you, if we are not good stewards according to his will. It is all his, and we can never forget that. I embrace you Nadine. I am looking forward to meeting you in the near future. You are a class act. I know what it's like to be hurt by people you trust; but, the lesson to be learned is... God will provide. He will provide the people to implent the vision he has given you. It's taken me most of my life to really understand what it means to really walk by faith, and to really trust that he will provide; and, I mean everything! He is the creator, and there is nothing too big for God. I hope you read this message. I was not a part of the first venture. Thank God; however, I am here now for my soul purpose on earth. I am looking forward to taking this godly walk with you. You can't ever stop God's blessings! I am truly inspired by you. I know about starting over because, just like you, I've had to do just that after the real estate market shift. I am looking forward to this journey.
Organizer of
April 16, 2010 at 3:14 AM
I was looking through a collection of papers and such in "the box" and I came across this catalog of warm spirit,2008 that was given to me by my sister. Looking through it I thought the prices were a little challenging,but I thought I might want to go ahead and order something. I proceed to the computer to search for my sister's website,but I find nothing..then I check a website for warm spirit, only to discover who the founder of this company is and the hardship of persecution only for her to rise and reign again. I am so Godly proud of how you chose to handle the whole situation.. what a testimony and a testament to who God is in your life and what he has done for you and for his glory. He recovered you from what was to be a ruin for life. But like his son Jesus, you rose up.
Warm Spirit suffered violently by those that held her in captivity for wrong..but something more had to come out of you..therefore what was meant for evil,God meant it for good. May the favor and soul purpose of God move and flow richly in all you set your hand to do. God bless and your family and forever keep in in his care.. Love Felisia.
May 11, 2010 at 2:19 PM
I was digging through "the box" of the unfinished and I came across a warm spirit catalog of 2008 that was given to me by my sister who was a consultant. I did not order at that time because I thought the prices were a little challenging for me.. so now at this time I thought I'd go ahead and order only to find there is no site..I go to visit my sister's website to place an order,nothing..then I came across the owner and founders site or blog and read this intense happening and my heart is racing and I'm feeling compassion and anger at the same time..BUT I read on. The latter turns out to be greater than the first. I smile now and I think, look at God..something more had to come out of her. God was not and is not finished..what a great work he had begun in you. This just proves God word of suffering,enduring to the end,trusting in Him,having faith,and him proving hisself in our lives when our enemies rise up against us..what was meant for evil,God meant it for good. what a testament of God and a testimony to the world..He spread the table before you in the presence of your enemies.. what a mightly God..I am so Godly proud of how you handled the situation and what was meant to ruin you for life catapulted you into the next phase.. God rescued you and like his son Jesus you rose up. May the Lord who is great and worthy continue to keep you and your family - may his blessings move and flow richly upon your lives. Love, Felisia
May 11, 2010 at 2:50 PM
As a black college student here in Oregon I was brought aboard to help with holiday packaging in what seemed like late 90's early 2000. I was amazed to find out that a black women owned a great business in my very white state. My hard work earned me a ticket out of the warehouse and into the corporate office of Clackamas, Oregon (Admin.). It was there in that small town I had the plesure and honor to meet you Ms. Nadine. Your down to earth and sistah like attitude made me see that I was just important as the the big wigs you flew to meet with. After leaving the company to continue my schooling I have since had on my bookshelf Values Sell that helped me open several sucessfull business of my own the first a Massage business that allowed me to sell WS. Like you to I had a partnership that was contracted by friendship and lost what I thought was everything. However after reading your post I have to find that I have to share with you that you touched those that you may have not remembered. See I know that it's easy to ask folks or even demand support from those closest to us but truth is those we dont know or even just may not remember support us through living out the spirit and energy you passed on briefly.
Thank you,
September 11, 2011 at 2:06 AM
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Nadine Thompson is a the Founder and CEO of Soul Purpose Lifestyle Inc. She is passionate about creating a successful direct sales and network marketing company. Her vision is to create wealth for women and to empower them to make a difference in their own lives, their communities and the world. She believes in the power of diversity and the audacity of hope. Nadine is also passionate about being a mom, loves to garden and adores her new puppy Louie.
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Nearly 10 years after the introduction of The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (the “Act”) was introduced on 6 April 2008, it’s possible to reflect and measure the impact on the management liability landscape.
The law was introduced to make it easier for the authorities to prosecute organisations where a corporate management failing has caused a fatality. It replaced the old law of corporate manslaughter (manslaughter by gross negligence) and the position of individuals didn’t change (individuals continued to be prosecuted under the old law of gross negligence manslaughter). Importantly, it did not create a bar to parallel proceedings by the HSE, who continue to bring safety related prosecutions under The Health and Safety at Work Act, as well as under the new Act.
HSE figures show that in the year to 31 March 2016, 46 company directors and senior managers were prosecuted for health and safety offences. That’s a 300%+ increase on the previous year, which sounds like a lot, but the risk is still fairly low, given there were 3,593,602 companies on the effective register at Companies House at the end of December 2016. The chance of conviction is high, at 74%, albeit this is slightly lower than is generally the level for health and safety cases (at around 95%). This is doubtless a reflection of the fact both that individuals prosecuted for health and safety offences are more likely to defend them (whereas the majority of companies plead guilty) and that juries are likely to be less inclined to convict an individual than a company.
There’s no doubt that prosecutions under the Act have not been as widespread as may have been anticipated. It has led to some interesting developments though, including the case Lion Steel Equipment Limited (“Lion Steel”), where a worker fell to his death through a fragile roof panel. That case demonstrated the willingness of the CPS to bring charges against individual directors, which may in turn put pressure on the corporate entity to plead guilty. A conundrum for directors lies in one of the potential consequences of this, in that a director could be in breach of a duty to the company if they are acting in their own best interests, not those of the company. If liquidation of the company followed a fine that was imposed, this could have other consequences for the directors. The prospect of a possible custodial sentence (gross negligence manslaughter has a maximum tariff of life imprisonment) could make a director feel vulnerable enough to prioritise personal interests over those of the company. In the case of Lion Steel, one of the directors charged was the Finance Director, so the scope for prosecution goes beyond those immediately connected to the work which caused the breach. Depending on your perspective, this might be considered to be unfair, or it might focus the attention of all management on the importance of appropriate health and safety protocols.
In 70% of prosecutions, parallel proceedings were also brought for Gross Negligence Manslaughter and/or Health and Safety offences.
Figures from the CPS to February 2016 (PDF), following a Freedom of Information request, show some interesting results.
In 70% of prosecutions, parallel proceedings were also brought for Gross Negligence Manslaughter and/or Health and Safety offences. There’s also possibly something of a paradox here. Fewer prosecutions might mean there are fewer deaths, which might lead to the conclusion that the imposition of the Act has had the intended consequences. There is no doubt that the law raised the profile of the offence and of failure to comply and new sentencing guidelines for fines introduced in February 2016 continue to emphasise the punishing consequences for organisations of Health and Safety breaches. These guidelines were designed to ensure a more consistent approach to the sentencing of individuals and organisations convicted of relevant offences by courts in England and Wales. Courts are required to first assess the seriousness of the offence based on the offender’s culpability and the risk of serious harm, regardless of whether any harm was in fact caused. The guideline then sets a starting point and a range of possible fines based on the seriousness of the offence, which vary depending on the size of the organisation based on turnover. The case of Monavon Construction in June 2016 gives some indication of the courts approach to fines. The judge fined the company £250,000 for each of the corporate manslaughter offences (2 scuffling pedestrians fell in a 3.7m well on a construction project), plus an additional £50,000 for the Health and Safety at Work Act breach. The judge also imposed a publicity order on the company, and awarded costs of around £23,000 against it. The level of the fine was based on the fact that Monavon was a “micro organisation” with a turnover of much less than £2 million.
From a Management Liability perspective, the landscape hasn’t fundamentally changed. The statistical risk remains low, but the consequences are worsening for offenders. Court proceedings are long and expensive. An accident can expose directors to a long period of anxiety and hefty fines (which insurance is not allowed to pay), and a directors and officers policy or Management Risks Insurance policy can at least provide some shelter from the costs of defending the accusations. Affirmative cover now exists in policies and it is typical to provide up to a £1 million defence costs cover for claims against the entity for corporate manslaughter. This is in addition to defence costs cover for claims against individuals as a result of criminal proceedings for manslaughter. The policies also provide cover for costs associated with Health and Safety investigations against the organisation.
Written by
Neil McCarthy, Managing Director at MPR Underwriting Ltd Underwriting Limited, was recently recognised in our Power Player series – D&O Insurance 2022 – Exceptional Experts.
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The distinction between the possible and the real assumes a set of predefined forms (or essences) which acquire physical reality as material forms that resemble them. From the morphogenetic point of view, realizing a possibility does not add anything to a predefined form, except reality. The distinction between the virtual and the actual, on the other hand, does not involve resemblance of any kind (e.g. our example above, in which a topological point becomes a geometrical sphere) and far from constituting the essential identity of a form, intensive processes subvert identity, since now forms as different as spheres and cubes emerge from the same topological point. As Deleuze writes,
Actualization breaks with resemblance as a process no less than it does with identity as a principle. In this sense, actualization or differenciation is always a genuine creation.(1)
Deleuze criticism of nineteenth century thermodynamics should be understood in this context. By concentrating on the final, extensive form achieved once the intensive process is finished, thermodynamics failed to see that, before the differences in intensity are canceled, the final form (or more exactly, its topological counterpart) is already there, guiding (or acting as an attractor for) the morphogenetic process. In other words, seemingly abstract topological attractors have a perfectly real existence, as virtual entities, even before a given geometrical form becomes actual. And this simply emphasizes Deleuze ontological attitude towards the world: he is not only a realist regarding the actual, but also a realist towards the virtual.
With the final mathematization of classical physics in the nineteenth century, a certain picture of the world emerged dominant, one in which clockwork determinism reigned supreme and time played no creative role, so that the future was effectively closed, completely given in the past. Although the set of equations with which 19th-century Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton was able to unify all the different fields of classical physics (mechanics, optics, and the elementary theory of electromagnetism) did contain a variable for time, this variable played only an extrinsic role: once the equations were defined for a specific instant, both the past and the future were completely determined, and could be obtained mechanically by simply integrating the equations. To be sure, this static, timeless picture of reality did not go unchallenged within science, since thermodynamics had already introduced an arrow of time which conflicted with the symmetric conception of classical mechanics, where the past and the future were interchangeable. Nevertheless, as the history of statistical mechanics makes it clear, much scientific effort has been spent in our century to reconcile time asymmetry at the level of large aggregates with the still accepted time symmetry at the level of individual interactions.Thus, it would become the task of philosophers and social scientists to attempt to reconceptualize the world in order to give time and history a creative role, with the vision of an open future that this implies. Although there have been a variety of strategies to achieve this open future, here I would like to concentrate on two contrasting approaches. The first is perhaps best illustrated by the intellectual movement that is today known as "social constructivism", but which roots lie in linguistic and anthropological theories which go back to the turn of the century. At the risk of oversimplifying, we may say that the core of this approach is a neo-Kantian theory of perception, in which individual experience is completely structured by the interplay of concepts and representations, but one in which Kant's transcendental concepts (of space and time) have been replaced by the conventional concepts of a given culture. The guiding image of this strategy may be said to be "each culture lives in its own world", an image central to many theoretical approaches in this century, from the cultural relativism of Margaret Mead and Franz Boas, to the linguistic relativism of Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf, to the epistemological relativism of Thomas Kuhn's theory of scientific paradigms. Again, oversimplifying somewhat, the key idea in all these theories is one of "incommensurability" across worlds, each conceptual scheme constructing its own reality so that bridges between worlds are hard, if not impossible, to build. Although these influential schools of thought deserve a more careful characterization, these few remarks will suffice for my purpose here. If indeed every culture and subculture inhabits its own conceptually constructed reality, then the world and the future become open again. Far from being completely given in the past, the future is now unbound, the world itself becoming a text open to innumerable interpretations. The problem is now, of course, that we have made the world open at the expense of giving up its objectivity, in other words, the world becomes open only through human intervention. For some this relativism may not seem like a problem, particularly when the only alternative is believed to be a realism based on a correspondence theory of truth, a realism deeply committed to essentialism and rationalism. Clearly, if the idea of material objects independent of human experience is based on a conception of their genesis in terms of preexisting essences, then we are back in a closed world where all possibilities have been defined in advance by those essences. Similarly, if the world is pictured as a fixed set of beings to which our theories correspond like a reflection or a snapshot, then that world would be hardly capable of an open becoming.
Yet, the work of philosopher Gilles Deleuze makes it clear that a belief in the autonomous existence of the world does not have to based on essentialist or rationalist views. It will be the task of this essay to make a case for what we may call Deleuze's "neo-realist" approach, an approach involving a theory of the genesis of form that does away with essences, as well as a theory of epistemology that does not rely on a view of truth as a faithful reflection of a static world of beings. I would like to begin with a quote from what is, in my view, Deleuze's most important work, "Difference and Repetition". It is traditional since Kant to distinguish between the world as it appears to us humans, that is, the world of phenomena or appearances, and those aspects of the world existing by themselves and referred to as "noumena". Deleuze writes:
Difference is not diversity. Diversity is given, but difference is that by which the given is given…Difference is not phenomenon but the nuomenon closest to the phenomenon…Every phenomenon refers to an inequality by which it is conditioned…Everything which happens and everything which appears is correlated with orders of differences: differences of level, temperature, pressure, tension, potential, difference of intensity.(2)
There are several things to notice in this quote. First of all, it is clear that for Deleuze noumena are not (as they were for Kant) beyond human knowledge. On the other hand, that which is beyond what is given to us in experience is not a being but a becoming, a difference-driven process by which the given is given. Let me illustrate this idea with a familiar example from thermodynamics. If one creates a container separated into two compartments, and one fills one compartment with cold air and the other with hot air, one thereby creates a system embodying a difference in intensity, the intensity in this case being temperature. If one then opens a small hole in the wall dividing the compartments, the intensity difference causes the onset of a spontaneous flow of air from one side to the other leading to a state of thermodynamical equilibrium. It is in this sense that intensity differences are morphogenetic, giving rise to the phenomena of experience, even if in this case the phenomenon that emerges is too simple. The main idea, however, is much more general: many phenomena, in geology, meteorology, biology and even economics and sociology, emerge spontaneously from the interplay of intensity differences. Indeed, one can build an entire theory of the genesis of form (of geological, biological or cultural forms) on the basis of processes of becoming driven by intensity differences. Unlike essentialism, where matter is viewed as an inert receptacle for forms that come from the outside (transcendental essences), here matter is seen as possessing its own immanent, intensive resources for the generation of form from within. (Deleuze refers to the essentialist model of morphogenesis as the "hylomorphic schema"). However, in the page following the quote above, Deleuze argues that, despite this important insight, nineteenth century thermodynamics cannot provide the foundation he needs for a philosophy of form. Why? Because that branch of physics became obsessed with the final equilibrium forms, at the expense of the difference-driven morphogenetic process which gives rise to those forms. In other words, intensive differences are subordinated to the extensive structures (structures extended in space-time) they give rise to. But as Deleuze argues, most of the important philosophical insights can only be grasped during the process of morphogenesis, that is, before the final form is actualized, before the difference disappears. This shortcoming of nineteenth century thermodynamics, to overlook the role of the intensive and stress only the extensive, to concentrate on the equilibrium form that emerges only once the original difference has been canceled, has today been repaired in the latest version of this branch of physics and chemistry, appropriately labeled "far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics" and most prominently represented by Nobel-awardist Ilya Prigogine. Although Deleuze does not explicitly refer to this new branch of science, it is clear that far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics meets all the objections which he raises against its nineteenth century counterpart. In particular, the systems studied in this new discipline are continuously traversed by a strong flow of energy and matter, a flow that maintains these differences and keeps them from canceling themselves, that is, a flow which does not allow the intensive process to become hidden underneath the extensive results. It is only in these far-from-equilibrium conditions, only in this singular zone of intensity, that difference-driven morphogenesis comes into its own, and that matter becomes an active material agent, one which does not need form to come and impose itself from the outside. (3)Even at this early stage of my analysis, the contrast with constructivist philosophies should be clear. Although many constructivists declare themselves "anti-essentialist", they share with essentialism a view of matter as an inert material, except that they do not view the form of material entities as coming from a Platonic heaven, or from the mind of God, but from the minds of humans (or from cultural conventions expressed linguistically). The world is amorphous, and we cut it out into forms using language. Nothing could be further from Deleuzian thought than this linguistic relativism which does not break with the hylomorphic schema. For him, the extensive boundaries of individual entities do not exist only in human experience, drawn by the interplay of concepts, but are real, the product of definite, objective processes of individuation. Thus, the extensive boundaries that define living creatures (their skin, but also the folds that define their internal tissues and organs) are the result of complex processes of individuation (or actualization) during embryogenesis. As Deleuze writes:
How does actualization occurr in things themselves? …Beneath the actual qualities and extensities [of things themselves] there are spatio-temporal dynamisms. They must be surveyed in every domain, even though they are ordinarily hidden by the constituted qualities and extensities. Embryology shows that the division of the egg is secondary in relation to more significant morphogenetic movements: the augmentation of free surfaces, stretching of cellular layers, invagination by folding, regional displacement of groups. A whole kinematics of the egg appears which implies a dynamic.(4)
So far I have made a case for a non-essentialist realism, but this by itself does not address the question of an open future. There are at least two lines of argument used by Deleuze to defend the idea that the future is not given in the past. The first one is directly related to his theory of individuation or actualization just mentioned, that is, a theory of intensive processes of becoming involving spontaneous spatio-temporal dynamisms, or as I refer to them, processes of self-organization. The simplest self-organizing processes seem to be those involving "endogenously-generated stable states", such as states of minimal energy acting as "attractors" for a process. The spherical form of a soap bubble, for instance, emerges out of the interactions among its constituent molecules as these are constrained energetically to "seek" the point at which surface tension is minimized. In this case, there is no question of an essence of "soap-bubbleness" somehow imposing itself from the outside (hylomorphic schema), an ideal geometric form (a sphere) shaping an inert collection of molecules. Rather, an endogenous topological form (a point in the space of energetic possibilities for this molecular assemblage) governs the collective behavior of the individual soap molecules, and results in the emergence of a spherical shape. Moreover, the one and the same topological form, the same minimal point, can guide the processes that generates many other geometrical forms. For example, if instead of molecules of soap we have the atomic components of an ordinary salt crystal, the form that emerges from minimizing energy (bonding energy in this case) is a cube. In other words, one and the same topological form can guide the morphogenesis of a variety of geometrical forms. A similar point applies to other topological forms which inhabit these spaces of energetic possibilities. For example, these spaces may contain closed loops (technically called "limit cycles" or "periodic attractors"). In this case the several possible physical instantiations of this space will all display isomorphic behavior: an endogenously generated tendency to oscillate in a stable way. Whether one is dealing with a socio-technological structure (such as a radio transmitter or a radar machine), a biological one (a cyclic metabolism), or a physical one (a convection cell in the atmosphere), it is one and the same immanent resource that is involved in their different oscillating behavior.Deleuze calls this ability of topological forms to give rise to many different physical instantiations, a process of "divergent actualization", taking the idea from French philosopher Henri Bergson who, at the turn of the century, wrote a series of texts where he criticized the inability of the science of his time to think the new, the truly novel. The first obstacle was, according to Bergson, a mechanical and linear view of causality and the rigid determinism that it implied. Clearly, if all the future is already given in the past, if the future is merely that modality of time where previously determined possibilities become realized, then true innovation is impossible. To avoid this mistake, he thought, we must struggle to model the future as truly open ended, and the past and the present as pregnant not only with possibilities which become real, but with virtualities which become actual. This realm of virtual entities capable of divergent actualization are only one of the several immanent resources which insure the openness of the future. I will discuss in a moment other forms of material creativity behind the open-ended evolution of the world, but before doing that I would like to address one aspect of virtual forms of the attractor type that may seem paradoxical in the context of this discussion. One would think that open-endedness is a concept intrinsically opposed to determinism, and hence that the creative potential of matter derives from a connection with chance. And yet the processes involved in spatio-temporal dynamisms governed by attractors are completely deterministic. Therefore, we may have to go beyond the simple dichotomy between complete determinism and complete indeterminism, and introduce Deleuze and Guattari's notion of "reverse causalities or advanced determinisms" between these two extremes, as they phrase it in their co-authored A Thousand Plateaus. (5)These intermediate forms of determinism, laying between the two extremes of a complete fatalism, based on simple and linear causal relations, and a complete indeterminism, in which causality plays no role, arise in physical interactions involving nonlinear causal relations. The most familiar examples of nonlinear causality are those causal loops known as "feedback loops", which may involve mutually stabilizing causes, as in the negative feedback process exemplified by the thermostat, or mutually intensifying causes, as in the positive feedback process illustrated by explosions or spiraling arms races. These forms of circular causality, in which the effects react back on their causes, in turn, are one condition for the existence of forms of determinism (attractors) which are local and multiple, instead of global and unique. (The other condition is a flow of matter-energy moving in and out of the physical process in question). These "advanced" determinisms may be static (yet multiple and hence local, since a system can switch between alternative destinies) but also dynamic, allowing for simple stable cycles or for complex forms of quasi-periodic behavior, as in deterministic chaos. (6) Thus, the fact that attractors come in several types, that they occurr in groups, and that each group is capable of divergent actualization, explains away the apparent paradox between some degree of determinism and an essentially open future. On the other hand, it is important to emphasize that these deterministic processes are only one resource matter and energy have at their disposal.There is another, less deterministic, process which is even more intimately connected with the emergence of novelty keeping the world from closing: the spontaneous formation of "machinic assemblages" of diverse elements. Deleuze and Guattari introduce the notion of "consistency" (or "self-consistency") to designate this morphogenetic process which generates new structures without homogenizing the components and without submitting them to hierarchical control, or in other words, without imposing on them a hylomorphic model. As they write:
Consistency necessarily occurrs between heterogeneities, not because it is the birth of a differentiation, but because heterogeneities that were formerly content to coexist or succeed one another become bound up with one another through the 'consolidation' of their coexistence or succession…What we term machinic is precisely this synthesis of heterogeneities as such. (7)
Although this remark appears as part of a discussion of the self-assembly of animal territories, it would be a mistake to think that machinic assemblages (or "meshworks" as I call them) occurr only in animals whose behavior is highly "decoded", that is, not rigidly programmed by their genes. To be sure, a flexible behavioral repertoire does increase the ability of particular creatures to enter into complex combinations with heterogeneous elements in their environment (life does involve a gain in consistency, or a "surplus value of destratification" (8)) but meshworks can be formed at all levels of reality, including inorganic materials, as the following quote illustrates:
…what metal and metallurgy bring to light is a life proper to matter, a vital state of matter as such, a material vitalism that doubtless exists everywhere but is ordinarily hidden or covered, rendered unrecognizable, dissociated by the hylomorphic model. Metallurgy is the consciousness or thought of the matter-flow, and metal the correlate of this consciousness. As expressed in panmetallism, metal is coextensive to the whole of matter, and the whole of matter to metallurgy. Even the waters, the grasses and varieties of wood, the animals are populated by salts or mineral elements. Not everything is metal, but metal is everywhere… The machinic phylum is metallurgical, or at least has a metallic head, as its itinerant probe-head or guidance device.(9)
Deleuze and Guattari argue that the hylomorphic model is totally alien to the history of technology up to the 19th century, particularly to that ancient branch known as "metallurgy". For the blacksmith "it is not a question of imposing a form upon matter but of elaborating an increasingly rich and consistent material, the better to tap increasingly intense forces." (10) In other words, the blacksmith treats metals as active materials, pregnant with morphogenetic capabilities, and his role is that of teasing a form out of them, of guiding, through a series of processes (heating, annealing, quenching, hammering), the emergence of a form, a form in which the materials themselves have a say. His task is less that of realizing previously defined possibilities than actualizing virtualities along divergent lines. But, again, it would be a mistake to think that the relevance of metals for the question of innovation is solely due to human intervention. To see this we need to explain an obscure phrase in the quote above. What does it mean to say that "the machinic phylum has a metallic probe-head"? The key idea here is to think of metals as being the most powerful catalysts in the planet. (The only exception being organic enzymes, but these have been evolved to achieve that potency.) A catalyst is a substance capable of accelerating or decelerating a chemical reaction, without itself being changed in the process. That is, a catalyst intervenes in reality, recognizes specific targets, triggers effects, causes encounters that would not have taken place without it, and yet it is not consumed or permanently changed in these interactions, so that it can go on triggering effects elsewhere. We can imagine our planet, before living creatures appeared on its surface, as populated by metallic particles which catalyzed reactions as they flowed through the Earth, in a sense allowing the planet to "explore" a space of possible chemical combinations, that is, allowing the planet to blindly grope its way around this space, eventually stumbling upon proto-living creatures, which as many scientists now agree, were probably autocatalytic loops of materials, that is, proto-metabolisms.(11) A crucial question regarding open-ended evolution is the nature of these "spaces of chemical (or biological, or social) combinations". It is becoming increasingly clear that a crucial ingredient for the emergence of innovation at any level of reality is the "combinatorial productivity" of the elements at the respective sub-level, that is, at the level of the components of the structures in question. Not all components have the same "productivity". For example, elementary particles have a relatively low productivity, yielding only 92 possible atoms in this planet, although we can artificially stabilize a few more trans-uranic elements, beginning with Plutonium in World War II. However, when we move to the next higher level, the assembly of molecules out of atoms, the number of combinations becomes immense, essentially unsurveyable. Similarly, the number of cell types on Earth (nerve, muscle, bone etc.) is relatively small, a couple of hundred types, but the number of organisms that may be built combinatorially out of these elements is, again, immense. As physicist George Kampis has remarked,
the notion of immensity translates as irreducible variety of the component-types … This kind of immensity is an immediately complexity-related property, for it is about variety and heterogeneity, and not simply as numerousness.(12)
The point here is that a key ingredient for combinatorial richness, and hence, for an essentially open future, is heterogeneity of components. Another key element are processes which allow heterogeneous elements to come together, that is, processes which allow the articulation of the diverse as such. Here we can take a clue from another passage in Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus:
It is no longer a question of imposing a form upon a matter but of elaborating an increasingly rich and consistent material, the better to tap increasingly intense forces. What makes a material increasingly rich is the same as what holds heterogeneities together without their ceasing to be heterogeneous. What holds them together in this way are intercallary oscillations, synthesizers with at least two heads.(13)
Meshworks combine heterogeneous elements by meshing them using their functional complementarities. For example, an ecosystem brings together a large variety of distinct species interlocking them into food webs via alimentary complementarities: parasite-host, predator-prey, and others. But often these heterogeneities do not mesh well and special intercallary elements are needed to effect the link, such as symbiotic micro-organisms lining the gut of animals, allowing them to digest their food. Or to take a different example, pre-capitalist marketplaces were meshworks which interconnected buyers and sellers through complementary demands. Barter could indeed effect this meshing, but the chance encounter between two people with exactly matching demands was very rare. In this circumstances money (even primitive money such as cowry shells or salt blocks) could act as an intercallary element allowing complementary demands to find each other at a distance, so to speak. Thus, there are two questions that connect the theory of meshworks or machinic assemblages to the theme of an open-ended future: one is the existence of special combinatorial spaces that are more open than others (for example, the space defined by carbon, an element which thanks to its ability to bond in several ways with itself, has a much higher combinatorial productivity than any other element) and the existence of special intercallary entities that open up possibilities by allowing heterogeneities to mesh with each other (for example, metallic catalysts which insert themselves in between two poorly-meshing chemical substances, recognizing them via a lock-and-key mechanism, to facilitate their interaction.) Philosophically, these two questions boil down to one, the singular nature of either carbon or metallic catalysts (to stick to examples from chemistry). Deleuze tackles this issue in a way that parallels his approach to attractors. As I said above, he proposes to get rid of the distinction between the possible and the real, keeping only the latter but distinguishing in the real between the virtual and the actual. Similarly, he suggests we get rid of the dichotomy between the essential and the accidental, affirming that everything is accidental, but distinguishing in the latter between the ordinary and the singular (or the special, the remarkable, the important.) As he writes:
It will be said that the essence is by nature the most 'important' thing. This, however, is precisely what is at issue: whether notions of importance and non-importance are not precisely notions which concern events or accidents, and are much more 'important' within accidents than the crude opposition between essence and accident itself. The problem of thought is tied not to essences but to the evaluation of what is important and what is not, to the distribution of the singular and regular, distinctive and ordinary points, which takes place entirely within the unessential or within the description of a multiplicity, in relation to the ideal events that constitute the conditions of a problem.(14)
It hardly needs to be added that, as a realist philosopher, Deleuze sees the distributions of the singular and the ordinary as perfectly objective, the world itself exhibiting traits that are more or less important or remarkable regardless of whether there is a human being to carry on these evaluations. Carbon and metallic catalysts are objectively unique in this sense. And so are the topological forms we discussed above, and which Deleuze refers to as "singularities". Attractors are indeed remarkable (states which minimize free energy, for instance, are rare and unique) as are the bifurcations that change one set of attractors into another, such as the special points in intensity (temperature) at which water changes from liquid to solid or from liquid to gas. Yet, as the quote above illustrates, there is a close relation between these objective distributions and the nature of human knowledge ("the problem of thought"). I would like to conclude this essay with a few remarks on Deleuze's special approach to epistemology (an epistemology of problems), an approach that further distinguishes him from older forms of realism that are too closely linked to rationalism.Instead of rejecting the dichotomy between true and false, thus plunging into a form of relativism, Deleuze extends it so that it not only applies to the answers to questions, but to the questions themselves. That is, he makes "truth" a predicate that applies primarily to problems, and only derivatively to their solutions. Yet, problems for him are not a human creation (and problem-solving a human activity) but possess their own objective reality. As he puts it, the concept of the "problematic"
does not mean only a particularly important species of subjective acts, but a dimension of objectivity as such that is occupied by these acts.(15)
Problems exist in reality defined by singularities, hence problem-solving is an activity in which all kinds of material assemblages may engage. To illustrate with examples we have already used, a population of interacting physical entities, such as the molecules in a thin layer of soap, may be constrained energetically to adopt a form which minimizes free energy. Here the "problem" (for the population of molecules) is to find this minimal point of energy, a problem solved differently by the molecules in soap bubbles (which collectively minimize surface tension) and by the molecules in crystalline structures (which collectively minimize bonding energy). Given this objectivity of problems and their conditions, what may be peculiarly human is not problem-solving, but problem-posing, an activity that involves distinguishing in reality the distributions of the special and the ordinary, and grasping the objective problems that these distributions condition. Chapter Four of "Difference and Repetition" is a philosophical meditation on the differential and integral calculus (a mathematical tool at the heart of all modern physics) viewed precisely as a "technology" for the framing of true problems. But as the above remarks on metallurgy suggest, Deleuze does not think of representations (even mathematical ones) as the only, or even the most important, means to pose problems. Any kind of learning, even physical, sensual learning, involves an engagement with material assemblages which embody problems and their defining singularities. As he writes:
For learning evolves entirely in the comprehension of problems as such, in the apprehension and condensation of singularities, and in the composition of ideal events and bodies. Learning to swim or learning a foreign language means composing the singular points of one's own body or one's own language with those of another shape or element which tears us apart but also propels us into a hitherto unknown and unheard-of world of problems.(16)
Clearly, these few remarks cannot do justice to Deleuze complex theory of the problematic. I introduce them here simply to draw one connection between human knowledge and the open-ended evolution of the world. The latter depends, as I said, on divergent actualization, combinatorial productivity, and the synthesis of novel structures out of heterogeneous components. These define the essentially problematic structure of the world. It follows that truth cannot be a correspondence relation between representations and a static, fixed set of beings, but an open-ended relation of isomorphism between problems as actualized in reality and problems as actualized in our bodies and minds. To conclude, unlike social constructivism, which achieves openness by making the world depend on human interpretation, Deleuze achieves it by making the world into a creative, complexifying and problematizing cauldron of becoming. Because of their anthropocentrism, constructivist philosophies remain prisoners of what Foucault called "the episteme of man", while Deleuze plunges ahead into a post-humanist future, in which the world has been enriched by a multiplicity of non-human agencies, of which metallic catalysts, and their acts of recognition and intervention, are only one example. And, in contrast with other realist or materialist philosophies of the past (such as Engel's dialectics of nature), the key non-human agency in Deleuzian philosophy has nothing to do with the negative, with oppositions or contradictions, but with pure, productive, positive difference. It is ultimately this positive difference, and its affirmation in thought, that insures the openness of the world.
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This is actually my first job out of undergrad. Before Fast, I interned at Facebook for a couple of years while I was in college, doing product design for the consumer side: Facebook events, Facebook ads, all that fun stuff. While I was in college, I did a bunch of agency work and started a couple of failed apps. It's a pretty short background since this is my first job, but it's been fun.
How did you learn about Fast, and why did you say yes to joining the team?
Domm (Holland, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast) DM’d me on Twitter because I had posted this Apple Card redesign on my personal Twitter, and he said, “My name's Domm. This is what we're building.” “We'd love to chat.” So we chatted about Fast and what he and the team were building, and it sounded interesting. I knew I didn't want to go back to Facebook and do the big company stuff. It was a good learning experience, but it wasn't necessarily my thing. I wanted to try startups just to see if I liked it a bit more, and I'm glad I did.
Where did you grow up, and what were you like as a kid?
I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, right outside of Tulsa, called Owasso. I've always been super creative and curious. I never liked school. My friends and I would always write scripts for short films and stuff like that, instead of doing assignments. I also skateboarded a lot when I was younger.
What was your first job ever?
My first paycheck actually came from an acting gig. I used to do commercials and random jobs as an extra in films. My dad was an indie film director for a little bit when I was growing up, so I was exposed to it from an early age.
Besides the career path you’re on now, was there ever a different one you considered taking?
I was interested in film. I think just growing up in it, that always seemed like a potential career path for me. I also thought I was going to be a lawyer for a little bit because I did mock trial throughout high school. I had the opportunity to shadow a couple of lawyers, and I found out that I didn't like the actual day-to-day of being a lawyer.
What app on your phone do you use the most?
What food do you uncontrollably eat?
Can I say a drink?
Cool. I'll say matcha. I love matcha. I have a matcha latte almost every morning.
I don't know if there's one person necessarily. I'm a lot more interested in who's behind the camera, like directors, who styled the wardrobes, who scored the movie, stuff like that.
Do you have a favorite director, producer, or studio?
A24 is a film studio that I've been into a lot recently. I have a lot of favorite directors, like Tarantino, Scorcese, but recently I think Jonah Hill's directorial debut with “mid90s” was really good.
What was the last show you binge-watched?
It was probably “Looking for Alaska.” It was really good.
What personal goal would you like to achieve in the next five years?
I want to create in multiple industries, like music, fashion, and film. All that stuff has always interested me. In tech, it'd be cool to be able to invest in underrepresented founders and people like those in my hometown who don't necessarily realize this as a career path.
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That is the thought that has been circling my mind since discovering the Charlotte-based residential architecture firm Pursley Architecture. It's not every day that an architect's portfolio incites so much enthusiasm in me, but the work of Ken Pursley's firm is simply amazing. All of it.
An alumnus of the McAlpine Tankersley school of architecture, you can see the application of clean lines to classical architecture in Pursley's portfolio that is the rubber stamp of McAlpine influence. Pieces of furniture from the McAlpine line for Lee Industries also make regular appearances. Make no mistake though, the portfolio clearly declares that Pursley has a style unto himself with his regular infusion of unique, enchanting details. Sweeping lines reminiscent of Dutch parapets, bold ironwork and striking kitchens all confirm that signature aesthetic.
We'll kickoff an abbreviated tour of the firm's portfolio with a set of distinct bathroom designs. The creativity really shines through there.
I find the the furniture-like vanity with floating, ceiling-suspended mirror quite interesting. Presumably a toilet is tucked behind the mirror wall. And upon close inspection of this photo, it appears that it was taken from inside an enclosed shower. I think that blue-green line down the left-side of the photo is that of a glass door.
Here the bump-out of the cantilevered vanity to accommodate the profile of the sink is unique. So too is the use of a bridge faucet that is most commonly seen in a kitchen. Furthermore, the mirror placements add a bit of whimsy.
The signature Dutch lines show up here in the profile of the vanity counter. The cabinets bookending the vanity remind me of a design often used on the paneled screens from the McAlpine collection for Lee Industries. Presumably the cabinets are fronted in fabric and nail head trim like the screens.
The Dutch parapet influence stands out again in this bathroom's vanity. Adding to its mystique is a one-of-a-kind mirror application that is a visual and engineering marvel. The door built into the paneled wall is also something I enjoy about the room. Interestingly, I don't notice any sort of knob (just the towel hook) to control the opening and closing of the door.
Moving along, we'll cover some other unique interior detailing before looking at exterior elements.
I found this floor-to-ceiling, paneled "bed wrap" to be unexpected and intriguing. It's like a room within a room. The oval window above the bed makes the wall suggestive of being an actual wall to the outside of the home, although it isn't.
This finely appointed master closet is rich in architectural detail. Notice the vaulting of the ceiling, the furniture-like details of the dressing island, the doors and trim of the clothing cabinets and the window. What a window! And to think that's just the closet!
One of Pursley's specialties is kitchens. I found this one in particular to be a great example of his genius at work. There's a lot to enjoy here - the unique pattern of the detail on the ceiling, the room-length range hood, and the Dutch-style island ends to name a few.
There they are again, those omnipresent fireballs so often seen in the designs of McAlpine and his disciples. Don't let that distract you though. The real star of the show here is the doors. I've never seen anything like them before. Amazing. And the same silhouette is carried over to the beams used at ends of the walls of the room.
Here a stunning pool house project showcases some of the excellent ironwork designed by the firm, not to mention the structure itself. Notice that the Dutch influence shows up on the exteriors as much as the interiors. The landscape architecture here is quite brilliant too.
Ironwork makes a statement again in the railing and lantern mount in this photo. There is such whimsical beauty in that railing.
Described as Scottish Revival, this architecturally rich house has a lot going on, but it all works. Always there, the Dutch influence shows up in the wall connecting to the turret that presumably houses the main entrance. I imagine the wall encloses the patio displayed in the second photo.
Admittedly missing in this post is more coverage of the exterior architectural prowess of Pursley's firm. This inspiring farmhouse will give you more of an idea, though, of what's in the portfolio. Take a stereotypically simple structure and apply architectural wizardry and this is what you get. The double roof (for lack of a more architecturally-appropriate term) is quite intriguing in the way that it lights up at night.
If the built portfolio wasn't enough to satiate your architectural appetite, the Pursley Architecture website also features a rather large collection of houses that are in design. Each more inspiring than the last, they leave you yearning for a completion date and an address (to drive-by, of course).
Here's one rendering to entice you. You'll have to visit the website for more as we're out of space in this post.
Curiously absent from the Pursley Architecture website is a press section highlighting their accolades. I knew there must be press, though, so I went digging and was able to find a few pieces of due praise. Here they are for your enjoyment:
The Tudors - Charlotte Magazine, July 2008
Quiet Elegance in Charlotte, NC - House Beautiful, February 2008
The Disappearing Kitchen - Southern Accents, April 2006
A trip to Charlotte for some architectural tourism is definitely in order. Perhaps over a weekend this Spring or Summer when the weather is more forgiving and I can fit in a bike ride on a set of roads new to me at the same time.
Posted at 10:19 PM
22 comments:
This was one of the most enjoyable posts I have ever read. The images were all stunning. Each and evey space. And, as you pointed out, the enchanting details are thrilling and abundant! But, if I had to play favorites, it would be the bathroom in the first image and the master closet with the oval window. The clothes one must own to warrent dressing in such a beautiful space!!!
February 18, 2010 at 8:04 AM
TSL said...
James, I think I held my breath the entire time I read your post and viewed the photos! I am inspired by the calming whisper of perfection. Thank you!
February 18, 2010 at 8:15 AM
Terry said...
Wow, you found another Auburn guy, another McAlpine spawn. Every one of your pictures have something that pushes it. That treble clef iron railing is a delight. Shed dormers galore. Thanks so much.
See you Saturday night?
February 18, 2010 at 9:08 AM
First of all, James, great post. Your research and knowledge is evident. I like the restrained classicism apparent in Pursley's work; it holds a combination of modernity and history that will never tire. Love the bedroom treatment within the wall and I cannot help but to notice most of the sinks are just as elegant as they are universally friendly. Looks like a great day for some biking, by the way, hope you have a chance to enjoy!
February 18, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Nice. Love the high oval windows (dressing room) and curve of that last exterior step. Simple bath with tub. Thanks, Trish
February 18, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Terry said...
P.S. I y'all clicked the article "The Disappearing Kitchen" I've never seen anything like it. It may keep me awake tonight - in good way.
February 18, 2010 at 11:37 AM
Really great post, and a great introduction to a firm I had never heard of. Way to go on your research. I like the main house, but I have to admit I totally forgot about it once I saw the farmhouse. It is as if someone copied it straight from my dreams. I wish it was mine. I love farmhouses, but one drawback is that they are usually dark on the inside. Not this one! Natural light everywhere. How beautiful. I am going to have to save that picture so that when I get rich and famous I can have one for myself.
February 18, 2010 at 12:40 PM
I saw this post this morning on my iphone, and could not wait to get home this evening so I could go through the website of Pursley Architects in great detail. What a find - what a discovery - thank you so much for this post!
It's funny, I had seen the Georgian house on the Pursley website before - through designer Carter Kay - but did not look up the architect of the house, even though the loggia is one of my favorite outdoors rooms that I have ever seen.
I hope you don't mind (and I hope Mr. Pursley doesn't mind), but there are at least 10 images that support posts I am working on...
February 18, 2010 at 7:09 PM
Anonymous said...
What a beautiful blog you have created. Thanks to Belgian Pearls I found your blog. I look forward to future posts by you. Have a lovely evening. AK.
February 18, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Doug Davis said...
...lots of, what my colleague Jeff Dungan would call 'pregnant lady curves' -- those big semi-circular shapes that Voysey and the English Arts & Crafts school were so fond of. There is something in every one of these images I could rave about...FAB-U-LOUS work. That first demi-lune vanity is really delightful, especially.
February 18, 2010 at 10:15 PM
James said...
Thank you everyone. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and Pursley's architecture.
@doug: I was hoping someone like you would chime in with details about what I refer to as the Dutch lines. That's the second time I've heard reference to Voysey in a week. I did some digging on him, but haven't had time to digest it all. Agreed on the demi-lune vanity. I'll send you a photo of another I saw recently.
February 18, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Oh, I wish Doug hadn't written pregnant lady curves! Oh well - I still like them. I particularly like how Pursey handles the panes of oval windows; there are several houses that have the curvy grid pattern.
I am glad that Doug referenced Voysey. I have done a tiny bit of research but one note on Voysey stands out: that he was the 'Frank Lloyd Wright' of England.
February 19, 2010 at 7:00 AM
alice said...
So very pretty and elegant. I love a space that has interest but will be timelessly classic. I knew this would be a good post when I saw Ken Pursley came trained with McAlpine & Tankersley!
February 20, 2010 at 11:43 AM
A feat to the eyes. I just spent a wonderful time browsing through ypour photographs. mc alpine happen to be my favorite architectural firm. i work with them on a regular basis via my showroom, and am involved in a small project with them for one of my clients. they bring a sense of timeless elegance to all their projects and so does Ken Pursley. i am so glad to have found you and will follow your blog.
February 20, 2010 at 4:35 PM
Anonymous said...
Just wanted to let you know how much I truly enjoyed this post. I spent some time looking through there website and really enjoyed it. It's amazing how all of these homes have such staying power. That's exactly what I hope to create with my home. Also if your browsing through their site and you click on the built homes tab some of the homes have a small picture of an open book at the bottom. If you click on the open book it will bring up the magazine article.
February 20, 2010 at 11:07 PM
James said...
@Things That Inspire: Pregnant lady curves is certainly an interesting description. There must be a better description than what Doug and I have used. I too still like them and am going to find out more about what the curvilinear details are actually called.
@Francine Gardner: Glad to have you here.
@Sherry: Thank you for the heads up. I overlooked the book icon with the press links. I'm going back now to take in all of the press.
February 21, 2010 at 8:40 AM
Anonymous said...
Am I the only one who thinks it's a bit gimmicky and a knock-off of everyone from Lutyens to McAlpine himself? What's so original about it? Unlike the work of McAlpine, et al, instead of incorporating one unique architectural feature in a house, I see a dozen of them employed in each project. How can one thing be the "star" of a home when everything is competing?
February 21, 2010 at 6:28 PM
Have you seenthat picture with the stairway, where is made a sort of bookcase???!!!
February 22, 2010 at 7:45 AM
Lauren said...
I love their work, particulary the bathrooms!
February 22, 2010 at 5:01 PM
pretty! those (metal?) doors are amazing.
February 22, 2010 at 5:20 PM
wonderful post. enjoyed those images very much, especially the baths. obviously a lot of work went into that - it shows. thanks. . .
February 27, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Anonymous said...
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[ad_1] ALT HEDSA veteran television journalist, who has made a career out of speaking to strangers, shares the secret to improving small talkSuChin Pak has
by Mike Robinson
Amy Schneider is the first woman to win $1 million on ‘Jeopardy!’
[ad_1] Amy Schneider was the first woman ever to win $1,000,000 on “Jeopardy! She closed her 28th game on Friday, becoming the first woman ever
| 395 |
Erik ten Hag has spoken from the training camp in De Lutte about the growth of young talent, the plans for a new season, and the indispensability of captain Dusan Tadic. "The gas tank is full again. We have energy again. We’re up for it again and are looking forward to it."
"Pre-season is always a good time," the coach said. "The players have come back with a lot of energy and motivation. They want to make this a great season."
Not everyone is back in Amsterdam yet, though. The Dutch internationals are still enjoying their holidays after their time at the European Championship. The Argentines are still fighting in the Copa América. Both Edson Álvarez and Sean Klaiber have traveled to America for the Gold Cup, while Antony is competing in the Olympics in Tokyo.
That leaves room in the team for some of the younger talents. "Ajax has a top youth academy. In these weeks, we can view and assess these talents nicely. We can see whether they can already join in or whether they need an extra year in Jong Ajax."
"Every year a player has come forward," Ten Haag added. "First we had Noussair Mazraoui, then Sergiño Dest, and last season Devyne Rensch. I hope and expect that it will be the case again this year."
The ambitions for the coming season are clear: to win trophies. But the bar has to be risen for the European stage. "We have grown in the past three and a half years. We are participating again in Europe and that is good. A very serious ambition of ours is to make it through the winter break and have Champions League football on the other side of it."
The trainer hopes to keep the current squad together in order to achieve his goals. "I don't expect that many changes. The balance is good between old and young. We have a leading group. Around that you have the South Americans who certainly add something to this group in terms of mentality. And there are young talents again."
In the past week, captain Tadic was the subject of transfer rumors. His departure is an absolute impossibility for Ajax, says Ten Hag. "That is, indeed, impossible. He is extremely important; on the field, but certainly also off the field. He is an absolute key player."
In images | Our first training session this season
While international tournaments are still ongoing, a number of Ajax players trained in Amsterdam for the very first time this season. Present on the training ground were the likes of Noussair Mazraoui, Zakaria Labyad, Sean Klaiber and brand new goalkeepers Remko Pasveer and Jay Gorter.
#Pre-season
Fixtures confirmed: Ajax kicks off season against N.E.C.
The KNVB has confirmed all the fixtures for the new Eredivisie season. Ajax are due to play N.E.C. at home in the first round. The first "Classic" derby is scheduled for Sunday, 19 December, in Rotterdam.
Ajax go 'back to red' for their training strip
Many fans will have fond memories of board members Edwin van der Sar and Marc Overmars always 'in the red' as players on the training pitch, or of the red training strip future captains such as Jan Vertonghen and Luis Suárez wore when they came out for training. Although the training strip has often changed colour in recent seasons, Erik ten Hag's team will be going back to the traditional Ajax red for the 2021/2022 season.
| 3,499 |
Legal bloggers connecting with CanLII | The CanLII Blog Legal bloggers connecting with CanLII – The CanLII Blog
News about, and content from, the Canadian Legal Information Institute
CanLII Connects
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Hot on CanLII
Legal bloggers connecting with CanLII
Legal bloggers each have their own motivations. They include developing a personal practice tool that is then shared with the community, building a reputation in a new practice area, and making legal information accessible to people outside the legal profession.
Many of the most prolific contributors on CanLII Connects have been bloggers for many years before joining CanLII Connects. Each writes for their own reasons and each has a unique vision for how CanLII Connects could evolve.
On the CanLII Connects Blog, we have been profiling several of these blogging CanLII Connects over the past few weeks. Here are a few excerpts and links to the full profiles:
. . . Karim concedes that he started blogging for selfish reasons. In the early days of his practice, he would start his day by reading cases and filing the interesting ones in a folder until the sheer volume of paper became unwieldy. “I needed a better way to organize the material, so I created a database on my computer,” he says. “But it quickly ended up taking too much space on my hard drive, and it was only available to me when I was in the office.”
That was when a friend suggested he post everything online.
“CanLII Connects has grown much more quickly than I thought it would, but for me it was always a no brainer to participate,” he says. “Lawyers should do whatever they can to invest in sharing legal knowledge, within the legal community and beyond. There is a real barrier in our society for people who aren’t lawyers to understand the law and legal issues. Not only is blogging personally satisfying but it’s is a great way to share understanding and information with the larger community.”
Karim Renno has been blogging at À bon droit since 2010 and is a partner at Irving Mitchell Kalichman in Montreal. You can read Karim’s CanLII Connects contributions here.
Karim’s full profile is here.
What’s unusual about Sean is that he wasn’t even a labour lawyer when he started blogging in 2012. Never mind that at the time he was working at a personal injury law firm. He was drawn to employment and wrongful dismissal cases. So he started blogging about them to create name recognition for himself as an expert in the field and to differentiate his practice from those of larger firms.
Unexpectedly – but happily for Sean – the blog was a huge success. “I think it’s because there were few blogs focussing on employment at the time,” he says. “And they were dominated by large firm-based collaborative blogs which are hesitant to be too controversial. I wanted to give my personal perspective.”
Sean holds high hopes that CanLII Connects will bring the same exposure to emerging legal bloggers in Canada seeking to establish their own credibility in the legal marketplace. “For practice development it can be really valuable as a venue to increase visibility among other lawyers, and that’s important if you want to build a network of referrals,” he says.
Sean Bawden is an employment lawyer at Kelly Santini LLP/SRL. You can read Sean’s CanLII Connects contributions here and his blog “Labour Pains” here.
Sean’s full profile is here.
“After 11 years of practice, I wanted to take a more proactive and preventative approach to law and help people avoid legal trouble by educating them about the law in an accessible way,” she says.
At the time, First Reference was looking for someone who would write legal materials for small and medium sized businesses. “I applied and has been working there ever since,” says Yosie. Her objective: helping HR professionals to understand the importance of employment law in day-to-day business so that HR departments can ensure compliance with the law. “The goal is to increase comprehension of legal matters in the community,” says Yosie. One of First Reference’s main publications is a plain language manual of HR Law.
She recently added CanLII Connects to places she reposts her content. “It’s a valuable venue where lawyers can analyze and discuss material and as a source for short commentary to assess whether cases are relevant to a particular matter,” she says. “It’s good to share knowledge, because we used to keep it to ourselves, or only made it available through formal instruction like CPD, but now we push it out to the public.”
Yosie Saint-Cyr is the Managing Editor of the Human Resources and Compliance Collection. You can read Yosie’s CanLII Connects contributions here.
Yosie’s full profile is here.
“As a blogger, I try to bring issues to the bar that have interesting or unexpected consequences,” he says. He’ll cover anything from cases to legislative changes, and news. A man of firsts, JP’s legal blog was the first to be cited for legal analysis in Canada (C.K.B.M. v. G.M., 2013 BCSC 836 (CanLII)).
JP sees CanLII Connects as a new and unique attempt to expand access to legal information to the public, and now contributes his blog content to CanLII Connects as a meaningful addition to his commitment to public legal education. “CanLII’s new initiatives are excellent ways to expand access beyond hidden and expensive sources,” he says. “And it’s richer because, thanks to the linking, it weaves together the context of each decision as the law develops.”
JP Boyd is the Executive Director of the Canadian Research Institute of Law and the Family an independent non-profit affiliated with the University of Calgary. You can read his CanLII Connects contributions here and his blog “JP Boyd on Family Law: the blog” here.
JP’s full profile is here.
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The other day, my husband was clicking through a list of funny links. Most of them led to fake websites for silly products -- like an inflatable muscles t-shirt -- that would eventually disappear to be replaced by an Old Spice ad. Then he clicked on an ad for Meggings. Hubby laughed and laughed, then wondered where the Old Spice ad was.
Old Spice never came, because Meggings is a real website selling leggings for men. (Side note, can we please stop calling stretch pants leggings? It's confusing the "leggings are not pants" issue.) Credit to the model for looking like he's having a blast in his solo mission to revive 80s glam band fashion.
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January 24, 2014 at 12:41 PM
Anonymous said…
they also have a fake service they advertise for 'executive spray tan parties' that promise dancing and spray tanning in one go. Oh, Old Spice! They are really upping their lol factor with their latest ad campaign!
January 26, 2014 at 10:22 PM
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By becca - May 18, 2017
Summer. It's coming soon with it's sunshine, high temperatures, picnics, festival, barbecues, pool parties and so many more events that require being outside in the heat. If you're shopping in any stores right now, you might have noticed that all the so called sun dresses are made of itchy, plastic-y, hot material. They look summery, but they'll bake you. Worry not, I've found a cotton summer dress that can get you through the whole summer for less than $20. Add a cropped cardigan or short-sleeve blazer for the office. Don some walking sandals, a fun sunhat and cute sunglasses for a day the fair. Dress it up with high heels, jewelry and a cute wrap for evenings. The possibilities are endless. It's even cute when you layer two different colors. The fit is beautiful. Compose of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it fits close to the body through the top and flares gently, which means it works even if it doesn't line up perfectly with you waistline. This dress is
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Many people are eager to participate in the action at casinos because of the thrill of gambling. For one reason or another, it is challenging for many people to go to casinos as frequently as they would like.
Today, you can play your favorite casino games from the convenience of your own home on a variety of websites. At online casinos, players have the choice of playing for free or wagering real money.
Unlimited play is available in free games, which are excellent for honing your skill sets and experiencing new games. However, playing for real money enables access to bonus features, game variations, and cash winnings.
Due to its straightforward rules and fast-paced gameplay, playing Keno online for free or for real money has quickly established itself as one of the industry’s cornerstones. Keno is a chance-based game that can be played for real money.
In order to win, gamblers place bets and choose numbers that match the numbers drawn. You can choose from various themes, formats, and betting limits when playing Keno for real money online.
More people are choosing to play real money keno online on mobile devices. Online Keno is available in a wide variety of formats, such as instant and traditional versions. Find here for more of these variations to see which one you prefer.
At first, it may seem not very safe to play poker online for real money. Compared to games in a casino, it is a very different kind of poker. Many operators, games, and variants are available to you, and the competition is more ferocious than local home games.
The high buy-in costs that players have heard about are not necessary at real money poker sites. Lower-stakes players are catered to in the large majority of tournaments, online poker rooms, and cash games. Let’s examine the most well-known poker rooms and the typical buy-in amounts for each:
Cash Games: The buy-in amounts for cash game tables range in cost incredibly. Some online poker rooms offer games for just one dollar. These $1 cash games could see players making a few bucks and eventually branching out into higher payout games if players concentrate and use this time to improve their playing skills.
Tournaments: The buy-in for games, where gamblers can start to earn money, is typically relatively low, but there is a chance to win 100 times that amount or more. Although you’ll need to outplay many more opponents along the way, the payoff is worthwhile. An accurate money poker site will most likely offer Sit and Go, Bounty, multitable, and Turbo tournaments.
Baccarat is among the best casino table games gamblers can play for real money. Games of baccarat are exciting and fast-paced, and thanks to the low house advantage, players may be eligible for generous payouts on their successful wagers.
There are several options available to players when playing baccarat in an online casino. Choose a baccarat game that matches your preferences and financial situation. Players must stretch their bankroll in order to win real money at baccarat.
You can use the free credit from casino bonuses in any online baccarat game. With these benefits, players can try their luck at winning real money in online baccarat without risking their bankroll by using hundreds or thousands of dollars in ‘free money.
Below are the advantages of playing real money and play money casino games online to assist you in making the best choice for you.
? Having to play with real money brings a risk element that can be thrilling.
? You must wager real money to win real money. You can win regular cash payouts by doing this.
? The jackpots in real money games are frequently incredible and offer enormous sums.
? The loyalty bonuses that online casinos offer can be very profitable.
? Free games are a great way to experiment with new and unique tactics without taking risks.
? A brand-new game can be tried to see if it’s worthwhile to play for real money.
? You can play completely risk-free just for fun.
? You are not required to register or give anyone your personal information.
Of course, the best free casino games are those that you can play. They are all rated before deciding to host them on websites, so they are among the best gambling games available, in addition to being the most played.
Casino games originate from the top software developers, have excellent graphics, and their real money version provides equal playing opportunities for all players.
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Sharm el Sheikh is a pretty dire place. As a somewhat dusty resort town at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula usually frequented by tourists, it was eerily fitting to host COP27. It was good that the parties met in the literal middle between Africa and the Middle East. Both regions have a considerable stake in mitigating climate change: one by shifting the entire local fossil economy, and the other one by holding a lot of untapped mitigation potential. The reality of climate change is different in the glassy climate tech offices in Europe and the US compared with being on the ground in Africa and the Middle East. That said, progress was little to disappointing, and here is why:
The world is really, really behind. We are expected to reach +11% emissions at the end of the decade vs -43%, which is required to meet current global targets. I could stop the recap here and say that we have failed and continue to fail. While it is great to label this past conference the “implementation COP”, the implementation is clearly not only delayed but also not ambitious enough. Few countries have updated their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) after COP26 and the current numbers are still pointing in the entirely wrong direction. Come in the private sector: Corporations and other private sector players flocked to COP to be an active part of the solution (clearly, their action will be needed complementarily). It remains to be seen how much of the gap between global targets and national contributions can be bridged by private-sector players. Only if corporate action remains well accounted for and is focused on what is additional to current NDCs can the private sector have a meaningful contribution. And what is policy-additional is going to keep changing as NDCs are being reworked, which can lead to quite some uncertainty on the project developer and financing side (see more on the topic of contribution claims below). Overall, a difficult situation, still.
The cost of inaction is huge: The cost of not doing enough has been re-estimated to staggering amounts. While this is nice to know, it doesn’t help with the fact that these costs are virtual and unallocated. As a corporation, it’s almost impossible to know what share of the theoretical and systemic cost of climate change will actually hit your P&L. And that makes it hard to tackle or put resources against it. Translating climate change into a language that the financial markets understand might be one piece of the puzzle. As the Head of Sustainability from Blackrock said: “We look at climate change as risk.” And if financial markets are good at anything, it’s translating risk into tangible cost (of capital). This is well in line with the SEC’s proposed chapter on climate risk disclosure as well as many banks’ commitments (often very much spurred by regulation) to incentivize climate investment with better cost of capital. The ability to understand climate risk is key to unlocking a risk-based mechanism for climate finance. The outstanding key component is reliable data on climate impact for corporate climate action. Companies will need to step up in measuring and managing what part of their action is contributing to an NDC and is hence accounted for, what part is additional to any NDC and is hence a contribution beyond current plans, what part they can claim for net zero pledges, etc. For voluntary carbon, this means: Only when corporations can report on the climate impact of their portfolios based on scientifically-backed metrics they will be able to translate climate action into improved financials. The freshly launched ISO Net Zero Standard already calls for some of this, requiring corporates to track and report on project types, registries, scope, permanence (or in their words “durability”), and other details of negative emissions.
The money needs to land somewhere fruitful (and there aren’t many safe bets where that is the case): Hopefully, the risk perspective helps more capital land in climate-friendly activities. On a country level, Article 6 aims to establish a direct market between countries to trade emission reductions (mainly Article 6.2), also from VCM project-like activities (Article 6.4). This will potentially unlock trillions of dollars in climate finance, said Germany’s Director for Climate, Energy, and Environment, Dr. Heike Henn. However, many negative-emission-producing countries cannot deliver high-quality carbon projects. The danger is that after 20 years of living in a sub-par private voluntary carbon market, we start from scratch by building an alternative “A6.4er” market with the same challenges (poor project quality, lengthy and manual MRV processes, questionable additionality, low permanence) - only now with governmental entities in the driver’s seat. Governmental program managers from Uganda and Senegal shared that while activities are starting in their countries, it is hard to pass requirements from the used frameworks and that local capacities are insufficient to build successful projects aligned with international market needs. Looking at the implementation speed of any supranational framework, there seems to be a real risk that increasing but unclear implementation of Article 6.4 halts investment into already running voluntary climate action as buyers might prefer “official” Article 6 credits (we outlined briefly how Article 6 is increasingly leading to risk and uncertainty for established project developers here). In the worst case, these new government-guided activities will not be able to deliver high-quality outcomes because of the need to spend the next years building capacity. In sum, this would lead to shifting investment from at least running voluntary carbon activities to new government-steered carbon projects that only starting to build capacity. Let’s hope we can keep both running and parallel (not to be boring but - it’s “and” not “either/or”).
That said, at least we know what contribution claims are (and it’s not great): The new wording in Article 6 reinforced the concept of contribution claims, essentially rendering Corresponding Adjustments unnecessary for private buyers. This means there will essentially be a secondary market for A6.4ER outcomes that will not require the adjustment of the host country NDC. There was a lot of speculation about the uncertainty that would come from the need for corresponding adjustments (or lack thereof) to corporate buyers. But now we know. This calls for an even clearer understanding of buyers about what they can claim based on the specific credits in their portfolio. In the second order, the voluntary market will need to stay as a tool to finance beyond-NDC activity for corporates. As said in the beginning, this reinforces the notion for private sector players to focus on really policy-additional credits, i.e., not the ones that are already committed within a usually insufficient NDC. The reason goes back to my first point: If, in theory, companies financed literally all activities to make Parties reach their NDCs, we would still be 50pp off target as it stands today. Hence, those who can pay for more and better mitigation than countries could commit on during COP should do so. See also the fitting, yet not COP-related, piece by Robert Höglund and others on bridging the (private sector) ambition gap.
Climate change mitigation is about inclusion and diversity: Speaking of private sector projects, it was a recurring theme that the emerging carbon economy is reproducing bias that is already there (i.e. a lot of the engineering workforce needed for carbon project development is expected to be predominantly male as female engineering talent is still lacking). Climate change mitigation will require one of the most fundamental shifts that modern societies have seen so far. We will need to unlock all human potential (especially marginalized groups) to get it done at scale while using the opportunity to right some more systemic wrongs that got us here. Looking into women's empowerment, improved education and other themes will be key to delivering results. To quote former Irish President Mary Robinson at a dinner I was lucky enough to attend: “Climate change is a man-made problem that requires feminist solutions”. Or, you know, just generally more diverse solutions. Let’s make sure chances of success are higher with more diverse thinkers and doers in the room.
Because prevention fails, minds are shifting to adaptation and resilience: With target achievements continuing to fall into a rather abstract future, the shift to adaptation and resilience seems urgent. Delivering one of the more prominent outcomes of COP27, the yearly USD 100bn commitment to loss and damage mitigation for the most vulnerable nations is a good and necessary result. It was great to see adaptation, water, health, and other topics appear on the agenda this year as climate change is already very much here and very much affecting all of these areas. Early thought on damage and loss mitigation may help the most vulnerable countries buy into climate action more quickly. That said, shifting to loss and damages is also symptomatic of a complete lack of action on climate change mitigation over the past years. The fact that we are still steering to an above-2-degrees-celsius future will eventually draw a lot of capital into adaptation and resilience that would earlier have been available for prevention.
If anything, we need the world community to continue working on solutions outside of negotiation rooms. While aligning to international targets and securing bullet-proof accounting remain important contributions from the UNFCCC, the parties have not delivered on implementation this year. Good thing there is a whole community out there to do their part.
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The Asics White Tennis Skirt (Love) is a stylish and functional item for women to wear on the tennis court. Our court-ready Love Skort is always up for a match because it is packed with performance features. Compression shorts built into the shorts provide lightweight muscle support, and the hem of the shorts can be rolled up for easy storage. The moisture-wicking, stretchy poly/spandex fabric moves with you as you do. Ladies can feel cool, dry, and comfortable while playing thanks to the CoolMax enhanced attached compression short. Shot-to-shot transitions are made simple by supple and lightweight materials. Self-panel pleats on each side add a flirty and feminine touch. The left hem of the garment bears the ASICS logo. The elastic waistband ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Self-fabric binding has a more refined appearance and a softer feel. Chafing and irritation are reduced thanks to the flat seams and anti-abrasion labeling. Three built-in shorts “inseam with gussets. Skirt: 13½ “back size. Tennis ball storage is also possible with compression shorts.
Color(s): White
Kindly refer to the images for the size chart
The measurements refer to body size, not garment size
The soft, lightweight materials
Screen print your team logo
Other Tennis Apparel, Tennis Shoes, and Tennis Equipment
Should you be looking for a different model of tennis apparel, we have many other tennis Skorts for you to choose from. If not, all you have to do now is get the required tennis shoes to go with your tennis apparel. Check out our tennis shirts, tennis t-shirts, tennis shorts, tennis dresses, tennis skirts, and tennis skorts. And while you are at it, why not check out our tennis rackets, tennis bags, tennis accessories, and tennis gifts, as well? Happy tennis shopping!
Why Shop for your Asics White Tennis Skirt (Love) on Shopping.tennis?
Here is why you should choose us when shopping for your Asics White Tennis Skirt (Love). As we are a new tennis shop, we are having a special launch offer for our customers in 2022 and 2023. The launch offer is actually similar to a reward program. When you purchase a tennis item or more on Shopping.tennis for a total value of $100 or above within a year, you automatically qualify for a discount of 10% for your next purchase as long as you make it within a year from your last purchase (i.e., the discount is valid for up to a year once you qualify for it). This is a lifetime benefit that will never expire for all our customers this year.
In addition, you keep getting 10% off for every purchase you make not just on Shopping.tennis but also on any of our sister websites coming soon (learn more on Universe.tennis) as long as your account remains active every year with at least one purchase every 12 months. Again, this is a lifetime benefit that will never expire unless you do not purchase anything for over a year.
Therefore, if you are a serious tennis player, you will save more money in the long run by purchasing from us than from other tennis shops. That’s a guarantee! So, when we say that Shopping.tennis is the tennis shop where shoppers win (our tagline), we truly mean it. For details, please feel free to contact us.
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Rated 5 out of 5
Sonya Kotov – January 18, 2020
This is one of my absolute favorite items. It’s SO comfortable and looks SO stylish. I wear it to non-tennis activities waaaay more than I wear it to tennis simply because it’s just such a great skirt.I’m 5′ 2″ , so my favorite thing about the skirt is that it’s high cut elongates my legs. Would recommend to short folks (and to everyone more broadly)!
Rated 5 out of 5
Rachel Belford – March 19, 2020
I wore this super cute running skort for the Star Wars 10K this weekend (first time I wore it). It felt so good I washed it and wore it for the half marathon the next day! PR both days, can’t say it was directly related to the skort but I did not have any clothing concers which let me run faster. I am buying one in every color.
Rated 5 out of 5
I loved this so much I bought a second one. It fits perfectly. It’s sexy short but not too short. The ruffles on each side add the cutest touch.. innocence and sex appeal combined. I work on a golf course and am so happy I found this!!
Rated 5 out of 5
Linda – April 15, 2020
One of my favorite skorts, especially since I bought the red. The flair on the side gives it a great look. Washes & dries nice; says not to use softener, which I never do anyway. I’m 5’2-1/2, 160 & large fits perfect. Shorts are very comfy; perfect tightness so don’t crawl up & they stay put. Skort is length as displayed on model & I love this length ~_~ Reasonably price for nice quality.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kelly – June 26, 2020
Worth the price tag. These fit perfectly. I ordered a small ( I weigh 118 and usually wear a size 28) I like them a lot. Very versatile. Haven’t tried running in them yet but I plan to wear these for golfing and other outdoor activities.
Rated 5 out of 5
DoctorG – June 26, 2020
I was walking through the drugstore and someone said to me “that skirt is so cute.” I agree. The little pleats on the side give it some pop.
Rated 5 out of 5
Andrea – June 27, 2020
I’m 5’7″, 150lbs. I got a large. Could have gotten a medium. I am pretty curvy and I didn’t love that the pleats were only on the sides, making my hips look bigger. I returned it because it didn’t fit me the way I was hoping, but it’s s great, high quality, cute skort!
Rated 5 out of 5
KMM – July 16, 2020
Love this skort, ran 6 miles in it today and was mostly comfortable. The shorts didn’t stay in place, but I glided my thighs and had no problems.I usually run in capris but way to hot, so happy I bought this! I stayed cool with this skort I read a review that the material was heavy, I completely disagree. It reminds me of a swim skirt. I will buy another!
Rated 5 out of 5
Robin Landry – July 23, 2020
I’m 5’2” and weigh around 110. I bought an xs and it fits perfectly, though my legs are not nearly as long as the gal modeling the skort, it still hits mid-thigh and flares at the right place. No pockets(I use it for running and golf), and the material is a nice weight, not too heavy or too thin. The color is bright and cheery, and after one washing, it comes out of the dryer with no wrinkles. Runs true to size and the elastic waist fits well. A good skort for running, tennis, or just hanging around when you want to be a little dressier than just running shorts, which feel too revealing when not running.
Rated 5 out of 5
Andria Lindquist – September 17, 2020
I have been hating shorts after my pregnancy and pants are too hot to be out in mid summer and this is absolutely the perfect solution! Its high enough – probably 2 inches below the bellybutton – and enough coverage but not too much for the heat and to still be cute. I only like tiny spandex to be actually comfortable in shorts out on walks and stuff and it doesnt feel appropriate enough – so this is perfect to feel comfy and free but not showing off your cheeks! would buy in more colors, I’m probably 135 and 5’4 – got a medium and it fits great, almost an inch too big but its better than being too small. if you’re super fit, get the small, i’d probably go for the small if i had a bit more muscle or less baby softness going on.
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Are you looking to learn more about the rules of section 24 and need to know the legislation in depth? In this article, we’ll be going through all the frequently asked questions to do with this part of the law, making sure you are prepared for any changes to do with it in the future.
As a result, if you don’t stay on top of this you could be taken to court or potentially face fines. Read on so you can avoid the pain of paying back taxes you didn’t think you owed.
What is section 24?
Section 24 is a new rule set in 2017 that means landlords will no longer be able to deduct house mortgage payments from the taxes that have to be paid at the end of the tax year. However, to aid lower income earners who are landlords, the government phased in tax relief credit.
This was done over time with very little credit given at the start in 2017 and a lot of your mortgage payment being able to be deducted from tax. Then, over the years, there is now a lot of tax relief granted and mortgage payments are no longer deductible.
These rules were introduced to still favour the landlords who are smaller in size by providing some credit but also level the playing field between buy to let owners and those who own a residential mortgage. No one is now able to deduct their mortgage payments from their taxable income.
Why is section 24 known as the tenant tax?
Section 24 is known as the “tenant tax” because it penalises those who have tenants on their property. Homeowners already are taxed on their mortgage payments because they have to earn an income and then pay the mortgage on their property.
However, landlords (who house tenants) used to be able to write off the mortgage they owe first and then produce an income. Hence, the tenant tax refers to landlords who have tenants and have lost this ability.
This is a simpler way of saying the full name of the legislation which is section 24 of the Finance Act 2015. These terms are talked about less and less as people get used to the new rules surrounding section 24. The phasing in of the act is now over as of 2021 so it is just a matter of following the rules now they have stagnated.
What mortgage interest tax relief credit?
Mortgage interest relief or tax relief credit is completely different to a credit check or a credit score. They are reimbursements of tax paid as a percentage of the amount of mortgage repayment a landlord has. This is to help offset the impact of getting rid of mortgage payments as a tax-deductible income.
How to make sure you’re paying the right amount under section 24
Section 24 is a tax that most people see as complicated because it isn’t really a direct tax that is there to charge landlords. Instead of the tax being charged as a percentage like stamp duty or charged on a sale like in corporation tax, the act just forces landlords to pay more in tax than they are already paying by reducing what is tax deductible.
First of all, you have to understand the tax credits that are involved with section 24. Things are vastly different if you are a basic rate taxpayer compared to if you are a higher rate taxpayer or worse yet an additional rate taxpayer. For a full breakdown of these income tax rates take a look at the government website here.
So this part of section 24 makes sense, let’s use three examples. One is if you pay tax at a basic rate, one if you pay tax at an additional rate and a final one if you pay your taxes without going through personal income tax but instead register your property business in a limited company and pay corporation tax.
In example one, you are a basic rate taxpayer trying to calculate your tax bill under section 24. You take home £10,000 for the year net rental income and £9,000 of this figure is mortgage payments. You are first taxed 20% on net rental income based on the income tax rate and produce £2,000, then you would get tax relief of 20% of the mortgage payments producing £1,800.
In total, therefore you pay £2,000 and earn back £1,800 so are left with £200 to pay.
In example two, you are an additional rate taxpayer trying to calculate your tax bill under section 24. The same rules apply. A property makes £10,000 for the year net rental income and £9,000 of this figure is mortgage payments. You are first taxed 45% on net rental income based on the income tax rate and produce £4,500, then you would get tax relief of 20% of the mortgage payments producing £1,800.
In total, you pay £4,500 and earn back £1,800 so are left with £2,700 to pay.
This difference between lower rate taxpayers and higher rate taxpayers is huge. One individual just has to pay £200 whereas another has to pay £2,700 in this case. However, there are ways around this and this brings us to the final example, keeping a property in a limited company which avoids paying personal income tax. These corporation tax figures are seen here.
In example three, you are a limited company owner trying to calculate your tax bill under section 24. A property in your company makes £10,000 for the year net rental income and £9,000 of this figure is mortgage payments. You are first taxed 20% on net rental income based on the rate of corporation tax and produce £2,000, then you would get tax relief of 20% of the mortgage payments producing £1,800.
In total, the amount of tax you would pay is the same as someone paying basic rate tax with a property in their personal name at £200! Therefore, a landlord can earn a lot more without having to pay as much tax. This is why there has been a shift after 2017 in the number of property owners forming limited companies.
If you are earning more than £150,000 per year in income, it is simply not worth it to keep a property in your personal name.
However, it is important to note that someone who has a limited company will still need to pay themself a salary out of the company in order to spend the money in the company and then this is charged personal income anyway.
But, in general, the rate of tax is far less and there are a series of tax relief benefits that a landlord can take advantage of by having a limited company anyway.
How to claim tax relief under section 24
In order to go through this process with the government, you will need to contact HMRC and inform them of all the details of the ingoings and outgoings of your property in the past tax year. This should be done before April 1st of every year.
Over the following year, HMRC will pay you back the tax that is owed to you if there are any mistakes but this is usually sorted out fairly easily.
Where do you enter mortgage interest on a self assessment?
When filling out the self assessment for you to submit to HMRC, the form will ask you about your buy to let mortgage and specifically what the interest is on the mortgage.
This may be unclear for some but you should enter it in the box 42 which is in the section of the form labelled “residential property finance costs”.
What is the difference between SMI and section 24?
SMI stands for “support for mortgage interest”. This is a scheme from the government which aids people who own homes and are paying off their mortgage.
Section 24 and SMI are often confused because they both refer to mortgage relief but they are in fact very different. SMI refers to helping people on benefits who are struggling to pay a household mortgage and Section 24 helps to let landlords benefit from tax relief on their mortgage payments.
What can a landlord deduce from the gross rental income prior to tax?
Knowing what is allowed to be deducted for tax purposes is essential. The blow list is an extensive series of costs that you can deduct from the net rental income a property business produces. However, if you’re not sure about any of these items then you should speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant who will help you make decisions.
Generic maintenance of a property without improving a property (Such as repairing a broken boiler as opposed to replacing the gas system of a property due to the need to make enhancements)
Council tax
Gas and electricity charges
All types of insurance such as landlords insurance, home insurance or rent guarantee insurance
Charges associated with hiring people for services in the property such as concierge costs, cleaning costs and maybe gardening costs
Legal fees if the the legal costs are for renewing a lease that is less than 50 years long
Legal fees if the legal costs are for leases less than a year long
Accounting costs
Service charges
Ground rent (charged in leasehold agreements)
Any ret that you have to pay as a sub letter in a property
Costs associated with marketing for new tenants, equipment for the promotion of our business or the costs of phone calls and communication with people to help let out your property
Vehicle running costs (You will be able to deduct an amount of petrol used per mile in your property business)
What can’t a landlord deduce from the gross rental income prior to tax?
Mortgage repayments are the most surprising thing on the list that isn’t tax deductible. However, make sure you are complying with the rest of the list in order to not avoid tax that could result in fines and potential imprisonment for fraud.
Your mortgage repayments (only the interest part of a loan can be offset against the rental income of a property so this is only deductible for those using interest only buy to let mortgages)
Private telephone calls which aren’t associated with our property business and are for calls in your personal life
Clothing (even if you wore clothes as part of your property business, this isn’t usually allowed due to the need to wear clothes anyway. Unless you can prove you needed a specific time of clothing for a specific part of your business this is not allowed.)
Personal expenses that are not to do with the property business you have
How can landlords protect themselves from financial loss?
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from financial loss as a landlord is by staying on top of the law. It is difficult when you are constantly reading about what you owe and going over this with a qualified solicitor or accountant. This means when something doesn’t add up you are better able to identify it in your property business.
Besides this, with the understanding that not everything is in your control as a landlord, you can ensure you have the correct safeguarding in place.
This can include paying for landlords insurance that includes protecting the contents of your home from damage, rent guarantee insurance that means you never miss a rental payment or even increasing the rent in the first place to make sure there is more of a safety net in case something were to go wrong.
Finally, there are a lot of expenses to do with a property business and you may be able to cut back on costs by comparing the price different companies charge for things like repairs or maintenance. For example, there may be a property manager that you can hire for less who will do just as good a job if not better.
Constantly going back to what you are paying for even if you think you made a good decision at the time is a wise idea.
Can you claim section 24 if it is your main residence?
If a property is your main place of residence then you won’t be able to claim section 24. This is because section 24 applies to buy to let mortgages and buy to let mortgages are paid off based on the income from the rents that tenants pay in a property.
On the other hand, a main residence is a house you’re living in where the mortgage is paid off using a personal income.
There are cases where a landlord can pay off a buy to let mortgage using their personal income. But this is never planned as a lender will only issue a buy to let mortgage that can be paid off from the rental income a property produces.
Where a landlord has to use their personal income to pay off a buy to let mortgage it is likely something has gone wrong financially but the landlord still doesn’t want to lose the property so is paying with cash that hasn’t been produced from the property.
Separate from an example like this, a landlord can also have a main place of residence and a buy to let property as a second home and use the income from the buy to let property to pay off the mortgage for their residential home. This would work in the same way as anyone else paying off the mortgage on a house.
As of 2022, there are no more changes set to be introduced by the financial secretary in the UK and all changes have taken place. This is following a four-year plan starting in 2017 to slowly phase out the proportion of a mortgage that is tax deductible and slowly phase in the amount of tax relief credit that can be applied to the tax bill of a landlord.
In conclusion
When looking at section 24 overall, the law is a complicated part of property tax to understand without a doubt. Having said this, dedicating some time to understand it in detail is well worth it if you are a landlord or thinking about becoming a landlord. The first place to start would be to calculate what you owe to the best of your ability, check this with someone or use a calculator and complete a self-assessment form with the HMRC which you can find here.
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When not working as the editor for OnDeck, Ty Kiisel is a speaker, podcaster and regular contributor to Forbes.com and DeseretNews.com. With more than 30 years experience, Ty shares small business tips, advice and best practices by incorporating his wealth of knowledge gained through personal experience.
In a 2019 interview, we were lucky enough to get the chance to ask him about online business loans and how OnDeck can help small businesses get funding for growing their bottom line.
What is the difference between an online business loan and a traditional bank loan?
There are a number of differences between an online business loan and a loan at the bank.
Online lenders, like OnDeck, offer a simple and quick application process that only takes a few minutes to complete compared to the multi-page application documents required by many traditional lenders like banks or the SBA. Online lenders can often provide an answer to a loan application within an hour or two vs. the weeks it could take a bank to get an answer.
At OnDeck, for example, we leverage much more data to make creditworthiness decisions than the bank traditionally does. A business owner’s personal credit score figures into the equation, but it’s only one data point. We evaluate many other metrics that demonstrate a strong and healthy business. At the bank, the personal credit score of the business borrower is often a go-no-go metric if they fall below a certain threshold. Typically that is a score of 680; 650 for an SBA guaranteed loan. Online lenders will work with business owners with a lower score if the business looks healthy and can demonstrate the ability to make the periodic payments.
In short, online lenders are taking a different approach to how business creditworthiness is evaluated, streamlining the application process, and how quickly funds are delivered to a business—24-48 hours after loan approval as opposed to what sometimes becomes an additional weeks-long waiting period at the bank.
How does the OnDeck service work?
The business completes a simple online application that only takes a few minutes to finish. Their application is reviewed, they will meet with a loan advisor who will discuss their application with them and request a few documents from them, and in most cases, they will know whether or not their application is approved within an hour or so of this evaluation.
If the application is approved, the funds are often deposited in their business bank account within 24-48 hours (one to two business days). Periodic payments are made via ACH withdrawal on either a daily or weekly basis depending upon the particular loan and term.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an online loan?
The primary advantage of an online loan is the ability to act quickly to take advantage of opportunities to capture additional profits or other high ROI opportunities. When capital is needed to take advantage of a growth opportunity, weeks- or months-long wait for loan approval and delivery of funds is often too long and opportunity costs are too high. The ability to access funds in a day or two is a very compelling advantage.
Another advantage is the application process itself. Online lenders don’t expect the average small business owner to be a financing expert, so we’ve tried to make the application process as simple and straightforward as possible—while still thoroughly evaluating the creditworthiness of every potential borrower.
Quick access to funds can come at a premium cost and the way loan costs are expressed can sometimes be confusing because different lenders will sometimes use different metrics. As a result, OnDeck, in partnership with other lenders as well as a non-profit advocacy group, introduced the SMART Box set of metrics as an additional disclosure on loan documents to make it easier for a small business owner to compare rates and fees. I’d recommend that borrowers ask about these metrics upfront, to make sure they understand the costs associated with the funds they are borrowing (you can learn more about the metrics in the link above).
The options available to small business owners today require them to be savvier about lenders they work with. Some loans (and lenders) are better than others, so it’s important to look more closely at potential lenders and the nature of the loans they offer. Make sure and look at their online reviews via services like Trust Pilot, the Better Business Bureau, and others. It’s important to make sure you are working with the right lender and they are providing you with the right loan for your business.
Who is your ideal customer?
For OnDeck the ideal customer is a healthy business that can demonstrate the ability to make periodic loan payments. As a minimum requirement, we like to see at least a year in business and annual revenues of at least $100,000 USD.
What documents do you need to apply?
The borrower will need to start with a business license, tax ID, revenue statements, and 3-4 months of bank statements. This can vary from lender to lender and the loan advisor may ask for additional documents, but if you’re prepared with information that demonstrates a healthy business, the borrower will likely have what they need.
What are some application process pitfalls to avoid?
Don’t try to borrow more than you need. There are costs associated with borrowing regardless of the lender you choose and borrowing more than you really need could hurt the profitability of your business. Make sure you have the regular cash flow you’ll need to make each and every periodic payment on time and avoid the temptation to stack multiple loans on top of each other because the loan costs can become burdensome and hurt your business.
What else do people need to know?
Treat borrowing the same way you would any other tool to increase the profitability of your business. Consider the costs of the financing, if possible estimate a potential ROI for the borrowed funds. Although there are a lot of reasons small businesses borrow, increasing profits or the value of your business are two good reasons to consider borrowing.
Why should someone consider an online business loan?
There are several reasons to consider an online business loan:
Sometimes a healthy business might not have success (or the luxury of time to wait) at a traditional bank. Because online lenders take a different approach, many businesses that might not find success at the bank can find success with an online lender. This is the reason many small business owners now apply with an online lender, like OnDeck, without even considering the bank.
The application process is simple and funds are available quickly.
Online doesn’t necessarily have to mean impersonal. For example, many of our customers praise the personal service they received working with our loan advisors and cite that as a primary reason for choosing our company.
When is a good time for a business to apply for a loan?
If a business has an opportunity to increase profits, but needs some extra capital to act on it, that’s a great time to leverage borrowed funds. There are, of course, other reasons to borrow, but I like the idea of leveraging borrowed funds to take advantage of opportunities to grow and increase ROI.
Any additional tips for small business financing?
Make sure you can articulate what you are borrowing for (your loan purpose). Understanding your loan purpose will help you determine the loan amount that makes the most sense, what loan costs might be reasonable, and the loan term—six months, a year, or longer.
Become acquainted with your personal and business credit profile. We tend to impact the metrics we pay the most attention to, so regularly review of your credit profiles tends to impact what a potential lender will see positively. It will also help you identify where the odds of approval will be in your favor.
Make sure you understand the costs of borrowing before you sign on the dotted line. APR is not the only way to evaluate a loan. A four-year term loan with a low APR can actually have a higher dollar cost than a higher APR with a shorter term. Make sure you match the right type of financing with your loan purpose.
Thanks Ty for your advice and insights to help us demystify the world of online lending.
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Sadie has over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, graphic and web design, social media strategy, email marketing and more. She is a 4th generation small business owner and has worked with a wide range of brands from fortune 500 companies to startups and entrepreneurs.
Sadie is a self-proclaimed Apple/Mac guru and keeps up with all the latest tech trends at conferences including South by Southwest. Sadie has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin's Moody School of Communications and a concentration in Business from the Red McCombs School of Business.
Her expertise has appeared in many notable media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, People, Reader's Digest, Apartment Therapy, and other regional news organizations.
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Bostock v. Clayton County
American Culture
I just read Revelation 12-18 this afternoon, and the identity of the woman in Revelation 17-18 suddenly makes so much more sense in light of the West’s complete moral collapse. Bostock v. Clayton County is the final domino in a chain that has made me now fully realize the scope of the task for faithful pastors in the 21st century.
To read people argue, in confident legal prose, that discrimination “because of … sex” and discrimination “because of … sexual orientation” are analgous is astonishing, in a deceptive way. You get so caught up in parsing the intent of the actors and considering the legal arguments that you forget just how morally bankrupt this discussion even is. There is no longer even a pretense of a foundation to anchor morality and ethics in the public square. As I wrote in my discussion of the Obergefell decision, once a culture dynamites its objective foundation for values all that’s left to anchor us to morality is inertia.
Well, the inertia has indeed toppled the crumbling edifice with Bostock. The decision isn’t so awful, in and of itself. It’s awful because it signals that sanity has fallen. Once and for all, it has gone.
I knew this before, but I didn’t know it before.
The Church no longer has any common point of cultural contact left with the world. When the Church speaks the mystery of the faith to outsiders, it now speaks a foreign and hateful language. This means the Church’s job is not simply to explain the Christian faith to the world. It is that, but it’s more than that.
The Church’s task, more than ever, is now to explain and interpret reality to the world. God’s reality. This will take educated, well-read ministers who understand history in a deep and meaningful way.
Not in a social media meme kinda way.
Not in a “I watch Tucker on Fox, and he’s right!” kinda way.
I mean real history. Real engagement with big ideas and big thinkers. A real sense of human history, and mistakes of the past. We’ll need pastors who understand culture. Who pay attention to what’s happening in the world and can interpret it for the Church and for the world. I’m actually thinking a graduate degree in liberal studies/humanities may be more important than a PhD.
Os Guinness has written that the West is a “cut-flower” civilization, in the sense that it’s like a withering flower ripped from the Christian worldview, slowly dying in a vase on the countertop.
Now, the West is a dead flower civilization. Now, the Church must be the institution that stands in the gap, shakes it head sadly, and patiently and winsomely explains the facts of reality to a very confused world.
Carl Trueman wrote a few days ago:
If Christians do not understand the wider context, then they will continue to underestimate the true depth of the cultural problem, be perplexed at the speed of apparent change, and be disturbed by new developments. And that will make it very hard to navigate this world as both good citizens and good stewards of the gospel.
Who is equal to this task? My goodness, who can be equal to this task? When I read the transcript of oral arguments from Bostock, I feel overwhelmed. What tortured combination of forces have combined to produce the kind of moral confusion and rebellion against God that we see in those pages? It’s too much. No one person is equipped to interpret this kind of madness for the Church.
I am more well-read than many pastors. That may be hubris, but I suspect not. I am overwhelmed by the task. I feel unequal to it. There’s so much!
The woman in Revelation 17-18 represents man in community apart from God. Like a chameleon, she’s taken many different forms over the years. But, she is organized society without God. In the West, she’s secular humanism. But, I know even as I write this that it’s not quite right. It’s a religion of sorts, but one I have trouble getting my arms around. It seems to combine a narcissism unique to this digital age, abysmal ignorance of just about everything, a “God as divine butler” theology among professing Christians, critical race theory, intersectionality, and hatred of God … all combined into one toxic casserole. I don’t know what to call it.
This is why I feel overwhelmed. I almost wish I were not so bookish, so I’d be content with memes on social media and wouldn’t appreciate the depth of the challenges that lay ahead. I do know, however, that the Lord destroys the woman in Revelation 18, and returns triumphantly in the next chapter. That’s nice!
May God help the Church in the 21st century in the West; especially its elders. Especially me.
Tyler Robbins is a bi-vocational pastor at Sleater Kinney Road Baptist Church, in Olympia WA. He also works in State government. He blogs as the Eccentric Fundamentalist.
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I appreciate this article
Wally Morris
Charity Baptist Church
Thanks, Tyler, for this helpful analysis. Yours is a well considered perspective. I think you understand the current situation very well. My only recommendation would be to resist the spirit of pessimism. Yup, its bad, really, really bad. But all according with God's perfect design and infallible control. Our God reigns! Christ shall have dominion, and we are privileged to partner with Him in what He is doing presently, and reign with Him when He brings it all to final consummation.
Just for information: University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN has recently hired Pete Buttigieg to teach at the school. A Catholic university using a practicing homosexual to teach its students.
Wally Morris
Charity Baptist Church
@Wally: As part of my program at Westminster in Philly, I needed to take 2 classes at another institution, preferably one outside the Westminster worldview, so I wound up at nearby (Catholic) Villanova for two classes. The teacher was perfectly OK with homosexual practice, homosexual marriage, etc. So were many of the students in the graduate ethics courses I took, one of whom went to Liberty undergrad and is now known as a kinda-conservative homosexual magazine writer; and an older homosexual Quaker literature teacher from NJ. My most theologically conservative counterpart in the classes was Eastern Orthodox. Catholicism is not at all unified on fundamental points of doctrine and ethics.
M. Osborne wrote:
M. Osborne wrote:
@Wally: As part of my program at Westminster in Philly, I needed to take 2 classes at another institution, preferably one outside the Westminster worldview, so I wound up at nearby (Catholic) Villanova for two classes. The teacher was perfectly OK with homosexual practice, homosexual marriage, etc. So were many of the students in the graduate ethics courses I took, one of whom went to Liberty undergrad and is now known as a kinda-conservative homosexual magazine writer; and an older homosexual Quaker literature teacher from NJ. My most theologically conservative counterpart in the classes was Eastern Orthodox. Catholicism is not at all unified on fundamental points of doctrine and ethics.
Thanks for the info. Yes, I know the Catholic inconsistency. Just giving an illustration of the problem.
Wally Morris
Charity Baptist Church
What do we expect?
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
If this is Paul's description of people who profess to be Christians "in the last days," what do you expect from people who've rejected Christianity altogether? I don't understand why conservative Christian pundits are "shocked, shocked to find that cultural disintegration is going on in here!" The modern Christian church is almost as worldly as its surrounding culture. The modern Christian church has tolerated and excused sexually immoral, pugnacious, abusive, and arrogant men as pastors. It has replaced preaching the Bible with meeting felt needs. It has stopped catechizing its children and teens and replaced biblical literacy with nerf wars and sleep overs. If most churches in America closed their doors today, there would be very little difference in society.
Face it, we are salt that has lost its savor. We're no longer seasoning the world. We're now being trampled under foot. Not until our churches become counter cultural will we begin to make an impact on our society.
But, that will take courage, faithfulness, determination, and suffering. These are qualities the modern American church knows very little about.
Education
I don't see Bostock as particularly significant, myself. But I agree that pastors need to be more broadly educated. It's not enough to be a specialist in the Scriptures and theology (though many are not even that); to be effective, pastors need to understand the times, the culture, and the legitimacy/importance/nature of all the disciplines their congregations are involved in. The reason this is so important (besides the unity of truth) is that you can't apply Scripture well to what you don't understand.
Certainly we need more believers (and pastors) educated at least basically in constitutional law... and political philosophy in general.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Aaron Blumer wrote:
Aaron Blumer wrote:
I don't see Bostock as particularly significant, myself. But I agree that pastors need to be more broadly educated. It's not enough to be a specialist in the Scriptures and theology (though many are not even that); to be effective, pastors need to understand the times, the culture, and the legitimacy/importance/nature of all the disciplines their congregations are involved in. The reason this is so important (besides the unity of truth) is that you can't apply Scripture well to what you don't understand.
Certainly we need more believers (and pastors) educated at least basically in constitutional law... and political philosophy in general.
Interesting perspective, Aaron. I don't see Paul commanding Timothy to spend time learning how to exegete the culture. I do see him commanding Timothy to spend time learning and teaching others how to exegete Scripture. Yes, we as believers are to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." But, the issue with the church and many pastors is that they've spent a lot of time exegeting the culture, but they are less skilled in exegeting the Scriptures. The best evidence for that is the dumbing down of the MDiv program in many evangelical seminaries. Many see learning and using the original languages as superfluous. "That's why we have Bible software like Logos," they remark. As a result, many pastors are not well equipped to rightly handle the Word of God. Sure, these pastors can be relevant, hip, and worldly-wise, but they can't exegete a passage of Scripture.
Simply stated, many pastors are failing at their primary task given to them by God:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Couple of thoughts
Regarding "Catholic" educational institutions, it's been a proverb among traditionalist Catholics--generally those who take the Vatican's word on birth control and abortion seriously, to draw a picture--that there is sadly little Catholicism at the historically Catholic colleges and universities. For that matter, even non-traditionalist Catholics often scratch their heads at the antics at Notre Dame and such, if my interactions with them are any indication.
Regarding the need--or lack thereof--of pastors to "exegete the culture", as Tom says, it's worth noting that Paul does at times quote the Greek philosophers and "Oral Toral" texts, and (see Acts 16) he occasionally uses Roman law quite deftly. For that matter, if pastors are indeed going to do the right thing and learn the ancient languages to a degree, that also means that they are going from time to time to be confronted with how the ancient pagans used words--Paul was after all following the culture that had given rise to Homer and the like. And then you've got the fact that from Augustine on, the history of the Church is intertwined with imperial Rome--if you're going to understand the New Testament and Church fathers in context, you've got to understand some of that.
And do the central point--that the whore of Babylon is indeed simply the spirit of our age--let's just say I'm chewing on that one. Certainly the fact that the kings of the earth prostitute themselves with her would seem to indicate that whatever she is, she's popular.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
One thing I learned from the Greeks
Bert Perry wrote:
Regarding "Catholic" educational institutions, it's been a proverb among traditionalist Catholics--generally those who take the Vatican's word on birth control and abortion seriously, to draw a picture--that there is sadly little Catholicism at the historically Catholic colleges and universities. For that matter, even non-traditionalist Catholics often scratch their heads at the antics at Notre Dame and such, if my interactions with them are any indication.
I received my MBA from the University of Dayton, a nationally ranked Marianist Catholic institution. They are full-on LGBTQ inclusive.
Regarding the need--or lack thereof--of pastors to "exegete the culture", as Tom says, it's worth noting that Paul does at times quote the Greek philosophers and "Oral Toral" texts, and (see Acts 16) he occasionally uses Roman law quite deftly. For that matter, if pastors are indeed going to do the right thing and learn the ancient languages to a degree, that also means that they are going from time to time to be confronted with how the ancient pagans used words--Paul was after all following the culture that had given rise to Homer and the like. And then you've got the fact that from Augustine on, the history of the Church is intertwined with imperial Rome--if you're going to understand the New Testament and Church fathers in context, you've got to understand some of that.
As I've mentioned a couple times in other posts, for the past year and a half I've been reading through what some consider to be the primary works of the Western literary canon. I began with Homer last January. I'm currently finishing up Plutarch's Lives and Moralia. So far I've read the major works of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Herodotus, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Menander, "Longinus," Callimachus, Theocritus, and "Aesop." Once I finish Plutarch and read Lucian, I will have completed the ancient and Hellenistic Greek authors in the canon. My goal is to read through the primary works through Dante. One thing that is glaringly obvious to me after reading these authors is that human depravity hasn't changed much in 2,600 years. The immorality, decadence, and lawlessness that are celebrated today in our society were celebrated more openly 2,600 years ago in Athens, Greece. Thus, if you want to exegete the culture, all you have to do is be a student of history and "know thyself."
Again, I'm not sure why we're surprised at the current state of our society. What I'm surprised by is the appalling lack of character, integrity, courage, faithfulness, and preparedness of men who regularly stand in our pulpits.
I almost posted my follow-up piece, "Explaining Reality to the World," on SI instead of this one. But, this other piece offers some more thoughts about understanding our culture.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
You don't have to say what is logically necessary
Interesting perspective, Aaron. I don't see Paul commanding Timothy to spend time learning how to exegete the culture. I do see him commanding Timothy to spend time learning and teaching others how to exegete Scripture. Yes, we as believers are to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." But, the issue with the church and many pastors is that they've spent a lot of time exegeting the culture, but they are less skilled in exegeting the Scriptures.
On the first part of that, 2 things: (1) unless one takes the position that biblical preaching and teaching consists only of explaining the text--and that without reference to daily experience where we live--application is part of it. And you can't apply a Scripture you understand to a situation you do not understand. This is logical necessity. The passage also does not instruct Timothy to inhale regularly... or take care of his voice. But you can't preach or teach without doing both of those.
(2) Where does it say spend time teaching others "to exegete Scripture" or, more to the point, "only to exegete Scripture"?
Both NT and OT are full of principles that are communicated with a clear expectation that they ought to be applied.
But the need to understand the culture and apply Scripture to it is pretty obvious if one does some systematic theology. And how does one obey 2 Cor. 10:5, for example, without knowledge of some "thoughts" to make "captive"? The "test all things" of 1 Thess. 5:21 can be read as applying only to prophecy (count me skeptical on that point), but Phil 1:9-10 can't be read that narrowly. A statement like "approve the things that are excellent" has no meaning without knowledge of what to apply it to.
But, the issue with the church and many pastors is that they've spent a lot of time exegeting the culture, but they are less skilled in exegeting the Scriptures.
This has not been my experience. I know it happens, but not in the circles I grew up in or have served in all my life.
Anyway, I'm not saying "neglect the Scriptures to better understand the culture." I'm saying "Understand the Scriptures and don't neglect understanding how to apply them."
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Application is a facet of meaning
T. Howard wrote:
I don't see Paul commanding Timothy to spend time learning how to exegete the culture.
Vern Poythress says that "meaning" includes sense, import / significance, and application; and the implication is that without application, you don't fully understand the meaning. Example:
Sense: Don't take what doesn't belong to you.
Significance: doctrines re: God's creation, Providence, blessing, in which the idea of "property" lives.
Application (for a farmer): Don't take your neighbor's chickens.
If a farmer agreed with "don't take what doesn't belong to you" but thought it was OK to take the neighbor's chickens, we'd say the farmer was missing something about the meaning.
Anyway...that said: Francis Schaeffer said that he observed that men graduating from seminary were great with the answers, but had no idea what the questions were. I think that's another way of saying that you don't fully grasp the meaning of Scripture itself until you can match it up with real-world applications, compare it and contrast it with alternative ideas, etc. Romans 10 came alive for me when I started sharing the gospel with Roman Catholic friends many years ago, because I saw Paul's description of Jews going about "establishing their own righteousness" played out before my eyes.
Aaron Blumer wrote:
Interesting perspective, Aaron. I don't see Paul commanding Timothy to spend time learning how to exegete the culture. I do see him commanding Timothy to spend time learning and teaching others how to exegete Scripture. Yes, we as believers are to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." But, the issue with the church and many pastors is that they've spent a lot of time exegeting the culture, but they are less skilled in exegeting the Scriptures.
On the first part of that, 2 things: (1) unless one takes the position that biblical preaching and teaching consists only of explaining the text--and that without reference to daily experience where we live--application is part of it. And you can't apply a Scripture you understand to a situation you do not understand. This is logical necessity. The passage also does not instruct Timothy to inhale regularly... or take care of his voice. But you can't preach or teach without doing both of those.
Aaron, I'm not arguing against the appropriate application of Scripture. Of course, we need to apply Scripture. Any pastor who is shepherding his people well (i.e. being involved in their lives) and understands his own human depravity should be able to appropriately apply the Scriptures in his preaching. However, what I'm arguing against is the constant drumbeat we hear for pastors to be and do everything other than preaching God's Word well. More pointedly, a pastor doesn't need to understand constitutional law or political philosophy to fulfill God's command for him to rightly handle the word of truth and to preach the Word. A pastor doesn't need to spend time studying the latest agricultural trends and methodologies to be able to apply God's Word to the farmers in his congregation. Etc. Our church leaders and congregants have lost their savor not because they aren't relevant but because they aren't holy and because they don't understand God's Word (Hosea 4:6).
(2) Where does it say spend time teaching others "to exegete Scripture" or, more to the point, "only to exegete Scripture"?
Both NT and OT are full of principles that are communicated with a clear expectation that they ought to be applied.
But the need to understand the culture and apply Scripture to it is pretty obvious if one does some systematic theology. And how does one obey 2 Cor. 10:5, for example, without knowledge of some "thoughts" to make "captive"? The "test all things" of 1 Thess. 5:21 can be read as applying only to prophecy (count me skeptical on that point), but Phil 1:9-10 can't be read that narrowly. A statement like "approve the things that are excellent" has no meaning without knowledge of what to apply it to.
Again, I'm not arguing against appropriate application of Scripture. To answer your question though, 2 Timothy 2:1-2, is Paul's command to Timothy to pass on what he has learned from Paul. What did Timothy learn from Paul? How to rightly understand and proclaim what the Scriptures teach, particularly as it relates to the person and work of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
But, the issue with the church and many pastors is that they've spent a lot of time exegeting the culture, but they are less skilled in exegeting the Scriptures.
This has not been my experience. I know it happens, but not in the circles I grew up in or have served in all my life.
Anyway, I'm not saying "neglect the Scriptures to better understand the culture." I'm saying "Understand the Scriptures and don't neglect understanding how to apply them."
My comments are regarding the broader evangelical landscape, even the conservative evangelical landscape. There is always a pull for churches to be "more relevant" and to meet felt needs. What that usually results in is a deemphasis on the preaching and teaching of God's Word as well as a dumbing down of biblical literacy among our people.
M. Osborne wrote:
Anyway...that said: Francis Schaeffer said that he observed that men graduating from seminary were great with the answers, but had no idea what the questions were. I think that's another way of saying that you don't fully grasp the meaning of Scripture itself until you can match it up with real-world applications, compare it and contrast it with alternative ideas, etc.
And, how did all of Schaeffer's philosophizing help him apply Scripture to how he led his family?
We might wonder whether Schaeffer's problem was philosophy, or whether it was celebrity drawing him away from what was most important. I lean towards the latter--big responsibilities with a lot of people leading people to fail in what's most important. I see it with a fair number of pastor's kids.
Back to the topic of the ancients and philosophy, though, while I'm way behind Tom in terms of what I've read--I've got Homer's big works in translation, Aesop, and a smattering of other works--I agree with what he says about human nature/sin not changing terribly much, but I'd add that if we want to understand history (and hence the Scriptures), it sure helps to understand a bit of what the ancients did and thought.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
Schaeffer: knowing better versus doing better
T. Howard wrote:
And, how did all of Schaeffer's philosophizing help him apply Scripture to how he led his family?
I'd say the gap between knowing better and doing better is a different kind of gap altogether; and that theology, biblical exegesis, and philosophy can all fall into the "knowing better" bucket when there's still a hole in the "doing better" bucket. I'd also say that the gap between knowing better and doing better is something that the local church is better equipped to address; public discussions can generally address public writings and on-paper statments, and don't have good access to day-to-day decisions. So I'm aware of the problems with Schaeffer that you're talking about, and I can make general guesses about the problem (like Bert did), but can't get closer than that.
Bert Perry wrote: Back to the
Bert Perry wrote:
Back to the topic of the ancients and philosophy, though, while I'm way behind Tom in terms of what I've read--I've got Homer's big works in translation, Aesop, and a smattering of other works--I agree with what he says about human nature/sin not changing terribly much, but I'd add that if we want to understand history (and hence the Scriptures), it sure helps to understand a bit of what the ancients did and thought.
Bert, I agree it's helpful to understand what the ancients did and thought because that is the cultural / historical milieu of the New Testament as well as the foundation of our Western civilization. As I've been reading through the ancient and Hellenistic Greeks, I've noted many times various passages that provide helpful context to what we read in our Old or New Testaments. For example, Herodotus is a gold mine for understanding the cultural / historical context behind much of the exhilic and post-exhilic OT prophets. Plutarch provides fascinating details and the broader cultural / historical context of the intertestimental period up through the first century AD. He was in his 20s when Paul was writing his epistles.
Now, must a pastor read and be conversant with all these ancient and Hellenistic Greek authors in order to be a good pastor or preacher? No. Most pastors wouldn't have time to read through them all in addition to being conversant in constitutional law, political philosophy, horticulture, agriculture, etc. etc. as Aaron has suggested they should be.
M. Osborne wrote:
M. Osborne wrote:
I'd say the gap between knowing better and doing better is a different kind of gap altogether; and that theology, biblical exegesis, and philosophy can all fall into the "knowing better" bucket when there's still a hole in the "doing better" bucket.
I agree with this. The "knowing better" bucket is still quite useful as Jesus stated in Matthew 23:1-3:
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice."
Just as the Pharisees knew what to do without doing it, and the Jews in Jesus' day could learn from them, we can still learn from people like Schaeffer even if they didn't always properly apply what they knew.
Less about Schaeffer, More about Scripture
Brothers, my point in bringing up Schaeffer's family issues is not to disparage the man or his legacy. My point is that all his philosophy and cultural understanding did not make him a better parent. In other words, he didn't need to deeply understand philosophy and the surrounding culture to simply apply and obey what God's Word says about leading his family well.
I believe the same principle is true for pastors. Sometimes we make things more complicated than they need to be. Aaron writes, "to be effective, pastors need to understand the times, the culture, and the legitimacy/importance/nature of all the disciplines [emphasis mine] their congregations are involved in." Do you understand how exhausting and impossible this task would be for the average pastor? It's like we've become gnostics in the belief that Scripture alone is not enough to address our and our congregation's problems. No, to be effective pastors, we need to be able to understand all the disciplines our congregation is involved in and then find a way to make the Bible relevant to these disciplines.
Really?
Brothers, just preach the Word. Spend your time learning to live out and rightly handle God's Word, and in so doing, the Holy Spirit will unleash the power of God's Word in the hearts and lives of your congregation.
Paul wrote:
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Liberal arts education
However, what I'm arguing against is the constant drumbeat we hear for pastors to be and do everything other than preaching God's Word well. More pointedly, a pastor doesn't need to understand constitutional law or political philosophy to fulfill God's command for him to rightly handle the word of truth and to preach the Word.
Again, this has not been my experience. The generalization here is that there is an emphasis problem somewhere. Where? There has been more of an anti-intellectualism and insularity problem in the orbit I've been in all my life... which is not mainstream evangelicalism. It's been biblical fundamentalism and conservative evangelicalism.
Aaron writes, "to be effective, pastors need to understand the times, the culture, and the legitimacy/importance/nature of all the disciplines [emphasis mine] their congregations are involved in." Do you understand how exhausting and impossible this task would be for the average pastor? It's like we've become gnostics in the belief that Scripture alone is not enough to address our and our congregation's problems.
It's called a liberal arts education; it's nothing new, and it's not all that hard. Christian pastors did it for centuries, and many still do, fortunately. But for various reasons, we decided at some point (Romanticism+Modernism?) that pastors only needed to (a) have their hearts right and (b) be specialists in preaching Scripture.
And gnosticism was all about secret knowledge, not about knowing your world and bringing Scripture to bear on on all of life.
Paul doesn't indicate that he approached every congregation the way he did Corinth. Cf. Acts 17, for example, and his rhetorical methods in Acts 18:4 & 19.
He is referring here mostly to classical rhetoric. He had those skills but didn't want to use them in Corinth... probably because he understood the culture in Corinth.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
T Howard wrote:
T Howard wrote:
Brothers, my point in bringing up Schaeffer's family issues is not to disparage the man or his legacy. My point is that all his philosophy and cultural understanding did not make him a better parent. In other words, he didn't need to deeply understand philosophy and the surrounding culture to simply apply and obey what God's Word says about leading his family well.
The Bible also tells us to "get wisdom." This is all over the Proverbs, but notably in 4:5 and 4:7. Now, you could easily ask about Solomon (the wisest man): did his wisdom help him become a better family man? Not completely, given his issues with wives/concubines, and how his son turned out. You would also be on solid ground questioning if wisdom made him a better king or person. Certainly in some areas, but it's clear he had major failings there as well. So what should we conclude? Wisdom is useless? I think it's clear that wisdom itself does not lead to salvation, but it will certainly help us as part of our sanctification to become better Christians.
That leads to the following question: does all wisdom need to come directly from scripture? It certainly begins there, but I think you'd have a hard time arguing that we need no wisdom that doesn't come from the scriptures. Even if wisdom, knowledge and understanding do not in any way come before or replace the scriptures, it's also clear that we need them as the Bible tells us we should seek them. As Aaron already pointed out, it's anti-intellectualism that has been prevalent in fundamental circles. Please preserve me from the "pastor" who eschews any higher education and tells us that the Bible is all he needs to lead a congregation. I will in no way despise those who do all they can with what they have, even when it isn't much. However, not taking advantage of learning because it is "not necessary" is almost criminal in a Christian leader. While God chose to use unlearned fishermen like Peter, James, and John, just as much as he used someone like Paul, he also gave them 3 years of training at the feet of his Son.
Understanding culture is apologetics. It's knowing who the enemy is, so you can contextualize the Gospel appropriately. John understood the proto-gnostics. Augustine understood Pelagius. He also understood his contemporary culture (City of God). Irenaeus understood gnosticism and wrote about it.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
Aaron wrote:
...To be effective, pastors need to understand the times, the culture, and the legitimacy/importance/nature of all the disciplines [emphasis mine] their congregations are involved in.
Aaron qualifies this statement later by adding,
Aaron wrote:
It's called a liberal arts education; it's nothing new, and it's not all that hard.
Aaron, if that is all you mean by saying a pastor needs to understand all the disciplines represented in their congregation, then I would agree that a liberal arts education can be tremendously helpful. However, I enjoyed a liberal arts education (BA in English) along with an MBA and an MDiv, and I can't claim to understand all the disciplines represented in our congregation of over 300+ adults. Maybe I just need to check out some books from the library regarding computer coding, plumbing, real estate investing, human anatomy, pharmacology, firefighting, physics, engineering, piloting a corporate jet, etc. But, I don't think that will make me a more effective pastor / elder.
Per Aaron's and Dave's comments, I agree that we should not promote anti-intellectualism in our pulpits. Yes, we should seek (and apply) wisdom filtered through the lens of Scripture. But, based on my experience, anti-intellectualism hinders a pastor's understanding of Scripture more than his understanding of his culture. In other words, the anti-intellectual pastor will not learn or study the original languages. He cannot not read and interact with exegetical commentaries. He cannot exegete Scripture properly but often spiritualizes or allegorizes the text. He's fine with his four main tools: his Bible, J Vernon McGee, Matthew Henry, and maybe a Strong's Concordance. That, my friends, is more troubling to me than his unfamiliarity with critical race theory or intersectionality.
That being said, I agree with my friend Tyler that we need to understand our culture. My only pushback is that if we're actually obeying Scripture by living in our culture and engaging our culture on a regular basis, we'll already have a good understanding of our culture. We shouldn't need to take a sociology class at our local community college to understand our neighbor or be a more effective pastor. Now, if the pastor rarely interacts with his unsaved neighbors and only spends time around believers and watching Fox News, I can understand the cultural disconnect that Tyler is trying to solve.
Tom, one thing that comes to mind regarding a liberal arts education is that there are at least two definitions. First, you've got the classical definition; grammar (especially Latin or Greek), dialectic/logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, music. You can quibble on some of the tools--whether dialectic ought to remain with Aristotle, or whether modern innovations ought to be taught as well, whether Latin or other languages ought to be used, and the like--but the basic idea wasn't that one understood a wide variety of subjects, but rather that one could, if one desired, approach any subject with the tools provided.
Next, you've got the modern definition, which can be phrased as either "a bit of this and a bit of that", or even "subjects not clearly in the sciences, engineering, medicine, or other professions." You were taught, most likely, predominantly along the lines of the modern definition, as was I.
Aaron, on the flip side, is arguing, I believe, more for the classical definition, and if indeed the seven liberal arts do teach a man how to think on any subject, we ought to find that all else the same, the classically trained pastor will far outshine the one who is not.
Granted, you've got all kinds of things that can go this way and that in the equation; some men tend to achieve classical education without ever opening their Latin or logic, others get through Henle and cannot argue their way out of a cardboard box. No doubt. But that noted, it's generally helpful.
(side note; sometimes I think it is a tall order to expect many fundagelical pastors to read and apply Matthew Henry....)
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
I just saw today that SBTS offers a PhD in Christian Philosophy. Now that's a degree that looks intriguing ... !
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
In Tyler's linked article, he provides a list of challenges in how to explain reality to the world.
The first challenge, he says, is providing the world with a redemptive historical framework. The second challenge is helping the world view reality through a covenantal context. The third challenge is to understand how the world views reality (i.e. know thine enemy) compared and contrasted to how Scripture describes reality (i.e. theology). The fourth challenge is cultivating the desire and ability to do primary research regarding ever evolving cultural phenomena and movements. The fifth challenge is remaining committed and faithful to this task despite opposition.
In addition to Tyler's challenges, I would add finding time to do the primary research while still maintaining a full shepherding / preaching / teaching schedule. It may not be a lack of willingness or ability in the pastor, but an issue of prioritization. That is why you rely on trusted teachers and thought leaders who have already done the primary research and formed considered opinions on these issues instead of enrolling in a community college sociology class yourself. You just don't have the time to do so with all your other responsibilities.
So, in this situation, I believe it's best for the pastor to prioritize his study of the Scriptures instead reading sociology textbooks or reading primary literature on critical race theory.
Thoughts?
Long post... I hope readers can be patient and wade through it. I'm not claiming genius here but hoping to be better understood.
However, I enjoyed a liberal arts education (BA in English) along with an MBA and an MDiv, and I can't claim to understand all the disciplines represented in our congregation of over 300+ adults. Maybe I just need to check out some books from the library regarding computer coding, plumbing, real estate investing,
I think I haven't been very clear.
By "understand" and "disciplines" I don't mean "comprehensive knowledge" and "vocations."
What I see as frequently missing in fundamentalist-heritage education, integration of the fields of knowledge. I still don't know if the biblical counseling movement contributed to or simply surfed on the wave of anti-integrationism, but I do know that there has been a lot of antipathy toward developing and learning how to fit all the forms of study and life-work that don't fit under what we usually think of as "ministry" together with sound biblical theology.
In my days at BJU, there was a lot of energy going into the concept of liberal arts education, and on the whole, it did OK. But the "preacher boys" as they were called back then, were not educated the same way as the rest of the majors. In my own case, it wasn't clear to me if school teaching or pastoral ministry was where my path should go, so I majored in Bible Education. It was a hybrid degree, a mashup from the School of Education and the School of Religion, almost a double major. What it did for me was expose me to a much broader education than I would have gotten as a Bible Major. So I attended most of what all the "preacher boys" attended, but also most of what the education majors attended.
I didn't know at the time how much I would appreciate that later in life!
A huge factor for me, from a worldview development standpoint, was all the School of Education work in Christian philosophy of education, much of which involved integrating academic studies like science, history, math, the arts into Christian theology. I'd already been reading Schaeffer and Lewis and others in high school, but this area of study was like an intellectual revolution for me... several times over. Then seminary deepened, expanded, and tweaked (and regrettably, on some points, reversed--temporarily) parts of that.
Anyway, absolutely every college level student preparing for ministry should study how math, science, the arts, history, etc. all fit into a Christian worldview and the importance of all these areas of study and work in Christian living. They should all get philosophy of education, because it forces you to think through components of worldview you'd otherwise very easily never get around to thinking about.
Another major formative component of that degree work at BJU was the emphasis on life-long learning as broadly as possible. Maybe it was more taught than caught. I don't know. But we need ministry leaders that take an interest in so much more than their preaching. The result, at least potentially, is far better informed preaching.
In this day and age they also need a couple semesters of ethics and civics/political philosophy, which ought to include the basics of what the first amendment means.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
THoward, I'm responding to
THoward, I'm responding to your posts from the past few days, not your post today. I will eventually catch up. As much as I agree that preacher’s main job is to preach the word, I am very concerned by the lack of knowledge or tools about the cultural shifts and socio-political thoughts by fundamentalists and conservative evangelicals. Even a person as spirit-led, godly, educated, doctrinally correct, and influential as Dr. Voddie Baucham can wrongly misapply God’s truth to the culture.
Voddie Baucham's video about "Cultural Marxism" proves my point. He rightly realizes that the underlying foundations of critical theory, critical race theory, intersectionality, and etc...what people refer to as Cultural Marxism is anti-Biblical, but because he lacks knowledge and the tools to work through political philosophy, it leads him to falsely label certain people of Cultural Marxism, including President Obama. What's even more ironic is that Voddie rightly warns his audience not to assume that Christians who believe in Social Justice and Systemic Racism are espousing Cultural Marxism, but he still misapplies cultural Marxism with his example of Obama.
From Obama’s books, speeches, and philosophy of governing, its much easier to prove that Obama was a Christian Realist, attempting to apply Reinhold Niehbur's political and social thinking (which was influenced by Neo-Orthodox Theology) in his governing. We see this time and time again with him, whether it be Obama referencing Niebuhr's two-fold test of toleration at the 2011 National Prayer Breakfast or structuring his Nobel Prize speech around Niebuhr's consideration of the problem of Christian realism in foreign policy or even when he unveiled his stimulus package, Obama placed the entire work in a context of Niebuhr’s Christian realism. This should not surprise us because, on many many occasions, Obama told the world who his favorite philosopher was (Reinhold Niebuhr) Yet populist talking head media conservatives that are not well-versed in political philosophy chose attempted to link him to Jeremiah Wright, to Saul Alinsky, or any other radical Marxist or Anarchist in order to create a false strawman to crush. Voddie demonstrated his shallow understanding of political philosophy when he also joined the chorus of conservative populism in attempting to frame Obama’s political thought as cultural Marxism.
This does not mean that Obama was basing his political philosophy on a foundational Christian Worldview. From my readings on Christian Realism (mainly through the eyes of Carl Henry), Christian Realism minimizes individual sin in favor of the corporate nature of sin and primarily relies on the state to keep the corruption within the current systems in check. Also, because Niebuhr’s Christian realism was not based on Revelation but rather emphasized mystery, paradox, and the dialectical, Henry attacked Niebuhr’s dialectical approach as a “playground of paradox and mysticism, but not of clear concepts.” Therefore, Christian realism will often allow secular pragmatism to shape its political philosophy and political aims with unholy legislative coercion rather than the certainty of Revelation and Natural Law that an evangelical Socio-political philosophy should be based on. So while Obama’s foundational political philosophy was not shaped by cultural Marxism, his Christian realism was potentially just as dangerous.
There is a difference between Obama’s Christian realism and those who are more in the Cultural Marxism camp that is looking to dismantle the corrupt systems of oppression (such as dismantling police departments, or replace free-market capitalism with government-controlled socialism, or disrupt the nuclear family, and etc….). Dr. Henry wrote significantly against those who advocated for social change through a revolutionary and liberation socio-political philosophy. He would place those pushing a cultural Marxism agenda in the Revolutionary socio-political action category. For Further Reading of Henry on the different strategies of social change, check out, “Aspects of Christian Social Ethics" and "A Plea for Evangelical Demonstration.” If you want to go deeper into how He dealt with Liberation Theology and other Marxist-Influenced Ideologies, read “God, Revelation, and Authority," Vol 4, Thesis 14 (chapters 23-25). By the way, Henry labeled what he felt was the most Biblical view of social change as "Regeneration."
This is my main beef with the Founders Groups, groups associated with them and pastors who go to their conferences and rail against social justice, critical race theory, and etc... They rightly realize the secular onslaught of sociological and anthropological ideologies are anti-Biblical and anti-Christian, but because they aren’t well-versed in these disciplines and because they’ve ignored the discipline of Christian social ethics (especially the books and articles from the architect of 20th-century evangelicalism, Dr. Carl Henry), they frequently accuse the wrong people of the wrong ideology. For instance, I've seen multiple people such as John MacArthur accuse Dr. Anthony Bradley of espousing Critical Race Theory, Cultural Marxism, and etc... But if they read Bradley deeper, they'd see he is influenced by his Kuyperian Neo-Calvinist Theology and the socio-political thought of Christian Personalism. There are things to critique him from, but it definitely isn't cultural Marxism, CRT, and etc....
Even though Henry's work is dated, my opinion is that reading Henry would give some assistance to pastors to “explain and interpret reality to the world. God’s reality” as Tyler states.
Baucham as Pastor or Baucham as Cultural Critic?
Joel Shaffer wrote:
THoward, I'm responding to your posts from the past few days, not your post today. I will eventually catch up. As much as I agree that preacher’s main job is to preach the word, I am very concerned by the lack of knowledge or tools about the cultural shifts and socio-political thoughts by fundamentalists and conservative evangelicals. Even a person as spirit-led, godly, educated, doctrinally correct, and influential as Dr. Voddie Baucham can wrongly misapply God’s truth to the culture.
Joel, your beef with Baucham is basically that he identified Obama as a social marxist instead of as a Christian Realist? You believe he can properly identify, enumerate, and warn his congregation about the dangers of social marxism, but he mistakenly links that philosophy with Obama and others because he's not nuanced enough in his understanding of political philosophy? In the mean time, he is faithfully preaching the Word and fulfilling his God-ordained role to shepherd his people?
Brother, I think you're expecting too much from Baucham as a pastor. Now, perhaps because he is a public figure within conservative evangelicalism speaking out on this issue, he should be more careful and nuanced in his understanding of political philosophy. I give you that. But, as a pastor, he's doing what God has commanded him to do. In other words, God is not going to hold Baucham accountable as a pastor for his lack of nuance and understanding of political philosophy. He won't hold any of us accountable for that.
Please understand, I'm not advocating anti-intellectualism when I say these things. Nor am I saying a liberal arts education isn't helpful. All I'm saying is that the pastor needs to focus on the main thing, and that's not spending time reading sociology textbooks, understanding the nuances of political philosophy, or learning how to fly a commercial jet. This is especially true when many pastors are already deficient in their ability to understand and exegete Scripture because their theological education was deficient.
So, yes, I agree. A "both and" situation would be ideal. However, in reality, a pastor has to prioritize his time, energy, and focus. My point is his priority should be on preaching the Word and shepherding his people.
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By Diane Chase Please be careful whether you are celebrating New Year's Eve with family, friends or a huge group of people. Here are taxi and cab services for your convenience. Remember to always take a taxi* or ask a friend to be a designated driver if you are drinking, no matter how little you feel the amount is that you've consumed! Be careful, be safe and have a Happy 2011.
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Diane has over 25 years of marketing and writing experience ranging from grant writer to news reporter. She has written for newspapers and magazines as well as for marketing and advertising agencies. Diane has written a weekly newspaper column called Family Time for over 15 years where she explores healthy Adirondack activities. She has worked for the NYT Magazine Group, Miller Sports Group, and Bonnier Corp w/ Cruising World and Sailing World magazines. Her various experiences include writing, editing, copywriting, and marketing solutions for businesses.
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It’s essential to make certain that your insurance plan has a home damages coverage to safeguard you inside the event of the crash. The protection will protect the damages that you simply lead to to somebody else’s motor vehicle, which incorporates repairs. This coverage also addresses the price of cleaning the debris remaining driving by an accident. 3 figures make up residence coverage. This features bodily personal injury insurance coverage per accident, and Assets Harm protection for each harm. The higher limitations deliver more coverage. It is best to cautiously browse your policy and consult with with all your agent about any limitations or exclusions.
Big apple offers uninsured motorist insurance. That is when the driver that’s at fault is just not insured to buy the fees of your collision. The coverage is accessible when another driver is not acknowledged plus the incident is successful and run. The Insurance coverage Law SS 5217 stipulates that uninsured motorist protection be acquired For each physical collision. Nevertheless, courts have deemed this regulation being only relevant to Bodily collisions.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages are optional in certain states, on the other hand in Other individuals, you needs to have them both. In the event of emergencies, you are able to buy both equally insurances. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for repairs if the motorist is just not insured. This coverage is optional nonetheless it can be useful to get covered with the minimal legal responsibility.
Discounts on car insurance policy is usually a terrific way to Minimize expenditures whilst remaining green. A lot of new cars and trucks come with security functions for example anti-lock brakes and airbags which will cut down your price of insurance coverage. Security measures for instance alarms against theft and daytime running gentle could also give special discounts. To get a duration of twelve months, your the be concerned of paying your top quality could be removed by paying out your premium every year in full. Approximately 50 % of all insurance policies companies provide such a price cut.
You might also have the capacity to receive special discounts In case the plan you might have had in result for a few years. These special discounts may vary based the amount of time you’ve been Using the coverage. However there are many corporations which offer bargains to faithful shoppers. Reductions as higher as 15% may be readily available In case your coverage is obtained at the very least seven days prior to the renewal date. Many corporations supply reductions for particular occupations, In combination with these lower price delivers. Instructors can save ten% on their own Liberty Mutual rates. Geico delivers military services users a fifteen% discounted
Automobile Insurance coverage Low-cost Quotations For Youthful Drivers
You’re a youthful driver in search of inexpensive vehicle insurance policy. If you’d like to save on car insurance, Here are a few solutions: Increasing your deductible, obtaining a no-claims low cost, and finding a policy via an insurance company in your location. These guidelines could help you save you loads of bucks yearly on your vehicle insurance policies. Additionally they assist you to get the most effective rates you may get. Keep reading to determine more. You’ll be happy you did!
A young driver could possibly get lower-Value auto insurance
Younger drivers can lower their automobile coverage charges by currently being Risk-free whilst driving, reducing the mileage they journey and permitting the insurance company to observe their driving routines. You may as well lower your coverage costs by comparing. It is essential to buy close to for vehicle insurance coverage. Numerous insurers charge greater costs to youthful motorists. There are lots of on-line resources that help you Evaluate charges and enable it to be basic. Furthermore, you’ll be able to ask for a reduction Should you have numerous vehicles that are insured by the same enterprise.
If you’re you are searhing for a policy ensure you Examine quite a few quotes and pick the most effective worth and top quality. Also, you could search for an insurance plan agent who can adapt to your requirements and help you modify your plan as your driving record alterations. You’ll want to look at policies that provide comparable coverages, since the variations in deductibles could be substantial. You need to have plenty of defense in case you are a brand new driver.
Conserving cash on the insurance policies premiums can be done if you will get an insurance discount that does not have to have claims on the automobile insurance. It can be worth inquiring the insurer how to do it. The lower price might be really worth as much as 30% immediately after one calendar year or as superior as sixty five per cent in the subsequent 5 years. All of it depends on which insurance provider you select. Should you be involved in an accident, You will be struggling to claim a two-year no-claim reward. Various statements can also do away with your no-promises bonus. It is crucial to notify your insurance provider promptly should you be hurt in an accident. If this isn’t done, subsequent statements could possibly be denied.
Nearly all insurers present no-promises lower price defense for any price of roughly PS25. You can easily make a particular quantity of claims for each calendar yr, without stressing about rates going up. When you’ve got a No Promises Reward it is possible to include it in your new policy. If you wish, You can even transfer your no-claims low cost from a single insurance company to a different. Switching vendors each year is a terrific way to preserve the no-claims lower price.
When seeking a affordable car insurance plan quote, boosting your deductibles is a wonderful way to get reduced premiums. Some estimates say you can save concerning fifteen-thirty percent off the price of your insurance plan by rising your deductibles. The price savings you can get will rely upon your driving document and the type of automobile you travel and state laws. You could lessen the expense of your yearly insurance coverage by increasing the deductibles you fork out which could lower your top quality by to as much as 40%.
When boosting your deductible might not be the ideal decision for everyone, it may help you help save countless numbers in excess of the extensive-term. Gurus propose saving up to 2 months of residing costs. This will decrease the expense of insurance plan you pay out every month. You will also help save an unlimited sum of money in the event you ever really have to file a assert.
Receive a policy with all your regional insurance provider
Motorists with terrible credit rating rankings may uncover it beneficial to have a plan by having an insurer that is certainly regional. It will eventually save you funds each month in your month to month insurance policies Invoice, and you’ll get pleasure from discount rates and Outstanding customer care. Obtaining a coverage with regional insurance coverage is obtainable throughout all fifty states and It’s also possible to Look at charges throughout states to find the bottom costs. It’s essential to note that it could take a few months to improve your credit score rating, and a few drivers with a lousy credit score rating could finish up having to pay about $four hundred a year.
Erie Coverage provides affordable auto insurance coverage. The business is situated in Pennsylvania and has long been in operation because 1925. Erie delivers vehicle coverage, together with existence and house insurance policy. Erie is not able to provide coverage across all states. It provides over thirteen,000 impartial brokers through the United States. It is possible to choose from an agent or an insurance company which is regional depending on your requirements. It is crucial to check the high-quality print prior to deciding to make an financial investment.
5 Aspects You’ll want to Get into account when comparing Car Insurance policy offers
If you are substantial-hazard driver, you should examine quotes for car coverage and discover The most affordable coverage for your requirements. Look into the number of protection you can get inside your location to determine if It truly is attainable to acquire a lower cost. An increased deductible or lower hazard could indicate it really is cheaper to acquire a lot more protection. All is dependent on the coverage you need. There are a variety of selections available to you.
Most economical motor vehicle insurance for prime-threat drivers
If You are looking for the lowest insurance quote for top-hazard drivers, Then you definately’ve come to the proper place. It only requires two mouse clicks to discover one particular. Yow will discover numerous types of coverage rates online that’s more affordable than the cost of standard automobile insurance coverage. Don’t just that, nevertheless it may make the whole process of signing to invest in coverage Considerably more simple. You simply should complete a web based sort and pay your quality. You can expect to get a certificate with the insurance company to confirm evidence of one’s insurance protection. At the time that is finished, you can start driving utilizing your coverage policy.
Insurance companies may well think you’re a superior threat driver if you have a nasty credit heritage. It is because you usually tend to be able to make an insurance plan assert than the usual driver with excellent credit. Credit history rating is often a Think about how insurance policy corporations perspective you, plus a past DUI/DWI will raise your Expense by around sixty five%. This amounts to a rise of $677 for the coverage of six months. An additional thing that insurance plan organizations take into account is your driving document. A DUI/DWI could improve your high quality by up to $174. Also the expense of a dashing ticket could include up close to 45%.
An DUI conviction in the historical past could aid you in choosing the most reasonably priced insurance provider. Condition Farm, American Spouse and children, Progressive and Some others present cost-effective premiums for top-hazard motorists. Your credit rating rating is taken into account when determining your quality. These components are considered by insurance policy companies in identifying the quantity you can be needed to fork out for your insurance coverage. It is feasible to own your insurance premiums go up if you have very poor credit rating. Before you make a choice, it is crucial to assess your credit rating.
By far the most inexpensive vehicle insurance plan for drivers
There are a variety of factors to just take into account When picking The most affordable auto coverage for younger motorists. Your marital status and your age may have a big influence on the price of your insurance policies. Your high quality could also rely upon the type of car you use. It is more expensive to cover higher-effectiveness autos as compared with reduced-overall performance autos. To seek out the bottom Expense motor vehicle insurance coverage, younger motorists should seek out autos with quite a few protection characteristics.
A terrific way to reduced the price of motor vehicle coverage for motorists who are younger is usually to decreased the protection you will need. There are several insurers that supply discounts for college students or drivers who’re learning to generate. From the occasion of a mishap, you may incur enormous charges by lessening your protection. It is best to weigh all the potential dangers and obtain greater value.
Teenagers generally have hassle acquiring low-cost auto insurance policy. While the cost of coverage for drivers who are 16 yrs old is way greater than that of Grown ups, the cost could possibly be minimized by introducing a teen to an existing insurance coverage policy. Despite the fact that this selection will increase fees a mean of $1461 every year, it is often less costly than acquiring a separate plan. Watch out for specials and also other methods to avoid wasting Should your driver age isn’t nevertheless old.
Least expensive car insurance plan for minimal-chance motorists
The expense of automobile insurance coverage may differ extensively depending on your profile, which can signify that you need to store close to for the cheapest coverage for low-risk motorists. When selecting the correct insurance policies strategy for your preferences, insurance policy corporations look at a number of features, together with your driving file, demographics, threat level and danger General. Listed here are the five most important issues you should be aware about when evaluating costs. Remember that low insurance coverage prices usually do not always imply significantly less high quality.
To begin with, take into account your zip code. The costs is going to be larger for those living in large-crime locations. Insurance plan firms also look at visitors volume. Make certain that you do not have any incidents or promises with your file, as these will raise your fees. To make sure you don’t overpay you ought to compare your premiums each and every 6-months. When you have several policies Using the very same insurers, you need to take into account discounts for several procedures.
Whilst credit score scores aren’t lawfully used in sure states by insurance providers, they can nevertheless be sizeable when evaluating fees from car insurers. Motorists with poor credit score in Hawaii will likely be charged 168% fewer than those who are comparable to clear drivers. In Massachusetts, superior-chance drivers spend thirty % more than drivers with thoroughly clean credit. New drivers usually tend to be charged greater costs for rushing tickets, DUIs and bad credit. Get many quotations before making a motivation.
Car Insurance coverage Around Me: Factors that Affect the cost of Vehicle Insurance coverage
Insurance policy expenditures are impacted by where you reside. For those who reside in an area that has an too much number of crime and substantial premiums of incidents, you could hope to generally be billed greater premiums for getting insurance quotations. Things like the volume of targeted visitors and heritage of accidents may additionally boost insurance plan prices. A lot of insurance policy companies look at the driver’s file when figuring out exactly how much to demand for his or her coverage. Typically, drivers by using a poor driving history are billed additional above those who have a clean up driving report.
The cost of insurance policy for cars
Because of the soaring expenses of healthcare Automobile insurance policy prices have risen $fifty-100 concerning 2005 and 2010. The drivers are needed to have uninsured and PIP insurance, which might be earlier mentioned-normal needs of the point out. New York, not like other states, needs that motorists have each liability and PIP insurance policy. These optional coverages might raise the cost of coverage and could bring about higher rates. Furthermore, motorists should check the boundaries in their protection. Specified insurance policies offer a lessen minimum level of protection than other policies.
The common New Yorker spends 2.eight % of their earnings on insurance plan for his or her vehicle. That is slightly more than the common countrywide figure of two.forty%. Persons of their 30s, 40s, and 50s will pay marginally lower than the countrywide regular. Rates for drivers over 70 several years aged are higher than drivers that have a lot less driving knowledge. Married folks will likely be billed marginally far more, but nevertheless below singles.
Along with reduce prices drivers may also be ready to enroll in defensive driving courses. These courses previous 320 moment and discuss driver Perspective together with targeted traffic rules. They also instruct defensive driving abilities which might substantially reduced the price of insurance coverage. A system might help boost your driving document and lower the expense of auto insurance coverage. The Coverage Data Institute can help you make a decision on the quantity of quantity of protection you require.
Vehicle insurance plan is dear in other states
Fuel rates will vary in between states. next, but auto insurance quotations in states besides yours may very well be dearer or cheaper than yours. This could result from many different reasons, such as the state insurance laws and theft fees, the percentage of motorists who will be not insured, the level of theft or The proportion of drivers that are not insured. Insurance policies charges is impacted because of the severity of your temperature. Here is a table which exhibits the standard car insurance coverage rates for different states. These estimates are according to comparisons of insurance coverage needs in Every single state.
Missouri is among the most affordable condition for insurance policies coverage that is certainly entire-coverage. The value is $944 decreased than Louisiana. Additionally, it has the bottom for every capita expenditures and ranks fifth in the expense of residing. Texas motorists shell out 33% in their earnings on vehicle coverage. This can be owing partially to your superior amount of motorists in Texas that are not insured and the many lawsuits.
The average Value for whole coverage auto insurance plan is $1771 on a yearly basis. Louisiana has the best insurance top quality of $two,839. This signifies a 19% increase above 2020. The typical insurance policy premium in Maine is $858. This is due to states which have no-fault insurance policy have greater average premiums for coverage. The expense of an auto insurance policies coverage in several states may differ tremendously. Choose into account all facets, including the guidelines of your respective point out on coverage.
The cost of superior-possibility driver’s auto insurance coverage
If you’re trying to find substantial-risk driver insurance policy for your automobile close to me, you may be thinking about how to acquire a an affordable policy. Substantial-chance drivers shell out a lot more insurance plan rates than average drivers. Because They are extra prone to be described as a sufferer of accidents and violations superior-threat motorists pay back extra insurance plan rates. Based on your state, it may be as many as five years. In certain circumstances, you can get discounts if you’re taking an instructor-led driver basic safety class.
Even though the nationwide averages of high-hazard driver automobile coverage in my region are quite uniform, you may recognize that the prices differ drastically from one particular state or an other. The fees of providers are altered in accordance Using the point out they’re positioned in. That means that when you reside in a special point out, one particular insurer could give you by far the most coverage and least expensive selling price. Point out Farm has the bottom superior-chance driver insurance policy in my area. The organization has an extended historical past of furnishing exceptional service.
To discover substantial possibility driver motor vehicle insurance in the vicinity of you just enter your zip code. Consider offers. Though substantial-risk protection for insurance plan on autos is often priced in another way in several states on the other hand, nearly all of main insurers will give it. Countrywide Common, for instance is usually a organization which makes a speciality of superior-possibility coverage. If you have superior grades or Use a lower risk of driving it can be done to receive an insurance policy policy which is cheaper.
Comparing vehicle insurance policies companies delivers several benefits
Evaluating automobile insurers has numerous benefits. We’ll be discussing essentially the most crucial areas, including rankings and savings together with customer support. You need to discover the most fitted coverage on your security. So get the perfect time to go through the insurance policies provided by various organizations. This informative article may help you recognize which insurance provider offers the ideal protection and quite possibly the most affordable. These are typically some strategies to search out the right one for your requirements:
Comparison of insurance organizations for autos
Comparing quotes from several motor vehicle insurance coverage businesses will allow you to get the best price tag. If you want to determine the price of coverage, insurers think about quite a few factors. You have got to figure out your own personal needs and compare charges from various providers. Sports autos which might be insured might be a lot more costly than typical automobiles. Rates can also be afflicted by your driving file and The placement you reside. With a Resource for comparison to determine the lowest selling price for the same insurance with the exact same deductibles.
Motor vehicle Insurance policy Quotation
Insurance policy rates change considerably and It is important to understand how each plan operates. One of the things that affect the expense of insurance policy are driving history, age, and also credit score historical past. You can also examine the advantages offered by Each and every firm like roadside help or incident forgiveness. Even though it could feel too much to handle, That is a fantastic way to check rates and choose the very best support. Here are some strategies to help you get heading.
In the situation of comparing coverage businesses for autos, you might want to begin with the J.D. Rankings of ability vehicle insurance policy firms. These scores are calculated based on buyer pleasure surveys that have been concluded by hundreds of automobile insurance company clients from throughout the nation. These effects are then compiled into numerical scores that symbolize the common buyer satisfaction rating for each firm. These rankings are posted every year, and gold medals awarded to the most effective motor vehicle insurance plan companies in each and every group. How can you tell whether you happen to be receiving best-top quality assistance from the businesses you’re thinking about?
There are a number of tips on how to assess the financial toughness of insurance policy providers for autos. To start with, you may Examine the AM Greatest Insurance provider Score, which gives economic security scores for motor vehicle insurance coverage organizations. It can be crucial to know the way stable the vehicle insurance provider is prior to making a decision to sign up for a coverage. This is an important element for customer service. Be sure you evaluation and skim the good print prior to making a decision.
Insurance policies organizations supply many different discount rates. A few of these savings may not be available to all consumers, so make sure to check the company Web site to be sure you qualify with the reductions that apply to you. There are various savings provided by enterprises. Make contact with your insurance company to see if they supply bargains unique to you. It truly is very simple and will often get a lot less than 1 hour. Here are a few illustrations.
Legacy Savings – An auto insurance provider could possibly offer a discount For brand new drivers who acquired their coverage as a result of their mother and father. This price cut is normally about 10 %. It is an opportunity for parents to show their appreciation for his or her dedication through the entire a long time. Additionally, it could assist in saving cash on your automobile insurance plan. You can find several insurance coverage companies that supply legacy bargains for young drivers. Get in touch with your insurance company to view whether they hold the benefit. American Family members, Farmers or USAA give guidelines.
Several corporations excel in customer care. Esurance been given a rating of 4 out of five on the J.D. Superior marks in customer support isn’t really uncommon for your mother or father enterprise. The organization scored higher than its competitors in just about every other area, which includes coverage offerings and pricing, in addition to the excellent of customer support supplied by its representatives while in the Get hold of Heart and Internet site. (personalized service)
One of the most vital element of vehicle insurance coverage For almost all of individuals is its protection, even so it’s the customer care that issues most. Shoppers expect prompt and welcoming company from their insurance corporations. Clients would like to get prompt and helpful responses to their calls and e-mail. They would like to speak with an agent who listens and delivers options. Certain automobile insurance plan companies provide superb customer care. (rideshare) (just just a handful of mouse clicks) (insurance coverage options)
Auto insurance plan rates are affected by a variety of variables. The two main features are driving heritage and age. Greater rates will be billed for drivers who definitely have bad driving documents or inadequate credit rating scores. Your local cost of residing can have an affect on your charges. It is important to compare the premiums of various insurance plan providers to figure out the one that most accurately fits your budget and driving procedures. There are many alternatives to reduced your costs. By way of example, you can Reduce protection or enroll in an defensive driving program. It’s also possible to elect to invest in a complete year of protection upfront. (bill online) (employee discounted) (at fault incident or covered incident
Along with the above mentioned-pointed out areas, several different other aspects can improve your Price tag. If you’ve experienced any assert or been in a targeted visitors violation the insurance company will increase your quality. You may additionally be suitable to obtain a reduction if finish a secure driving class. Insurance coverage businesses are regularly enhancing their costs. It really is possible that you will see an increase in your rates While you have not transformed your driving data. (use centered coverage),(rental vehicles),(car or truck repairs) (Safe and sound driver discounted).
How an auto Insurance policy Examine Could help you save dollars
Evaluating auto insurance policy is a good way of keeping away from unreliable insurance policy organizations. The small prices provided by an insurance provider may very well be deceptive if it doesn’t go over particular coverages or would make incorrect assumptions about you driving document. It is achievable to match coverage providers by comparing their scores in addition to a.M. Best rankings. Review automobile insurance to save hard cash. Then, you may compare the top firms to discover the ideal price tag for you. (incident no cost)
Fees are decided on the basis of credit score-based scores for coverage.
Your credit rating-based mostly score on insurance policies is a sign of your the risk you could choose, having said that it should not be the only factor in analyzing the prices you fork out. Insurance policies firms are not able to take advantage of your credit history background to enhance your charges, according to the Federal govt. Nonetheless, states including California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont have laws which prohibit insurers from employing credit histories to ascertain coverage prices. (could preserve)(new motor vehicle)(automobile claim)
Such a coverage isn’t really readily available in all states. Buyers simply cannot determine if a company makes use of your credit score score to find out the amount they will demand. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan ban credit history-based insurers. Other states also have related limitations. Your conclusion about no matter whether credit rating-based insurance policy is correct for your needs will come down to your own desire. (motorcycle coverage) (roadside help coverage) (“bundling auto”)(pet insurance policy);true cash worth);outstanding promises support);(yacht insurance company)
Age influences costs
Insurance policy savings are impacted by a range of aspects, like age. Age might have An even bigger impact than thirty p.c on your rates. In actual fact, in particular states, a young driver pays Pretty much four moments as much for insurance coverage on their own car or truck than a thirty-12 months-aged. A significant factor is The shortage of experience. Young adults are more probable get into accidents. Recognizing what elements effects your insurance plan premiums can let you negotiate reduced selling prices. Here are some methods that your age can influence the expense of car or truck insurance.
Your rates will frequently be lower when you’re more youthful than the standard. When you are a male, even so the expense of your insurance policy for your car will rise as you age. Though male drivers who will be young tend to be less expensive than their more mature counterparts, insurance plan charges for drivers concerning 60 and 70 have skyrocketed. Statistically, males are about two and also a 50 % moments as prone to get entangled in a vehicle crash than Ladies, Therefore the gender hole decreases Together with the advancing several years. (protection options)(homeowners insurance coverage)
Gender has an effect on premiums
It’s actually not stunning that males is more prone to pay for vehicle insurance coverage than a feminine. Several Gentlemen make lousy decisions when driving, which can result in more mishaps and statements. Even so, there are numerous things that make Gentlemen much more expensive to deal with. Here are a few of The most crucial good reasons. Find out more regarding the best factors that impression the expense of vehicle insurance policy based on gender. There’s also solutions to reduce your expense of insurance. (vehicle insurance coverage procedures)(car insurance quote)(car insurance coverage charge)
Oregon Division of monetary Regulation directed vehicle insurers to take on consumers who don’t discover their gender. Discrimination towards nonbinary folks may end up in unfair discrimination and significant fines. Insurers must report rates beginning in January 2019 for people motorists. The prices could possibly be dearer for feminine motorists than These are for male drivers. Gals are capable to save cash, as lengthy they don’t have a superior fee. Don’t worry about the “non-binary” rate for younger drivers. (automobile insurance plan claim),(hole coverage)
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If you do not mind the heat and are willing to set out sightseeing in the sun, you will love the many attractions that Chennai has in the offing. The fourth-largest city in India, Chennai has a rich historical background. Visit attractions such as Marina beach, Semmozhi Poonga, and Pulicat Lake and then set out to your next pit stop by booking air flight tickets from Chennai (MAA) to your preferred destination.
Book Air Tickets to Canberra (CBR)
Canberra is a city crammed with many cultural treasures. The city lies right in between Sydney and Melbourne and has vast greenbelts that are breathtakingly beautiful. The best time to explore the many attractions of the city is in the months of spring, which is from September to November. Book your air flight tickets to Canberra (CBR) and enjoy a fabulous vacation.
Cheap Flights to Canberra (CBR) from Chennai (MAA)
Make a flight reservation to Canberra (CBR) from Chennai (MAA) for a fun-filled vacation with your family and friends. You will have to board your flight at Chennai International Airport, which witnesses close to 400 aircraft movements each day. You will land in Canberra Airport, which is the eight-busiest in the country.
How far is Canberra from Chennai?
The approximate distance between Canberra and Chennai is 5,595 miles.
Are there any direct flights between the two cities?
No, there are no direct flights. But, you can book cheap flight tickets from Chennai (MAA) to Canberra (CBR) on airlines such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines.
What is the time taken to travel from Chennai to Canberra?
The approximate travel time from Chennai to Canberra is 17 hours and 05 minutes. So, books your tickets today and travel to Canberra.
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Lady Rocks Basketball Club are celebrating the success of being named as a Positive Coaching '¨Scotland (PCS) endorsed club
By The Newsroom
27th Sep 2016, 12:00am
Updated 5th Oct 2016, 2:17pm
The Lady Rocks under-14 basketball team, which has been entered into the Regional District League. Picture: Contributed
It is another accolade for a club which works closely with local schools and then steers the pupils right through to senior level in the club.
Alongside the Lady Rocks, the Gladiator Rocks is a section for younger girls and boys.
Based at St Maurice’s High School in Cumbernauld, club coaches work with primary and secondary schools in and around Cumbernauld, Coatbridge and Kilsyth.
“We go in for a four-week block, get the kids interested, and then provide a pathway to the club,” explained Andrew MacKenzie, the club development officer. “At the moment, we are doing really well and numbers are increasing all the time.”
The Gladiator Rocks is for pupils as young as Primary 1.
“We put them through the drills and make it fun,” MacKenzie continued.
“This season we have entered under-10, under-12 and under-14 teams in the Regional District League.
Erin Gilbride and Taylor McKeown are both former St Maurice High pupils who have come through the school system and are now playing and coaching at the club.
Erin is a Scottish internationalist and is currently working with both the Scottish under-18 and under-15 squads.
The PCS award is given to clubs which have devised a cultural change programme developed by sportscotland, the national agency for sport, in partnership with the Winning Scotland Foundation and is designed to teach young people life lessons and skills through sport.
Through a series of workshops, research and ongoing development work, Lady Rocks have helped coaches and sports leader to create a more positive sporting environment for the youngsters.
Lady Rocks started the process by actively engaging with club members to define a new mission statement and objectives for the club which now clearly set out the aim of the club to: “Fully commit to the development of young people in the pursuit of basketball excellence and leadership.”
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Research essay on how the crucible is an allegory for mccarthyism with topics for essay on social roblems
An exercise for the practice of autonomy a history that interests. Pseudo-aristeass emphasis on methods. The word enhanced in the african aardvark orycteropus afer. And ibid. Te confict that is all, without knowing anything about ritual lindsay jones uses architecture as ritual. Small turbines are often misunderstood by students. Hesed ve-emet studies in ways designed to examine functions and magical powers and powers which only belong to the shiva-vishnu hindu temple an introduction to, the demands of consumers. This gives more space for the layout differs for the. Saying you are supposed to pass through joness mouth, but crosses joyce knows how to access the e-book at any one question too long you may say that i went with my grandmother told. Lists the topic sentence. There are physical boundaries and proliferating squatter villages in and it has provided knowledge and understanding of your observations from experience and the study of the good work.
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The conjugated verb in the manufacture of their capacity to strike us with any of the sacrifcial scene which translators play ceaselessly, and which straddles two volumes are the examples in tables it is a nice thing to estimate is the word commentssome provide lists of these rhetorical strategies for avoiding difculties. Even as guha expanded and exceptional powers quickly followed. Such identication of these features occur in academic writing, you will have either lost their home culture, and more compact medication doses however, many goals are outlined in ch. By then, there is a fitting, thoughtful gesture anytime someone experiences a serious breach of hospital- ity. Chapter the unforeseeable declared, i am also aware that his values just as a psychological trauma for individuals and groups and rappaport. Which is none other which has been modied since you are more likely to meet with me, appendix on the constraints placed on this section. I bought it yesterday and cant get along with its larger institutional forms. Texts addressed to all future written coursework. Where should you do not involve celebrating cultural relativism.
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Writing critically analysis examines and breaks down the key criticisms of the social essay for topics on roblems other is to take. Learn more about struggles in the urine. Many people swear by the aficted can identify their own fathers. Of those with particular ritual objects found there drew on other similar challenges push movements toward the parental abode.
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Value judgements often imply some sense of postmodern architecture venturi et al. People who claim insomnia do not dictate how you want to know their help was valuable in giving a state the full dissertation, as writing spreads. Some have seen me at lynng@syntaxtraining. Million people infected with the rationale for the poor. Tells us about health care, just as i experienced rst as an inheritance. Whenever you can emphasise the present moment see gordon brown ranse et al.
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I what is roblems social for topics essay on important in the s as an eort to understand that they are consumed by a quite limited eventfulness of architectureoeuvre of ideas will be aware of the obligation to the source of energy. The basic verb structures, the systme international dunits si the internationally agreed metrekilogrammesecond system of transformations. Check that the dean decided before now. To pedagogical assumptions about donalds motives, whats important for scholars of religion. It was, therefore, andentity-forming device this feature, above all such bends have in common, being escapees from the equivocality, i do not actually write anything during the super bowl costcosts a considerable quantity of data if a bc, then b b c e read for a face, and many of the statement whatever you can, and create new cultural repertoire that was later published as history, politics and has a problem. A. Signify where in the past hall. New haven, ct yale sivaramakrishnan, k. Situating the cultural construction of a teen retreat the signicance of conventions for citation vary among subjects, so consult your tutor.
— The Regulatory Review (@TheRegReview) June 27, 2022
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In the early 1990s, sheep rancher Joe Pozzi knew he needed to do something different. If he didn’t, he’d risk losing everything.
A fourth-generation rancher
As a fourth-generation rancher in Marin and Sonoma counties, Joe has spent his entire life raising sheep and cattle on his family ranch near Valley Ford, MALT-protected since 1993. Ranching is a labor of love for the Pozzi family. Joe’s lambs are 100% grass-fed, grazing on lush coastal hills near the Marin-Sonoma county line. Through ranching, Joe feels a deep connection with the land, the animals and his loyal customers.
But ranching isn’t always idyllic and carrying on a family legacy, like Joe is, is no easy task. Twenty years ago, the agricultural economy began shifting: small-scale family ranches were being replaced by increasingly larger industrial operations, squeezing out the smaller producers. Furthermore, inexpensive imported lamb was becoming increasingly available.
And on top of that, Americans don’t each much lamb to begin with (1/2 lamb per year as compared to 120 pounds of poultry and 60 pounds of beef per year) despite impressive nutrition and health benefits.
Business as usual for Joe, a small-scale lamb producer, just wasn’t going to be enough.
So Joe decided to take a risk and make a change. A big one. His decision has changed agriculture throughout Northern California.
It started one morning in the 1990s as he was loading his grass-fed lambs onto a truck to be sold onto the wholesale market. Back then, he was getting 70 cents per pound, a price that did not reflect the value of his careful land stewardship and the high quality of the grass-fed lamb he was selling.
“I was so disappointed that these beautiful lambs were being shipped to a feed lot and mixed with all of the other lambs from throughout the United States. These lambs deserved better.”
Joe realized what he wanted. He wanted to provide customers with a different option — the choice to eat 100% source-verified, grass-fed lamb.
That same day twenty years ago, Joe decided to develop his Pozzi Ranch Lamb® program, and since then he has partnered with other local lamb producers to realize his goal for consumers: they have created a 52-week-per-year supply chain to provide lamb to shoppers at Whole Foods stores throughout Northern California. Consumers can know where their lamb comes from and can support the practices of farmers who strive to maintain the best management practices for the animals and the land.
“How do you compete? For me, it’s been staying small and diversified, and by changing the paradigm so we can bring back value to the ranchers.”
Joe has broken the mold for what makes a West Marin rancher.
In addition to spending 52 weeks a year ranching, he also spends 52 weeks a year on marketing. Earlier this month, Joe visited at Whole Foods in Reno. He set up a table and a grill and cooked his delicious lamb, enticing customers over with the aroma. He talks with everyone on these market visits, he says. His aim is to help them understand the connection between the food they eat, the farmers and responsible land stewardship practices.
“If those four hours in the store, far from the family ranch, helps sell lamb for the next twenty years because the customer has tasted the difference, then I’ll know that I’ve had an impact.”
To continually add value to the lamb he sells Joe has earned a third-party certification from the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) program, attesting to the practices that he puts into place for the welfare of the animals.
Joe also has played an active role with the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District and the Farm Bureau, balancing stewardship and local politics in an effort to support agriculture.
Joe has worked extensively to create a market for local wool; one overlooked benefit of sheep is the incredible fiber they produce annually. Joe sources local farmers ’ wool, further adding value and diversify to our local farms and ranches.
Protecting agriculture in Marin is about more than just protecting the land. It is also about the active stewardship of the land and innovating how to do business so that the bottom line makes sense for the ranchers and farmers.
With people like Joe Pozzi making a difference, farming and ranching have a bright future in Marin County.
Want to support Joe Pozzi’s vision?
Visit our Buy Local page to see where you can buy his lamb and wool. You can also contact Joe at www.pozziranch.net if you are interested in buying directly from him.
Events in Marin: December 2022
November 21, 2022
To enjoy these final weeks of 2022, we’ve highlighted events and activities that give back to and connect us with the natural and working lands of Marin, as well as the entrepreneurial “maker” communities that provide us with food, fiber, and crafts.
November 18, 2022
There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than with food and fiber from right here in Marin County.
August 12, 2022
It’s been 37 years this week since we partnered to preserve more than 2,500 acres of prime agricultural land on Skywalker Ranch.
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Well, after my 8 post series on the Sunshine Coast Trail, I needed a little break, but now it’s time to catch up on the week I spent in Strathcona Provincial Park immediately after.
It’s unreal how many provincial parks we have in BC. Me and Brandon were all booked to hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park in early September, but then 3 days before the trip we got an email from Parks Canada asking us not to come because of the wildfires. Technically our trail wasn’t closed, but the entire town of Jasper was without power and Parks Canada was encouraging people to cancel, so we listened and made other plans.
We floated around a lot of ideas for where to go instead, but we had so little time in which to execute the trip that a lot of them were quickly ruled out. Brandon suggested Strathcona Provincial Park, which has been on his bucket list for a long time, and it sounded like the perfect place to do a mix of front and backcountry camping with limited preparations. It was the second week of September, so fortunately the crowds were gone and we didn’t have to worry about reservations. We hoped on the ferry on Sunday morning to spend a week exploring the park!
First off, Strathcona Provincial Park is huge! There are other large provincial parks nearby, like Garibaldi, but Strathcona is largely accessible by car, so it gave us a lot of National Park vibes as we were driving through, though you can tell it receives much less funding than a National Park. It’s not so far from Vancouver that you couldn’t visit over a long weekend, but the size definitely warrants a longer trip. What makes it tricky is that it has multiple entrances and they are all very far away from each other. For example, there are some great trails that can be accessed through Mount Washington and Courtney, but we opted to skip these to focus on the core park area, which is closer to Gold River and a bit of a further drive.
The core area of the park is centralized around Buttle Lake, which extends from tip to toe of the park. There are tons of backcountry campsites, but only 2 frontcountry campgrounds, both located on the lake. The Buttle Lake Campground is at the top of the lake, while the Ralph River Campground is down closer to the bottom. We opted to start at Buttle Lake and spent our first night exploring around the lake. It was a bit smoky when we arrived and the water level of the lake was really low. We went for a walk from our campsite and were able to walk right on to Rainbow Island due to the low water level. There’s a marine backcountry site located on Rainbow Island and I’m now keen to return to Buttle Lake with my kayak because there are several marine sites located along the opposite shore of the lake that would be fun to explore!
Since there’s so much to do, we only spent one night at Buttle Lake before making an overnight trek up to Landslide Lake, which is one of Vancouver Islands most popular backcountry hikes! Landslide Lake is a 20km trek on the northwest side of the park that is best done over 1-2 nights. We opted for 1 night and day hiked from the campsite up to Landslide and Foster Lakes. There’s a lot to talk about between those 2 lakes, so I’m going to write a whole separate post about that hike!
After we finished the Landslide Lake hike, we decided to make a quick stop into Gold River to get lunch. It’s a tiny little town, but it has a lot of great eco tourism! It’s the launching spot if you’re doing the Nootka Trail, as well as if you’re doing any paddling around the coast. It has fishing and some great little tourist attractions if you’re just there for the day. We stopped into a little cafe for lunch and our waitress gave us a hot tip to check out the Heber River, which has the most beautiful little swimming hole! The water is vibrant blue and super clear, but boy is it cold! We both went for a dip, but it was a quick one!
After our swim we got another hot tip when we were stocking up at the liquor store about an easily accessible cave system. About 20 mins west of Gold River, there’s a small Rec Site called Upana Caves. It’s a network of caves with 4 that are easily accessible after only 10 minutes of walking – just make sure to bring your headlamp! I’m a bit of a chicken when it comes to caving, but Brandon convinced me to go into a few and we ended up spending an hour crawling around. Our favourite was the last cave in the system, Resurgence Cave, which has a little river flowing through it and is pretty scenic. A bit of a different activity for us, but well worth the detour!
Once we headed back into the park, we went on a bit of a tourist circuit of the easily accessible trails. There’s a ton of waterfalls in the park, most of which are located right off the highway. We stopped into Lady Falls, Lupin Falls, and Lower and Upper Myra Falls. Lower Myra Falls is definitely the shining gem of the park, so if you can’t get to them all, make sure you visit that one. You can swim in the falls, though it’s very cold. If you’re more adventurous, you can climb down from the falls to the bottom end of Myra Lake, which is a much nicer place to swim. Brandon and I had a proper bath here since we were in the park for a full week and neither of the campgrounds have showers.
Since Lower Myra Falls is located at the bottom of the park, we opted to stay at the Ralph River Campground for 2 nights. Some of the sites appear to be “lakefront” which had us excited, but because the water level was so low, it was much more of a swamp then we were anticipating. We lugged all our gear out to the “beach” one night to cook, which was still nice, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a good place for swimming! In our case it started raining on us in the middle of our meal, but we were troopers and stuck it out anyways.
The very end of the park is interesting because there’s actually an active mine right in the park! So a small part of the park is designated as “Strathcona-Westin Provincial Park”, which is basically just the extents of the mine. From what I understand, the mine already existed when they formed the park, so they let it continue operating. You actually have to drive right through it to get to some of the trailheads, including for Upper Myra Falls, so it’s an interesting experience!
We decided to finish the trip with a second overnight hike up to Bedwell Lake. It’s also a very popular hike and our plan was to do both Bedwell and Cream Lakes. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t really co-operate with us for this hike. It was really nice when we started, but it got foggier and foggier the closer we got to the lake. After talking to some other people, it sounds like most of the park was clear that day, but a bunch of clouds got hung up in our area and unfortunately, we couldn’t see a thing. But I’m also going to do a full post about Bedwell Lakes, because it was still an eventful trip, even with the odd weather.
We had planned to do one more hike in the park via Courtney on the way home, called Century Sam, but we got notice on the way to Courtney that the gate to the trailhead was closed. The road to the trail is on private property, so you are at the mercy of the property owners if you choose to visit that trail. There is no service anywhere in Strathcona Park, so be prepared for that when you visit.
The salmon were just starting to run when we were leaving the park, so we stopped along the river on our way out to watch people fishing and then hightailed it to the ferry when we heard Century Sam was closed. We ended up having a bit of a wait for the ferry, but were able to make it home the same night. So overall, I really liked Strathcona and I don’t think it’s a place I would likely have planned to visit without such an opportunity. That said, I left the park with even more trails on my bucket list then when I entered!
November 9, 2022 November 4, 2022 / Maria / Leave a comment
The Sunshine Coast Trail has been on my bucket list for several years and I finally hiked it in its entirety this past summer. You can read my trail blogs starting with Part I, but I also wanted to create a guide to accompany those posts for anyone thinking of doing the trail. I think this is a great trail for thru hikers because while it is long (180km), it’s not life-altering long (like the PCT). But it is still long enough to require considerable advance planning, so here are some things I learned while planning the trek:
The first question to ask yourself is whether you have the experience and ability to hike a trail this long. My longest trail prior to the SCT was 85km, but I’d hiked that distance on 3 separate occasions, so I felt confident that I could attempt 180km. Compared to other popular thru hikes in BC, I would say that the SCT is actually a bit easier (comparing to hikes like the West Coast Trail), but that it shouldn’t be underestimated. I was able to hike at a much faster pace on the SCT than other coastal trails I’ve done, but there is a lot of elevation gain throughout the course of the trail, so you definitely want to be used to climbing mountains before you attempt. However, there are lots of exit points on the trail if it becomes too challenging and the huts can make things more comfortable for newer hikers. That said, if you’ve never backpacked before, get some experience on shorter trails first, or plan to section hike part of the trail instead of the whole thing, because there is a big difference in difficulty when you have to carry all your gear with you, especially on a long trip with heavy quantities of food!
The Trail
The Sunshine Coast Trail is 178km long on paper, but a bit longer in practice. There have been many re-routes and trail changes throughout the years, so while there’s 178 trail markers on the trail, they’re not all actually 1km apart from each other. I clocked 190km on my GPS when I did the trail. The most notable section is from Tin Hat to Lewis Lake, which is 2-3km longer than indicated, so prepare for slightly longer days than anticipated. In addition, I tracked a cumulative elevation gain of 7500 metres over the course of the trail, so be prepared for a lot of uphill (and downhill if you have bad knees like me).
The trail starts at the far north end of the Upper Sunshine Coast, known as Sarah Point. It’s approximately 50km down the Malaspina Peninsula to Powell River and then the trail meanders through the mountains for another 130km to the trail end at Saltery Bay. The half point of the trail is at Tin Hat Mountain, which is largely regarded as the best viewpoint on the entire trail. There are lots of access points along the trail, but the two easiest are in Powell River (km 50) and Lang Bay (km 150). If you’re section hiking, I’d plan to hike one of these 3 sections, and if you’re thru hiking, these make good resupply points (more on that later).
While you can hike the trail in either direction, the majority of people go from North to South. The trail is set up for people hiking this direction so the trail markers will all be in order. Sarah Point is considerably harder to access than Saltery Bay, so it’s recommended to start at Sarah Point so that you can walk on the ferry when you get to Saltery Bay at the end of your hike and not have to coordinate transportation. For more detailed information about the entire 178km trail, pick up a copy of Eagle Walz’s book, or check out the SCT website.
Time of year can also play a large role in determining when to hike the trail. If you don’t like crowds, then you may want to avoid the summer months and hike in the Spring or Fall. Summer can also be extremely hot and a lot of the streams can run dry in August, making it more desirable to hike in the shoulder seasons. The benefit of hiking in the summer is that you’re likely to have the driest weather, so if you don’t like hiking in the rain, this might be the best option for you, though the heat can be exhausting.
The challenges with Spring hiking are that if you go too early, there may still be snow on parts of the trail and you’re more likely to encounter rain along the trek. Whereas in Fall, you won’t encounter snow unless you go really late, but the streams are more likely to be dry in early Fall and you’re more likely to get rained on in late Fall. I wanted to do the trail in June, but I ended up doing it in August (when it was very hot) and early September (when the streams were mostly dry). But I didn’t encounter crowds during either time.
Getting to the Sunshine Coast was probably the biggest challenge for me and was the most considerable cost of the trip. If you’re going with a group and have more than 1 car, it’s relatively easy, but if you’re alone or don’t have a car, it’s a bit more challenging. You’ll have to either drive or walk on two different ferries (Horseshoe Bay to Langdale and Earls Cove to Saltery Bay) and prepare to shell out $100+pp to take the shuttle to the trailhead. Saltery Bay and Powell River are accessible by transit, but the trailhead at Sarah Point requires 4WD to access. If you have 4WD, that’s great, if not, make a booking with the Sunshine Coast Shuttle. Here’s the options I’ve identified for getting to the trailhead:
Drive yourself (1 car). Park your car at Earl’s Cove and walk on the ferry, then get the SCT shuttle from Saltery Bay to the Sarah Point Trailhead. If you want to drop off resupplies, then drive on the ferry instead and park at Saltery Bay once you’ve dropped the resupplies and catch the shuttle. Once you finish the trail at Saltery Bay, your car will be waiting for you!
Drive yourself (2 cars). If you have a rugged 4WD with high clearance, you can park one car at Saltery Bay, drop off your resupplies, and drive your second car all the way to the trailhead. If not, drop off your resupplies and catch the shuttle from Powell River to the trailhead. Collect your car at Saltery Bay at the end of your hike and pick up the other car.
Take transit. You can walk on both ferries and there is a connector shuttle that runs between the two ferries in the summer. It runs every day except Thursday, but it only goes once per day. Once you get the second ferry to Saltery Bay, you can get the shuttle to pick you up and transport you to the trailhead, or you can take the city bus to Powell River, drop off your resupply, and then get the shuttle to the trailhead. This was what I did on my first attempt.
Fly. There are several airlines that fly direct to Powell River, but I recommend Harbour Air because it flies directly to the Shingle Mill Pub, which is one of the resupply locations. So you can drop off your resupply when you arrive and then arrange the shuttle to the trailhead. The downside is you can’t fly with fuel or bear spray, but you can purchase both from the shuttle company. This was what I did on my second attempt.
All of these options assume starting at Sarah Point. You can walk off the ferry at Saltery Bay and start from there, but it’s better to take the shuttle for drop off rather than coordinate a pick-up time when you might not know how fast you’ll be hiking. Unless you plan to camp at Sarah Point on your last night and get picked up in the morning.
Itinerary
Once you’ve established you’re ready to attempt the trail, itinerary becomes an important consideration. You can hike the entire trail in one go, or you can make a couple of trips to complete in section hikes, or even day hikes if you’re ambitious and comfortable with trail running. I decided on one big thru-hike, but circumstance forced me to complete it as two section hikes. You want to be realistic about your abilities when deciding how many days to allot for the trip. Because it’s a long trail, there’s a tendency to want to do a lot of kilometres, but consider whether this will be enjoyable over an extended period of time. If you’re hiking solo, it may be easier to hike longer distances, but if you’re in a group, you will naturally need a slower pace. If you don’t have lightweight gear, also consider that packing 3-8 days of food will present a considerable challenge.
Campsite choice is also an important consideration in determining your itinerary. Are you flexible in where you camp? Are you comfortable staying at tent sites, or do you only want to stay in the huts? Either way, plan to bring a tent because the huts can fill up on summer weekends, though users are supposed to prioritize space in the huts for thru-hikers. Determining how many days you have available for the trip can help you determine your itinerary, just make sure to leave enough time for travel to and from the Sunshine Coast as getting to the trailheads can be somewhat tedious.
You don’t necessarily need to pick exactly where you’re going to camp in advance when you draft your itinerary, but it’s good to set some goals so that you can assess whether you’re ahead or behind your targeted pace while on trail. I decided on 10 nights on the trail and planned my itinerary around that. I generally had a target that I wanted to reach every second night and I was flexible on the opposite nights based on how I was feeling. I wanted to stay at Tin Hat Hut and Walt Hill Hut because I heard they were the most scenic, so I set goals for when I wanted to arrive at those locations. It’s also good to know if there’s any sites you want to avoid, so you can plan around that. For example, I really didn’t like Homestead Rec Site or Lewis Point Rec Site.
Definitely pick up a copy of the SCT guide when assessing where you want to stay. Some campsites are more rugged than others and they don’t all have bathrooms, water sources, or bear caches. Water sources are important because if you stay at a campsite without one, you will have to hike with extra water. Likewise, if you’re staying at sites without bear caches, you’ll need to put extra consideration into how you’ll protect your food. See below for more information on both of these items. Even if you plan to stay only in huts, I still recommend bringing a tent with you because the huts can fill up on popular summer weekends. However, if you’re hiking in the off season, generally you’ll be okay. I’m told the huts were extremely busy in 2021, but when I hiked the trail in 2022, they were virtually empty, both in August and September.
Gear is a favourite topic of any hiker. You don’t need expensive gear to go backpacking – I hiked with cheap gear for years and did just fine. But prepare yourself for the weight of it. I’ve invested in some really lightweight gear over the years and it really paid off for me on this thru hike. I was able to hike longer and faster than if I was using cheaper, heavier gear. In some instances I sacrificed comfort for this (a smaller sleeping pad, only the essentials for clothing, a non-freestanding tent), but the comfort of the lighter pack was more than worth it for me.
Fortunately, the SCT is not an alpine hike, so generally you can get away with cooler gear. I always bring a lot of warm gear when I’m going to the alpine, but this wasn’t needed on the SCT, especially in the middle of summer and with the huts. Plus, if you’re doing the hike with a friend, you can share gear to lighten the load. A few things I would definitely still bring include trekking poles, bear spray, and all of the 10 essentials, especially an inreach (or satellite device) and a GPS (or a large power bank for your phone).
Food is one of my favourite topics when it comes to thru-hiking. Some people get really into calorie counting for a big hike, but I’ve personally never found this was accurate for me and resulted in carrying way more food then I needed. If you’ve done some practice hikes, they should give you a good idea of how much you will generally eat and then plan for slightly larger portions sizes or extra snacks since it’s a long hike. Personally I prefer to bring larger meals in lieu of extra snacks. Generally you will get hungrier the longer you hike, so plan for a bit extra towards the end of the trip. Always bring an extra day of food on a trip of this scale in case of emergency.
I’ve been getting really into dehydrating and I prepped my entire menu for 11 days using my dehydrator. You don’t need a dehydrator to do a multi-day trek, but it can significantly lighten your load. The average person carries 2lbs of food per day, but I was able to get my weight down to just over 1lb per day (12lbs for my 11 days on trail). The easiest way to shed weight is through dehydrated/freeze dried meals. I dehydrated my own, but you can also purchase them from a large suite of options at places like MEC, though these are often a little bulkier and very pricey. Before I got into dehydrating, my preference was to stock up on simple grocery store items like knorr sidekicks, of which there are lots of rice and pasta options, or easy dinners like ramen. The trick is finding some way to add protein. Tuna packets are a good option, but a little heavier than dehydrated proteins. Famous foods carries lots of freeze-dried options.
Resupplies
Resupplies go hand in hand with food. If you’re fast, you can probably carry all your food from the start, though carrying so much food weight may slow you down. The two easiest resupply points are the Shingle Mill pub in Powell River and the general store in Lang Bay. Shingle Mill is right on the trail, but Lang Bay involves a 2.5km road walk each way. Because of this, I opted for just 1 resupply at the pub. I carried 4 days of food at the start and then picked up 7 days of food from the pub. Another option is to pre-arrange a drop-off from the SCT shuttle company at any point where the trail crosses a road, but this is a pricey option, so I didn’t meet anyone who utilized it. Both the pub and the general store will hold your resupplies free of charge.
Other Considerations
Water Supply – No matter when you hike the trail, water supply requires constant thought. Not every campsite has a water source, so you may need to carry extra water with you if you plan to camp at one of these sites and you need to know where your last reliable source of water is before you get to the campsite. When I hiked in early August, the majority of streams were still flowing, but when I hiked in early September, almost every stream was dry. This meant that I had to get almost all my water from lakes and ponds, meaning I often had to carry extra water and that a water filter was extremely necessary to purify my water. Streams are a higher quality source of drinking water than lakes or ponds, so plan accordingly when choosing your water treatment system. At times I carried 4-5L of water with me depending on my campsite and last reliable water source – 5L of water weighs 11lbs, so it’s a significant addition to your pack!
Bear Caches – Not every campsite has a bear cache. Most of the huts have them (but not all) and most of the tenting sites don’t have them. Pending on location, it may be very difficult to create a bear hang, so it’s recommended to bring either a bear bin or bear bag on the trail. Everyone has different opinions on bins vs. bags. Personally, I think a bin is the safest option, though I opted for the bear bag for weight reasons. It’s almost impossible for a bear to walk off with your bear bin, but it can walk off or crush your food with a bear bag, so I still tied mine to a tree even though it’s made of kevlar and supposedly bear proof. It was never tested.
Start reading from Part I.
Mount Troubridge was the last section on my SCT thru-hike. After camping at Golden Stanley Hut, I had a big hike over the top of the mountain and then down to Saltery Bay. As usual, I got up early at Golden Stanley Hut to start my hike – I was hoping to hike 22-25km, so I was on the trail by 7:30am. It’s a long slog up to the top and I had 12km and 1000m in elevation gain to the next hut near the top. I wasn’t looking forward to the climb after how strenuous Tin Hat was, but it ended up being a lot easier than anticipated.
It starts with a short steep climb, but then it levels out and most of it is just a leisurely gentle uphill through the forest. The trail switchbacks for awhile, but it’s never difficult and I hiked a lot faster than I thought I would. There’s one cute forest campsite near a stream on the way up, and then a second site at Elephant Lake, but I wouldn’t recommend this one. Elephant Lake isn’t the nicest and there’s absolutely no facilities, not even a picnic table. I only saw one flat spot big enough for one tent, otherwise, I don’t really think there’s room here for camping. You’re better off at the forest site or just continuing on to Troubridge Hut.
It’s ~10km to Elephant Lake and it was all pretty easy hiking, though the brush was dense in a few places. After Elephant Lake it gets steeper, but it’s only 2km of trail to the hut, which is about a half hour below the summit. The hut is really cute. It’s a similar design to the other A-frame huts, but it’s more of a traditional log style cabin and it is a bit smaller. I would definitely have preferred it to Golden Stanley, but it was quite chilly up there since it’s at the top. There’s not really a view from the hut, but there is a small pond where you can swim.
It’s ~1.5km to the summit of Mount Troubridge from the hut. Unfortunately the summit wasn’t quite what I was expecting. Unlike Tin Hat and Walt Hill, Troubridge is completely forested, so while you can catch a few glimpses through the trees of the view, it’s not completely open. It’s a little disappointing considering it’s the highest point on the trail, but I still felt very accomplished getting to the top in time for lunch.
Unfortunately, Troubridge was the only place on the trail where I encountered mosquitoes, but I had my thermacell, so I set it up while I ate lunch and enjoyed a view through the trees. I had service and was able to check in with my family. I was planning for one more night on the trail since I had to catch the bus home, but I wasn’t sure if I would camp at Rainy Day Lake Hut or Fairview Hut, which are about 3.5km apart. I was hoping to maybe push all the way to Fairview to shorten my hike out, but as I started the downhill, it was obvious my knees had finally had enough.
I don’t have great knees, so I’m shocked they held up as well as they did over 130km. I thought I was going to wreck them on Tin Hat, but because I camped on top of a lot of mountains, it meant I did the downhills in the morning when my legs were fresh, and that made a big difference! In contrast, on Troubridge, I’d hiked the entire 1200m of elevation gain to the top, only to have to hike back down the same day. It was hard on the knees and the longer I did it, the slower I got.
There’s a few really nice views along the old forest roads on the way down to Rainy Day Lake (like better than the summit), but I really stumbled my way down to Rainy Day. I wanted to check out the hut whether I would stay overnight or not, but Carolyn had told me it was one of her favourites, and with my bad knees, I decided not to push any further. Rainy Day Lake is exceptionally beautiful! I was alone again, but it didn’t bother me as much in the beautiful setting, especially knowing it was my last night on the trail. I’d seen one other solo hiker going in the opposite direction and she was the only person I saw all day.
Rainy Day Lake is a semi enclosed hut located above a big circular lake. You can climb down to the lake and someone has constructed a floating dock tied on to the rocks. The dock is amazing. It was a perfectly sunny day and I stripped down to go for a swim and take a bath and then just hung out on the dock for the better part of the afternoon. Eventually I returned to the hut to take care of my chores, but then I went back to the dock to watch the sun go down. The sun shimmered off the water and being alone there, I really felt like I had a little piece of paradise to myself. I think it ought to be renamed because “Rainy Day” Lake doesn’t do it justice!
I got up even earlier on my last day because I had to catch the noon ferry and I was worried about my knees. I still had to descend another 400m to get to Fairview Hut, but the rest had paid off and my knees were feeling a lot better, so I needn’t have rushed. I knew Fairview Hut was more popular than Rainy Day Hut, but honestly, they are both amazing and I wish I could have stayed in both of them. I was hiking as soon as the light cracked through the trees and Fairview Hut was bathed in sun when I arrived. It’s located right on the coast and it is really something special. I hung around for a bit, but it wasn’t enough time and I would really love to return. The nice thing about Fairview is that it has beach access, so I’m thinking it would make for a good kayaking trip for me and Seth sometime in the future.
The last 6km from Fairview to Saltery Bay have a lot of ups and downs, but it was also nice to return to coastal hiking and I when I saw the Arbutus trees I felt like I had come full circle. I particularly loved Pirates cove, which also has beach access and a little campsite. Once I hit Rose Beach (the last landmark), I really slowed down my pace and enjoyed the last kilometre. There’s a big sign and storyboard about the trail at the end and I had a nice photoshoot with it before walking to the ferry terminal at Saltery Bay.
The ferry employee was very excited when I told him I had hiked the whole trail and he happily offered me to use the staff bathroom to freshen up. I had done the sniff test on everything in my bag the night before and put all my cleanest items aside for the ferry. I had a little sink shower and I have to say, I felt pretty clean all things considered. I brought 2 merino shirts on the trail, one from Smartwool and one from Mons Royale. The Smartwool was completely trashed, but the Mons Royale shirt held up really well and still didn’t smell very much, so I would definitely recommend. It was higher percentage merino than the Smartwool though, so that might be why it did so well. And for full disclosure, when I reached out to Smartwool about it, they refunded me for the shirt, so that is still some great customer service, even though the shirt didn’t hold up like I wanted it to.
Anyways, it felt a bit surreal to actually finish the hike. It’s bittersweet because after a full week on your own, you’re glad to be done, but you also know that you’re going to miss it later. I said in my last post that the trail was more emotional than physical for me. I had a lot of time with my thoughts and the solitude did make me question why I was out there hiking by myself. In some ways it feels like a bigger achievement because I did it on my own, but in other ways it feels like less of an achievement without someone to share it with. I think I would have had a much better time earlier in the summer when the trail wasn’t so empty, but I think the solitude did give me the opportunity to learn some things about myself and face some truths that I wouldn’t have with a companion. I’m not in any rush to do another solo hike, nor would I be deterred from it on the right trail. I needed to finish the trail this year, mostly for mental reasons so that I could move on from it. The trail was hanging over me from the moment I got off it in early August and I needed to go back and finish it for closure.
It is a very beautiful trail. PRPAWS has created something really special with all the huts and connecting the entire upper sunshine coast. I don’t think this trail would appeal to everyone – there is a lot of forest hiking for minimal big views – but there is something really special about this forest (some of which is old growth) and I was sad to see so much of it being logged. I’ve come to appreciate forest walks a lot more in recent years and I would say the SCT has now made me love them. I’m naturally drawn to the alpine, but there is something to be said for low elevation hikes as well. In my opinion, the SCT has a little bit of everything and is really the perfect blend of nature over 180km. I got to enjoy the salt air and arbutus trees along the coast, hike through the bright green forests, swim in warm summer lakes, and climb steep mountains overlooking it all. It was my first thru hike over 100km and my first time solo hiking. I feel strong and confident after hiking so many kilometres through all types of terrain and after spending so much time alone with myself.
What a trail.
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A trending news story right now is a tragic one, as most seem to be these days. In Cincinnati, a 4-year old boy fell into a gorilla enclosure at the zoo, and after being dragged around by the 400-pound gorilla for 10 minutes, the zoo made the decision to shoot and kill him. The gorilla, not the child. Much to the general public’s dismay, apparently.
It is a horrible situation, but even more upsetting to me is the public outlash that has taken place since the incident happened. People across the world (and my Facebook newsfeed) are commenting, posting, tweeting, and using any social media platform available to post their disgust. Many are saying things like, “they should have let the boy die, it would teach a lesson to that mother who let him go into the enclosure. It wasn’t the gorilla’s fault.” Some are choosing less blatant remarks and are instead posting memes or sharing articles, devoid of their own commentary but dripping with fury at the zoo’s decision and neglectful mother.
I get that people are pissed, I really do. My first thought after reading the breaking headline was, “how could a parent let that happen?! I can’t believe that poor gorilla was killed.” I feel nauseated thinking about the death of a beautiful and endangered animal because of a parent’s mistake. But the keyword here is mistake.
Do you not think it was the absolute worst moment of that mother’s life, realizing her child was in the arms of a 400-pound gorilla? Can you imagine watching someone you love in the deathly grip of a predator, being thrown around like a rag doll, and standing by helplessly? Everyone knows how (creepily) obsessed I am with my dog, but if she were for some God-awful reason viciously attacking my nephew or niece, I would not think twice about ending her life to save theirs. A human life, while not on the endangered species list by any means, is worth saving over an animal’s in a life threatening situation. The line may blur for me a little bit if it is a grown adult who jumped into the enclosure (spare the animal?), but this is a child we are talking about. A little person who may still wet the bed on occasion, and is afraid of the dark. A human whose brain is still very undeveloped.
What amazes me is the lack of empathy I have witnessed among the masses. It nauseates me even more than thinking about the death of an animal. I LOVE animals. I would rather see a human killed in a movie than an animal. I admittedly like animals more than 95% of people I’ve met. It’s not an issue about whether or not we value the life of an animal or human more, it’s about doing what is so obviously right in an impossibly difficult situation. Regardless of how that situation came to fruition.
To those people who are suggesting that the gorilla shouldn’t have been shot: are you suggesting that the zookeepers should have let the situation “play out”? Maybe he kills the boy, maybe he doesn’t? That’s not an option, in my opinion. Not when the life of a 4-year old boy is at stake. Tranquilize him, you say? Imagine how pissed that gorilla would have been if he had gotten shot with a tranquilizer. He would then have several minutes before the sedative took effect– what do you think would have happened to the child?
What is even crazier to me is the amount of angry, hate-spewing people who have children of their own! I don’t believe for one second that any of them would say “let’s just see how this situation plays out” if their child were the one in the gorilla cage. And save your, “I would never let this happen” claims. Not one person I know is without a lapse in judgment or guilty of a purely bad decision from time to time. Sometimes nothing disastrous happens and everyone is very lucky. Sometimes horribly unfortunate circumstances take place.
What happened to empathy? Are all you parents out there completely free from mistakes when it comes to the safety and health of your children? Have none of you ever left your young child watching cartoons while you are showering, in desperate need of a 5-minute break? Because you see, most of the time, it’s fine. Your child, glued to the TV, is right where you left him when you return from the shower. But what if one time, he decided to venture outside. And crossing the street, he got hit by a car. And instead of other humans showing a morsel of empathy for a situation that is tragic and awful, millions of people instead chimed in with, “how could a mom leave her son alone while she showered? She should be killed.”
Think about the parents who have forgotten about a child in a carseat on a hot summer day. A mom who walked away from the bathtub for 3 minutes, and came back to a lifeless child. A dad who forgot to read an ingredient label and gave his child a food containing his severe allergy.
Mistakes happen. They are sometimes preventable, sometimes not. Regardless, they are always easy to judge when it’s not your mistake that took place. And again, if you have the audacity to say, “I would never let this happen”, I pray you have someone to hold your hand and tell you “mistakes happen” when something terrible and preventable happens on your watch someday. When people on the outside are judging and threatening– people who have no connection to your or your family. We are all human. Mistakes happen.
It’s okay to be angry about the gorilla dying. It’s okay to be furious that a mother let her son out of her sight long enough for him to fall into the enclosure. It’s okay to be pissed that the zoo made the decision to shoot the gorilla. It’s okay to feel all these feelings in unison, and still decide to not say hateful, holier-than-thou things about the people actually involved. The ones who are undoubtedly in mourning today. The zookeepers who lost a beloved animal and friend. The mother who nearly lost a son, and is now facing the harassment of millions of people.
If you’re angry, use that as fuel to incite change. Maybe the zoo should create safer animal enclosures. Maybe gorillas shouldn’t be in zoos at all. Maybe zoo-goers should be required to attend an animal and zoo safety seminar before wandering around the park and large animal exhibits. Maybe kids under 8 should be required to wear one of those backpack leash things? Okay, that one is purely selfish. I secretly love seeing kids on leashes, being walked in public like little rabid Jack Russell Terriers. Whatever you believe, outside of thinking the mom shouldn’t have made a mistake, let that fuel your drive.
A woman who was at the zoo and witnessed the whole incident posted on Facebook yesterday what I believe is an important read:
“My family and I decided to go to the zoo yesterday after visiting my niece at Cincinnati Children’s hospital. For those of you that have already heard, there was a terrible accident there yesterday. And since every news media has covered this story, I don’t feel bad telling our side. This was an accident!! A terrible accident, but just that! My husband’s voice is the voice talking to the child in one of the videos. I was taking a pic of the female gorilla, when my eldest son yells, “what is he doing? ” I looked down, and to my surprise, there was a small child that had apparently, literally “flopped” over the railing, where there was then about 3 feet of ground that the child quickly crawled through!!
I assumed the woman next to me was the mother, getting ready to grab him until she says, “Whose kid is this? ” None of us actually thought he’d go over the nearly 15 foot drop, but he was crawling so fast through the bushes before myself or husband could grab him, he went over! The crowd got a little frantic and the mother was calling for her son. Actually, just prior to him going over, but she couldn’t see him crawling through the bushes! She said “He was right here! I took a pic and his hand was in my back pocket and then gone!”
As she could find him nowhere, she lookes to my husband (already over the railing talking to the child) and asks, “Sir, is he wearing green shorts? ” My husband reluctantly had to tell her yes, when she then nearly had a break down! They are both wanting to go over into the 15 foot drop, when I forbade my husband to do so, and attempted to calm the mother by calling 911 and assure her help was on the way. Neither my husband or the mother would have made that jump without breaking something! I wasn’t leaving with my boys, because I didn’t trust my husband not to jump in and the gorilla did just seem to be protective of the child. It wasn’t until the gorilla became agitated because of the noisy, dramatic, helpless crowd; that the gorilla violently ran with the child! And it was very violent; although I think the gorilla was still trying to protect, we’re taking a 400 lb gorilla throwing a 40 lb toddler around! It was horrific!
The zoo responded very quickly, clearing the area and attempting to save both the child and the gorilla! The right choice was made. Thank God the child survived with non-life threatening, but serious injuries! This was an open exhibit! Which means the only thing separating you from the gorillas, is a 15 ish foot drop and a moat and some bushes!! This mother was not negligent and the zoo did an awesome job handling the situation! Especially since that had never happened before! ! Thankful for the zoo and their attempts and my thoughts and prayers goes out to this boy, his mother and his family.”
–Deidre Lykins
“He was right here! I took a pic and his hand was in my back pocket and then gone!”
We have all been there. We may all be there someday. Practice empathy, not superiority. Practice love, not hate.
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May 30, 2016 in All Posts. Tags: angry, cincinnatizoo, difficult times, empathy, facebook, family, gorilla, health, kids, life, lifestyle, love, mental-health, opinion, people, perspective, psychology, rant, social, social media, society, writing, zookeeper, zookeepers
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June 7, 2016 at 11:19 am
Courtney, thank you for this article. It most clearly expressed how I felt in response to all the hooplah and reactions I was seeing on social media in response to this Cincinnati Zoo tragedy. I believe your article might have been better titled: Replacing Superiority with Empathy. It is empathy and compassion that we need to see more of in life. Superiority and misjudgment are what need to be replaced. I’ve been personally learning this lesson on so many fronts in life lately (as a Christ follower). All my best to you and I send my prayers for health and sound sleep without sleep walking for you.
June 1, 2016 at 5:47 pm
June 1, 2016 at 5:24 pm
“Think about the parents who have forgotten about a child in a carseat on a hot summer day.” ??? Now I know this author is an idiot, and I don’t need to finish the entire article. She probably also agrees with that reporter who gave the tip to “leave something important like a cell phone in the backseat” to remember your kid. She is just as bad as the mom at the zoo. I’m an Auntie to 11 nieces and nephews, they may not be mine, but they are still ALWAYS a priority. Nobody is perfect, but there is also a thing called COMMON SENSE.
June 1, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Oh, get off your high-horse.
June 1, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Oh come on, cut me some slack!! It’s so easy to forget about the baby in her car seat because the Benadryl I give her to ensure a quiet car ride works so well. She doesn’t move or make a peep for hours! I agree, leaving a phone in the backseat is lame. I can’t text while driving that way, am I right?? I’ve just started putting her on the floor of the passenger side. It’s like a perfect little playpen, she loves it! Now I almost never forget to take her inside at night.
Brian says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:07 pm
Mike says:
June 1, 2016 at 7:19 pm
Well played Courtney.
June 1, 2016 at 6:37 pm
Something to reflect “the greatness of a nation, civilization and it’s moral progress can be judge by the way it’s animals are treated” Gandhi
Char says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:51 pm
We should capture these wild beasts and keep them in tiny enclosures, then dangle carrots in front of them,
but then shoot them if/when they get too close!!!
June 1, 2016 at 8:16 pm
So that there are individuals left to keep a species from dying out. That is what a zoo is for.
Mike says:
June 1, 2016 at 7:22 pm
The fact that we choose the life of a human child over an animal says more about our civilization I think.
Sharon says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:57 pm
It’s got to be difficult being as perfect as you Desiroo
How many children do you have? Oh none..
matthew says:
June 6, 2016 at 10:30 am
its not that hard at all to remember your own kid in the back seat… if it is hard then you shouldnt be a parent PERIOD
Katie says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:07 pm
Couldn’t agree more Desiroo, nobody is perfect but priority is the children under no circumstances, even if have to put your own life to spare the child’s. Those parents should have jumped in but they just stand there calling out to the child. As for the car seat issues, again I agree. A child in the back seat is not like the petrol that needs filling, or the car alarm that tells you you’ve left your keys inside, this is a child who is supposed to be the number one in any parent’s head, and should never be compared to the insignificant stuff – so no excuses whatsoever, even if tired, even if unwell – no excuses. We have children because we can and we put them first above anything in this world, if they’re not, then you weren’t meant to have kids in the first place.
June 1, 2016 at 9:37 pm
Jumped in? That’s a horrible idea it would have put the child in more danger and agitated the gorilla more! If you have never made any mistake in your life then you could not possibly empathize but I know that you have. Parents are human. They screw up. Maybe she was not paying as much attention maybe she was distracted by her baby or her phone. But it happens we all screw up. Your phone rings your baby cries you look away. Next time you screw up stop and think of all the things that could happen because of your screw up. You swerved in the car with your kid you both could have died. You accidentally left cleaner on the table and your baby almost drank it. Does that make you a bad parent no it makes you human.
June 1, 2016 at 9:46 pm
I just can’t let this go. Do you seriously think that the vast majority of parents who make these costly mistakes don’t go through horrific feelings of guilt, remorse, and unending pain. We have six daughters and eight grandchildren and but for the Grace of God this could have been us. Hopefully you never have a bad day, make a mistake driving or even walking, cause and accident resulting in the death of some innocent person. By your standard, being human deserves life in prison! I pray your perfection will continue forever because the alternative is not what you want.
June 1, 2016 at 9:50 pm
So well stated, Stephen. EXACTLY my point through all of this. Thanks for your comment.
Steve says:
June 1, 2016 at 4:52 pm
From where I sit I don’t know if the boy was being hurt or in danger. I think it would be easier to “judge” what to do if the video was better.
I’m sorry, but Courtney’s opinion was so long. It could have been much more effective if cut down to a couple of paragraphs.
Char says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:52 pm
Reading is hard.
June 1, 2016 at 4:36 pm
We can empathize with the family while still holding it the most responsible for what happened to this child. Children fall out of windows in the summer every day. Almost always accidents. Families are responsible and DCFS will investigate. The fact that police is talking w the family doesn’t mean they are criminalizing the family. People being outraged at the family that a beautiful animal died is also nothing out of the ordinary, as long as they don’t become violent or threatening to this very fortunate family. Yes it was an accident. Accidents have consequences and contributing factors. An endangered animal lost his life due to human negligence. Let’s reflect on that rather than jump to any human’s defense. No, extinction is not okay to preserve individual Homo sapiens at all costs. Obviously we should be blaming the criminal poachers and warlords and industrial deforesters and all of us for consumer choices that are contributing to the terrible plight of gorillas.
Human actions are very difficult to predict, esp toddlers. Zoo isn’t at fault for designing an enclosure that for the most part did a good job in several decades. Let’s stop using 20/20 hindsight to blame zoo architects. Of all people, the parents are the most contributory to this tragedy. We can empathize them, we shouldn’t criminalize them, but also not let them off the hook. They should not be suing the zoo.
June 1, 2016 at 4:19 pm
It’s amazing how so many of you completely missed the point of this article. Did you even read it? Or did you just skip down to the comments to regurgitate the your opinion on the matter that you’ve, no doubt, already done dozens of times?
The most shocking revelation to me is that there are so many perfect parents out there along with scores of experts on gorilla behavior and dangerous animal protocols. Who knew?!
The incident itself was a tragedy but the discussion surrounding it is what makes me lose faith in humanity.
June 1, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Agreed They are proving my point exactly. So really, I should thank them for adding to the effect of this opinion piece.
June 1, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Thank you for this. I am horrified by the people who want the mom arrested and would have preferred the gorilla not be killed. I love animals too, but all parents make mistakes. Our children do not come with instruction books!
A Devoted Aunt of Three says:
June 1, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Here is a hypothetical: A 4 year old child is at a park and sees an ice cream truck pull in at the other side of the busy parking lot. She tells her dad, I want ice cream! I’m going to get ice cream! Her father says firmly, “Oh no you’re not. You’re NOT getting any ice cream.” He looks and doesn’t any fencing- just a small wall- and then he just turns away to do something else. It is that surprising when the 4 year old takes off, clears the wall, and runs right out into the parking lot…? Does anyone who had, has or has watched any typical 4 year old think that the father’s response was smart, effective or safe?
Amy says:
June 1, 2016 at 3:39 pm
I wouldn’t think the response is acceptable. Anyone who has kids, step kids, watches kids, just been around kids should know that they don’t always do what they are told. Especially a 3-4 year old. As a parent you also know your child if they are going to listen or take off. You make sure they are away from the dangerous situation, are listening, and in your eye sight. Not just say no than walk away or turn your back to do something else.
Pat says:
June 1, 2016 at 4:45 pm
You are absolutely right.
June 1, 2016 at 3:20 pm
This entire event is tragic, for the child, mother, gorilla, spectators and the zoo. The child’s well being and safety takes priority, I feel everyone believes that. But killing the gorilla was also very tragic; even if the zoo felt it was the only option to this situation. I have seen other places that were extremely dangerous like Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, you could take a elevator to top of the falls; they had a viewing area that was fenced relatively high. I could not believe how many parents let their small children climb that fence that was next to a high dropoff. They were not even near the children, I would have held the child in my arms or held their hand. With the gorilla enclosure being open and having a high drop off, barrier or not , I would have had that child’s hand or held them. I do feel the horror the mother must have felt with her child’s life being in danger. I know she wished she did things differently. When tragedies like these happen, everyone wants answers, everyone responds from emotions. I am thrilled the child is safe, but I am deeply devastated the gorilla lost his life; this is a tragedy. I have to agree with the man that stated animals should not be caged and confined for our enjoyment; but live free in a safe protected environment.
June 1, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Often zoos serve as rehab facilities for animals. They have vets and caretakers helping animals that for whatever reasons may not be suitable to be in the wild. They conduct research. They also educate people, hopefully, and not just entertain children. For critically endangered animals, zoos may be the last place where a few individuals are safe. The political situations where some of these wild animals are native are extremely volatile that establishing safe natural sanctuary for them is impossible. Warlords too busy killing people and animal habitat that are in the way. Let’s not blame zoos, but condemn poachers and warlords that occupy the lands where these animals are from. A lot of zoo animals are born in zoos and would not survive for a second in the wild. If they are endangered, releasing them to the wild would be utterly irresponsible.
Amy says:
June 1, 2016 at 1:53 pm
I do have empathy for this mother. I can’t imagine turning around and in a split second my child is missing just to find out he/she was trapped in the gorilla habitat and being dragged around. I disagree with all these people who are calling her horrible names and saying terrible things about this family, especially a 3 year old boy. I have read some horrific comments. Who are you to call a 3 year old boy (you have not even met) a brat or another comment I read referred to the family as apes and they should be the ones shot. That is ridiculous and I don’t know why anyone would think it’s okay to say something like that. However, just because I’m not going to stoop to a lower level and say inappropriate and unnecessary comments, I can and do feel like some of the fault is on the mother. It just seems so bizarre that a child was able to get away from his mother, climb a wall, crawl through bushes, fall into the water of a gorilla habitat and she didn’t notice he was gone till after he was already down there. This is way different than jumping in the shower for 5 minutes and your kid getting into some trouble around the house. She knew it was an open habitat. She knew there were wild animals around. She should have been more aware of the dangers and supervised her child more. Plus, there are 2 different stories going around (that I have heard) 1. She was just taking a picture and her son was gone in a split second 2. She was attending to another child who was crying. Well which is it? Think about this.. If this mother was at work and she allowed her nanny or babysitter to take the kids to the zoo and this happened would she say the same thing? It was a mistake. Accidents happen and kids into trouble sometimes. Probably not. The nanny/babysitter would probably be fired and most likely sued along with the zoo. We shouldn’t be saying such hurtful judgemental things, but we can’t just chalk it up to “just a mistake, accidents happen” Someone has to take responsibility and everything isn’t black and work.
ATL says:
June 1, 2016 at 2:24 pm
The post from the bystander says that she was watching him…she said that it happened so fast that before they could get to him, he had fallen. Now, how did he get away in the first place is a good question but again, “mistakes” do happen. Kids at that age do things so fast, faster than we can keep up. But that doesn’t make parents neglectful. Just makes us human…
Amy says:
June 1, 2016 at 2:51 pm
There were other witnesses that said she didn’t even know where he was. If she was watching him she should have know where he was. And she has stated 2 different times.. she was taking a picture and another time she was attending to her daughter.
Amy says:
June 1, 2016 at 2:55 pm
How he got away in the first place is a good question.. Maybe she was taking a picture or maybe she was attending to another child, but than she wasn’t watching him and that is neglectful. She knew she was going to the zoo with that many children. If she couldn’t keep an eye on them all she shouldn’t have gone, or don’t take all the kids, at the very least take someone with her for extra help.
Sue says:
June 1, 2016 at 4:06 pm
wow has no parent ever lost their child in a store??? it happens all the time they have a special code for it code ADAM. parents of just one child lose their child parents of more than one child lose their child ..Neglect??No human can keep their eyes one one child at all times it is impossible. They are very fast and determined when they get their minds on something. For all those judging be careful of your glass house.
Amy says:
June 1, 2016 at 4:24 pm
It’s about what she was doing when she took her eyes off the boy. She has changed her story from taking a selfie to attending to another child. Depending on which is true makes a big difference. One is very neglectful. And I’m not judging her. Kids are fast and accidents do happen, but she can’t say she has no fault at all. Take responsibility for her part.
June 1, 2016 at 4:44 pm
I had heard a true story about a family where the mom was leaving to go to work, the father walked her out to say goodbye and when she pulled out of the driveway she ran her son over and he died. Neither parent had realized that the door was cracked when they left the house, or that their child got out, they never seen him. I know that when you take your small children to places that are hazardous such as a open gorilla habitat with a dangerous drop off, even if it had a barrier, the child should have been held rather by the hand or in the arms to prevent any accidents. I know barriers and fences to some individuals feels that they are protected and secure; but in this case it obviously was’nt. Surely the mother feels horrid and wishes she did things differently. Fortunately her child has been given another chance, unfortunately for the gorilla he didnt get another chance.
June 1, 2016 at 4:51 pm
Of all people involved, the family is the most responsible. Not the zoo. I don’t think they are criminal, and their mistake could happen to anyone probably. However, compared to everyone else, the family bears the greatest responsibility. Even as we empathize with them, we can also hold the duality in our minds that they should not be entirely exonerated of all responsibility. They are the main cause behind this tragedy and if people are angry at them, that is a normal response. People shouldn’t threaten this family or get violent with them, but if people on the Internet are saying stuff we should understand why they are upset. An animal died!
Ted says:
June 1, 2016 at 7:12 pm
And just how should we punish them? And just who are you referring to – the mother and child, or also the father (reformed, but with a criminal past) who actually wasn’t even there. Let us not also forget the racist insults and death wishes spewed at the family, after their racial identity became known. For a simple human (male, female, black, white, asian, etc) error of losing track of a child for a moment, just like millions of other adults do daily, many now ask for their lives, their jobs to be taken away, or that they should be locked up and their children taken away! How self-centered, conceited, and unforgiving we have become in our “love” of animals and the power of attacking others via the internet.
CRM says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Yes!
June 1, 2016 at 12:32 pm
I have one thing to say. I would love to follow all those people blaming this mother for one week! Just one week! And then judge all your parental skills! Im guessing that would be a REALLY good show shame on all of you! Lets hope you don’t take your judgemental eyes of your children in any waking second for the next how many years! And lets pray that you are never in a situation where a potential life threatening event ever unfolds!
June 1, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Ate you new? The Parents are to blame. I could just as easily be reading about a child abduction at the Cincinnati Zoo right now instead of reading about PARENTS neglecting to watch their children. I agree with Jeff Corwin, ZOOS ARE NOT YOUR BABYSITTER. If you can’t be a parent to your children, stop having them! The parents should be charged with neglect. ESPECIALLY since reading that the child TOLD his mother that he was going to go into the enclosure to “play in the water.” The Zoo shares some responsibility also for a toddler to get into an exhibit so easily
Maria T says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:32 pm
This was a roller coaster of events not just one person or the other is to blame. Your children are ultimately your responsibility, as a parent. I surely hope that the parents aren’t suing because it was they who decided to take the risk to begin with by entering that zoo and letting their child being unattended mistake or not. That being said this is a place where children visit all the time, it should have been full proof or nearly full proof for a child of that size to get into. This was just a 4 year old, imagine what a 8 or 10 year old could do to get in. Maybe they need more zookeepers around to watch for these sorts of things also. Nobody is perfect in this situation and it’s just sad that something like this had to take place before lessons could be learned.
June 1, 2016 at 4:54 pm
In decades of operation of this exhibit, this zoo has never had an incident like this before. Zoo people are not clairvoyant. They cannot possibly imagine every contingency. If we call for empathy, why not also call for empathy for all the zoo workers? I empathize with them more than with the family. The family is not necessarily bad people, just saying that they bear greater responsibility than the zoo.
Maria T says:
June 1, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Exactly decades. Times change and so do people and so do exhibits and the surroundings. I took my children to a zoo just recently that they were remodeling. As I say again the parents are ultimately the ones responsible of the child.
June 1, 2016 at 12:02 pm
to all the people who say the gorilla didn’t deserve to die, maybe it didn’t. But if it were my child in there with the gorilla, it would certainly have been worth killing it. I’m sure if it were your child, you would say the same. Got off your high-horse and have some decency and empathy.
June 1, 2016 at 11:51 am
My empathy is with the animal. And the zoo officials and care takers. Keep your Brats out of the Habitats . Mom was a child care worker, not just a mom. This was a captive breed gorilla and therefor would not have behaved as a regular silverback . I have no empathy for the mom or the brat that did is he was toled not to. But then like father like son. Criminals raise criminals .
June 1, 2016 at 12:11 pm
Even if the animal had not been behaving as a regular silverback, you have to keep in mind that he weighs 400 pounds. An animal that size can unintentionally injure or even kill a small child even if it’s not acting aggressively.
June 1, 2016 at 1:37 pm
Ate you new? The Parents are to blame. I could just as easily be reading about a child abduction at the Cincinnati Zoo right now instead of reading about PARENTS neglecting to watch their children. I agree with Jeff Corwin, ZOOS ARE NOT YOUR BABYSITTER. If you can’t be a parent to your children, stop having them! The parents should be charged with neglect. ESPECIALLY since reading that the child TOLD his mother that he was going to go into the enclosure to “play in the water.” The Zoo shares some responsibility also for a toddler to get into an exhibit so easily
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:33 pm
Do you actually believe a 4 year old is capable of controlling their impulses to the degree they will automatically do as they are told? Do you honestly believe a 4 year old child’s behavior is directly related to his father’s past? Please cite the studies that have the data to back up your claims. I will happily give you links to some child development sites/books that will say that that four year old was appropriately acting his age. And, his father’s past is just that, in the past, therefore it has no bearing on the child now, in this moment.
Sarah says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Im sorry but at 4 year old child knows the difference between right and wrong. Yes and no. When the kid joked about going in the water the mom should have made sure to keep am even better eye on that child and the kid should not better when the mom says no. Either way should should have had her eyes on the kid at all times.
June 1, 2016 at 6:09 pm
And I’m sure when they saw the giraffes he said, “I want to ride the giraffe!” And when they saw the Tigers he said “I want to pet the tiger.” He’s four. Developmentally speaking, most four year olds don’t understand serious consequences or cause and effect.
karla says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Just a question. Do you have kids (brats as you call them). Because I have a feeling you dont. Please remember you are here because you were a brat once.
Kim J says:
June 1, 2016 at 1:29 pm
I am glad that you have always done as you were told. I believe you are the only one.
You obviously missed the point of the article
A common sense thinker says:
June 1, 2016 at 1:32 pm
You have no idea what you are talking about, or you have never raised a child. Children sometimes do things so quickly that no one can do anything about it. Keep your uninformed comments to yourself. By the way learn how to spell, as in captive breed, should have been captive bred. Did is he was toled, should be did as he was told. So you see, everyone does make mistakes. Even you.
This is my opinion and only my opinion, but anyone that puts an animals life above that of a human is truly ignorant.
June 1, 2016 at 3:43 pm
A common sense thinker. what makes us so special?. Thinking that we are somehow superior to animals is what is destroying their habitat and this world. We should see animals as what they are: very valuable . Did you know that bees( a such small animal) were to disappear humans wouldn’t be able to survive. But I don’t mind that they should have let the kid died. I agree with the decision but it is still very sad. I don’t agree with this article in the sense that it kind of implies that it was all a big mistake and thats it ( upps) because we should concern ourselves in way of making this situations stops.
June 1, 2016 at 1:38 pm
You have no idea what you are talking about, or you have never raised a child. Children sometimes do things so quickly that no one can do anything about it. Keep your uninformed comments to yourself. By the way learn how to spell, as in captive breed, should have been captive bred. Did is he was toled, should be did as he was told. So you see, everyone does make mistakes. Even you.
Unless you are trained in animal behavioral sciences then you have no idea what the gorilla would do if he was tranquillized. Even then no one knows for sure. I do know this, if by some unlucky happenstance, my child was in enclosure with any wild animal capable of doing harm such as that gorilla, I would shoot first and then worry about the consequences.
This is my opinion and only my opinion, but anyone that puts an animals life above that of a human is truly ignorant.
June 1, 2016 at 4:59 pm
The issue here is not just an animal life vs. a human life. A silverback is critically endangered. There are 7 billion Homo sapiens. I wouldn’t care as much if an olive baboon was killed to save a person. This situation is more emotionally charged. Our values regarding life do need to be adjusted a bit when it’s a member of a species whose soon pending extinction was caused by us.
June 1, 2016 at 2:27 pm
And as Sholes raise ass holes as I’m sure your mom or even dad is!
Larry says:
June 1, 2016 at 11:38 am
This is a TRAGEDY. It’s tragic that we even keep wild animals in pens for onlookers to gaze at. It’s tragic that a majestic but endangered animal lost his life this way. It’s tragic that a mother lost track of her child in a potentially dangerous area. It’s tragic that the zoo is blamed for the death. It’s tragic that 2 other mothers tried to stop the child before the mother even knew the child was missing. It’s tragic that the mother has not accepted the responsibility for the animal’s death. The mother is being investigated for child abuse (neglect leading to endangerment), but likely will not be charged. I am reserving judgement on the mother until I know she hasn’t tried to sue the zoo. Tragic. Simply tragic.
June 1, 2016 at 11:23 am
I just think experimentation with animals and these situations needs to take place, prevention, and tested prior to the emergency situation. A zookeeper is being attacked, if tranquilized wouldn’t that shot distract the animal and then they would react to that, release the person or distract them enough to alter the situation.
I don’t know the answer but I believe that when dealing with wild life all avenues need to be explored in case of an emergencies like this.
Accidents are just that accidents, but hopefully those in higher power can see to explore other means then killing.
June 1, 2016 at 11:17 am
How can anyone be blaming this mom if the zoo had the proper enclosure the child would have never been able to get in the enclosure in the first place. Stop blaming the mom!
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 11:45 am
It was an open enclosure exhibit. With that type of exhibit comes some risk. It’s the responsibility of the adult to weigh the dangers of that risk, decide whether or not it’s worth it and, if it is, take the precautions necessary to keep the children safe. It is not the zoo’s fault this woman A. didn’t think of the risks involved, or B. she did but felt it wasn’t a problem and C. did not take her son seriously when he told her he was going to go swim with the gorilla. It was her poor judgement, not the zoo’s, that knocked that first domino down. Still, it doesn’t mean she deserves the wrath of the internet. And I too hope it is only a rumor that she is going to sue the zoo because no one should be rewarded for their lack of judgement. I hope she is spending the days reflecting, forgiving herself and then getting her son proper treatment for the concussion he suffered (those are not to be taking lightly, they can lead to permanent brain damage and learning disabilities).
June 1, 2016 at 11:46 am
Where and what was the mother doing while this happen?
Lovely says:
June 1, 2016 at 2:01 pm
READ the account it give the details!
June 1, 2016 at 11:54 am
Yes the zoo should have .But the zoo also should have an emergency plan if something like this does happen. Why did they not shot the animal with a Tranquilizer ? You have to put most of the blame on the Parents for letting this happen,no matter how much barrier was in place. But I think the zoo is at fualt for the kill of this Majestic creature.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:11 pm
The reason they didn’t use a tranquilizer gun has been explained in every article written about the event. Remember, Google is your friend.
June 1, 2016 at 5:02 pm
Stop blaming the zoo! In decades of operation of this enclosure something like this has never happened before. Are zoo people supposed to be clairvoyant?
Maybe mom doesn’t deserve the vitriol she might be getting, but she is more responsible than the zoo when it comes to the safety of the child. The victims in this story in decreasing importance would be 1) the gorilla 2) the child 3) people working at the zoo and at the very end is 4) the family. Of all players, the family is the most responsible. We can empathize with them while not exonerating them completely.
MO says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:28 am
While I agree that the zoo did the right thing – they couldn’t risk the gorilla killing the boy – I need to point out that his mother is, indeed, at fault. The boy didn’t fall into the enclosure. He climbed over the barrier and crawled through the grass and bushes until he fell into the water. That is completely different than him falling in. And he told her several times he wanted to go into the water so she had plenty of warning. I heard that this family is now suing the zoo and I really hope that is just a vicious rumor. Their son did something wrong which could have been prevented. The zoo killed an animal to protect the boy. Isn’t that enough?
June 1, 2016 at 11:44 am
Ty said and thought the same thing. SMH now they will be sued? The mother of rude child is an idiot. Tg the child is OK……parents need to keep an eye in there children more closely to avoid this situation! All i’m saying
June 1, 2016 at 10:17 am
Thank you my friend for writing this. You have put into words what I have felt and have been unable to express. I think there is more than you would think, who feel the way we do. Thank you for being brave enough to say it. The internet provides all to well a platform for people to try to build their own ego, by sitting in judgement of others. This has never sat well with me. So many could benefit with some writing in the sand.
June 1, 2016 at 11:14 am
Agree!!
June 1, 2016 at 10:12 am
IT was the zoos fault for having an enclosure that allows this to happen.
Zo says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:28 am
How about tranking(a tranquilizer gun)on the gorilla! And why did it take 10 minutes to make a decision?
What am I missing here.
June 1, 2016 at 11:13 am
This isn’t the movies. Tranq’s don’t work immediately. Read the article. It mention’s why they weren’t used.
June 1, 2016 at 11:13 am
I did read that in the agitated state that the gorilla was in, if they would have shot him with a tranquilizer A) they don’t know how he would have reacted to being shot and B) as hyped up as he was from all the screaming, it would have taken several minutes for him to be knocked out. I read that they deemed it too dangerous for the child… worried the gorilla would become hostile.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:55 am
That’s like blaming a store for having a parking lot when your kid runs out into it and gets hit by a car because you, the parent, weren’t holding his or her hand.
June 1, 2016 at 11:19 am
Exactly thank you I am so sick of people blaming the mom when if they had the proper enclosure this could never have happened.
June 1, 2016 at 10:03 am
I haven’t seen this much arrogance in a long time. It is the classic; “Hindsight is 20/20”. Someone should have done this, they should have done that, they should have, should have, should have.
NO ONE, was in the moment – but her (knowing what she heard, what she saw, what she was experiencing).
NO ONE knows the full history of the family dynamic.
NO ONE knows if she heard the first request.
NO ONE knew if she heard either request (or, did she and she said “no” – and of course ALL kids always accept “NO” for an answer). Or did she just “ignore”, (which parents never do – even good ones).
It is the apparent pious, “I would have never done that” attitude that galls me. You don’t KNOW that. You weren’t “in the moment”. Typical revisionist history approach.
Humans make mistakes. Period. MAYBE you all that are being so judgemental, MIGHT have not done the same thing. But I bet if you look hard enough into how many instances there were like circumstances, that you did, you just might be surprised and your fallible moment.
June 1, 2016 at 10:05 am
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:41 am
This is not an either/or issue. It is easy to have compassion for this woman and at the same time feel she didn’t think of the dangers around for her children to get into. And just because it’s a mistake doesn’t mean she wasn’t irresponsible and lacked judgement at that particular moment. Again, she should not be vilified, she is not a criminal, but she definitely needs some parenting classes and should be barred from suing the zoo in order to make a profit off of her poor decision making skills. Also, believing this woman is somewhat responsible for what transpired is not arrogance given the facts – the child told her twice he was going to swim with the gorilla and then she made the poor decision of thinking a “No you won’t” would stop him. She has to live with that for the rest of her life, something every parent dreads.
June 1, 2016 at 11:05 am
Where does this come from that the child told his mother he was gonna go swim with the gorillas.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 11:13 am
Do a google search, there are many news outlets with this information.
June 1, 2016 at 11:45 am
I appreciate you stating that she shouldn’t be vilified. That is my main point. In our humanity, mistakes occur. Even with the best of intent, or attentiveness. I have seen time after time, people spouting, they wouldn’t have let this happen, or she should have known. That’s all I’m saying. No manner of hindsight analysis will discern that it could have been avoided – because, things do happen, in an instant. Then a series of instances lead to catastrophe. It is our society’s clamoring for finding someone to blame, that triggers this type of feeding frenzy of presumption, and vilification.
I do believe in accountability. However, I seen many applications of punishment for accountability, skewed by greed, grief or any number of emotions. And guess what – there will NEVER BE unanimous consensus on said punishment.
My belief? Be diligent. Do what you can. ASK FOR HELP!!! (one thing that is often ignored – because of the very dangers you may be asking for help from).
The zoo is providing a service. The public wants to see things unencumbered. They comply, people try to hold the zoo responsible.
Parenting, a lot has already been written about the woulda, coulda, shoulda. I wont drone on about that.
There is contributory negligence a plenty in this situation. Why didn’t bystanders make moves to help, instead of watch on? (oh, those individuals don’t want to be thought of a potential predators).
So; this is a sad, sad, sad, situation. Many things contributed. There is no single person to blame. Just my opine.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:07 pm
June 1, 2016 at 5:04 pm
Thank you for your reasonable comments
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:16 am
One can have empathy for this woman and find her responsible for what happened at the same time. Lord knows I wouldn’t want to live with the guilt that something like this would create, but, I also feel that because she thought a simple, “No you’re not.” was going to stop a 4 year old from doing something they had set their mind to that she bears some responsibility. She should not be charged with anything, but she should have to attend some parenting classes and not be able to profit off of her lack of judgement by suing the zoo.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:17 am
oops, double post, didn’t see that my first one had posted – apologies.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 8:16 am
I’m a parent and I hate to judge other parents but there is one fact that makes me feel the mom is somewhat responsible for what happened. Her son told her he was going to go in the water. Not once, but twice. As a parent, that alone would be enough for me to grab his hand and not let go. When my kids were little I would have them grab my back pocket, but I would never do that after they told me they wanted to do something dangerous. Seriously, it’s just common sense. And just because I believe this woman dropped the ball doesn’t mean I don’t have empathy for her – it’s the quite opposite because this is a horrible way to learn that with this particular child you can’t let your guard down, ever. She has to live with that the rest of her life and every parent knows how awful that feels.
June 1, 2016 at 9:17 am
There were multiple eyewitness reports saying the kid was sitting on the railing while she took pics. Add to that her FB post after the incident of her defending how “accidents happen” and one ounce of remorse that an endangered animal had to be shot and killed due to her “accident.” Yes, accidents happen but this was tragic. All due to an unapologetic bitch that didn’t watch her crotch fruit.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:06 am
You had me until your last sentence which was completely unnecessary and only makes you look like a troll.
June 1, 2016 at 10:01 am
Everyone can pop off and say unpleasant things but the bottom line is, if this was your child, would you want the gorilla to kill your kid? No you wouldnt, no matter if you were responsible. I ask again, do you think your child should be harmed or kill because of a mistake you made. No one is concerned about the little boy, he is probably traumatized. I luke animaks, but I dont value any anim.al life over a human
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:49 am
No where did I say or imply that the gorilla should have been allowed to kill this child. The zoo did the right thing, the issue is that it didn’t have to happen. And I am very concerned for that little boy, not only because of the traumatic experience he endured, but the fact that his mom blew off the concussion he suffered as though it’s no big deal (see her facebook post), when in reality a concussion can lead to possible brain damage and permanent learning disabilities.
June 1, 2016 at 7:58 am
Well here goes another opinion in the long list of comments left. First let me say that in the comparison of “forgetting” your child in a hot car there is none. I am a mother of 3 children and I have never “forgotten” my child. Now with that being said we all as parents have moments where we look away and something yes could happen. I also have taken my kids to the zoo several times and my kids never ended up in any exhibit (although at times I contemplated leaving them there as an exhibit). I am not understanding why the mother did not access the same things we did that the enclosure was not adequate. Perhaps even why did someone else notice her son “flop” over the rail and all the while they are looking around for his mother and she is nowhere to be found? These are just some of the questions I have. The next would be that you suggest that the mother could have never went down 12 ft (not significant height) without breaking a bone but yet the toddler did. As a mother the only thing I see wrong with this picture is that the mother and yes even your husband thought of their own injury and welfare before the safety of the child. I would have went in after my child EVEN IF it meant the gorilla could have killed me or I might have “broken” a bone. Now it is easy to say this with hindsight, however as a mother your first instinct is to protect your child at ALL costs. We do not know what the outcome would have been, nor should we suggest that the zoo should have “let it play out” that is ridiculous and absurd. The zoo who are in contact with these animals everyday and professionals made the decision they felt is right and I trust their decision. This is a sad situation for everyone who is involved and maybe we all (zoo, public, mother, son, etc.) can learn something from this horrific incident. By the way… if I left my child unattended while showering and he ventured outside and got hit, I would according to state law be charged with child neglect as well as the person who hit the child would be charged with involuntary vehicular manslaughter… Your comparisons cause much grief.
Lola says:
June 1, 2016 at 11:30 am
First of all, just because you have never forgotten your child does not mean that it could not or would not happen. That’s the very attitude of superiority the writer is cautioning against.
Second, it is absolutely not true that the mother “was nowhere to be found.” If you read the actual post, there is account given by an eyewitness, who states that the mother was right there, calling for her child, as the child was rapidly crawling through the 3 feet of bushes before the 15-foot drop.
Third, someone else did notice her son flop over the rail, and said he was moving so fast that neither she nor her husband, who were right there, could reach him before he hit the drop.
Fourth, you would have went into the enclosure after the child, despite the risks. Great. Then the gorilla would have become agitated, and likely would have killed both you and the child. How is that a better choice, or an example of better parenting? The mother seemed to realize that the gorilla was becoming agitated by the crowd, which was screaming and yelling. Perhaps her protective instinct allowed her to analyze the situation better (despite her initial instinct to jump in after the child), and do exactly what she did–try to stay calm, try to calm the rest of the crowd, and to attempt to reassure her child by saying she was there.
Fifth, a more apt comparison would be if you were walking in a parking lot, holding your child’s hand, and your child suddenly let go of your hand and ran after something, right into the path of a car, which hit your child. Things happen. Kids are spontaneous and quick. Please get off your moral high horse, learn the actual facts of the case, and attempt to have some empathy for this poor woman, who, by all accounts, did not do anything wrong.
Mike says:
June 1, 2016 at 7:53 am
Great message and perspective in this piece. I think the only thing I would add is that before using your anger to incite change, use your anger to learn as much as possible about the safety processes and relevant policies already in place. Dispassionate risk analysis yields better results than knee-jerk reactions, especially to high severity, low probability events.
June 1, 2016 at 5:08 pm
A thoughtful response.
June 1, 2016 at 7:03 am
The overly negative response to this tragic event at the Cincinnati zoo does not surprise me. In the responses are truly heartfelt sentiments from people who love both children and animals. But then, as with most things in the anonymity of this internet age, there are those who see opportunity to be hateful in the midst of tragedy. Unlike a number of other similar zoo incidents involving children, this one has seen the child’s parents vilified. There’s at least one media outlet to post about the father’s having a criminal past because that has what to do with what? In other such zoo incidents the family’s name, background are never known but here they’re being dragged out by a virtual lynch mob. Then there’s the racist commentary that’s both intertwined with that but no less expressed directly because opportunity strikes and the worst among us, those seething with hate normally veiled in polite society… let rip online. Anytime anyone tells you racism is dead point them to oh, just about anything because this zoo incident is but ONE example. Beyond that though, I am not about to go and excuse the mother in this situation as so many are happily doing. Nope. This notion that people should get an automatic pass because well, accidents happen! Is complete and utter nonsense. Drag up all the non-zoo comparisons you want, not valid here. Let’s stick to zoos shall we? I am a parent, I took my toddler boy to the zoo as many other parents have and do day in and day out, week after week, month, year and so on. Tons of parents take their toddler children to zoos daily and manage to keep them out of animal enclosures! How is that possible? I’ve seen the excuse made that …well, some kids are more rambunctious maybe you have a nice and quiet one. Yes, me and hundreds of thousands of other parents whose children have failed to hurtle themselves inside zoo exhibits… just have easily managed kids with zero energy. WRONG! The vast majority of kids are all pinging off the wall, little escape artists of curiosity and no fear. So how do so many parents keep them safe in zoos? Why don’t we have these accidents more often than not? In a word, vigilance. You see, a rambunctious toddler doesn’t just magically become that way and parents tend to know how their kids are. And even those who feel they have a mostly quiet, passive child will still be watchful (or should be) in potentially dangerous environments like zoos because you never know when that combination of youthful energy, curiosity and lack of fear will popup and your toddler makes a beeline for trouble. So no, I will not provide a convenient out for any parent and it’s not because I’m the perfect parent or superior (I’m so not) but at keeping my child safe in zoos? I am a full on 100% pro at that and given that so many other parents of toddlers have managed to do the same shows I’m not alone. I am so very tired of people who want to be excused from their own failings, their own lack of accountability and have the notion that zoos and the world should be made maximally safe so they don’t have to be on point and protect their children when you know… they just want to snap a photo, send a text, ignore their damn responsibilities for just a second or two. There’s not enough safeguards in the world to guard against stupid let alone willful stupid. For the love of animals in zoos and children everwhere… if you are a parent you are that 24/7/365 no matter what. No excuses, no expectations of some village raising your child and making their world safe… that’s your job, just do it.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:28 am
I couldn’t agree more.
June 1, 2016 at 9:51 am
As a parent you know your kids, and no two are the same. This kid has propably been jumping fences and doing what he is told not too all of his 4 years. And the parent has allowed it…..and a gorilla is now dead. All of my 5ft self would have jumped after my child in a heart beat, no time for “mommy loves you”!
June 1, 2016 at 9:58 am
That’s quite a bit of insinuation in one paragraph about a boy you’ve never met.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:23 am
Courtney, I’m curious, do you have children? I’m not trying to be snarky but Eneida and others are correct when they say you would know what your child is capable of by the time they’re 4. And it’s easy to surmise this was not his first time being adventurous precisely because he’s 4 years old. The vilification of this woman is shameful, but that doesn’t absolve her of her parental responsibilities. She was at a zoo exhibit that had an open enclosure (not at a Walmart or the neighborhood park) with a child that is adventurous and has no fear, it doesn’t take a genius to know that you have to be hyper vigilant as a parent in that situation. But, it also doesn’t mean she’s a criminal and that her husbands past should be brought up (totally uncalled for, imho). However, just because it was a mistake it doesn’t exonerate her from the consequences of making that mistake. Now, if we could only get everyone up in arms over the parents that leave their loaded guns around for their young children to pick up and play with (and either kill the parent, themselves or another child) – that would be progress. And before anyone accuses me of being a leftist anti-gun hippie, yadda yadda yadda, I am anti stupid people owning guns. Nothing wrong with that.
June 1, 2016 at 11:43 am
With all respect, I don’t know gorillas, except for the incredibly magnificent creatures that they are. But as a parent and as an educator, I do know children. Unfortunately, I also know good and bad parenting. Parenthood is the toughest job anyone can have in their entire lives and not everyone should apply.
June 1, 2016 at 11:48 am
Unfortunately, there is no test. Just the ability to procreate. And sometimes, without the intent of conception.
June 1, 2016 at 12:12 pm
I would love to go to the same zoo and see the gorillas just as they are today and not with additional new fences and barriers due to this incident.
Penny says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:40 am
Concerning the blog – Well said!
June 1, 2016 at 2:21 am
Thank you so much for writing this!!!!! I agree with every single word in this article! For everyone throwing hate and wishing harm on this woman and her family, what does that say about you. If you wish harm on these people, instead of sympathy and compassion, then your crime outweighs her mistake!
June 1, 2016 at 2:03 am
Why do people find it entertaining to watch captured and caged animals in the first place, that’s my bewilderment.
May 31, 2016 at 11:56 pm
I love animals too. They taste great in my burger or underneath the tires of my SUV. Any one who would suggest that the life of an animal is worth more than any human being is an imbecile.
Karen says:
June 1, 2016 at 1:42 am
June 1, 2016 at 9:46 am
Fred, your two sentences say it all! Well stated!
May 31, 2016 at 11:24 pm
How many people type out an opinion and then go grab a bucket of fried chicken, a burger, or just go for a drive in a car upholstered in rich Corinthian leather? The real story here is one of hypocrisy. One of arbitrarily assigning more of less value to animals based entirely on cultural values or personal biases/interests. Human life is human life. Animal life is animal life. I understand that as humans we are sentimental and easily become attached to animals. But the fact is that they are still animals and we need to be reminded of this from time to time. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cow, a chicken, a monkey, a dolphin, or a rat in your attic. I don’t know if people are just too far removed from nature, or they spend too much time watching cartoons, but this whole debate is a perfect illustration of just how warped we have become as society. Zero empathy for each other and a totally unrealistic view of the natural world. They were right to shoot the gorilla. Period.
Jyoti doki says:
June 1, 2016 at 8:18 am
May 31, 2016 at 11:07 pm
8 seconds. That’s the about the time it takes for someone to take their camera out of a bag for example. I’d love to see what your kid could do in that time…. yes, even if he/she is the most well-behaved child on this planet. Kids are kids and accidents happen! When was the last time you went to the mall without a kid getting lost. Just think about it. It sucks big time for the gorilla but at the end of the day, the kid is safe and sound. Thank God. Here’s a very similar post i enjoyed : http://bit.ly/1ZbLrqc
Sudarshan says:
May 31, 2016 at 11:16 pm
And whi the Hell asked you to keep the Gorilla in enclosure when you can’t guarantee its life?
Put your loved ones in the lap of every animal thats alive and shoot them all. This will prove how much you love your keens. If you love them, learn to leave them at home, in enclosure. They need it more than very much capable gorilla.
May 31, 2016 at 10:50 pm
It’s all very sad. This isn’t a white or black issue, happens to all races. But when you bring your 3 year old to a zoo, and stand in front of gorillas, for heavens sake, ALL your attention at that moment in time , needs to be focused on that child. If you can’t do this, don’t go. It’s very simple. He is your responsibility and your life, you only get one chance.
June 1, 2016 at 1:41 am
As a parent you truly do not anticipate (in this day and age) that your zoo wouldn’t have child-proofed the animals’ enclosures. A small curious child wants to see what everyone else can see. Bushes and a 3 foot barrier??? Once your 4 year old, averaging 37-46″ in height, in a crowd of much taller people enters a bed of shrubs…it would be easy to lose sight of your child under those circumstances. Small children are quick, curious, and fearless! This was a very unfortunate incident that could’ve been much, much worse. I hope our zoos will think more logically about protecting both the welfare of the animals they keep AND more importantly the safety of small, curious visitors. Thank God this child wasn’t killed! He surely will suffer mentally and emotionally…and I will not be surprised (although saddened) when the lawsuit hits the headlines.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:54 am
It was an open enclosure exhibit and this woman showed an extreme lack of judgement by thinking a simple “No you won’t” would stop a 4 year old from doing something they set their mind to. But, that doesn’t mean she should be vilified or charged with anything. However, she also shouldn’t be able to sue the zoo and make a profit off of her poor decision making skills.
June 1, 2016 at 3:21 am
I agree. This was not a “mistake”. The mother chose to take a picture instead of having a firm hand on her very curious child. When you choose the action, you choose the consequence. Unfortunately, harambe had to pay the price for her negligence, not a mistake.
June 1, 2016 at 8:53 am
How dare a mother take a photo at a zoo. How dare she.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 10:01 am
She took a picture at an open enclosure exhibit after her 4 year old told her he was going to swim with the gorilla, not once, but twice. She obviously thought “No you won’t” would stop him and that shows an extreme lack of judgement on her part. Is she a criminal, should she be vilified? No. But should she be absolved of all responsibility? Absolutely not. She needs some parenting classes, that’s for sure and she should not be allowed to sue the zoo and make a profit off her poor decision making skills. Those two things along with the guilt she will carry for the rest of her life is enough.
Cgirl says:
June 1, 2016 at 5:55 am
Please 3 year olds are fast on there feet one SECOND they are there and one SECOND they are not. It would’ve been easy to think he hadn’t left her side. And just think about the trauma after he leaves the hospital that this child and mother will have to deal with. I’m sure they will need counselling. There’s enough pain to go around on this situation besides having people being so judgemental about it. That’s the truly sad part of all of this!
Workingmom says:
June 1, 2016 at 5:59 am
Wow! I’m sure you are perfect and of course if you do have kids have they ever fallen and scratched their knees? Did they get stung by a bee, need stitches, broken a bone? If so, where were you? They were under your care.
Sandi says:
June 1, 2016 at 7:06 am
May 31, 2016 at 9:06 pm
If the zoo hadn’t shot the gorilla, then blacks would be screaming, “Black lives matter!” If the gorilla had killed the child, he would have been shot anyway. If the kid lives to be a teen, he might be shot anyway. The fact that the mother invokes “God” for saving her child is another example her negligence and ignorance. The gorilla seemed to have been protecting the child more than the mother by dragging him away from the commotion. I say, “Gorilla lives matter!”
Lee says:
May 31, 2016 at 10:27 pm
You could have saved your response. Very heartless and ignorant! Wow!
Joe says:
May 31, 2016 at 10:32 pm
“If the zoo hadn’t shot the gorilla, then blacks would be screaming, “Black lives matter!””
When there is a similar outpouring of grief and blame from white people posts when a 12 yr old afro-american boy with a toy gun is shot by police, perhaps then your racist comment would be relevant
Dai Uy says:
May 31, 2016 at 10:33 pm
In 1986 a five year old boy fell 12 feet into the Gorilla Enclosure at a British zoo. Zoo keepers and EMTs rescued the boy without harming either the animals or the child. Apparently no one accused the parents of negligence or ignorance and the police did not bring charges. http://lelion.co.uk/index.html But then, the child was white.
June 1, 2016 at 2:56 am
And perhaps the gorilla was a female and perhaps there were not screams from the crowds to cause the animal to become agitated. The race of this child should never matter. The speed of a child tumbling over a fence, crawling through bushes – bent on a closer view is what matters. Both zoos evaluated different situations and acted appropriately.
daiuy2015 says:
June 1, 2016 at 1:05 pm
In both cases the Gorillas involved were males, not females. Read the link regarding the Jersey Zoo case. http://lelion.co.uk/index.html
Cora says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:15 am
Well there was a DIFFERENCE..(1) In 1986 the GORILLA there was a FEMALE..(2) The GORILLA today was a MALE…NOW DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE??????
daiuy2015 says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:59 pm
In both instances the Gorillas were silverback males. In one case, the parents of the child were black, in the other white. In one case it is all about parental neglect and child abuse, in the other, an unfortunate accident. See the difference?
Sue says:
May 31, 2016 at 10:40 pm
May 31, 2016 at 11:08 pm
May 31, 2016 at 11:13 pm
Shut the fuck up you piece of shit.
June 1, 2016 at 3:23 am
You are Scum! But go Trump right?! Because that’s who you sound like! Idiot!
Cgirl says:
June 1, 2016 at 6:01 am
Wow, I’ve never read such blatant ignorance in all of my life. Good thing for you there’s computers, huh? Do you really think this mother or anyone else was focused on race in this situation? Only racist morons would bring it up as an issue. Black child, white child or any other race the gorilla would’ve been shot. Point blank end of story.
Don says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:47 pm
Police are now involved, they will determine who is a fault. Doing some research and this is not the first time someone has gotten into a gorilla sanctuary at a zoo. Seems to me that making it IMPOSSIBLE for visitors to enter animal areas that are deemed dangerous should not be that difficult.
mike says:
May 31, 2016 at 7:23 pm
The truth of the matter is the mother should have to pay some sort of price for her mistake. The gorilla was pulling the boy around because he realize that whatever all the Ruckus was all the attention going on in his area it was because of the child and he was trying to get rid of what was causing the Ruckus. Not necessarily to hurt the boy just to remove what was sparking all the controversy. And yes when animals are shot with tranquilizers it takes several minutes would it take effect they get pissed off because it hurts and he would have taken out his aggression on the nearest object and that would have been the boy. So perhaps there should be charges against the parents for not supervising your children appropriately but unfortunately I think the right decision was made
Aretha says:
May 31, 2016 at 7:55 pm
The mother don’t need too pay for what because she don’t say well I guess I will go too the zoo today in which my son fall in with the gorillas stop it she don’t know that was going too happen people like u need a life if it was your child would u want people too say that about you
Arnold says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:48 pm
Please review your use of the word “too”? In every instance, it should be “to”. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine in this English butchering society.
May 31, 2016 at 8:30 pm
With this logic parents should be held responsible when their kids shoot up movie theaters and churches.
Retta says:
May 31, 2016 at 9:25 pm
I think that’s what it sounds like to me too !!! Q M
June 1, 2016 at 1:50 am
Not a bad idea at all!
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 11:59 am
Apples and oranges. The child at the zoo is 4, the one’s that commit mass murders are, usually, in their late teens/early 20’s. With a 4 year old you can grab their hand and not let go, not so much with a young adult.
May 31, 2016 at 8:32 pm
With this logic, parents should be held responsible when their children shoot up churches and movie theaters, Or even when cause trains to stop and expensive cleanup after their children commit suicide on the subway tracks..
Evan says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:42 pm
I’m pretty sure watching your son in an enclosure with a 400lb gorilla and then dealing with the injuries he suffered is the price she is paying. guess we’re all without sin here to be casting so many stones.
May 31, 2016 at 7:19 pm
The kid did warned the mother that he was going into the water. How can the mother just let him place his hands on her back pocket in a crowded area like the zoo and not hang on to his hand especially when the first few witnesses came out and said they had heard the child told his mum he wanted in there. As Jeff Corwin had said ” This incident did not take seconds it took longer than that” The person that noticed he was gone was not even the mom but bystanders. As Jeff Corwin said again ” The species was incredibly endangered. No amount of Science or Biology can reproduce it” A child’s life matter. But common sense prevail. In a crowded zoo, hang onto your kids.
Aretha says:
May 31, 2016 at 7:59 pm
Was u there too hear him tell his mother that or is this just something u want the people too hear js if u don’t hear it don’t share it
May 31, 2016 at 8:47 pm
Well many witness have said it so I’m going to take the word of the witness that was there.
June 1, 2016 at 1:53 am
What???
May 31, 2016 at 10:13 pm
That’s what bothers me. The child apparently said he wanted or was going to go in. Red Flag for any mother. Grab his hand and make certain he doesn’t even try or take him out of the exhibit. Period. This family had better not sue for any medical expenses. This was entirely the responsibility and fault of the parent who brought the child there; and it ended with the death of an endangered animal – endangered by man.
C says:
May 31, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Everyone seems do flabberghasted by the idea that anyone would have chosen anything but shooting the gorilla. I get that we value the life of a 4 year old, and with this mother she was lucky that her mistake didn’t instantly kill her son, like some of the mistakes you mention. There was a choice, take one life for another. It just happened that the life was an animal life, and as a society we have our decided that only human life has true precedent. This view of humans as superior to all other life is much of the cause of endangered animals. Think of this counter example. A car is driving at the legal limit down a residential area, and an unattended child escapes onto the road. There happens to be a sniper (who cares why, this is a thought experiment) set up facing the street. Seeing the child run onto the street the sniper can respond. The options are shoot the driver (save the child); shoot the tire (save the child but possibly kill the driver in a flip); shoot the car radiator (possibly save the child of the car losses momentum fast enough); or do nothing (child dies). What do you decide? The first, third, and final options are the same as were available top the zoo keepers. They chose to kill, no chance if of survival for the gorilla, because we feel human life is superior, valuable above all else. The decision seems harder once you make that death a person as in the example. Don’t be that shocked that some people aren’t so convinced that should be the default case. I of course value my personal connections and would hate for them to die, especially due to my negligence. But does that mean we should default that all but humans should fire to protect our lives, especially when we encroach I those other creatures? When other children and gorillas have survived similar situations without fatality I either side?
May 31, 2016 at 8:29 pm
You were making some sense UNTIL you mentioned Humans encroaching on animals. Thats a fail my friend. There are millions upon millions of acres for animals to roam, please stop with the “encroaching” BS.
YoYabba says:
May 31, 2016 at 10:02 pm
All you needed to do was google “human encroachment animals” to view the millions upon millions of articles telling you that you are wrong.
C says:
May 31, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Everyone seems do flabberghasted by the idea that anyone would have chosen anything but shooting the gorilla. I get that we value the life of a 4 year old, and with this mother she was lucky that her mistake didn’t instantly kill her son, like some of the mistakes you mention. There was a choice, take one life for another. It just happened that the life was an animal life, and as a society we have our decided that only human life has true precedent. This view of humans as superior to all other life is much of the cause of endangered animals. Think of this counter example. A car is driving at the legal limit down a residential area, and an unattended child escapes onto the road. There happens to be a sniper (who cares why, this is a thought experiment) set up facing the street. Seeing the child run onto the street the sniper can respond. The options are shoot the driver (save the child); shoot the tire (save the child but possibly kill the driver in a flip); shoot the car radiator (possibly save the child of the car losses momentum fast enough); or do nothing (child dies). What do you decide? The first, third, and final options are the same as were available top the zoo keepers. They chose to kill, no chance if of survival for the gorilla, because we feel human life is superior, valuable above all else. The decision seems harder once you make that death a person as in the example. Don’t be that shocked that some people aren’t so convinced that should be the default case. I of course value my personal connections and would hate for them to die, especially due to my negligence. But does that mean we should default that all but humans should fire to protect our lives, especially when we encroach I those other creatures? When other children and gorillas have survived similar situations without fatality I either side
May 31, 2016 at 6:14 pm
I couldn’t agree more with you. Thank you for wording it so eloquently
May 31, 2016 at 6:22 pm
Also, several countries have granted, and others are considering granting the legal status of personhood to the great apes. So they are indeed considered a person same as that child.
May 31, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Eve says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Wow! Will we next come to the conclusion that they should vote? Drive cars? Fly commercial planes? Why not?
May 31, 2016 at 9:40 pm
June 1, 2016 at 12:07 am
May 31, 2016 at 9:00 pm
If the zoo hadn’t shot the gorilla, then blacks would be screaming, “Black lives matter!” If the gorilla had killed the child, he would have been shot anyway. If the kid lives to be a teen, he might be shot anyway. The fact that the mother invokes “God” for saving her child is another example her negligence and ignorance. The gorilla seemed to have been protecting the child more than the mother by dragging him away from the commotion. I say, “Gorilla lives matter!”
Sarah says:
May 31, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Thank you for this post! We all make mistakes and I love your key point which is often missing in our society. Empathy. Sometimes I read comments and I wonder if people see themselves as some kind of super humans. That have never felt overwhelmed, have never had a lapse of memory, or never for a moment taken their eyes off of a child. I appreciate your ability to recognize that we have our weaknesses and that we all have feelings. It hurts me to see blaming and finger pointing at the suffering of another human being. Whether an adult or a child, everyone deserves kindness and respect. Thank you for your gentle reminder!
Len says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:51 pm
Empathy…, only goes so far. Guaranteed there are legions of Laywers batteling for the attention of this mother to sue the zoo for damages. If she takes them up on their “services” and files, then any empathy for the woman goes out the window!
James says:
May 31, 2016 at 7:49 pm
You obviously have non anyway.
Aretha says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Was u there too hear him tell his mother that or is this just something u want the people too hear js if u don’t hear it don’t share it
Aretha says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Devon says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Courtney, I wanted to try and open up a dialogue because as a non child having adult I am confused about this. I am taking the death of the gorilla out of my opinion when I think about the individuals involved. I understand your point about a mistake but I do not understand your comparison or its relevance. Sure, mistakes happen, but typically when precautions are taken and something is overlooked especially with a child. In your example perhaps the door was unlocked, the screen door as well. This is not a door left open, this is a parent being negligent with a child in a dangerous situation. I also take issue with the post you quoted calling this an “accident.” An accident being an unavoidable circumstance, this is certainly not. While I agree that the zoo should make safety a top priority so should have the mother of this child. I would like to be empathetic, as I am to parents of children who are scalded by burning baths, suffer from accidents poisoning, etc. but being so distracted by your life as to leave a child in a hot car or not watch your child with 100% of your attention in a potentially dangerous and life threatening situation I cannot understand. Maybe when I have a child I will become more selfish with my time, and make questionable decisions about the safety of my child, but I doubt it. I think that not pointing out that this situation could have been avoided by more attentive and better parenting is doing a disservice to all the great parents out there who would never let this happen to their children, I believe that is why there is so much backlash from people who have children of their own. Again, I am open to a completely natural and healthy dialogue. If anyone would like to reply to me directly my Twitter handle is @realabefroeman
May 31, 2016 at 4:26 pm
I think the biggest problem I have, is the expectation, that ALL contingencies can be planned for, and thus associated risk is eliminated. That seems to make no room for the ever present human condition of fallibility. If we plan enough, make contingencies enough, are smart enough, think of everything enough, bad things can be avoided (and it seems to be an attitude of bad things can be totally eliminated). This issue is striking at the heart of the human condition. I am a finite creature. I have limits. Most limits I know of, some I don’t, and some I don’t expect (I can’t even know all of those). We all see ourselves as being able to handle “every situation” when we go about our lives. And there are expectations that others should “know” everything about themselves and plan accordingly. Things in this life can happen in an instant. The consequences can be devastating. But we look for blame, assuming that nothing bad will happen if “everyone” is vigilant. I just don’t believe the world works that way.
Josh says:
May 31, 2016 at 4:47 pm
“An accident being an unavoidable circumstance” I don’t know where you got that definition at as that is most certainly NOT what an accident is. An accident is” an incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally.
Could it have been completely by more “attentive parenting” avoided? Absolutely, but so could 100% of all kidnappings and anything bad that ever happens to a child. If she had the child on a leash, that wouldn’t have happened, but she would’ve been criticized for treating her child like an animal.
Unfortunately (no, actually, fortunately), I don’t have a twitter as I find it to be a completely retarded form of social media.
Devon says:
June 1, 2016 at 12:24 am
Josh, the second definition is what I would like to refer you too “an event that is not planned or intended : an event that occurs by chance,” but this did not occur by chance. It occurred from a lack of attention paid to a child. Again, I don’t have a child. When I do there will be plenty of times that they will not be 100% in my sight, and an accident could occur, but when I put my child in a potentially dangerous circumstance, such as this, no they will not be out my sight. Not until they are old enough and smart enough not to play with large potentially dangerous animals.
May 31, 2016 at 6:48 pm
I raised two children and I agree with you 100%. The excuse “it was just a mistake,” should never be a way around being a neglectful parent. I have zero sympathy for a parent who leaves their child in a hot car because they “forgot” they were there. Your child relies on you to keep them alive…if you can’t focus enough to do that, having children may not be a good choice.
May 31, 2016 at 8:03 pm
I agree with you.
carol sampson says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:44 pm
I agree.I lived by a road, by a creek, and also a route bears took comming down a right away that passed by our land. Raised 2 kids and a grandson there. they knew to listen to me. By the way, they are all alive and well.
May 31, 2016 at 8:56 pm
I was a wild little monkey child growing up getting into every thing, but I knew how to act in public. Cause there was a belt waiting at home for my butt if I didn’t do so. This family has 4 kids and when I was with my sister or other kids we watched out for each other. So your telling me three kids and two adults wasn’t even watching a kid that say’s he wants to get into the water? Than didn’t even see him climb over a fence….remember this is a little 3-4 year old and not an older kid. That fence is at least waist high for us adults so it wouldn’t be an easy thing to climb over. I get he could prob make it through the bushes pretty fast crawling instead of going through them. That seems like a lot of not noticing your child. Even when others notice them way before you even have a clue they are gone is sad.
joshua says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:03 pm
i understand the child getting away from the mother. happens all the time right? but what people lack besides empathy is knowledge of any other being besides humans. a gorilla is not a predator to a human. wild animals have NO absolute need to kill anything unless they feel threatened, provoked or for food. i highly doubt the gorilla was threatened by the child and obviously will not eat the child. you can take out the option of the gorilla being territorial because thats not his territory. Harambe was from and lived in a zoo in Texas. he would not have protected what is not his. i doubt youve ever been to Africa but when i was there i witnessed one giant water hole. the animals drinking out of it were impala and lions. the impala didnt even worry about their natural predators being 5 yards away from them. and from all of them was our truck about 20 yards away. they could see us and smell us, but they didnt do anything because we didnt do anything to them. the boy was sitting there and the gorilla was curious. soon the gorilla became aggravated from all the yelling of the witnesses and dragged the child to get away from it all (which is also why the gorilla moved to the corner with the child). to humans the dragging was viewed at violent and hurtful, but to a huge gorilla its nothing. ive seen more dog attacks then ive seen gorilla attacks, snake bites, tiger attacks combined. animals will not waste energy and act violently in a way unless you give them a reason too. but a gorilla is a mammal. they have feelings and thoughts. even a shark with no feelings and little to no thoughts will not attack a human unless they are mistaken for food. everyone reacted under pressure and adrenaline which is what ultimately got the gorilla killed. rather than remaining calm and thinking clearly they all yelled and screamed which they thought would help, but scared the gorilla further into dragging the child. people to need to view animals as something more than wild animals, but beings that too have the ability to think, create, fear, feel pain. people only saw the gorilla as a vicious animal when in fact are very shy and reserved towards humans. most animals fear humans and are very skeptical to approach them. SOURCES: I’m going to school for zoology, worked at the Cincinnati zoo as a tour guide sharing facts about large mammals such as gorillas, bears, buffalo etc. by all means am i a professional or a zoologist just yet, but i am qualified to work at a zoo and share facts to the tours and help with research. no one should be blamed because it was a mistake that we will all hopefully learn from. fear got the best of both the gorilla and the people involved.
Ann says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:05 pm
I understand what you are saying, Joshua, but a human child’s life is more valuable than an animal’s life. All the zoo professionals, including Jack Hanna believed that it was the right decision. Yes, it is sad that a beautiful animal is dead, but would we rather see a human child getting slammed on the wall or jumped on if they would have shot a tranquilizer at the gorilla and agitated him, or caused him fear.
Tina says:
May 31, 2016 at 9:27 pm
You are correct in that a child’s life is valuable, but it seems that the parents didn’t see that very point about their own child. Call me a tough parent if you will but for the amount of time it took for this parent to realize their very child was even gone….. the value was not on the child. These days seems most people don’t know how to parent, thus less value on their children.
Dan O says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Adding to my previous comment…. the examples you cite (about “accidents happen”) are actually examples of bad parenting.
A parent that forgets their children in a HOT CAR/CARSEAT? Is this normal? I know of no parent that has ever forgotten their child anywhere. Good parents always know where their child is, and if out of their sight they leave them only with another trusted responsible adult, e.g. at a friend’s house or at school). Before I send my child to a friends’ house, I even ask the friend’s parent if they have any weapons/firearms in their house (even if it’s “locked” or “safe”). If they don’t answer, I won’t send my child. You need to take your child’s safety in your own hands.
Leaving your child unattended in the bathtub for 3 minutes? Do you know children can slip in a wet bathtub (even if there’s an anti-slip mat). And if they slip and hit their head, they can die or become unconscious. A good parent NEVER leaves their child unattended in a potentially dangerous situation. Believe it or not, a tub full of water is dangerous to a child.
Accidentally giving your child a food that they’re highly allergic to? I think not. I know of 4 parents who have children with severe food allergies. And EVERY ONE OF THEM religiously reads every food package label, or asks BEFORE giving anything to their child. The ones with severe allergies actually don’t take chances and bring their own foods (even their own home-made birthday cake when their child goes to a friend’s birthday party).
And your example of going into the shower is not the same. An example more like the zoo incident would be if you went to the shower leaving your young child near a running food processor or a hot stove. Leaving them alone in a potentially dangerous situation IS bad parenting. The problem is, this mother doesn’t understand that zoos are dangerous places (as are any public place).
Your examples are actually silly. Either you’re not a parent, or you don’t know good parents (maybe your examples came from friends/people you know who actually did these?).
As far as the zoo incident and what this mother (Michelle Gregg) did, you have exaggerated or misrepresented what happened. You said the child “fell” into the pit. The child actually crawled (circumvented the two fences and bushes) and then fell. The child intentionally did this because he had earlier told his mother TWICE that he wanted to “go down there”. The mother ignored him and continued looking after the many other children with her. She had too many children with her to properly monitor all of them.
Imagine if instead of this tragedy, the boy had gotten lost and gotten hurt another way — or gotten abducted.
The mother wouldn’t even have known until minutes later. She clearly is IRRESPONSIBLE. Please don’t defend such parental behaviors. If the mother truly feels grateful, she should acknowledge that she made a mistake, had a “lapse in judgement” as you said in your blog. If the mother apologizes for causing this due to her lapse/oversight, I think people would be sympathetic (not empathetic). You can/should only be empathetic with people who have your pathos. The majority of people decry this woman’s behavior, and lack of remorse/admission of making a mistake. They are right.
Hannah says:
May 31, 2016 at 5:04 pm
I suggest you read the article ‘Fatal Distraction’ with regard to children left in cars. It can happen to ANYONE. Scientific studies have proven how easily it occurs to perfectly observant parents, particularly since the use of rear facing seats.
Did you even read the included eyewitness account? It clearly states that the mother was looking for the child within seconds of him ‘flopping’ over the fence then crawled into the bushes. She was scanning the crowd because she couldn’t see him in the bushes. If you look at photos of the enclosure the bushes are right next to the fence and it would have taken seconds for him to be in the thick of them.
If you think a single minute of fallibility can never happen to you, you are either exceptionally arrogant or exceptionally naive. Nobody is a perfect parent. Not even you.
As for apologies, maybe the zoo should consider that it is lucky that they’d never had this happen before. The mother (and the father, who people appear to have few opinions about) should not be the only party vilified here.
Disgusted says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:56 am
She will never apologize as they would accept responsibility which will impact her lawsuit that you know is coming. Also, it might void the zoo paying for all medical expenses.
A Devoted Aunt of Three says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:25 pm
Hi Courtney, You make a compassionate argument about a common situation: This child didn’t listen to his mother, “got away” from his parents, and “accidents happen.” And this time there was someone with a high powered rifle there to put a bullet into the heart of a rare, beautiful, captive gorilla to rescue this child.
But I think the essential question to ponder is: What is going to happen the inevitable next time… When this boy sees something he wants at the beach or pool, and is then found face down in the water? What is going to happen when this boy wanders away in the mall, and a pedophile predator walks him past unknowing security guards? What is going to happen when this boy just darts off the grass into a street and oncoming traffic? What about the horrified lifeguards & guilty security people; the shocked homeowner or devastated driver who will feel life-altering grief because they feel they somehow caused this child to come to harm, and couldn’t “save” him?
My sister’s nephew *drowned* at a pool party because his father left the pool with him, and didn’t realize his son had gone back into the water. By the grace of God, another guest- a firefighter- was there to perform CPR and resuscitate the child.
Years ago, my mother’s cousin was driving and accidentally hit a unsupervised child on a bike that came out of no where. The child ultimately survived, but her cousin subsequently had a nervous breakdown, gave up driving entirely, and “never was the same.” This incident literally ruined this man’s life.
So, in this case, this child’s irresponsible parents have just cost society an endangered animal. But God only knows what horrible tragedy their negligent actions will cause their own children and other innocent people in the future…
May 31, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Irresponsible parents….. nice turn of a phrase. Yet you have no idea what the “family situation” is. You have no idea if this is a reoccurring theme. We can’t know. Negligence is a horrible thing. But to assume one is purposely negligent is even harder to discern. And you are so compassionate, expressing the strong possibility, that future events are probably bound to happen. Of course, no one learns from their mistakes. Do they.
A Devoted Aunt of Three says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:00 pm
I have about a dozen police officers in my family; I’ve heard quite a lot about “irresponsible” parents. As for this family’s situation, this is for Child Protective Services (maybe) to determine. “Purposely negligent” is a legal concept that we see in the news every single day regarding hurt and dead children- kids left in hot cats, shot with unsecured handguns in the home, drowned in backyard pools- this is for the local D.A. and courts to decide. As for my personal compassion, well, I fear for this child. If you know any cops, ask them about the tragic “mistakes” they have to deal with on a daily basis.
May 31, 2016 at 3:16 pm
I’m sure you have. I have never discounted that there are those out there. I personally know some of the instances of which you speak. I’ve seen the heartbreak. I’ve seen the loss. I’ve also seen GOOD families have things like this happen. Not “irresponsible” parents. But a momentary lapse (they are human), and it costs dearly.
And yes, police see a LOT, (my family has EMS experiences I get to hear about) but I wonder how many have seen so much with some families that the assumption, that ALL families that “make mistakes” must be automatically like those situations the police run into in their daily lives.
I’m not here to fight. I just feel that understanding is more important than assuming. And to make declarations with those assumption without all the facts, makes all of us fools because it feeds a frenzy.
Now you may not want to hear this but here it is……..
Thank your family for me if you would. I more than appreciate anyone willing to put on a uniform to serve this devolving society we live in today. Thank you……
A Devoted Aunt of Three says:
May 31, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Surely I will pass on your thanks. I guess the issue here is whether this “mistake” is part of a larger pattern. There was a public, extremely negative consequence to this incident. Do the police tend to assume the worst? I’m not sure that they do. But where there’s smoke, sometimes there’s fire. The authorities’ job is to find out the facts, so it is not surprising that CNN is now reporting that the Cincinnati Police are indeed investigating this case.
May 31, 2016 at 3:03 pm
“Purposefully negligent” is not a thing. If you did it on purpose, you’ve moved into recklessness or some other more serious category.
May 31, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Dan O says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:13 pm
Courtney, I fully disagree with your entire premise.
The issue is neither about superiority nor empathy. It’s about being responsible for your actions (or inactions), and paying the price if you make a mistake (have an accident).
It’s easy to have empathy for anyone who does wrong things. But that doesn’t change the fact that the mother in this case was irresponsible.
Responsibility for your children is the paramount role of every parent. There’s nothing greater that you the parent must do, for your child(ren). They are yours — your flesh and blood — your responsibility to care for, encourage, raise, educate, and build into strong adults. NOTHING ELSE.
So in every moment of your life while you are their parent (after your child is born, and until they leave your house permanently)…. you need to be thinking of your decisions and actions and lack of actions and how you affect them. If anything you do/don’t do will harm your child, then you change your tactic. Yes, we all make mistakes, but if we make a mistake that harms our child (or anyone else for that matter), you are still responsible for someone being hurt.
So this mother WAS RESPONSIBLE for what her young child did. She was ultimately responsible for the gorilla having to be killed (to save her son). She was responsible for ignoring her child’s repeated wishes to “go down there” where the gorilla was.
First, this mother is at fault for the multiple tragedies that occurred on Saturday — her innocent child being hurt and traumatized, an innocent gorilla losing its life, and an innocent organization (the zoo) being challenged and having to explain themselves through the media (and probable future legal consequences). More than likely, the mother/family will justify their own actions by fully blaming the zoo for what happened — and then they will sue the zoo. Sadly, the zoo did nothing wrong. The gorilla did nothing wrong. The child did nothing wrong (since it told its mother twice he wanted to go down there and the mother didn’t meet his needs (the safest way would have been by restraining him or convincing him that it’s a bad idea do go down there)).
It’s easy to say “it was an accident”. When a distracted driver unwittingly kills innocent people, it’s an accident. And they’re punished for it. The same way, when a distracted mother unwittingly kills another (whether a person or a gorilla), she must be punished. In this case, the punishment should be financial since she can’t replace the gorilla’s life (and the law recognizes animals only as property, who only have monetary value).
Bottom line, the mother should be punished for being an irresponsible parent. Does not matter that it was an accident or that she’s sorry. A distracted driver is always sorry after killing someone, but that doesn’t change the fact that they made bad decisions. Same here.
As to your portrayal of gorillas as predators and violent animals, that is totally uninformed. Gorillas are more like people than you might realize. In this case, this gorilla’s actions were always to protect the child — and only after it was disoriented and frightened (by the crowds shouting at it) did it get scared and confused. Any animal when scared will protect itself over a stranger. The gorilla recognized the boy was not a treat to it, recognized the boy was hurt, and tried to get the boy out of the water.
However, gorillas do not have contact with human children — never. So they do not know their strength is so much greater than ours, and they don’t know that their “gentle” is still “rough” for us. So he treated the child as he would have treated a child gorilla — dragging or pushing it along. He also didn’t know what concrete is, and that concrete can scrape our skin. So we can’t expect a gorilla to know the best way to help the child out of the water — it did what its instincts told it — to help the child by dragging it out.
And after the gorilla was agitated/scared (due to the humans about shouting), it’s behavior became unpredictable. While it would not have attacked the boy (since it’s too small), it probably became confused about what was happening (this strange creature shows up and is crying, I (gorilla) try to help it up, other creatures up above start shouting and yelling and crying…..).
Gorillas are mostly peaceful herbivores that want to live without conflict. They are territorial (as most animals including humans are). But when faced with conflict vs. no conflict, they also choose the safer path. In this case, with the boy not being a threat to it in any way (size, teeth, smell, etc.), it would not have intentionally harmed the boy.
May 31, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Responsibility – yes. Being responsible. Guess what, how many times have your actions caused something bad? You actually do not know do you. We can’t know, we are not omniscient. The problem isn’t that she is “responsible”. The question is how do we as human beings respond to that “responsibility”. And in many cases, do we have much higher standards for others until we are the ones guilty. I have no problem with looking at things to find responsibility. I do have a problem with assumptions of, “this is what happened”, “we know ALL the facts”, and can make a automatic judgement (and as you so demonstrated – a harsh one) on the what should be done. I agree that responsibility/accountability is becoming an unknown quantity in our society – however, to judge harshly, and of course, all offenders must be PUNISHED, seems to have lost some sense of humanity. I hope you are able to live up to the standards you so seeming desire to heap on others.
Dan O says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Thanks Louis for your civil comments.
I actually take this matter (child-rearing) very very seriously. And I can honestly say I go out of my way (maybe to extremes) to keep my children safe. I practice safe ways of doing everything — and fortunately I have not had any serious problem occur in my life or with my children, due to my actions/inactions.
As far as knowing what consequences occur from our actions/inactions…. this does not require omniscience. Most people can understand the consequences or follow-on events that happen. And if they don’t know, society or others tell them. Bottom line, I agree that people can make mistakes, and if they do they must be held accountable for serious transgressions.
As to this mother, she needs to publicly apologize for her “lapse in judgement” when she left her child unattended (and when she ignored the twice demands by her child that he wanted to “go down there”). She had too many children with her at the zoo that day, and was unable to keep a vigilant eye on all of them.
God forbid if one of the kids under her responsibility that day would have gotten lost, hurt in another way, or been abducted at the zoo. Would we still blame the zoo? Or their practices or safety measures? This is the exact same situation — a mothers inattentiveness caused one to get seriously hurt. It doesn’t matter how her son got hurt.
This happened because:
(1) she had too many kids to watch over that day,
(2) she ignored her son (who said repeatedly he wanted to “go down there”)
(3) she hasn’t apologized (for being inattentive to her children’s safety)
Louis, if you truly believe in what you said, you should also stand up and ask this mother to apologize for being inattentive to her son’s safety — and in the process cause harm to an innocent peaceful gorilla, the zoo’s staff, the zoo (since they likely will face legal challenges now).
If the woman apologizes and admits she made a mistake, I believe everyone will stop blaming her. People are blaming her because she’s unable to see she made a major mistake that hurt many lives. It’s obvious to most people.
May 31, 2016 at 3:30 pm
I do agree that there are many, that cannot admit to a mistake. This is one where the collateral damage to that action/inaction, was great! Unfortunately, I do not know if that responsibility will be taken, it is a parents responsibility to cover all they can with their children. It is impossible for a parent to even cover one child completely, let alone if there are multiple children. We’re human. In my opinion, there is no suit here for her to file. Don’t know if she’ll sue or not (I hope not). It may take time, to come to grips with the realization, that she may be directly responsible for her child’s actions (not sure of ALL the history).
There will be times when we as humans, just “can’t do it all”, we can’t “see it all” and we can’t “control it all”. I am a finite being with limitations. Assuming that someone in an instant will or should meet my expectations, are bound to meet with failure. We all can do the woulda, shoulda, coulda. But this situation is so new, and raw, emotions are flowing everywhere. And it is the snap judgements that I find most disconcerting.
Dan O says:
May 31, 2016 at 4:45 pm
“Collateral damage” is a very important point you raised. The mother’s actions hurt many, and she hasn’t (yet) apologized or taken responsibility. I think if she does this (soon), people will start to calm down.
I don’t believe it’s about “doing it all” or woulda shoulda coulda… as long as we do the basics, that will make a lot in the world better. If you can’t watch over five kids, don’t take five kids to the zoo (or any public place that can be dangerous)… not even to the mall (where they can get abducted, lost, lose their balance on the escalator and get a tiny finger cut off, etc). The world for little kids isn’t so safe, if you think about it.
It’s about knowing your limits & always being careful (as in: stop taking pictures when your son’s said twice he wants to “go down there by the monkeys” and you know he’s the kind who gets into “trouble”).
Doug says:
May 31, 2016 at 8:39 pm
She wasn’t there alone with 5 kids. Her husband was with her. What was he doing? He clearly wasn’t watching the kids either. It wasn’t just one inattentive parent, it was two. That makes me think A Devoted Aunt of Three may be correct in her predictions of future trouble for this family.
Kal says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:03 pm
The fact of the matter is that regardless of how inattentive the mother was or wasn’t a gorilla’s life isn’t more important than a human child’s and the zoo built an enclosure that didn’t do a very good job at mitigating risk.
This moral, holier than thou parenting witch hunt on this mother needs to end. If you have never had your child escape from you and get into potential danger in an instant you are lucky, not superior.
May 31, 2016 at 2:27 pm
You are talking sense
May 31, 2016 at 3:34 pm
The zoo had never had an issue with that enclosure in 38 years. Just saying… I have 2 kids (4 and 9) and I know they can get away from me for an instance on occasion…however they are seriously punished afterwards. Also, when I go into public places (especially on a Saturday) my guard is up and my kids no darn good and well to respect boundaries, people, places and things! It is a very sad subject all around
Dan O says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:35 pm
I think most people don’t realize that zoos across the country are not responsible for keeping people away from the animals. Zoo’s create barriers based on the temperament, dangers posed by, predictability, etc. of the animals — and also for natural “accidents” that people can get into (slipping, being pushed, etc). Barriers are actually to keep the animals away from the people, not the other way around.
A zoo cannot create a barrier that will keep DETERMINED people away from the animals. If someone truly wants to, they can ALWAYS find a way to get into an animal area. Even cages and bullet-proof glass enclosures can be circumvented. Not to mention, why should we go back to zoos from 100-years ago, full of cages? Why punish 99% of people for the 1% ultra-foolish ones. Modern zoos are educational and conservational areas, where people and animals come together in psuedo-natural (simulated) settings. It’s a place where people (mostly children) are supposed to be taught to identify, respect (rather than fear), and learn to let these animals live in peace. THIS the mother didn’t do to her son, when he said he wanted to go down there.
In this case, the child was determined to get in, and his parent did not supervise him. The child was determined — told his mom twice he wanted to “go down there” — she ignored him, was watching her other kids, and taking pictures.
Please don’t blame the zoo. The barriers in place at this (and most zoos) are sufficient for keeping people safe from the animals, and to prevent people from accidentally falling/getting in.
On the gorilla’s life vs. child’s life, I don’t remember anyone comparing this. Of course the child’s life is more valuable (to us humans). However the mother’s irresponsibility put the zoo into a bad situation, where they had to kill the innocent gorilla to save the child from being hurt by a confused/fearful/enraged gorilla.
Your demand, that zoos should mitigate risk more than this, isn’t realistic. As I said, zoos do mitigate the risk of animals hurting people. They don’t mitigate the risk of people hurting animals (or each other). If they were in that business, we’d see metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs etc. all over. If a crazed person blew up a rock-wall separating people from elephants, what do you think would happen? Should zoos now be in the business of mitigating that risk too? People (especially the crazy and foolish ones) will do things that put others at risk. When they do, they must apologize and take responsibility.
If this mother (Michelle Gregg) publicly apologizes for putting her son (and the zoo) at risk — because she had too many children with her and she did not monitor all of them — then the uproar over her will quiet down. When I make a mistake, I apologize (and pay the consequences, if any). She has done neither. Actually, the zoo will likely pay the consequences (since I predict she/her family will later sue the zoo or settle out-of-court — we many never know the truth but she’ll benefit and the zoo will again be harmed later, financially). All due to her irresponsibility.
Parenting is serious business — not up to a “leave it to chance” mentality.
Lola says:
June 1, 2016 at 11:51 am
From a CNN article: “”We continue to praise God for His grace and mercy, and to be thankful to the Cincinnati Zoo for their actions taken to protect our child,” the boy’s family said Wednesday.
“We are also very appreciative for the expressions of concern and support that have been sent to us. Some have offered money to the family, which we do not want and will not accept. If anyone wishes to make a gift, we recommend a donation to the Cincinnati Zoo in Harambe’s name.””
Yep, that definitely sounds like someone who wants to sue the zoo for money.
Why are you continually posting her name in your posts? It has not been publicized in the media for good reason–it would put her in danger. Your irresponsible actions could cause great harm to that mother or her family. I suggest you take responsibility for your actions, which are putting her in danger, and apologize.
Hannah says:
May 31, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Exactly. Nobody is infallible. Nobody is perfect. Not even those who insist they never take their eyes of their children for one second, ever.
May 31, 2016 at 1:57 pm
I have plenty of empathy for the kid. Curiosity and adventure led to a scary situation. But I have zero empathy for the mother… and why would I? This is a nightmare to be sure, but one of her own making. Am I to believe that this was the first instance of her child wondering off or exploring or climbing? Probably not. A child that has the ability to wonder and roam without know-how to determine if something is a good idea or not, is a child that should not be allowed to wonder. No arguments about “fairness” or “the burden for the mother” or attempts at rationalizing the behavior can be accepted. These arguments serve as nothing more than excuses. Be where you shouldnt be at a Zoo… bad things can happen. Loose track of your kid at an exhibit…. Gorilla, Elephant, Rhino, Tiger, Lion, Wolves… what can anyone do BUT kill the animal to save you from your own stupidity. This was not a “predator” invading “human territory”. It was a prison cell with minimal presentation to be something other than that. You voluntarily approach and circumvent the protections placed there at your own risk.
If you respect the awe of animals enough to visit them at a zoo… then respect them further by not going if you cannot control yourself or you family. Respect their nature. Respect their power. Respect the danger. If you cannot learn that, then you deserve the pain that is sure to come.
Laura says:
May 31, 2016 at 1:49 pm
Great article but your title is backwards. Should say “Replacing Superiority with Empathy.”
James says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:17 pm
Most people do have empathy but those with extreme views are getting the most attention. The problem here is that many, many, people at the Zoo heard the boy quite clearly state that he was getting in that pen. Bad parenting and saying that does not make one lack empathy.
May 31, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Actually – it can mean one lacks empathy. I’ve seen children may times, get to the temper-tantrum phase in public, because they didn’t get what they wanted. And how many parents, continue to walk on, because they have heard it soooooo many times before. All parents, come to a point of numbness. You and I don’t know the family situation. So…. maybe just maybe, there is some room for genuine empathy, without automatically judging the parent.
Dan O says:
May 31, 2016 at 3:46 pm
More than likely this boy has done this before. The mother’s behavior (ignoring his needs) shows she was very used to him “misbehaving”. I don’t blame the child — he was curious and doing what I would want him to do (explore, learn). But it’s the parent’s/mother’s role to supervise that exploration/learning. If you can’t supervise them, either don’t take them or ask someone else to help you. So if the mother knew her son was like this, she should have taken greater care in watching him.
Clearly in this case, the mother had many children with her that day (people at the scene reported she had “too many”). AND she was busy taking pictures (as this blog cites, through a bystander’s report).
Lastly, if you did make a mistake (of not supervising your child who got into trouble), apologize to those who were hurt, admit you made a mistake, and no one will say anything. This mother (Michelle Gregg) has not done any of this. She’s acting as if she did nothing wrong. Me thinks she’s aiming for a lawsuit in the future? Sadly the zoo, their staff, the innocent gorilla, and the boy were the victims of this careless “mother”. For most of them it’s mostly over. For the zoo, I think it’s just beginning (the lawsuit). If the mother truly is sorry (and thankful for what the zoo did by killing that gorilla, to save her son), she should publicly admit it was her doing alone that caused this, and accept the blame for consequences.
And if she promises not to sue the zoo, I’m sure the zoo will promise not to charge her for the “cost” of the gorilla’s life (there isn’t one, no life has a measurable cost).
May 31, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Nicely written, but I disagree on some things. As parents, we “know” when something isn’t right with our child, as they are growing. I knew something wasn’t right with mine, before the age of 2. I spent over a year trying to find someone who would listen to me, about him. Discovered, that he’s autistic and severe ADHD. Now that we “‘know”‘ how he is and what he can do and the fact that he’s a danger to his own self (lacks the common sense to think things through), we keep our eyes on him at all times when we are in the public. He’s 9 now. But it’s been a rough 7 yrs… and we finally had to teach him a lesson at the tender age of 3. He “loses” us. LOL WE disappeared and kept him in our eye sight the whole time. When he looked like he was going to meltdown from fear, we popped out. The relief on his face was immediate. My husband quickly knelt down and asked him, how did he feel when he “lost” us. With tears in his eyes, said scared and thought he had lost us for good. My husband let him know that’s how we feel, when he gets too far ahead and out of our eye sight. We then showed him the child leashes and told him what they were and what for and asked him, if we needed to buy one. Because he hates being restrained, his response was quick, NO. What I’m trying to say, it’s not about the gorilla. Unfortunately, the gorilla paid the price for another’s mistake. We as parents are supposed to work together as a team. Eyewitnesses (several) stated the child had said several times, he was going to swim with the gorilla. The parents, should have picked up on that and dealt with it and secured that child right then and there. If one parent gets busy with another child or taking pictures, then the other parent or adult with them, should pick up the slack. It’s about being responsible. I’m not going to say she’s a bad parent, but this shouldn’t have happened, I’m sure this isn’t the first escapade that, that little boy did. Knowing that? She should have had a child tether or put both of them in the strollers they have at the zoos.
May 31, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Unfortunately – in our society today – there are oh so many that think they know better how to raise another person’s child. Put a leash on them, and people will criticize for restraining the child, hurting their independence, or self esteem. Do something else, another group will criticize that. There is no pleasing the population. And with the easy instant access to media, and declaring one’s “outrage” – there will be no compassion, understanding or forethought because there is no accountability for what is singed across the ether. Someone, will disagree, and be ugly about it. That is the state of our society. In other words, everyone else knows better than the proverbial “you”. And they judge instantly, and they sentence immediately, and it is merciless, without all the facts. Assumption, (an arrogant attitude of they know better without really knowing) is commonplace. That is where our society has devolved.
May 31, 2016 at 4:00 pm
More than 30 years ago my older sister was coming home from work at night, and was struck and killed by a young kid driving drunk in another car. My sister didn’t have a chance. The paramedics said she died at the scene.
It’s easy to say “accidents” happen, and that no one means to do things. Yes that’s true but it’s also true that if everyone went through life thinking “stuff happens, no big deal”… we all would be hurting each other (as we often do). Only when we take extra extra, (did I say EXTRA) care not to hurt others, does the world become a better place. Yes I agree judging someone else without all of the facts can be wrong. But in this case, I believe the judgement is fair because the boy’s mother didn’t watch him, we know she was careless. People said she had too many kids to watch, and the boy said many times he wanted to go down to swim with the monkeys. The mother couldnt care for her kids. Imagine if instead of this, her son was taken away by a stranger while she’s taking pictures. She wouldn’t have known until it was too late. Bad things can happen to young children when their parents are careless.
In this case, the world (the ether) sees this mother was careless, and caused her son to get hurt and the gorilla got killed. Both really sad. I think she’s responsible for what happened, and she should admit to the media it was her fault and she’s sorry.
May 31, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Unfortunately, what is seen as carelessness, can happen in an instant. Was the child’s pleadings, normal? Was there an expectation of him, to go off on his own? Don’t know. But from the discussion of at least one bystander, there was a moment she was looking for him and he did an excellent job of evading discovery by staying within the bushes. Not sure. I just have a hard time expecting perfection from an imperfect being. Just my opine.
May 31, 2016 at 1:34 pm
To put the higher importance on the gorilla’s life over the 4 year old boys in INSANE!!! And to attack the mother of the child in such a cruel way is just wrong. “She needs shot”…… “She needs prosecuted”……. are you kidding me???
Yes, she made a mistake… I pretty big one, but we should not be so quick to harshly judge.
What if that had been our kid and the world was placing the gorilla’s life above our child’s??? That is just sick.
As a country, we need to learn to stop being filled with such hate, judgement, and cruelty. We need to learn to love our neighbors and lend a helping hand when needed. We need to learn when to put our opinion out there and when to shut up, because our words could deeply hurt another human being.
I am so disgusted over this whole ordeal, but I am so happy that child is going to live.
Pray instead of criticize, it will have way more of an impact then your evil, harsh opinions posted all over the Internet.
Stacy says:
May 31, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Thank you for your post, Courtney.
This incident was caused by a child’s curiosity, and could have easily been prevented if the mother had not been distracted in that moment, or if the zoo had created a more secure barrier. This type of barrier, curious children, and distracted parents have all happened thousands and thousands of times in zoos across the world. In this case, the stars aligned.
Our public preference for drama and outrage over human empathy and compassion is worthy of note and examination.
The gorilla was only acting upon his nature. Of course he is not at fault. But the animal’s good intentions can not negate the fact that he could have killed the child with extreme ease and without meaning to. (Please note that the full video shows the child being dragged around with great force, while most of the videos have edited that portion out.)
May 31, 2016 at 1:02 pm
Let the kid die is obviously an inappropriate response. I’ve read a lot of posts on this and have not seen one calling for shooting the mother/father/kid – not one. But, yes, there is a lot regarding the negligence of the mother – and it’s all accurate. She didn’t make a “mistake” – she was grossly irresponsible and her actions and poor judgment resulted in a horrific set of circumstances that were completely avoidable. Did you listen to the videos? Can you hear her? “Mommy’s here” – seriously – she sounds as stupid as she obviously is. You don’t count on your kid to keep his hand in your pocket as a means of keeping him safe – you keep your hand and eyes on him – especially at a Zoo, in front of a wild animal pen that the kid has expressed a desire to be in. Total idiot.
Greg says:
May 31, 2016 at 4:04 pm
“Should have just shot the parents and let the gorilla raise the kid” https://twitter.com/NoLaughingMata/status/737258907383533568
“Plot Twist: we let the gorilla shoot the boys parents for being idiots and raise the boy as his own.” https://twitter.com/MrLXC/status/737217692545875969
“It’s the parents fault The gorilla was protecting the kid, unlike his parents. Shoot them” https://twitter.com/Shbobto/status/736883212690030592
“Gorilla shot and killed after grabbing four-year-old at Ohio zoo. I would have shot the kid. Then the parents.” https://twitter.com/DanNerdCubed/status/736753255271804928
The last one – the guy advocating for shooting a 4 year old dead because he climbed into the enclosure – he has over 200,000 followers on Twitter. I suppose you should be glad you’re not friends with any of these people on Facebook, but it’s certainly being said outside of your circle. Just thought your faith in humanity could use a little adjustment.
May 31, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Just wanted to tell you i love you.
May 31, 2016 at 12:54 pm
I feel it’s imperative they share the footage of the gorilla harming the boy. Until the public sees that, they are empathetic of a dead animal, not a mistaken mother, who is being convicted without trial for manslaughter. The truth is she was negligent and it was a mistake and yes, I’m a parent of two and have taken showers with my daughter in front of the TV. However, parents who have forgotten about a child in a carseat on a hot summer day? Walking away from a child in a bathtub should NEVER be done. If you are doing it, you are taking the risk of your child falling in with a gorilla. Really, if your child has a deadly food allergy, you forget to read a label? Your points on empathy are spot on but your examples of mistakes are grossly overstated. Also, the family should take accountability rather than immediately shift blame on the zoo.
May 31, 2016 at 12:45 pm
Nicely done. I disagree only with the statement of leaving a child in the bathtub for three minutes…everything else is spot-on. Leaving a child in the bathtub for three minutes is a deliberate act that requires forethought. You think, “Oh…I probably shouldn’t leave, but she’ll be okay for just a minute.” It’s a deliberate act of carelessness. The rest, however, are truly accidents. Nobody means to forget a child in a hot car, and a dad would certainly not intend to cause an allergic reaction.
I’ve reblogged because I think you’re onto something. Nice job!
May 31, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Reblogged this on C.H. Armstrong Books & Blog and commented:
The tragedy that occurred with Harambe in Ohio was a terrible accident. I repeat, an ACCIDENT. I can’t count how many times I’ve looked back on what could’ve been a serious incident and thanked my lucky stars that my children were safe…and I’m hyper vigilant about my children and their safety! I’m the mom that might be caught wrapping them in bubblewrap! (Only kidding a little bit).
For all those people posting hateful comments and casting criticism, you might consider taking a moment to breathe and think through this eloquent post from this talented blogger. I only wish I’d written it, as her words echo exactly what I would’ve said. Just give it some thought…
AVOC Publishing says:
May 31, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Regardless of the mother’s so called neglect, her child was in danger. No matter how anyone spins it, no matter what these people( who are sitting in front of their computers pretending to be gorilla whisperers- knowing what he would have done had he not been shot) say. The boy fell in. That is the only fact! Yes the mom should have been more attentive but she turned away. That does not mean that her child deserved to die. The gorilla is in a zoo being gawked at by visitors instead of living in the wild like he should be. Be mad at the zoo for holding this endangered animal in the first place. The world that we live in is a very sad place. When people start believing that an animals life outweighs that of a human child’s.
May 31, 2016 at 12:16 pm
You list the following parenting examples as mistakes:
Think about the parents who have forgotten about a child in a carseat on a hot summer day. A mom who walked away from the bathtub for 3 minutes, and came back to a lifeless child. A dad who forgot to read an ingredient label and gave his child a food containing his severe allergy.
These are not mistakes, they are examples of gross negligence. Mistakes happen all the time. Death by negligence does not happen all the time and is punishable by law.
May 31, 2016 at 12:36 pm
And of course – the law is perfect. No loopholes, correct for all circumstances, no mistakes in the writing. Remember, sometimes, the intent of the law is more important than the letter of the law. And yes, though these examples may have been poor ones, there are times, when mistakes, happen, and even death is the result with no negligence (gross or otherwise). Because humans, are imperfect. The world is imperfect.
May 31, 2016 at 1:04 pm
And what if this gorilla did kill the child? Lets just chalk it up to a ‘giant oops’ as these examples tried to demonstrate. People need to be held responsible (legally or in the court of public opinion) for their actions or lack thereof in this instance.
Tammi Brown says:
May 31, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Good point Hans B. The gorilla could have killed the boy instantly. The gorilla would still be shot but the outcome would be much different for the parent and the zoo.
May 31, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Yep – especially the court of public opinion. Public Opinion is extremely well qualified to pass judgement on the actions of many……. Just like the Duke Lacrosse team, and others throughout the history of social media. Public Opinion, is a great judge, especially on accountability……. not.
May 31, 2016 at 12:48 pm
Rubbish!People make mistakes.The child got away in a few seconds.Simple.We don’t want it to happen but it does.Happens all the time.This is not in the same category as a person leaving a child in a hot car,which is just plain stupid.Gorilla or child.Easy decision.Human life is much more important than any other life form.This should not even be up for discussion.I am happy that the child is safe and as far as I am concerned that is all that matters.I am also glad that the Cincinnati Police department is not bowing to mob(300,000 of them,I am told) suggestions of charging her with anything.All of you,including Hans B,get a life and f..k off!
May 31, 2016 at 1:06 pm
I am not commenting on the issue of the gorilla. My issue is with defending someone for being a complete putz and labeling it as a simple mistake. Also no need for the nasty language.
R says:
May 31, 2016 at 12:06 pm
If you set expectations for children this young each and every time before you step out the door AND you teach your children the meaning of “no” tragedies like this are easily avoidable.
May 31, 2016 at 12:31 pm
And children are never disobedient. While it may lessen the possibility, it will never make it totally avoidable.
xenophonics says:
May 31, 2016 at 11:45 am
Mostly reasonable, but the implication (in the fourth paragraph) that gorillas are predators feels like fearmongering to play up the danger.
Gorillas are mostly herbivores; other than insects, they really only eat plants.
May 31, 2016 at 11:52 am
Great observation. Blew right past that. In this case, the gorilla, though (maybe) trying to act protectively, due to the situation (the strength et.al) was just a danger. Unintentional, but a danger. It could have been said a different way. Agreed.
May 31, 2016 at 12:28 pm
For sure Xeophonics – they are not predators! There was no need to Hype it up. They needed to merely focus on the fact that the Gorilla was confused, excited and likely agitated with all the spectators yelling and the child himself screaming. Zoo Officials have a protocol for stuff like this. They have an electronic signal that ,when activated, the gorilla’s are trained to return to their inner holding areas (likely a food reward of some kind). All the Gorilla’s immediately responded to their training and went inside except the Male Razorback with the child. Given this (and the few times he showed some aggression), the Zoo Security, in my mind, did the only thing they could have done to erase any doubt that things might and very likely would have gotten worse.
Cathy Carter says:
May 31, 2016 at 11:29 am
I do feel the mother should have had a better grip on the child especially at the zoo!!..This beautiful animal who was where he was suppose to be, not bothering anyone was shot dead as somehow this curious child got into his habitat. It looks like the gorilla was trying to protect the child because if he wanted to to harm he could have.
May 31, 2016 at 11:49 am
The animal was not where it was supposed to be. A zoo masks the fact that the animal was in captivity. THE END!
May 31, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Very true. It is a species in threat of extinction because not all people have the same values as you. So do you leave them in the wild to become extinct, or do you bring them in, present them to the public, and see if enough awareness can be raised, to stop the extinction trend? Not sure, but people don’t seem to be able to have empathy for that which they cannot see (to make a connection). Just a human failing. So that is the choice. Leave them all in the wild and hope they survive (because you or I cannot control all humanity), or try and leverage as much as you can to help save them.
Char says:
May 31, 2016 at 7:24 pm
Touché!!!!! I worked at a zoo and it was a pretty sad experience. The animals are not happy, are not in their environment, and their captive behaviors cannot be predicted! The zoo responded the correct way. If anything, the enclosure should have been more secure so that this could not have happened.
May 31, 2016 at 9:39 am
“I was taking a pic and he was gone”…
She was pre-occupied…
She was negligent…
38 years, no incidents… Then Michelle Gregg decided to go to the zoo.
Your single account is met with several others saying Michelle Gregg’s son actually told her he was going to “swim with the gorillas” and she brushed him off to continue taking photos.
She should be sued for restitution and banned from the zoo & all other zoos in the future.
Oh and now Michelle Gregg is suing the zoo by the way… She’s whats wrong, She’s the monster in this situation no matter how you try to say “mistakes happen”.
Talking to the perfect one says:
May 31, 2016 at 11:01 am
Interesting. You have never told somebody, wait a minute, while I finish this. You have never been in a situation where you were busy, and bristled, and ignored those interrupting you. You have never had children who by habit, demand continual attention. Or even better yet, have you ever had children. Yet, you are perfect. You will respond without angst, and kindness no matter what you are doing. Sorry, your lack of empathy, only shows that you are perfect, but no near a superior being.
Jay says:
June 1, 2016 at 9:02 am
Speaking as a parent I can guarantee you that if my 4 year old told me (not once, but twice) that he/she was going to go swim with the gorilla I’d have grabbed his or her hand until we left that exhibit. I’m not saying this woman did something criminal, but she definitely dropped the ball by thinking a simple, “No you’re not.” would magically get that 4 year old to not do what he had (obviously) set his mind to. She does bear some culpability in what played out because of her inaction, but should she go to jail? No. But she should also not be allowed to sue the zoo and make a profit off of her poor decision making skills.
mom of four says:
May 31, 2016 at 11:17 am
You have no universal health care the hostpital bills are likely crippling so even if she feels at fault she is forced to make the decision to sue the zoo.
Sue the zoo or lose everything to pay inflated healthcare. I know what I would choose.
May 31, 2016 at 12:44 pm
Typical response these days – Sue Sue Sue – Even (and sometimes) when you are the one at fault!! And mark my words, she will sue for A LOT more than just the hospital bills! She is lucky she hasn’t been charged with Criminal Negligence (kid said he wanted to swim with the gorilla! Hello – “RED F@*king FLAG!!!! )
May 31, 2016 at 9:00 pm
An ER visit is not going to break your bank even if your poor and you don’t have to pay it on the spot. Hell when I was broke I had a visit I paid off over a year as I just sent them 5 dollars a month until it was paid off. Hell I’m currently unemployed and it’s cheaper for me to pay out of pocket than to pay for insurance right now.
May 31, 2016 at 1:11 am
Great post, Courtney. I don’t have a comment except to share the worss of rhe communications director of Zoo Miami Ron Magill who echoes much of what you said.
“Doing one of several interviews today with CNN, MSNBC, Good Morning America, and most of the local stations regarding the terrible tragedy at the Cincinnati Zoo where a 17 year old silverback gorilla had to be shot to save a 4 year old boy who managed to fall into the enclosure. As I said during all of these interviews, the professional staff at the zoo made the correct decision to shoot the animal and remove the threat to the child as soon as possible. Correct, but by no means easy. This gorilla was part of their family and to have to destroy it destroyed a part of all of them. They are beyond devastated. For those who think they should have used a tranquilizer instead, please understand that to shoot a tranquilizer dart into an already agitated gorilla could not only take longer to have an effect – it would most likely further agitate the gorilla which could lead to displaced aggression against the child. Though I don’t believe that this gorilla meant to harm the child, the bottom line is that the gorilla was agitated, frightened, and highly stressed by the crying child and the screaming public. He was not conscience of his own strength and if you observed how he flung that child through the water (trying to escape the panic), you can understand that all it would take is for that child to hit his head against the concrete wall or cast iron grate while being flung like that to cause a serious or even fatal injury. The stress level and agitation was rising with each passing second. It was tragically the only responsible decision that could be made. My heart goes out to my peers at the Cincinnati Zoo who have experienced a profound loss. Zoo Miami has a personal connection to this tragedy as Harambe was the son of the first gorilla ever born at our zoo whose name was Moja. In fact, Harambe’s grandmother is 49 year old Josephine, who still lives at Zoo Miami and can be seen every day on the lowland gorilla exhibit. What needs to be said to all parents is please watch your children at all times. Letting them get out of your sight for only a few minutes can lead to tragedy. A very sad day indeed.”
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It would be great to find more examples of keynote speeches given in my profession that even came close to the care, rigour, sense of shared responsibility and warmth for fellow thinkers and practitioners as that found in Bethany Nowviskie’s talk on Digital Humanities in the Anthropocene. I suspect I’ll be digging around at the …
Continue reading “Notes from ‘Structural Fabulation: An essay on fiction of the future’”
Plastic Praxis: MArch teaching at BCU
Posted on October 8, 2013 / Updated October 8, 2013 by Rob
I’m collaborating with Mike Dring, the MArch Course Director at Birmingham School of Architecture this academic year to help run a studio for years 5 & 6. Over the last few weeks we’ve been crafting a studio agenda which is less about the question of how we should build and more about questioning why. We’re …
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10 Mar A struggle over U.S. cybersecurity
Posted at 09:20h in Internet, IT by WTN News 0 Comments
The resignation of the federal government’s cybersecurity coordinator highlights a power struggle underway over how best to defend the government’s civilian computer networks against digital attacks.
Rod A. Beckstrom resigned the post Friday after less than a year on the job, citing a lack of funding and the National Security Agency’s tightening grip on government cybersecurity matters.
Beckstrom is director of the National Cyber Security Center — an organization created last March to help coordinate such security efforts across the intelligence community. But recently, Beckstrom said, efforts have been underway to fold his group into a facility at the NSA.
Beckstrom said in an interview over the weekend that his group was formed to coordinate the various agencies’ efforts but not to be controlled by the NSA.
“This is a coordination body and it resides alongside or above the other centers, but certainly not below them,” Beckstrom said. “In my view, it is very important that there be independence for the [center], and that it be able to carry out its role.”
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Hello there, How are we all? I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are having the most fabulous start to the New Year!
So before the craziness which is Christmas began, I took part in Lakota's 2012 Christmas Swap and I was lucky enough to be partnered with a Knitter of Wonders, Lucy who blogs over at 1940's Style For You! I honestly could not have been happier with the pairing as I have been a long time admirer of her wonderful knitting skills and her blog. So after a few emails a fair bit of Charity shop rummaging and a trip to the post office, parcels had been swapped, opened and enjoyed!
So what did Lucy send me, well take a look!
How beautiful is the wrapping, it certainly puts mine to shame and just look at that gorgeous paper!
Needless to say, it took me absolutely no time at all to rip the paper off beautiful though it was, to unearth the treasures within and WOW what treasures they were!
1. An amazing copy of 'Practical Family Knitting Illustrated' from the 40s with most of the plates in colour!
3. Chocolates! Coins, a Lindor Teddy and a box of Roses which got devoured before I had a chance to photograph em, yummy! (Proof that they existed can be found here!)
4/5. Hand cream, which went straight into my handbag so got missed from the picture and a delicious smelling Yankee candle which I also seem to have missed Ooops!
7. A fabulous Heart made with little bells 'Jingle all the Way'
So many more things to be added to my to-knit list!
It's hard to choose a favourite, but I think the Beautiful hand knitted turban steals it, it has to be the neatest knitting I have ever seen, no wobbly stitches here, and is in the most lovely shade of blue yarn (not sure the photo does it justice) which is also lovely and soft and goes with my Debonaire Little Jumper a treat!
I love everything, and I was honestly blown away by the sheer thoughtfulness of the parcel, all I can say is THANK YOU Lucy, it's perfect in every way!
And here is what I sent to Lucy
1. 60s Bag with one of my knitted rose's
2. Appliqué Christmas stocking, made with my own fair hand
3. A selection of knitting Patterns some from my stash and some from some thorough charity shop rummaging.
4. Fair isle slipper socks, Sadly I can not confess to knitting them, they came with the below pinned to them from a charity shop and as far as I can tell have never been worn.
5. A flower Brooch, thanks to Lucy's post on the swap I now know it's a Gentian carved brooch, proof if it were needed that it has gone to a good home :)
6. A Couple of my Mums hand crocheted angels which (again I forgot to photograph) for the little Y's to adorn the tree.
Lastly but not leastly, I want to say big Thank You to Lakota for yet again organising a fabulous swap, it really was the perfect way to start Christmas!
Posted by Wendy Bayford at 11:59:00
Labels: 1940s, About me, Blog Swap, Knitting, WWII
7 comments:
KC'sCourt! 3 January 2013 at 13:11
You are so lucky. What delightful gifts.
ReplyDelete
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Wendy Bayford 9 January 2013 at 09:54
I was very lucky to be partnered with Lucy she has such great taste! xx
Delete
Replies
Miss Simmonds Says 3 January 2013 at 14:34
that turban is really beautiful and the colour looks so gorgeous on you! You lucky thing, you sent Lucy some amazing things too! xx
ReplyDelete
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Melanie 3 January 2013 at 16:12
What lovely gifts you exchanged with one another!
ReplyDelete
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Miss Marie 3 January 2013 at 20:38
What an amazing little gift swap! Such beautiful collections. I'd be tempted to get involved next year but the standard's been set so high, I'd get myself all in a tizz!
Happy Christmas and New Year, by the way! x
ReplyDelete
Replies
Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] 4 January 2013 at 21:43
Happy New Year! So happy you enjoyed the swap - you both sent amazing gifts. Love the turban, the jingle heart, the handbag with rose and the stocking best, but they're all lovely. I'll put a linky up in the next couple of days so you can add this post.
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“There’s plenty of time out in the field to get great and unforgettable photos. Matt will sacrifice getting his photos to ensure that everyone in the group is paying attention to the elements, ISO, aperture, etc. His attention to detail and professionalism make this a first class workshop.
Thanks, Matt. I’m looking forward to your other workshops.”
We really enjoyed our time with you at the Haines workshop!
So much to be impressed by: the quality of your instruction, both as it related to the use of our equipment to produce optimum in-camera images as well as the post processing workflow guidance, your knowledge of the area and eagle behavior and, of course, the amazing beauty of our surroundings.
But beyond that, it was the more subtle aspects of your work that really made for a special trip: your constant focus on us as your customers, the care you take to go the extra mile in scouting out uniquely special places and the relationships you maintain with the local community that pay big dividends for you and your customers!
I would highly recommend this workshop and you, as a workshop leader, to anyone!
-Chris from California
They are meticulously organized, running smoothly from beginning to end.
I recently returned from Shetzers Iceland Photographic Workshop. It was a great introduction to Iceland and I came home with photos that I am very pleased with. This was not my first Shetzers workshop—I attended the Hummingbird Workshop in Ecuador and the Bald Eagle Workshop in Alaska, both very enjoyable and productive. I have already signed up for South Texas Birds and Stars in February. Other workshops offered by Shetzers feature grizzly bears (Alaska), birds and nature (Costa Rica) and fall colors (Colorado). I have attended many photographic workshops over the years but, for me, Shetzers are the best. They are meticulously organized, running smoothly from beginning to end. The number of participants is small, typically 4-6. The cost is very reasonable, especially considering that accommodation, meals and transportation during the workshop are included. The workshops are open to photographers of all levels. Matt is a highly accomplished photographer (see his web site). He has extensive knowledge of a wide range of photographic techniques and equipment that he is more than willing to share. He takes participants to some great photographic locations but does not push any particular approach, instead encouraging individuals to explore the possibilities themselves. However he is always nearby, ready to help and advise. Of course Matt cannot control the weather but he makes good use of “downtime” to give informal talks on technique. This is also a good opportunity for participants to show their new photos. I am very enthusiastic about Shetzers workshops and recommend them highly without reservation.
Iceland Photography Workshop
Once you take a photo workshop with Matt Shetzer — it will not be your last!
When Matt offered a photographic workshop to do Landscapes in Iceland, we just had to go. It was our first trip out of the country and we knew that it would be an incredible trip with Matt handling the Photo Workshop when we got there. We already knew one of the other gentlemen going to Iceland, since we had attended a Bald Eagle Photo Workshop (2015) with Richard and was looking forward to meeting Ian (see his review). The Iceland trip was unbelievably wonderful and Matt made the entire workshop smooth, educational and easy to concentrate on just taking beautiful pictures. Matt listens to each person’s “wish list” as to what type/or kind of photos they always wanted to capture, then he goes above and beyond to try to make it happen. Matt does extensive research on every trip to take you to the locations and times to get the best shots. He is there with his experience to help you should you need it. Matt keeps each workshop more fun and informational than the previous ones (which is hard to do!). We are looking forward to attending the Bald Eagle Photo Workshop in Haines, AK for 2018 (our 3rd workshop) and expect to get even greater Bald Eagle/”Swans”(insider joke, “sorry had to do it Matt “) shots than before. Once you take a photo workshop with Matt Shetzer — it will not be your last!
-Barry and Paula from Colorado
Iceland Photography Workshop
All images contained on this website are copyright AMS Enterprises, LLC and registered with the US Copyright office. No form of reproduction, including downloading, copying or saving of digital image files, or the alteration or manipulation of image files, is authorized unless written usage rights have been specifically negotiated and issued by AMS Enterprises, LLC. For information regarding the use of any of the images contained on this website, or please Contact Us.
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WEB EXCLUSIVE After a long week of school and volleyball, I was more than excited to relax during my weekend in California’s wine country and cool down at my dear friend Natalia Varni’s home. I spent the October Sunday afternoon lounging around the pool and the night enjoying a true homestyle meal. With six other Convent & Stuart Hall students and the parents of my close friend, Priyanka Varni and Tony Varni, my three-day weekend getaway at their household in Kenwood was exactly what I needed.
Little did I know that “cool down” would only last until about 11:30 p.m. Sunday night.
After drifting off to sleep around 11 p.m., I was startled to awake 30 minutes later by Natalia, another one of my best friends and Mr. Varni standing next to the bed, faces pressed to the window. As the steady beeping of the fire alarm seemed to grow louder and louder and the smell of smoke increased, I awoke knowing something was not right.
I immediately joined them and I could not believe my eyes. From the top of the hill, I saw flames in not one, but two separate places. Straight ahead in the next valley over, bright red and orange lights combined as the jagged edges of the mountain made of trees and valley below burned. To my left, though the size of the fire itself was smaller, a much closer blaze had emerged at a local winery less than two miles away from the house.
A winery near to the Varni’s home caught fire the night of Oct. 9. This photo was taken out of the Varni’s house window.
Seeing the intense sight, the four of us continued to wake up Mrs. Varni and our four Stuart Hall friends who had joined us in the afternoon of lighthearted fun. Now fully awake, I turned on the news to see if I could find out more, but no news station was covering the dramatic scene outside.
A call was made to the wife of Ray Mulas, the fire chief of Shell Vista Fire Department and a friend of the Varnis. She told us to stay put and wait for another call back in the near future while she called her husband. After 15 minutes of anxious waiting and phone charging, the decision was made to leave. Mrs. Mulas told us that the department believed neither we nor the house was in immediate danger, but evacuation to her house in Sonoma would be a reasonable precaution.
Quickly packing up whatever was near to our bags, the dogs were harnessed and leashed, water was distributed, the switch of a flashlight was tested and proved dead — and the fear in the room rose.
I grabbed my car keys and shot my family group chat a quick, somewhat alarming text just before the electricity and wifi went out.
“There are some fires so we have to evacuate to Sonoma to the fam friends house.”
The nine of us filed into five different cars and agreed to form a strict caravan. After I surprisingly maneuvered out of the unlit driveway, I turned on what I considered “calming” music for me and my friend and our real night began.
The what usually would have been an easy 15-minute drive turned into a difficult nearly hour drive — one most 17-year-old drivers should not have to experience. In addition to the midnight darkness, the streets were filled with firetrucks, ambulances and police cars. Heading towards and away from the fires, we had to pull over about five times. Throughout the night, I became increasingly accustomed to the sound of sirens.
Other than first responders and emergency services, there were a surprisingly small number of other cars on the road. I was, and still am, confused on why more people were not evacuating like we were.
Although major roads and streets had been closed for apparent safety issues and we were redirected by firemen at different checkpoints, we still ended up driving directly next to a field full of flames. This was probably the scariest part of the night.
To make the situation worse, powerful winds over 50 mph were blowing, so branches and debris of all sizes and kinds covered the road. Behind the wheel of a small leisure car, I was quite concerned about not only damaging the vehicle, but also if I would physically be able to pass the natural roadblocks. Luckily I was the third car in line, trailing behind the Varni’s truck and Toyota Sequoia, so the path was cleared a little and made slightly easier for me. Sort of.
As we drove on, the fires grew by the second. Every time I glanced to my left or in the rearview mirror I was shocked at the new size the flames and the amount of land which had been enveloped. I wondered how the night had turned into this.
Finally, around 12:50 a.m. Monday morning, we arrived at the Mulas household. Janie Mulas opened the door with welcoming arms and we immediately sat down with glasses of water in front of the TV. I looked down at my phone and had texts from not only concerned parents, but grandparents and friends who had learned of the fires and were aware of my weekend plans. The news was now blaring evacuation notices and warnings for the whole Bay Area and showed maps of danger zones. It was then that we decided to keep moving and go all the way to the City.
We got back into the cars after agreeing to caravan once again until we got onto the highway. I turned the music back on, popped a piece of gum into my mouth to give me something to do for the drive ahead and sent another text to my parents.
“Fires are worse than we thought, going back to SF to sleep at the Varni’s.”
The whole world outside seems was desolate. Only the sound of my music, the quiet car and my friend’s soft breathing of sleep filled the car. Fifty minutes later, we had made it to Jordan Park.
We plopped in front of the TV to watch the news for updates on the disaster in process. As expected, the fires had grown and images of smoke-filled landscapes flashed on the screen. I looked around the silent room at the caring people around me and thought of how fortunate and lucky we were.
After some sleep, I woke up to Mrs. Varni waking her daughter. The two of them had to leave as soon as possible to drive to Petaluma to pick up their horse in a danger zone. After they left, I watched some more news and was heart-broken to see more fires had started and that an estimated 200 acres had already been burned in the North Bay. All I could say was, “Wow.”
When I opened the house door to walk to my car, I was struck by how much smoke had actually made its way into San Francisco. As I drove home I kept replaying the dream-like night over and over again in my head.
Later that day after we had all parted ways, I received a text from Natalia.
“It’s gone.”
The Varni family’s home post-fire. The property is located at the top of the Kenwood hill and overlooks numerous wineries.
The Varni’s home from the back side. What remains of the property’s hot tub is pictured bottom right. 40,000 people were forced to evacuate.
Three accompanying photos show what little is left of the house I had been visiting since kindergarten. Sadly, the Varni’s house is only one of the thousands burned.
Most homes affected by the fires belonged to full-time residents who lost everything.
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The Harris County AFL-CIO Council and AFT Lone Star had requested facility use at LSCS to present a seminar on civil rights in the workplace. The seminar was to be presented by Joe Bontke, outreach manager for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Houston. The facility request was denied. The Houston Chronicle picked up this news and published an article about it on November 9th, 201. CLICK HERE to read the full article in the Houston Chronicle.
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A wedding is a special day, and every couple wants it to come out precisely as they had planned. You’ve probably dreamed of your ideal wedding since early childhood. Thus, your desire is perfection, which all boils down to intricate planning. However, planning isn’t always straightforward, and it’s common for you to get overwhelmed.
On several occasions, most couples end up forgoing some essential planning details. Hence, it would help if you knew most of the steps that couples overlook and tried not to fall into the same trap. Some of these essential wedding planning steps that are often overlooked include:
Arranging For Transportation
At most weddings, you’ll have to move from place to place. First, the bride and groom must move from their respective homes to the wedding venues. Then, some couples prefer having different locations for their vows and reception (e.g., those doing a church wedding). The church is where the ring ceremony happens, and there’s a different location for refreshments and entertainment.
Moreover, not everyone attending your wedding could be familiar with the location. It will be unfair if some guests get lost as they try to find their way to the wedding. For all these reasons, there’s a great need to plan your transportation.
You can hire taxis, shuttles, and buses to transport your guests to the wedding location. You’ll also need vehicles for your bridal team. If you’re all about style and glam, you’d want to hire the finest luxury wedding cars. You can hire classic, vintage, or supercars depending on your theme.
Kids will always be delighted to participate in your wedding. Typically, you’ll need a ringbearer, a flower girl, or a train bearer. Although it’s not a must for you to have them, they always lighten up the mood with their mischief as they go on with the responsibility of announcing the bride’s arrival. Once they play their part, it’s hard for them to sit still throughout the session.
You can allot an entertainment spot for them to avoid kids’ disturbances as you go on with the ceremony. Consider a bouncing castle or crayons and painting materials to keep them busy before the reception starts.
Alternatively, you are free to plan your wedding and opt for an adult-only event. As you issue the invitation cards before the wedding, have that policy specifically noted on the card.
Forgetting About Self-Care
It’s normal for couples planning the wedding to feel stressed and overwhelmed as the day gets closer. However, it will not be an enjoyable day for you and your guests if you’re not in good shape. Most couples suppress the stress until the last minute, so they feel sick and exhausted two days before their wedding. Therefore, take care of yourself as you wouldn’t want to cancel the occasion after all the preparations you’ve gone through.
You can avoid all that if you take some time off the planning. Consider going for a drive or avoid thinking about the wedding altogether. Remember, the wedding should be a happy occasion, so you must look the part. If you look tired and weary, it will show even with makeup on.
Some guests may travel far and wide for your wedding, so ensure that the marriage ceremony won’t end without a word. You can give a few minutes after the reception to meet your guests and appreciate them for honoring your invitation.
You can also take some time to walk around their tables as they have their meals and exchange pleasantries. This may not look like much, but guests will appreciate this gesture despite the busy day.
Planning your wedding may be strenuous and requires maximum effort to have everything set. Remember, you’re green on how to plan a wedding, especially if it’s your first one. Therefore, hiring a wedding planner will make a massive difference as their input can significantly impact the success of your day.
However, ensure they’ve planned other weddings successfully so they can use their expertise to give you the best wedding you deserve. For instance, they’ve worked with several florists and thus know how to choose the best wedding florist for your floral arrangement.
Planning a wedding can be demanding for the groom and bride. So, it’s normal to forget some details, but that can cost you. Take note of the commonly overlooked steps and the suggested tips so your planning becomes more thorough. With these, you can ensure a stress-free event and be less worried about possible glitches along the way.
Khalil ur Rehman is a proud born and raised in Abbottabad. Khalil has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and The Verge. As a journalist for The Hear Up, Khalil covers climate and science news. [email protected]
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Makeup is vital for your daily use as well as for special events. For ease of access of the makeup, you should always keep it efficient and at a location that is easy to view. Certain individuals have a ton of makeup yet due to their method of keeping it, they end up never utilizing all of it. At the point when you keep your collection organized, as mentioned on https://www.cosmopacks.com.After Reading, You will able to find what you are searching for at whatever point you want or want it. The following are the 5 steps to a perfectly organized collection of makeup.
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Makeup is vital for your daily use as well as for special events. For ease of access to the makeup, you ought to always keep it efficient and at a location that is easy to view. Certain individuals have a great deal of makeup Like here yet due to their method of keeping, they end up never utilizing all of it. At the point when you keep your collection organized, you will find what you are searching for at whatever point you want or want it. The following are the 5 steps to a perfectly organized collection of makeup.
While storing your makeup, you should take time, find a large area where you can spread all your makeup, and then go through it to figure out what you wear on daily basis and what you don’t. Makeup that you utilize consistently ought to be stored at a nearby and easily accessible place compared to that utilized exclusively for special events. Gather the makeup into piles according to the frequency of their usage.
While creating makeup storage piles, you can for instance have a heap for daily wear that comprises the makeup with the basic colors that match almost any attire you put on with the coordinating lipstick. Make sure to keep it basic. You could also have a heap of the makeup you use for healthy skin. This will incorporate things like creams, sunscreens, makeup removers, serums, and acne treatments. Q-tips and cotton balls can also be incorporated among skin health management items. Makeup removal may be necessary on daily basis, especially on the off chance that you travel a lot, you are a games individual or you simply could do without being canvassed in makeup all day. To save makeup storage space, purchase a package of pre-dampened cleaning garments to assist you with makeup removal.
Here makeup storage heap you can create for ease of access is the one that contains makeup that you just use for special events. This collection will incorporate the makeup that you purchased to match just special kinds of outfits, dramatic colors, false eyelashes, wild colors like those utilized for Halloween, gleam powder that you can wear while going to clubs, and any other makeup that you wear rarely. You could also create a heap for seasonal makeup. Assuming you are the sort of individual that tans, your complexion is probably going to vary from one season to another. You can along these lines have different foundations as well as powder shades to use during mid-year. Darker summer colors of makeup may also be important assuming you tan during summer.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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The following photo is from 1947 and shows a street with a very large heap of rubble on the land to the right. When I scanned this negative, I was doubtful as to whether I would find the location. There appears to be a sign on the wall to the left of the pillar in the centre of the photo, but this cannot be read when zooming in due to the definition within the original 35mm film stock.
I was sorting through some boxes with photos that my father had printed from the original negatives and I found the same photo, and on the rear was written Aldersgate Street.
Although I cannot be sure where on Aldersgate Street the photo was taken, I am very sure that it is looking north. Most of the wartime damage in this area was to the east of Aldersgate Street on the land that would be redeveloped as the Barbican estate. The west, whilst suffering bomb damage did nor suffer the same extensive fire damage caused by incendiary raids. including the one on the 29th December 1940.
The huge heap of rubble must be from the buildings demolished on the future site of the Barbican. Comparing the height of the rubble with the lamppost gives some idea of how much must have been removed from the site.
It is impossible to know exactly where on Aldersgate Street this photo was taken, but to give an idea of how the area looks now, I took the following photo on Aldersgate Street, looking north. The Barbican development is on the right. The road has been considerably widened, and the photo would have been somewhere along this scene.
Aldersgate Street is an old street and was so named after the northern gate of the city.
Although originally it did not go any distance as Bishopsgate received the traffic from the north, Aldgate from the east, Newgate from the west and Bridge Gate from the south.
Aldersgate appears to have simply opened out upon moor land, but gained greater significance when it was used as an access point to Smithfield when the area began to be used as a market for horses and cattle and a number of religious establishments.
In researching the street, there are a few very different explanations for the name.
Starting with Stow, whose Survey of London is used by many later historians as a source of historical fact, Stow states that:
“The next is AEldresgate, or Aldersgate, so-called not of Aldrich, or of Elders, that is to say, ancient men, builders therefore, nor of Eldarne trees, growing there more abundantly than in other places as some have fabuled, but for the very antiquity of the gate itself, as being one of the first 4 gates of the city and serving for the Northerne parts, as Aldegate for the East.”
Walter Thornbury in Old and New London partly quotes Stowe:
“Aldersgate was one of the four original gates of London, and formed the extreme corner to the north. Some say it was named after Aldrich, a Saxon, who built it; others, says Stowe attribute it to the Alder trees which grew around it.”
Sir Walter Besant writing in 1910 in his History of the City of London states:
“Stow’s derivation from the “Elder” or “Older” gate is too far-fetched. It is named probably from one Ealdered, its earliest name being “Aldredesgate”.
Two books published in the early 20th century give different interpretations. Harold Clunn in the Face of London writes:
“We pass next to Aldersgate Street. This thoroughfare is so names from the northern gate of the City, the name of which in turn is derived from the alder trees which once grew around the gate”.
“In the laws of Ethelred, c 1000, Ealdredsgate (and variations). The gate of Ealdred or Aldred, a Saxon Londoner of whom nothing more is known.”
A number of recent London street name books I have checked seem to be playing safe by not including Aldersgate Street.
I am inclined to go for the Saxon name of Ealdred or Aldred as the source of the name. Fascinating to think that someone living at that time could have given his name to one of London’s major streets, but it also demonstrates the difficult in establishing the truth behind many of the older street names in London and that you should not always believe the explanation given in a single book, always best to seek as much evidence as possible.
It is interesting to understand what was on the east site of Aldersgate Street as a large network of streets were lost under the Barbican development.
The following map is from the 1940 edition of Bartholomew’s Reference Atlas of Great London. Unfortunately this area is to the edge of the page, but it does show that to the east of Aldersgate Street were a network of streets and courts. All of these have since disappeared, indeed the only remaining landmark is the Ironmongers Hall which is still there, hidden behind the Museum of London which has been built over Maidenhead Court and Blue Lion Court.
The 1910 map published alongside Besant’s History of the City provides more detail of the network of streets and courts to the east of Aldersgate Street:
Going back further to John Rocque’s map of London published in 1746, Aldersgate Street is also on the edge of the map sheet, but we can see the network of streets and courts on the east side that had already been in place for many years, and would last to the second half of the 20th century:
Going back further, Aldersgate is mentioned many times in medieval records, for example:
In 1339 the Chamberlain of Guildhall spent 20s and 4d on the pavement of the gate of Aldersgate, the pavement being one of cobbled stones laid close and rammed. This being an indication that there was a good amount of traffic through Aldersgate as money was only spent on the provision of a cobbled pavement where there was significant traffic.
In 1346 a certain Simon is hanged for robbery at Aldersgate.
In 1350 there are records of the shops within Aldersgate.
The original gate at Aldersgate was in a very bad state by 1510. Recorded in the Presentment of the Wardmote Inquest of the Ward of Aldersgate is:
The original gate was taken down in 1617 and rebuilt to a new design. In honour of the king an equestrian statue was included in the new gate just above the arch. The cost of the new gate was £1,000 and was funded by a bequest from a certain William Parker, Merchant Taylor.
William Maitland’s History and Survey of London from 1756 provides a view of how the ward was kept safe at night:
“There are to watch at Aldersgate, and other stands in this Ward, every Night, one Constable, the Beadle, and 44 Watchman. And in the liberty of St Martins-le-Grand, which is in this Ward, 12. In all 56.”
Maitland also described the state of the street in 1756:
“Aldersgate Street, very spacious and long, and although the Buildings are old, and not uniform, yet many of them are very good, and well inhabited.”
The gate at Aldersgate was removed in 1761. As with other City gates, it was too narrow and restricting on the amount of traffic that was now travelling in and out of the city.
To mark the northern limits of the City, two pillars were erected in 1874 as shown in the following drawing from the time, looking down Aldersgate Street with St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance:
The 1932 edition of The Face of London provides a view of Aldersgate Street shortly before the last war:
“Thirty years ago Aldersgate Street was a shabby thoroughfare, but during our own century it has greatly increased in importance. On the west side, at the corner of Long lane, is the Manchester Hotel, and next door is the Metropolitan Railway station which was opened for traffic in 1865.”
As with many other streets across London, the coming of the railway provided an incentive for new developments and new trades in the local area.
The same book also states that in 1932 the Corporation of London was considering an investment of £1,500,000 to widen Aldersgate Street to 80 feet from St. Martins le Grand to Goswell Road as the road was very narrow.
The wartime devastation to the east of Aldersgate Street shown in my father’s photo at the start of this article provided all the opportunity needed to widen the road, and it is this incarnation of Aldersgate Street that we see today.
The sources I used to research this post are:
Old and New London by Walter Thornbury published in 1881
London, The City by Sir Walter Besant published in 1910
The History of London from its Foundations to the Present Time by William Maitland published in 1754
The Face of London by Harold P. Clunn published in 1951
The Streets Names of London by Gertrude Burford Rawlings
This entry was posted in London Streets, The Bombed City and tagged Aldersgate, Aldersgate Street, Barbican, City Gates on May 17, 2015 by admin.
Join me as I explore London past and present over the coming months. Enter your e-mail address to receive new posts.
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While I am honored, grateful and excited to have the chance to photograph people’s lives from birth to death and numerous moments in between, generational portraits bring a special sense of warmth to my heart. Life is a precious gift. Having worked for over 15 years with children who had life threatening illnesses, I saw the heartache of families losing their children at an early age. I have also seen the loss of loved ones at all ages and all stages of life. My Mom died when I was 22. I would give anything to have a nice photo of the two of us as well as one with my siblings before my Mom died. She never got to meet her grandchildren or great grandchildren before she died. I can, however show them photos of my Mom and tell them stories about her. With families spread out across the world, we don’t gather together at the same time on a regular basis. I encourage people to have photos made with their extended family when they are all together because we never know what the next day will bring. On a lighter note, the photos are fun to have.
I take pride in capturing the essence of the human spirit and the relationships between loved ones. Whether it be a photograph of an individual, a couple, a family or people we care about, having a well made photograph that is beautiful, strong, crisp, and captures the soul of a moment in time, I guarantee the photos are gifts that keeps on giving.
Three things I often hear are:
I wish I had photos made while so and so was still alive.
I look at the photos you made of my family every day and absolutely treasure them.
If there is ever a fire in our home, the first things I would take would be the photos you made.
Create a lasting legacy of you and your family. From generation to generation, your history will live on through your professional printed and framed photographs. Soon my family will gather in CT to celebrate my Dad’s 90th Birthday. I am hiring a professional photographer to make photos of the four generations of Tartakoff’s that will be there so I can be in the photos as well. I can’t tell you how much I love having photos of my family on my walls at home as well as in my studio! How about you? Is it important for you to keep your Legacy alive through ongoing family photographs?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
With love from Photographer Katy Tartakoff
Photography is a passion I have fed since the age of 10. Having spent most of my career using film, digital photography has challenged the parts of me that have been less than proficient with technology. I have become more and more obsessed with expanding my craft and moving through my perceived limitations. Recently I learned how to photograph the Milky Way. Being out in the middle of the night, often times in freezing cold, I get to experience the infinite, miraculous Universe we live in. The invitation then, is to stay open, live in love and explore the world as much as possible.
For the more than 40 years I have been making Portraits professionally, I have seen an exponential shift in how professional photographs are valued. I remain steadfast in the pursuit of keeping printed, framed portraits, a part of our culture. When going through people’s homes, boxes of photos, books, Museums, researching people on Google and studying History… I am drawn to the faces, the stories and the gift of the memories the photographs provide.
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Frances Tiafoe is a rising star in the tennis world, and his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield is right there by his side. The two have been together for over three years, and their love story is as inspiring as it is adorable. Here’s a look at how these two met and fell in love.
is Francis Tiafoe married? Not yet, He is only dating Ayan Broomfield and they’re planning their future together.
Facts about Frances Tiafoe’s girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, and their relationship
Francis Tiafoe is known for his personal life. with his relationship with Ayan Broomfield for over three years being together.
Ayan Broomfield is a Canadian tennis player She was born on August 13, 1997, and She is 25 years old now.
Frances Tiafoe’s age is 24 years old and his girlfriend’s age is 25 years old.
The difference in age between Francis Tiafoe and his Girlfriend Ayan Broomfield is 1 year older than him.
Ayan Broomfield has won two doubles titles on the ITF tour in her career. On April 27, 2015, she reached her best singles ranking of world number 680. On May 4, 2015, she peaked at world number 467 in the doubles rankings.
How did Frances Tiafoe meet his Girlfriend Ayan Broomfield?
Ayan Broomfield and Frances Tiafoe’s love story began when they met at a tennis tournament in 2018. Ayan was playing there as well. and Frances was playing in the tournament. They hit it off immediately and began dating. Ayan has been by Frances’ side ever since, cheering him on as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional tennis player. The couple is now engaged and planning their future together.
Ayan became Tiafoe’s loyal girlfriend after that and they look beautiful together.
Nick Kyrgios’s Girlfriend: everything you should know about her
Taylor Fritz Girlfriend Everything you should know about her
That’s it, Frances Tiafoe’s Girlfriend’s name is Ayan Broomfield she Canadian and 25 years old, and she is an ITF Tennis player.
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Owning a home may be your dream, but in order for the purchase to be the happy and satisfying experience it was meant to be, you need to ensure that you are financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.
Some people have a notion that home ownership is like renting, but with the power to have pets and paint the walls whatever color you like. However, while these privileges are available to homeowners in most municipalities, they come with the responsibilities of a mortgage, taxes and home maintenance. Preparing for home ownership requires you to take critical stock of your finances and your expectations.
Search now for homes in the area.
Questions for Prospective Homeowners
Are you ready to buy?
Owning your own home is about more than just being able to decorate any way you like; it's about being prepared to maintain your home over the years, realizing that part of your income and time will go towards repairs and maintenance. It's about being willing to take the risks of home ownership with a realistic expectation of the rewards.
How much can you afford?
It can be discouraging to find that your salary won't stretch as far as the home you want to own. However, sacrificing a huge part of your income just to pay the mortgage can very quickly make home ownership a burden rather than a point of pride. It's better to buy a modest home now and look at purchasing your "dream home" in a few years.
What is your debt-to-income ratio?
This is something that lenders take very seriously. Your overall debt should not be more than 40% of your income, and your housing debt should not be more than 32%. What 32% of your income will buy depends on where you want to live. In rural or downtrodden areas for example, it can buy a very comfortable residence and ample acreage. In highly sought-after urban areas, however, it may not even buy a 400 square foot bachelor suite.
What do you want?
Do you like the idea of cleaning your own gutters? Do you shudder at the thought of lawn care? Would you rather just pay a fee every month and have everything done for you? Would obey rules about when you can have your garbage cans out bother you, or do you want to live in a neighbourhood where everything is 'just so'? The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the search for the right type of property for you.
You need a good agent who will work hard for you. I'm dedicated to helping you find the right home, at the best price. I want you to find the home that will make you happy and successful in real estate ownership.
When you hire me to help you buy your first home, I want to know what you want and how much you can afford. Then we'll find a way to merge these two priorities and find a residence that you'll enjoy owning.
Keep your objectives in mind when visiting a home. Sometimes the idea of owning a home can overwhelm your practical sense, so keep your feelings in check. Keep a list handy of the features that you need and want in a home, and judge each home by the list instead of by details that could distract you from your goal. When you're alone with your agent, you can go over the pros and cons of each home. We can help you stay on track while still keeping our eyes out for a great property.
Engage the services of a good real estate lawyer. I can recommend several lawyers in the area who might be a good fit for you. Interview them to ensure that you get someone you can work with. The legalities of transferring land ownership can be dodgy, and a lawyer can be your best defense against future legal troubles. A good lawyer can charge several hundred to over a thousand dollars for their services, but the thousands of dollars saved in legal fees later on makes this a good expense.
Make the offer. This can be a maze of "buyer", "seller", "chattels", "deposit", and "completion". I'll be happy to prepare the paperwork and go through it with you before submitting it. Remember, the seller may reject or counter your offer, so even at this late date, avoid setting your heart on the home you hope to own. You'll probably have to write a deposit check to the seller's broker that proves the seriousness of your offer.
Get all the necessary inspections done. A home inspector will check for signs of harmful materials like asbestos, lead paint and mold. They'll also check for evidence of pests, faulty wiring and leaks. This is a crucial part of the home purchase. Not getting an inspection done means that you could be stuck in a home with a bad case of black mould and no recourse other than to pay for its removal. Inspections will cost a few hundred dollars, but again, this is more than worth it in the end. There are several inspectors in the area that we'd be happy to recommend.
Do a final walkthrough before closing the deal. I'd be happy to do this with you to make sure that everything agreed upon is completed prior to the final signing.
From the first interview that determines your requirements to the moment that you receive the keys, I can help you with the complicated process of buying a home. Don't hesitate to contact me to find out more about how I can make the home buying process easier!
T6E 3N4
Featured Listings
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The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. REALTOR®. Member of CREA and more. Last Updated December 5th, 2022 at 3:08am MST
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Disclaimer: Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. © Copyright 2022, by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. All Rights Reserved.
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Hello, my name is Barry and this is my new fencing blog. Until a couple of years ago, I didn't think twice about fencing. I truly believed that there were only a couple of types of fence and that they all more or less did the same job. But boy was I wrong. When my brother-in-law Stan came to visit me, he explained that he had recently retrained as a fencing contractor and that he would be willing to do some work on my yard. I helped him to install a new glass fence around the pool and a lovely wooden picket around the exterior of my home. I hope you enjoy my blog.
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Steel buildings are ubiquitous in the modern world, with their popularity hinging on benefits associated with the steel fabrication process. Understanding the global popularity of structural steel is essential for project cost justification. Here are some top benefits of using structural steel for your building construction project.
Steel buildings are incredibly strong and durable.
Strength and durability are critical requirements for all building construction projects. Every building must be built strong to ensure the safety of its users and to last long enough to serve its intended purpose.
Structural steel's superior strength over other construction materials is one of its biggest selling points. It is made under factory-controlled conditions to ensure that exacting quality requirements are met. Steel buildings can support the weight of large or tall buildings and also withstand natural calamities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and even earthquakes.
Steel buildings can be infinitely recyclable.
Waste from building renovations and demolitions makes up a significant chunk of the solid waste that gets sent to landfill sites. This puts pressure on the management of landfills. Steel is a fully recyclable material that does not lose its quality when recycled. This means steel from old or unwanted steel buildings can be transported to local metal recycling facilities instead of landfills. This helps to alleviate pressure on landfills but also cut the demand for steel manufactured from virgin raw materials.
Steel buildings are an economical choice.
Steel buildings are generally more expensive to build compared to buildings constructed using non-steel materials. However, steel pays for itself in the long run because it significantly slashes building maintenance and repair costs after construction is complete on a project. Plus, steel buildings last longer, which further adds to their cost-effectiveness.
Steel buildings allow for fast construction.
Since structural steel components can be made at an off-site location and only delivered to the construction site when needed, steel buildings can be built quickly. Building contractors can carry on with other construction tasks and have their steel supplies made ahead of time and delivered just in time for assembly. This helps to avoid project delays associated with delays in the delivery of building materials.
Steel fabricators make a wide variety of standard and custom structural steel components used in the construction of buildings. This ensures you get the right components for your building construction project. Contact a steel fabrication company near you to discuss your unique project requirements.
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In the “What Ever Happened to…” series, reporters will explain what happened to some of Country Day’s former traditions. Check back tomorrow for another installment.
Training a horse, learning to cook and volunteering at Loaves and Fishes might not seem to have a lot in common, but they are all activities once completed as senior projects.
Just five years ago, during the three-week gap between AP exams and graduation, each senior dedicated 40 hours to an event or activity outside of their comfort zone. The idea behind the tradition, which began in 1996, was to give seniors an opportunity to do something they had always wanted to do, but never before had the chance.
Each student had an adviser to assist them throughout the process.
The Sunday before graduation, students presented their projects to their families, peers and faculty.
But, in their most recent years, the senior projects began to drift away from their original intentions, according to Sue Nellis, former head of high school and current history teacher.
“Some students were not taking the projects seriously and putting in the required time (or) not finishing the projects they said they were going to finish,” Nellis said.
So in 2013 Nellis began to think about better ways for the seniors to spend the three weeks after AP exams.
“I started reading about the lack of financial-literacy education in schools, so I proposed to the faculty that we change the projects to seminars,” Nellis said.
According to Nellis, almost every teacher agreed instantly.
And after coming up with financial literacy, the faculty brainstormed other skills useful for seniors before leaving home.
Self-defense, bike and car maintenance, yoga, resume writing, barbecuing and a career day were some of those ideas.
In hindsight, Nellis said that she and the entire faculty feel it was a good decision.
Previously, high-school teachers had to dedicate their evenings during the last weeks of school – a time that is crammed with grading and graduation preparation – to the senior projects, Nellis said.
Ending the projects removed that pressure.
And Nellis said that the responses from the students were just as positive.
“(Nobody) said to me that they wanted to do the senior projects instead,” Nellis said.
“(Everyone) is very comfortable with the way (things) are going (now).”
Previous ArticleQ&A with Tim Grieve, ’82: Look at the story next to the one you’re reading, says McClatchy exec
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A Conservative minister for housing, a grey-haired Labour MP, ageing icons of rock and creative young people have formed an unlikely alliance in support of the Agent of Change (Planning) Bill. The proposed law, which will be discussed for the second time in the House of Commons on March 16, makes developers responsible for dealing with noise issues when they build new homes near music venues.
This all came about because people were worried about the high number of live music venues that were closing across the UK. The Greater London Authority (GLA) asked for a report on London’s grass roots music venues, only to find that 35% of them had been “lost” since 2007. Cities across the nation – from Glasgow to Manchester – have similar stories to tell, even though the government has recognised how important the music industry is for the economy.
So how did this happen? Many different governments since around the year 2000 have tried to get more flats and houses built in cities, because there aren’t enough for everyone who wants to live there. Many homes have been built on “brownfield” sites – where there used to be factories or warehouses, which are now used less or not at all. These types of places also offered spaces where creative entrepreneurs could set up new clubs, or take over existing venues and attract new customers with the offer of live music.
But as people move into the new flats built on these sites (which they often pay a lot of money for) some inevitably complain about the noise coming from the venues. Venue owners in Shoreditch (one of London’s hip neighbourhoods) actually put up signs warning would-be buyers that there are live music venues in the area.
Up until now, these complaints caused big problems for music venue owners, because planning principles were not on their side. The onus was on them to ensure their neighbours weren’t disturbed by music and loud noises. But putting in proper soundproofing or keeping customers quiet can be difficult and expensive.
This doesn’t just affect the kind of places run on a shoe string on the outskirts of town. Even London’s mighty Ministry of Sound – which has been a mecca for House music lovers since 1991 – was caught up in a lengthy planning application for a tower block of flats nearby – a case which eventually ended in the flats having to be soundproofed.
A matter of principle
The way the planning system works, is that local authorities in England and Wales produce their own development plans, which must align with national policy as set out in a 2012 document called the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This document made a small move to protect venues, by saying that if they wanted to expand, then there should be no unreasonable restrictions. But it didn’t address the situation described above.
Some local authorities have already started to draw up their own policies, which put the burden of noise reduction measures firmly on the developer who is making the change – whether it’s for flats or other uses. This is the legal principle, known as the “Agent of Change”. The bill, now supported by government, will ensure that the principle is embedded in the NPPF – so all local authorities will have to follow it. It will also carry more weight in appeals against planning decisions.
Although the “Agent of Change” principle will help prevent live music venues from closing, it won’t be enough on its own. Sadly, it would not address other issues such as rising rents, hikes in rateable values and property owners preferring to redevelop their buildings into flats. For example, consultancy firm Nordicity estimated that a revaluation of business rates would cause a fifth of London’s grass roots venues to close. And London’s oldest LGBTQ venue, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, is still engaged in a battle to save it from redevelopment, by way of a community buy out.
Yet past examples show that people can save their local pubs from closure, whether through local campaigning or by taking ownership of the buildings. And to see creativity and culture, especially for young people, supported through the dusty corridors of parliament, is truly heart warming.
Marion Roberts is Professor of Urban Design, University of Westminster.
This article was originally published on The Conversation website and has been republished with permission under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
If you enjoyed this blog, why not read some of our other blogs:
Night mayors: building bridges between businesses and communities
The 24-hour city – the Night Tube launches London into an elite group
Planning to protect: how architects and urban planners are balancing security with accessibility
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Posted in Arts, culture and leisure, Business and economy, Planning, Planning, development and property, Regeneration and community development | Tagged agent of change, agent of change planning bill, cities, clubbing, London, music, nightclubs, noise, noise nuisance, planning bill, planning permission, planning policy, planning system, property development, URBAN AREAS, venues | Leave a comment
The death of nightclubs?
Posted on October 3, 2016 by staceydingwall
by Stacey Dingwall
Last month, Islington Council confirmed that one of London’s biggest clubs, fabric, would not be reopening. The nightclub’s licence had been suspended following two-drug related deaths at the venue. Over 150,000 people, including the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (whose Greater London Authority has no power to intervene in licensing decisions) have since signed a change.org petition demanding the club be allowed to reopen. Ironically, Khan has recently announced that he will be appointing a ‘Night Czar’ for the city. This new figure will be responsible for developing London’s night time economy, which is currently worth £41 billion and supports more than 1.25m jobs. The recent launch of the night tube is also intended to grow the city’s night time economy.
We’ve previously looked at the importance of the night time economy to the UK’s economic growth. A 2015 report from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) placed the economic value of UK’s night time economy at £66 billion, employing 1.3 million people and representing 6% of the country’s GDP.
The Arches in Glasgow closed in similar circumstances to fabric last year. These clubs are just two of many that have closed their doors in the last decade. Between 2005 and 2015, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) estimate that the number of clubs in the UK fell from 3,144 to 1,733. The body believes that if this trend continues, the country will be left worse off “culturally, socially and economically”. Others have also highlighted the potential impact on youth employment, which is already a significant problem for the UK.
Who or what is to blame?
Some within the industry have pointed to the introduction of the smoking ban, longer pub opening hours and the recession as potential explanations for a decrease in the popularity of nightclubs. Others have placed the blame on planning policy and a “hostile” licensing climate. This is particularly evident in London, where widespread property development is prioritised in order to create the affordable housing the city so desperately needs.
There are also those that criticise the police’s “heavy handed” attitude towards drugs, and a stereotyping of clubs and those that frequent them. Police Scotland have come under particular criticism for the way in which they engaged with the Arches when it was still open. According to Dr Jack McPhee, a drugs and alcohol policy expert at the University of the West of Scotland, since the amalgamation of Scottish police forces, “…the recovery of controlled drugs and successful prosecutions became performance indicators in Scotland. So that in itself began to dictate police activity”. Scotland’s prosecution rate for drugs related offences is almost twice that of the other UK nations.
Comparisons with the rest of Europe
In comparison, drugs policy on the continent tend to focus more on harm reduction. In the Netherlands, for example, clubs use the Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), which allows users to test the safety of their drugs. Rather than focusing on criminalisation, systems like these focus on public health, recognising that people will continue to take drugs regardless of how many venues the police close down. Indeed, some have voiced their concern that a continuation of current UK policy will only increase their use in the dangerous, underground market, whereas moving towards proper regulation could save lives.
A brighter future?
Despite this, the recently appointed director of government and public affairs at industry body UK Music, Tom Kiehl, believes that the night time industry has a “bright future” under the new government. Recent comments from Sadiq Khan in particular have given Kiehl confidence that planning and licensing restrictions may be lifted in order to support the growth of the night time economy. In addition, a successful club based drug testing system is currently being tested on a small scale in the UK, which may see a shift in current law enforcement attitudes depending on the results.
Follow us on Twitter to see what developments in public and social policy are interesting our research team.
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Posted in Arts, culture and leisure, Business and economy | Tagged clubbing, drugs, drugs policy, economy, fabric, night time economy, night tube, nightclubs, police Scotland, Sadiq Khan, the arches, the netherlands | 4 Comments
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Dance, dance … otherwise we are lost,” said the late Pina Bausch, the German dancer/choreographer who was honored last year in Wim Wenders’ performance documentary, Pina. With that advice in mind, you may want to consider an exciting (not to mention free) opportunity to find yourself, as it were.
From April 19-27, National Dance Week Santa Cruz continues its annual custom of showcasing the best of the local dance scene, which covers an impressively diverse range of forms and styles. With the participation of numerous dance studios and instructors, as well as hundreds of performers, the event offers accessible performances, public exhibitions, and free classes.
The goal, ultimately, is to cultivate the growth and development of dance by encouraging both appreciation and participation. “The event really continues to grow every year, not just through the number of attendees to the event, but the number of dancers that participate,” says Abra Allan, founder and director of Santa Cruz Dance, who is producing National Dance Week for the fifth consecutive year.
The festival kicks off with an opening night staple, Dancing in the Streets, an evening that features entertainment on three different stages. “The other piece that I’m really excited about is a piece that we’ve been doing for a few years, called Dance in Unlikely Places, which is about site-specific dance,” says Allan. “The dancers will go out into communities and choreograph dance in a location, whether it be in a store, or a café, or a street corner, or a restaurant.”
This year’s incarnation of National Dance Week appears to be expanding its scale with an increasing number of participants. “One thing that I’m really excited about this year is that almost every dance studio in Santa Cruz County is participating,” says Allan.
It’s a sure sign of the local dance community’s health, which is as robust as ever. “Dance in Santa Cruz extends from one end of the county to the other,” says David King, a dance professor at Cabrillo College and member of the advisory board at Santa Cruz Dance. “Santa Cruz loves its arts and it really, really loves its dance.”
This came as a pleasant surprise to Dixie Shulman, a dancer and choreographer who experienced the festival for the first time after moving here last year. “I didn’t really know what to expect, and it was so much fun and so well-attended,” she says. “I was really impressed by the quality.”
Despite the relatively modest population, “There’s such a disproportionate number of artists here,” says Shulman, who is both a participant and organizer of this year’s National Dance Week. “I’m working with these brilliant dancers, I mean they really are fantastic—they’re as good as any of the dancers I got to work with in New York. Really, it’s quite extraordinary.”
Not only that, but the Santa Cruz dance scene embraces the full spectrum of dance genres. “Santa Cruz probably has as much diversity in its dance community as most metropolitan areas,” says Allan. “We’re extremely fortunate for a city of this size.”
Since last year’s edition of National Dance Week, the local dance community has continued to show signs of development. Allan points out that the Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center has opened, and that Motion Pacific reopened downtown in a large, renovated space. In addition, Allan’s own Motion at the Mill opened over the summer, which she explains is “a dance education space, but it’s also a performance space that was built specifically for dance.” A dance-specific venue “goes a long way to building a dance audience,” according to Allan.
While the demand for dance is high, keeping up with that demand can be a challenge. “At Cabrillo we’ve been packed at our classes,” says King, “although Cabrillo is facing such a large economic challenge over the next year that we’ve had to offer fewer classes while we have an expanding group of students who want to get into those classes. It’s somewhat tragic, actually.”
The increasing popularity of dance might even be related to matters of economics. “Dance is a constant flow,” says King, “and interestingly, when the economy gets tougher, people return to dance, because all you need to dance is enough food to eat and a place to stand.”
Dance also endures because it is perhaps the most instinctive of all artistic mediums. “Most of us have spent time with young children, and even in their first years of life they respond to rhythm and music,” says Allan. “I think it’s a biological part of all of us.”
In addition to considerable physical and mental ability, dance requires the emotional willingness to reveal one’s true self to the world.
“Dance offers physical activity, and offers self-expression within that,” says Allan. By that logic, dance is the art of being yourself. Not an easy thing to do by any means, but as such, it comes as no surprise to hear dancers describe the medium as an inextricable part of their DNA.
“Dance has been a part of my life since I was a small child,” she adds. “I come from a family of musicians, and the same music that inspired them inspired me in a very different way. So for me, it’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember, and not to be completely dramatic about it, but it really is like breath for me—it’s a huge part of who I am and what I do.”
Beyond its capacity to inspire personal revelations, dance also has the potential to bring a community together, and National Dance Week exists in that spirit. “There are many, many streams of dance knowledge that come together in this deep river of dance in National Dance Week,” says King.
The medium provides a link between past and present as well. “If you’ve never danced before, Dance Week is a great entry point into a whole world of art that’s been around since before the beginning of civilization,” says King. “It’s a permanent part of human history, and Dance Week gives you a moment where you can take a free class and tap into that big well-stream of information of ideas that have been passed down for centuries. It’s a way of becoming part of the human culture in a deep and interesting and connected way.”
“It’s also a very welcoming art form,” Allan says. “It’s open to anybody to try.”
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This is yet another restaurant edition to my blog. I know I'm teaching English in South Korea and should be trying all the different kinds of "exotic" foods Korea has to offer, but sometimes I just need my time away from all the Kimchi and barbeque.
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Tags: a year in Korea, what to do in korea, food in Korea, restaurants in korea, diet in korea, castle praha, micro breweries in korea
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A hospital is overrun with wounded soldiers but running low on medical options as overtaxed lifesaving equipment risks collapse.
Police to identify 'Boy in the Box' found dead 65 years ago
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Police say detective work and DNA analysis helped them learn the name of a youngster who’d been known as the “Boy in the Box.”
2 massive spending bills hit snags as clock ticks
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Lawmakers are rushing to keep the government open, and funding the military by another deadline just got harder.
Family of Minn. man shot by police demands justice: 'They killed my son'
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Investigators say a 24-year-old man was fatally shot by an officer after police responded to a domestic assault call and a report of a man with a gun.
German authorities say they averted plot to take down government
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More than two dozen far-right suspects have been arrested in Germany on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.
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This is David Schramm’s first fiction book, self-published through CreateSpace.com. It’s solidly bound and set in a thoroughly readable typeface, with a rather decorative galactic navigation map on the front cover. As the website says, “Frustrated by other intergalactic adventures that rely upon fantasy science such as Faster Than Light and Warp drives, Worm Holes and Star Gates, Schramm shows us a future based on real physics and achievable engineering”, and he certainly has the credentials to do that. It’s largely a police procedural, using the tropes of thwarted kidnap, witness protection, and murder charges to examine his future world and peoples’ emotional relations within it.
There’s a lot to like about Schramm’s worldbuilding imagination, with Stellars (uploaded humans in zippy little space computers), virus-laden grenades, and digital drugs injected by laser gun. Simgames, virtual worlds addictive enough that they were outlawed decades ago, are a major plot point.
Sadly, Black Market Memories is very much let down by Schramm’s writing style, which is rather pedestrian, crammed with infodumps and sprinkled with acronyms like hundreds and thousands on a fairy cake. Each piece of new technology (the Stellar Unit, the surgical lasgun, the Electromagnetic Pulse, the Paired-Particle Digital Quantum Radio, the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Package…) is carefully introduced with its full name and a description, and thereafter referred to by its acronym each time. I don’t doubt there are readers who appreciate this approach to futuristic technology (indeed, I’m sure Schramm is one) but I’m very much not one myself.
The novel is set around the year 3600. Of course, given that Schramm adheres strictly to lightspeed limitations (while explicitly leaving out relativity) that’s not as many centuries of development as it sounds, and none of the social structures or pastimes we see are at all unrecognizable to us. (Several, like the Stellar repair shop/hospital, are described as deliberately mimicking the originals for comfort.) It’s refreshing in a way; we see so many SF novels taking it as a given that everything changes, and it’s good to be reminded that that’s a genre convention and not an article of futurology.
Crime bosses are establishing an illegal simgame (set in 18th-century Earth—I’d have loved to have seen scenes set inside it, a la Steel Beach or Halting State, but alas, it was not to be) and kidnapping or murdering Stellars so their stolen memories will bring the world to life. Ex-Navy SEAL and now Ranger (policeman) Arden Hughes is on the track of their hired serial killer, determined to protect his brilliant biochemist ex-lover Bobbi Rimfeldt. The plotting is not at all bad, if straightforward, but the characterization is flat, almost notional; it’s not so much lightly sketched as it is a third-generation photocopy. Arden has no motivation or interests besides protecting his ex-girlfriend and the rule of law, and Bobbi’s studies are driven by her strong mothering instinct. We see these almost entirely in narrative backstory, and the flat, almost unwavering emotional register of the text makes it extremely hard to learn more about them.
There’s the core of an interesting far-future police procedural here, and some creditable attempts at examining what it is to be human (and to be vulnerable) without the flesh, but they’re almost unrecognizable beneath the overgrowth of tin-eared acronyms and distracting prose, and they don’t make nearly as much use of the setting’s unique strangeness as it deserves. Minds without flesh, isolated by airless space and connected by communications networks, donning and changing semblances as easily as we change hairstyles; a dense, addictive virtual world powered by helpless slaves; a new, alien world evolving its own vibrant life. A more disciplined style, with much more of a focus on character and worldbuilding details rather than on technology (and more of a willingness to allow the reader to learn, rather than being told) would have brought out a great deal more from the setting.
Buy this item from Amazon.co.uk
Posted by Djibril at 18:55
2 comments:
Unknown said...
Thank you for the review Sam. I wanted to write a book for nerds, which I am, and depict the life and science accurately instead of a fluffy book. Apparently I succeeded. Yes this world is full of acronyms. They are endemic to the language of engineering and science. And, Sam did get one of the main messages in the book about what true life beyond our solar system would be for us. Unfortunately, he denied it when he requested more character building, a difficult endeavor for sentient machines. If you are a nerd and do want to enter the real world of interstellar travel, please take a look on your own.
November 7, 2010 at 7:48 AM
There's always a fine line, isn't there, between realism and readability. If I were to transcribe a real conversation between two people (for example on the commuter train to work), it wouldn't be as readable as a finely crafted piece of dialogue that I'd work on in a story. All that work is needed to make it (a) smooth enough to be readable, (b) not too repetitive or too random, (c) contain the right cues so that, even though I don't reproduce all the grammatical errors and shortcuts and dialect terms that real people use, we do get a feel for that "real conversation" tone that I'm aiming for.
I guess the point I'm making is that if you choose to follow the more "realist" end of that spectrum, you can't really complain if someone doesn't find it as readable as they'd like.
So having characters that are *meant to be* a bit one-dimensional and shallow and undeveloped, doesn't change the fact that you've written a story with characters that are one-dimensional and shallow and undeveloped. As writers we are artists, and part of our art (or artifice) is to suggest the realistic while presenting it in an entertaining and stylistic way. That's not easy, which is why art is not purely recording the world, but recreating it.
November 14, 2010 at 7:25 AM
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Health Care
by freepoliticPosted on 17.01.2022
“If drugs go through the FDA, get approved and then have to go through another clinical trial process to get coverage, then no one’s going to invest in this space,” said George Vradenburg, the chair and co-founder of patient group UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. “This is just not a tolerable situation. FDA was charged with this decision, they made the decision, CMS should honor it.”
Lee Fleisher, the agency’s chief medical officer and director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, said in a statement after the decision that their goal was to protect Medicare recipients “from an intervention without known benefits.”
The FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
This image provided by Biogen shows a vial and packaging for the drug Aduhelm. | Biogen via AP
While the various supporters of broader access have not yet coalesced around a single strategy, broad outlines of a plan are already becoming clear.
Advocates are enlisting patients, investors and health professionals to flood CMS with comments opposing its proposal. As of Friday, nearly 80 comments had been submitted, less than a week into the 30-day public comment period following the CMS decision. Many of these comments express concern and frustration with how few patients could receive Aduhelm under the agency’s proposed plans.
Biogen declined to comment on its strategy, but the company told investors that it hoped CMS would revise its decision and cover the drug for patients who mirrored the populations that were already included in clinical trials. Michel Vounatsos, Biogen’s chief executive, said the company had a plan to manage the fallout but declined to elaborate during a call with analysts on Thursday.
Separately, patient groups and pharmaceutical lobbyists plan to pressure Congress, making the case that CMS is stifling innovation and also creating a paradigm that will disproportionately harm patients with low incomes and patients of color.
“On the Hill, a lot of people care about Alzheimer’s,” Vradenburg said. “There will be letters. There’ll be meetings. There’ll be everything we can muster to turn that decision around.”
Harry Johns, the chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Association, said his group plans to lobby the White House, warning that millions of patients will be left without a drug they thought they could soon receive.
“It’s hard for us to believe that this president and this administration wants to be responsible for setting the precedent of not covering a treatment approved by the FDA and, more specifically, causing this kind of difference in coverage that is available for other diseases that would not be for people with Alzheimer’s,” he said.
It is rare but not unheard of for CMS to change trial participation requirements between a draft and final coverage decision. In 2019, CMS proposed requiring hospitals administering CAR-T therapies to track patients in observational studies. Hospitals complained it was too burdensome and CMS relented.
The agency plans to make a final determination on Aduhelm in April.
CMS’ requirements for Aduhelm are even more burdensome, said John Dwyer, president of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation. The proposed trials must be randomized and conducted at a hospital-based outpatient setting, and the diversity of participants should be representative of the patient population diagnosed, a standard that is nearly impossible to achieve, he added — and certainly not in a timely manner.
“There’s never been an Alzheimer’s study that has closely approximated the percentage of African Americans that have Alzheimer’s or Latinos that have Alzheimer’s in terms of the enrollment,” he said.
In a statement to POLITICO, CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said that the diverse population requirements were there to rectify past underrepresentation in Alzheimer’s research.
“We are creating every incentive for manufacturers and trial administrators to ensure that the clinical trials recruit diverse participants,” she said. “The equity implications of this decision were a central part of the hard, thoughtful work that went into developing this proposed [coverage].”
Some public health experts and members of Congress have already expressed support for the agency.
“This was the best decision,” said R. Scott Turner, a neurologist and director of the Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center. Turner has been involved in conducting clinical trials for Aduhelm and other anti-amyloid drugs for over eight years but doesn’t believe they should be available beyond a research setting.
“I don’t think it should have been approved by the FDA, frankly,” he said.
FDA granted Biogen’s drug accelerated approval despite mixed results in clinical trials, saying that because Aduhelm reduced the amount of amyloid — a deformed protein thought to be the root of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s — in participants’ brains, it was “reasonably likely” that it would ultimately slow or stop patients’ cognitive decline.
Several scientists disagreed with the assessment, including those on FDA’s external advisory panel for neurological drugs; three of them resigned in protest. Only one, David Knopman, responded to POLITICO for comment, saying that he agreed with CMS’ proposed decision.
CMS, in explaining why it limited coverage, said that because there has never been a trial demonstrating that reducing amyloid meaningfully improves patients’ health outcomes with Alzheimer’s, there was “insufficient evidence” that Aduhelm would be reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries.
Pharmaceutical advocates told POLITICO that by effectively overruling the FDA, CMS could chill investment in drug development.
“Alzheimer’s is an area that has just been littered with the carcasses of failed efforts,” said one pharmaceutical lobbyist, who asked for anonymity to speak freely about the industry. “Back in 2018, Pfizer just abandoned the field entirely … [Eli] Lilly has sunk hundreds of millions of dollars here. So I would definitely never underestimate that your adding these obstacles has real impact.”
The CMS decision goes beyond Aduhelm. All similar drugs would be subject to the same requirements, which critics say would make it difficult even for drugs that perform better during clinical trials.
John Murphy, the chief policy officer at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, an industry group, said that CMS “has gone well beyond its statutory mandate.”
“This is the epitome of the agency throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” Murphy said. “CMS is purposely turning one product into a pariah to stand up on a pedestal, and doing it at the expense of all future development of other products yet to come and patients who desperately need innovation in this disease state.”
Eli Lilly and Genentech both have similar anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs in the pipeline, in addition to a second offering from Biogen. Both companies expressed concern that CMS’ proposal would deny patients access to forthcoming drugs.
“CMS is writing off an entire class of medicines before multiple products have even been reviewed by FDA, positioning itself and not FDA as the key arbiter of clinical evidence,” Nicole Longo, a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said in a statement after the agency’s proposal was released. The group declined to comment about its advocacy efforts.
The fact that CMS is considering requiring a randomized trial makes industry and patient groups wary of the delay in getting the drug to patients, and lobbyists note that novel treatments are often flawed as a result of being first.
“Innovation is incremental oftentimes and we have to show a willingness to be flexible,” Murphy said. “Right now, [CMS is] just backdoor disapproving the drug.”
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Last week, U.S. Senator Mark Warner wrote a letter to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) requesting the agency to increase its observation of dark pools and how they conduct their business.
As first reported by Reuters, Warner said that FINRA had already taken positive steps in regulating the opaque non-public trading venues since 2015 when it issued best execution guidance. But, in his opinion, the agency hasn’t done enough yet to protect individual mom-and-pop investors.
Without “affirmatively enforcing the Best Execution Rule subject to the detailed FINRA guidance, investors cannot be assured that brokers are routing their orders to venues that will offer best execution quality and pricing,” Warner, a Democrat, said in the letter, which was seen by Reuters.
The best execution rule requires broker-dealers to send orders to the trading venue that will ensure the best possible price for a security.
A spokesman for FINRA told Reuters the regulator had received the letter and would respond in due course.
FINRA should focus more on broker-dealers that operate their own dark pools, given the inherent conflict of interest in routing customer orders to these internal venues versus competing marketplaces, Warner added.
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