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Spanish School in Ecuador, Quito

Resevation Policies and Cancellations

For the present, hereafter, we refer to the Spanish School Center “South American Language Center” simply as ‘THE SCHOOL’. The STUDENT is considered the person in whose name the reservation of the service is made. Both parties declare to subscribe the present agreement voluntarily, where they declare their knowledge and accept the following clauses:

This is a legally binding document for both parties, which are governed by Ecuadorian law at the time of signing this document.

Prior to the student’s service registration, the STUDENT declares to have read, understood and agreed to this contract. It is understood that the STUDENT, in making the reservation of this service, has ACCEPTED this document in its entirety and is therefore obligated to comply with each of the clauses in this agreement.

The reservation of the service is made once the student sends the receipt of PAYMENT of the total value of the service or a minimum of TWO HUNDRED AMERICAN DOLLARS as initial payment.

Proof of PAYMENT must be sent by the student with a minimum of 15 days (2 weeks) before the start date of the course to the school by Email or fax.

If this is the case, the rest of the payment related to the course and accommodation, must be made on the first day of the beginning of your classes.

To complete the reservation of the service, once the student sends the proof of payment, and that the School checks the same in the Financial Institution, the School will send the Reservation form, which must be filled in entirely by the student and sent to the School, either on-line or in writing, within a period not exceeding five days.

When the service has been paid, the student will not send the completed form in full within a period of five days after the sending of the same by the School to the Student; it is understood that the Student does not want the service on the following dates and therefore the estimated date of the service will be a minimum of fifteen days after the moment the student sends the completed form.

The student will cancel the total value of the service or a minimum of TWO HUNDRED AMERICAN DOLLARS in advance, by means of:

  1. Bank Transfer.- The bank details of the school are:

Ruc: 1791300424001

ADDRESS: Av. Amazonas N26-93 and La Pinta. Quito, Ecuador

ACCOUNT: Banco Pichincha – ECUADOR,

Address Banco del Pichincha: Amazonas 1354 and Colón Avenue QUITO-ECUADOR

  1. Credit / Debit Card.- We accept payments through Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards and debit cards.

  1. PayPal.- People who have PayPal accounts will be able to make their payments to this e-mail

Students may, in agreement with the school, change details of their reservation or postpone their starting date, provided the school receives written notice at least 15 days before the course begins .

It is not possible to modify or postpone a course after the date on which the student is supposed to move to his accommodation or the course begins. In the event that the student does not appear on the date on which he/she is supposed to be transferred to his/her accommodation or start his/her course and will not justify the reason in writing within three days, it is understood that the student does not want the service and the contract will be terminated.

In cases where the student justifies his / her failure to comply with the date established in the reservation, within a period of no more than three days, once approved by the School, the student shall establish a new starting date for classes which shall not be greater than two months from the date established in the reservation.

The modifications and deferrals made after the 15 days following the date of accommodation and start of course, are subject to a surcharge of 40 USD. However, the school may withdraw this surcharge, if the changes or deferrals are the result of the extension of the course or accommodation.

If a student is unable to attend the course they had booked due to completing the initial test and later finding out that they didn’t have the appropriate level (in case of group classes), we will offer an alternative course or private lessons. The number of private classes may be less than those of the group course booked.

The school strives to ensure that our students receive the service and the products they have reserved, but we cannot be held responsible for interruptions of courses due to major events or acts of God (natural disasters, strikes, and civil unrest or war situations). Classes lost due to the above causes will not be recovered or refunded.

  • There will be no classes on public holidays established by the Ecuadorian government.
  • During the first day of the course, level tests and initiation activities will be taken.
  • Class time will also be taken off because of evaluation exams after each lesson.
  • Practical classes and extra activities (museum visits, dynamics, cooking classes and conversation class) will be carried out during class time; however they are optional and the student will choose whether to take them or not.
  • In the event that the student does not cancel their class at least one day in advance, or arrives late at the beginning of their class, they will lose those class hours.
  • In the case of students who established their classes for the second time in accordance with the third paragraph of the Fifth clause, classes will automatically start on the established date and will lose the absence time again.

Classes that are lost for the above reasons will not be recovered or refunded.

We offer activities 7 days a week always guided by a teacher. Information about the activities and excursions offered by the school should be used simply as a guide and not as an exact list of events. The program of weekly activities is prepared and presented until Friday of the previous week.

The cancellation of the service by the student must be made in writing to the School’s emails.

As long as the cancellation is made before the fifteenth day following the start of the course, the cancellation will be done without any surcharge, for which the refund of the canceled value will be made within a period of not less than 30 days after the Cancellation date.

When the cancellation is made after the 15 days following the start of the course, the value of FORTY DOLLARS will be deducted for the administrative expenses of the School. The value to be returned will be made within a period of not less than 30 days after the date of cancellation.

Students must organize their own travel arrangements and be responsible for obtaining all necessary documents, such as a valid visa and passport.

The school will provide the necessary documents to those students who need to obtain a visa, but we are not responsible for the Consulate’s decision when or if the visa is not issued. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the visa with an adequate amount of time and must check how long the waiting time is in the closest Ecuadorian consulate.

If a student requests documentation sent by the school by message or express delivery (not by e-mail or regular mail), the student will incur the cost of this courier or express service.

In the event that a student is unable to attend the course due to the denial of a visa, the School will consider that this agreement has been canceled by the student in accordance with what is established in clause 8.

The school can arrange transfers from the airport, for a charge of USD 30 one way, from the airport of Tababela to the student’s accommodation. The student will specify that they want this service indicating it in the Reservation Form via mail and this will be included in their invoice.

  1. Students and their companions must comply with the school’s rules, which will be given on the first day of school.
  2. At all times the student and companions must behave politely and respect their classmates and staff, as well as those with whom they share the accommodation.
  3. The use of narcotic or illegal drugs, alcohol abuse and behavior that is inconsiderate or offensive to others is prohibited.

The School reserves the right to terminate the service or to defer the courses and accommodation of those students who violate the rules of the School. In these circumstances, the payment for the course or accommodation will not be refunded.

TWELFTH: ACCURACY OF INFORMATION FACILITATED.- Despite all the efforts made to ensure that the information contained in our literature and websites is accurate, the school accepts no responsibility for printing / translation errors or omissions. However, we ask that you speak with us about any important detail for you before making your reservation. If you have any questions about the terms and conditions, do not hesitate to contact us:

School: South American Language Center

PHONES: (593-2) 290-9211 / 254-4218

CELL PHONE: (593) 995202158

E-mail: Sent from Outlook [1] Links: —— [1]

The parties are ratified in the declarations and stipulations contained in the preceding clauses

  Desarrollado por: LyncoreSoftware


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Saturday, 6 December 2014

A Race Against Extinction | The Scientist Magazine®

A Race Against Extinction | The Scientist Magazine®

Few experiences have hit me harder than
walking through a bat graveyard. In March 2014, my colleagues and I were
doing research in a pair of underground mines in northern Illinois.
Five months earlier, these mines had been home to more than 28,000 bats
of five species, but on that day they were tombs, littered with
lifeless, fungus-covered bodies. The bats’ skin was dry and flaking;
their bodies, which hung from the walls near the entrances, were so
emaciated that their bones nearly protruded through their skin.

When we surveyed the area, we found just 1,023 live bats in one mine
and 5,237 in the other. More than 75 percent of the bats were dead from
white-nose syndrome, an emerging disease caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans.
We left Illinois the next day emotionally spent. Our team, along with
the broader community of biologists who study this disease, has been
searching for ways to prevent this pattern of devastation from repeating
itself. Sadly, white-nose syndrome continues to ravage bat populations
as it spreads westward across the continent. (See map here.) Over the
past seven years, the disease has killed millions of bats in 25 states
and five Canadian provinces, making it one of the most devastating
diseases to affect mammals in recorded history.

Unfortunately, bats are not the only animals struggling to survive in
the face of emerging pathogens. Amphibians have been decimated by
chytridiomycosis, another fungal disease that is now found on all
continents except Antarctica and is believed to have driven more than
100 species to extinction. Meanwhile, millions of birds in North America
have died from West Nile virus, which became the most widespread
mosquito-borne disease on the planet when it spread across the Americas
in the past decade.

Such destructive outbreaks are often spurred by the emergence of
pathogens in new locations, where hosts have not yet evolved sufficient
defenses against these diseases. Understanding what shapes these
epidemics is instrumental in bringing them under control and reducing
their impacts on the world’s biodiversity.

Thursday, 6 November 2014

The Recently Discovered Salamander-Devouring Fungus and Reasons for Concern for the Future the Salamander Biodiversity in the United States | Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project

The Recently Discovered Salamander-Devouring Fungus and Reasons for Concern for the Future the Salamander Biodiversity in the United States | Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project

Enigmatic Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) declines in the Netherlands have been attributed to the recently described fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bs). Since 2010, the S. salamandra population at Bunderbos, Netherlands has decreased by 96%. An Martel et al’s recent Science paper
showed that some US salamander species are highly susceptible to Bs,
confirmed its occurrence in the pet trade, and noted that it has not yet
been detected in the US. Large numbers of live salamanders are legally
imported into the US each year for the pet trade. In the first 6 months
of 2014, for example, 3,445 fire salamanders imported into the US,
mostly from Slovenia.

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

United Nations issues guidelines to minimize risk of invasive species

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has adopted new guidelines to prevent and control biological invasions by pets, aquarium and terrarium species, live bait and live food. The new guidance is largely based on input from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). Invasive alien species are animals, plants or other organisms introduced into places out of their natural range, where they become established and disperse, generating a negative impact on the local ecosystem and species. Species invasions are a major and growing driver of biodiversity loss. Alien invasive species contributed to the extinction of 54% of the 170 extinct animal species on The IUCN Red List for which the cause of extinction is known, and were the main cause for 20% of these extinctions. The introduction of alien invasive species is continuously increasing as a result of growing international trade. Escape and release of pets, exotic caged animals, and species used as live bait or food are a major cause of biological invasions. Around 10,000 pets and companion species are present in Europe alone, including around 1,000 birds, several hundred mammals, around 2,000 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as many invertebrates, including venomous spiders and scorpions. Domestic cats threaten bird, mammal, and reptile populations in many parts of the world and invasive Grey Squirrels in Europe are outcompeting and transmitting disease to native Red Squirrels. Escaped exotic snakes, such as the Burmese Python in Florida and the Common Kingsnake on the Canary Islands, are damaging native wildlife. Population explosions of escaped or released pet rabbits are causing problems in many areas. Over 10,000 rabbits have invaded Helsinki, Finland, where they have taken over parks and graveyards, consuming flowers, loosening tree roots, and toppling tombstones. Amphibians traded as pets or food are responsible for the spread of the deadly chytrid fungus that is causing the decline of wild amphibians globally. The Common Earthworm, a popular bait species, is detrimentally affecting the forest ecosystems of North America, and invasive crayfish species introduced for food are harming freshwater ecosystems in many areas. The Red Swamp Crayfish alone threatens two Critically Endangered and six Endangered species globally. The CBD also asked Parties to compile and share information on alien invasive species and to make these data available to the databases managed by the IUCN SSC ISSG. IUCN was called upon to continue providing technical support to the Convention, such as further elaborating methods to rank invasive species by the magnitude of their impacts, and continuing to carry out assessments on the positive and negative effects of the use of biocontrol agents to combat invasive species. The guidelines were adopted on 10 October 2014 during the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 12) in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. For more information, please contact IUCN SSC ISSG Chair, Piero Genovesi Link to the original article:

Thursday, 9 October 2014

Moving Beyond Too Little, Too Late: Managing Emerging Infectious Diseases in Wild Populations Requires International Policy and Partnerships

A new paper (to be published in EcoHealth) describes the need for establishing a transnational network and response system for emerging infectious diseases in wildlife.
Picture taken from

Monday, 22 September 2014

The chytrid fungus in the Netherlands

"Environmental Determinants of Recent Endemism of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infections in Amphibian Assemblages in the Absence of Disease Outbreaks" is the title of a new paper by Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs and collaborators. It describes the distribution and effects of the chytrid fungus in the Netherlands. While Bd appears to be widespread, it does not seem to have a strong negative effect on amphibians. Link to the abstract:

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Frogmarching to disaster

Frogmarching to disaster |

The most significant catchphrase of our times is ‘threatened by
extinction.’ Frogs are no exception, after having thrived on earth for
aeons, just like other hapless species. The tragic part is that the true
groundswell of concern for their impending doom, or plight, is yet to
gain momentum on a global scale, like other environmental issues. If
this is not just the tip of the iceberg, but a ‘titanic’ leapfrog to
disaster, what is? Go figure.

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Can hungry microbes save the world’s imperiled frogs? | Grist

Whatever happens to Bd may have wider implications for efforts to manage other species-decimating fungal diseases, like white nose syndrome, which is wiping out hibernating bats in the U.S., or fungus-associated colony collapse disorder in honeybees.
“I am hopeful that it will be possible to reverse the harm these
diseases have done,” Schmeller says. “Otherwise I would dig my grave and
jump in.” He’s still kicking, so we’ll take his word for it.

Check out the whole story here:

Can hungry microbes save the world’s imperiled frogs? | Grist

Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Madagascar Could Be on the Brink of Invasion by Asian Toad

Madagascar Could Be on the Brink of Invasion by Asian Toad

The Asian toad looks poised to mount an invasion of Madagascar, potentially setting off an ecological disaster in a country known for its unique animal species.
About 92 percent of Madagascar's mammals and 95 percent of its reptiles are found nowhere else on Earth, according to the World Wildlife Fund. For animals that haven't evolved to deal with a predator like the Asian toad, disease and lack of defense are big concerns, researchers warn in a letter published 29.05.2014 in Nature.

Friday, 9 May 2014

Bd-Maps partners with the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA)

Bd-Maps has partnered with the Amphibian Survival Alliance to seek further development of this community tool for the purposes of globally-mapping amphibian diseases. There is an urgent need to incorporate data as near to real-time as possible in order to track outbreaks - this need is clearly highlighted by the rapid emergence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (see below). Partnership with the ASA will further the outreach and development of this tool.

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans spread into Belgium

The emergence of Bsal in the Netherlands appears to be spreading, with now two sites in Belgium now know to be infected and suffering mortality- Eupen and now Robertville. The zone of infection now encompasses 64 km, with large forested areas of Germany now close to the infected area.

Clearly, biosecurity needs to be very closely adhered to in these infected regions, and those close by, if further spread is to be slowed.

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Interacting Symbionts and Immunity in the Amphibian Skin Mucosome Predict Disease Risk and Probiotic Effectiveness

A new paper by Doug Woodhams and collaborators shows that the amphibian skin mucosome predicts the risk of Bd infection and the effectiveness of probiotic therapy. The authors used data from The paper was published in PLoS ONE (

Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Frog-Killing Fungus Meets Its Match in Hidden World of Tiny Predators | The Artful Amoeba, Scientific American Blog Network

Dirk Schmeller, Adeline Loyau, Frank Pasmans, Mark Blooi, and their colleagues have discovered that, at least in the alpine lakes of the Pyrenees between France and Spain, tiny predatory microbes can put the disease-causing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, or Bd, soundly in its place. They do this because the fungus has relatives in the lake that look and act similarly, and these fungi make up a natural part of these microbes’ diets. These native microscopic fungi dine on detritus, not frogs. But to micropredatores, the spores of Bd look just like their regular breakfasts, and are evidently just as tasty.

Frog-Killing Fungus Meets Its Match in Hidden World of Tiny Predators | The Artful Amoeba, Scientific American Blog Network

Monday, 28 April 2014

Fungus-Chomping Micro Predators Could Protect Amphibians from Decimating Skin Disease - Scientific American

Fungus-Chomping Micro Predators Could Protect Amphibians from Decimating Skin Disease - Scientific American
In 2012 a team of temperamental donkeys picked their way down the French Pyrenees carrying a payload of voracious protists. Donkeys wouldn't ordinarily be required to ferry single-celled microbes, but these tiny organisms happened to be inhabitants of the several hundred pounds of lake water that the donkeys were also carrying, whether they liked it or not. “It's kind of funny,” says Dirk Schmeller, the scientist whose team hired the donkeys, “because it shows donkeys can help save amphibians.”

Friday, 28 March 2014

BBC News - Salamander threatened by skin-eating fungus

BBC News - Salamander threatened by skin-eating fungus

A deadly skin-eating fungus is threatening the fire salamander population in the Netherlands.
It has driven the creature to the brink of extinction in the
region though it's still unknown whether other countries have seen
similar declines.

Recognisable by its vibrant yellow and black skin, fire
salamanders dropped to a population low of 10 animals before a treatment
programme began.

The findings, in PNAS journal, explain what caused their decline.

Once researchers observed the near catastrophic decline, the animals were taken into captivity.

A treatment programme was developed and youngsters have now
been born. The team plans to reintroduce them into the wild once numbers
are back to a sufficient level.

A team of international scientists was able to isolate the fungus after analysing dead salamanders. Its Latin name, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, means "salamander-eating".

"We need to act urgently to determine what populations are in danger and how best to protect them”

Matthew Fisher
Imperial College London

A related fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has already threatened over 200 species of amphibians.

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Frog's little helpers

Amphibians across the globe are facing calamitous declines. Around a third of species are critically threatened, while extinction rates for amphibians are 200 times higher than for other vertebrates. Several factors underlie these changes: widespread habitat loss, climate change and toxic chemicals in environmental run-off, among others. However, the most prominent cause of epidemic mortality is the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, known more simply as Bd. Where it is common, Bd decimates populations. Puzzlingly, however, while Bd infection rates in some ponds are extremely high, other ponds are hardly affected. New research published in Current Biology offers a compelling explanation for this variation. Simultaneously, the results offer a novel route to mitigate Bd-induced amphibian loss.

The conclusion is very nice!

Frog's little helpers

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Environmental Determinants of Recent Endemism of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infections in Amphibian Assemblages in the Absence of Disease Outbreaks

A paper to be published in Conservation Biology written by Annemarieke Spitzen-van der Sluijs and collaborators describe the Bd in the Netherlands. There, Bd is apparently endemic without causing much harm to amphibians. The abstract ist available here:

Wednesday, 12 February 2014 | Hoffnung für Amphibien | Hoffnung für Amphibien

Insgesamt stehen 70 Prozent unserer heimischen Amphibienarten auf der
Roten Liste. Nicht nur in der Schweiz haben es die Amphibien schwer,
sondern weltweit sinken die Amphibienbestände stetig. Neben Klimawandel
und Habitatsverlust ist der Chytridpilz Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) für das grosse Amphibiensterben verantwortlich ( berichtete).   Hat sich der Chytridpilz erst einmal erfolgreich in einer Population
etabliert, kann dies zur kompletten Ausrottung der Population führen.
Dieses Worst-Case-Szenario tritt jedoch nicht bei allen befallenen
Populationen auf. Das zeigten Untersuchungen der Geburtshelferkröte (Alytes obstetricans)
in den Pyrenäen. Aufgrund dieser Beobachtungen begann ein
internationales Forscherteam mit einer Reihe von Experimenten, die
erklären sollten wieso die befallene Amphibienpopulation nicht stirbt.

Friday, 7 February 2014

PhD in Animal Conservation Biology, Uppsala University on Bd

PhD in Animal Conservation Biology, Uppsala University The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes the disease chytridiomycosis and is believed to be one of the major causes for recent global declines of amphibians. Bd was first found in Sweden in 2011. This studentship is aimed at elucidating the relationship between Bd infection and fitness in natural populations of Swedish amphibians. The objective is to determine the extent of Bd infection in Swedish amphibans and whether resistance differs among species and populations. We seek a bright and highly motivated student who ideally holds an M.Sc. or equivalent in a relevant topic (e.g. population-, evolutionary- or conservation genetics/ecology). Experience of working with conservation genetic techniques such as MHC-genetics, sequencing, and genotyping would be advantageous, but full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will also be able to work both independently and as part of a team. A high standard of spoken and written English is required. The student will be based at the Department of Ecology and Genetics (Animal Ecology) at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) at Uppsala University ( The centre is one of the leading centres for evolutionary biology research in the world and offers a stimulating international environment and excellent research. The working language of the Centre is English. The project is co-supervised by Professors Jacob Höglund and Anssi Laurila. Uppsala is a city of 200,000 inhabitants with an attractive historical centre and easy access to surrounding nature. It offers a very high standard of living and is well connected to the Swedish capital Stockholm and Stockholm-Arlanda international airport. This studentship, which provides a net salary of approx. 2000 per month and includes health insurance, is funded by the Oscar and Lili Lamm Foundation for a period of four years. The salary is at a fixed rate with pre-set increments. Funding is also available for attending conferences. To apply for the position, please provide: (i) a letter of motivation including a maximum 2-page statement of your research interests, relevant skills and experience; (ii) a CV including publication list; and (iii) names and contact details of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed as a single PDF file to: with 'PhD application' in the subject line. Uppsala University is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from women. Given equal suitability, qualifications and professional achievement, women will be given preference, unless particular circumstances pertaining to a male applicant apply. The application deadline is February 28 2014 and interviews will take place shortly afterwards. The preferred start date is flexible and will depend on the timeframe of the most qualified applicant. For further information, please see: contact Jacob Höglund via email ( with any informal inquiries. For representative publications, please see: Rogell B, Thörngren H Laurila A Höglund J 2010 Genetic structure in peripheral populations of the natterjack toad, Bufo calamita,
as revealed by AFLP. Cons Gen 11: 173-181 Rogell B Eklund M Thörngren H Laurila A Höglund J 2010 The effect of selection, drift and genetic variation on life history trait divergence among insular populations. Mol Ecol 19: 2229-2240 Wang B Ekblom R Pollock D Bongcam-Rudloff E Höglund J 2012 Transcriptome sequencing of black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) for immune gene discovery and microsatellite development. Open Biology 2: 120054 _____________________________________________ Anssi Laurila Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Center Uppsala University Norbyvägen 18D 75236 Uppsala Sweden Tel. +46-18-4716493 Mobile: +46-70-2384356 Coordinator for postgraduate studies at IEG

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

Deadly skin-eating fungus threatens Belgian Fire Salamander populations

Amphibians are globally threatened by dramatic population declines, which are in part driven by infectious diseases. Despite the well-known occurrence of several infectious amphibian diseases in Belgium, hitherto, they appear not to have significantly affected our native amphibian assemblages. A novel deadly fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, was discovered in 2012 and almost wiped out the fire salamander in the Netherlands. This fungus now has been found in a dying fire salamander in Eupen by researchers of Ghent University. The finding of the deadly fungus is highly worrisome, since it may be deleterious to the survival of native salamander populations, thus warranting close monitoring of the situation in Eupen and surrounding salamander populations. Contact: Prof. An Martel Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases Division for Poultry, Exotic Companion, Wildlife and Laboratory Animals 0496/831161 An.Martel (at); Prof. Dr. Frank Pasmans Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology 09/2647436 Frank.Pasmans (at)

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Sweetie Saturday #109 - Vocabulary Edition

This week has found Sweetie once again expanding both her vocabulary as well as the way in which she expresses her words:

Exhibit A: The following written communication -

Addressed to Sweetie:

(Don't go potty here. It's broken. Go downstairs. Love, Mom)

Sweetie's rebuttal to me:

(MOM I TH.(ought) U FIXED IT?)

Very cute! And what a wonderful new world is open to us now that she can read!

The neighbor girls were over last weekend, during which time they all played upstairs in Sweetie's room.

That evening, I remembered this and imagined the mess that most certainly still existed upstairs. I sent Sweetie to her room to pick up the toys.

At one point, Hubby went upstairs to check on her progress. I couldn't make out his exact words, but I definitely heard his shocked surprise regarding Sweetie's disastrous surroundings. I also heard some back and forth between them, wherein I assume Sweetie was blaming the mess on the girls and Hubby was explaining the consequences of her not asking them to help clean up before they left.

A little while later, I went up to see how Project Cleanup was going. I was greeted by Sweetie, hard at work.

She looked up, saw me, and exasperatingly exclaimed:

Do you see this, Mama? It was H_______ who made this disaster!

Yeah. Whatever. Clean it up.

Last Sunday morning:

Sweetie. Go tell Daddy it's time to get up.

(She heads upstairs, at the same time I hear Hubby getting out of bed of his own accord. I head to our downstairs bathroom).

Sweetie's angry wails ring throughout the house. She comes to find me... in the bathroom (can't I have some privacy, please?!).

She explains -

I was going to tell Daddy to get up, but he ALREADY GOT UP!!!

(whereupon I give her a look of - "do not even start to complain about such a ridiculous thing." Seeing - and understanding - this, Sweetie back peddles, adding....)

But, Mama, it's unfair to you too because now Daddy's GOING POTTY!

(Oh, no! Not that?! It's just NOT FAIR that he and I can each use separate bathrooms at the SAME TIME!!! Waaaaaahhhh!!!!).

Sweetie saw our water bill on the dining room table yesterday. She excitedly exclaimed to me -

Mama! You're going to Hollywood?! Were you on So You Think You Can Dance, and this is your ticket to Hollywood?!

Ahhhh. No. And that would be Las Vegas, anyway, Sweetie.

So, I guess we really do watch a bit too much T.V., then, huh?

Speaking of that water bill - she and I went to the town hall to pay it yesterday, as well as to register our car.

We parked a bit of a distance from the town hall entrance, and therefore passed several other parked cars as we walked along. Upon seeing two similar cars in a row, Sweetie pointed to one and said,

Look, Mama! That's a carnival!

I looked, thinking she was actually reading the model name of the car. I'm thinking - Huh? A Carnival? I've never heard of a Carnival. What make is it?

Then it hit me (No, not the car. The realization of what Sweetie meant hit me!). Looking at the sleek, shiny vehicle, I corrected her:

No, Sweetie. That's not a "carnival". That's a "convertible".

We were watching a bit of the Spelling Bee on T.V. last night. Sweetie was actually pretty interested.

During one set of commercials, she asked me:

Okay, Mama. Spell "ran".

Ooh. That's a toughie. Can you tell me the definition?

Yes. It means "run".

Oh. Okay. Can you use it in a sentence, please?

The horse ran away.

Thank you. Is it R-A-N ?

Yes! Good job, Mama!

Why, thank you, Sweetie.

I asked her to spell "horse". She spelled "hose" instead.

Oh well. We'll keep working on that, Sweetie.

She did ALMOST complete a correct spelling of the word Daddy offered to her: "Bedtime".

(A word that Hubby used in the following sentence: "You need to put on your pajamas, brush your teeth and go potty because it's almost your bedtime.")

Sweetie got as far as B-E-D-T-I before she gave up.

Oooh! So close, Sweetie! So very close. Good job to you too.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Ms. Fix-It Domestic Lady

I'm becoming quite the domestic diva these days.... at least intentionally speaking.

• I fixed our majorly clogged downstairs bathroom sink. It's been clogged FOREVER and I fixed it!

• Usually after I wash our bed linens, Hubby puts the clean sheets on. Today - I did it all myself!

• Lately our upstairs bathroom toilet's tank has been overflowing just a little. Not all the time, just every so often. Yesterday it REALLY overflowed. I looked on the internet to find out how one might go about fixing such problems themselves, if they were so inclined. So when Hubby came home, I was able to tell him what he may be able to try. He, of course, already knew some things to try. But I felt good in the fact that I actually understood what he was talking about. Kinda.

(Note: An initial fix that seemed to have worked at first has now proven not to have worked. We'll most likely need to install a new tank or get a whole new toilet. Oh well - it's cheaper than calling in a plumber.)

• As I write this, it's getting close to dinner time. Usually, if we do any real cooking, that's Hubby's deal entirely. I'm perfectly capable of heating up frozen foods or some such simpler tasks, but that's about it. Tonight, though - I'm considering maybe calling Hubby, seeing what time he expects to be home, and then offering to form some ground turkey meat into burger patties.... for Hubby to grill when he gets home. I'm so generous. :)

Just call me Suzy Homemaker.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Mama Monday #25.1

Theme: Care

So...those girls. Again with those girls! They're presence in our life is... fine. Really. But it's also making me feel just a wee bit self conscious.

Whenever they're over, I always preface play time by letting everyone know just how long the fun can last.

For example, this weekend I announced that Sweetie's Daddy would be leaving in about one hour. When he goes, the girls have to go home for the day.

(In theory, all girls agreed with this plan. In reality, Sweetie pitched a fit when we called her home).

Anyway, it makes me feel like I'm some kind of Doomsday Sayer, setting up the inevitable fall from a happy situation.

(Let it be known, however, that the neighbor girls are always agreeable and perfectly accepting of playtime's end whenever it rolls around. It's Sweetie who's the dramatic one. Of course.)

Whenever the girls are playing in our house, I feel like I'm constantly telling them not to do something, go somewhere, or to generally be careful.

You can all play upstairs in (Sweetie's) room and playroom. But no one's allowed in our bedroom or my closet. And only go into the bathroom if you need to use it.

No playing by the stairs. No bringing toys downstairs. Be careful on the stairs!

(For the record, I'm perfectly aware that "be careful" is probably the most frequent phrase to come out of my mouth on a daily basis anyway. But saying it to Sweetie when the other girls are there just makes me feel like I'm being over concerned. In fact, the 6 1/2 year old girl even said to me once, after I insisted Sweetie be careful on the stairs - She is being careful).

(Also? I don't feel that I'm truly all that over protective of Sweetie, as a general rule. I know she's perfectly capable of walking down a staircase! In fact, I remember times when my mom was over and told Sweetie to be careful on the stairs, and I was all - She's okay! She's on those stairs all the time).

(My parents, it may be important to note, live in a Ranch style house. Stairs are not so much an issue for anyone there).

Anyway - I plain ol' feel like I'm constantly telling Sweetie and the girls to be careful and/or to not do one thing or another.

Pick up that toy before someone trips on it.

Don't drink that too fast - you don't want to choke.

No running in the house, please. Especially if you're only wearing socks!

Don't take those toys outside. I don't want them to get lost.

If you go outside, stay on the grass in our yard. No playing by the back hill. No walking on the wall. And if you do cross the street, be sure to look both ways before you go.

(Note: you may recall that we live on a very short, very quiet dead end street. There's very little danger of anyone missing the fact that a car is coming or not. Still. Practice makes perfect, right? For times in the future when it will matter much more to watch the traffic).

Geesh! I'm such a control freak! I'm so overly careful!

No. Not really. I think I'm actually in the "normal" range regarding parental concern for my child's safety and the safety of her peers.

I think the thing is - those girls are two out of six kids! Their family is so big that I wonder how much of this "be careful"/"don't do that" stuff they get at home. I'd imagine the parents, after having so many kids, have acquired a sort of - eh... they can take care of themselves - sort of attitude. Oops... I mean, they're more at ease with this whole parenting thing. Yeah. That's it.

I've met these parents. As far as I'm concerned, they're good, smart, responsible people with good, smart, responsible kids. And the "at ease"/"whatever" attitude I'm attributing to them is completely based on my own stereotype of what I think it must be like to have a large family - not on reality.

Still. These girls. They make me self conscious.

Especially when they were over the other day, first playing upstairs (where I told them all the "rules"), then deciding to play downstairs (different rules), then opting to go outside (guess what?! more rules!), and finally all three (probably the neighbor girls' idea, though) opting to go play in their yard instead.

Geesh! Trying to get away from the crazy/ever-watchful Mama much?

Yeah. Most likely. But this is Sweetie's and their well being we're talking about! I don't care what they think!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Sweetie Saturday #108 - Sweet Sweetie Edition

Nothing too funny today. As I'm home with Sweetie so much now, I guess many of her funnier moments now just wash over me as her just being Sweetie.

Daddy: How are you, Sweetie? How was your day?

Sweetie. Great! I'm great everyday! (Really? We had no idea).

Daddy: Oh, yeah? What was the best thing about today?

S: Playing with the girls. Except, I was sad when Mama said it was time to come inside.

D: Yeah....well, what did you do with them?

S: We played house. And K____ lost her toy kitten and I couldn't help look for it because Mama said to come inside.

D: Was it an imaginary kitten or a real kitten it.

S: It was a real TOY kitten.

Me: Did she lose it in our yard, or theirs?

S: In their yard.

Me: Well, they were still outside for awhile, so I'm sure they found it.

S: Yeah.... and we also had a picnic!

D: You did? What did you eat? Was it real food, or pretend?

S: Real food! We had milk's favorite cookie and I won!

D: How do you win at eating Oreo's?

S: No! They were Speed Racer Oreos and my cookie had four flags on it, so I won.

D & Me: Oh.

(Sorry, that probably wasn't all that fascinating. But I thought it was rather interesting that she oh so casually referred to Oreos as "milks favorite cookie" - just as if that's what everyone calls them! And, no, she didn't get that from a T.V. commercial. She saw a print ad in my current Parenting magazine).

7:00 a.m. this morning:

Good morning, Mama!

Good morning, Sweetie. Give me a few minutes, okay? My eyes hurt.

Okay..... but what about my breakfast?

You're going to take a tubby as soon as I get up.

Oh. Okay.

(About 5 minutes pass, until my eyes feel better. I get out of bed and head to the bathroom. No sign of Sweetie).

Where's (Sweetie)?

Ha! Right here! I've been waiting a long time for you! (naked in the empty tub)

A couple nights ago, it was my night to put Sweetie to bed. She hadn't been entirely well behaved just moments before, so her punishment was no reading any of her story.

She straightened herself out in the last remaining moments, though - enough so that I conceded to telling her a poem from memory as her story that night.

I left her contented. She was fine.

One minute later, she was out of her room, crying that she couldn't sleep because no one rubbed my back or my arm.

I got off the couch and headed up to settle her in again - irritated to have to do so, but thinking Sweetie was sweet to "need" Mama's  gentle touch.

Hubby asked me:

Do you always rub her back when you put her to bed?

Yeah. I guess so. I mean, It's never something I think about. But I probably do.

Oh. I always do. I always rub either her arm or her back before saying goodnight.

That's it. Just some sweet Sweetie stories and notes from the week. Have a great Holiday Weekend!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Waaaaiting...Is The Hardest Part

We need a new car. Well, two new cars, really. But one, at least, sooner than not. Especially with gas prices as they are.

As soon as I get word on (the) job, we can trade in the car.

I see that Blogher is now accepting registration for the Boston leg of their Conference Tour. I definitely want to go to that - it's alway been part of my plan.

As soon as I get word on (the) job, I'll be able to justify spending money on the registration fee.

Hubby needs a new nutrient pack for his AeroGrow. And he wants to get lettuce pods for it too. Probably other kits as well.

As soon as I get word on (the) job, Hubby can order whatever he needs.

My back and shoulders are so sore from sitting at our too tall desk as I job search and write. I need a massage. It's my birthday time! I should treat myself to a nice massage!

As soon as I get word on (the) job, I'll feel okay about spending some money on myself.

We so want to get together with more of our friends on a more regular basis. Hubby and I both love great food at great restaurants with great people.

As soon as I hear about (the) job, we'll all go out for celebratory dinners together!

Sweetie would really love to do some sort of summer activity: swimming, ballet, gymnastics, karate, acting - something.

As soon as Mama hears about (the) job, I'll sign you up for any kind of activity you like, Sweetie.

If I'm to get word on (the) job at all, it will most likely happen today or tomorrow.

I'm waiting. And hoping. I have a cautiously optimistic outlook on this. But, of course, there are no guarantees. Ever.

So as I wait, I continue my search. I hunt for a position that may be a good fit for me. I submit resumes, I send query letters, and I network with others as best as I can.

But mostly.... I wait.

Hopefully, not for much longer.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Mama Monday #24.1

Theme: Count

I'm trying not to count my chickens before they're hatched - but it's very hard to do.

Tomorrow's my birthday. I lost count of how old I am. Once I hit 30, it honestly now takes me a few minutes to think about it and figure out my age.

I'll tell you this much - It's been more than a few years that I've had this age-specific memory trouble.

I count how many aches I have, and how many times I sneeze in a row. How many tissues did I just use up? Yeah - I've got a cold. I can tell it's not allergies (allergies don't first show symptoms at 8pm at night). Yippee. What an awesome week to get sick.

No matter. Hubby and I have very loose plans to go out for dinner for my birthday - at some point. Not necessarily tomorrow. Not even necessarily this week. I have no idea when. It all really depends on his work schedule, which is still up in the air for the week at this point.

Other than that, I've got nothing going on for my birthday. No cake. No presents (my rules, upon counting up our money - or lack thereof - in the checkbook). No family get-togethers (at least none planned at this point). Nothing. Just the same as every day - Sweetie & me hanging out together; me half-heartedly job searching for a position I figure I can at least tolerate enough to apply for (refer back to note #1 about not counting my chickens); and me trying not to contaminate Sweetie too much with my cold germs.

Woo hoo! Party on, dudes!

Whatever. I'm too old to party too much at this point.

At least I think so - I can't really remember anymore.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Sweetie Saturday #107 - Subtlety Is Not Her Strong Suit Edition

Sweetie is very good at tellin' it like it is.... for better or for worse.

When I opened the door to find that friend of the neighbor girls back at our house around dinner time that night, Sweetie plainly (angrily?) told her:

Hey! What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here now.

Sweetie has also insisted, upon seeing the neighbor girls outside in their own yard, on going outside specifically just to tell them how she can't play right now.

(Thankfully, I've been able to dissuade her from actually going through with this announcement).

When the 6 1/2 year old neighbor girl peered through our living room window the other day, we opened the door, only for me to tell her (in my most apologetic tone):

Hi there. Sorry, I don't think (Sweetie) can play today. Maybe some other time.

Sweetie, though, couldn't let it rest at that, adding rather bluntly:

Yeah. I can't play today. You have to go home now.

In the car yesterday Sweetie suddenly started screaming.

What?! What's the matter Sweetie?!

A tiny spider is crawling on my seat!

Well, shoo it away then. If it's tiny, it's probably a baby. It won't hurt you.

(lots of stomping noises ensued, accompanied by the following commentary from the back seat):

It's a baby spider but it's going to grow up to be a humongous spider! Maybe it's a baby boy spider and so when it grows up it will be a Daddy Long Legs. But it won't grow up, because... I killed it.

Awesome. Way to get in touch with your inner Buddhist, Sweetie. Or not. Whatever.

Now that Sweetie occasionally lets me put her hair in pigtails, I've been interested to show her pictures of myself at her age with the same hairstyle.

Yesterday, I finally got the chance to show her - she looks an awful lot like I did at 5 years old.

These pictures I showed her were at my parents' house. When Sweetie saw them, she asked Nana:

Is that me, or Mama?

It's you!

It is?

Yeah - don't you remember sitting in that chair and wearing those clothes? I don't think so.

Ha! I'm just kidding! That's not you, it's your Mama. I was just pulling your leg.

Oh! Let me see that picture of you pulling my leg. I want to see it.

Hmmmm. Literal, and bluntly honest. Boy, is she going to be popular in school.

Good luck with that, Sweetie. You're going to need it.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Happy Days For All?

Hey! Remember Disaboom? Do y'all check out my blog over there on a regular basis?

Check out my posts from both yesterday and today.

Afterwards, please answer this question for me, if you don't mind:

Do you ever get possessive of your own time and how your child(ren)'s social scene effects that?

Actually, I'm sure many (if not most) parents do feel this way. It must be because it's all new to me that I'm just now thinking about this in my own life.

What do you do to make sure both you and your child(ren) get the free/fun time you all deserve?

Monday, May 12, 2008

Mama Monday #23.1

Theme: New

Back when Sweetie was a tiny baby, I had a conversation with one of my sisters-in-law, herself a mom of two (at the time): a 4-year old and a 1-year old. I remember her making the comment that she still considered herself to be a "new mom".

What? You're not a new mom, I thought. You've got two kids! You've got your "mom thing" down pat.

Now, here I am, a mom to 5-year old Sweetie. Now I can no longer call my self a new mom.

Or can I?

Sweetie is my only child. She will always be my only child. Every new thing she does, every new milestone she hits, every new skill she learns, every new frustration she puts me through, everything - it's all new. New for her, for me, and for her Daddy. It always will be.

Parenting is an adventure - a thrill ride. For those parents who have more than one child - well, perhaps they at least feel a little more secure on the ride the second time around. Or is it that the second (third? forth? more?) child presents different, not-so-secure bumps in the path along the way? At any rate, I imagine there's some sense of security, comfort and familiarity when siblings are added to the mix.

But for parents of single children - like Hubby and I - parenthood is one long, exciting, sometimes smooth/sometimes bumpy adventure ride with new thrills at every turn. Nothing grows old for us. Nothing is "been there/done that". Everything is amazing. Everything is new.

Until the end of my days, I will always be a new mom. Every one of Sweetie's "firsts" will be a first for me as well.

I will grow old. But thanks to Sweetie, I will experience many, many new parenting firsts along my life's path.

Thank you, Sweetie. Life with you is, and will always be, one fantastic journey.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Sweetie Saturday #106 - Daddy Laughs Edition

A source of endless hilarity for Hubby (okay, and me too)....

Sweetie, can I check if this smoothie is cold on your belly?

Yeah, Daddy. Just a minute…

(finds a good stopping point for whatever she's working on at the time)...

….Okay. (lifts shirt, allowing full exposure for the always freezing cold glass of smoothie drink) Aaaaaa!!!!!!!!

She never refuses.

It's always cold, Daddy! Because you make smoothies with ice!

But I don't know about this one. I don't think I put ice in this one. Come here and we'll see if it's cold on your belly.

Sweetie? Why do you always sit so nice and still with Mommy, but you're all wiggly when you're with me?

Mama is more comfy.

No she's not! Mama is sharp and bony.

Well, she's got soft bones. Softer bones than you.

Looking at a particular patch of grass at Nana's house:

Mama, is that a clover?

Yeah, I finally found their name in my mind.

Sweetie has lots of pretend friends. There's Mrs. Always Smart the Bunny, and Mrs. Sockfuel to name just a couple. These two in particular have visited with me quite a lot this week. They're very nice friends, helping me clean up my closet and Sweetie's room.

But then they leave and Sweetie comes back, wondering if I've met anyone interesting lately.

Oh, yes! I just had a visit from Mrs. Always Smart The Bunny. Then, when she left, I met a new friend - Mrs. Sockfuel. She was wearing a lovely hat and socks on her hands! Very silly. She was nice. I wish you could have met her. It's funny how you're never around when these friends come to visit.

Hmmmmm. Yeah. That is strange.

Lastly... not a funny thing, but something of note anyway...

At library story time this week, Sweetie listened intently as an older girl read a familiar book. Afterward, Sweetie mentioned:

That book is at my sch..... my old school, only it's a smaller sized book.

Hmmm.... it seems reality has set in for Sweetie and she's now understanding - she's not going back to preschool.

I'm glad she's doing so well with this decision. She hasn't complained at all or asked about old friends (I've already assured her that she'll still be able to have play dates with some of her closer friends from preschool). And she's taken very well to "playing" school at home. We've bought her a new kindergarten level activity book and assign her a few pages to do each day. She takes her home schoolwork very seriously. She's doing well.

Good job, Sweetie! Keep it up!

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Well, Now...THIS is Different!

Right now, as I write this, my little Sweetie is upstairs in her room, playing with two of the five little girls from across the street. There was a third girl here - a friend who came specifically to play with said neighbor girls. But she's since decided to leave.

For several minutes before they were all in our house, Sweetie was visiting over at their house.

(Good thing we live on a quiet, dead-end road, what with all this back and forth going on! Ooops! Little visiting girl is now back at our house!)

I'm not used to Sweetie having regular playmates at our house. Not used to it at all! Sweetie, obviously, isn't used to it either. But she sure is lovin' it! What a great change for her.

Oh - and one more difference about today? Sweetie is wearing pigtails in her hair. Just like I used to as a girl her age. Come to think of it, she looks an awful lot like I did as a 5-year old.

That's a change too, come to think of it. As a baby, Sweetie looked exactly like her Daddy. Especially when she flashed a big ol' smile! But these days, I do believe she's looking more and more like her Mama.

(Update: little friend of neighbor girls is gone again. I feel bad for her. She came to their house to play, but her friends are playing with a new friend. She doesn't feel like she fits in, I think, as while she's here she only talks with me. Then she leaves to go back across the street. I have a feeling, though, that she'll be back soon enough).

All this activity! I don't know how to handle it all! But it sure is a bright spot in our otherwise quiet day.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Mama Monday # 22.1

Theme: Celebrate

My friend, Shanta, who lives in London, England, is celebrating this week.

For one thing, she's celebrating the upcoming release of her second novel - Give Me A Sign. Shanta is a wonderful writer, showcased in first book, Marilyn and Me. I cannot wait to read her sophomore release!

In anticipation of her new novel, Shanta is celebrating with today's launch of the Give Me A Sign blog. This blog is written by Liz - the fictional female lead of Shanta's upcoming novel. I think this is such a cool idea! The blog will only run for 8 weeks - right up until the book's July release date. Until then, I know "Liz" would be so thankful if you could stop by her blog and help her figure out how to proceed with her new feelings - and concerns - about the cute new boy in her class, who happens to be deaf.

Lastly, "Liz"'s blog launch this week is no accident. This is Deaf Awareness Week in the UK. This years theme for the week is "Look at Me", a theme which highlights not only all the different levels and types of deafness, but also the many different modes of communication used by deaf individuals. What better time is there to kick off a new blog and celebrate a new book dealing with such an interesting topic?

So get on over to Liz's blog! She really seems to need some advice!

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Thank You

Wow! Thanks, everybody! I really appreciate the comments I've received on this post, as well as the many personal emails I've gotten. It's all meant so much to me.

When I wrote my original email to friends, family and contacts after the events of last Tuesday, I pretty much wrote to everyone in my contact lists - you never know how even the most casual of acquaintances can help you and give you the boost you're looking for.

In my case, I'm particularly happy I choose to include two specific people in that email Send To list: Sweetie's school friend H_____'s mom, and one great writing/blogging contact.

H_____'s mom and I have been emailing each other all week. We're excited to get our daughters together, and excited to learn more about each other. She really seems like a potentially great friend to me, with similar interests and outlook on life. I even think our husbands will get along well. This could be the beginning of a wonderful friendship for us all!

Then there's my writing/blogging contact. She knows people. Rather important people. And she likes my writing and my attitude. She's happy to get me in front of some very helpful people. I'm very much looking forward to what all may come of this! How very exciting.

So - I'm doing well. I'm excitedly looking forward to one upcoming job interview in particular, and I've secured a small freelance writing position as well. Additionally, I've sent out some query letters - at least a couple per day since last Tuesday. I've signed up at a couple of my state's job-finding websites. And I've updated my resume. I'm staying optimistic and enjoying the search for my ideal job.

I must say - I'm also quite enjoying my extra time with Sweetie. I'm surprised at how many little mannerisms and sayings of hers I'm noticing now. For instance, she tends to say - Okay, now - a lot. Right before she does the thing she's been wanting you to stop and pay attention to, for instance. Or during her own imaginative play, right as she's trying to get her "kids" to settle down and do as they're told. It's so cute! Especially as we play school together - whether she's playing the teacher or the student, there are always several instances where her phrase - Okay, now - fits easily into the situation.

Sweetie will not be going back to her pre-school, as it is very near my old place of employment, and not at all near our home. Hubby and I have decided to withdrawal her from the school earlier than originally planned (the end of this summer), thus saving money on  both tuition and gas.

If she weren't as outgoing as she is, or we felt she needed more academic prep before kindergarten, we'd have thought more about keeping her where she is. But she's a smart, social little girl whom we're sure will do just fine when school starts again in the fall.

Thanks again for everyone's kind words and wishes of Congratulations! instead of I'm so sorry. I'm not sorry. I'm excited. I don't feel the need to find "just any job" right now. At least I don't feel that way yet. Let's hope I never do.

I don't mean to sound like some Pollyanna. But really - I'm good. I'll find the job I want. The challenging, fulfilling job I know I can tackle successfully. The job I know is right for me in a place I feel comfortable and welcomed. I know it's out there - perhaps even closer than I think.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Sweetie Saturday #105

Sweetie's theory on why her tub water wasn't terribly warm one night:

I don't think that plumber should have come the other day (read: several months ago) and changed our handle (faucet) in the tub, cuz that made me have a cold tubby.

No, it's 'cuz daddy took a shower before your tub. It's his fault the water was cool.

No, it's not daddy's fault! It must have been the mouse's fault.

(earlier that evening, Hubby caught a mouse in our house. For real, this time).

Yeah. The mouse. That's gotta be right.

As we were arriving to the May Day festivities last weekend, I told Sweetie about the May Pole Dance we’d watch.

But Sweetie started asking questions about breakfast foods. Like pancakes.

Oh! Not maple dance! Not like maple sugar you put on pancakes. May Pole Dance. They're going to dance around a big pole and twirl ribbons around it. You'll see.

(Come to think of it, my explanation - to the uninitiated, at least - produces just about as ridiculous a mental image as Sweetie's Maple Dance does).

Speaking of dances, one of Sweetie's favorite dances to perform - complete with a special little song - is the following:

Shakin’ my booty, H___ taught meee--ee! Shakin’ my booty, H_____ taught meee-ee!

(Oh how I wish I had a video of this to share! Thanks to Sweetie's school friend H____, Hubby and I are regularly entertained by this booty-shakin' romp).

The Better than Ezra song Juicy was featured this week on NH Chronicle. Well, not really "featured", but it was playing in the background during one of the stories.

Anyway (and I do think you'll have to click that song link above to get the full effect here), Sweetie heard this and started singing, very passionately –

jjjj – uice tray!

Too funny.

Sweetie was taking far too long to get ready for bed earlier this week. I was getting increasingly upset with her, saying I wasn’t going to read to her at all because she was being too slow and wasting her reading time.

Finally, she met me in her room and very sweetly asked if I could read her just a teeny tiny bit so she could learn some new words.

Is that why you like this story so much? You get to learn new words?

Yeah. I like learning all the new words.

Okay – I’ll read just a little bit (That's Sweetie for ya - one minute you're completely annoyed with her, the next minute she gives you such a sweet, wonder-driven plea. You can't help but change your tune).

Lastly... speaking of those new words from her book....

Last night we happened upon a revisit to a portion of the Jabberwocky poem. The poem is written out in the book in an italic font.

Sweetie asked me something about the slanty words. I told her they were italicized.

Oh. Maybe if Daddy puts me to bed tomorrow night, he'll read more intellicized words to me.

Yeah. Maybe.


text:
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

New York City • April 2010

From my agent's apartment on 38th Street and 3rd Avenue, looking east and north.

My agent of 25 years and dear friend, Anita (aka Nini) reading the Sunday NY Times at her dining table.

Another view from Anita's apartment in NYC - this time looking east and south. The morning sun was blocking out the light on some buildings creating great shapes.

Monday, April 5, 2010

People of Marrakech, Morocco (new friends!)

Said (SAH-eed)

Aissam aka "Jerry Lewis" - despite the serious expression, Aissam was all about slapstick and laughing.

March 2010: Drawings from Marrakech, Morocco


text:
62 Berlin Film Festival: Call Me Kuchu

Filmed over the course of two years during three visits to Uganda starting
January 2010, Call Me Kuchu is a documentary that focuses on gay rights (to be
precise – the absence of them) in the "Pearl of Africa". Co-directed by video
journalist Malika Zouhali-Worrall and award-winning photographer Katherine
Fairfax Wright, the film premiered yesterday, 11th February in the
62ndinternational Berlin Film Festival Panorama Documentary programme.

Call Me Kuchu exposes the dramatic situation of the absence of gay rights in
This film follows the life of David Katos, Uganda's first openly gay activist,
and his pledge against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that religious groups in
Uganda were trying to pass in 2011. Devoid of one of the basic human rights –
the right to openly love whoever they wish, and not be afraid of getting killed
on the street or be imprisoned for 7 years because of that, as the Bill would
allow – David and three fellow activists ("kuchus", as homosexuals are called
in Uganda) share their painful life stories and day-to-day encouragements. They
believe the situation can one day be changed, if they only keep fighting and
take pride in who they are. At the same time one of the most popular Uganda's
tabloids, Rolling Stone, keeps printing hateful articles that disclose gays who
did not wish to come out of the closet under the current situation, and openly
encourages violent acts against them.

The tragic death of David Katos – he is found dead in his bed having been
bludgeoned – stirs up the disagreement among LGBT community and Christian-
fanatics, as the parson in the funeral begins to preach a hateful anti-gay
sermon and causes uproar. The pain of Katos' friends having lost their most
inspiring spiritual leader, as well as their strength, unity and support for
each other while facing the inconceivable hatred of society – all is portrayed
so intimately in Call Me Kuchu that there is no way this film can fail to grasp
the hearts of audiences who have been living in a liberated society long enough
to forget what it feels like to be fighting hard for the very basics.

Call Me Kuchu is not only touching – it is extremely important and necessary
for its time, as it documents history in the making and raising of political
awareness. Uganda's LGBT fight is not yet won, – but Malika and Katherine
promise to keep us updated, and consider re-cutting the film as the situation

Fonte: http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2012/02/12/62-berlin-film-festival-call-me-

Pubblicato da Lorenzo Bernini


WARC-Truncated: length

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Rays in, Sox out, miracles never cease

Wednesday afternoon, 161 games into the Major League season with only one remaining, I was psyched at the possibility of attending a one-game playoff between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

The art of the argument in Major League Baseball

  Other than the occasional Family Guy rerun, my television rarely strays from ESPN.  While watching Sportscenter the other night, I happened upon some Yankees highlights and had a most interesting revelation.


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Friday, January 6, 2012

The Best Correction In New York Times History, Period.

Say what you want about the newspaper industry, but dammit, when the New York Times makes a mistake – ANY mistake – they own up to it:

Ahhhh, she visualized TWILIGHT SPARKLE, not Fluttershy! That makes so much more sense. Cause when I first read that piece, I was like “Wait, her favorite pony is Fluttershy? Haha, ok! We’ll just have to agree to disagree. TEAM TWILIGHT SPARKLE 4EVS!”

So, best correction in New York Times history, or is this one still the champ?

No comments:

Post a Comment


WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: application/xhtml+xml

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Nowra/Bomaderry Masters Squash

Some of the ACT players were keen to be at their peak:

And here are the results:

Presentations – 2017 NOWRA Masters Squash Tournament
Event Award Awarded to
(1) Division 1 Winner BAYLEY, Mick
Runner Up DYKE, Mick
Third/Plate ROW, Jeff
(2) Division 2 Winner MATTHES, Aaron
Runner Up SHARP, Glenn
Third/Plate ESTEVAO, Eddie
(3) Division 3 Winner FRANCIS, Ross
Runner Up ALLISON, Mark
Third/Plate PISTORIUS, Cliff
Plate MILLER, Greg
(4) Division 4 Winner Irwin Garry
Runner Up TOOHEY, Tim
Third/Plate WATTERS, Joanne
(5) Division 5 Winner OSBORNE, Nichola
Runner Up WALTON, Jim
Third/Plate METTAM, Denis
(6) Division 6 Winner ROPPA, Catherine
Runner Up WATT, Karreen
Third/Plate BLACKER, Robert
Plate PILE, Michele
(7) Division 7 Winner BULLMAN, Tony
Runner Up HEYHORN, Leanne
Third/Plate SMITH, Ron
(8) Division 8 Winner HENDERSON, Wayne
Runner Up JAY, Warren
Third/Plate WALSH, Greg
(9) Division 9 Winner GALLAGHER, Sandra
Runner Up BAILEY, Tanya
Third/Plate LOY, Carol
Plate TOTARO, Katie
(10) Division 10 Winner GATTY, Richard
Runner Up GILBERT, Irene
Third/Plate ELLIOTT, Dianne
(11) Division 11 Winner PILE, Steve
Runner Up CUSKELLY, Joanne
Third/Plate FOX, Wendy
Plate HEPBURN, Charmaine

2 Responses to “Nowra/Bomaderry Masters Squash”


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Thursday, June 4, 2009

Rock-star Friends + Getaways

You, my amazing e-friends, helped to make my birthday wish a reality!! Pygmy marmoset won the vote and is the newest animal in the Berkley menagerie . Doesn't he look dapper? I really love his lapel button ☺

I cannot believe it is June already. Wow, time really flies fast once the weather gets nice. We have had a lot of rain...a LOT.... and so I have been dealing with leaking-issues in my basement for the first time. Consequently, I am in currently taking a quick break from carpet shampooing. So many projects to do, so little time. I feel bad about neglecting the blog last week, but I have a feeling many of you all are in the same situation that I am!

Last week, we decided to do a mini-getaway and go down to St. Louis with the girls. We did Chuck E. Cheese, The Mills mall, and the zoo. The most AMAZING thing was feeding the sting rays, which is a new exhibit called Caribbean Cove. I highly recommend doing this if you never have:

I hope to be back soon to share a really special handmade project I have in the works!

Cindy/KS said...

I loved the St. Louis zoo as a kid, but they have taken out so many things that I remember that now I am disappointed when I go.

I remember Phil the gorilla standing just inside 1 of the buildings, but he was gone once when we went back after I got married. Found out last year that they moved him to another area - so I tried stopping to see him. He had been moved into a non-public area - so wouldn't let you in there. The bronze statue just isn't the same!

I also remember a clock that was on a hill & the numbers were plants. I've been told it was actually part of the Botanical Gardens, but it also was removed!

I also remember Myna birds in circular cages out in the open where you could just walk up to it & see it from all sides.

Of course, I don't miss the part where my mom said a tiger or lion tried to attach men when I was a toddler though!

Mamma has spoken said...

So did you buy the picture of your dreams?

Nikki said...

Adorable!! I want a copy of this now!!

Happy Belated B-day friend!!

SquishyCuteStuff said...

Cindy, the only gorilla I know is the bronze statue ☺ We usually try to get down there at least once a summer. We had planned on going to the aquarium at the City Museum, but it was going to cost us $18 each! We went shopping instead ;-)

Believe it or not, I have NOT bought the print yet! I am hoping they will put the original up for sale...and since I have been pining for the marmoset for so long and all of my friends voted for it, it would be really meaning to have the original.

bunzi said...

the string ray is so active! seems fun. :D

Jenny S said...

Yay!! I'm so thrilled your marmoset won :-D
Good luck on picking up that original, I really don't think they should give it to anyone but you!!

Kimberly said...

In the Mall of America in MN there was an aquarium exhibit thing, back in 2003; we petted sharks. It's a really neat thing for the children to experience these creatures as they would not normally encounter them daily! Boy I went to the St. Louis zoo when I was little, the one thing I remember was that there were these machines that you put coins in, then in would make a plastic gorilla, I thought that was pretty cool!

OK the real reason I'm blogging, is Luv, have you heard of "The Farm Chicks"? Well they are these two momma's from the Spokane area of WA who are antiquers and bake/cook, they are featured in Country Living magazine, and have this huge antiques show the first weekend in June-- now not being much of a collector, I think I would really enjoy there event. Well they have a new cook book (and a web site too), right now I'm baking their recipe for Big and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies. The children are loving them!!!

The Mind of a Mom said...

I came to your blog through Mamma Has Spoken. Funny because I just did a post about the stingrays and being able to touch them at the Aquarium in GA. What an amazing thing to be able to do. We are going on holidays and are going to try to get some time to visit the Aquarium in VA in hopes of doing it again.


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Services - Publications & Handbook Design

SRCA provides editorial management and design services for handbook and technical manual creation utilizing traditional and electronic art production methods. This creative process ranges from conceptual design (storyboards, discussions and drafts) to digital production of press- and web-ready PDF documents of the final publication. Using software from Adobe Creative Suite and with backgrounds in illustration and pre-press production, our staff is able to confidently address all of your graphic needs from start to finish.

SRCA’s handbooks and publications are unique, creative, and of high caliber. SRCA has participated in numerous projects over the years that reflect the integration of writing regulatory or technical documents with formatting, utilization of specific style standards and guidelines and the application of custom graphics/illustrations. Currently, SRCA supports worldwide civil and military aviation programs in the development and design of handbooks, publications, and multimedia presentations.


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Thursday, September 9, 2010

Creating a Drill Down Report with SQL Server 2008

In SSRS we can generate drill down reports in very easy way. To create Drill down reports, please follow the following steps.
Step1: Create New Report Project with one Shared DataSource with data query for generating report.
Step1: Create report by taking Table type report as shown bellow
Step3: Now Add Group for product by right clicking on Product Column as shown bellow
Select Add Parent group

Selet Product from Group By DropDown and check Add Group Header, then click OK

The report table looks like this
Step 4: From Row groups > select Product group details (group Details and not group header) > go to Group Properties > select Visibility tab > select Hide > click on Display can be toggled by this group item and select the name of the group then click on OK
Then the  preview the report
Step 5:We can also change the drill down and make it reverse by setting ‘InitialToggleState’ to True and by selecting the group properties (header), visibility tab and click Show

  1. can you present a detailed example not understanding this a beginner..thanks in advance

  2. hi unable to see the images "Select Add Parent group" and "The report table looks like this"

    Please help


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Cleaner Blending is all about making smarter, more transparent choices about every ingredient we add or eliminate.

It’s a tradition we’re carrying forward from our founder, who invented the Smoothie by experimenting with blending different fruits and vegetables with high-quality supplements that made him feel better.

Whole Is In

Just like you, we’re making nutritious choices every day, and that's why we're now blending with whole organic spinach.

Whole fruits and veggies are IN, so you can get more OUT of every sip. Go on, take a look inside our blenders!

Whole organic spinach Whole organic spinach
Whole carrots Whole carrots
Whole kale Whole kale
Whole wild blueberries Whole wild blueberries
Whole mangoes Whole mangoes
Whole bananas Whole bananas
Whole almonds Whole almonds
Raw plant-based protein Raw plant-based protein

Gluten Gluten
NSF banned substances* NSF banned substances*
Trans fat Trans fat
High fructose corn syrup High fructose corn syrup
Hydrogenated oils Hydrogenated oils

But we’re not stopping here.

*Any ingredients prohibited by any regulatory lists monitored by NSF

Our Nutrition Goals

To help our Guests achieve their goals, we’re currently working toward:

Removing ALL sugar added

in our Purpose Blends. Today, that’s over 50 blends!

Eliminating ALL

Artificial flavors
Artificial colors
Artificial preservatives
GMO fruits & veggies
Added hormones

Ensuring we OFFER some
Smoothies that are:


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905-937-3738 • 905-945-2611
437 Linwell Rd, St. Catharines, ON, L2M 2P5
Commercial Clients

Just as with my residential clients, your septic system requires regular maintenance to keep it in good working order.

Preventative Maintenance

Is your outlet baffle intact in order to prevent solids from draining from your septic tank into your tile bed? If you don’t want to prematurely plug your tile bed – call John Stadelmier Septic Services

Nothing’s worse than having issues with the septic system at your business. The Ministry of Environment recommends you have your septic tank cleaned every three to four years. I will gladly schedule you in for regular maintenance, and contact you when you’re due for service.

I offer:

  • Same-day Pump-out Service
  • Septic Tank Cleaning
  • Maintenance
  • Expert Advice

I always:

  • Carry water on my truck to wash the effluent filter on the outlet of your septic tank
  • Carry enough hose to access your tank without having to go onto your lawn
  • Offer to take the lid off your septic tank if you are unable to, or do not know where it is
  • Keep my equipment up-to-date
  • Keep my truck in good condition
  • Show up when I say I will, or inform you of any delays

I am a proud member of the Better Business Bureau

If you are a commercial property owner in the Niagara Region, Contact John Stadelmier Septic Services for pump-out service, cleaning, maintenance, and more! I am based out of St. Catharines, but will service the entire region.

Call 905-937-3738 in the Niagara region, or 905 945-2611 if you're in Grimsby!


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Monday, January 16, 2012

Rockin the Block

Happy Monday....I had time to play this weekend so I thought I would share some of my artwork I made with the Rock the Block stamp set...I have to say I am lovin this set.  I had some Grey Wool paper on my desk and decided to use it and do some random stamping so here is what I came up with..

I used Grey Wool, Grey Flannel, Sunset and Parchment inks and Grey Wool, Sunset and Daisy White Cardstock.  Not colors I typically grab but I like how they look together so you may see more of it.

Have a good Monday and thanks for hopping by:)

1 comment:


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Friday, May 7, 2010

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge #27 - Sketch

Hi Everyone- this is my entry for the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge this week which is a great Sketch from Kimmie. I hope you all go over and take a look at the great work being done by their DT and artist. I love there designs.

Stamps: Kraftin' Kimmies Emelia
Paper SU- Real Red, Chocolate Chip, DP-MME
Embellishments: Gems, Eyelets, Nestie
Copics: E00, E25, E47, R29, N3, B91, B93, BG10

  1. They do have such cute images don't they? But what is so impressive about this card is your coloring and your paper choices, they are perfect!

  2. Oh my gosh! This is so cute!! I love the images! You did a great job pairing with the perfect accents, too!

  3. What a cute card. Great color work.


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You may delete cookies at any time but doing so may result in some parts of the site not working correctly.

tempSick Notes

All employees should be able to "self-certify" themselves as too sick to for work for the first seven days of illness. Forms for self-certification can be obtained from your employer or downloaded from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website (

Following this period a doctor`s note is required. Such requests for sick notes should preferably be made during morning surgery. In certain circumstances (e.g. where a patient has just been discharged from hospital after an operation) notes can be issued without the patient being seen by the doctor but this is not usually the case.

Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergencyNHS ChoicesThis site is brought to you by My Surgery Website


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Girls  (2143)

The best games for girls! We have plenty of free online games that will keep you happy for hours on end. Here you’ll find all the best girl games, and our offer of games is growing every day as we add new games. Find all your favourite characters from the Disney movies, from TV series like Monster High, Barbie, and your favourite celebrities!

We’ve got lots of great love quiz games, such as the love meter and the Love Tester! Check out if anyone from your class or school is a good match for you. It might be fun to make some predictions about your friends’ fortunes in love as well. Check out who would make a good date for your best friends, and which dates would be a disaster!

Speaking of dating, secret kissing games like the popular Office Kisses are also super funny. In these games you have to make the couples kiss while nobody is looking. They have often picked a busy spot for their secret date, so make sure everyone is looking the other way while you kiss. Don’t get caught! What an exciting date!

Are you not really into all that lovey-dovey stuff and the kissing? You can also play one of our many other games for girls. Do you love nature, animals, and farming? How about the excellent game Big Farm by Goodgame. In this game you have to build your own farm, grow produce and sell it. Play together with all your friends, help out at other farms and give each other useful gifts.

Whether you like make-up games, dress-up games, Barbie, horse riding, or sneaky kisses, you can find all the best online games for girls at! Have fun playing!


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MU ERI (Mu Eridani). Eridanus, the River, winds to the west of Orion. Springing from bright-third-magnitude Cursa (Beta Eridani), it flows to the west and then far to the south to end in first magnitude Achernar (Alpha), the ninth brightest star in the sky. Excepting rather faint Omega (which is usually not part of the classic pattern), Mu Eri is the first major stepping stone in the River's course, Nu Eri the second. Both are hot class B stars, Mu a B5 subgiant (implying that the star is giving up, or has just given up, core hydrogen fusion), Nu a B2 giant. Mu Eri, 530 light years away, has an appropriately high temperature gauged at 14,800 Kelvin (from old measures that could use improvement). A small bit of interstellar dust dims it by a mere six percent. Temperature (to account for ultraviolet radiation) and distance give a substantial luminosity of 1675 Suns and a radius of 6.2 times solar. In league with most stars of its class, it is a rather fast rotator, its equatorial spin velocity at least 145 kilometers per second, which yields a rotation period of under two days -- not fast or short enough apparently to make it a B- emission star like Zeta Tauri. The star is indeed an evolutionary subgiant, with a mass between 5.1 and 5.5 times that of the Sun (depending on its exact state) and an age of between 70 and 90 million years. After ejecting its outer envelope when it becomes a true giant, it will die as a massive white dwarf. Not alone, Mu Eri is a spectroscopic double (one known through velocity shifts in its spectrum) with a companion that takes only 7.36 days to orbit. Ignoring the mass of the companion, the two are separated on average by only 0.13 Astronomical Units (33 percent Mercury's distance from the Sun). While many doubles with this age and separation have circularized their orbits through their gravitational interactions, this one still has a fairly high eccentricity that takes the two between 0.10 and 0.16 AU apart. In a study of Nu Eri, wherein Mu was used as a comparison, Mu was discovered to be very subtle "slowly pulsating B star" (like 53 Persei) with a principal period of 1.63 days (as well as several other periods). It was also found to be an eclipsing variable in which the small companion gets in front of its larger mate every 7.4 days to produce a dip of a couple hundredths of a magnitude, showing the orbital plane to be nearly edge-on (and the above rotation speed likely to be the true value). The hottest stars, those of classes O and B, are supposed to stick closely to the Milky Way, the disk of our Galaxy, where stars are born. Mu Eri, Nu Eri, Rigel, those of Orion's Belt and Sword, and many others of the kind, though, are rather far off it (Mu some 300 light years south of the Galaxy's plane). It and the others are part of the famous "Gould Belt," named after B. A. Gould, in which the distribution of massive stars has been locally bent and distorted as compared with their more distant brethren in the Milky Way. The distortion was also noted by John Herschel from his observations in the southern hemisphere. It is caused by a huge region of sequential star formation that the Sun just now happens to be passing through.
Written by Jim Kaler 2/02/07. Return to STARS.


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Princess Beatrice Nakabili

President mourns Buganda’s Princess Beatrice Nakabili

19th July 2012
Type: News

President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his condolences to the family of the late Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa, upon the death of Princess Beatrice Nakabili, one of the Nalinya of Buganda, who passed on at her home in Kabowa in Lubaga Division 3 days ago.

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Wednesday, 13 October 2010

The "I do not want a BN government" list!

Last night I had a hard time trying to sleep. As a Malay I realized that I am witnessing profound changes in Malaysia. As a Malay I know that if UMNO is no longer the dominant political force in Malaysia then we Malays will most probably no longer be the dominant force in a country we call our own. Do I want this to happen?

Do I want Malaysia to be a country where every ethnicity is equal? Where each and everyone who wants to call Malaysia their home can, with conviction attest to this statement of their individual human rights, which the Americans hold so dearly:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".

Do I want a government free of corruption, nepotism, greed and avarice? A government that will make itself accountable and responsible for everything that they do while in office - make itself responsible and accountable to the people that elected them?

I want that to happen and yet we all have different reasons for wanting different things. To change what we now have in Malaysia we need to be united. We need to know why we want change. We need to understand why we need change and of course we need to be the change we want. And so I think it is important that we put down why we should not vote Barisan Nasional. We should put down the reasons why we do not want Barisan Nasional as our government.

I will start this list here. Help me complete it with your contributions. Here goes:

  "Why I do not want a  Barisan Nasional government" list.

·      I do want a Prime Minister who will not submit himself to a legal process to clear himself of any involvement in the murder of a foreign national.

·      I do not want as Deputy Prime Minister a man who proudly proclaims that he is a Malay first and a Malaysian second. We are all Malaysian First…no second!

·      I do not want as Minister of Home Affairs someone who goes around threatening to throw the citizens of this country into jail and ‘fill it to the brim!”

·      I despise any government that uses such means as the ISA to put away anybody for their beliefs. These people are treated worse then criminals!

·      I do not want a Government that cannot prevent its police from murdering people in their custody and killing suspects in shootouts.

·      I do not want a government that sets up an anti corruption agency in the guise of MACC and then uses that same agency to advance its own agenda of neutralizing its political opponents.

·      I do not want a government that puts as the head of our Judiciary a Chief Justice who illegally married a second wife and then deliberately set out to try and conceal his wrong.

·      I do not want a government that uses the Attorney General and the Judiciary for its own vested interest.

·      I do not want a Police Force that is so corrupt that it is widely despised and treated contemptuously by the very people that they are sworn to protect and defend.

·      I do not want to be treated contemptuously and without respect by countless Government Departments and the Civil Service because they have lost their sense of direction and forget that there are there to serve the people – not the Barisan Nasional.

·      I do not want Politicians who are corrupt as our Ministers nor do I want these politicians to hold any public office.

·      I do not want our money being wasted on overpriced defence purchases, financing tenders and projects that do not benefit us but certainly lined up the pockets of politicians and their cronies, and providing the means for politicians to make promises to electorates to win by elections – to win any elections!

·      I do not want to pay so much Toll when I am travelling even within KL. I want to be privy to these toll agreements that the government negotiated with these tolls operators and work it out for myself whether these agreements were fair.

·      I do not want Sultans to be able to sell Datukship to make money for themselves. I do not want Sultans to get Timber concessions and any other business opportunities because the people are already paying enough money for their up keep!
·      I just want Sultans to go away – do to the Sultans what India did to their Maharajas.

·      I want any one who is involved in corruption to be prosecuted. I want any one who has used his position of public office for personal gain to be held accountable.

·      I want Rahim Thambi Chik to be prosecuted for being a padeophile – or at best rape of a minor!

·      I want Samy Velu to be brought into account for stealing Telekom Shares from his own people and for his handling of Maika. And while you are at it – prosecute his son too!

·      I want Khir Toyo to be prosecuted for corruption.

And the list goes on…share with me your own list and then at least we can
understand better why we need to change this Barisan Nasional Government
that is being led by UMNO.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The "I do not want a BN government" list!":

My A-Z debacle of Malaysia under BN:

A - Annuar Ibrahim Sodomy fiasco
B - Bakun Dam
C - C4 and murder of Altantuya
D - Daim Zainuddin and cronies
E - Emigration en mass
F - FDI plunge
G - Gani Patahi the bonking AG
H - Hisapmuddin and his crooked metal
J - Judicial Sellout
K - Kugan's torture and death
L - Lingam's correct, correct, korek
M - MaMakthir
N - Namewee
O - Otak Lembu Perkosa
Q - Quota here to eternity
R - RoastMama 1stLadyMalaysia
S - Submarine that cannot dive
T - Teoh Beng Hock's murder by MACC
U - U Must Not Object Big Brother
V - Vincent Tan Halal Sports Betting
W - White Hair Snake Tahi Mahmud
X - X spot as dictated by EC
Y - You help me, I help U
Z - Zimbabwe, Twin Sister of Malaysia

Antares has left a new comment on your post "The "I do not want a BN government" list!":

Taikohtai did such a fine job with his or her A-Z catalog of BN debacles, I can only add that BN represents the murky, patriarchal, life-denying past... while we the rakyat are gazing at a bright future where government is no longer a big deal - just like well-designed, properly functioning plumbing which serves us quietly, efficiently, and devoutly without trying to hog the limelight. BN represents the antiquated top-heavy power structure wherein the greatest number work the hardest to support the smallest privileged elite in grandiose and obscene luxury. That model of social order can no longer sustain itself and all throughout the world it is this model of power that is imploding and disintegrating. I predict its complete demise within the next 5 years, tops.

KoSong Cafe has left a new comment on your post "The "I do not want a BN government" list!":

I wish to add:
I do not want a Federal Government which discriminates against States controlled by Pakatan (or vice versa).
I do not want a Federal Government which discriminates against Pakatan Members of Parliament (or vice versa).
I do not want a Federal Government to be in charge of State transport policies.
I do not want a Federal Territories Minister.
I want local government elections.
I want open tenders in all big contracts.
I want English to be a compulsory subject in SPM.
I want a government which would make it first priority in uplifting living standards of the people before indulging in inflated prestigious projects. Each of us has only one life, I cannot understand why hardcore poor still exists despite our Twin Towers and Formula 1 Circuit.


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Avoid Instant Message Viruses - Useful tips

As with most threats on the Internet, you can help keep yourself safe by taking basic precautions. So here are some useful tips to avoid instant message viruses

1). Be careful with links and files in IM. Never click a link or open, accept, or download a file in IM from someone you don't know. If the link or file is in an IM from someone you do know, don't click the link or open the file unless you know what the link or file is and you were expecting it. Contact the sender by e-mail, phone, or some other method to confirm that what they sent was not a virus.
2). Update your Windows software. Visit Microsoft Update to scan your computer and install any high-priority updates that are offered to you. If you use automatic updating, the updates are delivered to you when they are released, but you have to make sure you install them.

3). Make sure you're using an updated version of your IM software. Using the most up-to-date version of your IM software can better protect your computer against viruses and spyware. It can block attachments that might contain malware and allow you to scan attachments for viruses.

4). Use antivirus software and keep it updated. Antivirus software can help to detect and remove IM viruses from your computer, but only if you keep the antivirus software current. If you've purchased a subscription from an antivirus software company, your antivirus software may update itself when you're connected to the Internet.

5). Use antispyware software and keep it updated. Some IM viruses may install spyware or other unwanted software on your computer. Antispyware software can help to protect your computer from spyware and remove any spyware you may already have. If you don't have antispyware software, you can download Windows Defender. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.

Post a Comment


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How to remove new folder.exe virus from pendrive

If you are using pendrive for data transfer at school, college or at your office you must have come across this virus. This virus creates an exe file in your usb drive with the name New Folder.exe. Here are some symptoms of this virus.
  • Task manager is disabled.
  • Registry Editor is disabled.
  • Folder options not working.
  • Taking too much time for accessing pendrive.
  • Uses half of your computers processing power.
You can easily remove this virus from your computer by using Smart Virus Remover tool. It is a small 550 Kb file. Just download the file from the link given at the end of this article. Run this downloaded exe by double clicking on it.Then click on “Delete Autorun.inf file”.
After that click on ” Remove virus from USB”. The virus will be removed from your pendrive. To restore your task manager, registry editor and other things which were disabled by virus – click on “Restore Default Windows Settings”.

Download Smart Virus Remover

Download and install combofix from here

Post a Comment


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Welcome to the SEAS Class of 2018 Homeroom Page

I'm looking forward to a productive and exciting year as we EMBRACE Leadership in our school community as 8th Graders!!!!

Image result for embrace word

The 8th Grade Yearbook Ad drive is underway!  All 8th Grade Parents, Family and Friends are welcome to put in one line booster ads for your 8th Graders.  Ad flyers were sent home this week and are due back by Friday, March 23rd.  All lines are $1 each; no more than 10 words per line.  Please add up your lines and send in check or cash for the appropriate amount.

The 8th Grade Graduation Parent Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 27th at 7 pm in the School Library.  All parents must attend to sign up for committees for Graduation Week Events!

8th Grade is invited to participate in the Yearbook Club, which meets on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 the last week of February through the weeks in March.

I will be in Nature's Classroom the Week of March 12-16. Mrs. McNamara will be the 8th Grade homeroom teacher during this week.

Upcoming Events