tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70183656916784190572024-03-05T03:53:50.074-05:00Paula Slade: In My Humble OpinionTHE BEST OF THE INTERNET AND MEDIA - Life's curiosities - the things that make us smile; ponder; discuss and wonder about. Everything from political news to the arts, with lots of variety in between.Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-5782294031038162782012-12-31T13:23:00.001-05:002018-12-18T15:18:10.823-05:00The Power of One<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJNw5uaU4IM0d7NWQM3IqlSiZUWoulc6Wr8KPPphafgxPoMRMSzdadlt-VtQSqr9nyKVygAbDUGBPZcofzksqF2hsRsZZ1gjQ7q3Uce1_nqQ-0GNcbueR7tHDmktjn9wb7oep6aI_6Jd9/s1600/salvadoredalithemeditativerose%252C+1958+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJNw5uaU4IM0d7NWQM3IqlSiZUWoulc6Wr8KPPphafgxPoMRMSzdadlt-VtQSqr9nyKVygAbDUGBPZcofzksqF2hsRsZZ1gjQ7q3Uce1_nqQ-0GNcbueR7tHDmktjn9wb7oep6aI_6Jd9/s320/salvadoredalithemeditativerose%252C+1958+1.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that follow it.”</i><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Tomorrow is the first day of the New Year and it’s time to meditate on the word “one.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">It is a powerful word that conjures up meanings beyond the obvious numeric significance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Type the word “one” into Merriam-Webster’s On-line Unabridged Dictionary and you get multiple categories - an adjective; pronoun; noun and even transitive verb.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">“One” is sometimes embraced as the deity in whom we invest our faith and beliefs, or something much broader<i>-“constituting a unified entity made up of or formed from or produced by two or more components or sources.”</i> Curious indeed, that such a simple word can mean so much, and in some cases more than “one.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Placed as the first day of January, “one” heralds fresh starts and brings the promise of renewal and hope in our collective futures.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The video below of the Emmy Award-winning song, “One Moment in Time” written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, and recorded by American singer Whitney Houston for the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 1988 Summer Paralympics held in Seoul, South Korea speaks volumes about the power of “one.”</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrS-bBgle2I"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrS-bBgle2I</b></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">It’s time now to ponder the meaning of “one.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-56513367628162253752012-12-16T15:15:00.001-05:002018-03-03T15:37:15.389-05:00Who will light the candles?<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQIkAHB7TSK6cNncl-3CNAPon5fF2UwtdAANDvW6wKhgQVl0lwil2sQd_ryV-teNlPUjx2bR29e-dNHg9umP_V1YSI7OBoJUIbh1jc6h_wPBquQ-Zdnkf_-7vlL3J56fLJsQCJhQKPcgE/s1600/DSCN1843+copyAngelCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQIkAHB7TSK6cNncl-3CNAPon5fF2UwtdAANDvW6wKhgQVl0lwil2sQd_ryV-teNlPUjx2bR29e-dNHg9umP_V1YSI7OBoJUIbh1jc6h_wPBquQ-Zdnkf_-7vlL3J56fLJsQCJhQKPcgE/s400/DSCN1843+copyAngelCopy.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Angel of Hope, Sturbridge, Massachusetts - photo by Paula Slade</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TAKE HEED</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who will light the candles</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">when the children have all gone?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All those brilliant, promising</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">pinpoints of light winking out</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">enfolded, enveloped and shrouded</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">by the velvet black blindness of night.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The once great clock</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">will still tick and chime,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">marking these times</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of infinite passage through cosmos</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">crowded with vaporous voices</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">drifting</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">echoing</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">but falling</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">only on shadows of ears.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TAKE HEED.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who will light the candles</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">when the children have all gone? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time now, for meaningful legislation to prevent more senseless tragedies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remembering the innocents and educators at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sandy Hook Elementary - Newtown, Connecticut<br />
Friday, December 14, 2012 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-74096281482453935102012-10-08T17:34:00.000-04:002012-10-09T12:49:56.051-04:00How do you like your news – left, right or center?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYnBPVjRs9U2KUIV6iCVofVZJFz0u_kBgV1-AEfIsWCS2_T-bnllYiJbslc5ftz-OgODMNvLWJJgIsYHpxzD12UVMgVjIcGu0R6EZ57MKQLXiJH3DLiO18DiPm1sgO7w6zMbyHyEYle-X/s1600/newspapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYnBPVjRs9U2KUIV6iCVofVZJFz0u_kBgV1-AEfIsWCS2_T-bnllYiJbslc5ftz-OgODMNvLWJJgIsYHpxzD12UVMgVjIcGu0R6EZ57MKQLXiJH3DLiO18DiPm1sgO7w6zMbyHyEYle-X/s320/newspapers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="body"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If
you tailor your news viewing so that you only get one point of view, well of
course you're going to think somebody else has got a different point of view,
and it may be wrong.</i></span><i>"</i> ~ <span class="bodybold"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jennings">PeterJennings</a> ~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don’t know about you, but
for me, (as an observer, reader and news junkie) this year’s election cycle has
been the most verbally vitriolic and contentious in memory. Granted, the stakes
have never been greater for our national economy and security.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Most folks have a favorite
source for their news coverage, be it traditional print, radio, television or
the Internet. Oftentimes however, one source may provide more opinion than
actual fact-checked journalism, which is a reflection of the primary model for
today’s’ world of news. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">On any given morning, I go
surfing around the Internet, gathering headlines that appear sensationalized in
some manner or SEO (search engine optimization) driven, and am generally able
to ascertain quite readily whether the source is opinion or fact-driven, as
well as what news takes priority on the world or local stage. For me, this
provides a much-needed focus in determining real issues that are based in facts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">An excellent source for
gathering traditional front-page print perspectives is <a href="http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Newseum</u></b></a>, the interactive news museum based in Washington, DC
whose mission is <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"to help the public
and the news media understand one another better" </i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and to</span> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"raise public awareness of the
important role of a free press in a democratic society".</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Newseum features over<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>800 newspaper front pages from around
the globe and stories that are relevant to demographic, regional and local
readership.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The only problem as I see it,
with reading daily global headlines, is that one gets weary and sometimes
depressed with stories that are manufactured to drive media page views for the sake
of creating profit. When a news organization mixes blazing headlines with
carefully worded opinions and edited sound bites, you have a recipe for conflict
without resolution.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With all of that clearly in
mind, below are some alternative news sites with stories that are rarely told
because they don’t generate top dollars in advertising. Yet, for several years,
these websites have remained relevant, instant and viable in their
news-gathering mission, and they bring positive stories, which uplift and show that we
all share a common ground in understanding.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The following Internet sites are in no particular order of preference, but all have a unique
approach to finding that common ground when it comes to informing the public.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://goodnews.pk/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Good News Network</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> from </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pakistan</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> says, <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For a
Change, let’s talk about The Good News.”</span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://optimistworld.com/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Optimist World</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">brings you positive news which
shows the very best of the human spirit and helps to show that good news can
help to counteract the bad by reminding us what an amazing world we live in.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://odewire.com/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">OdeWire</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“searches a network of 102 media outlets”
</i>and ”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is always looking at the most
authoritative news sources for stories that focus on solutions rather than
problems, and on positive changes rather than negative ones.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Good News Network</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, founded by former television producer Geri
Weis-Corbley, offers a free subscription newsletter as well as paid content
models, and provides a <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Daily Dose
of News to Enthuse."</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://gimundo.com/news/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gimundo</span></u></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">is a free daily newsletter that provides positive <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“news from around the world, exclusive</i><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span class="highlight"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">interviews</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> with change-makers, <span class="highlight">guest
columns</span>, and subscriber-only <span class="highlight">weekly giveaways</span>
and <span class="highlight">special offers</span>.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.happynews.com/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy News </span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">states that they <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deliver virtue,
goodwill and heroism as 'hot news.'”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bringing
you</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “up-to-the-minute news, geared to
lift spirits and inspire lives.”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://positivenews.org.uk/#"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Positive News</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> from the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">United Kingdom</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a paid membership and <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Members receive the print edition 4 times a year, which
brings together our most inspiring news all in one place. In an age of
information overload, it’s the best way to get an overview of positive
developments in the world...”</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If these resources are not
enough to peak your interest, I have one more suggestion – a video of -<a href="http://www.therumble2012.com/index.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Rumble 2012</u></b></a>, which features
the unlikely pairing of right and left media commentators Bill O’Reilly and Jon
Stewart in debate. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The program was originally live-streamed for $4.95 on
Saturday evening, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">October 6, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> with one-half of the net profits from the show to
benefit <a href="http://therumble2012.com/f/faq"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>charitable causes</u></b></a> designated
by Jon and Bill.</span>Topics that were covered are timely and presented with colorful
language and comedic delivery. There are no politicians and no winners,
just difficult discourse that brought two disparate sides together. IMHO there’s
a good lesson to be learned by watching it, plus you'll be contributing to some excellent causes.</span></div>
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Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-55563399302271798102012-05-11T17:57:00.000-04:002017-04-17T10:56:23.132-04:00Memorable Memes: Sharing some laughs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNSO5HvTT9559CMa1rKus4nivFRhkExFlmvvG8k99x_jRG9_0AycsWd9q9sGL_EX2x0wpuuZAfrsjKcpVvlvsHgtiiAEN6a-Bswa3honbcHdMZtkbxAQZpqGAIykzVLXYo-ZzewNhp9gi/s1600/smiling-baby-with-toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNSO5HvTT9559CMa1rKus4nivFRhkExFlmvvG8k99x_jRG9_0AycsWd9q9sGL_EX2x0wpuuZAfrsjKcpVvlvsHgtiiAEN6a-Bswa3honbcHdMZtkbxAQZpqGAIykzVLXYo-ZzewNhp9gi/s320/smiling-baby-with-toys.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <i>Smiling baby with toys photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=19219&picture=smiling-baby-with-toys"><u>Petr Kratochvil</u></a></i></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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Merriam Webster defines “meme” as “<span class="ssens">an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture." </span></div>
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<span class="ssens">Yesterday, I received a collection of one-liners that as Internet memes have been transmitted via e-mails, and along the way, folks added their own commentary creating a meme complex, which as an end result provided some humorous puns,</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></div>
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There are numerous sites where you fashion your own meme and hope it goes viral via social networks or e-mails. One such online presence is <u><a href="http://memecreator.net/lame-pun-coon/generated.php?imgid=39">MemeCreator</a>,</u> where you simply press the “create” button at the top of the page, and add your own appropriate pun to the picture of the goofy-looking “Lame Coon.”</div>
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The memes below are all real groaners so smile and share. Remember laughter doesn’t cost anything, and it doesn’t hurt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to spread the joy.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
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<span style="color: #9900cc; font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14.0pt;">-</span><b style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I changed my iPod's name to Titanic.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It's syncing now.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When chemists die, they barium.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He says he can stop any time.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">How does Moses make his tea?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hebrews it.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I stayed up all night to see where the sun went.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then it dawned on me.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">club, but I'd never met herbivore.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I'm reading a book about anti-gravity.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I just can't put it down.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I did a theatrical performance about puns.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It was a play on words.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">They told me I had type-A blood,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">but it was a Type-O.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PMS jokes aren't funny; period.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Why were the Indians here first?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">They had reservations.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We’re going on a class trip to the Coca-Cola factory.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I hope there's no pop quiz.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I didn't like my beard at first.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then it grew on me.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">her job because she couldn't control her pupils?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When you get a bladder infection urine trouble.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Broken pencils are pointless.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I tried to catch some fog, but I mist it.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A thesaurus.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">England has no kidney bank,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">but it does have a </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Liverpool</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> .</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I used to be a banker,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">but then I lost interest.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">All the toilets in </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">New York</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">'s police stations have been stolen.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The police have nothing to go on.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Haunted French pancakes give me the crêpes.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Velcro! what a rip off!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A cartoonist was found dead in his home.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Details are sketchy.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Venison for dinner again? Oh deer!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "wingdings 2"; font-size: 14pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The earthquake in </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Washington</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> obviously</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 14.0pt;">was the government's fault.</span></b></div>
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Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-8858023800735491932012-03-17T10:56:00.000-04:002014-11-18T17:54:13.023-05:00‘Celtic Chamber Music’ : Birth of a new musical genre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdE1ZAz_EQhgkypyM_eK4C8p079Q40bMDqVWVOimK7sdD7olM9KhlHQyZ7IQTfmztHvdQisyYrwIKvflILmc2Oa5S3CX7MAtd2p03b3KqrLiRwzH9mFwZtxWopK9tsO4XqC9pY27qZCyr/s1600/Samantha+&+Tim+2pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdE1ZAz_EQhgkypyM_eK4C8p079Q40bMDqVWVOimK7sdD7olM9KhlHQyZ7IQTfmztHvdQisyYrwIKvflILmc2Oa5S3CX7MAtd2p03b3KqrLiRwzH9mFwZtxWopK9tsO4XqC9pY27qZCyr/s320/Samantha+&+Tim+2pic.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Violinist Samantha Gillogly with Pianist Tim Maurice photo by <a href="http://www.kateyestudios.com/"><span style="color: lime;">Kat Hartigan</span></a></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"There can be no tradition without innovation."</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ~ <a href="http://forum-network.org/speaker/earle-hitchner"><span style="color: lime;">Earle Hitchner</span></a>, Irish music journalist ~</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">April 15, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Boston</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Massachusetts</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, a new genre of music was born, in a performance billed as “An Evening of Celtic Chamber Music.’” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The flawless recording was captured live and recently released as a CD and MP3 download, and for my daughter, violinist/violist/composer, <a href="http://www.samanthagillogly.com/p/about.html"><span style="color: lime; font-size: small;"><b>Samantha Gillogly</b></span></a>, this was a culmination of a dream realized. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seeing as today is St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it timely to share this marvelous collaboration, which features the very talented pianist/composer <a href="http://www.berklee.edu/news/630/tim-maurice-named-bmi-film-scoring-scholarship-r"><span style="color: lime;">Tim Maurice</span></a>, and special guest artists <b> </b><a href="http://www.brooklinesymphony.org/about-us/musicians-1/samter-roselie"><span style="color: lime;">Roselie Samter</span> </a>(viola) and <a href="http://www.russianmusicfest.ru/musicians/zoya-shereshkova/"><span style="color: lime;">Zoya Shereshkova</span></a> (cello).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb-MI-zAL0OxReAgdrlcTL1_BNgobzlb27D8qzSJUDbd2Svg_ceEXsrefFbO0tmfEabakoKR-QuNqsHm7J5YajZs25vbb4tUsbJDyMbav-AyDwcdFDgr0jR9mBbmr47uurLoCEB_br_2X/s1600/Samantha+&+Tim+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb-MI-zAL0OxReAgdrlcTL1_BNgobzlb27D8qzSJUDbd2Svg_ceEXsrefFbO0tmfEabakoKR-QuNqsHm7J5YajZs25vbb4tUsbJDyMbav-AyDwcdFDgr0jR9mBbmr47uurLoCEB_br_2X/s320/Samantha+&+Tim+pic.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The album includes 20 lyrical reinterpretations of favorite Celtic fiddle tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany along with Samantha’s original composition,” Mr. Lowe’s Waltz.”</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076XTHVM/ref=dm_dp_cdp?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1331502568&sr=301-1"><b style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Celtic Chamber Music</span></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, is being given extensive airplay on PBS as well as specialty radio stations, and numerous Internet sites across the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">United States</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Canada</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Australia</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Great Britain</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, and has recently been picked up by <a href="http://www.pandora.com/"><span style="color: lime;">Pandora</span></a> for future airings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The entire album and individual tracks are available for sound sampling and purchase through <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/samanthagilloglytimmauri"><b style="color: lime;">CD Baby</b></a> and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Chamber-Music/dp/B006Z1YRGG/ref=tmm_msc_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1331502568&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon.com</span></a></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Below is a video from the April performance, featuring “Mr. Lowe’s Waltz”.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">ENJOY and HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">DAY</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">! </span></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4yHK8O655ao" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-64065468040413231602012-02-20T15:13:00.000-05:002012-02-20T15:13:15.185-05:00Take the bus and leave the driving to us…<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi0mznvEz69_NsAp8j-Zkg9r_vi3rUwsg-C5SuGxpQUNRc3ccAC4kGn56xssdA6XOjkFDBMot3BQfonURW-KxvRsNUgef2ZrSFNA69M6LOwdHt4KoXbNuU6pNgIcl2I5co7hOf2RqTASX/s1600/800px-Van_Hool_bus_Mechelen2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi0mznvEz69_NsAp8j-Zkg9r_vi3rUwsg-C5SuGxpQUNRc3ccAC4kGn56xssdA6XOjkFDBMot3BQfonURW-KxvRsNUgef2ZrSFNA69M6LOwdHt4KoXbNuU6pNgIcl2I5co7hOf2RqTASX/s320/800px-Van_Hool_bus_Mechelen2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>De Lijn</i> <i>in Mechelen” photo by</i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ru:%D0%A3%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA:Kneiphof" title="w:ru:Участник:Kneiphof">Vitaly Volkov</a> <i>CC 2.5</i></div></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“Art has to move you and design does not, unless it's a good design for a bus.”</i></b> <b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">~ <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/david-hockney-9340738"><u>David Hockney</u></a> ~</span></b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">After World War II, and the building of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System" title="Interstate Highway System">Interstate Highway System</a>, which ultimately opened up new traveling frontiers to automobile owners, a simple one-line advertising slogan, <i>“Go Greyhound and leave the driving to us”</i> helped restore the Greyhound Bus Line’s flagging market share. The slogan appeared everywhere – on billboards, in magazines, on the radio and even the emerging television market at that time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To this day, even though Greyhound (over the years) has experienced multiple strikes, mega mergers and financial woes leading to bankruptcies, the slogan remains as fresh now as when it was created. In fact, it’s still fully embraced by the company’s newest owners,<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FirstGroup_plc" title="FirstGroup plc">FirstGroup plc</a> of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Aberdeen</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Scotland</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, who have been continuously revamping Greyhound’s image since 2007.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coming up with an ad campaign, which is effective and long lasting is not an easy feat. In this day and age reaching a complacent audience sometimes takes more than just a slogan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now comes <a href="http://www.delijn.be/index.htm"><b><u>De Lijn</u></b></a>, the Flemish transport company that has been providing the citizens of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Belgium</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> with safe and reliable public transportation since its founding in 1991, and each year, over 500 million passengers commute on over 3600 buses and more than 350 De Lijn trams. (One would think that this is a healthy rider ship and not in need of additional fares, considering the population of the country is currently estimated at 11 million.)</span></div><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, as the old saying goes, sometimes you can never have too much of a good thing, particularly when attempting to wean the citizenry off of driving and encouraging the use of public transport. Think cleaner air and less traffic – you can’t argue with that, but how do you sell it? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Enter a brilliant ad campaign, created by an equally brilliant Dutch animation house, <a href="http://creative.be/"><b><u>Creative Conspiracy</u></b></a> that captures a visual pitch about the benefits of "traveling in a group." (Not an easy sell, but if it's done with humor - all things are possible.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cooltvads"><u>Coolvad’s</u></a> YouTube Channel, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1173739106"> </a><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DuvalGuillaume">Duval Guillaume Modem</a>,</u> a multiple award-winning centric communications agency in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Antwerp</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, and the Creative Conspiracy (whose name says it all) for sharing these three marvelous 30-second spots. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">IMHO, each commercial is an entertaining ad and is pure soft-sell genius. In fact, the De Lijn – “Ants” spot has recently been nominated for the Belgian 'VTM top spots awards' for the most popular TV commercials following the Belgian audience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Enjoy, and feel free to share. These are sure to put a smile on your day!</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YO0gBaUlNkU" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/mgCIKGIYJ1A?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/LuVPnW0s3Vo?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-11385556113053840452012-01-29T10:41:00.000-05:002012-01-29T10:41:13.931-05:00Advertising with cats: 'Catvertising'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAslNOBuKqHZ_yNyJCtXZiPj2N6_wkycnV4YhuypN9zw-dcU_EhD5dCs8X6Kjq704Ckpm8-uO3aJXp7DCPFYd8u_ZM4bS7iXZOQU2hOzNzQTMCorVuCcFjYOBlzsEOoQ16Id7GR9RQorEk/s1600/Mr.+Kitty+DSC00045.jpeg+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAslNOBuKqHZ_yNyJCtXZiPj2N6_wkycnV4YhuypN9zw-dcU_EhD5dCs8X6Kjq704Ckpm8-uO3aJXp7DCPFYd8u_ZM4bS7iXZOQU2hOzNzQTMCorVuCcFjYOBlzsEOoQ16Id7GR9RQorEk/s320/Mr.+Kitty+DSC00045.jpeg+copy.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Mr. Kitty" photo by Paula Slade</i></b></td></tr>
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<i>“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose.”</i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ~ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrison_Keillor"><u>Garrison Keillor</u></a> <b>~</b></span><br />
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Whether you call it <u>cat</u>egorically correct, or a <i>purrfect</i> passion for the pulse of the populace, a very bright creative team of advertising professionals known as <a href="http://www.johnst.com/"><b><u>John St</u>.</b></a> have tapped into something very unique in terms of making products memorable, including their own firm.<br />
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Based in Toronto, John St.’s mottos is, <i>“We exist to make our clients’ brands unignorable,”</i> and in doing so they count some pretty impressive companies as clients, from corporations such as Tetley Tea and Kraft Foods, to Mitsubishi Motors and Moosehead.<br />
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On November 10, 2011, John St. uploaded a video on their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/johnst172"><u>YouTube Channel</u></a>, which has become a viral sensation with almost 1,500,000 page views – it’s titled: <b>“Catvertising.”</b><br />
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According to John St., the video was created, <i>“To stay on top of the ever-changing advertising landscape,”</i> and in their effort to deliver on that promise, they declared that they had, <i>“opened the world's first cat video division. With production, filming and seeding all in-house.”</i><br />
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There’s no denying the worldwide popularity of <i>Felis silvestris catus</i><b><i>,</i></b> better known as the domesticated cat. One has only to look no further than the runaway success of <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/page/2/"><u>Lolcats</u></a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyan_Cat"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Nyan Cats</span></u></a>, along with the number of cat videos that are constantly uploaded to YouTube.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">IMHO, John St.’s video is certainly humorous, albeit with an ever so slight, tongue-in-cheek delivery. However, it definitely promotes what was promised. Even if it’s a spoof, <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">“Catvertising” </span>has put their name on the map in an <i>“unignorable”</i> way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks to John St. for this delightful infomercial.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IkOQw96cfyE" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-52667374324380128222012-01-12T14:57:00.001-05:002012-01-12T16:37:31.632-05:00Being a kid again with Debbie and Friends<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcb4fU62D8nub5QclYOyLU1NLKnvnEBRT5aPFP1lrivNPGZhWFss0Mdo_ptOI5-xs0hyphenhyphenIhYpxwgGTiukpnnw0VjXPqU1rDGSSFCkimD1WsoO8LThiQAYPgBghJ580xl3894zLUEXuUQZg/s1600/Jake+HiReshonorary+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcb4fU62D8nub5QclYOyLU1NLKnvnEBRT5aPFP1lrivNPGZhWFss0Mdo_ptOI5-xs0hyphenhyphenIhYpxwgGTiukpnnw0VjXPqU1rDGSSFCkimD1WsoO8LThiQAYPgBghJ580xl3894zLUEXuUQZg/s320/Jake+HiReshonorary+copy.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jake Morrison Deutsch, an honorary member of Debbie and Friends</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h4><i>“The most sophisticated people I know - inside they are all children.”</i> ~ <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4427.Jim_Henson">Jim Henson</a> ~</h4><div class="MsoNormal">O<span class="bodybold">n </span><span class="bodybold">Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012</span><span class="bodybold"> in </span><span class="bodybold">Brookline</span><span class="bodybold">, </span><span class="bodybold">Massachusetts</span><span class="bodybold">, at the venerable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolidge_Corner_Theatre"><u>Coolidge Corner Theatre,</u></a> I bore witness to Henson’s famous quote in action, during a packed-house, live performance of <a href="http://www.debbieandfriends.net/"><b><u>Debbie and Friends</u></b></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="bodybold">An extraordinary group of polished musicians, Debbie and Friends takes children’s entertainment to joyful levels, where even parents, grandparents and care givers sing-along, play-along, stomp their feet and clap in time – myself included in that 440 seat interactive audience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right from the start of the opening number “I’m Glad You’re Here,” and all the way through to the closing song there was no time for little ones getting restless or whining, as Debbie Cavalier and her band seamlessly delivered an engaging performance that kept the multiple generations mesmerized and involved. At times, it was difficult to discern who was having more fun, the musicians or the audience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb_Bp7QiBHbi-frfBYnXJutwpUZ9Z6Pou8K44aPSklaCMsEkl1J2Pe1jGCim2REVYO7TWoxgrFZuxDQSwXNTE5bnMhp7hu1wH_NuX-XJNnP8vRabnhFX65_SmOcGa9HwOpxrDEhmLiXTJ/s1600/DebbieandFriendsBand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb_Bp7QiBHbi-frfBYnXJutwpUZ9Z6Pou8K44aPSklaCMsEkl1J2Pe1jGCim2REVYO7TWoxgrFZuxDQSwXNTE5bnMhp7hu1wH_NuX-XJNnP8vRabnhFX65_SmOcGa9HwOpxrDEhmLiXTJ/s400/DebbieandFriendsBand.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">(L-R) Rory McKenzie, bass; Mike Carrera, vocals; Debbie Cavalier, keys and vocals; Bill D'Agostino, drums and vocals; and Eric Saulnier, guitar.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cavalier, a music educator and author with over 20 years experience, also serves as Dean of Continuing Education at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music. She has worked with some of the legends of children’s musical entertainment, which includes such greats as Sesame Street’s famed music teacher Bob McGrath, Buffalo Bob Smith of Howdy Doody, and the beloved Shari Lewis. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Along with being treated to various genres of music, playing a song-version of “Simon Says,” and calling out rhymes with “Rosie,” we watched three of Cavalier’s signature storybook cartoons, helping a rather humorous “Big Bad Wolf” puppet (character voiced by Mike Carrera) blow down piggy houses in “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR4L_t6IAfc">Three Pigs and a Wolf </a>“.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBvH8KoQOQSztOyKh3pjA467fCn03Mm1umUl-oU-NI0peg9mMtVcnvHIYXrkprmP9zK40L4uxB-cQ5UgzZgodMuoMXVN6rJ1Zb80TT2G67zAsjhZ2w9i9OtGYRyjYVmmogh6zBPaJUxMw/s1600/Jake+as+a+youngster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBvH8KoQOQSztOyKh3pjA467fCn03Mm1umUl-oU-NI0peg9mMtVcnvHIYXrkprmP9zK40L4uxB-cQ5UgzZgodMuoMXVN6rJ1Zb80TT2G67zAsjhZ2w9i9OtGYRyjYVmmogh6zBPaJUxMw/s1600/Jake+as+a+youngster.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jake at age 3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gEn0xMvfR_Mi7CJzfbv67V_Kyihd_8uG3W9buq_igrzFkJk8H7N_tXUWiMajGea-CAboQkCmXHkFlCGHgqhJf5l4f_Wxv3khrNPlSnTqvR12EpSnvyXqjpT1ttl515rNXYKqp-6MjQpJ/s1600/jake_nailling_it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a>A surprise highlight of the morning was the special guest appearance of 10-year old Jake Morrison Deutsch, who as an “honorary” member of the band, played saxophone right along with the accomplished musicians in a number called “Opposite.”<br />
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Cavalier explains Jake’s history with the group: <i>“When he was 3, Jake said the intro phrase "Three Little Pigs" at the start of the recording on our Story Songs and Sing Alongs CD. He and his brother and sister (Joshua and Riley) sang along with the chorus parts on that song as well.” </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQK25Ydb9QetBieudBoi2DPQPy-2cLqWImxY5n2-MdmYem2bE6Abzh_kHqBnAAjpoXx05YweTqFnhh6zgAEtcHxLzpcP057RqVBfwi4xt7-Jo95sTJ8bBfY-ZeWs8T-aJp0oRM7IhVZq2/s1600/jake_nailling_it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQK25Ydb9QetBieudBoi2DPQPy-2cLqWImxY5n2-MdmYem2bE6Abzh_kHqBnAAjpoXx05YweTqFnhh6zgAEtcHxLzpcP057RqVBfwi4xt7-Jo95sTJ8bBfY-ZeWs8T-aJp0oRM7IhVZq2/s320/jake_nailling_it.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jake, age 10</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Jake took up the saxophone just three months ago, and IMHO his poise and ear for music are quite amazing – a definite name to keep an entertainment eye on in years to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Debbie and Friends’ <a href="http://debbieandfriends.net/music.php">DVD and CDs</a> have won an astounding <a href="http://debbieandfriends.net/awards.php">18 National Awards</a>, and most recently, have provided a powerful song “<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/debbieandfriends">Walk Away</a>”, which is performed on an anti-bullying compilation album, <a href="http://allaboutbulliesbigandsmall.com/">All About Bullies Big And Small</a>. The album is one of five Grammy nominees for Best Children’s Album of 2011. The winner will be announced at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony on Feb. 12.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next performance stop for Debbie and Friends will be at the legendary McCabes in Santa Monica, California on January 22, and then back to the East coast. To keep up with their ever-evolving performance schedule, simply <a href="http://debbieandfriends.net/shows.php"><u>follow this link</u></a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks to Debbie Cavalier and Friends for helping me find my “inner child” again, and thanks to their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/debbiecavalier?feature=watch">YouTube Channel</a> for this delightful music video cartoon of “Cinderella,” which emphasizes self-esteem, and is part of their Story Songs and Sing-Alongs <a href="http://debbieandfriends.net/music.php"><u>DVD</u></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8z0k8ZO19K4" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-3410397887052373422011-12-31T12:03:00.000-05:002011-12-31T12:03:01.858-05:00Possibilities in the New Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBjgtK4PaFsvrI5Q3opTimSHm3sJUSl2tgr8k3Dl7i_FKUHS-lS5kdOm3wcn2PhZ2p1rhROWFvWDGRC1PO0rothJCDmTMAqAt6C1F9vamlDeKhGSGVvD1qhf1gbbdWfB2iTpmajamTOra/s1600/aaDaVinci_Angel_fromMadonnaoftheRocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBjgtK4PaFsvrI5Q3opTimSHm3sJUSl2tgr8k3Dl7i_FKUHS-lS5kdOm3wcn2PhZ2p1rhROWFvWDGRC1PO0rothJCDmTMAqAt6C1F9vamlDeKhGSGVvD1qhf1gbbdWfB2iTpmajamTOra/s320/aaDaVinci_Angel_fromMadonnaoftheRocks.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>"Madonna of the Rocks" Leonardo da Vinci, detail</i></b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><i>“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">~</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> ~</span></span></h1><br />
As we come to the close of this year, and in light of the turmoil and hardships that so many have faced in war torn countries and with down turned economies, it seemed appropriate for me to revisit a post that I wrote in 2010 about a musically gifted young child, <a href="http://paulasladeimho.blogspot.com/2010/06/free-childs-potential-and-you-will.html"><b>Rhema Marvane</b></a> and her story of loss, survival and amazing grace in the face of adversity.<br />
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This young eight-year old and her music provided me with inspiration and a belief in a better tomorrow when I needed it the most. My hope is that her music will do the same for you - even if just for a few fleeting moments.<br />
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Many thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/sarah7cktc?feature=watch">sarah7cktc’s</a> Youtube Channel for this marvelous recording of “The Prayer” with lyrics - sung by Rhema Marvanne.<br />
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Wishing you a peaceful New Year filled with hope for a better tomorrow and unlimited positive possibilities.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HRvcW1T3e-s" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-52771130625846315242011-12-25T09:32:00.000-05:002011-12-25T09:32:56.297-05:00Wishing each of you a joyous holiday season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQVpFEDh1c79VEl4TRd49y-OSEph52isnvN7F0Z1gUJ1XC6ILrWomZvDE0YNXcH8n7MjKEO2symCdaih1krgeuOIm2cnZ7tcqb3T2jHXfCIdyTi11oaciYv8ufkuLhrKbPhS12H89X8i/s1600-h/KingsCollegeCambridgeSnowGNU.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDgb2mB1fM89j7A3bHEt4s7xdlitQCBYbIteJM1YC2KP8X0zhMa7lfAszC7ObdEVRx4xf0XOKRkUSSaHTyMXr6IARHrhQufvd8D-AnkXKhshcmPzHDYCD7HEhzraHSP92gJ3qIPubp-2J/s1600/KingsCollegeCambridgeSnowGNU.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDgb2mB1fM89j7A3bHEt4s7xdlitQCBYbIteJM1YC2KP8X0zhMa7lfAszC7ObdEVRx4xf0XOKRkUSSaHTyMXr6IARHrhQufvd8D-AnkXKhshcmPzHDYCD7HEhzraHSP92gJ3qIPubp-2J/s320/KingsCollegeCambridgeSnowGNU.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>"Music, being identical with Heaven, isn't a thing of momentary thrills, or even hourly ones: it's a condition of eternity." </i> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">- Gustav Holst -</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>One of the finest choral groups in the world is the famous <a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/choir/index.html"><u>Choir of King's College</u></a> in Cambridge, England.<br />
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Considered the most accomplished representation of the British choral tradition, the choir was established by King Henry VI, founder of <a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/">King’s College, Cambridge</a> in 1441.<br />
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The choir, composed of some of the most outstanding young scholars in England, sings daily in the college’s chapel and over the years has toured and established a wonderful repertoire and an extensive discography of recordings.<br />
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Each year, the choir’s <a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html">“Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols”</a> is broadcast around the globe on Christmas Eve with rebroadcasts through National Public Radio stations on Christmas Day.<br />
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For your holiday enjoyment, the following video, which is comprised of all 16 members of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge provides an exquisite representation of their talent as they sing Gustav Holst’s, “In the Bleak Midwinter.”<br />
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May you and yours enjoy a most beautiful and peaceful holiday.<br />
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<object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_hs9-Sxf9j4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_hs9-Sxf9j4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="315"></embed></object>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-38402120675912305712011-12-24T16:47:00.001-05:002011-12-24T17:19:20.973-05:00One night of peace on earth…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7jojylpOsmuIKZvHEMguCNnKhDr759UPDhQYs1XA6_NGIPAmp10_N9hHhX0fts_HE7GEYvItY34U7JNYSxafGc1ItISOiKzIlQkSDYUDWoXPK3pQ53IqfPjtgGmQzIRNa5yoZL_XjaOD/s1600-h/The+Christmas+Truce.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418858477487502306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7jojylpOsmuIKZvHEMguCNnKhDr759UPDhQYs1XA6_NGIPAmp10_N9hHhX0fts_HE7GEYvItY34U7JNYSxafGc1ItISOiKzIlQkSDYUDWoXPK3pQ53IqfPjtgGmQzIRNa5yoZL_XjaOD/s200/The+Christmas+Truce.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 116px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
On December 24, 1914, a miracle of sorts took place on a field in Belgium. It happened just five months after the outbreak of World War I , and on that bitter cold night, men who were foes in battle became gentlemen who refused to fight.<br />
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Perhaps this legacy might be repeated and become long lasting in our lifetimes.<br />
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This is the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. It is something to think about during these long, dark nights of winter.<br />
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<object height="265" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p05E_ohaQGk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p05E_ohaQGk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-58788361745143635582011-11-24T09:38:00.000-05:002011-11-24T09:38:28.733-05:00Giving thanks for many gifts…<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC1gliLVo1FEno6pi5WFdSeRqGFvtMtjZNsPDHGzNcShOyOSbyw3JHJoF-u2KLZaFZ4ej_LhbSjGDau8H8NUufmqJUB3SSMujwPYuMb2POiMsO2LAyM3RP6argqjF4agdlaGdTTInGNtF/s1600/praying_hands_albrecht_durer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC1gliLVo1FEno6pi5WFdSeRqGFvtMtjZNsPDHGzNcShOyOSbyw3JHJoF-u2KLZaFZ4ej_LhbSjGDau8H8NUufmqJUB3SSMujwPYuMb2POiMsO2LAyM3RP6argqjF4agdlaGdTTInGNtF/s320/praying_hands_albrecht_durer.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Praying Hands” by Albrecht Durer</span></i></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today I say “thank you” for many gifts:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Love</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – given freely and without judgment</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Family</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – for the ties that bind generations</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Shelter</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – all that surrounds, protects and comforts</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Food</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – that which nourishes and sustains</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Friendship</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – a binding knot of understanding and camaraderie</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Nature</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – the glory that envelops me in the beauty of each season</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Gift of Time</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – to cherish all that is and has been</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, I honor the blessings of all of these, and every kindness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you to filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg for this beautiful and inspirational video, with music by Gary Malkin, and narration from Brother David Steindl-Rast.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nj2ofrX7jAk" width="425"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-21580944530753265462011-10-12T16:54:00.003-04:002011-10-12T16:58:03.789-04:00The art of pumpkin carving from the hands of a master<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ypNKe87fcmQebC7NXvhaMboTY8pCpXi1apcIYTsQvqTPY4tdBF146UsKpyjAKwDQgxz76ACL6p8CfQyqDRInXv_t3Vjs7dzGNEDYwVlBRqR-0kfMOukLKwi3W3UuMXGmrfwy7T-he7Ff/s1600/Jack+O+Lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ypNKe87fcmQebC7NXvhaMboTY8pCpXi1apcIYTsQvqTPY4tdBF146UsKpyjAKwDQgxz76ACL6p8CfQyqDRInXv_t3Vjs7dzGNEDYwVlBRqR-0kfMOukLKwi3W3UuMXGmrfwy7T-he7Ff/s1600/Jack+O+Lantern.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>"Jack O Lantern" photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=1794&picture=jack-o-lantern" style="color: #b45f06;">Petr Kratochvil</a></b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #b45f06;"><i>“<span style="text-decoration: none;">All my life as an artist I have asked myself: What pushes me continually to make sculpture? I have found the answer. Art is an action against death. It is a denial of death.</span>”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Arial;">~</span><b style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Lipchitz" style="color: #b45f06;">Jacques Lipchitz</a>~</b><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Nothing symbolizes Halloween more than a jack-o-lantern. Traditionally they have ushered in the spook season for centuries.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is believed that carving pumpkins originated from the Irish custom of hollowing out turnips, gourds or potatoes, which were conveniently used to house a burning coal - a lantern of sorts. That custom was based upon a legend about a man named:”<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingy_Jack" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><u>Stingy Jack</u></b></a>,” a bit of a scoundrel during his lifetime, he not only met the Devil face-to-face, but tricked him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Jack passed from this worldly realm, his raucous lifestyle did not permit him into Heaven, nor was he even allowed eternal sanctuary in Hell, but was banished by the Devil, out of the land of fire and brimstone, and sent on his way with only a burning coal to illuminate his journey through eternity. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The video below reflects (in my humble opinion) how far the carving of a simple turnip has come. In the hands of master artist, <a href="http://villafanestudios.com/about-the-artist" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><u>Ray Villafane</u></b></a>, this symbol of All Hallows’ Eve embraces the stuff of nightmares.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Villafane not only creates works from pumpkins, but is an accomplished sculptor with sand, and the creator of model toys. His clients have included such well known companies as Warner Bros./DC Comics, Marvel, McFarlane Toys and Sideshow Collectibles.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">In addition to the video below, there are numerous photos in an online gallery of Villafane’s sculptures at:</span> <a href="http://villafanestudios.com/"><u style="color: #b45f06;"><b>http://villafanestudios.com/</b></u></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WdNxHQV9a4M" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-38462332344543244222011-09-27T16:54:00.000-04:002011-09-27T16:54:29.881-04:00Classics or clichés?<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzPiMW5A0PVY5rrvDk402UXGjJPTHhUp1pM5QS-LS99xxI9ixAd4x7Xh2Hm_kUBp4iqSDiKwQR2pK5-G-ThxyMvI4MOSLYOdBTkrLHMb_GRmwUDChUX7PXj9CcD5o4j6p7zgyfk104TvE/s1600/Mona+Lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzPiMW5A0PVY5rrvDk402UXGjJPTHhUp1pM5QS-LS99xxI9ixAd4x7Xh2Hm_kUBp4iqSDiKwQR2pK5-G-ThxyMvI4MOSLYOdBTkrLHMb_GRmwUDChUX7PXj9CcD5o4j6p7zgyfk104TvE/s320/Mona+Lisa.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><span class="body"><i>“<b><u>Last, but not least</u></b>, avoid clichés like the plague.”</i></span><span class="bodybold"> ~ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Safire"><b><u>William Safire</u></b></a> ~</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For 30-years, in addition to his political commentaries, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist William Safire was a master etymologist and grammarian whose column, “On Language” was read weekly in the <i>New York Times Magazine</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Safire’s humorous quote that opened this post has been embraced as gospel by writers everywhere, and has been printed on everything from bumper stickers to t-shirts. Any journalist or novelist who peppers prose with <span class="body">clichés is presumed by his peers to be an amateur, or worse - a lazy writer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="body">Sometimes however, nothing says it better and faster, or with a minimum of fuss than a good old-fashioned cliché. In my humble opinion, a cliché is “conversational” and hits a verbal homerun without need for additional interpretation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In everyday one-on-one discourse, I have used numerous clichés. Here are some of my favorites:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“It’s like <b><i><u>an Albatross around the neck</u></i></b>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Why would you want <b><i><u>to pour the baby out with the bathwater</u></i></b>?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I bet you’ll have <b><i><u>to bend over backwards</u></i></b> to get that accomplished!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I <b><i><u>never look a gift horse in the mouth</u></i></b>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I think she’ll <b><i><u>turn over a new leaf</u></i></b>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“<b><i><u>People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones</u></i></b><i>.</i>”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> “I’m <b><i><u>at wits' end</u></i></b>!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I <b><i><u>draw the line at</u></i></b> that type of behavior!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“They’re as close as <b><i><u>two peas in a pod</u></i></b>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I’m <b><i><u>between a rock and a hard place</u></i></b>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“He’s going <b><i><u>to go postal</u></i></b> when he hears what happened.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“It’s <b><i><u>all Greek to me</u></i></b>.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“<u><b><i>When it rains it pours</i></b></u>!”</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">“It’s like <b><i><u>putting a square peg in a round hole</u></i></b>.”</span></div><pre><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></pre>For those of you who enjoy using clichés, or simply want to <b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">avoid</span></u></i></b> them <b><i><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">like the plague</span></u></i></b>, here is a fun website to checkout – Steven Morgan Friedman’s <a href="http://www.westegg.com/cliche/"><b><u>Cliché Finder</u></b></a>, where (at minimum) if you’re a fan of clichés, you will find an index of over 3,300 of the best examples, perfect for verbal use and abuse.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The word cliché is not just relegated to trite or hackneyed sentences or phrases, but the word is also awarded to anything that has become commonplace through overuse – even music and art, hence the picture of Mona Lisa (above) that has come to represent Leonardo Da Vinci’s most celebrated painting.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The video below (thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BoredomStrikesU"><u>BoredomStrikesU's YouTube Channel</u></a>) demonstrates music that everyone has probably heard at some point in their life, be it in an elevator, a doctor’s office, watching cartoons and feature films, or while on-hold waiting to speak to an agent from the Internal Revenue Service.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>You may not recognize these musical gems by title or composer, but as soon as you hear anyone of these…<br />
<br />
1. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-Mozart<br />
2. Symphony No. 5, 1st mvt-Beethoven<br />
3. Rondo Alla Turca-Mozart<br />
4. William Tell Overature-Rossini<br />
5. Für Elise-Beethoven<br />
6. Blue Danube Waltz-J. Strauss<br />
7. Moonlight Sonata-Beethoven<br />
8. Minuet(from Quintet No. 11)- Boccherini<br />
9. Spring-Vivaldi<br />
10. The Barber of Seville (Overature)-Rossini<br />
11. Dance of the Hours- Ponchielli<br />
12. Also Sprach Zarathustra-R. Strauss<br />
13. Hoedown(from Rodeo)-Copland<br />
14. Prelude to Act 1. (Los Toreadores)-Bizet<br />
15. Adagio for Strings-Barber<br />
16. Classical Gas- Mason Williams<br />
<br />
<i>The only tune I think should have been on this list and wasn’t - Pachebel’s Canon in D.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
What’s your favorite cliché and classic over-used tune?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/36ireOG4Q84" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-75849806319363606592011-09-10T18:01:00.008-04:002023-03-14T16:31:57.441-04:00Let us never forget…<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUT7Va3FmDxJB1OelIkUTVmmx2M-6SHmOiawltR8EQFFr5JzLkpv3ElTqpT9n7lfaQggew_0hsPZrX-8YpGSD378KgrLvcJoNBRYwjnZpHbXSjs7dTXTpX2MqFIzpR1CyOos-e-lms0xQ/s1600/Yahrtzeit_candle.JPG"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJnhjvT56_4Aeu8-KFHuKxoJ_OFUpBkm9DigRxJLNY5qcfcFOJ1AOIgUh-sOyCuNZ1YXloB11hoD9r3DYxZoMLLalleT0XldNQ3JELvAFzfsNsSOJ8FbLNYlIZQ61WSpSgQnuxzpXhFPq/s1600/Yahrtzeit_candle.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJnhjvT56_4Aeu8-KFHuKxoJ_OFUpBkm9DigRxJLNY5qcfcFOJ1AOIgUh-sOyCuNZ1YXloB11hoD9r3DYxZoMLLalleT0XldNQ3JELvAFzfsNsSOJ8FbLNYlIZQ61WSpSgQnuxzpXhFPq/s1600/Yahrtzeit_candle.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUT7Va3FmDxJB1OelIkUTVmmx2M-6SHmOiawltR8EQFFr5JzLkpv3ElTqpT9n7lfaQggew_0hsPZrX-8YpGSD378KgrLvcJoNBRYwjnZpHbXSjs7dTXTpX2MqFIzpR1CyOos-e-lms0xQ/s1600/Yahrtzeit_candle.JPG"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><pre></pre></div><pre style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Unable are the Loved to die </span></pre><pre style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Love is Immortality,</span></pre><pre style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nay, it is Deity -- </span></pre><pre style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unable they that love -- to die</span></pre><pre style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Love reforms Vitality</span></pre><pre style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Into Divinity. “ </span></pre><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">~ Emily Dickinson ~</span></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UUZHTE1jMXg" width="320" youtube-src-id="UUZHTE1jMXg"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-88653363560520944752011-08-16T18:13:00.001-04:002011-08-16T18:30:07.560-04:00Dandelions: Gardener’s scourge or chef’s delight<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYc4DuP6z_pQCw0kIrwUl3NexpoECl8srIwXgFephRLi34UxdyXnt1rzR23wJl5_4wakUC6j59AsYaxkeENi5xgoHLmDBH9WYAkuq4eWXf8uaIvrFcLjbZe3gXTEOCS7EpLvIGiC_OQo1/s1600/dandelions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYc4DuP6z_pQCw0kIrwUl3NexpoECl8srIwXgFephRLi34UxdyXnt1rzR23wJl5_4wakUC6j59AsYaxkeENi5xgoHLmDBH9WYAkuq4eWXf8uaIvrFcLjbZe3gXTEOCS7EpLvIGiC_OQo1/s1600/dandelions.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>‘Dandelions’ photo by <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/browse-author.php?a=1">Petr Kratochvil</a></i></b></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">“If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn.” </span><span style="font-size: small;">~ </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Andrew V. Mason</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> ~</span></i></span></h1><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i></h1><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Whether a few seeds hitchhiked on some gentleman’s three-cornered hat or were purposely tucked inside a lady’s apron, dandelions took root in the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New World</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> as quickly as the settlers themselves, and were prized for a number of uses that are still popular today.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the most prolific flowers on the planet, the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) carries only a brief historical mention as being brought over to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">New World</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> by “settlers.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In my humble opinion, I think I know why - anyone who would have proclaimed propagation fame for a plant that provides continuous and intrusive coverage to every lawn, sidewalk crack, and garden would be forever doomed and relegated to non-stop cursing on a hot summer day by homeowners everywhere.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The dandelion is considered the most recognized flowering plant world-wide, and takes it’s naming from French “dent de lion” (meaning “the tooth of the lion”) a phrase that aptly describes the plant’s saw-toothed, smooth, ground-hugging leaves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is no wonder that the dandelion has flourished in our country and everywhere else; dandelion seeds develop without cross-fertilization and are capable of traveling many miles on a gentle breeze. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once established, they enjoy one of the longest growing seasons of any plant, appearing in early in spring and continuously populating anywhere until the first frost. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dandelions were prized by the early settlers because the leaves, roots and flowers were used for various medicinal purposes - treating everything from rheumatism, gastrointestinal disorders, warts and the gout, and are today still considered important in Western herbal medicine for their nutritional value, immune enhancing capability and energy balancing properties.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is believed that when refined as a tincture and added to water, the dandelion essence purportedly staves off or shortens the common cold, helps people listen and focus more, and assists with releasing grief. Whether this is the placebo effect or wishful thinking, one thing for certain is that dandelion greens (by themselves) are indeed a very healthy food, packed with vitamins A, C,</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">D, and B-complex as well as minerals boron, calcium, choline, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, silicon, and zinc. When you stop and think about it, they virtually rival off-the-shelf supplements.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’ve never tasted dandelion greens, they have a flavor a bit sharper in taste than arugula – more like endive, somewhat spicier and bitterer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Small, new dandelion greens can be mixed directly with salads, but the larger, tougher, older leaves are best sautéed in olive oil with garlic, and then enhanced with a bit of lemon juice and salt to taste.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Other uses for dandelions have been as a coffee substitute (using primarily the root of the plant) and as a luscious jam or jelly by combining the flowers (minus the bitter bracts) with pectin, sugar, lemon juice and a little fresh grated ginger.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The flower heads, when prepared almost the same way as you would jelly or jam (minus the pectin and ginger and adding yeast and finely shaved lemon and orange rind) makes a lovely light wine, which ages well in the bottle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Because the dandelion is known to have a slight diuretic property, individuals who are pregnant or taking any medications should always talk to their doctor or pharmacist before introducing anything new into their diet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So what do you do if you don’t want to start raising dandelions, which interestingly enough were cultivated (to the exclusion of grasses) up until the 19<sup>th</sup> century? You can pull them out before they flower and go to seed, or use an herbicide.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">IMHO, I prefer the natural method; it’s a little more difficult on your spinal column and knees, but it provides good exercise and promotes a healthier environment for all. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below is an interesting video that was captured with time-lapse photography, and covers the complete cycle of the dandelion, flower to seed head.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Filmed by Neil Bromhall, with music by Debbie Wiseman, the photos were taken utilizing a Nikon D200 with 55mm lens that included a grow light and studio flash.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The pictures were snapped in intervals between five to 45 minutes over a period of one month. The camera even captures aphids that continue to feed on the flower as its seeds mature. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though the dandelion is considered a weed, the almost miraculous transition of the bud, golden bloom, and finally snowy seeds mirrors the passage of human years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="272" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UQ_QqtXoyQw" width="425"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-42430238978365963442011-07-18T20:07:00.000-04:002011-07-18T20:07:44.810-04:00‘Take a look it’s in a book’: FREE book downloads<div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy0S3ilPOW_I7LlWyoIoLkDcfxDo5a7VACBomN0p8MeAVvxUtzTbUGWE7HiCFLU86aAnbKR0vN4cVQ7VWYh6zXl5jzsNFPjfkWQD35BmpWuy-3hRd539OMU6T_EeZIhPnxEjUa-WOStsu/s1600/library+at+thebes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy0S3ilPOW_I7LlWyoIoLkDcfxDo5a7VACBomN0p8MeAVvxUtzTbUGWE7HiCFLU86aAnbKR0vN4cVQ7VWYh6zXl5jzsNFPjfkWQD35BmpWuy-3hRd539OMU6T_EeZIhPnxEjUa-WOStsu/s1600/library+at+thebes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Library at Thebes</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy.” <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1890570558">~<b>Edward P. Morgan</b>~</a></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_P._Morgan"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the things I love about the Internet is that the world and all it’s knowledge is at my fingertips. It’s like having your very own Library of Alexandria, or </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thebes</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> or Congress. But, instead of stone tablets, scrolls and parchment under glass you get instant “e-formation.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you surf around as much as I do during the course of a typical day, you are probably very familiar with free eBook offers from Google and from major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple. However, there are a number of sites where free eBooks are always the daily norm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Some of these sites offer direct reading from your computer, or down-loadable PDF format; others invite free legal downloads to smartphones, eReaders and tablets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Everything imaginable, for every reading taste and age is available - from established classics to emerging writers, and even children’s books.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Almost all of these sites offer fiction and non-fiction, but for your convenience, I’ve called out specialized categories that might be of interest.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You may want to bookmark this page for future reference and perusing these links at your leisure. Free is always fun.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And, if you get a bit weary from searching for the perfect </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">FREE</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> eBook, sit back and take in a most unusual retelling of <i>The Three Little Pigs</i>, performed in 1993 by (normally menacing actor) Christopher Walken, for the British TV series "Saturday Zoo". Thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MrMojomc"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">MrMojomc</span></b></a>’s YouTube Channel for the following funny video, “Walken Piggy “</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tp_a9TLISoM" width="425"></iframe><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;">FREE</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> eBooks</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.asksam.com/ebooks/">AskSam Ebooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Everything from governmental texts and legal to Shakespeare).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.authorama.com/">Authorama</a></span></b><span style="color: blue;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.baen.com/library/">Baen Free Library</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (For Science Fiction fans).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.bartleby.com/fiction/">Bartleby.com</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.bibliotastic.com/">Bibliotastic</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Good reads from self-published authors).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.bookyards.com/">BookYards</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Includes audio books, educational materials, foreign language books and more).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.ebooklobby.com/">eBookLobby</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Cooking, food, travel, law, arts, photography and more).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.feedbooks.com/">Feedbooks.com</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.freebookspot.com/">FreeBookSpot</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://freecomputerbooks.com/">FreeComputerBooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Best for computer, programming, lecture notes, tutorials, and math).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://4ebooks.org/">4eBooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Specializes in books on computer programming).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.free-ebooks.net/"><b>Free-eBooks.net</b> </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.freetechbooks.com/">FreeTechBooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Just what the name implies – engineering, science, textbooks etc.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.fictionwise.com/">Fictionwise.com</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.getfreeebooks.com/">GetFreeEBooks</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.globusz.com/">Globusz</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://knowfree.net/">KnowFree</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (A virtual educational think tank).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.literature.org/">Literature.org</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://manybooks.net/">ManyBooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Perfect for iPod, eBook readers and Personal Digital Assistants).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.memoware.com/">MemoWare</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Maps, technical references, religion, philosophy, literature).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/">The Online Books Page</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (From the </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">University</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pennsylvania</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> includes prize-winning books, women writers and banned book collection).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.onlinecomputerbooks.com/">OnlineComputerBooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Not only computers books but math, physics, science, Internet, business and marketing).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.onlinefreeebooks.net/">OnlineFreeEBooks</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ( A wide variety including health, hobbies, sports and martial arts).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://openlibrary.org/">Open Library</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/">Project Gutenberg</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/">Scribd.com</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.snipfiles.com/">SnipFiles</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Free software along with free eBooks).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.ulib.org/">Universal Digital Library at Carnegie Mellon University</a></span></b><span style="color: blue;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.zillr.org/">zillr.org</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Magazines, games, graphics, photography).</span></div>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-62194559953226309692011-07-04T17:28:00.001-04:002011-07-04T17:48:15.637-04:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMwUMkTQaf_ER8zsA1v6tfTTpygCPIgnOIuTGY0aG8FDHhcSY5KqiVP9IhI5ZspElonNzGqbFKwCGLYULlvJ-qZdQKbNozPqLDDNdGq7GCrYzGcezT22yxd0FmNRtu-nikUJXsqwImRNh/s1600/Sarah_Palin_in_Dover%252C_NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMwUMkTQaf_ER8zsA1v6tfTTpygCPIgnOIuTGY0aG8FDHhcSY5KqiVP9IhI5ZspElonNzGqbFKwCGLYULlvJ-qZdQKbNozPqLDDNdGq7GCrYzGcezT22yxd0FmNRtu-nikUJXsqwImRNh/s1600/Sarah_Palin_in_Dover%252C_NH.jpg" /></a></div><i>"He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed."</i> ~Sarah Palin~ <span style="font-family: Arial;">(Commenting on Paul Revere's </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">midnight</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ride, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 3, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ly0ouXDBuotl-9fJiQGWIQtB4l1zPk_4H7vvIx0gko6ZlvX0SnQE2_sF-Qqr1QAu8n_evG_qtEtgvE3brOVcYtkBOaPvTmpuY_xjyTAHMebD__c8O4O5WfUc3EHv_Vl75HGbSoTPmYBf/s1600/Michele+Bachman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ly0ouXDBuotl-9fJiQGWIQtB4l1zPk_4H7vvIx0gko6ZlvX0SnQE2_sF-Qqr1QAu8n_evG_qtEtgvE3brOVcYtkBOaPvTmpuY_xjyTAHMebD__c8O4O5WfUc3EHv_Vl75HGbSoTPmYBf/s1600/Michele+Bachman.jpg" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“</span>What I love about </i><i>New Hampshire</i><i> and what we have in common is our extreme love for liberty. You're the state where the shot was heard around the world in </i><i>Lexington</i><i> and </i><i>Concord</i><i>."</i> <span style="font-family: Arial;">~Michele Bachmann~ </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">March 12, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Duh… “The shot heard round the world” and the Battles of Lexington and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Concord</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> actually took place in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Massachusetts</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – ouch!) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s hard to say whose seat should be in the back of the classroom when it comes to American history – Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann. Both have received low marks for their media-pleasing clangers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In all fairness to Ms. Palin, she got her real history confused with legend, as sometimes happens. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">IMHO, if it weren’t for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1861 poem <a href="http://poetry.eserver.org/paul-revere.html"><b>"</b><b><u>Paul Revere's Ride"</u></b></a> she might have gotten her facts straight – maybe… doubtful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Longfellow’s version clearly immortalized </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Revere</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and left out several other riders, namely William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott. (Ah, but that’s just historical trivia.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Kudos to the comedy sketch group, <a href="http://bttm.net/"><b><u>“Better Than the Machine”</u></b></a> and <a href="http://www.greenshoeanimation.com/"><b><u>“Green Shoe Animation”</u></b></a> for this hysterical and skewed version of Paul Revere’s famous </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">midnight</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ride, <b>"Paul Revere: The Truth."</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The animated short was directed by Jason Shwartz, Executive Produced by Reid Levin and involved <i>“many great and patriotic friends who generously donated their expertise and time so the truth could be told!”</i> (Full credits are provided at the end of the video.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I wonder if Ms. Palin would change her story this time, now knowing the truth. After her initial gaffe </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">she said,</span> <i>"[Paul Revere] did warn the British. And in a shout-out, gotcha-type of question that was asked of me, I answered candidly. <u><b>And I know my American history</b></u>."</i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="color: red;">Happy</b> <b style="color: blue;">Birthday</b> <b style="color: red;">America</b>, and keep smiling; better days are sure to come – eventually.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="269" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bD8f6bXYy8w" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-1184667907898377752011-05-16T20:20:00.000-04:002011-05-16T20:20:53.129-04:00Koi ponds: Tranquility in the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxtW1SyYkOknms5ngZrg_-Joejn_RNWim2Mx5ZV9W1TTuYMNH7aPc_IcKXh6N9psM0cUI4ET39UnBdqMbYp5rINmVPoonZ7BY3Rbm4O4bdC5BcIetvcgK4n7fQ2Wef6M2blS-bfnq0gcC/s1600/Showa+Koi+-+barrel+of+koi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxtW1SyYkOknms5ngZrg_-Joejn_RNWim2Mx5ZV9W1TTuYMNH7aPc_IcKXh6N9psM0cUI4ET39UnBdqMbYp5rINmVPoonZ7BY3Rbm4O4bdC5BcIetvcgK4n7fQ2Wef6M2blS-bfnq0gcC/s320/Showa+Koi+-+barrel+of+koi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>“I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river.”</i> ~ <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuangzi"><span class="body"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Zhuangzi</span></u></b></span></a> ~<br />
<br />
Today’s over-scheduled lifestyle has reflected the need to reconnect to a more serene and natural environment, and this in part may explain the evolution of water features in home gardens. Koi ponds in particular, are now one of the more popular home and garden enhancements.<br />
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Revered in the Orient as the perfect artistic environmental blend of showy plants and colorful fish, a koi pond, if built properly, becomes a year round ecosystem providing hours of relaxing pleasure while furnishing an unrivaled property investment.<br />
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“Koi” or “nishikigoi” (Japanese for “brocaded carp”) are amazing fish with fossil lineage stretching 20 million years to southern China. Not to be confused with goldfish or common carp (although related) koi are often referred to as “living jewels” or “swimming flowers”.<br />
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Popularized in Japan during the late nineteenth century, koi were farmed in rice paddies for their high quality source of protein. Over the century, these prolific fish found their way to ornamental garden ponds in the West.<br />
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Today’s koi come in 13 varieties (each containing a number of sub groups) and are classified by colors and patterns, ranging from bright orange and white (with black irregular spots) to solid silver or blue with reticulated net-like scales.<br />
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They are a curious breed of fish that make great pets. They hear, taste, smell, and will blush red when stressed, and can actually be trained to take food from your hand. <br />
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Koi have voracious appetites but should not be fed more than twice a day, with only enough food to be totally consumed during one feeding.<br />
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Often koi are accidentally killed by overfeeding, causing the fish to excrete excessive amounts of ammonia, which makes it difficult for them to breathe, and weakens their immune systems to infection and parasitic invasions. ( Proper filtration and pump equipment lessens the chance of that happening.)<br />
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Koi that winter-over outside should cease being fed when temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, since their metabolisms slow down and they go into a semi-hibernation state. Once milder days return consistently, they may go back to their normal feeding schedule. It’s also a good idea to provide a deep enough pond (at minimum three feet depending on local climate) so your koi have a place to rest on the bottom during a frigid spell.<br />
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When building a koi pond, a bigger surface area is also better as well as adding a pond heater and keeping formed ice aerated as part of winter care.<br />
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Female koi begin to spawn at around three years of age, laying thousands of eggs. Hatchlings start life about one-sixteenth of an inch in size and should be culled to prevent overpopulation. Within ten years, if well cared for in a spacious pond, koi easily reach three feet in length and tip the scales at around 25 to 30 pounds. Their average life span is between 40 to 70 years, but it is not uncommon for certain varieties to live 100 plus years and be handed down from one generation of human caretakers to the next.<br />
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Unusual or fancy mature koi, when full grown, fetch thousands of dollars on the retail market, so it’s an investment that enhances more than your property value.<br />
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Plants and flowers are also an integral part of your pond that provides an idyllic and healthful setting for your fish. Your local garden center may stock pond exotics, but if not, a quick Internet search provides numerous outlets for fish stock as well as flowers. <br />
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<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/search/results.do?hgSearchString=koi+ponds"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">HGTV</span></u></b></a> (Home and Garden Television) as well as <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/search/koi-ponds/results.do?Nr=Record%20Type:Result&N=4294943542&diymeta=0&diySearchString=koi%20ponds"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">DIY</span></u></b></a> (the Do-It-Yourself Network - both on cable and satellite) devoted several shows and episodes to the creation of these beautiful and serene landscape additions. If you follow the links above, these are great sources of information to familiarize yourself with the work and cost involved in this type of home improvement project, in addition to determining if you are a do-it-yourself type, or feel more secure in hiring a professional to assist in building the koi pond of your dreams. <br />
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Thanks to <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Kisinkona"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Kisinkona’s</span></u></b></a> Youtube channel for this relaxing capture of koi in their habitat.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aTJJHxRVeFk" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-60993164811391806862011-03-30T21:32:00.000-04:002011-03-30T21:32:17.293-04:00Important Announcement<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Due to a family crisis, Ms Slade regretfully announces that she must temporarily suspend publication of her blogs. She is grateful to her readers, and hopes they will check back in a few weeks. Thank you.</span>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-15747967448078869292011-03-27T15:16:00.000-04:002011-03-27T15:16:11.604-04:00Seeing is believing: Something to make you smile<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdNBdYrp3CNd3USvW2mwRs5RBLcNbHeV3k925L2cbgN4hmhHBhfLjyAAFL5HdL906mY39bzCvZxiIMAQ7b6ln9t6u5Q93PMJzH91-Q6gwkiLMqBrsMtqMi1mTZZqbuymJjSOyBwoG0MRp/s1600/399px-Oscar_Wilde_portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdNBdYrp3CNd3USvW2mwRs5RBLcNbHeV3k925L2cbgN4hmhHBhfLjyAAFL5HdL906mY39bzCvZxiIMAQ7b6ln9t6u5Q93PMJzH91-Q6gwkiLMqBrsMtqMi1mTZZqbuymJjSOyBwoG0MRp/s320/399px-Oscar_Wilde_portrait.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oscar Wilde photo 1882 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Sarony"><u>Napoleon Sarony</u></a></span></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">“The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> ~ </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wilde"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Oscar Wilde</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> ~</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <h1><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If he were alive today, the witty master of the epigram, Oscar Wilde, would have loved the video that’s below. <span> </span>A friend sent it to me earlier today, and I have to say it had me laughing out loud.</span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">IMHO, Wilde probably would have come up with a one-liner even more appropriate than the quote above.<span> </span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The video, “Invisible rope trick fools motorists,” has appeared in numerous locations online, so it is difficult to attribute the originator. Thanks however to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GuitarheroPresident"><u>GuitarheroPresident’s</u></a> YouTube channel for this version.</span></h1><h1><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I hope it puts a smile on your week.</span></h1><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/96oHRtGuB3w" title="YouTube video player" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-72323872857128069252011-03-21T18:46:00.002-04:002011-03-25T22:02:02.036-04:00Embracing Life: One seat belt at a time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyj7ZvNULrCes9pUql8cT7Mug6eRIpbj16jXu8bsIlE-lA2IlzN5JdP_k-N5HvLsBK8e3puLyV2pmkqrKZCpxpcHjaDZqJASQ2s1ezB_OgMLD3hIVK2BA5j-i_MC91RzNkFag-rOILOI6/s1600/Fasten-Seat-Parking-Sign-K-4466.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyj7ZvNULrCes9pUql8cT7Mug6eRIpbj16jXu8bsIlE-lA2IlzN5JdP_k-N5HvLsBK8e3puLyV2pmkqrKZCpxpcHjaDZqJASQ2s1ezB_OgMLD3hIVK2BA5j-i_MC91RzNkFag-rOILOI6/s200/Fasten-Seat-Parking-Sign-K-4466.gif" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy <a href="http://www.myparkingsign.com/Parking-Signs/Fasten-Seat-Belts-Someone-Needs-You/Related-Products-K-4466.aspx">myparkingsign.com</a> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.myparkingsign.com/Parking-Signs/Fasten-Seat-Belts-Someone-Needs-You/Related-Products-K-4466.aspx"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></i></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="body" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>“<span style="font-size: small;">Safety on our highways has improved significantly, with the help of the Legislature and the media.”</span></i> ~ </span><span class="body"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Dee_Hull"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jane D. Hull</span></u></b></a> ~</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once in awhile the advertising community does more than promote products – they promote public awareness on issues of great importance, and such is the advert, which appears at the bottom of this post.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Each year, thousands of people worldwide will lose their lives in automobile accidents; many of those fatalities could be prevented by simply wearing a seat belt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The public service commercial, <b>EMBRACE </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">LIFE</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> has been viewed online more than 13 million times; its message is stunning and there is absolutely zero dialogue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The advert, created independently by <a href="http://www.alexandercommercials.co.uk/index.html"><b><u>Alexander Commercials</u></b></a> has gone on to win numerous awards.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Produced by Sarah Alexander and directed by award-winning filmmaker <a href="http://www.daniel-cox.com/"><u>Daniel Cox</u></a>, with music by <a href="http://www.sidbarnhoorn.com/"><u>Siddhartha Barnhoorn</u></a>, this video features a family of three portrayed by </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Austin</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Spangler (Father), Lara Corrochano (Mother), and Clare Denning (Daughter).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> According to Cox, <i>“Key to the film's creation was to focus on a message that didn't take a conventional route to shock and scare the audience; rather it was my intention to bring the audience in on the conversation of road safety, specifically seat belts, and the best way to do this was to make a film that could engage the viewer purely visually and could be seen and understood by all, whoever they are and wherever they lived."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In my humble opinion, Cox and his fellow filmmakers did an extraordinary job with a wordless message.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SussexSaferRoads"><u>SussexSaferRoads</u></a> for posting this life-saving message.</span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h-8PBx7isoM" title="YouTube video player" width="420"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-30203988616911472022011-03-08T21:41:00.000-05:002011-03-08T21:41:44.256-05:00Celebrating women everywhere: Google has honored us all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9NyJ__x1mE9LkAhOJ6469h3u_5YEL7_Ma764lpt9Aaz6RJ3fcPLqgcd7PilJTn2aCQQeZQd7sajW9PFmGthLne7CF4SVBzAmlcgbu10wawZedHflJFt3C50lrQzUEgBzUyUSrBdcJ_XL/s1600/womensday11-hp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9NyJ__x1mE9LkAhOJ6469h3u_5YEL7_Ma764lpt9Aaz6RJ3fcPLqgcd7PilJTn2aCQQeZQd7sajW9PFmGthLne7CF4SVBzAmlcgbu10wawZedHflJFt3C50lrQzUEgBzUyUSrBdcJ_XL/s320/womensday11-hp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, Google celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day with the logo that appears above, and I must say, that I, on behalf millions of women everywhere, who have blazed myriad trails in their own lives as well as industry, arts and science - this is a lovely honor.<br />
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Recognition oftentimes comes slowly if you are a woman. This, I have learned.<br />
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Today, I too am honoring women who are generous in spirit as well as heart, and whose voices have spoken above the crowd and continue to speak for generations yet to come.<br />
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Below are words of wisdom from some of the best and greatest women who have influenced my life and many others, and I hope their words and thoughts will touch your life, and the lives of those yet to come. <br />
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<i>“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”</i> ~ <a href="http://www.harriettubmanbiography.com/"><b>Harriet Tubman</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”</i> ~ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Sills"><b>Beverly Sills</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”</i> ~ <a href="http://mayaangelou.com/"><b>Maya Angelou</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>“To feel valued, to know, even if only once in a while, that you can do a job well is an absolutely marvelous feeling”</i> ~ <a href="http://www.biography.com/articles/Barbara-Walters-9523127"><b>Barbara Walters</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”</i> ~ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Wharton"><b>Edith Wharton </b></a>~ <br />
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<i>“Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't. “</i>~ <a href="http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=33"><b>Eleanor Roosevelt</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>"I dwell in possibility…”</i> ~ <a href="http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/emilys_biography"><b>Emily Dickinson</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.”</i> ~ <a href="http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1903/marie-curie-bio.html"><b>Marie Curie</b></a> ~<br />
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<i>“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”</i> ~ <a href="http://www.marianne.com/"><b>Maryanne Williamson</b></a> ~Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-45116316065807905942011-03-04T17:50:00.000-05:002011-03-04T17:50:34.092-05:00Human beauty revealed: An extraordinary underwater art installation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthN8DREHSRhNQCqhe1dsqxTp7hrJV-Ro-ra_gmkVkXmWExXPqVkW05LqAg_PQhTlMKtwRsWuRPcLH9s4bkUX11Hf9gIrUndOvSHmN4CdmeyVGvtueZgjkkR1FSP5jnF1Z-ErnBmz7Oz4s/s1600/jasondecairestaylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthN8DREHSRhNQCqhe1dsqxTp7hrJV-Ro-ra_gmkVkXmWExXPqVkW05LqAg_PQhTlMKtwRsWuRPcLH9s4bkUX11Hf9gIrUndOvSHmN4CdmeyVGvtueZgjkkR1FSP5jnF1Z-ErnBmz7Oz4s/s320/jasondecairestaylor.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Artist/Sculptor <span style="font-family: Arial;">Jason deCaires </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Taylor</span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“There is nothing more perfect than the complex creation of the human form. It defies explanation. Unless an artist relinquishes control to the belief of a higher power, they never know perfection</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">. <i>It is from our own image and understanding that we create.</i>” ~ Paula Slade ~</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In a depth of approximately 29.6 feet (9 meters) off the coast of </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cancún</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mexico</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">, lies a stunning underwater art installation created by artist </span><a href="http://www.underwatersculpture.com/pages/artist/bio.htm"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Jason deCaires</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></u><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Taylor</span></u></b></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.underwatersculpture.com/"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Four hundred human figures</span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, created from concrete and installed by Taylor over a two year period, represent a veritable sea of humanity that functions not only as a tribute to Cancún ‘s local citizens, but serves as an artificial reef providing an ever-growing habitat that nurtures the area’s precious sea life.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The installation, known as La Evolución Silenciosa (The Silent Evolution) is an amazing artistic feat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The exquisite video footage below, provided by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/rodrigo86197"><u>rodrigo86197’s</u></a> YouTube channel, exhibits the creativity and passion of Jason deCaires </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Taylor</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XG_vncqiF8U" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="560"></iframe>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7018365691678419057.post-48547261522325816922011-02-22T16:03:00.000-05:002011-02-22T16:03:17.058-05:00Nat Geo Channel highlights priceless cultural heritage with TREASURES OF EGYPT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>A side view of Tutankhamen gold sarcophagus. (Photo Credit: National Geographic Channel)</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
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In light of the historic events that have been unfolding in Egypt, the National Geographic Channel is presenting — <b><a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt">Treasures of Egypt</a></b> — spotlighting the antiquities of one of mankind’s most significant ancient cultures. Beginning tonight, Tuesday, February 22 and all week long at 8PM ET/PT, Treasures of Egypt will showcase five best of National Geographic Channel’s Egypt programming, with newly produced segments to introduce the subjects of the shows within the context of recent events.<br />
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Segments will be hosted by Fox News Channel’s Bill Hemmer, and will include an exclusive interview with <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/explorers/zahi-hawass/">Dr. Zahi Hawass</a>, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and most recently the Egypt’s minister of state for antiquities affairs. In an interview with NGC, Hawass — who himself has come under pressure and faced criticism in recent days — candidly recounts the break-in at the Cairo Museum in new detail, reveals how some stolen treasures have already been recovered and takes us into the Cairo Museum’s conservation lab to show antiquities that have been restored or are in the process of being restored:<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Treasures of Egypt Week</b></span></u><br />
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<b>February 22 at 8PM ET/PT</b> <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3585/Overview"><b>Treasures of Egypt:Tut’s Treasures</b></a><br />
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More than 80 years after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the great-grandson of Lord Carnarvon returns to Egypt for a new analysis of Tut’s treasures. With special access to the artifacts in the Cairo Museum, NGC uses the latest techniques to help the real pharaoh emerge — a very different pharaoh than the King Tut we’ve long imagined.<br />
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Video below: “Pharaoh’s Curse” – A curse may have found the finder of Tut’s tomb.<br />
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<b>February 23 at 8PM ET/PT</b> <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3453/Overview"><b>Treasures of Egypt: King Tut’s Final Secrets</b></a><br />
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He is the most famous Egyptian king in history, but he ruled for only 10 years before his mysterious death. King Tut’s Final Secrets offers a high-tech forensic investigation that presents new findings from behind the iconic mask, including the first-ever reconstruction of Tut’s face and head using revolutionary 3-D CT scan imaging — revealing what he looked like on the day he died.<br />
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Video below: “The Mummy of King Tut” (features Dr. Zahi Hawass) – An archaeologist’s first look at King Tut reveals his mummy to be in worse condition than expected – but how did it get this way?<br />
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<b>February 24 at 8PM ET/PT</b> <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3813/Overview"><b>Treasures of Egypt: King Tut and the Lost Dynasty</b></a><br />
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One of Egypt’s enduring mysteries … what happened to Nefertiti and her husband, the pharaoh Akhenaten, the likely father of King Tut? In a dark and mysterious tomb located in the Valley of the Kings, there is a small chamber with two mummies that scholars, filmmakers and historians have identified as Nefertiti and Akhenaten. But the evidence has been circumstantial at best. Now, for the first time, NGC and Dr. Zahi Hawass use a CT scanner in search of scientific evidence. Narrated by Emmy Award-winning Alfre Woodard, the program documents this high-tech forensic investigation dedicated to resolving the fate of the famed Queen Nefertiti and the possible father of King Tut.<br />
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Video below: “Mummy Scan” – Watch scientists scan Egyptian royal mummies.<br />
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<b>February 25 at 8PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3911/Overview">The Real Cleopatra</a></b><br />
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Legend portrays her as a self-indulgent temptress who used seduction to cement her rule. But she became queen at 18 and was highly educated, so what was she really like? We’ll reveal archaeological findings, including underwater sculptures that shed light on her life and home. And watch as scientists seek to unravel the mystery of her legendary beauty by converting artifacts with her likeness into a 3-D model, presenting a new reflection of one of history’s most powerful women.<br />
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Video below “Last of the Ptolemies” – There’s more to Cleopatra than the Romans would have you believe.<br />
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<b>February 26 at 8PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3912/Overview">Secrets of the Valley of the Kings</a></b><br />
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Built over 500 years, spanning nearly two and a half miles and holding 63 tombs, Egypt’s Valley of the Kings is a staggering, complex set of enigmas locked beneath the sands for 3,500 years. What drove Egypt’s greatest pharaohs to seek out this secluded valley? How did the ancient craftsmen achieve such feats of engineering? And why was this sacred site finally abandoned? Join National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Zahi Hawass and a team of experts as they uncover new evidence about how early engineers were able to construct the elaborate structures of tombs and chambers.<br />
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Video below: “Egyptian Doodles” – Ancient artifacts reveal how Egyptian construction workers sketched and took notes in their free time.<br />
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Treasures of Egypt will also include a marathon “stack” of shows on Saturday, February 26, starting at 2PM ET/PT through 8PM ET/PT. For further information on each of the episodes, please click on the highlighted link.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Treasures of Egypt Marathon</b></u></span><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 26 at 2PM ET/PT</b> <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3916/Overview"><b>Treasures of Egypt: The Pyramid Code</b></a><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 26 at 3PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3917/Overview">Treasures of Egypt: Secrets of the Sphinx</a></b><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 26 at 4PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3915/Overview">Treasures of Egypt: The Real Ramses</a></b><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 26 at 5PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3910/Overview">Treasures of Egypt: Alexander the Great’s Lost Tomb</a></b><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 26 at 6PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3913/Overview">Treasures of Egypt: The Scorpion King</a></b><br />
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<b>Saturday, February 26 at 7PM ET/PT <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/treasures-of-egypt/3914/Overview">Treasures of Egypt: Mystery of the Screaming Man</a></b>Paula Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com5