Donate some money to the arts and feel better about the world we create each day.
At least check it out. What can it hurt?
just some things I've learned about life
Monday, August 15, 2011
Screwed Rapids by The Screwed Arts Collective — Kickstarter
Screwed Rapids by The Screwed Arts Collective — Kickstarter
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Years passed quickly as they tend to do when no one is watching. Ana had become a round faced, awkward little cherub child who's head was slightly too big for her body, so that she managed to tumble over her own feet quiet often. A lopsided halo of mousy brown hair seemed to stick up at odd angles all the time. Mischief followed the child. Or rather, she followed it. Far to clever for her own good, she seemed intent on testing everything she came across. This particular morning, she'd decided to switch her plastic eggs for the oh-so-interesting ones located in the refrigerator. The plan was solid. She'd simply place her own in the box and the special ones into the blue box she carried tucked tightly under one tiny arm.
The worn-shiny linoleum floor stretched out, vast and daunting. Glancing around the arm of the couch, Ana tiptoed forward. Emboldened by the lack of audience, she darted across the room on sure, fat little feet that slapped against the smooth floor. "Aha ha. Hee." Short little fingers clamped tightly together as her face broke into an excited grin, the sound she made an echo of the expression. Victory was so close.
It seemed simple enough. With surgical precision, she extracted the white shelled eggs one by one, replacing them with the slightly yellowed plastic doppelgangers, the tip of her tongue trapped between her teeth in concentration. The seams around the edges had been worn smooth by hours of handling so within the confines of the refrigerator the disguise was nearly perfect. She only had six plastic ones, so once her carton was full the child carefully closed the lid on both boxes and the door to the fridge. However, the temptation to examine the new version of her old toy was overwhelming. Carefully balancing the blue plastic box against her round little stomach, Ana popped the latch and extracted one egg. Turning it over in her hand, she couldn't figure out how it was so smooth. There were tiny little grooves all over its surface. It was fascinating.
Something moved in the corner of her vision and her head jerked around hard. At first she'd thought it was her mother but it was a dark shape. The furtive movement set the little girl's heart to pounding far too hard, although there was nothing at all in the brightly lit kitchen. She saw those a lot and they made her nervous. Quickly trying to replace the egg into her carton and give into the sudden desire to be as far away from there as possible, the tiny oval slipped from her fingers and exploded on the floor. The now freed hand flew to her lips, stifling the OH! of surprise.
Everything forgotten, she knelt quickly to examine it closer. How did they get so much stuff inside? The clear white goo was seeping out into a puddle. Ana poked the yellow bubble in the middle. Did they all have that hiding within? And how come her eggs did not? Two more of the stolen goodies quickly followed suit, as her tiny finger poked through one and the other was smashed under a bare foot, the contents squishing between her chubby toes. "Ewwwww."
The screen door at the back of the house slammed shut, bouncing once with a resounding smack of spring loaded wood on wood. A horrified gasp escaped her lips as her mind blanked once more. This was not the plan. She had intended to be long gone with her purloined prizes before anyone had seen her. Now, they lay in a slimy heap at her feet on the linoleum. This was not good. Abdondoning all hope of saving the eggs, Ana ducked behind the first thing she could see that would hide her - the trash can. Curling into a tight ball and willing herself invisible, she held her breath as the footsteps got closer. Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no. The mantra repeated through her head, tiny pursed lips mouthing the words silently. Daring to peek, one of her eyes slowly opened. The dark figure she'd noticed scuttling around as she examined the eggs was back and it was behind the trash can with her.
There was no time to make any sound. No shape to recongnize, either, just a lack of light or a thickness of shadow that separated from everything around it and yet cast none of its own. Terror gripped the child, worse now than when the footsteps had gotten closer. She was rooted in place. Slowly, what would be considered a hand if shadows had them, rose and made a gripping motion in the air and Ana could no longer breathe. A sick, twisted hiss of breath escaped the creature as its eyes began to burn.
In the kitchen, her mother had discovered her mess and was furious. "ANA!" The angry voice rang out as the sounds of drawers opening and salt hitting the floor seemed inordinately loud in the stillness. "Ana you come back here this instant and explain yourself, young lady!"
Tears streamed down the little girl's face, unable to alert her mother to what was happening. A cold so intense it burned her skin tightened around her throat. It felt as if her whole body was frozen, trapped by fear and this strange shadow beast. If she could just .... wildly, her left arm flung out and knocked the trashcan over. It thumped against the floor, spilling its contents and sliding forward a few inches. The shadow creature hissed angrily and vanished behind the refrigerator as her mother came into view. Ana was crying hard now, gasping for air and pulling at her clothes, trying to rid herself of the feel of terror.
"Young lady, what do you think you are doing?" Oblivious to what her daughter had just witnessed, Kathleen Benson crossed her arms over her chest and glared down at the huddled girl. "What am I going to do with you? Spank you?"
"No, momma please." She looked up, finding her mother's eyes with her own, her face ashen. Instinctively, she knew it would do no good to tell her mother about what had happened. "Just scream at me."
Mistaking the child's reaction for fear of the aforementioned spanking, Kat's heart melted and she pulled the little girl close with a soft shuckle. "Ok, ok. But, you are in big trouble Ana. Big trouble."
Clinging to her mother, Ana thought it didn't matter. No kind of trouble her mother could dish out would be as bad as what was behind the refrigerator.
*
That night, a fever developed. Ana lay sweating in her bed, pale little body twitching from cold, eyes sunken deep into her too large face. Her mother had left her while she slept, but now it seemed as though the fever was not going to break. It kept getting hotter. The second hand finally came around and Kathleen reached for the thermometer to check the reading. A low whistle escaped her lips. "A hundred and four, almost four and a half." She looked up at her friend Sonya, a cousin and constant companion throughout most of Kat's life.
"Should we take her to the hospital?"
Portals
**This is my attempt at slowly publishing pieces of the whole of the book I am writing. It's a sequel to the first I submitted for publishing. Keep your fingers crossed. Responses welcome**
“The time of prophecy is upon us. The Old Gods stir once more. Its is the time of my awakening. I have come to pave their way, soften the approaching footsteps as my kinsmen are reborn. The mother goddess is angry, as well should she be. We have been lazy. Watchful guardians sleeping at their posts, while the world ran rampant. But how? As we slept, the knowledge was skewed. The council must be called, these ancient questions answered. Reckoning is now at hand. I am the Goddess Bast and I have come, as will they all.”
The clock chimed the hour softly in the distance, its lovely sound at odds with the grim purpose it signaled. Nhylis stood quietly in the shambled courtyard, a solitary figure robed in coarse green wool. His balding head was bowed in reverence of the ancient elegance present in the room, as each toll struck a worried chord within his heart. Although there was no sound, the man raised his head to find the eyes of his long time friend as he too made way into the oddly mystical aura that pervaded the small area. The moon had risen and the translucent silver light bathed the once white pillars, erasing years of age and neglect with loving grace. The green of the moss covered stones shimmered with fine mist, swirling, creating a cloud like layer on the ground. Even the very air seemed charged with something otherworldly, as though life itself was anticipating their purpose.
Brode was also clothed in a coarse green robe, although his hair was much fuller and longer than his friends. It was also the most peculiar shade of white, as if rather than turning such a color it had always grown exactly that way. He did not speak until he'd reached the other man. One roughened hand settled briefly on the Nhy's shoulder. “Its time. It won't be as bad as you expect. She's much stronger this time.”
Although the gesture was appreciated, it did little to ease the bone deep worry Nhylis had carried about this day for nearly three decades. Almost glacial blue eyes reflected his thoughts, fractals of light contracting around his pupils, changing the patterns within the color, almost in time to the increasing beat of his heart. “Brode, the last time... “ The words stopped. It was unnecessary. Both men remembered clearly what had happened. Nhy's fists clenched as his jaw set hard. “It was too close. I can't lose her.”
“You have no choice. It has to happen now.”
His friend's voice was stern, dry and it infuriated Nhylis. All of the pent up frustration at his own lack of control over the situation, his reservations, his fears, the secret longing he had to see her again which made him feel so guilty because he knew what pain it would be for her, broke his composure and he swung a wild fist into the nearest pillar. Instantly, a myriad of cracks webbed away from the impact of his knuckles. Stone crumbled to dust and covered his hand. In his heart, he screamed aloud the questions that plagued him but he said nothing. His throat was too tight. Besides, the words were pointless. They heard him anyway. One intensely angry stare burned into the night sky for the space of several heartbeats until his breathing calmed and his point had been made. At least now, like this, he could keep her safe. What happened if she wasn't strong enough this time either? Or maybe worse, what if she was and the prophecies were true? How would he protect her then, when he couldn't even find her?
Moving away from the pillar, ignoring Brode's eyes on him and the faint trickle of blood between two of his knuckles, Nhylis made his way to the center of the room where a sleek black cat rested peacefully atop a raised stone table. “Hello my love.” His injured hand touched down upon the cat's back and her head raised instantly, wickedly intelligent green eyes finding his face. Uncoiling her lithe form, the cat stretched low under his hand as it play down his her spine and moved to bump her face against him in obvious fondness. “Its time.” Those few words were all he could manage. His heart contracted hard, closing his throat. I miss you. The thought echoed hard within his soul and the reply came instantly.
Soon, my loved one. Soon. I am ready.
Nodding to Brode, the two men stood on either side of the table as the cat in the center settled into a regal pose, shoulders high with her head lifted and eyes locked on something unseen in the air before her. Of all the ancients, only she had been bound to a physical form. However, the balance of power in the universe was so delicate that had she had not been able to occupy a human form. It would have been far to obvious to those that watched such things. A few had seen their coming, had understood the prophecy but they had quickly been cut down by the ignorant until all that remained was vague superstition and jumbled texts no one could read. Instead, she'd chosen the cat. Lithe, sleek and powerful the beast had been a perfect disguise. Perversely, it left her vulnerable as well. The two men at her side had served her well through the years, one as her protector and the other her teacher.
They'd known this day would come since before they had taken residence in these forms. It was only a matter of waiting until the signs had spoken. Once before the time had seemed at hand, but she had not been strong enough to over come the resistance of shifting one form to another. She had nearly died. It was why Nhylis's heart ached so badly for her now. Briefly, her eyes flickered to his bent head. Not surprisingly, his blue eyes had locked onto hers almost instantly. It had been so hard for him, watching and waiting. So close and yet so far removed was about to be traded for searching, a longing so fierce that neither would rest. The three of them must be reborn now, on this full moon Beltane night. It was time. She could feel it.
A great stillness settled over them. Even the air ceased to move as the energy between them began to take shape. It became tangible, a thin golden string billowing out, binding them together. The pain hit then. Her body arched hard, head flung back as the keenest sound of despair and loss exploded from her throat. Without much fanfare, almost as if she were coming into focus, the shape of the cat on the table blinked once hard, replaced by the kneeling form of a woman, naked. Dark brown hair framed a wild face, the panic obvious in her eyes. Once more and the human form stuck, only the hint of her former cat self remaining in her cheekbones, around her eyes.
One giant breath, to fill lungs far larger than she was used to and immediately she glanced to the men beside her, eyes memorizing the suddenly unfamiliar face of Brode. He brother, her teacher. Her closest friend. She would miss him so badly. Then to Nyhlis. Already, the their physical forms were fading. Becoming translucent. Her thoughts were jumbled, choppy. How would she ever find him again? Her fear echoed in his eyes.
Wait for me?I can't do this without you.
Always.
His reply was the very last thought in her mind. Everything was gone, all of them, and she was falling into nothing. Blackness.
Six days later, a baby girl was born in the back seat of a pale blue Volkswagen bus, on the side of highway ten.
It was an uneventful beginning, despite the circumstances. Two would be hippy hold overs, several half lab mutt puppies and one very tiny infant spent the night peacefully as the campfire smoldered into ash. Oblivious to the chaos brewing around them, to the unseen story unfolding, the adults slept soundly while the child's wide, wild eyes flitted around the small interior. There was something she was trying to remember. Something very important, but the stress of the day was so heavy on her eyelids. It would be so easy to sleep. She would forget, but then she would remember. Right?
The night settled heavily around the Gulf shore town, the air so thick you could bat it away along with the mosquitoes. Even they moved slower in the thickness. It wasn’t hot yet, but the promise of heat was already there, sticking to your skin.
“Do you still feel guilty?” Without appearing touched by it, two figures gazed placidly at the low key chaos. Someone was being born. At the answering look, the left one sighed. “Don’t.”
“How can I not?” A gnarled hand met a haggard face and then pushed through the bushy mop of stark white hair atop his head. It was a gesture repeated many times over, by the look of things. “There’s been so many….all of them starting better than this. How can she….?”
“We have no choice.” It was a well traveled conversation. “All of the signs…”
“Yes, yes.” The words mumbled out of the old man’s lips, his eyes focusing once more on the scene before them. The moment played out, frozen in time in the eyes of both unseen participants. The baby girl settled easily into her mothers arms; an uneventful entrance to the world to all concerned.
The image turned watery and rippled away and the two were left standing, far from what they had just witnessed. The old man sighed again. “It is done. Now, fate decides.”
“Let us hope she decides in our favor.” A low hum of agreement from the old man sounded softly in the darkness.
Portals
by Phoebe Isaacs
“The time of prophecy is upon us. The Old Gods stir once more. Its is the time of my awakening. I have come to pave their way, soften the approaching footsteps as my kinsmen are reborn. The mother goddess is angry, as well should she be. We have been lazy. Watchful guardians sleeping at their posts, while the world ran rampant. But how? As we slept, the knowledge was skewed. The council must be called, these ancient questions answered. Reckoning is now at hand. I am the Goddess Bast and I have come, as will they all.”
The clock chimed the hour softly in the distance, its lovely sound at odds with the grim purpose it signaled. Nhylis stood quietly in the shambled courtyard, a solitary figure robed in coarse green wool. His balding head was bowed in reverence of the ancient elegance present in the room, as each toll struck a worried chord within his heart. Although there was no sound, the man raised his head to find the eyes of his long time friend as he too made way into the oddly mystical aura that pervaded the small area. The moon had risen and the translucent silver light bathed the once white pillars, erasing years of age and neglect with loving grace. The green of the moss covered stones shimmered with fine mist, swirling, creating a cloud like layer on the ground. Even the very air seemed charged with something otherworldly, as though life itself was anticipating their purpose.
Brode was also clothed in a coarse green robe, although his hair was much fuller and longer than his friends. It was also the most peculiar shade of white, as if rather than turning such a color it had always grown exactly that way. He did not speak until he'd reached the other man. One roughened hand settled briefly on the Nhy's shoulder. “Its time. It won't be as bad as you expect. She's much stronger this time.”
Although the gesture was appreciated, it did little to ease the bone deep worry Nhylis had carried about this day for nearly three decades. Almost glacial blue eyes reflected his thoughts, fractals of light contracting around his pupils, changing the patterns within the color, almost in time to the increasing beat of his heart. “Brode, the last time... “ The words stopped. It was unnecessary. Both men remembered clearly what had happened. Nhy's fists clenched as his jaw set hard. “It was too close. I can't lose her.”
“You have no choice. It has to happen now.”
His friend's voice was stern, dry and it infuriated Nhylis. All of the pent up frustration at his own lack of control over the situation, his reservations, his fears, the secret longing he had to see her again which made him feel so guilty because he knew what pain it would be for her, broke his composure and he swung a wild fist into the nearest pillar. Instantly, a myriad of cracks webbed away from the impact of his knuckles. Stone crumbled to dust and covered his hand. In his heart, he screamed aloud the questions that plagued him but he said nothing. His throat was too tight. Besides, the words were pointless. They heard him anyway. One intensely angry stare burned into the night sky for the space of several heartbeats until his breathing calmed and his point had been made. At least now, like this, he could keep her safe. What happened if she wasn't strong enough this time either? Or maybe worse, what if she was and the prophecies were true? How would he protect her then, when he couldn't even find her?
Moving away from the pillar, ignoring Brode's eyes on him and the faint trickle of blood between two of his knuckles, Nhylis made his way to the center of the room where a sleek black cat rested peacefully atop a raised stone table. “Hello my love.” His injured hand touched down upon the cat's back and her head raised instantly, wickedly intelligent green eyes finding his face. Uncoiling her lithe form, the cat stretched low under his hand as it play down his her spine and moved to bump her face against him in obvious fondness. “Its time.” Those few words were all he could manage. His heart contracted hard, closing his throat. I miss you. The thought echoed hard within his soul and the reply came instantly.
Soon, my loved one. Soon. I am ready.
Nodding to Brode, the two men stood on either side of the table as the cat in the center settled into a regal pose, shoulders high with her head lifted and eyes locked on something unseen in the air before her. Of all the ancients, only she had been bound to a physical form. However, the balance of power in the universe was so delicate that had she had not been able to occupy a human form. It would have been far to obvious to those that watched such things. A few had seen their coming, had understood the prophecy but they had quickly been cut down by the ignorant until all that remained was vague superstition and jumbled texts no one could read. Instead, she'd chosen the cat. Lithe, sleek and powerful the beast had been a perfect disguise. Perversely, it left her vulnerable as well. The two men at her side had served her well through the years, one as her protector and the other her teacher.
They'd known this day would come since before they had taken residence in these forms. It was only a matter of waiting until the signs had spoken. Once before the time had seemed at hand, but she had not been strong enough to over come the resistance of shifting one form to another. She had nearly died. It was why Nhylis's heart ached so badly for her now. Briefly, her eyes flickered to his bent head. Not surprisingly, his blue eyes had locked onto hers almost instantly. It had been so hard for him, watching and waiting. So close and yet so far removed was about to be traded for searching, a longing so fierce that neither would rest. The three of them must be reborn now, on this full moon Beltane night. It was time. She could feel it.
A great stillness settled over them. Even the air ceased to move as the energy between them began to take shape. It became tangible, a thin golden string billowing out, binding them together. The pain hit then. Her body arched hard, head flung back as the keenest sound of despair and loss exploded from her throat. Without much fanfare, almost as if she were coming into focus, the shape of the cat on the table blinked once hard, replaced by the kneeling form of a woman, naked. Dark brown hair framed a wild face, the panic obvious in her eyes. Once more and the human form stuck, only the hint of her former cat self remaining in her cheekbones, around her eyes.
One giant breath, to fill lungs far larger than she was used to and immediately she glanced to the men beside her, eyes memorizing the suddenly unfamiliar face of Brode. He brother, her teacher. Her closest friend. She would miss him so badly. Then to Nyhlis. Already, the their physical forms were fading. Becoming translucent. Her thoughts were jumbled, choppy. How would she ever find him again? Her fear echoed in his eyes.
Wait for me?I can't do this without you.
Always.
His reply was the very last thought in her mind. Everything was gone, all of them, and she was falling into nothing. Blackness.
*
Six days later, a baby girl was born in the back seat of a pale blue Volkswagen bus, on the side of highway ten.
It was an uneventful beginning, despite the circumstances. Two would be hippy hold overs, several half lab mutt puppies and one very tiny infant spent the night peacefully as the campfire smoldered into ash. Oblivious to the chaos brewing around them, to the unseen story unfolding, the adults slept soundly while the child's wide, wild eyes flitted around the small interior. There was something she was trying to remember. Something very important, but the stress of the day was so heavy on her eyelids. It would be so easy to sleep. She would forget, but then she would remember. Right?
*
The night settled heavily around the Gulf shore town, the air so thick you could bat it away along with the mosquitoes. Even they moved slower in the thickness. It wasn’t hot yet, but the promise of heat was already there, sticking to your skin.
“Do you still feel guilty?” Without appearing touched by it, two figures gazed placidly at the low key chaos. Someone was being born. At the answering look, the left one sighed. “Don’t.”
“How can I not?” A gnarled hand met a haggard face and then pushed through the bushy mop of stark white hair atop his head. It was a gesture repeated many times over, by the look of things. “There’s been so many….all of them starting better than this. How can she….?”
“We have no choice.” It was a well traveled conversation. “All of the signs…”
“Yes, yes.” The words mumbled out of the old man’s lips, his eyes focusing once more on the scene before them. The moment played out, frozen in time in the eyes of both unseen participants. The baby girl settled easily into her mothers arms; an uneventful entrance to the world to all concerned.
The image turned watery and rippled away and the two were left standing, far from what they had just witnessed. The old man sighed again. “It is done. Now, fate decides.”
“Let us hope she decides in our favor.” A low hum of agreement from the old man sounded softly in the darkness.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Changes
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
- Maya Angelou
I have to acknowledged the wisdom and intelligence of such a statement. Knowing the changes that I've gone through to become the person I am today, I can understand the work that goes into the chrysalis of the caterpillar into the gorgeous creature it becomes.
I'm a work in progress. I'm starting again (again) and trying something new.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Video: Canning Basics - FineCooking.com
With the summer growing season in full swing, here are some great tips on how to home-can and freeze your farmer's market or garden-grown goodies for use later when the winds get chilly and fresh produce is only wishful thinking.
Video: Canning Basics - FineCooking.com
http://www.finecooking.com/pdf/freeze-chart.pdf
Video: Canning Basics - FineCooking.com
http://www.finecooking.com/pdf/freeze-chart.pdf
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Health Benefits of Avocado
Check out these feisty, fresh ideas from Bon Appetit on avocados. They aren't just for guacamole anymore. Get inspired.
15 Ways to Use an Avocado: bonappetit.com
We made a grilled avocado, tomato and Gouda sammich, with some ham tossed into the mix and a few onions. It was great.
If you still need a reason to eat one, check out the healthy boost they can be.
Health Benefits of Avocado
15 Ways to Use an Avocado: bonappetit.com
We made a grilled avocado, tomato and Gouda sammich, with some ham tossed into the mix and a few onions. It was great.
If you still need a reason to eat one, check out the healthy boost they can be.
Health Benefits of Avocado
25 One-Bite Appetizers Slideshow: bonappetit.com
Looking for something fun, festive and different to do for your next get together? Try one of Bon Appetit occasionally off the wall appetizer ideas. There's 25 of them.
25 One-Bite Appetizers Slideshow: bonappetit.com
25 One-Bite Appetizers Slideshow: bonappetit.com
Monday, July 18, 2011
How Khan Academy Is Changing the Rules of Education | Magazine
How Khan Academy Is Changing the Rules of Education | Magazine
This is genius. Simply brilliant way to teach children complex ideas. With the competitive market the way it is now, its necessary for changes to be made to the school structure and Khan University is doing just that, allowing another option that shies away from the traditional mindset of school and takes a leap.
This is genius. Simply brilliant way to teach children complex ideas. With the competitive market the way it is now, its necessary for changes to be made to the school structure and Khan University is doing just that, allowing another option that shies away from the traditional mindset of school and takes a leap.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
» Blog Archive Galleries of Storytelling: Brands as Art. Guest Post » blur Marketing
» Blog Archive Galleries of Storytelling: Brands as Art. Guest Post » blur Marketing
How Storytelling drives Corporate Culture
Is it just me, or is #storytelling the new trend, for business, advertising, corporations and everything else along the way? I love this. Being a story teller in my own right, I hope to see the idea done correctly and not Hollywood-ed to death, over marketed or completely over done with the business mindset.
How Storytelling drives Corporate Culture
Is it just me, or is #storytelling the new trend, for business, advertising, corporations and everything else along the way? I love this. Being a story teller in my own right, I hope to see the idea done correctly and not Hollywood-ed to death, over marketed or completely over done with the business mindset.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
News of the World's last edition 'sells 4.5m copies' | Media | guardian.co.uk
News of the World phone-hacking scandal part one – Monday 11 July | News | guardian.co.uk
News International papers targeted Gordon Brown | Media | The Guardian
News of the World's last edition 'sells 4.5m copies' | Media | guardian.co.uk
It seems the scandal has a plus side and a minus side.Sales skyrocketed for the last issue, a farewell if you will. However, the pending deals seem to be teetering on the edge of not happening at all.
How many people were effected by this hacking phenomenon? Also, is anyone really surprised?
Journalist have used "sources" for years to garner the juiciest stories. Is it any wonder that in the age of digital media that it be digitally gained?
I think the problem is, this time they went too far to interfere with an open missing persons investigation in a way that could potentially jeopardize finding a young girl.
THAT pissed people off. Until then, they just enjoyed the stories.
News International papers targeted Gordon Brown | Media | The Guardian
News of the World's last edition 'sells 4.5m copies' | Media | guardian.co.uk
It seems the scandal has a plus side and a minus side.Sales skyrocketed for the last issue, a farewell if you will. However, the pending deals seem to be teetering on the edge of not happening at all.
How many people were effected by this hacking phenomenon? Also, is anyone really surprised?
Journalist have used "sources" for years to garner the juiciest stories. Is it any wonder that in the age of digital media that it be digitally gained?
I think the problem is, this time they went too far to interfere with an open missing persons investigation in a way that could potentially jeopardize finding a young girl.
THAT pissed people off. Until then, they just enjoyed the stories.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition – Blog
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition – Blog
Plus, check out something closer to home.
For this past week Nebraska Public Radio has broadcast a series of articles on the local food movement. Several NFC members are quoted.
Nebraska Public TV aired a broadcast as part of the same series. It initially ran Friday night at 7pm, but will be broadcast several more times over the course of the next week or so. I’ve invluded links for those who would like to listen, so find the schedule for upcoming TV airings. One new member has already joined from having watched the show!
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=section&SECTION_ID=8528
http://www.netnebraska.org/television/sched/
(In the little programming search box, type in “local food”. It’s called “Home Fields: Digging into Local Food”)
Plus, check out something closer to home.
For this past week Nebraska Public Radio has broadcast a series of articles on the local food movement. Several NFC members are quoted.
Nebraska Public TV aired a broadcast as part of the same series. It initially ran Friday night at 7pm, but will be broadcast several more times over the course of the next week or so. I’ve invluded links for those who would like to listen, so find the schedule for upcoming TV airings. One new member has already joined from having watched the show!
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=section&SECTION_ID=8528
http://www.netnebraska.org/television/sched/
(In the little programming search box, type in “local food”. It’s called “Home Fields: Digging into Local Food”)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
This Week from NORML
DOJ Revises Administration's Position Regarding State Medical Marijuana Laws
Montana: Judge Halts Imposition Of New Restrictions On Medical Marijuana Doctors And Providers
Connecticut: Marijuana Infraction Measure Signed Into Law
Recent Action Alerts
Massachusetts Legislature Considers Medical Marijuana Measure Details
Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession Introduced In New Jersey Details
Time is Running Out to Approve Legislation to Reduce Marijuana Possession Penalties in Rhode Island Details
DOJ Revises Administration's Position Regarding State Medical Marijuana Laws
Share This Article
Washington, DC: The United States Department of Justice issued a memorandum to US Attorneys last week revising the administration's position regarding the use of federal resources in states that have enacted laws allowing for the use of distribution of medical cannabis to authorized patients. It is the second such memo issued by the Obama administration.
The DOJ memo seeks to clarify the administration's stance after US Attorneys this spring sent letters to several state lawmakers threatening to prosecute medical marijuana providers, or in some cases state employees who licensed such providers, even in instances where such conduct was in strict compliance with state law.
According to the latest memorandum, dated June 29 and signed by Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, the warnings issued in the previous US Attorney letters are "entirely consistent" with DOJ policy.
The memo states, "[I]t is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law." By contrast, the DOJ notes that "Persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling, or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, regardless of state law."
To date, three states -- Colorado, New Mexico, and Maine -- have allowed for the operation of state-licensed medical marijuana producers and providers. Five additional states -- Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont -- as well as the District of Columbia have similar laws, but have either suspended or not yet implemented their medical marijuana distribution programs.
Governors Jan Brewer (Republican, Arizona), Chris Christie (Republican, New Jersey), and Lincoln Chafee (Independent, Rhode Island) -- each of whom had elected to halt their state's medical marijuana dispensary programs in recent months -- have yet to issue public statements in response to the DOJ memo.
As a candidate, President Obama had pledged that he would "not ... be using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this (the medical marijuana) issue."
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500, or Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org. Full text of the Cole memorandum is available online at: http://www.freedomisgreen.com/full-text-department-of-justice-memo-on-medical-marijuana/.
Montana: Judge Halts Imposition Of New Restrictions On Medical Marijuana Doctors And Providers
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Helena, MT: A District Judge on Thursday issued a temporary injunction barring the enforcement of several new, restrictive provisions in the state's medical marijuana law.
In May, Democrat Gov. Brian Schweitzer allowed Senate Bill 423 to become law without his signature. The new law, which legislators enacted with the intent of significantly reducing the existing number of state authorized patients, took effect on July 1.
However, several of the more restrictive provisions in the law will not go into effect. Specifically, Helena District Judge James Reynolds enjoined the requirement that advising physicians be reported to the state Board of Examiners if they recommend cannabis to more than 25 patients per year. Other restrictions limited marijuana providers to distributing to a maximum of three patients, allowing for unannounced searches of providers, and barring them from receiving anything of value for their product were also struck down.
John Masterson of Montana NORML said of the ruling, "This is a victory for all Montanans, regardless of your position on marijuana policy. It means that ideologue legislators should think twice before overturning the will of the people with unconstitutional and capricious new legislation."
State medical marijuana advocates are also moving forward with a referendum to allow voters to decide in 2012 whether any provisions of SB 423 should remain law. In June, the Secretary of State's office approved the language of the proposed petition. Advocates have until September the gather the necessary number of signatures from registered voters. Doing so will block the entirety of the law from taking effect pending a vote of the people in 2012.
Montana NORML will be hosting a fundraising concert, Marijuana Aid 2011, to help offset legal and campaign costs on July 23, 2011. More information about this event is available online at: http://www.marijuanaaid.org/.
For more information, please visit Montana NORML online at: http://www.montananorml.org.
Connecticut: Marijuana Infraction Measure Signed Into Law
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Hartford, CT: Democrat Gov. Dan Malloy signed legislation into law on Thursday, June 30 'decriminalizing' the possession of small, personal use amounts of marijuana by adults. The new law, Senate Bill 1014, took effect on Friday, July 1.
Senate Bill 1014 reduces the penalties for the adult possession of up to one-half ounce of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor (formerly punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine) to a non-criminal infraction, punishable by a $150 fine, no arrest or jail time, and no criminal record. The new law similarly reduces penalties for the possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Connecticut's new law is similar to the existing 'decriminalization' laws in California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, and Oregon where private, non-medical possession of marijuana is treated as a civil, non-criminal offense.
Five additional states -- Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio -- treat marijuana possession offenses as a fine-only misdemeanor offense. Alaska law imposes no criminal or civil penalty for the private possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults.
Lawmakers in California and Kentucky previously enacted laws this year reducing penalties for marijuana possession.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500, or Erik Williams of Connecticut NORML at (860) 805-3243 or via e-mail at: ewilliams@campaignswon.com.
DOJ Revises Administration's Position Regarding State Medical Marijuana Laws
Montana: Judge Halts Imposition Of New Restrictions On Medical Marijuana Doctors And Providers
Connecticut: Marijuana Infraction Measure Signed Into Law
Recent Action Alerts
Massachusetts Legislature Considers Medical Marijuana Measure Details
Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession Introduced In New Jersey Details
Time is Running Out to Approve Legislation to Reduce Marijuana Possession Penalties in Rhode Island Details
DOJ Revises Administration's Position Regarding State Medical Marijuana Laws
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Washington, DC: The United States Department of Justice issued a memorandum to US Attorneys last week revising the administration's position regarding the use of federal resources in states that have enacted laws allowing for the use of distribution of medical cannabis to authorized patients. It is the second such memo issued by the Obama administration.
The DOJ memo seeks to clarify the administration's stance after US Attorneys this spring sent letters to several state lawmakers threatening to prosecute medical marijuana providers, or in some cases state employees who licensed such providers, even in instances where such conduct was in strict compliance with state law.
According to the latest memorandum, dated June 29 and signed by Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, the warnings issued in the previous US Attorney letters are "entirely consistent" with DOJ policy.
The memo states, "[I]t is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law." By contrast, the DOJ notes that "Persons who are in the business of cultivating, selling, or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, regardless of state law."
To date, three states -- Colorado, New Mexico, and Maine -- have allowed for the operation of state-licensed medical marijuana producers and providers. Five additional states -- Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont -- as well as the District of Columbia have similar laws, but have either suspended or not yet implemented their medical marijuana distribution programs.
Governors Jan Brewer (Republican, Arizona), Chris Christie (Republican, New Jersey), and Lincoln Chafee (Independent, Rhode Island) -- each of whom had elected to halt their state's medical marijuana dispensary programs in recent months -- have yet to issue public statements in response to the DOJ memo.
As a candidate, President Obama had pledged that he would "not ... be using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this (the medical marijuana) issue."
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500, or Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org. Full text of the Cole memorandum is available online at: http://www.freedomisgreen.com/full-text-department-of-justice-memo-on-medical-marijuana/.
Montana: Judge Halts Imposition Of New Restrictions On Medical Marijuana Doctors And Providers
Share This Article
Helena, MT: A District Judge on Thursday issued a temporary injunction barring the enforcement of several new, restrictive provisions in the state's medical marijuana law.
In May, Democrat Gov. Brian Schweitzer allowed Senate Bill 423 to become law without his signature. The new law, which legislators enacted with the intent of significantly reducing the existing number of state authorized patients, took effect on July 1.
However, several of the more restrictive provisions in the law will not go into effect. Specifically, Helena District Judge James Reynolds enjoined the requirement that advising physicians be reported to the state Board of Examiners if they recommend cannabis to more than 25 patients per year. Other restrictions limited marijuana providers to distributing to a maximum of three patients, allowing for unannounced searches of providers, and barring them from receiving anything of value for their product were also struck down.
John Masterson of Montana NORML said of the ruling, "This is a victory for all Montanans, regardless of your position on marijuana policy. It means that ideologue legislators should think twice before overturning the will of the people with unconstitutional and capricious new legislation."
State medical marijuana advocates are also moving forward with a referendum to allow voters to decide in 2012 whether any provisions of SB 423 should remain law. In June, the Secretary of State's office approved the language of the proposed petition. Advocates have until September the gather the necessary number of signatures from registered voters. Doing so will block the entirety of the law from taking effect pending a vote of the people in 2012.
Montana NORML will be hosting a fundraising concert, Marijuana Aid 2011, to help offset legal and campaign costs on July 23, 2011. More information about this event is available online at: http://www.marijuanaaid.org/.
For more information, please visit Montana NORML online at: http://www.montananorml.org.
Connecticut: Marijuana Infraction Measure Signed Into Law
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Hartford, CT: Democrat Gov. Dan Malloy signed legislation into law on Thursday, June 30 'decriminalizing' the possession of small, personal use amounts of marijuana by adults. The new law, Senate Bill 1014, took effect on Friday, July 1.
Senate Bill 1014 reduces the penalties for the adult possession of up to one-half ounce of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor (formerly punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine) to a non-criminal infraction, punishable by a $150 fine, no arrest or jail time, and no criminal record. The new law similarly reduces penalties for the possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Connecticut's new law is similar to the existing 'decriminalization' laws in California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, and Oregon where private, non-medical possession of marijuana is treated as a civil, non-criminal offense.
Five additional states -- Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio -- treat marijuana possession offenses as a fine-only misdemeanor offense. Alaska law imposes no criminal or civil penalty for the private possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults.
Lawmakers in California and Kentucky previously enacted laws this year reducing penalties for marijuana possession.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500, or Erik Williams of Connecticut NORML at (860) 805-3243 or via e-mail at: ewilliams@campaignswon.com.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Summify - 9 Reasons to Switch from Facebook to Google+
Summify - 9 Reasons to Switch from Facebook to Google+
As a true Google addict, I can agree with almost everything said here. Wait, no. Everything.
I love Facebook as much as the next gal/guy but I don't play games and I use Google in every other facet of my life, including this one. Seamless sounds good to me.
As a true Google addict, I can agree with almost everything said here. Wait, no. Everything.
I love Facebook as much as the next gal/guy but I don't play games and I use Google in every other facet of my life, including this one. Seamless sounds good to me.
Summify - EXCLUSIVE: Google To Retire Blogger & Picasa Brands in Google+ Push
Summify - EXCLUSIVE: Google To Retire Blogger & Picasa Brands in Google+ Push
This just proves it. Google can take over the world. It can do anything, make money at it and make us like it. Ah, blogger. I can't wait to see your new face.
This just proves it. Google can take over the world. It can do anything, make money at it and make us like it. Ah, blogger. I can't wait to see your new face.
GetGlue Adds Magazines, Newspapers, Blogs to Check-In List - SocialTimes.com
GetGlue Adds Magazines, Newspapers, Blogs to Check-In List - SocialTimes.com
Maybe a "too little, too late" endeavor but a happy one nonetheless. I would much rather social media encourage reading check ins than television. Either way, its a measurable market now. How many people still read print? What is it that they are reading?
Clever, clever.
Maybe a "too little, too late" endeavor but a happy one nonetheless. I would much rather social media encourage reading check ins than television. Either way, its a measurable market now. How many people still read print? What is it that they are reading?
Clever, clever.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Says it best
elusive wit 7:52 pm
sorry love.
what is your issue?
TheDuality0fMan 7:55 pm
my issue is the Casey Anthony verdict
and why i feel like i am the last sane person on the planet
..or in my general vicinity
elusive wit 7:56 pm
what was it?
TheDuality0fMan 7:56 pm
they found her not guilty of murder, and guilty of withholding evidence
elusive wit 7:56 pm
i avoid that shit like the plague
mainstream media.
>.<
its reality TV labeled news.
pisses me off.
TheDuality0fMan 7:57 pm
i know
i know
and thank god you said that since i am like the only one who DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT she got off.
Yes, it is a tragedy what happened.
TheDuality0fMan 7:57 pm
and yes, it is a crime in and of itself that no justice has actually been served.
But, the fact that so any people became so invested in this case, and are now angry over the verdict pisses me off.
Why?
Because it has no goddamn affect on anything they do on a day to day basis.
They choose to care about the shit that doesn't matter.
Mean while, they can't afford to pay their bills, or clothe their children, or maintain any semblence of a life because they are dead broke. And the people responsible are still walking the earth, free as a bird and rich as Solomon.
TheDuality0fMan 7:59 pm
And their is no outrage!
there*
Fuck this country.
No.. not the country. Fuck the majority of people in it.
elusive wit 8:01 pm
amen
sorry love.
what is your issue?
TheDuality0fMan 7:55 pm
my issue is the Casey Anthony verdict
and why i feel like i am the last sane person on the planet
..or in my general vicinity
elusive wit 7:56 pm
what was it?
TheDuality0fMan 7:56 pm
they found her not guilty of murder, and guilty of withholding evidence
elusive wit 7:56 pm
i avoid that shit like the plague
mainstream media.
>.<
its reality TV labeled news.
pisses me off.
TheDuality0fMan 7:57 pm
i know
i know
and thank god you said that since i am like the only one who DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT she got off.
Yes, it is a tragedy what happened.
TheDuality0fMan 7:57 pm
and yes, it is a crime in and of itself that no justice has actually been served.
But, the fact that so any people became so invested in this case, and are now angry over the verdict pisses me off.
Why?
Because it has no goddamn affect on anything they do on a day to day basis.
They choose to care about the shit that doesn't matter.
Mean while, they can't afford to pay their bills, or clothe their children, or maintain any semblence of a life because they are dead broke. And the people responsible are still walking the earth, free as a bird and rich as Solomon.
TheDuality0fMan 7:59 pm
And their is no outrage!
there*
Fuck this country.
No.. not the country. Fuck the majority of people in it.
elusive wit 8:01 pm
amen
Q&A: Kirby Ferguson - On The Media
Q&A: Kirby Ferguson - On The Media
I'm glad some one finally talked this guy up. He's onto something.
History repeats itself. So does media.
I'm glad some one finally talked this guy up. He's onto something.
History repeats itself. So does media.
BBC acts to stop Twitter leaks by stars and writers | Media | The Guardian
BBC acts to stop Twitter leaks by stars and writers | Media | The Guardian
I find it ironic and amusing that I tweeted this article.However, I can see BBC's point in this one. Its too easy to share information that is supposed to be confidential.
Given then amount of crazed fans some stars have, its easy to see why their security could be at risk if their schedules were divulged among countless other contractual dealings that could be in jeopardy if the details got out.
Its like posting toliet shots on facebook from drunken nights and wondering why you get fired later. O.o
I find it ironic and amusing that I tweeted this article.However, I can see BBC's point in this one. Its too easy to share information that is supposed to be confidential.
Given then amount of crazed fans some stars have, its easy to see why their security could be at risk if their schedules were divulged among countless other contractual dealings that could be in jeopardy if the details got out.
Its like posting toliet shots on facebook from drunken nights and wondering why you get fired later. O.o
Borders and bankruptcy: Goodbye to bricks and mortar | The Economist
Borders and bankruptcy: Goodbye to bricks and mortar | The Economist
I must admit to feeling a ping of loss at the idea of my lovely bookstores closing its doors. There's something prolific about wandering aisles stocked with paper-bound piles of words upon words. While I prefer the dusty, slightly musty smell of the used bookstore on a lazy Saturday, there are times when the only place I can find the book I am looking for is my local Borders.
I have a thing with patience. Sure, I can order it online, but it takes time to get to me. I can have it in hand in minutes, by driving down 72nd Steet, without shipping costs.
As the age of the e-reader dawns, I'll have to learn to say goodbye to the feel of pages between my fingers much the way i said goodbye to the inky smudge of newspaper.
Ah, nostalgia.
I must admit to feeling a ping of loss at the idea of my lovely bookstores closing its doors. There's something prolific about wandering aisles stocked with paper-bound piles of words upon words. While I prefer the dusty, slightly musty smell of the used bookstore on a lazy Saturday, there are times when the only place I can find the book I am looking for is my local Borders.
I have a thing with patience. Sure, I can order it online, but it takes time to get to me. I can have it in hand in minutes, by driving down 72nd Steet, without shipping costs.
As the age of the e-reader dawns, I'll have to learn to say goodbye to the feel of pages between my fingers much the way i said goodbye to the inky smudge of newspaper.
Ah, nostalgia.
Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World | Brain Pickings
Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World | Brain Pickings
Oh, Brain Picker. You've hit so close to my heart with this one. Reality IS broken. I'm a long time supporter of video games versus television.
Video games promote hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, social awareness when played with others, and the ability to judge your surroundings quickly and accurately.
My gamer tag is Nemesisaria. ;) Find me on Xbox Live.
Oh, Brain Picker. You've hit so close to my heart with this one. Reality IS broken. I'm a long time supporter of video games versus television.
Video games promote hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, social awareness when played with others, and the ability to judge your surroundings quickly and accurately.
My gamer tag is Nemesisaria. ;) Find me on Xbox Live.
Fox News Political Twitter Account Hacked : NPR
Fox News Political Twitter Account Hacked : NPR
I for one find this hilarious. As an open disparage-er of Fox News' politics and positions, whom the promote and how... I greatly admire the joke. Wouldn't it be funny if someone from the digital department just got loaded and played a practical joke?
Is it just me, or are hackers getting blamed for a lot of things these days?
I for one find this hilarious. As an open disparage-er of Fox News' politics and positions, whom the promote and how... I greatly admire the joke. Wouldn't it be funny if someone from the digital department just got loaded and played a practical joke?
Is it just me, or are hackers getting blamed for a lot of things these days?
I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Due to my holiday festivities, I am a day behind on all my news scouring. I have about seven or eight articles that will make it up here eventually today, as I also have to start back to school, for the Bachelor's in Sociology waits for no one.
However, neither does the news. Try reading my paper. The commentary will come later, as slim as it gets sometimes, when I've had a chance to read all of them myself. Other than that, follow my Twitter! Or, check out my version of CommonSense.
Due to my holiday festivities, I am a day behind on all my news scouring. I have about seven or eight articles that will make it up here eventually today, as I also have to start back to school, for the Bachelor's in Sociology waits for no one.
However, neither does the news. Try reading my paper. The commentary will come later, as slim as it gets sometimes, when I've had a chance to read all of them myself. Other than that, follow my Twitter! Or, check out my version of CommonSense.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Exclamation Points and E-Mails - Cultural Studies - NYTimes.com
Exclamation Points and E-Mails - Cultural Studies - NYTimes.com
A valid point made from one of my favorite authors through one of my favorite publications. Email grammar is horrendous. We should all, professionally and personally, take a look at how we write. After all, that's the 'body language' of the internet.
A valid point made from one of my favorite authors through one of my favorite publications. Email grammar is horrendous. We should all, professionally and personally, take a look at how we write. After all, that's the 'body language' of the internet.
Syndicated
Syndicated
The newspaper Edition! Follow who I follow and stay abreast of all the current goings on in journalism, politics and human rights.
The newspaper Edition! Follow who I follow and stay abreast of all the current goings on in journalism, politics and human rights.
Curiosity made collaborative: Apture’s “Hotspots” feature brings crowdsourcing to link generation » Nieman Journalism Lab » Pushing to the Future of Journalism
Curiosity made collaborative: Apture’s “Hotspots” feature brings crowdsourcing to link generation » Nieman Journalism Lab » Pushing to the Future of Journalism
Do we really need this level of tracking on what we look at when on the web? If it followed a select few people, like @jackshafer, @thebyliner users, or my own personal nerd hero @knothing; then MAYBE we'd get a good cross section of information to hyperlink toward. (My how StarTrek I felt, with that last phrase.)
But with the general public copy pasting, what will we come across? I suppose since it works per site, as long as it's information copy pasted from that particular website hyperlinked then you'd fare better.
How spoiled we are; and what a great marketing idea by Apture.
Do we really need this level of tracking on what we look at when on the web? If it followed a select few people, like @jackshafer, @thebyliner users, or my own personal nerd hero @knothing; then MAYBE we'd get a good cross section of information to hyperlink toward. (My how StarTrek I felt, with that last phrase.)
But with the general public copy pasting, what will we come across? I suppose since it works per site, as long as it's information copy pasted from that particular website hyperlinked then you'd fare better.
How spoiled we are; and what a great marketing idea by Apture.
ProPublica’s newest news app uses education data to get more social » Nieman Journalism Lab » Pushing to the Future of Journalism
ProPublica’s newest news app uses education data to get more social » Nieman Journalism Lab » Pushing to the Future of Journalism
Nieman Journalism Lab constantly delivers.
Its about time someone started taking a closer look at individual state school systems, to understand why there is such a gap in education standards and opportunities. These are the kind of applications and news that we should be sharing, more so than the Casey Anthony app that hit number one last week.
Nieman Journalism Lab constantly delivers.
Its about time someone started taking a closer look at individual state school systems, to understand why there is such a gap in education standards and opportunities. These are the kind of applications and news that we should be sharing, more so than the Casey Anthony app that hit number one last week.
Summify - Orlando’s WESH-TV finds success with top-selling Casey Anthony app
Summify - Orlando’s WESH-TV finds success with top-selling Casey Anthony app
One has to wonder what kind of nation we're sinking into when we're so addicted to tragedy on television that we can make an application for mobile media the number one seller.
It reminds me of a TooL song, you can find the full lyrics here, but the part that captures me most for this situation is: "Eye on the TV
'cause tragedy thrills me
Whatever flavour
It happens to be like;
Killed by the husband
Drowned by the ocean
Shot by his own son
She used the poison in his tea
And kissed him goodbye
That's my kind of story
It's no fun 'til someone dies"
When did we become a society that hinged on reality TV? -sad headshake-
One has to wonder what kind of nation we're sinking into when we're so addicted to tragedy on television that we can make an application for mobile media the number one seller.
It reminds me of a TooL song, you can find the full lyrics here, but the part that captures me most for this situation is: "Eye on the TV
'cause tragedy thrills me
Whatever flavour
It happens to be like;
Killed by the husband
Drowned by the ocean
Shot by his own son
She used the poison in his tea
And kissed him goodbye
That's my kind of story
It's no fun 'til someone dies"
When did we become a society that hinged on reality TV? -sad headshake-
Summify - 7 Must-Read Books on the Future of the Internet
Summify - 7 Must-Read Books on the Future of the Internet
Definitely must reads if you're trying to stay on top of the current media trend waves. Brain Pickings delivers again with informative, relevant topics.
Definitely must reads if you're trying to stay on top of the current media trend waves. Brain Pickings delivers again with informative, relevant topics.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thank you Brynn Jacobs for submitting this link the the NFC forum.
Recalls of Imported Foods Are Flawed, a Government Audit Reports
By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: June 21, 2011
Government food officials are often sloppy and inattentive in their efforts to ensure that contaminated foods from abroad are withdrawn promptly and completely from the nation’s food supply, according to government investigators.
In an audit of 17 recalls, investigators found that the Food and Drug Administration often failed to follow its own rules in removing dangerous imported foods from the market, according to Daniel R. Levinson, inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services. The products included cantaloupes from Honduras contaminated with salmonella, frozen mussel meat from New Zealand infected with listeria and frozen fish from Korea that contained the bacterium that causes botulism.
In one case, more than three months passed from the time the F.D.A. became aware of the contamination to the time a recall was initiated. In another case, the lag was nearly a month. In 13 of the 17 cases, the companies that supplied the tainted goods failed to provide accurate or complete information to their customers so that the products could be withdrawn completely, the audit found.
In a response to the audit, David Dorsey, the F.D.A.’s acting deputy commissioner for policy, planning and budget, said that the landmark food safety law signed in January by President Obama would fix some of these problems. For instance, the law for the first time gave the F.D.A. the authority to order companies to withdraw foods suspected of being contaminated. Until this year, the F.D.A. could only ask manufacturers to withdraw suspect foods.
The F.D.A. is studying other ways to improve food recalls, and one possible solution would be to hire contractors to do the work, Mr. Dorsey wrote.
From July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, the F.D.A. oversaw 40 recalls of imported foods that were so contaminated that the agency deemed them to be an imminent threat. Auditors examined 17 of these recalls, which included seven for salmonella, five for listeria, four for Clostridium botulinum and one for high lead levels.
The investigation found that the government had not followed up with any vigor to ensure that contaminated food imports were withdrawn from the food chain completely. In 14 of the 17 cases, the F.D.A. failed to conduct inspections or obtain complete information about the contaminated products. In five of the cases, the F.D.A. never conducted an audit to make sure the recalls had been conducted at all. In 12 of the cases, the agency’s audit of the recalls was belated and incomplete. And in 13 of the 17 recalls, the agency never witnessed the disposal of the contaminated foods or obtained the required documentation to show that the products had been thrown out.
Audits of the F.D.A.’s oversight of the nation’s food system routinely find the agency’s efforts wanting, in part, the agency says, because its budget for such activities has long been inadequate. And although the new food safety law gave the agency extra supervisory powers, it is not clear how much it will be able to do, given that House Republicans have proposed cutting its budget for protective measures.
On Monday, the F.D.A. released a report suggesting ways to cope with an increasing flood of imported foods, drugs and medical devices. The report recommended that the F.D.A. cooperate with regulators in other countries to ensure safety.
Recalls of Imported Foods Are Flawed, a Government Audit Reports
By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: June 21, 2011
Government food officials are often sloppy and inattentive in their efforts to ensure that contaminated foods from abroad are withdrawn promptly and completely from the nation’s food supply, according to government investigators.
In an audit of 17 recalls, investigators found that the Food and Drug Administration often failed to follow its own rules in removing dangerous imported foods from the market, according to Daniel R. Levinson, inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services. The products included cantaloupes from Honduras contaminated with salmonella, frozen mussel meat from New Zealand infected with listeria and frozen fish from Korea that contained the bacterium that causes botulism.
In one case, more than three months passed from the time the F.D.A. became aware of the contamination to the time a recall was initiated. In another case, the lag was nearly a month. In 13 of the 17 cases, the companies that supplied the tainted goods failed to provide accurate or complete information to their customers so that the products could be withdrawn completely, the audit found.
In a response to the audit, David Dorsey, the F.D.A.’s acting deputy commissioner for policy, planning and budget, said that the landmark food safety law signed in January by President Obama would fix some of these problems. For instance, the law for the first time gave the F.D.A. the authority to order companies to withdraw foods suspected of being contaminated. Until this year, the F.D.A. could only ask manufacturers to withdraw suspect foods.
The F.D.A. is studying other ways to improve food recalls, and one possible solution would be to hire contractors to do the work, Mr. Dorsey wrote.
From July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, the F.D.A. oversaw 40 recalls of imported foods that were so contaminated that the agency deemed them to be an imminent threat. Auditors examined 17 of these recalls, which included seven for salmonella, five for listeria, four for Clostridium botulinum and one for high lead levels.
The investigation found that the government had not followed up with any vigor to ensure that contaminated food imports were withdrawn from the food chain completely. In 14 of the 17 cases, the F.D.A. failed to conduct inspections or obtain complete information about the contaminated products. In five of the cases, the F.D.A. never conducted an audit to make sure the recalls had been conducted at all. In 12 of the cases, the agency’s audit of the recalls was belated and incomplete. And in 13 of the 17 recalls, the agency never witnessed the disposal of the contaminated foods or obtained the required documentation to show that the products had been thrown out.
Audits of the F.D.A.’s oversight of the nation’s food system routinely find the agency’s efforts wanting, in part, the agency says, because its budget for such activities has long been inadequate. And although the new food safety law gave the agency extra supervisory powers, it is not clear how much it will be able to do, given that House Republicans have proposed cutting its budget for protective measures.
On Monday, the F.D.A. released a report suggesting ways to cope with an increasing flood of imported foods, drugs and medical devices. The report recommended that the F.D.A. cooperate with regulators in other countries to ensure safety.
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